bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duplicity in Novel by M. Spark “Aiding and Abetting”
Authors: Ushakova E. V. 
Published: June 2021

The article reveals the specifics of the functioning of the phenomenon of duplicity in the novel by the English writer M. Spark “Aiding and Abetting” (2000). The scientific novelty lies in the fact that this work is viewed from this angle for the first time. An overview of a number of existing approaches to the phenomenon of duality in modern literary criticism is presented. The author analyzes pairs of the main characters of the novel, who are doubles, revealed in similar situations related to the themes of fraud and crime. It is shown that in the novel “Aiding and Abetting” the characters play the roles of both antagonists and carnival counterparts. Particular attention is paid to the combination inherent in M. Spark’s work in the works of satirical orientation and postmodern play, which is reflected in the change of the narrative perspective, ambiguity and uncertainty of the finale. The meaning of the title of the work is revealed in the context of the realization of the motive of duality, the main moral problems posed in the novel are revealed. The author comes to the conclusion that through the use of doubles, Spark describes the vices of society and the moral degradation of a person.
Izba-Reading Room as a Rural Cultural Center in Buryat-Mongolian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920-1930s
Authors: Soboleva A. N. 
Published: June 2021

The features of the emergence and functioning of reading rooms in the Buryat-Mongolian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in the 1920s-1930s are considered. The author analyzes the measures taken by the Soviet government, local cells of the Communist Party and Komsomol activists aimed at strengthening izba-reading rooms on the territory of the republic. The main problems of the organization and activities of izba-reading rooms are investigated in detail, attention is paid to various methods of work to attract the population to new forms of Soviet culture. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the study of the role and place of the izba-reading room in the regional cultural space will make an important contribution to the creation of a largescale objective picture of the cultural revolution that took place in the USSR in the 1920s1930s. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that a number of previously unpublished sources are put into circulation, collected directly for this study. This made it possible to highlight some details that previously could not be reflected in other works. As a result of the study, it was determined that the izbareading room, despite the difficulties that arose (weak resource base, a shortage of trained personnel, low qualifications of workers, cultural and linguistic differences, a wary attitude of the local population towards the events of the Soviet government) gradually managed to win the sympathy of the adult population and become a reference point of cultural and educational work in the village.
Quantum Physics and Perennial Philosophy: Mirrors of Knowledge
Authors: GIULIODORI Lucio 
Published: June 2021

The core of what is defined as Perennial Philosophy is established by ancient traditions of metaphysical thought, which though arising from the most various historical contexts from East to West, outstandingly share some fundamental truths such as the mutual interrelation of all things. Even more astonishingly, however, is how these various truths which spread among different cultures, are currently backed up by the insights of contemporary physics.
This paper aims at underscoring how undeniably compelling, yet uncanny this bond is, primarily on the plane of knowledge, a broader knowledge substantiated by science and philosophy - the two, speak here an unknown language, yet with the same voice: the incommunicability of their truths overlapping with the incommunicability of their real experiences.
Grappling with the dazzling disclosures of these “mirrors of knowledge” is as fascinating as unavoidable. This study takes into account some of them, by uncovering how crucial they are both for the present, and the (albeit acknowledged by the past wisdom) future understanding of the reality we are entangled with.
Chemical and Biogeochemical Features of Desert Soils of the Central Fergana
Authors: Turdaliev Avazbek , Yuldashev Gulom , Askarov Kamoliddin , Abakumov Evgeny 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The Fergana valley is a region critically important for food safety in Central Asia. The human-altered soils in Fergana are considered a key component of the transboundary region between sub-boreal and sub-tropic climatic zones. As the results of the investigation of irrigated chloride-sulfate saline soils near the surface showed the deep petrocalcic and petrosalic horizons at various depths with extremely low water and air permeability. The chemical, pedogeochemical, and biogeochemical properties of soils, the content of macroelements, trace elements, lanthanides and radionuclides, and the general geochemical characteristics of desert zone soils were investigated and determined. The background contents of the mentioned elements were recognized. The irragic, salic, gleyic, and gypsic horizons in soils were identified by WRB 2015. They can be used as reference horizons for biogeochemical studies and soil management activities. The irragic, gleyic, carbonate-gypsum horizons, evaporation, oxygenic, and other geochemical barriers were studied and revealed. The processes of accumulation, migration, and differentiation of chemical elements in solum as well as in parent materials occur with the joint effects of exogenous, endopedogenic, and artificial factors. These fluxes of elements, in turn, are affected by the nature of soils and parent materials. In this process, unexplored elements form only scattering fluxes. During the vegetation season, as well as the leaching period, considering the various horizons features will help to save significant amounts of irrigation water.
The Impact of Family and Child-Allowances on Income Inequality in Poland. Gini Decomposition by Income Sources
Authors: Wędrowska Ewa , Muszyńska Joanna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Research background: This paper analyses how different income sources affect the level of inequality in Poland, with focus on the role of family and children related allowances in decreasing income inequalities in 2015–2017. Therefore, the study has focused on the various subgroups of households with children.

Purpose: The paper is aimed at examining the extent to which family and children related allowances affect household income inequality and identifying whether they affect inequality in various groups of households in the same way.

Methodology: The study was carried out on micro-data gathered by Eurostat. To examine the extent to which different income components affect income inequality, we decompose the Gini coefficient according to the method introduced by Lerman and Yitzhaki.

Results: Our study revealed that for most households with children, the inequality-reducing effect due to family and children related allowances increased in 2017 compared to 2015. However, despite the additional child-raising benefit under the “Family 500+” programme, income taxes and social security contributions remained by far the most important factor in reducing household income inequalities in Poland.

Novelty: To our knowledge, no study has yet attempted to assess the extent to which family and child-allowances affect income inequality based on real data. The present analysis takes a step towards filling this gap. Unlike other studies based on microsimulation, in this paper we made use of the representative micro-data derived from the EU-SILC study.
Optimization of maturity age for coppice oak forests within Left-Bank Forest-Steppe in Ukraine
Authors: Tkach Victor , Buksha Igor , Slych Oleksandr , Pasternak Volodymyr 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Oak (Quercus robur L.) forest stands are among the most common forest formations in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Investigations of the patterns of distribution of trees by diameter and the dynamics of the commodity structure of mature oak stands of coppice origin were carried out based on the forest survey data from 28 temporary sample plots, on the sites designated for the final felling in the Left-Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine (Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava Regions). We distributed trees by diameter classes and technical suitability categories. To establish the commodity structure of the stand, we selected model trees that corresponded to the average size of trees in terms of diameter classes and their qualitative characteristics. Then, we constructed a model tree stem profile using Institute of Forest Ecosystems Research (IFER)’s method of “6 points”. Based on stands’ structure and quality condition as well as on the growth tables, the commodity structure dynamics table for the changes in the commodity structure for the coppice oak stands in the Left-Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine has been developed. The results of the analysis of wood stock dynamics showed that the maximum average increment of class A and B wood is 90–100 years. Therefore, the age of technical maturity and the associated age for the final felling in commercial oak forests of second site class and above should be assigned to 91–100 years.
Effect of game browsing on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in the Krušné hory Mts. (Czech Republic and Germany)
Authors: Fuchs Zdeněk , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Gallo Josef 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Tree damage by game browsing is one of the biggest threats to forest ecosystems at the time of climate change and large-scale forest disturbances. The aim of the paper was to determine the effect of browsing by ungulates on the diversity, abundance and species composition of natural regeneration in forest stands dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). The research was conducted on 10 permanent research plots in the Krušné hory Mts. in the Czech Republic and Germany. The density of natural regeneration was in the range of 23,300–114,100 recruits ha−1. A higher proportion of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) was found in the regeneration compared to the mature stands. A total of 78% of recruits was damaged by browsing. The most frequently damaged tree species were sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.; 98%) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn.; 97%), while Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst; 31%) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.; 50%) were the least affected. Seventy-nine percent of European beech recruits were damaged. The game significantly reduced the height of regeneration by up to 40%, especially by terminal browsing. Browsing also negatively affected the quality and abundance of regeneration. For successful dynamics of species-rich natural forest ecosystems, it is necessary to minimize tree damage by game browsing. These main measures include the reduction of ungulate population levels and the optimization of their age structure and sex ratio, an increase in the number of overwintering enclosures and food fields for game and a change in the political approach to game management with sufficient consideration of forestry interests.
Quarter of a century of forest fertilization and liming research at the Department of Silviculture in Prague, Czech Republic
Authors: Gallo Josef , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Fertilization and liming began to be used in forestry at the beginning of the 20th century in order to increase growth, for improvement of health status or higher resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. The review summarizes results of 48 studies of forest fertilization, nutrition and liming published in scientific journals by authors of Department of Silviculture in Prague over the past more than 20 years. They deal mainly with monitoring of the effect of fertilization and liming applied during planting or shortly after planting of 18 tree species. Moreover, the results of fertilization in older stands are presented. Separate chapters deal with enhancing substrates (soil conditioners and phytohormones). All forest vegetation ranges are covered, from lowland forests to the subalpine belt of grass vegetation in 11 Natural Forest Areas. Forest fertilizing and liming proved beneficial according to most of the studies. The use of fertilizers can be detected in soils after decades. On the other hand, only in a minority of cases was fertilization reflected in the chemistry of the assimilation apparatus and other parts of the trees for a longer period. The main positive effect of fertilization and liming was increase of tree growth and foliation and decrease of mortality and yellowing symptoms. Inconsistent results were documented in some cases, especially for brassinosteroids and alginite compared to good results in slow release fertilizer done by spot-application. The type of product, concentration, time and method of application play an important role in the appropriate use of fertilization and liming.
Varroacide Effectiveness of Polyvar Yellow® (Flumethrin 275 mg) Preparation
Authors: Bąk Beata , Wilde Jerzy , Siuda Maciej , Wilk Jakub 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to check the effectiveness of the varroacide veterinary product called PolyVar Yellow® (flumethrin 275 mg) in field conditions in the area of north-eastern Poland. The experiment was carried out on twenty bee colonies, of which in ten (group PY) were tested with the veterinary product and the remaining ten constituted a control group without anti-varroosis treatment (group C). Treatment began in mid-August and lasted until the end of October when bee flights ceased. A control treatment was then conducted with a 3.2% oxalic acid solution. The effectiveness of Varroacide of PolyVar Yellow® was estimated on the basis of the parasite falls on the Varroa sticky inserts and based on the infestation rate of bees with the parasite before and after the treatment. High varroacide effectiveness of the preparation was obtained at 97%. The tested veterinary product was shown to protect effectively bee colonies against reinvasion of Varroa destructor mites.
Methodology for Investment Evaluation in Electricity Generation Modules according to the Requirements of the European Union
Authors: Vempere L. , Jasevics A. , Zemite L. , Vempers G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
For a country to be able to survive successfully, one of the criteria is a stable electric power supply that meets certain technical parameters. In the European Union, several countries are working synchronously to ensure the safety of electricity systems. In order to achieve such synchronous operation, the European Union has adopted Regulation No. 2016/631, which sets out the requirements for grid-connected generators. The present article develops a model to assess the compliance of generators with the requirements of the Regulation, as well as conducts economic analysis to assess which generators need investment and whether their use will provide economic benefits. In this way, the state can create a priority list, where generators are divided according to their socio-economic benefits. In 2025, the Baltic States plan to become integrated into the Energy Systems Association of Continental Europe and work synchronously with the other European Union countries, disconnected from the current BRELL energy systems. Therefore, the model developed in the article is applied to the case of Latvia to determine the necessary investments, as a result of which alternatives are considered for improving the current situation.
Simplified Model for Evaluation of Hydropower Plant Conversion into Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant
Authors: Kiene S. , Linkevics O. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Increasing capacity of intermittent generation brings new challenges to balance demand and supply in power systems. With retirement of conventional fossil generation, the role of energy storage is increasing. One of the most competitive storage technologies is pumped storage hydropower plant (PSHP). Usually, such PSHPs are constructed as green field solutions, but in some cases conversion of a hydropower plant into a pump storage hydropower plant by building a pump station is possible. To evaluate the feasibility of such modernisation it is necessary to estimate the benefits of PSHP operation. The simplified model was developed for simulation of charging and discharging cycles of PSHP in Latvian power system and trading electricity in Nord Pool power exchange. The nature of this task is stochastic as the price volatility has a trend to increase with expansion of wind and solar power plant capacity. Results of PSHP operation simulation were then used in the economic model to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed conversion.
Heat Load Numerical Prediction for District Heating System Operational Control
Authors: Rusovs D. , Jakovleva L. , Zentins V. , Baltputnis K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To develop an advanced control of thermal energy supply for domestic heating, a number of new challenges need to be solved, such as the emerging need to plan operation in accordance with an energy market-based environment. However, to move towards this goal, it is necessary to develop forecasting tools for short- and long-term planning, taking into account data about the operation of existing heating systems. The paper considers the real operational parameters of five different heating networks in Latvia over a period of five years. The application of regression analysis for heating load dependency on ambient temperature results in the formulation of normalized slope for the regression curves of the studied systems. The value of this parameter, the normalized slope, allows describing the performance of particular heating systems. Moreover, a heat load forecasting approach is presented by an application of multiple regression methods. This short-term (day-ahead) forecasting tool is tested on data from a relatively small district heating system with an average load of 20 MW at ambient temperature of 0 °C. The deviations of the actual heat load demand from the one forecasted with various training data set sizes and polynomial orders are evaluated for two testing periods in January of 2018. Forecast accuracy is assessed by two parameters – mean absolute percentage error and normalized mean bias error.
CHPP Operation Mode Optimization under Electricity and Gas Market Conditions using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kozadajevs J. , Dolgicers A. , Boreiko D. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The article presents an operation planning optimisation approach using a genetic algorithm for CHPPs in an urban heat supply zone. Changes in market environment will result in a significant change in energy system planning and operation. For efficient production planning in the liberalized power markets, it is paramount to determine the optimal strategies over a time horizon. Solution of an optimization task of such complexity requires a well-crafted set of tailored modelling, simulation, optimization, and forecasting tools. A well-designed solution is unthinkable without a great number of production units, such as gas turbines, steam turbines, heat-only boilers, and thermal storages, reflected by the optimization model.
A Review: The Energy Poverty Issue in the European Union and Latvia
Authors: Zalostiba D. , Kiselovs D. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Energy poverty is a growing concern in the European Union. Following energy market liberalization, the problem of energy affordability has entered the political discussion, making it necessary to estimate its dimensions, develop and implement a policy and means for its mitigation. To evaluate the situation in Latvia, the paper reviews the way energy poverty is currently defined and measured, investigating the advantages and shortcomings of various definitions and approaches. It then provides a brief analysis of energy poverty in three char-acterising dimensions: low income, high costs of energy services and unsatisfactory housing conditions (primarily related to energy efficiency aspects), using available statistical data. The characterising indicators of energy poverty are compared with the EU average values. Finally, this paper highlights individual policy measures for diminishing energy poverty.
A Structured Approach for Synchronising the Applications of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Authors: Alruqi Mansoor , Baumers Martin , Branson David , Farndon Robert 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic approach for evaluating the potential failure modes in a system, and is mainly employed in three distinct tasks labelled: (1) Functional FMEA – evaluating those failures associated with product functional definition, (2) Design FMEA – analysing those failures associated with design definition and (3) Process FMEA – assessing potential failures in manufacturing and assembly processes. The literature review has shown limited works on the field of synchronising these different tasks into a working model. To address this gap, this research developed a framework for integrating these tasks of FMEAs, and then qualitatively validating the proposed framework. This research adopted a semi-structured questionnaire to collect experts’ feedback and validate the proposed framework. The t-test was then employed to evaluate the collected feedback. The findings highlight that the proposed framework is applicable and could facilitate the synchronisation of the different tasks of FMEA. This research presents a methodological approach for executing and synchronising FMEAs. Therefore, the proposed framework is practically relevant as an aid for the practitioners in catching the cascading failures and reducing the relevant impact.
The Impact of Lean Manufacturing on Enviromental Performance in Moroccan Automotive Industry
Authors: Bouazza Yassine , Lajjam Azza , Dkhissi Btissam 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Due to an increase in energy price and pollution plus environmental regulations, companies start to adopt green policies. In fact, companies are encouraged by governments to develop strategies to achieve more sustainable operations. Based on this literature review the contribution of Lean Manufacturing on environmental performances will be discussed, a survey of 50 different automotive companies based in Morocco, shows how they are carrying out manufacturing and environmental practices. The result of this study shows a positive impact of advanced Lean Manufacturing’s tools on the environmental performance and contribute to the present literature on environmentally friendly Manufacturing. The findings and proposals of this paper can be a beginning step for Moroccan companies to completely use their capability of environmental practices and improve their manufacturing productivity performance while identifying trends in organizational development.
Implementation of Lean Instruments in Ceramics Industries
Authors: Ulewicz Robert , Kleszcz Daniel , Ulewicz Małgorzata 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The article presents the results of the research on the level of implementation of Lean instruments in the ceramics industry. The research was carried out in ceramic factories in Poland and Germany. Based on the results obtained, the most commonly used Lean instruments in the ceramics industry were defined. The dependence of the use of Lean instruments on the size of the enterprise was also determined. It was established that the Lean activities undertaken in the ceramics industry are focused solely on the implementation of individual methods and tools, without a pre-defined goal. This approach in the ceramics industry is ineffective, but unfortunately it is most often used in the implementation of the Lean philosophy, especially in small ceramics enterprises.