bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse and Green Logistics Cost Simulation Using Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Annas Mohammad , Erhan Trihadi Pudiawan , Sulaeman Suhendar
Published: December 2020

The research aims to measure the effectiveness of the strategies of modern retailers which implementing reverse logistics activities, and to be believe that it could increase not only business competition, but also consumer satisfaction. The object of research is 20 modern retailers ranging from convenience stores to hypermarket stores. The methodology implemented in the form of setting parameters and assessment criteria which are arranged in the form of priority scale and analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process or AHP method. The respondents are the decision makers in terms of product delivery, logistics, distribution and warehouse including making purchases both directly and indirectly. Sub parameters and sub criteria that are arranged then reevaluated using the ExpertChoice instrument to see the resulting scale consistency. Broadly speaking, the highest priority scale was 0.441 for the criteria for agility, 0.428 for the efficiency criteria, 0.318 for the stakeholder criteria, 0.271 for the process criteria and 0.146 for the environment criteria. The result of simulation cost is less than 8 percent of the profit margin per product returned.
Simēk in Modern Chuvash Ritual Culture
Authors: Iagafova Ekaterina
Published: December 2020

The paper* describes the features of the Simēk ritual (compare semik in Russian) in different ethnic and religious (Orthodox Christian, ‘pagan’, Muslim) and ethnic and territorial groups of Chuvash. The author shows the key role of Simēk in the structure of rituals of the semik and Trinity block and reveals its links with funerary, commemorative and wedding rites. Simēk is one of the main rituals on the Chuvash ritual calendar. Traditionally, it is associated with commemoration customs of the people and is one of the three compulsory days of commemoration of family ancestors. It corresponds to semik in the Russian ritual calendar and is held either on Thursday (for unbaptised Chuvash) or on the Saturday before Trinity (for the majority of Orthodox Chuvash). Today Simēk is performed in the villages as a commemoration ritual with a visit to the cemetery, which involves both villagers and those family members who live in cities. After visiting the cemetery family members conduct visits, turning a commemoration ceremony into a festival. Thus, Simēk strengthens family links between villagers and city dwellers. With increasing levels of religiosity in society the importance of Simēk as a means of preserving and spreading ethnic traditions has also increased. In modern rituals there is some structural transformation of Simēk among the Orthodox community, but at the same time it is possible to trace the actualisation and expansion of the ritual together with the general trends in unification of the Chuvash ritual complex.
Morphological and Physiological Traits in Seedlings’ Populations Obtained from the Hybridization of Promising Genotypes of Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.)
Authors: Tatari Maryam , Jafari Azam , Najafi Solari Hojat
Published: December 2020

Some morphological and physiological traits of seedlings in eight quince populations from seeds obtained in 2015 (350 progenies per population) were evaluated in 2017 and 2018. They resulted from open pollination of ‘Viduja’, KVD2 and KVD4 genotypes as well as from the crossings of ‘Viduja’ × KVD4, KVD2 × ‘Viduja’, KVD2 × KVD4, KVD4 × ‘Viduja’ and KVD4 × KVD2. Populations showed significant differences in some measured traits, including height and diameter of seedlings, canopy width, annual growth, leaf iron, and chlorophyll content, as well as catalase and peroxidase activities. Based on the results of descriptive statistics, a high variation coefficient was observed in canopy width, peroxidase activity, chlorophyll, and iron content traits. Results of simple correlation showed that there were significant positive correlations between leaf iron content and catalase activity as well as canopy width with both annual growth and leaf length. Cluster analysis among populations based on total traits divided the populations into four distinct groups. The role of the female parents was visible in reciprocal crosses of ‘Viduja’ × KVD4 and KVD2 × KVD4, but all populations with similar female parents were not grouped in the same clusters.
Measures to Achieve the Energy Efficiency Improvement Targets in the Multi-Apartment Residential Sector
Authors: Upitis M. , Amolina I. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N.
Published: December 2020

Directive (EU) 2018/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency sets a target of 32.5 % energy efficiency to be achieved by 2030, with a possible upward revision in 2023. The directive also stipulates that the obligation to achieve annual energy savings must continue to be met after 2020. In addition, a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings was adopted in May 2018. It includes measures to speed up the renovation of buildings and the transition to more energy-efficient systems, as well as to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings, thus using smart energy management systems [1].

Buildings consume the most energy and have the greatest energy saving potential. They are therefore crucial to achieving the European Union’s energy saving targets. The EU allocated around 14 billion EUR to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the period of 2014–2020, of which 4.6 billion EUR was intended for residential buildings. In addition, the Member States have earmarked 5.4 billion EUR of public co-financing for the improvement of all types of buildings, of which around 2 billion EUR is allocated to residential buildings.

Multi-apartment residential buildings in Latvia are in a technically unsatisfactory condition. In Latvia, the service life of multi-apartment residential buildings has been artificially extended. In addition, there is also the problem of reduced construction quality. Housing problems affect all layers of society, but they are most acute for low- and middle-income people.

The aim of the research is to study, using the co-financing of the European Union Structural Funds, the activities performed during the renovation process of multi-apartment residential buildings in Latvia and to identify the shortcomings.
Existence of positive solutions for second-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Bouchelaghem Faycal , Ardjouni Abdelouaheb , Djoudi Ahcene
Published: December 2020

In this article we study the existence of positive solutions for second-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations on time scales. The main tool employed here is Schauder’s fixed point theorem. The results obtained here extend the work of Culakova, Hanustiakova and Olach [12]. Two examples are also given to illustrate this work.
Bird species assemblages in railway stations: variations along an urban-rural gradient
Authors: Chakraborty Anupam , Das Sayan , Ash Anirban , Saha Goutam K. , Aditya Gautam
Published: December 2020

The transportation infrastructures like railway tracks and roads bear negative impacts on natural environment. However, the opposite effects are also true in some instances where the man-made constructions have positive effect on faunal assemblages. This proposition was justified through the assessment of bird species using railway stations as model man-made structures in an urban-rural gradient, in the suburbs of Kolkata, India. During the entire study period along nine different railway stations, a total of 43 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 26 families were observed. Among these, the order Passeriformes was predominant in its species composition having 18 different species from 11 different families. In urban railway stations, a total of 23 bird species under 22 genera and 14 families were observed. In suburban railway stations, a total of 35 bird species under 32 genera and 22 families were documented. The railway stations from rural region showed the maximum number of species and abundance of bird families, where a total of 36 bird species under 32 genera and 23 families were observed. The railway stations from the suburban and rural regions were more similar in species composition. Irrespective of the locations, during the entire study period, the House Crow (Corvus splendens) was the dominant species followed by the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis). About 18 bird species exhibited a decreasing population trend observed through the global population trend analysis. In all the railway stations, the abundance of omnivores were dominant while, the number of granivores were higher in the rural regions and the nectarivores were absent in the urban regions. It was apparent that the railway stations bear a positive effect on the bird species assemblages, which can be sustained through proper environmental management planning inclusive of urban greening.
The Novel Solution for Acid Whey Permeate Application in Animal Feeding
Authors: Lakstina Jana , Aboltina Inese , Vanaga Liga , Ciprovica Inga , Jonkus Daina , Zagorska Jelena , Cinkmanis Ingmars
Published: December 2020

The experiment was conducted to analyse the effect of fermented acid whey permeate on milk yield and composition in the lactating cows. Propionic acid bacteria and their metabolites have been used in the lactating cows feeding over decades, primarily to improve growth performance, feed conversation and milk production efficiency. Two groups of the lactating cows were arranged in the study: control group (n=50) and experimental group (n=50). Experimental group’s animals received 0.5 L of fermented whey permeate daily. Acid whey permeate was inoculated with the freeze-dried PS-4 (Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii, Chr.Hansen, Denmark) starter and fermented anaerobically for 48 hours at 20±2 oC. Fat, protein, lactose and total solids concentration in acid whey permeate and fermented acid whey permeate was analysed by the standard methods, but propionic acid was detected by HPLC. Milk composition and quality indices were determined at the beginning of the study and each month during 6 months period. At the end of the study the feeding of fermented acid whey permeate was stopped, but milk composition and quality data were monitored additionally after one month. Milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids, urea concentration and somatic cell count were analysed by a near infrared spectroscopy.

The variability in milk composition and quality data across trial was greater in the experiment group than in the control. Milk fat and somatic cell count were significantly different (p<0.05) than other studied parameters in the experimental group cows’ milk. Milk yield and lactose concentration were tended to increase during feeding of fermented acid whey permeate in the lactating cows without significant differences between control and experimental groups. Fermented acid whey permeate as feed supplement improves energy metabolism for dairy cows which results in the higher milk yield and fat concentration.
Urban and Rural Local Action Groups in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
Authors: Panciszko Barbara
Published: December 2020

This article will analyse which areas rural and urban Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the Kuy-avian-Pomeranian Voivodeship function in. The thesis of this research is : LAGs are a bottom-up tool for local management. The first part presents the main assumptions of public management approaches and shows the LEADER approach and Community-Led Local Development as a form of bottom up approach in the process of public management on the local level. Then comparison analysis between rural and urban LAGs will take places. Similarities and differences were identified in the legal framework of their existence, the actors who create them, the possibility of receiving EU financial support and within the e fields of their activities. These were all analysed, along with financial activities implemented in the rural and urban LAGs in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship through 2014–2020.
Effect of Solar Tracking on the Economic Viability of a Large-Scale PV Power Plant
Authors: Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Afornu Bright Kwame , Ansah Michael Nii Sanka
Published: December 2020

This paper evaluated the economic potential of three different photovoltaic energy technologies at a selected site, Wa, in the Upper West region of Ghana. The cost of energy and net present value metrics were used to ascertain the cost-effectiveness of these technologies (fixed, single and double axis tracker systems). From the analysis, all three technologies are economically viable at the selected site, however, a sensitivity analysis shows that the fixed axis tracker is unviable at a discount rate above 2 % whiles that of the single and double axis power plants also become impracticable at a discount rate above 6 % using the financial input parameters adopted for the study. This is an indication that, even though the selected site may have the required solar radiation for the development of large-scale PV power plant, there is the need to create the necessary conducive financial environment to enable such projects to become viable. The double axis tracking system was identified as the optimum system that should be deployed at the selected site to get the best in terms of affordability of electricity to consumers and equity payback.
Proposal for Prioritizing the Retrofitting of Residential Buildings in Energy Poverty Circumstances
Authors: Perez-Bezos Silvia , Grijalba Olatz , Irulegi Olatz
Published: December 2020

The energy poverty derived from socio-economic imbalances affects mostly households with fewer economic resources, being social housing complexes one of the most vulnerable sectors. The insufficient access to energy and the incapability to maintain dwellings at an adequate temperature can have negative impact on people’s health due to the prolonged exposure to poor hygrothermal conditions. Therefore, the prioritization of building retrofitting actions must be carried out regarding the actual state of the housing and the family economy. This paper proposes the definition of a prioritization map that gave a general knowledge of the energy vulnerability situation of the existing building stock. To this end, the dwelling’s energy performance is analysed, focusing on the correlation among its characteristics and the energy vulnerability of its inhabitants. In this way, dwellings with high energy poverty potential are identified in order to develop different energy retrofitting strategies. By applying this method to 14 case studies of social housing in Bilbao, Spain, it was obtained a prioritization map with six levels of vulnerability that can serve as a tool for public entities to design their future strategies. It has been proven that building compactness and year of construction are important factors with a great impact on the heating demand and final consumption in dwellings. Acknowledging the vulnerability context of the building stock eases the decision-making process and the definition of intervention guidelines, prioritizing those in a situation of greater vulnerability.
Potential of Circular Design in Estonian SMEs and their Capacity to Push it
Authors: Vihma Markus , Moora Harri
Published: December 2020

While the capacities of larger enterprises enable them to adopt new circular design approaches and business models, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are also increasingly aware of the benefits of closing loops and improving resource efficiency. The SMEs in Estonia are confronted with several obstacles that hinder their circular design related actions. The organizational capacity and capability play a significant role in small businesses when developing concrete solutions for the circular economy, integrate those principles into their strategy and product development process and sustain those efforts. This paper aims to explore the SMEs’ circular design capacity and capability for adopting new approaches in traditional small manufacturing companies who have a product-oriented focus and follow the dominant linear economy business strategy in Estonia. The circular design assessment method was developed to analyse a company’s current status of circularity and evaluate the level of eco/circular design capacity. The results of the study show that the critical dimensions that are crucial for SMEs’ ability to successfully perform circular design are related to their business strategy and planning, owners/manages leadership as well as ability to learn and cooperate and create relationships with external entities for internal dissemination.
Blockchain for LBG Maritime Energy Contracting and Value Chain Management: A Green Shipping Business Model for Seaports
Authors: Philipp Robert
Published: December 2020

To reduce emissions in the maritime transport sector, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) follows a global clean shipping strategy. Among the different directives of IMO, currently especially the sulphur emission regulations pose challenges for the shipping industry. Related to this are the established Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) and the introduced global sulphur cap. To comply with the sulphur restrictions, according to the present technological state of the art, ship-owners have three options for their existing fleet: the installation of emission abatement technologies, the switch to low sulphur fuels, or retrofitting for the usage of alternative fuels. Regardless which option is favoured, most often selected solutions still depend on fossil fuels. The reasons for this can be traced back to the fact that supply of biofuels is not ensured in ports and generally seen as no profitable solution. This paper develops and examines an innovative business model with a special focus on liquefied biogas (LBG). The study bases on collected qualitative and quantitative data, which was used by applying the Business Model Canvas. The results will highlight that the business model bears the potential to promote LBG supply. Next to this, the research will show that blockchain and smart contracts are able to foster the implementation of the business model and optimisation of value chain operations. Lastly, economic advantages were highlighted within a case study that refers to the seaport Karlskrona in Sweden and the RoPax ferries from Stena Line that travel back and forth to Gdynia seaport in Poland.
Method of Predicting Necking True Stress in a Thin-Walled Tube Under a Complex Stress State
Authors: Halyna Kozbur
Published: December 2020

Method of predicting the strength of thin-walled tubes under a complex stress state, taking into account changes in the initial dimensions, is proposed. Uniform plastic deformation of a thin-walled tube under short-term static load by internal pressure and axial tension is considered. The tube material is considered to be homogeneous, isotropic and incompressible. The principle of maximum load is used to derive analytical dependences. The main decisions and conclusions were made using the Considere scheme.
Reduction of Crankshaft Stress By Using of the Torsional Vibration Damper
Authors: Michal Milata , Miloš Musil
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the stress analysis of crankshaft of a 4- cylinder internal combustion engine. The crankshaft is during its operation subjected to static and dynamic load. High frequency dynamic cyclic loading can lead to material fatigue and eventually fracture. To reduce this dynamic loading a new type of torsional vibration damper built in the crankshaft counterweight will be analyzed with the use of numerical simulation. After defining boundary conditions and applying loads, Von Mises stress analysis will be performed using the finite element method.
Factors Affecting Measurements of IOP Using Non-Contact Eye Tonometer
Authors: Jan Rybář , Branislav Hučko , Stanislav Ďuriš , Peter Pavlásek , Miroslav Chytil , Alena Furdová , Pavol Veselý
Published: December 2020

The objective measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) represents the identification of the symptoms of some diseases, e.g. glaucoma. This objective measurement can only be achieved by correct calibration of tonometers. Today, there is no uniform methodology for this calibration. Therefore, we introduce potential sources of error and try to quantify their contributions in this paper. Subsequently, a calibration standard containing an artificial cornea with similar properties to the human one should be designed.
Using of Recycled Materials to Protect the Working and Natural Environment by Reducing Noise and Vibration
Authors: Stanislav Žiaran , Ľubomír Šooš , Ondrej Chlebo
Published: December 2020

The aim of the article is to define the conditions for the use of recycled resilient materials in the reduction of noise and vibration as an integral part of the mounting and installation of mechanical systems in the work and natural environment. Based on the frequency spectrum, the vibro-isolation efficiency of the vibro-isolators and the viscoelastic materials used is analysed. The solution of this problem is based on the theoretical knowledge and methodology of the transmission of vibration-sound waves. The measurements of the vibration at the sources and along the path of transmission were performed for different recycled materials to compare experimental results with theory.
Rewitalizacja w miastach tracących funkcje społeczno-gospodarcze – przegląd działań
Authors: Ziółkowska Marta , Kudłacz Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

Abstrakt

W celu zobrazowania stanu rewitalizacji prowadzonej przez polskie miasta, w szczególności ośrodki średnie tracące funkcje społeczno-gospodarcze, pod uwagę należy wziąć pełen wachlarz przedsięwzięć zaplanowanych do realizacji w sporządzonych programach rewitalizacji. Analiza rodzaju projektów, ich kosztochłonności oraz źródeł finansowania pozwala na określenie prawdziwego charakteru i wymiaru tego procesu w skali krajowej, ale także na ocenę stopnia wykonalności planowanych zadań. Zrealizowane do tej pory projekty i nowe prawodawstwo warunkują nakreślenie dalszych kierunków i priorytetów w zakresie polityki rewitalizacyjnej prowadzonej w szczególności w miastach, które na skutek przemian ustrojowych i gospodarczych utraciły swoje dotychczasowe funkcje i zmagają się z procesem depopulacji.
An Investigation on the Share of Rural and Urban Households’ Expenditure as A Basis to Determine Economic Policies for Iran
Authors: Izadi Hamidreza
Published: December 2020

Many countries implement plans and programs whose purpose is low-income class protection and increase the purchasing power in order to eradicate poverty. The most common plan is the subsidies payment for consumption of deficits. Governments provide inexpensive goods and services and help to make price stability for necessities by applying policy in consumption sector. This research studies consumption expenditure shares in rural and urban households according to the importance of this issue and accordingly expenditure shares are rated and it is the basis of targeting subsidy policy. This article by use the MICROFIT program (ARDL method, 42 observations used for estimation from 1977 to 2019), tries to survey the short and long-term relationship, the dynamic relationship of short-term trend toward long-term equilibrium, diagnostic and structural break tests for the variables and the household costs function. According to the results of statistic tests, the model presented the best possible status of classic hypotheses and statistics and therefore confirm the relationship and co-integration between the variable of cost function and finally, structural stability is accepted. By comparing the urban household costs, according to the results we can say that the food is ranked among the goods with low rank, therefore, targeting the subsidies is less important than the rest of the cost. Also, the cost share of clothing goods is totally high for households and in urban households’ expenditures, the cost share of these goods is higher than the rest, so these costs play an important role in targeting the subsidies and should be taken into consideration. By comparing the rural household costs, we can say, the contribution of educational, cultural and recreational services costs for rural households is high and thus the share of the allocated expenditures for such goods is higher than the rest. Therefore, these costs play an important role in targeting the subsidies and should be taken into consideration. Finally, targeting subsidy helps government to arrange subsidy rate of different goods correctly. and give the most to low income classes to boost social welfare. Result show that targeting subsidy in rural and urban is different because of different expenditures share in household budget, and the same economics policy for these two household types is not correct.
The third dimension: How fire-related research can advance ecology and evolutionary biology
Authors: Lamont Byron , He Tianhua
Published: December 2020

Most of the Earth’s vegetated surface is fireprone but the relevance of fire in understanding how nature works is not always recognized. We aim to show that, by adding the fire dimension to observations on biological phenomena, interpretations can be im-proved; how fire-related research can be used to answer ‘fundamental’ questions in ecology; and how theories/models developed for fireprone ecosystems can be applied to advancing disturbance ecology, biogeography and evolutionary biology more generally. We compiled lists from the world-wide web of the most highly cited papers in fire ecology, and examined papers that had been approached from multiple viewpoints, including fire. We show that great advances over the last 20 years have been made in our understanding of the pivotal role of fire as a driver of many ecological processes and a powerful selective agent/evolutionary trigger among biota. We document 21 sets of observations originally interpreted in the context of the two traditional dimensions, prevailing environment and biotic interactions, but can also be shown to have a strong, if not dominant, historical link to fire. We note that fire-related research is able to address 55 of the 100 questions considered ‘fundamental’ in ecology and that many have already received some attention in fireprone ecosystems. We show how theories/ models that had their origins in fireprone systems can be applied to other disturbance-prone systems and thus have wide application in ecology and evolutionary biology. Fire and other disturbances should be included as variables in research about possible critical environmental and biotic constraints controlling ecosystem function in general. Adding this third dimension to research endeavours greatly enriches our understanding of how nature works at the global scale in an era where ecosystems are changing rapidly and novel species-environmental interactions are emerging.
Production of Ethyl Biodiesel from Catfish Oil by New Method Using Ethyl Biodiesel as Co-Solvent
Authors: Son Nguyen Thi , Nghia Hoang Luong , Quang Pham Van , Boi Luu Van
Published: December 2020

In this study, ethyl biodiesel (FAEE) from catfish oil was produced by a new method using FAEE as co-solvent. The study results show that due to the short reaction time with very high conversion (> 99%) and there was no need to remove the FAEE co-solvent, the cost of the product was reduced by about 30%. FAEE, a multipurpose product, can be used as an engine fuel itself and its ester-rich fraction of omega-3, -6, -9 acids can also be extracted to produce high added value supplements.
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRESH SHANKLISH CHEESE WITH KEFIR AND TURMERIC EXTRACT (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Silva Beatriz Meireles da , Vieira Luiz Gustavo de Freitas , Beltrami José Mateus , Serenini Grazielli De Fátima , Santos Nadir Silva dos , Soares Andréia Assunção , Alves Gilberto
Published: December 2020

Currently, a large number of consumers seek to include functional foods in their diets, aiming beyond the nutritional value prevent health problems, among these foods are probiotic products and vegetables containing bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to develop and physical-chemically evaluate fresh Shanklish cheeses with the addition of kefir and turmeric extract in order to develop a functional cheese. Shanklish cheese was manufactured and submitted to three different treatments: with the addition of kefir, turmeric extract and both of them. The results obtained for cheese composition were close to the results found in the literature and the cheeses showed stable pH values during the 21 days of storage at 8ºC. It concluded that the addition of kefir and turmeric extract in Shanklish cheese is a way to develop a functional cheese.
Community Initiated Adaptive Reuse for Culture and the Arts: ‘The Tanks Arts Centre’ Cairns, Australia
Authors: Castles Anthony
Published: December 2020

A group of World War II naval fuel storage tanks strategically located in a tropical rainforest in Cairns, Australia, were adapted for arts and cultural purposes. This paper explores the adaptive reuse of this unusual industrial heritage site. It uses a case study approach to demonstrate how the social and aesthetic values of the place have been conserved and grown, and how these values have interacted to increase community attachment through a community-initiated approach to the site’s reuse. A scoping review and secondary data helped develop the case study and informed semi-structured interview questions for key industry stakeholders. The paper deduces that a community-led bottom-up approach to the reuse of space for arts and culture results in greater community attachment and, as opposed to top-down approaches, allows for continued growth in social and aesthetic value. Nevertheless, ongoing success of community initiatives in most cases is also reliant on the structure of a government-led administration.
Types of Human Health
Authors: Mazure Līga
Published: December 2020

WHO has significantly contributed to the modern legal definition of human health by providing a definition of health. This definition of health acquired a binding nature, becoming the content of national rules and regulations. WHO’s definition of health indirectly covers the types of human health. Although this definition of health was appraised as an innovative view of the understanding of human health, still nowadays it does not correspond to the stage of development of society. Nowadays it is an expansion of the understanding of health as a nonmaterial good. A more detailed system of the types of human health can be created and legally recorded according to several division criteria. PVO ir devusi būtisku ieguldījumu cilvēka veselības tiesiskā definējuma formulēšanā, dodot veselības skaidrojumu. PVO veselības definējumā netieši ir ietverti arī cilvēka veselības veidi. Šis veselības definējums ir ieguvis saistošo raksturu, kļūstot par valstu normatīvā regulējuma saturu. Lai arī šis veselības definējums savulaik bija vērtējams kā inovatīvs skatījums uz cilvēka veselības izpratni, tomēr tas vairs neatbilst mūsdienu sabiedrības attīstības pakāpei. Ir notikusi veselības kā nemantiskā labuma izpratnes paplašināšanās, tāpēc būtu jāizveido un tiesiski jānostiprina detalizētāka cilvēka veselības veidu sistēma pēc dažādiem dalījuma kritērijiem. Lai normatīvajā regulējumā varētu iestrādāt piedāvātās idejas, ir nepieciešams papildināt Ārstniecības likumu ar 31. pantu šādā redakcijā: “31. pants. (1) Pacients tiek uzskatīts par pilnīgi veselu līdz brīdim, kad tiek konstatēts viņa faktiskais veselības stāvoklis un tā turpmākā attīstība ir paredzama. (2) Pacienta atgriezeniskā veselība nozīmē, ka pastāv iespēja mazināt vai novērst veselības traucējumus; turpretim neatgriezeniskā veselība nozīmē, ka veselības stāvoklis ir nemainīgs vai tas pasliktinās. (3) Pacienta veselība var būt nemainīga vai augšupejoša, ja tā uzlabojas, vai lejupejoša, ja pasliktinās. (4) Pacientam pēc dzimšanas konstatētais veselības stāvoklis ir viņam sākotnēji piemītošā veselība. Pacients var uzlabot to, mazinot vai novēršot pēc dzimšanas konstatētos veselības traucējumus, kā arī atjaunot to, mazinot vai novēršot dzīves laikā iegūtos veselības traucējumus. (5) Ar pacienta iekšējo veselību saprot viņa ķermeniskās un garīgās spējas, turpretim ar ārējo veselību – spēju socializēties un gūt personīgo piepildījumu.”
Trade War: Georgia vs. Russia
Authors: Abuseridze Giga
Published: December 2020

The following article focuses on the history of trade relations between Georgia and Russia that in the Author’s view eventually developed into the “trade war”. Enrolment of Russia into the WTO enabled subjection of Russia to the WTO regulations. Georgia, as a full member of the WTO, rather legitimately refused to allow Russia to join the organisation until Moscow would fulfil Tbilisi’s claims. One of the demands of the Georgian side was directly related to the separatist conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which further complicated the negotiations due to the destructive actions of Russia. There are difficult issues connected to the Georgian position from the global trade perspective. The position deals with the legally political difficulties. The article provides insight into the problem regarding the Trade War from the Georgia perspective.

Gruzijas un Krievijas sarunām par iestāšanos Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijā ir sena vēsture. Gruzijas nostāju par Krievijas pievienošanos Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijai vienmēr ir noteikusi abu valstu politiski tiesiskā situācija. Gandrīz 18 gadus bija vērojama Krievijas ietekme attiecībā uz Gruzijas dalību attiecīgajā organizācijā. Jāatzīmē, ka Gruzija kā pilntiesīga Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijas dalībvalsts pilnīgi likumīgi pieņēma lēmumu atteikt Krievijas dalību tajā, vienlaikus lūdzot izpildīt Gruzijas prasības. Jāpiezīmē, ka viena no Gruzijas puses prasībām bija tieši saistīta ar separātiskajiem konfliktiem Abhāzijā un Dienvidosetijā, kas vēl vairāk sarežģīja sarunas Krievijas darbības dēļ. Sarunas par Krievijas pievienošanos Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijai sākās 2002. gadā, un pārrunu laikā tika vērotas vairākas politiski tiesiska rakstura darbības, kas ietekmēja turpmāko attiecību scenāriju. Veiktais pētījums norāda uz to, ka gadījumā, ja Gruzija atver tirdzniecības koridorus, pamatojoties uz Krievijas un Gruzijas 2011. gada nolīgumu, tad valsts vispirms ievēro savas intereses. Šajā procesā ir svarīgs aktīvs Gruzijas un tās sabiedroto, tostarp Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijas, Eiropas Savienības un Apvienoto Nāciju Organizācijas, atbalsts. Jāatzīmē, ka Gruzijas noteiktā embargo atcelšanu Krievijai noteica 2011. gadā parakstītais nolīgums, uz kura pamata Gruzija piekrita Krievijas uzņemšanai organizācijā. Krievijas pievienošanās Pasaules Tirdzniecības organizācijai nozīmēja pārvērst valsti par civilizētu sistēmu un automātiski ieviest noteikumus, kas uzliek Krievijai pienākumu ievērot vispārējo vienošanos par tarifiem un tirdzniecību.
Survival rate of cervical cancer from a study conducted in India
Authors: Balasubramaniam Ganesh , Gaidhani Rajshree H. , Khan Arshi , Saoba Sushama , Mahantshetty Umesh , Maheshwari Amita
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

The incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in the world are 13.1/105 and 6.9/105, respectively. In India, it is estimated that there are 96,922 new cervical cancer cases and 60,078 deaths and ranked second among women cancers. The incidence and mortality rates are 14.7/105 and 9.2/105, respectively, although the incidence varies within Indian population. The majority of these cervical patients report at a late-stage of disease in health-care facility due to lack of awareness. A premier tertiary cancer hospital in Mumbai conducted the present survival-study. The aim of the study was to assess the various factors that determine the survival outcomes by age at diagnosis, role of comorbidities, stage of disease, and treatment.

Material and Methods:

The main source of information was patients’ medical records from which the data were abstracted, and active follow-up was undertaken. 1678 cases diagnosed between the years 2006 and 2008 at Tata Memorial Hospital are analyzed using actuarial method for obtaining survival rates and log-rank tests for comparison of survival groups.

Results:

The 5-year survival rate was 76.0% for those aged ≤50 years, 73.3% for non-residents, 74.4% for literates, and 81.8% for Christians and 72.5% for those with squamous cell carcinoma histology; those with no comorbidities had marginally better survival than their counter-parts. The survival rates were 83.5%, 80.6%, 66.0%, and 37.1% for Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV, respectively. The best survival outcomes were for those treated with only surgery (95.6%), or in combination with either radiotherapy (90.6%) or with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (85.5%). Involvement of either nodes/sites had poorer survival than those with no-involvement. In the multivariate analysis, only stage of the disease emerged as a significant prognosis factor.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that younger patients, early stage of disease, non-involvement of any sites/ nodes, and radiotherapy either alone or in combination with other treatment type provided better outcomes. Early detection and prevention strategies are keys to obtain better outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence in Musculoskeletal Radiology: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Pankhania Mayur
Published: December 2020

Musculoskeletal radiology is an important tool for the diagnosis of muscle damage, bone fractures, bone tumors, musculoskeletal infection, and other diseases. However, all currently used radiological techniques, including radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are associated with their own challenges. With its ability to address these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) holds the promise to transform a musculoskeletal radiologist’s job in several areas. In the past, AI-based approaches in musculoskeletal radiology were primarily used for measuring bone mineral density or identifying bone tumors. However, recent studies have expanded the application of AI in several other areas, such as image segmentation, resolution enhancement, and fracture identification as well automatic diagnosis of other forms of musculoskeletal damage. This review article discusses numerous older as well as more recent studies to highlight how the development and application of AI-based approaches have evolved in the field of musculoskeletal radiology and how the applicability of these approaches may be improved in the future.
Subdural fluid accumulation caused by ventriculoperitoneal shunt underdrainage: A rare and paradoxical complication
Authors: Prieto Ruth , Soriano Matias Cea , Ortega Celia , Kalantari Teresa , Rabanal Alberto Pueyo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Subdural fluid collection in patients with internal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts has generally been linked to overdrainage and more rarely to pus accumulation. The authors present a previously unrecognized condition leading to extra-axial CSF accumulation: shunt underdrainage. Treatment of coexisting subdural fluid collection and hydrocephalus, disorders that have previously only been reported concurrently following head trauma or subarachnoid hemorrhage, is controversial. In addition, we intend to provide insight into the physiopathology of abnormal CSF accumulation within both the subdural space and ventricles simultaneously.

Case Description:

A 42-year-old female with a history of hypothalamic glioma and obstructive hydrocephalus during childhood presented with headache, vomiting, and gait disturbance. Following the insertion of her first ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) by the age of 8, she underwent several surgeries due to shunt failure, all of them associating ventriculomegaly. Ventricles remained notably enlarged following insertion of her most recent VPS, and the computed tomography scan performed 2 months later at her admission showed a large subdural collection. Afterward, a malpositioned distal catheter causing shunt blockage was confirmed. Both, the subdural accumulation and hydrocephalus, were resolved following adequate placement of the peritoneal catheter.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates that subdural fluid accumulations may occur following VPS underdrainage with hydrocephalus. Development of such extra-axial collection was probably caused by pressure related to CSF spillage from the ventricles into the subdural space. Our case also supports that a mass-effect subdural accumulation with hydrocephalus can be satisfactorily treated with adequate VPS alone, without directly treating the subdural collection.
Can brain natriuretic peptide, S100b, and interleukin-6 prognosticate the neurological consequences in Egyptian patients presented with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage?
Authors: Eldawoody Hany A. Fikry , Mattar Mohammed Abdel Bari , Mesbah Abeer , Zaher Ashraf , Elsherif Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Background:

Biomarkers in supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) enhance the prognosis of the disease. This study aimed to assess the prognosticative grade of S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) in SICH outcome prediction.

Methods:

Blood samples of 50 SICH patients were analyzed for the biomarkers. The patients were classified into two groups with and without intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The following scales including Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), the Barthel index (BI), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score, ICH volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Score (mRS), and length of stay were used to evaluate the severity.

Results:

The severity scores (NIHSS, GCS, BI, mRI) were significantly higher in SICH patients with IVH versus SICH patients without IVH (P = 0.002, 0.008, 0.001, and 0.03, respectively). Serum levels for a pro-BNP and S100b are significantly higher in SICH patients with IVH versus SICH patients without IVH (P = 0.02 and 0.027, respectively). Multivariate correlations between demographic (age), biomarkers panel (IL-6, S100b, and proBNP), and clinical and severity scores (ICH score, ICH volume, length of hospital stay [LOS], BI, mRS, GCS, and NIHSSS) in all studied patients showed a highly significant correlation between ICH score and pro-BNP (P = 0.04). There was a highly significant correlation between LOS and IL-6 (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

Pro-BNP, IL-6, and S100b are greatly associated with the presence of IVH that, in turn, correlated well with poor clinical outcome measures.
USING ONE OF ORGANIC EXTRACTS AS A CORROSION INHIBITOR FOR CARBON STEEL IN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Ngatin A. , Sihombing R.P.
Published: December 2020

Utilization of mangosteen rind extract as carbon steel inhibitors in the environment of hydrochloric acid (HCl) 0.1M, 0.5M, and 1.0M. Extracts were carried out by extraction using ethanol solvent at a temperature of 600C with a time of 80 minutes. The variation of extract concentration (100 ppm to 1000 ppm in 3 days and the effect of time of corroding the carbon steel with the addition of 1000 ppm extract. Corrosion rate is calculated based on the difference in weight and corrosion products shown by microscope optics. The objective was investigated corrosion inhibition efficiency that could be prevented by mangosteen peel extract as inhibitor. The results showed inhibitory properties of mangosteen peel extract for three (3) days increased with increasing extract concentrations up to 76.53% in 0.1M HCl solution and 28.83% in 1.0M HCl solutions. For the addition of 1000 ppm mangosteen peel extract showed inhibitor efficiency reached about 90% at 3 days of corrosive time in HCl 0, 5 M, 87% in 1.0 M HCl solution, and 81% in 0.1 M HCl solution. The experiment showed that the process of diffusion of compounds in extracts on the surface of carbon steel and react with ferro ions (Fe2 +) to form chemical covalent coordination coordinate with a thickness of 76 µm was successfully done.
“Do not touch it!” Today’s Children’s Visual Competencies in Comparison with the Pre-Digital Era in Light of their Art Educational Environment
Authors: Pataky Gabriella
Published: December 2020

The task of twenty-first century art education is to contribute to the blossoming of the child’s personality. In this article, I approach this challenge from two principal directions, both of which provide a window onto unfamiliar terrain. This project sought to answer the following research questions: How do plastic, spatial (3D) creative capacities develop, and how do they compare with the kindergarten’s accustomed advancement of picture-creating, planar (2D) capabilities? How do kindergartners’ skills as measured in the 1970s compare with those of kindergartners today? A follow-on project examined children’s skills in the context of built environment education, asking the questions: Where, and with whom, do children find the best conditions for creation and arts education? What kinds of environments are most favourable? The results showed a clear deterioration of children’s drawing development from 1974 until today, as well as from drawings in both studies to modelling today. However, a more promising discovery was that depictions of movement appear much sooner in the case of plastic arts works than in drawings. This opens the way to an orientation that in our increasingly urbanised world, can help our children grow into adults who responsibly shape our environment, sensitive to their own age, as self-possessed problem solvers, employing the toolkit of education through art. The study is based on ongoing, long-term research of the 3612+ Visual Skills Lab group, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the artistic proficiencies of nearly a thousand children, mostly aged 3–7, in dozens of kindergartens in Hungary, through hands-on exercises as well as surveys of teachers, parents and other interested parties.
城市历史风貌区保护与更新研究
Authors: 姜 丹
Published: December 2020

城市历史风貌区集中了大量人类文明发展的过程，记载了城市的经济、文化等信息的兴衰。在城市化进程阶段，历史风貌区的保护与建设既是城市发展中的难点又是基石，因此通过重新整理、规划，不仅可以有效地保留区域风貌，延续人居文明，更能通过改善区域内的公共基础设施条件，从而实现城市更新。论文通过研究当前城市中历史风貌区保护的要点和特征以及存在的问题，探索完善风貌区保护与改造的方法，从而为旧城风貌保护与规划提供新思路，为城市经济建设发展提供有益的帮助。
论雕塑艺术中的中国画意境
Authors: 周 存玉
Published: December 2020

中国的雕塑艺术和国画艺术都体现了传统的中华美学思想。和西方雕塑艺术相比，中国的雕塑艺术不管是在使用的材料，还是在整体构造与技法等方面，都有很大的差异。中国雕塑艺术注重写意性，这一点和国画艺术强调意境是有趋同点的。因此，鉴于二者在写意性方面的共同点，论文围绕雕塑艺术中的中国画意境进行探讨。
Pendampingan Komunitas Guru Sekolah Dasar Melalui Pelatihan Penulisan Artikel Ilmiah di Kecamatan Sukun Kota Malang
Authors: Sari Ifit Novita , Heriyawati Dwi Fita
Published: December 2020

One of the teacher's skills that is rarely felt is to write scientific articles. This is due to poorly trained habits and a lack of knowledge about writing a scientific article. Currently scientific articles become one of the mandatory requirements for the promotion of rank for teachers. This is the reason for the implementation of this activity with the intention to improve the ability of teachers in terms of writing scientific articles based on the results of class action research (PTK) that has been done. Methods of conducting activities with workshops, discussions, Q&A, face-to-face guidance services and by e-mail. The results of this activity showed a paradigm change about the writing of scientific articles, from the beginning it was difficult to be easy because the teacher already knew the tricks of pouring the idea of PTK results into the writing of scientific articles. Teachers' abilities improve when they start practicing training materials by creating scientific articles. The results of writing scientific articles still require improvement with several times the guidance. It is expected that from this activity will be produced scientific articles worthy of publication in scientific journals.