bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality and Bending Properties of Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) Sawn Timber
Authors: Burawska-Kupniewska Izabela , Krzosek Sławomir , Mańkowski Piotr , Grześkiewicz Marek
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the partial research results of a mechanical properties study conducted on Scots pine from the Silesian Forestry Area in Poland. The scope of research included the visual strength grading of the timber according to the PN-D-94021:2013 standard, mechanical testing (according to EN 408:2012) and an attempt to assign visuals to the C strength classes. The EN 1912: 2012 standard assigns the visual sorting classes of individual wood species (according to national sorting standards) to the C strength classes introduced by the EN 338: 2018 standard. At the moment, this standard does not assign Polish visual sorting classes (KW, KS, and KG) to C strength classes. The obtained MOE (modulus of elasticity) and MOR (static bending strength) values were corrected according to the EN 384:2018 standard, and their characteristic values were later calculated. On this basis, we proposed a classification of the grading classes determined on the basis of PN-D-94021 into C classes described in EN 338:2018, which is necessary in the process of the transposition of Polish strength grades (KW, KS, KG, and Reject) and the qualification of them in line with EN 1912:2012. The calculated characteristic values of density, MOR and E0 (the modulus of elasticity parallel to the grain) allowed us to assign Polish visual grades KW, KS, and KG to C35, C30, and C20, respectively. The pine timber under research had high physical and mechanical parameters, which translated into high C classes to which the KW, KS, and KG timber categories were assigned.
On the Modeling of Automotive Security: A Survey of Methods and Perspectives
Authors: Hao Jingjing , Han Guangsheng
Published: November 2020

As the intelligent car-networking represents the new direction of the future vehicular development, automotive security plays an increasingly important role in the whole car industry chain. On condition that the accompanying problems of security are proofed, vehicles will provide more convenience while ensuring safety. Security models can be utilized as tools to rationalize the security of the automotive system and represent it in a structured manner. It is essential to improve the knowledge about security models by comparing them besides proposing new methods. This paper aims to give a comprehensive introduction to the topic of security models for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS). A survey of the current methodologies for security modeling is conducted and a classification scheme is subsequently proposed. Furthermore, the existing framework and methods to build automotive security models are broadly examined according to the features of automotive electronic system. A number of fundamental aspects are defined to compare the presented methods in order to comprehend the automotive security modeling in depth.
By the Hand of Angelos? Analytical Investigation of a Remarkable 15th Century Cretan Icon
Authors: Mastrotheodoros Georgios P. , Theodosis Marios , Filippaki Eleni , Beltsios Konstantinos G.
Published: November 2020

A 15th century St Theodoros icon of outstanding quality is on display at the Zakynthos Ecclesiastical Art Museum. On the basis of certain stylistic characteristics, this icon has been attributed to the legendary Cretan painter Angelos Akotantos. In order to explore the latter attribution, the icon was subjected to examination via multispectral imaging, while microsamples were investigated through an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive analyzer (SEM-EDX), μ-Raman and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The data were evaluated in the light of the findings of recent analytical studies conducted on several genuine Angelos icons. Identified materials include gypsum, gold leaf, bole, natural ultramarine, lead white, charcoal, green earth, red lake, minium, cinnabar, and red and yellow ochres. The identified materials resemble those employed by Angelos, while the identification of ultramarine is of particular significance, as this extremely expensive and rather rare pigment was very often used by the particular painter. Moreover, multispectral imaging reveals notable painting technique similarities between the icon in consideration and known Angelos icons, while cross sections of corresponding samples exhibit almost identical structures. Overall, the present work considerably strengthens the suggestion that the St Theodoros icon in consideration was painted by Angelos and also widens our knowledge regarding the late Byzantine painting.
Impact of Palliative Care in Evaluating and Relieving Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Cancer. Results from the DEMETRA Study
Authors: Corli Oscar , Pellegrini Giacomo , Bosetti Cristina , Riva Luca , Crippa Matteo , Amodio Emanuele , Scaccabarozzi Gianlorenzo
Published: November 2020

Background: Cancer patients experience multiple symptoms throughout the course of the disease. We aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer at admission to specialist palliative care (PC) services and seven days later to estimate the immediate impact of PC intervention. Patient and methods: The analysis was based on an observational, prospective, multicenter study (named DEMETRA) conducted in Italy on new patients accessing network specialist PC centers during the period May 2017–November 2017. The prevalence and intensity of symptoms were assessed at baseline and after seven days using three tools including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results: Five PC centers recruited 865 cancer patients. Thirty-three different symptoms were observed at the baseline, the most frequent being asthenia (84.9%) and poor well-being (71%). The intensity of the most frequent symptoms according to ESAS ranged from 5.5 for asthenia to 3.9 for nausea. The presence and intensity of physical symptoms increased with increasing levels of anxiety and depression. After seven days, prevalence of nausea and breathlessness as well as intensity of almost all symptoms significantly decreased. Conclusions: The study confirmed the considerable symptom burden of patients with advanced cancer. PC intervention has significantly reduced the severity of symptoms, despite the patients’ advanced disease and short survival.
Relationship between Phobic Anxiety in Work and Leisure Activity Situations, and Optimistic Bias Associated with COVID-19 among South Koreans
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Kim E-Sack
Published: November 2020

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the public is unable to maintain a proper balance between work and leisure, and an increase in community-based infections is causing severe phobic anxiety. Therefore, the present study investigated the differences in phobic anxiety between work and leisure activities according to optimistic bias among 533 South Korean citizens. Frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, t-tests, and a one-way analysis of variance were conducted to examine the data. The results showed that for leisure activities, women showed a higher perception of phobic anxiety. In addition, the group showing high optimistic bias had a higher perception of phobic anxiety in both work and leisure activity situations. Therefore, support measures to lower phobic anxiety among women are needed at the government level, while support and interest from family members are needed at home. Moreover, local governments must ensure active involvement to mitigate phobic anxiety among individuals, and measures are needed to more actively implement infectious disease prevention behaviors.
Towards Better Health, Social, and Community-Based Services Integration for Patients with Chronic Conditions and Complex Care Needs: Stakeholders’ Recommendations
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Beaulieu Marie-Dominique , Bisson Mathieu , Bouliane Danielle , Couture Martine , Dumont Serge , Groulx Antoine , Sabourin Véronique
Published: November 2020

The objective was to report on issues related to patients with complex care needs and recommendations identified by 160 key participants at a summit in Quebec City about better integration of primary health care services for patients with chronic diseases and complex care needs. A descriptive qualitative approach was used. While focus groups were led by a facilitator, a rapporteur noted highlights and a research team member took independent notes. All notes were analyzed by using a thematic analysis according to an inductive method. Seven issues were identified, leading to the formulation of recommendations: (1) valuing the experience of the patient; (2) early detecting of a non-homogeneous patient population; (3) defining interprofessional collaboration based on patient needs; (4) conciliating services provided by clinical settings according to a registered clientele-based logic with the population-based logic; (5) working with the community sector; (6) aligning patient-oriented research values with existing challenges to primary care integration; and (7) promoting resource allocation consistent with targeted recommendations. The summit highlighted the importance of engaging all stakeholders in improvement of integrated care for patients with complex care needs. The resulting recommendations target shared priorities towards better health, social, and community-based services integration for these patients.
A Deep Learning-Based Approach for the Detection of Early Signs of Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients Using Faster Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Alalharith Dima M. , Alharthi Hajar M. , Alghamdi Wejdan M. , Alsenbel Yasmine M. , Aslam Nida , Khan Irfan Ullah , Shahin Suliman Y. , Dianišková Simona , Alhareky Muhanad S. , Barouch Kasumi K.
Published: November 2020

Computer-based technologies play a central role in the dentistry field, as they present many methods for diagnosing and detecting various diseases, such as periodontitis. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate the state-of-the-art object detection and recognition techniques and deep learning algorithms for the automatic detection of periodontal disease in orthodontic patients using intraoral images. In this study, a total of 134 intraoral images were divided into a training dataset (n = 107 [80%]) and a test dataset (n = 27 [20%]). Two Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) models using ResNet-50 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) were developed. The first model detects the teeth to locate the region of interest (ROI), while the second model detects gingival inflammation. The detection accuracy, precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP) were calculated to verify the significance of the proposed model. The teeth detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 100 %, 100%, 51.85%, and 100%, respectively. The inflammation detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 77.12%, 88.02%, 41.75%, and 68.19%, respectively. This study proved the viability of deep learning models for the detection and diagnosis of gingivitis in intraoral images. Hence, this highlights its potential usability in the field of dentistry and aiding in reducing the severity of periodontal disease globally through preemptive non-invasive diagnosis.
Healthy Ecosystems Are a Prerequisite for Human Health—A Call for Action in the Era of Climate Change with a Focus on Russia
Authors: Orlov Dmitry , Menshakova Marija , Thierfelder Tomas , Zaika Yulia , Böhme Sepp , Evengard Birgitta , Pshenichnaya Natalia
Published: November 2020

Throughout history, humans have experienced epidemics. The balance of living in nature encircled by microorganisms is delicate. More than 70% of today’s emerging infections are zoonotic, i.e., those in which microorganisms transmitted from animals infect humans. Species are on the move at speeds never previously recorded, among ongoing climate change which is especially rapid at high latitudes. This calls for intensified international surveillance of Northern infectious diseases. Russia holds the largest area of thawing permafrost among Northern nations, a process which threatens to rapidly disrupt the balance of nature. In this paper, we provide details regarding Russian health infrastructure in order to take the first steps toward a collaborative international survey of Northern infections and international harmonization of the procured data.
Health Sciences—Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire (HS-EBP): Normative Data and Differential Profiles in Spanish Osteopathic Professionals
Authors: Fernández-Domínguez Juan Carlos , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , Sesé-Abad Albert , Jiménez-López Rafael , Romero-Franco Natalia , Oliva-Pascual-Vaca Ángel
Published: November 2020

The main goal of this study was to obtain normative data of the scores of the Health-Sciences Evidence Based Practice (HS-EBP) questionnaire, and to analyse evidence-based practice (EBP) among potential clusters of osteopathy professionals in Spain. An online descriptive cross-sectional study has been applied. A total number of 443 Spanish practicing osteopaths answered a survey including the 5 dimensions of the HS-EBP questionnaire and sociodemographic, training, and practice variables using the “LimeSurvey” online platform. Results point out that the median scores for each five HS-EBP questionnaire dimensions were 95.00, 86.00, 78.00, 84.00 and 62.00 considering that the range of possible scores in each of the dimensions was: from 12 to 120 in dimensions 1, 4 and 5; from 14–140 in dimension 2; and from 10–100 in dimension 3. A clustering algorithm extracted 6 different profiles across the five HS-EBP latent dimensions: low scores in all dimensions (cluster 1); low scores in all dimensions but with medium scores in dimension 1 (cluster 2); mixed pattern of scores, low in dimensions 2 and 5 and medium in the rest of the dimensions; medium scores in all dimensions (cluster 4); high scores in all dimensions and low scores in dimension 5 (cluster 5); and high scores in all dimensions (cluster 6). Significant relationship was found among the response patterns in the clusters and: academic degree level, EBP training and training level, and work time invested in healthcare activity, research and teaching activity. These results allow a description of the actual level of EBP and differential profiles of Osteopathy care practice in Spain. Knowledge of normative scores of the HS-EBP questionnaire and identification of different predictors of Spanish osteopaths’ EBP, e.g., academic degree, EBP training and training level, work time invested in healthcare activity, research, and teaching activity, and having a working relationship with an accredited educational centre, enable a comprehensive evaluation of the EBP of osteopathic professionals and can also be useful for developing and implementing formative intervention programs for improving EBP practice in osteopathic practice.
Investigation on Finishing Characteristics of Magnetic Abrasive Finishing Process Using an Alternating Magnetic Field
Authors: Xie Huijun , Zou Yanhua
Published: November 2020

The magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process is an ultra-precision surface finishing process. In order to further improve the finishing efficiency and surface quality, the MAF process using an alternating magnetic field was proposed in the previous research, and it was proven that the alternating magnetic field has advantages compared with the static magnetic field. In order to further develop the process, this study investigated the effect on finishing characteristics when the alternating current waveform is a square wave. The difference between the fluctuation behavior of the magnetic cluster in two alternating magnetic fields (sine wave and square wave) is observed and analyzed. Through analysis, it can be concluded that the use of a square wave can make the magnetic cluster fluctuate faster, and as the size of the magnetic particles decreases, the difference between the magnetic cluster fluctuation speed of the two waveforms is greater. The experimental results show that the surface roughness of SUS304 stainless steel plate improves from 328 nm Ra to 14 nm Ra within 40 min.
Stability of Solutions for Parametric Inverse Nonlinear Cost Transportation Problem
Authors: Mousa Abd Allah A. , Abo-Elnaga Yousria
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the solution for an inverse of a parametric nonlinear transportation problem, in which, for a certain values of the parameters, the cost of the unit transportation in the basic problem are adapted as little as possible so that the specific feasible alternative become an optimal solution. In addition, a solution stability set of these parameters was investigated to keep the new optimal solution (feasible one) is unchanged. The idea of this study based on using a tuning parameters λ∈Rm in the function of the objective and input parameters υ∈Rl in the set of constraint. The inverse parametric nonlinear cost transportation problem P(λ,υ), where the tuning parameters λ∈Rm in the objective function are tuned (adapted) as less as possible so that the specific feasible solution x∘ has been became the optimal ones for a certain values of υ∈Rl, then, a solution stability set of the parameters was investigated to keep the new optimal solution x∘ unchanged. The proposed method consists of three phases. Firstly, based on the optimality conditions, the parameter λ∈Rm are tuned as less as possible so that the initial feasible solution x∘ has been became new optimal solution. Secondly, using input parameters υ∈Rl resulting problem is reformulated in parametric form P(υ). Finally, based on the stability notions, the availability domain of the input parameters was detected to keep its optimal solution unchanged. Finally, to clarify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm not only for the inverse transportation problems but also, for the nonlinear programming problems; numerical examples treating the inverse nonlinear programming problem and the inverse transportation problem of minimizing the nonlinear cost functions are presented.
The Melanocortin System behind the Dysfunctional Eating Behaviors
Authors: Micioni Di Bonaventura Emanuela , Botticelli Luca , Tomassoni Daniele , Tayebati Seyed Khosrow , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Cifani Carlo
Published: November 2020

The dysfunction of melanocortin signaling has been associated with obesity, given the important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, food intake, satiety and body weight. In the hypothalamus, the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) contribute to the stability of these processes, but MC3R and MC4R are also localized in the mesolimbic dopamine system, the region that responds to the reinforcing properties of highly palatable food (HPF) and where these two receptors seem to affect food reward and motivation. Loss of function of the MC4R, resulting from genetic mutations, leads to overeating in humans, but to date, a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and behaviors that promote overconsumption of caloric foods remains unknown. Moreover, the MC4R demonstrated to be a crucial modulator of the stress response, factor that is known to be strictly related to binge eating behavior. In this review, we will explore the preclinical and clinical studies, and the controversies regarding the involvement of melanocortin system in altered eating patterns, especially binge eating behavior, food reward and motivation.
Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Smoking Interact in Relation with Colorectal Adenomas
Authors: Fliss-Isakov Naomi , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Ivancovsky-Wajcman Dana , Shibolet Oren , Kariv Revital
Published: November 2020

Smoking and ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a substantial part of the western diet, have been suggested to have a potential carcinogenic effect, though epidemiologic data are lacking. We aimed to examine the association between high UPF intake and colorectal adenomas, and to test the interaction with smoking. In a case-control study among consecutive subjects undergoing colonoscopy in a tertiary center during 2010–2015, UPF intake and smoking were compared between cases with colorectal adenomas and controls. Within 652 participants (cases, n = 294 and controls, n = 358), high UPF intake (defined as percent of kcal from UPF above the study sample upper tertile) was positively associated with adenomas (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.68), advanced and proximal adenomas (OR = 2.17, 1.29–3.65 and OR = 2.38, 1.37–4.11) among the whole study sample; and with adenomas (OR = 3.54, 1.90–6.61), non-advanced adenomas (OR = 2.60, 1.20–5.63), advanced adenomas (OR = 4.76, 2.20–10.30), proximal adenomas (OR = 6.23, 2.67–14.52), and distal adenomas (OR = 2.49, 1.21–5.13) among smokers. Additionally, a dose-dependent association was observed between tertiles of UPF intake and adenomas only among smokers (p for trend < 0.001). A significant interaction between smoking and high UPF intake was detected (p for interaction = 0.004). High intake of UPFs is strongly and independently associated with colorectal adenomas, especially advanced and proximal adenoma, and interacts with smoking. Results highlight smokers as more susceptible to the negative health effects of UPF consumption on colorectal neoplasia.
Characterizing Dietary Intakes in Rural Australian Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alston Laura , Walker Troy , Kent Katherine
Published: November 2020

Rural Australians experience a higher burden of diet-related chronic disease than their metropolitan counterparts. Dietary intake data is needed to understand priorities for nutrition initiatives that reduce disparities in the health of rural Australians. A systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the evidence on dietary intakes in adult populations residing in rural and remote Australia, to identify areas for intervention, and make recommendations for future research. A comprehensive search of five electronic databases was conducted and 22 articles were identified for inclusion. Half of the included studies (50%) collected dietary data using non-validated questionnaires and nearly half (41%) did not benchmark dietary intakes against public health guidelines. Most studies (95%) showed that rural populations have suboptimal dietary intakes. Despite the high level of preventable diet-related disease in rural and remote Australia, this review identified that there is insufficient high-quality dietary data available and a lack of consistency between dietary outcomes collected in research to inform priority areas for intervention. Further cross-sectional or longitudinal data should be collected across all remoteness areas, using robust, validated dietary assessment tools to adequately inform nutrition priorities and policies that reduce rural health disparities.
Improving Glucose Homeostasis after Parathyroidectomy for Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Co-Existing Prediabetes
Authors: Karras Spyridon , Annweiler Cedric , Kiortsis Dimitris , Koutelidakis Ioannis , Kotsa Kalliopi
Published: November 2020

We have previously described increased fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and co-existing prediabetes, compared to prediabetes per se. This study evaluated the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) (Group A), versus conservative follow-up (Group B), in a small cohort of patients with co-existing NPHPT and prediabetes. Sixteen patients were categorized in each group. Glycemic parameters (levels of fasting glucose (fGlu), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin (fIns)), the homeostasis model assessment for estimating insulin secretion (HOMA-B) and resistance (HOMA-IR), and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were evaluated at baseline and after 32 weeks for both groups. Measurements at baseline were not significantly different between Groups A and B, respectively: fGlu (119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 118.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL, p = 0.451), HbA1c (5.84 ± 0.3 %vs. 5.86 ± 0.4%, p = 0.411), HOMA-IR (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.2, p = 0.213), HOMA-B (112.9 ± 31.8 vs. 116.9 ± 21.0%, p = 0.312), fIns (11.0 ± 2.3 vs. 12.8 ± 1.4 μIU/mL, p = 0.731), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations (163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 167.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.371). fGlu levels demonstrated a positive correlation with PTH concentrations for both groups (Group A, rho = 0.374, p = 0.005, and Group B, rho = 0.359, p = 0.008). At the end of follow-up, Group A demonstrated significant improvements after PTx compared to the baseline: fGlu ((119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 111.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL, p = 0.021) (−8.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 144.4 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.041), (−18.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL)). For Group B, results demonstrated non-significant differences: fGlu ((118.2 ± 1.8 vs. 117.6 ± 2.3 mg/dL, p = 0.031), (−0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((167.2 ± 2.7 vs. 176.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.781), (+9.0 ± 0.8 mg/dL)). We conclude that PTx for individuals with NPHPT and prediabetes may improve their glucose homeostasis when compared with conservative follow-up, after 8 months of follow-up.
Opioid Preconditioning Modulates Repair Responses to Prevent Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Franco-Acevedo Adriana , Echavarria Raquel , Moreno-Carranza Bibiana , Ortiz Cesar-Ivan , Garcia David , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Ricardo , Bitzer-Quintero Oscar-Kurt , Portilla-De Buen Eliseo , Melo Zesergio
Published: November 2020

Progression to renal damage by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the result of the dysregulation of various tissue damage repair mechanisms. Anesthetic preconditioning with opioids has been shown to be beneficial in myocardial IRI models. Our main objective was to analyze the influence of pharmacological preconditioning with opioids in renal function and expression of molecules involved in tissue repair and angiogenesis. Experimental protocol includes male rats with 45 min ischemia occluding the left renal hilum followed by 24 h of reperfusion with or without 60 min preconditioning with morphine/fentanyl. We analyzed serum creatinine and renal KIM-1 expression. We measured circulating and intrarenal VEGF. Immunohistochemistry for HIF-1 and Cathepsin D (CTD) and real-time PCR for angiogenic genes HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGF-R2), CTD, CD31 and IL-6 were performed. These molecules are considered important effectors of tissue repair responses mediated by the development of new blood vessels. We observed a decrease in acute renal injury mediated by pharmacological preconditioning with opioids. Renal function in opioid preconditioning groups was like in the sham control group. Both anesthetics modulated the expression of HIF-1, VEGF, VEGF-R2 and CD31. Preconditioning negatively regulated CTD. Opioid preconditioning decreased injury through modulation of angiogenic molecule expression. These are factors to consider when establishing strategies in pathophysiological and surgical processes.
Assembly of Peptidoglycan Fragments—A Synthetic Challenge
Authors: Queda Fausto , Covas Gonçalo , Filipe Sérgio , Marques M.
Published: November 2020

Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a major constituent of most bacterial cell walls that is recognized as a primary target of the innate immune system. The availability of pure PGN molecules has become key to different biological studies. This review aims to (1) provide an overview of PGN biosynthesis, focusing on the main biosynthetic intermediates; (2) focus on the challenges for chemical synthesis posed by the unique and complex structure of PGN; and (3) cover the synthetic routes of PGN fragments developed to date. The key difficulties in the synthesis of PGN molecules mainly involve stereoselective glycosylation involving NAG derivatives. The complex synthesis of the carbohydrate backbone commonly involves multistep sequences of chemical reactions to install the lactyl moiety at the O-3 position of NAG derivatives and to control enantioselective glycosylation. Recent advances are presented and synthetic routes are described according to the main strategy used: (i) based on the availability of starting materials such as glucosamine derivatives; (ii) based on a particular orthogonal synthesis; and (iii) based on the use of other natural biopolymers as raw materials.
Home beyond Borders and the Sound of Al-Andalus. Jewishness in Arabic; the Odyssey of Samy Elmaghribi
Authors: Roda Jessica , Schwartz Stephanie Tara
Published: November 2020

In their conversation about music, Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim discuss a process of seeking home in music and literature. For Moroccan-Jewish superstar Samy Elmaghribi (Solomon Amzallag), who migrated to France and Israel and then settled for most of his life in Montreal, Canada, the reference to Al-Andalus through the sound of the nouba became his home. Beginning his career in his native country of Morocco as a singer and composer of modern Moroccan music, in Montreal, Samy Elmaghribi became the cantor in the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, the oldest Jewish congregation in Canada. Based on ethnographic research and investigation within the archives of the artist, the authors suggest that Samy Elmaghribi created a sense of home in music, a homeness, one that transcends our present understanding of Arabness and Jewishness, religiosity and secularism, tradition and creativity. Focus on Samy Elmaghribi, an artistic persona emblematic of his generation, demonstrates how the contemporary reassessment of renowned Jewish artists’ North African heritage is often misread in light of the political present. This example encourages us to rethink the musical legacy to which these North African Jews contributed beyond what is labelled Judeo-Arabic, traditional, religious, or secular.
Longevity Modelling and Pricing under a Dependent Multi-Cohort Framework
Authors: Zeddouk Fadoua , Devolder Pierre
Published: November 2020

We propose a multi-cohort model that is able to capture the mortality correlation between different cohorts. The model is based on the Hull and White process to which we incorporate inter-generational risk factors, by modifying its stochastic part. We provide a pricing framework for a new survival forward contract under the Cost of Capital, risk-neutral and Sharpe approaches, allowing to cover the global multi-cohort longevity risk. We give numerical illustrations for Belgian cohorts, and we compute the price of the longevity derivative under the proposed methods, for different correlation levels.
Fiscal, Investment and Export Multipliers and the COVID-19 Pandemic Slowdowns Uncertainty Factor in the First Half of 2020
Authors: Derkacz Arkadiusz J.
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant slowdown in the development of almost all economies in the world. In this context, the main goal of this research is to try to present changes in the value of fiscal, investment and export multipliers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted in selected European Union countries. They are France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. This research is based on the theory of effective demand. The values of feeds and leakages of total demand in the period from 2015 to 2020 were examined and calculated. On this basis, the individual multipliers of autonomous spending were analyzed and their changes in the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic were presented. The analyses led to a surprising conclusion: it found that the autonomous spending multipliers in some economies increased. This means that they have become ‘security buffers’ for the health of economies. This means that the increase in their value weakened the negative effects of changes in autonomous expenditure on gross domestic product.
Using Bias Parity Score to Find Feature-Rich Models with Least Relative Bias
Authors: Jain Bhanu , Huber Manfred , Elmasri Ramez , Fegaras Leonidas
Published: November 2020

Machine learning-based decision support systems bring relief and support to the decision-maker in many domains such as loan application acceptance, dating, hiring, granting parole, insurance coverage, and medical diagnoses. These support systems facilitate processing tremendous amounts of data to decipher the patterns embedded in them. However, these decisions can also absorb and amplify bias embedded in the data. To address this, the work presented in this paper introduces a new fairness measure as well as an enhanced, feature-rich representation derived from the temporal aspects in the data set that permits the selection of the lowest bias model among the set of models learned on various versions of the augmented feature set. Specifically, our approach uses neural networks to forecast recidivism from many unique feature-rich models created from the same raw offender dataset. We create multiple records from one summarizing criminal record per offender in the raw dataset. This is achieved by grouping each set of arrest to release information into a unique record. We use offenders’ criminal history, substance abuse, and treatments taken during imprisonment in different numbers of past arrests to enrich the input feature vectors for the prediction models generated. We propose a fairness measure called Bias Parity (BP) score to measure quantifiable decrease in bias in the prediction models. BP score leverages an existing intuition of bias awareness and summarizes it in a single measure. We demonstrate how BP score can be used to quantify bias for a variety of statistical quantities and how to associate disparate impact with this measure. By using our feature enrichment approach we could increase the accuracy of predicting recidivism for the same dataset from 77.8% in another study to 89.2% in the current study while achieving an improved BP score computed for average accuracy of 99.4, where a value of 100 means no bias for the two subpopulation groups compared. Moreover, an analysis of the accuracy and BP scores for various levels of our feature augmentation method shows consistent trends among scores for a range of fairness measures, illustrating the benefit of the method for picking fairer models without significant loss of accuracy.
Main segments of housing deprivation of Russians: qualitative and quantitative parameters and approaches to reduction
Authors: Bobkov V.N. , Odintsova Ye.V.
Published: November 2020

The article presents the results of a study conducted by the authors that continues to monitor the level of housing deprivation of the Russian population based on criteria standards. The scales of groups that differ in quantitative and qualitative parameters of housing conditions are identified, and estimates of the distribution of the population by the level of housing deprivation and monetary income are obtained. We have identified higher levels of housing poverty among the Russian population that exceed the level of monetary income poverty, as well as a significant number of population groups whose housing conditions do not meet the requirements of the criterion standard that determines the middle level of housing deprivation. Priorities for solving problems in the sphere of housing deprivation of the population are identified and mechanisms for their implementation are proposed.
PENGARUH KEMASAN DAN KESADARAN MEREK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN KUE NILAM SARI DI BANDUNG
Authors: Persada Satria Indra Praja
Published: November 2020

Dalam Era Globalisasi banyak perusahan yang bersaing dalam pasar sehingga perusahaan – perusahaan tersebut berebut perhatian konsumen dengan berbagai cara salah satunya adalah membuat kemasan yang dapat menarik konsumen, selain kemasan adapula kesadaran produk dimana kedua hal ini dapat mempengaruhi keputusan konsumen dalam membeli sebuah produk.akibat terjadinya penurunan penjualan produk Nilamsari penurunan penjualan ini mengindikasikan bahwa ada beberapa faktor yang membuat konsumen tidak melakukan keputusan pembelian setelah dilakukan observasi , wawancara dan survey mengindikasikan beberapa faktor yang terkandung dalam produk Nilamsari yaitu kemasan dan kesadaran merek konsumen akan produk Nilamsari masih kurang sehingga dibutuhkan sebuah Penelitian yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui tanggapan konsumen nilamsari, mengenai kemasan produk, kesadaran merek dan keputusan pembelian dan pengaruh dari variabel – variabel tersebut. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan berbagai metode seperti metode deskriptif dan verifikatif . Unit Analisis penelitian ini adalah konsumen produk Nilamsari yang berjumlah 270 responden . Pengujian Statistik yang digunakan adalah Path Analysis dan menggunakan bantuan program aplikasi Lisrel ver 8.72 Dari analisis data hasil yang diperoleh yaitu koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,35. Hal ini menunjukan adanya korelasi positif antara kemasan , kesadaran merek terhadap keputusan pembelian . Dengan besar pengaruh 35% . Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa kemasan , kesadaran merek berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian konsumen terhadap produk kue Nilamsari.
PENGARUH PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN DAN KARAKTERISTIK INDIVIDU TERHADAP KINERJA PELAYANAN DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KAB.TIMOR TENGAH SELATAN
Authors: H SE’U DODY FRENDY
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan. Fenomena yang terjadi adalah kurangnya tenaga operasional dalam melakukan pekerjaan baru dan kurangnya ketepatan waktu peneyelesaian pekerjaan. Hal ini mungkin dipengaruhi oleh kurangnya program pelatihan pengembangan dan Karaktristik Individu yang ada di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan.Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan asosiatif. Unit analisis dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan dan UPT Dina Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan yang berjumlah 58 orang. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah sampling jenuh atau sensus.Hasil penelitian ini diketahui bahwa pelatihan pengembangan berpengaruh terhadap kinerja pelayanan sebesar 45,9%, sementara karakteristik individu berpengaruh terhadap kinerja pelayanan sebesar 31,1%. Sedangkan pengaruh secara simultan antara pelatihan pengembangan dan karakteristik individu terhadap kinerja pelayanan sebesar 44,7%.
Внутрішня еміграція як ресурс пейзажної лірики Сари Кірш
Authors: Павлюк Христина Богданівна , Соловйова Анна Сергіївна
Published: November 2020

Метою дослідження є виділити основні особливості пейзажної лірики Сари Кірш в нерозривному зв’язку із політико-історичним контекстом епохи. Методологія дослідження спирається на принципи історизму, системності, науковості, авторської об’єктивності, а також на використання загальнонаукових методів (аналіз, синтез, узагальнення), спеціально-історичних методів (зокрема, історико-системний) та спеціально-філологічних (історико-літературний, біографічний, «close-reading») методів. Наукова новизна полягає у тому, що вперше у вітчизняному дискурсі виділені особливості пейзажної лірики Сари Кірш в нерозривному зв’язку із політико-історичним контекстом епохи, а також введені до літературного дискурсу україномовні переклади її творів. В ході дослідження виявлено, що у творчому доробку Сари Кірш акцентовано увагу на актуальні та вагомі соціально-політичні мотиви, а саме: розрив соціальних зв’язків, внутрішня еміграція як ресурс ліричної творчості, порушення комунікації на різних рівнях (між індивідами, між особистістю та державою, між особистістю та природою), переживання відсутності сенсу життя у застійній державі тощо. В якості результатів дослідження, враховуючи кореляцію ліричних та соціально-політичних мотивів у творчості Сари Кірш, слід виокремити наступні особливості пейзажної лірики німецької авторки: екологічний характер лірики, який нерозривно пов’язаний із суспільно-політичною ситуацією; потрактування дисидента як носія емігрантської психології всередині країни; відчуження, дистанціювання та критичне ставлення до традиційної картини світу; типовість характеру внутрішньої еміграції як вираження сутності епохи тощо. Роблячи висновок, варто відмітити, що творчість Сари Кірш характеризується виразними соціально-політичними мотивами, із превалюванням ескапістських та регресивних тенденцій, які відображають політико-історичний контекст доби перед Поворотом.
Топологія жіночого в романі «Жінка у дзеркалі» Е.-Е. Шмітт
Authors: Песоцька Діана Леонідівна , Кущенко Жанна Леонідівна
Published: November 2020

В статті висвітлюється проблема феномену жіночого в літературі як фаза самовиявлення специфічного жіночого життєвого досвіду поза традиційною гендерною дихотомією центральне/маргінальне в культурі. Процес формування жіночої ідентичності в романі відбувається крізь призму трьох історичних епох в західноєвропейській цивілізації, яким відповідають образи трьох головних героїнь роману: Анни, яка живе в епоху середньовіччя, Ханни, чий жіночий досвід формується в умовах буржуазного Відня початку ХХ ст. і Енні, якій випало жити і творити власну особистість в сучасному Лос-Анджелісі. Кожна з героїнь кидає виклик патріархатній ієрархічній системі цінностей, начебто встановленій Богом, де її особистісний світ, її гендерна тожсамість розцінюється як «інакшість», яка становить загрозу світовому порядку. Свою «інакшість» героїні роману відчувають через образ «дзеркала», який символізує погляд «Іншого», що перетворює жіночу ідентичність не більше, як в об’єкт для нормативних оцінок, позбавляючи її контролю над власним буттям і можливостей реалізувати власний творчій потенціал. Автор виводить жіночу суб’єктивність за межі реальності буденного життя, де відбувається творчий прорив її свідомості до сфери метафізичного трансцендентного буття. І саме жіночу суб’єктивність, яка не обтяжена холодною, раціональною логікою патріархального світу, автор наділяє здатністю переживати стан екстатичного захоплення буттям, навіть в момент смерті, через її боротьбу і спротив чоловічій тоталітарності раціонального світового порядку. На відміну від позиції радикального фемінізму автор бачить вирішення проблеми суперечності між жіночою та чоловічою статтями через ідею їх гармонійної взаємодоповнюваності в особистісному житті.
ПРИНЦИП СВОБОДИ ВОЛІ В ПРАВІ: ЩО НЕ ТАК У ДОКТРИНАЛЬНИХ ТЛУМАЧЕННЯХ І ЯКІ ВІД НИХ ЗАГРОЗИ ДЛЯ ЮРИДИЧНОЇ ПРАКТИКИ
Authors: В. О. Процевський , Горбань В. І.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study of the problem is to critically analyze the doctrinal interpretations of the principle of free will in the right for their methodological substantiation to the needs of the legal practice of a democratic, rule of law and social state. The authors reveal the shortcomings of the metaphysical method of interpreting free will, which provokes arbitrariness in legal practice. The interpretation of the principle of free will on the basis of the achieved European civilizational level of development of the methodology of law and legal practice of reconciling the principle of free will with other principles of law in their system and in accordance with the global trends of the principles of humanism, equality of human rights, social justice, the rule of law.

The study concludes that there is a global tendency to interpret the principle of free will from subjective, arbitrariness based in hierarchical society, to objective, based on a combination of imperative and dispositive methods of legal regulation. In European binding law, in particular, this understanding of free will has been transformed into the doctrine of an equivalent (just) treaty. On this basis, a reform is introduced, which provides for the replacement of the principle of «autonomy of the private will» in the basis of the freedom of contract for enhanced protection of the «weak side», in particular the consumer, not burdened with the knowledge and experience of a professional entrepreneur.
ЗНЕЦІНЕННЯ ПРИНЦИПУ СПРАВЕДЛИВОСТІ ЧИ СПРОБИ ЙОГО ПІДМІНИ ПРАВОМ СИЛЬНОГО: ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РЕФОРМУВАННЯ ТРУДОВОГО ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА ПРОЄКТОМ ЗАКОНУ ПРО ПРАЦЮ
Authors: Коваленко О. О.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the scientific paper is to characterize the correlation between the conceptual content of the principle of justice and the concept of reforming the labor legislation under the draft law of Ukraine «On Labor» with determining the prospects of future labor law of Ukraine. The author emphasizes that labor law rules, like no other branch of law, should be based on justice. This justice, once acquired at the cost of human life, has become so commonplace and commonplace that labor law rules are taken for granted and contain absolutely unnecessary ele­ments that can be changed, eliminated, ignored… But in reality, all of these are important. and the necessary elements of a single interconnected mechanism, the core of which is justice. It is noted that the disappearance of at least one element of this mechanism means that justice is fading, and is therefore inadmissible in labor law. It is concluded that the draft Labor Law is an attempt to replace the principle of justice with the right of the strong, and therefore it is alien to the modern world and national consciousness and has no potential for reforming the labor legislation of Ukraine.
СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ЧИННИКИ ПЕРЕЖИВАННЯ ЩАСТЯ ОСОБИСТІСТЮ
Authors: Kuzikova Svitlana , Shcherbak Tetiana
Published: November 2020

Наразі в наукових психологічних дослідженнях ще не повною мірою вивчені джерела відчуття щастя. Відтак видається доцільним з'ясувати чинники, що сприяють відчуттю щастя та блокують його. Отримані дані дозволять скласти рекомендації, коригувальні програми та тренінги щодо покращення психологічного самопочуття людини. Зазначена проблема є актуальною, оскільки від того, як людина переживає щастя, залежить, як вона буде долати перешкоди і вирішувати проблеми.

Метою статті є проведення теоретичного аналізу та емпіричного вивчення проблеми соціально-психологічних чинників щастя особистості. Мета роботи полягає у визначенні рівня щастя, пов’язаного з віком, статтю та належністю до певної професійної групи.

Методи дослідження. Для проведення дослідження були використані такі методики: «Шкала задоволеності життям» Е.Дінера; методика «Діагностика особистості на мотивацію до успіху» Т.Елерса; методика діагностики ступеня задоволеності основних потреб (метод парних порівнянь) В.В.Скворцова; проективна методика «Намалюй, як ти уявляєш щастя» та асоціативна методика «Асоціації до поняття щастя».

Результати. Представлено теоретичний аналіз проблеми соціальних та психологічних факторів щастя особистості. Висвітлено різні наукові підходи до тлумачення поняття «щастя». Визначено соціальні та психологічні чинники щастя особистості. Представлено результати емпіричного вивчення соціальних та психологічних факторів щастя особистості.

Дослідження виявило, що найбільш вагомим і позитивно прийнятим критерієм щастя було здоров'я. Сім'я і любов займають особливе місце в уявленні про щастя. Було встановлено, що серед різних професійних груп – психологів, лікарів та вчителів, найвищі показники задоволеності життям мали психологи, найнижчі – вчителі.
Two New Small-Leaved Species of Casearia (Salicaceae) from Madagascar
Authors: Applequist Wendy L. , Gates Marquise T.
Published: November 2020

Casearia Jacq. (Salicaceae) in Madagascar is in need of taxonomic study. We identify two new species that are endemic to small regions of Madagascar and that, by virtue of their unusually small leaves and other characters, are clearly distinguished from all previously described taxa. Casearia anosyensis Appleq. & M. T. Gates is endemic to a small region near Tôlanaro in the southeast, at low elevations; it is considered to be Endangered by IUCN criteria. Casearia montigena Appleq. & M. T. Gates is found in montane environments in the extreme north, usually at high elevations; its conservation status is uncertain.
Wardowski Type Characterization of the Interpolative Berinde Weak Fixed Point Theorem
Authors: Ampadu Clement Boateng
Published: November 2020

In [1], Wardowski introduced the F-contractions, and used it to prove the Banach contraction principle. In this paper we introduce a concept of F-interpolative Berinde weak contraction, and use it to prove the interpolative Berinde weak mapping theorem of [2].