bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary study on the influence of high heel footwear on lumbar spine proprioception
Authors: Ganesh Balthillaya M , Prabhu Anupama , Bhatia Ridhima , Rao Lavanya , Bhat Triveni , Raja Prabu
Published: April 2021

Study aim: High heel footwear (HHF) alters posture and kinetics of the lower limbs and spine. Various musculoskeletal disorders in the lower quadrant can occur as a consequence of HHF use. This study aimed to investigate the effect of habitual use of HHF on lumbar spine proprioception.

Material and methods: Thirty young healthy women (mean age: 21.6 ± 1.6 years; height: 157.6 ± 5.9 cm; weight: 57 ± 10.2 kg) participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the two sequences of walking with HHF or walking barefoot for five minutes on a predetermined walkway consisting of an even surface, ramp and stairs. A 24-hour washout period was incorporated between each walking condition. Lumbar spine repositioning error was measured using a Back Range of Motion II (BROM II) device before and after walking for lumbar spine forward flexion, right, and left lateral flexion.

Results: Measurements showed that repositioning error was significantly higher in all spinal movements after walking with HHF (forward flexion p = 0.0044; right lateral flexion p = 0.0243 left lateral flexion p = 0.0379) as compared to barefoot walking.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that HHF alters lumbar spine proprioception. This study provides evidence to support early assessment of proprioception and incorporation of retraining exercises in habitual users of HHF.
Effect of cold water immersion on muscle damage indexes after simulated soccer training in young soccer players
Authors: Roonkiani Saman Khakpoor , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Majelan Ali Shamsi
Published: April 2021

Study aim: To investigate the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on muscle damage indexes after simulated soccer activity in young soccer players.

Material and methods: Eighteen professional male soccer players were randomly divided into two groups: CWI (n = 10, age 19.3 ± 0.5, body mass index 22.2 ± 1.3) and control (n = 8, age 19.4 ± 0.8, body mass index 21.7 ± 1.5). Both groups performed a simulated 90-minute soccer-specific aerobic field test (SAFT90). Then, the CWI group subjects immersed themselves for 10 minutes in 8°C water, while the control group subjects sat passively for the same time period. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, 10 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after the training session in a fasted state. Blood lactate, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme levels were measured.

Results: Lactate, CK and LDH levels increased significantly after training (p < 0.001). There were significant interactions between groups and subsequent measurements for CK (p = 0.0012) and LDH (p = 0.0471). There was no significant difference in lactate level between the two groups at any aforementioned time.

Conclusion: It seems that CWI after simulated 90-minute soccer training can reduce the values of muscle damage indexes in soccer players.
Reliability of 3D measurement of pelvic and lower limb kinematics during two single leg landing tasks
Authors: Szlachta Grzegorz , Gnat Rafał , Biały Maciej
Published: April 2021

Study aim: Three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis is one of the available methods used to evaluate body kinematics. The aim of this study was to assess the intrarater reliability of measurement of pelvic and lower limb kinematics during two single leg landing tasks using 3D motion analysis.

Material and methods: 19 healthy volunteers (8 women, 11 men, age 23.1 ± 2.8 years, weight 70.7 ± 9.2 kg, height 174.8 ± 6.7 cm) performed five repeated single leg hurdle hops (SLHH) (30 cm height) and five single leg drop landings (SLDL) from a box (40 cm height) in one measurement session with a 15-minute break and after marker replacement with 3D assessment. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and the smallest detectable differences (SDD) were used to examine the reliability of kinematic parameters during the landing phase.

Results: The average intrarater ICC for SLHH was 0.92 (SEM = 1.69°, SDD 4.68°) and for SLDL was 0.96 (SEM = 0.81°, SDD = 2.26°). After marker replacement ICC decreased to an average value of 0.81 (SEM = 2.05°, SDD 5.68°) for SLHH and 0.82 (SEM = 2.36°, SDD 6.53°) for SLDL.

Conclusions: Using the 3D method to evaluate pelvis and lower limb kinematics during single leg landing in one measurement session is a high reliability method for most parameters. Marker replacement is one of the factors that reduce the reliability of measures. When applying the SEM and SDD values, which the present paper contains, it is worth mentioning that the obtained results are caused by measurement error or they are due to individual issues.
Structural Equation Modelling for Establishing Empirical Relationship Between Organisational Innovativeness and Sustainability of Construction Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Otali Monday , Achuenu Emmanuel , Idoro Godwin
Published: April 2021

The quest to implement innovative practices that will lead to a high level of sustainability at the firm level within the construction sector cannot be overemphasised. The aim of this study is to establish the empirical relationship between organisational innovativeness and sustainability of construction firms using a structural equation modelling approach. The study has adopted a survey approach and 1179 copies of structured questionnaire have been administered to construction firm representatives. A total of valid 980 copies of questionnaire have been received giving a response rate of 83.2 %. Data collected have been analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The correlation coefficient (β = 0.81) shows that organisational innovativeness positively influences the sustainability of construction firms. The study reveals that 66.1 % of the variability in the overall sustainability of construction firms operating in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is accounted for by the implementation of innovative practices by the construction firms. It is concluded that 67.1 %, 83.8 % and 45.7 % of the variability in the construction firm’s social, environmental and economic sustainability, respectively, are explained by the implementation level of innovative practices by the top management teams of the firms. In line with the findings, this study concludes that efficient implementation of innovative practices at the firm level has a significant and positive influence on the overall sustainability of construction firms.
Moorböden als Natur- und Kulturgeschichte in Schleswig-Holstein – Verfahren zur qualitativen Bewertung von Archivböden
Authors: Schroeder Richard , Mordhorst Anneka , Fleige Heiner , Horn Rainer , Burbaum Bernd
Published: April 2021

Die vielseitigen Funktionen von Moorlandschaften sind in kulturhistorischer und klimatischer Hinsicht von immer größer werdendem Interesse. Da Moore über lange Zeiträume anthropogene Zeugnisse konservieren und als Kohlenstoffsenke gelten, gilt es einen umfangreichen Schutz dieser Ökosysteme zu etablieren, um diese Funktionen aufrechtzuerhalten. In dieser Untersuchung wurden Informationen von über 140 Moorstandorten aus Schleswig-Holstein zusammengetragen und ausgewertet, anhand einer einheitlichen Bewertungsmatrix evaluiert und nach Güteklassen (A–D) kategorisiert. Als Grundlage der Güteklassen wurden Bewertungskriterien gewählt, welche durch ein Punktesystem (1–5) definiert sind. Die Bewertungskriterien gliedern sich in drei Hauptkategorien: „kulturelle Bedeutung“, „ökologische Bedeutung“ und „bodenkundliche/geologische Bedeutung“. Die Auswertung ergab, dass 15 % der ausgewerteten Moorstandorte als „konkrete Archivböden“ angesprochen werden können. Diese erfüllen ökologische Anforderungen in einem hohen Maße und erreichen somit eine Punktzahl von > 4, weshalb sie in die höchste Güteklasse „A“ fallen. Aufgrund unzureichender Dokumentation oder sichtbaren anthropogenen Einflüssen werden 46 % der Archivböden der Güteklasse „B“ zugeordnet und gelten als „potenzielle Archivböden“. Der Güteklasse „C“ werden 23 % der Moore zugeordnet und gelten ebenfalls als „potenzielle Archivböden“ und befinden sich in einem stark anthropogen geprägten Zustand, welcher kosten- und zeitintensive Renaturierungsmaßnahmen zur Folge hätte. In die niedrigste Güteklasse „D“ fallen 16 % der bewerteten Moore. Diese unterliegen einer irreversiblen Degradation und sind nicht mehr / kaum als Archivböden anzusprechen. Mit der ausgearbeiteten Bewertungsmatrix wird letztendlich eine flächendeckende Evaluierung und Kategorisierung der Moorstandorte in Schleswig-Holstein angestrebt, um den Erhalt dieser Ökosysteme langfristig sichern zu können.
Influence of nanoemulsion on the adhesion and survival of Aeromonas sp. in meat and contact surfaces of meat
Authors: Manoharan Melvin Joe , Bradeeba Kanakambaram , Benson Abitha , Sivakumaar Palanivel Karpagavinayaga
Published: April 2021

In the present investigation, coconut oil–based nanoemulsion, designated as AUSN3, was evaluated for its influence on the adhesion and survival of Aeromonas sp. AUBAS34 to beef, pork, and mutton and contact surfaces of meat such as polystyrene, glass, and stainless steel. AUSN3 treatment reduced the hydrophobicity, motility, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion of AUBAS34 to meat and the contact surfaces. AUSN3 treatment completely eliminated the AUBAS34 population in the contact surfaces of meat within a time period of 20 min. In meat surfaces, AUSN3 treatment resulted in 1.3–1.8 log reduction in Aeromonas population compared to sodium nitrite treatment and 2.4–3.2 log reduction compared to control.
Bedeutung landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe zur Förderung der Gesundheit von Kleinkindern aus Sicht der Stakeholder
Authors: Quendler Elisabeth , Michitsch Veronika , Leitner Carolin
Published: April 2021

Der Aufenthalt von Kindern am Bauernhof fördert deren Gesundheit sowie körperliche und mentale Entwicklung. Untersuchungen zu bedarfsgerechter Infrastruktur, Personal- und Ablauforganisation zur Stärkung der Gesundheit von Kleinkindern im Rahmen von Betreuung oder Besuchen auf Bauernhöfen fehlen gänzlich in der Literatur. Zur Entwicklung eines ersten Umsetzungskonzeptes wurden Bedürfnisse und Hemmnisse mit qualitativen Interviews und die Erwartungen an Hof, Mensch und Angebot von Stakeholdern mit der Potenzialanalyse bei sieben Personen, VertreterInnen von Kleinkindertagesstätten, Stadtgemeinde und Landesregierung sowie Kinderuni und Kindermuseum, erfragt. Für ein Umsetzen wurden Mittel für Logistik, pädagogisches Fachpersonal und spezielle Infrastruktur sowie die Ausdehnung ins Vorschulalter als notwendig erachtet. Besonders vielfältige Umgebung mit altersgerechten Tätigkeiten wurden von den Befragten als notwendige Voraussetzung genannt. Die fachgerechte Ausbildung des pädagogischen Fachpersonals im Tätigsein mit Kleinkindern am Bauernhof wurde als wichtig erachtet. Zur Umsetzung von Bauernhofbesuchen für Kleinkinder bedarf es der Entwicklung eines pädagogischen Konzepts. Weitere relevante Aspekte sind die Logistik- und Raumkonzepte sowie Weiterbildung. Die Machbarkeit kann auf ausgewählten Pilotbetrieben zum gesundheitsfördernden Tätigsein mit der Pflanze erprobt und mit Best-Practice-Beispiel belegt werden. Dies erfordert das Auswählen und Etablieren einer kleinkindgerechten Infrastruktur, das Entwickeln von Schulungsunterlagen für das fachpädagogische Personal und Hilfskräfte, deren Schulen und das Begleiten der betrieblichen Implementierung.
Evaluation of different revegetation measures on mudflow deposits in the Nature Park Sölktäler (Styria, Austria)
Authors: Bohner Andreas , Winter Silvia , Starlinger Franz
Published: April 2021

In mountain regions, the likelihood of mudflows might increase due to climate change. Although mudflows are common worldwide and devastate agricultural land, virtually nothing is known about the revegetation of mudflow deposits for agricultural purposes. To provide recommendations for rapid revegetation of mountain pastures, 52 permanent plots (4 m × 4 m) on 20 revegetated mudflow deposits in the Nature Park Sölktäler were established. We evaluated different revegetation measures (seed addition alone or combined with application of straw, lime or cattle manure) two years after sowing using commercial clover-grass seed mixtures. Furthermore, 27 permanent plots on 15 unsown mudflow deposits were surveyed. Sowing seeds can considerably accelerate revegetation on siliceous mudflow deposits. Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens and Lotus corniculatus are particularly suitable for rapid grassland reestablishment, whereas Poa pratensis is not recommendable. A pure straw application should be avoided because it delays the revegetation success. Lime addition is not recommended because it can lead to an undesirable legume dominance if clover-grass seed mixtures are used for revegetation. The most effective measure for large-scale revegetation seems to be seed addition without additives. To facilitate revegetation on coarse-grained deposits, large rocks should be crushed using a stone mill.
Basic Multivariate Statistical Methods for Environmental Monitoring Data Mining: Introductory Course for Master Students
Authors: Simeonov Vasil
Published: April 2021

The present introductory course of lectures summarizes the principles and algorithms of several widely used multivariate statistical methods: cluster analysis, principal components analysis, principal components regression, N-way principal components analysis, partial least squares regression and self-organizing maps with respect to their possible application in intelligent analysis, classification, modelling and interpretation to environmental monitoring data. The target group of possible users is master program students (environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental modelling and risk assessment etc.).
The Main Features of Hydraulic Fill Soils and River Dnieper Alluvial Deposits in the Kyiv Region
Authors: Rashchenko Andriy , Dyptan Tatyana , Malyshev Oleg
Published: April 2021

The features of the tectonic structure together with the geological and geomorphological zoning of Kyiv city are highlighted in the article. Particular attention is paid to the floodplains of the Dnieper River, which were formed by the hydraulic fill method. As a rule, such sites were created for new constructions and were quickly built up with low rise buildings, the bases of which were made using such hydraulic soils. Completed engineering-geological investigations of sites after hydraulic filling and observation of the base deformation over time allowed setting of the basic regularity and rules for construction on such territories. The ongoing development of the city has also covered these territories, where high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and other buildings are actively being built, and the loads from these must be transferred to reliable bases.
Diagnosis of the Technical Condition of Historic Tenement Houses as the First Stage of Revitalisation of the City
Authors: Nowogońska Beata
Published: April 2021

Revitalisation of degraded downtown areas is a problem for many cities and towns in Europe. All spatial, economic and social changes result from the expectations of residents together with technical needs. The scope of revitalisation activities results from the diagnosis of the technical condition of the degraded part of the city. The article presents a sample assessment of the technical condition of a tenement house in Kożuchów located within a downtown complex covered by revitalisation plans.
Vector of the Intelligent Office Buildings Formation
Authors: Golub Kristina
Published: April 2021

Every day the architecture expands its borders and opportunities. In meeting the challenges of commercial office buildings designing, which include not only the aesthetic and functional aspects, the efficiency problem of their exploitation becomes more actual, including resource conservation, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, environmental protection, safety (the fire, terrorism, natural disaster, etc.), comfortable working conditions, reduced operating expenses and economy. The regulatory and legal framework that ensures the development of intelligent buildings (IBs) and the establishment of automatic control systems in office buildings in the USA, Europe and Asia are analysed in the article. Based on the trends of the office buildings development, the main influencing factors of the automated control systems on the formation of intellectual and administrative buildings are identified and based on which a new vector of digital, dynamic and transformative architecture is selected.
Test of Vibrations Influence on the Measurement Accuracy in the Precise Digital Leveller Trimble Dini 03 and Comparison of Its Vibration Sensitivity with Leveller Ni 002
Authors: Kurnatowski Marek
Published: April 2021

The article presents findings from research on the effect of vibrations on the accuracy of measurement with an automatic precise digital leveller. A special research station was created to induce vibrations on a leveller and to measure vibration parameters that affect staff reading. It contains description of discovered relationship between the vibration parameters and the mean error of a single height difference measurement. The range of frequencies for which the measurement was possible was estimated. The reliability of the measured values obtained under specific vibration conditions was also analysed. The results of current research were compared with similar studies on analogue leveller Ni 002. The conclusions described in this paper can be helpful in engineering measurements under adverse conditions of ambient vibrations.
Artificial Neural Network as a Virtual Sensor of Nitrate Nitrogen (V) Concentration in an Activated Sludge Reactor
Authors: Płonka Lesław
Published: April 2021

The paper discusses the use of an artificial neural network to control the operation of wastewater treatment plants with activated sludge. The task of the neural network in this case is to calculate (predict) the readings of the probe measuring the concentration of nitrate nitrogen (V) in one of the biological reactor tanks. Neural networks are known for their ability to universal approximation of virtually any relationship, including the function of many variables, but the process of “training” the network requires the presentation of many sets of input data and corresponding expected results. This is a difficulty in the case of wastewater treatment plants, because some key process parameters are usually not measured online (samples are taken and measurements are taken in the laboratory), and even if they are, the time intervals are large. Bearing in mind the aforementioned difficulty, this work uses a set of input data consisting only of information that can be measured with measuring probes.

As a result of the conducted experiments a high compliance of the probe’s prediction with the expected values was obtained. The paper also presents data preparation and the network “training” process.
Symmetric identity for polynomial sequences satisfying A′
n

+1(x) = (n + 1)An
(x)
Authors: Bencherif Farid , Boumahdi Rachid , Garici Tarek
Published: April 2021

Using umbral calculus, we establish a symmetric identity for any sequence of polynomials satisfying A′
n

+1(x) = (n + 1)An
(x) with A
0(x) a constant polynomial. This identity allows us to obtain in a simple way some known relations involving Apostol-Bernoulli polynomials, Apostol--Euler polynomials and generalized Bernoulli polynomials attached to a primitive Dirichlet character.
Psychological Support of Children’s Privacy Development in Preschool Age
Authors: Vlasova Olena , Dembytska Nataliia , Kornienko Olena
Published: April 2021

The goal of the article is to present the theoretical and empirical research as for development of preschoolers’ personal privacy and to determine their parents’ contribution to this process.
Research methodology: In order to find out ways of preschoolers’ privacy development and parental attitudes towards it, the sample of adults was divided into two groups for comparison: 84 parents (42 parents of 4-year old children and 42 parents of 6-year old children). To this end, the following diagnostic techniques were used: the questionnaire “Sovereignty of a psychological space” (Nartova-Bochaver S.K.), the method “Actors and typical causes of conflicts at each age stage” (Venkova N.A.). Two groups of children of 4 (n=26) and 6 (n=28) years were examined with the method “My house” to study characteristics of preschoolers’ psychological boundaries, their dynamic features and methods of protection, (Silina O.V.). Methods of mathematical statistics were used to estimate empirical data.
Research results: The empirical research of 84 parents (Ukraine) having children in preschool age show that preschoolers’ personal privacy is mainly developed due to expansion of such components of their psychological space as personal territory, habits and values. The closest social environment, in particular parents, is only partly ready to support children’s pursuit for the sovereignty of their psychological space.
Discussion: The psychological support of preschoolers’ privacy development is possible only with psychological work with their parents as leading agents of their socialization. This work should be aimed at harmonization of parents’ attitudes towards children's claims to have a personal space. Such support should include psychological enlightenment, active social psychological trainings, counselling and psychotherapy, specially organized for all actors influencing children's psychological space development.

Keywords: personal autonomy, privacy, sovereignty of a psychological space, socialization.
Possible Applications of Arts-Based Research in Creatology Studies
Authors: Sasin Magdalena
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of using Arts-Based Research (ABR) in creatology studies. This method, which is sometimes also called a paradigm, attracts an increasing attention of researchers from various disciplines. The author presents examples of studies on issues close to creatology conducted using ABR in Poland and abroad, which lead to the conclusion that the method is highly useful for creatology studies. The work analyzes properties of ABR, which are particularly valuable from the viewpoint of research interests of creatology, such as formulating new research problems, stimulating scientists’ motivation, bringing the roles of the researcher and the subjects closer, empowerment of subjects, relationship with art therapy, attractive communication of research results to the social environment, involvement in social issues, and possibility of generating social change. The paper also discusses changing relationships between science and art, because the fundamental property of ABR, from which all unique advantages of that method result but which, at the same time, raises doubts in scientists with a traditional approach, is the fact that it blurs the distinction between those two areas of human activity. Possible uses of ABR in specific research situations in creatology as well as possible related problems are analyzed. The author concludes that ABR may be an answer to the need of methodological search in creatology on condition that one adopts a courageous and unconventional research attitude and is ready to accept certain methodological risk.
“Self-Perpetuating Mechanism” in Experiences Stimulating Academic Teachers to Creative Didactic Work - Research Report
Authors: Okraj Zofia
Published: April 2021

Objective: The main aim of paper is to present results from research concerning creative didactic work understood as consciously taken actions whose aim is to invent/implement and popularize new and valuable teaching strategies, methodical and organizational solutions. The paper presents an area of experiences that stimulate academic teachers to innovative didactic work.

Methods: In a qualitative research conducted with the use of a theoretical-methodological approach of Gruber (1989) titled The Evolving Systems Approach to Creative Work (ESA). In it, the author applied a case study and conducted an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to contents deriving from semistructured interviews carried out with 13 academic teachers-innovators that for at least 5 years invented/implemented new strategies/methods/techniques/programes/didactic aids in the process of teaching-learning with students.

Results: Such experiences of didactic work as: positive emotions accompanying the process of inventing and implementing creative didactic solutions, good feedback from students, reaching educational goals, and encouragement from: students, co-workers, and significant persons make up the “self-propelling mechanism” for creativity in didactic work.

Conclusions: Each stage of didactic work: from idea through implementation of the solution to its popularization is connected with pleasure and satisfaction taken by teachers. It makes them eager to continue their work in the form of various activities that create an internally related “weave of actions.” Thus, teaching in a creative way becomes a “self-propelling mechanism” thanks to which it is also subject to a process of continuous evolution of it.
A Photograph as Material for Analysis and as a Creative Act. Visual Methods in Social Studies - Reflections and Dilemmas
Authors: Dobińska Gabriela , Cieślikowska-Ryczko Angelika
Published: April 2021

The paper focuses on the issues of implementing visual methods in social sciences. The following discussion consists of three fundamental parts. The introduction contains a description of theoretical and methodological dilemmas characteristic of the implementation of visual data, namely primarily photographic material, in social studies. The subsequent part is a characterization of the author’s research strategy, oriented towards organizing the fieldwork of probation officers using the photographic walk method. The strategy was inspired by the tenets of visual grounded theory. In the final part, the authors present selected conclusions associated with the possibilities and limitations of the developed research strategy. Key issues included in the final section of the paper refer to questions connected with plasticity of narration and image, the role of the researcher as creator and interpreter of photographs, and the process of objectification of empirical material. Using the potential of the photographic walk to fulfil the objective, the authors implemented visual and mobile methods. Collected empirical data includes nine transcripts of long conversations, based on an informal disposition card, a set of 1,500 photographs taken during the walks, as well as field notes. The paper presents reflections, dilemmas, difficulties and observations connected with the implementation of the selected strategy, which showed multidimensionality of conducted studies at the stage of development, organization, analysis and construction of theoretical statements.
Introduction
Authors: Marconi Diego
Published: April 2021

This introduction is a short critical presentation of the topic and main arguments of Andrea Iacona’s book Logical Form. Furthermore, it summarizes the commentators’ views on two central issues: Iacona’s rejection of the uniqueness thesis, i.e. his claim that no single notion of logical form can be adequate to the tasks that logical form has been supposed to perform, and the relation between a sentence’s logical form and its truth conditions.
Logical Form, Truth Conditions, and Adequate Formalization
Authors: Gómez-Torrente Mario
Published: April 2021

I discuss Andrea Iacona’s idea that logical form mirrors truth conditions, and that logical form, and thus truth conditions, are in turn represented by means of adequate formalization. I criticize this idea, noting that the notion of adequate formalization is highly indefinite, while the pre-theoretic idea of logical form is often much more definite. I also criticize Iacona’s claim that certain distinct sentences, with the same truth conditions and differing only by co-referential names, must be formalized by the same formula (in the same context). I criticize this claim, noting that it imposes implausible demands on adequate formalization. Finally, I offer some brief remarks on the connection between Iacona’s ideas and the distinction between logical and non-logical constants.
Varieties of Logical Form
Authors: Sainsbury Mark
Published: April 2021

The paper reviews some conceptions of logical form in the light of Andrea Iacona’s book Logical Form. I distinguish the following: logical form as schematization of natural language, provided by, for example, Aristotle’s syllogistic; the relevance to logical form of formal languages like those used by Frege and Russell to express and prove mathematical theorems; Russell’s mid-period conception of logical form as the structural cement binding propositions; the conceptions of logical form discussed by Iacona; and logical form regarded as an empirical hypothesis about the psychology of language processing, as in the Discourse Representation Theory tradition. Whereas neither schematization, nor the use of special languages for mathematics, raise general methodological or empirical difficulties, other conceptions of logical form raise at least apparent problems.
Replies
Authors: Iacona Andrea
Published: April 2021

In this paper I provide five separate responses, one for each of the contributed papers, in order to clarify some crucial aspects of the view defended in my book.
Seru production as an alternative to a traditional assembly line
Authors: Zwierzyński Patryk , Ahmad Hesham
Published: April 2021

The article presents the concept of seru production and a simple simulation experiment to check the application effectiveness of the seru production concept in the assembly line of finished products. The article presents the concept of seru production created by Japanese electronics manufacturing companies in the 90s. The simulation experiment showed, better results using the seru production concept compared to a traditional assembly line. Three types of production cells were used and each option turned out to be better than a traditional assembly line.
Efficiency of oil-production: the role of institutional factors
Authors: Chygryn Olena , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana , Mlaabdal Saad
Published: April 2021

The article aims to provide a theoretical basis for the assessment of the institutional impact on oil production. The availability of fuel is the key driver of the functioning national economy, which determines the strategic and tactical landmarks of socioeconomic development and vectors of the country's foreign economic course. Such tendencies are represented in the results of the provided correlation analysis of the fluctuation between oil-production volumes and greenhouse gas emissions, the use of alternative energy sources, the number of patents for oil production, and unemployment. The provided bibliometric analysis, which was made using VOSviewer, has shown the content of interconnections between the categories of oil production and institutional determinants. The authors hypothesised that changes in the institutional environment and their interconnectedness formed a chain “oil production and oil rents → the level of corruption → the efficiency of public governance”. The hypothesis was confirmed by constructing a system of dynamic models and using the Generalised Method of Moments. The calculations confirmed that oil rents were associated with corruption and were a direct threat to the stability of public institutions. An increasing level of corruption was associated with an increase in the level of rent payments and occurred only when the quality of democratic institutions was below the threshold level. The current level of efficiency in public administration did not have a significant impact on national oil production. Of all indicators, only the level of political stability had a statistically significant impact on oil production. The identified interconnections provide the basis for creating an efficient state policy aimed at effectively functioning state institutions, which promote the development of the oil industry, and the reduction of the country's energy dependence as well as strengthen the resilience of the national economy.
Effects of mechanical stimuli on structure and organization of bone nanocomposites in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Kostyshyn Nazar M. , Gzhegotskyi Mechyslav R. , Kostyshyn Liybov P. , Mudry Stepan I.
Published: April 2021

Objective. Clinical use of glucocorticoids is a frequent cause of secondary osteoporosis, which reduces the mineral density of bones and results in pathological fractures. Mechanical stimulation as non-physiological high-frequency vibration with low acceleration prevents the loss of a crystalline component and stimulates the anabolic remodeling of the bone. The aim of the present research was to assess the impact of mechanical vibration on the bone structure in rats, which received glucocorticoids.

Methods. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: Vehicle control (Veh), Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Mps), and Mps combined with whole-body vibration (WBV). Rats of Mps+WBV and Mps groups received 3 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone every other day for 24 weeks and rats of Veh group received 0.9% saline (sodium chloride). The group of rats Mps+WBV was subjected to WBV for 30 minutes per day for five days a week with parameters 0.3 g and frequency 50 Hz. Relative amount of crystalline component and collagen in the bones was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and calcium level – by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Bone tissue metabolism was assessed by determining the concentration of markers, in particular osteocalcin and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP5b).

Results. Glucocorticoids induced a considerable increase in the rats body mass (+13%) and decreased the content of mineral component in the femoral neck (–17%) in Mps group compared with Veh. The process of the bone metabolism was significantly accelerated, which is proven by an increased level of remodeling markers. It should be mentioned that WBV did not allow significant decrease in mineral component of the bone to 16th week of the experiment compared with Mps group, although these parameters did not achieve the indices in the Vehicle control group (–10%). Our investigation allows to suggest that mechanical high-frequency vibration of low intensity can partially inhibit the harmful consequences of glucocorticoids on bone structure in rats. Despite the positive impact of vibration on the bone tissue after Mps introduction in the 8th–16th week, this influence was not statistically reliable in the 24th week of the experiment.

Conclusions. The results of our investigation on animal model indicate that non-physiological vertical mechanical vibrations are an effective means to prevent loss of a mineral bone component during treatment with glucocorticoids.
Work Demands, Independence, Valuation as a Farmer, and Mental Health in Farming. A Study of Mental Health Among Dairy Farmers and Vegetable- And Potato Farmers in Norway
Authors: Logstein Brit
Published: April 2021

In this study, the aim was to advance the knowledge about mental health status in the Norwegian farming population. Based on the dimensions in the Job Demand and Control model (Karasek, 1979); work demands and control, and the importance of recognition and dignity (Andrew Sayer, 2011), the aim was to study the effects of work demands, sense of independence and valuation on mental health status among farmers. It included an assessment of how the sectorial level, the sectors of dairy production and vegetable- and potato production, explains farmers` mental health status. A postal survey was conducted in 2012 using a structured questionnaire, and I included farmers from two sectors in the Norwegian agriculture: dairy farming (n = 493) and vegetable and potato farming (n = 122). The analyses were carried out by multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM). This study concludes that low work demands in farming, strong sense of independence as a farmer, and farmers` perception of valuation associate with good mental health. The mental health status in dairy farmers and vegetable and potato farmers and the effects of work demands, sense of independence and valuation on mental health status, were equal across groups.
The Regional Development of the Rural Areas in Bulgaria and the Support of the European Union
Authors: Petrov Kamen
Published: April 2021

This exhibition is dedicated to the regional problems of rural areas in Bulgaria. The European dimensions of the territorial development of rural areas and their role for the socio-economic development of the population are successively considered. Gradually, the focus shifts to Bulgaria, addressing the main challenges facing rural areas. The territorial problems in front of the settlements, the emerging demographic problems accompanied by internal migrations, are presented. An analysis was made about the problems with employment, the deteriorated social infrastructure, and other problems, which show the real picture of the rural areas in Bulgaria. The overall analysis reveals the needs of rural areas and the state of the population in it. Recommendations are proposed for the implementation of targeted policies for regional rural development.
Drought tolerance of three ethnomedicinal shrubs evaluated based on their seed germination rates at different drought levels induced by using polyethylene glycol (PEG6000)
Authors: Dadach Mohammed , Mehdadi Zoheir
Published: April 2021

Sideritis incana, Stachys ocymastrum, and Thymus fontanesii are medicinal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family and occurring in semi-arid lands in northern Algeria and in many other countries along the Mediterranean coastline. Despite the ecological and economic interests and also the questionable future these species may meet in their natural habitats, various aspects of their seed biology have not been recognised to this date. This study was intended for in situ conservation of these plants. The problem investigated was the germination response of seeds to different water potential levels attained with using different amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) (0, –0.03, –0.07, –0.2, –0.5, –1 and –1.6 MPa). In this way, the appropriate conditions and the threshold tolerance of seed germination against water stress were assessed. Seeds of the three species lacked primary/innate dormancy and they germinated abundant and fast in distilled water (S. incana – 65%; S. ocymastrum – 60% and T. fontanseii – 90%). Small seeds of T. fontanesii tolerated more water stress and germinated under up to –1 MPa (–10 bars). Large seeds of S. incana and S. ocymastrum, however, were more sensitive to the drought stress and germinated only under –0.5 MPa (–5 bars). Moreover, more studied parameters were found developing negative reponse under rising drought stress, such as postponed triggering of seed germination, decreased germination velocity and prolonged germination duration, as well as the average time of germination. Therefore, these three plants appear to postpone their establishment until arrival of conditions promising for germination, including sufficient rainfall.
Foliar nutrition of date palm: advances and applications. A review
Authors: Shareef Hussein J. , Al-Tememi Ibtihaj H. , Abdi Gholamreza
Published: April 2021

Foliar fertilization is one of the crucial ways for continued cultivation of date palm, obtaining the best results of growth and production, in addition to the possibility to reduce damage from abiotic stress. Although subjected date palm to an annual fertilization program, it faces some challenges, including low soil availability for nutrients, dryness of the soil surface, low root activity in the breeding period, soil alkalinity, as well as water scarcity in areas of cultivation, and symptoms of deficiency of some elements. This review attempts to shed light on the importance of using leaf fertilization, demonstrating the successful technique and positive results, and proving the ability of date palm cells to absorb nutrients, similar to other trees, and interact with chemical and biological fertilizers. Besides, the leaflet’s possibility of absorbing various nutrients, chelated iron, biostimulants, antioxidants, and nano-fertilization, are presented.
Effects of different types of gelling agents on in vitro organogenesis and some physicochemical properties of date palm buds, Showathy cv.
Authors: Al-Mayahi Ahmed Madi Waheed , Ali Abdulminam Hussian
Published: April 2021

Some obstacles are associated with in vitro propagation of date palm, such as explant tissue browning, slow callus growth and development, low organogenesis and multiplication efficiency, and frequent tissue vitrification. This investigation studied the effect of five types of gelling agents (Danish Agar, Cero Agar Type 8952, Chile Agar, Gerlite Food Grade, and Agar-Agar.) on in vitro regeneration and bud multiplication of Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Showathy. The results showed that the highest percentages of callus producing buds and average bud formation (77.78%, 11.5 buds, and 72.23%, 10.9 buds) were obtained in response to 7 g l–1 Danish Agar and Cero Agar Type 8952, respectively. A decrease in browning percentage was observed in tissues cultured in the medium gelled with Danish Agar. Observations showed that Danish Agar and Cero Agar Type 8952 eliminated also shoot vitrification. Compared with other treatments, the total amount of phenolic compounds was significantly reduced to 0.79 and 0.82 mg GAE/g in buds cultured in the media gelled with Danish Agar and Cero Agar Type 8952, respectively. The macronutrient phosphor, calcium, sodium, and micronutrient boron and copper significantly increased in the in vitro shoots regenerated on the media gelled with Danish Agar and Cero Agar Type 8952.
Application of the Partial Triadic Analysis Method to Analyze the Crime Rate in Poland in the Years 2000–2017
Authors: Misztal Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

Research background: Crime is a complex social phenomenon studied by scientists from various disciplines, as well as being of interest to politicians and the general public. Although the decrease in the level of crime has been observed in Poland in recent years, there is still a need to search for effective methods of investigating the phenomenon of crime in a multidimensional perspective.

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to assess the spatial and temporal diversity of the chosen criminal offences categories in Poland from 2000 to 2017.

Research methodology: The analyzed dataset constitutes a data cube: objects x variables x time. This type of data requires the use of methods dealing with three-way data structures, therefore the Partial Triadic Analysis, belonging to the STATIS family methods, was successfully applied.

Results: The structure of crime by voivodeship was fairly stable during the analyzed years. Three clusters of voivodeships similar in terms of the criminal crime rate were determined. The Podkarpackie Voivodeship was characterized by the most stable structure of criminal crime in the considered period. In contrast, noticeable changes in the crime structure over time were observed in the Opolskie, Dolnośląskie, Mazowieckie and Małopolskie Voivodeships. The highest variability was observed for crimes under The Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction.

Novelty: To the best knowledge of the author, there are no papers on the level of crime using the PTA method for analysis.
The Fears of Elderly People in the Process of Purchasing Food Products
Authors: Olejniczak Magdalena , Olejniczak Tomasz
Published: April 2021

Research background: The growing segment of elderly consumers implies the need to permanently explore the needs and expectations of older people in relation to the offer of food products. This is because, as the research results show, the households of the elderly are characterized by the different fulfillment of needs compared to others.

Purpose: The survey conducted among people over 60 in 2019 was aimed at determining the selected concerns of senior consumers related to the safety of food products.

Research methodology: The research among people over 60 years of age was conducted in the Wielkopolska region (of Poland) in 2019 on a sample of 373 people. The respondents were selected using the quota selection method.

Results: The vast majority of seniors point to a variety of concerns about the safety of food products. This is surprising, as the respondents equally often emphasize that food in Poland is safe.

Novelty: The observations are an important implication for producers or commercial agents – their task is to prepare messages to confirm that the food products offered meet the quality requirements. The process of educating older people can be made difficult – primarily through their well-established (over the years) nutritional practices related to the purchase and consumption of those products that are essential for life.
Cultural Differences in a Restaurant’s Communication with Unsatisfied Customers – The Case of Tripadvisor
Authors: Żbikowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

Research background: Platforms such as TripAdvisor have the potential to influence consumers’ decision-making processes, so negative user-generated reviews could have a harmful impact on a company’s reputation and sales. However, the proper mangers’ approach to customer complaints expressed on social media can have a positive impact on the companies’ performance.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to indicate whether restaurant managers use TripAdvisor to communicate with dissatisfied customers and whether national culture influences this communication.

Research methodology: The methods used in the research were both a quantitative and qualitative content analyses of restaurants’ responses to negative reviews posted on TripAdvisor. The research covered a random sample of restaurants located in Cracow (Poland), Frankfurt (Germany) and Porto (Portugal), and listed on TripAdvisor.

Results: The research showed that differences in communication, which may result from dissimilar cultural conditions, are relatively small.

Novelty: The research shows whether and to what extent restaurant managers respond to negative comments posted on TripAdvisor. At the same time, research results indicate whether the responses of managers are culturally determined.