bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
West – East: The semiotics of axiological convergences and divergences
Authors: Plesník Ľubomír 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This study focuses on the verbal representation of life strategies in Vetalapanchavimshati, an old Indian collection of stories, which is part of Somadeva’s Kathasaritsagara. On the basis of the aspect of gain ~ loss, two basic life strategies are identified. The first one, the lower strategy, is defined by an attempt to obtain material gain, which is attained at the cost of a spiritual loss. The second one, the higher strategy, negates the first one (spiritual gain attained at the cost of a material loss) and it is an internally diversified series of axiological models. The core of the study explains the combinatorial variants which, in their highest positions, even transcend the gain ~ loss opposition. The final part of the study demonstrates the intersections between the higher strategy and selected European cultural initiatives (gnosis).
Dickens’s nonconformist treatment of stained women in David Copperfield
Authors: Badinjki Taher 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
David Copperfield shows an advance in Dickens’s treatment of stained women in his earlier works. In this novel he takes the subject inside the closed doors of respectable people to influence their attitudes and to bring a shift in society’s attitude towards them. Dickens’s presentation of stained women is lapped by romantic pathos and supported by a number of devices which aim at securing the sympathy of his readers. In saving them from public retribution, Dickens has turned the bitterest aspect of conventions to a more generous end trying to indicate that it requires sympathy and an ameliorating Christian response, rather than downright condemnation. He supports reformation which leads to rehabilitation and a return to respectability. In his treatment of Emily, Martha Endell, Rosa Dartle and other tarnished women, Dickens could reconcile his charitable inclinations with the imperatives of respectability and could also show the necessity of giving stained women a second chance at home or abroad.
Nuclear Genome Size Determination Of Christia Vespertilionis Via Flow Cytometry
Authors: Midin Mohd Razik , Fikri Muhammad Irfan , Zailani Siti Sarah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Christia vespertilionis (butterfly wing plant) is an ornamental plant originated from South East Asia with reported usage in traditional medicine practice and potential as an anticancer and antitumor. This research aims to estimate the genome size of C. vespertilionis via flow cytometry (FCM) method. The research was conducted with the optimisation of nuclear suspension preparation followed by the genome size estimation. Two chopping techniques [manual chopping (MC) and BDTM Medimachine (MM)] and two lysis buffers (Otto and LBO1) were tested. Otto buffer with manual chopping was found to be the most suitable method, generated fine DNA peak with minimum debris background, and coefficient of variation (CV) value less than 3%. Five replicates of the FCM analysis were made for the genome size determination. The estimated genome size of C. vespertilionis was found to be 3.22 pg by using Glycine max cv. Polanka (2C=2.5pg) as an external reference standard. Further comparison with other Christia species was not possible due to the lack of data on genome size. The genome size data of C. vespertilionis can be useful for future morphology and genetics studies of Christia species.
Towards the Optimization of Process Parameters for Impact Strength of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites: Taguchi Method
Authors: Yusuf S. S. , Islam M. N. , Ali M. H. , Akram M. W. , Siddique M. A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper presents an investigation of impact strength of sponge gourd, coir, and jute fibers reinforced epoxy resin-based composites. Impact strength of specimens, made of composites with various proportions of wt% ratio of resin and hardener, wt% of resin and hardener, wt% ratio of sponge gourd and jute, wt% ratio of sponge gourd and coir, was measured. Design of experiment was done by Taguchi method using four control factors with three levels. Effect of the above control factors on impact strength was examined and the best combinations of control factors are advised. Confirmation test was performed by using this combination and the percentage of contribution of the above factors on impact strength was investigated by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Contour and interaction plots provide helpfully examines to explore the combined influences of different control factors on output characteristics. The regression equation represents a mathematical model that relates control factors with impact strength.
Renal changes and apoptosis caused by subacute exposure to Aroclor 1254 in selenium-deficient and selenium-supplemented rats
Authors: Zeybek Naciye Dilara , Sur Ünzile , Oflaz Ofcan , Erkekoğlu Pınar , Balcı Aylin , Özkemahlı Gizem , Aşçı Ali , Kızılgün Murat , Edebal Oğuz Han , Koçer-Gümüşel Belma 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Aroclor 1254 (A1254), a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls, exerts hepatic, renal, and reproductive toxicity in rodents. This study aimed to determine a protective role of selenium on histopathological changes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis caused by A1254 in rat kidney. It included a control group, which received regular diet containing 0.15 mg/kg Se (C), a Se-supplemented group (SeS) receiving 1 mg/kg Se, a Se-deficient group (SeD) receiving Se-deficient diet of ≤0.05 mg/kg Se, an A1254-treated group (A) receiving 10 mg/kg of Aroclor 1254 and regular diet, an A1254-treated group receiving Se-supplementation (ASeS), and an A1254-treated group receiving Se-deficient diet (ASeD). Treatments lasted 15 days. After 24 h of the last dose of A1254, the animals were decapitated under anaesthesia and their renal antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione, protein oxidation, and total antioxidant capacity levels measured. Histopathological changes were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Apoptosis was detected with the TUNEL assay. Kidney weights, CAT activities, and GSH levels decreased significantly in all A1254-treated groups. Renal atrophic changes and higher apoptotic cell counts were observed in the A and ASeD groups. Both groups also showed a significant drop in GPx1 activities (A – 34.92 % and ASeD – 86.46 %) and rise in LP (A – 30.45 % and ASeD – 20.44 %) vs control. In contrast, LP levels and apoptotic cell counts were significantly lower in the ASeS group vs the A group. Histopathological changes and renal apoptosis were particularly visible in the ASeD group. Our findings suggest that selenium supplementation provides partial protection against renal toxicity of Aroclor 1254.
Nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in juvenile rats and possible mechanisms of action
Authors: Liu Ye , Sun Li , Yang Guili , Yang Zhuo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Because of their widespread use and potential adverse effects in young developing organism, this study focused on the nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity of chronic low-dose exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in 32 14-day-old male Wistar rats, randomly divided into three groups receiving AgNP solution (3 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for one, two, or three weeks and the untreated control group (eight animals per group). When the rats were eight weeks old, blood creatinine and urine microalbumin were tested, followed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Proteinuria was found in the animals treated with AgNP for three weeks, and H&E staining revealed pathological changes in the kidney sections of this group. DNA damage was detected with the alkaline comet assay in the groups treated for two and three weeks. All results indicate that chronic exposure, even at a low dose, may affect animal health. The main culprit might be increased and time-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Highly reactive ROS could cause a major structural damage to proteins and DNA, change the expression of ion channel proteins, and trigger inflammation. The findings of our in vivo experiment raise concern about nephrotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles in young organisms and call for further investigation of nanoparticle properties that can be modified to minimise the risks.
Comparison of Morphological, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Goji Fruits
Authors: Kruczek Arleta , Ochmian Ireneusz , Krupa-Małkiewicz Marcelina , Lachowicz Sabina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
There is a growing public interest in fruits labeled as „superfood” (functional food). A “superfood” should have a high content of bioactive substances with a positive impact on human health. Seven different cultivars of goji berry fruits (Lycium chinense Mill.) grown in north-western Poland were evaluated for its physicochemical parameters, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, and polyphenol content. The length of 1-year-old shoots ranged from 36 cm (‘Big Lifeberry’) to 82 cm (‘Korean Big’). Cultivars from the group of Big were characterized by the biggest fruits (17.3-24.2 mm) with the greatest weight of 100 fruits (96.7­122.1 g). ‘Big Lifeberry’ contained high amounts of L-ascorbic acid (408 mg 1000/g) and provitamin A (190 mg 1000/g) and showed high antidiabetic (α-amylase IC50=33.4 mg/mL; α-glucosidase IC50=9.9 mg/mL) and antioxidant activity (ABTS·+ 6.21 and FRAP 5.58 mmol T/100 g). ‘Big Lifeberry’ was also characterized by a high total content of polyphenols (43.64 mg 100/g). Furthermore, the nitrite content in all the cultivars tested was at a relatively low level. Among the examined cultivars, the most attractive one concerning the consumers’ point of view of the size, weight and high content of health-promoting compounds is ‘Big Lifeberry’.
Changeover Process Assessment of Warp-Knitting Let-Off Equipped with Multispeed Electronic Let-Off System
Authors: Ji Yong , Jiang Gaoming , Tang Mengting 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Warp-knitted fabrics have gained increasing attention due to their excellent properties, and their production is strongly dependent on the warp-based electronic let-off system. Most of the existing control systems are single speed electron let-off structure, which brings a series of issues such as broken yarn, missed needle, and running thread caused by let-off delay, making it hard for manufacturer to produce the required fabrics. To fill the gap, this article proposes a new framework of a multispeed electronic let-off system for warp knitting based on closed-loop control strategy. As a demonstration of the capacity and generalizability of this newly proposed methodology, the 01-type four-channel acoustic vibration analyzer is used to test and analyze the time of switching, the let-off amounts, and the change in warp tension during the process of switching let-off amounts, including the explanation and comparison of difference values of let-off quantities. It is shown that the proposed method for the production of warp-knitted fabrics is a useful method for achieving digital manufacture of warp-knitted fabrics.
Methodological aspects concerning sampling and determination of total selenium and selenium species in geothermal waters
Authors: Rusiniak Piotr , Ruszczyńska Anna , Wątor Katarzyna , Bulska Ewa , Kmiecik Ewa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The work presents the results of geothermal water sample analysis with respect to the determination of total selenium concentration. For this purpose, geothermal water (GT) samples were collected from three different intakes (GT-1, GT-2, GT-3) with similar temperatures of about 85°C. Tests were carried out to see if the methodology of sample preparation influenced total selenium concentration during analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples (raw and filtered) were preserved with nitric acid (HNO3) and mineralised in the laboratory. From the data obtained it was found that there is no significant difference between total selenium concentration in raw and filtered samples. Following mineralisation, the concentrations in the samples were below the limit of detection or limit of quantification. While different analytical steps or procedures are applied, the results of total selenium concentration can vary. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ICP-MS was used for the identification of selenium species. The results revealed that hexavalent selenium – Se(VI) – in the geothermal water was found only in samples collected from the GT-2 and GT-3 intakes.
Stability assessment of sulphur (II) compounds in medicinal water from B-8b Michał intake in Busko-Zdrój
Authors: Lipiec Iwona , Rusiniak Piotr 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the stability of sulphur (II) compounds determined as the sum of hydrogen sul-phide, hydrosulphides and sulphides was evaluated in groundwater sourced from the B-8b Michał intake. Sulphide waters are a valuable raw material used as a basis for spa treatment in Busko-Zdrój. Based on the chemical composition analyses conducted in the years 1946–2018, a general analysis of random variability and statistical analysis of data was performed using PS IMAGO 5.0.1 software. Stability assessment was carried out on the data set for the 2009–2018 period on the basis of individual measurement control charts. Trend analysis was also performed using the GWSDAT software.
Methodological improvement of testing of selected parameters for fire resistance of wood and wood-based materials using the MFT
Authors: Grześkowiak Wojciech Ł. , Moliński Krzysztof 
Published: July 2020

Summary
There are many methods used to determine the reaction to fire of wood and wood-based materials, ranging from full-scale to small-scale testing. One of the small-scale techniques is the use of the Mini Fire Tube (MFT). The aim of this work is to optimize the assessment of fireproofing preparations for wood and wood-based materials using the MFT. In addition, an evaluation was made of the effectiveness of the protection in relation to the maximum temperature of the control sample. An attempt at optimization was made using the example of pine wood and selected flame retardants. Based on the results of control tests, the critical point (the time at which the average sample temperature reached its maximum value) was calculated (Grześkowiak and Moliński 2019). The effectiveness of the protection at the critical point was determined. Efficiencies were calculated for all time parameters to determine the optimal test time. A formula was proposed for the duration of tests for protected samples, taking as a reference the maximum temperature of the control series. The tests showed that it is possible to shorten the time for testing of the effectiveness of flame retardants based on the time taken to obtain maximum temperature for control samples.
Evaluation of silages of hybrids of napier grass and sorghum in the low country wet zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Seresinhe Thakshala Rupanjanie , Weerasinghe Piyatilak Bandara , Sanjeewa Janith , Harindrika Hansini , Manawadu Ariyathilaka , Mahipla Kumara , Iben Christine 
Published: July 2020

Summary
Silages of hybrids of napier grass (CO-3 or CO-4) and sorghum and their combinations (50% napier grass hybrid + 50% of sorghum) were tested under three cutting intervals (4, 6 and 8 weeks). Sorghum silage had a leafy and soft texture with a fruity smell, which proved its desirable character with normal lactic acid fermentation. As such, it was with its comparatively higher dry matter content at the 6 or 8 weeks cutting interval, more suitable for ensiling. The crude protein concentration was not modified by the ensiling process, which was proved by the low ammoniacal nitrogen content. Sorghum silage had lower pH values at all three cutting intervals. On the basis of the NH3-N/TN content (<10%), all silages could be considered as of good quality. Sorghum silage could be considered as the best among tested silages as compared with hybrid napier var. CO-3 or CO-4. The optimum quality of the sorghum silage with the highest soluble carbohydrates concentration and lactic acid >3% could be obtained at the 6-week cutting interval.
Analytical Overview and Applications of Modified Black-Litterman Model for Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Stoilov Todor , Stoilova Krasimira , Vladimirov Miroslav 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The paper makes analytical overviews of the Markowitz portfolio and the Capital Asset Pricing models and motivates the advances of the Black-Litterman (BL) one. This overview implies that for a small set of assets the BL model needs the characteristics of a specific market point, which cannot be taken from a global market index. The paper derives analytic relations for the new specific market point with analytical approximation of the efficient frontier. The BL model insists also expert views, which influence the portfolio solution. The paper derives formalization of the expert views from the difference between the evaluated implied returns and historical mean assets returns. Such form of expert views makes modifications of the BL model. This allows comparisons between Markowitz (MV) and BL portfolio performance. Benefits of this research are demonstrated with market data and comparison of the MV and BL portfolio results.
Bayesian Regularized Neural Network for Prediction of the Dose in Gamma Irradiated Milk Products
Authors: Terziyska M. , Todorov Y. , Miteva D. , Doneva M. , Dyankova S. , Metodieva P. , Nacheva I. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGamma irradiation is a well-known method for sterilizing different foodstuffs, including fresh cow milk. Many studies witness that the low dose irradiation of milk and milk products affects the fractions of the milk protein, thus reducing its allergenic effect and make it potentially appropriate for people with milk allergy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the gamma radiation dose and size of the protein fractions, as potential approach to decrease the allergenic effect of the milk. In this paper, an approach for prediction of the dose in gamma irradiated products by using a Bayesian regularized neural network as a mean to save recourses for expensive electrophoretic experiments, is developed. The efficiency of the proposed neural network model is proved on data for two dairy products – lyophilized cow milk and curd.
Corporate bonds or bank loans? The choice of funding sources and information disclosure of Polish listed companies
Authors: Białek-Jaworska Anna , Krawczyk Tomasz 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The paper aims to find what determines the choice of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) between public debt (corporate bonds) and private debt (bank loans). For this purpose, we estimate logistic regression models and panel models of corporate borrowing determinants to compare the impact of enterprise characteristics on financing with the use of corporate bonds or bank loans. In this study, we are interested in explanatory variables that explain the role of transparency measured by the level of information disclosure; and a risk proxy of the variability of operational cash flows and investment risk (retrieved from generalised auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity [GARCH] models estimated on companies’ stocks [shares] trading on the WSE).
Impact of drought, farmers’ adaptation strategies and administrative mitigation measure in the Marathwada region, India
Authors: Khetwani Sagar , Singh Ram Babu , Moin Khusro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The number of serious and extreme drought events is increasing, causing a serious threat to ecosystems, food security, livelihood security, social stability, and sustainable development. The Marathwada region of India is highly vulnerable to the impacts of drought and has been severely affected because of consecutive drought events from 2012 to 2016. This article aims to understand the rural farming household’s perceptions of the impacts of drought, their adaptation and mitigation measures, and also attempts to assess the level of satisfaction of rural households with government mitigation measures. This study is based on primary and secondary sources of data collected from 192 farming households following a structured questionnaire survey. The survey reveals that crop failure, livelihood insecurity, declines in livestock production, livestock loss, water conflicts, and problems in meeting agricultural expenses, increased school dropout rates of children, and both psychological and health problems, were the most immediate socio-economic impacts of drought. The various environmental impacts of drought perceived by farmers included depleted groundwater levels, poor groundwater quality, land degradation, a decrease in seasonal river flows, degradation of pastures and declines in soil fertility. It was found that small and medium sized farmers were highly affected by drought compared with marginal and large scale farmers because of their high dependency on agriculture and poor adaptation strategies.
Multi-temporal monitoring of cotton growth through the vegetation profile classification for Tashkent province, Uzbekistan
Authors: Gerts Jasmina , Juliev Mukhiddin , Pulatov Alim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
As satellite data of the Earth surface seems to be of vital importance for many applications, classification of land use and land cover has been found to vary dramatically in different approaches. In this paper, modified classification algorithm of remote sensing data is presented for processing medium and high spatial resolution satellite images like Landsat and Sentinel in Tashkent province of Uzbekistan. The results of NDVI (Normalized difference vegetation index) profile analysis via Spectral Correlation Mapper classification are shown for the period 1994-2017. It is implied, that combination of optical and radar data with application of Spectral Correlation Mapper classification improve the results of classification for a specific dataset by considering such factors as overall classification accuracy and time and labor involved.
Social media and politics: the case of Ukraine
Authors: Alberti Alessandra , De Serio Ludovico 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nowadays, politics is undergoing several changes, especially because of the growing use of social media from politicians, who are using these virtual platforms as tools to gain more and more consent. Social media are also leading to extreme democratization of politics, making it possible for non-politicians not only to enter the sphere of politics but even to win major competitions, such as presidential elections. To bring an actual and highly illustrative example, in this article the authors go through a deep analysis of the former actor and recently elected prime minister of Ukraine Volodimir Zelenskij and his strategical use of social media compared to the one carried out by his opponents, leading him to win the presidential elections with an enormous consent.
‘Lifting the shell’: expressions of emotion and cross-cultural struggle in international students
Authors: Callow Rebekah 
Published: July 2020

AbstractResearch has shown that while humans around the world hold various emotions in common with one another – sadness, happiness, fear and anger – the expression of these emotions can look different depending on the culture. This article explores the different expressions of ‘struggle’ that arise when a person experiences ‘culture shock’ or ‘culture stress’ due to life in a cross-cultural context. The article argues that in the increasingly international context of higher education, urgent attention needs to be given to these different cultural expressions of struggle, in order to better understand students’ experiences and provide effective coping strategies. Richard Lewis's cultural model is developed for use in this context.