bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low vitamin D levels affect left ventricular wall thickness in severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Solli Martina , Ubertini Esther , Erbetta Riccardo , Gioscia Rocco , Afifeh Arraa Maddalena Saghir , Viglione Filippo , Rolla Roberta , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Background

Vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and degenerative aortic stenosis represent emerging conditions, linked to a progressive ageing of the population and increased frailty. Previous studies have associated lower levels of 25 (OH)D to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular calcifications. However, few studies have evaluated, so far, the impact of vitamin D deficiency in patients with aortic stenosis, which was therefore the aim of present study.

Methods

Consecutive patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis undergoing nonurgent coronary angiography were included. Aortic stenosis was defined as aortic valve area (AVA) less than 1 cm2 and/or mean gradient more than 40 mmHg. Indexed area and stroke volume or dobutamine stress evaluation were performed when indicated. Fasting samples were collected at admission for 25 (OH)D levels assessment.

Results

We included 137 patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (48.9% men, mean age 78.4 ± 6.4 years) who were divided according to vitamin D median values (≥12.4 ng/ml). Patients with lower vitamin D had a more frequent history of coronary artery bypass graft (P = 0.02) and received more often angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors (P = 0.03). Among them, 38.7% had vitamin D levels less than 10 ng/ml and only five patients were in therapy with vitamin D supplementation. We observed no significant relationship between vitamin D levels and echocardiographic parameters for the severity of aortic stenosis (AVA, peak and mean gradients, volumes, ejection fraction) except for a greater wall thickness in patients with lower vitamin D levels (r = −0.34, P = 0.03). Results did not change when excluding patients with renal failure or treated with vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusion

Among patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis, vitamin D deficiency is common. We found a significant association between left ventricular wall thickness and vitamin D levels, suggesting a potential role of this hormone in modulating hypertrophic remodelling in these patients. However, future larger studies are certainly needed to confirm our findings and to define their prognostic implications.
Rationale and proposal for cardio-oncology services in Italy
Authors: Galderisi Maurizio , Santoro Ciro , Bossone Eduardo , Mancusi Costantino
Published: August 2020

In the last 20 years, a substantial improvement in the efficacy of cancer treatment has induced a progressive increase in cancer survival, with an obvious parallel increase in morbidity and mortality related to the adverse effects of anticancer therapy, in particular, cardiovascular complications. In relation to the peculiar aspects related to cardiac and vascular toxicity, clinical management of patients should be ideally reserved for experts in the field of this novel medical discipline, which has been defined as cardio-oncology. The rationale for this choice corresponds to the aim of identifying patients more prone to developing cardiovascular damage, prevent overt cardiotoxicity and conduct active surveillance of treated patients for early identification of cardiac and vascular involvement during short- and long-term follow-up. Due to the burden of treated cancer patients, the development of dedicated cardio-oncology services has become one of the main goals of contemporary medicine, needed to accomplish the peculiar mission of guiding the patients through the narrow path of cancer survival without the expense of cardiovascular damage. The main purpose of cardio-oncology services is to provide dedicated cardiologic care to cancer patients affected by concomitant (subclinical or overt) cardiovascular diseases, either preexisting the cancer onset or acquired during and after the time course of anticancer therapy. In this article, we describe a possible spoke-hub model of cardio-oncology services, which could be appropriately applied in Italy. Rationale, organization, definition of referral criteria, strategies, interventional programs, long-term surveillance and home assistance of this model are described and discussed.
Automotive MR Shock Absorber Behaviour Considering Temperature Changes: Experimental Testing and Analysis
Authors: Jastrzębski Łukasz , Sapiński Bogdan , Kozieł Arkadiusz
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the automotive magnetorheological (MR) shock absorber behaviour in conditions of changing temperature. Its temperature-dependent behaviour was quantified between ambient and maximal operating temperatures of the device. Aspects addressed include the temperature dependence of the control coil resistance in the absorber, the influence of operating current level on control coil temperature and the temperature dependence of the absorber force response and energy dissipation in the system. The results of experiments enabled us to evaluate the mechanical performance of the absorber at varied temperatures.
Development of a Methodology for Hospital Beds Planning according to Population and Morbidity
Authors: Vajasdi Heinz , Chiriac Nona Delia , Minca Dana Galieta
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Most of the forecast methods for hospital beds estimate a total number of beds per region, based on demographic and utilization indicators, without allocation on specialty wards.

Objectives: Develop a forecast methodology per specialty in a county, according to the population needs.

Materials and methods: Literature review, demographic data and indicators of hospital morbidity analysis; hospitalization rates adjustment for medical migration; model the allocation of new cases according to the previous hospitalization models.

Results: the excess of hospitalization between similar counties varies between -34.71 to 96.50%; adjustment of the hospital beds for patient migration leads to increase in the number of beds in 5 of 6 counties; the allocation of new cases, based on the previous model of hospitalization, triggers the reallocation between specialties.

Conclusions: demographic indicators, hospital activity, family doctor records can be used successfully to design the number of beds at county level, according to the needs of the population.
Benefits of Hydrocolloid-Absorbent Dressings in “Diabetic Foot” Therapy
Authors: Tănăsescu Denisa
Published: August 2020

The incidence of diabetes is constantly increasing, so in 2014 about 8, 5% of adults over the age of 18 had diabetes worldwide. Also mortality in patients with diabetes is increased, only in 2015 being the direct cause for 1.6 million deaths worldwide. Worldwide, there are currently 425 million people living with diabetes; by 2045, 629 million people are expected to have diabetes. The authors present the case of patient I.A. 46 years old, male, from urban area, known with type 2 diabetes mellitus insulinotreated, secondary to acute pancreatitis, necrotico-haemorrhagic, operated on antecedents, which is presented in our service accusing spontaneous sensitivity and palpation of the lower limb right, premaleolar ulceration on the inner face of the lower right limb, with Celsian signs at this level, paresthesias at the level of the right leg, muscular weakness, weight loss. Alternative absorbent-hydrocolloid therapy is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with varicose ulcer wounds, especially in those with diabetic background. The combination of targeted antibiotic therapy, systemic treatment, local surgical treatment followed by local colloidal-absorbent treatment has very good results in a much shorter time than conventional, conservative therapy. Prophylaxis of any “diabetic foot” disease is extremely important. Therapeutic education is a major role in preventing the complications of diabetes. The diabetic patient should be trained and learned in order to prevent problems that may occur in the foot.
Slaughter yield and dietary value of wild and cultured vendace (Coregonus albula)
Authors: Zakęś Zdzisław , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata , Szczepkowski Mirosław , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika
Published: August 2020

This study focused on comparing slaughter yield, proximate composition, and fatty acid profiles of meat from wild vendace, Coregonus albula L. caught in natural conditions (lakes; group W) and from cultured vendace reared on formulated feed in recirculating systems (group C). The slaughter yield of gutted vendace (group C) was approximately 2% higher that the value determined in group W (P ≤ 0.05). Carcasses of cultured fish contained 2.5 times more fat in comparison to fish from group W (11.12 vs 4.86%), which was compensated for by water content. No differences in protein content were noted among groups (P > 0.05). The relative combined share of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in carcasses of fish from group C were significantly higher (49.98 vs 31.53% of total fatty acids (tFA)); however, the share of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including n-3 PUFA, was lower at 18.55 vs 24.71% tFA and 8.36 vs 14.89% tFA (P ≤ 0.05), respectively. As a result of these lipid content values, the levels of the eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6n-3) acids and n-3 PUFA and PUFA, expressed in mg 100 g−1 carcass, in cultured vendace carcasses were significantly higher than those in the meat of wild vendace.
Comparative Characterization of Petrophysical and Mechanical Properties of Siliciclastic Reservoir Rocks within a compressional structure of the Teapot Dome Oilfield, Wyoming, USA
Authors: John Rotimi Oluwatosin , Temitope Ogunkunle Fred , Yunusa Onuh Charles , Anthony Ameloko Aduojo , Efeoghene Enaworu , Faith Ekeledo Ifeoma , Amaechi Gospel Chinwendu
Published: August 2020

Working with subsurface engineering problems in Hydrocarbon exploration as regard rock elastic and petrophysical properties necessitate accurate determination of in-situ physical properties. Several techniques have been adopted in correlating log-derived parameters with petrophysical and mechanical behavior of the rocks. However, limited field applications show there are no particular parameters and correlations that are generally acceptable due to the regional variation in geologic features (i.e., degree of mineralogy, texture, etc.). This study presents a method that assesses the disparity in petrophysical properties of oil and gas reservoir rocks in relation to their elastic/mechanical properties from 10 well-logs and 3D migrated seismic data. Two distinct facies were identified from seismic data after computing attributes. Reflection strength attribute of 2.5 and above depicts Bright spots within the central section of the field as clearly revealed by Variance and Chaos attributes. Formation properties calculated from logs were conformally gridded in consonance with the reflection patterns from the seismic data. The average Brittleness index (BI) of 0.52 corresponds to Young’s modulus (E) values of between 8 and 16 for the dense portion. This portion is the laminated, reasonably parallel, and undeformed part, flanked by the unlaminated and chaotic zones. From cross plots, the distinguished lower portion on the plot is the segment with higher sand of more than 50 %. This segment corresponds to the reservoir in this study as confirmed from the genetic algorithm neural network Acoustic impedance inversion process result. Similarly, the plot of Compressional velocity (Vp
) and Poisson’s ratio (ν), reveals the laminated sand value of not less than 0.32 of ν, and Vp
of about 4.2 km/s. The average porosity is about 16 %, average water saturation is about 16 %, and average permeability is approximately 25 md. Rock properties trends in a unique pattern and showing fluctuation that confirms the compressive nature of the structure with corresponding petrophysical properties. This trend is sustained in permeability computed and suggests a significant gravity-assisted compaction trend and fluid movement. It gives a reasonable idea of the fluid movement interplay and mechanical property variation within the sequence and across the dome. This part probably has been subjected to fair compressional deformational forces initiated from outside the survey.
HPTLC fingerprinting analysis and in vitro pharmacological activities of Hermannia geniculata roots phenols
Authors: Ariyo Adeniran Lateef , Tom Ashafa Anofi Omotayo
Published: August 2020

Hermannia geniculata is a herb that plays an important role in the treatment of an array of diseases including diabetes, ulcer, and colitis in the South African traditional medicine. The bioactive constituent and medicinal properties in phenols of Hermannia geniculata (PoHG) roots were investigated using high pressure thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The α-amylase inhibitory potentials of PoHG was determined by reacting different concentration of the plant extract with 1% starch solution containing α-amylase. The inhibitory effect of the extract on α-glucosidase was evaluated by pre-incubating α-glucosidase with varying extract concentrations followed by the addition of ρ -nitrophenylglucopyranoside.. The reactive oxygen and free radical scavenging potentials of the extract were also analyzed. The result showed the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract with retention factor (Rf) values ranging from 0.14 to 095. The extract scavenged DPPH, ABTS+, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. The extract was able to chelate metallic ions with a lower IC50 value which differs significantly (p≤0.05) from silymarin. Moreover, PoHG extract inhibited the key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) involved in carbohydrate catabolism with IC50 values of 1.76 ±0.14 and 7.52 ±0.23 mg/mL respectively while IC50 value reported for acarbose were 7.62 ±0.12 and 4.38 ±0.25 mg/mL for glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. The α-glucosidase exhibited non-competitive inhibition by PoHG extract while α-amylase showed uncompetitive inhibition. This study confirmed the presence of phenol in PoHG extract and also showed an appreciable antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in vitro. Therefore, PoHG extract may be of nutraceutical importance.
“Build Back Better”: Between Public Policy and Local Implementation, the Challenges in Tohoku’s Reconstruction
Authors: Cosson Camille
Published: August 2020

Although Japan, because of its long history of natural disasters, has always been one of the most prepared country, the 2011 Great East Japanese Earthquake and tsunami caused unprecedented damages to the country. This paper introduces public policies for urban resilience from international level to national level, analysing Tohoku’s reconstruction. First, we will introduce the United Nations frameworks and guidelines for “Build Back Better” before confronting this theory with its practical application. Concluding remarks suggest that Japanese reconstruction policies provoked some challenges in the local implementation of urban resilience.
Comparison of the Vibration Response of a Rotary Dobby with Cam-Link and Cam-Slider Modulators
Authors: Yu Hongbin , Yin Honghuan , Peng Junqiang , Wang Lei
Published: August 2020

This article presents the kinematic modeling and analysis of cam profiles of two different types of modulator: a cam-link and a cam-slider modulators. Kinematic and dynamic models of the two different modulators were established based on the motion curves of the main shaft of the rotary dobby. Simulations were carried out in Simulink to analyze the vibration responses under different rotary speeds, and vibration responses of the two mechanisms were compared. The results show that the cam-link modulator vibrates smoothly at speeds of <700 rpm, and theoretically, the speed should not exceed 1,400 rpm. The cam-slider modulator vibrates smoothly at speeds of <500 rpm, and theoretically, the speed should not exceed 1,000 rpm. The cam-slider modulator is more suitable for use at low speeds, whereas the cam-link modulator is more appropriate for high speeds. When both the cam-slider and cam-link modulators operate at high speeds, vibration distortion occurs, leading to bifurcation and chaotic vibration. Further knowledge of the complex behaviors associated with detachment of the follower from the cam can support the design of more sophisticated controllers aimed at avoiding follower detachment.
Association of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism with body mass index, fasting glucose levels and lipid status in adolescents
Authors: Vidović V , Maksimović N , Novaković I , Damnjanović T , Jekić B , Vidović S , Majkić Singh N , Stamenković-Radak M , Nikolić D , Marisavljević D
Published: August 2020

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role in energy balance. It suppresses food intake, reduces hepatic glucose production and converts white fat into brown fat in adipose tissue, leading to energy dissipation, lowered blood glucose and a lean phenotype. Studies have shown that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met within BDNF may be associated with obesity, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dyslipidemia. The objective of the study was to investigate the association of the Val66Met polymorphism with body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels and lipid profile in Serbian adolescents. The study included 308 randomly selected healthy adolescents, 153 (49.68%) boys and 155 girls (50.32%), 15 years of age. Data including age, gender, height, weight, lipid profile and fasting glucose were recorded. Genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. No association of this polymorphism was found with BMI and lipid profile. However, significant association was observed between this polymorphism and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Carriers of a Val/Val genotype had significantly higher mean values of fasting glucose level compared to carriers of Val/ Met and Met/Met genotypes (p = 0.01). To confirm these results multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Body mass index and gender were taken as covariates. Carriers of the Val/Val genotype had significantly higher levels of FBG (β = -0.152, p = 0.02). A statistically significant association between BMI and glucose level was also observed (β = 0.124,p = 0.033). This polymorphism could be associated with fasting glucose level in Serbian adolescents, thus further research would be of great interest to validate these results.
Skilled Labour Shortage in the Building Construction Industry Within the Central Region
Authors: Akomah Benjamin Boahene , Ahinaquah Laud Kwamina , Mustapha Zakari
Published: August 2020

Skilled labour shortage is the shortfall of workforce in specific trades or shortage of workforce with requisite skills. The paper seeks to identify areas where there are skilled labour shortages in the building construction industry within the Central Region. A survey research approach was employed to get the study population that consisted of project managers, site engineers, site foremen and engineers working with contactors. Questionnaires were designed based on the research specific objectives and used as the main instrument for data collection. Findings from the study revealed that the shortage of skilled manpower was from painters and decorators, electricians and tile workers. Further findings showed that skilled labour shortage was caused by socio–economic conditions, external forces, job attractiveness, job characteristics, job satisfaction, industry limitations and personal factors. Employees should be encouraged to develop their trade competences and change their attitude to work, while employers should build their manpower base through training.
Pedestrian accessibility of services as a measure of territorial cohesion at the neighbourhood level
Authors: Damurski Łukasz , Pluta Jacek , Zipser Wawrzyniec
Published: August 2020

Territorial cohesion, despite its initial ambiguity, has been successfully implemented in national and regional policies across the EU. However, its operationalisation on the local level remains a major challenge. This paper asks whether pedestrian accessibility of services and public transport nodes can be used as a measure of territorial cohesion at the local level. The presented research was conducted in 2016–19 in five neighbourhoods in Poland representing various settlement contexts: large cities, mediumsized towns and suburban areas. It adapted particular indicators of territorial cohesion established by ESPON to the neighbourhood scale. The highest levels of territorial cohesion expressed by users’ satisfaction were achieved in a neighbourhood in a medium-sized town, whereas in geographical terms, territorial cohesion reached higher levels in large cities. Despite those differences, the proposed research method based on pedestrian accessibility offers quantifiable and comparable results on territorial cohesion on the neighbourhood level.
Spatial (in)justice and place-based strategies in innovation ecosystems: the case of the Alexander Innovation Zone in Thessaloniki
Authors: Topaloglou Lefteris
Published: August 2020

The concept of spatial justice relates to the fair and equitable distribution in space of socially valued resources and opportunities. In other words, spatial justice is the spatial dimension of social justice, placing more emphasis on the geography of distribution. On this basis, this paper examines the innovation ecosystem of the Alexander Innovation Zone of Thessaloniki in Greece. What is attempted is to scrutinise, through the lens of spatial justice, this state's initiative to deal at the regional level with innovation. This paper investigates whether a focus on localities and decentralisation would be better able to deliver the demands of spatial justice. The hypothesis to be tested is that equity in socially valued resources and opportunities can be better achieved through place-based strategies. Based upon empirical material, within the framework of the RELOCAL project (H2020,www.relocal.eu), this contribution attempts to shed some light on the aforementioned research hypothesis.
Public Debt and Inflation: A Review of International Literature
Authors: Aimola Akingbade U. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: August 2020

Research background: Public debt arises mainly from debt-financed deficits. More and more countries are resorting to additional public indebtedness to raise additional financial resources to meet government funding needs, which are unattainable by the usual tax means. As a result, increasingly, government spending is rising faster than revenue is received, and the excess is financed mainly through domestic and external borrowings. Expensive borrowings by a government (in an environment of increasing interest rates) may be harmful to inflation and the macroeconomic stabilisation process. This trend is raising concerns among policymakers as it undermines macroeconomic stability, especially in developing economies with relatively weak and dependent monetary authorities in the formulation and implementation of monetary policies. Hence, the association between public debt and inflation is of importance in the inflationary process of an economy.

Purpose: In this paper, theoretical and empirical literature on the link between public debt and inflation has been surveyed in detail. The focus of the paper was centred on the review of literature on the link between total public debt, external public debt, domestic public debt and inflation.

Research methodology: This paper presents an extensive review of scholarly studies on the link between public debt and inflation based on their results. The paper analysed, synthesised, and critically evaluated previous studies on the relationship between public debt and inflation on both the theoretical and empirical fronts.

Results: The literature reviewed revealed the association between public debt and inflation. The surveyed literature shows that the relationship between public debt and inflation varies from country to country, with either a positive or negative relationship. However, in the majority of the literature, the link between public debt and inflation tilts towards a positive relationship. This finding is more prominent in indebted countries with higher levels of public debt and a less-developed financial market. Although there is no consensus on the positive or negative relationship between public debt and inflation, the study found that a positive relationship between public debt and inflation tends to predominate among the studies reviewed.

Novelty: The study provides an insight into the relationship between public debt and inflation based on a detailed review of literature on the subject in both developed and developing economies.
Econometric Support of a Mass Valuation Process
Authors: Doszyń Mariusz
Published: August 2020

Research background: The issues undertaken in the paper include the specification of an econometric model in real estate mass appraisal. Advantages and disadvantages of using econometric models in real estate mass appraisal are discussed.

Purpose: The issue of aiding the valuation process with an econometric model based on the Szczecin algorithm of real estate mass appraisal is discussed in the paper. Such problems like multicollinearity, lack of coincidence and nonmonotonic influence of attributes are pointed out. Also, potential solutions to these problems are mentioned. Moreover, the paper features a discussion of cases in which econometric appraisal is not sufficient.

Research methodology: The base for constructing an econometric model is the so-called Szczecin algorithm of real estate mass appraisal. Based on the algorithm, the econometric model was created to enable determining the impact of real estate attributes and location on their value.

Results: problems related with specification, estimation and verification of the real estate mass appraisal econometric model are discussed in an empirical example.

Novelty: A non-linear model is proposed, which features explanatory variables introduced into the model, and by taking into consideration the scale of their measurement. The proposed model, by introducing dummy variables, also account for the impact of a location, which significantly improves the fit to empirical values.
Unravelling the Secrets of Inflation in the Euro Area – A Frequency Decomposition Approach
Authors: Gerdesmeier Dieter , Roffia Barbara , Reimers Hans-Eggert
Published: August 2020

Research background: The study contributes to the field of monetary economics. In the practice of monetary policy, all central banks have a vivid interest in distinguishing between signals and noise in the data.

Purpose: The study investigates from a frequency-domain perspective the interlinkages between money, loans, inflation and real GDP for the euro area.

Research methodology: The research methodology includes a combination of a time-series single-equation estimation approach with a frequency decomposition analysis.

Results: Broad monetary measures are found to add positively and significantly to euro area inflation over longer horizons and so do loan developments. Over medium-term horizons, real economic and exchange rate developments seem to exert a significant impact. Over shorter horizons, none of the variables under consideration affects inflation in a significant way. Robustness checks confirm the overall results. Monetary aggregates also seem to explain house price developments at lower frequencies. In addition, real GDP and exchange rate (possibly reflecting an income effect) exert a strong and significant impact, while stock prices show a substitution effect.

Novelty: The paper adds to the studies focusing on the driving forces of inflation and growth over various time horizons, with the conclusion that central banks should adopt medium-term orientation and always closely monitor real, monetary and exchange rate developments in conjunction.
Methods of a Multivariate Analysis of Non-Metric Data in Evaluating the Generational Perception of Social Characteristics
Authors: Stanimir Agnieszka
Published: August 2020

Research background: The search for factors influencing the evaluation of the quality of life in terms of subjective and objective socio-economic aspects was the background of the study. The search for perfect multivariate statistical methods in the describing of the assessments made by respondents in variable groups, as well as the categories was carried out.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to recognize the natural areas of transferring subjective satisfaction with the level of social factors in the three groups describing: household, country of residence, and the EU. The determined natural relations between the factors were then compared with the established sets of those factors. The characteristics of behaviour were compared in three generations of the EU.

Research methodology: The Standard Eurobarometer, autumn 2018, provided data describing adults from the generations Y, X, and BB. In the analysis a factor analysis and correspondence analysis were used.

Results: The effect of the used methods is a multidirectional image of the evaluations made by the EU Generations Y, X and BB in the areas of an individual’s functioning: direct (the household), close (the country of residence), and further (Europe and the EU).

Novelty: The conducted analysis indicates the need to use diverse methods in order that the assumed research objectives are thoroughly realized. The article indicates the possibility of modifying the approach in using the Burt matrix in connection with concatenated contingency tables.
The Importance of the Efficiency of Mutual Life Insurers: A Comparison to Stock Life Insurers
Authors: Wise William
Published: August 2020

Research background: Mutual companies are a major component of the life insurance industry worldwide and moreover are growing in importance. Efficiency, potentially affected by whether a life insurer company is mutual or stock, can determine how well said companies perform.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of examining the efficiency of mutual and takaful (similar to mutuals) life insurance companies.

Research methodology: This research coordinates 1) ideas regarding the size and importance of the mutual and takaful life industries worldwide, 2) theoretical aspects concerning how the efficiency of mutual/takafuls is expected to compare to that of stock insurers and 3) the outcomes of germane life insurance efficiency studies.

Results: The outcomes of life insurance efficiency studies tend to show that, in total, stock insurers are more efficient than mutuals apart from one conspicuous element. As mutuals are substantial within several of the world’s largest life markets and the global life industry their being inefficient can be exceedingly negative. The overall conclusion is that such inefficiency can lead to dire economic problems so it is imperative to investigate the efficiency of mutuals/takafuls and perhaps the one element of stocks.

Novelty: This article is the first to investigate the results of mutual/takaful life insurer efficiency studies in concert with the abovementioned theory and draws a vital conclusion regarding mutual/takaful life insurer inefficiency.
Challenges and conservation implications of Polylepis woodlands in the Andean region: Defining actions for sustainable management
Authors: Pinos Juan
Published: August 2020

Polylepis species represent one of the most important and endemic woodlands of the mid- and high-elevation regions of the Andean Cordillera. I provide a review of the current situation of Polylepis woodlands, discuss the potential effects of various conservation measures and consider the likely impact of climate change on tree phenology and tree regeneration, aiming to foster the conservation and sustainable management of these woodlands through proper environmental planning. I argue that in addition to the delineation and extension of protected areas, it is essential to incorporate actions such as forestation, forest policies, environmental education and local community participation. To be effective, conservation measures should be implemented in an international transdisciplinary research framework and in harmony with site-specific conditions. Finally, given the likely but uncertain influences of climate change on Polylepis woodlands, further research (and communication of that research) is needed to improve forest management strategies and research priorities for the Andean region.
Amaryllis belladonna L. (Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllidoideae), first record as naturalized geophyte in Tunisia and continental North Africa
Authors: El Mokni Ridha , Pasta Salvatore , Pacifico Davide
Published: August 2020

Amaryllis belladonna L. is recorded for the first time as a naturalized non-native geophyte new to Tunisian and continental North African flora. Additional information on its current distribution and habitat, a brief morphological description, as well as some taxonomic notes, are provided.
Two new mesophilous oriental hornbeam communities from the northern Dinaric Alps (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Stupar Vladimir , Brujić Jugoslav , Lukić Ognjen
Published: August 2020

The paper describes two new mesophilous communities of oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) coppice from the northern Dinaric Alps in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). While oriental hornbeam is mainly considered to be a part of thermophilous forests and scrub, numerical analysis of 103 relevés of C. orientalis dominated coppice from B&H has shown that two new, rather mesophilous, communities thrive on calcareous bedrock of NW B&H. They represent secondary successional stages of mesotermic forest vegetation in this region. Association Epimedio alpini-Carpinetum orientalis ass. nova hoc loco is related to Illyrian oak-hornbeam forests of Erythronio-Carpinion betuli, while Asplenio scolopendrii-Carpinetum orientalis ass. nova hoc loco is linked to Balkan submediterranean ravine forests of Ostryo-Tilion. Although these two associations were recorded only in the NW B&H, their distribution is potentially larger, as their source communities are relatively common throughout the Dinaric Alps, so the information about their distribution, vertical structure, and syndynamic relations could be very useful in a national scale forest management and nature conservation.
New evidence on son preference among immigrant households in the United States
Authors: Duan Huiqiong , Hicks Daniel L.
Published: August 2020

This paper provides new evidence on the acquisition and persistence of child gender preference among immigrant populations in the United States using Census and American Community Survey data. We first confirm the existing evidence of son preference among immigrant populations from South East Asia that was documented across multiple studies and samples. We then demonstrate several new empirical findings. First, Japanese immigrants exhibit daughter preference. Second, assortative matching between immigrant parents is associated with stronger gender preferences. Third, comparing male and female migrants who marry natives provides suggestive evidence that paternal preferences could be more to blame for son preference than maternal. Fourth, child gender preferences are strongest for migrants who arrive after childhood but do not appear to diminish with the duration of residence in the United States. Finally, while higher-order generations exhibit weaker son preference, there is a high degree of heterogeneity across groups. Most of the second- and higher-order generation immigrants assimilate more rapidly to US norms except Indian immigrant populations, which exhibit strong son preference among higher-order generations.
Investigating Home Economics Teachersí Food Waste Practices and Attitudes
Authors: Elorinne Anna-Liisa , Eronen Lasse , Pollari Milja , Hokkanen Johanna , Reijonen Helen , Murphy Jamie
Published: August 2020

Although studies highlight the role of education in sustainable Food Waste (FW) behaviors, few studies examine basic education pedagogies concerning FW. The present research explores Finnish comprehensive schoolteachersí food and FW attitudes, personal FW practices, and FW pedagogy - educational approach, learning environment, classroom actions, and learning materials. Principal Component Analysis and Spearman correlation analyses of data from a convenience-sampled survey examined FW attitude and practice connections. Respondents (n=52), mostly females (85 %) and Home Economics teachers (62 %), reported two main attitudinal components. Wide Range Responsibility (WRR) represented holistic, global, and communal FW perspectives, while Restricted Responsibility (RR) represented individual and hedonistic FW views. WRR together with school related environmental activities correlated significantly with teacher pedagogical practices to enhance pupilsí ability to recognize factors influencing their FW practices. As personal attitudes may carry into teachersí pedagogical practices, future research should examine teachersí personal values and their consistency with basic curriculum values.
Teacher Educators’ and Teacher Trainees’ Perspective on Teacher Training for Sustainable Development
Authors: Nketsia William , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Saloviita Timo , Tracey Danielle
Published: August 2020

In accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), countries across the globe are striving to ensure equitable access to inclusive, quality and lifelong educational opportunities for all children, youth and adults by 2030. Teacher education has been identified as one of the key factors in the achievement of the SDG 4 targets. As part of the effort to ensure sustainable teacher education for the achievement of SDG 4 in Ghana, this study applied the four key concepts in the SDG 4: quality, equity, inclusion and lifelong learning, to determine the progress with regards to SDG 4 in the context of teacher education in Ghana. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the inclusive pedagogical practices, values, and knowledge that trainees acquire from the Diploma in Basic Education’s Special Education Needs (SEN) course, the adequacy of the course for preparing teachers to create inclusive classrooms and the challenges associated with the delivery of the SEN course. In this study, 167 final-year trainees and 13 teacher educators from Diploma in Basic Education Program in three colleges of education in Ghana were surveyed about their views on the SEN teacher preparation course. The study found out that the SEN course placed much emphasis on medical model view of SEN and only a minority of trainees acquired the requisite inclusive knowledge, values and pedagogical practices. The paper discusses key barriers to the development of inclusive knowledge, pedagogical practices and values among trainees as well as factors that can promote the effective training of inclusive teachers.
Chemical resistance of NR/SBR rubber blends for surfaces corrosion protection of metallic tanks in petrochemical industries
Authors: Braihi A. J. , Jawad A. J. , Kadhum A. A. H. , Aljibori H. S. S. , Al-Amiery A. A.
Published: August 2020

In this work, a series of Natural Rubber (NR)/Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) blends were formulated to protect metallic petrochemical storage tanks from corrosive media. Therefore, these blends tested against a 10% HCl solution for 72 hr at room temperature. Blends series were prepared with different ratios of NR/SBR; 25/75, 30/70, 35/65, 40/60, 45/55, 50/50, and 55/45. Three types of carbon black (N-330, N-660, and N-762) were added individually to the 45/55 blend. Hardness, tensile strength, modulus, and elongation properties were tested before and after immersion in the 10% HCl attack media. All these mechanical properties decreased after immersion action accept hardness property. Up to 45 phr NR content, the hardness increased linearly independent on immersion action, but HCl immersion gives higher hardness values. Tensile strength increased up to 40 phr NR content with and without immersion and the immersion action decreased tensile values. The highest elongation value obtained with 35/65 blend with and without immersion. The 45 phr NR content gives the higher modulus, while the lowest value obtained with the 30 phhr content. For 45/55 blend, the hardness increased as the carbon black particle size decreased and immersion action gives higher hardness values. The tensile strength decreased linearly with the carbon black surface area, while with the medium surface area, the highest modulus and lowest elongation obtained.
Induction of Twinning in Noemi Ewes Using Two Protocols of a Recombinant Human Follicle Stimulating Hormone Versus Porcine Pituitary-Derived FSH and their Subsequent Impacts on Maternal Hormones
Authors: Zeitoun Moustafa Mohamed , Ali Mohamed Atieh , El-Dawas Abdulrahman Omar
Published: August 2020

Twinning induction of single-bearing Noemi ewes is an important avenue to maximize the economic feasibility of sheep production. Sixty Noemi ewes were used and randomly assigned to six treatment groups (n=10/group).Two sources of FSH [i.e., porcine (P) vs. human (H)] were given as a single dose or in six doses. The control 1 group was given a single dose of saline (C1), while the control 2 group was given six doses of saline (C6). Ewes in group 3 (P1) were given a single dose of p-FSH, in group 4 six doses of p-FSH (P6), in group 5 a single dose of h-FSH (H1), and in group 6 six doses of h-FSH (H6). The ewes were inserted with CIDR for 10 days with FSH given on day 8. A fertile ram was used at the onset of estrus. Blood samples were collected for hormone analyses. The time between CIDR removal and onset of estrus (63, 38 and 26 hrs. in C, P, and H, respectively) was shortened by FSH administration. FSH increased the incidence of twinning, however single dose resulted in more stillbirths and mortalities. The neonatal survival rate decreased in the P1 (40%) compared to the P6 (65%) treatments. Both sources of FSH raised progesterone and estradiol 17-β compared to the controls. Contrariwise, both h- and p-FSH reduced T4; however, h-but not p-FSH raised T3. In conclusion, using rh-FSH at six descending doses of a total 180 IU in Noemi ewes produced two viable neonates. Moreover, the exogenous FSH raised the sex hormones and T3 in the ewes.
Remarks on the Automatic Cylinder Oil Mixing System for Two Stroke Dual Fuel Crosshead Marine Engines
Authors: Markiewicz Włodzimierz
Published: August 2020

The deformation of a part occurring in the process of grinding directly influences its exploitation and quality parameters. The instability of shape and size, which occurs due to an imbalance of residual stress, can be the one of the major causes of deformation of a part. The decrease in stress slows down the deformation process. Considering the regularities of heat source intensity dependence on the grinding modes, it can be asserted that with increasing grinding depth and grinding wheel hardness, the value increases and it decreases with a growth in a speed of the part and the use of cooling. The higher the heat removal is and the better lubricant properties of the liquid are, the more significant the decrease in is. Changing these values allows regulation of the residual stresses. As a result of the research on determination of deformations, it is recommended to reduce thermal deformations by considering the geometric size of a plate to be machined, linear expansion coefficient of plate material and an allowance for nonflatness from thermal deformations. The value of nonflatness from thermal deformations is directly proportional to linear expansion coefficient of plate material and its square overall dimensions. At the same time, the value of nonflatness is inversely proportional to the plate thickness.
Machines for Mechanical Mining of Hardly Workable and Abrasive Rocks
Authors: Bołoz Łukasz , Kalukiewicz Antoni
Published: August 2020

Mechanical mining is a widely used method for separating material from mined rock in the mining branch, tunnelling, road and construction industries. Depending on the mechanical properties of rocks, most often defined by uniaxial compressive strength, various machines and tools are applied. Apart from rock strength, the efficiency of the mining process is determined by abrasiveness, which affects the rate of tool abrasive wear. Currently, disc mining by static pressure or rear undercutting are the most developed methods. Undercutting can be supported by high pressure water jet or disk oscillation. Mining with drills also utilizes static pressure. In addition to discs, conical picks are applied; they are mounted on cutterheads. In underground mining and tunnelling, there is an increasing need to cut abrasive rocks with a strength of more than 120 MPa in places where explosive materials cannot be used. In the article, the recently applied and developed methods of cutting abrasive rocks characterized by high strength, such as copper, gold, tungsten or platinum ores and diamond deposits, have been presented. Next, the latest machines and machine systems used for their mining are reviewed. Leaders in the mining machinery industry, such as Joy (Komatsu), Epiroc (Atlas Copco), Sandvik and Aker Wirth are developing proprietary designs of cutting machines based on both well-known and completely new ideas.
The Possibility of Modeling Parts in Production Technology
Authors: Ivanova Tatyana N. , Korshunov Aleksandr I. , Peterka Jozef , Ratnikov Ivan A. , Pokorny Peter
Published: August 2020

The object of the research is a part “Flange half of differential case”, which has complex shape of a housing. The subjects of the research are the processes of selection of analogue material, workpiece production method, and justification of the structural and technological parameters of a part, taking into account 3D-modeling of the structure, deformations, displacements, stresses, and safety factor. The selection of analogue material is connected with suspension of production of open-hearth steel grade Mst.6 GOST 380-50. The objectives of the work include juxtaposition of computer models of deformations, displacements, stresses, safety factors of the part made of different analogue materials; comparison of models according workpiece production methods with consideration of material utilization ratio, structural and technological features of resulting workpieces. For modelling we have chosen the several types of materials. Research on modelling processes was fulfilled by means of software of Kompasv17, Solid Works, Solid works simulation. Volumetric models of parts and workpieces for all studied materials have been created taking into account the deformations, displacements, stresses, and safety factor. There results of modelling of “Flange half of differential case” allowed us to make recommendations for production conditions. These recommendations include the use of steel 45 GOST 1050-2013 as analogue material, hot forging of a workpiece on a horizontal forging machine, creating of design and technological documentation for the manufacture of the part.