bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capital Funded Models of Pension Insurance on Selected Examples Part 2
Authors: Sowiński Tomasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the first part of this study on the capital funded models of pension schemes, the economic concept [in theory] and the Chilean and Argentinian concepts of pensions schemes implemented in those countries were presented. On the one hand, extremely similar to each other, and on the other different with so many detailed solutions that it might as well be said they are completely dissimilar. If we chronologically consider the Chilean system as the primary one, than the Argentinian system is its mirror image, however, reflected in a mirror from the house of mirrors.
It is not an uncommon opinion that these are the only countries in which the capital funded model was implemented, but as it was concluded in the first part of the study, almost all of South America became in its own way an unusual testing ground for the implementation of the capital funded concept of pension insurance.
Just as the Chilean and Argentinian solutions seem apparently similar to each other, the solutions of the remaining countries in the scope of pension insurance have many variations, specific only to them or to the countries on that continent.
To provide a fuller comparison, the tabular summaries will include apart from the two already described countries, the following six countries: Peru, Columbia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Mexico and El Salvador, and also the already described solutions in Chile and Argentina to facilitate a more complete and simple analysis of the presented data.
The two best known and continuously analyzed pension insurance systems in South America are, similarly as the Polish and Swedish concepts, though with a definitely different distribution of accents, the Chilean and Argentinian systems. Both are the execution of the so-called capital funded model. Both were implemented in large capitalistic countries located on the same continent. In both countries, the previous pension system were at the verge of efficiency and their economic situation, economies and budgets were also in a state requiring intervention and repair programs.
It is worth analyzing even in those cases the differences between the implementation and execution methods and procedures of those pension insurance models that are similar in assumption, and what is very important, the effects or lack of effects in those elements of both implemented models with which they differed.
Risk Analysis in Documentary Letter of Credit Operation
Authors: Alavi Hamed 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Documentary Letters of Credit are among most popular methods of payment used in international trade. They function as an irrevocable promise of issuing a bank to pay instead of an applicant buyer to a beneficiary seller under the condition that the beneficiary presents complying documents with terms and conditions of the credit to the bank. One of the reasons for the popularity of the LCs in international trade is shifting the payment risk from an individual buyer to a bank with a much stronger financial standing. However, LC operation in international trade is not free of risk. Despite the fact that two main principles of the Documentary Letter of Credit’s Operation (Principle of independence and principle of strict compliance) facilitate the process of international trade significantly, but still all parties involved in LC operation are supposed to be cautious about the existing risks relevant to their role in LC operation. Current paper tries to use legal principles of documentary credits and risk management theory in order to define existing risks to each party (beneficiary, applicant and bank) in international LC transaction and find an answer to the question of what are exposing risks for involved parties? For this purpose, the paper starts with an explanation of the two main principles of LC operation and moves forward with using the risk management theory to explain existing risks for each party in detail.
Knapsack problem for nilpotent groups
Authors: Mishchenko Alexei , Treier Alexander 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this work we investigate the group version of the well known knapsack problem in the class of nilpotent groups. The main result of this paper is that the knapsack problem is undecidable for any torsion-free group of nilpotency class 2 if the rank of the derived subgroup is at least 316. Also, we extend our result to certain classes of polycyclic groups, linear groups, and nilpotent groups of nilpotency class greater than or equal to 2.
Discussion on Modeling Capability for Macrosegregation
Authors: Wu Menghuai , Kharicha Abdellah , Ludwig Andreas 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Macrosegregation originates from the solute partitioning at the liquid-solid interface and the relative motion between liquid and solid phases during solidification of metal alloys. A suitable macrosegregation model should incorporate solidification thermodynamics, crystal growth kinetics, multiphase computational fluid dynamics, and even thermal-structural mechanics. No current model includes all those phenomena, hence leading to assumptions having to be made. This paper discusses some modeling assumptions regarding the treatment of (1) diffusion kinetics of crystal growth, (2) crystal dendritic morphology and (3) solidification shrinkage. Theoretical analyses based on test calculations were made. We find that some previous models, which over-simplified some of the aspects mentioned above for the purpose of computational efficiency, can only be applied to study macrosegregation qualitatively. They lead to significant error estimations of macrosegregation. When the quantitative accuracy for macrosegregation is of primary importance, the multiphase-based models with an appropriate treatment of these aspects, despite the sophisticated computational requirements, are recommended.
Finite Element modeling of Mechanical Loading-Pumpkin Peel and flesh
Authors: Shirmohammadi Maryam , Yarlagadda Prasad KDV 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Finite element (FE) models of uniaxial loading of pumpkin peel and flesh tissues were developed and validated using experimental results. The tensile model was developed for both linear elastic and plastic material models, the compression model was developed only with the plastic material model. The outcomes of force versus time curves obtained from FE models followed similar pattern to the experimental curves; however the curve resulted with linear elastic material properties had a higher difference with the experimental curves. The values of predicted forces were determined and compared with the experimental curve. An error indicator was introduced and computed for each case and compared. Additionally, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values were also calculated for each model and compared. The results of modeling were used to develop material model for peel and flesh tissues in FE modeling of mechanical peeling of tough skin vegetables. The results presented in this paper are a part of a study on mechanical properties of agricultural tissues focusing on mechanical peeling methods using mathematical, experimental and computational modeling.
The Influence of Financial Market Development on Economic Growth in BRICS Countries
Authors: Wait Charles , Ruzive Tafadzwa , le Roux Pierre 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The debate about the influence of financial market development on economic growth has been ongoing for more than a century. Since Schumpeter [1912] wrote about the happenings on Lombard Street there has been growing interest in the way financial market development affects economic activity and growth. As development issues have deepened, inquiry into the finance-growth nexus has also grown, with recent research focusing on various aspects of financial crisis and developments in the BRICS economies. This study investigates the influence of financial market development on the higher growth of BRICS as compared to non-BRICS counterparts. The research utilizes the Generalised Method of Moments and an extended endogenous growth model to estimate the influence of a set of financial market indicators. We find that higher private sector levels of credit and financial depth in the BRICS economies contributed to the economic growth of those economies.
In Search of Apprehending Customers’ Value Perception
Authors: Stępień Beata 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The article clarifies the concept of value for customer, demonstrates challenges related to the concept itself and its measurement and sheds new light on the consequences of conceptual and metric choices. The analysis focuses on three points: first, it shows, how the definition and delineation of customer perceived value (CVP) implies the choice of certain measurement tools, but does not necessarily reveal the essence of the measured construct. Second, it provides a quantitative measure of CVP components showing the functional interconnections between them without presenting their causal relations. Third, it suggests the priority of a theoretical conceptualization over any technical craft considerations in CVP measurement.
The article begins with mapping and deconstructing the value concept, which is followed by a critical discussion of its measurement challenges. Mixed methodology for empirical exploration of CVP construct is recommended here, being as the approach that blends quantitative methods with a deeper understanding of CVP provided by qualitative tools.
FPGAs for data processing: Current state
Authors: Teubner Jens 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
To escape a number of physical limitations (e.g., bandwidth and thermal issues), hardware technology is strongly
trending toward heterogeneous system designs, where a large share of the application work can be off-loaded to
accelerators, such as graphics or network processors.
In the database domain, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) were recently discovered as a powerful class of
co-processors. Data-intensive tasks can benefit from their very high bandwidth paired with a very low
latency.
However, a number of challenges still have to be solved before FPGA-accelerated systems can go mainstream. Applications
must leverage the massive parallelism provided by FPGAs; algorithms must be re-designed with awareness for
communication; and new abstractions are needed to make system development effective.
In this article, we report on some of the results we obtained working toward solutions to these challenges. They have
been carried out in the context of the Avalanche project, a pioneer in the use of FPGAs for database applications.
Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOP) to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Authors: Fang C , Megharaj M , Naidu R 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been recently listed as emerging contaminants (ECs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their human and environmental health concerns. In the last 10 years, their detection and remediation have progressed significantly. Herein, we critically review recent developments in electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) towards their remediation. Particular attentions are paid to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which present the main concerns of PFASs at this time. Due to the persistence of those PFASs, other remediation approaches may experience difficulty in degrading them, whilst EAOP has demonstrated success. The fundamentals of EAOP are highlighted and the scale-up application is discussed regarding the future research directions.
The Notion of Entropy in an Economic Analysis: the Classical Examples and New Perspectives
Authors: Vozna Liudmyla Yu. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article deals with the notion of entropy in its applicability to economics. Briefly, it regards some classical cases of such a use as the labour concept of Podolinsky and the bioeconomics of Georgescu-Roegen. This article also attempts to apply the concept of entropy to the analysis of market structures in the example of the perfect competition model. Thus, the article asserts that if we compare different entropy concepts with the main characteristics of a market with perfect competition, we must conclude that the latter is a structure with the maximum level of entropy. But maximum entropy means the system’s death. So, as a system, a perfectly competitive market cannot exist. Despite economists recognise the unreality of such a market from an empirical point of view, the application of the entropy concept helps us to repeat this approval also as a methodological one. The use of the entropy concept as a methodological instrument helps to question some other economic models, too.
Participatory potato seed production: a breakthrough for food security and income generation in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Chindi Abebe , Shunka Egata , Solomon Atsede , Gebremedhin W. Giorgis , Seid Ebrahim , Tessema Lemma 
Published: April 2017

AbstractQuality seed is one of the major bottlenecks hampering the production and productivity of potato not only in Ethiopia but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since the 1970’s, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research has generated a number of improved potato production technologies such as improved varieties with accompanying agronomic practices, crop protection measures, postharvest handling techniques and utilization options. The developed technologies were promoted from 2013-2015 via technology promotion and popularization to the Wolmera, Adea-Bera and Ejere districts with the objective of creating awareness and up scaling of improved potato production and utilization technologies. The Potato Improvement Research Program and the Research and Extension Division of Holetta Research Center in collaboration with extension staff of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) undertake this activity. The farmers were selected and organized in Farmer Field Schools and all stakeholders were engaged before distributing potato seeds and planting on selected farmers’ fields for demonstrating of potato production technologies. A total of 899 farmers and 40 agricultural experts were trained and 27.7, 9 and 5.5 tons of quality seeds of Gudanie, Jalenie and Belete potato varieties, respectively, were delivered as a revolving seed with their recommended agronomic packages; this amount of seed covered 21.1 ha. A total of 16 farmer groups from Wolmera, 7 from Adea-Berga, and 11 from Ejere participated. They produced over 434 tons of relatively clean seed and constructed 8 diffused light stores. In addition to the demonstration of improved potato varieties, information dissemination was also an important component of the program to raise awareness for a large numbers of potato growers through farmers’ field days, pamphlets, and mass media. Each year about three field days were organized and more than 1500 pamphlets were distributed to farmers invited from neighboring districts and ‘Kebeles’ to enhance speed. Through this intervention farmers are now harvesting a yield of about 26-34 t/ha up from 8t/ha when they were using inferior quality potato seed; this has made the farmers in the intervention area more food secure especially during the usually food scarce months of August to October when cereal crops are generally yet to mature. The farmers are also getting additional income from the sale of excess potato and are able to better meet other necessary costs like school fees, for their children.
Effect of Storage Methods and Period on the Physiological and Nutrient Components of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus) in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeocha Chinelo Vanessa , Ironkwe Adanma G. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Livingstone potato production in Nigeria is faced with the challenge of high postharvest losses. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of some storage methods on the physiological and nutritional quality of livingstone potato. Potatoes were separated and stored using eight different methods: potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with sand under the shade (T1), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with ash under the shade (T2), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with rice husk under the shade (T3), potatoes stored in3x3x3 ft pits and covered with a wood shavings under the shade (T4), potatoes spread on a bamboo platform under the shade(T5), potatoes spread on a raffia palm platform under the shade(T6), potatoes spread on concrete pavement inside the barn (T7), potatoes spread on the ground under the shade(T8), potatoes buried under the ground (T9). T8 was used as the control treatment. Temperature and relative humidity of the environment was monitored, the roots were weighed monthly to access the weight loss, sprouting and rot were observed visually and proximate composition of the stored roots were evaluated using standard methods. The lowest percentage weight loss was observed in samples stored in a pit covered with wood ash and those covered with river sand. Samples stored in pits and covered with wood shavings, wood ash and river sand had the lowest percentage of sprouting (1.63%, 3.45% and 6.06% respectively). The dry matter content increased with storage period in all the storage methods. The starch yield varied in the different storage methods with the samplescovered with river sand (13.45%) and the samples buried underground in the field(10.53%) giving the highest starch yield at the end of the storage period. Samples stored under rice husk had the highest ash content (4.77%) while the crude fibre and crude protein contents were highest in the samples spread on raffia palm. The results showed that spreading on the floor or on top of pavements are not good storage methods for living stone potato, however, storage in pits with alternate layers of river sand, wood ash and wood shavings are the best storage methods for livingstone potato.
Electrochemical methods for synthesis of organoelement compounds and functional materials
Authors: Gafurov Zufar N. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The new efficient and environmentally safe methods for preparation of various classes of organic and organoelement compounds, including organonickel sigma-complexes and organophosphorus compounds bearing P–C bonds have been created using the electrochemical methods. The synthetic application of the elaborated techniques towards the process of formation of new carbon-carbon, carbon-metal and carbon-phosphorus bonds are discussed. The mechanisms of the proposed processes and the nature of the formed in the overall electrochemical process intermediates are disclosed. The elaborated methods operated in the principals of “green chemistry” can be considered as an efficient alternative to some classical methods for preparation of active catalysts, biologically active molecules and new polynuclear complexes displaying practically useful properties.
The influence of foot arch on ankle joint torques andon sEMG signal amplitude in selected lower leg muscles
Authors: Żebrowska Kinga , Homoncik Katarzyna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Introduction: This study sought to assess the influence of proper foot arch on electromyographic activity of selected lower limb muscles. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of foot arch on the activity of selected muscles and to determine whether electromyography might help to identify types of flat feet resulting from muscle- or ligament-related causes.
Material and methods: The experiment involved 24 students of the Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education in Warsaw. To determine Clarke’s angle, all study participants were examined with a podoscope. Based on the obtained results, the subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 12 individuals with low foot arches, while the control group included students with proper foot arches. The surface EMG (sEMG) signal was recorded from the following muscles: peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and soleus. First, the sEMG signal was recorded while measuring MVC for ankle extensors and flexors. Then, it was recorded in the following positions: free standing, two-leg standing on tiptoe, one-leg standing on tiptoe, pressing the first metatarsal head to the ground standing on heels.
Results: No significant differences in muscle activity between the groups with low and proper foot arches were noted (p>0.05). Muscle activity did not prove to be a differentiating factor. Moreover, no differences were found in torques of ankle extensors and flexors between both groups.
Conclusions: The findings of the study confirmed the hypothesis that the size of the foot arch had no effect on electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles. It was also revealed that flat feet did not lead to the weakening of muscle strength of ankle flexors and extensors.
Preterm birth among women living within 600 meters of high voltage overhead Power Lines: a case-control study
Authors: Sadeghi Taktom , Ahmadi Amirmasoud , Javadian Maryam , Gholamian Sayyed Asghar , Delavar Mouloud Agajani , Esmailzadeh Sedigheh , Ahmadi Bahare , Hadighi Mozhgan Sadat Hassanpour 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Aim. The issue of preterm birth due to exposure to magnetic fields from power lines is unclear. Exposure to electromagnetic field in uterus has been hypothesized as possible preterm birth. The aim of the present study was to determine whether living closer to high voltage power lines increased the risk of preterm labor. Methods. In a nested case-control study, 135 cases of singleton live spontaneous preterm birth in Rohani hospital, Babol, Iran, during the period between 2013 and 2014 were studied. The 150 control subjects were singleton term live birth in the same year of birth and city of residence using randomized-digit dialing. The shortest distance to any of the high voltage power lines to the maternal residence during pregnancy was measured using ArcGIS software for every case and control. To test the association between the preterm births and the residential proximity to power lines, stepwise multiple logistic regression was used. Results. There were 28 households, 20 cases (14.8%) and 8 controls (5.3%) situated within 600 meters of high voltage power lines. The adjusted OR for spontaneous preterm birth and birth defect in women who were living in less than 600 meters from high voltage power lines was higher compared to those living at farther distance (OR = 3.28, CI: 1.37 to 7.85) and (OR = 5.05, CI: 1.52 to 16.78), respectively. Conclusions. Therefore, installing overhead power lines and stations within 600 meters or making overhead underground would be useful in the prevention of both preterm birth and birth defect.
La sémiotique juridique verbale et nonverbale comme stratégie de communication du droit: Signs, symbols, and meanings in law
Authors: Wagner Anne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLaw exposes the variety and complexity of legal language. The mastery of the cultural and spatio-temporal artefacts is thus necessary to understand the social institutions of a country. Their mode of production may be considered as creating “forms of life,” “language games,” or “institutional practices of the interpreting community.”