bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European Seaports Information Systems. The Impacts of Directive 2010/65/EU
Authors: Pinto Claudio Jose , Anunciacao Pedro Fernandes
Published: January 2021

Research purpose. The European Union recognizes the importance of information systems for improving the performance of trans-European transport network ports by promoting a set of initiatives focused on their use. The Directive 2010/65/EU obliges the provision of electronic services for the reception and treatment of declaratory acts necessary for the entry and exit of ships into the European Community and opens the way for future harmonization in the European Union of such services. The research purpose is to analyze and assess the degree of adequacy of European seaport information systems relative to the requirements of the European Directive to the availability of electronic services. Are they complying with the directive?

Design / Methodology / Approach. The objective of the study was to characterize the current situation of the main European seaports regarding the impacts of the European Directive. In this sense, it was decided to construct a survey to facilitate the identification and characterization of the options and actions taken by each country regarding the implementation of the Directive 2010/65/UE. This study was attended by the main EU Members and Norway.

Findings. From the analysis of the results of the European survey on the implementation of the Directive, we can conclude that the implementation of the Directive is carried out by entities of the State sphere. Member States show a low priority to the exchange of information between the Member States and the majority has not taken any action in this direction. With respect to the Single Window development model, the mixed model is the one adopted in most Member States.

Originality / Value / Practical implications. The central objective of Directive 2010/65/EU is to simplify and harmonize the administrative procedures required for maritime transport through electronic means. This Directive is seen as an opportunity to facilitate trade and administrative barriers through harmonization and standardization of the European Seaports Organization. The analysis of directive adoption represents an opportunity to increase scientific knowledge in this economic sector.
SARL: A reinforcement learning based QoS-aware IoT service discovery model
Authors: Kosunalp Selahattin , Demir Kubilay
Published: January 2021

The IoT environment includes the enormous amount of atomic services with dynamic QoS compared with traditional web services. In such an environment, in the service composition process, discovering a requested service meeting the required QoS is a di cult task. In this work, to address this issue, we propose a peer-to-peer-based service discovery model, which looks for the information about services meeting the requested QoS and functionality on an overlay constructed with users of services versus service nodes, with probably constrained resources. However, employing a plain discovery algorithm on the overlay network such as flooding, or k-random walk could cause high message overhead or delay. This necessitates an intelligent and adaptive discovery algorithm, which adapts itself based on users’ previous queries and the results. To fill this gap, the proposed service discovery approach is equipped with a reinforcement learning-based algorithm, named SARL. The reinforcement learning-based algorithm enables SARL to significantly reduce delay and message overhead in the service discovery process by ranking neighboring nodes based on users’ service request preferences and the service query results. The proposed model is implemented on the OMNet simulation platform. The simulation results demonstrate that SARL remarkably outperforms the existing approaches in terms of message overhead, reliability, timeliness, and energy usage efficiency.
Optical properties of electrochemically etched N-type silicon wafers for solar cell applications
Authors: Králik Martin , Goraus Matej , Pinčík Emil
Published: January 2021

The presented experiments and studies are intended for photovoltaic applications of crystalline silicon. This work deals with chemical treatment of the surface of n-type silicon wafers with different resistivity to reduce their reflectivity. Chemical surface treatment of silicon is an alternative method to using the antireflection layer. Optical losses caused by the reflection of light from the surface of the solar cells significantly reduce their efficiency. The investigated samples were prepared by the electrochemical etching method in the solution based on hydrofluoric acid and ethanol. The analysis of the prepared samples is divided into two parts, namely experimental measurements, and theoretical modeling. Experimental measurements are performed using UV-VIS spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry and SEM microscopy. Theoretical modeling is based on the construction and optimization of theoretical model of optical response (reflectivity and ellipsometric parameters) to determine the effective refractive index and thickness of formed structure. Effective refractive index of studied samples in theoretical model of optical response is based on Looyenga effective medium approximation and Tauc-Lorentz dispersion model.
Stress Ecology in Mining Landscape: Postindustrial Deposits in Comparison with their Surroundings as the Environments for Selection of Plants with Small and Large Genome Size
Authors: Glier Adam , Prausová Romana , Štefánek Michal , Kovář Pavel
Published: January 2021

This pilot case study compares genome sizes of two groups of species (conspecific plants) which spontaneously colonize interior space within abandoned industrial area and/or deposits, and those ones occurred in adjacent vicinity. Testing of the hypothesis “There is functional significance of small versus large genomes of plant species by comparing their occurrence in unreclaimed toxic deposits as an example of stressed environment and in their populations from neighbouring habitats” confirmed this idea.
Vives’s Views on Law: Key Notions in theAedes legum
Authors: Tello Joan
Published: January 2021

Renaissance humanist Joan Lluís Vives explained his views on Law, its origin, its elements, and its corruption mainly in theDe disciplinis(1531). However, he had already outlined some relevant key notions in early works such as thePraefatio in Leges Ciceronis(1514) and, especially, theAedes legum(1519). The aim of this article is twofold: on the one hand, to provide the reader with a succinct introduction to the latter work and, on the other hand, to identify some of its key concepts and describe their meaning.
Delays and gaps in progressing through the hepatitis C virus cascade of care: An underserved safety-net hospital experience
Authors: Gomes Chantal , Ginzberg Dina , Wong Robert J.
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective

While highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies exist, gaps in the cascade of care remain. Disparities in the HCV cascade are prominent among underserved safety-net populations. We aim to evaluate the HCV cascade among an urban safety-net cohort of HCV patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated adults with chronic HCV to determine rates of linkage to care (LTC), retention to care, and receiving HCV treatment from 2002 to 2018. Comparisons between groups utilized Chi-square testing; comparisons of median time to LTC and HCV treatment were evaluated with Student’s t-test and analysis of variance.

Results

Among 600 chronic HCV patients (60.7% male, 20.7% non-Hispanic white, 49.2% African American, 92.5% treatment naïve, 26.8% cirrhosis), successful LTC within one year of HCV diagnosis was 57.7%, among which, 91.6% were successfully retained into care. In those with successful LTC, 72.6% received HCV treatment, 91.8% completed treatment, and 89% achieved SVR12. Women with HCV experienced longer delays from LTC to HCV treatment (331 vs. 206 days in men, P < 0.05), as did African Americans (280 vs. 165 days in non-Hispanic whites, P < 0.05). Compared to the non-Hispanic whites, HCV treatment was lower in African Americans (70.4% vs. 74.4%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Women with HCV experienced significant delays along the HCV cascade, with median time of over 2 years from diagnosis to treatment. African Americans also experienced significant delays along the HCV cascade of care. However, sex and race/ethnicity were not found to be significant predictors of overall LTC or treatment.
Impact of Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Branded Product Preference in Consumer Markets
Authors: Kral Pavol , Janoskova Katarina , Lazaroiu George , Suler Petr
Published: January 2021

A successful brand is one of the most valuable resources a company has. Should the brand become powerful, it is supposed to reflect rational and emotional expectations of consumers, which, however, might change over time. The ability to recognize the consumers changing attitudes towards the brand is thus the prerequisite for effective brand management. The aim of the paper is to identify the correlation between selected socio-demographic characteristics and preferences for branded products by Slovak consumers, using a mathematical and statistical modelling. For this purpose, a comprehensive marketing survey has been carried out involving Slovak consumers of the minimum age of 16. The findings of the survey show a direct correlation, but varying in character and intensity, between the selected socio-demographic characteristics of respondents (gender, age, education, income) and their preferences for branded products; and based on the survey findings, the paper then provides further recommendations for non-adopting current trends in attitudes and preferences towards brands on Slovak consumer markets, that are recognized as significant sales and marketing tools, into the branding processes. However, considering different cultural, social and economic situations of different markets, it is not possible to generalize about the results of the paper as also being relevant for other markets. A successful brand in the domestic market is not a prerequisite of success in global markets.
Innovation Indicators and the Innovation Process - Evidence from the European Innovation Scoreboard
Authors: Onea Ioana Alexandra
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of specific innovation indicators on the overall innovation process. In this sense, a quantitative methodological approach has been employed and data has been analysed using IBM SPSS version 24. Innovation is one the themes of considerable interest at worldwide and at European level, this being reflected by the 2020 European innovation indicator. Innovation is considered to generate economic growth and create competitive advantage for both large organizations and small and medium enterprises, thus being examined as a factor that influences overall business efficiency. In this sense, the data used for this research contains the information published in the European Innovation Indicator Scoreboard 2020 database. In this regard, two innovation indicators have been considered for analysis, namely firm investments and employment impact. An exploratory factor and correlation analysis have been performed in SPSS in order to provide an answer to the research question: “How do firm investments and employment impacts influence the overall Summary Innovation Index?”. The findings show that there is a positive correlation between the selected innovation indicators, namely firm investments and employment impact and the overall summary innovation index. These findings reveal a strong correlation between firm investments and the innovation process, which results into guidance for companies and their innovative efforts. In this sense, this paper further provides recommendations for firms on where to channel and focus their efforts in order to create more innovative products and activities.
Relationship with the European Union: Slovenia and Montenegro Compared
Authors: Djurovic Gordana , Lajh Damjan
Published: January 2021

As part of former Yugoslavia and non -members of the Eastern Bloc, Slovenia and Montenegro enjoyed a special status and relationships with the European Communities (EC) before most other socialist countries. Economic and social interactions with the EC and its member states thus formed part of Slovenian and Montenegrin life even during socialism, particularly after Yugoslavia signed special agreements on trade relations with the EC in the 1970s and 1980s. In this respect, Europeanisation as ‘practical’ integration with the EC was closely linked with liberalisation processes concerning the economy, society and politics along with democratic transition processes that began in the late 1980s. When Slovenia joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 following a relatively smooth integration process, Montenegro was still holding EU candidate member status, after having officially started its accession negotiations in June 2012. The article analyses selected development and integration aspects of Slovenia and Montenegro, their relationship with the EU, together with their similarities and differences. The aim is to highlight developments in both countries and determine whether Slovenia, as an ex -Yugoslav republic and EU member since 2004, may serve as a good example for Montenegro to follow while pursuing European integration.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Underwater Dry Welded Metal of High Strength Steel Q690E Under Different Water Depths
Authors: Sun Kun , Hu Yu , Shi Yonghua , Liao Baoyi
Published: January 2021

Q690E high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel has been intensively applied in maritime engineering. Also, the underwater dry welding (UDW) technique has been widely used to repair important offshore facilities. In this paper, joints of Q690E steel were fabricated through single-pass underwater dry welding at three pressures (0, 0.2, and 0.4 MPa). To study the effect of the pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the UDW joint, an optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the microstructure and fracture morphology of the welded joints. The electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to analyse the crystallographic features and the crystallographic grain size of the ferrites. The proportion of acicular ferrite (AF) in the UDW joints and the density of low-angle boundaries increase dramatically with the increasing depth of water. The weld metal of UDW-40 shows higher strength because more fine ferrites and low-angle boundaries within UDW-40 impede the dislocation movement.
Robust Trajectory Tracking Control of Underactuated Surface Vehicles with Prescribed Performance
Authors: Wang Shasha , Tuo Yulong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a robust sliding mode tracking controller with prescribed performance is developed for an underactuated surface vehicle (USV) with time-varying external disturbances. Firstly, to guarantee the transient and steady-state performance of the closed-loop system, the error transformation technique is presented. Further, the design of the prescribed performance function implements predefined tracking performance constraints, which eliminate the requirement for prior knowledge about the initial errors. Then, a Lyapunov stability synthesis shows that all closed-loop signals remain bounded and the tracking errors remain strictly within the predefined bounds. Finally, simulations and a comparative study are performed to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed robust sliding mode control scheme.
Polymorphism of Genes of the Protein and Lipid Exchanges in Modern Ukranian Breeds of Cattle Bred for Dairy Productivity
Authors: Gritsienko Yulia V. , Gill Michael I. , Denisyuk Liubov , Gorbatenko Igor Yu.
Published: January 2021

Genetic structure of animals of several Ukrainian modern breeds analysed by genes of protein and lipid exchange CSN3 (kappa-casein), BLG (betalactaglobulin), LEP (leptin), Pit-1 (pituitery transcription factor), TG-5 (thyroglobulin) were investigated in cows of three domestic breeds (Ukrainian Red Dairy, Ukrainian Black-speckled Dairy, Ukrainian Red-speckled Dairy). Polymer-ase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the molecular-genetic analysis.
Communication and Information Services – NATO Requirements, Part I
Authors: Farkas Tibor
Published: January 2021

Recent publication is summing up the most important requirements, by which “Heads of State and Government of NATO member countries” have defined the basic tasks and guidelines for the alliance and the member states in order to guarantee their security. These also highly affected command and control supporting communication and information services, systems, beyond that the cyber operation related concepts and developments – latter field becoming of more and more importance. In this part of the article, the author analysed the security threats of the NATO and the according response of them. This part covers the first ten years of the analysed NATO summits, from 1999.
Red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio inversely correlates with indicators of disease activity status in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Dervišević Amela , Muhić Amila , Začiragić Asija , Fajkić Almir , Dervišević Lejla , Hasanbegović Ilvana , Lepara Orhan , Galijašević Malik
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Present study was performed to verify red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) level in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to examine its correlation with clinical and biochemical indicators of disease activity status.

Methods. In this cross-sectional analytical study, 67 patients with RA and 34 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Based on the disease activity score 28-ESR (DAS28-ESR), RA patients were divided into subgroups: low disease activity (n = 20), moderate disease activity (n = 22) and high disease activity (n = 25). Laboratory tests included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, platelet count (PLT), red blood cells count (RBC), red blood cells distribution width (RDW) and fibrinogen concentration. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 13 software. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results. There was statistically significant difference (p = 0.006) between RPR in RA patients with different stages of disease activity, with higher values in patients with low disease activity. The RPR showed statistically significant negative correlations with ESR (rho = –0.309; p = 0.012), CRP (rho = –0.421; p = 0.001), swollen joint count – SJC (rho = –0.368; p = 0.002) and tender joint count – TJC (rho = –0.355; p = 0.003), DAS28-ESR (rho = –0.409; p = 0.001), DAS28-CRP (rho = –0.422; p < 0.0005) and Visual analogue scale – VAS (rho = –0.260; p = 0.033) in RA patients.

Conclusion. The present study provided evidence that the lower RPR values in RA patients are significantly associated with the disease activity indicators.
The Effectiveness of Infiltration against Roof Insulation aimed at Low Income Housing Retrofits for Different Climate Zones in Jordan
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman , Assaf Mohammad N. , Jaradat Mustafa , Alterman Dariusz
Published: January 2021

Building energy demand for heating and cooling has a complicated relationship with different environmental conditions surrounding the building sector. Many projects aiming to improve thermal performance in existing buildings in Jordan suggest that roof insulation will improve thermal performance. In this study we try to prove that minimizing building infiltration is more effective and provides a lower cost solution in low-income houses in Jordan. This work introduces a comparative analysis of the infiltration rate and insulation techniques applied to standalone low-income houses in Jordan to identify the energy efficiency of those techniques for different climate zones in the country. A building simulation presenting the common building configuration used in was developed to test the effectiveness of various insulation scenarios (Roof, Wall, Roof and wall together) and infiltration rate scenarios. The results show that in different climates the reduction of infiltration to half (0.75 air changes per hour (ACH)) shows a similar potential to reduce energy demand as 10 or 12.5 cm roof or wall insulation. Also, the reduction of infiltration rate to a low level (0.25 ACH) can decrease energy demand more effectively than 12.5 cm insulation in the roof or walls.
The Efficiency of Waste Sector in Italy: An Application by Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Gastaldi Massimo , Lombardi Ginevra Virginia , Rapposelli Agnese , Romano Giulia
Published: January 2021

With growing environmental legislation and mounting popular concern for the need to pursuing a sustainable growth, there has been an increasing recognition in developed nations of the importance of waste reduction, recycling and reuse maximization. This empirical study investigates both ecological and economic performances of urban waste systems in 78 major Italian towns for the years 2015 and 2016. To this purpose the study employs the non-parametric approach to efficiency measurement, represented by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique. More specifically, in the context of environmental performance we implement two output-oriented DEA models in order to consider both constant and variable returns to scale. In addition, we include an undesirable output – the total amount of waste collected – in the two models considered. The results show that there is variability among the municipalities analysed: Northern and Central major towns show higher efficiency scores than Southern and Islands ones.
Logophoricity in discourse
Authors: Hirschová Milada
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the notion of logophoricity as a phenomenon pertaining to discourse, not grammar. An examination of the discourse role configurations (discourse environments) proposed by Peter Sells has shown that particular configurations are either overloaded by role-multiplication or non-specific. Instead of discourse environments, a general pragmatic matrix (a non-overt abstract sentence) is suggested, anchoring any utterance event to the current speaker’s perspective, including his/her communicative activity and temporal and spatial location. The role of the pragmatic matrix shows that all utterance events can be considered logophoric. At the same time, the pragmatic matrix underlines specific properties of explicit performative formulae.
On body-part nouns and the expression of spatial and locative reference in Dagbani
Authors: Issah Samuel Alhassan
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the linguistic means by which spatial relations are expressed in Dagbani, a Mabia (Gur) language spoken in the northern region of Ghana (West Africa). I pay particular attention to the grammar of Dagbani “postpositions” demonstrating that the system of locative expressions comprises words that share heterosemic relations with some body parts and landmark terms. I show that although these locative expressions are related both segmentally and suprasegmentally to the nominal items they might have developed from, they are distinct in terms of their semantic, syntactic and morphological properties. Consequently, I conclude that the body-part nouns in locative constructions are distinct syntactic categories due to the morphosyntactic and semantic differences they exhibit. These body-part nouns are thus analysed as grammaticalized items, which function as postpositions and instantiate a postpositional phrase (PostP) category. Finally, I propose possible series of semantic changes that could account for the development of the body-part terms as postpositions.
Clause and predicative constituents in an Austronesian language: Lampung language
Authors: Afrianto  , Sujatna Eva Tuckyta Sari , Darmayanti Nani , Ariyani Farida , Cooke-Plagwitz Jessamine
Published: January 2021

This research is conducted qualitatively and aimed at patterning and describing clause and sentence structure in Lampung language through the configuration of its constituents. Regarding the constituents, Lampung has two types of clause: minor and major clauses. A minor clause is indicated by only one constituent, which is commonly a subject, predicate or adjunct. Regarding its function, it can be classified as vocative, shown by exclamation (Wuy!, Huy!); a greeting, as shown by an expression (tabikpun ngalam pukha); and an Arabic greeting (assalamualaikum). On the other hand, a major clause minimally consists of a subject and predicate, and apart from these there can also be an object, complement and adverbial. Furthermore, this research finds various categories that can act as predicative constituents: they are a verb/verbal phrase, adjective/adjective phrase, and noun/nominal phrase. Additionally, a copular verb (iyulah) and existential marker (wat) can also be the predicate. This research also reveals that in a sentence two or more clauses are connected by a conjunction, and then this conjunction becomes an indicator of dependent clauses. Also, a dependent clause can be found after the subject or the object of the independent clause.
Proposal Transport Services of the Airport Leoš Janáček Ostrava
Authors: Čechovič Tomáš , Gerhátová Zuzana , Kendra Martin
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the issue of transport service of Leoš Janáček Airport in Ostrava utilizing public passenger transport. The topicality of the issue is the seasonal operation of the airport. The article aims to adapt the airport traffic service to passengers and airport staff. The number of connections will be dimensioned using the formula of transport services, which is based on the potential of transport services in the area. This methodology has been used on lines connecting residential areas but has never been used on lines connecting the city centre the airport.
ANALISIS DITERIMANYA KLAIM PERPANJANGAN WAKTU DAN TAMBAHAN BIAYA PADA PROYEK BANGUNAN AIR DI PROVINSI BANTEN
Authors: Rachmatullah Asep , Hardjomuljadi Sarwono
Published: January 2021

Klaim dalam proyek bangunan air merupakan masalah yang dapat mengarah kepada permohonan perpanjangan waktu dan tambahan biaya yang diajukan oleh kontraktor kepada pemberi pekerjaan. Oleh karena itu diperlukan penelitian yang dapat memberikan peringkat faktor yang menyebabkan keterlamabatan proyek berujung pada suatu klaim konstruksi berupa klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya, agar dapat diterima oleh pengguna jasa. Data penelitian dilakukan dengan wawancara dan survei opini responden melalui penyebaran kuesioner dengan para pemangku kepentingan yang kompeten. Metoda penelitian yang digunakan untuk pengolahan data adalah metoda statistik deskriptif dimana analisis validitas dan reliabilitas dilakukan dengan menggunakan SPSS 24. KMO Measure of Sampling digunakan untuk membandingkan indek jarak antara koefisien korelasi dengan koefisien korelasi parsialnya. Metoda Analisis Komponen Utama (Principal  Components  Analysis) digunakan untuk mengekstraksi faktor. Pengumpulan data opini responden, tabulasi data dan analisa data, telah menghasilkan urutan dari faktor penyebab keterlambatan waktu proyek. Dimana faktor teratas adalah faktor penyebab klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya dapat diterima pemberi pekerjaan. Urutan tersebut dijadikan bahan pertimbangan pihak pemberi pekerjaan untuk dapat melakukan langkah selanjutnya dalam menentukan sikap terhadap klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya. Diantara ke 24 kejadian ataupun peristiwa penyebab terjadinya keterlambatan proyek, terdapat 5 peringkat teratas adalah: 1) evaluasi kemajuan prestasi pekerjaan kontraktor tidak dilakukan, 2) adanya perubahan desain, 3) rasio harga penawaran yang rendah, 4) sistem pembayaran termijn yang tidak sesuai kontrak, dan 5) keterlambatan dalam penyerahan gambar-gambar. Kelima faktor penyebab tersebut berdasarkan hasil analisa ternyata dapat mewakili keseluruhan hasil penelitian ini. Dengan demikian klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya dari kontraktor yang terjadi karena  satu diantara kelima faktor tersebut sudah selayaknya pemberi pekerjaan harus menerima.
Effectiveness of Family Function in Quality of Life in Elderly Patients: An Evidence Based Case Report
Authors: Maulana Muhammad Sobri
Published: January 2021

Background: Geriatric care is an important part in healthcare and are sometimes neglected.  Family caregivers figures assume a key role in postponing and potentially forestalling standardization of chronically ill elderly patients. The role of family function in depression has been demonstrated from earlier studies, however, the part of family function in quality of life the elderly has not concentrated widely. Objective: To evaluate the connection between family function and quality of life. Methods: Literature searching was conducted through PubMed, Science Direct and Embase. Critical appraisal using appraisal sheet for prognosis from Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine in 2011. Results: One article was found with good validity showed that direct relationship between family function and quality of life is not associated. However, if depression is present it plays as a strong mediator between family function and quality of life. Conclusion: Family function mediated with depression plays an important role in quality of life in elderly patients.
TAGUCHI OPTIMIZATION OF BEVEL ANGLE IN PLASMA JET CUTTING PROCESS OF ALUMINIUM ALLOY 5083
Authors:   Development Engineer, AD Plastik Group, Solin, Croatia, Peko Ivan , Nedić Bogdan ,   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Engineering, Kragujevac, Serbia, Dunđer Marko ,   University of Rijeka, Study of Polytechnic, Rijeka, Croatia, Samardžić Ivan ,   Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod, Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Published: January 2021

This paper presents Taguchi optimization of bevel angle in plasma jet cutting process of aluminium alloy EN AW 5083. Experimentations for this paper were carried out on the basis of standard L27 Taguchi's orthogonal array in which three plasma jet cutting parameters such as cutting speed, arc current and cutting height were arranged at three levels. From the analysis of means, analysis of variance and two-way interactions plot, significant plasma jet cutting process parameters and optimal combination of their levels that lead to minimal bevel angle were identified. The results showed that all three process parameters significantly affect bevel angle response. The predicted response at optimal plasma jet cutting conditions has a good fit with result of bevel angle from observed experiment.
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF BEAD PARAMETERS IN MIG WELDING OF STAINLESS STEEL 304
Authors:   Division of MPAE, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India, Tripathy Mayank , Khanna Pradeep ,   Division of MPAE, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India
Published: January 2021

MIG welding process has gained prominence over the past few decades owing to its versatility, portability, all position weldability and ease of automation. These attributes of MIG welding make it suitable for usage in fabrication and automotive sectors over the other conventional welding processes. The present work is aimed to study the effects of varying the controllable input parameters on the weld bead shape, obtained by MIG welding on Stainless Steel-304. Statistical technique of Design of Experiments has been used for systematic and structured way of experimentation. The linear two factor interactive and quadratic effects of welding parameters and the response on the parameters work predicted by developing mathematical models by using center composite rotatable design technique. ANOVA analysis was carried to check the adequacy of the developed models. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the effects of input variables on the outputs through graphical means.
Genologia i finezja. Najkrótsze pieśni Jana Kochanowskiego
Authors: Buszewicz Elwira
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is the analysis of the shortest songs from Jan Kochanowski’s collection Pieśni. These include a petrarchist Pieśń II 21, and above all, four horatian‑origin works Pieśń: I 11 (Stronisz przede mną, Neto nietykana), II 7 (Słońce pali, a ziemia idzie w popiół prawie), II 16 (Nic po tych zbytnich potrawach…) and II 23 (Nie zawżdy, piękna Zofija…). Following a short review of previous attempts at classifying Kochanowski’s Pieśni, which were made by Polish scholars, as well as considering other options of categorising lyrical songs, the author indicated the contexts of particular works, described their rhetorics and emphasised the mastery of the poet, which is manifested through the construction of such sophisticated forms. A song, under Kochanowski’s pen, became a brief but comprehensive genre. It comprised solemnity and joy, elegiac mood and frivolous joke.
Acquiring, Preserving, and Exhibiting a Comprehensive Collection of Vocal Music Recordings from Early- to Mid-Twentieth Century
Authors: Guise Janneka , Martin Bryan , Mason James , Shaw Rebecca
Published: January 2021

The Stratton-Clarke collection consists of approximately 200 linear feet of 78 and 33 1/3 rpm records, and thousands of digitized recordings that represents a comprehensive history of early twentieth century recorded Western sound, specifically opera -- its artists, roles, and early legacy from 78 rpm to early long play records. Along with someephemera and several pieces of historic playback equipment, a large financial gift will offset the costs of processing, preserving and providing access to the various formats represented in the collection.  As the largest music research collection in Canada, the University of Toronto Music Library is fortunate to have the capacity to manage a donation of this magnitude. Each of our four authors has an important role to play to make the project a success.  In this article we present a history and background of John Stratton, Stephen Clarke, and the collection itself, and document the many facets of a library taking on a donation of this size: donor relations and collaboration with the University’s advancement team and other stakeholders; the project management involved in making space and designing workflow for cataloguing, processing, and storage; archival description of the 78s and ephemera; preservation of the digital objects and digitization strategies for the analog recordings; the challenges and opportunities of working with large financial gifts; teamwork and managing students; and future plans for physical and online exhibitions of the collection.
Political correctness: back then and now
Authors:   Moscow Region State University, Valuitseva I.I. , Krukovskaia M.O. ,   Moscow Region State University
Published: January 2021

ork Age, Atlanta Voice, The Atlantic and others. Materials from early newspapers were taken from the New York Times official archives. The presented research aims, among other things, to identify the social factors that affect certain politically taboo vocabulary units in relation to the black population in America, how the environment and social events have influenced the politically correct language. The following analysis has identified the most frequently tabooed lexical units for a given period of time and the frequency of their occurrence in American public opinion at different time intervals. The article provides concrete examples of language changes at the morphological and lexical level as a response to an existing social demand in society, such as combating discrimination on the grounds of race and gender in public space, in employment or in personal interaction, combating xenophobia and segregation at the level of politically correct language. Projections, concerning the derivation in ethically appropriate language, are made on the basis of the obtained data about the future development vector of political correctness indicators.
Study of clinical, statistical, anatomical, optical and functional properties of primary keratoectasia in patients living in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia
Authors:   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk Branch, Vasilieva I.V. , Kostenev S.V. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Egorov V.V. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk Branch,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Specialists, Khabarovsk, Vasiliev A.V. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Khabarovsk Branch
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To study clinical, statistical, anatomical, optical and functional properties of primary keratoectasia (PKE) in patients living in Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of medical outpatient cards of 481 patients with PKE who observed in the Khabarovsk branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution. We studied the detectability of PKE over the years, their quantitative structure and staging, visual acuity, refraction, maximum keratometry-readings and minimum corneal thickness. Results. Keratoconus (KC) occurred in 445 (92.5%) patients, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) occurred in 36 (7.5%). Among patients with KC, it was observed in 309 (69.4%) men and 136 (30.6%) in women. PMD was diagnosed in 19 (53%) men and 17 (47%) women. In 386 (86.7%) people with KC, the lesion was bilateral. Among the remaining 59 patients with KC, 6 people (1.3%) had a one-sided process, and 53 (12%) patients had signs of subclinical KC in the second eye. Bilateral PMD was detected in 35 (97%) people, in one (3%) patient the disease was detected in one eye. At comparable average values of refraction and corneal thickness in eyes with PMD and KC 1st stage, astigmatism-at PMD were 2–2.5 times greater. Conclusion. Among patients with KC, 34.9% eyes have the 2nd stage of the disease, in which visual acuity are already sufficiently reduced, and 28.5% eyes have KC the 3rd and the 4th stage and can be classified as visually impaired. The revealed differences in ratio of functional and refractive indexes of eyes with KC and PMD necessitate wider study of their diagnostic features and results of treatment latter. Keywords: keratoectasia, keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration.
Results of posterior lamellar femto-keratoplasty using two different lasers
Authors:   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Malyugin B.E. ,   A. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Pashtaev A.N. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Shilova N.F. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Kuzmichev K.N. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Katmakov K.I. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Cheboksary branch
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the results of treatment of patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) by the method of posterior lamellar femto-keratoplasty with ultrathin graft (FS-DSEK) harvested using two different lasers. Material and methods. The results of surgical treatment of 82 patients (82 eyes) underwent posterior lamellar femto-keratoplasty for PBK were analyzed. In the 1st group included 43 patients (43 eyes) with PBK underwent FS-DSEK using FS laser Femto-Visum (Optosystems, Russia). In the 2nd group included 39 patients (39 eyes) with PBK underwent FS-DSEK using LDV Z8 (Ziemer, Switzerland). Observation period was 1 year. Before and after surgery following indicators were evaluated: uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), postoperative astigmatism, central corneal thickness (CCT), graft thickness, center-periphery (C:P) ratio, endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell (EC) loss, optical density. Results. Transparent engraftment at 1-year observation period was observed in 88% of cases. In the 1st group UCVA=0.22±0.11, BSCVA=0.32±0.12, in the 2nd group UCVA=0.18±0.08, BSCVA=0.29±0.1 (p>0.05). The maximum BSCVA in both groups was 0.6. Postoperative astigmatism was comparative in 2nd groups – 1.43±1.1 and 1.38±1.0 D, respectively (p>0.05). In the 1st group, CCT=549±31, graft thickness in the central zone – 83±12, C:P ratio – 0.92±0.05; in the 2nd group CCT=546±28, graft thickness – 80±10, C:P ratio – 0.94±0.06 (p>0.05). In the 1st group ECD – 1326±282, EC loss – 55±6%; ECD in the 2nd – 850±230, EC loss – 70±7% (p<0.05). According to the results of densitometry, optical density of the posterior layers of the cornea and «donor–recipient» interface zone was higher in the 2nd group, both in the central and in the paracentral zones: in the 1st group in the posterior layers of the stroma – 16.4±1.2 (0–2 mm) and 15.8±1.0 (2–6 mm), in the interface zone – 14.5±0.9 (0–2) and 13.9±0.8 (2–6), in the 2nd group in the posterior layers – 18.3±1.3 (0–2 mm) and 17.9±1.1 (2–6 mm), and in the interface zone – 17.3±1.2 (0–2 mm) and 17.0±1.0 (2–6 mm, p<0.05). Conclusions. FS-DSEK showed high efficiency for treating patients with PBK. Functional results were comparative in 2nd groups. Statistical analysis showed highest safety of transplanted endothelium in the 1st group at 1-year observation period. Key words: pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, femtosecond laser, posterior lamellar keratoplasty, corneal endotheliumultrathin graft.
Evaluation of the condition of the eye surface in patients with burdened general somatic history. Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods
Authors:   Doctor Belikova Eye Clinic, Moscow, Shvailikova I.E. , Belikova E.I. ,   Doctor Belikova Eye Clinic, Moscow
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Modern computerisation, frequent use of contact correction, surgical interventions on the visual organ and long-term drug installations often lead to the formation and further progression of dry eye syndrome (DES) with subsequent increased sensitivity and inflammatory symptoms on the conjunctiva and cornea. Purpose. Evaluation of the condition of the eye surface in patients with a burdened general somatic history. Development of measures for prevention, diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of this condition. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of disease histories and medical records of 108 patients (108 eyes) with phacoemulsification of uncomplicated cataract with IOL implantation was carried out. Patients were divided into three main groups based on the presence of burdening factors of somatic status and the course of the postoperative period: I group included patients with unburdened somatic status and no complications during the course of the postoperative period; II group included patients with burdened general somatic history with complications during the course of the postoperative period; 3rd group included patients with burdened general somatic history with complications during the course of the postoperative period. 3rd group of patients used a special scheme to prevent and treat inflammatory reactions from the eye surface. Results. 1st group patients were less likely to complain and had no clinical manifestations of conjunctival and corneal inflammatory responses. Accordingly, this group of patients did not require additional treatment, which is indicative of the low incidence of complications in this category of patients. II group patients who had been identified as predisposing factors for conjunctival and corneal inflammatory reactions and did not receive additional treatment were more likely to experience complaints and the frequency of clinical manifestations was 20% higher than III group patients. Patients in III group required additional treatment in the postoperative period. Conclusion. Prolonged prescription of high doses of drugs of different groups with different preservative and auxiliary substances content in patients after surgical intervention in some cases leads to damage to the conjunctival and corneal epithelium, which in turn causes an aggravation of symptoms of SSG with the development of inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva and cornea. The application of preventive measures before and after the surgery leads to a significant reduction in the objective manifestations of the eye surface complications and, as a result, a reduction in the number of complaints from patients about discomfort in the postoperative period. Key words: ocular surface, dry eye syndrome, cataract, allergies, tear film stability.
Iris fluorescein angiography in the diagnostics of active retinopathy of prematurity
Authors:   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Kaluga Branch, Trifanenkova I.G. , Tereshhenko A.V. ,   S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Kaluga Branch
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To study the feature of the condition of the vessels of the iris according to fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography in various forms, stages and types of the course of active retinopathy of prematurity. Material and methods. Fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography was performed in 25 eyes (15 children). Children were born at 25–31 weeks of gestation. Children's weights were 680–1550 g. Children were 7–11 weeks old. 4 children (7 eyes) had a favorable type of course of 1–2 stages. 7 children (12 eyes) had an unfavorable type of course of 2–3 stages. 4 children (6 eyes) had aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity. The study was also performed on 5 premature babies without signs of retinopathy of prematurity who had been born at 30–31 weeks of gestation, weighing 1000–1900 g, at the age of 5–10 weeks. Analysis of the obtained angiograms was performed using descriptive and temporal characteristics. Results. Depending on the stage of the disease, various structural changes in the vascular system of the iris were revealed in prematurity: expansion and increased tortuosity of the vessels; their pathological course; increased permeability or desolation of the capillary bed of the pupil zone; uneven filling of the arterioles of the ciliary zone; newly formed vessels in the pupil in the form of a network shunts; the phenomena of pronounced hyperfluorescence. It was determined that changes in the vascular system in the iris developed in parallel with disorders of the retinal angioarchitectonics. These changes are essentially identical, but less distinct in the iris due to differences in the anatomical structure and angioarchitectonics of the iris and retina of the eye. Conclusion. Further studies are required being used fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography in children with retinopathy of prematurity with using of large quantities of clinical material to obtain new information about vascular changes in the anterior segment of the eye, since this problem is still unexplored. Key words: iris fluorescein angiography, retinopathy of prematurity.