bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Relationship Between the Level of Adoption of Sustainability Practices and Performance of Construction Firms Using Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Otali Monday , Idoro Godwin , Udo Godfey 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The need to carry out construction activities in a sustainable manner in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has become very imperative. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the adoption of sustainable construction practices and performance of construction firms using a structural equation modelling approach. In tandem with the survey approach adopted for the study, 1179 copies of structured questionnaire were administered while 980 valid responses were received giving a response rate of 83.2 %. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. This study revealed that the extent of implementation of sustainable construction practices accounted for 36 %, 37.8 %, 43.5 %, 51.6 %, 65.8 %, and 32.9 % of the variability in annual employment growth, annual financial turnover, remuneration and benefits, general employee satisfaction, social performance and net income growth of the construction firms, respectively. The study concluded that there was a positive relationship between the extent of implementation of sustainable construction practices and firm performance. It was also concluded that the adoption level of sustainable construction practices accounted for 85 % of the variability in the overall firm performance. Hence, proper implementation of sustainability practices at the firm level leads to improvement in the firm performance. It was recommended that construction firms should not use only financial performance indicators to evaluate their performance level but rather use multi-dimensional approaches. This will enable firms to have holistic knowledge of the level of their performance. The construction firms should adopt the structural equation model developed in the study to carry out integrated performance measurement.
Considerations Regarding the Role of Fortification Infrastructure Used for General Protection of the Romanian Armed Forces, Public Administration Authorities and Civil Population During Crisis Situations
Authors: Vladu Mircea , Popa Ioan-Dan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The physiognomy of the combined operations recorded essential changes at the beginning of the 21st century, due to the impact of the scientific and technical revolution in the military field, materialized in the production of new generation’s weapons with particularly destructive characteristics (Vladu & Popa, 2016). The emergence of new advanced capabilities for conducting air operations, as well as the use of military robots and intelligent ammunitions in joint operations led to the implementation of the “lightning success” concept by the forces of modern armies. In this respect, we consider that a particularly important role in achieving “lightning success”, by the forces of the modern armies, is played by the main characteristics of adversary general protection system, particularly by the weaknesses of the fortification system which have not been able to provide optimal conditions for protection for the command and control systems, fighting and supporting forces, as well as for public administration authorities and the civilian population.
Lie commutators in a free diassociative algebra
Authors: Dzhumadil’daev A.S. , Ismailov N.A. , Orazgaliyev A.T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We give a criterion for Leibniz elements in a free diassociative algebra. In the diassociative case one can consider two versions of Lie commutators. We give criterions for elements of diassociative algebras to be Lie under these commutators. One of them corresponds to Leibniz elements. It generalizes the Dynkin-Specht-Wever criterion for Lie elements in a free associative algebra.
Design of a Compact CPW-Fed Monopole Antenna With Asymmetrical Hexagonal Slot Loaded Ground Structure for C/X/Ku Band Applications
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , Mishra Brijesh , Singh Vivek , Tripathi Pramod Narayan , Singh Ashutosh Kumar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A novel design of ultra-wideband CPW-fed compact monopole patch antenna is presented in the article. The size of the antenna is 22 × 18 × 1.6 mm and it operates well over an ultra-wideband frequency range 4.86–13.66 GHz (simulated) and 4.93–13.54 GHz (measured) covering C, X and partial Ku band applications. The proposed design consists of a defected ground plane and U-shape radiating patch along with two square shape parasitic patches in order to achieve the ultra-wideband (UWB) operations. The performance matrix is validated through measured results that indicate the wide impedance bandwidth (93.2 %) with maximum gain of 4 dBi with nearly 95 % of maximum radiation efficiency; moreover, the 3D gain pattern manifests approximately omni-directional pattern of the proposed design. The prototype has been modelled using HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator-18) by ANSYS, fabricated and tested using vector network analyser E5071C.
Recreational use of forests by young people
Authors: Cichowska Jolanta Barbara 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe article is a continuation of research conducted in 2016–2017, whose goal was to determine expectations and needs of young people regarding forests. In this study, attention is focused on different preferences of high-school students and university students. Frequency and reasons for which high-school students visit forests have been studied. Forms of forest activities preferred by the respondents as well as familiarity of young people with the sanitary state of the woodlands, the role of biocoenosis in the ecosystem and its significance for people have been analysed. The respondents’ knowledge of rules to be followed when being in a forest, use of its resources and major threats to this ecosystem have been studied.
Research on polyphenols extraction from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. roots
Authors: Quoc Le Pham Tan 
Published: November 2020

Summary

Introduction:
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a herbal common plant in Asia, with many beneficial health effects for human because it contains many bioactive compounds which can prevent some diseases, for instance such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.

Objective: The purpose of this research is to point out the effects of extraction factors such as type of solvent, material/solvent ratio (w/v), solvent concentration (%, v/v), temperature (°C) and extraction time on the extraction yield of phenolic compounds from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. roots, for instance, total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC).

Methods: The raw material consisting of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb root was extracted by the reflux maceration method. TPC and AC of received extract were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu technique and DPPH method with Trolox as a standard agent.

Results: The optimal conditions for the extraction process were acetone-water mixture (60%, v/v) as a solvent, material/solvent ratio of 1/40, extraction temperature of 50°C and extraction time of 90 minutes. The surface structure of material after extraction process changed insignificantly compared with the initial structure.

Conclusion: The results showed that TPC and AC obtained the best values (38.60±0.56 mg GAE/g DW (dry weight) and 298.15±2.99 μmol TE/g DW, respectively) at optimal extraction conditions. In addition, some phenolic compounds were detected in the extract such as gallic acid, catechin and resveratrol.
Antioxidant status and hepato-protective role of Anchomanes difformis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats
Authors: Alabi Toyin D. , Brooks Nicole L. , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O. 
Published: November 2020

Summary

Introduction: The liver is involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and their metabolites and it is vulnerable to oxidative damage. Hyperglycaemia is highly implicated in the progression of diabetes mellitus, and adversely affects the liver. Though, conventional hypoglycaemic drugs may be effective in reducing blood glucose, they do not appear to be effective in attenuating the progression of diabetes and its complications.

Objective: This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Anchomanes difformis on hyperglycaemia and hepatic injuries in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg BW) after two weeks of fructose (10%) administration. Aqueous extract of A. difformis (200 and 400 mg/kg BW) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg BW) were administered orally for six weeks. Blood glucose concentrations were measured. Serum levels of liver dysfunction markers (ALT, AST, and ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were investigated. Total protein, albumin, and globulin were also assessed. Antioxidant parameters: ORAC, GSH, GSSG, SOD, CAT and FRAP were evaluated in the liver while ORAC, FRAP and lipid peroxidation were determined in the serum. Histological examination of the liver tissue was carried out.

Results: Treatment with aqueous extract of A. difformis significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose and reversed steatosis in the diabetic-treated rats. The antioxidant status of diabetic-treated rats was significantly (p<0.05) improved. Serum levels of liver dysfunction markers were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in diabetic-treated rats.

Conclusion: The findings in this study revealed that 400 mg/kgBW Anchomanes difformis was more effective than 200 mg/kg BW in ameliorating diabetes-induced hepatopathy, however, both doses of Anchomanes difformis demonstrated more antidiabetic ability than glibenclamide. Anchomanes difformis may be a novel and potential therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes and resulted hepatic injuries.
Echocardiography in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation - What Should the Internist Doctor Know?
Authors: Toplicianu-Dimitriu Maria-Luiza , Nanea Ioan Tiberiu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an increasing prevalence and an enormous clinical impact due to the high stroke rate, left ventricular dysfunction and excess mortality. The occurrence and maintenance of AF is favored by both the degree of left atrial (LA) dilation and the association of fibrotic lesions of the myocardium. The LA is a marker of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with AF. Atrial remodeling can be electrical (shortening atrial refractory), structural (altering geometry and altering collagen content) and contractile (loss of contractility). Cardiac imaging plays a central role in the clinical management of this arrhythmia. Echocardiography represents the routine imaging technique used in patients with AF, with a role in detecting LA dysfunction and cardiac structural changes that predispose to this arrhythmia, also having the ability to predict the maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion and after ablation.
Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) on women empowerment
Authors: Ogunyemi Segilola Yewande , Adisa Ademola Lateef , Adenuga Ademolu Oluwaseun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The need to empower women seems to center on the fact that women have potentials to contribute to the development process but are constrained by some factors that render them powerless. For this reason, this study examined the impact of justice development and peace commission on women empowerment by assessing the empowerment initiatives, women participation and identifying factors that militate against full empowerment and participation of women. The theoretical background for this study is structural functionalism and the study is descriptive in nature. The study was conducted in JDPC, Ijebu-Ode and data was collected from primary and secondary sources. For primary data, IDI was conducted for 12 beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes and 6 employees of JDPC while secondary data were collected through extensive review of literature. The data collected were content analyzed. The findings revealed that not until recent empowerment programmes organized for women, women do not have the zeal for the programmes which has limited their consciousness and strength in the society. Also, awkward spending of women contributed to their failure from receiving further loans from JDPC. Equally, low level of education, tradition and belief that men are better than women affected the slow rate of empowerment of women.
Male homosexuality and homophobia in contemporary Slovakia: A qualitative inquiry into personal online narratives
Authors: Jovanović Srđan Mladenov 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Homosexuality in Slovakia is covered in a veil of secrecy. With constant attacks by the Catholic Church and populist, traditionalist politicians, it is barely visible in society and politics, unless when discursively attacked. Similarly, homosexuality in Slovakia has failed to become a topic in the contemporary academia, with the exception of a few local works. This article, aiming to fill that gap, confronts a selection of online narratives of Slovak homosexuals via Qualitative Data Analysis through the qualitative tool, QDA Miner, including narrative analysis. Additionally, having in mind the strong propaganda of the Catholic Church against homosexuality, select homophobic narratives are analyzed via the same means.
Symbols in traditional dance: A study of Nkwanwite dance
Authors: Akas Nicholas C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The use of iconic symbols during traditional performances (dance) has remained an indispensable tool. The major problem facing the use of signifying symbols during performances is because they are seen as mere performative enhancer. These assumptions might be generally accepted, but in core dance scholarship it can be argued for or against, but this paper stands against its wrong perceived nature as mere performative enhancer. The aim of this paper is to interpret some of the signifying symbols used in dance in order to understanding their socio-cultural essence. This paper would analyze the signifying symbols used in Nkwanwite traditional dance for the following reasons: (a) To acknowledge the use of cultural symbols as part of people’s mythology belief. (b) To interpret, analyze and document the signifying symbols as a socio-communicative tool. (c) To give each of the signifying symbols relevance and interpretation in dance. In order to achieve this Sense Making Theory would be used as theoretical frame work to interrogate the essence of the signifying symbols. Findings show that, due to lack of interpretation and documentation on the use of signifying symbols in dance. It is gradually going into extinction as mere props. The paper concludes that non dance scholars should cherish and appreciate the use of symbols in dance as communicative tool.
Long-term Development of National Human Capital. Evidence from China and Poland
Authors: Bryl Łukasz 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the long-term development of the chosen human capital indices that uncovers and compares the outcome of the national efforts performed by the two culturally distant countries (China and Poland) over the decade. Additionally, paper indicates the areas of further HC progress in both nations.

Methodology: The study was based on measuring human capital with the help of deliberately chosen set of macroeconomic indices (28 items) referring to the nations’ capability to create innovations. Analysis was performed for the 2007–2017 years.

Findings: Positive phenomena in the case of human capital development outperform the negative ones in both countries, however, the extent is more remarkable in the case of China. China managed to: improve greatly the pupil-teacher ratio (both in primary and secondary schools), increase secondary and tertiary education enrolment rate along with the rise of the no. of students from abroad. In Poland, the greatest increase was observed in the case of the number of researchers what consequently contributed to the improvement of number of scientific and technical articles and citable documents (h-index).

Value Added: To the best Author’s knowledge this is the first paper that compares national human capital development in Poland and China with a set of indices focused on capability to create innovations and adopts longitudinal approach.

Recommendations: Policy-makers in the case of Poland should concentrate on: fostering university/industry research collaboration, improving rank in worldwide QS classification and performing more efforts to attract and retain talents. Moreover, the negative trends should be reversed with regard to: PISA scores and general quality of education system. In turn, Chinese authorities should facilitate better PISA scores and increase the presence of scientific and technical articles.
Reconstruction of the depositional sedimentary environment of Oligocene deposits (Qom Formation) in the Qom Basin (northern Tethyan seaway), Iran
Authors: Safari Amrollah , Ghanbarloo Hossein , Mansoury Parisa , Esfahani Mehran Mohammadian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
During the Rupelian–Chattian, the Qom Basin (northern seaway basin) was located between the Paratethys in the north and the southern Tethyan seaway in the south. The Oligocene deposits (Qom Formation) in the Qom Basin have been interpreted for a reconstruction of environmental conditions during deposition, as well as of the influence of local fault activities and global sea level changes expressed within the basin. We have also investigated connections between the Qom Basin and adjacent basins. Seven microfacies types have been distinguished in the former. These microfacies formed within three major depositional environments, i.e., restricted lagoon, open lagoon and open marine. Strata of the Qom Formation are suggested to have been formed in an open-shelf system. In addition, the deepening and shallowing patterns noted within the microfacies suggest the presence of three third-order sequences in the Bijegan area and two third-order depositional sequences and an incomplete depositional sequence in the Naragh area. Our analysis suggests that, during the Rupelian and Chattian stages, the depositional sequences of the Qom Basin were influenced primarily by local tectonics, while global sea level changes had a greater impact on the southern Tethyan seaway and Paratethys basins. The depositional basins of the Tethyan seaway (southern Tethyan seaway, Paratethys Basin and Qom Basin) were probably related during the Burdigalian to Langhian and early Serravallian.
Is the Złoczew lignite deposit geologically suitable for the first underground gasification installation in Poland?
Authors: Urbański Paweł , Widera Marek 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The present study focuses on alternative methods of exploiting lignite in comparison to conventional opencast mining and combustion in power plants for the generation of electricity. In Poland, opencast lignite pits cover large areas, creating social and environmental conflicts. In order to stabilise the production level of electricity and reduce the negative effects of opencast mining, alternative ways of exploiting lignite are suggested, one of these being underground gasification in situ. The Złoczew lignite deposit, which will most likely be exploited in the near future, provides an opportunity to discuss the unconventional method of underground coal gasification (UCG). On the basis of technological and geological criteria that have been established to determine the suitability of Polish lignite for underground gasification, resources to be used this way have been estimated. Through gasification, over 15 million tonnes of lignite can be utilised, which is about 2.5 per cent of resources of the Złoczew deposit intended for opencast mining. With this in mind, we suggest to take action by starting a pilot installation, to be followed by a commercial one for underground gasification after completion of superficial mining. Naturally, any future application of this method will be preceded by assessment of geological conditions at the Złoczew opencast pit.
A new generalization of two refined Young inequalities and applications
Authors: Ighachane M. A. , Akkouchi M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we prove that if a, b > 0 and 0 ≤ α ≤ 1, then for m = 1, 2, 3, . . . ,

r

0
m

(

a

m
2

-

b

m
2

)

2

≤

r

0
m

(

b

m
+
1

-

a

m
+
1

b
-
a

-

(

m
+
1

)

(

a
b

)

m
2

)

≤

(

α
a
+

(

1
-
α

)

b

)

m

-

(

a

α

b

1
-
α

)

m

,

\matrix{ {r_0^m{{\left( {{a^{{m \over 2}}} - {b^{{m \over 2}}}} \right)}^2}} & { \le r_0^m\left( {{{{b^{m + 1}} - {a^{m + 1}}} \over {b - a}} - \left( {m + 1} \right){{\left( {ab} \right)}^{{m \over 2}}}} \right)} \cr {} & { \le {{\left( {\alpha a + \left( {1 - \alpha } \right)b} \right)}^m} - {{\left( {{a^\alpha }{b^{1 - \alpha }}} \right)}^m},} \cr }

where r
0 = min{α, 1 – α }. This is a considerable new generalization of two refinements of the Young inequality due to Kittaneh and Manasrah, and Hirzallah and Kittaneh, which correspond to the cases m = 1 and m = 2, respectively. As applications we give some refined Young type inequalities for generalized euclidean operator radius and the numerical radius of some well-know f -connection of operators and refined some Young type inequalities for the traces, determinants, and norms of positive definite matrices.
Boundary Value Problem for Caputo–Fabrizio Random Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Bekada Fouzia , Abbas Saïd , Benchohra Mouffak 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article deals with some existence of random solutions and Ulam stability results for a class of Caputo-Fabrizio random fractional differential equations with boundary conditions in Banach spaces. Our results are based on the fixed point theory and random operators. Two illustrative examples are presented in the last section.
Some class of nonlinear inequalities with gradient constraints in Orlicz spaces
Authors: Ajagjal S. , Meskine D. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the present paper, we show the existence of solutions of some nonlinear inequalities of the form 〈Au + g(x, u,∇ u), v −u〉 ≥〈 f, v −u〉 with gradient constraint that depend on the solution itself, where A is a Leray-Lions operator defined on Orlicz spaces, g is a nonlinearity and f ∈ L
1.
Structural, optical, morphological and SHG studies on 8 MeV electron beam irradiated Sr(HCOO)2·2H2O crystal
Authors: Muthupoongodi S. , Manickam S. Theodore David , Mahadevan C.K. , Greena J. Angel Mary , Balakumar S. , Ananthapadmanabhan P.V. , Shajan X. Sahaya 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Strontium formate dihydrate single crystals have been grown by the slow solvent evaporation method and subjected to 8 MeV electron beam (EB) irradiation at different doses, viz. 1 kGy, 10 kGy, 50 kGy and 100 kGy. The irradiated crystals have been studied by various techniques such as FT-IR, Raman, and UV-Vis-NIR spectral analyses, powder, and high resolution X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA) and second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. The morphological features of the non-irradiated and irradiated crystals were analyzed by SEM and optical microscopy studies. It has been noticed that the SHG efficiency increases while the crystalline perfection and thermal stability of the irradiated crystals decrease with the increase of EB irradiation dose. The results indicate a significant overall tuning of physical properties of strontium formate dihydrate crystals due to irradiation.