bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of state- business relations in the performance of Zambia’s food processing sub-sector
Authors: Hampwaye Godfrey , Jeppesen Soeren 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In ensuring growth and development collaborative State-Business relations (SBRs) matters, and with economic growth comes increasing levels of employment, options for poverty reduction and hence more equitable development. Whereas it is known that SBR matters at a macro-economic level, the concept of SBR has also been employed in a more or less all-encompassing way in the literature. Accordingly, while it is clear that SBRs work, there is lack knowledge about which dimensions of SBRs are the most important. Due to the continued importance of agriculture in many developing countries, processing of the food produced in the sector is a key manufacturing activity of high economic importance to many economies. Ensuring collaborative SBRs in the food processing industry is therefore of interest to growth and development, particularly as it is a sector about which little is known about the role of SBRs. The paper attempts to examine how and why SBRs matter to and influence the growth and performance of local owned firms in the food processing sub-sector in Zambia. In particular, the paper analyses the roles and influence of government regulations and policies compared to those of business associations for the performance of the food processing sector in Zambia. The paper draws on primary data from a survey of firms in the food processing sector which was conducted between 2013 and 2014. It is shown that while the majority of the Zambian food processing firms experienced growth over the last five years, with increased employment and in a number of cases growing earnings, this seems to have happened in spite of a business environment which is not particularly supportive. The firms’ experience is that the SBRs mainly constitute institutional barriers to the performance of firms and highlight that formal government institutions and polices are incapable of assisting the firms and in most cases government institutions formulate and enact insufficient support schemes.
Small enterprise development in South Africa: The role of business incubators
Authors: Masutha Mukhove , Rogerson Christian M. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Business incubation is a relatively new phenomenon in scholarship and policy development for small enterprise development. Business incubators offer targeted business support and technical support services to accelerate the growth of emerging and small start-up business enterprises into financially and operationally independent enterprises. South Africa has adopted business incubation as one vehicle for upgrading the SMME economy. This article examines the evolution of policy towards business incubation, current progress, institutional issues and emerging geographies of business incubators as part of the unfolding and dynamic SMME policy landscape in South Africa. Considerable differences are observed between the activities of the network of state-supported incubators as opposed to private sector operated incubators.
Water quality awareness and barriers to safe water provisioning in informal communities: A case study from Ndola, Zambia
Authors: Liddle Elisabeth S. , Mager Sarah M. , Nel Etienne 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Local water providers in developing nations typically view shallow hand-dug wells as traditional and backward sources of water supply. It has long been assumed that the urban poor do not have the ability to develop these in a way that allows them to be classified as ‘improved’ in terms of the Millennium Development Goal for water, believing that users do not understand the factors that constitute safe water and the threats to these sources. Our assessment of the level of environmental knowledge held by local water-users in Ndola in Zambia demonstrates a coherent understanding of the safety of their water sources, the quality of these, the threats to them, and the fundamentals of how their local hydrology works, all of which is contrary to the perspective of key informants who are involved in water supply. Despite their environmental awareness, the majority of users did not generally protect their wells from contamination nor treat their water. The apparent paradox between awareness of risks to water and implementing protection of that water source is a function of the complex suite of socially manifested attitudes, habits and behaviours when it comes to water protection and treatment, which is exacerbated by vulnerable community and family structures and entrenched poverty. For meaningful outcomes in improved access to safe water to be realised providers need to increase their engagement with the informal communities, moving deeper into community-based participatory planning and recognise the societal and cultural factors that are entrained into these communities water supply practices. A key part of this involves the need for providers to move away from simple knowledge-based education to the more holistic form of skill-based health education.
The making of the South African timeshare industry: spatial structure and development challenges
Authors: Pandy Wayde R. , Rogerson Christian M. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Research on the accommodation sector attracts only a small fraction of contemporary tourism scholarship relating to sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes to this expanding literature on segmentation and the accommodation sector in South Africa. Specifically, it examines the establishment and making of the timeshare industry as a distinctive form of accommodation within the national tourism economy. The timeshare industry in South Africa is the largest and most mature in sub-Saharan Africa and among the most important in the developing world. The analysis uses a longitudinal perspective in order to interpret the emerging spatial organisation and evolving structural issues that impacted upon the development of the timeshare industry in its formative years from 1978 to 2002. The study addresses a knowledge gap around the minimal pursuit of historical research within the existing international literature about timeshare.
Planning for economic development in a secondary city? Trends, pitfalls and alternatives for Mangaung, South Africa
Authors: Marais Lochner , Van Rooyen Deidre , Lenka Molefi , Cloete Jan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This paper examines Mangaung’s economic development initiatives against the background of the latest literature on secondary cities, with a specific emphasis on the 20-year period that has elapsed since the dawn of the postapartheid era. Although some of the plans aim to reverse apartheid planning it is argued that these plans are being hampered by the fact that they tend to focus on a local “buzz” option, and run counter to historical pathways for the city. Moreover, they do not take the value of an increasing knowledge economy into account, and they fail to contextualise the city’s development and future prospects in terms of its regional role. The paper identifies a number of pathways that build on history and include options for ensuring active participation in an increasing knowledge economy. Our contention is that the regional role of the city remains one of the key assets with a view to building future economic development pathways. Finally, a number of research themes are identified.
Helianthus Grosseserratus, A New Alien Plant Species in Lithuania
Authors: Gudžinskas Zigmantas , Petrulaitis Lukas 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Helianthus grosseserratus M. Martens was first recorded in Lithuania in 2014. Rather large population of this species was found in Siauliai district (northern Lithuania), in the vicinity of Bridai village, on the territory of recultivated former municipal dump. This species can be easily distinguished from other perennial Helianthus species by glabrous stem, long, serrate, alternate leaves on the upper part of the stem and spindle-shaped roots. Supposedly, H. grosseserratus was brought to the area with garden waste or soil used for dump recultivation about 30 years ago and recently it has established in the locality. In the investigated capitula, no developed seeds were found. H. grosseserratus reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes and under favourable conditions can survive for a long time.
Response of Test-Organisms to Different Na and Cu Salts
Authors: Marčiulionienė Danutė , Montvydienė Danguolė , Kazlauskienė Nijolė , Lukšienė Benedikta , Jasinevičienė Dalia , Tautkus Stasys 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The scope of this research involves the evaluation of biological impact of different Na and Cu salts (nitrates, sulphates and chlorides) on test-organisms. The toxic impact of Na and Cu salts on seed germination and root growth of Lepidium sativum (garden-cress) as well as mortality, growth and physiological parameters of On-corhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) in early development stages (embryos and larvae) were determined. Among Na salts, nitrate was the most toxic to both test-organisms. Among tested Cu salts, sulphate caused the strongest toxic impact on L. sativum and nitrate - on embryos and larvae of O. mykiss. The accumulation of all tested anions and cations from the solutions of tested salts was higher in roots than in shoots ofL. sativum. The highest transfer of Na+ and Cu2+ from roots to shoots was determined for plants cultivated in sulphate salt. The transfer of SO42” was the highest among tested anions of sodium salts and the transfer of NO3” was higher among tested anions of copper salts. The rather high correlation was found between root length and amount of Na+, NO3” and SO42” ions in plant roots and rather low correlation coefficient was calculated between root length and the amount of Na+ and Cl” ions in roots.
Mechanism of Gallstones Formation in Women During Menopause (EPR Study)
Authors: Sanikidze Tamar , Shengelia Medea , Chikvaidze Eduard , Kiparoidze Salome , Gogebashvili Nodar , Kuppusamy Periannan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The worldwide incidence of gallbladder disease is highly variable. Identification of metabolic alterations like cholesterol metabolism or free radicals may provide insight into the formation of gallstones and provide a basis for prognostic markers. The aim of the study was to identify the pathogenesis and prognostic value of metabolic disorders in gallstone formation in menopausal women. Methods: Menopause-aged women with (group I, 58 patients) and without gallstone disease (group II, 25 patients) were investigated. In each group blood lipid metabolism and blood redox parameters (free Mn2+-ions) and antioxidant system activity (ceruloplasmine/Fe3+-transferrin) were studied using micro enzymatic method and Electron Pramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Surgically removed gall bladder stones were studied by routine laboratory methods (cholesterol and bilirubin content) and EPR spectroscopy. In model experiments in vitro purified bilirubin was irradiated with visible light in different conditions (in presence and without oxygen).
Results: Intensive signal of oxidized bilirubin free radical was detected in the EPR spectra of gallstones. Reduced activity of blood antioxidant ceruloplasmin/F3+-transferrin system and increased content of prooxidants Mn2+-ions were detected in menopausal women blood with gallstone disease. In vitro experiments demonstrated, that prolonged exposure of bilirubin to visible light in the presence of oxygen induces formation of the bilirubin free radicals (EPR signal g= 2.003 AH = 1.0 mT); irradiation of bilirubin in vacuum was not associated with generation of free radicals. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant correlation between EPR signal intensity of bilirubin free radical in gallstones, activity of ceruloplazmin/F3+-transferrin antioxidant system and content of free Mn
2+ ions in patients' blood (r=-0.5725, p=0.0324; r=0.7805, p=0.0010, respectively). The tight correlation between marker of oxidative stress, Mn
2+ ions EPR signal intensity and HDL-, LDL-cholesterol content in blood (r = 0.910629, p = 0.0324; r = 0.029477, p = 0.0010, respectively) was also revealed.
Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated the pathophysiological significance of alterations of blood redox-homeostasis during menopause in the gallstone formation. The risk of bilirubin oxidation, which plays a crucial role in the gallstones formation, increases with intensification of oxidative stress. Crystallization of cholesterol in polymeric network of oxidized bilirubin may contribute to gallstone formation.
Rights to Designaton Focusing on Protected Designations and Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
Authors: Ilková Zuzana 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The paper deals with the issue covered by the field of industrial property, it deals with the right to designation, especially with characteristics of legal regulation of labeling of products with regard to their geographical origin at the Slovak, communitarian and international levels. Individual objects of the industrial property may be the result of intellectual creative activity of its creator/creators (e.g. inventions, utility models, designs) or they are not the result of creative activity of a particular natural person and are considered as industrial property rights to designation. The group of rights to designation includes: business names, trademarks, designation of origin for products and geographical indications for products. The rights to designation, inter alia, shall ensure uniqueness and competitive advantage for entrepreneurs and easy identification on the market of goods and services for the consumers. The paper closely analyzes the harmonized legal regulation of designations of origin and geographical indications of agricultural products, foodstuffs, spirit drinks, and wines. At the example of Tokaj wine region, it demonstrates the importance of protected designations at the EU level, in case of which demonstrable geographical origin of the product with controlled product specification by authorized national bodies brings a guarantee of quality of this product for consumers and the competitive advantage during their commercial implementation for the entrepreneurs.
Institutinal Support in the Field of Animal Husbandry Development Inštitucionálna Podpora v Oblasti Rozvoja Chovatel'stva
Authors: Malatinec Tomáš 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Public institutions represent an important part of animal husbandry development policy. In terms of the Slovak Republic, production of public value in the field of animal husbandry in the field of agro-biodiversity and agrarian cultural heritage maintenance in rural areas is also entrusted to professional self-governing institutions and breeding organizations besides state institutions. Within the European perspectives, it is the ELBARN — European Livestock Breeds Ark and Rescue Net which focuses on this issue. At present, there is a need to strengthen competences of the relevant institutional network, mainly in the field of marketing and sales aid for products which are created by breeders.
Laboratory determination of potential interception of young deciduous trees during low-intense precipitation
Authors: Klamerus-Iwan Anna , Sporysz Maciej 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The research issue focuses on potential interception, which is the maximum amount of water that can be stored on plant surface. Tests under controlled conditions remain the best way to enhance knowledge on interception determinants in forest communities. Such tests can provide data for identification of mathematical models based on ecological criteria.
The study presented in this paper concerned tree interception under simulated rain in a range from 2 to 11 mm/h. To perform the experiment a set of sprinklers was designed and built. The study included two deciduous species: beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.).
Descriptive characteristic and nonlinear estimation were suggested for the obtained data. Interdependence of potential interception, the intensity of rain and the size of raindrops were described using exponential equation.
The intensity and drop size of simulated rainfall significantly influence the obtained values of potential interception. Data analysis shows a decrease of interception value with an increase of intensity of simulated rainfall for both analysed species. Every run of the experiment that differed in the intensity and size of raindrops reached an individual level of potential interception and time needed to realize it.
The formation of ability of plants to intercept water depends both on the dynamics and the time of spraying.
Earthworms as indicators for different forest management types and human disturbance in Ilam oak forest, Iran
Authors: Heydari Mehdi , Poorbabaei Hassan , Bazgir Masoud , Salehi Ali , Eshaghirad Javad 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
There has been observed widespread destruction of natural ecosystems around the world due to population growth, land use change and clear cutting which have affected soil properties. Different management strategies have been so far implemented to reduce this crisis in various regions of the world, such as e.g. short-term and long-term conservation management in the Zagros region. However, any management approach should be evaluated with appropriate measures to determine how managed areas respond. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of earthworms as an indicator for different forest management strategies and human disturbances in Zagros oak (Quercus persica Jaub. and Spach) forest. The sites selected included undisturbed one as the control (Un), the sites under five-year conservation management (FCM) and twenty-year conservation management (TCM) as well as the disturbed site (D). The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that different regions separated into the components: PC1 and PC2. Un and TCM sites gathered together and represented higher values of the factors such as pH, Kavailable, OC, clay content, Pavailable, CEC, overstory tree canopy, Ntot, biomass and abundance of earthworms. The positive direction of the first axis reflected a gradient of EC, BD and Ptot. According to the logistic model, NH4-N and EC played the most important role in earthworm presence and absence in Zagros forest ecosystem. Earthworm abundance and biomass could be a good indicator to evaluate different forest management strategies in the study area.
Intelligibility Assessment of Ideal Binary-Masked Noisy Speech with Acceptance of Room Acoustic
Authors: Vladimír Sedlak , Daniela Durackova , Roman Zalusky , Tomas Kovacik 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In this paper the intelligibility of ideal binary-masked noisy signal is evaluated for different signal to noise ratio (SNR), mask error, masker types, distance between source and receiver, reverberation time and local criteria for forming the binary mask. The ideal binary mask is computed from time-frequency decompositions of target and masker signals by thresholding the local SNR within time-frequency units. The intelligibility of separated signal is measured using different objective measures computed in frequency and perceptual domain. The present study replicates and extends the findings which were already presented but mainly shows impact of room acoustic on the intelligibility performance of IBM technique.
Nonlinear Predictive Control of Wind Energy Conversion System Using Dfig with Aerodynamic Torque Observer
Authors: Kamel Ouari , Mohand Ouhrouche , Toufik Rekioua , Taib Nabil 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In order to improvement of the performances for wind energy conversions systems (WECS), an advanced control techniques must be used. In this paper, as an alternative to conventional PI-type control methods, a nonlinear predictive control (NPC) approach is developed for DFIG-based wind turbine. To enhance the robustness of the controller, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate the aerodynamic torque which is considered as an unknown perturbation. An explicitly analytical form of the optimal predictive controller is given consequently on-line optimization is not necessary The DFIG is fed through the rotor windings by a back-to-back converter controlled by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), where the stator winding is directly connected to the grid. The presented simulation results show a good performance in trajectory tracking of the proposed strategy and rejection of disturbances is successfully achieved.
McEliece PKC Calculator
Authors: Marek Repka 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The original McEliece PKC proposal is interesting thanks to its resistance against all known attacks, even using quantum cryptanalysis, in an IND-CCA2 secure conversion. Here we present a generic implementation of the original McEliece PKC proposal, which provides test vectors (for all important intermediate results), and also in which a measurement tool for side-channel analysis is employed. To our best knowledge, this is the first such an implementation. This Calculator is valuable in implementation optimization, in further McEliece/Niederreiter like PKCs properties investigations, and also in teaching. Thanks to that, one can, for example, examine side-channel vulnerability of a certain implementation, or one can find out and test particular parameters of the cryptosystem in order to make them appropriate for an efficient hardware implementation. This implementation is available [1] in executable binary format, and as a static C++ library, as well as in form of source codes, for Linux and Windows operating systems.
Achieving an Equilibrium Position of Pendubot Via Swing-Up and Stabilizing Model Predictive Control
Authors: Martin Gulan , Michal Salaj , Boris Rohal'-Ilkiv 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In this paper, a complex control strategy to swing-up and balance the under-actuated pendubot system in one of its unstable equilibrium positions is presented. The initial swing-up maneuver is performed using an energy-based approach. For the purposes of stabilizing the system in its mid unstable equilibrium position a model predictive controller based on optimal control law with integral action is proposed. Satisfaction of constraints is ensured by introducing perturbations in the LQ control law acting as corrections when input amplitude/rate bounds are to be exceeded. The stability issue is addressed via additional constraints imposed on the terminal set. The emphasis of the paper is on the experimental realization of the pendubot swing-up followed by its balancing, which reveals the accuracy of the proposed control scheme.
An Impact of Thermodynamic Processes in Human Bodies on Performance Reliability of Individuals
Authors: Smalko Zbigniew 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The article presents the problem of the influence of thermodynamic factors on human fallibility in different zones of thermal discomfort. Describes the processes of energy in the human body. Been given a formal description of the energy balance of the human body thermoregulation. Pointed to human reactions to temperature changes of internal and external environment, including reactions associated with exercise. The methodology to estimate and determine the reliability of indicators of human basal acting in different zones of thermal discomfort. The significant effect of thermodynamic factors on the reliability and security ofperson.
A Multi-Valued Diagnostic Model Synthesis Based on Descrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Borowczyk Henryk 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The method of a multi-valued diagnostic model synthesis using discrete wavelet transform is presented. The method's algorithm consists of three stages: (1) - signal decomposition into low- and high frequency parts - approximations and details, (2) - approximations and details parameterization, (3) - multi-valued encoding parameters obtained in stage 2. The method is illustrated with vibroacoustic signal in real life experiment. The multi-valued diagnostic model is the final result.