bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Narrative Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Repetitive
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment and
Management of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Kafas Georgios , Umla-Runge Katja
Published: January 2023

Background:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition that
affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide. It can present many challenges and can
therefore be difficult to treat successfully by mental health professionals.

Aim:

The aim of this systematic review was to detect whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective intervention for the management of BPD to the point where
there would be a reduction of the BPD symptoms and challenging behaviour.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted systematically using the following databases:
PROSPERO, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE
LIBRARY, SCOPUS, EMBASE and CLINICALTRIALS.GOV. Included studies were primary
research studies of adult patients with a diagnosis of BPD who received rTMS treatment.

Results:

Nine studies were identified which ranged from a case report to a randomised controlled
trial (RCT). While rTMS improved certain symptoms of BPD patients, such as affective
instability, impulsivity and outbursts of anger; overall, some results lacked statistical significance
and, due to the lack of robust evidence, it is uncertain if rTMS is an effective intervention
for BPD.

Conclusions:

rTMS treatment showed some promising results in reducing the severity of
symptoms for a number of patients. Studies varied with regard to the location of the target
stimulation site, including different prefrontal brain regions and the cerebellum, as well as other
rTMS protocol characteristics. These methodological differences in the application of the
intervention and their impact on BPD symptomatology need to be explored more systematically
in future research. Higher quality studies with larger sample sizes are needed in order to assess
further the effectiveness of rTMS interventions on BPD symptoms.
Primjena Nacionalnih smjernica za rad izvanbolničke i bolničke hitne medicinske službe s pacijentima kojima je potrebna palijativna skrb
Authors: Predavec Sanja , Balija Saša , Grba-Bujević Maja
Published: January 2023

U zbrinjavanju palijativnog pacijenta sudjeluje cijeli niz stručnjaka, uključujući i tim hitne medicinske službe. Cilj i svrha palijativne skrbi je održati i unaprijediti kvalitetu života palijativnih pacijenata kroz kontrolu simptoma i pružanje pacijentima psihološke, duhovne i socijalne podrške. Nacionalne smjernice za rad izvanbolničke i bolničke hitne medicinske službe s pacijentima kojima je potrebna palijativna skrb sadrže opće informacije o palijativnoj skrbi, opise hitnih stanja uz specifično kliničko prosuđivanje pri zbrinjavanju pacijenta, važnost i način komunikacije s pacijentom i obitelji, koji obuhvaća savjetovanje obitelji umirućeg pacijenta, odlučivanje o primjerenosti medicinskih postupaka i način priopćavanja loše vijesti.
Clon de Cacao TCS 01 Theobroma Corpoica La Suiza 01
Authors:   Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - AGROSAVIA
Published: January 2023

Clon de tipo genético híbrido, procedente de mezclas de cacao trinitario con un crecimiento erecto, baja altura (3,18 m), que requiere de una poda de formación en sus primeros años, práctica que facilita las tareas de campo. Este clon manifiesta presencia de pubescencias en brotes terminales, característica propia de los genotipos de cacao de alta calidad como los criollos. En cuanto a la reacción a enfermedades y plagas, la incidencia de monilia durante el estudio fue del 17,3% y no se observó la presencia de otras enfermedades.
Bioinsumos: características y ventajas
Authors:   Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - AGROSAVIA, Cuartas Otalora Paola
Published: January 2023

Existen principalmente dos categorías de bioinsumos: biofertilizantes (abonos verdes) y bioplaguicidas (biofungicidas, bioinsecticidas, metabolitos secundarios y más) que se pueden usar de manera integrada.
The Impacts of Computer-Aided Detection of Colorectal Polyps on Subsequent Colonoscopy Surveillance Intervals: Simulation Study
Authors: Lui Ka Luen Thomas , Liu Sze Hang Kevin , Leung Kathy , Wu Joseph T , Zauber Ann G , Leung Wai Keung
Published: January 2023

Background

Computer-aided detection (CADe) of colorectal polyps has been shown to increase adenoma detection rates, which would potentially shorten subsequent surveillance intervals.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to simulate the potential changes in subsequent colonoscopy surveillance intervals after the application of CADe in a large cohort of patients.

Methods

We simulated the projected increase in polyp and adenoma detection by universal CADe application in our patients who had undergone colonoscopy with complete endoscopic and histological findings between 2016 and 2020. The simulation was based on bootstrapping the published performance of CADe. The corresponding changes in surveillance intervals for each patient, as recommended by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (USMSTF) or the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), were determined after the CADe was determined.

Results

A total of 3735 patients who had undergone colonoscopy were included. Based on the simulated CADe effect, the application of CADe would result in 19.1% (n=714) and 1.9% (n=71) of patients having shorter surveillance intervals, according to the USMSTF and ESGE guidelines, respectively. In particular, all (or 2.7% (n=101) of the total) patients who were originally scheduled to have 3-5 years of surveillance would have their surveillance intervals shortened to 3 years, following the USMSTF guidelines. The changes in this group of patients were largely attributed to an increase in the number of adenomas (n=75, 74%) rather than serrated lesions being detected.

Conclusions

Widespread adoption of CADe would inevitably increase the demand for surveillance colonoscopies with the shortening of original surveillance intervals, particularly following the current USMSTF guideline.
A Gamified Real-time Video Observed Therapies (GRVOTS) Mobile App via the Modified Nominal Group Technique: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Abas Siti Aishah , Ismail Nurhuda , Zakaria Yuslina , Ismail Ismassabah , Mat Zain Nurul Hidayah , Yasin Siti Munira , Ibrahim Khalid , Razali Asmah , Mohd Yusoff Mas Ahmad Sherzkawee , Ahmad Norliza , Chinnayah Thilaka
Published: January 2023

Background

The success rate of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Malaysia remains below the recommended World Health Organization target of 90% despite the implementation of directly observed therapy, short-course, a physical drug monitoring system, since 1994. With increasing numbers of patients with TB in Malaysia defaulting on treatment, exploring another method to improve TB treatment adherence is vital. The use of gamification and real-time elements via video-observed therapies in mobile apps is one such method expected to induce motivation toward TB treatment adherence.

Objective

This study aimed to document the process of designing, developing, and validating the gamification, motivation, and real-time elements in the Gamified Real-time Video Observed Therapies (GRVOTS) mobile app.

Methods

The modified nominal group technique via a panel of 11 experts was used to validate the presence of the gamification and motivation elements inside the app, which were assessed based on the percentage of agreement among the experts.

Results

The GRVOTS mobile app, which can be used by patients, supervisors, and administrators, was successfully developed. For validation purposes, the gamification and motivation features of the app were validated as they achieved a total mean percentage of agreement of 97.95% (SD 2.51%), which was significantly higher than the minimum agreement score of 70% (P<.001). Further, each component of gamification, motivation, and technology was also rated at 70% or more. Among the gamification elements, fun received the lowest scores, possibly because the nature of serious games does not prioritize the fun element and because the perception of fun varies by personality. The least popular element in motivation was relatedness, as stigma and discrimination hinder interaction features, such as leaderboards and chats, in the mobile app.

Conclusions

It has been validated that the GRVOTS mobile app contains gamification and motivation elements, which are intended to encourage medication adherence to TB treatment.
Mechanism and strengthening effects of carbon fiber on mechanical properties of cement mortar
Authors: Islam Md. Rasidul , Zhao Wenbin , Haile Shoddo Elias , Li Xiangyu
Published: January 2023

Carbon fibers have many advantages, such as low density, low heat transfer and expansion coefficients, high tensile strength, and good chemical stability and thermal conductivity. Aiming to improve the properties, this study investigates the effects of adding different amounts of carbon fiber to cement mortar. First, a fluidity test was performed to determine the effects of different carbon-fiber contents on the fluidity of cement mortar. Thereafter, the effects of the amount of carbon fiber on the flexural and compressive strengths of cement mortar were investigated under consistent fluidity conditions by adding a polycarboxylate superplasticizer. The interfacial transition zone of the carbon-fiber-modified cement mortar and the microstructure and morphology of the hydration products were observed via-scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the influence of carbon fibers on the mechanical properties of cement mortar and the associated mechanism were studied.
Los textos multimodales como recurso didáctico para la enseñanza de la escritura en un Centro Educativo Rural
Authors: Cardona Zapata Luis  Alberto , Calle Álvarez Gerzon Yair
Published: January 2023

La escuela primaria sigue siendo fundamental en el proceso de asimilación y comprensión del lenguaje verbal y no verbal en los estudiantes. Desde esta posición, el objetivo del estudio fue analizar el uso didáctico de los textos multimodales para la enseñanza de la escritura a estudiantes de básica primaria de un Centro Educativo Rural. La metodología utilizada fue la Investigación Acción Educativa. Los instrumentos de recolección de información fueron la entrevista, el diario de campo y las producciones textuales de tres estudiantes de grado cuarto y dos de grado quinto. Los resultados arrojaron las siguientes categorías: la escritura como práctica cultural y multimodal, el rol del maestro, la escritura en la ruralidad y las dificultades en la producción de textos. En las conclusiones se plantea que la ruralidad se convierte en un detonante para la producción de textos multimodales que motiva a los estudiantes a escribir sobre la cotidianidad, el entorno natural y la familia.
Voting System Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Ganotra Tushar , Garg Sachin
Published: January 2023

Abstract: Electronic voting, or e-voting, has been used in various forms since the 1970s. B. Increase efficiency and reduce errors. However, wide adoption of such systems remains a challenge, especially in terms of improving resilience to potential failures. Blockchain is a disruptive technology of our time and promises to improve the overall resilience of electronic voting systems. The democratic system is fundamentally based on the right to vote that Allow individuals within the community to express their opinions. While voter turnout has declined in recent years, concerns about the integrity, security, and accessibility of the current voting system have increased. Electronic voting was introduced to address these concerns. However, it is not cost-effective and requires full oversight by a central authority. Blockchain is an emerging decentralized and decentralized technology that promises to improve many aspects of many industries. Extending e-voting to blockchain technology could be a solution to alleviating current concerns about e-voting. In this paper, I proposed a voting system that leverages the Ethereum blockchain and smart contracts to achieve voter management and verifiable voting records.
Smart Essay Grading
Authors: Nalawade Prof. S. A , Shukla Rishabh Raj , Gurjar Prachi , Kumar Harsh , Chavan Harshvardhan
Published: January 2023

Abstract: With the onset of the technological revolution, the efficiency of the current manual systems has been improved drastically and the accuracy of the products produced are also increasing. The most affected of the fields from this technological change is Education. The combination of Education with technology has been coined as a new term of edtech. Assessment in the Education system plays a significant role in judging student performance. Humans are becoming more interested in using automated tools. Consequently, in the last few years, the use of automatic assessment methods in the education system and student response evaluation has increased significantly. There is currently no adequate evaluation mechanism for grading essays and short responses; the computer-based evaluation system only works for multiple-choice questions. For the past few decades, many researchers have been working on automated essay grading and short answer scoring, but evaluating an essay while taking into account all the criteria, such as the content's relevance to the prompt, the development of ideas, cohesion, and coherence, is still a difficult task. We examined the limits of the most recent studies and research trends while studying the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning approaches used to assess computerized essay grading. In this project, we have studied different uses of Machine Learning and how we can improve the efficiency of the Essay Scoring using AI and other algorithms. In this project we also aim to highlight the problems faced by teachers and the possible solution which could be designed to overcome the problem.
Influence of plant growth regulators on growth and formation of sylleptic shoots in one-year-old apple cv. Gala Mast
Authors:   ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334 006, India, Kumawat K.L. , Raja W.H. ,   ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar-190 007, India, Chand Lal ,   ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334 006, India, Rai K.M. ,   ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Nainital-263 132, India, Lal S. ,   ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer-305 204, India
Published: January 2023

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of 6-benzyladenine (BA) alone or in combination with gibberellic acid (GA3) on sylleptic shoots formation on one-year-old apple cv. Gala Mast grafted on MM-106 rootstock. Methodology: During the second vegetative period, the actively growing apical portion of the nursery tree was sprayed with varying doses of BA and BA+GA3 (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm) using a hand sprayer until run-off. Three spray treatments were performed at one week apart. The first spray was applied when the growth of the central leader reached 70-80 cm. Results: All plant growth regulators treatments significantly increased the number and length of sylleptic shoots, branching zone and per cent branched trees compared to control. The unsprayed trees had an average of 1.95 useful sylleptic per tree, 1.1 m total sylleptic shoot length, 10.24 cm branching zone and 35 per cent branched trees. Application of BA (700 ppm) resulted in four-fold increase in the number of sylleptic shoots (7.8), more than two-fold increase in total length of sylleptic shoots (2.44 m), and around four-fold increase in branching zone (38.96 cm). The 100 per cent branched trees were obtained with the application of BA (500, 600, 700 ppm) and BA+GA3 (600, 700 ppm) in both experimental years. Moreover, these treatments obtained 2.78 to 2.90 values of the trunk and mean sylleptic shoot diameter ratio. Interpretation: Application of BA alone or in combination with GA3 played an important role in overcoming apical dominance and therefore in the production of well-branched apple nursery tree. However, application of BA alone has a stronger positive effect on sylleptic shoot formation. More than 400 ppm BA appears to give a significant stimulation for the production of sylleptic shoots, with the highest beneficial effect reported with the application of 700 ppm BA. However, it is cost-effective to apply 3 sprays of 500 ppm BA for adequate growth and sylleptic shoot production. Key words: 6-benzyladenine, Gibberellic acid, Nursery tree, Plant growth regulators, Sylleptic shoot
Effect of thyroxine on Na+/K+-ATPase and SDH activities in gills and kidney during osmotic adjustments of Heteropneustes fossilis at higher salinity
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002, India, Sherwani F.A.
Published: January 2023

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the facilitatory role of thyroxine during adaptation process of catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis in higher salinity following its exogenous administration by monitoring changes in plasma osmolality, branchial and renal sodium-potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity profiles and study the effect of direct transfer of fish to higher salinities on plasma thyroxine levels. Methodology: Catfish were directly transferred from tap water to 30 and 35% sea water and plasma thyroxine profiles were analysed. Fish were injected with thyroxine at a dose of 2 and 5 µg g-1 b.wt. daily for five days and then transferred to tap water and 30% sea water. Fish were sampled after day 3 and day 6, post-transfer and plasma osmolality was measured, and the enzyme activities were determined in gills and kidney. Results: Higher levels of plasma thyroxine were observed after transfer of fish from tap water to higher salinities. Treatment of fish with thyroxine at higher dose (5 µg g-1 b.wt.) showed a significant increase in plasma osmolality in tap water (p<0.05) while the enzymes in gills were found to be significantly higher both in tap water (p<0.05; p<0.01for Na+/K+-ATPase and p<0.001 for SDH) and 30% sea water (p<0.001for Na+/K+-ATPase and p<0.01; p<0.001 for SDH). No significant changes were observed in any of the parameters analysed after exogenous administration of thyroxine at lower dose (2 µg g-1 b.wt.). Interpretation: Thyroxine affects the osmotic adjustment of fish following transfer to higher salinities and its exogenous administration at at a dose of 5 µg g-1 b.wt. may improve the hypoosmoregulatory ability. Key words: Hormonal control, Osmoregulation, Teleost, Thyroid hormones
The bacterial population inhabiting a top-ranking High Background Radiation Area: A first-time report
Authors:   School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014, India, Sowptika P. , Anilkumar G. ,   School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014, India
Published: January 2023

Aim: To study the soil bacterial population inhabiting the High Background Radiation Area (HBRA) of Chavara-Neendakara placer deposits, Kerala, India. Methodology: The study was performed by culture-dependant methods involving isolation and characterization of microbes through plate culturing and sequencing the 16S rDNA primed PCR amplicons. Results: Histochemical observations and molecular taxonomic studies through BLAST search, multiple sequence alignment of the sequences and SeaView phylogenetic analyses, resulted in identification of 35 bacterial species belonging to 22 genera. Shannon-Simpson diversity-predominance indices, revealed an over-riding presence of Firmicutes (~60%) in the HBRA soil. Interpretation: The results reveal for the first time, the composition, structure and dynamics of the bacterial population inhabiting an HBRA. Key words: Chavara-Neendakara placer deposit, Firmicutes, Gini-Simpson Index, High background radiation area, Shannon index
Evaluation of the genetic stability of Leptospira reference strains maintained under two conservation methods
Authors: Beltrán Oscar Gabriel , Torres Higuera Ligia Denise , Rodríguez Bautista José Luis , Patiño Burbano Rocio Esperanza
Published: January 2023

Objective. The genetic stability of Strains of Leptospira spp., maintained under two conservation systems, was evaluated. Methodology. The degree of conservation of the 16S rRNA and ompL1 genes of 10 reference serovars from the Leptospira spp. collection, belonging to the Sistema de Bancos de Germoplasma de la Nación para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (SBGNAA), was determined. Results. It was corroborated that the genes evaluated these have not undergone considerable changes, since similarities greater than 99.69 % were evidenced for 16S rRNA and 99.02% for ompL1, in the paired alignments. Conclusion. The genetic stability and purity of the reference strains of Leptospira spp. were verified. spp., kept in cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C and at room temperature for approximately eight years.
¿Jardines «botánicos» prehispánicos? Naturaleza como discurso histórico en los casos de Tetzcotzingo y Oaxtepec, México
Authors: Rodríguez Figueroa Andrea Berenice , Urquijo Torres Pedro Sergio , Rodríguez Soriano Roberto Israel
Published: January 2023

Se analizan las narrativas históricas de los jardines prehispánicos como representaciones idealizadas del manejo de la naturaleza en los discursos cientificistas que los interpretaron como «botánicos». Desde el siglo xix, la identidad nacional se cimentó sobre la revaloración del pasado prehispánico, tratando de fundamentar raíces del ser mexicano, pero sin desmarcarse de los cánones europeos. La domesticación de la naturaleza no fue ajena a esta forma de interpretar la historia, pues se recurrió a la exaltación de las experiencias de conocimiento sobre la flora o vegetación de las sociedades del pasado. Sin embargo, la lectura que se realizó no consideró necesariamente el contexto espaciotemporal en el que surgieron y adaptó un discurso reivindicatorio de los jardines a las circunstancias del cientificismo occidental. Para ejemplificar lo expuesto, se recurre a dos casos de jardines prehispánicos: Tetzcotzingo, estado de México, y Oaxtepec, estado de Morelos.
Transcripción del documento "La medida" de Nicolás Buenaventura
Authors: Betancourt Mendieta Alexander
Published: January 2023

En 1778 Ignacio Nicolás Buenaventura, teniente gobernador de Ibagué, elaboró y envió a la administración del virreinato de la Nueva Granada diversos informes sobre la situación social y económica en la Montaña del Quindío; uno de estos trabajos fue identificar “las suertes” o secciones del camino entre las poblaciones de Ibagué y Cartago y, con ello, establecer las responsabilidades para mantener el camino a lado y lado de la cordillera, y las posibilidades de poblamiento y fomento de la zona a partir del señalamiento e identificación de ventas, tambos, arroyos, cruces de ríos y, sobre todo, las distancias entre diferentes puntos que sirvieran de referencia a quien tuviera necesidad de utilizar esta vía. Tal trabajo fue complementado con un inventario de plantas útiles, medicinales y comestibles, así como diferentes descripciones sobre la situación del resguardo de Pindaná y los tratantes que circulaban entre Cartago e Ibagué.
Predominance of novel DS-1-like G8P[8] rotavirus reassortant strains in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand
Authors: Chan-it Wisoot , Chanta Chulapong , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

Rotavirus A (RVA) is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE)
in children. This study aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology
of RVA children hospitalized with AGE in Chiang Rai, Thailand in
2018-2020 by RT-PCR. Of 302 samples, RVA was detected in 11.6% (35
samples): 11.3% (19/168) in 2018-2019 and 11.9% (16/134) in 2019-2020.
Surprisingly, G8P[8] was detected as the predominant genotype at
68.4% in 2018-2019 and 81.2% in 2019-2020. In addition, other
genotypes were also detected, including G1P[8] (15.8%), G2P[4]
(5.3%), G3P[8] (10.5%) in 2018-2019 and G9P[8] (18.8%) in
2019-2020. Analysis of genomic constellation of G8P[8] strains,
represented by RVA/Human-wt/ THA/5CR11/2019/G8P[8], revealed a
DS-1-like genetic backbone: G8-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2.
Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 gene showed that the DS-1-like
G8P[8] strains clustered in a distinct sublineage A together with 13
G8P[8] strains reported from Thailand and China, and these
sublineage A G8P[8] strains contained unique amino acid
substitutions in two positions (A125S and N147D) on the VP7 antigenic
epitopes. Homology modeling of the VP7 capsid protein confirmed that
these two amino acid changes were located on the surface exposed area of
the virion. Phylogenetic trees of the VP1, VP6, NSP2, NSP3, and NSP4
genes have demonstrated that DS-1-like G8P[8] strains in the present
study and 51 DS-1-like G8P[8] reference strains published formerly
clustered in separate lineages. To the best of our knowledge, this is
the first report of the emergence of novel DS-1-like G8P[8] strains
that might have evolved genetically through reassortment events with
locally or globally circulating genotypes.
Willingness to deprescribe predictors among Portuguese older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pereira Anabela , Ribeiro Oscar , Veríssimo Manuel T.
Published: January 2023

Background: Deprescribing is a complex process requiring a
patient-centred approach. One frequently expressed deprescribing barrier
is patients’ attitudes and beliefs toward reducing or stopping a
medication. This study aims to identify the willingness to deprescribe
predictors in a sample of Portuguese older patients. Methods:
Cross-sectional study with community-dwelling patients aged ≥ 65 and
taking at least one regular medication. Data collection included
patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and the Portuguese
Revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) Questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were used to present patients’ characteristics
and attitudes towards deprescribing. A multiple binary logistic
regression analysis was performed to identify willingness to
desprescribe predictors. Results: 192 participants (median age 72 years;
65.6% female) were included. A large majority (83.33%) were willing to
deprescribe if recommended by their doctor. The willingness to
desprescribe predictors were age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 1.136),
female sex (aOR= 3.036), and the rPATD concerns about stopping (aOR=
0.391). Conclusions: Most patients were willing to deprescribe if
recommended by their doctor. Older age and female sex increase the odds
of willingness to deprescribe; conversely, higher concerns about
stopping medications decrease the odds. These findings suggest that
addressing patients’ concerns about stopping their medicines may
contribute to deprescribing success.
Heat management of thermally coupled reactors for conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: January 2023

Computational fluid dynamics simulations are carried out to better
understand how to manage thermally coupled reactors for conducting
simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions. Particular emphasis
is placed upon the mechanisms involved in the heat transfer processes in
thermally coupled reactors for hydrogen production by steam reforming.
The effects of catalyst layer thickness on the enthalpy of reaction,
methanol conversion, and hydrogen yield are delineated. The oxidation
and reforming reaction rates involved in the endothermic and exothermic
processes are determined. Contour maps denoting temperature, enthalpy,
and species mole fractions are constructed and design recommendations
are made. The results indicate that the waste heat can efficiently be
recovered in a low-temperature region, although the reactivity of a
steam reforming reaction is low in such a region. The steam reforming
device is configured as to be heated by part of the combustion heat to
cause a steam reforming reaction in the device. The steam reforming
reaction is endothermic and is therefore typically carried out in an
externally heated steam reforming reactor. The incorporation of a
simultaneous exothermic reaction to provide an improved heat source can
provide a typical heat flux of roughly an order of magnitude above the
convective heat flux. Structured catalysts offer heat transfer benefits
and extra activity, which is more effective in the inlet zone of the
steam reformer. The metallic support is formed substantially to have the
same shape as the reactor wall and is arranged in a direct heat
conduction relationship with the reactor wall. Desirably all of the
tubes contain the same proportions of structured catalyst and
particulate catalyst, which provides the benefits of the higher
activity, higher heat transfer, and low pressure drop of the structured
catalyst at the inlet end and the benefit of the stronger particulate
catalyst at the outlet end. Heat transport is more efficient when
catalyzed hardware is used in the steam reforming process.

Keywords: Heat transfer; Heat management; Heat fluxes; Heat
losses; Heat resistances; Heat exchange
SOURCES AND DETERMINANTS OF CASH HOLDINGS IN THE AGRICULTURE OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE COUNTRIES AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF POLISH FARMS
Authors: Bereżnicka Joanna , Franc-Dąbrowska Justyna
Published: January 2023

Ensuring business continuity requires maintaining financial liquidity and a certain level of cashholdings. This also applies to farms whose owners obtain funds from various sources, includingforeign capital. For this reason, the study aimed to identify sources and determine cash resourcesin farms in Central and Eastern European countries that are in the EU. Additionally, based ondetailed data from Polish farms, we assessed and compared the importance of cash holdings infarms characterised by a high level of financial security and those for which we identify thebankruptcy risk. Data for the research is from the Farm Accounting Data Network (FADN) databasefor 2013-2018 (for all the EU countries we consider). In the analysis touching upon bankruptcy riskin Polish farms, we used data from FADN-PL for 2010-2018. In the study, we used the panel method– weighted least squares method (WLS). We applied the dynamic approach to calculate the cashholdings. Inferences from our study indicate that budget support for farmers and sales value perfarm are the main sources and determinants of cash holdings in farms in New Member State of theEU. It should be underlined that the influence of budget support on cash holdings in Polish farmswas weaker than in other surveyed countries. Moreover, it was found that the level of indebtednesswas also an important factor that impacted cash holdings. On Polish farms, the impact of the debtlevel on cash holdings was negative, and in other countries – positive.The added value of work is identifying factors that affect cash holdings changes, so it is a dynamicapproach to cash holdings.
THE SCALE OF CORPORATE BANKRUPTCIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Boratyńska Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

This article presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the scale of corporate bankruptcies in Poland. The study aims to determine the changes in the number of corporate bankruptcies during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the following criteria: type of procedure, type of activity, and province/region. The methods of analysis and processing of research results include descriptive and comparative analysis, as well as synthesis and deductive inference. The results indicate that the totalnumber of corporate bankruptcies and restructuring proceedings has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research shows that in 2021, in comparison to the previous year, there were 65.8% more bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings, but most of them (82%) werecarried out in the form of simplified restructuring procedures for approval of the arrangement in-troduced as part of the anti-crisis shield. The basis of the study was state public aid spent to support businesses in coping with the negative economic and social consequences triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND THE ‘UNBANKING’ OF POLISH SOCIETY
Authors: Grzelczak Marlena
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of advancement of non-cash trade among Polish residents/consumers and to determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and Poles’ ‘unbankedness’. The assessment of the degree of advancement of the society’s non-cash turnover was made by means of three levels of ‘unbanking’ defined by the author of the study. On the basis of the literature review, a research hypothesis was formulated: there is a statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and consumers’ unbankedness. The research hypothesis was verified based on the results of our research using a survey questionnaire conducted in October/November 2019 on a sample of 500 adult Poles (18 years and older). The results of the empirical study generally confirmed the statistically significant influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the level of Polish people’s unbankedness. Age, education level, netincome per capita, and type of work performed ’significantly impact the Polish population’s banking level. Variables such as gender and place of residence were found to be statistically insignificant. The study showed that 10% of the surveyed population were unbanked, while as many as 87.20% represented level 3 (full banking). The problem of transactional exclusion affects young people aged 18-24 and older people over 61. The unbanked group consisted mainly of farmers, unskilled workers, the unemployed and pensioners, while level 3 mainly included office workers, white-collar workers and skilled workers. The least exclusion is found in people of working age 25-44. People in this age bracket accounted for more than 40 per cent of the share within level 3. As educational attainment increases, people move to higher and higher levels in terms of ‘bankedness’. The research showed that the higher the net income per person, the higher the level of bankedness among Poles. The results of the study complement previous analyses and point to proposed actions for institutions promoting non-cash transactions in Polish society.
AGRICULTURAL LAND AS A PUBLIC GOOD
Authors: Marks-Bielska Renata
Published: January 2023

The aim of this article isto discuss the multifunctionality of agricultural land and its importance. Amonographic method has been employed to elaborate on the research subject. A perusal of the relevant national and foreign literature has confirmed that agricultural land is a specificgood with characteristics of both private and public goods. Agricultural land is a unique typeof public good, a finding thatsupportsthe claim that adivision of goods into strictly market and public ones is an excessive oversimplification. The so-called “mixed goods”(including substantive ones)which are shaped by the interplay of market forces,as well as the interests of groups and the stateoccupy an important position. The goods regarded to have positive externaleffects or a particular value to society are supported by the state orby economic entities (e.g.,specific instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy). The unique importance of agricultural land as an asset withboth public and market characteristicsstems notonly from its particular features, but also from the fact that it pro-vides space for the achievement of public interest.Agricultural land plays many important rolesthat areessential not only to food producers,for whom it isthe baseof agricultural production, but also tothe entire society.
FRAUD RISK IN TIMES OF CRISIS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS MITIGATION TOOLS
Authors: Skoczylas-Tworek Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

The phenomenon of fraud has accompanied organizations since their beginnings. Its scale and frequency of occurrence are changing with the economic, legal and economic situation in the domestic and international markets. The factors conducive to its escalation are crisis situations, the determinants of which are to be found in both external and internal factors. Hence, in order to reduce the probability of occurrence and the effects of the impact of fraud risk on the organization, it is necessary to take appropriate measures and implement control mechanisms. The purpose of the publication is to analyze the development of anti-fraud controls diagnosed on the basis of periodic studies of the phenomenon of fraud and conducted by the ACFE organization between 2006-2022 and to assess the degree of their application in Polish business entities. The basic research method was quantitative and qualitative analysis. The analyses carried out showed that entities use anti-fraud controls. However, the prevalence of their application is progressing in accordance with the implementation of legal regulations and guidelines in this area. This means that state and international organizations’ activities significantly impact the development of anti-fraud controls.
Wybrane uwarunkowania inwestowania w gospodarstwach rolnych w Unii Europejskiej w latach 2004-2011
Authors: Ryś-Jurek Roma
Published: January 2023

Celem badania było przedstawienie wybranych uwarunkowań inwestowania w gospodarstwach rol-nych w Unii Europejskiej. Wykorzystano dane statystyczne z bazy FADN, które umożliwiły analizę zjawiska według krajów Unii Europejskiej w latach 2004-2011 oraz w układach według: wielkości ekonomicznej i typu rolniczego. Wykazano, że przepływ pieniężny, nadwyżka na obsługę zadłużenia i samofinansowanie rozwoju na gospodarstwo rolne, wskaźnik reprodukcji, wskaźnik odnowienia środ-ków trwałych (bez ziemi) i relacja inwestycji brutto do dochodu gospodarstwa są zróżnicowane w za-leżności od położenia geograficznego gospodarstwa rolnego, jego wielkości ekonomicznej i typu rolni-czego.
Popyt na żywność w krajach UE w warunkach spowolnienia gospodarczego
Authors: Wyrzykowski Paweł
Published: January 2023

W 2012 r. dynamika PKB była ujemna i wyniosła w UE-27 -0,3%. Pogorszyła się sytuacja na rynku pracy. Zharmonizowana średnioroczna stopa bezrobocia w UE w 2012 r. ukształtowała się na poziomie 10,6%. Spowolnieniu uległa dynamika dochodów ludności. W 2012 r. utrzymała się, obserwowana w roku poprzednim, tendencja realnego drożenia żywności. Zjawiska te były związane ze słabymi nastrojami konsumentów, co znalazło odzwierciedlenie w decyzjach zakupowych. W 2011 r., w UE-27 przeciętne roczne wydatki realne na żywność w sektorze gospodarstw domowych były o 0,6% mniejsze niż w roku poprzednim, w którym wzrosły o 2,0%. W 2012 r. w porównaniu z 2011 r. w UE-27 uległy one dalszej redukcji. Potwierdzają to dane o sprzedaży detalicznej. W 2012 r., w porównaniu z 2011 r. w UE-27 spadek sprzedaży detalicznej żywności, napojów i tytoniu, w cenach stałych, wyniósł 0,9% , a w strefie euro 1,3% i był większy, niż sprzedaży ogółem. W 2011 r., w krajach w których dochody ludności wzrosły najbardziej, nastąpił największy wzrost popytu na żywność.
Konkurencyjność brazylijskiego bioetanolu na świecie
Authors: Golisz Ewa
Published: January 2023

W pracy przedstawiono zagadnienia dotyczące bioetanolu z trzciny cukrowej produkowanego w Brazylii, w szczególności wielkość produkcji w latach 2009-2012 oraz prognozę na rok 2013, na tle największych gospodarek świata oraz Polski. Brazylia zajmuje drugie miejsce po USA w wielkości produkcji tego paliwa. Omówiono aspekty związane z emisją gazów cieplarnianych oraz bilans energetyczny paliw. Podano wielkości emisji dwutlenku węgla dla biopaliw wytwarzanych z różnych surowców. Porównano wybrane aspekty sektora bioetanolu produkowanego w Brazylii, USA i Polsce. Wykazano, że bioetanol brazylijski jest bardziej konkurencyjny niż ten produkowany w innych krajach.
Holenderski sektor kwiaciarski w pierwszej dekadzie XXI w.
Authors: Jabłońska Lilianna
Published: January 2023

Celem pracy była analiza zmian w holenderskim kwiaciarstwie w latach 2000-2011, mogąca być pomocą w określaniu przyszłości polskiego kwiaciarstwa. Analizowano poziom i dynamikę zmian areału gruntów użytkowanych w sektorze kwiaciarskim, w poszczególnych jego działach oraz powierzchni upraw podstawowych grup roślin, a także zmian w strukturze asortymentowej upraw. Badano również zmiany w ilości gospodarstw i ich strukturze obszarowej. Z badań wynika, że w latach 2000-2011 nastąpiły w holenderskim kwiaciarstwie istotne zmiany, będące reakcją na zmieniające się uwarunkowania makroekonomiczne. Przede wszystkim po raz pierwszy obniżała się, i to wyraźnie, powierzchnia upraw szklarniowych, głównie kwiatów ciętych. Rosła natomiast w dalszym ciągu powierzchnia szkółek. Równocześnie bardzo szybko zmniejszała się liczba gospodarstw kwiaciarskich, rósł zaś dynamicznie średni areał plantacji w 1 gospodarstwie.
Zmiany efektywności zasobów przedsiębiorstw rolniczych w Polsce
Authors: Kozera Magdalena
Published: January 2023

W artykule podjęto kwestię zróżnicowania efektywności materialnych i niematerialnych zasobów przedsiębiorstw rolniczych w aspekcie poprawy konkurencyjności polskiego rolnictwa na rynkach UE i świata. Podkreślono rolę relatywnie nowego, dotychczas nie docenionego w rolnictwie zasobu, jakim jest kapitał intelektualny. Przedstawiono wybrane wyniki badań efektywności wykorzystania tego kapitału w polskich przedsiębiorstwach rolniczych stosując metodę VAIC™ opracowaną przez A. Pulica
Regionalne zróżnicowanie rolnictwa Polski, Czech, Słowacji i wschodnich Niemiec na podstawie wybranych cech potencjału produkcyjnego
Authors: Ossowska Luiza , Janiszewska Dorota
Published: January 2023

Głównym celem artykułu jest ocena regionalnego zróżnicowania rolnictwa Polski, Czech, Słowacji i wschodnich Niemiec na podstawie wybranych cech potencjału produkcyjnego. Do analizy przyjęto poziom NUTS 2. Zróżnicowania rolnictwa zbadano za pomocą analizy skupień. Do analizy przyjęto następujące cechy diagnostyczne: średnia powierzchnia użytków rolnych w gospodarstwie rolnym, pogłowie zwierząt gospodarskich w LSU na hektar powierzchni, udział gruntów pod zasiewami w powierzchni ogólnej oraz udział użytków zielonych w użytkowaniu rolnym. W wyniku zastosowania analizy skupień podzielono badane regiony na cztery grupy.
Zmiany w polskim handlu zagranicznym produktami rolno-spożywczymi po akcesji do Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Pawlak Karolina
Published: January 2023

Celem artykułu jest zidentyfikowanie zmian, jakie dokonały się w polskim handlu zagranicznym produktami rolno-spożywczymi na skutek włączenia Polski w obszar Jednolitego Rynku Europejskiego i przyjęcia zasad Wspólnej Polityki Handlowej Unii Europejskiej. Analizie poddano wartość i saldo obrotów oraz strukturę geograficzną i asortymentową wymiany. Oszacowano udziały Polski w wewnątrzwspólnotowym handlu wybranymi grupami artykułów rolno-spożywczych oraz poziom specjalizacji eksportowej w zakresie najistotniejszych w strukturze polskiego eksportu grup asortymentowych. Ponadto, wyznaczono względną intensywność ich eksportu, mierzoną wartością eksportu przypadającą na 1 ha użytków rolnych lub jednego pełnozatrudnionego w sektorze rolnym w odniesieniu do UE-27. Dowiedziono, że włączenie Polski w obszar JRE wywołało efekt kreacji i przesunięcia handlu. W latach 2004-2012 z Polski eksportowano przede wszystkim przetworzone warzywa i owoce, mięso, podroby i przetwory mięsne oraz artykuły mleczarskie. W imporcie dominowały z kolei produkty innych stref klimatycznych, mające charakter komplementarny w stosunku do produkcji krajowej.
Charakterystyka wybranych systemów pakowania mięsa w odniesieniu do preferencji konsumentów i aspektów ekonomicznych
Authors: Sakowska Anna , Guzek Dominika , Głąbska Dominika , Konarska Małgorzata , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

Rosnące wymagania konsumentów, dotyczące świeżego mięsa skłaniają producentów do wykorzystywania różnych systemów pakowania. Stosowanie opakowań jednostkowych mięsa jest też niezbędne ze względu na konieczność ograniczenia prac na zapleczach sklepów, związanych z podziałem i przepakowaniem mięsa. Stąd też obserwuje się na rynku wzrost udziału opakowań Case-Ready, czyli opakowań małych porcji detalicznych, stosowanych m.in. w systemach pakowania próżniowego i z modyfikowaną atmosferą. Opakowania te w znacznym stopniu pozwalają przedłużyć trwałość produktu, co umożliwia wydłużenie czasu magazynowania, transportu oraz ekspozycji w ladach sklepowych. Dodatkową korzyścią dla producentów jest zwiększenie atrakcyjności produktu dla konsumentów poprzez zachowanie czerwonej barwy mięsa. Niektóre z opakowań mogą też zmniejszyć straty surowca w czasie przechowywania, wynikające z powstającego wycieku, przyczyniając się tym samym do zmniejszenia strat ekonomicznych.
Ceny nawozów mineralnych w krajach Europy Środkowej w latach 2007-2013
Authors: Zalewski Arkadiusz
Published: January 2023

W latach 2007-2013 wyraźnie wzrosły ceny nawozów mineralnych w krajach Europy Środkowej, co wynikało w dużym stopniu z uwarunkowań światowego rynku. W artykule analizowano zmiany cen wybranych nawozów mineralnych w Polsce, Czechach, na Węgrzech i Słowacji oraz wzajemne zależności, a także relacje cen nawozów do cen pszenicy. Przeprowadzone badania wykazały że zmiany cen w analizowanym okresie przebiegały w badanych krajach podobnie, jednak najwyższe wzrosty cen, jak również najwyższy poziom cen w ostatnich latach badanego okresu odnotowano na rynku polskim. Tendencje relacji cen nawozów mineralnych do cen pszenicy w analizowanych krajach przebiegały podobnie. Na zakup tej samej ilości nawozów największą równowartość ze sprzedaży pszenicy musieli jednak przeznaczyć rolnicy ze Słowacji.
Perspektywy rozwoju eksportu polskich produktów rolno-spożywczych do Rosji
Authors: Batyk Iwona
Published: January 2023

Na tle ograniczonych możliwości wzrostu popytu na głównych rynkach unijnych, korzystnie wyróżnia się sytuacja na rynku rosyjskim. Duże zainteresowanie polskimi produktami spożywczymi wśród mieszkańców Rosji stanowi szansę dla producentów żywności z Polski, w zakresie rozszerzenia wymiany handlowej z rosyjskimi partnerami. W opracowaniu dokonano analizy rozwoju eksportu polskich produktów rolno-spożywczych do Rosji. Przedstawiono sytuację bieżącą oraz czynniki warunkujące rozwój polsko-rosyjskiej współpracy handlowej. Zaprezentowano również problemy w handlu z Rosją, z jakimi spotykają się polscy przedsiębiorcy.
Konsumpcja papierosów w różnych grupach społeczno- -ekonomicznych w Polsce w latach 2000-2013
Authors: Jałowiecka Ewa , Jałowiecki Piotr , Śmiałowski Tomasz
Published: January 2023

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań dotyczących zróżnicowania poziomu konsumpcji papierosów w zależności od grupy społeczno-ekonomicznej i typu biologicznego rodziny. Jako dane źródłowe wykorzystano wyniki badań panelowych „Diagnoza Społeczna” prowadzonych cyklicznie od 2000 roku. Uzyskane rezultaty porównano z wynikami wcześniejszych badań prowadzonych przez autorów w oparciu o wyniki badań Budżetów Gospodarstw Domowych (BGD).
Prawidłowości rozwoju rolnictwa a rozwój współczesnego rolnictwa
Authors: Komorowska Dorota
Published: January 2023

Współczesne rolnictwo napotyka bariery dalszego rozwoju do których należy przede wszystkim ograniczony przyrost popytu na żywność oraz spadek realnych cen rolnych przy wzroście kosztów produkcji. Prowadzi to do spadku dochodów rolniczych i ogranicza możliwości dalszego rozwoju rolnictwa. Z kolei w warunkach nadprodukcji i liberalizacji handlu międzynarodowego, siły rynku prowadzą nieuchronnie do rosnącej konkurencji, która wymusza wzrost poziomu konkurencyjności gospodarstw rolnych. Wobec tego, dzisiejsze rolnictwo stoi w obliczu nowych wyzwań, których udźwignięcie jest niemożliwe bez aktywnej polityki rolnej kształtującej warunki dalszego rozwoju rolnictwa. W kontekście ograniczonych możliwości dalszego rozwoju rolnictwa oraz celów zrównoważonego rozwoju współczesnych gospodarek należy docenić i wesprzeć pozaprodukcyjne funkcje rolnictwa, ponieważ kreują dobra o charakterze publicznym, których mechanizm rynkowy nie jest w stanie zapewnić, natomiast rolnictwo ponosi koszty ich uzyskania.