bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Perioperative Comparative Evolution of Surgical Stress Markers in Colorectal Cancer Patients Between Classical and Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Bimbó-Szuhai Erika , Maghiar Adrian Marius , Botea Mihai , Huniadi Anca , Șandor Mircea , Beiuşan Corina , Macovei Iulia Codruţa , Pusta Claudia Teodora Judea
Published: April 2021

Multiple biological parameters were proposed to evaluate the surgical stress response in the early postoperative period. Granulocyte/lymphocyte (G/L) ratio may be a useful marker and widely available. Measuring some of known surgical stress related markers together with G/L ratio we tried to confirm the superiority of laparoscopic approach and efficiency of the G/L ratio monitoring in this period. Materials and methods: 52 colorectal cancer patients who underwent elective surgery in a private clinical hospital were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (day 1 and day 5) for the: TNF-α, cortisol, C reactive protein (CRP) and G/L ratio. Results: Only CRP levels were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group in day 1 (74.07 vs 50.32, p=0.0461) and day 5 (18.37 vs 7.32, p=0.0001). The G/L ratio showed strong correlation with CRP levels in all measurements. Conclusions: Measurement of postoperative CRP levels confirmed the reduced surgical stress of laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer in our clinic.
Complementary and Innovative Method in Genital HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer Prevention
Authors: Gînfălean Georgeta
Published: April 2021

Considering actual SARS-COV 2 pandemic, the comfort and time of the female patient’ trend is to minimize the time spent in the doctor’s office, so that auto-testing is a solving problem in this context. This paper aims at the importance of self-collected urine and vaginal samples, since actual studies are showing that is a complementary method in HPV-testing and a screening method for prevention of cervical cancer. Genital HPV infection is responsible for approximately 99% of cervical cancers, and is considered a sexually transmitted disease. Given that eight out of ten patients have at least one episode of HPV infection in their lifetime, there is a need for a method of early detection of genital HPV infection. Cervical cancer is the second type of diagnosed cancer in the rank of genital cancers and the third leading cause of cancer death among the female population. In Romania, the frequency of cervical cancer and mortality caused by this type of cancer remains high. In 2018 Globocan, it was mentioned that the occurrence of cervical cancer in Romania was 8.6%, and the mortality was 19.5/10,000 women. Worldwide, the following have been implemented: primary prevention programmes (via immunization) and secondary prevention programmes – traditional cytological testing, to which co-tests have been added. In the co-testing sector, there has been found with an updated visa – the self-harvesting test, being considered a complementary and innovative method in genital HPV testing, which aims to: identify the presence of highly oncogenic HPV strains with a marked sensitivity. Self-harvesting testing aims to: signal the presence of highly oncogenic strains, extrapolation can lead to early identification of the number of cases of precancerous lesions of the cervix and implicitly of cervical cancer.
The Specialization Institute in Dentistry from Bucharest: 1928-1948
Authors: Burlibaşa Mihai , Perieanu Mădălina Violeta , Burcea Claudia-Camelia , Costea Radu , Perieanu Viorel Ștefan , Ionescu Camelia , Babiuc Iuliana , Neagoe Ioana-Cristina , Costea Raluca , Mihai Augustin , Dina Magdalena Natalia , Maliţa Mădălina Adriana , Tănase Gabriela , Marcov Elena-Cristina , Chirilă Mihaela
Published: April 2021

The Specialization Institute in Dentistry (Dental Clinic), both the one that operated in Colțea Hospital and especially the one that operated in Colentina Hospital, both in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, were the first such higher education units in dentistry from Romania, they are in fact the vanguard of the future faculties of dentistry established in our country according to the Soviet model, in 1948. Thus, in this material we tried to highlight some of the most important moments in the existence of those reference units of dental education, period 1928-1948.
Morphometric characteristics of crayfish, Cherax gherardiae, from Maybrat, West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Sedik Yulianus , Rumahlatu Dominggus , Irawan Bambang , Soegianto Agoes
Published: April 2021

The objectives of this study were to determine the length-weight relationships (LWRs), chelae length (ChL)-width (ChW) relationships, carapace length (CL)-width (CW) relationships, sexual dimorphism, and condition factor (K) of Cherax gherardiae from Maybrat, West Papua Indonesia. The sex ratio of C. gherardiae was found to be 1.04:1. The LWRs for males, females, and all individuals were W = 0.225L1.96, W = 0.181L2.02, and W = 0.187L2.03, respectively. Males and females exhibited negative allometric growth (b<3). There was no significant difference in lengths between males and females; however, the weight of males was greater than that of females. The K values for males, females, and all individuals were 3.17, 3.09, and 3.13, respectively. The ChL of the crayfish ranged from 1.0 to 7.5 cm, and the ChW ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 cm. The CL of crayfish ranged from 1.6 to 6.0 cm, and the CW ranged from 0.6 to 4.1 cm. Males had longer chelae and carapaces than did females. There was no significant difference in chelae width or carapace width between males and females. The ChL-ChW relationships for males, females, and all individuals were ChW = 0.312ChL + 0.260, ChW = 0.397ChL - 0.050, and ChW = 0.345ChL + 0.119, respectively. The CL-CW relationships for males, females, and all individuals were CW = 0.750CL-0.955, CW = 0.526CL - 0.178, and CW = 0.635CL-0.543, respectively.
Survival, proximate composition, and proteolytic activity of Artemia salina bioencapsulated with different algal monocultures
Authors: Cheban Larysa , Khudyi Oleksii , Prusińska Maja , Duda Arkadiusz , Khuda Lidiia , Wiszniewski Grzegorz , Kushniryk Olha , Kapusta Andrzej
Published: April 2021

This study focused on testing Artemia sp. zooplankton saturation with freshwater microalgae biomass and then using this method to correct the nutritional composition of Artemia. Accordingly, the influence of three species of microalgal monocultures was analyzed (2 freshwater – Desmodesmus armatus (Chod.) Hegew. and Chlorella vulgaris Veijerinck; one halophilous – Dunaliella viridis Teodor.). The algal monocultures were applied once in a quantity of 2-3 × 106 cells × l−1 for each 200,000 Artemia individuals hatched. The control group Artemia did not receive algae. The enrichment process lasted 24 h, and control measurements were performed every 6 h. The survival of Artemia nauplii, their proteolytic activity, and the content of proteins, lipids, and carotenoids were analyzed. The choice of algae species for Artemia enrichment was guided by the size of the algal cells and their biochemical composition. Selected algae contained about 50% protein, 20% lipid, and 12 mg of carotenoids per g of dry weight. Using algae to saturate the Artemia nauplii permitted reducing their mortality during the 24 h enrichment regime. The introduction of C. vulgaris biomass halved this value. The use of algae also increased the proteolytic activity in Artemia nauplii and the content of proteins, lipids, and carotenoids in their biomass. The best results of the bioencapsulation of Artemia nauplii with algae was with the C. vulgaris biomass.
Morphometric and meristic characters of snow trout, Schizothorax labiatus, inhabiting the Jhelum River and its tributaries
Authors: Jan Kousar , Ahmed Imtiaz
Published: April 2021

Schizothorax labiatus (McClelland) is considered to be one of the most economically important fish species among Schizothorax spp. A total of twenty-four morphometric and five meristic characters were examined; 18 of the morphometric characters as percentages of total length and four characters as percentages of head length were studied. It was found that the characters of standard length, fork length, pre pelvic length, pre anal length, and pre dorsal length had the highest correlations with total length, whereas dorsal fin height followed by caudal fin height had the lowest correlations. In percentages of head length post orbital length had the highest correlation whereas snout length had the lowest correlation. Overall, the results revealed that all the morphometric characters exhibited linear relationships and depicted significantly (P < 0.05) high degree of correlation, while the meristic characters counted were constant in all sizes of S. labiatus, indicating that they were independent of body size. The study provided basic information that will be useful for fish biologists and researchers in the future management and conservation of this fish species.
Molecular genetic characteristics of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) cultured in Poland: Report on a bilateral project
Authors: Slukvin Aliaksandr , Balashenko Nina , Sasinovich Marina , Kostousov Vladimir , Kapusta Andrzej
Published: April 2021

Using 8 microsatellite markers (Spl-106, Spl-101, ATR-113, Aox23, An20, AoxD161, AoxD165, AfuG41) and mtDNA species-specific region flanked by the tRNAThr coding region and D-loop, it was found that Atlantic sturgeon stocking material planned for transport from Poland to Belarus belonged to the species Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Mitchill. No interspecific hybrids were found. All of the Atlantic sturgeon individuals examined as part of this study belonged to a Canadian population.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic oxide nanoparticles and corresponding thin films for wastewaters treatment
Authors: Crintea Căpăţână Lenuța , Muşat Viorica , Polosan Silviu , Cantaragiu Alina , Başliu Vasile , Dediu Botezatu Andreea , Dinică Rodica
Published: April 2021

Industrial wastewater can be properly treated using nanotechnologies and nanomaterials. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of three series of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and corresponding thin films, used for the degradation of organic compounds and removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The samples were obtained by co-precipitation from a ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) ions solution in a molar ratio of 2:1, at temperatures between 80-95 °C. The characterization of the samples was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The magnetic nanoparticles were deposited on glass substrates by the centrifugal coating technique and the optical and magneto-optical activity was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism technique (MCD). The effect of the investigated samples on the decomposition under UV irradiation of organic dyes was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Our preliminary results have shown that the magnetite and maghemite MNPs can be effective in UV degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye.
Ultrasound assisted synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some (E)-1,2,3-triphenylprop-2-en-1-ones
Authors: Mala Veerendiran , Muthuvel Inbasekaran , Thirunarayanan Ganesamoorthy , Sakthinathan Saravanan Palavanivel , Arulkumaran Ranganathan , Mani Venkatesan , Sundararajan Rajasekaran , Kamalakkannan Dakshnamoorthy , Suresh Ramamurthy , Usha Veeramalai
Published: April 2021

More than 85% yield of (E)-1,2,3-triphenylprop-2-en-1-ones were synthesized using disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) catalyzed ultrasound assisted aldol condensation of 1,2-diphenylethanone and various substituted benzaldehydes. Synthesized (E)-1,2,3-triphenylprop-2-en-1-ones were examined by their spectroscopic data, yield, micro analysis and physical constants. The effect of solvent on the yield was investigated. The pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and antifungal activities of synthesized enones were evaluated with Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion method.
Between Mobility and Inclusion: The Position of Mother Tongue Instruction in Sweden and Denmark
Authors: Broerse Inga
Published: April 2021

Migration to Scandinavia has taken place quite similarly in Sweden and Denmark since the Second World War. However, from the 1980s onwards, Sweden and Denmark have become increasingly dissimilar in terms of migration policy, which went hand in hand with education policy for newcomers. Mother tongue instruction for newcomers may improve the process of integration and social cohesion; nevertheless, this is provided for differently in Sweden and Denmark. This study takes into account different social dynamics in order to research what the position of mother tongue instruction is in policy documents and media discourse in both Sweden and Denmark, to determine what the effects of mother tongue instruction are, and subsequently to figure out what is necessary to find the balance between mobility and inclusion – all these for creating further social cohesion and avoiding segregation.
The Boundaries of the Carpathian Basin – Frontiers and Regions
Authors: Bakk Miklós
Published: April 2021

The Carpathian Basin (or Pannonian Basin) is the south-eastern part of Central Europe, its geopolitical place being defined by geography (it is placed between the Eastern Alps, the Dinaric Alps, and the Carpathian Mountains) and from historical point of view by the fact that its core region was ruled for many centuries by the Hungarian Kingdom and the Habsburg Monarchy, and the neighbouring states aimed to extend their territories in the basin reducing the central role of the basin from the margins. The changes of the spatial domination in the Carpathian Basin created several centre–periphery relations, which established, through a longue durée, specific social features in some border regions of the Carpathian Basin. This paper examines from the viewpoint of limology (border studies) three frontier regions of the basin, Spiš, Székely Land, and Banat, and investigates the historical process of the regional construction in order to ascertain what circumstances helped or blocked these periphery constructions.
Comparison of the Effects of the Cationization of Raw, Bio- and Alkali-Scoured Cotton Knitted Fabric with Different Surface Charge Density
Authors: Pruś Stanisław , Kulpiński Piotr , Matyjas-Zgondek Edyta
Published: April 2021

Modification of cotton with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) has been studied extensively and can be operated by means of exhaustion, cold pad-batch, and continuous and pad-steam methods. Most of the research addresses the cationization of cotton fabric after bleaching or mercerization, or during the mercerization process. In our studies, we performed a comparison of the cationization effects on raw, enzymatic, and alkali-scoured cotton knitted fabrics applying CHPTAC according to the exhaustion method. The charge density of the cotton surface was measured using a Muetek Particle Charge Detector and a “back titration” method with polyelectrolytes. These results were compared with the nitrogen content in the samples, K/S measurements of tested samples after dyeing with anionic dye (Acid Yellow 194), and other physicochemical parameters such as weight loss, whiteness, and wettability.
Uniqueness of meromorphic functions sharing two sets with least possible cardinalities
Authors: Sarkar Arindam
Published: April 2021

Let f and g be two nonconstant meromorphic functions sharing two finite sets, namely S ⊂ ℂ and {∞}. We prove two uniqueness theorems under weaker conditions on ramification indices, reducing the cardinality of the shared set S and weakening the nature of sharing of the set {∞} which improve results of Fang-Lahiri [7], Lahiri [17], Banerjee -Majumder-Mukherjee [5] and others.
Taxonomic identity ofImpatiens cathcartiiHook.f. &I. serratifoliaHook.f. with notes on typification of both names
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , Sherpa Norbu
Published: April 2021

Impatiens cathcartiiHook.f. is recollected almost after a century, its taxonomic identity, description from fresh collection, coloured illustrations are made along with notes on typification of the name. Taxonomic identity ofI. serratifoliaHook.f. along with its delimitation from closely related species is discussed, coloured illustrations with comparison of flowers with the closest species and notes on the typification of the name are also discussed.
Remediation of CO2 in Boudouard’s Reaction as an Example of Reversible Chemical Reaction
Authors: Szostak Elżbieta , Odrowąż Ewa , Górska Natalia
Published: April 2021

One of the fundamental elements of a scientist's work is the ability to lead observations of the phenomena that surround us and based on them making conclusions. These observations are conducted within the so-called scientific experiments. Lessons learned based on the results obtained in experiments allow researchers to better understand the essence of the phenomena occurring in the world around us. Drawing conclusions is not always easy. In order to achieve this skill, we must possess a well-established knowledge in the field of the phenomenon that interests us. The most striking example of how important skills are observation and drawing proper conclusions is the phenomenon of global climate warming. The main parameter influencing temperatures registered on Earth is the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and especially carbon dioxide created from combustion processes. A significant role in studies of the reduction of CO2 emissions plays chemists. To be sure that conducted by them experiments are optimally designed, it is necessary to ensure them with proper education already at the secondary school level. The main aim of this article was to conduct the study in order to explain chemical issues that create the greatest cognitive difficulties among students. The second aim of the article was to propose a chemical experiment to students that would allow them to find out more about the phenomena governing in the area of problematic issues. The proposed experiment is based on the concept of solubility equilibrium. Results of preliminary tests that have been carried out after applying this experiment on a small group of students, indicated their better understanding of the studied subject.
Study on in vitro Toxicity of Biometal(II) Monensinates Against Rat Zajdela Liver Tumour
Authors: Alexandrova Radostina , Zhivkova Tanya , Ivanov Dimitar , Andonova-Lilova Boika , Dyakova Lora , Pantcheva Ivayla , Dorkov Peter
Published: April 2021

The ability of Monensic acid A (MonH∙H2O) and its neutral metal complexes [M(Mon)2(H2O)2]with ions of Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ to decrease viability and proliferation of primary cell cultures, originating from a chemically induced transplantable liver tumour of Zajdela in rats, and bone marrow cells from the same tumour-bearers, was evaluated. Experimental data revealed that manganese(II) and nickel(II) complexes of Monensin A are relatively more selective against the tumour as compared to the healthy bone marrow cells.
Analysis of Light Pollution of the Night Sky in Toruń (Poland)
Authors: Karpińska Dominika , Kunz Mieczysław
Published: April 2021

Light pollution is one of the types of environmental pollution. The sky illuminated by the excessive light emission is an inherent element of the modern world. This phenomenon has been known for over a century, but research has been carried out only for several decades. Analysis of the brightness of the sky was made for Toruń (Poland) and neighboring areas. The main aim of the study was to study the distribution of brightness of the sky over a medium-sized city. The basic research method was a direct measurement of brightness made with the SQM photometer. The conducted research was carried out throughout the calendar year on 24 measurement stations located in Toruń. Measurement stations represented various types of buildings occurring in every city. On the basis of the obtained data, a map was made showing the extent of light pollution and its intensity, as well as the spatial distribution of this phenomenon. The brightness of the sky was also examined in terms of astronomical and weather conditions. Each aspect is documented in tabular and visual form.
Impact of Armed Conflicts on the State of Ecological Security
Authors: Olechowski Adam Paweł
Published: April 2021

Contemporary armed conflicts, although not as global in scope as the two world wars in the 20th century, create serious threats in many dimensions. One of the areas of their influence is the natural environment.

In fact every armed conflict, also one that takes place in a relatively small territory, causes a number of negative consequences in the natural environment. These, in turn, may have further consequences.

Apart from the damage caused by military operations, accompanying phenomena appear on a large scale. In recent years, a series of armed conflicts in Africa and West Asia resulted in huge migrations of millions of people. In addition to the resulting humanitarian crises, large-scale environmental problems are observed.

Thus, it clearly shows that even potentially minor military conflicts can lead to serious disturbances of the natural environment.

The author shows the various consequences of armed conflicts for the natural environment over the last half century.
Obesity and body image
Authors: Urbańska Anna , Dziurawiec Kinga Żurawska vel
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The opinion prevailing in western culture is that overweight people should be ashamed of their weight and looks. The idea is supported by the way the society perceives overweight people. Evidence that obesity is associated with chronic illness and a short life span is the main justification. However, the distorted body image does not seem to facilitate weight control.
Source and method: The purpose of the thesis is to present obese people body image. To present the data, the following electronic databases have been searched: PubMed, Elsevier, Cochrane Library. The bibliographic analysis of the selected studies has also been performed. The systematic literature search has been performed with the use of the following key words: “obesity” OR “overweight” AND “body image” OR “body dissatisfaction” OR “body acceptance” OR “body image”.
Discussion: We present a discussion of the results obtained.
Conclusions: The research indicates that negative body image can actually contribute to obesity-related health problems. Overweight and obese people, who accept their body weight, experience less physically and mentally “bad” days than people who are dissatisfied with their weight. Body dissatisfaction was identified as a psychological corellator of obesity related with eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. However, not all obese people are equally affected by these correlates. "Normative dissatisfaction" also occurs in people with normal body weight. In this context, the complex correlation between body image and individual body weight seems to be a valuable research direction.

Keywords: body image, obesity.
Contribution of Internationalisation to SME Growth: Evidence from the Kenyan Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Safari Kulondwa
Published: April 2021

Sub-Saharan African countries are among the poorest countries in the world and there is a need to develop their economies. Researchers suggest the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster economic development in countries. Internationalisation has been proved to be a key strategy for SME growth. This study investigates the effect of internationalisation on manufacturing SME growth in Kenya. Kenya is a developing country and the leading economy in the East African community. Using data from the World Bank enterprise survey, a sample of 94 SMEs operating in Kenya between 2013 and 2018 was selected. Multiple linear regression analysis using ordinary least square (OLS) was applied and the results revealed that internationalisation through direct exports contributed positively to the growth of manufacturing SMEs in Kenya. The findings of the study suggest that policy makers should promote internationalisation of SMEs in Kenya to improve the doing business environment in general and remove external barriers to internationalisation of SMEs at the national and international level in particular.
Modelling road traffic safety indices by means of regression with panel data
Authors: Brzozowska-Rup Katarzyna , Nowakowska Marzena
Published: April 2021

Although the occurrence of road accidents and the number of road accident casualties in almost all Polish voivodeships has decreased over the last few years, the rate of this change varies considerably from region to region. To provide a better understanding of such a tendency, panel data regression models are proposed to conduct this pilot research which evaluates the relative performance of Polish regions in terms of their road traffic safety. Panel data are multi-dimensional data which involve measurements over time. In the research, a voivodeship is a unit analysed at a group level, whereas a year is a unit analysed at a time level. A two-way error component regression model has been applied to survey the impact of regressors, the group effects, and time effects on a dependent variable. The analysis has been conducted using data acquired from the Statistics Poland Local Data Bank website, as well as from the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways. The panel data from 16 regions in Poland and the 2012–2018 period have been investigated. The examined models refer to road traffic safety indices defined based on the following characteristics: the number of road accidents, the number road fatalities, and the number of people injured. The results of all the three models indicate a negative effect as regards the GDP per capita, (car) motorisation rate, the indicator of government expenditure for current maintenance of national roads, and the road length per capita. A positive association has been found between the truck motorisation rate and the indicator of local government expenditure on roads. The impact of the region's urbanisation indicators on road safety is ambiguous as, on the one hand, its increase causes a reduction in the road accident and accident injury indices, but, on the other hand, it produces a rise in the accident fatality index. In the models, the significance of time effects has been identified; a decreasing time trend suggests a general improvement in road safety from year to year. Most of the group effects have turned out to be highly significant. However, the effects differ as regards both the road accident and the accident injury indices in magnitude and direction.
Neuroendocrine responses to a psychosocial stress test for larger groups of participants: comparison of two test exposures
Authors: Rajcani Jakub , Solarikova Petra , Brezina Igor , Jezova Daniela
Published: April 2021

Objective. Individual stress tests characterized by social evaluative threat and uncontrollability are known to elicit strong neuroendocrine responses. We tested whether a psychosocial stressor submitted to a larger group of participants (up to 60) may elicit comparable stress responses.

Methods. A total of 59 adult subjects (33 women, 26 men) participated in the study, whereas 24 of them suffered from allergy and 35 were healthy. The stress test consisted of a distraction stress task followed by a speech task, in which the participants were randomly subjected to questions related to a topic that they had to prepare as well as arithmetic questions in front of their peers and a committee that responded in standardized and non-supporting manner. State and trait anxiety inventory (STAI) for anxiety state was administrated before and after the test and salivary samples taking. The test was repeated after five months.

Results. The results showed that the shared psychosocial stress application in a larger group of subjects was prosperous. The larger group test (LGST) resulted in an enhanced subjectively experienced stress and an intensive sympathetic nervous system activation, reflected by elevated salivary alpha-amylase activity and the heart rate. The cortisol increment after exposure to the stress test was not significant. Repeated exposure to the test failed to reproduce the original stress responses with exception of the heart rate rise.

Conclusions. In a larger group of subjects, the psychosocial stress test did elicit stress responses similar to the individual stress tests. Our data indicate that the above-mentioned stress test is apparently not an appropriate approach for the repeated use.
Temporal characterization of the insulin resistance during puberty in mice
Authors: Teixeira Pryscila D.S. , Tavares Mariana R. , Jose Donato
Published: April 2021

Objectives. The onset of puberty in humans is followed by an increase in insulin resistance and this transient phenomenon decreases at the end of the puberty. However, the insulin resistance during puberty has not been described in mice. Thus, in the present study we performed a temporal characterization of the development of insulin resistance during puberty in male and female C57BL/6 mice.

Methods. From the fourth week of life male (n=18) and female (n=32) C57BL/6 wild-type mice were weekly subjected to insulin tolerance tests until the seventh week of life. Blood glucose levels were determined using a glucose meter through samples collected from the tail tip. Vaginal opening was assessed daily in female mice. Preputial separation was determined in a subgroup of males.

Results. We observed a transient increase in the area under the curve of the insulin tolerance tests and in basal glycemia in female mice at the time of vaginal opening (between the fourth and fifth week of life) compared with previous and subsequent weeks of pubertal development. In contrast, male mice show no changes in insulin sensitivity during puberty.

Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that the insulin resistance at puberty can also be observed in female mice and this peak occurs at the time of vaginal opening. Our temporal characterization can be used as a reference for future studies that aim to study glucose homeostasis during puberty in rodents.
Pheochromocytoma: a retrospective study from a single center
Authors: Soares Neuza Alves , Pacheco Mariana Teixeira Pinto Ferreira , de Sousa Manuel Joao Rocha Ferreira Rodrigues , Matos Mariana Lopes , Ferreira Susana Alexandra Lourenco
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor derived from chromaffin tissue more frequently found in the adrenal medulla. Many discoveries over the last decade have significantly improved our understanding of PCC.

Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a histological diagnosis of PCC at the Centro Hospitalar Universitario de Sao Joao, a tertiary and university hospital in Oporto, Portugal, between January 2009 and December 2017.

Results. The study group included 33 patients. In most cases the diagnosis was suspected with more than half of patients presenting with hypertension and the third diagnosed during the work-up of an adrenal incidentaloma. About half of the patients was referred for genetic testing and 6 patients had a positive inherited susceptibility genetic pathogenic variant associated with classic cancer predisposition syndromes and also associated with newly described genes. In the incidentaloma group, genetic testing was performed in 3 (9%) patients with only 1 positive result. In the suspected group, 15 (45%) genetic tests were performed.

Conclusions. In contrast to other studies, where only a minority of patients with PCC were referred for genetic counselling, in our study 54% of patients was referred for genetic testing. This study suggests that clinicians were correctly recognizing the need to refer young patients and patients with positive family history. However, opportunities for genetic testing are frequently missed due to low referral rates in patients with apparently sporadic PCC, particularly older than 30 years old. It is imperative that all the providers involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with pheochromocytomas are aware of the genetic disorders associated with these unique tumors.
Mindset Patterns of Newcomers to Organic Farming in Hungary
Authors: Varga Enikő , Baracskai Zoltán
Published: April 2021

Counterurbanization, rural in-migrant trend studies rarely focus on the individual decision-making process. This paper studies the mindset patterns and frames the decision to select organic farming as a next career. We aimed to deepen our understanding of the complex reasoning that motivates newcomers to choose organic farming on a personal level. Based on semi-structured interviews, we developed a questionnaire and collected data from the newcomer to organic farming community in Hungary. The responses were analyzed using: (1) factor analysis to assess the dimensionality of the factors and (2) knowledge-based expert system to identify the logical connections between the aspirations. Our conceptual model was developed based on if-then rules between the identified aspirations, which describe the mindset patterns of newcomers to organic farming.
Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Acquisition and Qualifications in the Context of Rural Development in Poland
Authors: Greser Jarosław , Kamiński Ryszard , Klatta Piotr , Knieć Wojciech , Martinez-Perez Jonatan , Sitek Anna , Wagstaff Anthony
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to analyse the knowledge acquisition and transfer system in rural Poland, in comparison with nonrural areas. In addition, to determine the importance of market qualifications and the effects that the Integrated Qualification System can have in the rural areas. This study shows that life in the countryside is becoming more diverse and agriculture is no longer the main source of income because the share of income from non-agricultural activities is increasing. This is linked to the fact that rural areas have become more attractive for the development of non-agricultural jobs, which in turn is associated with the need not only to raise, but also to confirm qualifications acquired in everyday activities. The conducted analysis shows that acquisition and transfer of knowledge can come from two different platforms, individual and supralocal. These platforms work in two totally different ways. Our analysis also shows a gap between formal and non-formal or informal education in relation to the rural areas´ needs. This gap can be bridged by using the Integrated Qualification System. Like a bidirectional tool, this system works on the one hand confirming acquired skills and knowledge, and on the other hand incorporating and updating the formal education system with non-formal or informal knowledge. The recognition of informal or non-formal qualifications has an important role in sustainable development and improving quality of life of rural areas. The article refers to the issue of qualifications of rural population, it is difficult to consider this issue in isolation from rural areas. The aim of the authors was to focus on the analysis of the issue of qualifications among people directly related to the countryside. The authors do not refer only to farmers, nevertheless, the reference to this social group finds its justification in the studies that are cited.
The Role of Local Products in Tourism
Authors: Gonda Tibor , Angler Kinga , Csóka László
Published: April 2021

There is a resurgence of regional and local products in Hungary today. Thanks to the development of local businesses, communities and towns are also able to derive a number of economic, environmental, social and cultural advantage. The products in focus are emerging in tourism more often, frequently acting as foundations of tourist attractions built upon them, providing the receiving end with a unique and authentic force of attraction that follow the present trends. The aim of our study was to explore tourists’ needs for local products and the role of local food in regional tourism services. The region of our empirical research was the area of Baranya and Tolna counties in Southern Hungary where we analyzed local producers’ and their consumers’ attitudes towards local products.
Evaluation of Quality of Life and Living Space in the Balaton Destination (Hungary) Based on the Perceptions of the Local Residents and the Owners of Second Homes
Authors: Lőrincz Katalin , Grósz Annamária Sasné , Csapó János
Published: April 2021

The study aims to reveal the evaluation of quality of life (QOL) factors of the local residents and the owners of the second homes from a regional perspective. As a case study we analyse the second most important tourism destination of Hungary, Lake Balaton in terms of evaluation of quality of life and living space within the scope of three target groups, two groups of local residents (who live there and work there, and who live there but work elsewhere) and the owners of second homes. The authors believe that the understanding of the decisive factors of quality of life and living space is becoming increasingly important in the successful management of local governments and in the field of sustainable tourism development and tourism management as well. The authors also intend to detect and understand the differences between the target groups. One of the most important results of the article is the creation of an aggregated settlement quality of life (QOL) indicator. The research observes both objective and subjective factors based on a primary questionnaire survey conducted in 2018 resulting from a sample of 844 respondents. The results are interpreted with crosstab, correlation and variance analysis.
Figuration, constructions and English phrasal verbs: The instances of come up
Authors: Tsaroucha Efthymia
Published: April 2021

The paper investigates the evocation of the figurative meanings of English phrasal verbs of the form: component verb come + component particle up when they are employed in resultative constructions. Four instances of come up are discussed. It is suggested that the figurative meanings of come up are rooted to conceptual metaphors.
The polysemy of the colour term white in English, Russian, Tajik and Uzbek
Authors: Zayniev Daler
Published: April 2021

Colour is one of the central categories of both a conceptual and a linguistic world of image, correlated with an axiological and an esthetic assessment, a semiotic and value world of image of a given national culture, which allows us to talk about colour preferences, ethnic colour mentality, colour gaps and colour universals, that is, about the colour world of image. In addition, colours have senses specific to particular fields, from physics over printing to senses used in everyday life. In the present article, I carry out an analysis of the colour term white in English, and its counterparts in Russian, Tajik and Uzbek from the lexicological and lexicographical point of view, starting with a semasiological perspective, following Steinvall’s (2002: 56) methodology. The conceptual space of the colour term white in lexicographic work tends to be kept compact rather than articulated in great detail, just like in the case of other types of colours, i.e. in an attempt to minimize polysemy, its senses are typically lumped, rather than split. The main aims were to investigate the differences in the representation of adjectives denoting white colour across languages and to compare monolingual and bilingual dictionaries with respect how they structure their meanings, as well as collocations and idiomatic expressions (often based on metaphors and metonymies). A number of field-like clusters of concepts related to the colour terms for white were established. Based on these findings, I proceed to make some suggestions for the improvement of the approach to colour terms for white and other colours in general use and pedagogical dictionaries.
Nematicidal activity of essential oils of medicinal plants
Authors: Boyko Olexandra , Brygadyrenko Viktor
Published: April 2021

We studied the effect of essential oils from Picea abies (Linnaeus) H. Karsten., 1881, Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, 1825, Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, 1925, Citrus paradisi Macfadyen, 1830, Rosmarinus officinalis Linnaeus, 1753, Citrus aurantiifolia (Christmann) Swingle, 1913, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merrill & Perry, 1939, Pterocarpus santalinus Linnaeus filius, 1782, Pelargonium graveolens L’Héritier, 1789, Eucalyptus globulus Labillardière, 1861, Juniperus communis Linnaeus, 1753, Piper cubeba L.f., 1781, Calendula officinalis L., 1753, Laurus nobilis Linnaeus, 1753, Lavandula angustifolia Miller, 1768 and Citrus sinensis (Linnaeus) Osbeck (pro. sp.) on vitality of free-living larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856) and Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898, and also survivability of eggs of Ascaris suum (Goeze, 1782) under in vitro conditions. The most notable nematicidal properties belong to 0.5% water emulsion of essential oils from C. verum and S. aromaticum: we observed 100% mortality of larvae of S. papillosus L1–3 and H. contortus L3.
Influence of Asclepias syriaca on soil nematode communities
Authors: Jakubcsiková Michaela , Čerevková Andrea , Renčo Marek
Published: April 2021

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of the invasive common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) on soil nematode communities. The research was carried out in 2018 and 2019 in an ecosystem of permanent grassland in the basin of the Laborec River in land registries of Drahňov, a Vojany village in southeastern Slovakia. The ecosystem contained a total of 64 species of free-living and parasitic nematodes. The most prevalent trophic groups were bacterial feeders (Acrobeloides nanus), followed by plant parasites (Helicotylenchus digonicus and Pratylenchus pratensis), fungal feeders (Aphelenchus avenae), and omnivores (Eudorylaimus carteri). The number of nematode species, the composition of trophic groups and the structure of communities in areas with invasive plants were similar to those in areas with native vegetation during the two years of observation.
Multidimensional Aspects of Final Purchasers’ Marketing Activity in the Conditions of Dynamic Market Changes
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela
Published: April 2021

Research background: The results of the analysis of the world literature on marketing and management indicate a cognitive gap and research one regarding the forms of marketing activity of final purchasers and its image-related and relational aspects as differentiating features. These issues have not been analysed in a theoretical perspective as well as in a research one.

Purpose: The article aims to define the marketing activity of contemporary final purchasers and identify the significance of selected dimensions of this activity as its differentiating features.

Research methodology: To prepare the theoretical part the method of cognitive-critical analysis of the world literature was applied. In order to reduce the identified gaps, empirical research was conducted. To gather primary data a questionnaire survey was used. The collected data was statistically analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: The analysed aspects differentiate forms of respondents’ marketing activity to a various degree. A statistically significant differentiation was identified for the greatest number of activities related to the situation whether respondents making purchase decisions take into account the fact that a product has been prepared by an offeror together with purchasers.

Novelty: The originality of the proposed approach is evidenced by the fact that the aspects presented in this article have not been analysed so far, either in theoretical or in practical terms.
Proposed Research on the Relationships Between Innovation Competitiveness and Export Competitiveness in Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Salamaga Marcin
Published: April 2021

Research background: In the contemporary world, innovations are the driving force of economic development and new products, designs, trademarks and creative projects are of key importance to everyday economic decisions. Both economic theories and empirical research concern relations between innovations and foreign trade. This article belongs to this research trend and is devoted to an analysis of relations between innovations and export competitiveness in selected Central and Eastern European countries.

Purpose: The paper is aimed at assessing the impact of innovation competitiveness on export competitiveness in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Research methodology: The paper contains an analysis with the use of standardised innovation competitiveness and export competitiveness indices. Countries and industry sectors are analysed in terms of the frequency of occurrence of these indices with various combinations of their signs. The impact of innovation competitiveness on export competitiveness has been tested using dynamic models of panel data.

Results: The conducted research indicates that technological advantage usually has a considerable positive impact on the trade competitiveness of Central and Eastern European countries but the strength of the impact depends on the branch of industry. Generally, the influence of technological competitiveness on trade competitiveness is stronger in highly and moderately technologically advanced industries than in industries characterised by low technological advancement.

Novelty: The evaluation of the influence of innovation competitiveness on export competitiveness in Central and Eastern European countries using standardised competitiveness indices and a dynamic model of panel data is an added value in the paper.
Partial Correctness of a Fibonacci Algorithm
Authors: Korniłowicz Artur
Published: April 2021

In this paper we introduce some notions to facilitate formulating and proving properties of iterative algorithms encoded in nominative data language [19] in the Mizar system [3], [1]. It is tested on verification of the partial correctness of an algorithm computing n-th Fibonacci number:

i := 0

s := 0

b := 1

c := 0

while (i <> n)

  c := s

  s := b

  b := c + s

  i := i + 1

return s

This paper continues verification of algorithms [10], [13], [12] written in terms of simple-named complex-valued nominative data [6], [8], [17], [11], [14], [15]. The validity of the algorithm is presented in terms of semantic Floyd-Hoare triples over such data [9]. Proofs of the correctness are based on an inference system for an extended Floyd-Hoare logic [2], [4] with partial pre- and post-conditions [16], [18], [7], [5].
Grothendieck Universes
Authors: Pąk Karol
Published: April 2021

The foundation of the Mizar Mathematical Library [2], is first-order Tarski-Grothendieck set theory. However, the foundation explicitly refers only to Tarski’s Axiom A, which states that for every set X there is a Tarski universe U such that X ∈ U. In this article, we prove, using the Mizar [3] formalism, that the Grothendieck name is justified. We show the relationship between Tarski and Grothendieck universe.

First we prove in Theorem (17) that every Grothendieck universe satisfies Tarski’s Axiom A. Then in Theorem (18) we prove that every Grothendieck universe that contains a given set X, even the least (with respect to inclusion) denoted by GrothendieckUniverseX, has as a subset the least (with respect to inclusion) Tarski universe that contains X, denoted by the Tarski-ClassX. Since Tarski universes, as opposed to Grothendieck universes [5], might not be transitive (called epsilon-transitive in the Mizar Mathematical Library [1]) we focused our attention to demonstrate that Tarski-Class X ⊊ GrothendieckUniverse X for some X.

Then we show in Theorem (19) that Tarski-ClassX where X is the singleton of any infinite set is a proper subset of GrothendieckUniverseX. Finally we show that Tarski-Class X = GrothendieckUniverse X holds under the assumption that X is a transitive set.

The formalisation is an extension of the formalisation used in [4].