bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Study of Acoustic Comfort in Open Space Banks Based on Speech Intelligibility and Noise Annoyance Measures
Authors: Golmohammadi Rostam , Aliabadi Mohsen , Nezami Trifah 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Tasks requiring intensive concentration are more vulnerable to noise than routine tasks. Due to the high mental workload of bank employees, this study aimed to evaluate acoustic comfort in open-space banks based on speech intelligibility and noise annoyance metrics. Acoustic metrics including preferred noise criterion (PNC), speech transmission index (STI), and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were measured in seventeen banks (located in Hamadan, a western province of Iran). For subjective noise annoyance assessments, 100-point noise annoyance scales were completed by bank employees during activities. Based on STI (0.56±0.09) and SNR (20.5±8.2 dB) values, it was found that speech intelligibilities in the workstations of banks were higher than the satisfactory level. However, PNC values in bank spaces were 48.2±5.5 dB, which is higher than the recommended limit value for public spaces. In this regard, 95% of the employees are annoyed by background noise levels. The results show irrelevant speech is the main source of subjective noise annoyance among employees. Loss of concentration is the main consequence of background noise levels for employees. The results confirmed that acoustic properties of bank spaces provide enough speech intelligibility, while staff’s noise annoyance is not acceptable. It can be concluded that due to proximity of workstations in open-space banks, access to very short distraction distance is necessary. Therefore, increasing speech privacy can be prioritised to speech intelligibility. It is recommended that current desk screens are redesigned in order to reduce irrelevant speech between nearby workstations. Staff’s training about acoustic comfort can also manage irrelevant speech characteristics during work time.
Increasing the quality of health management in Romania through specific consultancy services
Authors: Tucmeanu A. I. , Popescu Delia Mioara , Ionescu Elena Valentina , Oprea Carmen , Mociu A. , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Health management consultancy has become an important source of innovation in management, a bridge between the academic environment, companies and opinion-makers in the field. The objective of this work is to identify the success factors of a consultancy mission within the health system, with the proposal of direct investigation of the hypothesis regarding the positive association between the success of consultancy missions and the consultant’s professional integrity. The survey was carried out during January and February 2017, in Bucharest health units, by applying questionnaires to 68 managers both in the public and private system. The analyzed parameters were: the consultant’s professional integrity, the consultant's competency, the relations with the consultant, the correct definition of the mission, available financial resources, term observance, and related costs. The information obtained was statistically processed using the SPSS system. The answer options to the items in the questionnaire allowed statistical correlations, verifying the survey hypothesis regarding the association between success and professional integrity. Any consultancy mission entails negotiation skills from the consultant, as well as an open attitude, listening and communications skills. The environment created by the manager can even further influence the change acceptance.
Phylogenetic community structure of fungal endophytes in seagrass species
Authors: Supaphon Preuttiporn , Phongpaichit Souwalak , Sakayaroj Jariya , Rukachaisirikul Vatcharin , Kobmoo Noppol , Spatafora Joseph W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA total of 81 fungal endophytes were isolated from four seagrass species:
On the critical determinants of certain star bodies
Authors: Nowak Werner Georg 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In a classic paper [14], W.G. Spohn established the to-date sharpest estimates from below for the simultaneous Diophantine approximation constants for three and more real numbers. As a by-result of his method which used Blichfeldt’s Theorem and the calculus of variations, he derived a bound for the critical determinant of the star body
|x1|(|x1|3 + |x2|3 + |x3|3 ≤ 1.
In this little note, after a brief exposition of the basics of the geometry of numbers and its significance for Diophantine approximation, this latter result is improved and extended to the star body
|x1|(|x1|3 + |x2
2 + x3
2)3/2≤ 1.
Equivariant character correspondences and inductive McKay condition for type A
Authors: Cabanes Marc , Späth Britta 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
As a step to establish the
McKay conjecture on character degrees of finite groups, we verify the inductive McKay condition introduced by Isaacs–Malle–Navarro for simple groups of Lie type

𝖠

n
-
1

{\mathsf{A}_{n-1}}

, split or twisted. Key to the proofs is the study of certain characters of

SL
n

⁢

(
q
)

{{\mathrm{SL}}_{n}(q)}

and

SU
n

⁢

(
q
)

{{\mathrm{SU}}_{n}(q)}

related to generalized Gelfand–Graev representations. As a by-product we can show that a Jordan decomposition for the characters of the latter groups is equivariant under outer
automorphisms. Many ideas seem applicable to other Lie types.
Functional transformation of Albanian and Serbian settlements in the Presheva Valley, Serbia
Authors: Ejupi Arsim 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The aim of this research was to analyse the functional transformation of settlements in the Presheva Valley and the main factors that have affected on these changes. Among the many factors that determine the trend and the rhythm of functional transformation, we have chosen to analyse the relationship between the functional transformation and the ethnic structure of the region. Presheva Valley is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with Morava Valley to the north and Vardar Valley to the south. It has an Albanian population who currently make up around 80 percent of the region’s population. It includes 67 settlements inhabited by an Albanian population and 71 settlements inhabited by a Serbian population. The Valley was, and remains, the most underdeveloped region in Serbia and the Balkans: the Albanian-inhabited areas are more than 7 times less developed than the average of Serbia. The first part of the article analyses the functional transformation of the settlements inhabited by Albanians, while the second part depicts a comparison of functional transformation between Albanian and Serbian settlements. The analysis is based on census data from 1971 and 2002. Comparison of statistical data of the population by activity within the 30 year period and mapping of statistical data of population by activity indicates a very slow functional transformation of the settlements in the Presheva Valley.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing LRTI in Najaf, Iraq
Authors: Motaweq Zahraa Y. , Naher Habeeb S. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
During the period from February 2013 to April 2014, 74 (12.3%) isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae were isolated from 600 patients (359 males and 241 females) with clinical symptoms of Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (pneumonia and COPD) obtained from Najaf/Iraq Hospitals. Patients in the age groups 51-60 years had a high percentage of S. pneumoniae isolates (19.7%) compared with other age groups with a significant variation (P<0.05) between them. Males (54%) showed a higher percentage of S. pneumoniae isolates than females (45.9%) with no significant variation (P>0.05). Smokers have been shown to have increased risk to LRTI than non-smokers (P>0.05), and there was no significant variation between Urban and Rural (56.8:43.2%) patients. S. pneumoniae showed different susceptibilities towards antibiotics used in this study. The highest rate of resistance was against erythromycin (100%), azithromycin (83.8%), clindamycin (83.8%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethaxzol (81.1%) and moderate resistance to ceftriaxone (67.6%), cefotaxime (64.9%), chloramphenicol (64.9%), tetracycline (59.5%) and benzylpenicillin (45.9%) whereas there was a relatively lower resistance towards others. The results of this study showed that S. pneumoniae isolates were found to be remarkable sensitive to Vancomycin (100%) and Imipenem (100%). In this study, sixteen antibiotics were tested for (MIC) against 37 S. pneumoniae isolates by using Vitek-2 antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) cards (41497) AST-GP74. 100% and 83.8% of S. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to erythromycin and SXT with MIC ≥1 mg/ml and 4/76 mg/ml of these antibiotic respectively, and moderately resistant to cefotaxime 64.9%, ceftriaxone 64.9% and chloramphenicol 64.9% with MIC 4 mg/ml for CTX and CRO each one, and MIC 8 mg/ml for C only. All isolates showed 100% sensitivity for each of Vancomycin and Erythromycin with MIC mg/ml and ≤1 mg/ml and ≤2 mg/ml, respectively. S. pneumoniae isolates showed a high rate of sensitivity to Ertapenem 97.3% with MIC ≤1 mg/ml, Telithromycin 89.2% with MIC ≤1, Meropenem 86.5% with MIC ≤0.25 mg/ml.
Impact of Fund Managers Changes on Polish Equity Funds Performance
Authors: Asyngier Roman , Miziołek Tomasz 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Purpose - the aim of the article was an analysis of the returns of universal Polish equity investment funds before and after the change of portfolio managers. The article deals with the following research problem: how the replacement of investment fund managers impacts the results of Polish equity funds. Methodology - the research methodology which used the indexes of relative strength allows determining the abnormal returns of funds in relation to the WIG Index before and after the change of managers. Findings - the analyses showed negative abnormal returns before changing managers and ambiguous tendencies after the change of managers. Originality - this kind of study has not been conducted for the Polish capital market so far.
A Comparison of Global Financial Market Recovery after the 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Foo Jennifer , Witkowska Dorota 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The Financial Crisis of 2007-2009 plunged countries into a Great Recession and focused the world’s attention on the global stock markets. The global contagion has a major impact on global stock markets, with the U.S. DJIA falling to 6,547.05 on March 9, 2009 from a high of 14,164.53 on October 9, 2007, with a loss of more than 54%. Other stock markets also had a precipitous drop during the financial crisis. However, some equity markets have recovered while others have not. This paper looks at how global markets compared in their recovery. This paper also investigates the advanced countries’ recovery relative to the emerging and developing countries in the aftermath of the financial crisis and their ability to climb back to the pre-financial crisis levels. Analysis is provided for 31 stock indexes from January 2005 to March 2013. In 2013 the majority of analysed stock markets recovered from the crises regardless of if they belong to the group of developed or emerging markets.
Optimal Distribution of Production Tasks in a Concern
Authors: Grzesiak Stefan 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The problem of the optimal distribution of production tasks within a large business entity (a concern, a corporation) is discussed in this paper. The fundamental aim is to determine such a distribution of production tasks that minimizes total production costs. For this purpose the author proposes an approach that takes into account Lagrange multipliers. The author formulates the conditions for the application of such an approach and the option of its possible application in practice.
Cognitive Neuroscience Tools in Economic Experiments Investigating the Decision Making Process
Authors: Borawska Anna 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExperimental economics utilises a lot of different techniques to support its research. Applying computers and IT has already become common. As a novel approach the use of cognitive neuroscience tools is now being considered. Investigating the neurophysiological signals of experiment participants can give researchers a deeper insight into a decision making process. The aim of the article is to show how neuroscience techniques can contribute to economic experiments, especially those concerning decision making. The overview and presentation of the possibilities of such tools is shown regarding different stages of the decision making process and related experimental studies. The proposed analysis could allow for the better design of economic experiments conducted with the use of the most up-to date technology available.
On the oscillatory behavior of solutions of higher order nonlinear fractional differential equations
Authors: Grace Said R. , Tunç Ercan 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The study of oscillation theory for fractional differential
equations has been initiated by Grace et al. [5]. In this
paper we establish some new criteria for the oscillation of
fractional differential equations with the Caputo derivative of the form

D
a
r

C

⁢
x
⁢

(
t
)

=

e
⁢

(
t
)

+

f
⁢

(
t
,

x
⁢

(
t
)

)

,

t
>
0

,

a
>
1

{{}^{C}D_{a}^{r}x(t)=e(t)+f(t,x(t)),t>0,a>1}

,
where

r
=

α
+
n

-
1

,

α
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{r=\alpha+n-1,\alpha\in(0,1)}

, and

n
≥
1

{n\geq 1}

is a natural number. We also present the conditions under which all solutions
of this equation are asymptotic to

t

n
-
1

{t^{n-1}}

as

t
→
∞

{t\to\infty}

.
Production of novel applicable derivatives from biodiesel glycerin
Authors: Abrishamkar Afshin , Isenmann Armin Franz , Abrishamkar Amin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Glycerin (glycerol) is a co-product of biodiesel production that is widely produced and is available at a low cost. To date, various applications have been investigated and introduced for biodiesel glycerin. In this study, a number of valuable products were produced using biodiesel glycerin and formic acid as the main reactants. Allyl alcohol is one of the valuable chemicals produced from glycerin monoformate. Efficient production of this product requires successful completion of the first section of the reaction, which is an equilibrium reaction. The highest feasible yield achieved was about 83% (based on the consumption of formic acid) at 120–140°C without the addition of any catalysts. Also, the esterification reaction was further investigated at room temperature, where the equilibrium state was reached with a yield of 55% after only 4 h. Moreover, the addition of urea to the reaction with the aim of producing the other two side products, i.e. diformyl urea and glycerin carbonate, in addition to glycerin monoformate, was studied. The results showed that considerable amounts of applicable byproducts, e.g. formamid, are also produced, making the process even more economical.
Identification of common words to improve self-confidence in Japanese students with subthreshold depression
Authors: Takahashi Kana , Takada Koki , Inoue Aimi , Ohno Shotaro , Tanigawa Masaru , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Uchida Hiroyuki , Hirao Kazuki 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
Subthreshold depression (StD) is more common than major depressive disorder.

Objective
The study aimed to identify common words to improve self-confidence in Japanese university students with StD for developing a smartphone application to help those with StD.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, words participants used to improve their self-confidence were gathered using self-report questionnaires in 154 university students in Japan. The words used to improve self-confidence were categorized using a computerized text analysis method based on the frequency of appearance.

Results
Participants were 154 male and females [StD group (n = 82) and healthy control (HC) group (n = 72); median age = 20 years]. A total of 290 words for improving self-confidence were identified. In the StD group, the keywords that appeared with the highest frequencies were “can”, “let’s try”, “good luck”, “able”, and “don’t worry”. The keywords that occurred with the highest frequencies (the top eight) were common across both groups. The keywords were grouped into eight categories. The “encouragement” and “praise” categories were found in the responses of more than 80% of participants in both groups. Frequencies of the “determination” and “trust” categories were significantly higher in the StD group than in the HC group.

Conclusions
We conclude that “can”, “let’s try”, and “good luck” are the most common words that Japanese students with StD use when describing how they improve their self-confidence. Future work will use these common words to develop a smartphone application to help those suffering from StD.
Generalized Confidence Intervals for Intra- and Inter-subject Coefficients of Variation in Linear Mixed-effects Models
Authors: Forkman Johannes 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLinear mixed-effects models are linear models with several variance components. Models with a single random-effects factor have two variance components: the random-effects variance, i. e., the inter-subject variance, and the residual error variance, i. e., the intra-subject variance. In many applications, it is practice to report variance components as coefficients of variation. The intra- and inter-subject coefficients of variation are the square roots of the corresponding variances divided by the mean. This article proposes methods for computing confidence intervals for intra- and inter-subject coefficients of variation using generalized pivotal quantities. The methods are illustrated through two examples. In the first example, precision is assessed within and between runs in a bioanalytical method validation. In the second example, variation is estimated within and between main plots in an agricultural split-plot experiment. Coverage of generalized confidence intervals is investigated through simulation and shown to be close to the nominal value.
Non-Linear Forms of Knowledge Representation in Teaching and Their Evaluation According to Moody’s Principles of Graphical Dimensions
Authors: Nespĕšný David , Malčik Martin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
At present, there are many methods how to evaluate the structure quality of concept maps; however, there is no tool which would evaluate the cognitive effectiveness of graphic notations in concept maps. One of the possibilities how to evaluate concept maps is to use the principles of graphic notation design. These principles, which were developed by Daniel Moody, are based on experience from various fields of study, such as cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, semiotics, communication etc. This article presents the use of Moody’s principles for the evaluation of the effectiveness of graphic notation in concept maps.
Arguments of statutory interpretation and argumentation schemes
Authors: Macagno Fabrizio , Walton Douglas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this paper it is shown how certain defeasible argumentation schemes can be used to represent the logical structure of the most common types of argument used for statutory interpretation both in civil and common law. The method is based on an argumentation structure in which the conclusion, namely, the meaning attributed to a legal source, is modeled as a claim that needs that is be supported by pro and con defeasible arguments. The defeasible nature of each scheme is shown by means of critical questions, which identify the default conditions for the accepting interpretative arguments and provide a method for evaluating a given argument as weak or strong.
Study on Honey Quality Evaluation and Detection of Adulteration by Analysis of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Kružík Vojtěch , Grégrová Adéla , Rajchl Aleš , Čížková Helena 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Fast evaluation of honey quality is a topical and significant problem of the food industry, bee keepers and consumers. In this work, 22 samples of commercially available honey aromas (with methyl and ethyl esters of phenylacetic acid predominated), 13 samples of authentic honey collected directly from bee keepers (characterised by high content of benzaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, hotrienol and 2-phenylacetaldehyde) and 63 honeys purchased from an outdoor market were evaluated based on volatiles profiles determined through solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) and then suspicious samples were identified. The results were statistically processed and compared with results of a sensory analysis. Six honeys, which differed significantly in volatiles profiles (outliers detected by Factor Analysis), selected volatile substance representation (furan-2-carbaldehyde, 1,4-dimethylpyrazole, benzaldehyde, 2-phenylacetaldehyde) and honey aroma intensity and pleasantness were subjected to targeted analyses (i.e. determination of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde, diastase activity, unauthorized additive presence). Four of these suspicious samples were found to have high content of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (more than 40 mg/kg), three honeys had low values for diastase activity (less than 8) and three samples positive for triacetin addition. The fact that all these samples revealed a breach of least one of the selected quality parameters defined by the Codex Alimentarius standard proved the proposed methodology to be a useful tool for fast quality evaluation of honey.
Reacting to Crisis: The Costs of First Response by the United States Navy
Authors: Apte Aruna , Yoho Keenan 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The U.S. Navy has declared humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations as a core mission in support of the U.S. national security strategy. However little work has been done to illustrate which vessels are typically deployed for such operations or the costs of these deployments which, as contingencies, are not part of the regular defense budget. In this work we summarize some of the work that has been done in the area of cost analysis for U.S. Navy HADR operations and conclude with implications for policy makers.
Isolation and identification of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from maize (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere and their plant growth promoting effect on rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Karnwal Arun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is increasing in agriculture and gives an appealing manner to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and dietary supplements. The objective of our research was to access the plant growth promotion traits ofPseudomonas aeruginosa,P. fluorescensandBacillus subtilisisolated from the maize (Zea maysL.) rhizosphere.In vitrostudies showed that isolates have the potential to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide, phosphate solubilisation, and siderophore. RNA analysis revealed that two isolates were 97% identical toP. aeruginosastrain DSM 50071 andP. aeruginosastrain NBRC 12689 (AK20 and AK31), while two others were 98% identical toP. fluorescensstrain ATCC 13525,P. fluorescensstrain IAM 12022 (AK18 and AK45) and one other was 99% identical toB. subtilisstrain NCDO 1769 (AK38). Our gnotobiotic study showed significant differences in plant growth variables under control and inoculated conditions. In the present research, it was observed that the isolated strains had good plant growth promoting effects on rice.