bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Differences Between a Standard Costing and Normal Costing Method of Manufacturing Operating Income Calculation Caused by the Implementation of a New Integrated Information System
Authors: Fałat Kamila
Published: April 2021

Research background: When a company changes a few separated information systems into one integrated information system there can appear the obligation of costing method change. It happens especially when the company is a part of an international manufacturing corporation.

Purpose: The main goal of the paper is to compare two methods of manufacturing operating income calculation and data presentation when a company changes a costing method from normal costing to standard costing.

Research methodology: In the paper for this research comparative analysis was used between two methods of manufacturing operating income calculation. In the first method manufacturing operating income is the difference between revenues from manufacturing operations and the costs of goods manufactured. In the second one manufacturing operating income is calculated as a sum of production variances, purchase price variances, currency variances and inventory adjustments. Pearson’s correlation coefficients for pairs of variables were calculated in both of the costing methods. A comparative analysis was done on the basis of a case study executed in a big international wholesaler. The company is a member of an international manufacturing corporation.

Results: The same manufacturing operating incomes were obtained in both methods. The absolute values of Pearson’s correlation coefficients were similar in normal and standard costing, but they differ in directions.

Novelty: In standard costing manufacturing operating income is calculated as a sum of various types of variances. They are calculated as deviations from standard costs. It enables the easier identification of impacting a company’s results factors.
Innovation Activity and its Sources in Industry in the West Pomerania Province
Authors: Gorączkowska Jadwiga
Published: April 2021

Research background: Innovation activities, especially the implementation of new products and processes are desirable phenomena in economic development. For this reason, phenomena that contribute to the implementation of new solutions in enterprises should be identified. These include sources of innovation activity.

Purpose: The main purpose of the article is to identify those sources of innovation activity that significantly affect product and process innovation.

Research methodology: The research of the impact of sources of ideas and information for innovation on the implementation of product and process innovations was conducted in 2018 for the period 2015–2017 in the West Pomerania Province. The study was representative. It was attended by 270 entrepreneurs whose business profile corresponds to section C PKD (Polish Business Classification) – manufacturing. Logit modeling was used in the study.

Results: As a result of the analyses it was noticed that in the region the implementation of process innovations was significantly influenced by foreign R&D centres, suppliers (but only when entrepreneurs began to cooperate with them), as well as by conferences, fairs and exhibitions. In the case of product innovations, internal resources were included in this group.

Novelty: In the analyzed region, no advanced econometric analysis of the impact of sources of innovative activity on product and process innovations that would be representative was carried out.
The Quality of Interpersonal Relationships at Work. A Comparison of the Private and Public Sector in Poland
Authors: Szostek Dawid
Published: April 2021

Research Background: This article compares the private and public sector by the quality of interpersonal relationships between employees. Available publications indicate some differences in this quality between each of these sectors. However, there are no comprehensive empirical studies in this area.

Purpose: The author set two objectives: 1) to identify possible differences in the interpersonal relationships at work between the private and public sector, 2) to evaluate the quality of interpersonal relationships at work in the private and public sector in Poland.

Research methodology: To achieve the objectives the author used the results of a survey conducted in 2018 on a sample of 1,336 active workers in Poland.

Results: An analysis of the results made it possible to achieve both objectives. It has been confirmed that the quality of interpersonal relationships at work differ between the private and public sector (the quality was higher in the private sector). The Author also evaluated the quality of interpersonal relationships at work in the private and public sector in Poland.

Novelty: The presented research results are novel, because it has been confirmed, that the quality of interpersonal relationships at work differ between the private and public sector.
The Dynamics of Foreign Aid Trends and Patterns Among Low- Income Countries in Africa
Authors: Tefera Mamo G. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: April 2021

Research background: Foreign aid flows to Africa mostly the Low-Income Countries (LICs) have increased drastically since 2000. Increasing aid flows are expected to stimulate economic growth that can release resources towards enabling LICs to reduce aid dependency.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discuss the dynamics of bilateral aid trends and patterns among 27 LICs in Africa during 2000–2017. The main question this study tries to answer is: how have aid sources, compositions and dependency changed in LICs?

Research methodology: The study employs a descriptive analysis technique to analyses bilateral aid flows to LICs in Africa from 50 donors during 2000–2017.

Results: Total net aid flows to LICs increased by 1.5 times during 2000–2017 and were predominantly in the form of grants (92.7%). The study found a shift of sectoral aid allocations from the economic and productive sectors towards the social sector. Net aid as a share of GDP increased almost two-fold; implying an increasing trend of aid dependency in several LICs.

Novelty: This study tries to present a full account of bilateral aid flows both from Traditional Donors (TDs) and Non-Traditional Donors (NTDs), unlike many earlier studies that have focused on TDs.
About Graph Unions and Intersections
Authors: Koch Sebastian
Published: April 2021

In this article the union and intersection of a set of graphs are formalized in the Mizar system [5], based on the formalization of graphs in [7].
Unification of Graphs and Relations in Mizar
Authors: Koch Sebastian
Published: April 2021

A (di)graph without parallel edges can simply be represented by a binary relation of the vertices and on the other hand, any binary relation can be expressed as such a graph. In this article, this correspondence is formalized in the Mizar system [2], based on the formalization of graphs in [6] and relations in [11], [12]. Notably, a new definition of createGraph will be given, taking only a non empty set V and a binary relation E ⊆ V × V to create a (di)graph without parallel edges, which will provide to be very useful in future articles.
Site index research: a literature review
Authors: Kędziora Wojciech , Tomusiak Robert , Borecki Tomasz
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper was to review literature covering the topic of site index with particular emphasis on Scots pine, the most important forest-forming species in Poland. We discuss the history of the site index, research on various tree species, statistical modelling methods, the spatial application of site index and age impact assessment.

The history of research on the site index of forest species is long and dates back to the 18th century. Many researchers thought that determining the quality of the habitat is very important from the point of view of rational forest management. The site index, as a measure of the potential of the habitat on which the forest grows, is one of the most important characteristics of forest stands. The site index depends on the selected model, but is most often expressed as the average or top height of trees of a given species at a certain age.

In our review, we point out several insufficiencies of studies on the site index, external influences and the connection of the site index with spatial conditions. Furthermore, research conducted so far has not explicitly confirmed that there is a relationship between the site index of pine stands and their geographical location in Poland. More research on the site index, especially in regard with climate change, is needed.
Application of terrestrial laser scanning in forest inventory – an overview of selected issues
Authors: Krok Grzegorz , Kraszewski Bartłomiej , Stereńczak Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

Precise determination of forest resources is one of the most important tasks in conducting sustainable forest management. Accurate information about the forest’s resources allows for a better planning of current and future management as well as conservation activities. Such precise information is needed by both, individual forest managers and for developing the national forest policy. In recent years, interest in the use of remote sensing in forest inventory has significantly increased. Remote sensing allows for non-invasive measurements and the automation of data processing. The most accurate source of remote sensing data at the level of the sample plot is terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Its use in forest inventory has been studied for about two decades.

This paper aims to introduce studies on state of the art TLS technology as well as provide an overview of research conducted in stands within the temperate climate zone. This article furthermore discusses issues such as TLS data acquisition, data processing and presents results for the estimation of tree biometric features.
In vitro Evaluation of Biological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Extracts
Authors: Marcinčáková D. , Červeňáková N. , Miłek M.
Published: April 2021

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) of the Asteraceae family is known for its pharmacological effects and has been used in therapy for centuries. Currently extracts of all parts of this plant are used — root, leaves and flowers. The extracts are prepared using various extraction agents that may significantly affect the effectiveness and therapeutic spectrum of the extracts. The aim of this study was to use three different solvents for the preparation of the extracts from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves and flowers, namely triton X-100 (2 %), nonidet P-40 (2 %) and acetone (30 %). After extraction, the extractants were evaporated and the dried extracts were dissolved in water to obtain a series of solutions of the concentrations: 125, 250, 500 and 1000 µg.ml–1. The biological effects of the extracts were investigated by means of the MTT test of cell viability. Rabbit kidney epithelial cells (RK13) exposed to the extracts for 24 and 48 hours were used as a model cell line. We observed that the acetone extract of dandelion leaves and flowers at lower concentrations caused an increase in the viability of the treated cells in comparison with the control cells which were not exposed to the extracts (P < 0.05). At the same time, we observed a significant effect of the solvent used for the preparation of the dry extracts on the viability of the cells. The residues of the extractants caused a decrease in the cell viability almost to zero, which in fact means the death of the cells. The selection of the correct extractant for the preparation of the extracts is essential regarding the use of extracts in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.
Component-Resolved Analysis Towards Correlation between Thermoluminescence and Optically Stimulated Luminescence in Commercial Magnesium Oxide
Authors: Meriç Niyazi , Şahiner Eren , Kitis George , Polymeris George S.
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed at quantifying the relationship between TL and either CW-OSL or LM-OSL using commercially available magnesium oxide. The samples were bleached at two different temperatures, and a component-resolved analysis on the integrated signals was performed. According to the data of the present study, each one among the five observed LM-OSL component receives electrons from at least two different TL peaks. Two different fast OSL components were resolved in the LM-OSL curves, both accumulating electrons from all TL glow peaks with Tmax>150°C. Component C3 is very well correlated with the TL peaks at 102, 135 and 194°C, while components C4 and C5 are related to the TL glow peaks of 292°C, 353°C and 464°C. We note that for CW-OSL the resolution is good when two or more components differ in intensity by an order of magnitude. Blue stimulation depletes substantially the first two TL peaks but not the third peak. Substantial depletion of the high-temperature TL peaks is achieved only by using the LM-OSL configuration. The results of the present study suggest that the traps that contribute to TL and OSL are the same, despite using different recombination pathways.
Residual Dose of K-Feldspar post-IR Irsl of Beach-Shoreface Sands at Kujukuri, Eastern Japan
Authors: Tamura Toru , Komatsubara Junko , Sugisaki Saiko , Nishida Naohisa
Published: April 2021

We assessed the residual dose of K-feldspar grains from modern and Holocene beach–shoreface sands at Kujukuri, eastern Japan. Samples from the modern foreshore and shoreface (to 34 m depth) show residual doses <0.2 Gy for infrared-stimulated luminescence (IR)50 measured during post-IR infrared-stimulated luminescence (pIRIR)50/150, equivalent to potential burial age overestimation of only several decades for given dose rates. Residual doses of 1–3 Gy are retained by pIRIR50/150, equivalent to 400–1,300 years; pIRIR50/290 residual doses are up to 30 Gy, suggesting possible overestimation by >10,000 years. Residual doses of Holocene sands were also assessed by comparison with radiocarbon ages, revealing consistent results with modern sands. The pIRIR50/290 results show no pronounced correlation of residual dose with water depth, except for a few samples from <5 m depth with residual doses several tens of per cent lower than those of deeper sands, suggesting that most samples were not fully bleached and that sustained subaerial sunlight bleaching diminishes the difficult-to-bleach component. Compared to the uncertainties associated with other factors, such as the fading correction, the residual doses of IR50 and pIRIR50/150 are negligible for samples older than late and early Holocene, respectively. In contrast, the residual dose of pIRIR50/290 may lead to critical age overestimation of Late Pleistocene deposits if the residual dose is not properly corrected.
Student wellbeing during the pandemic: distance and continuing education
Authors: Zamaraeva Darya , Nikolashina Julia
Published: April 2021

It would be right to say 2020 took us by surprise. Currently, countries all over the world are faced with a pandemic and its consequences. People were not ready to change the type of education. Due to the constant presence of electronic smart devices at the screens during distance learning and due to the lack of social contacts, the mental and physical health of students does not change for the better. Students experience depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and distracted attention.

The idea of continuing education is reflected in the implementation of distance learning that received this name primarily due to its “flexibility” in terms of choosing the place, time, and sometimes the pace of learning. However, continuing education in the context of distance learning blurs the boundaries between personal time and work, which generally has a negative impact on mental health and learning effectiveness. In most cases, the combination of continuing education and distance learning provokes an increase in the load on students.

However, both the educational structure and the student should be ready for distance learning. We are talking not only about the technical base, computer skills and individual programs, but also about the skills of independent work.
Hand-Written Road Maps to Multi-Dimensional Space
Authors: Berszán István , Gross Philip
Published: April 2021

In their article “Hand-Written Road Maps to Multi-Dimensional Space” István Berszán and Philip Gross investigate the heightened alertness of literary reading and writing in an interview with Gross, the prize-winning British poet and professor of creative writing. After the presentation of the interviewee Berszán ask him questions concerning the kinetic spaces of his literary practices. The itinerary follows issues like place, temporality of occurrences, attention, system and ecology, metaphor, time projection, gesture-resonance and collaboration. Gross seems to be as good a creative playmate during the discussion as he was for children, students, artists or readers who met him in a „collaborative space between”: his answers turn the questions both into hunter and quarry.
Effects of Short-Term Core Stability Training on Dynamic Balance and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Novice Olympic Weightlifters
Authors: Szafraniec Rafał , Bartkowski Janusz , Kawczyński Adam
Published: April 2021

Our primary objective was to investigate the effects of short-term core stability training on dynamic balance and trunk muscle endurance in novice weightlifters learning the technique of the Olympic lifts. Our secondary objective was to compare dynamic balance and trunk muscle endurance between novice and experienced weightlifters. Thirty novice (NOV) and five experienced (EXP) weightlifters participated in the study. Mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) dynamic balance and trunk muscle endurance testing were performed a week before (Pre) and after (Post) a 4-week core stability training program. In the NOV group, there was an improvement of both dynamic balance (ML and AP, p = 0.0002) and trunk muscle endurance (p = 0.0002). In the EXP group, there was no significant difference between Pre and Post testing conditions, except an increase in muscle endurance in the right-side plank (p = 0.0486). Analysis of the results showed that experienced lifters were characterized by more effective dynamic balance and greater core muscle endurance than their novice peers, not only before the training program but after its completion as well. In conclusion, the applied short-term core stability training improved dynamic balance and trunk muscle endurance in novice weightlifters learning the Olympic lifts. Such an exercise program can be incorporated into a training regime of novice weightlifters to prepare them for technically difficult tasks of the Olympic snatch and clean and jerk.
Influence of the Strap Rewind Height During a Conical Pulley Exercise
Authors: Sabido Rafael , Hernández-Davó Jose Luis , García-Valverde Adrián , Marco Pablo , Asencio Pablo
Published: April 2021

The use of flywheel devices has increased in popularity within resistance training programs. However, little is known about modifiable variables which may affect power output responses, as the rope length and the height level used in a conical pulley device. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of using three different rope lengths (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 meters) and four different height levels (L1, L2, L3 and L4) on concentric peak power (PPconc), eccentric peak power (PPecc) and eccentric overload (eccentric/concentric PP ratio; EO) during conical pulley exercises (i.e. seated and stand-up row). A total of 29 recreationally trained subjects (25.3±7.1 years; 1.74±0.06 m; 72.5±8.3 kg) took part in the study. Testing sessions consisted of 1 set of 10 repetitions under each condition; experiment 1: seated row exercise using the three different rope lengths; experiment 2: stand-up row exercise using four different height levels of the conical pulley. Results from experiment 1 did not show differences between rope lengths, although a trend for greater PPecc (ES=0.36-0.38) and EO (ES=0.40-0.41) was found when using longer rope lengths (2.5 and 3.5). Experiment 2 showed significant increases in both PPconc and PPecc as the height level used was closer to the cone base (L4). In contrast, EO values were significantly greater when using upper height levels (L1). These results suggest that the height level used during conical pulley exercises highly influences power output responses. Therefore, this variable should be carefully managed depending on the training goal (e.g. power vs hypertrophy).
Unilateral Plyometric Training is Superior to Volume-Matched Bilateral Training for Improving Strength, Speed and Power of Lower Limbs in Preadolescent Soccer Athletes
Authors: Drouzas Vasileios , Katsikas Christos , Zafeiridis Andreas , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Bogdanis Gregory C.
Published: April 2021

This study compared the effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on strength, sprint performance and lower limb power. Sixty-eight preadolescent soccer athletes were randomly assigned to a unilateral plyometric training group (n=23), a bilateral plyometric training group (n=23) and a control group (n=22). Both plyometric training groups trained with equal volumes of unilateral or bilateral exercises for 15 minutes in each session, at which time the control group performed soccer-specific drills. Plyometric exercises were executed twice weekly for 10 weeks during the competitive season. The following tests were performed before and after the intervention: single-leg and double-leg countermovement jump, squat jump, horizontal jumps in different directions, maximal isometric strength of quadriceps and hamstrings, sprint performance, agility and balance. Unilateral plyometric training resulted in greater improvements compared to the control group in the following variables: hamstrings strength (ES: 0.91, p=0.037), 5m sprint time (ES: 0.93, p=0.004), single-leg countermovement jump (ES: 0.90, p=0.006), single- and double-leg squat jump (ES: 0.87, p=0.030 and ES: 0.73, p=0.067, respectively) and single-leg hop performance (ES: 1.01, p=0.004). The only tests where there was an improvement of BPT compared with the CG were the single-leg and double leg SJ (ES: 0.76, p=0.026; ES: 0.70, p=0.050). Quadriceps strength, side hop test, double-leg horizontal jump test, flamingo balance test and modified agility T-test were equally improved in all three groups (p<0.001). In conclusion, unilateral lower-limb plyometric training is more effective in increasing muscle strength and power in preadolescent soccer players when compared to bilateral training or soccer training alone.
Resistance Exercise Intensity Does Not Influence Neurotrophic Factors Response in Equated Volume Schemes
Authors: Lodo Leandro , Moreira Alexandre , Bacurau Reury Frank P , Capitani Carol D , Barbosa Wesley P , Massa Marcelo , Schoenfeld Brad J , Aoki Marcelo S
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 2 different intensities of resistance training (RT) bouts, performed with the equated total load lifted (TLL), on the acute responses of neurotrophic factors (NFs) (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; and nerve growth factor [NGF]), as well as on metabolic (lactate concentration) and hormonal (salivary cortisol concentration) responses. Thirty participants (males, 22.8 ± 2.3 years old, 177 ± 6.8 cm, 75.5 ± 7.9 kg, n = 15; and females, 22.2 ± 1.7 years, 163.7 ± 6.5 cm, 57 ± 7.6 kg, n = 15) performed 2 separate acute RT bouts with one week between trials. One bout consisted of 4 sets of 5 submaximal repetitions at 70% of 1RM and the other of 4 sets of 10 submaximal repetitions at 35% of 1RM for each exercise. Both RT bouts were conducted using the bench press and squat exercises. The TLL in each bout (determined by sets x repetitions x load [kg]) was equated. Serum BDNF, serum NGF, salivary cortisol, and blood lactate concentration were determined pre- and post-RT. No significant pre- to post-exercise increase in neurotrophic factors (p > 0.05; BDNF; effect size = 0.46 and NGF; effect size = 0.48) was observed for either of the RT bouts. A similar increase in blood lactate concentration was observed pre- to post-exercise for both RT bouts (p < 0.05). Cortisol increased similarly for both RT bouts, when compared to the resting day condition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that, despite differences in RT schemes, a similar acute neurotrophic, metabolic and hormonal response was observed when the TLL is equated.
Different Shoulder Exercises Affect the Activation of Deltoid Portions in Resistance-Trained Individuals
Authors: Campos Yuri A. C. , Vianna Jeferson M. , Guimarães Miller P. , Oliveira Jorge L. D. , Hernández-Mosqueira Claudio , da Silva Sandro F. , Marchetti Paulo H.
Published: April 2021

The aims of this study were to compare muscle activity of the anterior deltoid, medial deltoid, and posterior deltoid in the bench press, dumbbell fly, shoulder press, and lateral raise exercises. Thirteen men experienced in strength training volunteered for the study. Muscle activation was recorded during maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) for data normalization, and during one set of 12 repetitions with the load of 60% 1RM in all exercises proposed. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni’s posthoc was applied using a 5% significance level. For anterior deltoid, the shoulder press (33.3% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activation when compared to other exercises. Also, no significant difference was found between the bench press (21.4% MVIC), lateral raise (21.2% MVIC), and dumbbell fly (18.8% MVIC). For the medial deltoid, the lateral raise (30.3% MVIC) and shoulder press (27.9% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activity than the bench press (5% MVIC) and dumbbell fly (3.4% MVIC). Besides, no significant difference was found between the bench press and the dumbbell fly. For the posterior deltoid, the lateral raise (24% MVIC) presented a significantly higher level of activation when compared to other exercises. For the posterior deltoid portion, the shoulder press (11.4% MVIC) was significantly more active than the bench press (3.5% MVIC) and dumbbell fly (2.5% MVIC). Moreover, no significant difference was found between the bench press and the dumbbell fly. In conclusion, the shoulder press and lateral raise exercises showed a higher level of muscle activation in the anterior deltoid and medial deltoid when compared to the bench press and dumbbell fly exercises.
Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning as a Warm-Up on Leg Press and Bench Press Performance
Authors: Guilherme da Silva Telles Luiz , Cristiano Carelli Luiz , Dutra Bráz Igor , Junqueira Christian , Rios Monteiro Estêvão , Machado Reis Victor , Macedo Vianna Jeferson , da Silva Novaes Jefferson
Published: April 2021

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been used to increase performance in sports. The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of IPC with different warm-up methods on the number of repetitions and total volume in resistance exercise (RE). Sixteen healthy men recreationally trained in RE participated in this study. After the anthropometric evaluation and familiarization, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and retest were performed in the bench press (BP) and in the leg press 45° (LP) exercise. After these tests, participants were randomly assigned to one of the five protocols: a) IPC; b) SHAM; c) a specific warm-up (SW); d) aerobic exercise (AE), and e) active stretching (AS) prior to performing 3 sets at 80% 1RM until concentric failure. The number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to the SW following three sets both for the BP and LP. Similarly, the number of repetitions for IPC was higher in comparison to SHAM following three sets for the LP. The number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to AE following 1st and 2nd sets for the LP and following the 2nd set for the BP. Finally, the number of repetitions was higher following IPC compared to AS following 1st and 2nd sets for the LP. The total volume was higher following IPC compared to SHAM, SW, AE, and AS for both the BP and LP. The IPC protocol increased the number of maximum repetitions and the total volume when compared to the other tested methods, thus indicating a better utilization during the pre-work warm-up. These results indicate positive associative responses to IPC with performance maintenance, which is of importance for both athletes and coaches.
Once Upon a Time in Cyberspace: A Grim Reality about the Dangers of Cyberwarfare
Authors: Fernicola Gia
Published: April 2021

This Article addresses the issue of translating current international law norms and principles onto the borderless realm—cyberspace. This Article provides an overview of the United States’ and Russia’s approach to defend against a cyberattack. This Article concludes with an original, new test that resolves the discrepancies between all existing approaches to determine whether or not a cyber act is in fact an armed attack.
The Uncertain Place of the Child’s Best Interests in ECtHR’s Immigration Case Law
Authors: Edlund Jennie , Stehlík Václav
Published: April 2021

It has been highlighted that in the area of immigration law the protection offered by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to children and family life is arguably at its weakest. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) immigration case law on Article 8 ECHR has shown an uneven and uncertain application of the child’s best interests. Little significance is attached to the child’s respect for family life when determining whether the immigration measure is compatible with the ECHR. This paper will explore how the Court is identifying the best interests of the child and analyse what weight the Court apportions to the best interests of the child when balancing the state’s and the applicant’s interests. It will also examine whether the Court priori-tize migration control over the child’s best interests in cases where both family matters and immigration matters are involved.
Toxic and Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy with 5-Fluoropyrimidine Drugs. Could Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Enzyme Screening Serve as a Prerequisite to Successful Chemotherapy?
Authors: Minchev Velko T.
Published: April 2021

The article presents a detailed survey of recent publications in the literature concerning clinical expertise, existing guidelines, and differing opinions on Fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy-related toxicity and the implication of Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) screening aiming to prevent severe 5-Fluorouracil-induced adverse drug reactions. The first section provides information on the mechanism of action, clinical application, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and toxicity and adverse reactions of 5-Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Floxuridine, and Flucytosine.

The second section summarizes DPD phenol- and genotype data and provides reasons for determining a DPD life-threatening complete or partial enzyme deficiency. The pros and cons of the methodological approaches for DPD screening are analysed, and recommendations are made to introduce them into clinical practice.

The third section includes a brief economic analysis of expenses for DPD screening of patients scheduled for 5-Fluorouracil chemotherapy. The costs are compared to those related to the treatment of patients suffering from 5-Fluorouracil-induced toxicity and unwanted adverse effects.
Effects of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Initiation on Oxygenation and Pulmonary Opacities
Authors: Batra Kiran , Mohanka Manish , Bollineni Srinivas , Kaza Vaidehi , Rajiah Prabhakar , Xi Yin , Hackmann Amy , Wait Michael , Torres Fernando , Banga Amit
Published: April 2021

Introduction

There is limited data on the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on pulmonary physiology and imaging in adult patients. The current study sought to evaluate the serial changes in oxygenation and pulmonary opacities after ECMO initiation.

Methods

Records of patients started on veno-venous, or veno-arterial ECMO were reviewed (n=33; mean (SD): age 50(16) years; Male: Female 20:13). Clinical and laboratory variables before and after ECMO, including daily PaO2 to FiO2 ratio (PFR), were recorded. Daily chest radiographs (CXR) were prospectively appraised in a blinded fashion and scored for the extent and severity of opacities using an objective scoring system.

Results

ECMO was associated with impaired oxygenation as reflected by the drop in median PFR from 101 (interquartile range, IQR: 63-151) at the initiation of ECMO to a post-ECMO trough of 74 (IQR: 56-98) on post-ECMO day 5. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The appraisal of daily CXR revealed progressively worsening opacities, as reflected by a significant increase in the opacity score (Wilk’s Lambda statistic 7.59, p=0.001). During the post-ECMO period, a >10% increase in the opacity score was recorded in 93.9% of patients. There was a negative association between PFR and opacity scores, with an average one-unit decrease in the PFR corresponding to a +0.010 increase in the opacity score (95% confidence interval: 0.002 to 0.019, p-value=0.0162). The median opacity score on each day after ECMO initiation remained significantly higher than the pre-ECMO score. The most significant increase in the opacity score (9, IQR: -8 to 16) was noted on radiographs between pre-ECMO and forty-eight hours post-ECMO. The severity of deteriorating oxygenation or pulmonary opacities was not associated with hospital survival.

Conclusions

The use of ECMO is associated with an increase in bilateral opacities and a deterioration in oxygenation that starts early and peaks around 48 hours after ECMO initiation.
The Correspondence between Fluid Balance and Body Weight Change Measurements in Critically Ill Adult Patients
Authors: Antonio Ana Carolina Peçanha , Fernandes Vivian Rodrigues , Azzolin Karina de Oliveira
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Positive fluid status has been associated with a worse prognosis in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Given the potential for errors in the calculation of fluid balance totals and the problem of accounting for indiscernible fluid losses, measurement of body weight change is an alternative non-invasive method commonly used for estimating body fluid status. The objective of the study is to compare the measurements of fluid balance and body weight changes over time and to assess their association with ICU mortality.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in the 34-bed multidisciplinary ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital in southern Brazil. Adult patients were eligible if their expected length of stay was more than 48 hours, and if they were not receiving an oral diet. Clinical demographic data, daily and cumulative fluid balance with and without indiscernible water loss, and daily and total body weight changes were recorded. Agreement between daily fluid balance and body weight change, and between cumulative fluid balance and total body weight change were calculated.

Results

Cumulative fluid balance and total body weight change differed significantly among survivors and non survivors respectively, +2.53L versus +5.6L (p= 0.012) and -3.05kg vs -1.1kg (p= 0.008). The average daily difference between measured fluid balance and body weight was +0.864 L/kg with a wide interval: -3.156 to +4.885 L/kg, which remained so even after adjustment for indiscernible losses (mean bias: +0.288; limits of agreement between -3.876 and +4.452 L/kg). Areas under ROC curve for cumulative fluid balance, cumulative fluid balance with indiscernible losses and total body weight change were, respectively, 0.65, 0.56 and 0.65 (p= 0.14).

Conclusion

The results indicated the absence of correspondence between fluid balance and body weight change, with a more significant discrepancy between cumulative fluid balance and total body weight change. Both fluid balance and body weight changes were significantly different among survivors and non-survivors, but neither measurement discriminated ICU mortality.
A Particular Infantile Scimitar Syndrome Variant with Anomalous Systemic Arterial Supply-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula
Authors: Șuteu Carmen Corina , Blesneac Cristina , Pop Marian , Făgărășan Amalia , Gozar Liliana , Togănel Rodica
Published: April 2021

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation that includes a partially anomalous drainage of the pulmonary veins in the inferior vena cava, right pulmonary hypoplasia, and systemic-pulmonary collaterals originating from various segments of the aorta. We present a case of Scimitar syndrome with associated intracardiac lesions and a large arterial conduct supplying the right lung, originating from the abdominal aorta and draining in the inferior vena cava.
Fair MAC protocol for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs with hidden node problem
Authors: Choi Woo-Yong
Published: April 2021

In IEEE 80211 wireless LANs, hidden nodes can disrupt the backoff algorithm of other nodes that are located outside the physical carrier sensing range of hidden nodes. The fairness problem between the nodes that are vulnerable and not vulnerable to the hidden node problem is dealt with in this paper. We propose an efficient fair MAC protocol to resolve the fairness problem.
Comparison of the power balance in a Totem-Pole Bridgeless PFC topology with several inrush current limiting strategies
Authors: Jacques Sébastien , Reymond Cédric , Le Bunetel Jean-Charles , Benabdelaziz Ghafour
Published: April 2021

Limiting inrush currents is usually necessary when AC-DC conversion is used to supply DC loads such as battery chargers in particular, it must comply with IEC 61000-3-3. This document discusses the suitability of an active inrush current limiter that can be used to replace traditional thermistors and NTC relays. This strategy is based on the control of the phase shift of thyristor type power components. It has been implemented in a totem-pole bridgeless power factor corrector (PFC). Experimental results show that this solution differs from traditional solutions to ensure high energy efficiency (higher than 95%) while limiting inrush currents.
Multiscale filter-based hyperspectral image classification with PCA and SVM
Authors: Chen Guang Yi
Published: April 2021

Hyperspectral imagery can offer images with high spectral resolution and provide a unique ability to distinguish the subtle spectral signatures of different land covers. In this paper, we develop a new algorithm for hyperspectral image classification by using principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machines (SVM). We use PCA to reduce the dimensionality of an HSI data cube, and then perform spatial convolution with three different filters on the PCA output cube. We feed all three convolved output cubes to SVM to classify every pixel. Finally, we perform fusion on the three output maps to determine the final classification map. We conduct experiments on three widely used hyperspectral image data cubes (ie indian pines, pavia university, and salinas). Our method can improve the classification accuracy significantly when compared to several existing methods. Our novel method is relatively fast in term of CPU computational time as well.
Czech mothers read books to their young children: association with mothers’ education
Authors: Gavora Peter
Published: April 2021

The study concentrated on mothers’ reading to their preschool children. Three broad questions were posed about how the mother’s educational level is associated with: (1) the mother’s reasons to read to the child, (2) frequency and duration of this reading, (3) mother-child literacy interaction with the child. The sample of low education mothers (n=55) and high education mothers (n=213) was recruited to fill in a questionnaire of 46 items. Higher education mothers outperformed low education mothers in these variables: reading to the child in order to enhance cognitive development, appreciate the time they are with the child in reading sessions, reading to child frequency, and the number of books the child possesses. On the other hand, low education mothers more frequently than high education mothers ask children about book characters and explain reasons for reading.
Teachers’ persona reflects in students’ personality: A case study of primary school level in the Sahiwal District, Pakistan
Authors: Daha Zeenat Abdul-Haq , Imran Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This study highlights the imperative fact that students are the personification of a teacher’s persona. The professional persona of the teachers is the reflection of personal and emotional traits that helps their students in the development of a nation. This is a quantitative study of 40 teachers and 153 students from Sahiwal district, Pakistan based on Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. For questionnaires, the study gyrates around the conceptual framework of teachers’ personal traits independent variables: empathy, resourcefulness, wittiness, acknowledgment, determination, and creativeness are aimed to analyze their reflection in students’ performance as a dependent variable. For data collection, the purposive sampling technique is used and SPSS software for calculations. This study traces that it is a need the hour to improve the society through training of a teacher to develop a paradigm of ‘Teacher’s persona’ that ultimately, influences the students en masse.
Historical Bratislava in literary fiction and film adaptation
Authors: Tekeliová Dominika Hlavinová
Published: April 2021

The aim of the paper is to characterize the city of Bratislava after the First World War as a literary space in the short story The Worst Crime in Wilson City (Najhorší zločin vo Wilsonove) and its film adaptation Wilson City (Wilsonov). For millions of Czechs and Slovaks, the US President W. Wilson was a legendary figure. The multi-ethnic city wanted to gratify him and suggested to name itself after him. This short episode of our history was found interesting for a Slovak writer Michal Hvorecký, who set a mysterious (horror) short story in Wilson City (Bratislava). The topos of the city became the basic organizational, or, structural element on which the story is built. In the film adaptation of the Czech director Tomáš Mašín there was a generic shift and the film became a detective comedy, or parody of historical events that happened (or could have happened). The paper focuses on the motif of the city and compares this urban space in the literary and film form. It tries to answer the question whether the city – space is only a backdrop of the story or it becomes its (role)player.
Long-term outdoor exposure of artificial copper patina based on brochantite
Authors: Bureš R. , Rak P. , Stoulil J.
Published: April 2021

A typical green layer of patina starts to cover copper in atmosphere condition, which is aesthetically acceptable and also provides protective properties. This work investigates stability of the artificial patina layer based on sulphates prepared from a gaseous phase during two-year exposure in atmosphere condition. XRD and SEM were employed to verify the composition and morphology of artificial patina. Colour and patina coverage were compared before and after exposure also. According to results after 1 and 2 years of exposure, it is possible to see changing of hydroxyl sulphates to more stable brochantite and filling pores in the patina layer. There is almost no colour change, however lower patina coverage is slightly evident due to precipitation and abrasive effect.
Phonetic-Form constraints in Arabic coordination
Authors: Jarrah Marwan , Alrashdan Imran , Al-Shawashreh Ekab , Zuraikat Malek J.
Published: April 2021

This paper explores the use of bound forms in coordination constructions and ʔijjāand ʔijjain Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Jordanian Arabic (JA), respectively. Using the Minimalist Program (Chomsky 1995, 2000, 2005) as a theoretical framework, the paper proposes that the use of bound forms in such constructions is ruled by a Phonetic-Form constraint that prohibits cliticization of a bound form onto another bound form, i.e. the combination of two bound forms does not result in a free form; hence it is blocked. The paper demonstrates that the use of ʔijjāand ʔijjain MSA and JA, respectively, is a direct consequence of this constraint, so that ʔijjā/ʔijjais a Phonetic-Form object used to serve as a lexical host of bound forms (cf. Fassi Fehri 1993). The use of ʔijjā/ʔijjais also shown to be prosodically ruled; it is prosodically dependent so that ʔijjā/ʔijjashould be a member of the prosodic unit which also includes the preceding word.
On the original formulation and on the resonance over time of Grassmann’s Law: remarks on a still open issue
Authors: Pozza Marianna
Published: April 2021

The present article aims to reconsider in detail the original formulation of Grassmann’s law (GL), proposed by Grassmann (1863), since the main handbooks of Indo-European linguistics often repeat an extremely concise and sometimes incomplete formulation of the phenomenon without going into the details of Grassmann’s original reasoning, from which the definition of the phonetic “law” took its shape. In fact, we intend to highlight, on the one hand, the route whereby the scholar arrived at the decisive formulation of the principle which took its name from him, on the other the research ideas already present in the article of 1863 and only partially taken into account by subsequent studies. In addition to offering an overview, as complete as possible, of the resonance and influence of GL among linguists (both within a general and a historical linguistic perspective), over the years, the intent is to show the fruitfulness of ideas that still today could be used for new studies on the topic and to offer a possible, new interpretation of this phonetic change.
Áhir budhníyaḥ and bhūmidundubhiḥ: The serpent of the deep and the earth-drum. A hypothesis of etymological and/or cultural connections
Authors: Rossi Paola Maria
Published: April 2021

This article highlights how the process of semantic extension applied to the OIA onomatopoeic noundundubhí, usually meant as “drum”, is the token of significant cultural changes: especially within ritual performances, such as themahāvratarite, gradually canonised in the Brahmanical ritualism, it turns out to be a device to promote a new model of sovereignty, related to the establishment of the so-called Kuru-Pañcāla realm.

Such a cultural transformation, carried out in the Middle and Late Vedic period in northern India, entailed that ancient Indo-European tribal cultural traits were intermingled with cultural substrate/adstrate elements: the termdundubhíis “etymologically” connected to the Proto-Muṇ ḍa *ḍub-/*dum-“to be swollen, roundish”, the PAA*duby-/*dub-“tail, buttock, animal limbs”, and Middle Iranian isoglosses meaning “tail, extremities, fat-tailed animals”. Moreover, asbhūmidundubhi“earth-drum” beaten on the border of the ritual area in themahāvratarite, representing earthly sonority and the “mighty bellowing” of cattle, it is associated with the IIr myth ofvalá/vará, the “enclosure”, in which the treasure/cattle “endowed with rock as foundation” (ádri-budhna, ṚV 10.108.7ab), is hidden. The related lexicon and imagery recall mythical archetypes, such as the Serpent of the Bottom (OIAáhir budhníyaḥ,GrPythô ophis) or primordial Monster of the Deep (GrTyphôn/Typhôeus), and BMAC interferences are also embedded. However, although linguistic evidence confirms the etymological relationship between the OIAbudh-náand the Greekpythmên, the case of the GreekTyphôn/Typhôeusseems more uncertain: the IE reconstruction *dhubh-/*dhub­“depths” is considered a secondary outcome, and cannot be convincingly applied to the termdundubhí, because of its onomatopoeic nature. Nonetheless, as an outcome of linguistic and cultural interferences, “Sanskritised” within the ritualism, which supported the paradigm of the Kuru-Pañcāla sovereignty, the termdundubhíconveys the double “redundant” value of deep/high sonority and swollen/roundish abundant prosperity, to which the figure of Bṛhaspati is correspondent: in ṚV 10.64.4 he is defined as thekaví tuvīrávān“poet endowed with powerful bellowing”, which announces prosperity, spreading it loftily, throughout the cosmos.