bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of water quality parameters in the basin of the Nišava River (Serbia) in the period 2009–2018
Authors: Stričević Ljiljana , Pavlović Mila , Filipović Ivan , Radivojević Aleksandar , Martić Bursać Nataša , Gocić Milena
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes water quality from four hydrological stations in the Nišava river basin from 2009–2018 based on the following parameters: pH, conductivity, O2saturation, BOD5, suspended solids, total oxidized nitrogen, phosphates, turbidity and coliform bacteria. Authors have applied WQI (water quality index) as the most reliable indicator of the watercourses pollution for setting of surface water flow quality. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) using t-test inferential statistical analysis and post-hoc Tukey test were applied to evaluate statistically significant differences between specific data groups. The results show that bad water quality was registered on all the profiles on an annual basis (WQI = 65–71). The river water pH decreases downstream, while values of BOD5, suspended solids, turbidity, TON, phosphates and coliform bacteria gradually increase. The waters of the Nišava at the station Niš belong to the third class of waters and they are mostly loaded with organic matter originating from waste sewage and industrial waters of both urban and rural areas.
The frame assembled from «H» elements
Authors: Blazhko Vladimir P. , Belyaev Alexey V.
Published: March 2021

The general characteristics of the structural system of a full-assembly frame of "H" elements for the construction of residential buildings are described. "H" element is a hybrid of two columns, each is one storey high, join to monolith with the joist. The junction of the columns is located in the middle of the floor height. These elements are assembled to structural cells with longitudinal, transverse or cross-arrangement of bearing frames. Joints of columns with joist are rigid. The overall spatial stability of the frame is provided by the layout of the frame elements, as well as the use of various kinds of connections. Slabs are prefabricated. Connections of "H" elements are made by the ties with the use of screw reinforcing bars.
Combination of modal responses in linear spectral method: comparison of different formulae for correlation coefficients
Authors: Tyapin Alexander G.
Published: March 2021

Linear-spectral method (LSM) is still the common method for the seismic design analysis. "One-component one-mode" responses, obtained by static analysis in the conventional variant of LSM, are combined twice: first for different modes but for each single excitation component separately, then for the different excitation components. In the alternative LSM variant presented in the Russian code SP 14.13330, first one chooses the "most dangerous" direction of the one-component excitation for each mode; then calculates the "one-mode" response for this excitation, and finally these responses are combined. In both cases the combination is performed using the complete quadratic combination (CQC) rule. Different documents suggest different formulae for the correlation coefficients. In the paper different formulae are compared to each other. The goal is to limit the number of calculated coefficients and decrease the amount of calculations.
Be Mindful of Your Discomfort: An Approach to Contextualized Learning
Authors: Bheekie Angeni , van Huyssteen Mea
Published: March 2021

Service-learning creates a space for contextualized learning whereby students connect classroom concepts to real-world practices relative to their own frame of reference. These experiences occur within a societal

status quo rooted within historical and social inequalities. Affective responses to encounters with inequalities are not routinely addressed within the learning outcomes of formal curricula. Thus, the pedagogy of discomfort calls for an awareness and a critical self-examination among educators and students of how their passive acceptance or non-acceptance of apparent social injustices has been shaped by the status quo. By incorporating affective learning into the reflective process, we realized that contradictions in South African society permeate students’ experiences in ways that are indicative of the status quo. Increased recognition of the potential of affective learning to address social injustices in higher education could enable efforts toward social transformation.
The Emerging 360 Degree Model for Global Citizenship Education
Authors: Breitkreuz Karen R , Songer Tony D
Published: March 2021

Collaborative efforts in the health sciences and STEM fields offer tremendous opportunities for providing solutions to the global challenges of reducing poverty and improving health care. Global health care challenges necessitate the investigation of new interdisciplinary educational approaches for higher education. This article presents a formal approach for developing students into well-equipped global citizens, through the Emerging 360 Degree Model for Educating Socially Responsible Global Citizens. This model provides a framework for creating educational environments and academic coursework that promotes global citizenship education. Students’ knowledge, comprehension, and skills are addressed through in-class discussion and experiential international service-learning in a “village network” setting. Post-trip reflection and presentations embedded in the model encourage students to explore deeper layers of meaning, and leadership and team influences propel students to engage as socially responsible global citizens. This article describes the Emerging 360 Degree Global Education Model and reports on initial findings of the impact of the educational approach on student learning. Qualitative and quantitative data from student surveys and reflective essays offer information on students’ growth in global citizenship understandings.
Community Partnerships and Impacts
Authors: Bargerstock Burton A , Bloomgarden Alan
Published: March 2021

Achieving reciprocity and mutual benefit from service-learning and community engagement collaborations between higher education institutions and their communities is essential to making such ventures impactful, responsible, and sustainable. Framing these collaborations as “partnerships” helps those in the field hold themselves and their colleagues (on and off campus) accountable to such standards of practice as centering community voice in agenda setting, assessing mutually beneficial opportunities and needs, and evaluating outcomes important to all stakeholders. In practice, building partnerships that integrate the research and learning aims of higher education into community-driven agendas for addressing urgent societal issues calls for deep and lasting attention to relationship-building among students, faculty, administrators, and community partners. The articles in this section of IJRSLCE focus intensely on impacts and outcomes from sustained engagement in the design and articulation of reported

collaborations.
Aleksandra Čaka poēmu cikla „Mūžības skartie” tapšanas galvenie iedvesmas avoti
Authors: Medne Antra
Published: March 2021

In this research, we looked at the poet Aleksandrs Čaks’s work in the historical document and memory collection “Latvian Riflemen” (Latviešu Strēlnieki), issued by Latvian former riflemen society. The main tasks of the society were to preserve the recollections of Latvian riflemen and retrieve the documents of riflemen troops and battalion battle journals, which were very important sources for historians. This information was stored in the archives of the Soviet Union. The society asked civilians and former soldiers to share knowledge and information about riflemen history.
In 1935, Čaks started working on the journal “Latvian Riflemen”. That was an affirmation of his suitability and professionality after working in such journals as “Lyra of the new” (Jauno Līra), “Green Crow” (Zaļā Vārna), “Thoughts” (Domas). His duties were to edit and correct texts that were approved by the Editor-in-chief and put together the text and pictures for the issue.
The issue’s main emphasis was on memories and documents about formation and preparation for the fight of former riflemen battalions. A wide variety of illustrative material was used to make the representation of the historical situation more attractive.
The time Čaks spent working on the poem cycle “Touched by Eternity” (Mūžības skartie) is also studied. The big success of the cycle, received prizes and praises, events that worshiped the poet and his literary monument for Latvian riflemen are examined.
NATIONAL CORPUS OF RUSSIAN LANGEUAGE ABROAD: APPLICATION SITUATION OF НКРЯ IN CHINESE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND EVALUATION OF ITS FUNCTION
Authors: Сунь М.
Published: March 2021

НКРЯ как масштабный, аннотированный и открытый онлайн-корпус языковых данных обладает большим потенциалом применения не только в России, но и во многих других странах. В данной статье рассматривается использование НКРЯ в исследовании по русскому языку и в преподавании РКИ в вузах Китая. Анализ соответствующей литературы и результатов опроса показал, что в вузах Китая НКРЯ пользуется более широкой популярностью, чем другие корпусы русского языка. Респонденты дают НКРЯ хорошую оценку. В последние годы все больше преподавателей русского языка начинают использовать НКРЯ. При проведении научных исследований применение НКРЯ демонстрирует тенденцию к постепенному углублению, но его вспомогательная форма в обучении все еще является относительно однородной, преимущества НКРЯ до сих пор в полной мере не реализуются.

As a huge, annotated and open online language database, НКРЯ has great application potential in Russia and many other countries. This paper analyzes the application of НКРЯ in Russian studies and Russian teaching in Chinese colleges and universities. Through the analysis of relevant literature and questionnaire results, the research shows that in Chinese colleges and universities, the application of НКРЯ is more popular than other Russian corpora. The teachers who participated in the questionnaire gave a good evaluation. In recent years, more and more teachers have begun to use НКРЯ. In scientific research, the application of НКРЯ is getting deeper, but the form of НКРЯ assisted instruction is relatively simple. Besides, the advantages of НКРЯ have not been brought into full play in related fields.
VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING RUSSIAN AS A SPECIALTY LANGUAGE FOR THE OIL INDUSTRY
Authors: Хехтель А.С.
Published: March 2021

В статье рассматривается спектр теоретических и практических вопросов, затрагивающих современные тенденции и направления в области методики преподавания РКИ с учетом ресурсного потенциала информационно-коммуникационной среды. Автор раскрывает методический потенциал визуализации как эффективного инструмента формирования и совершенствования речевых навыков и умений при обучении языку специальности, реализуемый с применением технологии визуализации через вариативную систему учебных заданий.

The article is devoted to a range of theoretical and practical issues affecting current trends and trends in teaching Russian as a foreign language, taking into account the resource potential of the information and communication environment. The author reveals the methodological potential of visualization as an effective tool for the formation and improvement of speech skills and in the teaching Russian as a specialty language, realized with the use of visualization technology through a variable system of educational tasks.
ANALISA PERAN UPAH DAN INSENTIF TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA KARYAWAN PADA 5 UMKM DI BULAK KAPAL BEKASI TAHUN 2020
Authors: Rahman Chintya
Published: March 2021

This study Wages and incentives are important elements in increasing employee productivity. With the provision of appropriate wages and incentives, it is expected that the productivity of 5 SME Service Businesses in west Java, Bekasi will increase, so that companies are ready and able to compete with other companies in facing competition. The research objective of this study was to determine how high the influence of wages and incentives on employee work productivity. The sampling technique is quite simple, namely by using a saturated sample, namely all employees of 5 SMEs, totaling 81 people. The research method uses the PLS technique. The analysis technique used is validity test, reliability test, multiple regression analysis, outer inner loading analysis and t test. The results of this study indicate both partially and collectively salaries and incentives have a significant positive effect on employee work productivity.
PERANCANGAN MESIN POTONG AKRILIK YANG ERGONOMIS DAN EKONOMIS MENGGUNAKAN METODE ERGONOMIC FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT (EFD)
Authors: Anshori Huda
Published: March 2021

Advertising services which include the process of creating, producing and distributing advertisements, one example of which is billboards used to help entrepreneurs in promoting goods and services sold in Pekanbaru. In the process of working on advertising media, especially in the cutting process using cutting tools in the form of circular saws and scroll saws. In the cutting process there are several obstacles that are often experienced by operators, cutting edges are difficult to find, the unit is expensive, cutting edges often break, dynamo power can drop dramatically, work takes a long time and operators feel tired, that's why it is necessary to design an acrylic cutting machine which can be used to meet the operators needs at work. The design method uses the Ergonomic Function Deployment (EFD) method. This method is a development of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. The stages in this research are introduction, identification, formulation, goal setting, method application followed by analysis and discussion, and finally conclusions, suggestions, and improvements. Based on the research, the variable results obtained from a closed questionnaire and processed using SPSS 16 software.
DESIGN, MANUFACTURE WITH ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND RESEARCH OF INERTIA SENSORS
Authors: Iljušin Reymon , Jurkonis Eugenijus
Published: March 2021

2D and 3D type inertial sensors have been proposed, working examples have been developed and tested in the laboratory and real conditions. 2D inertial sensor manufacturing technology for mass production is proposed. Experimental tests of contacts strength of 3D inertial sensors of various thicknesses were performed. The critical drop heights of the 3D inertial sensors were determined using a designed free fall stand. The results of experimental and computational stresses were compared.
Relativistic Reflection in NGC 4151
Authors: Szanecki Michał , Niedźwiecki Andrzej , Zdziarski Andrzej A.
Published: March 2021

We investigate the X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 using the simultaneous Suzaku/NuSTAR observation and flux-resolved INTEGRAL spectra supplemented by Suzaku and XMM observations. Our best spectral solution indicates that the narrow Fe Kα line is produced in Compton-thin matter at a distance of several hundred gravitational radii. In such a model, we find a weak but significant relativistic reflection from a disk truncated at about 10 gravitational radii when the source is in bright X-ray states. We do not find evidence either for or against the presence of relativistic reflection in the dim X-ray state. We also rule out models with X-ray emission dominated by a source located very close to the black hole horizon, which was proposed in previous works implementing the lamppost geometry for this source. We point out that accurate computation of the thermal Comptonization spectrum and its distortion by strong gravity is crucial in applications of the lamppost geometry to the NuSTAR data.
Interstellar Detection of 2-cyanocyclopentadiene, C5H5CN, a Second Five-membered Ring toward TMC-1
Authors: Kelvin Lee Kin Long , Changala P. Bryan , Loomis Ryan A. , Burkhardt Andrew M. , Xue Ci , Cordiner Martin A. , Charnley Steven B. , McCarthy Michael C. , McGuire Brett A.
Published: March 2021

Using radio observations with the Green Bank Telescope, evidence has now been found for a second five-membered ring in the dense cloud Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 (TMC-1). Based on additional observations of an ongoing, large-scale, high-sensitivity spectral line survey (GOTHAM) at centimeter wavelengths toward this source, we have used a combination of spectral stacking, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), and matched filtering techniques to detect 2-cyanocyclopentadiene, a low-lying isomer of 1-cyanocyclopentadiene, which was recently discovered there by the same methods. The new observational data also yield a considerably improved detection significance for the more stable isomer and evidence for several individual transitions between 23–32 GHz. Through our MCMC analysis, we derive cospatial, total column densities of 8.3 × 1011 and 1.9 × 1011 cm−2 for 1- and 2-cyanocyclopentadiene, respectively, corresponding to a ratio of ∼4.4 favoring the former. The derived abundance ratios point toward a common formation pathway—most likely being cyanation of cyclopentadiene by analogy to benzonitrile.
First records of a potentially new plant community from the ruderal vegetation in the Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
Authors: Glogov Plamen , Georgievа Mira L.
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the first data of an unreported plant community dominated by Hordeum leporinum Link and Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt. (class Stellarietea mediae R. Tx., Lohmeyer et Preising in R.Tx. 1950). It is currently established in four localities in the region of the Black Sea coast, between the town of Ravda and the town of Nessebar, Bulgaria. Among the characteristic features of the community are: (i) it occupies places with an active human presence near the beach; (ii) preferences for shallow san-dy or rocky soils; (iii) Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt. as a dominant, diagnostic and constant species for the community. Other diagnostic species for the association are Anchusa officinalis L., Malva sylves-tris L., Sonchus arvensis L. and Avena fatua L. (iv) annual and perennial species have an equal participa-tion in the community; (v) increased presence of diagnostic species for the class Artemisietea vulgaris Lohmeyer et al. ex von Rochow 1951. Phytogeographically, the species composition of the community has a strong Mediterranean influence. In close proximity to its reléves there are always communities of xerophytic shrubs or low trees (in many cases alien species, such as Amorpha fruticosa L., Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) that participate in the association without forming a full second layer (their cover abundance is less than 30%).
Effect of wastewater sludge treatment on early growth and physiological responses of willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) pot-grown plants
Authors: Tsvetkov Ivaylo , Tzvetkova Nikolina , Marinova Svetla
Published: March 2021

Combining biomass production from fast-growing woody species with wastewater treatment is an attractive concept from the economic, energy and environmental points of view. A pilot experiment on study-ing the effect of wastewater treatment on the early growth and initial physiological responses of willow and poplar plants was carried out in greenhouse conditions. The survival, height growth, net photosyn-thesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration of two hybrid clones of black poplar (Populus x euroameri-cana (Dode) Guinier) (I-214 and I-45/51) and white willow (S. alba L.) pot-grown plants treated with different doses of agrochemically characterised wastewater sludge were studied during the establishment year. The height growth and number of resprouted willow shoots were also measured during the second year after cutting, at the end of the vegetation season. While the early growth height of poplar clones was markedly affected by the clone origin and wastewater sludge treatment, the latter did not considerably influence the height of the willow plants either during the establishment and the following year, but essentially increased the number of resprouted shoots during the second vegetation season. The rate of CO2 assimilation of willow plants was significantly influenced by the wastewater sludge treatment, with plants grown at the higher doses displaying higher photosynthetic performance. The application of wastewater sludge had no essential impact on the values of the physiological parameters of the poplar plants, but particular responses were found among the clones.
Preliminary project design for insect production: part 2 – organism kinetics, system dynamics and the role of modelling & simulation
Authors: Kok R.
Published: March 2021

During preliminary project design (PPD) an entopreneur can investigate a variety of process types, organism/feed combinations, operating conditions and procedures, control approaches, etc. before deciding on a specific system arrangement and proceeding to a more formal design stage. With modelling and simulation the effort required to locate a high-value point within the overall possibility space for a system can be greatly reduced because much of the development work can be carried out in a virtual environment. Nevertheless, to formulate models of the organism/feed kinetics as well as other system aspects, this approach must be based on experimental data. And, of course, results of a simulation study must be verified empirically. A simulation-based approach to PPD allows an entopreneur to study the dynamics of a wide variety of system arrangements and to gain insight into how a given arrangement is likely to perform with different parameter values and disturbances.
Efficiency of Outsourcing and Outstaffing Mechanisms Based on MOOCs in the Market of Entrepreneurial Education Services
Authors: Zuo La , Shestak Viktor , Vlasova Svetlana , Islamov Artem
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to analyze, based on new experimental data, the ef-fectiveness of entrepreneurship education using outsourcing and outstaffing (O&O) mechanisms based on the implementation of a massive open online course (MOOC). The field study was conducted among 205 undergraduate stu-dents enrolled in entrepreneurial programs in Management and Economics at three Russian universities. As a result of the study, the following hypotheses were confirmed. Namely, H1 "Implementation of O&O does not reduce student satisfaction with the educational process", H2 "Implementation of O&O does not reduce the level of students' understanding of theoretical teaching materials". H3 "Implementation of O&O does not reduce the level of students' understanding of practical learning tasks", H4 "The introduction of O&O has a positive impact on the business environment of the university". H5 "The introduction of O&O has a positive impact on the entrepreneurial intentions of students", H6 "The introduc-tion of O&O does not reduce the level of students' achievements". At the same time, all O&O elements were included in the educational process through online access to MOOCs based on EdX. The practical significance of the results ob-tained in the article is that the proposed approach allows one to effectively imple-ment outsourcing and outstaffing for the organization of entrepreneurial education based on MOOC, the creation and connection of which does not require signifi-cant costs from the university.
Faire l’expérience d’une démarche d’analyse de pratique autogérée : le pari de la confiance
Authors: Doublet Marie-Hélène
Published: March 2021

Les métiers de l’accompagnement et du conseil en évolution professionnelle sont aux prises avec un ensemble de paradoxes rendant l’exercice du métier parfois impossible. Pour faire face aux différentes pressions, entre la commande sociale et les demandes individuelles, nous faisons appel à des démarches d’exploration de l’expérience des professionnels par eux-mêmes et pour eux-mêmes. Cet article propose de décrire les circonstances amenant à la conception d’un dispositif qui transfère aux membres du collectif de métier les moyens de partager leur pratique à partir de leur expérience, d’en expliciter les principes et les difficultés. Dans un deuxième temps, à partir d’une recherche-action-formation menée auprès des conseillers en évolution professionnelles qui accompagnent les actifs en emploi, nous présenterons la mise en place de ce dispositif autogéré, permanent et sans intervenant extérieur. Quelles précautions pour créer un espace de coopération nécessaire à l’expression de l’expérience singulière, et faciliter sa formalisation en règles et gestes de métier ? Quelles conditions pour permettre une mise en confrontation respectueuse, source de développement d’acquis individuels et collectifs, pour initier des modes d’interaction avec les équipes de gouvernance, afin de peser efficacement dans les instances et les débats où la fonction conseil se décide ?
O Papel da Coparentalidade e da Rede de Apoio Materna no Uso de Mídias Digitais por Bebês
Authors: Canani da Rosa Laura , Pedrotti Bruna Gabriella , Yustas Mallmann Manoela , Bitencourt Frizzo Giana
Published: March 2021

Cuidar de um bebê é uma tarefa complexa e, em meio a tantas outras demandas, poder contar com a ajuda de uma rede de apoio pode ser essencial às mães e aos pais. Porém, estabelecer combinações com a rede de apoio sobre como esse cuidado será realizado pode ser um desafio, principalmente no que se refere ao uso de mídias digitais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os processos de coparentalidade e a configuração das redes de apoio das mães que utilizam mídias digitais na rotina com seus bebês e das que não o fazem, além de suas possíveis influências no acesso dos bebês às mídias digitais. Participaram deste estudo 15 mães de bebês que tinham entre 3 e 24 meses. Oito mães relataram que não ofereciam mídias digitais aos seus bebês e 7 o faziam. A partir de análise temática, identificou-se que os avós dos bebês tanto eram a principal rede de apoio das mães, quanto foram a principal fonte de exposição dos bebês às mídias digitais. Apesar de a rede de apoio ser considerada uma alternativa ao uso de mídias, esta se configura como outra fonte de acesso dos bebês a elas, mesmo sem o consenso familiar.
Ações estatais e a educação das pessoas com deficiência: analisando a atuação do estado e das famílias na segunda metade do século XX em Sergipe
Authors: De Oliveira Andrade Walna Patrícia , Conceição Joaquim Tavares
Published: March 2021

Este artigo analisa e discute a importância da luta das famílias para que ações estatais, relacionadas a educação das pessoas com deficiência, fossem efetivadas. O objetivo foi compreender o papel das famílias no processo educacional das pessoas com deficiência e investigar como o Estado participou do mesmo no período estudado. Para tanto foi realizada uma pesquisa na perspectiva da História Cultural, tendo como aporte teórico Chartier (1988), a partir das categorias de representação, práticas e apropriação; de cunho documental e conjugada com a História Oral Temática, pautada em Meihy e Holanda (2015), por meio de narrativas obtidas em entrevistas. Constatou-se que o associativismo foi um movimento importante como forma de garantir acesso à educação por parte das pessoas com deficiência e que apesar desta luta ter partido das famílias, o Estado teve importante participação na manutenção das instiuições fundadas para este fim.
Ensino religioso e educação pública no julgamento da ADI n. 4439/2010: ideias e atores
Authors: Santos Erisvaldo Pereira dos
Published: March 2021

Este artigo aborda, a partir de resultado de pesquisas, a controvérsia do ensino religioso nas escolas públicas, bem como o julgamento da Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade - ADI n? 4439/2010, pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal que lidou juridicamente com a questão. O trabalho está alicerçado na hermenêutica filosófica sobre humanismo secular, desenvolvida por Vaz (1988) e em uma apropriação da noção de regimes de verdade, de Foucault (2014). Metodologicamente, o trabalho de natureza qualitativa utilizou o procedimento de análise documental articulado ao mapeamento de discursos de atores relevantes no julgamento da ADI. Os achados de pesquisa permitem afirmar que os discursos produzidos por atores situados em importantes lugares acadêmicos e políticos não foram determinantes na decisão do STF, cuja sentença apontou para a necessária acomodação de interesses e relativização de polaridades que permeiam o debate em torno da religião e laicidade do Estado.Palavras-chave: Ensino Religioso; Educação Pública; STF.
The effect of COVID-19 emergency in the management of melanoma in Italy
Authors: Intergruppo Melanoma Italiano
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely hampered the functioning of any health system, absorbing a considerable amount of resources and with the threat of widespread infection in the health services. The present survey has been carried out in Italy to evaluate if and how COVID-19 also affected skin melanoma management. We enrolled 13 Italian centres highly qualified in the diagnosis and care of skin melanoma. We compared a set of information evaluating the amount of activity for melanoma performed during February-April 2020 with the same quarter in 2019. The number of new melanoma diagnosis, biopsies, wide local excisions, overall pathology reports decreased. However, the most severe cases seem promptly managed with sentinel lymph node biopsies, new systemic treatments (north) and the total number of (advanced) treated patients (centre-south). The COVID-19 experience has underlined the need to exploit the help which may come from telemedicine.
Splenic abscess leading to spontaneous splenic rupture
Authors: Bhullar Annum A. , Canders Caleb P. , Rouhani Amir , Lai Steven
Published: March 2021

Spontaneous, atraumatic rupture of the spleen is an uncommon but potentially fatal cause of acute abdominal pain. Splenic abscesses are equally rare and can be a risk factor for spontaneous splenic rupture. We present a 45-year-old man with no past medical or surgical history who presented with acute worsening of left upper abdominal pain that had been present for months, who was discovered to have a ruptured spleen. Splenic abscess was discovered intra-operatively and was thought to have developed after dental work. Recognizing presenting features of spontaneous splenic rupture and understanding its potential causes, such as splenic abscesses, may prevent delayed or missed diagnosis and guide treatment, which typically includes emergent splenectomy.
The role of emergency medicine residents during the global SARS-Cov-2 pandemic: The Pavia experience
Authors: Secco Gianmarco , Cappa Giovanni , Barcella Bruno , Perlini Stefano
Published: March 2021

In late January 2020, the first cases of Covid-19 were diagnosed in Italy. A month later the epidemic broke out in Lombardy bringing along dire consequences. Up to January 23rd 2021, the region counted 522,000 cases, and 26.518 deaths on a population of nearly 10 million. For many weeks thereafter tens of emergency COVID-19 patients were admitted every day through the ED requiring further adjustments in the organization of the Hospital, always in close cooperation with the out-of-hospital Emergency network. Among these, important and time-sensitive changes took place in the role of Residents in Emergency Medicine. As residents who worked through the first and second wave of the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic in the Emergency Department, we would like to discuss the consequences of our massive involvement on the front line of the healthcare effort to fight it.
Treatment and secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with severe hereditary thrombophilia
Authors: Madonna Pasquale , Guida Anna , Coppola Maria Gabriella , Tirelli Paolo , Grasso Ernesto
Published: March 2021

Deficiency of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin III (AT III), and homozygosity or combined heterozygosity for Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Factor II (FII) 20210A mutation represent severe hereditary thrombophilia (SHT) and are associated with a higher risk of early-onset venous thromboembolism (VTE). In literature, few papers have described the efficacy and safety of therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in VTE occurring in patients with SHT. In our setting, we identified 8 patients who have suffered from early-onset VTE and underwent therapy with DOACs (6 rivaroxaban, 2 apixaban). Among them, 2 AT III deficiency, 2 PC deficiency, 3 PS deficiency, 1 combined heterozygosity for FVL, and FII 20210A were detected. During the follow-up, neither recurrences of VTE nor hemorrhagic episodes were observed. This report describes the efficacy and safety of therapy with anti-Xa in the treatment and secondary prophylaxis of VTE in patients with SHT.
The challenging diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Coroado Ferreira Filipa , Rabadão Tiago , Naia Leonor , Teixeira Mariana , Aveiro Marcelo , Ferreira Gisela , Aguiar Diana
Published: March 2021

Livedo reticularis (LR) is a net-like cyanotic skin pattern resulting from cutaneous blood flow disturbance associated with several medical conditions. The authors present a case of a 77-year-old woman with a history of asthenia over one year, admitted to the hospital with sepsis by pneumonia. During her hospitalization, she developed a livedoid rash, and skin biopsy revealed infiltrates of atypical mononuclear cells causing capillary lumen obstruction. Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma was suspected and confirmed by bone marrow study. This case highlights the importance of being aware of different medical conditions associated with LR and the atypical presentation of a lymphoproliferative disorder.
Improving the performance of a ploughing tractor by means of an auxiliary carriage with motorized axle
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Nadykto Volodymyr , Ivanovs Semjons , Dukulis Ilmars
Published: March 2021

The article describes the analysis of results from field tests on ploughing units based on a modular draft device (MDD). This device is named MDD-100 and consists of an energy module and a technological module. The energy module is a universal tractor with a rated draft resistance of 16 kN. The technological module is an additional axle, equipped with an active wheel drive, a threepoint hitch linkage, and a saddle-type semi-trailer. During the working process, the draft resistance of the energy and the technological modules of the MDD-100 add up. As a result, the draft resistance of the latter may reach 26 kN, and more. This allows the MDD-100 to be classified as a draft device in traction class 3 and be used with agricultural machines with a large working width. The MDD-100 was tested with a five-bottom mounted plough with a working width of 1.75 m and a draft resistance of 24-28 kN. The best option for driving the MDD-100 with a plough was its movement with the right-side wheels in the furrow. The draft resistance of the plough would decrease by 12.0%, if the option of the MDD-100 outside the furrow is used. This ensured a 12.8% reduction in the skidding of the MDD-100 wheels and a 13.1% decrease of fuel consumption for the ploughing unit. Compared to a 4WD tractor, the use of a modular draft device with a 6WD wheel arrangement offered a greater stability of the ploughing depth.
Improving natural ventilation in renovated free-stall barns for dairy cows: Optimized building solutions by using a validated computational fluid dynamics model
Authors: Tomasello Nicoletta , Valenti Francesa , Cascone Giovanni , Porto Simona M.C.
Published: March 2021

Natural ventilation is the most used system to create suitable conditions, removing gases, introducing oxygen in livestock buildings. Its efficiency depends on several factors and above all on the number, the dimensions and the position of wall openings and internal layout of livestock buildings. The aim of this research was to develop optimized layout solutions for improving natural ventilation effectiveness in free-stall barns for dairy cows by using a CFD approach. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was applied in a case study which is highly representative of building interventions for renovating the layout of free-stall barns for dairy cows located in an area of the Mediterranean basin. Firstly, dairy cow behaviour was analysed by visual examination of time-lapse video-recordings. Then, simulations were carried out by using the validated CFD model and changing the position of internal and external building elements (i.e., internal office and external buildings for milking) in order to find the best condition for the thermal comfort of the animals. The results showed that the best conditions were recorded for a new configuration of the building in terms of air velocity distribution within the resting area, the service alley and the feeding alley for dairy cows, and in the pens for calves. In this new layout, the office areas and the north-west wall openings were located by mirroring them along the transversal axis of the barn. Therefore, the CFD approach proposed in this study could be used during the design phase, as a decision support system aimed at improving the natural ventilation within the barn.
Otimização por Enxame de Partículas híbrido de duas fases Aplicado o Problema de Layout em Linha Dupla
Authors: Cravo Gildásio Lecchi , De Castro Bissoli Dayan , Sales Amaral André Renato
Published: March 2021

O problema de layout em linha dupla (DRLP) consiste em determinar a localização de facilidades ao longo de ambos os lados de um corredor central, tendo como objetivo, a minimizaçao da soma ponderada das distáncias entre todos os pares de facilidades. Como facilidades podem ser máquinas, centros de trabalho, células de manufatura, departamentos de um edifício e robôs em sistemas de manufatura. Esse trabalho propõe uma abordagem puramente heurí­stica, baseada na meta-heurí­stica Otimização do Enxame de Partí­culas (PSO). Para validar o algoritmo proposto, o mesmo foi submetido a testes computacionais com cinquenta e uma instãncias, incluindo instãncias consideradas de grande porte e os resultados encontrados mostram o PSO proposto como uma excelente abordagem para o DRLP, melhorado tendo os valores conhecidos para diversas instãncias disponí­veis na literatura.
Case Report: Ischemic Enterocolitis Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kinjo Takeshi , Hokama Akira , Nakamura Hideta , Miyagi Kazuya , Higure Yuri , Otsuki Mariko , Nishiyama Naoya , Nakamatsu Masashi , Kinjo Tetsu , Tateyama Masao , Fujita Jiro
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious health and social concerns worldwide. Although the primary target of SARS-CoV-2 is the respiratory tract, SARS-CoV-2 infection also causes extrapulmonary symptoms. Previous articles have reported ischemic colitis in COVID-19 patients; however, information regarding its clinical manifestations and pathophysiology is limited. In this case report, we present two cases of ischemic enterocolitis in COVID-19 patients and review past case reports. Our literature review has shown that computed tomography rather than endoscopy was used for the diagnosis, and any region of the intestine was affected. Because the elevation of the D-dimer, which suggested a hypercoagulable state, was reported in most cases, we assumed that thrombosis at any level in the artery and vein was involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19–associated enterocolitis. SARS-CoV-2–induced endotheliitis can cause both coarctation of the vessels and thrombosis; therefore, both patterns of ischemic colitis, occlusive and nonocclusive, may be involved in COVID-19–associated enterocolitis.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ivory Coast: A Serosurveillance Survey among Gold Mine Workers
Authors: Milleliri Jean Marie , Coulibaly Daouda , Nyobe Blaise , Rey Jean-Loup , Lamontagne Franck , Hocqueloux Laurent , Giaché Susanna , Valery Antoine , Prazuck Thierry
Published: March 2021

Of the 107 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, less than 2 million have been reported in African countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ivory Coast mine workers. From July 15 to October 13, 2020, a voluntary serological test campaign was conducted in 3 sites: two gold mines, and the headquarters in Abidjan. Rapid tests to detect IgG and IgM on capillary blood were performed. To identify independent sociodemographic characteristics associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 1,687 subjects were tested; 91% were male (n = 1,536), and the mean age was 37 years. The overall seroprevalence was 25.1% (n = 422), ranging between 13.6% (11.2–16.1%), 34.4% (31.1–37.7%), and 34.7% (26.2–43.2%) in mine A, in mine B, and in Abidjan, respectively. Among the 422 seropositive subjects, 74 reported mild symptoms in the three previous months and one was hospitalized for severe COVID-19 infection. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high in both gold miners and administrative staff working in Ivory Coast. The burden of infection in West Africa has probably been underestimated till now.
Sanitation Practices and Microbial Quality of Drinking Water in Open Defaecation Free and Open Defaecation Communities in the Savelugu Municipality
Authors: Bakobie N. , Ibrahim A. R. , Duwiejuah A. B.
Published: March 2021

Open defaecation leads to faecal matter contamination of drinking water which can cause water borne diseases. The study assessed the linkage between sanitation practices and microbial quality of drinking water of open defaecation free and open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A cross-sectional survey of 170 households was conducted in five open defaecation free and five open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A total of 78 samples were collected from water sources and households and analysed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp. Sanitation facilities used by the residents included pit latrine (88.24%), no latrine (11.17%), and flush (0.59%). The study observed improper disposal of children faeces in the communities. E. coli count ranged from 0 to 15 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation free communities and 0 to 32 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation communities. The microbial load in the drinking water from open defaecation communities was higher than open defaecation free communities. Open defaecation practice leads to contamination of household water probably due to unsanitary. Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) should be encouraged in open defaecation communities.
Processing and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Coconut Shell and Palm Kernel Shell Waste by H3PO4 Activation
Authors: Nyamful A. , Nyogbe E. K. , Mohammed L. , Zainudeen M. N. , Darkwa S. A. , Phiri I. , Mohammed M. , Ko J. M.
Published: March 2021

Palm kernel shell and coconut shell are used as a precursor for the production of activated carbon, a way of mitigating the tons of waste produced in Ghana. The raw Palm kernel shell and coconut shell were activated chemically using H3PO4. A maximum activated carbon yield of 26.3 g was obtained for Palm kernel shell and 22.9 g for coconut shell at 400oC, an impregnation ratio of 1.2 and 1-hour carbonization time. Scanning electron microscopy reveals well-developed cavities of the H3PO4 activated coconut shell and Palm kernel shell compared to the non-activated carbon. Iodine number of 743.02 mg/g and 682.11 mg/g, a porosity of 0.31 and 0.49 and the electrical conductivity of 2010 μS/cm and 778 μS /cm were obtained for the AC prepared from the coconut shell and Palm kernel shell respectively. The results of this work show that high-quality activated carbon can be manufactured locally from coconut shell and Palm kernel shell waste, and a scale-up of this production will go a long way to reduce the tons of coconut shell and Palm kernel shell waste generated in the country.
Multicast Beamforming for SWIPT in MISO Full-Duplex Systems
Authors: Okandeji Alexander Akpofure
Published: March 2021

This paper considers the multicast transmit beamforming and receive power splitting problem for sum transmit power minimization for a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system subject to signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and energy harvesting constraints at the receiver. In particular, we consider the case of perfect and imperfect channel state information (CSI) at the base station. Using semidefinite relaxation (SDR) technique, we obtain solution to the problem with imperfect channel state information of the self-interfering channels.

Keywords: Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer, channel state information, Energy harvesting, semidefinite relaxation.
The Effects of COVID-19 on Future Domestic Travel Intentions in South Africa: A Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Bama Hilary Kenedy Nji , Nyikana Siyabulela
Published: March 2021

This study seeks to unpack the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the South African domestic tourism market. In particular, the study considers how, given the negative impacts that have been felt with international travel being largely restricted, many destinations who traditionally rely on tourism will approach domestic tourism post the restrictions. Given South Africa’s previous aggressive campaigns which sought to promote domestic tourism in the country, the value of this focus area cannot be overlooked. The need for empirical research that assesses the attitudes of people regarding travel and tourism beyond the pandemic in a country that has been one of the hardest-hit on the African continent is equally important in this respect. Data for the study was sourced from interviews with key informant personnel in the domain of tourism coupled with an online questionnaire survey that was collected from respondents through the Google Forms Application. The key findings from the study reveal that a majority of the respondents were generally satisfied with the management of the pandemic in the country and were willing to wait until all restrictions were lifted before travelling again. Moreover, many of the respondents felt that they would likely travel more domestically in order to assist the tourism industry recover post-COVID-19 and would actively help market the country to friends and relatives in assisting with the recovery marketing initiatives. However, major concerns were raised about the financial possibilities of the domestic tourists as well as the lack of effective communication and cooperation between the private sector and the government regarding tourism’s recovery plan.
The Synergy of Food and Tourism: A New Recipe for Regional Tourism Development
Authors: Nair Bipithalal Balakrishnan
Published: March 2021

Food has become an emerging subject in tourism and leisure activities, with versatile applicability as part of the community culture and visitor’s experience. The commercialisation of possessions conveys sustainable growth, identification, geographical and multicultural characteristics of products and services. Food infuses the travel experience, and particular roles of food in tourism might become more important in certain circumstances. The tastes that travellers acquire through food tourism bridge a place’s culture and tradition since it provides insight into diverse communities through the lenses of tasting, food processing and eating. As a social process connecting cultures through people, tourism gains considerable advantages through food tourism. Many developing countries in Asia and Africa have enormous potential for food tourism. This conceptual paper evaluates the Durban area's food tourism potential and thus proposes four strategies to promote regional development. These strategies are developed by linking the food with other visitor attractions as a means of economic diversification.