bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of the EU Project Management System in Public Universities
Authors: Szczepaniak Waldemar
Published: May 2020

Effective project management requires consideration of aspects such as quality, costs, time, material resources, staff and communication, and risk. In the case of projects co-financed from European Union funds, the main threat is recognition of part or all of the costs as ineligible, which will result in a need to cover them from university's own funds. Therefore, not only successful completion of the project but also financial condition of the university depends on safety level of EU project management system. Main purpose of the study was to indicate actions aimed at increasing safety of EU project management system in public universities. First part of article is theoretical and was prepared based on a critical analysis of the literature in a field of project management. Second part of the text was based on primary data collected during the survey among EU project managers at public technical universities. Literature studies and results of own research have enabled preparation of recommendations to increase the level of safety of project management system co-financed from EU funds at public universities.
The Effect of Static Physical Work on the Work Safety
Authors: Jasik-Ślęzak Jolanta , Baryshnikova Natalia
Published: May 2020

Physical activity is an inseparable sphere of human life, and is not rarely associated with work. Evolution has adapted man to perform various activities that meet their life needs. Man is created for walking, sitting, lying and standing. All these activities should take place in turns. Physical work should be varied in terms of dynamics and not limit people to stay in one position while performing work. The position changes, among others, to increase blood pressure, in addition, stimulates the heart and respiratory system, as well as improves the efficiency of both physical and mental work. In turn, taking only one position for a long time, which often occurs in static physical work, causes many health problems. For musculoskeletal disorders related to a non-ergonomic work position and a forced position at work, every fourth employee in Europe complains. In Poland, musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of absence at work. In Polish enterprises, the assumption that profit is the most important is still dominant. Man is rarely seen as the most important capital of an enterprise that needs to be taken care of. For many employers, all additional measures related to shaping safe working conditions are only costs, not investment and potential profit. This paper presents the effects of static physical work in relation to work safety in the light of publicly available reports and information. The review has been enriched with the results of research carried out in one of the production enterprises of the SMEs sector. The research results presented in the paper are pilot and constitute an introduction to a large research work.
Influence of Life Style on Safety and Work Efficiency
Authors: Zyska Aleksandra , Kiriliuk Olga
Published: May 2020

Occupational health and safety nowadays is beginning to be seen in a multi-interdisciplinary way. Man's lifestyle also contributes to safety at work and work efficiency. The employee performs tasks at a specific place and time, however, this work is also affected by elements of private life. This paper deals with the impact of private life and lifestyle on human professional work in the areas of work safety and its efficiency. The research has been conducted on the basis of the opinions of employees.
Simulation-Based Training in Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting of Scavenge Air Receivers Fires
Authors: Chybowski Leszek , Strojecki Seweryn , Markiewicz Włodzimierz
Published: May 2020

This article presents topics concerning fire hazards during the use of low-speed diesel engines in marine vehicles. The causes and effects of fires in the spaces of scavenge air receivers in marine diesel engines are presented. Methods to prevent and fight these fires are shown, including the operating procedures required from ship engine room operators. The possibility of training personnel to apply the abovementioned procedures during operation using simulations of a Kongsberg MC-90 IVship engine room is presented. Simulations were conducted which included a fire in a scavenge air receiver occurring during the operation of a MAN B&W 5L90MC main engine, with loads corresponding to 50% and 100% of the machine’s recommended setting.
Safety of Imported Machines - Selected Issues in the Context of Polish (UE) Regulation
Authors: Kielesińska Agata
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the paper is to present the issues of ensuring the safety of machinery and equipment in accordance with the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC of May 17, 2006 on the essential requirements for machines, with regard to the sphere of their import and distribution. This issue is related to the dynamically developing trade in cheaper new machines, mainly from countries outside the EEA (including China) and is a priority for ensuring safety and protecting the health and life of users of this type of equipment in accordance with EU regulations. The use of a variety of machines in industry, in addition to general safety requirements, which may also include quality criteria, care for the environment and industry-specific safety management requirements (e.g. food, automotive, medical devices).
Safety of Construction Components in a Very High Number of Load Cycles
Authors: Nový František , Belan Juraj , Bokůvka Otakar
Published: May 2020

Progressive, high-strength materials have an important position in the transport industry. In this industry, components are subject to high safety and reliability requirements because they often operate under long-term cyclic stress regimes. The paper presents results of fatigue resistance of high-strength materials such DOMEX 700MC, HARDOX 400, HARDOX 450, and INCONEL 718 (UTS from 850 to 1560 MPa) measured at high-frequency cyclic loading (f = 20 kHz, T = 20 ± 5 ° C, push-pull loading, cycle asymmetry parameter of R = -1) in the area from N = 2x106 to N = 2x108 cycles. Fatigue resistance showed a continuous decrease about average value Sa 2x10
8/Sa 2x10
6 = 19.1%.
Discussion of the Heat Flux Calculation Method During Pool Boiling on Meshed Heaters
Authors: Orman Łukasz J. , Radek Norbert , Pietraszek Jacek , Gontarski Dariusz
Published: May 2020

The paper discusses nucleate boiling heat transfer on meshed surfaces during pool boiling of distilled water and ethyl alcohol of very high purity. It presents a correlation for heat flux developed for heaters covered with microstructural coatings made of meshes. The experimental results have been compared with the calculation results performed using the correlation and have been followed by discussion. Conclusions regarding the heat flux determination method have been drawn with the particular focus on the usefulness of the considered model for heat flux calculations on samples with sintered mesh layers.
Impact of Behavioral Safety (Behavioural-Based Safety – BBS) on the Modification of Dangerous Behaviors in Enterprises
Authors: Niciejewska Marta , Obrecht Matevž
Published: May 2020

In enterprises, accidents happen mainly due to improper and dangerous behavior of employees. The approach called Behavioral Safety (BBS) assumes that the most effective attempts to modify dangerous employee behavior are based on influencing people abuse. As a consequence, change in behavior leads to a change in the way of thinking and attitude. In the other words, as a result of using behavioral methods for a long time, employees create a safe attitude that in the future translates into further safe behavior. Mutual control of employees during work is not accepted in Poland and positively perceived by participants of the work process. It is difficult to change the mentality and habits of people. Increasingly, employee behavior control systems are implemented in medium and large enterprises. Shaping a positive attitude of the employee to such systems and methods is a long and time-consuming work that lies with the employer and OSH supervisor. Presented studies have shown that a fairly large proportion of employees do not understand the positive effects of using behavioral safety methods. There is a great need to shape awareness of safe behaviors among Polish employees using behavioral safety, i.e. safety based on mutual observation of behaviors. This paper contains the results of the first stage of the study aimed at modifying undesirable behavior among employees using the implemented BBS system.
The Improvement of Production Using Elements of the Toyota’s House Roof - Case Study
Authors: Mielczarek Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

The article presents a case study of the practical use of BOST surveys to identify the most important factors in chosen enterprise. This article presents an analysis of the answers given to the question contained in the BOST questionnaire, referring to the roof of Toyota’s house. Toyota's management principles by Jeffrey Liker were pointed out, which refers to elements of Toyota’s house roof. Results of the survey were presented and the proposal to improving the processes in the enterprise. Research results were subjected to statistical analysis with a use of basic statistical parameters. It was made a correlation analysis connected with elements of the Toyota’s house roof. Evaluation structure was presented in a graphic form. Based on the survey results of carried out on the population of production workers, a series of importance areas for improvement was formulated. The aim of the analysis is to present which factors are the most important by building the significance sequences of obtained results. The results obtained for the type of small and medium-sized enterprises overlap with the results of tests verified in other enterprises.
Towards an Architecture for the Teaching of Sustainability and Securitability
Authors: Heasly Berise
Published: May 2020

Given the political, societal, scientific and geographical changes emerging in our twenty-first century world, we need to apply refreshed innovative processes in universal education. By applying such processes for universally refreshed quality of life norms, this paper applies the results of my Philosophy of Education thesis to today’s conditions, to the identifiable needs of present generations who face a future different from all that has gone before, to a world built on the interplay of tradition and innovation addressing specific new challenges of Sustainability and Securitability. Innovative thinking skills built on independent decision-making expertise is the key to a world that looks forward with confidence, resilience, responsibility and maturity through a process that is inclusive of all new knowledge of an expanding world that needs particular care on a grand scale.
The Influence of Environmental Factors on Phytoplankton Varietya Case Study of Three Ponds of Western Poland
Authors: Szpakowska Barbara , Świerk Dariusz , Pajchrowska Maria
Published: May 2020

The structure of phytoplankton assemblages in three small water bodies was compared and abiotic factors were described. It indicated considerable differences in the species abundance and biomass of the phytoplankton as well as the chemical composition of water between artificial pond (No. 2) and others. A total of 455 phytoplankton taxa were recorded. All ponds were characterized by greatest species richness of Chlorophyta. The highest biomass was noted in August-September 2015, and it was true for each pond. The CCA models showed dependences between the variables under study and phytoplankton groups. They indicated which environmental variables had the greatest influence on the biomass of phytoplankton in the waterbodies under analysis. The biomass of most of the taxonomic group in the phytoplankton (except Miozoa) depended on the presence of nitrogen not only in form of nitrates but also in the form of mineral nitrogen. The research findings suggest the trend of future studies on the phytoplankton in these ponds. The analysis of its variability should also include the influence of light and the influence of consumers on the food chain in the ecosystem.
HC Tourism. Profile and Trends of Human Capital in the Tourism Sector
Authors: Costa Vânia , Moura Andreia , Mira Maria do Rosário , Cerdeiras António , Cruz Inês Pinto da , Pereira José Filipe , Martins Isabel Silva , Conceição Oscarina , Vilaça Abílio , Almeida Cláudia , Carrança Paulo
Published: May 2020

Tourism is a strategic sector in Portugal since it generates employment and it is a factor of economic and social development. The tourism sector not only has an intensive need of labour force but also provides employment opportunity to a range of qualifications. Being an industry of people, it directly depends on the performance of activities, skills, professionalism, quality and competitiveness. The main objective of this article is to present the HC Tourism project, which aims to seek and understand the needs of skills in tourism industry by studying the active companies that belong to the tourism economic subsectors, by region and subsector of economic activity. The methodology used in this project is based on a qualitative and quantitative approach, throughout the collection of primary and secondary data. The qualitative approach was based on a literature review which allowed to compile a list of 150 skills, divided under four domains: i) soft skills; ii) hard skills; iii) management skills; iv) transversal skills. The quantitative approach returned primary data, which were collected through an online survey implemented and sent to national tourist entrepreneurs, expecting to develop the ideal profile of the tourism human resources, based on a sample of 555 answers.
A novel DEA model for hospital performance evaluation based on the measurement of efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity
Authors: Ghahremanloo Mohammad , Hasani Aliakbar , Amiri Maghsoud , Hashemi-Tabatabaei Mohammad , Keshavarz-Ghorabaee Mehdi , Ustinovičius Leonas
Published: May 2020

Hospitals are the most important and costly component of the healthcare system. Therefore, hospital performance evaluation (HPE) is an important issue for the managers of these centres. This paper presents a new approach for HPE that can be used to calculate the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of hospitals simultaneously. Efficiency refers to the ratio of inputs and outputs, effectiveness refers to the extent to which outputs align with predetermined goals, and productivity refers to the sum of both efficiency and effectiveness. To this end, a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model is developed to simultaneously measure the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity (DEA-EEP) of hospitals. DEA is a linear programming technique that in its traditional form, calculates the performance of similar decision-making units (DMUs) that have both inputs and outputs. In this study, the inputs are the number of health workers, the number of other staff, and the number of patient beds; while the outputs are the bed occupancy rate and the bed turnover rate. A target value is set for each output to measure the effectiveness of hospitals. The advantage of the developed model is the ability to provide a solution for non-productive units so that they can improve their performance by changing their inputs and outputs. In the case study, data of 11 hospitals in Tehran were evaluated for a 3-year period. Based on the results, some hospitals experienced an upward trend in the period, but the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity scores of most hospitals fluctuated and did not have a growing trend. This indicates that although most hospitals sought to improve the quality of their services, they needed to take more serious steps.
Sustainable behaviour: evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Čiarnienė Ramunė , Vienažindienė Milita , Adamonienė Rūta
Published: May 2020

There is an increasing focus on bridging human behaviour and attitudes towards sustainability. This article focuses on the factors that influence sustainable behaviour of working people. Based on a systematic and comparative analysis of scientific literature, the authors of the paper present the theoretical conceptual model, which illustrates sustainable behaviour. The aim of the empirical research is to examine how employees relate to sustainable behaviour across generations, genders and different modes of education through economic, environmental and social domains. A quantitative method in the form of a survey was selected to capture individual employee attitudes and actions regarding sustainable behaviour. A total of 412 complete responses from Lithuanian employees were used for data analysis. The results of empirical research revealed a significant relationship between gender, generation and education, and sustainable employee behaviour.
Association between serum adiponectin levels with gestational diabetes mellitus and postpartum metabolic syndrome:A case control study
Authors: Atarod Zoleikha , Ebrahemian Mostafa , Jafarpour Hamed , Moraghebi Mahta , Sharafkhani Elham
Published: May 2020

Objective. Pregnancy can cause diabetic conditions and gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder of the era. Scientific evidence suggests that obesity increases the incidence and severity of gestational diabetes. Adipokines are proteins secreted from adipose tissue in response to extracellular stimuli and altered metabolism. These hormones are involved in regulating the energy balance, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. One of the types of adipokines is called adiponectin, which has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic effects. Accordingly, this study is aimed to investigate the correlation between the serum adiponectin level with the gestational diabetes and the postpartum metabolic syndrome.

Methods. This case-control study was carried out on 37 pregnant women (in Sari, Iran) with gestational diabetes and 37 non-diabetic pregnant women who were matched regarding age and body mass index (BMI). Serum adiponectin and glucose levels were measured. Finally, six weeks after termination of pregnancy, women in both groups were evaluated for metabolic syndrome. All statistical analyses of this study were performed using IBM SPSS software version 21 and, in all cases, the two-way p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. The mean age of pregnant women was 28.46±4.11 years in the non-diabetic group and 30.03±4.71 in the diabetic group. There was no statistically significant difference found between the mean age (p=0.123) and BMI (p=0.727) in two groups. Serum adiponectin levels in the diabetic group (5.51±3.15 µg/ml) were significantly lower than in the non-diabetic group (8.35±4.54 µg/ml) (p=0.003). In the diabetic group, serum adiponectin level did not correlate with the maternal age, maternal BMI, and postpartum metabolic syndrome (p>0.005).

Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate a correlation of low adiponectin concentrations with gestational diabetes, but this association with postpartum metabolic syndrome is uncertain. However, to elucidate the mechanism of adiponectin in predicting gestational diabetes and postpartum metabolic syndrome further studies are required.
The polypharmacy reduction potential of cinnamic acids and some related compounds in pre- and post-onset management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Barre Douglas Edward , Mizier-Barre Kazimiera Amelia
Published: May 2020

Objectives. This review assesses the polypharmacy reduction potential of cinnamic acids (CAs) and some related compounds in managing three or more of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related features (central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation, and inflammation).

Methods. Google scholar and Pubmed were searched for cinnam*, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid in conjunction with each of pre- and post-onset T2DM, central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation, and inflammation. The study was divided into an introduction followed by findings on the impacts of each of the CAs including trans-CA acid, the E isomer of a CA-based thiazolidinedione and a metabolite of that isomer, as well as p-methoxy CA, various cinnamic amides and some other CA-related compounds (chlorogenic acid, cinnamaldehyde, ferulic and caffeic acid).

Results. Trans-CA has a potential to manage three, while each of chlorogenic acid, cinnamalde-hyde, caffeic acid and ferulic acid has a potential to manage all seven members of the cluster. Other CA-related compounds identified may manage only one or two of the cluster of seven.

Conclusions. Much of the work has been done in animal models of pre- and post-onset T2DM and non-pre- or post-onset T2DM humans and animals, along with some cell culture and in vitro work. Very little work has been done with human pre- and post-onset T2DM. While there is potential for managing 3 or more members of the cluster with many of these compounds, a definitive answer awaits large pre- and post-T2DM onset clinical trials with humans.
Clusters as an Expressive form of Business Infrastructure (Annex Theory Analysis)
Authors: Kostadinović Ivana
Published: May 2020

In modern conditions of development, the connection of small and medium enterprises into clusters is an increasingly important and current trend. Constant changes taking place on the global market, the growth of competition and the changes in the business of many companies, encourage them to connect into clusters and, in this way, to compete with large enterprises. In that way, small and medium-sized enterprises retain their market position, as well as legal and business independence and achieve significantly better results. Enterprises, also grouped into clusters, have a comparative advantage, which is based on cooperation, greater flexibility and their specialization. In addition, connecting into clusters also leads to an increased competitiveness of enterprises, due to the introduction of innovations, the development of new technologies, the increase of productivity, the acceptance of new quality standards. The aim of the paper is to point out the importance of the theoretical aspect of clusters as an important element of business infrastructure and to emphasize that the development of clusters is essential for the development of small and medium enterprises, considering the fact that they enable them to become more productive and innovative, as well as more competitive compared to the period when they operated independently and separately.
Public Preferences for Farmed Landscapes: the Case of Traditional Chestnut Orchards in South Tyrol
Authors: Fedrigotti Valérie Bossi , Troiano Stefania , Fischer Christian , Marangon Francesco
Published: May 2020

Sweet chestnuts are, from a farming point of view, a marginal crop in South Tyrol, though historically rooted. Chestnut orchards represent a cultural heritage, as well as an important aesthetic element of the cultural landscape, besides assuming a high ecological value for many animal and plant species. Public awareness towards this ecosystem is generally higher in autumn, when fruit consumption sees its peak and events take place. Using a Choice Experiment, we assessed whether seasonality interferes in people’s willingness-to-pay for a traditional chestnut orchard and its ecosystem services. We also investigated the importance of respondent origin (residents vs tourists) and, finally, a Latent Class analysis allowed us to depict segments of society in relation to their preferences. Our results show that tourists are ready to pay more than locals for chestnut orchards and for fruits, whereas seasonality has generally a low impact.
Morality, protection, security and gain: lessons from a minimalistic, economically inspired multi-agent model
Authors: Komosinski Maciej , Żok Tomasz
Published: May 2020

In this work, we introduce a simple multi-agent simulation model with two roles of agents that correspond to moral and immoral attitudes. The model is given explicitly by a set of mathematical equations with continuous variables and is characterized by four parameters: morality, protection, and two efficiency parameters. Agents are free to adjust their roles to maximize individual gains. The model is analyzed theoretically to find conditions for its stability, i.e., the fractions of agents of both roles that lead to an equilibrium in their gains. A multi-agent simulation is also developed to verify the dynamics of the model for all values of morality and protection parameters, and to identify potential discrepancies with the theoretical analysis.
The Pharmacological Profile of Cyclin-dependent Kinase (CDK) 4/6 Inhibitors: Clinical Management of Toxicity and Drug Interactions Related to CDK 4/6 Inhibitor-based Treatment in Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Vasiliki Tzelepi C. , Aristeidis Gogadis T. , Christos Adamidis K. , Timotheadou Eleni T.
Published: May 2020

The emergence of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitors has brought a new approach in the treatment of advanced hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer and human epidermal growth factor (HER) 2 negative breast cancer. To date, three CDK 4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the first two agents are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as well. The family of CDKs consists of key regulatory enzymes that play a significant role in cell cycle progression. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the mechanism of action and the efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors and to highlight the most serious adverse events and the drug interactions related to these agents.
Identification and control of endophytic bacteria during in vitro cultures of Staphylea pinnata L.
Authors: Szewczyk-Taranek Bożena , Jaglarz Anita , Pałka Piotr , Supel Paulina , Kaszycki Paweł , Mazur Justyna , Pawłowska Bożena
Published: May 2020

This study focused on the identification and elimination of endophytic bacterial contaminations during in vitro propagation of European bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata). Axillary shoots were propagated on Murashige and Skoog medium with 20 mg ∙ dm−3 FeEDDHA, 5 μM BA and 0.5 μM NAA at 20/18°C (day/night) and a 16-h photoperiod. Clouding by endophytic bacterial colonies was observed where shoots contacted the media. Bacteria were isolated and separated by repeated streaking as two strains. Gram staining revealed that both strains were Gram-negative. The colonies were very precisely identified as Acinetobacter johnsonii, strain ATCC 17909, and Methylobacterium rhodesianum, strain DSM 5687, using VITEK®2—a rapid bacterial identification system—and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The agar disc-diffusion test proved that both bacterial strains were susceptible to 13 antibiotics (out of 25 tested), derived from the groups of fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. Doxycycline or gentamicin (100–300 mg ∙ dm−3) was added to the S. pinnata shoot propagation medium to eliminate bacteria. Gentamicin 100 mg ∙ dm−3 showed the best effect, inhibiting the growth of endogenous bacteria (63%) when applied in the medium for 4 weeks. After the following transfer to media without antibiotics, shoots developed axillary buds and bacterial colonies were not observed.
Morphological variability ofBembidion varium(Coleoptera, Carabidae) in gradient of soil salinity
Authors: Komlyk Viktoriia , Brygadyrenko Viktor
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the effect of soil salinity on the variability ofBembidion(Notaphus)varium(Oliver, 1795). The authors of the article collected imagoes of this species in five ecosystems that differed in soil salinity; 13 linear characteristics, one angular characteristic and 6 morphometric indices were measured. Significant changes in six linear parameters ofB. varium(body length, head length and width, width of prothorax between front angles, maximum width of prothorax and elytra width) and two morphometric indices are observed in the considered ecosystems. Soil salinity probably has the most impact on the variability of these characteristics. However, the influence of other important natural and anthropogenic factors is not ruled out. Significant differences between the sexes are observed for all linear parameters: females ofB. variumare larger than males. There are no differences between males and females in morphometric indices. The head width, prothorax length and width, elytra length and width depend on the body length ofB. variumindividuals. The morphological variability ofB. variumunder the influence of other environmental factors needs further research.
Change in photosynthetic pigments of Date palm offshoots under abiotic stress factors
Authors: Shareef Hussein J. , Abdi Gholamreza , Fahad Shah
Published: May 2020

Increasing world temperatures are bringing about climate changes creating abiotic stress in plants. Date palm offshoot leaves (Khadrawi cv.) were analyzed for chlorophyll Chl a, Chl b, Total Chl, Chl a/b ratio, anthocyanin and carotenoid subject to salinity, drought and temperature stress under field conditions. Results demonstrated that drought and salinity stress accompanied by high temperatures in July and August significantly reduced the Chl a, Chl b, and Total Chl relative to the control. Anthocyanins, carotenoids, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde were markedly higher in July and August (45 ºC), whereas September showed lower values in these substances. Temperature reduction to 35 °C accompanied by drought or salinity stress, brought about a critical increment in relative water content and a decrease in electrolyte leakage. Although the impact of drought and salinity stress continued, the reduced temperatures in September resulted in a reduction of abscisic acid and proline concentration. Cluster analysis showed the two groups. In this first group, the significant similarity between the treatments is illustrated by the influence of the high temperature of 43–45 ºC. Recovery of photosynthesis following low-temperature, for the most part, determines plant flexibility to water deficiencies and salinity. Thermal stress, associated with salinity or drought stress is more damaging to the photosynthetic pigments than any single factor.
Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Studies of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Strain in Naturally Infected Pigs in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyi M. O. , Ajayi O. L. , Alaka O. O. , Mustapha O. A. , Brown C. C. , Shields J. P. , Ard M. B. , Nagy T.
Published: May 2020

Enzootic pneumonia caused by hyopneumoniae (MHYO) remains a serious concern to the swine industry in many countries including Nigeria. MHYO strains isolated from pigs from different countries and geographical locations are known to vary in pathogenicity. There is a paucity of information on the pathogenicity of the MHYO strain affecting pigs in Nigeria. This study investigated the pathogenicity of the MHYO strain in naturally infected pigs using immunohisto-chemistry and electron microscopy. Two hundred and sixty four lungs of slaughtered pigs were randomly collected from abattoirs at Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos, in Southwest Nigeria. A sub-sample of 104 pneumonic and 20 apparently normal lungs was selected, processed for routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, while 3 lung tissues samples were selected for ultrastructural studies. The most significant microscopic changes observed were suppurative broncho-interstitial pneumonia associated with varying degrees of lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and thickened alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration consisting predominantly of neutrophils and a few mononuclear cells. Immunohistochemically, MHYO antigen was detected in 86/104 (82.69 %) of MHYO-infected lung tissues and typically exhibited a granular brown reaction on the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial lining, mononuclear cells in the BALT and luminal cellular exudates within the airways. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous Mycoplasma organisms in the lumina of the airways, in between degenerated cilia, while a few Mycoplasmas were located within the alveoli. It was concluded that the MHYO strain detected in this study was pathogenic to pigs and capable of inducing pneumonia, and therefore implicated in the pathogenesis.
A pilot comparative study between serological and genetic investigations in relationship to clinical outcomes on patients with cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Altintas Nu. , Karamil S. A. , Turkum O. , Akil M. , Sakarya A. , Bozkaya H. , Šoltys J. , Altintas Na.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and Western Blotting (WB) methods could contribute to the assessment of clinical outcomes in genotype-defined cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients. Twenty-nine human isolates and blood samples have been taken from patients who underwent surgery or percutaneous aspiration (PAIR) for therapeutic purposes at Ege University and Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospitals. All sera of patients were screened for the presence of E. granulosus IgG antibodies using in-house approved ELISA and WB methods. According to the ELISA results, five patients had high, thirteen patients had medium and eight patients had low specific antibody level response which ranged 1/640 -1/5000. Despite confirmed WB positivity three patients were found to be negative by ELISA. Immunoblot analysis of EgAg showed many protein bands with size of 8, 12, 20, 22, 24, 36, 75 and 90 kDa. Among of them, 8 – 12 kDa bands (90 %), 20 – 22 kDa and 36 kDa bands presented strong reactivity against human serum specimens. No serum samples from healthy control reacted with EgAg. Phylogenetic analysis of resulting COX1 and NAD1sequences has revealed that all patients in our study were infected with the E. granulosus G1-G3 genotype. There was no consistent correlation between results of ELISA and WB, the number or size of cysts and genotype. Our study brings a unique contribution in terms of relationship between serological investigation, disease genotypes and clinical outcomes.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Toxocara species in dogs, cattle and buffalo in Egypt
Authors: Mahdy O.A. , Mousa W. M. , Abdel-Maogood S. Z. , Nader S. M. , Abdel-Radi S.
Published: May 2020

Toxocara canis of dogs and Toxocara vitulorum of cattle and buffalo are nematode parasites that cause serious economic and public health problems all over the world. This study aims to provide molecular data to identify and distinguish between Toxocara spp. from dogs, cattle and buffalo in Egypt. Moreover, constructing a phylogeny and phylogenetic relationships among these Toxocara spp. were performed through an analytic study of ATPase-6, a mitochondrial gene; 12S, small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and ITS-2, the second internal transcribed spacer nuclear ribosomal gene. T. vitulorum from cattle and buffalo were found to be almost identical. The ATPase- 6 and 12S regions showed 87.78 % and 90.38 % nucleotide similarity between T. canis and T. vitulorum, while for the ITS-2 region, only 78.38 % was found. Analysis of the three studied genes revealed that each Toxocara spp. has distinct molecular characteristics. Moreover, it was revealed that these genes, especially the ITS-2 gene, are useful and sensitive molecular markers for classifying and studying the phylogenetic analysis and relationships among closely related Toxocara spp. All sequences obtained in this study were registered in the GenBank under the accession numbers: MG214149 -MG214157.
A controlled study on efficacy and egg reappearance period of Ivermectin in donkeys naturally infected with small strongyles
Authors: Papini R. A. , Orsetti C. , Sgorbini M.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and the egg reappearance period (ERP) of ivermectin (IVM) in donkeys during a 13-week period. The study involved a total of 14 adult Amiata breed donkeys, 7 – 13 years of age, and naturally infected with small strongyles. A group of 10 donkeys was treated with IVM oral paste at a dose rate of 200 mcg/kg BW. Another group of 4 donkeys was kept as untreated control group. Faecal samples were collected and examined for strongyle eggs on day 0 before treatment. IVM efficacy was based on the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) on day 14 post-treatment. Then individual faecal samples were collected and examined by FECRT at weekly intervals. A FECRT of 100 % was found after treatment with IVM and its ERP, defined as the week when the mean FECRT decreased until to become lower than 90 %efficacy, was estimated to be 11 weeks without signs of developing anthelmintic resistance. No adverse reactions were observed during the study period. Our findings may be useful to veterinary practitioners and breeders as they show that IVM, at the recommended dose rate, can be still considered a highly effective and safe pharmacological tool for the treatment of small strongyles in donkeys. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all possible strategies are undertaken to avoid the risk of emergence of anthelmintic resistance to IVM in donkeys.
Crenosoma striatum in lungs of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus) from Portugal
Authors: Barradas P. F. , Flores A. R. , Mateus T. L. , Carvalho F. , Gärtner F. , Amorim I. , Mesquita J. R.
Published: May 2020

Crenosoma striatum is a host-specifi c metastrongiloid nematode causing respiratory tract disease in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Since few studies have reported C. striatum in hedgehogs and little genetic data is available concerning this lungworm, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of C. striatum in a population sample of hedgehogs from Portugal, additionally providing morphological, histological and molecular data. From 2017 to 2018 a survey of infection was carried out in 11 necropsied hedgehogs. Worms were extracted from fresh lung tissues and microscopically evaluated. Molecular characterization of partial mitochondrial (12S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA) genes was performed. The presence of lungworms in pulmonary tissues of five hedgehogs (45.5%) was detected. Morphological and histopathological analyses evidenced adult forms of nematodes consistent with C. striatum. Molecular characterization of 18S rRNA genes confirmed the classifi cation as C. striatum. Also, novel genetic data characterizing the mitochondrial (12S rRNA) gene of C. striatum is presented.

This is the first report of C. striatum infection in hedgehogs of Portugal. The findings here reported provide new insights regarding the geographic distribution and the molecular identification of this lungworm species.
Competitive Advantages of International Airline Alliances: A Critical Review
Authors: Seo Gang-Hoon
Published: May 2020

Over the past several decades, airlines have formed and participated in international alliances to seek competitive advantages. However, it is still unclear whether airlines obtain substantial competitive advantages through an international alliance and how to measure the competitive advantages of alliances and airlines. This study presents a critical literature review as a contribution to comprehensive and novel empirical researches in the future.
Effect of the olive fruit size on the parasitism rates ofBactocera oleae(Diptera: Tephritidae) by the figitid waspAganaspis daci(Hymenoptera: Figitidae), and first field releases of adult parasitoids in olive grove
Authors: Moraiti C.A. , Kyritsis G.A. , Papadopoulos N.T.
Published: May 2020

The olive fruit flyBactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the major pest of olives worldwide. The figitid wasp,Aganaspis daci(Hymenoptera: Figitidae), is a larval-prepupal endoparasitoid of fruit fly species, and it was found to successfully parasitize medfly larvae in field-infested figs in Greece. To assess the potential ofA. dacias a biological control agent againstB. oleae, we studied the effect of olive fruit size on parasitism rates ofA. dacion 2ndand 3rdinstar larvae ofB. oleae, by using fruit of different size (cultivar ‘Chalkidikis’) and wild olive fruit. In addition, we conducted releases ofA. dacifemales in a pilot olive grove in Volos, Magnesia. From July to October, we released 200A. dacifemales/0.1 ha/week, followed by olive fruit sampling to estimate olive fruit infestation levels and the parasitism rates ofA. daci. Laboratory trials revealed that fruit size and larvae instar were predictors of parasitism success ofA. daci, with parasitism rates higher for small-size fruit of the cultivar “Chalkidikis” and the 3rdinstar larvae ofB. oleae. In field trials, noA. daciadults emerged from the olive fly infested fruit.
Effect of rhizobacteria strains on the induction of resistance in barley genotypes against Cochliobolus sativus
Authors: Adam A.
Published: May 2020

Enhancement of the resistance level in plants by rhizobacteria has been proven in several pathosystems. This study investigated the ability of four rhizobacteria strains (Pseudomonas putida BTP1 and Bacillus subtilis Bs2500, Bs2504 and Bs2508) to promote the growth in three barley genotypes and protect them against Cochliobolus sativus. Our results demonstrated that all tested rhizobacteria strains had a protective effect on barley genotypes Arabi Abiad, Banteng and WI2291. However, P. putida BTP1 and B. subtilis Bs2508 strains were the most effective as they reduced disease incidence by 53 and 38% (mean effect), respectively. On the other hand, there were significant differences among the rhizobacteria-treated genotypes on plant growth parameters, such as wet weight, dry weight, plant height and number of leaves. Pseudomonas putida BTP1 strain was the most effective as it significantly increased plant growth by 15-32%. In addition, the susceptible genotypes Arabi Abiad and WI2291 were the most responsive to rhizobacteria. This means that these genotypes have a high potential for increase of their resistance against the pathogen and enhancement of plant growth after the application of rhizobacteria. Consequently, barley seed treatment with the tested rhizobacteria could be considered as an effective biocontrol method against C. sativus.
Multi Agent Deep Learning with Cooperative Communication
Authors: Simões David , Lau Nuno , Reis Luís Paulo
Published: May 2020

We consider the problem of multi agents cooperating in a partially-observable environment. Agents must learn to coordinate and share relevant information to solve the tasks successfully. This article describes Asynchronous Advantage Actor-Critic with Communication (A3C2), an end-to-end differentiable approach where agents learn policies and communication protocols simultaneously. A3C2 uses a centralized learning, distributed execution paradigm, supports independent agents, dynamic team sizes, partially-observable environments, and noisy communications. We compare and show that A3C2 outperforms other state-of-the-art proposals in multiple environments.
Effect of a New Cardiac Massage Facilitator Device on the Fatigue of Rescue Workers in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Heravi Mohamad Amin Younessi , Amini Zakiyeh , Roshanravan Mostafa , Gazerani Akram
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a direct intervention for the prevention or postponement of death in patients with cardiac arrest. The fatigue of rescue workers is of high significance when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation effectively. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a cardiac massage facilitator device on the fatigue of rescue workers in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 30 emergency medical aid non-continuous bachelor students, divided equally into two groups: one group performed cardiac massage using the device and the other without the device. Fatigue levels were assessed using a visual analog scale to evaluate fatigue severity.

Results: The mean age of participants was 23.42 ± 2.02 years, the mean height was 175 ± 4.43 cm, and the mean weight was 65.45 ± 5.02 kg. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean fatigue scores of the two groups: 0.06 with the device vs. 0.57 without the device.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the cardiac massage facilitator device presented in this study could be effective in improving the quality of cardiac massage and be helpful in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Design and control of permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor with copper loss minimization using MTPA
Authors: Sriprang Songklod , Nahid-Mobarakeh Babak , Takorabet Noureddine , Pierfederici Serge , Kumam Poom , Bizon Nicu , Taghavi Nesser , Vahedi Abolfazl , Mungporn Pongsiri , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: May 2020

It is necessary to find the suitable d - and q -axis reference currents to control PMA-SynRM motors with high efficiency. This paper presents the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) to minimize the copper losses of the system and utilizes the field weakening control to operate above the rated speed of the PMA-SynRM. The copper losses equation and electromagnetic torque are used to optimize the d - and q -axis current references. A small-scale 1 kW prototype PMA-SynRM was designed and manufactured to test and examine the proposed control in the laboratory. The proposed algorithm was digitally carried out using the MicroLab Box dSPACE. The simulation results show that the copper losses of the machine with the MTPA algorithm are lower than those without the MTPA algorithm. The PMA-SynRM operates above the base speed of ~ 70 % in the constant power region by mean of field weakening control.
Dynamics of the Media System in Post-Soviet Turkmenistan
Authors: Yazliyeva Oguljamal
Published: May 2020

This article explores the media environment in Turkmenistan from a comparative perspective, analyzing periods when this Central Asian nation was ruled by President Saparmurat Niyazov and his successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It examines critical trends of the media system’s development since the early 1990s and onward based on the political culture established under the ruling of these two state leaders. The paper argues that media plays a primary role in building a cult of personality of Saparmurat Niyazov, which was further implemented and developed by the administration of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. A case study of the Turkmen TV channels, in particular, is focused on styles of presenting materials, the language and propaganda techniques (clichés, slogans, labels), used to promote the cult of personality. The article analyzes the behaviors of the constructors and supporters of the cult of personality using the concept of the political culture in authoritarianism. Thus, the paper outlines that with some moderate dynamics in the media system, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continues to strictly control media – the policies established by his predecessor, who used methods of total control and censorship of all media outlets in the country.