bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of lower limb plyometric and resistance training on the stiffness of Achilles and patellar tendons in recreational athletes
Authors: Brar Khushpal Kaur , Bhardwaj Pavak , Prabu Raja G
Published: April 2021

Study aim: This study aimed to investigate the influence of combined plyometric and resistance training of lower limbs when administered for a shorter duration of six weeks on the stiffness of Achilles and patellar tendons as well as the jump height.

Materials and methods: Twenty recreational athletes were administered six weeks of a single session of lower limb resistance training and one session of plyometric training every week for a total duration of six weeks. Tendon stiffness was measured using MyotonPro, and vertical jump height was derived from the force plate at baseline and six weeks after the intervention.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) between the baseline and post-training measures of patellar and Achilles tendons stiffness as well as the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height.

Conclusion: Both resistance and plyometric training may be incorporated into the training session as combined training showed significant improvements in jump height and tendon stiffness after six weeks of combined RT and PT.
The Application of Customer Service Standards and Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Discretion in Lithuanian State Agencies
Authors: Civinskas Remigijus , Gončiarova Natalja , Pivoras Saulius
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this article is to explore how standardization of the public service provision and introduction of customer service standards affect the de facto discretion of civil servants. The study uses a qualitative case study approach. Two main research methods were used to gather data – semi-structured interview and document analysis. Analysis of the empirical data revealed that written standards only partially affect the de facto discretion of civil servants. The customer interaction standards define only a few civil servants’ actions, and do not cover all aspects of the communication between civil servants and customers. Application of written standards is flexible especially in non-typical situations. Customer service standards do not restrict the actions of civil servants when they focus on customer problems, which is especially important when dealing with socially vulnerable customers. This study explores the use of customer service standards as a public management tool. The research data can be useful for understanding and improving customer interaction standards and its practical application.
Party Autonomy in the Context of Jurisdictional and Choice of Law Rules of Matrimonial Property Regulation
Authors: Limantė Agnė , Vogrinc Neža Pogorelčnik
Published: April 2021

In 2019, the EU Member States started applying the Matrimonial Property Regulation, which concerns the property regimes of international marriages. This regulation is aimed at helping couples manage their property and divide it in case of divorce or the death of one spouse. One of the main features of this regulation is its openness to the parties’ choice. The parties are enabled – in cases foreseen in the regulation – to grant jurisdiction to the court of a Member State of their choice, as well as to choose the law applicable to their matrimonial property regime. Since this regulation is new and the track record of its application is rather short, the limits of party autonomy allowed under the regulation and its advantages still involve a high degree of uncertainty. This article provides an in-depth analysis of party autonomy as provided for in the Matrimonial Property Regulation. In addition, it scrutinises the issue of party autonomy in the Succession Regulation, which often directly interacts with the Matrimonial Property Regulation.
Fetal cystic hygroma associated with terminal 2p25.1 duplication and terminal 3p25.3 deletion: Cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization and microarray familial characterization of two different chromosomal structural rearrangements
Authors: Stipoljev F , Barbalic M , Logara M , Vicic A , Vulic M , Zekic Tomas S , Gjergja Juraski R
Published: April 2021

We report a prenatally diagnosed case of partial trisomy 2p and partial monosomy 3p, resulting from unbalanced translocation (2;3)(p25.1;p25.3) of paternal origin. Parents were non consanguineous Caucasians, with familial history of recurrent miscarriages on the father’s side. Detailed sonographic examination of the fetus showed a septated cystic hygroma measuring 6 mm at 13 weeks’ gestation. Karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of cultured amniotic fluid cells revealed an unbalanced translocation der(3)t(2;3)(p25.1; p25.3) and apparently balanced inv(3)(p13p25.3) in a fetus. Parental cytogenetic evaluation using karyotyping and FISH analysis showed the presence of both a balanced translocation and a paracentric inversion in father t(2;3) (p25.1;p25.3) inv(3)(p13p25.3). Microarray analysis showed a 11.6 Mb deletion at 3p26.3-p25.3 and duplication of 10.5 Mb at the 2p25.3-p25 region. The duplicated region at 2p25.1p25.3 contains 45 different genes, where 12 are reported as OMIM morbid genes with different phenotypical implications. The deleted region at 3p26.3-p25.3 contains 65 genes, out of which 27 are OMIM genes.

Three of these (CNTN4, SETD5 and VHL) were curated by Clingene Dosage Gene Map and were given a high haplo-insufficiency score. Genes affected by the unbalanced translocation could have contributed to some specific phenotypic changes of the fetus in late pregnancy. The application of different cytogenetic methods was essential in our case, allowing the detection of different types of structural chromosomal aberrations and more thorough genetic counseling for future pregnancies.
Evaluation of microRNA-124 expression in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Çaykara B , Öztürk G , Alsaadoni H , Ötünçtemur A , Pençe S
Published: April 2021

The Wingless/INT (WNT) signaling network has roles in renal cancer development. It was shown that the tumor-suppressor microRNA-124 (miR-124) is associated with the Wnt pathway. Thus, we aimed to measure miR-124 expression levels to evaluate whether it is a prognostic marker or a potential treatment strategy. Thirty tumor and 30 surrounding healthy kidney tissues from the same subjects diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), were included in the study. The expression levels of miR-124 were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and determined by the 2–ΔΔCT method. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 program was used for statistical analyses and a p value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The expression levels of miR-124 was found to be about 3-fold lower in tumors than in healthy tissues (p 0.001) and decreased expression levels correlated with tumor stage, tumor diameter, body mass index (BMI) and neutrophil values (p 0.05). Our results showed that miR-124 expression levels are associated with RCC. MicroRNA-124 may be assessed as a biomarker in prognosis and the restoration of miR-124 expression might be effective in the treatment of RCC.
Changes in Late Funnel Beaker Pottery at the End of the 4th Millennium BC on the Polish Lowland: Case of Mrowino, Site 3. Preliminary Report on Mineralogical and Petrographic Research
Authors: Rauba-Bukowska Anna , Szmyt Marzena , Żurkiewicz Danuta
Published: April 2021

Archaeological site no. 3 at Mrowino is located on the Polish Lowland, in the Greater Poland region. It was excavated from 1973 until 1980. The excavation produced very rich movable finds, with the core of them being formed by Funnel Beaker culture (FBC) ceramics. The collections hold over 37,500 FBC pottery shards and several intact or reconstructed vessels. The vast majority of pottery comes from an FBC settlement dated to 3300-3150 BC. The pottery set includes vessels of clear Baden culture connections. For the mineral-ogical and petrographic study, 40 samples were selected to identify mineral and rock components of the ceramic body and compare the ways of raw-material preparation. In the studied samples, boulder clay in all probability was used to make the vessels. All studied samples were made from clay with grog and a small amount of sand as temper. In addition, several samples contained igneous rock crumbs. To find out if this was a deliberate or accidental admixture, it is necessary to carry out further research.
The Late Eneolithic Groups from the Dniester-Prut Interfluve: Some Questions of their External Contacts and Chronology
Authors: Sîrbu Ghenadie , Król Dariusz , Heghea Serghei
Published: April 2021

In this article we would like to point out some issues related to a series of ceramic materials found in sites attributed to the Late Enolithic groups of Brînzeni and Gordinești in the Dniester-Prut interfluve. In terms of technology and stylistics in the case of pottery from the Brînzeni type sites and stylistics in the case of pottery from the Gordinești type sites, we can see some analogies in the cultural environment of the central European area. For the Brînzeni group the clearest analogies tend to be seen in eastern, southern and south-eastern areas of the Funnel Beaker culture, whereas for the Gordinești group this seems to be visible within the Złota culture in the Sandomierz Upland, Middle Vistula region. Another issue of our study concerns the chronological frames of these two groups. Analyses of the radiocarbon data series obtained so far allow us to make some careful corrections in the chronological scheme of the Late Eneolithic for eastern Europe. Both mentioned issues fit into socio-cultural relations in the East Carpathian area in the context of the cultural transformations in the second half of the 4th millennium BC.
Seismic Behavior of Earth Dams with Different Reservoir Water Levels Under Near-Field and Far-Field Earthquakes
Authors: Asadi Masoud , Soltani Fazlollah , Sivandi-Pour Abbas , Farsangi Ehsan Noroozinejad
Published: April 2021

The height of reservoir water is one of the important factors affecting the seismic behaviour of earth dams. A large number of earth dams have been constructed in different countries that are sometimes located in a high-risk geographical zone. The studies on the seismic behaviour of earth dams have been conducted for several decades. However, this study, considering the importance of the subject, it investigates the seismic behaviour of Sumbar rock-fill embankment dam under near- and far-field earthquakes with variation in the water level behind the dam. The ratio of water height of the dam to dam height is considered as an important indicator to investigate the seismic performance of these structures. The analyses were performed using the ABAQUS finite element platform, under 7 near-field and 7 far-field earthquake records. In this research, the changes in dam stresses, displacements, and failure of the dam have been discussed. The results indicated that the effect of near-field earthquakes on the seismic behaviour of earth dams is more significant than far-field earthquakes.
Experimental Tests of the Vector II Slab in Field Conditions, Slab and Strip Model
Authors: Zając Jakub , Drobiec Łukasz , Jasiński Radosław , Wieczorek Mirosław , Kisiołek Artur
Published: April 2021

Vector II slab was tested on a natural scale (a slab with a dimension of 6.30 × 6.30 m) and a strip 6.30 m long and 1.20 m wide. The Vector II slab is built by precast panel 60 cm wide, 4 cm thick and 14-20 cm thick concrete overtopping on the construction site. The main purpose of the slab tests on a natural scale was to observe the “faulting” effect and temporary deflections. During the tests, the displacements in the area of the panel joints in the middle of the slab span were recorded. The maximum difference in displacement between adjacent panels of the slab model was 0.16 mm, and the vertical displacement was 1.9 mm. The strip model had no cracks that could indicate a interface cracks between the precast element and the concrete overlay. After completion of the field tests, the load was left on the slab model to verify long-term effects.
Designing of Steel CHS Columns Showing Maximum Compression Resistance
Authors: Marcinowski Jakub , Sadowski Mirosław
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with a shape optimisation procedure of steel, compressed bars. Circular hollow sections (CHS) of variable cross sections and variable wall thickness are taken into account. The proposed procedure for designing of steel rods exhibiting maximum compression resistance is effective and possible to use in engineering practice. The advantage of the proposed shape of the bar is that it allows to increase the value of its load carrying capacity, i.e. it ensures the transfer of a higher value of compressive force than similar, solid struts of the same mass and length. The extent of the increase in the load capacity relative to the load capacity of the reference solid, cylindrical bar depends on the slenderness of the reference bar and ranges from 60% to 170%. Due to this very beneficial fact, it can be used wherever it is required to maintain a certain stiffness and an increased value of compressive force is desired, as well as in constructions where it is necessary to reduce weight while maintaining the adopted mechanical parameters, e.g. values of load bearing capacity. Final results achieved in the research were presented in the form of the flow chart allowing to design the compressed columns of optimum shape.
Planning and Management of Water Resources in the Context of Economic Devlopment and Climate Change in Algerian Highlandsby the WEAP Model, Case of the Gareat El Tarf Basin (Northwestern Algeria)
Authors: Dali Naouel
Published: April 2021

Water in the Gareat El Tarf basin, is affected by climatic and economic constraints; while its development is based on the agricultural sector, which creates pressure on water resources. The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of the national water plan to accompany this policy, and the impact of climate change on water resources. The methodology adopted is the application of the WEAP(Water Evaluation and the Planning)software, in order to build a model for the allocation of water resources, up to 2050. The results obtained confirm that the impact of the economic policy shows a very important deficit that exceeds 400 million m3 in 2050. To face this challenge, it is recommended to adopt an economic strategy based on the protection of water resources and adapted to the supply capacities of renewable water resources.
Transparency and Accessibility in Municipalities: The Case of Social Services in Spain
Authors: Cañizares-Espada Manuela , Muñoz-Colomina Clara Isabel , Pérez-Estébanez Raquel , Urquía-Grande Elena
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to design and propose a new measurement model for social services transparency in municipalities. The model includes an empirical study of 38 municipalities in Spain. The information published on these municipalities’ websites is evaluated through experimental quantitative methods using multivariate analysis. The municipalities chosen were those with the highest population that also disclosed the largest amount of information and provided the easiest access to their websites. The paper's conceptual framework was constructed by combining the Spanish legal context with a bibliographic review based on the latest transparency models. The research proposes a new Transparency Evaluation Model for Social Services to measure transparency in municipalities using the social services information published on the websites. Factors considered include degree of ease and amount of time spent by citizens in accessing the website. Some conclusions indicate that transparency remains difficult to achieve, information is less accessible to citizens than it should be, and transparency differs among the municipalities due to the legal changes implemented in recent years, as well as to other economic and social variables.
The Importance of Place in Creative Activity - a Proposal for an Integral Approach
Authors: Przyborowska Beata , Błajet Piotr
Published: April 2021

The subject of the discussion in this paper is place in the sense of physical space and its role in creative activity. In the text, we emphasize that a physical place is implicitly defined as creative by the people who conduct or have conducted their creative activity there. We emphasize that it promotes a creative lifestyle and poses a challenge for education. We are looking for distinguishing features of creative places and spaces. In the paper, we also present a proposal to analyse creative places using Wilber’s (2007) integral theory and theory of affordance. Starting from the concepts of Florida (2010), Amabile (2019), Oldenburg (1989), and Palasma (2013), we list the conditions that a place should meet to promote creative activity. In the conclusions, we point to the role of creative affordances in education.
Relationship Between Nicotine Dependence Scores and Nicotine, Cotinine, 3′-Hydroxycotinine and Nicotine Metabolite Ratio in Chinese Male Smokers
Authors: Zhao Junwei , Zhao Ge , Hua Chenfeng , Li Xiang , Shang Pingping , Wang Sheng , Liu Kejian , Hu Guochang , Wang Yipeng , Jia Yunzhen , Liu Huimin , Xie Fuwei
Published: April 2021

Smoking is mainly sustained by nicotine dependence (ND), which varies across ethnic groups principally due to genetic as well as environmental factors. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and biomarkers of tobacco exposure are two important approaches to assess ND. However, the relationship between ND and FTND of Chinese smokers has not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between FTND scores and nicotine, cotinine, 3′-hydroxycotinine (3HC) and nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, the concentration ratio of 3HC to cotinine) in Chinese smokers. FTND was carried out and general characteristics were collected using a self-administered smoking questionnaire with 289 smokers. Nicotine, cotinine and 3HC in urine were simultaneously determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations of nicotine, cotinine and 3HC in the urine of smokers with a high FTND score were higher than in the urine of those with a low FTND score. There were significant correlations between urinary biomarker and FTND scores. Except for FTND item 2 (difficulty to refrain), the other items showed significant associations with the urinary biomarkers. No relationship was found between the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, 3′-hydroxycotinine/cotinine) and FTND scores or general characteristics of the participants. In conclusion, biomarkers of tobacco exposure levels are significantly associated with FTND scores. However, FTND Item 2 and NMR were not found to be associated with nicotine dependence in Chinese smokers.
Numerical Simulation of the Burning Process in a King-Size Cigarette Based on Experimentally Derived Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Li Qiaoling , Zheng Quanxing , Deng Xiaohua , Yu Zhiqiang , Deng Nan , Xing Fei , Chen Xin , Cai Guohua , Wang Chenlu , Yang Renqiang , Ma Pengfei , Li Bin , Chen Xiao Dong , Zhong Hongxiang
Published: April 2021

A comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) mathematical model has been proposed to simulate the burning process of a king-size cigarette. The characteristics of this model are including: 1) the use of kinetic models for the evaporation of water, the pyrolysis of tobacco and the oxidation of char, 2) the application of mathematical relationships between the release amounts of certain products (i.e., “tar” and CO) and different reaction variables (i.e., temperatures and oxygen concentrations), 3) the introduction of mass, heat and momentum transports, 4) the consideration of filtration effects of the cigarette filter on “tar”. These characteristics were expressed in a set of coupled equations that can be solved numerically by FLUENT. The information about the char density field, temperature field, flow velocity field, “tar” and CO density fields and the filtration efficiency could be obtained from the model. This model was validated by comparing the predictions with experimental data on puff number, the temperatures at specific locations, the filtration efficiency and the yields of “tar” and CO under different puff intensities. The calculated results show a good agreement with the experimental data. The predicted puff number was 7.3, and the experimental puff number was 6.8. The standard root mean square error (NRMSE) between the experimental and the predicted temperatures at specific locations is < 18%. The predicted filtration efficiency for “tar” was 46.1%, and the experimentally determined filtration efficiency for nicotine was 44.5%. The maximum relative deviations of the yields of “tar” and CO under different puff intensities were 8.9% and 10.6%, respectively.
Impact of Upgrade Programmes on the Competitiveness: Case of the Algerian Companies
Authors: Ghomari Souhila
Published: April 2021

Faced to a socio-economic environment that is marked by globalization of trade and competitiveness, Algeria is committed, like its neighbours, to do upgrade programmes which aim to support the dynamic of restructuring process, the industrial integration and growth. The strategic goal is to upgrade to the requirements of the free trade to take advantage of the positive effects of liberalization and strengthen the production capacity, sales and export. This general target will lead the Algerian companies to achieve two ambitions: to become competitive in price / quality, innovation, and to be able to survive and control the evolution of the technology and the markets. Achieving these ambitions requests from the Algerian companies a major effort, i.e., to adapt and change their organisational methods and practices, especially in technology, innovation, cost control and quality supervision, training, products and markets, sales policies, management, openness to technical and commercial partners. The present paper describes the impact of upgrade programmes on the competitiveness of Algerian companies. For this reason, a model has been developed that analyses the competitiveness of a company across several dimensions (commercial, financial, technical, human, as well as social & managerial). To process the data collected in the survey, an exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory analysis and structural equation methods have been used. The results of the research have confirmed the main hypothesis that upgrading has a positive impact on the overall competitiveness of companies that have initiated and finalised an upgrade programme.
The Impact of Food Safety Management System ISO 22000 on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty, Case Study of Coca-Cola Company in Algeria
Authors: Mekimah Sabri , Sayad Nawel
Published: April 2021

The present paper aims at determining the impact of Food System Management ISO 22000 on Coca-Cola customer’s loyalty in Algeria through satisfaction as an intermediate variable. Based on a descriptive, analytical approach and a case study method, an electronic questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. It was distributed to a random sample of 385 customers at Coca Cola Company in Algeria. In addition, SPSS and AMOS programs were used to analyse the data and test the research hypotheses. The paper reached significant conclusions that the level evaluation of ISO 22000, in customers’ point of view, varied between a weak rate of green and safe products, while innovative and quality products were highly rated. The result also demonstrated a weak indirect effect between food safety management system and customer loyalty through satisfaction expressed by a correlation coefficient, which was estimated at 0.23. The direct effect was greater with a correlation coefficient of 0.56. In fact, the output of food safety management system leads directly to the saturation of customer satisfaction and also to loyalty.
Economic Tendencies of the European and Latvian Medical Device Market
Authors: Semjonova Nadezhda
Published: April 2021

Due to ageing of the population in developed counties and increase of the demand for the healthcare worldwide, the industry of medical devices (MD) becomes one of the fast-growing businesses. The present paper analyses the current state of the MD sector in Europe and in Latvia on the basis of the data obtained from open sources. Review of the current situation in the MD sector has demonstrated that the MD field still is and will remain an attractive sector of economics. The growth of the EU MD market by 3.5 % per year is sustainable. The market is highly innovative and leaves enough room for small and mediumsize enterprises that provide up to 95 % of all MD sector turnover. This indicates that MD sector manufactures products with high added value that make the sector attractive for countries with limited resources, such as Latvia. Although key players on the market do not changes much, example from Ireland demonstrates that investment in human capital is an important pre-requisite for country’s success in the MD sector. Unfortunately, the development of the MD industry in Latvia is very slow, the growth is around 0.7 % per year that may be explained just by inflation. There is also a lack of information on the Latvian MD industry both for professionals and society.
External Debt and Economic Growth in Niger: a Vector Autoregression and Variance Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Oumarou Issoufou
Published: April 2021

In the quest for quick economic development, many Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries borrow money to finance their budget deficits and vital infrastructure. Niger has seen its external debt increase year after year without really reaching economic development. This study uses a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to investigate the relation linking external debt and economic growth in Niger and variance decomposition forecast to verify if there is any significant impact from shocks for a period of 5 years in the future. The study utilises time series yearly data provided by the World Bank for the period covering 1970–2019. The empirical results reveal no long-run relationship between economic growth, external debt and government spending in Niger. The results also indicated that, on average ceteris paribus, the past realisation of economic growth is related to an increase of 97.75 % in economic growth, while the past realisation of external debt and government spending is associated with an increase of 83.77 % and 79.70 % in external debt and government spending, respectively. The results furthermore show that economic growth has a statistically significant causal effect on government spending in the short term. One percentage increase in economic growth accounts for an increase of 35.28 % in government spending on average ceteris paribus. The variance decomposition forecast reveals that economic growth has a significant influence on predicting government spending in the future.
Measures of Residential Energy Access in Mexico, 2008–2014
Authors: Perez Rafael , Widner Benjamin
Published: April 2021

The concept of energy access in developing countries, such as Mexico, encompasses the accessibility to reliable fuels for heating, cooking, and lighting purposes while reducing coal and firewood consumption. This paper suggests residential energy access indicators by applying accessibility theory and estimating demand equations for electricity, natural gas, propane, firewood, and coal using Mexican households’ survey data from 2008 to 2014. Sprawl measures, gravity model, and central place theory are the accessibility theories supporting the accessibility indicators. The suggested energy access indicators are statistically significant and show the expected signs when applied to propane in Mexican households in 2014. The greater the household income, population size, education level of the household head, energy access, and the lower the energy price and the household size, the greater the demand for energy from 2008 to 2014. By contrast, the greater the education, the lower the demand for firewood and coal. Policy-makers in Mexico can use the suggested results to complement the energy access indicators suggested by international agencies to evaluate energy access performance and better understand the drivers of the different energy goods consumed by Mexican households.
Exploring critical success factors for the implementation of lean manufacturing in machinery and equipment SMEs
Authors: Yuik Chong Jia , Perumal Puvanasvaran A. , Feng Chin Jeng
Published: April 2021

This study aims to explore the predominant critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of lean manufacturing (LM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) producing machinery and equipment (M&E). The convergent parallel mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) were employed in three Malaysian M&E manufacturing SMEs. The study identified four predominant CSFs that significantly impact on the LM application in M&E manufacturing SMEs, namely, leadership and commitment of the top management, training to upgrade skills and expertise, employee involvement and empowerment, and the development of LM implementation framework for SMEs. This study can assist the M&E manufacturing SMEs in prioritising these predominant CSFs so that the management teams can work on the improvement strategy and achieve a higher level of lean sustainability. It offers valuable insights into the LM implementation that could provide a practical reference guide to other industrial companies.
Association of lipoprotein levels with sleep apnea: role of autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Siarnik Pavel , Penesova Adela , Radikova Zofia , Hluchanova Alzbeta , Hanus Oto , Klobucnikova Katarina , Turcani Peter , Kollar Branislav
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Although multiple mechanisms, including autonomic dysfunction, seem to link sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) with dyslipidemia in animal studies, the data in clinical studies are limited. The aim of this study was to explore the association of lipoprotein levels with SDB measures in healthy habitual snorers. We supposed that autonomic dysfunction is the linking mechanism.

Methods. We enrolled 110 previously healthy subjects with complaints of habitual snoring. To assess SDB, polysomnography was performed. Blood samples for the analysis of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) were obtained in a fasting condition after the polysomnography. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was used to assess the autonomic dysfunction.

Results. In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, minimal nocturnal blood oxygen saturation (beta=–0.240, p=0.020) and neck circumference (beta=0.224, p=0.03) were the only significant contributors in model predicting TG. SDB measures were not identified as significant contributors in models predicting TC, LDL, and HDL. We failed to find any significant difference in BRS in SDB subjects when compared according to the presence or absence of hypercholesterolemia/ hypertriglyceridemia. In SDB subjects, the area under the curve in a receiver operating curve to predict hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia by BRS was 0.468 (95% CI: 0.328–0.608) and 0.425 (95% CI: 0.304–0.546), respectively.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that minimal nocturnal blood oxygen saturation is significant contributor in model predicting TG. No significant decrease in BRS was found in SDB subjects with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. In SDB subjects, the role of autonomic dys-function in the development of dyslipidemia remains controversial.
An evaluation of the conservation status of the forest vegetation of the Volyn Upland, Ukraine
Authors: Datsyuk Vadim V.
Published: April 2021

The current conservation status of the rare vascular plant species and rare forest communities of the Volyn Upland (Ukraine) was characterized and analyzed. We found 14 rare plant species belonging to the Red Data Book of Ukraine in this territory (Lycopodium annotium L., Allium ursinum L., Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch, Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich., Cypripedium calceolus L., Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Schult., E. helleborine (L.) Crantz, Lilium martagon L., Listera ovata (L.) R. Br., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich., Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., P. chlorantha (Cust.) Reichenb., Galanthus nivalis L., Carex umbrosa Host) and 28 locally rare species preserved within the Volyn, Rivne and Lviv regions. The major threats for these species were indicated. Four rare associations, according to the Green Data Book of Ukraine, were studied in the Volyn Upland (Carpineto (betuli)–Quercetum (roboris) hederosum (helicis), Carpineto (betuli)–Fraxineto (excelsioris)–Quercetum (roboris) alliosum (ursini), Tilieto (cordatae)–Carpineto (betuli)–Quercetum (roboris) alliosum (ursini) and Pinetum (sylvestris) caricosum (humilis)) and their structure, main features and status were characterized in detail. The importance of further research, and the development of recommendations for the conservation and continued preservation of these forest ecosystems of the Volyn Upland was highlighted.
New Entrants in Agriculture – The Case of Young Immigrant Farmers in Sweden
Authors: Grubbström Ann , Joosse Sofie
Published: April 2021

The opportunities available to start up a successful farm business structure the future of European farming. As fewer farm daughters and sons are projected to take over the family farm, there is increasing policy and academic interest in new entrants and the challenges they meet when they start their farm. This study focuses on new entrants that immigrate to Sweden. This group can be considered an extreme case of new entrants, as key resources (land, local networks, family labour support and farm specific knowledge are usually lacking for these farmers). Based on interviews with immigrant farmers in the Mälardalen region, we present the different ways they get access to economic, cultural and social capital. These insights are valuable for policy aimed at helping immigrant farmers starting up.
Echoes of Sapphic Gods and Goddesses, Immortality, Eros and Thanatos in the Work of Modernist Women Poets
Authors: Rusu Iris
Published: April 2021

In the context of Modernism’s constant return to the past that results in self-knowledge and innovation, certain women writers found Sappho’s writings relevant for their own poetic endeavours. My article will mainly focus on the mythological aspects of both Sappho’s and the modernist women’s poetry. Invocations of and allusions to gods and goddesses and other mythical figures, which involve introspection and expressing certain erotic concerns in stylised ways, will be discussed in order to show how all these women poets innovated. and, in many different ways, significantly enriched the literature of their times. Critics have mainly focused on H.-D.’s poetry in relation to Sappho’s, most likely because the modernist poet had also translated (or adapted, according to most scholars) a number of Sappho’s poems. As regards other modernist women poets, such as, for instance, Amy Lowell or Marianne Moore, critics have refrained, for various reasons, from analysing their work in relation to Sappho’s. There are very few critical accounts of Sappho’s influence on their (and even H.-D.’s) poetry, and this article will, perforce, draw on these, but aims, all the while, to provide new and relevant insights.
On Telling the Truth: A Cognitive Stylistic Reading of Philip Larkin’s “Talking in Bed”
Authors: Malkawi Sohaib
Published: April 2021

This essay presents a cognitive stylistic analysis of Philip Larkin’s “Talking in Bed,” highlighting the linguistic functions that aid the reader in the meaning-making process. In the poem, the realization of truth dawns upon the persona in the final moments of a lingering introspection, shedding light on the reason for which he is lying in bed beside his partner, profoundly incapable of uttering a word. It seems to him, in the end, that truth is indispensable to human relationships. This essay represents a thorough attempt at textually analyzing the poem, broaching snippets of knowledge from multiple fields – philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and literature – all in an attempt to present a comprehensive interpretation of Larkin’s poem. The aim is to further evidence the speaker’s realization, that the articulation of truth is a vital element in a healthy relationship, and to provide an understanding of the stylistic technique most utilized by Larkin, namely, the linguistic deviation he usually deploys by the end of his poems. I argue that the ambiguity he instills at the end of this poem makes for a cognitive attempt at empathically communicating to the reader the sense of meaninglessness the persona suffers from throughout the poem.
Slow Tourism – The Fashion for Slowness or a Conscious Choice?
Authors: Zielińska-Szczepkowska Joanna
Published: April 2021

Research background: The fast pace of life of contemporary people living in developed countries results in a search for peace and relaxation, which is reflected in new forms of tourism. One of them is slow tourism, which is at an early stage of development. A new type of tourist is emerging – one who is conscious, responsible, critical, respectful of nature, open to learning about the customs, culture and religion of local populations.

Purpose: This paper analyses the changes that take place in tourism from a socio-economic perspective, characterized by withdrawing from mass tourism and a shift towards individual tourism, with particular emphasis on slow tourism.

Research methodology: The paper is based on a compilation of the current literature of the subject, reports and analysis of Polish websites devoted to slow travel. It is a synthesis of economic and social aspects of slow tourism development, including the motives for taking up slow tourism by tourists and the offer of slow travel in Poland.

Results: The analysis of the literature reveals a large diversity in the definition of slow tourism. A lively discussion is going on regarding the meaning of the new trend, its importance and future. In Poland, slow tourism is becoming increasingly popular, as evidenced by, among others: an increase in the number of offers for slow tourists.

Novelty: This analysis contributes to deepening the knowledge on new trends in tourism – slow tourism. These considerations contribute to the author’s further research on the development of this phenomenon.
The impact of fertilisers and fungicides on seed germination and the initial phase of seedling growth in black alder Alnus glutinosa (Gaertn.)
Authors: Będkowski Mateusz , Buraczyk Włodzimierz
Published: April 2021

To test the influence of selected fertilisers and fungicides on the germination of black alder seeds and the initial phase of seedling growth, we conducted a laboratory experiment outlined in this paper. Six treatments were applied on petri dishes each containing 30 seeds. The substrate for germination was sterile filter paper wetted with an aqueous solution of either one of two fungicides, two organic fertilisers, a mineral fertiliser or distilled water (control). Fungicides and fertilisers were applied according to the manufacturers' recommendations. In order to keep genetic variability to a minimum, seeds originated from a single tree in a seed stand located in the Chotyłów Forest District, eastern Poland. Germination and growth took place at a temperature of 23°C ± 2°C with a 14 h/10 h day/night cycle. Seeds began to germinate as early as the second day after sowing, except for the mineral fertiliser treatment, in which the first sprouting was observed on day 3. Seedling length was measured daily from the day of germination of a given seed through to day 15. Germination was found to proceed most rapidly in the control, while the largest increments in length and dry mass occurred in the control and fertiliser treatment with the so-called N1 fertiliser (solely comprising growth stimulators in the form of humic acids, chitosan and silicon). The most limited growth was observed under the influence of the F1 fungicide (active compound Thiram) as well as the organic fertiliser N2 (a mixture of mineral components and organic growth stimulators). Roots were found to develop most rapidly in the control and in the treatment with N1 (no mineral components).

These are also the only two treatments in which the roots were longer than the stems after 15 days.

Fertiliser N2 was found to have the most unfavourable influence on both, germination and the first phase of seedling development. The fact that selected fertilizers and fungicides affected black alder seeds and seedlings under laboratory conditions does not mean that they will have an impact under field conditions or on other forest tree species. Therefore, this type of research will need to be conducted individually for each forest tree species.
Fungi associated withArmillariaspp. rhizomorphs onPopulus tremulaL.
Authors: Damszel Marta , Przemieniecki Sebastian , Dyczewska Katarzyna , Mastalerz Jędrzej
Published: April 2021

The economic significance of aspenPopulus tremulal. is only marginal, which is the main reason for its low share in the structure of stands. however, aspen can play a decisive ecological role as a pioneer tree in the succession of forest communities and may decrease the occurrence of pathogenic fungi.

Aspen is also dying out and in order to determine possible biotic causes, we examined taxa of fungi using classical and molecular methods in the area of the Czerwony Dwór Forest District, Subdistrict Rogale, compartments 74b and 75j. The health of aspen trees and the quantitative and qualitative structure of microorganisms associated withArmillariaspp. was evaluated.

Based on our health assessment of the aspen, we conclude that the main reason for its dying out is the intensification of root rot, which is a result ofArmillariaspp weakening the trees. In the general pool ofArmillaria-associated microorganisms, saprotrophs were dominating, and the fungusFomitopsis pinicolacommonly inhabited the poplar stems, whereas pathogen antagonists comprised the lowest proportion. In the quantitative and qualitative structure of fungi found in rhizomorphs, the composition of ecological groups inhabiting stumps was found to be favourable nevertheless. The increasing frequency of pathogens on the logs is a major premise for removing trees affected byArmillaria, because aspen stumps are a good food base forA. cepistipesandA. ostoyaewhich ultimately spread within the stand. Treatment of stumps with preparations stimulating the decomposition of wood is not recommended for logs that form the food base for pathogenic fungi.
Forest – the photosphere of life in the Earth’s atmosphere
Authors: Wodzicki Tomasz J.
Published: April 2021

The evolution of the vertical, long distance water transport, overcoming gravitation, by trees during the Devonian, initiated the emerging of forest ecosystems extending the photosphere of life further into the Earth's atmosphere. The origin of woody tissues is likely associated with genome mutations in primitive green plants, which inhabited the land about 350 million years ago. Most probably, only two mutations were required – one allowing the synthesis of lignin and the second, enabling the autolysis of protoplast in the maturing cellular woody elements. Developing forest ecosystems formed the most productive environments, in which sunlight-dependent metabolic processes of life reached further into the atmosphere while at the same time allowing more water to be stored on the land surface, which in turn allowed for the evolution of numerous heterotrophic organisms. This property of the forest could therefore be considered an important factor in the evolution of hominids, which eventually contributed to the development of the Homo sapiens culture.
Effects of Tetracycline on Ruminal Activity and Blood Calcium in Sheep
Authors: Mudroň P.
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of tetracycline administration on the frequency of ruminal contractions and serum calcium concentrations. Rumen contractions were monitored by auscultation in 23 sheep prior to the administration of oxytetracycline and recorded every 12 hours for 84 hours after the intramuscular injection of the antibiotic. The blood for calcium analyses was collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein before and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the administration of oxytetracycline. The serum calcium concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the time effect of tetracycline treatment on the rumen contractions and serum calcium concentrations. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in ruminal contractions following the application of oxytetracycline, with a maximum decrease at 24 hours following oxytetracycline application and a return to the initial rumen contraction frequency by 60—72 hours following the oxytetracycline application. The oxytetracycline administration resulted in a serum calcium decrease from 2.42 mmol.l–1 to 2.26 mmol.l–1 24 hours after the administration (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the administration of tetracycline in sheep can be associated with a decline in ruminal motility potentially causing production losses, particularly in lactating ewes. Despite the resulting transient production decreases, oxytetracycline remains the antibiotic drug of choice for the treatment of bacterial infections in small ruminants, including foot rot especially.
Designing Viral Product Features for Broader Reach
Authors: Aral Sinan , Walker Dylan
Published: April 2021

Companies increasingly rely on “network” and “viral” marketing within their communication strategies. This study showed that providing viral products with specific features can increase their diffusion substantially. Products that were enabled to send automated notifications within a user’s local Facebook network upon adoption generated a 450 % higher adoption rate among Facebook friends compared with products without any viral features. Products that enabled adopters to send personal invitations to install the app generated an increase in the adoption rate by friends by 750 % more than in the control group. Although each personalized referral had a much stronger impact, notifications outperformed invitations in overall adoption. Automated notifications require no effort, and therefore substantially more messages were generated. The number of users who took the effort to send out personalized invitations was much smaller. A simulation of adoption beyond immediate individual networks showed that the passive-broadcast app experienced a 246 % increase in the rate of adoption, whereas adding active-personalized viral messaging capabilities generated only an additional 98 % increase, compared with the group without viral features.
If You Go, I Will Follow … Social Effects on the Decision to Terminate a Service
Authors: Nitzan Irit , Libai Barak
Published: April 2021

The adoption of new behaviors or new products is often influenced by those closest to us, but customer churn is influenced by social factors as well. An analysis of 1 million customers of a cellular company showed that customers were 79.7 % more likely to defect for each time one of their social neighbors defected. The more a customer communicated with a neighbor and the more characteristics they shared, such as age, gender or status, the more likely the customer was to follow the neighbor in canceling the service. The effect of a neighbor’s defection on a focal customer’s hazard of defection was strongest within the first month and decreased over time. The study shows that companies should take customers’ social networks into account when attempting to predict and manage customer churn. Network-related information can substantially improve analysis of new product adoption, and the same seems true for the field of customer defection.