bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FTIR study of hydrotalcite
Authors: Mališová Miroslava , Horňáček Michal , Mikulec Jozef , Hudec Pavol , Jorík Vladimír
Published: December 2018

The aim of the research was the study of aluminium-magnesium hydrotalcite by FTIR analysis and detection of differences in structure due to calcination. Three types of samples were analysed. In the first two samples, cobalt was added into the structure and the third sample contained nickel and zinc. Hydrotalcite was prepared by one of the most common methods of hydrotalcite preparation, co-precipitation. After preparation, the samples were calcined at temperatures from 150 °C to 750 °C. Samples were compared in terms of calcination temperature; but in case of samples containing cobalt, two samples to each other. The most significant changes were noticed in the 500–700 cm−1 region, where a spinel structure was formed at higher calcination temperatures.
Pre-purification of Plantago lanceolata extracts with biologically active compounds using yeast cells
Authors: Štefuca Vladimír , Rada Lukáš , Chochulová Alžbeta , Rosenberg Michal
Published: December 2018

Leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata contain many economically interesting bioactive compounds, among them aucubin and catalpol are the most attractive. However, soluble saccharides passing to water extracts during isolation complicate chromatographic purification of these compounds. Their degradation by microbial cells transforming, for example, glucose, fructose, or sucrose to ethanol could bring important production costs savings and improved final product quality. It has been shown that the best saccharide degradation in extracts is achieved with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The cells were very active also in their immobilized form and they were able to completely remove glucose from the extract within four hours in a packed bed reactor combined with a stirring system with infinite medium recirculation.

A simple mathematical model involving reaction kinetics and mass transfer limitations in the cell particles was proposed for the evaluation of cell effectiveness in their immobilized form in term of effectiveness factor. Values of the effectiveness factor calculated from the model were far below 1, indicating strong mass transfer limitations of the reaction. The model is suitable for optimization of preparation of immobilized cell particles, mainly from the point of view of cell charge in particles.
Nitro and aminobenzimidazoles
Authors: Milata Viktor
Published: December 2018

A summary of the preparation methods of 2 tautomeric and 4 N-methylated benzimidazoles with a nitro group on the benzene ring (1–6) and with an amino group in the same positions (7–12) were summarized. Annular tautomerism of the title compounds 1–12 has been studied using 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectra in liquid and solid state (CPMAS), UV spectra and quantum chemical calculations.
Comprehensive Analysis of Pain Syndrome in Patients With Mandibular Fractures Treated With Nucleo CMP Forte
Authors: Barylo O. S. , Polishchuk S. S. , Furman R. L. , Zakalata T. R. , Yur A. M.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of major indices of pain syndrome in patients with mandibular fractures accompanied by damage of inferior alveolar nerve using conventional therapeutic regimen supplemented by the administration of drug product Nucleo CMP Forte. Operative and postoperative treatment of 50 patients with angular fractures of the mandible, accompanied by clinical manifestations of inferior alveolar nerve damage, was performed. The severity of pain syndrome and neuropathy symptoms was evaluated using the LANSS pain scale, DN4 questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neuropathy Total Symptom Scores (NTSS-9). Decrease of pain syndrome was revealed in both groups but with different dynamic pattern. In the treatment group pain syndrome manifestations and neuropathy symptoms decreased quicker than in the comparison group. As LANSS, DN4, VAS and NTSS-9 scales characterize pain syndrome from various perspectives, the results were different but similar tendency was shown. At the beginning of the study LANSS scale indices were nearly identical in both groups, while on the 7th and 14th day they were 1.35 and 2.03 times lower, respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group. On the first day NTSS-9 scale values did not practically differ in between the studied patients, being somewhat higher in the treatment group. On the 7th and 14th day the values increased 1.24 and 3.82 times, in the treatment group and in the group of comparison, respectively. Thus, the patients in the treatment group showed significantly greater pain relief than those in the comparison group. The analysis of dynamic pattern of complaints as well as the objective findings in angular fractures of the mandible, accompanied by the damage of inferior alveolar nerve, demonstrated that the administration of drug product Nucleo CMP Forte led to a more pronounced improvement of pain syndrome in the course of treatment. Because of the fact that neuropathic pain can develop in orthodontic treatment, as well as when partial and complete removable dentures are used, the administration of drug product Nucleo CMP Forte is warranted in combined therapy of both mandibular fractures followed by the clinical manifestations of inferior alveolar nerve damage, and neuropathic pain management in orthodontics and orthopedic stomatology.
A New Case of Schnitzler Syndrome in Bulgaria
Authors: Kirilova-Doneva M. , Kamusheva M. , Donev S. , Popova I.
Published: December 2018

We describe the case of a 74-year-old Bulgarian woman with a long history of chronic urticaria with severe burning sensation, arthralgia and fever. Additional symptoms of Schnitzler such as monoclonal immunoglobulin – kappa component, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and enlarged lymph nodes were detected six years after the onset of the symptoms. The first diagnoses hypersensitive vasculitis and dermatitis were established in 2009. Schnitzler syndrome was recognized and the diagnosis was established 2 years later after some examination tests. The time course of the values of IgM, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophils were presented. The mean value of IgM is 13.8 ± 2.19 g/l, the mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 48.6 ± 14.46 mm/h and the mean value of C-reactive protein – 29.8 ± 7.34 mg/l. The use of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs throughout the period and corticosteroids prescribed parenterally and orally resulted in the relief of arthralgia and fever.
Solar radiation variability at Koniczynka near Toruń (Central Poland) in the years 2003–2016
Authors: Kejna Marek , Uscka-Kowalkowska Joanna
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the variability of global solar radiation (K↓) in the agriculture area (Koniczynka near Toruń) in the years 2003–2016. The variability of K↓ has been analysed with reference to atmospheric circulation. The mean yearly sum of K↓ in the analysed period was 3,816.0 MJ·m−2. In an annual course the highest mean values of K↓ occurred in June (608.3 MJ·m−2) and the smallest in December (69.0 MJ·m−2). The diurnal course of K↓ was symmetrical with respect to the solar noon. Only 44.7% of the solar energy on the top of atmosphere reaches the ground. The highest transmittance occurred in spring and summer, and the lowest in December. The observations revealed an increase in the amount of K↓ (trend 13.6 MJ·m−2·year−1) and its considerable day-to-day and year-to-year variability. Its increase has been attributed to reduced emissions of aerosols in Poland and Europe (global brightening). The changes of K↓ depend on atmospheric circulation (cyclonic and anticyclonic situations), cloudiness and the optical characteristics of incoming air masses.
Seasonal structure of water stages on lakes in Northern Poland
Authors: Plewa Katarzyna , Wrzesiński Dariusz , Ptak Mariusz
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the characteristics of hydrological periods in an average annual cycle in Polish lakes. The types of period and their sequence determine the regime of water stages in lakes. The article applies the unsupervised approach to analysis of water level fluctuation patterns, where the regime is identified by grouping analytical parameters. Hydrological periods were designated by grouping elementary time units of the hydrological year (pentads) based on the similarity of their parameters, namely water level frequency distributions. The analysis covered daily water stages in 33 lakes in Poland from the period from 1984 to 2012. Five types of hydrological period were designated. The studied lakes differ in the number, type and sequence of hydrological periods in an average annual cycle. Most of the lakes (19 lakes) have a 4-period temporal structure of water stages with the course of water stages in a year characteristic of this geographical zone. No spatial patterns occurred in the location of lakes from particular groups. This suggests the dominant role of local factors in determining the seasonality of water stages.
Third demographic transition and demographic dividend: An application based on panel data analysis
Authors: González Alejandro López , González-González María Jesús
Published: December 2018

The third demographic transition, barely mentioned by some authors and implicit for others, refers to changes in the demographic structures of the most developed countries promoted by the most recent migratory flows, with repercussions in aspects such as age structure or the composition of the labour market. The concept of the third demographic transition revolves around the increasing presence of foreigners, many of whom take up jobs that nationals reject, as well as other more skilled posts. Using the panel data methodology, we try to explain the third demographic dividend whose impact can be seen in the labour market. The results enable us to conclude that the foreign worker differential puts downward pressure on salaries, which affects other groups. If workers are available and policies are constructive, this leads to positive results and social wealth.
Eurostat methodology applied to the characterization of rural and urban Brazilian spaces
Authors: Braga Gustavo Bastos , de Carvalho Fiúza Ana Louise , Remoaldo Paula Cristina
Published: December 2018

The Brazilian official statistics show that the country is mainly urban, while authors including Veiga (2002) and Miranda and Silva (2013) present a more rural Brazil. The absence of a uniform way to define the rural areas in Brazil has led to diffused data about rural Brazil’s size. Therefore, are Brazilian regions predominantly urban, rural or intermediate? This paper applies the rural definition methodologies from Eurostat/European Union to the municipalities of Brazil. The results show the predominance of the intermediary category in Brazilian territory, while the population mostly lives in urban areas. However, due to methodological characteristics, this paper reinforces the necessity of developing other methodologies which would be able to identify rurality and urbanity, considering socioeconomic dimensions.
Heritage proximity, attitudes to tourism impacts and residents’ support for heritage tourism in Kaole Site, Tanzania
Authors: Lwoga Noel Biseko
Published: December 2018

This study examines determinants of residents’ support for tourism by testing a model based on the social exchange and material culture theories. The model proposes that perceptual heritage proximity influences residents’ attitudes to positive and negative impacts of tourism, which in turn influence residents’ support for tourism. The model was tested using data gathered from a sample of 256 local residents in Kaole Village, Tanzania. Results from structural equation modelling indicate that heritage proximity has an influence on attitudes to the impacts of tourism, which in turn influence support. The findings imply that heritage proximity serves as a point of reference for residents’ evaluation of tourism, which is critical in fostering support. Findings confirm the relevance of the heritage proximity concept in explaining support for tourism. The study provides recommendations to better engage the residents in tourism development. Suggestions for future research are provided.
The Instagram Image of the City. Insights from Lodz, Poland
Authors: Zasina Jakub
Published: December 2018

The age of big data opens new opportunities for urban research. As millions of users have been creating and transmitting visual representations of cityscapes (e.g., photos taken with smartphones), it is crucial to understand features of the online crowd-sourced images of cities and their relations with their offine archetypes. However, it seems that photos posted by users of social networking sites remain understudied and their informative potential has not been fully exploited yet. The aim of the conducted research was to examine and comprehend the nature of the Instagram image of the city. The paper presents the results of investigating 1867 Instagram photos featuring outdoor city views taken in Lodz, Poland in September 2015. The posted photos were classified by their components and attributes. The study revealed that Instagram content does not reflect the urban space in general. It rather selects geographies and subjects presenting aestheticized and picturesque places and objects. Nevertheless, the new components of cityscapes seem to be noteworthy for Instagram users. Finally, the paper argues that mapping Instagram content without prior and careful examination of the local context may lead to biased conclusions.
Trade matrices for trade negotiators, applied to ‘Brexit’ and ‘NAFTA’: an approach
Authors: Barry Todd J.
Published: December 2018

This paper puts forth a new scholarly approach to trade negotiations, for practitioners of international agreements, or simply to business students attempting to understand Ricardian trade theory. The paper hypothesizes that matrices can provide a simpler conceptual framework for considering Ricardo’s comparative advantage, especially when multiple goods and multiple countries are involved, in order to determine which countries should produce which goods. Numerous theoretical examples are presented, singularly, and jointly, as are different possible flaws and assumptions, additional applications, and alternative uses of the matrices, such as employing matrices to increase production of certain goods needed during crises or shortages. The article also argues that “terms of trade” should not be “assumed” in trade models but be based upon indifference curves, and addresses other influencing factors such as neoclassical changes in utility or in production. Found valid, the paper applies this method of trade simplification to pressing international situations, the question of “Brexit,” the sobriquet for the United Kingdom’s effort to withdraw from the European Union, which creates interesting possibilities for new trade deals, and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The conclusion conceptually compares bilateral and multilateral trade, singularly, and with all countries together.
Analysis of determinant factors affecting the employee loyalty of rural banks (BPR) in bandung city
Authors: Yudi Wahyudin Suwandi
Published: December 2018

This research was conducted because of the common problem that often happened at rural banks (BPR), that is too focused on business development so less in paying attention to employee’s satisfaction, which impact on high turnover rate of employee. High employee turnover rates have a negative effect on an organization, as it can lead to loss of productivity, profitability, corporate knowledge, skills and competencies.

The population of this research is BPR while the sample is used by BPR in Bandung City. There are four independent variables in this study: (1) transformational leadership, (2) employee competence, (3) commitment, and (4) employee loyalty.

The type of research used is descriptive verification, while the method used in this study is the survey method (explanatory survey) and descriptive method. Descriptive and verification analysis, descriptive analysis is done by using Microsoft Excel software to calculate or determine the frequency of answers from respondents, while verification analysis is used to find multiple regression equation, the magnitude of relationship and influence between variables.

The results of research influence the determinant factors such as transformational leadership, employee competence and commitment to loyalty both partially and simultaneously.
Human Resources Supporting Innovation in the Public Sector: The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Kurteshi Rinor
Published: December 2018

This research looks at the current condition of human resources involved in the process of public sector innovation in Kosovo. This study is exploratory and a mixed methodology is used, while findings are compared and contrasted with the current state of knowledge. Findings clearly indicate that public sector institutions in Kosovo lack on adequate human resources that have obtained a university degree. Moreover, public sector institutions in Kosovo have shown resistance in involving staff in innovation teams and thus causing lack of motivation among staff to be creative in problem solving. Another interesting finding is the increase of trainings provided to staff on issues regarding implementation of innovations, however, the degree of trainings provided to staff is not satisfactory. Findings indicate that financial constraints were the reason behind the low degree of trainings provided to staff. The main areas where trainings were mostly provided include the development and implementation of new or improved communication methods and new or improved services. In addition to the findings, this research enriches and extends the current knowledge of human resources supporting innovation in the public sector domain. Finally, this is a unique contribution to Kosovar academics and public policy professionals.
Hand-biting Lesions in a Child — a Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Chiriac Anca , Podoleanu Cristian , Stolnicu Simona
Published: December 2018

Background: Self-induced skin lesions, especially in young children, can create confusion within pediatricians, dermatologists, or other medical care providers, leading to different diagnoses, unnecessary investigations, and delaying the correct therapeutic psychiatric evaluation.

Case report: We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who was referred to Dermatology after being hospitalized in the Allergy Department for a chronic allergic contact dermatitis. He had been previously diagnosed with chronic hand dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis, and treated with no favorable outcome. Scaly erythematous plaques were noticed on the dorsal aspects of both hands and on the lateral folds of the fingers. The skin lesions were distributed in a non-symmetrical way. A diagnosis of self-injurious behavior was presumed, and psychiatric evaluation was asked. The child was transferred to the Psychiatry Department, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia was concluded.
New Imaging-derived Biomarkers Based on Tridimensional CTA/MRI Hybrid Models for Complex Assessment of Myocardial Viability after Myocardial Infarction – the HYBRIDHEART Study
Authors: Stănescu Alexandra , Benedek Imre , Morariu Mirabela , Rațiu Mihaela , Zavate Ramona , Mester András , Benedek Theodora
Published: December 2018

Hybrid imaging represents a combination of two different imaging techniques resulting in a single image that contains all the information provided by the two investigations. Hybrid imaging tends to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis in many diseases. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has unquestionable abilities in highlighting coronary artery diseases (CAD). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also has a powerful predictive role in assessing the functionality of the myocardial tissue.

The aim of the study is to develop new imaging markers for a complex evaluation of myocardial viability (MV) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), using hybrid technology.

Material and methods: This study will enroll 100 patients at one month after an AMI. CCTA, MRI, 3D echocardiography, and blood tests will be performed in all patients. All the acquisitions will be processed using a supercomputer, and MV and other parameters will be assessed on hybrid images. A secondary objective will be to correlate the level of inflammatory markers with the outcome of patients, left ventricular function, ischemic time, and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Left Para-Renal Castleman Disease: Case Report
Authors: Mocian Flavius , Sorlea Sorin , Coros Marius
Published: December 2018

Castleman disease represents a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. It is usually located in the mediastinum and in very few cases in the retroperitoneal space. We present the case of a 43-year-old male patient with a retroperitoneal tumor that was incidentally diagnosed during an abdominal computed tomography scan. The patient underwent surgery by open approach, and the tumor, which was adherent to the superior pole of the left kidney, was entirely removed. The histology examination revealed a vascular-hyaline-type Castleman disease. The postoperative evolution was uneventful, with no signs of tumor recurrence at the 4-month check-up. The surgeon should be aware of the possible retroperitoneal location of Castleman disease, even if it is a rare occurrence, and a complete removal of the tumor is followed by a favorable long-term prognosis.
Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Open Rectum Amputation: a Clinical, Intraoperative, and Short-term Outcome Comparative Study
Authors: Élthes Előd Etele , Cozlea Alexandra Lavinia , Török Árpád
Published: December 2018

Objective: To evaluate and compare laparoscopic and conventional open rectum amputation procedures using clinical, intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological criteria.

Methods: Fifty-nine patients with lower rectal and anorectal cancer were included in a retrospective study, conducted between 2014 and 2017. Patients underwent open or laparoscopic rectum amputation surgery and were divided into two groups: group 1 – laparoscopic amputation group (LAG) and group 2 – open amputation group (OAG). The clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes and oncological results were compared between the two groups.

Results: We found a significantly smaller intraoperative blood loss (325 mL vs. 538.29 mL, p = 0.0002), earlier return of bowel motility (2.41 days vs. 3.10 days, p = 0.036), shorter hospital stays (10.08 days vs. 12.66 days, p = 0.03), and a higher number of lymph nodes removed during surgery (12.33 nodes for LAG vs. 9.98 nodes for OAG, p = 0.049). In the open surgery group we found shorter durations of surgery (199.58 minutes for LAG vs. 157.87 minutes for OAG, p = 0.0046).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic rectum amputation is a technically demanding procedure. The present study demonstrates the benefits and disadvantages of this surgery, with comparable clinical, intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological results compared to the conventional open rectum amputation procedure.
Adherence to the DASH-style Diet and the Presence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults from Tîrgu Mureș
Authors: Rus Victoria Ancuța , Ruța Florina , Sălcudean Maria , Tarcea Monica , Șerban Costela , Avram Călin , Simion Iustinian , Benedek Theodora
Published: December 2018

Background: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, weight control, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol limitation, plays an important role in treating high blood pressure and cardiovascular and chronic diseases.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate adherence to the DASH diet in relation to the occurrence of high blood pressure and chronic disease risk factors, in a group of people from Tîrgu Mureș.

Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on a food frequency and lifestyle questionnaire applied to a group of 2,010 people aged 15–92 years from Tîrgu Mureș.

Results: Individuals over the age of 45 had higher DASH scores (Q4, Q5) compared to subjects younger than 40 years (Q1 and Q2, p <0.001). An important percentage (19.3%) of subjects who preferred a meat-based diet (Q3) had significantly larger abdominal circumference (mean 92.2 ± 0.91 cm, p <0.001). An association between pure alcohol intake (mean 5.6 ± 0.43 g) and an unhealthy diet (Q1) was observed, compared to the average 1.7 ± 19 g of alcohol consumed by subjects with a healthy diet (Q5), alcohol consumption decreasing with an increasing DASH score (p <0.001).

Conclusion: This study shows that individuals diagnosed with at least one cardiovascular risk factor had a higher adherence to the DASH diet than individuals with no cardiovascular risk factors, most likely due to the fact that diagnosed individuals had changed their eating behavior and lifestyle from the time of diagnosis, with a positive impact on treatment outcomes and quality of life.
70% Trichloroacetic Acid in the Treatment of Facial Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Authors: Chiriac Anca , Brzezinski Piotr , Năznean Adrian , Podoleanu Cristian , Stolnicu Simona
Published: December 2018

The present paper highlights the usefulness of 70% trichloroacetic acid in treating sebaceous hyperplasia in elderly patients. Esthetics are an important issue, and different therapeutic modalities can be used, such as systemic isotretinoin, surgical excision, electrocautery, cryosurgery, topical photodynamic therapy and laser, but all these methods are expansive and invasive procedures that may result in scars, which are more extensive than the original lesions.
System Safety Model Related to Climate-Weather Change Process Application to Port and Maritime Transport
Authors: Torbicki Mateusz
Published: December 2018

The conditional safety functions at the climate-weather particular states and the unconditional safety functions of the port oil piping transportation system area and the maritime ferry, the mean values and the variances of those systems unconditional lifetimes and other safety indicators are determined. Those safety indicators, considering impact of the climate-weather change process, are evaluated for the piping system operating at under water Baltic sea area and for the maritime ferry operating at Gdynia Port area.
A Concept of Reliability Assessment Simulation Model Using Systems Structural Decomposition
Authors: Młynarski Stanisław , Pilch Robert , Smolnik Maksymilian , Szybka Jan , Wiązania Grzegorz
Published: December 2018

The paper presents a concept of reliability estimation of the renewable technical systems consisting of the objects functioning in koon structures. The estimation is performed using computer simulation. Practical dependence between the failure of the entire system and the failures of the objects and elements from which the objects are made are taken into account as the result of the structural decomposition of the system conducted.
IT System for Supporting Cost-Reliability Analysis of Fleet Vehicles
Authors: Selech Jarosław , Andrzejczak Karol , Młyńczak Marek
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the technical aspects of a development of a monitoring system (ISM – Monitoring Information System) allowing a collection, processing and analysis of reliability and cost-related data of the operation of a fleet of vehicles. The platform allows performing advanced analyses according to the LCC (Life Cycle Costing) concept and IRIS compliant RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety) methodology. The tool has been developed within the research project titled ‘Increase in the efficiency of the means of public transport following the implementation of the IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) compliant LCC and RAMS concepts based on an integrated information system’. Thanks to the implementation of the ISM system in the practices of a fleet provider, it is possible to monitor malfunction data (in RAMS indexes, life cycle costs, identification of cost-generating components) and perform multidimensional analyses on the collected historical data related to the operation of vehicles. The presented results have been obtained within the research project number PBS3/B6/30/2015 [1].
Analysis of Reliability States of an Industrial Network Data Transmission System
Authors: Bednarek Marcin , Dąbrowski Tadeusz
Published: December 2018

Industrial networks combine elements of distributed control systems. These elements are process stations, operator stations, engineering stations and other elements, which enable the exchange of data between industrial systems. Industrial systems are used to send process variable values and other data exchanged between the stations - elements of a distributed control system and SCADA systems. The fitness of an entire station system depends on the fitness of the communication system. This is why industrial networks are characterized by high reliability. When speaking about the fitness of a data transmission system, we can consider its instantaneous fitness (functional) or interval fitness (task-related). It is not always necessary to maintain instantaneous fitness. Sometimes interval fitness is enough. The paper discusses the issue of a need to maintain one of them, relative to various types of data transmission.
The Use of Bluetooth Standard for Communication Between Vehicles Under Traffic
Authors: Kasprzyk Zbigniew , Rychlicki Mariusz
Published: December 2018

Bluetooth is a type of wireless communication used to transmit voice and data at high speeds using radio waves. It is a standard protocol for short-range radio communications between many different types of devices, including mobile phones, computers and other electronics [1]. The trend of integrating new services in vehicles increases rapidly and Bluetooth is one of the emerging communication technologies for realizing ad-hoc networks. The paper presents the possibility of using Bluetooth to build ad-hoc network suitable for the transmission of sound, in particular voice data using the modulation GSFK. We analyzed the features or problems that Bluetooth offers for transmitting audio data in an ad-hoc network. Some initial results of simulations and real-life tests give an impression of the performance and efficiency this standard for the transmission of voice data in an ad-hoc networks [2].
Testing Tools and Evaluation of the Efficiency of UAV Personnel Training According to Kirkpatrick Model
Authors: Melnarowicz Władysław
Published: December 2018

An important field in the process of unmanned aerial vehicles operation (UAV) is the system of training operators and technicians. The article presents methods for measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of training systems using the Kirkpatrick model. This model has been used in the study of the flight crew training system and presents the possibility of its use in the training of unmanned aircraft personnel. The study presents tools and methodology for measuring training effects at individual levels of the Kirkpatrick model.
Effect of Higher Order Element on Numerical Instability in Topological Optimization of Linear Static Loading Structure
Authors: Jain Naman
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the mathematical model to solve the topological optimization problem. Effect of higher order element on the optimum topology of the isotropic structure has been studied by using 8-node elements which help in decreasing the numerical instability due to checkerboarding problem in the final topologies obtained. The algorithms are investigated on a number of two-dimensional benchmark problems. MATLAB code has been developed for different numerical two dimensional linear isotropic structure and SIMP approach is applied. Models are discretized using linear quadratic 4-node and 8-node elements and optimal criteria method is used in the numerical scheme. Checkerboarding instability in the final topology is greatly reduces when incorporated 8-node element instead of 4-node element which can be confirmed through comparing the final topologies of the structure.
Digital Technologies in the Process of Virtualization of Consumer Behaviour – Awareness of New Technologies
Authors: Kaczorowska-Spychalska Dominika
Published: December 2018

Digital resolution is currently one of the most important forces determining changes and their dynamics in the social, cultural and economic dimension. Digital technologies such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence will, according to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies 2017, play an increasingly important role while creating a new quality of the market space. Yet, these are multidimensional issues whose potential should be considered both, from the perspective of enterprises that create and/or adapt such technologies in their production, logistics or sale processes as well as in consumer perspective taking into account a degree of awareness, interest and fascination of potential buyers, users with such devices and solutions. This is determined by dualism of approach to digital technologies (economic approach vs. humanistic approach) and evaluation of their potential benefits and threats. It seems, however, that virtualization of consumer behaviour as a consequence of impact of technologies such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, can at the same time be a significant driving force of further processes of digitalization, its dimensions and dynamics.

The article attempts to identify the impact of digital technologies (IoT and AI) on attitudes, preferences and decisions of consumers and presented discussion was based on the results of own studies in the analysed area.
Selected aspects of low emission management in the Middle Odra Region1
Authors: Dzikuć Maciej , Dzikuć Maria
Published: December 2018

According to the data of the European Environment Agency, due to excessive air pollution about 47 thousand people die prematurely every year in Poland. Although in recent years the level of industrial emissions in Poland has been significantly reduced, it is still a very serious problem of the so-called low emission. The aim of the paper was to determine the most important sources of low emission in the Middle Odra Region and to indicate activities that will optimally limit this problem. The article points out activities that help reduce low emission in the Middle Odra Region, where the problem is also noticeable, despite the lower population density and the lack of highly industrialized areas. Moreover, it pointed to the possible directions of low emission management, the implementation of which may contribute to a significant reduction of low emission in the Middle Odra Region.
The Maternal Leucocytes in Thrombophilia and Hypothyroidism and their Influence on Fetal Cells
Authors: Novakovic Tanja R. , Dolicanin Zana C. , Babic Goran M. , Djordjevic Natasa Z.
Published: December 2018

The literature data show that thrombophilia and maternal dysfunction of thyroid gland during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, hypertensive disorders and fetal growth retardation. It was shown that thyroid hormones and hypercoagulable states influence onto a leucocyte activity. The aim of this study has been to investigate maternal leucocytes changes and their correlation with frequency of fetal cells micronuclei in pregnant women with thrombophilia and hypothyroidism. The samples of blood and amniotic fluid were collected from healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia and hypothyroidism (16 - 18 weeks of gestation). Hematological characteristics were determined by using standard hematological methods. The frequency of micronuclei was determined in fetal cells after amniocentesis by using standard cytogenetic methods. The results of this study showed significant higher levels of β-hCG, number of monocytes and eosinophils in blood of pregnant women with thrombophilia. A large number of eosinophils was documented in blood of pregnant women with hypothyroidism. Increased percentage distribution of eosinophils and basophils is shown in both investigated groups of pregnant women. The increased fetal cells micronuclei frequency and their correlation with percentage distribution of eosinophils and basophils were indicated in pregnant women with hypothyroidism. The obtained results suggest that an increased percentage of eosinophils and basophils in pregnant women with hypothyroidism contribute to a formation of micronuclei in fetal cells.
Exercise Treadmill Test in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Antonijevic Aleksandar , Bradic Jovana , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: December 2018

There is a concern regarding the high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 since it is a leading cause of mortality in those patients. Exercise treadmill test (ETT) is proposed as a suitable, non-invasive method for identifying asymptomatic patients with ischemic changes, who would benefit from pharmacological treatment, thus contributing to a reduction of adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore the objective of our study was to evaluate myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic patients with DM type 2 by performing ETT. The present investigation was conducted in Health Center Pozega during the year 2018. 40 insulin-dependent, aged 33.05 ± 2.01 years, with DM type 2 were included in the study. They had nor history nor symptoms of cardiac disease. All patients underwent ETT according to Bruce protocol, while 12-lead ECG was recorded and blood pressure was monitored. All patients had negative ETT results. Also no ST segment depression, no signs of insufficiency of peripheral circulation, no changes in heart rhythm, no symptoms by the central nervous system were observed. Additionally response of heart rate and blood pressure to exercise was within physiological range. These promising findings indicate that diabetes didn’t alter myocardial integrity and function, thus suggesting that coronary reserve in examined patients was preserved.
Early and Late Outcome After Suprasonic Excision of Infected Mesh Implants After Hernioplasty
Authors: Panteleev Vladimir S. , Zavarukhin Vitaliy A. , Pogorelova Mariya P. , Samorodov Aleksandr V.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this research is to analyze early and postponed complications of the new method to eliminate mesh implants during full-grown infection process.

The Republican clinical hospital (Russia) was the location to carry out a post-hoc analysis of 149 cases on surgical removal of infected mesh implants for ventral hernias of different localization in the period 2000 to 2017. The control group were 78 patients who underwent meshes removal with traditional surgical instruments. The study group included 71 patients, who underwent our method of supra-sonic excision of the implants.

The duration of surgery in the group of patients subjected to supra-sonic excision of the implants was significantly lower (84.3 min vs. 141.5 min) than in the group of traditional surgical techniques. Complications of early postoperative period was most often registered in the control group: foreign bodies (92.8% vs. 7.2%), infection (81.8% vs. 18.2%) and bleeding (87.5% vs. 12.5%). In the long term the recurrence of hernias in the control group were detected 1.8 times more frequently for ventral hernias than in the group of supra-sonic excision of the implants.

Thus, supra-sonic excision of the implant prevents damage to viable tissues of the abdominal wall during the allocation of the implant and provides a good bactericidal effect, which promotes normal tissue regeneration and prevents possible recurrence of the herniation.
Relationship of Personality Types and Strategy Choices in Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Mutlu Volkan
Published: December 2018

Language learning is a comprehensive concept with its components and needs. Because of this reason, it is affected by various subjects, most significant two of which are learner personality and language learning strategy choices of the students. By taking into consideration the importance of these factors in language education, the main aim of this study is to find out the relationship of students’ personality types and their language learning strategy choices by also taking into account their language levels to provide information for syllabus designers and language teachers. In order to do this, a survey design method was supported with Myers and Briggs Personality Test and Oxford’s SILL (Strategy Inventory for Language Learning), and 68 randomly selected students participated in this study. After analyzing the data with SPSS 23.0, it was found out that there is no significant statistical relationship between strategy choices and personality types. On the other hand, participants of this study showed different characteristics (most of them have ESTJ (extravert, sensing, thinking, judging) and they also desired to use different learning strategies, most used of which are compensation, memory, and social strategies. The study is crucial as it revealed that students could have different characteristics and learning strategies and these differences should be taken into consideration while planning a language course.
Medical Students’ English Language Learning: Needs and Perceptions
Authors: Karimnia Amin , Khodashenas Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the medical students’ English language learning needs and their perceptions of ESP courses in an academic environment. To do this, 100 medical students studying medical sciences in the faculty of medicine in Mashhad, Iran, were selected as the participants. Hutchinson and Waters’ target language needs analysis framework was drawn on as the analytic model guiding the study. A needs analysis questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire designed to identify the learners’ perceptions of the frequency of English language skills/sub-skills use, the importance of English language learning, their ability in using language skills, their needs of language learning and their preferences of an English language course. After gathering and analyzing the data, it was found that reading skill is given priority by the students in terms of frequency of use, importance and proficiency. It also revealed that students need and prefer training in speaking, listening and communication skills. Considering the students’ perceptions of the current ESP course, the findings implied that the English language skills incorporated in the current ESP book for the medical students and the allocated time for this course are not compatible with the English language learning needs and wants of the students.
Margareta Niculescu – A Portrait throughout a Century
Authors: Ciobotaru Anca Doina
Published: December 2018

In the last century, Romanian puppet theatre has not only received, but it has also given to the world – which I would personally correct. Perhaps: “it has given to the world innovative, poetic performances that have brought about a new aesthetic vibe.” If you skim through World Encyclopaedia of Puppetry Arts (first edition published in French, under the title Encyclopédie mondiale des arts de la marionette, and second edition published in English, under the aforementioned titled, available online at: https://wepa.unima.org/en/), you will find more information on Romanian puppet theatre than you might expect. A complicated history that has been reshaped subjectively – as is the case with every history. And, given that Margareta Niculescu left this world on the 19th of August, 2018, I’ve decided to turn back to the pages 493 and 494 (from the first edition), as if going in a pilgrimage. For quite some time, I’ve been thinking of getting closer to her, all prejudices, myths and subjectivity aside; perhaps Matei Brunul1 has also helped; do shadows make way for themselves/do they follow us? In any domain, at any time, in any place. What matters is that you want to go back into the light, to free yourself, to be able to remember.
Theatrology, the New Cultural Management School in Romania
Authors: Tătar-Vîstraş Ivona
Published: December 2018

We are witnessing a paradigm shift regarding the theatrologist’s position in the Romanian theatre environment. While, until recently, theatrology meant cultural journalism, this definition is no longer sufficient or attractive for secondary school graduates. Romania’s higher education offer has changed increasingly in the last years, in the attempt to keep up with the requirements of the labour market; the solution was provided by the area of cultural management. Every last faculty in this sector covers the new direction of study and research. This article seeks to investigate the existing educational offers, which should allow an understanding and a new complete image of the theatrologist in Romania; in our opinion, this image will have an increasing impact on the national theatre community, shaped, of course, by the new directions of study.
Sorana Țopa - A destiny under the wing of time
Authors: Antochi Carmen
Published: December 2018

During the first world war, the city of Iasi played the role of the ‘wartime capital’ of Romania. Besides the political-economic structures, The National Theatres of Bucharest and Craiova moved temporarily to Iasi, leading to Iasi being a cultural capital as well, a reputation which it has kept even to this day. In the interwar period, Romania blossomed culturally unlike ever before, a true intellectual, cultural and artistic revival under the influence of the currents travelling through European stages.

In spite of the laurels earned, the name of Sorana Topa is too little known. Formed by the Iasi theatre school, noticed and hired by the national theather of iasi by Marin Sadoveanu, promoted by the previous directors of Iasi theatre, she is offered the chance to study in Paris along with her stage colleagues Aurel and Maria Ghițescu.
New Paradigms in the Actor’s Training – Awareness
Authors: Matei Cosmin
Published: December 2018

The present paper describes the process of going through a pilot research phase, intuitive and scientific, from the desire to know what do we express in our corporality when we feel, empathize or play with the imaginary, especially in vocational area of actor’s training. This was done by working with the actor and Professor PhD András Hatházi, within a theatrical laboratory attended by the actor-students of the Hungarian Department, 2016-2019 promotion from the Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Theatre and Film, Cluj-Napoca. The objective of this research was given by the axiology emotion/feelings of emotion; heart/emotional system and brain/mind. Because the social, political, anthropological, and sentimental dimension of the human body has increased, so have the demands on the actors. As practitioners, we felt it necessary for the contemporary actor’s training to benefit from recent scientific observations about the bio-psycho-neuro-physiological processes of the living body, that is why the research has also evolved towards developing exercises to add new information to potentiate acting skills, at an imaginarycorporal level, as well as to achieve balanced parameters in terms of mental, emotional and physical health and integrity, especially post-acting.