bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Starp pagātni un tagadni: Gunara Janovska prozas šķautnes
Authors: Daukste-Silasproģe Inguna
Published: March 2021

The Latvian writer Gunars Janovskis (1916–2000) lived a long life, becoming the most productive Latvian exile prose writer not only in Great Britain but the whole Latvian exile community. Everything he saw, experienced, observed, and noticed in some way, was echoed in his literary work. Janovskis’ voluminous work offers diverse interpretation and analysis opportunities for a researcher of literature.
The present article focuses on two of Janovskis’ prose texts – his novels “Sōla” (1963) and “Pilsēta pie upes” (‘A Town by the River’, 1992), belonging to different stages of the writer’s activity, as well as his life. For the literary characters depicted by Janovskis, it is vital to remember, avoid losing the past while they attempt to live in the present, though this may be rather hard at times. It has been commented regarding the works of Janovskis that in his books, people only are really living when they are remembering. The present article aims to view the aforementioned novels by Janovskis within the model of the relationship between the past and the present, mainly concentrating on the relationship of the main characters with the time.
The novel “Sōla” is the first novel by Janovskis ever published in a book. The main protagonist is Arturs Skuja, returning to some past impressions alongside the present from time to time. The landscape and elements of nature bring back his memories, inviting comparisons with the things once seen in Bolderāja or Daugavgrīva. There is a second and much heavier layer of the past in the protagonist’s dramatic and even tragic experiences during the war, which haunt him during sleepless nights or even return like a ghost. The main tense of the story within this novel is the present. But the novel “Pilsēta pie upes”, written much later, shows a shift of accent. The story starts in the present reality – at the old people’s home “Straumēni”. The urge of the author to tell the life story of Ansis Klētnieks is obvious, but in this story, one can unmistakably recognise the reflections of the author himself, through the location depicted (there are clear parallels between the course of life of Ansis from Krustpils and that of the author). The urge to tell, testify, not remain silent is much more pronounced in the story. The author has become less ambiguously involved in documenting a dramatic era, being its eyewitness.
The novels chosen for the present article mark the changes in the relationship of the Janovskis’ literary characters with the present and the past. While the narrative in the present basically dominates in the novel “Sōla”, the other novel, “Pilsēta pie upes”, shows the past events and narrative dominating over the present. In both works, the plot takes place in both Great Britain and Latvia, though with changing intensity.
It can be concluded that for Gunars, Janovskis writing was a kind of therapy aimed at overcoming the past while still securing the memories from being lost.
Oportūnists, ļefists, majakovskietis, šāds-tāds inteliģentiņš Linards Laicens PSRS: biogrāfiskais aspekts un „Limitrofija”
Authors: Ļaksa-Timinska Ilze
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on the part of Linards Laicen’s (1983–1937) biography marginalised in contemporary literary research – his life in the USSR. In literary studies, the main attention is paid to the writer’s early work; his move to the USSR is seen as a break in his writer’s creative growth, highlighting his obedience to the demands of socialist realism and schematism.
The article outlines the most important aspects of Laicens’s biography, trying to construct his potential worldview and find the causal links to his arrival in the USSR. In 1932, Laicens was forced to emigrate to Moscow, where he spent the last five years of his life. Even though the Soviet government had tightened control over the artistic processes, Laicens continued to write according to his aesthetics, risking not only being censored but also politically persecuted.
In 1935, Laicen’s last novel, “Limitrofija”, was published. It was written at a time when socialist realism was recognised as the only legitimate direction of art creation in the USSR. The article analyses the circumstances of the novel’s origin, poetics, features of modernism, sources of influence, publishing difficulties, and reception.
After analysis of the documents available in the archives, correspondence, notes, publications, as well as the text of the novel itself, it is concluded that Laicens’s location in the USSR is not unambiguous/voluntary, and the novel “Limitrofija” is also part of his modernist and experimental literary contribution. This shows the continuity of Laicens’s creative search, although the USSR is dominated by political censorship and constant control and threats.
On Refining the Input Data set to Mathematical Models Simulating Arterial blood flow in Humans
Authors: Alasakani Karthik , Tantravahi Radhika S.l. , Kumar Ptv Praveen
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we worked on methods to reduce the input data set to the mathematical models developed to simulate blood flow through human arteries. In general, any mathematical model designed to mimic a natural process needs specific information on its model parameters. In our models, the inputs to these parameters are from the human arterial system, i.e., the anatomical data on arteries and physiological data on blood. Besides these, there are few other parameters in the models describing mechanisms, such as the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and the arteries' elastic behavior. These mechanisms described using mathematical relations help assign values to the parameters that satisfy mathematical specifications or requirements. However, with this method of assigning values, there is a possibility that some of the data sets constructed simulate the same state of the system (arterial system) even though the values assigned significantly differ from each other in magnitude. Moreover, identifying such data sets is not an apparent task but requires robust procedures. Thus, in this work, we attempt to shed light on a data size reduction technique to identify all such model parameters' in-significant values and eliminate them from the input data set. We propose the statistical testing procedure to identify a significant difference in the dependent variables' values (whose values are computed using the mathematical models) with the independent variables (the model parameters). This novel approach could efficiently identify the inputs mimicking similar arterial system states and build a refined input data set.
On similarity solutions, curved particle motion and artificial gravitation: A case for hydrogen
Authors: Manale JM
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate that suitable initial conditions exist for a particle motion along a curved path, like a circle, without any external forces acting on it. This we achieve by diverting from the popular practice of describing motions of macroscopic bodies through Newtonian mechanics, and instead opt for quantum mechanics. This we do for the hydrogen atom. The validity of the idea is demonstrated by presenting a formula for G, the universal gravitational constant.
Approximation on Manifold
Authors: Dem’yanovich Yu.K.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this work is to obtain an effective evaluation of the speed of convergence for multidimensional approximations of the functions define on the differential manifold. Two approaches to approximation of functions, which are given on the manifold, are considered. The firs approach is the direct use of the approximation relations for the discussed manifold. The second approach is related to using the atlas of the manifold to utilise a well-designed approximation apparatus on the plane (finit element approximation, etc.). The firs approach is characterized by the independent construction and direct solution of the approximation relations. In this case the approximation relations are considered as a system of linear algebraic equations (with respect to the unknowns basic functions ωj (ζ)). This approach is called direct approximation construction. In the second approach, an approximation on a manifold is induced by the approximations in tangent spaces, for example, the Courant or the Zlamal or the Argyris fla approximations. Here we discuss the Courant fla approximations. In complex cases (in the multidimensional case or for increased requirements of smoothness) the second approach is more convenient. Both approaches require no processes cutting the manifold into a finit number of parts and then gluing the approximations obtained on each of the mentioned parts. This paper contains two examples of Courant type approximations. These approximations illustrate the both approaches mentioned above.
BODY PART NOUN GROUPS WITH SPATIAL MEANINGS IN LINGUISTIC WORLD PICTURE
Authors: Чаплыгина Т.Е.
Published: March 2021

В статье рассматриваются особенности выражения пространственных отношений именными локативными группами с названиями частей тела. Анализ показал, что выбор предлогов в или на при выражении пространственных отношений существительными, называющими части тела, в большой степени обусловлен особенностями восприятия мира носителями русского языка.

The article touches upon the subject of spatial relations expressed by means of body part names in Russian language. The research demonstrated, that the choice of prepositions v (in) or na (on) when expressing spatial relations with body part names is largely due to the peculiarities of the perception of the world by native speakers of the Russian language.
RIGHT UP TO ADVERBIAL PREPOSITIONS (TOWARDS POLYFUNCTIONAL UNITS)
Authors: Виноградова Е.Н.
Published: March 2021

В статье рассматриваются полифункциональные единицы предложного типа, образующие полевую структуру вокруг наречных предлогов как ядра подобных единиц. На основе анализа Большого толкового словаря и Словарей служебных слов и наречий Т. Ф. Ефремовой и В. В. Бурцевой было выделено три типа изучаемых единиц: «новые» наречные предлоги, предикативы и вводные словосочетания. На материале 129 выявленных «новых» наречных предлогов продемонстрирована специфика их представления в словарях, возможности семантического противопоставления вариантов, субъективизм и приоритет «наречного» значения при их лексикографической фиксации. Определяются и фиксируются главные тенденции развития данного фрагмента языка: основные продуктивные корни, рост вариативности, увеличение числа семантических расхождений и др. Два других класса обнаруженных полифункциональных единиц – управляющие предикативы и вводные словосочетания – охарактеризованы с позиций грамматики конструкций и распределены по «семействам», которые они формируют.

The article deals with preposition-like polyfunctional units forming a field structure around adverbial prepositions as the core of the category. The analysis is based on the data of 3 dictionaries – the Great Defining dictionary and the Dictionaries of Auxiliary words and Adverbs. Three classes of the unit in question have been revealed, they are as follows: «new» adverbial prepositions, predicatives and parenthetical collocation. There have been selected 129 «new» adverbial prepositions. The author has shown the peculiarities of their dictionary representation, a possibility of semantic oppositions, subjective lexicographic fixation with preferred adverbial variant. The paper depicts the main the main trends of development of this language fragment: main productive roots, the boost of variability, the growth of semantic oppositions etc. The rest classes of espied polyfunctional units – the predicatives with actant structure and the parenthetical collocations – are characterized within the Construction Grammar principles and are divided into families.
COMMUNICATIVE INTENTION AS A FACTOR OF WORD ORDER IN THE UTTERANCE
Authors: Дементьева О.Ю. , Мао Ю.
Published: March 2021

В статье обсуждаются вопросы о порядке слов в русском языке: что подразумевается под порядком слов, в чем его особенности, какие факторы на него влияют. Рассматривается понятие коммуникативной установки говорящего, а также взаимодействие коммуникативной, семантической и синтаксической структур предложения-высказывания.

The article deals with the word order in the Russian language: what is meant by the word order, what are its features. what factors determine the word order. The concept of the communicative intention is considered, as well as the interaction of the communicative, semantic and syntactic structures of the utterance.
DEEP METAPHORS IN THE WORKS BY VICTORIA TOKAREVA: COMPREHENSION PROBLEMS FOR RUSSIAN LANGUAGE LEARNERS (BASED ON THE SHORT STORY A RUBLE SIXTY IS NOT MONEY)
Authors: Чжоу Д. , Красных В.В.
Published: March 2021

В статье рассматриваются глубинные метафоры в рассказе В. Токаревой «Рубль шестьдесят – не деньги», восходящие к архетипическим представлениям, лежащим в основе окультуривания мира человеком. Представляются основные взгляды исследователей на природу метафоры. Особо оговаривается, что метафоричность является важнейшим инструментом осмысления и оязыковления мира. На основе взглядов ведущих исследователей в области изучения метафоры и гипотезы о существовании базовых метафор подчеркивается принадлежность глубинных метафор архаи-ческим слоям сознания и их связь с языком. В фокусе внимания в данном случае находится глубинная метафора пустоты. Высказывается предположение, что пустота предстает как воплощение базовой метафоры отсутствия/«небытия», которая является воплощением одного из полюсов важнейшей оппозиции есть/нет.

The paper considers some deep metaphors represented in V. Tokareva’s short story A Ruble Sixty is Not Money and going back to the archetypal ideas that underlie the domestication of world by human. The article presents the main views of researchers on the nature of metaphor. The authors especially stipulate that metaphor is the most important tool for comprehending and linguizing the world. Based on the views of leading researchers in the field of metaphors studies and on the hypothesis of the existence of basic metaphors, the authors emphasize that «deep» metaphors belong to the archaic layers of consciousness and their correlation with language. The paper focuses on the deep metaphor of emptiness. The authors suggest that emptiness is the embodiment of the basic metaphor of absence/«non-existence». The latter is the embodiment of one of the poles of the most important is (there is) / no (there is not) opposition.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN DAN HARGA TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN AIR MINUM ISI ULANG “BIRU” DI JL. JEMBATAN 5 PONDOK TIMUR – KOTA BEKASI
Authors: Marpaung Netti Natarida
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan, dan Harga terhadap Keputusan Pembelian air minum pada Air Minum Isi Ulang “BIRU” di Jalan Jembatan 5 Pondok Timur - Kota Bekasi.

Adapun metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif. Instrumen pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Variabel yang digunakan adalah variabel terikat yaitu variabel Keputusan Pembelian (Y) dan variabel bebas yaitu Kualitas Pelayanan (X1), dan Harga (X2).

Alat analisis dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan rumus metode deskriptif kuantitatif melalui uji asumsi klasik. Tahap selanjutnya data dianalisis dengan alat perhitungan matematis melalui Analisis Regresi Berganda dan uji hipotesis t dan F.

Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, terdapat hubungan positif antara Kualitas Pelayanan (X1) dan Harga (X2) terhadap Keputusan Pembelian (Y) air minum di Air Minum Isi Ulang “BIRU”. Dibuktikan pada uji t dimana   t hitung lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu 0,01 < 0,05), maka Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Dengan demikian maka hipotesis yang menyatakan bahwa “Kualitas Pelayanan (X1) dan Harga (X2) berpengaruh positif terhadap Keputusan Pembelian (Y)” dapat diterima.

Terdapat pengaruh positif antara Kualitas pelayanan (X1) dan Harga (X2) terhadap Keputusan Pembelian (Y). Dibuktikan dari nilai uji t tersebut.
PENGARUH GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA PT. DIGITAL MEDIA ASIA JAKARTA SELATAN
Authors: Ariyanto Gamar
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh gaya kepemimpinan terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT. Digital Media Asia Jakarta Selatan, Penelitian ini dilakukan terhadap 35 orang karyawan PT. Digital Media Asia Jakarta Selatan  yang menjadi responden, Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode deskriptif dengan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi dan pembagian questioner pada karyawan PT. Digital Media Asia Jakarta selatan.

Kinerja karyawan merupakan faktor penting dalam perusahaan, karena dapat menentukan berkembang tidaknya suatu perusahaan. Kepemimpinan adalah cara seorang pemimpin dalam mempengaruhi perilaku bawahannya,agar mau bekerjasama dan produktif demi tercapainya suatu tujuan dari suatu organisasi maupun suatu lembaga. konsep kepemimpinan lebih merupakan suatu motivasi yang dapat memicu inspirasi kepada bawahannya.jika ingin meningkatkan kinerja pegawai perlu memahami beberapa faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi motivasi kerja pegawai. Instrumen penelitian diuji dengan uji validitas dan reliabilitas, analisis data menggunakan regresi linear sederhana, pengujian hipotesis menggunakan koefisien determinasi dan uji parsial, data diolah dengan SPSS versi 25. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa gaya kepemimpinan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan PT. Digital Media Asia Jakarta Selatan.
ANALISIS HUMAN ERROR PADA OPERATOR ENGINE ROOM PT. ADEI PLANTATION & INDUSTRY DENGAN METODE HUMAN ERROR ASSESMENT AND REDUCTION TECHNIQUE (HEART)
Authors: Widiyawati Monica
Published: March 2021

PT. Adei Plantation & Industry is a plantation company that operates on plantation and palm oil industries. CPO production of palm oil is needed for consumption, which is run by power stations and for distribution (engine room) involving operators. Since january to june 2020, there is a sudden shutdown in the work of research for the analysis of human errors in the engine room using HEART method. The HEART method is used to evaluate the possibility of human error in all the work and to count the erros in various mays. Data management shows that there are 4 task operators that are common to the plant turbine engines and 6 task forces on the genertor. The highest HEP rating on the turbin engine was 0,6528 with the greatest error potential for task 3, the turbine engine operation. For the highest HEP value on the generator engine is 3,1759 with an error potential in task 5.
ATTRACTION AREA DIVISION AND FREIGHT FLOW ORGANIZATION OPTIMIZATION OF INLAND RAILWAY CONTAINER TERMINAL
Authors: Yin Chuanzhong , Lu Yu , Wang Ziru , Yan Yang , Xu Xinpei
Published: March 2021

The attraction area division is the foundation of distribution and organization of freight flow among railway stations. The development of railway container terminal, large railway freight distribution center, is closely related to logistics planning and economy development of local city. In this study, we divide freight flow attraction area of inland railway container terminal by using gravity model, break-point model and weighted-Voronoi-diagram with SPSS and ArcGIS. And then under the target of minimal cost and time window limitations, we develop 0–1 integer programming model for freight flow organization optimization between inland terminal and its attraction area. Finally, this paper takes railway container terminal in Harbin as an example to test model feasibility under different speeds from different transportation modes. The results show that it is necessary to divide attraction area when choosing reasonable transportation mode from feeder nodes to railway container terminal. The improvement of feeder transportation speed is an effective method to improve freight volume, increase railway revenue and realize sustainable development of China Railway (CR) Express.
Digging into the Interior of Hot Cores with ALMA (DIHCA). I. Dissecting the High-mass Star-forming Core G335.579-0.292 MM1
Authors: Olguin Fernando A. , Sanhueza Patricio , Guzmán Andrés E. , Lu Xing , Saigo Kazuya , Zhang Qizhou , Silva Andrea , Chen Huei-Ru Vivien , Li Shanghuo , Ohashi Satoshi , Nakamura Fumitaka , Sakai Takeshi , Wu Benjamin
Published: March 2021

We observed the high-mass star-forming region G335.579–0.292 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at 226 GHz with an angular resolution of 0.″3 (∼1000 au resolution at the source distance). G335.579–0.292 hosts one of the most massive cores in the Galaxy (G335–MM1). The continuum emission shows that G335–MM1 fragments into at least five sources, while molecular line emission is detected in two of the continuum sources (ALMA1 and ALMA3). We found evidence of large- and small-scale infall in ALMA1 revealed by an inverse P-Cygni profile and the presence of a blueshifted spot at the center of the first moment map of the CH3CN emission. In addition, hot gas expansion in the innermost region is unveiled by a redshifted spot in the first moment map of HDCO and (CH3)2CO (both with E

u
> 1100 K). Our modeling reveals that this expansion motion originates close to the central source, likely due to reversal of the accretion flow induced by the expansion of the H ii region, while infall and rotation motions originate in the outer regions. ALMA3 shows clear signs of rotation, with a rotation axis inclination with respect to the line of sight close to 90°, and a system mass (disk + star) in the range of 10–30 M
☉.
On the Nature of Propagating Intensity Disturbances in Polar Plumes during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Authors: Cho Kyung-Suk , Cho Il-Hyun , Madjarska Maria S. , Nakariakov Valery M. , Yang Heesu , Choi Seonghwan , Lim Eun-Kyung , Lee Kyung-Sun , Seough Jung-Jun , Lee Jaeok , Kim Yeon-Han
Published: March 2021

The propagating intensity disturbances (PIDs) in plumes are still poorly understood, and their identity (magnetoacoustic waves or flows) remains an open question. We investigate PIDs in five plumes located in the northern polar coronal hole observed during the 2017 total solar eclipse. Three plumes are associated with coronal bright points, jets, and macrospicules at their base (active plumes), and the other two plumes are not (quiet plumes). The electron temperature at the base of the plumes is obtained from the filter ratio of images taken with the X-ray Telescope on board Hinode and the passband ratio around 400 nm from an eclipse instrument, the Diagnostic Coronagraph Experiment. The phase speed (v

r
), frequency (ω), and wavenumber (k) of the PIDs in the plumes are obtained by applying a Fourier transformation to the spacetime (r − t plane) plots in images taken with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) in three different wavelength channels (171, 193, and 211 Å). We found that the PIDs in the higher-temperature AIA channels, 193 and 211 Å, are faster than that of the cooler AIA 171 Å channel. This tendency is more significant for the active plumes than the quiet ones. The observed speed ratio (∼1.3) between the AIA 171 and 193 Å channels is similar to the theoretical value (1.25) of a slow magnetoacoustic wave. Our results support the idea that PIDs in plumes represent a superposition of slow magnetoacoustic waves and plasma outflows that consist of dense cool flows and hot coronal jets.
Forest Long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from the park of the Forest Research Institute with new records for Bulgaria and notes on habitat affinity
Authors: Kechev Mihail , Glogov Plamen
Published: March 2021

The paper gives information for 17 dolichopodid species collected from the park of the Forest Research Institute, Sofia. Two species (Lamprochromus kowarzi and Syntormon pseudospicatum) are recorded as new for the fauna of Bulgaria. Habitat preferences of the identified species are discussed. Two species dominate the study area: Hercostomus nanus dominates from early June to mid-July and then Sybistroma obscurellus dominates from mid-July to the second half of October.
Complexity of signed total $k$-Roman domination problem in graphs
Authors: Kosari Saeed , Rao Yongsheng , Shao Zehui , Amjadi Jafar , Khoeilar Rana
Published: March 2021

Let $G$ be a simple graph with finite vertex set $V(G)$ and $S = \{-1, 1, 2\}$. A signed total Roman $k$-dominating function (STRkDF) on a graph $G$ is a function $f:V(G)\to S$ such that (i) any vertex $y$ with $f(y) = -1$ is adjacent to at least one vertex $t$ with $f(t) = 2, $ (ii) $\sum_{t\in N(y)}f(t)\geq k$ holds for any vertex $y$. The $weight$ of an STRkDF $f$, denoted by $\omega(f)$, is $\sum_{y\in V(G)}f(y)$, and the minimum weight of an STRkDF is the signed total Roman k-domination number, $\gamma_{stR}^k(G), $ of $G$. In this article, we prove that the decision problem for the signed total Roman $k$-domination is NP-complete on bipartite and chordal graphs for $k\in\{1, 2\}$.
On the characterization of Pythagorean fuzzy subgroups
Authors: Bhunia Supriya , Ghorai Ganesh , Xin Qin
Published: March 2021

Pythagorean fuzzy environment is the modern tool for handling uncertainty in many decisions making problems. In this paper, we represent the notion of Pythagorean fuzzy subgroup (PFSG) as a generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy subgroup. We investigate various properties of our proposed fuzzy subgroup. Also, we introduce Pythagorean fuzzy coset and Pythagorean fuzzy normal subgroup (PFNSG) with their properties. Further, we define the notion of Pythagorean fuzzy level subgroup and establish related properties of it. Finally, we discuss the effect of group homomorphism on Pythagorean fuzzy subgroup.
MOOC As an Enabler for Achieving Professional Competence: Problem-Solving Aspect
Authors: Berestova Anna , Kondratenko Larisa , Lobuteva Liudmila , Lobuteva Alisa , Berechikidze Iza
Published: March 2021

The prerequisites for this research included the rapid development and constant modernization of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and their dissemination in higher education, in particular, in the preparation of medical practitioners of various specialties. The present investigation was conducted among two groups of students of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (experimental and control, 48 and 46 people respectively). For the control group, a standard MOOC with a training design characteristic of the vast majority of similar courses was proposed. The experimental group took the MOOC with additional learning strategies. Results showed the introduction of collaborative learning and decision-making assignments in e-education could overcome the challenges of MOOCs or at least significantly reduce their negative impact on the learning process. The share of experimental group participants who completed the training course and passed all the tests was 78.26%, while in the control group, their part was only 39.58%. The study findings can be widely applied when designing new MOOC curricula or improving the existing courses.
An Intelligent Computer System for Assessing Student Performance
Authors: Wu Wei , Berestova Anna , Lobuteva Alisa , Stroiteleva Natalia
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study is to identify and compare the influence of formative and summative assessment approaches based on an intelligent computer system that provides automatic feedback; the assessment is carried out in paper format, but obtaining feedback requires an appointment with a teacher. The study was conducted among 50 students in I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Russia) and Wuxi Institute of Technology (China). The assessment was carried out based on online tools and an intelligent learning system (ASP.NET web applications and MCQ tests). It was found that the average score of the formative test of students who passed an assessment test in the electronic format is higher than the score of those who passed the test in the classroom [t (165 = 5.334, p <0.05]. Pearson's correlation coefficient in the experimental (r2 = +0.329; p = 0.009) and control (r2 = +0.176; p = 0.076) groups confirmed a sig-nificant positive correlation. The solution can be integrated into the educational process as an additional student tool that will reduce the burden of teacher work-load and increase the assessment objectivity along with the overall performance of students.
E-Learning for SMEs
Authors: Tyurina Yuliya , Troyanskaya Marija , Babaskina Liudmila , Choriyev Ruzimurat , Pronkin Nikolay
Published: March 2021

This study was aimed to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the e-learning system and distinguish the concepts of e-learning and distance education. The study population included 40 managers from five contact centers, 20 of which comprised a control group that did not undergo specialized training. The companies under consideration were representatives of the Russian domestic market and did not operate abroad. As a result of the experiment, the average number of sales of managers who underwent training increased by 20% in relation to the previous period. In the control group, the number of sales remained the same. In this regard, the introduction of gamification in particular, and e-learning as a whole, can be deemed a useful strategy to improve organizational activity not only in big companies but also in SMEs. Moreover, taking into account the lower cost of online education compared to traditional learning courses, web-based training remains an excellent alternative for SMEs since expenses on its implementation will be fully paid off by the received profit.
Evaluation of College English Teaching Quality Based on Grey Clustering Analysis
Authors: Liu Haiyuan , Chen Rui , Cao Shuting , Lv Haiping
Published: March 2021

Currently, there are two main problems with the evaluation of college English teaching quality: the lack of a complete evaluation system, and the limited quantification of evaluation indices. To solve the problems, this paper sums up the evaluation contents of college English teaching quality, and identifies the factors affecting the teaching quality of college English. On this basis, an improved evaluation system was established for the assessment of college English teaching quality, which is theoretically innovative. Next, grey clustering analysis and entropy weight method were combined into a robust evaluation model for college English teaching quality. This research provides a new and applicable solution to quantification of college English teaching quality.
Frequency of polypharmacy and drug interactions in inpatients in the emergency department, Southwest of Iran
Authors: Tahmasebivand Mobina , Barzegari Hassan , Izadpanah Mandana
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the polypharmacy extent and the frequency and severity of drug interactions by evaluating inpatients in the emergency department. In this epidemiologicaldescriptive study, data were collected retrospectively by reviewing medical records of 92 hospitalized patients in the emergency department with a stay over 48 hours. Out of the study population, 54.3% and 45.7% were respectively male and female, with a mean age of 59.09. In terms of hospitalization, 27.2% and 16.3% were hospitalized due to heart problems and trauma, respectively and the mean length of hospitalization was 3.91 with a standard deviation of 2.57 days. The mean drug received was 8.48, with a standard deviation of 4.48. Of the patients, 81.5% received more than 5 drugs; in addition, the observed amounts of drug interactions of A, B, C, D, and X were 2.5%, 17%, 59.3%, 19.5%, and 1.9%, respectively. The drug interaction prevalence in inpatients in the emergency department was high. The presence of a pharmacist is necessary to identify drug interactions and reduce drug-therapy problems to provide quality services.
An acquired acute methemoglobinemia from dietary sources: Case reports and literature review
Authors: Mauro Angela , Parente Iolanda , Gagliardo Thailjlia , Bonadies Anna , Mancusi Raffaele , Tipo Vincenzo , Ponticiello Eduardo
Published: March 2021

Methemoglobinemia is an alteration of the oxidative state of hemoglobin. When methemoglobin values rise above 10%, the symptoms and signs related to this condition appear, such as cyanosis, respiratory problems, fatigue and headache. Acquired methemoglobinemia is characterized by the sudden onset of cyanosis in a previous healthy child, which can be due to exposure to medications or chemical substances including nitrates, copper, sulfates, chlorites, chloramines and chlorates which can be present in food and water. We illustrate two cases of acquired methemoglobinemia related to nitrate ingestion from a vegetable source.
COVID-19 pneumonia: a tailor-made dress for a Down syndrome patient
Authors: Uggeri Simona , Gilioli Fabio , Cosenza Rossella , Nasi Francesca , Moreali Stefano , Guicciardi Novella
Published: March 2021

We report here a case of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia in a 40-year-old Caucasian woman with Down syndrome admitted to the Internal Medicine Unit. She was initially treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. When respiratory conditions dramatically worsened, she was not admitted to the intensive care unit because of impaired cognitive function. Thus helmet-based continuous positive airway pressure was started. The respiratory conditions progressively improved, reaching spontaneous breathing.
Innovative process and technology for the production of wood mulch
Authors: Fiorineschi Lorenzo , Rotini Federico , Rossi Giuseppe , Conti Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Plant nurseries usually control weed growth with N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine treatment. Some studies have suggested potential impacts of this treatment on both the environment and users. A possible ecological alternative is the use of ground wood particles for mulching. However, the production of the required wood particles for use in potted plants is challenging. In this article, the classical chipping and sieving process is compared with a new proposed process involving chipping and refining phases. The two processes were applied to wood logs (spruce) from the forests of the Tosco-Emiliano Apennine. The tests were performed over a week using the machinery available at the Mo.To.R.E. (Montagna Toscana Ricerca Energie) consortium. Although the results achieved were based on preliminary evaluations, they indicated the potential superiority of the new process in terms of both economic and ecological efficiency. These findings can pave the way to the development of optimized processes aimed at a significant reduction in the use of chemical herbicides for weed control.
Sevoflurane versus halothane for induction of anesthesia in pediatric and adult patients
Authors: Kangralkar Gouri , Jamale Parbati Baburao
Published: March 2021

Induction of anesthesia using an inhalation agent remains a fundamental technique due to its rapid induction and emergence. Sevoflurane is preferred over halothane for its faster induction of anesthesia and lesser complications. Studies on sevoflurane in pediatrics have established it as safe and effective. However, its effectiveness in adults is very limited. Hence, this study was conducted to compare the induction and intubating conditions, hemodynamic profiles, and emergence from anesthesia with sevoflurane and halothane in adults and pediatric patients. This randomized clinical study was carried out for a period of 2 years (November 2006–September 2008) in the Anesthesiology Department of a Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be) University. Eighty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I and II were randomly assigned to halothane group and sevoflurane group with 40 patients in each group. Patients were induced and intubated with increasing concentrations of halothane from 0.5% to 5% and sevoflurane 1% to 7% in 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen mixture. Recordings of vitals including induction and intubation time, recovery characteristics, and recovery and discharge time was also recorded. There was a statistically significant difference between sevoflurane and halothane in the induction and intubation time indicating that sevoflurane had faster induction and shorter intubation time compared to that of halothane. Patients in halothane group had more incidence of coughing, intolerance, salivation, breathe holding, rigidity, and movement as compared to sevoflurane group. The mean time to consciousness, response to verbal commands, orientation, and recovery room discharge time was significantly shorter in sevoflurane group as compared to halothane group. Sevoflurane can be a suitable alternative to halothane for induction of anesthesia in patients with a shorter induction and intubation time with better hemodynamic stability. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (KIMSDU/IEC-307/028/14/11/2006).
Electrolytic hydrogen-generating bottle supplies drinking water with free/combined chlorine and ozone repressed within safety standard under hydrogen-rich conditions
Authors: Hatae Toshihisa , Miwa Nobuhiko
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen molecules have attracted attention as a new antioxidant, but are left to be confirmedly verified whether the oral administration is highly safe or not, concurrently with retention of abundant hydrogen. When electrolysis was performed for 10 minutes using a direct-current electrolytic hydrogen-water generating bottle with tap water, “residual free chlorine” concurrently upon the production of molecular hydrogen (444 μg/L) could be appreciably decreased from 0.18 mg/L to 0.12 mg/L as quantified by a N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine-dye colorimetric method. Moreover, the total chlorine concentration (residual bound chlorine plus free chlorine) was estimated to be decreased from 0.17 mg/L to 0.11 mg/L. Although a merit of electrolytic hydrogen-generating bottles exists in electrolysis for periods as short as 10 minutes, the 30-minute electrolysis brought about the more abundant hydrogen (479 μg/L) together with an oxidation-reduction potential of –245 mV; even upon this long-term electrolysis, the gross amounts of chlorine, hypochlorous acid and chloramine were shown not to be increased (0.09–0.10 mg/L from 0.11 mg/L for tap water) as detected by orthotolidine colorimetry. Above-mentioned levels of diverse-type chlorines might fulfill the World Health Organization guideline for drinking water below 5 mg/L. In addition, the dissolved ozone upon electrolytic generation of hydrogen-water was below the detection limit (< 0.05 mg/L) or undetectable, which fulfilled the official safety standards in Japan and the USA for drinking water below 0.1 mg/L, as evaluated by three methods such as an electrode-type ozone checker, indigo dyeutilizing ozone detector capillaries and potassium iodide-based colorimetry. Importantly, even when half the amount of tap water was poured into the tank of the apparatus and electrolyzed, both the residual chlorine and ozone concentrations measured were also below the safety standard. Thus, major potently harmful substances, such as residual free/bound chlorine, or hypochlorous-acid/chloramine, respectively, and dissolved ozone, as the drinking hydrogen-water was direct-current-electrolytically generated, were estimated to be repressed within safety concentration ranges with achievements of abundant hydrogen generation.
The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wu Xin , Liang Tian-Yu , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: March 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic recurrent diseases in the digestive tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Over the past few decades, the treatment of IBD has made great progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was defined as the therapeutic effect of inhaling 100% oxygen higher than one atmosphere and reported to be used in stroke, decompression sickness and wound healing. Since several authors reported the role of HBOT as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment in patients with refractory IBD, the relevant research has shown an increasing trend in recent years. Clinical and experimental studies have revealed that HBOT may exert its therapeutic effect by inhibiting inflammation and strengthening the antioxidant system, promoting the differentiation of colonic stem cells and recruiting cells involved in repair. The purpose of this review is to summarize the past clinical and experimental studies and to understand the impact of HBOT in the treatment of IBD more deeply. In addition, we also hope to provide some ideas for future clinical and research work.
A review on the neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors: Ahmadi Fahimeh , Khalatbary Ali Reza
Published: March 2021

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, intermittent breathing of 100% oxygen at a pressure upper than sea level, has been shown to be some of the neuroprotective effects and used therapeutically in a wide range of neurological disorders. This review summarizes current knowledge about the neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with their molecular mechanisms in different models of neurological disorders.
Prostate cancer
Authors: Grageda Mayen T , Choy Bonnie , Paner Gladell P , So Jeffrey S
Published: March 2021

Lower incidence and mortality rates from prostate cancer (PCa) have been shown in Asian men in general compared to Westerners. This is the first study detailing the clinicopathologic features of resected prostate cancer in Filipino men living in the Philippines (PH). This study investigated the supposed “lower risk” Filipino and “higher risk” American PCa patients from the PH and the United States of America (USA), respectively. We examined 348 (176 from PH, 172 from USA) radical prostatectomy cases. The clinicopathologic features of both groups (age at time of diagnosis, preoperative prostate-specific antigen [pre-op PSA] level, Gleason score [GS], Grade groups [GG], margin involvement, extraprostatic extension [EPE], seminal vesicle invasion [SVI], and regional lymph node [RLN] metastasis) were compared. Six of seven prognosticators examined were more strongly associated with Filipinos than with Americans. Filipinos were older at diagnosis (PH: 64.32 ± 6.56 years vs USA: 58.98 ± 8.08 years) and had higher pre-op PSA levels (PH: 21.39 ± 46.40 ng ml−1
vs USA: 7.63 ± 9.19 ng ml−1). Filipino men had more advanced grade, GG 2 with minor pattern 5 (PH: 6.2% vs USA: 2.9%) and GG 5 (PH: 14.8% vs USA: 3.5%). Likewise, other adverse pathological features in margin positivity (PH: 52.3% vs USA: 23.8%), focal EPE (PH: 14.2% vs USA: 2.3%), and SVI (PH: 17.1% vs USA: 5.8%) were more commonly observed in Filipinos. This study reveals the prognostic disadvantage of Filipinos versus Americans and highlights an important difference of Filipinos from other studied Asian ethnicities that have repeatedly been shown to have lower-risk PCa. This study, the first on Filipino PCa patients with RP, suggests the need to modify Western-based risk stratification when employed in other countries like the PH.
Study of the Prevalence of Echocardiographic Abnormalities and their Relation to Disease Progression in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Garg Praveen , Mathur Piyush , Kansal Nitin , Sharma Praveen , Shrivastava Milind
Published: March 2021

Context:

Study of the prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities and there relation to disease progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Aims:

Study correlation of echocardiographic changes and CKD progression.

Settings and Design:

A prospective, cross-sectional, observational, analytical study, where we performed complete echocardiographic evaluation of patients with CKD stage II–V. We compared various echocardiographic parameters to predict the progression of CKD.

Subjects and Methods:

Ninety CKD patients stage II–V presenting to our hospital from November 2016 to December 2017 were included in the study. A complete echocardiographic evaluation was done. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), systolic and diastolic dysfunction using Doppler indices at mitral inflow, left atrial volume, speckle tracking, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were studied.

Results:

Patients were age and sex matched in all the groups with a male preponderance. Forty-one patients (45.56%) were diabetic and 74 (82.22%) were hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension increased from 66.67% to 89.29% as CKD stage progressed from stage II to stage V. There were significant echocardiographic abnormalities seen in CKD patients. The severity increased with worsening of the stages of CKD. LVH and early diastolic mitral inflow to annular velocity ratio progression was statistically significant when stage V was compared to stage II. Left atrial volume, mitral early diastolic to late diastolic velocity ratio, maximum tricuspid regurgitation (TRmax) velocity, and diastolic dysfunction prevalence were significantly raised in stage IV and stage V compared to stage II. Only GLS showed statistical significance between stage II to stage III, stage IV and stage V and thus predicting progression of CKD.

Conclusions:

LVH, dilated left atrium, abnormal GLS, TRmax, diastolic dysfunction, and related tissue Doppler imaging parameters correlate with worsening renal function. GLS was the only parameter showing significant difference between stage II and stage III. This can be used as a novel modality for detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in CKD.
Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm Following Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Mukherjee Sudeb , Datta Soumyakanti , Ghosh Saumyajit , Mandal Sankar Chandra
Published: March 2021

Coronary artery aneurysm following percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is rare in interventional cardiology. Several factors may contribute to the development of such complication following PTCA that include stent size, improper apposition, nature of vascular disease, and operative technique. Here, we report a case of giant right coronary artery in-stent restenosis and aneurysm following PTCA stenting within 1-month duration. The operative technique, underlying diseased segment of coronary artery, and associated comorbidities are contributing factors for such complications. Bedside echocardiography may detect aneurysm and expedite the process of treatment.
Diesel Injection Pump Testing - Part 1: Calibrating Nozzle and Holder Assemblies
Authors:   Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Standards Committee
Published: March 2021

This part of SAE J968 specifies two types of calibrating nozzle and holder assemblies intended for the testing and setting of diesel injection pumps on test benches.

It applies to:

a

A calibrating nozzle and holder assembly with a single hole orifice plate;

b

A calibrating nozzle and holder assembly with a delay pintle type nozzle.

The approximate range of the calibrating nozzle and holder assembly is up to:

a

300 mm3/stroke with the single hole orifice plate;

b

150 mm3/stroke with the delay pintle type nozzle.

Setting and maintenance requirements are specified in ISO 4008/3.
Diesel Injection Pump Testing—Part 2: Orifice Plate Flow Measurement
Authors:   Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Standards Committee
Published: March 2021

This part of SAE J968 specifies the flow measuring system, including the fixture, to be used for flow testing the single hole orifice plates used in an orifice plate type nozzle and holder assembly (described in SAE J968/1) which is intended for testing and setting diesel fuel injection pumps on test benches.

The flow measuring system and fixture ensure accurate flow testing of the entire range of orifices from 0.4 to 0.8 mm diameter as specified in SAE J968/1. It is intended primarily for use by the manufacturers of single hole orifice plates.