bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapy and Standard of Care in High-Grade Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Xu Libo , Chen Guanyu , Liu Jiangmin , Wang Qian , Hu Xindan , Wen Naiyan , Liu Xiaomin , Peng Xinyu , Fan Lei , Guo Baofeng , Zhang Ling 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy combined with standard of care (SOC) is often used for high-grade glioma (HGG). There are few comparisons of immunotherapy with SOC treatment or without SOC treatment (IMT) versus SOC. It is important to understand what interventions exist and their relative effectivenesses.
METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched by two librarians. Retrieved hits were screened for inclusion. Subgroup analysis was used to examine the main factors associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), which were used as primary endpoints to assess the efficacy and safety of IMT. This study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42019112356.
RESULTS: The search yielded 2,315 results, of which 11 met the eligibility criteria. We identified 6 publications through exploration. Compared to SOC alone, IMT including viral therapy (VT) and dendritic cell vaccination improved the OS (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.72; p < 0.0001) and PFS (HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.84; p = 0.0005).
CONCLUSIONS: We found that IMT in the era of TMZ has an improved effectiveness over SOC. Our findings support the use of immunotherapy for brain tumors to improve HGG outcomes.
A description of Surgical counting safety practices among operating room nurses and midwives in Rwanda
Authors: Mukantwari Joselyne , Omondi Lilian , Ntakirutimana Christian , Nyirasafari Emerthe 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background : The retained surgical item is a critical double burden to the patients and their families. One way of minimizing the risks of this critical burden is the surgical counting process which is costless, effective and preventive method. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice towards surgical counting among operating room nurses and midwives at referral teaching hospitals in Rwanda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at four referral teaching hospitals on 160 randomly selected nurses and midwives working in the operating rooms. Nurses and midwives working in OR reported their knowledge and practices in surgical counting exercise using a self-administered questionnaire. A checklist was used by the researchers to observe the compliance with surgical count policy in the OR. Data were entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21.0) for analysis. A correlation between knowledge and practices and association between demographic characteristics with knowledge and practices were tested in this study. The ethical principles were valued. Results: Out of 156 participants who responded to this study, the majority were females (62.8%), Married (70.5%), 30-39years old (53.8%), advanced diploma (82.1%) and with clinical experience below 6 years (52.5%). The majority (78.2%) had good knowledge of surgical count but the majority reported the poor practices (57.8%, n=89). Compared to self reported practices, the observation reports of 35 cases revealed very poor performance. Being female and 1-3 years experience in OR are factors for performing surgical counting practices (OR:3.030562;p≤0.027); and (OR; 9.215279;p ≤0.002) respectively). Conclusion : The surgical count practices were self-reported and observed at low level. The experience and female gender was associated with the practices towards surgical count safety. Others barriers that may hinder the practices were not explored in this study and recommended for further research. Increasing a number of specialized perioperative nurses in OR and in service training and policy implementation follow up may improve Surgical count safety practices. Key words: Surgical count, Operating room, Practice and Referral hospital
Correlation between expression of XB130, AKT and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhou Xinyi , Han Zenglei , Gai Kai , Liu Yang , Guo Chengye , Zhang Tenglong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective To examine XB130 and AKT expression levels in the pathological tissues of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) followed by analysis of their relationship with other common prognostic indicators.Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological characteristics of 120 NSCLC subjects from August 1, 2014 to August 1, 2015 was conducted. The expression of XB130 and AKT was detected by immunohistochemistry. Correlation analysis of XB130 with various other factors was analyzed by the Chi-squared test. Relationship between XB130, AKT and patient overall survival (OS), as well as progression-free survival (PFS) was examined using Cox analysis.Results The XB130 expression was significantly correlated to tumor differentiation (P = 0.004), T staging (P = 0.045), lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.028), and AKT expression (P = 0.043). Univariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazard model revealed that high XB130 expression, lymphatic metastasis, T staging, and high AKT expression were adverse prognostic factors for NSCLC (P < 0.05). Besides, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that high XB130 expression, lymph node metastasis, and high AKT expression were the independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).Conclusion XB130, AKT, and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for NSCLC prognosis. XB130 might affect patient prognosis through AKT. XB130 may be a prognostic marker for the survival and a candidate for the treatment of NSCLC, with potential therapeutic prospects.
Association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQ Alleles and Haplotypes with Type 1 Diabetes in Jordanians
Authors: Khdair Sawsan I. , Jarrar Wassan , Jarrar Yazun Bashir , Bataineh Safa’a , Al-Khaldi Omar 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II genes, particularly the HLADR
and -DQ loci, have been shown to play a crucial role in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) development.

Objective:
This study is the first to examine the contribution of the HLA-DR/DQ alleles and haplotypes
to T1D susceptibility in Jordanians.

Methods:
Polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) were used to genotype 41
Jordanian healthy controls and 50 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients.

Results:
The following alleles were found to be significant high risk alleles in T1D Jordanian patients:
DRB1*04 (OR=3.95, p<0.001), DRB1*0301(OR=5.27, p<0.001), DQA1*0301 (OR=5.67, p<0.001),
DQA1*0501(OR=3.18, p=0.002), DQB1*0201(OR=2.18, p=0.03), DQB1*0302 (OR=5.67, p<0.001).
However, Jordanians harboring the DRB1*0701 (OR=0.37, p=0.01), DRB1*1101 (OR=0.2, p=0.01),
DQA1*0505 (OR=0.31, p=0.02), DQA1*0103 (OR=0.33, p=0.04), DQA1*0201 (OR=0.45, p=0.04),
DQB1*0301 (OR=0.23, p=0.001), DQB1*0501 (OR=0.18, p=0.009) alleles had a significantly lower
risk of developing T1D.

Conclusion:
A strong positive association of DRB1*04-DQA1*0301-DQBl*0302 (OR=5.67,
p<0.001) and DRB1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 (OR=6.24, p<0.001) putative haplotypes with
IDDM was evident in Jordanian IDDM patients whereas DRB1*1101-DQA1*0505- DQB1*0301
(OR=0.23, p=0.03) was shown to have a protective role against T1D in Jordanians. Our findings show
that specific HLA class II alleles and haplotypes are significantly associated with susceptibility to T1D
in Jordanians.
Assessment of the Implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans at Local Level. Case Study of Latvia
Authors: Jekabsone Anda , Kamenders Agris , Rosa Marika , Kaselofsky Jan , Schule Ralf 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The need for sustainable energy management at the municipal level is growing, in order to meet EU climate goals. Multiple initiatives have been launched to support municipalities in energy planning and strategy development process. Despite available support, research shows mixed results about implementation of plans and strategies. This research paper analyses what targets municipalities set, how they monitor implementation of their sustainable energy action plans (SEAPs) and searches for the most important factors that have enabled or hindered the implementation of local SEAPs at Latvia. The article shows that, in some cases, there is evidence that SEAP development is a project-based activity, supported by external experts. From municipal personnel point of view, it is a project that ends with approved SEAP, but not a part of their future daily routine. Eventually implementation of the plan is difficult, because municipalities lack experience in daily management of energy data, distribution of responsibilities and implementation of procedures. Municipalities also tend to exclude important stakeholders in their SEAPs, like, private sector, household sector and transport sector, which lead to lower targets and lower achievements in GHG reduction.
Impact of Zones with Special Status on the Environment (Experience of Russia and Kazakhstan)
Authors: Turgel Irina , Bozhko Larissa , Pracheva Ekaterina , Naizabekov Abdrakhman 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In the article the issues of establishing and functioning of the zones with special economic activity conditions are addressed and their impact on the environment in Russia and Kazakhstan is assessed. The relevance of the subject of the research is determined, on the one hand, by a qualitative change in the role of the environmental issues in the system of values of population of the post-soviet countries and, on the other hand, by cumulative increase of the negative impact due to the irrational environmental management. Information about the types of special status zones established in these countries is systematized. The key characteristics of these institutional entities are compared, which includes goals and specifics of their development, implemented organizational mechanisms, measures for support of business activities, offered tax incentives and preferences. The authors demonstrate that the adopted accelerated economic growth strategy within the framework of zones with special status is implemented disregarding the environmental effects of their development, which poses serious threats to self-preservation of the society and environment. Common and country-specific risks of functioning of the zones with special economic activity conditions are justified. Factors contributing to inadequate assessment of the negative impact on the environment of industries, created in SEZ were revealed. It is emphasized that the current legal and regulatory framework of these zones in Russia and Kazakhstan is aimed not at the prevention of environmental threats but at the easing of requirements for entities in the field of environmental management. Finally, conclusion is made about the greening opportunities of development of the zones with special economic activity conditions, a necessity to enhance the environmental legislation and mutual “best practices” adoption opportunities in this field in Russia and Kazakhstan. The empirical basis of the analysis is constituted by the results of the studies carried out within the framework of the research work “Enhancement of the State Regulation Policy of Accelerated Clustering of the Industrial Regions” implemented on the grounds of the grant funding of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Methods to Evaluate Electricity Policy from Climate Perspective
Authors: Rozentale Liga , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Nowadays government policies to mitigate climate change are of a wide variety and they are evaluated before and after implementation. Much research has been conducted on how climate change policy will affect the climate. However, there is very little research on policies that are not intended to mitigate or reduce climate change and which, from the policy makers’ point of view, have no relation to climate change. The goal of this study is to review the electricity policy in Latvia and the aspects that can be evaluated under this policy, and apply multiple-criteria analysis to determine on what spheres the electricity policy leaves the most positive impact – is it climate or are they consumers and other electricity market players? The outcome of the analysis shows that, at the national level, the most positive impact on climate is provided by the National Energy and Climate Plan, indicating that climate is taken into consideration mostly only under complex multi-sectoral legislation.
New Vision on Invasive Alien Plant Management System
Authors: Zihare Lauma , Muizniece Indra , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Since the creation of the European Union’s (EU) Biodiversity Strategy, increased attention has been drawn to the spread of invasive non-native species, their impact on biodiversity, and the economic losses caused. Ensuring compliance with the regulation on the eradication of invasive species requires financial means, therefore a new vision on invasive plant management system is proposed. With a new system, invasive alien plant (IAP) control is ensured as well as a new source of lignocellulosic biomass for product production, that could result in financial gains is presented. This article provides current alien plant situation visualization by Sankey diagram showing invasiveness of alien species and establishment, after which invasive and potentially invasive species are directed further to pre-assessment. A total of 157 invasive plant species are evaluated by multi criteria decision analysis TOPSIS, the case on the national level (Latvia) is presented and a new concept for a IAP management system is provided. The research results and the new concept provide a contribution to policy makers, land owners affected by invasive species and municipalities.
La construcción curricular: algo mas que una acción instrumental
Authors: López Jiménez Nelson Ernesto 
Published: November 2019

Con preocupación se observa el incremento significativo que ha tenido la Educación superior en Colombia en cuanto a oferta de programas se refiere, desde la expedición de la Ley 30 de 1992, según datos del ICFES, se han creado 1.345 programas equivalentes a la tercera parte de la población general, no es que la ampliación de la oferta deba ser enjuiciada por principio -la actual cobertura no alcanza ni al 16% lo que es valido preguntamos, es sobre los antecedentes, circunstancias, intereses, indagaciones y concepciones auriculares, que sustentan dicha expansión.
Importancia social de los ambientes modernos de aprendizaje
Authors: Bonilla Baquero Carlos Bolívar 
Published: November 2019

Los educadores colombianos tenemos un compromiso inaplazable, con la búsqueda de alternativas encaminadas a contribuir en la superación de la crisis generalizada que vive el País. Se debe admitir de manera realista que esta contribución no será suficiente para resolver la crisis pero si necesaria, especialmente dentro del conjunto de opciones civilistas, contrarias a las opciones violentas-militaristas de derecha, centro o izquierda. De la misma manera, se considera que una contribución en este sentido puede resultar significativa desde el aula escolar actual, siempre y cuando los educadores asumamos una actitud favorable a la revisión de nuestro desempeño docente, internalizando concepciones teóricas que posibiliten la construcción de ambientes modernos de aprendizaje. A continuación definiremos esta última expresión.Ambiente de Aprendizaje. Cuando hablamos de Ambiente de Aprendizaje estamos haciendo referencia a una categoría pedagógica que define la estructura de relaciones en la cual actúan los primeros agentes protagónicos del proceso educativo. Se trata de una categoría que trasciende la concepción tradicional de ambiente de aprendizaje, como espacio físico del aula y/o como disponibilidad de materiales didácticos.
AQUAM—A Decision Support Software for Fish Farm Management
Authors: Radulescu Marius 
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a software for management and decision support in a fish farm is presented. The software called AQUAM is dedicated to fresh water fish farms. Its aim is to make an efficient management of resources through planning, monitoring, analysis and decision support. Successful planning and management requires the integration of data related to ponds, fish species, fish growth, water and energy and economic analysis. AQUAM computes farm budgets relating various costs and returns in order to determine short and long term profitability. A simulation of the profit, as a function of the fish holding density, is performed with AQUAM. The data used in the simulation are from a fish farm of semi-intensive type, located in the region Danube Delta, at village Jurilovca, Tulcea county, Romania. The fish species that were taken into account were carp and sanger.
ESTIMATION OF REDUCTION OF NITROGEN OXIDES IN COMBINED STEAM AND GAS POWER PLANTS
Authors: Kulyk M. P. 
Published: November 2019

The characteristic of the united power system of Ukraine, based on thermal, nuclear and hydro power plants, as well as on alternative and renewable sources, is carried out. The structure of power system potential indicates a lack of maneuver capacity, some plants are of low mobility. Thermal power is in critical condition due to expired service time of the main technological equipment, additionally, it is a huge source of emissions of harmful substances into the environment. An attempt to use them to cover peak loads only worsens their critical state.It is suggested to restore thermal power on the basis of combined steam and gas power plants. Moreover, for operation of gas section it is necessary to use working substance, which is formed in an additional furnace by heating the compressed air with heat from combustion of some part of coal flow, which subsequently enters the main furnace. The steam and gas generation branches are parallel connected, which extends the range of power change (increasing its maneuverability.) Gas generation increases mobility (rate of power change). For combustion of organic fuel, oxygen enriched atmospheric air is fed, and a nitrogen-based fraction can form a working substance for gas generation. With such an organization of combustion the coefficient of excess air can be ignored, which enables to reduce the volume of flue gases. The membrane separation of atmospheric air into fractions - one en-riched with oxygen, and another with nitrogen, improves the environmentalperformance of a power plant, while increasing its power and economic indices. On the example of the boiler unit TP-92 the basic parameters of a power plant are checked by a calculation method. It is confirmed that the proposed technical solutions point to the correctness and validity of the assumptions. Analysis of the existing technical level of scientific research increases confidence in perspective of the selected direction.
UKRAINIAN POLITICAL ELITE: SOCIAL EFFECTIVENESS ASSESSMENT BY DOMESTIC SCIENTISTS
Authors: Білоус Л. В. 
Published: November 2019

The article deals with the analysis of domestic scientists` research on the Ukrainian political elite social effectiveness and provides the coverage of their activity assessment in terms of publicinterests realization.
It is noted that among the numerous works of domestic scientists on the consideration of certain aspects of the Ukrainian political elite formation and functioning processes there are A. Pakhariev`s, F. Rudych`s, O. Hladkyi`s, M. Holovatyi`s, M. Shulha`s, M. Mykhailychenko`s, I. Pobochii`s, Y. Shaihorodskyi’s and many other`s researches where the matter is raised.
It is noticed that the scientists mainly negatively evaluate the political elite`s social activity in the period of Ukrainian independence. They emphasize that the “formal” political elite, “pseudoelite” of Ukraine is not solid and cohesive. They are not capable of thinking strategically and on a large scale, they are not ready to take historical responsibility for the society`s fate as a whole, adequately protect national interests, fight against corruption and, in general, resolutely carry out reforms. Domestic scientists emphasize that the Ukrainian political elite in their activity are still motivated mainly by their own narrow business interests, but not the interests of the society and the state.
The article suggests that the political elite social activity negative assessment bythe domestic scientists is a general theoretical reflection of people`s real distrust of the Ukrainian authority because of political crisis, corruption, low salaries and high prices, inflation, forced emigration abroad, the conflict in the East and so on as various opinion polls show.
The analysis of the scientific researches on our country`s political elite social effectiveness assessment has also made it possible to single out the scientists` vision of certain conditions under which a successful fulfillment of the elite`s social transformation subject function is possible.
PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN KITOSAN DAN GLISEROL PADA BIOPLASTIK DARI LIMBAH AIR CUCIAN BERAS (Oriza sp.)
Authors: Layudha Siti Iqlima , Ratnani Rita Dwi , Harianingsih Harianingsih 
Published: November 2019

Bioplastik atau yang sering disebut plastik biodegradable, merupakan salah satu jenis plastik yang hampir keseluruhannya terbuat dari bahan yang dapat diperbaharui dan mudah diuraikan oleh alam. Bioplastik pada penelitian ini berbahan dasar air cucian beras dengan penambahan gliserol dan kitosan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan variasi gliserol dan variasi gliserol-kitosan pada bioplastik dari air cucian beras. Penelitian diawali dengan membuat selulosa bakteri atau yang sering disebut dengan nata dari air cucian beras menggunakan metode fermentasi. Tahapan dilanjutkan dengan melakukan variasi penambahan gliserol 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% dan penambahan kitosan 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% dengan cara merendam bioplastik-gliserol yang sebelumnya telah dikeringkan dalam larutan kitosan. Hasil karakterisasi uji tarik menunjukkan bahwa bioplastik dari air cucian beras dengan kekuatan tarik optimum pada variasi penambahan gliserol 1% yaitu 0,029 N/mm2. Sedangkan pada penambahan variasi gliserol-kitosan, bioplastik dari air cucian beras memiliki kekuatan tarik optimum pada penambahan kitosan 2%, yaitu 0,076212 N/mm2. Kata Kunci: Air cucian beras, gliserol, kitosan