bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Vegetation in the Urban Policies of European Cities in the Age of the Sustainable City
Authors: Alexandre Frédéric 
Published: January 2014

The emergence of the modern concept of the sustainable city raises afresh the longstanding issue of the place and role of vegetation in urban and peri-urban areas in Europe. The awareness of biodiversity and the exploration of the services provided by ecosystems both lead to the development of ecological networks based on green spaces in and around the city. The establishment of these networks converges with the control of urban growth and urban sprawl, with the ‘green belts’.
Drawing on the development of public policy governing the place of vegetation in Berlin, London and Paris, this article seeks to show the correspondences that have developed in the discussions of urban policy carried on in the major industrialized countries, and also the conflicting goals which these policies are meant to implement.
CROSS–BORDER MERGERS – THE CONCEPT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION INTO THE LEGAL ORDER OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC CEZHRANIČNÉ ZLÚČENIE ALEBO SPLYNUTIE
Authors: Lazíková Jarmila , Belková Lucia , Ilková Zuzana , Ďurkovičová Jana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Cross-border mergers are regulated by the Directive 2005/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on crossborder mergers of limited liability companies. This article deals with the issue of cross-border mergers of limited liability companies within the internal market of the European Union, more precisely it analyzes the question of the concept of a cross-border merger under the European Union law and its implementation into the national legal order of the Slovak Republic. The legal definition of a cross-border merger under the European Union law comprises three key conditions that must be met cumulatively: cross-border merger is applicable only for a business company formed in accordance with the law of an EU Member State, having its registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the Community, and at the same time business company must be in an eligible legal form and a cross-border element must be given.
EU LAW AND STATE AIDS IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Janků Martin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Regulation of state aids form an integral part of the EU law from its very origin. Various special rules on provision of state aids were created as secondary law rules by the EU Council and EU Commission. They distinguish between horizontal and sectoral state aid. Horizontal aid concerns schemes potentially benefiting all undertakings regardless of their industry. Sectoral aid is targeted at specific industries or sectors. The paper deals with the legal framework of state aid rules in the agriculture sector. As first, it discusses the extent to which the State aid rules have been generally applied in the agriculture sector by the EU Council under Article 36 of the Treaty, together with the extent to which they have been specifically applied under the regulations which govern both the .common organizations of the market and rural development. Following chapter analyses the agriculture de minimis Regulation, which sets out circumstances in which agricultural aid is sufficiently small that Article 107/1 TFEU will be not applied. Thereafter the paper focuses on the provisions of the Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation and, finally, on agricultural aid that falls to be notified to the Commission as being authorized under the Agriculture Guidelines.
Determining the age of young birch (Betula pendula Roth) trees growing on former agricultural
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Tomusiak Robert 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In Poland, according to the law (amendment of the act of 21st May 2010) – on the provision of information
on the environment and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and environmental impact
assessments etc. (Official Law Journal article 08.199.1227, as amended) – the owner can cut down trees without
permission, if they do not exceed the age of 10 years old. However, if an owner happens to cuts down a tree on his
property without knowing the age of the tree, he is liable to prosecution under this act.
The aim of this study is to verify whether there is a possibility to calculate the actual age of silver birch trees growing
on farmer agricultural lands using features that enable age of standing trees to be identified. Using these criteria,
owners would be able to calculate the age of trees on their own.
The research used 183 sample trees located on three research plots. For each tree, the dbh, height and prepared samples
of wood from the trees base were used to give the age of the tree. The relationship between age and dbh, as well as
between the age and the height was examined. The strength of correlation was compared and the strongest was used
in the proposed model. Using these correlations two types of charts were constructed to estimate the age of young
birches on the basis of dbh and height.
Statistical significance of displacements in heterogeneous control networks
Authors: Nowel Krzysztof , Kamiński Waldemar 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This paper proposes a modification of the classical process for evaluating the statistical significance of displacements in the case of heterogeneous (e.g. linear-angular) control networks established to deformation measurements and analysis. The basis for the proposed solution is the idea of local variance factors. The theoretical discussion was complemented with an example of its application on a simulated horizontal control network. The obtained results showed that the evaluation of the statistical significance of displacements in the case of heterogeneous control networks should be carried out using estimators of local variance factors.
Investigating the links of internal and external reliability with the system conditionality in Gauss-Markov models with uncorrelated observations
Authors: Prószyński Witold 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The relationship between internal response-based reliability and conditionality is investigated for Gauss-Markov (GM) models with uncorrelated observations. The models with design matrices of full rank and of incomplete rank are taken into consideration. The formulas based on the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the design matrix are derived which clearly indicate that the investigated concepts are independent of each other. The methods are presented of constructing for a given design matrix the matrices equivalent with respect to internal response-based reliability as well as the matrices equivalent with respect to conditionality. To analyze conditionality of GM models, in general being inconsistent systems, a substitute for condition number commonly used in numerical linear algebra is developed, called a pseudo-condition^number. Also on the basis of the SVD a formula for external reliability is proposed, being the 2-norm of a vector of parameter distortions induced by minimal detectable error in a particular observation. For systems with equal nonzero singular values of the design matrix, the formula can be expressed in terms of the index of internal response-based reliability and the pseudo-condition^number. With these measures appearing in explicit form, the formula shows, although only for the above specific systems, the character of the impact of internal response-based reliability and conditionality of the model upon its external reliability. Proofs for complementary properties concerning the pseudo-condition^number and the 2-norm of parameter distortions in systems with minimal constraints are given in the Appendices. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theory.
A priori noise and regularization in least squares collocation of gravity anomalies
Authors: Jarmołowski Wojciech 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The paper describes the estimation of covariance parameters in least squares collocation (LSC) by the cross-validation (CV) technique called leave-one-out (LOO). Two parameters of Gauss-Markov third order model (GM3) are estimated together with a priori noise standard deviation, which contributes significantly to the covariance matrix composed of the signal and noise. Numerical tests are performed using large set of Bouguer gravity anomalies located in the central part of the U.S. Around 103 000 gravity stations are available in the selected area. This dataset, together with regular grids generated from EGM2008 geopotential model, give an opportunity to work with various spatial resolutions of the data and heterogeneous variances of the signal and noise. This plays a crucial role in the numerical investigations, because the spatial resolution of the gravity data determines the number of gravity details that we may observe and model. This establishes a relation between the spatial resolution of the data and the resolution of the gravity field model. This relation is inspected in the article and compared to the regularization problem occurring frequently in data modeling.
TYPIFICATI ON AND CORRECTION OF SYNTAXA FROM THE CLASS MOLINIO-ARRHENATHERETEA TX. 1937 IN SERBIA
Authors: Aćić Svetlana , Šilc Urban , Lakušić Dmitar , Vukojičić Snežana , Stevanović Zora Dajić 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A list of corrected and typified grassland communities of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 occurring in Serbia was provided. The nomenclature rules of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature were strictly followed. Syntaxonomic affiliation of communities to higher syntaxa was assessed according to the existing syntaxonomical schemes for Serbia, i.e. according to the position determined by the original source. Higher syntaxa followed the synsystem of the so-called “EuroVegChecklist”. Since syntaxonomic disagreements concerning a certain plant association’s position within the whole classification system have not been discussed, such a list should serve as the starting point for a further revision of the status of grassland communities in Serbia. So far, a total of 87 plant communities of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea were described for Serbia.
The list provided here will enable more precise and more accurate mapping of vegetation in Serbia, as well as classification of these communities into the Habitat Directive which will enable the establishment of the Red list of Habitats for Serbia.
An Efficient Method of Key-Frame Extraction Based on a Cluster Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Shao-Pei , Zhou Dong-Sheng , Wei Xiao-Peng 
Published: January 2014

Abstract This paper proposes a novel method of key-frame extraction for use with motion capture data. This method is based on an unsupervised cluster algorithm. First, the motion sequence is clustered into two classes by the similarity distance of the adjacent frames so that the thresholds needed in the next step can be determined adaptively. Second, a dynamic cluster algorithm called ISODATA is used to cluster all the frames and the frames nearest to the center of each class are automatically extracted as key-frames of the sequence. Unlike many other clustering techniques, the present improved cluster algorithm can automatically address different motion types without any need for specified parameters from users. The proposed method is capable of summarizing motion capture data reliably and efficiently. The present work also provides a meaningful comparison between the results of the proposed key-frame extraction technique and other previous methods. These results are evaluated in terms of metrics that measure reconstructed motion and the mean absolute error value, which are derived from the reconstructed data and the original data.
An Efficient Method of Key-Frame Extraction Based on a Cluster Algorithm
Authors: Moir Gavin L. , Graham Bruce W. , Davis Shala E. , Guers John J. , Witmer Chad A. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of different configurations of repetitions within a set of deadlifts on the mechanical variables of concentric force, concentric time under tension, impulse, work, power, and fatigue. Eleven resistance trained men (age: 21.9 ± 1.0 years; deadlift 1 repetition maximum: 183.2 ± 38.3 kg) performed four repetitions of the deadlift exercise with a load equivalent to 90% of 1 repetition maximum under three different set configurations: Traditional (continuous repetitions); Doubles cluster (repetitions 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 performed continuously with a 30 s rest inserted between repetitions 2 and 3); Singles cluster (30 s rest provided between repetitions). The order of the sessions was counterbalanced across the subjects and the mechanical variables were calculated during each repetition from the synchronized signals recorded from force platforms and a motion analysis system. Relative to the Traditional set, the insertion of rest periods in the cluster set configurations resulted in greater time under tension (p < 0.001) and therefore, greater impulse (p < 0.001) during the repetitions. Reductions in power were observed during the cluster sets compared to the Traditional set (p = 0.001). The Doubles cluster set resulted in greater fatigue scores for power compared to the Traditional set (p = 0.04). The influence of cluster sets on mechanical variables appears to be mediated by the mechanical characteristics of the exercise (i.e. stretch-shortening cycle) and the competing physiological mechanisms of fatigue and potentiation.
Static vs. Dynamic Acute Stretching Effect on Quadriceps Muscle Activity during Soccer Instep Kicking
Authors: Amiri-Khorasani Mohammadtaghi , Kellis Eleftherios 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of static and dynamic stretching on quadriceps muscle activation during maximal soccer instep kicking. The kicking motion of twelve male college soccer players (body height: 174.66 ± 5.01 cm; body mass: 72.83 ± 4.83 kg; age: 18.83 ± 0.75 years) was captured using six synchronized high-speed infra-red cameras whilst electromyography (EMG) signals from vastus medialis (VM), lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) were recorded before and after static or dynamic stretching. Analysis of variance designs showed a higher increase in knee extension angular velocity (9.65% vs. -1.45%, p < 0.001), RF (37.5% vs. -8.33%, p < 0.001), VM (12% vs. - 12%, p < 0.018), and VL EMG activity (20% vs. -6.67%, p < 0.001) after dynamic stretching exercises. Based on these results, it could be suggested that dynamic stretching is probably more effective in increasing quadriceps muscle activity and knee extension angular velocity during the final swing phase of a maximal soccer instep kick than static stretching.
Kinematic Chains in Ski Jumping In-run Posture
Authors: Janurová Eva , Janura Miroslav , Cabell Lee , Svoboda Zdeněk , Vařeka Ivan , Elfmark Milan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The concept of kinematic chains has been systematically applied to biological systems since the 1950s. The course of a ski jump can be characterized as a change between closed and open kinematic chains. The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between adjacent segments within the ski jumper’s body’s kinematic chain during the in-run phase of the ski jump. The in-run positions of 267 elite male ski jumpers who participated in the FIS World Cup events in Innsbruck, Austria, between 1992 and 2001 were analyzed (656 jumps). Two-dimensional (2-D) kinematic data were collected from the bodies of the subjects. Relationships between adjacent segments of the kinematic chain in the ski jumper’s body at the in-run position are greater nearer the chain’s ground contact. The coefficient of determination between the ankle and knee joint angles is 0.67. Changes in the segments’ positions in the kinematic chain of the ski jumper’s body are stable during longitudinal assessment. Changes in shank and thigh positions, in the sense of increase or decrease, are the same.
Validity of the ithleteTM Smart Phone Application for Determining Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Flatt Andrew A. , Esco Michael R. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to cross-validate the ithleteTM heart rate variability smart phone application with an electrocardiograph for determining ultra-short-term root mean square of successive R-R intervals. The root mean square of successive R-R intervals was simultaneously determined via electrocardiograph and ithleteTM at rest in twenty five healthy participants. There were no significant differences between the electrocardiograph and ithleteTM derived root mean square of successive R-R interval values (p > 0.05) and the correlation was near perfect (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). In addition, the ithleteTM revealed a Standard Error of the Estimate of 1.47 and Bland Altman plot showed that the limits of agreement ranged from 2.57 below to 2.63 above the constant error of -0.03. In conclusion, the ithleteTM appeared to provide a suitably accurate measure of root mean square of successive R-R intervals when compared to the electrocardiograph measures obtained in the laboratory within the current sample of healthy adult participants. The current study lays groundwork for future research determining the efficacy of ithleteTM for reflecting athletic training status over a chronic conditioning period.
Analysis of Cohesion and Collective Efficacy Profiles for the Performance of Soccer Players
Authors: Leo Francisco M. , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro A. , Sánchez-Oliva David , Amado Diana , García-Calvo Tomás 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The principal aims of the study were to define different profiles of cohesion and perceived efficacy in soccer players and to measure their differences in performance. The subjects were 235 soccer players in the under-18 category who played in the National League in Spain and 15 coaches whose ages ranged from 29 to 45 years. Diverse instruments to assess cohesion, perceived efficacy, and expectations of success were used in the study. Moreover, we measured playing time and performance. The results of the study proved the existence of four cohesion and efficacy profiles that presented significant differences in expectations of success, playing time, and performance. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the distribution of players in the teams as a function of performance. The main conclusion of this study is that soccer players with higher cohesion and collective efficacy levels belonged to teams that completed the season at the top-level classification. In contrast, athletes with low cohesion and collective efficacy usually played in unsuccessful teams. Coaches and sports psychologists are encouraged to promote both social and task cohesion and collective efficacy to enhance team performance.
Practical Skills of Rhythmic Gymnastics Judges
Authors: Fernandez-Villarino Maria A. , Bobo-Arce Marta , Sierra-Palmeiro Elena 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the practical skills of rhythmic gymnastics judges and to identify how their degree and experience influence the assessment of these skills. Sixty one rhythmic gymnastics judges participated in the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection. This tool was composed of 28 questions and divided into six categories: identification, experience, initial training, continuing education, skills and training needs. The results suggest that the most valued skills are those related to the sport´s technical parameters and the ability to adapt to any level of competition with self-confidence and self-assuredness. Significant differences were found regarding the variables for: the ability to communicate (p = 0.002) and for the ability to observe, identify and register performance (p = 0.005). The results showed that experience was not a decisive factor in assessing skills. This study thus presents evidence that rhythmic gymnastics judges must implement and optimise a set of skills that contribute to the effectiveness of the assessment process. These findings might help in the design of programs and training models that contribute to effective professional development.
ON FARADAY INSTABILITY IN MAGNETIC LIQUIDS: INCE-ERDELYI APPROACH APPLIED TO THE HILL EQUATION DESCRIBING OSCILLATIONS OF A FERROFLUID FREE SURFACE
Authors: Hennenberg M. , Slavtchev S. , Valchev G. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
When an isothermal ferrofluid is submitted to an oscillating magnetic field, the initially motionless liquid free surface can start to oscillate. This physical phenomenon is similar to the Faraday instability for usual Newtonian liquids subjected to a mechanical oscillation. In the present paper, we consider the magnetic field as a sum of a constant part and a time periodic part. Two different cases for the constant part of the field, being vertical in the first one or horizontal in the second one are studied. Assuming both ferrofluid magnetization and magnetic field to be collinear, we develop the linear stability analysis of the motionless reference state taking into account the Kelvin magnetic forces. The Laplace law describing the free surface deformation reduces to Hill’s equation, which is studied using the classical method of Ince and Erdelyi. Inside this framework, we obtain the transition conditions leading to the free surface oscillations.
ELASTIC PLASTIC PROPERTIES OF MULTIPHASE COMPOSITE BASED ON NON HOMOGENEOUS METAL MATRIX – MODELLING AND SIMULATION
Authors: Parashkevova Ludmila , Bontcheva Nikolina 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A new approach for estimating the mechanical properties of multiphase composite is proposed. The Representative Volume Element (RVE) of the material consists of two different metal matrices and arbitrary number of elastic hardening phases. Multistep homogenization procedures are applied, accounting for influence of the constituent properties, sizes, volume fractions and microstructural distributions. Modified Mori-Tanaka homogenization technique for micropolar media and Budiansky self-consistent method are used for estimation the overall properties of the composite. The theoretical model is applied to description of the properties of precipitation hardening rapidly solidified alloy of the system AlFeVSi with high content of Fe and Si.
Assessment of a Low-Cost Portable Proportional Exhaust Sampling System for Gravimetric Particulate Matter Emissions Measurement
Authors: Vojtíšek Michal , Pechout Martin 
Published: January 2014

Shrnutí
Částice obsažené ve výfukových plynech spalovacích motorů jsou jejich pro lidské zdraví nejvíce škodlivou složkou. Se snižující se celkovou hmotností emitovaných částic se zvyšují nároky na její měření, které vyžaduje plnoprůtočný ředicí tunnel nebo proporcionální vzorkovač s ředěním části toku s rychlou odezvou. Pro umožnění takových měření během jízdy vozidla a v méně vybavených laboratořích bylo vytvořeno nízkonákladové zařízení pro proporcionální vzorkování výfukových plynů. Zařízení využívá dvojici regulátorů hmotnostního průtoku, z nichž jeden dodává proměnlivé množství ředicího vzduchu do miniaturního ředicího tunelu, a druhý udržuje konstantní průtok směsi ředicího vzduchu a výfukových plynů přes filtr, na který jsou částice vzorkovány. Výsledky naměřené tímto systémem během dynamických jízdních cyklů jsou, po korekci systematického rozdílu, v rozmezí faktoru dvou od výsledků gravimetrické analýzy vzorků odebraných z klasického plnoprůtočného ředicího tunelu.