bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Occurrence of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery due to Complications from Crohn's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Joksimović Vladimir , Jankulovski Nikola , Antović Svetozar , Joksimović Marija , Mančeva Ljubinka
Published: April 2018

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can give rise to strictures, inflammatory masses, fistulas, abscesses, hemorrhage, and cancer. This disease commonly affects the small bowel, colon, rectum or anus. Less commonly, it affects the stomach, esophagus and mouth. Often, the disease affects multiple areas of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of CD is not known and there is no curative treatment. The current medical and surgical treatment is effective in controlling the disease, but even with optimal treatment, recurrences and relapses are frequent.

Various risk factors specific for the patients with conditions related to the CD can influence the outcome of the surgical treatment in the postoperative period. Those risk factors can be preoperative laboratory inflammatory markers such as WBC and CRP values, phlegmona of the anterior abdominal wall and preoperative interintestinal abscess, positive resection margins.

Here we present a case of a patient who was surgically treated as an emergent case because of the complication due to Crohn's disease. At presentation, the patient had leukocytosis, elevated CRP, anemia, low levels of total proteins, and albumin.
Compensating Pose Uncertainties through Appropriate Gripper Finger Cutouts
Authors: Wolniakowski Adam , Gams Andrej , Kiforenko Lilita , Kramberger Aljaž , Chrysostomou Dimitrios , Madsen Ole , Miatliuk Konstantsin , Petersen Henrik Gordon , Hagelskjær Frederik , Buch Anders Glent , Ude Aleš , Krüger Norbert
Published: April 2018

The gripper finger design is a recurring problem in many robotic grasping platforms used in industry. The task of switching the gripper configuration to accommodate for a new batch of objects typically requires engineering expertise, and is a lengthy and costly iterative trial-and-error process. One of the open challenges is the need for the gripper to compensate for uncertainties inherent to the workcell, e.g. due to errors in calibration, inaccurate pose estimation from the vision system, or object deformation. In this paper, we present an analysis of gripper uncertainty compensating capabilities in a sample industrial object grasping scenario for a finger that was designed using an automated simulation-based geometry optimization method (Wolniakowski et al., 2013, 2015). We test the developed gripper with a set of grasps subjected to structured perturbation in a simulation environment and in the real-world setting. We provide a comparison of the data obtained by using both of these approaches. We argue that the strong correspondence observed in results validates the use of dynamic simulation for the gripper finger design and optimization.
Sciatic Nerve Regeneration in Wistar Albino Rats Evaluated by in vivo Conductivity and in vitro 1H NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Bumbu Anamaria Victoria , Fechete Radu , Perian Marcel , Bumbu Bogdan Septimiu , Brinzaniuc Klara
Published: April 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify functional and structural nerve regeneration after reconstruction using either direct suture or silicon graft.

Methods: Thirty-two adult Wistar Albino rats were divided in two equal groups. The left sciatic nerve was cross-sectioned and reconstructed using either direct suture (DS group) or a silicone graft (SG group). At 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks two rats were randomly chosen from each group for in vivo measurement of nerve electric conductivity and subsequently sacrificed together with other two rats from the same group for in vitro 1H NMR relaxometry measurements. The T2 distributions were assigned to 1H located in different pools corresponding to the nerve structure.

Results: In the injured nerve we observed a significant increase in the stimulation threshold and a decrease in conduction velocity when compared with the healthy nerve in both groups. Whereas the conduction velocity increased progressively from 4 to 10 weeks in the DS group, the opposite evolution was observed in the SG group. In both groups, the first two peaks corresponding to water bound to collagen and epineurium had smaller transverse relaxation times in the injured nerves, while there was no change in the peaks corresponding to perineurium and free water between healthy and injured nerves.

Conclusions: Significant differences were observed between direct suture and nerve graft reconstructions from both a functional and structural point of view. In the case of direct suture reconstruction, the nerve was functionally healed at 10 weeks after injury.
Self-Shadowing of a Spacecraft in the Computation of Surface Forces. An Example in Planetary Geodesy
Authors: Balmino G. , Marty J.C.
Published: April 2018

We describe in details the algorithms used in modelling the self-shadowing between spacecraft components, which appears when computing the surface forces as precisely as possible and especially when moving parts are involved. This becomes necessary in planetary geodesy inverse problems using more and more precise orbital information to derive fundamental parameters of geophysical interest. Examples are given with two Mars orbiters, which show significant improvement on drag and solar radiation pressure model multiplying factors, a prerequisite for improving in turn the determination of other global models.
Structural Analysis of Kufasat Using Ansys Program
Authors: Al-Maliky Firas T. , AlBermani Mohamed J.
Published: April 2018

The current work focuses on vibration and modal analysis of KufaSat structure using ANSYS 16 program. Three types of Aluminum alloys (5052-H32, 6061-T6 and 7075-T6) were selected for investigation of the structure under design loads. Finite element analysis (FEA) in design static load of 51 g was performed. The natural frequencies for five modes were estimated using modal analysis. In order to ensure that KufaSat could withstand with various conditions during launch, the Margin of safety was calculated. The results of deformation and Von Mises stress for linear buckling analysis were also performed. The comparison of data was done to select the optimum material for KufaSat structures.
Effects of Modifying Agents on the Dyeability of Cotton Fabric using Malachite Green Dye
Authors: Bello Isah A. , Bello Olugbenga S. , Adegoke Kayode A.
Published: April 2018

Changes in thermodynamic parameters as a result of modifying agents on dye uptake of cotton fabric using malachite green (MG) dye was investigated in this study. Five modifying agents {Acetic acid (CH3COOH), hydrated Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3.10H2O), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)} were used on cotton fabric. The equilibrium exhaustions (%E) were determined before and after modification of the cotton fabric at different concentrations which were 88.24%, 80%, 77.14%, 65.10% and 30.88% for CH3COOH, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, Na2CO3.10H2O and H2O2 respectively. The results also showed a correlation between the standard affinity(-Δμθ) of dye on cotton fabric and the equilibrium exhaustion. The values of entropy (ΔSθ) and enthalpy (ΔHθ) change revealed the feasibility (spontaneity) and exothermic nature of the reaction. The optimum parameters were attained in acidic solution (CH3COOH) at the highest temperature (70 °C) of dyeing as it showed the highest % efficiency of 88.24%. This work established that modification of cotton fabric with modifying agents is one of the best route to improve the affinity between dye and fabric as it reduces stress, amount of dyes wasted in dyeing, time required to achieve satisfactory results leading to a cost effective environmental friendly approach in the field of cotton dyeing.
Yield and Quality of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta L.
) as a Result of Microbial Fertilizers
Authors: Agic Rukie , Zdravkovska Mariјa , Popsimonova Gordana , Dimovska Daniela , Bogevska Zvezda , Davitkovska Margarita
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of two different types of microbial fertilizers, namely Micro-Vita I (containing several groups of Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms) and Micro-Vita II (containing Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and iron), on the yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta, cv Kestrel). Beetroots grown in the field without using microbial fertilizers served as the experimental control. The experiments were conducted in a field located in the village of Jurumleri, near Skopje, characterized by a well-drained and sandy soil, in 2013. The purpose of the study is to determine how different microbial fertilizers influence the production and quality of beetroot. The yields obtained were significantly higher in the beetroot grown using Micro-Vita II (69.43 t ha−1) and Micro-Vita I (58.13 t·ha−1) fertilizers, compared to the control yield (54.8 t/ha). The beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita I regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (6.86%), cellulose (13.79%) and protein (18.18%) compared to the control crops. Furthermore, the beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita II regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (14.71%), cellulose (27.59%), protein (44.62%), minerals (6.25%) and Fe (100%) compared to the control crops. According to the results obtained, the application of microbiological fertilizers is recommended for beetroot (cv. Kestrel), with regard to the beetroot quality and bioactive compounds, and can be used in organic farming.
Growth and Development of Triticum Monococcum L., Triticum Dicoccum Sch. and Triticum Spelta L. in Organic Farming Conditions
Authors: Zorovski Plamen , Popov Vladislav , Georgieva Tonya
Published: April 2018

During the 2014-2016 period in Agroecological Center at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria growth and development of three species of wheat in terms of organic farming had been tracked in order to return the species in the crop rotation, maintenance of biodiversity and receiving of cleaner and healthy products from organic farms. The three species of wheat Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Sch, and Triticum spelta L., differ between its rate of growth, development, general and productive tillering. In tillering phase the plants reached 12,3 cm of height for Triticum monococcum L., 15,7 cm for Triticum spelta L. and 19,4 cm for Triticum dicoccum Sch. Triticum monococcum L. and Triticum dicoccum Sch, reached ear formation phase 5 days earlier than Triticum spelta L. The interfacial period of stem elongation - ear formation in them, was about 21 days compared to 25 days for Triticum spelta L.. From ear formation to full maturity inter-phase periods were shorter in Triticum dicoccum Sch., which specifies the species as an early mature (6 days earlier) compared to the other two. After phenophase of stem elongation plants were growing the most intensive and in full ripeness reached a height of 94 cm in Triticum monococcum L., 81,5 cm in Triticum dicoccum Sch. and 82,5 cm in Triticum spelta L.
Measuring Biodiversity in Forest Communities – A Role of Biodiversity Indices
Authors: Lakićević Milena , Srđević Bojan
Published: April 2018

Biodiversity refers to genetic, species and ecosystems varieties within an area. Two main characteristics that should be investigated when considering biodiversity are richness and evenness. Richness is related to the number of different species in the analyzed area, while evenness corresponds to the homogeneity of the abundance of species. For quantifying these features, many indices have been defined, and this paper offers an overview of the most commonly used biodiversity indices, such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef and Berger-Parker. The paper explains the process of calculating these indices on the case study example of four forest communities and discusses the results obtained. The Jaccard index analysis is used to discover a similarity between the analyzed forest communities. Results from this part of the research are visualized by creating appropriate dendrograms for making the interpretation easier. Calculating and analyzing these indices is useful not only for forest ecosystems, but for the other types of ecosystems as well, including agro-ecosystems. Biodiversity indices can be obtained in thespecialized software, for instance in EstimateS (Statistical Estimation of Species Richness and Shared Species from Samples), or by programming in the statistical package R, as it was done in this research.
Biuret and Bradford Methods Suitability for Protein Quantification in Rapeseed Meal
Authors: Kalaydzhiev Hristo , Ivanova Petya , Uzunova Galina , Manolov Ivan , Chalova Vesela
Published: April 2018

Being attractive for insects, non-genetically modified rapeseed is valuable for maintaining environmental biodiversity. Primarily, the rapeseed is an important industrial crop which is used for production of vegetable oil. Oil extraction from rapeseeds results in the generation of substantial amounts of rapeseed meal which is used either as a protein rich feed additive or as a source for preparation of protein containing ingredients for food industry. Both applications require frequent evaluation of protein content. Although Kjeldahl method is considered standard, it is not appropriate for routine evaluation of protein content in protein extracts. The aim of the study was to evaluate suitability of biuret and Bradford methods for protein quantification in rapeseed meal extracts. After consecutive triple extraction of proteins with water, 5% NaCl, 70% ethyl alcohol and 0.1 N NaOH, protein evaluation of each albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin extraction aliquot demonstrated overall lower protein content by Bradford method compared to biuret method. The most pronounced differences in protein content were observed with prolamin fraction where three fold higher protein concentrations in each extraction aliquot was observed when biuret method was applied for the evaluation. Comparative quantification of the total protein of each of the four fractions followed a similar trend of lower protein content evaluation by Bradford method. Overall results indicated biuret method as more suitable for protein quantification in rapeseed meal extracts which was confirmed by comparison with data obtained by Kjeldahl method.
Effect of tree pruning intensity on the content of mineral components in the sour cherry leaves of ‘Łutówka’
Authors: Rutkowski Krzysztof , Zydlik Zofia , Stachowiak Aleksander
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of' tree pruning intensity on the content of nutrients in leaves of the ‘Łutówka’ sour cherry cultivar (Prunus cerasus L.). Between 2006 and 2010 an experiment with different tree pruning intensity was carried out. The study material consisted of first- class one-year old budded plants of the ‘Łutówka’ cultivar IR2 type, on Prunus mahaleb rootstock. The plants were planted in the spring of 2001 (orchard 1) and 2002 (orchard 2) and spaced at 4.0 × 1.3 m2, giving a total of 1.920 trees ha−1. Three pruning regimes were applied in the plantation: 1) no pruning; (only sanitation felling was applied), 2) moderate traditional pruning - branches were shortened, 3) intensive pruning by removing branches older than three years. The cherry tree pruning intensity significantly influenced the content of mineral components in leaves. The content of N increased, whereas the content of Ca and Mg decreased. The maximum temperatures at the beginning of the growth period had particularly beneficial effect on the P and K content. Chilly and dry spring limited the P and K content in the plants. The content of minerals in sour cherry leaves depended on the age of trees.
Person–Environment Analysis: A Framework for Participatory Holistic Research
Authors: Kaiser Steffen , Schulze Gisela C.
Published: April 2018

This article presents the person–environment analysis as a framework for participatory and holistic research. By using common methods of qualitative research and analysis, it is possible to capture the present situation of a person. The person–environment analysis is built on Kurt Lewin’s field theory and a further development of its system of visual representation of the life space. It is argued that the person–environment analysis offers a frame to represent the perceived subjective situation of a person, which can be used in research, yet offers the possibility of counseling and intervention.
New data on the morphology and phylogenetic connections of Postlepidapedon opisthobifurcatum (Trematoda, Lepocreadioidea: Lepidapedidae), a parasite of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic fishes
Authors: Sokolov S. G. , Khasanov F. K. , Gordeev I. I.
Published: April 2018

The trematode Postlepidapedon opisthobifurcatum (Zdzitowiecki, 1990) is a common intestinal parasite of the gadiform fishes of the Southern Ocean. In this work, we supplement the description of the species with the anatomy of the terminal part of the reproductive system and with molecular data. The male terminal genitalia are characterised by the presence of the external seminal vesicle and cirrus-sac. The external seminal vesicle is surrounded by aciniform groups of outer prostatic cells. Groups of outer prostatic cells and proximal parts of their ducts are associated with a thin-walled membrane that is connected to the proximal edge of the cirrus-sac. The cirrus-sac is claviform, with a long proximal part accommodating the tubular, thin-walled internal seminal vesicle and ducts of outer prostatic cells. The female terminal genitalia are represented by a thick-walled metraterm, which is surrounded by aciniform groups of glandular cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA partial sequences data placed P. opisthobifurcatum into the monophyletic group Lepidapedidae, including the species Myzoxenus insolens (Crowcroft, 1945), Intusatrium robustum Durio et Manter, 1968, and Postlepidapedon uberisBray, Cribb et Barker, 1997. However, we were unable to detect direct phylogenetic connections between P. opisthobifurcatum and P. uberis.
Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Bihor County Between 2016 and 2017 Demographic Indicators, Classification, Complications, Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors and Treatment
Authors: Mihai Vesa Cosmin , Loredana Popa , Zaha Dana , Mădălina Moisi , Claudia Jurca , Otilia Ţica , Mircea Popescu , Remus Popa Amorin
Published: April 2018

Bihor is a county in north-western Romania with a population of approximately 600000. One (5) study performed at the beginning of this decade addressing diabetes epidemiology in Romania demonstrated a high prevalence of diabetes in Bihor, the cause being the obesity (1) epidemics as consequence of inadequate diet (high lipid content, refined sugars) and physical inactivity. Our study demonstrates the increasing prevalence (4.71% in 2011 vs. 5.24% in 2016) of diabetes in the county. Also by analyzing different epidemiological parameters we determined the profile of the newly diagnosed diabetes patient in Bihor including only the patients diagnosed in 2016 and 2017. The newly diagnosed diabetic patient is more often female than male (52.78% vs. 47.22%), from urban environment (51.84% vs 48.16%), belongs to the age group 47-65 years (57.35%), is obese (54.47%) is affected by hypertension (70.65%), dyslipidemia (72.3%), is smoker in 23.56% of cases and sedentary in 30.50% of cases.
The Therapeutic Means of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)
Authors: Elena-Corina Jeler
Published: April 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common conditions that occur during sleep. OSAS involves the existence of at least 5 breathing breaks of at least 10 seconds in a sleeping hour.

OSAS etiologic factors are numerous, the most important being the increased body weight of patients (a high percentage of 50% of patients with OSAS with different degrees of obesity), age (OSAS is diagnosed in middle-aged people), craniofacial deformities, multiple pathologies leading to narrowing of the upper airways, gender (is more common in men), genetic causes (more common in black and Hispanic people), alcohol, tobacco, hypnotic and sedative medications.

Symptoms of OSAS are characterized by daytime and night-time symptoms. Of the daytime symptoms, patients frequently report headache and morning fatigue, daytime somnolence, memory impairment and concentration. Of the nocturnal symptoms, the most common symptoms experienced by patients are snoring and repeated episodes of apnea. Patients also report nocturia, polakiuria, decreased libido, symptoms that are often attributed to other pathologies. Due to concentration disturbances and low cognitive performance among patients with OSAS, they will experience a decrease in work capacity, which is reflected by the loss of work, reflected by the decrease in the number of working days.

OSAS treatment is complex, different depending on the severity of the disease and the existing comorbidities of the patient.
Effect of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Density on Pollination and Fruit Set of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Cv. Hass.
Authors: Peña Juan F. , Carabalí Arturo
Published: April 2018

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of honeybee density on pollination and fruit set of the Hass avocado. The research was carried out in the municipality of Popayán, Colombia. Three avocado orchards were selected, each one with an area of one hectare and trees with an age of six years. The treatments were: 1) four hives/ha, 2) six hives/ha, and 3) control without hives. Treatments of six and four hives/ha presented significant differences with respect to the control, with a honeybee density per tree of 7.72, 6.04 and 2.72, pollination rate of 60, 55 and 50%, pollination efficiency of 7.57, 6.04 and 5.98 grains of pollen per stigma, 6.11, 4.13 and 3.54% fruit set initial, 0.058, 0.048 and 0.028% fruit set final, 231, 212 and 137 of fruits per tree, 46.2, 38.2 and 21.6 kg fruit per tree, respectively. The results obtained show an increase of honey-bee density per tree, pollination rate, pollination efficiency, % fruit set, % fruit set final, number of fruits per tree and total fruit weight per tree when six and four bee hives/ha are introduced in the avocado crop.
The Impact of Environmental and Archıtectural Design on Users’ Affective Experience
Authors: Khaleghimoghaddam Navid , Bala Havva Alkan
Published: April 2018

This study examines the impact of environmental design on user experiences in the educational spaces of Tabriz Islamic Art University in Iran. In the research area, the affective assessment of four different spaces, which have been changed their function, was made. The research hypothesis is that users’ affective experience is influenced by environmental and architectural design. The method applied is the interpretation of the data obtained by the scores of the pleasure-arousal diagram of the affective and perceptional experience of 100 students in 16 educational spaces belonging to Tabriz Islamic Art University in Iran. As a result of the research, it has been verified that space design style has an active role in the affective experience of students, and there is a meaningful relationship between user’s spatial experience and the design style. In this context, it has been revealed that the spatial experiences of students in traditional spaces are positive and satisfactory in terms of interest, pleasuret and security, and that for the other three groups, many changes are required in the architectural design and spatial organization to provide positive motivation and emotional suitability.
Numerical Solutions for Nonlinear High Damping Rubber Bearing Isolators: Newmark’s Method with Netwon-Raphson Iteration Revisited
Authors: Markou A.A. , Manolis G.D.
Published: April 2018

Numerical methods for the solution of dynamical problems in engineering go back to 1950. The most famous and widely-used time stepping algorithm was developed by Newmark in 1959. In the present study, for the first time, the Newmark algorithm is developed for the case of the trilinear hysteretic model, a model that was used to describe the shear behaviour of high damping rubber bearings. This model is calibrated against free-vibration field tests implemented on a hybrid base isolated building, namely the Solarino project in Italy, as well as against laboratory experiments. A single-degree-of-freedom system is used to describe the behaviour of a low-rise building isolated with a hybrid system comprising high damping rubber bearings and low friction sliding bearings. The behaviour of the high damping rubber bearings is simulated by the trilinear hysteretic model, while the description of the behaviour of the low friction sliding bearings is modeled by a linear Coulomb friction model. In order to prove the effectiveness of the numerical method we compare the analytically solved trilinear hysteretic model calibrated from free-vibration field tests (Solarino project) against the same model solved with the Newmark method with Netwon-Raphson iteration. Almost perfect agreement is observed between the semi-analytical solution and the fully numerical solution with Newmark’s time integration algorithm. This will allow for extension of the trilinear mechanical models to bidirectional horizontal motion, to time-varying vertical loads, to multi-degree-of-freedom-systems, as well to generalized models connected in parallel, where only numerical solutions are possible.
Modified Method of Simplest Equation Applied to the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Vitanov Nikolay K. , Dimitrova Zlatinka I.
Published: April 2018

We consider an extension of the methodology of the modified method of simplest equation to the case of use of two simplest equations. The extended methodology is applied for obtaining exact solutions of model nonlinear partial differential equations for deep water waves: the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. It is shown that the methodology works also for other equations of the nonlinear Schrödinger kind.
Diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis 4 scores in predicting advanced liver fibrosis in patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic viral hepatitis: Experience from Pakistan
Authors: Wadhva Rajesh Kumar , Haque Muhammad Manzoorul , Luck Nasir Hassan , Tasneem Abbas Ali , Abbas Zaigham , Mubarak Muhammad
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 in assessing the stage of liver fibrosis in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with chronic viral hepatitis and to compare the two tests with standard tru-cut liver biopsy.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Karachi (SIUT) from May 2010 to May 2014. All ESRD patients, being considered as candidates for renal transplantation and in whom liver biopsy was performed were included. Fibrosis stage was assessed on liver biopsy using Ishak scoring system. The serum transaminases and platelet counts were used to calculate APRI and FIB-4 scores.

Results

Out of 109 patients, hepatitis C and B virus infections were present in 104 (95.4%) and 3(2.8%), respectively, while 2 (1.8%) patients had both infections. The mean Ishak fibrosis score was 1.95 ± 2. Advanced fibrosis was noted in 37 (34%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that advanced liver fibrosis was associated with lower platelets counts (P=0.001) and higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P=0.022), APRI score (P=0.001) and FIB-4 score (P=0.001). On logistic regression analysis, only APRI score (P < 0.001) was found to be the independent variable associated with advanced liver fibrosis. APRI score cutoff ≥1 indicating advanced fibrosis showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.9%, 90.3%, 82.9%, 95.6%, respectively with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97. Similarly, a FIB-4 score cutoff ≥1.1 had sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 70.27%, 66.67%, 52% and 81.36%, respectively with AUC of 0.74.

Conclusion

APRI is more accurate noninvasive test for assessing advanced liver fibrosis in ESRD patients as compared to FIB-4. It can be used to obviate the need for liver biopsy in this high risk population.
Gastric antral vascular ectasia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Alkhormi Abdulrahman M. , Memon Muhammed Yousuf , Alqarawi Abdullah
Published: April 2018

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare but an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and commonly presents as occult bleeding that manifests as iron deficiency anemia (IDA). GAVE is commonly associated with chronic illnesses, most frequently liver cirrhosis and connective tissue diseases. The pathogenesis of GAVE is still obscure, and many hypotheses such as mechanical stress, hormonal factors, and autoimmune factors, have been proposed. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of GAVE.
Consistency Analysis and Data Consultation of Gas System of Gas-Electricity Network of Latvia
Authors: Zemite L. , Kutjuns A. , Bode I. , Kunickis M. , Zeltins N.
Published: April 2018

In the present research, the main critical points of gas transmission and storage system of Latvia have been determined to ensure secure and reliable gas supply among the Baltic States to fulfil the core objectives of the EU energy policies.

Technical data of critical points of the gas transmission and storage system of Latvia have been collected and analysed with the SWOT method and solutions have been provided to increase the reliability of the regional natural gas system.
The Effect of Fuel Quality on Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions, While Burning Biomass and RDF
Authors: Kalnacs J. , Bendere R. , Murasovs A. , Arina D. , Antipovs A. , Kalnacs A. , Sprince L.
Published: April 2018

The article analyses the variations in carbon dioxide emission factor depending on parameters characterising biomass and RDF (refuse-derived fuel). The influence of moisture, ash content, heat of combustion, carbon and nitrogen content on the amount of emission factors has been reviewed, by determining their average values. The options for the improvement of the fuel to result in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide have been analysed. Systematic measurements of biomass parameters have been performed, by determining their average values, seasonal limits of variations in these parameters and their mutual relations. Typical average values of RDF parameters and limits of variations have been determined.
Sustainable Construction Industry Development and Green Buildings: A Case of Latvia
Authors: Kauskale L. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N. , Vanags J.
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the country's economy, construction industry and real estate market's sustainable development and to the studies related to these issues. The aim of the research is to analyse significant aspects of sustainable development of construction activities and real estate market, with particular focus on environmental aspects of construction or the role of green buildings. The research includes an integrated approach of construction industry analysis and analysis of real estate operations area. Scientific and practical solutions and recommendations will enable the industry participants to be introduced to the main sustainable aspects of construction industry development, which, in their turn, can improve the overall performance of the industry in the long term.
An Ice Track Equipped with Optical Sensors for Determining the Influence of Experimental Conditions on the Sliding Velocity
Authors: Lungevics J. , Jansons E. , Gross K. A.
Published: April 2018

The ability to slide on ice has previously focused on the measurement of friction coefficient rather than the actual sliding velocity that is affected by it. The performance can only be directly measured by the sliding velocity, and therefore the objective was to design and setup a facility to measure velo-city, and determine how experimental conditions affect it. Optical sensors were placed on an angled ice track to provide sliding velocity measurements along three sections and the velocity for the total sliding distance. Experimental conditions included the surface roughness, ambient temperature and load. The effect of roughness was best reported with a Criterion of Contact that showed a similar sliding velocity for metal blocks abraded with sand paper smoother than 600 grit. Searching for the effect of temperature, the highest sliding velocity coincided with the previously reported lowest coefficient of ice friction. Load showed the greatest velocity increase at temperatures closer to the ice melting point suggesting that in such conditions metal block overcame friction forces more easily than in solid friction. Further research needs to be conducted on a longer ice track, with larger metal surfaces, heavier loads and higher velocities to determine how laboratory experiments can predict real-life situations.
Regional identity and the renewal of spatial administrative structures: The case of Podolia, Ukraine
Authors: Melnychuk Anatoliy , Gnatiuk Oleksiy
Published: April 2018

The relationships between territorial identities and administrative divisions are investigated in this article, in an attempt to reveal the possible role of territorial identity as an instrument for administrative-territorial reform. The study focuses on Podolia – a key Ukrainian geographical region with a long and complicated history. A survey of residents living throughout the region showed that the majority of respondents had developed strong identification with both historical regions and modern administrative units. The close interaction between “old” and “new” identities, however, caused their mutual alterations, especially in changes in the perceived borders of historical regions. This means that the “old” historical identities have strong persistence but simultaneously survive constant transformations, incorporating the so-called “thin” elements, which fits the concept of dynamic regional institutionalisation and the formation of hybrid territorial identities. Consequently, although territorial identity may be used to make administrative territorial units more comprehensible for people, the development of modern administrative units based on hybrid identities, which include both thick and thin elements, may be another feasible solution that involves stakeholders in regional development.
The development of peripheral areas: The case of West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Authors: Kebza Martin
Published: April 2018

The process of peripheralisation of outlying areas is discussed in this article using a case study of West Pomeranian (Zachodniopomorskie) Voivodeship in Poland. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between these peripheral areas and metropolitan core areas. Scalar and vector data on selected indicators in the years 2005 and 2015 for gminas (communes, territorial units NUTS 5) are presented. The values for both years were observed as well as the change between them. A composite indicator based on the calculated data was developed, and it served as the basis for categorisation of metropolitan, ‘semi-peripheral’ and peripheral areas, which were further defined on the basis of their intrinsic properties and location in the region. The development of such peripheral areas is assessed more generally in the conclusions.
Evaluation of the Influence of the Macro-environment on the Social Innovation Activity of Enterprises
Authors: Satalkina Liliya , Shpak Nestor
Published: April 2018

Background: Nowadays the emphasis on social components in the general mainstream of innovation activity is one of the strongest grounds for the successful functioning and development of enterprises. In several countries, social innovation activity is becoming a product of business in general, with associated expectations regarding profit.

Objectives: The goal of the article is to develop a toolkit for the evaluation of the influence of the macro-environment on the social innovation activity (SIA) of enterprises.

Method: The methodology includes elements of theoretical and empirical research with the implementation of methods such as a literature review, all types of analysis, and methods of aggregation and integration. Questionnaires were used as a means of data collection.

Results: The general methodological framework of diagnostics of the SIA macro-environment is distinguished. Based on a theoretical analysis of the SIA ecosystem and the experience of operating enterprises, the main factors of SIA macro-environment are determined. The general integrated index and its five-level interpretational model are proposed as a measure for the evaluation of the SIA macro-environment.

Conclusion: The results presented provide data necessary for the argumentation of SIA strategy and tactics, as well as investment policy in this sphere.
Sustainability and Sustainability Marketing in Competing for the Title of European Capital of Culture
Authors: Burksiene Valentina , Dvorak Jaroslav , Burbulyte-Tsiskarishvili Gabriele
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose: An analysis of the dimension of sustainability in the context of competing for the title of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) is included in the article. The authors of the research agree that the proper integration of cultural policy into the social system impacts and changes cultural values and beliefs, shifting them towards sustainable behaviour and sustainability. Many authors analyse the interrelation between culture and sustainability, thus defining the role of culture for sustainability. However, few discuss possible approaches or tools, which may offer assistance in the matter of how to reach sustainability in the context of culture.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Research is based on the comparative analysis of the applications of the respective cities. The TBL methodology is implemented using the content analysis method as a tool. The outcomes of the content analysis are then used for the elaboration of the qualitative multi-attribute model using the DEX methodology.

Results: While analysing bidding documents for the ECoC we: a) define the importance of the marketing plan (described as a comprehensive action) and b) argue that ECoC marketing needs to be turned to “sustainability marketing” as it is described and defined by many authors.

Conclusions: The ECoC Commission should consider the importance of culture for sustainable development and, respectively, should evaluate the marketing plan of applicants under the sustainability framework.
Analysis of Ventilation Regimes of the Oblique Wedge-Shaped Surface Piercing Hydrofoil During Initial Water Entry Process
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Javanmardi Nasrin
Published: April 2018

The suction side of a surface piercing hydrofoil, as a section of a Surface Piercing Propeller (SPP), is usually exposed to three phases of flow consisting air, water, and vapour. Hence, ventilation and cavitation pattern of such section during the initial phase of water entry plays an essential role for the propeller’s operational curves. Accordingly, in the current paper a numerical simulation of a simple surface piercing hydrofoil in the form of an oblique wedge is conducted in three-phase environment by using the coupled URANS and VOF equations. The obtained results are validated against water entry experiments and super-cavitation tunnel test data. The resulting pressure curves and free surface profiles of the wedge water entry are presented for different velocity ratios ranging from 0.12 to 0.64. Non-dimensional forces and efficiency relations are defined in order to present the wedge water entry characteristics. Congruent patterns are observed between the performance curves of the propeller and the wedge in different fully ventilated or partially cavitated operation modes. The transition trend from fully ventilated to partially cavitated operation of the surface piercing section of a SPP is studied and analyzed through wedge’s performance during the transitional period.
Dynamism Patterns of Western Mediterranean Cruise Ports and the Coopetition Relationships Between Major Cruise Ports
Authors: Esteve-Perez Jeronimo , Garcia-Sanchez Antonio
Published: April 2018

The Mediterranean Sea has seen an increase of ports hosting cruise ships during the first fifteen years of the 21st century. The increase in cruise ship presence in Mediterranean ports is associated with the dynamism of cruise traffic in recent years, with an average annual growth of 7.45% for cruise passengers worldwide during the period of 1990-2015. Cruise traffic is a maritime business that is primarily composed of two elements, maritime affairs and tourism. This article focuses on the maritime component. With the growth of the cruise industry, cruise lines have been forced to seek new ports to meet demand in an attempt to create differentiated products based on the ports that compose the itinerary. The itinerary system of cruise traffic makes the cruise ports depend on one another to design an itinerary. This feature results in both complex geographic relationships in the design of a cruise itinerary and complex competitive/cooperative relationships between ports. The aim of this article is to present the hierarchic picture of a sample of 29 cruise ports in the Western Mediterranean region during the period of 2000-2015. To achieve this goal, a port size classification is proposed and a shift-share analysis at the inter- and intra-group size level is applied. Moreover, concentration measures are used to determine the changes in the levels of market concentration. Furthermore, a dynamic model is proposed to determine the competitive or cooperative relationships between cruise ports. The proposed model is applied to the largest ports with data from the 2001-2015 period.
Research of Deposit Accumulated on Heat Exchange Surfaces in the Light of Thermal Degradation of Heat Exchange Aparatus of Steam Power Plants Part I: Study of Real Sediments
Authors: Hajduk Tomasz
Published: April 2018

The presence of deposits on heat exchange surfaces in condensers and regenerative exchangers of ship and land steam power plants is always connected with the increase of the wall temperature on the water vapor side due to additional thermal resistances resulting from accumulated deposits. This increase always results in an increase in the condensing pressure, which results in the deterioration of the condensation process of the water vapor, leading to thermal degradation of a given heat exchanger. In addition, the resulting deposits form unevenness with a diversified, often stochastic, geometric structure of the surface layer surface, whose measure is most often the roughness parameters, describing the geometric structure of the surface. In addition, the increase in surface roughness of the heat transfer surface on the water vapor side promotes the formation of a thicker layer of condensate, thus worsening the organization of condensate runoff, which results in interference of the thermal degradation phenomenon of a given heat exchange apparatus. As a result, these phenomena lead to a reduction in the efficiency of a given thermal system, and thus entail an increase in the costs of energy conversion and consequently cause an increased degradation of the natural environment. In the article, based on the results of the author’s own experimental research, the types of pollution accumulating on heat exchange surfaces on the water vapor side of heat exchange apparatus in marine and land steam power plants and quantitative measures of the unevenness of the surface layer of these sediments are presented.
Mixed gender agreement in the case of Russian hybrid nouns
Authors: Steriopolo Olga
Published: April 2018

This work presents a study of mixed gender agreement in the case of hybrid nouns in Russian. Examination of a number of approaches which seek to account for the category “gender” shows that these approaches are problematic when trying to explain mixed gender agreement in hybrid nouns. It is proposed here that the multiple-layer DP-hypothesis by Zamparelli (1995 and subsequent work) is best suited to analyze the Russian data. However, this rests on the crucial assumption that Russian demonstratives can occupy multiple positions within the DP, something that must still be verified by future work.
Glioblastoma in patients over 70 years of age
Authors: Smrdel Uros , Vidmar Marija Skoblar , Smrdel Ales
Published: April 2018

Background

Glioblastoma has in last 20 years seen the steady increase of incidence, which is most prominent in the group of older patients. These older than 70 years have significantly poorer prognosis than other patients and are considered a distinct group of glioblastoma patients. Modified prognostic factors are being used in these patients and this information is lately supplemented with the genetic and epigenetic information on tumour. The therapy is now often tailored accordingly. The aim of our study was to analyse the current treatment of the glioblastoma patients over 70 years of age to determine the impact of clinical prognostic factors.

Patients and methods

Among patients treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between 1997 and 2015, we found that 207 were older than 70 years. We analysed their survival, clinical prognostic factors (age, performance status) treatment modalities (extent of surgery, radiation dose, chemotherapy).

Results

Median survival of patients older than 70 years was 5.3 months which was statistically significant inferior to the survival of younger patients (p < 0.001). The clinical prognostic factors that influenced survival the most were performance status (p < 0.001), extent of surgical resection (p < 0.001), addition of temozolomide (p < 0.001) and addition of radiotherapy (p = 0.006). Patients receiving concomitant radiochemotherapy with temozolomide followed by adjuvant temozolomide, had same median survival as patients receiving adjuvant temozolomide after completion of radiotherapy.

Conclusions

The increase of the number of older patients with glioblastoma corresponds to the increase in the life expectancy but in Slovenia also to the increased availability of diagnostic procedures. Clinical prognostic markers are helpful in decision on the aggressiveness of treatment. Radiotherapy and temozolomide have the biggest impact on survival, but the radiotherapy dose seems to be of secondary importance. In selected patients, chemotherapy alone might be sufficient to achieve an optimal effect. Patients that were fitter, had more aggressive surgery, and received temozolomide fared the best. The scheduling of the temozolomide seems to have limited impact on survival as in our study, there was no difference weather patients received temozolomide concomitant with radiotherapy or after the radiotherapy. Thus far, our findings corroborate the usefulness of recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classes in clinical decisions.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum endocan in patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Voiosu Andrei Mihai , Bălănescu Paul , Daha Ioana , Smarandache Bianca , Rădoi Aurelia , Mateescu Radu Bogdan , Băicuş Cristian Răsvan , Voiosu Theodor Alexandru
Published: April 2018

Background. We aimed to determine the relationship between endocan and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Materials and methods. Patients with liver cirrhosis and no heart disease were included in a prospective observational study with liver disease decompensation and death as primary outcomes.

Results. 83 cirrhotic patients were included and 32 had cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Endocan levels were significantly lower in patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (5.6 vs. 7 ng/mL, p = 0.034). Endocan correlated with severity of cirrhosis, time to decompensation or death from liver disease (OR 4.5 95% CI 1.06-31.1).

Conclusion. Endocan is a promising biomarker of severity of cirrhosis and may help in the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in this population.