bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion Recognition and Students’ Achievement
Authors: Pan Wen-Fu , Subarno Anton , Chien Mei-Ying , Lin Ching-Dar
Published: July 2020

Human motion has multifarious meanings that can be recognized using a facial detection machine. This article aims to explore body motion recognition to explain the relationship between students’ motions and their achievement, as well as teachers’ responses to students’ motions, and especially to negative ones. Students’ motions can be identified according to three categories; facial expression, hand gestures, and body position and movement. Facial expression covers four categories, namely, contempt, fear, happiness, and sadness. Contempt is used to express conflicted feelings, fear to express unpleasantness, happiness to express satisfaction, and sadness to express that the environment is uncomfortable. Hand gestures can likewise be grouped into four categories: conversational gestures, controlling gestures, manipulative gestures, and communicative gestures. Conversational gestures refer to communicative gestures. Controlling gestures refer to vision-based interface communications, like the ones popular in current technology. Manipulative gestures refer to ones used in human interaction with virtual objects. Communicative gestures relate to human interaction, and therefore involve the field of psychology. Body position and movement also can be classified into four categories, namely: leaning forward, leaning backward, correct posture, and physical relocation. Leaning forward happens when a user is working with a high level of concentration. Leaning backward occurs when a user has been highly concentrated on work for several hours, and needs a break or change. Correct posture is the sign of an enjoyable working position which involves sitting in a free and relaxed manner. Movement refers to a change to the student’s sitting location, reflecting some inadequacy of the learning environment. Teachers can anticipate changes of students’ emotions by good learning design, teaching metacognitive skills, self-regulated performance, exploratory talks, mastery approach/avoidance, using hybrid learning environments, and controlling space within classrooms. Teachers’ responses to students’ motions will be explored in this article
Eliminating the Shrinkage of High Strength Concrete by using Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Authors: Khdheer Ahmed Baidaa
Published: July 2020

High Strength Concrete (HSC) is one of the  most popular types of concrete used in the world. This type of concrete has a low rapid  hydration of cementation materials with low  w/cm and the external surrounding  environment condition exposed the HSC to  high autogenous shrinkage. If this shrinkage is  not treated well that well led to cracking, in  this case HSC need to convenient curing  necessary at the earliest time. This study  presents the use of Super Absorbent Polymer  (SAP) as internal curing agent to eliminate  shrinkage. Two types of shrinkage are tested in  this study (Autogenous shrinkage and drying  shrinkage).  Two groups of concrete mixes(A and B) are  studied in this study each group have five types  of concrete mixes, four mixes with high and  ultra-high compressive strength (RPC, MRPC, HSC and SCC) and the last one with normal  compressive strength (NSC). Group A  represent concrete mixes without SAP addition  and group B for concrete mixes with SAP.  SAP was added for all mixes at 0.3% by  weight of cement and adding 20ml water for  each gram of SAP, specimens with dimensions  (40*40*160) mm were used for testing  shrinkage for each mix with and without SAP,  average values for two specimens was taken as  a results. It was found that concrete mixes of  group B have lower shrinkage than the  shrinkage of concrete mixes in group A at 28  days age with reduction of autogenous  shrinkage(AS) of (57%, 35%, 37%, 44.5% and  37.5%) respectively and for drying shrinkage  the percentage of reduction was (89.5%, 72%,  82%, 70% and 71%) respectively, addition of  SAP to concrete mixes proves to have active  effect in reducing the shrinkage of concrete.
Homogenous Acidic and Basic Catalysts in Biodiesel Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Shakorfow Abdelmalik M. , Mohamed Abdulaziz. H.
Published: July 2020

Several techniques, in which different homogenous catalysts and procedures, that are in use for transesterification of a vegetable oil or an animal fat have been successful in synthesizing biodiesel, although with some certain limitations. For such a purpose, among the catalysts employed are acidic as well as basic catalysts. It has been found that acidic catalysts can be tolerant with a high content of free fatty acids found in those low value feedstock oils/fats to be transesterified, although some sort of pretreatment by means of esterification might be required in order to synthesize biodiesel. Moreover, with employing homogenous acidic catalysts, it seems that biodiesel purification procedures are simplified; thus, reducing synthesis cost. In fact, these features of homogenous acidic catalysts render them advantageous over basic ones. With basic homogenous catalysts this; however, has not been possible due to the development of saponification reaction. To effectively perform, such catalysts require that the content of free fatty acids in the feedstock oil/fat is minimal. This requirement is also applicable to the moisture level in the feedstock. In terms of corrosive effects; nevertheless, acidic catalysts are disadvantageous compared to basic ones.
How Friendship doesn’t Contribute to Happiness: A Reply to Leibowitz
Authors: Sofronieva Diana
Published: July 2020

Friendship and happiness are intimately connected. According to a recent account provided in Leibowitz (2018) friendship contributes to happiness because friends value each other and communicate this valuation to each other, which increases their self-worth, and this in turn increases their happiness. In this paper I argue that Leibowitz’s account of how friendship contributes to happiness is mistaken. I first present Leibowitz’s view, and then argue against it. I have two main worries with his account. One worry is that increase in self-worth is not characteristic of friendship and hence it is problematic to use it for explaining the connection between friendship and happiness. The other worry is that the distinctive way in which increase in self-worth contributes to happiness seems to be in an important way different from the distinctive way in which friendship contributes to happiness. Finally, I point to what I take to be the right direction in explaining the connection between friendship and happiness.
Methodology for bottleneck identification in a production system when implementing TOC
Authors: Urban Wieslaw , Rogowska Patrycja
Published: July 2020

For TOC (Theory of Constraints) implementation in a production system, the determination of the system's bottleneck is a crucial step. Effective bottleneck identification allows setting priorities for the improvement of a production system. The article deals with a significant problem for the manufacturing industry related to the location of a bottleneck. The article aims for a detailed analysis of methods for bottleneck identification based on a comprehensive literature review and the design of a generalised methodology for bottleneck identification in the production system. The article uses two research methods, first, the combination of a narrative and scoping literature review, and second, the logical design. Several methods for bottleneck identification are reviewed and compared, finding some being similar, and others giving new insights into the evaluated production system. A methodology for bottleneck identification is proposed. It contains several detailed methods arranged in coherent steps, which are suggested to be followed when aiming for the recognition of a production system's bottleneck. The proposed methodology is expected to be helpful in the practical TOC implementation. The presented methodology for the identification of bottlenecks in a production system is a practical tool for managers and experts dealing with TOC. However, it is still a conceptual proposal that needs to be tested empirically. The proposed methodology for bottleneck identification is an original concept based on the current literature output. It contributes to the production management theory as a practical managerial tool.
Organisational competence vs transferability of knowledge in cluster organisations and technology parks
Authors: Lis Anna Maria , Žemgulienė Jolanta
Published: July 2020

The main paper aims to evaluate the impact of organisational competence on knowledge and information flows within cluster organisations and technology parks, with particular emphasis on innovative content knowledge. The paper addresses the research question: “What set of competencies of cooperating companies allows access to information and knowledge in cluster and parks structures?” The authors report their findings from a quantitative study carried out in four cluster organisations and three technology parks functioning in Poland. The research sample covered a total of 269 enterprises: 132 cluster members and 137 park tenants. The primary method of data collection was a survey questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the interdependence of variables, ANOVA, and logistic regression. The research showed that the surveyed enterprises from both analysed groups preferred cooperation with partners of a similar level of competence development and the same or complementary scope of competence. This set of competencies of cooperating organisations also guaranteed better access to information and knowledge resources, including confidential information and new knowledge. This study additionally indicated that the knowledge creation activities performed by the cooperating cluster organisations depended on the proximity of the competencies of organisations as well as on the nature of the information, disseminated within the cluster organisations. The theoretical contribution is related to the results obtained by analysing the phenomenon of information and knowledge dissemination in cluster and park structures, revealing the impact made by the competence proximity of cooperating organisations on the access to this such resources. Thus, the findings supplement the state-of-the-art knowledge of the concept of industrial clusters by presenting a broader view on cooperation developed in geographical proximity, based on a set of various partner competencies.
Quantitative assessment of working conditions in the workplace
Authors: Cherniak Olena , Trishch Roman , Kim Nataliia , Ratajczak Sabina
Published: July 2020

Indicators, different in terms of nature and grading scales, are used to recognise hazardous and harmful factors that affect human health. However, no single methodology is available for their assessment, and the variety of qualimetric assessment methods requires in-depth research, in part on optimality and efficiency. Therefore, this work aimed to conduct several scientific studies to obtain the results of the assessment in unified units of measurement, which would provide a generalised indicator of harmful factors at the workplace. The article proposes to use dependencies to assess indicators of harmful factors, considering the maximum, minimum, and optimal values as well as the shape parameter, the change of which produces various assessments in a dimensionless scale. A hierarchy analysis method was used to obtain reliable values with a small number of experts and determine the form parameter. These efforts resulted in the value of the overall index for harmful factors, which serves as grounds for decisions regarding further improvements in working conditions. The developed methodology was used to assess the safety of working conditions at a machine-building enterprise, and the results are presented in the article.
Conditions of Local Development in the Context of Shaping Developmental Strategy and Policy in Poland
Authors: Adamowicz Mieczysław
Published: July 2020

Subject and purpose of work: This paper discusses the essence and main areas of conditions of local development in the context of the political transformations which have occurred in Poland over the last thirty years. Against this background, an attempt was made to differentiate between the conditions and factors of local development. The purpose of this work is to seek, considering different ways of defining local development and as part of different developmental models, a distinction and consistency between the essence of the concept of “conditions of development” and the concept of “factors of development” and to indicate the universality of general conditions for development at all levels of a country’s territorial division.

Materials and methods: This paper draws on the author’s own thoughts and a critical analysis of the literature on the subject, as well as documents relating to the practical shaping of the strategy and development policy in Poland. It presents the basic ways of defining local development and the model approach to development processes and characterises the main conditions of Poland’s socio-economic development over the last thirty years.

Results: It was determined that in the literature conditions of development are often identified with factors of development, which is not justified. It was determined that conditions constitute a certain potential which determines the possibilities for the progress of developmental processes, whereas granting a driving force to these possibilities transforms them into developmental factors for a given area. The general conditions of a country’s development also define the conditions of development at the lower levels of territorial division.

Conclusions: In the context of the growing role of local development programming and planning, it is important to differentiate between the concepts of “conditions” and “factors” of local development. Local development is shaped by both the overall conditions and factors of development of a country, and the specific local conditions and factors. The effective implementation of local development programmes and strategies requires the skill to convert development conditions into factors.
The Legal Aspects of Foreigners’ Employment in the Context of the Polish Labour Market Needs
Authors: Zaręba Piotr , Zaręba Monika
Published: July 2020

Subject and purpose of work: The publication comprises the analysis of the most important legislation governing the employment of foreigners in Poland and the data of significance to developing legal solutions in this area. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the suitability of the adopted solutions to the needs of the labour market.

Materials and methods: The performed legal analysis is closely related to the statistical analysis of the transformations of the Polish labour market which have taken place over the last 6 years, with particular attention to demographic and economic data. The authors also applied qualitative methods in the form of observations concerning the adaptation of Polish laws to the demand for hiring foreigners, as well as the presentation of the results of surveys analysing the opinions and sentiments of labour market participants, labour market forecasts published on a regular basis, and inspections carried out by authorised entities.

Results: The systematic decrease in the Polish population and increasing staff deficits reported by employers are among the most important challenges. The deficits are largely supplemented by Ukrainian employees, yet there are growing concerns that difficulties in acquiring new staff may aggravate, as the competition in attracting foreign staff is becoming increasingly perceptible. In Poland, relevant legal instruments concerning the employment of foreigners are mostly stipulated in the Foreigners Act, the Act on employment promotion and labour market institutions, and in secondary legislation to these Acts. The laws are very complex, they lack comprehensive solutions in the field of foreigner employment policy, while competent offices and authorities experience difficulties in fulfilling their tasks.

Conclusions: It is necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy as part of employment policies, taking into account the urgent and actual demand of the labour market for foreigners’ work.
The Role of Strategic Analysis in Shaping the Conditions for, and the Range of, Cooperation between Business Entities
Authors: Dwojak Artur
Published: July 2020

Subject and purpose of work: The subject matter of this paper includes selected examples of tools applied in systems analysis and strategic analysis in relation to the influence of their results on the forms of cooperation between business entities. The study is aimed at provoking a deeper thought on the outcomes of the lack of a system-based approach on the effects of cooperation, and consequently at reducing the negative experience arising from the lack of understanding of the conditions affecting the expected results.

Materials and methods: This publication is an overview of the issue based on the interpretation and synthesis of the available literature on the subject.

Results: The author suggests that the specific conditions, starting from the impact of the broad geopolitical surroundings, the current government policy, legal regulations, culture circles, market development stage or a partner’s place in the production chain, through customs, procedures, processes, intra-organisational standards, affect not only the culture of the organisation itself, but also its reputation and financial result.

Conclusions: The influence of the new “virtual” sphere of economic contacts, as a vital element of strategic analysis, was stressed.
Structural Changes in Foreign Trade as a Factor of Competitiveness of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Milovanović Goran , Milanović Sandra , Radisavljević Goran
Published: July 2020

The paper aims to analyse structural changes in foreign trade based on systematic statistical data as a factor of competitiveness of the Republic of Serbia. First, contemporary tendencies in international trade are analysed, where the value and volume of world trade are monitored, as well as key changes in the structure of world exports and imports in the observed period. By assessing the position of the Republic of Serbia in international trade, it is necessary to consider the extent to which the foreign trade of the Republic of Serbia adapts to the structural changes in world trade. Then, the structure of the merchandise exchange of the Republic of Serbia according to the purpose of the product is examined as well as the structure of the merchandise exchange according to sectors and commodity groups. Later in the paper, the achieved development of the industry is questioned, where the focus of the analysis is put on the quality of exports and the international competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, which in the Republic of Serbia produces most of the exchangeable goods. The last part of the paper deals with the analysis of the technological structure and factor intensity of Serbian goods exports. In this way, the research question is answered that there is a need for structural changes in production and foreign trade in the Republic of Serbia in order to improve its competitiveness.
Energy Consumption and Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: A Structural Break Analysis
Authors: Longe Adedayo Emmanuel , Adebayo Emmanuel Olajide , Muhammad Shehu , Adelokun Oluwole Oluniyi
Published: July 2020

The study analyses the structural break impact on the relationship between energy consumption and foreign direct investment in Nigeria from 1970 to 2015. The study accounts for the structural break and estimates the short-run and long-run relationship between energy consumption and foreign direct investment using ARDL estimation technique and Bai-Perron Least Squares Break Point. It was observed from the findings that a strong long-run cointegrating relationship exist between energy consumption and foreign direct investment with and without structural break. The structural break test reveals a break period of 1995 which supports the occurrence of oil price review by OPEC in 1995. Also, the ARDL estimate result revealed that energy consumption, trade and exchange rate adversely attract foreign direct investment, while GDP positively attract foreign direct investment both in the short-run and long-run in Nigeria. The study concludes that even though Nigeria’s GDP is trending towards attracting FDI into the economy, energy consumption, trade and exchange rate obstruct the attraction through the additional cost incurred as a result of imbalances in the variables. A major recommendation from the findings is that energy policies need quick re-visit in Nigeria. However, they will - due to the pressure exerted by the constant growth of the population, i.e. on the demand side, demand inflation will constantly manifest.
Cost Accounting and Performance Measurement With the Purpose of Increasing the Competitiveness of Sports Organizations
Authors: Čečević Bojana Novićević , Antić Ljilja , Spasić Kristina
Published: July 2020

Dynamic business environment, rise in the share of overheads in total costs, strong competition on the global market and numerous other challenges that organizations are facing have imposed the need to reexamine the existing, design new costing methods and apply more appropriate management tools to improve management information basis, maintain and improve competitive advantage. In addition to traditional costing methods, organizations apply the methods adapted to the changing business environment, such as Activity-Based Costing (ABC). The positive experiences of manufacturing organizations which apply activity-based costing have led to the expansion of ABC application among service organizations. Changes in cost accounting are in line with changes in performance measurement systems, all for the purpose of improving the functioning of organizations and successfully responding to the demands of a changing business environment. The paper analyzes the possibility of applying activity-based costing and Balanced Scorecard in sports organizations that provide a large number of specific services.
Timing of Holocene Lake Highstand in Jinchang Paleolake from the Northeast Tibetan Plateau Foreland
Authors: Long Hao , Cheng Hongyi , Yang Linhai , Gao Lei , Liu Qian
Published: July 2020

Lake shoreline beach ridges and their sediments have often been investigated as paleoenvironmental indicators in arid northern China. Robust chronology is crucial to utilize this archive for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and interpretation. In this study, we reported a robust chronology for the highest wave-built beach ridge around Jinchang paleolake at the northeast (NE) margin of the Tibetan Plateau, using a combined quartz and K-feldspar luminescence dating technique, together with radiocarbon dating. The consistent quartz and K-feldspar ages suggested the sufficient reset of luminescence signals before deposition for the investigated sediments. Both kinds of luminescence ages were in agreement with three independent 14C ages, further corroborating the robustness of these obtained luminescence ages. Our results demonstrated that the investigated beach ridge was formed around 8.5–6.9 ka, suggesting a distinct period of lake highstand which has been identified in other lakes nearby. This highstand event may implicate an increased regional moisture condition, which is likely caused by the increased Asian summer monsoon precipitation.
Damping of Thermocapillary Destabilization of a Liquid Film in Zero Gravity Through the Use of an Isothermal Porous Substrate
Authors: Narendranath Aneet D.
Published: July 2020

Thin liquid films on isothermal substrates, where the film is flat and parallel to the substrate, succumb to thermocapillary instabilities and rupture, forming local hot-spots. These long wavelength instabilities are specific to aspect ratios where the liquid film mean thickness is several orders of magnitude less than the substrate characteristic dimension. Absent stabilizing gravitational acceleration, the growth rate of thermocapillary instabilities is further intensified, driving the film to rupture even earlier.

Numerical simulations of zero gravity dynamics of Newtonian liquid films on a solid, horizontal, isothermal substrate were conducted. When the solid, isothermal substrate was replaced with a one-dimensionally porous substrate, was fully saturated with the same fluid as the liquid film, and was deep enough to accommodate all the liquid on it, we observed that destabilizing spatial modes were damped thereby preventing rupture and prolonging the film lifespan. This nonlinear evolution was visualized and quantified using recurrence plots.
A Sensitive Period for the Development of Motor Function in Rats: A Microgravity Study
Authors: Harding Shannon M. , Singh Neeraj J. , Walton Kerry D.
Published: July 2020

Spaceflight studies offer a unique opportunity to examine the impact of gravity on developing motor skills. Previously, we reported that young rats experiencing microgravity in low Earth orbit (LEO) beginning on postnatal day (P)14 showed impaired swimming, walking, and surface righting after returning to 1 g, with immature motor skills persisting until adulthood. Here, we report on post-flight surface righting and swimming of rats experiencing spaceflight from P7 or P8. Litters with dams were flown aboard a space shuttle Space Transportation System (STS) 9-day (NIH-R3, STS-72) or 16-day mission (Neurolab, STS-90). Flight rats from both missions showed significantly fewer mature, age-appropriate righting tactics after landing compared to ground controls. Flight rats also had a steeper body angle while floating in the water before swimming, started swimming sooner, and swam faster. The effects on surface righting persisted for the duration of behavior tests (6 days [9-day mission] or 23 days [16-day mission]), after landing. Differences in pre-swimming behavior resolved by return day (R)2, and differences in swimming speed and posture resolved by R10. These data suggest that exposure to microgravity at a young age prevents the normal development of surface righting and that the normal development of swimming can recover if animals return from LEO by P16 or P24. These findings lend additional support to the existence of a critical period of development for motor function. However, studies are needed with improved housing during spaceflight to ensure that maternal offspring behavior is not disrupted, as was observed during the Neurolab mission.
Hemodynamic and Neuroendocrinological Responses to Artificial Gravity
Authors: Schneider Stefan , Zander Vanja Sebastian , Vogt Tobias , Abeln Vera , Strüder Heiko K. , Jacubowski Amrei , Carnahan Heather , Wollseiffen Petra
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the hemodynamic and neuroendocrinological responses to different levels and protocols of artificial gravity, especially in comparison to what is expected during a moderate bout of exercise. Ten male participants were exposed to artificial gravity using two different protocols: the first was a centrifugation protocol that consisted of a constant phase of 2 Gz for 30 minutes, and the second consisted of an intermittent phase of 2 Gz for two minutes, separated by resting periods for three minutes in successive order. Near infrared spectroscopy (oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin) at the prefrontal cortex, Musculus biceps brachii, and Musculus gastrocnemius, as well as heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before, during, and after exposure to artificial gravity. In order to determine effects of artificial gravity on neuroendocrinological parameters (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor 1), blood samples were taken before and after centrifugation. During the application of artificial gravity the concentration of oxyhemoglobin decreased significantly and the concentration of deoxyhemoglobin increased significantly in the prefrontal cortex and the Musculus biceps brachii muscle. Participants exposed to the continuous artificial gravity profile experienced peripheral pooling of blood. No changes were observed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, or insulin-like growth factor 1. Intermittent application of artificial gravity may represent a better-tolerated presentation for participants as hemodynamic values normalize during resting periods. During both protocols, heart rate and arterial blood pressure remained far below what is experienced during moderate physical activity.
Lupus Disease with Lupus Nephritis - 14 Years of Clinical-Biological Observations
Authors: Buhoară Cristina , Petre Nicoleta , Penescu Mircea
Published: July 2020

We present the case of a female patient diagnosed in 2004 with systemic lupus erythematosus, initially with joint and hematological damage complaint, for which she was treated with Methylprednisolone for 6 months. Subsequently, symptomatology and paraclinical screening raised the suspicion of renal impairment, a pulse therapy with Solumedrol and Cyclophosphamide was initiated, a total of 6 pulses. She is in the database of our Clinic since March 2008, when a renal biopsy was performed, revealing a class IV lupus nephritis, initiating treatment with Mycophenolate mofetil and Prednisone until 2010, when the dose of Prednisone is progressively reduced until cessation at the time of remission. Subsequently she presented two relapse episodes, recovered by pulse therapy with Methylprednisolone and Cyclophosphamide, followed by maintenance therapy with Mycophenolate mofetil and Prednisone with a good clinical evolution. In 2017 the patient has a pregnancy with favorable evolution (under treatment with Azathioprine), presenting normal values of cDNA, C3, C4 during the 9 months, but with a persistent nephrotic-range proteinuria; in these conditions gives birth physiologically at 37 weeks. During 2019 apparent remission is maintained (stationary nitrogen retention, anti-dsDNA antibodies within normal range), but with moderate anaemia and persistent, but diminished proteinuria (being under treatment with reduced dose Prednisolone and Mycophenolate mofetil); along the way proteinuria is accentuated again and it is decided to return to reduced dose Azathioprine treatment, with good clinical evolution.

Conclusion. The presented case reinforces the idea of systematic monitoring of patients with SLE and the need for permanent adaptation of treatment especially when there is an increased risk of relapse. Pregnancy, paradoxically well tolerated, increases subsequently the risk of reactivation of lupus nephritis.
A Scientometric Study of Digital Literacy, ICT Literacy, Information Literacy, and Media Literacy
Authors: Park Hyejin , Kim Han Sung , Park Han Woo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Digital literacy and related fields have received interests from scholars and practitioners for more than 20 years; nonetheless, academic communities need to systematically review how the fields have developed. This study aims to investigate the research trends of digital literacy and related concepts since the year of 2000, especially in education.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study analyzes keywords, co-authorship, and cited publications in digital literacy through the scientometric method. The journal articles have been retrieved from the WoS (Web of Science) using four keywords: “Digital literacy,” “ICT literacy,” “information literacy,” and “media literacy.” Further, keywords, publications, and co-authorship are examined and further classified into clusters for more in-depth investigation.

Findings

Digital literacy is a multidisciplinary field that widely embraces literacy, ICT, the Internet, computer skill proficiency, science, nursing, health, and language education. The participants, or study subjects, in digital literacy research range from primary students to professionals, and the co-authorship clusters are distinctive by countries in America and Europe.

Research limitations

This paper analyzes one fixed chunk of a dataset obtained by searching for all four keywords at once. Further studies will retrieve the data from diverse disciplines and will trace the change of the leading research themes by time spans.

Practical implications

To shed light on the findings, using customized digital literacy curriculums and technology is critical for learners at different ages to nurture digital literacy according to their learning aims. They need to cultivate their understanding of the social impact of exploiting technology and computational thinking. To increase the originality of digital literacy-related studies, researchers from different countries and cultures may collaborate to investigate a broader range of digital literacy environments.

Originality/value

The present study reviews research trends in digital literacy and related areas by performing a scientometric study to analyze multidimensional aspects in the fields, including keywords, journal titles, co-authorship, and cited publications.
Syn-Ecological Connections and Comparison of Α-Diversity Indices of Plant and Bird Communities on Cultivated Coenosises
Authors: Blinkova Olena I. , Shupova Tetiana V. , Raichuk Liudmyla A.
Published: July 2020

Changes in the ecological conditions of the cultivated coenosises caused by anthropogenic load have been shown by the example of several of the largest botanical gardens in Ukraine. That complex influence leads to the transformation of coenosises at stages II and III of anthropogenic degression. Changes in phyto- and avidiversity compositions have been shown using a transformation gradient. Positive correlations between compositions and diversity indices of bird communities and vegetation composition (diversity indices, dominance indices, evenness indices) have been detected. The values of the phytodiversity indices showed greater deviation from the normal conditions.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in thoracic surgery
Authors: Pele Irina , Mihălțan Florin-Dumitru
Published: July 2020

The assessment of functional capacity is a significant part of the preoperative evaluation of patients proposed for both thoracic and abdominal surgery. The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the most comprehensive exercise test currently used. It provides an objective assessment of the patient's training level and an individualised risk profile for complications and guides the perioperative care. This article provides a brief description of the roles of CPET in thoracic surgery. Guidelines recommend it for perioperative assessments because of its prognostic value, its utility in the postoperative period and in pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.
Obstructive sleep apnea, cardiac arrhythmias and continuous positive airway pressure therapy: one-year follow-up
Authors: Grigoriu Liliana Alexandrina , Dumitrache-Rujinski Stefan , Vatasescu Radu Gabriel , Erhan Ionela , Bogdan Miron Alexandru
Published: July 2020

Background

Cardiac arrhythmias represent one of the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The gold standard of moderate–severe symptomatic OSA treatment is positive pressure therapy [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)]. The use of CPAP in patients with cardiac arrhythmias and OSA may contribute to the maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Aim

To assess the effects of the CPAP therapy in addition to pharmacological and/or ablative interventions in maintaining the sinus rhythm in patients with cardiac arrhythmias and moderate–severe OSA.

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmias [atrial fibrillation (AF)/flutter] and high pretest OSA suspicion (at least two items out of the following: snoring, witnessed apneas, obesity and excessive daytime sleepiness), performed a cardiorespiratory polygraphy (nasal flowmetry, pulse oximetry, thoracoabdominal movements, snoring and body position) for positive diagnosis and OSA severity assessment. Patients with moderate–severe OSA underwent CPAP titration with consecutive therapy indication (CPAP therapy plus pharmacological and/or ablative intervention). At 1 year, patients who used CPAP (group A) and those without CPAP (group B) were re-evaluated for the presence or absence of cardiac arrhythmias.

Results

Sixty-three patients with AF/flutter and high pretest suspicion of OSA performed cardiorespiratory polygraphy. Sixty patients (39 men) were diagnosed with OSA, out of which 40 (26 men) had moderate–severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index, AHI ≥ 15/h) and underwent CPAP titration. At 1 year of follow-up, 17 patients (42.5%) were found adherent to the CPAP therapy (group A) and 23 (57.5%) did not use CPAP (group B). The two groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, daytime sleepiness (assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and oxygen desaturation index, and statistically significant differences were recorded for the values of AHI and the time spent below SaO2 <90% (t90%), statistically significant higher (p < 0.01, respectively p < 0.04) in group A compared to group B. At 1 year, in group A, more patients had sinus rhythm compared to those with AF/flutter (13, respectively 4). In group B, 8 patients were in sinus rhythm and 15 with AF/flutter.

Conclusions

The CPAP therapy added to standard therapy (pharmacological therapy and/or ablative procedures) in patients with moderate–severe OSA and installed cardiovascular disease (arrhythmias) has a favourable effect on maintaining the sinus rhythm at 1 year of follow-up.
Validation and reproducibility of the lung function questionnaire (LFQ) for the diagnosis of COPD in Colombia
Authors: Goyes Alirio Rodrigo Bastidas , Amado Andrés Felipe Barragán , Martinez Maria Mónica , Villamil Natalia Pinzón , Daniel Arsanios Martin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The development of clinical prediction scales and their use can reduce under-diagnosis and increase early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The performance of clinical prediction scales in Colombia is unknown. The objective of this study is to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of the lung function questionnaire (LFQ) in Colombia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was performed, with analysis of diagnostic validity and reliability in people over 40 years of age who underwent a spirometry test. The LFQ questionnaire was applied. To assess reproducibility, the test was carried out at two time points: first at the initial consultation; and then 1 day to 1 week after the previous application. Spirometry was performed immediately after the initial questionnaire, meeting the American Thoracic Society criteria.

Results

Among the 1996 subjects included in the analysis, the average age was 65 years (SD: 11.97 years), prevalence of COPD was 21.3%, the intra-class correlation coefficient between the two time points was 0.844 (95% CI: 0.863–0.901) (p < 0.001), and kappa was 0.797 for the dichotomous outcome ≤18 COPD risk points (p < 0.001), validity analysis using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the population evaluated was 0.715 (95% CI: 0.685–0.745); the dichotomous outcome of the questionnaire ≤18 points was as follows: sensitivity – 91.18% (95% CI: 88.0–94.3); specificity – 32.41% (95% CI: 29.8–35.0); positive predictive value – 26.7% (95% CI: 24.1–29.3); negative predictive value – 93.15% (95% CI: 90.7–95.6); likelihood ratio (LR) +: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.28–1.42), LR– 0.27 (95% CI: 0.19–0.39); number needed to diagnose: 4; number needed to misdiagnose: 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The LFQ questionnaire has good performance for the diagnosis of COPD, especially in populations without previous respiratory symptoms or usual risk factors, optimising the use of spirometry to increase its detection.
Silicon in a Sustainable Cropping System
Authors: Olle Margit
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this review was to show the importance of silicon (Si) in agricultural production. Si is a second most abundant element both on the surface of the earth and in the soil. Si in plants leads to an increase in horticulture production. It has been demonstrated to have multiple direct and indirect beneficial effects on growth and development of many plants. The beneficial effects of Si are especially pronounced in the plants exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses. Si enhances tolerance of plants to metal toxicity. Si uptake by plants improves agricultural crop quality and yield. Si application could therefore improve crop production under adverse climate and soil conditions. Si can positively influence plant growth and yield, in particular, under stress conditions. Si may increase the uptake and translocation of mineral elements in plants. The application of stabilised silicic acid is called the ‘silicic acid agro technology’ (SAAT). SAAT increases root system size, length of stem/tillers, leaf area, chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake, resulting in higher yield and improved. SAAT decreases effect of biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, SAAT is proposed as an element in sustainable cropping strategies.
Identification of Interspecific Potato Hybrids with Combined Resistance to Late Blight (Phytophthora Infestans) and Nematode (Globodera Rostochiensis)
Authors: Zoteyeva Nadezhda , Sprūde Guna , Klimenko Natalia , Mežaka Ieva
Published: July 2020

Late blight (agent Phytophthora infestans) and potato cyst nematode (PCN) caused by Globodera rostochiensis are economically important pathogens, which may significantly reduce potato yields. In this study interspecific potato hybrids were used as a source of resistance for combined resistance to economically important potato pathogens: late blight and cyst nematode. The aim of our study was to identify hybrid progenies with combined resistance to both pathogens and to verify the applicability of several molecular markers associated with resistance to G. rostochiensis pathotype Ro1 to identify resistant plants. Ninety-two clones of eleven original interspecific potato hybrids obtained in crosses with the cultivated S. tuberosum group tuberosum, S. tuberosum group Andigena, S. tuberosum group Phureja and wild S. guerreroense, S. microdontum, S. kurtzianum, S. neoantipoviczii and S. tarijense potato species were screened in bioassays and by molecular markers. PCN resistant or moderately resistant clones were found among the progenies of nine hybrids. Results were highly correlated with resistance status detected by molecular markers linked to the H1 (marker 57R) and Gro1-4 (marker Gro1) genes. Marker CP113 (linked to the H1 gene) was not polymorphic and failed to detect resistance status. Combination of foliar late blight resistance and resistance to PCN was identified in hybrids obtained in crosses with plants of species S. microdontum, S. tarijense and S. phureja and in the hybrid between S. guerreroense and Black’s P. infestans race differential carrying gene R-5.
Induction of Polyploidy in Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × Giganteus Greef Et Deu.)
Authors: Melnychuk Oleksandr V. , Ozheredov Serhiy , Rakhmetov Dzhamal B. , Shysha Olena O. , Rakhmetova Svitlana O. , Yemets Alla I. , Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: July 2020

Results of obtaining miscanthus polyploid lines using both classic and new dinitroanilines to improve productivity of biomass as well as quality for biofuel production are represented. All of compounds applied in the study appeared to be able to induce poyploidy in Miscanthus × giganteus.It was found that new antimitotics have a lower phytotoxicity level compared to classic dinitroani-lines. Ploidy level of obtained lines was confirmed by cytological studies using light microscopy. These lines are acclimatised for growing in open soil conditions. Currently, morphometric parameters of selected lines are being studied and analysed.
Discrete Correlation of Order 2 of Generalized Rudin-Shapiro Sequences on Alphabets of Arbitrary Size
Authors: Tahay Pierre-Adrien
Published: July 2020

In 2009, Grant, Shallit, and Stoll [Acta Arith. 140 (2009), [345–368] constructed a large family of pseudorandom sequences, called generalized Rudin--Shapiro sequences, for which they established some results about the average of discrete correlation coefficients of order 2 in cases where the size of the alphabet is a prime number or a squarefree product of primes. We establish similar results for an even larger family of pseudorandom sequences, constructed via difference matrices, in the case of an alphabet of any size. The constructions generalize those from Grant et al. In the case where the size of the alphabet is squarefree and where there are at least two prime factors, we obtain an improvement in the error term by comparison with the result of Grant et al.
PENGARUH KAPASITAS SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA, PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN PENGENDALIAN INTERN TERHADAP KETEPATWAKTUAN PELAPORAN KEUANGAN DESA (STUDI PADA DESA DI KABUPATEN ACEH SELATAN)
Authors: Arighi Agung Muhammad , Darwanis Darwanis
Published: July 2020

This research aims to test the influence of human resources Capacity, utilization of information technology as well as internal control against the timeliness of financial reporting village. The population in this research is the entire village in Aceh Selatan Regency. Sampling techniques in the study is simple random sampling. The research of using primary data obtained through the filling of the questionnaire. The data collected as many as 73 a detailed questionnaire from the 260 villages that existed in South Aceh Regency. Data processing using SPSS tool Version 22. Statistical analysis is used in logistic regression is. The results showed that collectively the variable capacity of human resources, utilization of information technology as well as internal control against the timeliness of financial reporting village. Each partially independent variable affect the timeliness of financial reporting Village.
AKUNTABILITAS DAN TRANSPARANSI PELAPORAN KEUANGAN MASJID (STUDI EMPIRIS: MASJID JAMI’ DI KOTA BANDA ACEH)
Authors: Maulana Abrar Fauzi , Ridwan Ridwan
Published: July 2020

This research is aim to decribe the accountability and transparancy of  financial report of the Jami’ mosque in Banda Aceh. This  research is a describtive-qualitative research. This is a natural research in which the events are not conrolled research. The degree of the interference is a minimal interference. This research apllied cross sectional time horizon. The object of this research is Jami’ mosque in Banda Aceh and the subject of this research is the financial manager and BKM division of Jami’ mosque. The primary data collected by interview is used in this study. The results of this study indicate in general that the application of accountability and transparancy in the financial reporting of the Jami mosque 'in the city of Banda Aceh has not been implemented.
FATORES CONTINGENCIAIS NOS SISTEMAS DE INFORMAÇÃO GERENCIAL E SEU IMPACTO NA COMPETIÇÃO ORGANIZACIONAL: UM ESTUDO DE DOIS CASOS EM POSTOS DE COMBUSTÍVEL
Authors: Gomes Jéssica Karine de Oliveira , Pasquali Ketlyn Da Silva , Soutes Dione Olesczuk
Published: July 2020

O estudo teve por objetivo identificar de que maneira os fatores contingenciais estão sendo identificados na utilização dos sistemas de informação gerencial em postos de combustível. A metodologia enquadra-se como explicativa a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa e quanto aos procedimentos classifica-se como um estudo de caso comparativo, tendo como base um posto bandeirado e outro posto bandeira branca, ambos localizados em um município do oeste paranaense. Constatou-se que, no fator estratégia, o posto bandeira branca possui uma visão estratégica voltada a aprimorar os serviços e produtos já oferecidos, além de buscar crescimento constante e conquista de espaço; já no posto bandeirado, constatou-se de forma nítida a existência de uma postura estratégica mais conservadora. Quanto ao fator tecnologia, constatou-se que, mesmo o posto bandeirado possuindo respaldo da sua bandeira de escolha, não utiliza todos os pontos de controle do sistema, posição diferente do posto bandeira branca, que se utiliza de todas as ferramentas oferecidas, buscando até mesmo ampliar as ferramentas já existentes.