bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Electronic Payments in Georgia
Authors: Mushkudiani Nino 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Electronic payments are considered to be a fast and secure alternative for traditional payment methods. Today, it is impossible to imagine modern bank operations, commercial transactions and other payments without electronic payments. This article shows that electronic payments are not the only means for reducing costs with respect to other payment methods, such as cash, but can also generate significant benefits for increasing economic development and reducing shadow economy. The paper focuses on the development of electronic payments in Georgia and its impact on the economy of the country. Over the decades, the payment systems in Georgia have evolved significantly in line with the technological advancement. Significant progress has been achieved in improving the e-payment systems infrastructure. The evolution of e-payments in Georgia can be characterized by the following: debit (including prepaid) and credit cards, credit and debit transfers compose a core set of noncash payment types commonly used today by consumers and businesses. These core noncash payment types are used both in traditional ways, such as in-person purchases, payroll deposits, and bill payments, and in innovative ways, such as contactless and mobile payments, e-commerce and online bill payments. Using the economic-mathematical analyses of the information taken from the web-page of the National Bank of Georgia and commercial banks’ publications, a mathematical model was built, based on which the positive relationship between e-payments and economic growth in terms of real GDP was shown.
Occupational Standards: A Key to Improving Match Between Skills and Labour Market Needs in Lithuania
Authors: Andriušaitienė Daiva 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
A country’s qualification structure that meets the needs of the labour market and properly skilled professionals at different levels of qualification are the objectives targeted by each country, region and entity. Competencies demanded on the labour market determine the competitiveness of a person, entity and the whole country. In order to train professionals to better meet the labour market needs, solution formulas for the problems are sought in the field of infrastructure improvements, system management and other areas. This article analyses the opportunities for enhancing match of skills safeguarded by the national occupational standards in Lithuania, including the analysis of progress, problems and solutions.
Vector B-H tester for simple evaluation of vector magnetic characteristics
Authors: Ueno Shohei , Enokizono Masato , Inoue Shinichi 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper presents Vector B-H tester. Vector magnetic characteristics can express the vector relationship between magnetic flux density vector and magnetic field strength vector. A precise measurement method of vector magnetic characteristics has been imposed. However, this method spends time and requires an effort to prepare the measurement. Vector B-H tester can easily measure and evaluate the vector magnetic characteristics.
Magnetic measurement of permanent magnet by 40 T long pulse magnet
Authors: Enokizono Masato , Yamada Koji , Nakahata Yasushi 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Permanent magnets, especially Nd-Fe-B magnets are very important engineering elements that are widely used in many applications. Detailed design of electrical and electronic equipment using permanent magnets requires precise measurement of magnetic characteristics. We developed a measurement system which can measure the magnetic characteristics of permanent magnets precisely. This paper presents the measured results of magnetic characteristics of various types of permanent magnets and comparison of these characteristics.
Verification of low-μ indicator standard inserts
Authors: Ulvr Michal , Kupec Josef 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The low-μ indicator is used for testing the relative magnetic permeability of weights. This paper presents a simple method for verifying the Low-Mu indicator standard inserts value, using a simulation of the weights by a coil standard of magnetic flux density of known length, number of turns and current value through the coil. The results of measurements of the set of standard inserts and the measurement uncertainty are also discussed. The method presented here can be used for standard inserts with a susceptibility value of up to 0.2 with expanded uncertainty of 8%.
Influence of manufacturing parameters on magnetic parameters of soft magnetic composites cores
Authors: Jakubas Adam , Najgebauer Mariusz 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The paper presents results of investigations of powder composites made of magnetically soft iron powder and dielectric - PVC - insulating and bonding molecules of this powder. The research was done on self-developed cylindrical samples. The study was aimed to determine the effect of molding pressure and the grain size of Fe on the magnetic properties of the samples. The studies have showed that an increase in core forming pressure obtaining higher induction B values at a lower H field intensity. It was also found that better parameters were obtained in the case of samples with a larger iron particle size.
Influence of magnetizing current speed in magnetic adaptive testing
Authors: Vértesy Gábor , Tomáš Ivan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Influence of changing rate of magnetizing current in magnetic adaptive testing was studied. Sensitivity of magnetic descriptors, which characterize the samples degradation, was found to depend on this speed. Low speed results in a better sensitivity, but the effect depends on permeability of the investigated specimens. Recommendation was made for the optimal choice of the applied speed of the magnetizing current.
Analysis and Testing of Reliability of Military Vehicles
Authors: Simiński Przemysław , Kończak Jarosław , Przybysz Kamil 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The subjects of this publication are the issue of reliability studies of military vehicles, the determination of reliability indicators of selected groups of vehicles, and the adoption of complex models of operation for analysis based on recorded operational events. Numerical simulations of operating states were performed to verify the models and the adopted reliability indicators. It has been shown that it is possible to use the obtained results of research in the economic efficiency-oriented military vehicle management system in order to minimize structural surpluses and increase the efficiency of the land technology equipment park.
Analysis and Testing of Reliability Information Systems in Analysis of the Operation-Related Process in the Army
Authors: Simiński Przemysław , Kończak Jarosław , Przybysz Kamil 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper focuses on the determination of effectiveness of the implemented system ZWSI RON in an analysis of the vehicles operation process in the army. With this end in view, a questionnaire-based diagnostic survey was conducted on staff members of the technical services of the Polish Army logistics units. The survey research results analysis shows that 90% of the respondents do not use the basic PM (Plant Maintenance) module of the ZWSI RON system to manage the operation of military vehicles. One should consider a modification of the mentioned system, i.e. creating new modules and new relations between individual modules of the system, using SAP system structure solutions.
Electroencephalographic abnormalities in sepsis patients in correlation to the calculated prognostic scores: A case series
Authors: Velissaris Dimitrios , Pantzaris Nikolaos-Dimitrios , Skroumpelou Anastasia , Polychronopoulos Panagiotis , Karamouzos Vasilios , Pierrakos Charalampos , Gogos Charalampos , Karanikolas Menelaos 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the electroencephalographic (EEG) findings and correlate EEG findings with inflammatory biomarkers and the sepsis prognostic scores SOFA, SAPS II and APACHE II in patients who present in the Emergency Department with sepsis without clinical central nervous system involvement.

Methods
The study included seventeen patients (< 70 years old) with sepsis without central nervous system involvement presenting in the Emergency Department of the University Hospital of Patras, Greece. All patients underwent neurologic examination and EEG analysis on admission to the hospital and were treated according to the international guideline protocols for sepsis.

Results
Six of seventeen sepsis patients had mild or moderate EEG abnormalities. We did not find any significant correlation between EEG abnormalities and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, WBC) or commonly used prognostic sepsis scores.

Conclusions
EEG could serve as a useful tool to identify brain alterations at an early stage in sepsis, before clinical sings of encephalopathy can be detected. However, the presence of EEG abnormalities does not correlate with sepsis severity as measured by the commonly used prognostic sepsis scores SOFA, APACHE II or SAPS II. Because this was a small single center observational study, large multi-center studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Correlation between MELD and UNa/K ratio in predicting renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Iqbal Jawaid , Khalid Muhammad Ali , Hanif Farina M. , Mandhwani Rajesh , Laeeq Syed Mudassir , Majid Zain , Luck Nasir Hassan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Renal dysfunction is one of the dreaded complications of cirrhosis. MELD is a validated chronic liver disease (CLD) severity scoring system. Urinary (U) Na/K ratio closely correlates with renal dysfunction in terms of low GFR in cirrhotic patients.

Patients and Methods
All consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis between the age of 18 to 70 years, of either gender, presenting in the outpatients’ department of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from June 2015 to June 2017 were included. The MELD score was calculated and the UNa/K ratio less than 1 was taken as surrogate marker of renal dysfunction. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS (version 20.0).

Results
A total of 71 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 43.79 years and majority were male (67.6%). The most common cause of liver cirrhosis was HCV, found in 42 (59.2%) patients. The mean CTP score was 10.48 ± 2.069 (range: 6–14) with majority of the patients following in class C, that is, 48 (67.6%). Mean MELD score was 21.75 ± 8.96 (range: 8–43). In 57 patients (80.3%), MELD score was > 15.The mean serum creatinine and mean serum sodium were 1.5 ± 1.1 mg/dl (range: 0.37–5.3) and 133.79 ± 6.9 mmol/L (range: 112–152), respectively. Mean urinary sodium and urinary potassium were 38.60 ± 46.64 mmol/L (range: 5–181) and 38.15 ± 23.9 mmol/L (range: 4.3–112), respectively. In majority of study population, UNa/K ratio was below 1, that is, in 52 patients (73.2%). Statistically significant correlation was documented between MELD score and UNa/K ratio (ɤ = 0.34, P = 0.004).

Conclusion
The inverse correlation between MELD scores and UNa/K ratio indicates that patients with CLD and higher MELD scores might have renal dysfunction. This finding however should be corroborated by large scale studies.
Evaluation of real-time PCR based on SYBR Green I fluorescent dye for detection of Bacillus anthracis strains in biological samples
Authors: Kędrak-Jabłońska Agnieszka , Budniak Sylwia , Szczawińska Anna , Reksa Monika , Krupa Marek , Szulowski Krzysztof 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was the application and evaluation of real-time PCRs based on the fluorescence of SYBR Green I intercalating dye for the detection of three Bacillus anthracis genes in contaminated liver and blood samples. The goals for detection were rpoB gene as a chromosomal marker, pag gene located on plasmid pXO1, and capC gene located on plasmid pXO2.

Material and Methods: Five B. anthracis strains were used for the experiments. Additionally, single strains of other species of the genus Bacillus, i.e. B. cereus, B. brevis, B. subtilis, and B. megaterium, and strains of six other species were used for evaluation of the specificity of the tests. Three SYBR Green I real-time PCRs were conducted allowing confirmation of B. anthracis in the biological samples.

Results: The observation of amplification curves in real-time PCRs enabled the detection of the chromosomally encoded rpoB gene, pag gene, and capC gene of B. anthracis. The specificity of the tests was confirmed by estimation of the melting temperature of the PCR products. The sensitivity and linearity of the reactions were determined using regression coefficients. Strains of other microbial species did not reveal real-time PCR products.

Conclusion: All real-time PCRs for the detection of B. anthracis in biological samples demonstrated a significant sensitivity and high specificity.
Effect of Self-esteem on Perceived Job Insecurity: The Moderating Role of Self-efficacy and Gender
Authors: Adekiya Adewale A. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The high rate of job loss in most crude oil dependent countries, which may be attributed to the recent drop in the price of this commodity in international markets, has intensified the perception of threats associated with potential job loss among the employees who are still employed. Hence, perceived job insecurity, its associated outcome, coupled with how it can be mitigated has become a global phenomenon, which requires the attention of managers and practitioners alike. In this work, we built upon Hobfall’s conservation of resource theory (CRT) to present a research model that links employee’s self-efficacy and gender to the strength or weakness of the relationship between self-esteem and self-perceived job insecurity. Research data were collected from 153 randomly selected Nigerian Bank employees out of 217 drawn from a total population of 509. Based on the results from relevant statistical analysis, it is discovered that, while increase in self-esteem would lead to a significant decrease in job insecurity perception, such significant decrease is, however, not associated with self-efficacy and gender meaning that these variables are not moderators in the self-esteem/perceived job insecurity relationship. In line with these outcomes, we conclude by recommending that managers should focus on developing intervention strategies aimed at improving employee self-esteem with a view of reducing perceived job insecurity. In addition, important areas in need of future research were also identified.
Testing the Purchasing Power Parity Hypothesis: Case of ASEAN Economies
Authors: Bekő Jani , Boršič Darja 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
We examine the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis of 10 members of ASEAN. A battery of panel unit root tests is employed on data series from January 1995 to January 2018 in order to search for validity of PPP in the period before the Great Recession and in the post-crisis period. All the calculations are based on four numeraire currencies: Chinese yuan (CNY), Japanese yen (JPY), US dollar (USD), and the euro (EUR). First, following the outcome of the present study for ASEAN countries, the PPP holds mostly with respect to CNY rates. Second, for the post-financial crisis period, our research proves conclusively that the PPP supposition is predominantly valid between the currencies of ASEAN countries and EUR rates. The sample of countries in the study is limited to the ASEAN group of economies. Based on the evaluated parity conditions, the emergence of global economic crisis brought about significant currency shifts in the ASEAN. The selection and testing of a broader range of numeraire currencies is vital to provide empirical underpinning for PPP notion.
Species in section Peltidea (aphthosa group) of the genus Peltigera remain cryptic after molecular phylogenetic revision
Authors: Miadlikowska Jolanta , Magain Nicolas , Pardo-De la Hoz Carlos J. , Niu Dongling , Goward Trevor , Sérusiaux Emmanuël , Lutzoni François 
Published: January 2019

AbstractClosely related lichen-forming fungal species circumscribed using phenotypic traits (morphospecies) do not always align well with phylogenetic inferences based on molecular data. Using multilocus data obtained from a worldwide sampling, we inferred phylogenetic relationships among five currently accepted morphospecies ofPeltigerasectionPeltidea(P. aphthosagroup). Monophyletic circumscription of all currently recognized morphospecies (P. britannica, P. chionophila, P. frippiiandP. malacea) exceptP. aphthosa, which containedP. britannica, was confirmed with high bootstrap support. Following their re-delimitation using bGMYC and Structurama, BPP validated 14 putative species including nine previously unrecognized potential species (five withinP. malacea, five withinP. aphthosa, and two withinP. britannica). Because none of the undescribed potential species are corroborated morphologically, chemically, geographically or ecologically, we concluded that these monophyletic entities represent intraspecific phylogenetic structure, and, therefore, should not be recognized as new species. Cyanobionts associated withPeltideamycobionts (51 individuals) represented 22 uniquerbcLXhaplotypes from five phylogroups in Clade II subclades 2 and 3. With rare exceptions,Nostoctaxa involved in trimembered and bimembered associations are phylogenetically closely related (subclade 2) or identical, suggesting a mostly shared cyanobiont pool with infrequent switches. Based on a broad geographical sampling, we confirm a high specificity ofNostocsubclade 2 with their mycobionts, including a mutualistically exclusive association between phylogroup III and specific lineages ofP. malacea.
The role of nursing stuff in the early identification, prophylaxis and treatment of sepsis in the light of the new definition of sepsis
Authors: Mazur Nicole , Czarkowska-Pączek Bożena 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction. It is estimated that every year 31 million people suffer from sepsis and even 6 million cases of illness end up in the patient’s death. In 2016 the current definition of sepsis was established as a life-threatening multiorgan failure resulting from an abnormal immune response caused by patient infection. The pathobiological approach rejects the current method of diagnosing sepsis based on the occurrence of SIRS, because many other non-infectious diseases may also cause its occurrence. There was proposed a scale of progressive organ failure called SOFA and qSOFA. In May 2017, WHO released a resolution that obliges European Union countries to raise awareness about sepsis prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management.

Results. A nurse is the person who spends the most time with a patient, thus becoming the best observer of changes in his/her vital functions and well-being. Nurses working in basic health care, hospital emergency ward and all departments not involved in intensive medical care, have an important role in prevention of infections, as over 70% of sepsis cases begins in a non-hospital environment, and the current level of public knowledge reaches only 14%.
The Effect of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with the AN69ST Membrane on Inflammatory Markers and the Level of Consciousness of Hemodialysis Patients with Stroke: Comparison with Hemodialysis with Low Blood Flow Rate
Authors: Matsui Tomohiro , Nakagawa Takafumi , Kikuchi Hitomi , Horio Hiroyuki , Hashimura Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Hemodialysis (HD) with low blood flow rate, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and peritoneal dialysis are recommended for patients with stroke complications to prevent intracranial hypertension because of the low diffusion capacity of the brain barrier. However, detailed guidelines are not currently available; thus, there is an urgent need to establish such guidelines.

Material and Methods: We developed a novel protocol for performing CRRT with the AN69ST membrane, which has excellent adsorption capacity for various cytokines. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of the novel protocol with that of the current standard protocol, i.e. hemodialysis with low blood flow rate. To compare the effect of hemodialysis with low blood flow (HD group, n=27) and CRRT with AN69ST membrane (CRRT group, n=8), we measured the following consciousness and blood inflammatory parameters in patients with stroke complications at baseline and after 1 week of treatment: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count.

Results: After 1 week, the total GCS score did not improve in the HD group, but improved significantly in the CRRT group (HD group: 13.1±3.0 to 13.3±3.1, p=0.5508, CRRT group: 8.9±3.9 to 11.5±3.9, p=0.0313). Improvement in the CRRT group was significantly higher than in the HD group (p=0.0039). CRP levels did not change significantly in either the HD (3.8±5.5 to 5.3±4.3 n.s.) or CRRT groups (7.7±10.0 to 3.7±3.2 n.s.); however, they tended to increase in the HD group and decrease in the CRRT group. No significant changes were observed in WBC and platelet counts after 1 week of treatment in either group.

Conclusion: CRRT with the AN69ST membrane might have a beneficial effect on the consciousness level and inflammation of patients with stroke.
Giant Fibroepithelial Polyp of Vulva: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Rexhepi Meral , Trajkovska Elizabeta , Besimi Florin , Rufati Nagip 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Fibroepithelial stromal polyps of vulva are the type of mesenchymal lesion that typically occurs in women of reproductive period. They are common, usually small and hystologically benign. Larger lesions are rare and likely arise from proliferation of mesenchymal cells within the hormonally sensitive subepithelial stromal layer of the lower genital tract. We present a case of 16 year old female with a giant polypoid lesion of the vulva localized on the right labium. The mass measure was 18×12×3 cm. Total surgical resection of the lesion was performed. Histopathological examination reported a fibroepithelial stromal polyp of the vulva. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence four years after the resection. Fibroepithelial polyps of the vulvar region are benign lesions that have a wide range of morphologic appearances and may be misinterpreted as malignant. Total excision is the best treatment options and histopathological examination is strongly recommended to rule out a malignant neoplasm.