bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Preterm Birth
Authors: Ivanov Ivan D. , Buzalov Stefan A. , Hinkova Nadezhda H. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Preterm birth (PTB) is a worldwide problem with great social significance because it is a leading cause of perinatal complications and perinatal mortality. PTB is responsible for more than a half of neonatal deaths. The rate of preterm delivery varies between 5-18% worldwide and has not decreased in recent years, regardless of the development of medical science. One of the leading causes for that is the failure to identify the high-risk group in prenatal care. PTB is a heterogeneous syndrome in which many different factors interfere at different levels of the pathogenesis of the initiation of delivery, finally resulting in delivery before 37 weeks of gestation (wg). The various specificities of risk factors and the unclear mechanism of initiation of labour make it difficult to elaborate standard, unified and effective screening to diagnose pregnant women at high-risk for PTB correctly. Furthermore, they make primary and secondary prophylaxis less effective and render diagnostic and therapeutic measures ineffective and inappropriate. Reliable and accessible screening methods are necessary for antenatal care, and risk factors for PTB should be studied and clarified in search of useful tools to solve issues of risk pregnancies to decrease PTB rates and associated complications.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Nitrogen Modified Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Ivanova Nina K. , Stoyanova Angelina M. , Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena D. , Iordanova Reni S. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Pure and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared by non-aqueous sol-gel method by means of the reaction between titanium (IV) chloride (TiCl4) and C6H5CH2 OH (benzyl alcohol), used as precursors and urea serving as a nitrogen source. The phase formation and short-range order of the resulting particles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The crystallite size of as-prepared composite powders was in the range 12-35 nm. The aim of this work was to investigate the efficiency of N-doped TiO2 as a photocatalyst in degradation of model organic pollutants - dyes Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Malachite Green (MG), under ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) irradiation. 0ur results indicated that synthesized N-TiO2 nanocomposites slightly improved the photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation, compared to the pure titanium dioxide (TiO2), and had no effect under Vis light illumination.
Association Between Chromosome 4Q25 Polymorphism RS2200733 and the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Bulgarian Patients
Authors: Yakova-Hristova Dilyana M. , Hristov Martin I. , Rashev Tihomir R. , Todorova Yoana M. , Tonchev Pencho T. , Stancheva-Hristova Nadya Y. , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snezhanka T. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest type of arrhythmia seen in everyday clinical practice, which leads to a significant increase in both morbidity and mortality. Its incidence increases with age and tends to turn into an epidemic. The cause of AF in 10-20% of cases remains unknown. Several mutations and polymorphism that might be responsible for the development of AF have been found, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) - rs2200733 and rs10033464 in the long arm of the fourth chromosome. These polymorphisms are selected o the basis of genome- wide association study in Iceland from 2007, the results from which were later confirmed in 4 other large populations. The rs2200733 is a common noncoding polymorphism, described in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database dbSNP like NC_000004.12:g.110789013C>T, with a frequency of the less common allele between 0.1 and 0.24. In order to investigate the association between the rs2200733 polymorphism in chromosome 4q25 and the development of AF, we studied the frequency of this polymorphism in patients with heart diseases from the Pleven region, and thus evaluate the relationship between the individual genotype and the clinical condition of the patients. We carried out a case-control study on 80 patients: 40 with AF and 40 without AF- from the Pleven region. None of these had structural heart disease. The study was conducted between November 2015 and November 2017. With deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis, we determined rs2200733 polymorphism, using a TaqMan-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Cochran-Armitage trend test, the Chi-Squared Pearson correlation, Fisher test we used confirmed the statistically significant association between the rs2200733 polymorphism in chromosome 4q25 and the development of AF. In the population examined, the genotypic frequencies were as follows: CC - 45 (56.2%), CT - 19 (23.8%), TT - 16 (20%), with value of Chi-Square (χ2) 24.496, df=2, p<0.001. Screening for SNPs could be a useful marker for the detection of patients predisposed to AF.
Prevalence of Five BRCA1/2 Mutations in Bulgarian Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kovacheva Katia S. , Kamburova Zornitsa B. , Popovska Savelina L. , Dimitrov Dobromir D. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Simeonova Maria N. , Deliyski Tashko S. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Detection of mutations in breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) gene is an effective method of early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer (BC). The mutational spectrum of both genes in Bulgarian population has not been studied in depth. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of five deleterious BRCA1/2 point mutations in high-risk BC women, selected according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines including early age of onset, triple-negative BC and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The prevalence of two BRCA1 mutations (C61G and 5382insC) and three BRCA2 mutations (6079del4, 9326insA and 9908delA) was evaluated in 80 females with BC, obtained from the Cancer Registry of University Hospital - Pleven. Genetic testing was performed by direct DNA sequencing. One deleterious mutation (5382insC in exon20 in BRCA1) was been found in two patients (2.5%). Both women were diagnosed with BC before age 45. The prevalence of BRCA mutations established in our study was lower than the one found in another preliminary study on Bulgarian population. We concluded that this discrepancy was due to the genetic heterogeneity of the population and the specific mutational spectrum of the BC patients from the Pleven region.
UV Light Stimulated Activation of Camkii in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma A431 Cells
Authors: Kalenderova Silvia G. , Lozanova Vesela V. , Praskova Maria D. , Lozanov Valentin S. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The Ca2+/calmodulin dependent kinase II (CaMKII) represents a family of serine/threonine kinases with diverse functions, implicated in various signalling pathways in the cell, especially in those controlling cellular proliferation and cellular death. The human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 is an established model for the study of the cell cycle and cancer-associated signalling, in which the role of CaMKII is not so well elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of CaMKII in the induction of apoptosis in the cell line A431 following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and to determine the downstream events with a focus on the caspase cascade. For the latter purpose, we employed a method initially developed for the simultaneous determination of the activity of 10 different caspase enzymes. Following exposure to UV light, we observed activation of the activator caspase-8 followed by activation of the effector caspase-3, triggering apoptosis in the epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. The results supported a pivotal role of caspases and demonstrated that a protein kinase cascade involving caspases-8 and -3 is the main pathway driven in UV-induced apoptosis in the human carcinoma cell line A431, and apoptotic stimuli triggering this pathway passed through activation of the kinase CaMKII.
A Case of “Microinvasive Carcinoma of the Bronchus”
Authors: Andreev Valeri Y. , Petrov Danail B. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Ivanov Yavor Y. 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Deciding on a treatment approach for early stage lung cancer (0-1) is sometimes difficult because of uncertainties regarding the depth of tumour invasion and its margins. Even with advanced technology, such as endobronchial ultrasound and autofluorescence bronchoscopy, it is often difficult to be precise. In this currently discussed case, treatment of a 61-year-old female patient with early stage IA lung cancer could not proceed for such reasons. Fortunately, timely surgical intervention allowed preservation of lung function and the patient is now under close surveillance.
Productivity Change of Microfinance Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Efendić Velid , Hadžiahmetović Nejra 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to investigate the productivity changes of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) during and after the recent financial crisis. The study covers the period starting from 2008 until 2015. Using the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) over the sample of 10 MFIs and a balanced panel dataset of 80 observations, this study explores technical and technological change as well as total factor productivity (TFP) change. The empirical findings indicate a decline in TFP in most of the analyzed periods with an average decrease of 2.5%. The study reveals an average technological decline in the industry of 1.7%, while technical efficiency change is recorded at the level of -0.8%. Overall, crisis efficiency recovery occurred during the period between 2009 and 2013. However, due to technological inefficiencies, average total factor productivity change remains negative. Hence, policy makers need to enhance the technological progress in order to meet their strategic objectives in BiH MFIs.
Cost-Effective Service Excellence: Exploring the Relationships Among Restaurants’ Operational Efficiency, Size and Service Quality
Authors: Kukanja Marko , Planinc Tanja 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The main goal of this study is to investigate whether higher (cost-effective) operational efficiency in restaurants can be achieved without lowering the perceived level of service quality. This study also investigates the importance of restaurants’ size on operational efficiency and on the perceived level of service quality. We present the methodological procedures used to investigate the relationships among restaurants’ operational efficiency, size, and service quality after presenting the conceptualization of the cost-effective service excellence (CESE) research construct. The restaurants’ efficiency was assessed using Data Envelopment Analyses and the DINESERV tool was implemented to analyse guests’ perceptions of service quality. Guests of low- and high-efficient restaurants perceive service quality based on the same quality dimensions. Based on the structural equation modelling, it is evident that CESE can be achieved in the restaurant industry. The restaurant size has proven to influence restaurants’ operational efficiency and guests’ quality perceptions.
Modern Technologies in Foreign Language Teaching: The Case of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Authors: Abdykhalykova Akzhan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Research purpose. The teacher of higher education should motivate students to use modern information technology training to study the discipline and develop professional competencies in foreign language teaching. The purpose of this research is to highlight the problem of finding the optimal didactic capabilities of modern information technologies used for improving the system of training specialists in the field of foreign languages teaching and to discuss the results of current studies in this direction.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The authors summarized the relevant literature and results of the research and teaching experience. The main theoretical methods of research are modelling and designing the process of incorporating modern information technologies into foreign language teaching at the university. Theoretical methods are supplemented by empirical methods, such as observation, survey, testing, experimental work and methodological analysis.

Findings. The article reveals the main components of the system of using modern technologies of foreign languages teaching at Theory and Practice of Foreign Languages Department of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The article presents a description of training and monitoring online programs, their approbation in real conditions of pedagogical activity, the results of a pedagogical experiment, which proves the effectiveness of using modern technologies in the training of foreign and second language students.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. The electronic educational materials, recommendations developed by the authors, can be used in the teaching of foreign language and can serve as a basis for the development of information, communication and instrumental provision in other subjects. The need for further research is as follows: to create online platforms, multimedia and testing programs and to develop variants of using modern technologies in foreign language teaching.
Creation of High Technologies: Comparative Analysis of Countries
Authors: Kvedariene Audrone 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Research purpose. High technology creation, as a rule, requires national support systems although the flow of the created value in an international level is unexplored. The national innovation systems are becoming globalized; thus the distinct process of creation, dissemination and implementation of high technologies is becoming globally fragmented and therefore the added value distribution within the global value chain (GVC) should be investigated.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The brief and extensive academic literature review dedicated to high technology creation is introduced, although the empirical investigation is narrowed to the scientific research and development sector, depicted as M72 by NACE statistical classification. Thus empirical research design is based on the sectoral level data, considering M72 sector as the main economic activity for high technology creation. The data for the comparative analysis of countries is retrieved from the 2014 world input–output data (WIOD) which enables to exclude double counting of added value inherent for the convenient import and export data and holds information of intermediate and final consumption of added value within a country and between different countries. The descriptive statistic based on WIOD data is provided and further prescriptive statistics for the data interpretation is conducted. While developing the predictive models, the number of investigated countries varies while the data for M72 sector is not available for all countries provided in WIOD and including to the model basic science and technology indicators as independent variables, retrieved from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development database, the number of countries reduced additionally, also due to the data shortage.

Findings. The key result is the provided methodology for the positioning of the countries evaluating the involvement in the upstream and downstream GVC processes, hereby introducing new indicators that may have an impact on the sector’s performance.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. The evaluation of high technologies creation performance would provide insights into the international management and innovation policies, and the matrix concept for the positioning countries by the pattern of involvement to the GVCs could be applied to other sectors.
Historic Identity Transformation in Cultural Heritage Sites the Story of Orman Historical Garden in Cairo City, Egypt
Authors: Aziz Noha Abd El 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Historical gardens in Egypt witnessed and narrated not only stories of momentous events and influencing dignitaries, but also they hosted rare plants and astonishing architecture. Nowadays, such rich history is losing its identity, which is pragmatic to retain, especially with high rates of urbanization and globalization. Thus, this research focuses on the issue of place identity, as it investigates the impact of socio-economic, political, and spatial forces on formulating the identity of historic gardens in metropolitan cities. Additionally, the research addresses the debate between preserving the garden identity versus approving its evolving.. “Orman Garden” is selected, a historic botanical garden in Cairo City, Egypt, to examine the transformation of its identity starting from 1873 till 2019. Research methods include historical researches, a field survey, and interviews with the garden administration staff, current users, and users from old generations. Results declare that the socio-economic forces are the most profound forces behind identity reconfiguring / transformation. Furthermore, the study differentiated between components that were subjected to disfiguration or evolution. The research concludes with recommendations to conserve and revive the lost historical identity while facing current challenges and embracing new demands and trends.
Influence of Canahua and Quinoa Wholemeals on Properties of Non-Fermented Wheat Dough
Authors: Švec I. , Hrušková M. , Kapačinskaité R. , Hofmanová T. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The study compares the influence of wheat flour replacement by 10 or 20 wt% of quinoa and canahua wholemeals on wheat dough technological quality and rheological properties. The technological quality of wheat flour was affected in terms of protein quality and amylases activity, associated with a high dietary fibre content of both tested non-traditional materials. A farinograph test revealed that quinoa partially increased water absorption; a higher amount of water resulted in the shortened stability of dough consistency during mixing and its weakened cohesiveness at the end of the test. The effect of canahua was unequivocal – water absorption decreased, stability was prolonged properly, but dough softening increased. An extensigraph test confirmed a positive effect of alternative crops on dough elasticity, but in general, the composite dough with 20% of canahua or quinoa showed worsened machinability. Multivariate statistical methods proved a stronger effect when quinoa was analysed solely than when added at complete samples a set, while for canahua-wheat samples the result was opposite.
International Comparison and Trend of Emissions in the Transport Sector in the European Union and Slovakia
Authors: Čechovič Tomáš , Kendra Martin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Transport and its major part of transport means is currently based on the internal combustion engine principle. For these engines, the primary energy source is oil, natural gas, coal, biomass and others. These primary energy sources and their processing in refineries and factories are used to produce products that are used to drive engines - fuels. From what energy sources these fuels will be produced and what technology will be used to process and produce them is also an important. This whole process must take the reduction of total emissions into account. Future fuels can be considered synthetically produced diesel or hydrogen, which can later significantly affect the decrease in emissions from their processing, production and subsequent combustion of these more environmentally friendly types of fuels. This article processes analyses and development of basic pollutants, total emissions and energy consumption in the Slovak Republic and the EU. In the second part there is an evaluation of the emissions trend development in transport in the EU and Slovakia.
Dynamics of Numbers and Occurrence of Colonial Species of Birds in the Area of Ukrainian Antarctic Station Akademik Vernadsky
Authors: Smagol V. M. , Pilipenko D. V. , Dzhulai A. O. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The research covers water area, island archipelagos and coastal line of the Antarctic Peninsula from 65°31ʹ S, 64°25ʹ W in the South to 65°03ʹ S, 63°53ʹ W in the North. There was time gap of 7 years between the researches (2011 and 2018), which allows to define tendencies in development of individual colonies and to make conclusion about success of existence of a given species. The work itself was carried out during the first half of January, that is in the time when the stage of brooding ends and the period of hatching starts. As of 2011, 12 nesting points of gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) with total number of 8,342 pairs were found in the region under investigation. Till 2018, quantity of the colony grew to 14, with total number of 14,105 pairs. For seven years, quantity of nesting points of aelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) almost did not change (4 colonies). Instead, total number of the species decreased somewhat: from 3559 pairsin 2011 to 3295 onesin 2018. Number of chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) in united stable locality for nesting also decreased from 26 pairsin 2011 to19 onesin 2018. Booth Island (65°04ʹ S, 64°02ʹ W) for chinstrap penguins and Green Island (65°19ʹ S, 64°09ʹ W) for gentoo penguins are the southern most points of nesting range of the species. Also, 7 colonies of antarctic shag (Phalacrocorax bransfieldensis) were revealed in the region under investigation. For seven years from 2011 to 2018 total number of the species in the region under investigation grew from 190 pairs to 299, and in most cases the antarctics shag forms settlements jointly with penguins.
No Differences Between Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals on 7 Cervical Sensorimotor Control Tests: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: de Zoete Rutger M.J. , Osmotherly Peter G. , Rivett Darren A. , Snodgrass Suzanne J. 
Published: January 2020

Objective Cervical sensorimotor outcomes have been suggested to be important in the assessment of individuals with neck pain. However, the large variety of sensorimotor control tests used in varying populations makes it difficult to draw conclusions about their clinical value. We aimed to compare cervical sensorimotor control outcomes between individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain and asymptomatic individuals using a battery of recommended tests, and to investigate the correlation between cervical sensorimotor control outcomes and pain intensity and neck disability. Design Case-control study. Methods Fifty participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain and 50 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls completed 7 cervical sensorimotor control tests: joint position error (including joint position error torsion), postural balance, subjective visual vertical, head-tilt response, “the Fly,” smooth pursuit neck torsion, and head steadiness. Between-group differences were investigated with the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations between tests and levels of neck pain and disability were investigated using the Spearman rho. Results There were no differences in cervical sensorimotor outcomes between participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain and asymptomatic controls for any test (P = .203–.981). For each test, “poor performers” consisted of both individuals with and without neck pain. Correlations were weak between tests and levels of neck pain (r = 0.010–0.294) and neck disability (r = 0.007–0.316). Conclusion These findings suggest that sensorimotor control disturbances in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain may not be present, spawning debate on the clinical usefulness of these tests. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(1):33–43. Epub 23 Aug 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.8846