bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of system approach in creation of educational electronic cartographic aids in Ukraine
Authors: Ostroukh Vitalii , Drohushevska Iryna 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Through the example of State Scientific and Production Enterprise «Kartographia» the practical steps on publishing of educational electronic cartographic production in Ukraine are analysed. The main functions of using such products in the process of teaching as a key element of innovation techniques implementation into school education are defined. The authors represent the features of application of system approach to creation of electronic cartographic aids. The requirements to the educational electronic cartographic aids are related to the specific aspects of production tasks and technological solutions.
The most essential part of the process of creation of electronic aid is a methodic processing. The quality and efficiency of the aid are defined by it. Electronic aid general structure which includes a list of programme units, intermodular connections, terms and definitions for hyperlinks is a result of this processing.
Specificity of production tasks causes additional demands to creation of electronic aids. In the article authors consider the requirements and methodic approaches to the content, font style and color composition of electronic aids. Authors also present the recommendations for editor’s work.
Due to the use of system approach to the creation of electronic cartographic aids new models of planning or giving lessons can be used and modern instructional techniques can be implemented as a practical matter.
Issues related to waste sewage sludge drying under superheated steam
Authors: Hamawand Ihsan , Pereira da Silva Wilton , Eberhard Friederike , Antille Diogenes L. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Sewage sludge was dried in a rotary drum dryer under superheated steam. Particle size and moisture content were shown to have significant influences on sticking and agglomeration of the materials. Pouring partially dried sludge (70–80% moisture content, wet basis) directly into the screw feeder of the drum dryer resulted in a significant sticking to the surface of the drum and the final particle size of the product was greater than 100 mm in diameter. The moisture content of this product was slightly less than its initial value. To overcome this issue, the sludge was mixed with lignite at variety ratios and then chopped before being introduced to the feeding screw. It was found that mixing the sludge with lignite and then sieving the chopped materials through a four millimetre mesh sieve was the key to solve this issue. This technique significantly reduced both stickiness and agglomeration of the material. Also, this enabled for a significant reduction in moisture content of the final product.
The utilization of the mesoporous Ti-SBA-15 catalyst in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol to glycidol and diglycidyl ether in the water medium
Authors: Wróblewska Agnieszka , Makuch Edyta , Dzięcioł Małgorzata , Jędrzejewski Roman , Kochmański Paweł , Kochmańska Agnieszka , Kucharski Łukasz 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This work presents the studies on the optimization the process of allyl alcohol epoxidation over the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst. The optimization was carried out in an aqueous medium, wherein water was introduced into the reaction medium with an oxidizing agent (30 wt% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide) and it was formed in the reaction medium during the processes. The main investigated technological parameters were: the temperature, the molar ratio of allyl alcohol/hydrogen peroxide, the catalyst content and the reaction time. The main functions the process were: the selectivity of transformation to glycidol in relation to allyl alcohol consumed, the selectivity of transformation to diglycidyl ether in relation to allyl alcohol consumed, the conversion of allyl alcohol and the selectivity of transformation to organic compounds in relation to hydrogen peroxide consumed. The analysis of the layer drawings showed that in water solution it is best to conduct allyl alcohol epoxidation in direction of glycidol (selectivity of glycidol 54 mol%) at: the temperature of 10–17°C, the molar ratio of reactants 0.5–1.9, the catalyst content 2.9–4.0 wt%, the reaction time 2.7–3.0 h and in direction of diglycidyl ether (selectivity of diglycidyl ether 16 mol%) at: the temperature of 18–33°C, the molar ratio of reactants 0.9–1.65, the catalyst content 2.0–3.4 wt%, the reaction time 1.7–2.6 h. The presented method allows to obtain two very valuable intermediates for the organic industry.
Encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid via polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-casein bioblends
Authors: Ozsagiroglu Erhan , Guvenilir Yuksel Avcibasi 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to encapsulate, L-ascorbic acid, in biopolymers in order to obtain (i) enhancing its encapsulation efficiency (ii) increasing drug release ratio using different pH mediums. Microparticles based on polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol and casein are prepared by spray drying technique. Microparticles are in vitro characterized in terms of yield of production, particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release. In this manner, the importance of the study is producing of a stable and effective drug encapsulation system by PCL-PEG-CS polymer mixture by spray dryer. We achieved minimum 27.540±0.656 μm particle size with 0.512 m2/g surface area, 84.05% maximum drug loading, and 68.92% drug release ratio at pH 9.6. Release profiles are fitted to previously developed kinetic models to differentiate possible release mechanisms. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model is the best described each release scenario, and the drug release is governed by non-Fickian diffusion at pH 9.6. Our study proposed as an alternative or adjuvants for controlling release of L-ascorbic acid.
Carbon-based acid catalyst from waste seed shells: preparation and characterization
Authors: Wang Li H. , Liu Hao , Li Li 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A carbon-based solid acid catalyst was prepared by the sulfonation of carbonized seed shells of Jatropha curcas (J. curcas L.). The structure of amorphous carbon consisting of polycyclic aromatic carbon sheets attached a high density of acidic SO3H groups (2.0 mmol · g−1) was identified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The performance of the solid acid catalyst was evaluated for biodiesel production in the esterification of oleic acid with methanol. 95.7% yield of biodiesel was obtained after 2 h reaction and the conversions with reused catalyst varied in the range of 95.7% to 95.1%, showing better activity and stability than commercial catalyst amberlyst-46. It was also observed that the prepared catalyst showed enhanced activity in the transesterification of triolein with methanol when compared with other solid acid catalysts. A synergistic effect results from the high density of SO3H groups and the good access of reactants to the acidic sites can be used to explain the excellent catalytic activity, as well as the strong affinity between the hydrophilic reactants and the neutral OH groups bonded to the polycyclic aromatic carbon rings.
Reverse osmosis as one-step wastewater treatment: a case study on groundwater pollution
Authors: Ali Wajid , Ur Rehman Waheed , Younas Mohammad , Ahmad Muhammad Imran , Gul Saeed 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The present case study is focused on performance evaluation of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane based pilot plant to treat the ground/surface drinking water sources polluted by flood, rivers and/or canals. The RO plant was designed, fabricated and then operated with polluted water. Two feed water samples having a TDS of 2.000 mg · L−1 and 10.000 mg · L−1 respectively, were taken and analyzed for physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants. The RO plant was run once through over a span of 100 hrs at an operating pressure of 15 bar. TDS rejections were found to be more than 94% while permeate flux was measured to be 25.82 L · m−2 · hr−1 to 40.55 L · m−2 · hr−1. Results show that RO plant has a potential to remove physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants like Total Coliform and E. Coli in one step.
Duplex selections, equilibrium points, and viability tubes
Authors: Kánnai Zoltán 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Existence of viable trajectories to nonautonomous differential inclusions are proven for time-dependent viability tubes. In the convex case we prove a double-selection theorem and a new Scorza-Dragoni type lemma. Our result also provides a new and palpable proof for the equilibrium form of Kakutani’s fixed point theorem.
Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in elderly patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: single center experience
Authors: Ocvirk Janja , Moltara Maja Ebert , Mesti Tanja , Boc Marko , Rebersek Martina , Volk Neva , Benedik Jernej , Hlebanja Zvezdana 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is mainly a disease of elderly, however, geriatric population is underrepresented in clinical trials. Patient registries represent a tool to assess and follow treatment outcomes in this patient population. The aim of the study was with the help of the patients’ register to determine the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in elderly patients who had previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients and methods
The registry of patients with mCRC was designed to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy as well as selection of patients in routine clinical practice. Patient baseline clinical characteristics, pre-specified bevacizumab-related adverse events, and efficacy data were collected, evaluated and compared according to the age categories.

Results
Between January 2008 and December 2010, 210 patients with mCRC (median age 63, male 61.4%) started bevacizumab-containing therapy in the 1st line setting. Majority of the 210 patients received irinotecan-based chemotherapy (68%) as 1st line treatment and 105 patients (50%) received bevacizumab maintenance therapy. Elderly (≥ 70 years) patients presented 22.9% of all patients and they had worse performance status (PS 1/2, 62.4%) than patients in < 70 years group (PS 1/2, 35.8%). Difference in disease control rate was mainly due to inability to assess response in elderly group (64.6% in elderly and 77.8% in < 70 years group, p = 0.066). The median progression free survival was 10.2 (95% CI, 6.7–16.2) and 11.3 (95% CI, 10.2–12.6) months in elderly and < 70 years group, respectively (p = 0.58). The median overall survival was 18.5 (95% CI, 12.4–28.9) and 27.4 (95% CI, 22.7–31.9) months for elderly and < 70 years group, respectively (p = 0.03). Three-year survival rate was 26% and 37.6% in elderly vs. < 70 years group (p = 0.03). Overall rates of bevacizumab-related adverse events were similar in both groups: proteinuria 21/22 %, hypertension 25/19 %, haemorrhage 2/4 % and thromboembolic events 10/6 %, for elderly and < 70 years group, respectively.

Conclusions
In routine clinical practice, the combination of bevacizumab and chemotherapy is effective and well-tolerated regimen in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Estimation of cell response in fractionation radiotherapy using different methods derived from linear quadratic model
Authors: Nikzad Safoora , Hashemi Bijan , Mahmoudi Golshan , Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi Milad 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to use various theoretical methods derived from the Linear Quadratic (LQ) model to calculate the effects of number of subfractions, time intervals between subfractions, dose per subfraction, and overall fraction time on the cells’ survival. Comparison of the results with experimental outcomes of melanoma and breast adenocarcinoma cells was also performed. Finally, the best matched method with experimental outcomes is introduced as the most accurate method in predicting the cell response.

Materials and methods. The most widely used theoretical methods in the literature, presented by Keall et al., Brenner, and Mu et al., were used to calculate the cells’ survival following radiotherapy with different treatment schemes. The overall treatment times were ranged from 15 to 240 minutes. To investigate the effects of number of subfractions and dose per subfraction, the cells’ survival after different treatment delivery scenarios were calculated through fixed overall treatment times of 30, 60 and 240 minutes. The experimental tests were done for dose of 4 Gy. The results were compared with those of the theoretical outcomes.

Results. The most affective parameter on the cells’ survival was the overall treatment time. However, the number of subfractions per fractions was another effecting parameter in the theoretical models. This parameter showed no significant effect on the cells’ survival in experimental schemes. The variations in number of subfractions per each fraction showed different results on the cells’ survival, calculated by Keall et al. and Brenner methods (P<0.05).

Conclusions. Mu et al. method can predict the cells’ survival following fractionation radiotherapy more accurately than the other models. Using Mu et al. method, as an accurate and simple method to predict the cell response after fractionation radiotherapy, is suggested for clinical applications.
The accuracy of alternative GDP growth forecasts: Do they represent a credible alternative to the official ones?
Authors: Šindelář Jiří 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The paper deals with the accuracy of the real GDP growth forecasts produced by two Czech non-governmental institutions: the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS) and the Czech Banking Association (CBA) in the years 2007-2014 and 2011-2014 respectively. Utilizing a research method composed of simple (AFE), scale-dependent (RMSE) as well as relative (MASE) error measures, we found out that (i) CMKOS predictions achieved a lower forecasting error on average, beginning with a notable overestimation in the first turnover point from growth to decline (2008-2009), yet followed by gradual improvement resulting in superior accuracy over set benchmarks (Ministry of Finance, Czech National Bank, OECD) in later years (2010-2014). The CBA predictions, on the other hand, exhibited (ii) a high level of interconnection with official bodies (MF, CNB), but with overall inferior forecasting accuracy, despite the shorter time frame (2011-2014). Overall, the study suggests that of the two surveyed non-governmental bodies, only CMKOS forecasts represent a viable alternative to the official predictions published by the Ministry of Finance or the Czech National Bank, as CBA forecasts were found to be a less accurate satellite of these bodies.
Private Property in Communist Czechoslovakia
Authors: Demela Jan , Mikula Štěpán 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This article analyses the development of legislation regarding private property in Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1989 and summarizes available empirical data relating to property rights protection in the given period. Although the legislation took gradual steps towards diminishing the status of private property, no laws were passed that officially or entirely terminated its existence. The legislation of the 1960s set a status quo which codified property rights until the fall of the Communist regime in 1989. Most of the empirical data, which are available only for the 1980s, do not show any significant trend, corresponding with the unaltered situation in the legislation of that decade.
Romanian Allergology in the actual European context
Authors: Leru Polliana Mihaela , Deleanu Diana Mihaela 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Allergic diseases represent an important health problem in the most of developed countries, due to continuous increasing prevalence, with significant individual and social consequences. Allergic diseases may raise serious problems in clinical practice, derived from complexity of clinical forms and mechanisms and from rising incidence of severe cases, with high fatality risk. Taking into consideration the dramatic increase of all allergies forms during the last decades, they are considered a real “epidemic” of the XXIst century, being classified by the World Health Organization as the fourth most frequent chronic diseases. The European authorities pay more attention to allergic diseases in last years and discuss the actual situation of the allergology specialty in different countries, with the aim of harmonization and improvement of medical assistance in this field. The aim of this paper is presentation of some relevant aspects of allergology specialty and practice in our country in the actual European context, mainly unmet needs and difficulties, taking into consideration recommendations and priorities recently issued by European authorities. We hope for a better recognition of the specialty and improved interdisciplinary collaboration.
Cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Moldoveanu Al.C. , Diculescu M. , Braticevici Carmen Fierbinţeanu 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic afflictions, characterized by active and remission periods. Inflammation is the most common type of response that the human body uses as a defense mechanism against aggressors from the environment. The frequency and degree of inflammation depends on the size of the affected tissues. The gastrointestinal tract is, by far, the most susceptible tissue to inflammatory responses, because of its constant exposure to various antigenic, mutagenic and toxic factors.
In inflammatory bowel diseases there is a loss of immune tolerance to intestinal flora that is mediated by various substances, including cytokines. Cytokines represent a key signal in the intestinal immune response. Activated dendritic cells and macrophages secrete cytokines that actively intervene in inflammation regulation, in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. After their secretion by antigen presented cells, cytokines activate and differentiate T cells, stirring up the adaptive immune response.
Cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. The identification of new cytokines, as well as the changing of the pathogenesis paradigms in inflammatory bowel diseases has been done on animal tests and clinical studies. Thus, there is promising evidence basis for future therapy research based on cytokines, and anti-cytokine antibodies.
Serum ghrelin level is associated with cardiovascular risk score
Authors: Pop Dana , Peter P. , Dădârlat Alexandra , Sitar-Tăut Adela , Zdrenghea D. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Ghrelin, a newly discovered bioactive peptide, was originally reported to induce growth hormone release. Recent studies have shown beneficial hemodynamic effects of ghrelin in the cardiovascular system to support the wide distribution of its receptors in cardiovascular tissues. The aim of the study was to determine whether cardiovascular risk factors influence plasma ghrelin levels.

Methods. We evaluated in the Rehabilitation Hospital Cluj-Napoca, Cardiology - Department 88 consecutive subjects, 65 (73.86%) being women, with mean age 61.7±10.33 years. We assessed the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, smoking and lipid fractions). Plasma ghrelin levels were determined with a commercial ELISA kit (pg/ml).

Results. After the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, we found no statistically significant difference between ghrelin levels in the patients with vs those without cardiovascular risk factors (p>0.05). A negative correlation was found between ghrelin levels and age, r = −0.32 (p <0.05). Using the HeartScore Internet tool we calculated the cardiovascular risk for each patient according to the risk score system (SCORE) for high cardiovascular risk countries. Statistically, the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in the next 10 years was indirectly correlated with the ghrelin levels in each patient - correlation between ghrelin levels and SCORE system r=−0.25, p=0.015. In conclusion, low serum ghrelin concentrations are associated with an increased global cardiovascular risk, calculated based on the European SCORE scale. However, we could not demonstrate a direct relationship between any of the major risk factors and ghrelin.
Role of Duke treadmill score in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in women
Authors: Dǎdârlat Alexandra , Zdrenghea D. , Pop Dana 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is underdiagnosed in women due to atypical symptomatology as well as to the lower specificity of several paraclinical tests, such as exercise stress testing. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Duke treadmill score (DTS) could be an efficient parameter in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in women.

Material and method. 105 patients were enrolled in the study, 45.71% women with average age ranged between 20 and 70 years, investigated in the Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiology-Departament, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. All the patients were clinically assessed as concerns the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and they underwent electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and treadmill stress tests. DST was calculated according to the formula: exercise time – 5 x (ST deviation expressed in mm–4 x Angina Index).

Results. DTS was lower in women as compared to men: 2.54±5.36 vs. 6±4.69, p=0.0006. 54.28% of the patients were ranged with a low DTS risk category, whereas 45.71% belonged to a moderate and high risk category. DTS was significantly lower in women than in men with high blood pressure (2.03±4.8 vs. 5.8±4.28), hypercholesterolemia (1.14±4.51 vs. 6.24±4.13), diabetes mellitus (1.83 ± 3.73 vs. 6.13±4.8), and obesity (2.42±5.35 vs. 5.81±4.64). By analyzing the presence of cardiovascular risk factors only in women, we noticed that only those with high blood pressure (2.03±4.89 vs. 8.13 ±7.85) and hypercholesterolemia (2.31±4.76 vs. 3.89±5.95) had a statistically significant low DTS (p<0.05). In conclusion, our research, which showed differences in DTS between women and men, raises concerns about the early diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in women.
Single-centre epidemiological study on the incidence of hepatic hydatid cyst
Authors: Mihăilă Daniela Elena , Potecă T. D. , Potecă Anca , Piţuru S. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm through its larva infestation. Hydatid cyst has become a health problem interesting by the demographic changes in recent years. If until recently it was a disease of the pastors or breeders and animal lovers in rural areas, the increase in number of the stray animals in the streets of big cities has moved the curve incidence and prevalence of this disease onto the city. Worldwide pathology is prevalent in the Mediterranean, South America and Turkey. The present study examines patients admitted with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst in the surgery department of Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, across a period of six years. The results demonstrate that the incidence is higher among women (58%) than in men (41.3%). Also, statistical data processing shows that the prevalence/incidence is higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. We want the results of this research to lead to hypotheses that can be demonstrated by analytical studies, because, without fundamental knowledge provided by descriptive studies, it is almost impossible to ask about the aetiology and effects of treatments that can be used in the management of hydatid cyst.