bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ультразвуковые аспекты и скрининг опухолей и опухолевидных образований яичников у пациенток репродуктивного возраста
Authors: Спиридонова Н. В. , Демура А. А. , Катюшина В. О.
Published: March 2020

Опухоли яичников возникают в любом возрасте, снижают репродуктивный потенциал женщины, имеют высокий риск малигнизации и являются показанием для оперативного лечения. На сегодняшний день продолжается поиск оптимальных алгоритмов скрининга опухолей данной нозологии. Целью работы было оценить прогностическую эффективность ультразвуковых (УЗ) признаков для дифференциальной диагностики злокачественных, доброкачественных и пограничных опухолей яичников у женщин репродуктивного возраста. Обследованы 168 пациенток репродуктивного возраста с опухолевыми и опухолевидными образованиями яичника, прооперированных с 2012 по 2015 г., и сопоставлены морфологические данные верифицированного процесса в яичниках с данными комплексного УЗИ с импульсно-волновым допплеровским режимом. В исследовании не выявлено зависимости размеров и объема образований яичников от морфологической структуры опухоли. Обнаружены эхографические особенности опухолей яичников: наличие солидного компонента (р < 0,001); наличие перегородок (р = 0,029) и разрастаний по внутренней поверхности капсулы (р < 0,001); наличие умеренного и значительного количества свободной жидкости в малом тазу (р = 0,007) и бугристая поверхность капсулы образования яичника (р = 0,008). Наличие солидного образования увеличивало вероятность появления злокачественной и пограничной опухолей в 31,69 раза, кистозно- солидной структуры образования — в 3,46 раза. Выделены значимые допплерометрические показатели, способные четко обозначить разницу между доброкачественным и злокачественным процессами, а именно превышение скорости кровотока свыше 1,85 см/с (р = 0,007) и ИР более 0,16 (р = 0,013). Чувствительность и специфичность данной диагностической модели составляют 87% и 68% при значении пороговой вероятности 0,3.
Bilgi-İşlemsel Düşünme Becerilerinin İncelenmesi: Meslek Liseleri Örneklemi
Authors: IBILI Emin , GÜNBATAR Mustafa Serkan , SIRAKAYA Mustafa
Published: March 2020

Bu araştırmada lise öğrencilerinin Bilgi-işlemsel Düşünme (BİD) becerileri incelenmiştir ve BİD becerileri bazı değişkenler açısından karşılaştırılmıştır. Bu kapsamda cinsiyetin, öğrenim görülen okul ve sınıf seviyesinin, programlama deneyiminin ve bilgisayar sahipliğinin BİD becerileri üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini Van ili merkez İpekyolu ilçesindeki 3 farklı meslek lisesinde öğrenim gören 9., 10., 11. ve 12. Sınıftaki toplam 591 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada öğrencilerin BİD becerilerini ölçmek amacıyla Yağcı (2019) tarafından geliştirilen ölçek kullanılmıştır. Öğrenciler %51.1 lik bir oranla yüksek BİD becerisi düzeyine sahiptirler. Bunu %44.3’lük bir oranla orta ve %4.6’lık oranla ise düşük düzeydekiler takip etmektedirler. Araştırma sonuçları BİD becerilerinin cinsiyet, programlama dersi alma durumu, programlama deneyimi ve bilgisayar sahipliği açısından farklılaşmadığını göstermiştir. Ancak okul türü İşbirlikli öğrenme ve eleştirel düşünme becerisi üzerinde etkili olduğunu, sınıf seviyesinin ise İşbirlikli Öğrenme ve eleştirel düşünme becerisi alt faktörü hariç diğer faktörler açısından farklılaşmaktadır. Bu bulgular meslek liselerinde öğrenim gören öğrencilerin ortalama BİD düzeylerini ortaya koyması; okulların işbirliği ve eleştirel düşünme becerileri üzerindeki etkisini; BİD becerilerinin sınıf seviyesine bağlı olarak farklılaşabileceğini göstermesi açısından önem arz etmektedir. Ayrıca bu araştırma sonucunda ortaya çıkan bulgular doğrultusunda araştırmacılara, müfredat geliştiricilere, okullardaki yöneticilere ve öğretmenlere önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
A Content Analysis of 2012-2017 Decade Academic Achievement Researches
Authors: GÜNDÜZ Münevver , KALAFAT Özgür , REİSOĞLU İlknur , GÖKTAŞ Yüksel
Published: March 2020

This study aims to determine the descriptive properties and methodological tendencies in empirical studies focusing on academic achievement. Educational research studies taking academic achievement as the dependent variable were considered in this study. The articles published in SSCI indexed journals in the period between 2012 and 2017 were scanned through Web of Science database. The sample for the study was composed of 80 articles using experimental research method. Educational Technologies Publication Classification Form was used as the data collection tool in this study. The articles collected were put to content analysis. On examining the independent variables influencing academic achievement in the articles, it was found that experimental studies in the categories of use of materials, teaching approaches/strategies, learning environments, assessment types and teaching techniques predominated. It was found that such variables as critical thinking, problem solving and attitudes in addition to academic achievement were also used as the dependent variable in the studies analyzed. Besides, it was also found that the studies frequently used t-test, variance analysis (ANOVA/ANCOVA) as data analysis methods. It is thought that the results obtained will guide researchers intending to conduct studies on academic achievement.
Okul Müdürlerinin Problem Algılama ve Çözme Süreçlerinde Dikkate Aldıkları Değerler
Authors: SEZGİN Ferudun , KAZANCI TINMAZ Ayşe , TETİK Sezgin
Published: March 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı okul müdürlerinin okul yönetiminde karşılaştıkları sorunların çözümüne yönelik nasıl bir karar verme süreci izlediklerini, problemleri algılama ve çözme sürecinde dikkate aldıkları değerlerin neler olduğunu araştırmaktır. Çalışmada ayrıca, Değer Temelli Uyum Teorisi bağlamında Türk kültürüne özgü bir okul müdürü sınıflamasının yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgubilim deseniyle modellenmiştir. Çalışma grubunu Tokat il merkezinde görev yapmakta olan 13 okul müdürü oluşturmaktadır. Veriler araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanmıştır. Ulaşılan sonuçlara göre, okul müdürleri mesleki hayatlarında saygı, adalet, açık iletişim değerlerini ön planda tutmaktadır. Okul müdürlerinin, okulda akademik ve bürokratik çeşitli sorunlar yaşadığı ve bu sorunların çözümünde iletişim kurmaya ve adil yaklaşıma özen göster-dikleri belirlenmiştir. Katılımcıların problem çözümünde öncelikli olarak sistemli ve bilimsel yaklaşımlar kullanmadıkları görülmüştür. Araştırmada, okul müdürlerinin sahip oldukları değerlerin problemleri algılama ve çözme sürecinde etkisinin olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Bu değerler okul içinde insan odaklı bir yaklaşımı, karşılıklı anlayışı, iyi insan ilişkilerini ve olumlu bir okul kültürünü destekleyecek değerlerdir. Çalışmada değer özelliklerine göre Türk kültürüne özgü olarak; iletişimci, etik, yenilikçi ve disiplin temelli olmak üzere dört tip okul müdürü ortaya çıkmıştır.
Improvement of Transient Stability Using Different-Different FACTS Devices
Authors: Pandey Vipin Kumar , Das Dr. Malay S , Khare Dr. Anula
Published: March 2020

Due to increase in population and industrial growth, insufficient energy resources to generate or transmit the power in power system, increase in load causes power demand in the electrical power system. These power demand leads to voltage instability, increase the losses, reduces the power transfer capability and stability of the power system. To overcome this stability problem FACTS devices are optimally located in the power system to examine the stability of the system. To locate the FACTS devices different optimization algorithms are used in order to improve the stability of the electrical power system.
A Review of Intrusion Detection Datasets and Techniques
Authors: Patidar Sadhana , Parihar Priyanka , Agrawal Chetan
Published: March 2020

As network applications grow rapidly, network security mechanisms require more attention to improve speed and accuracy. The evolving nature of new types of intrusion poses a serious threat to network security: although many network securities tools have been developed, the rapid growth of intrusive activities is still a serious problem. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are used to detect intrusive network activity. In order to prevent and detect the unauthorized access of any computer is a concern of Computer security. Hence computer security provides a measure of the level associated with Prevention and Detection which facilitate to avoid suspicious users. Deep learning have been widely used in recent years to improve intrusion detection in networks. These techniques allow the automatic detection of network traffic anomalies. This paper presents literature review on intrusion detection techniques.
Políticas públicas y juventudes rurales e indígenas
Authors: Katzer Leticia
Published: March 2020

A partir de una experiencia de etnografía colaborativa junto con el Municipio de Lavalle, provincia de Mendoza, llevada a cabo entre 2018 y 2019, y como parte de la tarea de investigación que realizamos desde 2004, el objetivo del artículo es, por un lado, analizar la proyección y la aplicación territorial del programa «Jóvenes con más y mejor trabajo», en tanto política pública y experiencia etnográfica colaborativa; por otro, analizar a la luz de los saberes producidos en ese marco, las formas en las que los/as jóvenes rurales e indígenas vivencian y reconstruyen su identidad y sus formas de articulación social.
Infections following CAR-T cells therapy: current state-of-the-art review and recommendations
Authors: Styczyński Jan
Published: March 2020

The most frequent and severe complications after chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T cells) therapy include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (MAS/HLH), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), followed by B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia. With these immunologically related events, cytokine storm and immunosuppression, there is a high risk of sepsis and infectious complications. The objective of this review was to present current knowledge on incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of infections in patients following CAR-T cells therapy, as well as to present current recommendations on prophylaxis of infections after CAR-T cells therapy. Comparable to hematopoietic cell transplantation setting, specific pre- and post-CAR-T cells infusion phases can be determined as early (from 0 to +30 days), intermediate (from +31 to +100 days), and late (beyond day +100). These phases are characterized by CAR-T cells therapy-related factors and immune system defects contributing to an increased risk of infections. It is recommended that in case of active infection, CAR-T cells infusion should be delayed until infection has been successfully treated. After CAR-T cells therapy, prophylaxis should be implemented (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-pneumocystis), as well as treatment of neutropenia and immunoglobulin replacement should be considered. No recommendations so far can be given on revaccinations after CAR-T cells therapy.
Prophylaxis vs preemptive therapy in prevention of CMV infection: new insight on prophylactic strategy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Styczyński Jan
Published: March 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), the beta-human herpesvirus type 5 (HHV-5), is a major cause of morbidity in immunocompromised hosts, especially recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or solid organ transplantation. The standard-of-care approach to CMV prevention based on CMV surveillance-guided preemptive therapy is being challenged by the recent approval of letermovir (LMV) for primary prophylaxis. Real-word clinical data show dramatic improvement in the reduction of risk of CMV infection and any CMV viremia in all studies performed so far. LMV is the drug that is breaking the paradigm of preemptive therapy with shift to prophylaxis. A summary of reported data presented in 2019 annual meetings of American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and American Society of Hematology (ASH), as well as already published results, is presented in this review. A total number of 401 adult high-risk patients on primary prophylaxis after HCT were reported in 11 studies up to January 1, 2020. It was shown that fewer patients in the LMV arms had any CMV reactivation or need for CMV treatment compared with the any other prophylactic or preemptive approaches. In conclusion, LMV is much highly effective than CMV-guided preemptive therapy in preventing CMV infection and CMV disease. The use of LMV in prophylaxis results in an improvement in overall survival during the first 24 and 48 weeks. LMV has a favorable safety profile, as it does not cause myelotoxicity. Current guidelines of European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL7) recommend LMV for the use in prophylaxis of CMV infection in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.
VTD in comparison with VCD does not affect stem cell yields with G-CSF only mobilization
Authors: Skerget Matevz , Skopec Barbara , Sever Matjaz
Published: March 2020

Triplet induction regimens are standard of care for newly diagnosed transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients. The combinations of bortezomib and dexamethasone with either cyclophosphamide (VCD) or thalidomide (VTD) are widely used. There are no data available on the impact of the two regimens on stem cell harvest by using G-CSF only mobilization. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data from our national registry. The outcome measures were mobilization failure, CD34+ cell counts on collection day, number of apheresis procedures, and the number of collected cells. Overall, 72 patients were treated with either VCD or VTD. The mobilization failure rates were 7% and 9% (p = 0.771) and the total number of collected stem cells were 7.0 × 106 and 6.7 × 106 per kg body weight (p = 0.710) for VCD and VTD, respectively. We found no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in the outcome measures. The addition of thalidomide to bortezomib and dexamethasone (VTD) does not adversely affect stem cell harvest in patients mobilized with G-CSF only.
Graft-versus-host disease as an unusual complication following autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Włodarczyk Martyna , Wachowiak Adam , Wieczorek Kaya , Toborek Mateusz , Wieczorkiewicz-Kabut Agata , Kata Dariusz , Helbig Grzegorz
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common and serious complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, a similar syndrome has been reported after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as well.

Case report

A 61-year-old female diagnosed with immunoglobulin (Ig) G lambda multiple myeloma completed 10 cycles of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (VTD) and 2 cycles of cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (CTD). High-dose of melphalan (200 mg/kg) was given as conditioning, followed by an infusion of 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Three months later, she received her second ASCT. On Day +25 after tandem ASCT, the patient developed a maculopapular, itchy skin rash, which covered her face, trunk, and limbs. A skin biopsy was in line with the diagnosis of GVHD. The other organs were not involved. Treatment with systemic and local corticosteroids (CSs) resulted in the improvement of skin lesions, but the CSs were slowly tapered due to toxicity. In the following weeks, she developed symptoms of liver and gut involvement, which were resistant to steroids. The introduction of other immunosuppressive agents failed to achieve a response. As a consequence, she had cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, as well as pancytopenia, and eventually, she died of infectious complications.

Conclusions

GVHD after ASCT remains a rare but life-threatening complication with poor prognosis.
Systemic mastocytosis with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia followed by transformation into acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Panz-Klapuch Marta , Woźniczka Krzysztof , Koclęga Anna , Kopińska Anna , Boral Kinga , Grygoruk-Wiśniowska Iwona , Helbig Grzegorz
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with an associated hematological neoplasm (SM-AHN) constitutes about 40% of all patients with SM. AHN commonly includes myeloid neoplasms and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is seen in about 30% of these patients.

Case report

A 67-year-old male presented to hematologist with fatigue and significant weight loss. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) detected hepatosplenomegaly, abdominal lymphadenopathy, and ascites. He was anemic with leukocytosis and eosinophilia. Trephine biopsy showed > 30% of spindle-shaped mast cells. TheKITD816Vmutation was present. Serum tryptase level was elevated to 62 ng/mL. The patient was diagnosed with aggressive SM and received six cycles of cladribine with partial response. Three years later, he developed severe anemia. Eosinophilia and monocytosis (5.6 × 109/L) were demonstrated in blood film. Hepatosplenomegaly and abdominal lymphadenopathy were also present. Trephine biopsy did not demonstrate the presence of spindle-shaped mast cells, but dysplasia in erythroid and myeloid lineages was evident. The histological result of lymph node biopsy as well as blood and bone marrow findings were in line with CMML. He received hydroxyurea, but he transformed soon into fatal acute monocytic leukemia.

Conclusions

The prognosis of SM-AHN depends on AHN component. Leukemic transformation of AHN component may occur in a proportion of patients.
Effect of Pulse Shape and Duration on Dynamic Response of a Forging System
Authors: Trąbka Arkadiusz
Published: March 2020

Forging hammers are machines whose operation causes negative effects both at the place of their foundation (the soil settlement) and in their surroundings (e.g., vibrations propagating to the other devices, noise, etc.). Knowledge of the parameters characterizing the time history of the force that arises as a result of impact of a ram on a shaped material is of fundamental importance for the correct analysis of both the structure of the hammer and its impact on the surroundings. In the paper, the effect of the shape and duration of a pulse load on the dynamic response of a hammer-foundation forging system was assessed. An analytical method of description of the forces that arise as a result of impact of the ram on the forged material, using different forms of pulses was presented. The forces defined in this way as loads in a mathematical model of three degrees of freedom forging system were used. The equations of motion derived from d’Alembert’s principle were solved numerically in the Matlab program. The analyses for eight forms of the pulse loads with the same pulse sizes but different durations were performed. The results in the graphs were presented. It was found, among other things, that a greater impact on the maximum displacement, velocity and acceleration of each component of the hammer-foundation system as well as on the maximum forces transmitted to the soil has the duration of a pulse than its shape.
Mixed Boundary Value Problem for an Anisotropic Thermoelastic Half-Space Containing Thin Inhomogeneities
Authors: Sulym Heorhiy , Pasternak Iaroslav , Smal Mariia , Vasylyshyn Andrii
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a rigorous and straightforward approach for obtaining the 2D boundary integral equations for a thermoelastic half-space containing holes, cracks and thin foreign inclusions. It starts from the Cauchy integral formula and the extended Stroh formalism which allows writing the general solution of thermoelastic problems in terms of certain analytic functions. In addition, with the help of it, it is possible to convert the volume integrals included in the equation into contour integrals, which, in turn, will allow the use of the method of boundary elements. For modelling of solids with thin inhomogeneities, a coupling principle for continua of different dimensions is used. Applying the theory of complex variable functions, in particular, Cauchy integral formula and Sokhotski–Plemelj formula, the Somigliana type boundary integral equations are constructed for thermoelastic anisotropic half-space. The obtained integral equations are introduced into the modified boundary element method. A numerical analysis of the influence of boundary conditions on the half-space boundary and relative rigidity of the thin inhomogeneity on the intensity of stresses at the inclusions is carried out.
Stress Concentration at Load-Carrying Fillet Welded Cruciform Joints Subjected to Tensile and Bending Loads
Authors: Molski Krzysztof L.
Published: March 2020

This article presents numerical finite element method (FEM) analysis of the stress concentration at toes and crack-like faults in load-carrying fillet welded cruciform joints with transversal slits resulting from non-fused root faces. Potential fatigue damage of such joints subjected to cyclic tensile and bending loads appears in the form of fatigue cracks starting from the weld roots or toes. The aim of this article is to find qualitative and quantitative relationships between geometrical parameters of the load-carrying fillet welded cruciform joint subjected to tensile and bending loads and the stress concentration at weld toes and roots. The results of the analysis represented by the stress concentration factors (SCFs) and the stress intensity factors KI and KII are shown in the form of tables, graphs and mathematical formulas, which may be applied for fatigue assessment of such joints.
Shaping the Parameters of Cylindrical Belt Surface in the Joint Area
Authors: Wałęsa Krzysztof , Malujda Ireneusz , Wilczyński Dominik
Published: March 2020

Most of the industrial machines use round-shaped drive belts for power transfer. They are often a few millimetres in diameter, and made of thermoplastic elastomer, especially polyurethane. Their production process requires the bonding step, which is often performed by butt welding, using the hot plate method. The authors have undertaken to design an automatic welding machine for this purpose. Consequently, it is required to carry out a process analysis of hot plate welding, which entails describing the dependency between technological parameters (temperature, pressure force, time) and the quality of the joint, especially the outer surface of the belt around the weld. To analyse this process in a proper way, it is necessary to describe the physical phenomena that occur in the material, during particular operations of the hot plate welding process. One of the most troublesome phenomena occurring during the welding process is removing of the flash. These round rings, placed around the weld, which remains after the joining process, are unacceptable in the finished component. The authors took an effort to design the necessary equipment for removing of the flash after welding, using some simple parts that cut off excessive material. The paper shows the three possible solutions for flash removal. They were verified experimentally, and afterwards, the best solution was chosen. Additionally, a number of analytical calculations were carried out in order to determine the maximum force value required for this operation. Results of the analytical calculations were compared with experimental results.
Predictive Control of the Iron Ore Beneficiation Process Based on the Hammerstein Hybrid Model
Authors: Porkuian Olga , Morkun Vladimir , Morkun Natalia , Serdyuk Oleksandra
Published: March 2020

Non-linear, dynamic, non-stationary properties characterize objects of the iron ore beneficiation line. Therefore, for their approximation, it is advisable to use models of the Hammerstein class. As a result of comparing the three models of Hammerstein: simple, parallel and recursive-parallel, it was shown that the best result for identifying the considered processes of magnetic beneficiation of iron ore by the minimum error criterion was obtained using the Hammerstein recursive-parallel model. Hence, it is recommended for the identification of beneficiation production objects.
Modelling Methodology of Piston Pneumatic Air Engine Operation
Authors: Szpica Dariusz , Korbut Michal
Published: March 2020

The article presents a mathematical model describing the operation of a piston pneumatic air engine. Compressed air engines are an alternative to classic combustion solutions as they do not directly emit toxic exhaust components. In the study, a modified internal combustion piston engine was adopted as pneumatic engine. The mathematical model was divided on the two subsystems, that is, mechanical and pneumatic. The mechanical subsystem describes a transformation of compressed air supply process parameters to energy transferred to the piston and further the conversion of the translational to rotary motion; in turn, in the pneumatic part, the lumped elements method was used. Calculations were carried out using the Matlab-Simulink software, resulting in the characteristics of external and economic indicators. The presented mathematical model can be ultimately developed with additional elements, such as the intake or exhaust system, as well as timing system control.
Paternal age and the risk of cerebral palsy
Authors: Sternal Marta , Kwiatkowska Barbara , Borysławski Krzysztof , Tomaszewska Agnieszka
Published: March 2020

In the literature there are no unequivocal assessments of the effect of paternal age on the risk of cerebral palsy (CP). The objective of the studies was the analysis of the influence of paternal age on this risk, considering all the important risk factors and division into singleton and twin, as well as term- and preterm-born infants. The inquiry included a group of 278 children with cerebral palsy from selected education-therapeutic institutions in Poland. The control group consisted of the data from medical records of 435 neonates born in God’s Mercy Hospital in Limanowa, Poland. The data were based on a questionnaire designed to obtain information which would make it possible to ascertain the probable etiological factors. Constructed models of logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. The results were presented as the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Though the estimation with a complex model of logistic regression showed no significant effect of paternal age on the occurrence of cerebral palsy, it confirmed it as a stronger predictor compared to maternal age. Disregarding paternal of age while considering maternal age and other risk factors may lead to a bias in the estimations of the risk cerebral palsy.
A need for an update of Polish birth weight reference norms
Authors: Hadada Tomasz , Kosińska Magdalena
Published: March 2020

The indicators of perinatal outcome are birth weight and gestational age. The standard method of assessing the outcome is comparing the newborn’s birth weight with the reference system, presented in the form of percentile charts. Acceleration or delay in prenatal development, which are associated with environmental changes, stress the need to validate the developmental norms. The goal of this study is to evaluate the need to construct new and accurate reference standards. The study includes data of newborns from singleton pregnancies: 4919 born in 2000 and 3683 born in 2015. Study variables included gestational age, sex, and birth weight. Percentile values estimated for two groups of infants born in years separated by a 15-year period, born in 2000 and in 2015, were compared. Birth weight percentiles, from the 28th to the 42nd week of gestation, were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Estimated values revealed the birth weight standards in different weeks of gestational age for both years: 2000 and 2015. Comparison among medians estimated for infants born in these years showed the existence of significant differences among boys in the 28th, 36th, and 39th weeks and among girls in the 34th and 41st weeks of gestational age. As the period between the two measurements involves several years, environmental changes during this time period might have significantly affected the course of pregnancy and thus the birth weight. Hence, there is a need to validate the developmental norms. The reference standards should be renewed, and must be done on a periodical basis.
Cigarette smoking as an oral health risk behavior in adolescents: a cross-sectional study among Polish youths
Authors: Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota , Tomczyk Jacek , Gozdowski Dariusz , Kaczmarek Urszula
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and the condition of the teeth and periodontium and the oral health behavior of 18-year-olds. Cross-sectional studies on 1,611 18-year-olds from Poland were conducted in 2017. The questionnaire provided socio-economic data, information about health-related behavior (cigarette smoking and oral health behavior), and absence from school due to oral pain. The dentition status (DMFT and DMFS), periodontal status (gingival bleeding, depth of periodontal pockets, loss of attachment), and need for endodontic treatment or tooth extraction were clinically assessed. Cigarette smoking was reported by 25% of participants (15% reported every day smoking). Adolescents who smoked cigarettes regularly had a higher mean number of decayed teeth (2.40±3.21 vs. 1.95±2.66) and similar periodontal status. Cigarette smoking increased the risk of oral hygiene neglect (63% vs. 69%), dietary mistakes (25% vs. 13%), failure to make dental appointments (32% vs. 43%), occurrence of oral pain (28% vs. 27%), absence from school due to pain (13% vs. 6%), and the need for endodontic treatment or tooth extraction (11% vs. 5%). The socio-economic factors and sex of the subjects decreased the influence of smoking only on oral hygiene neglect. Cigarette smoking by adolescents seems to be an independent risk factor for serious dietary mistakes, failure to benefit from oral healthcare, and more dynamic damage of teeth, which lead to pain and even tooth loss. Therefore, these aspects should be included in the risk assessment of oral disease and incorporated into educational programs promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Effect of acryloylation on superabsorbency of starch copolymers
Authors: Mohammed Aliyu Danmusa , Hassan Yusuf
Published: March 2020

Starch is acryloylated and copolymerised without incorporating any vinyl monomer such as acrylic acid or acrylonitrile monomers to produce a superabsorbent copolymer. Fenton’s initiation system was used to produce polyacryloylated starch ester with varying degree of substitution. The copolymer from starch ester exhibited improved solubility, and an impressive water, saline, and solvents uptake. The superabsorbency of the samples is affected by the number of acryloyl groups on starch backbone. The starch ester with degree of substitution 0.8 had the highest water absorbency (102 g/g) in this experiment. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses were used to characterize the products.
Environmental factors affecting pondweeds in water bodies of northwest Poland
Authors: Merdalski Marek , Banaś Krzysztof , Ronowski Rafał
Published: March 2020

In 32 lakes, 19 watercourses and 11 estuaries located along the southern Baltic coast (NW Poland) taxa of Potomogeton and Stuckenia genera were determined on the basis of 981/0.1 m2 plant samples. Environmental factors affecting them were identified on the basis of 212 water samples and 272 sediment samples. Twenty-one Potamogeton taxa were found, including four hybrids and two Stuckenia species. Twenty-one pondweed species occurred in lakes, thirteen in watercourses and ten in estuaries. There were significant differences in environmental factors in particular types of water bodies (p<0.001) except for the content of organic and mineral matter and of humic acids in the sediment.

There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between the environmental factors affecting Potamogeton and Stuckenia, respectively, within each of the waterbody types studied. In lakes, Potamogeton occupied poorer habitats than Stuckenia, with lower conductivity, redox, PAR intensity, concentration of bicarbonates, calcium and chlorides and lower calcium content in the sediment. In watercourses, Potamogeton occurred in less coloured and less oxygenated waters than Stuckenia, but richer in CO2 and chlorides, better insolated and flowing faster. It also occupied less alkaline sediment, but of higher conductivity. In estuaries, Potamogeton occurred in waters with a relatively low concentration of chlorides and calcium than Stuckenia, lower pH and conductivity, but more coloured and, consequently, with lower PAR. C&RT analysis showed mineral concentration (Ca2+, Cl−, HCO3
−) in the water, its conductivity, colour and flow to be the highest-ranking environmental factors affecting pondweeds.
Application of morphometric study to discriminatePteridium aquilinum(L.) Kuhn subsp.pinetorum(C. N. Page & R. R. Mill 1995) J. A. Thomson in Poland
Authors: Zenkteler Elżbieta , Nowak Oskar
Published: March 2020

Pteridium aquilinumsubsp.pinetorumis one of two morphologically distinct taxa of the genusPteridiumidentified in Poland. In order to confirm their distinctively recognizable morphology, nine features defining each of these taxa were subjected to a morphometric analysis. These features, including taxonomic characters of vegetative structures, were measured or counted for their most comprehensive descriptions. The measurements were also expressed as ratios of two characters (length of the first and second pairs of leaflets) to prevent the size of fronds from influencing the results. Unique features of bracken, such as: frond and pinnae shape and orientation; basal pinna structure; ultimate segment of pinnae and pinnula shape and size; frond expansion sequencing; frond lamina texture, shape and pubescence were treated descriptively. Canonical discriminant analysis was employed for a morphometric study of quantitative characters. On their basis, two taxa –P. aquilinumsubsp.aquilinumandP. a.subsp.pinetorumwere determined.
Environmental factors shaping water-peat vegetation and its neighbouring surface waters in Lower Silesian Forests (Western Poland)
Authors: Tomaszewska Żaneta , Możdżeń Katarzyna , Zandi Peiman , Turisová Ingrid , Barabasz-Krasny Beata
Published: March 2020

Phytosociological and physicochemical studies of endangered habitats of swamp and peat-bog areas were carried out in the Lower Silesian Forest complex (Western Poland), in the vicinity of Węgliniec village. The total of 63 phytosociological relevés were made and three syntaxonomic units were distinguished as associations (Cicuto-Caricetum pseudocyperi, Typhetum latifoliae, Phragmitetum australis) and two as communities (with Sphagnum girgensohnii and with Juncus effusus). Using the phytoindication method, it was found that among four analysed habitat parameters (L – light availability, F – humidity, R – soil pH, N – soil nitrogen), only nitrogen content did not play a significant role in shaping the composition of these phytocoenoses. Physicochemical studies of surface waters using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method indicated, among others, a higher level of nitrogen compounds in some samples. Concentrations of mineral substances dissolved in water usually exceeded limit values for class II waters. Species composition of phytocoenoses and values of parameters recorded in neighbouring surface waters indicated that mutual interactions of these habitat components clearly existed there.
Rethinking the Implications of Transformative Economic Innovations: Mapping Challenges of Private Law
Authors: Kiršienė Julija , Kelley Christopher , Kiršys Deividas , Žymančius Juras
Published: March 2020

This article participates in mapping existing legal implications stemming from contemporary innovation. The article relies on a case analysis of artificial intelligence, drones and blockchain, to reflect a majority of the underlying legal issues to which many emerging innovations might contribute, and it attempts to map them into different categories of challenges – liability, privacy, and property. It concludes by pinpointing three main reasons behind the identified legal implications: the growing “consciousness” and autonomy of emerging technologies, the growing availability of transformative innovations to the broad public and the development of participatory models in economy and other social spheres, including law, and the tendency for transformative innovations to function in regulatory uncertainty. As a means to cope with challenges generated by technological progress, the article leans towards a process-focused approach that promotes embedding values in the early stages of technological development.
Strengthening Judicial Cooperation in Civil Matters Between the EU and Neighboring Countries: The Example of Ukraine and the Baltic States
Authors: Izarova Iryna
Published: March 2020

Judicial cooperation between EU Member-States and Ukraine is still at a basic level. The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement does not prove an appropriate approach, and their relations are regulated mostly with the bilateral agreements. The Baltic states and Ukraine, which are the focus of this research, are deeply engaged by their close geographical location, common historical issues and friendly relations, and seek further development of their relations. This should be accompanied by mutual judiciary trust and therefore by the corresponding evolution of bilateral relations proper to this trust. The following types of judicial cooperation in civil matters were chosen as objects of this research: recognition of Baltic States’ courts’ judgments in Ukraine, as well as service of documents and taking of evidence in Ukraine. The conclusions consist of several proposals related to deeper judicial cooperation between Member-States and third countries, illustrated by the example of the Baltic States and Ukraine, in light of the right to fair trial and mutual trust in the judiciary.
Comparison of Block Maxima and Peaks Over Threshold Value-at-Risk models for market risk in various economic conditions
Authors: Szubzda Filip , Chlebus Marcin
Published: March 2020

The aim of the presented study was to assess the quality of VaR forecasts in various states of the economic situation. Two approaches based on the extreme value theory were compared: Block Maxima and the Peaks Over Threshold. Forecasts were made on the daily closing prices of 10 major indices in European countries, divided into two groups: emerging countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary) and developed countries (England, France and Germany). Three states of economic situation were analysed: the pre-crisis (2007), the crisis (2008) and the post-crisis (2009) period as out-of-sample. The main conclusion obtained is the too slow process of adapting static EVT-based forecasts to market movements. While in the pre-crisis period the results were satisfactory, in the period of crisis VaR forecasts were too often exceeded.
Obesity around Retirement Age: International Comparison Using SHARE
Authors: Pertold Filip
Published: March 2020

In this article, we aim to explain international differences in socio-demographic structure of population among people around retirement age. We further test if transition into retirement is an important factor for obesity. Using Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data, we first document that the Czech Republic has a significant and increasing trend in body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI > 29.99) for both men and women aged 50–70 years compared to other countries. Men have much higher level of BMI in comparison to many other European countries, whereas BMI of women is comparable to Estonia and Slovenia. However, we show a little evidence that underlying structure of Czech population with respect to education, occupation, health, age, and so on may explain increasing trend as well as higher level of obesity when compared to other European countries. Furthermore, we show that the transition into retirement is not associated with an increase in BMI. Using fixed effect model, we found that the obesity is directly related to increasing trend in obesity already before entering the retirement.
Biological Parameters and Fisheries Indices of Beluga Sturgeon Huso Huso in the Southern Caspian Sea
Authors: Fazli Hasan , Tavakoli Mahmoud , Khoshghalb Mohammad Reza Behrouz , Moghim Mehdi
Published: March 2020

There is a significant lack of data for the biological parameters of beluga or great sturgeon, the largest fish in the Caspian Sea. The age, growth and fisheries indices for the stock status of beluga was investigated in the south Caspian Basin of Iran between 1990 and 2011. Fork lengths ranged between 113-420 cm and weights from 8.0 to 725.0 kg. The growth parameters were L

∞
= 440 cm, K = 0.027 year−1, t

0
= − 5.8 years. The age at first capture (t

c
) was 13.1 years. The long-term age composition data showed age up to 63 years, and the ages 12-19 years comprised 76.7% of the total catch. The generation length was 33 years. The values of “KF” were close to 1 or >1, indicating that beluga sturgeon is in a favorable condition in the southern Caspian Sea. The length distribution showed that 24.2% of the catch is comprised of juveniles. Based on the age structure and age at first maturity, recruitment and growth overfishing occurred in beluga stocks. Therefore, increased length or age at first capture in future fishery policies should be implemented. The mega-spawners represented 4.4% of the fish captured and revealed an unhealthy population structure.
Efficacy of Tamarind Tamarindus indica Leaves and Mango Mangifera indica Leaves as Feed Additives on Growth, Blood Status and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Juvenile African Catfish Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Olusola Sunday Emmanuel , Ajiwoju Igbekele Joshua , Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the efficacy of Tamarind Leaves (TL) and Mango Leaves (ML) with Oxytetracycline (OXY) on growth performance, haematoimmunological and disease resistance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles against Aeromonas hydrophila. Experimental diets consist of control (0%), TL2 (1%), TL3 (2%), ML4 (1%), ML5 (2%), OXY6 (30mg/kg diet), (TL+ML) 7, (TL+OXY) 8, (ML+OXY) 9 and (TL+ML+OXY) 10. The fish (3.02±0.01g) were replicated twice with 20 fish per replicate and were fed twice daily at 3% body weight of 40% crude protein for twelve weeks (8 weeks for feeding trial and 4 weeks for challenge test). Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Lymphocytes (LYM), Globulin (GLO), Amino Alanine Transferase (ALT) and Aspertate Amino Transferase (AST) contents were ascertained using standard technique. The fish were infected with A. hydrophila at 5.94 log10 CFU/ml interperitoneally and fed different diets to evaluate their Relative Percent of Survival (RPS). Data was subjected to descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance at P=0.05. Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed treated diets had higher growth rates than the control diet but C. gariepinus fed (TL+ML+OXY) 10 had a significantly higher MWG and SGR of 7.74±0.69 g and 0.97±0.01 g, respectively. The PCV (44.0±2.00%), Hb (14.7±2.00 g/dl), LYM (37.0±2.00), GLO (42.0 ±2.00 g/dl) were higher in the C. gariepinus fed (TL+ML+OXY) 10 than the control diet. The AST and ALT values among the treated groups were lower than the values in the control at the post-challenge test. The RPS against A. hydrophila was higher in the treated groups (100%) than in the control (0%). Fish fed tamarind and mango leaves had enhanced mean weight gain and were more resistant to A. hydrophila infection.
The Peculiarities and Farming Challenges of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus, L. 1758)
Authors: Mrčelić Gorana Jelić , Miletić Ivana , Piria Marina , Grgičević Ambroz , Slišković Merica
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of bluefin tuna, with special regard to its farming challenges. Tuna is one of the most prominent species in fisheries worldwide. The high market value of tuna stocks has led to intensified fishing pressure that resulted in drastic population reductions in every ocean where these fish are found. It is very difficult to obtain the necessary data for the appropriate stock assessment analysis, and there is a very high degree of uncertainty in the models used to evaluate Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks. Tuna-farming could help reduce pressure on the tuna population, but the problem is that the majority of cage-farmed fish is caught in its natural environment (wild population), and thus is fattened or farmed to a certain size. Additionally, the challenges in tuna farming are numerous. Tuna is a fast swimmer, a large energy and oxygen consumer, therefore consuming a large portion of available food to maintain its metabolism. However, due to its delicious taste, high market price and a large demand for this species, pressure will probably continue to grow in the future. Therefore intensive farming, which implies the full breeding cycle in captivity, remains one of the possible solutions that could help reduce the pressure on the tuna population.
Age and Growth of Black-Bellied Anglerfish Lophius budegassa (Spinola, 1807) from the Central Aegean Sea, Turkey
Authors: Şenbahar Ahmet Mert , Özaydin Okan
Published: March 2020

A total of 558 specimens of black-bellied anglerfish Lophius budegassa (Spinola, 1807) were collected by the vessels engaged in commercial trawl fishing in the Central Aegean Sea between September 2017 and August 2018 in order to determine age and growth. Ageing was based on growth ring counts of transverse sections of the illicium (first ray of the dorsal fin). By reading the illicium, individuals were found within II-XI age groups. Total lengths and weights ranged between 12.0 – 65.0 cm and 24.5 – 4682.0 g, respectively. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated for males, females and combined sexes of L. budegassa. The results are compared with previous studies.
Ukrainian plain oak forests and their natural regeneration
Authors: Tkach Viktor , Rumiantsev Maksym , Kobets Oleksii , Luk’yanets Volodymyr , Musienko Sergiy
Published: March 2020

Changes in the areas and stock volumes of oak stands were analyzed within the six administrative regions in the plain area of Ukraine, based on forest management data (subcompartment database) as of 2001 and 2016. The studied regions geographically related to the Left-bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine (Kyiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy and Chernihiv Regions). The analyzed area was over 284,000 hectares. The paper outlines the present state of the oak stands, concerning their origin (vegetative, natural seed and planted seed stands). Forestry-taxation indices of the stands were determined by grouping the plots according to age and further clustering in four age groups. The natural regeneration under a canopy in oak stands was accounted and estimated using circular 10 m2 (R = 178 cm) accounting plots. The oak forests were found to be dominated by stands of vegetative (coppice) origin (57%). Planted seed-origin oak stands covered 101,000 ha or 36% of the total area (284,000 ha). Stands of natural seed origin amounted to 7%. From 2001 to 2016, the total area of oak forests in the study region decreased by nearly 7,000 hectares. The analysis of literature sources allowed identifying numerous factors, which have the greatest influence on the emergence, liveability, and growth of natural regeneration of pedunculated oak. Only 20% of the investigated oak stands were found to have a sufficient amount of oak regeneration. For the implementation of sustainable forest management, activities should be aimed at optimizing the age structure of oak forests and growing natural forests from seeds.