bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stromatoporoid Beds and Flat-Pebble Conglomerates Interpreted as Tsunami Deposits in the Upper Silurian of Podolia, Ukraine
Authors: Łuczyński Piotr , skompski Stanisław , Kozłowski Wojciech 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Tsunami deposits are currently a subject of intensive studies. Tsunamis must have occurred in the geological past in the same frequency as nowadays, yet their identified depositional record is surprisingly scarce. Here we describe a hitherto unrecognized example of probable palaeotsunamites.
The Upper Silurian (Pridoli) carbonate succession of Podolia (southwestern Ukraine) contains variously devel-oped event beds forming intercalations within peritidal deposits (shallow water limestones, nodular marls and dolomites). The event beds are represented by stromatoporoid and fine-grained bioclastic limestones, in some places accompanied by flat-pebble conglomerates. The interval with event beds can be traced along the Zbruch River in separate outcrops over a distance of more than 20 km along a transect oblique to the palaeoshoreline. The stro-matoporoid beds have erosional bottom surfaces and are composed of overturned and often fragmented massive skele-tons. The material has been transported landward from their offshore habitats and deposited in lagoonal settings. The flat-pebble conglomerates are composed of sub-angular micritic clasts that are lithologically identical to the sediments forming the underlying beds.
Large-scale landward transport of the biogenic material has to be attributed to phenomena with very high energy levels, such as tropical hurricanes or tsunamis. This paper presents a tsunamigenic interpretation. Morphome-tric features of redeposited stromatoporoids point to a calm original growth environment at depths well below storm wave base. Tsunami waves are the most probable factor that could cause their redeposition from such a setting. The vastness of the area covered by parabiostromal stromatoporoid beds resembles the distribution of modern tsunami deposits in offshore settings. The stromatoporoid beds with unsorted stromatoporoids of various dimensions evenly distributed throughout the thickness of the beds and with clast-supported textures most probably represent deposition by traction. In some sections, the stromatoporoids are restricted to the lowermost parts of the beds, which pass upwards into bioclastic limestones. In this case, the finer material was deposited from suspension. The coexistence of stromatoporoid beds and flat-pebble conglomerates also allows presenting a tsunami interpretation of the latter. The propagating tsunami waves, led to erosion of partly lithified thin-layered mudstones, their fragmentation into flat clasts and redeposition as flat-pebble conglomerates.
Pseudo-Riemannian Symmetries on Heisenberg Groups
Authors: Goze Michel , Piu Paola , Remm Elisabeth 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The notion of Γ-symmetric space is a natural generalization of the classical notion of symmetric space based on Z2-grading on Lie algebras. We consider homogeneous spaces G/H such that the Lie algebra g of G admits a Γ-grading where Γ is a finite abelian group. In this work we study Riemannian metrics and Lorentzian metrics on the Heisenberg group H3 adapted to the symmetries of a Γ-symmetric structure on H3. We prove that the classification of Riemannian and Lorentzian Zl-symmetric metrics on H3 corresponds to the classification of its left-invariant Riemannian and Lorentzian metrics, up to isometry. We study also the Z§-symmetric structures on G/H when G is the (2p + 1)-dimensional Heisenberg group. This gives examples of non-Riemannian symmetric spaces. When k > 1, we show that there exists a family of flat and torsion free affine connections adapted to the Z§-symmetric structures.
Analysis of Smart Piezo-Magneto-Thermo-Elastic
Composite and Reinforced Plates:
Part I – Model Development
Authors: Hadjiloizi D. A. , Kalamkarov A.L. , Metti Ch. , Georgiades A. V. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A comprehensive micromechanical model for
the analysis of a smart composite piezo-magneto-thermoelastic
thin plate with rapidly-varying thickness is developed
in the present paper. A rigorous three-dimensional
formulation is used as the basis of multiscale asymptotic
homogenization. The asymptotic homogenization model
is developed using static equilibrium equations and the
quasi-static approximation of Maxwell’s equations. The
work culminates in the derivation of a set of differential
equations and associated boundary conditions. These systems
of equations are called unit cell problems and their
solution yields such coefficients as the effective elastic,
piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, dielectric permittivity and
others. Among these coefficients, the so-called product coefficients
are also determined which are present in the behavior
of the macroscopic composite as a result of the interactions
and strain transfer between the various phases
but can be absent from the constitutive behavior of some
individual phases of the composite material. The model
is comprehensive enough to allow calculation of such local
fields as mechanical stress, electric displacement and
magnetic induction. In part II of this work, the theory is
illustrated by means of examples pertaining to thin laminated
magnetoelectric plates of uniform thickness and
wafer-type smart composite plates with piezoelectric and
piezomagnetic constituents. The practical importance of
the model lies in the fact that it can be successfully employed
to tailor the effective properties of a smart composite
plate to the requirements of a particular engineering
application by changing certain geometric or material parameters.
The results of the model constitute an important
refinement over previously established work. Finally, it is
shown that in the limiting case of a thin elastic plate of uniform
thickness the derived model converges to the familiar
classical plate model.
Analysis of Smart Piezo-Magneto-Thermo-Elastic
Composite and Reinforced Plates:
Part II – Applications
Authors: Hadjiloizi D. A. , Kalamkarov A.L. , Metti Ch. , Georgiades A. V. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A comprehensive micromechanical model for
the analysis of a smart composite piezo-magneto-thermoelastic
thin plate with rapidly varying thickness is developed
in Part I of thiswork. The asymptotichomogenization
model is developed using static equilibrium equations and
the quasi-static approximation of Maxwell’s equations.
The work culminates in the derivation of general expressions
for effective elastic, piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, dielectric
permittivity and other coefficients. Among these
coefficients, the so-called product coefficients are determined
which are present in the behavior of the macroscopic
composite as a result of the interactions between
the various phases but can be absent from the constitutive
behavior of some individual phases of the composite structure.
The model is comprehensive enough to also allow for
calculation of the local fields of mechanical stresses, electric
displacement and magnetic induction. The present paper
determines the effective properties of constant thickness
laminates comprised of monoclinic materials or orthotropic
materials which are rotated with respect to their
principal material coordinate system. A further example
illustrates the determination of the effective properties of
wafer-type magnetoelectric composite plates reinforced
with smart ribs or stiffeners oriented along the tangential
directions of the plate. For generality, it is assumed that the
ribs and the base plate are made of different orthotropic
materials. It is shown in this work that for the purely elastic
case the results of the derived model converge exactly to
previously established models. However, in the more general
case where some or all of the phases exhibit piezoelectric
and/or piezomagnetic behavior, the expressions
for the derived effective coefficients are shown to be dependent
on not only the elastic properties but also on the
piezoelectric and piezomagnetic parameters of the constituent
materials. Thus, the results presented here represent
a significant refinement of previously obtained results.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: One Or More Entities?
Authors: Matikas Alexios , Lazaridis Georgios , Agelaki Sofa 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Characterized by an aggressive clinical course and relatively poor prognosis, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to a diverse group of tumors with distinct molecular characteristics rather than to a single entity. The recognition of distinct gene expression subtypes within the group of TNBC and the description of an ever-expanding set of genetic events has led to improved understanding of the underlying biology. However, the improvement of clinical results has been incremental despite undergoing efforts to evaluate the role of molecularly targeted agents in the treatment of TNBC. The relative rarity of each one of these genetic events increases the difficulty of conducting large clinical trials, further hindering our ability to identify meaningful, personalized treatment approaches. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on TNBC, focusing on molecular pathology and emerging treatment approaches.
The Rates and Effects of Urban Sprawl in Developing Countries: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Fekadu 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the rate and effects of urban sprawl in Ethiopia highlighting the city of Addis Ababa. The purpose is to assess the rate and effects of urban sprawl and its role for metropolitan linkage. The study was conducted based on both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources were obtained from selected informants who can be principally distinguished as key government officials such as mayor and head of sub-cities and selected satellite towns. The qualitative approaches used were based on document and content analysis. The rate of urban sprawl along the five outlets of the city is dissimilar. The highest growth rate of urban spread has been observed along the Mojo outlet stretching to the towns of Dukem and Debrezeit; the rate of spread along the Jimma outlet to Alem Gena is also high. A lesser extent of urban sprawl is found along Dessie, Gojam and Nekemite outlets. The rate of urban sprawl along the Mojo and Jimma outlets is more than double that of the other outlets. Holistically, in 2010, the growth of the city stretched along its catchments for an average of about 1 km in all direction, and 2 km along the major outlets. From 2020 onward, it is predicted to 0.5 km intervals. The city may also expand vertically rather than horizontally. Urban sprawl has both positive and negative effects on the areas of expansion and their peoples. The positive effects are that it contributes to improvements in the economy of farmers in the invaded areas, changes their way of life to an urban style, and the indigenous peoples also have a better chance of being reclassified as urban and therefore of engaging in urban employment than under the previous system of farming. This development also plays a significant role in the urban growth of the city and the integration of satellite areas. Thus, the rate of urban growth of the city is very high. The ideal prescription would be to practice strong integrative work with the sub-cities and proximate rural areas in order to encourage timely and proper supervision and to bring the required growth to the city.
In the Wake of TICAD V: Japan-Africa Relations Today
Authors: Tarrósy István 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The paper looks at how Japan, one of the major donors of African countries, has been redefining its positions on the African continent in terms of bilateral aid and business opportunities, triangular collaboration and multilateral development projects in an increasingly ‘interpolar’ world of international relations. The discussion includes China's expanding presence all over Africa as an important ‘reference point’ for the Japanese public at large and how that may influence Japanese pragmatic foreign policy towards the continent and Japan's involvement in African development. What are Japan's priorities in the wake of hosting the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) early in June 2013 in Yokohama? How does Japan go along with its confident manner of inclusive development and ownership in African societies when at the same time it is challenged by China and other emerging actors? What are the items on Japan's agenda for a re-intensified Africa policy?
Correlative Study Between Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Values and Neurologic Deficit in Acute, Primary, Supratentorial, Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Petrovska-Cvetkovska Dragana , Dolnenec-Baneva Natalija , Nikodijevik Dijana , Chepreganova-Changovska Tatjana 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
One of the essential characteristics of intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH) is the occurrence of brain oedema (BE). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the family of proteolytic enzymes connected with zinc, which in brain bleeding or a stroke can induce matrix proteolyse into the neurovascular unit, and increase the BE. The aim of the study was to determine the MMP-9 values in serum, and to assess the degree of correlation with neurological deficit in patients with acute, primary and supratentorial ICH.

Materials: The study was prospective and included 62 patients with ICH. The neurological deficit of the patients was evaluated by the National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Serum MMP-9 level was determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were evaluated in three phases: 1st, 3rdand 7th day following the ICH.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 9.4. Within the follow-up period, there was a significant rise of the NIHSS score in the first three days: 11.48 ± 3.7; 13.21 ± 3.78, and a significant rise of serum MMP-9, with greatest values in the third day: 134.7 ± 26.1 ng/ml (p = 0.000). There was a positive, significant correlation (r = 0.886, p = 0.000) between the serum MMP-9 concentration and the NIHSS score.

Conclusion: Our study showed that in the first three days of ICH, serum MMP-9 values were rising as well as the neurological deficit and the BE. Determination and evaluation of the MMP-9 in serum is an easy, non-invasive, routine laboratory procedure for the detection and follow-up of BE, and also determines further therapeutic strategy as well as prognosis in these patients.
Emotional Intelligence and Big-Five Personality Factors in Female Student Sample
Authors: Pop-Jordanova Nada , Stoimenova-Canevska Emilija 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study is to figure out possible connectedness between emotional intelligence and five big personality factors in female students selected from social sciences faculties.
The evaluated sample comprised 66 healthy students, of Macedonian nationality, mean age 18.9 ± 0.63 years. As psychometric instruments, we used the EI-test and NEO-PI-R, both with eligible metric characteristic and already used in the Republic of Macedonia. Statistical analysis was performed using Sta17, both descriptive and inferential statistics including medians, standard deviations, and two-tailed Pearson's correlation.
The obtained results for emotional intelligence showedn average anxiety level (M = 77.35), extraversion (M = 50.91) and a realistic outlook on life (M = 81.64), high self-confidence (M = 44.44) and generally satisfactory empathy (M = 85.39). Personality characteristics obtained with NEO-PI-R showed high extroversion (M = 123. 70), low agreeableness (M = 105.82) and consciousness (M = 104.67), as well as mild neuroticism (M = 91.33) and openness (M = 117.45). The results confirmed a high positive correlation between anxiety, optimism, and empathy; and between self-confidence and empathy within the EI test. Within NEO-PR-R there was a positive correlation between factors Extroversion and Openness to Experience and a negative correlation between the factors Extroversion and Agreeableness. However, just one negative correlation is noted, between Extroversion from EI and Openness to experience from NEO-PR-R (-0,25; p < 0.05).
We concluded that similar facets measured with different psychometric instruments have different basic concepts. The obtained results, although they figure out some support from other research, also differ from other studies. It is important for us to follow the obtained results and to provoke further research on a bigger and more diverse sample.
The Prevalence of High Anxiety and Substance Use in University Students in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Manchevska Sanja , Pluncevic-Gligoroska Jasmina 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of high anxiety and substance use among university students in the Republic of Macedonia.

Material and methods: The sample comprised 742 students, aged 18–22 years, who attended the first (188 students) and second year studies at the Medical Faculty (257), Faculty of Dentistry (242), and Faculty of Law (55) within Ss. Cyril and Methodius Universityin Skopje. As a psychometric test the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used. It is a self-rating questionnaire used for measuring the severity of anxiety. A psychiatric interview was performed with students with BAI scores > 25. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of questions on the habits of substance (alcohol, nicotine, sedative-hypnotics, and illicit drugs) use and abuse was also used. For statistical evaluation Statistica 7 software was used.

Results: The highest mean BAI scores were obtained by first year medical students (16.8 ± 9.8). Fifteen percent of all students and 20% of first year medical students showed high levels of anxiety. Law students showed the highest prevalence of substance use and abuse.

Conclusion: High anxiety and substance use as maladaptive behaviours among university students are not systematically investigated in our country. The study showed that students show these types of unhealthy reactions, regardless of the curriculum of education. More attention should be paid to students in the early stages of their education. A student counselling service which offers mental health assistance needs to be established within University facilities in R. Macedonia alongside the existing services in our health system.
Influence of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty on Reproductive Outcome in Patients with Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Tofoski Gligor , Antovska Vesna 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) have decreased reproductive potential and an unfavourable reproductive outcome compared to the population with normal uterine cavity. Patients with untreated CUA have a higher abortion rate, higher foetal loss rate and decreased live birth rate. Hysteroscopic metroplasty is a standard, safe and minimally invasive method for the treatment of correctible types of congenital uterine anomalies.
The aim of the study was to analyse the reproductive outcome in certain groups of patients with CUA and infertility, before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Material and methods: We analyzed 115 patients on whom 129 hysteroscopic metroplasty interventions were performed at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Skopje over a one-year period, between 01.01.2011 and 31.12.2011. Patients and their reproductive outcome were monitored over a two-year period and the same group served as a control group, taking into account their previous reproductive history before and after metroplasty. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The most common CUA were types 5b and 6, represented by 83.3%. In a follow-up period of two years, there were 55 patients with previous foetal loss treated by hysteroscopic metroplasty, and 31 of them had pregnancies. There was a statistically significant decrease of abortion rate from 88.5% to 19.3%, and a significant increase in term delivery rate from 2.3% to 71%.

Conclusion: Hysteroscopic metroplasty significantly improves the reproductive outcome in patients with previous foetal loss.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence – Mesh Complications
Authors: Iliev Vasil N. , Andonova Irena T. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Currently, the most commonly performed surgeries for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are mesh midurethral slings (MUS). They are minimally invasive outpatient procedures, and they are as effect-tive as traditional suburethral slings, open retropubic colposuspension (Burch, Marshall-Marchetti), and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension. They have a short operative time and fewer postoperative complications. In the paper we present results from a prospective study of 214 patients with SUI who underwent midurethral sling placement: 68 patients with retropubic slings (TVT) and 146 patients with transobturator slings (TVT-O) followed over 12 months. The operations were performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Medical Faculty, Skopje, R. Macedonia and at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital, Sibenik, Croatia. All MUS placements (TVT and TVT-O) were performed by one surgeon (urogynaecologist) using the standard surgical technique and operative and postoperative protocol for those procedures. TVT and TVT-O meshes are polypropylene macroporous meshes produced by “Ethicon” We evaluated mesh complications related to the procedure (Table 1) and complications specific to the mesh (Table 2). In the article are presented the data from up-to-date literature related to the evaluated topic parallel to our results. We can conclude that all our findings on the evaluated groups are comparable with the data from competent literature. Instead of a conclusion we would like to suggest continuous follow-up of all minimally invasive procedures with midurethral slings placement for collecting experience of side-effects and complications and improving those procedures which are gold standard today in the treatment of SUI.
Partial Caecal Necrosis – a Rare Cause of Right-Sided Inferior Abdominal Pain and Tenderness
Authors: Karpuzi Arben , Galeski Dragisha , Elezi Gazmend , Goreski Aleksandar , Karatashev Zoran 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction: Non-occlusive caecal infarction is a rare condition that has been described in association with a variety of clinical entities, generally due to a low-flow state, and has been reported to occur in association with chronic heart disease, open-heart surgery, certain drugs, and haemodialysis. The aim of this article is to describe the presentation, diagnosis and management of this unusual clinical problem.

Case presentation: We report on an 84-year-old female with known chronic heart disease presenting with right lower abdominal quadrant pain, tenderness and leukocytosis. Although initial clinical findings were highly suggestive of acute appendicitis, CT revealed marked circumferential wall thickening of the caecum. Intraoperatively, caecal necrosis was confirmed, while the appendix and the remainder of the intestine appeared normal. There was no evidence of major vascular occlusion or embolization. The right hemicolectomy was performed with ileo-transverse anastomosis. Histopatho-logic analysis demonstrated isolated transmural caecal necrosis with marked infiltration of the caecal wall by numerous bacteria and neutrophils as a consequence of nonocclusive ischaemic colitis. The patient recovered completely and was discharged from the hospital on the tenth postoperative day without any surgical complications.

Conclusion: Partial caecal necrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain, especially in elderly patients with chronic heart disease.