bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in body composition between metabolically healthy and unhealthy midlife women with respect to obesity status
Authors: Vorobeľová Lenka , Falbová Darina , Siváková Daniela
Published: April 2021

Body composition (BC) characteristics across metabolic health-by-body mass index categories were examined. Metabolic health (MH) was defined by five biomarkers: waist circumference, blood pressure, levels of triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose. Potential differences in BC characteristics between metabolically healthy obese (MH-O) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUH-O) women, and between MH normal weight (MH-NW) and MUH normal weight (MUH-NW) women were explored in 276 Slovak midlife women (39-65 years). Body composition parameters were measured with bioimpedance analyzer (BIA 101, Akern, S. r. l.). A simple comparison of the BC data between the subgroups showed significant differences in resistance (Rz, ohm) (p=0.035), muscle mass (MM, kg) (p=0.044), and total body water (TBW, kg) (p=0.047) between MH-O and MUH-O women. However, we did not observe any significant differences in BC characteristics between MH-NW and MUHNW. Specific logistic regression models were used to determine differences in BC characteristics between various obesity phenotypes, with controlling for age, menopausal status, smoking status and sport activity. Our results indicated that increasing age and decreasing Rz were statistically significantly associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting MUH-O (p=0.031 for age; p=0.032 for Rz). Moreover, other logistic models which included age, menopausal status, biochemical variables and life style factors such as covariates, showed that increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and uric acid (UA) were statistically significantly associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting MUH-O (p=0.023 for ALT, p=0.010 for UA). In conclusion, MUH-O and MH-O cardiometabolic profiles are characterized by differences in the value of resistance and plasma levels of ALT and UA.
Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices Calculated by Qgis Using Landsat Tm Image: a Case Study of Northern Iceland
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: April 2021

The vegetation indices (VIs) derived from the hyperspectral reflectance of vegetation are presented in this study for monitoring live green vegetation in the northern ecosystems of Iceland, along the fjords of Eyjafjörđur and the Skagafjörđur. The comparative analysis of the following VIs was performed: the NDVI, RVI, NRVI, TVI, CTVI, TTVI and SAVI. The methodology is based on the raster calculator band in a QGIS. The dataset includes a Landsat TM scene of 2013, UTM Zone 53, WGS84 captured from the GloVis. The computed bands include the NIR and R spectral bands and their combinations according to the algorithms of each of the seven VIs. The hyperspectral reflectance and crop canopy computations were applied to generate various scales of VIs and demonstrated following data range: NDVI: -0.91 to 0.65, RVI: 0.22 to 19.65, NRVI: 0.63 to 0.90, TVI: 0 to 1.12, CTVI: -0.64 to 1.07, TTVI: 0.70 to 1.18 and SAVI: -1.36 to 0.99 (roughly to 1.00). Of these, the RVI, NRVI, TVI and TTVI are adjusted to the positive values while the NDVI, CTVI and SAVI do include the negative diapason in the dataset due to the computing algorithm. The algorithms of the seven VIs are described and visualized in form of maps based on the multispectral remote sensing Landsat TM imagery identifying vegetated areas, their health condition and distribution of green areas against the bare soils, rocks, ocean water, lakes and ice-covered glaciers. The paper contributes both to the technical presentation of the QGIS functionality for the Landsat TM data processing by a raster calculator, and to the regional geographic studies of Iceland and Arctic ecosystems.
Genetic morphometry in Nigerian and South African Kalahari Red goat breeds
Authors: Sanni Muyideen Timothy , Okpeku Moses , Onasanya Gbolabo Olaitan , Adeleke Matthew Adekunle , Wheto Mathew , Adenaike Adeyemi Sunday , Oluwatosin Bamidele Omonuwa , Adebambo Oluwafunmilayo Ayoka , Ikeobi Christian Obiora Ndubuisi
Published: April 2021

Genetic improvement of goat breeds in growth and other traits (e.g. milk production) is limited by the demographics of the goat herds, extensive production system and the seemingly long-term nature of improvement through traditional genetics and breeding methods. We studied the genetic morphometry in Nigerian goats and South African Kalahari Red goat breeds. A total of 192 goats belonging to three Nigerian breeds (Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and West African Dwarf (WAD)) and one South African Kalahari Red (KR) goat breed were analysed. Animals were classified into four age groups: A group – less than 1 year, B group – between 1 and 2 years, C group – between 2 and 3 years and C group – older than 3 years based on dentition. Analysis of variance, correlation matrix, regression and discriminant analyses were used to evaluate morphological variability. Results revealed that the effect of breed on the measured morphometric traits was significant (P < 0.05). The best prediction equation for body weight (BW) with R2 = 0.84 was obtained when body length (BL), withers height (WH) and chest depth (CD) were included in the model for KR goat. Growth traits were positively correlated with each other with the highest correlation coefficients found between BL and BW (r = 0.877, P < 0.01), WH and BW (r = 0.541, P < 0.01), WH and BW (0.661, P < 0.01) and CD and BW (0.738, P < 0.01) in KR, RS, SH and WAD goats, respectively, which are important for a conscious selection and breeding programme for desired traits. Stepwise discriminant procedure showed that WH, CD and BL were the most discriminating variables to separate KR, RS, SH and WAD goats. In accessing morphological diversity, efforts should be made to include phenotypic variables of at least ≥ 3 in order to minimize ambiguity in classification. Based on the pair-wise distances from the Discriminant function, the study provided informed decision, reference information on goat breeding and conservation strategy.
Pre-semihyperadditive Categories
Authors: Shojaei H. , Ameri R. , Hoskova-Mayerova S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we extend the notion of classical (pre-)semiadditive category to (pre-)semihyperadditive category. Algebraic hyperstructures are algebraic systems whose objects possessing the hyperoperations or multi-valued operation. We introduce categories in which for objects A and B, the class of all morphisms from A to B denoted by Mor(A, B), admits an algebraic hyperstructures, such as semihypergroup or hypergroup. In this regards we introduce the various types of pre-semihyperadditive categories. Also, we construct some (pre-)semihyperadditive categories by introducing a class of hypermodules named general Krasner hypermodules. Finally, we investigate some properties of these categories.
Joyce’s “Nameless” Hero and Hungarian Jewish Experience
Authors: Goldmann Márta
Published: April 2021

The essay considers the background of James Joyce’s “nameless” hero, Leopold Bloom in Ulysses, from the point of view of his Hungarian Jewish ancestry: his family history in the Western Hungarian town of Szombathely and the Jewish history of his town. It shows how a certain reading of the “Circe” and “Cyclops” episodes of Ulysses reveals them in hindsight as anticipating the nightmarish future of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe. This reading is enabled when taking account of the strong parallels that run between the crisis of progress in human history that Ulysses addresses and the idea of history in Walter Benjamin’s Theses on the Philosophy of History of 1940. 1882, the year of Joyce’s birth, was a turning point, if not actually a new beginning, in the long history of anti-Semitic feelings in Hungary. There was a blood libel case in the town of Tiszaeszlár in Eastern Hungary that year. More widely-known and central to the story of modern anti-Semitism in Central Europe was the holding of the first International Anti-Jewish Congress in Dresden in 1882. A local politician from Szombathely, called Győző Istóczy, is linked to both of these events, Szombathely being the town from which Leopold Bloom’s family originates in Ulysses. By unfolding some of the oblique references hidden in the novel to the history of the Jews in Eastern Europe, and revealing the background of the invented Bloom (Virág) family, the essay shows what tragic fate awaited the real-life Jewish families to which they allude and what would have happened to the Joycean “nameless” hero had he remained in Szombathely.
Dietary phytogenic mixture for broilers reared under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions
Authors: Mihaela Saracila , Dumitra Panaite Tatiana , Puia Papuc Camelia , Nicoleta Predescu Corina , Arabela Untea
Published: April 2021

During two feeding trials, the effect of dietary phytogenic mixture on the performance and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver of broilers reared under thermoneutral conditions (TN) and heat stress (HS) was studied. A number of 60 Cobb 500 chicks/trial were sheltered in environmentally-controlled digestibility cages. On the 14 days of age, the chicks were weighted and assigned to four groups (2 groups/trial with 30 chicks/group). In the first trial, two groups (C-TN and PM-TN) were kept in thermoneutral conditions. In the second trial, other two groups were kept (C-HS and PM-HS) in heat stress (32 ±1 °C). The structure of diets was the same in both experiments. Compared with the control diet (C), the experimental diet (PM) contained the addition of 1% phytogenic mixture (bilberry leaves, peppermint leaves, fennel leaves and sea buckthorn meal). Irrespective of temperature conditions, dietary PM did not affect broiler’s performance. The dietary supplementation of PM delayed protein and lipid oxidation in the liver tissue of broilers in both trials by increasing the hepatic catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity.
Pressure distribution in tilting and reclining wheelchairs with an air cushion: A pilot study
Authors: Choi Hyunwoo , Lee Heymin , Choi Jeongwon , Moon Jisu , Jeong Juhyang , Joo Dohee , Yoo Ingyu
Published: April 2021

Study aim: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal angle for maximizing pressure distribution in two types of wheelchairs (tilting and reclining) while using a ROHO cushion, which offers relatively effective pressure distribution.

Material and methods: This study enrolled 28 male and female college students who understood the purpose of the study and agreed to participate. This study aimed to determine the optimal angle for tilting and reclining wheelchairs when using a ROHO cushion at angles of 10°, 20°, and 30° with tilted wheelchairs and 90°, 110°, and 130° with reclining wheelchairs.

Results: The analysis showed that an improved pressure distribution when a tilting wheelchair was used versus a reclining one. A reclining position of ≥110° and a tilt angle of ≥20° led to significant pressure-reducing effects.

Conclusion: The results of this study will help wheelchair users or their guardians to select the optimal wheelchair angle when changing their posture to prevent bedsores. Although no slippage was observed in our study, it is important to remember the proper back position to prevent unnecessary slippage.
Biodiversity of the coastal flora of Tripoli Province
Authors: Mahklouf Mohammed H.
Published: April 2021

This study aims to investigate the coastal plant biodiversity status of Tripoli Province. The result of the survey led to a collection and identification of 130 plant species belonging to 36 families and 105 genera, of which 29 species represented monocotyledons and 101 dicotyledons. Floristic analysis revealed the dominance of the family Asteraceae (24 species) followed by the family Poaceae (22 species). The results have also showed the predominance of the genera Juncus and Lotus with 4 species each. Life form and chorological spectra analyses showed the prevalence of therophytes, represented by 77 species, and the Mediterranean chorotypes with 46 species. Categorization of collected plant species according to their ecological types, revealed a variety of ecological types, with the prevalence of psammophytes, represented by 50 species.
Improving Labour Productivity in Ghanaian Building Construction Projects
Authors: Akomah Benjamin Boahene , Lawson Roland William , Jackson Emmanuel Nana
Published: April 2021

Labour productivity is key to the success of every construction project. The paper seeks to determine the factors that affect labour productivity and proffer possible ways to improve it in building construction projects. The study was preceded by a literature review. Data used were primary data collected through the use of questionnaires. The total number of respondents was 175. Snowball sampling technique was used in sampling respondents. Factor analysis was performed on the data collected and mean scores were also generated. The findings of the study showed that the use of wrong equipment, misuse of time schedule, lack of training sessions, poor site organisation, lack of motivation for workers, delays in the supply of materials and rework were the critical factors affecting labour productivity in building projects of Ghana. However, the major ways of improving labour productivity in building construction projects, according to the study, were to correct bad behaviour that negatively influenced productivity, proper layout of site, to improve health and safety, to use proper materials handling systems and to set targets for employees. Management must put structures in place to restrict human, material and construction related factors. This is because giving concessions in these areas can take a toll on productivity.
Sensitivity of Real Estate Investment Return to Market Return Index: The Case of Nigerian Real Estate Investment Trusts
Authors: Adilieme Chibuikem , Umeh Obinna
Published: April 2021

The level of sensitivity of every investment option to a market index is crucial to investors. Sensitivity analysis of individual or a set of returns on investments to market return index predicts the reaction of the investment(s) to changes in the market index; informs investors of prospective performance of different investments types; as well as assists the investors in making appropriate decisions on investment selections. This paper assessed how sensitive indirect real estate investments in Nigeria were to market index. The three companies whose asset returns were considered in this study were real estate investment trusts listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The data used in this study were sourced from annual reports of the listed companies, and reports of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The beta coefficients were used to determine the sensitivity of the selected stocks to market return index. The study found a very low and insignificant beta coefficient among various real estate investments and market return index. Hence, there is no relationship between the market return index and the returns on the Real Estate Investment Trusts listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Conventional Methods in Housing Market Analysis: A Review of Literature
Authors: Bello Musa Zango , Sanni Mohammed Lekan , Mohammed Jibrin Katun
Published: April 2021

Housing market analysis has witnessed considerable changes in recent decades, especially as a result of the complexity of human settlements and the dynamics of property market analytical techniques. This paper reviews various techniques/methods adopted by researchers and housing experts in analysing the housing market in recent times. The present study is a literature review and, therefore, essentially relies on published data sourced from academic journals, conference papers, thesis, and other secondary sources. The paper highlights the methods considered appropriate and relevant for different property market scenarios, especially in developing countries. The paper, therefore, recommends what it regards as the most appropriate basis for a housing market analysis and research in developing countries against the backdrop of the dynamics of the property market.
Motivations and livelihood dynamics in the urban informal economy: the case of Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Dube Engida Esayas
Published: April 2021

This article assesses the motivations for participation in the informal economy in general and street vending in particular and explores vendors’ livelihood dynamics in Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected from fixed and itinerant vendors who were found vending a variety of goods and services in the city during data collection. A descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Time location sampling procedure – a new method of two-stage sampling that has been widely used to select the hard-to-reach segment of society – was employed to select 198 street vendors. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and observation during 2016/17. The study revealed that the majority of vendors report that they engaged in street vending for survival. But some consider it is an opportunity for income, employment and growth, and livelihood improvement in the city. The majority of vendors indicated that there have been improvements in their lives since they started vending. Thus, this study points to the need to employ multiple perspectives to capture the reality underneath livelihoods in the informal economy. Policy approaches that recognise the vitality of public spaces for street vending activities, the integrality of vendors to the socio-economic fabric of the city, and their modest contributions to the socio-economic development of the city are necessary.
The impact on urban accessibility conditions of a proposed cableway line in the city of Manizales, Colombia
Authors: Montoya Jorge Alberto , Aguilera Juan Camilo , Escobar Diego Alexander
Published: April 2021

Due to the increased tendency to use private transport in urban areas of Manizales and Villamaría municipalities, it is intended to include alternative modes of transport that are more time-efficient and environmentally sustainable to improve the inhabitants’ quality of life. This article aims to analyse the inclusion impact of a sustainable public transport system, such as a new cableway line in the city connecting the Central Business District (CBD) with Ciudadela del Norte district, measuring overall average accessibility for the current and future scenario. This establishes the average travel time and the savings in terms of time shown as a percentage that these modes of transport would create in the population displacement and also which inhabitants are the most likely to benefit.
Multivariate classification of provinces of Vietnam according to the level of sustainable development
Authors: Truong Van Canh
Published: April 2021

The research aims to classify the level of sustainability of 63 provinces in Vietnam upon 24 indicators reflecting three main dimensions of sustainable development by using multivariate classification method for the year 2014–2016. First of all, the principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to group quantitative variables that reflect important aspects of each component of sustainable development of localities in Vietnam into a number of limited dimensions (factors). The results of PCA illustrate 8 principal components in which 3 main components of economic and social pillar, and 2 main components for environmental pillar. After that, the second method was applied by using the hierarchical methods of cluster analysis for the set of 8 principal components conducted by PCA. With the candidate solution divided all of the provinces into 6 clusters, the analysis shows that the higher level of sustainable development belongs to South East, Red River Delta, and North Central, in which 4 provinces of South East (Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau) form a group with the highest level of sustainability. The regions such as South Central Coastal, Highland area, and Mekong River Delta have the medium level; the North midland and mountain areas are regions at the low level of sustainability.
Faţete Ale Feminităţii În Dramaturgia Blagiană – (De) Limitări
Authors: Frătean Denisa-Maria
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to identify the way in which Blaga’s feminine characters deconstruct the canon of feminity imposed at the time. This deconstruction is based on the theory of performative gender imposed by Judith Butler, who emphasized the fact that gender is not innate, but rather constructed. In the second part of the essay, in the form of an ecocritical approach, we proved the idea that there is a tight connection between women and nature on the one hand and natural disasters and patriarchy on the other hand.
Update of Internal Political Threats to the National Security of Ukraine at the Local Level in the Process of Administrative and Territorial Reform
Authors: Hulai Vasyl
Published: April 2021

The article presents theoretical and practical aspects of political and legal instruments aimed at minimizing the risk of intra-Ukrainian political character. The priority in the implementation of administrative and territorial reform in Ukraine should be the implementation of the interests of local communities, and not the administrative, political and economic priorities of local elites. It should be emphasized that the territorial organization of Ukraine as a mandatory, indispensable element of the general organization of the state is considered mainly as part of the formed social structure and as a division of the country’s territory into certain parts. It is necessary to take into account the historical and legal nature of the tasks and functions of the state, as well as the organization of the system of state authorities and local self-governments.
Distribution and numbers of waterbird species breeding in the city of Wrocław
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

During the years 2003-2010, the numbers of pairs of waterbird species breeding in the city of Wrocław (293 km2) were assessed. The city is situated in Odra valley, where four smaller rivers join it. The city abandons in oxbows, gravel and sand, and clay pits and other water bodies. In total, 20 waterbird species were recorded as breeding in Wrocław. The most common were Anas platyrhynchos (145-212 pairs), and Fulica atra (70-104 pairs). Relatively common were also the Gallinula chloropus (28-37 pairs), Rallus aquaticus (9-25 pairs) and Cygnus olor (9-11 pairs). For each remaining species less than 10 pairs were recorded. Among rare species, the following were recorded as breeding in Wrocław: Grus grus, Mergus merganser, and Porzana porzana. In the few recent decades, the increase in the number of breeding pairs was recorded for Anas platyrhynchos and Cygnus olor; while a parallel decrease was recorded for Fulica atra, Gallunula chloropus, Chroicocephalus ridibudnus, and Tachybaptus ruficollis. Species such as the Aythya fuligula, Aythya ferrina, grebes, gulls and terns avoid the city. Some of them even ceased to breed (Anas quarquedula, Anas clypeata and Botaurus stellaris). The city plays an important role in protecting water bird species such as Grus grus, Cygnus olor, Porzana porzana and Alcedo atthis.
Fostering University Students’ Idea Generation and Idea Evaluation Skills With a Cognitive-Based Creativity Training
Authors: van Broekhoven Kim , Belfi Barbara , Hocking Ian , van der Velden Rolf
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the effectiveness of a 10-hour cognitive-based creativity training on idea generation and idea evaluation among 51 undergraduate students (mean age 22) from a large university in the Netherlands. A pre-post-test within-subject design was conducted. All 51 students received the training as part of their bachelor program, and were assigned to receive the training in the first or second semester. As such, students participated in both experimental conditions (control and intervention), albeit at different times (within-subject design). The Alternative Uses Task (AUT) and specially designed idea evaluation tasks were used before and after the training. In the idea evaluation task, students were asked to evaluate ideas on their originality and feasibility. Their ratings were compared with content experts’ ratings. General Linear Models (GLM) for repeated measures were conducted to determine whether any change in idea generation and idea evaluation is the result of the interaction between type of treatment (i.e. intervention or control group) and time (pre- and post-test). The results indicated that students did not generate significantly more (i.e. fluency) and different kind of ideas (i.e. flexibility) after training. Most importantly, in line with recent research, the results suggested that training does not impact idea evaluation skills among students. This suggests that idea evaluation might be a more complex process to enhance than idea generation. The implications of these results for educational practice and future research are discussed.
Creative Individuals are Social Risk-takers: Relationships between Creativity, Social Risk-Taking and Fear of Negative Evaluations
Authors: Bonetto Eric , Pichot Nicolas , Pavani Jean-Baptiste , Adam-Troïan Jaïs
Published: April 2021

If the importance of social psychological factors in creativity has been widely emphasized, research across the social sciences mainly focused on identifying contextual factors that increase or decrease individuals’ creative behaviors. Few studies have investigated the relationships between creativity and individual characteristics related to interpersonal and social interactions. The present contribution aimed to consider such characteristics, namely social risk-taking (i.e., willingness to challenge norms) and fear of negative evaluation (i.e., apprehension about receiving negative judgments of others). Two correlational studies were therefore implemented in order to clarify previous research suggesting that creativity would be positively associated with social risk-taking and to extend them by testing potential associations between creativity and fear of negative evaluation. Using self-ratings of creativity, but also creative self-beliefs and creative achievement, we hypothesized that creativity would correlate positively with social risk likelihood and negatively with fear of negative evaluation. As predicted, and replicating previous results, all our measures of creativity correlated positively with social risk-taking. Our results also consistently highlighted a negative association between beliefs in one’s creative capacities (creative self-efficacy) and one’s level of fear of negative evaluation. These findings corroborate the idea according to which creative individuals would be (social) risk-takers. In addition, individuals who are confident in their ability to generate creative productions would be less afraid of negative judgments from others. Several perspectives are proposed, in particular in terms of the intervention designed in order to enhance individuals’ creativity.
Giving the Art Greater weight in Art Psychology: RizbA, a Questionnaire for Formal Picture Analysis
Authors: Schoch Kerstin , Ostermann Thomas
Published: April 2021

In empirical art psychology and creativity research most studies focus on the psychological correlates of art. Only few go beyond treating artworks as categorical data (e.g. abstract vs. representational) and consider artworks in detail. In part this is due to the lack of reliable quantitative measurements. The rating instrument for two-dimensional pictorial works (RizbA) makes a difference to current research designs. The current study validates the questionnaire on a representative sample of contemporary visual art, consisting of 318 images depicting works by artists from different cultural areas dated to the 21st century. In a randomized test-retest design, the pictorial material was rated by 506 (T1) and 238 (T2) art experts using RizbA. Statistical quality criteria, such as item difficulty, capacity of differentiation, test-retest reliability, and intraclass correlation were calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and indices of factor similarity were computed. The overall test’s capacity for differentiation yields partial eta-squared of .31 (T1) and .40 (T2). Test-retest reliability is .86. PCA reveals an eight-factor solution, which is largely consistent across both measurement points. Tucker’s coefficient of congruence ranges between |.71| and |1.00|. Intraclass correlation coefficients are .86 (T1) and .73 (T2). This study indicates generalizability of the questionnaire to contemporary artworks. Although a conclusion on the factors’ structure cannot be drawn yet, results are very promising. As the first reliable quantitative tool for formal picture analysis, RizbA allows more detailedexamination of visual art and its psychological correlates. This broadens research methodology by giving art greater weight in art psychology and creativity research.
Blame and Fault: Toward a New Conative Theory of Blame
Authors: Bernáth László
Published: April 2021

This paper outlines a new conative theory of blame. I argue that the best-known conative approaches to blame (Scanlon 1998, 2008, Sher 2006a) misrepresent the cognitive and dispositional components of blame. Section 1 argues, against Scanlon and Sher, that blaming involves the judgment that an act or state is the fault of the blamed. I also propose an alternative dispositional condition on which blaming only occurs if it matters to the blamer whether the blamed gets the punishment that she deserves. In Section 2, I discuss objections to judgment-based accounts of blame (that they cannot tell the difference between blaming and judging to be blameworthy, that they cannot explain why blame is often accompanied by emotion, and that they cannot make sense of irrational blame), and I argue that my proposal can handle all of them.
Mural Paintings of Ixmiquilpan. Barbarism and Civilization
Authors: Brenišínová Monika
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the 16th century mural paintings that cover the walls of the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel, a former Augustinian mission in Ixmiquilpan. The paintings represent warriors in battle and mixing the Western iconography with the prehispanic one. They are associated with the Chichimeca War (1540-1590), a conflict that threatened the existence of the Viceroyalty of New Spain (1535-1821). The article examines the images of “otherness” and related stereotypes conceiving the paintings as a place, where the identity of local inhabitants was discussed and putting particular emphasis on the pair of categories – barbarism and civilization. In terms of method, it is interdisciplinary and interpretative. It combines the classical historical, art historical concepts and methods with terms and procedures of anthropology and social science.
An Empirical Study on Environmental Efficiency Measurements and Influencing Factors
Authors: Chen Yuxiu , Li Long , Yu Jian , Tsai Sang-Bing , Wang Jiangtao
Published: April 2021

Airlines are an important part of the comprehensive transportation system. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to empirically analyse the measurement of airlines’ environmental efficiency and influencing factors. Adopting the SBM-DEA model, this study measured the environmental efficiency of 20 Chinese airlines between 2010 and 2017 and empirically analysed the factors influencing their environmental efficiency using a Tobit regression model. Spring Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines were found to have the highest environmental efficiency. Tianjin Airlines, Hebei Airlines, and China Express Airlines had the lowest environmental efficiency. The Tobit regression results showed that average flight distance, load factor, market share, and proportion of cargo and mail turnover had a significant positive effect on airline environmental efficiency. Fuel consumption per ton-km had a significant negative effect on airline environmental efficiency.
Seasonal Dynamics of Catalase Activity in Cystoseira crinita (Black Sea) and Fucus vesiculosus (Barents Sea)
Authors: Shakhmatova Olga , Ryzhik Inna
Published: April 2021

The seasonal dynamics of catalase activity of two related species of brown macroalgae, Cystoseira crinita (Desf.) Bory (1832) and Fucus vesiculosus L. (1753) was studied. In general, catalase activity (CA) in C. crinita was several times higher than in F. vesiculosus. The maximum values of CA in C. crinita were observed in November and the minimum ones in September. For F. vesiculosus, the maximum CA was found in January and the minimum in April. Abrupt changes in water temperature significantly affected the catalase activity in C. crinita and F. vesiculosus. In both species of algae, a similar seasonal trend in the change of CA was noted: two periods of adaptation adjustment associated with sharp changes in the temperature regime (spring and autumn) were distinguished. In spring, with a rapid increase in the temperature of the water masses, catalase inactivation occurred, whereas during summer to winter transition, accompanied by a sharp water cooling, catalase activity increases. Stabilization of the CA values of the studied macroalgae in the absence of sharp temperature variability was observed. However, this period of “stationary state” varies in time: in Cystoseira crinita it lasts from May to August, and in Fucus vesiculosus it lasts from May to December.
Vitamin C protects against chronic social isolation stress-induced weight gain and depressive-like behavior in adult male rats
Authors: Dulabi Alireza Najaf , Shakerin Zeinab , Mehranfard Nasrin , Ghasemi Maedeh
Published: April 2021

Objective. Considering the importance of ghrelin in stress-induced hyperphagia and a role of antioxidants in decreasing body weight, in the present study, the effect of vitamin C (VitC) on ghrelin secretion and food intake following chronic social isolation (CIS) was evaluated in rats.

Methods. Thirty two male Wistar rats (200–220g) were randomly divided into: control, VitC, CIS, and CIS + VitC groups. Animals received VitC (500 mg/kg/day)/saline by gavage for 3 weeks. For 24 h cumulative and post 18–20 h fasting food intake, fasting plasma ghrelin level, and body weight were measured. Gastric histopathology was also evaluated.

Results. Results showed a marked increase in fasting plasma ghrelin and food intake in stressed rats compared to controls. VitC prevented the increases in stressed rats. Histological assessment indicated a positive effect of VitC on gastric glandular cells compared to control, an effect that might partially be a reason of significant increase of plasma ghrelin levels in VitC rats. Elevated plasma ghrelin in VitC group was even higher than that one in stressed group, whereas there were no significant changes in the food intake. Assessment of the percentage of changes in body weight during 21 days showed a significant increase in stressed rats compared to controls. Vitamin C treatment prevented this increase. Stressed rats also displayed depression-like behavior as indicated by sucrose test, whereas VitC ameliorated it.

Conclusions. The data of the present study indicate that VitC may overcome ghrelin-induced hyperphagia and improve the abnormal feeding and depressive behavior in CIS rats.
Comparative Analysis of the Implementation of the Inflation Targeting Monetary Strategy in Canada and New Zealand
Authors: Stevanović Suzana , Milenković Ivan
Published: April 2021

Since the 1990s there have been major changes in the way monetary policy is conducted. Since other monetary strategies did not result in the desired outcome, the first concept of inflation targeting was presented in New Zealand (1990), then in Canada (1991), England (1992), Sweden and Finland (1993), Australia and Spain (1994), Israel, Chile, Brasil, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Serbia and other countries. Thus, the application of this monetary regime has spread from economically developed to developing countries. This article examines the adoption, the formal framework for inflation targeting and the experience of the two countries that were leaders in the adoption of this modern strategy, New Zealand and Canada. At the time of the announcement of the inflation targets, inflation in both countries was around 6%. However, there are differences regarding the time frame. So, in New Zealand in a shorter period of time, credibility should have been achieved regarding the imbalance of monetary and fiscal policy. While, on the other hand, a longer time frame is envisaged for the Central Bank of Canada regarding achieving greater flexibility to mitigate price shocks. After all the above, it can be concluded that both observed countries (Canada and New Zealand) during the period 2008-2017, achieved positive effects from inflation targeting. In this sense inflation rates in the target range of 1-3% were achieved, except for a few years after the financial crisis (2008-2011), but after certain revisions of the formal framework, both countries successfully fought for greater economic growth and financial stability. The inflation targeting regime proved to be very successful in achieving the set targets, so both Central Banks continued to constantly update the formal and informal inflation targeting frameworks, in order to continuously achieve the expected effects.
The Dilemmas of Public Vs. Private Goods Discounting for Long-Term Investment Appraisal: The Puzzle of Citizen and Consumer Approaches to Valuation
Authors: Foltyn-Zarychta Monika
Published: April 2021

Research background: An investment appraisal applies a single discount rate across all effects. However, this may be insufficient for heterogenous environmental impacts, mixing private and public goods as well as use and non-use values, where individuals may have multiple intertemporal preferences due to their duality to act as consumer or citizen.

Purpose: The paper aims at identifying the scope of discrepancies in the level of discount rate for public and private as well as use-and non-use investment gains.

Research methodology: The contingent valuation method is used to elicit stated discount rates for 2 hypothetical investments: environmental or financial gains to distinguish between public and private domain accompanied by two time-frames: short (use values) and long (non-use values).

Results: The discount rate for the environment is lower than for money. It is also lower for the long-term horizon in comparison with the short-term perspective. The discrepancies are observed also for explanatory variables in respect to a socio-economic profile and attitude characteristics.

Novelty: The paper adds to the discussion on valuation discrepancies between self-interested consumers and socially oriented citizens. The scarcity of previous research examining discount rates for public/private goods as well as the short/long-time horizon make the results relevant for public policy dealing with climate change and environmental protection, providing an insight into individual intertemporal preferences.
Determining the value of standing timber for harvest planning optimization
Authors: Zaborski Karol , Banaś Jan , Kożuch Anna
Published: April 2021

Forest managers conducting sustainable forest management are guided by the principles of sustainable use of natural resources, which involve the need for long and short-term planning in organizational units of the State Forests. Plans often differ from reality by the time individual treatments and cuts are to be performed. For economic reasons, it is important to optimize harvest planning, not only focusing on the volume of timber to be harvested, but also the price differences of individual tree species and sort types of wood.

The purpose of this study was to present methods evaluating standing timber and to assess their usefulness in optimizing the harvest volume using linear programming.

Stands designated to be cut were evaluated using transaction value methods, i.e. “the stumpage value method” M1, the “consumption value” method M2, as well as the net present value (NPV) method M3. The research material was obtained from the State Forests Information System (SILP) for the Marcule Forest District covering the years 2014–2018. The stand values were determined at the beginning and end of the 10-year planning period.

We observed that the stand value (standing timber) differed significantly between method M2 as compared to method M1. the value of stands determined by method M3, on the other hand, decreased as the discount rate increased.

In the process of optimizing the selection of stands for felling, economic criteria should also be taken into account and this is a direct measure of obtainable standing timber in terms of the cutting possibility in the given planning period. In stands where one species dominates, a simplified method of determining the value (M1) can be used, whereas in stands with significant species diversity, method M2 provides a significantly more accurate value for the cutting timber. However, if harvest volume optimization using linear programming methods is to take longer time periods into account, e.g. 30 years (three 10-year economic planning periods), the most reasonable method for determining the value of stands is the net present value method M3.
Luminescence Dating of Late Pleistocene Lacustrine Deposits in Badain Jaran Desert, North China
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Xinfan , Yang Hongyu , Wang Keqi , Geng Jianwei
Published: April 2021

There are still controversies for the lakes evolution time during late Pleistocene in arid/semiarid north China. Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) features the coexisting of modern lakes in the lowland of megadunes. Also, lots of lacustrine relics could be found distributed widely in the desert, some of them just beside the modern lakes. These lacustrine relics indicated the paleo lakes evolution and the paleo environmental changes in the desert. In this study, one 3.9 m depth lacustrine deposits section was studied in the southeastern BJD which is close to a modern lake Zongzegedan (ZZGD). The deposit ages of the section were obtained by using optical dating with both of quartz and K-feldspar grains. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of quartz grains shows that this paleolake was appeared during 65–34 ka, which is in the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 period, without the saturation of the OSL signals. On the other hand, the high temperature infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR IRSL) dating results from K-feldspar grains show that the paleolake was existed from late MIS 5 to late MIS 4 (86–60 ka) period with also good luminescence characteristics. The further study suggested that the OSL signals from quartz grains in this section show thermal instability, which may lead to the age underestimation. So the reliable age of the existed paleolake should be obtained by using pIRIR signals from K-feldspar, indicated that the relative humid environment in the desert happened at late MIS 5. The paleolake has same position with modern lake in the desert may contain geomorphological indications.
Revision of the human’s occupations chronologies at the Senegalese and Mauritania sites by using marine reservoir ages corrections
Authors: Ndeye Maurice , Kebe Demba , Sene Matar , Athie Adama Harouna
Published: April 2021

The prehistoric settlement of the west coast of the Senegalese-Mauritanian basin is established from archaeological remains and coal samples collected, sometimes in a stratigraphic context. However, the chronology issued, in the Before Present (BP) age, does not take into account the taphonomic context of the sites and the local reservoir age. Therefore, this article revisits the chronologies obtained based on the 14C literature and dating(s) acquired. Changes in time and duration of human occupancy of the area are shorter or longer depending on adequate yields of local reservoir age (Ndeye, 2008), which is a relevant element for marine samples. Thus, the archaeological implications observed with the reservoir effect are the rejuvenation or ageing of the dates, the age of the sites, the duration of occupation prehistoric or historical sites studied. Using the calibration programmes, it is noted that for the site of Senegal (Khant), without taking into account the reservoir effect, the human occupation is a priori, from the fifth millennium (Ancient Neolithic) to the third millennium BC (Middle Neolithic). However, if this marine reservoir effect is applied, the chronological periodisation goes from the fourth millennium to the first millennium. For the Mauritanian sites, the reservoir age correction is necessary for the Chami site while for the Tintan site is not required. Therefore, the calibrated archaeological chronologies obtained after the application of the marine reservoir effect are more relevant.
Proper names and minority language laws in Slovakia
Authors: Bauko Ján
Published: April 2021

The use of official proper names is regulated by laws that contribute to the social codification and standardization of propria registration. The paper deals with minority language laws concerning the use of proper names of national minorities in Slovakia. The author gives an overview of the laws, or more precisely paragraphs dealing with the use of official anthroponyms, toponyms and names of institutions. In Slovakia, the largest national minority is Hungarian, so the paper gives examples of using the proper names of Hungarians living in Slovakia, that is, from Slovak-Hungarian bilingual municipalities. In an ethnically mixed environment, the variability of the forms of propria increases, since in the official (and non-official) sphere, proper names can be used not only in the state language, but also in the minority language. In bilingual municipalities, bilingual toponyms and names of institutions appear in both languages. Members of national minorities have the option of entering a personal name in the Register Offices in their mother tongue. Minority proper names fulfil an ethno-identification function, they are a source of individual and collective identity.
Performance analysis of optical fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor in single-mode operation region
Authors: Abu Shehab Wael F.
Published: April 2021

A new approach for studying the performance of single-mode optical fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor for refractive index sensing is presented. Intensity interrogation technique is used to observe and examine the effect of changing the value of the operating wavelength, within the single-mode operation region, on sensor performance. Effect of changing metal thickness, which is a critical parameter of the sensor structure, is also investigated. The results show that the selected operating wavelength within the mentioned region plays a very important role and has a significant impact on the sensor sensitivity. As the operating wavelength increases beyond the cut-off wavelength, above which the first higher-order mode disappears, the sensitivity increases while the refractive index range, for which the sensitivity is above its half maximum value, becomes narrower. In the proposed sensor structure, for a metal thickness of 25 nm, the maximum sensitivity reaches 2554 RIU−1 for analyte refractive index of 1.439 at a wavelength of 1500 nm. This sensitivity corresponds to a resolution of order 106 RIU by assuming 1% minimum reflectivity variation. The operating wavelength should be carefully selected and changed according to the refractive index values intended to be measured to ensure high sensor sensitivity at these values. The analysis provided in this paper enables to select and change the desired range of the sensed refractive index using low cost technique by just changing the operating wavelength in the single-mode operation region.