bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INTERRELATION BETWEEN PIGEONS’ SCHEDULE-INDUCED AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR AND THE RECIPIENTS’ COUNTER-BEHAVIOR
Authors: Sakuma Takashi , Moriyama Tetsumi
Published: December 2020

The present experiment was conducted to investigate whether an experimental pigeon's shield-peck responses toward a target pigeon could be induced by a food reinforcement schedule consisting of continuous reinforcement (CRF) and extinction. Further, the interaction between experimental and target pigeons’ shield-peck responses was investigated. The experiment was an ABAB design consisting of alternating phases of nonreinforcement (A) and CRF-extinction (B) of the experimental pigeons' key-peck responses unrelated to their shield-peck responses. The experimental pigeons' shield-peck responses were induced by the CRF-extinction schedule. Further, there were positive correlations between the experimental and the target pigeons' shield-peck responses revealing a similar trend in both their response rates. Thus, the experimental pigeons’ shield-peck responses were controlled by variables including the reinforcement schedule and social stimuli including ontogenic and phylogenic variables derived from their target pigeons. Moreover, the pigeons' responses could be classified as an aggressive behavior derived from the interlocking contingencies of the responses of the pigeons of the dyads.
An Empirical Evaluation of a Test Procedure for the Median of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Populations Using an Interpolated Nonparametric Confidence Interval
Authors: Soliman Gaafar Mohammad Ibrahim Ahmmad
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates, evaluates, and highlights the performance of a test procedure for the median of a single population using an old nonparametric interpolated confidence interval. Simulation results show that the test procedure under investigation strictly maintains the size at its nominal level and has generally higher empirical power under both symmetrical heavy-tailed and asymmetrical populations.
Immunity Clause under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria: A Dire Need for Reform
Authors: Ukoh Francis N. Ukoh , Ngwoke Rita A.
Published: December 2020

Immunity clause as enshrined under section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has generated protracted controversies for and against its inclusion in the rubrics of Nigerian constitutional laws. This paper considers widespread corruption by Nigerian leaders, shielded by the immunity clause. It explains the need for reform to curtail the anomaly wherein absolute executive immunity is provided for leaders in Nigeria. The paper maintains that there should be equality before the law, hence, the possible prosecution and appearance of a sitting President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors in some criminal and civil matters drawing from other jurisdictions.
An Analysis of Common Security and Defence Policy’s (CSDP) Strategic Communication (StratCom)
Authors: Doyle Kieran , Desta Tedla
Published: December 2020

Strategic communication (StratCom) is established as one of the key functions and interests of contemporary organisations and governments. The usefulness and importance of strategic communication becomes even more essential when the organisation is defence and security-focused or involved in crisis management. The objective of this study was to assess the strategic communication practices, and inherent challenges of communicating Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and present relevant reflections. A documentary analysis of the relevant EU websites and social media pages of 16 CSDP missions and operations was conducted. This was supplemented with eight key-informant interviews with Press and Public Information Officers (PPIOs) of CSDP and EU strategists.

The research demonstrated that most CSDP missions and operations are present on most social media platforms but they often garner very small number of likes, comments, shares, replies or interactions from their targeted audiences. Features of an echo-chamber are also observed. The study also found that public affairs (information) and public diplomacy were the two main forms of strategic communication that the CSDP utilises. CSDP’s strategic communication also tends to take a one-way StratCom process. The challenges faced in terms of StratCom by CSDP are not uniform; they are contextual ranging from resource, translation to mismatch of expectations. The major challenge, however, emanates from the structural problems of CSDP or the EU itself that are beyond the European External Action Service (EEAS) or the relevant Press and Public Information Offices (PPIOs). The study recommendations include quicker EU level political and policy compromise on CSDP, training and resource improvements for StratCom, ‘storytelling and use of real people’, highlighting gender, rights and local ownership, increasing the link with the international media and regular and appropriate self-appraisals.
Advancing Exposure Assessment of PM2.5 Using Satellite Remote Sensing: A Review
Authors: Lee Hyung Joo
Published: December 2020

Epidemiological studies have reported the associations of adverse health outcomes with ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5). While these studies have accumulated increasingly refined evidence on PM2.5-health associations, the needs for more advanced PM2.5 exposure models have also grown. For the last two decades, PM2.5 estimation approaches using satellite remote sensing have been developed and advanced, taking advantage of quantitative aerosol data (e.g., aerosol optical depth; AOD), the development of satellite instruments and data retrieval algorithms, and the application of statistical and machine learning techniques. Subsequently, the satellite-based PM2.5 concentrations have contributed to health effect studies by providing spatially resolved exposure estimates of ambient PM2.5 and thus reducing exposure misclassification. This article summarizes previous development and recent advancement of satellite-based PM2.5 exposure assessment in the context of satellite aerosol products and PM2.5 estimation methodologies. Furthermore, this article deals with enhanced satellite capabilities of generating the exposure estimates of PM2.5 composition and time-resolved PM2.5. Finally, the future directions of satellite-based exposure assessment are discussed based on research needs and the satellite remote sensing technology of addressing them.
PROVIDING TRANSPORT CAPACITY FOR PEACE OPERATIONS IN AFRICA
Authors: Jacuch Andrzej , Rychlewski Przemysław , SOKOŁOWSKI WOJCIECH
Published: December 2020

The article is aimed at question how nations can better support the United Nations missions in Africa with focus on their transport operations, including military support and commercial transport. The intention is to fill a gap in literature on the most needed specialist enablers - military transport
SAFETY OF MASS EVENTS IN INTERNAL SEA WATERS
Authors: Sudenis Robert
Published: December 2020

Each country has an obligation to provide its society with a sense of broadly understood security. Public safety occupies a special place in this catalogue both in everyday life and at mass events. At such gatherings, the participant has the right to require decent entertainment, a good atmosphere, but above all the awareness that his property, health and life will not suffer. One has the right to expect this without wondering who is responsible for his safety at this place and time. Additionally, he has the right to believe that the event organizer has fulfilled all his duties. The above article focuses on changes in the approach to securing mass events and actions aimed at introducing statutory regulations on this issue. The manner in which the police conducted their duties due to imposed changes to the law on the security of mass events and the Police Act was analysed. The role of the Water Police Station in protection of public safety and order in waters intended for general use was also indicated, especially in the context of securing mass events of an artistic and entertainment nature.
MIGRATION TRAFFIC AND PROTECTION OF EXTERNAL BORDERS THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Błażejewska Beata , CIEKANOWSKI ZBIGNIEW
Published: December 2020

The study analyzes the management of the borders of the European Union as a factor having a significant impact on improving the security of Member States.
Legal regulations regulating the external borders of the Schengen Group, treated as land and sea borders as well as airports and seaports of the parties to the Schengen Convention are indicated, provided that these borders are not external borders that formally form borders. The role of entities supporting border traffic management in the European Union is described. In addition, an analysis of documented attempts to illegally cross the external borders of the EU and the borders of countries associated with the Schengen area between border control visits was made, indicating potential threats in this area.
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and beyond: Laboratory of Computer Applications for Health Care at University of São Paulo
Authors: Nunes Fátima , Aranha Renan , Testa Rafael , Ribeiro Matheus
Published: December 2020

The Laboratory of Computer Applications for Health Care at University of São Paulo develop multidisciplinary research involving Computer Science areas and other knowledge fields such as Physiotherapy, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Cardiology. Most studies use concepts besides Computer Science, by aggregating knowledge to solve real problems. In this paper we present the main projects in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality areas, highlighting serious games, computer-aided diagnosis and therapy, simulation and training. Besides the social and scientific impact inherent to the type of the developed research, some systems are available to health professionals in order to allow technology transfer and consequent technological and economic impact in daily activities of health tasks.
Is Intra-Articular Administration of Fibrinogen Effective in Postoperative Total Knee Arthroplasty Blood Loss? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Janatmakan Farahzad , Javaherforooshzadeh Fatemeh , Khorrami Mohsen , Jarirahmadi Sara , Khademali Hojjatollah
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-articular injection of fibrinogen on postoperative bleeding following total knee arthroplasty. Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients aged 40 - 70 years under spinal anesthesia candidate for total knee arthroplasty in Golestan hospital, Ahwaz, Iran, in 2017-2018. Patients were divided into fibrinogen intra-articular injection (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The amounts of blood loss and blood transfusion requirement were recorded. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), international normalized ratio (INR), platelet (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were recorded before and after the surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in the average amount of intraoperative blood loss between the groups (P > 0.05). The average amount of blood loss 24 hours after the surgery was significantly lower in the fibrinogen group than in the control group (fibrinogen group 350.61 ± 120.32 cc; control group 540.00 ± 170.21 cc; P = 0.0002). There were significant differences in transfusion between the groups (fibrinogen group 250 ± 20 cc; control group 350 ± 50 cc; P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in 24 h postoperative Hb and HCT (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Intra-articular fibrinogen administration may reduce acute bleeding and can be used as an effective intervention to prevent further bleeding and the need for transfusion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
Development of a Novel Scoring System for Comprehensive COVID-19 Patient Evaluation: An Evidence-based Systematic Review
Authors: Karimi Abdollah , Mansour Ghanaie Roxana , Masjedi Mohammad Reza , Fahimzad Seyed Alireza , Rafiei Tabatabaei Sedigheh , Armin Shahnaz , Fallah Fatemeh , Tayeri Katayoun , Haji Abdolbaghi Mahboobeh , Shirvani Armin , Bidari Ali , Mokhtari Majid , Sarmadi Mojgan , Rajabnejad Maryam
Published: December 2020

Context: In the era of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, new scoring systems need to be developed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 complications aiding in the accurate prognosis. Improved scoring systems by combining multiple variables allow clinicians to optimize the allocation of limited medical resources for the best clinical outcomes. Methods: Published articles were selected that assessed the relationship between clinical, para-clinical, demographics, co-morbidities, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in a systematic review to develop a novel scoring system. Results: In this study, by summarizing the results of 97 studies and the experiences of experts, prognostic factors were determined and divided into four groups: Age, clinical symptoms, co-morbidities, and tests. Twenty-three published articles met the selection criteria and were included in this study. Accordingly, by the opinion of experts, prognostic factors were categorized into four main groups: Age, clinical symptoms, co-morbidities, and specific test results. Conclusions: This novel scoring model helps physicians to early identify critical COVID-19 patients and optimize patient management based on recent comprehensive data of the most significant predictive factors.
Disorders of Consciousness: Terminology and Prognosis
Authors: Nora Gerald J. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: December 2020

Patients with disorders of consciousness have been at the heart of some of the most heated debates on so-called right-to-die cases such as the Terri Schiavo case. People with DOCs occupy a spectrum of disorders from coma to the minimally conscious state. Recent advances in neuroscience have led to insights on the mechanism of these disorders as well as to the revelation that some patients might have a greater degree of awareness than previously believed. These scientific developments have paralleled long-term clinical follow-ups, which have also shown more positive outcomes than expected.
Fractal analysis of the flour
Authors: Kubík Ľubomír , Božiková Monika , Hlaváč Peter , Kažimírová Viera
Published: December 2020

The aim of the paper was the evaluation of the microscopic, powder samples of flour by utilizing the fractal analysis. The powder particles were compared and submitted to fractal analysis. Three types of flour were studied, smooth flour, semi-flour and thick flour. The five samples of each sort of flour were tested by fractal analysis. The samples were digitized by the digital microscope Motic DM 1802-A with software Motic Image Plus ver. 2.0. Each image was processed by the thresholding operation and the fractal analysis was realized by the software Harfa ver. 5.1.0 and the samples were compared by the correlation analysis. The obtained fractal dimensions described the segmentation and distribution of flour powder and the fractions of the flour. The fractal dimension of the smooth flour was DWBW = 1.29266, of the semi-flour DWBW = 1.70734 and of the thick flour DWBW = 1.57978. The smooth flour was composed of microscopic powder particles of wheat. Small particles of about 10 mm were mainly found in the smooth flour. However, sporadic particles greater than 47.6 mm were also observed. The size of the smooth flour particles was from 2.38 mm to 47.6 mm. The semi-flour contained mainly particles the size of up to 71.2 mm. Practically half the particles obtained from semi-flour were the size of up to 71.2 mm. The thick flour was created mainly by particles to the size of 73.78 mm. Greater particles, the size from 130.9 mm to 314.2 mm, were obtained in a small number. On the base of the particle distribution, the semi-flour and the thick flour were very similar, but on the base of fractal analysis they were different and we can distinguish them.
Contributos da gestão visual para análise de tendências
Authors: Felippe Alessandro Mateus , Rech Sandra Regina , Silveira Icléia
Published: December 2020

Este texto, fragmento integrante da investigação de mestrado em andamento, possui como temática central a aproximação teórica-conceitual entre tendências e gestão visual, objetivando qualificar o método de análise de tendências proposto por Dragt (2017) a partir de princípios e ferramentas da gestão visual. Em termos metodológicos, o artigo se desenha nos momentos de conceituar termos importantes por meio da Revisão Bibliográfica, bem como a coleta, redução, categorização e interpretação de dados.  importantes, coleta/redução/categorização e interpretação de dados via Análise Qualitativa de Dados. Ademais, classifica-se o texto como sendo de natureza básica, qualitativa e com objetivos descritivos. Os resultados alcançados demonstram que os princípios e as ferramentas da gestão visual agregam diferentes vantagens ao processo, tais como inovação, agilidade e incentivo a colaboração dos participantes do envolvidos na análise de tendências.
Aplicação da Gestão Visual de Projetos para a construção de uma ferramenta projetual pró-sustentabilidade
Authors: Babinski Júnior Valdecir , Rosa Lucas da , Maciel Dulce Maria Holanda , Silveira Icléia
Published: December 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a aplicação da Gestão Visual de Projetos na construção de uma ferramenta projetual pró-sustentabilidade com ênfase na mitigação de resíduos sólidos têxteis. Trata-se da ferramenta projetual Zero Waste Tool for Apparel Design (ZWTAD). A construção da ferramenta ocorreu em duas etapas: (i) inicialmente, calcada no uso do painel visual do Guia de Orientação para Desenvolvimento de Projetos; e (ii), em seguida, sob aplicação dos elementos estruturantes (premissas, requisitos e princípios de usabilidade) da Gestão Visual de Projetos. Portanto, metodologicamente, este artigo pode ser compreendido como pesquisa aplicada, descritiva, bibliográfica e qualitativa.   Infere-se que o desenvolvimento da ferramenta ZWTAD pode se constituir em um case da Gestão Visual de Projetos, contudo, por hora, essa ainda se encontra como modelo visual incompleto.
Gestão visual de projetos audiovisuais: aprimorando o processo criativo do design de produção
Authors: Krupahtz Juliana , Ribeiro Leandro Werner , Teixeira Julio Monteiro
Published: December 2020

O projeto audiovisual engloba inúmeros profissionais diferentes em ações que precisam ser coordenadas. Para que estas ações tenham maior fluidez, pode-se fazer uso da gestão visual de projetos. Este artigo tem como objetivo aprimorar um esquema proposto por Krupahtz (2018) utilizando a gestão visual de projetos. Para isto inicialmente foram contextualizadas as áreas de design de produção e gestão visual de projetos para tornar claro a interação entre elas e como abordagem metodológica foi utilizado o método Lemming, de Teixeira (2018). Como resultado apresenta-se o processo de elaboração de um modelo visual de acordo com o método e a criação de um painel visual que contempla a fase de pré-produção, com enfoque no design de produção audiovisual. Nas considerações finais são abordadas sugestões para trabalhos futuros e potenciais interessantes para pesquisas envolvendo as duas áreas.
LEMMEX: uma abordagem ágil para consultorias em service design
Authors: Viola Helouíse Hellen de Godoi , Braglia Israel de Alcântara
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo trata sobre a aplicação de uma abordagem ágil para projetos em service design utilizadas em consultorias do grupo LEMME - UFSC em parceria com o Sebrae/SC. Foram selecionados três casos aqui descritos. O procedimento metodológico utilizado para o estudo de caso (LEMMEX) propõe uma adaptação do fluxograma de Teixeira, Henrique, Braglia & Gonçalves (2018); desenvolvido a partir das abordagens de Garret (2010) e de Teixeira, Benedet e Hoppe (2015). O método empregado permitiu otimização no tempo de análise, maior profundidade nos itens relevantes para proposta de solução e mais segurança para tomada de decisões.
Gestão Visual: mapeando experiências a partir de blueprints de serviço no cenário remoto
Authors: Wernke Débora , Teixeira Júlio Monteiro
Published: December 2020

A Gestão Visual aliada às ferramentas de Design de Serviços mostra-se como uma boa estratégia para a implementação do mapeamento de processos em cenários remotos. O objetivo geral do presente estudo foi apresentar seus conceitos e implementar o service blueprint como uma ferramenta facilitadora para o mapeamento de experiências dos processos da área de Recursos Humanos. Visando proporcionar a melhor interação e prática das ações, foi realizada a pesquisa-ação na empresa Jungle Devs, participando então do mapeamento de toda a jornada do processo de seleção de novos candidatos. A Gestão Visual por meio da ferramenta service blueprint mostrou-se necessária ao alinhamento do time nessa modalidade, além de facilitar o entendimento do processo aos demais colaboradores da empresa. Assim, a implementação do service blueprint como ferramenta visual foi desdobrada à demais processos, e de outras áreas, para que se atingisse a maturidade dos mesmos frente a expansão da empresa.
Accounting for TFP Growth in Global Agriculture - a Common-Factor-Approach-Based TFP Estimation
Authors: Baráth Lajos , Fertő Imre
Published: December 2020

There is no consensus about trends in agricultural productivity among agricultural economists. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the investigation of this issue by estimating a Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index for global agriculture and global agricultural regions. One of the biggest challenges with analysing global productivity trends is the lack of price data or cost shares, especially in developing countries. We apply recently introduced econometric models that permit accounting for technology heterogeneity and the time-series properties of data to estimate cost shares. Aggregate sectoral data from the USDA ERS database are investigated for the period 1990 to 2013. Although we used a different method, our results are in line with earlier findings that used USDA or FAO database. TFP growth has accelerated in world agriculture, largely due to better performance in transition countries. Although TFP growth has accelerated in world agriculture, it has slowed down in industrialized countries. TFP growth in the EU has increased, but at slower rate in recent years. In the Old Member States the growth rate has decreased, whereas in the New Member States it has increased. The results highlight that insufficient spending on productivity-enhancing agricultural R&D in industrialized countries may put future agricultural productivity growth at risk.
Improving Agricultural Export Policies in Developing Countries: An Application of Gravity Modelling in the Case of Vietnam’s Fishery Export
Authors: Hung Do Manh , Chul Park Sang
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the determinants of fishery export from Vietnam using a structural gravity modelling. Taken additional trade-related variables from the World Bank’s open data into the estimation of the gravity model, this research will be the first trial to examine the impacts of these variables on export of fishery products and to propose policy implications for stimulating export in Vietnam. The empirical results show that each 1% reduction of export costs might increase approximately 3.7% of the export value of fishery products. This finding is critical because the current administrative system for export of agricultural commodity in Vietnam consists of many stages and includes a long period of animal quarantine inspection, document checking, and customs clearance that might cause additional export costs. Therefore, policies aiming at reducing the costs of border and documentary compliance for export will be significant to stimulate export in developing countries as Vietnam.
Applying GIS Technologies for Mapping Natural and Anthropogenic Transformed Soils in the Southern Forest-Steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Ishbulatov Marat , Miftakhov Ilnur , Churagulova Zila , Mindibayev Radik , Komissarov Alexander
Published: December 2020

Soil is a core element of the biosphere, and the soil cover is exposed to major processes that take place within this system. Therefore, it is very important to understand the results of soil research from the perspective of current global and local environmental problems. With the advent of new methods of spatial analysis and techniques for obtaining remote sensing data, geoinformation technologies offer great opportunities for analyzing the natural and ecological state of the region. Therefore, geoinformation analysis of the state of natural and anthropogenic transformed soils is an essential tool for their studying, forecasting the development of the natural environment, and working out the ways of rational farming. As forest territories have a beneficial effect on the natural and climatic situation in general, and vice versa, environmental degradation on agricultural lands will result in worsening the situation on forest lands, it is necessary to consider forest and agricultural areas in close integration with GIS technologies. It should be done to improve the overall natural environmental conditions. The study used soil survey data conducted in 2017-2019. Field and office studies were conducted: samples were taken in the field to determine the agrochemical parameters of the soil, and the data obtained were analyzed using mathematical and statistical methods. Digital cartographic materials were created using geoinformation technologies. The basis for a comprehensive natural and environmental assessment of forest and agricultural areas using geoinformation systems was laid. The studies conducted to identify changes in natural and anthropogenic transformed soils have shown that the contours of soil varieties have changed. In many cases, there is a deterioration in soil properties. The number of fertile chernozem has decreased. In areas with low crop cultivation, there are signs of a decrease in the humus horizon and the development of erosion processes. As a result of the conducted research, a single digital soil and geographical database for forest and agricultural territories were created. The developed methodology and algorithm for creating a database and digital cartographic basis using geoinformation technologies in environmental studies can be recommended as a base for similar studies both in the Republic of Bashkortostan and in other regions.
Using Data Envelopment Analysis in Credit Risk Evaluation of ICT Companies
Authors: Kavčáková Michaela , Kočišová Kristína
Published: December 2020

The aim of the paper is to explore possibilities of diagnosis corporate credit risk through DEA and design an appropriate model for diagnosis of credit risk, which can be used in different sectors of national economy (e.g. agricultural, service sector or industry and innovation sector). The model differs from the conventional application of DEA because of variables selection and construction of production-possibility frontier. We illustrate application of models on sample 110 randomly selected companies during the 2013-2017 period. The reason for choosing the ICT companies is the fact that this sector is considered to be driving force behind the growth of the economy. The data has been obtained from Finstat. The results are divided into identification of 3 zones of corporate financial health with a different stage of credit risk. They show that DEA achieves a satisfactory value of a correct classification into the relevant zone (financial health, grey, and financial distress zone), but also the relatively high error rate of the DEA in the identification of companies in financial distress.
Digitalisation in the Food Industry – Case Studies on the Effects of IT and Technological Development on Companies
Authors: Nagy Judit , Jámbor Zsófia , Freund Anna
Published: December 2020

In recent decades as a result of the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet, we have witnessed major changes in companies. The ICT support of the processes is becoming more and more extensive and comprehensive, which enables the realization of digitalisation. The interconnection of processes, machines, people in a single network makes another level of optimisation available. The changes turned up by digitalisation are not only technological, but they also have an impact on the company's organisation and strategy. Our study aims to create an analytical framework and map the opportunities that digitalisation promises in the food industry and the organisational changes that ICT and technological development bring, with special emphasis on the impact on strategy, employees, and corporate culture. Our results show that companies are not consciously engaged in digitalisation yet, but they exploit their opportunities and make improvements in this sense. Adaptation of digital solutions is often forced by the labour shortage, the pressure to achieve higher efficiency and thus to remain competitive and to service the growth strategy.
Animal Husbandry Export Measures Productivity: What is the Position of the Czech Republic?
Authors: Rumánková Lenka , Kuzmenko Elena , Benešová Irena , Smutka Luboš , Laputková Adriana
Published: December 2020

Efficiency, productivity and competitiveness are important indicators of any production process. Speaking of agriculture and, in particular, animal husbandry in the light of sustainable development context, the values of these indicators become of special importance. Since adequate and efficient usage of disposable labour, land and capital can play a crucial role in obtaining and preserving higher efficiency and productivity levels, the natural question arises - does any relationship exist between mentioned production factors and revealed comparative advantage? The main aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between export-measured productivity and comparative advantages in animal husbandry of selected European countries. The benchmark is provided in relation to the Czech Republic. To analyse productivity of agricultural and, more specifically, animal production in the European countries selected for the analysis (based on available balanced data incorporating the period from 2005 to 2017), a decision was made to trace export performance of these countries recalculated with regard to a unit of core productive factors, such as land, labour and capital. Based on the foreign trade indicators (Gruber Lloyd index, RCA index), cluster analysis was conducted, in which individual calculation was used as an input variable. Subsequently, hierarchical clustering and Ward´s method were used. The evidence from this study suggests that the revealed comparative advantage of the countries is not determined primarily by the level of export-based productivity. The relationship between these variables is rather weak and very often negative, which indicates that productivity indicators do not play a significant role in the overall competitiveness of the monitored countries.
‘Products Mapping’ of South Africa’s Agri-food trade with the EU28 and Africa
Authors: Zdráhal Ivo , Verter Nahanga , Lategan Francois
Published: December 2020

This paper uses ‘products mapping’ tool based on the trade balance index (TBI) and Lafay index to investigate trade performance and competitiveness in food items between South Africa (SA) and the EU28 and Africa. The data for this analysis is obtained from the UNCTAD database. SA’s agri-food trade balance climbed from $1.5 billion in 2005 to $3.1 billion in 2017. The results support the conclusion that in bilateral trade, certain products have comparative advantages in relation to African markets despite comparative disadvantages in relation to the EU28 market. Also, there is no or decreasing diversification towards more and new leading products despite the increased intra-regional openness. Leading products (especially fruit and nuts) are the dominant export generating segments in the product’s structure of SA’s agri-food trade. Also, leading products mostly contribute to the positive balance of SA’s agri-food trade. The findings of this study may contribute to business strategies, trade policies, and regional and inter-regional integration.
Research on Online Insulation Testing of Power Battery of New Energy Vehicles
Authors: Xu Yuan , Wang Huazhang , Li Jiacheng
Published: December 2020

The insulation performance of new energy vehicles is an important factor in the normal operation of vehicles. This paper designs a voltage injection-type insulation detection based on the traditional detection.Based on the python language combined with the library provided by NI-visa, it can achieve high integration and meet the national GB/T 18384.1-2015 standard. Experimental results show that the insulation detection system can accurately test the insulation performance of new energy vehicles and meet the new energy vehicle offline detection standards.
Product Ownership Management System (POMS) in the Post Supply Chain Using BlockChain
Authors: Magar Hanmant D , Mane Sandip
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, the authenticity of the RFID tags cannot be assured in the supply chain since these can be easily duplicated in the public space. We propose a novel Product Ownership Management System (POMS) of products for anti-counterfeits that can be used in the post supply chain by using the QR code. With the projected POMS, a consumer can reject the buying of counterfeits by scanning a QR code, if the seller does not have their proprietorship. This paper gives an application of the system that will help to overcome the problems related with the presently functioning supply chain management system and runs the mechanism to show the ownership of the products.
4G LTE Network Coverage Optimization Using Metaheuristic Approach
Authors: Alfarhisi Zikrie Pramudia , Suyono Hadi , Partiansyah Fakhriy Hario
Published: December 2020

The main focus of this paper is to optimize the coverage of each 4G LTE network cell within the service area. There are many algorithms can be implemented to determine the optimal 4G LTE coverage area including the deterministic and heuristic approaches. The deterministic approach could solve accurately the optimization problem but need more resources and time consuming to determine the convergence parameters. Therefore, the heuristic approaches were introduced to improve the deterministic approach drawback. The methods used are the Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) and Adaptive Mutation Genetic Algorithm (AMGA), which are categorized as metaheuristic approach. The DEA and AMGA algorithms have been widely used to solve combinatorial problems, including for solving the network optimizations. In the network optimization, coverage is strongly related to 2 objectives, which are reducing the black spot area and decreasing the overlapping coverage areas. Coverage overlap is a condition when some cell sites in an area overlap. It implies in the occurrence of hand off and an inefficient network management. This research aims to obtain an optimal 4G LTE network coverage and reduce the overlapping coverage areas based on effective e-Node B arrangements by using the DEA and AMGA algorithms. The simulations results showed that the DEA algorithm’s coverage effectiveness was 23,4%, and the AMGA Algorithm’s was 16,32%.
Analyzing Brain Activities in Response To Music and Video Stimulants
Authors: Fakhredine Mohamed , Jaish Zahra , Ibrahim Houssein
Published: December 2020

Studying the effects of different stimulants on the brain is an ongoing research aiming to discover the activities and reactions of the brain. In this sake, we propose a study to show the impact of external stimuli on the human brain. The implementation includes 50 subjects exposed to four various stimuli while recording EEG. First, a control experiment is done where EEG is recorded in the absence of any stimulation. Then, EEG is recorded while the subjects are watching two consecutive sections from nature and violence videos, listening to sections of classical music and then heavy music. The recorded signals are analysed through EEGLAB. The power spectral densities are computed and an analysed. The results showed a decrease in alpha absolute power was observed in 68.1% subjects when watching the nature movie, and in 72.34% subjects when watching the violence video. An increase in alpha and beta absolute power was detected in 70.45% of subjects when listening to the heavy music. Relative power spectral density showed a significant increase of delta rhythm upon watching the video of natural scenes, and a significant increase of alpha rhythm when listening to classical music. ANOVA test is also used to verify if any effect of the stimuli can be observed on each frequency bands. The results showed that the delta rhythm’s highest values were obtained in reaction to the natural scenes video and that there is a significant relationship between alpha rhythms and the stimulus due to Classical music.
Physical assessment of a Mollisol under agroecological managements at Quillota valley. Mediterranean Central Chile
Authors: Casanova Manuel , Ticona Berthin , Salazar Osvaldo , Gratacós Eduardo , Pfeiffer Marco , Ávila Gonzalo , Tapia Yasna , Seguel Oscar , Sabaini Carlo
Published: December 2020

A number of agroecological practices have been proposed for assessing soil quality. Several physical soil properties have been shown to be important for determining soil quality by using the sustainability index (SI) and the cumulative rating approach. The main aim of the study was to determine the effects of different agroecological managements on the physical properties of a Mollisol in the Mediterranean central Chile. In addition, some physical properties were selected to compare the soil quality among different agroecological management practices and highly mechanized intensive systems by using the SI and cumulative rating approaches. An experimental field was defined in an area of 3.5 ha in 2014. Four sites with different agroecological practices were selected in 2019 to assess soil physical properties: rainfed Mediterranean annual prairie - no tillage (1-S), irrigated perennial prairie with deep-root species - no tillage (2-N), irrigated annual and perennial prairie - conventional tillage (4-S), irrigated vegetables and flowers - minimum tillage (4-N); an avocado orchard with traditional management was used as the control. Soil organic carbon and the following soil physical properties were selected to assess SI and CR: bulk density, total porosity, void ratio, air capacity, fast-drainage pores, relative field capacity, hydraulic conductivity, structural stability index and unavailable water pores. The applicability of the selected physical indicators to the SIs of agroecological management practices compared with the control was demonstrated. The cumulative rating index (CR) for each land use showed that all agroecological practices constituted sustainable soil management (25≤CR<30), whereas the avocado orchard showed the least sustainable management (30≤CR<40), and a change in soil use is recommended.
Correlation between Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin and Bile Cholesterol Level in Gallstone Disease
Authors: Dube Bindesh Ashok Kumar , Kher KS
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The cholesterol stones are formed by super-saturation of the bile with cholesterol. Iron deficiency alters activity of several hepatic enzymes, leading to increased cholesterol saturation of bile in gall bladder thus promoting cholesterol crystallisation. Iron has a role in gallstone pathogenesis and ferritin is the most specific marker for iron levels in the body, but there are less studies which depict correlation between serum iron, serum ferritin and bile cholesterol. Aim: To study the correlation between serum iron, serum ferritin and bile cholesterol level in gallstone patients. Materials and Methods: The observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery. The study population was 45 patients with gallstone disease. Serum iron, Serum ferritin and Bile cholesterol contents were analysed. Serum cholesterol levels were estimated using Folch method and estimation of bile cholesterol was done by Enzopak kit.Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics using chi square test and software used in the analysis were SPSS 24.0 version and p<0.05 was considered as level of significance. Results: A positive but negligible correlation between serum iron and serum ferritin was observed (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.247). Negative correlation between serum iron vs serum cholesterol and serum ferritin vs serum cholesterol was observed. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a low value of serum iron and serum ferritin is a risk factor for cholelithiasis, whereas, if the value of bile cholesterol increases then there is a high probability of cholelithiasis.
How Can Dietary Habits Effects on Dysmenorrhea among Health Track Students – A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Alammar Welayah A. , Albeesh Fatima H. , Purayidathil Tunny S. , Goja Arafat M.
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary habits can affect the dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.

Design: A cross sectional study.

Setting: A total of 655 female students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU). A non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess their food habits.

Participants: Female students in health track in IAU with no health problem, pregnant or even lactating and age from 17 – 26 years were included.

Results: The severity of dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with the less intake of seafood (P= 0.007) and low consumption of nuts (P= 0.02). High sweet consumption contributed with pain increased significantly during the menstrual days (P= 0.002), as well as elevates the severity of dysmenorrhea (P= 0.04). Drinking less coffee contributes significantly to the undesired effect of dysmenorrhea (P= 0.04). While there were no significant association between dairy products intake and vegetables consumption with the severity of dysmenorrhea as well as irregular menstruation.

Conclusion: Regular consumption of seafood and nuts can alleviate the severity of dysmenorrhea. Eating too many sweets increased the severity of dysmenorrhea among 17 to 26 year old female.
Automorphisms of Zero Divisor Graphs of Cube Radical Zero Completely Primary Finite Rings
Authors: Mude Lao Hussein , Oduor Owino Maurice , Onyango Ojiema Michael
Published: December 2020

One of the most interesting areas of research that has attracted the attention of many scholars are theory of zero divisor graphs. Most recent research have focused on properties of zero divisor graphs with little attention given on the automorphsisms, despite the fact that automorphisms are useful in interpreting the symmetries of algebraic structure. Let R be a commutative unital finite rings and Z(R) be its set of zero divisors. In this study, the automorphisms zero divisor graphs of such rings in which the product of any three zero divisor is zero has been determined.
Influence of Composted Substrate Types on the Growth Performance of Sour Sop (Annona muricata)
Authors: Onawumi O. A. , Oluwaponle A. I. , Isienyi N. C.
Published: December 2020

The increasing demand for the “Miracle Tree”, Annona muricata, also known as Sour sop has led to the need for increased production. However, the importance of appropriate growing media for the propagation of this seedling cannot be over emphasized. This experiment was conducted in 2019 at the screen house of the Soil and Tree Department of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State to evaluate the effect of different composted media on the growth Annona muricata L (Sour sop). The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design with sixteen (16) treatments and three replicates. Data on growth parameters were collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. It was observed that treatment A2 (80: 20; soil: OF; v/v) performed significantly higher in, number of leaves, plant height and stem girth followed by treatment A3 (60:40; soil: OF; v/v). This study concluded that the growing media or treatment A2 (80: 20; soil: OF; v/v) was optimum for the growth of Annona muricata.
Two cryptic species of California mustard within Caulanthus lasiophyllus
Authors: Whittall Justen B. , Butler Timothy M. , Dick Cynthia , Sandel Brody
Published: December 2020

Premise

Cryptic species are evolutionarily distinct lineages lacking distinguishing morphological traits. Hidden diversity may be lurking in widespread species whose distributions cross phylogeographic barriers. This study investigates molecular and morphological variation in the widely distributed Caulanthus lasiophyllus (Brassicaceae) in comparison to its closest relatives.

Methods

Fifty‐two individuals of C. lasiophyllus from across the species’ range were sequenced for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the chloroplast trnL‐F region. A subset of these samples were examined for the chloroplast ndhF gene. All 52 individuals were scored for 13 morphological traits, as well as monthly and annual climate conditions at the collection locality. Morphological and molecular results are compared with the closest relatives—C. anceps and C. flavescens—in the “Guillenia Clade.” To test for polyploidy, genome size estimates were made for four populations.

Results

Caulanthus lasiophyllus consists of two distinct lineages separated by eight ITS differences—eight times more variation than what distinguishes C. anceps and C. flavescens. Fewer variable sites were detected in trnL‐F and ndhF regions, yet these data are consistent with the ITS results. The two lineages of C. lasiophyllus are geographically and climatically distinct; yet morphologically overlapping. Their genome sizes are not consistently different.

Conclusions

Two cryptic species within C. lasiophyllus are distinguished at the molecular, geographic, and climatic scales. They have similar genome sizes and are morphologically broadly overlapping, but an ephemeral basal leaf character may help distinguish the species.
Frontometaphyseal dysplasia 1 in a patient from Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Ruwangi , Senanayake Manouri P. , Fernando Jerard , Robertson Stephen P. , Dissanayake Vajira H. W. , Sirisena Nirmala D.
Published: December 2020

A Sri Lankan male child with supraorbital hyperostosis, broad nasal bridge, small mandible, severe kyphoscoliosis, distal joint contractures of the hands and long second and third toes is described. A hemizygous pathogenic variant in exon 22 of the filamin A (FLNA) gene [NM_001110556.1: c.3557C>T; which leads to a nonsynonymous substitution of serine by leucine at codon 1186 in the FLNA protein; NP_001104026.1: p.Ser1186Leu] was identified. The clinical features observed in this patient were consistent with the cardinal manifestations seen in frontometaphyseal dysplasia 1 (FMD1). However, characteristic extra skeletal manifestations such as cardiac defects, uropathy, and hearing impairment which have previously been reported in association with this condition were absent in this patient.