bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automating the Refactoring Process
Authors: Szőke Gábor
Published: October 2017

To decrease software maintenance cost, software development companies use static source code analysis techniques. Static analysis tools are capable of finding potential bugs, anti-patterns, coding rule violations, and they can also enforce coding style standards. Although there are several available static analyzers to choose from, they only support issue detection. The elimination of the issues is still performed manually by developers. Here, we propose a process that supports the automatic elimination of coding issues in Java. We introduce a tool that uses a third-party static analyzer as input and enables developers to automatically fix the detected issues for them. Our tool uses a special technique, called reverse AST-search, to locate source code elements in a syntax tree, just based on location information. Our tool was evaluated and tested in a two-year project with six software development companies where thousands of code smells were identified and fixed in five systems that have altogether over five million lines of code.
A Parallel Interval Arithmetic-based Reliable Computing Method on a GPU
Authors: Bagóczki Zsolt , Bánhelyi Balázs
Published: October 2017

Video cards have now outgrown their purpose of being only a simple tool for graphic display. With their high speed video memories, lots of maths units and parallelism, they can be very powerful accessories for general purpose computing tasks. Our selected platform for testing is the CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), which offers us direct access to the virtual instruction set of the video card, and we are able to run our computations on dedicated computing kernels. The CUDA development kit comes with a useful toolbox and a wide range of GPU-based function libraries. In this parallel environment, we implemented a reliable method based on the Branch-and-Bound algorithm. This algorithm will give us the opportunity to use node level (also called low-level or type 1) parallelization, since we do not modify the searching trajectories; nor do we modify the dimensions of the Branch-and-Bound tree [5]. For testing, we chose the circle covering problem. We then scaled the problem up to three dimensions, and ran tests with sphere covering problems as well.
The Structure of Pairing Strategies for k-in-a-row Type Games
Authors: Győrffy Lajos , London András , Makay Géza
Published: October 2017

In Maker-Breaker positional games two players, Maker and Breaker, play on a finite or infinite board with the goal of claiming or preventing the opponent from getting a finite winning set, respectively. For different games there are several winning strategies for Maker or Breaker. One class of winning strategies is the so-called pairing (paving) strategies. Here, we describe all possible pairing strategies for the 9-in-a-row game. Furthermore, we define a graph of the pairings, containing 194,543 vertices and 532,107 edges, in order to give them a structure. A complete characterization of the graph is also given.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in White Collar Workers Under Shift Work
Authors: Vangelova K.
Published: October 2017

Shift work is associated with circadian disruption, disturbs sleep and social life, and modifies disease risk factors, and thus can potentially contribute to various chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to follow cardiovascular risk in white collar workers under shift work. Cardiovascular risk was studied in sound-engineering staff in sound-recording production. The study encompassed 168 employees (46% males and 54% females) working under shift work of age 48.04 ± 8.8 years and length of service 21.6 ± 4.6 years. Our data show that 31.1% of the investigated employees were hypertensive, of which 22.6% had preliminary physician’s diagnosis of arterial hypertension, showing comparatively high rates of undiagnosed hypertension, higher in males in comparison to females. The TC and HDL-C were slightly higher with the females, while the triglycerides and TC/HDL-C ratio with the males. High rates of smoking, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity were found with both genders, slightly higher with the females. The preventive approach incorporating regular medical surveillance of shift workers and health promotion covering both life style factors and shift work organization is needed for tackling CVD in shift workers for better cardiovascular health.
Determination of Maximum Horizontal Distance (XMHD) Travelled by Landfill Leachate from Lapite Dumpsite in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Olatunde I. , Fakunle Mutiu A.
Published: October 2017

This study was designed to determine Maximum Horizontal Distance (XMHD) travelled by landfill leachate. Twenty - nine Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were conducted at 10.0m intervals away from four sides A, B, C and D of Lapite dumpsite. One VES point conducted outside the vicinity of the dumpsite served as a control. VES data were processed. Lowest resistivity values (Y) of VES points and the control point (Yc) were extracted. Curves of Y against X fitted best to yield an equation. XMHD was determined from the generated equation when Y = Yc. The determined (XMHD) on the four sides ranged from78.95m to 179.86m.
A Note On Chess In 19th Century Turkestan
Authors: Markov Georgi
Published: October 2017

A note by A. Chernevski in the 1877 Shakhmatny Listok described two chess variants played in Samarkand, present-day Uzbekistan. One, the “Bukharan game”, is a slightly modified version of shatranj, similar to Rumi chess as described in Murray’s History of Chess. The other, the “Persian game with a queen” resembles to some extent the Persian chess described in 1846 in the Chess Player’s Chronicle but differs from it in several important aspects. Chernevski’s information, which includes recorded games by native players, is absent from later sources on chess history. A summary of Chernevski’s report is provided, with a discussion of several other historical chess variants, and various errors that have crept into their description in the literature.
Screening feature modules and pathways in glioma using EgoNet
Authors: He Li , Song Xian-Xu , Wang Mei , Zhang Ben-Zhuo
Published: October 2017

Background

To investigate differential egonetwork modules and pathways in glioma using EgoNet algorithm.

Methodology

Based on microarray data, EgoNet algorithm mainly comprised three stages: construction of differential co-expression network (DCN); EgoNet algorithm used to identify candidate ego-network modules based on the increased classification accuracy; statistical significance for candidate modules using random permutation testing. After that, pathway enrichment analysis for differential ego-network modules was implemented to illuminate the biological processes.

Results

We obtained 109 ego genes. From every ego gene, we progressively grew the ego-networks by levels; we extracted 109 ego-networks and the mean node size in an ego-network was 6. By setting the classification accuracy threshold at 0.90 and the count of nodes in an ego-network module at 10, we extracted 8 candidate ego-network modules. After random permutation test with 1000 times, 5 modules including module 59, 72, 78, 86, and 90 were identified to be significant. Of note, the genes of module 90 and 86 were enriched in the pathway of resolution of sister chromatid cohesion and mitotic prometaphase, respectively.

Conclusion

The identified modules and their corresponding ego genes might be beneficial in revealing the pathology underlying glioma and give insight for future research of glioma.
Strain Stimulations with Different Intensities on Fibroblast Viability and Protein Expression
Authors: Jia Ying , Zhang Junmei , Chen Bo , Luo Minghong , Cheng Weiyin , Wang Yalin , Liu Juan , Yang Hua
Published: October 2017

Background

Mechanical stimulation via acupuncture and tuina massage triggers various cell responses. This study aims to understand these cellular bio-physical mechanisms by investigating the effect of different stimulation intensities on cell viability and protein expression.

Methodology

Connective tissue fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. Three varying intensities of mechanical strain stimulation were applied to the cells, either once or three times and compared with non-stimulated controls. Changes in fibroblast viability and fibroblast protein expression were observed.

Results

Strain stimulation intensity significantly increased fibroblast cell survival rate (p<0.01) to effectively improve cell viability. Moreover, the combined influence of both the strain stimulation intensity and number of stimulations on the fibroblast survival rate significantly differed (p<0.05). Strain intensity also significantly altered fibroblast protein expression between the three groups (p<0.0001). Cluster analysis showed that the medium-intensity strain stimulation posed the maximum influence on protein expression.

Conclusion

The difference in cell viability and protein expression of the connective tissue fibroblast during the in vitro strain process reveals the cytobiological mechanism of basic medicinal mechanical stimulation.
Association between Caveolin-1 expression and pathophysiological progression of femoral nerves in diabetic foot amputation patients
Authors: Ding Min , Zhu Xianjun , Ye Lei , Wang Meijun , Cui Yuantao , Xu Jun , Li Xuemei , Feng Shuhong , Yu Demin , Wang Penghua
Published: October 2017

Objective

To evaluate the pathological changes of femoral nerves and the levels of caveolin-1 in diabetic foot amputation patients with neuropathy, and evaluate the association between caveolin-1 and neuropathy development.

Method

Thirty seven diabetic foot amputation patients were consecutively recruited from inpatients of Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital between Jan 2003 and Nov 2005. Symptoms and signs of neuropathy, and scores of Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS) were recorded. The nerve conduction velocity and HbA1c were measured. Femoral nerves were obtained 2-3 minutes after amputation. HE, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy were used for pathological observation. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe changes of axons and count of nerve fiber density (NFD) and detect the levels of caveolin-1.

Results

HE, Masson and transmission electron microscopy showed nerve fibers were asymmetrical, the degenerated axons part had stronger staining and typical demyelinating changes. Stepwise regression models showed that HbA1c and NFD were the independent factors of caveolin-1 (F=45.090, p<0.001, R2=0.790) expression, and Caveolin-1, diabetes duration were independent factors of NFD (F=27.911, p<0.001, R2=0.691).

Conclusion

Caveolin-1 may be one of the key factors related to pathophysiological progression of femoral nerves in diabetic foot amputation patients.
Modelling and experimental investigation of waste tyre pyrolysis process in a laboratory reactor
Authors: Rudniak Leszek , Machniewski Piotr M.
Published: October 2017

A mathematical model of waste tyre pyrolysis process is developed in this work. Tyre material decomposition based on a simplified reaction mechanism leads to main product lumps: noncondensable (gas), condensable (pyrolytic oil) and solid (char). The model takes into account kinetics of heat and mass transfer in the grain of the shredded rubber material as well as surrounding gas phase. The main reaction routes were modelled as the pseudo-first order reactions with a rate constant calculated from the Arrhenius type equation using literature values of activation energy determined for main tyre constituents based on TG/DTG measurements and tuned pre-exponential parameter values obtained by fitting theoretical predictions to the experimental results obtained in our laboratory reactor. The model was implemented within the CFD software (ANSYS Fluent). The results of numerical simulation of the pyrolysis process revealed non-uniformity of sample’s porosity and temperature. The simulation predictions were in satisfactory agreement with the experimentally measured mass loss of the tyre sample during pyrolysis process investigated in a laboratory reactor.
Application of new chemical test reactions to study mass transfer from shrinking droplets and micromixing in the rotor-stator mixer
Authors: Bałdyga Jerzy , Kotowicz Michał
Published: October 2017

A pair of fast competitive reactions, neutralization and 2,2-dimetoxypropane (DMP) hydrolysis, has been applied do study mass transfer and micromixing in a T 50 Ultra-Turrax® - IKA rotor-stator device. In experiments the dispersed organic phase containing p-Toluenesulfonic acid (pTsOH) dissolved in diisopropyl ether, whereas the continuous phase was represented by the aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, 2,2-dimetoxypropane (DMP) and ethanol. During mixing a fast mass transfer of a solute (pTsOH) from organic phase droplets, which were shrinking due to fast dissolution of the organic solvent, was followed by micromixing and chemical reactions in the continuous phase. Measured hydrolysis yields were applied to express effects of mixing on the course of chemical reactions. Modeling was based on application of models describing drop breakup, mass transfer in the liquid-liquid system and micromixing. Combined effects of mass transfer and drop breakage on drop population were expressed using the population balance equations. The model has been used to interpret experimental results, in particular to identify the efficiency of mixing.
The morphosyntax of proper names: An overview
Authors: Schlücker Barbara , Ackermann Tanja
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the topics and recent developments in the research on the morphosyntax of proper names. The article reflects on the ways in which and the reasons why proper names may be morphosyntactically different from common nouns. It argues that the distinction between proper names and proper nouns is essential for the discussion of the topic, and it shows that there are considerable differences regarding morphological and syntactic properties both among the various name classes as well as cross-linguistically. In the second part of the paper, selected aspects dealt with in the recent literature are discussed in more detail, including those on the morphological and syntactic properties of proper names and proper nouns, and the specific morphosyntactic constructions proper names and proper nouns can occur in.
Stand density management and blue carbon stock of monospecific mangrove plantation in Bohol, Philippines
Authors: Gevaña Dixon T. , Camacho Leni D. , Camacho Sofronio C.
Published: October 2017

Blue carbon pertains to carbon stock that is stored by marine ecosystems including mangrove forest. Density and blue carbon stock assessment was conducted covering mature Rhizophora stylosa Griff. plantations in Bohol, Philippines. Three stand types were assessed: thinned mature stand (0.34 tree m−2 at 55 years old; 35 ha); non-thinned mature stand (1.2 tree m−2 at 55 years old; 20 ha) and young stand (2.6 tree m−2 at 20 years old; 150 ha). These plantations were initially established with a plant spacing of 0.5 m × 0.5 m. Non-destructive plot sampling technique was used to account biomass and carbon stocks of trees and sediments. Five (5) sample plots measuring 200 m2 were allocated for each stand type. Results showed that the total carbon stock of plantations amassed to 64.5 ktC or 236.6 ktCO2e. More than half (at least 54%) of this stock is imbedded in sediment. Individual accounts showed that carbon stock was largest in non-thinned stand with 435.2 tC ha−1, followed by thinned stand (408.5 tC ha−1) and young stand (276.8 tC ha−1). There was no significant difference between thinned and non-thinned mature stands carbon stocks. Such finding suggested the potential of having thinning intervention. Following the self-thinning rule of 1.1 to 1.3 tree m−2, the local community can harvest as much as 423 trees ha−1 yr−1 for 35 years starting at the plantation age of 20 years. Further, the additional carbon stock between the ages 20 to 55 years could reach about 580 tCO2e ha−1 with an economic value of USD 2,962 ha−1. With this potential benefits, it is recommended that Banacon Island should pursue a carbon offset project for its plantations.
An elementary proof of the group law for elliptic curves
Authors: Friedl Stefan
Published: October 2017

We give an elementary proof of the group law for elliptic curves using explicit formulas.
Brand Communication in a Digitalized World
Authors: Kecskes Robert
Published: October 2017

The way in which we communicate is changing radically. In the analog world, promotional communication was consumed rather passively. In today’s digital age, consumers have become more active. Especially, the younger consumer generation - referred to as iBrains- are increasingly spreading their own product experiences across digital channels into the virtual world. Stimulus-response communication still has its place, but must be supplemented with interactive offers that enable a dialogue with consumers. Diverse communication channels must be utilized - analog as well as digital - in order to reach the young target groups. As consumers tend to be “always on”, they use different communication channels simultaneously, leading to continuous partial attention. Therefore, not only new channels are necessary but the entire communication style and design need to be adapted. It is not enough to simply make contact. Instead of thinking about shortening the message, creativity should be put into creatively combining different building blocks of communication.
Distributed Generation Units as Ancillary Services Providers in a Pre Smart Grid Environment
Authors: Donadel Clainer Bravin , Fardin Jussara Farias , Encarnação Lucas Frizera
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, ancillary services in electrical distribution networks (e. g. voltage support and reactive power control), usually provided by capacitor banks, start to be performed by distributed generation units (DGs). In this way, several papers have been studying the use of DGs as reactive power providers, and the power electronic/market regulation involved in this new scenario. However, the authors commonly consider a full implementation of Smart Grid philosophy, i. e., there are appropriate communications between DGs and distribution network operator (DNO)’s control centers, but it is not a close reality in many developing countries, due to high costs involved in their implementation. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method in order to use DGs as ancillary services providers in a short and medium-term (called in the literature Pre Smart Grid), in which there are not effective communications between DGs and control centers of DNOs. The proposed method uses a non-uniform DGs distribution, obtained from local atlas of wind, solar, hydraulic and biomass power. The methodology presented accurate results when compared with a PSO-based method, widely used to solve optimization problems, but needs a complete Smart Grid philosophy implementation to work.
A Novel Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on LMD and Wavelet Packet Energy Entropy
Authors: Li Xiumei , Liu Yong , Zhao Huimin , Deng Wu , Sun Yannan
Published: October 2017

Rolling element bearings faults may lead to fatal breakdown of machines. Therefore, it is significant to be study bearings diagnosis, and the vibration-based methods have received intensive study because vibration signals collected from bearings carry rich information on machine health conditions, and it is possible to obtain vitalcharacteristic information from the vibration signals through using signal processing techniques. This paper proposes a novel vibration-based diagnosis method about bearing faults, first, a new pattern recognition method is proposed to diagnose bearing faults through using the interval value of the spectral peak frequency in the frequency domain; second, vibration signals of different parts faults of the bearings will be processed by different algorithm for precisely extracting the fault characteristics; and third, in order to extract transient characteristics from a noisy signal, the filter need to be developed and to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), band pass filter is designed based on the PSD of vibration signals in this paper. The vibration signals collected from rolling element bearings are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, andthe results verify the effectiveness of the method in extracting fault characteristics and diagnosing faults of rolling element bearings.
Asymmetric Shocks in the Euro Area: Convergence or Divergence?
Authors: Rosati Dariusz K.
Published: October 2017

The degree of structural divergence in the Euro Area is examined on the basis of the frequency and distribution of observed asymmetric shocks over the period 1996–2015. An asymmetric shock is defined as an opposite sign difference between the deviation of an individual country’s GDP growth rate from a trend and the deviation of the EA-wide GDP growth rate from a trend. Two measures of asymmetric shocks are introduced, one based on exponential trend values and another on moving-average trend values. Geographical distribution of observed (“revealed”) shocks shows that EA member countries differ in terms of structural convergence, with a higher number of asymmetric shocks in countries that joined the EA at a later date. The distribution of asymmetric shocks over time shows two peaks in the number of shocks around 2002 and 2011, but no clear tendency towards more divergence is detected. As actual data may not provide a full picture of asymmetric shocks (given that countries with sufficient fiscal space could have neutralized their negative impact on GDP growth rates) a hypothesis on the existence of “non-revealed” negative asymmetric shocks is examined. Testing for correlation between public debt levels and GDP growth rate deviations confirms the existence of “non-revealed” asymmetric shocks in low-debt countries. In general, the observed differences in the number of asymmetric shocks in EA member countries (and their increases over time) may actually reflect different fiscal policy reactions in individual countries as well as the impact of financial and debt crises, and are not necessarily an indication of widening structural divergence across the EA.
Trademark dilution: comparing the effects of blurring and tarnishment cases over brand equity
Authors: Macías Washington , Cerviño Julio
Published: October 2017

Trademark dilution is, in a general sense, a reduction in brand equity due to the unauthorized use of the trademark by third parties (junior brands). Although there are two types of dilution, blurring and tarnishment, existing academic empirical evidence only relates to blurring cases, showing its damage to some variables related to brand associations in consumers’ minds. Literature also shows the moderating role of the similarity between junior brands, but this evidence is not complete unless presumable tarnishment cases are analyzed. This paper compares the effect of two types of junior brands over strength of associations and brand equity of famous trademarks. An experimental approach was applied with a sample of 372 undergraduate students, users of two famous convenience brands. Junior brands use identical or similar famous brand names in different product categories, offering a continuous of similarity levels, so the moderating effect of this variable is analyzed. Results show that: (i) dependent variables are reinforced when junior brands are perceived as very similar, and diluted above some degree of dissimilarity; (ii) dilution increases the more dissimilar the junior brand. However, although they have a high degree of dissimilarity, cases of presumable tarnishment, might not always produce dilution. Besides, they suggest that the effect induced by similarity is not linear. These findings are discussed through the lenses of marketing and psychology theories. The study represents a contribution to the field, providing evidence not only from blurring cases, but also from supposed tarnishing imitators, comparing their effects and showing the limited moderating effect of similarity. The boundary conditions of similarity effects in trademark dilution literature have not been discussed previously. Finally, main implications for managers are highlighted, given the negative effects that trademark dilution may entail at firm level.
Investigating the construct validity of quality measures influencing online shopping in a South African context
Authors: Hung-Joubert Yu-ting
Published: October 2017

Online shopping has become popular over the years and is a widely used way to purchase goods and services. For online retailers to succeed, it is important that they have a quality website to attract and retain customers. The aim of this study was to investigate the construct validity of three respective measurement instruments related to website quality factors, namely; system, information and service quality factors, which may influence consumers within the online shopping environment in a South African context. Primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The demographic and online shopping profile of the sample are presented and followed by confirmatory and exploratory factors analyses on the three instruments. The confirmatory factor analysis found poor fit for the original hypothesised models for each of the scales; further exploratory factor analyses revealed slightly different dimensionalities underlying the scales, yet these were still somewhat aligned with the theoretical framework from which the original scales were derived. Despite this, the study provides a platform for future revision of the scales and future research into website quality factors within the online shopping environment in a South African context.
Strategies for developing knowledge economy in Romania
Authors: Hadad Shahrazad
Published: October 2017

The present paper delves into the specifics of knowledge economy with a particular focus on Romania. In the first part, it identifies knowledge economy characteristics and pillars and it analyses them as compared to levels exhibited by countries in the European Union. In the second part it argues for the strategies that could be used for enhancing knowledge economy in Romania. In order to do so we used the Delphi method and we identified 25 experts in the knowledge economy/management field coming from internationally renowned companies, universities and ministries located in Romania, to whom we sent invitations for participating in our Delphi survey that lasted one month. Out of the 25 experts, 10 answered positively and during the research we had an attrition rate of 90%. The experts delivered their opinions on the measures to be adopted in order to increase education and learning, ICT and innovation as building blocks of knowledge economy. Findings reveals that knowledge economy can be developed by adopting measures such as: devising a governmental program that will sustain the development of knowledge repositories at the level of technological clusters, industry associations and other professional organizations by providing financial assistance for hardware acquisition and software development in order to facilitate knowledge transfer; Governmental program for the financial support of schools’ investments in hardware and educational software and the training of staff for the use of ITC in teaching and learning, etc.
The growth poles and the lagging regions of Romania – a county level approach for 2015 –
Authors: Strat Vasile Alecsandru , Stefan Cristian
Published: October 2017

In nowadays European context the challenges started from the severe disparities among countries, regions and socio-economic groups are increasing the pressure on both national and EU level authorities, leading to the conclusion that the current socio-economic systems have reached their limits. Thus, the social market economy (SME), “third path” which mixes the purely liberal market economy with the social economic model might be one viable solution. Historically, the model corresponds to the real economic policy of the German Federal Republic after the 1950s, thus it is sometimes called Rhine capitalism. Such a model might be both the solution for national-level European economies and for the entire Union and thus, for a successful implementation a two-step approach should be considered appropriate. Thereby, in the first stage an SME might be implemented at national level in as many as possible EU member states and in the second phase a SME might be created at the level of EU by aggregating the smaller national SMEs. Due to the fact that in a SME the weaker geographical regions and industries are encouraged so that “fair” distribution of wellbeing is reached, it is highly probable that such a socio-economic model might be the appropriate alternative to fuel a sustainable growth of the Romanian economy. Using county level data, from the National Institute of Statistics and from the National Office of the Trade Register, for the year 2015, and an aggregated index, we show that the Romanian economy is highly polarized with a few growth poles (islands) and a large number of underdeveloped units. Thus, it becomes obvious that these important disparities will hinder a future sustainable development and by consequence a clear “road-map” represented by the SME model might prove to be a viable solution for the Romanian economy.
A Qualitative Exploration of Former College Student-Athletes’ Wellness
Authors: Warehime Shane , Dinkel Danae , Bjornsen-Ramig Abby , Blount Ashley
Published: October 2017

College student-athletes (SAs) may experience difficulties while transitioning from college, which could reduce their overall wellness. However, it is essential to understand positive transition experiences and outcomes, as this can guide future research and intervention efforts. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that led to higher levels of wellness in former SAs. Semi-structured interviews guided by the Indivisible Self Model were completed with former SAs (n = 12). Overall, participants displayed high levels of wellness - most prominently in terms of work and exercise. Many SAs perceived their current wellness was equal, if not better compared to when they were SAs. These results illustrate examples of successful transitions of former SAs, which can guide future research and interventions.
Pilgrimage: Intrinsic Motivation and Active Behavior in the Eldery
Authors: Eichberg Henning , Kosiewicz Jerzy , Contiero Danilo
Published: October 2017

Can intrinsic religious motivation have relevant effects on the motor activity of older people? How are processions and pilgrimages related to the dominant imagination of old age as a period of fatigue and gray hair, suffering and loneliness, retirement and rest – and of waiting: waiting for a call from a loved one, waiting for the visit of a good companion, or, finally, expecting the end of life?

This study is based on interviews with people from different countries, cultures, and religions.

They show that a pilgrimage can push the elderly to do physical activities of some importance that are at the same time related to some sort of religious motivation.

The pilgrim’s walking in itself, as well as the achievement of its goal, helps people to reconsider their quality of life and active behavior. Elderly people also experience their independence, which perhaps was considered to be lost, with a pilgrimage, giving a new meaning to their aging. In light of these activities, old age becomes a period not just of physical and mental decay, but of self-discovery. It becomes an age that allows one to do something that one has not done during one’s youth. And pilgrimages give people time to discover themselves – they have the chance to work on their own personality and social identity. This contributes to the understanding of their health and of their quality of life in a deeper sense.
The Situation of Young Mothers in Changing Social and Economic Circumstances in Some Eastern European Countries
Authors: Abonyi Barbara
Published: October 2017

In 2011, we conducted a comparative research study in the V4 countries and in Romania among young mothers who had given birth in the past up to three years prior. In consolidated historical periods, sweeping changes seldom occur over five years. However, noticing how the worldwide financial and economic crisis of 2007-2011 had a varying impact on the countries of the Eastern European region, we became interested in discovering how the social and economic changes influenced the working status of some young mothers and their health-related customs, including their physical activity, back pain, and smoking habits. In 2016, we had the chance to repeat the essence of the previous research in Hungary, Romania, and the Slovak Republic. The objective of this paper is to present the major results of the second study and compare them with the findings of our previous investigation. The methods used in the present research were borrowed from the previous one; the findings of the two investigations can thus be fairly compared. The results are presented according to the following sub-topics: the young mothers’ working status, use of childcare frequency of physical activity, presence of back pain, and smoking habits. In conclusion, it is stated that the relevant changes in the young mothers’ social and economic environment serve as a fair explanation for their changing situations in the studied countries.
CogMap Analyst – a quantitative analysis of the structure and content characteristics of sketch drawings of cognitive maps of urbanized spaces
Authors: Stryjewsja Dominika , Kwoka Krzysztof , Szymanowska Paulina , Janda-Dębek Bożena
Published: October 2017

The paper presents the specification of the CogMap Analyst program, which has been created for the purpose of conducting an analysis of the structure and content of sketch drawings of cognitive maps of urbanized spaces. Assumptions for this analytic tool come from the neobehavioral understanding of the concept of cognitive maps, which has its source in the works of Tolman, and from the criteria of analyzing their contents and structure, which were developed by Lynch (1960). The program serves the purpose of collecting numerical data on the quantity, size, as well as placement and distortion of objects on drawings by participants in relation to the actual layout of the terrain, which was selected by the researcher, and to the sketch’s scale. This data may be used not only to determine the measurements on drawings, but also to determine possible connections with other variables, such as personal traits of participants and formal traits of the space, according to the research goals of particular scientific studies for which the CogMap Analyst program shall be used. In this article we present the theoretical basis for the tool that we have created, we compare its characteristics with other similar methods of quantitative analysis of sketch drawings of cognitive maps, and we present in detail the mode of operation and of data analysis employed by CogMap Analyst.
RISK AND RETURN IN THE REAL ESTATE, BOND AND STOCK MARKETS
Authors: Wolski Rafał
Published: October 2017

Studies investigating the relation between risk and return occupy an important place in the discussion about the effectiveness of investing in real estate. A review of the available studies shows that real estate investments are less profitable than stocks, but in terms of risk and return, are usually the best option. This worldwide regularity may not necessarily be presented in Poland, as the Polish market is not fully fledged yet. The analysis presented in this article was performed with a view to reducing a research gap resulting from the lack of comprehensive Polish studies in this field. In the article, data spanning the years from 2006 to 2016 are examined by means of descriptive statistics, measures of risk, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine which of the following investment vehicles - bonds, real estate or stocks - offer the best risk-return ratio. The article has two parts. The analytical part is a review of studies on risk measurement methods and of earlier studies investigating risk and return by a class of assets (particularly real estate). In the empirical part, assets are compared with the use of statistical methods. The results of the risk-return analysis point to the money market as the best option for investors. Stocks and real estate ranked second and third, respectively.
SHIFTING POSITIONS ON HOPE VALUE
Authors: Grzesik Chris , Źróbek Sabina
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to shed some light on the difficulty, and at the same time, the unavoidable change towards the embracing by valuers in Poland, of one of the most fundamental principles of property valuation, being “highest and best use” and “hope value”. Both are inherently linked to the interpretation of “market value”. The article offers a detailed analysis of international practice and the most important developments concerning professional standards for property valuers in Poland. The considerations presented herein focus mostly on issues arising out of the interpretation of “market value”. While the legal wording of its Polish definition could be considered similar to the one presented in internationally recognised valuation standards, Polish practice concerning assumptions about the use of a property at the date of valuation is very different.
THE IMPACT OF CRIME ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE - ON THE EXAMPLE OF SZCZECIN
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Putek-Szeląg Ewa
Published: October 2017

The decisions of buyers on the housing market are not only the sum of their subjective expectations but also of the perception of real estate through a prism of opinions and suggestions arising from the surroundings. One of the basic criteria driving households determined to meet basic housing needs is security. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between the transaction prices of housing and the crime rate in the various districts of Szczecin. For this purpose, data from the Regional Police Headquarters in Szczecin (i.e. map of crimes) and transactional data from notarial acts are analyzed in the work. Then, using statistical and econometric models, spatial relationships of the examined crimes are investigated.
Financial Crises, Income Levels and Access to Finance
Authors: Kaya Halil Dincer
Published: October 2017

In this study, we examine the impact of the 2008 Global Crisis on “access to finance” in high-income OECD, high-income non-OECD, middle-income, and low-income countries. We use three measures of access to finance. These are “Number of bank branches per 100,000 adults”, “Value traded of top 10 traded companies to total value traded (%)”, and “Market capitalization outside of top 10 largest companies to total market capitalization (%)”. During the run-up to the crisis and immediately after the crisis, we do not find any significant change in any of the three “access to finance” measures. We find that, during the crisis, only middle-income countries were affected significantly. These countries were affected in only one of the measures which is “Value traded of top 10 traded companies to total value traded (%)”. This measure went up and this change is marginally significant. We conclude that the global crisis only affected “access to finance” in middle-income countries.
Macroeconomic and Bank Specific Determinants of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Memdani Laila
Published: October 2017

The main objective of the paper is to find out the determinants of NPAs in the Indian Banking sector and to study if these determinants vary across the three different ownership structures viz., public sector banks (PSBs), private banks (PBs) and foreign banks (FBs), of banks in India. The panel data for all the banks from 2005 to 2014 is collected from the official website of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Central Bank of the country. The econometric technique of Fixed Effects model and Random Effects model is used for the purpose. The results reveal that Macro economic factors, like log of percapita income (LPCY) and Inflation (INFN), are significantly affecting NPLs in Public Sector Banks (PSBs). In case of private banks (PBs) LPCY is highly significant while bank specific variables like size and total loans to total loans of the banking sector (TLTLBS) are significant at 10% level. For FBs none of the variables were significant.
Compatible Biomaterials Used In Rhinology Surgery – Our Expertise
Authors: Budu V. , Panfiloiu A. , Guliga Alexandra , Decuseara Tatiana , Costache Andreea-Nicoleta , Mistra Dianamaria , Sava Lavinia , Bulescu I. A. , Tusaliu M.
Published: October 2017

In the last decades, rhinology has developed in a great manner concerning new surgical techniques and extending the use of compatible biomaterials in order to achieve normal morphology and normal functional aspect after surgery (endoscopic or open approach). Since biomaterials are integrated in biological active organs and systems, they have to be easily accepted by the receiver with no toxicity, inflammation or other side effects. The authors try to review all biocompatible materials used in several rhinological pathologies in order to obtain the best results after functional or reconstructive surgery. In rhinological surgery there are usually used homograft’s but the use of biomaterials like alloplastics (silicone, high density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) has widely increased. The authors present their experience in endoscopic approach of choanal atresia using nasal stents, closure techniques for septal perforation using nasal splints, endoscopic drainage and sinus ventilation using balloon sinuplasty, lacrimal pathway obstruction using double margin stent and some materials used in cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Genetic Variation in Growth Curve Parameters of Konishii fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (LAMB.) HOOK. var. konishii)
Authors: Chung Jeng-Der , Chien Ching-Te , Nigh Gordon , Ying Cheng C.
Published: October 2017

Cunninghamia konishii is the island race of the species complex C. lanceolata, and is native to Taiwan. It is a valuable timber species. A comprehensive provenance- family test was established in 1973. Height and diameter were measured periodically until age 26, which was close to the species’ harvest age of about 30. These data offered an opportunity to examine the species’ growth characteristics by fitting asymptotic growth functions. We adopted the concept of repeated measures data analyses, i.e., a combination of variance component analysis and growth curve fitting, the latter involved fitting the individual tree height and diameter data to a Weibull-based function. A severe typhoon in 1996 caused serious damage to the plantation, mostly to tree heights. To prevent this damage from influencing our results, we limited the analyses to those trees judged relatively free of typhoon damage, and focused on the diameter growth data. Fitting a Weibull function with parameters a, b, and c was statistically successful (e.g. the mean R2 for diameter was 0.98). Both analyses indicate substantial variation among provenances and families, and thus opportunities for genetic selection and breeding. We particularly expound on the practical applications of growth curve fitting as an analytical tool for elucidating the mechanistic process of tree growth to assist decisions on the age for selection, even retrospectively, and modeling the response of tree growth to future climate.
Short Note: Internal Size Standard for Microsatellite Genotyping
Authors: Ng Chin Hong , Lee S. L. , Ng K. K. S.
Published: October 2017

The in-house production of fluorescently labelled

internal size standard offers the advantage of cost saving

over the commercial size standard in microsatellite

genotyping. Based on the reported in-house internal size

standard protocol, we have improved the method by generating

21 DNA fragments (in a standard named as HM-

400) with each size similar to that of the commercial

size standard. The consistent amplification of the correct

fragment size was optimised via primer modulation

for non-templated nucleotide addition by Taq DNA polymerase.

A total of six microsatellite loci were used to

assess the accuracy of HM-400 and the mean standard

deviation of the size data was 0.19. The differences

between the fragment size means for samples sized

using HM-400 and commercial size standard were small

with an average of 0.29 bp. The production cost of HM-

400 was only 10% of the cost of commercial size standard.
Genetic Variation in Seed Size and Germination Patterns and their Effect on White Spruce Seedling Characteristics
Authors: Carles Sylvie , Lamhamedi M. S. , Beaulieu J. , Stowe D. C. , Colas F. , Margolis H. A.
Published: October 2017

We determined the degree to which families differ in seed and germination characteristics and examined the extent to which these characteristics influence the early growth of 75 open-pollinated white spruce families. Seed characteristics (1000-seed weight, length, width, area, volume) were measured for 400 seeds per family. Germination variables (germination capacity, peak value, germination value) were determined for each of the 75 families under controlled conditions and germination patterns were modelled using the Weibull function. Seedling characteristics (height, diameter, shoot and root dry weights) were measured at the end of the first and second growing seasons under standard nursery cultural practices. Statistically significant family variation (p < 0.0001) was found for all seed characteristics and germination variables measured. The between-family variance explained 23% to 98% of the total variance of morphological and physiological seed characteristics. Family differences at the seed stage explained up to 33% (root dry weight) and 12% (shoot dry weight) of the family differences observed at the one-year and two-year seedling stages, respectively. Since, in this study based on a comparison of family means, a maximum of only 12% of the family differences observed at the two-year seedling stage were explained by the effect of seed size, a selection for families with better juvenile characteristics could be envisaged without considering the maternal effect of seed size.
Identification and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers Useful for Genetic Analysis of Black Spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Populations
Authors: Dobrzeniecka S. , Nkongolo K. K. , Michael P. , Wyss S. , Mehes M.
Published: October 2017

Large - scale isolation of microsatellite and information in any conifer species is limited. Our knowledge of microsatellite in spruce (Picea spp.) is still sketchy. Genomic libraries of P. mariana were constructed and screened with (AC)15 probes. Over 200 positive clones were found for this dinucleotide and ten were analyzed in details. They were sequenced to confirm the presence of microsatellites and to generate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based on sequences flanking the microsatellites. All sequenced (AC)n clones had repeats of n > 23. Primer pairs were designed from seven sequences. These primer pairs along with 15 primer pairs from white spruce (Picea glauca) were tested on individual trees. Seven primer pairs from P. mariana and three from P. glauca (white spruce) amplified DNA from P. mariana and were used for genetic analysis of black spruce populations from uplands (drylands) and lowlands (wetlands). High levels of polymorphism and heterozygosity were observed in all the populations studied. Both highlands and lowlands showed similar levels of genetic variation. The selected microsatellites sequences are being used for genome organization analysis of black spruce.