Abstract: Presently, it is necessary to ensure the sustainable
development of passenger and freight transport. Increasing
performance of road freight has had a negative impact to environment
and society. It is therefore necessary to increase the competitiveness
of intermodal transport, which is more environmentally friendly. The
study describes the effectiveness of logistical centers realization for
companies and society and research how the partial internalization of
external costs reflected in the efficient use of these centers and
increase the competitiveness of intermodal transport to road freight.
In our research, we use the method of comparative analysis and
market research to describe the advantages of logistic centers for their
users as well as for society as a whole. Method normal costing is used
for calculation infrastructure and total costs, method of conversion
costing for determine the external costs. We modelled total society
costs for road freight transport and inter modal transport chain (we
assumed that most of the traffic is carried by rail) with different
loading schemes for condition in the Slovak Republic. Our research
has shown that higher utilization of inter modal transport chain do
good not only for society, but for companies providing freight
services too. Increase in use of inter modal transport chain can bring
many benefits to society that do not bring direct immediate financial
return. They often bring the multiplier effects, such as greater use of
environmentally friendly transport mode and reduce the total society
costs.
Abstract: This paper describes the problem of building secure
computational services for encrypted information in the Cloud
Computing without decrypting the encrypted data; therefore, it meets
the yearning of computational encryption algorithmic aspiration
model that could enhance the security of big data for privacy,
confidentiality, availability of the users. The cryptographic model
applied for the computational process of the encrypted data is the
Fully Homomorphic Encryption Scheme. We contribute a theoretical
presentations in a high-level computational processes that are based
on number theory and algebra that can easily be integrated and
leveraged in the Cloud computing with detail theoretic mathematical
concepts to the fully homomorphic encryption models. This
contribution enhances the full implementation of big data analytics
based cryptographic security algorithm.
Abstract: This article deals with geographical conditions in
terrain and their effect on the movement of vehicles, their effect on
speed and safety of movement of people and vehicles. Finding of the
optimal routes outside the communication is studied in the Army
environment, but it occur in civilian as well, primarily in crisis
situation, or by the provision of assistance when natural disasters
such as floods, fires, storms etc., have happened. These movements
require the optimization of routes when effects of geographical
factors should be included. The most important factor is the surface
of a terrain. It is based on several geographical factors as are slopes,
soil conditions, micro-relief, a type of surface and meteorological
conditions. Their mutual impact has been given by coefficient of
deceleration. This coefficient can be used for the commander`s
decision. New approaches and methods of terrain testing,
mathematical computing, mathematical statistics or cartometric
investigation are necessary parts of this evaluation.
Abstract: In this study, we compare the profiles of transitory
hybrid entrepreneurs and persistent hybrid entrepreneurs to determine
how they differ. Hybrid entrepreneurs (HEs) represent a significant
share of entrepreneurial activity yet little is known about them. We
define HEs as individuals who are active as entrepreneurs but do no
support themselves primarily by their enterprise. Persistent HEs
(PHEs) are not planning to transition to fulltime entrepreneurship
whereas transitory HEs (THEs) consider it probable. Our results
show that THEs and PHEs are quite similar in background. THEs are
more interested in increasing their turnover than PHEs, as expected,
but also emphasize self-fulfillment as a motive for entrepreneurship
more than PHEs. The clearest differences between THEs and PHEs
are found in their views on how well their immediate circle supports
full-time entrepreneurship, and their views of their own
entrepreneurial abilities and the market potential of their firm. Our
results support earlier arguments that hybrids should be considered
separately in research on entrepreneurial entry and self-employment.
Abstract: Natural hydrocarbon seepage has helped petroleum
exploration as a direct indicator of gas and/or oil subsurface
accumulations. Surface macro-seeps are generally an indication of a
fault in an active Petroleum Seepage System belonging to a Total
Petroleum System. This paper describes a case study in which
multiple analytical techniques were used to identify and characterize
trace petroleum-related hydrocarbons and other volatile organic
compounds in groundwater samples collected from Sousse aquifer
(Central Tunisia). The analytical techniques used for analyses of
water samples included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS),
capillary GC with flame-ionization detection, Compound
Specific Isotope Analysis, Rock Eval Pyrolysis. The objective of the
study was to confirm the presence of gasoline and other petroleum
products or other volatile organic pollutants in those samples in order
to assess the respective implication of each of the potentially
responsible parties to the contamination of the aquifer. In addition,
the degree of contamination at different depths in the aquifer was also
of interest. The oil and gas seeps have been investigated using
biomarker and stable carbon isotope analyses to perform oil-oil and
oil-source rock correlations. The seepage gases are characterized by
high CH4 content, very low δ13CCH4 values (-71,9 ‰) and high
C1/C1–5 ratios (0.95–1.0), light deuterium–hydrogen isotope ratios (-
198 ‰) and light δ13CC2 and δ13CCO2 values (-23,8‰ and-23,8‰
respectively) indicating a thermogenic origin with the contribution of
the biogenic gas. An organic geochemistry study was carried out on
the more ten oil seep samples. This study includes light hydrocarbon
and biomarkers analyses (hopanes, steranes, n-alkanes, acyclic
isoprenoids, and aromatic steroids) using GC and GC-MS. The
studied samples show at least two distinct families, suggesting two
different types of crude oil origins: the first oil seeps appears to be
highly mature, showing evidence of chemical and/or biological
degradation and was derived from a clay-rich source rock deposited
in suboxic conditions. It has been sourced mainly by the lower
Fahdene (Albian) source rocks. The second oil seeps was derived
from a carbonate-rich source rock deposited in anoxic conditions,
well correlated with the Bahloul (Cenomanian-Turonian) source rock.
Abstract: Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) coupled with
Case Based Reasoning (CBR) is a paradigm that is becoming
increasingly popular in the diagnosis and therapy planning of medical
ailments utilizing the digital content of medical images. This paper
presents a survey of some of the promising approaches used in the
detection of abnormalities in retina images as well in
mammographic screening and detection of regions of interest
in MRI scans of the brain. We also describe our proposed
algorithm to detect hard exudates in fundus images of the
retina of Diabetic Retinopathy patients.
Abstract: The composite pavement system considered in this
paper is composed of a functional surface layer, a fiber reinforced
asphalt middle layer and a fiber reinforced lean concrete base layer.
The mix design of the fiber reinforced lean concrete corresponds to the
mix composition of conventional lean concrete but reinforced by
fibers. The quasi-absence of research on the durability or long-term
performances (fatigue, creep, etc.) of such mix design stresses the
necessity to evaluate experimentally the long-term characteristics of
this layer composition. This study tests the creep characteristics as one
of the long-term characteristics of the fiber reinforced lean concrete
layer for composite pavement using a new creep device. The test
results reveal that the lean concrete mixed with fiber reinforcement
and fly ash develops smaller creep than the conventional lean
concrete. The results of the application of the CEB-FIP prediction
equation indicate that a modified creep prediction equation should be
developed to fit with the new mix design of the layer.
Abstract: The present work analyses different parameters of end
milling to minimize the surface roughness for AISI D2 steel. D2 Steel
is generally used for stamping or forming dies, punches, forming
rolls, knives, slitters, shear blades, tools, scrap choppers, tyre
shredders etc. Surface roughness is one of the main indices that
determines the quality of machined products and is influenced by
various cutting parameters. In machining operations, achieving
desired surface quality by optimization of machining parameters, is a
challenging job. In case of mating components the surface roughness
become more essential and is influenced by the cutting parameters,
because, these quality structures are highly correlated and are
expected to be influenced directly or indirectly by the direct effect of
process parameters or their interactive effects (i.e. on process
environment). In this work, the effects of selected process parameters
on surface roughness and subsequent setting of parameters with the
levels have been accomplished by Taguchi’s parameter design
approach. The experiments have been performed as per the
combination of levels of different process parameters suggested by
L9 orthogonal array. Experimental investigation of the end milling of
AISI D2 steel with carbide tool by varying feed, speed and depth of
cut and the surface roughness has been measured using surface
roughness tester. Analyses of variance have been performed for mean
and signal-to-noise ratio to estimate the contribution of the different
process parameters on the process.
Abstract: Flow blockages referring to the increase in flow are
being considered as a vital equipment for marine current energy
conversion. However, the shape of these devices will result in
extracted energy under the operation. The present work investigates
the effect of two configurations of a grating, convergent and
divergent that located upstream, to the water flow velocity. The flow
characteristics are studied by Computational Fluid Dynamic
simulation by using the ANSYS Fluent solver for these specified
arrangements of the grating. The results indicate that distinguished
characteristics of flow velocity between “convergent” and
“divergent” grating placements is up to 10% in confined conditions.
Furthermore, the velocity in case of convergent grating is higher
than that of divergent grating.
Abstract: Game theory is the study of how people interact and
make decisions to handle competitive situations. It has mainly been
developed to study decision making in complex situations. Humans
routinely alter their behaviour in response to changes in their social
and physical environment. As a consequence, the outcomes of
decisions that depend on the behaviour of multiple decision makers
are difficult to predict and require highly adaptive decision-making
strategies. In addition to the decision makers may have preferences
regarding consequences to other individuals and choose their actions
to improve or reduce the well-being of others. Nash equilibrium is a
fundamental concept in the theory of games and the most widely used
method of predicting the outcome of a strategic interaction in the
social sciences. A Nash Equilibrium exists when there is no unilateral
profitable deviation from any of the players involved. On the other
hand, no player in the game would take a different action as long as
every other player remains the same.
Abstract: This paper presents Finite Element Method (FEM) for
analyzing the internal responses generated in thin rectangular plates
with various edge conditions and rigidity conditions. Comparison has
been made between the FEM (ANSYS software) results for
displacement, stresses and moments generated with and without the
consideration of hole in plate and different aspect ratios. In the end
comparison for responses in plain and composite square plates has
been studied.
Abstract: Planning of infrastructure and processes in logistic
center within the frame of various kinds of logistic hubs and
technological activities in them represent quite complex problem.
The main goal is to design appropriate layout, which enables to
realize expected operation on the desired levels. The simulation
software represents progressive contemporary experimental
technique, which can support complex processes of infrastructure
planning and all of activities on it. It means that simulation
experiments, reflecting various planned infrastructure variants,
investigate and verify their eligibilities in relation with corresponding
expected operation. The inducted approach enables to make qualified
decisions about infrastructure investments or measures, which derive
benefit from simulation-based verifications. The paper represents
simulation software for simulation infrastructural layout and
technological activities in marshalling yard, intermodal terminal,
warehouse and combination between them as the parts of logistic
center.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to select the most accurate
forecasting method for predicting the future values of the
unemployment rate in selected European countries. In order to do so,
several forecasting techniques adequate for forecasting time series
with trend component, were selected, namely: double exponential
smoothing (also known as Holt`s method) and Holt-Winters` method
which accounts for trend and seasonality. The results of the empirical
analysis showed that the optimal model for forecasting
unemployment rate in Greece was Holt-Winters` additive method. In
the case of Spain, according to MAPE, the optimal model was double
exponential smoothing model. Furthermore, for Croatia and Italy the
best forecasting model for unemployment rate was Holt-Winters`
multiplicative model, whereas in the case of Portugal the best model
to forecast unemployment rate was Double exponential smoothing
model. Our findings are in line with European Commission
unemployment rate estimates.
Abstract: Housing loans play an important role in CEE
countries’ economies. This fact is based on their share in total loans
to households and their importance for economic activity and growth
in CEE countries. Therefore, it is important to find out key
determinants of housing loans demand in these countries. The aim of
this study is to research and analyze the determinants of the demand
for housing loans in Croatia. In this regard, the effect of economic
activity, loan terms and real estate prices were analyzed. Also, the
aim of this study is to find out what motivates people to take housing
loans. Therefore, primarily empirical study was conducted among the
Croatian residents. The results show that demand for housing loans is
positively affected by economic growth, higher personal income and
flexible loan terms, while it is negatively affected by interest rate rise.
Abstract: The pursuit of the MPPT has led to the development of many kinds of controllers, one of which is the Fuzzy Logic controller, which has proven its worth. To further tune this controller this paper will discuss and analyze the use of Genetic Algorithms to tune the Fuzzy Logic Controller. It will provide an introduction to both systems, and test their compatibility and performance.
Abstract: From the past earthquake events, many people get hurt at the exit while they are trying to go out of the buildings because of the exit doors are unable to be opened. The door is not opened because it deviates from its the original position. The aim of this research is to develop and evaluate a new type safety door that keeps the door frame in its original position or keeps its edge angles perpendicular during and post-earthquake. The proposed door is composed of three components: outer frame joined to the wall, inner frame (door frame) and circular hollow section connected to the inner and outer frame which is used as seismic energy dissipating device.
Abstract: The impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has
been analyzed for many years by researchers. There are lot of
theoretical studies proving the SEZs importance for regional
development, however, there is lack of empirical studies (and they
are mainly focused on China market) that are based on available data.
The theoretical studies indicate the various impacts of enterprises
operating within SEZs on the economy. The article proves that, in
case of Poland, locating SEZs in municipalities is an important part
of increasing municipalities’ income. Therefore SEZs have a positive
impact on regional development. Municipality income is understood
as taxes paid by taxpayers who depend on SEZ companies’
performance. The analysis includes the Corporate Income Tax (CIT),
Personal Income Tax (PIT) and real estate tax. The effects of SEZs
on regional development were narrowed to a few variables that are
most significant for the financial system. The analysis indicates the
significant impact of SEZs on the amount of taxes influencing the
municipality budget.
Abstract: Future mobile networks following 5th generation will
be characterized by one thousand times higher gains in capacity;
connections for at least one hundred billion devices; user experience
capable of extremely low latency and response times. To be close to
the capacity requirements and higher reliability, advanced
technologies have been studied, such as multiple connectivity, small
cell enhancement, heterogeneous networking, and advanced
interference and mobility management. This paper is focused on the
multiple connectivity in heterogeneous cellular networks. We
investigate the performance of coverage and user throughput in several
deployment scenarios. Using the stochastic geometry approach, the
SINR distributions and the coverage probabilities are derived in case
of dual connection. Also, to compare the user throughput enhancement
among the deployment scenarios, we calculate the spectral efficiency
and discuss our results.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyze the role and
effectiveness of internal mechanism (audit committee) of corporate
governance on credit institutions performance in Croatia. Based on
research objective, sample of 78 credit institutions listed on Zagreb
Stock Exchange, from 2007 to 2012, has been collected and
efficiency index of audit committee (EIAC) has been created. Based
on the sample and created EIAC, conclusions are as follows: audit
committees of credit institutions have medium efficiency, based on
EIAC measurement; there is a significant difference in audit
committee effectiveness, in observed period; there is no positive
relationship between audit committee effectiveness and credit
institution performance; there is a significant difference between
level of audit committee effectiveness and audit firm type. Future
research should contain increased number of elements in EIAC
creation and increased sample, for all obligators who need to
establish audit committee.
Abstract: Absorptive capacity generally facilitates the adoption
of innovation. How does this relationship change when economic
return is not the sole driver of innovation uptake? We investigate
whether absorptive capacity facilitates the adoption of green
innovation based on a survey of 79 construction companies in
Scotland. Based on the results of multiple regression analyses, we
confirm that existing knowledge utilisation (EKU), knowledge
building (KB) and external knowledge acquisition (EKA) are
significant predictors of green process GP), green administrative
(GA) and green technical innovation (GT), respectively. We discuss
the implications for theories of innovation adoption and knowledge
enhancement associated with environmentally-friendly practices.