bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Maintenance Treatments in Chronic Dermatitis
Authors: Rotaru Maria , Matran Irina Mihaela , Iancu Gabriela Mariana
Published: November 2020

The epidemiological importance of chronic dermatitis is constantly growing, this pathology being more and more common regardless of age, in most countries of the world. The pathogenesis of chronic dermatitis is complex and involves aeroallergens, immunological, dietary, climatic and psychosomatic factors. Due to the frequent recurrences but also the side effects of allopathic medicines, the number of patients with chronic dermatitis who opt for alternative treatments is increasing. In this paper we have identified allopathic topical treatments versus alternative topical treatments used in chronic dermatitis for which there is scientific evidence. The PubMed and Research Gate databases were analysed, the analysed period being 2007 – 2019. The search criteria were “chronic dermatitis”, “atopic dermatitis”, “psoriasis”, “alternative treatments”, “natural treatments”, “complementary treatments”,” treatments for chronic dermatitis”. We also analysed the mechanisms of action of drugs or active substances used as well as side effects secondary to allopathic and alternative therapies. New treatment options in atopic dermatitis, currently under evaluation, are topical inhibitors of phosphodiesterase and Janus kinase. For patients with chronic dermatitis who want alternative therapies to allopathic ones, there are products based on oat (Rhealba variety), camphor leaves, hydroxytyrosol, enzymatically interstered fats etc.
Two Great Intricate Gestational Syndromes. New Screening and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Gînfălean Georgeta
Published: November 2020

Gestational hypertension and premature birth frequently and independently affect the pregnancy prognosis with potentially detrimental influence of the pregnancy evolution. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, spectrum and categories of the systemic disease: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclamsia, Hellp syndrome, overlapping preeclampsia (PE) chronic arterial hypertension, are some of the complications that can occur over the pregnancy evolution. Annually, preeclampsia affects approximately 4 million pregnancies. According to ACOG, preeclampsia complicates the evolution of pregnancies in a 2-8% ratio. According to WHO and FIGO, premature birth occurs after 37 weeks of complete amenorrhea (AS) (or 259 days of amenorrhea). A spontaneous premature birth complicates about 5-18% of pregnancies. I emphasize that the two gestational syndromes are intricate because 1/4-1/3 of premature births are associated with preeclampsia. Considered to be an important public health problem, it is important to identify new methods of evaluation, screening and therapy for gestational syndromes, taking into account the risk of increased recurrence of child birth in a subsequent pregnancy.
Access to nutrition information: a key to improving nutrition status among under-five children in farming households of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fadairo Anjolaoluwa Oreoluwa , Oyebode Lukman Abiodun , Amusat Adeniyi
Published: November 2020

Attaining adequate child nutrition requires prompt access to relevant nutrition information. Present information reveals that the nutrition status of children younger than five years is threatened. In this study we sought to assess under-five nutritional status among farming households in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to sample a total of 146 mothers as respondents. Data were collected using interview schedule and were analysed using percentage, mean, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Most respondents were married (89.9%), currently working (93.2%) and had an average age, household size and monthly income of x¯ = 34.61, x¯ = 6 and ₦11,530, respectively. The respondents were mostly aware that cowpea is a major source of protein (x¯ = 0.99) and appropriate immunization of children is essential in aiding nutrition (x¯ = 0.99). They mostly sourced information on child nutrition from radio (x¯ = 0.87) and family and friends (x¯ = 0.87). Child nutritional status was high (59.6%). A significant relationship exists between educational attainment (χ2 = 10.781, P = 0.029), occupational status of the respondents (χ2 = 8.553, P = 0.014), awareness of adequate nutrition (r = 0.166, P = 0.044), source of information (r = 0.137, P = 0.010) and the child nutrition status. Improvements in nutrition campaign using available medical outlets and radio are advocated.
The influence of extraction method on the composition and analgesic activity of Calligonum comosum phenolic extracts
Authors: Chouikh Atef , Rebiai Abdelkrim
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic activity and the effect of extraction methods (ultra-sound: UM and maceration: MM) and solvents (ethanol: EtOH and methanol: MeOH) on the composition of phenolic extracts from Calligonum comosum. The results obtained by HPLC analysis demonstrated that the ethanol extracts have shown the highest content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Also, the presence of most known phenolic compounds has been identified in all extracts, especially in the MeOH UM extract. The HPLC analysis showed the presence of ascorbic acid in methanol extracts and caffeic acid in ethanol extracts, and the maceration method shows a high concentration of phenolic compounds, the vanillin was detected in MeOH UM and the appearance of chlorogenic acid in UM extracts, finally the emergence of gallic acid, quercetin and rutin in some extracts. According to the results of the analgesic power, the methanolic extract of the maceration method induces a significant decrease in abdominal cramps compared to the control group and the values obtained are very close from those obtained with the standard anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin). This result confirmed the beneficial effect of this Saharan plant.
Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of bee pollen extracts from different regions of Algeria
Authors: Hemmami Hadia , Ben Seghir Bachir , Ben Ali Mustapha , Rebiai Abdelkrim , Zeghoud Soumeia , Brahmia Fatima
Published: November 2020

Due to its complex biochemical properties, the bee pollen is considered one of the functional foods. Bee pollen collected from pollen grains from different botanical sources offers almost a full diet such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals. In this study, methanol extracts of 13 honeybee pollen samples were evaluated for flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, vanillin, and naringin were identified as main phenolic compounds in pollen extracts by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The obtained results are: total phenolic content - 379.8 to 915.6 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content - 207.1 to 550 mg QE/100 g, and antioxidant activity - 808.2 to 3311 mg GAE/100 g in bee pollen extracts.
A mixture of Lactobacillus sp. modulates the expression of inflammatory molecules, signalling kinases and nuclear receptors in LPS-treated Caco-2 cell culture model
Authors: Pistol Gina Cecilia , Marin Daniela Eliza , Taranu Ionelia
Published: November 2020

The treatment of intestinal inflammation pathologies (also known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, IBD) has included a large variety of strategies, from pharmaceutical to traditional medicine and dietary therapies. In the last years, numerous efforts were undertaken to demonstrate the health promoting activities of probiotics in intestinal inflammation and more other pathologic conditions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic mixture of Lactobacillus sp. on the inflammatory mediators and signalling pathways as well as nuclear receptors in colonic Caco-2 cells. Human adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells were challenged in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 hours for the induction of inflammation. The LPS-treated cells were cultured for additional 24 hours in the presence of Lactobacillus (Lb) mixture (3 x108 CFU/mL total Lb). Genomic and proteomic array approaches were used to analyse the profile expression of 18 key genes and their proteins involved in intestinal inflammatory response (chemokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors) as well as signalling markers (Akt, GSK) and nuclear receptors (NF-kB/RELA, Nrf2, AhR). Our study demonstrated that the probiotic Lactobacillus mixture could decrease LPS-induced inflammatory mediator expressions (chemokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor) at gene and protein level. This down-regulation exerted by Lb. mix in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells seemed to be regulated through inhibition of both the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signalling pathways. Additionally, AhR activation induced by LPS was reduced by probiotic mixture under the level of LPS-treated cells. These beneficial effects of Lactobacillus mixture support their use as inflammatory modulators in intestinal disorders.
Reductive homogeneous spaces and nonassociative algebras
Authors: Elduque Alberto
Published: November 2020

The purpose of these survey notes is to give a presentation of a classical theorem of Nomizu [21] that relates the invariant affine connections on reductive homogeneous spaces and nonassociative algebras.
Homogeneous Einstein manifolds based on symplectic triple systems
Authors: Fontanals Cristina Draper
Published: November 2020

For each simple symplectic triple system over the real numbers, the standard enveloping Lie algebra and the algebra of inner derivations of the triple provide a reductive pair related to a semi-Riemannian homogeneous manifold. It is proved that this is an Einstein manifold.
Simultaneous Adsorption of Phenol Derivatives from Water Onto Spherical Activated Carbon
Authors: Kamiński Władysław , Kuśmierek Krzysztof , Świątkowski Andrzej , Tomczak Elwira
Published: November 2020

The paper examines single- and multicomponent adsorption onto granular activated carbon. The quantities adsorbed in the study were determined using HPLC with UV detection. The experimental data were analysed using the Langmuir, the Freundlich and the Sips adsorption isotherms. With a single component being adsorbed, high coefficients of determination and low mean square errors indicated that the Sips isotherm fitted the adsorption equilibrium well. Further experiments were carried out using aqueous solutions containing two or three adsorbed components in different proportions. For these solutions, the literature methods of predicting multicomponent equilibrium using single-component data did not yield positive results. Assuming that in the investigated range of concentrations no competitive adsorption occurred, the authors propose a method for calculating the equilibrium concentrations in the liquid phase using the equations obtained for individual components. The results achieved correspond very well to the experimental data.
Parameter Sensitivity and Uncertainty of Radiation Interception Models for Intercropping System
Authors: Zeng Wenzhi , Lu Yuchao , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Gaiser Thomas , Huang Jiesheng
Published: November 2020

Estimating the interception of radiation is the first and crucial step for the prediction of production for intercropping systems. Determining the relative importance of radiation interception models to the specific outputs could assist in developing suitable model structures, which fit to the theory of light interception and promote model improvements. Assuming an intercropping system with a taller and a shorter crop, a variance-based global sensitivity analysis (EFAST) was applied to three radiation interception models (M1, M2 and M3). The sensitivity indices including main (Si) and total effects (STi) of the fraction of intercepted radiation by the taller (ftaller), the shorter (fshorter) and both intercrops together (fall) were quantified with different perturbations of the geometric arrangement of the crops (10-60 %). We found both ftaller and fshorter in M1 are most sensitive to the leaf area index of the taller crop (LAItaller). In M2, based on the main effects, the leaf area index of the shorter crop (LAIshorter) replaces LAItaller and becomes the most sensitive parameter for fshorter when the perturbations of widths of taller and shorter crops (Wtaller and Wshorter) become 40 % and larger. Furthermore, in M3, ftaller is most sensitive to LAItaller while fshorter is most sensitive to LAIshorter before the perturbations of geometry parameters becoming larger than 50 %. Meanwhile, LAItaller, LAIshorter, and Ktaller are the three most sensitive parameters for fall in all three models. From the results we conclude that M3 is the most plausible radiation interception model among the three models.
The materials to determine the eastern range border of acidophilous oak forestCalamagrostio arundinaceae-Quercetum petraeaein Poland – two new stands of the association in the southern part of Mazovian Voivodeship
Authors: Zaniewski Piotr T. , Ciurzycki Wojciech , Marciszewska Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Acidophilous oak forestsCalamagrostio arundinaceae-Quercetum petraeae(hartm. 1934 scam. et Pass. 1959) are mostly known from the western part of Poland, while its eastern border has not been determined accurately. in order to address this issue, we performed a phytosociological analysis of two newly identified stands of acidophilous oak forest located in the southern part of the Mazovian Voivodeship near Kiedrzyn (vicinity of Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą) and Mikówka (vicinity of Białobrzegi). For comparison, we also examined the distribution of known patches in the region (Łódź and Mazovian Voivodeships) against this association’s background of the eastern range border.

Within the identified sites, a total of 10 phytosociological relevés were taken and soil samples were collected from a depth of 10 cm. the content of organic matter, soil ph and sieving analysis were performed in the laboratory. the phytosociological material was ordered and numerically classified which gave two groups of relevés: typical for this association (seven relevés) and a degenerated form (three relevés), which has an increased share of pine in the stand. All our relevés were similar to acidophilous oak forests from the Wielkopolska region and thus different from oak-pine forests of eastern Poland. habitat conditions of the patches and the bonitation of oak were analogous to patches of this association from other parts of Poland. Furthermore, the sites we studied are located between known locations from the Bolimowska and Kozienicka Forests and are therefore connecting these two previously known areas of occurrence. this indicates that the range of theCalamagrostio-Quercetumassociation is at least a few dozen kilometers wider in this part of the country than the assumed range.
Ethnobotanical knowledge and folk medicinal significance of the flora of district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Syed Saqib , Hussain Khalid , Nawaz Khalid , Bhatti Khizar Hayat , Bashir Zobia , Nazeer Arifa , Arif Usman , Jafar Sana , Siddiqi Ejaz Hussain
Published: November 2020

Introduction:Medicinal plants are the natural source of medicines used in treatment of many diseases among local communities of various countries. It is also the raw material for the pharmaceutical industry. Pakistan is a country with a variety of medicinal plants, comprehensively studied in some areas, while others still need more studies of their flora.

Objectives:The study was performed to catalogue the flora of district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan and to assess its ethnomedicinal importance.

Methods:A field survey was conducted in the Gujrat district (including Sarai Alamgir, Gujrat and Kharian) in 2019–2020 to collect the flora. Nearly 200 people of various age groups were interviewed and the questionnaire was filled, the gender and professions of the participants were also noted.

Results:The plant species collected belonged to 32 different Angiosperm families i.e.Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae, Malvaceae, EuphorbiaceaeandLamiaceae. The obtained material consisted of 30 herbs, 20 shrubs and 22 trees. The floral parts used most often were leaves (63%) followed by: flower (41%), fruit (28%), stem (16%), seed (16%), bark (14%), root (13%), whole plant (12%), underground part (3%) and latex (3%). According to the study, the highest RFC (Relative Frequency of Citation) values were 0.1 inCassia fistulaL. (0.25) and the smallest RFC values were observed inStellaria media(L.) Vill. – 0.025. The highest UV (Use Values) were noted forAchyranthes asperaL. at 0.9. In disease category, the highest value (0.67) of ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) was observed for stomach and skin infections, while the lowest ICF value was noted for diabetes and gonorrhoea (0.27).

Conclusions:It was concluded that the Gujrat district is rich in useful plants that can be used in the preparation of various medicines as well as be sold on the herbal market.
Can Multinational Corporations be responsible for human rights violation of its outsourcee company? Response of national or international law?
Authors: Suppa Alessandro , Bureš Pavel
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, an important role in the world is played by Multinational Corporations (MNCs). They hire, produce, and influence the international economy, but also, they exploit, pollute. Their business activities might have a worldwide effect on human lives. The question of the responsibility of MNCs has drawn the attention of many scholars, mainly from the study field labelled “Business and Human Rights”. The present paper does not examine the topic under the same approach. The authors aim at presenting the issue in a broader perspective, exploring the concept of due diligence both in international and corporate law. In this paper, authors strategically use the uniformity of national legislations as a possible and alternative solution to the issue. They are aware of three fundamental factors: 1) the definition of MNCs needs to be as clear as possible, so to avoid any degree of uncertainty; 2) the outsourcing phenomenon interacts with that definition; 3) in case of no possibility to include outsourcing in the definition of MNC, the original question arises in a significant way.
Joint Tendering in the European Economic Area
Authors: Petr Michal
Published: November 2020

The EU regulation of public procurement strives to create a set of rules that would enable the contracting authority to choose the best bid. In order to do so, it also tries to widen the circle of potential bidders by enabling their horizontal (consortia) as well as vertical (subcontracting) cooperation. Such cooperation may enable the participation of undertakings that would not be otherwise in position to bid on their own, thus increasing the number of bidders and promoting competition among them. At the same time, such arrangements may be contrary to competition law which prohibits coordination of competitors. Joint tendering is ubiquitous within the European Economic Area, and yet the case-law on its compliance with competition law is strikingly divergent. This article provides an overview of the current state of play and some suggestions for future practice.
Ventricular Remodeling in Aortic Sclerosis
Authors: Mihu Elena Mihaela , Nechita Alexandru Cristian , Stamate Costel Sorin , Avram Rodica Lucia , Cârstocea Laura Logofătu , Nanea Ioan Tiberiu
Published: November 2020

Background and aims. Aortic sclerosis associates an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggest that aortic sclerosis is able to produce ventricular remodeling through inflammatory, non-hemodynamic mechanisms. Our study aims to evaluate the correlation between ventricular remodeling and aortic sclerosis severity.

Method. 68 patients with aortic sclerosis without other signifficant associated valvulopathies were examined clinically, biologically and echocardiographic. In 20 patients, we quantiffied the severity of aortic valve calciffication using the backscatter ecographic technique, in parasternal long and short axis view. Backscatter values obtained at the valvular level were calibrated to the blood and pericardium backscatter values.

Results. In the 68 patients group, transvalvular aortic velocity correlates with left ventricular mass (p =0.031), which in turn incline to augment with increasing calciffication severity assessed by backscatter. Calciffication severity assessed by backscatter corellates with transvalvular aortic velocity in parasternal long axis view (p =0.039 for blood calibrated backscatter, p =0.029 for pericardium calibrated backscatter), and tends to augment with increasing transvalvular aortic velocity in parasternal short axis view. Patients with normal ventricular geometry incline to have lower aortic transvalvular velocities and a lower degree of calciffication (evaluated by backscatter) compared to patients with ventricular remodeling.

Conclusions. Aortic sclerosis is not benign, and may lead, in time, to left ventricular remodeling. With the progression of valvular calciffications in aortic sclerosis patients, the prevalence of ventricular remodeling tends to increase.
Atrial Flutter in a Newborn: a Case Report
Authors: Cerghit Andreea Paler , Făgărășan Amalia , Muntean Iolanda , Pasc Sorina , Miklósi Dorottya , Gozar Liliana , Togănel Rodica
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The incidence of cardiac arrhythmia is approximately 1% in the neonatal period and 1–3% in late pregnancy. Atrial flutter (AF), a rhythm disorder based on the mechanism of reentry, represents approximately 32% of all neonatal cardiac arrhythmias. In the majority of cases, the flutter is converted to sinus rhythm using antiarrhythmic drugs, transesophageal overdrive pacing, or synchronized electrical cardioversion.

Case presentation: We present a case of a born on term, female infant who was noted to be tachycardic on the fetal monitor. Clinical examination revealed tachypnea and tachycardia with dysrhythmia, at a heart rate of 250 bpm. Electrocardiography showed AF with 2–3 : 1 atrioventricular conduction (atrial and ventricular rates were 350 bpm and 250–275 bpm, respectively). Echocardiography revealed no relevant structural disease. Therapy with amiodarone and prophylactic anticoagulant was initiated. As no control of ventricular rate was obtained and a succession of three ventricular extrasystoles was noted on the surface ECG, propranolol therapy was initiated, without success. Therefore, synchronized electrical cardioversion was applied, with conversion to sinus rhythm at a heart rate of 136 bpm. The neonate was discharged in good condition.

Conclusions: AF is one of the most common high ventricular rate arrhythmias during fetal age. Uncontrolled AF may precipitate heart failure, and prompt restoration to sinus rhythm may require electrical cardioversion in cases refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs, in order to prevent possible complications.
Transparency dilemma in interpersonal relationships
Authors: Rehman Sharaf
Published: November 2020

Humans as social animals move from being strangers to becoming intimate by taking risks of engaging in self-disclosure—from sharing insignificant bits of information to details about their beliefs, opinions, lifestyles, prejudices, and values. Romantic and intimate relationships come about when players peel away their outer layers and allow others to get closer to their core. However, as couples become more familiar, they experience certain tensions known as relational dialectics. These are autonomy versus connection, novelty versus predictability, and openness versus transparency (openness). This paper presents the findings of a survey of the perceptions about these tensions among the Hispanic-America college students (N=108). The subjects rank-order these tensions in terms of their importance, and the level of difficulty in dealing with the tensions.
Does abuse depend on gender? Men as a victim of women’s violence
Authors: Płonka Joanna
Published: November 2020

The aim of this article is an attempt to reflect on what violence is and what effects it can cause. The conventional wisdom has been that women are victims and men are perpetrators of violence and abuse. Social schemes describe women as fragile and vulnerable. However, women can be equally aggressive, dominating and use violence. Each year acts of violence against men increase and it is very important to be aware of this phenomenon. Usually men hide the fact of being abused out of fear of public stigma, felling bashful, being laughed or losing respect of their family. This paper aims to show how important this problem is and explore new ideas and possible solutions for victims of violence, as well as to improve preventive measures for abused men.
African women in search of global identity: An exploration of feminism and Afropolitanism in Chimamanda Adichie’s works
Authors: Eke Gloria Ori , Njoku Anthony
Published: November 2020

Many variants of feminism have been branded over time and that has given feminism a multiple identity. One of the new revelations of feminism in recent times is “Afropolitan Feminism”, a branch of African feminism conceived in this research to deal with the story of African women in the homeland and the Diaspora trying to assume the status of world citizens (Metropolites) to de-emphasize their origins. What is the nature of Afropolitan Feminism? What is the link between Feminism and Afropolitanism? To what extent do Adichie’s characters show the attributes of Afropolitans? This paper illuminates the concepts of feminism and Afropolitanism and the latter’s traits in Adichie’s characters in Americanah and The Thing Around Your Neck. It deals with Diaspora issues and the way African women in literary fictions try to stem the effects of global maladies like African patriarchy, Western racism and sexism. The paper further discusses social awareness and feminist tendencies displayed by the characters. It ends by noting that feminism which assumes the dimension of Afropolitanism in Adichie’s works is a becoming trend rather than a fixed norm.
Cessation of Renin-Angiotensin System Antagonists During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic – Do We Have the Evidence?
Authors: Blîndu Emanuel , Gerculy Renata , Opincariu Diana , Cernica Daniel , Benedek Imre
Published: November 2020

The aim of this review is to provide a short update on whether treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has beneficial or harmful effects in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Epidemiological studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infects all age groups, presenting a higher incidence in elderly patients with various comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. A large proportion of these patients are treated with ACEIs and ARBs. Since it has been demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) as an entry point into host cells, it is important to know whether ACEIs and ARBs could modify the expression of this enzyme, and thus promote the viral infection. Animal studies and a few studies in humans have shown that renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors increase tissue expression of ACE2, but with potentially beneficial effects. In this context, it is imperative to provide appropriate guidance for clinicians and patients. The major cardiology associations across the world have released statements in which they recommend healthcare providers and patients to continue their treatments for hyper-tension and heart failure as prescribed.
COVID-19 and Thrombosis Predisposition
Authors: Gerculy Renata , Libenciuc Camelia , Rat Nora , Chitu Monica , Benedek Imre
Published: November 2020

The novel coronavirus disease first appeared in Wuhan (China) is an infectious disease spreading throughout the world, causing life-threatening conditions in vulnerable or even healthy individuals. The great impact of this virus on healthcare urges physicians to investigate all aspects of the disease in order to overcome its complications. A particularly investigated aspect of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is represented by the coagulation disorders among infected and critically ill patients. Several studies observed modified blood coagulation parameters such as D-dimers, fibrinogen, and coagulation times. Moreover, the severe thrombotic complications, mainly pulmonary embolism, could be responsible for the high mortality and poorer outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients. The aim of this article is to present the current knowledge related to thrombosis predisposition in patients infected with the new coronavirus.
Interspecific variation in growth and tree water status of conifers under water-limited conditions
Authors: Leštianska Adriana , Fleischer Peter , Fleischer Peter , Merganičová Katarína , Střelcová Katarína
Published: November 2020

We monitored seasonal dynamics of stem water status of four coniferous species (Abies alba, Larix decidua, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris) planted at the Borová hora Arboretum (300 m a.s.l., Zvolen valley, Central Slovakia) beyond their ecological and production optima, in the region with warmer and drier climate compared to the sites of their origin. Species-specific stem water deficit and maximum daily shrinkage were extracted from diurnal band dendrometer records of stem circumference recorded by digital band dendrometers DRL26 installed on five trees per species, and correlations with environmental variables were analysed. The seasonal stem circumference increment of all tree species was higher in 2017 than in the drier and hotter year of 2018. The greatest seasonal stem circumference increment in the observed periods of 2017 and 2018 was observed for A. alba and P. sylvestris, respectively. The highest and lowest values of daily and seasonal stem water deficit were observed for L. decidua and A. alba, respectively. The analysis of trees' short-term response to extreme climate events seems to be the promising and suitable method for detecting tree species tolerance towards drought.
Development of a universal microinfiltrometer to estimate extent and persistence of soil water repellency as a function of capillary pressure and interface chemical composition
Authors: Sepehrnia Nasrollah , Woche Susanne K. , Goebel Marc-O. , Bachmann Jörg
Published: November 2020

Microinfiltrometers to assess soil water repellency (SWR) are limited to small tension ranges and have different technical setups, hindering a comparison between results from different laboratories. Hence, a microinfiltrometer which considers various aspects like extent and persistence of SWR is needed. The technical update suggested here uses glass tubes (e.g., 3 mm inner diameter), a fabric of mesh size 15 µm around the tip to enable good contact between soil surface and tip, ultrapure degassed water, and an evaporation protection for tip and reservoir during long-term infiltration. The adjustment of a continuous range of pressures and tensions (i.e., +0.5 to –40 cm) was done using glass tubes of various lengths connected to the tip. Three soil samples with initial contact angles, CA, of 18°, 62°, and 91° after 25°C treatment were additionally treated at 80°C to increase SWR persistence and CA. The soil particle interface chemical composition was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hydrophysical properties evaluated included water and ethanol sorptivity as well as very important aspects of SWR, i.e. water drop penetration time, water repellency cessation time, repellency index, and modified repellency index. The results derived from the technically modified microinfiltrometer setup showed consistent differences between initial wettability and the water repellency cessation time as a parameter describing the development of SWR with time. The interface O/C ratio as derived from XPS data was negatively correlated with CA (p <0.05), thus proving the close relationship between interface chemistry and wettability. Our findings illustrated a strong positive correlation (R
2 = 0.99, p < 0.05) between sorptivity and O/C ratio under –2 cm tension which can be considered as the universal tension for different aspects of SWR.
YouTube Vloggers as Brand Influencers on Consumer Purchase Behaviour
Authors: Rybaczewska Maria , Chesire Betty Jebet , Sparks Leigh
Published: November 2020

Objective: The increasing influence of YouTube vloggers on consumer purchase behaviour and the specificity of the vloggers _ viewers/subscribers relationship are under-researched. Addressing this gap in knowledge, this paper explores the role of vloggers as brand influencers on consumer (their viewers) purchase behaviour. It aims to investigate the interaction between vloggers and viewers/subscribers in terms of brand awareness and consumers’ purchase behaviour.

Methodology: A mixed-method approach (often connected with netnography) incorporated non-participant observation of vloggers’ activities and vloggers-viewers interactions within selected popular vlogs, supported by an online survey with both vloggers and viewers.

Findings: We have observed specific brand endorsements and experiences, depending on the vloggers’ context, leading to both positive and negative feedback. This interaction and the consistently positive perception of reasons behind the vloggers’ choice of the endorsed brands underpin the credibility of the vloggers – viewers/subscribers relationship.

Value added: Our results show not only the significance of vloggers as brand influencers, providing their audiences information perceived as trustworthy and convincing in terms of purchase recommendations but also explore the factors affecting this process.

Recommendations: This research directed our attention into the viewer-viewer interaction on the vlogs platforms. It is a very dynamic and challenging (difficult to control) part of vlog marketing activities (including various eWOM aspects) which can be very influential in the analysed context and stays a task for the future research.
Legendre-Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method for the diffusion equation with non-classical boundary conditions
Authors: Chattouh Abdeldjalil , Saoudi Khaled
Published: November 2020

The present paper is devoted to the numerical approximation for the diffusion equation subject to non-local boundary conditions. For the space discretization, we apply the Legendre-Chebyshev pseudospectral method, so that, the problem under consideration is reduced to a system of ODEs which can be solved by the second order Crank-Nicolson schema. Optimal error estimates for the semi-discrete scheme are derived in L
2-norm. Numerical tests are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The influence of self-doping of stibnite ore with impurities on the preparation, heat capacity, magnetic and transport properties of tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Li Liang , Zhang Qianjun , Zhang Congzheng , Hirai Shinji
Published: November 2020

Stibnite mineral (mainly Sb2S3) has been employed for the synthesis of tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13 bulk material by spark plasma sintering. High purity Cu12Sb4S13 can be quickly obtained by two sintering procedures at temperatures from the range of 420 °C to 440 °C for 1 h. Appropriate reduction of Cu content (Cu12+xSb4S13, x ⩽ –0.05) or CuS content (Cu12−ySb4S13−y, y = 0.1 or 0.3) was beneficial to fabricate Cu12Sb4S13. The secondary resintering improved the purity of Cu12Sb4S13 material. The first-order magnetic phase transformation with magnetic hysteresis effect was confirmed by the behavior of susceptibility, heat capacity and resistivity. The magnetization showed a linear increase with increasing field (up to 7 T) and non-saturation behavior was observed. The impurities in stibnite mineral Sb2S3 had a weak influence on the transformation temperature but affected the low-temperature magnetization value (~0.15, close to natural tetrahedrite). Similar transformation was observed by the analysis of heat capacity. The properties such as electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity were also measured for Cu11:9Sb4S13 and Cu11:9Sb4S12:9. The maximum figure of merit ZT of Cu11:9Sb4S12:9 was 0.22 at 367 K.
Research on the Possibility of Treating Streptococcal Infections with Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Authors: Wolański Władysław
Published: November 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the course of an infection with group A type T-3 hemolytic β streptococcus. Experiments were carried out on Porton white mice and in vitro blood plates. General and local infections with streptococci were induced in animals. The infected animals were treated with hyperbaric oxygenation. The lethal effect of infection was significantly inhibited using hyperbaric oxygenation on the first and second day following the infection.
Diversification of Factors Influencing Qualitative Evaluation of a Historical and Cultural Destination
Authors: Zhang Juan
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Perceived quality combined with tourist motivation, tourist experience and other variables were identified as important antecedents of tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. However, few studies have examined factors influencing a tourist’s perception of the service quality in a destination, especially in specific destinations. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether tourist motivation and tourist experience influence how tourists perceive quality and to analyse complex relationships between the constructs of perceived quality, tourist experience, tourist motivation and tourist satisfaction in the context of historical and cultural destinations.

Material and methods. A survey of 1,389 tourists who visited an ancient town in the center part of China served as the basis for analysis. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Results. The empirical results showed that tourist motivation and tourist experience exerted a significant positive influence on perceived quality. These three variables had a simultaneous significant positive impact on tourist satisfaction. The results also revealed the mediating effects of tourist experience and perceived quality in the proposed model.

Conclusions. The article verified a model regarding the relationships between tourist motivation, tourist experience, perceived quality and tourist satisfaction. According to the results, a historical and cultural destination could improve a tourist’s perceived quality and satisfaction by enhancing tourist experience and providing tourist stimuli.
Determination of Additional Tension in Towed Streamer Cable Triggered by Collision with Underwater Moving Object
Authors: Blintsov Vladimir S. , Trunin Konstantin S. , Tarełko Wiesław
Published: November 2020

The paper deals with issues connected with the behaviour of a streamer cable towed by a survey seismic vessel when the cable undergoes a strike triggered by collision with an underwater moving object. The consequences of such collisions may be both threat to the life of marine animals or damage to underwater units and large economic losses suffered by vessel owners. The risk of such collisions has increased over the last years as a result of increased offshore seismic survey operations. Therefore, a towed streamer should be very robust. To assure its robustness, we should know the deformation mechanism of a single streamer cable. This in turn requires the development of an appropriate mathematical model of such a phenomenon.

In particular, the paper presents the characteristics of seismic survey vessels and streamers; an analysis of collisions that have occurred in the past; a statement of the problem, and a computer-aided system supporting simulation of the cable behaviour. To obtain all the necessary design parameters regarding the deformation mechanism of a streamer cable, we set up a dedicated computer-aided system that supports their calculation.
Validation Process for Computational Model of Full-Scale Segment for Design of Composite Footbridge
Authors: Ferenc Tomasz , Mikulski Tomasz
Published: November 2020

Experimental tests and numerical simulations of a full-scale segment of a foot and cycle bridge made of polymer composites are presented in the paper. The analysed structure is made of sandwich panels, which consist of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) multi-layered laminate faces and a PET foam (obtained from recycling) core. The dimensions of the segment cross-section are the same as for the target footbridge; however, span length was reduced to 3 m.

The experimental tests were conducted in a laboratory of the Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdansk University of Technology. A single vertical force was generated by a hydraulic cylinder and was applied to the platform of the structure. The experimental tests were supported by numerical analyses performed in Femap with NX Nastran software by means of the finite element method (FEM). Results obtained in the computational model were compared with results from experiments. Thus, the numerical model was validated and the obtained conclusions were used in the next step of the design process of a composite footbridge with a span length of 14.5 m.
Stakeholder Profiles of Commercial Electric Vehicle Users. Similarities and Differences between Taxi Companies and Care Services
Authors: Niebuhr Lorena , Jakobs Eva-Maria
Published: November 2020

The use of electric vehicles in the commercial sector is ecologically and economically promising. To promote the use, however, good knowledge of the (potential) user groups and their needs is required. This paper bases on a survey in Aachen among decision-makers of care services and taxi companies, that are considering the integration of electric vehicles. The requirements for electric vehicles and the construction of charging infrastructure as well as perceived risks and potentials were analysed. The results are transferred to stakeholder profiles. In addition, information and participation requirements were surveyed. The study shows strong sectoral differences. Both groups need sector-specific information offers. The willingness to change is higher in care services. Their vehicles should be charged on the premises after shifts (usually overnight). Fast charging is not necessary. Practice reports and an overview of subsidy opportunities are required. The taxi operators see more risks than potentials. They need fast-charging vehicles (in a two-shift system). The provision of fast-charging infrastructure at taxi stands is relevant for decision-making. Consultation is needed to avoid conflicts concerning the positioning at taxi stands, the times of use and the procurement of charging electric vehicles.
Rural Development in Romania – A Few Considerations
Authors: Paul Lucian
Published: November 2020

The ‘Agenda 2000’ introduces the Rural Development Policy, as part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as a complex policy that can ensure a stable income and a reasonable standard of living for the rural population. Rural development is a major CAP objective since over 50% of the population lives in rural areas and accounts for 80% of E.U. Territories. As a concept, the ‘rural area’ is defined both at a national and European level following specific criteria; however, these criteria differ from one country to another. A complete definition can be found in the European Charter of Rural Areas. Between 2014-2020, the development of rural areas in Romania is supported by the National Rural Development Program. It provides non-reimbursable funds from the European Union and funding from the Government of Romania. Convergence with the Europe 2020 Strategy is ensured through the Partnership Agreement with the European Union, which covers a number of challenges and thematic objectives. In order to achieve them, well-founded investment programs are needed. These programs must have a direct impact on increasing the living standards of the population residing within rural areas. Over 19 billion euros were allocated to Romania for the 2014-2020 period; these funds were used for agricultural policy and rural development. The total budget of the NRDP (2014-2020) is 9.4 billion euros, of which 1.3 billion euros comes from national funding. We believe the achievements recorded in rural areas, up to 2020, are modest and do not reflect the proposed objectives. Thus, projects were drawn up at national and local levels seldom support rural development and do not reflect development needs; sadly, these projects are often drawn up without focusing on efficiency.
The Effect of Customer Experiences on Purchase Intention Through Mediator Variables of Mental Engagement and Visual Perception
Authors: Zahra Mohseni , Majid Esmaeilpour , Manijeh Bahrainizad
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, with the daily expansion of marketing attractions to create different experiences in the restaurant & fast food industry, unconscious stimuli attracting the major senses might be an effective way to attract the consumers. Understanding these environmental stimuli suggests a correct perception of feeling and perception which is in harmony with consumer behavior. Moreover, knowing these factors can also be essential for marketers and owners and managers who are active in this area to develop strategies to create positive experiences for customers and increase the sales. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to focus on customer experiences and their possible effects on purchase intention of consumers through mediator variables of mental engagement and visual perception. The present study is an applied study in terms of objective and correlational type of descriptive-survey study in terms of data collection. The research population consisted of those people using the services of restaurants and fast food stores of Shiraz. A total of 385 samples were selected by using convenient sampling method. Questionnaire was used as tool to collect the data. The questionnaires were distributed in person and they were collected after being completed by the subjects. Its validity was examined through content validity and its reliability was examined through Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Smart PLS software. The results of this study showed that customer experiences had a positive and significant effect on mental engagement and visual perception, and these two variables had a positive and significant effect on consumer purchase intention. The indirect effect of customer experiences on consumer purchase intention was also confirmed through the mediator variable of mental engagement and visual perception.
Estimating the Demand for New Destinations for a Regional Airport Based on Its Catchment Area
Authors: Mihai Ţichindelean , Marieta Mihaiu Diana , Alin Opreana , Cosmin Tileaga
Published: November 2020

Estimating accurately demand both at market and company level for specific goods and services can be considered a necessity for every organization. Traditional demand estimation methods may not be relevant for estimating the demand for new destinations to be introduced by a regional airport. The present paper proposes to fill this gap and to develop the demand estimation literature by presenting a novel demand estimation method. Two research objectives are developed in this regard: (1) determining the catchment area of Sibiu International Airport (a regional airport in Romania) for destinations operated by competitor airports and not by Sibiu International Airport and (2) estimating the demand for new destinations based on the identified catchment area.