bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast evaluation of the coalbed methane content of coal viewed as an element leading to improvement in exploitation conditions
Authors: Skoczylas Norbert 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Methane, as a co-occurring compound, can be found in the majority of coal basins all over the world. The knowledge of methane content is a basic piece of information used in balancing and describing a given coal seam, in conducting safe exploitation – with methane hazards and methane and rock outburst hazards in mind – as well as in less common procedures, such as coal seam fracturing and methane extraction, or storing carbon dioxide in off-balance coal seams. The author of the present paper outlines a thoroughly modified desorbometric method used to analyze the coal-methane system. The research object, in underground conditions, is the full process of releasing methane from coal, which makes it possible to determine gas losses, the desorbable methane content, and the effective diffusion coefficient. This type of research can be conducted in less than 24 hours due to the reduction of the grain fraction of the analyzed bore dust. The thorough research in underground conditions was preceded by a model analysis of the simultaneous impact of the desorbable methane content in coal and the effective diffusion coefficient upon the value of the desorption indensity index. The influence of a grain fraction on the kinetics of methane release from coal was described, and the 0.20–0.25 [mm] grain fraction was selected. The choice of this particular fraction made it possible to register the full process of methane release from coal, in the assumed time. An original methodology of performing underground measurements was presented, together with an instrument used to perform these measurements. The underground research involved measuring the desorbable methane content according to the presented original methodology, which was done simultaneously with an analysis of the coalbed methane content carried out by means of the bore dust method, an analysis of desorption intensity, and an analysis of the technical parameters of coal. The results point to a substantial discrepancy between the desorbable methane content in coal and the coalbed methane content measured by the bore hole method in compliance with the Polish standard. The mean relative percentage error for 17 measurements was 6.5%. The author provided an example concerning using the effective diffusion coefficient in explaining substantial differences in the desorption intensity index for two samples characterized by the similar coalbed methane content.
Characteristics of Near-Surface Part of the Orzesze Beds in the Region of the Main Saddle in View of Weathering Processes
Authors: Jonczy Iwona , Borówka Borys 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe article presents the characterization of a near-surface part of Orzesze beds in the region of the main saddle. The lithological profile of the region in concern has been confirmed to contain claystones with interburdens of sandstones and sands occurring at the surface. Among the claystones, a coal bed was drilled into.Field observations with a video camera, direct observations made in the boreholes and laboratory studies of the obtained rock samples have indicated high levels of weathering of the clastic formations.The weathering processes within the sandstones form fissures and rock voids by means of which rainwater flows freely into the deeper parts of the rock mass.The mineral composition of the sandstones includes mostly quartz, accompanied by plagioclases, micas, breccias and heavy minerals in smaller amounts. The binding material is cement-type and clayey-carbonate. The sands occurring at the surface constitute their eluvium, which is evidenced by similar texture qualities of both the sediments. The claystones contain mostly kaolinite and quartz; in their composition minerals from smectite group were also found. They are characterized by very high absorbability, which leads to their swelling and washing out. It has been found that the weathered parts of rocks indicate significantly lowered compressive strength in comparison to the values assumed in case of the rocks of the Orzesze beds.
Laplace inversion for the solution of an abstract heat equation without the forward transform of the source term
Authors: Wu Shu-Lin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe consider the discretization in time of inhomogeneous parabolic equations, using the technique of Laplace inversion along a contour located in the complex left half-plane which, after transformation to a finite interval, is then evaluated to high accuracy by a contour quadrature rule. This reduces the problem to a finite set of elliptic equations with complex coefficients, which may be solved in parallel. A serious problem is how to treat the source term
Association between physical activity and bone in children with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Duran Andrea T. , Wilson Kathleen S. , Castner Diobel M. , Tucker Jared M. , Rubin Daniela A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine if physical activity (PA) is associated with bone health in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).Participants included 23 children with PWS (age: 11.0±2.0 years). PA, measured by accelerometry, was categorized into light, moderate, vigorous and moderate plus vigorous intensities. Hip, total body minus the head (body), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD z-score (BMDModerate PA and select covariates explained the most variance in hip BMC (84.0%), BMD (61.3%) and BMDPA of at least moderate intensity appears important for BMC and BMD in children with PWS.
Early pregnancy serum neopterin concentrations predict spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic pregnant women
Authors: Navolan Dan Bogdan , Vladareanu Simona , Lahdou Imad , Ciohat Ioana , Kleist Christian , Grigoras Dorin , Vladareanu Radu , Terness Peter , Sas Ioan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTo investigate if early pregnancy serum neopterin concentrations (EPSN) could predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPB).EPSN was measured in 92 sera collected from 46 pregnant women with birth at term and 40 sera from 20 pregnant women with preterm birth. Two sera were collected for each case: in the first and early second trimester.EPSN concentrations correlate with gestational age (ρ=0.275, P=0.001), a correlation which was present in both groups: term and preterm birth. EPSN were higher in pregnancies with SPB compared with normal pregnancies (6.27±1.03 vs. 6.04±0.15, P=0.039). Patients with SPB showed a considerable increase of EPSN in the second trimester compared with patients with birth at term (7.30±1.53 vs. 6.16±0.23, P=0.043). A sharper increase was found in the group with SPB before 32 weeks of pregnancy (wp) (9.83±4.36 vs. 6.16±0.23, P=0.016). Pregnant women with an early second trimester serum neopterin value of above 8 nmol/L are associated with a risk of SPB before 32 wp (odds ratio=14.4, P=0.01) and of SPB before 34 wp (odds ratio=3.6, P=0.05), respectively.EPSN increases with the gestational age and predicts SPB in asymptomatic pregnant women.
Application of Expectation Maximization Method for Purchase Decision-Making Support in Welding Branch
Authors: Kujawińska Agnieszka , Rogalewicz Michał , Diering Magdalena 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The article presents a study of applying the proposed method of cluster analysis to support purchasing decisions in the welding industry. The authors analyze the usefulness of the non-hierarchical method, Expectation Maximization (EM), in the selection of material (212 combinations of flux and wire melt) for the SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) method process. The proposed approach to cluster analysis is proved as useful in supporting purchase decisions.
A Customer’s Possibilities to Increase the Performance of a Service Provider by Adding Value and Deepening the Partnership in Facility Management Service
Authors: Sillanpää Elina , Junnonen Juha-Matti , Sillanpää Ilkka , Saari Arto 
Published: June 2016

AbstractReliable and good suppliers are an important competitive advantage for a customer and that is why the development of suppliers, improvement of performance and enhancement of customership are also in the interest of the customer. The purpose of this study is to clarify a customer’s possibilities to increase the performance of a service provider and to develop the service process in FM services and thus help to improve partnership development. This research is a qualitative research. The research complements the existing generic model of supplier development towards partnership development by customer and clarifies the special features that facility management services bring to this model. The data has been gathered from interviews of customers and service providers in the facility management service sector. The result is a model of customers’ possibilities to develop the performance of service providers from the viewpoint of value addition and relationship development and in that way ensure added value to the customer and the development of a long-term relationship. The results can be beneficial to customers when they develop the cooperation between the customer and the service provider toward being more strategic and more partnership focused.
Crystal structure of 4-(5-((2-methylbenzyl)thio)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine, C21H18N4S
Authors: Sun Guo-Xiang , Sun Zhao-Hui , Yang Ming-Yan , Wu Hong-Ke 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
C21H18N4S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 18.264(2) Å, b = 11.6302(14) Å, c = 8.9289(10) Å, β = 101.683(7)°, V = 1857.3(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0435, wR
ref(F2
) = 0.1122, T = 296(2) K.
Investigating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and alcohol misuse in a sample of Danish young adults: Exploring gender differences
Authors: Cronin Susan , Murphy Siobhan , Elklit Ask 
Published: June 2016

Background This study examined the relationship between alcohol misuse and different types of childhood maltreatment in a sample of young adults while controlling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and current mental disorders. This study further examined if these associations were different for males and females. Methods Data were collected from a Danish national study conducted by The Danish National Centre for Social Research in 2008 and 2009. A sample of 4718 young adults (24 years of age) was randomly selected using the total birth cohort of children born in 1984. Structured interviews were conducted with a response rate of 63%, equating to a total sample size of 2980 participants. Results Three types of child maltreatment were assessed; emotional abuse (N =263), sexual abuse (N=59), and multiple abuse (N=64) alongside a non-abused (N=2595) control group. Findings indicated the three maltreatment groups were all related to alcohol misuse. Maltreated women in particular had a 16-to-25-fold increased risk of alcohol misuse. For males these associations were attenuated with odds ratios (OR) ranging between 3 and 5 for emotional and multiple abuse groups. PTSD symptoms were associated with alcohol misuse for both genders, whilst current mental health disorder was non-significant for both males and females. Conclusion A significant relationship was found between the child maltreatment and alcohol misuse. This relationship was significantly stronger for maltreated women, which identifies a gap in the literature. High associations between maltreatment and alcohol misuse in females may suggest alcohol is used as a coping strategy following childhood maltreatment.
Species composition, seasonal abundance and population structure of chaetognaths in Admiralty Bay (Antarctic)
Authors: Bielecka Luiza , Jerzak Bartłomiej , Złoch Ilona 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Although chaetognaths inhabiting polar ecosystems are relatively well known, there are few reports on their functioning in the Antarctic coastal plankton community. The presented results provide the first comprehensive description of population structure of chaetognaths in the neritic zone west of the Antarctic Peninsula. The studies were performed on samples collected in Admiralty Bay, from December 1994 to June 1995. Following six chaetognath species were determined: Eukrohnia hamata, E. bathypelagica, E. fowleri, Pseudosagitta gazellae, P. maxima and Solidosagitta marri. The representatives of Eukrohnia were observed almost throughout the research period, whereas those of Pseudosagitta and Solidosagitta were found only during first four months of our investigation. Eukrohnia hamata showed a strong dominance in respect to abundance (max. 445 ind./1000 m3). The mean abundance of all taxa significantly fluctuated in the study period and across weeks. Generally, all species were represented by the first three maturity stages (I-III), individuals stage IV occurred sporadically, and mature specimens (stage V) were not recorded at all. Morphometric analysis of the most abundant species showed distinct differences in their total length and body proportions. Our findings may suggest that chaetognath populations in Admiralty Bay are migrant, dependent on the inflow of water from the Bransfield Strait, but to prove this statement further, round year study is necessary.
Developmental implications of children’s brain networks and learning
Authors: Chan John S.Y. , Wang Yifeng , Yan Jin H. , Chen Huafu 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The human brain works as a synergistic system where information exchanges between functional neuronal networks. Rudimentary networks are observed in the brain during infancy. In recent years, the question of how functional networks develop and mature in children has been a hotly discussed topic. In this review, we examined the developmental characteristics of functional networks and the impacts of skill training on children’s brains. We first focused on the general rules of brain network development and on the typical and atypical development of children’s brain networks. After that, we highlighted the essentials of neural plasticity and the effects of learning on brain network development. We also discussed two important theoretical and practical concerns in brain network training. Finally, we concluded by presenting the significance of network training in typically and atypically developed brains.
Metabolic Interplay of Hepatic Enzymes – A Case Report
Authors: Ungurianu Anca , Miulescu Rucsandra Dănciulescu , Margină Denisa 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are part of the routine blood tests and are usually used to assess liver or cardiac status. The most common disturbances are the mildly risen levels which are correlated with hepatic dysfunction and entail a wide variety of etiologies: viral, toxic, drug or are lifestyle related.

Case report: Routine blood tests revealed high AST and ALT levels in an otherwise healthy 40-years-old male. After a series of supplementary tests the cause remained undetermined, so more attention was paid to the patient’s daily routine. Recently he started an intense training program which led to extensive muscle damage causing an elevation of plasma transaminases’ levels.

Discussion: When dealing with a rise in AST and ALT levels in asymptomatic patients, physicians must carefully consider all aspects, from family and personal history, infectious diseases or toxins to medication and lifestyle, in order to avoid unnecessary tests and incorrect diagnoses or treatments.
Quinoa Beverages: Formulation, Processing and Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Kaur Intelli , Tanwar Beenu 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Background and Aims: Research on innovative foods and beverages that serve well to the nutritional needs of individuals suffering from metabolic disorders like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia is an urgent need for today. This study aims to describe a method for preparing gluten free quinoa beverages and to investigate their effects on human health.

Material and methods: Quinoa beverages were prepared from raw, soaked, germinated and malted quinoa seeds. We investigated their antioxidant activity, antidiabetic and antihypertensive potential using in vitro models.

Results: Among all beverages, malted quinoa beverage (MQB) showed higher protein content (2.9 g/100ml), total phenolic content (2.9 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/g), antioxidant activity (92%) which was well correlated with higher antidiabetic potential (40% at 150μL) by α-glucosidase inhibition. Very low α-amylase inhibition was exhibited by all the beverages (0.4-1.5 %). ACE inhibitory activity was almost negligible for raw quinoa beverage (RQB), soaked quinoa beverage (SQB), minor for germinated quinoa beverage (GQB) (0.2% at 300μL) and higher for MQB (0.9% at 300μL). Total phenolic content was found to be well correlated with DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity in all beverages but poor correlation was found in case of ACE inhibition activity. Among all, GQB was highly acceptable with acceptability magnitude at par with commonly available commercial soya milk.

Conclusion: We conclude that quinoa beverages, especially MQB, have antidiabetic and antihypertensive potential, and hence, can be effectively included among diet choices for the management of diabetes and hypertension. In the future, further studies are required in order to characterize phenolic constituents in quinoa beverages responsible for the antidiabetic and antihypertensive potential.
Taste-active Components of Beers from Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum) Malt
Authors: Benedetti P. , Salvi S. , Giomo A. , Van Deun R. , Boselli E. , Frega N.G. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Emmer wheat (EW, Triticum dicoccum) grows under adverse climatic and soil conditions in the hilly areas of Italy and other temperate regions. So far, EW has been used for pasta or bakery products. The malt obtained from EW was used to produce a light beer, a double malt beer, and beers with 50% (B50) and 30% (B30) EW malt combined with barley malt. These top-fermented beers showed a sweet, fruity, citrus character. The different sensory impact and chemical composition (betaglucans and flavanoids) of the beers was related to the germinative energy of EW and the different proportions of malted EW and barley malt. The light beer combines the moderate alcohol (3% vol.) with a good intake of natural antioxidants (total phenolic content, TPC, 85 mg l−1), whereas B50 showed a high TPC (109 mg l−1) and the highest beta-glucan content (27 mg l−1).
Gender and Financial Risk: The U.S. and Brazil
Authors: Barber Dennis , Saadatmand Yassaman , Kavoori Thomas 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
This study intends to add to the debate whether differences in risk behaviours exist between genders. These results are used to inform the conversation about the role of gender in management and leadership. The design is an investment game in which participants could gain or lose money from investing in a hypothetical risky asset. Participants were first paid $10 to complete a survey. They could then invest any or all of this $10 in a risky asset with a known probability of gaining and losing. After winnings from the first round of investments were dispersed, a second chance to invest in the same asset was offered. The findings suggest that there is no difference between genders in their willingness to invest into the risky asset. This held true for the pooled data and for the U.S. and Brazil data separately. It is often assumed that the inherent risk behaviours differs between genders and, often times, this information is used when making promotion or hiring decisions. The methodology offers a unique approach to measuring financial risk taking at an individual level. The investment game included salient rewards and subjects were in a setting where other factors could be controlled.
Consumer Behaviours Towards ECO-Cars: A Case of Mauritius
Authors: Barry Mathieu , Damar-Ladkoo Adjnu 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Mankind has always relied on transportation to move from one place to the other; be it by horse carriage or modernized vehicles. With rising environmental issues such as global warming, the transport industry had to evolve so as to provide greener means of transportation and satisfy demands for eco-friendly technologies. This study has shed light on consumer behaviours towards eco-cars, known as hybrid vehicles. This research was in the context of Mauritius and respondents who already drive a vehicle were targeted so as to prevent lack of information about key questions such as habits on fuel expenses and vehicle features. The survey method used, had 100% response rate and permitted the researcher to get fruitful insights about: the extent of introduction and penetration of hybrid vehicles, the factors influencing the purchase of eco-cars, the perceived benefits of owning a hybrid vehicle and the relationship between age and hybrid vehicles’ characteristics. One revelation of this study is that hybrid vehicles do not have the expected impacts on Mauritian consumers like they have on the international markets; though the younger generation- the leaders of tomorrow- are interested with eco-friendly automobiles.
Consumer Perception of Competitiveness – Theoretical-Instrumental Approach
Authors: Duralia Oana 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Behaviorist economic approach has recorded a quantum leap in a relatively short period of time, as studying the relationship between consumer behavior and companies’ strategic decisions based on market competitiveness are no longer an unknown area. However, this issue remains actual in view of the fact that during the decision process of purchase, consumers do not always behave rationally, as they are the only ones who can appreciate if the offer of the company, in terms of range, quality, price and auxiliary services meet their needs or not. In this context, this paper aims to deepen the existing interconnection between the market decisions of the enterprise and consumer behavior, as measure standard for the competitiveness of a firm on a certain market.
The Volatility of Oil Prices on Stock Exchanges in the Context of Recent Events
Authors: Popescu Maria-Floriana 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Oil along with currencies and gold are the main indicators of the most important processes which take place in the world economy, quotations’ volatility being always followed by economic and social events. Quiet periods of oil prices, when quotations have a constant evolution or only suffer minor fluctuations, are very rare. Most of the time, very sharp price increases or decreases are happening over night or week. This is mostly due to the fact that the oil market is extremely speculative, being influenced by political, military, social, or meteorological events. Since the major oil price shocks of the 70s, the impact of oil price changes on the economic reality of a country or region has been widely studied by academic researchers. Moreover, the stock market plays an important role in the economic welfare and development of a country. Therefore, a vast number of studies have investigated the relationship between oil prices and stock market returns, being discovered significant effects of oil price shocks on the macroeconomic activity for both developed and emerging countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the volatility of oil prices on stock exchanges taking into consideration the recent events that have affected the oil markets around the globe. Furthermore, based on the findings of this research, some possible scenarios will be developed, taking into account various events that might take place and their potential outcome for oil prices’ future.