bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of lactoferrin, lysozyme and albumin in the tear film of keratoconus patients and their correlations with important parameters of the disease
Authors: Burcel Miruna Gabriela , Constantin Mihaela , Ionita Gabriela , Dascalescu Dana , Ionescu Catalina , Stanila Dan , Potop Vasile , Coviltir Valeria 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background: Despite the fact that keratoconus has been tipically defined as a noninflammatory condition, recent research has promoted the role of inflammatory factors and protein changes of tear film in disease progression.

Aims: to determine the level of serum albumin, lactoferrin and lyzozyme in tears of keratoconic patients and their correlations with corneal biomechanical properties.

Subjects and methods: 16 eyes of keratoconus patients and 14 eyes of control cases were enrolled in an observational prospective study. We performed a complete ophthalmological examination on all participants. In order to determine the concentration of tear film proteins, a minimum of 20 microlitres of tears from the lower conjunctival fornix were collected from each subject and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis.

Results: The level of lactoferrin measured in the tear film was significantly decreased in the keratoconus group compared to the normal subjects in all cases (p<0.05). We also found an increased level of lyzozyme and albumin in the keratoconus patients when compared to the controls, only the lyzozyme beeing statistically significant. In the keratoconus group, the correlations between proteins and important parameters such as keratometry, pachymetry and corneal biomechanics were statistically relevant in our study.

Conclusions: We can state that the protein composition of tears is modified in keratoconus by increased levels of protein with inflammatory properties such as albumin or by decreased levels of protein with anti-inflammatory properties such as lactoferrin.
Bone status and aortic calcifications in chondrocalcinosis patients
Authors: Vele Paulina , Silaghi Ciprian Nicolae , Damian Laura Otilia , Simon Siao-Pin , Craciun Alexandra , Rednic Simona 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to examine the association between several circulating bone turnover markers [ osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), beta-CrossLaps (β-CTx)], hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with chondrocalcinosis (CC).

Methods: Thirty-six patients with CC and thirty-seven controls were consecutively enrolled in this pilot case-control, cross-sectional study. The following parameters were assessed: serum levels of OC, OPG and β-CTx by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); hip and spine BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and AAC score by lateral radiography.

Results: Patients with CC had higher levels of serum bone turnover markers and AAC score than the control group: OC [6.5 (3.5-9.9) vs 4.5 (2.6-7.2) ng/ml; p=0.05], OPG [(7.7 (6.2-9.4) vs 6.5 (5.5-8.12) pmol/ml; p=0.02], β-CTx [6078 (5870-6171) vs 5851 (5465-6109) pg/ml; p=0.02] and AAC score (3.6±6.2 vs 0.5±2; p=0.006). Conversely, even if statistical significance was not reached, hip and spine BMD was lower in patients with CC. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between OPG and AAC, but also between OPG and osteoporosis in patients with CC.

Conclusion: Patients with CC are characterized by higher circulating OC, OPG and β-CTx. The presence of AAC was more common in patients with CC, being only associated with serum OPG.
Prishtina: Urban Health Related to Air Quality
Authors: Bajçinovci Bujar , Bajçinovci Mejreme 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Urban health planning is a process with a primary role to protect communities and to use the environment sustainably. In relation to sustainability, the implementation of law reinforcement, urban planning and design can significantly improve the quality of life, particularly in relation to air pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to encourage every activity related to the functioning of a city, which would minimize air pollution. The empirical and conceptual findings from this research propose the necessity of careful driven urban health solutions, derived from power plants and heavy city traffic, regarding the gasoline-diesel powered automobiles which are not supportive to the urban, economic and health objectives. Prishtina, like other cities, must reconsider implementation of a strategy for healing urban health, helped by new developed technologies and environmental focused activities.
Volumetric behavior of natural swelling soil on drying-wetting paths. Application to the Boumagueur marl -Algeria-
Authors: Mebarki Mehdi , Kareche Toufik , Benyahia Sabah , Derfouf Feth-Ellah Mounir , Abou-Bekr Nabil , Taibi Said 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article presents the results of experimental work carried out both in situ (coring; pressuremeter test) and in the laboratory (drying-wetting and oedometric tests) to describe the volumetric behavior on drying-wetting path of a swelling clayey soil of eastern Algeria. In order to perform drying-wetting tests the osmotic technique and saturated salts solutions were used. These suction-imposed methods have gained widespread acceptance as reliable methods for imposing suction on soil specimens. They allowed to sweep a wide range of suctions between 0 and 500 MPa. The ability to impose suction on soil specimens allows for drying and wetting stress paths to be applied to evaluate resulting changes in state parameters (void ratio, degree of saturation and water content). These paths were carried out on specimens with different initial states. Slurries of soil were used to characterize the reference behavior, while the undisturbed soil samples allow to describe the behavior of material under in situ conditions. In the last part of this article and to specify the behavior observed in the saturated domain, a comparison between the resulting deformations of the drying-wetting test and those resulting from the oedometric test was made.
Theory of Syllogisms with Categorical, Conditional and Disjunctive Connectives Developed by Arabian Logicians
Authors: Mahmmoud Yagoubi , Fatahine Moussa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we are trying to summarize the peak of achievement of the Arabian logicians of the fifteenth century by making a classification and sketching in familiar terms the conditional and subjunctive syllogisms in Muḥammad Ibn Yusūf al-SSinūsī’s (1426-1490) work, i.e. in his explanation of Kitāb al-Muḫtaşar fī al-Manṭiq of al-Imām Muḥammad Ibn ʿArafa (1316- 1401).
Validation of the Croatian Version of Work Ability Index (WAI) in Population of Nurses on Transformed Item-Specific Scores
Authors: Smrekar Martina , Franko Alenka , Petrak Olivera , Zaletel-Kragelj Lijana 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aim
To assess the psychometric properties of the Croatian version of a Work Ability Index Questionnaire (WAIQ-CRO) in the population of nurses by using a specific methodological approach.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a sample of 711 Croatian nurses in 2018 in Zagreb, Croatia. The instrument’s internal consistency was assessed by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α). The factor structure was verified by confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with the assumption of a single-factor structure. To ensure the equality of importance of items in the assessment, the item-specific scores were transformed.

Results
The internal consistency of the instrument was satisfactory (α=0.71). CFA showed poor first model (Model-1) compatibility data (p<0.001, CFI=0.85, GFI=0.93, RMSEA=0.13). The modificated indexes suggested the introduction of correlation parameters residual variances of results from WAIQ-CRO Item-1 and Item-2. After introducing these covariances, the index model assentation (Model-2) showed desirable assentation measures (p<0.001, CFI=0.95, GFI=0.97, RMSEA=0.08). Comparison showed better compatibility of Model-2 (p<0.001). The implementation of EFA has identified three factors. Replication of this model in CFA resulted in relatively good model assentation approaches with data (p<0.001, CFI=0.96, GFI=0.98, RMSEA=0.07). Comparison of this model (Model-3) with Model-2 showed a significantly better compatibility of Model-3 (p<0.001).

Conclusion
The WAIQ-CRO proved to be a reliable and valid instrument which can be used in research among Croatian nurses. The results suggest that it would be better to consider a three-factor structure than a single-factor structure, as a three-factor structure can direct decision-makers to which segment to locate interventions.
Risk Factors for Voice Problems in Professional Actors and Singers
Authors: Prebil Nataša , Hočevar Boltežar Irena , Šereg Bahar Maja 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The purpose was to determine the incidence of voice disorders in a group of professional actors and singers, to compare the two groups, and to investigate the potential causes of their voice problems.

Methods
65 actors and 63 singers from professional theatres and choirs were included. The data concerning voice problems, their possible causes, and factors adversely affecting voice quality were obtained through a questionnaire. The results were compared between the groups of professional singers and actors, and between the subgroups of singers and actors both with and without frequent voice problems.

Results
The incidence of frequent voice problems over the entire career in singers and actors was lower than reported in the literature. Professional actors displayed more inappropriate life and vocal habits than the singers. Significant risk factors for voice disorders in singers turned out to be loud speech (p=0.029) and the presence of allergies or asthma (p=0.048). No such significant risk factors were found in actors.

Conslusion
The study confirmed the importance of preventive examination of the vocal tract function before enrolling in studies for an elite voice user. Professional singers and especially actors demonstrated insufficient knowledge of proper voice care. The results suggest that elite voice users require additional information on voice hygiene and occasional professional help from college to the end of career. Speech and language therapists can play a crucial role in such voice care in order to effectively prevent voice problems in elite voice users.
Alleviating Poverty in Nigeria: Keynesian Vs Monetary Theory of Poverty
Authors: Maku Olukayode Emmanuel , Tella Afeez Taiwo , Fagbohun Akinola Christopher 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study comparatively investigates the impacts of fiscal and monetary policies on poverty in Nigeria from 1986 to 2018. Using the Ordinary Least Square and Standardized or Beta Coefficient approach, we found that the Nigerian political system plays a vital role on a large number of its citizens living in extreme poverty. Other factors identified as the likely causes of poverty are insurgencies, terrorism, and low productivity among others. Also, monetary policy is more important in alleviating poverty than the fiscal policy which favored the monetary school arguments. Specifically, monetary measures like exchange rate and interest rate are more significant in alleviating poverty far more than inflation rate while fiscal measures proxy with government recurrent expenditure plays a more vital role in alleviating poverty in Nigeria than others like government capital expenditure and government recurrent expenditure. The study recommended that in the case of monetary measures, there is a need for Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to shift their attention towards key monetary policy measures like interest rate and exchange rate compare to other monetary measures.
Non-Destructive Testing of Thermoplastic Carbon Composite Structures
Authors: Szymański Rafał 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The article is in line with the contemporary interests of companies from the aviation industry. It describes thermoplastic material and inspection techniques used in leading aviation companies. The subject matter of non-destructive testing currently used in aircraft inspections of composite structures is approximated and each of the methods used is briefly described. The characteristics of carbon preimpregnates in thermoplastic matrix are also presented, as well as types of thermoplastic materials and examples of their application in surface ship construction. The advantages, disadvantages and limitations for these materials are listed. The focus was put on the explanation of the ultrasonic method, which is the most commonly used method during the inspection of composite structures at the production and exploitation stage. Describing the ultrasonic method, the focus was put on echo pulse technique and the use of modern Phased Array heads. Incompatibilities most frequently occurring and detected in composite materials with thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix were listed and described. A thermoplastic flat composite panel made of carbon pre-impregnate in a high-temperature matrix (over 300°C), which was the subject of the study, was described. The results of non-destructive testing (ultrasonic method) of thermoplastic panel were presented and conclusions were drawn.
A First Step In Composition: The Unity Of Interpretation
Authors: Aftanasiu Doru 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
When the purpose we aim at within the pedagogics of the Actor’s Art is to form and strengthen some of the student’s skills regarding the scenic composition of the character, we are in need of a few new coordinates referring to what we shall call the unity of interpretation in the Actor’s Art.
Firstly, we will make a parallel between the actor’s art and painting, even if this idea might seem somewhat strange. Every character has a general line, a direction it follows. The play represents, after all, only a fragment of the character’s lives. They have a past (before the start of the play), a present (visible on the stage during the play) and maybe even a future (after the curtain drops, as a possible conclusive continuation of the fragment of life which the spectators witnessed).
We will now make an analysis of the thought process. We have established that there is a unit of interpretation at the level of a whole role. This means that we can also talk about a unity at the level of any fragment of text – for example, in the case of a monologue.
Maybe there is something else we must add here: the fact that words are not that which initially stands at the root of thoughts. They are, usually, born from images. We can then conclude that, in order to interpret a text, the ideas it contains must firstly have an emotional impact on us. Hence, by way of analogy, the actor can have an enormous amount of references on which the naturalness of the interpretation is founded on, from all points of view.
Performance Art After The 1990s
Authors: Nedelcu Liviu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Performance art has become over-represented in contemporary art museums, at art fairs, at major international exhibitions. In this context, I have proposed a brief overview of the history of performance in North America and Europe, to identify conceptual variations or continuities in post-1989 performing arts practices. What kind of queries caused the resort to the body? Which of the criticisms are still current and which new issues are formulated in the present geopolitical framework or in particular socio-political contexts? In order to answer these questions, I’ve selected a number of national and international male/ female artists whose practices illustrate the main directions in today’s performance art.
Festival Under The Sign of Premieres. Lalka tez czlowiek, XIV Edition
Authors: Tipa Violeta 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The International Festival of Puppet Theaters for Adults Lalka tez czlowiek, organized by the Una Teatr Niemozliwy in Warsaw is at the XIV edition. The festival, which takes place in the gold of autumn, captivates the theater audience by the fact that it always manages to bring together the most diverse theaters, as well as a varied selection of performances, which make use of the new technologies and experiments in the theatrical language. Here, at this festival, tradition meets modernity, provoking discussions about the problems of evolution, the trends of aesthetics, and the language of animation theater ... Each performed show has completed the calendar of events, having to say something new with more or less artistic mastery, directorial ingenuity, ideational message, etc.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Oscillation of Second-Order Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Santra Shyam Sundar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this work, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the oscillation of all solutions of second-order half-linear delay differential equation of the form

(

r

(

x
′

)

γ

)

′

(
t
)

+
q

(
t
)

x

α

(

τ

(
t
)

)

=
0

{\left( {r{{\left( {x'} \right)}^\gamma }} \right)^\prime }\left( t \right) + q\left( t \right){x^\alpha }\left( {\tau \left( t \right)} \right) = 0

Under the assumption ∫∞(r(n))−1/γdη=∞, we consider the two cases when γ > α and γ < α. Further, some illustrative examples showing applicability of the new results are included, and state an open problem.
3D Cell Image Segmentation by Modified Subjective Surface Method
Authors: Uba MarKjoe Olunna , Mikula Karol , Krivá Zuzana , Nguyen Hanh , Savy Thierry , Kardash Eléna , Peyríeras Nadine 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this work, we focused on 3D image segmentation where the segmented surface is reconstructed by the use of 3D digital image information and information from thresholded 3D image in a local neighbourhood. To this end, we applied a mathematical model based on the level set formulation and numerical method which is based on the so-called reduced diamond cell approach. The segmentation approach is based on surface evolution governed by a nonlinear PDE, the modified subjective surface equation. This is done by defining the input to the edge detector function as the weighted sum of norm of presmoothed 3D image and norm of presmoothed thresholded 3D image in a local neighbourhood. For the numerical discretization, we used a semi-implicit finite volume scheme. The method was applied to real data representing 3D microscopy images of cell nuclei within the zebrafish pectoral fin.
A Scalable Approach for Short-Term Predictions of Link Traffic Flow by Online Association of Clustering Profiles
Authors: Attanasi Alessandro , Pezzulla Marco , Simi Luca , Meschini Lorenzo , Gentile Guido 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Short-term prediction of traffic flows is an important topic for any traffic management control room. The large availability of real-time data raises not only the expectations for high accuracy of the forecast methodology, but also the requirements for fast computing performances. The proposed approach is based on a real-time association of the latest data received from a sensor to the representative daily profile of one among the clusters that are built offline based on an historical data set using Affinity Propagation algorithm. High scalability is achieved ignoring spatial correlations among different sensors, and for each of them an independent model is built-up. Therefore, each sensor has its own clusters of profiles with their representatives; during the short-term forecast operation the most similar representative is selected by looking at the last data received in a specified time window and the proposed forecast corresponds to the values of the cluster representative.
TO THE ISSUE OF CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE ARBITRATION PROCESS
Authors: Fedorov Roman 
Published: May 2020

The article is devoted to the classification of subjects of arbitration process. Author analyses several traditional approaches to the structure of arbitration procedural legal relations and examine one of its basic elements — the participants of the legal relationship. The author notes that the range of subjects of the arbitration process is unstable and changes depending on the stage of the process, as well as on the nature of the procedural actions performed, and the circumstances of the case under consideration. Special attention is paid to the role and legal status of the court as the main subject in the arbitration process.
PREVALENCE, PATTERN AND DETERMINANTS OF FAST FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA: AN IMPLICATION FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION
Authors: Emeka Ekwuluo Celestine , Muhammed S.I 
Published: May 2020

Motivation/Background: In 2001, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 60 percent of 56 million deaths worldwide and 47% of global burden of disease. In all countries, evidence suggested underlying determinants of NCDs were largely same. These include increased consumption of rapidly processed energy-dense nutrient-poor foods high in fat, sugar, salt and reduced levels of physical activity. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, pattern and determinants of fast foods consumption among school age children in Jos metropolis.
Method: In this study, we used descriptive cross-sectional study and included 347 mothers or care givers with children age 6 to 12 years in our sample size. We applied structured interviewer-administered questionnaire during data collection and analyzed the data with SPSS version 21.0.
Results: Prevalence of fast food consumption among school age children in Jos metropolis in the last one week is 91.1%. Knowledge of health risk associated with fast food consumption was 86.5%. Flour based fast food were most commonly consumed. We established an association between meal skipping, fast food advertisement and fast food consumption.
Conclusions: We recommend the need to focus public enlightenment on health risk associated with fast food consumption among school age children. Likewise, children should be encouraged to carry home-made food to school and legislation on fast food advertisement directed at children should be enacted.
Evaluasi Beberapa Tolok Ukur Vigor untuk Pendugaan Perpanjangan Masa Edar Benih Padi (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Febriani Lilis Yati , Widajati Eny 
Published: May 2020

Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk memperoleh beberapa tolok ukur vigor benih yang paling efektif untuk pendugaan perpanjangan masa edar benih padi. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium Ilmu dan Teknologi Benih, Institut Pertanian Bogor dan Balai Besar Pengembangan Pengujian Mutu Benih Tanaman Pangan Hortikultura, Cimanggis, Depok dari bulan Juli 2011 sampai Oktober 2011. Rancangan yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah rancangan acak lengkap dengan dua faktor. Faktor pertama adalah lot benih dan faktor kedua adalah periode simpan. Faktor lot benih terdiri atas var. Ciherang dengan tanggal kadaluarsa 15 Juni 2011 (Lot A), var. Inpari 10 Laeya dengan tanggal kadaluarsa 10 Juli 2011 (Lot B), var. Situ Bagendit dengan tanggal kadaluarsa 21 Juli 2011 (Lot C). Faktor kedua adalah periode simpan terdiri atas 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 dan 12 minggu. Variabel yang efektif untuk menduga masa simpan benih padi adalah nilai delta. Penelitian ini menunjukkan Lot A mencapai akhir Periode II dan memasuki Periode III dari enam minggu periode penyimpanan. Lot B dan Lot C mencapai titik anomali, dengan nilai delta maksimum pada dua minggu setelah periode penyimpanan. Lot B dan Lot C pada penelitian ini hanya bisa dilakukan perpanjangan masa edar sampai periode simpan 2 minggu.