bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Objective No-Reference Measure of Illumination Assessment
Authors: Anbarjafari Gholamreza 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Illumination problems have been an important concern in many image processing applications. An important issue in the field of illumination enhancement is absence of a quantitative measure for assessment of illumination of an image. In this research work a quantitative measure indicating the illumination state, i.e. contrast level and brightness of an image is also proposed. The measure utilises the estimated Gaussian distribution of the input image and the Kullback-Leibler Divergence between the estimated Gaussian distribution and the desired Gaussian distribution to calculate the quantitative measure. The experimental results show the effectiveness and the reliability of proposed illumination assessment measure.
Optimal Recognition Method of Human Activities Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Oniga Stefan , József Sütő 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of this research is an exhaustive analysis of the various factors that may influence the recognition rate of the human activity using wearable sensors data. We made a total of 1674 simulations on a publically released human activity database by a group of researcher from the University of California at Berkeley. In a previous research, we analyzed the influence of the number of sensors and their placement. In the present research we have examined the influence of the number of sensor nodes, the type of sensor node, preprocessing algorithms, type of classifier and its parameters. The final purpose is to find the optimal setup for best recognition rates with lowest hardware and software costs.
Estimation of radiation doses for transition from emergency to existing exposure situation
Authors: Hamed Abdelfatah A. , Salem E. F. , Abdien Asmaa K. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The transition from emergency to existing exposure situation is an important stage in the nuclear or radiological emergency plan. It requires arrangements to be put in place and to be implemented so as to ensure that the transition is made in a coordinated and orderly manner of guidelines for adjusting the undertaken protective actions and other response actions. The delivering radiation doses to public and environmental pollution are monitoring that measurements should be implemented according to certain plan of intervention and protective actions in the different stages of the N/R accident. In this study, a computer model (RASCAL) is used to calculate the effect of severe accident could have detected on an operating nuclear power reactor PWR and the possible impact on the public. Features for the decision to implement the transition from emergency to existing exposure situation are proposed depending on the estimation of the collection of deliver exposure doses to the public and environment due to monitoring the different radiation sources resulting from the N/R accident.
The dose of gamma radiation from building materials and soil
Authors: Manić Goran , Manić Vesna , Nikezić Dragoslav , Krstić Dragana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The radioactivity of some structural building materials, rows, binders, and final construction products, originating from Serbia or imported from other countries, was investigated in the current study by using the standard HPGe gamma spectrometry. The absorbed dose in the air was computed by the method of buildup factors for models of the room with the walls of concrete, gas-concrete, brick and stone. Using the conversion coefficients obtained by interpolation of the International Commission on Radiobiological Protection (ICRP) equivalent doses for isotropic irradiation, the corresponding average indoor effective dose from the radiation of building materials of 0.24 mSv·y−1 was determined. The outdoor dose of 0.047 mSv·y−1 was estimated on the basis of values of the specific absorbed dose rates calculated for the radiation of the series of 238U, 232Th and 40K from the ground and covering materials. The literature values of the effective dose conversion coefficients for ground geometry were applied as well as the published data for content of the radionuclides in the soil.
Accumulation of metallic elements into the superficial peat layer of mires and wet mineral soils of Estonian forest land / Akumulacja metali w powierzchniowej warstwie gleb torfowych i wilgotnych glebach mineralnych ekosystemów leśnych Estonii
Authors: Kõlli Raimo , Asi Endla , Szajdak Lech , Tõnutare Tõnu , Astover Alar , Krebstein Kadri 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This article studied the extent of accumulation of aqua regia extractable metallic elements (Al, Mg, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd) into peaty (histic) epipedon (EP) of fen soils, transitional bog soils, peaty gley soils and peaty podzols. The accumulation coefficients (Kac) of the elements in EP were estimated in relation of forest floor (FF, as an input) as a comparison to deeper levels (SS, as a past background). The study revealed that the extent of accumulation and its order depend on soil (peat) type or pedo-ecological conditions of peatification. In the forming of EP from FF, the concentrations of Al and Pb were increased on an average 2.5-5.0 times, but that of Hg increased significantly only in peaty soils (on an average 1.5-1.6 times). The contents of Zn were significantly decreased (Kac 0.1-0.5) in all soil groups. The comparison of EP peats concentrations with SS data demonstrated a considerable accumulation of Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg into thin (~20 cm) superficial peat layer.
Bioindication on the basis of benthic diatoms: Advantages and disadvantages of the Polish phytobenthos lake assessment method (IOJ – the Diatom Index for Lakes) / Bioindykacja na podstawie okrzemek bentosowych: Mocne i słabe strony polskiej metody oceny jezior na podstawie fitobentosu (IOJ – Indeks Okrzemkowy Jezior)
Authors: Bielczyńska Aleksandra 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Diatoms are widely used for bioindication because of their sensitivity to anthropogenic pressures (e.g. eutrophication or acidity of waters). In many countries in the world, work has been undertaken to develop and implement diatom indices. Since 2000, in the Member States of the European Union, this has been done as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The results of lake assessment obtained using the Polish method based on epiphytic diatoms (IOJ - Indeks Okrzemkowy Jezior = the Diatom Index for Lakes) are greatly different from those provided by the other ecological status assessment methods. The purpose of this article is to review the scientific literature on the use of phytobenthos for bioindication in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the Polish IOJ method and to indicate the possible directions of improvements in this method. The literature evidencing the variability of phytobenthos related to its habitat, the spatial variability at the scale of a lake and the variability in the growing season was reviewed. The cited writings indicate that the further specification of guidelines for the sampling procedure and an increase in the number of survey sites could enhance the functionality of the Polish lake assessment method. It has also been suggested that it may be useful to test the effect of the seasonal variability of a phytobenthos assemblage on its bioindicator value.
Comparison of fertility and germination of seeds in selected taxa of the genus Polygonum / Porównanie plenności i zdolności kiełkowania nasion u wybranych taksonów z rodzaju Polygonum
Authors: Matusiewicz Marta , Kubicka - Matusiewicz Helena 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The study compared the fertility of common segetal weeds of the Polygonum type: Polygonum persicaria L., Polygonum lapathifolium L. subsp. lapathifolium and Polygonum lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr. from different agrocenoses from the area of the Wigry National Park and its buffer zone. These taxa are particularly found in large numbers in root crops and spring cereals. Owing to favourable habitat conditions in a potato crops they reach large sizes and produce a much larger number of seeds compared with specimens from other agrocenoses. On the stubble, they constitute a component of secondary infestation, reaching fertility similar to that of cereal crops.
In addition, the germination of seeds P. persicaria L., P. lapathifolium L. subsp. lapathifolium and P. lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr. tested in various combinations, in light and darkness, after the treatment of stratification and using gibberellic acid. It was shown that regardless of the conditions, the seeds that best germinated were P. lapathifolium L. subsp. pallidum (With.) Fr.
Documenting Pocket Universes: New Approaches to Preserving Online Games
Authors: Murphy Derek L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWhen preserving massively multiplayer online video games over the long term, archivists must reckon with their player cultures or risk losing a crucial component in understanding the games. This article advocates for documenting player cultures in these games, investigates recent amateur archival efforts, and suggests possible new methods of documentation and preservation when one works with these games. Successful and suggested approaches include ethnographic writing, video documentation, and the crowd-sourcing of contributions from the player community itself.
Eastern Partnership and the Preferences of New EU Member States
Authors: Mišík Matúš 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper tries to shed some light on factors influencing the positions of the new member states of the EU on Eastern Partnership in its initial phase. It utilises an analytical approach developed by Copsey and Haughton (2009) and argues that the two most important factors affecting positioning of newcomers towards the initiative are: perceived size and geography. While the new members were especially keen to support their immediate neighbours, they were using a common policy towards these countries to increase their presence and influence in the region since the initiative helped them to deal with neighbourhood issues they were not able to solve on their own. The paper suggests an amendment to the theoretical approach and proposes an assumption explaining positioning of the member states towards the third countries that better reflect the empirical evidence than the original framework. Moreover, the research showed that Poland differed from the rest of the new EU countries, was much more active and influential and rather resembled the old members. However, due to its not very positive image (caused by its assertive approach and strong effort to play a prominent role within the EU) its influence within the EU was limited and, therefore it proposed the Eastern Partnership together with Sweden that held a much better image.
EU Initiatives for Democratisation in Eastern Europe
Authors: Kunert-Milcarz Renata 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Support for democratisation and democracy has become one of the leading topics in a wide-ranging debate over the state of democracy in the contemporary world. The European Union became an important player in global politics, one with an ambitious programme for the spreading and supporting of democracy and the process of democratisation in Eastern Europe. Hence the author’s attempt at addressing the following question: what actions and strategies have and are being undertaken by the EU to facilitate the above-mentioned processes? The aim of the paper is to describe and assess the strategies and actions of the European Union in the field of supporting democratisation and democracy in selected countries of the former USSR (e.g. Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), additionally well-fitting to the concept of Eastern Partnership, in the last decade of XX and the first decade of XXI Century. The paper also aims to present which procedures and standards (that are supposed to guarantee their usefulness and effectiveness) are being used by the EU. The emphasis has been placed primarily on the processes of democratisation, their mileage, specificity and possible strategies for supporting democratic development, as well as its potential for consolidation, in the countries of the former Soviet Union. In order to conduct the research it is necessary to assess the political, social and economic conditions in the researched countries. It is to be stressed that one should be aware of the complexity and dynamics of the described processes whilst evaluating the EU’s initiatives. The papers topic was chosen due to the importance and currentness of the researched EU actions and their results.
Contribution of Academician Momir Polenakovic to the Development of Nephrology in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Serafimoski Vladimir 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Academician Momir H. Polenakovic, MD, Ph.D. is an outstanding researcher, educator and scientist, one of the founders of the nephrology in the Republic of Macedonia. With more than 500 published papers in national and international journals, of which more than 189 are on the PubMed, he is one of the most fruitful medical worker in our country. With his participation in national and international congresses he has contributed to the transfer of the world nephrology in Macedonia, as well as, to the dissemination of the reputation of the Macedonian nephrology and science in the world. He has educated a number of specialists in internal medicine and subspecialists in nephrology. He has introduced new tests and methods in diagnosis and treatment of renal disease, which was a basis for his research and publication. Analyzing the life opus of Academician Momir Polenakovic we can say that he has dedicated his life and work to the research, diagnosis and treatment of kidney patients.
Generic Drugs – Decreasing Costs and Room for Increased Number of Kidney Transplantations
Authors: Spasovski Goce 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option in comparison to dialysis, although patients are obliged to receive life-long medical treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) for prevention of the graft rejection. Such immunosuppressive treatment may be costly and associated with multiple adverse effects. Since costs are viewed as one of the major constraints for the increasing number of transplantation, the use of generic ISDs may decrease the overall cost of transplantation and raise the possibility for its further development.
An ideal ISD should have the security margin between toxic and therapeutic dose, and prevent development of acute or chronic rejection of the transplanted kidney. This is particularly important for drugs with a "narrow therapeutical index" (NTI), where small differences in dose or concentration lead to dose and concentration-dependent, serious therapeutic failures and/or adverse drug reactions. The NTI generic drug is approved if within 90%-112% of the area under the curve of the original product the pharmacokinetics fulfills the strict criteria of pharmaceutical equivalence and bioequivalence. Every generic has to be proven to be bioequivalent to the innovator product, and not to other generic products because of the possible generic "drift". Thus, the generic ISDs may be economically attractive, but theoretically, they may pose a risk to transplant patients. Such risks may be reduced if a long-term clinical studies showing cost-effectiveness of generic ISDs in de novo and prevalent transplant patients for every new generic ISD are performed.
In conclusion, the increased number of solid organ transplantation goes in line with the increased health care expenditure for ISDs. The generic immunosuppressants could be a possible solution if safely substituted for innovator products or other generic drug of choice. The substantial cost reduction needs to be redirected into organ donation initiatives so that more patients can benefit from the further increase in transplantation.
First Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Implantation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Kostov Jorgo , Davceva-Pavlovska Jelka , Kedev Sasko 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: The term acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to any group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia. These high-risk manifestations of coronary atherosclerosis are important causes of the use of emergency medical care and hospitalization. We evaluated the feasibility and the acute performance of the everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) for the treatment of patients presenting with ACS.
Methods and results: The present investigation was a prospective, single-centre study. Clinical outcomes were reported at the 30-day, 6-month, 1 year and 2 years follow-up. The procedural success was 100.0%. After the BVS implantation a TIMI flow 3 was achieved in all 15 patients and the postprocedure percentage diameter stenosis was 16.4 ± 8.6%. No patients had angiographically visible residual thrombus at the end of the procedure. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis was performed in 8 patients (53.3%) and showed that the post-procedure mean lumen area was 7.86 ± 1.81 mm2, minimum lumen area 5.51 ± 1.58 mm2. At the 30-day, 6-month, 1 year (15 patients) and 2 years follow-up (5 patients) target-lesion failure rate was 0%. Non-target vessel revascularization and target vessel myocardial infarction were not reported. No cases of cardiac death or scaffold thrombosis were observed.
Conclusion: BVS implantation in patients presenting with ACS appeared feasible, with high rate of final TIMI-flow 3 and good scaffold apposition.
A Two Phase Treatment of an Infected Hip Endoprosthesis
Authors: Ciriviri Jasmin , Talevski Darko , Nestorovski Zoran , Vraniskoski Tode , Mishevska-Perchinkova Snežana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The revision of the two phase treatment represents a golden standard in the treatment of infected endoprosthesis. Throughout this study, the results of 21 patients with an infected hip endoprosthesis treated in two phases have been processed, with the use of an antibiotic spacer, within the period of 2009 and 2012.
Thereby, a unique protocol for diagnosis and treatment of infections has been applied to all the patients, which entails a preoperational x-ray image, laboratory findings (Se, CRP), as well as a puncture aspiration with a microbiological and biochemical examination of the aspirated fragments. The operational treatment consists of: taking a sample for microbiological and histopathological diagnosis, removal of the implanted endoprosthesis, excision of the avascular and necrotic tissue and installing an antibiotic spacer. Postoperatively, the patients are treated with a parenteral application of an antibiotics based on an antibiogram, throughout a period of two weeks, and later on an oral treatment, a combination of two antibiotics, depending on the antibiogram, within the following four to six weeks. After the appeasement of the local findings and the laboratory results, a revision with a removal of the antibiotic spacer and reimplantation of an endoprosthesis - revisional or primary has been conducted on the patients, depending on the bone deficit. The functionality of the joint is graded based on the Haris Hip Score. The patients are being observed postoperatively for a period of 12 to 36 months.
A definite reimplantation has been applied to 20 patients, while one patient has been treated with a resection method. The Haris Hip Score was 45 preoperatively, and 80 postoperatively.
The applied protocol of the treatment of infected endoprosthesis is effective in the eradication of the infection and the final reimplantation.
Matrix Matalloproteinase-8 Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Periapical Lesions
Authors: Evrosimovska Biljana , Dimova Cena , Popovska Lidija , Zabokova-Bilbilova Efka 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background/Aim: Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) have been associated with risk of developing chronic periapical lesion (CPL). Gene polymorphisms are contributing factors in the pathogenesis of the inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze polymorphism in the gene MMP-8 and its association and influence on clinical manifestation of CPL.
Methods: A total of 240 unrelated Macedonian subjects were included in the present study. Polymorphism -799 C/T in the gene MMP-8 detected with restriction enzyme BgIII was studied in 120 patients with CPL and 120 controls without any signs of chronic or acute inflammatory process in the jaw. The amplification of the region of selected gene was made with polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
Results: Our results showed that there were differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the MMP8 -799 C/T polymorphisms between patients with CPL and controls (p < 0.05). Also this study suggests that MMP-8 polymorphism -799 C/T was a risk for expression of CPL (OR=8.27<3.44<OR<20.26).
Conclusion: The detection of this genetic polymorphism is relevant for obtaining providential treatment of patients who are at high risk of chronic periapical inflammation.
Red blood cell transfusion and skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation in anaemic haematologic outpatients
Authors: Podbregar Matej , Gavric Ana Ursula , Podbregar Eva , Mozina Hugon , Stefanovic Sebastian 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background
Stored red blood cells (RBCs) accumulate biochemical and biophysical changes, known as storage lesion. The aim of this study was to re-challenge current data that anaemia in chronically anaemic haematology patients is not associated with low skeletal muscle tissue oxygen (StO2), and that RBC storage age does not influence the tissue response after ischaemic provocation, using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Patients and methods
Twenty-four chronic anaemic haematology patients were included. Thenar skeletal muscle StO2 was measured at rest (basal StO2), with vascular occlusion testing (upslope StO2, maximum StO2) before and after transfusion.

Results
Basal StO2 was low (53% ± 7%). Average RBC storage time was 10.5 ± 3.9 days. Effects of RBC transfusions were as follows: basal StO2 and upslope StO2 did not change significantly; maximum StO2 increased compared to baseline (64 ± 14% vs. 59 ± 10%, p = 0.049). Change of basal StO2, upslope StO2 and maximum StO2 was negatively related to age of RBCs. The decrease of maximum StO2 was predicted (sensitivity 70%, specificity 100%), after receiving RBCs ≥ 10days old.

Discussion
Resting skeletal muscle StO2 in chronic anaemic patients is low. RBC storage time affects skeletal muscle StO2 in the resting period and after ischaemic provocation.