bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross - Sectional Study on a Population of Diabetes Mellitus Newly Diagnosed Patients. Relative Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Morbidity Using UKPDS Risk Engine
Authors: Mihai Vesa Cosmin , Dana Zaha Carmen , Loredana Popa , Petrișor Cismaș-Pruteanu , Mădălina Moisi , Mircea Popescu , Mekereș Florica , Lucia Daina , Adrian Maghiar , Amorin Popa
Published: April 2018

Patients recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus need to go to a complex evaluation regarding not only glycaemia and HbA1C, but also blood pressure values, lipid metabolism, kidney function, medical history and lifestyle choices. Cardiovascular risk assessment can reveal which patients fall into moderate and high categories of risk, where regular follow-up and intensive therapy addressing all the risk factors must be strictly performed. We selected a group made of 385 diabetes mellitus type II patients, a representative for the whole population of newly diagnosed diabetic patients from our county in 2017. We determined their anthropometric indicators, their biochemical parameters, their lifestyle choices and we assessed their coronary heart disease risk at 10 years using UKPDS risk engine.
Interdependence Between Atrial Fibrilation and Heart Failure
Authors: Anca Tica Otilia , Ovidiu Tica , Larisa Rosan , Vlad Pantea , Ioana Ignat Romanul , Mircea Sandor , Anca Sandor-Huniadi , Katalin Babes , Mircea-Ioachim Popescu
Published: April 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disorder worldwide, becoming epidemic. Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening disease and addressing it should be a priority. In this paper, we analyse recent progress on the relationship between HF and AF. The interdependence between AF and HF has not been elucidated and therefore remains an area of interest for research. It is estimated that both the incidence of AF and HF will increase significantly in the next decades worldwide, there will be a significant problem for health systems in several countries. It remains imperative to urgently promote additional research on epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment of AF and HF.
From Symptoms and Signs to Diagnosis in a Rare Disease, Type I Gaucher Disease
Authors: Ghinea Mihaela , Ciocodei Sabina , Butoi Gabriela , Memet Geandan , Stoica Andreea , Niculescu Zizi
Published: April 2018

Gaucher disease is the most frequent lysosomal storage disease, caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called β-glucocerebrosidase. Three types of Gaucher disease are described. Type I Gaucher disease benefits from lifelong enzyme replacement therapy with imiglucerase.

Herein, we present the case of a 34-year-old female patient, a commercial worker, who was admitted to our Department of Haematology in the Emergency Clinical Hospital of Constanta in order to investigate the aetiology of a persistent splenomegaly. Clinical examination and laboratory testing evidenced the following: splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, anaemia, leukopenia and neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and a myelogram showing Gaucher cells. In this context, the suspicion of Gaucher disease was raised and the investigations were further completed through specific enzyme testing and genetic testing. The low values of lysosomal enzymes, coupled with the detection of two specific genetic mutations confirmed the diagnosis of Gaucher disease.

In January 2017, treatment with 2400U of imiglucerase in intravenous perfusion every two weeks was begun.
Towards General Evaluation of Intelligent Systems: Lessons Learned from Reproducing AIQ Test Results
Authors: Vadinský Ondřej
Published: April 2018

This paper attempts to replicate the results of evaluating several artificial agents using the Algorithmic Intelligence Quotient test originally reported by Legg and Veness. Three experiments were conducted: One using default settings, one in which the action space was varied and one in which the observation space was varied. While the performance of freq, Q0, Qλ, and HLQλ corresponded well with the original results, the resulting values differed, when using MC-AIXI. Varying the observation space seems to have no qualitative impact on the results as reported, while (contrary to the original results) varying the action space seems to have some impact. An analysis of the impact of modifying parameters of MC-AIXI on its performance in the default settings was carried out with the help of data mining techniques used to identifying highly performing configurations. Overall, the Algorithmic Intelligence Quotient test seems to be reliable, however as a general artificial intelligence evaluation method it has several limits. The test is dependent on the chosen reference machine and also sensitive to changes to its settings. It brings out some differences among agents, however, since they are limited in size, the test setting may not yet be sufficiently complex. A demanding parameter sweep is needed to thoroughly evaluate configurable agents that, together with the test format, further highlights computational requirements of an agent. These and other issues are discussed in the paper along with proposals suggesting how to alleviate them. An implementation of some of the proposals is also demonstrated.
Anti-Nosemosis Activity of Aster scaber and Artemisia dubia Aqueous Extracts
Authors: Lee Jae Kwon , Kim Jeong Hwa , Jo Mina , Rangachari Balamurugan , Park Jin Kyu
Published: April 2018

In our previous study, we demonstrated that the ethanol extracts of Artemisia dubia (A. dubia) and Aster scaber (A. scaber) have anti-nosemosis activity. In our present study, we intend to establish the anti-nosemosis activity of aqueous, ethyl acetate (EA), and butanol (BuOH) extracts of A. dubia and A. scaber. In order to determine the optimal dose, we performed both in vitro and in vivo toxicity for all the extracts and also carried out anti-nosemosis experiments. Although all of the extracts (aqueous, EA, and BuOH) showed in vitro and in vivo anti-nosemosis activity in a dose-dependent manner, the aqueous extracts of A. dubia and A. scaber showed more potent anti-nosemosis activity than the EA and BuOH extracts. Moreover, an aqueous extract of A. dubia + A. scaber demonstrated stronger anti-nosemosis activity compared with the aqueous extracts of either A. dubia or A. scaber alone. Although the main ingredients in A. dubia and A. scaber remain unclear, our results suggest that the active components of A. dubia and A. scaber could dissolve in the aqueous fraction.
Cantilever Beam Natural Frequencies in Centrifugal Inertia Field
Authors: Jivkov V.S. , Zahariev E.V.
Published: April 2018

In the advanced mechanical science the well known fact is that the gravity influences on the natural frequencies and modes even for the vertical structures and pillars. But, the condition that should be fulfilled in order for the gravity to be taken into account is connected with the ration between the gravity value and the geometrical cross section inertia. The gravity is related to the earth acceleration but for moving structures there exist many other acceleration exaggerated forces and such are forces caused by the centrifugal accelerations. Large rotating structures, as wind power generators, chopper wings, large antennas and radars, unfolding space structures and many others are such examples. It is expected, that acceleration based forces influence on the structure modal and frequency properties, which is a subject of the present investigations.

In the paper, rotating beams are subject to investigations and modal and frequency analysis is carried out. Analytical dependences for the natural resonances are derived and their dependences on the angular velocity and centrifugal accelerations are derived. Several examples of large rotating beams with different orientations of the rotating shaft are presented. Numerical experiments are conducted. Time histories of the beam tip deflections, that depict the beam oscillations are presented.
Contemporary situation of community-acquired pneumonia in China: A systematic review
Authors: Zhu Ying-gang , Tang Xiao-dan , Lu Yun-tao , Zhang Jing , Qu Jie-ming
Published: April 2018

The prevalence and microbial pattern reported for Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) differ considerably and contemporary situation remains changing over time. We therefore searched both international and domestic databases for relevant references and pooled incidence of CAP and etiological distribution were estimated separately between children and adults groups. The results showed that CAP remained a major public health issue in China, with a relatively higher incidence than that reported in Western countries. Although pathogens were not detected in nearly half of patients, Mycoplasma pneumoniae remained to be the most frequently detected agent across age groups, the detection yield of which was lower than that reported from other countries. Notably, the incidence of influenza virus A in adults was almost four times higher than that in children while the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus was much less common in adults than that in children. Despite some limitations, the value of this review, approaching to systematically review grey published data, is to sketch out the contemporary epidemiological and etiological situation of CAP in our country, which could be useful to help policymakers and clinicians make informed choices and to inspire future studies and surveillance.
Deposition of titanium based coatings by reactive detonation spraying
Authors: Panin S. , Vlasov I. , Dudina D. , Ulyanitsky V. , Stankevich R. , Batraev I. , Maruschak P. , Landová M.
Published: April 2018

The structure and mechanical properties of the coatings formed by reactive detonation spraying of titanium in a wide range of spraying conditions were studied. The variable deposition parameters were the nature of the carrier gas, the spraying distance, the O2/C2H2 ratio, and the volume of the explosive mixture. The phase composition of the coatings and the influence of the spraying parameters on the mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated. In addition, nanohardness of the individual phases contained the coatings was evaluated. It was found that the composition of the strengthening phases in the coatings depends on the O2/C2H2 ratio and the nature of the carrier gas. Detonation spraying conditions ensuring the formation of composite coatings with a set of improved mechanical properties are discussed.
High temperature alloys stability testing in impure helium
Authors: Berka J. , Marušáková D. , Kalivodová J.
Published: April 2018

Within the national and international research program of materials for advanced nuclear reactors Czech organizations contributed with several tests of metallic alloys. The specimens of the alloys were first exposed in the long term (up to 1500 hours) in simulated advanced gas cooled reactor coolant environment at 750-900 °C. After exposure the degradation of tested materials was explored, especially changes in material microstructure, corrosion damage and corrosion layer composition and in some cases also changes in mechanical properties were observed. In this paper selected results of exposure tests in high temperature helium of alloy 800 H, austenitic steel 316L and high-temperature nickel alloys are presented.
Study of triacetate cinematographic films and magnetic audio track by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Knotek V. , Korandová P. , Kalousková R. , Ďurovič M.
Published: April 2018

Most of the cinematographic film collections stored in film archives are made on a triacetate base, and from the 1950s to the 1980s, a magnetic track was used to record sound. With a large number of archive materials, archives often do not know the chemical composition of film bases, history of use and degradation rates. Therefore, the chemical composition of three films with a magnetic audio track and one representative of the modern film FOMAPAN were investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Selected samples were artificially aged at elevated temperatures and humidity, and the rate of degradation of the film was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, dimensional changes and gravimetric analysis. Based on the measurements, all of the examined films were made from cellulose triacetate and the binder of the magnetic trackswas cellulose nitrate. To determine the degree of degradation of the binder of the audio track and the triacetate base, a degradation index was created which expresses the ratio of the bandwidths of the characteristic groups in the infrared spectra. It is shown that infrared spectroscopy makes it easy to determine the chemical composition of cinematographic films and to quantify the rate of degradation and the current state of the film base using a suitably chosen degradation index.
Characterising the flows of Slovenian tourists within the former Yugoslavia with respect to post-communist ‘nostalgic context’
Authors: Šuligoj Metod
Published: April 2018

Slovenia represents a key source in the tourist market for the new post-Yugoslavian states, but little is known about Slovenians’ tourism practices, especially in relation to the post-communist dimension. The term “Yugonostalgia” came into existence in the 1990s in the post-Yugoslav area, and it illustrates the attitudes of people looking for a life that would be better than their present one. The term is also connected to tourism, although it has been largely neglected in the tourism literature. In this study, a total of 384 appropriately completed questionnaires were recorded and prepared for empirical analyses. Some 83.0% of respondents repeatedly return to a former Yugoslav destination they had visited in the past. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering methods were used to identify clusters. Subsequently, cross-tabulations were employed to profile each cluster based on demographic characteristics, and chi-square tests were performed to validate the clusters and their mutual differences. Significant differences between groups with respect to survey variables were verified by one-way analysis of variance models. Three significantly different clusters were identified: (i) friends of nature; (ii) immigrants and their descendants (from the post-Yugoslav states); and (iii) moderate lovers of nature and culture. None of identified clusters are characterised by Yugonostalgia: group members behave in similar ways to all contemporary tourists with varying individual interests, which is an additional interesting finding.
Geo-caching for wheelchair users: A pilot study in Luhačovské Zálesí (Czech Republic)
Authors: Fialová Jitka , Kotásková Pavla , Schneider Jiří , Žmolíková Nikola , Procházková Pavlína
Published: April 2018

An optional leisure activity in the countryside for wheelchair users is subject to discussion b in this article. Geo-caching is a leisure activity on the borders between tourism and sport, which appeals to a growing proportion of peoples globally. It can become a prospective part of social tourism as a leisure activity for persons with disabilities: this paper devotes attention to wheelchair users. In this research project we analysed how terrain difficulty and its markings reflect on the availability of caches to be gained by wheelchair users. The aim of the field survey was to verify if the caches indicated by the difficulty of the terrain (terrain level: 1 and 1.5) can be considered available for disabled people. The availability of the caches was also assessed based on the presence (aid) of an assistant. We found that access to most of the easily available caches contains small but critical constraints for wheelchair users – from path bumps to the very cache locations which are unreachable for wheelchair users. Therefore, we have proposed a set of recommendations and pictograms to make geo-caching more available for persons using wheelchairs and to expand their opportunities for active outdoor leisure activity. The results will be used to design access to natural sites for wheelchair users.
An Organizational Framework for Logistic Platform and its Subtypes in a Search for More Logistically Attractive Regions
Authors: Gajšek Brigita , Kovač Jure , Hazen Benjamin T.
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose: Regional sustainable economic growth on logistics bases requires the coordinated development of infrastructure, information and communications technology, and proactive education of logistics specialists. The goal is reachable with regional logistics platforms (RLPs). This current research develops a theoretical model for RLPs, consisting of (1) basic constituents, (2) an implementation area, and (3) stakeholders' and operational benefits.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We employed a balanced qualitative and quantitative approach using multiple case study and survey methods.

Results: Systematic case study research has identified 12 “most frequently” highlighted RLP constituents and 3 areas of implementation, which were further proven by a survey. RLP's beginnings may be spontaneous until a critical mass of interested stakeholders emerges with a clear vision and start-up energy for a breakthrough. A theoretical model for RLPs is proposed.

Conclusion: The secret of a successfully developing a logistics region lies in its ability to develop a mechanism for the managing and coordinating a particular logistics system's development and operation, an area that should be further researched. This study's findings provide valuable insights into the many aspects of RLPs, which can be useful for regional authorities and business owners who are eager to stimulate regional economic growth.
Measuring the Concentration of Insurance sector – the Case of Southeastern European Countries
Authors: Dimić Maja , Barjaktarović Lidija , Arsenijević Olja , Šprajc Polona , Žirovnik Janez
Published: April 2018

Background and purpose: The goal of the paper is to determine the level of concentration in the insurance sector in the following eight countries of South and Eastern Europe: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania in the period from 2007 to 2012.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In this context, the analysed indicators of concentration were the market share of the four leading financial institutions (CR4), the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), the coefficient of entropy (E), the coefficient of relative entropy (RE) and Gini coefficient (G).

Results: The study showed that the insurance sectors in the analysed countries are highly concentrated on average (according to CR4 indicator), medium concentrated (according to HHI) with high levels of inequality of distribution of market shares between individual participants (in terms of G coefficient), and in the zone of relative uniformity and equality of business entities (according to RE coefficient). The research results point out that the existence of different levels of correlation between the analysed indicators of concentration in the insurance sector, which confirms the conclusion that, in order to obtain relevant and quality conclusions about the level of concentration, it is necessary to review and analyse several indicators of concentration integrally.

Conclusion: In all observed indicators of concentration in relation with the density level GDP pc move in the zone of very low value, which on the one hand points to the fact that the analysed countries at a relatively similar level of development have significantly different levels of concentration, but also on the fact that some countries although at different levels of development, have similar levels of concentration.
Application of Vortex Flow Model in Propeller-Stator System Design and Analysis
Authors: Król Przemysław , Bugalski Tomasz
Published: April 2018

The paper covers basics of the vortex model used for propeller-stator systems. The outline of the design algorithm is given and the results of its application are shown. The designed propeller-stator system was the subject of model tests run at the CTO model basin and cavitation tunnel. Stator’s influence on the delivered power required by the propeller and its revolution rate has been examined by conducting self-propulsion tests with and without stator. The tests performed in the cavitation tunnel revealed only weak tip vortex cavitation on the propeller. No cavitation was observed on the stator at the design point. A wide range of the performed tests allowed the authors to identify details of the developed theory which will require further improvement.
Outlier Detection in Ocean Wave Measurements by Using Unsupervised Data Mining Methods
Authors: Mahmoodi Kumars , Ghassemi Hassan
Published: April 2018

Outliers are considerably inconsistent and exceptional objects in the data set that do not adapt to expected normal condition. An outlier in wave measurements may be due to experimental and configuration errors, technical defects in equipment, variability in the measurement conditions, rare or unknown conditions such as tsunami, windstorm and etc. To improve the accuracy and reliability of an built ocean wave model, or to extract important and valuable information from collected wave data, detecting of outlying observations in wave measurements is very important. In this study, three typical outlier detection algorithms:Box-plot (BP), Local Distance-based Outlier Factor (LDOF), and Local Outlier Factor (LOF) methods are used to detect outliers in significant wave height (Hs) records. The historical wave data are taken from National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). Finally, those data points are considered as outlier identified by at least two methods which are presented and discussed. Then, Hs prediction has been modelled with and without the presence of outliers by using Regression trees (RTs).
Selection of Main Engines for Hopper Suction Dredgers with the Use of Probability Models
Authors: Bocheński Damian
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a new original method of selection of main engines for hopper suction dredgers with regard to probabilistic models. It was proposed to use the normal distribution to describe the operational loads of the main receivers. The principles for determination of parameters of load distribution and design power of the main engines were formulated. Lastly, the principles of selection of the size and number of main engines has been proposed.
Selected Problems of Sensitivity and Reliability of a Jack-Up Platform
Authors: Rozmarynowski Bogdan , Mikulski Tomasz
Published: April 2018

The paper deals with sensitivity and reliability applications to numerical studies of an off-shore platform model. Structural parameters and sea conditions are referred to the Baltic jack-up drilling platform. The sudy aims at the influence of particular basic variables on static and dynamic response as well as the probability of failure due to water waves and wind loads. The paper presents the sensitivity approach to a generalized eigenvalue problem and evaluation of the performace functions. The first order time-invariant problems of structural reliability analysis are under concern.
Concept of Device to Inspect Internal Technical Condition of Marine Pipeline
Authors: Warnke Danuta
Published: April 2018

The article presents a concept of the device to inspect technical condition of the interior of a marine pipeline. The design assumption was that the vehicle would be built for a specific existing pipeline, which is the Nord Stream gas pipeline. Based on the analysis of operating parameters and dimensions of the pipeline, the economic diameter and the medium flow velocity were calculated. The shape of the structure was proposed, and the measuring instruments and materials for manufacturing the vehicle were selected. The problems of energy supply during vehicle operation, and its installation inside the pipeline were solved.
The Effect of Oxygenated Diesel-N-Butanol Fuel Blends on Combustion, Performance, and Exhaust Emissions of a Turbocharged CRDI Diesel Engine
Authors: Labeckas Gvidonas , Slavinskas Stasys , Rudnicki Jacek , Zadrąg Ryszard
Published: April 2018

The article deals with the effects made by using various n-butanol-diesel fuel blends on the combustion history, engine performance and exhaust emissions of a turbocharged four-stroke, four-cylinder, CRDI 1154HP (85 kW) diesel engine. At first, load characteristics were taken when running an engine with normal diesel fuel (DF) to have ‘baseline’ parameters at the two ranges of speed of 1800 and 2500 rpm. Four a fossil diesel (class 1) and normal butanol (n-butanol) fuel blends possessing 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt% (by mass) of n-butanol-bound oxygen fractions were prepared by pouring 4.65 wt% (BD1), 9.30 wt% (BD2), 13.95 wt% (BD3), and 18.65 wt% (BD4) n-butanol to diesel fuel. Then, load characteristics were taken when an engine with n-butanol-oxygenated fuel blends at the same speeds. Analysis of the changes occurred in the autoignition delay, combustion history, the cycle-to-cycle variation, engine efficiency, smoke, and exhaust emissions NOx, CO, THC obtained with purposely designed fuel blends was performed on comparative bases with the corresponding values measured with ‘baseline’ diesel fuel to reveal the potential developing trends.
Determining Effective Length for 40 HM-T Steel by Use of Non-Local Line Method Concept
Authors: Robak Grzegorz , Krzyżak Daniel , Cichański Artur
Published: April 2018

In the paper, the concept of non-local line method is presented and used for determining the effective length for notched elements. Experimental tests and calculations were performed for 40 HM-T (42CrMo4+QT) steel made specimens of two types, i.e. smooth specimens, and notched specimens with notch radius equal to 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm. The performed FEM calculations took into account the multi-linear hardening model and cyclic material properties. The concept of the presented non-local line method bases on finding the position of critical plane and determining the effective length, meant as the fracture process zone. During numerical stress gradient simulations, also the weight function was implemented. It was observed that the effective length increases as the load increases.
Early cardiotoxicity after adjuvant concomitant treatment with radiotherapy and trastuzumab in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Marinko Tanja , Borstnar Simona , Blagus Rok , Dolenc Jure , Bilban-Jakopin Cvetka
Published: April 2018

Background

The purpose of the study was to find out whether there is a difference in the early parameters of cardiotoxicity (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) between the two groups of patients: the patients treated for left breast cancer (left breast cancer group) and those treated for the right breast cancer (right breast cancer group), after the treatment had been completed.

Patients and methods

The study included 175 consecutive patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive early breast cancer, treated concurrently with trastuzumab and radiotherapy (RT), between June 2005 and December 2010. Echocardiography with LVEF measurement was performed before adjuvant RT (LVEF0) and after the completed treatment (LVEF1,). After the treatment NT-proBNP measurement was done as well. The difference (Δ) between LVEF0 and LVEF1 was analysed (Δ LVEF = LVEF0 - LVEF1) and compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 84 patients in the left and 91 in the right breast cancer group. Median observation time was 57 (37–71) months. Mean Δ LVEF (%) was -1.786% in the left and -2.607% in the right breast cancer group (p = 0.562, CI: -2.004 to 3.648). Median NT-proBNP were 111.0 ng/l in the left and 90.0 ng/l in the right breast cancer group (p = 0.545). Echocardiography showed that the patients in the left breast cancer group did not have significantly worse systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in comparison with the patients in the right breast cancer group, but, they had higher incidence of pericardial effusion (9 [11%] vs. 1 [1%]) (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

We did not find any significant differences in the early parameters of cardiotoxicity (LVEF, NT-proBNP) between the observed groups. Patients who received left breast/chest wall irradiation had higher incidence of pericardial effusion.
Is postmastectomy radiotherapy really needed in breast cancer patients with many positive axillary lymph nodes?
Authors: Marinko Tanja , Stanic Karmen
Published: April 2018

Background

Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) improves survival by eliminating potential occult lesions in the chest wall and lymphatic drainage area. Meta-analysis has shown that PMRT reduces mortality and local recurrence of patients with node positive breast cancer, but there is no specific data about the effectiveness of PMRT in a subgroup of patients with a high number of positive axillary lymph nodes (PALN). The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of the number of PALN on local and distant metastasis occurrence, overall survival (OS) and distant metastases free survival (DMFS) in patients treated with PMRT.

Patients and methods

We reviewed medical records of 129 consecutive breast cancer patients with PALN, treated at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana with PMRT between January 2003 and December 2004. We grouped patients according to the number of PALN as follows: Group 1 (less than 15 PALN) and Group 2 with more than 15 PALN. All patients received adjuvant systemic therapy according to the clinical guidelines. We analysed number of locoregional (LR) recurrences, distant metastasis, overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and DMFS.

Results

After the median follow-up time of 11.5 years, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of PALN showed significantly shorter OS (p = 0.006), shorter PFS (p = 0.002) and shorter DMFS (p < 0.001) in the group of > 15 PALN. Only one LR was found in the group of patients with more than 15 PALN. In multivariate analysis more than 15 PALN and treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy statistically significantly influenced OS and DMFS. For PFS presence of more than 15 PALN were the only independent factor of shorter survival.

Conclusions

Patients with more than 15 PALN have shorter DMFS, PFS and OS as compared to patients with less than 15 PALN, though they receive the same LR treatment. More studies with higher number of patients included are needed to further evaluate our findings.
Production and Commercialization of Timber in Angola after the Declaration of Independence
Authors: Chiteculo V. , Hájek M. , Kubová P.
Published: April 2018

The policy of production and commercialization of timber before and after the independence of Angola was assessed. Historical production of timber under control of Portuguese settlers before 1975 in comparison to the production of timber after this period was reviewed. We used a combination of published scientific studies and government reports to support the background of the paper and a structured questionnaire survey from which analyses were drawn using a logistic regression model. It was found out that timber production declined dramatically after Angola gained independence; the production of logs dropped from 555 000 m3 in 1973 to less than 115 400 m3. Out of the 100 mills that had existed in Angola before 1975 only twenty have been in operation today with annual wood production of less than 20% of extraction capacity. The knowledge concerning the historical production of timber before and after 1975 is not sufficient to provide suggestions for a management plan on what trees, where, and when are to be cut.
Antibacterial Effect of Carvacrol and Coconut Oil on Selected Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Božik M. , Hovorková P. , Klouček P.
Published: April 2018

Essential oils play a prominent role as flavouring agents and fragrances in the food and perfume industries. Carvacrol is a major component of various essential oils, such as oregano and thyme oils, and is responsible for their antimicrobial activity. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) with a high antibacterial potential. Both carvacrol and MCFAs have been used empirically as antimicrobial agents. Here, we tested the inhibitory properties of carvacrol and coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) oil containing a high percentage of MCFAs against 5 harmful bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus cecorum. Gas chromatography (GC-FID) analysis of coconut oil showed a high concentration of lauric acid (41%). Microdilution antimicrobial assays showed that the combination of carvacrol and coconut oil had a stronger antibacterial effect against all tested bacteria than both agents separately. We conclude that carvacrol could significantly improve the antibacterial effect of coconut oil.
Early identification of patients in need of palliative care in slovenian general practice
Authors: Klok Lisette , Engels Yvonne , Veldhoven Carel , Rotar Pavlič Danica
Published: April 2018

Background

To help general practitioners (GPs) in early identification of patients with palliative care (PC) needs, this pilot study aimed to determine the potential of the combined original surprise question (SQ1) (‘Would I be surprised if this patient died within the next 12 months?’) and the second surprise question (SQ2) (‘Would I be surprised if this patient was still alive after 12 months?’). We hypothesized that answering these SQs would trigger them to make a multidimensional care plan.

Methods

26 Slovenian GPs, randomized into 4 groups, were invited to write a care plan for each of the four patients described in case vignettes (2 oncologic, 1 organ failure and 1 frailty case). GPs in group 1 were only asked to write a care plan for each patient. GPs in group 2 answered SQ1 and GPs in groups 3 and 4 answered SQ1 and SQ2 before writing the care plan. The type and number of PC aspects mentioned in the respective care plans were quantified into a numeric RADboud ANTicipatory (RADIANT) score.

Results

Mean RADIANT scores in groups 1-4 were 2.2, 3.6, 2.5 and 3.1, respectively. When comparing the different vignettes, vignette B (terminal oncologic patient) scored best (3.6). Mean RADIANT scores in groups 3 and 4 were slightly higher for GPs who would be surprised compared to GPs who would not be surprised if the patient was still alive in 12 months.

Conclusion

The combined SQs were considered helpful in the early identification of patients in need of PC in Slovenian general practice.
The prevalence of elevated blood pressure in a sample of slovene children and adolescents: a pilot study
Authors: Hertiš Tjaša , Petek Tadej , Marčun Varda Nataša
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of prehypertensive and elevated blood pressure in the hypertensive range (elevated BP) and obtain some anthropometric measures in Slovene children and adolescents.

Methods

In the cross-sectional study lasting one year, we measured BP using mercury sphygmomanometers, as well as height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences in schools. Data from regular check-ups (oscillometric measurements) were also added to increase the sample size. Participants were 2-19 years old. For statistical analysis, we used two-sided multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson’s r, and chi-squared test.

Results

From altogether 1594 participants, 723 (45.4%) were boys and 871 (54.6%) girls. The prevalence of elevated BP on a single oscillometric blood-pressure measurement was 12.0% (95% CI: 10.3 to 13.9), and an additional 13.9% (95% CI: 12.0 to 15.9) had prehypertensive BP. In Riva-Rocci measurements, elevated BP was present in only 7.1% (95% CI: 4.9 to 10.1) and prehypertensive BP additionally in 3.9% (95% CI: 2.4 to 6.4) in comparison to oscillometric measurements, which showed higher prevalence. Importantly, overweight participants had a 1.75 times greater relative risk for prehypertensive BP (95% CI: 1.22 to 2.53; p<0.01). Obesity carried a 1.79 times greater relative risk (95% CI: 1.22 to 2.63; p<0.01) for BP outside of the normotensive BP range.

Conclusion

Arterial hypertension is becoming an important public health problem, especially due to the childhood obesity. It seems to concern also Slovene young population with prevalence of elevated BP at around 7.1% after a single auscultatory BP measurement.
Management of frailty at individual level – clinical management: Systematic literature review
Authors: Veninšek Gregor , Gabrovec Branko
Published: April 2018

Introduction

To deliver quality management of a frail individual, a clinician should understand the concept of frailty, be aware of its epidemiology and be able to screen for frailty and assess it when it is present, and, finally, to recommend successful interventions.

Methodology

A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl and UpToDate. The criterion in selecting the literature was that articles were published in the period from 2002 to 2017. From 67432 initial hits, 27 publications were selected.

Results

Useful interventions to address frailty are supplementation of vitamin D, proper nutrition, multicomponent training, home-based physiotherapy and comprehensive geriatric assessment, particularly when performed in geriatric wards.

Conclusion

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an effective way to decrease frailty status especially when performed in geriatric wards. Multicomponent physical training and multidimensional interventions (physical training, nutrition, vitamin D supplementation and cognitive training) are effective measures to reduce frailty.
What Drives Economic Growth in Some CEE Countries?
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela
Published: April 2018

Considering the potential factors that might generate economic growth, a target for any economy, this paper identified some determinants of economic growth in the countries from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE countries) that are member states of the European Union. The foreign direct investment was the most important determinant of economic growth in most of the countries (Bulgaria, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania) in the period 2003-2016, according to Bayesian bridge regressions. The indicators related to the level and the quality of labour resources proved to be insignificant in explaining the economic growth in these countries. Moreover, in Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, the government expenditure on education had a negative effect on economic growth.
Accident Risk Assessment for Highly Reliable Aviation Systems in Emergency Situations
Authors: Kuklev Evgeniy , Zhilinsky Žilinskis Viatcheslav
Published: April 2018

Safety of aircrafts exploitation is estimated by means of the using the results of the prognoses of the dangerous factors which could be take place during the flight in the off-design conditions. The risk - approach, based on the fuzzy sets methods, is discussed and find out the paths leading to the catastrophes of the different types of the vessels. The dangerous (Unsafeness, Hazard) is the discrete state with the factors which could be take place during the flight in the off-design conditions. It was suggested to find out the paths leading to the catastrophes under condition of the rare events with probabilities “almost zero”.
PENGEMBANGAN PEMBELAJARAN BERPENDEKATAN TEMATIK BERORIENTASI PEMECAHAN MASSALAH MATEMATIKA TERBUKA UNTUK MENGEMBANGKAN KOMPETENSI BERPIKR DIVERGEN, KRITIS DAN KREATIF
Authors: Sudiarta I Gusti Putu
Published: April 2018

Artikel ini bertujuan (I) mengkaji hakikat pendekatanÂ tematik dalam pembelajaran matematika dan kesesuaiannya denganÂ tuntutan KBK, (2) mengkaji pendekatan pembelajaran matematikaÂ berorientasi pada pemecahan masalah matematika terbuka, (3)Â mendeskripsikan pengertian kompetensi berpikir divergen, kritis, danÂ kreatif, beserta indikator-indikatornya, dan (4) memberikan contohÂ model pemecahan masalah matematika terbuka untukÂ mengembangkan kompetensi berpikit; divergen, kritis, dan kreatifÂ dalam pembelajaran matematika. Kompelensi berpikir divergen, kritis,Â dan kreatif di kalangan peserta didik adalah sangat penting dalamÂ era persaingan global, karena tingkat kompleksitas permasalahanÂ dalam segala aspek kehidupan modern semakin tinggi. PendekatanÂ tematik memberi kesempatan kepada peserta didik untuk secaraÂ mendalam mengkaji topik-topik matematika yang dikemas secaraÂ menarik dan kontekstual, sedangkan pemecahan masalah matematikaÂ terbuka memberikan kesempatan luas untuk melakukan investigasiÂ masalah matematika secara mendalam, sehingga siswa dapatÂ mengkonstruksi segala kemungkinan pemecahannya secara divergen,Â kritis dan kreatif.
PENGARUH KONSEKUENSI PERILAKU DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR
Authors: Purwanto Purwanto
Published: April 2018

Konsekuensi perilaku dan motivasi belajar berpengaruhÂ terhadap hasil belajar. Hasil belajar siswa yang mempunyai motivasiÂ belajar intrinsik dan ekstrinsik akan berbeda pada kondisi penguatanÂ dnn hukuman. Siswa yang mempunyai motivasi belajar intrinsik mempunyai hasil belajar yang lebih tinggi pada kondisi hukuman daripada penguatan. Sebaliknya, pada siswa yang mempunyaiÂ motivasi belajar ekstrinsik, penguatan mempunyai efek yang lebihÂ baik daripada hukuman dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar. UntukÂ ltu penggunaan konsekuensi perilaku sebagai cara meningkatkanÂ hasil belajar harus mempertimbangkan karakteristik motivasi belajarÂ siswa. Pada kelompok siswa yang mempunyai motivasi belajarÂ lntrinsik, hukuman dianjurkan digunakan untuk meningkatkanÂ motivasi belajar. Sedang pada kelompok siswa yang mempunyaiÂ motivasi belajar ekstrinsik penguatan dianjurkan digunakan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar.Â
MENGELOLA INSTITUSI PENDIDIKAN PADA SISTEM PENDIDIKAN JARAK JAUH DENGAN EFEKTIF: BELAJAR DARI KARAKTERISTIK MAHASISWA
Authors: Andriani Durri , Pangaribuan Nurmala
Published: April 2018

Artikel ini memberi gambaran riil mahasiswa pada institusiÂ pendidikan tinggi yang menerapkan sistem pendidikan jarak jauh (PJJ) yang diperoleh dari 29 laporan penelitian, artikel dan makalahÂ seminar tentang mahasiswa Universitas Terbuka (UT) yang merupakanÂ satu-satunya institusi pendidikan tinggi yang menerapkan sistem PJJÂ secara utuh. Secara khusus, di sini dibahas profil, persepsi terhadapÂ PJJ, motivasi, strategi belajar, pengenalan dan pemanfaatan mediaÂ dalam proses belajar, serta kendala belajar yang dialami mahasiswaÂ PJJ. Gambaran riil ini diharapkan dapat memberikan pemahamanÂ yang lebih operasional tentang siapa dan bagaimana mahasiswa melakukan proses pembelajaran, serta bagaimana mereka menyikapiÂ proses belajar di sistem PJJ. Pada gilirannya, informasi tersebut diharapkan dapat dijadikan rujukan bagi institusi pendidikan yangÂ menerapkan sistem PJJ untuk mengelola institusinya sehingga proses pembelajaran dapat berjalan dengan efektif.
Effect of Clearance and Friction in Revolute Imperfect Joints on Dynamic Behaviors of a Slider-Crank Mechanism with Two Sliders
Authors: Dao Thanh-Phong , Huynh Ngoc-Thai , Nguyen Tuan-Hai , Vu Hoang-Nghien , Hoang Le-Quang-Nhat , Nguyen Ho , Nguyen Tuan-Hai
Published: April 2018

Friction and clearance always present in any mechanical system. Hence, the effects of friction and clearance on a dynamic system are so critical. This paper aims to investigate their effects on the dynamic response of a slider-crank mechanism with two sliders and imperfect joints. Firstly, the mechanism is created in Solidworks and then it is simulated via finite element method in ANSYS. The dynamic simulation are conducted to evaluate the mentioned effects. The results revealed that the effect degree of clearance on the dynamic behaviors of the proposed mechanisms is significantly higher than that of friction. Also, the results indicated that the velocities, acceleration, and contact force graph are almost same at different friction coefficient. However, compared with ideal joint case, they had a maximum value and an unstable oscillation. This problem is due to journal collide into bearing induced the maximum values of contact force. The results of this study are a helpful guidance to practitioners, scientists, and engineers.  This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Antifungal Activity of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract on Some Selected Fungi
Authors: Daniel Danladi, Aisha Haruna Abdulaziz Bashir Kutawa, Musa
Published: April 2018

The study was aimed to determine the antifungal activity of garlic on some selected fungi.  Garlic samples were purchased from Dutsinma central market, Katsina state. The samples were washed, separated and peeled to obtain the edible portion. The fungi were isolated using the culture method and identified based on morphological characteristics. The extract was prepared using two solvents (aqueous and ethanol) by soaking method. The antifungal activity of aqueous and ethanolic garlic extract was determined on some selected fungi namely, Fusarium spp and Rhizopus spp. From the results it is clear that, ethanol extract showed more activity when compare to aqueous extract. The diameter of zones of inhibition for the ethanolic extract ranged between 4.1-14.3mm, while that of aqueous extract ranged between 2.4-10.4mm. The MIC for the ethanolic extract was 2.5mg/ml and 5.0mg/ml for Fusarium spp and Rhizopus spp respectively. While for aqueous extract there was no effect on both tested organisms. It can be concluded from this study that garlic extract showed antifungal activity against the test organism. Moreover, the ethanolic extract showed inhibitory activity among the tested fungi.
Touché. A note on R N Brett Illustrator, Cartoonist, Calligrapher, Artist
Authors: Rollo Lindsay
Published: April 2018

Robert Norman Brett was a significant cartoonist and illustrator in locally published journals and publications. His printing industry renown as a cartoonist is based on his contribution to the long defunct trade publication Inkling. As de facto resident illustrator at the Pegasus Press, he illustrated a substantial and varied body of publications, some dust wrappers and items for third parties. He was also a calligrapher and artist in several media. An appendix lists his known print-related works.
Bethell’s “Leaves of Gold”: An Unpublished Poem
Authors: Whiteford Peter
Published: April 2018

Ursula Bethell left a number of unpublished poems and fragments in her papers when she died which are now contained in her archive. They include an early work, extant in two copies, in which she translates ‘Les feuilles d’or’, a poem by a little-known Swiss poet, Henry Spiess. The translation was intended for a competition in The Westminster Gazette in 1904, but Bethell never submitted her entry. Spiess’s poem is clearly influenced by the French Symbolists; Bethell’s strikingly effective translation is sensitive to that influence and shows remarkable technical sophistication. In addition, it anticipates in many ways the major concerns of her first volume of poetry. The poem is published here for the first time, and its connections with Bethell’s mature work explored.Peter Whiteford is a Professor of English Literature at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.Correspondence about this article may be directed to the author at peter.whiteford@vuw.ac.nz
Performing Tuwhare — Hone Tuwhare: A Biography
Authors: Drichel Simone
Published: April 2018

A biography of Hone Tuwhare
Review Article: Antipodean postcoloniality, mosaic style
Authors: Drichel Simone
Published: April 2018

A review of Black Body: Women, Colonialism and Space