bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sprungbrett für den US-Markt
Authors: Kleinschmidt Christian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the context of the internationalisation and globalisation of the economy, special economic zones are playing an increasingly important role. The economic-historical evaluation of these special economic zones is controversially discussed and fluctuates between a «neo-colonialist exploitation of the Global South» based on low wages and poor working conditions as well as the exploitation of tax havens on the one hand and the emphasis on economic development potentials in these countries on the other. Using the non-representative corporate history case study of the medical technology manufacturer Sartorius, the aim is to ask, based on the motives, expectations and decision-making processes of a company in a specific economic-historical situation between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s, what significance the special economic zone of Puerto Rico had for corporate strategy in this phase. It will be shown that the corporate development and growth of Sartorius at the Goettingen location reached its limits during this period and that alternative investment opportunities were sought, which were found primarily in the world’s largest market for its products: the US market. High customs duties and transport costs ultimately led to considerations of direct investment on the American continent, whereby the investment incentives in the US special economic zone of Puerto Rico, supported by government subsidy programmes of the Federal Republic, offered considerably more advantages than on the mainland. In the case of Sartorius, with regard to the Puerto Rico Special Economic Zone, it is less about the exploitation of «neocolonial exploitation mechanisms» in a region of the Global South than about the use of Puerto Rican as well as Federal Republic investment incentives, which also offered development potential for Puerto Rico itself.
Der Beitrag entstand im Kontext der Publikation Sartorius 1870–2020, von Hartmut Berghoff, Christian Kleinschmidt, Stephan H. Lindner, Luitgard Marshall, München 2021. Die spezifische Frage zur Rolle von Puerto Rico im Rahmen der Unternehmensstrategie Sartorius’ konnte dort nur knapp angerissen und nicht in seiner ganzen Komplexität dargestellt werden (135–137) und wird hier ausführlich und quellenbasiert diskutiert.
Business History in Europe
Authors: Astore Marianna , Binda Veronica 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article examines the working conditions of young business historians in Europe, looking at both the demand and the supply side of the junior job market. It is based on responses to a questionnaire submitted to all the participants in the European Business History Association (EBHA) Doctoral Summer School, and on a database of the positions offered in BH (or related fields) from 2016 up to 2020. The analysis brings to light several problems connected with the precariousness of the job market and the shortage of opportunities. Even so, young scholars’ job satisfaction is generally high overall, though less so in Southern Europe.
Trading costs and trading quantity at the Berlin Stock Exchange, 1892–1913
Authors: Burhop Carsten , Gelman Sergey 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We estimate two components of stock market liquidity, namely trading costs and trading volume, for the Berlin Stock Exchange, 1892–1913. Our three trading cost indicators are highly correlated with each other. To estimate trading volume, we use turnover tax revenues and turnover data from the Berliner Kassenverein. We use information on stock exchange turnover taxes collected in Berlin and we have compiled monthly data. We show that the three indicators of trading volume are highly correlated.
Laboratory Accelerated Testing of Traffic Polishing Effects on Asphalt Paving Mixtures
Authors: Zhou Bo , Chu L. , Yang Lintao , Fwa T. F. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Most laboratory polishing machines for pavement materials in use today are bulky and could not be easily fabricated in a typical pavement engineering laboratory. Most machines adopt a small-diameter circular-path polishing mode, which is different from actual field polishing actions, to save space and reduce test durations. Still, each test typically lasts longer than a day. To overcome the problems of test duration and polishing mode, this study developed a high-slip ratio linear-path polishing device to achieve a test duration of less than 4 h. The main research objectives were to study the polishing effects of different polishing modes and propose a polishing procedure to produce a polished state of British pendulum number (BPN) and mean texture depth (MTD) matching with field measured values. The four polishing modes studied were 1. dry polishing, 2. wet polishing, 3. dry polishing with sand, and 4. wet polishing with sand. The presence of water was found to have no statistically significant effect on the terminal BPN and MTD. When sand was applied, whether in dry (Mode 3) or wet (Mode 4) polishing, lower terminal MTD but higher BPN than those by Mode 1 or 2 were obtained. If polishing was continued without sand, the terminal BPN became lower than that achieved by Mode 1 or 2. Upon comparing laboratory polished BPNs with polished BPNs of in-service pavements, this study recommended the following two-stage mixed-mode polishing procedure: Mode 3 or 4 polishing with sand, followed by either Mode 1 or 2 polishing without sand.
Benefits and Risks of Digital Business Transformation: The Example of Eastern Europe Countries
Authors: Zolkover Andrii , Petrunenko Iaroslav , Iastremska Olesia , Stashkevych Oksana , Mehdizade Mehriban Mehdiqizi 
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research was to conceptually substantiate an effective business digitalization strategy in Eastern Europe (EE), taking into account the identification of destructive and complementary factors of digital transformation (DT). The survey, completed by top managers of companies from different sectors of the EE countries' economy, helped form a system of indicators for assessing the level of DT by country. The systematization of the DT factors made it possible to differentiate them by the nature of influence, advantages, and threats of the DH (digital humanities) for the EE countries. The results indicated a low and medium level of DT in the countries studied because of the lack of a digitalization strategy. A matrix of business digitalization management strategies has been formed for Eastern European countries, considering the efficiency level, digitalization threats, and the priority in their management. It will help mitigate the threats of DT and reduce the digital divide with countries with a high level of DT.
Experimental investigation of a keying joint cast in UHPFRC between precast UHPFRC bridge elements
Authors: Bertola Numa J. , Trinh Ngoc Thanh , Garcia Enrique , Brühwiler Eugen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUltra High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite (UHPFRC) is increasingly popular for new structural designs thanks to its high resistance both in tension and compression. When UHPFRC is complemented with steel reinforcing bars or prestressing tendons, the structure remains waterproof and crack-free under service conditions, significantly improving the durability compared to conventional reinforced-concrete designs. The Aiguillon Bridge is one of the first railway bridges entirely made of UHPFRC. Built in 2021 in Switzerland, this bridge has a single span of 6.6 m and a width of 5.4 m. The bridge is designed for a narrow track and 2 walkways. Two prefabricated elements in UHPFRC have been assembled on-site by a longitudinal cast-in-place UHPFRC keying joint. This paper presents the full-scale laboratory experiment to validate the keying joint suitability for railway bridges. This experimental investigation involves a static test on a transverse beam composed of two precast elements and the keying joint. Results show that the structure presents a post-peak ductile behavior as well as an elastic behavior under service loads. Digital-Image-Correlation measurements provide details on the cracking patterns of the interface between the keying joint and the precast elements. As the maximum resistance obtained during the experiment is in agreement with the analytical-model predictions, the concept of the keying joint is validated.
Effect of Alstonia Boonei Stem Bark Extracts on the Activity of Liver Maker Enzymes in Rats Induced by Ccl4
Authors: Okpashi Victor E. , Uroko Robert I. , Ogana Joy , Agbafor A. , Nwuke C. P. 
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the outcome of Alstonia boonei stem bark on liver enzymes after inducing the Wistar albino rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This effect of plant extract was compared with silymarin – a drug commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatocyte disorder. The plant sample was extracted with ethanol; acute toxicity study of the extract was performed on eighteen Wistar mice, while 30 rats were sacrificed for liver enzymes assay. The rats were divided into six clusters: each cluster has five rats, culster 1 served as control and was given 2 mL/kg b.w - distilled water; clusters 2 – 6 were CCl4 induced. Cluster 2 was untreated but served as the negative control while cluster 3 was given 0.025 mL or 25kg/kg B.W of Silymarin, which was a regular medicine and aided as the ordinary control. Rats in clusters 4 – 6 were administered - 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg, respectively of ethanol extract for fourteen days. The acute toxicity results of A. boonei extract showed relative fortification due to no death or adversarial responses after 24 hours of the extract administration. A substantial (P ≥ 0.05) surge in ALT action after administering 500 mg/kg proves lesser toxicity was greater dosage. At low dosage of the extract, a non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) rise in AST action specifies that the extract was moderately harmless with no hepatotoxic magnitude at low medication. The substantial reduction of alkaline phosphatase action in cluster 3 rats induced with CCl4 and given with Silymarin, together with clusters 4 – 6 that were CCl4 induced and administered with graded doses of A. boonei stem bark extract suggest hepatoprotective properties.
Comparison Between Deterministic and Stochastic Model for Interaction (COVID-19) With Host Cells in Humans
Authors: Kareem Ahmed M. , Al-Azzawi Saad Naji 
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the deterministic and the stochastic models are proposed to study the interaction of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) with host cells inside the human body. In the deterministic model, the value of the basic reproduction number determines the persistence or extinction of the COVID-19. If , one infected cell will transmit the virus to less than one cell, as a result, the person carrying the Coronavirus will get rid of the disease .If the infected cell will be able to infect all cells that contain ACE receptors. The stochastic model proves that if are sufficiently large then maybe give us ultimate disease extinction although , and this facts also proved by computer simulation.
The Role of Serum Chitinase-3-Like 1 Protein (YKL-40) Level and its Correlation with Proinflammatory Cytokine in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mohammed Noor Ulhuda G. , Khaleel Fayhaa M. , Gorial Faiq I. 
Published: March 2022

Chitinase-3-like 1 protein (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the arthritic joint and plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The aim of the study is to establish the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to proinflammatory biomarkers and disease activity. The study included 58 patients and 18 control. Diseases activity score (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were measured. Serum level of YKL-40, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1B (IL-1β), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) were assessed. The results showed that the median serum YKL-40 level which was 5.42 ng/ml, the TNF-a level which was 123.6 ng/ml, and the IL-1B level which was 204.365 pg/dl were significantly higher in patients compared to control 3.28 (1.58–4.99) ng/ml, 56.47 (9.38–77.01) ng/ml and 67.887 (15.493–122.689)pg/dl respectively. There was no correlation between serum YKL-40 and disease activity, while there were significant associations observed with TNF-α (r=0.5,p =0.0001) and IL-1β (r=0.41, p=0.001). YKL-40 indicating good levels of RA prediction at 2.47 ng/ml, sensitivity 87.9%, specificity 58.6%, accuracy 78.1%, PPV 80.9%, and NPV 70.8%. In conclusion, a higher level of serum YKL-40 is found in RA patients. The findings from our study suggest a strong association between YKL-40 and the proinflammatory biomarkers. As a result, these biomarkers together might play a role in RA pathogenesis, and YKL-40 may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for RA.
Modeling Jar Test Results Using Gene Expression to Determine the Optimal Alum Dose in Drinking Water Treatment Plants
Authors: Alsaeed Ruba D. , Alaji Bassam , Ibrahim Mazen 
Published: March 2022

Coagulation is the most important process in drinking water treatment. Alum coagulant increases the aluminum residuals, which have been linked in many studies to Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it is very important to use it with the very optimal dose. In this paper, four sets of experiments were done to determine the relationship between raw water characteristics: turbidity, pH, alkalinity, temperature, and optimum doses of alum [ .14 O] to form a mathematical equation that could replace the need for jar test experiments. The experiments were performed under different conditions and under different seasonal circumstances. The optimal dose in every set was determined, and used to build a gene expression model (GEP). The models were constructed using data of the jar test experiments: turbidity, pH, alkalinity, and temperature, to predict the coagulant dose. The best GEP model gave very good results with a correlation coefficient (0.91) and a root mean square error of 1.8. Multi linear regression was used to be compared with the GEP results; it could not give good results due to the complex nonlinear relation of the process. Another round of experiments was done with high initial turbidity like the values that comes to the plant during floods and heavy rain. To give an equation for these extreme values, with studying the use of starch as a coagulant aid, the best GEP gave good results with a correlation coefficient of 0.92 and RMSE 5.1
Determination of Optimal Time-Average Wind Speed Data in the Southern Part of Malaysia
Authors: Derome Daniel , Razali Halim , Fazlizan Ahmad , Jedi Alias , Roberts Katie Purvis- 
Published: March 2022

Mersing is one of the places that have the potential for wind power development in Malaysia. Researchers often suggest it as an ideal place for generating electricity from wind power. However, before a location is chosen, several factors need to be considered. By analyzing the location ahead of time, resource waste can be avoided and maximum profitability to various parties can be realized. For this study, the focus is to identify the distribution of the wind speed of Mersing and to determine the optimal average of wind speed. This study is critical because the wind speed data for any region has its distribution. It changes daily and by season. Moreover, no determination has been made regarding selecting the average wind speed used for wind studies. The wind speed data is averaged to 1, 10, 30, and 60 minutes and used to find the optimal wind speed average. This study used Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-Square as the goodness of fit. The finding shows that the wind speed distribution in Mersing varies according to the time average used and the best fit distribution is Gen. Gamma. In contrast, the optimal average wind speed is 10 minutes due to the highest similarity results with 1-minute data. These affect the reliability of the finding, accuracy of the estimation and decisions made. Therefore, the implementation of this study is significant so that the wind distribution in a particular area is more accurate.
Toxicity of Nanomulsion of Castor Oil on the Fourth larval stage of Culex quinquefsciatus under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Kathiar Soolaf A , Al Hilfy Alla Abd Al Hassan , Al Shammari Hazim Idan 
Published: March 2022

Mosquitoes like Culex quinquefasciatus are the primary vector that transmits many causes of diseases such as filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus, in many countries around the world. The development in the scientific fields, such as nanotechnology, leads to use this technique in control programs of insects including mosquitoes through the use of green synthesis of nanoemulsions based on plant products such as castor oil. Castor oil nanoemulsion was formulated in various ratios comprising of castor oil, ethanol, tween 80, and deionized water by ultrasonication. Thermodynamic assay improved that the formula of (10 ml) of castor oil, ethanol (5ml), tween 80 (14 ml) and deionized water (71ml) was more stable than other formulas. The formulated castor oil nanoemulsion was characterized by transmitting electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Nanoemulsion droplets were spherical in shape and found to have a Z-average diameter of 93 nm. A concentration of castor oil nanoemulsion (250, 350, 450, and 550 ppm) was tested as larvicidal agents and bulk emulsion (1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 ppm) was tested also and compared against the fourth instar larvae. Our nanoemulsion showed higher activity when compared to bulk emulsion. LC50 for castor oil nanoemulsion and castor bulk emulsion were found to be 268.21 and 409.37ppm after 72 h, respectively. The biochemical assays were carried out to examine the effect of castor oil nanoemulsion on biochemical characteristics of larvae. The treated larval homogenate showed inhibition in the activity of acetylcholinesterase.
Risk Assessment Method for Bullheading Killing Based on the Uncertainty of Formation Parameters
Authors: Chi Peng , Qingfeng Li , Jianhong Fu , Yu Su , Quan Cao , Xiaomin Zhang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To analyze the risks caused by the uncertainty of formation parameters to bullheading killing, a method for quantitatively evaluating the bullheading killing risks is established. Firstly, considering the influence of gas invasion volume, formation fracture, and killing parameters, a bullheading killing model is established based on a gas-liquid two-phase flow. Then, the uncertainties of formation parameters (formation pressure and permeability) are quantified. Based on the shut-in wellhead information, the range of formation pressure is predicted with the gas column model and multiphase flow model. Considering the influence of formation fracture on the permeability, Monte Carlo random sampling is applied to predict the range of formation permeability. Based on industry standards, a safety pressure value is set up, and the wellbore pressure corresponding to all value combinations of formation parameters under the given killing parameters is obtained by killing model. Moreover, according to the probability and degree that wellbore pressure exceeds the safety value, the risks are rated to quantify the risk of bullheading killing. Under this circumstance, the feasibility and accuracy of this method are validated by practical cases, and it is found by simulation that flow rate can affect the risk of wellhead damage to the greatest extent, and there exists a critical rate. When the flow rate is greater than the critical rate, the increase in flow rate will greatly improve the risk probability. In such case, improving the density of kill fluid can reduce the risk of wellhead damage in a limited way, but it will greatly increase the risks of formation fracture and casing damage. Therefore, for bullheading killing, it is not advisable to employ high-density kill fluid. By this method, the bullheading killing risks can be fully assessed before actual construction, thus providing reference for determining reasonable construction parameters of bullheading killing.
Effect of 137cs Gamma Radiation on Fungal Strains in an Artwork by Candido Portinari
Authors: Cardoso Renata , Corrêa Fernanda , Chaves Ana , Lutterbach Marcia , Ferreira Ana , Souza Marcia , Silva Luciano , Costa Antonio Carlos Augusto da 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Gamma radiation is an effective technique for the treatment of art collections, reducing microbial loads and obtained by the emission of a radioactive isotope, such as Cesium 137. A Portinari's artwork (National Museum, Brazil), was analyzed and the fungi contained therein were isolated, and treated with gamma radiation for decontamination. Radiation doses used were 16, 19, and 22 kGy. Results indicated 11 genera and 17 species of fungi isolated. Penicillium and Cladosporium were isolated in air, artwork, and its support. The genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Nigrospora and Curvularia showed high resistance to radiation (16 kGy) and the most resistant was Cladosporium, with no growth under 22 kGy. The results outlined indicate that the rates of DNA damage and repair were critical, depending on chronic or acute doses. The biochemical mechanism acting on fungal cells under irradiation was basically the inactivation of specific enzymes and, probably, DNA damage, particularly stimulating double-strand breaks.
Association between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 level and clinical prognosis in Chinese patients with resectable colon cancer
Authors: Zhai Xiaolu , Yin Dian , Wang Yan , Wang Fei , Miao Yajun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background and aim:
Several aspects of the correlation between colon cancer and hemostatic markers are still unknown to many researchers in the field. In this study, we evaluated the association between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) level and colon cancer.
Methods
This study included 424 patients with colon cancer (mean age 67.79 years; 37.97% female 62.03% male). Serum FGF21 levels were quantified by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Patients with negative lymph nodes or venous invasion showed a significantly lower serum FGF21 level than their counterparts (all P < 0.001). Higher serum concentrations of FGF-21 were statistically significantly associated with greater odds of developing lymph nodes or venous invasion. After adjusting for potential confounders and when compared with the lowest quartile of FGF-21, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for venous invasion in the third and fourth quartile were 2.59 (95% CI, 1.17–5.76) and 18.43 (95% CI, 8.11–41.89), respectively (both P < 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that serum FGF21 level higher than 462.21 pg/ml suggested the occurrence of venous invasion.
Conclusions
Serum FGF21 level was an independent risk factor for lymph nodes or venous invasion in Chinese patients with resectable colon cancer. The risk of venous invasion increased 16 times when the serum FGF21 level higher than 462.21 pg/ml.
The synergic interface between narrative techniques and other elements of fiction: Dramatic irony and Betrayal in NGugi's A Grain of Wheat.
Authors: Bazimaziki Gabriel 
Published: March 2022

The author’s goal to successfully impart a thought through fiction depends largely on the synergetic relationship between narrative techniques and other literary elements. This paper explores the synergic alliance between the authors’ choice of methods or literary devices to reveal the audience how characters and themes affecting them cannot be disconnected. The study hinges on a qualitative document analysis involving Ngugi’s novel A Grain of Wheat. Discussion was guided by three study questions concerning the place that narrative techniques hold among the fictional generic elements; the use of dramatic irony in A Grain of Wheat; and what can be learnt from that situation. Analysis revealed that dramatic irony is used in that novel to show the reader that people could be cautious to decide on heroes and traitors before the story conflict resolution. It was also confirmed that the interface between elements of literature cannot be doubted.