bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
By Disobedience to Success: When Brand Value should be Measured in a Different Way than how the Theory Recommends
Authors: Kliestikova Jana , Kovacova Maria 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Brand value building and managing is an interdisciplinary issue with serious impact on company's effective market performance. Knowing this, more and more companies try to extract the competitive advantage of a valuable brand. But there are a lot of practical restrictions that result from universal application of formulated theory without respecting national specifics and which often lead to company's activities in scope of branding and brand value measuring not being successful. This is the reason for scepticism towards the implementation of brand management activities, especially in former socialistic countries where the tradition of brand is not so developed due to the long-term application of principles of planned economy. So, the undesirable spiral mechanism is evident – domestic companies apply inconvenient methods of branding and brand value evaluation – brand value decreases – companies rather do not build and manage theirs brands – brands lose their competitive potential in comparison with foreign competitors and the market deforms – only strong foreign brands applying their national branding mechanisms survive – the impression of the so called ‘good practice’ is created – the domestic companies apply inconvenient methods of branding and the circle starts again. According to this, the aim of this paper is to critically discuss the applicability of selected brand valuation methods in the specific conditions of Slovak republic and to verify its applicability in the context of framework conditions of their applicability. To achieve this aim, after the application of selected criteria, we applied the following methods of brand value measurement: royalty savings and brand value added.
Cultural Adaptation of Erasmus Students in Latvia and Host University Responsibility
Authors: Vevere Velga , Resentini Consuelo , Alfaya Marcos Garcia , Mejuto Angel Muniz 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInternationalisation of education and student mobility (incoming and outgoing) has become a significant factor in the sphere of higher education. These processes lead to interaction between local students and exchange students, as well as between exchange students and host universities. Being in the foreign country for a certain period (one or two semesters) requires some cultural and social adaptation that could or could not be problematic for various reasons. In order to maximise benefits for the exchange students and host universities, it is important to identify existing problems and to offer possible solutions. The aim of the current paper is to research the critical aspects of cultural adaptation process of ERASMUS students in Latvia. The international group that consists of a professor of the University College of Economics and Culture and three exchange students from Italy and Spain carried out the research. The empirical methods used were the following: a survey of ERASMUS students (non-probability purposive sampling) and semi-structured interviews with the host university ERASMUS coordinators. The data processing methods were the descriptive statistics as well as the thematic content analysis. On the basis of critical issues identified during the research process, the authors worked a set of practical solutions aimed at the host institutions.
Determination of the Value of Intangible Assets in the Companies of Lithuania
Authors: Bužinskienė Rita 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In accordance with generally accepted accounting standards, most intangibles are not accounted for and not reflected in the traditional financial accounting. For this reason, most companies account intangible assets (IAs) as expenses. In the research, 57 sub-elements of IAs were applied, which are grouped into eight main elements of IAs. The classification of IAs consists in two parts of assets: accounting and non-accounting. This classification can be successfully applied in different branches of enterprises, to expand and supplement the theoretical and practical concepts of the company's financial management. The article proposes to evaluate not only the value of financial information for IAs (accounted) but also the value of non-financial information for IAs (non-accounted), thus revealing the true value of IAs that is available to the companies of Lithuania. It names a value of general IAs. The results of the research confirmed the IA valuation methodology, which allows companies to calculate the fair value of an IA. The obtained extended IAs valuation information may be valuable to both the owners of the company and investors, as this value plays an important practical role in assessing the impact of IAs on the market value of companies.
Factors Influencing Customer Trust in Mobile Banking: Case of Latvia
Authors: Skvarciany Viktorija , Jureviciene Daiva 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The banking sector has developed and extended the use of its services in the past decade. In fact, nowadays mobile banking (M-banking) is the most developing service offered by a bank. In order to encourage customers to use m-banking services, it is extremely important to get clients to trust the M-banking services provided by the bank. This article discusses private clients’ trust in mobile banking in Latvia. Hence, the goal of the research is to identify the key factors driving individual customer’s confidence in mobile banking. In order to determine the weight of each factor, expert evaluation method based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used. The results showed that the most vital factor affecting private clients’ trust in mobile banking is customer characteristics, especially customers’ computer literacy. However, after summarizing all the subfactors, it became clear that the most powerful in the trust-building process is convenience/practicality of using a mobile application. However, there is a limitation – the survey was conducted by interviewing experts, which means that the results may differ from the responses of the clients themselves.
Influence of substrate material on spectral properties and thermal quenching of photoluminescence of silicon vacancy colour centres in diamond thin films
Authors: Dragounová Kateřina , Ižák Tibor , Kromka Alexander , Potůček Zdeněk , Bryknar Zdeněk , Potocký Štěpán 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Nanocrystalline diamond films with bright photoluminescence of silicon-vacancy colour centres have been grown using a microwave plasma enhanced CVD technique. The influence of substrate material (quartz, Al2O3, Mo and Si) on a reproducible fabrication of diamond thin films with Si-V optical centres is presented. Film quality and morphology are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and SEM technique. SEM shows well faceted diamond grains with sizes from 170 to 300 nm. The diamond peak is confirmed in Raman spectra for all samples. In the case of the quartz substrate, a redshift of the diamond peak is observed (≈3.5 cm−1) due to tension in the diamond film. The steady-state photoluminescence intensity was measured in the temperature range from 11 K to 300 K. All spectra consist of a broad emission band with a maximum near 600 nm and of a sharp zero phonon line in the vicinity of 738 nm corresponding to Si-V centres that is accompanied with a phonon sideband peaking at 757 nm. Activation energies for the thermal quenching of Si-V centre photoluminescence were determined and the effect of the substrate on photoluminescence properties is discussed too.
Optical properties of zinc titanate perovskite prepared by reactive RF sputtering
Authors: Müllerová Jarmila , Šutta Pavol , Medlín Rostislav , Netrvalová Marie , Novák Petr 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In this paper we report results from optical transmittance spectroscopy complemented with data on structure from XRD measurements to determine optical properties of a series of ZnTiO3 perovskite thin films deposited on glass by reactive magnetron co-sputtering. The members of the series differ by the titanium content that was revealed as an origin of the changes not only in structure but also in dispersive optical properties. Low porosity has been discovered and calculated using the Bruggeman effective medium approximation. An apparent blue-shift of the optical band gap energies with increasing titanium content was observed. The observed band gap engineering is a good prospective for eg optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications of ZnTiO3.
Fabrication of Si nanopowder and application to hydrogen generation and photoluminescent material
Authors: Kobayashi Yuki , Imamura Kentaro , Matsumoto Taketoshi , Kobayashi Hikaru 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Si nanopowder is fabricated using the simple beads milling method. Fabricated Si nanopowder reacts with water in the neutral pH region between 7 and 9 to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generation rate greatly increases with pH, while pH does not change after the hydrogen generation reaction. In the case of the reactions of Si nanopowder with strong alkaline solutions (eg pH13.9), 1600 mL hydrogen is generated from 1 g Si nanopowder in a short time (eg 15 min). When Si nanopowder is etched with HF solutions and immersed in ethanol, green photoluminescence (PL) is observed, and it is attributed to band-to-band transition of Si nanopowder. The Si nanopowder without HF etching in hexane shows blue PL. The PL spectra possess peaked structure, and it is attributed to vibronic bands of 9,10-dimethylantracene (DMA) in hexane solutions. The PL intensity is increased by more than 3,000 times by adsorption of DMA on Si nanopowder.
Nanocrystalline proprieties of TiO2 thin film deposited by ultrasonic spray pulverization as an anti-reflection coating for solar cells applications
Authors: Sali Samira , Kermadi Salim , Zougar Lyes , Benzaoui Bouthina , Saoula Nadia , Mahdid Khadija , Aitameur Fatiha , Boumaour Messaoud 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Titanium oxide (TiO2) films have been synthesized on quartz, silicon and textured silicon substrates by chemical ultrasonic spray deposition. The textured silicon substrate was carried out using Na2CO3 solution. The sample surface exhibits uniform pyramids with an average height of 5 µm. In this paper, particular attention is given to the TiO2 films prepared by spray ultrasonic system using Tetra iso-Propoxide Orthotitanate Titanium (TPOT) as a precursor. The solutions were sprayed onto substrates heated at various temperatures 350 - 550 °C. The properties of films as a function of temperature parameter were investigated using structural and optical analysis. According to XRD, FTIR and Micro-Raman spectroscopies, the anatase phase was found and exhibits nanograins of 9 to 15 nm in size. The indirect and direct bad gap were found to increase by increasing substrate temperature due to the decreasing of nanograins size and were estimated to be around 3.28 and 3.38 eV. A transmittance higher than 80% was found. This paper reports on anti-reflection coating application of TiO2 layers due to its good transparency and appropriate refractive index varies between 2.19 - 2.40 at λ = 632.8 nm as a function of temperature determined by UVVisNIR spectrophotometer and Ellipsometry. To achieve optimum anti-reflection characteristics different anti-reflection designs were experimentally examined with polished and textured substrates. The average reflectance of the polished silicon used in this study is 39%, with TiO2 it decreases to 9%. The textured surface reduces the average reflectance of silicon to be around 14% and it decreases dramatically to 5% after deposition of a single layer of TiO2 as an anti-reflection coating. The gain in density of the short-circuit photocurrent assigned to the reduction of reflection losses up to 44% and 58% were predicted with TiO2 single-coating in polished and textured silicon substrates respectively.
Characterization of TiO2 films obtained by a wet chemical process
Authors: Sedik Asma , Ferraria Ana M. , Carapeto Ana P. , Bellal Bouzid , Trari Mohamed , Outemzabet Ratiba 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
TiO2 has an easily tunable bandgap and a great absorption dye ability being widely used in many fields and in a number of fascinating applications. In this study, a wet chemical route, particularly a sol gel method using spin-coating is adopted to deposit TiO2 thin films onto soda lime glass and silicon substrates. TiO2 films were prepared by using an alcoholic solution of analytical reagent grade TiCl4 as titanium precursor at various experimental conditions. The accent was put on the conditions of preparation (spin time, spin speed, precursor concentration, number of coating layers etc), doping and on the post-deposit treatment namely the drying and the crystallization. The results showed a strong dependence on the drying temperature and on the temperature and duration of the crystallization. We found that the solution preparation and its color are important for getting a reproducible final product. The Raman spectra recorded at room temperature, showed the characteristic peaks of anatase which appear at 143 and around 396 cm−1. These peaks confirm the presence of TiO2.
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the crystalline characteristic of TiO2 while the chemical states and relative amounts of the main elements existing in the samples were investigated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the samples was visualized by AFM. We show by this work the feasibility to obtain different nanostructured TiO2 by changing the concentration of the solution. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films was evaluated. Rhodamine B is a recalcitrant dye and TiO2 was successfully tested for its oxidation. An abatement of 60% was obtained under sunlight for an initial concentration of 10 mg/l.
High conversion efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells using black − Si fabricated by SSCT method
Authors: Imamura Kentaro , Onitsuka Yuya , Sakae Yuya , Kobayashi Hikaru 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
We have developed a technology for fabrication of black − Si by use of the surface structure chemical transfer (SSCT) method. The ultralow reflectance below 3% results from formation of a graded porosity structure of a nanocrystalline Si layer formed by the SSCT method. The nanocrystalline Si layer with an extremely large surface area is effectively passivated by deposition of phosphosilicate glass (PSG) followed by heat treatment at 925 ◦C. After PSG passivation, the minority carrier lifetime greatly increases, and the internal quantum efficiency in the short wavelength region is also greatly increased. Using the SSCT method and the PSG passivation method, the high conversion efficiency of 19.7% is achieved.
Investigation of deep defects in nanocrystalline-Si/Si interfaces using acoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Bury Peter , Hardoň Štefan , Kobayashi Hikaru , Imamura Kento 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
A set of structures with nanocrystalline-Si/Si interfaces formed on p-type Si substrate appropriated for photovoltaic application was prepared. The Acoustic DLTS technique based on the acoustoelectric response signal produced by the structure when a longitudinal acoustic wave propagates through the structure was used together with electric characterization to determine deep defects and the role of both individual layers. Several kinds of interface deep centers with activation energies typical for dangling bonds, oxygen participated Si or point defects were observed as well as a particular influence of individual layers on the interface states. The obtained results are analyzed, discussed and subsequently compared.
Fabrication and characterization of Si/SiO2/TiO2/ZnO heterostructures from sputtered and oxidized Ti-film
Authors: Kováč Jaroslav , Florovič Martin , Vincze Andrej , Dobročka Edmund , Novotný Ivan , Mikolášek Miroslav , Škriniarová Jaroslava 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The present work reports the fabrication of p-Si/SiO2 /TiO2 and p-Si/SiO2 /TiO2 /ZnO heterostructures deposited by RF sputtering on p-Si substrate. The structural properties of the heterostructures were characterized by X-ray reflectivity and SIMS depth profiling. The electrical and optical properties of the heterostructures were investigated by I − V, C-V measurements and VIS spectroscopy, respectively. The measurements reveal that I − V characteristics in dark show semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor (SIS) structure properties. The I − V characteristics under illumination exhibit changes with significant increase of photocurrent due to photoassisted tunnelling and injection through SiO2 /TiO2 interlayer.
Positron and nanoindentation study of helium implanted high chromium ODS steels
Authors: Veternikova Jana Simeg , Fides Martin , Degmova Jarmila , Sojak Stanislav , Petriska Martin , Slugen Vladimir 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThree oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels with different chromium content (MA 956, MA 957 and ODM 751) were studied as candidate materials for new nuclear reactors in term of their radiation stability. The radiation damage was experimentally simulated by helium ion implantation with energy of ions up to 500 keV. The study was focused on surface and sub-surface structural change due to the ion implantation observed by mostly non-destructive techniques: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The applied techniques demonstrated the best radiation stability of the steel ODM 751. Blistering effect occurred due to high implantation dose (mostly in MA 956) was studied in details.
Production of zinc oxide nanowires power with precisely defined morphology
Authors: Mičová Júlia , Remeš Zdeněk , Chan Yu-Ying 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The interest about zinc oxide is increasing thanks to its unique chemical and physical properties. Our attention has focused on preparation powder of 1D nanostructures of ZnO nanowires with precisely defined morphology include characterization size (length and diameter) and shape controlled in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have compared results of SEM with dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. We have found out that SEM method gives more accurate results. We have proposed transformation process from ZnO nanowires on substrates to ZnO nanowires powder by ultrasound peeling to colloid followed by lyophilization. This method of the mass production of the ZnO nanowires powder has some advantages: simplicity, cost effective, large-scale and environment friendly.
Temperature dependence of photoluminescence peaks of porous silicon structures
Authors: Brunner Róbert , Pinčík Emil , Kučera Michal , Greguš Ján , Vojtek Pavel , Zábudlá Zuzana 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Evaluation of photoluminescence spectra of porous silicon (PS) samples prepared by electrochemical etching is presented. The samples were measured at temperatures 30, 70 and 150 K. Peak parameters (energy, intensity and width) were calculated. The PL spectrum was approximated by a set of Gaussian peaks. Their parameters were fixed using fitting a procedure in which the optimal number of peeks included into the model was estimated using the residuum of the approximation. The weak thermal dependence of the spectra indicates the strong influence of active defects.
Expansion of Islamic Finance in Europe
Authors: Masiukiewicz Piotr 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe development of Islamic finance, their crisis-resistance and possibilities for using experience of this sector in conventional banking industry are being subject of studies in many countries, also non-Muslim ones. In this paper the author presented the analysis of Islamic finance development and its determinants basing on examples from Europe. Such banks and investment funds have a growing share in European markets, which is confirmed by the latest EY’s data. Main obstacles to Islamic finance development include, among others: incompatibility of legal regulations in non-Muslim countries, low demand among Islamic diaspora in Europe, shortage of qualified Sharia scholars, unsatisfactory standardization of Islamic financial products and accounting policies. International Islamic finance institutions (incl. AAOIFI and IFSB) play a significant part in overcoming them. Particularly beneficial legislative changes were introduced in Luxembourg, Germany, Russia and in the United Kingdom. Emerging of other Islamic banks, increase in number of Islamic windows in traditional banks and further development of Islamic investment funds in Europe are to be expected.
Case Study about Germans and Thais: Impact of Locus of Control and Organization-Based Self-Esteem on Affective Organizational Commitment & Job Performance
Authors: Rank Susanne , Puapradit Teeradej 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIndividual self-evaluations like internal locus of control (ILOC) and organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) are discussed as personality traits relevant for positive work behavior of employees. Our case study focuses on the influence of these individual self-evaluations (ILOC & OBSE) on affective commitment and job performance in the contrary cultural settings of Germans and Thais. To test these assumptions, a case study was conducted with 196 German and Thai students with experience in workplaces. As independent variables ILOC and OBSE were assessed, three relevant cultural dimensions were chosen as independent variables: In comparison to Germans, high power distance, femininity and collectivism should be predicted as cultural values of Thais. AOC and self-reported job performance were assessed as dependent variables. Germans and Thais show different levels of three cultural values. Further findings revealed that Germans and Thais have identical levels of OBSE and job performance, but differ in ILOC and AOC. Regression analyses were employed to validate the relationships between the variables. Overall, nationality and masculinity impacted ILOC, whereas OBSE was influenced by masculinity and collectivism. In line with previous research, ILOC and OBSE predict AOC, surprisingly no cultural values impact AOC, but nationality does. Based on our hypothesis, job performance was impacted by ILOC, OBSE, AOC, and, however, also by masculinity. The influence of nationality vs. cultural values is not consistent on both dependent variables. Regardless of their German vs. Thai nationality our participants, i.e. highly qualified people, share masculinity as a common value. Confirming previous studies, self-esteem like ILOC and OBSE are valid predictors for commitment and job performance. Limitations and outlook for further research are discussed.
Characteristics of Slovak Culture in the Context of Bilateral Austrian-Slovak Relations
Authors: Čiefová Michaela 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Objective: The main intention of the present paper is, on the one hand, to provide a summary of the characteristics of Slovak culture by applying chosen theories and models. On the other hand, we attempt to underline the significance of bilateral Austro-Slovak relations in relation to the economy or migration tendencies. We assume that, based on geographical proximity and the above stated bilateral relations, intercultural encounters are relatively frequent as well. Therefore, certain perception of Slovaks from the Austrian point of view is likely to exist.
Methodology: Our work is based on relevant scientific sources, as well as on our own empirical research reposing in the analysis of an online questionnaire.
Findings: Overall, findings of our empirical research may be considered rather positive, as no negative or hostile responses concerning Slovak culture were reported. Furthermore, none of the participants experienced a conflict with a Slovak counterpart that could clearly be ascribed to cultural differences.
Value Added: We believe that the conclusions presented in this paper might be helpful not only for managers operating on the international level or businessmen intending to do business with their Slovak partners, for scholars engaged in similar topics but also for anyone interested in intercultural communication and cultural differences.