bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Opportunities Utilization: Debt Overhang or Asymmetric Information?
Authors: Martono S. , Yulianto Arief , Wijaya Angga Pandu
Published: December 2021

Inter-industry has various capital structures to take advantage of growth opportunities due to agency differences and information asymmetric problems. This research aims to analyze: (1) the differences in leverage between industries and (2) the impact of shareholders–debtholders conflict and information asymmetric on growth opportunities. The firm-level data used is extracted from Indonesia Stock Exchange's annual reports from 2008 to 2019. Authors used the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings show differences in leverage between industries. However, they are relatively stable and not excessive for assets to prevent conflicts between managers and shareholders with debtholders. Equity is also not used to utilize growth to reduce the discretionary power (dilution) of shareholders. As a result, the use of opportunities and growth is limited. This study identifies agency problems and asymmetric information that determines independent companies' decisions in exploiting growth opportunities.
Slump Test: A New Empirical Model for High Yield Stress Materials
Authors: Kemer H. , Bouras R. , Sonebi M. , Mesboua N. , Benmounah A.
Published: December 2021

In order to decrease the fitting deviation between rheometrical measurements and empirical parameters using slump test, this paper proposes a new analytical method to evaluate the high yield stress of materials (cement pastes).In doing so, an experimental study was performed for measuring the empirical characteristics by cylindrical mold with different water to binder ratios (w/b) by aiming to increase the yield stress. Parallelly, experimental observations showed clearly the unyielded zone at flow stoppage of high yield stress samples. Based on these results, an idea was formed to applied metallic element at inlet of mold in order to push the spreading of paste. The obtained results of the model proposed in this paper were compared with the yield stress evaluated from shear flow curves using AR2000-rheometer with plate-plate geometry at rate-controlled. In fact, this study demonstrates the applicability and novelty of the present model in the process of relating the empirical parameters to yield stress.
Average Operating Pressure Effect on Water Supply Systems Performances. A Case Study for 12 Romanian Small Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Vitan E. , Hotupan Anca , Hadarean Adriana
Published: December 2021

The performance evaluation of an implemented water distribution network is in tight relation with the choice of adequate measures for water loss reduction. Hence, the consequences of placing the water network in a wrong performance category are bad and will conduct to unreasonably costs or considerable water loss volumes. Therefore, the evaluation of the water network performance level based on both Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) indicators is to be recommended. This paper deals with the performance evaluation of water distribution systems based on the calculated performance indicators NRW and ILI. For this purpose, collected data for a period of one year from 12 Romanian small water distribution systems and two simplified average pressure determination methods were used.
Use of Technological Diagnosis in Rail Vehicle Engines Maintenance
Authors: Ondriga Jozef , Hrček Slavomír , Brumerčík František , Lukáč Michal
Published: December 2021

The paper aims to classify the maintenance of internal combustion engines in 812 series diesel multiple units, to analyse operating failures, and to identify methods and procedures for determining their current mechanical condition. The paper specifies the required procedures and methods for maintenance starting from the development of the DMU (diesel multiple units) 812 series to the present. It also focuses on understanding how diagnosis and control sensors are attached in individual cable harnesses. A protocol for diagnosing combustion engine defects is proposed in the final part of the paper. A part of the paper is a proposed list of codes for individual faults to facilitate the work. Another method proposed within this paper is the definition and attachment of individual sensor connections on the engine in the EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) M(S) 5 cable harness. Faults leading to engine stop are identified.
The Effect of the Range of a Modulating Phase Mask on the Retrieval of a Complex Object from Intensity Measurements
Authors: Karitans V. , Ozolinsh M. , Lapins A. , Fomins S.
Published: December 2021

In many fields of science, it is often impossible to preserve the information about the phase of the electromagnetic field, and only the information about the magnitude is available. This is known as the phase problem. Various algorithms have been proposed to recover the information about phase from intensity measurements. Nowadays, iterative algorithms of phase retrieval have become popular. Many of these algorithms are based on modulating the object under study with several masks and retrieving the missing information about the phase of an object by applying mathematical optimization methods. Several of these algorithms are able to retrieve not only the phase but also the magnitude of the object under study. In this study, we investigate the effect of the range of modulation of a mask on the accuracy of the retrieved magnitude and phase map. We conclude that there is a sharp boundary of the range of modulation separating the successfully retrieved magnitude and phase maps from those retrieved unsuccessfully. A decrease in the range of modulation affects the accuracy of the retrieved magnitude and phase map differently.
Influence of “Productive” Impurities (Cd, Na, O) on the Properties of the Cu2ZnSnS4 Absorber of Model Solar Cells
Authors: Sergeyev D. , Zhanturina N. , Aizharikov A. , Popov A.I.
Published: December 2021

The study focuses on the optical properties of the CZTS multicomponent semiconductor absorber with 3 % “production” impurities of Cd, Na, O within the framework of the density functional theory using the generalized gradient approximation and the SCAPS program, as well as investigates their influence on the performance and efficiency of CZTS-solar cells. The results showed that the introduction of Cd, Na, O impurities would lead to a decrease in the intensity of the absorption bands at 2.06 eV and 2.55 eV. The density of states CZTS: (Cd, Na, O) was determined from first principles, and it was revealed that impurities of Cd and O atoms would lead to a decrease in the band gap (to 0.9 eV and 0.79 eV), and an increase in Na impurity absorption (1.2 eV). It was also found that a decrease in the band gap led to a decrease in the open circuit voltage, and it was also shown that “industrial” impurities led to a decrease in the efficiency of energy conversion of solar cells to 2.34 %.
WO3 as Additive for Efficient Photocatalyst Binary System TiO2/WO3
Authors: Knoks A. , Kleperis J. , Bajars G. , Grinberga L. , Bogdanova O.
Published: December 2021

Two different methods of synthesis of TiO2/WO3 heterostructures were carried out with the aim to increase photocatalytic activity. In this study, anodic TiO2 nanotube films were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of titanium foil. WO3 particles were applied to anodic Ti/TiO2 samples in two different ways – by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and insertion during the anodization process. Structural and photocatalytic properties were compared between pristine TiO2 and TiO2 with incorporated WO3 particles. Raman mapping was used to character-ise the uniformity of EPD WO3 coating and to determine the structural composition. The study showed that deposition of WO3 onto TiO2 nanotube layer lowered the band gap of the binary system compared to pristine TiO2 and WO3 influence on photo-electrochemical properties of titania. The addition of WO3 increased charge carrier dynamics but did not increase the measured photo-current response. As the WO3 undergoes a phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic at approximately 320 ℃ proper sequence WO3 deposition could be beneficial. It was observed that secondary heat treatment of WO3 lowers the photocurrent.
Investigation of the Flow-Based Fast Reroute Model with Implementation of a Multimedia Quality Protection Scheme
Authors: Lemeshko O. , Yevdokymenko M. , Yeremenko O. , Kunicina N. , Ziravecka A.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a tensor flow-based fast reroute model with multimedia quality protection is proposed. In the model, the conditions for implementing a multipath routing strategy and flow conservation are introduced taking into account possible packet loss at the network nodes and preventing overloading communication links both when using the primary and backup routes. At the same time, the novelty of the proposed solution is the formalization of the conditions of protection of the Quality of Experience level in terms of multimedia quality along the primary and backup routes. These conditions have been obtained during the tensor formalization of the network, which made it possible to calculate the quality of service indicators: packet loss probabilities, as well as the average end-to-end delay for audio and video flows transmitted in the multimedia session using the primary and backup routes, respectively. As a criterion for the optimality of the obtained solutions, a condition has been selected related to maximizing the overall performance of the infocommunication network. The results of the research of the proposed model confirm the adequacy of the numerical research results obtained for solving the problem of fast rerouting with link/node protection.
Antecedents of Service Innovative Behavior: The Role of Spiritual Leadership and Workplace Spirituality
Authors: Alfarajat Hebah Suliman , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence
Published: December 2021

Background: Managers in labor-intensive industries are facing challenges on how to encourage innovation, as services are mostly offered by employees and not machines. Intense competition in the service and hospitality industry calls for more innovative work behavior exhibition among employees, and the question on how enterprises can nurture innovative behavior remains unanswered. The objective of the research is to clarify the inter-relationship between spiritual leadership and workplace spirituality and how their collective effect can nurture employee service innovative behavior in the hospitality industry by drawing on relational energy theory.

Methodology: Data were obtained using a survey quantitative research method based on a convenience sampling technique from (n = 867) employees working in four- and five-star Jordanian hotels. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was applied to assess the proposed research model and hypotheses.

Results: Findings from PLS-SEM show that spiritual leadership impacts and increases the level of workplace spirituality and service innovative behavior among employees. Workplace spirituality increases the level of service innovative behavior and mediates the relationship between spiritual leadership and service innovative behavior.

Conclusion: Spiritual leadership and workplace spirituality initiatives and practices can be beneficial for hospitality enterprises in terms of service innovative behavior. Moreover, the key point is that hospitality HR practitioners should not only focus on selecting, training, and appointing leaders with spiritual characteristics, but also on creating a spiritual work atmosphere to enable employees to exhibit service innovative behaviors. The results did not only advance our knowledge concerning the nexus and importance of spirituality in the workplace, but also validates and reveals the importance of spirituality on innovative behavior in the Arabian context.
Narcissistic Leadership and Workplace Deviance: A Moderated Mediation Model of Organizational Aggression and Workplace Hostility
Authors: Alhasnawi Hussein Hurajah , Abbas Ali Abdulhassan
Published: December 2021

Background: Workplace Deviance are among the most common phenomena observed in organizations. This might be attributed to narcissistic style of leadership and the manifestations of organizational aggression. It is further aggravated by increased workplace hostility. The main purpose of this research is to observe the impact of moderated mediation of organizational aggression and workplace hostility upon the relationship between narcissistic leadership and workplace deviance.

Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted using self-survey method. With 673 participants in the study, the author used an electronic questionnaire (Google Forms) to collect data from employees working at five food product companies in Iraq. Mediation model, moderation analysis, and moderated mediation models were evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for which AMOS V.23 software was used.

Results inferred that organizational aggression partially mediates a positive relationship between narcissistic leadership and workplace deviance. Further, the relationship between organizational aggression and workplace deviance depends on the changes in level of workplace hostility. Moreover, the study empirically supports the fundamentals of moderated mediation model. In other terms, the study infers that indirect effect of narcissistic leadership in workplace deviance through organizational aggression has been significantly moderated by workplace hostility.

Conclusion: When leaders adopt narcissistic behaviors to achieve their personal interests, it leads to increased organizational aggression and workplace deviance that eventually increase the levels of workplace hostility. Accordingly, moderated mediation model provides a better understanding about how narcissistic leadership, organizational aggression, and workplace hostility all work together to influence workplace deviance.
Comparison of diagnostic values of haematological and inflammatory parameters in predicting COPD exacerbation
Authors: Olaee Aseih Hatefi , Rezaeetalab Fariba , Lotfinejad Nasim
Published: December 2021

Objective: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from acute exacerbation. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is currently known as the most important leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, recognising beneficial biomarkers in order to detect acute exacerbations promptly is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of haematological and inflammatory parameters in the diagnosis of AECOPD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 63 patients with AECOPD, during exacerbation and stable period, and on 62 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Haematological and inflammatory parameters were analysed, and other data were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and mean platelet volume (MPV) in the diagnosis of patients with AECOPD.

Results: The predictive ability of NLR was higher than that of CRP and MPV. The cut-off value of NLR was 2.85, and the sensitivity and specificity for detecting AECOPD were 87% and 70%, respectively (AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001). NLR values positively correlated with the CRP level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and platelet (PLT) count (r = 0.44, P = 0.001; r = 0.31, P = 0.020; and r = 0.32, P = 0.010, respectively) and negatively correlated with the albumin level and MPV in patients with AECOPD (r = −0.31, P = 0.049 and r = −0.27, P = 0.040).

Conclusion: NLRs and CRP levels were both increased in patients with AECOPD, and they are both available and beneficial markers in the prompt detection of AECOPD. Further studies should be performed to underpin the diagnostic and prognostic values of haematological and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with COPD.
Shifting to the ambulatory patient-centered tuberculosis care model in Romania – preliminary results of the pilot project conducted in Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology dispensaries, January–December 2020
Authors: Munteanu Ioana , Popa Cristian , Popa Cristina , Cazacu Cristina , Pleșită Andreea , Teoibas Carmen , Cioran Nicoleta , Nedelcu Ramona , Valceanu Daniela , Furtunescu Florentina , Serban Amalia , Mahler Beatrice
Published: December 2021

Reversing the concept of the Romanian medical system in terms of approaching patients with tuberculosis (TB) and removing them from a hospital-centred system into a more friendly outpatient system, closer to their needs, is one of its challenges. Preliminary data of this project show that through minimal and consistent investments the diagnosis, treatment and monitorisation can be made exclusively in the outpatient department for these patients.
Beating the virus is not enough
Authors: Mihățan Florin , Constantin Ancuța
Published: December 2021

The authors are presenting a case reflecting the evolution of an infected patient representing the source and, at the same time, one of the first severe cases of SARS-COV2 in Romania, burdened by a dragging and difficult evolution both by the nature of a newly identified infection, with real treatment deficiencies, and by deliberate omission of ethical aspects. There was a delay and were considerable difficulties in establishing the diagnosis, the evolution of the disease, along with some other consequences like an increase in the risk of transmitting the infection – a vicious cycle that otherwise could have been interrupted much earlier.
Diameter-Separation of Chessboard Graphs
Authors: Chatham Doug
Published: December 2021

We define the queens (resp., rooks) diameter-separation number to be the minimum number of pawns for which some placement of those pawns on an n × n board produces a board with a queens graph (resp., rooks graph) with a desired diameter d. We determine these numbers for some small values of d.
Virtual Control Object for Siemens Logic Controllers and Online PLC Education
Authors: Bilčík Michal , Strémy Maximilián , Janíková Dominika , Horváth Dušan
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with the possibility of creating virtual C # models connectable to a virtual PLC of Siemens. The models will lead to the improvement and simplification of the online PLC education. Hardware solutions cost a lot of money, while using a software version of PLC leads to cheaper simulations. Paper presents the design and implementation of the virtual models, including the ways of the interconnection with PLCSIM, visualization and finally demonstration for the selected virtual model.
Application of Industrial Computer Tomography to Determine Wood Porosity
Authors: Buranská Eva , Rantuch Peter , Buranský Ivan , Kucmanová Alexandra
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this research was to analyse the limitations of iCT - industrial computer tomography for measuring the wood pores characteristics as a new non-destructive method which is primarily intended to measure and inspect complete components primarily made of plastics or light metal. The subject matter of this paper are wood samples of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) before and after thermal treatment. Porosity, pore volume and distribution of pores on the wood samples before and after the heat treatment were measured by iCT Metrotom 1500. The total porosity of the samples before thermal treatment was 5.28 % (paulownia) and 14.90 % (ash), while after thermal treatment, porosity increased to 9.50 % (paulownia) and to 30.78 % (ash). Changes in the porosity of the samples before and after heat treatment show an increase in porosity of 3.87 % (paulownia) and 15.88 % (ash).
Reliability Assessment of the Systems with Simple Interconnections
Authors: Labašová Eva
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with determining the final value of simple systems reliability. Simple systems, the systems with simple interconnections, can be divided into a sequence of series and/or parallel subsystems. The paper presents the basic functional relationships used to assess the reliability of simple systems, however, they are also essential for understanding more complex systems. The paper graphically shows and analyzes the final reliability of the systems depending on the arrangement of subsystems, and also those depending on the number of subsystems.
Production of Renewable Insulation Material – New Business Model of Bioeconomy for Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Luksta Ilze , Bohvalovs Girts , Bazbauers Gatis , Spalvins Kriss , Blumberga Andra , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: December 2021

Mycelium composites is a new class of renewable materials which can be used for heat insulation of buildings. Use of the composites would help to reduce both operational energy consumption and embodied energy of building insulation materials. In addition, use of the renewable composites could also reduce embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the insulation materials. Local production and use of the composites could stimulate residential building insulation process via additional socio-economic benefits, such as positive impact on local economy, created workplaces and reduced import. The research question of this study is to determine a difference between embodied energy and GHG emissions of the mycelium insulation material and synthetic insulation alternatives. System dynamics model is used as the method for assessment of the dynamics of the total embodied energy and GHG emissions if equal amounts of the insulation materials is produced. Time horizon for the modeling is 2021–2050. Data used in the model were taken from scientific publications and laboratory experiments with growth process and properties of the mycelium composites. The model includes several feedback effects, e.g., effect of research and development on efficiency and productivity of the mycelium production process. The results show that embodied energy of the mycelium insulation material is higher than for the synthetic alternatives but the embodied GHG emissions are considerably lower than for the alternatives. The embodied GHG emissions are even lower if the absorption of CO2 of renewable materials used for the production of the mycelium composites is included.
Numerical Study of Laminar Forced Convection of Nanofluid in a New Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Bourhane Bouhabel , Yassine Kabar
Published: December 2021

The heat transfer and pressure drop in a microchannel heat sink with 02 mixing chambers with inclined walls were numerically studied. The transport equations have been resolved by the finite volume method using ANSYS Fluent software. The operating fluids are water and Al2O3-water. The results obtained for Reynolds numbers ranging from 187 and 705 show that adding a micro-mixing chamber with a rectangular rib in the microchannel improves the heat transfer and increases the pressure drop compared to conventional microchannels. The new shape of the mixing chamber studied shows a net decrease in pressure drop, which improves the performance of the micro heat sink by 5.6%.
Exploration of Rotary Friction Welding Technique
Authors: Singh Chatha Jagjeet , Singh Kohli Prabhsharan , Amit Handa
Published: December 2021

Friction welding is a solid-state welding system which welds materials without authentic melting it. This study explores papers of different researchers on the friction welding method and it has been observed that the welding parameters like friction time; friction pressure, forge time and forge pressure highly affect properties of welded joints. The reason for this investigation is to exhort industry and the insightful world regarding advantages of revolving friction welding so the technique may be utilized in an ideal manner.
The Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Prediction of a New Generation of Osteosynthesis Devices
Authors: Veronika Drátovská , Radek Sedláček , Zdeněk Padovec , Pavel Růžička , Adam Kratochvíl
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to predict the fatigue life of metallic bone plates employing SIMULIA fe-safe software. Two materials commonly used for surgical implants were subjected to investigation: 1.4441 (ASTM F138) stainless steel for implants and Ti6Al4V ELI (ASTM F136) titanium alloy. The material parameters of the two materials were determined from experimental research. Four-point bending fatigue testing was conducted on two generations of bone plates in order to allow for the comparison of the prediction results with the measured data from the experiments.
Virtual Simulation of Overtaking Maneuver of Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Ľuboš Magdolen , Ján Danko , Tomáš Milesich , Igor Kevický , Marek Galinský , Jozef Bucha , Robert Skyrčák
Published: December 2021

The overtaking maneuver is an important maneuver for autonomous vehicles. It consists of overtaking another vehicle that is moving at a slower speed in the same lane. The article proposes an ahead maneuver on a straight road using software designed for PreScan simulations, while the obstacle is also a moving vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with technology-independent sensors (TIS) and camera.
The Mathematical Analysis of Demands for Railway Passenger Transport in Kosovo
Authors: Ramadan Mazrekaj , Ahmet Shala
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the railway transport of passengers in Kosovo, to determine its intensity and structure, to analyse which factors have the greatest impact on the demand for regular rail transport. Furthermore, the paper will examine which trend, which model fits best in moving this mode of transport based on data from 2011 to 2019, and then predict future trends in transport demand. The existence and strength of the dependence among the selected factors, which are assumed to have an impact on passenger rail transport will be examined by the mathematical method of regression analysis.
Fuzzy Prognosis System for Decision Making to Vibrations Monitoring in Gas Turbine
Authors: Boulanouar Saadat , Ahmed Hafaifa , Rachid Belhadef , Abdellah Kouzou
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a decision making approach based on the development of a fuzzy prognostic system to ensure the vibrations monitoring of a gas turbine based on real time information obtained from different installed sensors. In this approach the case of incomplete obtained data which may occur frequently is taken into account by using an approach of full data reconstitution form incomplete data. The proposed fuzzy prognostic system approach presented in this paper allows the analysis of the data obtained via the vibration indicators of a gas turbine system for the accurate identification of the faults to avoid the performance degradation of such systems. In order to prove the robustness of the proposed approach presented in this paper, several tested has been performed.
Bolted Joint Preload Distribution from Torque Tightening
Authors: Michael Welch
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of how bolt preloads are distributed within a joint as each bolt is tightened in turn by the use of a calibrated torque wrench. It discusses how the order that the joints nuts/bolts are tightened can affect the final bolt preload. It also investigates the effect on incrementally increasing the bolt preload through a series of applications of the controlled torque tightening sequence.

Classical analysis methods are used to develop a method of analysis that can be applied to most preloaded bolted joints. It is assumed that the static friction coefficient is approximately 15% less than the dynamic friction.

It is found that the bolt preload distribution across the joint can range from slightly above the target preload to significantly less than the target preload. The bolts with a preload greater than the target preload are found to be those tightened towards the end of the tightening sequence, usually located close to the outer edges of the joint’s bolt array. The bolts with a preload less than the target preload are those tightened early in the tightening sequence, located centrally within the joints bolt array.

The methods presented can be used to optimise bolted joint design and assembly procedures. Optimising the design of preloaded bolted joints leads to more efficient use of the joints.
Determination of Bearing Quality Using Frequency Vibration Analysis
Authors: Stanislav Žiaran , Ondrej Chlebo , Ľubomír Šooš
Published: December 2021

The paper proposes two methods for determining the quality of industrially manufactured bearings, where the vibro-acoustic energy is expressed by measuring the vibration acceleration. The determined criteria were verified and 100 % agreement was reached in determining the required quality of the bearings. Unwanted bearing noise emissions and its faults can be monitored over the maximum acceleration value determined from the time history, the frequency distribution and the r.m.s. value of the determined frequency range.
The mediating role of the work-family conflict in the relationship between technostress and psychological well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic context
Authors: Riglea Silviu , Rus Claudia Lenuta , Ratiu Lucia
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic changes both for work and employees’ personal and family life domains. In this context, this research investigates the mediating role of the work-family conflict in the relationship between technostress creators (techno-overload and techno-invasion) and psychological well-being. We conducted a survey of 217 employees and the results indicated that the work-family conflict fully mediated the relationship between techno-overload and psychological well-being, thus strongly affecting the psychological well-being of employees in the context of exposure to the stress generated by ICTs overload. Similar results were identified regarding the mediating role of work-family conflict in the relationship between techno-invasion and psychological well-being. The findings suggest the need to increase the coping capacity of employees with technostress and their psychological well-being by reducing the work-family conflict and technostress.
Measurement Invariance Analysis on the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale in a U.S. and Japanese College Sample
Authors: Nakai Saki C. , Gurung Regan A. R.
Published: December 2021

In the present study, we tested the factor structure of the 20-item Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS; Cheek & Melichor, 1985) in a U.S. sample and used measurement invariance analysis to explore its cross-cultural validity in a previously collected Japanese sample (Sato et al., 2018). We additionally measured related personality traits (Big Five; Locus of Control, LOC; and Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System, BIS/BAS) to examine whether each predicted shyness. Participants were undergraduate students in the United States (N = 525) and Japan (N = 508). Exploratory factor analysis (n = 261) revealed a unidimensional structure for shyness to be the best fit. Measurement invariance analysis (n = 256 for United States) showed that the RCBS did not establish configural invariance, the weakest level in measurement invariance, suggesting that it may not be a cross-culturally valid and reliable tool to assess shyness. We thus did not perform any cross-cultural comparisons of variables, as initially intended. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression in the U.S. sample foundextraversion to negatively predict shyness, β = −.59, p < .001, and neuroticism, β = .18, p < .001, LOC (external), β = .14, p < .001, and BIS, β = .19, p < .001, to positively predict shyness. Gender was not a significant predictor, β = .09, p = .075. Future work may focus on the development of a Japanese shyness measure independent from U.S. conceptualizations to improve the cross-cultural validity and reliability of shyness measures.
REPRODUCTION OF LABOR RESOURCES AND LABOR MOBILIZATION OF THE POPULATION OF THE USSR UNDER WAR TIME (1941-1945)
Authors: Chernishova N. V.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the reproduction of labor resources in 1941-1945 and the role of labor mobilization in this process. The changes in all phases of the reproduction of labor resources during the Great Patriotic War are determined. Using information from central archives and regional studies, the author analyzes the main types of labor resources, the scale of attracting the population to work. The novelty of the research lies in the consideration of labor resources from the point of view of the economic process of reproduction of labor resources, its transformation. The researcher makes the following conclusions: firstly, the process of reproduction of labor resources was adapted to wartime conditions; secondly, labor resources was the main source of staff replenishment, which made it possible to attract about 12 million people for permanent and seasonal work.
CHOLERA EPIDEMIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC REASONS OF THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN THE XIX CENTURY ACCORDING TO TAMBOV PROVINCE
Authors: Klevtsova O. V.
Published: December 2021

The article examines the poorly studied topic of the influence of socio-economic causes on the occurrence and spread of mass infectious diseases on the example of cholera epidemics. The geographical scope of the study is limited to the territory of the Tambov province, as a typically agrarian with a predominantly rural population. Statistical materials presented by various collections on public health and medical services, as well as reviews of the Tambov province and reports of the Tambov City Council were taken as the main sources. A comprehensive analysis of the sources was carried out using both traditional scientific methods of research (system analysis, retrospective method, method of historicism, etc.) and modern methods, for example, the method of mathematical statistics. In the course of the work, the characteristics of the healthcare system of the studied region were given and the main factors that negatively affected the spread of cholera epidemics during the study period were identified. The author established a connection between the sanitary and hygienic situation and the spread of infections in rural and urban settlements of the Tambov province. As the main conclusion of the study, the author points to a combination of two main factors that negatively affected the sanitary situation in the province. This is a low level of literacy and cultural evelopment of the population combined with economic insecurity. With a shortage of doctors and unsettled zemstvo medical care, these factors contributed to the rapid spread of epidemics in the region.
Impacto de la pandemia COVID 19 en las condiciones ambientales
Authors: Milla Pino Manuel Emilio , Torres Cruz María Marleni , Rojas Milla Cristian Jesús
Published: December 2021

La presente nota científica tiene como propósito discutir el impacto de la pandemia COVID 19 en las condiciones ambientales, expresada en términos de cómo las medidas estratégicas implementadas por el estado, específicamente el aislamiento social obligatorio, ha incidido en aspectos, tales como, agua de los ríos, condiciones atmosféricas, especies vegetales, especies animales y generación de residuos. Este análisis permite concluir que las medidas de confinamiento han favorecido a la disminución de los niveles de contaminación, evidenciado a través de la mayor presencia de peces en los ríos, claridad de la atmósfera, verdor y regeneración de especies vegetales, y aumento del volumen de residuos no reutilizables.
СПОСОБИ МУЛЬТИКАНАЛЬНОЇ МАРШРУТИЗАЦІЇ В МЕРЕЖАХ НАДЛИШКОВОГО ДЕ БРУЙНА
Authors: Honcharenko Oleksandr , Cherevatenko Oleksii
Published: December 2021

У статті розглянуто способи багатошляхової (мультиканальної) маршрутизації в мережах, побудованих на основі топології надлишкового де Бруйна. На основі існуючих алгоритмів маршрутизації запропоновано ряд підходів, що поєднують принципи стандартних алгоритмів маршрутизації в мережі де Бруйна та властивостях власне топології. Для кожного підходу надані теоретичний опис та приклад впровадження з графічним зображенням принципу роботи. На основі розроблених рішень виконано аналіз запропонованих способів на предмет переваг та недоліків, швидкості та застосованості. Із урахуванням висновків, окреслено напрямки для майбутніх теоретичних та практичних досліджень.
КРОСПЛАТФОРМНА КОМП'ЮТЕРНА ПРОГРАМА ДЛЯ ПРОСТОГО РЕГРЕСІЙНОГО АНАЛІЗУ ДАНИХ
Authors: Tochilin Sergei , Rybin Oleg
Published: December 2021

За допомогою мови програмування Java розроблена кросплатформна комп’ютерна програма для простого регресійного аналізу даних, яка при функціонуванні використовує різні моделі регресії. Вона має графічний інтерфейс користувача і застосовує для аналізу метод найменших квадратів. При цьому для визначення параметрів регресійної моделі із системи лінійних рівнянь, які формуються при обробці статистичних даних, використовується метод Гаусса.
Розроблений додаток для оцінки якості моделі розраховує середню помилку апроксимації та коефіцієнт детермінації або індекс детермінації, а для оцінки її значущості обчислює фактичне і критичне значення F-критерію Фішера. При розрахунку критичного значення F-критерію Фішера програма використовує функцію бета-розподілу.
MONITORING OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR PARAMETERS
Authors: Šarga Patrik , Krempaský Andrej
Published: December 2021

The presented paper describes the creation of a monitoring system based on the IoT platform, designed to monitor the parameters of an electric motor. Based on the obtained data, the operator is informed about the current state of the electric motor and can intervene in time so that it is not suddenly damaged or destroyed. In the next phase of the research, a model of predictive maintenance will be processed based on the obtained data. As a result, the operator will not have to estimate the condition of the electric motor, but the system itself will suggest appropriate measures. Such a system will find application in practice, but also in the teaching process, as the preparation of graduates for the modern monitoring systems, which are increasingly used in practice, will be improved. The presented paper is a scientific and methodological publication.
Zmiana regulacji w kwestii możliwości udzielania sakramentów pokuty, Eucharystii i namaszczenia chorych chrześcijanom niekatolikom w świetle prawodawstwa Kościoła rzymskokatolickiego
Authors: Klimkiewicz Daniel
Published: December 2021

Artykuł przedstawia zagadnienie zmiany regulacji dotyczącej możliwości udzielania sakramentów pokuty, Eucharystii i namaszczenia chorych chrześcijanom niekatolikom. Regulacja bowiem aktualnie obowiązująca –skodyfikowana w kan.  844 §§ 3-5 KPK – jest efektem modyfikacji jakie zachodziły w prawodawstwie Kościoła rzymskokatolickiego. Co ważne, normy zawarte w niniejszym kanonie stanowią „milowy krok” w dialogu ekumenicznym między Kościołem katolickim a Kościołami i Wspólnotami eklezjalnymi odłączonymi od rzymskiej Stolicy Apostolskiej.
Oral appliances: An odds-on in obstructive sleep apnoea management
Authors: Apoorva S. R. , Shaashi Hiremath , Selvaraj Sunantha
Published: December 2021

Breathing affiliated with sleep disorders usually lies between simple snoring without sleepiness, upper airway resistance syndrome, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome, and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Of all these, OSA is very often accompanied with morning symptoms and extension of comorbidities and mortalities with a high prevalence rate. General health implications and an altered quality of living are the major setbacks. Mostly patients with neurologic disorders are affected. There are many surgical and non-surgical approaches concerned with its management. This review article provides a description of oral appliances along with recent treatment modalities, clinical efficacy of alternative treatment modalities of OSA patients.
Covid-19 pandemic: What is the truth?
Authors: Blaylock Russell L.
Published: December 2021

The ongoing “pandemic” involving the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) has several characteristics that make it unique in the history of pandemics. This entails not only the draconian measures that some countries and individual states within the United States and initiated and made policy, most of which are without precedent or scientific support, but also the completely unscientific way the infection has been handled. For the 1sttime in medical history, major experts in virology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and vaccinology have not only been ignored, but are also demonized, marginalized and in some instances, become the victim of legal measures that can only be characterized as totalitarian. Discussions involving various scientific opinions have been eliminated, top scientists have been frightened into silence by threats to their careers, physicians have lost their licenses, and the concept of early treatment has been virtually eliminated. Hundreds of thousands of people have died needlessly as a result of, in my opinion and the opinion of others, poorly designed treatment protocols, mostly stemming from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which have been rigidly enforced among all hospitals. The economic, psychological, and institutional damage caused by these unscientific policies is virtually unmeasurable. Whole generations of young people will suffer irreparable damage, both physical and psychological, possibly forever. The truth must be told.
Symptomatic thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: Report of a case and review
Authors: Rahimizadeh Abolfazl , Habibollahzadeh Parviz , Williamson Walter L. , Soufiani Housain , Amirzadeh Mahan , Rahimizadeh Shaghayegh
Published: December 2021

Background:

Thoracic spinal cord compression due to both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is rare.

Case Description:

A 33-year-old male with AS presented with a paraparesis attributed to MR documented T9-T10 OLF/stenosis. He was successfully managed with a decompressive laminectomy; this resulted in marked improvement of his deficit.

Conclusion:

Thoracic OLF and AS rarely contribute T9-T10 spinal cord compression that may be readily relieved with a decompressive laminectomy.
Care in the time of pandemic: Reflections of a son who is a neurosurgeon, on the care his mother received
Authors: Gupta Deepak
Published: December 2021

After having served in the medical profession for over two decades as a neurosurgeon, I got the chance to play a dual role of a COVID warrior and COVID caregiver when my mother in her 80s contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infections. Acute coronary syndrome, ventilator-associated pneumonia with multidrug-resistant bugs, complicated the course of the disease. Plenty of hard work and dedicated efforts of many doctors in the chain were marred by a handful of disinterested, insensitive health care workers in the treatment chain. Undoubtedly, mortality in ventilated patients is 60–70% or even higher in the elderly patients with comorbidities. However, we as COVID warriors often witness and notice, system failure occurs on various occasions, as happened in my mother’s case. We need to introspect to improve the outcome for other patients. The way we wear PPE kits must change. Clear vision is imperative and fogging of the eyepieces must be prevented. Six hourly HCW shift changes results in breaks in the continued care to sick ICU patients. I am sure that my mother has left behind a deep desire in me to be more caring for my patients. I will dedicate part of my neurosurgical practice to produce caring, empathetic, and compassionate doctors.
DIRECTIONS OF IMPROVEMENT OF LEGAL REGULATION OF SURROGATE MOTHERHOOD IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Shumilo Inesa , Blyzniuk Mirra ,   Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted complex research of problem of defence of rights for children, bear as a result of application of auxiliary genesial technology – substitute maternity. In research the basic conceptual going is described near determination of origin of bear by a substitute a mother child, the problem of absence of the legislative adjusting of legal status of embryo of man is set, conceived in-vitro and the ways of its decision are offered. Attention is accented on the ambiguousness of the legal adjusting of the phenomenon of substitute maternity in the world. In research the possible risks of unhonesty of medical establishments which give services in auxiliary genesial technologies, and consequences of errors of doctors-reproduktologists, are analysed as subsequent limitation of rights for a child by a foreign country on the example of case of «Paradizo and Kampanelli v. Italy». Pointlessness of the legislative fixing of term, during which a substitute mother must give a consent to registration of persons the parents of child, is set, taking into account possible manipulations from the side of substitute mother and potential loss by the new-born child of parents in the case of death of substitute mother to signing of the proper consent. In research the role of the Ukrainian national courts is analysed in establishment of legal fact of domestic relations between parents and new-born child for confession of state power of birth certificates, given out the Ukrainian organs of state civil registration foreign organs. Concentrated attention on absence of permanent practice of national courts in relation to determination of type of judicial realization as in certain cases a court specifies on the substitution of concepts «establishment of legal fact of domestic relations» and «confession of paternity declarants». As a result of research a conclusion is done about the necessity of development of international convention, which will fasten the standards of defence of rights for children, bear as a result of application of auxiliary genesial technologies, and also outlined tasks which appear before a national legislator and Ukrainian courts, to provide the high-quality legal adjusting of substitute maternity, taking into account rights for a child above all things.
CONSOLIDATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN UKRAINE: THEORETICAL AND LEGAL BASIS
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kurylo Inna , Semchyk Oleksandr ,   The Institute of Land Management of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Kravchenko Olena ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The article highlights the problems of theoretical and legal bases of development of the institute of consolidation of agricultural lands in Ukraine. The concept of land fragmentation is analyzed. It is argued that in modern conditions of agricultural land use in Ukraine the main problem is the fragmentation of land ownership. It is noted that one of the tools to improve land use is land consolidation. comprehensive study of the concept of consolidation of agricultural land. The expediency of the legislative definition of the concept of "consolidation of agricultural lands" is proved. The conclusion is made about the need to adopt the Law of Ukraine "On Consolidation of Agricultural Lands". It is noted that one of the conditions for the implementation of measures to consolidate agricultural land is the land market. It is concluded that land consolidation can be an extremely effective means of rural development. The expediency of developing a comprehensive legal concept of land consolidation of Ukraine and the introduction of the Ukrainian model of consolidation of agricultural land is proposed.