bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential effect and mechanisms of protocatechuic acid on human hair follicle melanocytes
Authors: Li Bo , Tan Jun , Zou Bosheng , Liu Xiaojia , Yu Yiling
Published: May 2020

This study aims to evaluate the effect of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on human hair follicle melanocytes (HFM). Normal primary HFM were isolated and cultured till logarithmic period of second passage, then treated with different concentrations of PCA (0.1–200 μmol L−1) to study the cell proliferation, melanin contents, tyrosinase activity and protein and mRNA expression of melanogenic genes (tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF)) in the cultured HFM. In addition, we have also measured the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in PCA treated HFM. Vitamin C was used as a positive control. The result showed that PCA can decrease the synthesis of melanin and the tyrosinase activity with IC
50 = 8.9 μmol L−1 and IC
50 = 6.4 μmol L−1, respectively, at the treatment time of 24 hours, without inducing any cytotoxicity in HFM cells. In addition, the mRNA transcription and protein expression levels of TRP-1, TRP-2 and MITF significantly decreased with a dose-dependent manner after 24-hour PCA treated in HFM cells. Furthermore, PCA has significantly increased the SOD and GSH activity in a dose-dependent manner for 24-hour PCA treatment. This study suggested that PCA has an inhibitory effect on the production of melanin through down-regulation of the expression of melanogenesis-related protein and the effect of anti-oxidation, which could be useful for the therapy of melanin overproduction or skin whitening.
Endoparasites in Sows and Selected Reproduction Parameters
Authors: Knecht Damian , Jankowska-Mąkosa Anna
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to analyze infection of sows with endoparasites depending on their physiological phase and length of exploitation, as well as to determine the effects of infection on selected parameters of reproductive performance. 300 fecal samples collected from the same 75 sows in 4 phases of the production cycle (dry sows, low pregnancy, high pregnancy, lactation) were tested in the experiment. Species and gender diversity, prevalence, OPG and EPG were determined in the study. These parameters were compared in terms of the physiological phase and the length of exploitation. Selected parameters of reproductive performance of sows were also examined, which were compared taking into account the length of exploitation and sows infection with individual parasites.

The study showed that the entire population was infected with two parasites at all physiological phases: Eimeria spp. (17% prevalence, 2275 OPG) and Ascaris suum (5% prevalence, EPG 79). The presence of parasites from Eimeria genus (prevalence 40%, OPG 2976) in sows exploited for 1 year had a negative effect on some parameters of their reproduction performance. Infected sows, compared to noninfected ones, were characterized by a lower number of live piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), a higher number of stillborn piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), as well as lower daily weight gains of piglets (by 15 g) (p≤0.05), which contributed to their lower weaning body weight (by 0.45 kg) (p≤0.05).
Gender Differences in Subjective Quality of Life of Elite and Competitive Sports Games Players
Authors: Nemček Juraj
Published: May 2020

The objective of the present study was to analyse subjective quality of life (S-QOL) throughout the quality of life indicators’ (QOLIs) and quality of life domains’ (QOLDs) satisfaction, and overall S-QOL among elite and competitive sports games players (i.e. players) and compare the SQOL between the male and female. The research sample comprised of 106 male players (mean age 27.2 ± 1.96 years) and 28 female players (mean age 24.9 ± 1.45 years). A standardized Subjective Quality of Life Analyses (S.QUA.L.A.) was used as a primary research method. No significant differences were found in overall S-QOL neither in QOLDs’ satisfaction between male and female players. Male players present significantly higher satisfaction with leisure activities, sport and work than females. Both genders equally declared the highest S-QOL by social relation and physical health/level of independence and the lowest level of S-QOL by psychological health/spirituality.
A new approach for nuclear family model with fractional order Caputo derivative
Authors: Koca Ilknur , Yaprakdal Pelin
Published: May 2020

A work on a mathematical modeling is very popular in applied sciences. Nowadays many mathematical models have been considered and new methods have been used for approaching of these models. In this paper we are considering mathematical modeling of nuclear family model with fractional order Caputo derivative. Also the existence and uniqueness results and numerical scheme are given with Adams-Bashforth scheme via fractional order Caputo derivative.
Simulation of a Homomorphic Encryption System
Authors: Bozduman Hanife Çağıl , Afacan Erkan
Published: May 2020

Cryptology is defined as the science of making communication incomprehensible to third parties who have no right to read and understand the data or messages. Cryptology consists of two parts, namely, cryptography and cryptanalysis. Cryptography analyzes methods of encrypting messages, and cryptanalysis analyzes methods of decrypting encrypted messages. Encryption is the process of translating plaintext data into something that appears to be random and meaningless. Decryption is the process of converting this random text into plaintext. Cloud computing is the legal transfer of computing services over the Internet. Cloud services let individuals and businesses to use software and hardware resources at remote locations. Widespread use of cloud computing raises the question of whether it is possible to delegate the processing of data without giving access to it. However, homomorphic encryption allows performing computations on encrypted data without decryption. In homomorphic encryption, only the encrypted version of the data is given to the untrusted computer to process. The computer will perform the computation on this encrypted data, without knowing anything on its real value. Finally, it will send back the result, and whoever has the proper deciphering key can decrypt the cryptogram correctly. The decrypted result will be equal to the intended computed value. In this paper, homomorphic encryption and their types are reviewed. Also, a simulation of somewhat homomorphic encryption is examined.
The application of Chaboche model in uniaxial ratcheting simulations
Authors: Wójcik Marta , Skrzat Andrzej
Published: May 2020

This article presents the application of Chaboche nonlinear kinematic hardening model in simulations of uniaxial ratcheting. First, the symmetrical strain-controlled cyclic tension/compression tests for PA6 aluminum samples were done. Using the experimental stress–strain curve, initial material hardening parameters were determined by the ABAQUS software. The experimental curve was compared with the numerical one. For better fitting of both curves, the optimization procedure based on the least-square method was applied. Using the determined hardening parameters, numerical simulations of the ratcheting were done by the finite element analysis software. Numerical results were then compared with the experimental data obtained in the stress-controlled cyclic loading test.
Characterizing Positioning Errors When Using the Second-Generation Australian Satellite-Based Augmentation System
Authors: Khaki Mehdi , El-Mowafy Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Fault detection and exclusion (FDE) is the main task for pre-processing of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positions and is a fundamental process in integrity monitoring that is needed to achieve reliable positioning for applications such as in intelligent transport systems. A widely used method is the solution separation (SS) algorithm. The FDE in SS traditionally builds the models assuming positioning errors are normally distributed. However, in urban environments, this traditional assumption may no longer be valid. The objective of this study is to investigate this and further examine the performance of alternative distributions, which can be useful for FDE modelling and thus improved navigation. In particular, it investigates characterization of positioning errors using GNSS when the Australian satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) test bed is used, which comprised different positioning modes, including single-point positioning (SPP) using the L1 global positioning system (GPS) legacy SBAS, the second-generation dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) SBAS service for GPS and Galileo, and, finally, precise point positioning (PPP) using GPS and Galileo observations. Statistical analyses are carried out to study the position error distributions over different possible operational environments, including open sky, low-density urban environment, and high-density urban environment. Significant autocorrelation values are also found over all areas. This, however, is more evident for PPP solution. Furthermore, the applied distribution analyses applied suggest that in addition to the normal distribution, logistic, Weibull, and gamma distribution functions can fit the error data in various cases. This information can be used in building more representative FDE models according to the work environment.
Fe-Chelating Activity of Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. Leaf Extracts and 1H-NMR Based Metabolite’s classification
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Chaudhary Ayoub Rashid , Mumtaz Muhammad Waseem , Bashir Sadia , Ahmad Maqsood , William James , Arshad Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the work was to evaluate the Fe-chelating activity of freeze drying assisted ultrasonicated hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. along with 1H-NMR based classification of metabolites in most active extract. The finding revealed that 60% ethanolic extract was the most active fraction regarding Fe-chelating activity with value of 75.4 ± 0.6% followed by 80% ethanolic extract having chelating value of 69.24±1.02%. The least Fe-chelating activity was exhibited by aqueous extract. The statistical analysis revealed that the Fe-chelating activity by 60% ethanolic extract was significantly higher than other fractions except EDTA which was used as standard chelating agent. The 1HNMR technique predicted the presence of aromatic secondary metabolites of polyphenolic origin due to numerous peaks in respective regions. The peaks in carbohydrate and organic acid regions were also observed. The research outcomes suggested that C. lancifolius may be workable choice to move further for the development of cure and management practices for iron load based oxidative stress oriented diseases including diabetes mellitus type II.
Analysis of the main agronomic characters of some barley varieties and the genetic characterization of their descendancy after a full diallel cross
Authors: Bouchetat Fawzia , Aissat Abdelkader , Boutellaa Sana , Bellah Safa
Published: May 2020

The experiment was conducted at the level of a pilot farm located in eastern Algeria under a humid bioclimatic stage, during two successive crop years. The study focused on a F1 generation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) consisting of twelve hybrids from a complete diallel cross between the two locals varieties (Saida and Tichedrett) and two other introduced varieties (Nadawa and Fouara). The aim was to determine the value of parental genotypes as genitors and to analyze their descendants, while evaluating the phenotypic variability of ten quantitative variables. Analysis of the variance revealed a significant difference for the whole of parameters studied in the parents as in their descendants. Additive and non-additive effects are involved in the genetic control of the analyzed variables. The Hayman model (1954) seems acceptable for five variables on ten variables studied for which additive effects are more important than dominance effects. The analysis of the heterosis effect was significant for the characters tested. For the productivity of the plant, eight hybrids on twelve have expressed a positive heterosis compared to the mid- parent, six combinations on twelve have registered a positive heterosis compared to the over-batter parent and compared to the best variety with an overall heterosis of 17.53%.
Second Version of SpectraView for Spectra Analysis
Authors: Marchev Dragomir , Dimitrov Georgi , Pavlova Nataliya , Vasileva Doroteq , Borisov Borislav , Atanasova Teodora , Marchev Vladislav
Published: May 2020

This short communication presents a second version of the program SpectraView (SV2). The Second Version of SpectraView for Spectra Analysis is based on data collected with 2-m RCC telescope at Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory. This version is equipped with new user interface and other features unavailable in its previous versions. It has also been created using modern programming language and is now compatible with the latest operating systems. The program has been tested on the observations of the five short-period variable stars.
Application of Physical Vapor Deposition in Textile Industry
Authors: Miśkiewicz Pamela , Frydrych Iwona , Cichocka Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Currently, scientists are striving to produce innovative textile materials characterized by special properties. Therefore, attempts have been made to use physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques to modify the surface of textile materials, i.e., nonwovens, fabrics, and knitted fabrics. By using these techniques for modifying the basic materials, researchers have obtained textiles with novel properties, which are used in shielding materials, textronics, or clothing, as well as in specialized accessories. The PVD process can be applied for almost all materials. The physical vapor deposition process allows for obtaining layers of different thicknesses and with various physical and chemical properties. This article is a review of the latest state of the art on the use of various methods of physical vapor deposition in textiles destined for different purposes.
A Method of 1D UVC Radiation Dose Measurement using a Novel Tablet Dosimeter
Authors: Sąsiadek Elżbieta , Kozicki Marek
Published: May 2020

In this work, a method for the measurement of one-dimensional (1D) UV radiation dose is described. It comprises a new tablet dosimeter that measures the dose using reflectance spectrophotometry. The tablet dosimeter elaborated is a solid structure with a cylindrical form and has been manufactured with polycaprolactone (PCL) doped with a representative of tetrazolium salts: 2,3,5−triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The PCL used makes the dosimeter biodegradable and therefore proecological. The TTC dopant is distributed uniformly in the whole PCL tablet, and the whole tablet changes color to red under UVC irradiation. The intensity of this color increases if the PCL–TTC tablet absorbs higher doses. The color of the tablet is stable for at least 30 days after irradiation. It is proposed that the PCL-TTC tablet be used for measurement with reflectance spectrophotometry in order to determine the reflectance of light versus the absorbed dose in a fast and easy manner. On this basis, the PCL-TTC tablet could be characterized by providing information on its dose range, which amounted to 0–2 J/cm2. Moreover, other parameters were derived, such as dose sensitivity, quasilinear dose range, and dose threshold. The morphology of the tablets studied using scanning electron microscopy revealed their high porosity, which however did not influence the reflectance measurements with the aid of the chosen instrument. UVC irradiation at a dose (15 J/cm2) much above the PCL-TTC tablets’ dose range did not alter the morphology of the tablets. The PCL-TTC tablet read with reflectance spectrophotometry is shown to be a promising and fast method for 1D UV dose measurements.
Application of Silica Aerogel in Composites Protecting Against Thermal Radiation
Authors: Krzemińska Sylwia , Cieślak Małgorzata , Kamińska Irena , Nejman Alicja
Published: May 2020

Aerogels are characterized by excellent insulation properties and a good resistance to high and low temperatures. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of silica aerogel on thermal properties of textile–polymer composites. Aerogel was applied in protective clothing fabric to improve its heat resistance. The composites were produced by coating a fabric made of meta-aramid (polyamide–imide) yarns with a dispersion of polychloroprene latex and synthetic resins or an acrylic–styrene dispersion with aerogel (100–700 μm particle size). The composites were subjected to thermal radiation (20 kW/m2) and their thermal properties were determined by thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). Scanning electron microscopy/X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to characterize the microstructure and study the elemental composition of materials. The thermal conductivity and resistance of composites were measured with an Alambeta apparatus. The tests indicated an increase in resistance to thermal radiation by approximately 15–25%. In TG/DTG analysis, the initial temperature for an unmodified fabric was 423.3°C. After modification, it decreased to 361.8° and 365.3°C for composites with 7 and 14% of aerogel, respectively. SEM images revealed a reduction in aerogel particle size.
Yoga and relaxation for promoting public health: A review of the practice and supportive research
Authors: Stec Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this review is to present yoga as an important tool for both disease prevention and health care. Yoga involves a holistic approach that lacks the mechanistic fragmentation of the impact on individual organs and body systems, which arises from much of the specialization found in modern medicine. Lifestyle diseases are increasingly a problem. The incidence of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer, mental illness and obesity is increasing worldwide. This is true even of countries that, until recently, followed a traditional way of life. Technology, the pace of life, stress, and reduced physical activity serve to degrade the general level of health in societies across the globe. In Western societies, these factors have raised the demand for preventive and therapeutic antidotes, leading Westerners to turn to traditional yoga, which is, however, often modified to the point of distorting its essence. In its original nature yoga is a non-religious, psychosomatic system based on natural laws, inspired by science to act on the body in a way that is integrated into the natural world. The system of Ayurvedic medicine works in parallel with yoga, aiming at the same holistic effect. Both it and the various elements of yoga, in particular asanas (postures), are the means of effecting beneficial changes in psychosomatic functioning. Yoga itself relaxes and strengthens physical movement, focusing particular attention on the mobility of the spine. It is also the perfect medium for achieving mental balance. These properties of yoga have made it useful in the treatment of cancer and other modern diseases, in slowing the body’s aging process, and in achieving general welfare and well-being. More intense forms of yoga practice, such as the ancient method of fitness training called Suryanamaskar, have demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, respiratory ailments and other conditions.
Moral Cognition in Criminal Punishment
Authors: Steffen Jason R.
Published: May 2020

Scholars often appeal to Kant in defending a retributivist view of criminal punishment. In this paper, I join other scholars in rejecting this interpretation as insufficiently attentive to Kant's wider theory of justice, particularly as found in the Rechtslehre, a section of the Metaphysics of Morals. I then turn to the Tugendlehre, where I examine analogies between Kant's treatments of morality and justice. In particular, I argue that Kant's own views about conscience and moral cognition should cause us to rethink the importance of lex talionis (an integral retributive principle) in the criminal justice system, and to adopt a more merciful attitude toward punishable criminals than we might otherwise be inclined to do. I end with a few policy proposals aimed at encouraging such moral cognition in contemporary Anglo-American criminal justice systems
A Hybrid Technique for Server Consolidation in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Vijaya C. , Srinivasan P.
Published: May 2020

The goal of data centers in the cloud computing environment is to provision the workloads and the computing resources as demanded by the users without the intervention of the providers. To achieve this, virtualization based server consolidation acts as a vital part in virtual machine placement process. Consolidating the Virtual Machines (VMs) on the Physical Machines (PMs) cuts down the unused physical servers, decreasing the energy consumption, while keeping the constraints for CPU and memory utilization. This technique also reduces the resource wastage and optimizes the available resources efficiently. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) that is a well-known multi objective heuristic algorithm and Grey Wolf Algorithm (GWO) has been used to consolidate the servers used in the virtual machine placement problem. The proposed Fuzzy HAGA algorithm outperforms the other algorithms MMAS, ACS, FFD and Fuzzy ACS compared against it as the number of processors and memory utilization are lesser than these algorithms.
Efficient Image Cipher Based on Baker Map in the Discrete Cosine Transform
Authors: Alhumyani Hesham
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an efficient image cipher based on applying the chaotic Baker Map (BM) in the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT). The encryption module of the proposed DCT-based BM image cipher employs a DCT on the original plain-image then, the DCT coefficients of the plain-image are shuffled with the BM. Finally, the inverse DCT is applied to the shuffled plain-image DCT coefficients to obtain the final cipher-image. The decryption module of the proposed DCT-based BM image cipher employs a DCT on the input cipher-image then, the DCT coefficients of the cipher-image are inversely shuffled with the BM. Finally, the inverse DCT is applied to the inversely shuffled cipher-image DCT coefficients to obtain the original plain-image. A set of experimental tests are performed to test the validity of the proposed DCT-based BM image cipher and the performed tests demonstrated the superiority of the proposed DCT-based BM image cipher in terms of statistical, differential, sensitivity and noise immunity.
Algorithm and Software System for Treatment Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Problematic Skin Wounds
Authors: Manukova-Marinova A. , Sokolov Ts. , Marinov M.
Published: May 2020

Recently a big interest arises to the automated diagnosis and digitalization of clinical data. The purpose of this article is to present treatment algorithm and software system for Problematic Skin Wounds (PSW) by using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), based on the first study on platelet-rich plasma application carried out in Bulgaria. PSW-PRP-Project software system was developed for entering and processing medical data during PRP treatment, visualization of general patient information, treatment trend, as well as a module for training specialists through the created database. For a period of seven years around 100 patients have been treatment at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, UMBAL KANEV Ruse AD, by applying platelet-rich plasma. The algorithm for the use of platelet-rich plasma for treating problematic skin wounds allows for the proper and accurate treatment of patients with various problematic skin wounds with the purpose of solving the therapeutic problem and their complete recovery. The procedure’s course is determined based on assessment on three digital criteria TWS, TAS and TSWD. The algorithms are based on our results, obtained for the first in Bulgaria while treating problematic skin wounds by using platelet-rich plasma and successfully treating 92.78% of patients to full recovery.
Reliability Assessment and Sensitivity Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dams by Considering Uncertainty in Reservoir Water Levels and Dam Body Materials
Authors: Pouraminian Majid , Pourbakhshian Somayyeh , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan
Published: May 2020

An elaborate safety assessment of the Pine Flat (PF) concrete gravity dam (CGD) has been conducted in this paper. Structural analysis was performed by taking into account the uncertainties in the physical and mechanical properties of the dam body materials and the reservoir water level. The coefficient of variation of 5 and 10 percent and the Gaussian distribution (GAUS) are assigned to random variables (RVs). Sensitivity analysis (SA) of the RVs is done, and important parameters introduced. SA is done to identify the most influential RVs on the structural response. Also, the modulus of elasticity of concrete is the most effective parameter in response to horizontal deformation of the dam crest. The concrete density and US hydrostatic pressure height are the most effective parameters, and the Poisson's ratio is the insignificant parameter on the dam response. To be confident in the safety of the dam body under usual loading, including the dam weight and the upstream (US) hydrostatic pressure, the reliability index (RI) has been obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. The RI for the coefficients of variation of 5 and 10 percent were obtained at 4.38 and 2.47, respectively. If the dispersion of RVs is high, then the dam will be at risk of failure.
Impact of the Municipal Waste Collection System in Cities on Urban Space and the Functioning of their Inhabitants
Authors: Kleszcz Justyna , Maciejko Alicja
Published: May 2020

The article looks at the latest trends in solving the problem of garbage collection, segregation and disposal in urban housing estates in the scope of design, architectural and spatial solutions. The paper adopts a method of analysing existing applications in view of globally shifting living conditions. As a result of the conducted analyses, a set of features and factors was singled out, ranging from functional-spatial, through transport and ergonomic to social and aesthetic ones. Also, conclusions that should be taken into account when determining the principles for designing these structures were presented.
Compression Behaviour of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Cellular Light Weight Concrete Masonry Prism
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Ramalingam , Ramanagopal Srinivasan
Published: May 2020

Sustainable development of the built environment in developing countries is a major challenge in the 21st century. The use of local materials in the construction of buildings is one of the potential ways to support sustainable development in both urban and rural areas where burnt clay bricks are used predominantly. This work focuses mainly on the use of polypropylene micro fibers in ordinary Cellular Lightweight Concrete blocks. The main objective is to develop a high-performance fibre reinforced cellular concrete to provide a better alternative than clay bricks for structural applications of masonry. This paper presents the stress-strain behaviour of polypropylene fibre reinforced Cellular Lightweight Concrete stack bonded prisms under axial compression. Masonry compressive strength is typically obtained by testing stack bonded prisms under compression normal to its bed joint. Use of micro-fibres enhances the pre-cracking behaviour of masonry by arresting cracks at micro-scale in the post-peak region. These efforts are necessary to ensure that CLC blocks become more accepted in the world of building materials and considered as a reliable option for providing low-cost housing.
A Preliminary Comparative Study of Seepage Behaviour Behind Retaining Walls with Crumb Rubber and Geocomposite
Authors: Sivapriya Vijayasimhan , Sudharasan Chinnusamy , Suraj Ravikumar , Abinaya Kalyansundaram
Published: May 2020

A retaining wall is built to provide support to the soil when there is a change in elevation of the ground. Weep holes present in the retaining wall help water to seep through it. Filter protection should be made behind the weep holes to prevent soil erosion around the weep holes. The classic filter material that is widely used is gravel, which is packed according to Hudson’s law. Laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the seepage function of alternative material such as crumb rubber and geocomposite (fabricated) in a homogenous sand layer and in-situ soil. The time taken by the water to reach the weep holes was calculated and compared. From the results, it is suggested to use crumb rubber as an alternative packing material behind the weep hole.
The EU Regulatory Competition in Asylum Law
Authors: Veshi Denard
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the principle of subsidiarity in asylum law. It exposes some of the most important ‘push’ factors that have been considered by the European Union (EU) as arguments for the centralisation of asylum law. Through the application of an economic approach, this text examines the need for harmonization of asylum standards to reach the goal established in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. An economic methodology is used to investigate the application of the subsidiarity principle by considering some of the most important economic criteria for both centralisation and decentralisation, and by applying the findings to the asylum law. Specifically, this paper considers the Tiebout model, the problem of the ‘race to the bottom’, the reduction of transaction costs, and the importance of the protection of refugee human rights. These theories are commonly used in the cases of a specific issue with a transboundary nature, which produces [negative] international externalities. In addition, they reflect the significance of equal conditions within the EU Member States as well as the role of the EU as a sui generis organisation protecting human rights. It should be noted that this paper does not deal with the basic normative question of whether or not refugees deserve protection, but it aims to expose the advantages and disadvantages of an EU asylum policy. In its conclusion, the paper discusses the advantages of a centralised EU policy that also allows, within certain conditions, some type of competition between the Member States.
Cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory markers in children with aseptic meningitis
Authors: Nadraga Alexander , Khomyn Olena
Published: May 2020

Aseptic meningitis is one of the most common inflammatory disorders of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of our study was to investigate the cytokine profiles in the CSF and in the serum of children with aseptic meningitis to determine their role in CNS inflammation. Sixty-eight (68) children were kept under observation. Cytokine profile of CSF and blood (based on the results of determining of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α levels) and procalcitonin in children were revealed, meningitis severity were estimated by AMSS score. It was found that in the majority of patients with aseptic meningitis, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 in CSF were increased and exceeded the serum cytokines levels. The severe course of meningitis was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in CSF, which was confirmed by positive correlation between AMSS score and IL-1β concentration (r=0.46, p<0.01), IL-10 (r=0.32, p<0.01), TNF-α (r=0.62, p<0.05). The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was – 17.8. PCT level in CSF was within normal limits in the majority of patients with meningitis. Increasing of anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in aseptic meningitis contributes to preventing of excessive inflammatory/immune responses in the brain. This can cause a longer diseases course and a longer recovery period. This can an indicate active production of cytokines in the central nervous system due to intrathecal inflammation and activation of immune responses caused by viral infection, but not due to penetration across the blood-brain barrier.
Conducting a Graduate Tracer Study at a University of Technology: a Quest to Enhance the Learning Experience
Authors: Brits Hans J. , Steyn Chris
Published: May 2020

The university is a complex open system with a range of stakeholders each with a variety of (different) expectations. It is important for universities to be aware of these expectations and to ensure that they are achievable (Ulewicz 2017:93). Universities are key role players in improving employability and to enhance economic growth. They are preparing students with the knowledge and skills required for the contemporary labour market (Tran 2016, 58-59) and should respond to governments’ neoliberal pressures in finding ways to address the requirements of the labour market and to apply mechanisms to safeguard their graduates from unemployment. Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in South Africa, conducted a Tracer Study to gather information on graduate’s experience and to evaluate their abilities and skills as employees. This is important as knowledge of the outcomes of the educational experience forms the basis for quality enhancement.

This presentation focuses on tracer studies as mechanisms to enhance programme quality and will reflect on the methodology that VUT followed, how the results inform the development of institutional remedial action plans and lessons learnt. This study may contribute to the dearth of research available on tracer studies in the sector.
Incorporation of Practice Based Approach into Engineering Education at Master Level: Analysis of Needs of Teaching staff at Cape Peninsula University of Technology within PEESA III Project
Authors: Gruenwald Norbert , Staak Anthony , Bosman Stephen , Ndihokubwayo Ruben , Zaščerinska Jeļena , Ahrens Andreas
Published: May 2020

Company’s work, growth and development are facilitated by the synergy between employee education and working. However, fresh employees who recently graduated from higher education institutions are often mismatched to their jobs due to their imbalances between skills offered or, in other words, education, and skills needed or, in other words, practice in the world of work. For bridging the gap between graduates’ skills and company’s needs, technical universities traditionally devote much time to students’ practical training. The aim of the present paper is to analyse scientific literature on practice based approach underpinning empirical study of needs of teaching staff within PEESA III Project for incorporation of practice based approach into engineering education at master level in South Africa. The data was collected through focus group interview at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in May 2019. The findings of the present research are that university teachers’ experience in practice based approach at universities in South Africa has to be enriched. The following research question has been formulated: How to organize a teacher professional development within teacher training for effective incorporation of practice based approach into engineering education at master level in South Africa? Directions of further research are formulated.
Teaching in Higher Education: Students’ Deep Learning of Brewing by Labwork
Authors: Păcală Mariana-Liliana , Șipoş Anca Sorina , Brudiu Lucica , Favier Lidia
Published: May 2020

The amount of theoretical and practical information to be given to students from engineering food specialty is increasingly greater. Within this perspective, it is important to use teaching-learning methods which to develop students’ cognitive ability through the efficient by of them of knowledge acquired at fundamental and specialized disciplines. The article aims to present in an integrated graphical manner the laboratory entitled “Determination of alcoholic concentration of beer by distillation” within the discipline of “Technology and control in the malt and beer industry” that is taught to students in the field of Food Engineering. The integrative approach to the laboratory theme is based on the generation of a graphical organization of the laboratory work content, thus enabling an efficient guidance of the teaching-learning process. On the same structure of the graphical organization of laboratory work are processed and interpreted experimental results, resulting in students’ deep learning of brewing by laboratory work. In conclusion, the use of integrated graphical manner in the teaching of laboratory work allowed students to achieve much better results in the assessment of laboratory activity, to find an improvement in self-organizing and self-evolving and to be more confident about the scientific research activity.
EXTEND Project: Systematic Approach to Curricula Development
Authors: Lazarou Elisabeth , Zerkina Natalya , Savinova Yulia
Published: May 2020

EXTEND project is aimed at modernizing approaches to teaching engineering disciplines in Russia and Tajikistan, increasing quality of education and possibilities of employment for young engineers, students’ motivation and making engineering education attractive. Modern universities carry out not only professional training of students, but also prepare competitively capable personnel who can survive and thrive in modern free market relations, accompanied by a variety of forms of ownership and competition. International educational projects are relevant as they supply universities with international experience and job possibilities. Therefore, foreign languages competence is of key importance for engineers of future generation, and is a means of forming professional, communicative, linguistic and cultural competences. Success of teaching foreign languages depends not only on teachers’ skills, but on carefully selected and elaborated didactic materials as well. EXTEND project team exchange ideas and experience that result in fruitful discussion of issues concerning elaborating new courses to improve engineering education. International teams, which include EXTEND project participants from European, Russian and Tajik higher educational institutions will carry out the task. Project EXTEND is an open kind of consortium, which implies that members from partner countries subordinate to its leader and share joint responsibility for commitments of the consortium.
Managing Earthwork Construction Business Institutions Applying Industry 4.0 Relating Technologies – The Case of German SMEs
Authors: Hoch Nino B. , Brad Stelian
Published: May 2020

The interest in Industry 4.0 relating technology in earthwork construction is increasing and continues to gain more and more in popularity. Earthwork contractors have begun to think about alternative and innovative ways to increase productivity by applying new ICT technologies. In this context they try e.g. to utilize sensors, software and information and communication tools to improve processes and to reduce workforce and total costs at the same time. However, as with many innovations, there exist companies that have not invested in these technologies yet. The objective of this paper is to investigate in technologies associated with Industry 4.0 and their potential future application-possibilities in the field of earthwork construction. Therefore, this paper conducted an in-depth literature review of relevant Industry 4.0 technology topics. Additionally, semi-structured interviews among German earthwork industry experts were conducted, which revealed several insights regarding benefits, challenges and barriers of managing relevant technologies.
Cross-Sectional Competences For 4.0-Mindsets In VET
Authors: Gebhardt Jonas
Published: May 2020

The present world of work and the private life world are constantly changing. This digital transformation is due to Megatrends, to manure in buzzwords like Industry 4.0, computerization or digitization. Although this developements are slowly becoming apparent, it seems to be clear that future work environments are also becoming more complex. In order to be able to act and shape competently, it is necessary to strengthen the cross-sectional competences of current and future workers and VET-students. This article is a plea for the didactic design and implementation of such cross-sectional competences in the educational practice: Netcompetence can be a sustainable construct for the holistic strengthening of VET students, skilled workers and the human being in a 4.0-world.
School Governance in the European Cultural Area
Authors: Duşe Dan-Maniu , Câmpean Ioan-Marius
Published: May 2020

This article brings forward aspects of governance in the school education systems and it starts from the idea of approaching the governance in a culture of active participation democracy in which the decisional process presents more steps, a reevaluation of governance influencing the thinking and the perception. The matrix of democratic principles interaction with the scholastic fields takes us to the conclusion of the inversion of the proportion between responsibility and assuming, restriction and freedom.
University’s digital transformation: A case study for providing e-services via Moodle
Authors: Chernogorova Yanita , Dimova Rozalina
Published: May 2020

The evolution of digitization reaches a new stage with a focus on the overall transformation, where the so called “Intelligent Environment” such as “Smart City”, “Smart Campus“ is in the heart. Today’s institutions, which have not yet started the transformation towards a Smart Campus, are capable to exploit untapped ICT resources that could potentially lead to the optimization of the processes and services. In order to verify that a new service can be offered with the available ICT resources, a method of finding a subset satisfying some condition is used. The paper reports approach where elements of the main set include own resources and their functionalities, while needed resources to provide a new service build the subset elements. This work presents examples of developed e-services by using the open source Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle. The study demonstrates that Moodle and advanced ICTs are just as so an alternative for improving personal management and information systems in the means of e-services offering. The paper analyzes the results and evaluate the benefits from the digital transformation point of view. The conclusion summarizes features of the applications will contribute the way university interacts with students and staff.
A Novel Design of the Pre-Processing Stage of Data Mining for Educational Purposes
Authors: Ahrens Andreas , Grünwald Norbert , Zaščerinska Jeļena , Melnikova Julija
Published: May 2020

As data sets, in education too, change in size and structure, an appropriate design of the preprocessing stage of data mining for the implementation of data mining for educational purposes is becoming a hot research topic. The aim of the present research is to carry out interdisciplinary analysis of scientific literature on pre-processing in data mining and to design a pre-processing stage of data mining for educational purposes underpinning elaboration of a new research question. The present research employs both theoretical and empirical methods. Theoretical methods include analysis of scientific literature and theoretical modelling. The theoretical findings allow identifying sub-stages of the pre-processing stage for the implementation of data mining for educational purposes. The empirical study was carried out in 2018. The study was a case study The empirical results emphasize the main areas of analysis of teachers’ behaviour in an international project. The empirical study validates the model of the pre-processing stage of data mining for educational purposes. The practical application of the model allows drawing a conclusion that the model is valid. The novel contribution of this paper is the design of the sub-stages of the preprocessing stage for the implementation of data mining techniques for educational purposes.
Comparison of Entrepreneurial Attitudes – a Polish and Ukrainian Case Study
Authors: Małecka Joanna , Revtiuk Yevhen
Published: May 2020

The definition of entrepreneurship is interdisciplinary. Its attitude-describing component alone incorporates many areas, including, primarily, social sciences such as psychology and sociology, followed by economics and law, while taking into account local institutional and legislative environment. Its multi-faceted nature is, however, not only about attitudes but, above all, measurable behaviours, the effects of which can be illustrated in the form of measurable results and balance sheets of enterprises. One of its most important aspects is the fact of influencing the economic environment and economic conditions of countries. Hence, any research in the field of entrepreneurship of social groups, or even nations, should focus on diagnosing the forms of economic activity and describing those environmental elements which will enable certain alleviation of the barriers to development, or even their complete elimination, which, in turn, will contribute to the growth of entire socio-economic systems.

The article attempts to investigate the conditions that affect the willingness to carry on economic activity by analysing the entrepreneurial attitudes of Polish and Ukrainian citizens whose common denominators are: (1) having an engineering degree, (2) being professionally active, and (3) willingness to keep improving their qualifications.
Engineering Studies in Poland: Gender Pattern
Authors: Batóg Jacek , Batóg Barbara
Published: May 2020

Modern economy requires knowledge and skills, which are acquired by future employees mostly in the fields of education including science and engineering. The increase in the number of graduates in this type of studies can be achieved in different ways, one of which is to create conditions and increase the propensity of women to obtain this type of education. The aim of the research presented in the article is to analyse long-term trends in the number of students and graduates in Poland, with particular emphasis on engineering faculties and the participation of women. Authors using dispersion and structural similarity measures and dynamic models showed that the total number of students and graduates and the number of students in engineering studies are characterised by different patterns. At the same time, in both cases a different structure of total students and engineers by gender was observed, as well as a growing share of women.