bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etanercept therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: Efficacy and safety
Authors: Ilic Tatjana , Milic Biljana , Celic Dejan , Vuckovic Biljana , Mitic Igor
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Etanercept, tumor necrosis factor (TNF?) antagonist, lowers
the disease activity level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
reduces joint destruction saving physical functions and improving life
quality. Objective. The aim of this study was to establish efficacy and
safety of etanercept in combination with disease modifying antirheumatic
drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of RA. Methods. To patients with active RA,
who were on therapy with DMARD, etanercept was introduced in weekly doses of
50 mg, with continuation of DMARD. Efficacy of this form of treatment was
evaluated in the 12th week. Maintenance of the effect of treatment was also
evaluated during 24, 48 and 96 weeks. Long term evaluation of etanercept
safety was assessed by registering all unwanted events during a two year
period. Results. After 12 weeks of treatment with etanercept, 80% of patients
had ACR20 response, while 85% showed clinically significant decrease of
DAS28 index. We achieved remission in five patients (12.5%) and low activity
of RA in 17 patients (42.5%). During a 96week of followup period, achieved
therapy effects were maintained. In four patients (10%) etanercept therapy
was interrupted after 24 weeks because of inadequate response. In one of them
(2.5%) we recorded a cardiovascular incident. Acute infections were
registered in 47 cases. Four of those were severe infections. Neither cases
of malignancy development were noted, nor were there any lethal disease
outcomes. Conclusion. Etanercept in combination with DMARD shows a high level
of efficacy in the treatment of RA. The safety profile of the drug is
satisfactory.
Big intraocular foreign body: Case report
Authors: Gakovic Aleksandar , Kovacevic Igor , Bisevac Jovana , Radovic Bojana , Cubrilo Katarina , Stefanovic Ivan
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Penetrated injuries are most difficult injuries of the eye.
Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) may lodge in any of the structures it
encounters, from anterior chamber to the retina and choroid. Notable effects
caused by foreign body injury include traumatic cataract, vitreous
liquefaction, retinal and subretinal hemorrhages, retinal detachment and
development of endophtalmitis. Case Outline. A 49?year?old man sustained
injury of the right eye with a piece of metal wire. On admission visual
acuity was VOD: 1.0 and lower intraocular tension TOD=6 mmHg (10?22 mmHg).
Corneal entry wound was noticed near limb on 11h with a prominating foreign
body of 18 mm in length that passed through the iris, lens and vitreous.
X?ray findings confirmed existence of a large foreign body extending along
the entire length of the globe. IOFB removal was done with anatomic forceps.
On postoperative detailed clinical examination we observed retinal rupture in
the upper temporal quadrant fitting in the area of the IOFB damaged retina.
Laser photocoagulation of retinal tear (laser retinal barrage) was done.
Visual acuity on discharge was the same (1.0) and intraocular tension was
within normal limits (10 mmHg). Conclusion. Penetrated injury of eye requires
detailed examination of all eye structures, beginning from the anterior to
posterior segment. Timely diagnosed ruptures of the posterior segment of eye
before the development of traumatic cataract, and adequate therapeutic
procedures prevent serious complications of IOFB penetrated eye injury such
as retinal detachment and permanent reduction of visual acuity.
Ultrasonographic diagnostics and evaluation of calcaneal fracture: Case report
Authors: Lukac Damir , Milenovic Natasa , Drapsin Miodrag , Kecojevic Vaso , Sekulic Slobodan , Klasnja Aleksandar
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Radiography is the standard tool in the diagnostics of bone
fractures. This paper presents a case of calcaneal fracture diagnosed by
ultrasonography that was also used in the follow-up of recovery progress.
Case Outline. A 68-year-old male patient was diagnosed avulsion fracture of
the calcaneus by ultra-sonography (US) examination using a multi-frequency
linear probe (7-15 MHz) and confirmed by X-ray findings; US also provided
insight into the dynamics of the reparatory processes. Control examinations
were performed on day 14, 21, 30, 60 and 300 (10 months) after the
occurrence of the fracture. During this time rehabilitation process was
carried out. The diameters of the wedge defect of the calcaneus were
measured by US for the follow-up of the healing process of the injured bone.
Postero-anterior (PA) or longitudinal diameter and latero-medial or
medio-lateral or transverse diameter were measured. Conclusion. Study
results indicate a possible use of US in the diagnostics of fractures and
monitoring of calcaneal healing.
Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Djukic Slobodanka , Cirkovic Ivana , Arsic Biljana , Garalejic Eliana
Published: November 2013

Bacterial vaginosis is a common, complex clinical syndrome characterized by
alterations in the normal vaginal flora. When symptomatic, it is associated
with a malodorous vaginal discharge and on occasion vaginal burning or
itching. Under normal conditions, lactobacilli constitute 95% of the bacteria
in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with severe reduction or
absence of the normal H2O2?producing lactobacilli and overgrowth of anaerobic
bacteria and Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Mycoplasma hominis and
Mobiluncus species. Most types of infectious disease are diagnosed by
culture, by isolating an antigen or RNA/DNA from the microbe, or by
serodiagnosis to determine the presence of antibodies to the microbe.
Therefore, demonstration of the presence of an infectious agent is often a
necessary criterion for the diagnosis of the disease. This is not the case
for bacterial vaginosis, since the ultimate cause of the disease is not yet
known. There are a variety of methods for the diagnosis of bacterial
vaginosis but no method can at present be regarded as the best. Diagnosing
bacterial vaginosis has long been based on the clinical criteria of Amsel,
whereby three of four defined criteria must be satisfied. Nugent?s scoring
system has been further developed and includes validation of the categories
of observable bacteria structures. Up?to?date molecular tests are introduced,
and better understanding of vaginal microbiome, a clear definition for
bacterial vaginosis, and short?term and long?term fluctuations in vaginal
microflora will help to better define molecular tests within the broader
clinical context.
Von Meyenburg complex (hamartoma of the bile duct) mimicking liver metastases
Authors: Vukmirovic Filip , Tomasevic-Vukmirovic Irena , Vukmirovic Mihailo
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Hamartomas of the bile duct (von Meyenburg complex) are benign
lesions of the liver that may mimic liver metastases. Histologically, they
consist of cystic dilatations of the bile duct, encompassed by fibrous
stroma. Case report. We reported a 68-year-old male patient in who gross,
ultrasonic and MSCT appearance suggest multiple liver metastases. The
diagnosis of von Meyenburg complex was made after histopathologic examination
of liver biopsy. Conclusion. Von Meyenburg complex in an uncommon entity
which should be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis of liver
metastases.
Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Dimethylarginines and Association With Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Anderssohn Maike , McLachlan Stela , Lüneburg Nicole , Robertson Christine , Schwedhelm Edzard , Williamson Rachel M. , Strachan Mark W.J. , Ajjan Ramzi , Grant Peter J. , Böger Rainer H. , Price Jackie F.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate determinants of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in the DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2 genes and their associations with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prevalent CVD was assessed in men and women aged 60–75 years with type 2 diabetes as part of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study (ET2DS), and the participants were prospectively followed up for 4 years for incident CVD. Dimethylarginines were measured in 783 of these subjects, and genotyping for tag SNPs in the DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2 genes was performed in 935 subjects.

RESULTS

Plasma ADMA levels were significantly associated with SNPs in DDAH1 (top SNP rs1554597; P = 9.0E-09), while SDMA levels were associated with SNPs in AGXT2 (top SNP rs28305; P = 1.3E-04). Significant, independent determinants of plasma ADMA were sex, L-arginine, creatinine, fasting glucose, and rs1554597 (all P < 0.05; combined R2 = 0.213). Determinants of SDMA were age, sex, creatinine, L-arginine, diabetes duration, prevalent CVD, and rs28305 (all P < 0.05; combined R2 = 0.425). Neither dimethylarginine was associated with incident CVD. None of the investigated SNPs were associated with overall CVD, although subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of AGXT2 rs28305 with intermittent claudication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study in a well-characterized population with type 2 diabetes does not support reported associations or causal relationship between ADMA and features of diabetes or CVD.
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Berk Andreas , Hantel Stefan , Pinnetti Sabine , Hach Thomas , Woerle Hans J. , Broedl Uli C.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor; sitagliptin; and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized, open-label, 78-week extension study of two 12-week, blinded, dose-finding studies of empagliflozin (monotherapy and add-on to metformin) with open-label comparators, 272 patients received 10 mg empagliflozin (166 as add-on to metformin), 275 received 25 mg empagliflozin (166 as add-on to metformin), 56 patients received metformin, and 56 patients received sitagliptin as add-on to metformin.

RESULTS

Changes from baseline in HbA1c at week 90 were −0.34 to −0.63% (−3.7 to −6.9 mmol/mol) with empagliflozin, −0.56% (−6.1 mmol/mol) with metformin, and −0.40% (−4.4 mmol/mol) with sitagliptin. Changes from baseline in weight at week 90 were −2.2 to −4.0 kg with empagliflozin, −1.3 kg with metformin, and −0.4 kg with sitagliptin. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 63.2–74.1% of patients on empagliflozin and 69.6% on metformin or sitagliptin; most AEs were mild or moderate in intensity. Hypoglycemic events were rare in all treatment groups, and none required assistance. AEs consistent with genital infections were reported in 3.0–5.5% of patients on empagliflozin, 1.8% on metformin, and none on sitagliptin. AEs consistent with urinary tract infections were reported in 3.8–12.7% of patients on empagliflozin, 3.6% on metformin, and 12.5% on sitagliptin.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term empagliflozin treatment provided sustained glycemic and weight control and was well tolerated with a low risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A novel link between angiogenesis and natural products: Anti-angiogenic effects of Opuntia dillenii
Authors: Ejaz Sohail , Anwar Khaleeq , Taj Robina , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: November 2013

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from the existing blood vessels and is involved in both physiological and pathological events. Pathological angiogenesis provokes in several important diseases as in inflammatory diseases, ischemic conditions, diabetic neuropathy and cancer. The discovery of new drugs from phyto-chemicals has a long history and anti-angiogenic agents from plant sources provide a platform for the development of phyto-medicines to treat/control pathological angiogenesis. The current project was designed to determine the efficacy of different concentrations of aqueous extract from Opuntia dillenii (OD) on angiogenesis by employing chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Computer based 3D image probing was utilized to quantify anti-angiogenic effects of OD extract. Extremely aggravated dose dependent anti-angiogenic response was recorded in all groups treated with OD extract with significant reduction (P<0.01) in total area, diameter of the primary, secondary, tertiary blood vessels and capillary plexuses. Analysis of 3D parameters of OD treated CAMs revealed deteriorated angular spectrum and reduction in the height of Abbott curves. In addition, histological data revealed thinning of ectodermal layer and damaged extracellular matrix. The results spotlight that OD extract possess considerable anti-angiogenic potential and further characterization/isolation of diverse phyto-chemicals would turn up with the discovery of novel phyto-agents to control/mitigate pathological angiogenesis.
Planning and Design of Long Span Bridges
Authors: Singh Ravinder Bir
Published: November 2013

The Planning and Design of Bridges is part art and part compromise which is most significant of aspect of Structural Engineering . It demonstrates the creative capability , imagination, innovation and exploration of the Designer .Bridge design is a Complex Engineering problem.

In India, past two decades have seen unprecedented growth of knowledge in the field concrete bridges, development of new structural forms, new methods of computer-based analysis and design and development of high strength materials. A new code IRC:112-2011 based on Limit State Method has been issued which will be very useful for design of long span bridges.

Based on Case Study it is concluded that by using Limit State Method , total length of the bridge ( keeping same section/depth of superstructure)could be increased by 22% as compared to working stress/allowable stress(WL/AS) method. Alternately section /depths of the superstructure could be reduced by retaining the same spans arrangement as compared to working stress/allowable stress(WL/AS) method.
Get Your Articles Published in MJSBH: learning from our own mistakes.
Authors: Joshi Amit
Published: November 2013

We are in the era of “publish or perish”. As a medical professional, if we do not have publication under our belt, the career will be stagnant. The publication has become mandatory for academic appointment and ladder. Because of conversion of many clinical centers to an academic institution, academic requirement has increased and this has mounted pressure on clinicians. In recent years the pressure has extended to MJSBH (Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital) also, as there is exponential increase in number of articles submitted. In recent months, the visibility of our journal has increased because of inclusion of our journal into an open access system. This has raised the responsibility of editors and publishers to produce a high quality article1. On the other hand the demand on authors has also raised as they have to submit a quality and well prepared manuscript otherwise it will be rejected. The rejection rate of our journal for year 2012 was 30%, and will increase in coming years.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/1-3DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.8886
Community Health Profile of Four VDCs of North-West Part of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Lochana , Pant Shambhu Nath , Rajbhandari Sanjeev Das , Malla Sudha Sen , Zoowa Sabin Bahadur
Published: November 2013

Introduction: There are different hidden health related problems in community. These needs to be identify and adhered by effective, efficient tools to bring the better outcomes. One of the effective tools for the identification and quantification of the health problems in a community is Community Health Diagnosis. The aim of this study was to find out the common health problems in community, describe the related demographic, education, socio –economic and environmental factors and to convey health message to improve health profile of community. Methods: Four weeks Community Health Diagnosis was conducted in four selected VDCs after feasibility studies in 16 VDCs. Sample size households (HH) were calculated based on morbidity status of each VDCs. Students covered allocated number of Households in each VDCs by selecting household with convenience sampling method. Results: In all studied VDCs, nuclear family was the commonest, CBR and literacy rate were good compared to national figure. Population pyramid showed that active age group was more in these VDCs. There was lack of government tap for drinking water and latrine. Maternal parameters were found to be better than national fi gure. Conclusions: Though there is more illiteracy rate in all studied VDCs compare to national figure, maternal parameters, child health indicators and fertility rates are better which may be the impact of effective health education.  Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/32-36DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9090
FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio in children of 7-14 years of age from Western Rajasthan
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Sharma Rambabu , Singh Neelam , Gaur Kusum
Published: November 2013

Background: The knowledge of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) is a basic requirement to understand the respiratory physiology for all medical physiologists and clinicians Pulmonary Function Tests provide objective evidence of nature and severity of lung disease. Objective: To observe FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio in healthy male and female school children from 7-14 years of age in Western Rajasthan and to find out the relationship of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio with their height, weight, BSA and sex Methods: The present study was carried out on 112 male and 76 female children of 7-14 years. For Pulmonary Function Tests, FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC along with anthropometric data of each subject was recorded. Data were analyzed by unpaired t test, Pearson correlation coefficient test, simple and multiple regression analysis. Results: FVC and FEV1 values were found significantly (p<0.001) higher in male than those of female. Significant positive correlation of FVC and FEV1 whereas non significant negative correlation of FEV1/FVC were observed with age, height, weight, body surface area in all children. Conclusion: As the weight, age, height and BSA of subjects increases, FEV1 and FVC increases while FEV1/FVC ratio decreases in both the sexes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v8i1.16646 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2013, June; 8(1): 37-41
The Society for Dance Research Thirty Years On. A Brief History
Authors: Pritchard Jane
Published: November 2013

An overview of the creation and first thirty years of the activities of the Society for Dance Research, highlighting some of its achievements and most notable events, and paying tribute to those who have served on its committees.
Recovering and Reanimating ‘Lost’ Traces: The Digital Archiving of the Rehearsal Process in Siobhan Davies RePlay
Authors: Whatley Sarah
Published: November 2013

Siobhan Davies RePlay provides open access to a significant collection of performances, photographs, and text-based materials, and includes a large number of rehearsal tapes that offer a unique insight to the dance making process. Following the development of simple capture technologies, Davies’ dancers have recorded and reviewed their own movement experiments or ‘scratches’. These previously private memory objects enter the public domain via the archive. Though raw and unedited captures they become traces of an intelligent process that is rarely available for public scrutiny. When made available alongside films and other documents relating to performances, these scratches offer a unique insight to the choices made by the artists; what is left out and what is featured. It might be argued that these scratches accrue cultural capital through their inclusion in the archive, and when distributed online. This article examines the extent to which the tapes generate new readings of dance, transmit new knowledge, create new kinds of tools for reconstruction and/or prompt a reconsideration of the relationship between dancer, choreographer and audience to re-conceptualise the dance-making process. It will be argued that the tapes broaden expectations of what is traditionally held within an archive, revealing the rich potential for dance archives to enhance and enrich our understanding of dance.
Effect of Yeast Probiotic on Growth, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Malondialdehyde Concentration of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Aluwong Tagang , Kawu Mohammed , Raji Moshood , Dzenda Tavershima , Govwang Felix , Sinkalu Victor , Ayo Joseph
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of yeast probiotic on body weight, and the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on hybrid Hubbard broiler chickens (n = 200). Two-hundred day-old chicks were randomly selected and distributed into four groups of 50 day-old chicks each: Control, C, and treatment groups comprising T1, T2 and T3 administered with 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL yeast probiotic, respectively. Chicks were fed a commercial starter diet for the first 28 days of age, followed by pelleted finisher diet from 29 to 42 days. Chickens in T1 had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher body weight at 4th week of age when compared with the control. SOD activity in all treatment groups was not significantly (p > 0.05) different when compared with the control. GPx activity was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T1, when compared with the control. GPx activity in T2 was higher (p < 0.01) when compared with the control. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in MDA level in all the treatment groups. In conclusion, administering yeast probiotic supplement increased body weight and enhanced serum anti-oxidant enzyme activities of broiler chickens.
A Photogrammetric Workflow for the Creation of a Forest Canopy Height Model from Small Unmanned Aerial System Imagery
Authors: Lisein Jonathan , Pierrot-Deseilligny Marc , Bonnet Stéphanie , Lejeune Philippe
Published: November 2013

The recent development of operational small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) opens the door for their extensive use in forest mapping, as both the spatial and temporal resolution of UAS imagery better suit local-scale investigation than traditional remote sensing tools. This article focuses on the use of combined photogrammetry and “Structure from Motion” approaches in order to model the forest canopy surface from low-altitude aerial images. An original workflow, using the open source and free photogrammetric toolbox, MICMAC (acronym for Multi Image Matches for Auto Correlation Methods), was set up to create a digital canopy surface model of deciduous stands. In combination with a co-registered light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital terrain model, the elevation of vegetation was determined, and the resulting hybrid photo/LiDAR canopy height model was compared to data from a LiDAR canopy height model and from forest inventory data. Linear regressions predicting dominant height and individual height from plot metrics and crown metrics showed that the photogrammetric canopy height model was of good quality for deciduous stands. Although photogrammetric reconstruction significantly smooths the canopy surface, the use of this workflow has the potential to take full advantage of the flexible revisit period of drones in order to refresh the LiDAR canopy height model and to collect dense multitemporal canopy height series.
Urban Ecosystem Health Assessment: Perspectives and Chinese Practice
Authors: Su Meirong , Zhang Yan , Liu Gengyuan , Xu Linyu , Zhang Lixiao , Yang Zhifeng
Published: November 2013

The concept of ecosystem health is a way to assess the holistic operations and development potential of urban ecosystems. Accelerated by the practical need for integrated ecosystem management, assessment of urban ecosystem health has been greatly developed and extensively applied in urban planning and management. Development is aimed at comprehensively evaluating the performance of urban ecosystems, identifying the limiting factors, and providing suggestions for urban regulation. The time has come for reviewing and establishing an instructional framework for urban ecosystem health assessment to shed light on certain essential issues of urban ecosystem health. Based on literature reviews and series of practice, a holistic framework of urban ecosystem health assessment is proposed. The framework covers the essential elements of urban ecosystem health and integrates three dimensions: theoretical foundation, assessment method, and practical application. Concrete assessment methods are also established, focusing on both external performance and internal metabolic processes. The practice of urban ecosystem health assessment in China is illustrated to briefly demonstrate the application of the established framework and methods. Some prospects are discussed for urban ecosystem health assessment and its application in urban planning and management.
Editorial on the Special Issue: Regulation by Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Delihas Nicholas
Published: November 2013

This Special Issue of IJMS is devoted to regulation by non-coding RNAs and contains both original research and review articles. An attempt is made to provide an up-to-date analysis of this very fast moving field and cover regulatory roles of both microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Multifaceted functions of these RNAs in normal cellular processes, as well as in disease progression, are highlighted.
Surface passivation and optical characterization of Al2O3/a-SiCx stacks on c-Si substrates
Authors: López Gema , Ortega Pablo R , Voz Cristóbal , Martín Isidro , Colina Mónica , Morales Anna B , Orpella Albert , Alcubilla Ramón
Published: November 2013

The aim of this work is to study the surface passivation of aluminum oxide/amorphous silicon carbide (Al2O3/a-SiCx) stacks on both p-type and n-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrates as well as the optical characterization of these stacks. Al2O3 films of different thicknesses were deposited by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 200 °C and were complemented with a layer of a-SiCx deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to form anti-reflection coating (ARC) stacks with a total thickness of 75 nm. A comparative study has been carried out on polished and randomly textured wafers. We have experimentally determined the optimum thickness of the stack for photovoltaic applications by minimizing the reflection losses over a wide wavelength range (300–1200 nm) without compromising the outstanding passivation properties of the Al2O3 films. The upper limit of the surface recombination velocity (Seff,max) was evaluated at a carrier injection level corresponding to 1-sun illumination, which led to values below 10 cm/s. Reflectance values below 2% were measured on textured samples over the wavelength range of 450–1000 nm.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN NEW ZEALAND FIRMS
Authors: Wellalage Nirosha Hewa , Locke Stuart
Published: November 2013

The current study aims to empirically explore the relationship between firm characteristics, corporate governance and capital structure in New Zealand's large listed companies. Eight years of data for 40 firms listed on the NZX50 Stock Exchange, are collected and observations are analysed using a conditional quantile regression. This study finds firm-specific characteristics rather than corporate governance variables play a significant role in determining firm leverage levels. The results indicate that finance policies need to vary across firm type and firm characteristics, and should match with the different borrowing requirements of listed firms.
EVALUATION OF ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES: A CASE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES’ IMPLEMENTATION / ORGANIZACINIŲ POKYČIŲ VERTINIMAS: INFORMACINIŲ TECHNOLOGIJŲ DIEGIMO ATVEJIS
Authors: Oškutienė Roma , Korsakienė Renata
Published: November 2013

Today the organizations encounter various changes, which cannot be avoided due to changes in external and internal environment. Notably, evaluation of organizational changes is seen as important process impacting further development processes in organizations. Presented paper aims to investigate organizational changes of organization by exploring the main important external and internal factors impacting change management process. The authors of the paper take into account the significance of information technologies and analyze the problems of organizational changes during the implementation of information technologies in organization. The authors strive to reveal the main areas which require further development. The authors develop a research methodology and discuss main findings of the survey. At the end of the paper implications of the results and main conclusions are presented. Santrauka Dabartinės organizacijos susiduria su įvairaus pobūdžio pokyčiais, kurie yra neaišvengiami dėl kintančios išorinės ir vidinės aplinkos. Organizacinių pokyčių vertinimas laikytinas svarbiu procesu, lemiančiu tolesnį organizacijos plėtros procesą. Straipsnyje siekiama analizuoti organizacinius pokyčius, atsižvelgiant į pagrindinius išorinius ir vidinius veiksnius, darančius įtaką pokyčių valdymo procesui. Straipsnio autorės, atsižvelgdamos į informacinių technologijų reikšmę, analizuoja organizacinių pokyčių problemas diegiant informacines technologijas organizacijoje. Siekiama atskleisti pagrindines tobulintinas organizacijos sritis. Parengta tyrimo metodologija ir pateikti pagrindiniai tyrimo rezultatai. Straipsnio pabaigoje nusakoma gautų rezultatų reikšmė ir pateikiamos pagrindinės išvados.
ELECTRONIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AS A SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE MODEL / ELEKTRONINIO VERSLO PLĖTROS KAIP TVARAUS KONKURENCINIO PRANAŠUMO MODELIS
Authors: Paliulis Narimantas Kazimieras , Sabaitytė Jolanta
Published: November 2013

The paper examines the practical usefulness of information technologies in business reviewing electronic business concepts provided in science literature and also the newest tendencies of electronic business development. The paper offers a review of various authors works on e-strategies and IT influence on companies’ functionality. An analysis of disadvantages in various electronic business development models is provided. On the basis of analyses done on the theory of electronic business development and on disadvantages of e-business models, the main aspects of e-business development as sustainable competitive advantage are identified. A fully – formed model of electronic business development as sustainable competitive advantage is presented. Conclusions are provided. Santrauka Nagrinėjamas informacinių technologijų naudojimas versle, apžvelgiamos mokslinės literatūros darbuose pateiktos e. verslo sampratos, naujausios e. verslo plėtros tendencijos. Nurodytas įvairių autorių darbuose nagrinėjamas e. strategijos ir informacinių technologijų poveikis įmonei. Atlikta e. verslo plėtros modelių trūkumų analizė. Remiantis e. verslo plėtros teorijos ir e. verslo plėtros modelių trūkumų analize, nustatyti pagrindiniai e. verslo plėtros, kaip tvaraus konkurencinio pranašumo, modelio aspektai. Pateiktas suformuotas e. verslo plėtros, kaip tvaraus konkurencinio pranašumo, modelis. Pateiktos išvados.
DISCOVERING PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM TO EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS / VEIKSMINGUMO MATAVIMO SISTEMOS PAIEŠKOS E. VERSLO NAŠUMUI ĮVERTINTI
Authors: Uturytė-Vrubliauskienė Laura
Published: November 2013

Despite the significant growth of information technologies investments, evidence of their influence on organization performance remains inconclusive. Nowadays it is very important to realize whether expected economic benefits of information technologies investments are being recognized in organizations. Currently organizations can no longer afford basically to lose their money in e-business initiatives without developing and using suitable metrics to measure the effectiveness of such investments and to find out the relationship between e-business and organization performance. The study describes research aimed at determining the exact nature of such e-business performance measurement systems. The basic objective of this study is to discover performance measurement system for evaluating the efficiency of e-business solutions. Santrauka Svarbiausias šiuolaikinės organizacijos tikslas – didinti verslo vertę sėkmingai taikant konkurencingas priemones. Dėl to organizacijos yra priverstos ieškoti alternatyvių būdų, kaip spręsti verslo problemas. Dabartinėje visuomenėje, vykstant sparčiai technologijų kaitai ir globalizacijos procesui, verslas ir informacinės technologijos yra neatsiejami. Organizacijos, norėdamos tinkamai valdyti duomenis, keistis jais su partneriais ieško įvairių informacinių technologijų sprendimų. Organizacijų investicijos į informacines technologijas per pastaruosius du dešimtmečius auga labai stipriai. Tačiau sudėtinga įvertinti, kokią įtaką verslo efektyvumui turi diegiamos ir naudojamos informacinės technologijos. Todėl pasaulinės konkurencinės rinkos sąlygomis veiklos vertinimas tampa svarbia ekonomine problema. Sėkmingą verslą garantuoja informacija apie kiekvieno produkto ar vartotojo pelningumą ir atskirų padalinių veiklos efektyvumą. Mokslinio tyrimo rezultatai rodo, kad trūksta galimybių įvertinti verslo veiksmingumą. Pagrindinis šio straipsnio tikslas – veiksmingumo matavimo sistemos paieškos, leidžiančios įvertinti elektroninio verslo sprendimų našumą. Atskleidžiant poreikį kurti ir diegti tokias sistemas organizacijose, įrodant, kad veiksmingumo sistemos, taikomos šiuo metu, netinka taikyti organizacijoms, jos turi būti adaptuotos ir gebėti įvertinti informacinių technologijų įtaką veiklos našumui.
ECOLOGIZATION PROCESSES IN SOCIETY TODAY: THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBALIZATION / EKOLOGIZAVIMO PROCESAI ŠIUOLAIKINĖS VISUOMENĖS GYVENIME: GLOBALIZACIJOS IŠŠŪKIAI
Authors: Samoškienė Aurelija
Published: November 2013

Negative impact on the environment made by human activity is discussed in this article as well as main problems caused by interaction with negative environmental changes. Ecologization conception and its evolution are analyzed chronologically. Key perspectives of scientific research in the ecologization field are determined; the context of today’s society is taken into account.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas žmogaus poveikis aplinkai, pagrindinės neigiamų aplinkos pokyčių sąveikos sukeltos problemos, ekologizavimo samprata ir raida, darnus vystymasis, ekologizavimo poveikis ekonominiams pokyčiams. Nustatomos pagrindinės perspektyvios mokslinės kryptys ekologizavimo problemoms šiuolaikinės visuomenės kontekste spręsti.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION CHALLENGES / ŽMOGIŠKŲJŲ IŠTEKLIŲ VADYBOS TOBULINIMAS EUROPOS INTEGRACIJOS IŠŠŪKIŲ KONTEKSTE
Authors: Lobanova Liudmila , Melnikas Borisas
Published: November 2013

The article deals with the problems of human resource management development which leads to the essence of European integration and EU enlargement and developments taking place in the cohesion process. It is shown that the cohesion process is determined by the essential changes in human resource management, it raises the need for human resource management and development tools to actively respond to the general socio-economic area of the European Union. The article reveals a variety of phenomena of cohesion, displays the new trends in human resource management to improve the area, highlights the need for new targets to modernize human resources management taking into account different labour markets, the internationalization, an acceleration in the rate of human migration, multiculturalism, and other circumstances. Santrauka Straipsnyje keliama ir nagrinėjama žmogiškųjų išteklių vadybos tobulinimo problema, kurios esmę lemia Europos integracijos ir Europos Sąjungos raidos ir plėtros sąlygomis vykstantys sanglaudos procesai. Parodyta, kad sanglaudos procesai lemia esminius žmogiškųjų išteklių vadybos pokyčius, iškelia poreikius žmogiškųjų išteklių vadybos ir jos tobulinimo priemonėmis aktyviai reaguoti į bendros socialinės ir ekonominės erdvės kūrimąsi Europos Sąjungoje. Straipsnyje atskleidžiama sanglaudos reiškinių įvairovė, parodomos naujos tendencijos žmogiškųjų išteklių vadybos tobulinimo srityje, išryškinami nauji poreikiai kryptingai modernizuoti žmogiškųjų išteklių vadybą atsižvelgiant į įvairias darbo rinkų internacionalizavimo, į žmonių migracijos spartėjimo, į daugiakultūriškumo ir kitas aplinkybes.
ATTRACTIVENESS EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT IN WIND ENERGY PROJECTS / VĖJO ENERGETIKOS PROJEKTŲ INVESTICINIO PATRAUKLUMO VERTINIMAS
Authors: Rudzkis Paulius , Macijauskas Lukas
Published: November 2013

Last decade as prices of fossil energy resources were almost constantly going upwards, increasing flow of investments is directed to renewable energy resources. Development and application of green energy became one of priority objectives in many countries. While in the context of wind energy production Lithuania lags behind the EU average, its potential of wind energy usage has great perspective. In this article using random processes, cost-benefit and financial analysis, attractiveness of investment in wind energy projects is examined. Given the stochastic nature of wind energy and by looking into investment profitableness and risk factors, effectiveness of wind turbine is evaluated. Analysis showed that wind energy projects could be considered as having high profit-to-risk factor and should generate significant interest of investment community. Santrauka Paskutiniuoju dešimtmečiu, nuolat brangstant iškastiniams energetiniams resursams, pasaulyje vis daugiau dėmesio ir investicijų skiriama atsinaujinantiems energetiniams ištekliams. Žaliųjų technologijų įsisavinimas ir diegimas tapo daugelio valstybių prioritetiniu tikslu. Pagal vėjo energijos naudojimą elektros energijai gaminti Lietuva atsilieka nuo ES vidurkio, nors konkurencingos vėjo energijos naudojimo potencialas yra daugiau kaip du kartus didesnis už potencialų elektros energijos vartojimą. Šiame straipsnyje, remiantis atsitiktinių procesų, sąnaudų ir naudos bei finansine analize, vertinamas vėjo energetikos projektų investicinis patrauklumas. Atsižvelgiant į stochastinę vėjo energetikos prigimtį, vėjo jėgainių efektyvumo požiūriu analizuojamas šios srities projektų pelningumas ir investicijų grąža. Atliktos analizės rezultatai rodo, kad vėjo jėgainių projektai pasižymi santykinai aukštu pelningumo ir rizikos santykiu ir turėtų būti patrauklūs investuotojams.
INTERLINKS OF CULTURAL AND CREATIVE ECONOMIES THROUGH CREATIVE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES / KŪLTŪROS IR KŪRYBOS EKONOMIKŲ SĄSAJOS PER KŪRYBINIUS PRODUKTUS IR PASLAUGAS
Authors: Levickaitė Rasa
Published: November 2013

The paper focuses on contemporary creative cultural economy concepts and presents formation background and confrontational points of view discussed by variety of authors. The scope of the creative economy is determined by creative industries exponent. If culture is perceptible in the anthropological or functional sense, one might use the concept of the cultural product. An alternative definition of creative products and services originates from a created value type: one might say these products and services, no matter what commercial value they would obtain, together hold a cultural value which financially cannot be evaluated to the final point. It means different types of cultural activities and products or services produced are evaluated both by producers and consumers due to social and cultural reasons which add or exceed purely economic evaluation. For example, aesthetical value or community identity is hardly measured and interspersed into traditional evaluation characteristics. Cultural value is designated and is perceived as an observed characteristic whereas cultural products and services could be equalized with other product types.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikiamos šiuolaikinės kultūros ir kūrybos ekonomikos koncepcijos, nurodomos susiformavimo prielaidos ir konfrontuojantys autorių požiūriai. Kūrybos ekonomikos apimtys nustatomos pagal kūrybinių industrijų rodiklius. Kai pati kultūra suprantama antropologine arba funkcine prasme, galima vartoti kultūrinių produktų sąvoką. Alternatyvus arba papildomas kultūrinių produktų ir paslaugų apibrėžimas kyla iš jų įkūnijamo arba kuriamo vertės tipo, t. y. galima sakyti, kad šie produktai ir paslaugos, kad ir kokią komercinę vertę įgytų, papildomai turi kultūrinę vertę, kurios neįmanoma iki galo įvertinti pinigais. Kitaip tariant, įvairių rūšių kultūrinė veikla ir ją vykdant sukurtos prekės ir paslaugos yra vertinamos – ir jos gamintojų, ir jos vartotojų – dėl socialinių ir kultūrinių priežasčių, kurios tikriausiai papildo ar viršija grynai ekonominį įvertinimą. Tai gali būti estetiniai svarstymai arba veiklos įnašas į bendruomenės kultūrinės tapatybės supratimą. Jei taptų įmanoma nustatyti tokią kultūrinę vertę, ja būtų galima pasinaudoti kaip stebima charakteristika, kurią taikant išskirti kultūriniai produktai ir paslaugos būtų lyginamos su kitais produktų tipais.
INFLUENCE OF ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES IMPROVEMENT ON THE INDUSTRIAL COMPANY’S ECONOMIC RESULTS / INŽINERINĖS VEIKLOS TOBULINIMO ĮTAKA PRAMONĖS ĮMONĖS EKONOMINIAMS REZULTATAMS
Authors: Mikalauskas Gytis , Jančiauskas Bronius
Published: November 2013

The article presents industrial company’s engineering activities in order to define that they stand out from other activities and engineers occupy an important role in product development process. Analysis of the data was carried out and it presented information about shaping the engineering activities, goals, objectives, responsibilities of engineers, their promoting methods, administrative efficiency and influence on the company’s economic results.
At the end of the article we present ideas and schemes how to assess the activities of engineering and engineers from economic and social aspects.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikiama, kaip pramonės įmonėje apibrėžti inžinerinę veiklą, kad ji išsiskirtų iš kitų veiklos rūšių, o inžinierius turėtų svarbų vaidmenį gaminių kūrimo procese. Atliktos analizės metu buvo surinkta ir pateikta informacija, nustatant inžinerinės veiklos tikslus, uždavinius, inžinierių pareigas, skatinimo metodus, administracinę atsakomybę ir įtaką įmonės ekonominiams rezultatams. Straipsnio pabaigoje pateikti siūlymai, kaip reikia vertinti inžinerinę veiklą ir patį inžinierių ekonominiu ir socialiniu aspektu.
MEASURES FOR INCREASING OF COMPANY’S PRODUCTION CAPACITY / GERESNIO GAMYBINIŲ PAJĖGUMŲ NAUDOJIMO PRIEMONĖS
Authors: Žikevičiūtė Ernesta , Zabielavičienė Irena
Published: November 2013

Production capacity improvements are poorly explored areas of economic literature and the existing methods are difficult to apply. For this reason, the organization has only a superficial analysis of capacity, but after all this time, each production company had to improve the production capacity for the market economy and the most economical use of production factors.
This article explores the company’s production capacity for better use of tools. It also presents the capacity of their concept, establishment, evaluates the factors leading to their production capacity, for developing efficiency measures and model presentation.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos įmonės gamybinių pajėgumų geresnio naudojimo priemonės. Atlikta mokslinės literatūros apžvalga, analizuojami gamybinių pajėgumų formavimo ir naudojimo teoriniai teiginiai. Taip pat apibūdinami gamybiniai pajėgumai, jų samprata, nustatymas, vertinami juos lemiantys veiksniai ir nurodomos jų didinimo priemonės. Tyrimo tikslas – gamybinių pajėgumų geresnio naudojimo priemonių modelio sudarymas.
ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION FUNDS EFFICIENCY IN THE COUNTRY’S CRANE SECTOR / GAMYBINIŲ FONDŲ EFEKTYVUMO ANALIZĖ RESPUBLIKOS KRANŲ SEKTORIUJE
Authors: Valėnaitė Edita , Zabielavičienė Irena
Published: November 2013

The article deals with methodological aspects of the production funds analysis. In this work the study of literature which examines the basic and transferable funds is presented. Much attention is paid to the analysis of basic production funds in the crane sector. Analysis of the basic production funds in the country’s crane sector is presented. Special attention is paid to the structure of the cranes park and crane utilization efficiency. In the analysis of basic production funds, the factors that impede the efficiency of production funds were established as follows: the greatest negative impact on basic production funds efficiency of businesses was in small tower crane fleet; a small range of tower cranes in the park is reducing the technical possibilities of the lease. Basing on the analysis and observation of tower cranes installation and dismantling, the poor supply of the parts for the work place, lack of competence and motivation of the support staff have been ascertained. After elimination of these factors it is possible to raise the efficiency of the main production funds.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjami gamybinių fondų analizės metodiniai aspektai. Pateikta literatūros, nagrinėjančios pagrindinius ir apyvartinius fondus, studija. Daug dėmesio skiriama pagrindinių gamybinių fondų analizės specifikai kranų sektoriuje. Pateikta šalies kranų sektoriaus pagrindinių gamybinių fondų analizė. Daug dėmesio skiriama kranų parko struktūrai ir kranų naudojimo efektyvumui tirti. Išanalizavus pagrindinių gamybinių fondų veiksnius, trukdančius gamybinių fondų efektyvumui, nustatyta: didžiausią įtaką įmonių pagrindinių gamybinių fondų mažam efektyvumui daro nepakankamas kai kurių įmonių turimas bokštinių kranų parkas; mažas asortimentas bokštinių kranų parke mažina technines nuomos galimybes. Atlikus tyrimą, bokštinių kranų montavimo ir demontavimo stebėjimą, buvo nustatytas prastas detalių pateikimas į darbo vietą, pagalbinių darbuotojų kompetencijos trūkumas ir motyvacijos stoka. Pašalinus šiuos veiksnius, pagrindinių gamybinių fondų efektyvumas pakiltų.
ADVERTISING MODEL OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE OBJECT IN LITHUANIA / GYVENAMOSIOS PASKIRTIES NEKILNOJAMOJO TURTO REKLAMOS MODELIS LIETUVOJE
Authors: Mazaj Jelena
Published: November 2013

Since the year 2000, during the period of economic growth, the real estate market has been rapidly expanding. During this period advertising of real estate objects was implemented using one set of similar channels (press advertising, Internet advertising, leaflets with contact information of real estate agents and others), however the start of the economic recession has intensified the competition in the market and forced companies to search for new advertising means or to diversify the advertising package. The article presents real estate property, as a product, one of the marketing components – including advertising, conclusions and suggestions based on conducted surveys and a model for advertising the residential real estate objects.

Santrauka

Nuo 2000 m. ekonominio aktyvumo periodu Lietuvos nekilnojamojo turto (toliau – NT) rinka sparčiai augo. Šiuo laikotarpiu NT objektų reklama dažniausiai vartotojui buvo pateikiama panašiai (skelbimai spaudoje, reklama interneto svetainėse, informacinės skrajutės su NT agentų kontaktine informacija ir kt.), tačiau po kelerių metų ekonominės recesijos periodas dar kartą parodė, kad įmonės turi ieškoti naujų reklamos būdų arba diversifikuoti reklamos priemones. Straipsnyje pristatomos nekilnojamojo turto kaip prekės rinkodaros sudedamoji dalis – reklama, pateiktos anketinės apklausos išvados, pasiūlytas ir aprašytas gyvenamosios paskirties NT reklamos modelis Lietuvoje.