bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the issue of the use of bacteriological weapons, IT technologies, and security
Authors: De Serio Ludovico , Sarsenbayev Vadim , Semenyuk Vladislav
Published: April 2021

This article describes modern technologies that affect the statehood and politics of countries in general. The article deals with the main issues of security in the field of medicine and IT technologies. The study examines the impact of the pandemic and cybersecurity on the lives of citizens in general. An analysis of the technologies that are used in countries in cases of a pandemic is carried out and the issues of the influence of the Internet space on the consciousness of people are considered.
COVID-19 and Third Age: psychological relapses of “new behaviours”
Authors: Amoretti Guido
Published: April 2021

The pandemic has forced many countries to introduce restrictions on individual freedom and to support the adoption of hygienically responsible behaviour in order to contain the spread of the infection. The elderly, one of the most fragile sections of the population, have paid and are paying the highest price in terms of contagion and deaths. In Italy, for example, the average age of patients who have died and are positive for SARS-CoV- 2 is 80 years (median 82, range 0–109, InterQuartile Range - IQR 74–88). The median age of SARSCoV- 2 positive deceased patients is over 30 years higher than that of infected patients (median age: deceased patients 82 years - infected patients 48 years) [data from Istituto Superiore di Sanita updated 18/11/2020]. It is clear that preventive measures are essential to preserve the elderly from the risk of contracting COVID- 19. The psychological impact on the elderly and their relatives of the introduction of “new behaviours” and health safety rules that greatly limit social relationships will be discussed. The medium and long term effects of the various forms of isolation that affect both those living in the family and those who are guests of dedicated facilities concern both emotional and cognitive aspects. The risk is that at the end of the pandemic emergency a large number of elderly people will face increasing levels of non-self-sufficiency and the need for medical and health interventions, which were not necessary in the pre-pandemic phase.
Practical Rhythm and Time Projection
Authors: Berszán István
Published: April 2021

In his article “Practical Rhythm and Time Projection”, István Berszán presents first a poetic experiment of Wordsworth in order to answer the question how to enter the rhythm of a happening. The argumentation is based on the assumption that Plato’s “allegory” of the cave is an experiment rather than a rhetorical construction and invokes contemporary string theory to show that everything that happens has its kinetic space as a special complementary rhythmic dimension. A second example reveals how Alain Badiou projects Saint Paul’s teaching and practice to the kinetic space of militant leftist struggle. The article concludes that instead of understanding allegory as a replacement based on similarity in the same rhetoric space, we have to take into consideration – or learn how to take into consideration – the multiple rhythmic dimensions of compared happenings.
A Distant View of Close Reading: On Irony and Terrorism around 1977
Authors: Fogarasi György
Published: April 2021

In his article “A Distant View of Close Reading: On Irony and Terrorism around 1977,” György Fogarasi investigates the contemporary critical potentials of close reading in the light of recent developments in computation assisted analysis. While rhetorical reading has come to appear outdated in a “digital” era equipped with widgets for massive archival analysis (an era, namely, more keen on “distant,” rather than “close,” reading), Paul de Man’s insights concerning irony might prove useful in trying to account for the difficulties we must face in a world increasingly permeated with dissimulative forms of threat and violence. The article draws on three major texts from 1977: de Man’s draft on “Literature Z,” his lecture on “The Concept of Irony,” and the first and second Geneva Protocols. The reading of these texts purports to demonstrate the relevance of de Man’s theory of irony with respect to the epistemology of “terrorism,” but it also serves as an occasion to reflect upon questions of distance, speed, range, scale, or frequency, and the chances of “rhythmanalysis.”
Dynamic Strength Index: Relationships with Common Performance Variables and Contextualization of Training Recommendations
Authors: Suchomel Timothy J. , Sole Christopher J. , Bellon Christopher R. , Stone Michael H.
Published: April 2021

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between dynamic strength index (DSI) and other strength-power performance characteristics and to contextualize DSI scores using case study comparisons. 88 male and 67 female NCAA division I collegiate athletes performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP) during a pre-season testing session as part of a long-term athlete monitoring program. Spearman’s correlations were used to assess the relationships between DSI and CMJ peak force, height, modified reactive strength index, peak power and IMTP peak force and rate of force development (RFD). Very large relationships existed between DSI and IMTP peak force (r = -0.848 and -0.746), while small-moderate relationships existed between DSI and CMJ peak force (r = 0.297 and 0.313), height (r = 0.108 and 0.167), modified reactive strength index (r = 0.174 and 0.274), and IMTP RFD (r = -0.341 and -0.338) for men and women, respectively. Finally, relationships between DSI and CMJ peak power were trivial-small for male (r = 0.008) and female athletes (r = 0.191). Case study analyses revealed that despite similar DSI scores, each athlete’s percentile rankings for each variable and CMJ force-time characteristics were unique, which may suggest different training emphases are needed. Based on the explained variance, an athlete’s IMTP performance may have a larger influence on their DSI score compared to the CMJ. DSI scores should be contextualized using additional performance data to ensure each individual athlete receives the appropriate training stimulus during different training phases throughout the year.
Gender and Age Related Differences in Leg Stiffness and Reactive Strength in Adolescent Team Sports Players
Authors: Lehnert Michal , Croix Mark De Ste , Svoboda Zdeněk , Elfmark Milan , Sikora Ondřej , Stastny Petr
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present study was to identify potential gender differences in leg stiffness and reactive strength during hopping tasks in 13 to16-year old team sports players. Reactive strength index (RSI) and leg stiffness were obtained in two consecutive seasons from 51 girls (U14: n = 31, U16: n = 20) and 65 boys (U14: n = 32, U16: n = 33). A significant main effect on absolute (U14: p = 0.022, η2= 0.084; U16: p < 0.001, η2= 0.224) and relative leg stiffness (U14 p<0.001; η2= 0.195; U16; p = 0.008, η2= 0.128) for gender was found in both groups with values higher in boys than in girls. For absolute and relative stiffness gender differences in the U14 group were significant in the 1st year only (p=0.027 and p=0.001), and for the U16s in the 2nd year only (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022). For RSI, a significant main effect for gender was observed in the U16 group only (p < 0.001 η2= 0.429) with values significantly higher in boys than in girls in both years of measurement (p = 0.001; p < 0.001). Results of this study support previous limited findings, mostly related to non-athletes, suggesting lower stretch-shortening cycle capability in adolescence female compared to male, however our data only partly supports the theory that quality of neuromuscular functions increases with age until post puberty.
Influence of Attentional Manipulation on Jumping Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Makaruk Hubert , Starzak Marcin , Marak Porter Jared
Published: April 2021

Enhancing jumping ability can lead to substantial benefits in sports performance and physical activity. Previous studies indicate that directing an individual’s attention externally before the jump is an effective way to improve jumping performance, especially when the standing long jump (SLJ) and vertical jumps (VJs) are performed. To scrutinize reported findings, we systematically reviewed studies that compared the effects of attentional manipulations on jumping performance in adults. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTSDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched for original research publications. A priori defined inclusion criteria were: (a) participants were healthy adults with a mean age > 18 years, (b) an external (EF) or an internal focus (IF) of attention instruction was used, (c) the study compared an external focus intervention with an internal focus intervention or an external focus with a control (no attentional; CON) intervention or an internal focus intervention with a control intervention, (d) jumping performance was tested, and (e) an immediate effect of focus of attention intervention was evaluated. Of the 380 papers identified, 14 studies were used in 3 part meta-analyses (EF vs.IF, EF vs.CON, and IF vs.CON) that involved 24 comparisons in total. The findings of this analysis revealed that the EF condition displayed superior jumping performance relatively to the IF (p < 0.05) and CON (p < 0.05) conditions. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the IF and CON conditions. These findings suggest that EF instructions should be incorporated into testing procedures when jumping performance is assessed.
Derogation in the Field of Human Rights: International Legal Instruments and Practice of Ukraine
Authors: Denysov Volodymyr , Falalieieva Lyudmyla
Published: April 2021

The study highlights the international legal framework for the regulation of derogation of human rights and the practice of applying the latter by Ukraine, which is exercised for the first time under conditions of armed conflict and temporary loss of control over part of its territory. The essence, factors, mechanisms, peculiarities and problems related to derogation in the field of human rights, tools for its realization are revealed. The importance of using derogation of human rights as one of the “escape mechanisms” for the state is emphasized, the state’s right which is of an exclusive nature, the possibility of which is provided for by the relevant international treaty, requiring compliance with agreed conditions and procedures. Comparative analysis of the provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1950) concerning the right of the state to derogate in the field of human rights in time of a public emergency threatening the life of the nation is made. It is emphasized that the derogation in the field of human rights requires doctrinal understanding as a kind of legitimate limitation on use of restrictions on rights. It outlines the specific measures Ukraine was forced to take in order to derogate in the field of human rights under the armed conflict and temporary loss of control over part of its territory, as well as their perception by the international community. International legal acts, case law of the European Court of Human Rights and doctrinal views on issues outlined are analyzed.
Destination Management: The Influence of Local Food
Authors: Morris Samantha , Dwyer Tomás , Mulligan Julie
Published: April 2021

This study investigates tourist attitudes to local food on destination choice, travel motivation, satisfaction and perceived object-related and existential authenticity. Additionally, the mediating effects of authenticity on these relationships is also examined. A quantitative survey (n = 368) by questionnaire was conducted. Data was analysed using factor analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to show that tourist attitudes to local food influence destination choice, satisfaction and perceptions of object-related and existential authenticity. Furthermore, it was found that existential authenticity, rather than object-related authenticity had a greater impact on the relationships between tourist attitudes to local food and destination choice, travel motivation and satisfaction. A clear and influential relationship between tourists’ attitudes to local food and travel behaviour was found. Tourists want an existential authentic local food experience where they can be actively involved. Destinations should emphasise unique regional specialities and highlight the experiential value of local food.
Cardiac Complications in Patients Infected with COVID-19
Authors: Leon-Constantin Maria Magdalena , Maștaleru Alexandra , Abdulan Irina Mihaela , Zota Mădălina Ioana , Cojocariu Sabina , Mitu Florin
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. The appearance of the pandemic with COVID-19 at the beginning of this year all over the world makes the approach of the patients different. SARS-CoV-2 has major implications for the cardiovascular system. In addition to acute complications, COVID-19 infection can predispose to cardiovascular disease. Recent data show that myocarditis occurs in some patients with COVID-19, a few days after the onset of fever. This indicates the possibility of viral nature of myocardial lesions. In addition, patients infected with COVID-19 may be tachycardic (with or without palpitations) in relation to other symptoms related to the disease (fever, tachypnea, pain). They noticed several particular aspects, including rhythm disorders.

It is known that in patients with pneumonia, hypercoagulability and systemic inflammatory activity may persist for a long time. This explains the occurrence of arterial and venous thrombotic complications in acute coronary syndromes or venous thromboembolism. The latest guideline for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic states that, although there is no solid evidence to date, the incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in infected patients is high, thus recommending prophylactic doses of anticoagulant. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of patients and poses an international health threat and considerable efforts are currently being made to evaluate new therapies to counteract this virus.
Recommendations Regarding Hyperglycaemia, Blood Pressure and Lipid Management in Diabetes Mellitus – Presentation of Key Aspects from the 2019 ESC/EASD Guidelines on Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Popa Amorin , Popoviciu Mihaela , Popa Loredana , Popescu Mircea I. , Sabău Monica , Daina Lucia , Carp Gheorghe
Published: April 2021

The purpose of our review is to bring to the clinical specialities physicians’ attention the recommendations regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) management presented in the 2019 ESC/EASD Guidelines on diabetes, pre-diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Key aspects from the guideline regarding blood pressure, lipid and glucose modern management are presented with focus of reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes mellitus patients. The clinician must not forget that every DM patient is a candidate for a future cardiovascular event and that multifactorial and patient-adapted therapy is the key approach in reducing this risk.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies in COVID-19 – Report of Three Cases
Authors: Dima Alina , Moroti Ruxandra Valentina , Popescu Daniela Nicoleta , Berza Ioana , Pârvu Delia Adriana , Dumitrescu Bianca
Published: April 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) is prone to thrombotic events with pathogenic mechanism that are still incompletely understood. Occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies, especially anticardiolipin antibodies, was described in many viral infections and could be part of the chain in micro-thrombosis occurrence in COVID-19. We herein present three cases of COVID-19 patients without any known immune background. For two of the patients, the laboratory tests show neither inflammatory syndrome, nor elevated D-dimer. Even if pauci-symptomatic patients, pulmonary involvement in as much as 10 - 25% was identified on chest computer tomography exam. In addition, a third patient, with more important pulmonary involvement (25-50%), inflammatory response and elevated D-dimer levels is presented. None of the patients had prolonged activated partial-thromboplastin time. IgM and/ or IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were found positives in all three cases.
The bilingual gap in children's language, emotional, and pro-social development
Authors: Cobb-Clark Deborah A. , Harmon Colm , Staneva Anita
Published: April 2021

In this paper we examine whether – conditional on other child endowments and family inputs – bilingual children achieve different language, emotional, and pro-social developmental outcomes. Our data, which allow us to analyze children's development in a dynamic framework, are extracted from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). We model the development production functions for bilingual children using cumulative value-added specifications, which account for parental investments and children's own ability. Analysis based on child age confirms that bilingual children initially have worse language skills than their monolingual peers. The commencement of schooling appears to attenuate these differences, and by age seven, bilingual children have a developmental advantage. We find evidence of a positive relationship between bilingualism and some aspects of emotional development, and it is mainly boys who appear to benefit from their bilingual background.
Hepatitis B Virus Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing Assay in Detecting Window Period and Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infections in Blood Donors
Authors: Georgieva-Sredkova Mariya P. , Doseva Neli S. , Nankov Vladislav M. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Surdzhyska Aneta A.
Published: April 2021

To reduce the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) of donated blood with higher sensitivity for HBV, HCV, and HIV 1/2 was implemented in Bulgaria at the end of 2019. This study aimed to assess the clinical sensitivity of HBsAg testing and NAT testing of donated blood to detect all forms of HBV infection. A total of 9498 consecutive blood donations collected for six months, from February 10 to July 17, 2020, from first-time and repeat donors at the Regional Center of Transfusion Hematology Pleven, Bulgaria, were screened for HBsAg and HBV DNA. The detection of HBsAg was performed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and chemiluminescent immunoassay. Detection of HBV DNA was performed using the HIV1/2 /HCV / HBV multiplex Procleix Ultrio Elite assay in a fully automated and integrated Procleix Panther System. The overall HBsAg prevalence was 0.05%. HBV DNA was detected in 25 blood units (0.26%), but only 12 (0.13%) were found positive after repeat testing and were confirmed by a discriminatory test. The other 13 units were false positive, with the initial reactive result and negative results after repeat testing. HBV DNA’s overall incidence was significantly higher in HBsAg-positive donors than the HBsAg- negative (Fisher exact p=0.0063). In our study, blood donations were not tested for anti-HBc and anti-HBs, so it is difficult to determine whether HBV DNA-positive/HBsAg-negative results were associated with the early phase of infection or persistent occult infection. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of HBV DNA between repeat-donors (0.16%) and first-time donors (0.06%) (Fisher exact test p=0.239 NS), and also between the incidence in female donors (0.12%) and male donors (0.13%) (Fisher exact test p=1.0 NS). The results of this study showed a low rate of detection of the hepatitis B virus in donated blood. NAT testing demonstrates higher sensitivity for the detection of HBV, as compare to HBsAg screening.
TOWARD A NEW COMPARATIVE PUBLIC LAW OF CENTRAL BANK LEGISLATION: Designing Legislative Mandates for Central Bank Private Securities Assets Purchases and Nominal GDP Targeting
Authors: Michael Bryane , Osaulenko Svitlana
Published: April 2021

What role could unconventional monetary policy – and particularly unconventional policies like private asset purchases under a quantitative easing or lender of last resort scheme – play in influencing economic growth directly? A wide literature in economics explores the pros and cons of using these policies. However, most studies also point to the uncertain and antagonistic legal basis for such purchases. In this paper, we show how the statutory mandate for nominal GDP targeting could best put in place the legal foundations for such asset purchases. We review the legislative and regulatory bases for private securities purchases made by central banks in a sample of countries. We discuss – if legislators and policymakers wanted to – how they might introduce clearer mandates to make such purchases into their public law. We finally show how legal authorizations for GDP targeting might (and probably should) provide for such authorisations. Our discussion sheds light on the fascinating and almost completely ignored area of public law, namely central bank law.
Average temperature of oil-filled transformer windings with partial cooling ducts
Authors: Bokes Peter
Published: April 2021

An effective one-dimensional model is presented that describes the temperature profile of a winding of an oil-filled distribution transformer with an arbitrary number of partial cooling ducts. An analytical solution of the model is applied to a specific example — a low voltage winding of a 400 kVA distribution transformer with one or two partial cooling ducts. Starting from the exact solution, a simple and practical formula for the temperature rise of similar windings has been derived that is suitable for transformer designers.
A single-layer metallo-dielectric superstructure for enhancing the performances of EBG cavity antenna
Authors: Chaabane Abdelhalim , Attia Hussein , Djahli Farid , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: April 2021

A novel single-layer metallo-dielectric superstructure is proposed in this paper. It is constructed by two asymmetric unit- cells optimally arranged on the same layer to construct a partially reflective surface to be placed over a multilayer microstrip slot antenna named feed antenna for enhancing its performances. The radiation is expected to be maximum at the center of the formed layer. Thus, to maintain a high-gain performance, the unit-cells placed at the center are designed to provide a quasi-optimal reflection phase with high reflectivity at the frequency band of interest. A prototype of the proposed antenna operating at 10 GHz with overall size of 2.133λ0 ×2.133λ0 ×0.56λ0 is successfully designed and fabricated. The calculated and measured antenna gain results indicate that the proposed antenna exhibits a wider radiation bandwidth performance of about 41.15% and 36.15%, respectively.
Preferences of Accommodation: a Descriptive Study in the South of the State of Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Parra María Elvira López , Arvizu Elba Myriam Navarro , Navarro Nora Edith González , López Jesús Nereida Aceves , Kulykovets Olena , Dębski Maciej
Published: April 2021

Objective: To identify the lodging preferences of users (to define the comfort level preferences of tourists/consumers) of southern Sonora, considering their perceptions, which allows to improve strategies to satisfy the user’s needs in the future.

Methodology: The research was descriptive and quantitative. The participants were between 18 and 60 years old, of every socioeconomic level, gender, occupation, and level of education. The sample comprised 300 from the region of Sonora in Mexico.

Findings: Regarding the methodological contribution, this research presents an instrument to collect the opinions of the accommodation users, which is expected to be replicated in other studies on a larger population scale. This research is empirical and collects the opinion of a group of people, showing their preferences regarding the factors and characteristics they consider when choosing a type of accommodation. In addition, companies operating in this field could define their competitive advantages considering the results of this research.

Value Added: The article points to a practical solution of the knowledge of preferences of users of different accommodation modalities and identifies which were most frequently selected by the respondents.

Recommendations: Research shows the existence of significant differences between family and other companies. Therefore, it is advisable to look for the specifics and, as a consequence, potential sources of competitiveness in specific markets, of which the tourist market is important.
Optimal Reconciliation of Seasonally Adjusted Disaggregates Taking Into Account the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Adjustment of the Aggregate
Authors: Corona Francisco , Guerrero Victor M. , López-Peréz Jesús
Published: April 2021

This article presents a new method to reconcile direct and indirect deseasonalized economic time series. The proposed technique uses a Combining Rule to merge, in an optimal manner, the directly deseasonalized aggregated series with its indirectly deseasonalized counterpart. The lastmentioned series is obtained by aggregating the seasonally adjusted disaggregates that compose the aggregated series. This procedure leads to adjusted disaggregates that verify Denton’s movement preservation principle relative to the originally deseasonalized disaggregates. First, we use as preliminary estimates the directly deseasonalized economic time series obtained with the X-13ARIMA-SEATS program applied to all the disaggregation levels. Second, we contemporaneously reconcile the aforementioned seasonally adjusted disaggregates with its seasonally adjusted aggregate, using Vector Autoregressive models. Then, we evaluate the finite sample performance of our solution via a Monte Carlo experiment that considers six Data Generating Processes that may occur in practice, when users apply seasonal adjustment techniques. Finally, we present an empirical application to the Mexican Global Economic Indicator and its components. The results allow us to conclude that the suggested technique is appropriate to indirectly deseasonalize economic time series, mainly because we impose the movement preservation condition to the preliminary estimates produced by a reliable seasonal adjustment procedure.
Panel Conditioning in the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey
Authors: Eckman Stephanie , Bach Ruben
Published: April 2021

The U.S. Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey asks many filter questions to identify the items that households purchase. Each reported purchase triggers follow-up questions about the amount spent and other details. We test the hypothesis that respondents learn how the questionnaire is structured and underreport purchases in later waves to reduce the length of the interview. We analyze data from 10,416 four-wave respondents over two years of data collection. We find no evidence of decreasing data quality over time; instead, panel respondents tend to give higher quality responses in later waves. The results also hold for a larger set of two-wave respondents.
Personal Sustainability and Sustainable Employability: Perspective of Vocational Education Students
Authors: Briede Liene , Drelinga Elga
Published: April 2021

Sustainability is related to diverse relationships that exist in the world as well as to the attitudes evolving in a person’s diverse life activities, including education and work. In the sustainable employability model, there is a pedagogical idea of experience and self-identity and individual values revealing the level of personal sustainability. The present study explores vocational education students’ personal sustainability as a predictor to sustainable employability in the future. The study involved 151 vocational education students’ self-assessment of valuable (sustainable) personal characteristics, their attitude to being honest, helpful and responsible. The results have shown that the most valuable self-characteristics are being good tempered, helpful and kind. Students’ attitudes to being responsible and honest change during school years – 1st and 2nd year students do not consider them important values but senior students acknowledge them. It means that their lived experiences have promoted personal sustainability development ensuring more sustainable employability in the future.
Spaced E-learning for Sustainable Education
Authors: Kapenieks Janis , Kapenieks Janis
Published: April 2021

The objective of the research is to determine e-learning solutions for the implementation of the spaced learning in university students’ sustainable education. In the spaced e-learning method, the course content includes few-minute pauses between repetitions, during which students let their brain “rest” with different content and then return to the course. Information technology solutions are based on the identification of students’ individual and situational interests and the following promotion of students’ interests for personal development by the content of spaces. Current research is oriented to the search for benefits from synergy of the technological and pedagogical e-learning developments.

The study includes three cycles of education action research. The first and second cycles aim at finding the most effective method to include content for sustainable personality development in the course. At Riga Technical University, a prototype of two blended learning Master level courses was created and approbated with Master level students. Outcomes of the research were evaluated by reflection on students’ opinions and analysis of user behavior data in the e-learning environment OpenEdX.

The results obtained in the first and second cycles of the action research and reflection are the basis for the conceptual development of the Living Lab solution in the MOODLE environment with personalized content. Technological solutions for the implementation of personalized content of spaces for personality development are based on the student’s self-assessment of his/her individual interests. The research shows the potential of the spaced e-learning for instructional learning and personality development, thus leading to learning for sustainability in the broadest sense as a perspective of pedagogy with inherently sustainable nature, that we denote as “fostering” in the study.

The spaced e-learning method was seriously influenced by the COVID-19 crisis due to the replacement of blended learning with fully online learning.
Promyelocytic leukemia antigen expression: A histological marker for primary biliary cholangitis diagnosis?
Authors: Papamichalis Panagiotis A. , Zachou Kalliopi , Papamichali Roidoula A. , Ioannou Maria , Gatselis Nikolaos K. , Dalekos George N. , Koukoulis George K.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

Distinguishing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) from other cholestatic diseases at the histological level could be assisted by new methods, such as immunohistochemical staining of specific antigens.

Methods

We evaluated whether the detection of promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) can serve as a specific and sensitive marker for PBC diagnosis. Liver biopsies from 26 PBC patients, 20 primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), 37 viral hepatitis, 11 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 5 normal patients were investigated after immunostaining with the anti-PML monoclonal PG-M3, IgG1 antibody.

Results

Immunoreactivity in bile ducts was expressed by the PML-score (quotient of positive ducts to the total number of portal tracts multiplied by 2). PML-score was higher in PBC as compared to controls (P < 0.001). Using a cutoff of 0.18, PML-score proved highly sensitive (84.6%) and specific (89.7%) for confirming PBC as compared to only 5% of PSC, 9.1% of NASH and 13.5% of viral hepatitis patients (P < 0.001). Irrespective of the underlying disease, patients with PML-score > 0.18 were older (P = 0.007), more often females (P < 0.001) with higher ALP (P < 0.001), γ-GT (P = 0.001) and IgM (P < 0.001) compared to the patients with PML-score < 0.18.

Conclusions

We postulate that a simple PML immunohistochemical test could be sufficient for histopathological discrimination of PBC in problematic cases of undefined cholestatic disorders, including small-duct PSC and AMA-negative PBC cases.
Sociosemiotics and Metalanguage: The Case of Translanguaging
Authors: Randviir Anti
Published: April 2021

The age of transdiscipinarity has brought along the fading of boundaries between disciplines. This has engaged both the fusion of metalanguages that are used for the description of cultures and sign-processes, and the launch of novel proposals for metalinguistic vocabularies. In the case of the study of culture, communication and sign-processes, it is natural that all such developments are connected with the paradigm of semiotics. At times the relevant metalinguistic and methodological proposals challenge traditional semiotic vocabulary, methods and methodological truths. This has brought along the need to recall the semiotic roots of the study of semiosis and communication, and to review transdisciplinary metalanguage in order to avoid possible misinterpretations or unnecessary repetitions of the established agreements in the paradigm of semiotics as a possible ground for transdisciplinary study of human interaction and cultural processes. However, besides occasional theoretical confusion, the spread of the semiotic methodology and vocabulary across applied scholarship has enriched semiotics in its faculties of field studies.
The influence of emphatic /dˁ/ on Modern Standard Arabic vowels: An acoustic analysis
Authors: Kalaldeh Raya , Al-Shdaifat Abd Allah
Published: April 2021

This study is part of a larger project on the influence of Arabic emphatics /tˁ, dˁ, δˁ, sˁ/ on adjacent Arabic vowels by considering three factors: vowel quality, vowel duration and directionality of emphasis spread. This paper investigates the influence of the voiced alveolar emphatic /dˁ/ on the six Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) monophthongs /ɐ – ɪ – ʊ – a: – i: – u:/ as produced by ten Jordanian speakers. The monophthongs in the adjacency of /dˁ/ are compared to those adjacent to the non-emphatic alveolar voiced stop /d/. Results indicate that in the emphatic context, the vowels are clearly retracted in the vowel space and that the extent of the emphatic influence in ‘preceding’ or ‘following’ contexts is not significantly different.
Sorption of oil products on the synthetic zeolite granules
Authors: Król Magdalena , Rożek Piotr
Published: April 2021

In this work, lightweight granules of zeolite Na-P1 based on expanded glass aggregates were synthesized for the application in oil products’ sorption. The sorption of gasoline, diesel and silicone oil tests were also conducted for raw expanded glass, zeolite A, clinoptilolite and mineral sorbent available at a fuel station. All sorbents were also characterized in terms of the phase composition (X-ray diffraction) and structure (infrared spectroscopy). The zeolite Na-P1 granules achieved the highest values of sorption capacities (1.8, 2.1 and 2.6 g/g, respectively), which makes them promising materials for oils’ removal.
The effect of porosity on the reactivity of calcium sorbents
Authors: Wichliński Michał , Kobyłecki Rafał
Published: April 2021

The current work presents the results of seven sorbent samples investigated with respect to SO2 capture. The sorbents’ reactivity and capacity indexes were determined, and the tests were carried out in accordance with the ‘classical’ procedure for limestone sorbents. The reactivity indexes (RIs) of the tested samples were in the range of 2.57 and 3.55 (mol Ca)/(mol S), while the absolute sorption coefficients as determined by the capacity index (CI) varied between 87.9 and 120.6 (g S)/(kg of sorbent). Porosimetric analysis was also carried out and the specific surface area of the samples was found to be between 0.2 and 1.7 m2/g. The number of micro-, meso- and macro-pores in individual samples was determined from the corresponding pore size distribution histograms, and the values of sorbent RIs and CIs were correlated with the samples’ total porosity and specific surface.
Theoretical studies on the structural, electronic and optical properties of BeZnO alloys
Authors: Xiong D.P. , Zhou S.L. , He M. , Wang Q. , Zhang W. , Feng Z.Y.
Published: April 2021

The structural, electronic and optical properties of BexZn1−xO alloys were studied using the density functional theory and Hubbard-U method. Uo;p = 10.2 eV for O 2p and UZn;d = 1.4 eV for Zn 3d were adopted as the Hubbard U values. For BexZn1−xO alloys, the lattice constants a and c decrease linearly as Be concentration increases, the bandgap increases with a large bowing parameter of 6.95 eV, the formation enthalpies have the maximum value with Be concentration at 0.625, corresponding to the possible Be concentration to form phase separation. These calculations comply well with the experimental and other theoretical results. Furthermore, optical properties, such as dielectric function ∈(ω), reflectivity R(ω), absorption coefficient α(ω), were calculated and discussed for BexZn1−xO alloys with the incident photon energy ranging from 0 eV to 30 eV.
Riding the Wave of Intensity
Authors: Bonde Lene
Published: April 2021

“Riding the wave of intensity” is a paper about flow and dance. It is based on a written assignment about my teaching practice at the Ingrid Jespersen School in Copenhagen, where I taught a group of 20 youngsters from 12–13 years of age. In my work as a dancer and teacher I have always been interested in a state of being in which you are completely focused and concentrated. The liberating, self-forgetful feeling fills your body and this activity is all that matters. I became aware of this state particularly during this teaching practice. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes this state as flow in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience from 1990. My motivation for writing this paper is to share my experience about flow and dance and furthermore to give concrete inspiration on how to achieve flow in dance classes.
Embodied Timing − Passing Time
Authors: Roos Cecilia
Published: April 2021

In this article1 I am discussing how traditions are reenacted by dance revival and reconstruction. My starting point is the experience I have of restaging choreographic works by the Swedish choreographer Per Jonsson (1956-1998), of whose artistic production I am in charge. Through examples from working with repertoire, I will develop my thoughts around how new interpretations of a movement material reformulate the tradition and inform the present. I will also discuss how dancers of today are researching and developing new methods for processing a movement material. This in turn leads to new ways of dealing with quality, dynamics and timing in reconstruction of a written material.
Perfect (im)Perfections–the choreographer’s reflections on the creative process
Authors: Channells Philip
Published: April 2021

In 2014 Australian director/choreographer Philip Channells (Dance Integrated Australia) was commissioned by DansiT–Senter for Dansekunst i Sør-Trøndelag to collaborate with 20 members of the Danselaboratoriet and Danseteateret 55+ companies. The end result was a full-length intergenerational, disability-inclusive work that merged poetry, dance, theatre and music. Perfect (im)Perfections–stories untold was created with an international cast of artists with diverse backgrounds and life experience. The work premiered at the Multiplié Dansefestival in Trondheim on 3 April 2014. In his article, Channells shares his personal history and dance background before focusing on the collaboration. He discusses the inspiration behind the work, the creative processes and the successes and challenges in working across cultural boundaries.
Dance Technique–Meanings and Applications
Authors: Rothmund Irene Velten
Published: April 2021

This article explores nuances in the meanings and applications of the term ‘dance technique’, by looking at how students in modern and contemporary dance articulate their understanding of the term, and by discussing this in relation to dance research articles on the theme. The article draws on a section of my on-going PhD project on the experiences in modern and contemporary dance of students at the Norwegian College of Dance. The project is informed by hermeneutic phenomenology (van Manen 1997), based on students’ logbooks and interviews. In one set of interviews, the students were asked to define the term ‘dance technique’. I have analysed the answers and discerned five approaches to the term: Asa system, asknowledge or practical skills, assomething set, asgoal-oriented workand as ‘only technique’. The conjoining of students’ experiences with dance research articles shows both similarities and differences in comprehension of the term. I suggest that there is an ambiguity in the understanding of the term, touching upon different dichotomies existing in dance, and with parallels to a change between a modern dance tradition and a contemporary dance tradition. Clarifying taken-for-granted concepts can be of value for both dance education and dance research.
Loukkaantuminen muutoksen mahdollisuutena: holistinen näkökulma tanssin ammattilaisen loukkaantumiskokemukseen
Authors: Pohjola Hanna , Rajal Hanna-Kaisa
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on describing the experience of a physical injury from a holistic concept. Based on the theme interviews of the three dancer-dance teachers, the data suggests that an injury experience and the related recovery process change the individual meaning-relationships profoundly. For example, an injured dance professional is able to question the body ideals and the methods of dance training that focus merely on the object body. In addition, dance training that endangers health, as well as model-based teaching are perceived critically. Dance professional who has overcome injury heightens not only the awareness of one’s body, but also outlines respect and responsibility towards one’s self. The injury also invokes critical examination of the underlying circumstances behind the injury event to enable self-development and change of perspective in relation to working in the field of dance. Acceptance of the injury enables to perceive the future; it clarifies social responsibility and values, and facilitates pedagogical perspectives that are based on perceiving one’s body as a subject, as well as respecting the body of others.
Att tala – att dansa: om metaforens betydelse inom danspedagogik
Authors: Hammergren Lena
Published: April 2021

The article focus on how dance pedagogues describe their modes of using verbal communication in the dance studio, and it is based on interviews and observations of dance education. The theoretical base embraces ideas about bodies as well as theories about the importance of metaphors in embodied communication. Moreover, it is argued that pedagogues and dance students are engaged in a corporeal version of critical thinking, in which verbal language is one of several important aspects.

Four pedagogues are interviewed and they represent different dance genres, which affects the kind of verbal communication used. However, a major common opinion is that the use of metaphors has undergone an historical change. A frequent use of metaphors with references to nature has today been exchanged for a more concrete, functional language. It could well be affected by both the dance techniques in use, and the current aesthetic trends in choreography.
Dance Matters for Boys and Fathers
Authors: Buck Ralph , Turpeinen Isto
Published: April 2021

In this article, Isto Turpeinen and Ralph Buck reflect on reasons why dance remains relatively inaccessible for boys. They note that constructions of dance and masculinity are relatively narrow. They note that while these meanings are evolving, within the classroom context, the words ‘dance’ and ‘boy’ continue to raise many issues for teachers. In the following, Isto and Ralph draw upon their own teaching experience and speak to practices that might make a difference.

Boys do dance, but who cares if they don’t? Within education contexts and within society, males have ample opportunities for success, achievement and fulfilment. It seems that many boys who want to dance can, and those boys who want to play ice hockey and rugby can. Do boys need to dance? This article reflects on Turpeinen’s (2015) research on teaching boys in Finland and a key finding that draws attention to the power of dance in fostering and expressing love, most importantly the expression of love between fathers and sons.

As professional male dance educators, both Isto and Ralph have taught boys and girls for over 30 years in Finland and New Zealand. This article takes the view that dance does matter for boys and girls, in various ways.
Beyond Tero Saarinen Technique: Method of Hybrid Pedagogy in Action.
Authors: Pohjola Hanna , Länsivuori Sini
Published: April 2021

Current neurocognitive research on dance and motor learning recommends the use of hybrid teaching methods in which explicit and implicit learning complement each other. This article describes experiences of hybrid teaching and offers an overview of two Tero Saarinen technique–and–repertoire master classes pedagogically designed according to hybrid teaching and motor learning. This article discusses the participants’ feedback and shares an encouraging example of hybrid teaching.
Age and Gender in the European Contact Improvisation Community
Authors: Rustad Hilde
Published: April 2021

This article examines issues related to age and gender within the European contact improvisation community (ECIC). In particular, my research interest is to find out more about experiences related to values in the dance genre of contact improvisation (CI), and how they relate to the values associated with democracy understood to be embedded in CI. From 2014 to 2017, I conducted interviews with seven persons who are CI dancers and teachers from different European countries. The interview material shows that a double set of values is communicated in the ECIC: one that is taught, spoken, written and understood to be holding on to and embodying ’the social ideologies of the early ’70s which rejected traditional gender roles and social hierarchies’ (Novack, 1990, 11) and a second set in which traditional gender roles and social hierarchies are active and experienced by European CI dancer-teachers and dancers when participating in CI events.