bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NON-ADOPTION OF GREEN BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA
Authors: Abd-Rahim Mohd Hilmi Izwan , Toh Tien-Choon , Lew Yoke-Lian , Ng See-Jie , Goh Kai-Chen , Mohamed Sulzakimin , Zainordin Nadzirah , Kho Mei-Ye
Published: December 2020

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and bringing more job opportunities. However, construction activities also bring adverse pollutions to the environment. Therefore, the adoption of green building specifications is crucial to mitigate these pollutions by promoting efficient resources utilisation and environmental-friendly practices. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the non-adoption of green building specifications in Klang Valley Malaysia and to examine the underlying structure caused by the latent factors. In addition, this study is conducted to investigate the effects caused by the non-adoption of green building specifications. This study adopted a quantitative research approach that utilises an online questionnaire to collect quantitative data from the respondents. According to the results, the most influential factor is “Unwillingness to change the conventional way”, while the least influential factor is “Conflicts with aesthetic issues”. Among the three effects studied, “Worsen soil pollution” is the most significant effect. Next, the factors are categorised into five-factor groupings through factor analysis, namely, Green technology related-factor, Governmental related-factor, Economic related-factor, Public awareness and behaviour related-factor and Corporate related-factor. Based on the interpretation of the results, “Unwillingness to change the conventional way” is the highest-ranked influential factor, which may be due to the habitual thinking of construction stakeholders in remaining their existing business practices. “Conflicts with aesthetic issues” is the least ranked factor because green features actually do not downgrade but enhancing the appearance of the buildings, for instance, Energy Commission Diamond Building in Putrajaya has a good physical appearance indeed. In conclusion, this study has ranked the factors to show their degrees of significance towards the non-adoption of green building specifications. Besides that, the factors are categorised into five-factor groupings and the differences among the factor groupings are also studied.
Nutritional issues in a diabetic patient with Kearns–Sayre syndrome
Authors: Szwilling Alicja , Dzygalo Katarzyna , Nowaczyk Jędrzej
Published: December 2020

Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a multi-system mitochondrial disease with wide clinical presentation. We describe the case of a 16-year-old girl with KSS accompanied by insulin-dependent diabetes, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), Fanconi syndrome, insufficiency of parathyroid gland and severe nutritional problems. Based on recent knowledge, ketogenic diet was introduced to improve metabolic and neurological condition, however in our patient we observed its bad consequences. Unresolved nutritional disorders forced us to proceed with esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed EoE. PEG procedure was performed and elemental diet with PPI’s was introduced leading to general improvement in the patient’s health condition.

Learning points:

Nutrition is an important factor in supportive care of patients with KSS.

Ketogenic diet in patients affected by mitochondrial diseases and diabetes requires careful selection and monitoring.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that shows the coexistence of EoE, insulin-dependent diabetes and KSS.
Automobile Insurance: Analysis of the Impact of a Premium Change on the Behavior of Insured at the Time of Subscription and Termination
Authors:   Ibn Tofail University, Rouaine Zakaria , Jerry Mounir , Qafas Ahlam
Published: December 2020

the subscription of an insurance contract allows an individual to take precautions against the repercussions of hazards and fortuitous events affecting their person or property. In return for this insurance policy, the insured pays a contribution at the beginning of the coverage period, while the insurer may have to provide a service if a certain type of damage occurs during the period in question. While the insurance market acts both on the insured by being able to induce him to terminate his insurance contract, in the case of excessive prices to those of other insurers, and on the insurer by forcing him to a certain extent to make his insurance premiums tolerable. It therefore appears that the insurance premium risk threatens the competitiveness of insurers on the insurance market and the termination of policyholders at the end of the contract term. By choosing to work on automobile insurance market, which is becoming increasingly competitive, as precise premium pricing is a major challenge for each insurer. The aim of this work is to study the sensitivity of insured persons to positives changes in automobile insurance premiums at the end of the contract.
Post-industrial Society: Structure, Features, Mechanism and Regularities of Formation
Authors:   Belarusian State Academy of Telecommunication, Olga Domakur
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the main points of the theory of post-industrial society, its methodology, the definition, criteria and features of the transformation of society from a pre-industrial, industrial to post-industrial society, the mechanism is defined and the legal conformities of post-industrial society formation are formulated.
Community-based Organizations and Issues in Community Development in an Era Constant Change
Authors:   North Carolina A&T State University, Thomas Terrence , Legesse Befikadu ,   Smart-Eco Consulting, Gunden Cihat ,   Ege University
Published: December 2020

The failure of top-down categorical approaches for generating solutions to many local problems has led to the adoption of alternate approaches. Many scholars believe that a confluence of local and global forces have generated complex problems, which call for new approaches to problem solving. Previously, the top-down approach relied entirely on the knowledgeable elite. Communities were seen as passive study subjects and information flow was one way only- from knowledgeable elites to the less knowledgeable community agents or community-based organization acting on behalf of communities. The objectives of this study are to provide a review of governance as a means of organizing community action to address community problems in the Black Belt Region (BBR) of the Southeastern United States, and an assessment of community problems in the BBR from the perspectives of community-based organizations (CBOs). Data was collected from CBOs via a telephone survey in eleven Southeastern states and via listening sessions conducted with CBOs in 9 Southeastern states. The study provides valuable insight regarding the challenges faced by these organizations and strategies they employ in adapting to serve their communities.
The Moderating Effects of Service Innovation on Relationship Quality
Authors:   National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Yeh Hsiaoping
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, relationship marketing (RM) has become one of the most widely discussed marketing theories. In addition to achieving consensus, the most important result of RM is the retention of customers. However, it has not been theorized and discussed in terms of the effect of service innovation on the quality of relationships. This study empirically identifies the important service indications in marketing, i.e., customer value, satisfaction, trust, and loyalty and the developing path among these indicators. Additionally, thestudy also shows that good customer experience, quality of interaction, and innovative services can strengthen the path to developing customer loyalty.
Desperation of Demographic Change in the Health Sector in Germany: Necessary Strategy Orientation for Medical Practices in the Countryside
Authors:   Mendel University, Abbasi Sabine
Published: December 2020

The demographic development in Germany affects the entire healthcare system. The fact is that more and more people are getting older and older and due to the increasing multimorbidity in old age more and more healthcare services are needed. But there are fewer and fewer professionals providing these services. This phenomenon can be observed both in the medical, nursing and social fields. The shortage of doctors and skilled workers that has become apparent in recent years — especially in rural areas — has led to hospitals, medical care centers (MVZ) and medical practices searching for qualified personnel to use the usual acquisition mechanisms (advertisements in daily and professional newspapers, recruiting staff) due to the unsatisfactory results. The alternatives require a high degree of pragmatism. This article demonstrates the importance of strategic alignment in HR marketing of rural medical practices and identifies concrete ways to retain existing employees and position them as an attractive employer for potential new employees.
Audits in Business Partners Focused on the Ideal Process for Implementation of Process Poka Yoke
Authors:   Fatec Americana, Santos Sandro dos , Lima André de
Published: December 2020

With the resumption of economic growth, companies are experiencing problems with the lack of accuracy in the deliveries of their business partners with greater intensity; aiming to elucidate this fact, we have as example the study of the indicators of attendance of the problems that the company Honda Automóveis has received monthly in the last 15 months (period that includes part of the Brazilian economic recess and resumption of the economy growth). In order to analyze and explain the results about the new method of “auditing” in suppliers, where in the conventional way, it is audited in the processes evidencing the failure modes, being in charge of each of the business partners, assess the causes and mainly return with countermeasures, in the new condition (already in progress), is adopted the use of the audit process against what is understood to be an ideal process in each step that makes the manufacture of a product in the entire logistics chain in bound and out bound) as well as assess deviations from Quality and Logistics. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate nonconventional method of application of audit in business partner and evaluate the evolution in the service question.
The Practice of Marketing in Law Offices: Professionals Opinion
Authors:   Pontificial Catholic University of São Paulo, Santos Siméia de Azevedo , Casas Alexandre Luzzi Las
Published: December 2020

Brazil is one of the countries that, in proportion to its population, has one of the largest numbers of lawyers, losing only to the United States and India. In this scenario of demand for the profession, and given a large number of corporate law firms in Brazil, and especially in the south-east of the country, this research aims to explore the practice of marketing in lawyer’s office based on concepts of service marketing. To reach the objective of the study, the first part of the research aims to clarify the functioning and some particularity of law firms, as well as the disclosure and marketing restrictions that the sector has. The research presented is made up of two studies: a market study conducted in 2015 on legal marketing of corporate-oriented offices, and the other by a survey conducted with professionals from the same market research field, law firms focused on corporate service, updating part of the issues raised and confronting possible changes in the perception of this public. The main analyzes point to the importance of all tools or a set of tools working together, but in the research done with professionals in 2018 reveals a perception that staying present in the events is a more effective way to do marketing in this sector, reinforcing the concept of relationship in service marketing.
Development and Validation of a Readiness for Knowledge Management Implementation Questionnaire (RKMIQ)
Authors:   State Audit Institution, Mahruqi Hamyar Nasser Al , Bouazza Abdelmajid , Hassan Abdelahameed , Saqri Mohammed AL ,   Sultan Qaboos University,   Sultan Qaboos University
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of a Readiness for Knowledge Management Implementation Questionnaire (RKMIQ) administered to State Audit Institution (SAI) Employees. This study explored the level of readiness for knowledge management (KM) process implementation in SAI. The dimensional structure of the questionnaire was investigated with a sample of 170 SAI employees (70% males and 30% females). Based on factor analysis results, the questionnaire emphasized sixteen factors categorized in five themes: organization culture, organization structure, information technology (IT) infrastructure, employees’ acceptance of KM, and employees’ intention to be involved in the KM process. The internal consistency and concurrent validity of RKMIQ were verified (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95). RKMIQ and its factors were significantly correlated with factors influencing the KM initiatives questionnaire (FIKMIQ). Testing of the reliability of RKMIQ using Test-Re-Test method revealed a significant correlation of (0.96) between the two applications. This questionnaire was proved to be relatively reliable and valid. The results showed that SAI is ready for KM process implementation. Since it is essential to assess organizational readiness for KM before embarking on KM initiatives, this study designed an instrument that brings together organizational and human factors influencing the readiness of organizations for KM. The comprehensiveness of the instrument, as well as the degree of validity and reliability that it demonstrated, justifies its adoption to measure the readiness of organizations to implement KM processes.
The Relationship Between Employee Value Proposition and Employee Loyalty: A Conceptual Framework
Authors:   Universiti Utara Malaysia, Azman Ng Normardiyah Binti Muhammad , Zin Lazim Bin Mohd
Published: December 2020

An Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is the unique value of benefits offered to the employees and the employee will get consequently from the skills, capabilities and experience they convey to an organization. An EVP is about differentiating the organization from the others. Employee loyalty is when they employee feels satisfied, obligated and willing to commit and stay with the organization for organizational success. In this paper, the relationship between EVP and employee loyalty will be proposed. A conceptual framework on this relationship is used as a fundamental for highlighting the roles of EVP in influencing talented workers or outstanding performers to remain loyal with the current organization. Five dimensions of EVP such as rewards, opportunity, organization, work and people are discussed, and its potential significant influence on employee loyalty is concluded at the end of the discussion.
The Role of Digitalization in Value Creation and Appropriation in Travel & Tourism: The Case of Booking
Authors:   LUISS Guido Carli University, Acciarini Chiara
Published: December 2020

The advent of the Internet has revolutionized the way companies create value. Recent studies have been focused on the concept of value creation in order to explain the benefits related to the e-business strategies. However, once the value is created, how the parties involved in the transaction protect this value? In addition, what is the moderation effect of the digitalization in the processes of value creation and value appropriation? I examine Booking, an Online Travel Agency (OTA) operating in the travel & tourism industry with the aim to investigate the impact of digitalization. The implications are drawn to enrich the theory of value creation and appropriation and to provide the managerial community with practical knowledge related to partnership strategies.
A Valorative Approximation on the Legislative Policies in Spain to the Reality of Girls and Children Disconforms with the Assigned Gender
Authors:   University of Málaga, Mendiguren José Félix
Published: December 2020

The trans phenomenon is part of the Spanish social life, its diffusion and its treatment by different media becoming more and more explicit. The publication of news, emission of debate programs, documentaries, books and articles of opinion or study, in which the situation of trans people is addressed, is not sporadic. The social, political and cultural transformations that have taken place during the process of establishing and consolidating a parliamentary democracy in our country have contributed to this. In this context, the greater presence and prominence of girls and boys who are dissatisfied with their assigned gender has generated an acceptance on the part of their families, constituting associations to defend the rights of their daughters and sons. For this the requirement of legislative policies that contemplate the agreements of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its legislative application in the Spanish territory, will be the basis to promote legislative initiatives in the various autonomous communities that exceed the established in the law 3/2007 regarding the trans question. These autonomous laws have been approved and are valued from family associations in an unequal manner, while still claiming a law of state implementation. This, together with their daily work, will be what will shape the analysis of this text.
Sustainability in Business: A Millennials’ Perspective
Authors:   Pearson Business School, Valente Andrea , Atkinson David ,   Pearson Business School
Published: December 2020

The detrimental effect mankind has on the planet continues, with its ability to produce far more than can be consumed is resulting in unmanageable effects to the earth (Senge, 1990). Achieving a performance advantage while not causing destructive effects is the new challenge. Consequently, considering the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs), this study investigated how environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) could contribute to a better financial performance for multinational companies. Due to the ecological, economic, and social consequences of business (Mebratu, 1998) it has never been more important for society to lean towards sustainable practices (Brune, 2016). As new challenges emerge, new concepts of how to deal with them evolve, including the concept of “sustainable development” as a foundation to management thinking and descision making. Private businesses are a key component in acheiveing the UN's desired sustainable view, as they can help to fill the $3tn annual investment gap expected to be needed across the next 15 years (Earley, 2016). As a generation, millennials have a critical role to play in achieving a sustainable furture. Millennials are the next group of business thinkers and decisions makers. Based on research conducted by this study, eight out of ten London based millennials acknowledged the private sector has a critical role in helping to achieve a sustainable future for all. However, fewer than three in ten millennials actually believe that private businesses will take action, instead continuing to place their short-term profitability mindset ahead of sustainability (Tuffrey, 2016). With a world population of 50% under the age of 30 (WEF, 2017), and with millennials continuing to become more conscious of trends which affect the planet and their future, the expectation of businesses to act sustainably seems to be rising. This study confirmed a multitude of ways to increase business performance sustainably, such as driving sales by targeting consumers’ increasing willingness to pay a premium for sustainable goods. A questionnaire supported this approach by confirming that 9 out of 10 millennial Londoners acknowledged that action on climate-change should be the responsibility of both individuals and private businesses. However, a smaller amount, only 4 out of 10 millennials surveyed, were willing to contribute by shifting their purchasing-behaviour, to more sustainable products, if prices were higher. Further to this, if a product was found to be unethical, the data collected showed 75% of millennials would take action by looking for a competitor or leaning towards an alternative (30% of those surveyed). Consequently the results suggest millennials expect the private sector to step up and deliver sustainable products at competitive prices in order to truely help.
The Relationship between Employee Value Proposition and Employee Loyalty: A Conceptual Framework
Authors:   Universiti Utara Malaysia, Ng Normardiyah Binti Muhammad Azman , Zin Md. Lazim Bin Mohd ,   Universiti Utara Malaysia
Published: December 2020

An Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is the unique value of benefits offered to the employees and the employee will get consequently from the skills, capabilities and experience they convey to an organization. An EVP is about differentiating the organization from the others. Employee loyalty is when they employee feels satisfied, obligated and willing to commit and stay with the organization for organizational success. In this paper, the relationship between EVP and employee loyalty will be proposed. A conceptual framework on this relationship is used as a fundamental for highlighting the roles of EVP in influencing talented workers or outstanding performers to remain loyal with the current organization. Five dimensions of EVP such as rewards, opportunity, organization, work and people are discussed, and its potential significant influence on employee loyalty is concluded at the end of the discussion.
Auto Markets in the World and Strategy of Japan’s Companies
Authors:   Fukui University of Technology, Matsuoka Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

In the world auto market, top three companies are VW(Volkswagen), Runault-Nissan-Mistubishi, and Toyota. About some selected countries and areas, China, England, Italy, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Sweden, USA, Brazil, UAE, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand are more competitive. However, the situation is different. Seeing monopolistic market countries and areas, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, France, India, and Pakistan, in particular, the influence of Japan to Taiwan, India, and Pakistan is very big. But in Korea and France, their own companies’ brands occupy the market. In Japan domestic market, the overall situation is competitive. Almost all vehicles made in Japan are Japanese brand. From now on, we have to note the development of electric vehicle (EV) and other new technologies such as automatic driving and connected car. That is because they will give a great impact on the auto industry and market of Japan. Now Japan’s auto industry is going to be consolidated into three groups, Honda, Toyota group, and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi group for seeking the scale merit of economy. Therefore, I will pay attention to the worldwide development of EV and other new technologies and the reorganization of auto companies groups.
Contrasting GARCH Daily Variance Predictions Between Foreign Exchange Returns and Carry Trade Strategy Returns
Authors:   Benedictine University, Adamiec Larissa J. , Cernauskas Deborah ,   Benedictine University
Published: December 2020

GARCH does a better job predicting carry trade strategy returns than the foreign exchange returns. Using two time periods from 1998-2010 and then from 2010-2018 we find the daily variance to have dropped between period 1 and period 2 for both daily foreign exchange spot prices and daily carry trade strategy returns. Comparing daily spot price returns to daily carry trade strategy returns in each time period we find differences in the sample variances. Daily variance in the foreign exchange market has changed within the last twenty years. As one of the most liquid markets, the FX market has seen significant losses in both spot price returns and carry trade strategy returns. The current market place has historic low levels of volatility. Since the 2008 financial crash asset prices have steadily risen in levels reducing downside risk. In addition, foreign exchange rates have been stable. Given a decade’s worth of slow and steady growth coupled with stabilization has reduced the variance in returns. Popular predictive volatility model GARCH has a long-run variance component. The inclusion of such a parameter allows for the model to remember past financial crisis or “normal” times. Returns in the carry trade are marked by periods of severe downward risk and losses. The carry trade will often have long-term trends of small positive returns only to give back all of the returns in one downward move.
Design and Analysis of the PID Control Technique for an Inverted Linear Pendulum in V-REALM®
Authors:   Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Ramírez Federico Ampudia , González Alicia Rosas ,   Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Valdés Francisco Javier Ramírez ,   National Technological Institute of Mexico, Alonso Francisco Javier Ramírez ,   Technological University of North Tamaulipas
Published: December 2020

The main purpose of this article is to divulge the results obtained analyzing a PID as a control technique applied on the inverted linear pendulum. This paper describes mathematical analysis using MATLAB-SIMULINK® and virtual simulations using both V-REALM tools and LABVIEW® interface. Also a physical implementation of a dynamic system is achieve using ARDUINO® as a microcontroller and analogical electronics/mechatronics.The objective is to model dynamic systems with applications ranging from engineering to economics.
Balance of Payments Constraint — Trade and Finance
Authors:   Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Laría Patricia Inés , Rama Verónica ,   Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Rodríguez Joaquín ,   Universidad Nacional del Comahue
Published: December 2020

This paper summarizes conceptual aspects of two contemporary global phenomena: “economic growth external constraint” or “balance of payments constraint (BPC)” and “financial flows”, both of them especially studied as structural features of Argentina economy. Our general hypothesis is that external constrain, in its commercial (exports and imports relative income-elasticity) or financial (unsustainable debt, interest payments) versions, means a significant difficulty for some countries’ growth. Besides, financial outflows (purchase of foreign assets by residents, capital flight), offer various additional complexities. Both performs simultaneously as cause and consequence of growth, as circular cumulative causation (CCC).
FAFAMI Project — Family Speaking Is Familiar: History and Prospects
Authors:   Group of Studies and Research on Policies for Childhood and Adolescence, Silva Daniela Aparecida da , Oliveira Larissa Cristina ,   Group of Studies and Research on Policies for Childhood and Adolescence, Oliveira Nayara Hakime Dutra ,   Department of Graduation and Post-Graduation in Social Work of the UNESP
Published: December 2020

This article aims to address the FAFAMI Project — Family speaking is familiar — in it’s historicity to the present moment, as a project of teaching, research and extension of the University of São Paulo state (UNESP) in Franca, SP, contributions to the historical moment and to the reality of the families with whom it operates. As this project aims to bring the university closer to the community, trying to themes that are related to the daily life of the families, there was a need to a bibliographical research for reflective notes that contextualize the moment in which we are inserted, the economic, political and social regent system and its implications for society, especially for the working class. And, also, reflect on the role of families in this system, how they are seen, their responsibilities in society, as how they are configured, among other fundamental questions for any analysis of reality.
¿Colonos o montaraces? Territorialidades en las selvas fronterizas de Guatemala y México (siglos XVIII-XX)
Authors: Torras Conangla Rosa
Published: December 2020

El texto analiza las modalidades de colonización vividas en la región transfronteriza conformada por el sur del Estado de Campeche —México— y norte del departamento de Petén —Guatemala—. Fue una zona de refugio durante la Colonia que ha experimentado, hasta bien entrado el siglo XX, proyectos de colonización dirigidos a asentar a población migrante para fijar la frontera, rompiendo con territorialidades previas marcadas por la movilidad.
Reseña del libro: Frontiers of Citizenship. A Black and Indigenous History of Postcolonial Brazil, de Yuko Miki
Authors: Boza Villarreal Alejandra
Published: December 2020

El libro de la historiadora Yuko Miki constituye un destacado esfuerzo por poner a dialogar dos tradiciones académicas que se han desarrollado de forma independiente y rara vez se comunican: los estudios sobre indígenas y sobre afrodescendientes. Su objetivo es entender las historias compartidas y las trayectorias, a veces divergentes, de las poblaciones indígenas y afrodescendientes que habitaron una región que la autora identifica como «frontera atlántica» durante el período del Imperio brasileño (1822-1889). La obra no solo demuestra lo fructífera que puede ser tal integración académica para entender la historia del siglo XIX, sino que es un ejemplo excepcional de una historia regional que hace aportes indudables en algunos temas clave de la historiografía sobre Brasil.
The utilization of tree bark
Authors: Pásztory Zoltan , Mohácsiné Ildikó Ronyecz , Gorbacheva Galina , Börcsök Zoltán
Published: December 2020

The utilization of natural raw materials has been practiced for centuries. Of raw materials, wood and its bark have outstanding significance because of their special chemical components and unusual structure. Annual bark production is estimated to be between 300 and 400 million m3. The bark of different tree species has been used extensively in or in conjunction with modern technologies. This article presents a comprehensive summary of these methods of utilization and their results. The diversity of bark utilization derives from the variety of the bark of different species and from the possibilities encoded in the material. Following the anatomic summary, the protective role of the bark is discussed, highlighting its physical-chemical properties and the different methods of medical, energetic, and industrial utilization.
The limits of delignification in kraft cooking
Authors: Brännvall Elisabet
Published: December 2020

The perspective of the article is to explore kraft cooking at the limits of delignification, i.e. what degree of delignification is needed to obtain fibre liberation and what is the maximum degree of delignification possible in the kraft pulping stage. The reasons for the quite narrow boundaries for sufficient and maximum delignification are explained, and the differences between the behaviour of hardwood and softwood kraft pulping are clarified.
Characterization of fractionated lignins polymerized by fungal laccases
Authors: van de Pas Daniel , Hickson Aynsley , Donaldson Lloyd , Lloyd-Jones Gareth , Tamminen Tarja , Fernyhough Alan , Mattinen Maija-Liisa
Published: December 2020

Lignins are important biopolymers that can be converted into value-added materials by enzymatic treatments. However, the heterogeneity of the lignin polymer makes it a challenging material to modify. Thus, chemical fractionation was used to obtain lignins with high homogeneity in order to assess their biotechnological utilization. Commercial Alcell, birch organosolv lignins, and steam-exploded pine and eucalypt lignins were sequentially fractionated by ether, ether/acetone 4:1 (v:v), and acetone. All fractions were structurally characterized prior to treatments with Thielavia arenaria, Trametes hirsuta, and Melanocarpus albomyces laccases. The reactivities of the enzymes towards the lignins were determined by oxygen consumption measurements, and the degree of polymerization was confirmed by size exclusion chromatography. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surfaces of the lignin nanoparticles were dispersed in the enzyme treatment, suggesting an increase in hydrophilicity of the surfaces detected as loosened morphology. Hence, it was concluded that enzyme-aided valorization is an attractive means for lignin modification, provided that optimum reaction conditions are employed.
Recent developments in biomass pelletization – A review
Authors: Stelte Wolfgang , Sanadi Anand R. , Shang Lei , Holm Jens K. , Ahrenfeldt Jesper , Henriksen Ulrik B.
Published: December 2020

The depletion of fossil fuels and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in a strong growth of biomass utilization for heat and power production. Attempts to overcome the poor handling properties of biomass, i.e. its low bulk density and inhomogeneous structure, have resulted in an increasing interest in biomass densification technologies, such as pelletization and briquetting. The global pellet market has developed quickly, and strong growth is expected for the coming years. Due to an increase in demand for biomass, the traditionally used wood residues from sawmills and pulp and paper industry are not sufficient to meet future needs. An extended raw material base consisting of a broad variety of fibrous residues from agriculture and food industries, as well as thermal pre-treatment processes, provides new challenges for the pellet industry. Pellet production has been an established process for several decades, but only in the past five years has there been significant progress made to understand the key factors affecting pelletizing processes. A good understanding about the pelletizing process, especially the processing parameters and their effect on pellet formation and bonding are important for process and product optimization. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest insights into the biomass pelletization processes, such as the forces involved in the pelletizing processes, modeling, bonding, and adhesive mechanisms. Furthermore, thermal pretreatment of the biomass, i.e. torrefaction and other thermal treatment to enhance the fuel properties of biomass pellets are discussed.
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE STRUCTURE OF SOCIOHUMANITIES
Authors: Yermolenko Anatolii
Published: December 2020

In this article the author studies the place and the role of social philosophy in the architecture of the social sciences and humanities. The article focuses on the relationship between social philosophy, theory of society, theoretical sociology and social ethics. Based upon the application of the concept of paradigm in philosophy, the author shows key trends of the development of social sciences and humanities: the turn from the philosophy of conscience to the communication philosophy and the “rehabilitation of the practical philosophy”. In line with these trends, practical discourse philosophy is now playing the central role in the structure of the social sciences and humanities, the author says. By making a distinction between normative and descriptive dimensions of the social sciences and humanities, the author emphasizes the issue of their normative foundation and their moral and ethical re-orientation. The article analyzes discourse as an argumentative practice of founding social norms and values and as a meta-institution legitimizing social institutions. According to this approach, the social philosophy is considered as a meta-theory of social sciences, which include general social theory and theories of social systems. In this context, practical dis- course philosophy is playing a fundamental role for legitimizing specific social institutions. Social ethics also plays an important role, as it complements individual ethics, creating a system of institutional ethics, i.e. of political ethics, economic ethics, ethics of science and technology, environmental ethics. In this architectonics, social responsibility gets a new meaning, incorporating individual responsibility. Social responsibility is not an anonymous responsibility that neglects the individual responsibility, but a common responsibility implemented according to certain rules and procedures and creating the possibility to solve current problems of the globalized humanity.
Specialized intelligent agents actions planning methods based on ontological approach
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lytvyn V.V. , Vovnjanka R.V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Dosyn D.G. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2020

The solution of the applied task of constructing intelligent agents (IA) of action planning is proposed. The mathematical support of functioning of intellectual agents of action planning on the basis of ontologies is developed, which made it possible to formalize the behavior of such agents in the state space. The use of ontologies allows narrowing the search space for path from the initial state to the target state, rejecting irrelevant alternatives. A method of narrowing the search area for optimal IA activity is proposed. To assess the reaction of the environment on the behaviour of the IA a method based on reinforcement learning is developed. The two-criterion optimization problem of dynamic programming is formulated, which is solved by one of the iterative methods – by principal component analysis or by the multiple criterion method, depending on the possibility to numerically estimate the target functions of this optimization problem. The architecture of the system of planning the actions of specialized intelligence agents is proposed. It consists of an ontology that contains ontology of tasks, the solution of which is aimed at the functioning of a specialized IA, and a domain ontology, which sets out alternatives to solving individual subtasks. On the example of the problem of corrosion protection of the water supply or gas pipeline pipe the efficiency of the proposed approach is investigated. The software for the functioning of intelligent action planning agents based on constructed models, methods and algorithms has been developed, which make it possible to implement the individual components and functional modules of intellectual action planning agents on the basis of ontologies.
ABOUT DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM OF DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANITARIAN SPHERE OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Pyrozhkov Serhii I.
Published: December 2020

The report highlights the development of the draft Concept of the National Program of Humanitarian Development of Ukraine, which aims to determine the principles and priorities, justify the socio-economic and socio-cultural foundations of humanitarian development of Ukraine as a necessary prerequisite for realizing the potential of each citizen, ensuring the competitiveness of the state and the nation in the modern world. Measures to ensure the participation of the NAS of Ukraine in solving the problems of humanitarian development of Ukraine and the formation of conceptual foundations of humanitarian policy of the state are identified.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTSTANDING HYDROECOLOGIST OF THE PRESENT To the 90th anniversary of Academician of NAS of Ukraine V.D. Romanenkо
Authors:   Institute of Hydrobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Afanasyev Sergiy O.
Published: December 2020

November 30, 2020 marks the 90th anniversary of an outstanding Ukrainian scientist in the field of hydrobiology, hydroecology, ecological physiology of aquatic animals, winner of two State Prizes of Ukraine in Science and Technology (1995, 2004), Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine (1991), winner of the V.Ya. Yuriev Prize of the NAS of Ukraine (1984), І.І. Schmalhausen Prize of the NAS of Ukraine (2002), Director of the Institute of Hydrobiology of the NAS of Ukraine in 1980–2016, Doctor of Biological Sciences (1970), Professor (1983), Academician of the NAS of Ukraine (1988) V.D. Romanenko
Suspected Nonfatal Drug-Related Overdoses Among Youth in the US: 2016–2019
Authors: Roehler Douglas R. , Olsen Emily O. , Mustaquim Desiree , Vivolo-Kantor Alana M.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

During the current drug overdose crisis, the United States is experiencing a significant number of overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. Given the vulnerability of young persons to substance use, it is important to assess how this crisis affects the nation’s youth. In this study, we investigate trends in suspected nonfatal drug-related overdoses (all-drugs, opioids, heroin, and stimulants) among youth using syndromic surveillance data from 2016 to 2019.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of emergency department syndromic surveillance data were used to detect quarterly trends in suspected drug overdoses from April 2016 through September 2019 among youth aged 0 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to 24 years. Syndrome definitions were developed using chief complaint free-text and discharge diagnosis codes to identify overdoses involving all-drugs, opioids, heroin, and stimulants. Pearson χ2 tests detected quarter-to-quarter changes, and joinpoint regression analysis assessed trends over time.

RESULTS:

On average, there was a 2.0% increase for youth aged 0 to 10 years and a 2.3% increase for youth aged 11 to 14 years for suspected all-drug overdoses. Suspected heroin overdoses decreased by an average of 3.3% per quarter for youth aged 15 to 24 years. Among all age groups, suspected stimulant overdoses increased across the study period, 3.3% for 0 to 10-year-olds, 4.0% for 11- to 14-year-olds, and 2.3% for 15- to 24-year-olds.

CONCLUSIONS:

Suspected stimulant-involved drug overdoses appear to be rising among youth. These findings could inform targeted interventions, such as stimulant-focused prevention, and comprehensive approaches, including school-based prevention and other strategies to lower morbidity and mortality.
Blood-sucking midges ecology in pastures and cattle farms of the Tyumen Region
Authors: Fiodorova O.A. , Sivkova E.I.
Published: December 2020

The article presents materials on the seasonal dynamics of the population of gnat on pasture and farm, shows the feasibility of protecting cattle from these insects both when grazing, and zero grazing, comparative harmfulness in conditional units, and presumed loss of animal productivity. The purpose of the study is to determine the parasitological situation on insects of the gnat complex, the terms of protection depending on the technology of cattle management. One of the topical tasks for the successful development of livestock in the Tyumen region is to eliminate the harm caused by blood-sucking dipterous insects as hematophages and vectors pathogens of a number of dangerous diseases for humans and animals. When zero grazing indoor there is a mass attack of mosquitoes and black gnats on animals from mid-June to the middle of the first decade of July. The main gnat component in the specified time interval is mosquitoes, which have averaged 2.1 cu. The malicious population of gnat as a whole during this period amounted to 2.216 cu, and the estimated loss of productivity of animals — 8.2%.
Species composition of microbiota of cows udder and raw milk quality at mastitis
Authors: Palii A.P. , Kovalchuk Y.O. , Grebnova I.V.
Published: December 2020

To increase the productivity of cows and improve the nutritional and sanitary-technological qualities of milk is one of the most important tasks in the development of dairy farming in all countries of the world. The cause of degradation of these parameters is such a widespread disease of cows as mastitis. The social significance of mastitis is manifested in the fact that the causative agents of mastitis in cows can cause disease in humans. Since streptococci and staphylococci play a leading role in mastitis, they are the most common in milk. Studies have shown that udder disease in cows with mastitis at the beginning of lactation has a certain seasonal nature and its main peaks occur in March-May and September-November. During these months, from 2.5% to 4.1% of cows from the total number of livestock of the farm were found to have mastitis. Physiochemical features of milk from the cows with mastitis were an increase in the number of somatic cells to 1,500,000/cm3, increase of milk pH to 7.3, caused by the breakdown of milk proteins into ammonia, the increase in milk electrical conductivity to 5.92-7.54 mS/cm, associated with the entry of sodium and chlorine ions from the blood into the milk. In studies of cows with mastitis, 16 species of bacteria were isolated from the secretion of the udder. In monoculture, the microflora, that was found in 30.5% of cows, consisted of E. coli, St. epidermidis, C. freundi, Sh. Dysentery, St. aureus, St. hyicus spp. Chromogenes, Str. Agalactiae, St. lentus, and St. intermediate. In 69.5% of cows with mastitis, the microflora was found in various associations. The most common associations of bacteria were St. epidermidis + St. aureus + Str. agalactiae + Str. haemolyticus; E. coli + Str. agalactiae; Str. agalactiae + St. epidermidis; St. epidermidis + St. aureus + Str. agalactiae. We developed a method for diagnosing mastitis in cows, which was to diagnose the disease at early stage of inflammation of the mammary glands by studying the composition of the milk the examined lobe of the udder.
Variation in grain productivity and quality of modern winter wheat varieties in northern Ukrainian Steppe
Authors: Nazarenko M. , Mykolenko S. , Okhmat P.
Published: December 2020

We have been studying the grain productivity and quality of 22 new winter wheat varieties during three years under North Ukrainian Steppe conditions. These 22 winter wheat varieties and control (national standard by grain productivity variety Podolyanka) were investigated regarding their interactions with environmental conditions by agronomic-value traits like as general grain productivity, components of one, protein and gluten content, developing relations between once (correlation relations), which determining wheat quality and yield in a complex. Two high-adaptive varieties Divo and Matrix, which provides us higher than standard grain yield in complex with higher or proper protein and gluten content were developed. Two factors permanently influenced on grain productivity (conditions of the year and genotype), while only one (genotype) determined the protein content of grains. We used the weight of thousand grains as an integrative parameter of the yield structure for all productive varieties, with no regards to yield formation.