bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual identification of Crocodylus intermedius (Orinoco crocodile) using tail spot patterns
Authors: Velasco Barbieri Alvaro
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The Conservation Action Plan of the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) includes in its activities the release of captive-bred specimens back into the wild. By monitoring these specimens in their natural habitat their adaptability is assessed. However, an accurate identification system is necessary to recognize the individuals when they are recaptured. Objetive: Determinate if Swanepoel or Boucher et al. for crocodile identification for the Orinoco crocodile is useful.  Methods: A total of 543 Orinoco crocodiles were photographed and each photo was vectorized by drawing dark spots greater than 25% for each scute, in the first 10 lines of double caudal scales of the tail on the right side. Two system codes were evaluated, one is a numeric code described by Swanepoel and the other is an additive code described by Boucher et al. Results: A total of 464 Swanepoel codes and 537 Boucher et al. codes based on the dark spot pattern of the scales on the right side of the tails were generated for the 543 specimens. Both methods yielded high code values, however, the one developed by Boucher et al., with a 98.90% differentiation of the analyzed specimens, worked better. Conclusion: The study confirms that using the method of spots in the tail of crocodiles is an effective tool for identifying individual crocodiles.
Bag Toss Game based on Internet of Education Things (IoET) for the Development of Fine Motor Stimulation in Children 5-6 Years Old
Authors: Seiba Shonia  , Suwastika Novian Anggis , Yasirandi Rahmat
Published: October 2020

The development of a child's motor skills starts when a child is 0 months old to 6 years old. In general, the development of motor skills divided into fine motor development and gross motor development. Fine motor development is a development that involves small muscles to follow certain movements. An example of a game activity to help stimulate small muscle development is the Bag Toss game. This game helps stimulate fine motor development by increasing eye coordination with the hand. In addition to the types of activities that boost fine motor development, it also requires the ability to monitor, record, and process the results of children's activities to assess and analyze the status of a child's fine motor development. In this study, we developed the Bag Toss game system that connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Bag Toss game has linked with a sensor that will record children's play activities. The results of recording data will be sent to the IoT platform to be processed and presented through the internet network. The implementation of IoT for educational purposes is known as the Internet of Educational Things (IoET). The system built will be tested in terms of functionality, reading accuracy and child assessment. The functionality of the system works 100% according to predetermined component functions, as well as for 100% successful reading accuracy for the scenario of throwing distances of 1 meter and 1.5 meters. In addition, the average delay time for every hole is 0.62 seconds. The delay value can still be tolerated and does not interfere with the game when the child assessment is conducted. The child assessment involved 4 children, the results obtained that 3 children are in the Well Development (BSH) stage and 1 child in Very Well Development (BSB) stage.
realidad y el deseo: la accidentada historia editorial de la Bibliotheca mexicana de Eguiara y Eguren y de la Biblioteca hispanoamericana septentrional de Beristáin
Authors: Godinas Laurette
Published: October 2020

Este artículo pone de manifiesto los vínculos intrínsecos entre los primeros dos grandes repertorios bibliográficos de la producción intelectual virreinal de la Nueva España y su accidentada historia editorial, insertándola en el marco de la historia de la cultura escrita de su entorno a mediados del siglo XVIII y principios del XIX. 

Gracias a un análisis de su génesis y de los procesos que culminaron con la edición, aunque parcial, de ambas obras, se plantea un acercamiento a poética bibliográfica que subyace a la redacción y publicación de textos dedicados a la proyección de la cultura escritura nacional.
Apuestas genéricas de la edición independiente en México: el caso del cuento contemporáneo
Authors: Vizcaíno Mosqueda Laura Elisa
Published: October 2020

Este artículo reflexiona sobre la edición independiente contemporánea en México, con la intención de comprender cuáles son los géneros literarios a los que este sector atiende, el interés primordial es responder qué tanto se publica de cuento. Parecería que las editoriales con la etiqueta de independientes, preferirían la publicación de obras no canónicas y géneros no comerciales, sin embargo, al revisar las posturas de algunas agencias se observa que el canon juega un papel importante en las decisiones. Los géneros que se publican forman parte del etnocentrismo de la lectura, por lo que el cuento no es mayoría en sus catálogos.
Manuel Machado y la Revista de la Biblioteca, Archivo y Museo (1924-1935)
Authors: González Gómez Sofía
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo se centra en el papel que desempeñó Manuel Machado en el proyecto de la Revista de la Biblioteca, Archivo y Museo entre 1924 y 1935, y se apoya en la documentación inédita del Archivo Administrativo de la Biblioteca Histórica de Madrid. En ese periodo, Manuel Machado impulsó y coordinó la publicación, mientras ocupaba el cargo de director de la Biblioteca Municipal de Madrid. La revista estaba adscrita a la institución y tenía por objeto difundir los fondos a los lectores. Además de la labor de gestión, Machado colaboró como autor y consiguió reunir en torno a la revista un grupo de destacados intelectuales españoles.
Absuelto de "plagio"
Authors: Fock Ignac
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo se centra en La filósofa por amor (1799), una novela epistolar española de Francisco de Tójar, quien en el prólogo se presenta como mero “editor” de un manuscrito auténtico, lo cual, en la novela dieciochesca, fue una técnica convencional de autentificación. Se sabe que La filósofa es traducción de una novela francesa, así que de hecho fue meramente traducida y publicada por Tójar. Además, en nuestro trabajo sostenemos que el prólogo de Tójar, considerado hasta ahora como original, también es solo una traducción. Mediante un análisis narratológico del prólogo y de su papel en la novela moderna, estudiamos un interesante oxímoron: un acto de manipulación narrativa, una mentira creíble relativa al mundo ficcional, ha surtido efectos en el mundo empírico.
Percepciones sobre el e-book en estudiantes universitarios de los grados de Humanidades: uso y valoración
Authors: Arroyo Martínez Laura
Published: October 2020

Uno de los cambios más profundos que ha vivido el mercado editorial en los últimos años ha sido la llegada del libro electrónico. En este artículo se estudia la valoración y el uso que los estudiantes universitarios de las titulaciones de Humanidades realizan del mismo. Los resultados obtenidos son de extraordinario interés para saber cómo leen nuestros estudiantes y cómo las nuevas tecnologías les acercan a nuevas formas de lectura.
Cultura y producción literaria de los jesuitas de Salamanca en los siglos XVI y XVII:
Authors: De León Perera Cristo José
Published: October 2020

Son numerosas las obras literarias producidas por la Compañía de Jesús durante los siglos XVI y XVII, tiempos en los cuales aún resonaba su novedosa metodología y la fuerte importancia adquirida en pocos años. Hablar de los jesuitas en los territorios de la Monarquía Hispánica es hacerlo, obligatoriamente, del colegio establecido la Salamanca, ciudad de una de las cuatro universidades más importantes del territorio peninsular. Analizaremos el valor adquirido por el libro, así como las repercusiones de su biblioteca y de las principales producciones de sus habitantes.
UTILIZATION OF ACADEMIC PAPERS IN FORMULATING REGIONAL REGULATIONS IN KUDUS REGENCY
Authors: Azizah Naili
Published: October 2020

This article examines the importance of using academic texts in the preparation ofRegional Regulations and the factors behind the inclusion of academic texts in thepreparation of regional regulations in Kudus district.The Regional Regulations studiedwere the Kudus Regency Regional Regulations in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and2020.This article is non-doctrinal legal research and is a qualitative descriptive study.The data in this article uses data from in-depth interviews and documentationstudies.From this research, it was found that several factors became the factors for theinclusion of academic texts in the formation of the Kudus Regency Regional RegulationDraft, among others, because in Law Number 12 of 2011 concerning the Formation ofLaws and Regulations - Invitation recommends the inclusion of academic texts in thepreparation of a draft Regulation. Area.Also, the holder of authority from formingregulations who has a background in the field of law, and the involvement of academicswho are involved in helping the process of forming regional regulations in KudusRegency. particularly regarding the formation of laws and regulations is also one of thereasons for the inclusion of academic papers. There are also regional regulations thatdo not make use of academic texts, namely regional regulations on regional budgetsand regional expenditures, regional regulations on accountability for the APBD,regional regulations for amendments, and regional regulations on revocation.
The use of occlusal splints in temporomandibular disorders - an overview.
Authors: Kui Andreea , Pop Silvia , Buduru Smaranda , Negucioiu Marius
Published: October 2020

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the temporomandibular joints, the masticatory muscles, and surrounding tissues. Among symptoms such as jumps, joint noises, reduced mouth opening (closed lock), difficulties in closing the mouth (subluxation or open lock), pain is the most common symptom encountered among patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders. As literature on this topic is abundant and sometimes controversial, the authors focus on reviewing the state of art of occlusal splints indications. Therefore, the most common occlusal splints, like Lucia jig, nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI), directive splints, etc., are being described, based on their design and therapeutic indications. Cases of malocclusions associated or not with parafunctions are usually manageable using the splints mentioned in this article. In case of disc displacements, occlusal appliances can be used, but as the etiology is multifactorial, there are some limitations, depending on the complexity of each clinical situation.
Agricultural Financing and Unemployment Rate in Nigeria: A Cointegration Approach
Authors: Adegboyega Raymond Rahaj
Published: October 2020

In Nigeria, the level of agricultural productivity and farmers’ income have been affected by inadequate financing, which invariably discourages job creation and increases unemployment rate. Therefore, the study examines the impact of agricultural financing on unemployment rate in Nigeria, using time series data collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the World Bank database from 1981 to 2018. Using Johansen’s cointegration, Error Correction Method (ECM), and Granger causality analytical techniques, our findings show that AGRIC_GDP, AGRICL_TL, GR, LR, and RUTP have a long-run relationship with UNEMPR and are statistically significant. Also, the ECM of about 57%, which is statistically significant, provides an indication of a satisfactory speed of adjustment and translates that about 57 percent of the errors are corrected in each period. The study recommends among others that government policy on agricultural credit should place more emphasis on strengthening banks’ commitment.
Evaluation of Thermal Properties of Certain Flame-Retardant Fabrics Modified with a Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Miśkiewicz Pamela , Tokarska Magdalena , Frydrych Iwona , Makówka Marcin
Published: October 2020

The article presents the modification of flame-retardant fabric surfaces made of basalt, Nomex®, and cotton fabric to improve their selected thermal comfort properties. The modification consisted of depositing on the fabric surface by magnetron sputtering the metal (aluminum) and ceramic (zirconium (IV) oxide) coatings with a thickness of 1 μm and 5 μm. Flame-retardant fabrics have been chosen because of the desire to apply them to gloves intended for the use in hot-work environments. The article presents the results of testing reference samples and their modifications, which were subjected to the test of resistance to contact heat for contact temperatures of 100°C and 250°C, resistance to thermal radiation and examined their selected thermal comfort parameters, i.e., the thermal conductivity coefficient and heat absorption coefficient. Almost the 1st efficiency level for contact heat was reached for basalt fabric coated with zirconium (IV) oxide with a thickness of 5 μm. The 1st level of protection against heat radiation was obtained for all reference and modified samples. Based on the Kruskal–Wallis test, it was noticed that a significant change in parameter values is caused by the modification with 5 μm thick coating.
Methodology of Optimum Selection of Material and Semi-Folded Products for Rotors of Open-End Spinning Machine
Authors: Płonka Stanisław , Postrożny Jacek , Drobina Robert
Published: October 2020

The article presents the methodology of optimal selection of material and the form of semi-product for the rotors of the spindle-less spinning machine. The multicriteria approach was utilized taking into account versatile criteria. The applied procedure consists of two stages: the optimum method in the Pareto sense and the method of distance function. Based on the analysis of the spinning head work, rotor and availability function, six different materials and three forms of semifinished products (extruded bar, forged element, and cast element) were considered. In consequence, the admissible set consisting of nine elements was obtained. For the evaluation of technological quality of the rotor, the following criteria were proposed: index of functionality of the material σf/ρ, maximum height of the surface peaks, Sp, and maximal hardness on surface of oxide layer μHV0,1. Finally, taking into account the economical criterion (unit cost), the Pareto-optimal set of solutions was determined based on four criteria. Due to the fact that this set contained five variants, the distance function was utilized for choosing the best final variant. The optimal material and the semi-product (because of the assumed criteria) chosen were as follows: alloy AlSi1MgMn and the forged element—because in this case the value of distance function was minimal.
Optimization of Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Knitted Barrier Meshes
Authors: Mikołajczyk Zbigniew , Szałek Beata , Pieklak Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on the analysis of mechanical properties of knitted barrier meshes and refers to general problems related to safety engineering. The conducted analysis of the effectiveness of absorbing impact energy by textile barriers, which positively affect the human body, clearly indicates the possibility of applying them in the field of road engineering as a new generation of road barriers. The characteristic features of the new generation of barriers are their openwork multiaxial structure based on various geometric shapes of the a-jour structure. Twenty models of barrier meshes with a-jour structure in the shape of tetragons (squares and diamonds), triangles, regular polygons (hexagons, octagons, and dodecagons), and circles were designed. Simulation research that aimed to optimize the structure of knitted openwork meshes to obtain minimum reduced stresses in strings, knots, and arms of the mesh was performed. The preferred solution is the four-axial eight-thread mesh with square-shaped a-jour structure with stress equal to Δб = 0.43 GPa/kg and the mesh with thickened diamond-shaped a-jour geometry with stress equal to Δб = 0.53 GPa/kg. Low stress values were also recorded for a four-axial six-thread mesh with square a-jour structure, for which Δб = 0.66 GPa/kg. The analyzed mesh models were implemented in the form of dozen designs of stitch constructions based on warp-knitting technology.
Energieeinsatz und Energieeffizienz von Winterweizen bei unterschiedlicher mineralischer Stickstoffdüngung im Marchfeld
Authors: Moitzi Gerhard , Spiegel Heide , Sandén Taru , Vuolo Francesco , Essl Laura , Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Wagentristl Helmut
Published: October 2020

Die Korn- und Stroherträge, der Energie-Input (Kraftstoff, Mineraldünger, Pflanzenschutzmittel, Maschinen) und die Kennzahlen zur Energieeffizienz (Energie-Output, Netto-Energie-Output, Energieintensität, Energienutzungseffizienz) in Abhängigkeit der mineralischen Stickstoffdüngermenge (0 kg, 60 kg, 120 kg und 180 kg N ha−1) und der Düngerstrategie (unterschiedliche Mineraldüngerformen und Gabenteilungen) wurden auf zwei Standorten im Marchfeld (Engelhartstetten und Groß-Enzersdorf) auf Basis von zwei zweijährigen Feldversuchen analysiert. Dabei sollte die Frage beantwortet werden, welche mineralische N-Düngung (N-Form, N-Menge und Splittung der N-Menge) die höchste Energieeffizienz aufweist. Mit zunehmender mineralischer N-Menge (60 kg, 120 kg bzw. 180 kg N ha−1) nahm der energetische Anteil des Mineraldüngers am Gesamtenergie-Input um 24 %, 38 % bzw. 48 % zu. Durch das Gesetz des abnehmenden Ertragszuwachses wurde in Engelhartstetten bei einer N-Düngermenge von 180 kg N ha−1 eine signifikant verringerte Energieeffizienz im Vergleich zu 60 kg N ha−1 und 120 kg N ha−1 festgestellt. Eine Aufteilung der N-Düngermenge auf drei Gaben erhöhte den Kraftstoffverbrauch um 4 % gegenüber einer einmaligen Applikation der gesamten Düngermenge. Die Kennzahlen der Energieeffizienz wurden durch die Gabenteilung kaum beeinflusst. Die N-Düngung mit Kalkammonsalpeter war energieeffizienter als die Harnstoffdüngung (rein, stabilisiert, eingearbeitet). Die Energieeffizienzanalyse kann somit einen wertvollen Beitrag leisten, um pflanzenbauliche Maßnahmen hinsichtlich ihren Umweltauswirkungen zu bewerten.
Conversion of agricultural soils in Austria—a case study for a community in Upper Austria
Authors: Aust Günther , Heinrich Franz , Horvath Daniel , Musil André , Foldal Cecilie , Jandl Robert
Published: October 2020

We have analyzed the loss of agricultural land in a case study of the community Eggelsberg in the Innviertel in Upper Austria. The trigger for the project was the attribution of Austria as Europe’s leader in soil sealing. We compared the results of the Austrian agricultural soil survey of the 1970s with the actual land use and quantified the land use change. Within half a century, 15% of the agricultural area was converted to settlement area or to other forms of infrastructure. According to the original soil assessment, 96 ha of high-quality cropland, 1,220 ha of medium-quality cropland, 121 ha of low-quality cropland, and 409 ha of grassland were converted. The forest cover remained stable. The highest share of soil sealing was owed to the expansion of the settlement area and the construction of a successful enterprise. Minor contributions were expansions of farm buildings. The loss of agricultural land was reasonable and reflected the needs of the local population. A special protection status because of the future relevance of the agricultural land was not communicated to land managers and is not reflected in the market prices of agricultural products. The relevance of the agricultural land beyond the regional level is not fully recognized.
The Biennial report: The collaboration between MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases and Near East University DESAM Institute
Authors: Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez , Manara Elena , Paolacci Stefano , Cobanogullari Havva , Tuncel Gulten , Betmezoglu Meryem , Bertelli Matteo , Sanlidag Tamer
Published: October 2020

Background

Scientific collaboration is more common now than it was before. In many areas of biomedical science, collaborations between researchers with different scientific backgrounds and perspectives have enabled researchers to address complicated questions and solve complex problems.

Particularly, international collaborations and improvements in science and technology have shed light on solving the mechanisms that are involved in the etiology of many rare diseases. Hence, the diagnosis and treatment options have been improved for a number of rare diseases. The collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases brought out significant results. Importantly, this collaboration contributed to the rare disease research by the identification of novel rare genetic disease-causing variations commonly in pediatric cases. Consequently, many pediatric unsolved cases have been diagnosed.

The main scope of this article is to emphasize the outcomes of the collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases which contributed greatly to the scientific literature by identifying novel rare genetic disease-causing variation.
Relationship between Symptoms in Women with Endometriosis and Lifestyles: a Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Scavone M. , Gizzi C. , Albi E.
Published: October 2020

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects reproductive-aged women and is characterized by the presence of endo-metrial tissue outside the uterine cavity with nodules and lesions. The study aimed to analyze lifestyles of women affected by endometriosis in relation with their symptoms. In this observational study, 735 Italian women have been interviewed online through a questionnaire structured in two parts. The first part was mainly anamnestic, focused on gathering information about the age, the stage of disease, comorbidities, involved organs, symptomatology, chirurgical treatment, induced menopause. The second part focused on the individual characteristics and lifestyle of the patients such as the body mass index, physical activity, quality of sleep, and the diet. The results showed how a healthy diet and a regular physical activity reduce drastically the symptoms of the patients.
Managerial decisions on the nature and scale of corporate activity diversification in the construction sector
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: October 2020

Corporate activity diversification is a promising but at the same time risky condition of a company’s adaptation to the business environment. Effectiveness of diversification processes in enterprises may be achieved by research in the following areas: development of methods of internal and external business environment analysis as a basis for diversification decisions; understanding the dependence of the scope and nature of corporate activity diversification on the market situation; providing science-based advice for the management of diversified companies, especially large ones; improvement in the methods of diversification measuring so that a complex analysis of the diversification process would become implementable. Based on the study of the Lithuanian construction sector, this paper seeks to provide new insights into the following aspects of corporate activity diversification: preconditions and conditions for deciding on corporate activity diversification; the problem of the scale and nature of diversification; organisational management conditions for the success of diversification projects. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion of the problematic of measuring the achieved level of diversification is offered.
Knowledge management at Ukrainian industrial enterprises in the context of innovative development
Authors: Illiashenko Sergii , Shypulina Yuliia , Illiashenko Nataliia , Gryshchenko Olena , Derykolenko Anna
Published: October 2020

The research aimed to identify promising areas and outline problems associated with the transition of Ukrainian industrial enterprises towards advanced innovative development based on information and knowledge and to formulate recommendations for improving the knowledge management and commercialisation at these enterprises. The study used several methods for analysis, including a literature review; system, structural and statistical analyses; SWOT analysis; the inference method; and interpretation. The research efforts resulted in systemised major sources of knowledge in an enterprise and types of their utilisation. The performed analysis found the key ways to obtain and commercialise knowledge used by Ukrainian industrial enterprises. The results were compared with data of the EU countries. The analysis produced strengths and weaknesses of the existing knowledge management system used in Ukrainian enterprises. Strengths: growth in the number of enterprises producing new knowledge and implementing marketing and organisational innovations; intensified patent activity; and a rational structure of innovation-active enterprises by their size. Weaknesses: the new knowledge structure does not meet the needs of enterprises; an insignificant and unstable share of innovation-active enterprises in the total number of firms; and insignificant sales volumes of patents. The research revealed that Ukrainian enterprises had the potential ability to produce and commercialise new knowledge effectively and to use it as the basis to form, strengthen and implement relative competitive advantages, which would contribute to the innovative growth of the Ukrainian economy as a whole. Recommendations were designed for the formation of prerequisites necessary to improve the efficiency of knowledge management in the context of conditions required for the innovative development of domestic enterprises. The obtained results can be used as an information base for evaluating the system of knowledge production and commercialisation at Ukrainian enterprises to enhance the management and identify promising areas for innovative development.
Marketing and branding-oriented goals for the development of Functional Urban Areas: evidence from Poland
Authors: Matwiejczyk Anna , Glińska Ewa , Barkun Yauheniya
Published: October 2020

The European Union currently uses Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) as basic units for planning local development activities under its financial support. An important issue in terms of managing such areas is branding. FUAs are made of at least several territorial units (covering a dense urban area and a functionally related urbanised zone). Such composition poses a particular challenge in terms of developing a brand that covers all of the units. Therefore, it is essential to select the core around which the target image will be created. This publication aims to identify marketing and branding goals for the development of FUAs and determine activities facilitating the achievement of these goals by entities that manage the functional areas. The research method used in the article was a content analysis of documents outlined as Strategies for Integrated Territorial Investments developed for FUAs in Poland. The authors of the article undertook preliminary exploratory research. The obtained results show that most of the marketing and branding goals for the development of FUAs correspond with the objectives specific to city marketing and branding. Moreover, “integration” and “strengthening the metropolitan area function” were recognised as goals specific to FUAs.
Servitization of public service processes with a simulation modelling approach
Authors: Buics László , Eisingerné Balassa Boglárka
Published: October 2020

This article aims to examine how the theory of co-production can be connected with servitization and digitalisation and used together for the public service development with the help of discrete-event simulation modelling to highlight time-related deficiencies of a complex public service process, which is most commonly used by patchwork families. Data was taken from the Guardianship Office in Győr (Hungary), based on which in-depth interviews were conducted. Based on the legal background and the interviews, the authors of the article created the process model of the contacting procedure. Based on the model, discrete-event simulation was used to identify the process elements for potential improvement through servitization. Discrete-event simulation showed the insufficiency of national regulation regarding the whole process and weaknesses of the contacting procedures in terms of quality and success. Basic reasons were found for the dissatisfaction expressed by participants of the procedures (administrators and customers). The increasing customer demand for high quality and efficient public services and failures in the New Public Management (NPM) in Eastern European countries require other approaches to advance. The paper connects the theory of co-production and servitization in a public service context and demonstrates how a complex public service can be examined with this approach to find possible improvements. The government must change the process regulation considering the number of the cases, the workload of administrators and family types (divorced or patchwork). The emphasis should be placed on the training and experience of administrators.
Farm-heterogeneity and persistent and transient productive efficiencies in Ethiopia’s smallholder cereal farming
Authors: Berisso Oumer , Heshmati Almas
Published: October 2020

This paper does an empirical comparison of time-invariant and time-varying technical inefficiency measures obtained from an econometric estimation of different panel data stochastic production frontier models. It estimates four panel data specifications of frontier models widely used in empirical applications using a panel dataset from the Ethiopian cereal farming sector. The empirical results show that estimates of both the magnitude and the individual farms’ rankings of persistent and transient productive efficiencies differ considerably across models and based on their agro-ecological zones location. The results further show that the cereal growing farms experience much more transient inefficiency as compared to persistent inefficiency.
Use of the CREAM Method for the Assessment of Operator Reliability in the Process of Backwashing Filters at a Water Treatment Station
Authors: Żywiec Jakub , Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the application of the CREAM (Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method) method to assess operator reliability in the backwashing of filters process at the Water Treatment Station. For this purpose, two operators were surveyed. Based on the results, the human error probability was determined, which in both cases ranges from 5∙10−5 to 1∙10−2. The results also indicate that the surveyed operators have extensive work experience and high qualifications.
Patient Safety Analysis in General Practitioner’s Work Using Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM)
Authors: Magott Jan , Wikiera-Magott Irena
Published: October 2020

The problem considered in the paper is as follows. The patient with lumbal pain is coming to General Practitioner (GP). The undesirable result is GP’s decision to treat the patient by him/herself in spite of the patient should be directed to medical specialist or hospital. In order to find the ways how the adverse outcomes occur, a system approach called Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) has been applied. The examples of emerging the unwanted GP’s decision, as a consequence of functional resonance have been given. Proposals how to avoid unwanted outcomes have been suggested.
Mathematical Model of Optimisation the Selection of Aviation Personnel to Perform Flying Drills
Authors: Jemielniak Mirosław
Published: October 2020

The report presents the rules of a criterial optimisation of crew selection to execute a specific aviation drill. A typical approach to mathematical analysis has been adopted, describing the problem of verifying and evaluating the flying personnel to execute aviation drills on a particular type of aircraft. Fundamental input data and criteria for potential evaluation of the flight personnel selection for a crew performing a selected task on a given type of aircraft are developed and presented. It was necessary to single out and describe the boundary conditions of this flight crew selection system that determine the system’s effectiveness. The report concludes that it is essential to make use of complex systems of management and training completed in military aviation as well as civil.
CT Inspection of Cooled Turbine Blades
Authors: Przysowa Radosław , Chalimoniuk Marek , Grzelka-Gajek Danuta , Shakalo Ruslan , Karpenko Artem
Published: October 2020

To improve the engine efficiency by increasing the gas temperature, multi-layer cooling passages are applied in new designs of gas turbine blades. As a result, traditional non-destructive methods, which have been applied so far in the production control, became insufficient. The aim of this manuscript is to develop an inspection method for cooling passages of turbine blades, which would be helpful in detecting manufacturing defects of blades and their operational failures. GE v/tome/x/m 300 was applied to conduct dimensional control and check the interior of two types of turbine blades from turboshaft engines. The procedure for selecting X-ray parameters was suggested. The thickness of walls in the selected cross-section was measured with the accuracy of 0.01 mm, and the selected manufacturing defects of cooling passages were identified.
Numerical Simulations of Bird Strikes with the Use of Various Equations of State
Authors: Ćwiklak Janusz
Published: October 2020

The paper presents results of numerical analyses of the collision of various bird models (dummies) with a helicopter windshield. Three different numerical bird models were elaborated. According to the subject literature, applying an appropriate equation of state has an influence on impact parameters. The author used the LS_DYNA software package. This is a computational code designed to analyse fast-changing phenomena by means of the finite-element method. SPH method has been used for bird strike simulations. In the research, three different equations of state have been used: Grüneisen's, polynomial and tabulated.
Assignation of Tiredness Indicator Based on the Pilot’s Concentration and Speed Reaction Analysis During the Flight
Authors: Maciejewska Marta , Galant-Gołębiewska Marta
Published: October 2020

In the article, based on the research, the Tiredness Indicator was proposed. The research concerned the pilot's concentration and reaction time to individual stimuli. They were carried out using a flight simulator - CKAS MotionSim 5, located at the Poznan University of Technology. Measurements were made before and during the flight Analysis of the results showed a periodic course of tiredness characteristics, a marked increase in tiredness in the middle of tests and tiredness of only one sense organ confirmed by the results of reaction time and subjective assessment. Based on the conducted research, it can be stated that tiredness reduces the cognitive abilities of the human brain and extends the reaction time to stimuli.
Investigation and sequence analysis of avian polyomavirus and psittacine beak and feather disease virus from companion birds in eastern Turkey
Authors: Adiguzel Mehmet Cemal , Timurkan Mehmet Ozkan , Cengiz Seyda
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Avian polyomavirus (APV) and psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) induce contagious and persistent diseases that affect the beaks, feathers, and immune systems of companion birds. APV causes hepatitis, ascites, hydropericardium, depression, feather disorders, abdominal distension, and potentially death. PBFDV can induce progressive beak deformity, feather dystrophy, and plumage loss. We conducted the first prevalence survey of both APV and PBFDV infections in companion birds in eastern Turkey.

Material and Methods

A total of 113 fresh dropping samples from apparently healthy companion birds were collected in a random selection. The dropping samples were analysed for PBFDV and APV by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced with the Sanger method. The sequence was confirmed through alignment and the phylogenetic tree generated through the maximum likelihood method computationally.

Results

PBFDV and APV were detected in a respective 48.7% and 23.0% of samples. Coinfection was found in 12.4% of the samples, these all being from budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). APV and PBFDV were detected in budgerigar and cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) samples.

Conclusion

This report provides a foundation for future studies on the influence of these viruses on the health of companion birds. These high positive rates for both pathogens emphasise that healthy M. undulatus and N. hollandicus in eastern Turkey may be prone to the emergence and spread of APV and PBFDV with subclinical potential.
Efficacy of natural formulations in bovine mastitis pathology: alternative solution to antibiotic treatment
Authors: Pașca Claudia , Mărghitaș Liviu Alexandru , Dezmirean Daniel Severus , Matei Ioana Adriana , Bonta Victorița , Pașca Ioan , Chirilă Flore , Cîmpean Adrian , Iosif Fiț Nicodim
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the udder that causes important economic losses in the animal breeding and dairy product industries. Nowadays, the conventional livestock antibiotic treatments are slowly being replaced by alternative treatments. In this context, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in alternative treatment of bovine mastitis.

Material and Methods

Two natural formulations with previously suggested in vitro antimicrobial effect were tested in vivo on mastitic cows. Animals with a positive diagnosis for mastitis (n = 20) were divided into three treatment groups: two groups (n = 8) were administered formulations of propolis, alcoholic extracts of Brewers Gold and Perle hops, plum lichen, common mallow, marigold, absinthe wormwood, black poplar buds, lemon balm, and essential oils of oregano, lavender, and rosemary designated R4 and R7 (differing only in the latter being more concentrated) and one group (n = 4) a conventional antibiotic mixture. In vivo efficacy of treatments was evaluated by somatic cell and standard plate counts, the treatment being considered efficacious when both parameters were under the maximum limit.

Results

R7 was effective in the most cases, being therapeutically bactericidal in six out of eight cows, while R4 gave good results in three out of eight cows, and conventional antibiotics cured one out of four.

Conclusion

These results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of these natural products in bovine mastitis.
Comparison of a barium chloride test with ELISA for pregnancy detection in cows
Authors: Dana Omer Ismaeel , Ghaidan Mnnat Talib , Mukhtar Rafiq Hamakarim , Dyary Hiewa Othman
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Early detection of pregnancy is vital for appropriate reproductive management programmes to facilitate the rapid re-insemination of non-pregnant females and reduce the calving interval.

Material and Methods

A barium chloride test was compared with a commercial progesterone ELISA to detect pregnancy in non-descriptive cows and investigate if it could be applied as an alternative to ELISA in the field. Blood and urine samples were collected from 74 cows with recorded insemination dates. The progesterone ELISA and barium chloride assay were implemented to detect progesterone (P4) in blood and urine specimens, respectively. The cows' reproductive systems were examined after they were slaughtered to determine the uterus's status. Macroscopic examination of the uterus was used as a reference standard for both tests.

Results

The sensitivity rates of the P4 ELISA and barium chloride test to detect pregnant cows were 100.0% and 79.4%, and to detect the corpus luteum (CL) were 83.0% and 87.0%, respectively, their sensitivity increasing in the presence of the CL. The ELISA and barium chloride tests were 79.7% and 52.7% accurate in the diagnosis of pregnancy. The accuracy of the barium chloride test in CL detection increased to 81.0%, and that of the ELISA to 86.4%. There were no significant differences (P = 0.052) between the barium chloride assay and ELISA when they were utilised for the identification of the CL.

Conclusion

The barium chloride test can be an inexpensive and time-saving alternative to ELISA in pregnancy diagnosis when the insemination date is known.
Factors contributing to municipal splits in Slovenia
Authors: Brajnik Irena Bačlija , Lavtar Roman
Published: October 2020

Slovenian communities were eager to re-establish autonomous local governments after the introduction of democracy. These newly established municipalities corresponded territorially to the previous regime’s local communities; however, only 194 municipalities were formed from over 1,200 communities. Some municipalities comprised a cluster of communities, some of which later became proponents of splits, due to the sense that they were being neglected by the rest of the municipality and in the hope of receiving more funds as separate municipalities. Although stricter criteria for establishing municipalities were imposed and the scope of formal initiators was narrowed to limit the splits, the proponents found loopholes in the form of political patrons (deputies) and, as a last resort, sought justice from the constitutional court. The splits occurred in both underdeveloped and developed municipalities. The breakaway municipalities were not more developed than the mother municipality; about a third were less developed. There were no clear financial advantages in creating separate municipalities.
Remote sensing techniques to assess chlorophyll fluorescence in support of crop monitoring in Poland
Authors: Gurdak Radosław , Bartold Maciej
Published: October 2020

The increase in demand for food and the need to predict the impact of a warming climate on vegetation makes it critical that the best tools for assessing crop production are found. Chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) has been proposed as a direct indicator of photosynthesis and plant condition. The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility of estimating ChlF from spectral vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2, in order to monitor crop stress and investigate ChlF changes in response to surface temperatures and meteorological observations. The regressions between thirty three Sentinel-2-derived VIs, and ChlF measured on the ground were evaluated in order to estimate the best predictors of ChlF. The r-Pearson correlation and polynomial linear regression were used. For maize, the highest correlation between ChlF and VIs were found for NDII (r=0.65) and for SIPI (r=−0.68). The weakest relationship between VIs and ChlF were found for sugar beets. Despite this, it should be noted that the highest correlation for sugar beets appeared for EVI (r=0.45) and S2REP (r=0.43). The results of this study indicate the need for a synergy of low and high resolution satellite data that will enable a more detailed analysis for estimating fluorescence and its relation to climatic conditions, environmental aspects, and VIs derived from satellite images.
Famous Hungarian Chemists and Pharmacists from Transylvania: 150 years since the birth of Pál Scheitz, collaborator of Professor Lajos Ilosvay
Authors: Árpád Gyéresi , Mihály Kata , Mária Gyéresi
Published: October 2020

Several Transylvanian chemists and pharmacists have played an important role in the development and advancement of modern Hungarian chemical sciences. Regarding these prominent personalities we paid tribute in our series to the career and role of Lajos Ilosvay, Lajos Winkler and Tibor Széki in Budapest, Hungary. Pál Scheitz who was born 150 years ago in Marosvásárhely/Târgu-Mures worked at the Chemistry Institute of Professor Lajos Ilosvay. After graduating from the University of Munich and earning a PhD degree, he worked at the University of Kolozsvár/Cluj for a short period of time after which he pursued a full-time academic career at the Budapest University of Technology for the rest of his life. During his relatively short life (1870-1912) he managed to produce some outstanding works in the field of analytical chemistry. His most significant work is a contemporary book on methods of qualitative chemical analysis, which was printed in two editions. His studies and investigations of litmus dyes are also significant, which are still considered to be the most comprehensive studies of the Hungarian scientific literature.
Relevance of Citrobacter species in urinary tract infections: a 10 year surveillance study
Authors: Márió Gajdács
Published: October 2020

Urinary tract infections are the third most common infections in human medicine worldwide. Citrobacter species present a challenge to both clinicians and clinical microbiologists, due to various intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. This study includes microbiological and resistance data on urine samples positive for Citrobacter spp. between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, University of Szeged. Citrobacter species represented 0.7% (n=129) of outpatient samples and 0.6% (n=138) of inpatient samples. Their higher prevalence at advanced age (> 60 years) is consistent with that reported in the literature, whereas the clinical origin (inpatient/outpatient) of the urine specimens did not influence their isolation rates. Overall, the highest levels of resistance were observed with ceftriaxone (29.8% and 47.5%), whereas in case of gentamicin (8.3% and 25.4%) and fosfomycin (9.3 and 13.8%), the lowest level of resistance was detected, respectively. As these pathogens may cause nosocomial epidemics (usually in vulnerable patients groups), close and continuous monitoring is required at both institutional and national level.
Combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy in definitive treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: review of current clinical trials
Authors: Plavc Gaber , Strojan Primoz
Published: October 2020

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents as locally advanced disease in a majority of patients and is prone to relapse despite aggressive treatment. Since immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown clinically significant efficacy in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC (R/M HNSCC), a plethora of trials are investigating their role in earlier stages of disease. At the same time, preclinical data showed the synergistic role of concurrently administered radiotherapy and ICIs (immunoradiotherapy) and explained several mechanisms behind it. Therefore, this approach is prospectively tested in a neoadjuvant, definitive, or adjuvant setting in non-R/M HNSCC patients. Due to the intricate relationship between host, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages. In this narrative review we present the biological background of immunoradiotherapy, as well as a rationale for, and possible flaws of, each treatment approach, and provide readers with a critical summary of completed and ongoing trials.

Conclusions

While immunotherapy with ICIs has already become a standard part of treatment in patients with R/M HNSCC, its efficacy in a non-R/M HNSCC setting is still the subject of extensive clinical testing. Irradiation can overcome some of the cancer’s immune evasive manoeuvres and can lead to a synergistic effect with ICIs, with possible additional benefits of concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of this combination is not robust and details in trial design and treatment delivery seem to be of unprecedented importance.