bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of number of simulated particles on the uncertainty in simulation of dispersion of radioactive material using FLEXPART program
Authors: Nguyen Hao Quang , Hoang Sy Than , Duong Duc Thang , Pham Kim Long
Published: September 2021

FLEXPART software simulates atmospheric emissions based on wind-field movements and random disturbances. To simulate random processes, FLEXPART uses a certain number of simulation particles. Changing the number of simulation particles causes a change in the simulated results of the dispersion concentration of the radionuclides. The larger number of simulated particles results in the more accurate simulated results. However, increasing the number of simulated particles results in the increasing of the computational cost. The report presents an assessment of the uncertainty in theconcentration of radionuclides in simulating dispersion of 137Cs and 131I nuclides using FLEXPART software according to the number of simulation particles. The number of simulation particles used in this study are 100, 1000, 5000, 7500, 10000, 15000, 20000, 25000 and 30000 particles / hour. Using the image processing software OpenCV to evaluate the uncertainties of simulated results according to the number of simulated particles used. Evaluation results show that the simulated results are acceptable with the number of simulated particles being of 20000 particles/hour.
Preparation of ¹⁸F-NaF radiopharmaceuticals using home-made automatic synthesis module at Hanoi Irradiation Center
Authors: Tran Manh Thang , Mai Van Vinh , Dam Thi Tam , Nguyen Quang Anh , Le Thi Thu Hien , Pham Minh Duc , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Van Sy , Nguyen Thanh Hung , Dang Quang Bao , Nguyen Xuan Vinh , Nguyen Thi Kim Dung
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to prepare 18F-NaF radiopharmaceutical using a home-madeautomatic synthesis module consisting of hardware and software which was made by a researcherteam of Hanoi Irradiation Center, HIC, Hanoi, Vietnam. Fluorine-18 isotopes produced in cyclotron KOTRON13 were transferred to the module and radioactive cation impurities were first removed by cation exchange on a carboxymethyl cation exchange (CM) cartridge, and then 18F- ion were trapped by a quaternary methyl ammonium anion exchange (QMA) cartridge. Finally, 18F- was eluated from the cartridge by isotonic saline water (NaCl 0,9% in water) in the form of 18F-NaF. Time of the preparation process was about 13 minutes. Radiochemical yield of the preparation was as high as 95.5%, in average. The qualities of the product were satisfied the criteria of the United StatesPharmacopoeia (USP38). PET/CT bone scaner (skeletal scintigraphy) pre-clinical tests using of the 18 F-NaF product showed good quality of imaging for the entire skeletal and distribution of the 18F-NaF in the kidney and the bladder agreed with it’s natural distribution.
Estimation of Tritium Production in VVER-440 Reactor Core During Normal Operation
Authors: Čerba Štefan , Lüley Jakub , Vrban Branislav , Osuský Filip , Nečas Vladimír
Published: September 2021

Slovakia as one of the world leading countries in the share of nuclear power in electricityproduction and currently operates 2 nuclear power plants, each with 2 VVER-440 units. In addition to these reactors there are 2 VVER-440 units under construction and 2 units in decommissioning. The VVER-440 technology features thermal neutron spectrum, low enriched uranium dioxide fuel and light-water coolant, diluted boric acid and 37 emergency reactivity control assemblies with boron steel absorber. Due to the presence of 10B in the coolant/moderator which has high thermal neutron capture cross-section, the absorption of neutron on these atoms may lead to tritium production. Tritiumstrongly contributes to the level of radioactivity of the primary coolant, therefore the NPP staff must have appropriate knowledge of its production during operation. This paper focuses on the estimation of the tritium production for a specific scenario of the operation of the 3rd unit of Mochovce NPP. For simulations the SCALE6 system is used with the detailed calculation model developed at the B&J NUCLEAR ltd. company. The calculations presented in the paper are performed using self-shielded multi-group cross-section libraries, taking into account the operation conditions of Mochovce unit 3 NPP in the first fuel campaign.
Conceptual designing of a slow positron beam system using Simion simulation program
Authors: Cao Thanh Long , Huynh Dong Phuong , Nguyen Trung Hieu , Tran Quoc Dung
Published: September 2021

The slow positron beam system is an important device in the study of positron physics and techniques, especially in materials research. This paper presents obtained results in studying and applying a charged particles trajectory simulation program – Simion for building feasible design models for the system. The built models with different designs based on reference designs of some typical systems include a straight-shaped model, a 500 bent-shaped model and a 900 bent-shaped model. Some positron beam trajectory calculation tests have been performed for comparison between the models. From the tests, the 500 bent-shaped model has been proposed as a conceptual design for building a real slow positron beam system in the future in Vietnam.
Temporal variation of stable isotopic values for dissolved nitrogen compounds in paddy water environment
Authors: Makoto Saiki , Do Thu Nga , Cao Thi Thuy Hai , Takashi Nakamura , Ta Thi Thao , Kei Nishida
Published: September 2021

Vietnam is the second-largest rice exporter worldwide and the amount of applied fertilizer is increasing rapidly in recent years. Overuse of chemical fertilizers in the paddy fields strongly contributes to the pollution of water bodies. This study aimed to understand the temporal variation of nitrogen concentrations and stable isotope values as environmental tracers based on the observed data in a selected paddy field in Vietnam, which provides basic and useful clues for tracing sources and identifying processes of nitrogen. The results from the field survey showed that , in accordance withthe changes in concentrations, δ15N values of ammonium and nitrate in ponded water drastically varied from -3.6‰ to 17.2‰ and from -18.2‰ to 8.5‰, respectively. The present study implied that not only chemical fertilizers but also irrigation water was the major source of nitrogen into the paddy. In addition, microbiological nitrification and denitrification were presumed based on the temporal isotopic variations.
Bubble behavior in liquid-gas two-phase flow behind a cross-shaped obstacle in a vertical circular duct
Authors: K. Takase , G. Kawasaki , K. Ueta
Published: September 2021

Grid spacers installed in subchannels of fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors can promote heat transfer. However, the fluid velocity and bubble behavior are greatly affected as the cross-sectional area of the flow passage changes. Therefore, the void fraction distribution behind the obstacle that simulates the grid spacer shape simply was measured by using a wire mesh sensor (WMS) system. Moreover, a two-phase flow analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the obstacle on the bubble behavior in a vertical duct.
Relative output factors of different collimation systems in truebeam STx medical linear accelerator
Authors: Do Duc Chi , Tran Ngoc Toan , Hill Robin , Nguyen Do Kien
Published: September 2021

The IAEA TRS483 and TRS398 Code of Practices (CoP) were used to calculate relative output factors for small photon beams of 6X, 6XFFF energies shaped by High Definition Multileaf Collimator (HDMLC), jaws and cones mounted on TrueBeam STx medical linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems), respectively. A comparison between these results were made. The results show a large discrepancy in relative output factor curves found among different collimation systems of the same equivalent field sizes and between the CoPs. Therefore, the specific beam modelling in treatment planning system for each type of the collimation system to be used for small fields maybe required for better computational accuracy.
An overview on Islamic lifelong learning in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Haji Abd Latif Nurul Atiqah , Shamsu Lilly Suzana
Published: September 2021

Since 19th Century, Brunei Darussalam has conducted Islamic Lifelong Learning formally and non-formally which has been referred to as the Adult Religious Class. The class is offered to mature students who had never attended or finished their formal religious education. The modules taught are mostly focused on al-Quran literacy skills and basic Islamic studies. Although these classes have been practiced for a long time, the term Islamic Lifelong Learning is still an uncommon term in the sultanate. Hence, this study proposes to explore and discover the term “Islamic Lifelong Learning” in the context of Brunei Darussalam. The study is based on documents review and analysis from past researchers and official websites. Furthermore, the findings have suggested that various classes have been established in Lifelong Learning which can be known as “Islamic Lifelong Learning”. Thus, the paper concludes that Islamic Lifelong Learning is a part of an ongoing learning in Brunei Darussalam which has been implemented and conducted either in mosques, balais, universities or institutes with particular Islamic modules consists of ‘Aqīdah, Sharī‘ah and Akhlāq.
Bahasa dan kuasa: analisis wacana bahasa perundingan Nabi Yusuf AS dengan saudara-saudara Baginda
Authors: Zakaria Kasmawati , Nordin Munif Zarirruddin Fikri
Published: September 2021

Perundingan merupakan salah satu bentuk interaksi sosial yang digunakan dalam proses perdamaian antara individu mahupun kumpulan yang berkonflik. Kemahiran penggunaan bahasa yang efektif dalam perundingan sangat penting bagi memastikan objektif perundingan dapat dicapai khususnya dalam pembinaan hubungan yang baik antara kedua-dua belah pihak. Kajian ini memberi fokus kepada cara Nabi Yusuf AS menggembleng bahasa dalam mengubah amalan sosial iaitu konflik antara baginda dengan saudara-saudaranya melalui wacana perundingan. Secara khususnya, kajian ini dilakukan untuk melakukan deskripsi terhadap dialog antara Nabi Yusuf AS dengan saudara-saudaranya semasa proses perundingan menerusi penganalisisan terhadap i) penggunaan bahasa sebagai medium utama perundingan; dan ii) hubungan kuasa perunding dengan bahasa dalam perundingan. Artikel ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis wacana al-Quran, metode al-Jurjānīy serta analisis wacana kritis, metode Fairclough (1992; 2003). Wacana perundingan yang dipilih untuk tujuan analisis ini ialah teks dialog antara Nabi Yusuf AS dan saudara-saudaranya daripada surah Yūsuf dalam tiga fasa perundingan iaitu perundingan penyediaan bekalan makanan, perundingan penahanan Bunyāmīn dan perundingan perdamaian. Berdasarkan pendekatan analisis wacana kritis Fairclough itu, dimensi tekstual kajian ini meliputi modaliti, partikel dan struktur teks. Manakala dimensi amalan wacana dibataskan kepada daya ujaran sahaja. Analisis dimensi amalan sosial diperlihatkan melalui pertalian antara kedua-dua dimensi. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa terdapat praktis sosial yang menggambarkan wujud penggunaan kuasa dalam wacana perundingan Nabi Yusuf AS dengan saudara-saudaranya di samping penggunaan bahasa baginda yang bersifat persuasif, tegas dan santun yang membentuk hubungan sosial antara mereka.
Relevansi Qirāāt dan Implikasinya Terhadap Hukum Fiqh : Satu Pengenalan
Authors: Shamshul Kamar Muhammad Zaid , A.Adi Muhammad Fairuz , Saad Shaharuddin , Muhammad Radhi Hanis , Arifin Md Tahir Muhammad Zainol
Published: September 2021

The knowledge of qirāāt is a very important in Islamic studies. This discipline of knowledge is closely related to a variety of other disciplines of knowledge including fiqh. This paper aims to state the role of the science of qirāāt in influencing the production of hukm fiqh for the fuqaha. Also discussed are the definition of qirāāt and fiqh, the role of khilaf qirāāt in shaping the hukm fiqh, the role of qirāāt in improving the understanding of the verses of fiqh as well as qirāāt and its effect on fiqh. This writing is qualitative and historical in nature. The result of the study is to explain the implications of qirāāt on the provisions of the jurists in the production of hukm fiqh. Therefore, the study of the science of qirāāt and its interaction with the hukm of fiqh should be developed in order to ensure the sustainability of knowledge, especially related to qirāāt, ​​is always preserved.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION KNOWLEDGE LEVELS IN POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS FACULTY OF DENTISTRY
Authors: Sarwendah Sri , Suwondo Syarif , Nisa Harliani Irena
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Universal precautions are one way to prevent the transmission of disease, which is transmitted by blood and all body fluids, including saliva, either from the patient to health worker and from patient to another patient. Patients should be treated as infected with the disease and potentially infectious every time. This action should be done by all health care staff in the risk of cross-infection between patients, and health workers can be minimized. Basic universal precautions include immunization, hand washing, personal protective equipment, medical equipment management, and hospital waste management. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge about universal precautions in postgraduate students Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani Cimahi (Unjani). This study used a descriptive design by cross-sectional. Collection data for research using a questionnaire containing 20 questions tested for validity and reliability, then a questionnaire filled out by respondents as many as 40 people. Presentation of research data is processed and presented to illustrate the level of knowledge in postgraduate students of frequency distribution table. The results showed that most of postgraduate students has a high knowledge (60%), postgraduate students with a moderate level of knowledge (27.5%), and postgraduate students with the knowledge that a low level (12.5%). Conclusions of the research showed that the majority postgraduate students about universal precaution is at a high level.
Evaluación del Patrimonio Construido: Manual de Ensayos Simples
Authors: Charola A. Elena , Otero Jorge , DePriest Paula T. , Koestler Robert J.
Published: September 2021

Este manual describe simples ensayos para evaluar la
condición del patrimonio construído y de monumentos culturales. Los ensayos
fueron seleccionados por su sencillez y su disponibilidad generalizada,
especialmente en países donde pocas instituciones se encargan de la
conservación de edificios o monumentos, y donde hay pocos laboratorios capaces
de hacer los análisis necesarios. Muchos ensayos se puede realizar sin la
necesidad de un laboratorio de conservación completo. Estos incluyen
microscopía, ensayos con tiras reactivas, ensayos con cinta Scotch, absorción
con el tubo RILEM, transmisión de vapor de agua, y tres ensayos que se pueden
realizar en secuencia: coeficiente de absorción capilar de agua, inmersión
total, y curvas de evaporación. Algunos de estos ensayos ayudan en la
examinación de los materiales de construcción, en la caracterización de sales y
otros problemas de su condición, para determinar métodos y materiales
apropiados para su conservación y restauración.
Burden and Associated Factors of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Al-Buraimi Governorate, Oman
Authors: Al-Marbouai Hanan , Ullah Muhammad Muqeet , Al-Nafisi Amal , Elnifily Mostafa Elsayed , Al-Buloshi Ahmed Yar , Sami Al-Mudarra Sami , Abd-Ellatif Eman Elsayed
Published: September 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019, is a global pandemic that has brought a significant health challenge all over the world. Oman reported its first case of COVID-19 on 24 February 2020. Understanding patient characteristics and demand on the healthcare system is essential to ensuring Oman can continue to provide high quality care. The aim of this study is to describe the burden of COVID-19 and associated factors for more severe disease in Al-Buraimi Governorate, Oman. We retrieved demographic and clinical data from electronic medical records for all COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients in Al-Buraimi Governorate from February 1 to August 31, 2020. We assessed the factors for hospitalization and outcome (recovery/death) using descriptive statistics, chi-square test/fisher exact test, spearman’s correlation, and multivariable logistic regression model in Epi info 7, Microsoft excel and SPSS software (p ≤ 0.05 significance level). A total of 977 COVID-19 patients were identified, with a prevalence rate of 8.4 per 1000 in Al-Buraimi Governorate. The male: female ratio was 3.1:1. Of COVID-19 patients, 11.7% were hospitalized, and 1.5% died. Diabetes (12.2%) and hypertension (10.8%) were the most prevalent chronic conditions among COVID-19 patients. Older patients (>60 years old) and those with comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension) were prone to hospitalization (p <0.001), intensive care (p <0.001), and death (p <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that these risk factors were significantly associated with hospital admission (OR= 5.905, 95% CI 3.923–8.889; p <0.001), ICU admission (OR= 4.363, 95% CI 1.952–9.750; p <0.001), and death (OR= 6.785, 95% CI 2.295–20.062; p<0.001). A higher incidence of cases were observed among men and Omanis. Public health messaging for COVID-19 prevention should be tailored to inform these groups to slow the spread. Our findings are consistent with other studies, and local healthcare providers should be informed of the risk for severe disease among older patients and those with comorbidities, importance of early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.
The Early Response to the Coronavirus-Surveys in Southern Texas
Authors: Zhao Meng , Monahan Laura , Monahan Michael , Huang Yuxia , Mathur Sunil
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate if Southern Texas communities were prepared in their awareness and knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in timed snapshots as the pandemic unfolded. Two assessment surveys were implemented utilizing the Coronavirus Awareness and Preparedness Scale (CAPS) in March and April 2020, respectively. A convenience sample of university faculty in Southern Texas was used. Responses to survey questions changed significantly in the one-month timeframe. Respondents' perception of the COVID-19 threat increased dramatically from March to April, while their perceived preparedness facing the COVID-19 also increased tremendously. The recognized benefits of mask-wearing were limited in both March and April. Males and older people aged 55 and above had significantly lower awareness of the COVID-19 in March (p< 0.05) and may need more attention at the early phases of a pandemic. The increased availability of COVID-19 information through public health agencies led to the increased awareness of COVID-19. When facing a pandemic, both healthcare education and health care policy approaches are essential in addressing the containment and the eradication of COVID-19.
Managing Reputation, Sustainability, and Self-Interest: The Case of CEO Remuneration in the United States and the Importance of Being Earnest
Authors: Hall Ernest H. , Lee Jooh
Published: September 2021

Executive compensation has long been a lightening-rod of interest in the popular press and frequently makes the headlines. It seems that everyone has an opinion on the subject, with most demanding an end to inflated compensation packages. Depending on whether you are a member of the C-suite or not will likely skew your opinion on the matter. Given that the CEO is the most visible manifestation of the company to the outside world it is common to fixate on the way in which they are being compensated. However, after all of the research that has been conducted, we are still not sure about what factors determine a business executives’ pay. The present study seeks to add to the extant literature on the subject of CEO compensation by introducing a couple of promising new variables: corporate reputation and sustainability. It is argued that since the CEO is the face of the organization that he/she will be compensated based on how well they manage the firm’s reputation overall and its “environmental footprint” in particular.
Driving Factors for the Change of Fertilizer Use Intensity in China and Its Six Major Regions
Authors: Qu Huimin , Han Jie
Published: September 2021

China has invested excessive amounts of fertilizer on limited farmland, which poses a threat to human health and agro-ecological environment. While a plethora of studies have explored how to reduce the total amount of chemical fertilizer, and scant attention has been paid to how to reduce the chemical fertilizer use intensity (FUI). This paper aims to explore the driving factors for the change of FUI to answer this question. It uses the official statistics of China from 1997 to 2017, as well as index decomposition analysis (IDA) and Laspeyres index decomposition method to obtain the following results. The change of fertilizer use intensity can be affected by three factors: input-output ratio of fertilizer (IOR), unit labor output (ULO) and labor input per unit sown area (LIU). At the national level, IOR is the most important factor in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, while ULO is the most important factor in increasing. The factor of LIU can not only reduce the intensity of fertilizer use, but also increase the intensity.  On a regional level, the fertilizer use intensity in Central-South China is the strongest, while that in the Southwest China is the smallest. Compared with other regions, the factors of ULO in Northwest China and IOR in East China have the greatest impact on fertilizer use intensity. In addition, LIU mainly reduces the intensity of fertilizer use in Northeast China, while this factor in North China is to increase the intensity. Our findings suggest that farmers should not increase labor productivity by investing chemical fertilizer. Improving the efficiency of fertilizer use and transferring rural labor force can reduce the fertilizer use intensity in China.
Reviewing of Teachers’ Professional Competencies for Inclusive Education
Authors: Durdukoca Şule Fırat
Published: September 2021

This study aims to review the professional competencies of classroom teachers for inclusive education according to different variables, to obtain information about teachers’ in-class practices and to evaluate their perceptions of professional competencies in depth. The research is a mixed-method study and carried out using the trilinguation. The quantitative data were collected from 203 classroom teachers and the qualitative data from 58 teachers. The data were collected using the “Professional Competency Scale for Teachers on Inclusion” and a semi-structured interview form. The validity and reliability studies of the scale were repeated. The research determined that the professional competencies of participating teachers regarding inclusive education are at a high level, professional competency does not differ according to the variables of gender and seniority, and the professional competency levels of teachers regarding inclusive education differ according to the number of students affected by disability. Besides, it was determined that participant teachers carried out similar classroom practices for their students affected by disability and generally, had a perception that not every student could learn.
An Unusual Origin of Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Srikanth Juvva , Kumar Rajendra , Gupta Nitesh , Ish Pranav , Kumar Rohit , Gupta Neeraj
Published: September 2021

An 18-year-old boy presented with right-sided chest tightness for 2 months [...]
Potential Benefits and Hazards Associated with the Use of E-Cigarettes—A Guide for Practitioners and Current Status in Poland
Authors: Kruszewski Jakub , Worobiej Daniel , Kolasińska Weronika , Sokołowski Rafał , Rząd Michał
Published: September 2021

The use of electronic cigarettes has dynamically increased over the last few years. Meanwhile, the knowledge regarding their safety has been rapidly changing, which could be a challenge for a medical practitioner. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest reports and to verify statements on e-cigarettes’ influence on health, including in the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Awareness of the benefits of e-cigarettes can provide vital support for doctors caring for patients who smoke tra-ditional cigarettes. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the dangers of the medically unjustified use of electronic cigarettes. Despite the idea of releasing e-cigarettes into the market as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes, this product also has a negative impact on health. Replacing traditional cigarettes with e-cigarettes provides well-documented benefits to patients with certain indications such as hypertension and asthma, as well as to smokers who intend to minimize the negative effects of passive smoking on their environment. Moreover, it could be valuable for patients who are willing to permanently overcome a nicotine addiction, especially when previous attempts to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) monotherapy were unsuccessful. Electronic cigarettes are a rapidly developing technology and an innovative form of a well-known addiction, so it is essential for practitioners to stay informed.
Risk Factors for Complicated Community-Acquired Pneumonia Course in Patients Treated with β-Lactam Monotherapy
Authors: Cincilevičiūtė Giedrė , Averjanovaitė Vaida , Mereškevičienė Rūta , Pliatkienė Gabrielė , Zablockis Rolandas , Danila Edvardas
Published: September 2021

Introduction: We aimed to investigate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospitalisation, empirically treated with β-lactam monotherapy, with 30-day mortality and risk factors predicting its complicated course. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Pulmonology and Allergology Department in a tertiary care university hospital. 253 consecutive patients diagnosed with CAP requiring hospitalisation were enrolled. Hospital admission was based on PSI or CRB-65 scores, severe comorbidities, signs of intoxication, aspiration risk, social risk consider-ations, ineffective prior antibiotic treatment. Results: Fourty seven percent of the subjects had complications on admission, 13% developed new CAP complications during inpatient treatment. Overall, 53% of individuals had a complicated CAP course. 30-day mortality rate was 5.9%. The factors predicting a complicated CAP course were as follows: neuromuscular disease, multilobar opacities on chest X-ray (or computed tomography), and clinically unstable condition as evaluated using Halm’s criteria. Conclusions: The mortality rate in CAP patients treated with b-lactam monotherapy is low. Neuromuscular disease, multilobar opacities, and clinically unstable condition as evaluated using Halm’s criteria predict a complicated CAP course.
Role of Ivermectin in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Chaudhry Muhammad , Zubair Syed , Zubairi Ali , Irfan Muhammad
Published: September 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected almost every country in the world since De-cember 2019. Despite the efforts of the human race to combat the virus, we are still looking for an evidence-based permanent cure for the disease. Ivermectin has recently emerged as one of the therapies having a beneficial effect on COVID-19. Ivermectin, owing to its properties, continues to be a possible treatment against the COVID-19 disease. Already being a mainstream drug with minimal adverse effects, it garners valid consideration. It’s use in hospitalized patients, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies has also supported its implementation. In this article, we have reviewed recent studies and explored the effectiveness of ivermectin in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Proteomic Biomarkers of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Baran Kamila , Brzeziańska-Lasota Ewa
Published: September 2021

Lung cancer is a disease with a very low 5-year survival rate (6–13%) worldwide. The most frequently diagnosed histological type of this cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Poor prognosis for lung cancer—including NSCLC—is mainly related to the fact that patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease. The aim of this study is to summarize data that concerns new directions of research regarding diagnostic biomarkers that could be used to support the routine diagnosis of this cancer. In recent years, proteomic analysis has become an important tool for cancer biology research, complementing genetic analysis. Among the numerous methods of proteomic analysis, mass spectrometry techniques enable the extremely accurate qualitative and quantitative identification of hundreds of proteins in small volumes of various biological samples. Such analyses may soon become the basis of improvement in lung cancer diagnostic procedures. This study presents the latest reports in proteomic research concerning the diagnosis of NSCLC. New potential proteomic biomarkers, whose presence indicates the development of a neoplastic process at an early stage, are presented. We describe biomarkers whose altered expression levels correlate with different stages of cancer. We also present protein biomarkers that help differentiate NSCLC subtypes. In the clinical workup of NSCLC patients, it is important not only to make an early diagnosis, but also to monitor the development of the neoplastic disease. Considering this fact, we also present examples of biomarkers whose abnormal expression may indicate a high risk of metastasis to the lymph nodes. This paper also emphasizes the need to conduct further research that would confirm the usefulness of the described biomarkers in clinical practice.
Impact of Inhalers Used in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases on Global Warming
Authors: Emeryk Andrzej , Sosnowski Tomasz , Kupczyk Maciej , Śliwiński Paweł , Zajdel-Całkowska Justyna , Zielonka Tadeusz , Mastalerz-Migas Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

The term “carbon footprint” describes the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment as a result of human activities. The healthcare sector is responsible for 5–8% of the value of global greenhouse gas emissions, of which medical aerosols account for only 0.03% of the total emissions. The reduction of greenhouse gases, including those used for the production and use of medicinal products and medical devices, is part of the responsibilities that Poland and the respective countries should undertake in order to implement the assumptions of international law. At the level of medical law, this obligation correlates with the need to exercise due diligence in the process of providing health services, including the selection of low-emission medical products and devices (inhalers) and providing patients with information on how to handle used products and devices, with particular emphasis on those that imply greenhouse gas emissions. Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) containing the hydrofluoroalkane 134a demonstrate the largest carbon footprint, followed by a metered dose liquid inhaler and dry powder inhalers (DPI). The carbon footprint of DPI with a given drug is 13–32 times lower than it is in the case of the corresponding pMDI. Replacement of pMDI by DPI is one of the effective methods to reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers, and the replacement should be based on current medical knowledge. A recycling system for all types of inhalers must be urgently implemented.
REMOTE WORK. PROS AND CONS
Authors: Mączyńska Elżbieta
Published: September 2021

The text is about remote work analyzed mainly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that took over the world in 2020 and, what is worse, is still ongoing, baffling by new mutations of this virus. Hence, research on remote work in this context is in statu nascendi. Therefore, the reflection on this subject are presented here in a form of an essay, based mainly on hermeneutics, empirical data, but to a large extent also on intuition. Thanks to the research we can find out that an especially important issue is an analysis of remote work in the context of redundant work, bullshit jobs syndrome, but also in the context of – growing in the modern world – loneliness syndrome. Therefore, these issues are presented against the background of the explosion of remote work, characteristic of the pandemic year 2020, and taking into account technological basis for its development. In addition, the views of employees and employers on this topic are presented. According to these opinions, remote work, to a much greater extent than before the pandemic, will become permanent in practice. This is mainly due to economic, social and environmental values of remote work. They are analyzed, but at the same time the analyzes show that such work is not free from various manifestations of degeneration. Hence optimizing proportion between remote and non-remote work is of fundamental importance. This is a difficult challenge mostly (but not only) for economists. It requires interdisciplinary knowledge and a holistic and non-extrapolative approach.
Design and Analysis of a Rotor for a 22 kW Transversally Laminated Anisotropic Synchronous Reluctance Motor
Authors: Ozdil Ali , Uzun Yunus
Published: September 2021

Substantial increase in energy consumption in all around the world has led to researchers to need to produce electrical machines with high energy efficiency since majority of energy has been consumed at industry, especially by electrical machines. Among electrical machines, the Synchronous Reluctance Machines (SynRMs) have been preferred to investigate in recent years due to lack of Induction Machines (IMs) in terms of efficiency and high price of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs). In this study, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) showing the effects of phase angle of current, number of flux barriers, starting diameter of flux barriers, and ribs on machine performance of 22 kW Transversally Laminated Anisotropic (TLA)-SynRM with distributed winding have been carried out in ANSYS Electronics. The design is based on creating a novel rotor considering these rotor parameters since the utilized SynRM consists of same stator with same sized 22 kW IM. The performance of the machine has been investigated through torque, torque ripple, efficiency, saliency, and power factor. Moreover, the effect of the phase angle of the current on the machine performance and the comparison of the 22 kW-SynRM with the same sized and powered IM and with a different SynRM have been carried out in this study. This study has concluded that although the novel SynRM has high torque ripple values, it is better than the IM due to lack of copper losses of rotor and the previously utilized SynRM considering their efficiency classes. The efficiency class of novel SynRM is IE4, whereas that for utilized IM and previously created SynRM are IE1 and IE3, respectively.
Testování hypotézy konvergence v regionu střední Evropy pomocí kointegrace
Authors: Zdražil Pavel
Published: September 2021

The issue of regional disparities development is usually examined only in terms of beta- and sigma-convergence. To extend the discussion, therefore, it is needed to use approaches based on completely different principles, which are not burden with always the same methodological limits. In this context, the aim of this contribution is to apply the cointegration approach to assess the development of regional disparities in economic performance and income in Central Europe. On the sample of 62 regions in 2004-2018, this contribution applies the disparity evaluation method based on the Pesaran's probabilistic approach. In particular, we test the convergence hypothesis by KPSS test (null of stationary), and the divergence hypothesis by ADF test (null of unit root). The analysis found the regional convergence in economic performance, but not in income. After extending the analysis to the level of individual countries, internal regional convergence within most of countries was found in both economic performance and income. As part of the disparity evaluation in economic performance, "western" (regions of the Austria, Czechia and Germany) and the "eastern" convergence club (Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) were identified. Similarly, in the case of income analysis some signs of convergence club (Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia) were found.
Regionálne disparity objektívnej dimenzie chudoby na príklade okresov Banskobystrického kraja (Slovensko)
Authors: Trembošová Miroslava , Dubcová Alena , Kundla Patrik , Veselovský Ján , Oremusová Daša
Published: September 2021

Poverty, as a multispectral phenomenon caused by a serious material deprivation of the population, is currently becoming one of the most observed socio-economic phenomena, the extent and severity of the social consequences of which are constantly increasing. The paper focuses on the evaluation of selected indicators for measuring poverty in the districts of the region with the highest level of its risk from the perspective of relevant experts to the identifying of the extent, level, development and depth of poverty at two times horizons in 2015 and 2019. The methodology of the pilot case study is based on to implement a multi-criteria assessment of the poverty rate in a statistically unreported territorial unit (district) using 19 objective indicators in three directionally different domains: socio-demographic profile (7 indicators), economic performance (6) and infrastructure (6). Experts from various scientific fields (demogeography, regional development, spatial planning, tourism, environmental studies, economics, management and marketing) evaluated each indicator in the range of 0 - 10 points according to the relationship to poverty. This process is basically known in the literature as the Delphic method. To evaluate poverty, the method of quantitative pairwise comparison in the literature, referred to as the Saaty method, was used. The results of the case study indicate that in the districts in the Banská Bystrica Region, the at-risk-of-poverty rate is decreasing, and regional disparities are diminishing.
Sectors and industry regions – Case study italy
Authors: Gomez Helmuth , Antošová Gabriela
Published: September 2021

The aim of the article is to describe the tangible and lasting uneven regional distribution of manufacturing in Italy, as the result of a historical reinforcing process. In doing so, we cite the basic parameters typically applied by the New Economic Geography approach and try to relate some global developments in the Italian history, with the seemingly outright influence of such specific theoretical parameters. The method is merely descriptive and uses a map and some manufacturing statistics for spotlight the actual sectorial distribution of employment as an evidence of the divergent process. For underpinning the analytical interpretation, we consult the previous contribution of some Italian economists and historians setting forth the consolidation of Italian manufacturing expansion and its startling spatial concentration. The descriptive style of the article ends up highlighting the pervasive influence of historical inertia on the regional economic development and the pertinence of New Economic Geography framework for interpreting the uneven distribution of manufacturing across the space.
Dopady nezamestnanosti na rozvoj regiónov Ukrajiny
Authors: Cifranič Michal , Valach Maroš
Published: September 2021

Unemployment at the macroeconomic level is a variable that is one of the important indicators of the state's economic maturity. Unemployment as a phenomenon describes the waste of available human capital and brakes the regional development. In the long term, it can change the production structure of the region and become a limiting factor for its development. The paper is dedicated to unemployment in Ukraine and its impact on regional development, which reflect itself in the form of the development of regional unemployment dynamics. Primary results were obtained mainly by applying the necessary methods of regional convergence and shift-share analysis. The aim of the research was to identify trends in the development of unemployment in 2010-2019, to point out regional disparities in the dynamics of employment development and to compare the change in unemployment in 3 regions, selected by their geographical location. In Ukraine, in most of the regions, the dynamics of employment development has positive values, but there has also been a trend of more intensive deepening of disparities between lagging regions. Private-public cooperation at national, regional and local levels appears to have the greatest positive effect on minimizing unemployment. This underlines meaningfulness examination unemployment at regional level and the implementation of regional policies to mitigate the phenomenon.
Impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on tourism facilities in the regions of Slovakia in 2020
Authors: Urbaníková Marta , Štubňová Michaela
Published: September 2021

Tourism is an inter-ministerial sector, significantly affecting the employment and development of regions. The paper aims to determine the impact of the epidemiological situation caused by the COVID-19 on the development of tourism in the regions of Slovakia based on the use of quantitative methods. Extensive travel restrictions caused a record drop in accommodation visit rate in 2020. The number of foreign visitors decreased by two-thirds year-on-year to the level of 1998. The visit rate in the Slovak Republic was mainly by domestic visitors. Despite the pandemic, in the third quarter of 2020, they exceeded last year's record numbers from the summer season. After considering the visit rate of domestic and foreign visitors, the number of visitors decreased the least year-on-year in the Žilina Region. The most significant year-on-year decrease in visitors was recorded in the Bratislava Region, where business clients were significantly absent. Gross sales decreased by almost half compared to the previous year. The highest gross sales were achieved by accommodation establishments in the Žilina Region. The number of overnight stays decreased year-on-year in all regions. However, the length of stays was significantly extended in the fourth quarter of 2020, thanks to the visit rate in spa towns.
Groundhopping: alternativní forma cestovního ruchu
Authors: Smolík Josef
Published: September 2021

The article presents one of the alternative and popular forms of sports tourism - groundhopping. Groundhopping is carried out by football fans who want to get to know specific regions, locations or football stadiums they consider important or interesting. The aim of this theoretical paper is to define groundhopping in the context of sports tourism. The text is compiled on the basis of foreign literature and Czech experience with this phenomenon. The data are also based on interviews with Czech groundhoppers. As the main result of the text can be considered the definition of groundhopping and identified activities associated with this unusual form of tourism. Groundhopping may have significant impact (economic, social, cultural) on particular locations in the Czech Republic, which mainly refers to the specific football stadiums. The conclusions of this text can be used not only in regional development, but also in the sociology of sport or tourism. It can be assumed that groundhopping will develop dynamically also with regard to the fact that this activity is presented on social networks or specialized websites of football fans.
Lesné prostredie a náučné chodníky ako potenciál vidieckeho turizmu
Authors: Koštialová Katarína
Published: September 2021

The natural and cultural wealth of a particular place or locality plays an important role in rural tourism. The choice of the final destination is determined by several criteria, which merge with each other, such as landscape culture, natural potential, culture, history, opportunities for spending free time in an active way, genius loci of the locality, etc. In recent times, visiting the educational public footpaths is one of the popular free time activities. The object of the study, based on ethnological point of view, is to present existing initial information on the topic of educational public footpaths, analyze them as a specific form of tourism presenting natural and cultural wealth. The object of the study is educational public footpaths in the village of Oravská Lesná. With regards to methodology, the basic ethnographic methods, the study of literature, materials and documents were used. The educational public footpaths demonstrate not only natural and cultural values, but undoubtedly also reflect the identity of local society and they are strongly representative of the local area. The visitors to the educational public footpaths have the opportunity to perceive a relationship between the natural, landscape, cultural and historical phenomena in a more complex way directly in authentic environment. The study highlights the natural and cultural potential of the village and forest environment, serving as an initial determinant for domestic tourism in the village. The specific example of two educational public footpaths highlighted the sense of harmony between the local community and nature, with the specific type of cultural landscape reflecting history and spiritual values of local society.
Disparity medzi krajinami Európskej únie v terciárnom vzdelávaní
Authors: Štrangfeldová Jana , Mališová Daniela
Published: September 2021

As stated in the literature, the educational level of the population is a precursor to the economic growth of the country. However, the current problem is the leakage of highly qualified labour abroad due to insufficient job opportunities or weak financial rewards in the home country. The state's investment in tertiary education becomes irreversible. In this context, the aim of the paper is to identify whether there are disparities in the highly qualified workforce in terms of funding and numbers between the countries of the European Union. The subject of the research is public expenditure on tertiary education (% of GDP per capita) and the share of tertiary educated population in the country (% of the total population of the country). In the paper we use data collected for the period 2011 – 2020. For this reason, they are the subject of research of the countries of the European Union, including the United Kingdom. To identify disparities, we use the method of absolute β-convergence, supplemented by σ-convergence, linear regression, and cluster analysis. The results show that when evaluating public spending on tertiary education, there are disparities when economically strong European countries will diverge. When examining the share of the tertiary educated population, there is a convergence of countries. However, disparities occur in terms of employment of women and men up to 1-3 years after tertiary education.