bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
8th Term pregnancy in uterus didelphys: a rare case report
Authors: Öndeş Banu 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Uterus didelphys is a rarely observed Müllerian duct fusion defect. Two separately developing Müllerian ducts create two hemi uteri with separate fallopian tube, ovary and cervix which may cause obstetric complications. This case report presents a case reaching term for the 8th time, with eight live births discussed in view of the literature.

Presentation of case
A 38-year-old, gravid 9 para 7 abortion 1, pregnant woman applied to the hospital with breech presentation after unsuccessful home birth attempt. As a result of the indications of acute fetal distress, meconium in amniotic fluid and breech presentation emergency cesarean section was performed. A 2800 g, 49 cm long with 33 cm head circumference female infant was born with 1st min Apgar score of 6 and 5th min Apgar score of 8. During the operation it was observed that the patient had uterus didelphys with each hemi uterus having its own fallopian tube and ovary. After the operation vaginal speculum examination identified two cervices. The patient’s other seven births were homebirth and seven children were healthy and alive.

Discussion
It is rare for pregnancies in uterus didelphys cases to reach term. Due to the frequency of obstetric complications and negative pregnancy results, close monitoring is required before and during pregnancy.
A Generalized Estimating Equations Approach to Model Heterogeneity and Time Dependence in Capture-Recapture Studies
Authors: Akanda Md. Abdus Salam , Alpizar-Jara Russell 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIndividual heterogeneity in capture probabilities and time dependence are fundamentally important for estimating the closed animal population parameters in capture-recapture studies. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach accounts for linear correlation among capture-recapture occasions, and individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities in a closed population capture-recapture individual heterogeneity and time variation model. The estimated capture probabilities are used to estimate animal population parameters. Two real data sets are used for illustrative purposes. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of the GEE estimator. A Quasi-Likelihood Information Criterion (QIC) is applied for the selection of the best fitting model. This approach performs well when the estimated population parameters depend on the individual heterogeneity and the nature of linear correlation among capture-recapture occasions.
Integration of soil and water conservation measures in an intensively cultivated watershed – a case study of Jihlava river basin (Czech Republic)
Authors: Konečná Jana , Karásek Petr , Fučík Petr , Podhrázská Jana , Pochop Michal , Ryšavý Stanislav , Hanák Roman 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs into surface waters from nonpoint agricultural sources requires targeted application of differentiated measures. In the study focused on soil and water conservation in the Jihlava river basin upstream of the Dalešice reservoir, we identified areas at potential risk of soil erosion, elevated infiltration and nutrient leaching, tile-drained areas and vulnerable riparian zones of water bodies. We then designed a system of complex protective measures for this river basin in more variants, and their effectiveness was estimated using simple empirical model calculations and research findings. Application of the measures defined by optimal variant 3 in the studied watershed could lead to reduction of the soil erosion effects on the surface water quality by 26.5 %, with simultaneous reduction of the amount of washed out total nitrogen by 22.8 %. The results of our study constitute a partial component of the Qualitative Model of the Jihlava River Basin and they were provided for use to the Vysočina Region authorities and the State Land Office.
Evaluation of erosion rates in cadastral area Rovečné (Moravia) using GIS tools
Authors: Mašíček Tomáš , Dufková Jana Kozlovsky , Zámečník Tomáš 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Evaluation of the vulnerability of agricultural land by water erosion, including the erosion control measures design, was done using the geographic information systems (GIS) on example of the cadastral area Rovečné, the Czech Republic. Analytical operations that lead to evaluation of the basic runoff and especially erosion rates according to the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) were made in ArcGIS 10 Desktop, the software product ArcInfo using a set of integrated software applications ArcMap, ArcCatalog and user interface ArcToolbox, and also using programs LS-converter and USLE2D. The potential loss of soil by water erosion was determined before and after erosion control measures design. The proposed measures should improve the current situation and contribute to preservation of agricultural activity in this area in a form close to the current situation.
New type of ponds? Changing of quantity and function of water bodies in rural built-up areas (Pilsen Region, Czechia)
Authors: Kopp Jan , Frajer Jindřich , Novotná Marie 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This study is focused on the changing of areas of water bodies in selected villages of the Pilsen Region (Czechia). We researched several different types of rural settlements and three time horizons with the help of old maps, orthophoto maps and GIS tools. To capture the influence of their location within the urban system, we chose 15 places from four categories (inner suburban area, outside suburban area, rural area, periphery rural area) depending on their distance to the core of the Pilsen agglomeration. There is no significant change in the amount of water bodies between the first reference period (1838-1839) and the second period (1957-1963) in the selected settlements. However, the third period (2013-2015) is characterized by the emergence of a large number of small water bodies - swimming pools and garden ponds. Based on the results of our research we identified the declining importance of public water bodies in some of the settlements. However, we have identified a notable prevalence of garden ponds which have a more positive ecological impact than pools. The proportion of private water bodies (covered and uncovered pools and garden ponds) in the total area of water bodies in the rural settlements in most cases is less than 20%, in the suburban settlements up to 100%. Peripheral settlements have a below-average share of these water bodies. The difference between the number of pools in different settlements is related to the proportion of newly built houses there. Although there are relatively fewer pools in rural settlements, the difference compared to the situation in suburban settlements is not pronounced due to the change in lifestyle in rural areas and the change in functions of some villages to recreational areas. Influence of pools on water consumption is dependent on the individual exchange technology of water in swimming pools. Filling of the pool before the season can overload the capacity of the local water supply.
The changing role of local water resources over time (The case of Slovenian rural region Bela krajina)
Authors: Trobec Dr. , Lampič Barbara , Plut Dušan 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The article examines issues of local water resources using Bela Krajina as an example - a rural, karst landscape in south-eastern Slovenia. In the field, we made an inventory of 261 different water resources, analysing their past and current use along with their role in the life of the local population and assessing their hydrogeological sensitivity and hydroecological threat they face. With the introduction of distributed water systems, water resources lost their traditional importance in terms of water supply, with local population’s reliance on and knowledge about them fading. Nevertheless, certain local communities have recently recognized their natural and cultural value, as well as their importance to ecosystems, which is reflected in initiatives for the preservation, protection and restoration of individual water resources. Most of Bela Krajina’s water resources are very sensitive to pollution due to the karst surface, however the actual hydroecological threat they face from human activities in their catchments is relatively low.
Water constructions in countryside – case study of land use on the river Svratka in the village Ujčov (Moravia)
Authors: Oppeltová Petra , Bureš František 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Buildings and facilities on waterways have significant landscaping, water management and ecological importance. They affect the landscape and create conditions for the emergence of new habitats. Small dams, mills, saws, small hydropower plants, dams and other water objects and structures, which more or less affect the flow of the surrounding countryside, are built and are building in the countryside. Within design and construction of these objects environmental relationships must be respected and in line with the sustainable exploitation of the territory. Many objects built in the past adversely affected the flow and the landscape while make it impossible the migration of fish and amphibians. A series of objects is currently non-functional and have a negative impact on the flow and the surrounding countryside. In such cases the streams are revitalized or inoperative objects are removed, fish ladders are often built. This study evaluates the possibility of using land adjacent to the fixed weir on the Svratka river in the Ujčov village, from the viewpoint of maintaining the existing biodiversity, aesthetic and economic potential of the territory. A study with several options of land use is the result.
Exploring the Factors Associated with MOOC Engagement, Retention and the Wider Benefits for Learners
Authors: Petronzi Dominic , Hadi Munib 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have and continue to change the way in which nontraditional learners’ access education. Although the free element of these has been linked to low completion rates due to no invested interest, the MOOC platform enables innovative technologies and practices to be trialled. Therefore, rather than attributing varied intentions of learners for high drop-out rates, it is suggested that an increase in completion can be achieved through more focussed pedagogical practices. In this way, it is necessary to understand the wider benefits of MOOC engagement for learners and what factors are key to their engagement and retention. The current research qualitatively analysed open feedback obtained from learners that corresponded to their goals of course participation. The feedback was also matched to categorical data that related to initial course intentions, the value of course materials and activities, the preferred extent of instructor interaction, unit completion and their overall rating of the MOOC. Thematic analysis revealed eight key themes that can be linked to engagement and wider benefits of course participation and widely related to professional and educational development, for example, supplementary learning for undergraduate students. Moreover, the MOOC appeared to have encouraged learners to revaluate their perspectives of and attitudes towards Dementia and those diagnosed with it, demonstrating another key element of this course. The open feedback revealed that quality assured MOOCs have significant impact on the lives of enrolled learners and pedagogical design and advances in these courses are considered, particularly in relation to collaborative learning. Finally, the application of MOOCs to wider learning and teaching at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is discussed, with emphasis placed on the advantages of readily available resources and scope for scholarly activity.
Assessment applicability of selected models of multiple discriminant analyses to forecast financial situation of Polish wood sector enterprises
Authors: Adamowicz Krzysztof , Noga Tomasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the last three decades forecasting bankruptcy of enterprises has been an important and difficult problem, used as an impulse for many research projects (Ribeiro et al. 2012). At present many methods of bankruptcy prediction are available. In view of the specific character of economic activity in individual sectors, specialised methods adapted to a given branch of industry are being used increasingly often. For this reason an important scientific problem is related with the indication of an appropriate model or group of models to prepare forecasts for a given branch of industry. Thus research has been conducted to select an appropriate model of Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA), best adapted to forecasting changes in the wood industry. This study analyses 10 prediction models popular in Poland. Effectiveness of the model proposed by Jagiełło, developed for all industrial enterprises, may be labelled accidental. That model is not adapted to predict financial changes in wood sector companies in Poland.
The generally known Altman model showed the greatest effectiveness in the identification of enterprises at risk of bankruptcy. However, that model was burdened with one of the greatest errors in the classification of healthy enterprises as sick. The best effectiveness in the identification of enterprises not threatened with bankruptcy was found for forecasts prepared using the Prusak 2 model. However, forecasts based on those models were characterised by erroneous classification of sick companies as healthy. The model best fit to predict the financial situation of Polish wood sector companies was the Poznań model
Pz = 3.562 · X1 + 1.588 · X2 + 4.288 · X3 + 6.719 · X4 - 2.368
where:
X1 - net income / total assets;
X2 - (current assets - stock) / current liabilities;
X3 - fixed capital / total assets
X4 - income from sales / sales revenue).
Basis Risk and Net Interest Income of Banks
Authors: Mielus Piotr , Mironczuk Tomasz , Zamojska Anna 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe results of the banking sector are shaped primarily by commissions and net interest income. Net interest income is determined by the difference between the profitability of bank assets and liabilities. In the case when a different method is used to determine interest for each side of the balance sheet, there occurs a basis risk that may lead to the deterioration in the net interest income of the sector. This is the situation in the Polish banking sector, which is characterized by the presence of variable interest rates for long-term assets and fixed interest rates for short-term liabilities. The study aims to verify the following thesis: in an environment of falling interest rates we can observe the deterioration in net interest income of the banking sector, as a result of the materialization of the basis risk. The authors of the article state that the source of the basis risk is the mismatch between the reference rate used to define the interest flow of loans and the actual cost of financing the balance through term deposits collected from non-financial entities.
The Spatial Fay-Herriot Model in Poverty Estimation
Authors: Wawrowski Łukasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Counteracting poverty is one of the objectives of the European Commission clearly emphasized in the Europe 2020 strategy. Conducting appropriate social policy requires knowledge of the extent of this phenomenon. Such information is provided through surveys on living conditions conducted by, among others, the Central Statistical Office (CSO). Nevertheless, the sample size in these surveys allows for a precise estimation of poverty rate only at a very general level - the whole country and regions. Small sample size at the lower level of spatial aggregation results in a large variance of obtained estimates and hence lower reliability. To obtain information in sparsely represented territorial sections, methods of small area estimation are used. Through using the information from other sources, such as censuses and administrative registers, it is possible to estimate distribution parameters with smaller variance than in the case of direct estimation.
This paper attempts to estimate the poverty rate at LAU 1 level of Poland. This estimation will be possible through the use of data from different sources describing the living conditions of households and the use of the Fay-Herriot model with spatial correlation. As a result, estimates for previously unpublished levels of aggregation will be obtained.
Spatial Approach to Diseases of Affluence Epidemiology and Regional Economic Development
Authors: Olejnik Alicja , Żółtaszek Agata 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDiseases of affluence(of the21st c.) by definition should have higher prevalence and/or mortality rates in richer and more developed countries than in poorer, underdeveloped states (wherediseases of povertyare more common). Therefore, it has been indicated that it is civilizational progress that makes us sick. On the other hand, substantial financial resources, highly qualified medical personnel, and the cutting-edge technology of richer states, should allow for effective preventions, diagnostics, and treatment of diseasesof povertyandof affluence. Therefore, a dilemma arises: is progress making us sick or curing us? To evaluate the influence of country socioeconomic and technological development on population health, a spatial analysis of the epidemiology of diseases of affluence and distribution of economic resources for European NUTS 2 has been performed. The main aim of this paper is to assess, how regional diversity in the prevalence of diseases of affluence is related to the regional development of regions.
Anatomic Variation of the Median Nerve Associated with an Anomalous Muscle of the Forearm
Authors: Atoni Atoni Dogood , Oyinbo Charles Aidemise 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Documented anatomical variations are important not only for the study of the subject of anatomy, but also in clinical situation. This knowledge would aid surgeons in planning a preoperative strategy for surgical procedures and reconstructive surgery. The right forearm of a 35-year-old embalmed male cadaver present a splitting of the median nerve in the proximal 1/3 of the forearm to form medial and lateral divisions that accommodate an anomalous muscle. The split median nerve reunites at the distal 1/3 and continues as a single nerve. The anomalous muscle arises by muscle fibers from flexor digitorum superficialis and inserted by tendon into flexor digitorum profundus. There was no such variation in the left forearm. The knowledge of such anatomical variations is important to clinicians and surgeons in interpreting atypical clinical presentations and avoiding unusual injury during surgery.
Effects of the Novel High-affinity 5-HT(1B/1D)-receptor Ligand Frovatriptan on the Rat Carotid Artery
Authors: Saracheva Kremena E. , Prissadova Natalia A. , Turiiski Valentin I. , Slavchev Valeri I. , Krastev Atanas D. , Getova Damianka P. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background: In blood vessels 5-HT stimulates sympathetic nerves, the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells. Triptans are specific anti-migraine drugs and they activate the serotoninergic 5HT1b/d receptors causing vasoconstriction of the cerebral vessels.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of frovatriptan on isolated rat carotid artery.
Methods: Contractile activity of the preparations was registered isometrically. Krebs solution (pH = 7.4) was used for washing smooth muscle (SM) preparations aerated with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 at 37°C. The 60-minute adaptation of tone level of preparations was taken as a starting tone and the changes such as contraction or relaxation were calculated using it.
Results: Frovatriptan (1×10-6 mol/l - 1×10-5 mol/l) induced a contraction, but at higher concentrations it caused relaxation of the carotid artery. The L-norepinephrine contractile reaction was enhanced in the presence of frovatriptan. In the presence of 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, methysergide, frovatriptan increased the relaxation. In the presence of the specific α-1 receptor antagonist, prazosin, the frovatriptan-induced relaxation decreased.
Conclusion: The observed contractile effect of frovatriptan is probably associated with the main effect of the drug - activation of the serotoninergic 5HT1B /1D receptors causing vasoconstriction of the cerebral vessels and their anti-migraine effect. At higher concentrations, frovatriptan, most likely via some non-specific mechanism, could activate the following intracellular chain reaction: stimulation of α1D could activate eNOS which may increase in the concentration of NO which results in the final effect of relaxation.
Profiling of Circulating Serum MicroRNAs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using Stem-loop qRT-PCR Assay
Authors: Kichukova Tatyana M. , Popov Nikolay T. , Ivanov Ivan S. , Vachev Tihomir I. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground: Development of biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has still remained a challenge to date. Recently, alterations of the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood, serum and post-mortem brain tissue have been linked to ASD. miRNAs are known to be secreted by various cell types and can mediate transmission of information into recipient cells and to modulate their physiological functions. On this basis it is assumed that circulating miRNAs could be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of pathological conditions.Aim: The aim of this study was to test whether circulating miRNAs display differential expression profile in serum of ASD patients.Patients and methods: The relative expression levels of 42 miRNAs were analyzed by stem-loop qRT-PCR assay in the serum of ASD patients compared to healthy controls.Results: The results indicated that 11 miRNAs in ASD patients were substantially higher expressed than these in control subjects, and 29 miRNAs were lower expressed, respectively. In addition, target gene analysis displayed that the altered serum miRNAs targeted some important genes like alpha 1C subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channel, L type, (CACNA1C), beta 1 subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channel (CACNB1) and other genes involved in epigenetic processes like dicer 1, coding ribonuclease type III (DICER).Conclusion: Our results suggested that differentially expressed miRNAs in serum might be involved in ASD molecular pathways, and serum miR-424-5p, miR-197- 5p, miR-328-3p, miR-500a-5p, miR-619-5p, miR-3135a, miR-664a-3p, and miR- 365a-3p might be able to serve as potential biomarkers for ASD because they displayed significant alterations in the expression profile in children diagnosed with ASD.