bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of Rhythm Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tonch-Cerbu Alexandra Kristine , Stoia Oana , Teodoru Minodora , Eminovici Gabriela
Published: August 2020

Atrial fibrillation is a multilateral arrhythmia, which causes the clinician to encounter difficulties in its therapeutic approach for each new patient. The purpose of this paper aims in particular at evaluating the management of atrial fibrillation, namely its cardioversion and rhythm control. The population study consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, who underwent transesophageal echocardiographic investigation before cardioversion. All of these patients had transesophageal echocardiography. Certain echocardiographic parameters, such as the size of the left atrium, the presence of intracavitary thrombi, the left atrial appendage flow velocity, and the presence of spontaneous contrast, were taken into account. Cardioversion (electrical and pharmacological) was successful in 78.05% of patients. An appendage flow velocity greater than 40 cm/s, the absence of spontaneous contrast and the normal size of the left atrium, can be among the predictors of successful cardioversion.
A Review of the Current Self-Report Measures for Assessing Children’s Dental Anxiety
Authors: Vlad Ramona , Monea Monica , Mihai Adriana
Published: August 2020

Dental practitioners should be able to evaluate the anxiety in their young patients, as the quality of dental care is negatively affected by this condition. The aim of this review is to present the most used self-report scales available to assess the children’s dental fear or anxiety. We analysed the subjective and objective measures commonly used in the evaluation of children’s anxiety in clinical settings, in order to present the way in which dental anxiety is developed, knowing that these behavioural disturbances are maintained over time and could intensify during adulthood. Based on the evidence that established a correlation between dental anxiety and poor oral health, the early identification of dental anxiety and its prevalence was considered important, in order to reduce its impact and to develop better preventive measures. Furthermore, our findings could inform dentists and epidemiologists about the choice of self-report dental anxiety measures applicable in children.
Customized Coronal Conformation Systems for Lateral Teeth’s Direct Restorations
Authors: Marcov Elena-Cristina , Marcov Narcis , Burlibașa Mihai , Ionescu Camelia , Costache Maria Glencora , Stănescu Ruxandra , Voinescu Ioana , Donciu Irina , Malița Mădălina , Popoviciu Olivia , Dohotariu Sorana Cornelia Lixandru , Babiuc Iuliana , Bodnar Dana Cristina , Tănase Gabriela , Ionescu Ileana
Published: August 2020

The restoration of a proximal wall depends on several factors, the conformation system playing one of the most important parts of the working protocol. The vertical, transversal and sagittal adaptation of the matrix band implies the use of one or two wedges and of a sectional matrix device (usually with a ring shape) with tines. The size, configuration and the material the tines are made of determine most of the quality of the adaption and stabilization of the matrix band. Even if these standardized tines have various designs and variable flexibility, a truly efficient tine should have a customized configuration which can be obtained after taking the impression of the initial proximal wall. The clinical situations that allow the customization of the standard tines imply proximal caries that have not interrupted the proximal wall or that have interrupted it less than one third of the transversal distance.
Vitamin K2 in Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Zah Corina Adelina , Grama Paul
Published: August 2020

Osteoporosis is represented by loss of bone mass with consequent bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Current treatment options include several classes of drugs and adjuvant use of vitamin D and calcium. The aim of this review is to study whether vitamin K2 could be of use to the actual treatment schemes as it is directly implicated in the normal metabolism of bone tissue. After consulting the current literature, we have found that vitamin K2 is able to reduce the risk of fracture in osteoporotic patients, increase osteocalcin and diminish levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin. In conclusion, vitamin K2 has the capability of improving the outcome and evolution of osteoporosis with minimal to no adverse effects and possibly achieving higher treatment compliance.
A Comparative Study on the Perception of Dental Esthetics of Laypersons and Dental Students
Authors: Babiuc Iuliana , Opincaru Ioana-Ioesefina , Păuna Mihaela , Burlibașa Mihai , Tănase Gabriela , Burlibașa Liliana , Donciu Irina , Beuran Irina Adriana , Ionescu Ileana , Ionescu Camelia
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Esthetic dentistry aims to create a harmonious smile that is well integrated with the facial architecture of the patient. A good understanding of the patient’s esthetic perception is important when designing a smile.

Materials and methods: 106 subjects, 51 patients 54 dental students took part in the study. Each subject was asked to evaluate 10 pictures showing frontal aspect of real cases. They were asked to rate the aesthetics of the clinical cases on a scale from 1 to 5. An open question was associated with each picture, where the subjects were asked to describe what they like and what they do not like about the picture.

Results and discussions: The overall mean esthetic rating of dental students was 2,68, while the laypersons’ rating was 2,98. Crowded teeth are more often criticized by patients, while dental students consider that slight crowding give a more natural appearance and individualize the teeth. The presence of diastema is observed by dental students even when it is discrete. The discrepancy between maxillary and mandibular dental midline is more easily observed by dental students. Discolored teeth lead to low aesthetic scores for both groups of subjects. Dental students gave lower esthetic scores to restorations with uniform colour, while laypersons appreciate white restorations. The limited height of papillae is considered unattractive by dental students, while laypersons hardly notice this aspect.

Conclusions: This study showed several differences in the aesthetic perception of dental students and laypersons. Students were generally more critical and gave lower scores than laypersons. They also observed and criticized more aspects regarding the smile.
Predictions of the Apple Bruise Volume on the Basis of Impact Energy or Maximum Contact Force Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)
Authors: Fazel Farhad , Golmohammadi Abdollah , Shahgholi Gholamhossein , Ahmadi Ebrahim
Published: August 2020

Fruit quality drops significantly due to physical impacts and contact forces. Stress on the fruit surface during harvesting, transportation and storage operations causes bruising in its tissue and eventually result in fruit failure. Therefore, prediction of the bruise volume caused by impacts can be very important. In this research, adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to predict the bruise volume caused by the impacts on apples. The input parameters were the maximum contact force or impact energy; curvature radius at the contact point; temperature; and fruit mass. Its response was the bruise volume. The results show that the ANFIS models operated better in the bruise volume prediction than regression models. Between different available ANFIS models, the model based on the grid partitioning showed the best results with a mean squared error of MSE = 0.00015941, which was less than value showed by the sub-clustering mode. However, its implementation time to reach a fixed error was longer. Eventually, impact energy-based models, in contrast to maximum contact force-based models, were more capable in terms of the apple bruising prediction.
Numerical Analysis of Large Deflections of a Flat Textile Structure with Variable Bending Rigidity and Verification of Results Using Fem Simulation
Authors: Szablewski Piotr
Published: August 2020

The paper presents the numerical modeling of large deflections of a flat textile structure subjected to a constant force acting on the free end. It was assumed that the examined structure is inextensible. The effect of the structure's own weight was also taken into account. In order to solve the problem, the flat textile structure was modeled using the heavy elastica theory. An important element of the analysis involves taking into account the variable bending rigidity of the examined textile structure along its length, which is often found in this type of products. The function of variable bending rigidity was assumed in advance. Numerical calculations were carried out in the Mathematica environment using the shooting method for the boundary value problem. The obtained results were verified using the finite element method.
Physical, physiological and psychological profiles of elite Turkish taekwondo athletes
Authors: Khayyat Hadi Nabizadeh , Sağır Sibel Güler , Hataş Özkan , Smolarczyk Marcin , Akalan Cengiz
Published: August 2020

Study aim: To identify the physical, physiological and psychological profiles of elite Turkish taekwondo athletes.

Material and methods: Twelve players of the Turkish national taekwondo team (age = 22.7 ± 2.8 years, BMI = 22.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2, body fat = 12.8 ± 3.4%) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements including leg length and foot size were assessed. Maximal oxygen uptake, explosive power of leg extensors, isokinetic peak torque, muscular endurance, anaerobic power, agility, flexibility, maximal speed, reaction time, and postural balance were examined by incremental treadmill running, vertical jump, isokinetic strength, sit-ups and push-ups, Wingate, shuttle run, sit-and-reach, 30-meter sprint, multiple-choice reaction time, and General Postural Stability and Athlete Single Leg stability tests, respectively. Psychological characteristics including mental skills and mood states were evaluated using OMSAT-3 and POMS tests.

Results: VO2max, isokinetic peak torque and Wingate test mean power values were 54.1 ± 4.4 mL ∙ kg−1 ∙ min−1, 191.7 ± 19.2 N ∙ m, and 9 ± 0.7 W/kg, respectively. Postural stability index 0.18 ± 0.06, single leg stability index 0.82 ± 0.11, reaction time 0.344 ± 0.032 s, 10 × 5-m shuttle run 17.09 ± 0.68 s, 30-meter sprint 4.60 ± 0.23 s, and vertical jump 43.5 ± 6.1 cm were the other values reported. The highest scores for the 12 mental skills in OMSAT-3 were for goal setting (6.25 ± 0.45) and self-confidence (6.16 ± 0.45). The lowest score was for Imagery (5.64 ± 0.36). The results of six mood states of POMS showed higher scores on the Vigor-activity, Anger-Hostility and Tension-Anxiety scales and lower scores on Depression-Dejection, Fatigue-Inertia and Confusion-Bewilderment than norms.

Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed the physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics in taekwondo. The results of the tests could be useful for performance assessment of taekwondo players.
The interaction of female age and active male smoking has negative influence on success rates of the in vitro fertilization treatments
Authors: Petanovska Kostova E
Published: August 2020

This study monitors the effect of male smoking and age of the woman on the success of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) fertilization process as part of the assisted reproduction technique (ART). A total of 703 couples in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program were included. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to study the effect of male smoking on clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. The results from the study showed that interaction of male smoking and women’s age (>35 years) have significant negative impact on ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate.
Family Business Operations and Sequel of Internationalisation in Nigeria
Authors: Akinbola Amos Olufemi , Alaka Nureni Sanusi , Kowo Solomon Akpoviroro , Adeyemo Adesola Alex
Published: August 2020

The concept of family business in Nigeria has become significantly attractive; its root is in sole proprietorship form of business. Family businesses have the unique strength to separate culture, language and personality. The research analyses the effect of interpersonal relationship on internationalisation and determines the extent to which succession planning affects internationalisation. Research presents that a positive relationship exists between internationalisation and interpersonal relationship. It has also been discovered that no positive relationship exists between succession planning and internationalisation. This study therefore concludes that family businesses which proceed to internationalisation enjoy growth in productivity, adequate brand awareness in the world, diversification of political and financial risks, as well as experience an increase in the share of the market, capital base, asset and open up opportunities in regional markets for workers. The study also recommends that employees in family businesses should communicate with each other effectively for a healthy relationship and managers should not make secret preparations for successors.
Cell proliferation and anti-oxidant effects of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors: role of extracellular signal-regulating kinase in astrocyte-like cells
Authors: Alanazi Mohammed M. , Havranek Tomas , Bakos Jan , Cubeddu Luigi X. , Castejon Ana M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives. Oxytocin (OXT) participates in various physiological functions ranging from reproduction to social and non-social behaviors. Recent studies indicate that OXT affects cell growth and metabolism. Here we characterized the growth stimulating and antioxidant actions of OXT and of OXT receptors (OXTR) in a glial cell-line (U-87MG).

Methods. We developed an OXTR-knockdown cell-line (U-87MG KD) to establish the receptor specificity of OXT’s actions, and the impact of lacking OXTR on growth and survival in glial cells. The role Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinases (ERK1/2) on glial cell protection against consequences of oxidative stress, and cell proliferation was investigated.

Results. In U-87MG cells, OXT stimulated cell proliferation and increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The specific ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD098059, produced marked inhibition of cell proliferation, and antagonized the stimulating effect of OXT on ERK1/2 phosphorylation and on cell proliferation. Slower growth rates and lower levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 were observed in OXTR-knockdown cells and in U-87MG cells treated with an OXTR antagonist (L-371,257). In addition to increasing cell proliferation, OXT significantly blunted the rise in reactive oxygen species induced by H2O2, and antagonized the reductions in cell viability induced by H2O2 and camptothecin. The cell protective and antioxidant actions of OXT in U-87MG cells were not observed in the OXTR-knockdown cells.

Conclusion. OXT stimulates the growth of astrocyte-like cells acting on OXTR via ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The protection against apoptosis and the antioxidant capacity of OXT may contribute to the observed increase in cell proliferation. Oxytocin and OXTR appear to be fundamental for cell growth and viability of glial cells.
ERN1 knockdown modifies the effect of glucose deprivation on homeobox gene expressions in U87 glioma cells
Authors: Tsymbal Dariia O. , Minchenko Dmytro O. , Khita Olena O. , Rudnytska Olha V. , Viletska Yulia M. , Lahanovska Yulia O. , He Qiuxia , Liu Kechun , Minchenko Oleksandr H.
Published: August 2020

Objective. The aim of the present investigation was to study the expression of genes encoding homeobox proteins ZEB2 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2), TGIF1 (TGFB induced factor homeobox 1), SPAG4 (sperm associated antigen 4), LHX1 (LIM homeobox 1), LHX2, LHX6, NKX3-1 (NK3 homeobox 1), and PRRX1 (paired related homeobox 1) in U87 glioma cells in response to glucose deprivation in control glioma cells and cells with knockdown of ERN1 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1), the major pathway of the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, for evaluation of it possible significance in the control of glioma growth through ERN1 signaling and chemoresistance.

Methods. The expression level of homeobox family genes was studied in control (transfected by vector) and ERN1 knockdown U87 glioma cells under glucose deprivation condition by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results. It was shown that the expression level of ZEB2, TGIF1, PRRX1, and LHX6 genes was up-regulated in control glioma cells treated by glucose deprivation. At the same time, the expression level of three other genes (NKX3-1, LHX1, and LHX2) was down-regulated. Furthermore, ERN1 knockdown of glioma cells significantly modified the effect glucose deprivation condition on the expression almost all studied genes. Thus, treatment of glioma cells without ERN1 enzymatic activity by glucose deprivation condition lead to down-regulation of the expression level of ZEB2 and SPAG4 as well as to more significant up-regulation of PRRX1 and TGIF1 genes. Moreover, the expression of LHX6 and NKX3-1 genes lost their sensitivity to glucose deprivation but LHX1 and LHX2 genes did not change it significantly.

Conclusions. The results of this investigation demonstrate that ERN1 knockdown significantly modifies the sensitivity of most studied homeobox gene expressions to glucose deprivation condition and that these changes are a result of complex interaction of variable endoplasmic reticulum stress related and unrelated regulatory factors and contributed to glioma cell growth and possibly to their chemoresistance.
Determinants of wound healing in patients hospitalized for diabetic foot ulcer: results from the MEDFUN study
Authors: Ezeani Ignatius U. , Ugwu Ejiofor T. , Adeleye Funmi O. , Gezawa Ibrahim D. , Okpe Innocent O. , Enamino Marcelina I.
Published: August 2020

Objective. The high amputation rates from diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in Nigeria and prolonged hospitalization due to poor wound healing is a source of concern. Furthermore, factors that affect wound healing of DFUs have not yet been well studied in Nigeria, whereas knowing these factors could improve DFU outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with the wound healing in patients hospitalized for DFU.

Methods. The Multi-Center Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Nigeria (MEDFUN) was an observational study involving 336 diabetic patients hospitalized for DFU and managed by a multi-disciplinary team until discharge or death. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics were documented. Test statistics used were chi square, t-test, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression. The study endpoints were ulcer healing, LEA, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. Here we present data on wound healing.

Results. The mean ± SD age was 55.9±12.5 years. Univariate predictors of wound healing were ulcer duration more than 1 month prior to hospitalization (p<0.001), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p<0.001), foot gangrene (p<0.001), Ulcer grade ≥3 (p=0.002), proteinuria (p=0.005), anemia (p=0.009), renal impairment (p=0.021), glycated hemoglobin ≥7% (0.012), and osteomyelitis (p<0.001). On multivariate regression, osteomyelitis was the strongest independent predictor of wound healing after adjusting for all other variables (OR 0.035; 95% CI 0.004–0.332). This was followed by PAD (OR 0.093; 95% CI 0.028–0.311), ulcer duration >1 month (OR 0.109; 95% CI 0.030–0.395), anemia (OR 0.179; 95% CI 0.056–0.571).

Conclusion. Presence of osteomyelitis, duration of ulcer greater than 1 month, PAD, Wagner grade 3 or higher, proteinuria, presence of gangrene, anemia, renal impairment, and HbA1c ≥7% were the significant predictors of wound healing in patients hospitalized for DFU. Early identification and prompt attention to these factors in a diabetic foot wound might significantly improve healing and reduce adverse outcomes such as amputation and death.
The Use of Multidimensional Statistical Analysis Methods in the Burnout Study of Teachers and Lecturers at Universities
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

Research background: The study was conducted and based on the project The assessment of mental condition, financed by the Ministry of Health as part of the National Health Program for 2016–2020 (operational objective 3: Prevention of mental health problems and improvement of mental well-being of society). The article focuses on a group of teachers and university lecturers from eight voivodeships selected for the study, whereas burnout was selected from the areas of mental disorders.

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to identify the regularities in the relationship between the level of professional burnout and selected demographic characteristics in the group of teachers and university lecturers. Additionally, the spatial diversity of the percentage of respondents diagnosed with occupational burnout was examined.

Research methodology: Two methods from the multi-dimensional statistical analysis were used: a classification tree analysis, and a correspondence analysis.

Results: The methods used allowed to classify the studied professional group in terms of the degree of occupational burnout. The results obtained using both the classification trees and multidimensional correspondence analysis allowed the identification of similar regularities regarding the impact of demographic variables on the level of occupational burnout.

Novelty: The application of multidimensional statistical analysis methods to study mental health based on individual, unique data from eight Polish voivodeships.
The Influence of Unbalanced Economic Data on Feature Selection and Quality of Classifiers
Authors: Kubus Mariusz
Published: August 2020

Research background: The successful learning of classifiers depends on the quality of data. Modeling is especially difficult when the data are unbalanced or contain many irrelevant variables. This is the case in many applications. The classification of rare events is the overarching goal, e.g. in bankruptcy prediction, churn analysis or fraud detection. The problem of irrelevant variables accompanies situations where the specification of the model is not known a priori, thus in typical conditions for data mining analysts.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to compare the combinations of the most popular strategies of handling unbalanced data with feature selection methods that represent filters, wrappers and embedded methods.

Research methodology: In the empirical study, we use real datasets with additionally introduced irrelevant variables. In this way, we are able to recognize which method correctly eliminates irrelevant variables.

Results: Having carried out the experiment we conclude that over-sampling does not work in connection with feature selection. Some recommendations of the most promising methods also are given.

Novelty: There are many solutions proposed in the literature concerning unbalanced data as well as feature selection. The innovative field of our interests is to examine their interactions.
Housing Poverty in Polish Households and its Diversity
Authors: Ulman Paweł , Ćwiek Małgorzata
Published: August 2020

Research background:The European Housing Charter defines housing as a basic necessity, but also a fundamental social right underpinning the European social model as well as an element of human dignity. Housing conditions constitute a major element of the broader quality of life for individuals and society.

Purpose:The aim of this paper is to assess the level of housing poverty in general and in selected areas of an assessment of Polish households due to the selected socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent or household.

Research methodology:The study was conducted on the basis of micro-data from the Household Budget Survey of 2017. To determine the housing poverty risk for each household the Integrated Fuzzy and Relative approach was used, which allows for the aggregation of symptoms measured on different measuring scales into the one risk assessment of poor housing conditions. This assessment, overall and in specific areas of housing poverty, became the basis for the study of the factors differentiating this kind of poverty. For this purpose, regression trees were used.

Results:The greatest risk of housing poverty was observed in households living in rural areas, in families with many children, in the households of single mothers or fathers, as well as in households living on unearned sources of income.

Novelty:The use of the Integrated Fuzzy and Relative approach for housing poverty research is an innovative approach and is applied in the paper.
The Use of the Incomplete Tetrad Method for Measuring the Similarities in Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Zaborski Artur
Published: August 2020

Research background: So far, many methods of direct measurement of similarity in multidimensional scaling have been developed (e.g. ranking, sorting, pairwise comparison and others). The method selection affects the subjective feelings of the respondents, i.e. fatigue, weariness resulting from making numerous assessments, or difficulties in expressing similarity assessments.

Purpose: In the proposed method, for all four-element sets (tetrads) of objects a respondent is asked to pick out the most similar and the least similar pair. Because the number of tetrads increases very rapidly with the number of objects, the aim of the study is to indicate the possibility of measuring similarities based on the reduced number of tetrads.

Research methodology: In order to make scaling results independent from respondents’ subjective effects the analysis was made on the basis of the given distance matrix. To construct perceptual maps based on tetrads, multidimensional scaling with the use of the MINISSA program was performed. The quality of matching the resulting points configuration to the configuration determined based on the distance matrix was tested by a Procrustes statistic.

Results: It was demonstrated that the choice of the incomplete set of tetrads has no significant effect on the results of multidimensional scaling, even when all pairs of objects in tetrads cannot be presented equally frequently.

Novelty: An original method for calculating similarities in nonmetric multidimensional scaling.
Some Hadamard and Simpson type inequalities via s-convexity and their applications
Authors: Çakmak Musa , Tunç Mevlüt
Published: August 2020

In this study, the authors establish and generalize some inequalities of Hadamard and Simpson type based on s-convexity in the second sense. Some applications are also given and generalized. Examples are given to show the results. The results generalize the integral inequalities in articles of Sarikaya and Xi.
A New Approach for Study the Electrohydrodynamic Oscillatory Flow Through a Porous Medium in a Heating Compliant Channel
Authors: Haroun M.H.
Published: August 2020

The governing equations of an electrohydrodynamic oscillatory flow were simplified, using appropriate nondimensional quantities and the conversion relationships between fixed and moving frame coordinates. The obtained system of equations is solved analytically by using the regular perturbation method with a small wave number. In this study, modified non-dimensional quantities were used that made fluid pressure in the resulting equations dependent on both axial and vertical coordinates. The current study is more realistic and general than the previous studies in which the fluid pressure is considered functional only in the axial coordinate. A new approach enabled the author to find an analytical form of fluid pressure while previous studies have not been able to find it but have found only the pressure gradient. Analytical expressions for the stream function, electrical potential function and temperature distribution are obtained. The results show that the electrical potential function decreases by the increase of the Prandtl number, secondary wave amplitude ratio and width of the channel.
Analysis of Time-Fractional Heat Transfer and its Thermal Deflection in a Circular Plate by a Moving Heat Source
Authors: Thakare S. , Warbhe M.
Published: August 2020

Mathematical modeling of a thin circular plate has been made by considering a nonlocal Caputo type time fractional heat conduction equation of order 0 < α ≤ 2, by the action of a moving heat source. Physically convective heat exchange boundary conditions are applied at lower, upper and outer curved surface of the plate. Temperature distribution and thermal deflection has been investigated by a quasi-static approach in the context of fractional order heat conduction. The integral transformation technique is used to analyze the analytical solution to the problem. Numerical computation including the effect of the fractional order parameter has been done for temperature and deflection and illustrated graphically for an aluminum material.
Effect of Thermal Radiation and Chemical Reaction on MHD Flow of Blood in Stretching Permeable Vessel
Authors: Zigta B.
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on the theoretical analysis of blood flow in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction under the influence of time dependent magnetic field intensity. Unsteady non linear partial differential equations of blood flow consider time dependent stretching velocity, the energy equation also accounts time dependent temperature of vessel wall and the concentration equation includes the time dependent blood concentration. The governing non linear partial differential equations of motion, energy and concentration are converted into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations solved numerically by applying ode45. The effect of physical parameters, viz., the permeability parameter, unsteadiness parameter, Prandtl number, Hartmann number, thermal radiation parameter, chemical reaction parameter and Schmidt number on flow variables, viz., velocity of blood flow in vessel, temperature and concentration of blood, has been analyzed and discussed graphically. From the simulation study the following important results are obtained: velocity of blood flow increases with the increment of both permeability and unsteadiness parameter. The temperature of blood increases at the vessel wall as the Prandtl number and Hartmann number increase. Concentration of blood decreases as time dependent chemical reaction parameter and Schmidt number increases.
Brexit Damage Limitation: Tariff-Jumping FDI and the Irish Agri-Food Sector
Authors: Barry Frank , Sun Xiaolu , Hogan Benn F.
Published: August 2020

A ‘hard Brexit’ would be particularly damaging to the Irish beef and dairy sectors. The UK also exports substantial amounts of these products to the EU however and the vacuum that restrictions on UK access to the EU market would create affords opportunities for Irish-based producers. The aim of the paper is to assess how these opportunities might be best exploited. The results of a revealed comparative advantage (RCA) analysis conducted using international trade data do not prove encouraging. RCA analysis however implicitly treats the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) as given. Newspaper reports are drawn upon to detail the extent of precautionary ‘tariff jumping’ FDI already undertaken by Irish agri-businesses. These flows thus far have been almost entirely one-way. Flows in international financial services have been in the opposite direction. These asymmetries suggest that targeted efforts by Ireland's industrial development agencies may be able to offset some of the damaging consequences of a hard Brexit.
Estimating DOA and PPS parameters of signal received by ULA in heavy noise environment
Authors: Djurović Igor , Simeunović Marko , Lukin Vladimir V.
Published: August 2020

Estimation of the direction-of-arrival (DOA) and parameters of polynomial phase signal (PPS) impinging on the uniform linear array (ULA) of sensors in heavy-tailed noise environments is considered in this paper. To estimate signal parameters, a recently proposed quasi maximum-likelihood (QML) estimator is adopted. The proposed algorithm consists of two successive steps: (1) noise influence mitigation by using the proposed normalization strategy and (2) signal parameters estimation using the DOA-QML approach. The algorithm performance is evaluated for both monocomponent and multicomponent signals.
Cogging torque in slotless permanent magnet machines
Authors: Vukotić Mario , Rodić Danijel , Benedičič Boris , Miljavec Damijan
Published: August 2020

Slotless permanent magnet machines theoretically do not produce any cogging torque, provided the stator inner surface reluctance remains unchanged. However, a cogging torque may occur due to a change in the electromagnetic design following material cost reduction in the manufacturing process. When the electromagnetic design is changed to reduce the waste in the manufacturing process (stamping of the laminations) by dividing the stator toroidal ferromagnetic core into two equal parts, gluing them together introduces a very small non magnetic gap between them, which affects the stored magnetic energy along the circumference and consequently gives rise to occurrence of a cogging torque. Using the finite element method its value is analyzed analytically and verified by a laboratory measurement. Results of our work, presented in this paper, will help scientists and engineers to understand and avoid the causes for the occurrence of the cogging torque in designing slotless permanent magnet machines, where the design itself is subjected to the manufacturing process.
MIMO radar signals with better correlation characteristics
Authors: Bezoušek Pavel , Karamazov Simeon
Published: August 2020

MIMO radars employ multiple transmitting and receiving antennae. For each transmitting antenna, an independent and easily distinguishable signal is required, and appropriate filters must be used by the receiver. For this, the transmitted signals should have characteristics, enabling their effective separation. In this paper the correlation characteristics of selected signals are compared, and the appropriate signal coding is suggested. For differentiation, we address signals with basic linear or nonlinear frequency modulation (LFM or NLFM) multiplied by Gold, PRN, or frequency diversity (FD) codes. The analysis shows that better signal characteristics are achieved using the FD than the other codes. Using matched filters with filter length of 511, sidelobes and cross-correlations are suppressed by 40 dB with FD codes, while with the other codes only 20 dB was achieved. It was also proven, that the FD codes are more tolerant to the Doppler shift. On the other hand, the FD codes application leads to an extension of the overall transmitted signal bandwidth. This however, only represents a serious barrier for very broadband radar systems.
Risk assessment of forest decline by application of geostatistics and multi-criteria analysis
Authors: Jokanović Vesna Nikolić , Vulević Tijana , Lazarević Katarina
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the risk zone mapping of declining lowland forests belonging to „Morović“, management unit „Varadin-Županja“ (northern Serbia) is performed using geostatistics analysis. Based on the monitoring of groundwater level, the Kriging method has been performed for the spatial distribution of groundwater level for a multiyear period (2010–2013) – reference level and characteristic levels for the wettest and the driest year during the analyzed period. Risk assessment was determined by the variance of characteristics compared to reference levels. Then, multi-criteria decision analysis methods (AHP, PROMETHEE II) were applied to define the rank of each department (smaller forest management units) located in the research area. These analyses are very important because they enable to locate of the area with a high risk of forest decline and to rank departments using criteria: deviation from water level recorded during dry periods, species demand for water, conservation status and purpose of the unit (seed stands or technical wood). The proposed methodology is usable for the determination of the primary localities for the application of management measures conducting on the level of lower planned units (departments) and thus lead to the successful planning and more efficient forest management. Obtained results at the researched area showed that a negative influence on the watering regime has groundwater level decreasing compared to the reference level because it directly affects available water for the plants. Based on multicriteria analysis methods, it was deduced that the most endangered parts are located at the edge, while this risk is much lower in the central part of the management unit. A combination of applied methods (geostatistics and multicriteria analysis) is of great importance for forestry management.
Lithobiont-dependent ionic composition in runoff water
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Starinsky Abraham
Published: August 2020

Rock dwelling organisms (lithobionts) such as cyanobacteria (prokaryotes) and chlorolichens (eukaryotes) abound in the Negev Desert, where they cover almost all calcareous bedrocks and rock particles (cobbles, boulders). In a small limestone watershed in the Negev Highlands, cyanobacteria inhabit the south-facing (SF) bedrocks, epilithic lichens (accompanied by endolithic lichens) inhabit the north-facing (NF) bedrocks, while endolithic lichens cover most of the cobbles and boulders in both aspects. In order to study their contribution to runoff water, a pair of runoff plots was established on habitats with cyanobacteria, endolithic lichens, and epilithic lichens. Rain and runoff were collected during the hydrological year 2006/07, and the chemical composition (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HCO3, Si) of the rain and runoff water was analyzed. Several patterns were observed: (a) as indicated by Si, more dust accumulated on the bedrocks; (b) all substrates exhibited high amounts of Ca, and HCO3; (c) while SF-bedrocks showed enrichment in K, both bedrocks (and especially the NF bedrocks), as well as the NF boulders showed an enrichment in Mg. While the enrichment in Ca and HCO3 can be explained by the contribution of the limestone parent material, the enrichment in K and Mg can be explained by the contribution of the living lithobionts, with K being mainly contributed by the cyanobacteria and Mg mainly by the epilithic lichens. Ion enrichment may therefore be aspect-dependent, reflecting the lithobiont distribution within the drainage basin, partially explaining the enrichment in K and Mg previously recorded in runoff water from the Negev.
Three-dimensional numerical study of submerged spatial hydraulic jumps
Authors: Foda Ahmed S. , Imam Yehya E. , Bazaraa Abd Allah S. , Imam Emad H.
Published: August 2020

A three-dimensional numerical model was applied to simulate submerged spatial hydraulic jumps (SSHJ) downstream of a symmetric vent that discharges into a wider channel. Simulations were carried out for different aspect ratios of the vent, expansion ratios of vent width to downstream channel width, tailwater depth, and inlet Froude number. Depending on these factors, simulations indicated the formation of steady asymmetric SSHJ, oscillatory asymmetric SSHJ, and steady symmetric SSHJ, consistent with results of previous experimental studies. The model reproduced observed depth downstream of vent, jump length, and velocity profiles along channel centerline for steady symmetric SSHJ. For oscillatory asymmetric SSHJ, simulated oscillation frequencies had Strouhal numbers that varied with expansion ratio and ranged between 0.003 and 0.015. With piers downstream of the vent, oscillatory SSHJ continued to exhibit jet deflections when pier length was relatively short ( ≲ 0.2 of jump length) but became steady asymmetric for longer piers.
Against Universalism in Biosemiotic Theories
Authors: Rodríguez H. Claudio J.
Published: August 2020

The frontiers of biosemiotics are inconspicuously blurry. This is a feature and not a bug of the discipline in that it allows us to ask questions beyond certain boundaries, enriching both our knowledge beyond semiotic theories and the possibility of covering new ground through them. Yet, explanatory power should be something of a concern for biosemioticians looking to plant flags around different heights. The paths cleared by backwoodsmen should hold up to scrutiny, and in order for biosemioticians to examine these paths, some of the features of semiotic theory should work as reminders of what the aim of semiotic theory is.

This paper will explore one particular issue when it comes to building biosemiotic theories, namely, the idea that the semiotic comprises a universal and basal quality in a hierarchy of elements assumed to give rise to other, more complex things. The metatheoretical problem at its core will be defined as the unnecessary expansion of semiotic attributes in order to give them enough explanatory power to either provide semiotic theories of everything or give a semiotic basis to theories that do not, in principle, require it.
On the use of validated ocean models to investigate the evolution of primary productivity in the Levantine Sea
Authors: Kanj Malak , Fadel Ali
Published: August 2020

Marine ecosystems are vital natural resources that contribute to the global biogeochemical cycle, food, and energy production. In order to monitor and evaluate variations of different factors for decision making processes, validated ecosystem models were used in this study to analyze the evolution of different variables: temperature and salinity concentrations (from 1987 to 2014) and nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll concentrations, and phytoplankton biomass (from 1999 to 2014) in four sites (from 0 to 66 m depth) along the Levantine Sea: Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt and in the Open Sea. Principal component analysis and TRIX were then applied. Spatio-temporal analysis and PCA results showed that phytoplankton biomass is temporally affected by temperature and nutrients (in all stations) as well as salinity in some cases, in addition to its decrease with depth. TRIX analysis showed that all stations had higher primary productivity, in the first half of the year (January-May). Intense anthropogenic activities in Turkey and Egypt have altered the ecosystem’s stability and affected the phytoplankton biomass.
An empirical review of public policies on the sector of SMEs in the European Union
Authors: Grigorescu Adriana , Ion Amalia-Elena
Published: August 2020

The paper aims to provide with a close picture of the SME public policies in one of the most prominent capitalist economies of the world, that of the European Union. In order to do this, a qualitative analysis has been undergone, on the basis of the following indicators: access to financial resources for SMEs, regulatory and legal frameworks for SMEs, and public assistance on information and knowledge about markets. Since there is no prior research on the subject, the implications of this paper have impact on the theory, practice and policy making. The results of the content analysis suggest that there is a contemporary structure to the European SBA, with a focus on a persistent business approach, based on the results of scientific research and market studies involving the problems raised by the now compact European SME industry. In the end, it must be acknowledged that the present research is only preliminary, and to better understand the mechanisms behind the European policy, further studies on the subject are necessary. Nevertheless, the paper has managed to point out that public policy in the SME industry represents one of the most important aspects of the EU-28 new economic direction.
Factors shaping interorganizational trust in e-commerce based on literature review
Authors: Gajda Klaudia
Published: August 2020

The article is devoted to identifying external and internal factors that shape inter-organizational trust in e-commerce. Studying how trust between e-commerce partners is built, four key B2B trust spheres were analyzed based on literature. After analyzing thirteen research reports, the factors shaping B2B trust are presented due to their frequency of occurrence in the reports. Research has shown that among the many factors determining B2B trust, the greatest value in interactions between e-commerce partners lies in the factors, i.e.: „common values”, „communication”, „experience and qualifications”.
Organizational innovation capability as a result of knowledge management processes - a literature review
Authors: Inków Monika
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, innovation and innovativeness have become a key conditioning factor in the survival of an organization. The organizations should have a sufficiently high level of innovation capability to be able to effectively develop and implement new solutions. Currently, researchers are increasingly talking about knowledge management processes in the context of creating and developing innovation capability of an organization (e.g. Hussein et al. 2016; Wijekoon and Galahitiyawe 2016). As noted by Hussein et al. (2016), sharing knowledge in a dynamically changing business environment is gaining key importance for the success of an organization. Knowledge itself, on the other hand, is indicated as a key source of innovation in the literature on knowledge management (Wijekoon and Galahitiyawe 2016; Monferrer et al. 2014; Nonaka et al. 2000; Yesil et al. 2013).

The purpose of this study is to show what kind of research problems / which research problems related to knowledge management in the context of creating and developing innovative capability are most often raised by representatives of science in the world and the second objective is an attempt to answer the question whether innovation capacity can be treated as a result of knowledge management processes.
Development or decline of marketing - systematic considerations
Authors: Sobotkiewicz Dariusz
Published: August 2020

The article is an attempt to answer the question: Is the influence of marketing in the organization increasing or decreasing? In the search for answers to this question, changes that took place in marketing over the past twenty years haves been analyzed. Particular attention and a lot of space was devoted to the evolution of the marketing function and marketing management concept in the practice of business entities. The considerations undertaken in the study allowed, on the one hand, o indicatine the weakening of the importance of the marketing function in favour of the marketing concept of management, and on the other hando determinine their contemporary role in business practice.