bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophoretic deposition of nc-TiO2/chitosan composite coatings on X2CrNiMo17-12-2 stainless steel
Authors: Ledwig P. , Kot M. , Moskalewicz T. , Dubiel B. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper presents the results of the optimization of electrophoretic deposition parameters for manufacturing of nc-TiO2/chitosan composite coatings on X2CrNiMo17-12-2 steel as well as characterization of their microstructure, electrochemical properties and adhesion to the substrate. The parameters of the deposition, such as composition, pH and zeta potential of suspensions as well as voltage and process time were investigated. The microstructure of the coatings was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Obtained coatings were crack-free and uniform. The adhesion strength to the substrate was measured by scratch-test method. The deposited coatings improve corrosion resistance of steel, what was confirmed by the results of the potentiodynamic polarization test in Ringer’s solution.
Geometry of product complex Cartan manifolds
Authors: Aldea Nicoleta , Munteanu Gheorghe 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper we consider the product of two complex Cartan manifolds, the outcome being a class of product complex Cartan spaces. Then, we study the relationships between the geometric objects of a product complex Cartan space and its components, (e.g. Chern-Cartan complex nonlinear connection, Cartan tensors). By means of these, we establish the necessary and sufficient conditions under which a product complex Cartan space is Landsberg-Cartan or Berwald-Cartan or it has some other properties.
An adaptive stepsize algorithm for the numerical solving of initial-value problems
Authors: Militaru Romulus 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The present paper focuses on the efficient numerical solving of initial-value problems (IVPs) using digital computers and one-step numerical methods. We start from considering that the integration stepsize is the crucial factor in determining the number of calculations required and the amount of work involved to obtain the approximate values of the exact solution of a certain problem for a given set of points, within a prescribed computational accuracy, is proportional to the number of accomplished iterations. We perform an analysis of the local truncation error and we derive an adaptive stepsize algorithm which coupled with a certain one-step numerical method makes the use of this structure more computationally effective and insures that the estimated values of the exact solution are in agreement with an imposed accuracy. We conclude with numerical computations proving the efficiency of the proposed step selection algorithm.
A decomposition model and voxel selection framework for fMRI analysis to predict neural response of visual stimuli
Authors: Raut Savita V. , Yadav Dinkar M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper presents an fMRI signal analysis methodology using geometric mean curve decomposition (GMCD) and mutual information-based voxel selection framework. Previously, the fMRI signal analysis has been conducted using empirical mean curve decomposition (EMCD) model and voxel selection on raw fMRI signal. The erstwhile methodology loses frequency component, while the latter methodology suffers from signal redundancy. Both challenges are addressed by our methodology in which the frequency component is considered by decomposing the raw fMRI signal using geometric mean rather than arithmetic mean and the voxels are selected from EMCD signal using GMCD components, rather than raw fMRI signal. The proposed methodologies are adopted for predicting the neural response. Experimentations are conducted in the openly available fMRI data of six subjects, and comparisons are made with existing decomposition models and voxel selection frameworks. Subsequently, the effect of degree of selected voxels and the selection constraints are analyzed. The comparative results and the analysis demonstrate the superiority and the reliability of the proposed methodology.
Improvement of Range Estimation with Microphone Array
Authors: Kudriashov Volodymyr 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper presentsanew approach for the three-dimensional (3-D) localization of sound sources. An acoustic camera uses an angular beamforming to measure the Direction of Arrival (Do A) of an incoming signal, to localize the emission source. The acoustic sensor used in this article is the Brüel & Kjaer acoustic camera transformed to operate inabistatic mode. The transformation consists inaplacing of one of the microphones of the acoustic camera outside of its microphone array. This allows simultaneous estimation of the Do Aand the Time Difference of Arrival (TDo A) of the incoming signal(s). Such sensors were not found. The paper proposes emitter localization in range - cross range - elevation coordinates by combining estimates of TDo Aand Do Aand presents the signal processing method for that purpose. The range resolution of 0.2mwas achieved in an experiment. Experimental results were obtained using different emission sources. Adescription of resolution cell limitations is presented. The obtained results show acoustic noise source localization without the pre-metering of the range of the imaging plane, i.e., withoutaneed to use the additional range meter which is notapart of the acoustic camera. The latter is important in tasks of non-destructive testing.
Research on Quick Response Code Defect Detection Algorithm
Authors: Yanhua Guo , Sihua Zhou , Xiaodong Zhou , Bojun Chen , Shaohui Wang 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Defect Detection is one of the most important parts of Automatic Identification and Data transmission. Quick Response code (QRcode) is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. It isachallenge to detect defect of various QRcode images efficiently and accurately. In this paper, we propose the procedure byaserial of carefully designed preprocessing methods. The defect detection procedure consists of QRcode identification, QRcode reconstruction, perspective transformation, image binarization, morphological operation, image matching, and Blob analysis. By these steps, we can detect defect of different types of QRcode images. The experiment results show that our method has stronger robustness and higher efficiency. Moreover, experiment results on QRcode images show that the prediction accuracy of proposed method reaches 99.07%with an average execution time of 6.592 ms. This method can detect defect of these images in real time.
Albania’s Transformation since 1997: Successes and Failures
Authors: Jusufi Islam 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn 1997 Albania experienced a collapse of order and widespread violence, which resulted in a situation where the government was overthrown and some 2,000 people were killed. The 1997 disorder came as a result of the collapse of fraudulent financial pyramid schemes that had all the features of a war-like economic structure. During the 1997 events, large-scale confiscation and stealing of state assets occurred. Albania’s transitional period from communism to democracy, which began in 1990, led to the establishment of new structures for profiting from the country’s resources. Some of these political and economic structures, in the aftermath of the 1997 events, disappeared and others, including their structural effects, persist and have had an impact on the country’s political stability and economic progress. Today, both the successes and failures of the country are assessed based on the progress that the country has made since the 1997 events. The paper analyses the 1997 events and the transformation of Albania’s political and economic structures between 1997 and 2016, considering both achievements and failures. It looks at how the country has dealt with the post-1997 peace-building and development agenda from the perspective of it being a success. It looks at the factors that led to state failure in 1997 and at the factors that continue and have generated a path dependency to the current political context of the country. Although a lot has been written concerning the 1997 events, very little analysis has been conducted concerning what it means from the perspective of research on state failure. In this context, the proposed paper seeks to offer Albania as a case study example of a transformation process, from the uprising to the current situation, which is characterized as a mixture of successes and failures. The belief is that the proposed paper will point to some lessons learned for the strategies directed at the transformation processes.
Homokhátság - a special rural area affected by aridification in the Carpathian basin, Hungary
Authors: Kovács András Donát , Hoyk Edit , Farkas Jenő Zsolt 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn Hungary, the aridification primarily affects the Great Hungarian Plain, most specifically the “Homokhátság” area which is part of the Danube-Tisza Interfluve. On the basis of our experience gained in the past 15 years, we would like to give an insight into the complex problems of this rural region. Our starting point is the aridification process and water scarcity which are characteristic features of this area for the last century. We investigate the related problems in land use management such as unfavourable land use and vegetation changes and the challenges in the local economy and social sustainability. In this respect we introduce the emerging issues in agriculture, forestry and nature conservation which may be relevant in European context too. We have discovered specific factors related to the devaluation of the rural environment and found that significant part of the unfavourable phenomena can be explained by the combined effect of climatic changes, improper land use and inappropriate environmental management. Based on our findings we outline a possible regional pathway for a sustainable rural development.
Land use changes in the last half century and their impact on water retention in the Šumava mountains and foothills (Czech Republic)
Authors: Bystřický Václav , Moravcová Jana , Polenský Jakub , Pečenka Jiří 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Changes in land use and runoff characteristics in Otava river basin and its two subcatchment (Volšovka and Vydra) were examined. The goal was to find out how water retention have responded to changes in landscape management in Šumava mountains and foothills since the year 1970. There were two basic levels of changing land use - (a) conversion of arable land with varying intensity at different management of intensive and extensive grassland, (b) deforestation of large areas of indigenous mostly spruce monocultures and their transfer to the shrub and herbaceous vegetation covering the surface with a discontinuous vegetation. Water retention in Šumava mountains is locally reduced due to vulnerability of monoculture spruce forests by natural disasters (windstorms), diseases and pests. A positive effect of current agricultural management in the Šumava foothills on the reduction of direct runoff during intense rainfall was confirmed.
Tutor Emotional Competences Valued by Learners in a Blended Learning Contex
Authors: Youde Andrew 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper outlines research into the emotional competences that mature, higher education students, undertaking part-time blended learning degrees within a School of Education, value in their tutors. A mixed methods approach was adopted to conduct a detailed exploration of eight tutors’ practice whilst teaching a module, with data gathered from three principal sources. Learners’ perceptions of their experiences were assessed using a questionnaire; interviews with tutors explored their approaches to delivery and considered factors that impacted on quality; and, an analysis of the content and communications in the virtual learning environment provided insight into tutors’ online practice. Goleman’s (2001) Framework of Emotional Competences provided a lens through which to analyse blended tutors’ practices in relation to learner perceptions. The paper proposes a framework of emotional competences that appeared to contribute to tutor effectiveness in this context. This research questions the value of some of Goleman’s relationship management competences, with the proposed framework developed to add further self-management competences. This was due, in part, to the measures evident by some tutors to effectively support these particular learners at a distance. The proposed framework could support recruitment and selection within higher education, and provide a language for discussing further research into blended and online tutors’ emotional competences.
An Evaluation of the African Leadership in ICT Programme from a Quality Assurance Perspective
Authors: Santally Mohammad 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the African Leadership in ICT (ALICT-LATIC) course delivery model, offered by the Global e-Schools and Communities Initiatives (GESCI) from a quality assurance perspective taking into account the delivery model, cultural context, and the distributed nature of the programme and its participants, from a geographical perspective. In this paper, we look at the key concepts governing the ALICTLATIC course, such as the provision of transnational education and blended learning provisions. Through a series of steps including desk studies, expert observation and the application of the eLearning Maturity Model, we conduct an evaluation of the eLearning provision from a quality assurance perspective. We can reasonably argue at this stage that the current blended learning model is conducive for the development of skills and competencies as expected in terms of intended outcomes and learner experience. The quality of the course is comparable to academic standards adopted by institutions of higher education through their internal and external quality mechanisms.
In vitro rooting of Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Lucifer’
Authors: Krupa-Małkiewicz Marcelina , Żurawik Piotr 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various auxins and their concentrations on Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Lucifer’ rooting in in vitro cultures and in vivo conditions. The initial research materials were shoots obtained from a stabilized in vitro culture. MS media were supplemented with the following auxins: IAA, IBA and NAA at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg dm-3. The results of the study showed that hormone applications had a positive effect on the root development of Crocosmia microshoots. 100% rooted shoots were observed in each of the applied combinations of the experiment. The highest number of roots and the longest roots were formed in the presence of IBA at a concentration of 1.0 mg dm-3. IAA, IBA and NAA affected plant height and root morphology of Crocosmia differently. The addition of higher concentrations of auxins to the medium (2.0 and 5.0 mg dm-3) resulted in the formation of short roots. The applied IBA concentrations determined the percentage of the plants that were adapted to in vivo conditions, as well as their vegetative features and the yield of descendant tubers. At the end of the vegetation period, higher IBA concentrations, i.e., 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg dm-3, caused a decrease of up to 50-75% in the obtained plants and also inhibited plant height, as well as the weight and diameter of the tubers formed, compared to the control.
A Data Pre-Processing Model for the Topsis Method
Authors: Kobryń Andrzej , Prystrom Joanna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
TOPSIS is one of the most popular methods of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Its fundamental role is the establishment of chosen alternatives ranking based on their distance from the ideal and negative-ideal solution. There are three primary versions of the TOPSIS method distinguished: classical, interval and fuzzy, where calculation algorithms are adjusted to the character of input rating decision-making alternatives (real numbers, interval data or fuzzy numbers). Various, specialist publications present descriptions on the use of particular versions of the TOPSIS method in the decision-making process, particularly popular is the fuzzy version. However, it should be noticed, that depending on the character of accepted criteria – rating of alternatives can have a heterogeneous character. The present paper suggests the means of proceeding in the situation when the set of criteria covers characteristic criteria for each of the mentioned versions of TOPSIS, as a result of which the rating of the alternatives is vague. The calculation procedure has been illustrated by an adequate numerical example.
Development of Bioethics and Clinical Ethics in Bulgaria
Authors: Aleksandrova-Yankulovska Silviya S. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background: Bioethics and clinical ethics emerged from the classical medical ethics in the 1970s of the 20th century. Both fields are new for the Bulgarian academic tradition.
Aim: The aims of this paper were to demarcate the subject fields of medical ethics, bioethics, and clinical ethics, to present the developments in the field of medical ethics in Bulgaria, to delineate the obstacles to effective ethics education of medical professionals, and to present the results of the application of an adapted bottom-up methodology for clinical ethics consultation in several clinical units in Bulgaria.
Materials and methods: Extended literature review and application of an adapted METAP methodology for clinical ethics consultation in six clinical units in the Northern Bulgaria between May 2013 and December 2014.
Results: Teaching of medical ethics in Bulgaria was introduced in the 1990s and still stands mainly as theoretical expertise without sufficient dilemma training in clinical settings. Earlier studies revealed need of clinical ethics consultation services in our country. METAP methodology was applied in 69 ethics meetings. In 31.9% of them non-medical considerations affected the choice of treatment and 34.8% resulted in reaching consensus between the team and the patient. Participants’ opinion about the meetings was highly positive with 87.7% overall satisfaction.
Conclusion: Development of bioethics in Bulgaria follows recent worldwide trends. Several ideas could be applied towards increasing the effectiveness of ethics education. Results of the ethics meetings lead to the conclusion that it is a successful and well accepted approach for clinical ethics consultation with a potential for wider introduction in our medical practice.
Acquisition and Expansion of Adult Rat Bone Marrow Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Šulla I. , Balik V. , Šarišský M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study was initiated in order to test a mini-invasive method of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MS/PCs) isolation from a rat bone marrow (BM), and subsequently their expansion, differentiation, and evaluation of their immunophenotypic characteristics; and later their preservation as donor cells in an optimal condition for potential autotransplantation. The study group comprised of 6 adult male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats, weighing 480—690 g. The rats were anaesthetised by isoflurane with room air in a Plexiglas box and maintained by inhalation of a mixture of isoflurane and O2. Their femurs were surgically exposed and their diaphyses double-trephined. Then BM cells were flushed out by saline with heparin and aspirated into a syringe with a solution of DMEM (Dulbecco’s modified eagle’s medium) and heparin. The mononuclear cells from the BM were isolated by centrifugation and expanded in a standard culture medium supplemented with ES-FBS (es-cell-qualified foetal bovine serum), L-glutamine and rh LIF (recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor). Following 14 days of passaging cultures, the cells were split into 2 equal parts. The first culture continued with the original medium. The second culture received additional supplementation with a human FGFβ (fibroblast growth factor beta) and EGF (epidermal growth factor). The populations of these cells were analysed by light-microscopy, then the mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) of CD90 and Nestin were evaluated by a tricolour flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. The type of general anaesthesia used proved to be appropriate for the surgical phase of the experiments. All rats survived the harvesting of the BM without complications. The total number of mononuclear cells was 1.5—4.0 × 106per sample and the proportion of CD90/Nestin expressing cells was < 1 %. Following 14 days of expansion, the cells became larger, adherent, with fibrillary morphology; the proportion of cells expressing CD90/Nestin increased to almost 25 %, i. e. they earned basic phenotypic characteristics of MSCs. Throughout the further cultivation a gradual decrease of the CD90/Nestin expression occurred. This suggested that the suitability of rat bone marrow derived MS/PCs for replacement therapy would probably be the highest between days 12—15 of cultivation and then would diminish.
Genetic aspects of barite mineralization related to rocks of the teschenite association in the Silesian Unit, Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic
Authors: Jirásek Jakub , Dolníček Zdeněk , Matýsek Dalibor , Urubek Tomáš 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBarite is a relatively uncommon phase in vein and amygdule mineralizations hosted by igneous rocks of the teschenite association in the Silesian Unit (Western Carpathians). In macroscopically observable sizes, it has been reported from 10 sites situated only in the Czech part of the Silesian Unit. Microscopic barite produced by the hydrothermal alteration of rock matrix and also by the supergene processes is more abundant. We examined four samples of barite by mineralogical and geochemical methods. Electron microprobe analyses proved pure barites with up to 0.038 apfu Sr and without remarkable internal zonation. Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data suggests that multiple sources of fluid components have been involved during barite crystallization. Barite contains primary and secondary aqueous all-liquid (L) or less frequent two-phase (L+V) aqueous fluid inclusions with variable salinity (0.4-2.9 wt. % NaCl eq.) and homogenization temperatures between 77 and 152 °C. The higher-salinity fluid endmember was probably Cretaceous seawater and the lower-salinity one was probably diagenetic water derived from surrounding flysch sediments during compaction and thermal alteration of clay minerals. The δ34S values of barite samples range between -1.0 ‰ and +16.4 ‰ CDT suggesting participation of two sources of sulphate, one with a near-zero δ34S values probably derived from wall rocks and another with high δ34S values being most probably sulphate from the Cretaceous seawater. All results underline the role of externally derived fluids during post-magmatic alteration of bodies of rock of the teschenite association.
Constitutionalism and Sovereign Wealth Funds
Authors: Grasso Giorgio 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of this article is to contextualise the study of Sovereign Wealth Funds within constitutionalism, which is construed as a limit to the exercise of power, whatever its source of inspiration. Sovereign Wealth Funds are investment funds that are owned by a sovereign government (this is the main difference from ordinary private investment funds). These funds are today major players on the global financial market and their role has increased since the start of the financial and economic crisis in 2008. This article analyses the influence of Sovereign Wealth Funds on several categories of constitutional law, such as sovereignty or the protection of fundamental rights, and suggests several remedies to improve the weak accountability and the responsibility of these funds. The final aim of this article is to prove that there can be no power without responsibility, which also applies to the power of the most powerful actors within the globalized world, such as Sovereign Wealth Funds.