bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expenditure Decentralization: Does It Make Us Happier? An Empirical Analysis Using a Panel of Countries
Authors: Letelier-S Leonardo E. , Sáez-Lozano José L.
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes whether fiscal decentralization of education, health, housing, social protection, recreation, culture and religion, public order and safety, and transportation have a significant effect on individual well-being. The empirical analysis is based on a non-linear hierarchical model that combines individual data (level 1) with country-level data (level 2). We match 89,584 observations from the World Value Service and the European Value Service (various years) with the average value of data recorded for 30 countries by the Government Financial Statistics (IMF). While fiscal decentralization in education and housing appears to have a negative effect on well-being, this effect is positive in the cases of health and culture and recreation. We interpret this as evidence in favor of a “selective” decentralization approach.
Do Stakeholders Modulate Philanthropic Strategy? Corporate Philanthropy as Stakeholders’ Engagement
Authors: Arco-Castro María Lourdes , Lopez-Pérez María Victoria , Rodriguez-Gomez Sara , Garde-Sánchez Raquel
Published: September 2020

Corporate philanthropy, as an expression of commitment to the common good, can contribute to the creation of social value in companies. This corporate philanthropy can be managed in various ways. The choice of how to channel corporate philanthropy could be, in accordance with stakeholder theory, the result of companies’ interactions with key stakeholders and, in accordance with the theory of signaling, a signal that companies use to respond to their demands. This approach contributes to the literature on bottom-up initiatives (stakeholder–managers) as opposed to top-down strategies (board–stakeholders) in relation to corporate social responsibility, which is becoming increasingly important in a society where networks of communication, cooperation and interaction are established. To this end, a study was conducted on 221 European companies indexed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in the year 2018. The findings have several practical implications: The management of corporate philanthropy should take into account the stakeholders’ requirements, and stakeholders show greater affinity and trust with the company when philanthropy is channeled through foundations. By contrast, donations are not associated with stakeholder attitudes. As a theoretical implication, this paper supports the theories of stakeholders and signaling by explaining the role of philanthropy in the relationship with stakeholders.
Management Financial Incentives and Firm Performance in a Sustainable Development Framework: Empirical Evidence from European Companies
Authors: Noja Gratiela Georgiana , Cristea Mirela , Jurcut Cecilia Nicoleta , Buglea Alexandru , Lala Popa Ion
Published: September 2020

Management financial incentives are an effective way to attract, retain and stimulate managers with beneficial spillover effects on firm performance. This paper explores the relationship between board and executive management compensation and remunerations and the financial performance of European companies from various industries in a sustainable development framework. The sample covers 1594 firms with data extracted from Thomson Reuters Eikon (Refinitiv, New York, NY, USA) databases from 2019 and a selection of specific indicators. The complex methodological endeavor encompassed by our research embeds several robust and two-stage least squares (2SLS/IV) regression models, structural equation modelling, including latent class analysis and network analysis through Gaussian Graphical Models. Main results bring to the fore that management financial incentives/packages reverberate positively and significantly on the performance of European firms, leading to important upwards in enterprise value and company earnings. Moreover, the sustainability indicators (committee, policy, energy use, renewable energies) also have positive effects on the financial performance of analyzed companies, being discussed extensively within the paper.
An Elitist Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Sustainable Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch Integrating Wind Farms
Authors: Alshammari Motaeb Eid , Ramli Makbul A. M. , Mehedi Ibrahim M.
Published: September 2020

In recent years, wind energy has been widely used as an alternative energy source as it is a clean energy with a low running cost. However, the high penetration of wind power (WP) in power networks has created major challenges due to their intermittency. In this study, an elitist multi-objective evolutionary algorithm called non-dominated sorting particle swarm optimization (NSPSO) is proposed to solve the dynamic economic emission dispatch (DEED) problem with WP. The proposed optimization technique referred to as NSPSO uses the non-dominated sorting principle to rank the non-dominated solutions. A crowding distance calculation is added at the end of all iterations of the algorithm. In this study, WP is represented by a chance-constraint which describes the probability that the power balance cannot be met. The uncertainty of WP is described by the Weibull distribution function. In this study, the chance constraint DEED problem is converted into a deterministic problem. Then, the NSPSO is applied to simultaneously minimize the total generation cost and emission of harmful gases. To proof the performance of the proposed method, the ten-unit and forty-unit systems—including wind farms—are used. Simulation results obtained by the NSPSO method are compared with other optimization techniques that were presented recently in the literature. Moreover, the impact of the penetration ratio of WP is investigated.
No Palm Oil or Certified Sustainable Palm Oil? Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences and the Role of Information
Authors: Hinkes Cordula , Christoph-Schulz Inken
Published: September 2020

Public concerns about the adverse effects of palm oil production and consumption have contributed both to the development of certification standards for sustainable palm oil and to the promotion of palm-oil-free products. While research on consumer preferences for palm oil is growing, potential trade-offs between these two options—products containing certified palm oil versus palm-oil-free products—are still largely unexplored. Focusing on this research gap, a discrete choice experiment involving chocolate cookies was implemented as part of a web survey among consumers in Germany. Results indicate that consumers on average prefer palm-oil-free cookies, although a latent class analysis identifies several consumer segments that differ in terms of preferences, attitudes, and characteristics. Many respondents are highly price-sensitive. After the provision of additional information, stated preferences for certified palm oil increase, but four out of five consumer segments still prefer palm-oil-free products. Prevailing health concerns and a potential lack of trust in certification might explain this choice behavior. As alternatives to palm oil are not necessarily more sustainable, initiatives supporting the uptake of certified sustainable palm oil should be further strengthened. Targeted information campaigns might be a suitable instrument to raise awareness and increase knowledge about palm oil.
FIViz: Forensics Investigation through Visualization for Malware in Internet of Things
Authors: Ahmad Israr , Shah Munam Ali , Khattak Hasan Ali , Ameer Zoobia , Khan Murad , Han Kijun
Published: September 2020

Adoption of the Internet of Things for the realization of smart cities in various domains has been pushed by the advancements in Information Communication and Technology. Transportation, power delivery, environmental monitoring, and medical applications are among the front runners when it comes to leveraging the benefits of IoT for improving services through modern decision support systems. Though with the enormous usage of the Internet of Medical Things, security and privacy become intrinsic issues, thus adversaries can exploit these devices or information on these devices for malicious intents. These devices generate and log large and complex raw data which are used by decision support systems to provide better care to patients. Investigation of these enormous and complicated data from a victim’s device is a daunting and time-consuming task for an investigator. Different feature-based frameworks have been proposed to resolve this problem to detect early and effectively the access logs to better assess the event. But the problem with the existing approaches is that it forces the investigator to manually comb through collected data which can contain a huge amount of irrelevant data. These data are provided normally in textual form to the investigators which are too time-consuming for the investigations even if they can utilize machine learning or natural language processing techniques. In this paper, we proposed a visualization-based approach to tackle the problem of investigating large and complex raw data sets from the Internet of Medical Things. Our contribution in this work is twofold. Firstly, we create a data set through a dynamic behavioral analysis of 400 malware samples. Secondly, the resultant and reduced data set were then visualized most feasibly. This is to investigate an incident easily. The experimental results show that an investigator can investigate large amounts of data in an easy and time-efficient manner through the effective use of visualization techniques.
From Wearing Off to Wearing On: The Meanders of Wearer–Clothing Relationships
Authors: Neto Ana , Ferreira João
Published: September 2020

The current patterns of production and consumption of clothes are known for their negative impacts on our planet, and the efforts towards a responsible fashion system must come from industry and users alike. Whereas the fashion industry may focus on achieving eco-efficiency, designers need to engage the wearers in long-term commitment with their clothes to counteract the ongoing increase of textile waste. However, current design strategies for product attachment have proven that it is difficult to succeed at this mission. In this paper we introduce the focus and theoretical framework of a research project that aims to study the relationship between wearers and clothes. We present our research perspective through a literature review that is supported by empirical testimonies of dozens of women, whose words illustrate the complexity of human relationships with garments. When we compare our connection with clothes to interpersonal love relationships, we find that the similarities are significant enough to justify a different approach in design practice, and we suggest a re-focus on the existing wearer–clothing relationships.
Exploring Sustainable Multilingual Language Policy in Minority Higher Education in China: A Case Study of the Tibetan Language
Authors: Zhang Lubei , Tsung Linda , Zhuoma
Published: September 2020

This paper explores sustainable multilingual education policy for minority languages in one of the higher education institutions (HEI) in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) in China. Following Spolsky’s theory of language policy ecology, this study conducted a survey of 276 students, examining the language education policy implemented inside and outside the classroom in their campus lives. The data were analyzed from the perspective of policy orientation, management issues and actual linguistic practice. The results showed that Chinese, Tibetan and English were all valued and respected in the current policy; however, the academic function of language was mainly undertaken by Chinese, while the social function was equally shouldered by Chinese and Tibetan. The findings gave us an insight into the present status of language education in this specific HEI in Tibet, and further offered valuable information for the design of sustainable multilingual policies for minority education at the higher education level in China.
Beliefs about Child-Rearing and Development in Spain and Peru. A Comparative Analysis for Adapting Parenting Support Programs
Authors: Sánchez José , Hidalgo Victoria , López-Verdugo Isabel , Jiménez Lucía
Published: September 2020

Migrant families who settle in host cultures may find themselves in situations of vulnerability which hinder the exercise of their parental responsibilities. While there are many support programs targeted at these families, they are n ot always sensitive to the acculturation process. This article compares beliefs about child-rearing and development in Spain and Peru, with the aim of enabling interventions to be adapted to the cultural characteristics of Peruvian families living in Spain. To this end, 43 Spanish and 39 Peruvian professionals and parents participated in a Delphi process, in which they ranked issues corresponding to four topics: child and adolescent needs, functions of the family context, functions of the school context, and the value of childhood and adolescence for society. The results revealed many similarities and some differences between the cultural parenting knowledge of Spanish and Peruvian families. The implications of these results for adapting parenting support programs to migrant Peruvian families are discussed. Specifically, the article concludes that Peruvian families require special support in two areas: establishing rules and limits for children and parental involvement in the school, both of which are key aspects for promoting parenting practices which are better adapted to the families’ new cultural context.
The Self-Efficacy of Preservice Physical Education Teachers in Disabilities Education in China
Authors: Wang Yong-Shun , Liu Liu , Wei Xiao-Wen , Block Martin E.
Published: September 2020

The adapted physical education (APE) field is developing vigorously in China, and an increasing number of students with physical education (PE) as their major will encounter students with disabilities in their future teaching careers. This study thus surveyed PE major students from eight Chinese sports colleges and universities in order to explore how perceived social support could affect the self-efficacy of PE major students who are expected to face students with different types of disabilities; furthermore, it aimed to demonstrate the regulating effect of APE studies and internships. The survey found that (1) perceived social support positively affected self-efficacy among Chinese PE majors who would be facing students with different types of disabilities; (2) APE studies and internships positively affected self-efficacy among Chinese PE majors who would be facing students with different types of disabilities, and; (3) APE studies and internships strengthened perceived social support’s effects on self-efficacy among Chinese PE majors who would be facing students with different types of disabilities.
Ulam Stability of a Second Linear Differential Operator with Nonconstant Coefficients
Authors: Cădariu Liviu , Popa Dorian , Raşa Ioan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we obtain a result on Ulam stability for a second order differential operator acting on a Banach space. The result is connected to the existence of a global solution for a Riccati differential equation and some appropriate conditions on the coefficients of the operator.
Mathematical Modeling of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Kolev Mikhail
Published: September 2020

The human organism is a very complex system. To be in good health, its components must function properly. One of the most important systems of an organism is the immune system. It protects the body from the harmful effects of various external and internal agents. Sometimes, however, the immune system starts attacking its own healthy cells, tissues and organs. Then autoimmune diseases arise. They are widespread in recent decades. There is evidence that often autoimmune responses occur due to viral infections. In this paper, a new mathematical model of a general autoimmune disease is proposed. It describes the interactions between viral particles and host cells. The model is formulated by using integro-differential equations of Boltzmann type. This approach is typical for the nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. A preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis of the model is presented.
Targeting Type II Toxin–Antitoxin Systems as Antibacterial Strategies
Authors: Równicki Marcin , Lasek Robert , Trylska Joanna , Bartosik Dariusz
Published: September 2020

The identification of novel targets for antimicrobial agents is crucial for combating infectious diseases caused by evolving bacterial pathogens. Components of bacterial toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems have been recognized as promising therapeutic targets. These widespread genetic modules are usually composed of two genes that encode a toxic protein targeting an essential cellular process and an antitoxin that counteracts the activity of the toxin. Uncontrolled toxin expression may elicit a bactericidal effect, so they may be considered “intracellular molecular bombs” that can lead to elimination of their host cells. Based on the molecular nature of antitoxins and their mode of interaction with toxins, TA systems have been classified into six groups. The most prevalent are type II TA systems. Due to their ubiquity among clinical isolates of pathogenic bacteria and the essential processes targeted, they are promising candidates for the development of novel antimicrobial strategies. In this review, we describe the distribution of type II TA systems in clinically relevant human pathogens, examine how these systems could be developed as the targets for novel antibacterials, and discuss possible undesirable effects of such therapeutic intervention, such as the induction of persister cells, biofilm formation and toxicity to eukaryotic cells.
Advances in Continuous Microfluidics-Based Technologies for the Study of HIV Infection
Authors: Eid Joëlle , Mougel Marylène , Socol Marius
Published: September 2020

HIV-1 is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It affects millions of people worldwide and the pandemic persists despite the implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy. A wide spectrum of techniques has been implemented in order to diagnose and monitor AIDS progression over the years. Besides the conventional approaches, microfluidics has provided useful methods for monitoring HIV-1 infection. In this review, we introduce continuous microfluidics as well as the fabrication and handling of microfluidic chips. We provide a review of the different applications of continuous microfluidics in AIDS diagnosis and progression and in the basic study of the HIV-1 life cycle.
Blood Parasites in Domestic Birds in Central Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Farzaneh , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Pournasir Soheila , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Pereira Maria de Lourdes
Published: September 2020

Parasites may affect the dynamics of bird populations. Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus are well-known avian haematozoa that can trigger decreased productivity and high mortality in domesticated birds. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of avian blood parasites (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus) against 335 birds of 8 species in the Yazd province in central Iran. To detect blood parasites, Giemsa-stained blood smears were prepared. Of the birds, 11.64% (39/335) were infected with at least one parasite genus, particularly Haemoproteus (32.6%; 23/335). The total prevalence values for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were 1.7, 6.8 and 2.9%, respectively. Plasmodium had lower prevalence rates of 1.7% (6/335). Among birds, pigeons, hens and ducks have the highest prevalence of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium parasites at 1.7%, 6.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Results from this research extend our knowledge on the incidence of avian blood parasites in domesticated birds living in central Iran. The overall low incidence of avian blood parasites in birds was found in the Yazd province, Iran.
Twelve-Year History of STEMI Management in Tehran Heart Center: Concomitant Reduction of In-Hospital Mortality and Hospitalization Length
Authors: Saadatagah Seyedmohammad , Ghodsi Saeed , Omidi Negar , Poorhosseini Hamidreza , Salarifar Mojtaba , Sadeghian Saeed , Alidoosti Mohammad , Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Aghajani Hassan , Mortazavi Seyedeh Hamideh , Hosseini Kaveh , Geraiely Babak
Published: September 2020

Background: Cardiovascular-related death remains the major cause of mortality in Iran despite significant improvements in its care. In the present study, we report the in-hospital mortality, hospitalization length, and treatment methods for patients with STelevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Tehran Heart Center (THC). Methods: Records pertaining to patients with STEMI from March 2006 to March 2017 were extracted from the databases of THC. Besides a description of temporal trends, multivariable regression analysis was used to find factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: During the study period, 8,295 patients were admitted with STEMI with a mean age of 60.4 ± 12.5 years. Men accounted for 77.5% of the study population. Hospitalization length declined from 8.4 to 5.2 days, and in-hospital mortality was reduced from 8.0% to 3.9% (both P values < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, conventional cardiac risk factors, prior cardiac history, and indices of event severity, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR: 0.280, 95% CI: 0.186 to 0.512; P<0.001), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (OR: 0.482, 95% CI: 0.220 to 0.903; P=0.025), and rescue or facilitated PCI (OR: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.071 to 0.812; P=0.001) were all associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in comparison with medical treatment. Furthermore, primary PCI was a crucial protective factor against prolonged length of hospital stay (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.266 to 0.594; P<0.001). Conclusion: In-hospital mortality and hospitalization length were almost halved during the study period, and primary PCI has now replaced thrombolysis in the management of STEMI.
Demography and Mortality of Body Packers; an Extended Experience from a Referral Center
Authors: Hajinasrollah Esmaeil , Zamani Amir , Mirhashemi Hadi , Oshidari Bahaor , Suri Mohsen , Rashnoo Fariborz , Peyvandi Hassan , Shahrbaf Mohammad Amin
Published: September 2020

Background: The incidence of smuggling and illegal transport of substances by internal concealment, also known as body packing, is increasing. The clinical approach to body packers has changed significantly over the past two decades. In addition, the mortality of body packers is an important issue in patient management. The purpose of the current study is to determine the statistics and mortality related to body packing. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all body packer patients who referred to Loghman Hakim hospital were evaluated from 2010 to 2017. Demographic characteristics, findings of clinical imaging, treatment, and outcome of the patients were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 303 patients were enrolled in the study after the diagnosis of body packing by abdominal CT scanning without contrast. Conservative treatment including whole bowel irrigation (WBI) accompanied by close monitoring was done for 78% (n = 236) of patients; moreover, 26 patients (8.5%) underwent surgery after WBI, and 41 patients (13.5%) underwent surgery without bowel irrigation. Mortality was observed in eight patients (2.7%) five of whom (62.5%) died before surgery and had the clinical manifestation of crystal (methamphetamine) and cannabis toxicity. Furthermore, three patients (37.5%) died due to the complications of surgery such as gastrointestinal leakage of an abdominal abscess. Conclusion: Conservative treatment seems to be better for the management of body packers. In addition, it is necessary to monitor patients for possible signs and symptoms of intoxication and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Effectiveness of Polypill for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (PolyPars): Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Malekzadeh Fatemeh , Gandomkar Abdullah , Malekzadeh Zinab , Poustchi Hossein , Moghadami Mohsen , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moini Maryam , Anushiravani Amir , Mortazavi Roozbeh , Sadeghi Boogar Shahrokh , Mohammadkarimi Vahid , Abtahi Firoozeh , Merat Shahin , Sepanlou Sadaf G. , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: September 2020

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Iran. A fixed-dose combination therapy (polypill) was proposed as a cost-effective strategy for CVD prevention, especially in lower-resource settings. We conducted the PolyPars trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of polypill for prevention of CVD. Methods: The PolyPars trial is a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial nested within the Pars Cohort Study. Participants were randomized to an intervention arm and a control arm. Participants in the control arm received minimal non-pharmacological care, while those in the intervention arm received polypill in addition to minimal care. The polypill comprises hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg, aspirin 81 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg, and either enalapril 5 mg or valsartan 40 mg. The primary outcome of the study is defined as the first occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (non-fatal myocardial infarction and unstable angina), fatal myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, new-onset heart failure, coronary artery revascularization procedures, transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accidents (fatal or non-fatal), and hospitalization due to any of the mentioned conditions. The secondary outcomes of the study include adverse events, compliance, non-cardiovascular mortality, changes in blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipids after five years of follow-up. Results: From December 2014 to December 2015, 4415 participants (91 clusters) were recruited. Of those, 2200 were in the polypill arm and 2215 in the minimal care arm. The study is ongoing. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03459560. Conclusion: Polypill may be effective for primary prevention of CVDs in developing countries.
Low Probability of Intercept Frequency Hopping Signal Characterization Comparison Using the Wigner Ville Distribution and the Choi Williams Distribution
Authors: Stevens Daniel L. , Schuckers Stephanie A.
Published: September 2020

Low probability of intercept radar signals, which are often challenging to detect and characterize, have as their objective ‘to see and not be seen’. Digital intercept receivers are currently moving from Fourier-based techniques to classical time-frequency techniques for the analysis of low probability of intercept radar signals. This paper presents the novel approach of characterizing low probability of intercept frequency hopping radar signals through utilization and direct comparison of the Wigner Ville Distribuion versus the Choi Williams Distribution. Two different frequency hopping low probability of intercept radar signals were analyzed (4-component and 8-component). The following metrics were used for evaluation: percent error of:carrier frequency, modulation bandwidth, modulation period, and time-frequency localization. Also used were: percent detection, lowest signaltonoise ratio for signal detection, and plot (processing) time.
Discrete-Time, Discrete-Frequency Reassignment Method
Authors: Stevens Daniel L. , Schuckers Stephanie A.
Published: September 2020

The reassignment method is a non-linear, post-processing technique which cans improve the localization of a time-frequency distribution by moving its values according to a suitable vector field. The reassignment method’s scheme assumes that the energy distribution in the time-frequency plane resembles a mass distribution and moves each value of the time-frequency plane located at a point (풕풕,풇풇) to another point,(풕풕�,풇풇�), which is the center of gravity of the energy distribution in the area of (풕풕,풇풇). The result is a focused representation with very high intensity [11]. During this research it was investigated and determined that the frequency reassignment corrections derived from the Flandrin reassignment method have undesired noise sensitivity at very small noise levels as well as undesired observed distortions. In order to address these issues, a novel approach was derived - the discrete-time, discrete-frequency formulation of frequency reassignment. It is shown that in noise-free tone scenarios, this novel approach eliminates ambiguity and provides less distortion than the Flandrin reassignment method.
STUDI PENDAHULUAN: KONSTRUKSI INSTRUMEN PENILAIAN ANALISIS KONTEN BUKU TEKS GEOGRAFI BERBASIS NILAI PPK
Authors: Hasanah Rafika , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: September 2020

Geography is one of the lessons that support character education and integrate it into textbooks. An assessment instrument is needed to determine the value of PPK (Strengthening Character Education) in the textbook. This study aims to design an instrument for evaluating PPK values in textbooks with indicators of nationalism and mutual cooperation. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method in the form of a questionnaire and is integrated with natural disaster mitigation materials. The results showed 1 indicator with no PPK values, 11 indicators with no PPK values, and 7 indicators with PPK values. The trials of this instrument need to be broadly developed to obtain perfect instrument validity.
Comparative study of minimally invasive and traditional approaches for the microsurgical treatment of circle of Willis unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Dzhindzhikhadze R. S. , Danilov G. V. , Dreval O. N. , Lazarev V. A. , Polyakov A. V. , Odamanov D. A.
Published: September 2020

Objective. The study objective was to compare the effects of minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches for treating patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) to assess efficacy and safety of the keyhole concept in neurosurgery.

Material and methods. We made a comparison of the microsurgical treatment outcomes of 204 patients harbouring UIAs who were operated on in the period from 2014 to 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: operated on using traditional approach (n = 85, 41.7%) and minimally invasive approach (n = 119, 58.3%). Patients of the first group were operated on using pterional (n = 31), orbitozygomatic (n = 16) and lateral supraorbital (n = 38) approaches; the second group patients underwent surgery using trans-eyebrow supraorbital (n = 35), minimal pterional (n = 38), trans-eyebrow transorbital (n = 20) and transpalpebral transorbital (n = 26) approaches. Rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, surgery duration and postoperative in-hospital stay period were the factors to compare. The Modified Rankin Scale was used as a neurological outcomes measure. Also cosmetic results of surgery, hypesthesia from the site of the surgical approach, temporomandibular joint disorder and facial asymmetry were evaluated.

Results. Compared to the traditional approach, minimally invasive technique incurred shorter surgery duration (р = 0.051) and inpatient stay (р > 0.001). Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates (р > 0.05) as well as functional outcomes (р > 0.05) were comparable between the two groups, while cosmetic effects (р < 0.05) were greater in minimally invasive group of UIA patients.

Conclusion. Microsurgical treatment of UIA patients using minimally invasive approach is considered safe and effective. Adequate selection of patients for operation and exhaustive neuroimaging data assessment for choosing of neurosurgical technique are obligatory factors for keyhole surgery. The authors recommend using minimally invasive concept only for experienced neurosurgical teams in specialized clinics.
Changes in Foot Conditions of Primary School Children Studying in Dynamic Postures
Authors: Khramtsov PI , Sedova AS , Berezina NO
Published: September 2020

Background: Scientific substantiation of a health-preserving potential of innovative educational technologies,
learning modes, and non-traditional types of student furniture is one of the most important tasks of school medicine.
The mode of dynamic postures presupposing alternation of sitting and standing positions at each lesson during the
school day has got potential health-preserving resources. Our objective was to assess foot conditions in primary school
children in years 1–3 studying in the mode of dynamic postures. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in
2015-2018 involving 42 children aged 7–10 years attending a gymnasium in the town of Balashikha, Moscow Region.
The condition of the longitudinal foot arch was assessed by plantography using the Bauerfeind plantograph, Germany.
For the same children, the Sztriter index was calculated in the beginning of year 1 and in the end of year 3. Results: The
normal longitudinal foot arch was observed in 36.9% and 42.9% of schoolchildren studying in dynamic postures in
years 1 and 3, respectively. Flat feet were detected in every fifth child and its prevalence did not change in the course
of learning. The most pronounced positive dynamics expressed by a 5.9-fold decrease in the prevalence rate was observed
for the higher arch of the foot noted in 21.4% of first graders and only in 3.6% of third graders. Conclusions: Our
findings show positive dynamics in foot conditions related to the process of learning in the mode of dynamic postures
and may serve as the basis for a wider introduction of this mode into educational practice.
PERM: THE HISTORIOGRAPHY WITH THE ETYMOLOGY
Authors: Korchagin P. A.
Published: September 2020

The article is a historiographical overview of the ongoing for more than two and half century discussion about the location of Biarmia/Perm and especially the etymology of this toponym. When interpreting the name Perm, almost all researchers improperly expanded its meaning by leaving the exact translation of it (“back land”) without attention. They replaced the subject of research when used not synonymous adjectives (“far”, “extreme”) for etymologizing. Since it was not possible to find a solution to the problem using the methods of linguistic and historical toponymy, it is necessary to use the methods of historical geography.
The technology of the process of storing fruits, vegetables and potatoes and functional-spatial arrangements of objects
Authors: Chądzyński Andrzej , Piróg Marek
Published: September 2020

Proper storage, allowing to keep nutritive values, quality of taste and the aesthetic appearance of products, is possible only in specially for this purpose prepared and equipped objects. A microclimate generated and kept in storage spaces is particularly important (appropriate temperature, relative humidity and air circulation), also an appropriate gases composition of the atmosphere. Conducted analysis of technological thrust in the storage process explains how and using what technical means a production carried out in a storage building should be executed. In the process of preparing the project documentation of the storage object, the technology is a much more important issue than other given matters. It is so, because conclusions and requirements which should be fulfilled so that the building is technically and functionally adapted to storing fruits, vegetables or potatoes. A scope of preliminary and final food processing influences definitive design of the technological sequence of the storage. It appears distinctive in storage buildings that architectural form, structural, material and installation solutions are secondary to the technological processes carried out in the object.
Optimal height of free-ends prefabricated reinforced concrete beam with rectangular cross-section
Authors: Sobczyk Szymon
Published: September 2020

This paper concerns the optimal modelling of free-ends prefabricated reinforced concrete beams. The article focuses on the selection of the optimal height of the cross-section at a fixed length, width, level of reinforcement of the element and the set of external loads. By applying gradient-iterative method it was possible to conduct multiple optimization calculations. Optimal beam height was formulated based on calculation results.
Anno 1928 competition for projects of Orthodox Churches in the Second Polish Republic: in searching new architectural identity
Authors: Rychkov Petro , Mykhaylyshyn Olga
Published: September 2020

Staying of Polish lands in the Russian Empire was accompanied by active construction of Orthodox churches in “Moscow-Byzantine” style. After regeneration of II Rzeczpospolita its authorities try to generate such new trends in church architecture, which would not have symbolic associations with imperial building art. With this purpose in 1927, it was announced competition for the projects of future Orthodox churches with new functional and compositional requirements. The article discusses the conditions of this competition and its results.
Relationship between consistency parameters and granulation of fen soils
Authors: Wilk Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Determination of bearing capacity requires knowledge of the ground strength parameters. The best way to appreciate soil properties is the use of the direct research methods. In the case of less responsible buildings, projected on the simple ground structure, it often seems reasonable to adopt conservative soil parameters without performing a complex analysis. The base for determination the values of the geotechnical parameters is the estimation based on the correlation between the mechanical and geotechnical parameters of soil. It is important not only for the new building design, but also to facilitate the verification of the substrate quality during the execution of the work. This paper presents the relationship between granulation (clay fraction content) and soil consistency parameters (plastic limit, liquid limit, plasticity index and liquidity index). The analyzed values are determined as a result of alluvial ground studies. These soils were consequent upon the accumulation of river. The founded relationships were described by linear equations and were compared with the results presented in the geotechnical literature. These comparisons often show a significant effect of regional ground forming  conditions on the parameters of consistency.
Estimation of the characteristic compressive strength value of concrete based on the current code recommendations
Authors: Skrzypczak Izabela
Published: September 2020

The use of cores is an integral part of the assessment of existing structures that are modernized, redesigned or have been damaged. Evaluation of the test results and the estimation of characteristic values of compressive strength can be performed according to the statistical method proposed by the Annex D of the PN-EN 1990 [1] standard, and  also according to the PN-EN 13791 [2]. The procedures recommended in these both documents are different which can lead to various assessments of the characteristic values. The author has been verified whether the empirical relationships, defined in PN-EN 13791 [2], lead to obtaining larger values of characteristic strength and, consequently, to  estimation at the unsafe region. The characteristic compressive strength was of determined in accordance with the recommendations of  the PN-EN 13791 code [2] and the PN-EN 1990 - Annex D [1].
Viaduct over railway next to PGE Arena in Gdansk under tests during its construction
Authors: Chróścielewski Jacek , Miśkiewicz Mikołaj , Pyrzowski Łukasz , Rucka Magdalena , Wilde Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

The paper presents the in situ tests carried out during the erection of viaduct WD-1 which is a part of Trasa Slowackiego in Gdansk. Due to the unique and innovative form of the arch girder which is created by twisted pipes, the structural monitoring tests were conducted in the DIM Laboratory in the Department of Structural Mechanics and Bridge Structures at Gdansk University of Technology. The scope of tests included arch abutment measurement system, periodic control of forces in hangers during tensioning process and finally load testing.
Eurocodes for bridge design versus mechanics
Authors: Karaś Sławomir , Czubacka Wioleta
Published: September 2020

Regulations on which designers base their process of designing of any engineer structures should  include and combine mechanics, loads and dimensioning. It is not always the case as far as eurocodes are concerned. Ambiguities appear everywhere, which  sometimes leads to  incorrect understanding of a norm. The authors meticulously analysed  basic mechanical terms. Their digressions began with  the concepts of strain and deformation that have discrepant definitions in sources from other countries. The next part of article discusses the concept of „shear lag”. It is treated as an elementary concept in the eurocodes, although is has not been defined yet. Other sources define it as cooperating width and shear strain in the beam flanges or as stretching. Polish translation mentions the effect of „wide stripes”. The authors focused also on dynamics – especially while discussing first natural frequencies denoted as “n0”. They scrutinised  the norm EN 1991-2 in which dynamic problems of bridges are understood as effects of service load when the  environmental impact is not included. As always, in a situation when there is a doubt, it is possible apply the to accurate mechanics rules. To sum up, Polish versions of bridge eurocodes should be corrected to be unambiguous and useful in a design.
The application of composites (FRP) in military bridges
Authors: Szelka Janusz , Kamyk Zbigniew
Published: September 2020

The needs of expeditionary forces involve the use of light-weight, short-span bridges so that their transport by air would be possible. A project which is currently developed in USA aims at the elaboration of a Composite Army Bridge (CAB) assault bridge and a Modular Composite Bridge – MCB logistic bridge. In 2004 CAB successfully underwent fatigue tests. A 14 m-long, all-composite treadway bridge span was loaded by using an MLC 100 vehicle and it withstood 20 000 load cycles. The MCB will be constructed by7 m of box modules and a 6.5 m access ramp. A 26 m-long and 4 m-wide bridge span is to provide the traffic ability of MLC 65. Furthermore, works on a 10 m-long, MLC 30 composite bridge are also developed in Canada too. The paper also presents the American concept of employing a deployable bridge system by utilising a composite structure. In order to formwork and reinforce the plate, fibre reinforced polyester composites (FRP) were used. The girder construction is made of aluminium pipes forming diamond truss with curved bottom chord. After they are integrated in the structure, the top chord nodes are connected through deck plate cast in-situ. The tests indicated that there exists the possibility of using polymer composites in military bridge construction and mobile structures of composite bridges.
Model tests in wind tunnel of correct work of chimneys and ventilations draughts for a building in compact development
Authors: Flaga Andrzej , Bosak Grzegorz , Kłaput Renata , Flaga Łukasz
Published: September 2020

The paper deals with model investigations on wind pressure distributions on walls and roof of a tenement house in compact development of Cracow centre. The tests were performed in a boundary layer wind tunnel at the Cracow University of Technology for eight wind directions. Two situations were tested: 1. Before realization of a superstructure  on the adjacent building; 2. After realization of the superstructure. Investigations results were used for evaluation of correct work of chimneys and ventilations draughts of the building.
Smoke and heat flow in a large volume building in case of fire
Authors: Węgrzyński Wojciech
Published: September 2020

In the paper author presents chosen analytic formulas for determining mass flow of heat and smoke into smoke reservoir in prescribed layout of vertical and horizontal wall boundaries, which include room where the fire starts, a wall with an opening and a downstand, and a projecting balcony, all fit inside a large volume building. Results of analytical calculations were compared to the results of performed numerical studies using CFD method, and the final design guidelines are given.
Buckling resistance of vertical stiffeners of steel silos for grain storage
Authors: Błażejewski Paweł , Marcinowski Jakub
Published: September 2020

In steel silos fabricated from horizontally corrugated sheets, the vertical stiffeners (columns) sustain vertical forces as a result of friction of a bulk material against the silo wall. Columns are usually of cold formed steel sections. Due to the fact that stiffener failures are the most frequent cause of silos collapses, it is important to estimate accurately their resistance. The paper deals with numerical modelling of the elastic-plastic collapse of columns. Geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses (GMNIA) were carried out in which imperfections were taken into account. The imperfection forms were taken as a first buckling mode obtained in the linear buckling analysis (LBA). Amplitudes of imperfections were assumed as a =t, 2t, 3t, 4t, where t is the thickness of the stiffeners wall. It was revealed that the buckling resistance is very sensitive to the imperfection amplitude. All numerical analyses  were performed by the COSMOS/M system based on FEM. Buckling resistance of all analysed stiffeners was calculated also by means of formulae inserted in Eurocode PN-EN1993-4-1. Buckling resistances obtained by the proposed numerical approach were greater than their counterparts being the result of provisions inserted in PN-EN1993-4-1 and appear to be more realistic.
The modal analysis of cylindrical steel tank with selfsupported roof filled with different level of liquid
Authors: Burkacki Daniel , Wójcik Michał , Jankowski Robert
Published: September 2020

In technical branches, such as chemical or petroleum industries, cylindrical steel tanks are essential structures used for storage of liquid products. Therefore, their safety and reliability is essential, because any failure might have dangerous consequences, in extreme cases may even lead to an environmental disaster. The aim of the presented paper is to show the results of the modal analysis concerning the cylindrical steel tank with self-supported roof which has been constructed in northern Poland. The investigation was carried out with the use of the FEM commercial computer program Abaqus. The values of natural frequencies, as well as the natural modes, for different levels of liquid filling (empty tank, partly filled and tank fully filled) were determined in the study. The results of the study clearly indicate that the increase in the liquid level leads to the substantial decrease in the natural frequencies of the structure.
Bending resistance of steel beams with corrugated web under fully developed fire
Authors: Maślak Mariusz , Kuchta Krzysztof , Łukacz Marcin
Published: September 2020

More accurate design algorithm helpful in bending resistance evaluation of steel beams with corrugated web exposed to fully developed fire is presented and discussed in detail. The condition of fire resistance limit state is proposed to be determined by the interactive formula based on the consideration of biaxial bending in which the transverse out-of-plane bending phenomenon is the spatial effect of in-plane shear. Such an influence, usually neglected in formal models dealing with the persistent design situation, can become more significant under fire conditions, when the steel yield point decreases as a consequence of the flanges temperature growth. Dependence between the material temperature and the global instability factors is considered in the methodology proposed by the authors, especially with relation to the assessment of the adequate values of lateral – torsional buckling coefficient as well as of flexural transverse buckling coefficient specified for the compressed flange. The conclusive safety condition should be supplemented by the additional interactive component in which the influence of the axial compression force is expressed, in the case when such internal force is induced in a considered beam as a result of thermal strains constrainment.