bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of an Impact of Planned Location of Sewage Discharge on Natura 2000 Areas – The Dead Vistula Region Case Study
Authors: Zima Piotr
Published: July 2019

This article presents results of an analysis of impact of a designed discharge of contaminated water into the Dead Vistula (Wisła Martwa) in the region of the Isthmus (Przesmyk) with the aim of determination of a possible effect of the pollution onto protected areas of Natura 2000 (bird habitats and sites, especially the Bird Paradise – Ptasi Raj) nature reserve. The analysis was conducted on the basis of the two-dimensional modelling of unsteady transport of non-degradable dissolved matter. To this end, a numerical model of a section of the Dead Vistula was worked out. Four scenarios of hydro-dynamical conditions (2 – for average weather conditions and 2 – for stormy weather conditions) were selected. To solving the equation of pollution migration the finite volumes method (MOS) was applied. Two localizations of contaminated water discharge outlet were considered, namely: the first from the side of Siennicki Bridge before the Isthmus and the other in the section of the Brave Vistula (Wisła Śmiała) downstream the Isthmus. The obtained results made it possible to assess positively the first localization of the designed discharge outlet. In the other case there is a fear that at unfavourable hydro-meteorological conditions a water pollution may happen over Natura 2000 protected areas.
Injury Prediction Models for Onshore Road Network Development
Authors: Kustra Wojciech , Żukowska Joanna , Budzyński Marcin , Jamroz Kazimierz
Published: July 2019

Integrating different modes of transport (road, rail, air and water) is important for port cities. To accommodate this need, new transport hubs must be built such as airports or sea ports. If ports are to grow, they must be accessible, a feature which is best achieved by building new roads, including fast roads. Poland must develop a network of fast roads that will provide good access to ports. What is equally important is to upgrade the network of national roads to complement fast roads. A key criterion in this case is to ensure that the roads are efficient to minimise time lost for road users and safe.

With safety standards and safety management practices varying vastly across the EU, Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council was a way to ensure that countries follow procedures for assessing the impact of road projects on road safety and conduct road safety audits, road safety management and road safety inspections. The main goal of the research was to build mathematical models to combine road safety measures, i.e. injury density (DI) and accident density (DA), with road and traffic factors on longer sections, all based on risk analysis. The practical objective is to use these models to develop tools for assessing how new road projects will impact road safety.

Because previous research on models to help estimate injuries (I) or injury density (DI) on long sections was scarce, the authors addressed that problem in their work. The idea goes back to how Poland is introducing procedures for assessing the effects of infrastructure on safety and developing a method to estimate accident indicators to support economic analysis for new roads, a solution applied in JASPERS. Another reason for the research was Poland’s insufficient and ineffective pool of road safety management tools in Poland. The paper presents analyses of several models which achieved satisfactory results. They are consistent with the work of other researchers and the outcomes of previous research conducted by the authors.

The authors built the models based on a segmentation of national roads into sections from 10 to 50 km, making sure that they feature consistent cross-sections and average daily traffic volumes. Models were built based on the method described by Jamroz (Jamroz, 2011). Using the available road traffic volume data, each section was assigned variables defining geometric and traffic features. Based on studies conducted on road sections, the variables were either averaged over the entire length of the section or calculated as a percentage of the variable occurring over the entire length: related to traffic volume, roadside environment or cross section
Robust Model Predictive Control for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle – Manipulator System with Fuzzy Compensator
Authors: Esfahani Hossein Nejatbakhsh
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes an improved Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach including a fuzzy compensator in order to track desired trajectories of autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manipulator Systems (UVMS). The tracking performance can be affected by robot dynamical model uncertainties and applied external disturbances. Nevertheless, the MPC as a known proficient nonlinear control approach should be improved by the uncertainty estimator and disturbance compensator particularly in high nonlinear circumstances such as underwater environment in which operation of the UVMS is extremely impressed by added nonlinear terms to its model. In this research, a new methodology is proposed to promote robustness virtue of MPC that is done by designing a fuzzy compensator based on the uncertainty and disturbance estimation in order to reduce or even omit undesired effects of these perturbations. The proposed control design is compared with conventional MPC control approach to confirm the superiority of the proposed approach in terms of robustness against uncertainties, guaranteed stability and precision.
On Some Problems in Determining Tensile Parameters of Concrete Model from Size Effect Tests
Authors: Marzec Ireneusz , Bobiński Jerzy
Published: July 2019

The paper presents results of numerical simulations of size effect phenomenon in concrete specimens. The behaviour of in-plane geometrically similar notched and unnotched beams under three-point bending is investigated. In total 18 beams are analysed. Concrete beams of four different sizes and five different notch to depth ratios are simulated. Two methods are applied to describe cracks. First, an elasto-plastic constitutive law with a Rankine criterion and an associated flow rule is defined. In order to obtain mesh independent results, an integral non-local theory is used as a regularisation method in the softening regime. Alternatively, cracks are described in a discrete way within Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM). Two softening relationships in the softening regime are studied: a bilinear and an exponential curve. Obtained numerical results are compared with experimental outcomes recently reported in literature. Calculated maximum forces (nominal strengths) are quantitatively verified against experimental values, but the force – displacement curves are also examined. It is shown that both approaches give results consistent with experiments. Moreover, both softening curves with different initial fracture energies can produce similar force-displacement curves.
New Concept of Hybrid Propulsion with Hydrostatic Gear for Inland Water Transport
Authors: Piątek Daniel
Published: July 2019

The article presents the development of author’s concept of a diesel/hydraulic propulsion system for inland watercraft. Due to specific nature of vessel navigation on rivers, classical propulsion systems with shaft lines can be effectively replaced by systems with hydraulic power transmission. A solution is also presented of a hybrid design with extra electric port having the form of a pumping system driven from a battery of accumulators. Strong and weak points of the proposed solution are discussed and its energy efficiency is assessed.
Vehicle-Deck Fires Aboard Ropax Ships: A Comparison Between Numerical Modelling and Experimental Results
Authors: Salem Ahmed
Published: July 2019

According to an official study conducted by the IMO Correspondence Group on Casualty Analysis concerning the fire incidents that occurred on the vehicle-decks of RoPax ships, covering the period from 1994 to 2011, it has been shown that a very serious incident has occurred every other year since 2002, resulting in six constructive total losses. The results of this review shed the light on the need to investigate the application of fire models to simulate fire scenarios that may occur on the vehicle-decks aboard RoPax ships. This will be very useful for the RoPax designers who are willing to introduce new technologies or deviate from the current prescriptive regulations of fire safety design in order to reduce the risk of such catastrophic accidents. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a comparison between the predictions of three different fire models and the experimental results of a model-scale fire test that represents a fire scenario on a vehicle-deck aboard a RoPax ship. A statistical analysis technique was used to illustrate the ability of each fire model to predict five outputs of concern. The main conclusion of this comparison is that there is always an optimal fire model that can predict one or more of the five outputs of concern with results in good agreement with the measured values.
Numerical Prediction of Propeller-Hull Interaction Characteristics Using RANS Method
Authors: Tran Ngoc Tu , Luu Do Duc , Nguyen Thi Hai Ha , Nguyen Thi Thu Quynh , Nguyen Minh Vu
Published: July 2019

The paper presents the results of computational evaluation of the hull-propeller interaction coefficients, also referred to propulsive coefficients, based on the unsteady RANS flow model. To obtain the propulsive coefficients, the ship resistance, the open-water characteristics of the propeller, and the flow past the hull with working propeller were computed. For numerical evaluation of propeller open-water characteristics, the rotating reference frame approach was used, while for self-propulsion simulation, the rigid body motion method was applied. The rotating propeller was modelled with the sliding mesh technique. The dynamic sinkage and trim of the vessel were considered. The free surface effects were included by employing the volume of fluid method (VOF) for multi-phase flows. The self-propulsion point was obtained by performing two runs at constant speed with different revolutions. The well-known Japan Bulk Carrier (JBC) test cases were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the case studies. The solver used in the study was the commercial package Star-CCM+ from SIEMENS.
The Influence of Water and Mineral Oil on Volumetric Losses in the Displacement Pump for Offshore and Marine Applications
Authors: Śliwiński Paweł
Published: July 2019

In this paper, volumetric losses in a positive displacement pump supplied with water and mineral oil are described and compared. The experimental tests were conducted using a prototype of a satellite pump (with a non-circular tooth working mechanism). In this paper, the sources of volumetric losses in this pump are characterized. On this basis, a mathematical model of these losses has been presented. The results of the calculation of volumetric losses according to the model are compared with the results of the experiment. Experimental studies have shown that the volumetric losses in the water pump are even 3.2 times greater than the volumetric losses in the oil pump. It has been demonstrated that the mathematical model describing the volumetric losses both in the water pump and in the oil pump is quite good. It has been found that the results from the loaded pump simulation (at ∆p=25MPa and ant n=1500rpm) differ from the results of the experiment by no more than 5% both for oil and water.
The Prediction of Hull Gesture and Flow Around Ship Based on Taylor Expansion Boundary Element Method
Authors: Gong Jiaye , Li Yunbo
Published: July 2019

Based on the potential flow theory and traditional boundary element method (BEM), Taylor expansion boundary element method (TEBEM) is introduced in this paper for the prediction of the flow field around ship, as a result, hull gesture and pressure distribution on hull surface are obtained. By this method, dipole strength of every field point is expanded in Taylor expansion, so that approximately continuous hull and free surface boundary condition could be achieved. To close the new equation system, the boundary condition of tangent velocity in every control point is introduced. With the simultaneous solving of hull boundary condition and free surface condition, the disturbance velocity potential could be obtained. The present method is used to predict the flow field and hull gesture of Wigley parabolic hull, Series 60 and KVLCC2 models. To validate the numerical model for full form ship, the wave profile, the computed hull gesture and hull surface pressure of KVLCC2 model are compared with experimental results.
Factors Determining Competitiveness in Healthcare Institutions in Latvia – Results of the EKOSOC-LV National Research Programme
Authors: Villeruša Anita , Behmane Daiga , Berķis Uldis , Kokarēviča Anita , Cauce Vinita
Published: July 2019

Competitiveness as a factor of a company selling its services in the market is becoming more relevant in the healthcare sector. The number of institutions that offer their services to international patients is growing. Research shows that the development of medical tourism is country-specific. The main objective of this publication is to discover positive and negative factors for engagement in the provision of services to non-residents. The data was obtained from a cross-sectional study in which 86 managers of health care institutions in Latvia completed a questionnaire. A total of 80.2% of health care institutions had provided services to non-resident patients in the previous year while 19.8% did so regularly. Institutions mainly used websites to advertise their services. Only a small number of institutions employed a marketing specialist or had a strategy to attract non-resident patients. Heads of institutions pointed to a number of internal and external barriers in this connection, including lack of staff, low motivation, limited language skills, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient state-level support to promote the export of services, the social environment, and problems in the health system itself. The study revealed areas that need to be improved regarding future policies to attract non-resident patients and to increase global competitiveness.
Serodiagnosis of Human Bocavirus 1 Infection among Hospitalised Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Latvia
Authors: Ziemele Inga , Xu Man , Vilmane Anda , Rasa-Dzelzkalēja Santa , Hedman Klaus , Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Gardovska Dace , Nora-Krūkle Zaiga , Murovska Modra
Published: July 2019

Since its discovery in 2005, human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) has globally been one of the most common respiratory viruses. It is currently accepted that HBoV1 is a pathogen, causing upper and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. However, due to the prolonged HBoV1 DNA shedding from the upper airways and the subsequent high rate of co-detections with other respiratory viruses, the interpretation of positive polymerase chain reaction results is challenging. The aim of this study was to identify acute HBoV1 infections by the presence of HBoV1-specific IgM and IgG measured by competition enzyme immunoassay, to elucidate the induction of Th1/Th2 cytokines, and to describe the clinical characteristics associated with acute HBoV1 infection in hospitalised children less than five years of age with LRTI. HBoV1 IgM was detected in 19/102 (18.6%) and IgG in 66/102 (64.7%) patients. HBoV1 IgM was most frequently found in patients aged 13 to 24 months. Pneumonia and acute wheezing were the most common clinical diagnoses among HBoV1 IgM positive patients. The seroprevalence of HBoV1-specific IgG increased with age, reaching 85% by the age of five years. INF-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were observed to be higher in patients with acute HBoV1 infection.
Adhesion and Colonisation of Microorganisms on Porous TiO2 and TiO2-Silver Biomaterials
Authors: Skadiņš Ingus , Micko Lana , Zvaigzne Liene , Narkevica Inga , Kroiča Juta
Published: July 2019

Bone graft transplantation is one of the most common transplants in the world and there has been a significant increase in the use of biomaterials in this sector. Bone substitutes are widely used in traumatology, orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. The culturing method was used to determine microorganism ability to attach and form biofilms on originally synthesised porous TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramics. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the intensity of adhesion and colonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans on TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramics. The lowest adhesion and colonisation were on TiO2Ag samples for S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa.No C. albicans adhesion and colonisation differences were found on TiO2 and TiO2Ag ceramic samples.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics in First-Episode Psychosis Patients in a Rural Region of Latvia
Authors: Bērze Liene , Bezina Karīna , Pavlovs Konstantīns , Ķikuste Sarmīte , Šapele Inna , Rancāns Elmārs
Published: July 2019

The first psychosis is a crucial point for further development of mental disorders. Previous evidence has demonstrated that psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are associated with a large number of years living with the disability. It is a global aim to improve prognosis of psychotic disorders, especially in rural regions, where mental health care possibly is not so easily accessible for patients. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and sociodemographic determinants in association with patient and illness related factors to improve knowledge and understanding of first time psychosis patients in a rural region. This is a descriptive, cohort-based study of all consecutive first episode psychosis (F20, F23, ICD 10) patients admitted in the Daugavpils Psychoneurological Hospital (DPNH) between January 2016 and December 2017. Of the 94 first-time patients hospitalised in DPNH with symptoms of psychosis, 69 met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that median age of patients was 33 years (IQR 27.5–42.0), median duration of untreated illness (DUI) was 30 months (IQR 11.0–60.0), and median duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was 8 weeks (IQR 4.0–48.0). The results showed that 55.1% of first psychosis patients had not seen any health care specialist before being admitted to the psychiatric hospital. We found statistically significant differences between some sociodemographic aspects in DUI/DUP. Patients who lived with relatives had the longest DUI — 36 months, compared with 12 months for those who had established their own family. Unemployed patients had longer DUI — 36 months, compared with 12 months for employed patients. Similar findings were shown for associations with DUP. To our knowledge this study adds several important findings that help to better understand first psychosis patients.
Evaluation of the Patients’ Satisfaction with Psychiatric Health Care Services with an Adapted PIPEQ-OS Tool
Authors: Bērziņa-Novikova Natālija , Taube Māris
Published: July 2019

Until now, the assessment of health care services provided by psychiatric institutions in Latvia has not been carried out and questionnaires to provide assessment from the patient’s perspective have not been adapted. For this study, a questionnaire that has been validated and successfully employed for several years in Norway was chosen to assess patients’ experience and in a psychiatric inpatient setting. The aim of the study was to determine patients’ satisfaction with the quality of mental health care services in Latvia in the subacute inpatient psychiatric ward in Rīga, adapting during this process the PIPEQ-OS (Psychiatric Inpatient Patient Experience Questionnaire) tool in Latvia. The pilot quantitative study was conducted from June 2016 till February 2017. In the study, an anonymous patient self-assessment questionnaire PIPEQ-OS containing 21 questions was used. During the adaptation process, the questionnaire was translated from English into Latvian and Russian and backwards. The quality and compliance of the translation was subsequently tested in cognitive interviews. During the study, 297 patients were discharged from the unit, and 231 of them completed the questionnaire. 12% of the completed questionnaires were not included in data processing due to being incorrectly filled in. Cognitive interviews with 20 patients were carried out; the average length of an interview was 15 minutes. Overall, the translation of the questionnaire proved to be relevant to the research theme. The subsequent factor analysis revealed three significant factors that reached the Cronbach’s alpha index of 0.7. Further studies using socio-demographic data and based on various inpatient units as well as the comparison of satisfaction indicators across different diagnostic groups are needed.
Incidence of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after Cardiac Surgery: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Kalējs Mārtiņš , Prozorovskis Edgars , Kupics Kaspars , Brečs Ivars , Strazdiņš Uldis , Stradiņš Pēteris
Published: July 2019

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after open heart surgery is required in 0.4–8.5% of patients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of PPI after cardiac surgery at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and to assess its influence on intrahospital outcomes. This was a single-centre retrospective study. We reviewed all patients who underwent either open heart surgery or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between the years 2015 and 2017. Included were all patients with PPI postoperatively before discharge. We compared the patient demographics, and perioperative state, incidence of PPI and intrahospital stay among groups. After cardiac surgery a total of 135 (4.2%) patients received a PPI. The PPI incidence was highest in the tricuspid valve intervention group — 8.8% followed by aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients with 3.3%. After TAVI incidence of PPI was 4.0% after Sapien valve and 8% after CoreValve implantations, respectively. Incidence of PPI after TAVI with the Sapien valve was not significantly higher when compared to conventional AVR, but it was significantly higher after TAVI with CoreValve. Regardless of the initial procedure a need for PPI significantly increased the total length of hospital stay.
Role of Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of Axillary Lymph Nodes to Evaluate Node Positive Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Līcīte Baiba , Irmejs Arvīds , Maksimenko Jeļena , Loža Pēteris , Trofimovičs Genādijs , Miklaševičs Edvīns , Nazarovs Jurijs , Romanovska Māra , Deičmane Justīne , Purkalne Gunta , Gardovskis Jānis
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the restaging of node positive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). From January 2016 – October 2018, 90 node positive stage IIA-IIIC breast cancer cases undergoing NAC were included in the study. The largest, most superficial and the most caudal axillary node metastasis confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was marked with clip. After NAC, restaging of axilla was performed with ultrasound and FNAC of the marked and/or the most suspicious axillary node. Of the 90 cases, 58 with available ultrasound guided percutaneous needle biopsy data were further evaluated. Axilla conserving surgery was performed in 37 of 58 cases and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in 21 of 58 cases. False Positive Rate (FPR) of FNAC after NAC was 12%, False Negative Rate (FNR) — 58%, sensitivity — 54%, specificity — 82%, accuracy 62%. FNAC after NAC had low FPR and was found to be useful in predicting residual axillary disease and to streamline surgical decision making regarding ALND. However, FNR was unacceptably high and FNAC alone was not able to predict ypCR and omission of further axillary surgery.
Laboratory Tests in Addition to the Alvarado Score in the Management of Acute Appendicitis in School-Age Children
Authors: Zviedre Astra , Eņģelis Arnis , Tretjakovs Pēteris , Zīle Irisa , Pētersons Aigars
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to determine whether the Alvarado score (AS) together with laboratory tests could be used to distinguish patients with acute appendicitis (AA) from acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). Fifty-seven patients (7–18 years) with suspected AA were included in the prospective study (October 2010 – October 2013). Thirty-one patients underwent surgery for AA and 26 were not treated surgically and were diagnosed AML on ultrasonography. AS, white blood cell count (WBC), C – reactive protein (CRP) and serum cytokines (EGF, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, TNF-α) were obtained on admission and were compared between groups. Mean age of the 57 patients was 12.9 (SD 3.2). Accuracy (AR) for AS ≥ 7 alone was 73.7% for AA. Modified AS with certain serum cytokines seemed to be a reliable tool for initial differential diagnosis between AA and AML in school-age children. Based on these results, AS ≥ 7, WBC ≥ 10.7 × 103/µL and serum IL-6 ≥ 4.3 pg/mL assessed altogether will yield more sensitivity for AA. Also for further advanced diagnostics, we propose to take into account the serum IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP cut-off levels in the differential diagnosis between complicated and uncomplicated AA to decide whether the treatment should be conservative or surgical.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Before and After Sinus Floor Elevation
Authors: Neimane Laura , Zamure Liene , Klimecs Vadims , Grišuļonoks Aleksandrs , Skaģers Andrejs , Ivanovs Andrejs
Published: July 2019

Sinus lift surgery elevation is a procedure that requires radiological maxillary sinus evaluation and procedure planning. The condition of the maxillary sinus before and after sinus lift surgery was assessed. Sixty-five sinuses of 49 patients were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed. The sinuses were analysed radiologically for pathological changes: mucosal thickening, ostia obstruction and accessory opening. The presence of concha bullosa in nasal cavity and septa in the maxillary sinus were recorded. The sinus volume also was measured before and after surgery. Thickened mucosa was found more often in postoperative scans than in preoperative scans (63.1% and 67.7%, respectively). Concha bullosa was found in 30 preoperative scans and in 33 postoperative scans. A correlation between mucosal thickening and ostia obstruction was found. The mean sinus volume decreased after surgery and the changes were statistically significant. In conclusion, changes of the maxillarysinus and nasal cavity can be detected with CBCT. Sinus lift surgery does not excacerebate the existing conditions of the maxillary sinus; however, there is a tendency for pathological features to increase after surgery. Sinus lift surgery is a safe surgery with regard to the maxillary sinus if performed with care.
Choice of the Acetabular Component Placement in Dysplastic Hip Patients
Authors: Zēbolds Silvestris , Pētersons Aigars , Jumtiņš Andris
Published: July 2019

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip dysplasia is a challenging surgical operation. Many orthopedic surgeons concur that the anatomical placement of the acetabular components of endoprostheses (AC-EPs) during THA yields the best result. However, there are advocates of the high rotation center of the hip joint after replacement surgery. In our study, we compared the outcomes of THA based on the placement of acetabular cups to identify the most favorable site for AC-EPs in patients with varying grades of dysplastic osteoarthritis. Our study included 88 patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis who underwent 106 THAs during a three-year period using cementless fixation endoprostheses. Functional results were assessed by Merle d’Aubigne and Postel’s method and by instrumental gait analysis (IGA). Gait deviation index was calculated based on IGA to compare results in different acetabular component placement groups. Functional assessment of patients by Merle d’Aubigne and Postel’s grading method and IGA showed no significant difference in results due to the placement of the acetabular component. Most complications were found in the severe dysplasia patients group with the anatomical placement of the AC-EP. The appropriate location of cementless acetabular cups during THA in dysplastic hips depends on the grade of dysplasia, expected elongation of the leg, and the potential for adequate bone coverage for the AC-EP. In cases of severe dysplasia, the placement of the AC-EP in the secondary socket can provide a good functional outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
Vaccination Against Influenza: Attitude of Health Care Personnel in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Latvia
Authors: Vīksna Ludmila , Vilcāns Mārtiņš , Zeltiņa Indra , Leidere-Reine Aija , Krūmiņa Angelika , Koļesova Oksana , Ļeviņa Jeļena , Koļesovs Aleksandrs
Published: July 2019

Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk of acquiring influenza due to exposure to patients. However, vaccination in HCP is lower than 40% for most European countries. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude towards influenza vaccination and possible reasons for this attitude in HCP. A cross-sectional study was performed in a multidisciplinary hospital of Latvia. The sample (n = 1099) included doctors (239), nurses (418), care services (236), administrative staff (108), and technical support staff (98). Five questions addressed vaccination of planned patients and HCP, knowledge of etiological anti-influenza drugs, and their storage at the hospital for immediate use. The results revealed that the level of regular vaccination against influenza in HCP was relatively low (14%). This contrasted with a more positive attitude towards vaccination of patients (53%) and personnel (60%). This contrast provided evidence for a low level of proactive action. High expectations regarding medications covered by the hospital (82%) indicated transferring of part of personal responsibility to the organisation. Doctors demonstrated a better understanding of the problem and a higher level of vaccination. However, some of doctors’ attitudes showed underestimation of influenza-associated risk.
Consumption of Thyroid Medications as an Indicator of Increase of Thyroid Morbidity in Latvia from 2011 to 2014
Authors: Kalere Ieva , Strēle Ieva , Miglinieks Mārtiņš , Repša Ilze , Pildava Santa , Romanovs Mihails , Pīrāgs Valdis , Konrāde Ilze
Published: July 2019

The most common autoimmune disorders with clinically opposite manifestations are hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease. The healthcare burden of thyroid disease is substantial, resulting in substantial health care costs. The aim of the present analysis is to assess the use of thyroid medications in Latvia from 2011 to 2014 by age and gender. Our study used reimbursed medication prescriptions data, collected by the National Health Service of Latvia. The main indicator was the number of prevalent users of thyroid medications each year from 2011 to 2014, stratified by age and gender. From 2011 to 2014, the number of thyroxine users per 100 000 revealed a statistically significant increase in all age and gender groups, except in 0- to 9-year-old girls. The number of Thiamazole users among men increased in the age group from 40 to 89 years and in women age groups above 49 years. Increasing sales of both thyroid hormones and antithyroid medications are also observed in Estonia and Lithuania, indicating that growing thyroid morbidity is an issue in the whole region. The substantial increase in number of patients highlights the necessity for national guidelines on the use of thyroid function tests and standards of medical care.
“Absorption” or “Carrying Capacity” of Areas – Assessment Methods on the Example of Detached Housing Real Estate
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Kazak Jan
Published: July 2019

The concept of market absorption and carrying capacity in economic terms are adequate to the real estate market, even though the legislator uses only the concept of the absorptive capacity of the area in the planning process. The aim of the study is to discuss the concept of carrying capacity and absorption of the real estate market in economic and planning terms as well as the application of conclusions from literature studies and determination of capacity and absorption on a specific selected local market.

In the empirical part, a model of demand for space for detached housing development (market absorption) was built as a function of price, income and expenses for complementary goods.

At the same time, as a complementary good for the purchase of land for the construction of a house, the purchase of a flat and purchase of a real estate built-up with a detached house were accepted. On the other hand, reference was made to absorption understood adequately to planning documents. It was discussed whether the concept, interpreted in two ways, leads to the absorption of the same area on the local market. The analysis uses data from the Register of Prices and Values of Starosty County Price and Value Register, planning documents as well as data resources on statistics, and public information and own research.
U.S. REITs: A Financial Economics Review as of 2018
Authors: Coletta Cuono Massimo , Busato Francesco
Published: July 2019

The U.S. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector, since its inception in the 1960s, has been witness to continuous evolution. The numerous events that have characterized its growth and its actual structure over time have made this sector an object of interest many researchers and authors, who tried to give answers to several financial questions that are still open to debate. We contend that a global review of financial literature on this specific industry could give good suggestions for further research themes for all those who are interested in studying the U.S. REIT market and its characteristics and for investors at large.
Principles and Criteria for using Statistical Parametric Models and Conditional Models for Valuation of Multi-Component Real Estate
Authors: Adamczyk Tomasz , Bieda Agnieszka , Parzych Piotr
Published: July 2019

The complexity of multi-component real properties results from the possibility of identifying various components in legal, physical or functional terms. The possibility of distinguishing various functional elements of real properties, combined with the specificity resulting from their market properties, is problematic when applying the comparative approach to real estate valuation. In this case, the valuation procedure can be implemented using statistical models: the parametric model or the conditional one.

This research paper demonstrates the construction of the parametric and conditional models taking into account the geometric and pricing attributes of multi-component real estate. The authors paid attention to adjusting the models to the available market data. They also specified the conditions for the use of statistical models in the real estate valuation process. Based on the analytical and accounting considerations, the estimation criteria for the parametric model and the conditional model were defined, which allow the correct application of these models at the stages of the real estate market analysis and the real estate valuation process.
The Impact of the Training Set Size on the Classification of Real Estate with an Increased Fiscal Burden
Authors: Gnat Sebastian
Published: July 2019

The introduction of an ad valorem tax can lead to an increase in the tax burden on real estate. There are concerns that this increase will be large and widespread. Before undertaking any actual actions related to the real estate tax reform, pilot studies and statistical analyses need to be conducted in order to verify the validity of those concerns and other aspects regarding the replacement of a real estate tax, agricultural tax and forest tax with an ad valorem tax. The article presents results of research on the effectiveness of the classification of real estate into a group at risk of an increase of tax burden with the use of the k-nearest neighbors method. The main focus was to determine the size of a real estate set (training data set) on the basis of which classification is conducted, as well as on the efficiency of that classification, depending on the size of such data set.
Valuation Schools and the Evolution of the Income Approach. An Evaluation of Change Trends
Authors: Kucharska-Stasiak Ewa
Published: July 2019

The income approach is the subject of debates conducted by academics and practitioners as one of the most controversial approaches in valuation practice. It is also somewhat differently understood by the three historically shaped valuation schools (US, British and German). This article compares the main assumptions underpinning the income approach’s investment method between the three schools in order to: 1) determine why the assumptions change and in what direction; 2) assess the advantages and disadvantages of explicit cash flows; and 3) evaluate the advisability of incorporating explicit cash flows into Polish valuation methodology. A thesis is formulated that, in Poland, the investment method should use implicit cash flows for estimating the market value of properties. There is a need to include explicit cash flow in university programs, but their use should be limited to valuations undertaken to determine the investment value of a property or the market value of portfolio properties, as well as valuations carried out for the purposes of financial reporting as required by EU legislation (MSSF 13 and MSR 40).

The article was prepared based on the review and analysis of the relevant literature.
The role of spleen stiffness using ARFI in predicting esophageal varices in patients with Hepatitis B and C virus-related cirrhosis
Authors: Peagu Răzvan , Săraru Roxana , Necula Ana , Moldoveanu Alexandru , Petrişor Ana , Fierbinţeanu-Braticevici Carmen
Published: July 2019

Introduction. Current guidelines recommend that all patients with cirrhosis undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) screening for esophageal varices (EV). Unfortunately, UGE has a lot of disadvantages, consequently various non-invasive methods of diagnosing EV have been proposed. We evaluated if spleen stiffness (SS) measured by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) is a viable technique in diagnosing EV.

Methods. We recruited 178 patients with cirrhosis caused by Hepatitis B and C who underwent biochemical tests, abdominal ultrasound, UGE, LS and SS measurements using ARFI elastography. Based on the endoscopic results the patients were divided in 3 groups: without EV, with small EV (<5 mm) and with large EV (>5 mm).

Results. ARFI SS was the only non-invasive parameter associated with the presence of EV (2.7±0.30 vs. 3.4±0.52, p<0.001) and large EV (2.91±0.36 vs. 3.86±0.37, p=0.001) after multivariate logistic regression (p<0.001). ARFI SS for predicting EV showed an AUROC of 0.872 (CI 95%: 0.799–0.944), for a cut-off value of 2.89 m/s: Sensitivity (Se) 91.4% (CI 95%: 81–97%), Specificity (Sp) 67.7% (CI 95%: 51–85%). ARFI SS for diagnosing large EV (>5mm) had better results with an AUROC 0.969 (CI 95%:0.935–0.99), and for a cut-off of 3.30 m/s: Se 96.4% (CI 95%: 82–99.9%), Sp 88.5% (CI 95%: 78–95%).

Conclusions. SS measured using ARFI is a good method of detecting EV and is an excellent method of diagnosing large EV in patients with virus-related cirrhosis.
Impact of long-term liming on sandy soil phosphorus sorption properties
Authors: Szara Ewa , Sosulski Tomasz , Szymańska Magdalena
Published: July 2019

The static fertilisation experiment conducted in Skierniewice (Central Poland) since 1923 investigates the effect of mineral fertilisation with lime (CaNPK) or without lime (NPK) on the accumulation and release of phosphorus in reference to phosphorus sorption properties in the sandy soil profile. In the case of application of same doses of mineral fertilisers, the content of total phosphorus was higher in NPK than CaNPK soil. Parameters related to sorption capacity and bonding energy from Langmuir and Freundlich model of P sorption were significantly lower in CaNPK than NPK soil profile. This was particularly caused by a lower content of poorly crystallised hydro(oxide) aluminium and iron forms in CaNPK than NPK soil. Higher content of oxide-extractable and bioavailable phosphorus extracted with double lactate solution, dissolved reactive phosphorus in water solution as well as degree of phosphorus saturation in the CaNPK soil profile suggests higher mobility and possibility of occurrence of losses of phosphorus from the profile of limed soil than from acidified soil. Therefore, management of phosphate fertilizers on permanently limed sandy soils requires the optimisation of phosphorus doses to a greater degree corresponding to the actual take-off of the element with crop. An additional finding of the study was evidence of the possibility of re-estimating contents of bioavailable phosphorus and, as a consequence, the degree of phosphorus saturation with Mehlich3 method in strongly acid soil receiving P mineral fertilisers, which can make it difficult to use the test for fertiliser recommendation.
Effect of long-term organic and mineral fertilisation on selected physico-chemical soil properties in rye monoculture and five-year crop rotation
Authors: Stępień Wojciech , Kobiałka Monika
Published: July 2019

The research was carried out continuously since 1923 in a permanent fertilisation experiment at the Experimental Station of SGGW in Skierniewice. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of long-term fertilisation (Ca, CaNPK, NPK) and crop rotation systems (rye monoculture without fertilisation with manure and five-field rotation with legume crop and manure fertilisation) on selected physical and chemical soil properties. Long-term fertilisation caused various degrees of change in many physio-chemical properties in three soil horizons (Ap, Eet, Bt): pH in KCl, cation exchange capacity, total exchangeable bases, base saturation, content of carbon, nitrogen and mineral forms of nitrogen (NO3, NH4) as well as the carbon-nitrogen ratio. The combined manure and mineral fertilisation increased the sorption capacity, total exchangeable bases, base cation saturation and total content of C and N in comparison to organic or mineral fertilisation. As a result of lime application, an increase in these parameters was determined with the exception of total contents of carbon and nitrogen, showing no differences or a decrease. A positive effect was confirmed in five-field crop rotation, which improves physicochemical soil properties in comparison to cereal monoculture. The C:N ratio narrows down with growing depth because more nitrogen than carbon migrates down the soil profile.
Influence of fire on selected physico-chemical properties of forest soil
Authors: Majder-łopatka Małgorzata , Szulc Wiesław , Rutkowska Beata , Ptasiński Dominik , Kazberuk Witold
Published: July 2019

The aim of the research was to determine whether, and to what extent, a surface fire of forest areas determines changes in physical and chemical properties of the soil. The test material consisted of soil samples taken from soil profiles exposed in a burnt-out area and in an area unaffected by fire. The samples were analyzed for total organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, and also selected indicators of soil acidification. As a result of the tests, it was found that there was a decrease in the levels of organic carbon (by over 75%) and nitrogen (by 50%). A negative effect of the changes was the narrowing of the C/N ratio, a positive one – an increase in soil pH (from 3.14 to 4.67), and a several-times reduction in hydrolytic and exchangeable acidity.
Potential of VIS-NIR spectroscopy to characterize and discriminate topsoils of different soil types in the Triffa plain (Morocco)
Authors: Lazaar Ayoub , Mahyou Hamid , Gholizadeh Asa , Elhammouti Kamal , Bilal Muhammad , Andich Karim , Roger Jean Michel , Monir Abdelilah , Kouotou Daouda
Published: July 2019

This study aims to identify the influence of soil organic matter (OM) content and calcium carbonates (CaCO3) on soil reflectance and select the optimum spectral bands for discriminating between topsoils of different soil types situated in the irrigated perimeter of the Triffa plain (Morocco) using VIS-NIR reflectance spectroscopy. Soil samples were collected from the plow layer in 26 sampling sites. The spectral measurements were conducted in the field using an ASD Fieldspec portable spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm), while the soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The spectral data were pre-processed to remove the noise effects and then analyzed with the CovSel (selected covariance) method, validated by linear discriminant analysis in order to select the most optimal spectral variables to discriminate between topsoils of different soil types in the plain. The results of the soils reflectance curves showed that low reflectance intensity marked the soils with high OM contents throughout the VIS spectrum. The influence of the soil OM content was very apparent in the VIS range (between 580–750 nm). Regarding the CaCO3 content, it was noted that the soil samples with a high percentage of CaCO3 increase the reflectance in all spectral domains situated between 350 and 2500 nm. The spectral bands of 1999, 686, 1280, 2340 and 1951 nm were the most optimal for the soil discrimination in the Triffa plain. This study concluded that the VIS-NIR spectroscopy demonstrates an excellent ability to characterize and discriminate between topsoils in the Triffa plain.
Pre-closure laryngeal properties as cues to the fortis–lenis plosive contrast in British varieties of English
Authors: Hejná Míša , Kimper Wendell
Published: July 2019

The present study contributes to our understanding of the phonetic implementation of the fortis–lenis plosive contrast in British varieties of English via analyses of pre-aspiration and glottalisation. More specifically, we show that pre-aspiration and (pre-) glottalisation can and do function as correlates of the contrast in British English plosives in non-foot-initial position (lattervsladder;matvsmad). This is in addition to rather than at the expense of the other traditionally discussed potential correlates, with the exception of word-final release duration, where the pre-closure laryngeal phenomena are more robust. We also provide evidence that listeners of a range of accents of British English use pre-aspiration as a cue to the contrast, exhibiting clear categorical perception effects (based on data from 19 listeners). We conclude that the gesture of spread glottis is not necessarily tied to the release phase of the plosive in the relevant varieties of British English but instead can be found prior to the release phase, or indeed both prior to as well as during the release phase itself. Our study thus contributes to the pool of languages known to use pre-closure laryngeal features functioning as correlates of and cues to phonological contrasts (see e.g. Clayton 2009; Kingston 1990; Silverman 1995).
THE EFFECT OF SOME OF COCONUT WATER CONCENTRATION IN ARTIFICIAL MEDIA TO CHRYSANTHEMUM GROWTH (Dendranthema grandiflora) BY IN VITRO
Authors: Rahmy Nurur , Thomy Zairin , Yunita Yunita , Harnelly Essy
Published: July 2019

Artificial medium for in vitro culture is an alternative media to subtitute Murashige and Skoog (MS). Growmore added with organic substances as coconut water can be used as artificial medium. Coconut water can affect plant growth, so the research is to investigate the influence of coconut water in different concentration to chrysanth’s (Dendranthema grandiflora) growth should be done. The research was conducted in Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University Darussalam, Banda Aceh, from April until July 2013. The research was designed by using Randomized Block Design with sub sampling. Media act as group, while coconut water concentration as treatment. Observation was started from growing time up to a month after planting. The result showed that there was no significant different between using MS and artificial medium with different coconut water concentration to initiate shootlet.