bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birokrasi dan Hoax: Studi Upaya Menjaga Netralitas Aparatur Sipil Negara di Era Post-Truth
Authors: Faedlulloh Dodi , Duadji Noverman
Published: January 2020

The relationship between bureaucracy and politics is important to discuss again after Indonesia experienced the heated atmosphere of the 2019 elections. The political situation that created polarization had shaken the neutrality of the public servants (ASN). There is an ASN who openly declares political preferences while simultaneously spreading hoaxes in the public sphere. This is because of factors other than the political temperature, also the post-truth phenomenon which also attacked Indonesia. This study was conducted to revisit the discourse on the importance of bureaucratic neutrality to maintain performance in public services and care for democracy. The writer used the desk study method by collecting data and information based on examining and analyzing secondary data. The results emphasized the importance of re-maintaining neutrality for ASN. The alternative step to maintain the ASN neutrality is collaborative supervision conducted by various elements of government and society. In addition, this study offers the importance of ASN being given critical, scientific and literacy education to stem hoaxes in a bureaucratic environment. The ASN can also actively take part in building an anti-hoax community in the bureaucratic environment so that the ASN continues to know of responding to the hoax phenomenon.

Keywords: Bureaucracy, Hoax, Neutrality, Elections, Post-Truth

Abstrak

Relasi antara birokrasi dan politik kembali penting didiskusikan pasca Indonesia mengalami suasana pemilu 2019 yang panas. Situasi politik yang menciptakan polarisasi sempat mengguncang netralitas aparatur sipil negara (ASN). Ada oknum ASN yang secara terbuka mendeklarasikan preferensi politik sekaligus turut menyebarkan hoax di ruang publik. Hal ini disebabkan selain faktor suhu politik yang panas, juga fenomena post-truth yang turut menyerang Indonesia. Studi ini dilakukan untuk menengahkan kembali diskursus tentang pentingnya netralitas birokrasi untuk menjaga kinerja dalam pelayanan publik serta yang juga penting adalah merawat demokrasi. Dalam proses penulisan artikel ini, penulis menggunakan metode desk study, yaitu dengan mengumpulkan data dan informasi berbasiskan pada pemeriksaaan dan analisis data dan informasi yang menggunakan data sekunder yang aktual. Hasil dari studi ini menekankan tentang pentingnya kembali menjaga netralitas bagi ASN. Adapun alternatif langkah yang bisa dilakukan agar netralitas ASN tetap terjaga, yakni dengan pengawasan kolaboratif yang dilakukan pelbagai elemen dari pemerintah dan masyarakat. Selain itu, studi ini menawarkan pentingnya para ASN dibekali dan membekali diri pendidikan kritis dan ilmiah serta pendidikan literasi untuk membendung hoax di lingkungan birokrasi. Para ASN juga bisa berperan aktif dalam membangun komunitas anti-hoax di lingkungan birokrasi agar para ASN terus aware dalam merespon fenomena hoax.

Kata Kunci: Birokrasi, Hoax, Netralitas, Pemilu, Post-Truth
New Media 3.0: Merancang Model Pemberdayaan Komunikasi Politik yang Interaktif
Authors: Sujoko Anang
Published: January 2020

The use of new media in Indonesia significanty grows, especially among the youth generation. Unfortunately, it does not happen in the youth community organization. This study aims to determine the factors that become obstacles for youth community organizations in managing new media for the benefit of the organization. This research is a mixed method by using survey data collection techniques to identify the level of use of new media in each organization and focus group discussion (FGD) to obtain more in-depth data about the problems that become obstacles in its management. This study succeeded in digging data from 15 youth community organizations in the City of Kediri. This research succeeded in mapping the problems experienced by CSOs in utilizing the internet and its interactive platforms. Based on a survey conducted on 15 CSOs, it was found that the main problem faced was the unavailability of qualified human resources in CSOs that were specifically tasked with managing CSO social media accounts. This is also due to the low awareness of CSOs about the potential of the internet and new media 3.0 to treat their political audience. Furthermore, another obstacle faced is the difficulty in producing content. Based on the focus group discussion conducted to follow up on the results, the researcher concluded the two conditions above because CSOs do not have sufficient awareness and knowledge of the potential of the use of the internet and all its interactive platforms for political communication. The conclusion of this study is that the management of new media for organizations has not been taken seriously because of the low level of awareness of the importance of new media for organizational development. However, the design of the digital storytelling concept in order to create a sanse of belongings for the political audience of each community organization is seen as an alternative management solution after the appointment of manager responsibility.
Bahasa dan Ekspresi Politik (Studi Critical Discourse Analysis terhadap Akun Instagram Satir @Nurhadi_Aldo)
Authors: Hariyanti Nunik , Yustitia Senja
Published: January 2020

Reforms bring consequences of freedom in political, contending, and media freedom. In the freedom of media, the presence of new media is dynamic in the process of delivering messages and opinions, especially in the realm of democracy. Black issues, polarisation supporters until identity politics also coloring the Indonesian elections in Indonesia in 2019, until finally, the figure @nurhadi_aldo emerged as the presidential candidate version of the Cyber Society. This research discusses text analysis in a discourse, according to Fairclough, the presence of text is a representation of the understanding of the creator, and this is open to interpretation. The purpose of this study describes the use of sexuality and satire language as a form of political expression in Indonesia, especially those that appear on the Nurhadi - Aldo Instagram account (@nurhadi_aldo). There are three stages to analyzing discourse based on Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis theory, namely representation, relation, and identity. The research results show that the language of sexuality and satire used by @nurhadi_aldo is a form of honesty expression to criticize the loss of the essence of an election contestation in Indonesia. Then found bizarre disclosure techniques, hyperbola, contrast, and unexpected techniques of logic use as an attempt to criticize the political phenomenon with @nurhadi_aldo.
Mengakar Kembali Perdebatan Konsep Civil Religion Robert N. Bellah Dan Jean Jacques Rousseau
Authors: Nasution Robby Darwis
Published: January 2020

Kesimpulan yang diambil oleh Geovanie ini sangat tidak tepat jika dilihat dari beberapa tokoh civil religion seperti contoh Bellah yang menyatakan bahwa civil religion di Amerika lebih condong kepada kepatuhan masyarakat atau rakyat terhadap pemerintah dan hukum yang berlaku. Kepatuhan ini seolah-oleh telah men-Tuhankan pemerintah tetapi Rousseau memiliki pendapat lain dimana menurut Rousseau, agama sipil lebih kepada agama yang berkembang dimasyarakat meskipun hanya seperti pemujaan terhadap berhala. Melihat dari keseluruhan isi dari buku yang ditulis oleh Geovanie ini maka menarik sekali untuk menyusun resensi dari buku ini. Tujuan lainnya adalah meluruskan kembali konsep dasar dari civil religion menurut pendapat para ahli sehingga para pembaca menjadi runtut dalam memahami konsep ini.
Formulation and evaluation of new oxycodone extended release multiple unit pellet system
Authors: Husár Š. , Sýkorová M. , Rumlová K. , Chomaničová K. , Vladovičová B.
Published: January 2020

The goal of the present study is to prepare a stable, multiple-unit, extended-release dosage form containing oxycodone pellets coated with aqueous ethylcellulose (EC) dispersion, Surelease E-7-19050. The application of 18% w/w of EC leads to the similar drug release with the hydrophobic, non-swelling, matrix reference product containing 20 mg of oxycodone. Increasing the compression force to 9 kN and including more than 50% w/w of oxycodone pellets into the formulation resulted in faster drug release, indicating the damaging to the EC film coating. The physical appearance of the final formulation, assay of oxycodone, moisture content, and dissolution data over the stability period showed that the multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) is efficient for the production of highly stable product.
Application of Plackett-Burman Design in Screening Casein and Prebiotics for the Production of ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Cow Milk Fermented by L. bulgaricus LB6
Authors: Ma Lin , Chen He , Liu Fenghua , Qi Jinna , Pei Juan , Qian Hao
Published: January 2020

Prebiotics can play an important role in functional foods. In this paper, casein and five probiotics were selected to study the effects on ACE inhibitory peptides in fermented milk of L. bulgaricus LB6 through Plackett-Burman design, so as to improve the production of ACE inhibitory peptides. The results showed that xylooligosaccharides (XOS), fructosaccharide (FOS) and inulin had the most significant effect on the yield of ACE inhibitory peptides. Optimization added the amount of the three prebiotics added, that is, the amount of XOS added was 0.7%, the amount of FOS added was 1.1%, and the amount of inulin added was 0.7%. It provides a basis for subsequent optimization experiments.
Chemical and Sensory Properties of Probioticated Drinks from Blends of African Yam Bean, Soybean and Coconut Milk Analogues
Authors: Ikujenlola Abiodun Victor , Adurotoye Esther Abiodun , Adeniran Hezekiah Adekanmi
Published: January 2020

This study assessed the physicochemical and sensory properties of ‘probiotic’ drink from blends of milk analogues from African yam bean, soybean and coconut. Milk analogues were blended at ratios of 1:1:1, 3:1:1 and 5:1:1 (African yam bean: soybean: coconut) as samples A, B and C respectively. These samples were fermented for 24 h at 43°C using Lactobacillus delbrueckii. The results showed that the fermented milk analogue of ratio 1:1:1 was the most acceptable in terms of sensory parameters. The pH of the milk analogues ranged from 5.07 to 5.85. The sample B1 (fermented (1:1:1) African yam bean: soybean: coconut) had a crude protein of 2.38%, potassium of 80.13 mg/100g, phytate of 2.85 mg/100g and saponin was 0.19 mg/100g. The study concluded that the sample with equal ratio of African yam bean, soybean and coconut adjudged the most acceptable by tasters.
Smart Villages and Investments to Public Services and ICT Infrastructure: Case of the Czech Rural Development Program 2007–2013
Authors: Pělucha Martin
Published: January 2020

The basis for SMART VILLAGE development is a high-quality infrastructure for civilian equipment and services, including the coverage of rural villages by high-speed Internet. The aim of the article is to evaluate the support and impacts of these activities through the Czech Rural Development Program in the period 2007–2013 and, according to the ex-post evaluation, to further identify policy-implications. The results of the analysis show a clear positive impact of the support of the service infrastructure on the development of supported municipalities, on the contrary, the results of supporting the connection of the rural population to the Internet are patchy.
Why Some SME’s in the Czech Republic Adopt Telework and Others Not?
Authors: Vrchota Jaroslav , Frantíková Zuzana , Vlčková Miroslava
Published: January 2020

The paper examines the SME’s in the Czech Republic from the perspective what makes them to adopt telework using the data from the research made in 2017. The research includes 1018 SME’ s. The purpose of the study was to try to find out alignment between telework and some organizational constraints. We hypothesized that employer adoption of telework would depend on the size of the firm, the duration of telework adoption, foreign owner, IT level, and on the implementation of project management. Our empirical evidence showed that telework correlated with the foreign owner participation and the duration of the adoption of telework, with the IT level and with the adoption of project management. It does not correlate with the size of the enterprise and the duration of the adoption of telework.
Deadwood in the oak forests of the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Yarotskiy Volodymyr Yu. , Pasternak Volodymyr P. , Nazarenko Vitalii V.
Published: January 2020

Deadwood is an important component of forest ecosystems, and difference in the deadwood carbon stock depends on many variables including forest management. The aim of our study was to determine the patterns of formation of deadwood stocks in oak (Quercus robur L.) forests in the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine. As an outcome of the research, the data on deadwood parameters were obtained. The growth characteristics and coarse woody debris (CWD) characteristics were measured on intensive monitoring and inventory plots. Assessment of morphometric parameters of the CWD in oak stands was carried out by measuring diameters at top and bottom cut and length; to determine the carbon content, deadwood density was used. The distribution of deadwood by tree species, sizes and stages of decomposition was defined. The stock of dead trees (snags) in oak forest is 15.2 m3/ha and that of logs is 21.5 m3/ha. The carbon accumulation in oak forest stands in the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine was 3.4 and 4.5 t C/ha in dead trees and logs, respectively. The dynamics of deadwood stocks according to the results of repeated observations was given.
Evaluation of RAPD markers for molecular identification of five bamboo genera from Indonesia
Authors: Annisa  , Hafzari Rini , Setiawati Tia , Irawan Budi , Kusmoro Joko
Published: January 2020

Conservation of bamboos for future exploitation as fuel, fibre and as an ingredient for cosmetics depends on knowledge of its natural genetic variation. The study of molecular genetic diversity in bamboos will provide important information for its conservation. This article reports on the genetic diversity in 25 species representing five genera of bamboos found in Indonesia using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers. Out of 40 primers, 24 primers produced 1107 total bands and 86.21% of polymorphic bands across the 25 species. Sixteen bands were uniquely found in one species only and their presence or absence helped to define nine bamboo species. RAPD band sizes ranged from 162 to 2247 base pairs. A dendrogram based on the similarity coefficient of Dice divided the bamboo species into three big clusters. In conclusion, RAPD can capture the diversity among five different bamboo genera and has a great potential to be used in the study of genetic diversity in Indonesian bamboos.
Seed orchards in Ukraine: past, present and prospects for the future
Authors: Hayda Yuriy , Los Svitlana , Yatsyk Roman , Tereshchenko Larisa , Shlonchak Grygoriy , Mytrochenko Valentyna , Neyko Ihor , Samodai Viacheslav , Smashnyuk Ludmila , Klisz Marcin , Mohytych Vasyl
Published: January 2020

The seed orchards (SO) serve possibilities to collect seeds from the selected genotypes or to create artificial population throughout the controlled crossing of the target genotypes. Therefore, the seed material obtained from the clonal and seedling seed orchards offers unique opportunity to improve the genetic value of seeds. Thus, the seed orchards are considered as an important part of the forest seed base being the key object for both modern forestry and forestry research. This paper outlines the forest breeding activities associated with the seed production in the seed orchards in Ukraine over the last 70 years. During this period, the different aspects related to the establishment and management of the seed orchard were studied. In these processes, many failures had occurred, their causes and consequences were described. These main breeding activities were reported considering plain and mountain regions of Ukraine as well as specific aspects of the reproduction of the main forest tree species. As of 2019, the total area of the clonal seed orchards (CSO) reached 1040.3 ha, while seedling seed orchards (SSO) only 273.7 ha. The results of research on the growth, reproductive development, the morphology of the plus trees clones in the SO were generalized. The article on the current problems and challenges for Ukrainian forestry mainly related to forest tree breeding and there was also focus on forest seed industry. For the main forest trees species (Scots pine, English oak and other), targeted breeding programs should be developed. It is relevant to create the genetic bank of the forest seeds.
Analysis of the Differences Given by the Presence / Absence of Peripheral Manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Burtică Sandra , Drăgoescu Antoaneta , Gurghean Adriana
Published: January 2020

Objectives. Our study aimed to compare to what extent the characteristics of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differ, depending on the presence / absence of peripheral manifestations of the disease.

Materials and method. We analyzed a batch of 124 patients admitted to the rheumatology clinics of two hospitals, with ankylosing spondylitis according to the modified New York criteria. All individual patient characteristics were documented from patient observation sheets. We divided the population into two groups: the P + group representing the patients with peripheral manifestations of arthritis or enthesitis (N = 56) and the P- group representing the patients without the peripheral manifestations (N = 68). Statistical processing was performed using IBM SPSS and Microsoft Excel.

Results. In the subtype of patients P+ the mean age was 45.14 14.16 years, and in the subtype P- mean age was 43.84 years 12.58 years. Gender distribution of patients in the two subgroups shows higher frequencies for patients without peripheral manifestations P- in both genders, respectively 55.4% in males and 52.2% in females. The highest frequencies were registered at the normal BMI of 18.5-24.9 in both sublots, respectively 51.8% for the P+ patients and 45.6% for the P- patients. The degree of activity of the disease, based on the ASDAS - CRP score, within both P + and P- subgroups, revealed a majority of patients with inactive disease (≤ 1.3). Within the P+ and P- sublots, most patients had the BASDAI index in the range 0-0.9, that is 67.9% of the patients in the P+ sublot and 64.7% of those in the P- sublot, respectively. This shows that the majority of patients in both subgroups had a good therapeutic response to biological treatment, with symptoms such as pain and / or fatigue absent or very low in intensity.

There were no statistically significant differences between the two subgroups.

Conclusion. Even though there were no major paraclinical differences between the patients with pure axial ankylosing spondylitis and patients with AS with peripheral manifestations, the patients with peripheral manifestations of the disease should be approached by a multidisciplinary team.
The Story of a Stone Heart – Another Side of Cardiooncology
Authors: Rusu Maia , Constantinescu Tudor , Jurcuţ Ruxandra
Published: January 2020

A 38-year-old man was admitted to our department with moderate exertional dyspnea, fatigue and a syncope during exercise. The medical history revealed: left pulmonary sarcoma at the age of four, treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and left total pneumonectomy. At admission, laboratory tests showed high BNP (1426 pg/ml), normal calcium and parathormon levels. The transthoracic echocardiography found normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function with severe calcifications of the papillary muscles, mitral annulus, apical segments of the inferior septum and inferior wall (panel A - arrows; panel D) associated with severe mitral regurgitation (panel B). It also revealed severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, severe pulmonary hypertension (estimated to 120 mmHg, panel C) and small amount of pericardial fluid. A thoracic computed tomography described severe cardiac calcifications (panels E and F, arrow), a hypertrophic right lung herniated in left hemythorax and no other pathological findings in the remnant lung tissue. The pneumological evaluation noted a severe restrictive dysfunction. In this case, pulmonary hypertension was most probably determined by the left cardiac disorders (severe mitral regurgitation postradiotherapy, LV diastolic dysfunction due to severe myocardial and papillary muscle calcifications), most probably related to thoracic radiotherapy during childhood.
Factors of Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Malignant Diseases
Authors: Strebkova-Lazarova Raisa V.
Published: January 2020

Symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion are considered to be the most common complaints in patients with oncological diseases during and after treatment. The manifestations can be on a physical, cognitive and emotional level. At diagnosis, 40% of patients report fatigue, and this percentage increases to 90% during treatment. However, the exact determinants of fatigue are not yet known. This article is a literary review of the problem of cancer-related fatigue – mechanisms, risk factors, and the impact on the lives of those affected. Literary data on the role of subjective well-being in terms of fatigue and emotional responses of patients with oncological diseases are described. A number of contemporary studies of the combined effect of fatigue and pain on the functioning of oncology patients have been discussed. It is concluded that the symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion and pain are considered the most common complaints in patients with oncologic pathology during and after treatment, whose manifestations may be physical, cognitive and emotional. On the other hand, human health satisfaction is one of the most important predictors of life satisfaction, which contributes significantly to the overall well-being of the patients group discussed.
Home Birth in the Opinion of Obstetricians and Midwives: A Survey
Authors: Dilova Petya I.
Published: January 2020

Many studies report benefits of planned home births by registered midwives. In the 21st century, there are still controversial views and vivid discussions. This publication presents results from a survey on the opinion of obstetricians and midwives about home birth. An individual self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 26 obstetricians and 60 midwives from 14 maternitycare units in Central Northern Bulgaria and 93 undergraduate students in their last year of midwifery education in 6 universities in Bulgaria. The study instruments were approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Medical University – Pleven. Data analysis was performed with Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and SPSS v.21.0. Home births were supported by 26.9% of the obstetricians, 20.0% of the midwives and 66.8% of the students. According to 65.4% of the obstetricians, 23.3% of the midwives and 15.1% of the students, midwives are not qualified enough to provide homecare services at delivery. Only 11.6% midwives and 35.5% students were confident that midwives could give adequate home birth care. This lack of support for home births in all the study groups in our survey can be attributed to organizational factors within the health system, as well as to low self-confidence of midwives and mistrust on behalf of obstetricians.
Regional Variations in Stillbirth and Relation Between Extramarital Birth and Stillbirth in Bulgaria
Authors: Tsanova Dima K. , Vekov Toni Y.
Published: January 2020

Stillbirth rate is an essential indicator of population health and is much more common than presumed. In 2014, it was 7.34‰ in Bulgaria. These trends are seen against the background of a continuous process of increasing proportion of births to unmarried women. This report aims to investigateand conduct a comparative analysis of indicators of stillbirth and extramarital births in Bulgaria for a 15-year period. The data was derived from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) and Eurostat and statistically processed with Statistical Package for Social Science version 24.0 (SPSS v.24.0). The correlation coefficient of Pearson was used to establish the relationship between stillbirth rates and extramarital births.

Despite the technological progress of contemporary medicine, the stillbirth rate in Bulgaria during the last 15 years remained almost the same – from 7.48‰ in 2000 to 7.34‰ in 2014. One of the factors that may increase the risk for stillbirth is the marital status of the mother. The proportion of extramarital stillbirths for the country was 74.70% of all stillbirths for 2014, but in several districts, this proportion was 100%. Extramarital births and stillbirth rate in Bulgaria seem to be related. There are persisting regional differences in Bulgaria. A potential explanation includes health inequalities and welfare differences.
Clinical Aspects of Food Allergy in Infants in Pleven Region, Bulgaria
Authors: Nedkova-Milanova Vanya M. , Miteva Tsvetelina V. , Hristova Darina N. , Gadjelova Lyubomira D. , Balashkova Magdalena I.
Published: January 2020

Food allergy is an immunoglobulin E-meditated reaction, to which the organism’s immune system reacts to a food allergen, recognizing it as harmful. The study aimed to establish at what age cow’s milk protein allergy is manifested and determine the values of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and hemoglobin(Hb) in children with CMPA in Pleven region, Bulgaria. The study included 94 infants presenting with clinical manifestations of food allergy (age range 0 to 12 months) from Pleven and Pleven region, consulted in 2017 by a pediatrician at the University Hospital Consulting Center in Pleven. Venous blood was collected to determine the IgE and Hb values. Chronic iron-deficiency anemia could be the only clinical manifestation in children with CMPA. Out of all the children with CMPA, 17% had a pronounced anemic syndrome. The rest had normal Hb values. Anemic syndrome could have severe consequences for a growing child. Elevated IgE values were found in 73% of the children tested. CMPA is frequently seen in infants. Early diagnosis of clinical manifestations and diet could prevent severe complications of allergy such as chronic diarrhea, chronic urticaria, and asthma.
Optimizing Emergency Diagnostic Imaging in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Room
Authors: Stefanovski Petko H. , Radev Vladimir R. , Stefanovska Nela T. , Tocev Nachko I. , Bogdanov Slavejko H. , Gigov Hristo S. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Radev Radko N.
Published: January 2020

We performed a retrospective evaluation of the criteria for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and requests for computed tomography angiography (CTA) by the emergency room (ER) teams. Simultaneously, we tried to find irregularities in their work. Then we designed new behavioral protocols, and yearly we evaluated the effect on the workload of the computed tomography (CT) unit of the Roentgenology and Radiology at the University Hospital – Pleven and the total impact on the behavior of the teams in cases of suspected for PE. The data from before and after the intervention was evaluated. After the implementation of the protocols, matching the criteria of PE rule-out criteria (PERC), the number of D-dimer testing, echocardiography, and computed tomography pulmonary angiographies (CTPA) was significantly higher. We found that the number of patients urgently transported for primary thrombectomy had increased, and the reduction of PE mortality in the Emergency Unit proves the safety of our intervention. Overall, the intervention in the attitude of the ER teams has a significant positive effect on the management of patients with suspected PE.
Prevention of Preterm Birth
Authors: Ivanov Ivan D. , Buzalov Stefan A. , Hinkova Nadezhda H.
Published: January 2020

Preterm birth (PTB) is a worldwide problem with great social significance because it is a leading cause of perinatal complications and perinatal mortality. PTB is responsible for more than a half of neonatal deaths. The rate of preterm delivery varies between 5-18% worldwide and has not decreased in recent years, regardless of the development of medical science. One of the leading causes for that is the failure to identify the high-risk group in prenatal care. PTB is a heterogeneous syndrome in which many different factors interfere at different levels of the pathogenesis of the initiation of delivery, finally resulting in delivery before 37 weeks of gestation (wg). The various specificities of risk factors and the unclear mechanism of initiation of labour make it difficult to elaborate standard, unified and effective screening to diagnose pregnant women at high-risk for PTB correctly. Furthermore, they make primary and secondary prophylaxis less effective and render diagnostic and therapeutic measures ineffective and inappropriate. Reliable and accessible screening methods are necessary for antenatal care, and risk factors for PTB should be studied and clarified in search of useful tools to solve issues of risk pregnancies to decrease PTB rates and associated complications.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Nitrogen Modified Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Ivanova Nina K. , Stoyanova Angelina M. , Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena D. , Iordanova Reni S.
Published: January 2020

Pure and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared by non-aqueous sol-gel method by means of the reaction between titanium (IV) chloride (TiCl4) and C6H5CH2 OH (benzyl alcohol), used as precursors and urea serving as a nitrogen source. The phase formation and short-range order of the resulting particles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The crystallite size of as-prepared composite powders was in the range 12-35 nm. The aim of this work was to investigate the efficiency of N-doped TiO2 as a photocatalyst in degradation of model organic pollutants - dyes Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Malachite Green (MG), under ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) irradiation. 0ur results indicated that synthesized N-TiO2 nanocomposites slightly improved the photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation, compared to the pure titanium dioxide (TiO2), and had no effect under Vis light illumination.
Association Between Chromosome 4Q25 Polymorphism RS2200733 and the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Bulgarian Patients
Authors: Yakova-Hristova Dilyana M. , Hristov Martin I. , Rashev Tihomir R. , Todorova Yoana M. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Stancheva-Hristova Nadya Y. , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snezhanka T.
Published: January 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest type of arrhythmia seen in everyday clinical practice, which leads to a significant increase in both morbidity and mortality. Its incidence increases with age and tends to turn into an epidemic. The cause of AF in 10-20% of cases remains unknown. Several mutations and polymorphism that might be responsible for the development of AF have been found, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) - rs2200733 and rs10033464 in the long arm of the fourth chromosome. These polymorphisms are selected o the basis of genome- wide association study in Iceland from 2007, the results from which were later confirmed in 4 other large populations. The rs2200733 is a common noncoding polymorphism, described in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database dbSNP like NC_000004.12:g.110789013C>T, with a frequency of the less common allele between 0.1 and 0.24. In order to investigate the association between the rs2200733 polymorphism in chromosome 4q25 and the development of AF, we studied the frequency of this polymorphism in patients with heart diseases from the Pleven region, and thus evaluate the relationship between the individual genotype and the clinical condition of the patients. We carried out a case-control study on 80 patients: 40 with AF and 40 without AF- from the Pleven region. None of these had structural heart disease. The study was conducted between November 2015 and November 2017. With deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis, we determined rs2200733 polymorphism, using a TaqMan-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Cochran-Armitage trend test, the Chi-Squared Pearson correlation, Fisher test we used confirmed the statistically significant association between the rs2200733 polymorphism in chromosome 4q25 and the development of AF. In the population examined, the genotypic frequencies were as follows: CC - 45 (56.2%), CT - 19 (23.8%), TT - 16 (20%), with value of Chi-Square (χ2) 24.496, df=2, p<0.001. Screening for SNPs could be a useful marker for the detection of patients predisposed to AF.
Prevalence of Five BRCA1/2 Mutations in Bulgarian Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kovacheva Katia S. , Kamburova Zornitsa B. , Popovska Savelina L. , Dimitrov Dobromir D. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Simeonova Maria N. , Deliyski Tashko S.
Published: January 2020

Detection of mutations in breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) gene is an effective method of early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer (BC). The mutational spectrum of both genes in Bulgarian population has not been studied in depth. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of five deleterious BRCA1/2 point mutations in high-risk BC women, selected according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines including early age of onset, triple-negative BC and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The prevalence of two BRCA1 mutations (C61G and 5382insC) and three BRCA2 mutations (6079del4, 9326insA and 9908delA) was evaluated in 80 females with BC, obtained from the Cancer Registry of University Hospital - Pleven. Genetic testing was performed by direct DNA sequencing. One deleterious mutation (5382insC in exon20 in BRCA1) was been found in two patients (2.5%). Both women were diagnosed with BC before age 45. The prevalence of BRCA mutations established in our study was lower than the one found in another preliminary study on Bulgarian population. We concluded that this discrepancy was due to the genetic heterogeneity of the population and the specific mutational spectrum of the BC patients from the Pleven region.
UV Light Stimulated Activation of Camkii in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma A431 Cells
Authors: Kalenderova Silvia G. , Lozanova Vesela V. , Praskova Maria D. , Lozanov Valentin S.
Published: January 2020

The Ca2+/calmodulin dependent kinase II (CaMKII) represents a family of serine/threonine kinases with diverse functions, implicated in various signalling pathways in the cell, especially in those controlling cellular proliferation and cellular death. The human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 is an established model for the study of the cell cycle and cancer-associated signalling, in which the role of CaMKII is not so well elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of CaMKII in the induction of apoptosis in the cell line A431 following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and to determine the downstream events with a focus on the caspase cascade. For the latter purpose, we employed a method initially developed for the simultaneous determination of the activity of 10 different caspase enzymes. Following exposure to UV light, we observed activation of the activator caspase-8 followed by activation of the effector caspase-3, triggering apoptosis in the epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. The results supported a pivotal role of caspases and demonstrated that a protein kinase cascade involving caspases-8 and -3 is the main pathway driven in UV-induced apoptosis in the human carcinoma cell line A431, and apoptotic stimuli triggering this pathway passed through activation of the kinase CaMKII.
A Case of “Microinvasive Carcinoma of the Bronchus”
Authors: Andreev Valeri Y. , Petrov Danail B. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Ivanov Yavor Y.
Published: January 2020

Deciding on a treatment approach for early stage lung cancer (0-1) is sometimes difficult because of uncertainties regarding the depth of tumour invasion and its margins. Even with advanced technology, such as endobronchial ultrasound and autofluorescence bronchoscopy, it is often difficult to be precise. In this currently discussed case, treatment of a 61-year-old female patient with early stage IA lung cancer could not proceed for such reasons. Fortunately, timely surgical intervention allowed preservation of lung function and the patient is now under close surveillance.
Productivity Change of Microfinance Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Efendić Velid , Hadžiahmetović Nejra
Published: January 2020

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the productivity changes of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) during and after the recent financial crisis. The study covers the period starting from 2008 until 2015. Using the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) over the sample of 10 MFIs and a balanced panel dataset of 80 observations, this study explores technical and technological change as well as total factor productivity (TFP) change. The empirical findings indicate a decline in TFP in most of the analyzed periods with an average decrease of 2.5%. The study reveals an average technological decline in the industry of 1.7%, while technical efficiency change is recorded at the level of -0.8%. Overall, crisis efficiency recovery occurred during the period between 2009 and 2013. However, due to technological inefficiencies, average total factor productivity change remains negative. Hence, policy makers need to enhance the technological progress in order to meet their strategic objectives in BiH MFIs.
Cost-Effective Service Excellence: Exploring the Relationships Among Restaurants’ Operational Efficiency, Size and Service Quality
Authors: Kukanja Marko , Planinc Tanja
Published: January 2020

The main goal of this study is to investigate whether higher (cost-effective) operational efficiency in restaurants can be achieved without lowering the perceived level of service quality. This study also investigates the importance of restaurants’ size on operational efficiency and on the perceived level of service quality. We present the methodological procedures used to investigate the relationships among restaurants’ operational efficiency, size, and service quality after presenting the conceptualization of the cost-effective service excellence (CESE) research construct. The restaurants’ efficiency was assessed using Data Envelopment Analyses and the DINESERV tool was implemented to analyse guests’ perceptions of service quality. Guests of low- and high-efficient restaurants perceive service quality based on the same quality dimensions. Based on the structural equation modelling, it is evident that CESE can be achieved in the restaurant industry. The restaurant size has proven to influence restaurants’ operational efficiency and guests’ quality perceptions.
Modern Technologies in Foreign Language Teaching: The Case of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Authors: Abdykhalykova Akzhan
Published: January 2020

Research purpose. The teacher of higher education should motivate students to use modern information technology training to study the discipline and develop professional competencies in foreign language teaching. The purpose of this research is to highlight the problem of finding the optimal didactic capabilities of modern information technologies used for improving the system of training specialists in the field of foreign languages teaching and to discuss the results of current studies in this direction.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The authors summarized the relevant literature and results of the research and teaching experience. The main theoretical methods of research are modelling and designing the process of incorporating modern information technologies into foreign language teaching at the university. Theoretical methods are supplemented by empirical methods, such as observation, survey, testing, experimental work and methodological analysis.

Findings. The article reveals the main components of the system of using modern technologies of foreign languages teaching at Theory and Practice of Foreign Languages Department of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The article presents a description of training and monitoring online programs, their approbation in real conditions of pedagogical activity, the results of a pedagogical experiment, which proves the effectiveness of using modern technologies in the training of foreign and second language students.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. The electronic educational materials, recommendations developed by the authors, can be used in the teaching of foreign language and can serve as a basis for the development of information, communication and instrumental provision in other subjects. The need for further research is as follows: to create online platforms, multimedia and testing programs and to develop variants of using modern technologies in foreign language teaching.
Creation of High Technologies: Comparative Analysis of Countries
Authors: Kvedariene Audrone
Published: January 2020

Research purpose. High technology creation, as a rule, requires national support systems although the flow of the created value in an international level is unexplored. The national innovation systems are becoming globalized; thus the distinct process of creation, dissemination and implementation of high technologies is becoming globally fragmented and therefore the added value distribution within the global value chain (GVC) should be investigated.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The brief and extensive academic literature review dedicated to high technology creation is introduced, although the empirical investigation is narrowed to the scientific research and development sector, depicted as M72 by NACE statistical classification. Thus empirical research design is based on the sectoral level data, considering M72 sector as the main economic activity for high technology creation. The data for the comparative analysis of countries is retrieved from the 2014 world input–output data (WIOD) which enables to exclude double counting of added value inherent for the convenient import and export data and holds information of intermediate and final consumption of added value within a country and between different countries. The descriptive statistic based on WIOD data is provided and further prescriptive statistics for the data interpretation is conducted. While developing the predictive models, the number of investigated countries varies while the data for M72 sector is not available for all countries provided in WIOD and including to the model basic science and technology indicators as independent variables, retrieved from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development database, the number of countries reduced additionally, also due to the data shortage.

Findings. The key result is the provided methodology for the positioning of the countries evaluating the involvement in the upstream and downstream GVC processes, hereby introducing new indicators that may have an impact on the sector’s performance.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. The evaluation of high technologies creation performance would provide insights into the international management and innovation policies, and the matrix concept for the positioning countries by the pattern of involvement to the GVCs could be applied to other sectors.
Historic Identity Transformation in Cultural Heritage Sites the Story of Orman Historical Garden in Cairo City, Egypt
Authors: Aziz Noha Abd El
Published: January 2020

Historical gardens in Egypt witnessed and narrated not only stories of momentous events and influencing dignitaries, but also they hosted rare plants and astonishing architecture. Nowadays, such rich history is losing its identity, which is pragmatic to retain, especially with high rates of urbanization and globalization. Thus, this research focuses on the issue of place identity, as it investigates the impact of socio-economic, political, and spatial forces on formulating the identity of historic gardens in metropolitan cities. Additionally, the research addresses the debate between preserving the garden identity versus approving its evolving.. “Orman Garden” is selected, a historic botanical garden in Cairo City, Egypt, to examine the transformation of its identity starting from 1873 till 2019. Research methods include historical researches, a field survey, and interviews with the garden administration staff, current users, and users from old generations. Results declare that the socio-economic forces are the most profound forces behind identity reconfiguring / transformation. Furthermore, the study differentiated between components that were subjected to disfiguration or evolution. The research concludes with recommendations to conserve and revive the lost historical identity while facing current challenges and embracing new demands and trends.
Influence of Canahua and Quinoa Wholemeals on Properties of Non-Fermented Wheat Dough
Authors: Švec I. , Hrušková M. , Kapačinskaité R. , Hofmanová T.
Published: January 2020

The study compares the influence of wheat flour replacement by 10 or 20 wt% of quinoa and canahua wholemeals on wheat dough technological quality and rheological properties. The technological quality of wheat flour was affected in terms of protein quality and amylases activity, associated with a high dietary fibre content of both tested non-traditional materials. A farinograph test revealed that quinoa partially increased water absorption; a higher amount of water resulted in the shortened stability of dough consistency during mixing and its weakened cohesiveness at the end of the test. The effect of canahua was unequivocal – water absorption decreased, stability was prolonged properly, but dough softening increased. An extensigraph test confirmed a positive effect of alternative crops on dough elasticity, but in general, the composite dough with 20% of canahua or quinoa showed worsened machinability. Multivariate statistical methods proved a stronger effect when quinoa was analysed solely than when added at complete samples a set, while for canahua-wheat samples the result was opposite.
International Comparison and Trend of Emissions in the Transport Sector in the European Union and Slovakia
Authors: Čechovič Tomáš , Kendra Martin
Published: January 2020

Transport and its major part of transport means is currently based on the internal combustion engine principle. For these engines, the primary energy source is oil, natural gas, coal, biomass and others. These primary energy sources and their processing in refineries and factories are used to produce products that are used to drive engines - fuels. From what energy sources these fuels will be produced and what technology will be used to process and produce them is also an important. This whole process must take the reduction of total emissions into account. Future fuels can be considered synthetically produced diesel or hydrogen, which can later significantly affect the decrease in emissions from their processing, production and subsequent combustion of these more environmentally friendly types of fuels. This article processes analyses and development of basic pollutants, total emissions and energy consumption in the Slovak Republic and the EU. In the second part there is an evaluation of the emissions trend development in transport in the EU and Slovakia.