bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest management plan in Poland – problems and development directions
Authors: Jaszczak Roman , Bańkowski Janusz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, improving forest management is done by way of amendments to the forest management instructions, silvicultural rules and forest protection instructions. From the point of view of forest management, the most important is the forest management plan, the basic document prepared for a specific object, containing a description and assessment of the state of the forest, as well as the objectives, tasks and ways of forest management. Before each subsequent revision of the forest management guidelines, new instructions are developed in consultation with the public, based on discussions on the proposed changes that are in each case to serve as the best plan for forest management. The forest management plan is vital as it ties together silviculture, conservation, production and non-production purposes as well as social forestry tasks, but only if the primary and operational nature of the objectives considered at the stage of creating the plan are recognized. Therefore, the role of forest management in shaping and protecting the environment cannot be overestimated. In this work, we outline the basic principles and rights related to both, forest management under various forms of ownership, as well as detailed guidelines for the content of the forest management plan.
We found that the specificity of mountain forests requires the use of different rules and methods. Taking into account the existing rich scientific achievements, it is tempting to attempt to develop forest management instructions specifically for mountain forests, whether in the form of a separate chapter or a separate publication.
The basic problem with forest management under other forms of ownership (urban, experimental, private forests) is the lack of a detailed legal basis accounting for their specific nature. Therefore, appropriate steps should be taken towards introducing appropriate new or supplementary provisions into the forest legislation, which would allow for the development of modern standards.
For the State Forests, forest management instructions should be prepared by a team of experts appointed by the Minister of the Environment who will approve the finished document for official use.
The forest management plan should include an economic annex focused on the forecast of the expected financial result, including costs associated with a deviation from the optimal due to social or protective reasons.
Research Flights on Blue Origin's New Shepard
Authors: Wagner Erika B. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Blue Origin's New Shepard launch vehicle made its first flight above the Kármán Line, returning safely to Earth in November 2015. At the time when this paper is being written (February 2021), the system has conducted 14 flights, including 10 with research and education payloads aboard. More than 100 payloads have exercised a wide range of capabilities and interfaces, from small cubesat-form factor student payloads to large custom payloads of nearly 100 kg. Investigations have spanned a wide range of high-altitude and microgravity research objectives, as well as raising technology readiness level (TRL) on diverse hardware. This paper summarizes New Shepard's payload missions to date, and presents standardized and custom accommodations, both in the shirtsleeve cabin and directly exposed to the space environment.
Autonomy or Sovereignty: the Case of the European Union
Authors: Kabat-Rudnicka Danuta 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Sovereignty is a key concept in international law and international relations. First defined and discussed by Jean Bodin, sovereignty is considered to be an inherent attribute of any state. However, the changes that international society has undergone since the Treaty of Westphalia, including the emergence of different state and non-state actors vying for power and authority, have called into question the position of the state as the main actor in the modern world. This in turn has given rise to the following questions: how should the very concept of sovereignty be understood today? Given the growing importance of international organizations and regional integrational arrangements can the concept of sovereignty be extended to cover entities other than states; and in case of the European Union, what makes us think in terms of sovereignty rather than autonomy? This analysis is an attempt to apply the concept of sovereignty to contemporary international organizations. The main thesis is as follows: in the case of international organizations, especially a new type of organization, it is also legitimate to consider a narrative in terms of sovereignty, not just autonomy. The example studied here is the European Union as an international organization-cum-regional integrational arrangement.
Use of Force in Cyberspace
Authors: Valuch Jozef , Hamuľák Ondrej 
Published: April 2021

Summary
The ban on the use of force in current international law is of mandatory character. The only exceptions are actions under the auspices of the UN Security Council and self-defence. The article addresses the issue of the use of force, with particular emphasis on cyberspace. As the nature of the conflicts has changed in recent years as well as the space where the individual operations have been moving, a number of fundamental questions arise in this context, which the authors will try to answer.
Prognostic Factors of Lymph Nodes in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Stoian Marilena , Indrei Lucia , Stoica Victor 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background/Aims. The aim of this study was to establish whether, and to what extent, preand intraoperatively detected characteristics (demographic, anamnestic and laboratory data) and tumor characteristics can be used in the assessment of regional lymph node involvement in patients with colorectal carcinoma. The assessment also included the number of lymph nodes involved in patients with positive lymph nodes. Considering that the number of obtained lymph nodes is resected specimens, assessment parameters also included the percentage of the involved lymph nodes within the total population of lymph nodes.

Methodology. From 2010-2019, 46 patients with carcinoma of the rectum and sigmoid colon were studied, with a total number of 736 lymph nodes evaluated. Out of the total number of lymph nodes, 577 (78.4%) were benign and 159 (21.6%), malignant. Data were analyzed by multi-variant statistical methods: discriminant analysis and multiple regression.

Results. For this patient group, we evaluated the following potentially predictive factors for lymph node involvement: age; serum hemoglobin, albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels; weight loss; and the primary tumor localization characteristics: histological type, macroscopic growth pattern and depth of tumor invasion of the bowel wall. We found that there was no difference in the prediction of regional lymph node involvement between analysis of the aforementioned parameters and analysis of the isolated discriminators only.

Conclusion. A predictability likelihood of 83.78% greatly surpasses the acceptable error tolerance level of 5%. Correlation of demographic, anamnestic and laboratory data about the patient and the characteristics of the primary tumor cannot be used in distinguishing malignant lymph nodes from benign ones. These data cannot be the basis for exact intraoperative staging and thus cannot be significant criteria foe decision-making about operative treatment modalities.
Gender Imbalances and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Large-Scale Mexican Migration
Authors: Conover Emily , Khamis Melanie , Pearlman Sarah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We study the consequences of international migration on labor market outcomes in a developing country. Specifically, we look at the case of Mexico, where large-scale international migration has led to significant declines in the male/female ratio. We explore whether this results in Mexican women entering high-skilled and better paying jobs over time. This question is relevant since there has been an increase in women's education and labor force participation across the developing world, but less evidence of improvements in the gender wage gap. Using an instrumental variables strategy that relies on historical migration patterns, we find that when there are relatively fewer men, women are more likely to work, have high-skilled jobs, and some earn higher wages. These results are robust to the inclusion of state, age group, and year fixed effects, and to different measures of migration and data sources. We explore investments in human capital as a key mechanism. We find that the gains in schooling are concentrated among women with the same average level of education of the men who migrate. From an aggregate perspective, these improvements in job type and wages are important given that higher female income may benefit the status, education, and health of both women and children, which in turn increases a country's development and growth. Our findings are among the few that show some movement toward improvements in the gender wage gap in a developing country setting.
Migrating out of mega-cities: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Egger Eva-Maria 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Traditional economic models predict rural to urban migration during the structural transformation of an economy. In middle-income countries, it is less clear which direction of migration to expect. In this article, the author shows that in Brazil as many people move out as into metropolitan cities and they mostly move to mid-sized towns. The author estimates the determinants of out-migrants’ destination choice accounting for differences in earnings, living costs, and amenities and tested whether the migrants gain economically by accepting lower wages but enjoying lower living costs. The findings suggest that in their destination choice, out-migrants aim to minimize costs of moving. On average, city-leavers realize higher real wages, including low-skilled migrants who would lose in nominal terms. The article thus provides new evidence on economic incentives to leave big cities in a middle-income country.
Monitoring Regenerative Heat Exchanger in Steam Power Plant by Making Use of the Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Niksa-Rynkiewicz Tacjana , Szewczuk-Krypa Natalia , Witkowska Anna , Cpałka Krzysztof , Zalasiński Marcin , Cader Andrzej 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence algorithms are being increasingly used in industrial applications. Their important function is to support operation of diagnostic systems. This paper presents a new approach to the monitoring of a regenerative heat exchanger in a steam power plant, which is based on a specific use of the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The proposed approach was tested using real data. This approach can be easily adapted to similar monitoring applications of other industrial dynamic objects.
Macroeconomic determinants of MIR interest rate margin in the euro area
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitrios 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study aims to examine the determinants of the MIR interest rate in the Euro area for the period 2003Q1-2015Q3. By employing Fixed and Random Effects as econometric methodologies, I examine whether the MIR rate is affected by the following macroeconomic factors: unemployment rate, inflation rate, GDP growth, political stability index, and wages as percentage of GDP. All these factors have been found to be significant drivers of the MIR rate and thus, they have to be taken into consideration when designing macro-prudential policies. The findings in this paper provide alternative explanations for the empirical evidence concerning interest rate spreads behaviour.
Crisis Prevention and the Coronavirus Pandemic as a Global and Total Risk of Our Time
Authors: Luburić Radoica 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Coronavirus pandemic, as a global and total risk of our time, has imposed the need for a more complete and comprehensive review of existing approaches to crisis prevention and preventive management in general. This crisis also pointed to some shortcomings in quality management, risk management and change management, which had not been removed in a timely and adequate manner in more stable conditions in order to function better in crisis situations. Accordingly, the structure of this paper was conceived, which, in addition to an introduction and concluding remarks, has five short, but thematically complete, units. In the first part, preventive management is seen as a paradigm of the successful management of problems, incidents and crises. In the second and third parts, the influence of the principles of quality management and the principles of risk management on the prevention of a crisis, as well as their cooperation, effectiveness and synergistic effects are discussed. The fourth part analyses the key processes of change and conflict management in terms of crisis prevention. In the fifth part, an effective, complete and comprehensive crisis prevention model based on quality management, risk management and change management is created, with the primary goal of achieving sustained success in all business conditions. Bearing in mind that the processes and consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic have still not been completed or become clear, the concluding remarks identify certain messages and lessons that could have been learned in its initial stages.
The Impact of Earnings variability and Regulatory Measures on Income Smoothing: Evidence from Panel Regression
Authors: Malik Amina , Aziz Haroon , Saiti Buerhan , Din Shahab Ud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of variability in earnings, stringent regulatory measures and the trend of extending loans while keeping in view deposit ratio on income smoothening practices for a sample of 20 commercial banks listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from the year 2010 to 2017. The likelihood of smoothing activities is measured through its widely used proxy, i.e. loan loss provisions (LLPs). Moreover, earnings before tax and provisions (EBTP) and loan to deposit ratio (LD) have been incorporated to determine the impact of earnings and loans to deposit ratio on income smoothening. We find that commercial banks are less likely to manage earnings through smoothening practices, which shows that commercial banks adhere to regulatory restrictions. This is further supported by the fact that income smoothing activities decrease as a result of the increase in capital adequacy ratios after the imposition of stringent rules, which exert greater regulatory pressure on banks, whereas the pace of income smoothing increases as a result of an increase in loans to deposit ratio, which reveals that banks take credit risk but manage within the ambit of regulatory restrictions. Based on the findings, we argue that the imposition of regulatory restrictions through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has not only discouraged income smoothening through loan loss provisions but also enhances reporting quality. The results of this study provide useful insights for investors, creditors and stakeholders.
Performance and security analysis of novel ZCCRW codes in lower earth orbit based MDM-OWC incorporating hybrid modulations
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Kaler Rajinder Singh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Explosive data rate requirements in the satellite communication for surveillance, military services, and broadcasting have put peer pressure on the optical wireless communication (OWC) systems. Secure data transmission against eavesdropper and performance enhancement at authentic user is major concern these days. In this work, performance and security analysis of spectral amplitude codes (SAC) in mode division multiplexed (MDM) OWC have been carried out and a novel zero cross correlation resultant weight (ZCCRW) code at 100 Gbps capacity has been presented. Random diagonal (RD), Enhanced double weight (EDW), Diagonal double weight (DDW) codes have been compared through simulations and also mathematical expressions are derived under the effects of eavesdropper. Hybrid modulations have been compared to check optimal modulation with combination of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG), and HermiteGaussian (HG) modes. Results have revealed that ZCCRW code with MD-DQPSK using LG modes provide best performance and least susceptibility to eavesdropper.
CLIL and intercultural competence in teaching Japanese language and literature
Authors: Maruki Yasutaka 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the U.S. colleges and universities, language courses and cultural studies courses are usually under separate departments and programs. This separation represents the heart of liberal arts education, where students can explore a variety of disciplines. However, a comparative nature of cross-cultural analyses may cause generalized and stereotypical views toward the target country. This present study will introduce the practice of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and examine the value of studying the literature in the original language, so that the students will improve linguistic skills, gain knowledge on Japanese literary characteristics, and build on their intercultural competence skills.
Establishing a zone of prioritized curricularivity: exploring a critical approach to negotiating multimodal discourses in EFL textbooks
Authors: Smith Christopher A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
University English as a foreign language (EFL) programs in expanding circle communities often pressure instructors and students to use globally published EFL textbooks for reasons more socio-political than pedagogical. While some critical studies underscore multimodal discourse to be an under-appreciated source of dominant social narratives in EFL textbooks, few have investigated their live negotiation in classrooms. To address the challenges negotiating potentially harmful social narratives in EFL textbooks, the present study proposes a two-step model for achieving a zone of prioritized curricularivity (ZPC). The model informs reflexive teaching practice in EFL instruction because it necessitates an understanding of a) the curricular commonplaces of a particular EFL program and b) the power and ideologies in the multimodal discourse of their textbooks, to mitigate perceived social injustices in the textbook lessons as they are negotiated “in situ.” Demonstrated in vignettes, featuring two EFL courses at Chung-Buk National University in Cheong Ju city, Korea, two instructors used the ZPC framework to inform their reconstruction of multimodal discourses in their EFL textbooks to inculcate student involvement and participation. A novel, multimodal interactional analysis of video recordings looked at proxemics, gaze, spoken language, head movement, auditory emphasis, and gesture and discovered that each instructor recontextualized, neutralized, or skipped much of the multimodal discourse in the lessons. The findings suggest that a ZPC is achieved when the efforts by instructors to recontextualize textbook lessons in situ is met with positive feedback from students in the classroom – noted as heightened attentiveness, happy or cheerful participation, and enthusiastic discussion. The implications suggest a ZPC can help instructors and students and in EFL programs in any expanding circle culture because it can simultaneously improve student learning/acquisition in the classroom, diminish dominant, culturally marginalizing textbook content, while raising the value of student investment in EFL learning.
Building a Sample Frame of SMEs Using Patent, Search Engine, and Website Data
Authors: Arora Sanjay K. , Kelley Sarah , Madhavan Sarvothaman 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis research outlines the process of building a sample frame of US SMEs. The method starts with a list of patenting organizations and defines the boundaries of the population and subsequent frame using free to low-cost data sources, including search engines and websites. Generating high-quality data is of key importance throughout the process of building the frame and subsequent data collection; at the same time, there is too much data to curate by hand. Consequently, we turn to machine learning and other computational methods to apply a number of data matching, filtering, and cleaning routines. The results show that it is possible to generate a sample frame of innovative SMEs with reasonable accuracy for use in subsequent research: Our method provides data for 79% of the frame. We discuss implications for future work for researchers and NSIs alike and contend that the challenges associated with big data collections require not only new skillsets but also a new mode of collaboration.
Can Smart City Data be Used to Create New Official Statistics?
Authors: Kitchin Rob , Stehle Samuel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this article we evaluate the viability of using big data produced by smart city systems for creating new official statistics. We assess sixteen sources of urban transportation and environmental big data that are published as open data or were made available to the project for Dublin, Ireland. These data were systematically explored through a process of data checking and wrangling, building tools to display and analyse the data, and evaluating them with respect to 16 measures of their suitability: access, sustainability and reliability, transparency and interpretability, privacy, fidelity, cleanliness, completeness, spatial granularity, temporal granularity, spatial coverage, coherence, metadata availability, changes over time, standardisation, methodological transparency, and relevance. We assessed how the data could be used to produce key performance indicators and potential new official statistics. Our analysis reveals that, at present, a limited set of smart city data is suitable for creating new official statistics, though others could potentially be made suitable with changes to data management. If these new official statistics are to be realised then National Statistical Institutions need to work closely with those organisations generating the data to try and implement a robust set of procedures and standards that will produce consistent, long-term data sets.
Evidence Based Relationship Between Healthcare Infrastructure and Nosocomial Infections in Romania
Authors: Druică Elena , Ianole-Călin Rodica , Burcea Marin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigate the regional dynamic of nosocomial infections in Romanian hospitals, and find potential predictors. Our data covers 13 years, and refer to the incidence of nosocomial infections for each of the 42 Romanian administrative units every year. A preliminary cluster analysis reveals that there is heterogeneity across counties both in terms of average, and variability of nosocomial infections incidence. The heterogeneity can be explained to an important degree by the local level of healthcare infrastructure, urbanization rate and economic development. Supporting programs and clear standards for quality assurance must accompany the investment in health infrastructure, and the development of new out – care units should be prioritized
Mortality Phenomenon Analysis on Adult Population Under the Influence of Economic Factors in European Context
Authors: Claudia-Andreea Toma , Burlacioiu Cristina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The mortality rate is a global indicator that reflects the standard of living and the population health condition, but also a variable that shows the social-economic development of a society. This paper proposes the investigation of some economic conditions and their influence on mortality by literature reviewing and also through a statistic analysis based on 28 European Union countries.
In order to study the tendencies of this phenomenon, it was analyzed the influence of some economic factors like the GDP per capita, income discrepancies, inflation rate, budget deficit and also the “snowball” effect for 16 years (from 2000 to 2016) using a panel regression model with fixed effects. The resulted regression model captures the major changes on a long term of mortality rate trend for the population aged 15 and 65 years.