bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of atmospheric light scattering on reflectance measurements during photogrammetric survey flights at low altitudes over forest areas
Authors: Mazur Anna , Kacprzak Mariusz , Kubiak Katarzyna , Kotlarz Jan , Skocki Krzysztof 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
In this article, we describe methods for the correction of multispectral aerial images by accounting for atmospheric interference. We also summarize the first correction results for images acquired at flight altitudes and evaluate the suitability of selected methods for the atmospheric correction of these images. Furthermore, processes and phenomena occurring in the atmosphere that potentially affect image quality and interfere with the electromagnetic radiation registered by the imaging sensors are discussed as well. The purpose of atmospheric correction is to reduce or eliminate atmospheric interference during multispectral image processing. Here we present methodology for image correction based on data gathered at various altitudes during the autumn flights conducted as a part of the HESOFF project.
Determining the conversion factors for selected lengths of medium-sized pine and spruce wood in the S2 group
Authors: Witkowska Joanna , Jodłowski Krzysztof 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The aim of the study was to verify the commonly used conversion factors, their realignment and adaptation to current requirements for wood group S2. Our re-evaluation was based on medium-sized pine and spruce wood between 1 m and 3 m long, with an upper diameter of 5 cm to 24 cm without bark. Measurements were carried out on individual raw material pieces (rollers) as well as entire stacks. In total, 1092.026 steres of pine wood and 482.430 steres of spruce wood from five different forest districts were measured. The conversion factors for both pine and spruce were observed to be generally lower than those currently used in PN-D-95000-2002 and the directives of the General Director of State Forests regarding technical requirements on medium-sized round wood. We also confirmed the dependence between the value of the conversion factor and the average diameter of the roller in the stack, although this was not consistently statistically significant due to the influence of a multitude of factors that potentially cancel each other out. The differences of conversion factors obtained for the S2A and S2B groups suggest that more extensive research for pine and spruce wood as well as the development of separate conversion factors is necessary. However, developing appropriate conversion factors for wood of the S2A group (S2AC and S2AP), especially pine wood, will be challenging due to the large range of diameters and curvature permitted by the regulations.
Forest policy goals in Poland in light of the current forestry aims in Europe Part 1. Forest policy processes in Europe
Authors: Kaliszewski Adam 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The Polish “National Forest Policy” was adopted by the Council of Ministers in April 1997 and since then no revisions of this document have been made. However, over the last two decades policy changes affecting forests and forestry have been implemented worldwide including Europe. Nonetheless, in more recent years, significant changes in social, economic, institutional, and legal aspects of forestry have also occurred in Poland.
This paper is the first of a series of five articles, which aim at highlighting necessary changes in the “National Forest Policy” following the achievements of European forest policy processes and trends in forest policy of selected European countries. The focus of the present paper are the most important European processes of forest policy formulation, in particular the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (Forest Europe process) as well as forest-focused and forest-related polices of the European Union. Included in this research are the Forest Europe resolutions as well as decisions and EU policies, strategies and legal acts in terms of the general objectives set for forests and forestry. The analysis focuses on the period 1997–2016, i.e. starting from the year the “National Forest Policy” has been adopted. The conclusions of this first paper are that in recent years, forests and forestry have been increasingly included in various sectoral policies of the European Union (environmental and biodiversity protection, climate, energy, agricultural polices), which requires the member states to revise and adjust their own forest-related regulations and policies.
First record of the “small cave bear” in Bulgaria and the taxonomic status of bears of the Ursus savini Andrews – Ursus rossicus Borissiak group
Authors: Spassov Nikolai , Hristova Latinka , Ivanova Stefanka , Georgiev Ivan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The discovery of rich, well preserved skull material in the latest Middle Pleistocene deposits of Mishin Kamik cave (N-W Bulgaria) presents an opportunity for a new analysis of the taxonomy and the phylogeny of the so called “small cave bears”. Not all the small cave bears known would have necessarily had a common origin, the size decrease could be related in a number of cases to a parallelism. The bear from Mishin Kamik is identical with “Ursus rossicus” Borissiak from Krasnodar (S. Russia). Both these samples must be referred to U. savini Andrews from Bacton near Cromer (England). The specimens from Krasnodar and Mishin Kamik could be classified as U. sa. rossicus, a late form of the species. This species may have affinities with some Middle Pleistocene Siberian forms. U. savini is a small but very robust spelaeoid bear which is more advanced in a number of features than U. deningeri. In several aspects it attained the evolutional adaptations of the cave bears of the U. spelaeus-U. ingressus group and represents an independent lineage of spelaeoid bears. The Mishin Kamik population was adapted to a mosaic landscape of forests and open areas in hilly terrain. This bear had well developed grazing adaptations but had weak motor abilities.
A new species of Plesiosorex (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla) from the Early Miocene of Japan: first record of the genus from East Asia
Authors: Oshima Mitsuharu , Tomida Yukimitsu , Orihara Takamichi 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
A nearly complete dentary with preserved i2, p3 and m1 of a relatively large soricomorph from the Dota locality, Kani Basin, Early Miocene (ca. 18.5 Ma), Nakamura Formation of the Mizunami Group in central Japan, is described as a new species of Plesiosorex. It represents the first record of the genus in East Asia. Plesiosorex fejfari sp. nov. has a slender dentary, posteriorly elongated angular and condyloid processes, p3 with two roots, and m1 without hypoconulid or cingulid. Cladistic analysis of Butselia gracilis and seven species of Plesiosorex shows that Butselia is basally positioned with respect to Plesiosorex, and it seems likely that Plesiosorex originated in Europe at the beginning of the Miocene and expanded its distribution to East Asia and North America during the Early Miocene. Two Middle Miocene North American species are more closely related to each other than to European species of the same age.
Beyond the Conventional Development Approaches: Evolving and Institutionalizing the Strategic Framework for Sustainable Wealth Creation and Development in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Nnamani Kelechi Elijah , Enyiazu Chukwuemeka , Nwoke Ikemefuna Sunday , Ochiaka Ebere Dorothy , Agbo Joy Nkiru , Ovaga Obinna Augustine 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Given the low level of economic development and the attendant burgeoning social vices at local level in Nigeria, this study illuminates on the strategic framework for sustainable wealth creation in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The study argues that rather than the constant reliance on the ‘one size fits all’ analysis which has fundamentally blurred the minds of development experts and policymakers, greater emphasis should be placed on context-driven and specific studies. Among other things, the study notes that context-driven studies would enable each local government identify problems peculiar to it and evolve problem-solving measures consistent with local realities and demands. In the context of the present study, we share the optimism that Odukpani Local Government Council should prioritize wealth creation as basis for stimulating economic growth and development in the area. The study relies on triangulation of data involving interviews with key stakeholders, on-the-spot observation, participatory rural appraisal and information derived from relevant literature.
Gracilis Muscle Flap for Recurrent Rectovaginal Fistula: a Case Report
Authors: Mocian Flavius , Oancea Ruxandra , Coroș Marius 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
We present the case of a 48-year-old patient with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula, who we treated surgically by transposing the gracilis muscle. The patient with a history of ulcerative colitis underwent colorectal resection with mechanical anastomosis and diverting ileostomy for rectal cancer. She was subsequently treated by radiation and chemotherapy. Six weeks later, the ileostomy was removed, but afterwards the patient developed a recto-vaginal fistula. A new diverting ileostomy was performed. After eight months, a transvaginal surgical procedure was performed, and the diverting ileostomy was closed after four months. Two years after the last surgery, the patient performed an MRI scan, which revealed the relapse of the rectovaginal fistula. This time the patient was reoperated using a flap of the gracilis muscle interposed between the rectum and the vagina, but the patient refused any diverting stoma. The rectovaginal fistula relapsed again after thirteen days. Fortunately, after six months of intensive systemic and local treatment with aminosalicilic-5-acid, the fistula closed by itself. Our conclusion is that with a well-managed medical treatment, the gracilis flap, because of its good vascular supply, could be successfully used to treat rectovaginal fistulas even in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent rectal surgery and radiation therapy for cancer.
The Role of Carotid Ultrasonography in Patients with High Risk of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Oltean-Péter Balázs , Kovács István , Chițu Monica , Benedek Imre 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that most often affects the carotid arteries. Being usually asymptomatic in its early stages, it is diagnosed only in advanced stages, when treatment is more difficult and prognosis is poor. Carotid ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used method for diagnosing carotid artery disease and represents a proper method for screening in patients with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. This paper shows the methodology and necessity of carotid imaging methods in patients at high risk of developing atherosclerotic lesions. We also review the findings that underline the need of carotid screening in patients with ischemic heart disease or with ischemic arteriopathy, showing that the carotid arteries are like ‘mirrors’ of the arterial system, which need to be assessed in every patient with CV risk factors, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.
The Use of Social Media Job Search
Authors: Navickas Valentinas , Grenčíková Adriana , Španková Jana 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the level of use of social network job search different generations X, Y, Z. We have used the method of literature study, the questionnaire method and the statistical methods, the method of comparison and deduction in the article. We meet the concept of a social network on a daily basis and many people use them. Among the young people, there is probably no one in a civilized world who would not come into contact with them. They are part of not only private but also professional life. People of generation X consider work to be the most important value in their value list. In their work they are loyal, they do not seek changes voluntarily, because they prefer certainty. This generation is characterized by the fact that technology and technology are not at the same level as the younger Y generation, but generation X is adapting to technical and information progress. People called Generation Y are considered to be an ambitious generation for whom it is important to have an interesting job and a high standard of living. This generation is looking for changes and challenges in its work. Generation Y favors their personal life, family, and partner in the ranks of values before work. They are innovative, creative and they like to develop and train in their work. They work efficiently and flexibly. Generation Z is the first generation that has not experienced a world without the ultimate digitization, they are called “digital people” and there is nothing easier for them to live without living communication with the world, they are more comfortable in the home on the Internet. Generation Z addresses everything with modern technologies.
The Influence of Cognitive Image on Tourist Loyalty: A Study of Foreign Tourists Visiting Tirana City
Authors: Kasapi Irisi , Nurja Ines 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This paper attempts to shed light on the concepts of cognitive and affective image and investigate the effects of destination image on tourist loyalty, though one of the aforementioned aspects of destination image. Data was collected using the convenience sampling method. After a review of the most crucial places where foreign visitors could turn into during their stay in Tirana, there were identified a few attractive interception points. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses constructed. SPSS 20.0 statistical package was employed in this particular study for the descriptive analysis of the sample, while LISREL 9.30 was used for structural equation modelling. The results of the study showed that cognitive image had a direct and significant influence on affective image, explaining in this way the formation process of the destination image concept. Moreover, when examining the relationship between destination image and tourist loyalty it was found out that cognitive image had a direct influence on tourist loyalty. The results of the study prove to be beneficial both at an empirical and practical level. As a matter of fact, it does not only provide insightful information for tourism operators and policy-makers, but it also contributes in the body of knowledge of the country where the study takes place.
Investigating Effects of Accounting Ethics on Quality of Financial Reporting of an Organization: Case of Selected Commercial Banks in South Sudan
Authors: Mabil Azona Nyok 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of accounting ethics with regards to its financial reporting quality in South Sudan. Specifically, the study examined the influence of accountants’ competence, accountants’ independence, accountants’ objectivity and accountants’ integrity on quality of financial reports amongst South Sudanese commercial banks. Descriptive survey design was utilised to conduct the study. The target population in this study was 190 accountants distributed over the head offices of 8 commercial banks that were domiciled in South Sudan. Stratified sampling was employed incorporating each segment of the population sample. The study targeted 129 respondents to participate in the study where questionnaires were used as data collection tools. Study results established that competence of accountants (β = 0.456; p < 0.05), independence of accountants (β = 0.213; p < 0.05), objectivity of accountants (β = 0.253; p < 0.05) and integrity of accountants (β = 0.244; p < 0.05) all had positive and significant effect on financial reporting quality. The study recommends that management of the commercial banks should professionalize their accounting departments and enhance competence by ensuring that hiring is on merit and have on the job training opportunities. Moreover, the commercial banks should continually develop their accounting staff both internally and sponsoring them for educational seminars or workshops. Lastly, accountants should be given the authority and support required to enable them add value to the organisation by provide organisation wide risk management.
Analysis of surface properties of Ti-Cu-Ox gradient thin films using AFM and XPS investigations
Authors: Kotwica Tomasz , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Wojcieszak Damian , Sikora Andrzej , Kot Malgorzata , Schmeisser Dieter 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The paper presents results of investigations on surface properties of transparent semiconducting thin films based on (Ti-Cu)oxide system prepared using multi-magnetron sputtering system. The thin films were prepared using two programmed profiles of pulse width modulation coefficient, so called V- and U-shape profiles. The applied powering profiles allowed fabrication of thin films with gradient distribution of Ti and Cu elements over the thickness of deposited layers. Optical investigations allowed determination of transparency of prepared films that reached up to 60 % in the visible part of optical radiation, which makes them attractive for the transparent electronics domain. Surface properties investigations showed that the surface of mixed (Ti-Cu)oxides was sensitive to adsorption, in particular to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Soft etching with argon ions resulted in surface cleaning from residuals, however, deoxidation of Cu-oxide components was also observed.
Sources and methods of reconstruction of postal roads in the second half of the 18th century on the example of the former Lublin Voivodeship
Authors: Zawadzki Mateusz 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The subject of the article is reconstructing the routes of postal roads within the borders of the Lublin Voivodeship in the second half of the 18th century. The author has attempted to reconstruct the routes of postal roads, using the retrogression method and a cartographic research method with the use of GIS tools. For this purpose, manuscript cartographic and descriptive sources from the late 18th and 19th centuries were used. Cartographic material from the end of the 18th century in connection with descriptive sources constituted the basis for determining the existence of a postal connection. However, maps from the beginning of the 19th century constituted the basis for the reconstruction of the routes of postal roads. The obtained results allowed for the determination of the role of the Lublin Voivodeship in the old Polish communication system. The research has made us aware of the need for further in-depth work on communication in the pre--partition era (before 1795).
Obstructive sleep apnea: from the beginnings, to the risk factors and to occupational medicine assessment
Authors: Trenchea Mihaela , Rașcu Agripina , Arghir Oana-Cristina 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Over the last thirty years, the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has begun to be elucidated worldwide due to the presence of standardized diagnostic and treatment. In adults, the clinical diagnosis may be suggestive of OSAS when symptoms like fatigue, lack of concentration, poor work performance, absenteeism, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, snoring, nocturnal respiratory distress or apnea episodes witnessed by others are present. Some medical conditions found in employees’ personal history such as craniofacial abnormalities, some endocrine diseases, arterial hypertension, especially resistant arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, stroke, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cognitive dysfunction or mental disorders may be the alarm signal for OSAS. The assessment of all risk factors, clinical presentation and diagnosis must become an important part of occupational medical examinations and performed in all workers due to its major public health potential and impact on survival. The early identification of OSAS among workers performed by the occupational physician can potentially reduce the risk of work injuries and fatalities. In conclusion, OSAS is a complex entity and an important public health problem. The delay in diagnosis and treatment contributes to the increase of healthcare services demand and implicitly to general mortality.
Complicated Silicosis Associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Petculescu Patricia , Năstase Andrei , Mănescu Ana-Maria , Oțelea Marina Ruxandra 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Romania is recognized as the European country with the highest tuberculosis rate in Europe. The association of tuberculosis with silicosis determines synergistic immunosuppression of the alveolar macrophages resulting in a higher grade of pulmonary parenchymal destruction and consequently respiratory failure. The case report approaches a patient with third stage of silicosis and associated active secondary pulmonary tuberculosis disease with positive smears. The impact of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection’s activation is known to be severe, worsening the prognosis of silicosis and reducing the patient’s quality of life. Regarding the high morbidity rate of tuberculosis, an early diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients with silicosis is paramount, and sometimes cannot be achieved by usual bacteriological tests. Therefore, a better strategy is to be considered in silicotuberculosis, namely to prevent the progression of the latent tuberculosis foci by testing the positive predictive value of up-to-date tests such as IFN-γ inducible protein 10 biomarker, which may allow early detection and treatment.
Circadian rhythm deregulation and thyroid dysfunction: results of an observational study on night shift workers
Authors: Oțelea Marina Ruxandra , Călugăreanu Lavinia 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Context. It has been decades since the circadian variation of the secretion of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was proven in humans. Even so, there are few studies on human beings that explored the relationship existing between night shift circadian rhythm deregulation and thyroid disorders.

Methods. We have revised the occupational medicine files of all employees in a single speciality hospital to conduct an observational study on the prevalence of thyroid disorders in night shift compared to day shift workers. Age, gender, occupational history, body mass index and specialist diagnosed thyroid disorders were recorded. Numerical variables were compared with ANOVA test, and categorical ones with chi test (StatPlus for Mac version v6).

Results. Obesity was slightly more prevalent in night shift workers, but not statistically significant. Instead, we found a significant increase in the prevalence of thyroid disorders in night shift workers (X= 7.424, p = 0.006). As this is a mere observational study, our results only contribute to the pool of data concerning the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and night shifts.

Conclusions: These results should raise awareness, particularly among occupational physicians and endocrinologists, about the influence of sleep and circadian rhythm deregulation on the raising incidence of thyroid disorders.