bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved method of model predictive current control for multilevel cascaded H-bridge inverters
Authors: Mai-Van Chung , Duong-Minh Sang , Tran-Huu Duc , Binh-Pho Bao , Vu Phuong
Published: April 2021

Finite control set ModelPredictive control (FCS-MPC) with the principle of considering all voltage vectors to find the optimal voltage vector for multilevel inverter in a very small sampling cycle is hardly feasible because there is no modulation part, the implementation of optimizing common-mode voltage and switching number for the multilevel inverter should be performed in the cost function. To solve the above problem, this paper proposes an improved method of model predictive current control selecting 19 adjacent voltage vectors and using weighting coefficients for common-mode voltage elimination and switching optimization. By using a discrete-time model of the system to predict the future value of the current for the voltage vector in the previous sampling cycle and its 18 adjacent voltage vectors, the one that minimizes a cost function will be selected. Thus, in a multilevel inverter with any number of levels, the cost function is performed only 19 times in a sampling cycle. The computation on FPGA allows 19 calculations of the cost function to be performed in parallel, so the executing time is very small. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation model on MATLAB-simulink software and the experimental 11-level cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter model.
QUIC transmission protocol: Test-bed design, implementation and experimental evaluation
Authors: Khalifeh Ala’ , Mansour Ma’moun , Alouneh Sahel
Published: April 2021

With the ever increasing demand for higher speed internet connectivity that can fulfil the application continuous need for higher bandwidth Google being the pioneer in many web-based services has launched a new UDP-based protocol named quick UDP internet connections (QUIC), which aims at providing faster data delivery without requiring upgrades or modifications to the network infrastructure. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview about QUIC protocol, propose the design and implementation of a test-bed, that is used experimentally to evaluate QUIC protocol under different network conditions and scenarios. In particular, the performance advantage of QUIC in terms of delay and throughput are examined taking into account different network conditions that resemble the real internet environment. Two scenarios are proposed, the first one investigates the protocol performance under a controlled network environment, while the second one tests the protocol in a real uncontrolled network. To achieve that, a test-bed is proposed and implemented that emulates the network impairments encountered in real-network such as packet loss, bit errors, and bandwidth limitation in a controlled manner. After that, QUIC is tested in real operational wired and wireless networks. In both scenarios, QUIC outperforms TCP in terms of delay, which strengthens QUIC position for being a potential alternative to TCP.
On single pole instrument voltage transformer overheating
Authors: Janíček František , Český Lukáš , Skudřík Filip
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with calculation of overheating of a voltage instrument transformer used in medium voltage substations. Calculation of the primary and secondary windings is compared with measured values. These values are evaluated according to IEC 618691:2007, IEC 61869-3:2011 and IEC 60085:2007. In evaluation we focused on the state 1.9 × nominal voltage and thermal limiting output state. The article also compares the results for various parameters of instrument transformers that are necessary for clarification of calculation.
Meta-analysis of studies on the acquisition of receptive skills and vocabulary in CLIL
Authors: Cimermanová Ivana
Published: April 2021

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is a major area of interest within the field of formal education. There are numerous studies presenting data and results of CLIL implementation. The positive impacts have been reported in building positive attitudes to language learning, to content subject learning, increasing efficacy of language learning. Questions have been raised about the factors that (may) affect research results and their interpretation. Many small studies bring statistically non-significant data as they use small convenience samples. Meta-analyses enable the researchers to synthesise data from research with the same characteristics. The present article analyses the studies that focus on CLIL implementation at primary and secondary schools with special focus on receptive skills and vocabulary gains. Out of 385 selected studies were 9 included and applying randomised-effect model evaluated. The analysis found no statistically significant differences between the CLIL and EFL groups in listening and reading performance. Concerning vocabulary the statistically significant difference in favour of CLIL (p<0,0001) with overall estimate effect 0,84 and confidence interval ranging from 0,56 to 1,11 was observed.
Sociosemiotic Frontiers. Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects of Converging Semiotic and Social
Authors: Fomin Ivan
Published: April 2021

This article reviews the achievements and challenges that appear from attempts to integrate the studies of the semiotic and the social. Based on an analysis of the projects of Social Semiotics, semiotic sociology, and sociosemiotic approach to culture, it is suggested that the development of sociosemiotics could be represented (both retrospectively and prospectively) as trajectories of two frontiers. These are the frontier of sociosemiotic material and the frontier of sociosemiotic methodology. The frontier of sociosemiotic material represents how social semiotics progresses in broadening its scope by extending the set of materials which are considered as objects of sociosemiotic analysis. The frontier of sociosemiotic methodology describes how semiotic tools are integrated with other methodologies of social studies. The article shows what key steps have already been made to transcend the boundaries between social and semiotic research, and what directions are possible for further integration of social and semiotic sciences.
The lexicon of the “act of accepting (pratigraha)”: an approach to the multilayered Vedic culture
Authors: Candotti Maria Piera , Pontillo Tiziana
Published: April 2021

This joint work has its ground (and scope) in a variation-oriented reading of the Vedic sources, here applied to those which mention the act of the so-called “[gift-]acceptance” (pratigraha) within mechanisms for attaining and distributing the “goods of life” among all the members of a community. The most ancient occurrences are read and contrasted against the subsequent socio-ritual context where the well-known homonymous privilege and peculiar means of livelihood for Brahmans is depicted.

The tentative interpretation of the relevant passages and the consequent reconstruction of the several layers of the Vedic lexicon revolving around the verbal base prati-grah- might contribute to better assessing the presence of a specific Indo-Aryan cultural matrix that might have pre-existed (and co-existed with) the mainstream Vedic world, and to better understanding how later knowledge systems succeeded in creating a new all-encompassing balance.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients After Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Yoncheva I.D. , Biserov D.E. , Negreva M.N.
Published: April 2021

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation can lead to thromboembolic events at different times after the procedure. According to literature, 1.7% of patients with pulmonary embolism have an implantable cardiac device. This frequency is higher than reported so far, from 0.16 to 0.47% of the total population.

The pathophysiologic mechanism of pulmonary embolism in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is multifactorial. Recently, there is evidence that not only the organisation of thrombotic deposits in the proximal pulmonary arterial vessels is important, but also the development of small vessel disease, which plays an important role in the evolution and progression of the disease. The role of thrombosis in medical devices in contact with blood flow, such as stents, vascular grafts, heart valves, has been well studied and documented in scientific literature on biomaterials. It is clear that implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers, similarly to other foreign surfaces exposed to blood flow, promote blood clotting and complement activation. Numerous studies to date have addressed the potential risk of distal vascular involvement of pulmonary circulation in the presence of a pacemaker, but none has conclusively proven this hypothesis.

Over the last decade, there has been significant progress in the therapeutic potential of CTEPH. Pulmonary endarterectomy remains the only therapeutic method that can lead to lasting clinical improvement in these patients while achieving a good quality of life. This method is operational, with high financial value and is associated with the presence of a highly specialised team of specialists. This justifies the search for ways to prevent the onset of the disease rather than treat the consequences.
Landing - dansekunstnere med stedssans
Authors: Sortland Venke Marie , Kjølmoen Ina Coll
Published: April 2021

The performance group Landing was established in 2005 by 11 dance and performing artists, with an artistic vision to create site-specific dance projects. In 2008 Landing created an extensive site-specific project at the fully running St Olavs Hospital in Trondheim that was entitled Landing08. In this article we will share some of our experiences of this project. In 2010 Landing was reorganized into a production unit lead by us. Our aim is to initiate, produce, and support art projects that challenge target groups, sites and formats of presentation.
At arbejde med at begribe det fornemmede - en fortælling om et danseprojekt på et børnehjem i Rusland
Authors: Magven Anamet
Published: April 2021

Working with understanding the sensed: a narrative about a dance project at an orphanage in Russia is a paper based on a thesis for the postgraduate program Dance Partnership and Pedagogy at the National School of Contemporary Dance in Denmark (2008–10). The project was initiated by the partnership between the School of Contemporary Dance and the Greenhouse Project (Zelyonyi Dom) at the Orphanage # 9 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Zelyonyi Dom is a dance development project including 20 children from 8 to 12 years of age. A group of 9 children participated in the educational-dance-performance project discussed in this paper. The ten-day project was carried out in March 2010. The performance Petrushka premiered at the Fairytale Theatre in St. Petersburg. It was the first time the participating children performed on a real stage and they did so for a sold out 400 seat theatre. The project works with creative dance that approaches dancing, teaching and researching from a phenomenological perspective. It adopts a holistic view on the body, the psyche and the world and attempts to encounter the phenomena openly by suspending pre-made assumptions. The research explores moments of learning using the concept of attunement (“stemthed”) as it has been developed by Kirsten Fink-Jensen (1998). What is sensed in the dance space with the children, and how can one describe the sensed and nonverbal in words?
Particularities of media systems in the West Nordic countries
Authors: Ravn-Højgaard Signe , Jóhannsdóttir Valgerður , Karlsson Ragnar , Olavson Rógvi , Skorini Heini í
Published: April 2021

This study compares the media systems of the West Nordic countries, namely the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. All three countries are democratic welfare states with considerable institutional transfer from the larger Nordic countries. It is argued that the West Nordic media systems fit into the “Nordic model” when it comes to the perception of media as cultural institutions as well as the central role of public service media. On the other hand, the micro-size of the media systems in the West Nordic countries makes them vulnerable, and makes editorial independence more difficult compared with their larger Nordic neighbours. In particular, media outlets within these micro-size media systems seem more susceptible to clientelism, and journalists seem more inclined towards self-censorship. This article highlights how interplay between small size and distinct local factors shape the media system in each of the West Nordic countries.
Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome II: treatment of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and infertility
Authors: Zoltán Kun Imre , Ildikó Kun , Melinda Kolcsár
Published: April 2021

This work is a continuation of an earlier article published in this journal (no. 91/1: “Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome I: definition, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and complications”). As the pathology of polycystic ovary syndrome is not fully known, the treatments used do not constitute a causal therapy, only pathogenetical interventions to break the vicious circles of pathological events. It does not currently have a universal therapeutic procedure or an approved specific drug. Treatment may be aimed at reducing hyperandrogenism, inducing ovulation and preventing complications. The patient’s complaints and desire for becoming pregnant should also be taken into account. In mild cases, an appropriate lifestyle (prevention/treatment of obesity) is sufficient, i.e. a 5-10% reduction in body weight can already result in significant improvement and also serves to prevent late complications (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia). Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens are mainly used to treat hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, and alopecia). A contraceptive whose progestogen component has antiandrogenic properties, or at least is androgen-neutral, is preferred, such as third-generation contraceptives. However, combined contraceptives (containing gestodene, desogestrel, drospirenone and cyproterone acetate) may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism and are therefore contraindicated in case of hypercoagulability. Antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, finasteride, etc.) can also be used independently, but only with effective contraception (as these can cause feminization of the male fetus). Insulin resistance plays a crucial role in the development of this disease. Metformin is used as primary therapy, as it also has many other beneficial effects (e.g. cardiovascular and anti-cancer) described in recent years. These pleiotropic effects and their subtle mechanisms are discussed in detail. We highlight the possibilities of avoiding side effects and the current interpretation of rare contraindications (acidosis, hypoxic conditions, renal damage). Insulin resistance lowering agents include thiazolidinediones, acarbose, GLP-1 agonists, vitamin D, resveratrol, octreotide, but the beneficial effects of myoinositol and D-chiro-inositol are also mentioned. In the last part of the paper, the treatment options for infertility are discussed, highlighting the efficacy of clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins (“step-up”, “step- down” methods), IVF techniques, and ovarian drilling used for ovulation induction. We detail the importance and possibilities of the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies.
Where Law and Digital Health Care Meet…
Authors: Judit Feith Helga
Published: April 2021

The modern information and communication tools and technologies of the 21st century open up new opportunities for patients and healthcare providers, thus contributing to human health, reducing the number of morbidities and premature deaths.

The application of modern technology in healthcare has resulted in a number of positive changes, but it has also been subject to multiple challenges, including legal dilemmas in this area: e.g. data management, data security and data protection, access to eHealth, etc.

After a brief introduction to the legal history of healthcare and the presentation of key statistics related to the current digital situation, the main objective of the present work is to analyze the relationship between health digitalization and law.

One of the key issues for successful healing in all historical eras is the legal protection and respect of patients and healthcare workers in the face of changes in the modern world. For this reason, it is important to address this unusual dimension of health care.
Study of factors affecting the performance of construction projects in AEC industry
Authors: Dixit Saurav
Published: April 2021

A construction project is like a living entity and requires the interconnection and coordination of several stakeholders and many of them have their objectives, which sometimes create a conflict of interest between the teams and within the teams. The success of any project is repeatable, and a set of attributes for the success of a construction project can be identified, requiring discipline and hard work. The construction sector is the engine of growth for a nation and supplies services and goods to other industries. The objective of the study is to analyse the enabling factors affecting the performance construction projects in Architecture Engineering and Construction industry. The methodology chosen for the study is to collect primary data from the Indian construction industry using structured questionnaire surveys. The collected data are analysed using reliability and factor analyses. The findings of the study provide the value of reliability, that is, Cronbach's alpha value of (0.86) of the data collected using a questionnaire survey. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis produced five main significant factors based on covariance between the attributes and grouped into factors such as site management and coordination, leadership and financial management, planning, commitment, and coordination having a variance of 17.65, 11.8, 9.1, 8.5, and 7.5%, respectively. This article is the extended version of the paper accepted and presented at CCC2019.
Virtues – Moral Mirrors of Contemporary Society
Authors: Medved Ivana Ivančić
Published: April 2021

The aspiration for the ideal of a harmonious life assumes the systematic work on one’s own education of the soul and authenticity. Contemporary thoughts face us with a crisis of moral values. We ask the question if that crisis is reflected only on a social level, or must we observe and investigate the problem in the personal influence and responsibility towards society. This train of thought also forces the famous expression – quality of life – on us, which is considered a subjective indicator of satisfaction, i.e. dissatisfaction with the life of an individual in the evaluation of success when achieving personal needs and desires. Therefore, we will attempt to show what makes the ideal of a good life in this paper through the interpretation of the values in the work of Marcus Aurelius or, as the Stoics called it – the science of a virtuous life, and also the achievement of a positive subjective evaluation of the quality of life and satisfaction.
Children’s Play The Ecological Story in Function of Ecological Education of Preschool Children
Authors: Popović Ana , Bogut Irella , Crnojević Željka , Popović Željko
Published: April 2021

Today, the importance of ecological education is often highlighted, although the current National Curriculum for Early and Preschool Education doesn’t even mention it. Although ecological education is not mentioned in this baseline document, various activities in this direction are often carried out in our kindergartens. An example of this is the play The Ecological Story by the author Sanja Seferović-Bosak from her collection of plays Maštarije: Igrokazi za djecu od 3 do 13 godina (eng. Pipe Dreams: Plays for Children of 3-13 years). This paper describes the preparation and performance of this play in 2017 in the kindergarten Radost (eng. Joy) in Novska. The theoretical part of the paper considers the basic settings of ecological education in early and preschool age, with special reference to current practice in Croatian kindergartens. The empirical part of the paper describes the stages of preparation and performance of the play The Ecological Story, with special reference to the compliance of this project with the requirements of the National Curriculum in terms of developing key competences for lifelong learning. The paper also contains an analysis of methodological procedures with particular reference to the preparation of musical numbers in the play.
Life satisfaction among women after vaginal delivery and caesarian section according to selected socio-demographic characteristics
Authors: Dziurka Magdalena , Bucholc Marzena , Pilewska-Kozak Anna , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: April 2021

Introduction. The multitude of changes taking place in the female body in terms of the physiological aspect as well as in the psychological well-being in the perinatal period has become the motivation to find an answer to the question: what is the women’s satisfaction with life (SWL) after childbirth.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse the level of SWL among women after vaginal delivery and caesarian section according to selected socio-demographic characteristics.

Material and methods. The study included 128 females after vaginal delivery (n=58) and caesarian section (n=70) hospitalized at the maternity units in Lublin. The study was voluntary and anonymous. It was conducted in 2020 with the use of survey method and utilized two research tools: the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and a questionnaire designed by the author in order to collect socio-demographic data.

Results. The mean SWL were 26.12±4.78 in women after vaginal delivery and 24.60±6.17 after cesarean section. Selected socio-demographic factors (age, education, marital status, place of residence, professional status) are significantly related to the satisfaction with life of women after cesarean section; while the material situation and living together with the family among women with vaginal delivery.

Conclusions. Analysis of the results obtained indicated that actions aimed at the improvement of SWL should be directed to young, unemployed, with primary and vocational education, unmarried women and with poor financial situation.
Evaluation of dosimetric implications of Pareto and constrained mode of optimization for Monaco TPS generated VMAT plans in post operated carcinoma of the left breast
Authors: Srivastava Anoop Kumar , Bharati Avinav , Rastogi Madhup , Mishra Surendra Prasad , Khurana Rohini , Hadi Rahat , Gandhi Ajeet Kumar , Mishra Lalatendu
Published: April 2021

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is being practiced for the last several years with a special approach for radiation therapy in post-mastectomy breast cancer patients. Meeting the cardiac dose constraints has always been a challenge during radiotherapy planning by both IMRT and VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy) of post-mastectomy left breast patients. With the advancement in IMRT planning techniques, it has been modified to VMAT with more degrees of freedom for modulation and is being utilised more frequently. This helps in obtaining a suitable plan for achieving both the dose homogeneity in target volume and dose constraints to Organ at Risk (OAR). 10 Patients with carcinoma of the left breast (post-mastectomy) were selected for this study. VMAT treatment plans for these patients were generated for 6 MV photons on the Monaco treatment planning system (TPS) using two types of optimization modes i.e. Pareto and Constrained mode available in Monaco TPS. For comparative dosimetric evaluation of the efficacy of these two types of optimization modes similar calculation algorithms, calculation grids, arcs, and beam sequencing parameters were used for generating treatment plans. The dosimetric quantities such as volume receiving more than 95% of the prescribed dose (V95), volume receiving more than 107% of the prescribed dose (V107) and Maximum dose (Dmax) for target volume, mean dose (Dmean) for heart, volume receiving more than 30 Gy (V30) volume receiving more than 20 Gy (V20) volume receiving more than 5 Gy (V5) for ipsilateral lung and total monitor units delivered were analysed for both optimization modes. A judicious mix of multiple planning parameters and variables using these two modes of optimization was applied and recorded. Both optimization modes yielded similar outcomes. However, Pareto mode has shown better coverage for planning target volume (PTV) with comparable doses to OARs.
Evaluation of glandular dose in mammography in presence of breast cysts using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Deevband Mohammad Reza , Kaveh Zeinab , Ghorbani Mahdi , Khajetash Benyamin
Published: April 2021

Background: Normalized glandular dose (DgN) is an important dosimetric quantity in mammography.

Aim: In this study, the effect of the presence of breast cysts and their size, number and location on DgN is evaluated.

Materials and methods: The effect of the presence of cysts in breast was examined using MCNPX code. This was performed by taking homogeneous breast phantoms containing spheroid breast cysts into account. The radius of the cysts, numbers of the cysts, and depth of the cysts, and their location were variable. Various electron energies were also considered. Finally, these results were compared with the results of a cyst-less breast phantom.

Results: The results show that the effect of the presence of cysts in the breast depends on the size, number and location of cysts. The presence of cysts at lower depths leads to a decrease in the DgN values, compared to the breast phantom without cysts. The presence of cysts in the breast phantom has an effect of -7 to +14 percent on the DgN values under the conditions considered in this modeling. This effect is independent of the X-ray tube voltage, the breast phantom thickness, and glandular ratio, and depends only on the number and size and location of the cysts. The bigger radius and number of cysts, the greater effect on DgN value.
Treatment of lesions on the vestibular surfaces of permanent teeth with the use of liquid resin of low viscosity
Authors: Szewczak Ilona , Kubić-Filiks Beata , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: April 2021

One of the methods of treatment of initial stages of dental caries, lesions characterized by demineralization, and white spots on the vestibular surfaces of permanent teeth, is infiltration with liquid resin of low viscosity. It is a non-invasive method which is worth recommending and popularizing among patients.

On the basis of available literature the therapeutic method of infiltration with liquid resin of low viscosity is presented.

The use of resin of low viscosity allows for obtaining appropriate esthetic and functional appearance of teeth, which is a vital step in improvement of quality of social and professional life of patient.
Partial reinforcement in rat autoshaping with a long CS: Effects of pramipexole and chlordiazepoxide on sign and goal tracking
Authors: Fuentes-Verdugo Esmeralda , Pellón Ricardo , Papini Mauricio R. , Torres Carmen , Anselme Patrick
Published: April 2021

In Pavlovian autoshaping, sign-tracking responses (lever pressing) to a conditioned stimulus (CS) are usually invigorated under partial reinforcement (PR) compared to continuous reinforcement (CR). This effect, called the PR acquisition effect (PRAE), can be interpreted in terms of increased incentive hope or frustration-induced drive derived from PR training. Incentive hope and frustration have been related to dopaminergic and GABAergic activity, respectively. We examined the within-trial dynamics of sign and goal tracking in rats exposed to 20-s-long lever presentations during autoshaping acquisition under PR vs. CR conditions under the effects of drugs tapping on dopamine and GABA activity. There was no evidence of the PRAE in these results, both groups showing high, stable sign-tracking response rates. However, the pharmacological treatments affected behavior as revealed in within-trial changes. The dopamine D2 receptor agonist pramipexole (0.4 mg/kg) suppressed lever pressing and magazine entries relative to saline controls in a within-subject design, but only in PR animals. The allosteric benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg) failed to affect either sign or goal tracking in either CR or PR animals. These results emphasize the roles of dopamine and GABA receptors in autoshaping performance, but remain inconclusive with respect to incentive hope and frustration theories. Some aspects of within-trial changes in sign and goal tracking are consistent with a mixture of reward timing and response competition.
Zoning of Areas with Susceptibility to Oak Decline in Western Iran
Authors: Ghanbari Motlagh Mohadeseh , Kiadaliri Masoud
Published: April 2021

Zagros forests have the greatest impact on soil and water protection in western Iran. Despite this, a significant part of these forests, especially in Ilam province, have suffered a lot due to the phenomenon of oak decline. The first and most fundamental thing a person must know when combating this issue is the distribution of these areas in forests. Therefore, using the parameters affecting the decline in the forests of Ilam province and based on fuzzy logic, a map of susceptible to oak decline areas was prepared. In this study, the parameters of temperature and precipitation, slope, aspect, altitude, distance from farmlands, roads and forest density were selected as effective parameters and fuzzy gamma overlap method was used. The results showed that more than 77% of the oak forests in the province are highly and extremely susceptible to the decline. This confirms the need for rapid action to plan and protect these forests. In addition, the fuzzy method is proposed, which is considered as a fast and efficient method in preparing such maps for other areas.
Landscapes, Settlements and Traditional Housing in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia
Authors: Maisuradze Roman , Khardziani Tamar , Eradze Tea
Published: April 2021

A change in livelihood and folk architecture is an indicator of cultural landscape transformation, which is often the result of changes occurring in the natural and socio-political realms. The diversity of architectural types of buildings as an element of landscape diversity distinguishes our research region. The presented study deals with a long-term change of housing and architectural types of settlements. Our goal was to identify, geolocalise, and classify the vernacular architecture of Samtskhe-Javakheti within the different types of natural landscapes. For this purpose, we used the HGIS (Historical Geoinformation System) approach, which comprises the application of both historic sources and GIS technologies. We identified seven types of buildings in the study area, the characteristics of which depended on the natural landscape features. The following factors had been determining the geography of the construction: geology, seismicity, terrain, climate, access to building materials and defence. Dominant architectural types of buildings in the study region were as follows: fortress Rabat with stone houses, stone houses, semi-underground houses mixed with stone houses, semi-underground houses, terraced semi-underground houses, cave dwellings and wooden log houses. In modern times, it is quite rare to come across these kinds of architectural buildings, and there is a tendency of their disappearance.
Sialendoscopy and CT navigation assistance in the surgery of sialolithiasis
Authors: Anicin Aleksandar , Urbancic Jure
Published: April 2021

Background

A sialendoscopy-assisted combined approach is well established in the surgery of sialolithiasis. In cases of proximal salivary stones, transcutaneous sialendoscopy-assisted extractions with parotid and submandibular gland preservation is the primary intention of treatment. We recently added computer tomography (CT) navigation to improve the results of this challenging surgery equally in both localizations.

Patients and methods

Al l the patients who submitted to sialendoscopy and sialendoscopy-assisted procedures at the tertiary institution between January 2012 and October 2020 were included in the present study. From November 2019, CT navigation was added in cases with sialolithiasis and a presumably poor sialendoscopic visibility. We evaluated the parameters of the disease, diagnostic procedures, sialendoscopic findings and outcomes, with or without optical surgical navigation.

Results

We performed 178 successful salivary stone removals in 372 patients, of which 118 were combined sialendos-copy-assisted approaches, including 16 transcutaneous proximal, 10 submandibular and 6 parotid stone operations. Surgical navigation was used in six patients, four times for submandibular and twice for parotid sialolithiasis. These were all non-palpable, sialendoscopically invisible or partially visible stones, and we managed to preserve five of the six salivary glands.

Conclusions

The addition of CT navigation to sialendoscopy-assisted procedures for non-palpable, sialendoscopically invisible and fixed stones is a significant advantage in managing sialolithiasis. By consistently performing sialendoscopy and related preservation procedures, we significantly reduced the need for sialoadenectomies in patients with obstructive salivary gland disease.
Prognostic factors in postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer – tertiary center experience
Authors: Miszczyk Marcin , Majewski Wojciech , Stawiski Konrad , Rasławski Konrad , Rajwa Paweł , Jabłońska Iwona , Magrowski Łukasz , Masri Oliwia , Paradysz Andrzej , Miszczyk Leszek
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of the study was to analyse the prognostic factors in postoperative prostate cancer irradiation and develop a nomogram for disease-free survival (DFS).

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 236 consecutive prostate cancer patients who had radical prostatectomy followed by radiotherapy (RT) at a single tertiary institution between 2009 and 2014. The main outcome was DFS analysed through uni- and multivariable analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank testing, recursive partitioning analysis, and nomogram development.

Results

The median follow up was 62.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 38.1–79) months. The independent clinical factors associated with increased risk of recurrence or progression in the multivariate analysis (MVA) were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level before RT, pT3 characteristic, and local failure as salvage indication. The value of PSA nadir had a significant impact on the risk of biochemical failure. Biochemical control and DFS were significantly different depending on treatment indication (p < 0.0001). The recursive partitioning analysis highlighted the importance of the PSA level before RT, Gleason Grade Group, PSA nadir, and local failure as a treatment indication. Finally, the nomogram for DFS was developed and is available online at https://apps.konsta.com.pl/app/prostate-salvage-dfs/.

Conclusions

The Pre-RT PSA level, pT3 characteristic and local failure as salvage indication are pivotal prognostic factors associated with increased risk of recurrence or progression. The Gleason grade group of 4–5 and PSA nadir value allow for further risk stratification. The treatment outcomes in postoperative prostate cancer irradiation are significantly different depending on treatment indication. An online nomogram comprising of both pre-treatment and current data was developed allowing for visualization of changes in prognosis depending on clinical data.
Global South teacher educators in digital landscape: implications on professional learning
Authors: Impedovo Maria Antonietta , Malik Sufiana Khatoon , Kinley Kinley
Published: April 2021

This article explores Pakistani and Bhutanese teacher educators’ digital competences about the use of social media, digital resources and professional online communities and implications of this on professional learning. The two countries, less discussed in international educational literature, are facing a growing use of the Internet in teaching and learning. Data include a survey completed by 67 teacher educators from Pakistan and 37 teachers from Bhutan, as well as semi-structured interviews from both countries. This study provides evidence of how teachers’ interaction on social networks and the use of digital resources play a central role in the introduction of innovative pedagogical practices of teacher educators, and teacher educators remain interested in knowledge sharing through social media for their professional learning.
Discussion boards as a culturally responsive tool in the ESL classroom
Authors: Mendoza Laura E.
Published: April 2021

The inclusion of new digital literacies in the ESL classroom has been growing lately. This study presents information about how beneficial it can be for emergent bilinguals to use an online platform, Blackboard, to engage in thoughtful and meaningful discussion boards. Findings from this qualitative case study show that such online discussion boards help students to not only develop their linguistic abilities, but also to feel valued as they can share their knowledges and experiences as part of the discussions. Discussions in the present study rely on students’ funds of knowledges to promote a more inclusive and multicultural classroom.
Hybridising media education and social pedagogy: the (missed) opportunity in educational intervention with refugees in the ‘Italian reception system’
Authors: Pasta Stefano
Published: April 2021

The thesis of this article is that in the informational society, social and intercultural education must be hybridized with media education. From this strong incorporation of media in education comes an approach to citizenship education as a new field of action in media education.

The case study analysed deals with the flow of refugees into Italy as of 2013, following which there was a substantial investment in financing and in educating personnel in the reception system.

Historically, there has always been a strong correlation between technology and migration; technology’s role as an active agent pertains not only to refugees’ departure but also to the entire migratory itinerary and the later process of integrating into the local community. Smartphones, global positioning systems, social networks and applications can make the difference between success and failure along the migration route. However, at reception centres, training practices in the digital environment do not characterise the structured educational offer but instead are more customary in refugees’ informal self-studies and build digital literacy. On the contrary, it appears useful to develop and promote refugees’ digital knowledge and literacy through practices that are not left to chance but are planned with pedagogical attention.
Perceptions of Academics on Real Estate Topics in Africa
Authors: Chikafalimani Samuel H.P. , Kibwami Nathan , Moyo Sibusiso
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the perceptions of academics on real estate topics offered in Bachelors Real Estate (BRE) curricula in Africa. In order to understand the perceptions of academics on real estate topics, a survey of seven selected BRE curricula offered in different regions of Africa was conducted to determine important real estate topics academics included in the curricula. After analyzing the curricula, sorting and re-grouping the topics: Real estate management, Real estate valuation, Real estate economics, Real estate finance and investment, Real estate development, Real estate law, Real estate planning, Real estate research, Real estate industrial training and Real estate electives emerged to be important topics the academics considered to include in the curricula. The topics are in line with those expected in a real estate curriculum. In addition, results revealed that BRE curricula follow the interdisciplinary approach to real estate education. Findings will encourage universities in Africa and elsewhere to develop comprehensive real estate curricula or improve existing ones to accommodate the interdisciplinary approach and the international perspective of real estate education because of their benefits. The study will also support the harmonization of real estate education, practice, investment and business in Africa, hence contributing towards the economic development of the continent.
Monitoring Bituminous Layers Using Thermal Images
Authors: David Viorica , Belc Anda Ligia , Jianu Maria-Roberta , Muşat Cosmin Constantin
Published: April 2021

The importance of mastering the temperatures of laying and compacting the bituminous layers is addressed by a multitude of researches in the field, but the treatment of their control possibilities throughout the work surface is less addressed. Checking the temperatures through classical methods (usually point measurements with a manual thermometer or on the direction of the thermometer attached to the beam of the spreading-finishing machine) can outline an image of the working temperatures, but cannot certify that the entire surface of the layer is at the same temperature.

This article presents a new method for monitoring bituminous layers during execution, on an experimental road sector, with the help of a UAV (UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), equipped with two image capture cameras (for the visible area and for the infrared field). Following the qualitative analysis of the thermal images, information is obtained regarding the place where there are anomalies of the temperature uniformity, on the surface of the freshly laid bituminous layer.
Vertical Interaction Between a Driving Wheelset and Track in the Presence of the Rolling Surfaces Harmonic Irregularities
Authors: Mazilu Traian , Răcănel Ionuţ Radu , Gheți Marius Alin
Published: April 2021

The driving wheelset is used in railway traction (locomotives, electric trains, trams, etc.) to support part of the weight of the suspended mass and to drive and brake the vehicle. The dynamics of the driving wheelset/track system is a very important issue in the railway engineering, and this paper is focused on basic features of the frequency response functions which describe the dynamic behavior in the presence of the rolling surfaces harmonic irregularities. To this end, a simple model of the driving wheelset/track system with the range of application limited up to 6-700 Hz is adopted. The driving wheelset model consists of a free-free uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam with three attached rigid bodies, representing the axle, the two wheels and the gear; the distinct feature of this model is the inertial asymmetry. Two independent infinite uniform Euler-Bernoulli beams, each on its foundation including two elastic layers for rail pad and ballast and an intermediate inertial layer for sleepers represent the track model. For simplicity, the moving irregularity model is applied to simulate the interaction between wheels and rails. Numerical simulations show that the driving wheelset/track system has three resonance frequencies, all situated in the frequency range of the evanescent waves in rails. FRF of the driving wheelset/track system have been calculated for left and right wheel/rail pair. The influence of the asymmetric inertia of the driving wheelset and the out of phase between the rolling surface irregularities are evaluated in terms of frequency response functions of the wheel/rail contact force.
Comparison of Foundry Industry in Slovakia and Hungary
Authors: Šuba Roland , Bajčičák Martin , Bajčičáková Ingrida , Podhorský Štefan , Liska János
Published: April 2021

Foundry industry is an important supplier of complex shape parts for other industrial branches. It depends on the development of customer demand in other industries. The following paper compares the structure and sales of foundry industry in Slovakia and Hungary.
FLT3-ITD DNA allelic burden, but not mRNA levels, influences the biological characteristics of AML patients
Authors: Soare Dan S. , Radu Eugen , Dumitru Ion , Arghir Aurora , Enache Cristina , Bumbea Horia , Vlădăreanu Ana M.
Published: April 2021

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene internal tandem (FLT3-ITD) mutations represent one of the most frequent genetic lesions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and imparts a negative prognostic. For an optimal patient management, current clinical guidelines recommend the evaluation of the allelic ratio (AR), expressed as the DNA FLT3-ITD/WT mutational burden. We sought to evaluate the differences between the AR and FLT3-ITD/WT mRNA ratio (RR) and their respective impact on the biological characteristics of AML patients. A total of 32 DNA and mRNA samples from AML patients with FLT3-ITD were evaluated. There was a good correlation between the AR and RR (Spearman’s rho= 0.652, P <0.001). None of the biological characteristics were influenced by the RR values, whereas patients with high AR values (≥0.5) had higher WBC counts (Mann-Whitney, P= 0.01), LDH levels (Mann-Whitney, P= 0.037), and circulating blasts levels (Mann-Whitney, P= 0.023) than patients with low AR values (<0.5). Also, there was a good correlation between AR values and WBC count (Spearman’s correlation, P= 0.001), and LDH levels (Spearman’s correlation, P= 0.007). In our study population the AR, but not the RR, influenced the biological characteristic of patients suggesting a dose-independent effect of FLT3-ITD mutations.
Complex Oil-containing Waste Treatment by Applying Solar Energy
Authors: Abdibattayeva Мaral , Bissenov Kylyshbay , Zhubandykova Zheniskul , Orynbassar Raigul , Tastanova Lyazzat
Published: April 2021

The article describes in detail the complex oil-containing waste treatment by applying solar energy. The developed Helio devices are equipped with concentrating elements to extract oil in the purification of dump oil. The questions of practical application of pre-treated oil-contaminated soils and oil sludge to strengthen road surfaces are considered. The results of the experimental study on the production of soil concrete is based on oily dump. The structures of the soil concrete made on the basis of oil-contaminated soils and oil sludge are investigated and relevant proposals are made.
Alternative “Green” Antimicrobial Agents Obtained by Selective Sorption from Lactobacillus plantarum Culture
Authors: Riabinin Georgii , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Blumberga Dagnija , Baranenko Denis
Published: April 2021

According to the world health organization report from September 2016, the development of pathogenic bacteria resistance to antimicrobial drugs is one of the most important problems of the modern medicine. In this regard, the urgent task is the search for alternative antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections. One approach to solving this problem is obtaining antimicrobial compounds synthesized by probiotic lactic acid bacteria. The probiotic strain of Lactobacillus plantarum 8P-A3, was chosen to study its antimicrobial action. This strain produces at least two bacteriocins – plantaricin EF and plantaricin NC8. The chromatographic isolation of peptide fractions from the supernatant was carried out using a polymer sorbent based on methacrylic acid and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. Optimal parameters for chromatographic process were determined. It is shown that all the target biologically active substances were bound with the sorbent in sorption at acidic pH values. Elution was performed in isocratic mode. The antimicrobial activity of the obtained peptide fractions against indicator culture was determined by turbidimetric method. During incubation process, the turbidity of the microbial suspension was determined by measuring the optical density at λ = 600 nm. It is revealed that the fraction obtained at rinse by eluent with pH 8 has the maximum inhibitory ability. Сhromatomass-spectrometry analysis of the peptide fraction was carried out using Shimadzu LCMS-8040.The antimicrobial activity of the fraction is comparable to the action of ampicillin against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. To confirm the peptide nature of the antimicrobial activity of the fraction, an indicator culture was incubated with the fraction treated with proteolytic enzymes (trypsin). It is determined the fraction can be stored at −18 °C and saves antimicrobial properties after defrosting.