bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book review
Authors: Salminen Janne
Published: January 2021

Lehti, Hannu. (2020) The Role of Kin in Educational and Status Attainment. Annales Universitatis Turkuensis. University of Turku.
Non-inflammatory and non-neoplastic soft tissue lesions of the tympanic cavity
Authors: BURAKGAZİ Gülen , BAYAROĞULLARI Hanifi
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Tympanic cavity (TC) is an anatomically challenging region for the diagnosis of lesions located inside it. Radiological diagnosis and demonstration of the anatomic localization of sporadic lesions such as vascular malformations and meningocele are essential for the prevention of complications that may occur during operation and recurrent unnecessary interventions. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the radiological appearance of the vascular variations and the post-traumatic soft tissue lesions which are rarely encountered in TC. Methods: A total of 3525 temporal multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) images were evaluated between 2010–2018. Twelve cases with non-inflamatory and non-neoplastic soft tissue lesions in TC were detected and 2 with meningocele were included in the study. Results: Of the 12 cases, 6 were males and 6 were females. The mean age of the patients was 26.16 years. Four cases had an aberrant internal carotid artery (ICA), being bilateral in 2 cases and right sided in the remaining 2 cases. Six cases had dehiscent mega jugular bulb (DMJB); and 2 cases had post-traumatic meningocele. Conclusion: Vascular malformations and meningoceles are rarely observed in TC. They may present nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms; however, they should be evaluated with MSCT and MRI before the surgical interventions regarding the middle ear to prevent possible complications.
The role of the ‘centre’ in public service reform
Authors: MacCarthaigh Muiris
Published: January 2021

Amongst his many interests in public administration, the practical and challenging task of implementing and evaluating public service reform has been a consistent feature of the oeuvre of research over Richard Boyle’s career (cf. Boyle, 2004, 2016; Boyle & Joyce, 1988; Boyle & Lemaire, 1999; Boyle & MacCarthaigh, 2011). In this article, the focus is on the role played by the ‘centre’ in public service reform both conceptually and in practice. The article first considers what is meant by the centre in Irish political– administrative life, before reflecting on how we might understand different forms of public sector reform governance and then applying them to the Irish case. The centre-led reforms that occurred between the 1960s up to the late 2000s are reviewed, before more recent efforts from 2011 up to the present are presented. A final section summarises the contribution.
Reflections on continuity and change in public service reform in Ireland
Authors: McCarthy Dermot
Published: January 2021

This article reviews the elements of continuity in the approach to public service reform in Ireland and of change in expectations of public service performance in Ireland over recent decades. It concludes that supporting democratic governance is the primary goal of public service and that trust in its capacity to meet society’s needs is the most appropriate criterion to assess reform programmes. It also suggests some priorities for future reform effort.
Reforming local government: Past, present and future
Authors: Callanan Mark
Published: January 2021

Reform of local government in Ireland has tended to involve both reform initiatives that mirror broader trends in public service reform nationally, as well as reform initiatives that are distinctive to the local government sector. Amongst the former we can include managerial reforms, digitisation and efforts to make local government more open and accountable. Other initiatives have included changes to the service portfolio of local government, pointing to an enhanced role in some fields and a reduced role in others. Some reforms can be characterised as enduring – in that they have been recurring themes in successive reform programmes. Other reform themes have been somewhat more occasional or sporadic and arguably brought about by the specific circumstances in which they were implemented. Looking to the future, we might speculate that upcoming challenges may include how public services generally can cope with diversity in addressing challenges that are likely to vary in different parts of Ireland, for example, based on distinctions between urban, suburban and rural areas. The article appeals for a more evidence-based approach to reform in the local government sector – this should be aided by existing research contributions and the enhanced evaluation capacity that exists in the Irish public service.
Welding Thermal Cycles of Joints Made of S1100QL Steel by Saw and Hybrid Plasma-Mag Processes
Authors: Sajek A.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article is to validate the method of conducting a multipoint temperature measurement in the area of welded joints as a tool for quality assessment of the joints in question. In order to establish a relationship between temperature readout at a given point, the value of heat input and the distance of the point form the weld axis, preliminary tests have been conducted on a set of padding welds. Correlation of measurement data analysis showed the high 0.99 level. In the second stage of the study, temperatures of joints welded with two different methods have been measured: the HPAW (Hybrid Plasma – Arc Welding) and classic SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) method. The obtained temperature curves reflect the intensity of heat input in a given welding process. When compared to thermal effects on metallographic specimens, the shapes of the curves show a potential for quality assessment of joints in production conditions. Estimating thermal effects with classic analytical methods proves imprecise with respect to advanced high-power welding processes. Monitoring temperature will allow to assess the quality of joints in the course of welding, which may be a remarkable factor in terms of limiting the HAZ (heat affected zone) tempering of joints made from MART steels (advanced high strength martensitic steel) – a phenomenon that exceedingly decreases the strength of the joints. The method for quality assessment of welded joints presented in this paper allows to extend the analysis of welding thermal conditions.
Ag Coated Pa-Based Electro-Conductive Knitted Fabrics for Heat Generation in Compression Supports
Authors: Repon Md. Reazuddin , Mikučionienė Daiva , Baltina Ilze , Blūms Juris , Laureckiene Ginta
Published: January 2021

This work deals with the electrically conductive textiles for heat generation in orthopedic compression supports. This study aimed to develop compression knitted structures with integrated electro-conductive yarns and investigate their heat generation characteristics and temperature changes during the time and under stretch which is required to generate compression. Combined half-Milano rib structured knitted fabrics were made by using silver (Ag) coated PA yarn of linear density of 66 tex and 235 tex, respectively. Six variants of specimens were developed by using different amount of electro-conductive yarns in a pattern repeat. It was found that stretch negatively influences temperature values as well as time in which the required temperature is reached. Therefore, the final wearing conditions have to be summed up during the designing of compression orthopedic heated supports.
Measuring change in longitudinal research on pragmatic competence: A multinomial logistic model
Authors: Szczepaniak-Kozak Anna , Bakinowska Ewa , Strani Katerina
Published: January 2021

This paper focuses on pragmatic competence development in second or foreign language learners. In particular, it attempts to fill the significant research gap in measuring change in pragmatic competence and capturing pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic development over time. The paper proposes an innovative approach by applying a logistic model with multinomial distribution for measuring change in InterLanguage Pragmatics Research (ILP). Applied in the field of pragmatics, this statistical tool offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to modelling relations between independent and dependent variables in ILP research. The model is tested in a longitudinal study of Polish undergraduate students learning English, and specifically in the way they formulate requests by means of requestive directness strategies. The paper concludes that, regardless of time elapsing, the factors P (power distance) and D (social distance) have a highly significant influence on the use of requestive directness strategies by Poles learning EFL. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that the pragmatic output of Poles learning EFL is dependent on one more independent variable: the estimation of future social distance (F).
Assessment of the impact of NP fertilizer application depth on the rate of initial dry matter accumulation of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Szulc Piotr , Mejza Iwona
Published: January 2021

A field study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy of Poznań University of Life Sciences to determine the effect of the depth of NP fertilizer application in maize cultivation on the dynamics of initial maize growth, expressed in dry matter of a single plant at two juvenile maize stages. The adopted assumptions were verified on the basis of a four-year field experiment using four depths of NP fertilizer application, two nitrogen fertilizers and two nitrogen dose application dates. Thermal conditions in the early maize growing season had a significant effect on maize response to the depth of application of a phosphorus starting dose. Row fertilization (regardless of the depth of fertilizer application) was more effective than broadcast fertilization at both studied developmental stages.
Economic Integration and Migrant Networks: The Case of Ukrainian Migrants in the Warsaw Agglomeration
Authors: Maruszewski Wojciech , Kaczmarczyk Paweł
Published: January 2021

In the past years, Poland has been not only a country of (mass) immigration but also a country where foreigners have begun to play a much larger role in the domestic labour market than ever before. This makes the analyses of foreigners’ integration increasingly important both to understand the situation of immigrants in Poland and their impact on the national economy and social processes. In this context, this article aims to quantify one of the dimensions of the economic integration of immigrants. We look at the level of earnings as one of the indicators of their integration process. Additionally, we refer to the impact of social capital (in the form of migrant networks) on the economic situation of immigrants. We focus on immigrants from Ukraine—the most numerous group of foreigners in Poland. Based on a unique data set, we empirically identify the key dimensions that have an impact on their incomes, including gender, employment sector and legal status. We also point to the statistically significant effects of migrant networks on migrants’ earnings.
Long-Term Impact of Closing Rural Schools on Local Social Capital: A Multiple-Case Study from Poland
Authors: Kłoczko-Gajewska Anna
Published: January 2021

In many European countries, for both demographic and financial reasons, small schools are being closed. A rural school is one of the few public places which enables formal and informal meetings of community residents. When it is closed, social activity changes. This paper presents a multiple-case study of four Polish villages which in the year 2000 organized protests against school closures; two schools were saved and two were closed. Semi-structured interviews with local leaders and office workers were conducted in 2004 and 2016. The study shows that the decline of structural social capital was significantly smaller in those villages where the school was saved. In the village in which the building of the school did not serve the local population due to the decision of the authorities, a significant and long-term decline in both structural and cognitive social capital was observed. That means that local authorities may contribute to the degradation of the local social capital.
Loss of Agroforestry: Symbolic Annihilation of Mixed Cultures in 19th Century Agricultural Science
Authors: Krčmářová Jana
Published: January 2021

There is a lot of promise seen in agroforestry—the deliberate keeping of trees on farmland in various forms and contexts. The Czechia, like many other European countries, experiences farmland soil degradation and erosion, climate and water regime changes, and biodiversity loss. Industrial agriculture with high inputs brings not only high yields but also numerous negative externalities. Mixed cultures on Czech lands were common just 150 years ago. However, they were left out of the new cadastral classification in the 19th century and, as this article shows, did not appear in modern agricultural (and forestry) scientific theory- represented by contemporary scholar book selection in this article. The symbolic annihilation of agroforestry cultures in the official agrarian discourse of the 19th century probably contributed to their disappearance from both land-use theory and practice.
Stakeholders and Performance Management Systems of Small and Medium-Sized Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Korneta Piotr
Published: January 2021

Performance management systems can be divided into those that rely considerably on significant stakeholders and that ignore stakeholders, other than the stockholders and the clients. Decision makers willing to implement and use a performance management system must decide to what extent such system should rely on various stakeholders. In this study, 10 in-depth interviews with representatives possessing significant experience with small and medium-sized outpatient clinics have been employed. The objective of this paper is to study if an efficient performance management system for small and medium-sized outpatient clinics can ignore stakeholders. The results of this study postulate performance management systems, which are not sufficiently rooted in stakeholders, are not likely to be successful for small and medium-sized outpatient clinics. Developed in this article concept acknowledges wider society and indicates significant stakeholders who cannot be ignored. The paper ends with conclusion, limitations, indications for further research, and some managerial implications.
Non-pharmaceutical intervention and pain management situation for neonatal analgesia
Authors: Zeng Zi , Duan Yan-Xia , Song Guo-Min
Published: January 2021

Neonatal pain management is an important issue which should have great attention. More and more researches have proved that neonates can feel pain when undergoes painful procedures such as vaccination, heel stick, and so on, and it will result in short-term and long-term outcomes. So it is very important to manage neonatal pain. This article summarized some non-pharmaceutical interventions, including sucrose or glucose, non-nutritional sucking (NNS), breastfeeding, facilitated tucking (FT), kangaroo mother care (KMC), swaddling, heel warming, sensorial saturation (SS), and music therapy, which showed obvious effects for neonatal pain. In addition, this article summarized the progress of neonatal pain intervention in various countries and showed that many countries have not paid enough attention to this problem, while some countries have carried out promotion programs for neonatal pain management which give some clinical enlightenment to our country that we need to pay more attention to this problem.
Chronostratigraphy of Late Glacial aeolian activity in SW Poland – A case study from the Niemodlin Plateau
Authors: Moska Piotr , Jary Zdzisław , Sokołowski Robert Jan , Poręba Grzegorz , Raczyk Jerzy , Krawczyk Marcin , Skurzyński Jacek , Zieliński Paweł , Michczyński Adam , Tudyka Konrad , Adamiec Grzegorz , Piotrowska Natalia , Pawełczyk Fatima , Łopuch Michał , Szymak Agnieszka , Ryzner Kamila
Published: January 2021

The stratigraphy of Late Pleniglacial and Late Glacial fluvio-to-aeolian succession was investigated in two sites located at the Niemodlin Plateau, SW Poland. Lithofacial analysis was used for the reconstruction of sedimentary environments. An absolute chronology for climatic change and the resulting environmental changes were determined based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL – nine samples) and radiocarbon (three samples) dating methods. Four phases of changes in sedimentary environments were established. The first depositional phase correlates with the Last Permafrost Maximum (24−17 ka) based on the type and size of the periglacial structures, which aggraded under continuous permafrost conditions. During 17.5−15.5 ka (upper Late Pleniglacial), a stratigraphic gap was detected, owing to a break in the deposition on the interfluve area. The second depositional phase took place during 15.5−13.5 ka. During this phase, the first part of the dune formation (Przechód site) and fluvio-aeolian cover (Siedliska site) was deposited. The sedimentary processes continued throughout the entire Bølling interstadial and Older Dryas. In the third phase (Allerød interstadial), soil formation took place. At the Siedliska site, palaeosol represented Usselo soil type, whereas at the Przechód site, there was a colluvial type of soil. The last phase (Younger Dryas) is represented by the main phase of dune formation in both sites. After the Younger Dryas, no aeolian activity was detected. High compliance with both absolute dating methods was noticed.
Radiocarbon dating of organic-rich deposits: Difficulties of paleogeographical interpretations in highlands of Russian Altai
Authors: Nepop R.K. , Agatova A.R. , Bronnikova M.A. , Zazovskaya E.P. , Ovchinnikov I.YU. , Moska P.
Published: January 2021

The high mountainous southeastern part of Russian Altai is characterized by complicated sedimentation history. As a result of tectonic movements, Paleogene, Neogene, and even more old Carboniferous and Jurassic organicrich deposits had been partly uplifted and exhumed on the ridge’s slopes, where during the Pleistocene, they were affected by various exogenous processes including glaciation, glacio-fluvial erosion, winnowing activity of ice-dammed lakes, sliding during lake-draining events, followed by further intensive Holocene erosion, pedogenesis, and permafrost formation/degradation.

Remobilized ancient organic matter had been involved into geomorphic and pedogenesis processes and affected the results of radiocarbon dating. Numerous radiocarbon ages obtained revealed several typical problems in interpretation of dating results, which was confirmed by multidisciplinary investigations of associated sediments in a wider regional context.

This article presents a discussion on obtained apparent radiocarbon dates of organic material from ten sections of the SE Altai. In addition to radiocarbon analysis, in each case multidisciplinary study was carried out in order to properly interpret obtained dates, as well as to explain the inability of directly using apparent 14C ages as a geochronological basis for paleogeographical reconstruction. The analysis presented is of vital importance for establishing the chronology of formation of large ice-dammed lakes and their cataclysmic draining; revealing chronology and paleoenvironmental conditions of pedogenesis in the highlands of the SE Altai; and estimating the range and magnitude of the tectonically driven topography rebuilding in the post-Neogene time.
Age of sediments on Danube terraces of the Pest Plain (Hungary) based on optically stimulated luminescence dating of quartz and feldspar
Authors: Thamó-Bozsó Edit , Csillag Gábor , Füri Judit , Nagy Attila , Magyari Árpád
Published: January 2021

The numerical ages available for the sediments on the Danube terraces in the Pest Plain are scarce. In this study, we present quartz OSL and K feldspar post-IR IRSL290 ages for the sandy fluvial, aeolian and slope sediments collected from Danube terraces IIb, III and V.

The feldspar post-IR IRSL290 ages without residual dose subtraction are older than the quartz OSL ages, except for one sample, but the two sets of ages are overlapping within one or two sigma errors.

In the bleaching experiment under natural sunlight during summer, an unbleachable component ranging from 2.5±0.7 Gy to 5.2±0.3 Gy after 30 h exposure to bright sunshine is observed and it corresponds to 3−8% of the measured K feldspar post-IR IRSL290 equivalent doses. These facts indicate that residual dose subtraction would be necessary before age calculation, in most cases.

The saturated fluvial gravelly sand of terrace V of the Danube is older than ~ 296 ka based on feldspar post-IR IRSL290 measurements. This age does not contradict the traditional terrace chronology and the earlier published age data of this terrace. The other studied sediments on the surface of the terraces V, III and IIb deposited much later than the formation of these terraces. They infer aeolian activity and fluvial sedimentation of small streams during the MIS 3 and MIS 2 periods. The age of the dated dune sands with coeval aeolian sediments in Hungary indicate the cold and dry periods with strong wind activity of the Late Weichselian.
Estimation of the durations of breaks in deposition – Speleothem case study
Authors: Pawlak J. , Hercman H. , Sierpień P. , Pruner P. , Gąsiorowski M. , Mihevc A. , Zupan Hajna N. , Bosák P. , Błaszczyk M. , Wach B.
Published: January 2021

Speleothems provide one of the most continuous terrestrial archives. However, due to changing conditions in temperature/humidity or the chemistry of percolating water, sedimentation breaks (hiatuses) and erosional events are possible and are commonly recorded in speleothems. Sedimentation breaks with durations longer than the resolution of the studied record should be considered in potential speleothem age-depth models. The most classic and reliable solution to the problem is the independent construction of age-depth models for the parts of speleothems separated by the hiatuses. However, in some cases, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient number of dating results for reliable age-depth model estimation. In such cases, the problem can be solved by the application of other sources of chronological information. Here, based on a few speleothem examples, an alternative approach – oxygen isotopic stratigraphy – is used to estimate the chronology for the parts of speleothems where there is not enough chronological information for classic age-depth models. As a result, the deposition break duration can be estimated.
The Perfect Pair: Bloch, Febvre, and the History of Science and Technology
Authors: Diogo Maria Paula
Published: January 2021

Launched in 1929 by Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre, the Annales gave rise to a groundbreaking approach to history known as the École des Annales. Based on the study of social history over a long-term period or longue durée, the new paradigm emphasized the collective nature of the mentalités and the importance of a multilayered analysis of society. The Annales reclaim the history of science and the history of technology as part of history as a whole and inextricably linked to the intellectual context of a specific time period. In this article, based on the Annales and UNESCO’s History of Mankind, I will focus on Bloch’s and Febvre’s stands on history and their relevance to the history of science and technology, particularly by championing the relevance of material and mental tools to understand each historical moment and by critically exploring the concepts of mentalités, histoire-problème, histoire totale and historical temporality.
On Hagelbarger’s and Shannon’s matching pennies playing machines
Authors: Breazu Macarie , Volovici Daniel , Morariu Daniel I. , Crețulescu Radu G.
Published: January 2021

In the 1950s, Hagelbarger’s Sequence Extrapolating Robot (SEER) and Shannon’s Mind-Reading Machine (MRM) were the state-of-the-art research results in playing the well-known “matching pennies” game. In our research we perform a software implementation for both machines in order to test the common statement that MRM, even simpler, beats SEER. Also, we propose a simple contextual predictor (SCP) and use it to compete with SEER and MRM. As expected, experimental results proves the claimed MRM superiority over SEER and even the SCP’s superiority over both SEER and MRM. At the end, we draw some conclusions and propose further research ideas, like the use of mixing models methods and the use of Hidden Markov Model for modelling player’s behaviour.
Studying big data using virtual escape rooms
Authors: Lior Solomovich
Published: January 2021

The Corona period created great challenges in the teaching and learning process. This presentation describes a research based on studying the subject of big data using virtual escape rooms. Due to the period it was decided that the final task in the Big Data course would be to build a virtual escape room that deals with a topic from the world of Big Data. The aim of the study was to examine how the understanding of various topics related to Big Data is sharpened when they are taught through virtual escape rooms. Each group of students chose a topic from the world of big data and built a virtual escape room around it. Peer learning was then performed, and each group edited rooms of other groups, so that each group learned about a variety of topics related to the big data world. By monitoring peer learning it was possible to assess the nature of the learning process experienced by the group. This unique learning allows for flexibility in terms of time and place in holding meetings. The interactions between the various group members contribute to enrichment the knowledge and the development of creative ideas.

According to the results of the study, this type of learning sharpened different skills among the participants - social, communicative and thinking. It also developed a deep understanding when the escape room practically demonstrates the topic of big data in an optimal way through a variety of representations. During the activity in the escape room there is created an interesting and original connection between the materials and the ideas, open to a variety of interpretations. Digital tools are used effectively and creatively that contribute to understanding the message (Kemp, 2018).
Study of the influence of the exhaust line ultrasounds over the performance of the Blind Spot Warning System
Authors: Meiroşu Cătălin
Published: January 2021

During the previous years, the vehicle manufacturers have tried to equip their vehicles with as much technology as possible, making the driving experience for people easier than ever. Most of the modern vehicles come today with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) either for driving (E.g. Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning) or Parking (E.g. Rear Ultrasonic Sensors, Rear View Camera). Since the vehicle come equipped with more technology, a major task in developing vehicle remains the integration of these ADAS system in the vehicle context with the other components. Since most of the components cope with each other on the vehicle level, some technologies are more affected by other components – such as the case of an ultrasound vehicle scanning system (Blind Spot Warning) and the Exhaust line that emits ultrasounds from the exhaust muffler. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of the exhaust line ultrasounds (ultrasounds that are emitted by the engine cycle and filtered in the exhaust line of the vehicle) over the detection performance of the Blind Spot Warning Ultrasound system. Since vehicles are sold with a wide variety of powertrains, the solution presented took into account also these differences between powertrains equipped. In order to test the solution, mock-ups of the vehicle were made in order to proof the robustness of the method.
Metaphysics of linguistic signs
Authors: Zouhar Marián
Published: January 2021

The aim of the paper is to elaborate on the metaphysical distinction between ideal signs and physical signs in terms of the method of abstraction. Ideal signs are derived from physical signs by eliminating certain kinds of properties as theoretically superfluous. Ideal signs are claimed to be instructions that prescribe how physical signs are to be produced in their graphic form, acoustic form or any other suitable form. It is examined which level of abstraction is permitted in the case of ideal signs, i.e., which properties can be eliminated while admitting that the resulting abstract object can be still considered a sign. It is argued that one cannot eliminate the properties that are connected with the syntactic and semantic aspects of signs.
Methodological impulses of Ján Horecký
Authors: Dolník Juraj
Published: January 2021

The author of the study develops the ideas of J. Horecký, which relate to the language sign, the language system, language consciousness and its cultivation. Interpretations of J. Horecký’s statements on the systemic and communicative language sign lead to the conclusion that there is really only a communication sign as an ambivalent significant for users of the language who control the rules of its use. Significant are articulation‐acoustic units, which we feel as fictitious equivalents of what we experience when we are in the intentional state. J. Horecký’s reflections on the language system led the author to confront the user of the language as an actor of language practice with the user realizing himself as a reflexive linguistic being. In this confrontation, the language system came into focus in a practical and reflexive modality. On the background of these modalities of the language system, the author approaches linguistic consciousness in the interpretation of J. Horecký, in order to shed light on it in terms of two questions: (1) What is the degree of linguistic awareness of the mother tongue? (2) What is the “true” cultivation of language consciousness? These questions led the author to confront the linguistic realist with the anti‐realist and to discover a situation in which the linguist believes in realism but holds the position of anti‐realist. The author leans towards the realists and emphasizes the thesis that the representation of the language system is true when it corresponds to the language system resulting from the nature of language.
Responding to Violence: The Haskamot of Barcelona and the Jewish Political Tradition
Authors: Macías Mario
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article is to present the Haskamot of Barcelona of 1354 in their political and legal context. These agreements were a response to the difficult situation faced by the Jews of the Crown of Aragon in the 14th c., when natural and human disasters threatened the survival of their communities. The target of this project was to assemble all the aljamas of the Crown in a supra-communal assembly of representatives. The drafters also wished to achieve a number a measures from the King and the Church improving the delicate situation of Catalan-Aragonese Jewry. These Haskamot, despite not succeeding in their objectives, are a perfect starting point for any research on the legal and jurisdictional relations between Christians and Jews.
Optimal management of cirrhotic ascites: A review for internal medicine physicians
Authors: Gallo Andrea , Dedionigi Cristina , Civitelli Chiara , Panzeri Anna , Corradi Chiara , Squizzato Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Clinical history of liver cirrhosis is characterised by two phases: the asymptomatic phase, also termed ‘compensated cirrhosis’, and the phase of complications due to the development of portal hypertension and liver dysfunction, also termed ‘decompensated cirrhosis’, in which patients may develop ascites, the most frequent and clinically relevant complication of liver cirrhosis. Ascites can be classified into uncomplicated and complicated according to the development of refractoriness, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or the association with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). In this narrative review, we will extensively discuss the optimal pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of cirrhotic ascites with the aim to offer an updated practical guide to Internal Medicine physicians. According to the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, uncomplicated ascites is graded from 1 to 3, and the cornerstone of its management consists of restriction of salt intake, diuretics and large-volume paracentesis (LVP); in recent years, long-term administration of human albumin has acquired a new interesting role. Refractory ascites is primarily managed with LVP and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in selected patients. The occurrence of renal impairment, especially HRS, worsens the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and deserves a specific treatment. Also, the management of SBP faces the rising and alarming spread of antibiotic resistance. Hepatic hydrothorax may even complicate the course of the disease and its management is a challenge. Last but not least, liver transplantation (LT) is the ultimate and more effective measure to offer to patients with cirrhotic ascites, particularly when complications occur.
Shengxuening versus oral iron supplementation for the treatment of renal anemia: A systematic review
Authors: Zeng Qin , Wang Xin-Hui , Yang Li-Ping , Lang Rui , Liang Ying , Yu Ren-Huan
Published: January 2021

Shengxuening (SXN), as an effective supplement to heme-like iron, has been widely used in China to treat renal anemia. However, proof of its use for improving inflammation is scarce in the past decades. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SXN with inflammatory factors as primary endpoints. By searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), VIP Information/ China Science and Technology Journal Database, and WANFANG Database, we identified previous studies that met the inclusion criteria and included them in the systematic review. Analyses were performed using STATA. Nine randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. The results revealed that, when compared with oral iron supplementation, SXN can reduce the level of inflammatory factors, including hs-CRP (WMD -1.93 mg/L; 95% CI -2.14 to -1.72), IL-6 (P< 0.05), and TNF-α (P< 0.05), and significantly enhance the level of Hb (WMD 13.40 g/L; 95% CI 12.95 to 13.84), TSAT (WMD 6.88%; 95% CI 6.50 to 7.26), and SF (WMD 38.46 μg/L; 95% CI 23.26 to 53.67). Moreover, SXN exhibits a superior security than oral iron supplementation with less gastrointestinal adverse reactions (RR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.32). In patients with renal anemia, SXN is more efective and safer than oral iron supplementation, especially in reducing the level of inflammation.
The impact of Special Economic Zones on local labour markets in Poland
Authors: Ambroziak Adam A. , Dziemianowicz Wojciech
Published: January 2021

Studies conducted so far suggest that SEZs are not treated by local authorities as the main mechanism of job creation in a given region. The objective of this paper is to highlight potential mechanisms through which SEZs impact labour markets in poviats (counties) in Poland. To this end we conducted a comparative analysis of changes that had taken place in the labour market over the period 2004–2016 in two groups of poviats with the highest unemployment rate reported in 2004: with and without SEZs. The study does not allow us to unambiguously conclude that SEZs contributed to the improvement of labour market situation in poviats with the highest unemployment rate in Poland. That can be attributed to the fact that SEZs in Poland are highly fragmented as well as to SEZs investors being able to select locations for their investment projects in relatively better developed regions.
Design of a dedicated circular coil for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies in small phantoms and animal acquisition with a 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance clinical scanner
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Flori Alessandra , DE Marchi Daniele , Montanaro Domenico , Frijia Francesca
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a very powerful tool to explore the tissue components, by allowing a selective identification of molecules and molecular distribution mapping. Due to intrinsic Signal-to-Noise Ratio limitations (SNR), MRS in small phantoms and animals with a clinical scanner requires the design and development of dedicated radiofrequency (RF) coils, a task of fundamental importance. In this article, the authors describe the simulation, design, and application of a 1H transmit/receive circular coil suitable for MRS studies in small phantoms and small animal models with a clinical 3T scanner. In particular, the circular coil could be an improvement in animal experiments for tumor studies in which the lesions are localized in specific areas.

Material and methods: The magnetic field pattern was calculated using the Biot–Savart law and the inductance was evaluated with analytical calculations. Finally, the coil sensitivity was measured with the perturbing sphere method. Successively, a prototype of the coil was built and tested on the workbench and by the acquisition of MRS data.

Results: In this work, we demonstrate the design trade-offs for successfully developing a dedicated coil for MRS experiments in small phantoms and animals with a clinical scanner. The coil designed in the study offers the potential for obtaining MRS data with a high SNR and good spectral resolution.

Conclusions: The paper provides details of the design, modelling, and construction of a dedicated circular coil, which represents a low cost and easy to build answer for MRS experiments in small samples with a clinical scanner.
Feasibility Study of Rans in Predicting Propeller Cavitation in Behind-Hull Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Wu Xiao-ping , Lai Ming-yan , Zhou Guo-ping , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2021

The propeller cavitation not only affects the propulsive efficiency of a ship but also can cause vibration and noise. Accurate predictions of propeller cavitation are crucial at the design stage. This paper investigates the feasibility of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method in predicting propeller cavitation in behind-hull conditions, focusing on four aspects: (i) grid sensitivity; (ii) the time step effect; (iii) the turbulence model effect; and (iv) ability to rank two slightly different propellers. The Schnerr-Sauer model is adopted as the cavitation model. A model test is conducted to validate the numerical results. Good agreement on the cavitation pattern is obtained between the model test and computational fluid dynamics. Two propellers are computed, which have similar geometry but slightly different pitch ratios. The results show that RANS is capable of correctly differentiating the cavitation patterns between the two propellers in terms of the occurrence of face cavitation and the extent of sheet cavitation; moreover, time step size is found to slightly affect sheet cavitation and has a significant impact on the survival of the tip vortex cavitation. It is also observed that grid refinement is crucial for capturing tip vortex cavitation and the two-equation turbulence models used – realizable k-ε and shear stress transport (SST) k-ω – yield similar cavitation results.
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Marine Hydrogen–Natural Gas–Diesel Tri–Fuel Engines
Authors: Zhao Rui , Xu Leping , Su Xiangwen , Feng Shiquan , Li Changxiong , Tan Qinming , Wang Zhongcheng
Published: January 2021

Maritime shipping is a key component of the global economy, representing 80–90% of international trade. To deal with the energy crisis and marine environmental pollution, hydrogen-natural gas-diesel tri-fuel engines have become an attractive option for use in the maritime industry. In this study, numerical simulations and experimental tests were used to evaluate the effects of different hydrogen ratios on the combustion and emissions from these engines. The results show that, in terms of combustion performance, as the hydrogen proportion increases, the combustion ignition delay time in the cylinder decreases and the laminar flame speed increases. The pressure and temperature in the cylinder increase and the temperature field distribution expands more rapidly with a higher hydrogen ratio. This means that the tri-fuel engine (H2+CH4+Diesel) has a faster response and better power performance than the dual-fuel engine (CH4+Diesel). In terms of emission performance, as the hydrogen proportion increases, the NO emissions increase, and CO and CO2 emissions decrease. If factors such as methane escape into the atmosphere from the engine are considered, the contribution of marine tri-fuel engines to reducing ship exhaust emissions will be even more significant. Therefore, this study shows that marine hydrogen-natural gas-diesel tri-fuel engines have significant application and research prospects.
Mental Disorders Following Covid-19 Infection: A Systematic Review of Acute and Long-Term Psychiatric Manifestations and Associated Brain Changes
Authors: Fischer Paale Ruben , Renemane Lubova
Published: January 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects the respiratory tract, but sometimes also other organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). It is not well understood how the virus affects the CNS and how frequently it happens. Our review provides insight into the occurrence of mental disorders in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. We also collected information about the biological basis of the susceptibility of brain cells to SARS-CoV-2 and its implication to psychiatric manifestations. We included 24 publications in our review, reporting psychiatric manifestations published between 31 December 2019 and 30 July 2020, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. Mental disorders occurred in up to one-fifth of patients during the acute phase of the infection. The most common disorders included anxiety-related disorders, mood-spectrum disorders, impaired consciousness, confusion, delirium and psychosis. The onset of psychiatric manifestations is not always preceded by respiratory symptoms, but occurs initially in COVID-19 patients. Long-term manifestations are mainly depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The obtained data allow the statement that direct infection of the CNS by SARS-CoV-2 could be responsible for the observed findings. To further investigate long-term psychiatric manifestations, randomised controlled studies must be initiated.
Unity in Variety. Employment Dynamics and Specialisation Profiles of Medium-Sized Towns in the Asti-Rovigo Area, Italy (2001–2017)
Authors: Clerici Maria Antonietta
Published: January 2021

We still know relatively little about the processes of economic transformation in medium-sized towns, which are the cornerstone of the settlement system of many rural areas, together with small towns. This paper considers a group of 39 towns in Northern Italy, located in the area between Asti and Rovigo. Using data from the Italian National Institute of Data Statistics (ISTAT), we investigated the dynamics of the number of the employed at businesses in the periods of 2001–2011 and 2012–2017, the different specialisations of the towns and their ability to attract employees within the respective employment areas. Locally differentiated performance and evolutionary trajectories are evident, preventing us from being able to think of medium-sized (but also small) towns as a coherent whole. It is also clear how the drive towards centralising employees in towns increased following the Great Recession.
The performance of the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor Test and voided urinary cytology in the follow-up of urinary bladder tumors
Authors: Smrkolj Tomaz , Cegovnik Primozic Urska , Fabjan Teja , Sterpin Sasa , Osredkar Josko
Published: January 2021

Background

Cystoscopy in complement with urinary cytology represents the gold standard for the follow-up of patients with urinary bladder tumours. Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor Test (XBC) is a novel mRNA-based urine test for bladder cancer surveillance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the XBC and voided urinary cytology (VUC) in the follow-up of bladder tumours.

Patients and methods

The XBC was performed on stabilized voided urine and VUC was performed on urine samples. The results were compared to cystoscopic findings and histopathological results after transurethral resection of the bladder lesion.

Results

For the prediction of malignant histopathological result sensitivity, the specificity and negative predictive value were 76.9%, 9 7.5% and 93.0% for the XBC and 38.4%, 9 7.5% and 83.3%, respectively for VUC. For the prediction of suspicious or positive cystoscopic finding sensitivity, the specificity and negative predictive value were 75.0%, 95.2%, and 93.0% respectively for the XBC and 41.7%, 97.6%, and 85.4% for VUC. The sensitivities for papilary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential (PUNLMP), low- and high-grade tumours were 0.0%, 66.7% an d 100.0% for the XBC and 0.0%, 66 .7% and 42.9%, respectively for VUC.

Conclusions

The XBC showed significantly higher overall sensitivity and negative predictive value than VUC and could be used to increase the recommended follow-up cystoscopy time intervals. Complementing the XBC and voided urinary cytology does not improve performance in comparison to the XBC alone.
Genetic comparison of planted and natural Quercus robur stands in Russia
Authors: Degen Bernd , Yanbaev Yulai , Blanc-Jolivet Celine , Ianbaev Ruslan , Bakhtina Svetlana , Mader Malte
Published: January 2021

Genetic diversity and the optimal genetic composition are essential for the adaptability and adaptation of tree populations. Artificial regeneration of stands might reduce the genetic diversity and increase family structures if the seeds were collected from a limited number of mother trees. We did a genetic inventory in 12 pedunculate oak stands in Russia using a set of 366 nuclear gene markers (361 SNPs, 5 Indels) in order to look for differences in the genetic composition among natural and artificial stands. Our results did not reveal any systematic differences among both types of stands. However, we found two extreme cases of limited genetic diversity and increased proportion of full-sibs and half-sibs in urban man-made stands. The implications for the forestry and gene conservation programs were discussed.