bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concept of Situational Management of Safety Critical Infrastructure of State
Authors: Wiśniewski Michał 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This article presents a synthesis of knowledge about safety management procedures for critical
infrastructure (CI) in the context of risk management theory and the provisions of the Polish law
on emergency management of 26 April 2007. In this paper, the inadequacy of the accepted procedures
at present is highlighted, as well as their continuous improvement and adaptation to prevailing political,
legal, social and economic conditions. It proposes using the concept of scenario approach and situational
management approach and technique analysis of interconnected decision areas (AIDA) and casebased
reasoning (CBR) to develop integral situational resource model CI. The considerations presented
in this paper lead to a proposed a new method for predicting, preventing and responding to emerging
crises within the CI.
Experimental and Numerical Study on PDMS Collapse for Fabrication of Micro/Nanochannels
Authors: Yin Zhifu , Zou Helin 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) collapse method is a simple and low cost approach for micronanochannel fabrication. However, the bonding pressure which influences the size of the final PDMS micro/nanochannels has not yet been studied. In this study, the effect of the bonding pressure on the size and maximum local stress of the PDMS micronanochannels was investigated by both experimental and numerical simulation method. The results show that when the bonding pressure is lower than 0.15 MPa the experiment results can agree well with the simulation results. The fluorescent images demonstrate that there is no blocking or leakage over the entire micro/nanochannels.
Requirements on Needed Frequency Bandwidth Depending on Pulse Waveforms and Their Allowed Distortion
Authors: Sigmund Milan , Brancik Lubomir 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper deals with pulse signals influenced by loss of energy in high frequency band. Five types of pulses were tested and evaluated under various conditions. Achieved results can be helpful for some specific tasks in signal transmission. An example presents highest frequency of periodic pulse signals processed on printed circuit board.
On projectively Krylov transitive and projectively weakly transitive Abelian p-groups
Authors: Chekhlov Andrey R. , Danchev Peter V. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
We define the concepts of projectively Krylov transitive and strongly projectively Krylov transitive Abelian p-groups. These concepts are non-trivial expansions of the projectively fully transitive and strongly projectively fully transitive Abelian p-groups, respectively, defined by the second author and Goldsmith in [13]. Some results concerning them and various other notions of transitivity are established as well, thus also generalizing achievements of Danchev–Goldsmith from [11]. Certain relationships between these classes are also obtained.
Water Sensitive Landscape Case Study: Public Open Green Spaces in Naser City, Egypt
Authors: Abd El Aziz Noha Ahmed 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to reveal measures to lower water demand and consumption of public green spaces in arid environments such as Cairo city while maintaining a pleasant appearance. The Water Sensitive Urban Design approach is adopted to formulate a checklist in order to evaluate the extent to which public green spaces in “Naser City” district, participate in preserving water quality and quantity. After analyzing six case studies, the study concluded that the main problems are using high-quality water to irrigate green spaces, and the gardeners’ reckless irrigation and maintenance techniques. Short term solutions were proposed, such as utilizing low flow irrigation system, minimizing the lawn areas, integrating water meters, using mulching and incorporating a competent maintenance schedule. Long term solutions mainly focused on replacing potable water with treated wastewater, which is estimated to cover irrigation needs for all green areas in the district.
Study of decomposition products of film forming amines under conditions of 570°C and 17 MPa
Authors: Rudasová P. , Sajdl P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In this work, the main aim is focused on the decomposition products of film-forming amines which are used as corrosion protection of devices against surface corrosion at frequent short outages. Filming amines are a mixture of volatile alkaline and contact organic amines, which protect both the water and the steam environment. It was confirmed, the organic matter is not stable at high temperature and decomposes to organic acids with short chain (acetic, formic) which decrease pH value and increase conductivity value.
Trends in the Development of Hybrid Drives
Authors: Morkus Josef 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The hybridization of motor vehicle drives is one of the major trends of recent years. This paper deals with the growth in sales of vehicles with hybrid propulsion, the directions of their technological development, new solutions for transmission systems, the capacity and location of the batteries and more sophisticated forms of hybrid drive control. Specific trends include the charging of electric or hybrid buses at bus stops and the regulation-influenced development of competitive and racing vehicles. Hybrid drives also appear in commercial vehicles, off-road applications, boats etc.
The Activity of Cell-Wall Modifying β-1,3-Glucanases in Soybean Grown in Presence of Heavy Metals
Authors: Bardáčová Monika , Maglovski Marína , Gregorová Zuzana , Konotop Yevheniia , Horník Miroslav , Moravčíková Jana , Kraic Ján , Mihálik Daniel , Matušíková Ildikó 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCell walls represent the first barrier that can prevent the entrance of toxic heavy metals into plants. The composition and the flexibility of the cell wall are regulated by different enzymes. The ß-1,3-glucanases control the degradation of the polysaccharide callose as a flexible regulation mechanism of cell wall permeability and/or its ability to bind metals under stress conditions. The profile and activity of ß-1,3-glucanases in the presence of heavy metals, however, has rarely been studied. Here we studied these enzymes in four soybean varieties (Glycine max) grown in the presence of cadmium ions. These analyses revealed three acidic and one basic enzyme isoforms in each soybean variety, but only two of the acidic isoforms in the variety Moravians were substantially responsive to the presence of Cd2+. Since the responses of certain glucanases were detected mainly in the varieties sensitive to metal and accumulating high amounts of metals, we assume their role in the defense rather than strategic metal sequestration.
Comparison of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Polysaccharides from Eggshells Membranes
Authors: Ürgeová Eva , Vulganová Katarína 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
AHyaluronic acid (HA) is part of the extracellular matrix of connective, epithelial and neural tissues, as well as the synovial fluid, skin, and cartilage. It is composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine. Hyaluronic acid is used in abdominal surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, rhinology; it is usable for the osteoarthritis treatment. The membranes of eggshell are a natural source of hyaluronic acid, collagen, glycosaminoglycan and collagenous proteins. In paper, we tested the possibility of extraction hyaluronic acid from the eggshell membranes by enzymatic hydrolysis. We identified optimal conditions of hydrolysis with trypsin at reaction temperature of 37 °C and pH 8; with pepsin at 40 °C and pH 3, as well as with papain at 60 °C and pH 7.5. The content of hyaluronic acid in samples was determined spectrophotometrically using the carbazole method. The experimental results showed a yield of ~ 4 -4.5 % hyaluronic acid per 1 g of dry eggshell membranes.
In Silico Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Anopheles gambiae Odorant Binding Protein 20
Authors: Janairo Jose Isagani B. , Bravo Patricia Isabel K. , Morano Ninna Louise G. , Yu Derrick Ethelbhert C. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The Anopheles gambiae is a highly anthropophilic mosquito which is the leading vector for malaria. This disease has affected more than 500 million people worldwide. The Anopheles gambiae targets its hosts through the odors of the human skin and sweat where odorant molecules radiate. These odors elicit specific responses from the insect through the odorant – binding proteins (OBP). Recently, a specific type of OBP has been characterized which is known as the Anopheles gambiae odorant – binding protein 20 (AgamOBP20). This OBP is highly expressed in the female mosquito antennae during the peak of its host – seeking behavior and thus may play a role in olfactory perception. The binding site of the AgamOBP20 is composed primarily of hydrophobic residues wherein the importance of each residue is herein analysed to further understand the properties of AgamOBP20. This was carried out through computer – aided site – directed mutagenesis coupled with homology modelling and docking simulations wherein each residue in the binding site was changed to alanine and serine. Probable key amino acid residues were identified as LEU106, LEU107, and MET53 which are hypothesized to play a significant role in the protein – ligand interaction. These residues had the greatest impact in the binding free energy when mutated with alanine and serine. The presented results suggest that steric hindrance and hydrophobic interaction are crucial factors to consider on the manner in which the ligand binds with AgamOBP20. The molecular features and parameters obtained may be utilized for the development of new pesticides and repellents that are able to block the function of AgamOBP20 and may result to the disarray of the host – seeking behavior of the Anopheles gambiae.
Molybdate-reducing and SDS-degrading Enterobacter sp. Strain Neni-13
Authors: Rahman M.F. , Rusnam M. , Gusmanizar N. , Masdor N.A. , Lee C.H. , Shukor M.S. , Roslan M.A.H. , Shukor M.Y. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractToxicants removal through microorganism’s action is intensely being sought due to economic reasons. The aim of this paper is to isolate a bacterium that is able to reduce molybdenum blue and at the same time can grow on the detergent Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS). Biochemical analysis resulted in a tentative identification of the bacterium asEnterobactersp. strain Neni-13. Growth on SDS showed a 100 % removal at 800 mg/L SDS within 12 days. The removal of SDS from media was confirmed through Methylene Blue Active Substances Assay. Molybdenum reduction using sodium molybdate as a substrate was characterized using a microplate assay. The optimum pH and temperature for molybdenum reduction was between 6.0 and 6.5, and at 37 °C, respectively. Glucose was the best electron donor for molybdate reduction. Phosphate and molybdate concentrations of between 2.5 and 5.0 mM and at 15 mM, were optimal for molybdate reduction, respectively. Molybdate reduction was inhibited by the heavy metals mercury, silver, copper and chromium at 2 ppm. The ability of this bacterium to detoxify molybdate and degrade the SDS makes this bacterium an important tool for bioremediation of toxicants in soil.
Redetermination of Zero-Field Splitting in [Co(qu)2Br2] and [Ni(PPh3)2Cl2] Complexes
Authors: Lomjanský Dominik , Varga Filip , Rajnák Cyril , Moncoľ Ján , Boča Roman , Titiš Ján 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA mononuclear CoII complex, [Co(qu)2Br2], and NiII complex, [Ni(PPh3)2Cl2], (qu = quinoline, PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) have been reinvestigated. Their crystal and molecular structures are reported along with IR and UV-Vis spectra. Magnetism of both complexes has been studied by using the DC SQUID magnetometry. These complexes exhibit a moderate magnetic anisotropy expressed by zero-field splitting parameter D. The D-value is positive for both complexes with D/hc = +5.94 cm−1 and D/hc = +12.76 cm−1, that is also confirmed by ab initio calculations.
Openness and Transparency in (Slovene) Administrative Procedures as Fundamental European Principles
Authors: Kovač Polonca 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOpenness and transparency are general administrative principles, closely related to lawfulness, accountability, responsiveness, participation and other elements of good administration. Despite their long existence in theory and legal documents, both at the European and national levels, the content and the relation of and among the respective principles is blurred. This applies even in single-case administrative procedures through the classic rights of defense, such as the right to access to information or the right to be heard. The paper explores these dimensions based on comparative analyses of the EU Charter, the OECD principles on good administration and governance and the Slovene law on administrative procedures, proving compliance between Slovene and European regulation. Furthermore, a consistent definition is proposed. Transparency is thus understood as parallel to participation. Both are seen as subcategories of openness which, as the sum of the rights of defense, is based on lawfulness and leads to accountability and ethics. However, as revealed by an empirical survey in 2015, the Slovene public administration sees these issues in a rather formal way. Finally, suggestions are made for future legislation and its implementation in terms of open and good administration.
The Ambiguous Meaning of the Ethical Issue in a Context of NPM Reforms: Insights from the OECD, Canada and France
Authors: Scapin Thomas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn important interest in public-administration ethics has been expressed in OECD member states since the 1990s in reaction to the development of New Public Management (NPM) reforms. However, the meanings attached to the ethical issue in a context of managerial modernization remain ambiguous depending on the country and / or time period studied. Therefore, this article aims at underlining the main characteristics of administrative ethics thanks to the creation of a theoretical concept which summarizes them. The latter can also serve as an analytical grid to engage in further research and especially comparisons between varying national cases.For that purpose, the analysis is divided in two parts and draws insights from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Canada and France, through a review of major official reports and a series of interviews with public officials and experts in charge of these questions. First of all, it concentrates on the OECD’s historical activities on public-sector ethics in order to devise a theoretical concept of administrative ethics. The utility and relevance of this concept is then tested while being implemented to compare the Canadian and French governments’ overall interest in ethics in their process of public-management reform.The article distinguishes two key dimensions of public-administration ethics, namely the managerial and normative ones, which are strongly intertwined. On the one hand, the managerial dimension focuses on the management of civil servants’ daily behaviors and combines the compliance-based and integrity-based approaches to govern conducts in public administration. On the other hand, the normative dimension refers to the normative framework incorporating the core principles and values which define civil servants’ professional identities and guide their specific missions and goals within the democratic system.The historical comparison of major trends in terms of administrative ethics in Canada and France shows, finally, that, despite national characteristics, the two countries have tended progressively to deal with the ethical issue in a more comprehensive way. They are trying to take into account, for example, problems due to conflicts of public values and combine compliance-based and integrity-based instruments of ethics management. These evolutions shed light more generally on the movement of hybridization, incorporating elements from traditional public administration and New Public Management, which seems to develop in both states.
Exploring the Determinants of Transparency of Slovak Municipalities
Authors: Sičáková-Beblavá Emília , Kollárik Martin , Sloboda Matúš 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper focuses on the transparency of Slovak municipalities. It identifies the main trends in the transparency of the 100 largest Slovak municipalities between 2010 and 2014. It shows that there are different degrees of transparency in Slovak municipalities, and it applies regressions to explore correlates and identify the main factors behind this state. This research is descriptive and explanatory and adds to literature by examining political, structural factors related to the political supply of the transparency of the municipalities and the convergence effect. The regression analysis identifies the convergence effect, according to which the transparency of municipalities improves inversely to their initial score. It also finds a negative incumbency effect that indicates lower improvement for incumbent mayors than for new ones. The size of a municipality is also one of the factors that determine the transparency level of that municipality. This relationship is positive – greater size of a municipality increases the level of its transparency.
An Analysis of the Ethics Infrastructure and Ethical Climate in Slovenian Public Administration
Authors: Stare Janez , Klun Maja 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In consideration of the fact that public administrations worldwide face a number of challenges, many governments are dedicated to improving the ethical climate in public administrations. The same issue is also the focus of the attention of many transnational associations. The basic goal is to ensure the development of comparable ethical climates, ethical behaviour in different public administrations and to develop comparable, suitable ethics infrastructures to enable this. Modern public administrations must bring ethical conduct to the fore and resist unethical behaviour. There are different ideas on how to build ethics infrastructures in public administrations, and examples of good practice that could facilitate the development of such infrastructures are found in the public and private sectors of different countries. In this paper, we connect ethics infrastructures and ethical climates. The evaluation of Slovenia’s ethics infrastructures is based on the framework prepared by the OECD, using its questionnaire developed by Victor and Cullen. The results show that there is no general relationship between ethics infrastructures and ethical climates in public administrations. Nevertheless, some determinants of ethics infrastructures correlate to a high degree to the ethical climate, the strongest impact on ethics climates being the ethical infrastructure’s determinant “public involvement and scrutiny”.
Access to Socio-Cultural Life inside Assisted Care Homes?
Authors: Riekkinen Mariya , Kozhabek Kanat , Zhatkanbayeva Aizhan , Riekkinen Pekka 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis is a comparative survey of two national legal frameworks in Finland and Kazakhstan providing the elderly in assisted care homes with an opportunity of socio-cultural inclusion. The study departs from the evolving international standards of ageing, which dictate legal obligations to provide the elderly in residential care with access to socio-cultural activities. Our analysis continues with explorations how these standards are reflected in legislation of two selected states. We deliberately selected these two jurisdictions, different in many respects, the most significant of which are the current state of the welfare system and the approach towards elderly care. The residential care in Finland is the primary responsibility of the state, a common modern solution adapted to meet the realities of the modern volatile labor market, career and self-oriented life style and hectic differentiating global economy. In Kazakhstan such care is provided by the state only for those older persons who are in difficult life situation, whereas the able relatives are legally responsible for providing care for the elderly in need of 24 / 7 assistance. Respectively Kazakhstan’s social order relies extensively on family ties.Our analysis covers the status of the elderly residing both in 24 / 7 institutional care and in the so-called serviced apartments where the elderly are not in constant care. Rather than drawing on the generalized status of dependency we keep up with the premise that the elderly are special-rights holders. This limitation leaves studying the position of other individuals under public custody out of the present research agenda. Relying extensively on legal analysis, we employ, in particular, a comparative law method and empirical studies, i.e. the interviews with the aged rights holders.After we examined how the opportunities for socio-cultural inclusion of the elderly are implemented in two selected jurisdictions with principally different welfare systems, we found that the problem in question is topical for each of the states under consideration. In light of the evolving international law standards institutional practices in both jurisdictions must be sensitive to the issue of socio-cultural inclusion. The socio-cultural dimension of the wellbeing of the elderly, especially with respect to those who are in 24 / 7 care, should be incorporated in the legal system of Kazakhstan just as it exists in the statutory law of Finland.
Local Governments and Local Waste Management in the Czech Republic: Producers or Providers?
Authors: Soukopová Jana , Klimovský Daniel 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Local governments are responsible for the delivery of a large variety of very different public services. The article is focused on two issues: 1) we try to discover whether the local governments in the Czech Republic prefer to be “producers” or “providers” of the waste-collection services; 2) we test and compare the efficiency of “production” and the efficiency of “provision”, and for this purpose we take into account various factors, inter alia inter-municipal cooperation, the existence of hybrid organizations, economies of scale etc. A main goal is to find out what the local governments in the Czech Republic prefer if they decide on the delivery of local services linked to waste management and what factors are the most important ones from the perspective of their potential influence on efficiency. Concerning the data, we analyse linked open data on municipal solid waste expenditure collected by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic and data relating to features of waste collection obtained via a questionnaire-based survey which was carried out at the turn of 2015 – 2016. The results of the presented analysis show a clear relationship of dependence between the inter-municipal cooperation and the relevant costs, and it confirms the assumption that the Czech local governments undoubtedly prefer the position of “providers” in the field of the local waste management. Paradoxically, the results show that neither internal nor external provision of waste-collection services is a key factor of cost-efficiency.
What can VAT Statistics Tell Politicians? (with a Focus on EAEU Data)
Authors: Tyutyuryukov Vladimir 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
While policymakers use taxes for the regulation of the economy, tax authorities constantly monitor the amount of revenues from different taxes, and sometimes the tax benefits in use. However, the author believes that policymakers neglect the feedback mechanism, offered by the tax statistics – the signal function of the taxes. The author shows, on the example of tax policies and VAT statistics, how these outline the trends in the development of the Eurasian Economic Union – signs of tax competition, dependence on import and tax loss due to policy gap. The paper further suggests the possible course of action for the policymakers.