bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoblastoma relapses after front-line therapy according to SIOPEL protocols: clinical characteristics and outcome
Authors: Moiseenko R. A. , Filin A. V. , Akhaladze D. G. , Talypov S. R. , Rakov M. A. , Feoktistova E. V. , Tereshchenko G. V. , Kim E. F. , Shamanskaya T. V. , Varfolomeeva S. R. , Novichkova G. A. , Kachanov D. Y.
Published: December 2020

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor in children. Relapses of HB are rare and make up no more than 12% of cases among patients who have achieved complete response after the first-line therapy. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of HB relapses in patients treated according to SIOPEL protocols. This study is supported by the Independent Ethics Committee and approved by the Academic Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology. 74 patients with HB were treated for the period 02.2012–12.2018 (82 months). Patients were stratified and treated according to SIOPEL protocols. Relapses were detected in 7/70 (10,0%) patients, who achieved complete response after front-line therapy. We analyzed demographic data, initial tumor characteristics, details of front-line therapy, characteristics of HB relapses and treatment of relapse. Median age at the time of diagnosis of HB was 13,3 (range 0,6–62,9) months. Male:female ratio – 1:0,4. The distribution by PRETEXT stages: II – 2 (28,6%), III – 1 (14,3%), IV – 4 (57,1%). 4 (57,1%) patients had distant metastases. Patients were stratified to standard-risk group – 2 (28,6%) and high-risk group – 5 (71,4%). 3 (42,8%) underwent liver transplantation (LT). Median age at the time of relapse was 33,5 (range 11,9–74,4) months. Median time from the completion of front-line therapy to relapse – 5,3 (range 3,2–19,1) months. Median AFP level at relapse – 35,0 (range 1,8–34160,4) ng/ml. Methods of relapse detection: routine follow-up – 5 (71,4%), clinical symptoms – 2 (28,6%). The latter 2 patients with initially AFP-secreting HB had normal AFP levels at relapse. Pattern of relapse: systemic – 5 (71,4%), combined – 2 (28,6%). The majority of patients received irinotecan-based chemotherapy – 5 (71,4%). Chemotherapy was combined with surgery in 6 (85,7%) cases. Median follow-up time from the moment of relapse was 22,4 (range 5,2–51,3) months. Outcomes: 5 (71,4%) alive (4/5 – with no evidence of disease, 1/5 – with active disease), 2 (28,6%) died of the disease. 3-year overall survival after relapse was 66,6 ± 19,2%. The main conclusion of the study was that combination of second-line chemotherapy with surgical resections allowed achieving long-lasting survival in some HB relapsed patients, including patients who had previously undergone LT.
Low-grade gliomas with the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in children: clinical features and treatment options
Authors: Papusha L. I. , Valiakhmetova E. F. , Druy A. E. , Yasko L. A. , Voronin K. A. , Zaitseva M. A. , Salnikova E. A. , Raikina E. V. , Novichkova G. A. , Karachunsky A. I.
Published: December 2020

The main pathogenetic mechanism of the development of pediatric low grade gliomas (pLGGs) is genetic aberrations in BRAFgene. This study is supported by the Independent Ethics Committee and approved by the Academic Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology. We analyzed the clinical and molecular characteristics of 69 patients with LGGs. Molecular genetic testing for BRAF V600E mutation was performed by allele-specific real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 15 (21.7%) patients with LGG. The majority of BRAF-mutated cases of LGGs had the midline location: OPG – 7, subcortical ganglia – 1, brainstem – 2. The 2-year PFS was much worse in patients with BRAF V600E compared to patients without this mutation – 30% and 66.2%, respectively. The median time to progression for patients with BRAF V600E mutation was 9.5 months compared to 3.1 years for patients without indicated substitution. 5 patients with BRAF V600E-mutated LGGs who experienced progression after the conventional treatment, received targeted therapy (BRAF-inhibitor-3, BRAF + MEK inhibitors – 2) with good response (complete response – 2, partial response – 3). BRAF V600E mutation contributes to poor outcome in patients with LGGs Targeted therapy could be effective in this cohort of patients.
Prevalence of FOXO1 gene abnormalities in a group of round-cell rhabdomyosarcomas with alveolar morphology
Authors: Sharlai A. S. , Botiralieva G. K. , Druy A. E. , Roshchin V. Yu. , Konovalov D. M.
Published: December 2020

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are group of soft tissue malignant tumours predominantly childhood. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is the second most common variant of RMS. The majority of aRMSs display a translocations of FOXO1 gene. Such tumours are aggressive, metastasize early and are associated with a worse prognosis for the patient. However, some aRMS cases are rhabdomyosarcomas without classic chromosomal rearrangements. These tumors also have alveolar morphology, but neoplastic cells lack the FOXO1 gene translocation. Such fusion-negative round-cell RMSs behave clinically differently and have a better prognosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of FOXO1 gene rearrangements in the group of round cell rhabdomyosarcomas with alveolar morphology. This study is supported by the Independent Ethics Committee and approved by the Academic Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. The study group consisted of 250 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from patients with RMS. The cytogenetic study was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization with a locus-specific identifier (LSI) for FOXO1 (13q14). The PAX3-FOXO1 (COSF247) and PAX7-FOXO1 (COSF287) fusion transcripts was detected by RT-PCR. In the study group 1 (аRMS), the rearrangement of PAX3/7-FOXO1 was detected in 44% of cases, in 32% of cases was detected a combined rearrangement with amplification of the 3' FOXO1. In one case, the amplification of the 3' end of the FOXO1 gene was detected without rearrangement; this sample was sent for additional PCR study, as a result of which the chimeric PAX3-FOXO1 transcript was detected. In 22% cases cytogenetic abnormalities were not found. has not been identified. In group 2 (embryonal RMS) we did not detect translocation. The group of round-cell PMCs is heterogeneous and is represented by three variants of genetic events that determine the disease prognosis. At the same time, FOXO1 gene abnormalities are not found in the RMS group with non-alveolar morphology.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: the first clinical experience of haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Andreeva N. A. , Druy E. A. , Mareeva Yu. M. , Druy A. E. , Shelikhova L. N. , Karachunsky A. I. , Maschan M. A.
Published: December 2020

This article describes the use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of a patient with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The reported case is unusual in terms of its presentation, diagnosis, and choice of treatment. This study is supported by the Independent Ethics Committee and approved by the Academic Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. In the last decades, the survival rates of patients with metastatic malignant neoplasms, including those with soft-tissue sarcomas, have not improved significantly. The prognosis for these patients remains extremely poor despite the intensification of chemotherapy and the application of radiation therapy. The use of autologous HSCT has not brought about any positive changes in treatment outcomes. Experimental approaches to treatment, including immunotherapeutic techniques, aimed at improving the prognosis for very high-risk patients are currently under development. We chose to report this case because of the unconventional treatment approach that had helped to achieve long-term control over the disease and to prevent systemic progression. It demonstrates that allogeneic HSCT can be regarded as one of the promising options for treatment intensification mainly due to the “graftversus-tumour” effect. The patients' parents gave their consent to the use of their child's data, including photographs, for research purposes and in publications.
Effect of Rye Grain Derived from Different Cultivars or Maize Grain Use in the Diet on Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Nutrient Digestibility in Sheep
Authors: Rajtar Patrycja , Górka Paweł , Śliwiński Bogdan , Wieczorek Jarosław , Boros Danuta , Micek Piotr
Published: December 2020

Six wether sheep with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square to determine the effect of rye grain (from an open-pollinated or a hybrid cultivar) and maize grain from hybrid cultivar inclusion in the diet on ruminal fermentation parameters and nutrient digestion in different gastrointestinal tract compartments. The experimental diets consisted of meadow hay (800 g/day) and a concentrate mixture (300 g/day) that contained rye grain from an openpollinated cultivar (OPRG), rye grain from a hybrid cultivar (HRG), or maize grain from a hybrid cultivar (MG) as a main energy source. Each experimental period lasted 17 days and consisted of 10 days for diet adaptation and 7 days for data and sample collection. Ruminal fermentation (pH, short-chain fatty acids, and ammonia concentration) and nutrient digestion up to the duodenum (in reticulorumen, omasum, and abomasum), in the intestine, as well as in the total digestive tract was investigated. Mean ruminal pH was higher for MG compared to HRG and OPRG (P<0.01) but did not differ between HRG and OPRG (6.45, 6.35, and 6.29 for MG, HRG, and OPRG, respectively). Treatment did not affect short-chain fatty acid concentration in the rumen, except for the molar proportions of valeric acid and of isovaleric acid of the total short-chain fatty acids, which was or tended to be higher (P≤0.06) for MG compared to HRG and OPRG. Less starch was digested in the gastrointestinal tract up to the duodenum and more in the intestine for MG compared to HRG and OPRG (P=0.01); however, total tract nutrient digestibility did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, usage of rye grain in sheep diets resulted in a lower ruminal pH compared to maize grain usage. No differences for ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion up to the duodenum, in the intestine, as well as in the total digestive tract between rye grain from open-pollinated and hybrid cultivar usage in sheep diets were found.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Dried Tuber of Jerusalem Artichoke on Skatole Level in Backfat and CYP2E1 mRNA Expression in Liver of Boars
Authors: Zadinová Kateřina , Stratil Antonín , Van Poucke Mario , Peelman Luc J. , Čítek Jaroslav , Okrouhlá Monika , Lebedová Nicole , Pokorná Kamila , Šprysl Michal , Stupka Roman
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diets containing different levels of dried tuber of Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, on skatole levels in backfat and on the CYP2E1 mRNA expression in the liver of commercial crossbred pigs. A total of 23 uncastrated male pigs from 10 litters of a commercial crossbred population of Large White × (Landrace × Large White), were used in this study. Boars were randomly divided into four different dietary treatment groups – a control group (K1; 5 boars; without supplementation of Jerusalem artichoke) and three experimental groups (6 boars each) that were fed with the diet containing different levels of dried Jerusalem artichoke (K2 – 4.1%; K3 – 8.2%; K4 – 12.2%) for 14 days before slaughter. Significant effects of diet on skatole levels were observed between the control group and the experimental groups (P = 0.0078). The lowest level of skatole was in the K3 group with 8.2% of Jerusalem artichoke. As for CYP2E1, a negative correlation was observed between the levels of skatole and CYP2E1 mRNA expression. Significant effect (P = 0.0055) was found in all experimental groups compared to the K1 group, and most pronounced in the K2 and K3 groups. The supplementation with Jerusalem artichoke resulted in lower level of skatole and higher CYP2E1 mRNA expression. The results suggest that affecting the expression of CYP2E1 by feed supplements could be an option to effectively reduce the levels of skatole in adipose tissue of entire male pigs.
Occlusal sequalae of the loss of first permanent molars among children and adolescents.
Authors: Kallos Henrietta Hilda , Markovics Emese Rita , Pop Silvia Izabella , Mártha Krisztina I.
Published: December 2020

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the disintegration of the contact point system, the occlusal changes, and the masticatory force following the loss of the first permanent molars (FPM).

Material and methods: Clinical examinations were performed among 8-18-year-olds following the changes in the contact points and their effects on the dento-maxillary apparatus. The sample comprises 422 individuals, 220 girls and 202 boys. The occlusal masticatory force was measured using the T-Scan in the case of the opening of contact points. For the statistical data analysis, was used correlation and Chi Square Test in the GraphPad InStat program.

Results: A very weak reverse dependence was found between the size of the edentulous space and the deflection of the upper and lower interincisal lines (r=-0.02) and between the age and size of the edentulous space (r=-0.05). There is a statistically significant chance of mandibular lateral deviation by dental migration following edentulism (p=0.043). In the case of the opening of contact points, there are 1.42 times higher risks of modified sagital relationship in the molar segment (p=0.016) and 2.7 times greater risks of the tipping of the neighbouring teeth (p=0.021). Following the evaluation of the T-Scan measurements, we found in each case a significant decrease in the masticatory force in the edentulous area and the opening of the interproximal contact points.

Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, we can state that the opening of contact points decisively influences the stability of the occlusion and the size of the masticatory force.
Sentiment Analysis of Tweets on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic from Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Garcia Manuel B.
Published: December 2020

From the outbreak of a novel COronaVIrus Disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan to the first COVID-19 case in the Philippines, Filipinos have been enthusiastically engaging on Twitter to convey their sentiments. As such, this paper aims to identify the public opinion of Filipino twitter users concerning COVID-19 in three different timelines. Toward this goal, a total of 65,396 tweets related to COVID-19 were sent to data analysis using R Statistical Software. Results show that “mask”, “health”, “lockdown”, “outbreak”, “test”, “kit”, “university”, “alcohol”, and “suspension” were some of the most frequently occurring words in the tweets. The study further investigates Filipinos’ emotions regarding COVID-19 by calculating text polarity of the dataset. To date, this is the first paper to perform sentiment analysis on tweets pertaining to COVID-19 not only in the Filipino context but worldwide as well.
Cultivating Self-Regulated Learning in Flipped EFL Courses: A Model for Course Design
Authors: Çakıroğlu Ünal , Öztürk Mücahit
Published: December 2020

Considerable effort has been invested in innovative learning practices in English Foreign Language courses (EFL) in universities. Flipped classroom model transforms passive listeners into active learners in school and home activities pace. Flipped classroom model and the foreign language teaching methods are student-centred learning environments in which students should have a certain level of self-regulated learning skills. The study suggest a model for flipped classroom implementations with regard to self-regulated learning strategies in order to keep students more active in the EFL courses. Students were allowed to apply goal setting and planning, rehearsing, help seeking, monitoring, testing, time management, organising, regulating and note taking strategies within the model in online and face to face sessions. We hope the suggested model can contribute to improve listening, reading, writing and speaking skills of students in EFL courses.
Transcripts and Accessibility: Student Views from Using Webinars in Built Environment Education
Authors: Liyanagunawardena Tharindu R.
Published: December 2020

Transcripts and captions make videos more accessible to everyone. However, the time and resources required for manual transcription are a known barrier in creating accessible videos. This paper presents a small study where students (283) and tutors (27) reported their views on automatic transcriptions for recorded webinar videos. Despite not having perfect transcription accuracy, many students who have used the automatic transcripts found them to be useful. Students were also asked how they used transcripts and this included: to find specific information in a video, as a learning aid, as an accessibility aid, to compensate for the speaker’s accent and pace, to study on the go, to compensate for poor audio and/or connectivity and as an aid for non-native English speakers.
Proposition for the Introduction of the Concept Telemathesis in Videoconferencing in Distance Education
Authors: Kanellopoulos Αthanasios , Koutsouba Maria , Giossos Yiannis
Published: December 2020

The development of technology and the widespread application of digital tools, such as teleconference (or videoconference), has led researchers to reflect on traditional theories and models of learning concerning Distance Education, as well as the formulation of new ones. The aim of this study is to propose the introduction of the concept tele-mathesis in Distance Learning, in order to describe the learning process by videoconferencing in Distance Education, which has features of an “embodied” and “integrated” way of learning. This is a theoretical study based on Illeris’ Theory of “Integrated” Learning that has been adopted in Distance Learning, using elements of the Theory of Tele-proximity concerning learning by videoconferencing in Distance Education. According to the developed argumentation the importance of the senses, emotions and “techniques of the body” is revealed in both the educational and learning process by videoconferencing, in order to reduce the transactional distance between the teacher and the learner, as well as, to lead to a positive distance educational experience. Thus, the cognitive, emotional and social factors involved in “tele-mathesis”, turn videoconferencing into an “embodied” and “integrated” way of learning. At the same time, it is showed that the empowerment of “tele-mathesis” requires appropriate planning and specific management methods. It is therefore proposed to introduce the term telemathesis in Distance Education so as to fully attribute this specific learning process of Distance Education.
Developing E-Authentication for E-Assessment – Diversity of Students Testing the System in Higher Education
Authors: Uotinen Sanna , Ladonlahti Tarja , Laamanen Merja
Published: December 2020

E-authentication is one of the key topics in the field of online education and e-assessment. This study was aimed at investigating the user experiences of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) while developing the accessible e-authentication system for higher education institutions. Altogether, 15 students tested the system (including instruments for face recognition, voice recognition, keystroke dynamics, text style analysis and anti-plagiarism), developed as part of the TeSLA project. Students also completed pre-questionnaires and post-questionnaires and attended individual interviews. The findings reveal positive expectations and experiences of e-authentication. Students believed that the e-authentication system increased trust and, thus, diversified their possibilities for studying online. Students found some challenges and emphasized that the e-authentication system should be reliable and easy to use. The possibility to use different kinds of instruments was perceived as an important feature. Students’ willingness to use these instruments and share their personal data for e-authentication varied due to their disabilities or individual preferences. The results suggest that students should have options for what kind of e-authentication they use.
Automatic Airborne Laser Scanning Data Quality Control Procedure for Environmental Studies
Authors: Kraszewski Bartłomiej , Piasecka Żaneta , Sadkowski Rafał , Stereńczak Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) technology delivers large amount of data collected from airborne level. These data are used for many different applications in forestry, civil engineering, environmental studies and others. To acquire the best possible results from the data, accuracy analysis is a necessary part of data processing chain. Therefore, considering the increasing interest worldwide in the use of laser scanning data, improving the quality control (QC) tools is a crucial pursuit.

This study underlines the possible error sources, summarises the existing QC knowledge for ALS data and proposes an optimised QC procedure. The procedure was implemented in selected applications and evaluated for three different environments, namely, forests, rural areas and croplands.

The proposed solution is almost fully automatic outside from the module that supports the operator in the classification examination. The workflow is scalable and can be expanded with new modules that enhance the functionality. The presented procedures can save up to 30 min of manual checks for every 1 km2 area.
Occurence and Antimicrobial Resistant Patterns of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Among Practicing Veterinarians in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Gaddafi M. S. , Yakubu Y. , Garba B. , Bello M. B. , Musawa A. I. , Lawal H.
Published: December 2020

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen incriminated in causing multiple disease conditions in humans and livestock. Studies have shown relationships between livestock rearing and increased MRSA colonization risk among farm workers, and also suggest that livestock may serves as reservoirs of the bacteria and could also infect humans via close contact and consumption of contaminated animal products. The aim of this study was to investigate if practicing veterinarians with significant livestock contacts are at risk for MRSA colonization. Therefore, a non-randomized survey was conducted to establish the presence of MRSA among veterinarians practicing in Kebbi State Nigeria, using both cultural characteristics and molecular detection of the resistant gene (mecA). Forty-one (41) nasal swabs were aseptically collected. The detection rate of MRSA in the veterinarians was 14.6 %. The study revealed a high occurrence rate of MRSA among veterinarians in the study area. The relatively high prevalence recorded among veterinarians in this study could be attributed to the poor understanding of MRSA as a disease, its mode of transmission and its status in the country which have contributed immensely to the little/no awareness of MRSA among veterinarians and hence making it favourable for the bacteria (MRSA) to spread.
Retinal Diseases of Senior Dogs
Authors: Balicka A. , Lapsanska M. , Trbolova A.
Published: December 2020

Aging consists of a physiological decline of an organism’s functional activity. During the aging process, the structural and functional changes of the retina can be observed. In most cases, progressive vision loss occurs due to the age related changes of the anterior segment. Retinal diseases, characteristic for senior dogs are: retinal detachment, hypertensive chorioretinopathy, sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, retinopathy, cystoid degeneration and neoplasms. The examination of the retina in senior dogs is based on: ophthalmoscopic examination, electroretinography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (AD-OCT) and if necessary, histopathological examinations. Comprehensive knowledge regarding the senior dog’s health, significantly increases their quality of life.
The Response of National and Local Portuguese Government Authorities to COVID-19
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Monteiro José Augusto
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 has caused in Portugal an enormous economic, financial, and social challenge that must be answered by the national and local Portuguese government authorities. Several support measures have been launched to protect businesses, economic sustainability, and employment levels. At the national level, projects with greater economic emphasis are highlighted, which aim to support companies and their workers. The most noteworthy are measures relegated to simplified lay-off, social protection for individuals in isolation or with illness, and support for the payment of basic expenses such as electricity, water, and gas. Also, on this level, measures concerning teleworking and school at home through television have changed the daily lives of families. At the local level, there was a greater emphasis on the social dimension. The role played by local authorities and local councils in stimulating the local business community and supporting the creation of volunteer banks, the delivery of food and medicines, and the production of goods for individual protection was highlighted.
An Optimized Parallel Implementation of Non-Iteratively Trained Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Zini Julia El , Rizk Yara , Awad Mariette
Published: December 2020

Recurrent neural networks (RNN) have been successfully applied to various sequential decision-making tasks, natural language processing applications, and time-series predictions. Such networks are usually trained through back-propagation through time (BPTT) which is prohibitively expensive, especially when the length of the time dependencies and the number of hidden neurons increase. To reduce the training time, extreme learning machines (ELMs) have been recently applied to RNN training, reaching a 99% speedup on some applications. Due to its non-iterative nature, ELM training, when parallelized, has the potential to reach higher speedups than BPTT.

In this work, we present Opt-PR-ELM, an optimized parallel RNN training algorithm based on ELM that takes advantage of the GPU shared memory and of parallel QR factorization algorithms to efficiently reach optimal solutions. The theoretical analysis of the proposed algorithm is presented on six RNN architectures, including LSTM and GRU, and its performance is empirically tested on ten time-series prediction applications. Opt-PR-ELM is shown to reach up to 461 times speedup over its sequential counterpart and to require up to 20x less time to train than parallel BPTT. Such high speedups over new generation CPUs are extremely crucial in real-time applications and IoT environments.
A Novel Method for Invariant Image Reconstruction
Authors: Pawlak Mirosław , Panesar Gurmukh Singh , Korytkowski Marcin
Published: December 2020

In this paper we propose a novel method for invariant image reconstruction with the properly selected degree of symmetry. We make use of Zernike radial moments to represent an image due to their invariance properties to isometry transformations and the ability to uniquely represent the salient features of the image. The regularized ridge regression estimation strategy under symmetry constraints for estimating Zernike moments is proposed. This extended regularization problem allows us to enforces the bilateral symmetry in the reconstructed object. This is achieved by the proper choice of two regularization parameters controlling the level of reconstruction accuracy and the acceptable degree of symmetry. As a byproduct of our studies we propose an algorithm for estimating an angle of the symmetry axis which in turn is used to determine the possible asymmetry present in the image. The proposed image recovery under the symmetry constraints model is tested in a number of experiments involving image reconstruction and symmetry estimation.
An Improved Fellegi-Sunter Framework for Probabilistic Record Linkage Between Large Data Sets
Authors: Fortini Marco
Published: December 2020

Record linkage addresses the problem of identifying pairs of records coming from different sources and referred to the same unit of interest. Fellegi and Sunter propose an optimal statistical test in order to assign the match status to the candidate pairs, in which the needed parameters are obtained through EM algorithm directly applied to the set of candidate pairs, without recourse to training data. However, this procedure has a quadratic complexity as the two lists to be matched grow. In addition, a large bias of EM-estimated parameters is also produced in this case, so that the problem is tackled by reducing the set of candidate pairs through filtering methods such as blocking. Unfortunately, the probability that excluded pairs would be actually true-matches cannot be assessed through such methods.

The present work proposes an efficient approach in which the comparison of records between lists are minimised while the EM estimates are modified by modelling tables with structural zeros in order to obtain unbiased estimates of the parameters. Improvement achieved by the suggested method is shown by means of simulations and an application based on real data.
Three-Form Split Questionnaire Design for Panel Surveys
Authors: Imbriano Paul M. , Raghunathan Trivellore E.
Published: December 2020

Longitudinal or panel surveys are effective tools for measuring individual level changes in the outcome variables and their correlates. One drawback of these studies is dropout or nonresponse, potentially leading to biased results. One of the main reasons for dropout is the burden of repeatedly responding to long questionnaires. Advancements in survey administration methodology and multiple imputation software now make it possible for planned missing data designs to be implemented for improving the data quality through a reduction in survey length. Many papers have discussed implementing a planned missing data study using a split questionnaire design in the cross-sectional setting, but development of these designs in a longitudinal study has been limited. Using simulations and data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we compare the performance of several methods for administering a split questionnaire design in the longitudinal setting. The results suggest that the optimal design depends on the data structure and estimand of interest. These factors must be taken into account when designing a longitudinal study with planned missing data.
The Representativeness of Online Time Use Surveys. Effects of Individual Time Use Patterns and Survey Design on the Timing of Survey Dropout
Authors: te Braak Petrus , Minnen Joeri , Glorieux Ignace
Published: December 2020

Like other surveys, time use surveys are facing declining response rates. At the same time paper-and-pencil surveys are increasingly replaced by online surveys. Both the declining response rates and the shift to online research are expected to have an impact on the representativeness of survey data questioning whether they are still the most suitable instrument to obtain a reliable view on the organization of daily life. This contribution examines the representativeness of a self-administered online time use survey using Belgian data collected in 2013 and 2014. The design of the study was deliberately chosen to test the automated processes that replace interviewer support and its cost-efficiency. We use weighting coefficients, a life table and discrete-time survival analyses to better understand the timing and selectivity of dropout, with a focus on the effects of individual time use patterns and the survey design. The results show that there are three major hurdles that cause large groups of respondents to drop out. This dropout is selective, and this selectivity differs according to the dropout moment. The contribution aims to provide a better insight in dropout during the fieldwork and tries to contribute to the further improvement of survey methodology of online time use surveys.
Computer Simulation of the Electric Transport Properties of the FeSe Monolayer
Authors: Sergeyev D. , Zhanturina N. , Myasnikova L. , Popov A.I. , Duisenova A. , Istlyaup A.
Published: December 2020

The paper deals with the model research of electric transport characteristics of stressed and non-stressed FeSe monolayers. Transmission spectra, current-voltage characteristic (CVC) and differential conductivity spectra of two-dimensional FeSe nanostructure have been calculated within the framework of the density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green’s functions (DFT + NEGF). It has been shown that the electrophysical properties depend on the geometry of the sample, the substrate, and the lattice constant. On CVC of non-stressed sample in the range from −1.2 V to −1 and from 1.2 V to 1.4 V, a region of negative differential resistance (NDR) has been observed. NDR is at both signs of the applied voltage due to the symmetry of the nanostructure. d2I/dV2
is used to determine the nature of the electron-phonon interaction and the features of quasiparticle tunnelling in stressed and non-stressed samples. The results obtained can be useful for calculating new elements of 2D nanoelectronics.
The Selection of Boron Nitride Circles for Grinding Saponite–Titanium Composites Using Non-Parametric Method
Authors: Huliieva N.M. , Somov D.O. , Pasternak V.V. , Samchuk L.M. , Chetverzhuk T.I.
Published: December 2020

The issue of grinding saponite–titanium composites has not been considered in the machine building industry yet. The reason is that the chips are stuck on the working surfaces of abrasive tools made of silicon carbide and electrocorundum. This is due to the high adhesive activity at operating cutting temperatures between the composite and traditional abrasives.

The article aims at studying the grinding of saponite–titanium composites using abrasive tools in various cutting modes based on parametric and non-parametric statistical methods.

To solve this problem, high porous wheels (HPW) made of cubic boron nitride CBN30 with 100 % concentration on a bond V (K27), a pore-forming KF40, varied grains: B76, B126, B151 (ISO 6106:2013) – and hardness: M and O (ISO 525:2013) were used to grind saponite–titanium composites. Additionally, the Norton wheels from green silicon carbide with a normal porosity 39C (46; 60) K8 VK and with different grain size were tested. Norton wheels provide reduction of roughness height by 1.4–1.5 times in comparison with boron nitride HPW. These are recommended for the finishing grinding stage and HPW CBN30 – the preliminary to reduce the thermal effects on composites. By processing stability, the Norton wheels with grain 46 rank first, and among boron nitride HPW – CBN30 B76 100 OV K27–KF40.
Subordination results for a class of analytic functions
Authors: Aouf M. K. , Frasin B. A. , Murugusundaramoorthy G.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we derive several subordination results and integral means result for certain class of analytic functions with complex order defined by means of q-differential operator. Some interesting corollaries and consequences of our results are also considered
Domination and Kwapień’s factorization theorems for positive Cohen p–nuclear m–linear operators
Authors: Bougoutaia Amar , Belacel Amar , Hamdi Halima
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we introduce and study the concept of positive Cohen p-nuclear multilinear operators between Banach lattice spaces. We prove a natural analog to the Pietsch domination theorem for this class. Moreover, we give like the Kwapień’s factorization theorem. Finally, we investigate some relations with another known classes.
Procedural Justice in Selection from the Lens of Psychological Contract Theory
Authors: Huy Phuong Tran , Vu Ngan Hoang , Hoang Hue Thi , Nguyen Hanh Thi Hai
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose: In recruitment and selection, job applicants do not only base their justice judgment on the actual experience but also compare what happens and what they expect. This study, therefore, investigates applicants’ reaction to procedural justice in recruitment selection through the lens of psychological contract framework. Psychological contract theory highlights the role of expectations, discrepancies between perception and expectation, and perceived contract breach on individual outcomes.

Methodology: Two surveys were conducted with job seekers in Vietnam, one before and one after the selection process. Printed questionnaires were administered to job seekers in the first survey, while the second used online survey. Structural Equation Modeling technique was adopted to analyze the data.

Results: Data from a sample of 232 job seekers indicated that previous job experience and source of candidates were significantly related to justice expectations. In addition, perceived unmet expectations were found to predict procedural contract breach, which in turn negatively influenced job acceptance intention and recommendation intention.

Conclusion: The research highlights the role of unmet justice expectation, the perceived discrepancy between what happened and what was supposed to be, in predicting intention to accept offer and to recommend others. The results suggest that firms should provide updated and official information regarding the selection process to all parties such as internal employees, recruitment agency and job search website to reduce over-expectation.
Population status and habitat assessment of Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Western Nepal
Authors: Chokhal Keshab , Thapamagar Tilak , Bahadur Thapa Tej
Published: December 2020

The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is a protected species found abundantly to the west of Kaligandaki River. This study was conducted in the Myagdi district located in the western part of Kaligandaki River from October 2016 to June 2017. Our aim was to assess the habitat and population status of Cheer Pheasant, using acoustic survey and quadrate methods. A total of 38 breeding individuals were estimated in 7 bird/km2 density. The study also revealed that Cheer Pheasants showed a preference for exposure components of the habitat. They preferred moderately steep eastern slopes (10–35°) and steep southern slopes (35–67°) between 1800–2400 m elevations. Additionally low tree density and high herbs density showed a significant effect on the habitat choice of the species. Poaching and habitat destruction are the major threats in the study site, calling upon a strategic management plan for the long-term conservation of the Cheer Pheasant.
Diagnostic Central Obesity Indexes Cut – Off Point Values Determined with Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Cushing’s and Obese Women
Authors: Stratrova Slavica Shubeska , Mishevska Sasha Jovanovska , Bitoska Iskra , Kafedziska Irena
Published: December 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop quantiative criteria for defining visceral obesity and to establish dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric (DXA) diagnostic cut-off points (CP) for normal and abnormal values of the central obesity indexes (COI) that best differentiate extreme visceral obesity in Cushing’s syndrome (CS) from non CS obese and non obese women.

Material and Methods: COI1–4 values calculated as a ratio of android to gynoid tissue mass, fat mass and their % were determined in 4 groups, each consisting of 18 women: 1st group of CS, 2nd group of obese women (O1) not different according to their age and BMI from CS, 3rd group of obese women (O2) with BMI of 35 ± 1.2 kg and 4th group of non obese healthy women (C) with normal BMI. Diagnostic accuracy (DG) of CP values of COI1m-4m indexes of abdominal obesity and CP values of COI1n-4n indexes of normal body fat distribution (BFD) was determined.

Results: COI1-4 indexes values were highly significantly different among the 4 examined groups and were significantly highest in CS patients and lowest in group C (p < 0.0001). COI1m-4m CP values differentiated extreme visceral, abdominal obesity in CS with highest DG as well as COI1n-4n CP values differentiated normal BFD in group C. COI1m CP of 0.55 best differentiated CS from O1 for DG of 100%. COI2n of 0.38 best differentiated C from CS and O2 for highest DG of 100% compared to O1 because of the significantly higher BMI and COI1n-4n values in O2 that were associated with more pronounced abdominal obesity and highly significantly positive correlation with BMI.

Conclusions: DXA cut-off point values of indexes COI1m-4m and COI1n-4n were established as diagnostic indexes and criteria useful in discovering extreme abdominal and normal BFD. COI1m CP value of 0.55 was discovered as a diagnostic criterion of extreme abdominal obesity and COI2n of 0.38 as a diagnostic criterion of normal BFD that excluded abdominal obesity. The other indexes COI1m-4m and COI1n-4n CP values had also high DG in discovering abdominal and normal body fat distribution.
Prevalence of Rotaviruses in the Etiology of Acute Diarrhea in Young Children, Clinical forms, Extraintestinal Manifestations and Complications
Authors: Stojkovska Snezana , Kondova-Topuzovska Irena , Milenkovikj Zvonko , Bosilkovski Mile , Grozdanovski Krsto , Cvetanovska Maria , Dimzova Maria , Petrusevska-Marinkovic Sanja , Stevanovikj Milena , Demiri Ilir , Bogoevska-Tasevska Sunchica , Semenakova-Cvetkovska Vesna , Kirova-Uroshеvikj Valerija , Spasovska Katerina , Saveski Velimir
Published: December 2020

Rotavirus is highly contagious factor with dominant feces-oral transmission. Because it is stable in external environment, transmission clusters are possible by close contact, ingestion of contaminated water or food or contact with contaminated surfaces. It survives within hours and days on hands and contaminated surfaces. This makes it the most common enteric and nosocomial pathogen in the world, especially in early childhood. In addition to the rapid dehydration with pronounced electrolyte disturbances, numerous extraintestinal possibilities have been recorded in the clinical picture, which emphasizes the need for prevention of this disease.

In the period from 1.02.2018 to 31.01.2020 at the Clinic for Infectious diseases were treated 1060 patients with diarrheal disease, of which 502 children (47.36%). Rotavirus etiology was confirmed in 23.30% of the children. According to the protocols, laboratory and biochemical investigations were done to all 117 children, with tracking parameters and their dynamics of admission and discharge from the hospital. Most of the children, 84 (82.0 6%) are from urban areas, with a more confirmed epidemiological survey of 59 (42.00%). The average age of the children was 8 months, with a small percentage of children on maternal food (breastfed 25, i.e. 21.37%), with high febrile admission in 99% of children with an average temperature of 38.5oC and an average febrile duration of 4 days, with an average of 7 (+ 2.49) of stools and 5 (+ 2.12) of vomiting. There was a significant difference in hematocrit, leukocyte, electrolyte, glycaemia, and CRP values on admission and discharge. There was predominant isonatremic dehydration, and the compensatory mechanisms followed by the values of the electrolytes ABS, Ph, BE showed a tendency to maintain within the physiological limits. The clinical picture of extraintestinal manifestations included bronchitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, upper respiratory infections and rash.

Rotavirus infection is a serious health and economic problem in our country, so it needs continuous prevention and monitoring in order to reduce the incidence, and thus the need for hospitalization and cure of rotavirus disease.
A Scientific Symposium “Artificial Organs Today: From in Vitro Assessment to Human Therapies” on the Occasion of the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts
Authors: Polenakovic Momir H.
Published: December 2020

On the occasion of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MASA) the Macedonian Society of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation and Artificial Organs (MSNDTAO) organized a one day symposium titled: “Artificial Organs Today: From in vitro assessment to human therapies”, on September 28, 2007 at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. The following sessions were held: Artificial Organs in Front of the Ageing Populations; System Requirements for Artificial Organ Technology; Tools for Artificial Organ Technology; Extracorporeal Blood Circuits in Organ Replacement Therapies; Treatment Options for Blood Purification Therapies. Presentation were delivered by: Horst Klinkmann, Germany; Jörg Vienken, Germany; Jens Hartmann, Austria; Udo Losert, Austria; Jan Wojcicki, Poland; Helmut Mann and Siegfried Stiller, Germany; Beat Walpoth, Switzerland; Juan F. del Cañizo, Spain; Borce Georgievski, Macedonia; Bernd Stegmayr, Sweden; Momir Polenakovic, Macedonia; Petar Kes, Croatia; Aleksandar Sikole, Macedonia; Wolfgang Ramlow, Germany; Dieter Falkenhagen, Austria. These meetings are significant for the application and development of the artificial organs in patients.
Competitiveness in the European Consolidated Banking Sector After the 2008 Financial Crisis
Authors: Klutse Senanu Kwasi
Published: December 2020

The constitutional conception of market integration within the European Union entails creating a level playing field for competition in the consolidated banking sector. The financial crisis of 2008 brought with it the need to proceed with care as it rolled back the gains of improving competitive conditions in the financial sector. Even though a lot of studies have investigated competitive conditions prior to the crisis, the same cannot be said of periods after the crisis. Using both structural and non-structural measures of competitive conditions, this study found that the consolidated banking sector in Europe shows signs of a monopolistic competitive market structure based on its revenue and cost measures. As five countries – United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy – control about 70 per cent of total assets in the consolidated banking sector. The capital expense to fixed assets and total assets in the Europe area were found to be negatively related to measures of profitability in the sector. They were indicating that the accumulation of assets eats into the incomes of banks in the sub-region, whereas bank exposures may be affecting bank profits.
Assessing the Performance Gap of Climate Change on Buildings Design Analytical Stages Using Future Weather Projections
Authors: Alhindawi Ibrahim , Jimenez-Bescos Carlos
Published: December 2020

With the higher pace of climate change, temperatures are rising each year, resulting in various effects on the thermal status of buildings. This paper takes the opportunity of analysing different scenarios of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using hourly weather data of future projections by implementing EPW weather files on EnergyPlus software dynamic simulations, coupled with architectural science methods of climate analysis, to test the effect of high and medium-high emission scenarios for the 2050s and 2080s future timelines on thermal comfort range, passive zones potential, and heating/cooling periods, as compared to the weather data from 2003–2017. Simulations results have shown a remarkable effect on the scale of daily cooling hours and monthly coverage under the high GHG emission scenario, expanding its range by 60 %, with 6 hours on summer peak days and 3 months/year, as well as an annual decrease in heating period by 33.3 %. Thermal comfort zones of tested periods have also witnessed an alternation, translating the effect on the passive cooling and passive heating zones’ way of variating, where the ranges are pushed towards their potential limits. Results have also demonstrated that if future weather data is not included in simulations, a weather-related performance gap is generated.