bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elabela levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: can it be a marker for diabetic nephropathy?
Authors: Onalan Erhan , Doğan Yusuf , Onalan Ebru , Gozel Nevzat , Buran Ilay , Donder Emir 
Published: September 2020

Backround: Elabela (ELA) is a hormone that is secreted at high levels in the kidneys of a healthy adult. This study aims to investigate whether serum ELA levels of patients with Type 2 Diabetes vary with the severity of renal damage.
Methods: Our study included 50 healthy control subjects and 100 diabetic patients, who were categorized into groups based on urine albumin/creatinine ratios (ACR). Patients included in the study were assigned to four groups: Group 1 (healthy control), Group 2 (ACR<29mg/g), Group 3 (ACR=30-299 mg/g), and Group 4 (ACR>300 mg/g normal or high serum creatinine). Physical examination findings, demographic characteristics of the study group were recorded, and serum ELA levels and other laboratory parameters were assessed using appropriate methods.
Results: The results of the study indicated that ELA levels determined in healthy individuals gradually decreased through stages of normal albuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria. Moreover, ELA had a significant negative corre- lation with LDL-C (r=-0.201, p=0.014), glucose (r=-0.437, P<0.001), retinopathy (r=-0.222, P=0.006), serum BUN (r=- 0.161, P=0.049), and a positive correlation with eGFR (r=0.250, P=0.002).
Conclusions: The fact that ELA levels are higher in healthy individuals compared to diabetic patients without microalbu- minuria, and higher in diabetic patients without microalbuminuria compared to patients with advanced albuminuria and kidney damage, suggests that the ELA level can be an important clinical prognostic variable and even a promising agent for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy patients.
Keywords: Elabela, diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, albuminuria.
Association of tibiofemoral angle, quadriceps angle and body mass index in a selected adolescent population
Authors: O Umunnah Joseph , M Ogbueche Chukwudi , I Uchenwoke Chigozie , J Okemuo Adaora 
Published: September 2020

Background: Tibiofemoral angle (TFA) and quadriceps angle (QA) are important in the evaluation of patients with knee pathologies associated with these angles.
Objectives: This study investigated correlations among TFA, QA and body mass index (BMI) among Nigerian adolescent population.
Methods: A total of 519 (262 males and 257 females) adolescents aged between 10-18 years selected by stratified random sampling technique from some randomly selected schools in Nnewi metropolis. This study utilised the cross-sectional survey design. A height meter and bathroom weighing scale were used to collect data for BMI while a universal plastic goniometer was used to measure TFA and QA. Independent t- test, paired t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to analyse the data obtained.
Results: Findings of this study showed there was significant difference between right and left QA of males (t= 2.824; p= 0.005), and females (t= -2.012; p= 0.045) with the right QA been higher than the left in both males and females. Males have a higher TFA and QA (p<0.05 in all cases) than females. A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and right TFA (p=0.034), and between TFA and QA (p= <0.0001).
Conclusion: TFA positively significantly correlated with QA, with males having higher QA and TFA than females. The obtained information is important in the assessment and management of knee pathologies associated with these angles.
Keywords: Tibiofemoral angle; quadriceps angle; body mass index; selected adolescent population.
Nutrition knowledge and care practices of home-based caregivers in Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: A Masia Tirhani , F Mushaphi Lindelani , S Mabapa Ngoako , G  Mbhenyane Xikombiso 
Published: September 2020

Background: Home-based care is provided to clients in their homes to promote and maintain good health, hygiene and nutrition.
Objective: This study assessed nutrition knowledge and care practices of home-based caregivers in Vhembe District, South Africa.
Methods: The design was cross sectional, descriptive and exploratory using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Mul- tistage sampling was used, with convenient selection of two municipalities from four, eight home-based care agencies ran- domly selected from 96 agencies, 128 caregivers conveniently selected for interviews, 92 caregivers selected for focus group discussions and 28 caregivers selected for observation during home visits. Demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge and care practices were evaluated using questionnaires, interview guides and observational checklists. Data were analysed using SPSS 22 and thematic analysis for qualitative data.
Results: caregivers (99.2%) were women, 68.7% had secondary education and all had received 59-day training and 64.1% had six to ten years of home-based care experience. Only 0.8% had adequate nutrition knowledge, 45.3% satisfactory knowledge and 53.9% limited to no knowledge. Most care practices reported during the focus group discussions were not observed during home visits.
Conclusion: Nutrition knowledge and care practices of HBC in Vhembe District were found to be inadequate. The nutri- tion content in the training package should be improved.
Keywords: Nutrition knowledge; nutrition care practices; home-based care; home-based caregivers.
Socio-economic status and hunger among orphans and vulnerable children households in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Bamgboye Elijah , Odusote Tayo , Olusanmi Iyabode , Akinyemi Joshua , Bidemi Yussuf , Adebowale Ayo , Gbenga Ashaolu , Ladipo Oladapo 
Published: September 2020

Background: HIV/AIDS has contributed to increasing orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria. A measure of vulner- ability is household hunger.
Objective: To assess level of household hunger and associated factors among OVC households in Lagos State.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1300 OVC households in 5 selected Local Government Areas. The LGAs were select- ed using the Household Vulnerability Assessment index. Data collection was by personal interview of households’ heads/ caregivers using a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic, household economic profile and food-related variables. A multivariate logit model was fitted to identify independent predictors of household hunger after adjusting for confounding variables.
Results: The population density was 5.1 and 52.8% were females. A larger proportion of females (84.6%) than males (78.3%) reported that they had no food to eat in the last four weeks prior the survey. Poor household economic status (OR=1.41, CI: 1.03-1.92), age and marital status of caregiver were independent predictors of household hunger. The odds of hunger increased with caregiver’s age; higher in households headed by never married (OR=3.99, CI: 1.15-13.89) and di- vorced/separated caregivers (OR=2.39, CI: 1.11-5.12).
Conclusion: OVC households experienced severe hunger. Household economic strengthening would be useful strategy to mitigate the nutrition challenges of OVC in Lagos state.
Keywords: Orphans; vulnerable; children; households food security; caregivers; economy; Nigeria.
Mothball ingestion as a manifestation of pica, leading to paradichlorobenzene CNS toxicity
Authors: Yau Leong Joon , Gianniosis Margarita , Zafar Saman , Zhang Yan 
Published: September 2020

Background: Pica is a poorly understood psychiatric disorder that presents with the ingestion of non-nutritious substances for unclear reasons. A high index of suspicion for unusual toxin exposure aids in the diagnosis of pica patients presenting with unexplained neurodegenerative features.
Methods: We present a 47-year-old female with worsening gait over the past year. Prior to this, she was fully independent with activities of daily living, but is now mostly housebound due to frequent falls. Past medical history is significant for menorrhagia, iron deficiency anemia and pica. CBC and iron studies revealed iron deficiency with microcytic hypochromic anemia. MRI brain demonstrated symmetrical T2 hyperintensities within the middle cerebellar peduncles.
Results: Differential diagnoses for her clinical deficits and imaging, including Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Multiple System At- rophy and Fragile X Tremor-Ataxia Syndrome, were excluded based on neurological assessment, family history and genetic PCR testing. Collateral history revealed a regular habit of mothball ingestion and serum paradichlorobenzene levels were elevated to 15mcg/mL. The patient was treated with iron replacement therapy and her symptoms gradually improved over several months.
Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is commonly associated with pica, which can lead to toxin ingestion. A high index of suspicion for toxin ingestion in pica patients can immensely aid in the diagnosis. Mothball abuse secondary to pica may affect the CNS and can present with nonspecific neurodegenerative changes. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases in the literature with paradichlorobenzene neurotoxicity predominantly affecting the middle cerebellar peduncles.
Keywords: Mothball; paradichlorobenzene; PDCB; toxicity; pica; middle cerebellar peduncles.
Salivary flow, amylase, and total protein in hospitalized patients with HIV infection / AIDS complications
Authors: Carina de Oliveira Núbia , Caroline de Oliveira Thayse , Cavassin Klamas Vanessa , Anhaia Ventura Mateus , Arana Kamei Adryano , Yukio Naka Jhonatan , Armando Brancher João , Adilson Soares de Lima Antonio 
Published: September 2020

Background: Saliva is a complex secretion produced daily by the salivary glands. Saliva consists mainly of water, enzymes, ions and amino acids and performs several important functions in oral health.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the flow rate and concentrations of amylase and total proteins in the saliva of hospitalized patients due to AIDS complications.
Methods: Ninety-three men and women (20-64 years of age) were divided into two groups (46 HIV-infected patients and 47 controls) and had salivary flow rate and levels of amylase enzyme and total proteins evaluated.
Results: The mean salivary flow rate was lower in individuals with HIV when compared to controls (P < 0.05). No signifi- cant difference between amylase enzyme levels and total proteins were observed in the saliva of patients with HIV infection when compared to controls.
Conclusion: Individuals with HIV / AIDS infection (in hospital treatment) suffer no interference in levels of amylase and total salivary proteins, but they have significantly reduced salivary flow.
Keywords: Saliva; Salivation; Alpha-Amylases; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Xerostomia.
PORTO PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AND CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER: AN ASSESSMENT OF ITS FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS
Authors: Ubaid Muhammad , Qadri Muhammad Zahid , Naqvi Iftikhar Haider , Talib Abu , Masood Beenish , Mahmood Khalid 
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To determine the frequency and factors leading to of portopulmonary hypertension among cirrhosis of liver patients Methodology: One hundred and eleven (111) patients previously diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver due to any cause were included in the study from 15th June 2016 till 14th July 2017. All of the patients had echocardiography done. Portopulmonary Hypertension (PoPH) was diagnosed by Echocardiographic signs as per recommendation of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS): Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity of >3.4 m/s Or Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity of >2.9 m/s but <3.4m/s along with one of the following signs :Right ventricle / left ventricle basal diameter ratio >1, Pulmonary artery diameter > 25 mm, early diastolic pulmonary regurgitation velocity >2.2, m/s Inferior cava diameter >21mm with decreased inspiratory collapse (<50% with a sniff or <20% with quiet inspiration), Flattening of the interventricular septum. Results: Out of 111 patients, 70 (63%) were male and 41(37%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 51±8.7 years. The cause of cirrhosis noted in the documents at the time of diagnosis was chronic hepatitis C in 62/111 patients (55.85%), chronic hepatitis B in 34/111 (30.63%), alcoholic cirrhosis in 4/111 (3.6%), autoimmune hepatitis in 3/111 (2.7%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis in 1/111(1%). After echocardiography 08 (4 males and 4 females ) out of 111 patients (7.2%) were diagnosed as having Portopulomonary Hypertension (PoPH) and low hemoglobin level was linked autonomously with hazard of PoPH Conclusion: Viral related cirrhosis is the most common cause of cirrhosis in this part of the world. Echocardiographically confirmed Portopulomonary Hypertension (PoPH) is well reported cardiopulmonary complication of cirrhosis of liver. Among various risk factors for PoPH low haemoglobin (anaemia) was found to be a significant risk factor. Portopulmonary Hypertension (PoPH) is a very important contributing factor in morbidity and mortality in patients of cirrhosis which needs to be identified and confirmed before referring any patient of cirrhosis for Liver Transplant Keywords: portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH), cirrhosis of liver
ASSOCIATION OF HYPERURICEMIA WITH CRITICAL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Niazi Gul Zaman Khan , Zab Jehan , Adnan Fahar , Ahmed Nisar , Akhtar Ammar , Saleemi Muhammad Sohail 
Published: September 2020

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the association of increased serum Uric acid level (SUA) with critical coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients subjected to coronary angiography. Methodology: 360 patients (180 cases with critical CAD and 180 controls without critical CAD) were enrolled in the study after taking informed consent. Demographic data like age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of CAD, dyslipidemia, smoking and BMI was collected. Serum uric acid was advised and recorded in the questionnaire. Results: 360 patients with mean age 51.37 ± 6.5 years were included. 262 patients (72.8%) were male. 54 patients (20.8%) had hyperuricemia. 26.6% cases and 15.0% controls had hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with critical CAD (OR=2.06, CI 1.22-3.49, p=0.007). The association persisted after stratification according to age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, family history of IHD and BMI. Conclusion: There is a positive association between critical CAD and hyperuricemia. Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Hyperuricemia, IHD
Pengaruh Service Recovery Terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen Pada Hotel Rama Candidasa
Authors: Suartini Ningsih Ni Wayan , Yudhaningsih Ni Made 
Published: September 2020

As a hospitality business can not be separated from error or service failure. so companies need to handle the failure of the service with service recovery program embodied with three dimensions of procedural justice, interactional justice and distributive justice. This study aims to Determine the influence of procedural justice, interactional justice distributive justice on customer satisfaction at Rama Candidasa Hotel. This study used 80 samples, the method of collecting data through questionnaires. Data analysis was performed with multiple linear regression analysis,test f test t and the previous determination has been tested the validity and reliability.The results showed by the F-test is procedural justice, interactional justice and distributive justice have positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction at Rama Candidasa Hotel. From the results of correlation analysis this shows thata positive and very powerful relationship between procedural justice, interactional justice and distributive justice with customer satisfaction. Where the condition shows the higher the value of procedural justice, interactional justice and distributive justice, that make the higher the value of customer satisfaction and same as the other way. From result of determination analysis (R2) obtained coefficient of determination equal to 64,4%, which means that customer satisfaction is true result from influence of procedural justice, interactional justice and distributive justiceequal to 64,4%, while 35,6% influenced by other factor. Furthermore, based on T-test results obtained that the distributive justice has greater influence and stronger than procedural justice and interactional justice.
Kajian Analisis Jalur Dengan Structural Equation Modeling (Sem) Smart-Pls 3.0
Authors: Arya Pering I Made Anom 
Published: September 2020

Study on Path Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) software version 3.0 with the aim of testing the Impact or Effect of Training on Employee Performance and Organizational Performance, whether it has a significant effect.The analysis results obtained are:First, the Effect of Employee Performance on Organizational Performance.The t-statistic value of 2.721 and the significance (t-table significance of 5% = 1.96) because the t-statistic value of 2.721 is greater () than the t-table of 1.96, Employee Performance has a "significant" effect on Organizational Performance.Second, the Effect of Training (Training) on Employee Performance The t-statistic value of 2.688 significance (t-table significance of 5% = 1.96) because the t-statistic value of 2.688 is greater () than the t-table of 1.96, the Training has a "significant" effect on Employee Performance. Third, the Effect of Training (Training) on Organizational Performance The t-statistic value of 0.338 significance (t-table significance of 5% = 1.96) because the t-statistic value of 0.338 is smaller () than t-table 1.96, the "insignificant" Training has a direct effect on Organizational Performance.
КОНСТИТУЦІЙНО-ПРАВОВІ АСПЕКТИ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ ПУБЛІЧНОЇ ВЛАДИ, ВРЯДУВАННЯ ТА ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНОГО ВРЯДУВАННЯ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Пухтинський Микола Олександрович , Боярський Володимир Олександрович 
Published: September 2020

Стаття присвячена висвітленню проблем сучасного стану та перспектив трансформації конституційно-правового регулювання публічної влади, врядування, територіального врядування в Україні, яке розглядається як процес системної взаємодії активних учасників (стейкхолдерів) публічної влади та публічного управління.
Висловлюються пропозиції про необхідність інноваційних підходів до трансформації публічної влади, виходячи з нової парадигми владарювання в Україні – парадигми належного врядування. Запропонована авторська позиція щодо оновлення публічної влади, врядування у різних сферах модернізації Конституції України.
Дана характеристика інновацій конституційно-правового регулювання, яка пов'язана з ініціативами Президента України і Парламенту України.
Робиться висновок про те, що сучасний стан конституційно-правового регулювання врядування в Україні характеризується наявністю чималих проблем щодо ефективного функціонування інститутів конституційного права, системного оновлення Основного Закону. Це диктує необхідність визначення перспектив подальшої трансформації зазначеного регулювання та його прискорення.
При цьому слід дотримуватись основоположних засад конституціоналізму, принципів та конституційних процедур.
Реалізація конституційного, політико-правового оновлення публічної влади, врядування в Україні має передбачати комплексну трансформацію системи владарювання в доктринальному і прикладному аспектах. Доцільно також визначитись із концепцією системного оновлення, модернізації Конституції України, без якої спроби реформування Основного Закону стають проблематичними. У прикладному вимірі доцільно запровадити систему громадського моніторингу та контролю за функціонуванням публічної влади щодо її модернізації з використанням традиційних і новітніх електронних форм безпосередньої демократії.
The Role of state in the development of construction companies
Authors: Mammadova Kamala Mehdi  
Published: September 2020

The purpose and objectives of the study are to identify the role of the state in the development of construction companies and to define the economic mechanisms of the mutual relationship of internal and external factors for increasing the efficient management of the construction companies. Comparative analysis, a logical-systematic approach, comparison and generalization, analysis and synthesis, and economic and statistical methods were used in the course of research. The scientific novelty of the study aims at identifying the economic principles of the strategic management of construction companies, determining the relationship between internal and external factors, evaluating the advantage of the advanced management methods, and assessing the role of the state in the management of construction companies. Conclusion. The main role of internal and external factors in the development of construction companies is to protect them from the monopolistic sources of threats and increase their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. The internal and external factors in the management of construction companies are mutually interconnected. The major factors contributing to the development of these relations depend on the use of information technology, innovation, and the economic policy pursued by the state.
Methodological aspects of cluster policy formation in Azerbaijan
Authors: Aliyeva Aygun 
Published: September 2020

Foreign experience demonstrates that countries’ strategies in cluster policy differ depending on national traditions and culture of their strategy engineering process, as well as on the cluster concept. Analysis of information sources shows that technical and methodological framework for cluster policy formulation have not been clearly and unambiguously studied in science.
The most important methodological document on cluster policy is the European Cluster Memorandum signed by the Member States of the European Union in 2006 [3]. It defined the essence and importance of clusters in innovation development and identified the key provisions of cluster policy.
One of the essential methodological issues is the role of government in the formation of clusters. The following factors can be associated with the state’s growing influence on clustering processes:

market weakness, increase in the volume and value of public goods;
an objective priority of public interest in the context of globalization;
the need to protect the national economy in the international economic relations;
the need for institutional regulations in the national and global economy.

Foreign experience demonstrates that the numerous cluster initiatives running in major developed countries over the last few years have been brought forward by local or regional governments. In relatively small developed countries and in a number of developing countries, the government plays an essential role in the cluster development initiative, especially when local and regional government agencies cannot partner with the private sector. A number of decisions on clusters have been adopted at national level in countries with centralized decision-making process.
The Impact of Geo-blocking Ban on the Development of the European Digital Single Market
Authors: Dumitru Ovidiu Ioan , Stoican Andreea 
Published: September 2020

The ban of geo-blocking intervened in recent years within the borders of the European Union and it represents not only a control and even an elimination of the discrimination regarding the nationality of the customers on the on-line trade, but also a mean of gaining important economic benefits for all the participants and countries involved. The current study aims in presenting and analyzing the importance and necessity of the existence of a set of legal documents that focus on eliminating the unjustified geo-blocking in the e-commerce, as well as the benefits such measures bring not only at the level of the economy of each Member State, but also the impact upon the customers - as important participants to the digital single market-, products and pricing.