bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Data Analysis of Anterior Cervical Discectomies and Fusion Without Plate and Screws
Authors: Gulbis Artis , Ginevičs Edgars , Ozoliņa Agnese , Ruks Kaspars , Vanags Indulis , Kalnbērzs Konstantīns 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Surgical intervention in cervical disease can relieve neurological symptoms and improve life quality. This study aimed to analyse retrospective data of microscope-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgeries. The retrospective study was carried out at the ORTO clinic, Rīga, Latvia, from 2013 to 2017. Data from 198 patients were extracted retrospectively. Data on patient gender, age, diagnosis, extent of operation, type of cage and the overall height of the implants were used. Comparative analysis was carried out with the SPSS 22 software. P < 0.05 represented statistical significance. During the study period, 198 elective ACDF were carried out with increasing number of surgeries: 25 cases in 2013, 43 in 2014, 38 in 2015, 44 in 2016, and 48 in 2017. ACDF were significantly more often performed for females (n = 117, 59%) compared to males (n = 81, 41%; p < 0.003). Women were older with an average age of 50 ± 1 years than men (age 46 ± 1; p = 0.007). The mean surgery time was 1.5 ± 1 hours and the mean hospitalisation time was 3 ± 1 days. Four types of cages were used in similar number of operation: Cervios Peek Chronos C (24%), Syncage C (21%), EIT 3D print (29%), Cervios C Peek (26%); p = 0.2, regardless of patient age or gender. Most often, in 98 cases, the overall height of implants was 6–10 mm. The maximal height was 22 mm, where two patients underwent three-level, and one had a four-level discectomy. The most prevalent disc lesion levels were C5/6 and C6/7, followed by C4/5 and C3/4. One- and two-level discectomies were performed in similar numbers: 95 and 81 cases. However, only 20 patients underwent three level and two patients had four level discectomies in 2016 and 2017. Two level discectomy at C5/6, C6/7 was carried out significantly more often for women (55 vs. 26; p = 0.01), and for men 1-level lesion was more common in C6/7; p = 0.04. The overall incidence of cage subsidence was 5.5%, and the highest incidence was 24% when a Syncage C was used. The ACDF appears to be performed increasingly more often, particularly, in females. The most frequent operation was in one or two cervical levels; including level C6/7 in both genders. In the last years, three- and four-level cervical discectomies have become one of the surgical opportunities. Choice of cage was not influenced by patient gender and age, while cage biophysical and biochemical properties may influence the choice.
Fast-Track Surgery and Early Rehabilitation for Total Hip Replacement in Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopaedics
Authors: Birznieks Miķelis , Golubovska Iveta , Repša Lauris , Čerņavska Inta , Ābols Jānis , Muste Aivars , Ļu Igors , Miščuks Aleksejs 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Due to an ageing population, the necessity for hip replacement has grown, and therefore, new options are being sought, such as the Fast-track principle, to improve patient condition, reduce their hospital stay and enhance the hospital’s ability to treat more patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of same-day patient mobilisation on pain, side effects, complications, duration of hospital stay, and recovery after primary hip replacement, using intermediate-acting local anaesthetics in spinal anaesthesia (SA). A prospective, randomised study was conducted at the Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopaedics. Forty-six patients undergoing total hip replacement were selected and divided into two groups. Spinal anaesthesia was performed in study group (P) with 70 mg plain prilocaine. The control group (B) received 18 mg heavy bupivacaine in SA. On the first postoperative day, pain during movement was 2.00 (P) and 3.33 (B) on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the duration of hospital stay in the study group was shorter by ~1 day, and patient self-care was better in the study group. When the Fast-track principle is used with intermediate-acting SA and early rehabilitation, it is possible to reduce post-operative pain during movement, reduce the length of stay and improve patient self-care abilities.
Feasible Evaluation of PQ Bypass Results with Duplex Ultrasound
Authors: Lācis Aigars , Ezīte Natālija , Šavlovskis Jānis , Kukulis Indulis , Rumba Roberts , Strīķe Eva , Zellāns Edgars , Ļūļaka Inguna , Krieviņš Dainis 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have substantially impaired health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Chronic lower limb ischaemia due to the atherosclerotic occlusion of infra-inguinal arteries is one of the most important causes of invalidity among smokers over the age of fifty. Historically, these lesions were treated by open bypass surgery. Less invasive endovascular revascularisation methods are available to treat short lesions, while treatment of long lesions are lacking. Fully endovascular trans-venous femoro-popliteal bypass (PQ Bypass, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to treat long femoral lesions has been developed recently. The objective of the study was to evaluate duplex ultrasound (DUS) as a tool to follow up patients after PQ bypass procedure. A prospective clinical study was conducted at one clinical site. DUS of treated arteries and femoral vein was performed before the procedure, 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months in follow-up period by 2 independent radiologists. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) evaluation was performed at all visits. Thirty-five patients (35 limbs) treated with PQ bypass were enrolled in the study. Median age was 63.6 years (ranged 50 to 87 years). There was 100% successful evaluation of all patients at all clinical visits available. Deviation of the DUS results was found within the accepted standard limit between two radiologists. Twelve months after the PQ procedure, 28 (80.0%) PQ stent-grafts were still functioning without DUS signs of stenosis, while seven (20.0%) limbs experienced varying degrees of stent malfunction. PQ stent-graft occlusion was detected in five (14.3%) – 1 (2.9%) patients at one-month follow-up, 3 (8.6%) at six months and 1 (2.9%) at twelve months follow-up period, respectively. PQ stent-graft proximal junction stenosis was detected in one patient (2.9%) at six months and distal junction stenosis in one patient (2.9%) at twelve months follow-up, respectively. Despite of graft occlusion found with DUS, two patients had no severe worsening of post-operative ABI. DUS is a reliable method to evaluate patients after PQ bypass procedure and has higher sensitivity than ABI to follow-up patients after PQ procedure, especially in asymptomatic stent stenosis. Regular and timely use of DUS during the postoperative period may help to recognise potential complications and provide effective treatment..
Stochastic Modelling for Dynamics of Interacting Populations
Authors: Carkovs Jevgeņijs , Pavlenko Oksana 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The paper deals with a mathematical model for two interacting populations. Under the assumption of fast stochastic contacting of populations, we derive stochastic Poisson-type differential equations with a small parameter and propose an approximative algorithm for quantitative analysis of population dynamics that consists of two steps. First, we derive an ordinary differential equation for mean value of each population growth and analyse the average asymptotic population behaviour. Then, applying diffusion approximation procedure, we derive a stochastic Ito differential equation for small random deviations on the average motion in a form of a linear non-homogeneous Ito stochastic differential equation and analyse the probabilistic characteristics of the Gaussian process given by this equation.
Sinonasal inverted papilloma – what’s new
Authors: Marza Andreea , Sarafoleanu Codrut , Musat Gabriela 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Inverted or Schneiderian papilloma is a locally aggressive benign tumor with strong recurring tendency and a high potential to transform into a malignant squamous cell carcinoma. Although the clinical characteristics of inverted papilloma, along with the morphological features, have been adequately described, controversy remains with regards to the risk factors and disease etiology. The complete excision of the tumor by surgery is traditionally considered the mainstay of therapy.
This paper updates the state of knowledge and presents our experience from treating 52 patients, diagnosed with inverted papilloma, who underwent surgical treatment in our department. We performed genotyping for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) for all the patients included in our study group.
A randomized control study to compare the efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate and intranasal budesonide in controlling postoperative symptoms in patients with nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Shankar Kiruba , Bakshi Satvinder Singh , Saxena Sunil Kumar , Gopalakrishnan Suriyanarayanan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Sinonasal polyposis represents a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by nasal obstruction, reduction in the sense of smell and impaired quality of life. Intranasal steroids play an important role in preventing the postoperative recurrences in these cases. We carried out a study to evaluate and compare intra nasal budesonide and intranasal fluticasone propionate in the postoperative management of ethmoidal nasal polyposis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. 106 patients with ethmoidal polyposis were treated with endoscopic polypectomy and were postoperatively started and maintained on intranasal steroids. 54 patients were managed with budesonide and 52 patients maintained on fluticasone propionate nasal spray. The patients were followed-up for 6 months and recurrences and control of symptoms evaluated.
RESULTS. There was a statistical difference in the SNOT-22 (p<0.0001) and Lund-Kennedy scores (p=0.015) between patients using fluticasone propionate as compared to those using budesonide intra nasal spray by the end of the 6th month.
CONCLUSION. Both intranasal budesonide and fluticasone propionate are effective in controlling symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with sinonasal polyposis; however, intranasal fluticasone propionate was more efficacious than budesonide in the control of postoperative symptoms.
The role of CT scan in predicting complications in small ethmoidal osteomas
Authors: Budu Vlad Andrei , Decuseara Tatiana , Crac Silviu , Gheorghe Alexandra , Panfiloiu Alexandru , Goanta Cristina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Osteomas are slow-growing tumors of the paranasal sinuses, usually found in the frontal and ethmoidal sinus. In many cases, these tumors are discovered by chance or after an imagistic exam for a non-responsive to medical treatment headache. In asymptomatic tumors, conservative treatment is indicated, while in big tumors with complications the gold standard is surgical resection of the tumor. We present two cases of rather similar anterior ethmoidal osteomas in which the therapeutic management was decided according to the symptomatology of the patient and the imagistic CT exam. We decided different ways of treatment for the two cases based on the CT scan, which has a major role in predicting intraoperative complications during endoscopic sinus surgery.
Electricity Supply and Economic Diversification in Nigeria (1981-2016)
Authors: Ajibola Akinyemi A. , Isiaka Muideen A. , Nnoli Ikenna T. , Abimbola Christiana A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The study examined the impact of electricity supply on economic diversification in Nigeria, using time series data from 1981 to 2016. The study employed descriptive analysis and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) techniques. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test showed that the variables are integrated of different orders.
The result from the Bounds co-integration test to show the presence of a long-run relationship among the variables was inconclusive. The short run (ARDL) model, however, indicated a positive insignificant relationship between electricity supply and economic diversification in Nigeria. The findings of the study revealed that the electricity supply had not played a fundamental role in enhancing economic diversification in Nigeria.
The study, therefore, recommended that for Nigeria to drive economic diversification through electricity supply, the government should fix the electricity supply problem which can be achieved by short-term action to reduce technical faults through maintenance of the transmission and distribution infrastructure or long-term interventions to expand generating capacity.
Aspects of the Evolution of the Romanian Tourists’ Preferences Concerning the Domestic Tourist Destinations
Authors: Bălăcescu Aniela , Zaharia Radu Șerban 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Tourist services represent a category of services in which the inseparability of production and consumption, the inability to be storable, the immateriality, and last but not least non-durability, induces in tourism management a number of peculiarities and difficulties. Under these circumstances the development of medium-term strategies involves long-term studies regarding on the one hand the developments and characteristics of the demand, and on the other hand the tourist potential analysis at regional and local level. Although in the past 20 years there has been tremendous growth of on-line booking made by household users, the tour operators agencies as well as those with sales activity continue to offer the specific services for a large number of tourists, that number, in the case of domestic tourism, increased by 1.6 times in case of the tour operators and by 4.44 times in case of the agencies with sales activity. At the same time, there have been changes in the preferences of tourists regarding their holiday destinations in Romania. Started on these considerations, paper based on a logistic model, examines the evolution of the probabilities and scores corresponding to the way the Romanian tourists spend their holidays on the types of tourism agencies, actions and tourist areas in Romania.
Obtaining Value and Performance by Managing Effectively the Customers’ Complaints
Authors: Duica Mircea Constantin , Florea Nicoleta Valentina , Dobrescu Tiberiu Alexandru 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Customers’ complaints represent an opportunity for any organization who wants to improve relationship with customers, to find out the problems existing into organization and the way to solve them, to improve the amount of knowledge and the desire, beliefs, and needs of customers. All those are made in order to increase value for organization and also for the customers. Having objective information, updated, clear and sincere, the organization may improve the quality of their products and services it offers. Thus, any complaints may be regarded as a gift not as a negative feedback from the customers, or as a two-way feedback based on trust and collaboration. A gift which will bring performance on long term based on win-win situations.
In this article we will disseminate the literature in the field and also we will analyze the results of a research made on 150 respondents who analyzed 10 institutions, the willingness to recommend them to other customers and the problem existing into these institutions, making a plan to overcome them. The objective of this analysis is to understand the role of customers’ complaints in improving the quality of the products and services and of the value obtained both for customers and organizations.
Leadership in the Digital Era
Authors: Mihai Roxana-Lucia , Creţu Alina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The new generation, who grew up with social media and the intensive use of information technology, is pouring into the job market, disrupting the corporate culture and leadership models that have been known until now.
If these young experts have unique working methods and a language of their own, they are also at the center of the value creation network. How can a leader cope with these changes and exploit the remarkable potential of this new generation? No Fear builds on the personal experiences of leaders of major international companies and points the way forward for any leader who wants to grow its business and its employees in the digital age.
The digital revolution will pose new challenges to the leaders of the companies. First of all, the proliferation of technological innovations and their rapid diffusion are a major challenge to understand, assimilate and use them wisely. Second, the exponential growth of Internet-based businesses poses a major challenge for those in the old economy that are at risk of a rapid break in their core business.
The Role and the Importance of Human Resources in Obtaining Organization Performances
Authors: Popescu Constanța , Georgescu Antoaneta Roxana , Grapă Bogdana Gabriela 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The human resources department represents a particular capital, which needs being listened to, motivation and training for the achievements of the organization’s objectives. The employee contributes or prevents the right turn of the things going on into a company. People are different from each other, and the transfer of practices considered standard in an activity or organization becomes inappropriate in another environment with different cultural and professional values. Human resources specialists avoid passing examples of good practice to other organizations due to the fact that successful recipes in a certain environment are impractical in another.
It is vital to create a motivational climate and an organizational culture that facilitates employee integration into the institution's needs and personal goals to match to organizations. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire applied to a representative sample of teaching staff in pre-university education in Dâmboviţa County. The teachers carry out their activity in academic high schools, technological and vocational schools. The data was used to outline an overview of what human resources are for the organization and to what extent it influences its performance.
Unsur-unsur Pengetahuan Sosial dalam Cerita Rakyat Bali Aga dan Buku Pelajaran Sekolah Dasar Zaman Kolonial Belanda
Authors: Laksmita Sari Ida Ayu 
Published: November 2019

Artikel ini menganalisis unsur-unsur pengetahuan sosial dan faktual dalam cerita rakyat Bali Aga dan dalam buku-buku teks sekolah dasar dari periode kolonial Belanda. Analisis ini berfokus pada bagaimana teks naratif yang biasanya dianggap sebagai fiksi, ternyata juga mengekspresikan pengetahuan sosial dan informasi faktual tentang sosial dan budaya. Objek penelitian ini adalah cerita rakyat Bali Aga yang diterbitkan dalam bentuk buku pada tahun 1987 dan teks eksposisi dan cerita pendek termasuk buku teks sekolah yang diterbitkan pada tahun 1910-an. Dari dua buku data, 10 teks dipilih untuk pembahasan. Data dianalisis dengan teori retorika dan analisis isi (content analysis) yang memfokuskan kajian pada isi daripada struktur teks. Artikel ini menyimpulkan bahwa cerita rakyat, cerita pendek, dan bentuk genre fiksi lainnya ternyata kaya akan pengetahuan umum tentang kehidupan sosial dan budaya dan deskripsi tentang hal-hal faktual seperti yang biasa diungkapkan dalam teks eksposisi. Dengan demikian, seperti genre teks eksposisi, teks naratif tidak hanya menyampaikan cerita tetapi juga menyampaikan ragam pengetahuan umum yang terkait dengan masyarakat yang memiliki cerita tersebut.
Kata kunci: bahasa Bali, teks narasi, teks eksposisi, fakta dan fiksi, content analysis
Diagnosa Tumor Otak Berdasarkan Citra MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Authors: Suta Ida Bagus Leo Mahadya , Hartati Rukmi Sari , Divayana Yoga 
Published: November 2019

Tumor otak menjadi salah satu penyakit yang paling mematikan, salah satu jenis yang paling banyak ditemukan adalah glioma sekitar 6 dari 100.000 pasien adalah penderita glioma. Citra digital melalui Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) merupakan salah satu metode untuk membantu dokter dalam menganalisa dan mengklasifikasikan jenis tumor otak. Namun, klasifikasi secara manual membutuhkan waktu yang lama dan memiliki resiko kesalahan yang tinggi, untuk itu dibutuhkan suatu cara otomatis dan akurat dalam melakukan klasifikasi citra MRI. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) menjadi salah satu solusi dalam melakukan klasifikasi otomatis dalam citra MRI. CNN merupakan algoritma deep learning yang memiliki kemampuan untuk belajar sendiri dari kasus kasus sebelumnya. Dan dari penelitian yang telah dilakukan, diperoleh hasil bahwa CNN mampu dalam menyelesaikan klasifikasi tumor otak dengan akurasi yang tinggi. Peningkatan akurasi diperoleh dengan mengembangkan algoritma CNN baik melalui menentukan nilai kernel dan/atau fungsi aktivasi.
Evaluasi Infrastruktur Jaringan LAN OPD Pemprov Bali dengan COBIT 5.0 Studi Kasus: Pemprov Bali
Authors: Budi Antara Gde Made , Linawati Linawati , Dewi Wirastuti Ni Made Ary Esta 
Published: November 2019

Infrastruktur jaringan LAN OPD dimanfaatkan oleh pengguna untuk mengakses berbagai layanan dan aplikasi yang ada di lingkungan Pemerintah Provinsi Bali, namun dalam operasionalnya tidak menutup kemungkinan adanya gangguan teknis. Diantara 152 gangguan jaringan yang terjadi selama setahun, diketahui bahwa gangguan yang terjadi pada jaringan LAN OPD lebih banyak terjadi pada gangguan fisik (sebanyak 61 gangguan) dibandingkan gangguan logik (sebanyak 24 gangguan). Untuk dapat menjaga ketersediaan infrastruktu jaringan LAN OPD maka dibutuhkan evaluasi infrastruktur jaringan LAN OPD menggunakan COBIT 5.0 yang berfokus pada domain EDM, DSS dan MEA. Hasil evaluasi infrastruktur jaringan LAN OPD menghasilkan indeks persentase diatas 50%. Berdasarkan skala penilaian ISO/IEC 15504, maka proses yang menjadi bagian dalam domain EDM, DSS dan MEA memperoleh status L (Largely Achieved), dimana masih belum sepenuhnya tercapai sehingga masih diperlukan pengembangan dan optimalisasi terhadap kondisi infrastruktur jaringan saat ini. Hasil evaluasi infrastruktur jaringan yang telah dihubungkan dengan rekapan data gangguan yang selama setahun, maka diperoleh proses pada domain EDM, DSS dan MEA yang direkomendasikan untuk dilakukan pengembangan dan optimalisasi yaitu DSS05, DSS01, DSS02, EDM03, DSS06, DSS03 dan MEA02. Pengembangan dan optimalisasi tersebut direkomendasikan kearah penyusunan prosedur dalam bentuk Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) yang terintegrasi.
Simulasi Filter Aktif pada 6 Pulse STATCOM Untuk Mereduksi Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Di Sistem Transmisi Bali
Authors: Nugraha Made Dika , Manuaba Ida Bagus Gede Ida Bagus Gede , Hartati Rukmi Sari 
Published: November 2019

Timbulnya harmonisa disebabkan karena pengoperasian beban listrik nonlinier. Harmonisa dapat menyebabkan bentuk gelombang menjadi tidak sinusoidal terutama arus input. Kandungan harmonisa yang melebihi batas dapat menyebabkan kualitas daya yang tidak baik. Tingkat distorsi harmonisa atau disebut dengan Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) pada jaringan transmisi berpotensi menimbulkan losses maupun drop voltage sehingga berpengaruh terhadap efisiensi sistem jaringan transmisi. Peredaman harmonisa merupakan pilihan yang tepat untuk mengurangi harmonisa arus (THDi). Berdasarkan standart IEEE 519-1992 besarnya harmonisa arus yang diharapkan harus di bawah 5%. Pada penelitian ini telah dirancang sebuah filter aktif agar mampu merdeam arus harmonisa yang terkandung pada sistem akibat penggunaan beban konverter 6 pulsa pada Statcom.