bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensibility in applied ethics
Authors: Born Rainer , Gatarik Eva 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Rule systems are used every day to share experience, pre-existing knowledge, beliefs and ethical rules, and to provide instructions for future action. This article expands and builds upon an approach pioneered by Julius M. Moravcsik to argue that ethics cannot be completely codified into a rigid set of rules, because any such set lacks a misapplication-correcting sensibility. Thus, an ethics that is transferred purely by means of a rule-set is incomplete and thus cannot be used reliably to guide future action. The balancing sensibility is formed out of pre-existing expert knowledge and takes account of the limitations of rule-sets in specific contexts. Moravcsik’s approach is then expanded by incorporating it into a holistic framework for the analysis, guidance and development of actions to be taken to support the emergence, selection and implementation of solutions for a sustainable future. This approach has profound implications for managers and organisers in new or critical situations.
Relationship between anthropometric measures and sagittal spinal curvatures in adult male handball players
Authors: Ameer Mariam Abdul-Moneem , Abdel-Aziem Amr Almaz 
Published: November 2017

PurposeIncreasing anthropometric measures bring considerable spinal loads during sports practice, which inversely affects the adaptation abilities of the spinal structures; this in turn influences the spinal curvatures. The study was conducted to explore the relationship between anthropometric measures and sagittal spinal curvatures in handball players.MethodThe total of 83 male handball players were divided into 2 groups, depending on their body height: group 1 (age, 23.62 ± 2.07 years) consisted of 40 handball players with height above average, group 2 (age, 24.63 ± 2.58 years) consisted of 43 handball players with height below average. The thoracic and lumbar curvatures and trunk height were measured with the Formetric III 4D spine and posture analysis system.ResultsThe thoracic kyphosis of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.038), without a significant difference in lumbar lordosis (<i>p</i> = 0.312), and significant difference in the coefficient of compensation between thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis (<i>p</i> = 0.026). Group 1 showed strong positive correlation between body height and kyphotic angle (<i>r</i> = 0.897), and moderate positive correlation with lordosis angle (<i>r</i> = 0.496). In group 2, there was weak positive correlation with kyphotic angle (<i>r</i> = 0.381), and weak negative correlation with lumbar lordosis angle (<i>r</i> = –0.355).ConclusionsIncreasing body height of handball players is associated with bigger kyphotic and lordotic angles. Owing to frequent sagittal asymmetric overloading of the spine during handball training, exercises that help maintain good posture and correct the thoracic kyphosis are required, especially for taller players.
Effects of water activity on the performance of potassium sorbate and natamycin as preservatives against cheese spoilage moulds
Authors: Marín P. , Ginés C. , Kochaki P. , Jurado M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis work investigated the effects of the food preservatives potassium sorbate and natamycin, combined with different levels of ionic (sodium chloride) and non-ioinic (glycerol) water activity (aw), on growth of fungi involved in cheese spoilage. In general, the combined effect of water stress and presence of preservatives enhanced fungal inhibition. However, some doses of potassium sorbate (0.02%) and natamycin (1, 5 and 10 ppm) were able to stimulate growth of Aspergillus varians, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium chrysogenum and P. roqueforti at awvalues in the range of 0.93–0.97. P. solitum was the only species whose growth was consistently reduced by any doses of preservative. The results also showed that sodium chloride and glycerol differentially affected the efficacy of preservatives. This study indicates that awof cheese is a critical parameter to be considered in the formulation of preservative coatings used against fungal spoilage.
Animal performance and economic implications of alternative production systems for dairy bulls slaughtered at 15 months of age
Authors: Murphy B. , Crosson P. , Kelly A.K. , Prendiville R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe objectives of this experiment were to investigate (i) the influence of varying levels of concentrate supplementation during the grazing season, (ii) alternative finishing strategies for dairy bulls slaughtered at 15 mo of age and (iii) economic implications of these management strategies. Bulls were assigned to a 2 (level of concentrate supplementation during the grazing season: 1 kg [LA] and 2 kg [HA] dry matter [DM]/head daily) × 2 (finishing strategies: concentrates ad libitum group [AL] or grass silage ad libitum plus 5 kg DM of concentrates/head daily group [SC]) factorial arrangement of treatments. Average daily gain (ADG) during the grazing season was greater (P < 0.01) for HA than for LA. Consequently, HA bulls were 16 kg heavier at housing: 214 and 230 kg, respectively (P < 0.05). During the finishing period, ADG tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for LA than for HA. Carcass weight tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for HA than for LA. Fat score was greater for HA. Live weight at slaughter (P < 0.001) and carcass weight (P < 0.001) were 41 and 23 kg greater for AL than for SC, respectively. Conformation (P < 0.05) and fat score (P < 0.05) were greater for AL than for SC. The Grange Dairy Beef Systems Model simulated whole-farm system effects of the production systems. Net margin/head was greater for LA than for HA and greater for SC than for AL. Sensitivity analysis of finishing concentrate price, calf purchase price and beef price showed no re-ranking of the systems on a net margin basis. Although greater animal performance was observed from the higher plane of nutrition, overall profitability was lower.
A Fractional q$q$-difference Equation with Integral Boundary Conditions and Comparison Theorem
Authors: Ren Jing , Zhai Chengbo 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this article, we mainly prove the existence of extremal solutions for a fractional

q

$q$

-difference equation involving Riemann–Lioville type fractional derivative with integral boundary conditions. A comparison theorem under weak conditions is also build, and then we apply the comparison theorem, monotone iterative technique and lower–upper solution method to prove the existence of extremal solutions. Moreover, we can construct two iterative schemes approximating the extremal solutions of the fractional

q

$q$

-difference equation with integral boundary conditions. In the last section, a simple example is presented to illustrate the main result.
Moisture sorption characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch protective loose-fill cushioning foams
Authors: Combrzyński Maciej , Mościcki Leszek , Kwaśniewska Anita , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Sołowiej Bartosz , Gładyszewska Bożena , Muszyński Siemowit 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine the water vapour sorption properties of thermoplastic starch filling foams processed by extrusion-cooking technique from various combinations of potato starch and two foaming agents: poly(vinyl) alcohol and Plastronfoam, in amount of 1, 2 and 3% each. Foams were processed with the single screw extruder-cooker at two different screw rotational speeds 100 and 130 r.p.m. The sorption isotherms of samples were determined and described using the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model. Also, the kinetics of water vapour adsorption by foams, as a function of time, was measured and fitted with Peleg model. On the basis of the analysis the influence of the applied foaming agents, as well as the technological parameters of extrusion-cooking process in relation to water vapour adsorption by thermoplastic starch foams was demonstrated. There was no difference between the shapes of the isotherms for poly(vinyl) alcohol foams while for Plastronfoam foams a notable difference among foams extruded at 100 r.p.m. was observed in the regions of low and high humidity content. The analysis of the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model parameters showed that the water molecules were less strongly bound with the foam surface when extruded at a lower screw speed.
Relationship between assimilable-nutrient content and physicochemical properties of topsoil
Authors: Tkaczyk Przemysław , Bednarek Wiesław , Dresler Sławomir , Krzyszczak Jaromir , Baranowski Piotr , Sławiński Cezary 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In the years 2008-2011, an environmental study was conducted for Polish soils, focusing on the south-eastern Poland soils, as they exhibit significant acidification. This study aimed at assessing the current pHKCl and the supply of basic macro- (P, K, Mg and S-SO4) and microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in the collected soil samples, and also at determining their relationship with the soil agronomic category, humus content and pH class. Soil reaction and humus and macronutrient content were positively correlated with the amount of colloidal clay and particles < 0.02 mm. In the majority of cases, the macro-element content in the soil was positively correlated with soil pH and humus content. As for microelements, a usually significant and positive correlation was found between the soil agronomic category and the content of manganese, iron and zinc, whereas for the content of boron and copper, no such relationship was observed. A significant and positive correlation between soil reaction and the content of manganese, iron and boron was also found. Such correlations were not observed in relation to copper and zinc content. Statistical analysis indicated that the content of boron and manganese depended to the greatest extent on the investigated physicochemical properties.
Microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activity of soil degraded by sulphur mining reclaimed with various waste
Authors: Joniec Jolanta , Frąc Magdalena 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate microbial functional diversity based on community level physiological profiling and β-glucosidase activity changes in soil degraded by sulphur mining and subjected to reclamation with various waste. The experiment was set up in the area of the former ‘Jeziórko’ Sulphur Mine (Poland), on a soilless substrate with a particle size distribution of slightly loamy sand. The experimental variants included the application of post-flotation lime, sewage sludge and mineral wool. The analyses of soil samples included the assessment of the following microbiological indices: β-glucosidase activity and functional diversity average well color development and richness). The results indicate that sewage sludge did not exert a significant impact on the functional diversity of microorganisms present in the reclaimed soil. In turn, the application of other types of waste contributed to a significant increase in the parameters of total metabolic activity and functional diversity of the reclaimed soil. However, the temporal analysis of the metabolic profile of soil microorganisms demonstrated that a single application of waste did not yield a durable, stable metabolic profile in the reclaimed soil. Still, there was an increase in β-glucosidase activity, especially in objects treated with sewage sludge.
Land-use impact on selected forms of arsenic and phosphorus in soils of different functions
Authors: Plak Andrzej , Bartmiński Piotr , Dębicki Ryszard 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of technosols and geomechanically unchanged soils of the Lublin agglomeration on the concentrations of arsenic and phosphorus, and on selected forms of these elements. Arsenic and phosphorus concentrations were determined in the urban soils of Lublin (Poland), and the relationship between their degree of contamination and different types of land use was estimated. The samples collected were subjected to sequential analysis, using ammonium sulphate, acid ammonium phosphate, oxalate buffer (also with ascorbic acid) and aqua regia for arsenic, and ammonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and aqua regia for phosphorus. The influence of the land use forms was observed in the study. The greatest amount of arsenic (19.62 mg kg−1) was found in the industrial soils of Lublin, while the greatest amount of phosphorus (580.4 mg kg−1) was observed in non-anthropogenic soils (mainly due to the natural accumulation processes of this element). Fractions of arsenic and phosphorus obtained during analysis showed strong differentiation. Amorphic and crystalline fractions of arsenic, bound with iron oxides, proved to have the highest share in the total arsenic pool. The same situation was noted for phosphorus.
Descent and Inheritance in Zoroastrian and Shiʿite Law: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Macuch Maria 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:The Twelver Shiʿite law of inheritance constitutes one of the most distinctive features of the legal system in comparison with Sunni law. Although there are major and even irreconcilable divergences between the Sunnite law of succession according to all four legal schools on the one hand and Twelver Shiʿite law on the other, no convincing explanations for this striking development within Islamic law itself, leading to two fundamentally distinct systems, have hitherto been put forward. The aim of this preliminary study is to call attention to several remarkable correspondences between the complex Iranian (Zoroastrian) law of succession, conceived to support the specific needs of aristocratic descent groups in the Sasanian period, and Twelver Shiʿite regulations, reflecting a very similar underlying concept of family ties and descent groups as a whole. The question is, whether these congruencies are purely coincidental or based on age-old social and traditional norms, which continued to be practised in the regions of the former Sasanian empire after the Islamic conquest. As Sasanian norms remained operative in customary law (now documented by Pahlavi legal documents from 8th century Tabarestān) during the formative period of Islamic law and the Sunnite regulations, being based to a large extent on pre-Islamic tribal law in Arabia, contrast sharply with the Shiʿite concept, it would be consistent to assume that certain precepts in the pre-Islamic Iranian system had an important impact on the development of the Twelver Shiʿite law of inheritance.
Heirs of Chinghis Khan in the Age of Revolutions: An Unruly Crimean Prince in the Ottoman Empire and Beyond
Authors: Kırımlı Hakan , Yaycıoğlu Ali 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:Focusing on Cengiz Mehmed Geray, an idiosyncratic member of the ruling house of the Crimean Khanate, this article examines how a Crimean Prince became an active participant in the stormy politics of the Ottoman Empire and later of Europe, as a result of his distinguished Chinghisid pedigree, in the age of revolutions. The first section of this article discusses the place of the Geray and Chinghisid lineage within Ottoman imperial politics. The second section focuses on the period following the Gerays’ departure from Crimea. It illustrates how members of the family, although scattered throughout the Balkans, operated in the provincial and imperial politics of the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The following section introduces Cengiz Geray and his turbulent life between the Ottoman and Russian Empires, and discusses how he became an actor in a revolutionary age. The last section is a short discussion on Chinghisid charisma in the early modern Europe, Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
Self-Assimilation for Solving Excessive Information Acquisition in Potential Learning
Authors: Kamimura Ryotaro , Kitago Tsubasa 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The present paper aims to propose a new computational method for potential learning to improve generalization and interpretation. Potential learning has been proposed to simplify the computational procedures of information maximization and to specify which neurons should be fired. However, it is often the case that potential learning sometimes absorbs too much information content on input patterns in the early stage of learning, which tends to degrade generalization performance. This can be solved by making potential learning as slow as possible. Accordingly, we here propose a procedure called “self-assimilation” in which connection weights are accentuated by their characteristics observed in the specific learning step. This makes it possible to predict future connection weights in the early stage of learning. Thus, it is possible to improve generalization by slow learning and at the same time to improve the interpretation of connection weights via the enhanced characteristics of the connection weights. The method was applied to an artificial data set, as well as a real data set of counter services at a local government office in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The results show that improved generalization was observed by making learning as slow as possible. In addition, the number of strong connection weights became smaller for better interpretation by self-assimilation.
Using Particle Swarm Optimization to Accurately Identify Syntactic Phrases in Free Text
Authors: Tambouratzis George 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The present article reviews the application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms to optimize a phrasing model, which splits any text into linguistically-motivated phrases. In terms of its functionality, this phrasing model is equivalent to a shallow parser. The phrasing model combines attractive and repulsive forces between neighbouring words in a sentence to determine which segmentation points are required. The extrapolation of phrases in the specific application is aimed towards the automatic translation of unconstrained text from a source language to a target language via a phrase-based system, and thus the phrasing needs to be accurate and consistent to the training data.
Experimental results indicate that PSO is effective in optimising the weights of the proposed parser system, using two different variants, namely sPSO and AdPSO. These variants result in statistically significant improvements over earlier phrasing results. An analysis of the experimental results leads to a proposed modification in the PSO algorithm, to prevent the swarm from stagnation, by improving the handling of the velocity component of particles. This modification results in more effective training sequences where the search for new solutions is extended in comparison to the basic PSO algorithm. As a consequence, further improvements are achieved in the accuracy of the phrasing module.
Simulation and Experimental Evaluation of the EKF Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Algorithm on the Wifibot Mobile Robot
Authors: Ayadi Noura , Derbel Nabil , Morette Nicolas , Novales Cyril , Poisson Gérard 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In recent years, autonomous navigation for mobile robots has been considered a highly active research field. Within this context, we are interested to apply the Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) approach for a wheeled mobile robot. The Extended Kalman Filter has been chosen to perform the SLAM algorithm. In this work, we explicit all steps of the approach. Performances of the developed algorithm have been assessed through simulation in the case of a small scale map. Then, we present several experiments on a real robot that are proceeded in order to exploit a programmed SLAM unit and to generate the navigation map. Based on experimental results, simulation of the SLAM method in the case of a large scale map is then realized. Obtained results are exploited in order to evaluate and compare the algorithm’s consistency and robustness for both cases.
The EU Gender Earnings Gap: Job Segregation and Working Time as Driving Factors
Authors: Boll Christina , Rossen Anja , Wolf André 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper estimates size and impact factors of the gender pay gap in Europe. It adds to the literature in three aspects. First, we update existing figures on the gender pay gaps in the EU based on the Structure of Earnings Survey 2010 (SES). Second, we enrich the literature by undertaking comprehensive country comparisons of the gap components based on an Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition. Overall, we analyse 21 EU countries plus Norway, which clearly exceeds the scope of existing microdata studies. Third, we examine the sources of the unexplained gap. We find that about one third of the gap can be traced back to the role of the explanatory factors included in our analysis. Human capital related factors are of minor importance. Instead, the sectoral segregation of genders is identified as the most important barrier to gender pay equality in European countries. In addition, the fact that part-time positions are more frequent among women notably contributes to the gap. Furthermore, sector premiums are generally to men’s advantage, this might point to a less advanta-geous within-sector positional sorting for women compared to men. We conclude that policies aiming at closing the gender pay gap should focus more on the sector level than on the aggregate economy.
Case Report. Persistent Common Arterial Trunk in an Adult Presenting in the Emergency Room as Severely Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Szöke Zsuzsanna , Suciu András , Jeszenszky Géza , György Piroska 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTruncus arteriosus (TA) or common arterial trunk is a rare malformation, accounting for 0.21 to 0.34% of congenital heart diseases, which, if left untreated, leads to increased mortality rates. The condition is characterized by the presence of a unique arterial trunk that overrides the interventricular septum. Despite an overall poor outcome, few subjects present in emergency settings with signs suggestive for pulmonary arterial hypoplasia and associated heart failure. We report the case of a 31-year-old female patient who had been previously diagnosed with pulmonary atresia and severe scoliosis as an infant, presenting in the emergency department with clinical sings of decompensated heart failure which were demonstrated to be attributable to the severe cyanogenic heart malformation and were reversible after initiation of appropriate therapeutic measures.
Prediction Method of Railway Freight Volume Based on Genetic Algorithm Improved General Regression Neural Network
Authors: Guo Zhi-da , Fu Jing-Yuan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Railway freight transportation is an important part of the national economy. The accurate forecast of railway freight volume is significant to the planning, construction, operation, and decision-making of railways. Railway freight volume forecasting methods are complex and nonlinear due to the imbalance of supply and demand in the railway freight market as well as the complicated and different influences of various factors on freight volume. The relation between some information is easily ignored when the traditional method of railway freight volume forecasting is used for prediction based on causality or time series. After analyzing the application status of the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) in the prediction method of railway freight volume, this paper improves the performance of this model using an improved neural network. In the improved method, genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted to search the optimal spread, which is the only factor of the GRNN, and then the optimal spread is used for forecasting in the GRNN. In the process of railway freight volume forecasting, through this method, the increments of data are taken in the calculation process and the goal values are obtained after calculation as the forecasted results. Compared to the results of the GRNN, higher prediction accuracy is obtained through the GA-improved GRNN. Finally, the railway freight volumes in the next 2 years are forecasted based on this method and this improved method can provide a new approach for predicting the railway freight volume.