bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assessment of two-way relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Cicalău Georgiana Ioana Potra , Babeș Petru Aurel , Domocoș Daniela , Pogan Mihaela
Published: March 2021

Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus have been said to have a two-way relationship, with diabetes leading to oral disease and periodontitis exacerbating hyperglycemia. The universal biologic mechanisms and demographic and behavioral risk drivers, underlying these associations in both directions, are also described.

Both the diseases are chronic and they are affecting large population worldwide. Periodontitis is also recognized as the sixth major complication of diabetes, while diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which has an impact on the global health and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

The aim of this article is to illustrate a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the literature, on the mutual relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases, trying to identify if the prevalence of periodontitis is higher in diabetics or if the incidence of diabetes is greater in patients with periodontal disease. Moreover, our intention is to increase the level of awareness of diabetologists and dentists about the interaction between this two pathologies.

Oral and periodontal health should be promoted as integral components of diabetes management. Dental professionals can detect unrecognized potential dysglycemia and refer for medical examination. Furthermore, the control of periodontal disease may enhance glycemic control which contributes to a better control of periodontal disease.
The Abyss of Meaning or the Cauldron of Signs: Meaning and Tertium Quid. Shakespeare as a Translator?
Authors: Gémar Jean-Claude
Published: March 2021

Sum of atoms or molecules that are the signs that the author of a text organizes in speech, the text contains meaning, in latency. To activate it, reveal it must be interpreted, whether or not the purpose is to translate it. When it comes to translating, the difficulties presented by the translation of normative texts are due in large part to the notional burden, the degree of “juridical status” of the message conveyed by the text and the cultural singularity revealed by its mode of writing. While the substance of a text is of paramount importance in its interpretation, the manner in which it is written and presented – its form – is far from negligible. Each way of saying carries its own, and participates in, the meaning. The approach defined for the translation, sourcing (least-cultural) or targeting (most-cultural), guides the meaning. That is when the final interpretation of the two versions of the instrumental text by the courts fulfils the canonical function of law and language: to say the law by determining the meaning of all or part of a text. Until then, the signs generating the speech and its meaning nested in this place of uncertainty that is the tertium quid, where rest, like the ingredients that the Sisters of Destiny (Macbeth) stir in their cauldron, the signs of where meaning will come out, an uncertain and precarious truth deduced by the original interpreter of the instrumental text, the translator, transcribed into the target text. Would Shakespeare provide an answer to the existential questions posed by the translator, when the spectre (Hamlet) and the witches (Macbeth), enigmatic oracles, answer the protagonists’ ontological questions about the meaning and direction of their lives? The bard indeed launches this injunction: keep law and form and due proportion in Richard II (3.4.43)! Will the translator follow him in each of these three directions?
Reconceptualising the Third Space of Legal Translation: A Study of the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Clay Edward , Mcauliffe Karen
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the concept of legal translation as a Third Space through the lens of the ‘multilingual’ Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ). In many ways legal translation at that Court fits readily with the characterisation of translation as a Third Space. Due to complex internal production processes the ECJ produces texts which are undoubtedly hybrid in nature, and which exhibit distinctive features on a lexical and textual level marking them out as a product of cross-fertilisation of influences from source and target languages and legal cultures. Even the teleological approach taken towards legal reasoning at the ECJ occupies a space outside the strict confines of the texts involved. Both the processes and the product of the ECJ’s language system appear to bear all the hallmarks of translation as a Third Space. However, translation at the ECJ also challenges the concept of a Third Space. The prevailing definitions of translation as a Third Space fail to effectively conceptualise additional nuances of the specific nature of drafting and the complex nature of translation at the ECJ. This paper uses original empirical data to demonstrate that translation at the ECJ places constraints on the undefined, vague and fluid nature of the Third Space, warping the forces at work within that space. In this regard, rather than an amorphous space, the Third Space is better thought of as a determinate area which is delimited by elements of translation process which constrain it. This adapted framing of the Third Space can consequently be used to better understand and illustrate the dynamics at play in other areas of legal translation where the current concept of the Third Space is equally inadequate for encompassing the specific nature of translation practices which impact on that space-in-between.
Morgan-Voyce Polynomial Approach for Quaternionic Space Curves of Constant Width
Authors: Aydin Tuba Ağirman , Ayazoğlu Rabil , Kocayiğit Hüseyin
Published: March 2021

The curves of constant width are special curves used in engineering, architecture and technology. In the literature, these curves are considered according to different roofs in different spaces and some integral characterizations of these curves are obtained. However, in order to examine the geometric properties of curves of constant width, more than characterization is required. In this study, firstly differential equations characterizing quaternionic space curves of constant width are obtained. Then, the approximate solutions of the differential equations obtained are calculated by the Morgan-Voyce polynomial approach.The geometric properties of this curve type are examined with the help of these solutions.
Biochemical variances through metabolomic profile analysis of Capsicum chinense Jacq. during fruit development
Authors: Tang Yaping , Zhang Guoru , Yang Tao , Yang Shengbao , Aisimutuola Patiguli , Wang Baike , Li Ning , Wang Juan , Yu Qinghui
Published: March 2021

Capsicum chinense Jacq. is classified under the Solanaceae family, which is an extensively consumed spice and vegetable globally. Therefore, to gain more knowledge and insight into the diversity of Capsicum chinense Jacq. metabolites, a total of 18 placental tissues from various development stages were collected and untargeted metabolomics was conducted by means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis established the existence of distinct metabolite distribution patterns as observed at 16 days post anthesis (DPA), compared with the metabolites at 36 and 48 DPA groups, whereas there was a difference in metabolites between the orange ripening period (B) and the red ripening period (C), which intersected with each other. Furthermore, several pathways including metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, ABC transporters, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, pentose and glucoronate pathways, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, cutin, biosynthesis of suberine and wax were significantly enriched across the fruit ripening stages. The capsaicin content was observed to be less in the early ripening stages, but gradually increased to a high concentration during the late ripening stages. In conclusion, our study findings submit a suitable approach for interpreting the biochemical variances of non-targeted metabolomics in hot pepper developmental stages, as well as offer new findings that can be applied in the development strategies in breeding of Capsicum chinense Jacq.
Parasitism with Acanthocephalus ranae in frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus Pallas 1771), from North-east Romania
Authors: Iacob O. C.
Published: March 2021

The present study was carried out on 10 frogs, Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), captured near the river Bahlui, Iasi, between April and May, 2019, for the study of digestive helminths and their effect on the digestive tract. Macroscopic examination of the general cavity revealed distension of the small intestine. The sectioning of the intestinal wall revealed a variable number of parasites (1 – 12) with a whitish cylindrical body, anchored in the duodenal mucosa. The morphological study of the parasites confirmed the species as Acantocephalus ranae. The prevalence of the infection was 60 % and the average intensity was 4.83 ± 4.15. Lesions of the small intestine were characterized by catarrhal enteritis, hemorrhagic spots and ulcers on the mucosa, occlusion and obstruction of the intestinal lumen. Histologically, eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate in the glandular crypts, mucosal and submucosal edema, fibrosis and conjunctival hyperplasia, total mucosal atrophy, were found. The infection with Acanthocephalus ranae in Pelophylax ridibundus caused severe pathological changes, conditioned by the intensity of the infection, aspects revealed for the first time in Romania.
Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and diagnostic methods
Authors: Hailu T. , Nibret E. , Amor A. , Munshea A.
Published: March 2021

Strongyloides stercoralis is a helminthic intestinal parasite that causes the disease strongyloidiasis. Its prevalence is high in tropics and sub-tropics due to poor sanitation and hygiene. However, its true prevalence is not well known in Ethiopia as most health institutions use low sensitive diagnostic methods. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis at country, and regional state levels. Papers published on S. stercoralis in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2020 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science direct databases and Addis Ababa repository. Identification, screening, checking the eligibility, and inclusion of the relevant literatures were done. Articles with S. stercoralis positive results from Ethiopian populations were included. Articles which focused on Strongyloides infection in foreigners, and other than stool samples were excluded. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis and heterogeneity between studies and across regions were computed. From the 43 articles, the overall prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia was 1.82 %. Across regions, relatively high prevalence of S. stercoralis (8.78 %) was recorded in Addis Ababa city. High prevalence of S. stercoralis was found to be 44.02 % with a combination of formol ether concentration, Baermann concentration, and molecular methods. Low prevalence of 0.26 %, 0.31 %, and 1.20 % was evidenced respectively with Kato-Katz, direct saline microscopy, and formol ether concentration methods. Using random effect analysis, the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia, across regions and across diagnostic methods was 2.1 % (95 %CI: 1.20 – 3.60), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 0.80 – 8.20) and 3.7 % (95 %CI: 1.10 – 11.70), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (P<0.001). This review revealed that Strongyloides infection is probably underreported and its prevalence could be higher than the reported in Ethiopia. Therefore, a revision of the best combination of diagnostic methods could be advisable as it gives better diagnostic results in routine diagnosis of Strongyloides infection in Ethiopia.
Initial Geometric Imperfections: A Robust, Closed-Section Cold-Formed Box Profile Application Subject to Local Buckling
Authors: Junior N. Brambatti , Walber M. , de Meira Junior A.D.
Published: March 2021

Initial geometric imperfections are important for simulating local buckling in numerical models. References are found in the technical literature regarding open-section cold formed profiles. This work presents new procedures applied to a robust and closed-section cold formed profile subject to local buckling, and the use of procedures described in the technical literature already successfully used for open section profiles. The difference of this work in relation to the research already carried out is in the type of profile studied, in the mode of failure of the same and in the form of determination of the initial imperfections. The object of study of this work is a closed-section cold formed box profile with a short length when compared with its cross section and with local buckling failure mode. The strategies used in the present work to consider the initial geometric imperfections were to perform the linear stability analysis using the finite element method to obtain the local buckling mode that represents the deformed box profile geometry, to apply a multiplication factor in the displacements, replace the new geometry node coordinates for all profile nodes to induce the local buckling deformation mode, with model validation through experimental testing and the Effective Width Method (MLE) (ABNT NBR 14762 [1]). Finally, using the results of the collapse load of the experimental trial as a basis, it was possible to compare the results obtained by MLE and MEF. Thus, the presentation of this work used a methodology that describes the local buckling behavior and verified the precepts of the existing norms on the subject, combining theoretical and experimental methods, as they bring a better understanding of the structural problem in question.
Capture Efficiency of Magnetically Labeled Particles Traveling Through an Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Cardona M. , Ramírez J. , Benavides-Moran A.G.
Published: March 2021

Cell manipulation using external magnetic fields has been proposed to accelerate the neck reendothelization of saccular unruptured stented intracranial aneurysms. This work presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a Saccular Brain Aneurysm that incorporates a helicoidal stent. An Eulerian-Lagrangian model implemented in ANSYS-Fluent is used to simulate the hemodynamics in the aneurysm. In silico studies have been conducted to describe the incidence of the magnetic field direction, frequency and amplitude on the blood hemodynamics and particle capture efficiency, when an external magnetic field is used to trap magnetically labeled particles traveling through the aneurysm. It is found that the magnetic field direction affects the particle concentration in the target region. Simulation results show that the highest particle capture efficiency is obtained with a 1T magnetic field amplitude in an open bore MRI scanner, when a permanent magnet is used.
Heat Transfer Effects on Free Convection of Viscous Dissipative Fluid Flow Over an Inclined Plate with Thermal Radiation in the Presence of Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Kumar P. Pramod , Malga Bala Siddulu , Appidi Lakshmi , Matta Sweta
Published: March 2021

The principal objective of the present paper is to know the reaction of thermal radiation and the effects of magnetic fields on a viscous dissipative free convection fluid flow past an inclined infinite plate in the presence of an induced magnetic field. The Galerkin finite element technique is applied to solve the nonlinear coupled partial differential equations and effects of thermal radiation and other physical and flow parameters on velocity, induced magnetic field, along with temperature profiles are explained through graphs. It is noticed that as the thermal radiation increases velocity and temperature profiles decrease and the induced magnetic field profiles increases.
Automatic Keyphrase Extraction from Scientific Chinese Medical Abstracts Based on Character-Level Sequence Labeling
Authors: Ding Liangping , Zhang Zhixiong , Liu Huan , Li Jie , Yu Gaihong
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Automatic keyphrase extraction (AKE) is an important task for grasping the main points of the text. In this paper, we aim to combine the benefits of sequence labeling formulation and pretrained language model to propose an automatic keyphrase extraction model for Chinese scientific research.

Design/methodology/approach

We regard AKE from Chinese text as a character-level sequence labeling task to avoid segmentation errors of Chinese tokenizer and initialize our model with pretrained language model BERT, which was released by Google in 2018. We collect data from Chinese Science Citation Database and construct a large-scale dataset from medical domain, which contains 100,000 abstracts as training set, 6,000 abstracts as development set and 3,094 abstracts as test set. We use unsupervised keyphrase extraction methods including term frequency (TF), TF-IDF, TextRank and supervised machine learning methods including Conditional Random Field (CRF), Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory Network (BiLSTM), and BiLSTM-CRF as baselines. Experiments are designed to compare word-level and character-level sequence labeling approaches on supervised machine learning models and BERT-based models.

Findings

Compared with character-level BiLSTM-CRF, the best baseline model with F1 score of 50.16%, our character-level sequence labeling model based on BERT obtains F1 score of 59.80%, getting 9.64% absolute improvement.

Research limitations

We just consider automatic keyphrase extraction task rather than keyphrase generation task, so only keyphrases that are occurred in the given text can be extracted. In addition, our proposed dataset is not suitable for dealing with nested keyphrases.

Practical implications

We make our character-level IOB format dataset of Chinese Automatic Keyphrase Extraction from scientific Chinese medical abstracts (CAKE) publicly available for the benefits of research community, which is available at: https://github.com/possible1402/Dataset-For-Chinese-Medical-Keyphrase-Extraction.

Originality/value

By designing comparative experiments, our study demonstrates that character-level formulation is more suitable for Chinese automatic keyphrase extraction task under the general trend of pretrained language models. And our proposed dataset provides a unified method for model evaluation and can promote the development of Chinese automatic keyphrase extraction to some extent.
A Causal Configuration Analysis of Payment Decision Drivers in Paid Q&A
Authors: Chen Wenyu , Cheng Yan , Li Jia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper examines factors of payment decision as well as the role each factor plays in casual configurations leading to high payment intention under systematic and heuristic information processing routes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on heuristic-systematic model (HSM), we propose a configurational analytic framework to investigate complex casual relationships between influencing factors and payment decision. In line with this approach, we use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data crawled from Zhihu.com.

Findings

The number of previous consultations is a necessary element in all five equivalent configurations which lead to high intention in payment decision. The heuristic processing route plays a core role while the systematic processing route plays a peripheral role in payment decision-making process.

Research limitations

Research is limited in that moderating effect of professional fields has not been considered in the framework.

Practical implications

Configurations in results can assist managers of knowledge communities and paid Q&A service providers in the management of information elements to motivate more payment decision.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few studies to apply HSM theory and fsQCA method with respect to the payment decision in paid Q&A.
Stepwise prediction of runoff using proxy data in a small agricultural catchment
Authors: Széles Borbála , Parajka Juraj , Hogan Patrick , Silasari Rasmiaditya , Pavlin Lovrenc , Strauss Peter , Blöschl Günter
Published: March 2021

In this study, the value of proxy data was explored for calibrating a conceptual hydrologic model for small ungauged basins, i.e. ungauged in terms of runoff. The study site was a 66 ha Austrian experimental catchment dominated by agricultural land use, the Hydrological Open Air Laboratory (HOAL). The three modules of a conceptual, lumped hydrologic model (snow, soil moisture accounting and runoff generation) were calibrated step-by-step using only proxy data, and no runoff observations. Using this stepwise approach, the relative runoff volume errors in the calibration and first and second validation periods were –0.04, 0.19 and 0.17, and the monthly Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.88, 0.71 and 0.64, respectively. By using proxy data, the simulation of state variables improved compared to model calibration in one step using only runoff data. Using snow and soil moisture information for model calibration, the runoff model performance was comparable to the scenario when the model was calibrated using only runoff data. While the runoff simulation performance using only proxy data did not considerably improve compared to a scenario when the model was calibrated on runoff data, the more accurately simulated state variables imply that the process consistency improved.
Effect of debris accumulation on scour evolution at bridge pier in bank proximity
Authors: Palermo Michele , Pagliara Simone , Roy Deep
Published: March 2021

Large debris transported by flood affects scour features at bridge piers and increases the risks of structural failure. Geometric characteristics of the debris and the relative position of the pier with respect to the river bank are important parameters for the scour process. The interaction between the water flow and debris accumulation increases the shear stress, turbulence and consequently enhances the scour depth at the pier. This paper aims at analyzing such effects on scour evolution at bridge piers. To this end, two series of tests were carried out under clear water condition with different debris geometries and percentage blockage ratios. Experimental evidences showed that the pier position only influences scour evolution and equilibrium morphology for low water depths. Conversely, its effect becomes negligible for scour at bridge piers with debris accumulation and higher water depths. Useful practical relationships have been derived, with satisfactory prediction capability of the scour evolution for all the tested configurations.
The importance of initial application and reapplication of biochar in the context of soil structure improvement
Authors: Juriga Martin , Aydın Elena , Horák Ján , Chlpík Juraj , Rizhiya Elena Y. , Buchkina Natalya P. , Balashov Eugene V. , Šimanský Vladimír
Published: March 2021

It was shown that the use of biochar provides many benefits to agriculture by improving the whole complex of soil properties, including soil structure. However, the diverse range of biochar effects depends on its physicochemical properties, its application rates, soil initial properties etc. The impacts of biochar, mainly its reapplication to soils and its interaction with nitrogen in relation to water-stable aggregates (WSA) did not receive much attention to date. The aims of the study were: (1) to evaluate the effect of initial application (in spring 2014) and reapplication (in spring 2018) of different biochar rates (B0, B10 and B20 t ha−1) as well as application of biochar with N-fertilizer (40 to 240 kg N ha−1 depending on the requirement of the cultivated crop) on the content of WSA as one of the most important indicators of soil structure quality, (2) to assess the interrelationships between the contents of soil organic matter (SOM) and WSA. The study was conducted in 2017–2019 as part of the field experiment with biochar on Haplic Luvisol at the experimental station of SUA in Nitra, Slovakia. Results showed that initial application as well as reapplication of biochar improved soil structure. The most favorable changes in soil structure were found in N0B20B treatment (with biochar reapplication) at which a significantly higher content of water-stable macro-aggregates (WSAma) (+15%) as well as content of WSAma size fractions of > 5 mm, 5–3 mm, 3–2 mm and 2–1 mm (+72%, +65%, +57% and +64%, respectively) was observed compared to the control. An increase in SOM content, due to both, initial biochar application and its reapplication, significantly supported the stability of soil aggregates, while organic matter including humic substances composition did not.
Mink SARS-CoV-2 infection in Poland – short communication
Authors: Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Orłowska Anna , Smreczak Marcin , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Iwan Ewelina , Bomba Arkadiusz , Lisowska Anna , Opolska Justyna , Trębas Paweł , Potyrało Patrycja , Kawiak-Sadurska Magdalena , Rola Jerzy
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Since April 2020, when the first SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in mink and subsequently in mink farm workers in the Netherlands, it has been confirmed that human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission can occur. Later, SARS-CoV-2 infections in mink were reported in many European and North American countries.

Material and methods

Samples from 590 mink from a total of 28 farms were tested by real-time RT-PCR. Whole genome sequences from one positive farm were generated and genetic relatedness was established.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on a breeder farm with stock of 5,850 mink. Active viraemia was confirmed in individually tested samples with Ct values respectively between 19.4 and 29.6 for E and N gene fragments. Further testing of samples from culled animals revealed 70% positivity in throat swabs and 30% seropositivity in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length nucleotide sequences of two SARS-CoV-2 isolates revealed that they belong to the 20B Nextstrain clade. Several nucleotide mutations were found in analysed samples compared to the reference Wuhan HU-1 strain and some of them were nonsynonymous.

Conclusion

We report the infection of mink with SARS-CoV-2 on one farm in Poland and the results of subsequent analysis of virus sequences from two isolates. These data can be useful for assessment of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in Poland and how it endangers public health.
Re-Evaluation of Chromium Doped Alumina for Dosimetric Applications
Authors: Einbergs E. , Zolotarjovs A. , Bite I. , Cipa J. , Vitola V. , Laganovska K. , Trinkler L.
Published: March 2021

Many medical examinations involve ionizing radiation. Although the range of available dosimeters is rather wide, their linearity and chemical stability are limited. Recently, there has been a growing interest in new, improved dosimetric materials for emerging applications in medicine and other fields, such as sterilisation of consumer goods and medical instruments, irradiation of seeds, chemical agents and others.

One of the classical dosimeters is carbon-doped alumina (Al2O3:C) – a well-established and widely used material for personal and industrial dosimeter with a range of great properties, such as high sensitivity, wide linearity range and relative ease of production and handling. However, the demand for reliable dosimeters in a high-dose range is still only partially fulfilled, and alumina doped with chromium ions (Al2O3:Cr) can be a promising candidate.

In this study, we explored alumina doped with chromium porous microparticles synthesized with a sol-gel method as a possible high dose dosimeter and evaluated its thermostimulated luminescence signal, dose response with two irradiation sources and measured long-time fading. It was found that although the TSL signal was quite complex (consisting of two main peaks above room temperature) and the long-term fading was significant (around 50 % in the span of 30 days), with sufficient optimisation the material could be used as a high-dose dosimeter for X-ray and beta irradiation. Wide high dose linearity range, physical and chemical characteristics, as well as low production costs and ease of synthesis make chromium (III) doped alumina a compelling candidate for applicability in various medical and industry fields.
From post-communist democratic laissez-faire to prevention of territorial fragmentation: tightening the rules of municipal splits in Central and Eastern Europe after 1990
Authors: Swianiewicz Paweł
Published: March 2021

The article discusses municipal boundary changes in Central and Eastern Europe, concentrating on the heavily under-researched phenomenon of municipal splits. The first part describes the basic facts of municipal secessions in the region analysed. The second part presents a model explaining the national and municipal level factors behind the variation in the occurrence of successful split initiatives. It distinguishes between national institutional settings, economic, identity (cultural) and local political factors.
Natural zeolite as a replacement for resin in the cation exchange process of cesium on post-irradiated nuclear fuel
Authors: Ginting Aslina Br. , Siti Amini , Noviarty  , Yanlinastuti  , Nugroho Arif , Boybul
Published: March 2021

Characterization of natural salts from Bayah, Lampung, and Tasikmalaya, Indonesia has been carried out as a substitute for synthetic resins. The characteristics include zeolite activation with NH4Cl, and heated at 200°C, the bond stability test of 137Cs-zeolite, chemical composition analysis, surface area, pore size, analysis of Cs cation exchange capacity (CEC), diffusion coefficient (Di
), activation energy (Ea
), and absorption of three zeolites. To do this, pipette 50 μl of a standard solution of 137Cs from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), put in, 2 ml of 0.1 N HCl, and then add 1 g of zeolite and stir each for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 24 h. Based on this stirring time, the 137C isotope will exchange ions with NH4-zeolite to 137Cs-zeolite in the solid phase. The content of 137Cs in 137Cs-zeolites (solid phase) was analysed using a gamma spectrometer. The results of the chemical composition analysis showed that the character of zeolite from Lampung has a Si/Al ratio, with a CEC value of 1.448 mEq/g which is greater than Bayah and Tasikmalaya, while the Di
and Ea
values for the three select types were obtained almost the same. Moreover, the stability test of the Cs ion bond with zeolite showed no significant release of Cs ions from the zeolite structure. It can be concluded that the three soloists tested that the zeolite from Lampung has better characters. The results of 137Cs isotope separation in 150 μl of U3Si2/Al fuel solution post-irradiation using zeolite from Lampung and Dowex resins obtained almost the same recovery around 98–99%, so it can be concluded that zeolite from Lampung can be used as a substitute for synthetic resin in the cation exchange process for the 137Cs isotope in nuclear fuel post-irradiated.
Chemical characterization of PM10 in two small towns located in South Poland
Authors: Turek-Fijak Anna , Brania Joanna , Styszko Katarzyna , Zięba Damian , Stęgowski Zdzisław , Samek Lucyna
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyse the elements and PM10 concentrations in air samples gathered in the winter of 2017/2018 in two small towns, namely Skala and Wadowice. The chemical elements were identified for each sample using the energy dispersive X-ray method. The spectrometer was equipped, among others, with an Mo-X-ray tube which was the source of the photons and the Si(Li) detector. The following chemical elements: Cl, K, Fe, Ca, Zn, Pb, Br, Ti, Cu, Mn, V, Co, Rb, Ni, Sr, and Cr were identified in the samples. In addition, As and Se were identified in Wadowice. First, the results were compared with each other and then with the results for the nearest city. It was observed that the PM10 concentrations were significantly higher than the UE limit value for PM10, which equals 50 μg·m−3 per 24 h. Moreover, the high concentrations of, among others, K, Pb, Cl or Zn, are likely to be linked with fossil fuels combustion and biomass burning. The levels of element concentrations in Wadowice and Skala resemble the levels observed several years earlier in Krakow.
The effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction on intrinsic regulation is moderated by hedonic and eudaimonic motives: a longitudinal investigation among youth athletes in Japan
Authors: Kinoshita Keita , MacIntosh Eric , Sato Shintaro
Published: March 2021

The current study was conducted to examine the interactive effects of basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS), hedonic and eudaimonic motives on intrinsic regulation. To assess the causal relationship, two-wave time-lagged data collection was employed. A total of 159 youth athletes in Japan participated in online surveys twice (three-month time lag between two data points). The results indicated that the effect of BPNS on intrinsic regulation was moderated by hedonic and eudaimonic motives. Interestingly, BPNS negatively affected intrinsic regulation among youth athletes with low hedonic motives. This negative impact was further augmented when the level of eudaimonic motives was higher. Conversely, BPNS positively influenced intrinsic regulation among youth athletes with high hedonic motives. This positive impact of BPNS was more prominent when eudaimonic motives were lower. Overall, the findings suggest that when intrinsic regulation is the central concern, youth athletes should focus more on seeking enjoyment while putting self-development aside to maximize the positive impact of BPNS.
The effectiveness of sport within social intervention projects: a UK case study
Authors: Crisp Philippe
Published: March 2021

In the UK, successive governments have prioritised the use of sport for developmental purposes, a range of broader community matters, and as a purposeful tool to help at-risk youth. However, given the accepted wisdom underpinning the continued investment in sports projects that reflect ideas centred on youth and community development, it is not unsurprising that a number of authors (for instance, Coalter, 2007; Griffiths and Armour, 2011) question the validity and true nature of using sport in this context. This is especially so when some research indicates that it may well be the schemes, people, or ancillary benefits within projects that are the primary factor in any appreciable change in pro-social behaviours, rather than sport per se (Sandford, Armour, and Duncombe, 2008). This study used interviews with eight experienced community sport development officers, coaches, and project organisers in the south of the UK. The findings revealed that sport and social intervention projects could develop participants’ self-esteem, resilience, and aspirations, and that sport was seen as a helpful tool to help facilitate this. However, the findings also emphasised that any meaningful changes in behaviour were also subject, and subordinate to, the importance of developing positive coach-participant relationships. The implications are discussed within the paper.
Advanced Nursing Practice as a panacea for healthcare in Poland
Authors: Kazakidis Katarzyna , Kryczka Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) is a relatively new concept in Poland. In order to be introduced, it needs a legal basis. There are specific regulations in Europe, yet they are only a framework for more detailed legislation in every member state of the European Union.

Aim. To discuss Advanced Nursing Practice principles and the benefits for the national healthcare system resulting from implementing ANP in Poland.

Discussion. Advanced Nursing Practice was defined in the 1950s in the United States of America. Presently in Europe and in Poland a definition by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) is applied. ICN has also defined the scope of competences for nurses of Advanced Practice. In Poland there already exist some regulations which substantially cover this scope. ANP implementation can naturally start in hospital settings. In ambulatory field ANP gives hope for effective transformation, namely increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Primary Healthcare (pol. POZ) centers (comparable to General Practice in other countries).

Conclusions. Effective implementation of ANP in Poland requires a slight modification of existing legal acts, a properly developed educational system and proven solutions or concepts derived from other European countries’ experience.
What do we know about our professional self-government of nurses and midwives? Preliminary study
Authors: Kolbe Gilbert , Kryczka Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Professional self-government is a form of association of persons who practice the same profession, established in order to represent their interests against the state authorities.

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses and midwives on their professional self-government and their engagement in its activity.

Material and methods. The study was conducted among 1,143 nurses and midwives. An originally designed questionnaire was used. The survey was administered via the Internet. Findings from questionnaires completed by 895 members of the Warsaw Regional Chamber of Nurses were analysed statistically. Statistical analysis was performed using intergroup comparisons or interfactor correlation tests, depending on the type of variables; statistical significance was set at p≤ 0.05.

Results. Nearly 3/4 of respondents had low-to-medium knowledge on their professional self-government. Age and career length were positively correlated with a high level of knowledge.

Conclusions. The knowledge of nurses and midwives on their professional self-government and news related to its functioning should be considered unsatisfactory and fragmentary. Further studies to determine the way to convey this knowledge to nurses and midwives are needed in order to expand this knowledge.
Worldwide Disease — Haemorrhoids. How Much Do We Know?
Authors: Fišere Inese , Groma Valērija , Goldiņš Niks Ričards , Gardovskis Andris , Gardovskis Jānis
Published: March 2021

Haemorrhoids are highly vascular cushions of connective tissue in the anal canal, which are normal structures of the human body. Haemorrhoidal disease in clinical practice means that there is an abnormal enlargement of the anal cushions when these transform into “anal nodules”, bleed and/or prolapse. Haemorrhoidal disease is very common. Despite numerous studies undertaken and knowledge accumulated on the aetiology and pathogenesis of haemorrhoidal disease in the last decade, the specific mechanisms responsible for the development of the disease are not thoroughly understood. The pathophysiology is most likely multifactorial and complex, manifested by muscle weakness, intrarectal prolapse, changes in vascular pressure and flow in blood vessels, malformations, sphincter damage and failure, venostasis, inflammatory reactions, endothelin and collagen abnormalities, matrix metalloproteinases activity, etc. Currently, treatment guidelines for the haemorrhoidal disease are based on Goligher’s classification. The classification of haemorrhoidal disease should be submitted to revision by including aetiological factors, the dynamism of prolapse, symptomatology, enteropathogenesis, and gender characteristics. The present review is focused on recent data gained by exploring the anatomy, pathophysiology, classification, theories explaining the development of haemorrhoids, as well as aetiological invasive and surgical treatment modalities.
Considerations Regarding the Location and the Role of Organizational Culture in the Romanian Military Environment
Authors: Nicoară Gabriela-Florina , Pînzariu Sorin Gheorghe
Published: March 2021

Nowadays organizational human capital is an essential resource for any organization. Moreover, it gives the organization a significant competitive benefit. In that light, the aim of this article is to highlight how the activities carried out in the framework of human resources management influence the organizational culture in the military environment. Furthermore, our intention is to underline how the organizational culture within the military institution gets valences and inflection in relation to the practices of management which are implemented within the component of the human resources of the Romanian Army. The main methods we used in the present research were the personal observation and the study of the evidence.
Specific Business Continuity Management Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Ranf Diana Elena , Mănescu Gabriel , Badea Dorel
Published: March 2021

The article contains an analysis of the concept of “business continuity management” in terms of literature in the field and how it can support organizations in times of pandemic crisis. The main objective of the article is to identify a correlation between the efforts of organizations to survive on the one hand and the main tools that can ensure business continuity in the context of the economic and health crisis caused by the Covid pandemic. Periods of crisis, regardless of their nature, economic, social, health have as a consequence of the changes they propagate in all systems of society, a reorganization and rethinking of the functioning of private or public organizations.
Tracheostomy in patients with high suspicion or diagnosis of COVID-19: case series from two hospitals in Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Márquez Fernanda Verana Barragán , Lugo-Machado Juan Antonio , Soto Laura Valle , Quintana Eduardo González , Quintana Oscar Said Rodríguez , Martín Edwin Canché , Loaiza José Roberto Reina , Espinoza Alfonso Antonio Rubio , Fuentes Nohemí Sainz
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE. To describe the results of tracheostomy in a series of cases in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit in two hospitals in the Northwest Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. A prospective, descriptive, longitudinal study was carried out on a series of cases from April 2020 to August 2020. Data such as age, sex, hospital of origin, risk factors for the development of severe COVID-19, ventilatory and gasometric parameters before and 72 hours after, the days of oro-tracheal intubation were taken into account. Descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages were used for the qualitative variables, for the numerical measures of central tendency as the mean and the median, the distribution of the results.

RESULTS. From April to August 2020, in the two Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of these hospitals, 134 COVID-19 cases were admitted. In 14 patients (10.4%) tracheotomies were performed, 13 (92.8%) were male, mean age 49.21 years, 85% tested positive. The mean duration of oro-tracheal intubation was 22.7. Obesity combined with diabetes and arterial hypertension represented a risk factor in 57.1% of the cases. In 10 patients, the procedure was performed in the ICU bed. There were changes in some ventilatory parameters before and 72 hours after the procedure. The average number of days after weaning from the ventilator was 5.5 days. There were 3 deaths in our series.

CONCLUSION. The adequate and prudent selection of COVID-19 patients for tracheostomy makes it easier to choose with greater justification the patients with the best prognosis, avoiding unnecessary procedures in a patient and a greater risk of contagion in the personnel.
Science and Religion Shift in the First Three Months of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rappaport Margaret Boone , Corbally Christopher , Campa Riccardo , Norman Ziba
Published: March 2021

The goal of this pilot study is to investigate expressions of the collective disquiet of people in the first months of Covid-19 pandemic, and to try to understand how they manage covert risk, especially with religion and magic. Four co-authors living in early hot spots of the pandemic speculate on the roles of science, religion, and magic, in the latest global catastrophe. They delve into the consolidation that should be occurring worldwide because of a common, viral enemy, but find little evidence for it. They draw parallels to biblical works, finding evidence of a connection between plague and “social strife.” They explore changes in the purviews of science, religion, and magic, and how and why they have changed, as three systems of covert risk management. They speculate on the coming wave of grief when the world populations finally decide that too many people have died, and they envision cultural changes on the other side of the pandemic, to lifestyles, travel, reverse urbanization, and living and working in smaller communities. Using an unusual approach named “crowd-sourced ethnography”, they conduct un-traditional ethnography and speculate on management of covert risk in their native countries.
Energy Demand and Cooking Energy Cost in an Oil-Rich Economy: A New Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Orji Anthony , Ogwu Stephen Obinozie , Mba Peter Nwachukwu , Anthony-Orji Onyinye Imelda
Published: March 2021

According to several recent studies, energy is seen as a commodity, due to the fact that energy sector markets are more like commodity markets. Essentially, it serves as an enabler of social and economic development and so cannot be neglected. This study, therefore, estimated the impact of cooking energy cost on energy demand in Nigeria using the ARDL model and quarterly data spanning from 1990-2018. The result from the study showed that in the long-run both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price and kerosene price has a negative impact on energy demand. In the short-run, the result remained the same for kerosene while it reversed for LPG. The study, therefore, recommended that government should enact policies that will moderate or minimize the cost of cooking energy and enhance the removal of all forms of barriers in making cooking energy affordable to users in the country.
Exploring the Effects of Psychological Factors on the Use of Navigation Systems While Driving
Authors: Ntasiou Nikoletta , Adamos Giannis , Nathanail Eftihia
Published: March 2021

The ever-increasing use of private vehicles makes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) more necessary as they improve users’ convenience, safety and travel time. Although these systems offer significant advantages, they call into question the traditional role of users, making the psychology of drivers towards these technologies a necessary factor for their adoption. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of psychological factors on the use of one of the most widely used ADAS, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Towards this direction, a literature review was conducted to identify the factors that influence drivers’ behavior and the psychology of drivers towards new technologies. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was organized in Greece, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, including additional variables, which were identified in the literature, such as technophilia, trust in technology and endorsement. From the data collected, models predicting the behavior of drivers were developed through structural equation modelling, concerning the use of navigation systems in both urban and interurban networks. The findings of the research reveal that the intention to use a navigation system is determined by various factors such as behavioral beliefs about its usage, normative beliefs and technophilia. The actual use of a navigation system depends to some extent on this intention.