bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E-learning as a Diffusion of Innovation in the Rural Areas of the European Union1
Authors: Kaleta Andrzej 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Early observations show that the introduction of e-learning to the rural areas of the EU has brought fewer advantages than had initially been expected. The results of the international research – interpreted by the means of the sociological theory of diffusion – indicate that the economic profitability does not have much influence on the pace of disseminating of that innovation; since, the rural inhabitants – both those following the e-learning courses as well as those who have not yet done so – largely feel that that type of education has the variety of advantages including the lowering of its costs. It seems that its social profitability has the crucial influence on the poor dissemination of this new form of teaching and learning. E-learning has not yet found its niche in the value systems or educational experiences of the Europe’s rural populations, since – rather like the other forms of education – it does not automatically improve the capability of coping with the current day-today problems. The better adaptation to the needs of the rural inhabitants through the perception of various types of the deficits hindering the usage of this type of education is intended by the so-called innovative e-learning, implementing new and generally innovative solutions to the pedagogical, technological and organisational fields, which overcome existing limitations through the greater flexibility of the ways of the potential participants’ accessing e-learning proposals as well as the greater adaptation to the individual needs.
Acute Exercise and Oxidative Stress: CrossFit™ vs. Treadmill Bout
Authors: Kliszczewicz Brian , John Quindry C. , Daniel Blessing L. , Gretchen Oliver D. , Michael Esco R. , Kyle Taylor J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
CrossFit™, a popular high-intensity training modality, has been the subject of scrutiny, with concerns of elevated risk of injury and health. Despite these concerns empirical evidence regarding physiologic stresses including acute oxidative stress is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute redox response to a CrossFit™ bout. Furthermore, these findings were compared to a high-intensity treadmill bout as a point of reference. Ten males 26.4 ± 2.7 yrs having three or more months of CrossFit™ experience participated in the present study. Blood plasma was collected at four time points: Pre-exercise (PRE), immediately-post-exercise (IPE), 1 hr-post (1-HP) and 2 hr-post (2-HP), to examine oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity. Regarding plasma oxidative damage, CrossFit™ and Treadmill elicited a time-dependent increase of lipid peroxides 1-HP (CrossFit™=+143%,Treadmill=+115%) and 2-HP (CrossFit™=+256%,Treadmill+167%). Protein Carbonyls were increased IPE in CF only (+5%), while a time-dependent decrease occurred 1-HP (CrossFit™=−16%,Treadmill=−8%) and 2-HP (CF=−16%,TM=−1%) compared to IPE. Regarding antioxidant capacity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power also demonstrated a time-dependent increase within CrossFit™ and Treadmill: IPE (CrossFit™=+25%,Treadmill=+17%), 1-HP (CrossFit™=+26%,Treadmill=+4.8%), 2-HP (CrossFit™=+20%,Treadmill=+12%). Total Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity showed a time-dependent decrease in IPE (CrossFit™= −10%,Treadmill=−12%), 1-HP (CrossFit™= −12%,Treadmill=−6%), 2-HP (CrossFit™= −7%,Treadmill=−11%). No trial-dependent differences were observed in any biomarker of oxidative stress. The CrossFit™ bout elicited an acute blood oxidative stress response comparable to a traditional bout of high-intensity treadmill running. Results also confirm that exercise intensity and the time course of exercise recovery influence oxidative responses.
Effect of a Six-Week Preparation Period on Acute Physiological Responses to a Simulated Combat in Young National-Level Taekwondo Athletes
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Chtourou Hamdi , Torres-Luque Gema , Tasiopoulos Ioannis G. , Heller Jan , Padulo Johnny 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine changes in physical attributes, physiological characteristics and responses that occurred in a simulated combat during a six-week preparatory period in young taekwondo athletes. Seven athletes (age 12.17 ±1.11 years) were examined before (pre-intervention) and after (post-intervention) a preparatory period for physical fitness and physiological responses to a 2×90 s simulated bout with a 30 s rest period. The heart rate (HR) was monitored during the simulated combat, and handgrip muscle strength (HMS) along with the countermovement jump (CMJ) were recorded before and after the combat. When compared with pre-intervention values, in post-intervention we observed a decrease in body mass, body fat percentage, and the HR at rest and during recovery after a 3 min step test, and an increase in maximal velocity of the cycle ergometer force-velocity test, the CMJ and mean power during the 30 s continuous jumping test (p<0.05). Furthermore, HR responses to a simulated combat were lower in the post-intervention session (p<0.05). CMJ values increased after the bout in both pre and post-intervention, with higher absolute values in the latter case (p<0.05), whereas there was no difference in HMS. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the acute physiological responses to a simulated taekwondo combat vary during a season, which might be explained by changes in physical fitness.
Physical Demands of Top-Class Soccer Friendly Matches in Relation to a Playing Position Using Global Positioning System Technology
Authors: Mallo Javier , Mena Esteban , Nevado Fabio , Paredes Víctor 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the physical demands imposed on professional soccer players during 11-a-side friendly matches in relation to their playing position, using global positioning system (GPS) technology. One hundred and eleven match performances of a Spanish “La Liga” team during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 pre-seasons were selected for analysis. The activities of the players were monitored using GPS technology with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz. Total distance covered, distance in different speed categories, accelerations, and heart rate responses were analyzed in relation to five different playing positions: central defenders (n=23), full-backs (n=20), central midfielders (n=22), wide midfielders (n=26), and forwards (n=20). Distance covered during a match averaged 10.8 km, with wide and central midfielders covering the greatest total distance. Specifically, wide midfielders covered the greatest distances by very high-intensity running (>19.8 km·h-1) and central midfielders by jogging and running (7.2-19.7 km·h-1). On the other hand, central defenders covered the least total distance and at high intensity, although carried out more (p<0.05-0.01) accelerations than forwards, wide midfielders, and fullbacks. The work rate profile of the players obtained with the GPS was very similar to that obtained with semi-automatic image technologies. However, when comparing results from this study with data available in the literature, important differences were detected in the amount of distance covered by sprinting, which suggests that caution should be taken when comparing data obtained with the GPS with other motion analysis systems, especially regarding high-intensity activities.
Validation and Reliability of a Novel Test of Upper Body Isometric Strength
Authors: Bellar David , Marcus Lena , Judge Lawrence W. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the association of a novel test of upper body isometric strength against a 1RM bench press measurement. Forty college age adults (n = 20 female, n = 20 male; age 22.8 ± 2.8 years; body height 171.6 ± 10.8 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 16.3 kg; body fat 23.1 ± 5.4%) volunteered for the present investigation. The participants reported to the lab on three occasions. The first visit included anthropometric measurements and familiarization with both the upper body isometric test and bench press exercise. The final visits were conducted in a randomized order, with one being a 1RM assessment on the bench press and the other consisting of three trials of the upper body isometric assessment. For the isometric test, participants were positioned in a “push-up” style position while tethered (stainless steel chain) to a load cell (high frequency) anchored to the ground. The peak isometric force was consistent across all three trials (ICC = 0.98) suggesting good reliability. Multiple regression analysis was completed with the predictors: peak isometric force, gender, against the outcome variable 1RM bench press. The analysis resulted in a significant model (r2 = 0.861, p≤0.001) with all predictor variables attaining significance in the model (p<0.05). Isometric peak strength had the greatest effect on the model (Beta = 5.19, p≤0.001). Results from this study suggest that the described isometric upper body strength assessment is likely a valid and reliable tool to determine strength. Further research is warranted to gather a larger pool of data in regard to this assessment.
Analysis of Soccer Players’ Positional Variability During the 2012 UEFA European Championship: A Case Study
Authors: Moura Felipe Arruda , Santana Juliana Exel , Vieira Nathália Arnosti , Santiago Paulo Roberto Pereira , Cunha Sergio Augusto 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyse players’ positional variability during the 2012 UEFA European Championship by applying principal component analysis (PCA) to data gathered from heat maps posted on the UEFA website. We analysed the teams that reached the finals and semi-finals of the competition. The players’ 2D coordinates from each match were obtained by applying an image-processing algorithm to the heat maps. With all the players’ 2D coordinates for each match, we applied PCA to identify the directions of greatest variability. Then, two orthogonal segments were centred on each player’s mean position for all matches. The segments’ directions were driven by the eigenvectors of the PCA, and the length of each segment was defined as one standard deviation around the mean. Finally, an ellipse was circumscribed around both segments. To represent player variability, segment lengths and elliptical areas were analysed. The results demonstrate that Portugal exhibited the lowest variability, followed by Germany, Spain and Italy. Additionally, a graphical representation of every player’s ellipse provided insight into the teams’ organisational features throughout the competition. The presented study provides important information regarding soccer teams’ tactical strategy in high-level championships that allows coaches to better control team organisation on the pitch.
Relative Age Effect in UEFA Championship Soccer Players
Authors: González-Víllora Sixto , Pastor-Vicedo Juan C. , Cordente David 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Relative Age Effect (RAE) is the breakdown by both age grouping and dates of birth of athletes. In the past 20 years the existence of this effect has been shown with higher or smaller impact in multiple sports, including soccer. The purpose of this study was to identify the existence of RAE in European soccer players. The sample included 841 elite soccer players who were participants in the UEFA European Soccer Championship in different categories. The professional category (n = 368), U-19 (n = 144) and U-17 (n = 145) were in 2012, and U-21 was in 2011 (n = 184). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Levene test recommended the use of nonparametric statistics. The results obtained by the square test (the Kruskal-Wallis test and Cohen’s effect sizes revealed the existence of RAE (χ2 = 17.829, p < 0.001; d = 0.30), with the size of their different effects depending on their category or qualifying round achieved by the national team and the existence of significance in the observed differences by category. Therefore, we could continue examining RAE which is present in elite soccer, and could be considered a factor that influences performance of the national teams tested. RAE was not evident in the professional teams analysed, however it was present in the three lower categories analysed (youth categories), with its influence being greater on younger age categories (U-17).
CFD Simulations Devoted to the Study of Fitting Effects on the Phase Distribution in Parallel Vertical Channels
Authors: Devia F. , Marchitto A. , Fossa M. , Guglielmini G. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Uneven distribution of phases in plate heat exchangers is a cause of reduction in both thermal and fluid-dynamic performances. With respect to two-phase flows, phase separation in manifolds with several outlets is a complex phenomenon and no general rules are available for predicting the phase distribution at header–channel junctions. The design of compact heat exchangers and their distributors is still based on empirical approaches and both experimentation and numerical analyses are needed for defining the best geometries able to reduce the mass flow rate non-uniformities in parallel channels. In this paper, a series of CFD simulations are carried out to infer the effects of a protrusion fitting (inside the header) on the single-phase distribution in parallel upward vertical channels fed by a common horizontal distributor. The numerical results are compared with both experimental single-phase and two-phase (liquid/gas) experimental data. The effects of the operating conditions are investigated and general conclusions on the differences and analogies between single-phase and two-phase flows in the present problem are discussed.
Success and Applied Tools in Post-industrial Rehabilitations
Authors: Adorján Anna 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The problem of brownfields has become an increasingly important issue in Hungary – these urban areas have great potential for reuse, presenting a major challenge for landscape architects.
As a landscape designer and urban planner, in this paper I am trying to answer the question why certain rehabilitated site work better than others, what the strengths of one or the other are. In search of sustainability in brownfield rehabilitations, I am analysing 5 selected post-industrial sites, and compare them with the undergoing rehabilitation of the Ózd Steel Works.
Climate Change and Regulation in International and Regional Level, Especially the Built Environment
Authors: Putnoki Zsuzsanna 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The article starts with a brief insight into the history of climate change, with a scope on the international and legal aspects of ever-changing regulations. The regional level is in the article is The European Union, as the only regional economic integration organization under the Kyoto Protocol. It deals with the United Nation’s international agreements like UNFCCC its Kyoto’s Protocol and the Post-Kyoto era. It also analyses the EU’s system in the climate change law with correspondence the international rules. Comparison between international and regional legislation in the climate change is used as a tool of analysis. Finally an insight is given into a special field in the climate change, the build environment, reflecting on the related United Nation’s recommendation and the EU’s regulation.
Bracing Zonohedra With Special Faces
Authors: Nagy Gyula 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The analysis of simpler preliminary design gives useful input for more complicated three-dimensional building frame structure. A zonohedron, as a preliminary structure of design, is a convex polyhedron for which each face possesses central symmetry. We considered zonohedron as a special framework with the special assumption that the polygonal faces can be deformed in such a way that faces remain planar and centrally symmetric, moreover the length of all edges remains unchanged. Introducing some diagonal braces we got a new mechanism. This paper deals with the flexibility of this kind of mechanisms, and investigates the rigidity of the braced framework. The flexibility of the framework can be characterized by some vectors, which represent equivalence classes of the edges. A necessary and sufficient condition for the rigidity of the braced rhombic face zonohedra is posed. A real mechanical construction, based on two simple elements, provides a CAD prototype of these new mechanisms.
What is the Economics of Wind Hazard Mitigation?
Authors: Scott Pataya , Liang Daan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme winds cause deaths, injuries, and millions, if not billions, of dollars in damages every year in the United States. Mitigation is necessary to reduce the loss of life, anxiety and suffering, and economic losses. But how much are people willing to invest in their peace of mind? Policy makers typically use the range of $1 million to $10 million per life saved to determine whether a policy that would save lives should be implemented. Individuals have shown that they are willing to pay more for homes with upgrades for mitigation and safety even though they would have no insurance incentive and it is likely that the added cost only affords them peace of mind.
Differences in Competency Management – Comparative Analysis between Polish, Spanish, and Austrian Business Practices
Authors: Stor Marzena , Kupczyk Teresa 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The main goal of the article is to present some differences in the practice of competency management, perceived as a part of human resources management, that were identified in the empirical research conducted in three countries, that is Poland, Spain, and Austria. Our research is placed within cross-cultural HRM and comparative HRM, that together with corporate-international HRM make three theoretical and research streams within international human resources management (IHRM). This is because on one side, the analysis of the research data covers comparison of competency management systems and practices both at the organizational and national level in different countries, but on the other side, we make an attempt to discuss the possible influence of national culture on identified differences.
Shaping Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Business Environment
Authors: Żukowskis Jan , Pypłacz Paula , Sasak Janusz 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Modern enterprises appear to be more and more focused on their intangible assets, among which the intellectual capital plays an important role. One of its components – relational capital – is an essential value of an organization as it helps build long-lasting relations between the company and its stakeholders. This, in turn, leads to a business’ competitive advantage. With the help of a research conducted, this study attempts to assess the relations between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their business environment institutions.
Organizational Culture as a Variable that Determines Effective Cross-cultural Management
Authors: Wiśniewska-Mikosik Joanna 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Traditionally, organizational culture is strongly connected with the culture of a particular country or a region. In Poland more and more organizations have been paying attention to it since the beginning of transformation. Managers and employees are increasingly putting an emphasis on the intentional development of culture in their own business, also during trainings, as this is an important element of organizational success. However, in Poland, which is a conglomerate of various cultural patterns, specifying one common reference point as the main determinant and the basic element of organizational culture in Polish companies is not easy. The transfer of Polish cultural patterns into a different area usually creates problems. Polish organizations also struggle with adopting other cultural patterns. Globalisation and the process of “shrinking” the world lead to the development of international organizations. As a result, new types of organizational culture can be observed. This can be called a blend of cultures or multiculturalism. Managing in such conditions is cross-cultural management. Organizations, managers and employees have to act in such a way in order to, on the one hand, maintain their cultural identity, on the other hand, skilfully adapt and implement elements from other cultures. This gives organizations an opportunity to be creative and competitive in today’s market.
Professor Jan Oderfeld (1908-2010). A Tribute on the Occasion of Unveiling the Commemorative Plaque at Warsaw University of Technology
Authors: Kędzior Krzysztof , Rzymkowski Cezary 
Published: February 2016

Streszczenie
Absolwent Wydziału Mechanicznego Politechniki Warszawskiej (1930), współtwórca pierwszych w Polsce działających modeli silników odrzutowych: turbinowego (1931) oraz pulsacyjnego (1933). Od 1932 r. pracował w Wytwórni Silników Skoda - PZL, gdzie współuczestniczył w projektowaniu, budowie i badaniu nowoczesnego lotniczego silnika rzędowego. W latach 1937-1939 wykładał przedmiot Silniki Lotnicze w Warszawskiej Szkole Podchorążych Lotnictwa.
Po wojnie początkowo wykładał w Wyższej Szkole Inżynierskiej im. H. Wawelberga i S. Rotwanda, a następnie od roku 1949 na Politechnice Warszawskiej, gdzie od roku 1955 do emerytury w 1978 r. był kierownikiem Katedry Teorii Maszyn i Mechanizmów a 19 lutego 2008 r., z okazji setnej rocznicy urodzin, został uhonorowany tytułem Doktora honoris causa.
Był twórcą polskiej szkoły TMM i współzałożycielem (1969) Międzynarodowej Federacji Teorii Maszyn i Mechanizmów. W latach 1945-1951 pracował także w Polskim Komitecie Normalizacyjnym, gdzie był twórcą polskiego systemu norm i promotorem statystycznej kontroli jakości wyrobów w przemyśle - w tej dziedzinie doktoryzował się w 1951 r. W latach 1951-1974 działał też w PAN, gdzie prowadził grupę zastosowań matematyki. Był inicjatorem utworzenia w 1954 r. i współredaktorem kwartalnika Archiwum Budowy Maszyn (obecnie: Archive of Mechanical Engineering). Był aktywnym członkiem Naczelnej Organizacji Technicznej, w tym inicjatorem i aktywnym współorganizatorem Olimpiad Wiedzy Technicznej dla uzdolnionych technicznie licealistów.
The Implementation of Performance Management in European Central Governments: More a North-South than an East-West Divide
Authors: Hammerschmid Gerhard , Löffler Lorenz 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This article presents the first country-comparative evidence on the importance and use of performance management in European central governments, based on an executive survey conducted in 17 countries. The data confirm that performance management has made its way into European central governments and continues to constitute a major reform trend. At the organizational level of ministries and agencies we find a consistently strong use of strategic planning, performance appraisal and management objectives, along with only a partial institutionalization of a performance-management logic. Scepticism towards measurement and the difficulty of acting upon performance information are persistent challenges. We also find that performance-management implementation is significantly stronger in agencies and larger organizations, and that it varies strongly between different countries. Implementation is substantially higher in Scandinavian countries and Anglo-Saxon countries than in Continental and Southern European countries, with a rather varied pattern for Central and Eastern European countries. The findings thereby confirm the need for a more context-sensitive understanding of performance management, along with the need for more extensive research and evidence to further develop this cross-comparative European perspective.