bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The „Tao” of Ethics and Politics: A Radical Reading of Taoist Philosophy
Authors: Komarzyca Daniel
Published: March 2020

The paper explores the possibility of finding radical elements of individualistic and libertarian especially left-libertarian thought in Taoist philosophy. It demonstrates that philosophical Taoism should be treated in a comprehensive way, with a particular emphasis on ethics. In connection with this, the anti-authoritarian ethico-political dimension of early Taoism is examined, and it is argued that the Taoist philosophers of ancient China had a deep respect for the equal liberty of individuals, who are all unique by nature. As a result, findings suggest that Taoist anarchism in early medieval China evolved as the logical conclusion from ancient Taoist ethico-political thought since radical ideas were embodied in it. The research goal of this paper is to develop a Taoist-libertarian virtue ethics and to show its political relevance. Therefore, it is also intended to show how Taoist libertarianism avant la lettre undermines political authority despite being neither consequentialist nor deontological, unlike typical American libertarianism.
Liberalna demokracja jako obóz koncentracyjny? Kilka uwag o mnożących się skandalicznych? opiniach
Authors: Szlachta Bogdan
Published: March 2020

LIBERAL DEMOCRACY AS A CONCENTRATION CAMP? SOME REMARKS ON PROLIFERATING SCANDALOUS? OPINIONS Aristotelian distinction dzoē and bios is very often present in reflections on a condition of contemporary liberal-democratic Western societies. Some authors suggest that processes in modern or even postmodern societies lead to new conceptions of power and combine new conceptions of law. Thanks to this in biopolitical reflections, above all in Foucault’s and Agamben’s writings, we could see liberal democracy as a concentration camp, without individual freedom, but with strictly controlled human bodies. Article presents some aspects of this dramatic visions.
Samodzierżawie
Authors: Chojnicka Krystyna
Published: March 2020

SAMODERZHAVIYEThis article is showcasing the lasting nature of tsarist samoderzhaviye often translated into English as ‘tsarist autocracy’. It proposes atypology based on principal characteristics of this phenomenon — both those widely accepted and those not included in different definitions offered by existing accounts. To discuss disagreements in the literature, such as temporal boundaries of this form of government, historical judicial acts are considered, which is anovel addition to the literature. This allows the author to reconstruct the historical, official conceptualizations of this form of government. The article also compares samoderzaviye with other forms of totalitarian and autocratic government.
Złożoność zjawiska mowy nienawiści w pozaprawnym aspekcie definicyjnym
Authors: Urbańczyk Michał , Rogalska Ewelina
Published: March 2020

THE COMPLEXITY OF THE HATE SPEECH PHENOMENON IN TERMS OF ITS NON-LEGAL DEFINITIONAL ASPECTThe starting point is thinking that the modern political debate manifests in the degradation of the culture of discussion. One of the issues that can be observed next to this phenomenon is the brutalization of the language of public debate — hate speech is becoming more and more common. The aim of the paper is the description and the characteristic of vital aspects which appear in accordance to the designation of hate speech and its manifestations in public sphere.
Central European states from a conservative perspective in the period 1990–2004
Authors: Kalický Juraj , Lasicová Jana , Ušiak Jaroslav
Published: March 2020

CENTRAL EUROPEAN STATES FROM A CONSERVATIVE PERSPECTIVE IN THE PERIOD 1990–2004The post-communist transition of Central European States the V4 countries and their neighbours, when speaking about a broader Central Europe took place in the last decade of the 20th century until the years 2002 and 2004, when the V4 countries were allowed to access the EU and NATO. In this case, the term transition accounts for changes in the political status of states, a transi­tion period in which basic pillars of the state — political system, the market economy, replaced the centrally-planned economy, the security and agenda of human rights, were assessed by new criteria. It was a complicated process that had to be reflected from the perspective of science and research, but also it had to be accepted from the perspective of citizens who did not always perceive the changes in a positive way. Central Europe lacked public discussion, a space that was supposed to be dedicated to the supporters of integration, but also to opposing opinions in order to make transparent attitudes, objections, but mainly, to introduce comprehensible projects of further development. To­day many theoreticians from Western Europe view the absence of public discussion to be a serious lack of planning in the preparation period. Mainly future positive benefits were presented, liberalism as the best solution of economic problems was unilaterally preferred. Little attention was given to possible impacts of the other ideological or theoretical concepts, e.g., conservatism, which puts an emphasis on the important role of the state, traditions, paternalism, and other aspects, which could, at first sight, operate as controlling mechanisms, even barriers to liberalism and integration. At that time, conservatism seemed to be an outdated ideology. But in practice, the situation was different. Conservative parties, and particularly the conservative perspective of reality, became an essential way of problem solving. The article aspires to explain some aspects of the impact of conservatism on the positive process of transition and transformation in Central Europe.
Agentura wpływu uczestnikiem walki informacyjnej
Authors: Żebrowski Andrzej
Published: March 2020

INFLUENCING AGENTARY AS A PARTICIPANT OF INFORMATION WARFAREThe secret service and manipulation are connected. This is relevant to state security and defense. The intelligence and counterintelligence services play a pioneering role in these sectors of functioning. Each of them affects the opponent in terms of their activities. This influence requires knowledge, skills and the participation of agentry – which performs many complex tasks to distort the enemy’s information – in addition to other staff resources. Especially important is the impact agentry because of its capabilities. It is in an operational interest environment and is a participant in the decision-making process related to the state security.
Społeczeństwo XXI wieku wobec zagrożenia islamskim terroryzmem
Authors: Kasperska-Kurzawa Kamila
Published: March 2020

SOCIETY OF THE 21ST CENTURY AGAINST THE THREAT OF ISLAMIC TERRORISMThe subject matter includes the issue of transformation in the consciousness of the societies of European Union countries, but also communities in other areas of the world, perception of the phenomenon of migration to the territories of native countries, mainly in the European Union. The period of rapid socio-political changes in Islamic states, as well as the outbreak of civil war in 2011 in Syria, was the largest stimulator of migration movements from the Middle East, especially those covered by military operations in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of migrants continued to reach EU countries. Germany widely opened the door of its state and accepted the largest number of migrants. Some countries, such as Poland or Hungary, refused to accept migrants from countries with an Islamic origin. Migration on such a mass scale caused many social problems. The perceived sense of security of the community has deteriorated considerably in the EU countries where the most migrants came. The decline in the sense of security included areas not only of safety for life and health, but also concerns about reducing the level of social status or increasing unemployment. However, the biggest threat to the community of the EU countries, and many other countries in the world was ahuge increase in terrorist attacks, where the attackers came from orthodox Islamist groups. It should be added that the majority of migrants were Muslims. Another phenomenon also affecting the reduction of the level of perceptible security of European societies was the reactivation of political groups that in their ideologies presented the slogans of populism, nationalism, racism, or even fascism. There has been a clear polarization of Western societies, where until now they were arefuge of democracy, tolerance and values for which they fought for years. Undoubtedly, the politics of Erdogan, the president of Turkey, and the president of Russia, Putin, also influencedthestate of security of societies, and tried to influence EU decisions with their actions. Russia, let the annexation of Crimea and activities in Ukraine be left in peace, and Turkey, to force the EU to acceleratethe admission of this country to the EU. Also calling up the so-called Islamic state posed a huge threat to the security of the communities of European Union countries with attacks inspired by this terrorist group.
Miejsce bezpieczeństwa osobowego w systemie ochrony informacji niejawnych
Authors: Karpiuk Mirosław
Published: March 2020

POSITION OF PERSONAL SECURITY IN THE SYSTEMFOR PROTECTING CLASSIFIED INFORMATIONOne of the constituents of the state security is protecting information against unauthorized disclosure which would or could be harmful for the Polish state, or would be adverse for its interests, regardless of the form and the way they are expressed. Being classified, such information may be made available only to those who guarantee secrecy, and only to the extent necessary to perform their job or service on a given position, or perform duties entrusted. A screening, being an element of personal security, can prove whether a person guarantees secrecy or not. This procedure is to de­termine if, after obtaining access to classified information, a person tested would constitute doubts as far as the existence of unauthorized disclosure of classified information is concerned. A security clearance providing access to classified information has to be issued after a thorough examination, and only to the person guaranteeing full secrecy.
Refleksje na temat książki Sebastiana Fikusa „Trudny spadek dysydentów III Rzeszy w Republice Federalnej Niemiec”
Authors: Zmierczak Maria
Published: March 2020

REFLECTIONS ON SEBASTIAN FIKUS’S TRUDNY SPADEK DYSYDENTÓW III RZESZY W REPUBLICE FEDERALNEJ NIEMIEC DIFFICULT LEGACY OF THE THIRD REICH’S DISSIDENTS IN FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANYThe reviewed book contains a description of state policy towards the German opponents of Hitler’s regime after the fall of the Third Reich. The death sentences of military courts, Volksgericht and special war courts were treated as legal and the victims and their descendants were not vindicated until 2009. It means that they figured as criminals for more than 50 years. The author suggests that this was connected mainly with economic reasons and the need to restore the national economy. The commentary of the reviewer underlines the importance of other aspects: on the one hand, it was not easy to declare that the Federal Republic of Germany is a new state and to break the continuity of state, especially in the face of the existing German Democratic Republic. On the other hand, it is not easy to declare that the law was not legal, and to punish judges or officers who had acted according to the legal prescriptions; not to mention the old sentence lex retro non agit.
Oblicza autokracji w czeskich dystopiach literackich na wybranych przykładach
Authors: Czaplińska Joanna
Published: March 2020

FACES OF AUTOCRACY IN CZECH LITERARY DYSTOPIASThe paper deals with the phenomenon of dystopia in Czech literature before 1989. The main aim of the article is to present some similiar views on totalitarian power and its influence on the individual in Czech novels and short stories: Datum narození nula by Ludmila Freiová, Poselství pro Agla Mathona by Ondřej Neff, Utopie, nejlepší verze by Ivan Kmínek and Maso by Martin Harníček. The purpose of the paper was also to show how in the authors’ visions of autocratic states, administration is taking control over ordinary people and what kind of tools it uses to manipulate them: terror, self-censorship or various addictions.
Dialektyka „swój”–„obcy” w prawicowej filozofi i politycznej 1789– 1945. Część II
Authors: Wielomski Adam
Published: March 2020

DIALECTICS “WE”–“ALIENS” IN RIGHT-WING POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY 1789–1945. PART IIThe aim of the author of this text is to polemicize with the stereotype according to which nationalism is a synonym of the “extreme right.” For this purpose the method of historical exemplification was used. In Part II we discuss examples of nationalisms in various European states between the years 1890 and 1945: France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy. This is the epoch when nationalism denies its initial close relationship with the political and revolutionary left. Now it is in close relations with the right. During the Boulanger and Dreyfus affaires in France, the nationalists are on the political right. Their ideology is not only right-wing but also anti-Semitic. Sometimes openly racist Maurice Barrès. In general, however, French and Italian nationalists preach “state nationalism,” similar to the classic doctrine of raison d’état. In Spain and Portugal the right is strictly Catholic. This is the imperial right. We have here the dream of restoration of the Spanish Siglo de Oro. This project is antithetic to nationalism because it is universalist and supranational. It is different in Germany, where at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries the whole right is lit up by the vision of conquests, German empire, struggle of races. First, the Protestant, then also the German Catholic right is chauvinistic, racist and anti-Semitic. The article ends with reflections upon the relations between political right and the idea of nationalism.
Consumer contracts in the European Court of Justice case law. Latest trends = Los contratos de consumo en la jurisprudencia del TJUE. Últimas tendencias
Authors: Calvo Caravaca Alfonso-Luis
Published: March 2020

Abstract: The concept of “consumer” is, in theory, a restrictive concept. However, the ECJ has now extended it to cases in which a private individual has gone on to practice as a professional in an manifest, public and conspicuous manner. Judgment ECJ 25 January 2018, C-498/16, Facebook proves it. In relation to consumers of financial products, the ECJ skillfully pulls strings in the context of art. 7.2 BR I-bis; however, that norm is totally insensitive with regards to the consumer. The future is stepping forward towards online mass consumption, and in the present virtual social landscape it is necessary for the ECJ to open up new ways of protecting the consumer that keep up with times. In this context, it is necessary that future amendments to the Brussels I-bis Regulation incorporate the concepts that the ECJ has created in relation to jurisdiction in the cross-border consumer sector: the concepts of “act of consumption”, “consumer”, “professional”, and “directed activity”, for example, should stop being jurisprudential concepts to become legal concepts.Keywords: act of consumption, consumer, consumer contract, cross-border consumer sector, directed activity, dual contracts with both private and professional purpose, (international) jurisdiction, Private International Law, professional.Resumen: El concepto de “consumidor” es, en teoría, un concepto restrictivo. Sin embargo, el TJUE lo ha extendido a casos en los que un particular, en el momento presente, ha pasado a ejercer como profesional de manera evidente, pública y notoria. La STJUE 25 enero 2018, C-498/16, Facebook, es la prueba. En relación con los consumidores de productos financieros, el TJUE mueve sus hilos con destreza en el contexto del art. 7.2 RB I-bis, pero este precepto es totalmente insensible al consumidor. El futuro camina digitalmente hacia un consumo masivo online y en dicho paisaje social virtual es necesario que el TJUE abra vías de protección al consumidor de un modo evolutivo. En dicho contexto, es preciso que futuras reformas del Reglamento Bruselas I-bis incorporen los conceptos que el TJUE ha creado en relación con la competencia judicial en el sector del consumo transfronterizo: los conceptos de “acto de consumo”, “consumidor”, “profesional”, y “actividad dirigida”, por ejemplo, deberían dejar de ser conceptos jurisprudenciales para pasar a ser conceptos legales.Palabras clave: acto de consumo, competencia judicial internacional, consumidor, consumo transfronterizo, contrato de consumidores, contratos con doble finalidad profesional y privada, Derecho internacional privado, profesional, actividad dirigida.
Problemas de ley aplicable en el marco de un contrato internacional de agencia comercial: comentario a la sentencia de la Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona (Sección 11ª) de 3 de julio de 2019 = Law applicable problems in the frame of international agency agreements: comments about the judgement issued by the Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona on 3 July 2019
Authors: Aguilar Grieder Hilda
Published: March 2020

Resumen: El presente trabajo estudia un problema de Derecho aplicable susceptible de plantearse en el marco de los contratos internacionales de agencia comercial.Palabras clave: Unión Europea, Derecho internacional privado, Derecho aplicable, contratos internacionales de agencia comercial.Abstract: This study analyses a law applicable problem which arises in the frame of some international agency agreements.Keywords: European Union, Private International Law, Law applicable, international agency agreements.
Litispendencia internacional extracomunitaria: una alegación ignorada (SAP Barcelona de 30 de mayo de 2019) = Extra-community international lis pendes: an ignored allegation (Decision of the Provincial Court of Barcelona of 30 May 2019)
Authors: Juárez Pérez Pilar
Published: March 2020

Resumen: La sentencia objeto del presente comentario resuelve, en sentido confirmatorio, el recur­so de apelación presentado contra una sentencia de instancia que declara la disolución de un matrimonio celebrado en Israel y adopta las correspondientes medidas definitivas respecto al hijo común. Entre los motivos de apelación, el recurrente alega la existencia de un proceso de divorcio pendiente en Israel, lo que constituye una situación de litispendencia internacional regulada por el artículo 39 LCJIMC. Pero la Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona ignora el precepto, limitándose a desechar la aplicación del artículo 19 del Reglamento 2201/2003, por no tratarse de un supuesto de litispendencia intracomunitaria. Un ra­zonamiento correcto pero incompleto, que se deja en el camino justamente la resolución de la verdadera cuestión jurídica planteada en la litis.Palabras clave: disolución de matrimonio, Reglamento 2201/2003, competencia judicial interna­cional, litispendencia internacional, Ley de Cooperación Jurídica Internacional en Materia Civil, Dere­cho internacional privado.Abstract: The commented sentence resolves, in a confirmatory sense, the appeal filed against an instance judgement declaring the dissolution of a marriage celebrated in Israel and adopting the man­datory measures regarding the common child. Among the grounds of appeal, the appellant alleges the existence of a pending divorce process in Israel, which constitutes a situation of international litigation governed by article 39 Act 29/2015 of July 30. But the Provincial Court of Barcelona ignores the pre­cept, limiting itself to rejecting the application of article 19 of Regulation 2201/2003, since it is not an intra-community litigation case. A correct but incomplete reasoning, which leaves precisely the resolu­tion of the true legal issue raised in the litigation.Keywords: dissolution of marriage, Council Regulation (EC) Nº 2201/2003 of 27 November, in­ternational jurisdiction, Act on International Judicial Cooperation in Civil Matters (Act 29/2015 of July 30), international lis pendes, private international law.
Comentario del AAP Barcelona N.º 128/2019 de 8 de mayo: contrato de suministro y cláusula de sumisión expresa a los Tribunales de Costa Rica = Comment from AAP Barcelona N.º 128/2019 of May 8: provider contract and express submission clause to the Courts of Costa Rica
Authors: Romero Matute Yeray
Published: March 2020

Resumen: En la presente disertación, al hilo del Auto nº 128/2019 de 8 de mayo de 2019, se analizarán los motivos que llevaron a una sociedad española (parte contratada), por una empresa costa­rricense (parte contratante), a demandar a esta última y a su empresa matriz española –por un supuesto incumplimiento de contrato de suministro– ante los Tribunales españoles, utilizando el foro general del domicilio del demandado del articulo 4 del Reglamento (UE) n ° 1215/2012. La parte demandante, fun­damentó dicha decisión en la aplicación de la doctrina del “levantamiento de velo”. No obstante –como se podrá comprobar a lo largo de la presente–, fue la parte actora quien pretendió eludir, al amparo de dicha figura doctrinal, una cláusula de sumisión expresa a los Tribunales de Costa Rica.Palabras clave: legitimación, cláusula de sumisión, declinatoria internacional, “Levantamiento del velo”.Abstract: In this dissertation, in line with Order Nº 128/2019 of 8 May 2019, the reasons that brought a Spanish company (contracted party), by a Costa Rican company (contracting party), to bring a lawsuit against the latter and its Spanish holding company –for an assumed non-compliance with a pro­vision contract– in the Spanish courts, using the general forum of the defendant’s domicile in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) Nº 1215/2012. The claimant based that decision on the application of the “lifting of the veil” doctrine. However –as can be seen throughout this document–, it was the claimant who attempted to avoid, on the basis of that doctrinal figure, an express submission clause to the courts of Costa Rica.Keywords: legitimation, submission clause, international declinatory, “Lifting of the veil”
Remedios por falta de conformidad en contratos de compraventa y de suministro de elementos digitales con varias prestaciones = Remedies for non-conformity in contractsof sale and supply of digital items with several elements
Authors: Arnau Raventós Lídia
Published: March 2020

Resumen: El comentario analiza, esencialmente, de qué manera la compraventa de varios bienes o el suministro de varios elementos digitales incide en los remedios por falta de conformidad con el con­trato. La previsión de la cantidad como criterio de conformidad avala, de entrada, la hipótesis, mientras que el modelo de la resolución parcial permite ensayar escenarios en los que concurran, simultáneamen­te, varios remedios.Palabras clave: cantidad, falta de conformidad, resolución, suspensión, acumulación de remedios, contrato mixtoAbstract: The comment analyses how the sales of several goods or the supply of several digital elements affects the remedies due to lack of conformity with the contract. The quantity as a requirement for the conformity presupposes that case. On the other hand, the partial resolution model can be exten­ded to other remedies and allows test cases of cumulation of remedies.Keywords: quantity, lack of conformity, termination, withholding, cumulation of remedies, mixed contract.
Back Matter
Authors: Back Matter Jners
Published: March 2020

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The Relationship between Partner Support and Interdialytic Weight Gain (IDWG) Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Mundakir Mundakir , Fadlilah Nur , Sumara Retno , Asri Asri , Wulandari Yuanita
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience an influence in terms of the biological, psychological, social and spiritual problems that they encounter. In particular, there are biological aspects that affect weight gain between dialysis sessions. In terms of the psychological aspect, there is an influence on emotional vulnerability, such as anxiety, fear and despair. They need family support, especially as part of a couple. This study aimed to determine the relationship between partner support and IDWG in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The population consisted of 60 hemodialyzed people. The sample was recruited using purposive sampling, resulting in 42 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The study was conducted in a Private Hospital in Surabaya. The independent variable was partner support and the dependent variable was the IDWG in the hemodialysis patient. The data was collected through a questionnaire and it was analyzed using the Spearman test.Results: The results show that there was a relationship between partner support and IDWG hemodialysis patients with p = 0.025 (α ≤0.05).Conclusion: Good partner support reduces the low IDWG in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, determining the level of family support especially that given by a partner of a IDWG hemodialysis patients will positively support better IDWG hemodialysis patients, thus preventing them from the potential side effects of IDWG such as hypotension, muscle cramps, shortness of breath and cardiovascular problems.
The Impact of Self Efficacy on the Foot Care Behavior of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Indonesia
Authors: Huda Nuh , Sukartini Tintin , Pratiwi Nadya Wahyu
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes complications, one of which is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). One of the factors involved in preventing diabetic foot injuries is performing foot care behavior. To improve patient behavior in terms of performing foot care is to improve self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the self-efficacy of diabetes patients on foot care behavior.Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational design to reveal the correlative relationships between the variables with a sample of 106 respondents using probability sampling in the form of cluster random sampling. The data was collected using questionnaires, the foot care confidence scale (FCCS), and the foot care behavior scale for diabetes (FCBS for Diabetes). The independent variable of this study was the self-efficacy of DM sufferers and the dependent variable of this study was the behavior of foot care. The data analysis used the Spearman Rho correlation test (α=0.05).Results: Spearman Rho correlation test showed there to be a relationship between the self-efficacy of people with diabetes mellitus and foot care behavior p value = 0.001 (p<0.05), r= -0.542.Conclusion: The implication of this study is that a high self-efficacy in people with diabetes mellitus will improve the behavior related to foot care, thereby reducing the risk of behaviors that damage the feet.
Is There a Need for Alcohol Policy to Mitigate Metal Contamination in Unrecorded Fruit Spirits?
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: March 2020

Unrecorded alcohol comprises all types of alcohol that is not registered in the jurisdiction where it is consumed. In some countries in Central and Eastern parts of Europe as well as the Balkan, the major amount of unrecorded alcohol consumption may derive from homeproduction of fruit spirits. Some studies found a high prevalence of lead and cadmium in such spirits. This article provides a quantitative comparative risk assessment using the margin of exposure (MOE) methodology for lead and cadmium, compared to ethanol, for unrecorded fruit spirits. For average concentration levels, the lowest MOE (0.8) was calculated for ethanol (alcohol itself). For lead, the MOE was 13 for moderate daily drinking and 0.9 for the worst case. For cadmium, the MOE was 1982 for moderate daily drinking and 113 for the worst case. The results of this study are consistent with previous comparative risk assessments that ethanol itself comprises by far the highest risk of all compounds in alcoholic beverages. Regarding the metal contaminants, the risk of cadmium appears negligible, however, lead may pose an additional health risk in heavy drinking circumstances. Strategies to avoid metal contamination in settings of artisanal homeproduction of spirits need to be developed.
On Symmetrical Deformation of Toroidal Shell with Circular Cross-Section
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: March 2020

By introducing a variable transformation $\xi=\frac{1}{2}(\sin \theta+1)$, the complicated deformation equation of toroidal shell is successfully transferred into a well-known equation, namely Heun's equation of ordinary differential equation, whose exact solution is obtained in terms of Heun's functions. The computation of the problem can be carried out by symbolic software that is able to with the Heun's function, such as Maple. The geometric study of the Gauss curvature shows that the internal portion of the toroidal shell has better bending capacity than the outer portion, which might be useful for the design of metamaterials with toroidal shell cells.
Stress Tensor and Gradient of Hydrostatic Pressure in the Contact Plane of Axisymmetric Bodies Under Normal and Tangential Loading
Authors: Willert Emanuel , Forsbach Fabian , Popov Valentin L.
Published: March 2020

The Hertzian contact theory, as well as most of the other classical theories of normal and tangential contact, provides displacements and the distribution of normal and tangential stress components directly in the contact surface. However, other components of the full stress tensor in the material may essentially influence the material behaviour in contact. Of particular interest are principal stresses and the equivalent von Mises stress, as well as the gradient of the hydrostatic pressure. For many engineering and biomechanical problems, it would be important to find these stress characteristics at least in the contact plane. In the present paper, we show that the complete stress state in the contact plane can be easily found for axially symmetric contacts under very general assumptions. We provide simple explicit equations for all stress components and the normal component of the gradient of hydrostatic pressure in the form of one-dimensional integrals.
Influenza-Like Illness Caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) via the Person-to-Person Transmission
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wang Wei , Wu Ningjun , Liu Wugao , Qu Chunsheng , Jia Xu , Su Chang , Wang Jingke , Feng Youjun
Published: March 2020

The ongoing pandemic of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) raises a global health crisis, which has resulted in 75,778 confirmed cases with 2130 deaths in China and beyond. Atypical symptom renders it challenging to earlier recognize the 2019-nCoV carrier with the potential ability of equivalent transmission. Therefore, it is needed to gain full spectrum of COVID-19. Here we report clustered COVID-19 cases of person-to-person transmission. The symptoms of typical pneumonia are shared by the two familial members, namely son (Patient 1) and father (Patient 2). Unexpectedly, an influenza-like illness (ILI) is also caused in Patient 3 having close contact with Patient 1 at personal dinner party. Combined with clinical and epidemiological study, chest computed tomography (CT) and molecular diagnosis demonstrate that all the three cases tested positive for COVID-19 with distinct symptoms by human-to-human transmission. To the best of knowledge, it closes in part (if not all), a missing gap of clinical repertoires of COVID-19 outbreaks and underlines the possibility that neglection of cryptic/asymptomatic/mild cold-like syndromes gives biased screen in the earlier stage of COVID-19 cases.
Variates of the Teaching Aptitude of Teacher Education Students: Inputs to Teacher Education Admission
Authors: Adalla Mary June T. , Basierto Riza C. , Aquino Jeselle S. , Corsino Cyrene B.
Published: March 2020

Teacher education institutions are mandated to produce the best graduates to ensure that only the best inputs into the teaching profession are hired. However, the issue of teacher inputs in the teaching profession could be traced to how teacher education institutions admit their students. The research looked into the students’ age, sex, course, school graduated, parents’ educational attainment, parents’ monthly income, high school Grade Point Average, College Grade Point Average for the first semester, attitudes towards the teaching profession and the performance of the students in the Teaching Aptitude Test (TAT). A significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and the teaching aptitude was found. The study utilized the descriptive correlational design. The respondents composed of the freshman students enrolled in SY 2013 – 2014, answered a survey questionnaire on the profile. The performance in the Teaching Aptitude Test was based on the examination results secured from the College Guidance Office. Frequency counts; percentages, weighted means, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data obtained. The profile of the College of Education freshmen revealed that majority are of age range of 15-19, female, graduates of a national high school, with parents who are either college undergraduates or college graduates, with parents whose income range below P10000, have Good performance in high school, have Good performance in college in the first semester, and Highly Favorable teaching aptitude. The respondents had Low performance in the aptitude test. In general, no significant correlation was found between the profile and the teaching aptitude. However, monthly income and attitudes towards teaching significantly predicted the teaching aptitude. The study recommended the development and validation of a localized teaching aptitude test. Another research correlating the teaching aptitude test results with other variables is suggested.
The Use of Audio and Visual Cues of Audience and Their Effects on Persuasive Writing
Authors: Genon-Sieras Shangrela V.
Published: March 2020

The researcher in this study attempted to discover whether the inclusion of audio and visual cues of the audience in the writing context will lead to an increase in the quality of persuasive essays among English 2 students of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Philippines. Specifically, the study focused on finding the mean difference between the pretest and the posttest results of the respondents’ quality of persuasive writing under three conditions, namely: unspecified audience, the specified audience without audio and visual cues, and specified audience with audio and visual cues. To measure the quality of student’s writing, a holistic score was obtained using a Focused Holistic Scoring Guide. The score reflected the quality of the test in terms of communication effectiveness and persuasiveness. The findings of the study revealed that the quality of the students’ persuasive essays has significantly improved when the writing task was presented with visual and audio cues of the audience. The results manifested some positive effects of visual and audio cues when used as instructional aids or meditative tools in writing classes.
Grain- to Reservoir-Scale Modeling of Depletion-Induced Compaction and Implications on Production Rate
Authors: Sun Zhuang , Tang Hewei , Espinoza D. Nicolas , Balhoff Matthew T. , Killough John E.
Published: March 2020

The reduction of pore pressure caused by depletion can induce significant reservoir compaction and loss of permeability, especially in unconsolidated reservoirs. In this paper, we develop a numerical approach on the basis of computer-based simulations of unconsolidated rock samples subjected to mechanical tests that replicate the one-dimensional (1D) strain depletion path and allow for a prediction of permeability loss. The 1D strain stress path is a good approximation for long and thin conventional reservoirs with a compliant caprock. The numerical sample consists of crushable stiff and soft grains (proxies for sand and shale) simulated with the discrete element method (DEM) coupled with the bonded-particle model (BPM). Model parameters are calibrated through numerical single-grain-crushing tests which reproduce the experimentally measured sand strength. Grain crushing induced by the uniaxial strain stress path results in a pronounced reduction of porosity and permeability, which manifests more readily for samples with large grain size. The change of particle-size distribution indicates that high effective stresses cause grain crushing and production of a significant amount of fines that lower permeability. Simulation results indicate that the presence of soft grains and inclusions (e.g., shale fragments) facilitates grain crushing. Reservoir simulations—incorporating the change of porosity and permeability as a compaction table—show that the compaction can enhance cumulative production due to compaction drive but also reduces production rate by impairing the reservoir permeability. This multiscale numerical workflow bridges grain-scale compaction behavior and field-scale reservoir production.
Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of Chinese women with infertility undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment:a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Author) Jingxue Wang(Former Corresponding , Liu Qiwei , Deng Boer , Chen Fang , Liu Xiaowei , Author) Jiumei Cheng(New Corresponding
Published: March 2020

Background : To examine differences in the maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of Chinese women with various causes of infertility who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women with various causes of infertility who used ART. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory tests, and delivery were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for pregnancy and perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes. The multivariable model was adjusted for age, gravidity, parity, pre-pregnancy obesity, birth plurality , and history of previous caesarean section. Results: The ART treatment group was divided into 5 subgroups according to infertility cause as follows: ovulation disorder, tubal disease, male infertility , endometriosis, and mixed infertility . Among singleton pregnancies, compared with spontaneous pregnancies , ART pregnancies were associated with significant increases in the rates of the following: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, preterm preeclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage , intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy , preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, low birthweight, macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission in the ovulation disorder group; GDM, placenta previa, placenta accreta , postpartum haemorrhage, macrosomia and 5 -minute Apgar score ≤7 in the tubal disease group; placenta previa, a bnormal placental cord insertion , small for gestational age, macrosomia and NICU admission in the endometriosis group; placenta previa and placenta accreta i n the male infertility group; and GDM, placenta previa, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, preterm birth , and 1-minute Apgar score≤7 i n the mixed infertility group. Among multiple pregnancies, most of the differences that were significant in singleton pregnancies were less extensive or had disappeared. Conclusions: During the perinatal period, maternal characteristics, in particular type of infertility, appears an additional risk factor for abnormal pregnancy outcomes besides use of IVF techniques. Lower risk is found in male infertility and higher risk for ovulation disorders.
Functional expression of a novel methanol-stable esterase by Geobacillus subterraneus DSM13552 for biocatalytic synthesis of cinnamyl acetate in a solvent-free system
Authors: Cai Xianghai , Lin Lin , Shen Yaling , wei wei , Wei Dong-zhi
Published: March 2020

Background: Esterases are widely distributed in nature and have important applications in medical, industrial and physiological. Recently, the increased demand for flavor esters has prompted the search of catalysts like lipases and esterases. Esterases from thermophiles also show thermal stability at elevated temperatures and have become enzymes of special interest in biotechnological applications. Although most of esterases catalyzed reactions are carried out in toxic and inflammable organic solvents, the solvent-free system owning many advantages such as low cost and easy downstream processing.
Results: The gene estGSU753 from Geobacillus subterraneus DSM13552 was cloned, sequenced and overexpressed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The novel gene has an open reading frame of 753 bp and encodes 250-amino-acid esterase (EstGSU753). The sequence analysis showed that the protein contains a catalytic triad formed by Ser97, Asp196 and His226, and the Ser of the active site is located in the conserved motif Gly95-X-Ser97-X-Gly99 included in most esterases and lipases. The protein catalyzed the hydrolysis of pNP-esters of different acyl chain lengths, and the enzyme specific activity was 70 U/mg with the optimum substrate pNP-caprylate. The optimum pH and temperature of the recombinant enzyme were 8.0 and 60°C respectively. The resulting EstGSU753 showed remarkable stability against methanol. After the incubation at 50% methanol for 9 days, EstGSU753 retained 50% of its original activity. Even incubation at 90% methanol for 35 h, EstGSU753 retained 50% of its original activity. Also, the preliminary study of the transesterification shows the potential value in synthesis of short-chain flavor esters in a solvent-free system, and more than 99% conversion was obtained in 6 h (substrate: cinnamyl alcohol, 1.0 M).
Conclusions: This is the first report of esterase gene cloning from Geobacillus subterraneus with detailed enzymatic properties. This methanol-stable esterase showed potential value in industrial applications especially in the perfume industry.
Elastography for the Diagnosis of High-Suspicion Thyroid Nodules Based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Hairu , Peng Yulan , Wang Yan , Ai Hong , Zhou Xiaodong , Yang Lichun , Yan Kun , Xiao Ying , Liu Lisha , Luo Baoming , Yong Qiang , Cong Shuzhen , Jiang Shuangquan , Fu Xin , Ma Buyun , Li Yi , Zhang Xixi , Gong Xue , Chen Haitao , Liu Wenying , Tang Ling , LV Xiaoyu , Zhao Xinbao , Li Liang , Gan Kehong , Tian Jiawei
Published: March 2020

Background:An accurate diagnosis for high-suspicion nodules based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines would reduce unnecessary invasive examinations. Elastography is a useful tool for discriminating benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of elastography for high-suspicion thyroid nodules based on the 2015 ATA guidelines in the Chinese population.Methods:Thyroid nodules with high-suspicion characteristics based on the 2015 ATA guidelines were subjected to conventional ultrasound (US) and ultrasound strain elastography (USE) examinations at 12 hospitals from 4 geographic regions across China. Cytology/histology of thyroid nodules was used as a reference method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the elasticity score (ES) and strain ratio (SR). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of malignancy.Results:Overall, a total of 1445 thyroid nodules (834 malignant, 611 benign) from 12 centers were included in the final analysis. The areas under the curve of the ES and SR were 0.828 and 0.732, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the ES were 92.4%, 60.7%, 79.0%, 76.3% and 85.5%, respectively, and those of the SR were 81.1%, 50.1%, 68.9%, 65.9% and 67.9%, respectively. The combination of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) and ES led to a significant increase in the sensitivity and NPV (97.1% and 91.9%, respectively) compared with the TI-RADS alone. Logistic regression analysis showed that microcalcifications (OR=5.290), taller than wide (OR=12.710), irregular margins (OR=10.117), extrathyroidal extension (ETE; OR=6.412), the ES (OR=3.741) and the SR (OR=1.083) were independent predictors of malignant thyroid nodules. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of the ES were all superior in nodules ≥1 cm than in those <1 cm (95.0% vs 90.4%, 68.8% vs 56.8%, 85.9% vs 74.4%, 85.2% vs 69.9%, and 87.8% vs 84.2%, respectively).Conclusions:Elastography combined with the ES is a valuable tool for the assessment of high-suspicion thyroid nodules based on the 2015 ATA guidelines, especially in nodules ≥1 cm.
Angiostrongylus cantonensis causes cognitive impairments in heavily infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Jhan Kai-Yuan , Lai Guan-Jhih , Chang Pi-Kai , Tang Ren-Yu , Cheng Chien-Ju , Chen Kuang-Yao , Wang Lian-Chen
Published: March 2020

Background: Parasitic infections may cause significant effects on behavior, learning, and memory of the hosts. In the brain of mice heavily infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, severe damages have been observed in the hippocampus. This component has been considered to have associations with spatial learning and memory in human and vertebrates. This study was designed to determine the impairments in behavior, learning, and memory in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice heavily infected with the parasite.

Methods: Each mouse was inoculated with 50 third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis. After infection, daily changes in weight and dietary consumption, worm recoveries and survival rates were determined. The forced swimming test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were employed to evaluate depression- and anxiety-like behavior as well as impairments in spatial learning and memory, respectively. In addition, in the two strains of mice were also determined.

Results: The worm recovery rate in the BALB/c mice was significantly lower than that of C57BL/6 mice since day 14 post-infection. The survival rate in infected BALB/c mice decreased to 0% by day 25 whereas those with swim-training survived three more days. On day 42, the C57BL/6 mice had a survival rate of 85.7% in the swimming group and 70% in the non-swimming group. Significant differences were found in weight between infected and non-infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice since day 13 and day 12, respectively with corresponding changes in the dietary consumption. Depression-like behavior was found in the infected BALB/c mice but not in C57BL/6 mice. However, anxiety-like behavior was found to occur only in C57BL/6 mice. Impaired spatial learning and memory were also found in the two strains of mice occurred since day 14 post-infection.

Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that A. cantonensis causes depression, anxiety, and impairments in spatial learning and memory in heavily infected mice. Moreover, significantly higher severity was observed in the Th-2 dominant BALB/c mice.
Keywords: Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, mice, behavior, learning, memory, forced swimming test, open field test, Morris water maze test