bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interval Sheffer Stroke Basic Algebras and Yang-Baxter Equation
Authors: Oner Tahsin , Katican Tugce
Published: January 2021

In this study, we give basic definitions and notions about Sheffer stroke operation and Sheffer stroke basic algebra. After presenting Sheffer stroke basic algebra on a given interval, named interval Sheffer stroke basic algebra, we give some features of an interval Sheffer stroke basic algebra. Then we investigate solutions to the set-theoretical Yang-Baxter equation in this algebraic structure by using its features.
Some Structures on Neutrosophic Topological Spaces
Authors: Ozturk Taha Yasin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we define boundary of neutrosophic soft set, neutrosophic soft dense set, neutrosophic soft basis and neutrosophic soft subspace topology on neutrosophic soft topological spaces. Furthermore, some important theorems are proved and interesting examples are given.
Limiting Case of the Spin Hypersurface Dirac Operator arising in the positive mass theorem for black holes
Authors: Eker Serhan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we give an explicit form of the scalar curvaure for the limiting case of the eigenvalue of the hypersurface Dirac operator which arises in the positive mass theorem for black holes. Then, we show that the hypersurface is an Einstein.
A novel family of 1-D robust chaotic maps
Authors: Mandal Dhrubajyoti
Published: January 2021

Chaotic dynamics of various continuous and discrete-time mathematical models are used frequently in many practical applications. Many of these applications demand the chaotic behavior of the model to be robust. Therefore, it has been always a challenge to find mathematical models which exhibit robust chaotic dynamics. In the existing literature there exist a very few studies of robust chaos generators based on simple 1-D mathematical models. In this paper, we have proposed an infinite family consisting of simple one-dimensional piecewise smooth maps which can be effectively used to generate robust chaotic signals over a wide range of the parameter values.
Exact solutions of (2 + 1)-Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur equation
Authors: Durur Hülya , Yokuş Asif
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study is to obtain different types of hyperbolic type solutions of the (2+1)-Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur (AKNS) equation. In order to construction exact solutions of AKNS equation, (1/G′)-expansion method is successfully applied. At the end of this application, singular soliton wave with considerable importance for the shock wave structure and asymptotic behavior employees have emerged. By giving arbitrary values to the constants in the solutions obtained, 3D, 2D and contour graphics are presented. The method used in this article can be used in other nonlinear differential equations (NPDEs) as it is reliable, easy and effective. Ready package programs are used to solve complex and difficult processes in this study.
Association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche: the impact of methodology
Authors: Eresheim Rebecca , Schaufler Savannah , Kirchengast Sylvia
Published: January 2021

The ratio of index finger to ring finger length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic feature and widely used as an indicator of prenatal androgen-estrogen exposure. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and the onset of the first menstrual period (menarche) in women.

The present study tested the association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche. Furthermore, the impact of methods of measuring finger lengths was considered.

Two samples were used to conduct the study. One sample consisted of 110 women who self-measured their finger lengths. The finger length measurements in the second sample (88 women) were taken from one trained observer using the caliper-based technique. Age at menarche was determined using a retrospective method.

Women from the first sample reported an average age for the onset of the first menstrual bleeding at 12.9 (SD = 1.4) years of age. There was no significant association between the left and right 2D:4D ratio and the age at menarche. The second sample showed a mean age at menarche at 12.8 (SD = 1.3) years of age. Here, the right hand 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche were significantly correlated (p<0.001).

A more feminine 2D:4D ratio was significantly associated with an earlier menarcheal age only in the sample with direct finger length measurements by a trained investigator. The sample using self-measure­ments yielded no significant associations between menarcheal age and 2D:4D. The use of a reliable and well-founded methodology is essential for obtaining meaningful results.
Comparative Study of the Energetic Electrons Registered Together with the Broad Band Emissions in Different Regions of the Ionosphere
Authors: Błęcki Jan , Wronowski Roman , Słomiński Jan , Savin Sergey , Iwański Rafał , Haagmans Roger
Published: January 2021

ELF/VLF waves have been registered in the outer polar cusps simultaneously with high energy electrons fluxes by the satellites Magion 4 (subsatellite to Interball 1), Polar and CLUSTER. Further, we discuss similar observations in the different regions of the ionosphere, where DEMETER registered energetic electrons. The DEMETER satellite operating on the nearly polar orbit at the altitude 650 km crossed different regions in the ionosphere. Registrations of ELF/VLF/HF waves together with the energetic electrons in the polar cusp, in the ionospheric trough and over thunderstorm areas are presented in this paper. The three satellites of ESA’s Swarm mission provide additional information on the ELF waves in the mentioned areas together with electron density and temperature. A brief discussion of the generation of these emissions by the so-called “fan instability” (FI) and beam instability is presented.
Performance Evaluation of Precise Point Positioning Using Dual Frequency Multi-GNSS Observations
Authors: Malik Jabir Shabbir
Published: January 2021

In addition to GPS and GLONASS constellation, the number of (Global Navigation Satellite System) GNSS satellites are increasing, it is now possible to evaluate and analyze the position accuracy with multi GNSS constellation. In this paper, statistical assessment of static Precise Point Positioning (PPP) using GPS, GLONASS, dual system GPS/GLONASS, three system GPS/GLONASS/Galileo, GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou and multi system GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou PPP combinations is evaluated. Observation data of seven whole days from seven IGS multi GNSS experiment (MGEX) stations is used for analysis. Position accuracy and convergence time is analyzed. Results show that the GPS/GLONASS positioning accuracy increases over GPS PPP. Standard deviations (STDs) of position errors for GPS PPP are 4.63, 3.00 and 6.96 cm in east, north and up components while STDs for GPS/GLONASS PPP are 4.10, 3.42 and 6.50 cm respectively. Root mean square for three dimension (RMS3D) for GPS/GLONASS PPP solution is 8.96 cm. With the addition of Galileo and BeiDou to the combined GPS/GLONASS further enhances the positioning accuracy. Root mean square for horizontal component reach to 5.35 cm of GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou PPP solutions. Results analysis of GPS/GLONASS/Galileo PPP solutions show an improvement of convergence time by only 3.81% to achieve accuracy level of 3.0 cm over GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou PPP mode. Results also demonstrate that position accuracy improvement after adding BeiDou observations to the GPS/GLONASS PPP mode is not significant.
Thermosolutal Convection in a Porous Medium Cavity Subjected to Heat and Mass Flux: A Discrete Fracture Effect
Authors: Aouf Zakaria , Seladji Chakib
Published: January 2021

Species separation in heterogeneous porous media is a field of interest of many industrial activities. In our investigation, the effect of a single discrete fracture on the thermosolutal convection coupled with the Soret effect have been analyzed. The main results show that the fracture can greatly affect the behavior of the thermogravitational flow and might play a positive role to the separation caused by the Soret effect. Furthermore, the fracture tilted to the cold wall causes a large separation compared to the one tilted to the hot wall with the same angle. Therefore, the separation process could be greatly improved.
Corrosion Resistance of Coatings Produced by Spraying Powders Under a Laser Beam in a Saline Environment NaCl 3% by the Electrochemical Method
Authors: Aouici Samia , Boussaha El Hadi , Krid Ferial , Mechati Fadia
Published: January 2021

The manuscript focuses on the study of corrosion resistance in NaCl medium of a 304L type stainless steel after application of protective nickel-based and cobalt-based coatings produced by powder spraying under a continuous CO2 laser (10.6 µm wavelength) beam. Using polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods, the results found confirm that metallic coatings produced under high energy beams offer excellent protection up to an efficiency of E = 98.12% in aggressive environments with salinity to 3%.
High Performance Machine Learning Models of Large Scale Air Pollution Data in Urban Area
Authors: Gocheva-Ilieva Snezhana G. , Ivanov Atanas V. , Livieris Ioannis E.
Published: January 2021

Preserving the air quality in urban areas is crucial for the health of the population as well as for the environment. The availability of large volumes of measurement data on the concentrations of air pollutants enables their analysis and modelling to establish trends and dependencies in order to forecast and prevent future pollution. This study proposes a new approach for modelling air pollutants data using the powerful machine learning method Random Forest (RF) and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) methodology. Initially, a RF model of the pollutant is built and analysed in relation to the meteorological variables. This model is then corrected through subsequent modelling of its residuals using the univariate ARIMA. The approach is demonstrated for hourly data on seven air pollutants (O3, NOx, NO, NO2, CO, SO2, PM10) in the town of Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria over 9 years and 3 months. Six meteorological and three time variables are used as predictors. High-performance models are obtained explaining the data with R2 = 90%-98%.
Evaluating Machine Learning Approaches for Discovering Optimal Sets of Projection Operators for Quantum State Tomography of Qubit Systems
Authors: Ivanova-Rohling Violeta N. , Rohling Niklas
Published: January 2021

Finding optimal measurement schemes in quantum state tomography is a fundamental problem in quantum computation. It is known that for non-degenerate operators the optimal measurement scheme is based on mutually unbiassed bases. This paper is a follow up from our previous work, where we use standard numerical approaches to look for optimal measurement schemes, where the measurement operators are projections on individual pure quantum states. In this paper we demonstrate the usefulness of several machine learning techniques – reinforcement learning and parallel machine learning approaches, to discover measurement schemes, which are significantly better than the ones discovered by standard numerical methods in our previous work. The high-performing quorums of projection operators we have discovered have complex structure and symmetries, which may imply that the optimal solution will possess such symmetries.
A New Class of “Growth Functions” with Polynomial Variable Transfer Generated by Real Reaction Networks
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay
Published: January 2021

In [4, 5], two classes of growth models with “exponentially variable transfer” and “correcting amendments of Bateman-Gompertz-Makeham-type” based on a specific extended reaction network have been studied [1]. In this article we will look at the new scheme with “polynomial variable transfer”. The consideration of such a dynamic model in the present article is dictated by our passionate desire to offer an adequate model with which to well approximate specific data in the field of computer viruses propagation, characterized by rapid growth in the initial time interval. Some numerical examples, using CAS Mathematica illustrating our results are given.
Comments on the Half Logistic Inverse Rayleigh (HLIR) cdf with “Polynomial Variable Transfer”. Some Applications
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Iliev Anton , Rahnev Asen
Published: January 2021

On the base of the Half Logistic – G family of distributions proposed by Cordeiro, Alizadeh and Marinho [2] some mathematical properties are investigated by Almarashi et al. [1]. We study the “saturation” to the horizontal asymptote: t=1 by the new growth function M(t) in the Hausdorff sense. Similar to our previous studies [3-6], in this article we will define and analyze in detail the new family. We will call this family the “Half-Logistic-Inverse-Rayleigh cdf with Polynomial Variable Transfer” (HLIRPVT) cdf. Section 3 shows the potentiality of proposed new model under four real data sets. Some numerical examples using CAS MATHEMATICA are given.
Numerical Solution of Integro-Differential Equations Modelling the Dynamic Behavior of a Nano-Cracked Viscoelastic Half-Plane
Authors: Rangelov Tsviatko V. , Dineva Petia S. , Manolis George D.
Published: January 2021

The scattering of time-harmonic waves by a finite, blunt nano-crack in a graded, viscoelastic bulk material with a free surface is considered in this work. Non-classical boundary conditions and a localized constitutive equation at the interface between crack and matrix, following the Gurtin-Murdoch surface elasticity theory are introduced. An efficient numerical technique is developed using integro-differential equations along the nano-crack line that is based on an analytically derived Green‘s function for the quadratically inhomogeneous half-plane. The dependence of the diffracted and scattered waves and of the local stress concentration fields on key problem parameters such as viscosity, inhomogeneity, surface elasticity, and interaction between the nano-crack and the free surface are all examined through an extensive parametric study.
AllerScreener – A Server for Allergenicity and Cross-Reactivity Prediction
Authors: Dimitrov Ivan , Atanasova Mariana
Published: January 2021

Allergenicity of proteins is a subtle property encoded in their structures. The prediction of allergenicity of novel proteins saves time and resources for subsequent experimental work. In the host antigen-presenting cells, the allergens are processed as antigens by the means of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) class II proteins. Sometimes, people allergic to a given protein show allergic reaction to a different protein, even when the two proteins have different routes of exposure. This phenomenon is termed cross-reactivity. Here, we describe a server for allergenicity and cross-reactivity prediction based on the abilities of allergenic proteins to generate binders to HLA class II proteins. The generated peptides are compared to HLA binders originating from known allergens. As a result, the server returns a list of common binders, origin proteins, and species. Different species generate common HLA binders and this determines their cross-reactivity. The server is named AllerScreener and is freely accessible at:
http://www.ddg-pharmfac.net/AllerScreener
.
Finite-Temperature Single Molecule Vibrational Dynamics from Combined Density Functional Tight Binding Extended Lagrangian Dynamics Simulations and Time Series Analysis
Authors: Koteska Bojana , Mishev Anastas , Pejov Ljupco
Published: January 2021

Combining a computationally efficient and affordable molecular dynamics approach, based on atom-centered density matrix propagation scheme, with the density functional tight binding semiempirical quantum mechanics, we study the vibrational dynamics of a single molecule at series of finite temperatures, spanning quite wide range. Data generated by molecular dynamics simulations are further analyzed and processed using time series analytic methods, based on correlation functions formalism, leading to both vibrational density of states spectra and infrared absorption spectra at finite temperatures. The temperature-induced dynamics in structural intramolecular parameters is correlated to the observed changes in the spectral regions relevant to molecular detection. In particular, we consider a case when an intramolecular X-H stretching vibrational states are notably dependent on the intramolecular torsional degree of freedom, the dynamics of which is, on the other hand, strongly temperature-dependent.
Dual-Labor Market and Unemployment Compensation
Authors: Abe Taro
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses the impact of unemployment compensation on the employment and wages of regular and non-regular labor in a dual-labor market. The model in this paper assumes an effective demand constraint and an imperfectly competitive market. The results obtained are as follows. An increase in unemployment compensation increases the wages of regular labor to maintain its productivity. However, this temporarily decreases the employment of regular labor, so that the productivity and wages of non-regular labor decrease. The result is an increase in the relative wage rate of regular labor and the relative amount of non-regular labor employed. This result is independent of any economic regime. In terms of the impact on employment volume, the existence of two regimes, one wage-driven and one profit-driven, is confirmed. However, the effect on employment is weaker if unemployment compensation is financed by taxing profits.
Creative Economy: A Literature Review on Relational Dimensions, Challanges, and Policy Implications
Authors: Boğa Semra , Topcu Murat
Published: January 2021

In the development of the global economic system, the cumulative knowledge from past to present is of great importance. This knowledge produced by social life offers creative individuals and groups an opportunity to produce new meanings, values, contents and a source of inspiration. The influence of creative sectors in the urban life and socio-economic climate built by the industrial society created by the industrial revolution has started to increase in recent years. In the current industrial economic organization style, together with entrepreneurship, the creativity based on knowledge and technology have been added nowadays, to the land, labor and capital required for production. However, worldwide studies focus on the beneficial aspects of creative economies. There are not many studies in the literature on the past and future problems and development of the creative sector from a long-term historical perspective. In this context, it is necessary to reveal the relational ties of creative sectors with other fields; how they are positioned in national economies and how they will be analyzed. In this framework, the study aims to determine the position of the creative economy in the general economy by using the studies in the literature, to reveal the relational ties of the creative sectors with other actors, to identify the challenges in the sector, and to reveal the policy implications in creative industries. As a result of the study, it has been observed that the creative sectors are nested cellularly in all sectors of the general economy, from tourism to the automotive sector, from urban life to social networks, due to the internet, information communication technologies and digital applications. Since the outputs of the creative economy are based on the intellectual property rather than physical products, it has been determined that problems arise in the financing, accounting of services and contents introduced in this field, and measurement of the products at international standards. In addition, it has been observed that the time perception in creative sectors and the time perception of the industrial economic system differ from each other. Another important finding obtained as a result of the research is that creative economies create class differences in urban spaces and cause social segregation.
A Case Study of Ethno Village in Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Raspor Andrej , Kleindienst Petra , Peršič Kildi Tjaša , Mastilo Zoran , Borojević Draginja , Miletić Vesna
Published: January 2021

Background: The world tourism industry is subject to big changes. A number of tourists traveling steadily grows, resulting in turnover and income. The destinations, that tourists are attracted, to are numerous, and there are also newcomers who arrive to a certain destination for the first time. Nowadays, even some very distant places are on the travellers’ bucket lists. What is more, tourists are looking for authenticity, in terms of which the concept of ethno village proves to be such an example.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how this kind of tourism is regulated in Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The emphasis will be on the study of specific ethno villages.

Methods: Regarding the article, desk analysis will be done. The data were gathered from the world web, from the World Tourism Organisation’s data and from the data gathered from Slovenian and Bosnian national statistical office as well. The Excel was used for the analyses. Two examples of an ethno village are also described.

Results: The ethno village as a part of rural tourism offers great opportunities for new work posts but capacities should be used to a greater extent and the problem of seasonality should also be overcome. All the key aims of rural development must be defined by the following strategy: the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural sector, the living standard of the population who lives from agriculture, creation of social and economic conditions in the rural regions; all of it within the National strategy of the rural development.

Conclusions: Tourism industry is being developing as a part of modern touristic migration. There are more and more visitors coming overseas or coming from more remote places. They stay for a short period of time and they have different expectations as before.
Foreign Direct Investments and Real Estate. Practice and Models for a Sustainable Territorial Development. The Lombardia Experience.
Authors: Celani Alberto , Ciaramella Gianandrea , Lomacci Ludovica
Published: January 2021

This article analyzes practices of attraction of foreign investments, studying their perspective of territorial competitiveness. The analysis of investment attraction practices is assessed for the impact on the territory, from a territorial enhancement perspective. The perspective of corporate and property management and its complementarity with the needs of territorial competitiveness in a global competitive scenario is analyzed. The methodology follows what has been proposed by the literature for the implementation of corporate strategies, adapting methods and models to the context.
Legal Barriers in the Business of Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Ukraine
Authors: Arjjumend Hasrat , Koutouki Konstantia , Getman Anatoly , Donets Olga
Published: January 2021

‘Biologicals’ (biofertilizers and biopesticides) are microbial products that increase agricultural productivity, while also contributing to soil health. These microbial products are relatively safe for human consumption. However, the legal registration of microbial products and the operation of businesses in this sector face barriers that affect the expansion and widespread use of these green products. A study of these barriers was conducted by researchers at the Université de Montréal, with the financial support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies, using participa-tory methods of semi-structured interviews, structured interviews and informal discussions with the manufacturers, suppliers and traders of biologicals, as well as the government officers dealing with biologicals in Ukraine. This article analyses the data collected from the participants concerning obstacles to the registration, licensing, and proliferation of microbial products.
Development of Municipal Social Entrepreneurship in the Conditions of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region
Authors: Machničová Zina , Chreneková Marcela
Published: January 2021

Social entrepreneurship is important tool in eliminating regional disparities, inclusion of socially excluded people into society, overall improvement of the quality of life and much more. This paper aims to analyse the development of municipal social entrepreneurship in the conditions of the Banská Bystrica self-governing region, where some of the less developed districts are located. The main sources of research were questionnaire realized among local government representatives, plan of the economic and social development of the district and statistical data. In the article, there were many indicators examined, such as quantity of the municipal social enterprises, its activities, support or barriers of its development. The results points to fact that only 7% of the participants of research own municipal social enterprise. The most common barrier to establish and manage these enterprises is inadequate knowledge of the relevant legislation.
Public Services in Construction Sector and Waste Management in SR
Authors: Lichnerová Ivana , Marišová Eleonóra
Published: January 2021

The issue of public interest is regulated by the legislation of the Slovak Republic, which addresses services provided in the public interest in specific fields. One of these areas is also the provision of services in the construction sector, while these competencies were transferred by the Act no. 416/2001 Coll. from the state administration to self-government - municipalities and each municipality became a building authority. The problem, however, is that mostly small building offices have existential problems with the performance of this delegated competence, as the basis of their existence - financial resources for this competence- are insufficient. The way out of this unfavourable situation in this case could be the adoption of new legislation consisting of legally defined seats of joint building offices. When investigating the construction competencies of municipalities, we also encounter a solution for waste management (since it is also one of the competencies transferred to municipalities, but only partially). Municipalities are burdened by insufficient legislative specification of sorting biodegradable municipal waste from mixed municipal waste and subsequently an alternative in practice - waste sorting by citizens themselves. The population is dissatisfied with the amount of the fee for the collection and removal of municipal and small construction waste. In order to avoid paying fees for the storage of small construction waste, municipal residents export it to black dumps, which is in conflict with the EU and Slovak legislation in the field of waste management, whereas this type of waste can be the basic material for new, especially construction, materials.
Collocations of high frequency words in nursing research articles and The Academic Collocation List: Similarities and differences
Authors: Mandić Kaja , Dankić Izabela
Published: January 2021

The main objective of this corpus-based study is to research the most frequent two-word collocations in the corpus of nursing scientific articles and compare this newly assembled list of nursing collocations with the Academic Collocation List (ACL). The nursing scientific articles corpus (NSAC) used in this study comprises 1,119,441 words from 262 articles of 10 high-quality journals from the Medical Library Association list which nursing students can freely access. The focus is on noun-noun and noun-adjective collocations. The selected articles were converted into txt files using the ABBYY Fine Reader. WordSmith Tools 7.0 and TermeX were used for noun and collocation extraction. The newly assembled Nursing Collocation List (NCL) and the ACL were compared using Microsoft Excel 2016. A total of 488 collocations were identified in the NSAC and the NCL contains 234 (47.9%) noun + noun and 254 (52.1%) adjective + noun collocation combinations. The most frequent two-word collocation is health care and it appeared 618 times in the NSAC. The ACL (2,469) and the NCL (488) share 123 two-word collocations. Although there are some correspondences between collocations in the two corpora, key nursing collocations with notably higher frequencies are identified in the NSAC (365). Despite the fact that the ACL is the most extensive collocation list across different academic fields and it certainly plays an important role in teaching English as a foreign language, this study suggests that it does not provide key nursing collocations for improvement of nursing collocation competence.
English goes digital: Framing pre-service teachers’ perceptions of a learning management system in their EFL studies
Authors: Kapranov Oleksandr
Published: January 2021

This article introduces and discusses an empirical investigation that aimed to establish how pre-service teachers of English (hereinafter “participants”) framed their perceptions of Canvas, a learning management system (LMS), in their studies of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In the present study, the participants and their respective controls (i.e., non-teacher EFL students) were requested to write a short reflective essay associated with the use of the LMS in their EFL course. All participants and the control group used Canvas as their LMS. The corpus of the participants’ and controls’ reflective essays was analysed qualitatively by means of framing analysis. The results of the qualitative framing analysis revealed that whilst there were similarities in the participants’ and controls’ framing, the corpus of the participants’ essays involved instances of framing that were specific to the participants’ perceptions of Canvas. These findings and their linguo-didactic implications were further presented in the article.
Rhetorical questions as aggressive, friendly or sarcastic/ironical questions with imposed answers
Authors: Špago Džemal
Published: January 2021

Rhetorical questions (RQs), as a cross-breed of questions and statements, represent an effective tool in putting forward the Speaker’s ideas, as well as influencing the ideas and opinions of other people. Because of their communicative effectiveness and multifunctionality, they are frequently used in different contexts and for different purposes, and, as such, they represent an interesting topic for further research. The aim of this paper is threefold: (i) to explore the nature of the implied answer to RQs, (ii) to offer a classification of RQs based on the Speaker’s communication style, and (iii) to examine whether (or to what extent) the Speaker-Addressee relationship (peer-to-peer, superior-to-inferior, inferior-to-superior) influences the selection and frequency of use of different types of RQs. Using Stalnaker’s (2002) model of Common Ground and Caponigro and Sprouse’s (2007) concepts of Speaker’s and Addressee’s Beliefs, the author redefines the nature of the answers implied by RQs, claiming that they are imposed on the Addressee rather than mutually recognized as obvious. Based on the model of communication styles as defined by Yuan et al. (2018), RQs are classified into aggressive, friendly and sarcastic/ironical questions with imposed answers. The analysis of the corpus, which consisted of 275 RQs taken from ten American movie scripts, showed that friendly RQs are more common than the other two types, and that, in instances where one of the interlocutors is in a superior position, superior-to-inferior RQs are by far more common than vice versa. The finding that RQs asked by inferiors make up less than a third of RQs occurring between interlocutors with different social standing is in line with the view that answers to RQs are imposed on Addressees.
Yield parameters, antioxidant activity, polyphenol and total soluble solids content of beetroot cultivars with different flesh colours
Authors: Šlosár Miroslav , Kopta Tomáš , Hegedűs Ondrej , Hegedűsová Alžbeta , Mezeyová Ivana , Timoracká Mária , Mezey Ján
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate yield parameters, antioxidant activity (AOA), total polyphenol content (TPC) and total soluble solids (TSS) in beetroot cultivars with different flesh colours. Field experiments were established at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in 2016 and 2017. Within the study, 16 beetroot cultivars were tested, including 11 red-fleshed (‘Boltardy’, ‘Boro’ F1, ‘Crosby Egyptian’, ‘Cylindra’, ‘Detroit Globe’, ‘Detroit 2’, ‘Egyptian Turnip Rooted’, ‘Opolski’, ‘Pablo’ F1, ‘Renova’ and ‘Taunus’ F1), 2 yellow-fleshed (‘Boldor’ F1 and ‘Golden’), 2 white-flesh cultivars (‘Albino’ and ‘White Detroit’) and 1 red-white fleshed cultivar (‘Chioggia’). All beetroot cultivars with red flesh colour showed higher AOA and TPC than different-coloured beetroot cultivars. The highest root yield was found in the white-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘Albino’ (37.80–41.91 t · ha−1). The highest root weight was found in the white-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘White Detroit’ (362.4–412.1 g). The highest AOA (819.19–972.50 mg TEAC · kg−1 d.w.) and TPC (2,387.70–2,731.00 mg · kg−1 d.w.) were found in the red-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘Pablo’ F1. Different-coloured cultivars of beetroot were characterised by a lower content of TSS (6.4–8.8 ºBRIX) than cultivars with typical, red flesh colour (7.8–10.8 ºBRIX). Results clearly indicate that cultivar, or flesh colour, is showed as a significant factor influencing the quality of beetroot. Knowing of yield potential and quality of beetroot cultivars is important for growers as well as consumers. Results of this study indicate that white-fleshed cultivars of beetroot are characterised by high yield potential but lower quality, including lower AOA, TPC and TSS.
Affinity By Sarah Waters. A Way into Genderlessness Powered by Ocular Centrism And Spirits
Authors: Fau Hélène
Published: January 2021

Affinity by Sarah Waters tells the story of sexless and genderless spirits (and of their human bodily forms, the spiritualists) slowly taking possession of one woman, Margaret Prior, who actually, unknowingly, shelters inner predispositions to spiritualism prior to the spirits’ intervention, giving thus credit to what her surname had proleptically heralded from the very start. It all occurs via ocular centrism, embodied by a powerful Gaze, slithering throughout the plot. It first mesmerises the spiritualists-to-be before catapulting them into a maelstrom of reversals and distortions. This twisting manoeuvre can be read as an attempt to outroot and erase previously assimilated societal constructs. The spirits’ genderlessness can then deploy unencumbered. A liberating emancipation is finally completed. This article first dwells on ocular centrism before dealing with all the reversals and tiltings progressively coming up to the surface, as well as with genderless metonymic substitutes acting on behalf of the spirits.
Masculinity, Parody and Propaganda in the “Transylvanians” Trilogy
Authors: Doroholschi Claudia Ioana
Published: January 2021

The article focuses on the successful series of Red Westerns/Easterns produced in Romania in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known as the “Transylvanians” trilogy. The article will look at the films in the specific context of the period, one characterized by the increasingly idiosyncratic evolution of the Romanian communist regime and by growing economic difficulties, and will examine the way in which the films construct models of masculinity at the intersection between three different types of masculine models: those of the American Western (whether adopted or parodied), those of traditional Romania (such as the idealized, wise peasant), and masculine typologies derived from communist propaganda. I will argue that the films skillfully balance the tension between a critique of American models, in the face of which Romanian models emerge as superior, and legitimizing themselves as well as relying heavily in their entertainment value on the very models of the American Western they are supposed to subvert.
Ulam stability for Thunsdorff and Cauchy-Schwarz equations
Authors: Hodiş Laura
Published: January 2021

We consider the equality case in Thunsdorff inequality and Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. For these two equations we prove Ulam stability.
A note on Jordan’s inequality
Authors: Popa Emil C.
Published: January 2021

In this paper we obtain some bounds in terms of polynomials for the function

sin
x

x

{{\sin x} \over x}

, x ∈ [0, π].
Diachronic analysis application for the detection of soccer performance standards: a case study
Authors: Maneiro R , Amatria M , Anguera MT
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyse the interactions established by Gerard Piqué, one of the world’s top defenders, within the general context of the team. The type of interactions (prospective and retrospective) that the player establishes with his team mates and opponents; the parts of the pitch where his actions are set in motion and later finished; his preferred skill or technical moves and finally his influence on set pieces are taken into account. His output throughout the 2012 UEFA Euro, where he played 100% of the game. The instrument of observation proposed by Maneiro & Amatria (2018) has been used. Polar coordinate analysis, a powerful tecnique capable of reducing the amount of data without compromising its analytical capacity, was used. The results showed significant interactions with players from the same and different lines thanks to technical actions of control, pass and carrying of ball. The analysis of the player’s interactions within the general context of the team will provide other teams with tactical alternatives and allow themto organise special training programmes.
Can Monetary Integration Improve Productivity? Empirical Evidence of Eurozone
Authors: Padilla León
Published: January 2021

European monetary integration must be understood as an additional step towards strengthening the close ties that have been fostered after the Second World War. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of adopting the euro in terms of productivity growth, measured as the total factor productivity (TPF) variation. We used a panel data analysis with two-way fixed effects to estimate the effects of Euro adoption on the productivity growth. Two panels from 1996 to 2016 were used –one comprised 28 countries of EU members; the other only included 13 countries which joined the EU since 2004. Our findings suggest that the productivity growth of the countries that joined in 2004 and adopted the euro was higher compared to those that maintained their own currency. In addition, we find that FDI was the main channel through which the adoption of the euro influenced productivity growth.
Are Women Really Paid More than Men in Kosovo? Unpicking the Evidence
Authors: Gashi Ardiana , Adnett Nick
Published: January 2021

A recent survey found that the unadjusted average hourly net wage rate of female employees in Kosovo exceeded that of male employees. This reverse gender wage gap makes Kosovo a curiosity, though results from other countries suggest that there is an inverse relationship between the size of the gender pay gap in a country and its female labour force participation rate. In the analysis below we estimate earning functions for female and male employees in Kosovo. Using decomposition analyses we then examine the size of the explained and unexplained gender wage gaps. A novel feature of the investigation is that we incorporate into the analysis gender differences in the allocation of time. We find that the superior productivity-related characteristics of female employees in Kosovo hides the magnitude of the difficulties they still face in the labour market. Hence, we conclude that once we focus on workers with similar observed productivity-related characteristics, women in Kosovo are paid significantly less than men.
Analysis of Public Debt at Subnational Government Levels: Evidence from Cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Halebić Jasmin , Moćević Amina
Published: January 2021

Total public debt of ten cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), one of the two entities in BiH, have substantially increased in recent years. Since it is relatively small in nominal terms, this galloping trend have not attracted enough attention of decision makers. If these developments continue in the future, the public debt at cantonal level in FBiH might create serious fiscal problems and become one of central issues for policy makers. This has motivated our investigation of determinants that caused the increase in public debt over the period 2012-2018.

We apply a panel regression analysis and investigate how budget deficit, trade balance, unemployment rate, size of population and institutional changes affect public debt. We find that public debt is positively associated with budget deficit but negatively associated with trade balance, the size of population and institutional changes. These findings motivated policy recommendations presented in the paper.
The Influence of Oxidative Stress-Related Factors on Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Simon-Szabó Zsuzsánna , Nemes-Nagy Enikő , Dénes Lóránd , Szabó Béla
Published: January 2021

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological process associated with an excessive oxidative stress for both the mother and the neonate. Oxidative stress was extensively studied and is still in focus as a factor of maternal pathologies during pregnancy, with consequences on the outcome of the neonate.

Aim: The aim of our study was to determine whether oxidative stress-related factors can influence the outcome of pregnancy, delivery, and the neonate’s wellbeing.

Material and methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire among pregnant women with voluntary enrollment. Exclusion criteria were preeclampsia or other cardiovascular diseases, gestational diabetes, and hypothyroidism at admission. Patients were enrolled in a control group of 60 pregnant women without preexisting pathology and pregnancy with physiological course, a premature group of 21 pregnant women with premature delivery, and a cardiac group of 8 pregnant women with fetal heart disease known before birth. The study population was separated into subgroups based on dietary supplement use within the three main groups, and other subgroups for smoking/non-smoking mothers in the control group and one for smoking/non-smoking mothers in the premature and cardiac groups together.

Results: The mean Apgar score at 1 minute was significantly higher in the control group compared to the cardiac group (p = 0.0023). The 1-minute Apgar score was significantly lower in infants that were born premature, from smoking mothers, compared to babies that were delivered at term (p = 0.0191). Although we did not obtain significant differences in birth weight corrected by gestational age between the control (mature) group and premature group, there was a good correlation in gestational age and birth weight of the preterm born infants (r = 0.8517, p <0.0001).

Conclusions: Smoking can aggravate oxidative stress in pregnancy, which will contribute to a difficult postnatal adaptation of newborns from smoking mothers and will increase the risk of premature delivery.
Mapping Shari’ah Normative Reasoning Concepts
Authors: Hashmi Mustafa
Published: January 2021

Within the context of a larger project, in this paper, we discuss one-to-one mapping of the Shari’ah normative concepts of wajib, haram, sunnah, etc., with conventional normative concepts of obligation, prohibition, and permission. The goal of the mapping to gaining a better understanding of the Shari’ah normative concepts and what deontic effects they generate when applied, and what consequences can be attained through the actions as compared to the Western normative concepts. Existing literature lacks such understanding of the correspondence between the two normative systems. The mapping shows conceptual overlapping between the concepts, yet the two types of systems should be separated from each other in terms of the philosophy, context, and the consequences of the Islamic normative systems as the expression of the divine will.
Medieval Legal Realism
Authors: Casanovas Pompeu
Published: January 2021

This is a Research Note about the ongoing Project on the semantics of pactism (pactisme) in Catalan ancient law. Pactism is the name of the legal doctrine that grounds the validity of legal provisions upon a pact-based model. It was developed as a basis for Catalan Public law in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. We present it as a medieval realism. Looking at the concomitances of 20th century legal realism and the doctrine of pactism can shed light on the emergence of early states and the construction of legal doctrines stemming from the reception of Roman law, the wide use of ius commune, and the development of case-based law and Scholastic reasoning methods. The semantics of pact-modelling processes and outcomes has yet to be established. Thus, it is also contended that Digital Humanities can offer some technological solutions to unravel underlying linguistic, cognitive and ontological patterns to understand the political culture that came out of it and developed until the 18th c. in Catalonia.
Monitoring electric impedance during freezing and thawing of saline and de-ionized water
Authors: Abie Sisay Mebre , Münch Daniel , Bergli Joakim
Published: January 2021

Physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) and deionized water were frozen in a laboratory chest freezer and impedance was monitored throughout freezing and thawing. The resistive and reactive components of electrical impedance were measured for these samples during freezing and thawing (heating) within a temperature range between 20 °C and −48 °C. The impedance of saline solution and de-ionized water increases sharply at the freezing point, similar to what is known for, e.g., complex tissues, including meat. Yet, only the saline solution impedance shows another sharp increment at a temperature between −30 and −20 °C. Changes of the electric properties after solidification suggest that the latter is linked to transformations of the ice lattice structure. We conclude that the electrical properties might serve as sensitive indicators of these phase changes.
Impact Assessment on the Economic and Financial Indicators of the Implementation of Lean Management Model
Authors: Romana Fernando Acabado
Published: January 2021

Objective: Understand how the increased competitiveness encourages industries to seek solutions in order to maintain or increase their market share, promoting the manufacturing of quality products at reduced costs.

Methodology: In this study, an in-company analysis regarding the Lean performance evaluation methods present in the literature as well as already implemented in the industry was performed, focusing on the gaps of present models and needs for future.

Findings: New philosophies arise such as the Lean Manufacturing, which is based on continuous improvement, aiming at optimizing the production system, eliminating waste and using fewer resources.

Value Added: Based on the results, and with the objective of allowing comprehensive assessment of Lean performance independently by the companies, and the determination of improvement actions, a Lean performance evaluation method was developed in order to understand the impact in financial and economic figures of the case study.

Recommendations: Take into account the main concepts of the social sciences, such as Organizational Culture, Leadership Style and Strategic Approach, considering the link with the financial economic performance.