bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persian sentences to phoneme sequences
conversion based on recurrent neural networks
Authors: Behbahani Yasser Mohseni , Babaali Bagher , Turdalyuly Mussa 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Grapheme to phoneme conversion is one of the
main subsystems of Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems. Converting
sequence of written words to their corresponding
phoneme sequences for the Persian language is more challenging
than other languages; because in the standard orthography
of this language the short vowels are omitted
and the pronunciation ofwords depends on their positions
in a sentence. Common approaches used in the Persian
commercial TTS systems have several modules and complicated
models for natural language processing and homograph
disambiguation that make the implementation
harder as well as reducing the overall precision of system.
In this paper we define the grapheme-to-phoneme conversion
as a sequential labeling problem; and use the modified
Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) to create a smart
and integrated model for this purpose. The recurrent networks
are modified to be bidirectional and equipped with
Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) blocks to acquire most
of the past and future contextual information for decision
making. The experiments conducted in this paper show
that in addition to having a unified structure the bidirectional
RNN-LSTM has a good performance in recognizing
the pronunciation of the Persian sentences with the precision
more than 98 percent.
Indicators of sustainable development performance: Case study of European Union countries
Authors: Šoja Svjetlana Janković , Jelić Dana Bucalo 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A sustainable development strategy is an essential long-term strategy that aims to bring about a balance of three key policy factors: sustainable economic growth and economic and technological development, sustainable development of society based on social equality, and environmental protection with a rational use of natural resources. The sustainable development strategy is very complex and contains a large number of indicators, so one of the statistical methods that can be used for this complex problem is the I-distance method. It was created as a need to rank countries according to the level of socio-economic development and the problem was how to take advantage of all the indicators in order to calculate a synthetic indicator which would represent the rank. The I-distance method in this paper is used for the ranking of 18 countries of the European Union based on ten indicators that have been selected in accordance with the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. The used headline indicators come from the following areas: socio-economic development, sustainable consumption and production, social inclusion, demographic changes, public health, climate change and energy, sustainable transport, and global partnership. By analysing the initial set of indicators and their correlation coefficients with the found I-distance values, the following most important indicators were found: official development assistance as a share of the gross national income, employment rate of older workers, healthy life years and life expectancy at birth (males), energy consumption of transport relative to GDP etc. Countries that occupied the top three places were Sweden, Luxembourg, and Finland while Croatia, Poland, and Slovenia occupied the last three places.
New and rare records of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) from the Czech Republic
Authors: Tkoč Michal , Vendl Tomáš 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Two Oxycera species are reported from Czech Republic from the vicinity of Prague. Oxycera germanica (Szilády, 1932) is recorded from Czech Republic for the second time and Oxycera nigricornis Olivier, 1812 is reported from Bohemia for the first time. Their distribution, history of the records in Czech Republic and basic diagnostic characters are provided.
Hard and Soft Adjusting of a Parameter With Its Known Boundaries by the Value Based on the Experts’ Estimations Limited to the Parameter
Authors: Romanuke Vadim V. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Adjustment of an unknown parameter of the multistage expert procedure is considered. The lower and upper boundaries of the parameter are counted to be known. A key condition showing that experts’ estimations are satisfactory in the current procedure is an inequality, in which the value based on the estimations is not greater than the parameter. The algorithms of hard and soft adjusting are developed. If the inequality is true and its both terms are too close for a long sequence of expert procedures, the adjusting can be early stopped. The algorithms are reversible, implying inversion to the reverse inequality and sliding up off the lower boundary.
Multi-Stage Recognition of Speech Emotion Using Sequential Forward Feature Selection
Authors: Liogienė Tatjana , Tamulevičius Gintautas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe intensive research of speech emotion recognition introduced a huge collection of speech emotion features. Large feature sets complicate the speech emotion recognition task. Among various feature selection and transformation techniques for one-stage classification, multiple classifier systems were proposed. The main idea of multiple classifiers is to arrange the emotion classification process in stages. Besides parallel and serial cases, the hierarchical arrangement of multi-stage classification is most widely used for speech emotion recognition. In this paper, we present a sequential-forward-feature-selection-based multi-stage classification scheme. The Sequential Forward Selection (SFS) and Sequential Floating Forward Selection (SFFS) techniques were employed for every stage of the multi-stage classification scheme. Experimental testing of the proposed scheme was performed using the German and Lithuanian emotional speech datasets. Sequential-feature-selection-based multi-stage classification outperformed the single-stage scheme by 12–42 % for different emotion sets. The multi-stage scheme has shown higher robustness to the growth of emotion set. The decrease in recognition rate with the increase in emotion set for multi-stage scheme was lower by 10–20 % in comparison with the single-stage case. Differences in SFS and SFFS employment for feature selection were negligible.
Realistic Evaluation of the Ratio: Loan-To-value – The Key to Minimising the Credit Risk
Authors: Ranisavljević Duško , Hadžić Miroljub 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
As a rule, long-term bank loans entail solid security - a mortgage, regardless of their purpose. The mortgaged property has its specific market value during the loan approval period but during the repayment period, the value of the real estate varies. This is the reason why the initially specified indicator of the coverage of loans with the value of the mortgage - the LTV ratio changes, which in turn increases the risk of loan repayment. The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the necessity of establishing adequate initial LTV ratios (together with other important ratios). This would help nullify the risk of any variations in real estate prices, the loan currency risk, the interest rate risk, as well as the risk of an increase in bank's claims because of a long foreclosure process. The paper analyses effects of changes in LTV ratios caused by varying circumstances using the case study method. The comparative method analyses the changing trends of data on the LTV ratios for the already approved loans over a seven-year period by comparing the flow of the loan capital sum with the real value of the mortgage for three types of loans. The conclusion reached is that commercial banks should establish the initial LTV ratio for various long-term loan products and thus prevent its rise. Banks should do this by taking into account all the factors that cause the ratio’s increase, and thus give preference to the reduction of the credit risk and not the attractiveness and accessibility of loan products.
Development Trajectories of Small Towns in East Slovakia
Authors: Novotný Ladislav , Csachová Stela , Kulla Marián , Nestorová-Dická Janetta , Pregi Loránt 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Small towns, compared to larger cities, are specific group of municipalities with weaker performance in many spheres of socio-economic development. The aim of the paper is to comprehensively evaluate development of twelve small towns in the region of East Slovakia over the centuries up to present. The paper deals with question how their demographic and economic developments have been reciprocally influenced under particular historical circumstances. Using various sources of statistical data and employing traditional historical, mathematical-statistical and cartographical methods, regularities and patterns were identified that enabled us to categorize small towns and evaluate their development trajectories and current roles in the settlement system. In the most cases, they are still valid nodes for their hinterlands even though their past situation has been unfavourable.
Economic optimization of the rotation age of stands
Authors: Płotkowski Lech , Zając Stanisław , Wysocka-Fijorek Emilia , Gruchała Arkadiusz , Piekutin Jarosław , Parzych Stanisław 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The central task of this research was to choose the age at which stands of growing timber should be harvested. The choice governs how long each stand must continue to earn interest, and also governs the size of the total inventory that must be maintained to sustain the annual harvest. It is a problem that calls for analysis of biological as well as economic relationships over time, and has intrigued economists for more than two centuries. The paper presents the theoretical background and results of economic optimization of the rotation age of a single stand. It analyses the timber production function depending on rotation age, growth, cost and other characteristics of forest, as well as the costs of land. The prerequisite for achieving the economic optimum of the rotation age of a stand is to balance the current increase in the total timber production value (growth and yield) and the value of opportunity costs from delaying cutting till the next year. This paper demonstrates how this economically optimum rotation age can be calculated, and how it varies according to the biological growth and economic parameters of the forest.
Health condition of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Kampinos National Park – preliminary studies
Authors: Tyburski Łukasz , Przybylski Paweł 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In 2015 in Kampinos National Park (KNP), monitoring of tree crown condition was conducted in specimens of the Scots pine, which is the dominant tree species in the park (73.3%). The monitoring was aimed at providing information about the health of pine trees in the national park area. The monitoring was conducted on 26 plots throughout the park. The stands where the pine is not a dominant species were omitted. On each plot, 20 trees were subjected to assessment. In total, 520 pine trees were examined. The monitoring was conducted by the assessment of tree crowns based on the adapted forest monitoring methodology conducted as part of National Environmental Monitoring. On the basis of the monitoring, it was found that 75.4% of the trees are characterised by slight defoliation and 94.4% of the specimens were not found to have discoloration of the assimilation apparatus. No differences were found between areas situated closer and further from the administrative borders of Warsaw. On the basis of the monitoring, it was found that the pine trees in KNP are in a good health condition. Dendrometric measurements show that the average diameter at breast height (DBH) of the analysed trees is 26.6 cm. The average height of the trees is 20.4 m. The average age of the examined tree stands is 84. The monitoring will be continued in subsequent years in order to record the changes taking place in tree crowns.
Optimal PV Location Choice Considering Static and Dynamic Constraints
Authors: Mosbah M , Khattara A , Becherif M , Arif S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract:
A new photovoltaic (PV) farm is proposed to be integrated in GHARDAIA bus distribution network (Gh-17 bus), this paper studies the optimal location of this PV farm in the distribution network. The study is done in IEEE-14 bus then it is validated in Gh-17 bus network, the constraints considered for the choice of the optimal location are the stability margin, power loss and critical clearing time (CCT) in case of line fault. The simulation results are given using the PSAT.
A QGIS Plugin for Offshore Wave Hindcasting Based on Geographic Transposition of Wave Gauge Data
Authors: Pasanisi F. , Tebano C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe paper presents a first experimental version of the original QGIS plugin QWaveTransposition that numerically implements the geographic transposition of wave gauge data method proposed by Contini and De Girolamo (1998) for offshore wave hindcasting. The method allows one to transfer wave data measured at a given gauging station to a virtual station located offshore the area of interest, by comparing the effective fetches at both stations. The QWaveTransposition plugin was implemented in Python programming language, including the NumPy package for numerical computations. A graphical user interface was developed to manage the input/output data and model parameters. The fetch geometry at real and virtual stations can be imported by selecting appropriate vector layers from the QGIS map. An application to a sample site in southern Italy is presented for example purposes.
Are Empires Striking Back? A Political and Cultural Comparison of the European Union and Russia
Authors: Dumetz Jérôme 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The article is a position paper focusing on the current standoff between two regional powers, the European Union and Russia. Following a series of crises, in particular the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, the relationship between Russia and many of its neighbours has significantly deteriorated. This shift has led to various geopolitical opinions, often opposite and seemingly irreconcilable. A holistic and historical approach to this new reality leads some to question the validity of the current world order through the prism of the anachronistic concept of Empires. Subsequent to a review of definitions, the author analyses historical characteristics and political factors of the two territories on focus: the European Union and Russia. There are two outcomes of this study: On the one side, the European Union has become an organisation that shares many characteristics of an Empire, but several key elements exclude it from this political construction. On the other side, the geopolitical actions of Russia have shaped the position of the country into a structure that bears many of the artefacts of an Empire with key essential features. The conclusion of this argument states that the European Union is not an Empire by design, despite many resembling features; whilst Russia lives in an anachronistic paradigm of an Empire, without having the means of being one.
Problems Related to the Abolition of Divided Real Estate Ownership
Authors: Dinsberga Jolanta , Tiesniece Ilona 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Legal relationship between apartment owners in residential buildings and the land owners, that is, divided real estate ownership, was created in the Republic of Latvia in 1990, within the framework of the Land Reform, restoring property rights of the former owners or their heirs or privatising apartments in multi-apartment residential buildings. The existence of such legal relationship created different lease problems and restrictions on the property rights to the owners of both the building and the land. To abolish the legal relationship related to divided real estate ownership, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Latvia has developed a draft law Regarding the Abolition of Mandatory Divided Real Estate Ownership in Multi-Apartment Buildings (hereinafter referred to as Draft Law). Unfortunately, in the opinion of authors of this article, there are serious shortcomings to the Draft Law which must be corrected. The aim of the research is to identify the problematic issues by selecting and analysing the legislation on the abolition of the divided real estate ownership, which is related to the calculation of redemption price, payment method and consequences of non-payment, which are not regulated by the new Draft Law. The article reflects research on the determination and calculation of redemption price reglamented by the Draft Law and also analyses the Law of December 8, 1938, On the Abolition of Divided Real Estate Ownership and its practical implementation, which may significantly influence the redemption price and the method of its calculation; however, the mentioned law has been disregarded in developing the Draft Law. Thus the research has both theoretical and practical significance. For the research purposes general research methods, such as historical, analytical, inductive, deductive, logical-constructive and descriptive methods, are used. For the interpretation of legislation norms, grammatical, systemic, teleological and historical methods are used.
Using literature to explore interpersonal theory: Representation of rhetorical objectification and oppression
Authors: Thompson Carol , Kleine Michael 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This essay explains pedagogical experiment at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock using a piece of literature as a case study to examine interpersonal-communication concepts and to emphasize a course theme of objectification of other human beings. The course, entitled Rhetoric and Communication, has two co-instructors. One instructor is from Rhetoric and Writing, the other is from Communication. This essay reviews the course they teach, along with the readings they require, and it selects The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, to illustrate how interpersonal themes play out in a literary text and how objectification thwarts deeply personal values. Initially, the essay summarizes key interpersonal concepts (schema theory, coordinated management of meaning, the work of Martin Buber, and Knapp’s work on relationship stages). It then considers students’ work as they produce a “filtered” summary, a summary that endeavors to apply the interpersonal concepts being studied to Kafka’s work. Finally, it explains how summaries work, the “passage hunt” exercise, and how text-based class discussions can lead to lively discussion, robust student writing and a richer understanding of interpersonal concepts as well as the part objectification plays in damaging relationships. Thus, the paper illustrates several pedagogical strategies as it explores how The Metamorphosis becomes a literary case study that answers the question: how did this fictional family create communication that resulted in such communicative tragedy?
Teacher’s conceptions of quality in dance education expressed through grade conferences
Authors: Andersson Ninnie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study is to illuminate a teacher‘s conceptions of quality expressed through verbal and non-verbal actions in relation to summative assessments of dance knowledge. The following research questions are considered in the study: What conceptions of quality emerge during grade conferences? In what ways do teacher’s conceptions of quality reflect knowledge hierarchies? How do the teacher’s and student’s conceptions of quality relate to each other? To grasp the phenomenon, material was gathered during observations in a Swedish upper secondary school and from the teacher’s written reflections. Individual grading conversations were observed between the teacher and ten students attending a course called Dance technique 1. In the analytical process, the phenomenon was seen, broadened out, varied, and then condensed into two themes: conceptions of quality expressed through the teacher‘s focus on abilities and conceptions of quality expressed through views on the progression of dance knowledge.
Leaves and roots of Typha latifolia L. and Iris pseudacorus L. as bioindicators of contamination of bottom sediments by heavy metals
Authors: Parzych Agnieszka , Cymer Małgorzata , Macheta Kamila 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The paper concerns the bioaccumulation of zinc, nickel, iron and manganese in leaves and roots of selected macrophytes from the Krzynia Reservoir (northern Poland). The research was conducted within the area of 10 stations situated in the littoral zone of the reservoir. Samples of surface waters, bottom sediments and plants were taken in summer. Heavy metal content was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method (ASA). The concentration of heavy metals in the waters of Krzynia Reservoir was low and noinfluence of anthropogenic factors was found. Concentration of heavy metals in the examined bottom sediments was low and remained within the limits of the geochemical background for Zn and Fe. In the case of Ni and Mn it sporadically exceeded the level of the geochemical background. The tested plants mainly accumulated heavy metals in roots, with the exception of nickel which appeared in larger quantities in leaves. The relationships among the content of the determined elements in the organs of macrophytes was identical for the tested species and could be arranged into the following sequences: Mn>Fe>Ni>Zn in leaves and Fe>Mn>Zn>Ni in roots. Statistically significant differences were found in the content of Mn in leaves and Zn and Fe in the roots of Typha latifolia L. and Iris pseudacorus L. By accumulating substantial quantities of heavy metals in their organs, macrophytes constitute an effective protective barrier for the waters and bottom sediments.
Contamination of runoff waters with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the city of Siedlce
Authors: Kluska Mariusz , Łopuszyńska Beata , Jabłońska Joanna 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The paper presents the results of the research on content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of runoff waters collected in Siedlce city. The samples were collected in March, July and October 2015. The highest mean total concentration of 16 PAHs amounting to 12.54 μmolּdm-3 was determined in water samples collected at Łukowska Street, whereas the lowest concentrations (1.90 μmolּdm-3) were found in samples collected at Warszawska Street. In some samples, small amounts of benzo(a)pyrene were present; the average content ranged from 0.02 μmol⋅dm-3 at Warszawska Street to 0.20 μmolּdm-3 at Garwolińska Street.
Changes of plant cover of the raised peat-bog Baligówka under the influence of human activity
Authors: Malec Magdalena , Klatka Sławomir , Ryczek Marek , Kruk Edyta 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The main purpose of the work was to determine the scope and degree of the influence of exploitation on changes of plant cover of the raised peat-bog Baligówka, located in the Orawsko- Nowotarska Valley. The analysis was carried out based on 47 phytosociological surveys using the Braun-Blanquet method. Results of investigations allow to state that excessive drying and fires that took place on the examined object caused wastage of many precious species of plants, especially from the Oxycocco- Sphagnetea class. Their place occupied species belonging to other classes, such as Nardo-Callunetea and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. The basic cause of drying of the peat-bog and, in consequence, dying of peat formation species is intensified exploitation and connected with this drainage, carried out in the half of the 20th century. Unfortunately, local people up to now illegally have harvested the peat on the investigated object. Decrease in groundwater level leads to accelerated decay of peat, changes in physical and chemical properties of a substratum and, in consequence, changes in trophic values of habitat, what causes great changes in species composition of plant communities.