bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some Empirical Evidence of Loan Loss Provisions for Albanian Banks
Authors: Dushku Elona 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper we used a panel of Albanian banks for the period 2004-2014 to examine the main determinants of loan loss provisions. In addition, we tested how the latest crisis has affected provisioning behaviour of the banks. We find that loan loss provisions of banks are driven by non-discretionary components and economic fluctuations. Furthermore, we find a positive and significant result between earnings before interest, taxes and provisions and loan loss provisions, thus confirming the income smoothing hypothesis. Our estimated results do not support the capital management and signalling hypotheses. We also find that the global crisis has contributed significantly to the procyclicality of loan loss provisioning in Albania and banks continued to do income smoothing during the crisis.
Bankruptcy Practice in Countries of Visegrad Four
Authors: Misankova Maria , Zvarikova Katarina , Kliestikova Jana 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Numerous economists and analysts from all over the world have been trying to find an appropriate method to assess company health and to predict its eventual financial distress for many years. No economy is a small isolated subject, and the bankruptcy of a company can cause through its stakeholders′ significant impact on the sustainable economic development. Otherwise, companies are very complicated entities, and it is not a simple task to estimate company’s future development. Together with the best-known Z-Score model of bankruptcy prediction developed by Altman, numerous models worldwide that are based on different methodologies have been developed. We assume that individual state’s economy has major influence on the final form of these models as well as there are several common characteristics between Slovak economy and economy of countries of Visegrad Four. Therefore, we applied chosen bankruptcy prediction models developed in countries of Visegrad Four on the set of Slovak companies and validated their prediction ability in specific condition of the Slovak economy. On the basis of the provided calculations, we compared gained results with the prediction capability of other popular prediction models also applied on the data set of Slovak companies. Through this, we pointed out the importance of the development of unique bankruptcy prediction model, which will be constructed in the specific condition of individual countries, and highlighted the weak forecasting ability of foreign models.
Water Cycle Algorithm Based Power System Stabilizer Robust Design for Power Systems
Authors: Ghaffarzadeh Navid 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Power System Stabilizers (PSSs) are used to enhance damping of power system oscillations. This paper presents a new fast algorithm to develop PSS. According to this regard, Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA) is used to detect optimum Power System Stabilizer parameters. For this purpose, the design problem of PSS is formulated as an optimization problem and WCA by forming three subsidiary objective functions is employed to search for optimal power system stabilizer’s parameters to minimize the maximum overshoot and settling time together. In order to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, a comparison between WCA and without PSS condition has been done, and the results of proposed algorithm show that it detects optimum parameters in reasonable computation time to increase the power system stability.
The Environmental Education Dimensions for Sustainable Development
Authors: Iovan Martian 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Based both on a historical approach regarding the evolution of the environmental education between 1960 and present days, and on empirical research as well, the author proves that the efficiency of the environmental education could be much higher if included within the broader sphere of moral and civic education and if it is driven by a more extensive ideal sprung from the fundamental human right to a clean and well preserved environment, by the contemporary moral and civil values. The author pleads and motivates for an increased capitalization of the humanities and social sciences, of art, of environmental ethics and aesthetics in shaping “the ecological personality” of the tomorrow people. When shaping these personality traits through environmental education activities, one must emphasize the importance of practice and applied actions aimed to protect the environment, and in general, the practice of civic-moral education methods.
A Concept of a Ship Domain for the Use of Navigational Safety Assessment / Analiza Bezpieczeństwa Morskiego z Wykorzystaniem Domeny Wokół Statku
Authors: Marcjan Krzysztof , Gucma Lucjan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
One of the most important concepts concerning the safety of navigation is the ship domain. The maritime domain is one of the oldest domains, which preceded the ones used in aviation, railway industry, chemical industry and medical. Through the concept of a ship domain is to be understood a certain area around the vessel, which the navigator wants to keep free of other fixed and moving objects. Navigational situation can be considered safe as long as no other ship neither any navigational obstacle would not exceed the area. In order to build and develop methods to assess the safety of the navigation, a ship probabilistic domains for three types of vessel encounter situations were determined based on the AIS traffic monitoring data. The aim of the paper is to present a method to identify navigational incidents on the basis of a probabilistic domain, which can be used to assess the safety of navigation and discovery places potentially dangerous for navigation in the selected areas of the Baltic Sea.
Reliability-Exploitation Analysis of Highway Transport Telematics Systems / Analiza Niezawodnościowo-Eksploatacyjna Autostradowych Systemów Telematyki Transportu
Authors: Siergiejczyk Mirosław , Rosiński Adam , Dziula Przemysław , Krzykowska Karolina 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper presents the issues connected with highway transport telematics systems. The particular attention is paid to the highway emergency communications systems. There is described their structure and functioning. It also presented the general reliability-exploitation model. It allows to determinate the probability of staying of the system in the distinguished operating states.
Research Methodology of Water Network Failure in Terms of Reneval / Metodologia Badania Awaryjności Sieci Wodociągowej w Aspekcie Jej Odnowy
Authors: Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna , Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The important and crucial issue concerning water supply functioning in terms of conducting failure analysis were discussed. In the work failure indicators, water losses and availability of water services, that define standards of quality water services and their values were determined based on data from exploitation. In order to understand the current situation of water supply infrastructure it is necessary to perform periodic analyzes of water supply network failure, which was proposed in this paper. A detailed analysis of the failure and the water loss of the water supply network should be the main element of the urban management water supply network, particularly in the strategic plans for its modernization.
Quality Assurance in Clinical Chemistry: A Touch of Statistics and A Lot of Common Sense
Authors: Theodorsson Elvar 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Working in laboratories of clinical chemistry, we risk feeling that our personal contribution to quality is small and that statistical models and manufacturers play the major roles. It is seldom sufficiently acknowledged that personal knowledge, skills and common sense are crucial for quality assurance in the interest of patients. The employees, environment and procedures inherent to the laboratory including its interactions with the clients are crucial for the overall result of the total testing chain. As the measurement systems, reagents and procedures are gradually improved, work on the preanalytical, postanalytical and clinical phases is likely to pay the most substantial dividends in accomplishing further quality improvements. This means changing attitudes and behaviour, especially of the users of the laboratory. It requires understanding people and how to engage them in joint improvement processes. We need to use our knowledge and common sense expanded with new skills e.g. from the humanities, management, business and change sciences in order to bring this about together with the users of the laboratory.
Content Management Systems Viewed From A Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism & Connectivism Perspective
Authors: Giurgiu Luminiţa , Bârsan Ghiţă 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The knowledge based organization is the organization in which production and consumption of knowledge is the most important type of activity, knowledge is recognized as a key resource, information and communication technologies are core technologies and information environment, together with the social and the ecological ones, constitute the human existence. The information society allows broad access to information for its members, becoming a new way of working and knowledge. The new digital technologies essential reduce the cost of access, storage and transmission of information. IT systems play an important role in processes that speed up the exchange of information within the organization and between organizations and in effective dissemination of information to the consumer or, if we are talking in the context of education, student. In this context, where there is an ongoing need for education and training, the Web has become a new medium for publishing the information. So, websites are used to promote businesses and products, provide services and information, and facilitate communication. For medium and large sites, the question of their content management occurs. Therefore content management systems have been implemented (CMS). The system inputs are information to be published, and the outputs are the pages that will be seen by visitors. Content management is the systematic and structured supply, creation, processing, management, presentation, publishing and content reuse. There is a wide range of CMS, but no solution is able to manage all types of content. Referring this in the field of education and learning, the article aims to analyze the types of CMS systems consistent with known theories and models of learning: behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism & connectivism.
Geospatial Data Reliability, Their Use In Crisis Situations
Authors: Hošková-Mayerová Šárka 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Spatial data are used not only for basic orientation in space but also as data for solving tasks connected with actual decisions, e.g. geographic impact on combat and non-combat army activities in given environments, predictions of landscape damage under extreme meteorological conditions or emergencies, in cases of military threats to the state, etc. in many tasks the source data are combined and based on mathematically or procedurally described processes, new data are created. Currently, computer equipment, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, computer cartography, etc. in the hands of professionals, along with expert systems, can help much faster, more reliable and more efficient leadership of crisis management. When employing spatial data and information in decision-making processes, complex knowledge of their values is the prerequisite for assessing the credibility and accuracy of decisions made. By implementing the methods of value analysis and mathematical modeling it is possible to create an assessment system of spatial data complex usability. By comparing costs necessary for different variants of enhancement or for adjustment of database quality it is possible to optimize both the total usability and the costs put in securing the required data quality. Paper describes one possible way of creation of cost map.
Comparative Preliminary Ionospheric Forecasting In Romania With Data From The European Ionosonde Service Versus Data Extracted From The International Reference Ionosphere Model
Authors: Miclaus Simona , Bechet Paul , Stanic Mircea , Iftode Cora 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Radiocommunications in the HF band depend on the ionospheric parameters of radiowaves reflexion, though the quality of a radio link depends on: the time of day; season; solar cycle; geographical position. Taking into account the ionosphere characteristics over Romania, a forecasting is made over four cities in our country in order to provide the values of the critical frequency foF2 of the F2 ionospheric layer over a 24 hours cycle. A comparative analysis of this parameter is applied by using the International Reference Ionosphere model and interpolated experimental data collected from the European Ionosonde Service. Results show that the f0F2 values are slightly underestimated in all four locations in the model versus measurements, sustaining the necessity of own measurements in order to prepare quality data links in Romania if HF band is to be used for emergency data communications.
Pluralism, Pragmatism and Functional Explanations
Authors: Shaw Jamie 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
While many philosophers speak of ‘pluralism’ within philosophy of biology, there has been little said about what such pluralism amounts to or what its underlying assumptions are. This has provoked so me anxiety about whether pluralism is compatible with their commitment to naturalism (Cussins 1992). This paper surveys three prominent pluralist positions (Sandra Mitchell and Michael Dietrich’s (2006) ‘integrative pluralism’, and both Peter Godfrey-Smith’s (1993) and Beth Preston’s (1998) pluralist analyses of functional explanations in evolutionary biology) and demonstrates how all three are committed to a form of pragmatism. This analysis both clarifies the justification and grounding of pluralism and allows these pluralisms to avoid the criticisms of Cussins. I close by making some more general points about pluralism and its relationship to history and integration.
Influence of Light Intensity and Temperature on Cultivation of Microalgae Desmodesmus Communis in Flasks and Laboratory-Scale Stirred Tank Photobioreactor
Authors: Vanags J. , Kunga L. , Dubencovs K. , Galvanauskas V. , Grīgs O. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Optimization of the microalgae cultivation process and of the bioprocess in general traditionally starts with cultivation experiments in flasks. Then the scale-up follows, when the process from flasks is transferred into a laboratory-scale bioreactor, in which further experiments are performed before developing the process in a pilot-scale reactor. This research was done in order to scale-up the process from a 0.4 1 shake flask to a 4.0 1 laboratory-scale stirred-tank photobioreactor for the cultivation of Desmodesmus (D.) communis microalgae. First, the effect of variation in temperature (21-29 ºC) and in light intensity (200-600 μmol m-2s-1) was studied in the shake-flask experiments. It was shown that the best results (the maximum biomass concentration of 2.72 g 1-1 with a specific growth rate of 0.65 g g-1d-1) can be achieved at the cultivation temperature and light intensity being 25 °C and 300 μmol m2s-1, respectively. At the same time, D. communis cultivation under the same conditions in stirred-tank photobioreactor resulted in average volumetric productivities of biomass due to the light limitation even when the light intensity was increased during the experiment (the maximum biomass productivity 0.25 g 1-1d-1; the maximum biomass concentration 1.78 g 1-1).
Study of Copper Nitride Thin Film Structure
Authors: Kuzmin A. , Kalinko A. , Anspoks A. , Timoshenko J. , Kalendarev R. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
X-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Cu K-edge were used to study the atomic structure in copper nitride (Cu3N) thin films. Textured nanocrystalline films are obtained upon dc magnetron sputtering on substrates heated at about 190 °C, whereas amorphous films having strongly disordered structure already in the second coordination shell of copper are deposited in the absence of heating.
A New Synchronization Method for Direct Sequence Spectrum Spread Based Systems
Authors: Knapp Ádám , Pap László 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
For precise indoor localization accurate synchronization is necessary. In this paper we propose a new synchronization method for direct sequence spread spectrum modulation based systems, which enables a more accurate correlation peak detection. We provide comprehensive statistical analysis and numerical results for the decision error probability assuming both coherent and non-coherent receiving via an AWGN channel. The essence of the proposed method is the two overlapping correlators, which allows taking into account the statistically not independent noise components to reduce the error probability of the correlation peak detection.
Redesigning the marketing mix for eco-friendly product consumption among non-purchasers in India
Authors: Chockalingam Senthil Nathan , Isreal Densingh Joshua 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The present study was created in order to customise the marketing mix for non-purchasers of eco-friendly products by studying their perspectives on the introduction of eco-friendly variants of the regular products that they are using in particular product categories (personal care and home care). Overall previous literature reviews in this area imply that there is a gap in the scientific literature on the marketing mix formulation for converting non-purchasers into purchasers of eco-friendly products to augment eco-friendly product sales and adopt green marketing. As literature reviews had clearly indicated that green purchasers have a very low percentage when compared to non-purchasers, the purpose is to create new opportunities for successful green marketing as the study tries to convert non-purchasers into purchasers. We used descriptive research design to study a sample of 885 respondents, who were surveyed in 2 cities in the Tamil Nadu state in India, to acquire an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour that would enable the consumption of eco-friendly products among non-purchasers. The results reveal the marketing mix requirement and the eco-friendly aspects needed by the non-purchasers in order to buy the eco-friendly variants. The research sheds light on the product, price and promotion components that will attract non-purchases of eco-friendly products to buy eco-friendly products, thus facilitating green marketing mix adaptation. The study will provide valuable input for further research in formulating the marketing mix necessary to enable consumption of eco-friendly products in different geographical locations and various product categories.
Current Status in Management of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Pavkovic Marica , Genadieva-Stavric Sonja , Amzai Gazmend , Sotirova Tatjana , Cevreska Lidija , Stankovic Svetlana , Stojanovic Aleksandar 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most commonly diagnosed type of leukemia in Western Europe and North America, and represents about 30% of all leukemias in adults. CLL is a disease of elderly, who often have multiple comorbidities. These factors affect further treatment decisions, despite the great progress in the therapy of CLL in the last two decades.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status in the management of patients with CLL in the Republic of Macedonia and to compare it with CLL patients in other western countries.
We analyzed 102 patients with CLL referred to our Institution for control and/or treatment in the period from January 2015 to October 2015. Median age of our group of patients at the time of diagnosis was 62.7 years with almost 40% of patients older than 64 years. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1 and 54% of patients were diagnosed in stage “0” according to Rai staging system. Watch and wait was the most common treatment approach (58.8%) at the time of diagnosis, but at the moment of analysis only 33% of patients were still with-out treatment. The most common treatment in this group of CLL patients was FCR protocol with 39.5% of patients treated with an average of 5 cycles of this immunochemotherapeutic regimen. The average time of progression free survival (PFS) in all treated patients was 32.8 months with range between 2-72 months.
In summary, clinical characteristics of CLL patient in our clinical settings and the most common therapeutic approach at our Institution do not differ significantly from the characteristics of the average CLL patient in other studies.
Determination of Fetal Maturity Using Signal Transformations of Fetal Thalamus Estimating Fetal Maturity by Ultrasound
Authors: Dzikova Elena , Dimitrov Goran , Stojceva-Taneva Olivera , Dimitrov Gligor 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Introduction. The complications associated with preterm birth are still the primary cause of death in children below 5 years of age, leading to nearly 1 million death cases in 2013. We performed our study to examine a new non-invasive method for prediction of fetal maturity.
Methods. The study was designed asa prospective observational-interventional clinical study, conducted at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.
Ninety pregnant patients were examined, 48 with preterm birth used as examined cases and 42 women above 37 completed weeks of gestation and delivered at term, used as control cases. The investigation was performed before and 72 hours after administration of the therapy protocol for fetal lung maturation. The measurement was done with an ultrasound histogram software, measuring the density of thalamus and surrounding brain tissue. The results were followed up to 72 hours and then compared with the postpartum respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). If the patient was not delivered within 72 hours of measurement, she was excluded from the study.
Results. In the first and in the second gestational age group, we noticed significant fetal maturation. All groups according to nationality and religionshowed high significance before and after treatment. The correlation among the thalamus density vs. surrounding brain tissue and postpartum RDS in all three groups according to gestational age, nationality and religion was high.
Conclusion. Measuring the density of fetal thalamus vs. surrounding brain tissue may become the new non-invasive technique for determination of fetal maturity.