bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of disturbing effect of 3 kV DC supplied traction vehicles equipped with two-level and three-level VSI on railway signalling track circuits
Authors: Steczek M. , Szeląg A. , Chatterjee D.
Published: November 2017

Electric traction vehicles cooperating with a 3kV DC traction system and equipped with drive systems based on voltage source inverters are the most significant sources of disturbances for a railway signalling system. Every traction vehicle to be authorised for operation on railway lines must fulfil the limits imposed on current harmonics magnitudes and those provided by railway operators. The solution introduced for prototypes of most modern traction drives is to replace the two-level inverters with three-level topology. Therefore, it is essential to establish the influence of the new solution on the railway signalling system. This paper presents a comparative analysis between simulation results delivered for two and three-level traction drive system regarding generation of disturbing current harmonics. Two types of VSI modulation techniques were taken under consideration: sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) and a new one, proposed by the authors, based on selective harmonic elimination (SHE). Furthermore, the authors presented application of one of the SHE based optimization techniques for shaping the EMU’s (electric multiple unit) DC side input current harmonics spectrum in order to meet the required limits. The described technique is based on off-line generation of a set of solutions for each of the VSI operating points and selection of the best solution for the assumed criteria. The applied simulation models and the concept of SHE control were verified in a laboratory by means of a low-power drive stand. Using the three-level inverter in traction drives system results in less current harmonics than using two-level topology without modification of the modulation technique. Thus, it does not guarantee fulfilling all limits assumed in this paper. The proposed modulation technique allows for fulfilling the limits, and the technical implementation of the proposed technique in a traction drive system will be considered in future studies.
Energy balancing in modular multilevel converter systems
Authors: Blaszczyk P. , Koska K. , Klimczak P.
Published: November 2017

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is a well-known solution for medium and high voltage high power converter systems. This paper deals with energy balancing of MMCs. The analysis includes multi-converter systems. In order to provide clear view, the MMC control system is divided into hierarchical levels. Details of control and balancing methods are discussed for each level separately. Finally, experimental results, based on multi-converter test setup, are presented.
Numerical solution of fractional variable order linear control system in state-space form
Authors: Malesza W. , Macias M.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this paper is to introduce a matrix approach for approximate solving of non-commensurate fractional variable order linear control systems in state-space form. The approach is based on switching schemes that realize variable order derivatives. The obtained numerical solution is compared with simulation and analog model results.
Hardware Trojans detection in chaos-based cryptography
Authors: Melosik M. , Sniatala P. , Marszalek W.
Published: November 2017

The paper deals with the security problems in chaotic-based cryptography. In particular, the 0–1 test for chaos is used to detect hardware Trojans in electronic circuits – generators of chaotic bit sequences. The proposed method of detecting hardware Trojans is based on analyzing the original bit sequences through the 0–1 test yielding a simple result, either a number close to 1, when the examined bit sequence is chaotic, or a number close to 0, when the sequence is non-chaotic. A complementary result is a graph of translation variables qc and pc which form a basis of the 0–1 test. The method does not require any extra corrections and can be applied to relatively short sequences of bits. This makes the method quite attractive as the security problems are dealt with at the chaotic generator level, with no need to apply any extractors of randomness. The method is illustrated by numerical examples of simulated Trojans in chaotic bit generators based on the analog Lindberg circuit as well as a discrete system based on the logistic map.
Mimicking speaker’s lip movement on a 3D head model using cosine function fitting
Authors: Lüsi I. , Anbarjafari G.
Published: November 2017

Real-time mimicking of human facial movement on a 3D head model is a challenge which has attracted attention of many researchers. In this research work we propose a new method for enhancing the capturing of the shape of lips. We present an automatic lip movement tracking method which employs a cosine function to interpolate between extracted lip features in order to make the detection more accurate. In order to test the proposed method, mimicking lip movements of a speaker on a 3D head model is studied. Microsoft Kinect II is used in order to capture videos and both RGB and depth information are used to locate the mouth of a speaker followed by fitting a cosine function in order to track the changes of the features extracted from the lips.
A way of neodymium-iron-boron magnets regeneration in surface-mounted PMSM used in electric vehicles
Authors: Łebkowski A.
Published: November 2017

The paper describes an efficient method of magnetization of permanent magnets, mounted on synchronous and BLDC motor rotors, which employs an air coil. A developed mathematical model of an electromagnetic circuit is presented, which was simulated in an ANSYS-MAXWELL environment. The performed simulations and experimental tests allowed optimization of the physical process of magnetization of permanent magnets mounted on an electrical machine rotor. The adopted method allowed achieving more favourable conditions of magnetization – less financial expenditure allowed to achieve the same results.
International Experience in Upper Echelon Theory: Literature Review
Authors: Đerđa Dino
Published: November 2017

Background:The international experience of top managers is an evolving research within the upper echelon theory; therefore this literature review summarizes everything made so far.

Objectives:The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of international experience within the theory of the upper echelons.

Methods/Approach:We reviewed the literature from the beginning of the theory formation and tried to understand the direction in which it develops, particularly in the context of international experience. We conducted a bibliometric analysis in order to understand the research area better.

Results:We have found that 38 papers were published in 25 different journals by 72 authors. We have concluded that the area of research is very narrow and that most of the research is concentrated on finding out the impact of demographic characteristics and international experience of top managers on internationalization strategy mostly with MNC-s.

Conclusions:After two decades of international experience in the upper echelon theory there is a significant possibility of uniformity of the theory but only if researchers are able to prove equal results among different countries.
Griechische Reise und byzantinische Hymnographie: Unbekannte Briefe Karl Krumbachers im Nachlass Wilhelm Meyers
Authors: Rossetto Giulia
Published: November 2017

From October 1884 to May 1885 Karl Krumbacher (1856-1909) undertook a journey to Greece and Turkey with the aim of studying the Modern Greek dialects. He describes his trip in the book Griechische Reise (Berlin 1886), which has been the only source about Krumbacher’s travel so far. The present article offers the edition and commentary of six hitherto unknown letters addressed by Karl Krumbacher to his friend and colleagueWilhelm Meyer between October 1884 and January 1885. These letters, preserved in the University Library of Göttingen, shed light on the importance of the Greek journey for Krumbacher’s research not only in the field of Greek linguistics, but also of Byzantine hymnography.
Territorial cohesion through cross-border landscape policy? The European case of the Three Countries Park (BE-NL-DE)
Authors: Brüll Anja , Wirth Timo Matti , Lohrberg Frank , Kempenaar Annet , Brinkhuijsen Marlies , Godart Marie- Françoise , Coppens Alain , Nielsen Marc
Published: November 2017

Landscapes can be understood as socialecological systems under constant change. In Europe various territorial dynamics pose persistent challenges to maintaining diverse landscapes both as European heritage and in their capacity to provide vital functions and services. Concurrently, under the competence of cohesion policy, the EU is attempting to improve policy making by better policy coordination and respecting regional specifics. This paper explores the question how a policy dedicated to landscape can help to handle territorial change and support territorial cohesion. It presents results and performances of the ESPON applied research study LP3LP: (1) a common landscape policy for the Three Countries Park, across the Dutch, German and Belgium borders, including a spatial landscape vision, a governance proposal of adaptive landscape management, and thematic strategies dealing with green infrastructure, cultural heritage, complementary biomass and quality production; (2) recommendations at the EU level. In discussing the significance of a landscape approach for EU policy,three dimensions of landscape are linked withimportant aspects of territorial cohesion: ‘landscape as asset’ addressing natural-cultural territorial capital as an indigenous base forsmart, sustainable, and inclusivedevelopment;‘landscape as place’ stressing the relevance of landscape for place-based policies; and ‘landscape as common ground’ highlighting its potential for horizontal, vertical, and territorial integration.
China-CEEC Cooperation: China’s Building of a New Type of International Relations
Authors: Zuokui Liu
Published: November 2017

The article analyzes how the 16+1 Cooperation promotes the Chinese new type of international relations from four perspectives: firstly, the “16+1 Cooperation” insists on not rejecting third parties and promotes the idea of open and inclusive international cooperation; Secondly, the cooperation framework adheres to the principle of mutually-beneficial and win-win cooperation, and proposes to wisely handle differences and divergences; Thirdly, this framework never engages in zero-sum games, instead, it fully respects and closely watches the core interests and major concerns of the relevant parties; Fourthly, it is committed to creating a cooperative platform through consultation, to meet the interests of all. The article also makes an analysis of the challenges facing 16+1 Cooperation and gives some suggestions.
The Baltic Sea Macro-Regional Transport Cluster as an Element of the Silk Road Economic Belt
Authors: Nežerenko Olga , Koppel Ott
Published: November 2017

This article analyzes the opportunities of the Chinese initiative “One Belt, One Road”, for the development of the Baltic Sea macro-region (BSR), as a single transport cluster. One of the objectives of the initiative is to strengthen transport linkages from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea Region. Thus, the contemporary macro-regional approach to the development of EU macro-regions can provide an additional impulse to the creation of formal macro-regional inter-cooperation, via in this case, the project that will advance the transport infrastructure of the region. This study examines the situation of the railway sector in the BSR in the period 2004–2015, through hierarchical cluster analysis, to identify countries with similar trends in cargo flow turnover. Taking into account the favorable geographical position of Poland, its transport performance and advanced (in comparison to other Baltic Sea region countries) relations with China, it is concluded that Poland’s conditions are more suitable to promote economic integration with its closest neighbors – the Baltic countries-through the creation of formal macro-regional railway transport within the Rail Baltic project.
Conceptual representations and figurative language in language shift
Authors: Ponsonnet Maïa
Published: November 2017

This article explores the correlations between linguistic figurative features and their corresponding conceptual representations, by considering their respective continuities and discontinuities in language shift. I compare the figurative encoding of emotions in Kriol, a creole of northern Australia, with those of Dalabon, one of the languages replaced by this creole, with a particular focus on evidence from metaphorical gestures. The conclusions are three-fold. Firstly, the prominent figurative association between the body and the emotions observed in Dalabon is, overall, not matched in Kriol. Secondly, although this association is not prominent in Kriol, it is not entirely absent. It surfaces where speakers are less constrained by linguistic conventions: in non-conventionalized tropes, and gestures in particular. Indeed, some of the verbal emotion metaphors that have disappeared with language shift are preserved as gestural metaphors. Thus, Kriol speakers endorse the conceptual association between emotions and the body, in spite of the lower linguistic incidence of this association. The third conclusion is that therefore, in language shift, conceptual figurative representations and linguistic figurative representations are independent of each other. The former can persist when the latter largely disappear. Conversely, the fact that speakers endorse a certain type of conceptual representation does not entail that they will use corresponding linguistic forms in the new language. The transfer of linguistic figurative representations seems to depend, instead, upon purely linguistic parameters.
On p-adic L-series, p-adic cohomology and class field theory
Authors: Burns David , Macias Castillo Daniel
Published: November 2017

We establish several close links between the Galois structures of a range of arithmetic modules including certain natural families of ray class groups, the values at strictly positive integers of p-adic Artin L-series, the Shafarevich–Weil Theorem and the conjectural surjectivity of certain norm maps in cyclotomic

ℤ
p

{\mathbb{Z}_{p}}

-extensions. Non-commutative Iwasawa theory and the theory of organising matrices play a key role in our approach.
Symplectic and isometric SL(2,#x211D;)-invariant subbundles of the Hodge bundle
Authors: Avila Artur , Eskin Alex , Möller Martin
Published: November 2017

Suppose N is an affine

SL
⁢

(
2
,
ℝ
)

{\mathrm{SL}(2,{\mathbb{R}})}

-invariant submanifold of the moduli space of pairs

(
M
,
ω
)

(M,\omega)

, where M is a curve, and ω is a holomorphic 1-form on M. We show that the Forni bundle of N (i.e. the maximal

SL
⁢

(
2
,
ℝ
)

{\mathrm{SL}(2,{\mathbb{R}})}

-invariant isometric subbundle of the Hodge bundle of N) is always flat and is always orthogonal to the tangent space of N. As a corollary, it follows that the Hodge bundle of N is semisimple.
Norm estimates for functions of non-selfadjoint operators nonregular on the convex hull of the spectrum
Authors: Gil’ Michael
Published: November 2017

We consider a bounded linear operator A in a Hilbert space with a Hilbert-Schmidt Hermitian component (A − A*)/2i. A sharp norm estimate is established for functions of A nonregular on the convex hull of the spectrum. The logarithm, fractional powers and meromorphic functions of operators are examples of such functions. Our results are based on the existence of a sequence An (n = 1, 2, ...) of finite dimensional operators strongly converging to A, whose spectra belongs to the spectrum of A. Besides, it is shown that the resolvents and holomorphic functions of An strongly converge to the resolvent and corresponding function of A.
A note on range-kernel uncomplementation
Authors: Kubrusly Carlos , Duggal Bhagwati Prashad
Published: November 2017

This note exhibits a Banach-space operator such that neither the range nor the kernel is complemented both for the operator and its adjoint
Network Analysis Approach to Stroke Care and Assistance Provision: An Empirical Study
Authors: Szczygiel Nina , Santana Silvina
Published: November 2017

To model and analyse stroke care and assistance provision in the Portuguese context from the network perspective. We used the network theory as a theoretical foundation for the study. The model proposed by Frey et al. (2006) was used to elicit and comprehend possible interactions and relations between organisations expected to be involved in the provision of care and assistance to stroke patients in their pathway to rehabilitation. Providers were identified and contacted to evaluate the nature and intensity of relationships. Network analysis was performed with the NodeXL software package. Analysis of 509 entities based on about 260 000 entries indicates that stroke care provision in the evaluated context is best captured in the coalition-collaboration setting, which appears to best demonstrate the character of the network. Information from analysis of the collaboration stage was not sufficient to determine the network dynamics. Application of the network theory to understand interorganisational dynamics of the complex health care context. Empirical validation of the model proposed by Frey et al. (2006) in terms of its operationalisation and the way it actually reflects the practical context. Examination and analysis of interorganisational relationships and its contribution to management of compound health care context involving actors from various sectors.
Performance and preparation of modified pearlite thermal-insulating composites
Authors: Tang Baohua , Wang Chen , Shu Zhongjun , Wang Yong , Shao Xiaoqi
Published: November 2017

In this article, three composites were prepared by filling the composition of hydrophobically modified pearlite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), urea-formaldehyde resin (UF), and melamine urea formaldehyde resin (MUF). Properties including combustion time, smoke density, oxygen index, and thermal conductivity, as well as the effects of component ratio on the combustion performance were determined for each of the three composites. The results indicated improved flame retardancy of all composite samples as a result of synergistic effects of the hydrophobically modified pearlite and the three binding agents. The PVA-based composite showed advantages in density, thermal decomposition, and smoke density, whereas UF-based and MUF-based ones showed good flame retardancy. Specially, the oxygen index of MUF-based composite material reached 52.5% (Level B1 flame retardancy).
Electrospun polystyrene/Aliquat 336 for preconcentration and determination of thiocyanate in flow analysis
Authors: O’Bryan Yukie , Truong Yen B. , Cattrall Robert W. , Kyratzis Illias L. , Kolev Spas D.
Published: November 2017

A new extracting polymer wool was prepared from polystyrene (PS) and the commercial extractant Aliquat 336 by electrospinning and its potential as a packing material for an online preconcentration column in an automated flow injection system was investigated for the determination of thiocyanate (SCN−). The formation of the wool fibres was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The polymer wool was inserted into a glass tube to prepare a column. SCN− solutions of different volumes (2-10 mL) were passed through the fibre-packed column where SCN− was extracted by the fibres. The columnwas then eluted with a small volume of 1MNaNO3 solution. The eluatewas mixed with an iron(III) solution and the resulting coloured complex (FeSCN2+) was detected colorimetrically. The system successfully achieved 21-fold preconcentration of SCN−. A linear calibration curve was obtained in the range from 0.02 to 1.0 mg L−1 SCN− with a sampling rate of 9 h−1. To the authors’ best knowledge this is the first time electrospun fibres containing a liquid extractant have been used for preconcentration in a flow analysis system.
Early Bilingual Education and Content and Language Integrated Learning Assessment in Primary Education: Assessment Beliefs, Knowledge and Practice in Portuguese State and Private Schools
Authors: Xavier Ana
Published: November 2017

Educational provisions, such as Early Bilingual Education (EBE) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), where curriculum content is learnt, taught and assessed through the means of an additional language, are not yet widespread in general primary and secondary education in Portugal. Knowing how to assess in such provisions, which have a dual focus on the mastering of language proficiency and content knowledge and skills, can be intricate. The first step towards building a rationale for soundly assessing language and content at early primary level in Portuguese schools needs to first understand how teachers working in EBE and CLIL education settings view assessment and what they do with it in the classroom. This article analyses the research findings of a small scale national research study conducted in Portugal in 2013/2014 on EBE and CLIL assessment beliefs, knowledge and practice on the part of teachers working in a national pilot on early bilingual education – the Bilingual Schools Project teachers (BSPT) and teachers working in similar provisions in private schools – the Non-Bilingual Schools Project teachers (NBSPT).
Assessing Speaking Proficiency: A Challenge for the Portuguese EFL Teacher
Authors: Correia Rúben Constantino
Published: November 2017

Speaking has been increasingly promoted in curricula, both nationally and internationally, as one of the major aims of foreign language teaching. However, the unique features of this skill make it the most challenging one to assess. Portuguese EFL teachers seem to be at odds with suitable assessment procedures designed to monitor students’ progress. This paper examines the rationale underlying some of the core concepts on educational classroom-based assessment, including their definitions and key characteristics, as well as briefly outlining the theoretical premises of the communicative competence model designed by Canale and Swain to suggest what may be assessed. It also focuses on a new approach to language assessment – learning-oriented assessment, by highlighting its twofold potential to be the link between instruction and what is learned and to promote effective student learning. The paper concludes with two different practical examples of how to assess speaking in the classroom with a learning-oriented perspective in mind.
Task-Based Learning (TBL) and Cognition
Authors: Costa Andreia
Published: November 2017

Teaching in the 21stcentury is a huge challenge and every school has to cope with all the changes that occur within society and be, at the same time, an enjoyable place for the students to develop their skills to live and function in the 21stcentury society. This paper shows how Task-Based Learning (TBL) can be a valuable option in the foreign language classroom nowadays enabling the students to be active, interact with each other, learn by doing and develop their language knowledge through communicative tasks, replacing the traditional, teacher-centred lessons. At the same time, this article aims to show how doing tasks has advantages in terms of the cognitive development while learning a foreign language, how these tasks also affect the human brain as well as discuss the importance of bringing neuroscience and scientific evidence into the classroom context.
Vertebrate Microremains from the Pragian, Emsian and Eifelian of the Prague Basin (Czech Republic)
Authors: Mergl Michal , Vaškaninová Valéria , Žigaite Živile
Published: November 2017

The vertebrate faunas in limestone samples of the Early and Middle Devonian ages (Pragian, early Emsian, late Emsian, and latest Eifelian) which were collected from five localities in the Barrandian area, Bohemia, include scales, tesserae, bones, and teeth of acanthodians, placoderms, chondrichthyans, and sarcopterygians. Although the vertebrate remains are not abundant the assemblages are significant in being dominated by particular taxa. Apart from undetermined microremains the genera Cheiracanthoides, Laliacanthus, Nostolepis, and Tassiliodus were determined.
Effectiveness of Agile Compared to Waterfall Implementation Methods in it Projects: Analysis Based on Business Intelligence Projects
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy , Misiak Anna Maria
Published: November 2017

The global Business Intelligence (BI) market grew by 7.3% in 2016 according to the Gartner report (2017). Today, organizations require better use of data and analytics to support their business decisions. Internet power and business trend changes have provided a broad term for data analytics - Big Data. To be able to handle it and leverage a value of having access to Big Data, organizations have no other choice than to get proper systems implemented and working. However, traditional methods are not efficient for changing business needs. Long time between project start and go-live causes a gap between initial solution blueprint and actual user requirements at the end of the project. This article presents the latest market trends in BI systems implementation by comparing agile with traditional methods. It presents a case study provided in a large telecommunications company (350 BI users) and the results of a pilot research provided in the three large companies: media, digital, and insurance. Both studies prove that agile methods might be more effective in BI projects from an end-user perspective and give first results and added value in a much shorter time compared to a traditional approach.
Web-Based Tools for System Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Łatuszyńska Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

A rapid development and omnipresence of the World-Wide-Web and its technologies have had remarkable impact on the field of computer simulation, understood as a numerical technique for conducting experiments with certain types of mathematical and logical models, describing the behavior of a system on a computer over extended periods of time. One of the computer simulation methods used to solve complex management problems is System Dynamics (SD). The aim of this paper is the review of SD Web-based tools in the context of some technology aspects of Web-based simulation and its advantages and disadvantages.
Quantitative studies of the morphology of the south Poland using Relief Index (RI)
Authors: Szypuła Bartłomiej
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to introduce a new morphometric index named Relief Index (RI). RI is the ratio of the total length of the contour lines and the surface area at which they occur. This easily calculated index provides an objective quantitative measure of relief variability as an important feature in geomorphological studies. To achieve this goal, a highly detailed morphometric analysis was carried out using a high-resolution (1m×1m) DEM. Twenty one sample areas in southern Poland were examined. These analyses showed RI, as a good tool for rapidly evaluating topography heterogeneity in division into relief classes. I distinguished 4 classes of the Relief Index that classify earth surface considering the variability of the relief. Results of the calculations demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between RI and the local relief and slopes, but there is no correlation between RI and planar curvatures and TWI. The relief of the sample areas were analysed using geomorphometric parameters (slopes, local relief, planar curvatures). Moreover the influence of the DEM resolution on Relief Index values was examined.
Interpretation of sedimentological processes of coarse-grained deposits applying a novel combined cluster and discriminant analysis
Authors: Farics Éva , Farics Dávid , Kovács József , Haas János
Published: November 2017

The main aim of this paper is to determine the depositional environments of an Upper-Eocene coarse-grained clastic succession in the Buda Hills, Hungary. First of all, we measured some commonly used parameters of samples (size, amount, roundness and sphericity) in a much more objective overall and faster way than with traditional measurement approaches, using the newly developed Rock Analyst application. For the multivariate data obtained, we applied Combined Cluster and Discriminant Analysis (CCDA) in order to determine homogeneous groups of the sampling locations based on the quantitative composition of the conglomerate as well as the shape parameters (roundness and sphericity). The result is the spatial pattern of these groups, which assists with the interpretation of the depositional processes. According to our concept, those sampling sites which belong to the same homogeneous groups were likely formed under similar geological circumstances and by similar geological processes.

In the Buda Hills, we were able to distinguish various sedimentological environments within the area based on the results: fan, intermittent stream or marine.
Green synthesis of novel 2-pyrazolyl-1,3-thiazolidine-4-ones using 2-oxoimidazolidine-1,3-disulfonic acid
Authors: Nikpassand Mohammad , Fekri Leila Zare , Taherkhorsand Hasti
Published: November 2017

2-Oxoimidazolidine-1,3-disulfonic acid (OImDSA) is a recoverable catalyst for the synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidine-4-ones at room temperature in a one-pot procedure without using any organic solvents. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily recovered and recycled for five runs without significant loss of catalytic activity. The structures of the synthesized 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FTIR spectral data and elemental analysis.
The impact of the metabolic syndrome on bone mass density: a prospective case control study
Authors: Alhazidou Eleni , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Panagopoulos Periklis , Chrelias Charalampos , Hatziagelaki Erifili , Papantoniou Nikolaos , Trakakis Eftihios
Published: November 2017

Background

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) during the perimenopausal period and in menopause have been linked to altered bone mass density (BMD) in various experimental studies. However, current clinical studies provide conflicting results in this field. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate this association.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective case control study that was based on a consecutive series of menopausal women who attended the Reproductive Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of our hospital between January 2013 and December 2016.

Results

One hundred and forty post-menopausal women were included in the present study. After stratifying the women in two groups according to the presence of MetS we observed that bone turnover markers remained unaffected by the presence of MetS (p > 0.05). On the other hand, both the T- and Z-scores of women with MetS were significantly higher compared to healthly postmenopausal women [T-score: 0.4 (−0.7 to 1.3) vs. −1 (−1.62 to −0.1), p < 0.001] [Z-score: 0.55 (−0.3 to 1.7) vs. −0.4 (−1.1 to 0.4), p = 0.003].

Conclusions

According to the findings of our study the presence of MetS during the perimenopausal years seems to have a mild benefit on bone mass density. The pathophysiology that underlies this effect remains unclear as bone turnover markers seem to be unaffected by MetS.
European Union: Spearhead of the Environment Protection Movement
Authors: Burnete Sorin , Ogunmokun Abiola E.
Published: November 2017

Industrialization laid the foundation for contemporary civilization but also begot environmental problems, which have been building up and remained unsolved to this day. There is widespread belief that, if industrial manufacturing lies at the root of environment degradation through endless spewing of residual waste, trade among nations is to blame for scattering residual waste the world over. Yet paradoxically, it is the very international trade that might be the ground for major remedies thereto. The 20th century witnessed the shift from free trade to fair trade; it is about time to shift from fair trade to clean trade.

Nevertheless, such serious problems had barely been dealt with until the post-World War II period. An awareness-raising effort in this line was made by the European Union (EU) which, since the early 1970s, has been dealing with environmental and social issues, especially the ones deriving from international trade, in a decisive and responsible manner. Still, EU’s new policy in the field of environment protection has a downside in that it affects trade relations with partners from outside the Union, both developing and developed countries, thereby drawing fierce international reaction. The good part is that EU’s actions will most likely prompt other nations to follow suit.
Aesthetic cultivation and creative ascesis: Transcultural reflections on the late Foucault
Authors: Heubel Fabian
Published: November 2017

Foucault’s understanding of the history and contemporary significance of ascetic practices or exercises of cultivation (ascesis) differs significantly from attempts which consider the renewal of asceticism in spiritual or even religious terms. This paper tries to show that he thought about related problems from the perspective of aesthetic cultivation. The first part will discuss his analysis of sexuality within the broader context of his theory-formation and elaborate on the theoretical structure of his concept of self-cultivation. In the second part I will situate the idea of creative ascesis in a broader historical context. The third part will provide a preliminary perspective on the transcultural significance of relating Foucault and contemporary Chinese philosophy.
The deficits of critical thinking in the postmodern era
Authors: Dudinský Vladislav , Polačková Anna
Published: November 2017

Recognizing plurality in all areas of life is associated with accepting individual freedom in all their manifestations, including independent thinking, action and creativity. At a practical level, the self-declared freedom of the “cogito” does not automatically lead to the realisation of “I am”; individual and independent thought is increasingly manifested in the form of a mass consciousness, in its “voluntary” subordination to the general standards of society. In turn, these determinants fundamentally shape the nature of contemporary education.
The inner conflict of modernity, the moderateness of Confucianism and critical theory
Authors: Dunaj Ľubomír
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with Care of the Self under globalization. The first part refers to Johann P. Arnason’s interpretation of Jan Patočka’s work on super-civilization and shows the contradictions facing people in the Modern Era. It suggests that the concept of moderateness is an adequate point of departure for handling the various contradictions of the current epoch. The second part looks at selected aspects of Confucian philosophy in which moderateness, that is, the permanent search for a “middle position” is an integral part of that philosophical tradition. The critical actualisation of Confucianism as proposed for instance by Heiner Roetz is seen as an appropriate way of developing the dialogical characteristics of Confucian philosophy. In the last part it is stressed that critical theory is of relevance when identifying various forms of suffering and because of its ability to understand and critically evaluate diverse cultural and social contexts.
Sensibility in applied ethics
Authors: Born Rainer , Gatarik Eva
Published: November 2017

Rule systems are used every day to share experience, pre-existing knowledge, beliefs and ethical rules, and to provide instructions for future action. This article expands and builds upon an approach pioneered by Julius M. Moravcsik to argue that ethics cannot be completely codified into a rigid set of rules, because any such set lacks a misapplication-correcting sensibility. Thus, an ethics that is transferred purely by means of a rule-set is incomplete and thus cannot be used reliably to guide future action. The balancing sensibility is formed out of pre-existing expert knowledge and takes account of the limitations of rule-sets in specific contexts. Moravcsik’s approach is then expanded by incorporating it into a holistic framework for the analysis, guidance and development of actions to be taken to support the emergence, selection and implementation of solutions for a sustainable future. This approach has profound implications for managers and organisers in new or critical situations.
Relationship between anthropometric measures and sagittal spinal curvatures in adult male handball players
Authors: Ameer Mariam Abdul-Moneem , Abdel-Aziem Amr Almaz
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Increasing anthropometric measures bring considerable spinal loads during sports practice, which inversely affects the adaptation abilities of the spinal structures; this in turn influences the spinal curvatures. The study was conducted to explore the relationship between anthropometric measures and sagittal spinal curvatures in handball players.

Method

The total of 83 male handball players were divided into 2 groups, depending on their body height: group 1 (age, 23.62 ± 2.07 years) consisted of 40 handball players with height above average, group 2 (age, 24.63 ± 2.58 years) consisted of 43 handball players with height below average. The thoracic and lumbar curvatures and trunk height were measured with the Formetric III 4D spine and posture analysis system.

Results

The thoracic kyphosis of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 (p = 0.038), without a significant difference in lumbar lordosis (p = 0.312), and significant difference in the coefficient of compensation between thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.026). Group 1 showed strong positive correlation between body height and kyphotic angle (r = 0.897), and moderate positive correlation with lordosis angle (r = 0.496). In group 2, there was weak positive correlation with kyphotic angle (r = 0.381), and weak negative correlation with lumbar lordosis angle (r = –0.355).

Conclusions

Increasing body height of handball players is associated with bigger kyphotic and lordotic angles. Owing to frequent sagittal asymmetric overloading of the spine during handball training, exercises that help maintain good posture and correct the thoracic kyphosis are required, especially for taller players.
Effects of water activity on the performance of potassium sorbate and natamycin as preservatives against cheese spoilage moulds
Authors: Marín P. , Ginés C. , Kochaki P. , Jurado M.
Published: November 2017

This work investigated the effects of the food preservatives potassium sorbate and natamycin, combined with different levels of ionic (sodium chloride) and non-ioinic (glycerol) water activity (aw), on growth of fungi involved in cheese spoilage. In general, the combined effect of water stress and presence of preservatives enhanced fungal inhibition. However, some doses of potassium sorbate (0.02%) and natamycin (1, 5 and 10 ppm) were able to stimulate growth of Aspergillus varians, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium chrysogenum and P. roqueforti at awvalues in the range of 0.93–0.97. P. solitum was the only species whose growth was consistently reduced by any doses of preservative. The results also showed that sodium chloride and glycerol differentially affected the efficacy of preservatives. This study indicates that awof cheese is a critical parameter to be considered in the formulation of preservative coatings used against fungal spoilage.
Animal performance and economic implications of alternative production systems for dairy bulls slaughtered at 15 months of age
Authors: Murphy B. , Crosson P. , Kelly A.K. , Prendiville R.
Published: November 2017

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate (i) the influence of varying levels of concentrate supplementation during the grazing season, (ii) alternative finishing strategies for dairy bulls slaughtered at 15 mo of age and (iii) economic implications of these management strategies. Bulls were assigned to a 2 (level of concentrate supplementation during the grazing season: 1 kg [LA] and 2 kg [HA] dry matter [DM]/head daily) × 2 (finishing strategies: concentrates ad libitum group [AL] or grass silage ad libitum plus 5 kg DM of concentrates/head daily group [SC]) factorial arrangement of treatments. Average daily gain (ADG) during the grazing season was greater (P < 0.01) for HA than for LA. Consequently, HA bulls were 16 kg heavier at housing: 214 and 230 kg, respectively (P < 0.05). During the finishing period, ADG tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for LA than for HA. Carcass weight tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for HA than for LA. Fat score was greater for HA. Live weight at slaughter (P < 0.001) and carcass weight (P < 0.001) were 41 and 23 kg greater for AL than for SC, respectively. Conformation (P < 0.05) and fat score (P < 0.05) were greater for AL than for SC. The Grange Dairy Beef Systems Model simulated whole-farm system effects of the production systems. Net margin/head was greater for LA than for HA and greater for SC than for AL. Sensitivity analysis of finishing concentrate price, calf purchase price and beef price showed no re-ranking of the systems on a net margin basis. Although greater animal performance was observed from the higher plane of nutrition, overall profitability was lower.
A Fractional q$q$-difference Equation with Integral Boundary Conditions and Comparison Theorem
Authors: Ren Jing , Zhai Chengbo
Published: November 2017

In this article, we mainly prove the existence of extremal solutions for a fractional

q

$q$

-difference equation involving Riemann–Lioville type fractional derivative with integral boundary conditions. A comparison theorem under weak conditions is also build, and then we apply the comparison theorem, monotone iterative technique and lower–upper solution method to prove the existence of extremal solutions. Moreover, we can construct two iterative schemes approximating the extremal solutions of the fractional

q

$q$

-difference equation with integral boundary conditions. In the last section, a simple example is presented to illustrate the main result.
Moisture sorption characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch protective loose-fill cushioning foams
Authors: Combrzyński Maciej , Mościcki Leszek , Kwaśniewska Anita , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Sołowiej Bartosz , Gładyszewska Bożena , Muszyński Siemowit
Published: November 2017

The aim of this work was to determine the water vapour sorption properties of thermoplastic starch filling foams processed by extrusion-cooking technique from various combinations of potato starch and two foaming agents: poly(vinyl) alcohol and Plastronfoam, in amount of 1, 2 and 3% each. Foams were processed with the single screw extruder-cooker at two different screw rotational speeds 100 and 130 r.p.m. The sorption isotherms of samples were determined and described using the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model. Also, the kinetics of water vapour adsorption by foams, as a function of time, was measured and fitted with Peleg model. On the basis of the analysis the influence of the applied foaming agents, as well as the technological parameters of extrusion-cooking process in relation to water vapour adsorption by thermoplastic starch foams was demonstrated. There was no difference between the shapes of the isotherms for poly(vinyl) alcohol foams while for Plastronfoam foams a notable difference among foams extruded at 100 r.p.m. was observed in the regions of low and high humidity content. The analysis of the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model parameters showed that the water molecules were less strongly bound with the foam surface when extruded at a lower screw speed.
Relationship between assimilable-nutrient content and physicochemical properties of topsoil
Authors: Tkaczyk Przemysław , Bednarek Wiesław , Dresler Sławomir , Krzyszczak Jaromir , Baranowski Piotr , Sławiński Cezary
Published: November 2017

In the years 2008-2011, an environmental study was conducted for Polish soils, focusing on the south-eastern Poland soils, as they exhibit significant acidification. This study aimed at assessing the current pHKCl and the supply of basic macro- (P, K, Mg and S-SO4) and microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in the collected soil samples, and also at determining their relationship with the soil agronomic category, humus content and pH class. Soil reaction and humus and macronutrient content were positively correlated with the amount of colloidal clay and particles < 0.02 mm. In the majority of cases, the macro-element content in the soil was positively correlated with soil pH and humus content. As for microelements, a usually significant and positive correlation was found between the soil agronomic category and the content of manganese, iron and zinc, whereas for the content of boron and copper, no such relationship was observed. A significant and positive correlation between soil reaction and the content of manganese, iron and boron was also found. Such correlations were not observed in relation to copper and zinc content. Statistical analysis indicated that the content of boron and manganese depended to the greatest extent on the investigated physicochemical properties.
Microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activity of soil degraded by sulphur mining reclaimed with various waste
Authors: Joniec Jolanta , Frąc Magdalena
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate microbial functional diversity based on community level physiological profiling and β-glucosidase activity changes in soil degraded by sulphur mining and subjected to reclamation with various waste. The experiment was set up in the area of the former ‘Jeziórko’ Sulphur Mine (Poland), on a soilless substrate with a particle size distribution of slightly loamy sand. The experimental variants included the application of post-flotation lime, sewage sludge and mineral wool. The analyses of soil samples included the assessment of the following microbiological indices: β-glucosidase activity and functional diversity average well color development and richness). The results indicate that sewage sludge did not exert a significant impact on the functional diversity of microorganisms present in the reclaimed soil. In turn, the application of other types of waste contributed to a significant increase in the parameters of total metabolic activity and functional diversity of the reclaimed soil. However, the temporal analysis of the metabolic profile of soil microorganisms demonstrated that a single application of waste did not yield a durable, stable metabolic profile in the reclaimed soil. Still, there was an increase in β-glucosidase activity, especially in objects treated with sewage sludge.
Land-use impact on selected forms of arsenic and phosphorus in soils of different functions
Authors: Plak Andrzej , Bartmiński Piotr , Dębicki Ryszard
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of technosols and geomechanically unchanged soils of the Lublin agglomeration on the concentrations of arsenic and phosphorus, and on selected forms of these elements. Arsenic and phosphorus concentrations were determined in the urban soils of Lublin (Poland), and the relationship between their degree of contamination and different types of land use was estimated. The samples collected were subjected to sequential analysis, using ammonium sulphate, acid ammonium phosphate, oxalate buffer (also with ascorbic acid) and aqua regia for arsenic, and ammonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and aqua regia for phosphorus. The influence of the land use forms was observed in the study. The greatest amount of arsenic (19.62 mg kg−1) was found in the industrial soils of Lublin, while the greatest amount of phosphorus (580.4 mg kg−1) was observed in non-anthropogenic soils (mainly due to the natural accumulation processes of this element). Fractions of arsenic and phosphorus obtained during analysis showed strong differentiation. Amorphic and crystalline fractions of arsenic, bound with iron oxides, proved to have the highest share in the total arsenic pool. The same situation was noted for phosphorus.