bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skill Mapping, Talent Pool Management and Organisational Development: Evidence from Professional Bodies in Nigeria
Authors: Abioro Matthew Adekunle , Olabisi Jayeola , Onigbinde Isaac Oladepo , Adedeji Adedolapo Mercy
Published: August 2020

The study examined the influence of skill mapping and talent pool management on organisational development in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research and the study population comprised three thousand (3000) active members of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Nigeria as at 2019. A research instrument, well structured, titled “Skill mapping, talent pool management and organisational development” was used to collect data from a sample size of 353 members randomly selected from the population. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted to analyse the formulated hypotheses. The result of the study showed a positive effect of employee engagement on organisational development (R
2 = 0.664, P = 0.000); and a significant effect of succession planning on organisational development (R
2 = 0.781, P = 0.000). There was also a significant effect of job rotation on organisational development (R
2 = 0.392, P = 0.000). The study concluded that skill mapping and talent pool management (in terms of properly matching tasks with personnel) played a significant role in the development of an organisation. Therefore, the study recommended that human resource managers at every organisation should strive to keenly match employee with tasks where they were more skilful and talented, as failure to do this, might result in employees’ inefficiency and turnover.
The Relationship Between the Financial Innovation and the Money Supply: Empirical Study on the Maghreb Countries
Authors: Djaballah Mustapha
Published: August 2020

This article examines the relationship between money supply and financial innovation in the Maghreb countries over the period of 1980–2018 for a large annual data set on five Maghreb countries using the panel autoregressive distributed lag model (PANEL-ARDL). The results obtained from the cointegration technique of Pesaran and Shin (1999) confirm that a long-term relationship exists between M2 and its determinants: GDP, inflation, and the credit interest rate. Above all, the results of the research show that mobile money positively and significantly influences the money supply both in the strict sense and in the broad sense. Also, the number of ATMs positively but not significantly influences the supply of money in the broad sense. Failure to take into account the expansion of the number of ATMs can therefore lead to a poor specification of the money supply, and monetary authorities need to explicitly integrate the effect of financial innovation for effective policy action to stabilize economies.
Cost-Effective Remediation Using Microscale Zvi: Comparison of Commercially Available Products
Authors: Pavelková Alena , Stejskal Vojtěch , Vološčuková Ondřejka , Nosek Jaroslav
Published: August 2020

Zero-valent iron is very effective in the treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons and solvents broadly used in industrial production. In terms of its sustainability and cost, a legitimate effort has been devoted to the optimization of the remediation process, which can be demanding and expensive. In this study, the application potential and fundamental properties of several commercial micro-sized zero-valent iron (μZVI) were investigated. Although the manufacturers report the basic parameters of μZVI, it has been shown that the actual reactivity of apparently similar products varies notably. This work was focused on monitoring of frequently occurring contaminants. The actual contaminated water from the Pisecna locality -former landfill of industrial waste, with high levels of chlorinated ethenes and ethanes (PCE, TCE, cis-1,2-DCE and 1,2-DCA) was used for the experiment. The degree of dechlorination reached over 85 % 32 days after the application of μZVI in several samples and a far higher reaction rate for smaller particles was observed. Also, the amount of cis-1,2-DCE, which is characterized by slow decomposition, decreased by more than 95 % over the course of the experiment. Smaller particles showed a much longer sedimentation rate and gradual fractionation was also observed. Monitoring of ORP and pH also suggested that the smaller particles possessed a reduction capacity that was sufficiently high even at the end of the experiment. Laboratory tests with apparently similar μZVI samples indicated considerable differences in their reaction rate and efficiency.
Study of Methylene Blue Adsorption by Modified Kaolinite by Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Lellou Salima , Kadi Samir , Guemou Laid , Schott Jacques , Benhebal Hadj
Published: August 2020

Tamazert kaolin was modified with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The starting material and resulting from the intercalation were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Intercalation caused considerable changes in our clay by increasing the basal spacing to 11.22 Å, an intercalation rate of 98 %. The adsorption of methylene blue was studied as a function of pH, contact time, temperature, dye concentrations and adsorbents. Kinetic data have been adequately described by the pseudo-second order and intraparticle scattering model. The adsorption isotherm is in good agreement with the Redlich-Peterson model. A change in thermodynamic values (ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG°) was observed after intercalation. Adsorption became non-spontaneous exothermic and ordered.
Vertical Distribution of Major and Trace Elements in a Soil Profile from the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Badawy Wael , Frontasyeva Marina V. , Ibrahim Medhat
Published: August 2020

The present study was conducted to highlight the elemental composition of ten soil samples collected at different depths along of a soil profile (0.25-17 m). The collected samples were subjected to epithermal neutron activation analysis at the pulsed reactor IBR-2 of Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics - Joint Institute for Nuclear Research - Dubna - Russian Federation. The concentrations in mg/kg of 36 major and trace elements were determined. Symbatic behaviour of geochemically related elements was observed: Th and U; Cl and Br and Fe, Ti, Ca, Al, and Mg, etc. A sharp increase of certain concentrations at the depth of 8 m was observed. Significant mafic sources of elements were observed and mostly are attributed to Ethiopian High Plateau with small amount of felsic volcanic rocks.
Quality of Silages Made From Meadow Sward From South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Radkowski Adam , Radkowska Iwona , Bocianowski Jan
Published: August 2020

Weather conditions prevailing in Poland often cause that meadow sward designated for silage is harvested too late, which decreases the quality of prepared silage. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of silages from dried meadow sward. The silages were ensiled in large cylindrical bales in selected individual farms specializing in milk production. The farms where the research was carried out were located in three voivodeships: slaskie, malopolskie and podkarpackie. In the prepared plant material, the basic chemical composition was determined using the method. When comparing the mean values, it was established that silages from the investigated region had a favourable content of total protein, the highest concentration was recorded for silages from Slask, followed by Malopolska and Podkarpacie. A slightly elevated concentration of crude fibre, fraction of acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), was recorded. This fact shows that farmers collect raw material, particularly from the first cut, too late. Nutrient value of silages from meadow sward decreases with progressing vegetation. Higher protein and energy losses during sward ensiling were also observed at considerable drying of the plant material. In most cases, silages from the studied farms had a low content of monosaccharides. The carried out chemical analyses showed that in overall assessment the studied silages are of good quality; silages prepared from meadow sward from the third cut had the highest value. Proper technology of preservation of meadow sward is one of important factors in the production of feed for ruminants.
Carbon Leakage Along with the Green Paradox Against Carbon Abatement? A Review Based on Carbon Tax
Authors: Akkaya Sahin , Bakkal Ufuk
Published: August 2020

Research background: Insufficient global cooperation in carbon pricing against global warming has the risk of global carbon emissions rise because of carbon leakage. The effect of a carbon tax on the present supply of fossil fuels is also valuable in regard to global carbon emissions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gain more insights into the effects of carbon leakage along with the green paradox on global carbon emissions by reviewing the relevant literature.

Research methodology: We provide the problem linked to carbon leakage and the green paradox in the introduction. Then, the effects of carbon leakage and the green paradox on global carbon emissions are elaborated separately. Finally the mutual effects of carbon leakage and the green paradox are reviewed comprehensively.

Results: It is seen that various factors like interest rates, fossil fuel extraction costs, the fossil fuel reserves to be discovered in the future and carbon tax incidence are equally important determinants in regard to global carbon emissions.

Novelty: This study provides an insight into the mutual effects of carbon leakage and the green paradox on global carbon emissions by reviewing the primary literature in the field.
Identification of Regional Smart Specialisations on the Basis of Aggregate Measures – A Case of the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship
Authors: Bal-Domańska Beata , Sobczak Elżbieta , Stańczyk Elżbieta
Published: August 2020

Research background: Strengthening endogenous potentials, enhancing competitive advantage based on research and innovation remains an important component of regional development policy. Over the years this task has been carried out through e.g. the identification and support focused on smart specialisations.

Purpose: The purpose of the assessment was to identify smart specialisations in the Dolnośląskie voivodeship and evaluate their competitiveness against the background of other voivodeships.

Research methodology: The set of diagnostic indicators as well as the dynamics and location measures calculated on their basis, and also linear ordering methods using a weights system (Synthetic Measure of Smart Specialisations – SMSS) were used to identify regional smart specialisations. A statistical analysis was conducted on the basis of data at the level of PKD divisions (Polish Statistical Classification of Economic Activities; NACE is the EU equivalent). The identification was carried out taking into account the period 2012–2017 and focused primarily on 2017.

Results: As a result, 4 RSSs were identified, of which the first two are the mining of non-ferrous metal ores and the production of motor vehicles.

Novelty: The study proposes, based on the example of the Dolnośląskie voivodeship, the possibility of using linear ordering methods in determining the region’s smart specialisations (RSS), i.e. unique regional qualities and assets, which may constitute its competitive advantage, supported by appropriate research and development facilities and essential for the development of modern and innovative sectors of the economy.
Dividend Aristocrats – A Comparative Analysis of Polish and American Dividend Companies During the Period of 2009–2017
Authors: Jabłoński Bartłomiej
Published: August 2020

Research background: This article describes the issue of dividend companies that are components of the WIG index and S&P 500 during the period 2009–2017.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify similarities and differences in dividend payments by issuers during the period 2009–2017.

Research methodology: It describes the assessment of investments in companies on the basis of the continuity and variability of dividends paid (taking into account the rate of dividend growth and the cumulated rate of dividends, statistical measures – median and standard deviation), as well as the comparison of issuers from the Polish and US stock exchange.

Results: The results of the study confirm the existence of differences in dividend pay-outs by companies listed on both exchanges.

Novelty: First of all, Polish dividend companies are characterised by a higher average annual dividend growth rate and an average annual rate of return. What is more important, the average accumulated dividend (as well as its median) of companies from the WIG index is higher than the same group of companies belonging not only to the S&P 500 index companies, but also to American dividend aristocrats.
Differences in the Income Distribution of Households Run by Men and Women by Voivodeships
Authors: Landmesser Joanna Małgorzata
Published: August 2020

Research background: Household income depends on its demographic composition, age and education of its members, place of residence and many other factors. In our work, we concentrate on the income distribution of Polish households.

Purpose: The study aims to compare the household income distributions in Polish voivodeships, taking into account the gender of the family head. We provide evidence on the magnitude and determinants of regional differences in gender-specific income disparities.

Research methodology: In order to move beyond estimation based on mean values, we apply the Residual Imputation Approach and extend the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition procedure to different quantile points along the income distribution. To describe the differences between two income distributions we construct a counterfactual distribution and decompose the inequalities into explained and unexplained components.

Results: The regional variation of the gender income gap has been explained with individual and jobrelated characteristics. There exists an important diversity in the size of the gender income gap across the Polish provinces. The results obtained for 16 voivodeships allowed us to group them into four clusters: heavily industrialized voivodeships with a large income gap, weakly industrialized with a low income gap, voivodships with large agglomerations characterized by a low gap, and medium-developed voivodeships with a large, U-shaped gap.

Novelty: Our results provide novel insights into the regional dimension of the income gap.
Efficiency Frontiers in Treating Lifestyle Diseases
Authors: Rozpędowska-Matraszek Danuta J.
Published: August 2020

Research background: Following a rational health policy by the state is tantamount to having knowledge of society’s health status and health affecting factors. It has become particularly important to focus on the 21st century diseases resulting in premature deaths. That objective dominated the 2016 Act on Public Health and the 2016–2020 National Health Programme connected with it.

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present the results of an analysis concerning hospitals’ technical efficiency assessment in treating diseases of civilization in Poland by provinces. A BCC model with a changing effects of scale and the DEA method were applied, using linear programming.

Results:The received results of assessing the technical efficiency of patient treatment related to diseases of civilization from the temporal and spatial point of view may serve as a basis for decisions on regional policy creation.

Novelty:Interest in measuring production factors of healthcare activity and outcomes may be ascribed to increased care about costs borne in the sector and pressure on responsible management in the public sphere. Thus, planning appropriate actions aimed at maintaining and improving public health leads to the rational use of funds and improved lives of the population.
The Influence of the Accuracy of Statistical Data on the Results of a Classification of Eu Countries in Terms of Innovation
Authors: Stec Małgorzata
Published: August 2020

Research background: The article attempts to include the accuracy of statistical data in a synthetic evaluation and classification of EU countries in terms of innovation.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to evaluate an influence of the accuracy of statistical data on a classification of EU countries in terms of innovation.

Research methodology: The research employed diagnostic variables determining the innovation of EU countries and a methodology proposed by the European Commission in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2019. The influence of the uncertainty of the measurement of the diagnostic variables on the Summary Innovation Index of EU countries was evaluated. In order to do this, a procedure employing the Monte Carlo method was proposed.

Results: Taking into account the uncertainty of the measurement of variables in the evaluation of the innovation of EU countries resulted in qualifying one of the countries to another innovation group.

Novelty: The article draws attention to an important but often neglected problem related to the accuracy of statistical data used in research, and the evaluation of their influence on the calculation of a value of synthetic measure (based on the innovation of EU countries).
Competing Risks Models for an Enterprises Duration on the Market
Authors: Urbańczyk Dominika M.
Published: August 2020

Research background: Enterprises are an important element of the economy, which explains that the analysis of their duration on the market is an important and willingly undertaken research topic. In the case of complex problems like this, considering only one type of event, which ends the duration, is often insufficient for full understanding.

Purpose: In this paper there is an analysis of the duration of enterprises on the market, taking into account various reasons for the termination of their business activity as well as their characteristics.

Research methodology: A survival analysis can be used to study duration on the market. However, the possibility of considering the waiting time for only one type of event is its important limitation. One solution is to use competing risks. Various competing risks models (naive Kaplan-Meier estimator, subdistribution model, subhazard and cause-specific hazard) are presented and compared with an indication of their advantages and weakness.

Results: The competing risks models are estimated to investigate the impact of the causes of an enterprises liquidation on duration distribution. The greatest risk concerns enterprises with a natural person as the owner (regardless of the reason of failure). For each of the competing risks, it is also indicated that there is a section of activity which adversely affects the ability of firms to survive on the market.

Novelty: A valuable result is considering the reasons for activity termination in the duration analysis for enterprises from the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
An Analysis of Tourist Attractiveness of Poviats of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Authors: Wolak Jacek
Published: August 2020

Research background:Lesser Poland is one of the most visited regions in Poland. Among the reasons why it is so, there are a variety of attractions located in this voivodeship and also the activities taken by local government, for which the development of the tourism industry is one of the key goals.

Purpose:Building a ranking of poviats of Lesser Poland in terms of tourist attractiveness.

Research methodology:Selected multivariate analysis tools, i.e. three methods of linear ordering and cluster analysis.

Results:Using the Ward algorithm, poviats are grouped into four clusters of areas with similar characteristics due to tourist values. In addition, using three linear ordering techniques, poviats of the Lesser Poland voivodeship are ordered according to tourist attractiveness. The results of ordering are rather consistent and indicate that the most attractive poviats are: nowotarski, oświęcimski, tatrzański and the city of Kraków. Interestingly, these areas belong to three different groups obtained as part of a cluster analysis. This means that Lesser Poland is a diversified region in terms of the attractions that draw tourists’ to the area.

Novelty:The study of tourist attractiveness using linear ordering techniques is not an original topic. The thesis is of cognitive value and fills a gap in the literature, in which there are no studies based on data from Lesser Poland.
On graded derivations of superalgebras
Authors: Azizpour Esmaeil , Atayi Dordi Mohammad
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we find conditions under which the bracket defined by a graded derivation on a Lie superalgebra (g, [, ]) is skew-supersymmetry and satisfies the super Jacobi identity, so it defines the structure of a Lie superalgebra on g.

In the case of the algebra of differential forms on a supermanifold, we study the graded commutator of graded derivations, graded skew-derivations and a graded derivation, with another graded skew-derivation of the superalgebra of differential forms on a supermanifold.
Conservation assessment and action on Lotus sanguineus (Fabaceae), a critically endangered endemic species to Turkey
Authors: Subaşı Ümit , Şekerciler Fatoş , Vural Mecit
Published: August 2020

Lotus sanguineus is one of the endemic taxa from Mediterranean Region of Turkey. It has hitherto been known from type locality and was assessed under VU and EN categories despite the lack of information on the population size, number of location and habitat quality. This study aims to determine the global conservation status and conservation strategies of the narrow endemic species. We collected all available data and evaluated them with the field studies. We reported the sizes of populations, altitude, coordinates, habitat types and the threats it faces for each locality. GeoCAT analyses at global levels indicate the extent of occurrence 19.965 km2 and area of occupancy 9 km2 and there could be an inferred decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation of the original population, suggesting this species might be classified as Critically Endangered, based on criterium B1ab (i, ii, iii) + 2ab (i, ii, iii) in the Red List categorization. Conservation priorities include life history and ecology studies, in-situ conservation, population monitoring and ex-situ conservation to prevent the destruction of the existing gene pool.
Morphological and phenological shifts in the Plantago lanceolata L. species as linked to climate change over the past 100 years
Authors: Prokhorova Svitlana , Netsvetov Maksym
Published: August 2020

Herbarium collections have proven to be irreplaceable information base in recent studies directed towards revealing shifts in plants phenology and morphology caused by climate change. We examined eight parameters of morphological traits in the perennial herb species Plantago lanceolata L. collected in the wild between 1905 and 2019 and stored at the KW-herbarium (Kyiv, Ukraine) to find out if there were changes in plants’ organ sizes during the last 114 years. For this period, we also calculated 13 climatic parameters obtained from meteorological records from the State archive that gave us the opportunity to check if there are any relations between the climate change in Kyiv region and shifts in morphological parameters of plants. Our results have shown Plantago lanceolata leaf blades, petioles and spikes had become significantly longer with time, increasing 3.0 cm, 2.1 cm and 0.6 cm respectively. The Co-inertia analysis revealed that 34% of the morphological changes was attributed to climate change. The analysis also demonstrated that leaf length correlated more with raised temperatures when plants were in flower, while spike length depended on the temperatures during bud development. Received knowledge can be used to reveal rapid evolutionary processes of the Plantago species and predicting their further course for the construction of historical climate models based on the leaves traits.
Identifying habitat use ofUrsus arctos,Lynx lynx martinoiandCanis lupus lupusin Albanian forests using occupancy modelling
Authors: Laze Kuenda
Published: August 2020

Forests are the principal terrestrial ecosystem for protected and endangered large carnivores, providing the main habitat for species maintenance and survival. Changes in forest cover influence species distribution. The aim was (1) to test hypotheses on the natural environmental (abiotic) and biological (biotic) factors and human disturbances that determine the colonization and local extinction of three large carnivore species in relation to forest cover, (2) to infer the biotic interactions between these three large carnivore species occupying the same forested areas in Albania. Colonization is estimated to be positively affected by forest cover for brown bear, Balkan lynx and grey wolf. Brown bear and grey wolf tend to compete for the same forested areas. Local extinction increased with decreasing forest cover for brown bear and increased with decreasing mixed broadleaved forests for Balkan lynx. Anthropological variables (proximity to villages and to neighbourhood roads) increased local extinction for brown bear, grey wolf and Balkan lynx. Further studies are recommended for better understanding biotic interactions of large carnivore species in forest habitats in Albania and its neighbouring countries, which could contribute to conservation of large carnivore species on a large scale.
A Mediterranean element of the vegetation: Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci – a new association for Ukraine
Authors: Davydova Anastasia
Published: August 2020

Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl (Cyperaceae) is a rare species in Europe considered by several authors to be a relict of the early Holocene period. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, Annexes of the Habitat Directive and the Bern Convention. Communities with domination of this species are included in the Green Data Book of Ukraine. Substantial differences in major ecological factors for Cladium mariscus communities in the western (carbonate bogs) and the southern (marshes and floating swamps of the northern Black Sea) regions of Ukraine were shown. The author carried out comparisons of relevés characterizing different communities with Cladium mariscus within Europe. Based on the results of TWINSPAN analysis, four associations were identified, confirmed by floristic indices and ecological data: Cladietum marisci Allorge 1921, Soncho maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Cirujano 1980, Dorycnio recti-Cladietum marisci Gradstein & Smittenberg 1977 and Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Géhu & Biondi 1988. Thus, in addition to the association Cladietum marisci, a new one was indicated for Ukraine, Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci.
Numerical Investigation on the Transition of Fluid Flow Characteristics Through a Rotating Curved Duct
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Sanjeed , Islam Md. Sirajul , Badsha Md. Faisal , Mondal Rabindra Nath , Lorenzini Giulio
Published: August 2020

Time-dependent flow investigation through rotating curved ducts is utilized immensely in rotating machinery and metal industry. In the ongoing exploration, time-dependent solutions with flow transition through a rotating curved square duct of curvature ratio 0.009 have been performed. Numerical calculations are carried out for constant pressure gradient force, the Dean number Dn = 1000 and the Grashof number Gr=100 over a wide range of the Taylor number values –1500 ≤ Tr ≤ 1500 for both positive and negative rotation of the duct. The software Code::Blocks has been employed as the second programming tool to obtain numerical solutions. First, time evolution calculations of the unsteady solutions have been performed for positive rotation. To clearly understand the characteristics of regular and irregular oscillations, phase spaces of the time evolution results have been enumerated. Then the calculations have been further attempted for negative rotation and it is found that the unsteady flow shows different flow instabilities if Tr is increased or decreased in the positive or in the negative direction. Two types of flow velocities such as axial flow and secondary flow and temperature profiles have been exposed, and it is found that there appear two- to four-vortex asymmetric solutions for the oscillating flows for both positive and negative rotation whereas only two-vortex for the steady-state solution for positive rotation but four-vortex for negative rotation. From the axial flow pattern, it is observed that two high-velocity regions have been created for the oscillating flows. As a consequence of the change of flow velocity with respect to time, the fluid flow is mixed up in a great deal which enhances heat transfer in the fluid.
No extension without representation? Evidence from a natural experiment in collective bargaining
Authors: Hijzen Alexander , Martins Pedro S.
Published: August 2020

In many countries, collective bargaining coverage is enhanced by government-issued extensions that widen the reach of collective agreements beyond their signatory parties to all firms and workers in the sector. This paper analyzes the causal impact of extensions using a natural experiment in Portugal that resulted in a sharp and unanticipated decline in the extension probability of agreements. Our results, based on a regression discontinuity design, indicate that extensions had a negative impact on employment growth. This effect is concentrated among nonaffiliated firms, which may reflect the limited representativeness of employer associations.
Investigation of error performance in OFDM with network coding techniques in multiple relay networks
Authors: Hlaing Ngu War , Farzamnia Ali , Haldar Manas Kumar , Fan Liau Chung
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper proposes an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) with network coding to improve the error performance of the system when the messages are transmitted from user to receiver. Two-way relay (TWR) networks are applied to reduce the transmission time slots. The exclusive-OR (XOR) coding is used for network coding in which source nodes exchange their information via TWR nodes. The XOR coded bits provides redundancy to achieve the transmit diversity gain which improves the error performance of the TWR network. OFDM is exploited for TWR to obtain the frequency selective fading nature of wireless channels. The different modulation schemes such as Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), 16-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and 64-QAM with OFDM system are simulated and QPSK is selected as it gives the lowest bit error rate (BER). The multiple relaying schemes with different numbers of the information packets are also considered in this paper. Simulation results show that multiple relay schemes provide faster transmission time and better error rate performance. Moreover, different kinds of channel coding schemes such as Convolutional, Reed-Solomon (RS) and turbo codes are applied in OFDM system with network coding to compare and evaluate the BER performance of the proposed system. From the simulation results, network coded OFDM scheme with turbo codes give better BER performance for given Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in relaying scheme with different numbers of information packets compared to those of convolutional and RS codes. It shows that, the error rate performance and transmission time is reduced 10 percent than the conventional scheme at even at low SNR value.
A rectangular slot Yagi DGS microstrip filter with sharp rolloff and wide suppression band
Authors: Gong Jing
Published: August 2020

A compact microwave lowpass filter based on defected ground structure (DGS), consisting of Yagi slot DGS resonators etched on the metallic ground plane of a microstrip line, is studied in this paper. The proposed lowpass filter was analyzed by parameter sweeping and optimal parameters were selected to design a prototype demonstrator filter. Measurements show the developed lowpass filter exhibits a 3dB cuto frequency of 3.07 GHz with a sharp transition between the passband and the stopband, low insertion loss of less than 0.6 dB in the passband and an in-band group delay of 0.4 ns. Moreover, an ultra-wide suppression band from 3.68 to over 20 GHz with a suppression level generally better than 20 dB is also observed from measurements.
Gaussian MIMO relay channel with orthogonal channel components
Authors: Al-qudah Zouhair
Published: August 2020

The Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal relay channel (ORC) is investigated. The transmission from source to relay is done over a channel that is orthogonal to source-destination and relay-destination channels. Practically, this assumption is made such that many communication devices from different technologies are exploited in relaying the source’s signal into its destination. For this channel model, the capacity is initially derived. Thereafter, we propose a transmission algorithm to achieve the derived capacity. Further, to support our theoretical results, many numerical examples are presented.
Renal Denervation – a Modern Option for Treating Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Rodean Ioana , Chibelean Călin
Published: August 2020

Hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors, and it remains an important health problem, demonstrating an increasing incidence despite new treatment methods. Numerous risk factors that can lead to the development of difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension have been described in the literature in recent years. In this type of hypertension, an important role is played by the sympathetic nervous system. Especially in these cases, with a sympathetic overactivation, renal denervation has proven its efficacy and safety in lowering blood pressure. In this brief clinical update, we present the results of the main studies regarding the efficacy and safety of the renal denervation technique used in the treatment of resistant hypertension.
Establishing Sustainable Teacher Education with Weekly School Practice - Identifying Teacher Students’ Experiences of Didactic Dilemmas in the Swedish Primary School Classroom
Authors: Sundh Stellan
Published: August 2020

Teachers face dilemmas of different kinds in their everyday practice. It is therefore essential that teacher students become aware of the dilemmas they will face in their future profession. By integrating school practice in teacher education programs, students apply theoretical knowledge to classroom situations. In a project at a Swedish university campus, the students worked as teacher candidates one day a week at different primary schools during their first semester. The purposes were to make the teacher education at the campus sustainable by attracting more students, limiting the number of dropouts and improving the quality in the education. In the present study, it is of interest to identify the didactic dilemmas teacher students experience in classrooms with 6 to 12 year-olds. By analysing the students’ written reports, the results indicate that the students’ identified dilemmas relate to classroom management, the lesson content and the establishing of relationships with the children.
Exploring EFL Teachers’ Moral Identity: The Case of Iranian Teachers
Authors: Amini Davoud , Najafi Sima , Behin Bahram
Published: August 2020

Educating teachers for sustainability requires that teachers be considered as the mediators of change. To achieve this goal, a constructive teacher-learner relationship is essential where values and ethicality play a crucial role. Investigating language teachersí moral identity as an important aspect of teacher cognition can yield useful insights into the kind of relationship which is congenial to the desired whole-person development. The present qualitative study intended to explore the nature of moral dilemmas in language classes and teachersí criterial beliefs in responding to these dilemmatic situations. A systematic coding analysis of the recorded interviews with eight Iranian experienced EFL teachers revealed that they encountered moral dilemmas in both disciplinary and educational aspects of the teaching process. They referred to their knowledge, experience, intuitive sense as well as the teaching context and learnersí history as sources of their moral judgment. The findings on teachersí moral identity uphold implications for teacher education.
Use of non-destructive eddy current technique to detect simulated corrosion of aircraft structures
Authors: Janovec M. , Čerňan J. , Škultéty F.
Published: August 2020

The article deals with the issue of non-destructive testing of riveted joints. In the article, the authors used a non-destructive eddy current array technique, which was applied to detect simulated corrosion in the field of aircraft riveted joints of aluminum sheets. In aircraft maintenance, the eddy current method is used to control the outer surface of the aircraft skin, especially the areas around the riveted joints. This method makes it possible to detect hidden cracks and corrosion that may occur during aircraft operation. Especially hidden are hidden cracks and corrosion of aircraft structures, which cannot be detected during a visual inspection of the aircraft. The aim of the experimental measurements was to reveal simulated corrosion in the area of riveted joints formed on the experimental sample. Corrosion was simulated by gluing aluminum powder to the surface of the aluminum sheets from which the sample was made. The simulated corrosion in the second and third layers of the riveted sample was reliably detected. The settings, the method of control and the results of measurements are given in the article in the experimental part and the results of measurements. Measurements were performed using a defectoscope with an ECA measurement module, with appropriate measuring probes suitable for this type of inspection.
Nickel phytoremediation potential of some plant species of the Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Sajad Muhammad A. , Khan Muhammad S. , Bahadur Saraj , Shuaib Muhammad , Naeem Abdul , Zaman Wajid , Ali Hazrat
Published: August 2020

Nickel is a known hepatotoxic, haemotoxic, pulmonary toxic, nephrotoxic, reproductive toxic, carcinogenic, phytotoxic and neurotoxic agent. The adverse ecological impacts from unnecessary heavy metals include contamination of water and soil which pose serious threats to human health. This study was conducted to screen plants for the phytoremediation of nickel from sixty-one sites of the Lower Dir. Nickel-metal was analyzed in the soil, roots and shoots of plants. The total concentration of nickel in soil, roots and shoots was found to be in the range of 1.03-18.98, 12.63-540.73 and 12.00-295.86 mg kg–1 dry weight basis (DW) respectively. The highest nickel contents were present in the roots of Xanthium strumarium (540.73) and shoots of Bryophyllum daigremontianum (295.86). None of the plant species were identified as hyper accumulators for nickel but based on BCF, TF and BAC values most of the species showed feasibility for its phytoextraction and phytostabilization. Xanthium strumarium, Filago hurdwarica, Ranunculus arvensis, Medicago lupulina, Cannabis sativa, Geranium rotundifolium and Cerastium glomeratum are suggested for the phytostabilization of nickel whereas Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Rosularia adenotricha, Iris germanica, Asplenium dalhousiae and Isatis tinctoria for the phytoextraction of soil contaminated with nickel.
New Records of the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in North Macedonia
Authors: Cvetkovikj Aleksandar , Djadjovski Igor , Krstevski Kiril , Popova Zagorka , Rashikj Ljubica , Atanasova Kristina , Cvetkovikj Iskra , Stefanovska Jovana
Published: August 2020

Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species spreading throughout Europe and its presence in North Macedonia was recorded in 2016. Following the first detection in September 2018, we conducted a two-week mosquito monitoring by ovitraps in order to determine if there were established populations of Aedes albopictus in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Ninety-four Ae. albopictus eggs (0 to 18 eggs per ovitrap per week) were collected from 7 (14%) ovitraps in 3 (30%) municipalities. Thirty-eight eggs (40.4%) successfully hatched and the adult mosquitoes were identified by morphology and PCR. No other potentially invasive species were identified during the monitoring period. Ae. albopictus distribution is expanding and poses a risk for an Aedes-borne disease transmission in North Macedonia. The available data highlight the need for a regular monitoring for tiger mosquitoes to plan adequate control measures.
Changes in the social architecture of business model in the perspective of the Industry 4.0 concept
Authors: Grabowska Sandra
Published: August 2020

After three industrial revolutions, the fourth comes, which transfers production to sophisticated networks of companies equipped with intelligent devices, machines, means of transport, communicating with each other using modern technologies. It creates new challenges for industrial enterprises, it requires redefining existing business models. The development of the concept of Industry 4.0 forces modern enterprises to quickly and flexibly adapt to the changing conditions of the technological environment. This is reflected in the changes taking place in the area of social and technical architecture of business models.

Industry 4.0 contributes to creating a new kind of interaction between people and machines. These interactions significantly affect the way work is done and the resource allocation in the social and technical architecture of business models.

The aim of the article is to identyfy the changes taking place in the area of social architecture of the business model in the era of Industry 4.0.
Food management innovations for reducing food wastage – a systematic literature review
Authors: Żmieńka Ewa , Staniszewski Jakub
Published: August 2020

The goal of this paper is to assess the current trends in research on food waste management innovations in social sciences and mapping them. To achieve this, 107 articles were extracted from the Web of Science database with the keywords food waste and innovations/technologies. Then, we grouped them in accordance with part of supply chain they concern and type of innovation they propose. We identified that the majority of the innovations concern the final stages of the food supply chain. It makes them more suitable for developed countries, where the wastage is the greatest in this phase of production. It also indicates a research gap in waste-reduction technologies in the initial stages of the food supply chain. Improvements in this field may be particularly beneficial from the food security point of view, because countries suffering from food shortages waste most of their supplies in the early stages of production.
Analysis of Gas and Dust Emissions From the Mining and Quarrying Sector in the European Union Countries
Authors: Tutak Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Despite the ongoing changes in the energy and economic structure of the European Union countries, mineral and energy resources such as hard coal, brown coal, natural gas, copper ores, zinc ores and many other minerals continue to be extracted. Each year, the mining and extraction sector emits thousands of tons of harmful substances into the atmosphere, in the form of greenhouse and other air-polluting gases, as well as harmful dusts. These substances include, amongst others, carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, as well as PM2.5 and PM10. The European Union climate policy clearly recommends that the exploitation of mineral resources be carried out in full respect of the principles of their rational, economical and environmentally neutral acquisition, which is confirmed by the promoted strategy of sustainable development economy. Therefore, this means the necessity to undertake actions aimed at limiting the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants into the atmosphere. To assess the actions taken by the European Union countries to date with respect to limiting those emissions, a comparative analysis was carried out for the particular countries. This analysis encompassed the emission of harmful substances from the mining and quarrying sector by the European Union countries in the years 2008 and 2017. The purpose of the analysis was to show the diversity of those countries in terms of the emission of harmful gases and dusts, as well as to divide them into similar groups. Such a division paves the way for developing a common climate policy and exchanging experiences between the countries from the particular groups. The European Union countries were divided into similar groups using the k-means grouping method. Comparison was also made for the emissions of the substances under analysis for the particular countries over the research years. The results obtained unequivocally demonstrate that this emission has been limited in the European Union, but there are countries where the emission of certain substances has increased.
Analysis of the Time of Crew Evacuation from the Hazardous Area of Mining Exploitation Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Tutak Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Hard coal mines are vulnerable to a series of hazards that affect the safety and effectiveness of mining production. One of such hazards is the risk of underground fires. As the exogenous underground fires appear suddenly and have a highly dynamic course, it is very often necessary to quickly evacuate the crew from the danger area. The time needed to evacuate the crew from the danger area is most commonly determined by means of analytical methods, which provide a very general calculation. Therefore, it becomes necessary to also make use of other methods and tools for determining this time. Undoubtedly, such characteristics are offered by modern calculation methods based on the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm and characterised by high accuracy. The paper presents a sample application of such a method for evacuating a 20-member crew from the heading under threat. In order to determine the evacuation time for those individuals, a calculation model was built for the total length of the escape routes equal to 900 m. The results revealed that the total evacuation time for workers moving with the speed corresponding to the movement speed in a heading filled with smoke (with considerably reduced visibility) will amount to approx. 21 minutes. The results obtained may constitute an essential source of information for service teams responsible for ensuring the operational safety in mine headings. At the same time, the model developed allows for broader application to the estimation of crew evacuation times from danger areas.
Use of Selected Adaptive Models to Forecast Accidents During the Repair, Maintenance, Installation of Machines and Equipment
Authors: Małysa Tomasz
Published: August 2020

In the article the possibility of using selected adaptive models to forecast accidents at work during repairing, maintaining and installing machines, was presented. On the basis of statistical data on persons injured in accidents at work (2009-2018), the process of their forecasting was carried out (for 2019 and the years 2019-2021) and the errors of expired forecasts were determined. Prediction of empirical data allowed for the assessment of accident rates among persons injured in total accidents and allowed for the assessment of the state of occupational safety in the area with was analyzed. The presented models can be used to assess accidents in other sectors of the economy and be a tool used to assess the state of occupational safety in an enterprise.