bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment Tasks to Measure Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking in Organic Chemistry
Authors: Timofte Roxana S. , Popuș Bianca T.
Published: December 2019

Humans of 21st century should possess higher order thinking skills such as critical thinking and systems thinking skills. Development and assessment of students’ critical thinking and systems thinking skills should be a crucial objective for every teacher. However, only relatively recently the scientists proposed models for the development of items to measure systems thinking and critical thinking. Herein are presented theoretical issues regarding systems thinking and critical thinking, as well as examples of items which could be used to assess systems thinking and critical thinking, on the topic of manipulation of functional groups in organic chemistry.
Niedokrwistość aplastyczna związana z zapaleniem wątroby
Authors: Iavorska Iuliia , Nowicki Mateusz , Grzelak Anna , Szmigielska-Kapłon Anna
Published: December 2019

Streszczenie

W pracy przedstawiono rzadką postać nabytej niedokrwistości aplastycznej (AA), anemię aplastyczną związaną z uszkodzeniem wątroby (hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia – HAAA). Choroba dotyczy młodych mężczyzn bez wcześniejszego wywiadu chorób przewlekłych. Najczęściej stwierdza się zapalenie wątroby przebiegające ze wzrostem enzymów wątrobowych, zazwyczaj również z hiperbilirubinemią. Po około 2-3 miesiącach od objawów zapalenia wątroby u chorych rozwija się niedokrwistość aplastyczna. U większości z tych pacjentów badania wirusologiczne są negatywne. Podejrzewa się zakażenie wirusami zapalenia wątroby trudnymi do identyfikacji, innymi niż wirusy A, B, C czy G. Efekty leczenia immunosupresyjnego oraz transplantacji komórek macierzystych hematopoezy są porównywalne w HAAA, jak w AA bez cech uszkodzenia wątroby.
Status of Some Escaped Ornament Perennials in the Flora of Latvia
Authors: Nāburga Inese , Evarts-Bunders Pēteris
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces eight ornamental perennial garden escapees that were recorded by the authors of this article on Lucavsala Island, Riga (Latvia) in 2016. Our data on Achillea ptarmica cv. ‘Boule de Neige’, Artemisia ludoviciana, Asclepias syriaca, Campanula lactiflora, Heliopsis helianthoides, Lathyrus latifolius, Phlox paniculata and Rudbeckia hirta contribute to the knowledge about the occurrence of these taxa in wild. All these species are also growing in the collection of ornamental perennials in the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia. A review of these species in Latvian herbarium collections has been conducted. Five species, Heliopsis helianthoides, Artemisia ludoviciana, Campanula lactiflora, Lathyrus latifolius, Phlox paniculata, were observed for the first time outside cultivation forming relatively stable, reproducing populations. Two species, Achillea ptarmica multiplex cultivar and Rudbeckia hirta, were previously observed in seminatural habitats and, thus, considered as casual aliens at the naturalization stage. One of the species, Asclepias syriaca, was considered a new to Latvia casual alien species with high potential of invasiveness.
A Comparative Laboratory Investigation into the Role of Geosynthetics in the Initial Swell Control of an Expansive Soil
Authors: James Jijo , Vijayasimhan Sivapriya , Srinivasan Hemavathi , Arulselvan Jayasri , Purushothaman Sathya , Paramasivam Murali
Published: December 2019

Volume change in expansive soils due to the intervention of water causes swell. A laboratory investigation using two different gbeosynthetic materials was designed to minimise the swell characteristics. The influence of three parameters, being geosynthetic material [Secutex (ST) and Combigrid (CG)], orientation (horizontal and vertical), and number of layers (1, 2, and 3) on the swell of an expansive soil was studied to better understand the potential for geosynthetics in swell control. The study on the immediate swell characteristics (limited to 24 hours) helps in gaining confidence in the use of geosynthetics in the swell control of expansive soils. From the investigation results, it was found that all three parameters, being type of material, orientation, and number of layers influenced the swell control of the soil. When two layers of ST and CG were placed both vertically and crossed, they reduced the swell of the virgin soil by almost 60% and 44%, respectively. It can, therefore, be concluded that geosynthetics can play an effective role in the swell control of expansive soils.
Probabilistic Safety Evaluation of a Concrete arch dam Based on Finite Element Modeling and A Reliability L-R Approach
Authors: Pouraminian Majid , Pourbakhshian Somayyeh , Farsangi Ehsan Noroozinejad , Fotoukian Reza
Published: December 2019

The safety assessment of the Pacoima arch dam is investigated in this paper. A Load – Resistance (L-R) method was used to ensure that the dam is safe or if it is at risk of failure. The “probabilistic design system” ANSYS finite element software was used to calculate the probability of failure. The Monte Carlo (MC) method with 50,000 iterations utilized for simulation and the Latin Hypercube method were used for Sampling. Input random variables with normal distribution and coefficient of variation of 15% due to uncertainties were considered and the six random variables used are the concrete modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio of concrete, concrete mass, up-stream normal water level of the reservoir, and the allowable tensile and compressive strength of the concrete. Linear elastic behavior was assumed for the constitutive law of concrete material and if the stress exceeds the allowable stress of the concrete this is considered as a failure limit state. The maximum and minimum principal stresses were considered as the output parameter. Dam body safety was investigated only under self-weight and upstream hydrostatic pressure at the normal water level. The probability of failure of the dam body system was determined as βsystem=3.98, the safety index as pfsystem =3.42×10−15 and the dam is at risk of failure. The first and third principal stresses in the dam body were also S1max=2.03MPa and S3min=4.6MPa, respectively for the worst case of MC simulation.
Estimation of the Hydraulic Width of the Subcatchment Depending on the Degree of Detail of the Drainage System Model
Authors: Nowogoński Ireneusz , Ogiołda Ewa , Musielak Marcin
Published: December 2019

The article presents the current state of knowledge in the field of estimating preliminary values of storm water subcatchment calibration parameters in the case of using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) for building a model of storm water drainage system. The key issue is estimating the runoff width in the case of reducing the network structure and storm water catchments due to the shortening of calculation time and simplification of the model calibration process. Correction of one of the recommended literature methods has been proposed. The assessment was based on the real catchment model with single and multi-family housing. It was found possible to apply the proposed method in the case of reducing systems connected in series.
Sludge Thermal Utilization, and the Circular Economy
Authors: Bień Jurand D. , Bień Beata
Published: December 2019

In 2015, the European Commission has adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), which includes measures that would help stimulate Europe’s transition towards a circular economy. In general four key action areas have been defined: production, consumption, waste management and secondary raw materials. Actions will lead to the resource-efficient and environmentally friendly outcomes. Biological materials should be returned to the natural metabolic cycles after necessary pre-treatment while waste that can not be prevented or recycled is to be used for the energy recovery. Sewage sludge is a large-tonnage waste produced at wastewater treatments plants (WWTPs). Its utilization causes some problems. High water content in sludge, hazardous substances as heavy metals, organic toxins and pathogens limit some potential methods of sludge utilization. Thermal treatment methods offer a solution, some hazardous substances can be destroyed or removed, energy can be recovered and some nutrients can be obtained from ash or other by-products.
Halogenated Organic Compounds in Water and in Wastewater
Authors: Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria , Wiśniowska Ewa
Published: December 2019

Currently, organic halogen compounds (halogen derivatives) are often identified in water. The paper presents the problem of the presence of these newly formed compounds during water treatment processes and their occurrence in sewage. The general indicator determining the content of these compounds in aqueous solutions is the concentration of halogen derivatives of organic compounds adsorbed on activated carbon AOX, which is converted to the concentration of chlorides. The groups of derivatives of halogenated organic compounds containing chlorine and/or bromine in a molecule were characterized, and the precursors and potential for the formation of these compounds in water were described. Moreover, technological methods to prevent and remove them were described.
The prevalence of selected genes involved in biofilm formation in Candida albicans isolated from the oral cavity
Authors: Kaminska Agnieszka , Malm Anna , Szymanska Jolanta
Published: December 2019

Introduction.
C. albicans genome sequencing enables investigation of the role of particular genes in biofilm formation involving the yeast-like fungi.

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the genotypes of C. albicans isolates on the basis of the presence of the selected genes involved in biofilm formation.

Material and methods. The study material included C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity of 654 healthy individuals. The strain biofilm-forming capacity was estimated with the MTT assay and menadione. The presence of HWP1, ALS3, TUP1, NGR1, SAM2 and CYS3 genes was investigated.

Results. In total, 15 gene combinations were found, including nine gene combinations for strains with a confirmed biofilm-forming capacity, 11 – for the strains without this capacity, and five – independent of biofilm-forming capacity. A combination involving all the genes occurred in 72.5% of all biofilm-forming strains and in 53.8% of all strains that do not form biofilm. Moreover, the genetic material of 14.3% of all strains not involved in biofilm formation did not contain any of the studied genes. For one of the biofilm-species, no analyzed genes were found.

Conclusions

1. The absence of correlation between gene combinations HWP1, ALS3, TUP1, NGR1, SAM2 and CYS3 and biofilm-forming capacity of the studied C. albicans strains confirms the multigenetic – and not yet fully known – molecular basis of the formation of this structure. This result corresponds to the data reported by other researchers.

2. Knowledge on the genetic foundations of biofilm formation is still developing and the list of biofilm-related genes has been considerably extended.

3. The absence of correlation between the combinations of investigated genes and the biofilm-forming capacity of the studied C. albicans strains confirms a multigenetic, basis of this structure.

4. The research on genes activated or inhibited during biofilm formation is extremely important, because it would enable the development of effective methods to disturb the biofilm forming process at the molecular level. There is a need for such methods in our clinical practice to prevent biofilm formation in the oral cavity.
Effect of early amniotomy on labor outcome in nulliparous women: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zandvakili Farnaz , Shahgheibi Sholeh , Farhadifar Fariba , Seyedoshohadaei Fariba , Khalili Ameneh
Published: December 2019

Early amniotomy is one of the main interventions to enhance the labor progress and prevent dystocia in pregnant women. However, the efficacy of amniotomy has not been approved via labor-related indices and outcomes and has remained a subject for debate and future research. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early amniotomy on labor indices and outcomes in nulliparous women. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 151 singleton pregnant women who were referred to Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran, from March 2016 to March 2018. Participants were randomly divided into an early amniotomy (EA) group and a control group. Duration of the first and second phases of labor, corioamionit, dystocia rate, Apgar score at the first and fifth minutes, prolonged labor and post-partum haemorrhage were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Data were recorded in a checklist and analysed using SPSS Version 23. The p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results showed that labor indices such as duration of the first and second phases, Apgar score one and five minutes after delivery and frequency of prolonged labor, foetal distress and postpartum haemorrhage were significantly improved in patients of the early amniotomy group, compared with the control group (p≤0.05). Early amniotomy significantly decreased the total labor duration without significant increase in the rate of maternal and neonatal complications.
The role of tumor-derived exosomes in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression
Authors: Gluszko Alicja , Mirza Shafaq M. , Piszczatowska Katarzyna , Kantor Ireneusz , Struga Marta , Szczepanski Miroslaw J.
Published: December 2019

Exosomes, belonging to the group of extracellular bodies, are released by healthy as well as cancerous cells and serve as a communication pathway. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) possess the capacity to reprogram the function of normal cells owing to their genetic and molecular cargo. Such exosomes target endothelial cells (among others) in the tumor microenvironment to promote angiogenesis. Blood supply is essential in solid tumor growth and metastasis. The potential of pro-angiogenic changes is enhanced by an increased amount of circulating tumor-derived exosomes in the body fluids of cancer patients. A vascular network is important, since the proliferation, as well as the metastatic spread of cancer cells depends on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, and the removal of waste products. New blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are formed through processes called angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, respectively. Angiogenesis is regulated by both activator and inhibitor molecules. Thousands of patients have received anti-angiogenic therapy to date. Despite their theoretical efficacy, anti-angiogenic treatments have not proved beneficial in terms of long-term survival. Tumor-derived exosomes carrying pro-angiogenic factors might be a target for new anti-cancer therapy.
Hypoglycemic activity of Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) aqueous extract in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Halenova Tetiana , Raksha Natalia , Kravchenko Olha , Vovk Tetiana , Yurchenko Alona , Vareniuk Igor , Savchuk Olexii , Ostapchenko Ludmila
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit walls of Phaseolus vulgaris pods and to examine the potential mechanism underlying the improvement of the glycemic level. In the course of the study, diabetes mellitus was induced in rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg·kg−1 b.w.). Diabetic and control rats were then orally administered with a single-dose or repeated-dose (28 day) of P. vulgaris extract (200 mg·kg−1). Results show that the extract was found to possess significant hypoglycemic activity, and the study of glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm suggests that the aqueous extract may enhance the peripheral utilization of glucose. The subsequent experiments have revealed that the P. vulgaris extract could increase glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) content in skeletal muscle cells of control and diabetic rats. Our data also indicate that the P. vulgaris extract did not affect the content of the insulin receptor, but significantly reduced the total tyrosine kinase activity in skeletal muscle cells of both experimental groups of rats. The present results clearly indicated that P. vulgaris extract may be beneficial for reducing hyperglycemia through its potency in regulation of glucose utilization via GLUT-4, but the current mechanism remains to be unidentified.
Comparison of TGF-β, IL-10 levels and LMP-1 in gastric and oropharyngeal carcinoma associated with EBV infection
Authors: Dworzanska Anna , Strycharz-Dudziak Malgorzata , Kliszczewska Ewa , Drop Bartlomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata
Published: December 2019

Increasing interest has been focused on the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and gastric cancer (GC). Different cytokines, growth factors and proteins take part in oncogenesis. The aim of our study was to generate a comparison of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) levels, as well as latent membrane protein (LMP-1), Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (EBVCA), Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) and early antigen (EA) frequency in the serum of patients with GC and OPC. The study involved 50 patients with diagnosed GC and 50 patients with OPC. All studied patients were EBV positive. Fresh-frozen tumor tissue fragments were tested using nested PCR assay for EBV DNA detection. Sera from all individuals were investigated using ELISA tests to detect the presence of EBVCA IgG, EBNA IgG, EA IgG, as well as to determine the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. In patients with GC, the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were significantly higher than in OPC patients. However, the frequency and level of EBVCA, EBNA and EA in patients with OPC and GC were not significantly different. In contrast, TGF-β and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in EBVaGC, as compared to OPC, suggesting their role in gastric carcinogenesis. The differences in frequency of LMP-1 detection in patients with OPC and GC may suggest different mechanism of oncogenesis. Further studies are required to clarify the role of Epstein-Barr virus in cancer development.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Absurd, As We Also Have Given It to Our Absurd-mongers! One Look at the Absurd in Romanian Culture
Authors: Ciobanu Estella
Published: December 2019

An unpublished piece of prose in the style of Romanian writer Urmuz has rekindled my interest in absurdist writings and/or absurd cases which, in Romanian culture, are associated with the likes of Urmuz, Caragiale or Ionesco. I will ponder here, with the aid of the aforementioned authors and also by comparing their work with Lewis Carroll’s, the absurdist spirit of certain Romanian literary and dramatic pieces, or only of certain scenes therein, to propose a typology of the absurd as distinct from satire (the latter often a companion piece to the former). Mine is an investigation that crisscrosses texts, cultures and ages more than it offers an in-depth analysis by recourse to concepts and theories; asks questions more than it offers answers; plays more than it does sober research; and laughs – lest it should weep.
I vs. We. First Person Personal Pronouns in Political Speeches
Authors: Stănculete Ilina-Mihaela
Published: December 2019

The present article reports on a case study that focuses, comparatively, on the extent to which Romania’s Prime Minister Adrian Năstase and UK’s Prime Minister Tony Blair reveal their intentions and thoughts in their investment speeches, by the use of the personal pronouns I and we. The number of occurrences of each of the two first person pronouns and the way in which they are used will be considered in an analysis that is both quantitative and qualitative. The overall aim of the comparative approach is to highlight how democracy is seen in the cases scrutinized, based on the activation by the speakers of the principle of cooperation in oral communication.
The influence of genotype and season on the biological potential of chilli pepper cultivars
Authors: Kopta Tomáš , Šlosár Miroslav , Andrejiová Alena , Jurica Miloš , Pokluda Robert
Published: December 2019

The aim of this work was to evaluate the yield parameters (number of fruits per plant, total yield per plant and average fruit weight), level of ascorbic acid, and pungency (SHU units) of different genotypes of chilli pepper in protected cultivation in the Czech Republic in order to identify a suitable and prospective chilli cultivar which could be recommended to the Central European growers. The experiment took place in two years (2016 and 2018) in a plastic greenhouse with 17 genotypes of the species Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L., C. baccatum L. and C. pubescens Ruiz. & Pav. From the viewpoint of yield parameters and stability of yield, ‘Habanero Red’, ‘Jamaican Yellow’, ‘Jwala’ and ‘Rocoto Orange’ can be recommended for Czech conditions. The majority of the tested cultivars were a good source of vitamin C (mostly reaching a value of at least 800 mg kg−1). From the perspective of pungency, the following cultivars can be recommended: low pungency – Fish, Jalapeño, Jwala, Pimiento de Padrón and Rocoto Orange; medium pungency – Cayenne Gold, NuMex Piñata and Scotch Bonnet Orange; and high pungency – Aji Lemon Drop, Cayenne Purple, TMSR and Tricolor Variegata.
Iodosalicylates and iodobenzoates supplied to tomato plants affect the antioxidative and sugar metabolism differently than potassium iodide
Authors: Halka Mariya , Smoleń Sylwester , Ledwożyw-Smoleń Iwona , Sady Włodzimierz
Published: December 2019

Iodine is considered as a beneficial element for plants. As compared to the mineral form of iodine, the effect of organoiodine compounds on physiological and biochemical processes in plants is weakly recognized. This study describes the influence of different forms of iodine – mineral as KI and organic as iodosalicylates and iodobenzoates on the antioxidative and sugar metabolism of tomato plants. Plants were treated with KI and with the following organoiodine compounds: 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (3,5-diISA), 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA) and 4-iodobenzoic acid (4-IBeA). The effect of salicylic acid (SA) and benzoic acid (BeA) on plants was also tested. The plants revealed a lower tolerance to 3,5-diISA, 4-IBeA and slightly to BeA as compared to control. Tested compounds did not affect the content of ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHA) acid. All tested compounds, with the exception of 2-IBeA, did not affect the content of phenols, phenylpropanoids and anthocyanins in leaves. Tested compounds variously modified the activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbic peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) in leaves and roots. The content of soluble sugars in tomato leaves and roots varied depending on the combination, with a noticeable tendency to increase after the application of organoiodine compounds.
Towards Sustainable Urban Development: the Ukrainian situation
Authors: Gazzola Patrizia , Dymchenko Olena , Sribnyi Volodymyr , Panova Olena
Published: December 2019

The continuing process of urbanization sets up urgent issues of environmental degradation resulting in disrupting opportunities to enhance quality of life of the population. In Ukraine, the anthropogenic and human impacts on the environment are several times higher than in developed countries. Thus, life expectancy in Ukraine is on average around 68 years (e.g. in Italy – 82, Sweden - 80, Poland - 74) which is largely due to the environmental pollution which is the result of production activities of mining, metallurgy, chemical industries, fuel and energy complex. Therefore, there is a strong need in the Ukrainian society to address the consequences of powerful external forces as environmental pollution and climate change, and internal forces as socioeconomic development. These forces play a role at all levels but are prevalent at urban levels. Cities are not isolated entities; they interact with their surroundings, economically, socio-politically and environmentally. Urban development toward sustainability has to consider the capacity of the entire ecosystem to support such development including the prevention and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts of the outside urban areas. Hence, cities are unique territories to implement green economy opportunities to ensure the development of sustainable societies. Exploring different dimensions of sustainability should be connected with the exploration of urban processes and developments on a global level. This connection shows how sustainability can be destroyed or ensured. Sustainability should be based on social cohesion in local urban areas and contribute to sustainable urban development.
Chemical Composition, Nutritional Functions, and Antioxidant Activities of Honeys in Africa
Authors: Tahir Haroon Elrasheid , Mariod Abdalbasit A. , Mahunu Gusta , Xiaobo Zou
Published: December 2019

Honey production in Africa is considered an integral part of folk medicine and provides an opportunity for poor rural communities to increase their economic sustainability. In this review, we provide and discuss the data available on the positive nutritional value and health properties of honey harvested from Africa. Besides sugar, honey contains protein and amino acids, with proline which is about 50% of the total amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, some minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, P, S), trace elements (Mn, Ni, Li, F, I, Cl, Sr, Co) and polyphenol compounds. The paper reviewed studies on the use of African honey with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-breast cancer, antidiabetic and antimycotic properties and also its positive effects on infertility (asthenozoospermia), febrile neutropenia and diabetic foot ulcers.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Russian Far-East Apis cerana with Other North Asian Populations
Authors: Ilyasov Rustem A. , Youn Han Gi , Lee Myeong-lyeol , Kim Kil Won , Proshchalykin Maxim Y. , Lelej Arkady S. , Takahashi Jun-ichi , Kwon Hyung Wook
Published: December 2019

Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 is the eastern honeybee species distributed throughout Asia from the tropical climate in the southern part to the temperate climate in the northern part. We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of A. cerana from Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai of the Russian Far East and uploaded it to the database GenBank (AP018450). MtDNA sequence has 15,919 bp length, AT-content 84% and GC-content 16% and contains 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, one AT-rich region and four non-coding intergenic regions (NC1-4). All proteincoding genes start with ATT and ATG codons, except for ATC, the start codon of the ATP8 gene, which and stop with the common stop codons TAA and TAG. A comparative analysis of complete mtDNA of A. cerana from China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan found that the Russian Far East Apis cerana differed from others on the subspecies level. Based on the comparative analysis of complete mtDNA (~16,000 bp), nuclear DNA (nDNA) gene Vitellogenin (VG) (~4,100 bp) and morphological measurements (six parameters), we assumed that the Russian Far-East A. cerana can be a distinct northern Asia population and can be described as a separate unique subspecies of A. c. ussuriensis subsp. nov. A. c. koreana subsp. nov. is also validated and described as a new subspecies.
Prospects and Validity of Laboratory Cage Tests Conducted in Honeybee Research Part one: Main Directions of Use of Laboratory Cage Tests in Honeybee Research
Authors: Dziechciarz Piotr , Borsuk Grzegorz , Olszewski Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

For more than forty years, laboratory cage tests (LCTs) have been used in honeybee research. These tests facilitate the control of elements of the environment present in the laboratory, which allows the minimization of the impact of the changing environmental conditions and conditions in the bee colony nest on the studied features. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the content of the genetic component of a particular trait and to assess the impact of a specific substance or tested agent on the traits of bees.

An advantage of LCTs is the possibility of conducting easier and cheaper research than in the case of apiary experiments. LCTs allow a significant reduction in the number of required bees/colonies, investigations of a winter bee generation and individual treatment of a single bee. One of the first research directions in which LCTs were used was the instantaneous assessment of the honey yield. Due to discrepancies between LCT assessment and results of apiary productivity, LCTs are currently not a standard tool for the assessment and improvement of bee functional traits despite such undoubted advantages as reducing the time and cost of the evaluation. Moreover, LCTs are being used to assess the genetic and environmental conditions of workers’ lifespan and are a standard method for assessing the impact of pesticides on bees.
Ascending Excitatory and Inhibitory Motor Activity of Colonic Longitudinal and Circular Muscles in Rat Model
Authors: Gorcheva Zornitsa V. , Stavreva Galya Ts. , Negrev Negrin N. , Radomirov Radomir G.
Published: December 2019

In this experiment we studied the role of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmissions in the ascending reflex pathways in isolated rat colon. Partitioned organ bath, electrical field stimulation (EFS), drugs and isolated preparations were used to evaluate motor activity of (LM) and circular muscles (CM). Ascending motor responses of LM and CM were frequency-dependent contraction, significantly more expressed in LM. Atropine (0.3 µM) decreased ascending contractions of LM. During atropine treatment spantide (0.1 µM) further suppressed ascending contractile motor responses. In the presence of atropine, L-NNA (0.5 mM) restored ascending contractions of LM, while contractions were strongly depressed after addition of L-arginine (0.5 mM). Ascending response in CM, caused by atropine, consisted of an initial relaxation followed by contraction. Spantide decreased the contraction. L-NNA reduced the relaxation and significantly restored the atropine-influenced contraction, while L-arginine induced a deep relaxation of CM. The presence of ChAT, SP-containing nerve cell bodies and fibers and NADPH-diaphorase-reactive cell bodies and processes in myenteric ganglia were detected. The results indicated that nitric oxide is an important modulator of ascending cholinergic and tachykininergic excitation in colonic region of the large intestine of rats.
A Study on the Role of Thrombophilic Genetic Disorders as a Risk Factor for Thrombotic Complications in Patients with Myeloproliferative Disorders
Authors: Todorieva-Todorova Doroteya K. , Kovacheva Katya S. , Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Trifonov Stefan V. , Stavreva Galya Ts. , Rashev Tihomir R. , Todorov Alexander A. , Ivanov Petar D.
Published: December 2019

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are haematological diseases, characterized by clonal hematopoiesis. Hemostasis abnormalities are among the most critical and frequent complications, affecting the quality of life and a possible reason for death. Thrombotic complications are common and multifactorial. Our aim was to study some genetic thrombophilia factors – Factor V Leiden (FVL), G20210A mutation in prothrombin gene (PR G20210A) and PLA2 allele polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa gene (GPIIIa gene), and their frequency and association with thrombotic risk in both Philadelphia-positive and Philadelphia-negative MPN – chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary and secondary myelofibrosis (MF). In our patient population, PLA2 allele polymorphism of GPIIIa gene proved to be the most common and significantly associated with thrombotic complications – 26.85% of our patients were carriers, and 24.14% of them reported thrombotic complications.
A Comparative Study of Hysteroscopic Morcellation or Resection of Uterine Polyps
Authors: Lyubenov Aleksandar D. , Tomov Slavcho T. , Kiprova Desislava K. , Gorchev Grigor A. , Tsvetanova Kameliya T.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to analyse the intraoperative parameters of hysteroscopic morcellation (HM) and conventional resectoscopy in the treatment of uterine polyps (UP). A total of 177 patients with ultrasound imaging of UP were included in a prospective study from February 2015 to February 2017. Out of them, 98 (55.4%) underwent HM and 79 (44.6%) had hysteroscopic resection (HR). We analyzed the following intraoperative parameters: total duration of the procedure, total operating time, time for dilation, actual operating time for HM/HR, the total amount of fluid distension media and fluid deficit. The mean operating time, measured as a total duration of the procedure, total operating time and actual operating time, was significantly shorter in the HM group, as compared to HR group, 8.27 and 19.48 minutes (min) – p<0.001, 6.15 and 16.33 min (p<0.001), 3.28 and 11.70 min (p<0.001), respectively. The total amount of fluid distension media was trustworthy lower in the HM group compared to HR, 446.02 ml and 2225.57 millilitres (ml) – p<0.001, respectively, as well as for the fluid deficit parameter – respectively 83.78 ml and 413.48 ml (p<0.001). This warrants the assumption that HM is an effective alternative to conventional resectoscopy for removal of UP with a favorable perioperative outcome.
Diagnostics and Treatment of Cervical Causes of Infertility
Authors: Kunev Aleksandar K.
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, infertility is a problem that affects an increasing number of people. The causes of infertility in a couple may be due to a variety of factors – female, male or unexplained. One of the common problems associated with infertility in women is related to uterine cervical diseases. The cervix is an essential part of the sperm passage, so various disorders in the cervix structure and function may be the cause of infertility. The study aimed to identify the leading cervical causes of female infertility, methods of treatment and their success. The most common problems of cervical origin are cervical polyps and stenosis of the cervical canal. They are easily diagnosed with a routine gynaecological examination and ultrasound examination. Polyps are removed through polypectomy, and after that, a natural pregnancy can be achieved. In the case of stenosis of the cervical canal, there are two treatment options – dilation or intrauterine insemination (IUI). In younger patients and lack of male factor in the couple, dilation is performed. Dilation is mechanical with classic Hegar dilatiors or with synthetic hygroscopic dilatiors (Dilapan). If, in addition to the stenosis of the cervical canal in a woman, there is a male factor, treatment with IUI is preferred. Methods for cervical factor treatment vary in their success rate but are generally characterised by good results.
Clinical Characteristics of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Co-Morbid with Panic Disorder and the Effectiveness of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Its Treatment
Authors: Iakimova Rossitza K. , Aptalidis Daniil C. , Pandova Milena S. , Stoyanova Maria B. , Stoimenova-Popova Maya Y.
Published: December 2019

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is often co-morbid with panic disorder (PD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRis) are the first-line treatment for both PMS and PD when they manifest separately, but their co-occurrence often complicates the treatment. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical picture of PMS, co-morbid with PD and the way it changes under 6-month SSRI treatment course. For that purpose, we conducted a longitudinal interventional study. We examined 30 women suffering from PMS and a current episode of PD, verified through premenstrual screening tool (PSST) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.6.0.), respectively. Before treatment initiation, irritability, mood lability, anxiety, breast tension and tenderness, changes in appetite, headaches, palpitations, and abdominal bloating were most common. The somatic symptoms were more than twice as common as the psychological. After 6 months of treatment, most of the symptoms mentioned above were still present but less severe. Forty per cent of the women recovered completely. It seems that in cases of comorbidity between PMS and PD, though somatic symptoms are more common, SSRIs are an effective option for managing both somatic and psychological symptoms.
Epidemiological Study on the Incidence of Hearing Impairment in Children Up to 3 Years of Age and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Atanasova Kremena K. , Nikolov Georgi N. , Simeonova Joana I. , Duhlenski Boris I.
Published: December 2019

Early diagnosis of congenital hearing impairment is of great importance to later development and social life of the affected newborns. Otoacoustic emission screening test (OAEs) is a useful tool for early evaluation of hearing in neonates and infants. Some specific risk factors (RFs) associated with prenatal, birth and early postnatal periods may influence the first screening results and further diagnostic findings. Results from OAEs in newborns in University Hospital in Pleven between 2013-2015 years are analyzed. In low birth weight children (under 2500 grams or g), and those born before the 36th gestation week (GW), we found deviations in the OAEs. A negative test result proved higher in newborns subjected to oxygen therapy during the first hours after birth (15.5%), as well as in newborns with higher leucocytes count (11.0%) or higher serum bilirubin value immediately after birth. The average birth weight of the newborns was lower in the cases with negative test results (2848.7±506.5 g) and unilateral negative test results (2823.3±535.2 g), as compared with the group with positive test results (3191.9±387.9 g). Elevated bilirubin levels were more frequently established and can be expected with higher probability in low birth weight children. They shall be subject to a follow-up in time, and newborns with initial negative test result shall undergo a second test 2 months after birth. Long term monitoring is recommended for newborns with these risk factors.
Regressive Myocardial Infarction with ST Elevation (STEMI) Treated with Conservative Medicinal Therapy
Authors: Karaky Alexis Al , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snezhanka T.
Published: December 2019

The case presented is that of a young man with atypical pathogenesis of myocardial infarction with ST-elevation (STEMI) after physical stress. It was provoked by partial thrombosis of the distal segment of the left main coronary artery (LM) at the bifurcation of the left anterior descending artery. After the emergency treatment, the disease process underwent reverse development without any consequences for left ventricular kinetics.
Double Cystic Duct as Rare Anatomic Variant
Authors: Valero-Liñán Antonio Serafin , Stoyanov Toni I. , Sanchez-Gallego Alba , Garcia-Grimaldo Elías , Gonzalez-Masiá José Antonio , de Llama José Ignacio Miota , Conde-Inarejos Belén , Luengo-Ballester Olga , Aguado-Rodríguez Beatriz , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Tonchev Pencho T.
Published: December 2019

The variations of the cystic duct are so common that only 30% of all humans present the classical anatomical arrangement between the common bile duct (CBD), the cystic duct, and adjacent arteries. Thus, it could be considered that anomalies of the biliary tree are a rule rather than an exception. Duplication of the cystic duct, however, is a very uncommon anatomical finding. In the Department of General and Digestive Surgery of the University Hospital Complex Albacete, a 73-year-old patient was admitted with symptoms of cholangitis. He underwent emergency surgery that found exacerbated chronic cholecystitis and dilation of the CBD. Cholecystectomy was performed with identification of a double cystic duct that drained separately in the CBD and exploration of the last revealed cholangitis without choledocholithiasis. The postoperative period progressed favourably, proceeding to discharge from the hospital with Kehr drainage closed. In conclusion, we consider that the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography when there is suspicion of anatomical variations of the biliary tree is mandatory to rule out lesions or alterations thereof.
Follow-Up of Neuropsychological Development During the First Postnatal Year in Infants with Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Itova Tatyana D. , Georgieva Victoria A. , Nedkova Vanya N.
Published: December 2019

It is believed that 98% of newborns have elevated serum bilirubin levels, but only about 60% have clinic of jaundice. Severe late neurological effects should not be observed if the serum bilirubin levels are well controlled. To follow-up the motor and mental development during the first year of life in infants suffered from neonatal jaundice. The study includes 92 term babies, divided in four groups: A – without jaundice, B – with jaundice treated by phototherapy in the 1st week , C - intensive jaundice during the first 14 postnatal days , D – intensive prolonged jaundice . Studied indicators: birth weight , gestational age, sex, delivery mode, Apgar score, maternal age and education, domicile, bilirubin serum levels during hospital stay, transcutaneous bilirubin levels ambulatory. Neuro-psychological development was assessed monthly until the 1-year-age.We found that groups were comparable across the all indicators except for residence, with significant difference for groups B and D. There was a statistically significant development delay in the Group D compared to the other three groups in the all studied age periods. All the cases of prolonged jaundice were resolved until the age of 3rd month. According to our data, prolonged jaundice compromises the first-year-psychomotor- development of the infants.
Evaluation of Chronic Groin Pain Rates After TEP Hernioplasty – A Single-Center Study
Authors: Dimitrov Dobromir D.
Published: December 2019

Total extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP) has become increasingly used by surgeons. The TEP procedure is technically more challenging due to space constraints and has a higher learning curve. Chronic groin pain after inguinal hernia repair has become the dominant outcome investigated rather than recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the rate of chronic groin pain after TEP inguinal hernia repair performed at the Department of Surgical Oncology in G. Stranski University Hospital – Pleven. The procedures performed totaled 36. There was one conversion, and the patient was excluded from the study because the procedure performed was not laparoscopic. Distribution according to inguinal hernia type was: 41.7% - indirect hernia (15), 36.1% - direct hernia (13), 13.9% combined (5), and 8.3% femoral (3). Twenty-eight of the patients (80%) had preoperative pain. Two of the patients with chronic groin pain had had their meshes fixed with tacks (14.3% from the tack group with p=0.7). Our study showed that the TEP procedure is a safe, feasible operation with minimal risk for complications. Using tacks for mesh fixation is associated with higher rates of chronic groin pain, but it does not affect the recurrence rate, which correlates with the literature review data.
Integrated Approach to Estimate Land Use Intensity for Hungary
Authors: Mezősi Gábor , Meyer Burghard C. , Bata Teodóra , Kovács Ferenc , Czúcz Bálint , Ladányi Zsuzsanna , Blanka Viktória
Published: December 2019

An integrated approach was applied in this article to provide a medium-scale map of land use intensity for Hungary. The main goal was to estimate its value by a small set of parameters, which are freely available and have a high resolution. The basis of the evaluation was the CORINE 2012 dataset, and a matrix method was applied to integrate the ratio of natural/semi-natural vegetation, woody vegetation and the Natural Capacity Index in the assessment to describe the complex approach of land use intensity. The medium level land use intensity map provides information for decision makers/landscape planners on the current status and spatial pattern of anthropogenic impact and indicates those hot-spots where land use intensity is high and should be focused research and management to intervene in order to encourage sustainable land use. 46% of the arable lands in Hungary show the most intensive land use. Comparing the map with the previously published hemeroby map of Hungary, more intensive impact on landscape transformation through human action was found. In agricultural areas both researches agree that the intensity and human activity is really high, and the lowest intensity class is rare in Hungary except for mountain regions and protected areas.
Preparing teachers for the application of AI-powered technologies in foreign language education
Authors: Pokrivcakova Silvia
Published: December 2019

As any other area of human lives, current state of foreign language education has been greatly influenced by the latest developments in the modern information communication technologies. The paper focuses specifically on the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), which includes a wide range of technologies and methods, such as machine learning, adaptive learning, natural language processing, data mining, crowdsourcing, neural networks or an algorithm, into foreign language learning and teaching.

First, the paper is concerned with changes brought to foreign language education specifically through the application of AI-powered tools and discusses ICALL (intelligent computer assisted language learning) as a subset of CALL. Second, it summarizes eight types of AI-powered tools for foreign language education and related results of the existing research, however scarce it is. Third, it discusses the frame for effective preparation of foreign language teachers in order to integrate AI-powered tools into their teaching to make it easier, less time-consuming and more effective. The author argues for reconsideration of the existing frames of requirements for CALL teachers.
Measurement of238U,232Th and222Rn concentrations in different table oils samples. Determination of committed effective doses received by consumers following the ingestion of table oil.
Authors: Touti Rodouan
Published: December 2019

The main objective of our work is to measure238U,232Th,222Rn and220Rn in different table oil samples using a method based on the use of two types of solid nuclear track detectors: CR- 39 and LR-115 II in order to determine the doses of radiation received by the individuals following ingestion of the samples of table oil studied. Indeed, we have developed an original method based on the determination of the detection efficiencies of CR-39 and LR-115 II solid nuclear track detectors for alpha particles emitted from the uranium 238 and thorium 232 series to evaluate238U,232Th,222Rn and220Rn concentrations in different table oil samples. We were able to determine doses of radiation due to238U,232Th and222Rn received by individuals of the Moroccan, French, Italy, Spain and Tunisia populations following the ingestion of table oil.

The effective doses committed due to238U,232Th, and222Rn following the ingestion of the table oil by the consumers were determined. The maximum total committed effective dose was found equal to (10±0.7) µSv·y−1of the Moroccan population, (11.6±0.7) µSv·y−1of the French population, (10.3±0.7) µSv.y−1of the Italian population, (10.4±0.5) µSv·y−1of the Spanish population and (10.5±0.7) µSv·y−1of the Tunisian population is much lower than the average dose given by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation [1] for ingestion (0.2 to 0.8 mSv·y−1). The results obtained using our method are in very good agreement with those obtained using the model of the International Commission on Radiological Protection