bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial hierarchy and emerging typologies inside world city network
Authors: Chubarov Ilya 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The first part of the paper provides a new approach to measuring a spatial structure of world city network (WCN). Based upon the results of media- popular ‘global city rankings’ produced by several international think tanks, our calculation allowed to reveal global urban hierarchy and identify several subnetworks inside of world cities. The second part of the paper devotes to recent discussions on nature of globalization and urban macrosystems, bearing in mind ranking results. It is shown that a typological approach can provide more insights to a role of city as part of WCN from functional and relationships prospective.
The quality of pedestrian space in the city: a case study of Olsztyn
Authors: Cieślak Iwona , Szuniewicz Karol 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The system of pedestrian urban space is the primary source of information on the state of the space. Walking around a city, we are perceptually building in our mind its physiognomic silhouette, which becomes the basis for evaluating the attractiveness of a city. Unfortunately, pedestrian traffic is rarely the subject of careful planning and design. Usually it regulates itself or is a side-effect of building an extensive system of road communication. On the other hand, concepts of shaping this system as a primary one appear more and more often, and pedestrian space is seen as high priority public space.
The purpose of the article was to evaluate qualitative evaluation methods determining the current state of pedestrian pathways in the town Giżycko. Valuing quality, as a part of the science called qualimetrics, refers to determining the quality of objects which are the product of human activities, designed to meet the needs of human beings. At the root, it is a science relating to the determination of the quality of market items, supporting the production management process. As space, particularly urbanized, is created by people to satisfy their needs, it was concluded that quality valuation methods may also be useful to assess the quality of space. The article focuses on the quality of pedestrian routes that are essential to the central part of Giżycko. For these routes, the current state of the features identified as key for their quality was investigated, and quality classes of the routes were determined by analysis.
The procedure can be a tool supporting the planning and implementation of modernization and renovation works for the area of pedestrian communication, and thus the image of the city.
The spatial distribution of renewable energy infrastructure in three particular provinces of South Africa
Authors: Lombard Andrea , Ferreira Sanette L.A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Renewed interest is being shown in South Africa in the promotion of infrastructure for renewable energy (RE) to supplement the country’s current energy- generation capacity and to break loose from its dependency on an unsustainable fossil-fuel-based energy-provision system. The latter system not only has unfavourable consequences for the environment, but is managed by a state-owned institution which since 2008 has been incapable of providing reliable electricity. RE infrastructure - especially for the generation of solar and wind energy - is a relatively new feature in the South African landscape. This paper examines the spatial distribution of the newly commissioned infrastructures for wind and solar energy (operational and under construction) and the role they can play in the diversification of the rural economies of parts of the country’s Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. First, literature on evolutionary economic geography, path dependence and new path creation is reviewed. Second, the role of a single energy provider - embedded in a monopolistic energy policy -in inhibiting the transition from a mainly fossil-fuel-based energy-provision system to a multi-source (multi-owner) provision system is discussed. Third, the reasoning behind the siting of the infrastructures for solar and wind energy in three particular provinces is explained. Fourth, the possible roles these new infrastructures can play in the diversification of the rural economies where they occur are advanced. The paper concludes that solar- and wind-energy projects have the ability to transform the South African energy context and that these projects present some positive socio-economic impacts for rural economies in the three particular provinces. The paper also recommends that future research efforts should be aimed at the evolution of this socio-economic transformation by taking into account the pre-development context of the areas under study.
Sunrise as a tourist attraction in the context of tourist motivation theory: a case study of the peak of Babia Góra (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Mocior Ewelina , Nowak Agnieszka , Rechciński Marcin , Franczak Paweł , Hibner Joanna , Krąż Paweł , Tokarczyk Natalia 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Tourist ascents of mountain peaks before sunrise are increasingly popular. Babia Góra (Western Carpathians) is a peak on the Polish-Slovak border frequently visited by a great number of tourists at sunrise. The main objective of our research, based on the case study of Babia Gora, was to answer a more general question whether the sunrise can be considered a tourist attraction. The research included the observation and description of every sunrise at summer holiday weekends during 2012 from the peak of Babia Góra as well as the collection of data on the number of tourists and weather conditions. Survey interviews, using questionnaire, with randomly selected hikers present on the peak of Babia Góra at sunrise (269) were conducted. The investigation showed that during summer holiday sunrises there were a maximum of 130 people on the summit of Babia Góra at the same time. Most of the surveyed people (84%) agreed that the opportunity to observe the sunrise was one of the pull factors for them. This confirms the hypothesis that sunrise constitutes a tourist attraction.
Market power and stability of CEE banks
Authors: Huljak Ivan 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background: In spite of growing number of empirical studies, especially after the start of financial crisis, literature fails to provide conclusive answers on the relationship between bank competition and stability.

Objective: We contribute to the existing literature by conducting a bank level analysis of market power implications on CEE bank stability and test weather bank market power increases bank stability.

Approach: On the sample of 415 CEE banks from 1997-2012, we use Distribution free approach to generate bank specific market power and efficiency indicators and then run a fixed effects panel regression.

Results: We find evidence supporting the Competition - fragility view; banks with more market power are more stable. Also, we find evidence that this stability is a result of lower portfolio risk supporting the franchise value channel.

Conclusions: For banks in CEE countries where economic crisis increased risk materialization, increasing competition from the early 2000s, may have been a factor decreasing bank stability which may bear significant implications for upcoming years when competition is likely to increase further.
Equilibrium and kinetics of wetting hydrophobic microporous membrane in sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate and diethanolamine aqueous solutions
Authors: Cui Li-Yun , Ding Zhong-Wei , Liu Li-Ying , Han Hao-Si 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLiquid penetrations into hydrophobic capillaries are controlled by the adsorption and diffusion of the solute in the vicinity of the moving meniscus. The wetting process of microporous hydrophobic polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane was investigated in both sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) and diethanolamine (DEA) aqueous solutions. The experimental results revealed that wetting both the PVDF and PTFE membranes in SDBS solutions at high concentrations proceeded in two stages: rapid wetting and slow wetting, but this transition in the wetting rate was not observed during the membrane wetting at low SDBS concentration and in DEA solutions. The membrane wetting process was accelerated by increasing the solution temperature.
Prediction Model for Cigarette Yields Derived from Data Obtained under Two Different Machine Smoking Regimes
Authors: Colard Stéphane 
Published: October 2015

Summary
“Tar”, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) cigarette yields determined under different smoking regimes, with and without ventilation blocking, are linearly related to the difference Δt between the smouldering time (cigarette combustion with no puffing) and the smoking time (cigarette combustion with puffing). Δt forms then the basis of yield predictions. The smoulder rate determination used in the calculation of Δt can be difficult for low ignition propensity cigarettes which present some tendency for selfextinguishment. This issue was overcome in a novel testing scheme involving the determination of number of puffs and smoking times under two different smoking regimes and inputting this data into a cigarette burning model. This enabled us to characterise the burning process and provided an extensive set of information such as the mean smoulder rate between puffs or the mass of tobacco burnt during puffs regardless of the smoking regime applied.
Good correlations were observed between the mass of tobacco burnt during puffs and TNCO or B[a]P yields. Correlations provide a way to link yields from one smoking regime to another and confirm that yields determined from one regime are sufficient to establish the relationships between yields and smoking intensity. It was concluded that smoke yields for arbitrary smoking regimes can potentially be predicted by determining the puff numbers and smoking times from two different smoking regimes and the smoke yields from only one regime. This testing scheme allows a comprehensive characterisation of a cigarette at reduced cost. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 26 (2015) 320-333]
Evaluating Living Standard Indicators
Authors: Birčiaková Naďa , Stávková Jana , Antošová Veronika 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper deals with the evaluation of selected available indicators of living standards, divided into three groups, namely economic, environmental, and social. We have selected six countries of the European Union for analysis: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, France, and Great Britain. The aim of this paper is to evaluate indicators measuring living standards and suggest the most important factors which should be included in the final measurement. We have tried to determine what factors influence each indicator and what factors affect living standards. We have chosen regression analysis as our main method. From the study of factors, we can deduce their impact on living standards, and thus the value of indicators of living standards. Indicators with a high degree of reliability include the following factors: size and density of population, health care and spending on education. Emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also have a certain lower degree of reliability.
The impact of urban conditions on different tree species in public green areas in the city of Poznan
Authors: Krzyżaniak Michał , Świerk Dariusz , Walerzak Miłosz , Urbański Piotr 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Parks in urbanised areas fulfil an important function as they create a positive climate in cities and contribute to the good health of their inhabitants. The study gives an answer to the question of which of the species under investigation is the most suitable for planting in urbanised areas. The aim of the research conducted from 2013 to 2014 at selected sites in Poznan (Poland) was to determine the state of health of Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L. and Quercus robur L. trees and to compare their state of health depending on the location of the research sites. The aim of the research was also to determine the environmental variables that may have an influence on the state of health of the tree species under analysis. The research included statistical analyses and models based on discriminant analysis. The research revealed that the state of health of the tree species under investigation growing in the city is determined by anthropogenic factors. The closeness of the city centre, main thoroughfares and estates heated with fossil fuels are the factors that have the most negative influence on the state of health of oak, maple and lime trees. Acer platanoides L. was the species in the best state of health in parks, whereas in forests it was Tilia cordata Mill.
The Study of Local Effect of Manganese on Microstructure Development of Admixed Fe-Mn-C Sintered Steels
Authors: Bidulský Róbert , Hryha Eduard , Bidulská Jana 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present paper is focused on the effect of manganese on microstructure development of admixed Fe-Mn-C sintered steels along with diffusion characteristics of manganese in the iron matrix. Admixed systems were prepared on the base of sponge iron powder, with addition of 0.3% C and 3% Mn added as ferromanganese. Sintering at 1,023, 1,173, 1,323, 1,423 and 1,473 K for 180 s was carried out in laboratory tube furnace in an atmosphere of pure gases mixture 25% N2+75% H2with the dew point of 243 K. The results show that admixed sintered manganese steels exhibit heterogeneity of microstructure due to the local chemical heterogeneities of these materials, in particular for those areas with a high manganese concentration. On the basis of calculation of manganese apparent diffusion coefficient and penetration depth, results reveal that diffusion-induced grain boundary migration (DIGM) is the dominant alloying mechanism in sintered manganese steels.
3-D CFD simulations of hydrodynamics in the Sulejow dam reservoir
Authors: Ziemińska-Stolarska Aleksandra , Polańczyk Andrzej , Zbiciński Ireneusz 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper reports the processes by which a single-phase 3-D CFD model of hydrodynamics in a 17-km-long dam reservoir was developed, verified and tested. A simplified VOF model of flow was elaborated to determine the effect of wind on hydrodynamics in the lake. A hexahedral mesh with over 17 million elements and a k-ω SST turbulence model were defined for single-phase simulations in steady-state conditions. The model was verified on the basis of the extensive flow measurements (StreamPro ADCP, USA). Excellent agreement (average error of less than 10%) between computed and measured velocity profiles was found. The simulation results proved a strong effect of wind on hydrodynamics in the lake, especially on the development of the water circulation pattern in the lacustrine zone.
Obesity-associated sympathetic overactivity in children and adolescents: the role of catecholamine resistance in lipid metabolism
Authors: Qi Zhengtang , Ding Shuzhe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObesity in children and adolescents is characterized by chronic sympathetic overdrive and reduced epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis. This resistance to catecholamines occurs during the dynamic phase of fat accumulation. This review will focus on the relationship between sympathetic-adrenal activity and lipid metabolism, thereby highlighting the role of catecholamine resistance in the development of childhood obesity.Catecholamine resistance causes lipid accumulation in adipose tissue by reducing lipolysis, increasing lipogenesis and impeding free fatty acid (FFA) transportation. Exercise improves catecholamine resistance, as evidenced by attenuated systemic sympathetic activity, reduced circulating catecholamine levels and enhanced β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Insulin resistance is mostly a casual result rather than a cause of childhood obesity. Therefore, catecholamine resistance in childhood obesity may promote insulin signaling in adipose tissue, thereby increasing lipogenesis. This review outlines a series of evidence for the role of catecholamine resistance as an upstream mechanism leading to childhood obesity.
Modelling geothermal conditions in part of the Szczecin Trough – the Chociwel area
Authors: Miecznik Maciej , Sowiżdżał Anna , Tomaszewska Barbara , Pająk Leszek 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The Chociwel region is part of the Szczecin Trough and constitutes the northeastern segment of the extended Szczecin-Gorzów Synclinorium. Lower Jurassic reservoirs of high permeability of up to 1145 mD can discharge geothermal waters with a rate exceeding 250 m3/h and temperatures reach over 90°C in the lowermost part of the reservoirs. These conditions provide an opportunity to generate electricity from heat accumulated in geothermal waters using binary ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) systems. A numerical model of the natural state and exploitation conditions was created for the Chociwel area with the use of TOUGH2 geothermal simulator (i.e., integral finite-difference method). An analysis of geological and hydrogeothermal data indicates that the best conditions are found to the southeast of the town of Chociwel, where the bottom part of the reservoir reaches 3 km below ground. This would require drilling two new wells, namely one production and one injection. Simulated production with a flow rate of 275 m3/h, a temperature of 89°C at the wellhead, 30°C injection temperature and wells being 1.2 km separated from each other leads to a small temperature drop and moderate requirements for pumping power over a 50 years’ time span. The ORC binary system can produce at maximum 592.5 kW gross power with the R227ea found as the most suitable working fluid. Geothermal brine leaving the ORC system with a temperature c. 53°C can be used for other purposes, namely mushroom growing, balneology, swimming pools, soil warming, de-icing, fish farming and for heat pumps.
FP-LAPW investigation of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Na2X (X = S and Se) under pressure and temperature effects
Authors: Bidai Kada , Ameri Mohammed , Bensaid Djillali , Moulay Nour-Eddine , Al-Douri Y. , Ameri Ibrahim 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of sodium chalcogenides (Na2X, X = S, Se) have been calculated using FP-APW+1o method. The ground state lattice parameter, bulk moduli have been obtained. The Zener anisotropy factor, Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, have also been calculated. The calculated structural and elastic constants are in good agreement with the available data. We also determined the thermodynamic properties, such as heat capacities CV and CP, thermal expansion α , entropy S, and Debye temperature θD, at various pressures and temperatures for Na2X compounds. The elastic constants under high pressure and temperature are also calculated and elaborated.
Polypodium Interjectum And P. × Mantoniae (Polypodiaceae) In The Polish Sudetes
Authors: Szczęśniak Ewa , Jędrzejczyk Iwona , Gola Edyta M. , Pielech Remigiusz , Reczyńska Kamila , Świerkosz Krzysztof 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDetailed analyses of micro- and macromorphological features of 247 specimens representing the Polypodium vulgare complex, combined with DNA content measurements, revealed the presence of tetraploid P. vulgare s.str., hexaploid P. interjectum and the pentaploid hybrid P. × mantoniae in the Polish Sudetes. For species identification, sporangium structure (number of indurated and basal annulus cells) was found to be the most stable and thus the most valuable and taxonomically significant character. The size of spores and stomata was related to taxon ploidy level, and helped to differentiate the examined taxa. Polypodium interjectum was identified from only one locality in the Pogórze Kaczawskie foothills; P. × mantoniae was more widely distributed, suggesting that it is rather common in the Polish Sudetes. Both newly reported taxa occur mainly on basic or neutral rock in sheltered, shaded or semi-shaded habitats.
Reclamation from palm oil mill effluent using an integrated zero discharge membrane-based process
Authors: Ahmad A.L. , Idris I. , Chan C.Y. , Ismail S. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This research emphasizes eloquently on membrane technology for treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as it is the Malaysia’s largest and most important agro based industry. Findings established significant quality improvement with an efficient recovery of water from palm oil mill via innovative membrane application. Conventional bio-methods, whilst adhering to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) discharge regulations, produces brownish liquid which pales in comparison to the crystal clear water obtained through membrane treatment. The pre-treatment process consists of coagulation-flocculation using green environmental coagulant bases such as Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds. The ultrafiltration polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis were vital for the membrane processes. The system gave 99% suspended solids reduction in suspended solid and 78% of water present was successfully recovered. This technology guarantees water recovery with drinking water quality; meeting the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard or could be recycled into the plant with sludge utilization for palm oil estates, thus enabling the concept of zero discharge to be executed in the industries. In addition, green and healthy antioxidants such as oil and beta-carotene can be recovered from POME further demonstrate. Silica gel showed better performance in separation of carotenes from oil at temperature 40°C using adsorption chromatography with 1154.55 ppm. The attractiveness of this technology, enabling the utilization of reuse of agricultural waste into potentially value added products.
Randomized Clinical Trial To Compare The Effects Of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Loading Versus Placebo On Insulin Resistance And Cortisol Level After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy*
Authors: Pędziwiatr Michał , Pisarska Magdalena , Matłok Maciej , Major Piotr , Kisielewski Michał , Wierdak Mateusz , Natkaniec Michał , Budzyński Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Budzyński Rzej 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPostoperative insulin resistance, used as a marker of stress response, is clearly an adverse event. It may induce postoperative hyperglycemia, which according to some authors can increase the risk of postoperative complications. One of the elements of modern perioperative care is preoperative administration of oral carbohydrate loading (CHO-loading), which shortens preoperative fasting and reduces insulin resistance.is to establish the influence of CHO-loading on the level of insulin resistance and cortisol in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Patients were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups. The intervention group included 20 patients who received CHO-loading (400 ml Nutricia pre-opAlthough there were differences in the levels of cortisol, insulin, and insulin resistance, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in every measurement. The length of stay and postoperative complications were comparable in both groups.We believe that CHO-loading is not clinically justified in case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No effect on the levels of glucose, insulin resistance and cortisol was observed. Even though such procedure is safe, in our opinion there is no clinical benefit from CHO-loading prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.