bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Non Dipping Hypertension Associated with Dyslipidemia, Type 2 Diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Tudor Mirela – Nicoleta , Martinez Maria Francisca Navajas , Mitrea Adina , Moţa Eugen
Published: May 2018

Background and aims. Hypertension and dyslipidemia (DLP) increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A non dipping pattern is very common in CKD. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a difference between dipping/non dipping hypertension in subjects with CKD and DLP with or without lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Material and methods. We performed a retrospective study that included 129 subjects from the Nephrology- Hypertension Out-patient Department of the University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome from January 2011 to April 2013. Results. From a total of 129 CKD subjects, 73 (56.59%) subjects had a non dipping pattern and 56 (43.41%) had a dipper pattern. We found statistically significant differences between the dipping and non-dipping pattern in subjects with CKD stages 1-2 versus stages 3-4 (p=0.018). When we analyzed the association between non-dipping status with DLP and type 2 diabetes (T2D), we did not find a statistically significant result. Conclusions. Only CKD significantly influenced the dipping/non dipping pattern in the study group
Associations between thyroid dysfunction and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dănciulescu Miulescu Rucsandra , Neamţu Marius Cristian , Margină Denisa , Poiană Cătălina , Păun Diana Loreta
Published: May 2018

Background and Aims. The interactions between kidney and thyroid functions are well established: thyroid hormones are necessary for the maintenance of electrolyte and water homeostasis and kidney is involved in the regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Material and Method. 23 patients with diabetes mellitus and CKD in pre-dialysis phase were recruited for this study. All subjects were investigated with thyroid ultrasound and laboratory tests to determine thyroid function, including: serum triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (free T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (ATPO). Results were compared with the same measurements in 21 patients with diabetes mellitus but without CKD. Results. The prevalence of goiter (52.17% vs. 19.04%, p<0.05), subclinical hypothyroidism (23.80% vs. 9.52%, p<0.05), hypothyroidism (8.69% vs. 4.76 %, p<0.05) and low T3 syndrome (23.80% vs. 0.00% p<0.05) were significant high in diabetic patients with CKD compared with patients with diabetes mellitus but without CKD. Conclusions. We observed high prevalence of thyroid morphology abnormalities and thyroid function disorders in diabetic patients with CKD. Low T3 syndrome and subclinical hypothyroidism are the most frequently thyroid function disorders in CKD patients.
Recurrent hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus resulting from intensive academic activity: an illustrative case report
Authors: Onyiriuka Alphonsus N. , Oduwole Abiola O. , Oyenusi Elizabeth E. , Oluwayemi Isaac O. , Kouyate Moustafa , Fakaye Olubunmi , Achonwa Chiedozie J. , Abdullahi Mohammad
Published: May 2018

We report a common diabetes management problem illustrated by an adolescent female university student with recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia on Tuesdays when she has intensive academic activity lasting most of the day. Steps taken to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia were patient education and empowerment, frequent self monitoring of blood glucose, reduction in insulin dose on Tuesdays and emphasizing availability of ongoing professional guidance and support anytime she may need it. One of the challenges encountered in the management of this patient was her family’s inability to afford the cost of basal-bolus regimen or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion via insulin pump; the two insulin regimens that best fit into university lifestyle. Conclusion: Adolescents with diabetes mellitus attending tertiary educational institutions may be at increased risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly on days when they have intensive academic activities.
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy – decisional factor in obstructive sleep apnea treatment
Authors: Dumitrescu Nicoleta , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND. Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) is a sleep apnea diagnostic procedure which allows direct view the obstruction while inducing sleep using analgosedation with propofol. Many studies highlighted the importance of DISE in finding the level of obstruction and choosing the specific treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. We performed DISE under propofol sedation in 27 patients diagnosed with sleep apnea who addressed to our clinic for further investigation and treatment. We assessed the obstruction type and severity using the Fujita scale, VOTE (velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis) and NOHL (nose, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx). Finally, we correlated the DISE findings with the polysomnographic results.

RESULTS. We observed significant correlations between the obstruction severity seen at DISE and the polysomnographic results. Further, we could decide the appropriate treatment for our patients, whether surgical or not (continuous positive airway pressure - CPAP).

CONCLUSION. Sleep endoscopy represents a very important method in establishing the topographic diagnostic of sleep apnea patients, being useful for the therapeutic decision and the postoperative assessment. We recommend drug-induced sleep endoscopy as elective investigation regarding the diagnostic and treatment of sleep apnea patients.
Evolution of microbial etiology in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and its role in the current management of antibiotic treatment
Authors: Sabaru Iulia , Sarafoleanu Codrut , Borcan Alina Maria
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND. Acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are common conditions worldwide. In most cases, the etiology of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is viral, but there can be cases complicated by bacterial infection. The bacterial pathogens responsible for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) in most cases are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis. In recent years, some changes regarding this issue have been communicated. Also, the pathophysiology of CRS becomes a problem due to the increasing percentage of resistant or recurrent cases.

OBJECTIVE. To identify the bacterial spectrum in patients diagnosed with ABRS and CRS and to establish the actual resistance rates of the most prescribed antibiotics for these affections in order to initiate the correct antibiotic treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. We performed a prospective study on 40 adult patients with ABRS and 70 patients with CRS. The standard microbiological procedures were performed in order to identify the involved microorganisms. The Antibiotic Susceptibility Test of the clinical isolates was performed to routinely used antibiotics according to EUCAST.

RESULT. ABRS: A total of 21 types of pathogenic bacteria were isolated. The results indicated changes in the percentages of the traditionally involved bacteria, other species of streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus representing important pathogens. Almost half of the samples were polymicrobial. CRS: 12 bacteria were incriminated for CRS, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most frequently identified pathogens. Regarding the antibiotic treatment, we established that in our country the resistance rates are higher than the ones communicated by WHO (especially for macrolides) and the fluoroquinolones seem to be the class with the highest safety profile.

CONCLUSION. Study results demonstrate some changes of the bacteriologic spectrum in ABRS in this geographic area. The pathogens responsible for CRS are found in approximately the same percentage as presented in other studies. Antibiotic treatment demands attention considering the increasing trend of antibiotic resistance of the bacteria causing ABRS and CRS.
Sphenoid rhinosinusitis associated with abducens nerve palsy – Case report
Authors: Lapusneanu Lucian , Radulescu Marlena , Ghita Florin
Published: May 2018

The cases with sphenoid sinusitis associated with abducens nerve palsy are rarely cited in the literature. We present the case of a 41-year-old patient who was hospitalized for right hemicrania and ipsilateral paresis of the abducens nerve, without any other ENT previous pathology. The ENT, ophthalmologic, neurological and paraclinical evaluations (nasal endoscopy, MRI examination) have established the diagnosis of right sphenoid rhinosinusitis complicated with unilateral abducens nerve palsy. In such cases, it is important to make a differential diagnosis with tumor pathology as well as that of an infection outbreak located intracranially. In this case, the patient’s evolution was favourable after endoscopic surgical treatment of the sphenoid rhinosinusitis.
Study on the Interaction Between China and Japan’s Economy Based on FDI, Import and Export Trade
Authors: Wangping Yang , Xiaolu Lu
Published: May 2018

In the context of global integration, one country’s economic fluctuations will affect another country through a variety of ways, the global economic crisis in 2008 is the best proof. The economic ties between China and Japan are closely related. Japan was once the largest trading partner of China. It is very important to study the influence mechanism of economic fluctuations between China and Japan for the stable development of China’s economy. This paper selects China’s export to Japan(CEX) Japan’s export to China(JEX) Japan’s direct investment to China (FDI) Chinese gross domestic product (CGDP), Japan’s gross domestic product (JGDP) five variables. We use impulse response and variance decomposition to analyze the interaction of Chinese and Japanese economy. Finally we come to the conclusion: China’s economy affected by the impact of Japan’s economic fluctuations bigger than Japan’s economy affected by China; the contribution rate of imports from Japan is greater than the export to China’s economy.
The Impact of Integrating Weblogs into an ESP Classroom
Authors: Zeqiri Luiza
Published: May 2018

Researchers have investigated the role of information technology (IT) in learning but there is a need for studies investigating the impact of Blogging distinctively. There are previous studies which support the use of technology in the classroom and researchers who are arguing the opposite by expressing their concerns related to technology integration into the curriculum. This paper attempts to explore the impact and effectiveness of using weblogs in universities, particularly in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) environment. The participants in this study were 25 second and third year Communication Sciences students attending ESP one and two courses. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the data collection. Evidence was gathered in the form of student questionnaires, weblogs and teacher’s analysis and evaluation of the process. The findings indicate that ESP students would not use their blogs effectively unless they are monitored and motivated by their teacher. It can be suggested that blogs can be used as an educational tool in different ESP courses and not only with ESP for Communication Sciences because their usage enhances student-student and teacher-student interaction and promotes discussions. Moreover, using Blogs in the classroom proved to be a good opportunity to promote students’ self reflection, peer evaluation skills and also their critical thinking ability. Finally, weblogs encourage collaborative work; establish a rapport between the learners and the teacher, by building a learning community and enhancing learner autonomy
Proposal for Serbian Tourism Destinations Marketing Campaign / Predlog Za Marketinšku Kampanju Srpskih Turističkih Destinacija
Authors: Paunović Ivan
Published: May 2018

Serbia is geographically located in Europe, which is why it faces stiff competition from other European destinations, but also from other destinations worldwide. In order to understand contemporary competitive environment, major trends have been identified at the global, regional and local level. The data from the analysis of Serbian summer season tourism market were used to create tourist profiles for 4 supply side regions (Domestic-Serbia; Western Balkans-Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia; Central-Eastern Europe-Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania; Western Europe and the rest of the world), for 5 major Serbian destinations (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Zlatibor, Kopaonik) and for 7 types of tourists according to their core motivation for travelling (pleasure, fun & entertainment, nature, culture, sport & adventure, health, and business). Based on the given tourist profiles, separate marketing campaign scenarios were created for each of the market segments.
Interpretation of Declarations of Will by Parties to Civil-Law Agreements
Authors: Malarewicz-Jakubów Agnieszka
Published: May 2018

Entering into a civil-law agreement always carries legal consequences. One of the most frequent mistakes committed by the parties entering into civil-law agreements is using ambiguous words or phrases in contracts. The interpretation of declarations of will should be distinguished from establishing their legal consequences. The interpretation of a declaration of will is a legal issue, whereas legal consequences of declarations of will may be specified right after establishing the meaning of a declaration of will. It is the interpretation that serves this purpose, but only after taking into consideration the consequences defined by legal norms. Legal interpretation aims at determining what rights a given person has or what responsibilities they are burdened with. The interpretation of declarations of will by the parties to civil-law relations is a complicated process. The directives and methods of interpretation do not always allow for a precise interpretation of declarations of will contained in agreements. To express their will, the parties concluding civil-law agreements tend to use ambiguous and unclear phrases, inconsistent with their actual will, being unaware of the effects a given declaration carries. That is why so many cases end up in court.
The Principle of Proportionality as a Method of Limiting the Privacy of Public Officials
Authors: Sieńczyło-Chlabicz Joanna , Zawadzka Zofia
Published: May 2018

It is unquestionable that people performing public functions are entitled to much narrower range of privacy protection than the so-called private persons, because of voluntarily holding a public office, the right of citizens to public information as well as the necessity of preserving transparency and openness of public life. Thus, the principle of proportionality should refer to foremost needs connected with proper functioning of public institutions, and not only to the status of people performing public functions as citizens. How- ever, it is important to underscore that intrusion into privacy of the people of this category should be justified, every time, on grounds of a direct connection between their functioning in the sphere of private life and the function (office) performed for the state and the public good. The issue of reducing privacy of the people performing public functions requires presenting the premises of the principle of proportionality determining the restrictions in exercising the constitutional rights and liberties. The considerations in this paper will allow to analyse the solutions of the Constitutional Tribunal examining the compliance with the Constitution of statutory legal regulations which constitute an intrusion in the right to privacy of people performing public functions in view of their meeting the premises of suitability, necessity and proportionality in the strict sense in reference to the imposed limitations.
Theatre Performance in Postmodernism
Authors: Teampău Radu
Published: May 2018

The present paper aims to investigate, in brief, the controversial relationship between postmodernism and modernism; to outline, synthetically, the specific procedures of conceiving theatre performance in postmodernity; to analyze the performance narrative that, in postmodern era, reveals the indicible and the existential fragmentation. The research is carried out taking into consideration the end of postmodernism which was announced since the middle of the first decade of the 21stcentury. At the same time, besides the attempt to observe the phenomenon in its theatrical implications, the study pursues to delineate the decontextualization of theatricality from theatrical space and its recontextualization in sociopolitical space. In conclusion, the perspective beyond the end of postmodernity from which theatricality is evaluated intends to avoid the partisan thinking that any attempt to treat postmodernity requires.
From Intellect to Feeling
Authors: Huzum Otilia
Published: May 2018

The basis of the progressive functioning of the human beings lays in these two fundamental components: the intellect and the affective part. They cannot be separated, but they converge towards the same goal, although they are not in absolute mutual subordination. Extrapolating on the idea of the actor, we can say that the starting point for the artistic creation is represented by thought, imagination and improvisation; all of them accomplished in a systematically designed organization, with the aim of alterity appearing. The character is brought to life through the body of the actor, without being able to tell exactly how much of this is the artist’s emotion and how much the character’s. Also, the character’s emotions cannot guarantee purity, unless we consider the representation of the presence a moment of scenic, but not life-like truth. If we think of Peter Brook’s words, “a play is play”, the comments will remain open to many possible responses.
The Reflection of a Classical Playwright in the Mirror of Postmodernism
Authors: Iacobuţe Ramona-Petronela
Published: May 2018

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the search for a form of theatre that is as close as possible to the ideal became more intense and the active involvement of the public a habit. Likewise, postmodernism has become more and more present in the theatre shows. For the new generations of spectators, postmodernism in theatre is no longer an element of novelty and not even so difficult to digest, because when you grow into a certain historical period, you easily assimilate the features reflected in all aspects of life, cultural, social or political. A special generation from which the audience for the theatre under the postmodernist empire has been selected is generation Y, the generation of those born between 1980 and 1995. For this generation, Shakespeare, for example, can also be extremely cool, not only a classic. Among the performances that claim a modern Shakespeare, helped by video projections and modern music we can focus on the shows Hamlet, directed by Ada Lupu Hausvater at the National Theatre in Timişoara, and, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Radu Afrim, and also Hamletmachine, directed by Giorgos Zamboulakis.
Postmodern Valencies in Samuel Beckett’s Theatre. Waiting for Godot
Authors: Bandac Alexandra
Published: May 2018

Postmodernism is still a landmark for theatre creators worldwide. Hard to define, it proposes, as Umberto Eco also acknowledged, a critical view of the past, filled with witt and irony, when referring to a disbalanced present, lacking value or perspective. It seems relevant, when talking about postmodernism, to yield Samuel Beckett’s writings, his prose and his theatre being stamps of change in the middle of the XXth century. We chose for analysis the play Waiting for Godot, which uncovers postmodern traits, and by discovering them, the text is better understood for the director or actor who is to stage the play or a character from it.
Theater Aesthetics from the First Signs to Postmodern Echoes
Authors: Florea Silvian
Published: May 2018

In the second part of The Art of Theatre (the first presentation of the evolution of theatre aesthetics written by a Romanian author), George Banu highlights the dynamic essence of the performance, without excluding the existence of referential terms that structure its manifestations on the whole. The author calls them “means of communication that were imposed at the time”, means that start from a unitary significance given to the theatrical act. This significance is, according to George Banu, affiliated to a certain aesthetics, formulated with the help of historical determinations specific to theatre or emerged from each personality’s particularity.
About a Way Built Step by Step
Authors: Ciobotaru Anca Doina
Published: May 2018

The programme of Luceafărul Theatre in Iaşi announces a new premiere – A Japanese Story, created by Irina Niculescu and John Lewandovski. Watercolour images and live music invite us to a world of metaphors. The story comes to life under the viewer’s eyes; the hero offers his breath, his heartbeat, and determines them to follow him in his initiation journey, to take joy and meditate on it.

I watch what happens on the stage with the eyes of my mind and soul; it’s only this way that I can come close to the meaning of the Emperor’s words: “May victory belong to those who fight without ego!”. It isn’t a mere line, but a sort of confession; Irina and John have searched for a source, they have fought without ego, and they are following their path. I take advantage of this meeting and raise a couple of questions; Irina Niculescu’s answers are the mirror of a way built step by step.
School as Workshop
Authors: Bălăiţă Vasilica
Published: May 2018

The experience of the master class held by the actress Roberta Carreri (Odin Theatre) at the National University of Arts, Iaşi, has made me understand the necessity of the theatre laboratory born out of the need to leave aside all other concerns, including that of making “good” theatre. The workshop means letting yourself carried in silence as an active life principle, by other principles – of the stage movement – rediscovering the expressiveness of the body as form and sonority. It means forgetting everything you think you know about theatre and what has become an automatism; fighting with the everyday movement, abandoning it. The technical terms that designate the two types of action on the stage are “everyday movement” – where the brain acts in accordance with and by reason of automatisms, and “extra-everyday movement”, where the brain must make the effort to think in spite of the automatism. The extra-everyday movement elaboration comes from an excess/waste/potentiation of energy that is achieved by acting according to certain principles. These were carefully described in the theatre dictionary compiled by Eugenio Barba and the Italian theoretician Nicola Savareze, following half-century experiences through international confrontations of the Asian and European theatre/dance.
Hedda Gabler Show
Authors: Nechit Diana
Published: May 2018

Intertextually, eclectically, stridently and parodically, without performing an extremely de-dramatizing process of Ibsen’s textual core, Botond Nagy’s show, Hedda Gabler (Radu Stanca National Theatre of Sibiu), is a nonconformist experience that proves the general tendency of the transcripts of the great masterpieces of universal dramaturgy, exploding the audience perception through a complex arsenal of musical and cinematic influences. Presented for the first time to the Sibiu audience on February 22, 2018, Hedda Gabler, directed by Botond Nagy, is, according to the director, a techno-poetical installation orchestrated by the conventions of an almost psychedelic incursion into human futuristic imagination, raises the reception standards the more so as the strategy applied by the young theatre director evokes a peculiar universe which is apparently incompatible with the fervent core of this drama.
Partial Covering of a Sphere with Random Number of Spherical Caps
Authors: Gronek Tomasz , Schmeidel Ewa
Published: May 2018

In this paper we study sphere coverage issue. A sphere of radius one in a 3-dimensional Euclidean space is given. We consider random location of N spherical caps on a sphere, assuming that N is a discrete stochastic variable with a Poisson distribution. Using suitable difference equation, the expected area of the covered region is investigated.
Embedding resilience of urban areas to climate change: a case study of Rotterdam
Authors: Bilska Anna
Published: May 2018

Climate change may have severe consequences for urban areas and many cities, such as those situated on deltas, are already threatened. The paper claims that the solution for endangered areas is the embedding of urban climate resilience. The concept of resilience is put forward to bring a broad perspective to a city with an indication that the city is a complex system with developed relations, both inward and outward. Social and institutional aspects of these relations are highlighted as they have the highest potential to make the city resilient. The paper indicates three fundamental features of embedding the resilience of urban areas to climate change: network building, a strategic approach and implementing urban projects. A practical application of these fundamental features is evaluated using the case study of Rotterdam. The research shows the reliability of these bases and indicates key characteristics of each fundamental feature: the network should be multidimensional with solid institutional and interpersonal relations, the strategy should have a holistic approach and project implementation needs the engagement of all the city actors.
Ore mineralization in the Miedzianka area (Karkonosze-Izera Massif, the Sudetes, Poland): new information
Authors: Mochnacka Ksenia , Oberc-Dziedzic Teresa , Mayer Wojciech , Pieczka Adam
Published: May 2018

The Miedzianka mining district has been known for ages as a site of polymetallic ore deposits with copper and, later, uranium as the main commodities. Although recently uneconomic and hardly accessible, the Miedzianka ores attract Earth scientists due to the interesting and still controversial details of their ore structure, mineralogy and origin. Our examination of the ore mineralization from the Miedzianka district was based exclusively on samples collected from old mining dumps located in the vicinity of Miedzianka and Ciechanowice, and on samples from the only available outcrop in Przybkowice. In samples from the Miedzianka field, chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, bornite, chalcocite, digenite, arsenopyrite, magnetite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite-tennantite, bornite, hematite, martite, pyrrhotite, ilmenite, cassiterite and covellite are hosted in quartz-mica schists and in coarse-grained quartz with chlorite. In the Ciechanowice field, the ore mineralization occurs mainly in strongly chloritized amphibolites occasionally intergrown with quartz and, rarely, with carbonates. Other host-rocks are quartz-chlorite schist and quartzites. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite-tennantite, bismuthinite, native Bi, arsenopyrite, löllingite, cassiterite, cobaltite, gersdorffite, chalcocite, cassiterite, bornite, covellite, marcasite and pyrrhotite. Moreover, mawsonite and wittichenite were identified for the first time in the district. In barite veins cross-cutting the greenstones and greenschists in Przybkowice, we found previously-known chalcopyrite, chalcocite and galena. The composition of the hydrothermal fluids is suggested to evolved through a series of consecutive systems characterized, in turn, by Ti-Fe-Sn, Fe- As-S, Fe-Co-As-S, Cu-Zn-S and, finally, Cu-Pb-Sb-As-Bi compositions.
Comparative analysis of fatigue life calculation methods of C45 steel in conditions of variable amplitude loads in the low- and high-cycle fatigue ranges
Authors: Ligaj Bogdan , Szala Grzegorz
Published: May 2018

In the paper [1] assumptions for fatigue life calculations in the low- and high- cycle fatigue ranges of metal
alloys, have been formulated. Three calculation methods: that expressed in stresses, strains and a mixed
(stress-strain) one, have been there presented. In this paper results of fatigue life calculations of C45 steel
performed in line with the above mentioned methods have been described, and their comparative analysis
has been made. The calculations have been carried out for two-level and multi-level load programs of the
varying parameters: maximum load within a load program and different values of spectrum filling factor.
The comparative analysis of the results of fatigue life calculations in compliance with the above mentioned
methods makes it possible to assess differences in the results and depenendence of the differences on values
of load program parameters.
Festuco-Brometea In Western Bulgaria with an Emphasis on Cirsio-Brachypodion Pinnati
Authors: Kiril Vassilev , Iva Apostolova , Hristo Pedashenko
Published: May 2018

A total of 546 releves collected in western Bulgaria and referred to Festuco-Brometea were classified into the alliances Festucion valesiacae, Saturejion montanae, Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati and Chrysopogono-Danthonion calycinae. All releves assigned to alliance Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati were further classified towards lower level which resulted in the description of a new association - Hieracio pilosellae-Festucetum dalmaticae and two new subassociations added to ass. Galio lovcense-Artemisietum chamaemelifoliae. Both associations were ecologically well differentiated on the basis of soil parameters (pH and humus content) as well as some additional factors (exposition, land use, etc.).
MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer — Our Initial Results
Authors: Plaseska-Karanfilska Dijana , Popovska-Jankovic K , Noveski P , Chakalova L , Petrusevska G , Kubelka K
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small [~21 nucleotide (nt)] non coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. About 3.0% of human genes encode for miRNAs, and up to 30.0% of human protein coding genes may be regulated by miRNAs. Currently, more than 2000 unique human mature microRNAs are known. MicroRNAs play a key role in diverse biological processes including development, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. These processes are commonly dysregulated in cancer, implicating miRNAs in carcinogenesis, where they act as tumor supressors or oncogenes. Several miRNAs are associated with breast cancer. Here we present our initial results of miRNA analyses of breast cancer tissues using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (ReTi-PCR) (qPCR) involving stem-loop reverse transcriptase (RT) primers combined with TaqMan® PCR and miRNA microarray analysis
Badania korozji atmosferycznej z wykorzystaniem stałych stacji korozyjnych
Authors: Barszcz Piotr
Published: May 2018

Terenowe badania korozji atmosferycznej [8, 14, 15] są to badania prowadzone w atmosferze
ziemskiej w temperaturze otoczenia w celu określenia: odporności na korozję
metalu, zanieczyszczenia środowiska produktami korozji, skuteczności ochrony przed
korozją lub korozyjności środowiska [10, 12]. Przedmiotem prac zwiększających resurs
statków powietrznych oraz ich eksploatację wg stanu technicznego są m.in. badania korozji
w naturalnych warunkach atmosferycznych na podstawie wystawiania próbek materiałów
i poddawania ich okresowym obserwacjom oraz oznaczania w ustalonych odstępach
czasu wielkości ubytków korozyjnych, ich postaci i wyglądu oraz zmian własności fizycznych
[4]. Wynikami badań są pomiary ciężaru i grubości próbek korozyjnych, zdjęcia powierzchni
próbek przed wystawieniem ich na oddziaływanie warunków atmosferycznych,
po zdjęciu ze stacji korozyjnej i po usunięciu produktów korozji. W oparciu o dane uzyskane
podczas prowadzenia badań korozyjnych oblicza się wskaźniki charakteryzujące proces
korozyjny przebiegający w rejonie wystawienia stałej stacji korozyjnej. Wskaźniki te zaczerpnięto
z obowiązujących na świecie i w Polsce norm [5, 6, 9, 11], jak również opracowano
w oparciu o doświadczenia własne (tablica 3). W czasie wykonywania badań monitorowane
są również warunki atmosferyczne panujące na obszarze, gdzie wystawiono próbki
korozyjne [4]. Dane dotyczące warunków atmosferycznych uzyskuje się z Centrum Hydrometrologii
Sił Zbrojnych RP oraz wykorzystuje się dane zamieszczone w Internecie
przez Inspektorat Ochrony Środowiska. Dane charakteryzujące warunki atmosferyczne
umożliwiają poszukiwanie korelacji pomiędzy wartościami charakteryzującymi proces korozyjny
a warunkami meteorologicznymi.
Zarys metody oceny niezawodności i trwałości wybranych elementów konstrukcji statku powietrznego w warunkach kumulowania skutków działania procesów destrukcyjnych
Authors: Tomaszek Henryk , Kaleta Ryszard , Zieja Mariusz
Published: May 2018

W badaniach procesów zużywania się elementów konstrukcji pod wpływem procesów
destrukcyjnych w procesie eksploatacji statków powietrznych można wyróżnić dwa kierunki.
Pierwszy dotyczy wyjaśnienia fizyki zużywania, drugi - budowy modeli matematycznych
opisujących przebieg narastania skutków zużywania w postaci zmiany wartości parametrów
diagnostycznych.
Niniejszy artykuł dotyczy drugiego kierunku i obejmuje model formalizujący proces narastania
skutków zużywania elementów do chwili osiągnięcia stanów granicznych dopuszczalnych.
W przedstawionym modelu wykorzystano rozkład czasu eksploatacji do chwili
osiągnięcia stanu granicznego przez parametr diagnostyczny. Na zakończenie przedstawiono
przykład liczbowy.
Failures of avionic generators and contactors operated under harsh ambient conditions
Authors: Gębura Andrzej , Radoń Tomasz
Published: May 2018

The paper outlines failures of selected avionic electric power devices operated onboard of
combat helicopters in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the authors were examining the electric
power system of aircrafts in order to prolong their operation life they paid attention to numerous
symptoms of wear demonstrated by some units of aircrafts. It was peculiar that
such symptoms have never appeared during similar examinations of aircrafts operated in
our country. By all accounts, the weird wear of components results from high intensity of
flights and specific features of operating missions, but harsh climatic conditions seem to be
the crucial factor. The authors believe that many of spotted failures experienced by electric
power equipment may also happen to aircrafts operated in Poland but obviously, due to
much lower intensity of operation and mild impact of environmental factors, such failures
shall occur much later.

The authors focused their attention on two groups of electric devices and associated destructive
factors:

1. Air-cooled electric rotary machines. Fine-grained sand sucked together with air leads to
very quick abrasion of protective paint coatings inside the machines. Not frequent but
intense rainfalls are the reason for appearance of corrosion pits that lead to such effects
as increase of pole shoe volumes. This, in turn, results in shearing of winding insulations
with breakdowns (shorts) to ground and, as a final consequence, considerable
drop of power demonstrated by an electric machine.

2. Contactors and electromagnets, which are allegedly tight. However, dust penetrates anyway via microfissures and disables operation of moving parts.
Heat and Moisture Transport in Multi-Layer Walls: Interaction and Heat Loss at Varying Outdoor Temperatures / Siltuma Un Mitruma Pārnese Caur Daudzslāņainām Būvkonstrukcijām: Āra Temperatūras Izmaiņu Ietekme Uz Siltuma Zudumiem Iekštelpā
Authors: Ozolinsh A. , Jakovich A.
Published: May 2018

The heat and moisture transport in multi-layer walls is analysed for five building units. Using the developed program, a typical of Latvian conditions temperature and relative humidity profiles in multi-layered constructions has been obtained and the indoor heat losses estimated. Consideration is also given to the risk of condensate formation and to the influence of moisture on the U-value. The created mathematical model allows forecasting the energy efficiency and sustainability of different technical solutions as refer to the heat and moisture transport in buildings.
Photoluminescence of Eu and Ce Activated Oxyfluoride Glass And Glass Ceramics/ Eu Un Ce Jonu Luminiscence Oksifluorīdu Stiklos Un Stikla Keramikā
Authors: Brice I. , Rogulis U. , Elsts E. , Grūbe J.
Published: May 2018

The photoluminescence of SiO2-Al2O3-LiO2-LaF3 oxyfluoride glass and glass ceramic samples doped with Ce3+, Eu2+ and Ce3+/Eu2+ is investigated, and the spectra and fluorescence intensities are compared. The luminescence of samples activated by Eu ions is found to be more intensive than of the samples doped with Ce or Ce/Eu. The luminescence of glass ceramics is higher than that of the corresponding glass, which indicates that a proportion of the activator ions are embedded in the fluoride crystallites.
Evaluation Of Damage And Deformation Of Rt-32 Radio Telescope / Radioteleeskopa Rt-32 Deformācijas Un Bojājumu Novērtējums
Authors: Joffe R. , Jēkabsons N. , Bērziņš A. , Klapers M. , Upnere S.
Published: May 2018

The main objective of the work was to analyze the operation of the large radio telescope RT-32 at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC). The analysis has been performed in order to evaluate dimensional changes in the RT- 32 structural base due to reorientation of the antenna mirror. Three different orientations of the dish were considered, and the dimensional changes in the load carrying substructure were measured. The measurements were made to estimate possible effect of the geometrical changes of the antenna due to gravitational loads on the overall performance of the radio telescope with respect to the obtained astronomical results, their accuracy and validity. Comprehensive mapping and classification of the corrosive damage of steel elements in the antenna have been done. A preliminary numerical analysis by the finite element method was carried out to demonstrate the overall effect of the damaged steel beams on the geometrical distortion of the antenna surface.
Receiving System For Ionosphere Research / Uztverošā Sistēma Jonosfēras Pētīšanai
Authors: Trokss J. , Lesins A. , Gaigals G. , Nechaeva M. , Bezrukovs Vl
Published: May 2018

The RT-32 radio telescope at Irbene has been used in the VLBI experiments for studying the ionosphere by its transradiation with the signals from Navstar GPS and GLONASS satellites. The VLBI station at Irbene is equipped with a modular receiver system operating on 1.6 GHz and consisting of off-the-shelf RF components (Mini Circuits Ltd.). In the secondary focus of RT-32 a four-helix antenna array is installed. The implemented receiver system has successfully been employed in the experiments as a part of multi-element radiointerferometer, with interferometric echoes registered from all the observed satellites.
Digital Base Band Converter As Radar Vlbi Backend / Dbbc Kā Ciparošanas Sistēma Radara Vlbi Novērojumiem
Authors: Tuccari G. , Bezrukovs Vl. , Nechaeva M.
Published: May 2018

A digital base band converter (DBBC) system has been developed by the Istituto di Radioastronomia (Noto, Italy) for increasing the sensitivity of European VLBI Network (EVN) by expanding the full observed bandwidth using numerical methods. The output data rate of this VLBI-backend is raised from 1 to 4 Gbps for each radiotelescope. All operations related to the signal processing (frequency translation, amplification, frequency generation with local oscillators, etc.) are transferred to the digital domain, which allows - in addition to well-known advantages coming from digital technologies - achieving better repeatability, precision, simplicity, etc. The maximum input band of DBBC system is 3.5 GHz, and the instantaneous bandwidth is up to 1 GHz for each radio frequency/intermediate frequency (RF/IF) out of the eight possible. This backend is a highly powerful platform for other radioastronomy applications, and a number of additional so-called personalities have been developed and used. This includes PFB (polyphase filter bank) receivers and Spectra for high resolution spectroscopy. An additional new development with the same aim - to use the DBBC system as a multi-purpose backend - is related to the bi-static radar observations including Radar VLBI. In such observations it is possible to study the population of space debris, with detection of even centimetre class fragments. A powerful transmitter is used to illuminate the sky region to be analyzed, and the echoes coming from known or unknown objects are reflected to one or more groundbased telescopes thus producing a single-dish or interferometric detection. The DBBC Radar VLBI personality is able to realize a high-resolution spectrum analysis, maintaining in the central area the echo signal at the expected frequency including the Doppler shift of frequency. For extremely weak signals a very large integration time is needed, so for this personality different input parameters are provided. The realtime information can then allow exploring easily the desired range of search for unknown or not fully determined orbit objects. These features make Radar VLBI personality most useful in the space debris measurements.
Accuracy and Resolution Capacity of MRL-5(Is) Radar Ornithological Station and its Potential Development
Authors: Dinevich Leonid , Leshem Yossi
Published: May 2018

Dinevich L., Leshem Y. 2012. Accuracy and resolution capacity of MRL-5(Is) radar ornithological station and its potential development. Ring 34: 3-21.

The paper presents the comprehensive assessment of the resolution capacity of MRL-5(Is) radar ornithological station developed in Israel. Theoretical calculations, as well as experimental testing and field experience enable the authors to evaluate the station’s performance and to suggest new directions of its potential development.

The computer-controlled system is able to select bird echoes and plot ornithological charts for distances up to 60 km. Under conditions of normal refraction at distances of 5-25 km, MRL-5(Is) is able to detect all the birds (undisguised by hills) at the horizon level. A bird as big as a stork flying 100 m higher than the radar location reflects an echo strong enough to be detected by the radar at the distance of 90 km. In the daytime, at the distance of up to 60 km from the radar, under conditions of the open horizon, the station detects 56-83% of migrating birds flying at the altitude of over 100 m above the radar location. At night, at the distance of up to 30 km from the radar, the station detects 74-89% of migrating birds flying at 150 m above the radar location. At the distances of 20 and 50 km, the resolution capacity of the station (i.e. detecting separated echoes of two or more birds flying at a distance from each other) are Δr = 200 m and Δr = 400 m, respectively; regarding the height and the tangential component; distance-wise, the capacity is 150 m regardless of the distance to the target.

Systematic observations of seasonal bird migration in the daytime and at night conducted during two autumn seasons and two spring seasons showed that the number of birds flying via Israel is significantly lower in spring than in autumn.
Psychophysical evidence for distinct contributions in processing low and high spatial frequencies of fearful facial expressions in backward masking task
Authors: Szczepanowski Remigiusz , Sobków Agata
Published: May 2018

The present report examined the hypothesis that two distinct visual routes contribute in processing low and high spatial
frequencies of fearful facial expressions. Having the participants presented with a backwardly masked task, we analyzed
conscious processing of spatial frequency contents of emotional faces according to both objective and subjective taskrelevant
criteria. It was shown that fear perception in the presence of the low-frequency faces can be supported by
stronger automaticity leading to less false positives. In contrary, the detection of high-frequency fearful faces was more
likely supported by conscious awareness leading to more true positives.
Validation of the voluntary participation in online surveys scale
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz D. , Haładziński Piotr , Kaczmarek Lech , Bączkowski Błażej , Ziarko Michał , Dombrowski Stephan U.
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive understanding of participants’ motives to complete web-based surveys has the potential to improve dataquality. In this study we tested the construct validity of a scale developed to measure motivation to participate in webbasedsurveys. We expected that 7 different motivations observed in our previous study will form a 3-factor structure, aspredicted by Self-Determination Theory. This web-based questionnaire study comprised 257 participants completing theVoluntary Participation in Online Studies Scale. Their responses to 21 items underwent a principal component analysisand confi rmatory factor analysis. As we expected, three factors were identifi ed: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivationand amotivation. In line with Self-Determination Theory there are three distinct groups of motives among web-surveysparticipants with amotivation as an understudied motivational state. We discuss the results suggesting which types ofmotivation might lead to higher quality of data with an emphasis on possible negative effects of amotivation.
The EU Practice of Horizontal Agreement Assessment in Accordance with the Rule of Providing De Minimis Exemption
Authors: Puksas Andrius
Published: May 2018

This article analyses the practice of horizontal agreement assessment in accordance with its impact on competition. The following research is based on analysis of scientific literature, current provisions of European Union and national legal acts, as well as official positions of the European Commission (hereinafter - EC) and national authorities.

The current inconsistent practice of horizontal agreement assessment within the EU creates space for multiple interpretations. It is important to emphasize that the assessment rules provided in legal acts are, by their nature, only guidelines.

More flexibility, but also more obscurity, in the assessment process bring with it the possibility for institutions to independently set priorities (for instance ‘priority rule’ in Lithuanian legislation, i.e. in the Articles 18.2.3. and 24.2.8 of the Law on Competition of the Republic of Lithuania, Official Gazette, 2012, no. 42-2041).

The article analyses current regulation of horizontal agreement assessments in accordance with minor impact on competition.
Hostes Humani Generis: Cyberspace, the Sea, and Sovereign Control
Authors: Kalpokienė Julija , Kalpokas Ignas
Published: May 2018

Cyberspace is a new global space that is yet not fully explored nor effectively regulated. The authors are not sketching a regulatory framework for cyberspace, but instead are inclined to glean valuable experience from the developments in the regulation of other global spaces, especially the sea. First, the peculiarities of cyberspace and cybercrime are briefly outlined. Then, the other global spaces are analysed drawing comparisons between exploration, appropriation and regulations of the sea and the air and cyberspace. The authors suggest that it is vital to learn lessons from the past in order to achieve an effective model of regulation of cyberspace. One of the main focus points of the paper is the position of a pirate and the ways of regulating piracy in different global spaces.