bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obtaining and Characterisation of Starch-Based Edible Films Incorporating Honey, Propolis and Bee Bread
Authors: Mironescu Monica , Fratila Laura , Hupert Alexandru , Mironescu Ion Dan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This research investigates the physical-chemical, sensorial and mechanical characteristics of starch-based edible films incorporating three types of bee hive products: honey, propolis and bee bread, in concentrations varying from 1% to 3%, reported to starch. The results indicates an increasing of films moisture, water activity, ash content and acidity, in the order: honey<propolis<bee bread, all values increasing with the increasing of hive products percentage into the control film; aw is remaining at very low values, under 0.4. Sensorial analysis indicated honey as the better suited for improving taste and flavour and bee bread for increasing colour intensity of the films; the sensorial characteristics are maintained during 30 days of films storage, in all cases. Compared with the control starch-based film (which is elastic, brittle and hard), the films containing 2% bee hive products are elasto-plastic and more resistant to penetration, the resistance increasing in the order: bee bread<propolis<honey.
Healthy Ageing in Smart Villages? Observations from the Field
Authors: Philip Lorna , Williams Fiona 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In the context of demographically ageing communities across rural Europe Smart Villages have considerable potential to promote ageing healthy. Whilst in principle supporting healthy ageing in the context of the Smart Village might appear a relatively straightforward endeavour, in operational terms, successful development of smart, 21st century villages relies upon, and sometimes assumes, an appropriate interplay of socio-technological factors. Articulated through a lens provided by the digital ecosystem model advocated by the European Network for Rural Development (2018), this paper offers some observations from the field. We acknowledge the challenges faced by remote rural places in their journey to become ‘smart places’ and identify formal and informal interventions that could better position rural communities to become part of a wider, smart society.
Delivering on the Concept of Smart Villages – in Search of an Enabling Theory
Authors: Slee Bill 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Smart villages have been increasingly heralded as a development strategy for the European countryside but with no clear understanding as to what comprises a smart village. Frequently, commentators associate smartness with quality of IT infrastructure and the ability to use it. An alternative perspective argues that the smartness can be better understood as a phenomenon associated with self-organised, bottom-up community action that either addresses the weaknesses of both state and market to contribute to local people’s wellbeing or exploits emergent opportunities through collective means. Using Scotland as an example, policy architectures can now be seen to be explicitly designed to support bottom-up community action. This paper explores this alternative notion of smartness based on communities’ capacities to self-organise and deliver a range of developments that support wellbeing and resilience and explores some of the challenges arising from this approach.
Determination of Pleurotus abieticola ligninolytic activity on Norway spruce wood
Authors: Żółciak Anna 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The effect of Phlebiopsis gigantea treatment in control of Heterobasidion parviporum in Norway spruce is less effective than that in control of Heterobasidion annosum in pine. It is necessary to apply other fungi, for example, Pleurotus abieticola in Norway spruce stands. Thus, it is necessary to assess the activity of major ligninolytic enzymes, that is, laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and versatile peroxidase (VP) produced by P. abieticola, which may be effective in the fast degradation of Norway spruce wood. Three strains of P. abieticola (Pa1-3) were grown on pieces of Norway spruce sapwood and heartwood for 50 days in laboratory conditions. Enzymatic activity was determined using spectrophotometry. Pleurotus abieticola produced laccase, LiP, MnP and VP. The activity of laccase was low, ranging 0–3.696 and 0–0.806 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. The highest activity in Pa1 = 3.696 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and in Pa3 = 0.806 mU/μg of protein in heartwood was observed after 30 and 50 days of incubation, respectively. The activity of LiP was also low, ranging 0–0.188 and 0–0.271 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. The highest activity in Pa1 = 0.271 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and in Pa2 = 0.188 mU/μg of protein in heartwood was observed after 40 and 20 days of incubation, respectively. The activity of MnP ranged 0–17.618 and 0–12.203 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. This enzymatic activity peaked at the 50th day of culture on sapwood for the Pa3 strain (17.618 mU/μg of protein) and at the 20th day of culture on heartwood for the Pa1 strain (12.203 mU/μg of protein). The activity of VP with manganese-oxidising properties was found to be high in all strains of P. abieticola, ranging 0–39.19 and 0–59.153 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and heartwood, respectively, whereas the activity of VP with guaiacol-oxidising properties was very low for all P. abieticola strains, ranging 0–0.248 and 0–0.225 mU/μg of protein in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. The values of released hydroxyphenols in P. abieticola strains ranged 24.915–139.766 and 25.19–84.562 µg of protocatechuic acid/ml in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. The values of released methoxyphenols for the evaluated strains of P. abieticola ranged 7.225–23.789 and 1.953–20.651 µg of vanillic acid/ml in sapwood and heartwood, respectively. Further studies with a higher number of strains of this species as well as an optimisation of conditions for the measurement of ligninolytic activity are needed.
Up to Date in Internal Medicine: From Older to the New 2019 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Classification Criteria
Authors: Dima Alina , Dumitrescu Bianca , Popescu Daniela Nicoleta , Pârvu Magda 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the prototype of autoimmune diseases, the most complex autoimmune pathology and it is characterized by a wide range of immune processes, important antibodies production as well as an impressive spectrum of clinical manifestations. The great variety of lupus signs and symptoms caused difficulties in establishing well-defined classification criteria, as well as sustaining the clinical diagnosis.
In 2019, a joint initiative of European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) released a new set of classification criteria for SLE, worldwide SLE experts were involved, this being the largest SLE classification effort up to date.
A Surprising Evolution of Myocardial Infarction in Young Adults
Authors: Adam Cristina , Mitu Magda , Mîndru Dana , Gîlcă Ana-Karina , Roca Mihai , Mitu Florin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction. Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death with increasing prevalence. Acute myocardial infarction is a consequence of prolonged acute myocardial ischemia, which appears secondary to an imbalance between oxygen consumption and intake at this level.

Case report. We present the case of a male patient, aged 53 years old, admitted in the Cardiovascular Recovery Clinic for moderate dyspnea, intermittent dizziness and muscle pain predominantly in the lower limbs. Regarding his medical history, he suffered an antero-lateral myocardial infarction due to excessive physical effort, which was trombolysed. Following the remission of the acute episode, the evolution over the next 6-12 months was towards heart failure clinically manifested by dyspnea. Considering the presence of heart failure associated with severely diminished ejection fraction, the medication is adjusted and Sacubitril/Valsartan is introduced at a dose of 49/51 mg twice a day, under which our patient presents with both clinical and echocardiography improvement. Cardio-pulmonary stress testing is the most accurate as it provides the best information regarding functional capabilities, beyond the ejection fraction of the left ventricle. Following the treatment with RNAi (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor), the parameters evaluated during the stress test were improved, which is clinically transposed by improving the quality of life and implicitly the long-term prognosis.

Conclusion. The particularity of this case consists in the occurrence of myocardial infarction at a young age (36 years) in a patient without a heredocolateral history or associated risk factors at that time. The association of ARNI (Sacubitril / Valsartan) in the therapeutic scheme has determined a clinical improvement, as well as paraclinical especially regarding the echocardiographic parameters (the ejection fraction increased from 25% to 40% at the end of the evaluation).
Predictive and Prognostic Value of Peritoneal Washing in Colorectal Cancer: A Literature Review
Authors: Iliev Sergey D. , Gabarski Anislav V. , Vladova Paulina T. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Presolski Ivailo M. , Nedyalkov Kiril L. , Ristovski Ivanche T. , Mirochnik Pavlin M. , Filipov Emil T. , Nguen Dobromir D. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Over the last decade, there has been a steady trend in increasing the incidence of colorectal cancer on a global scale. The relative share of patients under the age of 40 increases with each year. There is also a tendency for the incidence to be almost the same in males and females. Despite the efforts of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to establish and implement adequate screening for disease prevention, 45.8% of patients were diagnosed in the advanced (third and fourth) stages of the disease. In 44.7% of patients, it was in the first and second stages, and the stage was unspecified in the remainder [1].
The prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer has been significantly improved. Precise staging of the tumor, adequate interpretation of predictive and prognostic factors is essential in the choice of therapeutic behavior. On the other hand, an inappropriate therapy administered to a patient with a diagnosed cancer can lead to disease progression, metastasis, and death, which can be avoided by adequate, patient-specified treatment.
Biochemical Effects of Matured Stem Extract of Opuntia Dillenii in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Njoku Uche C. , Amadi Benjamin A. , Amadi Peter U. , Ezendiokwere Onyebuchi E. , Archibong Idongesit E. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The effect of aqueous matured stem extract of Opuntia dillenii on selected biochemical parameters in Male Wistar rats was explored. Standard analytical methods were applied. Forty Wistar rats (80-100g) were used in the animal studies, separated into four groups. The control group was solely administered normal feed and saline, group I was administered 100mgkg−1 of the extract, group II received 300mgkg−1 of the extract and group III received 500 mg/kg−1 of the extract. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase was observed in group II and III rats, as compared with the controls. A significant decrease in urea and creatinine concentrations was found only in group III rats against the controls. Also, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was seen in group II and group III rats when compared with the control. The hematological evaluation revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in red blood cell and hemoglobin levels in group III rats when compared with the control. The findings showed both beneficial and toxicological effects of the plant. Hence, for optimal therapeutic benefits, a further toxicological survey could still be carried out perhaps at higher doses.
Investigation ofAronia MelanocarpaFruit Juice for Sedative-Hypnotic Effects in Rats
Authors: Eftimov Miroslav Ts. , Valcheva-Kuzmanova StefkaV. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryAronia melanocarpafruit juice (AMFJ) has been intensively studied for effects on the central nervous system. The study aimed to investigate AMFJ for possible sedative-hypnotic effects in rats after acute and subchronic administration. Male Wistar rats were treated orally with three doses of AMFJ (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ml/kg) either once (acute treatment) or in 30 days (subchronic treatment). Control rats were similarly treated with distilled water. The tests were performed 1 hour after the last AMFJ administration. The possible sedative-hypnotic effects of the juice were investigated in the open field test (OFT) and thiopental-induced sleeping time test. Substances with sedative-hypnotic effects decrease locomotor activity in the OFT and prolong the time of thiopental-induced sleep. The results from the OFT showed that neither the acute, nor the subchronic treatment of rats with all AMFJ doses affected the horizontal and vertical locomotor activity significantly. The two patterns of administration of AMFJ (acute and subchronic) had no significant effect on the duration of thiopental-induced sleep. The lack of effect of AMFJ on locomotor activity and the lack of prolongation of thiopental-induced sleep showed that AMFJ did not display sedative-hypnotic effects in rats.
Professional Fulfillment: Ideas and Expectations of Pre-Graduate Student Nurses
Authors: Chifligarska Aneliya I. , Draganova Makreta T. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes and expectations of fourth-year student nurses regarding their professional fulfillment after completing basic education. A questionnaire survey was carried out in six higher educational institutions in the Republic of Bulgaria - Pleven, Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Ruse. Almost half of the students involved (114, 49.10%), planned to apply for a master’s degree in management of health care, and 62 (26.70%) preferred fulfillment abroad. Concerning the place of work, 80 (34.50%) of the respondents wished to specialize in surgical care. Of this latter group, 108 (46.60%) expressed the opinion that they would obtain excellent training in surgical units, and 62 (26.70%) expected to like the specificity of work in such units. The most significant influence on professional orientation in the area of surgical care of the future nurses was that of the tutors from the clinical bases - 90 (38.80%).
Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation in Children with Asthma and Obesity
Authors: Krasteva Niya A. , Shentov Boiko R. , Ruseva Adelaida L. , Petrova Chaika K. , Petkov Simeon P. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The rising incidence of bronchial asthma and obesity in children raises the question of whether there is a link between them. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation could be one of the linking mechanisms. We aimed to determine the serum concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor a (TNF-a) in children with asthma and obesity and to seek a relationship between these inflammatory markers and asthma control. We investigated 88 children aged 6 to 17 years - 25 asthmatic obese children (AsOb), 25 asthmatic non-obese children (AsNOb), 19 obese non-asthmatic children (ObNAs), and 19 non-obese non-asthmatic children as controls. Serum levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly increased in asthmatic obese and ObNAs compared to AsNOb and the control group. Serum TNF-a concentration was similar in the four studied groups. There were no statistically significant differences in serum levels of these inflammatory markers between controlled and partially controlled/uncontrolled asthmatics (obese and non-obese). Knowing the possible mechanisms of interaction between bronchial asthma and obesity would contribute to a more effective therapeutic approach in these patients.
Determinants of Migration Following the EU Enlargement: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Franc Sanja , Časni Anita Čeh , Barišić Antea 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The Eastern enlargements of the European Union (EU) since the early 2000s have included post-transitional economies at a lower level of development than the existing member states and thus, have significantly affected the East-West migration flows and labour markets on both sides. This has provided a distinctive opportunity to study the effects of liberalisation and to identify economic factors leading to migration flows with the purpose of enabling better estimations of future migration trends. In this research, a panel data analysis with pair of country fixed effects and time fixed effects is used to explore several pull and push factors of the East-West EU migration flows in the period from 2000 to 2017. Results indicate that emigration rate responds rather quickly to the changes in GDP per capita and unemployment rate of the youth population in immigration country, with statistically significant elasticity coefficients, suggesting that international migration contributes significantly to adjusting the labour supply to fluctuations in economic activity.
Endogenous Convergence and International Technological Diffusion Channels
Authors: Tica Josip , Šikić Luka 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The goal of the paper is to estimate relative importance of channels of technological diffusion between new member states and core EU countries. Based on neoclassical growth theory and extensive literature survey on technological diffusion we explore movements in the relative TFP in EU member states and try to identify relative importance of channels of technological diffusion as suggested by theory: imports, exports, FDI, R&D, human capital and fixed capital formation, etc. In the first step we employ Phillips and Sul (2007) log t test which has power to detect convergence even in the absence of cointegration between time series. In the second part we employ Abrigo and Love (2016) PVAR model in order to detect channels of diffusion of technology. The data is sampled from Eurostat and PWT repository and covers the period from 1995-2016 for panel analysis and 1950-2014 for TFP convergence analysis. Our results indicate that in the overall sample FDI and R&D are major drivers of technological change, while, contrary to conventional wisdom, trade openness and human capital are dominant channels for TFP diffusion in periphery countries. The overall results point that productivity gap reduction is a heterogeneous process, country specific problem, but on average in the periphery it can be supported through various economic policies focused on openness and human capital.
Do Remittances reduce poverty in Kosovo? - A counterfactual analysis
Authors: Loxha Arbëresha 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Migration and remittances are argued to be an effective mechanism for mitigating poverty, as well as a coping mechanism for disadvantaged households with no or little employment and earning opportunities in Kosovo. A considerable part is reported to be directed towards consumption and very little for investment or enterpreneurship purposes. The high dependence of households on remittances suggests that poverty rates would be much higher without the safety net provided through migration and remittances. The conventional approach of empirically estimating determinants of remittances, including those focusing on Kosovo, treats both remittance and migration behaviour as independent decisions. Empirically estimating determinants of remittances while overlooking the importance of variables that influenced the decision to migrate will leave out these determinants and also bias the results. Hence, this study treats migration and remittance decision as a joint process and focuses on the household. More precisely, it analyses the impact that remittances and migration have on the poverty in Kosovo, in a hypothetical case, without remittances and migration using data from the Household Budget Survey 2011.
Due to the potential presence of selection bias, this study uses a two-stage Heckman-type selection procedure which suggests that there is no selection bias. The study develops counterfactual consumption estimates for remittance recipient households through the use of survey bootstrap procedure to predict the consumption of households in the case of no remittances. The results support the hypothesis that remittances increase the consumption of recipient households. The poverty rate would be higher for a considerable proportion of households in the case of no remittances. The poverty rates would increase particularly in rural areas. The novelty of this study lies on the methodological approach chosen to investigate the impact of remittances on poverty in Kosovo. In contrast to previous analysis, this study controls for potential selection bias and empirically assesses whether the expectations on the poverty reducing effect of remittances in Kosovo hold.
Regional Limitations of Stock Indices Prediction Models Based on Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Kvainickas Tomas Sovijus , Stankevičienė Jelena 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Research purpose. Stocks as well as other securities are a crucial part of the financial market that helps to redistribute financial resources amongst market participants, which in a modern economy include not only professional stock players but also many common individuals seeking to increase their capital. Previous studies found a strong relationship between the macroeconomic variables and stock returns but often the explanatory power of those models seems to be limited in the applicable region. The aim of this article is to establish whether each region’s stock indices have to be predicted based on a separate set of variables.

Design / Methodology / Approach. The article uses correlation–regression analysis method to confirm the initial hypothesis regarding regional limitations of such prediction models.

Findings. The same set of independent variables cannot be directly applied to different regions because although the chosen Y2B model did provide an accurate relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock indices in the United Kingdom, it failed to provide accurate (usable) results in other regions (Estonia, European Union, France, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania),

Originality / Value / Practical implications. The results are important in order to define the way that the smaller and less-researched economies should be examined because detailed researches of power economies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China or Germany often cannot be directly applied outside the initial research region. Therefore, the need of separate studies for smaller regions such as Baltic States is confirmed.