bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Amino Acids on the Production of Biosurfactant by Pediococcus Acidilactici F70
Authors: Dong Yujun , Shu Guowei , Dai Chunji , Zhang Meng , Wan Hongchang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this research, the surface activity of bacterial supernatant and cell surface was measured by the method of oil drain ring. The influence of 19 kinds of amino acids (Histidine, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Proline, Methionine, Tryptophan, Alanine, Glycine, Glutamine, Cysteine, Hydroxyproline, Valine, Asparagine, Proline, Glutamine, Serine, and Glutamic acid, Hydroxyproline, Tyrosine) on the production of biosurfactant by Pediococcus acidilactici F70 was studied by single factor experiment, and the main amino acids promoting the production of biosurfactant were selected by Plackett–Burman design. The results showed that the yield of biological surfactant with added amino acid increased, and the yield of Glutamine produced biosurfactant in the supernatant was the highest, which was two times higher than that of the control group (414.00mg/L); the yield of biosurfactant on the cell surface was the highest when Arginine was added, which was three times higher than that of the control group. In the end, 8 of the 19 amino acids (Glycine, Tryptophan, Proline, Methionine, Arginine, Leucine, Serine and Alanine) were selected to promote the production of biosurfactants of Pediococcus acidilactici F70. The results of Plackett–Burman design showed that Alanine, Proline and Leucine had significant effects on the production of biosurfactants.
The Implementation of Credit Risk Scorecard Using Ontology Design Patterns and BCBS 239
Authors: Elhassouni Jalil , El qadi Abderrahim , El alami Yasser El madani , El haziti Mohamed 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nowadays information and communication technologies are playing a decisive role in helping the financial institutions to deal with the management of credit risk. There have been significant advances in scorecard model for credit risk management. Practitioners and policy makers have invested in implementing and exploring a variety of new models individually. Coordinating and sharing information groups, however, achieved less progress. One of several causes of the 2008 financial crisis was in data architecture and information technology infrastructure. To remedy this problem the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) outlined a set of principles called BCBS 239. Using Ontology Design Patterns (ODPs) and BCBS 239, credit risk scorecard and applicant ontologies are proposed to improve the decision making process in credit loan. Both ontologies were validated, distributed in Ontology Web Language (OWL) files and checked in the test cases using SPARQL. Thus, making their (re)usability and expandability easier in financial institutions. These ontologies will also make sharing data more effective and less costly.
Perceptions of the importance of business ethics in SMEs: A comparative study of Czech and Slovak entrepreneurs
Authors: Belás Jaroslav , Khan Khuramm Ajaz , Maroušek Josef , Rozsa Zoltán 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article focuses on the perception of the importance of business ethics among Czech and Slovak entrepreneurs (this includes business owners and managers) within the SME sector. The comparison is based on an analysis of the approach to business ethics according to a set of parameters, namely company size, years in business, and the gender and education of the entrepreneurs. Empirical research was conducted in 2020 on a sample set consisting of 454 respondents in the Czech Republic and 368 respondents in Slovakia. The most important outcome of the research was the finding that business ethics is considered extremely important in both countries. The research results not only revealed that just over 90% of Czech entrepreneurs and 88% of Slovak entrepreneurs within the SME sector agreed that they should take into account the moral and ethical consequences of their decisions, but that the structure of their answers was very similar. Also, of interest were the findings that women were more aware of business ethics than their male counterparts, as were those entrepreneurs who possessed a higher education over those with a secondary education.
The Impact of Foreigners’ Trades on Equity Prices: Evidence from Macedonian Stock Exchange
Authors: Angelovska Julijana 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Emerging countries’ economies are dependent on foreign capital inflows. For policy makers and researchers of particular interest is to understand the nature of these flows and their impact on the domestic capital market. The first significant foreign inflows entered the Macedonian Stock Market at the end of 2004, and stock prices were increased. It was general belief among the investors that foreigners are driving the prices on the Macedonian Stock Market. This study examines the influence of foreign investors’ trades on stock returns in Macedonia using base broadening and price pressure hypotheses. Strong evidence consistent with the base-broadening hypothesis shows that 1% of monthly net inflows as a percentage of last month market capitalization is connected with 7% rise in monthly returns on the Macedonian stock market. The findings do not support the price pressure hypothesis, so the rise in the prices is permanent.
Comparison of the Effect of Vix Fear Index on Stock Exchange Indices of Developed and Developing Countries: the G20 Case
Authors: İskenderoglu Ömer , Akdag Saffet 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This study aims to examine the potential causal relationship between the VIX and the indicator stock exchange index returns of G20 (9 developed and 10 developing) countries. Nineteen countries of the sample are G20 countries with available data. In this respect, the frequency domain Granger causality test of Breitung and Candelon (2006) is employed for the daily data between March 2011 and December 2017. The results obtained from the study indicate that there is no causal relationship between the VIX and the returns of the NASDAQ 100 index in developed countries. Similarly, no causal relationship is detected which runs from the VIX to the BIST100, BOVESPA, MERVAL, S&P/BMV IPC and TADAWUL stock index returns in developing countries. As a result, the causal relationship is more tend to be found in developed countries in comparison to developing countries.
Assessment of the Sustainable Economic Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth in G20 Countries
Authors: Lapinskaitė Indrė , Vidžiūnaitė Silvija 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Research purpose. The importance of sustainable development, the need to achieve sustainable economic development that does not harm the environment, conserve natural resources or exacerbate tensions in society has been increasingly discussed over the last decade. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the economic growth and decent work environment in G20 countries during 2013–2018 as G20 countries are the fastest growing countries in the world, and their economy describes the major part of the global economy.

Design/Methodology/Approach. Qualitative data analysis based on the comparative analysis of scientific literature, content analysis, interpretation, comparison and grouping is used, in order to analyse the theoretical aspects of sustainable development and its goals, especially goal 8: decent work and economic growth. TOPSIS method helps to rank G20 countries according to the indicators of SDG 8.

Findings. The results showed that Japan reached the best work environment and the most significant economic growth during 2013–2018. The United States is in second place and the third – the Republic of Korea. In the bottom three are Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. Since it is challenging to identify the achievements of the economic and work environment development, as an essential part of sustainable development goals, the results could lead to future insights that will create value to policymakers, economists and other stakeholders.
Land Cover Change Dynamics and their Impacts on Thermal Environment of Dadri Block, Gautam Budh Nagar, India
Authors: Shastri Sushma , Singh Prafull , Verma Pradipika , Rai Praveen Kumar , Singh A. P. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Land use / land cover (LULC) has been considered as one of the important bio-physical parameters and have significant affect on local environmental change, particularly increasing anthropogenic temperature. Remote sensing images from Landsat series satellites are a major information source for LULC change analysis. In the present investigation, long term changes in LULC and its negative impact on land surface temperature (LST) were analyzed using multi-temporal Landsat satellite images between 2000 to 2016. firstly LULC of the study area has been classified and temporal changes in land use classes were quantify, and observed that in most of the land use classes such as vegetation (-1.28 %), water bodies (-1.65 %), agriculture (-3.52) and open land (-2.43 %) have shown negative change, however large scale positive changes in built-up area (+8.87 %) has been observed during the analysis, which is mainly due to continuous urbanization and growth of population in the area. The classified thermal images from the same period also show mean temperature of the area has increased by 1.60 °C since last 16 years. The observation from the present study reveals that due to the large-scale land use change practices in urban and peri-urban area witnessed for the rising temperature due to loss natural vegetation and other natural resources.
Assessing the Landscape Pattern and Population Status of the Timber Species Mansonia altissima A. Chev. For Restoration Purposes in Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest
Authors: Wédjangnon Adigla Appolinaire , Hountondji Yvon-Carmen H. , Nougbodé Ouinsavi Christine A. I. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Mansonia altissima A. Chev., a redwood producer species in tropical Africa, occurs as one small, isolated population in a highly anthropized landscape in Republic of Benin. We accessed the landscape pattern and population status to inform restauration action for the species. We established 20 one-ha permanent plots divided in 320 subplots (25 m × 25 m) in-situ and counted and measured M. altissima plants with diameter ≥ 1cm at base and 1.30 m above ground (DBH) in February 2017, 2018 and 2019. Based on the main disturbance factors, such as fire, human-caused damage to seedlings, harvesting of wood for fuel, and agriculture, we assigned the plots to one of three disturbance levels: poor, moderate, and strong. We grouped the plants into four life stages according to diameter size (cm): seedling (1 ≤ DBH < 5), sapling (5 ≤ DBH < 10), premature (10 ≤ DBH < 20), and mature (DBH ≥ 20). We used Landsat data of years 1986, 2002 and 2017 to quantify and analyze landscape changes and fragmentation. Results showed that the landscape was dramatically changed and fragmented between 2002 and 2017 due to disturbance increase. Semi-deciduous forest (SDF) containing M. altissima decreased, whereas woodlands and savannas increased. SDF was severely fragmented and disaggregated. In plots with strong disturbance, mortality rate was higher, whereas in plots with poor disturbance, it was lower and recruitment was highest. Mortality rate differed significantly among life stages and disturbance levels. Experimental restoration is required to identify locations where the species can establish young viable populations. Fire and other anthropogenic disturbance have to be controlled to ensure this natural population can provide seeds for restoration and conservation projects.
Analysing Sensitive Data from Dynamically-Generated Overlapping Contingency Tables
Authors: Bon Joshua J. , Baffour Bernard , Spallek Melanie , Haynes Michele 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Contingency tables provide a convenient format to publish summary data from confidential survey and administrative records that capture a wide range of social and economic information. By their nature, contingency tables enable aggregation of potentially sensitive data, limiting disclosure of identifying information. Furthermore, censoring or perturbation can be used to desensitise low cell counts when they arise. However, access to detailed cross-classified tables for research is often restricted by data custodians when too many censored or perturbed cells are required to preserve privacy. In this article, we describe a framework for selecting and combining log-linear models when accessible data is restricted to overlapping marginal contingency tables. The approach is demonstrated through application to housing transition data from the Australian Census Longitudinal Data set provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Analysis of red blood cell parameters in dogs with various stages of degenerative mitral valve disease
Authors: Kumiega Ewa , Michałek Marcin , Kasztura Monika , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Although peripheral blood analysis has become increasingly automated, microscopy is the only available method for the diagnosis of anisocytosis and poikilocytosis. The aims of the study were to compare RBC volume data obtained with two different analysers and by manual assessment of smears and to compare this data between dogs in various stages of heart failure secondary to degenerative mitral valvular (DMV) disease. The impact of diuretic administration on RBC morphology was also assessed.

Material and Methods
Sixty-eight dogs, 56 in different stages of DMV disease and 12 as healthy controls, were studied. Impedance and flow cytometry haematological analyses were performed for each animal. Additionally, two smears were prepared for manual analysis. RBC structure, staining, and size differences were recorded.

Results
There were no significant differences between the blood morphological parameters assessed using haematological analysers nor between dogs receiving diuretic treatment and those not treated. Based on the manual smear, significantly higher erythrocyte anisocytosis was observed in the dogs with symptomatic DMV disease than in the control group.

Conclusion
Haematological analysers based on impedance and flow cytometry provide reliable and comparable morphological results in dogs with heart failure. However, microscopic assessment of blood smears is a more reliable tool to detect erythrocyte anisocytosis.
Significant Aspects of Managing Personnel Risk in the SME Sector
Authors: Kotaskova Anna , Belas Jaroslav , Bilan Yuriy , Ajaz Khan Khurram 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Personnel risk significantly affects the operation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim of the paper is to define and present significant factors affecting the perception of personnel risk in the SME segment, and compare the current status and development in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The empirical research was conducted in 2020 in the SME segment in the Czech Republic and Slovakia via an online questionnaire, using a sample of 822 respondents. The obtained data were evaluated using the Chí square and Z score. Personnel risk significantly affects the SME segment and its business activities. This risk is perceived as the most significant business risk in both countries, even though its intensity is moderate and does not have a heavy negative impact on SMEs’ activities. The overall evaluation of personnel risk’s impact on SMEs’ activities is similar in both countries. The evaluation of employee turnover was relatively positive, as a considerable part of entrepreneurs stated that turnover is low and does not have a negative impact on their business. The evaluation of turnover was similar in both countries. Based on entrepreneurs’ statements, there are certain gaps in employee error rate, which affects their business. Slovak entrepreneurs provided a worse evaluation of the quality of their employees than the Czech entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs in both countries are dissatisfied with the way their employees strive to improve their performance or how they compete among each other. The comparison based on business size and age did not yield significant differences, nor did it provide a clear trend despite the general belief presented in literature that larger enterprises have a better access to important fields of business management.
Skills teaching in COVID lockdown in the UK: lessons learnt
Authors: Wanless Stephen , Winterman Emma , Chapman Jim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction. Social distancing is one of the community mitigation measures that has been recommended during the COVID 19 pandemic. Social distancing can reduce virus transmission by increasing physical distance or reducing frequency of meeting in socially dense community settings, such as Universities or workplaces. In response to this, Birmingham City University School of Nursing and Midwifery rapidly developed and transferred much of their student learning online. However, for healthcare students this is not always practicable and is particularly notable in respect to developing clinical skills which cannot be learnt online nor should be attempted for the first time in practice. Birmingham City University has recently actively sought to address such training needs. In April, it opened its campus as a Skills Training Hub to help upskill hundreds of students taking on extended work placement in a bid to bolster frontline NHS workforce numbers to aid in the fight against COVID 19. When opening Birmingham City University Skills Hub, the primary focus of the planning phase was towards promoting staff and student safety.

Conclusions. The plans that were put in to place meant that clinical skills teaching had to be organised differently from how it was before lockdown and in a way that was safe and sustainable for future needs.
What is Relationship Marketing and How to Use it to Connect with Your Customers
Authors: Johanesová Veronika , Vaňová Jaromíra 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In fact, all demands and advances in customer satisfaction are the result of the technology and company developments. The companies that accept this and constantly create value for the customer provide a competitive advantage for themselves and for both sides the business potential. Getting new customers can be a very expensive process. This process includes considerable marketing costs such as advertising costs, sales promotion costs, PR, seller time costs etc. Therefore, every customer represents an investment for company. It has been proven that if a company treats its customers properly and they are loyal for a long time, they will bring more and more profits to the company every year. In this article, we focus on the relationship marketing that focuses on customer loyalty. Effective relationship marketing involves a variety of overlapping strategies and technologies that help foster a deeper, long-term relationship with current and prospective customers.
Adaptive Evolution of Peptide Inhibitors for Mutating SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chaturvedi Parth , Han Yanxiao , Kral Petr , Vukovic Lela 
Published: July 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently causing a worldwide pandemic with dramatic societal consequences for the humankind. In the last decades, disease outbreaks due to such zoonotic pathogens have appeared with an accelerated rate, which calls for an urgent development ofadaptive (smart) therapeutics. Here, we develop a computational strategy to adaptively evolve peptides that could selectively inhibit mutating S protein receptor binding domains (RBDs) of different SARS-CoV-2 viral strains from binding to their human host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Starting from suitable peptide templates, based on selected ACE2 segments (natural RBD binder), we gradually modify the templates by random mutations, while retaining those mutations that maximize their RBD-binding free energies. In this adaptive evolution, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of the template-RBD complexes are iteratively perturbed by the peptide mutations, which are retained under favorable Monte Carlo decisions. The computational search will provide librariesof optimized therapeutics capable of reducing the SARS-CoV-2 infection on a global scale.
Endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women: results of a comparative analysis of clinical features after hysteroscopic polypectomy
Authors: Klinyshkova Tatiana V. , Frolova Natalia B. , Tsertsanova Elena A. , Saponenko Iuliia Iu. 
Published: July 2020

Aim. To evaluate the clinical features of endometrial polyps (EP) in postmenopausal patients based on a comparative analysis of symptomatic and asymptomatic forms.
Мaterials and methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with the inclusion of 92 postmenopausal women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy in the gynecological Department of the Clinical Hospital of Russian Railways-Medicine Omsk in 20182019. Тhe аverage age of patients was 60.356.56 years. Two groups of patients were identified: group 1 included patients with asymptomatic EP (n=64), group 2 women with EP associated with uterine bleeding (n=28).
Results. Postmenopausal EP patients had: asymptomatic (69.6%), uterine bleeding (30.4%), recurrent EP (14.3%), concomitant tamoxifen treatment (5.4%), single (77.2%) and multiple (22.8%) EP. In group 1, patients with late postmenopausal stage (73.4%) with single EP (76.6%) of various localization, glandular-fibrotic type (78.1%, p0.05) prevailed. Group 2 was dominated by patients with early postmenopausal stage (60.7%, p0.05) with single EP (78.6%, p0.05) of various localization, having glandular (50%, p0.01), glandular-fibrotic (46.4%, p0.01) EP and adenomatous EP with malignancy (3.57%, p0.05). Hyperplasia of endometrium was observed in both groups (1.56 and 3.57% in group 1 and 2, respectively), and adenocarcinoma in group 1 (1.56%).
Conclusion. In patients with postmenopausal EP, along with a benign course, the disease occurs against the background of atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer (in the polyp or endometrium) in 3,3% of cases, including the asymptomatic nature of the disease.
EFFICACY OF FEAR APPEALS ON ADOPTION OF COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES: A CASE OF BODA BODA RIDERS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kigatiira Kinya Kathure 
Published: July 2020

This study was an investigation of the effectiveness of fear appeals on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures among boda boda riders in the Nairobi County, Kenya. The problem of the study was that little or no research has been conducted on fear appeals and adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures, hence a gap that demands specific studies to be undertaken to fill it. This study draws from the Health Belief Model (HBM). Case study research design was used because the study focused only on boda boda riders operating in the seventeen constituencies in Nairobi County. Convenience sampling was used to identify the riders who were available and willing to participate in the study. The main data collection tool was telephone interviews. Findings of this study revealed that fear appeals were effective in making boda boda riders in Nairobi County adopt the COVID-19 preventive measures. The boda boda riders’ felt that they were susceptible to the coronavirus disease, police arrests, fourteen days mandatory quarantine, motorcycles being impounded and payment of fines, if they did not adopt the COVID-19 preventive measures. Moreover, the riders believed that the virus posed a more serious threat to their health and lives. The operators perceived susceptibility to the threats, elicited high levels of fear. The COVID-19 preventive measures, also, provided the riders with an effective method of changing behavior which they believe will protect them from contracting the virus. This study recommended that in order to motivate the boda boda riders to continue practicing the COVID-19 preventive measures, the government should frequently give the riders masks and hand sanitizers. Further, more communication campaigns should be developed and conducted on COVID-19 awareness and prevention among boda boda riders.