bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of potato starch modified by moisture content and addition of lubricant
Authors: Stasiak Mateusz , Molenda Marek , Horabik Józef , Mueller Peter , Opaliński Ireneusz 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Laboratory testing was conducted to deliver a set of characteristics of structure and mechanical properties of pure starch and starch with an addition of a lubricant - magnesium stearate. Considerable influence of moisture content of potato starch was found in the case of density, parameters of internal friction, coefficients of wall friction and flowability. Elasticity was found to be strongly influenced by water content of the material. Addition of magnesium stearate affected density and parameters of flowability, internal friction and elasticity. Bulk density increased from 604 to 774 kg m-3 with decrease in moisture content of potato starch from 17 to for 6%. Addition of magnesium stearate resulted in approximately 10% decrease in bulk density. Angle of internal friction obtained for 10 kPa of consolidation stress decreased from 33 to 24º with increase in moisture content, and to approximately 22º with addition of the lubricant. With an increase of moisture content from 6 to 18% and with addition of the lubricant, the modulus of elasticity during loading decreased from approximately 1.0 to 0.1 MPa. Modulus of elasticity during unloading was found in the range from 19 to 42 MPa and increased with increase of moisture content and amount of lubricant.
Low Savings Rates in the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas): The Role of the Political Instability-Income Interaction
Authors: Abu Nurudeen , Karim Mohd Zaini Abd , Aziz Mukhriz Izraf Azman 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This paper employs PCSE, OLS and TSLS with random effects to investigate the impact of the political instabilityincome interaction on savings in ECOWAS countries during the period 1996-2012. The empirical evidence illustrates that higher political stability is associated with higher savings and income levels moderate the adverse effect of political instability on savings, indicating that the impact of political instability on savings is higher in low income ECOWAS countries, but lesser at higher levels of income. The paper recommends the promotion of political stability via increases in incomes to raise savings in the ECOWAS region.
The Landscape Ecological Impact of Afforestation on the British Uplands and Some Initiatives to Restore Native Woodland Cover
Authors: Bunce Robert G. H. , Wood Claire M. , Smart Simon M. , Oakley Rachel , Browning Gareth , Daniels Mike J. , Ashmole Philip , Cresswell John , Holl Kate 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The majority of forest cover in the British Uplands had been lost by the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, because of felling followed by overgrazing by sheep and deer. The situation remained unchanged until a government policy of afforestation, mainly by exotic conifers, after the First World War up to the present day. This paper analyses the distribution of these predominantly coniferous plantations, and shows how they occupy specific parts of upland landscapes in different zones throughout Britain Whilst some landscapes are dominated by these new forests, elsewhere the blocks of trees are more localised. Although these forests virtually eliminate native ground vegetation, except in rides and unplanted land, the major negative impacts are at the landscape level. For example, drainage systems are altered and ancient cultural landscape patterns are destroyed. These impacts are summarised and possible ways of amelioration are discussed. By contrast, in recent years, a series of projects have been set up to restore native forest cover, as opposed to the extensive plantations of exotic species. Accordingly, the paper then provides three examples of such initiatives designed to restore native forests to otherwise bare landscapes, as well as setting them into a policy context. Whilst such projects cover a limited proportion of the British Uplands they nevertheless restore forest to landscapes at a local level.
Evaluation of Parental Satisfaction of Children's Spaces Within High Rise Apartment Environments
Authors: Sharghi Ali , Maulan Suhardi Bin , Salleh Ilias Bin , Salim Azizah Salim Binti Syed , Sedghpour Bahram Saleh 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In the design process of open spaces within residential apartments, little attention is paid to children and their attitude to the environment is often ignored. Children, especially those who live in high-rise apartments, were found to have less connection with nature. Children supposedly need to engage in physical activities within outdoor areas, but urban planners, with the approval of managers or parents, must adequately design the open space for children. This paper initially reviews different research in this area. It consequently attempts to evaluate parental satisfaction regarding children's connectivity to open spaces as a dependent variable, and their preferences and perception of safety as independent variables. The research method is based on a questionnaire survey addressed to 261 parents and adults, in two localities in Tehran, Iran. The result of this research shows that parental attitude to open space has an effect on children's outdoor activities. Moreover, parents with young children express lower satisfaction to open spaces than those adults without young children. Families with children need open spaces in residential high-rise apartments for their siblings’ physical activities, and the designers should consider such an important need.
The Implementation of TRM Philosophy and 5Qs Model in Higher Education - An Exploratory Investigation at a Swedish University
Authors: Zineldin Mosad , Vasicheva Valiantsina 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Students, their families, employers and the government want the assurance that students will get “good quality” education. The question is: what does “good quality education” mean? This paper seeks to provide the answer as well as some concrete criteria and proposals to improve the objectives and quality of the education systems. We argue in this study that the quality of higher education and student satisfaction is a cumulative construct, summing various facets and variables of the educational institution, such as technical, functional, infrastructure, interaction and atmosphere variables. In this research we describe a study involving a new instrument, i.e. the 5Qs model and a new method which assures the reasonable level of relevance, validity and reliability, while being explicitly change-oriented. The main goal of the empirical part of this study is not to evaluate the performance of the staff or to analyze the student assessment or satisfaction, rather to test the new 5Qs model. The use of the 5Q dimensions provides both a structure for designing a higher education quality measurement instrument and a framework for prioritizing results and findings.
The Adoption of Management Systems Standards & Best Practices in Malaysia (Current and Future Trend)
Authors: Idris Mohd Azman , Aziz Nor Faridah Ab , Zailee Salliza 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Considers the extent to which Standards Based Management Systems and best practices are being successfully implemented in Malaysian organizations. A survey on Malaysian organizations was conducted in June 2011 and has produced 143 positive responses. Highlights the findings of the survey such as the status of ISO 9000, TQM, 5-S, QCCs and quality tools & techniques, the benefits and difficulties, best practices most frequently used and the future trend of Malaysian quality improvement activities. Also highlights a model for the implementation of TQM for Malaysian organizations.
Trust in Leadership for Sustaining Innovations: How Leaders Enact on Showing Trustworthiness
Authors: Savolainen Taina , López-Fresno Palmira 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In the environment of continuous change today, trust is needed more in most organizations but is enacted less. This paper discusses trust in leadership. Trust is the essence of leadership forming a foundation for functioning relationships and co-operation. Trust is intangible asset, a managerial skill, and an influencing power for leaders. Leadership by trust emphasizes trustful behavior towards employees. It can be defined as an interactive way of leading organizations for effectiveness and profitability. In this paper, we suggest that, it is trustworthiness in leader behavior that matters. Showing trustworthiness by competence, integrity, benevolence, and credibility makes a difference in daily leadership work and sustaining innovations. This paper focuses on how leaders enact on trust by showing trustworthiness to subordinates. Real life case examples are presented and their implications are discussed. In conclusion, leadership by trust matters in building innovative work environment. As to untrustworthy leader behavior, it is worth noting that building and sustaining trust is reciprocal in nature. A practical implication for leaders is that the development of an awareness of trustworthiness and skills for demonstrating it should be a top priority in the current business environment, which demands strong interaction, cooperation, and communication abilities.
Uni-Economic & Innovative Property Price Prediction in the HKSAR
Authors: Ho Samuel K. M. , Lau Marco C. K. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Historically, the study of the world's economy was classified into Micro-economics and Macroeconomics. Perhaps, contemporary economists should learn from the 'astronomists' about the universe which we are part of. We shall name this 'Uni-economics'. Many scientists have found that sunspots affect human behaviour. Some research findings even relate the 11 year periodic cycle to war and peace of mankind. It is also widely-known in the medical profession that sunspot radiation actually affects the physiology of our human body. With all these evidence in mind, the aim of this exploratory research paper is to investigate how sunspot activities can affect the investors' sentiment in the financial world since 1970 when the first post-war financial crisis was built up resulting from the oil crisis in the early '1970s. Time series techniques were deployed to track down the changes of Sunspot Counts over the last 44 years and their impact on the world's 4 main financial indices, i.e., S&P, FTSE, Nikkei & HSI. It was pretty astonishing to find out that, whilst there are insignificant correlations amongst the 4 financial indices over the period under investigation, the impact of the Sunspot Counts on them are highly significant, even on a day-to-day time series analysis. As a corrolary of the finding, the HK Property Market is used as a test case for the research output. It was interesting to find out that, apart from the Solar Minima, the Change-of-Slope from positive to negative also has a significant impact on the HK property prices. Hence, it was evident that there are 2 property clashes during the 11 year sunspot cycle, and their timing can be predicted pretty accurately (2014 & 2019) within +/- one year.
Achieve Sustainable Hospital Excellence Through 5-S in an Emergency Department in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsoi Vincent F. K. , Chan C. C. , Lau Y. W. , Tang Heyman 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
5-S is the first step towards TQM. Over the last century, the Japanese have formalised the technique and named it as 5-S Practice. Since 1993, Sam Ho has improved and defined its terms in English/Chinese and developed the world's first 5-S Audit Checklist. In the article, an emergency department of a Hong Kong hospital was examined against 5-S 50-point Checklist for the improvement of their quality assurance systems towards its accreditation process with Australian standards. The findings evidently reveal that the impact of 5-S on hospital quality assurance in the unit are positive. Riding on the above scenario, the research aim is to identify whether the 5-S practice is a suitable and effective tool for healthcare quality assurance in an emergency setting which is led towards its accreditation process set by other mechanisms.
Developing an Innovative Customer Relationship Management Model for Better Health Examination Service
Authors: Lyu JrJung , Chao Hai-Lun , Chen Chia-Wen , Huang Li-Yu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
People emphasize on their own health and wish to know more about their conditions. Chronic diseases now take up to 50 percent of top 10 causes of death. As a result, the health-care industry has emerged and kept thriving. This work adopts an innovative customer-oriented business model since most clients are proactive and spontaneous in taking the “distinguished” health examination programs. We adopt the soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM) to develop and to evaluate the steps of introducing customer relationship management model into a case health examination organization. Quantitative results are also presented for a case physical examination center and to assess the improved efficiency. The case study shows that the procedures developed here could provide a better service.
Social Responsibility is Free & Sustainable - Why Doing Good While Doing Business is Good Business
Authors: Peters John 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
CSR is good for business in two broad ways: the generation of revenues and investment through the creation of a positive image; and the avoidance of loss, through the avoidance of a negative image. We look in particular from a marketing and quality assurance position in taking this view of CSR as value creator and loss avoider. Specifically, how CSR relates to trust, and can be a driver of trust. Trust is a crucial area of business, not particularly well-explored in the literature. Trust relates to how an organization relates to its investors, its employees, its recruits, its customers, and even its regulators. Trust is a key factor in facilitating transactions and building sustainable relationships.
T-junction droplet generator realised in lithium niobate crystals by laser ablation
Authors: Pozza G. , Kroesen S. , Bettella G. , Zaltron A. , Esseling M. , Mistura G. , Sartori P. , Chiarello E. , Pierno M. , Denz C. , Sada C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA femtosecond laser at 800 nm was used to create micro-fluidic circuits on lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrates by means of laser ablation, using different scanning velocities (100-500 μm/s) and laser pulse energies (1-20 μJ). The T-junction geometry was exploited to create on y-cut LiNbO3 crystals a droplet generator, whose microfluidic performance was characterized in a wide range of droplet generation frequencies, from few Hz to about 1 kHz.
Multimode Sensor of Fluids Based on Porous Film
Authors: Raicevic Nevena , Maluckov Aleksandra , Petrovic Jovana 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMultimode interferometers are coming of age both as sensors and components of quantum circuits.Here we investigate an interferometer based on a porous thinfilm sensor of refractive index of fluids. Eigenmode analysis is used to identify effective single- and multi-mode sensing regimes and the corresponding realizations of interferometer. A general measure in a form of Fisher information is introduced to describe the impact of the film porosity on sensitivity and nonlinearity of the interferometer. As high sensitivity relies on formation of a highly peaked mode in the film, a parallel with plasmonic sensors is drawn. Close correlations between the sensor nonlinearity, mode profile and the shape of Fisher information function indicate the potential of this measure in describing complex non-Gaussian multimode structures
Ozone decomposition on ZnO catalysts obtained from different precursors
Authors: Milenova Katya I. , Nikolov Penko M. , Kasabova Nikoleta A. , Avramova Ivalina A. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Kinetic investigations for ozone conversion on three different series of zinc oxide catalysts, containing pure ZnO and doped with Mn or Cu one with dopant content less than 1 wt.% were carried out. The different samples were obtained from carbonate, nitrate and acetate precursors. The as prepared catalysts were characterized by AAS, XRD, IR, EPR and BET methods. The mean size of the crystallites determined by XRD data is in the range 27÷68 nm. The presence of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions into the ZnO matrix was established by EPR. The ozone decomposition was investigated for 30÷75°C temperature range. The zinc carbonate precursor samples show highest activity, while the nitrate precursor ones show lowest activity toward reaction decomposition of ozone in the whole temperature range. At 75°C two of the catalyst, obtained from carbonate precursor - ZnO and CuZnO show 100% conversion.
Forms of Physical Activity of Biała Podlaska Preschool Children
Authors: Gradus Paulina , Benza Ewa , Rybak Olga , Krzysztoń Paweł , Batorzyńska Paulina , Plandowska Magdalena , Kurpeta Wiesław Lech 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Physical activity is fundamental to children's all-round development in the first six years of their life. It is particularly significant in preschool age, when the need for movement is predominant. Psychomotor development, conditioned by children's innate abilities and their own activity, depends upon the influence of external surroundings as well as parental upbringing and preschool education. The aim of the study was to obtain data regarding physical activity (both structured and unstructured) of children during their stay in a kindergarten. Material and methods. The study was conducted in five state kindergartens situated in four main housing estates of Bia³a Podlaska. It included 11 groups of older preschool children. It was a diagnostic study. A diagnostic poll method employed in the study included interviews with teachers, lesson observations (during one day) and document analyses (programmes and class registers). Results. During their stay in a kindergarten children take part in physical activities for 1.5 hours a day. During this period they participate in obligatory forms of physical activity such as morning gymnastics, movement plays, outdoor activities and gymnastic exercises. Furthermore, optional movement activities are organised in kindergartens (different forms in different kindergartens). Such extra classes enable children to be physically active for over two more hours per week. Conclusions. In terms of caring about health and motor development of children, not all elements of preschool education programmes are fully realised. Training sessions, workshops and lectures showing diverse forms of physical activity for children ought to be organised for preschool teachers.
Management Methods and Concepts for Building Competitive Advantage in Hospitality Companies
Authors: Gierczak Beata 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Competitive advantage determines the success of modern enterprises, such as hospitality companies, on the market. In turn, competitive advantage is gained as the result of skillful management, taking into account the factors that characterize the company environment. In the management process, methods and concepts that, when properly applied, facilitate the company's innovative activities play the key role, thus contributing to building competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to specify and characterize the methods and management concepts most commonly used by hospitality companies in the process of building competitive advantage. The core benefit of these considerations is that they serve to identify those activities of hospitality companies in which the analyzed methods and concepts found practical application. The final part of the article is devoted to an attempt to identify barriers and problems that significantly limit the use of these methods and concepts. Material and methods. In order to achieve this objective, a survey and interviews were carried out in all three- and four-star hotels in the Rzeszów area in the first quarter of 2012. Results. The results revealed that the concept most commonly used by hoteliers was knowledge-based organization (knowledge management), followed by outsourcing, benchmarking and internal competition, respectively. Conclusions. The study also demonstrated that the managers of these hospitality companies significantly lacked substantive knowledge of emerging “market” management methods and concepts.
Détection du contenu d'amphores antiques (huiles, vin). Etude méthodologique
Authors: Condamin Jeanne , Formenti Françoise 
Published: November 2014

Diverses rechercher, ont été entreprises * :n vue de déterminer le contenu initial d'amphores à partir de traces organiques laissées dans les parois , Une méthode utilisant essentiellement la technique de la chromatographies en phase gazeuse a été mise au point pour la recherche d'huile d'olive . Elle parait applicable des à présent à la résolution de certains problèmes archéologiques.
D'autre part , l'identification d'un certain nombre de composés caractéristiques du vin a été réalisée sur le contenu d'amphores provenant de fouilles sous-marines grâce à différentes techniques chromatographies . Il a été possible de reconnaître l'acide tartrique et des tanins . Quand ce contenu vineux a disparu , il s'agit alors de retrouver des traces de ces composés absorbés sur l'enduit qui recouvre la paroi interne des amphores à vin . Notre premier travail a été de reconnaître ces enduits. Il s'agit , dans les échantillons testés , d'enduits d'origine végétale : ce sont des résines de pins.
Problèmes posés par la datation au radiocarbone au delà de 40 000 BP
Authors: Marien Gérard , Evin Jacques 
Published: November 2014

The determination of a C14 age beyond 40 000 years BP becomes the detecting of an activity of less than 0,70 % of the N.B. S reference standart . The technical difficulties are discussed :
- elimination of contaminants ,
- chemical preparation of samples of a large volume ,
- problems posed by the measurement of radioactivity of aery low level.
A few measurements are given and certain previously published results are discussed.
Fouille et datation d'un four médiéval à Trans (Ille et Vilaine)
Authors: Langouet Loïc , Mouton Daniel , Nourry-Denayer Françoise , Pozzi Jean-Pierre , Ricq-de Bouard Monique , Valladas Hélène 
Published: November 2014

A Trans (Ille et Vilaine) , une fouille de sauvetage a permis d'explorer un four médiéval et un dépotoir associé et de recueillir un mobilier important représentatif de la production . La recherche de la date de fonctionnement de cet atelier et des conditions d'abandon du site a été le départ d'une collaboration entre des spécialistes de techniques scientifiques (thermoluminescence , archéomagnétisme, C 14) et les archéologues.
Les grandeurs physiques obtenues , rapprochées des caractéristiques typologiques de la céramique , ont permis de faire avancer les connaissances sur une production locale du Xème siècle. Avec une organisation simple , facile à mettre en peuvre , des études coopératives de fors de potiers , découverts en France , feraient avancer nos connaissances sur des poteries susceptibles de servir d'éléments chronologiques sûrs dans d'autres chantiers de fouilles.
De l'utilité du relevé des caractéristiques des cernes ou "skeleton plot" en dendrochronologie
Authors: Serre-Bachet Françoise 
Published: November 2014

The useful application of dendrochronology depends on the use of replicated sequences each with at least fifty rings. In order to give a precise date, whether it be absolute or relative, to each of the rings of a series it is necessary to compare all the available series.
This comparison is facilitated by the use of the "skeleton plot" (relevé des caractéristiques) of each of the ring series studied. The "skeleton plot" comparison also helps in the identification of anomalies of structure such as absent rings or false rings which tree-ring series may display. Thus the "skeleton plot" is useful for both the identification of rings and in dating.