bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional tomosynthesis versus two-dimensional mammography in detection and characterization of different breast lesions
Authors: Abdelattef Samia Aboelnour Abdeltwab , Ibrahim Suzan Farouk , Abdelhamid Wafaa Raft , Mahmoud Fatten Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Background

Breast cancer is considered the most serious lesion among different breast lesions. Mammography is the corner stone for screening for detection of breast cancer. It has been modified to digital mammography (DM) and then to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Tomosynthesis is an emerging technique for diagnosis and screening of breast lesions.

The aim of this study is to interrogate whether the addition of DBT to DM helps in better detection and characterization of different breast lesions.

Methods

This is a prospective study carried on 38 female patients according to our inclusion criteria. All patients were evaluated by using DM alone and thereafter with the addition of DBT to DM. Recall rate was calculated, and the imaging findings of each case were correlated with the final diagnosis and follow-up.

Results

DM identified 32 lesions while DBT with DM identified 37 lesions. On DM alone, 17 lesions were characterized as masses, 5 as focal asymmetry, 2 as architectural distortion, 7 as microcalcification and 1 as macrocalcification. With the addition of DBT, 27 lesions were characterized as masses, 1 as focal asymmetry, 1 as architectural distortion, 7 as microcalcification and 1 as macrocalcification. So, there were better detection and characterization of lesions with the addition of DBT than DM alone. The sensitivity, specificity, AUC, positive and negative predictive values were significantly higher with the addition of DBT to DM (100%, 90.5%, 0.952, 90% and 100%, respectively) than with DM (77.8%, 80.9%, 0.794, 77.8% and 80.9%, respectively) for all breast lesions.

Conclusions

The addition of DBT to DM helps in better detection and characterization of different breast lesions. This leads to early detection of breast cancer, improvement of the performance of radiologists and saving time by reduction of recall rate.
Η δεύτερη χρήση κιονοκράνων στην Ελλάδα από την ύστερη αρχαιότητα έως τον πρώιμο μεσαίωνα
Authors: Ασημακόπουλος Δημήτριος
Published: November 2021

Η διατριβή πραγματεύεται την επαναχρησιμοποίηση παλαιών αρχιτεκτονικών μελών με λειτουργία κιονοκράνου (δηλ. κιονόκρανα, βάσεις κιόνων, επιθήματα, επίκρανα, αμφικιονόκρανα και πλακοειδείς άβακες) στην Ελλάδα από τις αρχές του 4ου έως τα τέλη του 10ου αιώνος. Στον κατάλογο της διατριβής, συζητούνται αναλυτικά 100 επιλεγμένα μνημεία τα οποία καλύπτουν ολόκληρο το εξεταζόμενο γεωγραφικό και χρονολογικό πλαίσιο. Οι συζητήσεις περιλαμβάνουν παρατηρήσεις γύρω από την οικοδομική ιστορία των κτιρίων, την τεκμηρίωση των αρχιτεκτονικών τους μελών και την ερμηνεία της δεύτερης χρήσης στο πλαίσιο των αρχιτεκτονικών συνθέσεων. Στο συνθετικό μέρος της διατριβής, ανιχνεύεται η συμπεριφορά της βυζαντινής κοινωνίας απέναντι στα σπόλια, εξετάζοντας τα λογικά βήματα που μεσολαβούσαν από την επιθυμία ως την εφαρμογή τους σε καινούριες οικοδομές. Διαπιστώνεται ότι οι μεταβολές των σχέσεων παραγωγής οδήγησαν σε αναθεώρηση της έννοιας του ρυθμού και συνετέλεσαν στη διαμόρφωση ιδεολογικών συστημάτων γύρω από το ελληνορωμαϊκό παρελθόν, παράλληλα με αναπροσαρμογές του νομικού πλαισίου και των μεθόδων της οικοδομικής τέχνης στις τρέχουσες ανάγκες.
HEATING RATE PREDICTION FOR INDUCTION WELDING MAGNETIC SUSCEPTORS
Authors: MARTIN ROMAIN G. , JOHANSSON CHRISTER , TAVARES JASON R. , DUBÉ MARTINE
Published: November 2021

Induction welding involves generating heat by applying an oscillating magnetic field, which produces eddy currents and Joule losses in an electrically-conductive material or hysteresis losses in a magnetic material. Most applications rely on eddy currents generation as composites are often made of electrically-conductive carbon fibres. However, in other applications, heat can be produced by a magnetic susceptor located at the weld interface of the parts to be joined. Composite films of magnetic particles dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix can serve as magnetic susceptors. Magnetic particles selection relies on various parameters that must be thoroughly defined beforehand. Firstly, the applied magnetic field amplitude and frequency is calculated, based on the generated current and the induction coil geometry. Secondly, the thermoplastic matrix is characterized, mainly with DSC measurements, to define its processing window. Finally, the magnetic properties of the particles are measured – for instance using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) – to obtain the hysteresis curve for the applied field. The enclosed surface area of the hysteresis curve (i.e. absorbed energy density) is critical, as low hysteresis materials (i.e. soft magnets) will not dissipate enough heat, while high hysteresis materials (i.e. hard magnets) cannot be fully exploited as the saturation hysteresis is not reached within the used field amplitude. A methodology to approximate the hysteresis enclosed surface area with limited data is proposed, helping to anticipate the heating rate of a susceptor candidate material. Based on these parameters, the theoretical heating rates of three magnetic susceptor materials (magnetic particles of iron, nickel and magnetite) for induction welding are calculated. They are verified experimentally by comparing with the hysteresis analysis and by measuring the temperature evolution of samples made of polypropylene containing the magnetic particles.
ENERGY-BASED MULTIFUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY METRIC FOR MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPOSITE ANODES IN STRUCTURAL BATTERIES
Authors: ZHOU TIANYANG , BOYD JAMES G. , LAGOUDAS DIMITRIS C.
Published: November 2021

A multifunctional efficiency metric is developed using mean-field micromechanics solutions to quantify the multifunctionality of the multifunctional composite anodes. Multifunctional efficiency metrics evaluate the volume and/or mass savings or performance increase when structural and functional materials are replaced by multifunctional materials [1]. The proposed methodology compares the total energy associated with different functionalities, such as elastic strain energy and electric charge energy of the multifunctional materials with the total energy of the single function structural and functional material. To achieve volume and mass savings, the energy of different functionalities is set to be the same between the multifunctional and traditional single- functional materials, and, at the same time, the volume and/or mass of the multifunctional composite needs to be smaller than that of the combination of single- functional materials. The volumes and/or mass savings can be expressed using the properties of multifunctional and traditional single-functional materials. In this work, structural anodes made from silicon nanoparticles, reduced graphene oxide, and aramid nanofibers are used as an example to calculate the mass savings compared to a traditional anode with structural support. The existing multifunctionality metrics are based on the rule of mixtures method, which is adequate for certain geometries and loading conditions, such as in-plane directions for laminate composites. However, if multifunctional composite materials involve multiple phases, material property variation during the charging process, and complex geometries or orientations of the structural and functional phases, a more comprehensive method is required to accurately capture the multifunctional efficiency. The multifunctional efficiency varies significantly during the charging and discharging process. This new metric can provide both upper and lower bounds of multifunctional efficiency. This new multifunctional efficiency metric will help optimize the selection and arrangement of different phases in the multifunctional and quantify the optimization results.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON POST-BUCKLED COMPOSITE SINGLE-STRINGER SPECIMENS WITH INITIAL DELAMINATION UNDER FATIGUE LOADS
Authors: RAIMONDO ANTONIO , MENDEZ JAVIER PAZ , BISAGNI CHIARA
Published: November 2021

The fatigue damage tolerance of a composite stiffened structure in post-buckling conditions is experimentally investigated in this work. Single-stringer specimens with an initial delamination, artificially created during the manufacturing process, are tested under cyclic compressive load. Six nominally identical specimens are manufactured: two tested under quasi-static load to understand the compressive behavior of the structure and four under fatigue load cycling between pre- and post-buckling conditions at two different maximum loads. During the tests, digital image correlation system and ultrasonic C-scan are adopted to follow the evolution of the out-of-plane displacements and the propagation of the delamination. Depending on the load level, the delamination starts to grow already in the first cycle or after a few thousand cycles, but in both cases the propagation is fast at the beginning, then slows down gradually. The fatigue tests are interrupted after 150,000 cycles and the specimens are subjected to quasi-static compressive load to evaluate the residual strength of the structure.
PROGRESSIVE DAMAGE FAILURE ANALYSIS OF POST-BUCKLED COMPOSITE SINGLE-STRINGER PANEL WITH TEFLON INSERTS
Authors: GOYAL VIJAY K. , PENNINGTON AUSTIN , ACTION JASON
Published: November 2021

The high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratio materials, such as laminated composites, are advantageous for modern aircraft. Laminated composites with initial flaws are susceptible to delamination under buckling loads. PDA tools help enhance the industry’s understanding of the mechanisms for damage initiation and growth in composite structures while assisting in the design, analysis, and sustainment methods of these composite structures. The global-local modeling approach for the single-stringer post-buckled panel was evaluated through this effort, using Teflon inserts to simulate the defect of damage during manufacturing. This understanding is essential for designing the post-buckled structure, reducing weight while predicting damage initiation location, and addressing a potential design review for future aircraft repairs. In this work, the initial damage was captured with Teflon inserts as the starting configuration; and any reference to the damage initiation refers to any damage beyond the “initial unbonded region.” The effort aims to develop, evaluate, and enhance methods to predict damage initiation and progression and the failure of post-buckled hat-stiffened panels using multiple Abaqus FEA Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) definitions. Validation of the PDA using the VCCT material model was performed on a large single-stringer panel subjected to compressive loading. The compressive loading of the panel caused the skin to buckle before any damage began to occur locally. In addition, comparisons are made for critical aspects of the damage morphology, such as a growth pattern that included delamination from the skin-stiffener interface to the skin and ply interfaces. When compared against the experimental data produced through the NASA Advanced Composites Project (ACP), the present model captured damage migration from one surface to another, and model validations were ~5% of the experimental data.
DATA-DRIVEN DISCOVERY OF MATERIAL STATES IN COMPOSITES UNDER FATIGUE LOADS
Authors: ELENCHEZHIAN MUTHU RAM , VADLAMUDI VAMSEE , RAIHAN RASSEL , REIFSNIDER KENNETH
Published: November 2021

Our community has a widespread knowledge on the damage tolerance and durability of the composites, developed over the past few decades by various experimental and computational efforts. Several methods have been used to understand the damage behavior and henceforth predict the material states such as residual strength (damage tolerance) and life (durability) of these material systems. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BbDS) are such methods, which have been proven to identify the damage states in composites. Our previous work using BbDS method has proven to serve as precursor to identify the damage levels, indicating the beginning of end of life of the material. As a change in the material state variable is triggered by damage development, the rate of change of these states indicates the rate of damage interaction and can effectively predict impending failure. The Data-Driven Discovery of Models (D3M) [1] aims to develop model discovery systems, enabling users with domain knowledge but no data science background to create empirical models of real, complex processes. These D3M methods have been developed severely over the years in various applications and their implementation on real-time prediction for complex parameters such as material states in composites need to be trusted based on physics and domain knowledge. In this research work, we propose the use of data-driven methods combined with BbDS and progressive damage analysis to identify and hence predict material states in composites, subjected to fatigue loads.
SELF-HEALING OF WOVEN COMPOSITE LAMINATES VIA IN SITU THERMAL REMENDING
Authors: SNYDER ALEXANDER D. , PHILLIPS ZACHARY J. , PATRICK JASON F.
Published: November 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are attractive structural materials due to their high specific strength/stiffness and excellent corrosion resistance. However, the lack of through-thickness reinforcement in laminated composites creates inherent susceptibility to fiber-matrix debonding, i.e., interlaminar delamination. This internal damage mode has proven difficult to detect and nearly impossible to repair via conventional methods, and therefore, remains a significant factor limiting the reliability of composite laminates in lightweight structures. Thus, novel approaches for mitigation (e.g., self-healing) of this incessant damage mode are of tremendous interest. Self-healing strategies involving sequestration of reactive liquids, i.e. microcapsule and microvascular systems, show promise for the extending service- life of laminated composites. However, limited heal cycles, long reaction times (hours/days), and variable stability of chemical agents under changing environmental conditions remain formidable research challenges. Intrinsic self- healing approaches that utilize reversible bonds in the host material circumvent many of these limitations and offer the potential for unlimited heal cycles. Here we detail the development of an intrinsic self-healing woven composite laminate based on thermally-induced dynamic bond re-association of 3D-printed polymer interlayers. In contrast to prior work, self-repair of the laminate occurs in situ and below the glass-transition temperature of the epoxy matrix, and maintains >85% of the elastic modulus during healing. This new platform has been deployed in both glass and carbon-fiber composites, demonstrating application versatility. Remarkably, up to 20 rapid (minute-scale) self-healing cycles have been achieved with healing efficiencies hovering 100% of the interlayer toughened (4-5x) composite laminate. This latest self-healing advancement exhibits unprecedented potential for perpetual in-service repair along with material multi-functionality (e.g., deicing ability) to meet modern application demands.
Stability, Memory, and Messaging Trade-Offs in Heterogeneous Service Systems
Authors: Gamarnik David , Tsitsiklis John N. , Zubeldia Martin
Published: November 2021

We consider a heterogeneous distributed service system consisting of n servers with unknown and possibly different processing rates. Jobs with unit mean arrive as a renewal process of rate proportional to n and are immediately dispatched to one of several queues associated with the servers. We assume that the dispatching decisions are made by a central dispatcher with the ability to exchange messages with the servers and endowed with a finite memory used to store information from one decision epoch to the next, about the current state of the queues and about the service rates of the servers. We study the fundamental resource requirements (memory bits and message exchange rate) in order for a dispatching policy to be always stable. First, we present a policy that is always stable while using a positive (but arbitrarily small) message rate and [Formula: see text] bits of memory. Second, we show that within a certain broad class of policies, a dispatching policy that exchanges [Formula: see text] messages per unit of time, and with [Formula: see text] bits of memory, cannot be always stable.
Artificial Shortage in Agricultural Supply Chains
Authors: Levi Retsef , Singhvi Somya , Zheng Yanchong
Published: November 2021

Problem definition: Price surge of essential commodities despite inventory availability, due to artificial shortage, presents a serious threat to food security in many countries. To protect consumers’ welfare, governments intervene reactively with either (i) cash subsidy, to increase consumers’ purchasing power by directly transferring cash; or (ii) supply allocation, to increase product availability by importing the commodity from foreign markets and selling it at subsidized rates. Academic/practical relevance: This paper develops a new behavioral game-theoretic model to examine the supply chain and market dynamics that engender artificial shortage as well as to analyze the effectiveness of various government interventions in improving consumer welfare. Methodology: We analyze a three-stage dynamic game between the government and the trader. We fully characterize the market equilibrium and the resulting consumer welfare under the base scenario of no government intervention as well as under each of the interventions being studied. Results: The analysis demonstrates the disparate effects of different interventions on artificial shortage; whereas supply allocation schemes often mitigate shortage, cash subsidy can inadvertently aggravate shortage in the market. Furthermore, empirical analysis with actual data on onion prices in India shows that the proposed model explains the data well and provides specific estimates on the implied artificial shortage. A counterfactual analysis quantifies the potential impacts of government interventions on market outcomes. Managerial implications: The analysis shows that reactive government interventions with supply allocation schemes can have a preemptive effect to reduce the trader’s incentive to create artificial shortage. Although cash subsidy schemes have recently gained wide popularity in many countries, we caution governments to carefully consider the strategic responses of different stakeholders in the supply chain when implementing cash subsidy schemes.
Hypercalcaemia Caused by Sunflower Seeds and Calcium Carbonate Supplements
Authors: Patoli Iqra , Kazim Mehrunissa , Jamil Saad Bin , Abbas Syed Hassan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Hypercalcaemia is commonly associated with malignancy or endocrinological disorders. However, sometimes it can occur due to increased oral intake of calcium. We present an interesting case of hypercalcaemia due to ingestion of sunflower seeds and calcium carbonate supplements. Case Description: We present the case of a 53-year-old man with history of T-cell lymphoma and gastroesophageal reflux disease who was brought to the emergency room due to altered mental status, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. His calcium level was 3.30 mmol/l (normal value 2.23–2.58 mmol/l). Imaging studies were unremarkable. The patient was hydrated with normal saline and calcium levels improved. Once he was more coherent, he disclosed that he had consumed significant amounts of sunflower seeds and calcium carbonate supplements, which were considered to be the cause of his hypercalcaemia. Conclusion: Hypercalcaemia is common and can lead to critical illness. Although hypercalcaemia is frequently associated with endocrinological disorders, sometimes the presentation is secondary to increased intake. The consumption of sunflower seeds and antacids containing calcium carbonate can cause symptomatic hypercalcaemia. It is important to recognize rare causes of hypercalcaemia in order to treat it in a timely manner and prevent recurrence.
SALES EXPERIMENT OF A NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER: "PAY WHAT YOU WANT"
Authors: Bernfried Bruns Lukas
Published: November 2021

Digitalization poses great challenges for companies and especially for newspaper publishers. Due to the large number of digital competitors on the advertising market, media companies are forced to proactively win customers. A major German media company has thus dared to experiment and put the question of pricing for booking newspaper advertising in the hands of its customers. With the so-called "pay what you want" (PWYW) payment model, customers can be won and additional budgets spent. This paper explores the question of whether PWYW is a suitable sales model for newspaper companies and which factors have an influence. The results of the interviews with those involved show solutions, opportunities, problems and that additional turnover can be generated.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITIZATION AND INNOVATIONS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
Authors: Fusko Miroslav , Dulina Ľuboslav , Bubeník Peter , Bučková Monika , Kasajová Marta , Svitek Radovan
Published: November 2021

The importance of new disrupting technologies and innovations is crucial for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are critical to large factories because, in many cases, they are their suppliers. Therefore, there is a need for digitization solutions, innovative approaches, and disruptive technologies in these factories. These areas significantly disrupt the usual processes in SMEs. SMEs thus have to deal with significant changes in their business in a relatively short time. The benefits of new approaches for SMEs are described in the second half of the article in the case study. This study deals with the possibility of using a software tool from previous research on the workplace for the production planning and logistics systems team in the selected Slovak factory. The paper itself focuses on the Slovak engineering industry, digitalization and innovations. The selected factory manufactures compressor technology. The factory did not hesitate to use the possibility of cooperation and verification of various functionalities. The cooperation aimed to analyze the current state of production of the selected product and the subsequent design of increasing productivity and economic efficiency concerning improving its internal conditions.
NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION REPORTING AFTER 2016 FOR THE EXAMPLE OF BULGARIAN GREENHOUSE GAS EMITTERS
Authors: Manolov Tsvetomir L.
Published: November 2021

Air pollution is one of the main environmental reasons for many diseases in Bulgaria. Plenty of studies indicate that the country is still far from achieving air quality levels that do not pose a risk to people and the environment.

The current research is directed toward eight companies in Bulgaria, which are responsible for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions from fixed installations. The study was conducted during the period of 2016 to 2019. The main hypothesis is that due to the public importance of these companies’ activities, the quantity and quality of non-financial information disclosed by them will be significant. Additionally, it is examined how the required obligation for some companies to publish together with their annual financial statements and non-financial declaration has reflected on the disclosures made by them. The research is conducted on the basis of annual financial statements published by the companies, non-financial declarations, annual activity reports and information contained on their websites.
THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS INFECTED WITH SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS - A REVIEW
Authors: Blebea Nicoleta , Mitea Gabriela
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION: Due to the rapid outbreak of the pandemic that causes SARS-CoV-2 infection and the increased rate of morbidity and mortality as a result of this new infection, the treatments pursued in therapy must have an increased potential to inhibit the replication of this virus.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this article was to describe the most current drug therapies and their mechanisms of action used in the treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we have collected the latest information and multilingual international scientific discoveries about the treatment of COVID-19.

RESULTS: Several compounds can be used to treat COVID-19 in order to reduce the duration of the disease and the rate of infection, to reduce the viral load, to prevent tissue damage, to stimulate the maturation of many cells, including immune cells in the human body and to reduce its severe symptoms. The most effective treatments were based on the antiviral drugs, antimalarial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics drugs, glycopeptide antibiotics, anticoagulants, vitamin C and vitamin D. The simplest and most direct approach to controlling SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks is the use of passive antibodies transferred from plasma to convalescent patients. Recently, studies have been completed for several vaccines that are approved against SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSION: Scientists around the world are collaborating and innovating to make tests, treatments and vaccines available to the public that will save lives collectively and end this pandemic.
ORGANIZATION AND HOLDING OF HOSPITAL THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION IN HOSPITALS FOR ACTIVE TREATMENT IN RUSE’S TERRITORY
Authors: Georgieva Despina , Koleva Greta , Hristova Irinka
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Daily food consumption is a basic factor for improving both the quality of life and the well-being of people. Hospital medical nutrition needs to suit certain standards and requirements, so as to provide all the necessary micro- and macronutrients for patients. It has to be high-quality food and also has to mind the technological requirements for its preparation in the hospital, in addition to looking aesthetically pleasing and tasting good.

Objective: This report’s goal is to study the hospital dietary nutrition in the hospitals for active care in Ruse, Bulgaria – University hospital Kanev; University hospital Medika; Mental health center Ruse; Complex-oncological center Ruse and the Specialized Hospital for active treatment of pneumo-phthisiatric diseases - Dr Dimitar Gramatikov.

Methods: The survey was conducted between the months of April and September 2020. The criteria for inclusion of those hospitals are: to perform an organized hospital nutrition, and the medical institution to be a hospital itself.

Results: In the medical establishments that are included in the study, medical dietary nutrition is carried out in accordance with the normative documents and standards which are in force for the country. The numerological system of nutrition Pevzner is applied, as the basic diets are from №1 to 15, as well as their varieties according to the disease’s acuteness.

Conclusions: We find that, just because contemporary requirements for nutrition in the Republic of Bulgaria have been presented in developed national recommendations for healthy eating, this is not enough. What is needed is to develop and apply a fully adequate hospital diet, based on an individual assessment of nutrition status, and degree of risk from malnutrition.
FORENSIC MEDICAL CRITERIA OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ALCOHOL AND CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING BY USING AZIMUTHAL-INVARIANT POLARIZATION MUELLER-MATRIX MICROSCOPY
Authors: Harazdiuk Olexandr , Ivaskevich Ihor , Vanchuliak Oleh , Sarkisova Yuliia
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Fatal intoxications with alcohol and carbon monoxide are the most common causes of poisoning that occur in forensic medical practice. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of these intoxications is extremely important. To solve this problem, we propose the use of the method of azimuthal-invariant polarization Mueller-matrix microscopy of histological sections of biological tissues (BT).

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to establish statistically significant criteria for differentiation of the cause of death in case of alcohol poisoning (AP) and carbon monoxide poisoning (CMP) by using azimuthal-invariant polarization Mueller-matrix microscopy of polycrystalline fractions of histological sections of organs and blood films of the human body.

Results: A number of characteristic features have been identified that have not been previously described and allow to objectively differentiate the cause of death in the case of AP and CMP, namely Ek – 0.95±0.045 and 1.81±0.092 in the study of histological sections of the myocardium;  Ek – 0,19±0,011 and 1,11±0,094 – polycrystalline blood films. Analysis of the obtained data revealed a good level of accuracy in the study of histological sections of the myocardium (As 85%) and polycrystalline blood films (As 88%).

Conclusion: Thus, developed and tested method of azimuthal-invariant polarization Mueller-matrix microscopy allows to differentiate the cause of death in cases of AP and CMP.
SPECTROPHOTOPOLARIMETRY AS A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE TIME DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN THE MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF MUSCLE TISSUE
Authors: Harazdiuk Olexandr , Kozan Nataliia , Kryvetskyi Viktor , Dunaiev Oleksandr
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The article presents the current state of issues regarding the diagnosis of pathological conditions for forensic medical experts, in particular the study of normal muscle tissue and in the presence of hemorrhages. Particular attention is paid to biophysical research methods with evidence-based accuracy, objectivity, reproducibility, and rapid results.

Objectives: The purpose of the research was to study the possibilities of using spectrophotopolyarimetric methods to analyze and determine the relationship of morphological structure of biological tissues with the temporal dynamics of changes in their optical parameters, to establish the possibility of differentiating necrotic changes and signs of damage by applying Mueller matrices of human muscle tissue samples.

Results: During the study, we found a number of features and patterns of change in the properties of the laser beam as a result of passing through biological tissue. Polarization-correlation methods provide new, objective information about the dynamics of change in laser polarimetric imaging of morphological structure of biological tissues. By analyzing the statistical distributions of the ellipticity of polarization of laser images of normal human muscle tissue and in the presence of hemorrhages, the possibility of identifying the relationship between the development of statistically significant changes with increasing time of death and the possibility of differentiating them are considered.

Conclusion: Based on these results, we can conclude that employing laser polarization methods will allow us to open new doors in the study of the biological tissues of the human body. The results showed the effectiveness of the studied methodology and the prospect of further research in this direction.
MATERNAL LEUKOCYTOSIS AS DIAGNOSTIC MARKERS IN SPONTANEOUSLY DECLARED PRETERM BIRTH
Authors: Koleva-Korkelia Iliana
Published: November 2021

Spontaneous preterm birth is the basic problem of perinatal mortality in Bulgaria. Pregnancy is characterized by physiological leukocytosis - determined by twice increased neutrophils levels, unchanged monocyte levels, and a reduction in the levels of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The leukocytosis is particularly pronounced in the last trimester, due to physiological stress during pregnancy, and it is a result of the increased inflammatory response, a consequence of selective immune tolerance, immunosuppression, and fetus-immunomodulation.

The objective of this study was to investigate and to appreciate maternal leukocytosis as potential diagnostic markers in spontaneously declared preterm birth and term birth declared cases.

Methods: The case–control study was performed in UMBAL-City Hospital, Stara Zagora during 2017–2020. The study involved 200 patients, split into two groups: G1- the healthy pregnant women, n1=100 with а registered singleton pregnancy, at gestational age 37-39+6, gave birth on the term (TB); G2- the PTB patients, n2=100, confirmed clinically by cardiotocography for gestation >32 weeks. The highly sensitive Leuko-TIC-ELISA-WBC (upper limit of the normal number of Leuc during pregnancy - 15x109 per L) test was used for investigation. Blood samples were taken by puncture of the v.cubitalis in an anticoagulant at the time of hospitalization and examined within 1 hrs. Patients with systemic chronic illness and infections were excluded from the study.

The results showed statistically significant Leuc reduction in SPTB patients (14.31±2.66×109/L, p>0.03), compared to the increased (14.67±3.21×109/L) (in normal-15x109L) Leuc values in the TB group.In conclusion, the results of the Leuc value confirm the presence of a systemic leukocytosis/oxidative inflammatory reaction at the time of declaring SPTB and TB.
STUDY OF THE DIGITIZATION LEVEL OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Authors: Grznár Patrik , Furmannová Beáta , Vavrík Vladimír , Burganová Natália , Mozol Štefan , Stárek Marián
Published: November 2021

Today, advances in ICT are exponential in nature, and many technologies are now being added from which businesses can benefit from their application in their processes. Digitization is a wide area that already finds active application in businesses processes. It helps create new possibilities in terms of improving process performance, responding more quickly to changes, or helping to reduce costs for different production areas. In general, digitization in an enterprise can be understood as having specific financial as well as personnel requirements. There are few levels of digitalization that we can achieve (document digitalization, digital factory, virtual factory, and smart factory). The research goal of the article is a detailed description and comparison of the individual digitization levels and their tools. The article contains two case studies in which the analysis of processes in the form of questionnaires defines the appropriateness of the level of digitization. Also, based on the analysis, it is possible to say each of the levels of digitization has a particular area of application depending on the nature of production. The main findings of the case studies are that irrelevant digitization is costly and personally demanding without achieving more significant results without analysis. Companies' more efficient operation can be achieved even if the company does not use the latest technological advances and what simple changes need to be incorporated.
STUDY OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE CONTENT OF NANOOBJECTS AND SURFACE FEATURES
Authors: Kamanina Natalia
Published: November 2021

It is well known that at the present time two basic aspects of a material’s nano-objects sensitization should be considered. The first aspect relates to the change of the material’s basic physical-chemical properties when the concentration of the nanoobjects in the material’s body is varied. The second aspect is in regard to the modification of surface properties on the content of the nanoobjects in the material’s body. In the current paper the correlation between the concentration of the nanoobjects and wetting phenomena of the material’s surface is considered. Different experimental instruments and supporting models are presented with good coincidence.
VERIFICATION OF TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL DATA OF THE BREATHING APPARATUS
Authors: Verešová Tatiana , Svetlík Jozef , Kalužník Dávid
Published: November 2021

The function of the breathing apparatus is to protect the health of firefighters in a harmful and non-respirable environment. Closed-circuit breathing apparatus provides members of the Fire and Rescue Service with respiratory protection in the elimination of adverse events in tunnels and underground spaces. The MSA 4h Air Elite is a four-hour self-contained breathing apparatus that operates on the principle of generating oxygen by an exothermic reaction of potassium hyperoxide. Each breathing apparatus has its tactical technical parameters. We verified the tactical and technical data of the MSA AIRE ELITE by the experiment they participated in the firefighter. Each firefighter was equally coupled. An MSA Air Elite was used during the experiment. Tactical-technical data reported by the manufacturer varies in some points with the practical results that we have managed to obtain. The manufacturer's largest deviations in tactical and technical data and practical results are mainly in the length of work activity, temperature in use in intervention, and air consumption. According to our experiment, the MSA 4h Air Elite breathing apparatus does not last in the working activity 240 minutes as it discloses a manufacturer, but on the other hand, this time-inconsistency may be caused by the intensity of training and demanding of the training track.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF LONELINESS BETWEEN BULGARIANS AND RUSSIANS
Authors: Alexandrova Nataliya , Babakova Liliya , Murtazina Inna , Strizhitskaya Olga , Petrash Marina , Chankova Yuliya
Published: November 2021

Loneliness is a painful and alienating experience, which is an increasingly widespread phenomenon all over the globe. However, this phenomenon is perceived and interpreted differently in the world. The present study aims to compare the emotional, social, and romantic loneliness between Bulgarians and Russians. The two Slavic countries are historically and culturally close, but at the same time, there are many differences. Some studies have found that in the minds of both Russian and Bulgarian young people, loneliness is associated with both negative and positive aspects. This creates a common ground for the analysis and interpretation of this phenomenon in both countries. But the Russian people are more characterized by a positive-resource view of loneliness, while Bulgarian young people emphasize the negative. The study involved 608 people from Bulgaria and Russia aged 18-73 years. They completed the short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults by Di Tommaso E., Brannen C., Best L.A. (2004). The results indicated that „romantic loneliness“was108 the most pronounced and present with its frequency in the content of the overall experience of loneliness. This outlines deficits, expectations, and emotions that are realized / function / in the deeply personal world of the person, of the studied groups of adults both in Bulgaria and in Russia. In second place in terms of its representation is the "social loneliness", which ​​stands out among the studied adults from Bulgaria according to its marginal values. In the third place as third structural-content component is the "emotional loneliness", which is especially present in the experiences of the respondents from Bulgaria in comparison with those from Russia. Statistically significant results on the factors "country", “age” and "marital status" are also discussed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS: A GROUNDED THEORY TO UNDERSTAND IN-SERVICE TEACHERS’ PRACTICES
Authors: Monica Assante Gabriela , Momanu Mariana
Published: November 2021

This exploratory study is guided by the underlying importance of in-service teacher practices in the development of students’ community engagement. The main objective is to highlight, describe and understand the role of teachers in the development of community engagement by employing the Grounded Theory methodology. Thirty teachers from urban areas and with at least five years of experience were interviewed to investigate their perspective, approach and practices in promoting community engagement in school settings. The Grounded Theory method was employed in order to develop a descriptive model of the role of teachers in the community engagement development process. Following the open, axial and selective coding process, a theoretical explanation of the process emerged that highlights the pre-conditions of promoting community engagement, conceptualizes the phenomenon, and displays the challenges and educational practices employed. Several categories and sub-categories of the process elements were identified and illustrated by qualitative data. Further, the educational implications of the findings are thoroughly discussed.
REPRESENTATION OF THE USA IN THE CONTEXT OF IMPERIALISM IN THE PROPAGANDA POSTERS PUBLISHED IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Authors: Çaki Caner , Aşkan Hakan , Karaca Mustafa , Durmaz Emrah
Published: November 2021

A negative process started in Sino-USA relations after establishing the People's Republic of China (PRC), PRC made policies against the USA, which it accused of being imperialist. Tensions between China and the USA led to the presentation of the USA to the masses as an imperialist country and the national enemy of Chinese people in Chinese media. The study tried to reveal how the USA was presented to the masses and through which messages it was built as an enemy country in the context of imperialism in anti-US posters in China. For this purpose, 8 posters determined within the scope of the study were analyzed in the light of the German linguist Karl Bühler's Organon Model, using the semiotic analysis method. As a result of the study, it was claimed in the posters that the USA had imperialist goals and led to war to achieve these goals. For this reason, the message that the imperialist aims of the USA posed a threat to both China and world nations, and world nations must act against the USA in order to end the danger posed by the USA was given. Thus, the Chinese administration tried to legitimize the anti-USA policies implemented during the Cold War.
SENSORY-INTEGRATION THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
Authors: Georgieva Diyana
Published: November 2021

In recent years, sensory-integration therapy has emerged as one of the most popular treatments for aggressive behavior in children with different disorders. This article is devoted to an experimental study aimed at determining the effects of sensory-integration therapy on the aggressive behavior of children with multiple disabilities. Eighteen children participated in the study. The registration of the children's behavioral responses for 24 consecutive school days allowed the collection of evidence in support of the thesis in the study. The individual child’s frequency of aggressive behaviors in four domains was recording on 12 days while undergoing sensory-integrative therapy and 12 days without a treatment with sensory-integrative techniques. The following methods were used in the analysis of the results: Paired samples t-tests to test the four null hypotheses, a Shaprio-Wilk test for the assumption of normality, Cohen's d to determine the effect size attributable to the therapy, and descriptive statistics for the dependent variables. The statistical results indicated a high level of significance for the three variables: aggression towards property, physical aggression, and aggression toward self. The obtained average values for the three modules are evidence for the positive effects of the sensory-based therapy in children with emotional and behavioral problems. The fourth variable, verbal aggression did not show a statistically significant difference between the mean values before and after the sensory-based intervention.
THE NEED TO REVIEW CULTURAL POLICIES IN BULGARIA
Authors: Ivanova Tsvetomira , Kazashka Vesela
Published: November 2021

Cultural policy guarantees freedom of expression, creates conditions for equal participation in the cultural life of the country, preserves and promotes the culture of different ethnic groups and religions, supports education, intercultural exchange and expands intercultural communication. In this context, the influence of European cultural policies on national ones is of particular importance for the development of art and the preservation of cultural values. The choice of priorities, goals and tasks, a good set of measures, funding mechanisms, accessibility to citizens, their recognition by society are of particular importance and favors the development of culture. In the context of the social isolation caused by COVID-19, cultural policies need to be updated. This report is based on an analysis of statistics relating to the expenditure on culture and the arts at the European and national level, a comparative analysis of European cultural policies and their impact on national ones. The obtained results outline guidelines for the development of cultural policies at the regional level and can be a basis for practical application and further research in this direction.
LEVEL OF UNIVERSITY STUDIES AS A FACTOR RELATED TO ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION IN TEACHER TRAINEES IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Krásna Slávka , Barnová Silvia , Geršicová Zuzana , Gabrhelová Gabriela
Published: November 2021

Procrastination represents a significant chronic tendency of individuals to delay tasks manifested in various fields of human activities, including their academic life. Even though the results of available research show that almost every student is a procrastinator, in Slovak research, not much attention has been paid to this phenomenon. In the presented paper, the authors deal with the topical issues of academic procrastination in university students enrolled in bachelors and masters teacher training programmes and present the partial results of an original research study in the discussed field according to the variable of the level of university studies. The sample consisted of 748 respondents from the above specific target group and is evenly distributed. For the purposes of the research, an author-constructed questionnaire was used. The results indicate that teacher trainees in master programmes miss deadlines more frequently and they tend to procrastinate in relation to their academic tasks more than their colleagues in bachelor programmes. The presented research brings unique data from the Slovak academic environment and has implications for further research in the field of academic procrastination.
THE SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: Plavčan Peter , Šebestová Petronela
Published: November 2021

The 20-ties of the 21st century are dented by the COVID-19 period. The fall of the world economy, the frustrations of the inhabitants because of their health, and unclear state policies throughout continents require functional measures. The application of the principles of social economy enables creation of the working system of sustainable entrepreneurial activities with the help of state means, transforming small and middle-sized enterprises into a social economy. The knowledge on the system and organization structure of the social economy in the Slovak Republic enables dissemination and potential application in the international context in the current pandemic period characterized by COVID-19. The system of social economy is being defined by Slovak legal regulations and selected statistic indicators about the social economy subjects in the Slovak Republic. A part of it is also a structural classification of the organizational structure of the state administration of the social economy, classification of the kinds of social enterprises, as well as classification of the wider area of the social economy from the multiple points of view in the Slovak Republic. The research results can be used as an argument for implementing of social economy in national economies.