bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Rapid and Accurate Confirmatory Diagnosis of HTLV-1/2 Infection
Authors: Gomes Yago , Caterino-de-Araujo Adele , Campos Karoline , Gonçalves Maria Gisele , Leite Ana Claudia , Lima Marco Antonio , Araújo Abelardo , Silva Marcus Tulius , Espíndola Otávio
Published: September 2020

Laboratory diagnosis of human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) 1 and 2 infection is performed by serological screening and further confirmation with serological or molecular assays. Thus, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of HTLV-1/2 in blood samples. The sensitivity and accuracy of HTLV-1/2 LAMP were defined with DNA samples from individuals infected with HTLV-1 (n = 125), HTLV-2 (n = 19), and coinfected with HIV (n = 82), and compared with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The overall accuracy of HTLV-1/2 LAMP (95% CI 74.8–85.5%) was slightly superior to qPCR (95% CI 69.5–81.1%) and similar to PCR-RFLP (95% CI 79.5–89.3%). The sensitivity of LAMP was greater for HTLV-1 (95% CI 83.2–93.4%) than for HTLV-2 (95% CI 43.2–70.8%). This was also observed in qPCR and PCR-RFLP, which was associated with the commonly lower HTLV-2 proviral load. All molecular assays tested showed better results with samples from HTLV-1/2 mono-infected individuals compared with HIV-coinfected patients, who present lower CD4 T-cell counts. In conclusion, HTLV-1/2 LAMP had similar to superior performance than PCR-based assays, and therefore may represent an attractive alternative for HTLV-1/2 diagnosis due to reduced working time and costs, and the simple infrastructure needed.
Isolation and Cultivation of a New Isolate of BTV-25 and Presumptive Evidence for a Potential Persistent Infection in Healthy Goats
Authors: Ries Christina , Domes Ursula , Janowetz Britta , Böttcher Jens , Burkhardt Katinka , Miller Thomas , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: September 2020

Recently, several so-called “atypical” Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes were discovered, including BTV-25 (Toggenburg virus), in Switzerland. Most “atypical” BTV were identified in small ruminants without clinical signs. In 2018, two goats from a holding in Germany tested positive for BTV-25 genome by RT-qPCR prior to export. After experimental inoculation of the two goats with the BTV-25 positive field blood samples for generation of reference materials, viremia could be observed in one animal. For the first time, the BTV-25-related virus was isolated in cell culture from EDTA-blood and the full genome of isolate “BTV-25-GER2018” could be generated. BTV-25-GER2018 was only incompletely neutralized by ELISA-positive sera. We could monitor the BTV-25 occurrence in the respective affected goat flock of approximately 120 goats over several years. EDTA blood samples were screened with RT-qPCR using a newly developed BTV-25 specific assay. For serological surveillance, serum samples were screened using a commercial cELISA. BTV-25-GER2018 was detected over 4.5 years in the goat flock with intermittent PCR-positivity in some animals, and with or without concomitantly detected antibodies since 2015. We could demonstrate the viral persistence of BTV-25-GER2018 in goats for up to 4.5 years, and the first BTV-25 isolate is now available for further characterization.
Screening for the Proteins That Can Interact with Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus Capsid Protein
Authors: Huang Po-Yu , Hsiao Han-Chia , Wang Szu-Wen , Lo Shao-Fu , Lu Ming-Wei , Chen Li-Li
Published: September 2020

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) can infect many species of fish and has an 80–100% mortality rate. NNV capsid protein (NNVCP) is the only structural protein of NNV, but there are few studies on the protein–protein interaction between NNVCP and the host cell. To investigate NNV morphogenesis, native NNV capsid protein (NNVCP) was used to screen for protein–protein interactions in this study. The results identified that 49 grouper optic nerve proteins can interact with NNVCP and may function as putative receptor or co-receptor, cytoskeleton, glucose metabolism and ATP generation, immunity, mitochondrial ion regulation, and ribosomal proteins. Creatine kinase B-type (CKB) is one of those 49 optic nerve proteins. CKB, a kind of enzyme of ATP generation, was confirmed to interact with NNVCP by far-Western blot and showed to colocalize with NNVCP in GF-1 cells. Compared to the control, the expression of CKB was significantly induced in the brain and eyes infected with NNV. Moreover, the amount of replication of NNV is relatively high in cells expressing CKB. In addition to providing the database of proteins that can interact with NNVCP for subsequent analysis, the results of this research also verified that CKB plays an important role in the morphogenesis of NNV.
Effect of Api-Bioxal® and ApiHerb® Treatments against Nosema ceranae Infection in Apis mellifera Investigated by Two qPCR Methods
Authors: Cilia Giovanni , Garrido Claudia , Bonetto Martina , Tesoriero Donato , Nanetti Antonio
Published: September 2020

Nosema ceranae is a worldwide distributed midgut parasite of western honey bees, leading to dwindling colonies and their collapse. As a treatment, only fumagillin is available, causing issues like resistance and hampered bee physiology. This study aimed to evaluate ApiHerb® and Api-Bioxal® as treatments against N. ceranae. The efficacy was tested using two qPCR methods based on the 16S rRNA and Hsp70 genes. In addition, these methods were compared for their aptitude for the quantification of the infection. For this, 19 colonies were selected based on the presence of N. ceranae infections. The colonies were divided into three groups: treated with ApiHerb, Api-Bioxal with previous queen caging and an untreated control. All colonies were sampled pre- and post-treatment. The bees were analyzed individually and in duplicate with both qPCR methods. All bees in the pre-treatment tested positive for N. ceranae. Both treatments reduced the abundance of N. ceranae, but ApiHerb also decreased the prevalence of infected bees. Analysis with the 16S rRNA method resulted in several orders of magnitude more copies than analysis with the Hsp70 method. We conclude that both products are suitable candidates for N. ceranae treatment. From our analysis, the qPCR method based on the Hsp70 gene results as more apt for the exact quantification of N. ceranae as is needed for the development of veterinary medicinal products.
Prognostic Factors and Life Expectancy in Canine Leishmaniosis
Authors: Pereira Maria , Santos Rute , Oliveira Ricardo , Costa Lina , Prata Ana , Gonçalves Vânia , Roquette Madalena , Vala Helena , Santos-Gomes Gabriela
Published: September 2020

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a chronic and potentially fatal disease. The prognosis of CanL depends on the severity of the clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities presented by the dog at the time of diagnosis. This study aims to estimate the survival time of dogs with CanL, determining the prognostic value of different clinical and clinicopathological parameters. Medical records of 99 dogs diagnosed with CanL in five veterinary centers of the Alentejo region (Portugal) were examined retrospectively. The majority of dogs presented hyperproteinemia, moderate normocytic normochromic anemia, normal blood urea and creatinine levels and were classified as stage 1 according to the International Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines at the time of diagnosis. The severity of anemia, presence of concomitant infectious diseases at the time of diagnosis and the anti-Leishmania therapy were correlated with the survival time. The influence of renal dysfunction was evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and survival analysis. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients classified as IRIS 1 at the time of diagnosis survived more than four years, in contrast with dogs classified as IRIS 2 that survived around two and half years and dogs classified as IRIS 3–4 that survived around one month. IRIS stage deteriorated during the course of CanL in one third of the dogs and was the principal cause of death or euthanasia in a high proportion of animals. In some cases, dogs did not receive anti-Leishmania treatment or abandoned the veterinary follow-ups, which may have considerable repercussions for animal wellbeing and public health. This study reinforces the value of blood urea and creatinine levels as prognostic factors in CanL.
Recreation and Tourism Service Systems Featuring High Riverbanks in Taiwan
Authors: Shyu Guey-Shin , Fang Wei-Ta , Cheng Bai-You
Published: September 2020

Taiwan’s cities exhibit high levels of urbanization, which has resulted in limited recreation space in urban areas. In response, government policies have been enacted to promote the large-scale greening of rivers in urban areas and the establishment of aquatic recreation areas that do not interfere with water flow areas, pavilions for recreation purposes, indoor stadiums, and biking lanes alongside riverbanks to provide citizens with recreation space. An expert team was convened to investigate 50 riverside recreation sites, and the Comfortable Water Environment Rest Assessment Form was devised. The investigation results revealed three factors that contribute to the value of riverside recreation sites; the three factors had a total explanatory power of 70.17%. The factors, namely exercising and leisure, overall design plan and entrance image, and environmental maintenance and service, had an explanatory power of 25.52%, 23.32%, and 21.32%, respectively. Finally, this study provides guidance for constructing service systems for riverside recreation sites by referencing practical cases. This study suggests that future designs focus on the characteristics of visitors as the main consideration when investing resources in recreation sites. In addition, more exercise and recreation equipment and facilities should be provided at recreation sites located within highly populated areas. For recreation sites that feature beautiful scenery, greater degrees of overall design planning and entrance image qualities can be integrated into the recreation sites, and environmental teaching materials can be incorporated into the environment. Furthermore, this study suggests that residents who live near recreation sites form and operate volunteer groups to contribute to environmental maintenance and the relevant services; this would greatly enhance the overall experience of comfort of visitors to the recreation sites. Finally, this study provides guidance for low-intensity construction in high riverbank areas.
Geomorphologic Analysis of Small River Basin within the Framework of Fractal Tree
Authors: Feng Meiyan , Jung Kwansue , Kim Joo-Cheol
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the modified framework of geomorphologic analysis based on the concept of fractal tree. Especially, it is intended to provide hydrologic practitioners with the information on the fractal property of small river basins. To this end, the complete drainage path network is applied to a growth process of a fractal tree for the basin of interest by connecting a channel network to overland drainage pathways. The growth process of a fractal tree would occur only within the limited region possessing channel flow properties in a natural river basin. The exponent of the intra basin type of Hack’s law could show a variable trend in small river basins mainly due to anisotropic property of the catchment planform. The bifurcation process of a drainage path network might be more sensitive to the growth step of the fractal tree than the meandering process of drainage path segment. The fractal dimension from the sinuosity of a channel segment is relatively stable compared to the one from the bifurcation process of the network, so that the geomorphologic features of a small river basin can be characterized by the anisotropic property of catchment planform as well as the bifurcation property of drainage path network with the growth of the fractal tree.
Predictive Value of Modified Early Warning Scoring System for Identifying Critical Patients with Malignancy in Emergency Department
Authors: Aygun Huseyin , Eraybar Suna , Ozdemir Fatma , Armagan Erol
Published: September 2020

Background: Identification of critically ill patient is particularly important in the emergency department (ED). The prolonged duration from hospital admission to delivering intensive care service is related to increased mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for identifying critical patients with malignancy in ED settings. Methods: We evaluated patients with malignancy who were admitted to our ED of a tertiary university hospital in Turkey over a three-month period. We evaluated MEWS on admission as MEWS 1. After the initial treatment depending on the patients’ health status in ED, at 2 hours after admission, we evaluated MEWS again and recorded as MEWS 2. All patients were followed up for 30 days after the initial admission. Results: Mean age (SD) was 59.2 (13.5) and male/female ratio was 295/206. MEWS1 was higher than MEWS2, (MEWS1: 3.05 ± 3.31, MEWS2: 2.35 ± 3.17, P < 0.001). A total of 362 patients (72.3%) survived and 139 (27.7%) died within 30 days of initial admission. MEWS1/MEWS2 values for alive and dead patients were 1.66/0.87, and 6.67/6.21, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). ROC analysis was performed for MEWS 1; the area under curve (AUC) for hospitalization was 0.768 (95% CI 0.729 to 0.804) and for mortality was 0.900 (95% CI 0.870 to 0.924). ROC analysis revealed a cut-off value of 2 for predicting both hospitalization and mortality in these patients. The sensitivity of the presented cut-off was 77.32% (72.1%–82.0%) for hospitalization and 76.24% (95% CI 71.5–80.5) for mortality; the specificity was 69.52 (95% CI 62.8–75.7) for hospitalization and 90.65 (95% CI 84.65–94.9) for mortality. Conclusion: We found in our study that MEWS evaluation for patients with malignancy on admission to ED is predictive of mortality in the subsequent 30 days, and it is a valuable tool for identifying the critical group. Also, AVPU scores alone can predict mortality in patients admitted to ED.
Provision of Critical Maternity Care during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Changizi Nasrin , Raeisi Alireza , Barekati Hamed , Habibolahi Abbas , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Emami-Afshar Nezhat , Radpooyan Laleh
Published: September 2020

Reducing maternal mortality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Although there is no vigorous evidence that pregnant women are in the high-risk groups in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is crucial to respond to the pandemic through providing required action plans for confirmed or suspected pregnant women cases while maintaining routine functions. Iran’s response and preparedness measures to COVID-19 aimed to meet the essential needs required to protect pregnant women and their families. Establishing a national maternal health network, relying on mechanisms for timely reporting, monitoring, and following-up, preparing guidelines and protocols required for COVID-19 management in pregnant women though a multidisciplinary team working approach, and embedding the precautions of reducing transmission in maternity care were the main measures taken to cope with COVID-19 in pregnancy. Iran’s experience in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 can guide other countries affected by COVID-19. However, it should be adapted to local health-care facilities, as well as in response to any further updates on COVID-19.
Telemedicine and Computer-Based Technologies during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection; A Chance to Educate and Diagnose
Authors: Jafarzadeh-Esfehani Reza , Mirzaei Fard Mohsen , Habibi Hatam-Ghale Farzaneh , Rezaei Kalat Alireza , Fathi Amir , Shariati Mohammad , Sadr-Nabavi Ariane , Miri Rahele , Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Aelami Mohammad Hasan
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now of global concern due to its rapid dissemination across the globe. The rapid spread of this viral infection, along with many of its unknown aspects, has posed new challenges to the health care systems. The main challenging effects of COVID-19 are rapid dissemination through close contact and varying clinical severity among different individuals. Furthermore, the medical staff in endemic areas are becoming exhausted and deal with a considerable level of job burnout, which can negatively affect their medical decision making. Also, due to the variable pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19, some physicians may misdiagnose patients. To overcome these issues, we proposed a web-based software to aid physicians in detecting possible COVID-19 cases through online consultation with different specialists and educate the not-well experienced physicians. Our results demonstrated that this software could improve the diagnostic rate for not-well experienced physicians.
Diabetes Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Iranian Expert Opinion Statement
Authors: Malek Mojtaba , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Aghaei Meybodi Hamid Reza , Jahed Seyed Adel , Hadaegh Farzad , Sharghi Sasan , Esteghamati Alireza , Khamseh Mohammad E.
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus infection is an evolving pandemic with high morbidity and mortality, especially in people with comorbidities. The case fatality rate (CFR) is 9.2% in the presence of diabetes, while it is 1.4% in those without any comorbidity. Diabetes is a prevalent disease globally; hence, healthcare professionals are highly concerned about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic progression. Current evidence does not support higher incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people with diabetes (PWD). However, people with diabetes are considered high risk for developing complications. Optimal metabolic control is a challenging concept, especially in the presence of an acute and severe respiratory viral infection. In this consensus, we considered the challenging issues in management of patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consensus covers various aspects of outpatient as well as inpatient care based on the current evidence.
A Case of COVID 19 and Staphylococcus Coinfection
Authors: Hamzavi Seyedeh Sedigheh , Gholami Mohammad Amin , Sanaei  Dashti Anahita
Published: September 2020

Since December 2019, we have seen a significant number of cases of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), first identified in Wuhan China. Coronavirus might coexist with other infections such as Staphylococcus.
Fatal Infectious Epidemics in Iran in the Last Two Centuries; What Lessons Can We Learn from Preceding Outbreaks? A Brief Historical Review
Authors: Azizi Mohammad Hossein , Azizi Farzaneh
Published: September 2020

In the past two centuries, several fatal infectious outbreaks have arisen in Iran. Presented here is a brief historical account of four fatal epidemics including cholera, plague, Spanish influenza of 1918 and smallpox between1796 and 1979. The lessons from these outbreaks could be helpful for better combatting other deadly epidemics including the present-day disastrous COVID-19 pandemic.
Russian information offensive in the international relations
Authors: Szpyra Ryszard
Published: September 2020

The information war is beginning to play a dominant role in international relations. It is important because it occurs intensively in peacetime and determines the results of international clashes. This article aims to identify oﬀensive elements in Russian theoretical and doctrinal views on the role and content of the information oﬀensive in international relations. To meet this aim, a comparative analysis of research studies, documents and offcial statements was carried out. The study sets out to investigate how Russia assesses the usefulness
of the information oﬀensive for conducting international policy. The study revealed that the information war and information warfare in modern conditions in the Russian scientifc debate occupy a prominent place. Regardless of the declared defensive nature of the Russian information oﬀensive, both the scientifc and doctrinal views emphasise the value of the information oﬀensive for conducting international policy. Russia takes the information oﬀensive in international relations very seriously and treats it as one of the main forms of international confrontation. This has serious consequences for countries close to Russia as it creates a new threat to their national security in peacetime.
Valuation of possibility of the silicon based preparations application for strengthening Lublin-type mouldings
Authors: Barnat-Hunek Danuta , Klimek Beata
Published: September 2020

At the beginning of XVII-th Century in Little Poland region, flat, geometric decorations were common. Their came from North Germany and appeared in individual types, characteristic for particular regions. Typical variants of decorations were described by J. Szablowski with underlined net (typical for Lublin region), ferrule and geometrical decorations (typical for Cracow region). Cracovian-type decoration resembled West-European decorations and Lublin-Calisia-type were made by local bricklayers, which is hard to be proven, because of the foreign prototypes visible in many Lublin decorations. Article presents valuation of the silicon based preparations application possibility for strengthening Lublin-type mouldings. Valuated preparations differ in compounds. They are applied for conservatory works to strengthen such materials like calcium plasters and mouldings.
Recommendation on Historic Urban Landscape – element of paradigm shift in historic towns protection
Authors: Szmygin Bogusław
Published: September 2020

The foundations of the heritage protection - its paradigm, have been created in the first half of the 20th century. This paradigm is officially still in force - primarily because we do not have a coherent concept, which could link the requirements of the traditional protection of historic monuments and the diversity of today’s circumstances. Therefore, international document that introduces new elements, deserves particular analysis. This document is the Historic Urban Landscape Recommendation, which formulates a new approach to heritage and its protection. HUL Recommendation was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO - the most important international meeting on culture; this is the Recommendation – such a type of document should be implemented by the Member States (which is explicitly formulated in the text of Recommendation); its subject is historical city – the most important part of heritage. From this point of view, the HUL Recommendation deserves special attention.
Problems of protection and restoration of historical monuments of L’viv built using Roman cement
Authors: Bevz Mykola
Published: September 2020

In article are shown examples allow confirming that Roman cement was widely used in Lviv in the second part of the 19th century while erecting the public and residential buildings. The creating and develop a program on research, preservation and restoration of historical and architectural monuments, on which the architectural and ornamental finishing of facades was carried out with application of Roman cement is proposed.
Selection of a set of earthmoving equipment in the aspect minimizing the emission of CO2
Authors: Rogalska Magdalena
Published: September 2020

The aim of the calculation is to allow the selection of a set of earthmoving machinery in terms of minimizing the emission of CO2. The capacity of excavators and CO2 emission of set of machines was predicted. The forecasting methods: multiple regression and neural networks were used. The analysis of autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation residuals and sensitivity analysis were performed. The MAPE errors of forecasts were calculated. The calculation example in terms of selection of machines emission of carbon dioxide on the basis of forecasting models was performed.
Geodetic evaluation of terrain surface subsidence around mine shifts of KWK Bogdanka in 1976-1983
Authors: Borowski Witold , Zyga Jacek
Published: September 2020

An attempt to apply a measuring dynamic network model into land subsidence process evaluation is described in the presented essay. The surface subsidence process, occurring on rural areas around KWK Bogdanka, is suspected to be consequent upon orogen drainage, related to drilling of mining shafts. The elaboration of archival measuring data with the use of a dynamic model of measuring network enabled to extend the interpretation extension of the interpretation of the observed settlements process for potential drainage process parameters, affecting a specific rock deformation process.
The advantage of virgin soil in rural service road constructions
Authors: Ćwiąkała Michał , Greinert Andrzej , Korzeniowska Joanna , Tarasewicz Paweł
Published: September 2020

Virgin soils as a result of geotechnical processes are element of road’s solid bottom. The bottom ought to have enough capacity and durability which is provided by proper virgin sub-grade’s enhancement. The sub-grade is road’s base course right bottom. It is possible to improve virgin soil’s parameters by road’s hydraulic binding agent. The agent is a mineral frame’s micro-particle extender or enhancement. The researches were focused to define main soil-cement compound’s mechanical parameter called CBR. Compounds consisted of rural virgin soils (five grain-size types) and two hydraulic agent types (endurance rates 3 MPa and 9 MPa). Hydraulic agent’s main component was activated fly ash and white cement (CEM I 42,5 MPa). The ash is from Pątnów Power Plant and is a result of brown coal burning. The researches answered that it is possible to exploit virgin soils in rural service road’s construction thanks to innovative road cements with binding qualities.
Interpretation of measurements results of ice content in freezing mortars using DSC method
Authors: Stępień Piotr , Rusin Zbigniew , Świercz Przemysław
Published: September 2020

The results of investigations of heat flows recorded at the low temperature differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in the freezing cement mortars soaked with water are presented. Methods for extracting the thermal effects associated with the phase change of water as well as the methods for calculating the weight of ice with reference to the specific process temperature at which the phenomenon occurs are analyzed. It is found that computation assumptions and technical limitations of the calorimeter described in the technical literature can lead to significantly different results of determining the mass of formed ice.
Investigation of horizontal forces result in railway viaduct with curved truck
Authors: Olaszek Piotr , Cieśla Juliusz , Szaniec Waldemar
Published: September 2020

In the report some investigations of bridge structure, connected with the adaptation of the railway line to speeds up to 200 km/h for conventional trains and up to 250 km/h for tilting trains were presented. A railway track is the characteristic feature of tested viaduct, because the truck is curved over the whole length of span with radius of R = 2600 m. The tests of the viaduct required the verification of influence of the dynamic effects on the ultimate limit states which corresponded to the safety of structure, as well as the serviceability limit states, related to the safety of driving and the travellers’ comfort. In frames of investigations, a special train comprised of two locomotives and four passenger cars, was used with speeds in the range between 10 and 200 km/h. The report focuses on the problems addressing the influence of horizontal actions in the case of bridge with curved truck. The measurements of the horizontal and vertical displacements as well as the accelerations of span, and the speed of crossing test train were executed. The measured and theoretically calculated chosen courses of displacements and accelerations were introduced. The degree of divergence between measured and calculated values was analysed.
An influence of foundation settlement on the selected mast structure
Authors: Matuszkiewicz Monika
Published: September 2020

The influence of the mast foundation settlement on the static behaviour of the mast structure was analyzed on the basis of a lattice shaft mast. The calculations were made for the pre-stress condition and wind-load condition of the structure. Basing on the results of static calculations some remarks and conclusions were drawn.
Determination of the residential renovation range
Authors: Bucoń Robert , Sobotka Anna
Published: September 2020

The article addresses the problem of selecting renovation solution which is a difficult task. It requires the administrator to consider and compare benefits that result from the execution of particular repairs. The priority is to define both the urgency of repair and the financial constraints. Thus, the choice of renovation solution fulfilling these conditions requires a systematic approach. The proposed method allows the decision-maker to assess the state of building, on which basis it is possible to indicate a needed range of renovation – including the information about the level of urgent repairs. During the next stage of calculations, the significance of the selection criteria is defined by means of the fuzzy AHP method. The assessment of these criteria provides the basis for prioritizing and choosing the renovation solutions and is proposed to be conducted by means of TOPSIS method. To illustrate the method, the authors present a numerical example of the proposed approach to selecting renovation solution method applied to a residential building.
Preliminary identification and evaluation of parameters affecting the capacity of the operator-earthmoving machine system
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina Elżbieta , Sobotka Anna , Plebankiewicz Edyta , Zima Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Without reliable data on the time of work of construction machines it is impossible to calculate the cost of the investment or the time limit for its implementation. Machine capacity is affected by many factors resulting from both the technical capabilities of a machine (e.g. the engine and bucket capacity) and work environment (e.g. soil loosening and weather conditions). Capacity is also influenced by factors affecting the operator (e.g. health condition, stress, fatigue). Therefore, it is appropriate to use the concept of the operator-machine system.

The current system for the standards of machine working time collected in catalogues of capital expenditures is outdated (a lack of modern materials, technology and equipment currently used). It does not take into account all possible weather conditions, labour conditions and soil and water conditions. The result of this state of affairs may be overestimation or underestimation of an investment.

On the basis of the conducted research it may be concluded that the greatest impact on the capacity of the operator-earthmoving machine system is exerted by parameters associated with the psychophysical condition of the operator (experience, fatigue, health and motivation of the operator) and the technical parameters of the machine (technical condition and theoretical technical capacity). Weather conditions, particularly air humidity, affect the performance to the smallest extent.
Influence of concrete topping on behaviour of prestressed Hollow Core floor slabs on flexible supports
Authors: Derkowski Wit , Surma Mateusz
Published: September 2020

Slim Floors (SF) are the structures made of the Hollow Core (HC) slabs supported on the slender beams, where the beam height is usually slightly greater than the height of precast slab element. With the increase of the supports' deflection, the deformation of the HC slab occurs, and in consequence, additional transverse normal and shear stresses appear in the precast element, which can cause a diagonal cracking and destruction of external webs of this element. It may also result in longitudinal cracks on bottom surface of the slab. Despite the frequent implementation of this type of structures, the existing standard EN 1168 gave only a brief record of the need to take the reduction in design shear capacity into account, but is not given any calculation procedure.

It is widely believed that reduction of unfavourable effects of shear stress in the HC slab’s web can be achieved by filling the cores with concrete or arrangement of the monolithic layer or concrete topping. The fib guidelines are practically the only one document which allows to determine the shear capacity of SF slabs, including the influence of concrete topping or core filling – brief description of this design model is presented in the paper. In order to determine the effect of concrete topping on the behaviour of prestressed HC slabs on the flexible supports, a number of calculation analyzes were performed, which take into account the effects of thickness of the concrete topping, the value of the friction coefficient between the concrete topping and the precast element, the sequence of concreting of vertical joints and topping layer and the amount of supplementary reinforcement in the topping. The results of the calculations, and the conclusions derived from them, are presented in the article.
The influence of reinforcement temperature on stiffness of reinforced concrete beams in fire conditions
Authors: Głowacki Michał , Abramowicz Marian , Kowalski Robert
Published: September 2020

This paper describes the analysis of high temperature influence on beams with heated tensile zone. High temperature experiments were preformed under the static load of 50 or 70% of the destructive force ensuring constant value of bending moment in the central part of the heated beam. Beams with 2 reinforcement ratios – 0.44 and 1.13% were examined. In total four series of beams, three in each series (12 elements) were used. This paper analyses the reduction of relative beam cross section stiffness depending on reinforcement temperature. Experimentally obtained stiffness values calculated in two ways (element maximal deflection and deflection measured in three points of analysed element) were compared to calculation results made according to Eurocode. The performed analysis shows that reduction of the stiffness of element based on Eurocode calculations is slightly bigger than the experimentally obtained one.
Control of the transmission length in the prestressed hollow-core slabs using values of the strand end slip
Authors: Tur Victor , Fic Stanisław
Published: September 2020

It is shown [1] that even though the production of precast pre-tensioned concrete elements started more than 50 years ago, no one has ever succeeded in determining the real transmission length or in obtaining adequate measures to control it, due to the quality of the production. These arrears are confirmed by the study of existing standards. In general, it is assumed that the measurement of the magnitude of the slippage of strand at the end of hollow core prestressed slab is an indirect method of estimation and control of the value of the transmission length. One should mention that EN1168 and EN13369 that regulate requirements of designing and production of hollow-core slabs are applied as the method of control. Based on a particular bond-slip relation for strands, a non-linear equation is developed for the transmission length and for the slippage of prestressed strand, taking into account such factors as the concrete strength at transfer, the degree of the initial prestress type and diameter of tendons. These equations have been used for the control of transmission length of the strands calculated by different methods available recently, including a code provision. Then they were compared to measured data, obtained in production control of the hollow-core slabs.
Effect of random track irregularities on selected composite bridge / track structure / high-speed train system vibrations
Authors: Podworna Monika , Klasztorny Marian
Published: September 2020

A theory of the quasi-exact physical and mathematical modelling of the composite (steel–concrete) bridge / ballasted track structure / high-speed train system (BTT) was developed, including viscoelastic suspensions of rail-vehicles on two-axle bogies, the non-linear Hertz contact stiffness and one-sided contact between the wheel sets and the rails, the viscoelastic and inertia features of the bridge, the viscoelastic track structure on and beyond the bridge, the approach slabs, and random track irregularities. Based on this theory, advanced computer algorithms for the BTT numerical modelling were written and a computer program to simulate the vertical vibrations of the BTT systems was developed. The bridge subject to the preliminary dynamic analysis and designed according to Polish standards has a 15.00 m span length. The bridge was loaded by the German ICE-3 high-speed train moving at the critical (180 and 270 km/h) and the maximum (300 km/h) operating speeds.
Devotion and Commitment in A Contradictory Conditionsas Seen in The Notebook by Nicholas Spark
Authors: Helmita Helmita , Putri Elsa Mayora
Published: September 2020

The problem in this thesis is Devotion and commitment in a contradictory conditions in the relationship between Noah and Allie who have differences in social status. Until their relationship was opposed by Allie's mother, even so Allie remained devotion to choose Noahh. Devotion and commitment to the contradictory conditions between Noah and Allie also occur when they are old. Noah remained loyal to Allie when she suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

The object of this study was The Notebook novel by Nicholas Sparks. This research uses Sigmund Freud's theory of personality psychology. The results of this study are the figures Noah and Alli have personality aspects that refer to Sigmund Freud's theory of id, ego, superego. The writer uses descriptive analysis method and qualitative method. The author carries out a systematic procedure with an understanding of the novel, figures Noah and Allie, and also structural theory.

This research aims : (1) to analyze the importance of loyalty and commitment in contradictory conditions. (2) to describe the loyalty and commitment contained in the Novel The notebook. (3) to explain the loyalty and commitment shown by Noah and Allie after marriage.

Based on the results of this analysis it can be concluded that the problem faced by the main character is his deep love and loyalty to his wife, Noah did everything for Allie, including writing to him for two years even though his letter was never responded by Allie. But when they met for the first time after being separated for quite a long time their love for each other was still there. Until they married and aged together and Allie contracted Alzheimer's disease, but Noah remained faithful with her.
Strongly enhanced four wave mixing in micro-ring resonators integrated with 2D graphene oxide films
Authors: Moss David
Published: September 2020

Two-dimensional layered graphene oxide films are integrated with micro-ring
resonators to experimentally demonstrate enhanced four-wave mixing, achieving up
to ~7.6-dB enhancement in conversion efficiency for a uniformly coated device and
~10.3-dB for a patterned device.
reatment Patterns and Health Care Costs in Commercially Insured Patients with Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Fowler Nathan , Chen Guifang , Lim Stephen , Manson Stephanie , Ma Qiufei , Li Frank
Published: September 2020

Background: Few studies have estimated the real-world economic burden such as all-cause and follicular lymphoma-related costs and health care resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Objectives: This study evaluated outcomes in patients who were newly initiated with FL indicated regimens by line of therapy with real-world data. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients with FL from MarketScan® databases between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013. Patients were selected if they were ≥18 years old when initiated on a FL indicated therapy, had at least 1 FL-related diagnosis, ≥1 FL commonly prescribed systemic anti-cancer therapy after diagnosis, and did not use any FL indicated regimen in the 24 months prior to the first agent. These patients were followed up at least 48 months and the outcomes, including the distribution of regimens by line of therapy, the treatment duration by line of therapy, all-cause and FL-related costs, and HCRU by line of therapy were evaluated. Results: This study identified 598 patients who initiated FL indicated treatment. The average follow-up time was approximately 5.7 years. Of these patients, 50.2% (n=300) were female, with a mean age of 60.7 years (SD=13.1 years) when initiating their treatment with FL indicated regimens. Overall, 598 (100%) patients received first-line therapy, 180 (43.6%) received second-line therapy, 51 received third-line therapy, 21 received fourth-line therapy, and 10 received fifth-line therapy. Duration of treatment by each line of therapy was 370 days, 392 days, 162 days, 148 days, and 88 days, respectively. The most common first-line regimens received by patients were rituximab (n=201, 33.6%), R-CHOP (combination of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride [hydroxydaunomycin]; n=143, 24.0%), BR (combination of bendamustine and rituximab; n=143, 24.0%), and R-CVP (combination of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone; n=71, 11.9%). The most common second-line treatment regimens were (N=180): rituximab (n=78, 43.3%) and BR (n=41, 22.8%). Annualized all-cause health care costs per patient ranged from US$97 141 (SD: US$144 730) for first-line to US$424 758 (SD: US$715 028) for fifth-line therapy. Conclusions: The primary regimens used across treatment lines conform to those recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines. The economic burden for patients with FL is high and grows with subsequent lines of therapy.
ARID Platform after Four Years of Its Establishment (2016-2020): A bibliometric Study
Authors: قيس مريم , السويدي سيف , فراج عبد الرحمن
Published: September 2020

After four years of the official opening of ARID (Arabic Researcher ID) platform, the number of its users exceeded 44 thousand who can speak Arabic from all over the world. ARID platform is the first Arabic platform to serve scientific research in a way that keeps pace with technical development, which made the access to the scientific research available to all users. The study aims to introduce ARID platform in the language of numbers to transmit a statistical picture for the scientists, experts and researchers on the first digital platform for Arabic speakers and how it can be benefit from this experience and data analysis in digital platforms that serve the Arabic language. The study concluded several results, however, the most important of which is that the number of users on ARID platform is increasing dramatically, and their numbers vary in different countries and universities. The platform included a wide range of various disciplines, most notably the specializations of educational sciences, sciences, arts, and political sciences, with a large number of holders of higher degrees (masters and doctorate), as they exceeded eight thousand users. Participation in conferences tops the list of academic activities, followed by the participation in scientific courses. Meanwhile, the number of scientific publications on the platform exceeded 12 thousand, and on top of them were the articles that published in scientific journals, where the number exceeded nine thousand research papers. In addition, 36 types of academic activities have been keyed in, including publishing books and participating in conferences and seminars. In conclusion, the researchers recommended that the awareness of joining the platform should be spread among Arabic-speaking researchers in all countries of the world to preserve the Arab identity, share scientific interests, and enrich Arabic content with scientific researches.
Gouvernance opérationnelle adossée aux SI de santé au Burkina Faso
Authors: Semde Abdoulaye , Traore Yacouba , Some Lucain , Semde Adama
Published: September 2020

Cet article s’intéresse aux SI de santé en Afrique subsaharienne. Il est basé sur le corpus théorique des SI et plus particulièrement sur la littérature liée à la transformation organisationnelle relayée par le modèle de Besson et Rowe. Notre démarche méthodologique est qualitative et s’appuie sur l’étude d’un cas emblématique au Burkina Faso. Elle nous a permis de souligner que la gouvernance transformationnelle, adossée aux personnels et technologies, est orientée vers une transformation structurelle, processuelle et communicationnelle soutenue par une gouvernance hospitalière intégrée, informée et alignée. Nous montrons que face au concept de gouvernance, déroulé en contexte subsaharien, une démarche opérationnelle de gouvernance hospitalière « intégrée » par les SIS, se doit d’être resituée dans un cadre «méso-économique e-santé – » et de la responsabilité sociétale naissante des hôpitaux d'autant plus que le contexte sanitaire est perturbé depuis 2020.
Covers, Orientations and Factors
Authors: Csikvári Péter , Imolay András
Published: September 2020

Given a graph $G$ with only even degrees, let $\varepsilon(G)$ denote the number of Eulerian orientations, and let $h(G)$ denote the number of half graphs, that is, subgraphs $F$ such that $d_F(v)=d_G(v)/2$ for each vertex $v$. Recently, Borbényi and Csikvári proved that  $\varepsilon(G)\geq h(G)$ holds true for all Eulerian graphs, with equality if and only if $G$ is bipartite. In this paper we give a simple new proof of this fact, and we give identities and inequalities for the number of Eulerian orientations and half graphs of a $2$-cover of a graph $G$.
A Combinatorial Model for the Decomposition of Multivariate Polynomial Rings as $S_n$-Modules
Authors: Orellana Rosa , Zabrocki Michael
Published: September 2020

We consider the symmetric group $S_n$-module of the polynomial ring with $m$ sets of $n$ commuting variables and $m'$ sets of $n$ anti-commuting variables and show that the multiplicity of an irreducible indexed by the partition $\lambda$ (a partition of $n$) is the number of multiset tableaux of shape $\lambda$ satisfying certain column and row strict conditions.  We also present a finite generating set for the ring of $S_n$ invariant polynomials of this ring.
$4$-Colouring of Generalized Signed Planar Graphs
Authors: Jiang Yiting , Zhu Xuding
Published: September 2020

Assume $G$ is a graph and $S$ is a set of permutations of positive integers. An $S$-signature of $G$ is a pair $(D, \sigma)$, where $D$ is an orientation of $G$ and $\sigma: E(D) \to S$ is a mapping which assigns to each arc $e=(u,v)$ a permutation $\sigma(e)$ in $S$. We say $G$ is $S$-$k$-colourable if for any $S$-signature $(D, \sigma)$ of $G$, there is a mapping $f: V(G) \to [k]$ such that for each arc $e=(u,v)$ of $G$, $\sigma(e)(f(u)) \ne f(v)$. The concept of $S$-$k$-colourable is a common generalization of many colouring concepts. This paper studies the problem as to which subsets $S$ of $S_4$, every  planar graph is $S$-$4$-colourable. We call such a subset $S$ of $S_4$ a good subset. The Four Colour Theorem is equivalent to saying that $S=\{id\}$ is good. It was proved by Jin, Wong and Zhu (arXiv:1811.08584) that a subset $S$ containing $id$ is good if and only if $S=\{id\}$. In this paper, we prove that, up to conjugation, every good subset of $S_4$ not containing $id$ is a subset of $\{(12),(34),(12)(34)\}$.
Hidden Symmetries of Weighted Lozenge Tilings
Authors: Pak Igor , Petrov Fedor
Published: September 2020

We study the weighted partition function for lozenge tilings, with weights given by multivariate rational functions originally defined by Morales, Pak and Panova (2019) in the context of the factorial Schur functions. We prove that this partition function is symmetric for large families of regions. We employ both combinatorial and algebraic proofs.