bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors controlling alterations in the performance of a runoff model in changing climate conditions
Authors: Sleziak Patrik , Szolgay Ján , Hlavčová Kamila , Duethmann Doris , Parajka Juraj , Danko Michal 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In many Austrian catchments in recent decades an increase in the mean annual air temperature and precipitation has been observed, but only a small change in the mean annual runoff. The main objective of this paper is (1) to analyze alterations in the performance of a conceptual hydrological model when applied in changing climate conditions and (2) to assess the factors and model parameters that control these changes. A conceptual rainfall-runoff model (the TUW model) was calibrated and validated in 213 Austrian basins from 1981–2010. The changes in the runoff model’s efficiency have been compared with changes in the mean annual precipitation and air temperature and stratified for basins with dominant snowmelt and soil moisture processes. The results indicate that while the model’s efficiency in the calibration period has not changed over the decades, the values of the model’s parameters and hence the model’s performance (i.e., the volume error and the runoff model’s efficiency) in the validation period have changed. The changes in the model’s performance are greater in basins with a dominant soil moisture regime. For these basins, the average volume error which was not used in calibration has increased from 0% (in the calibration periods 1981–1990 or 2001–2010) to 9% (validation period 2001–2010) or –8% (validation period 1981–1990), respectively. In the snow-dominated basins, the model tends to slightly underestimate runoff volumes during its calibration (average volume error = –4%), but the changes in the validation periods are very small (i.e., the changes in the volume error are typically less than 1–2%). The model calibrated in a colder decade (e.g., 1981–1990) tends to overestimate the runoff in a warmer and wetter decade (e.g., 2001–2010), particularly in flatland basins. The opposite case (i.e., the use of parameters calibrated in a warmer decade for a colder, drier decade) indicates a tendency to underestimate runoff. A multidimensional analysis by regression trees showed that the change in the simulated runoff volume is clearly related to the change in precipitation, but the relationship is not linear in flatland basins. The main controlling factor of changes in simulated runoff volumes is the magnitude of the change in precipitation for both groups of basins. For basins with a dominant snowmelt runoff regime, the controlling factors are also the wetness of the basins and the mean annual precipitation. For basins with a soil moisture regime, landcover (forest) plays an important role.
Response of soil organic carbon and water-stable aggregates to different biochar treatments including nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Šimanský Vladimír , Igaz Dušan , Horák Ján , Šurda Peter , Kolenčík Marek , Buchkina Natalya P. , Uzarowicz Łukasz , Juriga Martin , Šrank Dušan , Pauková Žaneta 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Recent studies show that biochar improves physical properties of soils and contributes to the carbon sequestration. In contrast to most other studies on biochar, the present study comprise a long-term field experiment with a special focus on the simultaneous impact of N-fertilizer to soil structure parameters and content of soil organic carbon (SOC) since SOC has been linked to improved aggregate stability. However, the question remains: how does the content of water-stable aggregates change with the content of organic matter? In this paper we investigate the effects of biochar alone and in a combination with N-fertilizer (i) on the content of water-stable macro- (WSAma
) and micro-aggregates (WSAmi
) as well as soil structure parameters; and (ii) on the contents of SOC and labile carbon (CL) in water-stable aggregates (WSA).
A field experiment was conducted with different biochar application rates: B0 control (0 t ha−1), B10 (10 t ha−1) and B20 (20 t ha−1) and 0 (no N), 1st and 2nd level of nitrogen fertilization. The doses of level 1 were calculated on required average crop production using the balance method. The level 2 included an application of additional 100% of N in 2014 and additional 50% of N in the years 2015–2016 on silty loam Haplic Luvisol at the study site located at Dolná Malanta (Slovakia). The effects were investigated after the growing season of spring barley, maize and spring wheat in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
The results indicate that the B10N0 treatment significantly decreased the structure vulnerability by 25% compared to B0N0. Overall, the lower level of N combined with lower doses of biochar and the higher level of N showed positive effects on the average contents of higher classes of WSAma
and other soil structure parameters. The content of SOC in WSA in all size classes and the content of CL in WSAma
3–1 mm significantly increased after applying 20 t ha–1 of biochar compared to B0N0. In the case of the B20N1 treatment, the content of SOC in WSAma
within the size classes >5 mm (8%), 5–3 mm (19%), 3–2 mm (12%), 2–1 mm (16%), 1–0.5 mm (14%), 0.5–0.25 mm (9%) and WSAmi
(12%) was higher than in B0N1. We also observed a considerably higher content of SOC in WSAma
5–0.5 mm and WSAmi
with the B10N1 treatment as compared to B0N1. Doses of 20 t biochar ha−1 combined with second level of N fertilization had significant effect on the increase of WSAma
and WSAmi
compared to the B0N2 treatment. A significant increase of CL in WSA was determined for size classes of 2–0.25 mm and WSAmi
in the B20N2 treatment. Our findings showed that biochar might have beneficial effects on soil structure parameters, SOC, CL in WSA and carbon sequestration, depending on the applied amounts of biochar and nitrogen.
Can a single dose of biochar affect selected soil physical and chemical characteristics?
Authors: Igaz Dušan , Šimanský Vladimír , Horák Ján , Kondrlová Elena , Domanová Jana , Rodný Marek , Buchkina Natalya P. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
During the last decade, biochar has captured the attention of agriculturalists worldwide due to its positive effect on the environment. To verify the biochar effects on organic carbon content, soil sorption, and soil physical properties under the mild climate of Central Europe, we established a field experiment. This was carried out on a silty loam Haplic Luvisol at the Malanta experimental site of the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra with five treatments: Control (biochar 0 t ha−1, nitrogen 0 kg ha−1); B10 (biochar 10 t ha−1, nitrogen 0 kg ha−1); B20 (biochar 20 t ha−1, nitrogen 0 kg ha−1); B10+N (biochar 10 t ha−1, nitrogen 160 kg ha−1) and B20+N (biochar 20 t ha−1, nitrogen 160 kg ha−1). Applied biochar increased total and available soil water content in all fertilized treatments. Based on the results from the spring soil sampling (porosity and water retention curves), we found a statistically significant increase in the soil water content for all fertilized treatments. Furthermore, biochar (with or without N fertilization) significantly decreased hydrolytic acidity and increased total organic carbon. After biochar amendment, the soil sorption complex became fully saturated mainly by the basic cations. Statistically significant linear relationships were observed between the porosity and (A) sum of base cations, (B) cation exchange capacity, (C) base saturation.
Competition vs. Searching as a Mechanism of the Rector’s Selection in Higher Education Institutions in Poland
Authors: Degtyarova Iryna , Woźnicki Jerzy 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims at looking at the mechanisms of rector’s appointment in public higher education institutions in Poland based on the analysis of the legislation binding since 2005 with reference to the latest changes.

Methodology: Legislative analysis of the past and current regulations on the models of rector’s election was conducted, including mechanisms of nominating candidates in the Act on Higher education 2005, its amendments in 2011 and the Act on Higher education and Science in 2018. Literature review and empirical analysis of good practices were used.

Findings: The issue of strengthening a rector’s position and professionalizing university management in the system of higher education is very important and being widely discussed in terms of governance reforms. Changes, new regulations, reforms depend on how they are implemented on the institutional level in terms of their strategical development and how they are supported and promoted by the executive head.
The model of nominating and appointing the rector determines his relationship with the university board, senate and with academic community as well. In public higher education institutions in Poland the competition model is more burdensome than the model of election, it has numerous disadvantages and threats, and wasn’t applied by any university. New regulations in Poland make the process of nomination more important than before. In general, there are two main models of nominating candidates: an open procedure (open competition) and a closed one (e.g. searching, headhunting for senior executive staff in HR, in business sphere), each has their own strengths and weaknesses. In case of HEIs, both respect the principles of institutional autonomy, guaranteed to universities by the Polish Constitution and the law. It is an autonomous right of the academic community, of the university itself to define their own framework and nomination procedure. The model of executive search in nominating candidates can become more feasible and effective for professionalizing and improvement of the rector’s governance.

Value Added: The model of rector’s appointment has a significant impact on the whole university performance. By professionalizing appointment mechanisms at all its stages, universities will improve university governance and introduce new quality of management.

Recommendations: New regulations in higher education create possibilities for introducing into the academic practice the executive search as a mechanism for nominating candidates for a rector’s position in Polish universities.
The Use of Bluetooth Standard for Communication Between Vehicles Under Traffic
Authors: Kasprzyk Zbigniew , Rychlicki Mariusz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Bluetooth is a type of wireless communication used to transmit voice and data at high speeds using radio waves. It is a standard protocol for short-range radio communications between many different types of devices, including mobile phones, computers and other electronics [1]. The use of this type of data transmission standard for voice communications at close range in the vehicle is commonly known. The trend of integrating new services in vehicles increases rapidly and Bluetooth is one of the emerging communication technologies for realizing ad-hoc networks. The paper presents the possibility of using Bluetooth to build ad-hoc network suitable for the transmission of sound, in particular voice data using the modulation GSFK. We analyzed the features or problems that Bluetooth offers for transmitting audio data in an ad-hoc network. Some initial results of simulations and real-life tests give an impression of the performance and efficiency this standard for the transmission of voice data in an ad-hoc networks [2].
Laboratory Station for Reliability Testing of Digital Circuits Using Signature Analysis
Authors: Jadczak Kamila , Białek Rafał 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The article presented a laboratory station for diagnosing the digital circuits and the test results on the basis of a selected example. The idea of a response compression technique, which is called an analysis of signatures, was demonstrated. The main element of the station includes 8-bit programme of an analyser of signatures, which was developed by the authors, and implemented in the LabVIEW environment with the use of NI 6008 data analysis module. The programme operation was tested on the selected digital circuit, and the obtained results were provided in the article.
Optimisation of the Municipal Waste Collection Process in a Small Size and Scarcely Populated Municipality
Authors: Rychlicki Mariusz , Kasprzyk Zbigniew , Jaśkiewicz Konrad 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The paper presents a review of legal conditions regarding the process of municipal waste collection. An analysis of systems and solutions for the management and monitoring of a fleet of vehicles that can be used in the operation of means of transport during the implementation of the municipal waste process was carried out. The paper presents a coherent concept of ICT system for the optimization of the municipal waste collection process in a small-sized municipality. The proposed system can be used by companies responsible for waste collection, transport and service companies participating in the waste collection process.
Assessment of Road Restraint Systems in Polish Conditions
Authors: Budzyński Marcin , Jamroz Kazimierz , Jeliński Łukasz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Key to understanding the needs and tools of road infrastructure management is identifying the hazards and their sources involved in having no or faulty road restraint systems. Clarity is also needed on why the systems are wrongly designed, constructed, built and operated. To ensure that the problem is adequately understood, research and site observations were conducted and mathematical models were built to describe the level of roadside risk. To aid studies of road safety barrier and other road safety equipment functionality, it is vital to carry out field crash tests and crash test simulations. The main goal of the work is to develop a method for selecting optimal road restraint systems.
Evaluation Criteria for Technical and Teleinformatic Solutions in its Services
Authors: Rosiński Adam 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Transport telematics systems integrate IT with telecommunications in applications for different transport systems. Through their implementation, the use of transport infrastructure and means of transport increases, while increasing the level of safety of vehicles and facilities performing transport tasks. The implementation of modern Intelligent Transport Systems in road transport necessitates their evaluation (including reliability and operation) and the rational selection for planned criteria. The article presents the author’s work on criteria and sub-criteria that will be used to evaluate technical and teleinformatic solutions for ITS services.
Metabolic Profile and Hormonal Status Comparison Between Primiparous and Multiparous Non-Cyclic Cows
Authors: Jasari Besir , Atanasov Branko , Celeska Irena , Radeski Miroslav , Nikolovski Martin , Dovenski Toni 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Several reports indicated that a large proportion of dairy cows have not resumed cyclicity until day 60 after calving. These cows are traditionally classified as non-cycling (anoestrous or anovular cows). Static ovaries (SO, lack of luteal tissue and follicles >8 mm, and progesterone < 0.5 ng/mL) could be a possible underlying reason that contributes to a non-cycling status. Although SO affects both primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows, PP cows are more prone to be non-cycling than MP. Therefore, this study aims to compare the metabolic profiles and hormonal status between non-cycling PP and MP cows diagnosed with SO. One hundred and twenty one animals that did not express signs of oestrus until day 60 postpartum were grouped by parity (PP, n=58 and MP, n=63), then blood sampled and examined using transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected before the ultrasonographic examination. Out of those, 42 PP (72.4%) and 28 MP (44.4%) were diagnosed as non-cycling (bearing SO). Serum concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein and albumin did not differ between parity groups. The glucose concentrations in PP cows (1.43 ± 0.59 mmol/L) and MP cows (1.69 ± 0.71 mmol/L) did not differ, however, they were less than the normal physiological concentration. In addition, no differences were detected between parity groups for concentrations of NEFA, β-HBA, progesterone and estradiol. In summary, we concluded that non-cycling PP and MP cows bearing SO have similar hormonal status and metabolic profiles.
Beyond cost saving. Other factor consideration in online purchases of used electronic goods: a conjoint analysis approach
Authors: Kwarteng Michael Adu , Pilík Michal , Juřičková Eva 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The market for second-hand and refurbished goods continues to record strong growth in most economies around the world. One obvious motivating factor in consumer choice of second-hand goods is price affordability. However, as the used market evolves, especially with the adoption of online e-commerce platforms, consumers’ inclination for used goods have also become complex. This paper investigates other appealing factors beyond price affordability (cost saving) in consumer choice of usable electronic goods. To do this, a consumer preference model was designed to reveal the key factors that drive consumer choices in the used electronic goods market. A case study using an emerging economy (Czech Republic) where used goods outlets are rampant coupled with the propensity for used electronic gadgets. The study adopted a simple random technique geared towards all the regions in the Czech Republic. The aggregate conjoint analysis method was used to model consumer preferences to determine the importance they attach to attributes most considered by consumers in the online used goods transactions. The result indicates that in respect of online purchases of used electronic appliances, a product’s ‘number of years in use’ is the next most important motivating factor after cost saving (price affordability). The study would help give a general insight into consumer preferences in the used electronic goods market.
Factors of communication mix on social media and their role in forming customer experience and brand image
Authors: Bacik Radovan , Fedorko Richard , Nastisin Ludovit , Gavurova Beata 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Building a brand is a long-term process and it also applies to the world of social media. It is said that building a good brand reputation takes years, but it can be ruin in a moment. Therefore, it is important to look responsibly at all the aspects that have a role in building a brand on social media. The actual experience with the brand on social media is able to significantly affect brand building. The study focuses on exploring brand-building relationships in the social media environment. We selected a set of factors to predict customer experience with the brand in a social media environment and then we examined the relationship between this customer experience and the perceived brand image. 476 respondents filled out the electronic questionnaire. The study puts the greatest emphasis on respondents aged 20 to 35 years. We used correlation analysis to investigate the relationships in this issue. Out of the seven investigated relationships, up to two cases with medium dependence were confirmed by the strong relevance of relationships. The results support the importance of using social media tools for branding purposes, because these tools are the ones with the greatest ability to influence the people’s perception and attitude. It is also the fastest and one of the most personal ways to communicate with the customer. It happens in real time and it can convey the real emotion if performed right which all together help to trigger the user action. The findings of this study can guide marketing activities for companies to make the return on investment in social media as high as possible. The research offers a new perspective on selected factors and their role in creating social media experience and subsequently a brand image.
Crystal growth of nanostructured zinc oxide nanorods from the seed layer
Authors: Adetoye B.O. , Alabi A.B. , Akomolafe T. , Managutti P.B. , Coppede N. , Villani M. , Calestani D. , Zappetini A. , Maurizio C. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures (nanorods) were synthesized on a glass slide and fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO2/F or FTO) coated glass (FTO/glass) by a wet chemical method. The structural, morphological and optical analyses of the as-deposited ZnO nanostructures were performed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD results showed that the nanostructures as-deposited on the glass and the FTO/glass substrates were of ZnO wurtzite crystal structure, and the crystallite sizes estimated from the (0 0 2) planes were 60.832 nm and 64.876 nm, respectively. The SEM images showed the growth of densely oriented ZnO nanorods with a hexagonal-faceted morphology. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum revealed high absorbance properties in the ultraviolet range and low absorbance properties in the visible range. The optical energy band gap of the ZnO nanostructure was estimated to be 3.87 eV by the absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) method.
Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome I: definition, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and complications
Authors: Zoltán Kun Imre , Ildikó Kun , Melinda Kolcsár 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disease among women with childbearing potential, the best-known cause of hirsutism, with a hypothesized prevalence of 8-22%. The first part of the paper discusses the conceptional evolution of the syndrome, from its description in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal till today. It describes the changes in the criteria systems, emphasizing that the Rotterdam criteria, proposed in 2003 by the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine, are still valid today. This system basically differs from earlier (1990) NIH-criteria in one aspect: it introduced two newer phenotypes, one without hyperandrogenism and the other with ovulatory cycles, so it distinguishes 4 phenotypes. The etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS is heterogeneous, multifactorial, poorly understood. We present the 3 leading hypotheses (1 - hypothalamo-hypophyseal disturbances, 2 – primary enzyme disorders in ovarian, or ovarian/adrenal steroidogenesis, resulting primarily in hyperactivity of 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, 3 – insulin resistance-hyperinsulinism and other metabolic dysfunctions). We emphasize the role of genetically determined hyperandrogenism, that of insulin resistance-hyperinsulinism and the importance of reinforcing each other. Subsequently, the aggravating aspects of the frequently associated metabolic syndrome are discussed, and then the effects of the mentioned pathological processes on the endocrine and other organ structures participating in the regulation of sexual functions. We stress the hypothetical role of perinatal and pubertal androgen exposition in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The mechanisms of anovulation and those of the endometrial lesions are discussed, too. The clinical manifestations, the paraclinical and laboratory examinations, the positive and differential diagnosis and the complications are also presented. We intend to deal with the therapeutic aspects of PCOS in an upcoming paper.