bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-Reactive Protein –Biological Marker of Inflammation in Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Mircevska Violeta , Petrovska Sonja , Zafirovski Oliver , Jovikj Maja 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Introduction. The term biomarkers or biological markers generally refers to proteins measured in the circulation (blood), whose concentration indicates some normal or pathological state or condition. The biomarker is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes or pharmacological responses to therapeutic interventions. One of these biological markers is C-reactive protein (CRP).
Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of using adequate and appropriate biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of pneumonia in children.
Methods. This study included 30 patients with diagnosed pneumonia, who were admitted at our Institute. Blood samples were taken prior to initiation of treatment in patients with pneumonia and 7 and 14 days after the treatment. The control group included physically active and healthy individuals without family history of disease, aged from 1 to 14 years. All the results of the biochemical analyses were within the reference values, and none of the control individuals received therapy. In our country, for serum C-reactive protein, as well as for other parameters that determine the diagnosis of the patient, we use a common method for determining normal values, by choosing a huge representative sample from the screening population, consisting of healthy individuals without any disease, especially with no sign of this disease (the children who should be checked up). Further, normal values obtained in this way are taken as reference values.
Results. The average serum CRP protein levels prior to antibiotic therapy were the following: (1-2) x̄±sd =34.94±20.44 mg/L, (3-6) x̄±sd=68.20±10.87 mg/L, (7-11) x̄±sd=65.59±12.01 mg/L, whereas in patients with pneumonia after 7-day antibiotic treatment the values were the following: x̄±sd=24.64 ± 11.57 mg/L/x̄±sd =40.10±6.83 mg/L/x̄±sd=32.09±6.68 mg/L (P<0.05), and after 14-day-therapy x̄±sd=6.80±1.14 mg/L/x̄± sd=7.20±0.82 mg/L/x̄±sd=8.10±0.89 mg/L (P<0.05). Also, CRP in serum correlated with the severity of the clinical condition (P<0.05).
Discussion and conclusion. This study is useful for showing the importance of C-reactive protein in serum for early diagnosis and follow-up of the pneumonia. CRP is very important as a biomarker, both from clinical and scientific aspect. It can be used for early rapid diagnosis, monitoring of pneumonia and can successfully be used in a large number of diagnosis. It opens new opportunities for further research in this field.
Symplastic Leiomyoma of the Uterus-Case Report
Authors: Georgieva Snezana , Nikolova Tanja , Nikolova Natasha 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We present a case of a twenty-four-year old, nulligravid woman with suspicionof molar pregnancy and admittedat the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Skopje. On bimanual examination uniformly enlarged uterus was detected. Ultrasonography revealed snow storm echo signal in the uterine cavity. Dilation and curettage were performed and only a slight quantity of material was obtained. Serum bHCG was negative. MRI revealed a finding of the tumorous formation on the anterior wall of the uterus deforming and dislocating the uterus without any additional information. Open surgery was planned and tumorectomy was performedinour hospital. Histopathology analysis of the obtained material revealed symplastic myoma of the uterus. The patient got spontaneously pregnant later, but the pregnancy finished as a spontaneous missed abortion and instrumental revision was performed. Five months later the patient got pregnant again. She had regular pregnancy course and delivery at 37.5 gestational week.
Preparation and characterization of EPDM-silica nano/micro composites for high voltage insulation applications
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Choudhry Muhammad Ahmad 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The rising market for substitute materials in high voltage insulation components is stimulated largely by the need to reduce overall costs. In this respect, polymer insulators offer significant advantages over old traditional materials. In the present research, efforts have been made to quantify the effect of silica (having different particle size nano, micro and hybrid) loading on the mechanical and thermal behaviors of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) based high voltage electrical insulations. The fabricated composites were subjected to mechanical, thermal and electrical properties measurements. The results of dielectric strength, surface and volume resistivities showed that all composites had insulator properties, while their mechanical and thermal properties improved considerably. EPDM was compounded with different types of silica in a two roll mill using sulphur cure system. The outcome achieved from the comparative study revealed that the EPDM nanocomposites had enhanced mechanical, thermal and electrical properties even at 5 % loadings.
Surface morphology of titanium nitride thin films synthesized by DC reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ţǎlu Ştefan , Stach Sebastian , Valedbagi Shahoo , Elahi S. Mohammad , Bavadi Reza 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper the influence of temperature on the 3-D surface morphology of titanium nitride (TiN) thin films synthesized by DC reactive magnetron sputtering has been analyzed. The 3-D morphology variation of TiN thin films grown on p-type Si (100) wafers was investigated at four different deposition temperatures (473 K, 573 K, 673 K, 773 K) in order to evaluate the relation among the 3-D micro-textured surfaces. The 3-D surface morphology of TiN thin films was characterized by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fractal analysis applied to the AFM data. The 3-D surface morphology revealed the fractal geometry of TiN thin films at nanometer scale. The global scale properties of 3-D surface geometry were quantitatively estimated using the fractal dimensions D, determined by the morphological envelopes method. The fractal dimension D increased with the substrate temperature variation from 2.36 (at 473 K) to 2.66 (at 673 K) and then decreased to 2.33 (at 773 K). The fractal analysis in correlation with the averaged power spectral density (surface) yielded better quantitative results of morphological changes in the TiN thin films caused by substrate temperature variations, which were more precise, detailed, coherent and reproducible. It can be inferred that fractal analysis can be easily applied for the investigation of morphology evolution of different film/substrate interface phases obtained using different thin-film technologies.
Antireflective bilayer coatings based on Al2O3 film for UV region
Authors: Marszałek Konstanty , Winkowski Paweł , Marszałek Marta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Bilayer antireflective coatings consisting of aluminium oxide Al2O3/MgF2 and Al2O3/SiO2 are presented in this paper. Oxide films were deposited by means of e-gun evaporation in vacuum of 5 × 10-3 Pa in the presence of oxygen, and magnesium fluoride was prepared by thermal evaporation on heated optical lenses made from quartz glass (Corning HPFS). Substrate temperature was maintained at 250 _C during the deposition. Thickness and deposition rate were controlled with a thickness measuring system Inficon XTC/2. The experimental results of the optical measurements carried out during and after the deposition process have been presented. Physical thickness measurements were made during the deposition process and resulted in 44 nm/52 nm for Al2O3/MgF2 and 44 nm/50 nm for Al2O3/SiO2 system. Optimization was carried out for ultraviolet region with minimum of reflectance at 300 nm. The influence of post deposition annealing on the crystal structure was determined by X-ray measurements. In the range from ultraviolet to the beginning of visible region, the reflectance of both systems decreased and reached minimum at 290 nm. The value of reflectance at this point, for the coating Al2O3/MgF2 was equal to R290nm = 0.6 % and for Al2O3/SiO2R290nm = 1.1 %. Despite the difference between these values both are sufficient for applications in the UV optical systems for medicine and UV laser technology.
Nanosized MoO3 as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 2,6-bis(benzylidene)cyclohexanones
Authors: Dighore Nitin R. , Anandgaonker Priyanka L. , Gaikwad Suresh T. , Rajbhoj Anjali S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Crystalline MoO3 nanoparticles were obtained by electrochemical synthesis process using tetrapropylammonium bromide as a stabilizer and structure-directing agent in ACN:THF(4:1) solvent. Formation of MoO3 nanoparticles took place at a constant supply current of 14 mA/cm2. These synthesized MoO3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). So prepared MoO3 nanoparticles were used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 2,6-bis(benzylidene)cyclohexanone derivatives. This protocol offers several advantages, such as simple work-up procedure, recyclability of the catalyst, excellent product yield in a short reaction time and purification of products with a non-chromatographic method.
Synthesis, characterization and fabrication of copper nanoparticles in N-isopropylacrylamide based co-polymer microgels for degradation of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Farooqi Zahoor H. , Sakhawat Tanzila , Khan Shanza Rauf , Kanwal Farah , Usman Muhammad , Begum Robina 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [P(NIPAM-co-AAc)] microgels were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. Copper nanoparticles were successfully fabricated inside the microgels by in-situ reduction of copper ions in an aqueous medium. The microgels were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Hydrodynamic radius of P(NIPAM-co-AAc) microgel particles increased with an increase in pH in aqueous medium at 25 °C. Copper-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [Cu-P(NIPAM-co-AAc)] hybrid microgels were used as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Effect of temperature, concentration of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and catalyst dosage on the value of apparent rate constant (kapp) for catalytic reduction of 4-NP in the presence of Cu-P(NIPAM-co-AAc) hybrid microgels were investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. It was found that the value of kapp for catalytic reduction of 4-NP in the presence of Cu-P(NIPAM-co-AAc) hybrid microgel catalyst increased with an increase in catalyst dosage, temperature and concentration of NaBH4 in aqueous medium. The results were discussed in terms of diffusion of reactants towards catalyst surface and swelling-deswelling of hybrid microgels.
Influence of different synthesis conditions on properties of oleic acid-coated-Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Aliakbari Atieh , Seifi Majid , Mirzaee Sharareh , Hekmatara Hoda 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In the present paper, iron oxide nanoparticles coated by oleic acid have been synthesized in different conditions by coprecipitation method. For investigating the effect of time spent on adding the oleic acid to the precursor solution, two different processes have been considered. The as synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Magnetic measurement was carried out at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results show that the magnetic nanoparticles decorated with oleic acid decreased the saturation of magnetization. From the data, it can also be concluded that the magnetization of Fe3O4/oleic acid nanoparticles depends on synthesis conditions.
Rietveld refinement on XRD and TEM study of nanocrystalline PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 ceramics prepared with a soft chemistry route
Authors: Mandal T.K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 nanopowders (~27 nm) have been prepared by a controlled reconstructive thermal decomposition and crystallization from an amorphous polymeric precursor with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sucrose at 400 to 700 °C in air. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD profiles which were recorded at room temperature for the PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 powder prepared by a thermal treatment at 700 °C for 2 h, confirmed the P4mm tetragonal crystal structure of the as prepared PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 nanopowders, with a = 0.4036 nm and c = 0.4147 nm. A hexagonal symmetry (R3c), with a = 0.5774 nm and c = 1.4212 nm, was also detected from Rietveld refinement analysis. Thus, tetragonal and hexagonal phases were found to coexist with the as prepared PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 nanopowders. The average particle size (D) of the PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 powders, estimated with the help of the specific surface area, measured by BET method, was 26.1 nm. Average D value, calculated by D2θ1/2 in the XRD peaks with the Debye-Scherrer relation was ~24 nm. TEM study made it possible to measure the particle size of PbZr0:5Ti0:5O3 powders with an average diameter of 27 nm.
Dielectric relaxation and study of electrical conduction mechanism in BaZr0.1Ti0.9O3ceramics by correlated barrier hopping model
Authors: Mondal Tanusree , Das Sayantani , Sinha T.P. , Sarun P.M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis work aims to study the electrical conduction mechanism in the dielectric material BaZr0.1Ti0.9O3(BZT) ceramics by applying AC signal in the frequency range of 102Hz to 106Hz. The phase purity and microstructure of the sample have been studied by X-ray diffraction refinement and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis. The appearance of resonance peaks in the loss tangent at high temperature is due to inherent dielectric relaxation processes of this oxide. The temperature dependent Cole-Cole plot has been studied in details to determine both the grain and grain boundary contribution to the conductivity. Electrical modulus analysis reveals that the hopping of charge carriers is the most probable conduction mechanism in BZT ceramics. The obtained data of AC conductivity obey the universal double power law and have been discussed in terms of microstructural network characteristics. The behavior of frequency exponent n of AC conductivity as a function of temperature verify the applicability of the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The AC conductivity data are used to estimate the minimum hopping length, density of states at Fermi level, thermal conductivity and apparent activation energy. The value of activation energy confirms that the oxygen vacancies play a vital role in the conduction mechanism.
Measuring Efficiency of Nations in Multi Sport Events: A case of Commonwealth Games XIX
Authors: Debnath Roma Mitra , Malhotra Ashish 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper used a data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure the performance of the nations participating in the Commonwealth Games. To increase the consistency of the research, multiple models were employed to validate the result, but the nature of the input and output remained same throughout the paper. The objective of this study was to establish some realistic targets in terms of number of players for all participant countries and evaluations of their performance as well as benchmarks against the most efficient country. This study would help the nations optimize the size of their players to maximize the outcome in terms of the number of medals won in sporting events.
Similarities and Differences of Health-promoting Leadership and Transformational Leadership
Authors: Dunkl Anita , Jiménez Paul , Šarotar Žižek Simona , Milfelner Borut , Kallus Wolfgang K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The concept of health-promoting leadership focuses on the interaction between the organization and the individual by identifying components able to positively influence employees’ working conditions. In the present study, the effects of health-promoting leadership and transformational leadership on the employees’ recovery–stress balance are investigated. In an online study, 212 Slovenian workers were asked about their perceptions of their direct supervisors and their work-related stress and recovery. The results showed that both leadership styles have a significant effect on employees’ recovery at the workplace, which mediated the relationship between leadership and work-related stress.
Measurements of doses from photon beam irradiation and scattered neutrons in an anthropomorphic phantom model of prostate cancer: a comparison between 3DCRT, IMRT and tomotherapy
Authors: Kowalik Anna , Jackowiak Weronika , Malicki Julian , Skórska Małgorzata , Adamczyk Marta , Konstanty Ewelina , Piotrowski Tomasz , Polaczek-Grelik Kinga 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Introduction. The rapid development of new radiotherapy technologies, such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or tomotherapy, has resulted in the capacity to deliver a more homogenous dose in the target. However, the higher doses associated with these techniques are a reason for concern because they may increase the dose outside the target. In the present study, we compared 3DCRT, IMRT and tomotherapy to assess the doses to organs at risk (OARs) resulting from photon beam irradiation and scattered neutrons.

Material and methods. The doses to OARs outside the target were measured in an anthropomorphic Alderson phantom using thermoluminescence detectors (TLD 100) 6Li (7.5%) and 7Li (92.5%). The neutron fluence rate [cm−2·s−1] at chosen points inside the phantom was measured with gold foils (0.5 cm diameter, mean surface density of 0.108 g/cm3).

Results. The doses [Gy] delivered to the OARs for 3DCRT, IMRT and tomotherapy respectively, were as follows: thyroid gland (0.62 ± 0.001 vs. 2.88 ± 0.004 vs. 0.58 ± 0.003); lung (0.99 ± 0.003 vs. 4.78 ± 0.006 vs. 0.67 ± 0.003); bladder (80.61 ± 0.054 vs. 53.75 ± 0.070 vs. 34.71 ± 0.059); and testes (4.38 ± 0.017 vs. 6.48 ± 0.013 vs. 4.39 ± 0.020). The neutron dose from 20 MV X-ray beam accounted for 0.5% of the therapeutic dose prescribed in the PTV. The further from the field edge the higher the contribution of this secondary radiation dose (from 8% to ~45%).

Conclusion. For tomotherapy, all OARs outside the therapeutic field are well-spared. In contrast, IMRT achieved better sparing than 3DCRT only in the bladder. The photoneutron dose from the use of high-energy X-ray beam constituted a notable portion (0.5%) of the therapeutic dose prescribed to the PTV.
Price Clustering and Price Barriers: International Evidence
Authors: Chen Tao 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper, I try to complement the existing literature by empirically examining the effect of price clustering and price barriers based on the international stock market. Evidence suggests that a strong effect of clustering and barriers is observed on last digit 0. Such effect is not robust and persistent on last digit 5. In addition, the cross-country analysis shows that price clustering and barriers become intensified in countries with a more transparent and open environment.
Cartographic image of immaterial elements in a city on the example of city maps of Warsaw from 1641 until the end of the 19th century
Authors: Weszpiński Paweł E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article discusses the problem of cartographic presentation of immaterial elements of city space. On the example of old city maps of Warsaw from the period between 1641 and the end of the 19th century, the image of objects and places in Warsaw is linked to the image of activities happening in them, or in connection with them. The author presents results of the analysis of the methods of presentation of immaterial elements, distinguishing three most numerous groups of them: nomenclature, functions and significance of objects, and property and administrative issues. The conclusions base on the analysis of 61 general city maps of Warsaw covering the whole city, elaborated in the periods 1641–1800, 1801–1900, and, supplementary, 1901–1939.
Quantitative assessment of the scope of content of selected topographic maps of Polish lands from the 19th and the first half of the 20th century
Authors: Panecki Tomasz 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The author presents an overview of the scope of content of selected topographic maps of Polish lands from the 19th and the first half of the 20th century in its quantitative aspect. 19 maps were analysed and a common conceptual model linked to the Database of Topographic Objects (DBTO10k) was developed on the basis of catalogues of object types. Quantitative statistics were also prepared for the object types from maps before and after harmonization. Differences between their numbers within the same maps reflect the conceptual variety of said maps. The number of types of objects (before and after harmonization) was then juxtaposed with selected thematic layers: water network, transport network, land cover, buildings, structures, and equipment, land use complexes, localities and other objects. Such factors as scales, publication dates and topographic services which created analysed maps were also taken into consideration. Additionally, the analysed maps demonstrate uneven levels of generalization. Inclusion of objects typical for large-scale cartography on topographic and general maps is one of the distinctive features.
Considerations on Relation between Philosophy of Sport and Common Sense Thinking
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this presentation is not to elaborate on the meaning of the common sense thinking and common sense in relation to cognition sensu stricto that is, in relation to scientific cognition. This topic has already been sufficiently covered in a concise and synchronous way. The focus of this presentation is mainly on selective manifestations of common sense thinking and their penetration of the philosophy in general, as well as the philosophy of sport in particular.
NHL Heavyweights: Narratives of Violence and Masculinity in Ice Hockey
Authors: Tjønndal Anne 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Sport is often considered a masculine area of social life, and few sports are more commonly associated with traditional norms of masculinity than ice hockey. Ice hockey is played with a great level of intensity and body contact. This is true for both men and women’s hockey. However, men’s ice hockey in particular has been subjected to criticism for its excessive violence. Sport has also been analyzed as an arena where boys and men learn masculine values, relations, and rituals, and is often linked to orthodox masculinity in particular. Tolerance for gender diversity and diverse forms of masculinity has generally increased during the last 30 years. However, orthodox masculinity seems to maintain a dominate position in sports, particularly in hyper-masculine sports such as ice hockey. In this article, narratives of masculinity and violence in professional ice hockey are a central focus. Through a narrative analysis of the biographies of two former National Hockey League (NHL) players, Bob Probert and Derek Boogaard, this article explores how narratives of masculinity and violence among hockey players have been described and how these narratives tell stories of the interplay between masculinity and violence in modern sport. The analysis illustrates how the narratives of the lives and careers of these athletes provide insight into the many personal risks and implications athletes in highly masculine sporting environments face. The analysis also illustrates how the common acceptance (and sometimes encouragement) of player violence and ‘violence against the self’ in ice hockey has led to many broken bodies, lives, and careers among professional male athletes.