bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical characteristics of BPPV patients: a retrospective large cohort study of 1599 patients
Authors: Chua Kenneth , RE Gans , S Spinks
Published: March 2021

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common peripheral vestibular problems, characterized by intense positionally provoked vertigo with a brief duration. However, studies of BPPV with demographic analyses are scant. To our knowledge, this is the largest retrospective analysis of BPPV patients seen in a 5-year period (2015-2019). The aim of this study is to document the demographic data of BPPV patients and describe the distribution of age, gender, the most common form and affected ears, associated comorbidities, type of treatment used, treatment efficacy, recurrence rates, prevalence of falls and postural instability. Predisposition for right posterior canal BPPV is almost unequivocally consistent in the literature. Hypertension is significantly associated with the occurrence of BPPV. The lower incidence of horizontal canal in this study may be explained by higher rates of spontaneous resolution and the exclusion of iatrogenic horizontal BPPV due to migration, while the lack of anterior canal BPPV was due to exclusion of atypical variants. There is also a high prevalence of falls and postural instability in BPPV patients, which requires further study. The demographic analyses are consistent with the literature, however treatment efficacy based on type of maneuver used, the influence of BPPV and its treatment on postural stability have not been sufficiently addressed. In this study, there is a high prevalence of self-reported falls (47.7%) and more than half of the patients (54%) with abnormal postural stability. Future prospective studies are necessary to validate such findings.
How formal is the ethics of responsibility?
Authors: Boychenko Mikhail
Published: March 2021

Max Weber’s last in his life publications give grounds to correct the traditional notions of the ethics of responsibility as purely calculative and one that subordinates the ethical goal to the right means of achieving it and the strictness of its observance. For Weber devotion to certain values is ultimately the basis of any possible ethics: in the ethics of conviction, this devotion is contrasted with taking into account all the results of the ethical act, and in the ethics of responsibility these results seek to take into account what should make certain values more reliable. Passionate commitment to political goals that express the interests of the community, rather than the selfish and vain intentions of the politician is a solid basis for the responsibility of the politician. The passionate pursuit of truth directs the scientist’s well-thought-out research pro- gram. In economics, the pursuit of personal gain, which is inherent for the “economic man”, requires consideration of the common economic good both for those with whom the man makes his business and for the community, which is his lifeworld and creates the necessary conditions for any possible economic activity. In any social sphere, each social system has its own logic of calculating success, but each time this calculation involves respecting and protecting the basic values for this system. In everyday life we observe numerous deviations from this clear and transparent logic of the ethics of responsibility, which create the illusion of its dysfunction. Similarly, insincere and inconsistent adherence to declared beliefs can give the wrong impression of the whole ethics of conviction. It is these deviations from the intrinsic integrity of the ethics of responsibility and the ethics of persuasion that create the false impression of them as mutu- ally exclusive behavioral strategies. In their conscientious pursuit, the ethics of conviction and the ethics of responsibility complement each other. The formalism of the ethics of responsibility makes sense only for a stricter and more impartial protection of the values that are important to the adherents of this ethic. This formalism is a denial only of all other, irrelevant values, and not a designation of responsibility for a particular ethical commitment as a value-empty, indifferent form. Weber points to the prospect of recognition as a path to a collective ethic of responsibility in its positive sense — as a conscious commitment by a community of like-minded people to commit to values that are significant to them.
Development of a robotic plasma spraying system for biocompatible coatings
Authors:   D.Serikbayev East Kazakhstan State Technical University, I.B. Karymsakova , N.F. Denissova ,   D.Serikbayev East Kazakhstan State Technical University, U.V. Krak ,   Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: March 2021

The results of the development of the database of implants and plasma deposition plants in MS SQL Server 2012 are presented. The design of the infological model, the data design, the physical design, the architecture of the software and hardware complex are given. Possibilities of plasma spraying of implants with biocompatible elements are investigated. The system of classification of implants according to the type of application and manufacturing materials has been developed, implants have been classified according to the geometric-topological dimensions of the components. A scheme of plasma spraying of metal and ceramic surfaces of parts and assemblies using a robotic complex is described.
Energy Management Electronic Device for Islanded Microgrids Based on Renewable Energy Sources and Battery-based Energy Storage
Authors: Granados Hernández Elkin Dario , Diaz Aldana Nelson Leonardo , Luna Hernández Adriana Carolina
Published: March 2021

Energy management systems are one of the most important components in the operation of an electric microgrid. They are responsible for ensuring the supervision of the electrical system, as well as the coordination and reliability of all loads and distributed energy resources in order for the microgrid to be operated as a unified entity. Because of that, an energy management system should be fast enough at processing data and defining control action to guarantee the correct performance of the microgrid. This paper explores the design and implementation of an energy management system deployed over a dedicated electronic device. The proposed energy management device coordinates the distributed energy resources and loads in a residential-scale islanded microgrid, in accordance with a rule-based energy management strategy that ensures reliable and safe operation of the battery-based energy storage system. A hardware-int-he-loop test was performed with a real-time simulation platform to show the operation of the electronic device
Tensile Properties of 3D Printed Polymeric Pieces: Comparison of Several Testing Setups
Authors: Romero Andres E , Piovan Marcelo T. , Mainetti Carlos A. , Stechina Darío , Mendoza Sandra , Martín Héctor D. , Maggi Norberto C
Published: March 2021

This work aims to evaluate and compare variations of a methodology for performing tensile tests on thermoplastic specimens constructed by additive manufacturing technologies (AMT) with filament deposition modeling (FDM). The testing procedures of pieces made in FDM machines do not yet have any conclusive standards because 3D printing, as a disruptive and exponentially growing technology, has not allowed enough time to reach a definitive scientific consensus. Nowadays, testing standards for injected thermoplastic parts or laminated composites are employed as substitutes with careful implementation. A comparative study was carried out on the elasticity modulus, determined within the framework of the same standard but with different measuring devices and testing machines. These machines cover a broad range from professional automated high precision machines to lab and specialized machines. Sets of 3Dprinted specimens with identical manufacturing parameters were constructed in a commercial 3D printer. An analysis of variance was performed in order to evaluate the consistency and significance of experimental data for the same polymer, considering the machine type and its corresponding setup. From the experimental data, it is concluded that, with the due care, all evaluated testing setups can reach comparable results, especially in the absence of sophisticated and expensive measuring systems.
En el enjambre.
Authors: Crispin Jairo
Published: March 2021

Byung-Chul HanBarcelona: Herder Editorial, S. L., 2014, 112 pp.
¿Tecnologías para una inmovilidad real y atomizada? Reflexiones éticas en torno a la potencialidad de los usos políticos de las tic en lo social
Authors: Ambrosi Celeste , Stern Gelman Lucas
Published: March 2021

Los usos y efectos de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (tic) no se encuentran predeterminados. Su utilización en procesos de movilización y protesta social renuevan las discusiones sobre las potencialidades que pueden adquirir socialmente, en cuanto medios virtuosos para reclamar justicia social y una mayor democratización. Desde una mirada interdisciplinaria que recupera propuestas teóricas de pensadores clásicos de la filosofía y aportes socioantropológicos, reflexionaremos mediante interrogantes éticos sobre la potencialidad de los usos políticos y sociales de las tic para dar cuenta de una virtuosidad real y disruptiva, con respecto al predominio de una vida atomizada.
La educación virtual en épocas de pandemia. La crisis neoliberal de los cuidados
Authors: Ávila García Víctor Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Este artículo sitúa la pandemia de covid-19 en la contradicción entre el capitalismo contemporáneo y las labores de cuidado, para analizar los impactos ocasionados por la emergencia sanitaria sobre el desempeño profesional de tres docentes que, ejerciendo su labor en colegios de Bogotá con características socioeconómicas distintas, han tenido posibilidades diferentes para garantizar la educación de sus estudiantes a través del uso de recursos virtuales. Se concluye, a través del diálogo entre las perspectivas teóricas sobre el neoliberalismo y la reflexividad de los docentes entrevistados, que la pandemia evidenció un ordenamiento social que protege diferencialmente la vida de las personas.
"Nosotros nacimos con esto": Una aproximación a la virtualidad en la cotidianidad juvenil
Authors: Joya Valbuena Daniela
Published: March 2021

Este artículo presenta la relevancia de la virtualidad en la cotidianidad juvenil, a partir del análisis de las experiencias de unos sujetos particulares. La investigación se desarrolló con un grupo de jóvenes en edad escolar desde una perspectiva cualitativa, en la que el uso de herramientas virtuales fue fundamental para el encuentro. La cotidianidad, escenario fundante de las subjetividades, plantea convergencias entre los discursos de la cultura, las identidades y el contexto de época; allí emergen complejidades entre los espacios físicos y virtuales, múltiples modos de interactuar en la red y resistencias generacionales desde nuevos lenguajes y formas de habitar.
Intestinal microbiome: role in functional gastrointestinal disorders and contemporary diagnostic options
Authors:   Department of Allergology, Gastroenterology and Children’s Nutrition, M. Konopnicka University Paediatrics Centre, Łódź, Poland, Górska Marlena , Toporowska-Kowalska Ewa ,   Department of Allergology, Gastroenterology and Children’s Nutrition, M. Konopnicka University Paediatrics Centre, Łódź, Poland
Published: March 2021

The most common problems that paediatricians and paediatric gastroenterologists encounter in their practice include functional gastrointestinal disorders. These are a group of chronic and/or recurrent conditions caused by any combination of gastrointestinal motility disturbances and visceral hypersensitivity with abnormal processing of stimuli in the central nervous system which manifest with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or disorders of defecation, among other problems. The symptoms cannot be assigned to any other clinical condition despite proper diagnostic investigation. The aetiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders is multifactorial. Recently, the role of the intestinal microbiota as an important environmental factor in the pathogenesis of such disorders has been investigated. In this article, the latest data regarding the composition of the microbiome (a collection of microbiota genes) of the human gastrointestinal tract are discussed and the methods used to determine it in detail are described. Currently, molecular biology techniques have the highest diagnostic value, which are based on genetic material sequencing. Due to their extraordinary efficacy, they are superseding classic microbiological tests. In addition, the publication presents factors which affect the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. These include, for example, mode of birth, method of infant feeding, diet at later stages of life, place of residence, physical activity and antibiotics intake. The research to date demonstrated that dysbiosis is one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome. Attempts at modifying the composition of the microbiome by, for example, the administration of probiotics, should therefore have a distinctly positive effect on patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Rupatadine – a panacea for allergies? A literature review
Authors:   2nd Department of Paediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland, Sybilski Adam J. ,   Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland
Published: March 2021

Allergic diseases are one of the most common chronic diseases. The incidence of allergies is constantly increasing, and it is currently estimated that around 40% of the population suffers from at least one allergy. Current guidelines for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria recommend modern second-generation antihistamines. Rupatadine is the first hybrid molecule with high affinity for the H1 receptor resulting from remarkably strong binding to this receptor. It exhibits significant H1 receptor binding selectivity, greater in the lungs than in the cerebellum. It has antihistamine effect that is about 25 and 75 times stronger than that of cetirizine and loratadine, respectively. The second mechanism of its action is a strong antagonism of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor. Rupatadine is rapidly absorbed, which correlates with the onset of anti-H1 and anti-PAF activity. Rupatadine is approximately 99% bound to plasma proteins, but at the same time it is very well distributed to other tissues. It undergoes metabolism in the liver through oxidative processes and glucuronide conjugation. Many studies indicate that rupatadine (10 mg) was at least as effective as desloratadine, cetirizine, loratadine and ebastine in reducing allergic symptoms in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It has also been confirmed to be effective in relieving the symptoms of insect bite response. Rupatadine has a positive effect on the daily functioning of patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria, and improves the quality of life of these people. At the same time, many cross-sectional studies have shown that rupatadine has a good safety and tolerability profile in adults and children and has not shown adverse cardiovascular effects.
Urinary procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide/creatinine (PIIINP/Cr) ratio and transforming growth factor beta/creatinine (TGF-β/Cr) ratio in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome on corticosteroid and cyclosporine A treatment
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Head: Professor Katarzyna Ziora, MD, PhD, Banaszak Beata
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a common nephropathy in children basically treated with corticosteroids and, in some cases, with cyclosporin A. There are concerns that proteinuria itself and cyclosporin A could cause renal fibrosis via activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which may stimulate deposition of collagen type III, synthesised as procollagen III amino terminal propeptide (PIIINP). The aim of this study was to assess urinary TGF-β and PIIINP to creatinine (Cr) ratio as markers of renal fibrosis in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome put on corticosteroid and cyclosporin A treatment. Materials and methods: The study comprised 20 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in remission on prednisone, aged 6.87 years [interquartile range (IQR): 6.37]; 21 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in remission on cyclosporin A, aged 9.66 years (IQR: 5.0); and 21 healthy subjects, aged 7.16 years (IQR: 9.0). First morning urinary PIIINP/Cr and TGF-β/Cr were obtained and compared with Mann–Whitney U test, with the level of significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results: PIIINP/Cr ratio was significantly elevated in the cyclosporin A group [3.44 (2.5) vs. 1.12 (0.96) μg/mmol], p = 0.000, as well as in the prednisone group when compared to controls [1.33 (1.58) vs. 1.12 (0.96) μg/mmol], p = 0.042. The TGF-β/Cr ratio was significantly higher only in the cyclosporin A group when compared to controls [4.03 (3.25) vs. 2.33 (1.62) μg/mmol], p = 0.004. Conclusions: Increased urinary PIIINP/Cr ratio in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome either on steroid or on cyclosporin A therapy may suggest that renal fibrosis is a process generally involved in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Elevated urinary TGF-β/Cr and PIIINP/Cr ratios in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome on cyclosporin A may reflect nephrotoxicity of this drug.
Fibrosis indexes in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate
Authors:   Department of Adolescence Medicine, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Parkhomenko Liudmyla , Strashok Larysa ,   Department of Adolescence Medicine, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine,   Department of Paediatrics, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Pavlov Sergey ,   Central Scientific Laboratory, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Pavlova Olga ,   Department of Adolescence Medicine, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine,   Department of Paediatrics 2, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in children and adolescents. Methotrexate is the mainstay of juvenile idiopathic arthritis treatment. Methotrexate is well known to cause serum aminotransferase elevations, and longterm therapy has been linked to the development of fatty liver disease, fibrosis and even cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to assess non-invasive liver fibrosis indexes in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate. Materials and methods: A total of 68 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were enrolled in the study. A total of 68 children – 25 boys (36.8%) and 43 girls (63.2%) – were examined. The children were divided into four groups based on the methotrexate cumulative dose. The following data were analysed: total bilirubin and its fractions, cholesterol, β-lipoproteins, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase. Fibrosis indexes, i.e. APRI, FIB-4 score, AAR, AARPRI, were studied. Results: When studying the dynamics of non-invasive indices, their heterogeneous nature and cumulative dose dependence are determined. Statistically significant changes in fibrosis indexes and biochemical parameters were observed when the children reached cumulative methotrexate doses of 1 g and 3 g. Conclusions: It is possible to monitor carefully liver condition during the whole treatment and conduct a more in-depth examination only if it is necessary. Our data shows that the APRI index (AST to platelet ratio index) is most indicative.
Recurrent HHV-7 myocarditis in a 16-year-old boy
Authors:   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Chanas Anna , Tomik Agnieszka ,   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Werner Bożena ,   Department of Paediatric Cardiology and General Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Published: March 2021

Recurrent myocarditis is very rare, with most cases reported in adults. We present a case of a 16-year-old boy with 2 episodes of myocarditis 4 months apart. The aetiological factor of the first episode was not detected, whereas the second episode was caused by HHV-7 infection, which, according to literature reports, is an extremely rare cause of myocarditis. We described the evolution of changes in electrocardiography, changes in echocardiography and magnetic resonance as well as laboratory abnormalities, with particular focus on the differences between the first and the second episode. The patient was treated with bed rest and enalapril. Metoprolol was included during the second episode. The left ventricular function returned to normal after both episodes. This rare course of disease indicates the need for further clinical follow-up and periodic cardiac check-up in children considered to be cured.
Effect of salt and temperature on the growth of Escherichia coli PSII
Authors: Medvedova A. , Kocis-Koval M. , Valik L.
Published: March 2021

Presence of pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli in foodstuffs may pose a health risk for a consumer. Therefore, knowledge on the effect of environmental factors on the growth ability of E. coli is of great importance. In this work, the effect of incubation temperature (6–46 °C) and the combined effect of temperature and water activity (0.991–0.930) on the growth dynamic of E. coli PSII were analysed. Based on the growth curves obtained, growth parameters were calculated by using the Baranyi D-model. Growth parameters were further analysed in secondary phase of predictive modelling. Using the CM model that describes the effect of combined factors, cardinal values (Tmin = 4.8 ± 0.4 °C, Topt = 41.1 ± 0.8 °C, Tmax = 48.3 ± 0.9 °C, awmin = 0.932 ± 0.001, and awopt = 0.997 ± 0.003) for the isolate were calculated. Under optimal conditions, the specific growth rate is µopt = 2.84 ± 0.08 h−1. The results obtained may contribute to the assessment of the risk associated with the possible E. coli presence in raw materials and to the search for preventive measures with defined degree of accuracy and reliability.
Airway obstruction can be better predicted using Global Lung Function Initiative spirometry reference equations in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Kolonics-Farkas A. M. , Kovats Z. , Bohacs A. , Odler B. , Benke K. , Agg B. , Szabolcs Z. , Müller V.
Published: March 2021

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, including involvement of the lungs.

Pulmonary function test was performed in 32 asymptomatic adult Marfan patients using European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS) and Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) reference values.

Using GLI equations for reference, significantly lower lung function values were noted for forced vital capacity (FVC) (87.0 ± 16.6% vs. 97.1 ± 16.9%; P < 0.01) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (79.6 ± 18.9% vs. 88.0 ± 19.1%; P < 0.01) predicted compared to ECCS. Obstructive ventilatory pattern was present in 25% of the cases when calculating with GLI lower limit of normal (LLN), and it was significantly more common in men as compared to women (n = 6, 50% vs. n = 2, 10%; P = 0.03).

GLI is more suitable to detect early ventilatory changes including airway obstruction in young patients with special anatomic features, and should be used as a standard way of evaluation in asymptomatic Marfan population.
Incidence and clinical predictors of infections in patients treated with severe systemic ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Haris Á. , Polner K. , Arányi J. , Braunitzer H. , Kaszás I.
Published: March 2021

Background

Immunosuppressive therapy has improved the outcome of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), but infectious morbidity and mortality remained high. Recognizing its risk factors seems crucial for prevention, aiming to increase survival of these patients.

Methods

We investigated the incidence and types of infections and assessed predictive factors in 132 patients with severe systemic AAV.

Results

Patients with lower than median incidence of total infections/patient-year during induction had lower baseline serum creatinine, dialysis requirement and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), compared to those with higher than median incidence (P = 0.037; P = 0.024; P = 0.001; respectively). In subgroups with below and above than median number of severe infections/patient-year during induction, differences were found in baseline creatinine (P = 0.002) and dialysis requirement (P = 0.001); comparing the same cohorts during maintenance immunosuppression, baseline dialysis requirement, diabetes, CCI, and dose of cyclophosphamide (CYC) administered as induction therapy differed significantly (P = 0.019; P = 0.015; P = 0.001; P = 0.015, respectively). Severe infections were predicted by baseline serum creatinine (OR 1.002 [CI 1.001–1.003]) and pulmonary manifestation (OR 2.153 [CI 1.017–4.560]) during induction immunosuppression. In multivariable Cox regression model all-cause mortality was independently predicted by severe infection (HR 1.998 [CI 1.214–3.287]). Among the 168 positive cultures Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for blood stream infections in 33%, and respiratory tract infections in 72%.

Conclusions

Advanced renal failure, pulmonary involvement and high degree of comorbidities increase the risk of infection in AAV. Those who suffer infection during induction immunosuppression have worse long-term survival. Our findings indicate the need for high vigilance for infections and close follow-up of comorbidities when treating AAV.
Building thermal capacity for peak shifting, based on PV surplus production
Authors: Ervin Haber Istvan , Bencsik Gergely , Naili Basma , Szabo Istvan
Published: March 2021

Energy storage on grid level is still a critical issue. Inventions related to development and control of smart buildings, including integrated solar systems can be easily realized by smart control of building management including storage. At buildings, which have high heat capacitance the part of the stored heat can be used for grid stabilization. This means the grid can be balanced with well-set up heating/cooling strategy and well-scheduled timetable via intelligent control of buildings. A possible solution is introduced in this paper, where the surplus production is used for overcooling the building, while the building thermodynamic properties are making it possible to store this amount of energy for days. This paper analyses a cost-effective solution of grid energy storage through a case study.
Facial bones segmentation from skull point clouds based on deviation angle
Authors: Ulinuha Masy Ari , Yuniarno Eko Mulyanto , Purnama I. Ketut Eddy , Hariadi Mochamad
Published: March 2021

Facial bones segmentation is an important step to understanding a skull. In this paper, a method for segmenting facial bones from skull point clouds is proposed. The segmentation is based on the deviation angle features. The method consists of three phases: surface normal estimation, feature extraction, and point clouds classification. The method is applied to skull point clouds derived from computed tomography images. For evaluation, the method is compared with manual segmentation. The method has succeeded in segmenting facial bones with Precision = 0.836, Recall = 0.951, and F = 0.890.
Demokratyczna debata w mediach społecznościowych – utopijne nadzieje i smutna rzeczywistość
Authors:   Katedra Komunikacji Społecznej i Public Relations, Wydział Dziennikarstwa Informacji i Bibliologii, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Polska, Miotk Anna
Published: March 2021

The text analyzes social media in terms of the possibility of conducting a democratic debate through them. Initially, their users had great hopes to do so. Social media were to be not only a tool for expressing opinions or presenting statements but also for disseminating the model of liberal democracy. However, the business model of these media, as well as content filtering algorithms, introduced to protect users against information overload, prevented this from happening. To prove this thesis, the author referred to Sunstein's public forum doctrine and proved that social media do not constitute its equivalent. Although the media provided a space for discussion, they did not ensure equal access for senders of messages to recipients and recipients to a variety of content. The topic of the negative impact of social media on liberal democracy is already raised in English scholarship (and is already present in Poland through its translations) and it is also gradually gaining academic currency among Polish researchers. What constitutes a novel contribution to the already available research is the presentation of social media in the context of the utopian high hopes the media initially raised.
Zostać czy wracać? Metaforycznie o reemigracji Polaków po Brexicie
Authors:   Instytut Nauk Socjologicznych, Wydział Nauk Społecznych, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II, Lublin, Polska, Fel Stanisław , Kozak Jarosław , Wódka Marek ,   Instytut Nauk Socjologicznych, Wydział Nauk Społecznych, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II, Lublin, Polska
Published: March 2021

Poles represent one of the largest groups of economic immigrants to the UK. As a result of Brexit, many of them have redefined their migration scenarios, which has affected the economy and some areas of social and cultural life in the UK. This paper presents the results of our original quantitative study conducted in the autumn of 2019 on a sample of 620 Polish respondents living in three locations in England – London, Oxford, and Swindon. The study addresses the question Do Polish migrants intend to return to Poland, and if they do, when? and examines to what extent this decision is influenced by the length of their stay in England, by their financial situation, by their knowledge of English, by their ability to assimilate culturally, by how much they miss their family, by homesickness, and by their craving for Polish culture. The article follows the typology of attitudes adopted by Poles towards Brexit, as identified by Agnieszka Trąbka and Paulina Pustułka.
Działalność Johna Bagota Glubba – polityczne skutki tolerancji kulturowej
Authors:   Instytut Nauk o Polityce, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Wróblewski Bartosz
Published: March 2021

The contemporary western political discourse is dominated by the conviction of the equality of cultures. This conviction is treated as a recent accomplishment of the leftist liberal trend of western societies. The following text indicates that this conviction may in certain cases be invalid. The person who shattered this concept was John Bagot Glubb. This British officer serving the British Empire in the Middle East since 1921 was the chief commander of the Jordan army in the period between 1939 and 1956. J. B. Glubb was a conservative member of an old noble family from the south of England and at the same time he was passionate about the Arabic culture – in particular about the life of the Bedouin. In contrast to many contemporary supporters of political correctness, he did not depreciate his own culture, but he showed genuine recognition of many features of the Arabic culture. He spent his whole life working to bring the West and the Arabs closer. Now one may accuse J.B. Glubb of numerous political mistakes, e.g., typically British paternalism, but nonetheless his life indicates that it was possible for an activist representing the conservative trend in the European culture to be a proponent of bringing cultures together.
Teoria i praktyka ochrony informacji niejawnych – wybrane zagadnienia dotyczące bezpieczeństwa informacji
Authors:   Instytut Nauk o Polityce, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Zapart Robert
Published: March 2021

A key issue for every state is the protection of information about its resources that should not be made public for various reasons, including national security reasons in particular. The article discusses the problem of its lawful protection against unauthorised disclosure in relation to emergency situations. The author claims that the discrepancies in this area result from both the provisions of the Act on the Protection of Classified Information, which allows for excessive arbitrariness, and the shortages caused by the actions of persons working in the public administration sector. A slight amendment to the current legislation, combined with training on the marking of materials that require actual protection, may ensure the systemic enhancement of the protection of classified information and thus, national security, without excessively limiting the transparency of public life.
Negacja autorytetów i pogarda a społeczeństwo masowe
Authors:   Instytut Nauk o Polityce, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Cwynar Katarzyna M.
Published: March 2021

The author takes up the problem of the negation of authorities in mass society. She points to their significance so far and the premises of their contemporary negation. Not without significance in this case is the issue of rejecting higher values in favour of the pragmatisation of life and the formation of a mass society, whose main principle is mediocrity. The aim of the considerations is to indicate the manifestations of contemporary processes resulting in the negation of authorities of an axiological nature, and the contempt for higher values. They are reflected in such areas of culture as science, art, politics and religion.
Zoophagous entomofauna and entomopathogenic agents reported on Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) in north-western of Romania
Authors: HULUJAN Ionuţ B. , FLORIAN Teodora , FLORIAN Vasile C. , OLTEAN Ion
Published: March 2021

In Europe, the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) was first reported in 2006, in southwestern Germany, then spread to almost all countries. Larvae of this species affect the aesthetic value of the box tree. In the last period, numerous studies were carried out regarding the identification of useful entomofauna that reduce the numerical density of the population of Cydalima perspectalis. In this study conducted in north-western Romania (Cluj County, in 2019), entomopathogens and useful entomofauna were monitored in four areas, represented by four cities. The entomopathogenic agents contaminated the larvae of the box tree moth in a proportion of 5.6% at Gherla, 6.8% at Dej, 8.7% at Cluj-Napoca and 15.3% at Ciucea. Most larvae have been infected with Bacillus. At Cluj-Napoca and Ciucea, the presence of the larval endoparasite Exorista larvarum L. (Diptera: Tachinidae) was reported. Parasitoid species determined a parasitization rate of 5.1% at Dej, 8.6% at Gherla and 13.4% at Cluj-Napoca. Predators affected pupae in a proportion of 3.8% at Gherla, 4.2% at Dej and 16% at Cluj-Napoca. Among the pupae predators, for the first-time common earwig was reported, Forficula auricularia L. Entomopathogenic agents affected 5.3% of the pupae collected from Cluj-Napoca, 7.7% in Gherla and 12.5% in Dej. During the monitoring period of the zoophagous entomofauna and the entomopathogenic microorganisms, affected the pupae in a percentage of 20.1% in Gherla, 21.8% in Dej, 34.7% in Cluj-Napoca, contributing to the diminution of the population of the harmful species.
Canopy analysis and thermographic abnormalities determination possibilities of olive trees by using data mining algorithms
Authors: BEYAZ Abdullah , ÖZKAYA Mücahit Taha
Published: March 2021

In order to take the appropriate tree protection measures, it is crucial to determine and track abnormalities that may occur in olive trees in time to time for many reasons. Abnormalities start in different sections of the trees, depending on the environmental effects of the olive tree, with a specific impact like fungal diseases, drought, etc. after a certain age especially in non-resistant species. Protection steps may be taken when abnormalities are apparent or predictable in certain olive trees, using some external indicators. However, when abnormalities formed within trees cannot be identified externally, there is a sudden breakdown and overthrow of valuable properties, such as monument trees. In the literature, various devices and methods are explained to classify these defects in different trees. By the way, in this research, a non-destructive inspection method (thermography) was clarified and used to assess anomalies in old olive trees without damage in the interior. According to the results of average thermal data, 60, 400, 600 year-old olive trees, 60-40, 70-30 and 80-20 learning-prediction data rates decision tree and random forest results according to normal and abnormal thermal difference, the thermal range was found as 35.95 ℃ at 60 year-old tree, also it was found as 36.25 ℃ at 400 year-old tree and it was found as 38.25 ℃ at 600 year-old tree.
Biosorption efficacy of living and non-living algal cells of Microcystis aeruginosa to toxic metals
Authors: ALWALEED Eman A. , ABDEL LATEF Arafat A. , EL-SHEEKH Mostafa
Published: March 2021

The existence of metallic elements in the aquatic environment is recognized to cause acute destruction to aqueous life. This study depicts the prospective application of cyanobacterial strains of Microcystis aeruginosa as a sorption material of toxic elements, aluminium (Al), and cadmium (Cd) from aqueous solutions. Algal samples were revealed to the metal solution, a noticeable modification change in cell wall structure surface occurred. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis illustrated the reality of carboxyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl moieties, which are liable for the uptake of essential and nonessential elements aluminium and cadmium, respectively. The results showed the ability of Microcystis aeruginosa to uptake Al and Cd at the optimal temperature, light, and pH by living and non-living cells in the concentration of 20 ppm and stimulated antioxidant resistance against oxidative stress. This finding divulged that Microcystis could be utilized as an efficient bio-sorbent for the elimination of these ions, especially Cd from freshwater.
Screening high potassium efficiency potato genotypes and physiological responses at different potassium levels
Authors: DENG Zhenpeng , YANG Jin , CHEN Yuanya , HAN Haohao , LIU Xun , YI Xiaoping , WANG Jichun , LYU Changwen
Published: March 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and production is highly dependent on potassium (K) levels in the soil. Southwest China is the largest potato production region but it has low availability of soil potassium. To assess the genetic variation in K use efficiency, 20 potato genotypes were collected to compare the yield and K content in a pot experiment. Moreover, ‘Huayu-5’ and ‘Zhongshu-19’ were cultivated in five K applications to investigate the K distribution and sucrose in different organs. The results indicated that there were highly significant effects of K, genotype and K×G interactions on tuber yield, plant and tuber K content, plant K uptake efficiency and K harvest index. Cluster analysis classified 20 potato genotypes into four types: DH (high efficiency at low and high K application), LKH (high efficiency at low K application), HKH (high efficiency at high K application) and DL (low efficiency at low and high K application). The potassium distribution percentage in the tubers of the potassium-efficient genotype was higher than that of the potassium-inefficient genotype under low potassium application. The sucrose content in the tuber gently declined as the application of K rose in both cultivars, and that in the tuber of ‘Huayu-5’ was higher than that in ‘Zhongshu-19’. ‘Huayu-5’ reached the highest yield when the potassium application was 159.45 kg ha-1, and ‘Zhongshu-19’ reached the highest yield when the potassium application was 281.4 kg ha-1. This study indicated that genetic variation for K utilization efficiency existed among 20 genotypes, and yield in low K application and relative yield were suitable criteria for screening K utilization efficiency genotypes.
The use of un-composted spent mushroom residue as a replacement of peat in substrates for Gossypium herbaceum and Talinum paniculatum
Authors: ZHU He , ZHAO Shujie , JIN Anan , TANG Jingyao , LUO Yunqing
Published: March 2021

In order to evaluate the effect of growing media with peat and spent mushroom residue (SMR) on medicinal plants, we cultured Gossypium herbaceum and Talinum paniculatum seedlings in the substrates with SMR in proportions of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Results showed that G. herbaceum seedlings can survive in all treatments, but T. paniculatum seedlings died out in 75% and 100% SMR substrates where higher electrical conductance was found (2.3-2.7 dS m-1). Both growth and biomass mostly declined with the increase of SMR proportion in the growing media for the two species except for root biomass in T. paniculatum seedlings between the control and the 25% SMR treatment. Shoot nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and contents tended to be higher in low- and high-SMR-proportional substrates, respectively. N and P statuses were both diagnosed to be excessive than needed for the two species. Overall, it was not recommended to culture G. herbaceum seedlings in the substrates with SMR; instead T. paniculatum seedlings can be cultured in the growing media with SMR in volumetric proportion of 25%.
Solidago gigantea Ait. and Calamagrostis epigejos (L) Roth invasive plants as potential forage for goats
Authors: HAJNÁCZKI Sándor , PAJOR Ferenc , PÉTER Norbert , BODNÁR Ákos , PENKSZA Károly , PÓTI Péter
Published: March 2021

The experiment focused on feed evaluation was conducted with goats to determine the feeding value of two aggressive weeds, the giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) and the bushgrass (Calamagrostis epigejos). Studied plants at the pre bloom stage were evaluated for feeding value by 7-month-old castrated goats (n=5 per group, BW=25.0 kg). All animals received no supplemental feed. The two plants differed in content of dry matter (DM) (266 vs. 394 g/kg) as well as in crude protein (119 vs. 86g), crude fibre (222 vs. 317 g) and N-free extract (523 vs. 447 g) per kg DM. In this study, total daily DM intake from giant goldenrod and bushgrass was similar (666 vs. 689 g/goat). Apparent digestibility of these plants was similar for organic matter (58-59%), but differed for crude protein (71 vs 53%) and N-free extract (72-62%). The values of total digestible nutrients (55.9-53.4%), net energy for maintenance (NEm: 4.90-4.54 MJ) and net energy for lactation (NEl: 5.16-4.91 MJ) per kg DM were similar. The study concluded that Solidago gigantea and Calamagrostis epigejos aggressive plants could be interesting feed for goats due to their feeding values. In addition, both of these aggressive weeds are relatively easily available.
Influences of sea water on the ethylene-biosynthesis, senescence-associated gene expressions, and antioxidant characteristics of Arabidopsis plants
Authors: LIN Kuan-Hung , HUANG Meng-Yuan , XIE Wei-Jun , PAN Shwu-Fen , CHEN Yi-Sheng , WU Hui-Chung , LIN Hsin-Hung , CHIANG Chih-Ming
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the physiological and antioxidant characteristics of Arabidopsis thaliana (At) plants grown in different sea water (SW) products containing trace elements, namely RO3, 300K, and 340K, at various dilutions. The synthetic water (namely 300K-Test), a mixture of the main ions of SW including 143.08 mg L-1 Mg2+, 5.74 mg L-1 Na+, 170 mg L-1 K+, and 33.5 mg L-1 Ca2+ with equal concentrations to those in 300K SW without trace elements, was also used to culture At plants and study the influences that the major ions had on regulating ethylene production. The ethylene-biosynthesis (ACS7 and ACO2) and senescence-associated (NAP, SAG113, and WRKY6) gene expressions in SW- and ionic-treated At plants in response to transcriptional signaling pathways of ethylene response mechanisms were also investigated. Our results show that down-regulation of the ACS7 gene in 300K-treated plants significantly reduced the ethylene content but remarkably increased chlorophyll, total phenol, and DPPH radical scavenging accumulations and strengthened the salt tolerance of 300K-treated plants. The expression of the ACS7 gene of At plants under 300K, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ treatments was correlated with decreases in NAP, SAG113, and WRKY6 gene expressions. The application of Ca2+ increased total phenol content and reduced the accumulation of superoxide, which in combination decreases plant aging brought on by ethylene. However, K+ treatment inhibited SGA113 gene expression, resulting in reducing ACS7 gene expression and ethylene content. The characterization and functional analysis of these genes should facilitate our understanding of ethylene response mechanisms in plants.
Restorative regeneration of woody ornamental plants in the historical gardens of Peleș Royal Castle, Romania
Authors: DOBRESCU Elisabeta , MĂNESCU Cristina R. , GEORGESCU Mihaela I. , STĂNICĂ Florin , TUCĂ Ion , PETRA Sorina A. , TOMA Florin , GÂDEA Diana M.
Published: March 2021

Historical gardens’ restoration is a complex process including not only built features of the layout, but also vegetation. Climate changes, air pollution, new pests and other factors have an important impact on vegetation and make sometimes impossible to restore the garden to the original model. Therefore, vegetation restoration requires investigations, to establish the tendencies, dynamics and resilience of different species in the garden, and decisions to adopt sustainable solutions. Woody plants from Peleș Royal Castle Gardens (Sinaia, Romania) were investigated to reveal the diachronic transformations of the vegetation and to establish an objective starting point in garden restoration. Despite of decades of neglected maintenance, historical events and changes in building function, the garden has a considerable number of old valuable trees and shrubs. Woody plants located on terraces were in a significantly poorer condition compared with those planted on the lawn. Natural forest surrounding the garden and native species cultivated in the garden acted as a source of landscape regeneration. Climate changes, affecting the mountain zone, allow the cultivation of woody species of warmer climates. Results of present study will be essential for all the future decisions about woody vegetation and gardens restoration.
Effect of digestate from anaerobic digestion on Sorghum bicolor L. production and circular economy
Authors: POPOVIĆ Vera , RAKASCAN Nikola , DRAZIC Gordana , MILOVANOVIC Jelena , ZIVANOVIC Ljubisa , ACIMIC REMIKOVIC Milena , MILANOVIC Tijana , IKANOVIC Jela
Published: March 2021

The aim of the research was determination the efficiency of application 50 t ha-1 digestate from the process of anaerobic digestion on the productivity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) on moderately degraded (calcic gleysol) and fertile (chernozem) agricultural land, in southern Banat, Republic of Serbia. In the field experiment during three years digestate amendment led to an increase in the number of leaves by 28.56% and plant height by 5.34%, which led to an increase in yield by 3.40%. The maximum yield was 2018 (41.74 DM t ha-1) on chernozem. The yield of sorghum was lower on calcic gleysol compared to chernozem by 5.43% and was in positive, medium and very significant dependence on precipitation (0.61) and in positive significant correlation with digestate (0.53) and plant height (0.59). Biogas yield reach 157.05 Nm3 t-1 (9582 Nm3 ha-1) on chernozem with digestate. Digestate had a statistically significant positive effect on all tested characteristics of sorghum as well as biogas yield during all three experimental years. The use of digestate as a by-product in the process of producing biogas based on silage of sorghum, allows the substitution of mineral fertilizers and remediation of damaged soil, which contributes to sustainability from the bio-economic and environmental aspects.