bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Institutional Quality on Foreign Direct Investment Inflow: Evidence from Croatia
Authors: Jurčić Ljubo , Franc Sanja , Barišić Antea 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are unevenly distributed around the world and determined by different factors. The literature points out to economic and non-economic determinants of FDI flows, while the latter have shown to generate ambiguous effects across regions.

Objectives: The primary goal of this paper is to examine the relationship between non-economic determinants and the FDI inflow in Croatia from 1996 to 2017, thus capturing different periods of the economic cycle. The importance of non-economic institutional determinants of FDI is analysed in parallel with the economic determinants.

Methods/Approach: This study uses available data on FDI per capita and a set of non-economic (institutional) and economic determinants. We employed the OLS regression analysis to determine the significance of FDI inflow determinants and compare the relevance of non-economic to economic factors.

Results: Results of this exploratory study show that institutional quality variables included in the model (regulatory quality, political stability, and government effectiveness, the rule of law and control of corruption) could not be pointed out as important determinants of the FDI inflow in Croatia. Economic variables GDP per capita and average gross wage prove to be important in determining the FDI inflow in Croatia.

Conclusions: The research results point to a variety of FDI determinants among countries and economic cycle periods. Given the evidence from Croatia, variations, especially in institutional determinants, might be caused by the diverse FDI inflow characteristics and specificities of receiving economies.
Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster: Knowledge Management and Innovation Perspective
Authors: Jurčić Marina , Lovrenčić Sandra , Kurnoga Nataša 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Industry clusters and their relationship with the organization’s success, competitive advantage and innovations have been gaining research interest for decades, with the recent focus on defence industry.

Objectives: The aim is to investigate how Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster (CDICC) fosters the knowledge management and innovation performance of its members.

Methods/Approach: Survey has been performed on a portion of CDICC members, and responses have been analysed using the factor analysis and the correlation analysis.

Results: The results indicate that CDICC actively contributes to knowledge creation and acquisition, innovation performance and market performance of its members. However, the analysis revealed that knowledge storage and knowledge dissemination are not sufficiently supported by CDICC.

Conclusions: The current problems with the various aspects of knowledge management within a cluster provide a direction for overcoming possible obstacles for further development of industrial clusters.
A Content Analysis of International Airline Alliances Mission Statements
Authors: Seo Gang-Hoon 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Mission statements have come to play an important role as tools for organizational value sharing.

Objectives: This study aims to shed light on what types of values are highlighted in international airline alliance members’ mission statements, and whether there are significant differences or not.

Methods/Approach: Quantitative content analyses have been conducted with the goal to investigate mission statements of 61 members of international airline alliances: Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld.

Results: Frequency test outcomes reveal that “philosophy”, “self-concept” and “location” are the predominant components in oneworld, “philosophy” is the primary component in SkyTeam, and “philosophy” and “customer” are the focal components of Star Alliance. According to chi-square tests, Star Alliance members emphasize “customer” more often than others do, and oneworld members highlight “profitability” more often. One-way Anova tests with a post hoc analysis reveal that Star Alliance members cover more components than SkyTeam.

Conclusions: The theoretical implication of these findings is that they reveal the existence of unique values among international airline alliances members offering a competitive advantage. As a practical implication, these findings will be helpful for international airline alliances and airline managers for comparative purposes.
Generator of a Toy Dataset of Multi-Polygon Monochrome Images for Rapidly Testing and Prototyping Semantic Image Segmentation Networks
Authors: Romanuke Vadim 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In the paper, the problem of building semantic image segmentation networks in a more efficient way is considered. Building a network capable of successfully segmenting real-world images does not require a real semantic image segmentation task. At this stage, called prototyping, a toy dataset can be used. Such a dataset can be artificial and thus may not need augmentation for training. Besides, its entries are images of much smaller size, which allows training and testing the network a way faster. Objects to be segmented are one or few convex polygons in one image. Thus, a toy dataset generator is created whose complexity is regulated by the number of edges in a polygon, the maximal number of polygons in one image, the set of scale factors, and the set of probabilities determining how many polygons in a current image are generated. The dataset capacity and image size are concurrently adjustable, although they are much less influential.
A 79 dBΩ 1.2 GHz Low-Noise Single-Ended CMOS Transimpedance Amplifier for High-Performance OTDR Applications
Authors: Romanova Agata , Barzdenas Vaidotas 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The work reports on the design and performance of a low-noise low-cost CMOS transimpedance amplifier (TIA). The proposed circuit shall be employed in optical time-domain reflectometers and is implemented using an affordable 0.18 µm 1.8 V CMOS process. The approach preserves the benefits of a classical feedback structure while addressing the noise problem of conventional feed-forward and resistive feedback architectures via the usage of noise-efficient capacitive feedback. Circuit-level modifications are proposed to mitigate the voltage headroom and DC current issues. The suggested design achieves a total gain of 82 dBΩ (79 dBΩ after the output buffer) within the bandwidth of 1.2 GHz while operating with a total input capacitance of 0.7 pF. The simulated average input-referred noise current density is below 1.8 pA/sqrt(Hz) with the power consumption of the complete amplifier including the output buffer being 21 mW.
Movement Variability During the Flight Phase in a Single Back Sideflip (Wildcat) in Snowboarding
Authors: Bacik Bogdan , Kurpas Wioletta , Marszałek Wojciech , Wodarski Piotr , Sobota Grzegorz , Starzyński Michał , Gzik Marek 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Understanding the structure and variability of motion is essential for sports technique development and an effective training design. Biomechanical analysis is particularly important in new disciplines with spatially complex motions, such as snowboarding. This study aimed to evaluate the level of variability of the kinematic variables in a single backside snowboard flip known as a “wildcat”. Forty-six correct flips performed by 7 experienced athletes (age: 24.9 ± 4.34 year; body mass: 71.6 ± 12.87 kg; body height: 177.4 ± 6.99 cm) were recorded using an optoelectronic VICON system in the controlled setting of an indoor freestyle park. Athletes were equipped with special boards with wheels and the geometry of the ramps corresponded to the actual on-snow conditions. The analysis revealed two distinct single flip strategies, which differed in the way the tuck position was sustained. For all the measured variables, the coefficient of variation was computed, which allowed to identify the athlete with the highest (average 45.3%) and lowest (average 20.5%) variability of kinematic variables. Moreover, it was shown that the lowest values of the coefficient of variation occurred at the end of the grouping phase (average 14%) and that among all the different variables, those related to the duration of motion were most unstable (average 63%, SD = 48.5%).
Physical and Physiological Response to Different Modes of Repeated Sprint Exercises in Basketball Players
Authors: Paulauskas Rūtenis , Kamarauskas Paulius , Nekriošius Ričardas , Bigwood Nicholas Malcolm 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in physical and physiological responses to different modes of repeated sprint exercise by measuring speed, total time (sum of sprints), fatigue index, heart rate, local oxygen saturation, total haemoglobin content, and blood lactate. The volume of the physical load (distance, work and rest ratio) was the same in both exercises, but load specifics were different. The first mode consisted of 10 x 30 m sprints (with one change of direction) interspersed with 30 s of passive recovery, while the second mode of 20 x 15 m shuttle sprints interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery. Both exercise modalities were repeated three times with a five-minute rest interval between bouts with 7 days of recovery between each testing condition. Twelve highly trained male basketball players volunteered to participate in this study. Our study showed that different modes of repeated sprint exercises elicited a different physical response and metabolic demand. Longer sprints with directional changes placed a higher demand on the anaerobic glycolytic system compared to straight and more frequent sprint exercises. However, players’ fatigue was more noticeable in shorter and more frequent sprints. Heart rate responses and local use of O2 showed a similar activity of aerobic reactions through the different exercises. During the sprints, players’ SmO2 fell to 40% and recovered to the level of about 80% during passive rest intervals without showing differences in both modalities. This suggests that both types of sprint exercises can similarly stimulate aerobic metabolism.
Heart Rate Variability is Correlated with Perceived Physical Fitness in Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Ravé Guillaume , Zouhal Hassane , Boullosa Daniel , Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Saeidi Ayoub , Abderrahman Abderraouf Ben , Fortrat Jacques-Olivier 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been typically used to monitor athletes’ physical fitness readiness. The supine position maximizes parasympathetic tone, which is important for monitoring in continuous aerobic sports, however, this is not the case of team sports that rely on anaerobic intermittent bouts, thus increasing sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal. We hypothesized that HRV during sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal would be a useful marker to evaluate perceived physical fitness in team sports. HRV was measured in both supine and standing positions during the mornings of 4 match days in 14 professional players. The supine Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD), as well as spectral analysis indices were recorded. Perceived physical fitness was assessed after each match by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Supine RMSSD was moderately correlated with perceived physical fitness (rho = 0.416), however, larger correlations were observed for supine and standing spectral indices (rho > 0.5). Correlation between RMSSD and Total Power was very large, thus questioning the usual interpretation of RMSSD (rho > 0.7). Standing Spectral HRV analyses may be a useful method for evaluating perceived physical fitness in the context of team sports. RMSSD may reflect the overall variability of HR and not only the parasympathetic influence, as observed in the current study.
Water Polo Shooting Performance: Differences Between World Championship Winning, Drawing and Losing Teams
Authors: Canossa Sofia , Abraldes José Arturo , Estriga Luísa , Fernandes Ricardo J , Garganta Júlio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Shooting performance of globally ranked winning, drawing and losing water polo teams was compared, and technical and tactical success indicators were identified. In total, 886 shots from a world championship final round were videotaped and teams were clustered for a performance evaluation (considering differences between game outcomes). Shooting speeds were assessed by a radar, with higher values observed at further distances from the goal than in the central area close to the goal (p ≤ 0.00, ES: 2.54). Shots tended to be more frequent from the central corridor, with ≤50% and >75% relative shot efficacy attained from field areas 3 and 6; winning teams obtained better results. Furthermore, winners had greater success than losers when shooting from field area 2 (p ≤ 0.04, ES: 1.13) and towards the goal zone 2 (p < 0.03, ES: 1.10). They also attained better efficacy regarding shots towards goal zone 1, had better efficacy on the part of centre-forwards (p ≤ 0.05, ES: 0.85-1.27), and were more effective regarding shots without a frontal defensive block. In addition, contingency analysis highlighted shots performed from field area 6, without a defensive block, toward the bottom left goal corner, and through man-up play as success indicators (all for p ≤ 0.005). We concluded that world-level winning teams homogeneously distributed their shot opportunities at the second offensive line with balanced efficacy, creating variability and uncertainty in their opponents’ defensive action. Elite level players must be capable of interpreting game situations with intelligence and proper decision making. This information may be useful for improving teams performance.
Effects of Lower Extremity Muscle Fatigue on Knee Loading During a Forward Drop Jump to a Vertical Jump in Female Athletes
Authors: Wong Tzu Lin , Huang Chen Fu , Chen Po Chieh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine changes in the kinematic and kinetic parameters of female athletes performing a forward drop jump to a vertical jump under muscle fatigue condition. Twelve female college athletes performed a forward drop jump to a vertical jump with and without muscle fatigue conditions. A motion capture system and two AMTI force plates were used to synchronously collect kinematic and kinetic data. Inverse dynamics were implemented to calculate the participant’s joint loading, joint moment, and energy absorption. A paired sample t-test was used to compare statistical differences between pre-fatigue and post-fatigue conditions (α = .05). The forward trunk lean angle at initial foot contact, as well as the knee range of motion, total negative work and energy absorption contribution of the knee joint during the landing phase were significantly decreased under post-fatigue condition. The increased peak vertical ground reaction force and peak tibial anterior shear forces were also found under post-fatigue condition. These results indicated that muscle fatigue caused participants to change their original landing posture into stiff landing posture and decrease the energy absorption ability, which increased the tibial anterior shear forces. Therefore, female athletes should appropriately increase the knee flexion angle under muscle fatigue condition to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Kinematic Analyses of Parkour Landings From as High as 2.7 Meters
Authors: Dai Boyi , Layer Jacob S. , Hinshaw Taylour J. , Cook Ross F. , Dufek Janet S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Developing effective landing strategies has implications for both injury prevention and performance training. The purpose was to quantify the kinematics of Parkour practitioners’ landings from three heights utilizing four techniques. Seventeen male and three female Parkour practitioners landed from 0.9, 1.8, and 2.7 m utilizing the squat, forward, roll, and stiff landing techniques when three-dimensional kinematics were collected. The stiff landing demonstrated the shortest landing time, and the roll landing showed the longest landing time for 1.8 and 2.7 m. Roll landings demonstrated the greatest forward velocities at initial contact and at the end of the landing. Stiff landings showed the greatest changes in vertical velocity during the early landing, while roll landings showed the least changes for 0.9 and 1.8 m. Both roll and stiff landings generally resulted in decreased changes in horizontal velocity during the early landing compared to squat and forward landings. The four landing techniques also demonstrated different lower extremity joint angles. Stiff landings may increase injury risk because of the quick decrease of vertical velocities. Roll landings allow individuals to decrease vertical and horizontal velocities over a longer time, which is likely to decrease the peak loading imposed on the lower extremities.
The Model M Method and Its Contribution to a Socially Responsible Society
Authors: Hrast Anita , Mulej Matjaž 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Model M means being young and being a role model for others in finding innovative employment or creating one’s own employment, and thus becoming and remaining an active citizen. In years 2012-2018, IRDO – Institute for the Development of Social Responsibility – implemented the project Model M Slovenia. The project started in the Podravje region, in years 2012-2014, with a small amount of money invested by the local community (The City Municipality of Maribor). Later (in years 2016-2018), it became a nation-wide Slovenian project funded by the EU’s Social Fund and the Republic of Slovenia. The purpose of the project was to empower youth with training, networking, counselling and active participation in the society to create their own models of success. In this paper, we present the Model M method (MMm) that we have developed through the Model M Slovenia project and its social impact on the employment of youth in Slovenia. With the Social Return on Investment (SROI), a method for social impact measurement, we present how the funds invested in the local pilot project were later multiplied tenfold on a national level within the project Model M Slovenia. The originality of the MMm, as presented in this paper, is in its requisitely holistic approach to youth training in terms of personal and social responsibility. The MMm is accelerating the (self) employment of youth and other unemployed persons. The MMm was created by a team of business practitioners and social responsibility researchers. Their aim was to practice and develop social responsibility, interdependence and requisitely holistic approach as a systemic behaviour, suggested by the global humankind in the ISO 26000 guidance standard.
A Study of the Dynamics of Soil Erosion Using Rusle2 Modelling and Geospatial Tool in Edda-Afikpo Mesas, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Amah Joseph I. , Aghamelu Okechukwu P. , Omonona Olufemi V. , Onwe Ikechukwu M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was used to study the soil erosion processes in Edda-Afikpo mesas, Lower Cross River watersheds,Nigeria. The mesas occupy an area estimated at 60km2 on a surface relief of about 284m. DEM data, satellite images and basemap of the area were used. Remotely sensed data were ground-truthed through extensive field works. The results show that the process is facilitated by the Trifecta of hill slope hydrology, geology and land use practices. Steep hill Slope of values 78 % at the major hot spots, very fragile, dry and non-plastic sandy soils all aid sediment detachment. Analysis of the index properties which include Liquid Limit(LL) of 25-30,moisture content(w%) of 5.9-7.4,permeability of 1.541x10-3 – 1.636x10-3 cm/s and shear strength of 36-42 KN/m2 predispose the sediments to detachment and erosion. Based on the analysis, the amount of soil loss in the project area is about 1373.79 ton per year. Soil erosivity factor is high at the mesas(5023.83 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr−1 - 5069.51 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr−1) The sandy layer attain thickness of 50m-60m in places and with high pore pressure development, slope failure are triggered during intense storm events. In terms of vulnerability level in erosion risk, high to very high constitute 4.1% of the watershed which translate to 5.05km2 of the 59km2. The various processes occur simultaneously and are exacerbated by human factors through seasonal bush burning and development along drainage lines. The study reveals that 18.8% of the available land for development is at high to very high risk of erosion. The soil loss model has been validated and the hotspots from the map coincide with the gully sites. The results of this research can therefore be used for conservation and adaptation purposes.
Geology and Petrology of Omzha Block, Zhob Ophiolite, northern Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Kakar Muhammad Ishaq , Naeem Abdul , Ahmed Nisar , Khan Mehrab , Panezai Muhammad 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The Zhob Ophiolite is divided into three detached blocks including the Omzha block. The Omzha block is mapped and divided into lithological units such as ultramafic rock, mafic-felsic rock, and volcanic–volcaniclastic–pelagic rocks. These units are quite deformed and mixed up and are associated with one another by thrust faults. Petrography and geochemistry divide them into gabbro, diorite, plagiogranite, pheno-tephrite and trachy-andesite basalt, trachy basalt, chert, limestone, and mudstone. The ultramafic rocks are dominantly serpentinized harzburgite, dunite, and a minor lherzolite. Petrography of peridotite shows that it may be depleted in nature and may have residual after processes such as partial melting and the melt-rock reaction of a lherzolitic source. The gabbroic rocks are less well-developed and highly deformed. They are cross-cut by diorite, plagiogranite and anorthosite’ intrusions. The gabbro may be the plutonic section of Omzha block’ crust while the intermediate-felsic igneous rocks may have formed by the anataxis of crustal gabbro. The volcanic–volcaniclastic–pelagic rocks unit may be corrected with Bagh complex found underneath the Muslim Bagh Ophiolite. The metamorphic sole rocks of Omzha block are highly deformed and dismembered are comprising of metamorphic facies such as amphibolite, quartz-mica schist, and greenschist.