bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the soil treated with biochar on the rye-grass in laboratory experiment
Authors: Gulyás Miklós , Fuchs Márta , Kocsis István , Füleky György 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The application of biochars to improve soils and to mitigate global climate change is a popular research area all over the world, although it is not a new topic. In our study, wood chips char (BC) and animal bone char (ABC) were applied. The pot experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions. 2 grams of rye-grass (Lolium perenne) were seeded into each pot. The following various soil parameters were measured: pH (KCl), AL-P2O5, AL-K2O, total water soluble salt content and organic matter content. The measured parameters from the plant samples were: total-P, total-K and micronutrients. Results show that the negative or positive effect of pyrolysis solids cannot be determined clearly, further experiments are needed.
Evaluation of Illumination Intensity of Plastic Optical Fibres with Tio2 Particles by Laser Treatment
Authors: Huang Juan , Křemenáková Dana , Militký Jiří , Zhu Guocheng , Zhu Guocheng 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
CO2 laser treatment can increase the surface roughness of plastic optical fibres (POFs) with the diameter of 0.5 mm and enhance the input intensity and attenuation coefficient accordingly, which is supposed to weaken the side emission of POFs in long distance above 375 mm. TiO2 particles were applied to improve the increasing optical loss of POFs by laser treatment. POFs were first modified with fine TiO2 particles and then treated by CO2 laser with the pixel time from 30 to 120 ìs. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the changes of micro-structure before and after laser treatment and the distribution of TiO2 particles. The illumination intensity and attenuation coefficient were calculated and compared in two methods. It is visible that the evaluation by model LLF2 with two parts is more suitable for the fitting of experimental data and shows higher input intensity and lower attenuation than that by standard power function. Both the evaluation methods exhibit that the utilization of TiO2 particles could play an active role in the enhancement of side emission of POFs treated by CO2 laser.
Designing Functional Clothes for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities
Authors: Curteza Antonela , Cretu Viorica , Macovei Laura , Poboroniuc Marian 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The life quality improvement issue is a problem of national and international interest. This acquires total different values when it is to refer to a series of disadvantaged categories, that is the persons with locomotor disabilities. It is an inevitable social responsibility to create equal opportunities for disabled people, to prevent any intentional or unintentional discrimination that they face and apply positive discrimination if necessary to improve their living standards and to let them have an equal share from social development as productive individuals of society.
A disability is any kind of restriction or inability to accomplish a certain activity, which belongs to the interval considered as “normal” for a human being. Disabilities are characterized by deficiencies or excesses in the activity or behaviour that is normally expected from a person; they can be temporary or permanent, reversible or irreversible, progressive or regressive. The physical disabilities that require the use of wheelchairs imply the manufacturing of special clothing products that meet certain needs at a functional and/or therapeutic level.
The study presents the main aspects involved in designing and developing textile products for this category of users. Therefore, the apparel that is specially designed for persons with disabilities has to: allow more freedom and independence when is being worn, correspond to the aesthetic point of view, offer psychological benefits and help to socially integrate the individual who wears it. In addition, clothes should not hinder the individual’s mobility and must allow the use of the chest and of the superior limbs to the maximum, they must be durable, have a low level of electrostatic charge, be absorbent and comfortable, present the so-called “rehabilitation functions”, and last but not least, be beneficial for the wearer both from a physical and psychological point of view.
The Effect Halo-And Hydro-Priming on Seed Reserve Utilization and Seed Germination of Wheat Seeds Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Tabatabaei S.A. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Seed germination and seedling growth are critical stages in the life cycle of a plant, especially under adverse abiotic stresses. Seed germination negatively affected by stress conditions. Seed priming techniques have been used to increase germination characteristics and improve germination uniformity in more field crops under stressed conditions. This experimental aimed to evaluate the effect of salinity and halo-priming on seed reserve utilization and seed germination of wheat seeds. For create salinity stress, NaCl in osmotic levels at 0 (as control), -4, -8, - 12 and -16 bar was used. Seeds of were pretreated with halo-priming at 10 °C for 24 h and water at 10 °C for 24 h. Our results showed that treatment×drought interaction on these traits: germination percentage, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed, seed reserve utilization efficiency, seedling dry weight and seed reserve depletion percentage were significant. The highest germination percentage was obtained from halo priming in control conditions. Thus priming improved study traits in wheat under salinity stress. Priming increased germination percentage and seed reserve utilization as compared to the unprimed seeds. The highest germination percentage and seed reserve utilization were as obtained from halo priming in control conditions.
First Record of a Fos Sil Chiton (Polyplacophora) from the Bohemian
Cretaceous Basin (Late Cretaceous)
Authors: Marek Jaroslav , Košt'ák Martin , Mazuch Martin , Karoušek Oldřich 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The first record of a chiton (Polyplacophora) from the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin
(Late Creta-ceous) is described herein. It comes from the working quarry of
Plaňany, located near the town Kolín. Excavated deposits are of
the late Cenomanian - early Turonian. The poorly preserved specimen consists of
a tail valve remain and two intermediate valves, it is associated herein only
with order level - i.e. Le-pidopleurida Thiele, 1910. The state of its
preservation shows signs of corrosion of dorsal part caused probably by biologic
digestion (in stomach) and/or, more probably, by long exposure at the sea
bottom. Stratigraphically, the layer yielding chiton shell is referred to be the
late Cenomanian in age. The chiton living conditions are interpreted as very
shallow water environment (not exceeding 20m) with irregular rocky basement
possessing numerous caves and crevices.
Innovation and Competitiveness of the Slovak Economy: New Evidence of International Impacts in the Knowledge Accumulation Process
Authors: Puškárová Paula , Zajac Štefan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The objectives of this paper are twofold - to demonstrate the internal forces driving R&D productivity in Slovakia and the internationalization of Slovak R&D investments and R&D patenting since EU accession as compared to the other Visegrad Four (V4) countries. After the Introduction, Slovakia's position in the field of competitiveness and the Slovak innovation policy are described. The Slovak knowledge accumulation paradox being the discrepancy between R&D productivity and TFP is then demonstrated and disentangled through an analysis of innovation activities using Eurostat and OECD Stat data spanning the 1995-2011 period. This analysis is followed by some concluding remarks.
Why the EU-15 Maintains Higher CIT Rates than the New Member States?
Authors: Karpowicz Andrzej 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The European Union is not a homogenous area. This lack of homogeneity extends to taxes, which vary across jurisdictions. On average, Western Europe imposes significantly higher taxes on capital than New Member States, which joined the Community in 2004 and 2007. Often this fact is simply taken for granted. However, there are several arguments that can explain this variance. Although several of these arguments are well known and have been researched, they have not been assessed in combination, or used in a comparative analysis of corporate income tax (CIT) rates between EU member states. Because of interest in harmonizing CIT throughout the EU, the roots of divergent CIT is of particular and timely value. Therefore, this article we attempts to demonstrate the differences in CIT rates in the EU-15 and New Member States. In so doing the general characteristics of these country grouping is identified, and then discussed in the context of the taxation theory.
Using the conservative nature of fresh leaf surface density to measure foliar area
Authors: Castillo Omar S. , Zaragoza Esther M. , Alvarado Carlos J. , Barrera Maria G. , Dasgupta-Schubert Nabanita 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
For a herbaceous species, the inverse of the fresh leaf surface density, the Hughes constant, is nearly conserved. We apply the Hughes constant to develop an absolute method of leafarea measurement that requires no regression fits, prior calibrations or oven-drying. The Hughes constant was determined in situ using a known geometry and weights of a sub-set obtained from the fresh leaves whose areas are desired. Subsequently, the leaf-areas (at any desired stratification level), were derived by utilizing the Hughes constant and the masses of the fresh leaves. The proof of concept was established for leaf-discs of the plants Mandevilla splendens and Spathiphyllum wallisii. The conservativeness of the Hughes constant over individual leaf-zones and different leaftypes from the leaves of each species was quantitatively validated. Using the globally averaged Hughes constant for each species, the leaf-area of these and additional co-species plants, were obtained. The leaf-area-measurement-by-mass was cross-checked with standard digital image analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the leaf-area-measurement-by-mass and the digital image analysis measured leaf-areas and the linear correlation between the two methods was very good. Leaf-areameasurement- by-mass was found to be rapid and simple with accuracies comparable to the digital image analysis method. The greatly reduced cost of leaf-area-measurement-by-mass could be beneficial for small agri-businesses in developing countries.
Measuring Culture Effect size Differences in Slovenian and Portuguese Leadership Practices: Cross-Cultural Leadership Universality or Contigency?
Authors: Rašković Matevž 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper measures the cultural effect size across five types of leadership practices by using the Leadership Practice Inventory (LPI) instrument and drawing on the GLOBE research project framework. It tests cultural universality vs. contingency in five LPI leadership practices in an East-West EU comparison, both with an ex-socialist past. It employs four different effect size statistics. The paper contributes to the narrowing of the empirical gap in researching leadership practices in a small, East-West European country context. Only two of the five leadership practices show statistically significant effect sizes. Furthermore, the leadership practice Encouraging the heart is the only one to display a relatively moderate effect size. Thus, the evidence seems to support the universalist perspective over the contingency perspective.
The Importance and Prevalence of Modern Forms of Staff Training in the Corporate Environments of Transition Countries: The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Markovič-Hribernik Tanja , Jarc Bostjan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Compared with traditional forms of education and training, e-learning is gaining increasing importance not only within the academic setting of formal education, but also in the corporate environment. Concerning the latter, it is evident that with increasing pressure on cost efficiency and competitiveness, in addition to the current harsh financial and economic conditions, companies are being challenged and this tends to change their behaviour patterns. In this article, the results of a survey are presented. The survey focused on the current status and possible future trends of corporate e-learning methods in Slovenia, which is among the so-called transition countries. This survey brings more than one aspect of this issue to light. The findings show increasing rates of acceptance of the e-learning education model by the local corporate environment. Nevertheless, significant gaps are evident when compared with the most advanced European and worldwide economies in terms of the widespread use of comprehensive e-learning models and the latest e-learning technologies, such as LMS systems. Furthermore, the survey reveals that e-learning is perceived by companies as cost efficient and flexible, but on the other hand it is not yet perceived to contribute to a higher quality level of staff training when compared with traditional methods.
Genetic Variants Of Cytochrome b-245, Alpha Polypeptide Gene And Premature Acute Myocardial Infarction Risk In An Iranian Population
Authors: Amin Fatemeh , Jahani Mohammad Mehdi , Ghaedi Hamid , Alipoor Behnam , Fatemi Ahmad , Tajik Michael , Sharifi Zohreh , Golmohammadi Taghi , Askari Mohammad , Azarnejad Asaad , Alipoor Sadegh , Valipour Aliasghar , Mousavizadeh Kazem 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackground:Oxidative stress induced by superoxide anion plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hence acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The major source of superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is the NADPH oxidase complex. An essential component of this complex is p22phox, that is encoded by the cytochrome b-245, alpha polypeptide (CYBA) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CYBA variants (rs1049255 and rs4673) and premature acute myocardial infarction risk in an Iranian population.Methods:The study population consisted of 158 patients under the age of 50 years, with a diagnosis of premature AMI, and 168 age-matched controls with normal coronary angiograms. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results:There was no association between the genotypes and allele frequencies of rs4673 polymorphism and premature acute myocardial infarction (P>0.05). A significant statistical association was observed between the genotypes distribution of rs1049255 polymorphism and AMI risk (P=0.037). Furthermore, the distribution of AA+AG/GG genotypes was found to be statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.011).Conclusions:Our findings indicated that rs1049255 but not rs4673 polymorphism is associated with premature AMI.
Global Sustainable Development Through the Integrated Lean Management (Green 5-S) Model for TQM
Authors: Ho Samuel K. M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Based on the 'Best Paper-2010' by the TQM Journal, the author has a chance to test out the model in a number of firms in Malaysia through SIRIM. Furthermore, riding on the success, SIRIM has named it as the SIRIM Green 5-S Model. As a result, the aim of this paper is to share the experience of the “SIRIM Green 5-S Model for Sustainable Development”. Since 1993, the author used the proprietary 5-S Checklist for training and consultancy in no less than 10 countries with over 50,000 persons from around 2,000 organisatioins world-wide. On the other hand, HKSAR takes the lead in the global oil energy consumption/GPD. The experience will be shared in this article.
TQM Practice and Institution Innovation in China
Authors: Wu Neng-Quan , Zhu Shu-Zhi 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Quality is the language which helping product enters the world market. TQM, instead of traditional management, has been growing into the management mode of modern company. In last 10 years, TQM has made great progress in the whole world, but it did not get significant achievements in China. Although the exports from China always keep the image of “cheap and good” in international market, the qualified ratio of products calculated in domestic market is only around 75% and inferior and fake products are often exposed. Therefore, China needs to learn from the TQM experience and practice of advanced countries both in micro and macro field. The process from traditional management to TQM is based on not only corporate technology system, but also on social and institutional system. Our conclusion from China's case is that the international competitive advantage of individual company came from excellent product quality, the excellent product quality is based on excellent TQM practice, and the excellent TQM practice rooted in whole country's macro institutional system. Now, China is still in the stage of transforming public-owned-dominated planning system to individual-owned-dominated market-oriented system. There are many political and economic and social institutions and their policy, regulation, even ideology need to be innovated. Only by doing this, China's companies could follow the foreign partner's step, set up their long-term strategy and share profit with their employees and implement TQM completely to improve their international competitiveness.
Competing Through Lean – Towards Sustainable Resource-Oriented Implementation Framework
Authors: Rymaszewska Anna 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper addresses the needs of SMEs manufacturing companies which due to their limited resources are often unable to introduce radical changes in their strategies. The main focus is on analyzing the principles of lean manufacturing and management regarding their potential contribution to building a company's competitive advantage. The paper analyses lean from a strategic management viewpoint while combining its implementation with achieving a competitive advantage. The ultimate result is a framework for lean implementation aimed at building a competitive advantage for companies. The proposed framework focuses on the idea of a closed loop with embedded sustainability.
Intellectual Property as a Drive for Sustainable Medical Tourism – The Ana Aslan case
Authors: Bolos Mihaela Daciana 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The present paper studies the way intellectual property rights may encourage sustainable medical tourism, meaning the advantages that a patent, traditional knowledge, a trademark, or other IP right may offer to a hospital in order to attract foreign patients. The analysis is done trough the Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan” case study, seen not from a medical point of view but from the perspective of the intellectual property importance for the development of medical tourism. The Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan” was founded in 1952 and become an international renowned center in the study and the diminishing of old age effects. Many celebrities (artist and state presidents) came to receive treatment here, even though Romania had, at that time, a communist regime.
The Relationship Between Beta Endorphins and Emotional State in Physically Active Individuals Aged 45-55 (A Report on a Pilot Study)
Authors: Kundziņa Ieva , Grants Juris 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. This sports-science-related article heavily relies on studies that have reported an increase in beta-endorphin (â-EP) concentration in plasma in response to physical activity. It examines the psychological and physiological effects of physical activity and exercise and reports on a research-experiment-based, endorphin-hypotheses-related pilot study aimed at exploring mood-related â-EP effects occurring in physically active male and female individuals aged 45-55 in response to physical load. Material and methods. Six 45 to 55-year-old individuals (3 males and 3 females) rated as exhibiting moderate and high levels of physical activity in sport's laboratory. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to establish physical activity level. For facial expression analysis a short interview was applied, using software “FaceReader 3.0” (FR). As a load test a veloergometer exercise test was used, and Beta-endorphin (â-EP) levels were measured from venous blood. Results. The findings demonstrated an increase in â-EP levels in 50% of the subjects. No positive relation between â-EP increase and happiness has been observed. In four subjects an increase in disgust was observed due to the laboratory conditions. Five minutes after the load test FR data recorded the reduction or disappearance of negative emotions for all research subjects. Conclusions. Further investigation into the relationship of plasma levels of â-EP and the emotional state of the individual involved in physical activities is needed. This necessitates a further insight into how exercise-elevated endorphins (â-EP) affect mood state outside laboratory conditions. Therefore, a further investigation of people involved in physical recreation activities outdoors is envisaged.
Operating system efficiency evaluation on the base of measurements analysis with the use of non-extensive statistics elements
Authors: Dymora Paweł , Mazurek Mirosław , Zelazny Kamil 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe major goal of this article was to evaluate the efficiency of Linux operating system using statistical self-similarity and multifractal analysis. In order to collect the necessary data, the tools available in Linux such as vmstat, top and iostat were used. The measurement data collected with those tools had to be converted into a format acceptable by applications which analyze statistical selfsimilarity and multifractal spectra. Measurements collected while using the MySQL database system in a host operating system were therefore analyzed with the use of statistical self-similarity and allowed to determine the occurrence of long-range dependencies. Those dependencies were analyzed with the use of adequately graduated diagrams. Multifractal analysis was conducted with the help of FracLab application. Two methods were applied to determine the multifractal spectra. The obtained spectra were analyzed in order to establish the multifractal dependencies.
A Review of the Genus Cheilosia (Diptera, Syrphidae) from Iran
Authors: Khaganinia S. , Kazerani F. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A Review of the Genus Cheilosia (Diptera, Syrphidae) from Iran. Khaganinia, S., Kazerani, F. - Based on study of references and specimens collected by the authors in the East Azarbaijan Province during 2010-2012, 14 species of Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 known from Iran are listed. Four of them, Cheilosia mutabilis (Fallién, 1817), C. nigripes (Meigen, 1822), C. variabilis (Panzer, 1798), and C. vulpina (Meigen, 1822) are recorded from Iran for the first time. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the species are provided. An illustrated key to Iranian Cheilosia is given.
Morphological Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Dactylogyrus Labei (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from Catla Catla: A New Host Record in India
Authors: Chiary H. R. , Chaudhary A. , Singh H. S. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Morphological Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Dactylogyrus labei (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from Catla catla: a New Host Record in India. Chiary, H. R., Chaudhary, A., Singh, H. S. - Dactylogyrus labei Musselius et Gusev, 1976 (atypical form) specimens were collected from host Catla catla from the river Brahmaputra, Guwahati, Assam, India. The Dactylogyrus samples were examined by morphological and molecular methods. This parasite was originally described from Labeo rohita from fish farm Kalyani, West Bengal, India, but the morphological study of sclerotized parts showed the existence of D. labei on Catla catla. This is the first record of D. labei from Catla catla in India.