bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Usability of Object-Oriented Design Patterns for a Better Software Quality
Authors: Bontchev Boyan , Milanova Emanuela
Published: December 2020

Software design patterns incarnate expert knowledge distilled from the practical experience in object-oriented design, in a compact and reusable form. The article presents a quantitative study of the usability of the object-oriented software design patterns (known as Gang of Four patterns) applied for improving the testability, maintainability, extendibility, readability, reliability, and performance efficiency of software applications. We received 82 usable responses from software professionals in Bulgaria, with 65 of them addressing both the usability and recognition of each one of the Gang of Four patterns, together with their impact on important software quality characteristics. As well, we studied the approach of each software developer in choosing a particular design pattern to use in order to solve a problem. We found statistically significant differences between the most recognized and most useful patterns and between the most unrecognized and most useless patterns, split into creational, structural, and behavioral groups.
Genetic Characteristics of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1848) Broodstocks from Hatcheries in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Stroil Belma Kalamujić , Stanić Mia , Kalajdžić Abdurahim , Pojskić Naris
Published: December 2020

The most commonly farmed fish species in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aquaculture are from the family Salmonidae, including brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis which is reared both for consumption and stocking purposes. A number of farmers complained about the elevated frequency of anatomical deformities in the smolts and fingerlings of brook trout, decreasing their fitness rate and causing significant financial loss. Since it has been shown that occurrence of deformities is correlated with the low genetic diversity and high inbreeding, this study aimed to assess intra- and interpopulation diversity of Salvelinus fontinalis from different freshwater fish farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina by observing variation in mitochondrial and nuclear genome. Total of 109 samples of brook trout from three hatcheries located at the Neretva River were analyzed for the mitochondrial control region and seven nuclear microsatellite loci. Both PCR-RFLP and sequencing revealed only one haplotype of the control region in all investigated trout. Overall, a low number of genotypes was evident across all the observed loci. Values of genetic diversity and polymorphic information content followed the increase in the number of alleles per locus. In general, values of inbreeding coefficient were generally very high, while the genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity had low rates. The results of our study are congruent with the findings of previous studies in which developmental deformities were concomitant with the low genetic diversity and inbreeding depression. It is, therefore, strongly advised to regularly supplement the broodstock with new, unrelated individuals, as it is of vital importance for sustaining a satisfying level of genetic diversity and preventing inbreeding depression. Additionally, maintaining good management practices regarding the fluctuation of water temperature, exposure to pollution, nutrition, etc., will further contribute to the prevention of this detrimental condition.
Descriptive Rules and Normativity
Authors: Placani Adriana
Published: December 2020

This work offers a challenge to the orthodox view that descriptive rules are non-normative and passive in their role and usage. It does so by arguing that, although lacking in normativity themselves, descriptive rules can be sources of normativity by way of the normative attitudes that can develop around them. That is, although descriptive rules typically depict how things are, they can also play a role in how things ought to be. In this way, the limited role that this type of rule can play as either a basis for the development of normative reasons, or as explanatory reasons for action is identified and clarified. One desirable outcome of the analysis is a more complete view of what descriptive rules are and how they are utilized by agents.
The abyss, or the insufficiency of ethical nihilism for Nietzsche’s Übermensch
Authors: Kahambing Jan Gresil
Published: December 2020

In this paper, I critique the prevalent notion that only in the abyss can one emerge to be the Übermensch, or to use Hollingdale’s term, the Superman. To support this, I will first expound on the notion of the abyss as ethical nihilism from the perspective of the death of God to Nietzsche’s critique of morality. I argue that ethical nihilism as an abyss is insufficient in constituting Nietzsche’s Superman. I will then set how the Superman emerges through counter-stages. The paradox is that such tragic an abyss that serves as conditio sine qua non for the Superman falls flat when looked at in the perspective of life. There underlies a fundamental difficulty in simply accepting the proposals of acknowledging the abyss or ‘becoming what one is.’ Later, Nietzsche’s anti-romanticism and anti-Darwinism are explored to support such difficulty.
Swelling potential of volcanic residual soils in Sumatra (Indonesia) in relation to environmental issues
Authors: Iqbal Prahara , Muslim Dicky , Zakaria Zufialdi , Permana Haryadi , Satriyo Nugroho A. , Syahbana Arifan J. , Yunarto  , Khoirullah Nur , Asykarullah Abdul W.
Published: December 2020

Swelling potential characterization of clay-silt soil is an essential issue in stabilization, settlement, consolidation, and land suitability studies. This article attempts to explain the swelling characteristics of soils around the area of West Lampung, Lampung Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, in relation to environmental issues. An investigation in relation to the soil swelling potential was carried out using 15 disturbed soil samples collectd in the study area. The methods used were analyses of clay mineral geochemistry, physical characteristics, and the free swell ratio. These results showed that the soil in the study area was Quaternary tropical volcanic residual soil. These soils were formed in a proximal volcanic hydrothermal alteration environment. The soils of the study area have characteristics of high plasticity, a reddish-brown colour, and are clayey silt grained (MH) (USCS). The soils had loose physical characteristics in dry conditions; however, these soils tends to be plastic and sticky in wet conditions. Evidence of groove erosion was found at the soil surface. Based on XRD analysis, kaolinite, halloysite, and montmorillonite were types of clay minerals found in the soil. The soil had a clay content of 11.05–78.9%, a liquid limit value > 50%, a plasticity index value of 16.7–36.9%, a shrinkage value of 14.24–36.89%, a soil activity of 0.38–2.47; and an FSR value of 0.69–0.95. These characteristics have implications for swelling soil potential. The results showed that the soils in the study area had medium to very high swelling potential. These results suggest a risk of erosion in the area, which could cause soil degradation and a change in water quality. These soils are likely to affect land productivity and aquifer replenishment and will cause negative environmental and economic impacts. Thus, soil improvement techniques are needed. It is important to maintaining vegetative cover these soils and revegetation may be required.
Vector AR3-APP – A Good-Practice Example of Learning with Augmented Reality
Authors: Langer Karin , Lietze Stefanie , Krizek Gerd Ch.
Published: December 2020

After a discussion about the possibilities and status of augmented reality in education, a good practice example of an augmented reality application is presented. This case study examines the use of an augmented reality app in higher education to support abstract STEM content, such as vectors. Based on this example, the implementation of such apps in didactic concepts and self-directed learning will be discussed. Furthermore, aspects of integration into digital learning and teaching will be addressed.
Types, Styles, and Spaces of Possibility : Phenomenology and Musical Improvisation
Authors: Atkinson Mitchell
Published: December 2020

I outline an approach to the phenomenology of improvised music which takes typification and the development of multi‐ordered phenomenological structures as central. My approach here is firmly in line with classical Husserlian phenomenology, taking the discussion of types in Experience and Judgment (Husserl, 1973) and Brudzińska (2015) as guide. I provide a phenomenological analysis of musical types as they are found in improvisational contexts, focusing on jazz in the 20th century. Styles are higher‐order musical types. Musical types are structures that are temporally “thick,” relying on sedimented typification and knowledge, driving expectations as definitional. In most forms of music (including improvised music), musical styles involve maintaining a balance between confirming expectations and flouting expectations. I show that improvised music has a phenomenal structure which is enriched by the communicative and “ real‐time” nature of improvised music. Improvised music can be seen as an exploration of a possibility space rendered by the juxtaposition of the musical types afforded by a performance environment (instrumentation, harmonic and melodic traditions, etc.). I show that improvisation in music is a multi‐vectoral form of communication. The communication is founded in what Dieter Lohmar calls “non‐linguistic thinking.” The expression is constituted in the results of active and synthesis. The culmination of improvisational exploration of possibility spaces is the precisification and enrichment of styles‐as‐types, while in some cases developing new styles in the process.
Properties of Honey and Pollen Samples Obtained from Different Rhododendron Species Collected from Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: Alkan Sezai , Akgün Mert , Ertürk Ömer , Ayvaz Melek Çol , Başkan Ceren
Published: December 2020

Physicochemical properties as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities of Rhododendron honey and pollen produced in Turkey were determined. Monofloral honey samples from three different Rhododendron species (R. ponticum L., R. luteum L., and R. caucasicum L.) were collected from the mountains of the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The experimental results revealed that each crude extract of honey and pollen exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal capacity in the bacteria and fungus. The pollen samples and SEM images have been analysed and recorded. The total phenolic contents and antioxidative activities of the samples were investigated based on DPPH free radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidative power potentials, and higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities were observed for pollen samples with respect to honey. Furthermore, the potential to inhibit Acetyl- and Butrylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The potential to inhibit DNA damage were also studied, and R. ponticum honey was observed to influence most positively damaged DNA.
Existence result for a nonlinear elliptic problem by topological degree in Sobolev spaces with variable exponent
Authors: Ait Hammou Mustapha , Azroul Elhoussine
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to establish the existence of solutions for a nonlinear elliptic problem of the form

{

A

(
u
)

=
f

i
n

Ω

u
=
0

o
n

∂
Ω

\left\{ {\matrix{{A\left( u \right) = f} \hfill & {in} \hfill & \Omega \hfill \cr {u = 0} \hfill & {on} \hfill & {\partial \Omega } \hfill \cr } } \right.

where A(u) = −diva(x, u, ∇u) is a Leray-Lions operator and f ∈ W−1,p′
(.)(Ω) with p(x) ∈ (1, ∞). Our technical approach is based on topological degree method and the theory of variable exponent Sobolev spaces.
Top Officials’ Careers and the Relationship Between Politics and Administration
Authors: Bach Tobias
Published: December 2020

This essay elaborates how the analysis of administrative careers – both as dependent and independent variables – can be leveraged to gain a more systematic understanding of the relationship between politics and administration. It highlights how the analysis of administrative careers can provide answers to pertinent questions about the relationship between politics and administration, including civil service politicization, politicians’ motivations in patronage decisions, the interplay of organizational characteristics and top officials’ careers, and performance effects of administrative careers. It also includes suggestions on how to move forward in terms of research methods and how the systematic analysis of administrative careers can strengthen the comparative analysis of the relationship between politics and administration.
The Impact of Supply Chain Dynamic Capabilities on Operational Performance
Authors: Kareem Mohanad Ali , Kummitha Harsha Vardhan Reddy
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose: Literature is lacking on how supply chain dynamic capabilities influence operational performance. This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of supply chain dynamic capabilities on operational performance in Hungarian manufacturing companies.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used an online survey for data collection. The model is tested with data from 208 supply chain management professionals from Hungarian manufacturing industry. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Results: The empirical results indicate that supply chain dynamic capabilities namely; collaboration capability, agility capability, and responsiveness capability are significantly and positively associated with operational performance. However, the results show that integration capability has no significant impact on operational performance

Conclusion: The study concludes that in a dynamic environment, developing supply chain dynamic capabilities can help manufacturing company managers to build effective supply chains and achieve superior performance. Further, managers need to recognize that supply chain dynamic capabilities are multidimensional and each dimension has different effects on operational performance. Also, the study provides theoretical and managerial implications that are further ‎discussed in detail.
Analysis of landscape structure, habitat selection and urbanisation in edge populations of Scops Owls Otus scops in Central Europe×
Authors: Klein Ákos , Szentirmai István , Dobos Zsófia , Laczi Miklós
Published: December 2020

The habitat selection of Scops Owl Otus scops has not been studied in Hungary so far. The population in the Carpathian Basin can be considered as a range edge population. Yet, studying and conserving breeding population at the edge of the species’ range is important for the evolutionary potential of the species. In the present study, we examined Scops Owl populations situated on both sides of the Hungarian-Slovenian border. Although breeding density is significantly higher in Slovenia than in Hungary, we found no difference in the ecological diversity of the Goričko Nature Park (GNP), Slovenia and Vas County, Hungary. We found that both the proportion and total edge length of dry grasslands and intensively managed mesic grasslands were lower in Hungary. Similarly, market gardens were present in a larger proportion in GNP. These landscape features all indicate that the complex cultivation is still pronounced in GNP, favouring the Sops Owl as less intensive cultivation modes, like rural market gardens and grasslands play a key role in its habitat selection. Points with Scops Owl observations appeared to be closer to settlements than randomly generated points. They also were observed farther from primary roads than from secondary roads. This is in accordance with other studies revealing that these nocturnal birds avoid noisy roads. We briefly discuss why conserving range edge populations is important, and how time and effort optimised species conservation measures should accompany landscape protection at the political level.
ICNP® – why not? Nurses’ opinions on the implementation of ICNP® vocabulary for clinical practice
Authors: Pietrzak Katarzyna , Grabowska Hanna
Published: December 2020

Introduction. The most important application of information technology in nursing is generating and maintaining patient’s electronic records. Implementing ICNP® to this can guarantee the continuity and high quality of evidence-based care.

Aim. Obtaining information on nurses’ opinions on the implementation of ICNP® in clinical practice.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in late 2018 and early 2019 in a group of 104 nurses of the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk. It involved conducting a diagnostic survey.

Results. Prior to the survey, 77.9% of the respondents were aware of ICNP®. The respondents who did not provide the correct answer to question about the essence of the ICNP® were mostly over 45 years of age. When it comes to 25% of subjects, they declared they were willing to use ICNP®. The vast majority considered it more convenient to maintain care records in the traditional way than with the use of ICNP®. The respondents with a master’s degree showed a higher level of acceptance for the implementation of the ICNP® to clinical practice than respondents with secondary and tertiary education.

Conclusions. The nursing staff over 45 years old presented a lower level of knowledge related to the ICNP® as compared to other respondents. The reasons behind the conviction that applying ICNP® would be difficult included understaffing and lack of mobile devices such as tablets or laptops in hospital wards. It is, therefore, necessary to launch a nursing terminology training programme, equip branches with the necessary devices and comply with minimum employment standards.
The Urban Regime Theory in Political Science Research — The Possibilities and Limitations of Implementation
Authors: Glinka Kamil
Published: December 2020

The article discusses novel methodology. The main aim of the paper is to analyse the explanatory potential of the urban regime theory used in political science studies. The author verifies the hypothesis which states that the explanatory potential of the urban regime theory, understood as the ability to explain the dynamic transformations of the socio-political reality of modern cities, is derived from the possibility of using a set of research methods, and not only those that are of “customary” (traditional) interest to political scientists. This set includes eight different research methods, selected on the basis of a review of the positions and methodological approaches dominating in the extensive literature on the subject. The hypothesis verification determines the structure of the article, which consists of the considerations focused around: (1) theoretical issues (2) methodological assumptions of the presented analysis, and (3) variants of the examination of the urban regime. The analysis confirms the hypothesis and proves that the application potential of the urban regime theory results from the possibility of using at least several research methods, with particular emphasis on those that are just gaining popularity among political scientists.
Factors of Divergence between Peripheral and Central Subregions: The Case of Mazovia Province, Poland
Authors: Zaborowski Tomasz
Published: December 2020

The focus of this article is the study of centre–periphery intraregional development disparities using Poland's largest and most diversified Mazovia Province (Mazowieckie Voivodeship) as an example. The economic downfall of the Radom subregion, in comparison with the booming Warsaw agglomeration, clearly illustrates the polarisation of this province. A research question was if the location of the Radom subregion in Mazovia Province is a significant factor of its relative regression. In order to answer this question, selected development indicators of Mazovian subregions have been compared with their counterparts from surrounding provinces. Research results have shown that a subregion's location in a big and diversified province is a significant factor of intraregional centre-periphery development discrepancies.
Differences in the Spatial Distribution and Characteristics of Urban Beggars: The Case of the Sanglah District in Denpasar (Indonesia)
Authors: Shara Aprilia Riszi Indah Dewi , Listyaningsih Umi , Giyarsih Sri Rum
Published: December 2020

The study set out to analyse the differences in the characteristics and spatial distribution of urban beggars in Sanglah, Denpasar City. It employed survey research for data collection by observation, structured interviews with a questionnaire, and documentation. These data were later processed and analysed in a quantitative descriptive manner. The results show that, based on religion, there were two groups of beggars, namely Muslim and Hindu. Spatially, the Hindu beggars disregarded the religion of the people they implored, whereas the Muslim beggars would only target the houses and shops owned by Muslims. Those two class of beggars differ in languages, bagging duration, daily-earning, clothing, and sympathy-drawing strategy during the panhandling.
Information-Sharing Challenges and Issues in Multinational Operations, Part 1
Authors: Toth András
Published: December 2020

One of the essential prerequisites for an efficient and effective organisation in our information society is the timely provision of information to the entitled person or persons. This is particularly important in the public, economic and business sphere, in public administration, law enforcement agencies and military operations as well. The information must always be available in the right place, at the right time, in the required quantity, quality and format, in order to gain and maintain the information superiority. This paper aims to analyse and present the methods of information sharing among different classified and non-classified systems and networks, their proposed areas of application, the security measures required for their safe implementation, and the risks and issues arising from their use. In this part of the article, the author analysed the different international security management procedures, the possible threats, vulnerabilities and solutions to create the most effective information-sharing environment.
Economic policy and confidence of economic agents – a causal relationship?
Authors: Dajčman Silvo
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to study whether innovations in monetary and fiscal policy are a leading indicator of future business and consumer confidence and reverse applying the panel Granger causality analysis to two periods in the history of the euro area: before and after the start of the Great Recession. The results show that Granger causality interaction between the confidence of economic agents and the stance of monetary policy (measured by the shadow rate) is stronger than between the former and the fiscal policy instruments. The European Central Bank (ECB) shadow rate innovations Granger caused business and consumer confidence in both periods, but also indicators of confidence Granger caused the shadow rate. No such feedback could be established between two fiscal policy instruments (government expenditure and revenue growth) and the indicators of confidence. Government spending and revenues Granger caused business confidence in the first subperiod, but not in the second subperiod when the causality reversed. The government revenues Granger caused consumer confidence in the first subperiod, while government expenditures in the second subperiod. Consumer confidence Granger caused government spending in the first subperiod.
Four-year outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Predescu Lucian , Postu Marin , Zarma Lucian , Bucsa Adrian , Platon Pavel , Croitoru Marian , Mereuta Adrian , Lichiardopol Leonard , Predescu Alexandra , Dorobantu Dan Mihai , Ginghina Carmen , Deleanu Dan
Published: December 2020

Background. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) have become a feasible and efficient alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). There are limited data regarding early and late outcomes after ULMCAD PCI in patients with ACS and stable angina.

The aim of this study was to compare early and four-year clinical outcomes in patients with ULMCAD PCI presenting as ACS or stable angina in a high-volume PCI center.

Methods. We conducted a single center retrospective observational study, which included 146 patients with ULMCAD undergoing PCI between 2014 and 2018. Patients were divided in two groups: Group A included patients with stable angina (n = 70, 47.9%) and Group B patients with ACS (n = 76, 52.1%).

Results. 30-day mortality was 8.22% overall, lower in Group A (1.43% vs 14.47%, p = 0.02). Mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates at 4 years were significantly lower in Group A (9.64% vs 33.25%, p = 0.001, and 24.06% vs 40.11%, p = 0.012, respectively). Target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 4 year did not differ between groups (15% in Group A vs 12.76% in Group B, p = 0.5).

Conclusions. In our study patients with ULMCAD and ACS undergoing PCI had higher early and long-term mortality and MACE rates compared to patients with stable angina, with similar TLR rate at 4-year follow-up.
Methodology for Bathymetric Mapping Using Open-Source Software
Authors: Dumpis Jānis , Lagzdiņš Ainis
Published: December 2020

The modern technologies not only provide an opportunity to collect water depth data much more efficiently than in the past, but also there is a wide range of opportunities to process these data to develop bathymetric maps and perform various calculations in the computer environment. This research aims to construct a high-resolution bathymetric map by using open-source software. Lake Zebrus was selected as the study site, where fieldwork was performed to obtain the depth data and subsequently process to find optimal methodology for creating a bathymetric map. The methodology used in this research is modifiable for different purposes and is based on obtaining the best results from using open-source resources and knowledge of cartography. Lake Zebrus is an example how to perform accurate and state of the art bathymetric survey in a short time period. The area of Lake Zebrus is 417.57 ha. The lake has a small crooked coastline. Lake Zebrus has a maximum depth of 4.45 m and an average depth of 1.48 m. Results from the bathymetric survey can be used for further research based on depth data. The research tasks are accomplished as the methodology selected is repeatable in the other lakes. The research results prove that this methodology can be used for a bathymetric survey and it is possible to obtain high-definition results using open-source resources.
Evaluation Criteria and Benefit Analysis of Mixing Process in Anaerobic Digesters of Biogas Plants
Authors: Conti Fosca , Saidi Abdessamad , Goldbrunner Markus
Published: December 2020

A valid method to evaluate decisions of a project proposal is the so-called cost-benefit analysis. Criteria are selected and properly weighted to determine if the project is effective and feasible. The present research study is focused on methodical selection of design parameters to install two propeller mixers inside anaerobic digesters of biogas plants. A cylindrical tank of 1400 m3 was considered. For the model-based optimisation, the substrate was considered as a non-Newtonian fluid with a density of 1090 kg/m3. The Oswald-de Waele power-law model was selected to account for the rheological behaviour of the fluid. Installation parameters of the mixers were rotational angles and heights of the shafts of the two propellers. A computational model was developed to simulate the fluid dynamics depending on the mixing process inside the tank. Several configurations were analysed according to evaluating criteria such as the value of the fluid velocity, its distribution along the three spatial dimensions, and the power consumption to rotate the mixers. The maximum fluid velocity and minimum power consumption were observed when the propellers are located at intermediate height inside the tank and with the shafts perpendicular to the tank radius. With this configuration, the fluid reaches a maximum velocity of 0.28 m/s. According to the investigation, it is evident that mixing systems with propeller shafts deep-seated and parallel to the tank radius should be avoided, both in term of efficiency of the fluid mixing distribution and in term of power consumption.
Sound Absorption Properties Evaluation and Analysis of Recycled Tyre Textile Fibre Waste
Authors: Ružickij Robert , Astrauskas Tomas , Valtere Sarma , Grubliauskas Raimondas
Published: December 2020

Modern world is exposed to various environmental concerns which are closely related to human health condition. Since the automatization, world became vulnerable to the noise and the waste amounts generated. World Health Organization report states, due to noise, Western Europe each year loses approximately 1 million of healthy life years. However, noise is not the only concern. Tyres, since they were banned from the landfills, became enormous problem in a modern society. Approximately 2.6 million tonnes of tyres are generated each year in Europe, out of which 320 000 tonnes of Recycled Tyre Textile Fibre (RTTF) waste. Practically, rubber granules and metals extracted from tyre can be reused, however reusing RTTF is a challenge. The main focus is on the possibility of reuse of RTTF in buildings for acoustical comfort improvement. The determination of sound absorption is implemented by experimental research, based on ISO 10534 standard, involving five types of sound absorbing materials. It was concluded that RTTF has a great potential in use for sound absorption structures and can be an alternative substitute to non-renewable and non-recyclable materials.
Mechanical Fatigue Test of Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) with Aramid Nida-Core Under Cyclic Bending
Authors: Ahcene Ait Said , Kamel Bey , Hocine Mzad
Published: December 2020

The selection of a composite material for any application will involve selection of reinforcing fibre and matrix, and their fractional volume in the resulting material. A properly selected combination will give a composite material high strength and stiffness, low weight, excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance. The present experimental work is a contribution to the study of the mechanical fatigue behaviour under 3-point bending stress, of aramid/aluminium composite panel with honeycomb core. The tests were performed on four specimens for three cyclic loadings (90%, 80% and 70%), and imposed deformation with a load ratio of 0.2 and a frequency of 5 Hz. The results show that the optimal load ensuring better service resistance of the experimented sandwich panel is 0.7 of the material elastic limit (720 N). Observation using optical microscope of fracture faces in static and cyclic flexion showed the different damage modes of skins and core.
Use of Methane-Free Synthesis Gases as Fuel in an Spark Ignition Combustion Engine
Authors: Andrej Chríbik , Marián Polóni , Matej Minárik
Published: December 2020

The presented article deals with the use of methane-free synthesis gases in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine. The authors analyse the influence of seven synthesis gases on integral as well as internal parameters of the engine and make comparisons with operation on methane. The main combustible components of the synthesis gas are hydrogen and carbon monoxide and the remainder are inert gases (nitrogen and carbon dioxide). At the operating speed of the combustion engine of 1500 rpm, at which the cogeneration unit operates, in comparison with methane a decrease in power parameters was recorded in the range from 19 to 35%. The increase in the hourly fuel consumption was 6 to 8 times higher. Depending on the gas composition, the optimum start of ignition angle at full load ranged from 17 to 26 °CA BTDC. In terms of analysis of internal parameters, the cyclic variability of the pressure in the engine cylinder, which characterizes the stability of its operation, was in synthesis gases operation mostly at a lower level (from 3.6% to 6.9%) than in methane operation (6.8%). Due to the presence of hydrogen, the main combustion time interval of all synthesis gases has been shorter compared to methane. The presented results serve to better understand the setting of the waste gasification process so that the highest possible energy and economic recovery in the cogeneration unit is obtained.
A Walker Designed for Parkinson’s Disease Patients Based on a Survey in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Dibakar , Karim Maruf Ul , Ahamed Md. Sharjil , Sultana Farzana , Islam Zahidul
Published: December 2020

A neurodegenerative disorder like Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes tremor, rigidity, postural instability and gait problems in early stages and thus poses an undetermined threat to the social and personal lives of the elderly in developing countries due to insufficient survey and research activities. However, several types of assistive devices (AD) are available in the market and the real patients’ requirements are often overlooked in their design. This paper presents the process of design and fabrication of an innovative walker for PD patients. This walker has a non-modular foldable design which incentivizes patients to stand up straight and walk without the help of others. A survey on patients battling parkinsonism and practicing doctors was performed in public hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh and relevant engineering data was derived from it using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) which can also help visualize further market research opportunities. A finite element analysis (FEA) was performed before the walker was constructed for safety. It was handed to several volunteers for use and their responses were satisfactory. The designed walker may serve as a low-cost AD which is likely to improve a patient’s posture and overall lifestyle and therefore, it can act as a means of rehabilitation.
Properties of FSW and MIG Welded Joints of AlSiMg Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Pavol Sejč , Martin Bučány , Peter Zifčák
Published: December 2020

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is one of the modern and constantly evolving technologies of solid state joining and is used for welding a wide range of materials. The main parameters of friction stir welding such as rotational speed of the tool, movement speed and the angle of a tilt are analyzed in this article. 6XXX aluminium alloys have been investigated. The examined mechanical properties of the welds include hardness and strength, which are both important sources of information about quality of welding of the materials used in constructions.
Development of Simulation Methods in Biomedical Sciences - From Phantoms to Virtual Patients
Authors: Mladenovic Rasa , Dakovic Dragana , Mladenovic Kristina
Published: December 2020

Simulation is an imitation of the operation of a real process or system over time that is applied for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, training, system evaluation, and research. Medical simulation is an artificial presentation of real clinical situations, which is applied in education. Medical simulation allows the acquisition of clinical skills without the risk of harming the patient. Medical simulations have been developed and refined over the years-simulation models, cadavers, actors and robots have found wide application in medical training. Of more sophisticated simulation technologies, Virtual and Augmented Realities are used. The presence of science in the digital world is necessary in order to market the proven knowledge acquired in an adequate manner. The traditional teaching process, despite serious and thorough research, seems non-inspirational, and it is important that educators and teachers keep up with the times and provide students with the latest teaching and work methods.
The Hybrid Theater of Robert Pinget
Authors: Similar Anca
Published: December 2020

The theatre of Robert Pinget was acclaimed at the Avignon Festival till the 1980s, until it became in spite of itself a representative of the theatrical avant-garde greeted by numerous critics and academic texts. It appears, however, that Pinget’s theatre was the victim of a real misinterpretation. Adventurous life, where romance and destiny mingle, lay the foundations of pingétienne irony, this search for personal tone subjects to uncertainties and other contradictions Robert Pinget’s affiliation with Max Jacob’s is an attempt to approach the avant-garde, but to turn away from it in a subtle way in the last moment. This waltz-hesitation of Pinget will be the basis of a tendency to put this work in the “new novel” or the theatrical avant-garde. The literature of Pinget can be considered as a form of the art of the escape the expression of an incessantly renewed amazement through an acousmatic voice. It is through the theory of the double and the quest for secrecy that we can now reposition Pinget’s theater in the perspective of a classical theater on the very margins of the avant-garde and a striking example of an ontological incomprehension between adaptation and the message left by the author.
A Brief Analysis of the Functionality and Dramaturgy of the Soundtrack in Film and Theater (Part I.)
Authors: Venczel Peter
Published: December 2020

In this article I would like to point out the importance of the functionality of the soundtrack in film and theatre. First of all, I can mention that the chosen thematic has an almost unexistent bibliography due to the decreased number of theoretical works in this domain, and the few existent studies handle the same thematic from different angles, causing a lack of balance in the processing of musical and technical context. In most cases the cultural audience doesn’t watch a movie or a theatrical play for its music, but is yet 50% influenced by it, noticing it only when the background music changes into an objectively or subjectively disturbing one. On the other hand, if a movie has an impecable soundtrack, the audience won’t be bothered by it. These informations lead to the conclusion that the soundtrack has a big influence on our subconscience, dominantly on the auditive and less on the visual one.
A-KA Model: an Optimization of the Stock’s Portofolio
Authors: Regina Filippo , Bisceglia Mauro Gianfranco
Published: December 2020

The elaborate proposes a compact alternative methodology to the classical stocks portfolio optimization based on the normal distribution of the returns of the assets named Adaptable - Kurtosis Asymmetry model (A-KA). In the financial theory is well-known that odd-order moments of a distribution describe a particular performance characteristic; on the contrary, the even-order moments tell a precise sense of risk of a distribution of returns. If it is true that, in general terms, minimizing the variance also minimizes the volatility of portfolio return is also true that we should minimize the kurtosis to get away from unpleasant situations in case “Extreme” events occur, especially if negative. The idea behind this paper is to exploit the four moments of return’s distributions, optimizing an alternative risk indicator to variance, such as the kurtosis of the final distribution of the portfolio, making constraints on distributive asymmetry, in a dynamic underlying logic.
New EU member states’ emigration: Projections for future and lessons for the new EU candidates
Authors: Herceg Iva Vuksanović , Herceg Tomislav , Škuflić Lorena
Published: December 2020

Unlike the old member states that compensate the negative net birth rate with immigration, the new EU member states face both migrational and natural demographic decline. In the last decade, poor level of economic development as well as the accession to the EU encouraged net emigration from the new member states. Panel data for the 12 new member states for the 2007 - 2016 period were used to determine how the length of membership and GDP per capita trailing behind the EU average affect the proportion of the net emigration. It has been shown that on average a country has to reach at least 85 percent of the average EU GDP p.c. (measured in PPS) to prevent emigration, but this level increases with each year of membership by 1.37 percentage points.
Kajian Pendahuluan Temuan Struktur Bata di Sambimaya, Indramayu
Authors: Saptono Nanang , Widyastuti Endang , Radea Pandu
Published: December 2020

Bata sudah digunakan untuk bangunan sejak lama. Sebaran struktur bata telah ditemukan dikawasan Desa Sambimaya, Kecamatan Juntinyuat, Indramayu. Berdasarkan temuan itu perlukajian pendahuluan untuk identifikasi. Permasalahan yang dibahas adalah mengenai jenisbangunan, fungsi, dan kurun waktu. Struktur bata di Sambimaya berada pada beberapagumuk yang keletakannya berada pada satu garis berorientasi barat daya – timur laut. Teknikpemasangan bata secara ditumpuk tanpa menggunakan lapisan perekat. Melalui metodeperbandingan dengan objek-objek lain yang pernah ditemukan disimpulkan bahwa strukturbata di Sambimaya merupakan bekas bangunan profan yang berasal dari awal masapenyebaran Islam di Indramayu sekitar abad ke-13 – 14 M.
La turistificación del territorio
Authors: Flores Chávez Jaime , Martínez Riquelme Pablo
Published: December 2020

La turistificación del territorio es un proceso que han vivenciado las sociedades durante el siglo XX, a partir de la implementación de políticas dirigidas a insertar a los espacios locales en los flujos globales de movilidad turística. Tanto Chile, como el resto de los países latinoamericanos no estuvieron exentos de dichas dinámicas. En efecto, la turistificación, entendida como una forma de asignar valor turístico a los lugares, se desarrolla tanto desde arriba, por la acción del Estado, como desde abajo, a partir de las decisiones que los turistas toman para viajar. Este artículo se propone analizar, desde una perspectiva histórica y geográfica, el papel que ha jugado el turismo en la construcción del territorio, el Estado y Nación en Chile durante el siglo XX desde dos enfoques: a) los viajeros y turistas en La Araucanía a fines del siglo XIX: Edmond Reuel Smith, Gustave Verniory y José Alfonso; y b) las revistas de turismo en la promoción del imaginario turístico de la modernidad y la nación en Chile, las cuales se clasificaron en tres categorías: revistas particulares, revistas de asociaciones y revistas del Estado. Se concluye que tanto los viajeros a fines del siglo XIX y las revistas en la primera mitad del siglo XX, configuraron la construcción del imaginario territorial turístico de la Araucanía y del sur de Chile, basado en la noción de naturaleza, de los sujetos que allí habitan y de los valores de la modernidad.
Problems and Prospects of Introduction of the Indemnity Institute in the Civil Law of Ukraine
Authors: Stetsenko Volodymyr Volodymyrovych
Published: December 2020

This article considers the possibility of introducing the institute of “indemnity” in the legislation of Ukraine. It is proposed to review approaches to the definition of the obligation to compensate losses arising in the event of materialisation of the conditions set out in the agreement, to classify such obligation, identify the potential place of such obligation in the law of Ukraine.

Šajā rakstā tiek analizēta iespēja Ukrainas tiesību aktos ieviest “kompensāciju” institūtu. Tiek ierosināts pārskatīt pieejas attiecībā uz pienākuma kompensēt zaudējumus definēšanu, kas radās vienošanās nosacījumu materializācijas gadījumā, klasificēt šādu pienākumu, noteikt šāda pienākuma iespējamo vietu Ukrainas tiesību aktos.
Valsts policijas pārvaldes sistēmas reforma
Authors: Matvejevs Aleksandrs
Published: December 2020

Šajā rakstā ir sniegts pārskats par policijas struktūru un procesu reformu veidu izmaiņām demokrātijas pārejas kontekstā. Sākumā tiks apskatīts demokrātiskas policijas darbības jēdziens kā viens no policijas reformas mērķiem, un pēc tam arī daži šķēršļi un problēmas, ar kuriem nākas saskarties reformu gaitā. Policijas pārvaldes sistēmas reformai ir būtiska nozīme, valstij pārejot uz demokrātisku pārvaldes formu. Virzībai uz demilitarizāciju un decentralizāciju ir liela nozīme policijas pārvaldes sistēmas reformas procesā.

The article provides an overview of changes in the way police structures and processes are reformed in the context of the democratic transition. It begins by looking at the concept of democratic policing as one of the aims of police reform, as well as some of the obstacles and challenges that it faces in the course of reform. Reform of the police administration system is essential for the country’s transition to a democratic form of government. The move towards demilitarisation and decentralisation is important in the process of reforming the police administration.
IDENTIDADE NA DEMOCRACIA , DIREITOS DA PERSONALIDADE E O ACESSO À JUSTIÇA D“ELES”.
Authors: Teixeira Rodrigo Valente Giublin , Ikeda Walter Lucas
Published: December 2020

O fascismo foi um termo que marcou a última guerra mundial, tem-se constatado a preocupação social e de obras em abordar o assunto, tanto no Brasil quanto no mundo. A presente pesquisa por meio do método hipotético-dedutivo cujas bases iniciais são historiográficas e, posteriormente, críticas e reflexivas permitem a demonstração de técnicas fascistas sob a égide do sistema democrático, em especial com as novas tecnologias. Ao final a proposta de resistência é feita por meio dos direitos da personalidade com um acesso à justiça de humanística ética integral.
Challenges and navigating conundrums in setting up an obstetrics and gynecology coronavirus disease facility in a pre-existing tertiary care hospital – An Indian perspective
Authors: Dhiman Niharika , Sethi Chetna Arvind , Gupta Sangeeta , Agarwal Krishna , Pandey Nalini Bala , Rathore Asmita Muthal
Published: December 2020

India at present has 145,779 active coronavirus disease (COVID) cases and 8884 deaths. Being the largest tertiary care health facility under Delhi Government, our center was designated as a 2000 bedded dedicated COVID hospital. In addition to establishing areas for COVID management, COVID Obstetrics and Gynecology area requires a dedicated set up for delivering women, an operating room, and a neonatal care unit. A phased evacuation plan begins by curtailing non-emergency services and postponing elective surgeries, this process may take longer for obstetrics than other specialties on account of labor and postnatal care. The percentage reduction in the number of elective obstetric and gynecological surgeries was 73% and further fell by 98% (n = 4; category C, D) over a period of 1 month of the evacuation phase, whereas the reduction in emergency cases was only 15% (n = 200) in the beginning and fell to 89%. During the surge phase of COVID, we were able to increase the inpatient surge capacity by 8% (n = 100) as the bed occupancy increased exponentially from 30% to 88%. The start of evacuation of the facility until the endpoint of the surge marks the most dynamic phase of establishing a COVID facility during a pandemic. Pre-event planning for surge capacity at the inception of such pandemics should be based on the local and regional policies which depend on the competing demands of resources to maintain sustainability. These logistical demands are dynamic and vary as the pandemic progresses through its phases.