bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Audit Committee: Management Watchdog or Personal Friend of the CEO?
Authors: Bruynseels Liesbeth , Cardinaels Eddy 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
To ensure that audit committees provide sufficient oversight over the auditing process and quality of financial reporting, legislators have imposed stricter requirements on the independence of audit committee members. Although many audit committees appear to be “fully” independent, anecdotal evidence suggests that CEOs often appoint directors from their social networks. Based on a 2004 to 2008 sample of U.S.-listed companies after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we find that these social ties have a negative effect on variables that proxy for oversight quality. In particular, we find that firms whose audit committees have “friendship” ties to the CEO purchase fewer audit services and engage more in earnings management. Auditors are also less likely to issue going-concern opinions or to report internal control weaknesses when friendship ties are present. On the other hand, social ties formed through “advice networks” do not seem to hamper the quality of audit committee oversight.
Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources identified in the text.
Geotechnical Aspects of Revitalisation of Post-Mining Areas - An Example of the Adaptation of Katowice Hard Coal Mine for the New Silesian Museum / Geotechniczne aspekty rewitalizacji terenów pogórniczych - przykład adaptacji KWK „KATOWICE” na nowe muzeum śląskie
Authors: Cała Marek , Ostręga Anna 
Published: August 2013

The article presents the history of the Katowice Hard Coal Mine and the concept of revitalisation taking into consideration the historical development of the mine which today is closed. The concept accepted for realisation assumes adaptation of the post-mining area with its historical infrastructure for cultural functions, and namely for the construction of the New Silesian Museum. Basing the concept on the idea of minimum interference into the existing spatial layout of the former mine has had the result that the museum areas and garages have been designed under the surface of the area adjacent to the historic facilities of the mine. In relation therewith, it was necessary to carry out the works aimed at reinforcing foundations of the historic buildings and protecting the geotechnical pit slopes. The article presents the technological solutions applied to protect the historic buildings, the lift tower, and the excavations for new facilities of the Silesian Museum. Attention was drawn to the instability of the subsoil and of the rock mass due to previous mining operations conducted in the area, the need to adapt the protection technology to the existing conditions as well as the need of constant monitoring of geotechnical works underway.>
It is emphasised that the presented investment is part of an ongoing process aimed at preserving the industrial part of the material cultural heritage of Upper Silesia, for centuries connected with hard coal mining and as such it stands a chance to become a showcase not only for Katowice but for the entire region of Silesia.
Use of Cad Systems in Testing the Collision of Underground Transportation Means / Zastosowanie systemów Cad w badaniach kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego
Authors: Dudek Marek 
Published: August 2013

A concept of use of CAD systems in testing collision of underground transportation means is presented. Reasons for undertaking this problem are given with end users identified. The concept of the system for collision analyses of transported loads is described. Examples of collision analysis during transportation of powered roof support are given.
Presented system is designed to aid planning, organizational and training activities undertaken in management of transportation safety in mines. It will be also possible to use software resources, developed within the system as the didactic material as regards safe transportation process, which include hazards to the employees working in the area of transportation operations.
Developed prototype of a system for testing the collision of underground transportation means was positively assessed by employees of the Coal Company, JSC - industrial partner of KOMAG. This prototype is continuously improved and adapted for commercial implementation in the selected coal mines.
The Application of Modern Techniques and Measurement Devices for Identification of Copper Ore Types and Their Properties / Wykorzystanie nowoczesnych technik i urządzeń pomiarowych do identyfikacji typów rud miedzi i ich właściwości
Authors: Krawczykowska Aldona , Trybalski Kazimierz , Krawczykowski Damian 
Published: August 2013

The paper concerns the application of modern methods and research techniques for investigations of copper ore properties. It presents the procedure and tools which, when put together, can constitute a source of information on properties of different products of processing and, simultaneously, can be used in the process control and optimization.
The copper ore of one of the branches of the KHGM Polska Miedz plc was investigated. The ore samples represented each of the three lithological types occurring in the Polish deposits, i.e. carbonate, shale and sandstone ores.
The paper presents the results of microscopic analyses, image analysis of scanning photographs and application procedures of the obtained information for the identification of ore types (application of neuron networks to the recognition of lithological compositions).
The present publication will present sample results of modelling of classification identifying two types of ores, i.e. carbonate-shale and sandstone.
Summing up the predictions of ore type fractions in respective mixtures for the considered problem of classification it can be stated that the prediction results are good and confirm the lithological predominance of certain ore types in the investigated mixtures.
The experimental part comprised the determination of mineralogical and lithological composition of ores (optical microscope) and also elemental composition in the microareas of analysed samples (scanning microscope). Next, the image analysis was performed and subsequently the models classifying the ore types were made.
The Influence of Disintegration of Hard Coal Varieties of Different Metamorphism Grade on the Amount of Sorbed Ethane / Wpływ rozdrobnienia odmian węgla kamiennego o różnym stopniu metamorfizmu na ilości sorbowanego etanu
Authors: Żyła Mieczysław , Dudzińska Agnieszka , Cygankiewicz Janusz 
Published: August 2013

Ethane constitutes an explosive gas. It most often accompanies methane realizing during exploitation and mining works. In this paper the results of ethane sorption have been discussed on three grain classes of six selected hard coal samples collected from active Polish coalmines. On the basis of obtained results, it has been stated that the tested hard coals prove differentiated sorption power with reference to ethane. Te extreme amount of ethane is sorbed by low carbonized hard coal from “Jaworzno” coalmine. This sort of coal shows great porosity, and great content of oxygen and moisture. The least amount of ethane is sorbed by hard coal from “Sośnica” coalmine. This sort of coal possesses relatively a great deal of ash contents. Together with the process of coal disintegration, the amount of sorbed ethane increases for all tested coal samples.
Between tested coals there are three medium carbonized samples collected from “Pniówek”, “Chwałowice” “Zofiówka” coalmines which are characterized by small surface values counted according to model BET from nitrogen sorption isotherms determined at the temperature of 77.5 K. The samples of these three coals prove the highest, from between tested coals, increase of ethane sorption occurring together with their disintegration.
These samples disintegrated to 0,063-0,075 mm grain class sorb ethane in the amount corresponding with the sorption quantity of low carbonized coal from “Jaworzno” coalmine in 0.5-0.7 mm grain class. It should be marked that the low carbonized samples collected from “Jaworzno” and Wesoła” coalmines possess large specific surface and great porosity and belong to coal group of “loose” spatial structure. Regarding profusion of sorbed ethane on disintegrated medium carbonized samples from “Pniówek”, “Zofiówka”, “Chwałowice” coalmines it can be supposed that in the process of coal disintegration, breaking their “compact’ structure occurs. Loosened structure of medium carbonized coals results in increasing accessibility of ethane particles to sorption centres both electron donors and electron acceptors which are present on hard coal surface. The surface sorption centre increase may result in formation a compact layer of ethane particles on coal surface. In the formed layer, not only the strengths of vertical binding of ethane particles with the coal surface appear but also the impact of horizontal strengths appears which forms a compact layer of sorbed ethane particles. The surface layer of ethane particles may lead to explosion.
Optimisation of Receivables Management in a Mine, Using Linear Programming / Optymalizacja zarządzania należnościami w kopalni z wykorzystaniem programowania liniowego
Authors: Czopek Kazimierz , Trzaskuś-Żak Beata 
Published: August 2013

The paper presents an example of a theoretical linear programming model in the management of mine receivables. To this end, an economic production model of linear programming was applied to optimising the revenue of the mine. The amount of product sold by the mine to individual customers was assumed as the decisive variable, and the product price was the parameter of the objective function. As for boundaries, upper receivable limits were assumed for each of the adopted receivable collection cycles. The sequence of collection cycles, and the receivable values assigned to them, were adopted according to the growing probability of overdue and uncollectible receivables.
Two receivables-management optimisation cases were analysed, in which the objective function was to maximise the sales value (revenue) of the Mine.
The first case studied in the model involves application of a discount to reduce the product price, in a mine whose production output is not being used to capacity. To improve cash flow, the mine offers its customers a reduced price and increased purchasing up to the mine’s capacity in exchange for shortened receivable collection times. Fixed and variable-cost accounting is applied to determine the relevant price reduction.
In the other case analysed, the mine sells as much as its current output allows, but despite that is still forced to reduce the price of its products. Application of a discount in this case (reducing the product price) inevitably involves shortened receivable collection times and reduced costs of financing trade credit.
Random Variables and Product of Probability Spaces
Authors: Okazaki Hiroyuki , Shidama Yasunari 
Published: August 2013

Summary
We have been working on the formalization of the probability and the randomness. In [15] and [16], we formalized some theorems concerning the real-valued random variables and the product of two probability spaces. In this article, we present the generalized formalization of [15] and [16]. First, we formalize the random variables of arbitrary set and prove the equivalence between random variable on Σ, Borel sets and a real-valued random variable on Σ. Next, we formalize the product of countably infinite probability spaces.
AGERATINA ADENOPHORA (ASTERACEAE) NEW SPECIES TO THE ITALIAN ALIEN FLORA AND OBSERVATIONS ON ITS ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS
Authors: Del Guacchio Emanuele 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Ageratina adenophora is recorded for the first time in Italy (Campania region). Its naturalization status and ecology are discussed, also providing a morphological comparison with the related taxa (both occurring in Italy) A. ligustrina and Eupatorium cannabinum. Some remarks on potential threats for habitat and native flora are provided as well.
In situ syntheses of semiconducting nanoparticles in conjugated polymer matrices and their application in photovoltaics.
Authors: Rath Thomas , Trimmel Gregor 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHybrid solar cells based on conjugated polymers and inorganic semiconducting nanoparticles combine beneficial properties of organic and inorganic semiconductors and are, therefore, an exciting alternative to pure organic or inorganic solar cell technologies. Several approaches for the fabrication of hybrid solar cells are already elaborated and explored. In the last years routes have emerged, where the nanoparticles are prepared directly in the matrix of the conjugated polymer. Here, the conjugated polymer prevents the nanoparticles from excessive growth and thereby makes additional capping agents obsolete. This review focuses on in situ preparation methods of inorganic semiconducting nanoparticles in conjugated polymers in view of applications in hybrid solar cells. The details, advantages and disadvantages of the different in situ methods are critically examined and put in comparison to the classical route where pre-synthesized nanoparticles are used. Various key factors influencing the solar cell performance as well as future strategies for increasing the overall efficiency of hybrid solar cells prepared via in situ routes are discussed.
Effect of a novel stobadine derivative on isolated rat arteries
Authors: Broskova Zuzana , Sotnikova Ruzena , Nedelcevova Jana , Bagi Zsolt 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The antioxidant and reactive-oxygen-species-scavenging activity of stobadine has been demonstrated in previous studies. Recently, chemical modification of this leading structure led to the synthesis of other pyridoindole derivatives with significantly increased intrinsic antioxidant efficacy. Further structural modifications of stobadine provided the opportunity to increase bioavailability and attenuate unwanted side effects, such as α-adrenolytic activity. The aim of the work was to evaluate the direct effect of a novel pyridoindole, SMe1EC2, on the vascular wall ex vivo. The vasomotor effect of SMe1EC2 (1×10-8-1×10-4 mol/l) was measured on isolated and pressurized rat cerebral and coronary arterioles using video-microscopy. The effect of SMe1EC2 (1×10-6 and 1×10-5 mol/l) on high potassium-, phenylephrine- or serotonin-induced contraction or acetylcholine-induced relaxation was also determined in aortic rings. We found that SMe1EC2 (1×10-8-1×10-4 mol/l) elicited significant dilatations in both cerebral and coronary arterioles (max dilatation: 25±8% and 18±5% respectively). Yet, SMe1EC2 (1×10-6 and 1×10-5 mol/l) did not influence the tone of aortic rings nor did it affect high potassium-, phenylephrine- or serotonin -induced contractions and acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Thus SMe1EC2 was able to dilate resistance arteries but did not affect aortic contractility. It is likely that SMe1EC2 does not possess α1-adrenolytic and anti-serotoninergic activity in the vascular wall.
On Bimodal Offset Cauchy Distribution
Authors: Girija S.V.S. , Radhika A.J.V. , Rao A.V.Dattatreya 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The bivariate Cauchy distribution has received applications in many areas, including biological analyses, clinical trials, stochastic modeling of decreasing failure rate life components, study of labour turnover, queuing theory and reliability (Nayak (1987) and Lee and Gross (1991)). In the study of biological analyses, clinical trials and reliability circular distributions will yield suitable results. Circular data arises in a number of different areas such as geological, meteorological, biological and industrial sciences. It is not suggestive to use standard statistical techniques to model circular data, due to the circular geometry of the sample space (p.2 Jammalamadaka and Sen Gupta (2001). It is possible to construct a circular model by transforming a bivariate linear random variate to just its directional component and the resultant model is called ‘offset distribution’. In the literature most of the available circular models were constructed by wrapping a linear model. In recent years some wrapped models were constructed by Dattatreya Rao et al (2007). Here an attempt is made to exploit method of offsetting on Bivariate Cauchy distribution to construct a circular model named by us “OFFSET CAUCHY DISTRIBUTION (OC)”. The characteristic function of the Offset Cauchy model is derived and its characteristics are discussed.
Arc Tan- Exponential Type Distribution Induced By Stereographic Projection / Bilinear Transformation On Modified Wrapped Exponential Distribution
Authors: Phani Y. , Girija S.V.S. , Rao A.V. Dattatreya 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper we make an attempt to construct a new three parameter linear model, we call this new model as Arc Tan-Exponential Type distribution, by applying Stereographic Projection or equivalently Bilinear transformation on Wrapped Exponential distribution, Probability density and cumulative distribution functions of this new model are presented and their graphs are plotted for various values of parameters.
Integrated Flood Management for Beiyun River, China
Authors: Minghong Chen , Hongwei Fang , Yi Zheng , Guojian He 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Beiyun River Basin is holistically suffering a water shortage and relatively concentrated flood risk. The current operation (level-control) of dams and floodgates, which is in passive defense mode, cannot meet the demands of both flood control and storm water resources. An integrated flood forecasting and management system is developed by the connecting of the hydrological model and hydrodynamic model and coupling of the hydrodynamic model and hydraulic model for dams and floodgates. Based upon the forecasted runoff processes, a discharge-control operation mode of dams and floodgates is proposed to be utilized in order to well regulate the flood routing in channels. The simulated water level, discharge, and water storage volume under different design conditions of rainfall return periods and floodgates operation modes are compared. The results show that: (1) for small floods, current operation modes can satisfy the objectives, but discharge-control operation can do better; (2) for medium size floods, since pre-storing of the floods affects the discharge of follow-up floods by floodgates, the requirement of flood control cannot be satisfied under current operations, but the discharge-control operation can; (3) for large floods, neither operation can meet the requirement because of the limited storage of these dams. Then, the gravel pits, wetlands, ecological lakes and flood detention basins around the river must be used for excess flood waters. Using the flood forecasting and management system can change passive defense to active defense mode, solving the water resources problem of Beijing city and Beiyun River Basin to a certain extent.
Numerical Study of Near-Bed Turbulence Structures Influence on the Initiation of Saltating Grains Movement
Authors: Bialik Robert J. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The focus of this paper is on the analysis of the influence of near-bed turbulence structures with the inclusion of existing coherent structures on the entrainment of saltating particles in a water stream from the Lagrangian perspective. The interactions between turbulence structures and initiation of particles movement is the key for better understanding of the physics of sediment transport and particles behaviour. These aims are addressed by use of a 3D relevant model of spherical saltating particles, in which a special procedure has been designed to produce coherent structures. In this method, the spectra of turbulent kinetic energy, consisting of four ranges, are used to generate the time series of turbulent velocities in the streamwise, vertical and transversal directions. Numerical results suggest that the initiation of sediment movement is strongly correlated to positive streamwise velocity fluctuations and as such, supports earlier laboratory experimental and field observations, showing that the sweeps and outward interactions play a crucial role in the initiation of saltating particles’ movement.
Estimation of Suspended Sediment Concentrations with Adcp in Danube River
Authors: Baranya Sándor , Józsa János 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
An estimation procedure for suspended sediment concentrations based on the intensity of backscattered sound of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) is introduced in this paper. Based on detailed moving and fixed boat ADCP measurements with concurrent sediment sampling, we have successfully calibrated the estimation method for a reach of River Danube in Hungary, characterized by significant suspended sediment transport. The effect of measurement uncertainty and various data filtering on sediment load determination is also analyzed and quantified. Some of the physical model parameters describing the propagation of sound in water are estimated based on known empirical formulas, while other parameters are derived from measured. Regression analysis is used to obtain a relationship between the intensity of backscattered sound and sediment concentrations. The empirical relationship has been then used to estimate the suspended sediment concentrations from the ADCP data collected in fixed and moving boat measurement operation mode, along verticals and path-lines, respectively. We show that while some measurement uncertainty is inherent to the acoustic Doppler principle, it is further enhanced by the complexity of the near-bottom sediment-laden flow. This uncertainty has then a significant effect on the local sediment load estimation. In turn, reasonable smoothing of raw velocity and backscatter intensity data shows insignificant impact on cross-sectional sediment load estimation.
Exact Analytical Solutions for Contaminant Transport in Rivers
Authors: Genuchten Martinus Th. van , Leij Feike J. , Skaggs Todd H. , Toride Nobuo , Bradford Scott A. , Pontedeiro Elizabeth M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Contaminant transport processes in streams, rivers, and other surface water bodies can be analyzed or predicted using the advection-dispersion equation and related transport models. In part 1 of this two-part series we presented a large number of one- and multi-dimensional analytical solutions of the standard equilibrium advection-dispersion equation (ADE) with and without terms accounting for zero-order production and first-order decay. The solutions are extended in the current part 2 to advective-dispersive transport with simultaneous first-order mass exchange between the stream or river and zones with dead water (transient storage models), and to problems involving longitudinal advectivedispersive transport with simultaneous diffusion in fluvial sediments or near-stream subsurface regions comprising a hyporheic zone. Part 2 also provides solutions for one-dimensional advective-dispersive transport of contaminants subject to consecutive decay chain reactions.