bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an association of yeast and lactic acid bacteria to bioencapsulate carotenoids in Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820)
Authors: Vasina Liliia , Kraievska Ivanna , Khudyi Oleksii , Khuda Lidiia , Cheban Larysa
Published: April 2021

Freshwater zooplankton, which is commonly used as a starting fish feed, has a low content of essential compounds such as carotenoids. The possibility of increasing the productivity of carotenogenic yeast, Rhodotorula glutinis, for further bioencapsulation of zooplankton Daphnia magna is shown. An association of a UV irradiated yeast strain with lactic acid bacteria was cultivated for this purpose. This permitted intensifying the carotenogenesis of yeast, and the content of â-carotene increased by 1.7 times, and that of torularodine by 2.3 times compared with the native monoculture. The use of the association of microorganisms as a feed substrate in the cultivation of Daphnia magna provided both an increase in the carotenoid content in the investigated crustaceans more than 8 times, and their biomass by 2.5 times compared with the standard feed of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Molecular detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Poland
Authors: Guz Leszek , Puk Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

Renibacterium salmoninarum causes bacterial kidney disease mainly in salmonid fish. Oligonucleotide primers incorporating R. salmoninarum unique sequences were designed to amplify a 501 bp region of the gene encoding a 57 kDa soluble extra-cellular protein. The primers did not amplify other wide varieties of aquatic or piscine bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida or Yersinia ruckeri. This assay provides a molecular description and definitive identification of R. salmoninarum in Poland.
How Do You Want Me to Address You? – The Macedonian Name Dispute Resolved
Authors: Manzinger Krisztián
Published: April 2021

The Macedonian name dispute, a political debate between Greece and the current Republic of North Macedonia, arose after the break-up of the multi-ethnic Yugoslavia. The issue was overpoliticized for the societies of both countries. The international community followed the dispute, yet it did not exercise any pressure on Greece to cede in a debate seen by many as the stronger bullying the weaker. A breakthrough became achievable when political forces interested in the resolution came into power in both countries in the mid-2010s. The Prespa Agreement, signed in 2018, offered a mutually acceptable resolution and opened the way for North Macedonia to enter the NATO and to the opening of accession talks with the EU in March 2020.
When Our Space Closes, It Opens Our Minds
Authors: Ambrus Tünde
Published: April 2021

The object of the study is the problem of the ongoing epidemic, which affects the entire society and many fields of activity. Using associative logic, I focused on the approach which states that development based on ecology cannot be learned at school as the key of development is awareness. I presented the topic examining the social factors in three time period sections (Reorganization 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0), and I analysed it using historical sources as well as my previous studies referring to village research.
‘Land of Creation’: The Position, Brand Owners, and Contributors for Israel's Branding
Authors: Papp-Váry Árpád Ferenc , Szolnoki Szabolcs
Published: April 2021

The modern and independent State of Israel celebrated the seventieth anniversary of its proclamation of independence in 2018. Besides this landmark anniversary, the remarkable development of Israel's image in the past decade was also a cause for celebration. Nowadays, many people around the world consider Israel as a start-up nation, the stronghold of innovation and risk capital, and the home of outstanding researchers and research organizations – or at least people have this association. In recent years, the ‘industry of peace’, tourism has also undergone significant expansion in the country. This has not always been the case in the past – the change is the result of conscious efforts, which is primarily attributed to the real successes of the economic structure and secondarily to controlled positioning and country branding activity. How could this positive country brand of a ‘start-up nation’ and the ‘land of creation and creativity’ be created? How can it be that many people consider Israel as a country with vibrant, colourful, rich metropolises, the cradle of innovative enterprises, millions of USD in capital investment and world-changing patents instead of a powder keg and the Arab–Israeli conflict?

The methodology to analyse the topic is based on an examination of relevant literature and in-depth interviews conducted by the authors in Israel, involving a synthesis of interviews with the important figures of the innovation ecosystem and organizations involved in country branding. The present article aims to describe the branding ecosystem of Israel, introduce its main actors and activities in order to pave the way for future in-depth research.
A Novel Theoretical Modeling for Predicting the Sound Absorption of Woven Fabrics Using Modification of Sound Wave Equation and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Putra Valentinus Galih Vidia , Irwan  , Wijayono Andrian , Mohamad JulianyNingsih , Yusuf Yusril
Published: April 2021

Woven fabric in Indonesia is generally known as a material for making clothes and it has been applied as an interior finishing material in buildings, such as sound absorbent material. This study presents a new method for predicting the sound absorption of woven fabrics using a modification of the wave equations and using genetic algorithms. The main aim of this research is to study the sound absorption properties of woven fabric by modeling using a modification of the sound wave equations and using genetic algorithms. A new model for predicting the sound absorption coefficient of woven fabric (plain, twill 2/1, rips and satin fabric) as a function of porosity, the weight of the fabric, the thickness of the fabric, and frequency of the sound wave, was determined in this paper. In this research, the sound absorption coefficient equation was obtained using the modification of the sound wave equation as well as using genetic algorithms. This new model included the influence of the sound absorption coefficient phenomenon caused by porosity, the weight of the fabric, the thickness of fabric as well as the frequency of the sound wave. In this study, experimental data showed a good agreement with the model
Preliminary Experimental Investigation of Cut-Resistant Materials: A Biomimetic Perspective
Authors: Kropidłowska Paulina , Irzmańska Emilia , Sawicki Jacek
Published: April 2021

The objective of the work was the preliminary experimental investigation of cut-resistant materials including a biomimetic perspective. The effects of the cutting were expressed as static and dynamic cut resistance of the following materials: knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, continuously coated knitted fabrics, and dot-coated knitted fabrics. The cutting process gives rise to frictional forces, but the current test methods for cut-resistant gloves are not designed to measure them. Therefore additionally, the cut resistance of the material was evaluated using a modified procedure based on the standard EN 1082-1, taking into consideration grip strength tests to assess if there is a potential correlation between cut resistance and anti-slip properties.
Mittelalterliche Würfelspiele mit Einsatz und Gewinn
Authors: Bronder Thomas
Published: April 2021

The second part in the 1284 Book of Games of Alfonso X. contains the description of twelve medieval games of dice. Certain information on the amount and timing of bets of the players are only very briefly displayed and are completely missing in several games. The exact course of such games is therefore unknown. What did the players know about their chances of rolling dice and how they could use them when playing the dice? In order to imagine the process of betting for gain, the characteristics of these games of dice are examined and compared with contemporary games of chance.
The water clarity of Polish lakes with charophyte vegetation in the years 1953-1968
Authors: Hutorowicz Andrzej
Published: April 2021

A total of 313 lakes with charophyte vegetation were identified based on the data presented in 1111 manuscripts under the shared title of “Assumptions for the fisheries management project in Lake (lake name)”, based on the results of an environmental inventory carried out by the Inland Fisheries Institute in 1953-1968. The lakes’ morphological characteristics were described, hydrophyte species that most frequently accompanied charophytes were identified, differences in summer water transparency were analyzed in 281 lakes with charophyte vegetation and the results were compared with the observations made in 657 other lakes, and the potential trophic state of lakes with charophyte vegetation was determined using Carlson’s trophic state index (1996). More than half (54%) of 171 dimictic lakes with charophyte vegetation were classified as mesotrophic and 31% as oligotrophic, whereas 50% of 110 polymictic lakes were classified as eutrophic, and 40% as mesotrophic. The frequency of taxa that contribute to the eutrophication (degradation) of water bodies, including Ceratophyllum spp. Myriophyllum spp. and Elodea canadensis, increased with a decrease in the percentage of charophytes in communities of submerged hydrophytes. Regardless of the proportion of charophytes in submerged hydrophyte communities, water in the lakes colonized by charophytes was more transparent than in the 659 lakes without charophytes. Water in many polymictic and dimictic lakes with charophyte vegetation, including lakes with a small contribution of charophytes, was more transparent than in lakes without charophytes, which suggests that charophytes are sensitive indicators of water quality and are components of ecological memory in aquatic ecosystems.
Henry Friendly and the Incorporation of the Bill of Rights
Authors: Halper Thomas
Published: April 2021

This essay analyzes the response of one of America’s pre-eminent judges, Henry Friendly, to one of the most far reaching constitutional developments of his time and our time, the incorporation of the Bill of Rights into the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. In the course of addressing the issue, Friendly raised profound concerns about constitutional construction, federalism, the rule of law, and individual liberty that continue to resonate decades later.
The Transit of EU Construction Branch from Craft to Industrial Production Process Using BIM: The Case of Construction Public Works in Greece According to the Orders of EU Directives 2014/24/EU & 2014/25/EU
Authors: Metallinos Pavlos
Published: April 2021

For years, the European Commission has focused on the production process of the construction industry, because this branch is included in the critical conditions for the European capitalism development. As such, it has focused on implementing modernization policies and increasing the productive capacity of construction companies and optimising the technical outcome for the benefit of its funds and the European society. For this reason, its benchmark has been focused on saving through the BIM practice of the unnecessary expenditure paid by funds that finance the construction of public works to meet more social needs. The author researches the transaction of the EU construction branch from craft to industrial production process using BIM. The subject of the research is approached methodologically through the examination of studies in the field of the construction branch. Announcements and Directives issued by the EU have been taken into account in comparison with national law and practices applied and used by individual Member States, especially by Hellenic public authorities, in order to identify why the EU insists on the use of digital building (3D), schedule management (4D) and cost management (5D) applying the productive process of construction public works. However, it is proven that the necessary incentive to increase BIM application usability does not seem to be perceived, since BIM applicability is not widespread compared to the executed construction volume.
Hydrogen - Some Historical Highlights
Authors: Szydło Zbigniew A.
Published: April 2021

The early history of experiments in which an inflammable air was prepared is outlined. Once hydrogen had been discovered by Cavendish in 1766, the world of science and technology was given a colossal impetus. Its scientific and social consequences form the main focus of this essay. Special attention is given to explain why experiments were done, and their aims. The many difficulties which confronted scientists in the interpretation of their results are discussed. Timelines have been used in order to facilitate an understanding of the evolution of ideas. A particular emphasis is given to the story of how, through spectral analysis of the hydrogen atom, our understanding of atomic structure developed. Experiments involving hydrogen constitute important teaching material in schools. Detailed instructions are given for making hydrogen in the laboratory and for demonstrating its lightness and flammability. Suggestions are made of how to use these reactions to teach a wide variety of chemical concepts and facts.
Human Resources and R&D at the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation (TUL)
Authors: Svermova Pavla , Kabova Alena , Starostina Olha , Pankova Marketa
Published: April 2021

Within the next few years, Europe’s economic paradigm will change fundamentally. Its manufacturing base will continue to shrink, and therefore future growth and social welfare will rely increasingly on knowledge-intensive industries and services, and ever more jobs will require a higher education qualification. Human resources are a core determinant of quality in higher education and research. Universities must therefore work to enhance their human potential, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by attracting, developing and keeping talent in teaching/research careers. Excellence may only emerge from a favourable professional environment based in particular on open, transparent and competitive procedures. Research and development (R&D) has proven to be a crucial factor in shifting the world’s technological frontiers, while at the same time facilitating new technological and scientific innovations. This paper will focus on R&D at the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation at the Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic. After a description of a literary search in the introduction, the specific real situation at this institute is mentioned, i.e. the number of submitted and solved national and international projects, statistics on research and development sources, and of course human resources at the institute. In the conclusion, the reader will be able to get a picture of how to increase the institute competitiveness in international collaboration.
Application of Buckling Restrained Braces to Upgrade Vertical Stiffness of Existing RC Frames
Authors: Niyonyungu Ferdinand , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan
Published: April 2021

In this paper, based on the RC frame structure of an industrial building, the finite element model of the structure is developed, according to the Chinese code for seismic design of buildings [9]. Considering the lack of seismic performance, the buckling restrained brace (BRB) is adopted for seismic retrofitting, and various configurations of buckling restrained support are considered for reinforcement. The elastic response spectrum analysis (RSA) and direct integration nonlinear time history analyses (NL-TH) are carried out for the frame structure before and after reinforcement using ETABS finite element software. From the joints displacement, inter-story displacement, inter-story shear force, acceleration, energy dissipation, and other aspects of the seismic response of the strengthened structure and the non-strengthened structure, the comparison has been made. The effect of buckling restrained support and common support on the existing building structure is verified through analytical modeling. After reinforcement, there is a 40%, 39.3%, 40%, 36.4%, and 38.3% reduction in the first period of vibration after the building is strengthened by inverted BRB, V BRB, two-story BRB, single BRB, and ordinary steel braces, respectively. Strengthening of the structure by buckling restrained braces and ordinary steel braces both decrease the original building displacement by more than 50% from the first to the fourth floor. Under severe earthquakes, the use of BRB reduced the column shear by 46.6%; similarly, the incorporation of ordinary steel braces reduced the column shear by 4.72%. It is concluded that using buckling restrained braces will increase the vertical stiffness of the structure to a very high extent.
Impact of Elevated Temperature on the Properties of Concretes Reinforced with Alfa Fiber
Authors: Mihoub Imane , Khelifa Mohammed Rissel , Mezhoud Samy
Published: April 2021

Alfa fiber reinforced concretes are not used to their full potential due to the limited information on their properties, especially in more severe environments. In this study, the effects of elevated temperature on the properties of concretes reinforced with Alfa fiber were analyzed. The influence of fiber length on reinforced concretes is mainly investigated. For this purpose, five types of structural concretes were formulated; two types of concrete reinforced with 1% Alfa fiber volume using two different fiber lengths of 20 mm and 30 mm (AC-20, and AC-30), and three control concretes, two polypropylene fiber reinforced concretes (PC) using the same fiber length (PC-20, PC-30), and one ordinary concrete (OC). The results showed that with the increase of temperature, the mechanical performance decreased and the porosity rose continually for all mixtures. However, the use of Alfa fiber with a length of 20 mm showed the optimal results in terms of compressive and tensile strength, even at temperatures of 600°C. This finding suggests that Alfa vegetable fiber can be used to produce more sustainable concretes with acceptable mechanical properties compared to the use of polypropylene fiber, even under severe conditions of elevated temperature.
Flexural Strength of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams Under Two-Point Loading
Authors: Sangeetha Palanivelu , Gopal S. Ramana , Vigneshwar A. Jai , Vaishnavi K. , Srinidhi A.
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the flexural strength of simply-supported steel–concrete composite beams under two-point loading. A total of four specimens were tested to failure for varying parameters including type of connectors (stud and channel) and number of connectors (two and four). ANSYS software was used to establish the finite element models that can simulate the flexural behaviour of the composite beam. The test results show that a beam with channel connectors performs better than a beam with stud connectors. The composite beam with two connectors between the beam and slab causes additional deflection due to slippage in the connectors, when compared to the beam with four connectors. The results from the analytical model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
An Innovative Process for Efficient Data Evaluation in an Atmospheric Geochemical Survey of Contaminated Soil
Authors: Skvarekova Erika , Wittenberger Gabriel , Senova Andrea , Bakalar Tomas , Harcarufka Rastislav
Published: April 2021

The article focuses on the field of innovative trends for efficient data processing in the conduct of research of organic soil pollution using a soil air analyzer for surveys of soil contamination in situ at industrial enterprises in Slovakia. The content of the article is a discourse of theoretical knowledge from the field of the geological environment; the authors’ own survey to monitor the processing and evaluation of the measured values obtained (e.g., CO2, CH4, NEL, BTEX). Currently, standard data processing procedures using the software that is supplied have basic or limited functionality, and the processing time is several hours, including manual and repetitive tasks. As we present in the article, the new Windows PowerShell tool is being used more efficiently, reducing the data processing time which represents an 86% time saving. There is currently no suitable or faster way of evaluating the measured data in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Together or Separately: Dilemmas of Group Work in Professional Creativity
Authors: Szmidt Krzysztof J. , Modrzejewska-Świgulska Monika
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of the paper is to provide a concise account of the advantages and disadvantages of group work in the activity of professional artists cooperating in various creative teams. The analyzed data comes from three different sources: the authors’ own experience gained through their work as part of various focus groups, other authors’ research results found in the publications on creatology, and the authors’ own investigative work. The aspects of teamwork (group mind) as well as limitations and drawbacks of team work in groups (group thinking) are discussed in the first part of the paper. The second part describes select results of research conducted over the last few years among Polish female artists and film and theatre directors working on joint projects in creative teams. The study examined the determinants of the women’s creative careers. The final section includes a number of conclusions that aim to answer the question posed in the title of the paper.
What do You Really Teach When You Teach Creativity to Adults?
Authors: Janiszewska-Szczepanik Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

As there are obviously numerous understandings of what a “creativity training” is and what it entails in terms of applied curricula and methodologies, it seems worth to consider what type of creativity teaching would be best adjusted and most beneficial for different groups of recipients. Specifically, the paper is devoted to my personal experiences with running open “creativity workshops” (or semester-long “courses”) for a few groups of adults throughout the period of twelve months. The question is posed about the needs and motivations of people searching for such additional classes, which do not constitute any part of their job duties or recommended career-related trainings. Conclusions indicate that more than “teaching creativity,” the main task of an educator of adults, wanting to boost their creativity, would be to support the recipients with transforming their existing creative skills and potential into practice. The role of a trainer is figured out to be more of a “facilitator” or “coach” than a “teacher” identified with formal education and perceived in the classical sense of the term. The primary aim of the described project was not scientific, but because it was a mixture of original exercises with activities proposed in acclaimed creativity textbooks, as a researcher I consider it worthy to share my experience to a wider audience with hope and encouragement that some of the presented solutions or techniques might be applied further.
Logical Form through Abstraction
Authors: Szabó Zoltán Gendler
Published: April 2021

In a recent book, Logical Form: between Logic and Natural Language, Andrea Iacona argues that semantic form and logical form are distinct. The semantic form of a sentence is something that (together with the meanings of its parts) determines what it means; the logical from of a sentence is something that (all by itself) determines whether it is a logical truth. Semantic form does not depend on context but logical form does: for example, whether ‘This is this’ is a logical truth depends on whether the two occurrences of ‘this’ are used to demonstrate the same individual. I respond by claiming that logical form is indifferent to reference and is sensitive only to obligatory co-reference. When the speaker intends both occurrences of ‘this’ to be interpreted the same way the logical from of ‘This is this’ is a=a, while in a context where the speaker has no such intention it is a=b. This proposal allows a much more conservative revision of the traditional picture than the one suggested by Iacona. Instead of identifying the logical form of a natural language sentence by seeking a formalization in an artificial language, we obtain it through abstraction from its syntactic analysis: replacing the non-logical expressions by schematic letters, making sure that we use identical ones if and only if the speaker intended co-reference.
Anaphoric Dependence and Logical Form
Authors: García-Carpintero Manuel
Published: April 2021

In the core chapters 4–6, Iacona (2018) argues against the “Uniqueness Thesis” (UT), stating that “there is a unique notion of logical form that fulfils both the logical role and the semantic role” (39), where the former “concerns the formal explanation of logical properties and logical relations, such as validity or contradiction” (37), and the latter “concerns the formulation of a compositional theory of meaning” (ibid.). He argues for this on the basis of relations of coreference among referential expressions, names and indexicals. From what I take to be a fundamental agreement on most relevant issues, here I will nonetheless press him to clarify the notions of intrinsicness and the logical and semantic role of logical form on which he relies.
The Early Modern Origins of Pragmatism
Authors: Szalek Piotr K.
Published: April 2021

This paper considers the alleged pragmatism of Berkeley’s philosophy using the two Sellarsian categories of ‘manifest’ and ‘scientific’ images of the world and human beings. The ‘manifest’ image is regarded as a refinement of the ordinary way of conceiving things, and the scientific image is seen as a theoretical picture of the world provided by science. The paper argues that the so-called Berkeleian pragmatism was an effect of Berkeley’s work towards a synthesis of ‘manifest’ and ‘scientific’ images through the creation of one unified synoptic vision of the world and was a part of a new conceptual framework within which these two images could be combined.
The Worshipers of Stones. Lacandon Sacred Stone Landscape
Authors: Kováč Milan
Published: April 2021

This article deals with the Lacandon cosmology, one of the few Maya cosmologies which has been exceptionally structured and until today, very well preserved. The present study is based mainly on associations related to stone. There are investigated the emic classifications of the Lacandon. Their classification of divine beings according to their location, and their connection to the stone houses, whether of natural or cultural origin. In the article are analyzed the most sacred Lacandon sites such as the rock shelters, cliffs and caves around the Lake Mensäbäk and Lake Yahaw Petha, as well as Yaxchilan, the archaeological site with the long tradition of Lacandon pilgrimages. The Lacandon believe in different types of transfer of spiritual energy through stone. The stones could be considered on different levels as the seat, heart or embodiment of deities. These relationships and contexts are very complex. The article tries to identify it and to offer some linguistic and theoretical approaches.
Class, Urbanity and the Environment. The Ethnography of the New Middle/Creative Class Identity in Warsaw's Industrial Suburbs
Authors: Wierciński Hubert , Sadowska Natalia , Poniatowska MałGorzata
Published: April 2021

In this article we analyse local community-based concepts and practices related to establishing a new middle-class identity when under social and “environmental” pressure. We based our ethnographic inquiry in “RA” – a Warsaw suburb – well-known as a former village but now a location for industry and waste-processing plants. Its vicinity, despite being populated, is polluted by heavy traffic, noise and an unpleasant odour, all of which recently have become the stimulus for social mobilisation and intense criticism toward the local authorities and an inconsiderate urbanisation policy. A key role here is played by two organisations, both exerting a strong influence on the new middle/creative class living in gated communities – a novel phenomenon for the local sociocultural landscape. We argue that this activism and struggle for a clean environment is rooted in the post-1989 Polish politico-economic transformation and the emergence of new middle-class identity projects. Thus, we reveal that sustainable urbanisation and “green policies” in Poland are embedded in middle-class identities, and gain momentum especially when class identity and image are under threat.
A History of Koshe Town in South-Central Ethiopia from 1941 to 1991
Authors: Getachew Yohannes Tesfaye
Published: April 2021

Koshe town is the administrative and commercial center of Mareko woreda.1 It is found in Gurage Zone Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regional State. According to the tradition the origin of the name “Koshe” is originated from the plant which called by the name Koshe which abundantly grow in the area. The establishment of Koshe town is directly associated with the five years Italian occupation. Due to the expansion of patriotic movement in the area Italian officials of the area forced to establish additional camp in the area in a particular place Koshe. This paper explores the role of Fascist Italy for the establishment of Koshe town.

The former weekly market shifted its location and established around the Italian camp. Following the evacuation of Fascist Italy the Ethiopian governments control the area. During the government of Emperor Haile Selassie Koshe town got some important developmental programs. The most important development was the opening of the first school by the effort of the Swedes.2 The Military regime (Derg)3 also provided important inputs for the urbanization of Koshe town. This research paper observes the development works that flourish in Koshe during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Military regime, and also asses the role of different organizations for the urbanization of Koshe town.
A Spatial Econometric Analysis on the Impact of COVID-19 on Mortality Outcome
Authors: Shobande Olatunji , Ogbeifun Lawrence
Published: April 2021

The study develops and examines the spatial distribution of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID) on mortality outcomes using a global panel dataset of 79 countries. The empirical evidence is based on Fixed Effect (FE) and System Generalized Method of Moment (SGMM) estimator. The predicted variable is proxy with daily mortality outcomes, while the predictor variable is proxy with spatial COVID spread while controlling for social tension and average temperature. The global and regional findings of the study established that spatial variation in COVID spread had positive and significant relationships with mortality outcomes. Further results also indicate that social tension is a contributing factor to the rising daily mortality outcome from the COVD outbreak, whereas temperature variation reduces mortality outcome. Thus, the study recommends the use of statistical modelling to predict and manage the epidemic. Also, there is an urgent demand to deploy essential social need to the vulnerable proportion of the population to reduce the level of social unrest, while strengthening collaborative research among scientists to develop, produce and distribute vaccines that will put an end to the pandemic.
Deconstructing the Impact of Entrepreneurship on Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries
Authors: Ogede Jimoh S.
Published: April 2021

The study examines the impacts of entrepreneurship on income inequality in a panel of 29 Sub-Saharan African countries spanning from 2004 to 2020. The paper employs a dynamic heterogeneous panel approach to differentiate between long-run and short-run impacts of entrepreneurship on income inequality. The findings establish a robust and direct nexus between entrepreneurial activities and income disparity. The results of the two entrepreneurial indicators are stable. Besides, the coefficient of the human capital is positive in the regression and statistically significant at a 5 percent significance level. The proxies for macroeconomic factors exhibit diverse signs and impact, which suggest a policy stimulus aimed at refining macroeconomic situations and also ignite prospects for households to increase their incomes.
The Hotel Site Selection: Determining Locational Factors by Fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Ulucan Ebru
Published: April 2021

Just like in other industries, it is very important to choose the best possible location in hotel investments. As there are too many alternatives and changing touristic demands, there is serious competition within the hospitality sector. Therefore, all the investors want their properties located at the most profitable and competitive sites. To do so, they should decide the hotel location site by doing a well-analysed feasibility study. The hotel location selection can be influenced by some elements such as natural, economical, socio-cultural, legal, psychological factors and agglomeration effects. All of these factors have important roles of a hotel’s business success. However, especially in the last few years, the increasing numbers of hotel investments call in doubt that these factors are not considered properly. With this doubt, the main problems of this research have been revealed: what main factors do the investors consider in their investment decisions, and how do they decide the best site to locate the hotel? These problems also create the aims of this paper, which are to determine the factors that are important for investors and to find out where the most selected investment zones are. To achieve this goal, Istanbul has been divided into five agglomeration (investment) zones such as Historical Peninsula, Taksim-Beşiktaş-Şişli, Sarıyer-Maslak-Levent, Airport Area and Anatolian Side, according to their agglomeration effects. Then, interviews were completed with six hotel investors from these areas in order to get their opinions about the investment decisions. The gathered information has been analysed by the fuzyy TOPSIS method, which helps to calculate the subjective thoughts of the investors in a quantitative way. Then, the order of preference within the investment zones was calculated to determine the most popular site among the investors. The results showed that the most important factors for hotel location selection are agglomeration effects and economical factors. According to the order of preference, the most preferred location site has been determined as the Historical Peninsula, which includes Fatih, Eminönü, Sultan-ahmet and Topkapı zones.
Forecasting operational costs of technical objects based on the example of railbuses
Authors: Dziaduch Izabela
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the article is to present the method for forecasting one of the three categories of exploitation costs, i.e., operational costs. The article analyses the available subject literature discussing the methods of measuring operational costs used in the LCC analysis. The presented method for forecasting operational costs of technical objects applies econometric modelling, probability distributions and certain elements of descriptive and mathematical statistics. The statistical data analysis was performed using the functions and commands available in Microsoft Excel. Weibull++ application was also used for constructing probability distributions for random variables and verifying hypotheses. The method was tested on eight single-mode railbuses, operated by one of the regional railway companies providing passenger transport. An ex-post relative forecast error was used to measure the level of accuracy of the operational cost forecast. The analysis of the compliance between forecasted cost value and the actual costs showed extensive convergence as evidenced by the level of estimated relative errors. In forecasting the operational costs of railbuses, the average error was approx. 2.9%. The presented method can, therefore, constitute the basis for the estimation of both operational costs and exploitation costs, which represent an important cost component considered when assessing the profitability of purchasing one of the several competing technical objects offered by the industry.
Risk analysis in maintenance processes
Authors: Drożyner Przemysław
Published: April 2021

The article aims to present practical methods for prioritising the activities of maintenance departments based on the Pareto analysis and the failure risk analysis. Based on the collected data on the number of observed failures and their removal times, commonly known reliability indicators were determined, which were then used to estimate the probabilities and consequences of failures in terms of the risk of loss of production continuity. Based on commonly collected failure data, the developed methods allow proposing to the maintenance departments the sequence of maintenance and repair work to be undertaken in terms of minimising the risk of failure. Risk analysis is somewhat commonly used in the practice of maintenance departments (e.g. RBI, FMEA, ETA, FTE, HIRA). The added value of this work is the use of reliability indicators for estimating the values of risk components, i.e., probability and consequences. The method was developed on the basis of operational data collected in one of the plants of the dairy cooperative and, after assessing the effects of its implementation, it was implemented in other enterprises of the cooperative.
Plant isoflavones can affect accumulation and impact of silver and titania nanoparticles on ovarian cells
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. , Alexa Richard , Stochmalova Aneta , Scsukova Sona
Published: April 2021

Objectives. The application of nanoparticles is experiencing a rapid growth, but it faces a problem of their toxicity, especially adverse effects on female reproduction. Food and medicinal plants and their isoflavones can be protectors against environmental stressors, but their ability to abate the adverse effects of nanoparticles has not been studied yet. In the present study, we examined the effect of silver (AgNPs) and titanium dioxide (titania, TiO2NPs) nanoparticles alone or in combination with plant phytoestrogens/antioxidants (resveratrol, diosgenin, and quercetin) on accumulation of nanoparticles, and progesterone release by cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Methods. Porcine granulosa cells were incubated in the presence of AgNPs or TiO2NPs (0.1, 1, 10 or 100 µg/ml) alone or in combination with resveratrol, diosgenin or quercetin (10 µg/ml) for 48 h. The accumulation of tested nanoparticles by granulosa cells was assessed under light microscope. Progesterone concentration in culture media was measured by ELISA kit.

Results. Cells accumulated both AgNPs and TiO2NPs in a dose-dependent manner. AgNPs, but not TiO2NPs, at highest dose (100 µg/ml) resulted in a destruction of cell monolayer. Both Ag-NPs and TiO2NPs reduced progesterone release. Resveratrol, diosgenin, and quercetin promoted accumulation of both AgNPs and TiO2NPs in ovarian cells and inhibited the progesterone output. Furthermore, resveratrol and diosgenin, but not quercetin, prevented the suppressive action of both AgNPs, and TiO2NPs on progesterone release.

Conclusions. These observations (1) demonstrate accumulation of AgNPs and TiO2NPs in ovarian cells, (2) confirm the toxic impact of AgNPs, and TiO2NPs on these cells, (3) confirm the inhibitory effects of plant polyphenols/phytoestrogens on ovarian steroidogenesis, (4) show the ability of these isoflavones to increase the accumulation of AgNPs and TiO2NPs, and (5) show their ability to reduce the suppressive effect of AgNPs and TiO2NPs on ovarian progesterone release. The suppressive effect of AgNPs and TiO2NPs on ovarian functions should be taken into account by their exposition. However, these adverse effects could be mitigated by some plant isoflavones.
The Impact of Debt on Economic Development of the Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Ćosović Mehdija
Published: April 2021

The degree of increased indebtedness in the Western Balkan countries is generated by increasing consumption in terms of increased economic growth and structural reforms. Although these countries have shown an increase in exports and foreign direct investment over the past few years, the current account deficit remains high, especially in the ratio between external debt and GDP, which is not only high but at the stage of growth. Also, as domestic financial markets are underdeveloped, these countries are to a large extent exposed to an increase in the price of foreign borrowing. The current borrowing policy continues with increasing investment in non-productive consumption, which requires renewed borrowing. The presentation of debt trends, analysis and comparison of external debt of these countries show relevant guidelines in the selection of an adequate economic policy that would enhance the competitiveness of this part of the Balkans. Also, a comparative analysis of the indebtedness ratio will especially assess the state of indebtedness in Serbia, the structure and the movement of external debt towards international financial institutions. The comparison in this paper is made using standard indices of indebtedness based on the data obtained from the national statistical institutes and international financial institutions.
Causes and Effects of Spatial Chaos in the Polish Carpathians – A Difficult Way to Sustainable Development
Authors: Ćwik Agata , Hrehorowicz-Gaber Hanna
Published: April 2021

Mountainous rural areas are vulnerable to inappropriate land management, which is particularly visible in the Polish Carpathians. This paper attempts to diagnose the causes and effects of spatial chaos in this area, using the DPSIR method. The Three Questions method was used to assist in analysing the effects of disorder in the context of violating sustainable development. The analysis demonstrated that the causes of spatial disorder were mainly of legal and historical origins, with the most visible effects of this chaos being those related to the dispersion of buildings. Minimising spatial chaos requires extensive education, as well as amending legislation to limit the scope of decisions on development conditions. A national financial mechanism supporting the development of the Carpathians would also seem to be a desirable improvement.
Improvement of Ips typographus catches in pheromone trap barriers by altering of sex assigned pheromone blends
Authors: Blaženec Miroslav , Majdák Andrej , Jakuš Rastislav
Published: April 2021

The present study was based on the idea of a pheromone trap barrier with alternating dispensers releasing different pheromone mixtures that affect males and females differently. We tested the possibility of increasing the catch efficacy of pheromone trap barriers by altering the pheromone mixture with low levels of cis-Verbenol (cV, targeting males, BM), the mixture with high levels of cV (targeting females, BF) and the pheromone mixture with intermediate levels of cV (SL). In addition, we were interested in lowering the dispersion of attracted bark beetles, especially males, which reduces the risk of attack on trees in the surroundings. Significant highest absolute and relative catch was found in the catch of the combination BM–BF, which was 2.2-fold higher than the catch of the control barrier treated with commercial IT Ecolure baits (Fytofarm, Slovakia). At the same time, the lowest dispersal in the surroundings of the barrier with the combination BM–BF was found, which was 2.5-fold lower than in the control barrier. The performance of the BM–BF combination of mixtures was proved in a field trial experiment where the total season catch of the part of the barrier treated with BM–BF dispensers caught 1.5-fold more beetles during the season than the control part treated with IT Ecolure dispensers. Furthermore, the results confirm that the performance of the combination of low levels of cV (targeting males) and high levels of cV (targeting females) is complemented by the desired reduced dispersion around the barrier, which reduces the risk of attack on trees in the surroundings.
Adapting date palm offshoots to long-term irrigation using groundwater in sandy soil
Authors: Shareef Hussein J. , Alhamd Abdulrahman S. , Naqvi Summar A. , Eissa Mamdouh A.
Published: April 2021

The date palm can grow in desert areas using high salinity groundwater by increasing the number of irrigation cycles. A field experiment was carried out on date palm cv. Sayer offshoots grown in sandy saline soil during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The outcomes demonstrated that the application of saline (10 dS m–1) groundwater every four days increased plant height, number of new leaves, total chlorophyll, and relative water content. In turn, the hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage were reduced. Also, the effect of this treatment improved the growth of the plants, thus reduced the absorption of sodium, chloride, and increased potassium, then decreased the Na/K ratio. Cluster analysis showed two distinct cluster groups. In the first group, the dissimilarity between the treatments is illustrated by the influence of freshwater. While the second group showed the similarity between the treatments of four days and every week in the subgroup. Whereas treatment of two weeks duration shows the most detrimental effect on growth indices and chemical properties of offshoots. The utilization of saline groundwater in the water system of the date palm is the best option among the solutions possible in the current conditions of drought and thermal retention.
White poplar (Populus albaL.) stands in Ukraine: the current state, growth specificities and prospects of using for forest plantations
Authors: Vysotska Natalia , Rumiantsev Maksym , Kobets Oleksii
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the current state and evaluate the productivity of white poplar stands by natural zones within Ukraine and to define the prospects for their use for plantation forest cultivation. The objects of the study were white poplar stands in Ukrainian forests grown on the area of more than 7,600 hectares in various natural zones, namely Polissya (forest zone in Ukraine), Forest-Steppe, and Steppe. The study was carried out based on the analysis of forest inventory data (Ukrainian forest fund database) containing given stand characteristics such as origin, age, diameter, height, type of forest site conditions, etc. The characteristics were estimated by grouping the plots by age. The growth specificities (dynamics of the main mensuration characteristics) and the productive capacity of the white poplar stands were analyzed based on the developed tables. It was found that white poplar stands are mainly concentrated in Steppe and Forest-Steppe in Ukraine. The stands are of coppice or artificial origin; they grow in moist fairly fertile, fresh fairly fertile and moist fertile sites. The age distribution of the white poplar stands is severely imbalanced due to a significant predominance of stands aged over 40 years in all natural zones within Ukraine. More productive are the white poplar stands growing within Polissya and Forest-Steppe. The developed growth and productivity tables should be used when planning and prioritizing the relevant forestry interventions in white poplar stands.