bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastometric tests for plasticine as physical
modelling material
Authors: Wójcik Łukasz , Lis Konrad , Pater Zbigniew 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper presents results of plastometric tests
for plasticine, used as material for physical modelling
of metal forming processes. The test was conducted by
means of compressing by flat dies of cylindrical billets at
various temperatures. The aim of the conducted research
was comparison of yield stresses and course of material
flow curves. Tests were made for plasticine in black and
white colour. On the basis of the obtained experimental results,
the influence of forming parameters change on flow
curves course was determined. Sensitivity of yield stresses
change in function of material deformation, caused by
forging temperature change within the scope of 0&C ÷ 20&C
and differentiation of strain rate for ˙ɛ = 0.563; ˙ɛ = 0.0563; ˙ɛ
= 0.0056s−1,was evaluated. Experimental curves obtained
in compression test were described by constitutive equations.
On the basis of the obtained results the function
which most favourably describes flow curves was chosen.
Creating Visual Work Instructions to Ensure Safe
and Fluent Operation of the Semi-automatic
Production Lines
Authors: Beluško Matúš , Hegedüš Matúš , Fedorko Gabriel 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The process of robotics in the world, but also in
Slovakia is constantly increasing, and although new types
of robots are being developed, the human hand of those
work stations cannot be removed completely. Despite the
already developed and functioning collaborative robots
that allow safe operations side by side with humans, it is
necessary for a worker to known accurate, fast and safe
procedure of his working activities. Visual work instructions
(VWI) are made for this purpose. The worker must
be able to quickly understand the principle of work procedure
and get quick information about potential risks in
very short time. Therefore, great regard for the content of
VWI must be taken. At first glance, a simple visual work
instructions enable not only to increase safety at the workplace,
but also increase workers productivity.
Assessment of the Degree of the Divergence and Inequality of Household Income Distribution in Poland in the Years 2005–2013
Authors: Gęstwicki Filip Edmund , Wędrowska Ewa 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The increase in income and wealth inequality observed in the last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century is the subject of many analyses and discussions. Research shows that major changes in household incomes in Poland took place in the early years of transition (1990–1992), known as a ‘revolution in income’. The article focuses on the assessment of the degree of household income inequality after the Poland’s accession to the European Union. The most commonly used measures in income inequality studies are the measures of inequality based on the Lorenz function – a popular Gini coefficient and the Schutz ratio, measures using the concept of entropy, measures based on welfare function, or measures based on income distribution quantiles. The article proposes the possibility of broadening the measuring spectrum of income inequality analysis of the Csiszár’s divergence measures. The main research objective of the article is to assess the divergence in the distribution of household equivalent disposable income in Poland in the years 2005–2013. The data used in the analysis come from the European Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC).
Theoretical Model of Pricing Behavior on the Polish Wholesale Fuel Market
Authors: Bejger Sylwester 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In this paper, we constructed a theoretical model of strategic pricing behavior of the players in a Polish wholesale fuel market. This model is consistent with the characteristics of the industry, the wholesale market, and the players. The model is based on the standard methodology of repeated games with a built-in adjustment to a focal price, which resembles the Import Parity Pricing (IPP) mechanism. From the equilibrium of the game, we conclude that the focal price policy implies a parallel pricing strategic behavior on the market.
Initial Experience with O-Arm Navigated Spinal Surgery - Report on Two Cases
Authors: Kehayov Ivo I. , Zhelyazkov Christo B. , Kalnev Borislav M. , Davarski Atanas N. , Kitov Borislav D. , Raykov Stefan D. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Image-guided spinal surgery is becoming increasingly popular because it allows surgeons to achieve minimal invasiveness and maximum precision in the performed procedures.
We present our initial experience with two cases operated on using O-arm-based spinal navigation at the Clinic of Neurosurgery in St George University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In the first case, we performed removal of extradural spinal tumor of the sixth thoracic vertebra and O-arm-navigated pedicle screw fixation. In the second case, we performed O-arm-navigated corpectomy of the fifth cervical vertebra and anterior spinal reconstruction and fusion with titanium expandable mesh and cervical plate in connection with degenerative narrowing of the cervical spinal canal that lead to clinically manifested myelopathy.
The initial experience allows us to conclude that O-arm-based image-guided spinal surgery can lead to considerably higher precision of spinal instrumented procedures. At the same time, it reduces the irradiation dose of the patient and surgical team.
Pathophysiological Role of Adiponectin, Leptin and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in the Process of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Koleva Daniela Iv. , Orbetzova Maria M. , Nikolova Julia G. , Deneva Tanya I. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Adipose tissue is recognized as a rich source of proinflammatory mediators that may directly contribute to vascular injury, insulin resistance, and atherogenesis. Many studies have shown that adiponectin has antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adiponectin acts not only as a factor increasing insulin sensitivity, and the protective effect may result from its ability to suppress production of proinflammatory cytokines. It negatively regulates the expression of TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adipose tissue; reduces expression of vascular and intracellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), E-selectin, interleukin-8 (IL-8). Hyperleptinemia has been linked with the development of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction/atherosclerosis, two main pathophysiological conditions associated with cardiovascular disease development. Leptin-mediated increases in sympathetic nervous system activity may be among the principal mechanisms evoking obesity related hypertension. Leptin stimulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and increases the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1), which may promote hypertension. Increased serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a physiological regulator of the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO), promote the process of atherosclerosis, leading to the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
Repetitive Transient Ischaemic Attacks Secondary to a Floating Carotid Artery Thrombus in a Young Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Bajkó Zoltán , Maier Smaranda , Moțățăianu Anca , Stoian Adina , Bărcuțean Laura , Bălașa Rodica 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA free-floating carotid artery thrombus is a very rare ultrasonographical finding in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events. One of the main causes of this presentation is represented by the hypercoagulability status of the patients. We report the case of a young male patient who presented with several transient ischaemic attacks secondary to a mobile thrombus in the left carotid sinus. Two hematological abnormalities, essential thrombocytosis and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase mutation were found to be related to the thrombus formation. The role of the latter in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is not well documented in the literature. Following antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication, there was a fast dissolution of the thrombus, followed by a favorable clinical outcome. Neurologists should be aware that young patients with stroke require extensive imagistic and laboratory screening for an accurate etiological diagnosis.
The Relationship Between Board Characteristics and Environmental Disclosure: Evidence from Turkish Listed Companies
Authors: Akbas Halil Emre 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study primarily aims to analyze the relationship between selected board characteristics and the extent of environmental disclosure in annual reports of Turkish companies, using a sample of 62 non-financial firms listed on the BIST-100 index at the end of 2011. The content analysis is used to measure the extent of environmental disclosure. Four board characteristics, namely board size, board independence, board gender diversity and audit committee independence, are considered as the independent variables that may have an impact on the extent of the environmental disclosures of Turkish companies. According to the results of the regression analysis, only board size has a statistically significant and positive relationship with the extent of environmental disclosure. This result implies that firms with larger boards disclose more environmental information than firms with smaller boards. On the other hand, the rest of the independent variables are found to be unrelated to the extent of environmental disclosure. The low degree of independence and gender diversity on the boards of the sample companies for the time period analyzed in the study could be one possible explanation for this result.
Competitiveness, Trade with the EU and Labour Markets: Challenges for the Western Balkans
Authors: Botrić Valerija , Broz Tanja 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper focuses on the relationship between exporting and the labour markets of the Western Balkan economies within a macroeconomic and microeconomic framework. Within the macroeconomic framework we investigate the Western Balkan countries’ evolution of the bilateral intra-industry trade share with European Monetary Union members and compare this with the differences in bilateral unit labour cost dynamics. The microeconomic analysis rests on enterprise-level cross section data collected during the crisis period and investigates whether exporters help to create additional jobs in the region in comparison to entrepreneurs oriented towards national market. The results show that trade patterns between Western Balkan economies and EMU trading partners did not exhibit any significant changes in trend. On the other hand, it seems that during the recession period most Western Balkan economies adjusted their unit labour costs, probably in order to boost competitiveness. Microeconomic analysis revealed that, although there are some positive differences between exporters and non-exporters, exporters do not create additional employment.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Economic Growth: A Review of International Literature
Authors: Chirwa Themba G. , Odhiambo Nicholas M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe paper conducts a qualitative narrative appraisal of the existing empirical literature on the key macroeconomic determinants of economic growth in developing and developed countries. Much as other empirical studies have investigated the determinants of economic growth using various econometric methods, the majority of these studies have not distinguished what drives or hinders economic growth in developing or developed countries. The study finds that the determinants of economic growth are different when this distinction is used. It reveals that in developing countries the key macroeconomic determinants of economic growth include foreign aid, foreign direct investment, fiscal policy, investment, trade, human capital development, demographics, monetary policy, natural resources, reforms and geographic, regional, political and financial factors. In developed countries, the study reveals that the key macroeconomic determinants that are associated with economic growth include physical capital, fiscal policy, human capital, trade, demographics, monetary policy and financial and technological factors.
An Empirical Analysis of Stock Market Development and Economic Growth: The Case of Macedonia
Authors: Lazarov Darko , Miteva-Kacarski Emilija , Nikoloski Krume 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper has two goals. The first goal is to investigate the influence of stock market development on economic growth for a group of 14 transition economies from the Central and South-East European (CSEE) region in the period 2002-2012, while the second is to analyze the main characteristics and specificities of the stock market in the Republic of Macedonia. To fulfil the first goal, we apply panel regression models (fixed and random effects) and a dynamic panel model (Generalized Method of Moments – GMM), while we use a single country approach and comparative analysis to examine the main characteristics of the Macedonian stock market. The estimated results indicate that stock market development is positive and significantly correlated with economic growth. Additionally, the comparative analysis of the stock market in the Republic of Macedonia suggests that the Macedonian stock market is still underdeveloped and faces a number of challenges before it can enter a new phase of development after the negative impact of the global financial crisis. Those challenges include capital market regional integration and the harmonization of legal and institutional frameworks such as bankruptcy procedures, accounting and reporting standards, public sector regulatory bodies, corporate governance and a liberalized trade regime.
Key Stakeholders’ Attitudes towards Teacher Education Programs in TEFL: A Case Study of Farhangian University in Iran
Authors: Gholami Javad , Qurbanzada Isa 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Recently, teacher training courses have attracted the researchers’ special attention, while teacher education programs have not received as much attention. The present study investigated the attitudes key stakeholders in a teacher education program (i.e., student teachers, in-service teachers, and teacher educators) hold toward the appropriateness of TEFL teacher education programs at an Iranian teacher education university and their relevance to and sustainable impact in the real teaching context. To this end, 62 pre-service teachers, 48 in-service teachers, and 28 teacher educators filled out the Foreign Language Teacher Education Program Evaluation questionnaire adapted from Peacock (2009). The results of ANOVA tests indicated that the pre-service teachers and teacher educators found courses with literary strands less relevant to English language teaching and believed that those courses should be modified or replaced by teaching more knowledge-building or knowledge-applying subjects. In addition, the in-service teachers harboured a negative perspective towards the courses which were not practical in the real classroom setting and considered them less empowering. All three groups found teaching-related courses, such as teaching methodology, of more sustainable nature and useful in the real teaching context. Besides, the participants believed that it is essential for the universities to incorporate several practical courses including practicum and classroom observations within the curriculum. This study suggests that accommodating key stakeholders’ preferences in a teacher education programs could lead to crafting more accountable and empowering teacher education programs.
Bringing Kano’s Perspective to AHP: The 2D-AHP Decision Model
Authors: Jung Uk , Yim Seongmin , Lim Sunguk , Kim Chongman 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAHP and the Kano model are such prevalent TQM tools that it may be surprising that a true hybrid decision-making model has so far eluded researchers. The quest for a hybrid approach is complicated by the differing output perspective of each model, namely discrete ranking (AHP) versus a multi-dimensional picture (Kano). This paper presents a hybrid model of AHP and Kano model, so called two-dimension AHP (2D-AHP).This paper first compares the two approaches and justifies a hybrid model based on a simple conceit drawn from the Kano perspective: given a decision hierarchy, child and parent elements can exhibit multi-dimension relationships under different circumstances. Based on this premise, the authors construct a hybrid two-dimension AHP model whereby a functional-dysfunctional question-pair technique is incorporated into a traditional AHP framework.Using the proposed hybrid model, this paper provides a practical test case of its implementation. The 2D-AHP approach revealed important evaluation variances obscured through AHP, while a survey study confirmed that the 2D-AHP approach is both feasible and preferred in some respects by respondents.Although there have been rich research efforts to combine AHP and Kano model, most of them is simply about a series of individual usage of each methodology. On the other hand, the type of hybridization between AHP and Kano model in this paper is quite unique in terms of the two dimensional perspective. The model provides a general approach with application possibilities far beyond the scope of the test case and its problem structure, and so calls for application and validation in new cases.
A Stepwise ISO-Based TQM Implementation Approach Using ISO 9001:2015
Authors: Chen Chi-kuang , Anchecta Karina , Lee Yuan-Duen , Dahlgaard Jens J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The lack of an implementation roadmap always deters enterprises from choosing Total Quality Management (TQM) as its major management approach. This paper proposes a stepwise ISO-based TQM implementation approach which is based on the notion of the new three-dimensional overall business excellence framework developed by Dahlgaard et al. [1]. The proposed approach consists of nine steps comprising three categories: “TQM faith building”, “TQM tools and techniques learning”, and “system development”. The steps in each of the three categories are arranged to span across the proposed nine-step approach. The ISO 9001:2015 standard is used as a case study to demonstrate the proposed approach. The ideas and benefits of the proposed approach are further discussed in relation to this illustration.
Evolution of Machine Reliability and Life and Economics of Operational Use
Authors: Młynarski Stanisław 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The article presents new assumptions for reliability and life of machines, resulting from the development of technology. The innovative approach to reliability and life design as well as warranty duration planning is presented on an example of vehicle reliability characteristics. A new algorithm is proposed for the replacement of repairable objects costs by the price of life and reliability of new unrepairable ones. For the planning of the life of innovative machines, an effective method of technical progress rate determination is proposed. In conclusion, necessary modifications of machine and vehicle use systems, resulting from technology evolution and technical progress, are indicated. Finally, recommendations and directions of indispensable research in engineering and management of technical means of production are formulated.
Review of Tremain, Foucault and the Government of Disability
Authors: Jones Clint 
Published: January 2017

This reissue of Shelley Tremain’s vital collection of essays continues to focus on the importance of disability studies and while it has all the weight and significance of the original publication it also extends and builds upon those original essays. Tremain, rightly and accurately, characterizes the anniversary volume, like the original, as “a classic text in…critical disability theory and research” (9). It is, quite simply, a must read.
Estrategia de gestión de una facultad de ingeniería: Impacto de su aplicación
Authors: Dimas-Rangel María Isabel , Torres-Bugdud Arturo , Torres-Bugdud Arturo , Palomares-Ruíz María Blanca , Palomares-Ruíz María Blanca 
Published: January 2017

The present investigation aims to expose the implementation of a management strategy, in which the objective was to strengthen the academic staff profile, guide professors in an educative context of a high education institution, and help their professional development, so that to contribute positively in the training of university students. For that purpose, it was necessary that the educative institution had an administrative-academic management that favored the integration of professors with the necessary profile for the formation of the university students. This work was based on the analysis of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) results and polls carried out with the studied population allowing the implementation of a strategy. This, in turn, allowed the application of a theoretical-methodological system, having as a result the increase from 32% to 58% in the recognition of professors with an ideal profile, awarded by the “Programa para el Desarrollo Profesional Docente” (PRODEP), and an increment from 12% to 31% of the professor-researcher participation in the “Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología”.
La Innovación Evaluativa y el cambio de paradigma en la enseñanza contable
Authors: Iglesias Mora Merle , Iglesias Mora Pedro 
Published: January 2017

<p>La investigación desarrollada gira en torno a los procesos de evaluación establecidos para la asignatura de Contabilidad como parte del área empresarial de algunas instituciones educativas que se convirtieron en el grupo objetivo del presente estudio. La observación de la problemática planteada se hizo a través de la verificación de las dificultades que presentan los estudiantes en el cumplimiento de los logros esperados, las cuales repercuten en los resultados de aprendizaje y a la vez provocan un alejamiento de los procesos de aula con la realidad del ámbito laboral, característica esencial de las asignaturas de tipo empresarial.</p><p>El objetivo planteado en la investigación consistió en: analizar el <em>sistema de evaluación</em> que se aplica actualmente en la asignatura de contabilidad del área empresarial y su incidencia en el <em>rendimiento académico de los estudiantes</em>. El nivel de la investigación es exploratorio y descriptivo, ya que pretende precisar la situación investigada sin contar con antecedentes informativos previos al estudio; por su diseño es considerada de campo, basada en la recopilación de datos cuantitativos. Se aplican métodos generales como el inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético, además del método estadístico para la organización, tabulación, análisis e interpretación de los datos obtenidos mediante la aplicación de encuestas a estudiantes que participan en el proceso y entrevistas a profesionales especializados en educación. Los resultados obtenidos han permitido verificar las hipótesis planteadas y con tal antecedente se propone el diseño de nuevas estrategias de evaluación de los saberes, considerando los aspectos elementales de la evaluación educativa determinados por la Autoridad Nacional y las experiencias logradas por los docentes de las distintas instituciones educativas.</p>