bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional relationships between yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and its components
Authors: Szulc Piotr , Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Kardasz Przemysław , Nowaczyk Rafał , Neumann Małgorzata 
Published: January 2024

Summary
A field experiment was carried out in the years 2017–2019 on the fields of the Experimental Station in Chrząstowo, belonging to the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka. It was carried out for 3 years in the same split-plot design with 2 experimental factors in 3 field replicates. The following factors were studied: A – 1st order factor – maize variety: A1 – ES Bombastic (FAO 230-240) – single cross hybrid (SC), A2 – ES Abakus (FAO 230-240) – three-way cross hybrid (TC, stay-green), A3 – ES Metronom (FAO 240) – single cross hybrid (SC, stay-green + roots power). B – 2nd order factor – type of nitrogen fertilizer: B1 – control (without N application), B2 – ammonium nitrate, B3 – urea, B4 – ammonium nitrate + N-Lock, B5 – urea + N-Lock, B6 – Super N-46, B7 – UltraGran stabilo. In this study, we investigated whether there was a functional relationship between maize grain yield and ear number, TSW (thousand-seed weight), and seed number per ear. Additionally, we investigated whether there was a functional relationship between maize grain yield and ear number, TSW, and seed number per ear for each type of fertilization in a given study year, as well as for each type of fertilization regardless of year.
Structure identification for a linearly structured covariance matrix: part II
Authors: Mieldzioc Adam 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Covariance matrices with a linear structure are widely used in multivariate analysis. The choice of covariance structure can be made from a set of possible linear structures. As a result, the most appropriate structure is determined by minimizing the discrepancy function. This paper is a continuation of previous work on identifying linear structures with an entropy loss function as a discrepancy function. We present extensive simulation studies on the correctness of identification with the assumed pentagonal banded Toeplitz structure.
Estimation methods for a linearly structured covariance matrix
Authors: Mieldzioc Adam 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Covariance matrices with a linear structure are widely used in multivariate analysis. The choice of the most appropriate covariance structure can be made from a class of possible linear structures. Once we have made the choice, an important question is how we can estimate the covariance matrix for a given covariance structure. This article describes methods used to estimate the structured covariance matrix, and indicates the advantages and disadvantages of the selected methods.
Family Firm Succession Plans of Students in the Visegrad Countries
Authors: Gubik Andrea S. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The recognition of the social and economic role of entrepreneurship has brought to the fore the question of what influences entrepreneurial ideas and how entrepreneurship can be encouraged. One possible route to an entrepreneurial career is to take over the family business. This article focuses on the pre-succession period and examines the factors determining students’ decisions to take over the family business, using the sample of Visegrad countries from the 2018 GUESSS (Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey) database. Our results show that some factors influencing the family business’s succession are company-specific (such as the size and performance of the company). Others depend on the students’ commitment (ownership, involvement in the work) and individual characteristics (attitudes, self-efficacy) and are also determined by the perception of the student’s environment about the succession.
Assessing the Vulnerability to Human Trafficking Amidst Migration Patterns: A Case Study of Kazakhstan
Authors: Khamzin Amangeldy , Khamzina Zhanna , Nurmanbetkyzy Zhumakhan , Kenzhibekova Elmira , Buribayev Yermek 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Kazakhstan, with its open borders with CIS nations and significant migration flows, emerges as a key origin, transit, and destination point in human trafficking. While acknowledging Kazakhstan’s modest progress in combating human trafficking, this study aims to develop comprehensive proposals for enhancing the protection of trafficking victims’ rights in Kazakhstan. It seeks to identify legal and enforcement gaps, analyze available social and legal protections, and address key issues in victim rights protection. The study aligns with the burgeoning academic discourse on human trafficking, which has significantly influenced policy and methodological approaches in estimating trafficking prevalence. It encompasses research focusing on defining human trafficking, factors contributing to its incidence, and evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures. Addressing a relatively nascent area of research in Kazakhstan’s context, this study will enhance existing knowledge and contribute to developing effective anti-trafficking strategies within the country. The overall assessment underscores a lack of consistency in Kazakhstan’s approach to its mandate to curtail human trafficking. Despite this, the study presents a promising path forward, concluding that with the introduction of a dedicated anti-human trafficking law and strategic organizational reforms, substantial advancements could be realized to reinforce legal accountability and prevent such exploitation.
Sectors on the Czech Labour Market
Authors: Bílková Diana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper deals with the situation on the Czech labour market from the point of view of the sectors, namely Agriculture and Mining Sector, Manufacturing Industry, Energy, Construction Sector, Service Sector Requiring Mostly Personal Contact, Service Sector Rather without Personal Contact and Service Sector Usually Provided by the Public Sector. Wages and salaries together constitute the investigated variable. The main aim is not only to capture the wage and salary level in individual sectors, but an equally important objective is the construction of models of the entire distribution of wages and salaries in individual sectors. Special attention is paid to employees of individual sectors, separated into men and women, whose remuneration for work is at the level of the minimum wage. An important aim is to determine the most frequent occupations of the CZ-ISCO classification in individual distinguished sectors, while this classification codes are considered for the first three digits. Important attention is paid to the representation of foreign nationals in the position of employees in individual sectors, separated into men and women. Three-parametric lognormal curves are used in the construction of wage and salary distribution models. The amount of the minimum gross monthly wage valid on January 1 of the previous year represented the beginning of the curves, the other two parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Accuracy of lognormal curves is evaluated using Akaike and Bayes information criterion. The results show that the highest levels of wages and salaries are mainly achieved by men in the Service Sector Rather without Personal Contact. In all five monitored sectors, the level of wages and salaries of women is lower than the level of wages and salaries of men. The overall distribution of women’s wages and salaries is more skewed, with higher skewness, but with lower level and variability compared to the overall distribution of men’s wages and salaries.
Factors Influencing Adherence to New Vaccine Recommendations - The Experience of Covid-19
Authors: Șovăilă Silvia , Purcărea Adrian , Neculau Andrea Elena , Gavris Claudia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of medical doctors in vaccine recommendation adherence. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing adherence to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations among Romanian medical doctors, one year into the vaccination campaign. We conducted a cross-sectional voluntary survey, and data from 94 physician respondents were analysed. We found that specialty, fear of adverse effects, and inflexible thinking were significant factors influencing vaccine recommendation adherence. General practitioners have higher adherence, while surgical specialists are more reluctant. Political and religious views don't associate with adherence to vaccine recommendations. These findings emphasize the importance of educational interventions to improve adherence and mitigate fear among medical doctors.
The Role of Biomarkers in Distinguishing Infectious From Non-Infectious Diseases
Authors: Melinte Violeta , Radu Maria-Adelina , Văcăroiu Maria Cristina , Călinoiu Amalia , Rusu Adina , Cismaru Ioana Miriana , Tudor Alexandra-Daniela , Gheorghiţă Valeriu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background. The use of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) as guiding biomarkers in treating severe infections could improve the use of antibiotics. Biomarker dynamics are more reliable than single values in predicting sepsis when making the diagnosis and evaluating the response to antibiotic therapy. Both CRP and PCT used protocols have to be consistent with the clinical context and patient populations.

Objectives: reviewing the use of PCT and CRP in various clinical contexts and the patient population

Sources. We analyzed the most recent studies of these biomarkers for antimicrobial stewardship, including meta-analyses and original trials.

Content. According to several studies, critically ill patients who get antibiotic treatment under the guidance of CRP and PCT see a decrease in antibiotic exposure and related adverse effects. When patients are hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs), CRP and PCT can be used to distinguish between viral and non-infectious causes of systemic inflammation. In septic patients, CRP levels are reliable to show a high negative predictive value (NPV), especially on day 1 of ICU admission. Consequently, CRP levels decrease during therapy with appropriate antibiotics in the next 3 days.

Implication. In addition to other clinical and laboratory parameters, CRP and PCT provide information about the risk of the bacterial infection worsening or improving under appropriate treatment. These improve antibiotic treatment decisions, allowing individualized treatment regimens with reduced overall antibiotic exposure.
Persistent Anterior Thoracalgia in a Patient with Mediastinal - Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Mălăescu Andreea-Nicoleta , Mihălţan Florin Dumitru , Constantin Ancuţa Alina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic condition characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in any organ or tissue, with a predominant impact on the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes(1). The heterogeneity of the disease is reflected in the broad possibilities of the clinical and paraclinical evolution, which can range from the incidental identification of the disease in an asymptomatic patient to the progressive chronic involvement of the affected organs. Commonly, sarcoidosis initially manifests through nonspecific respiratory symptoms, characterized by dry cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue(2,3). Generally, it is considered that this condition occurs in individuals with a susceptible genetic background, exposed to certain environmental factors or antigens that remain unknown, despite numerous existing hypotheses(4).
Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis has a significant negative impact on prognosis. Although this location of the disease is predominantly silent, 5% of cases present with dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy, progressive heart failure, high-grade atrioventricular blocks, and ventricular arrhythmias(5).
The authors present the case of a young patient who, although at the onset of the disease, exhibited a typical clinical and imaging profile of sarcoidosis, myocardial involvement - a rare localization of this pathology - was detected during the course of the condition. Patients with sarcoidosis may have normal spirometry, may present with a restrictive syndrome (similar to diffuse interstitial lung diseases), or an obstructive syndrome, secondary to the involvement of small bronchi and bronchial distortions caused by the disease, often with an unfavorable prognosis.
Management of Severe Persistent Asthma Stage 4 Gina Associated with Multiple Pulmonary Complications
Authors: Cehan Teona , Mantea Ana-Maria , Costache Alexandru-Dan , Mitu Florin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient, known with the diagnosis of severe persistent l asthma stage 3 Gina since 2012, for which she is on treatment with Formoterol/Budesonid (Symbicort) 160mcg/4.5 mcg 1 puff/12 h, inhaler, daily and Salbutamol (Ventolin) 100 mcg, 2 puffs as needed, maximum 6 puffs/24 h, inhaler, who is being treated for exacerbation of respiratory symptoms. It is important to mention the onset of asthma - at the age of 1 year, with rapidly progressive evolution towards the severe stage and association of multiple pulmonary complications. In order to determine the evolutionary stage of the disease and the therapeutic management, spirometry, DLCO examination and native thoraco-pulmonary CT was performed, the patient presenting an important atopic field: multiallergy-environmental factors and iodine. After the establishment of the therapeutic step and the degree of severity, a complex, multimodal treatment was initiated, with a relatively good evolution and prognosis, provided the patient's compliance.
Isoniazid-Resistant Tuberculosis - A Series of Clinical Cases
Authors: Butnaru Teodora , Mihălţan Florin Dumitru , Bivolaru Sorin , Constantin Ancuţa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The emergence of M. tuberculosis strains resistant to Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF), the two most potent drugs of first-line anti-TB treatment is termed multidrug drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has been a severe medical and epidemic problem worldwide.
We present a series of clinical cases consisting of two patients diagnosed with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis. Histopathological examination supports the diagnosis of tuberculous granulomas. The pathology molecular examination revealed the presence of Isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1, 2 via the following mutation c.947G>A; p. Gly316Asp. Isoniazid-resistance is associated with mutations in the furA-katG and fabG1-inhA operons and in the ahpC gene. 64% of the isoniazid-resistance phenotypes were associated with the kat G 315 mutation worldwide. The second most common mutation is inhA-15, reported in 19% of the Isoniazid-resistant isolates. The significant association between the two mutations, inhA c-15 and kat G 315 respectively, and the high-level resistance is of interest in the interpretation of current and future molecular diagnostic testing, as an early prediction of the level of Isoniazid-resistance is essential to decide the benefit of high-dose Isoniazid use.
Multimorbidity in a Patient with COPD: Hard to Overcome Challenges
Authors: Movilă Vera , Donica Alexandra Lori , Moaleș Andreea , Cozma Corina Dima , Mitu Florin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently suffer from multimorbidity, defined as the presence of 2 or more comorbidities in a patient, the most common of which are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, lung cancer, diabetes, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression. In patients with COPD, comorbidities can develop syndemically, that is, they can evolve simultaneously in response to common risk factors and through common pathogenetic mechanisms. The authors present the case of a patient with multimorbidity, with a history of a common risk factor (smoking) for some of the associated comorbidities and challenges occurred in his therapeutic approach.
Performance study of the M/M(a,b)/1/MWV queuing system with types of breakdowns
Authors: Lidiya P. , Julia Rose Mary K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper analyses the M/M(a,b)/1/MWV queuing model with various types of breakdowns. During peak times, the system has breakdown due to server unavailability. The model considers system with two types of breakdowns. The system may breakdown in two different ways during busy and working vacation stages. Customer arrives to the system with parameter λv
which follows Poisson distribution and server provides service in regular busy period with parameter µrb
and under the multiple working vacations it provides service with parameter µwv
with exponential distribution. In this model batches of customers are served under General Bulk Service Rule. The system may breakdown at any time. The breakdown that occurs during working vacation is denoted as βv

1 and the breakdown during busy state is denoted as βv

2. The steady-state equation, the performance of measures for the system and particular cases of described model are derived. Finally, a real life example demonstrated the validity of the model in a proper way.
Some new fixed point results in Intuitionistic fuzzy cone-b metric spaces
Authors: Kapoor S. , Gupta V. , Saini A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The foremost target of the proposed work focuses on establishing fixed point theorems for the new concept named Intuitionistic fuzzy cone-b metric space (in short IFCbMS). Various definitions like compatible mappings, weakly-compatible maps (WC maps) and E.A. property are also used to prove new results for IFCbMS. The proofs of fixed points for FMS, IFMS, NFMS in the setting of E.A. property are taken as base for this research. Examples mentioned in the paper are increasing the importance of the research done. An application is also given to show the importance of the result proved. The application of this paper leads to the solution of an integral equation in context of implicit functions.
Accelerated Carbonation of Binders Containing SCM at High CO2 Concentration
Authors: Rivera Alexander Oliva , Malaga Katarina , Mueller Urs 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Accelerated carbonation of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) could be an efficient way to reduce the carbon footprint. High CO2-concentration under optimal relative humidity could accelerate the CO2 binding capacity of the hydrated cement paste in the RCA. The latter is the topic of this paper. The study looks into the forced carbonation of crushed cement pastes as a basis to understand the CO2 uptake in relation to various binders containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Samples include three cement pastes: ordinary Portland cement, substitution rate of 30 % FA and 50 % GGBS respectively at a water/binder ratio of 0.45. All binders were graded to 0/2, 2/4 and 4/8 mm fraction sizes and preconditioned before exposed to CO2 concentration of 10 % under controlled temperature at 20 °C and 65 % RH. All tested binders presented a high CO2 uptake within the first hours of exposure with clear differences concerning the fraction sizes and the composition. The phase content before and after carbonation was observed by X-ray diffraction and the portlandite and calcite were quantified by thermogravimetric analyses and their derivative curves for fraction size 4/8 mm.
Relationship between Chloride Migration, Bulk Electrical Conductivity and Formation Factor of Blended Cement Pastes
Authors: Ranger Maxime , Hasholt Marianne Tange 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the links between the non-steady-state chloride migration coefficient, the bulk electrical conductivity and the formation factor of blended cement paste specimens. 18 different binders were tested: two Portland cements (low- and high-alkali) in combination with limestone filler, fly ash, calcined clay, two biomass ashes, sewage sludge ash and crushed brick, as well as two Portland composite cements. In addition, the latter and the low-alkali Portland cement were tested in concrete as well for comparison.
Mixes with high-alkali cement showed better resistance to chloride transport, and the effect of supplementary cementitious materials was found to be strongly linked with their reactivity. Moreover, the results showed a clear correlation of the migration coefficient with the bulk electrical conductivity and, to a lesser extent, with the formation factor. However, these relationships are strongly influenced by the methods used to determine conductivities and they need to be validated for higher maturities. Finally, the results suggested a fairly good correspondence between the results obtained on paste and concrete.
Towards the Application of Mesostructures in 3D Concrete Printing – Evaluating Load-bearing Performance
Authors: Westerlind Helena , Vargas José Hernández , Silfwerbrand Johan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In concrete structures, material performance is typically determined at the level of the concrete mix (the microscale) and the overall shape and dimensions of a building element (the macroscale). However, recent developments in the field of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) are demonstrating that the design of concrete now also can take place at a previously impossible intermediate scale involving the shaping and placement of the material at the level of the printing nozzle (the mesoscale). By focusing directly on the design of print paths, advanced surface effects and internal porous material distributions can be achieved that significantly affect the aesthetic experience and structural performance of 3DCP structures. This ability to design the distribution of concrete according to local architectural, structural, and functional design criteria is an especially interesting application of 3DCP that could be exploited to customise material performance while at the same time optimising material use and reducing the self-weight of building elements. This paper specifically examines how four different three-dimensional print patterns produce distinct material structures at the mesoscale (mesostructures) and presents an experimental procedure for evaluating their load-bearing capacity.
The Use of Slag in Accelerated Shotcrete for Rock Support: A Pilot Study on the Influence on the Early Compressive Strength
Authors: Brodd Elin , Sjölander Andreas , Östlund Lina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Today, the world is facing an enormous challenge where the emissions of greenhouse gases must be reduced significantly to stop the increasing mean temperature. For the construction industry, this challenge means that structures must be designed more carefully, and materials must be used and produced more efficiently. Concrete is one of the most widely used materials, and cement production alone contributes to around 8 % of the world’s total CO2 emissions. This paper presents a pilot study in which part of the cement clinker content in accelerated shotcrete is replaced with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Shotcrete is widely used as part of the rock support for tunnels in hard rock and has a large cement content. Thus, the environmental impact must be reduced significantly to meet future demands. However, introducing GGBS will slow down strength development, which is a crucial part of shotcrete. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the early strength development, i.e., after one and seven days. The results show that an average compressive strength of 18 MPa can be reached after 24 hours when 35 % of the cement clinker content is replaced with GGBS. Finally, some important topics for further studies are pointed out.