bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delays and gaps in progressing through the hepatitis C virus cascade of care: An underserved safety-net hospital experience
Authors: Gomes Chantal , Ginzberg Dina , Wong Robert J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background and Objective
While highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies exist, gaps in the cascade of care remain. Disparities in the HCV cascade are prominent among underserved safety-net populations. We aim to evaluate the HCV cascade among an urban safety-net cohort of HCV patients.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated adults with chronic HCV to determine rates of linkage to care (LTC), retention to care, and receiving HCV treatment from 2002 to 2018. Comparisons between groups utilized Chi-square testing; comparisons of median time to LTC and HCV treatment were evaluated with Student’s t-test and analysis of variance.

Results
Among 600 chronic HCV patients (60.7% male, 20.7% non-Hispanic white, 49.2% African American, 92.5% treatment naïve, 26.8% cirrhosis), successful LTC within one year of HCV diagnosis was 57.7%, among which, 91.6% were successfully retained into care. In those with successful LTC, 72.6% received HCV treatment, 91.8% completed treatment, and 89% achieved SVR12. Women with HCV experienced longer delays from LTC to HCV treatment (331 vs. 206 days in men, P < 0.05), as did African Americans (280 vs. 165 days in non-Hispanic whites, P < 0.05). Compared to the non-Hispanic whites, HCV treatment was lower in African Americans (70.4% vs. 74.4%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Women with HCV experienced significant delays along the HCV cascade, with median time of over 2 years from diagnosis to treatment. African Americans also experienced significant delays along the HCV cascade of care. However, sex and race/ethnicity were not found to be significant predictors of overall LTC or treatment.
Impact of Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Branded Product Preference in Consumer Markets
Authors: Kral Pavol , Janoskova Katarina , Lazaroiu George , Suler Petr 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A successful brand is one of the most valuable resources a company has. Should the brand become powerful, it is supposed to reflect rational and emotional expectations of consumers, which, however, might change over time. The ability to recognize the consumers changing attitudes towards the brand is thus the prerequisite for effective brand management. The aim of the paper is to identify the correlation between selected socio-demographic characteristics and preferences for branded products by Slovak consumers, using a mathematical and statistical modelling. For this purpose, a comprehensive marketing survey has been carried out involving Slovak consumers of the minimum age of 16. The findings of the survey show a direct correlation, but varying in character and intensity, between the selected socio-demographic characteristics of respondents (gender, age, education, income) and their preferences for branded products; and based on the survey findings, the paper then provides further recommendations for non-adopting current trends in attitudes and preferences towards brands on Slovak consumer markets, that are recognized as significant sales and marketing tools, into the branding processes. However, considering different cultural, social and economic situations of different markets, it is not possible to generalize about the results of the paper as also being relevant for other markets. A successful brand in the domestic market is not a prerequisite of success in global markets.
Innovation Indicators and the Innovation Process - Evidence from the European Innovation Scoreboard
Authors: Onea Ioana Alexandra 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of specific innovation indicators on the overall innovation process. In this sense, a quantitative methodological approach has been employed and data has been analysed using IBM SPSS version 24. Innovation is one the themes of considerable interest at worldwide and at European level, this being reflected by the 2020 European innovation indicator. Innovation is considered to generate economic growth and create competitive advantage for both large organizations and small and medium enterprises, thus being examined as a factor that influences overall business efficiency. In this sense, the data used for this research contains the information published in the European Innovation Indicator Scoreboard 2020 database. In this regard, two innovation indicators have been considered for analysis, namely firm investments and employment impact. An exploratory factor and correlation analysis have been performed in SPSS in order to provide an answer to the research question: “How do firm investments and employment impacts influence the overall Summary Innovation Index?”. The findings show that there is a positive correlation between the selected innovation indicators, namely firm investments and employment impact and the overall summary innovation index. These findings reveal a strong correlation between firm investments and the innovation process, which results into guidance for companies and their innovative efforts. In this sense, this paper further provides recommendations for firms on where to channel and focus their efforts in order to create more innovative products and activities.
Relationship with the European Union: Slovenia and Montenegro Compared
Authors: Djurovic Gordana , Lajh Damjan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
As part of former Yugoslavia and non -members of the Eastern Bloc, Slovenia and Montenegro enjoyed a special status and relationships with the European Communities (EC) before most other socialist countries. Economic and social interactions with the EC and its member states thus formed part of Slovenian and Montenegrin life even during socialism, particularly after Yugoslavia signed special agreements on trade relations with the EC in the 1970s and 1980s. In this respect, Europeanisation as ‘practical’ integration with the EC was closely linked with liberalisation processes concerning the economy, society and politics along with democratic transition processes that began in the late 1980s. When Slovenia joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 following a relatively smooth integration process, Montenegro was still holding EU candidate member status, after having officially started its accession negotiations in June 2012. The article analyses selected development and integration aspects of Slovenia and Montenegro, their relationship with the EU, together with their similarities and differences. The aim is to highlight developments in both countries and determine whether Slovenia, as an ex -Yugoslav republic and EU member since 2004, may serve as a good example for Montenegro to follow while pursuing European integration.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Underwater Dry Welded Metal of High Strength Steel Q690E Under Different Water Depths
Authors: Sun Kun , Hu Yu , Shi Yonghua , Liao Baoyi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Q690E high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel has been intensively applied in maritime engineering. Also, the underwater dry welding (UDW) technique has been widely used to repair important offshore facilities. In this paper, joints of Q690E steel were fabricated through single-pass underwater dry welding at three pressures (0, 0.2, and 0.4 MPa). To study the effect of the pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the UDW joint, an optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the microstructure and fracture morphology of the welded joints. The electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to analyse the crystallographic features and the crystallographic grain size of the ferrites. The proportion of acicular ferrite (AF) in the UDW joints and the density of low-angle boundaries increase dramatically with the increasing depth of water. The weld metal of UDW-40 shows higher strength because more fine ferrites and low-angle boundaries within UDW-40 impede the dislocation movement.
Robust Trajectory Tracking Control of Underactuated Surface Vehicles with Prescribed Performance
Authors: Wang Shasha , Tuo Yulong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a robust sliding mode tracking controller with prescribed performance is developed for an underactuated surface vehicle (USV) with time-varying external disturbances. Firstly, to guarantee the transient and steady-state performance of the closed-loop system, the error transformation technique is presented. Further, the design of the prescribed performance function implements predefined tracking performance constraints, which eliminate the requirement for prior knowledge about the initial errors. Then, a Lyapunov stability synthesis shows that all closed-loop signals remain bounded and the tracking errors remain strictly within the predefined bounds. Finally, simulations and a comparative study are performed to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed robust sliding mode control scheme.
Polymorphism of Genes of the Protein and Lipid Exchanges in Modern Ukranian Breeds of Cattle Bred for Dairy Productivity
Authors: Gritsienko Yulia V. , Gill Michael I. , Denisyuk Liubov , Gorbatenko Igor Yu. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Genetic structure of animals of several Ukrainian modern breeds analysed by genes of protein and lipid exchange CSN3 (kappa-casein), BLG (betalactaglobulin), LEP (leptin), Pit-1 (pituitery transcription factor), TG-5 (thyroglobulin) were investigated in cows of three domestic breeds (Ukrainian Red Dairy, Ukrainian Black-speckled Dairy, Ukrainian Red-speckled Dairy). Polymer-ase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the molecular-genetic analysis.
Communication and Information Services – NATO Requirements, Part I
Authors: Farkas Tibor 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recent publication is summing up the most important requirements, by which “Heads of State and Government of NATO member countries” have defined the basic tasks and guidelines for the alliance and the member states in order to guarantee their security. These also highly affected command and control supporting communication and information services, systems, beyond that the cyber operation related concepts and developments – latter field becoming of more and more importance. In this part of the article, the author analysed the security threats of the NATO and the according response of them. This part covers the first ten years of the analysed NATO summits, from 1999.
Red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio inversely correlates with indicators of disease activity status in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Dervišević Amela , Muhić Amila , Začiragić Asija , Fajkić Almir , Dervišević Lejla , Hasanbegović Ilvana , Lepara Orhan , Galijašević Malik 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction. Present study was performed to verify red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) level in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to examine its correlation with clinical and biochemical indicators of disease activity status.

Methods. In this cross-sectional analytical study, 67 patients with RA and 34 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Based on the disease activity score 28-ESR (DAS28-ESR), RA patients were divided into subgroups: low disease activity (n = 20), moderate disease activity (n = 22) and high disease activity (n = 25). Laboratory tests included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, platelet count (PLT), red blood cells count (RBC), red blood cells distribution width (RDW) and fibrinogen concentration. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 13 software. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results. There was statistically significant difference (p = 0.006) between RPR in RA patients with different stages of disease activity, with higher values in patients with low disease activity. The RPR showed statistically significant negative correlations with ESR (rho = –0.309; p = 0.012), CRP (rho = –0.421; p = 0.001), swollen joint count – SJC (rho = –0.368; p = 0.002) and tender joint count – TJC (rho = –0.355; p = 0.003), DAS28-ESR (rho = –0.409; p = 0.001), DAS28-CRP (rho = –0.422; p < 0.0005) and Visual analogue scale – VAS (rho = –0.260; p = 0.033) in RA patients.

Conclusion. The present study provided evidence that the lower RPR values in RA patients are significantly associated with the disease activity indicators.
The Effectiveness of Infiltration against Roof Insulation aimed at Low Income Housing Retrofits for Different Climate Zones in Jordan
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman , Assaf Mohammad N. , Jaradat Mustafa , Alterman Dariusz 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Building energy demand for heating and cooling has a complicated relationship with different environmental conditions surrounding the building sector. Many projects aiming to improve thermal performance in existing buildings in Jordan suggest that roof insulation will improve thermal performance. In this study we try to prove that minimizing building infiltration is more effective and provides a lower cost solution in low-income houses in Jordan. This work introduces a comparative analysis of the infiltration rate and insulation techniques applied to standalone low-income houses in Jordan to identify the energy efficiency of those techniques for different climate zones in the country. A building simulation presenting the common building configuration used in was developed to test the effectiveness of various insulation scenarios (Roof, Wall, Roof and wall together) and infiltration rate scenarios. The results show that in different climates the reduction of infiltration to half (0.75 air changes per hour (ACH)) shows a similar potential to reduce energy demand as 10 or 12.5 cm roof or wall insulation. Also, the reduction of infiltration rate to a low level (0.25 ACH) can decrease energy demand more effectively than 12.5 cm insulation in the roof or walls.
The Efficiency of Waste Sector in Italy: An Application by Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Gastaldi Massimo , Lombardi Ginevra Virginia , Rapposelli Agnese , Romano Giulia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With growing environmental legislation and mounting popular concern for the need to pursuing a sustainable growth, there has been an increasing recognition in developed nations of the importance of waste reduction, recycling and reuse maximization. This empirical study investigates both ecological and economic performances of urban waste systems in 78 major Italian towns for the years 2015 and 2016. To this purpose the study employs the non-parametric approach to efficiency measurement, represented by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique. More specifically, in the context of environmental performance we implement two output-oriented DEA models in order to consider both constant and variable returns to scale. In addition, we include an undesirable output – the total amount of waste collected – in the two models considered. The results show that there is variability among the municipalities analysed: Northern and Central major towns show higher efficiency scores than Southern and Islands ones.
Logophoricity in discourse
Authors: Hirschová Milada 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with the notion of logophoricity as a phenomenon pertaining to discourse, not grammar. An examination of the discourse role configurations (discourse environments) proposed by Peter Sells has shown that particular configurations are either overloaded by role-multiplication or non-specific. Instead of discourse environments, a general pragmatic matrix (a non-overt abstract sentence) is suggested, anchoring any utterance event to the current speaker’s perspective, including his/her communicative activity and temporal and spatial location. The role of the pragmatic matrix shows that all utterance events can be considered logophoric. At the same time, the pragmatic matrix underlines specific properties of explicit performative formulae.
On body-part nouns and the expression of spatial and locative reference in Dagbani
Authors: Issah Samuel Alhassan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the linguistic means by which spatial relations are expressed in Dagbani, a Mabia (Gur) language spoken in the northern region of Ghana (West Africa). I pay particular attention to the grammar of Dagbani “postpositions” demonstrating that the system of locative expressions comprises words that share heterosemic relations with some body parts and landmark terms. I show that although these locative expressions are related both segmentally and suprasegmentally to the nominal items they might have developed from, they are distinct in terms of their semantic, syntactic and morphological properties. Consequently, I conclude that the body-part nouns in locative constructions are distinct syntactic categories due to the morphosyntactic and semantic differences they exhibit. These body-part nouns are thus analysed as grammaticalized items, which function as postpositions and instantiate a postpositional phrase (PostP) category. Finally, I propose possible series of semantic changes that could account for the development of the body-part terms as postpositions.
Clause and predicative constituents in an Austronesian language: Lampung language
Authors: Afrianto  , Sujatna Eva Tuckyta Sari , Darmayanti Nani , Ariyani Farida , Cooke-Plagwitz Jessamine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This research is conducted qualitatively and aimed at patterning and describing clause and sentence structure in Lampung language through the configuration of its constituents. Regarding the constituents, Lampung has two types of clause: minor and major clauses. A minor clause is indicated by only one constituent, which is commonly a subject, predicate or adjunct. Regarding its function, it can be classified as vocative, shown by exclamation (Wuy!, Huy!); a greeting, as shown by an expression (tabikpun ngalam pukha); and an Arabic greeting (assalamualaikum). On the other hand, a major clause minimally consists of a subject and predicate, and apart from these there can also be an object, complement and adverbial. Furthermore, this research finds various categories that can act as predicative constituents: they are a verb/verbal phrase, adjective/adjective phrase, and noun/nominal phrase. Additionally, a copular verb (iyulah) and existential marker (wat) can also be the predicate. This research also reveals that in a sentence two or more clauses are connected by a conjunction, and then this conjunction becomes an indicator of dependent clauses. Also, a dependent clause can be found after the subject or the object of the independent clause.
Proposal Transport Services of the Airport Leoš Janáček Ostrava
Authors: Čechovič Tomáš , Gerhátová Zuzana , Kendra Martin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The article deals with the issue of transport service of Leoš Janáček Airport in Ostrava utilizing public passenger transport. The topicality of the issue is the seasonal operation of the airport. The article aims to adapt the airport traffic service to passengers and airport staff. The number of connections will be dimensioned using the formula of transport services, which is based on the potential of transport services in the area. This methodology has been used on lines connecting residential areas but has never been used on lines connecting the city centre the airport.
ANALISIS DITERIMANYA KLAIM PERPANJANGAN WAKTU DAN TAMBAHAN BIAYA PADA PROYEK BANGUNAN AIR DI PROVINSI BANTEN
Authors: Rachmatullah Asep , Hardjomuljadi Sarwono 
Published: January 2021

Klaim dalam proyek bangunan air merupakan masalah yang dapat mengarah kepada permohonan perpanjangan waktu dan tambahan biaya yang diajukan oleh kontraktor kepada pemberi pekerjaan. Oleh karena itu diperlukan penelitian yang dapat memberikan peringkat faktor yang menyebabkan keterlamabatan proyek berujung pada suatu klaim konstruksi berupa klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya, agar dapat diterima oleh pengguna jasa. Data penelitian dilakukan dengan wawancara dan survei opini responden melalui penyebaran kuesioner dengan para pemangku kepentingan yang kompeten. Metoda penelitian yang digunakan untuk pengolahan data adalah metoda statistik deskriptif dimana analisis validitas dan reliabilitas dilakukan dengan menggunakan SPSS 24. KMO Measure of Sampling digunakan untuk membandingkan indek jarak antara koefisien korelasi dengan koefisien korelasi parsialnya. Metoda Analisis Komponen Utama (Principal Components Analysis) digunakan untuk mengekstraksi faktor. Pengumpulan data opini responden, tabulasi data dan analisa data, telah menghasilkan urutan dari faktor penyebab keterlambatan waktu proyek. Dimana faktor teratas adalah faktor penyebab klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya dapat diterima pemberi pekerjaan. Urutan tersebut dijadikan bahan pertimbangan pihak pemberi pekerjaan untuk dapat melakukan langkah selanjutnya dalam menentukan sikap terhadap klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya. Diantara ke 24 kejadian ataupun peristiwa penyebab terjadinya keterlambatan proyek, terdapat 5 peringkat teratas adalah: 1) evaluasi kemajuan prestasi pekerjaan kontraktor tidak dilakukan, 2) adanya perubahan desain, 3) rasio harga penawaran yang rendah, 4) sistem pembayaran termijn yang tidak sesuai kontrak, dan 5) keterlambatan dalam penyerahan gambar-gambar. Kelima faktor penyebab tersebut berdasarkan hasil analisa ternyata dapat mewakili keseluruhan hasil penelitian ini. Dengan demikian klaim perpanjangan waktu dan penambahan biaya dari kontraktor yang terjadi karena satu diantara kelima faktor tersebut sudah selayaknya pemberi pekerjaan harus menerima.
Effectiveness of Family Function in Quality of Life in Elderly Patients: An Evidence Based Case Report
Authors: Maulana Muhammad Sobri 
Published: January 2021

Background: Geriatric care is an important part in healthcare and are sometimes neglected. Family caregivers figures assume a key role in postponing and potentially forestalling standardization of chronically ill elderly patients. The role of family function in depression has been demonstrated from earlier studies, however, the part of family function in quality of life the elderly has not concentrated widely. Objective: To evaluate the connection between family function and quality of life. Methods: Literature searching was conducted through PubMed, Science Direct and Embase. Critical appraisal using appraisal sheet for prognosis from Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine in 2011. Results: One article was found with good validity showed that direct relationship between family function and quality of life is not associated. However, if depression is present it plays as a strong mediator between family function and quality of life. Conclusion: Family function mediated with depression plays an important role in quality of life in elderly patients.