bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electoral behaviour in the Kraków metropolitan area: 1993–2011
Authors: Linkowski Radosław 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe purpose of the paper is to describe changes in support for the four principal political options (‘right’, ‘left’, ‘liberal’, ‘peasant’) available in the Kraków Metropolitan Area (KMA) in parliamentary elections in the period 1993–2011. The electoral behaviour of the residents of the various KMA zones became increasingly similar in the study period. The political ‘distance’ between the northern commuter zone of the KMA (part of the Russian partition in the 19thc.) and the rest of the KMA, decreased significantly. The suburban zone of Kraków also changed over the course of the study period by becoming significantly similar to the city in terms of voting behaviour. This political change was largely due to substantial social and economic changes in the rural parts of the metropolitan area. Urban areas in the KMA were much more stable in their voting patterns and tended to politically resemble one another much more than rural areas. The city of Kraków and the southern part of its commuter zone – part of the Austrian partition in the 19thc. – were characterized by fewer fluctuations in voting behaviour than the two remaining parts of the KMA.
‘Kicking Sand in the Face of Apartheid’: Segregated Beaches in South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Jayne M. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This article makes a contribution to address the overwhelming ‘present-mindedness’ of tourism geography scholarship. Using a range of archival sources an analysis is undertaken of the rise and demise of racial segregation on South Africa’s beaches during the period 1953-1989. The division of beach space along racial lines is an aspect of the implementation of what was termed ‘petty apartheid’. This analysis reveals that the national government’s attempts to legislate the making of beach segregation were uneven and contested in different coastal centres. By the 1980s, however, mounting opposition and resistance to the apartheid state resulted in the crumbling of beach apartheid and the formal desegregation of beach spaces.
Identification of the spatial causes of urban sprawl with the use of land information systems and GIS tools
Authors: Wolny Ada , Dawidowicz Agnieszka , Źróbek Ryszard 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Urbanization is one of the processes that determine the development of a country or a region, but it has both advantages and side effects. Some of its aspects may lead to unsustainable growth and dispersion of built–up area. The main causes of this process are increases in costs of transportation, infrastructure and nature conservation. There is a threat of uncontrolled spread of development as a result of urbanization processes, particularly in suburban municipalities. It has been requested by many researches that authorities put more interest in avoiding dispersed suburbanization, but they still are looking for better solutions, tools and procedures to solve this problem.
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the important role of spatial information from land information systems in identifying and predicting the causes of the development of dispersed built–up areas. Thanks to GIS instruments local authorities are more likely to preserve spatial order and avoid the side effects of “sprawling”.
“Like a Lamb Ripe for Slaughter”: Female Body, Law and “Domestic” Animals in Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites
Authors: Petković Danijela 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The subject matter of this paper is the interplay of the female body, law and the technologies of “domestic” animals in the novel Burial Rites (2013), a fictionalised biography of the last woman executed in Iceland. Drawing consistent parallels between the convicted woman and animals - lambs in the “killing pen” in particular - Hannah Kent problematises long-standing human institutions and traditions such as law, death sentence, patriarchy and the (ab)use of animals. Moreover, she demonstrates that “the animal” and “the criminal” are mutually supportive socio-legal constructs realised on the bodies of sentient beings via identical technologies.
“The Meaning of His Life Was Work”: The Construction of Identities in the Oral Narratives of Older Czech Men
Authors: Slabáková Radmila Švaříčková 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This article explores the ways in which older Czech men construct their masculine identities. Profiting from the personal memories of individuals who witnessed dramatic social changes in 20th century Czechoslovakia, the study draws on eight oral narratives that focus on the period of older men’s youth but also encompass their adult and later lives. The article identifies five recurrent themes through which older men construct their identities and discusses these outcomes in relation to the debate concerning the nature of gender order in the contemporary Czech Republic. It demonstrates the attachment of older men to the patriarchal masculine models of their youth, which are presented as masculine ideals, but also depicts their reservations towards such models. These reservations, however, do not cause older men to argue in favour of greater equality for women.
The State of Gender Inequality in India
Authors: Sumanjeet Singh 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Despite a high growth rate and plentiful Government measures to encourage gender equality, the gender gap still exists in India. Lack of gender equality not only limits women’s access to resources and opportunities, but also imperils the life prospects of the future generation. In the present article an attempt has been made to examine the problem of gender inequality in India. In this process, the article not only discusses the extent, causes and consequences of the problem, but also suggests policy measures to reduce gender inequality in India.
Masculine and Feminine Insights Into the Fantastic World of Elves: J.R.R. Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings and Muriel Barbery’s the Life of Elves
Authors: Măcineanu Laura 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The paper focuses on the fantasy universes created by J.R.R. Tolkien and by the more recent French writer, Muriel Barbery. The two authors excel in their depiction of the elusive world of the elves, each offering a deeply personal vision (a man writer’s and a woman writer’s) of what such magical beings may be like and how they may relate to humankind.
GMM-based speaker age and gender classification in Czech and Slovak
Authors: Přibil Jiří , Přibilová Anna , Matoušek Jindřich 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe paper describes an experiment with using the Gaussian mixture models (GMM) for automatic classification of the speaker age and gender. It analyses and compares the influence of different number of mixtures and different types of speech features used for GMM gender/age classification. Dependence of the computational complexity on the number of used mixtures is also analysed. Finally, the GMM classification accuracy is compared with the output of the conventional listening tests. The results of these objective and subjective evaluations are in correspondence.
Simulation of PWM DC-DC converters using eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Authors: Lekić Aleksandra 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a time-domain simulation of the DC-DC converters’ dynamic behavior is described. Corresponding to the state-space model for each possible operation mode of the circuit, an analytic solution is provided. Converter’s regulator is discretized using the pole-zero placement technique based on its Laplace transfer function. An algorithm results in a very accurate simulation due to the exact solution of the circuit’s equations.
Transient and steady state performance analysis of power flow control in a DFIG variable speed wind turbine
Authors: Nwosu Cajethan M. , Oti Stephen E. , Ogbuka Cosmas U. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This paper presents transient and steady state performance analysis of power flow control in a 5.0 kW Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) Variable Speed Wind Turbine (VSWT) under sub synchronous speed, super synchronous speed and synchronous speed modes of operation. Stator flux orientation is used for the control of the rotor-side converter (RSC) and DFIG whereas the grid (or stator) voltage orientation is the preferred choice for the control of the grid-side converter (GSC). In each of the three speeds modes, power is always supplied to the grid through the stator of the DFIG. The magnitude of net power (stator power plus rotor power) is less than stator power during the sub synchronous speed mode; it is greater than stator power during the super synchronous speed mode while it is equal to the stator power during the synchronous speed mode. In synchronous speed mode, the rotor power is zero indicating that power is neither supplied to the grid from the rotor nor supplied to the rotor from the grid; here the magnitude of net power is equal to stator power. The simulation results thus obtained in a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment laid credence to the controllability of power flow reversal in a DFIG-VSWT through back-to-back power electronic converter.
Application of neural models as controllers in mobile robot velocity control loop
Authors: Cerkala Jakub , Jadlovska Anna 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This paper presents the application of an inverse neural models used as controllers in comparison to classical PI controllers for velocity tracking control task used in two-wheel, differentially driven mobile robot. The PI controller synthesis is based on linear approximation of actuators with equivalent load. In order to obtain relevant datasets for training of feed-forward multi-layer perceptron based neural network used as neural model, the mathematical model of mobile robot, that combines its kinematic and dynamic properties such as chassis dimensions, center of gravity offset, friction and actuator parameters is used. Neural models are trained off-line to act as an inverse dynamics of DC motors with particular load using data collected in simulation experiment for motor input voltage step changes within bounded operating area. The performances of PI controllers versus inverse neural models in mobile robot internal velocity control loops are demonstrated and compared in simulation experiment of navigation control task for line segment motion in plane.
Performance advantages of CPML over UPML absorbing boundary conditions in FDTD algorithm
Authors: Gvozdic Branko D. , Djurdjevic Dusan Z. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Implementation of absorbing boundary condition (ABC) has a very important role in simulation performance and accuracy in finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The perfectly matched layer (PML) is the most efficient type of ABC. The aim of this paper is to give detailed insight in and discussion of boundary conditions and hence to simplify the choice of PML used for termination of computational domain in FDTD method. In particular, we demonstrate that using the convolutional PML (CPML) has significant advantages in terms of implementation in FDTD method and reducing computer resources than using uniaxial PML (UPML). An extensive number of numerical experiments has been performed and results have shown that CPML is more efficient in electromagnetic waves absorption. Numerical code is prepared, several problems are analyzed and relative error is calculated and presented.
Voltage mode electronically tunable full-wave rectifier
Authors: Petrović Predrag B. , Vesković Milan , Đukić Slobodan 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The paper presents a new realization of bipolar full-wave rectifier of input sinusoidal signals, employing one MO-CCCII (multiple output current controlled current conveyor), a zero-crossing detector (ZCD), and one resistor connected to fixed potential. The circuit provides the operating frequency up to 10 MHz with increased linearity and precision in processing of input voltage signal, with a very low harmonic distortion. The errors related to the signal processing and errors bound were investigated and provided in the paper. The PSpice simulations are depicted and agree well with the theoretical anticipation. The maximum power consumption of the converter is approximately 2.83 mW, at ±1.2 V supply voltages.
Enhancing MAC performance of DCF protocol for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs
Authors: Choi Woo-Yong 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) is the basic MAC (Medium Access Control) protocol of IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and compatible with various IEEE 802.11 PHY extensions. The performance of the DCF degrades exponentially as the number of nodes participating in the DCF transmission procedure increases. To deal with this problem, we propose a simple, however efficient modification of the DCF by which the performance of the DCF is greatly enhanced.
Reading input flooding versus listening input flooding: Can they boost speaking skill?
Authors: Rashtchi Mojgan , Yousefi Leila Mohammad 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The present study compared the effects of reading input flooding and listening input flooding techniques on the accuracy and complexity of Iranian EFL learners’ speaking skill. Participants were 66 homogeneous intermediate EFL learners who were randomly divided into three groups of 22: Reading input flooding group, listening input flooding group, and control group. The reading flooded input group was exposed to the numerous examples of the target structures through reading. In the same phase, the listening group was given relatively the same task, through listening. The participants’ monologues in the posttest were separately recorded, and later transcribed and coded in terms of accuracy and complexity through Bygate’s (2001) standard coding system. The results of ANCOVA indicated the outperformance of reading input flooding group. The study also supported the trade-off effects (Skehan, 1998, 2009) between accuracy and complexity.
Analysis of Expatriation Process in a Slovenian Company
Authors: Pintar Rok , Martins Jorge Tiago , Bernik Mojca 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background and Purpose: The multinational companies require different approach of human resource management to achieve their goals. The reason is in employees who are working abroad, so-called expatriates. The purpose of the research is to investigate perceptions and experience of the expatriates working in one of the Slovenian multinational company.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The online survey was performed among all expatriates working for the pharmaceutical company. The questionnaire was randomly sent and delivered in an electronic form, structured in an online program named 1ka (https://www.1ka.si). A total of all 12 questionnaires were completed fully and properly.
Results: Results indicate that there are several reasons that expatriates went to work abroad, but none of them did not completely fulfilled the expectations of the expatriates. There are no differences between those expatriates who are working abroad up to 12 months and those who are working more than 12 months in their fulfilment of expectations working abroad for this company.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study shows the expatriates importance factors for their contribution of working abroad for the company and fulfilment of their expectations. The results are useful for the employees that will be in the future involved in the expatriation process in this company.
Reasons for Plagiarism in Higher Education
Authors: Šprajc Polona , Urh Marko , Jerebic Janja , Trivan Dragan , Jereb Eva 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and Purpose: The survey was performed to determine the reasons that lead students to possibly commit plagiarism during their studies. By doing so, we wanted to determine the main reason for the appearance of plagiarism and how, within this main reasons, various indicators of plagiarism are judged and, finally, how demographic data and student motivation for study are associated with the reasons for plagiarism.Design/Methodology/Approach: A paper-and-pencil survey was carried out among 17 faculties of the University of Maribor in Slovenia. A sample of 139 students 85 males and 54 females participated in this study, ages ranged from 19 to 36 years. The questionnaire contained 95 closed questions referring to: (i) general data, (ii) education, (iii) social status, (iv) awareness of plagiarism, and (v) reasons for plagiarism. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were performed depending on distributions of the answers.Results: The results reveal that information and communication technology is largely responsible for the plagiarism with two reasons highlighted: ease of copying and ease of access to materials and new technologies. We also found some differences between low and high motivated students. Different average values of the answers considering motivation for study were confirmed for academic skills, teaching factors and other reasons for plagiarism, where the average for lower motivated students is significantly different (higher) than the average for higher motivated students. At the end we could find no direct relationship between the average time spent on the Internet and plagiarism.Conclusion: The transmission of knowledge is the basic mission of faculties. This mission is based on moral beliefs about the harmfulness of its abuse, and plagiarism is exactly such abuse. Regardless of the students past at this point professors are those who could greatly contribute to the right set of skills to keep students off plagiarising.
Contingency Factors Influencing Implementation of Physical Asset Management Practices
Authors: Maletič Damjan , Maletič Matjaž , Al-Najjar Basim , Gotzamani Katerina , Gianni Maria , Kalinowski T. Bartosz , Gomišček Boštjan 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this empirical study is to examine the role of two contingency factors, i.e. uncertainty and competitiveness in relation to physical asset management (PAM) practices as well as to maintenance key performance indicators. The research is based on a premise that PAM, which was defined by risk management practices, performance assessment practices, life cycle management practices, and policy & strategy practices, has become an indispensable element of strategic thinking of asset owners as well as maintenance and asset managers. The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of how organizations that face high or low level of uncertainty and competitiveness respond in terms of PAM deployment.
Methodology/Approach: This study employed a data set based on a large-scale survey among organizations in six European countries (i.e. Slovenia, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Turkey and Slovakia). Data were collected from 138 organizations located in the above-mentioned countries to conduct the study.
Findings: The results show that organizations that are faced with high level of uncertainty and competitiveness are more engaged in the deployment of PAM practices. Moreover, results show that when organizations are facing high levels of competitiveness they are using KPIs to a greater extent than organizations under low levels of competitiveness.
Originality/value: From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the contingency theory by providing empirical evidence whether a context-dependent approach to PAM is needed. The findings also provide insights for managers on how to respond to the competitive pressure as well as how to customize PAM practices in order to adapt to the changes in dynamic organizational environment.
Burnout of Older and Younger Employees – The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Rožman Maja , Treven Sonja , Čančer Vesna , Cingula Marijan 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background and Purpose: People spend a significant part of their lifespan working, but the role of age in job design and implementation of work have largely been ignored. The consequences can be evident in stress and burnout in different symptoms. Thus, age-diverse employees are faced with different symptoms of burnout and stress when carrying out their work. The main aim of this paper is to present burnout of older employees compared to younger employees in Slovenian companies.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is based on research including a survey between two age groups of employees, namely the younger employees that were classified in the group of under 50 years of age and the older employees that were classified in the group of above 50 years of age. Since the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro- Wilk test showed that the data was not normally distributed, the noan-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to verify differences in the physical symptoms of burnout, emotional symptoms of burnout, and behavioral symptoms of burnout in the workplace between two groups.
Results: The results show that there are significant differences in the great majority of the variables describing the physical symptoms of burnout, emotional symptoms of burnout, and behavioral symptoms of burnout in the workplace between younger and older employees.
Conclusion: Well-being in the workplace of age-diverse employees is a key for long-term effectiveness of organizations. Managers and employers should apply appropriate measures to reduce burnout as well as to contribute to employees well-being and better workplace performance.
Evaluation of the degree of healthiness of the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) acorns in the Włoszczowa– Jędrzejów Nature Park and its neighbouring area
Authors: Bąk-Badowska Jolanta , Żeber-Dzikowska Ilona , Chmielewski Jarosław 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The aim of the study was to demonstrate the degree of healthiness of the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) acorns found in the Włoszczowa-Jędrzejów Nature Park (abbreviation: W-JOChK) and in the neighbouring area. It was dealt with by making the analysis of health of the acorns (total 3,600). The research material included the samples of fallen down acorns, collected under the pedunculate oaks in Kurzelów (W-JOChK), as well as Żelisławice. The study was conducted from late September 2014 to early October 2015.
The analysis of acorns demonstrated that over 50% of the acorns were damaged by insects. The ‘perpetrators’ of the damage proved to be Curculio glandium (Coleoptera: Curculionidae - acorn weevil) and Cydia splendana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae - chestnut tortrix). It was stated that acorns from the pedunculate oak trees, which were found on the protected area, were twice less frequently inhabited by Curculio glandium than those originating from the trees in Żelisławice - near the industrial firm. The damages caused by Cydia splendana in both study sites were similar in number. The results indicate that the acorns of oaks in more polluted environment are probably more vulnerable to infestation by insects.
Diversity of water level fluctuations in degraded Baltic raised bogs
Authors: Duda Filip , Woźniak Ewa , Jereczek-Korzeniewska Katarzyna , Cieślińsk Roman 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The aim of paper is to present the diversity of water level fluctuations in degraded Baltic raised bogs. An attempt was made to answer the question how strong the diversity of fluctuations is both within each object and between two objects situated close to each other. Moreover, speed and value of the response of water level to atmospheric precipitation were analysed. The spatial scope of the paper covers two Baltic raised bogs in the lower part of the Łeba river valley: Czarne Bagno and Łebskie Bagno. The time scope covers years 2012-2014. The study found that both analysed bogs were a high dynamic in variation of groundwater level. Annual amplitudes of fluctuations in the water table was in the range of 28.4 to 77.9 cm (Łebskie Bagno) and of 45.6 to 105.0 cm (Czarne Bagno). It has been observed that lowering the water level on both peatlands always been recorded in the summer months, whilst the increase in the autumn, which lasted until spring. Retention and the water level on peatlands influenced primarily precipitation. Extreme meteorological conditions that make it less conspicuous is the variation resulting from factors such as location in different parts of the bog or type of degradation.