bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Electrical Conductivity of Fluoride Electrolytes NaF - AlF3 - CaF2 in Liquid and Solid State
Authors: Palimaka P. , Pietrzyk S.
Published: April 2014

The main aim of the present work was to perform conductivity measurement of fluoride electrolytes in binary system Na3AlF6- CaF2 and ternary system Na3AlF6- AlF3 - CaF2. The experiments were done in a wide range of temperature (580-1300 K), including the liquid and solid phase. Temperature dependencies of the conductivity of the liquid and solid cryolite mixtures with CaF2 (2, 4 and 6 wt %) and ternary solution (88 wt % Na3AlF6 - 8 wt % AlF3 -4 wt % CaF2) were determined by an A.C. two-electrodes technique. The simultaneous measurements of conductivity and temperature were made in 1min steps during heating and cooling of the sample with rate 0,5 K·min-1. It was confirmed, that the addition of CaF2 to liquid electrolyte decreases its electrical conductivity and liquidus temperature, whereas addition of aluminium fluoride up to 4 wt % in solid state has the inverse influence on conductivity. The studied ternary system showed the highest conductivity in the solid state at temperatures up to phase transition α-β in solid cryolite (ca. 780 K). This may be due to the formation of a solid solution of NaCaAlF6 in -Na3AlF6 and the formation of cationic vacancies, which facilitate the transport of electrical charge.
Characterization of Alumina Scale Formed on FeCrAl Steel
Authors: Reszka K. , Morgiel J. , Zurek Z. , Jaron A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper the morphology of the oxide scale formed at 850°C on the foil surface of FeCrAl steel is described. Two types of samples have been used: one covered with an Al nano-layer and the second without. Microscopic observations of the cross-sections of scales have demonstrated that in the case of foil without Al nano-layer there is a remnant of an amorphous Al2O3 nano-layer, from which γ and θ crystallites of Al2O3 have been grown. In the case of foil covered with the Al nano-layer, α-Al2O3 phase is present and θ-phase forms a forest of whiskers on the surface.
Effect of Temperature on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Mechanically Alloyed Al-Nio Composite
Authors: Zygmunt-Kiper M. , Blaz L. , Sugamata M.
Published: April 2014

Mechanical alloying of high-purity aluminum and 10 wt.% NiO powders combined with powder vacuum compression and following hot extrusion method was used to produce an Al-NiO composite. Mechanical properties of as-extruded materials as well as the samples annealed at 823 K /6 h, were tested by compression at 293 K - 770 K. High mechanical properties of the material were attributed to the highly refined structure of the samples. It was found that the structure morphology was practically not changed during hot-compression tests. Therefore, the effect of deformation temperature on the hardness of as-deformed samples was very limited. The annealing of samples at 823 K/6 h induced a chemical reaction between NiO-particles and surrounding aluminum matrix. As a result, the development of very fine aluminum oxide and Al3Ni grains was observed.
Model Approach of Carbon Deposition Phenomenon in Steam and Dry Methane Reforming Process
Authors: Kaczmarczyk R. , Gurgul S.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents thermodynamic conditions for carbon deposition in steam and dry methane reforming process. Ranges of substrate concentrations and temperatures for creating carbon deposition were specified in an analytical form. In the description of the conversion of methane CH4-H2O and CH4-CO2 parametric equations were used, which allowed to define equilibrium composition of the process. The article formulates the basic assumptions of parametric equations models and their use to describe the course of the homogeneous reactions. The results may provide a model basis for the description of properties of the mixed reforming process CH4-H2O-CO2.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA5483 after Combination of ECAP and Hydrostatic Extrusion SPD Processes
Authors: Kulczyk M. , Skiba J. , Pachla W.
Published: April 2014

Al-Mg alloys of the 5xxx series are strain hardenable and have moderately high strength, excellent corrosion resistance even in salt water, and very high toughness even at cryogenic temperatures to near absolute zero, which makes them attractive for a variety of applications, e.g. in systems exploited at temperatures as low as -270°C, and marine applications. The present study is concerned with the effect of a combination of 2 processes, which generate serve plastic deformation (SPD), equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and hydrostatic extrusion (HE), on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an alloy that contain Al and Mg. The alloy was subjected to multi-pass ECAP followed by cumulative HE with a total true strain of 5.9. The microstructure of SPD samples was evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests and microhardness measurements. The combination of the two processes gave a uniform nanostructure with an average grain size of 70nm. The grain refinement taking place during the SPD processing resulted in the increase of the mechanical strength by 165% (YS) with respect to that of the material in the as- received state. The experiments have shown that the combination of HE and ECAP permits producing homogeneous nanocrystalline materials of large volumes.
Role of the Contact Layer in Continuous Casting of thin Metal Rods
Authors: Lipnicki Z. , Pantoł K. , Weigand B.
Published: April 2014

An analytical heat transfer model has been development and applied for calculating the shape of the solid thickness profile for continuous casting of thin metal rods. The stationary solidification front relative to the crystallizer was received from superposition of the motions of the liquid metal flow in the axial direction and the solidifying metal in the radial direction. The shape of the solidified crust depends on several parameters. The influence of the contact layer between the frozen crust and the internal surface of a crystallizer on the solidification process is also studied. The results are presented as an analytical model and are graphically shown for different selected parameters.
Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Surface by EPD-PEO Process in ZrSiO4 Suspension
Authors: Krząkała A. , Młynski J. , Dercz G. , Michalska J. , Maciej A. , Nieuzyła Ł. , Simka W.
Published: April 2014

Investigations on the surface modification of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation are reported here. The oxidation process was carried out in a solution containing a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) suspension and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Anodising was realised at voltages in a range from 100 V to 250 V. It was found that the morphology of the sample surface did not change during the oxidation of the alloy at 100 V. Application of voltages higher than 100 V led to the incorporation of zirconium silicate into the formed oxide layer and to significant changes of the surface morphology.
Effects of Process Parameters on Tensile Shear Strength of Friction Stir Spot Welded Aluminium Alloy (EN AW 5005)
Authors: Kulekci M.K.
Published: April 2014

Aluminium and its alloys have been used in automotive technology since the first model of the car. The need for aluminium material is getting increased for weight reduction, improved fuel economy and vehicle performance. The amount of the aluminium used in a car is mainly related with joining processes of aluminium alloy. This can be achieved by developing the welding techniques for aluminium alloys. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of friction stir spot welding parameters on tensile shear strength of friction stir spot welded lap joint EN AW 5005 Aluminium alloy. The variable parameters were tool rotation (rpm), dwell time (s) and the tool pin height (mm). Tensile shear test results indicated that the weld performance was significantly affected by the tool rotation, dwell time and the tool pin height. The results of the study indicates that there are optimum process parameters which give the highest tensile shear strength.
Evaluation of Influence of the Addition Nanofillers on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties Terpolymers Ester-Ether-Amide
Authors: Kozłowska A. , Piatek-Hnat M.
Published: April 2014

The results of studies of mechanical and thermal properties of synthesized elastomeric nanocomposites have been presented. An elastomeric multiblock terpoly(ester-b-ether-b-amide)s as polymeric matrix and nanoparticles SiO2 i TiO2 used as fillers. It was shown that the introduction of multiblock thermoplastic elastomer matrix of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles allows to obtain nanocomposite materials with improved mechanical properties compared to the terpolymer before modification. An increase in glass transition temperature, which has a positive effect for the processing of terpolymers.
PCDDs/Fs Pollution from Metallurgical Processes in the Town of Sisak, Croatia
Authors: Sofilić T. , Jendričko J.
Published: April 2014

In order to calculate the emission of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans from metallurgical processes located in the town of Sisak, Croatia, this research has built on experiences from developed countries, where the emission factor values from individual metallurgical processes have been taken from the reference data and used for the estimate of the emission of these pollutions in the European countries. The calculation of the emission polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans from metallurgical processes located in the town of Sisak took into account annual outputs of sinter, pig iron, steel blooms and steel billets, as well as steel casts.

The metallurgical processes installed in the town of Sisak between 1950 and 2010 emitted from Q1-TEQ =17 mg a-1 PCDDs/Fs in 2001 to Q1-TEQ =5823 mg a-1 in 1989, depending on the activity of these processes. Within the observed period, the largest source of PCDDs/Fs emission was the iron ore sintering plant. Within the observed timeframe, the town of Sisak did not experience any excessive air, soil or water pollution by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans from the local metallurgical processes.
Centrifugal Castings Locally Reinforced with Porous AL2O3 Preform
Authors: Dolata A.J.
Published: April 2014

The main objective of presented researches were tests of infiltration of the porous ceramic preforms at the pressure in centrifugal casting process. Make an assumption that the porous preform will be create the local reinforcement layer in specific area of the casting. For investigations the alumina porous ceramic preforms were applied (Al2O3). The pressure to infiltrate molten aluminum alloy into ceramic preforms was generated by centrifugal force. The structure of composites was examined by light and electron microscope. The investigations of composites microstructure exhibited high degree of infiltration of spherical macropores in Al2O3 ceramic preforms by the molten aluminium alloy. On the basis of structural studies has been shown that centrifugal force is effective as a driving force for the infiltration of porous preforms.
Microstructure and Tribological Properties of the Copper Matrix Composite Materials Containing Lubricating Phase Particles
Authors: Juszczyk B. , Kulasa J. , Malec W. , Malara Sz. , Czepelak M. , Ciura L.
Published: April 2014

The paper presents results of the studies into influence of individual particles of lubricating phase on microstructure and tribological properties of copper based composite materials for slide bearings. The studied material was composed of copper alloys with lubricating phase particles, e.g. in a form of graphite and glassy carbon. The metallic matrix of composite materials consisted of Cu-Sn type alloys. Production of the examined materials included processes with complete or partial participation of liquid phase and was conducted in two ways. In production of composites both classical powder metallurgy technology was applied and a method of melting with simultaneous mechanical stirring in liquid state (stir casting). Particles of lubricating phases were heated up to the temperature of 200°C and introduced into a liquid metal and then stirring process at constant rate of 1500 rpm rotational speed was applied. To improve wettability of graphite and glassy carbon particles titanium was introduced into the metallic matrix.

In production of the composites by powder metallurgy methods the process consisted of mixing of bronze powders and particles of non-metallic phases and then their consolidation. Both quantitative and qualitative structure analysis of the produced composites was performed. Also through evaluation of tribological properties (friction coefficient, wear) with CSM Instruments high temperature tribometer THT was conducted.
Formation Enthalpy of Bli Intermediate Phase
Authors: Gąsior W. , Dębski A. , Major R.
Published: April 2014

The formation enthalpy of the BLi (B48Li52) intermetallic phase was measured with the use of the water reaction and the direct reaction calorimetric method. The phase was prepared of weighed amounts of B and Li in a glove-box filled with high purity argon. The BLi phase was confirmed with using the X-ray diffraction investigations. The experiments were carried out with the use of a water reaction calorimeter (water reaction calorimetric technique) at 25°C (298 K) in air, as well as a direct reaction calorimeter at 752°C in high purity argon. The formation enthalpy value obtained for the BLi phase in the case of the water reaction calorimetric method equaled -30.3±2.2 kJ/mole of atoms and in the case of the direct synthesis technique - 29.4±2.0 kJ/mole of atoms.
Diatoms of the lower Vistula River phytoseston
Authors: Dembowska Ewa
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of research on the phytoseston of the Vistula River along a distance of 163 km. The research was conducted between 1994 and 2010. A total of 218 diatom taxa were identified in the phytoseston. A large number of diatoms were represented by only a few specimens, and, in some cases, only in one of the 312 samples examined. Only nine species had the highest constancy of occurrence in the lower Vistula River; however, mostly periphyton and benthos species predominated the phytoseston in the Vistula River at all of the stations. Most of the species were cosmopolitan. The eutrophic conditions of the Vistula River were confirmed by the great number of eutraphentic diatom taxa. The 86 diatom species identified that have high or very high oxygen requirements confirm that oxygen conditions in the river are good. The ecological potential of the Vistula River was rated based on concentrations of chlorophyll a. The worst state, which was moderate, was recorded in 1998 at positions above the dam in Włocławek. Research on the river segment in Torun in the 2007-2010 period indicated the ecological potential had improved from good to maximum. Despite high anthropogenic pressure and major engineering projects, the Vistula River is characterized by good and maximum ecological potential and great biodiversity.
Riparian buffer zones on selected rivers in Lower Silesia – an important conservation practice and the management strategy in urban planning
Authors: Adamska Maryna
Published: April 2014

Buffer zones are narrow strips of land lying along the surface water, covered with appropriately selected vegetation. They separate aquatic ecosystems from the direct impact of agricultural land and reduce the movement of nutrients in the environment. In 2008 the European Commission established requirements for the implementation of buffer strips along water courses. Poland committed to the enforcement of these requirements until 1 January 2012. This was one of the reasons of this study. The subject of the analysis included the following rivers in Lower Silesia: Smortawa, Krynka, Czarna Woda and the selected transects of Ślęza and Nysa Łużycka. Detailed studies were designed to estimate the buffer zones occurring on these watercourses and assess these zones’ structure. This will be used to develop clear criteria for the selection of the width of these zones based on land use land management. It can be used in the implementation of executive acts at different levels of space management. Field research consisted of inventory the extent of riparian buffer strips on selected water courses and photographic documentation. Species composition of the vegetation forming a buffer zone was identified by using Braun-Blanquet method. There was lack of continuity of the riparian buffer zones on investigated rivers. Buffer zones should have carefully formulated definition and width because they are element of the significant ecological value, they perform important environmental protective functions and they are also the subject of Community law.
Conception of vadose zone research in the area of Goczałkowice reservoir.
Authors: Czekaj Joanna , Trepka Kamil
Published: April 2014

Goczałkowice reservoir is one of the main source of drinking water for Upper Silesia Region. In reference to Water Frame Directive matter since 2010 the strategic research project: „Integrated system supporting management and protection of dammed reservoir (ZiZoZap)”, which is being conducted on Goczałkowice reservoir, has been pursued. In the framework of this project complex groundwater monitoring is carried on. One aspect is vadose zone research, conducted to obtain information about changes in chemical composition of infiltrating water and mass transport within this zone. Based on historical data and the structural model of direct catchment of Goczałkowice reservoir location of the vadose zone research site was selected. At the end of November 2012 specially designed lysimeter was installed with 10 MacroRhizon samplers at each lithological variation in unsaturated zone. This lysimeter, together with nested observation wells, located in the direct proximity, create the vadose zone research site which main aim is specifying the amount of nitrate transport in the vertical profile.
Stibnite vein from Dębowina near Bardo (polish Sudetes)
Authors: Kotula Piotr
Published: April 2014

In the contact zone of the Bardo Structure and Kłodzko-Złoty Stok Intrusion and Kłodzko Metamorphic, metasomatic orebearing quartz-carbonate veins rich in Sb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au, Pb are present. In 1771 the mine ,,Reiche Silber Gluck” within stibnite vein was founded in Dębowina near Bardo. Its entrance was discovered again in 2007. The stibnite vein is mainly build of stibnite and sphalerite and of quartz and dolomite rich in Mn. Stibnite crystallizes as columnar or forming radiate centres and aciculars. Its crystals reach size to 2 mm. Sphalerite appears as individual anhedral and polymineralic grained concentrations reaching size to 2,5 mm. Earlier pyrite and arsenopyrite crystallized - they occur locally in this deposit. There were found also in the deposit tetrahedrite rich in Ag, what wasn't reported earlier in studies from the mine in Dębowina.
Aromatic hydrocarbons from the Middle Jurassic fossil wood of the Polish Jura
Authors: Smolarek Justyna , Marynowski Leszek
Published: April 2014

Aromatic hydrocarbons are present in the fossil wood samples in relatively small amounts. In almost all of the tested samples the dominating aromatic hydrocarbon is perylene and its methyl and dimethyl derivatives. The most important biomarkers present in the aromatic fraction are dehydroabietane, siomonellite and retene, compounds characteristic for conifers. The distribution of discussed compounds is highly variable due to such early diagenetic processes affecting the wood as oxidation and the activity of microorganisms. MPI1 parameter values (methylphenanthrene index) for the majority of the samples are in the range of 0.1 to 0.5, which results in the highly variable values of Rc (converted value of vitrinite reflectance) ranging from 0.45 to 0.70%. Such values suggest that MPI1 parameter is not useful as maturity parameter in case of Middle Jurassic ore-bearing clays, even if measured strictly on terrestrial organic matter (OM). As a result of weathering processes (oxidation) the distribution of aromatic hydrocarbons changes. In the oxidized samples the amount of aromatic hydrocarbons, both polycyclic as well as aromatic biomarkers decreases.
The large superpredators’ teeth from Middle Triassic of Poland
Authors: Surmik Dawid , Brachaniec Tomasz
Published: April 2014

An unusual large teeth, finding from time to time in marine sediments of Muschelkalk, Silesia, Poland indicate the superpredators occurrence. According to size and morphological features the teeth are similar to archosaurs or giant marine reptiles.
Preliminary results of fractal analysis of the poligonal survey from cave: case study of Małołączniak area (Tatra Mts.)
Authors: Szczygieł Jacek , Mendecki Maciej J.
Published: April 2014

Traverses (polygons) from two caves have been tested: Wielka Śnieżna Cave System (2858 vectors) and Śnieżna Studnia cave (742). The box counting technique was applied to evaluate the fractal analysis of spatial orientation of traverses. The polygonal survey of Wielka Śnieżna Cave, Śnieżna Studnia and both caves merged together have a fractal geometry. It may be concluded that these caves are close to the full recognition of passages forming by a hydrological system and they could have close relation with geological structures. The usual explanation of fractal dimension D higher than 1 indicates that caves with such dimension fill more space than those with ideal dimension of 1.00 (for example a straight line), and the geological constraints limit the dimension to be lower than 2 (Verbovsek 2007). It may suggest that systems can be developped into more complicated passages in future. The fact that both caves merged together also have showed fractal geometry indicates that they are belonging to the same hydrological system. It was noticed that D-value of merged caves is slightly larger than individual cave. It can be explained by “occupying” more space in rock mass.
Geochemical and isotopic analyses of PM10 in Lower Silesia - preeliminary data
Authors: Zwolińska Elżbieta , Ciężka Monika
Published: April 2014

The main aim of the study was to determine the origin of particulate air pollution in Lower Silesia. Samples of PM10 dust were collected on quartz filters Whatman QM-A by employees of Voivodship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (VIEP) in Wroclaw in 2011. As a pilot researches in Lower Silesia were selected two monitoring points of VIEP: (i) Osieczow and (ii) Zgorzelec. Air sampling point in Osieczow is a point of regional background and it is an excellent reference base for the analyses of PM10 in Lower Silesia. The aim of monitoring in this point is to assess the exposure of ecosystems to air pollution. Sampling point in Zgorzelec reflects the urban background and the measurements will be compared, in the future, to the results of the sampling points investigated the impact of industry and local transport on air quality in the whole Lower Silesia. For further geochemical and isotopic analyses were selected 25 samples from each sampling point, average every two weeks measurement. The concentration of PM10 dust for Osieczow ranged from 7 μg∙m-3 (11.10.2011r.) to 89 μg∙m-3 (4.03.2011r.) with an average of 24 μg∙m-3 and for Zgorzelec between 10 μg∙m-3 (11.10.2011r.) and 85 μg∙m-3 (9.11.2011r.) with an average of 26 μg∙m-3. The mean percentage contribution of carbon in PM10 samples from Osieczow was 47%, while in Zgorzelec 42%. The obtained values of δ03C (PM10) in Osieczow varied from -31.1‰ (5.02.2011r.) to -25.5‰ (26.10.2011r.) with an average of -27.6‰, whereas in Zgorzelec between -28.6‰ (15.07.2011r.) and -25.2‰ (6.01.2011r.) with an average of -26.8‰. At the current stage of research is clearly discernible the different carbon isotope record in the material dust (qualitative information), despite the identical range of concentrations of PM10 in both analysed points (quantitative information). This confirms the appropriateness of the choice both research method and monitoring points.
Soil water content and water balance simulation of Caragana korshinskii Kom. in the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Jian Shengqi , Zhao Chuanyan , Fang Shumin , Yu Kai
Published: April 2014

In this paper, to evaluate the hydrological effects of Caragana korshinskii Kom., measured data were combined with model-simulated data to assess the C. korshinskii soil water content based on water balance equation. With measured and simulated canopy interception, plant transpiration and soil evaporation, soil water content was modeled with the water balance equation. The monthly variations in the modeled soil water content by measured and simulated components (canopy interception, plant transpiration, soil evaporation) were then compared with in situ measured soil water content. Our results shows that the modeled monthly water loss (canopy interception + soil evaporation + plant transpiration) by measured and simulated components ranges from 43.78 mm to 113.95 mm and from 47.76 mm to 125.63 mm, respectively, while the monthly input of water (precipitation) ranges from 27.30 mm to 108.30 mm. The relative error between soil water content modeled by measured and simulated components was 6.41%. To sum up, the net change in soil water (ΔSW) is negative in every month of the growing season. The soil moisture is approaching to wilting coefficient at the end of the growth season, and the soil moisture recovered during the following season.
Employer branding – a dialogistic communication tool of a competitive employer
Authors: Lubecka Anna
Published: April 2014

The present article aims at discussing the value of employer branding, a relatively recent phenomenon in the field of company communication practices, which can be treated as an attempt to develop a dialogistic type of relationships between company employers and employees. The former use this communication strategy to attract quality workers and to retain the currently employed. For the latter it is the means to evaluate their employer by means of all kinds of suggestions, innovative remarks as well as comments, both positive and negative impacting the employer’s image and reputation. As such employer branding may be treated as an important source of information for the employer about their management strengths and weakness, especially as far as their Public Relations (PR) practices are concerned. The author of the present article argues that employer branding can contribute significantly to the employer self-knowledge and verify their self-perception as well as serve to improve the image the company aims at creating only if the employer-employees communication becomes a dialogue. It implies that the communication between them must be founded on humanistic values which means that both parties treat each other with due respect, the information provided by the employees is neither manipulated nor distorted, and the employer acts as an active listener
A 3D model and typology of organisational culture
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz
Published: April 2014

The proposed model of organisational cultures I used in my research is based on three dichotomous dimensions borrowed from G. Hofstede and other researchers. Although Hofstede proposed studying organisational cultures according to other dimensions of values than in the case of cultures of whole societies, there are numerous authors who think his model is more general and so apply it to organisational cultures too. It seems that three out of five dimensions proposed by Hofstede can become a basis for such a multidimensional model and typology. I am also in favour of this approach, as I believe that three of the dimensions included in Hofstede’s model are of a universal character, whether they concern individuals, organisational cultures or social cultures [Sułkowski 2012, pp. 103-118]
Decision making in the financial management of the business enterprise
Authors: Castro Ernesto León , Rebeca Marcela
Published: April 2014

The globalization within markets has required continuous decision making by employers, so that processes and ways to implement them have become more complex, requiring more quality information on the operations of the company enabling them to make the right decisions
La Inmersión en la Economía del Conocimiento de las Ciudades Medias del Centro-Occidente de México 2000-2010
Authors: Contreras José Luis Benítez
Published: April 2014

The knowledge-based economy is a new economy growth theory that for some authors is the new alternative for the economy growth. In this sense arise the medium cities as an alternative to economic growth, as these cities do not have the problems of the big cities and it is assumed that in the long term these medium cities will become large cities. Thus, the objective of this research was to find that medium cities of west-central Mexico are embedded within the knowledge economy through the comparative analysis between the Census of Population and Housing 2000 and 2010 conducted by the Institute national Statistics and Geography (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, INEGI). The region of west-central Mexico by the end of this research is comprised by the states of Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas. Of those states were found that there are 39 medium cities. The result is not satisfactory as was found that there are 13 cities not embedded within the knowledgebased economy
Culture as a barrier of knowledge sharing
Authors: Chmielecki Michał
Published: April 2014

Management in last decades has seen knowledge sharing become a key tool for the success of a variety of institutions. Many international companies and other organizations have developed knowledge management programs as key to their future development strategies. There are number of international organizations that have identified knowledge sharing as one of their core management tools. Yet despite its growing popularity, knowledge sharing remains a complex and challenging task. This article discusses what cultural barriers can impede knowledge sharing processes
Country-of-origin effect on manager’s competence evaluations
Authors: Magier-Łakomy Ewa , Rozkwitalska Małgorzata
Published: April 2014

Functioning of multinational corporations requires international staffing decisions, which involves, among other issues, sending expatriates to foreign subsidiaries and/or hiring inpatriates in the headquarters. The evaluation of a manager’s professional competence by his/her subordinates, peers or superiors is determined, for example, by cultural stereotypes intertwined with the manager’s nationality. Such an evaluation may affect the quality of cross-cultural interactions and therefore influence effectiveness of a MNC’s staff. Thus the aim of this paper is to initially verify whether the country-of-origin of a manager may affect the perception of his/her professional competence. The analysis of this relationship is based on the literature review and the empirical findings from the authors’ research. An experiment on management students is the research method that was applied in the study. As a result, the authors attempt to examine whether there are cultural stereotypes that ascribe higher or lower managerial competence to individuals from certain countries. The analysis may also contribute to the literature and research on liability of foreignness as well as cultural stigmatization issues. The empirical findings from the pilot study suggest that the nationality of a manager may affect the evaluation of his/her competences by other people.
Integrated reporting as a cross-border communication tool for business - a fad or a sign of times?
Authors: Fijałkowska Justyna , Sobczyk Monika
Published: April 2014

A model of business communication currently used by companies, based on the financial statements and a number of satellite different themed reports, turns out to be unsatisfying towards high stakeholders’ demands for information. Stakeholders expect environmental, social and corporate governance indicators enclosed in the financial and non-financial information, in a form that provides a complete, consistent, clear, comparable and reliable picture of the corporates’ achievements. Therefore, in this article we analyze whether the Integrated Report (IR) could become a cross-border communication tool of business, which would satisfy the internal and external global environment needs. For this purpose, in the light of the differences in understanding of business responsibility for society between countries on each side of the Atlantic, the “pros” and “cons” of Integrated Reports are considered and the willingness of the business environment on this new form of communication is examined.
The use of social media in public relations in Poland and the United Kingdom – case studies from automotive industry
Authors: Chmielecki Michał , Lisowski Marcin
Published: April 2014

Current changes in technology and the role of the Internet open up new opportunities for companies both to communicate with the public and organisational functionality of its own structure. The fact that Social Media entered the business landscape, can be globally experience in the novel ways of communication, particularly between all stakeholders in organisation’s environment, but also in growing tendency in search for the new knowledge and expertise in digital environment. Organisations existing in brick-and-mortar landscape, observing ongoing and continues development of the digital technologies that ubiquitously transforming the way we perceive a role of marketing and making Public Relations more fascinating discipline in the XXI century. Becoming more exposed to the public, marketers needs to understand importance of their role in the new age of digital era but more importantly to be able to adapt to a new environment by building their digital presence with accordance to tomorrow’s reality and prevailing expectations. Every geographical region has its own unique approach in practicing public relations and building their own understanding of that concept. What is more, one also has to take into consideration the relations between corporate culture and organizational environment and it’s influence on certain managerial practices. Broadening the traditional perspective and communication by the new and growing acceptance of the dot.com era, internet is defining new rules, that continuously supported by the visionary and innovatory approach of modern organisations, not only modelling PR and marketing but companies as a whole. The aim of this article is to identify the changing trends of the new PR model that continuously evolve in the digital era and changing our way of building robust two-direction communication channel. The article presents four case studies (Poland and the UK) of social media in PR on the automotive market.
MODELLING OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION SOURCE AND WAVE RESPONSE IN LAYERED MATERIALS
Authors: Alamin A. , Zhang R.
Published: April 2014

This study proposes a model of wave propagation in layered media for the use in acoustic emission (AE) studies. This model aims to find an AE response at a free surface to the propagating waves originating at a dislocation source either in one layer medium or a layer-to-layer interface. Each of the layered media is assumed to be homogenous, linear elastic and isotropic. An integral transformation method has been applied to determine the wave response in frequency-wave number domain, which is then converted to time-space domain. In the numerical examples, we first select truncated values with the finite integral transformation, so that no wave interference happens in the responses from wave reflection at truncated boundaries. Next, we simulate wave propagation in an elastic half space, and compare results obtained with that from other kind bottom boundary. Next, we introduce a dis- location source in interface and compare a simulated AE wave response obtained with that computed in the layered medium to demonstrate the performance of the model. In each simulation, the results show good agreement with the reference solutions.
TIME–HARMONIC BEHAVIOUR OF CRACKED PIEZOELECTRIC SOLID BY BOUNDARY INTEGRAL EQUATION METHOD
Authors: Rangelov Tsviatko , Marinov Marin , Dineva Petia
Published: April 2014

Anti-plane cracked functionally graded finite piezoelectric solid under time-harmonic elecromechanical load is studied by a non-hypersingular traction boundary integral equation method (BIEM). Exponentially varying material properties are considered. Numerical solutions are obtained by using Mathematica. The dependance of the intensity factors (IF) - mechanical stress intensity factor (SIF) and electrical field intensity factor (FIF) on the inhomogeneous material parameters, on the type and frequency of the dynamic load and on the crack position are analyzed by numerical illustrative examples
LINEAR ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION OF INTERFACIAL SLIP BEHAVIOUR FOR COMPOSITE BOX GIRDERS
Authors: Lu Pengzhen , Shao Changyu , Zhao Renda
Published: April 2014

The slip at the steel-concrete interface in steel-concrete composite beams was studied analytically and numerically. A theoretical description for steel-concrete composite box beams with partial shear interaction based on the partial interaction theory was derived, and equilibrium of the rotation angle w′ was introduced to allow convenient computation of deformation of composite box beams. Numerical simulations of steel-concrete composite box beams subjected to concentrated load and/or uniformly distributed load were conducted. The analytical solutions show excellent agreement with the numerical results. For typical composite box beams used in practice, shear slip in partial composite box beams makes a significant contribution to beam deformation. Even for full composite box beams, slip effects may result in stiffness reduction. However, slip effects are ignored in many design specifications which use transformed section methods; an exception is the American Institute of Steel Construction [1] specifications, which recommend a calculation procedure in the commentary. Finally, the proposed method was extended to analyze the interface slip for shear connectors of different pitch and, to some extent, confirm the accuracy of the predictions.
Design for manufacturability in virtual environment using knowledge engineering
Authors: Jakubowski Julian , Peterka Jozef
Published: April 2014

Design for manufacturing (DFM) strategies help companies to develop new products that are feasible to manufacture. In the early stages of design all engineering activities are initiated in computer aided systems. When the design is finished, the process of manufacturing and production planning begins. Issues often occur at this point because two teams, designers and manufacturers, have been working separately. The resulting question is: ‘how can Knowledge Engineering (KE) be used effectively to enhance manufacturability during early design?’ Even if the most complex geometrical product can be realized using today’s technologies such as rapid prototyping it is only true in unit production. In lot and mass production where CNC machines are used, complex geometry causes a number of difficulties. So it is important to investigate the project carefully in the early design stage from the point of view of whether it will be possible to manufacture.
Teaching formula of the training for operators on effective application of lean management tools
Authors: Misiurek Bartosz , Koch Tomasz
Published: April 2014

The first part of this paper presents the most popular on-the-job training methods and comments on their effectiveness. Then TrainingWithin Industry (TWI) program, that originated in US in 1940s, is described. TWI program includes the Job Instruction method focused on improving on-the-job training efficiency. Problems with the knowledge transfer associated with the application of Job Instruction method are described in the next part of the paper. Finally, the newly designed Method Instruction focused on knowledge transfer is introduced. The Method Instruction is based on the philosophy of TWI program. Presentation of the structure of the Method Instruction is presented on the 5S System example. The last part of this paper presents where should be applied the Method Instruction in training process in industry companies and how the Method Instruction is a supplement to the Job Instruction method.
Enterprise service bus architecture for the big data systems
Authors: Orłowski Cezary , Szczerbicki Edward , Grabowski Jan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the construction of the enterprise service bus architecture in data processing resources for a big data decision-making system for the City Hall in Gdansk. The first part presents the key processes of bus developing: the installation of developing environment, the database connection, the flow mechanism and data presentation. Developing processes were supported by models: KPI (Key Processes Identifier) and SOP (Simple Operating Procedures) (also connected to the bus). The summary indicates the problems of the bus construction, especially processes of routing, conversion, and handling events.
Service configuration in SOA-based enterprise representation using role knowledge
Authors: Sandkuhl Kurt , Seigerroth Ulf , Smirnov Alexander , Levashova Tatiana , Shilov Nikolay
Published: April 2014

This work investigates the use of enterprise models for service configuration with a focus on knowledge related to organizational roles. Starting from an industrial case, it presents an approach to extract a role’s information demand from an enterprise model and to use this as initial configuration for agent-based services. In addition to the meta-model included in the enterprise modeling language, the use of a common ontology is proposed which captures both, the perspective of information demand and services. The architecture of the agentbased services is following the idea to characterize all actors by their roles and to represent them by sets of services. This approach facilitates self-organization in the service level. The main contributions of the paper are (1) to show that a role’s information demand is relevant for service configuration, (2) to present a way of extracting information demand from enterprise models, and (3) to extend an approach for SOA-based enterprise representation with information demand.
Effect of company size on manager’s perception
Authors: Timilsina Binod , Haapalainen Päivi , Takala Josu
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of a company’s size on its manager’s perception towards changes in market needs and manufacturing flexibility. To serve the purpose, a questionnaire was designed by considering different types of manufacturing flexibility and changes occurring in market needs. The collected data were then analyzed to verify the proposed hypotheses. The results showed that a company’s size significantly influence manager’s perception towards manufacturing flexibility and market requirements. For instance, reliability is given higher priority by managers of micro and small enterprises in comparison with managers of medium and large enterprises. Similarly, routine flexibility is found to be significantly more important to managers of micro and small enterprises, while production facility flexibility is considered more important by managers of medium and large enterprises. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive relationship between changes in market requirements and manufacturing flexibility, showing that manufacturing flexibility is governed by changes in market requirements. This research was conducted with managers at various companies in the energy sector; so the results may not be applicable to other industries.
Validating performance based critical actions in a high tech start-up
Authors: Vuoti Veli-Pekka , Takala Josu , Mäntylä Alexander , Liu Yang , Yang Wenshan , Malek Nurul Aida Binti Abdul , Kronman Patricia , Kreuzer Andreas , Zafar Afnan
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study is to analyze a Finnish manufacturing case company’s operational competitiveness. A proposed analytical model based on analyses the corresponding angles of the strategic triangles (Prospector, Analyzer, and Defender). The model compares the angle differences between the strategy and resource triangles with opinions from different management groups of informants. It was found out that Normalized Scaled Critical Factor Index (NSCFI) model is more scientific comparing to formal ones through validation. Calculations based on the MSI questionnaire resulted in medium high values for the Prospector strategy both for past- and future orientation. S&R calculations regarding the past orientation resulted in low values for all strategy types, except P-NSCFI for Analyzer. Moreover this study covers a case, in where Balanced Critical Factor Index (BCFI) was used defining company annual strategy plan.
Ship course stabilization by feedback linearization with adaptive object model
Authors: Borkowski Piotr
Published: April 2014

The algorithm of ship course stabilization herein presented is based on a feedback linearization controller with adaptive object model. The described method, consisting in current approximation of unknown object model functions by neuro-fuzzy approximators, represents a new generation of adaptive control methods. The implementation of this algorithm, which may constitute an executive module of a navigational decision support system, will contribute to a higher degree of automation and navigational safety improvement.
Holocene sedimentary environment of a High−Arctic fjord in Nordaustlandet, Svalbard
Authors: Ojala Antti E.K. , Salonen Veli−Pekka , Moskalik Mateusz , Kubischta Frauke , Oinonen Markku
Published: April 2014

A2.5−metrelong marine core from Isvika bay inNordaustlandet (80°N, 18°E) was AMS14C dated and analysed for its sedimentological and magnetic parameters. The studied record was found to cover the entire Holocene and indicates major turnovers in the palaeo− hydrography and sedimentary depositional history. The area was deglaciated at around 11,300 BP. The earlyHolocene has indications of rapidmelting of glaciers and frequent deposition of ice−rafted debris (IRD). The climatic optimum terminated with a probable glacier re−advance event occurring ca. 5800 cal BP. This event caused the deposition of a diamicton unit in Isvika bay, followed by a shift towards a colder and amore stratified hydrographic set− ting. The reduction in IRD indicates gradual cooling, which led to the stratification of the bay and eventually to more persistent fast sea−ice conditions by 2500 cal BP. For the last 500 years, Isvika has again been seasonally open.
Format dependent probabilities: An eye-tracking analysis of additivity neglect
Authors: Riege Anine H. , Sulutvedt Unni , Teigen Karl Halvor
Published: April 2014

When people are asked to estimate the probabilities of uncertain events, they often neglect the additivity principle, which requires that the probabilities assigned to an exhaustive set of outcomes should add up to 100%. Previous studies indicate that additivity neglect is dependent on response format, self-generated probability estimates being more coherent than estimates on rating scales. The present study made use of eye-tracking methodology, recording the movement, frequency and duration of fixations during the solution of ten additivity problems and two control tasks. Participants produced more non-additive estimates in the Scale format than in the Self-generated format. Self-generated estimates also led to longer decision time and a higher number of repeated inspections, suggesting a deliberate comparison process. In contrast, the Scale format seemed to encourage a case-based approach where each outcome is evaluated in isolation