bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Heavy Metal Concentration on Chlorophyll Content in Pleurozium schreberi Mosses
Authors: Świsłowski Paweł , Rajfur Małgorzata , Wacławek Maria
Published: April 2021

The aim of biomonitoring is assessment of environment condition. Biomonitoring studies with the use of mosses focus mainly on analytes accumulation and determining elements’ concentrations in the study area. It is often forgotten that a bioindicator should be alive during biomonitoring studies (which can be determined by, e.g., analysis of chlorophyll content). The objective of the carried out research was an assessment of the influence of selected heavy metals concentration: Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb accumulated by Pleurozium schreberi mosses during 3-month exposition within active biomonitoring, on their vitality, assessed by an analysis of a and b chlorophyll concentrations. The studies were also carried out in laboratory conditions, where the content of the dyes was determined with the aid of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, in mosses reacting with solutions of various concentrations of the analysed metals. The content of elements in mosses after exposition and in solutions prior and after sorption were determined with the use of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in a flame atomiser. After the carried out studies it was determined that mosses, during 12-week long exposition, accumulated heavy metals, which did not clearly influence the changes in chlorophyll content. The carried out studies prove that heavy metals are not the only and determining factor, which influences chlorophyll content in mosses as well as the bioindicator’s vitality in the conditions of environmental stress.
Cladophora glomerata Extract and Static Magnetic Field Influences the Germination of Seeds and Multielemental Composition of Carrot
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Bartniczak Annika , Baśladyńska Sylwia , Lewandowska Sylwia , Detyna Jerzy , Łoziński Michał , Niemczyk Katarzyna , Bujak Henryk
Published: April 2021

As carrot seeds are notoriously slow to germinate and are often irregular in breaking dormancy, new methods of stimulation are still sought. This study examines for the first time the effect of an algal extract and static magnetic field (SMF) and their synergistic effect on carrot seeds germination. The algal extract, produced from freshwater macroalgae - Cladophora glomerata, was used directly to the paper substrate at a dose of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %. The exposure of seeds to the magnetic field (500 mT and 1 T) was applied for 3, 6 and 12 min. The highest germination ability of carrot seedlings was observed for 20 and 80 % algal extract. The weakest germination was observed for the highest concentration of algal extract causing the highest amount of abnormal and dead seedlings. Parallel use of seeds stimulated with magnetic field and algal extract did not increase the number of germinated seeds significantly. Carrot’s seeds treated with algal extract showed increased content of elements - macro- Ca, K, Mg, S and microelements Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Future experiments are required to confirm the stimulation effect of algal extract (optimal concentration) and magnetic field (various induction values) on seeds germination.
Management of technological process optimisation
Authors: Lypchuk Vasyl , Dmytriv Vasyl
Published: April 2021

The research aims to characterise the optimisation of a technological process depending on the main time parameters for production. The optimisation does not require to correct technical parameters of a system, but rather the organisational and managerial factors of the technological process. The workload is taken as an evaluation criterion, which factors in the probability distribution of time characteristics of computer process operations. Time characteristics that represent the performance of an operation influence the workloads of an operator and equipment, determining the productivity of the technological process. Analytical models were developed for the operational control of a production line efficiency considering the probability–statistical parameters pertaining to the performance of operations and technological equipment peculiarities. The article presents research results, which characterise the dependence of a production line efficiency on the type of equipment, and the duration of preparatory and final operations considering their probability. Under an optimal workload of the operator, the duration of the complete program changes linearly, regardless of the time required for the performance of operations by a computer without the involvement of the operator, and depending on the type of equipment. A managerial decision can be optimal under the condition that the factor of technological process efficiency (K_TP) tends to max. The developed method of analytical determination can be used to calculate the workload of both an operator and technological equipment. The calculations of the duration of a production line operation resulted in the methodology for the consideration of probability characteristics pertaining to the time distribution of the period required to perform operations, which influences the unequal efficiency of the production line. The probabilistic character of time distribution related to intervals of performed operations serves as a parameter in the management of technological process optimisation, which can be achieved using simulators of technological processes optimised in terms of their efficiency.
Deglobalization of the World Economy and its Effects on the Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Stanojević Nataša
Published: April 2021

This paper analyses trends in three key aspects of economic globalization: international trade, foreign investment and global product chains. The paper points to downward tendencies of the world economic integration in all three segments. The paper finds that causes of these trends are not cyclical, but structural, that is, the process of deglobalization of the international market and transformation of the very foundations of the international economic system is underway. The paper also includes an empirical analysis of the potential effects of these changes on six economies of the Western Balkan. The multiple regression models reveal very strong statistic connection between these economies and the world economy trends. There are direct relations with global foreign trade and production, but inverse relation with FDI share in the world economy. That indicates significant challenges such as declining income and job losses, but also certain opportunities to reduce trade deficits and increase domestic production.
Emerging Markets and Internationalization of Retail: The Case of BRIC Countries
Authors: Mladenović Svetlana Sokolov , Mladenović Igor , Ranđelović Marija Petrović
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the emerging markets and retail internationalization, with a special focus on the markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China, also known as BRIC countries. The paper relies on the fact that the emerging markets, especially the markets of BRIC countries, have recently attracted an increasing attention of the scientific and professional community, as well as international retail companies. After the economic crisis in 2008, the internationalization of retail, as a key business strategy, is changing its direction and form, in order to focus on the emerging markets. Based on the available secondary data sources considering the operations of the largest international retail companies and the attractiveness of the emerging market from 2014 to 2018, we test the hypotheses set in this research. One of the key hypotheses is that a certain number of international retail companies present on the BRIC country market is determined by its ranking on the list of the most attractive markets. We test this hypothesis by constructing a simple regression model for each country individually. Another key hypothesis is that the ranking of a BRIC country on the list of the most attractive markets is the result of various factors. We test this hypothesis using the method of descriptive statistics for each country individually. The obtained research results have economic validity and they fill a scientific niche in the research of the relationship between the attractiveness of the BRIC market and the internationalization of retail. In addition, the obtained results represent the basis for further research of this issue, given the large-scale changes caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Evaluating ICT Usage in Enterprises in Europe: Topsis Approach
Authors: Vasilić Nikola , Semenčenko Dušica , Popović-Pantić Sanja
Published: April 2021

The main objective of the paper is to evaluate ICT usage in enterprises in 31 European countries. For that purpose, ICT usage in enterprises index (ICTEI) was developed using the TOPSIS approach based on the entropy method. Subsequently, having used the cluster analysis, countries were classified into clusters according to the observed indicators of ICT usage. Results show that Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Ireland are the top 5 countries when the advanced ICTs are prioritized. Based on the k-means clustering, Finland is a leader in a cluster of a very high ICT usage in enterprises and it is followed by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The cluster of high ICT usage in enterprises includes Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and United Kingdom. Finally, the countries characterized by moderate and modest ICT usage are positioned in the remaining two clusters. The results of this research will facilitate the perception of a country’s position in relation to others, but will also signal the need to take measures to strengthen the ICT capacity of the business sector in the countries with a low value of ICTEI.
Lean Accounting and Value Stream Costing for More Efficient Business Processes
Authors: Čečević Bojana Novićević , Đorđević Milica
Published: April 2021

Required customer value, just in time delivery, elimination of all forms of waste from production and all business processes in the company and the like are basic characteristics of lean business concept. Achieving and maintaining competitive advantage, implies to carefully consider and apply the five principles of the Lean concept and establish a value stream. Primarily, the Lean concept was applied in the production process, but due to the numerous perceived benefits, the Lean concept can be applied in all company processes, including accounting. Lean accounting involves changing financial reporting, business process control and business decision-making processes. Lean accounting relies on the value stream with all income and expenses. The paper analyzes the application of value stream costing and financial effects of business improvement using the Lean concept.
Value Co-Creation and Value Co-Destruction – A Case of Online Consumption
Authors: Dziewanowska Katarzyna , Kacprzak Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

Research background: The paper focuses on value co-creation and co-destruction during online consumption. The current understanding of the concept of value is based on the premise that value emerges from interactions leading to exchange among multiple actors, including customers and companies. This implies the active role of all participants and leads to diversified outcomes, both positive (value co-creation) and negative (value co-destruction). The phenomenon of value co-destruction is studied in the context of online consumption, which is particularly suitable as it allows for consumer proactivity and participation in the process of exchange.

Purpose: The first purpose of the study is the conceptualization and operationalization of value co-creation and co-destruction. The second aim is to estimate the frequency of activities that can be conceptualized as various dimensions of online value co-creation/co-destruction.

Research methodology: The empirical part presents the results of an exploratory study based on a survey (PAPI) conducted on a sample of 212 university students.

Results: The main findings suggest that although young people regularly practice online consumption, they tend to behave in a rather passive manner and their value co-creation/co-destruction behaviours are limited to mostly price and promotion related activities.

Novelty: Value co-destruction is a recent and understudied phenomenon. This paper proposes a conceptualization and operationalization of a value co-destruction concept.
Nexus of Market Risk, Dividend Policy and Commercial Banks’ Performance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olarewaju Odunayo M.
Published: April 2021

Research Background: The concept of risk is of great importance in any financial system, due to unstable economic situations and fluctuating environmental factors. Like other variables, risk has a significant effect on firms’ returns and profit.

Purpose: This study aims at examining the relationship between dividend policy and performance taking cognisance of the uncontrollable risk (market risk).

Research methodology: This study was modelled using 250 commercial banks from 30 selected Sub-Saharan African countries in the period 2008 to 2017. The Panel-Vector Error Correction Model was used to estimate the model.

Result: From the long run analysis, a long run relationship between dividend policy, agency cost, and bank performance is evident. The disequilibrium will take about 39.5% yearly speed of adjustment to return to a steady state. There is an inverse relationship between Lending interest rate (market risk proxy) with bank performance while there is a positive relationship of foreign exchange rate (market risk proxy) and bank performance in SSA.

Novelty: Market risk’s influence on the relationship between dividend policy and bank performance was firstly established. Therefore, it is recommended that the banking sector in SSA should focus more on endogenous factors and review some of their policies as these contribute more significantly to variations in their performance than exogenous factors.
Multiplication-Related Classes of Complex Numbers
Authors: Ziobro Rafał
Published: April 2021

The use of registrations is useful in shortening Mizar proofs [1], [2], both in terms of formalization time and article space. The proposed system of classes for complex numbers aims to facilitate proofs involving basic arithmetical operations and order checking. It seems likely that the use of self-explanatory adjectives could also improve legibility of these proofs, which would be an important achievement [3]. Additionally, some potentially useful definitions, following those defined for real numbers, are introduced.
The Bleaching of Different K-Feldspar pIRIR Signals of Source Materials of Lacustrine Sediment – A Case Study from Bosten Lake Basin in Arid Central Asia
Authors: Yang He , Li Guoqiang , Jin Ming , Zhang Haixia , Wang Xiaoyan , Oldknow Christopher , Wang Zhong , Huang Xin
Published: April 2021

The residual ages and bleaching of K-feldspar post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) signals (pIR50IR170, pIR50IR290, and pIR200IR290) for a variety of modern sediment sources to the Bosten Lake basin in the southern Tian Shan of arid central Asia were assessed to identify the most appropriate facies to sample for ascertaining well-bleached, depositional ages associated with Quaternary paleolake development. Results indicate pIR50IR290 residual ages for pluvial fan, fluvial, and eolian sediments cluster at 40–6, 6–3, and 2–1 ka, respectively, and are depositional ages. Residual ages of pIR200IR290 signals are twice that of pIR50IR290 signals, while residual ages of pIR50IR170 signals are similar to that of pIR50IR290 signals for all samples. Eolian and fluvial samples show well-bleached, coarse-grained (90–125 μm) K-feldspar and poorly-bleached coarse grained K-feldspar from pluvial samples. High residual doses in fluvial and pluvial samples indicate it may not be advisable to apply pIRIR dating utilising different pIRIR signals to Holocene lacustrine samples. However, the residual ages measured for eolian deposits are small and can allow precise and robust assessment of paleolake development by targeting the K-feldspar pIR50IR170 signal to date Holocene samples and the pIR200IR290 and pIR50IR290 signals to date Pleistocene samples.
Post-IR Irsl Chronology of Paleo-Lacustrine Sediments from Yardangs in the Qaidam Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ding Zhaojing , Yu Lupeng , Lai Zhongping , An Ping , Miao Xiaodong , Xu Ruru , Liu Zengqi
Published: April 2021

The Qaidam Basin preserves the largest Yardang field on Earth, and yardangs are intriguing landforms for studies of the paleo-environment and aeolian processes. Formation of yardangs involved both the initial lacustrine deposition and the subsequent wind-erosion processes. However, the timings of both processes in the Qaidam Basin are still controversial due to limited age data and unsuitable dating methodology. In this paper, we first compared two optical dating methods to determine the suitable one for the study area, then investigated the geomorphic processes based on the new ages. Two-step post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) and multi-elevated-temperature pIRIR (MET-pIRIR) methods of feldspar, were applied to date lacustrine sediments on the top parts of yardangs to decipher the transition time from depositional to an erosional environment. Comparisons of the two methods demonstrated that the influence from anomalous fading was very minimal thus negligible for MET-pIRIR method, as proved by the De plateau between MET-pIRIR250 and MET-pIRIR290; while the pIR50IR250 signals suffered from fading obviously, which was difficult to be corrected due to the high De close to saturation. Consequently, the chronology in this study was based on the MET-pIRIR250 method, potentially offering reliable ages of over 200 ka. Seven MET-pIRIR250 ages of 201–336 ka suggested that a mega-Qaidam Lake (>2714 m a.s.l. on Google Earth) maintained until Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 7. The absence of sediments since ca. 200 ka implied wind-erosion and yardang formation since MIS6. This transition from lacustrine to a wind-erosion environment was interpreted as a response to the glacial-interglacial scale climatic changes.
KE KONKURENCI GENITIVU POSESIVNÍHO A INDIVIDUÁLNĚ POSESIVNÍCH ADJEKTIV V SOUČASNÉ MLUVENÉ ČEŠTINĚ
Authors: Janečka Martin , Kouklíková Tereza
Published: April 2021

This article deals with the linguistic competition of the possessive genitive and possessive adjectives in contemporary spoken Czech language. It focuses on the differences between the constructions of the type Barbořin byt (Barbora’s flat), byt (naší) Barbory (the flat of (our) Barbora) and (naší) Barbory byt ((our) Barbora’s flat). The paper’s aimis to find out which of the possessive structures are preferred by speakers (and alternatively for what reason) or whether the frequency of their usage is equal. At first, both ways of expressing the possession with all their restrictions are described from the theoretical point of view. Moreover, the semantic relation of possessivity is specified. The next section suggests the influences which may govern the preference of the speaker. Within empirical research, data from the corpus of spoken Czech (ORALv1) are examined and it is seeked for explanation of factors that influence the choice of the structure. This also demonstrates whether one of the possessive structures has a dominant position or whether they occur in similar numbers.
Languages and actors in the linguistic landscape in the Slovak-Hungarian ethnically mixed area in Slovakia
Authors: Szabómihály Gizella
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to characterize the linguistic landscape of municipalities in Slovakia inhabited by Hungarian minority. Empirical data come from two sources: from BA and MA theses, which were defended in 2015 – 2020 at the Institute of Hungarian Linguistics and Literary Studies at the Faculty of Central European Studies, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and from research project VEGA “Minority variety of the Hungarian language in Slovakia”. As part of the above field research, the linguistic landscape of 82 municipalities in which the Hungarian population makes up at least 20% of the population was mapped. The results fundamentally confirm the research findings of P. Laihonen, who studied linguistic landscape in two municipalities. In all municipalities, the most frequent language was Slovak, this applies to all types of analyzed signs with texts (inscriptions of state and municipal authorities, commercial and private signs). Slovak occurs on at least 80% of signs, the representation of Hungarian as the second most frequent language is between 25 – 55%. The most bilingual Slovak-Hungarian signs are in the southwest of Slovakia, where the largest Hungarian minority lives and where Hungarians form the local majority. On bilingual Slovak-Hungarian signs, the preferred language is Slovak, in terms of information content, it is a duplicate publication of information. Municipal authorities and the commercial sphere have the greatest influence on the formation of the linguistic landscape.
Application and verification of partial discharge measurement system for power cable based on oscillating wave voltage
Authors: Xu Guangke , Li Xing , Zhang Weiwei , Yun Yuxin , Chen Lingying , Shen Jiahua , Wang Guoming , Kil Gyung-Suk
Published: April 2021

Compared with conventional methods for insulation performance evaluation of power cables, the oscillating wave test system used in partial discharge measurement for power cables has advantages of high integrity, easy operation, low power consumption, and compact size in addition, partial discharge, defect localization, and dielectric loss can be measured simultaneously without any damage to cable insulation. Therefore, the oscillating wave test system has been widely applied for insulation performance evaluation of newly installed as well as fault power cables. However, there is no study so far on the verification method of oscillating wave test system. This paper dealt with the application and verification for cable partial discharge measurement devices based on oscillating wave voltage, which is aimed to verify performances of oscillating wave voltage generator, partial discharge measurement, and partial discharge localization. The proposed verification system is expected to be applied in the admittance testing and regular verification of oscillating wave test system, for the purpose of improving the its accuracy and standardization in partial discharge measurement of power cable.
A Solution to Treat Mixed-Type Human Datasets from Socio-Ecological Systems
Authors: Clark Lisa B. , González Eduardo , Henry Annie L. , Sher Anna A.
Published: April 2021

Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) are frequently represented by large datasets with varied data including continuous, ordinal, and categorical variables. Conventional multivariate analyses cannot handle these mixed data types. In this paper, our goal was to show how a clustering method that has not before been applied to understanding the human dimension of CHANS: a Gower dissimilarity matrix with partitioning around medoids (PAM) can be used to treat mixed-type human datasets. A case study of land managers responsible for invasive plant control projects across rivers of the southwestern U.S. was used to characterize managers’ backgrounds and decisions, and project properties through clustering. Results showed that managers could be classified as “federal multitaskers” or as “educated specialists”. Decisions were characterized by being either “quick and active” or “thorough and careful”. Project goals were either comprehensive with ecological goals or more limited in scope. This study shows that clustering with Gower and PAM can simplify the complex human dimension of this system, demonstrating the utility of this approach for systems frequently composed of mixed-type data such as CHANS. This clustering approach can be used to direct scientific recommendations towards homogeneous groups of managers and project types.
Use of ultrasound for cleaning of components of historical vehicles in Technical Museum in Brno
Authors: Rapouch K. , Mrázek M.
Published: April 2021

In the collections of Technical Museum in Brno, large number of historical vehicles is placed. During the operation, parts of their motors are being fouled. Frequently, they become even immobile (e. g. due to a fouled fuel system). In this case, the method using ultrasound with a suitable concentrate appears as the most suitable. In fact, ultrasound works also in inaccessible places with large efficiency. Not only the chosen solution influences the cleaning efficiency, but also parameters as time, bath temperature and ultrasound frequency. The cleaning process was evaluated according to the volume of removed dirt and by observing wettability change using the measuring of contact angle of a water drop. The ultrasound shock waves influence the surface to a certain extent also mechanically. That is why, the ultrasound effect on defects in the structure was observed. The aggressivity of cleaning concentrates was evaluated on the ground of determination of dissolved metals in the baths by ET AAS method.
Mineralogy and geochemistry of rare earth elements in the Moyil Valley alteration zones, Meshkinshahr (northwest Iran)
Authors: Naseri Hossain , Jamadi Mahnaz , Radmard Kaikhosrov , Alavi Ghafour
Published: April 2021

Sabalan Mountain (northwest Iran) witnessed intense volcanic activity during the Cenozoic (Plio-Pleistocene). The result of this manifests itself in the conical geometry of the Sabalan stratovolcano and ahigh hydrothermal gradient around it, which can be detected by geological phenomena such as hot springs, smoke gases and steam outlet pores. The high hydrothermal slope and upward migration of hot water in this area have caused extensive alteration zones in the host rocks. A mineralogical study of alteration zones in thewells drilled in the Moyil Valley to the northwest of Sabalan Mountain has revealed the presence of phyllic, argillic, calcitic and propylitic alterations in volcanic rocks (trachyandesite) and alteration phyllic and propylitic ones in monzonite rocks. In chondrite-normalised rare-earth-element diagrams, trachyandesite rocks exhibit an HREEs enrichment when compared to MREEs and LREEs in propylitic and calcitic alteration zones. This result can be explained by the acidic nature of hydrothermal fluids containing complex ions such as (SO-2, Cl-). The (La/Yb)cn, (La/Sm)cn and (Tb/Yb)cn ratios for argillic, phyllic, propylitic and calcitic alteration zones have revealed that they are higher in fresh rocks compared to altered rocks, suggesting the enrichment of HREEs in comparison to LREEs and MREEs. The anomalies of Eu do not change remarkably in the argillic and propylitic alteration zones of trachyandesite rocks; apparently, alteration hadno effect on them. Such behaviour reflects the presence of gold cations in Eu+3 formed at temperatures below 250°C. Eu anomalies increased in propylitic alteration zones in monzonite rocks and calciticand phyllic alteration zones in trachyandesiterocks.
Activated Carbon as a Support of Catalysts for the Removal of Nitrogen Oxides
Authors: Białas Anna , Szlendak Joanna , Czosnek Cezary , Motak Monika
Published: April 2021

Activated carbon was oxidised with concentrated nitric acid and impregnated with urea to form nitrogen-containing groups. Such a support was impregnated with cobalt, copper or silver nitrates to obtain catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia. Infrared spectra confirmed the formation of carboxylic and other organic oxygen-containing groups during oxidation. Nitrogen-containing species resulted from urea thermal decomposition. The metal-containing samples were hydrophilic. Cobalt and copper were present in the samples as small Co3O4 and CuO crystallites, while silver occurred in the form of large metallic crystallites, as seen from the X-ray diffraction patterns. Low temperature N2 sorption revealed that all samples were microporous solids, and the chemical and thermal treatment did not change their textural properties. The copper admixture caused the highest NO conversion, but worsened the selectivity and thermal stability of functionalised carbon support.
Synthesis and application of natural sorbents with silver nanoparticles in reducing the emission of odours
Authors: Olga Długosz , Kornelia Ptak , Jolanta Pulit-Prociak , Anita Staroń , Paweł Staroń , Jarosław Chwastowski , Krzysztof Szostak , Marcin Banach
Published: April 2021

The paper concerns the applicability of silver nanoparticles for reducing the emission of odours. Silver nanoparticles were successfully adsorbed on three different dolomitic limestone samples. In the next stage, wastewater from the meat industry was mixed with sorbents modified with a variable content of silver nanoparticles. After 4 days and 7 days, the concentration of ammonia was examined spectrophotometrically. Also, the degree of reduction of total odour concentration by olfactometric method was carried out. Depending on the concentration of the silver nanoparticles on the sorbents, the concentration of ammonia was 15-42 μg/cm3 for nAg content equal to 0.08%, while for sorbents containing approximately 36% of nAg the concentration of ammonia was 0.09-16 μg/cm3. A leaching test of nanosilver from sorbents confirmed that the particles were bound with the sorbents by strong bonds. The percentage of eluted silver increased from 0.67% to 11%, with increased initial concentrations of nAg on the sorbents from 0.18% to 0.37%.
Combining the cross-entropy algorithm and ∈-constraint method for multiobjective optimization
Authors: Ezzine Abdelmajid , Alla Abdellah , Raissi Nadia
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to propose a new hybrid approach for solving multiobjective optimization problems. This approach is based on a combination of global and local search procedures.

The cross-entropy method is used as a stochastic model-based method to solve the multiobjective optimization problem and reach a first elite set of global solutions. In the local search step, an ∈-constraint method converts the multiobjective optimization problem to a series of parameterized single-objective optimization problems. Then, sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is used to solve the derived single-objective optimization problems allowing to reinforce and improve the global results. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Some results about Lipschitz p-Nuclear Operators
Authors: Bey Khedidja , Belacel Amar
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to study the onto isometries of the space of strongly Lipschitz p-nuclear operators, introduced by D. Chen and B. Zheng (Nonlinear Anal.,75, 2012). We give some new results about such isometrics and we focus, in particular, on the case F = ℓ
p*.
Early Modern Dance and Theatre in Finland
Authors: Laakkonen Johanna
Published: April 2021

Early modern dancers established a foothold in theatres and opera houses from the 1910s onwards when the focus of many avant-garde theatre directors shifted from literary text to the actor’s body and its expressive potentialities. This article explores the interplay between early modern dance and theatre in Finland by focusing on three dance scenes that Maggie Gripenberg (1881–1976) composed for theatre and opera performances in Helsinki in the 1920s and 1930s. The developments in Finland will be connected with the international trends that Gripenberg and her Finnish collaborators absorbed from the West as well as from Russia. The article also suggests that by exploring early modern dance in the context of theatre and opera, it is possible to obtain a more balanced picture of the development of modern dance in Finland.
A Perspective on Teaching Contemporary Ballet
Authors: Marttinen Fox
Published: April 2021

Research on contemporary ballet teaching in Finland has focused on the pedagogic perspective, but work on the teaching content is scarce. In this article, I describe my pursuit to outline core elements of contemporary ballet through two pilot workshops. I present four elements that seemed meaningful in my teaching (improvisation, interpretation, partnering and off-balance) and their nexus with classical ballet. In addition, I share my experiences of teaching contemporary ballet using these core elements to vocational dance students at North Karelia College Outokumpu. Here, I address contemporary ballet as a part of the evolution of ballet, not as a combination of contemporary dance and classical ballet. The overall aim is to develop a method of teaching that equips dancers with the skills they need when performing and co-creating contemporary ballet.
Analysis of the Vibration Measurement and Reduction Possibilities in Linear Infrastructure for Vacuum Rail Technology
Authors: Korbiel Tomasz , Rumin Rafał , Blaut Jędrzej , Czerwiński Stefan , Kania Jan
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the concept of vibration measurement and reduction system for rails in hyperloop technology. It is based on the experience of measuring vibrations in high-speed rail, the first commercial magnetic rail, and vibration reduction systems for these rails. The authors outlined a conceptual vibration monitoring system based on the MQTT protocol and the vibration reduction method. The vibration reduction systems based on variable-characteristic silencers and solutions used in research centers, especially in CERNie and LIGO, were de-scribed.
The effects of the Treaty of Trianon on the pharmaceutical network
Authors: Mária Péter H.
Published: April 2021

The consequences of the border adjustments resulting from the Treaty of Trianon affected the entire Hungarian pharmaceutical network. Transylvania, Maramureș and East Banat became part of Romania and Hungary lost 102.813 km2 of its former territory. A Hungarian population of 1,662,000 (based on the 1910 census), 31.78% of the total population, came under Romanian rule. 477 Hungarian pharmacies were lost in 327 locations. Later, in the areas given to Romania, several pharmacies ceased to function due to the emigration of their owners and their staff. Romanian authorities issued 174 new pharmacy rights in the gained territories, bringing 65.5% of the pharmacies into Romanian hands. The Pocket Calendar of Pharmacists, published in Budapest in 1918 still lists the Transylvanian pharmacists, mentioning the name of their pharmacy and the place where they worked. Pharmacist almanacs (pocket calendars) published in later years no longer provided this information.
Improving the Management of Pediatric Upper Urinary Tract Infections at Odorheiu Secuiesc Hospital
Authors: Előd Koncsag-Szász , Uzonka Szőcs-Gazdi , Izabella Magyari , Réka Jancsó , Mária Szalai , Ildikó Molnár , Edina Máthé , Tímea Bodoni-Imre
Published: April 2021

The primary goal of our retrospective analysis was to check the correctness of the diagnosis, and to identify the potential diagnostic errors among patients coded with N10 diagnosis in 2009, 2014 and 2019 in the pediatric ward of Odorheiu Secuiesc Hospital; we also assessed protocol-adherence in treatment and prophylaxis, and changes in antibiotic resistance of the isolated E. coli strains.

During this 10 year-period significant improvements have been achieved in the treatment of upper urinary tract infections: in 2009 the diagnosis could be disputed in 31 out of 61 cases, while in 2019 this ratio is only 2 out of 31 cases; the number of cases pretreated with antibiotics decreased to a third, contaminated urine samples are rare to occur, the unmotivated antibiotics prophylaxis is essentially nonexistent, and there are no major documentation deficiencies either.

In our study we present the antibiotic susceptibility of 50 E. coli strains isolated from the study group, which suggests some favorable changes.
Effects of Shear Lag in Steel Box Girders of a Crane Runway
Authors: Moga Cătălin , Drăgan Delia , Nerișanu Raluca
Published: April 2021

The term of shear lag is related to the discrepancies between the approximate theory of the bending of beams and their real behaviour. It refers to the increases of the bending stresses near the flange-to-web junctions and the corresponding decreases in the flange stresses away from these junctions. In the case of wide flanges of plated structures, shear lag caused by shear strains, which are neglected in the conventional theory, may be taken into account by a reduced flange width concentrated along the webs of the steel girders. In EN 1993-1-5, the concept of taking shear lag into account is based on effective width of the flange which is defined in order to have the same total normal force in the gross flange subjected to the real transverse stress distribution as the effective flange subjected to a uniform stress equal to the maximum stress of the real transverse distribution. Some aspects concerning the shear lag phenomenon and a working example for a box girder of a heavy crane runway to illustrate the determination of the shear lag effect are also presented.
Research on Improving the Welding Behaviour of Stainless Steels in the Field of Welded Constructions by Using Mechanical Vibrations
Authors: Novac Bogdan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a research that has been done on two types of stainless steels, one of Spanish origin and the other of Romanian origin. Both Spanish and Romanian stainless steels have been subjected to several tests, regarding the influence of vibrations on their mechanical properties and their welding behavior. The samples were made of welded stainless steels. They were subjected to a thermal hardening treatment at a temperature of 950 degrees, with a holding time of 4 hours in the presence of mechanical vibrations. Then comparative tests were performed on both stainless steels at: hardness, tensile test, resilience, microstructural analysis and determination of the longitudinal modulus of elasticity. The research has shown a reduction of the thermo-mechanically influenced area, which contributes to the achievement of a high quality welded joints.
Installation for Producing Mechanical Vibrations used in the Finishing of the Welded Joints Structure
Authors: Novac Bogdan
Published: April 2021

The paper presents a constructive version of a mechanical vibration generator designed to be used at stress relieving of welded joints. This installation can be used on all brands of steels and welded joints, whether they have magnetic properties or not. In the generator construction a DC motor was used, in order to be able to adjust the speed more easily. The speed adjustment is made with a potentiometer, and the speed measurement is made with a tachometer. The tachometer measures the speeds based on the pulses given by a four-pointed cam rotating between the plates of a capacitor. The vibration system also contains a piezoelectric accelerograph, which is attached to the welded part subjected to vibration, in order to measure the level of vibration and the parameters of the vibration wave.
Retained Water in the Commune of Gogounou in Benin: Inventory, Characterization and Management Mode
Authors: Sourogou Roger Masso , Hountondji Fabien. C.
Published: April 2021

The present work was carried out with the aim of knowing the characteristics and the management made of the agropastoral dams of the commune of Gogounou which are of a great utility for the local populations. To do this, twenty (20) dams were chosen according to the strategic interest that they present for the population, that is to say a polling rate of 87% on all the dams of the municipality. An inventory of the dams was made according to quantitative and qualitative indicators. The results showed the existence of (04) groups of dams according to the technical characteristics and some qualitative variables. The parameters that lead to the degradation of these dams are often related to the age and type of dam and the place of installation. Groups (2 and 4) are agropastoral dams (100%) and more than half of the dams are on flood sites. Results have also shown that there are management committees around all the dams in the commune of Gogounou, but which are mostly non-functional at almost 75%. Also, it has been found that the breeders are mostly transhumant and sedentary who use (100%) dams for watering animals. This cohabitation between farmers and pastoralists does not occur without major conflicts, in particular, that of land whose settlement is generally peaceful. In short, the management of the dams in the commune of Gogounou is a real challenge to be met for a better development, both economically and socially to guarantee the prosperity of the actors and prepare them to adapt to the vagaries of the climate future.
Examining associations between social media use, depression, global health, and sleep disturbance among emerging adults
Authors: Karaman Mehmet Akif
Published: April 2021

In recent years, social media use and its effects on mental health have been investigated many times. Mostly, studies focused less on the global health when addressing mental health. In this cluster analysis study, on a sample of 261 Turkish college students who were emerging adults, the associations between social media use and depression, sleep disturbance, and global health were tested. By using k-means cluster analysis, participants were divided into three groups: ordinary and none, mild, and severe social media users. The results indicated that male college students had higher social networking addiction than females. There was a significant and positive relationship between time spent on social media and depression and sleep disturbance. The results showed that mild level social media users differ statistically in global health and sleep disturbance from both ordinary/none and severe users. The results were similar with the previous published studies in different cultures and countries in the fields of mental health.
Integration: 12 Proposals
Authors: Favell Adrian
Published: April 2021

Developing the critique of notions of the “integration of immigrants”, twelve propositions are advanced to diagnose the methodological nationalism of mainstream approaches. The concept of “integration” contains assumptions about the nature and functioning of modern society which, in a post-industrial and post-colonial context, are falsely trapped within the normative bounds of thinking for the nation-state. An alternate empirical operationalisation is suggested that would render traditional types of assimilation and integration research obsolete.
Slurs: Departures from Genuine Uses and Derogation
Authors: Belleri Delia
Published: April 2021

Some non-appropriated uses of slurs seem to be non–derogatory. In this paper, I argue that in a range of cases, the lack of derogation is owed to the term not being genuinely used. I first examine so–called pedagogical uses and show that they can be assimilated to what I call “distancing uses.” I then turn to a range of other apparently non–derogatory, non–appropriated uses of slurs – such as non–weapon uses, comedic uses – and argue that they can depart from standard, genuine usage in relevant ways. I finally turn to so–called “affectionate” uses, and show that, if the conditions in which they obtain can be described as standard, then they are derogatory because they are genuine uses, no matter the benevolent feelings of the speaker.
Recent (Re)Visions of Canlit: Partial Stock-Taking
Authors: Rzepa Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

This article approaches recent discussions on the state of contemporary CanLit as a body of literary texts, an academic field, and an institution. The discussion is informed primarily by a number of recent or relatively recent publications, such asTrans.CanLit. Resituating the Study of Canadian Literature(Kamboureli & Miki 2007),Refuse. CanLit in Ruins(McGregor, Rak & Wunker 2018),Luminous Ink: Writers on Writing in Canada(McWatt, Maharaj & Brand 2018), and the discussions and/or controversies some of those generated – expressed through newspaper and magazine articles, scholarly essays, but also through tweets, etc. The texts have been written as a response to the current state and – in some cases – scandals of CanLit. Many constitute attempts at starting or contributing to a discussion aimed at not only taking stock of, but also reinterpreting and re-defining the field and the institution in view of the challenges of the globalising world. Perhaps more importantly, they address also the challenges resulting from the rift between CanLit as implicated in the (post)colonial nation-building project and rigid institutional structures, perpetuating the silencings, erasures, and hierarchies resulting from such entanglements, and actual literary texts produced by an increasingly diversified group of writers working with a widening range of topics and genres, and creating often intimate, autobiographically inspired art with a sense of responsibility to marginalised communities. The article concludes with the example of Indigenous writing and the position some young Indigenous writers take in the current discussions.
The Post-Human Lyric: Diffractive Vision and the Ethics of Mattering in Adam Dickinson’s Anatomic
Authors: Ambroży Paulina
Published: April 2021

The aim of my inquiry is to discuss Adam Dickinson’s revisionist approach to the lyric autobiography as shown in his most recent volume Anatomic (2018a). Informed by an eco-critical sensibility, the biotechnological gaze, and post-humanist notions of subjectivity, this highly experimental conceptual project reveals porous boundaries of the autobiographical self caught up in the entanglement of the mind and matter. Based on burden tests of the poet’s own bodily fluids, Anatomic offers a philosophical speculation on the nature of the human, asking us to go beyond anthropocentric positioning of the subject and to consider ethical alongside onto-epistemological implications of this new direction. The methodology employed in my analyses of Dickinson’s poems derives from the influential notions of agential realism, diffractive vision, and intra-action formulated by Karan Barad – a trained quantum physicist and feminist philosopher working in the field of science and technology. Barad’s theories fuel New Materialist paradigms of thought as they propose the inherent indeterminacy of matter as well as question the established views of identity and the social. The particular focus of my interrogations will be the relationship between diffractive perception and the medical gaze used by the Canadian conceptualist to see himself non-anthropologically and thus to destabilize the perimeters of the autobiographical self.
Taking Root in Floating Cities – Space, Environment, and Immigrant Identity in Kerri Sakamoto’sFloating City
Authors: Antoniak Joanna
Published: April 2021

Human identity is shaped not only by culture, but also by nature – the environment in which people grow up and live, the places and spaces they visit, work in, and pass on an everyday basis. This people-place bond is particularly important in case of immigrants who are forced to abandon the places they know for a new – and often hostile – environment. This connection between space, environment, and immigrant identity is explored by Kerri Sakamoto, a Japanese-Canadian writer, in her newest novel,Floating City(2018). Focusing on the family narrative of the Hanesakas – and, in particular, the story of Frankie, the oldest son of the family – Sakamoto tells the story of shaping identity through forming a connection with the environment and architecture. The aim of this article is to discuss the way in which Sakamoto presents the people-place bond and its impact on immigrant identity as represented by the connection of the Japanese-Canadians with four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. Furthermore, the article analyses Sakamoto’s version of an alternative history of Toronto and the possible solutions to the current environmental crisis it brings. For this purpose, the author uses a mixture of methodological concepts stemming from postcolonial theory and environmental psychology, such as homing desire, rootlessness, place attachment, non-place, and the people-place bond.