bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piperazine derivatives as dangerous abused compounds
Authors: Welz Anna , Koba Marcin
Published: May 2020

Piperazine derivatives are a group of compounds with a psychostimulant effect. They are an alternative to illegal drugs. They are being searched for recreational use due to their psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. The high popularity of these compounds can be noticed all over the world due to easy purchase, lack of legal regulations and incorrect assessment of the safety of use. The recreational use of piperazine derivatives can often result in chronic and acute health problems and additionally with unpredictable remote effects. It is also common to take mixtures of psychoactive compounds. This hinders the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients with poisoning. The presented work is an illustration of the wide problem of piperazine derivatives abuse. The health effects and the possibility of identifying these compounds in preparations and biological material are described.
Synthesis and evaluation of bisulfate/mesylate-conjugated chlortetracycline with high solubility and bioavailability
Authors: Liu Deng , Chen Peixing , Yang Xu , Wang Jianhua
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work is to improve the solubility and bioavailability of chlortetracycline and the function of the immune response. Chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate were successfully synthesized and characterized with several techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry, which demonstrated that the C4-dimethylamino group of chlortetracycline can accept a proton from sulfuric acid and methanesulfonic acid to form the corresponding salts. In addition, chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate were more soluble in water than chlortetracycline hydrochloride, but the antibacterial activity was not enhanced. The influences of chlortetracycline hydrochloride, chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate on chlortetracycline and immunoglobulin concentrations in mouse serum were also investigated. These results suggested that the chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate have good bioavailability and strong immune response and have potential applications in animal breeding and formulation technologies.
Meteorological Factors and Swine Erysipelas Transmission in Southern China
Authors: Hong-Yu Qin , Xiu Xin , Wanli Sha , Ben Wang , Xiansheng Hu , Lianjun Fu , Baishuang Yin
Published: May 2020

Swine erysipelas (SE) is one of the best-known and most serious diseases that affect domestic pigs, which is caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It is endemic in Nanning and has been circulating for decades, causing considerable economic losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of meteorological-related variations on the epidemiology of swine erysipelas in Nanning City, a subtropical city of China. Data on monthly counts of reported swine erysipelas and climate data in Nanning are provided by the authorities over the period from 2006 to 2015. Cross-correlation analysis was applied to identify the lag effects of meteorological variables. A zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model was used to evaluate the independent contribution of meteorological factors to SE transmission. After controlling seasonality, autocorrelation and lag effects, the results of the model indicated that Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has a positive effect on SE transmission. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between monthly mean maximum temperature and relative humidity at 0-1 month lag and the number of cases. Furthermore, there is a positive association between the number of SE incidences and precipitation, with a lagged effect of 2 months. In contrast, monthly mean wind velocity negatively correlated with SE of the current month. These findings indicate that meteorological variables may play a significant role in SE transmission in southern China. Finally, more public health actions should be taken to prevent and control the increase of SE disease with consideration of local weather variations.
Immunization of Pigs with Recombinant Plasmids Containing Genes of Ubiquitinated p30, p54 and CD2v Proteins of African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Imatdinov Almaz R , Kazakova Anna S , Šekler Milanko , Morozova Diana Yu , Lyska Valentina M , Titov Ilya A , Sevskikh Timofey , Sereda Alexey D
Published: May 2020

Three recombinant plasmid constructs, expressing chimeric proteins containing human ubiquitin fused to an ectodomain of one of the potentially protective proteins (p30, p54 and CD2v) of the attenuated MK-200 strain of African swine fever virus (ASFV), were created as potential inductors of specific antiviral cellular immunity. Three-time immunization of pigs with the mixture of these plasmids led to the formation of virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), but did not induce production of virus-specific antibodies. After challenge with the homologous parental virulent ASFV strain M-78 at a dose of 103 HAD50, all five animals (four immunized pigs and one naïve) fell between the 4th and 7th days post infection. The obtained results demonstrated that induction of CTL did not protect pigs against challenge with the virulent ASFV. Balanced activation of CTL and antibody-mediated cellular mechanisms should be investigated.
Microstructural Characterization of ULC Steel
Authors: Nguyen Cao-Son , Le Hoang , Bui Anh-Hoa
Published: May 2020

In the present study, microstructure of the ULC steel was investigated by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The pure ferrite phase consisting of various crystalline orientations, e.g. (110) and (200) etc., existed in the ULC steel. Ultra-fine grains of ferrite were observed in the ND-TD cross-section (⊥ RD), meanwhile, typical lamina were seen in the ND-RD cross-section (// RD) of the steel sheet. Grain size of the annealed steel was observed to be coarser and equiaxed in all direction. According the EBSD results, intensities of the beneficial texture {111}<001> increased in the annealed steel, but weakened in the cross-section that was parallel to rolling direction. Ratio of low-angle grain boundaries (1°< LAGBs < 15°) in the annealed steel was estimated as the higher value (93.1 %) than that in the cold-rolled steel (69.1 %).
Possibilities of Determination of Risk Elements in Alluvial Agriculture Soils in the Mže and Otava River Basins by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Menšík Ladislav , Hlisnikovský Lukáš , Holík Ladislav , Nerušil Pavel , Kunzová Eva
Published: May 2020

The undesirable, hazardous, and risk elements are introduced into all environmental parts through human activities. They enter the soil and aquatic environment by atmospheric deposition, or by application of sewage sludge, pesticides, mineral and organic fertilisers, and by organic manures. Heavy metals (HMs) and risk elements can be determined in the soil by a wide range of analytical methods that differ in terms of time and financial costs, and the demands on service. One of the methods is the use of a portable XRF spectrometer under lab conditions, offering relatively fast determination of the concentration of chemical elements in the soil. In the presented study we evaluated the accuracy and the precision of the XRF device for analysis of the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, As, Mn, Cu, and Ni) in alluvial soils from the Mže and Otava river basins (Czech Republic), and validated and compared obtained results with the conventional lab method (ICP-OES). The soil samples (n = 502) were taken at 43 sampling sites at depths of 0 – 30, 30 – 60, and 60 – 90 cm, mainly in floodplains with Fluvisol soil type (N-year flow rates = Q100 m3/s). The multiple correlation coefficients R values ranged from 0.81 to 0.99. The R2 determination coefficients for individual HMs, measured by XRF, were determined as follows: Pb – 0.98, Zn – 0.97, Cu – 0.80, Mn – 0.79, As – 0.78, Ni – 0.66. According to our results, 66 – 98% points fit the designed models. The Pb and Zn have the best dependency (relationship tightness), and regression models are excellent. Cu, Mn, and As have a slightly worse dependency (tightness of the relationship), but the regression model is still very well suitable for agriculture practice, or for the purposes of environmental monitoring.
Changes in Soluble Protein Profile in Cotton Leaves Indicate Rubisco Damage after Treatment with Sumi-Alpha Insecticide
Authors: Asrorov Akmal M. , Matušíková Ildikó , Ziyavitdinov Jamolitdin F. , Gregorová Zuzana , Majerčíková Viera , Mamadrakhimov Azimjon A.
Published: May 2020

The cotton plant suffers from many pests and due to its economic importance, the use of efficient but ecologically friendly pesticides is highly desirable. The insecticide Sumi-Alpha with active compound Esfenvalerate is widely used for cotton treatment in Uzbekistan. This insecticide is considered as moderately hazardous for different organisms of ecosystems, while more collected data and relevant research is a necessity for judgement of their safety and/or potential risk. Therefore, a comparative analysis of cotton leaves was performed to study the protein profile changes upon treatment with this insecticide. Our data showed elevated accumulation of fructose bisphosphate aldolase and degradation of RuBisCo in the treated tissue. Besides, a protein belonging to P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolases superfamily exerted lower accumulation. Our results indicate that the applied pyrethroid pesticide possibly can affect photosynthesis performance and cause accumulation of simple saccharides which in turn might contribute to enhanced colonisation of sucking insects. Further molecular research on Sumi-Alpha effects on cotton is necessary for its safer use in agricultural practice.
Comparative study of Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Mild and Severe Reflux Esophagitis
Authors: Macarie Melania , Bataga Simona Maria , Pantea Monica , Opaschi Razvan , Mocan Simona , Macarie Ioan
Published: May 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine the correlation between risk factors and erosive esophagitis development.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on a consecutive series of 19.672 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between 01.01.2011-31.12.2017. A total of 3005 patients, diagnosed with erosive esophagitis, were included in the present study and stratified according to Los Angeles classification.

Results: During the studied period we found 3005 patients with erosive esophagitis, sex ratio male to female was 1.3/1, the most common forms of esophagitis being grade A and B: 74.54% patients with esophagitis grade A, 14.80% patients with grade B; 5.29% patients were with grade C and 5.35% patients with esophagitis grade D. In severe esophagitis the male predominance was more prevalent (249 males, 71 female), with a sex ratio 3.50/1. The correlation of male gender with severe esophagitis was highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001, OR 2.97; 95% CI 2.25-3.91). Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 1171 patients, the presence of large hiatal hernias, being an important predictor, with statistical significance (p < 0.0001, OR 3.41; 95% CI 2.22-5.21), for severe esophagitis development. Incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 11.51%, in the entire study group, with no statistical significant difference between patients with mild or severe esophagitis (12.02% vs 7.18%).

Conclusion: Erosive esophagitis is a frequent disease, the most common forms being grade A and B. Male gender and the presence of hiatal hernia are the most important risk factors for erosive esophagitis development, in our study group.
The First International Western and Chinese & Thai Medicine Workshop on Pain Therapy & Management, Targu Mures, Romania. November 25 – 28, 2019
Authors: Au William
Published: May 2020

The First International Workshop on using combined Western and Traditional Medicine for Pain Therapy was successfully held in Romania, 2018. Medical doctors from Romania, China and Thailand participated as lecturers and demonstrators to more than 40 participants. At the conclusion of the workshop, the organizers, lecturers and participants overwhelmingly endorsed the proposals to organize the second workshop and to organize a clinical trial in developing a combined protocol for innovative pain therapy.
A study on null cartan curve in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Isah Muhammad Abubakar , Külahcı Mihriban Alyamaç
Published: May 2020

Null cartan curves have been studied by some geometers in both Euclidean and Minkowski spaces, but some special characters of the curves are not considered. In this paper, we study weak AW (k) – type and AW (k) – type null cartan curve in Minkowski 3-space

E
1
3

E_1^3

. We define helix according to Bishop frame in

E
1
3

E_1^3

. Furthermore, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the helices in Minkowski 3-space are obtained.
Exact Travelling Wave Solutions for Space-Time Fractional Klein-Gordon Equation and (2+1)-Dimensional Time-Fractional Zoomeron Equation via Auxiliary Equation Method
Authors: Topsakal Muammer , TaŞcan Filiz
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the new exact solutions of nonlinear conformable fractional partial differential equations(CFPDEs) are achieved by using auxiliary equation method for the nonlinear space-time fractional Klein-Gordon equation and the (2+1)-dimensional time-fractional Zoomeron equation. The technique is easily applicable which can be applied successfully to get the solutions for different types of nonlinear CFPDEs. The conformable fractional derivative(CFD) definitions are used to cope with the fractional derivatives.
Fan-Gottesman Compactification and Scattered Spaces
Authors: Elmali Ceren Sultan , Ugŭr Tamer
Published: May 2020

Compactification is the process or result of making a topological space into a compact space. An embedding of a topological space X as a dense subset of a compact space is called a compactification of X. There are a lot of compactification methods but we study with Fan- Gottesman compactification. A topological space X is said to be scattered if every nonempty subset S of X contains at least one point which is isolated in S. Compact scattered spaces are important for analysis and topology. In this paper, we investigate the relation between the Fan-Gottesman compactification of T
3 space and scattered spaces. We show under which conditions the Fan-Gottesman compactification X
* is a scattered.
Solution of the Rational Difference Equation
xn+1=xn−131+xn−1xn−3xn−5xn−7xn−9xn−11{x_{n + 1}} = {{{x_{n - 13}}} \over {1 + {x_{n - 1}}{x_{n - 3}}{x_{n - 5}}{x_{n - 7}}{x_{n - 9}}{x_{n - 11}}}}
Authors: Simsek Dagistan , Ogul Burak , Abdullayev Fahreddin
Published: May 2020

In this paper, solution of the following difference equation is examined

x

n
+
1

=

x

n
−
13

1
+

x

n
−
1

x

n
−
3

x

n
−
5

x

n
−
7

x

n
−
9

x

n
−
11

,

{x_{n + 1}} = {{{x_{n - 13}}} \over {1 + {x_{n - 1}}{x_{n - 3}}{x_{n - 5}}{x_{n - 7}}{x_{n - 9}}{x_{n - 11}}}},

where the initial conditions are positive real numbers.
Multi-drug resistant mesophilic aeromonads isolated from marketed scallops (Patinopecten yessoensis) harboring resistance genes
Authors: De Silva Benthotage Chamara Jayasankha , Hossain Sabrina , Dahanayake Pasan Sepala , Lee Dae-Won , Wickramanayake Masimbule Vidanalage Kasun Sameera , Heo Gang-Joon
Published: May 2020

Antimicrobial resistance properties of 32 Aeromonas strains isolated from fresh scallops (Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay)) marketed in Korea were assessed. All the Aeromonas spp., including A. salmonicida, were mesophilic and grew very well at 37°C. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to 19 antimicrobials belonging to eight antimicrobial classes. All isolates were multi-drug resistant, which means they were resistant to five or more antimicrobials. Higher resistance rates (≥ 50%) were observed for ampicillin, piperacillin, cephalothin, imipenem, meropenem, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and nalidixic acid while intermediate resistance was also determined. PCR assays revealed the presence of many antimicrobial resistance genes among the isolates in varying combinations. Among them, some isolates harbored higher numbers of resistant genes, e.g., A. veronii-V1 (aac(6’)-Ib, tetE, qnrS, IntI1), A. salmonicida–SL10 (IntI1, blaCTX, aac(3’)-Ib, aac(6’)-Ib, qnrS), A. hydrophila–H13 (IntI1, blaTEM, qnrS, aac(6’)-Ib, strA-strB). However, neither the blaSHV, blaIMP, tetB, qnrA, qnrB, and aphAI-IAB genes nor class1 integrons were detected in any of the isolates. Discrepancies between phenotypic and genetic resistance traits were observed in some isolates. With respect to outcomes, scallops are proposed as a source of multi-drug resistant Aeromonas spp. that harbor antimicrobial resistant genes.
Growth of horse mackerel populations in the western parts of the Black, Marmara, and Aegean seas
Authors: Melnikova Elena , Kuzminova Natalya
Published: May 2020

This study estimated the growth of horse mackerel, Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner), populations from the western parts of the Black, Marmara, and Aegean seas. Dependencies of individual daily weight gain at age were determined. The calculations showed that in the area studied the highest absolute weight gain was 45.4 mg day−1 for fish at the age of 2.46 years from Zonguldak (Black Sea). The relative annual increase in the population biomass of T. mediterraneus inhabiting different areas of the Black, Marmara and Aegean seas was determined. It was revealed that the annual relative increase in the biomass of horse mackerel caught in the Black Sea exceeded that in the Marmara and Aegean seas. At the same time, the highest relative annual biomass increase (94.8%) was observed in populations from the Varna-Bourgas region and in the coastal waters of Sevastopol (70.9%) in the Black Sea.
Human dimensions: the fishery guards versus illegal fishermen in three regions of Central-Eastern Europe
Authors: Mickiewicz Maciej , Wołos Arkadiusz , Trella Marek
Published: May 2020

Sixty officers of the fisheries guard from three regions in northeast Poland, an area that is rich in inland waters, were surveyed. The results obtained are presented as percentages of each possible answer to each question and as rankings on a five-point scale. Those surveyed reported that the most common motivation for serving in the guard was an interest in nature, followed by an interest in recreational fisheries and then their own material and living conditions. Those surveyed reported that the principal motivation for poaching was to earn profits and as a consequence of unemployment. Sixty percent of officers reported encountering aggression from those who were monitored. Ninety percent of officers reported receiving threats from those monitored. The officers surveyed ranked their professional experience the highest among factors that impacted the effectiveness of the activities performed by the fisheries guard and the possibility of safeguarding ichthyofauna against poaching.
Evidence of the occurrence and reproduction of vimba bream (Vimba vimba) in the Nida River system
Authors: Nowak Michał , Klaczak Artur
Published: May 2020

Once abundant in the Nida River, vimba bream (Vimba vimba) was not detected during extensive electrofishing surveys undertaken in the late 1960s, 1990s, or early 2010s. Irrespective, a few angler records of this species suggested that a small population of vimba bream might persist in the Nida River. Finally, several records from 2015, 2016, and 2017 confirmed its presence in this river system and indicated its successful reproduction in the middle reach of the river.
Antioxidant activity and chemical constituents of Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. (Apiaceae) from Algeria
Authors: Sekhara Ines , Benaissa Ouahiba , Amrani Amel , Giangiacomo Beretta , Benabderrahmane Wassila , Chaouch Meroua Ahmed , Zama Djamila , Benayache Samir , Benayache Fadila
Published: May 2020

The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 36 components have been identified in each extract. The major constituents were 1-monooleoylglycerol (20.72%), caffeic acid (15.20%), cinnamic acid (11.31%) and benzene acetic acid (10.95%). The phytochemical study led to the isolation and structural elucidation of three compounds, scopoletin, umckalin and 1-(3’,4’-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2,3-diol. Moreover the ethyl acetate extract was screened for its possible in vitro antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy l(DPPH) and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays in which it displayed a noticeable activity. This study provides the first biological and chemical investigation on Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. in Algeria.
Production Usage, and Potential Public Health Effects of Aluminum Cookware: A Review
Authors: Alabi Okunola A. , Adeoluwa Yetunde M.
Published: May 2020

The ingestion of aluminum from food containers such as cookware, cans, utensils and wrappings and its subsequent release into the environment is a growing public health concern. Aluminum is widely used in manufacturing cookware due to its malleability, high heat conductivity, light weight, durability, availability and affordability. This paper therefore gives a review of most relevant literatures on the benefits and risks of the various types of aluminum cookware in use, the composition and the public health effects of aluminum ingestion. Studies that reported the leaching of aluminum from cookware into food and environmental effects of aluminum leaching were also reviewed. In the developing countries, aluminum cookwares are produced from scrap metals and has been reported to leach harmful substances including heavy metals such as: nickel, arsenic, copper, cadmium, lead, and aluminum into cooked food. Several factors have been reported to increase the rate of leaching of metals from aluminum cookwares. Exposure to metals from aluminum cookware and the public health effects have not been well studied, hence, our recommendation for more studies to elucidate the health effect of this practice. This review also presents measures that can limit exposure to the risks that may arise from the use of aluminum cookware.
Determination of State Variables in Textile Composite with Membrane During Complex Heat and Moisture Transport
Authors: Korycki Ryszard
Published: May 2020

The cotton-based composite is equipped with a single/double semipermeable membrane made of polyurethane (PU) (100%), which blocks liquid transport to the surrounding environment. The complex problem analyzed involves the coupled transport of water vapor within the textile material, transport of liquid water in capillaries, as well as heat transport with vapor and liquid water. The problem can be described using the mass transport equation for water vapor, heat transport equation, and mass transport equation for liquid moisture, accompanied by the set of corresponding boundary and initial conditions. State variables are determined using a complex multistage solution procedure within the selected points for each layer. The distributions of state variables are determined for different configurations of membranes.
Revisiting Death's Difference: The Philosophical Anthropology of the U.S. Death Penalty and the Impossibility of Capital Due Process
Authors: Marcar G.P.
Published: May 2020

Within the United States, legal challenges to the death penalty have held it to be a “cruel and unusual” punishment (contrary to the Eighth Amendment) or arbitrarily and unfairly enacted (contrary to the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments). The Eighth Amendment requires that punishments not be disproportionate or purposeless. In recent rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court has adopted a piecemeal approach to this matter. In regard to particular classes of defendant, the Court has sought to rule on whether death is likely to be a proportional and purposeful punishment, as well as whether—given the condition of these defendants—such a determination can be reliably and accurately gauged. This article will suggest a different approach. Instead of asking whether, given the nature of certain categories of human defendant, the death penalty is constitutional in their case, I will begin by asking what—given the nature of the U.S. death penalty—one must believe about human beings for death to be a proportionate punishment. From this, I will argue that to believe that these penal goals are capable of fulfilment by the death penalty entails commitment to an empirically unconfirmable philosophical anthropology. On this basis, it will be further argued that the beliefs required for the U.S. death penalty's proportional and purposeful instigation (pursuant to the Eighth Amendment) are not congruent with the demands of legal due process.
EnQuad: A Publicly-Available Simulator for Quantum Key Distribution Protocols
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed S. , Shenouda Botrous A. , Abdullatif Sameh O.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present EnQuad Version 1.0: a high-speed and expandable simulator for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols. Surpassing available simulators, EnQuad does not only simulate a QKD stack, but also does security testing and guides the researcher on which reconciliation protocol should be used in his experimental setup. On the top of that, it recommends changes for the researcher to satisfy security or a given target key-rate if any of them is not already fulfilled. Although EnQuad V1.0 is concerned with depolarizing channels and Individual Intercept-and-Resend attacks, EnQuad is featured with 24 parameters and 9 modular functions so that it could be expanded to a wide range of QKD protocols. In addition, we validated EnQuad outcomes against a comparable simulator and against theory. Furthermore, a set of 11 experiments showed that EnQuad runs 6.12× to 12.2× faster than a comparable simulator. EnQuad was implemented in MATLAB and the code is available online.
IoT Utilized Gas-Leakage Monitoring System with Adaptive Controls Applicable to Dual Fuel Powered Naval Vessels/Ships: Development & Implementation
Authors: Mallik Avijit , Ahmed Sharif , Hossain G. M. M. , Rahman M. R.
Published: May 2020

Leakage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquified Natural Gas (LPG/LNG) produces hazardous and toxic impact on humans and other living creatures. The authors developed a system to monitor and control the gas leakage concentration. MQ-6 gas sensor is used for sensing the level of gas concentration in a closed volume. To monitor the consequences of environmental changes an IoT platform hosted by “Thingspeak” platform has been introduced. Both robust and cloud-forwarded controls have been applied to prevent uncontrolled leakage of those gases and auto-ignition. This type of system can be directly applied to the engine chamber/ fuel chamber of the modern marine vessels using dual fuel power cycle with LPG/LNG as secondary fuel-flamer. The results from the experiments clearly indicate satisfactory actuation speed and accuracy. The trials performed by the authors showed about 99% efficiency of signal transmission and actuation.
Determination of the Strength Parameters of Pinewood Based on the Non-Destructive Sclerometric Test with a Wood Hammer
Authors: Szostak Bartosz , Trochonowicz Maciej , Kowalczyk Mateusz
Published: May 2020

To assess the technical condition of a structure and design it using existing elements, it is necessary to know its parameters. For existing facilities, it is often not possible to get a sample of material and examine it directly in the laboratory. For this reason, in situ nondestructive testing is very important.

The main goal of the paper is to present the issues related to determining the strength parameters of a particular wood based on the non-destructive sclerometric test performed with a wood sclerometric hammer. The study also presents the results of the impact of pinewood density on its compressive strength.
Soil Sealing on Example of the Jedrzychow Residential Area in Zielona Gora, Poland
Authors: Kostecki Jakub , Greinert Andrzej , Drab Michał , Mik Łukasz
Published: May 2020

The progressing urbanization leads to the growth of buildings within the cities and taking up new areas for investments. Uncontrolled urban sprawl entails a number of consequences resulting in the soil sealing of the areas which has been permeable so far. Cutting off deeper soil layers from gas exchange and access to water causes a reduction in biological activity and biodiversity. That is why EU considers soil sealing as one of the main problems of the 21st century.

The paper attempts to analyze the progressing urbanization on the one of the Zielona Góra housing estates - Jędrzychów Residential Area.
Characteristics of Petroleum Compounds and their Removal from the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to characterize the components of crude oil, with particular emphasis on those that have a toxic effect on organisms, and to describe the sources of pollution and the methodology for determining these compounds in aqueous solutions. In addition, the study presents the legal provisions in the field of petroleum compounds and practical methods for their removal in the event of uncontrolled emission of these compounds into the aquatic environment as well as methods used in the treatment of wastewater loaded with these compounds.
Reliability-Based Safety Evaluation of the BISTOON Historic Masonry Arch Bridge
Authors: Pouraminian Majid , Pourbakhshian Somayyeh , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan , Berenji Sevil , Borujeni Salman Keyani , Moosavi Asl Mirhasan , Mohammad Hosseini Mehdi
Published: May 2020

This research examines the probabilistic safety assessment of the historic BISTOON arch bridge. Probabilistic analysis based on the Load-Resistance model was performed. The evaluation of implicit functions of load and resistance was performed by the finite element method, and the Monte-Carlo approach was used for experiment simulation. The sampling method used was Latin Hypercube. Four random variables were considered including modulus of elasticity of brick and infilled materials and the specific mass of brick and infilled materials. The normal distribution was used to express the statistical properties of the random variables. The coefficient of variation was defined as 10%. Linear behavior was assumed for the bridge materials. Three output parameters of maximum bridge displacement, maximum tensile stress, and minimum compressive stress were assigned as structural limit states. A sensitivity analysis for probabilistic analysis was performed using the Spearman ranking method. The results showed that the sensitivity of output parameters to infilled density changes is high. The results also indicated that the system probability of failure is equal to p f system =1.55 × 10−3. The bridge safety index value obtained is βt = 2.96, which is lower than the recommended target safety index. The required safety parameters for the bridge have not been met and the bridge is at the risk of failure.
The Study of the Characteristics of Sand Concrete Based on Marble Waste Sand
Authors: Benhalilou Mohamed Ichem , Belachia Mouloud , Houari Hacène , Abdelouahed Assia
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to valorize the waste and in particular the waste from the Fil-fila quarry. The main reason for choosing the waste from this quarry was the need to reduce the impact on the environment (by reducing stockpiling) and the raw material cost (economic reason). This study therefore consists in recovering this type of waste (discarded powder subject to weather changes) as sand in partial replacement of dune sand in the formulation of sand concrete with percentages of 5, 10, 15 and 20 %, by studying the behavior of these concretes in the fresh state (workability, density and occluded air) and the properties in the hardened state (compressive and tensile strength by bending, absorption by immersion, shrinkage and weight loss, chemical effect of HCl and H2SO4 solutions), and subsequently comparing the results obtained with reference samples (0%) based on ordinary sand. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the substitution of ordinary (dune) sand with marble waste sand provides acceptable results from the point of view of workability, strength and durability.

These observations are likely to widen the field of applications of these sand concretes based on marble waste.
Emotional Intelligence as a Support for Professional Development in Engineering Education
Authors: Duşe Dan Maniu , Frangulea Pastor Aida Cristina
Published: May 2020

Engineering education is an expanding field due to the globalization of the engineering profession. Such globalization is driven by the evolution of both the engineering sciences by themselves as well as the evolution of technology and the professional environment.

Approaching emotional intelligence as a support for professional development in engineering education is analyzed as a potentiation of necessary competences and abilities for academic performance in the engineering education environment as well as for reaching a high level of engineering professional performance in a diverse social context.

The article includes an analysis of the current state in the field of theory and scientific investigation of emotional intelligence as it is relevant for engineering education. Such an analysis has been developed by using the morphological matrix of ideas by associating the conceptual dimensions of emotional intelligence with human factors that are relevant for engineering education.

Based on the conclusions developed by the use of this instrument there have been developed possible scientific investigation objectives that are in coordination with the proposed theme.
From Classroom to Career in Sibiu Romania – Engineering Students’ Perception on Internships and School Practices
Authors: Tăbuşcă Diana , Miricescu Dan
Published: May 2020

This article aims to highlight the most important ideas about internships and school practices from students’ point of view. The paper is structured in three parts. In the first section the topic based on building a career in Romania while being a student is discussed along with the employers’ expectations of having experience for getting a job and the problematic of today educational system. Further on the differences between traineeships and internships are detailed according to the Romanian framework and international sources to see exactly what do these mean and which one weights more for a company at the time of interviewing. Taking into the account what has been mentioned a survey was conducted among students from Faculty of Engineering where 100 replies were received. The questions asked highlighted how often Romanian students are being a part in such an activity, which are means of information they use to find out about the open positions and the students’ degree of satisfaction about the opportunities internships and school practices offer them, on a long-term aspect.
Conceptual Overview of an Anthropocentric Training Station for Manual Operations in Production
Authors: Pîrvu Bogdan-Constantin
Published: May 2020

The paper presents a conceptual overview of a human-centred training station for manual operations (ATASMO). It identifies the main users of the system but also the long-tern targeted features of ATASMO. Moreover, the current implementation, its limitations and future work on ATASMO is synthetically presented.
Corporate Digital Responsibility - A New Dimension of the Human - Technology Relations
Authors: Suchacka Małgorzata
Published: May 2020

The main goal of the study will be to pay attention to awareness of technological and digital development. Sense of responsibility unites certain groups of entrepreneurs, scientists and decision-makers. The main principles of the idea of corporate social responsibility are related to maintaining balance in business activity between three kinds of capital - economic, human and natural. Following the technological and digital development in recent years, more attention is given to socially responsible creation and implementation of innovation. Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR), which in recent months has been taking formal shape, is a new initiative within social responsibility. CDR means the awareness of duties binding the organisations active in the field of technological development and using technologies to provide services. The article refers to the dynamic development of technologies that threatens also global labour market due to automation and mass implementation of solutions based on artificial intelligence. Being aware of this dynamic process it is worth to emphasise that businesses and employees have far less time to thoroughly examine social consequences of ongoing implementations related to digitalisation.
Restructuring of the Disability Pension Scheme Following a Concept of an Integrated Public Social Insurance System in Poland
Authors: Garbiec Roman
Published: May 2020

The disability pension system in Poland has operated largely unchanged since the 1970s. A compelling need to reform the system and adjust it to the challenges of the 21st century is an axiom in the Polish social policy. Unfortunately, restructuring of this system has never been, and is not a top priority for the Polish government. Ignoring this problem is a headwind against economic growth in Poland as the state is overburdened with significant social taxes. A need for the state to provide subsidies to cover current expenditures of the Social Insurance Trust Fund (FUS) is a permanent concern of the national economy. This paper highlights legislative errors and omissions in the Polish social insurance system, and the share of the state's budget devoted to financing of this system and benefit payments over the years 1991-2018. In the main part of the article, financial aspects of the operation of the pension system in Poland were presented. At the end of the article, a preliminary concept of a reform of the existing disability pension system was outlined, whose aim is in particular to improve its financial effectiveness and introduce uniform rules for the payment of pension benefits in Poland.
Is Ordoliberalism Democratic? – Legal Approach
Authors: Kozień Ewa , Kozień Adam
Published: May 2020

Ordoliberalism in contemporary legal orders is frequently associated with democracy or the so-called principle of a democratic state of law. However, in source assumptions of a doctrine of ordoliberalism one can perceive quite different preferred political systems. This paper aims at analysing the assumptions of a doctrine of ordoliberalism, as well as its place and role in a democratic system of contemporary states.
Personal Data Protection as an Element of Competitive Advantage
Authors: Justyna Żywiołek , Eva Nedeliaková
Published: May 2020

The article presents results of research on the information flow between the client and the company, inside the company, and the problems encountered by both parties in the data exchange process. Also included are methods of securing information through unauthorized disclosure, disclosing ideas to other clients. The basis of the study was a survey directed to 75 customers ordering in the examined enterprise and a survey among 40 employees of that enterprise. The study was also based on an in-depth conversation with employees of the examined company employed at various levels. The survey shows that the clients and employees of the surveyed company are aware of the high value of information, and its security is considered one of the priorities. The survey clearly shows that customers praise data protection activities, they treat it as an element used to care for the interests of the customer, as a further environment of the product or service they purchase. However, there are often errors due to customer ignorance, communication problems, and lack of knowledge of employees. The study covered the importance of information in an enterprise as part of its competitive advantage, the reasons for investing in information protection, the occurrence of incidents, the degree of information security, and actions taken to protect information in an enterprise.
Safety of Online Shopping According to Customers
Authors: Ingaldi Manuela , Brožova Silvie
Published: May 2020

Customers are more and more deciding to use various types of services via Internet. They make very often different types of purchases. E-commerce is becoming more and more popular and developed. Unfortunately, according to customers, online shopping is not free from problems. Customers are afraid that the ordered goods will not be sent to them, will not meet their expectations, or will be destroyed during transport. An important aspect is also the payment method for this type of shopping. Customers often prefer to pay more to use the option of payment on delivery to avoid losing money if the ordered goods do not be delivered to them. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the safety of services offered via Internet. In the research the customers of different e-shops expressed their opinion on problems that may affect the safety of the offered services. Thanks to the research, it was possible to identify risk areas in accordance with the opinion of customers.
Risk Management in the Process of Personnel Allocation to Jobs
Authors: Krynke Marek
Published: May 2020

The strategy should be designed in such a way as the risk management can operate not only as a system for avoiding losses, but also risk management should allow recognizing and making use of occasions and create new opportunities for the organization. Risk management includes both an evaluation (analytical and evaluation) undertaking as well as planning and control activities aimed at minimizing (reducing) risk or maintaining it at an acceptable level. Security management can in particular be reduced to the issue of risk management, because risk is a quantitative expression of the functioning of systems in an environment where there are active sources of threats to system security. The article presents the problem of personnel allocation in hazardous conditions, emphasizing the possibilities of undertaking optimization actions in the safety management process. A mathematical model was formulated for this issue. An algorithm solving the problem of personnel allocation is presented. The proposed analysis is the starting point for determining the risk when using multi-station work.
Improvement Method of Calculation Reinforced Concrete Beams on the Shear Strengthened FRCM System
Authors: Blikharskyy Zinoviy , Vegera Pavlo , Vashkevych Rostyslav , Khmil Roman
Published: May 2020

Determination of shear-load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams (according to the current normative documents), comprises particular recommended values, which do not depend on the parameters of the sample or load. This article describes the methodology for determination the shear strength with suggestions for calculation the coefficient C

Rd,c
and compressed element tilt angle Ѳ while reinforced concrete elements` calculation with the use of “truss model”. In order to confirm the methodology 4 reinforced concrete beams were tested. Tests were performed in order to investigate each particular inclined section separately. Variable parameter was the relative shear span a/d, with its values a/d=2, a/d=1,5 and a/d=1. Another parameter was the usage of composite strengthening system, made for relative shear span a\d=2. Samples were tested as single-span beams subjected to short-term loading. The calculation with the use only the values, given in norms showed significant divergence of results. Using the refined parameter values provided the convergence of results within 16-29% toward overestimation of the experimental data. The composite reinforcement system calculation showed the overestimation of 23%, which is within the same limits as for the control samples.
Process Security as the Aspect of Total Productive Maintenance
Authors: Kiełbus Anna , Karpisz Dariusz , Lipiński Tomasz
Published: May 2020

The paper presents the importance of process security as one of the parts of Total Production Maintenance. Knowledge about the standards and factors used in monitoring production processes has been systematized. The good manufacturing practices in production continuity management are presented in the article.
Improvement Of The Production Process With The Use Of Selected Kpis
Authors: Karolina Czerwińska , Pacana Andrzej , Dwornicka Renata
Published: May 2020

Faced with ever-increasing customer demands and global competition, companies are forced to look for production reserves, increase efficiency and productivity. Hence, the need to monitor the use of the machine park has arisen, making it possible to identify waste and production reserves in the implemented technological processes. The aim of the article is to evaluate the effectiveness of the production line of internal frame doors and to analyze the correctness of the use of selected key indicators of the production process effectiveness. This article proposes a response to the problems formulated in manufacturing companies, including practical aspects of the use of specific measures to assess the effectiveness of the use of technical infrastructure. The solutions presented in the article can be used in practice for improvements in production units.
Modern it Support Systems - CMMS in the Production Plant
Authors: Kuryło Piotr , Cyganiuk Joanna , Idzikowski Adam , Michał Dudziak
Published: May 2020

In the present paper, the scope of the process line maintenance in the production plant has been presented. The issues associated with the basic functions and characteristics of the services dealing with this problem, which is crucial for the production plant, have been discussed. Modern CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) have been discussed, while indicating their specific advantages, among others, the possibility of keeping records of machinery and equipment, maintenance schedules and various types of alarms, which may disrupt or suspend the operation of production facilities, so that these systems ensure the safety of fault-free operation of machinery and equipment.
Industrial Property Protection in the Context of Enterprises’ Intangible Assets Security
Authors: Stasiak-Betlejewska Renata
Published: May 2020

The right use of creativity and innovation in business leads to increased competitiveness and development in your company. The progressive use of modern technologies and their presence in the economy causes problems in managing these assets and defining intangible property and their protection, which is directly related to the basic processes of making important decisions in the development of the enterprise. Everyday industrial designs (most often: e.g. new packaging designs), trademarks (e.g. product names, advertising slogans, logos) and other technical solutions (utility models, recipes or inventions), which are the result of creative work in company. The lack of protection of the above intellectual (industrial) goods as a consequence often leads to the appropriation of the idea by the competition and their commercialization on the market without the participation of enterprises.