bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ordinal Log-Linear Models for Contingency Tables
Authors: Brzezińska Justyna 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A log-linear analysis is a method providing a comprehensive scheme to describe the association for categorical variables in a contingency table. The log-linear model specifies how the expected counts depend on the levels of the categorical variables for these cells and provide detailed information on the associations. The aim of this paper is to present theoretical, as well as empirical, aspects of ordinal log-linear models used for contingency tables with ordinal variables. We introduce log-linear models for ordinal variables: linear-by-linear association, row effect model, column effect model and RC Goodman’s model. Algorithm, advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in the paper. An empirical analysis will be conducted with the use of R.
Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis to Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Stefanova Katya I. , Delcheva Ginka T. , Maneva Ana I. , Batalov Anastas Z. , Geneva-Popova Mariela G. , Karalilova Rositza V. , Simitchiev Kiril K. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Aim: To find the correlations between the parameters of iron homeostasis, inflammatory activity and autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Materials and methods: The present study included 114 patients with RA and 42 healthy controls. We determined the parameters of iron homeostasis: serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), the parameters of inflammatory activity: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prohepcidin, and the parameters of autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP) antibodies, and DAS 28.
Results: The levels of sTfR, CRP, IL-6 and prohepcidin were significantly higher in RA patients than those in the controls and the level of serum iron was significantly lower in RA than that in the control group. Unlike the controls, in RA, there was a significant positive correlation of sTfR with the parameters of inflammatory activity (IL-6, prohepcidin, ESR) and with the parameters of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28, RF, antiCCP). A negative correlation of serum iron with sTfR was found only in RA patients. Prohepcidin positively correlated with the parameters of inflammation (CRP, ESR) and with the parameters for evaluation of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28 and RF) in the RA group.
Conclusion: Our study shows that the simultaneous determination of the two parameters sTfR and prohepcidin is most informative in evaluating the changes in iron homeostasis in RA. The increase of both parameters provides information for tissue iron deficiency (assessed by the level of sTfR), caused by the inflammation when prohepcidin is expressed.
Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients with Hematological Disorders
Authors: Benedek István , Lázár Erzsébet , Sándor-Kéri Johanna , Bíró Szilárd , Jakab Szende , Benedek István 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Hematological conditions can lead to serious disturbances in blood rheology, being frequently associated with increased systemic inflammation and increased risk of bleeding. The imbalance between coagulation and thrombolytic factors in patients with acute coronary syndromes may lead to undesirable outcomes, and the success of emergency coronary angioplasty or by-pass grafting may be altered by increased bleeding in coagulopathies such as hemophilia. This paper intends to review the present knowledge in the field of acute coronary syndromes in subjects with hematological and onco-hematological disorders such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, polycythemia vera, erythrocyte disorders, myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
The quality of life of children with epilepsy in Poland – the opinion of children and their parents
Authors: Talarska Dorota , Michalak Michał , Talarska Patrycja 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackground.Every chronic illness, including epilepsy, has a negative effect on both the quality of life of the sufferer as well as on their relationship with their surroundings.Aims.To investigate the quality of life of children suffering from epilepsy and analyse how they assessed and scored their experiences compared to their parents.Materials and methods.The study included 209 children with epilepsy and their parents. The research tool was a questionnaire for gathering demographic and clinical data as well as the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™4.0) questionnaire in two versions, one for 8–12 year olds and one for 13–18 year olds and their parents.Results.Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire PedsQL™4.0 questionnaire was 0.91 and 0.93 for children with epilepsy and their parents respectively. Children rated their Total Scale Score higher (67.5 points) than their parents (62.5 points). Whilst analyzing children’s functioning in different areas it was observed that girls’ assessments were higher than boys’, except for Emotional Functioning. Both parents and children scored School Functioning the lowest. The greatest agreement of responses was observed in the domain of Physical Functioning, the smallest in the domain of Emotional Functioning.Conclusions.Quality of life was rated higher by both age groups of children suffering from epilepsy than by their parents. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the assessment scores of children and parents in light of the following variables; child age, gender, illness duration, seizure frequency and treatment effectiveness.
Presurgical diagnosis of epilepsies – concepts and diagnostic tools
Authors: Wieser Heinz Gregor 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIntroduction.Numerous reviews of the currently established concepts, strategies and diagnostic tools used in epilepsy surgery have been published. The focus concept which was initially developed by Forster, Penfield and Jasper and popularised and enriched by Lüders, is still fundamental for epilepsy surgery.Aim.To present different conceptual views of the focus concept and to discuss more recent network hypothesis, emphasizing so-called “critical modes of an epileptogenic circuit”.Method.A literature search was conducted using keywords: presurgical evaluation, epileptic focus concepts, cortical zones, diagnostic tools.Review and remarks.The theoretical concepts of the epileptic focus are opposed to the network hypothesis. The definitions of the various cortical zones have been conceptualized in the presurgical evaluation of candidates for epilepsy surgery: the seizure onset zone versus the epileptogenic zone, the symptomatogenic zone, the irritative and functional deficit zones are characterized. The epileptogenic lesion, the “eloquent cortex” and secondary epileptogenesis (mirror focus) are dealt with. The current diagnostic techniques used in the definition of these cortical zones, such as video-EEG monitoring, non-invasive and invasive EEG recording techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, ictal single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography, are discussed and illustrated. Potential modern surrogate markers of epileptogenicity, such asHigh frequency oscillations, Ictal slow waves/DC shifts, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Functional MRI,the use ofMagnetized nanoparticlesin MRI,Transcranial magnetic stimulation,Optical intrinsic signalimaging, andSeizure predictionare discussed. Particular emphasis is put on the EEG: Scalp EEG, semi-invasive and invasive EEG (Stereoelectroencephalography) and intraoperative electrocorticography are illustrated. Ictal SPECT and18F-FDG PET are very helpful and several other procedures, such as dipole source localization and spike-triggered functional MRI are already widely used. The most important lateralizing and localizing ictal signs and symptoms are summarized. It is anticipated that the other clinically valid surrogate markers of epileptogenesis and epileptogenicity will be further developed in the near future. Until then the concordance of the results of seizure semiology, localization of epileptogenicity by EEG and MRI remains the most important prerequisite for successful epilepsy surgery.Conclusions and future perspectives.Resective epilepsy surgery is a widely accepted and successful therapeutic approach, rendering up to 80% of selected patients seizure free. Although other therapies, such as radiosurgery, and responsive neurostimulation will increasingly play a role in patients with an unresectable lesion, it is unlikely that they will replace selective resective surgery. The hope is that new diagnostic techniques will be developed that permit more direct definition and measurement of the epileptogenic zone.
The interrelationship between clinical and immunity variables in epilepsy
Authors: Kalinin Vladimir V. , Subbotin Kirill Y. , Yermakova Natalia G. 
Published: January 2017

Summary
Introduction. The role of cellular immunity in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, as an interaction between immunity and clinical and neurobiological variables is not properly understood.
Aim. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible relationship between epilepsy forms, gender, focus localization, lateralization, handedness and cellular immunity with seizures frequency, their severity and length of therapeutic remission in partial forms of epilepsy.
Material and methods. Ninety two patients (38 men and 54 women) were included in the study. Symptomatic epilepsy was diagnosed in 40 patients and the cryptogenic form was diagnosed in 52 patients. The amount of different lymphocyte clusters were evaluated and they were transformed into nominal variables for MANOVA analysis. MANOVA was used for the analysis of the interrelationship between nominal fixed factors (epilepsy forms, gender, handedness, and focus laterality, and immunity variables) and dependent variables (remission and seizure frequency and their severity).
Results. Simple partial seizure (SPS) and complex partial seizure (CPS) frequencies were under the influence of interaction between immune and neurobiological variables. SPS, and in particular sensory SPS, were associated with CD4/CD8 ratio, gender, left temporal focus and handedness. The highest frequencies of SPS were revealed in cases of low CD4/CD8 ratio combined with left temporal focus, female gender and left-handedness. The maximal CPS frequency was observed in patients with a left frontal focus combined with a high B-lymphocyte level. The more severe seizures were revealed in left-handers with low CD8 and high CD4/CD8 ratio and in frontal left focus and a high T-lymphocyte level. There was a correlation between CD4 cell level and length of remission.
Conclusion. The complex multifarious connections between neurobiological, immune and clinical variables in patients with partial forms of epilepsy really exist.
Additive interactions between retigabine and oxcarbazepine in the chimney test and the model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in mice
Authors: Zagaja Mirosław , Miziak Barbara , Załuska Katarzyna , Marzęda Paweł , Drop Bartłomiej , Załuska-Patel Karolina , Ossowska Grażyna , Czuczwar Stanisław J. , Łuszczki Jarogniew J. 
Published: January 2017

Summary
Introduction. Patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy are usually treated with two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The search for therapeutically efficacious AED combinations is still a challenging issue for clinicians and epileptologists throughout the world.
Aim. To determine the interaction profile for the combination of retigabine (RTG) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) in both, the model of tonic-clonic seizures, the maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure model and chimney test (motor performance) in adult male albino Swiss mice.
Methods. Isobolographic analysis (type I) was applied to characterize interactions for the combination of RTG with OXC with respect to its anticonvulsant and acute side (neurotoxic) effects, as determined in the MES and chimney tests, respectively.
Results. The combination of RTG with OXC at the fixed-ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 produced additive interactions in the MES test in mice. Similarly, the combination of RTG with OXC at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 produced additive interaction with a tendency towards sub-additivity in the chimney test in mice. Measurement of total brain concentrations of both AEDs revealed that RTG did not affect total brain concentrations of OXC and inversely, OXC had no impact on RTG’s total brain concentrations, confirming pharmacodynamic interaction between the drugs.
Conclusions. The additive pharmacodynamic interactions in both the MES and chimney tests in mice were observed for the combination of RTG with OXC.
Using Excel in Teacher Education for Sustainability
Authors: Aydın Serhat 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, the feasibility of using Excel software in teaching whole Basic Statistics Course and its influence on the attitudes of pre-service science teachers towards statistics were investigated. One hundred and two pre-service science teachers in their second year participated in the study. The data were collected from the prospective teachers before and after the compulsory Basic Statistics Course. This is a course offered in the third term aiming at introducing the most basic concepts and operations in descriptive and inferential statistics. In the context of this course, it could be argued that in most universities basically four concept groups are addressed: 1) Data and distributions, 2) How values cluster and/or disperse, 3) How variables move, classify or cluster jointly and 4) How the means between different groups differentiate.The statistics course with the content mentioned above is usually handled theoretically and nearly no statistical software is used considering the needs and expectations of pre-service science teachers. In case a software is used, it is generally SPSS in Turkey. SPSS is nearly the standard in the field here and dominates all other software such as SAS etc. On the other hand, Excel with much of its capabilities, accessibility and ease of use, is not considered by most of the academics as sufficient statistical software.In this paper the capabilities, accessibility and practicality of Excel program in teaching most basic statistics course topics to pre-service science teachers were demonstrated and its superiority to other softwares and traditional instruction were discussed. In addition, the positive effect of such an instruction on the attitudes of pre-service teachers towards statistics was shown.
Degradation of water quality: the case of plain west of Annaba (northeast Algeria)
Authors: Attoui Badra , Toumi Nabila , Messaoudi Saloua , Benrabah Samia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the world, the water quality is undergoing deterioration due to urban and industrial wastes, and intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Unfortunately, as in most countries of the world, Algeria is experiencing a severe crisis of its environment apart from the problem of depletion of water resources. The plain west of Annaba is particularly subjected to a general industrial pollution. The pollution problem in this region has really started to become worrying not earlier than in 1980, when the economic crisis has led some industrial units to sacrifice the “Environment” criterion for the benefit of the production. We were particularly interested in this work in waters of the superficial aquifer and wadis like Boudjemaa, Bouhdid, Sidi Harb, and Forcha whose waters are most often used to irrigate the surrounding agricultural land. Comparison of analytical results from two periods – 2006–2016 for the: EC, pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, NO2 and 2006–2010 for the: Fe, Cr, Cu2+, Pb+ show a degradation of water quality in this region, which represents a very vulnerable area with a risk to pollution of groundwater.
Estimation of parametric flood hydrograph determined by means of Strupczewski method in the Vistula and Odra catchments
Authors: Gądek Wiesław , Tokarczyk Tamara , Środula Arkadiusz 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhile determining theoretical flood hydrographs, different methods of their construction are used depending on the needs of the problem or the scope of the project. It should be remembered that these methods differ mainly with the principle of the waveform averaging, which may be done either according to the flow or time. The hydrographs may be divided into nonparametric (determining on the basis of registered floods) and parametric (using mathematical description of the flood course). One of the analytical methods is Strupczewski method which has two parameters: responsible for the waveform and specifies the base flow, the flow above which values of hydrograph are calculated. The functional description uses the Pearson type III density distribution.The estimation of parametric flood hydrographs determined by means of Strupczewski method was carried out in the case when a nonparametric flood hydrograph suggested by the author was replaced with a nonparametric flood hydrograph computed using so called Cracow method. There was also made an estimation of flood hydrographs computed for single real hydrographs with the highest registered discharge and for so called typical hydrographs considering the volume.Comparative analyses were carried out for 20 gauging stations in the upper Vistula and in the middle Odra rivers catchments. The analysis revealed that hypothetical hydrographs determined using the Cracow method may be used in Strupczewski method as a nonparametric input hydrograph. Also real hydrographs meeting the criterion of a typical hydrograph due to their volume, may provide a basis for determination of a parametric flood.
An experimental study of the surface and subsurface irrigation methods with respect to soil moisture on grape yard
Authors: Kadbhane Sharad J. , Manekar Vivek L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, field experiment has been carried out on the grape yard during the summer, Rainy, and winter seasons using different irrigation methods and measuring its impact on moisture retention. Six different irrigation methods such as drip irrigation (DI), drip irrigation with plastic mulching (DIPM), drip irrigation with organic mulching (DIOM), subsurface irrigation with stone column (SISC), subsurface irrigation with mud pot (SIMP), and subsurface irrigation with plastic bottles (SIPB) are used during experimental work. CROPWAT-8.0 model (FAO) is used to find out crop water requirements. Soil moisture is measured using soil moisture sensors fixed in the depth of 30 and 60 cm at the same location. Climatic parameters are obtained from the automatic weather station which is located near the experimental field. Multifactorial statistical analysis has been carried out using recorded soil moisture and climatic data. As per experimental results and analysis, it is observed that drip irrigation with the plastic mulching method is found to be the best method of irrigation for soil moisture retention among all other methods due to its highest soil moisture retention value as 25–30%. Whereas subsurface irrigation with the plastic bottle method is found to be suitable as it retained 15–20% soil moisture and material used in this irrigation method is waste material and the cheapest one.
Challenges in modelling of water quantity and quality in two contrasting meso-scale catchments in Poland
Authors: Marcinkowski Paweł , Piniewski Mikołaj , Kardel Ignacy , Srinivasan Raghavan , Okruszko Tomasz 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study presents an application of the SWAT model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) in two meso-scale catchments in Poland (Upper Narew and Barycz), contrasting in terms of human pressures on water quantity and quality. The main objective was multi-variable and multi-site calibration and validation of the model against daily discharge, sediment and nutrient loads as well as discussion of challenges encountered in calibration phase. Multi-site calibration and validation gave varied results ranging from very good (daily discharge) to acceptable (sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loads in most of gauges) and rather poor (individual gauges for all variables) in both catchments. The calibrated models enabled spatial quantification of water yield, sediment and nutrient loads, indicating areas of special concern in terms of pollution, as well as estimation of contribution of pollution from different sources, indicating agriculture as the most important source in both catchments. During the calibration process a number of significant issues were encountered: (i) global vs. local parametrization, (ii) simulation of different pools of water quality parameters in reservoirs and streams and (iii) underestimation of NO3-N loads in winter due to farmers practices. Discussion of these issues is hoped to aid SWAT model users in Poland in a deeper understanding of mechanisms of multi-variable and multi-site calibration.
Agro-climatic zoning in Egypt to improve irrigation water management
Authors: Noreldin Tahany , Ouda Samiha , Amer Alia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe objective of this paper was to develop agro-climatic zones in the old cultivated lands of Egypt in the Nile Delta and Valley using climate normals from 1985–2014 to facilitate better irrigation water management under water scarcity conditions. 30-year monthly climate data were collected for 17 agricultural governorates in Egypt and yearly averages and 30-year averages were calculated. BISm model was used to calculate yearly averages of potential evapotranspiration (PET) and 30-year average for each governorate. Analysis of variance was done using one factor randomize complete block design, with number of years as replicates. Furthermore, the mean, the range and R2 were calculated to test the strength of the relationship between PET and climate elements. The means of PET for each governorate was separated and ranked in ascending order using least significant difference test (LSD0.05). The results identified 7 agro-climatic zones (LSD0.05 = 0.146). These zones were: (1) Alexandria; (2) Demiatte, Kafr El-Sheikh and Dakhlia; (3) El-Behira, and El-Gharbia; (4) El-Minofia, El-Sharkia, El-Kalubia, Giza and El-Fayom; (5) Beni Sweif, El-Minia, Assuit and Sohag; (6) Qena; and (7) Aswan. Such zoning will increase the ability of the Egyptian policy makers to prepare the appropriate water management and development policies as a result of the availability of proper information on each zone aiming at efficient use of the limited water resources.
Sediment load estimation in the Mellegue catchment, Algeria
Authors: Selmi Kaouther , Khanchoul Kamel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSoil erosion by water and the impact of sediment transport on lakes and streams, can seriously degrade soil and create problems for both agricultural land and water quality. The present study has been carried out to assess suspended sediment yield in Mellegue catchment, northeast of Algeria. Regression analysis was used to establish a relationship between the instantaneous water discharge (Q) and the instantaneous suspended sediment concentration (C) based on all recorded data and seasonal ratings for the period 1970–2003. The regression technique used in this paper involved a division of data into discharge – based classes, the mean concentrations and discharges of which are used to develop power regressions, according to single and season ratings, through log-transformation. Sediment loads estimated by stratified rating curves reduced underestimations to a range from 2 to 4%. The mean annual sediment yield during the 34 years of the study period was 589.23 t·km−2·y−1. Sediment transport is dominated by fall rainstorms accounting for 41% of the annual load. The big supply of sediment during this season confirms the intense geomorphic work by fall storms caused by high intensity rainfall and low vegetation cover.