bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Athlete's Perception of Coaches’ Behavior Towards Competitors with a Different Sports Level
Authors: Siekanska Małgorzata , Blecharz Jan , Wojtowicz Agnieszka
Published: January 2014

The study was designed to examine how active and former athletes across a different sports level perceived coaching behavior. Eighty competitive athletes (44 males and 36 females; 21.89 ±1.48 years of age; 8.35 ± 3.65 years of competitive experience) from the University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland, participated in the study. They represented both individual (n = 50) and team sports (n = 30). Seventeen participants were internationally renowned and 63 were recognized for competitive excellence at a national level. The participants responded to a demographic survey and the Coaches’ Behaviors Survey. The qualitative analysis procedures were employed to extract themes from open-ended questions. It was confirmed that coaches who perceived their athletes as more skilled, also treated them differently. Female athletes as compared with male athletes, more frequently pointed at the leniency in coach’s behavior towards highly skilled athletes, and perceived it as a factor inhibiting athletic development. Additionally, women often found individualization of the training process as a behavior reinforcing development. Less accomplished athletes more often pointed out to “a post-training session interest in the athlete” as directed only towards more accomplished counterparts; however, they indicated “leniency and favoring” less often than the athletes with international achievements. They also listed “excessive criticism” as a type of behavior hindering development, but they indicated coaches’ “authoritarianism and distance” less frequently than the more accomplished counterparts. The study added data to the discussion of the Pygmalion effect and the phenomenon of the self-fulfilling prophecy both in general (Rosenthal and Jacobson, 1968; Harris and Rosenthal, 1985; Jussim, 1989) and sport psychology (Harris and Rosenthal, 1985; Horn et al., 1998; Solomon and Kosmitzki, 1996; Solomon et al., 1998; Solomon, 2001).
The post-80s generation in Beijing: collective memory and generational identity
Authors: Constantin Sandra Valérie
Published: January 2014

This article questions the relevance of the notion of generation to describe the cohort who lives in Beijing and who was born in the 1980s and early 1990s, after the implementation of the reforms and opening-up policy in China. The analysis relies on 627 questionnaires collected in Beijing in 2010. The sample was stratified by age and sex, and, based on quotas; it was split into five age groups (18-26 year-olds, 33-41 year-olds, 48-56 year-olds, 63-71 year-olds and 78-86 year-olds). The respondents were questioned on their perception of turning points and socio-historical changes that occurred during their lifetime. After having analysed the data in a comparative perspective, we came to conclusion that the word generation is suitable to describe the young people from Beijing born in the 1980s and early 1990s not only because they do share autobiographical and collective historical memories, but also because these memories have by and large taken place between their adolescence and entry into adulthood (supporting the hypothesis of the existence of a reminiscence bump).
Neo-Aristotelian Confucianism? Applicability of virtue ethics in early Confucian studies
Authors: Silius Vytis
Published: January 2014

Since the 80’s of the last century a trend has emerged in the English language literature on Chinese thought that suggests reading early Confucian texts as a form of virtue ethics. However, Alasdair MacIntyre has presented early Confucian and Aristotle’s thoughts as incommensurable thought systems and doubted that notions and statements of one incommensurable thought system can be adequately expressed and addressed within the framework of another. This article discusses MacIntyre’s position and two strategies - employed by the proponents of virtue ethics interpretation of early Confucian texts - of meeting MacIntyre’s challenge. The article attempts to show that none of the responses were successful, thus leaving the quest for the most adequate philosophical framework to interpret early Confucian ethical thought open.
China and Global Financial Governance: Centripetalism, Elevation and Disparity
Authors: Zhang Falin
Published: January 2014

In the post-2008 global financial crisis era, the global financial governance system has experienced dramatic changes and a comparatively new network system comes into the fore. Meanwhile, China’s extraordinary performance during the crisis by virtue of its unique political and economic systems urged the elevation of its role in the new system. Against this backdrop, three words are appropriate to describe the new system and China’s role in it in the post-crisis era-centripetalism (rather than centrifugalism), elevation (rather than domination) and disparity (rather than coherence). Centripetalism means that patched global financial governance network system has more force to coordinate states and related international organizations. Elevation refers to a relatively more important role of China in the new system, but, by no means, a dominant (or hegemonic) role. China is an indispensable participant rather than a leading power in global financial governance. Disparity indicates the differed strategies of China in various global financial governance institutions or toward different events.
Confucius and Contemporary Guanxi
Authors: Pilotta Joseph
Published: January 2014

The paper will analyse what guanxi is in contemporary China and will also answer the phenomenological question of how guanxi is part of contemporary practices of China as well as the practice of Confucian principles. Both are concerned with ritual, rectitude, responsibility and relationships. Their entanglement shares both a functional and aesthetic time-space movement of the ritual cosmology of doors and their significance.
PROPULSION SYSTEM WITH PNEUMATIC ARTIFICIAL MUSCLES FOR POWERING ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSIS
Authors: Veneva Ivanka , Vanderborght Bram , Lefeber Dirk , Cherelle Pierre
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is to present the design of device for control of new propulsion system with pneumatic artificial muscles. The propulsion system can be used for ankle joint articulation, for assisting and rehabilitation in cases of injured ankle-foot complex, stroke patients or elderly with functional weakness. Proposed device for control is composed by microcontroller, generator for muscles contractions and sensor system. The microcontroller receives the control signals from sensors and modulates ankle joint flex- ion and extension during human motion. The local joint control with a PID (Proportional-Integral Derivative) position feedback directly calculates desired pressure levels and dictates the necessary contractions. The main goal is to achieve an adaptation of the system and provide the necessary joint torque using position control with feedback.
THE FIRST BULGARIAN INDUSTRIAL ROBOT “PROBO” 1987
Authors: Tzvetkova Galia V.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the first Bulgarian industrial robot “PROBO” build up entirely on elements, tools and human efforts at the former “Precision mechanics” laboratory within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The robot was publicly demonstrated at Plovdiv exposition in 1987. The place of the robot in the world timeline is shown. A definition of “robot” is proposed, as well.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF A REAL STIRLING ENGINE CALIBRATED BY EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Vávra Jiří , Červenka Libor , Takáts Michal , Brož Josef
Published: January 2014

Shrnutí

Článek se zaměřuje na popis termodynamiky reálného Stirlingova motoru pro stacionární výrobu elektrické energie a tepla z obnovitelných zdrojů. Byly zaznamenány úhlově indexované - v závislosti na natočení klikového hřídele záznamy rychle proměnných tlaků ve studeném a horkém válci nad písty a v prostoru pod písty při různém zatížení. Měření byla uskutečněna na vývojové zkušebně výrobce motorů. Tlakové průběhy byly analyzovány pomocí softwarových nástrojů vyvinutých na univerzitě. Článek dále popisuje nástroje pro analýzu experimentálních dat, které byly využity pro kalibraci detailního 1-D termodynamického modelu motoru vyvinutého na univerzitě s využitím komerční ho kódu GT-Power. Model bude využit pro optimalizace konstrukce motoru.
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AS A FIRST STEP IN THE EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOTIC ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: Farcaş Adina Nicoleta , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Kifor Claudiu Vasile
Published: January 2014

The ecosystems offer to the socio-economic system a series of goods and services derived from their processes and biodiversity. Ecosystem services offered by a river are at their highest potential when the river status is close to the natural one. Once the river is affected by human impact due to resources exploitation, hydro technical works, water abstraction or improper land use, the ecological status declines and the ecosystem services become scarce. This is why an ecological assessment is necessary in order to establish the connection between the ecosystem services and the human impact. In this paper, the ecological assessment of Timiș River was done, allowing the classification of the river in four sectors with different ecological statuses, associated with the various human impacts that differently affect the quality of the water, the riverbed and the flooding area.
CAN HELICICULTURE ACT AS A TOOL FOR EDIBLE LAND SNAILS’ NATURAL POPULATIONS’ MANAGEMENT IN ROMANIA?
Authors: Gheoca Voichita
Published: January 2014

Edible land snails are intensively exploited and the management of natural populations is a complex issue due the variety of factors involved. Two species of the genus Helix are present in our country, Helix pomatia and Helix lucorum, both of them collected since 1956. Although current legislation regulates the exploited amount and the dimension of collected snails, the exploitable amount is not assessed using appropriate ecological studies. The farming of edible snails has evolved in Romania especially during the period 2004-2008, the first farms being financed by the SAPARD Project. The inappropriate documentation on the matter of snail farming had lead to a quick failure of this practice in Romania. It is unlikely that snail farming will replace collection on short or medium term, but obtaining reasonable quantities of snails in snail farms could help to reduce their exploitation in nature to an acceptable level and keep a sustainable exploitation
DEVELOPING AN ECOLOGICAL AND MIGRATION SYSTEM FOR ICHTHYOFAUNA ON THE CRIŞUL REPEDE RIVER NEAR THE CITY HALL OF ORADEA
Authors: Kay Eric L , Voicu Răzvan
Published: January 2014

proposes a technical solution to facilitate fish migration upstream the weir located on Crişul Repede River, near the Ferdinand Bridge from the Oradea Town.

The proposed solution provides building of a system to facilitate fish migration, placed on the left bank of Crişul Repede, meant to restore the longitudinal connectivity of Crişul Repede River in front of the Ferdinand Bridge weir and to facilitate the access of the migratory fish species to upstream breeding habitats.

The proposed migration system are based on the gravitational fall of water and will lead to the restoration of the longitudinal connection of the Crişul Repede River near the weir selected as case study, and will reconnect a habitat with a length of approximately 4 km, that will contribute to insuring of optimal conditions for developing migratory fish species present in the area
IDENTIFICATION OF DRIVING FORCES FOR THE RECOGNITION PROCESSES ON MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMERS
Authors: Denderz Natalia , Lehotay Jozef
Published: January 2014

In this paper the thermodynamic analyses were used to calculate the contributions of entropic and enthalpic terms of the binding processes of selected derivatives of alkoxy-substituted phenylcarbamic acid (MEP) and phenolic acids (PAs) on the series of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and corresponding non-imprinted polymers (NIPs). All polymers were prepared by a bulk polymerization method with different porogens and functional monomers. The thermodynamic assessments were based on the quantification by HPLC measurements of the analytes tested in different mobile phases and at temperature range from 293 K to 333 K. The thermodynamic parameters were determined from the van’t Hoff plots - dependences between logarithms of the retention factors of studied analytes (ln k) and the inverse value of the temperature (1/T). Almost all data showed that enthalpic term was the dominating driving force for the investigated analytes.
POSSIBILITY OF THE SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF EUROPIUM BY MEANS OF ARSENAZO III
Authors: Uhrovčík Jozef , Gyeváthová Monika , Lesný Juraj
Published: January 2014

The concentration of Eu(III) cations in model aqueous solutions can be quantified by means of Arsenazo III reagent. Absorbance of the solution was measured at the wavelength λmax = 655 nm. Molar absorptivity reached the value ε655 = 5.5±0.2 · 104 cm-1 mol-1 · dm3. Beer's law was obeyed in the range from 0 to 2 mg · dm-3 Eu(III). The value of limit of detection was established by application of 3σ approach and reached the value of 20.9 μg · dm-3. Repeatability of analysis expressed by relative standard deviation does not exceed the value of ± 8% and apparent recovery lay in acceptable range from 91 to 106 %. Stoichiometry between Eu(III) and Arsenazo III in media of relevant solution was 1:1. The absorbance of the solutions within the linear range of the proposed method maintained a constant value for 60 minutes. Described procedure can be utilized to determination of Eu(III) concentration in real samples, but it is necessary eliminate interfering ions. Cations like La(III), Sm(III), Th(IV), U(VI) and complexing agent EDTA cause significant error at the determination of Eu(III) in model solution. Presented spectrophotometric method could be applied for the determination of europium in the minerals and water samples, however after a suitable separation and preconcentration of target analyte.
Public Administration Education in a Legalistic Setting: New Tendencies in Hungarian Public Administration and Training
Authors: Gellén Márton
Published: January 2014

Th e article examines the recent developments in public service training in Hungary and draws conclusions for the future. Hungary is considered to be part of the legalistic culture of European PA; therefore we analyze the connection between the legalistic approach as a cultural environment of PA practice and PA education as an influential factor of changing this environment. Th e empirical part of the research contains three elements: analysis of the professional training of civil service, the content of PA university training and the composition of professions within the central civil service. Th e empirical findings on these three dimensions are analyzed in light of recent structural changes of PA university education and professional training. Under a Government Decree issued in 2012, the National University of Public Services was appointed by the Government to be in charge of PA education and training. Th e university itself was recently created by the merger of law enforcement, military and civil PA universities (academies). Th is structural change can be characterized by centralization and, to a certain extent, simplification, too. Th e restructuring of PA training is completed by the concept of the Government making the fields of public service permeable, open to each other. Th e university itself is a test field for this concept since police and military students have the opportunity to study civil PA courses. Th e need for this kind of cross-learning is supported by the new phenomenon that defense and policing are gradually becoming more civilian in their character, while traditional training in these fields must undergo serious changes too. Although the article states that the basic framework of public administration education - as a major driver of public administration culture - is still dominantly legalistic, it also introduces the ways in which the new public-administration education system has tried to change the content of its degree programs and how it has attempted to have an impact on the entire public-administrative system to move from procedural orientation to a more solution-oriented mindset.
Limitations in reasoning about false beliefs in adults: the effect of priming or the curse of knowledge?
Authors: Dębska Agnieszka , Komorowska Krystyna
Published: January 2014

Birch & Bloom (2007) suggest that adults’ reasoning about other people’s mental states is influenced by their privileged knowledge about reality. When asked where a person described in a story would search for a missing object, participants tend to judge with higher probability that the person would search in a particular box when they know that the object is indeed in that box. However, the results of that experiment could be an effect of unintended priming in the experimental materials. The increased attention towards the box might be caused by reading about it in the task instructions. In a new version of the experiment, we controlled for this factor by priming different locations in the instructions. The results show that it is unlikely that priming is the source of Birch and Bloom’s observations: only knowledge about reality changed the participants’ strategies in reasoning about the actions of others.
Non-literal speech comprehension in preschool children – an example from a study on verbal irony
Authors: Banasik Natalia
Published: January 2014

The study aims to answer questions about the developmental trajectories of irony comprehension. The research focuses on the problem of the age at which ironic utterances can first be understood. The link between ironic utterance comprehension and early Theory of Mind (ToM) is examined as well. In order to approach the topic, 46 preschool children were tested with the Irony Comprehension Task (Banasik & Bokus, 2013) and the Reflection on Thinking Test (Białecka-Pikul, 2012) in three age groups: four-year-olds, five-year-olds and six-year-olds. The study showed no age effect in the Irony Comprehension Task and a significant effect in the Reflection on Thinking Test. On some of the measures, irony comprehension correlates with theory of mind. Also, an analysis of children’s narratives was conducted to observe how children explain the intention of the speaker who uttered the ironic statement. The children’s responses fall into four categories, one of which involves a function similar to a white lie being ascribed to the utterance.
The semi-Markov model of the process of appearance of sea-going ship propupsion system ability and inability states in application to determining the reliablity of these systems
Authors: Girtler Jerzy
Published: January 2014

The article presents possible application of the theory of semi-Markov processes in creating the eight-state model of the process of appearance of the propulsion systems ability and inability states on sea-going vessels performing transportation tasks in a relatively long operating time t (t → ∞). The model has been proved to be able to be successfully used for determining the reliability of the abovementioned systems. The probability of faultless operation in time t was assumed the measure of system reliability. Operating situations of sea-going vessels were characterised, with special attention being paid to the fact that the loads of propulsion system components of these vessels are of random nature. These loads lead to damages which for this reason were also considered random events. It was also assumed that the damages provoke the appearance of states of inability of particular ship propulsion system components which means that these states are random events as well. The states of ability of a given ship propulsion system have been assumed to exist when all components of this system are in the state of ability. In case when at least one component is in the state of inability, the entire system is in the state of inability. Conditions were formulated for the reliability model of an arbitrary system to be able to be worked out in the form of the semi-Markov process. The need for the use of technical diagnostics in reliability examination of sea-going ship propulsion systems was indicated. In conclusions, certain qualities of the article were highlighted which are, in author’s opinion, of highest importance in reliability examination of sea-going ship propulsion systems.
The influence of efficiency of the cooling system on the thermodynamic parameters and performance of a two - stage VC 20.96 reciprocating compressor designed to serve as a marine engine starter
Authors: Grzelczak Mateusz
Published: January 2014

The paper presents results of the research related to the analysis of the thermodynamic and flow processes occurring in a prototype VC 20.96 two-stage liquid-cooled reciprocating compressor. The compressor has been developed and manufactured by H. Cegielski Poznan metal works in collaboration with the Poznan University of Technology. The research related to the VC compressor was realized within the KBN 3127/C.T07-6/2002 project titled “Development of design of type-series of reciprocating compressors and their implementation in production”. The basic task of the project was to develop two type-series of liquid- and air- cooled reciprocating compressors of the V- and W- arrangement, designed to serve as marine engine starters. The result of the design work was the manufacturing of two compressors: the VC 20.96 liquid-cooled compressor and the WP 18.80 air-cooled one. The main aim of the research described in this paper was to evaluate the efficiency of the cooling system which uses inter-coolers integrated with the compressing stages and the cooperation of the compressing stages in terms of pressure ratio distribution. Owing to the cooling method, the applied design assumptions enabled to develop a compact compressor fulfilling the assumed operating parameters.
Effect of material on hydro-elastic behaviour of marine propeller by using BEM-FEM hybrid software
Authors: Ghassemi Hassan , Ghassabzadeh Morteza , Saryazdi Maryam Gh.
Published: January 2014

This paper studies the effect of material on the hydro-elastic behaviour. The geometry of flexible propeller changes due to hydrodynamic and inertial forces acting on the propeller. By using prepared software (called HYDRO-BEM and ELASTIC-FEM) the hydro-elastic features of the propeller made of various materials are analyzed. In the software the hybrid boundary element and finite element methods are used. First, the load acting on the propeller is determined by using the BEM and deformed propeller geometry is then obtained by the FEM. In the next step, the load on the deformed propeller is determined by the BEM and a new shape is obtained. The iterative procedure is repeated till the blade deflection and hydrodynamic characteristics (thrust, torque and efficiency) of the propeller become converged. Four different materials are examined. It is concluded that the hydro-elastic behaviour of the composite propeller is strongly affected by its flexibility due to light material.
Results of photon radiotherapy for unresectable salivary gland tumors: is neutron radiotherapy’s local control superior?
Authors: Spratt Daniel E. , Salgado Lucas Resende , Riaz Nadeem , Doran Michael G. , Tam Moses , Wolden Suzanne , Katsoulakis Evangelia , Rao Shyam , Ho Alan , Wong Richard , Lee Nancy Y.
Published: January 2014

Background. The results of RTOG-MRC randomized trial of photon (n=15) versus neutron (n=17) therapy in the 1980’s reported an improved local control (LC) with neutron radiotherapy for unresectable salivary gland tumors. Due to increased severe toxicity with neutron radiotherapy and the paucity of neutron-therapy centers, we analyzed our institution’s results of photon radiotherapy for unresectable salivary gland tumors.

Patients and methods. From 1990 to 2009, 27 patients with unresectable salivary gland cancer underwent definitive photon radiotherapy at our institution. Nodal involvement on presentation was found in 9 patients. Median dose of radiotherapy was 70 Gy. Chemotherapy was given to 18 patients, most being platinum-based regimens. Local control (LC), locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity outcomes were assessed.

Results. With a median follow-up of 52.4 months, the 2/5-year actuarial LC was 69% (95%CI ± 21.0%)/55% (± 24.2%), LRC was 65% (± 21.4%)/47% (± 21.6%), and DMFS was 71% (± 21.8%)/51% (± 22.8%), respectively using competing risk analysis. The median OS was 25.7 months, and the 2/5-year OS rates were 50% (± 19.0%)/29% (± 16.6%), respectively. Higher histologic grade was significant for an increased rate of DM (intermediate grade vs. low grade, p=0.04, HR 7.93; high grade vs. low grade, p=0.01, HR 13.50). Thirteen (48%) patient’s experienced acute grade 3 toxicity. Late grade 3 toxicity occurred in three (11%) patients.

Conclusions. Our data compares favorably to neutron radiotherapy with fewer late complications. Photon radiotherapy is an acceptable alternative to neutron radiotherapy in patients who present with unresectable salivary gland tumors.
Increased expression of SHP-1 is associated with local recurrence after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Peng Gang , Cao Rubo , Xue Jun , Li Pindong , Zou Zhenwei , Huang Jing , Ding Qian
Published: January 2014

Background. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a major cancer in southern China. Src homology phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) is a tyrosine phosphatase that regulates growth, differentiation, cell cycle progression, and oncogenesis. We determined the clinical significance of SHP-1 expression in the tumours of NPC patients from southern China who were treated with radiotherapy.

Patients and methods. SHP-1 expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting of NPC tissue samples of 50 patients and nasopharyngeal tissues of 50 non-NPC patients who had chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation. SHP-1 expression was measured in NPC tissue samples of 206 patients by immunohistochemistry and survival analysis was performed.

Results. The tumours of NPC patients had significantly increased expression of SHP-1 at mRNA and protein levels relative to patients with chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation. Survival analysis of NPC patients indicated that SHP-1 expression was significantly associated with poor local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.008), but not with nodal recurrence- free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, or overall survival.

Conclusions. SHP-1 appears to be associated with radiation resistance of NPC cells and can be considered as a candidate marker for prognosis and/or therapeutic target in patients with this type of cancer.
Glioblastoma patients in Slovenia from 1997 to 2008
Authors: Smrdel Uros , Kovac Viljem , Popovic Mara , Zwitter Matjaz
Published: January 2014

Background. Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumour. It has a poor prognosis despite some advances in treatment that have been achieved over the last ten years. In Slovenia, 50 to 60 glioblastoma patients are diagnosed each year. In order to establish whether the current treatment options have any influence on the survival of the Slovenian glioblastoma patients, their data in the period from the beginning of the year 1997 to the end of the year 2008 have been analysed.

Patients and methods. All patients treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana from 1997 to 2008 were included in the retrospective study. Demographics, treatment details, and survival time after the diagnosis were collected and statistically analysed for the group as a whole and for subgroups.

Results. From 1997 to 2008, 527 adult patients were diagnosed with glioblastoma and referred to the Institute of Oncology for further treatment. Their median age was 59 years (from 20 to 85) and all but one had the diagnosis confirmed by a pathologist. Gross total resection was reported by surgeons in 261 (49.5%) patients; good functional status (WHO 0 or 1) after surgery was observed in 336 (63.7%) patients, radiotherapy was performed in 422 (80.1%) patients, in 317 (75.1%) of them with radical intent, and 198 (62.5 %) of those received some form of systemic treatment (usually temozolomide). The median survival of all patients amounted to 9.7 months. There was no difference in median survival of all patients or of all treated patients before or after the chemo-radiotherapy era. However, the overall survival of patients treated with radical intent was significantly better (11.4 months; p < 0.05). A better survival was also noticed in radically treated patients who received additional temozolomide therapy (11.4 vs. 13.1 months; p = 0.014). The longer survival was associated with a younger age and a good performance status as well as with a more extensive tumour resection. In patients treated with radical intent, having a good performance status, and receiving radiotherapy and additional temozolomide therapy, the survival was significantly longer, based on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions. We observed a gradual increase in the survival of glioblastoma patients who were treated with radical intent over the last ten years. Good functional surgery, advances in radiotherapy and addition of temozolomide all contributed to this increase. Though the increased survival seems to be more pronounced in certain subgroups, we have still not been able to exactly define them. Further research, especially in tumour biology and genetics is needed.
PUBLIC REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT IN POST-SOCIALIST COUNTRIES
Authors: Gross Marta , Źróbek Ryszard
Published: January 2014

Public real estate management is a complicated process which depends on many factors. Post-socialist countries are characterized by different ways of public real estate management. This is caused, inter alia, by the specifics of a particular country, its history, politics, the way in which public real estate is interpreted, or the amount of public resources.

The paper presents the classification of the public real estate management systems in terms of the applied procedures. Analyses were made on the basis of the authors’ own studies and indicators proposed by international organizations, such as the World Bank and World Economic Forum. Extremely helpful advice was also obtained from the participants of the international seminar on State and Public Sector Land Management in Transition Countries, which was organized in September 2012 in Budapest by Commission 7 of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
THE CONCEPT OF TENANT DISPLACEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HOUSING STOCK
Authors: Muczyński Andrzej , Turbaczewska Adelajda
Published: January 2014

Effective local housing policies require integrated and flexible ways of managing the resources of social, council and social building society flats. The paper presents a systemic concept of relocating tenants within the local housing resources to premises of a different type. The concept is based on the proposal to rent the flats to the tenants on a temporary basis. Such a solution leads to more efficient housing resource utilization as well as making the housing policy in Poland more rational at times of a housing deficit. Empirical research has proved that the existing legal regulations reduce the scale of tenant transfers in Olsztyn and the concept of creating "a chain of voluntary transfers" has not been, in fact, implemented.
BUYER BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS ON THE PRIMARY HOUSING MARKET IN POZNAN IN THE PERIOD 2010-2011
Authors: Trojanek Maria
Published: January 2014

The author endeavoured to define profiles and preferences of buyers on the primary housing market in Poznań. To achieve this aim, the author used data obtained from notarial deeds concerning transactions entered into on the primary housing market in Poznań in the period 2010-2011.

The study was conducted among the biggest groups of buyers (i.e., women, men and married couples - 90% of those analyzed). The number of transactions encompassed in the study amounted to 1,648 (after selection and rejection of transactions with an incomplete description, e.g., incomplete information in the land register).
USE OF SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION TO BUILD REGRESSION MODELS OF TRANSACTION PRICES
Authors: Cellmer Radosław
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the principles of studying global spatial autocorrelation in the land property market, as well as the possibilities of using these regularities for the construction of spatial regression models. Research work consisted primarily of testing the structure of the spatial weights matrix using different criteria and conducting diagnostic tests of two types of models: the spatial error model and the spatial lag model.

The paper formulates the hypothesis that the application of spatial regression models greatly increases the accuracy of transaction price prediction while forming the basis for the creation of cartographic documents including, among others, maps of land value.
VALUATION SYSTEMS IN POLAND, SLOVAKIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM – COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Walacik Marek , Grover Richard , Adamuscin Adamuscin
Published: January 2014

The real estate market is a domain of multi-faceted contemplations - ranging from economical, societal and sociological, to juridical aspects. These domains are important because they create an area of real estate (internal and external) and have an impact on the real estate market.

The multifariousness of properties has an influence on the creation of market values. Investors and people whose jobs are connected with the real estate market describe it using points, variables and characteristic attributes and on their basis, create algorithms or real estate market models. We need to draw attention to the fact that, in most cases, the terms “features “, “variables”, and “attributes” are treated as the same. The authors of the present article do not agree with that kind of approach and would like to systematize the knowledge in this area. The goal of the article is to explain problematic terms, and indicate their genesis and sense of using them.

The paper compares the legal systems of property valuation in three different countries. It describes their different valuation procedures and provides commentary on them.
Temporal pattern prevails over spatial variability in phytoplankton communities from a subtropical water supply reservoir
Authors: Lv Hong , Yang Jun , Liu Lemian
Published: January 2014

Phytoplankton species are dominant components in reservoir ecosystems, yet little is known about their variability and dynamics, especially along the depth continuum. This study examined vertical and horizontal differences in phytoplankton communities in a typical subtropical deep reservoir (i.e. Dongzhen Reservoir) from 2011 to 2012. Phytoplankton communities separated into four groups based on the biomass data, indicating that temporal differences in the community structure were greater than spatial differences. Autumn communities had the highest diversity measured by the Shannon-Wiener index (2.47±0.07), while summer communities had the lowest diversity (0.46±0.09). Both winter and spring communities were dominated by diatoms (90.4±1.7%), while cyanobacteria dominated in summer communities during our sampling period. In spring and summer, however, the three surface communities characterized by high biomass were most similar to each other, indicating that vertical variation was significantly higher than horizontal differences. Furthermore, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii accounted for over 96% of the total phytoplankton biomass in the summer surface water. The redundancy analysis (RDA) illustrated that the temporal factor (summer), the spatial factor (depth), and nutrients (nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphate phosphorus) were significant variables affecting the dynamics of phytoplankton communities. High temperature with stable thermal stratification might have been the cause of C. raciborskii dominance in Dongzhen Reservoir in summer. Regular and long-term monitoring of dominant species is urgently needed for water quality protection and sustainable reservoir management. Copyright© of Dept. of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Poland
Poincaré Plots in Analysis of Selected Biomedical Signals
Authors: Golińska Agnieszka Kitlas
Published: January 2014

Poincaré plot is a return map which can help perform graphical analysis of data. We can also fit an ellipse to the plot shape by determining descriptors SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio to study the data quantitatively. In this paper we show examples of application of Poincaré plots in analysis of various kinds of biomedical signals: RR intervals, EMG, gait data and EHG.
Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks and Logistic Regression Analysis in Pregnancy Prediction Using the In Vitro Fertilization Treatment
Authors: Milewski Robert , Milewska Anna Justyna , Więsak Teresa , Morgan Allen
Published: January 2014

Infertility is recognized as a major problem of modern society. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is the one of many available treatment options to cure infertility. However, the efficiency of the ART treatment is still inadequate. Therefore, the procedure’s quality is constantly improving and there is a need to determine statistical predictors as well as contributing factors to the successful treatment. There is a concern over the application of adequate statistical analysis to clinical data: should classic statistical methods be used or would it be more appropriate to apply advanced data mining technologies? By comparing two statistical models, Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis and Artificial Neural Network it has been demonstrated that Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis is more suitable for theoretical interest but the Artificial Neural Network method is more useful in clinical prediction.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Liver Tumors Based on Multi-Image Texture Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced CT. Selection of the Most Appropriate Texture Features
Authors: Duda Dorota , Krętowski Marek , Bézy-Wendling Johanne
Published: January 2014

In this work, a system for the classification of liver dynamic contest- enhanced CT images is presented. The system simultaneously analyzes the images with the same slice location, corresponding to three typical acquisition moments (without contrast, arterial- and portal phase of contrast propagation). At first, the texture features are extracted separately for each acquisition mo- ment. Afterwards, they are united in one “multiphase” vector, characterizing a triplet of textures. The work focuses on finding the most appropriate features that characterize a multi-image texture. At the beginning, the features which are unstable and dependent on ROI size are eliminated. Then, a small subset of remaining features is selected in order to guarantee the best possible classification accuracy. In total, 9 extraction methods were used, and 61 features were calculated for each of three acquisition moments. 1511 texture triplets, corresponding to 4 hepatic tissue classes were recognized (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, cirrhotic, and normal). As a classifier, an adaptive boosting algorithm with a C4.5 tree was used. Experiments show that a small set of 12 features is able to ensure classification accuracy exceeding 90%, while all of the 183 features provide an accuracy rate of 88.94%.
Analyzing Outcomes of Intrauterine Insemination Treatment by Application of Cluster Analysis or Kohonen Neural Networks
Authors: Milewska Anna Justyna , Jankowska Dorota , Cwalina Urszula , Więsak Teresa , Citko Dorota , Morgan Allen , Milewski Robert
Published: January 2014

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of many treatments provided to infertility patients. Many factors such as, but not limited to, quality of semen, the age of a woman, and reproductive hormone levels contribute to infertility. Therefore, the aim of our study is to establish a statistical probability concerning the prediction of which groups of patients have a very good or poor prognosis for pregnancy after IUI insemination. For that purpose, we compare the results of two analyses: Cluster Analysis and Kohonen Neural Networks. The k-means algorithm from the clustering methods was the best to use for selecting patients with a good prognosis but the Kohonen Neural Networks was better for selecting groups of patients with the lowest chances for pregnancy.
The Evaluation of Skeletal Age Based on Computer-Supported Methods in Comparison to the Atlas Method
Authors: Predko-Maliszewska Anna , Predko-Engel Agnieszka , Goliński Maciej
Published: January 2014

This article describes methods used in estimating skeletal age based both on the evaluation of skeletal maturation of the palm and the wrist (Greulich and Pyle’s atlas method) and the Cervical Vertebral Maturation method (CVM). The method of evaluating the skeletal age based on the measurement of cervical vertebrae with equations introduced by A. Machorowska-Pieniążek is also mentioned. The article shows results obtained by computer analysis of the age of cervical vertebrae compared to the results gained from the implemented equations provided by A. Machorowska-Pieniążek and the results obtained from the atlas method.
LARVAL STAGES OF PHYLLODISTOMUM SP. (DIGENEA, GORGODERIDAE) FROM THE DUCK MUSSELS ANODONTA ANATINA IN UKRAINE
Authors: Kudlai O. S. , Yanovich L. N.
Published: January 2014

Rhopalocercous cercariae were found in the gonads of duck mussels, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Sluch River (Zhytomyr oblast, Ukraine). The morphological features observed led to conclusion that this species belonged to the genus Phyllodistomum Braun, 1899. Obtained results suggested that the second intermediate hosts in the life cycle of this trematode were absent. Free-swimming cercariae were observed encysting in water. This species is similar to Phyllodistomum pseudofolium Nybelin, 1926 by overall body proportions and ratio of suckers: lengths of oral to ventral sucker 1 : 1.1; widths of the same organs 1 : 1.2. To confirm the taxonomic position of the species found and establish a possible relationship between it and P. pseudofolium an experimental infection of fish Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) as potential definitive host was performed. The infection was not successful. Descriptions and figures of all detected larval stages of Phyllodistomum sp. are provided.
CESTODE PARASITES OF BIRDS OF SUBODER CHARADRII FROM SYVASH LAKE, UKRAINE
Authors: Greben O. B.
Published: January 2014

Twelve birds species of the suborder Charadrii of the families Charadriidae, Recurvirostridae, Scolopacidae, Glareolidae were examined at Syvash Lake (Ukraine) in spring 2011. Cestodes were found in 82.1 % of examined birds. Seventeen cestode species of 6 families were found. Aploparaksis octacantha from Calidris alpinà and Echinocotyloides dubininae from C. ferruginea are new geographical records for the first time in Ukraine. Glareola pratincola is a new host record for Nadejdolepis paranitidulans. Cestodes of the genus Microsomacanthus were found in waders apparently due to the infection (2.8 %) in their intermediate hosts, gammarid crustaceans.
TRANSITIONAL MORPHOLOGY IN HYBRIDS OF HIRUDO VERBANA AND H. ORIENTALIS (CLITELLATA, HIRUDINIDA)
Authors: Kovalenko M. V. , Utevsky S. Yu.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this research was to test the ability of hybridizing Hirudo orientalis S. Utevsky et Trontelj, 2005 and Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820. We obtained offspring from both species. The color pattern of all the hybrids was uniform and quite different from both the parents. The venter was similar to H. verbana. The dorsum was very similar to the color pattern of Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus, 1758 that was not involved to the experiment. The coloration pattern of the hybrids, which is very similar to that of H. medicinalis suggests the hybrid origin of this species.
Outcome of manual hemorrhoidopexy in the management of hemorrhoids
Authors: Kumar Sujit , Kafle P , Shrestha SJ , Agrawal S , Patowary BN
Published: January 2014

Background: Manual hemorrhoidopexy is a new technique of treating second degree hemorrhoids. In contrast to the conventional resectional techniques (Milligan-Morgan), manual hemorrhoidopexy is a novel technique as described by T Carlo. It does not involve excision but plication with fixation of the prolapsing hemorrhoid. Objective: To study the outcome of manual hemorrhoidopexy and to compare manual hemorrhoidopexy with the traditional hemorrhoidectomy. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted over 16 months (January 2012 to April 2013) in the College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (COMS-TH), Bharatpur, Chitwan, Department of Surgery. The patients who presented with third degree internal-hemorrhoids on a random basis, and underwent either conventional hemorrhoidectomy (Group A) or Manual hemorrhoidopexy (Group B) by senior consultant surgeons were included. The patients who had external hemorrhoids in addition to internal were excluded. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. Results: Twenty five patients with median age group 42.5 years underwent conventional (Milligan-Morgan) hemorrhoidectomy (Group A) and 25 patients with mean age of 40.1 years underwent manual hemorrhoidopexy (Group B). Male patients were predominant in both groups. The patients in group A had more postoperative pain as compared to group B (as assessed by the visual analogue scale and requirement of post-operative analgesic) and this was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no significant difference among the other post-operative urinary retention. Twelve percent (n=3) patients in group A had post-operative bleeding and only 4% (n=1) in group B which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Mean duration of hospital stay in group A was 2.5 days as compared to 1.5 day in group B. Median follow up in both the study group was 3 (2-4) months. Conclusion: Manual hemorrhoidopexy has comparable outcomes in term of postoperative analgesic requirement, and post operative complications. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 15-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9682