bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Åland – a peculiar media system
Authors: Lindén Carl-Gustav
Published: April 2021

This article captures the dynamics of a special case when it comes to media systems, namely the Åland Islands, or Åland, with 6,700 islands and 30,000 inhabitants. Åland is one of three self-governed areas in the Nordic region (the others being the Faroe Islands and Greenland) and is an officially monolingual Swedish-speaking part of Finland, where the majority speak Finnish. In this article, I describe how Åland, despite its small size, has a media system characterised by a diverse and complete offering of local media: two daily newspapers, its own public service and public service offerings from both mainland Finland and neighbouring Sweden, a commercial radio station, and several magazines. However, media diversity is limited by the fact that the same person – a local business tycoon, Anders Wiklöf – controls both newspapers. There is one main research question motivating this study: What are the specific features of the media system in Åland? To be able to answer that, I relied on the analysis of three sets of data: nine interviews, a two-part survey and the media policy adopted in 2018, and transcripts of the preceding political debate.
Privatization of Science – A Silent Phenomenon
Authors: Gajski Lidija
Published: April 2021

Privatization is one of the most significant phenomena and characteristics of contemporary science, but also probably its greatest deviation. Through the growing funding of research by private companies, science has been increasingly used to create profit. It is instrumentalized by being reduced to a marketing tool. In medicine today, most of the applied research is sponsored by the producers of agents and equipment for diagnostics and treatment. Through the manipulation by the methodology of research, result presentation and selective publication, they produce findings which are invalid and biased. The topic of research is less and less relevant for the health and well-being of the population. With the medical science being privatized, the prospects of significant discoveries and progress in disease treatment and prevention are slim. A rise of costs is inevitable, as well as the decrease in the availability. Along with the privatized medical science, the chances for more significant findings and progress in treatment and illness prevention are not good. The growth in expenses is apparent, as well as the downturn in the availability of healthcare services and the erosion of trust in science and scientists. Privatization of science is a phenomenon which is rarely discussed. It deserves greater attention because it can have significant consequences on the nature and the excellence of scientific findings and is relevant in the social and cultural context.
A New Perspective on Poland’s Policy towards Russia in 2005–2007: a Middle Power Attempts to Engage a Rising Major Power
Authors: Antonovič Marijuš
Published: April 2021

Scholars of middle powers have been trying to solve its definitional issues and some progress has been made in the systemic approach. This article shows that further advancement may be gained by employing neoclassical realism in studying middle powers’ foreign policy behaviour. This done by analysing Poland’s policy towards Russia in 2005–2007. It is widely accepted in academic literature that Poland in 2005–2007, during the rule of the Law and Justice Party, pursued a confrontational policy towards Russia. However, this article challenges such widespread views. It demonstrates that Poland’s policy towards Russia was actually simultaneously based on balancing and engagement. Using a neoclassical realist framework and data gathered from interviews with Poland’s main foreign policymakers at that time, this article shows that the balancing was caused by the power asymmetry and differing interests between Russia and Poland, whereas the engagement – by the Polish policymakers’ attempts to influence Russia’s intentions towards Poland and by their perceived situation in the European balance of power.
Municipalities without elected councils. Causes of insufficient fulfilment of candidate lists in some municipalities in local elections in 2018
Authors: Dvořák Petr , Balík Stanislav
Published: April 2021

By means of a qualitative analysis of the sixteen municipalities in the Czech Republic in which additional elections were held in 2019, five variables were identified which may explain why additional elections occurred. For analysis, we used data from the Czech Statistical Office (municipal elections 1994 to 2019), the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic and information on individual municipalities from media analysis. We have identified the following possible variables which may affect whether additional elections are held: end of elites, non -stand as a candidate again, the end of municipal representatives, incumbent decides not to defend mandate (variable Non -defend mandate) and personal disputes within the municipality. Conversely, the financial situation of the municipality, the age of the representatives, the voter turnout in the municipality, the number of voters, the number of candidate lists or associations and candidates proved inconclusive in most municipalities. A significant increase in new candidates is a consequence rather than an explanation of the holding of additional elections.
Models of care for people with dementia applied in practice
Authors: Ljubič Andreja , Kolnik Tamara Štemberger
Published: April 2021

Aim. The study highlights the different concepts of dementia care models which are used in different care settings and determine the effectiveness and contribute to a better quality of life for people with dementia.

Methods. This literature review use PRISMA process for data collection and analysis. Scientific and professional publications in English were searched through international specialized databases; EBSCO HOST, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Wiley Online Library. The review results were founded by key words and then selected according to the publication time frame and other shaped criteria.

Results. In total 1998 references were identified for the thematic content analysis, in the final review we included 29 studies. Two thematic areas were identified according to the keywords and literature search strategy: dementia care models and geriatric models of care. Further, we formed four concepts highlighted in models that reflect the specific characteristics and principles of care: biopsychosocial approach, person-centred care practice, environment of care, and Montessori for dementia care.

Conclusions. Most of featured models advocated the implementation of comprehensive, integrated and person-centred care, focused to honour and integrate an individual’s life story with their needs into daily care as much as possible in an appropriate and customized environment. Currently the most innovative model is based on implementation of Montessori approach into person’s daily activities.
Uncertainties in the measurement of relative doses in radiotherapy
Authors: Buliński Krzysztof , Kuszewski Tomasz , Wnuk Katarzyna , Braziewicz Janusz , Ślosarek Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

Both the measurement of the dose and the measurement of its distribution, like any other measurements, are subject to measurement uncertainties. These uncertainties affect all dose calculations and dose distributions in a patient’s body during treatment planning in radiotherapy. Measurement uncertainty is not a medical physicist’s error, but an inevitable element of their work. Planning the dose distribution in a patient’s body, we often try to reduce it in the volume of critical organs (OaR - Organ at Risk) or increase the minimum dose in the PTV region by a few percent. It is believed that the measurement uncertainty should be taken into account in these calculations at the stage of treatment planning. The paper presents the method of calculating the measurement uncertainty for different physical quantities in radiotherapy as percentage depth dose, profile function and output factor, due to the fact that these quantities have a particular impact on the calculated dose distributions in a patient’s body. The uncertainties that must be taken into account in planning treatment the planned dose per fraction and real in PTV, maybe different up to 4%.
Evaluation of clinical implications in the use of dose to water versus dose to medium by using NTCP and TCP models for urinary bladder tumours
Authors: Bharati Avinav , Mandal Susama R , Srivastava Anoop K , Rastogi Madhup , Khurana Rohini , Hadi Rahat , Gandhi Ajeet K , Mishra Lalatendu , Mishra Surendra P
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To analyze the dosimetric and radiobiological differences between dose to water versus dose to medium for patients with carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Materials and Methods: 15 patients with cancer of urinary bladder were selected for the study. VMAT plans were generated for each patient. The dose distributions were calculated in the modes dose to water and to medium with the Monaco treatment planning system. A dosimetric comparative analysis has been made between the two modes of planning in this study. Subsequently, NTCP and TCP were determined for OARs and targets respectively.

Results: The mean dose to 2 cc of the rectum, small bowel, left and right femoral heads respectively was higher by 0.8, 1.2, 2.7, and 2.2% for the dose to water calculation. Similarly, the mean dose to D2, D50, and D98 for PTV was higher by 0.4, 0.3, and 0.3% for dose to water calculation. Such small dose differences had little effect on the values of TCP and NTCP.

Conclusion: For patients with the urinary bladder there were very small differences between results between calculations carried out in dose to medium and dose to water modes.
Effects of detection system parameters on cross-correlations between MUAPs generated from parallel and inclined muscle fibres
Authors: Messaoudi Noureddine , Bekka Raïs El’hadi , Belkacem Samia
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inter-electrode distance (IED), electrode radius (ER) and electrodes configurations on cross-correlation coefficient (CC) between motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) generated in a motor unit (MU) of parallel fibres and in a MU of inclined fibres with respect to the detection system. The fibres inclination angle (FIA) varied from 0° to 180° by a step of 5°. Six spatial filters (the longitudinal single differential (LSD), longitudinal double differential (LDD), bi-transversal double differential (BiTDD), normal double differential (NDD), an inverse binomial filter of order two (IB2) and maximum kurtosis filter (MKF)), three values of IED and three values of ER were considered.

A cylindrical multilayer volume conductor constituted by bone, muscle, fat and skin layers was used to simulate the MUAPs.

The cross-correlation coefficient analysis showed that with the increase of the FIA, the pairs of MUAPs detected by the IB2 system were more correlated than those detected by the five other systems. For each FIA, the findings also showed that the MUAPs pairs detected by BiTDD, NDD, IB2 and MKF systems were more correlated with smaller IEDs than with larger ones, while inverse results were found with the LSD and LDD systems. In addition, the pairs of MUAPs detected by the LDD, BiTDD, IB2 and MKF systems were more correlated with large ERs than with smaller ones. However, inverse results were found with the LSD and NDD systems.
Exploring the Moderating Effect of Campus Recreation Participation on the Relationship Between Education Satisfaction and Self-Esteem
Authors: Unguren Engin
Published: April 2021

Introduction.
Campus recreation programs play a key role in students’ academic success and personal development. The main purpose of this exploratory study was to explore the moderating effect of campus recreation participation on the relationship between education satisfaction and self-esteem.

Material and methods.
In this research, which adopted positivist paradigm, a quantitative method was used. The suitability of the measurement model was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis was used in testing the moderator effect. The research data were obtained from 454 tourism students through the questionnaire form.

Results.
In the findings of the study, the evidence of the moderator role of campus recreation participation was determined in the relation between education satisfaction and self-esteem. It was concluded that the level of relationship between students’ education satisfaction and self-esteem differs according to whether they participate in campus recreation activities or not.

Conclusion.
The research findings revealed that participating in campus recreation activities increases students’ self-esteem and protects self-esteem in the event of education dissatisfaction. The present findings reveal that campus recreation participation should be given importance both in terms of student engagement, retention and personal development of students.
ACE gene I/D polymorphism and arterial hypertension in patients with COPD
Authors: Marushchak Mariya , Maksiv Khrystyna , Krynytska Inna
Published: April 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are common in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and their presence is associated with an increased risk for hospitalization, longer length of stay and all-cause and CVD-related mortality. We assessed the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism in the occurrence of arterial hypertension (AH) in patients with COPD.

Methods

The study group consisted of 96 patients. Group 1 had 25 individuals with COPD, Group 2 had 23 individuals with AH and Group 3 had 28 individuals with COPD and AH. The control group consisted of 20 healthy subjects. I/D genotypes of ACE were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Results

The frequency distribution of polymorphic genotypes of the gene encoding ACE and assessment of compliance with the Hardy-Weinberg population equilibrium were carried out in groups of patients with COPD, AH and COPD + AH combination. The frequencies of the genotype responsible for I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene in the control and experimental groups were not found to deviate significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The results of the study have not demonstrated any significant impact of alleles of ACE genes or ACE genes on occurrence of diseases such as COPD, AH and combinations thereof. However, analysis of odds ratio has demonstrated that the presence of the D allele of the ACE gene may increase the risk for occurrence of the COPD + AH (OR = 1.26).

Conclusion

The data obtained in the study allow suggesting that the presence of D allele of the ACE gene may increase the risk for AH in patients with COPD.
COVID 19 - a new threat for smokers and vapers?
Authors: Mihălţan Florin , Oprea Corina , Coşei Valentin , Constantin Ancuţa
Published: April 2021

The new pandemic disease Covid-19 compelled all the researchers to investigate for early identification of the potential risk factors. Further, the relation between smoking and infections are well known. The authors are trying to find the epidemiological links, the pathogenic mechanisms and also the impact of this coronavirus on different respiratory chronic diseases, based on the last published data about the consequences of smoking and vaping on consumers.
Cross-Genera Transferability of Microsatellite Markers and Phylogenetic Assessment of Three Salsola Species from Western Kazakhstan
Authors: Almerekova Shyryn , Favarisova Nasima , Turuspekov Yerlan , Abugalieva Saule
Published: April 2021

Salsola arbuscula Pall., Salsola arbusculiformis Drob. and Salsola chiwensis M. Pop. have great environmental importance as they can stabilise sand dunes and therefore are useful for desert zone landscaping. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of populations of these species collected in Western Kazakhstan were analysed using internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The ITS sequences of species were aligned with sequences of 37 Salsola species from the NCBI. ITS analysis clustered the samples into two major groups and eight sections. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network relationships confirmed the polyphyletic origin of Salsola and allowed taxonomic reassessment for the studied species. A set of SSR markers originally developed from genera Agriophyllum, Haloxylon, and Beta was tested for their variability in Salsola species. Twenty-six tested SSR markers were selected for their transferability scores, and 13 of them were suitable for study of genetic diversity in populations of three Salsola species. It was concluded that polymorphic SSR markers were efficient in the separation of the studied Salsola species and could be effectively used in studies related to the genetic variation in the genus.
Modelling the Structure of Terrestrial Landscapes in Urban Areas
Authors: Krutskikh Natalya
Published: April 2021

The study of internal and external factors in the formation of an urban geosystem is determined by its complex structure and multiple connections. Based on geoinformation modelling, an analysis of the landscape structure of the city territory is carried out, which can be a basis for further geoecological research. Morphometric indicators, which make it possible to determine the elementary geochemical landscapes, are indicated according to the data of the digital elevation model. A standardised topographic position index (TPI) is used to determine locations. Spatial zoning according to the type of land use reflects the qualitative features of the external load and technogenic impact. The data on the composition of the lithogenic base show the properties of the depositing medium and determine the natural background. Number of categories of landscapes identified are 58, characterised by a homogeneous geological composition, technogenic load and conditions for the migration of matter. The ratios of various landscape zones have been calculated. The study area as a whole is characterised by the predominance of migration processes over accumulation.
The Transactional Asset Pricing Approach(TAPA): Incorporation of Leverage and Derivation of Extended Ellwood Formula with Fixed Leverage Benefits
Authors: Michaletz Vladimir B. , Artemenkov Andrey I.
Published: April 2021

The Paper discusses the derivation of the Ellwood formula on the basis of the Transactional Asset Pricing approach to valuation (TAPA) and proceeding from the dynamic principle of transactional equity-in-exchange.

Discussing the notion of leverage, it introduces a formulation, in capitalized value terms, and measurement, for leverage benefits to a property purchaser. It is found that such a measure for the Ellwood formula is always zero, essentially obviating any-gains-from-trade to the purchasers of property to be had on account of leveraged transactions. To address this weakness in the Ellwood formula, a modified formula is proposed, which accounts for the requirement of positivity of leverage benefits to the purchaser of property.
André Scrima: Orality and Writing
Authors: Manolescu Anca
Published: April 2021

Most if not all of André Scrima’s texts are responses to di!erent requests: academic or spiritual, public or private. Many of them issued from his speeches that di!erent interlocutors or auditors recorded and transcribed. He even confessed that he never produced a text as an “author” who autonomously deals with a subject. His creativity turned into discourse only in relationship with the other, solicited by the other, in front of the other. What function or meaning did André Scrima attribute to his orality, which incidentally he never failed to mention in the published version of his texts? “Event of speech” arising from profound meditation on spiritual matters? Detachment of a spiritual traveller from the position of “author” and its production? Model of sharing the spiritual knowledge? Perhaps a model of tradition? My paper tries to analyse these possibilities.
Father André Scrima – A New Kind of Fool for Christ
Authors: Vasileanu Marius
Published: April 2021

The complex and often puzzling personality of Father André Scrima was misapprehended for a long time. This article discusses the reasons for such a misapprehension and others some possible explanations for his paradoxical behaviour. An overview of the reception of Father Scrima’s life and works shows a dynamic at work that can only generate optimism. His participation in the Burning Bush group at the Antim monastery in Bucharest was one of the most important formative experiences, where a wide cultural and scientific perspective was fused with an in-depth religious experience. Father Scrima may be better understood if we consider him the #rst of a new kind of fools for Christ, a kind that is well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Investigation on Bitumen Modification Using Nitrile Butadiene Rubber and Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Deepa Perumal , Laad Meena , Sangita
Published: April 2021

Study of feasible usage of waste plastic in addition with Nitrile butadiene rubber to enhance the engineering and rheological properties of bitumen binder. Rheological properties impact the performance and service life of bitumen greatly. Different percentages of Nitrile butadiene rubber were introduced as an additive in base bitumen binder along with Low density polyethylene. Nanoclay was used as compatibility agent. Waste plastic percentage was restricted to 3% where as NBR was used by 14 % by weight of bitumen. The nano-composite yielded softening value increased by 34% and recovery percentage was improved by 7.3 %.
Sustainable Urban Transport on Three Wheels
Authors: Hossein Mohammed Elius
Published: April 2021

Many of our global warming problems come from transport. The majority of people who need transport the most in the developing world are too poor to pay for the highest-technology vehicles which are not polluting. In the past 10 years, 3-6-passenger, battery-powered, Small Electric Passenger Vehicles (as this article is calling them, SEPVs) have appeared in major cities in the developing world. These slow, relatively safe, easily maneuverable, non-polluting and low-cost vehicles, on their three little wheels, are cutting the size of the world’s transport carbon footprint. Recognize that this paper is only focused on carbon footprint: carbon emissions. It is not about “pollution in general” or “emissions in general”. No other published article has explicitly considered the potential of the SEPV to contribute in reducing a nation's contribution to carbon footprint and thus to global warming. This article makes the case for building urban transport strategy and policy around such vehicles, in developing countries, in order to lower the countries' carbon footprint: that is its original contribution. The data showed that the SEPVs made a significant contribution to reducing the potential carbon footprint of transport in the small city of Cox’s Bazar, in Bangladesh, proportionate to its population. The inference is that SEPVs could reduce the carbon footprint of the nation if they become a major, integrated part of urban transport in the megacities, which creates most of the country's carbon footprint. Other developing countries should study Cox's Bazar's example. India is already ahead of the game.
Predictive Value of Neutrophil Count for Postoperative Complications in Children after Surgery of Perforated Appendicitis
Authors: Marjanovic Vesna , Budic Ivana , Jankovic-Velickovic Ljubinka , Stevic Marija , Kostic Milos , Simic Dusica
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Perforated appendicitis (PA) in children is associated with a considerable risk for postoperative complications (POCs) such as wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess.

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of hematological parameters in the early POC detection in children after PA surgery.

Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 71 patients with PA divided into two groups: 14 patients with POC (POC+ group) and 57 patients without POC (POC− group). Clinical and hematological parameters were followed preoperatively, prior to the surgery (PRO) and postoperatively on day 2 (POD2) and day 4 (POD4).

Results: The POC+ group had longer duration of higher axillar temperature as well as extended intensive and inpatient care. This group also had a significantly lower absolute neutrophil count ratio between POD2 and POD4. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, relative neutrophil count on POD4 higher than 71.8% and the ratio of absolute neutrophil count between POD2 and POD4 lower than 44.5% were found to be useful for predicting POC.

Conclusion: Absolute neutrophil count ratio between POD2 and POD4 and relative neutrophil count at POD4 could be efficient in identifying children at higher risk of developing POC after PA surgery.
The Syntax and Semantics of Cantonese Particles in the Left Periphery
Authors: Wakefield John C.
Published: April 2021

Adopting the cartographic approach, this paper proposes syntactic positions for all left-periphery particles above the tense phrase (TP) in Cantonese. These include both sentence-final particles and sentence-initial particles that can be used in isolation as interjections. Based on previous syntactic proposals for the left periphery, a modification of Rizzi’s (2001) split-complementizer phrase (Split-CP) structure is proposed. A Deictic Phrase (DeicP) is added above the finite phrase (FinP) for the Cantonese “tense” particles laa3 and lei4(ge3). Then, based on a number of proposals inspired by Speas and Tenny (2003), two functional phrases are added above the force phrase (ForceP) – a higher affect phrase (AffectP) for Cantonese sentence-initial particles and a lower discourse phrase (DiscourseP) for most of the sentence-final particles. The resulting structure is tentatively proposed to account for the word order of all left-periphery particles in Cantonese, bringing the description of their syntax closer in line with a number of proposals based on left-periphery particles in other languages. This proposal includes a three-way distinction of the functions and meanings of left-periphery particles: 1) particles that lie between ForceP and TP do not refer directly to the discourse context; 2) particles that head DiscourseP do refer directly to the discourse; and 3) particles that head AffectP refer to the discourse and express human emotions.
Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and metabolic syndrome components in middle-aged subjects without overt cardiovascular disease in LitHiR primary prevention programme
Authors: Saulė Ieva Marija , Mikolaitytė Jurgita , Badarienė Jolita , Zupkauskienė Jūratė , Puronaitė Roma , Čypienė Alma , Laucevičius Aleksandras
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Circulating levels of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, our objectives were to investigate the associations between hs-CRP levels and individual MetS components as well as to analyse if hs-CRP levels are linked with the number of MetS components present in middle-aged subjects.

Design and methods: A cross-sectional study included 4628 middle-aged MetS subjects from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk primary prevention programme (LitHiR) from 2011 to 2020. MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III modified criteria. CRP was measured by a validated high-sensitivity assay. A hs-CRP cutpoint of 5 mg/l was used to differentiate high and low hs-CRP groups.

Results: The mean value of hs-CRP was 3.23 ± 4.04 mg/l, and significantly increased as the number of components of MetS increased (p < 0.001). The concentration of serum hs-CRP was significantly associated with waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose (all p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant associations were found between hs-CRP and serum triglycerides (p = 0.340) or serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.148).

Conclusions: Serum hs-CRP increased progressively with increased waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose in middle-aged subjects with MetS. The higher values of hs-CRP were more often present in obese subjects and women. The incremental rise in mean serum hs-CRP level was found with an increasing number of MetS components.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Immunocompetent Adult with Severe Oral Manifestation
Authors: Sulasmia  , Djawad Khairuddin , Lauren Grace S.
Published: April 2021

Hand-foot-mouth Disease (HFMD) is an acute, self-limited, and highly contagious disease caused by a virus and generally affects children under 10 years old. The etiology of this disease is enterovirus 71 or coxsackievirus A16 which usually causes symptomatic infection or mild disease. Immunocompetent adults are rarely affected. However, recently the incidence of HFMD in immunocompetent adults has increased. We report a 41-year-old woman with severe oral lesions and painful papulovesicular eruption on the palms of her hands and feet.
Prognostic Value of D-Dimer in Younger Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Jovanovic Ljiljana , Subota Vesna , Rajkovic Milena , Subotic Bojana , Dzudovic Boris , Novcic Natasa , Matijasevic Jovan , Miric Milica , Salinger Sonja , Nikolic Natasa Markovic , Nikolic Maja , Miloradovic Vladimir , Kos Ljiljana , Kovacevic-Preradovic Tamara , Obradovic Slobodan
Published: April 2021

In patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), the D-dimer assay is commonly utilized as part of the diagnostic workup, but data on D-dimer for early risk stratification and short-term mortality prediction are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine D-dimer levels as a predictive biomarker of PE outcomes in younger (<50 years of age) compared to older patients. We conducted retrospective analysis for 930 patients diagnosed with PE between 2015 and 2019 as part of the Serbian University Multicenter Pulmonary Embolism Registry (SUPER).All patients had D-dimer levels measured within 24 hours of hospital admission. The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days or during hospitalization. Patients were categorized into two groups based on age (≤ 50 and >50 years of age). Younger patients constituted 20.5% of the study cohort. Regarding all-cause mortality, 5.2% (10/191)of patients died in group under the 50 years of age; the short-term all-causemortality was 12.4% (92/739) in older group.We have found that there was significant difference in plasma D-dimer level between patients ≤ 50 years of age and older group (>50), p= 0.006.D-dimer plasma level had good predictive value for the primary outcome in younger patients (c-statistics 0.710; 95% CI, 0.640-0.773; p<0.031). The optimal cutoff level for D-dimer to predict PE-cause death in patients aged > 50 years was found to be 8.8 mg/l FEU(c-statistics 0,580; 95% CI 0.544-0.616; p=0.049). In younger PE patients, D-dimer levels have good prognostic performance for 30-day all-cause mortalityand concentrations above 6.3 mg/l FEU are associated with increased risk of death. D-dimer in patients aged over 50 years does not have predictive ability for all-caused short-term mortality. The relationship between D-dimer and age in patients with PE may need further evaluation.
Mistreatment by patients: An analysis of the patient-related social stressors among Slovenian healthcare workers
Authors: Kozjek Tatjana , Erčulj Vanja Ida
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are often exposed to mistreatment by patients, which has negative effects on both staff and institutions. To take appropriate action to help HCWs in this context, patient-related social stressors (PSS) should be explored. The purpose of the research was to identify the most pronounced patient behaviour contributing to the social stress (SS) of HCWs, and compare PSS between different HCWs and different types of healthcare institutions.

Methods

750 HCWs from Slovenian public health centres and hospitals participated in the online survey. Although the non-probability sampling was used, the sample was representative according to gender and HCW type (doctors, nurses and other HCWs).

Results

The results show that the most pronounced patient behaviour contributing to the SS of HCWs are attitudes and behaviour of patients that are challenging in terms of what is – from the HCWs’ point of view – considered as acceptable and reasonable (disproportionate patient expectations), and unpleasant, humourless, and hostile patients. HCWs in primary institutions meet less verbally aggressive and unpleasant patients than in tertiary ones. Although among all HCWs less educated ones are more exposed to inappropriate behaviour, doctors are those HCWs who experience more inappropriate behaviour.

Conclusion

Managers should enable HCWs to get comprehensive patient service training, oriented towards improving relationship management and patient-HCW relationships.
Effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with automated external defibrillator training among schoolchildren in Slovenia: A pre- and post-test cohort study
Authors: Pivač Sanela , Skela-Savič Brigita , Gradišek Primož
Published: April 2021

Introduction

A low proportion of bystanders in Slovenia are willing to provide resuscitation to people experiencing cardiac arrest. We measured knowledge acquired after cardiopulmonary resuscitation training among Slovenian children in the final three grades of primary school.

Methods

This pre- and post-test cohort study included 566 schoolchildren aged 12–15 years. From April to May 2018, we administered a 15-item questionnaire to children in 15 primary schools, to assess the effects of theoretical and practical cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on their knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation at 1–2 months after training. Data were processed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

Results

A significantly greater level of post-training knowledge was noted in all three equally sized school grade groups (p=0.001). The youngest group (mean age 12.5 years) exhibited the greatest increase in knowledge, with test scores increasing by an average 2.65 (range 0–15) points. Age (p=0.001), body mass index (p=0.037), female sex (p=0.006), and previous resuscitation training (p=0.024) were significant independent predictors of pre-training knowledge level. Sex was the only predictor significantly influencing knowledge levels after training (p=0.002); girls scored up to 0.7 points higher than boys, both before and after training.

Conclusions

Among Slovenian schoolchildren aged 12–15 years, a significantly improved level of theoretical knowledge was demonstrated after cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. The introduction of cardiopulmonary training may be most effective in children aged 12.5 years (seventh graders). Early, compulsory resuscitation training might reduce social barriers to performing resuscitation, which may eventually translate into better post-cardiac arrest outcomes.
An Operational Calculus Model with the (m,n) - Symmetric Difference
Authors: Wysocki Hubert
Published: April 2021

The paper determines a non-classical Bittner operational calculus model, in which the derivative is understood as an -symmetric difference Dm,n
{x (k)} := {x (k+m)− x (k− n). By considering an operation Dm,n,b
{x (k)} := {x (k+m)− b (k)x (k− n), the formulated model has been generalized.
Implementation of New EU Directives Coordinating the Procedures for Awarding Public Contracts in European Union Member States: The Example of Poland
Authors: Radwanowicz-Wanczewska Joanna
Published: April 2021

This article concerns the implementation of new EU Directives coordinating the procedures for awarding public contracts in European Union Member States. In a number of countries, including Poland, the process of their implementation (Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement; Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport, and postal services sectors; Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts) was delayed. In most cases, the modernization of EU regulations on public procurement required a thorough modification of national regulations in this respect. As a result of the introduction of the package of new Directives, the European Union public procurement market has undergone substantial changes. The need to adjust legal regulations to the changing political, social, and economic situations in a better way has resulted in the transposition of the modernized EU Directives concerning public procurement to the Polish legal system, affecting the final shape of the new Polish Public Procurement Law. The implementation of the package of new Directives has significantly affected the functioning of the Polish public procurement market. For the entities operating in this market, this means the necessity to expand their knowledge, so as to become familiar with the new legal solutions in this respect.
A Cognitive Grammar Perspective on Temporal Conceptualization in SLA
Authors: Kermer Franka
Published: April 2021

This article shows how cognitive grammar and cognitive linguistics theory offer a fruitful paradigm within which the process of second language acquisition can be examined. The aim is to describe and examine the benefit of using notions developed within the CG and CL frameworks to the study of crosslinguistic influence, especially conceptual transfer, in multilinguals. In recent years, the growth of empirical research concerning the contribution of cognitive-inspired theories to the study of second language acquisition and multilingualism has grown extensively. This article illustrates the possible contribution of CL to SLA by focusing on one particular line of inquiry: that of construal. Specifically, it examines how the notions developed within cognitive grammar theory can be useful tools for the analysis and comparison of conceptualization patterns of events, thus giving rise to transfer effects stemming from the way a person construes and conceptualizes events. The starting hypothesis is that conceptual transfer effects in the use of the target grammar, in this case the transfer effects in the TIME domain, may originate from the conceptualization patterns that the multilingual has acquired as a speaker of another L1. Previous transfer research has obtained evidence to suggest that patterns of L1 conceptualizations may be transferred into learners’ L2 through patterns that are similar to their L1. The utilization of central tools within cognitive grammar in order to unmask conceptual differences represents an important contribution to the state of the art of crosslinguistic influence research.
The Relationship Between Selected Market Orientation Dimensions and Organizational Performance within Universities in South Africa
Authors: Mokoena Bakae Aubrey
Published: April 2021

The association of market orientation and organisation performance has been the focal point of several studies that confirmed a positive relationship between the constructs. However, there is a lack of evidence in studies examining this issue within universities of technology (UoTs) in South Africa. Hence, the study was undertaken with the main objective of conducting an analysis on the dimensions of MARKOR scale of market orientation in the prediction of university performance within UoTs in South Africa. Both the resource based view theory and the dynamic capacity theory were identified as the foundation of the study. Considering the situational factors and the institutions’ environment, a non-probability sampling procedure was chosen. A convenience sample of 507 full-time employed academics within the six UoTs in South Africa, participated in a cross-sectional survey through a self-administered structured questionnaire. The factor analysis procedure resulted in the extraction of three primary dimensions, namely market information generation, market information dissemination and responsiveness. A conceptual research model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Through multiple regression analysis, the results show that market information generation, market information dissemination and responsiveness are significant predictors of university performance. The findings contribute to an enhanced comprehension of the dimensions of MARKOR scale towards predicting university performance among UoTs in South Africa. The study provides possible recommendations and extends immensely the existing knowledge among researched concepts when measuring organisational performance.
Evaluation of Economic Impacts of Biodiesel Production in Slovakia
Authors: Bajusová Zuzana , Ladvenicová Jana , Bullová Tatiana , Gurčík Ľubomír
Published: April 2021

The increasing consumption of energy, as well as exhaustibility of fossil resources, initiate the necessity of finding renewable resources. Especially biofuels represent the important role in terms of renewable resources, development of which is often question under debate in many countries. By increasing of blending mandate in the European Union (EU), the SR after joining the EU forced to implement the changes in its action plan for renewable energy in transport and set benchmarks share of methyl ester of rapeseed oil in diesel fuel. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the economic impact of biodiesel production in the Slovak republic. At the same time, biofuel production has an impact on the price of conventional fuels. The relationship between biofuel production and prices of agricultural crops as well as conventional fuels we examined through regression and correlation analysis, which showed that between production of biodiesel and the prices indicated exists certain dependency.
Do Environmental Performance and Disclosure Contribute to the Economic Performance? The Moderating Role of Corporate Action
Authors: Saputra Indra , Murwaningsari Etty
Published: April 2021

Objective – The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of environmental performance and environmental disclosure on economic performance of the Indonesian listed manufacturing companies by using corporate action as a moderating variable.  Design/methodology – This study used secondary data obtained from the official website of the Indonesia Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia. The sample consisted of manufacturing companies that are listed and follow the Company Performance Rating Assessment Program (Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan/PROPER) issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for the period of 2011-2016. The study employed a purposive sampling approach, which includes 22 companies with 132 observations. The multiple linear regression method was used for data analysis. Results – The results indicated that environmental performance has a significant positive effect while environmental disclosure has a significant negative effect on economic performance. The testing of corporate action as a moderating variable demonstrated that it could not strengthen the effect of environmental performance on economic performance. However, it could enhance the effect of environmental disclosure on economic performance.
Stres sebagai mediator antara mindfulness dan frekuensi merokok pada individu dewasa awal di Jakarta
Authors: Lesmana Teguh , Yunita Mutiara Mirah
Published: April 2021

Studi menunjukkan bahwa mindfulness merupakan variabel penting yang membantu individu dalam mengelola stres. Stres merupakan faktor potensial yang memotivasi individu untuk merokok. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan peran stres sebagai mediator antara mindfulness dan frekuensi merokok. Sebuah survei yang diikuti oleh 400 perokok reguler berusia 16 - 40 tahun (Musia = 27.92; SD = 8.04) dilakukan dengan mengumpulkan data mengenai tingkat mindfulness, stres, dan frekuensi merokok partisipan. Analisis regresi mengkonfirmasi model mediasi, menunjukkan bahwa stres memediasi hubungan antara mindfulness dan frekuensi merokok seseorang. Studi ini menyimpulkan bahwa skor kesadaran yang tinggi dapat menurunkan tingkat stres seseorang, yang kemudian mengurangi frekuensi merokok mereka. Studi ini menawarkan implikasi praktis mengenai manfaat potensial dari pelatihan mindfulness sebagai strategi untuk mengurangi frekuensi merokok.
Pengembangan Skala Deception Behavior in Social Media
Authors: Moningka Clara , Selviana Maria
Published: April 2021

Kemajuan teknologi Internet di dunia memunculkan fenomena baru dalam penggunaan media sosial. Media sosial tidak hanya digunakan untuk berhubungan dengan orang lain, namun juga untuk membentuk kesan yang baik, bahkan untuk melakukan manipulasi. Pengguna media sosial seringkali memanipulasi penampakan mereka di media sosial, seperti mengedit foto atau memalsukan identitas mereka. Fenomena ini termasuk dalam Deception Behavior (perilaku menipu). Meski fenomena ini sering dijumpai, belum banyak studi yang berupaya untuk mengukur kecenderungan seseorang untuk terlibat dalam perilaku menipu di media sosial. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat skala Deception Behavior in Social Media berdasarkan teori Utz (2005). Partisipan penelitian adalah pengguna aktif media sosial sebanyak 457 orang di wilayah Jabodetabek dengan rentang usia 15-40 tahun. Penelitian ini meliputi pembuatan butir dan pengujian dengan menggunakan Principal Component Analysis (PCA), dilanjutkan dengan Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Sementara itu, reliabilitas diuji dengan menggunakan koefisien Cronbach’s Alpha. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa skala ini reliabel untuk mengukur deception behavior di media sosial.
Pengaruh persepsi komunikasi efektif dengan orang tua terhadap kecenderungan kenakalan remaja di SMA X Jakarta
Authors: Christian Cyntia Verina , Jatmika Devy
Published: April 2021

Komunikasi merupakan hal terpenting dalam interaksi orang tua dan remaja dalam keluarga. Komunikasi orang tua dengan remaja menciptakan suasana dan interaksi yang positif antara orang tua dan remaja. Persepsi remaja mengenai komunikasi orang tua turut membantu remaja mengembangkan dan mencapai kematangan sebagai orang dewasa. Pada komunikasi orang tua terdapat penyampaian nilai-nilai, aturan, dan budaya yang dianut oleh keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat pengaruh persepsi komunikasi orang tua dan remaja terhadap kecenderungan kenakalan remaja di SMA X Jakarta. Desain penelitian ini ialah kausal komparatif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif terhadap 316 siswa di salah satu SMA di Jakarta. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengukur persepsi komunikasi dengan orang tua dibuat berdasarkan teori komunikasi efektif dan kecenderungan kenakalan remaja yang diadaptasi dari Wijaya, Widiastuti, dan Nisfiannoor (2010). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara persepsi komunikasi efektif orang tua dan remaja terhadap kecenderungan kenakalan remaja.