bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histogram of Oriented Gradients with Cell Average Brightness for Human Detection
Authors: Wójcikowski Marek 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A modification of the descriptor in a human detector using Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) is presented. The proposed modification requires inserting the values of average cell brightness resulting in the increase of the descriptor length from 3780 to 3908 values, but it is easy to compute and instantly gives ≈ 25% improvement of the miss rate at 10‒4 False Positives Per Window (FPPW). The modification has been tested on two versions of HOG-based descriptors: the classic Dalal-Triggs and the modified one, where, instead of spatial Gaussian masks for blocks, an additional central cell has been used. The proposed modification is suitable for hardware implementations of HOG-based detectors, enabling an increase of the detection accuracy or resignation from the use of some hardware-unfriendly operations, such as a spatial Gaussian mask. The results of testing its influence on the brightness changes of test images are also presented. The descriptor may be used in sensor networks equipped with hardware acceleration of image processing to detect humans in the images.
Multilingual practices in contemporary and historical contexts: interfaces between code-switching and translation
Authors: Kolehmainen Leena , Skaffari Janne 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article serves as an introduction to a collection of four articles on multilingual practices in speech and writing, exploring both contemporary and historical sources. It not only introduces the articles but also discusses the scope and definitions of code-switching, attitudes towards multilingual interaction and, most pertinently, the interfaces between code-switching and translation. The article shows that code-switching and translation share a number of features, yet have rarely been treated together. However, as there is a definite need to examine code-switching phenomena – particularly bilingual reiteration, which not only helps crossing language boundaries but also has other functions – from a variety of perspectives, including translation and interpreting studies, the article encourages closer collaboration between code-switching research and translation studies. It is possible to envisage a continuum of multilingual processes and products, with completely monolingual, untranslated text at one end and multilingual material with code-switching but no reiteration at the other. Along this continuum are a number of intermediate stages characterized by different types of inter-textual and intra-textual translation.
Conversations about code-switching: contrasting ideologies of purity and authenticity in Basque bilinguals’ reactions to bilingual speech
Authors: Lantto Hanna 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study examines the manifestations of purity and authenticity in 47 Basque bilinguals’ reactions to code-switching. The respondents listened to two speech extracts with code-switching, filled in a short questionnaire and talked about the extracts in small groups. These conversations were then recorded. The respondents’ beliefs can be characterized as considerably ambiguous. They see code-switching as an undesirable form of speech and as a threat to Basque. However, they admit using it in informal contexts. Although the respondents prefer the “pure” form of Basque without code-switching, and some of them favor translation as an alternative strategy, purity is not considered authentic or even possible in situations such as peer-group interactions. Furthermore, code-switching is interpreted differently according to the linguistic background of the speaker: if the speaker is considered a native speaker of Basque, code-switching is seen as natural, whereas in the speech of a non-native speaker it is considered to reflect a lack of competence in Basque.
Initial Tests on Selected Serological Reactions in Rabbits Burnt with Napalm and Subjected to Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Authors: Ulewicz Kazimierz , Michniewski Przemysław , Kierznikowicz Brunon , Łokucijewski Bogdan , Stencel Jan 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy has found its application in the treatment of various types of burns. The presented work describes the use of this method in treating napalm burns in experimental animals. The researchers took particular interest in the immunological reactions occurring in animals, as well as the effect of the said therapy on the healing process.
Two groups of rabbits, previously anaesthetised with Evipan and immunised with S. typhi phage F7 microorganisms, were burnt with the use of napalm. The tested group was subjected to a series of treatment sessions with 100% oxygen at the pressure of 2 atm, whereas the control group did not undergo such treatment. Six repeated tests on complement activity with 50% haemolysis method and heamagglutination reaction quantification with antigens O and H S.typhi phage F7 were carried out on all of the researched animals. Moreover, for the purpose of control of the healing process, a number of histopathological exams on the burn wounds were conducted in both groups of rabbits.
The research showed an increase in complement activity in all tested animals; however, in the tested group it occurred later. Histopathological tests confirmed a more advanced healing process in the group subjected to hyperbaric oxygenation.
Propolis Supplementation and the Changes in the Oxidative Metabolism of Blood Platelets Exposed to Electromagnetic Radiation
Authors: Henrykowska Gabriela , Dziedziczak-Buczyńska Maria , Buczyński Jacek , Ziółkowski Włodzimierz 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Introduction. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that has an effect on living organisms may be a source of oxidative stress. A lack of proper compensation by antioxidant defences on the part of proteins leading to an uncontrolled growth of reactive forms of oxygen, which may give rise to numerous health conditions. Various scientific studies have indicated that propolis has multiple valuable medicinal properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, protective - in relation to liver parenchyma, as well as anti-cancer. Nonetheless, the results of studies concerned with its antioxidant capabilities are not explicit and require further tests and analyses.
Objective. Determination of the effect of propolis supplementation on selected oxidative stress parameters in blood platelets exposed to electromagnetic radiation mitted by LCD monitors.
Material and methods. The material was a suspension containing human blood platelets. A 7% propolis solution was added to a cellular preparation before an exposure to EMR with a frequency of 1 kHz and an intensity of the electric component of 220 V/m (corresponding to sitting a distance of 15 cm from an LCD screen) for a total of 60 minutes. Before the exposure, as well as immediately following it, the researchers determined the level of activity of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde concentration, and evaluated it with regard to the control sample, i.e. material which was not subjected to EMR exposure.
Results. Electromagnetic radiation caused a statistically significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity as compared with the reference group, irrespective of propolis supplementation. All of the studied groups indicated a minimal increase in the malondialdehyde concentration as compared with its initial values; however, the differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions. The obtained results allow to conclude that the analysed electromagnetic radiation produced unfavourable changes in the activity of one of the enzymes responsible for antioxidative protection - superoxide dismutase (SOD - 1), and, moreover, a slight intensification in lipid peroxidation, which is expressed by an increase in malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). The supplementation with 7% propolis solution does not constitute sufficient protection against the negative effect of EMR. It is necessary to conduct further studies as well as determine the behaviour of other antioxidative enzymes.
Deep Diving with the Use of a Crabe Rebreather
Authors: Kłos Ryszard 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The article provides the results of 31 experimental dives carried out within the depth range of H ∈ [60; 80] mH2O. A combined mathematical model for ventilation and decompression was proposed with the possibility of an emergency omission of the last station at 3 mH2O and decompression completion at 6 mH2O in the event of a deterioration in weather conditions.
Preliminary Clinical Study On Ms Treatment With Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Authors: Ulewicz Kazimierz , Masłowski Janusz , Michniewski Przemysław , Kierznikowicz Brunon , Olszański Romuald 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The authors conducted the preliminary clinical investigation on 16 multiple sclerosis (Sclerosis multiplex) patients of median disease duration 9.33 years and symptoms evaluated on Kurtzke’s scale. The patients underwent between 25 and 30 hyperbaric oxygen exposures at a pressure of 2 ata in intervals spread over a few days. The patients were qualified and classified to the treatment symptomatologically according to Fisher but the obtained results were evaluated according to the standardised Disability Status Scale by Kurtzke. During the investigations the authors carried out additional quantitative immunoglobulin and complement activity determination, lymphocyte T and B determinations as well as the usually applied clinical and laboratory investigations. Evident clinical improvement was observed in 14 patients, but in the case of one patient a deterioration was observed after 15 hyperbaric expositions (resulting in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment being stopped), whilst in another case no curative effect could be observed. By utilising the 50% haemolysis method, within the examined immunological parameters the authors observed an increase of complement fractions and its activity, white lymphocytes T and B examined qualitatively did not maintain the characteristic shift. The authors are still discussing the obtained results.
Biomonitoring of Inland and Inshore Waters with Use of Dreissena Polymorpha Mussels
Authors: Matuszak Piotr , Grodzicki Grzegorz , Jankowski Tomasz , Matlakiewicz Paweł 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The pollution of water that is used for consumption and in agricultural holdings contributes to an increased mortality rate, inhibition of growth and physiological functions, changes in the DNA (genotoxicity), changes within tissues (cytotoxicity) and organs of individuals who are exposed to chemical components. One of the most dangerous toxin classes which have effect on animals and humans who come into contact with contaminated water is the class of cyanobacterial toxins released by dying cyanobacteria. They contribute to very serious health conditions and also to fatalities. Toxins of this type are relatively difficult to detect on account of their seasonal changeability in blooming. One of the most effective methods of detecting water contamination automatically and continuously is biomonitoring with the use of Dreissena polymorpha mussels.
The Monetary Policy of the National Bank of Romania in The Inflation Targeting Era. A Taylor Rule Approach
Authors: Căpraru Bogdan , Moise Norel Ionuţ , Rădulescu Andrei 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In this paper we analyse the monetary policy of the National Bank of Romania during 2005-2015 by estimating the Taylor rule, on a quarterly basis. We determined the potential GDP by employing the Hodrick-Prescott filter, in order to distinguish between the cyclical and the structural components of the output. Then, we estimated the traditional Taylor rule function (with a classic OLS regression), but slightly modified, as to take into account the forward-looking attitude of the NBR. The results confirm the direct correlation between the monetary policy rate and the output gap on the one hand, and the inflation differential (inflation - inflationtarget) on the other hand. Also, the results show us that NBR paid a higher attention to the dynamics of the inflation versus its target than to the output gap. Last, but not least, the central bank has been also sensitive to the financial stability, as reflected by the results of the incorporation of the ROBOR-EURIBOR spread in the classical Taylor rule.
Different Web Credibility Assessment as a Result of One Year Difference in Education
Authors: Ţugulea Oana 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This study is based on the hypothesis that one year of study difference between students underlines different evaluations of the dimensions of commercial presentation websites’ credibility. The objectives of this study are: (-) highlighting significant differences of credibility dimensions evaluation between second and third year of study students; (-) highlighting the dimensions considered to be important by the second year of study students; (-) highlighting the dimensions considered to be important by the third year of study students. For presentation commercial Websites, as approached by this study, second year of study students consider “site-user connection” and “information support” as important dimensions; for the same category of Websites, third year of study students consider “ease of use”, “real world feel” and “site-etiquette” as important dimensions.
Quantum Revolution and Rethinking the “Eternal Truths” of the Economic Science
Authors: Moldovan Dumitru 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Quantum physics requires a rethinking of basic postulates of economic science. The article presents the fundamental ideas of the hypothesis theory “The economy of creative imagination”. Also, it identifies the reevaluation methods of mechanistic economic paradigms that were formulated through analogy with classical mechanics. The paper shows that the economic process is performed at two levels - first in individual imagination, and then in traditional workshops and factories. In individual’s imagination, real goods are “truly created” at the subatomic level. As determinism principle dominates big material objects and the uncertainty principle operates at the quantum level, the author believes that rethinking the economic science refers primarily to the discovery of laws that enable us to predict the evolution of economic phenomena within the limitations imposed by the uncertainty principle.
Support Management Decisions in Small and Medium Companies
Authors: Popa Strainu Roxana , Georgescu Mircea 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A system built to support management decisions and not only needs to be accurate and well adapted to the requirements of the decision and the variables involved in it, and this happens because a decision is still a human act in any type of business and institution. We can say that a decision support system has a part in it that cannot be determined by any software: the human decision which is not a determinist act. It depends on a lot of variables but also still involves the decision maker intuition and experience. This is why an important problem emerged to be discussed in this paper: the need to implement and develop an in house solution to help management decisions and not only, using existing tools and this with no additional fees. This can be a good opportunity to discover models and solutions. An identified solution using Microsoft Excel and Access is discussed in this paper and a model applied on a case study will be presented. The results of the case study showed a real support in making decisions and a better transparency in manipulating the data, improving also the time needed to collect, transform and present data. The model can be applied in any type of problem that needs a visual presentation of data as well as in situations that need working with a large amount of data, but especially in small and medium size companies.
The Impact of European Union’s Newly-Adopted Environmental Standards on its Trading Partners
Authors: Burnete Sorin , Choomta Pilasluck 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The adoption by the European Union of environmental and social standards seems to affect trade relations with countries from outside the Union. Most seriously hurt are a great number of developing countries that are highly dependent on the European market for their exports. Complying with the said regulations means higher production costs, which eat into the respective countries’ international competitiveness. However, for all the widespread discontent, many developing countries are taking steps in order to adjust their production and export systems to the new rules. Unfortunately it will probably take a long time until full compliance is achieved. Meanwhile, in the short run, the frequent clashes between developing countries and their partners in the West in respect of environmental and social issues are disrupting the smooth functioning of international trade.
The Determinants of Worker Remittance in Terms of Foreign Factors: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Rana Rezwanul Hasan , Hashmi Rubayyat 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of worker remittance of Bangladesh. Instead of traditional approach of estimating the remittance determinants, here we propose to use foreign macroeconomic indicators as a proxy determinant to avoid endogeneity. We also used panel estimation technique in our study to incorporate country specific heterogeneity of remittance inflow of Bangladesh. According our study any changes in the number of labor force, consumer price index, export, import, government expenditure and devaluation or appreciation of host countries (origin of the remittance income) currency can significantly influence the inward remittance income of Bangladesh.
The Assesment of Intellectual Capital in Romanian Universities
Authors: Todericiu Ramona , Șerban Anca 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The aim of this article is to systematize the types of intellectual capital indicators that can be assessed in order to understand and further use the information for strategic development. Also, the study underlines the importance of intellectual capital in the new modern, knowledge-based economy. Different research methods are used in the article, such as scientific literature analysis, synthesis and comparison.
Study Regarding the Evolution of the Financial Balance in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Grigoroi Lilia , Minculete (Piko) Georgiana Daniela 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This article aims at analysing the financial balance within the global pharmaceutical industry, starting from the assumption that „In the pharmaceutical industry there is sufficient liquidity to cover payment obligations”. The analysed companies are part of the exclusive group comprising the top 20 global companies, e.g. GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Sanofi-Aventis and Bayer. The research conducted is based on an analysis over time of the relationship between floating assets, floating assets requirement and net cash from 2006 to 2013, and highlights the main developments of the indicators before the onset of the financial and economic crisis and after its outbreak.
Effects of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Auditory Cortical Frequency Processing
Authors: Teschner Magnus J. , Seybold Bryan A. , Malone Brian J. , Hüning Jana , Schreiner Christoph E. 
Published: March 2016

The neural mechanisms that support the robust processing of acoustic signals in the presence of background noise in the auditory system remain largely unresolved. Psychophysical experiments have shown that signal detection is influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the overall stimulus level, but this relationship has not been fully characterized. We evaluated the neural representation of frequency in rat primary auditory cortex by constructing tonal frequency response areas (FRAs) in primary auditory cortex for different SNRs, tone levels, and noise levels. We show that response strength and selectivity for frequency and sound level depend on interactions between SNRs and tone levels. At low SNRs, jointly increasing the tone and noise levels reduced firing rates and narrowed FRA bandwidths; at higher SNRs, however, increasing the tone and noise levels increased firing rates and expanded bandwidths, as is usually seen for FRAs obtained without background noise. These changes in frequency and intensity tuning decreased tone level and tone frequency discriminability at low SNRs. By contrast, neither response onset latencies nor noise-driven steady-state firing rates meaningfully interacted with SNRs or overall sound levels. Speech detection performance in humans was also shown to depend on the interaction between overall sound level and SNR. Together, these results indicate that signal processing difficulties imposed by high noise levels are quite general and suggest that the neurophysiological changes we see for simple sounds generalize to more complex stimuli.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEffective processing of sounds in background noise is an important feature of the mammalian auditory system and a necessary feature for successful hearing in many listening conditions. Even mild hearing loss strongly affects this ability in humans, seriously degrading the ability to communicate. The mechanisms involved in achieving high performance in background noise are not well understood. We investigated the effects of SNR and overall stimulus level on the frequency tuning of neurons in rat primary auditory cortex. We found that the effects of noise on frequency selectivity are not determined solely by the SNR but depend also on the levels of the foreground tones and background noise. These observations can lead to improvement in therapeutic approaches for hearing-impaired patients.
Essential Roles for ARID1B in Dendritic Arborization and Spine Morphology of Developing Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Ka Minhan , Chopra Divyan A. , Dravid Shashank M. , Kim Woo-Yang 
Published: March 2016

De novotruncating mutations inARID1B, a chromatin-remodeling gene, cause Coffin–Siris syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and speech impairment; however, how the genetic elimination leads to cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the neural functions of ARID1B during brain development. Here, we show that ARID1B regulates dendritic differentiation in the developing mouse brain. We knocked down ARID1B expression in mouse pyramidal neurons usingin uterogene delivery methodologies. ARID1B knockdown suppressed dendritic arborization of cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in mice. The abnormal development of dendrites accompanied a decrease in dendritic outgrowth into layer I. Furthermore, knockdown of ARID1B resulted in aberrant dendritic spines and synaptic transmission. Finally, ARID1B deficiency led to altered expression of c-Fos and Arc, and overexpression of these factors rescued abnormal differentiation induced by ARID1B knockdown. Our results demonstrate a novel role for ARID1B in neuronal differentiation and provide new insights into the origin of cognitive dysfunction associated with developmental intellectual disability.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHaploinsufficiency of ARID1B, a component of chromatin remodeling complex, causes intellectual disability. However, the role of ARID1B in brain development is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ARID1B is required for neuronal differentiation in the developing brain, such as in dendritic arborization and synapse formation. Our findings suggest that ARID1B plays a critical role in the establishment of cognitive circuitry by regulating dendritic complexity. Thus, ARID1B deficiency may cause intellectual disability via abnormal brain wiring induced by the defective differentiation of cortical neurons.