bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of neoplastic pericarditis – overview of 156 patients
Authors: Jianu Elena , Motas Natalia , Davidescu Mihnea , Rus Ovidiu , Bluoss Corina , Manolache Veronica , Iliescu Madalina , Horvat Teodor 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Neoplastic pericarditis may develop in any type of cancer, but it is found more frequently in lung cancer, breast cancer and lymphoma.

Methods
We studied 156 consecutive oncological patients presented with pericardial fluid between 2010 and 2015. Among them, 80 patients were stable, with no indication for pericardial drainage or biopsy, and 76 patients needed surgery to evacuate the pericardium and obtain biopsy.

Results
Echocardiography and computed tomography were essential in evaluating the topography of the pericardial fluid and the haemodynamic effect, and these investigations helped us choose the appropriate surgical procedure. We performed pericardiocentesis, subxiphoid pericardial drainage, left paraxifoidian pericardial drainage, pericardio-pleural window through intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or through classical thoracic surgery. Twenty-three patients (14.7%) were admitted and treated for cardiac tamponade. The rate of recurrence after pericardial drainage was 3.89%. The immediate survival at 48 h was 97.3%.

Conclusion
Long-term survival in patients with malignancy and drained pericardial effusion is influenced mainly by the type of underlying malignant disease. We observed a better survival in patients without cardiac tamponade. Immediate survival depends on the pericardial shock complication – postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) or pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS). The indication for pericardial drainage depends on the quantity of pericardial fluid, presence of tamponade, associated pleural effusion and need for biopsy, offering the maximum possible benefit and safety for the patient.
Challenges in the diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Elena Rohozneanu Oana , Adrian Crișan-Dabija Radu , Cristina Vicol , Magdalena Țurcanu Adina , Carmen Trofor Antigona , Ioana Buculei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
People over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases, such as asthma, are part of the risk group for severe acute respiratory syndrome-COV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In the past, a connection between viral infections and asthma has been presented. Patients with asthma appear to be at risk of contracting viral infections, and also viruses can cause asthma exacerbations. Another concern during this period was about the chronic administration of corticosteroids in asthmatic patients, because of the consideration that corticosteroid therapy would decrease the immunity of these patients, thus increasing the risk of infections, including the infection with SARS-CoV-2. Thus, several questions have emerged about the role of corticosteroid therapy in the development of COVID-19 in patients undergoing corticosteroid treatment. Most guidelines recommend continuing the administration of chronic treatment to this category of patients. At the same time, the health system had to adapt to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and deviate from the standard methods of managing most chronic diseases and these changes had an impact on these category of patients.
Investigating the Applicability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Photogrammetry for the Estimation of the Volume of Stockpiles
Authors: Ajayi Oluibukun Gbenga , Ajulo John 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Accurately estimating the volume of earthworks is very important in mining engineering and construction. This estimation can be difficult because of the morphological condition of the stockpiles, hence, devising simpler, yet accurate methods of stockpile volume estimation is still a research problem in mining. Two non-invasive survey methods were compared in this research: the conventional ground-based and UAV-approach, for the survey of a twin-stockpile of gravel using Leica TS06 Total Station and DJI Mavic Air UAV, respectively. About 128 images of the area were acquired at 50 m flying height and 75% overlap during the flight mission. The images were processed using Agisoft Metashape Pro; a digital photogrammetric software, and the DEM obtained was used for the volume estimation. The total station data was also processed in ArcGIS to generate a TIN-model from which the volume was also estimated. The volume estimated from the TIN-model was compared with the volume estimated from the UAV-based DEM, using the volume obtained from the mill-machine as the standard. The obtained result shows that while 2750 m3 was obtained as the cumulative volume from the mill machine, the UAV approach yielded 2686.252 m3 and the ground survey approach gave 2830.713 m3. The percentage difference between the two methods compared to the actual volume is 2.94% and −2.31%, respectively. These results, and the result of the processing time analysis show that UAV approach is both accurate and time economical, which attests to the potentials of low-cost UAVs to provide robust alternative to the time-consuming and rigorous ground survey approach.
Designing and re-designing the e-learning course «Teaching with Episodes of Situated Learning»
Authors: Triacca Serena , Petti Livia , Rivoltella Pier Cesare 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In order to satisfy the several training requests regarding the method of Episodes of Situated Learning by teachers of all levels, in the academic year 2018/2019, CREMIT (Catholic University) has developed an e-learning course. This paper aims to describe the training structure, designed according to the ADDIE instructional system model, focusing on the elements such as micro-learning, e-tivities and e-tutoring. The course was delivered in two editions (November–December 2018 and May–June 2019). The evaluation process highlights some relevant aspects: the high level of participants’ satisfaction, the moderate numbers of dropouts and the completely positive results of the assessment activities. The analysis of the gathered data allowed us to re-design the e-learning course.
An Investigation Into the Use of “Hybrid” Adjustment Techniques in the Application of the Sales Comparison Method in Residential Valuation
Authors: Munshifwa Ephraim K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The sales comparison is the most common and universally accepted method in valuation. Although the theoretical entry point of the method is the same across most continents, its application in practice is varied and often determined by local circumstances. This often necessitates the modification of the method. For instance, while Zambian valuation practice uses this method in residential valuation, its application goes beyond the basic valuation model, incorporating a less known technique called the “reduced floor area (RFA)” technique. The RFA technique is a form of relative importance (weight) concept which assesses ancillary buildings on site relative to the main use; for residential properties this is the main house on site. Despite its obscurity in valuation literature, practitioners find its use acceptable within the dictates of local circumstances. Nonetheless, the lack of documentation means knowledge on the technique is transmitted verbally from senior valuers to graduates, and its application is not consistent across the profession, contributing to variances in the assessed values. This necessitates detailed scrutiny of the technique. Data for the study was collected from the Valuation Surveyors Registration Board (VSRB), a statutory body responsible for licensing valuers and regulating valuation practice. This is the first time the RFA technique is being discussed in a scholarly article.
The Influence of Dissimilarity of Comparables on the Correctness of Estimation in the Comparative Approach Procedure
Authors: Zyga Jacek 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The subject of this article is the still relevant issue of the adequate choice of comparables in evaluation procedures within the sales comparison approach. The text features the results of an experiment that makes it possible to validate the dependence of the accuracy of the final estimation of the price of valued objects in relation to the criteria of significance of similarity as a determinant of accepting individual objects as sufficiently similar, and the dissimilarity coefficients describing the created reference sets. Based on the example of simulated data, it has been shown that there is a clear relationship between the accuracy of the estimates made and the selection of comparables. In a set of all possible calculation variations, estimations based on selected data are characterized by more accurate calculations relative to parallel calculations carried out on the widest possible sets of comparables.
Role of Behavioral Biases in Real Estate Prices in Pakistan
Authors: Malik M Asad Saleem , Zafar Muhammad , Ullah Saif , Ullah Atta 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The study aims to explore the effect of behavioral biases on financial decision making in the real estate sector of Pakistan. The data of a sample of 244 real estate investors are collected through a survey carried out using different sources. The findings of the study show the relationship of different biases, including overconfidence, herding effect, gambler’s fallacy, and regret aversion on prices of real estate. Real estate prices are more affected by overconfidence and gambler’s fallacy than herding effect and regrets aversion bias in Pakistan. The findings furthermore reveal that these biases do not depend on gender, education, and demographics. It is recommended to carefully consider the market factors while making decisions in real estate, as the prices do not always show the real value of the property.
Epiphany and Otherness in the Vision of Father André Scrima
Authors: Boicu Dragoş 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Father André Scrima emphasized in his works the unanimous and universal duty of discovering the necessity of otherness or alterity as the exigency of our own path to God. He often spoke of the encounter and “askesis of the dialogue” that consists of the effort to open completely and without reserve to the other. From this point of view, we could consider André Scrima the visionary who intermediates the unveiling and the Revelation that, regardless of confession and religion, every human being has the chance to develop an authentic relationship with the divinity. Also, he advocates an indispensable condition or the most basic ethical argument required to get closer to God, namely recognizing the universal quality of all humankind as equally capable to be vessels of God’s grace, and hence they should be appreciated as such.
Experimental Verification of Method to Synthesize the Track Vertical Irregularities
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina , Răcănel Ionuţ Radu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The paper focuses on the experimental verification of the results derived from numerical simulations, based on a model of the bogie-track system, where the vertical track irregularities are introduced in the form of a pseudorandom function. This function comes from an original method of synthesizing the vertical track irregularities, depending on the geometric quality of the track and on the velocity. To verify the method, the root mean square (RMS) of the simulated accelerations in the axles and the bogie frame against each axle is compared to the experimental accelerations within the frequency range of wavelengths of the track vertical irregularities from 3 to 120 m. The results have shown a good correlation between the simulated RMS accelerations for a low quality track and the measured RMS accelerations.
Simultaneous Influence of the Track Axis Curvature and the Support Line Obliquity at Railway Bridge Superstructures with Steel Beams Embedded in Concrete
Authors: Marian Stănescu Răzvan , Mihaela Stan Oana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
For new railway bridges with small spans (L ≤ 35.00 m) superstructures with steel beams embedded in concrete are recommended and used, which can ensure the requirements of strength and especially stiffness, regardless of velocity.
In all the design prescriptions used so far for superstructures with steel beams embedded in concrete, and even in the technical literature, there is little information and data on the influence of the support line obliquity and the track axis curvature in the design and calculation of these types of structures.
In the design code, if certain conditions related to the geometry of the superstructure are met (obliquity, curvature) the calculation is a simplified one, made on a single isolated longitudinal beam of the deck; otherwise, if the conditions are not met, finite element program analysis is recommended.
The article aims to study the situations in which the requirements of the design prescriptions are not met.
Special-Purpose River-Port Sediment Valorization as Road Construction Material Emphasising Environmental Aspects
Authors: Barišić Ivana , Marković Berislav , Vukićević Mirjana , Marjanović Miloš , Brleković Tamara 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Special-purpose river port sediment was investigated for its potential use as a road construction material. Sediment samples were extracted from three locations in three small river ports, and detailed laboratory research was conducted to determine its basic mechanical properties and characteristics that can potentially have an adverse influence in a roadside environment. The results of the research conducted indicate that there is a need for systematic monitoring of the quality and quantity of sediment in special-purpose river ports of the Danube River Basin to maintain its mobility and prevent flooding. The basic engineering characteristics (Proctor elements, Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio, and unconfined compressive strength) determined represent the good potential of the sediment samples tested herein for use in road construction. In addition, the chemical characteristics tested indicate the need for detailed analyses of the potential environmental risk before application in civil engineering structures
The role of qSOFA score and biomarkers in assessing severity of community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Authors: Tripon Raluca-Elena , Cristea Victor , Lupse Mihaela-Sorina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the primary cause of severe sepsis. Severity assessment scores have been created, in order to help physicians decide the proper management of CAP. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations between different CAP severity scores, including qSOFA, several biomarkers and their predictive value in the 30 day follow-up period, regarding adverse outcome.

Materials and methods: One hundred and thirty nine adult patients with CAP, admitted in the Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania from December 2015 to February 2017, were enrolled in this study. Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), CURB-65, SMART-COP and the qSOFA scores were calculated at admittance. Also, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and albumin levels were used to determine severity.

Results: The mean PSI of all patients was 93.30±41.135 points, for CURB-65 it was 1.91±0.928 points, for SMART-COP it was 1.69±1.937 points. The mean qSOFA was 1.06±0.522 points, 21 (14.9%) were at high risk of in-hospital mortality. In the group of patients with qSOFA of ≥2, all pneumonia severity scores and all biomarkers tested were higher than those with scores <2. We found significant correlations between biomarkers and severity scores, but none regarding adverse outcome.

Conclusion: The qSOFA score is easier to use and it is able to accurately evaluate the severity of CAP, similar to other scores. Biomarkers are useful in determining the severity of the CAP. Several studies are needed to assess the prediction of these biomarkers and severity scores in pneumonia regarding adverse outcome.
Extended panel of biomarkers for long term monitoring of effectiveness of 3 direct antiviral regimen in HCV genotype 1b infection: results from a Romanian infectious disease hospital
Authors: Harja-Alexa Ioana-Alina , Mihaela Luca Catalina , Manciuc Carmen Doina , Vata Andrei , Badescu Aida , Hurmuzache Mihnea-Eudoxiu , Ciocan Alexandra Mirela , Hunea Ioana Maria , Iancu Luminita-Smaranda 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus can be eradicated with antiviral therapy, thus reducing the risk of disease progression and death associated with the final stage of liver disease.

Methods: 241 patients received PrOD+RBV for 12 weeks. Clinical and laboratory data were assessed at baseline, week 4, 8, 12 (end of treatment, EOT), and 12 weeks after therapy (sustained virological response, SVR). Subsequently, biological and virological measurements were performed at least 48 weeks after obtaining SVR12 in responder patients.

Results: Per protocol SVR12 rate was 97,6%. Severe adverse events were reported in 3 patients (1.24%) and led to treatment discontinuation (liver decompensation). One 58-year-old patient who completed the treatment died before SVR evaluation due to acute mesenteric ischemia (not related to antiviral therapy). Baseline total bilirubin above 2 mg/dl can be considered a predictive factor for non-response to PrOD+RBV treatment (p = 0.004). Of the 30 patients evaluated at least 48 weeks after SVR no one presented relapses, with no statistically significant differences in biological parameters changes and no adverse events were noted during the 48-week follow up period.

Conclusion: Our study revealed the high effectiveness and good safety profile of PrOD +RBV in patients with genotype-1b HCV compensated cirrhosis (Child Pugh A) which were maintained during a 48-week period after treatment finalization.
Molecular diagnostic of Ureaplasma urealyticum presence and tetracycline resistance in urine samples
Authors: Vica Mihaela Laura , Matei Horea Vladi , Katona Agnes , Puia Aida , Teodoru Cosmin Adrian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common infections in Romania. Infection with Ureaplasma urelyticum is one of the major causes of STIs and can cause serious complications. Although tetracycline is the drug commonly used to treat infections caused by U. urealyticum, several studies indicate the emergence and rapid development of strains resistant to these antibiotics in the United States or Europe. Tetracycline resistance in bacteria is encoded by a number of different genetic determinants but in mycoplasmas the only tetracycline resistance determinant that has been reported is the tetM gene. Tetracycline resistance among Ureaplasma spp. is associated with the presence of the horizontally acquired tetM resistance gene. Our study on bacterial DNA aimed to determine the presence of tetracycline-resistant U. urealyticum strains, by identifying the presence of the tetM gene. We used first void urine samples from 622 STI-suspected subjects. DNA was extracted, purified and amplified via PCR for the simultaneous detection of 6 STIs. 68 patients were diagnosed with U. urealyticum. DNA obtained from these samples was amplified using the tetM gene and U. urealyticum - specific urease gene primers. The urease gene was amplified in all samples, confirming the presence of U. urealyticum. The tetM gene was amplified in 2 samples considered tetracycline-resistant strains. The study confirmed the presence of U. urealyticum strains resistant to tetracycline in Romania. The employed technique can produce quick results both for U. urealyticum detection and determination of its resistance to tetracycline using a single easy-to-collect biological sample.
The positive rate of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is similar in severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Jiang Nan , Sun Yaoyao , Sun Hongyan , Yang Bo , Tan Juan , Sun Huan , Wang Shuai , Yu Qiong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly in China and globally. In order to control the spread of the epidemic, it is important to find an efficient diagnostic method.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the responses of antibodies during SARS-CoV-2 infection in relation to disease severity and to evaluate the association between the positive rate of antibody detection and nucleic acid test.

Methods: Ninety patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited in this retrospective observational study. Demographic, clinical data, and SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in serum specimens were detected at 4 and 6 weeks after diagnosis.

Results: IgM and IgG antibody levels showed a decreased tendency, the titers at week 4 were higher than the titers at week 6: The positive rates of IgM at week 4 and 6 were 92.9% and 67.9%, respectively. The positive rates of IgG at week 4 and week 6 were 100%. No association was found between the positive rate of antibody detection at week 4 or 6 and that of nucleic acid test (P>0.05). No difference between the positive rate of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients was observed.

Conclusions: Antibody detection is an effective means in the diagnosis of COVID-19. The titer and positive rate of IgM are lower than those of IgG in the first six weeks after infection. Positive rate of antibodies was not different between severe and non-severe patients.
Thermal Infrared Images to Identify the Contribution of Surface Materials to the Canopy Layer Heat Island in Hot-Humid Urban Areas
Authors: Binarti Floriberta , Pranowo Pranowo , Leksono Soesilo Boedi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study presents a combination technique of thermal infrared images captured by infrared camera and satellite thermal images retrieved from Landsat-8 OLI TIRS to identify the contribution of vertical and horizontal surface materials in two hot-humid street canyons with similar sky view factor and street orientation. The infrared camera captures surface temperature images of vertical and inclined surfaces of the street canyons. The images at horizontal scale are derived based on six land cover indices – i.e., Land Surface Temperature (LST), surface albedo, thermal emissivity, Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Different Built Area Index (NDBI), Normalized Different Water Index (NDWI) – using an image processing technique conducted in ArcGIS. This study used two micro weather stations to measure microclimate conditions depicting the Canopy Layer Heat Island (CLHI) of the canyons at the same time. Despite the capability of the combined technique to identify the contribution of surface materials to the LST, different radiative and thermal properties of the surface materials insignificantly modified the CLHI.