bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of peripheral areas: The case of West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Authors: Kebza Martin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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.
Downregulation of tumor-suppressor gene LHX6 in cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Nathalia Evelyn , Theardy Madelaine Skolastika , Elvira Sharleen , Rosellinny Graciella , Liyanto Andrew Steven , Utama Michael Putra , Sumarpo Anton 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Introduction. LIM Homeobox 6 (LHX6) encodes a LIM homeodomain transcription factor, contributes to tissue development and morphogenesis, and is mostly expressed in medial ganglionic eminence and odontogenic mesenchyme. However, it has been reported to play a role in cancer progression. This narrative review summarizes literatures that emphasize the molecular regulation of LHX6 in tumorigenesis.

Methods. In our systematic review, the PubMed database was used for the literature search using the combination of words that included “LHX6” and “cancer”. Relevant studies, including in vitro, in vivo experiments, and clinical studies, were analyzed in this review.

Results. We found evidences that LHX6 might be important in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metastasis through the suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, LHX6 is observed to be downregulated in certain types of cancer due to hypermethylation, thus hindering its tumor suppressing ability. In addition, hypermethylation can also be used to determine the stage of cancer development.

Conclusion. The downregulation of LHX6 expression might be responsible in promoting cancer progression. Future studies are necessary to investigate the potential of LHX6 as a novel cancer biomarker as well as its therapeutic implications towards certain types of cancer.
Stream Level Stabilization by Algae of the Genus Cladophora
Authors: Zeman J. , Dvořáková Š. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Investigations in the Pryský brook experimental catchment revealed that the vegetation of the stream channel stabilizes water level depth in the measured profile. The explored brook has been heavily overgrown by algae of the genus Cladophora due to a strong pollution by nitrates. It seems that if the algae average length exceeds the midsize of the stones paving the bed (ca. 30 ± 7 cm in diameter, escribed circle to pentagon or heptagon), the water level stagnates in the flowrate range of 60–180 l s−1. This totally blocks the streamflow daily oscillation (in summer months in a purely stone bed reaching up to 15%, along with tidal phenomena). The article analyzes one of possible explanations of this effect due to the dependence of the algae thickness layer modifying the channel bed cross-section on the speed of flowing water.
Risk of potential exposure incident in non-healthcare workers in contact with infectious and municipal waste
Authors: Kanisek Sanja , Gmajnić Rudika , Barać Ivana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Introduction
The proper classification of sharp and infectious waste in situ by the healthcare workers is an
important measure of prevention of sharps and other exposure incidents in non-healthcare workers, who handle such waste. The aim was to examine the practice of classifying sharp and infectious waste in family and dental practices.

Methods
An analysis of 50 bags of infectious and 50 bags of municipal waste from five family and five dental practices for five days in October 2016 at the Health centre Osijek.

Results
Healthcare workers in 70% of the practices deposited sharps in infectious waste. In 56% of infectious waste bags, sharp object were found. More risky bags of infectious waste were produced by family practices (64%), but with no significant differences in relation to dental practices (48%), (P=0.143). Disposing of infectious into municipal waste was the case in 90% of the practitioners, where in 60% of municipal waste bags, infectious waste was disposed. Dental practices produced more risky bags of municipal waste (76%) in relation to family practices (44%), but with no significant difference (P=0.714).

Conclusions
The results of this research point to importance of performing audits of proper disposal of sharps and infectious waste to reduce the risks of injury to non-healthcare workers who come into contact with the said waste. Given results could be used for framing written protocols of proper disposal of sharps and infectious waste that should be visibly available in family and dental practices and for education of healthcare workers.
Trends Regarding the Evolution of the Romanian Pension System
Authors: Balteș Nicolae , Dumiter Florin , David Delia , Jimon Ștefania 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The pension system, together with the social assistance services form the social security system is recognized worldwide throughout the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the purpose of insured person compensation for damages regarding some inherent risks as: permanent or temporary inability of work, old age or unemployment. The main objectives of a pension system are decreasing poverty regarding the lower income persons throughout the conditions of limitation of the working capacity which are financially vulnerable. In this article we provide a qualitative and quantitative overview regarding the Romanian pension system structure and mechanism. The conclusions of this article highlight the need for a more comprehensive reform of this system in order to strengthen it for the new challenges still to come in the near future.
Clusters of Tourism Consumers in Romania
Authors: Pelau Corina , Chinie Alexandra Catalina 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The analysis and determination of typologies of tourism consumers has been a major concern for scientists, specialists and companies as well. Knowing the demographic and motivational factors that determine consumers to buy tourism products can have a major impact on the marketing strategy by a more efficient targeting of customers. This article presents the results of a research that aims to determine the factors which influence the buying decision for tourism products and the clusters of consumers resulted from these factors. 90 persons have been surveyed pursuing the determination of the most important factors for buying a tourism product and the correlation between them. The factor analysis and the cluster analysis have been applied with the help of the SPSS program. The results of the factor analysis group the items into six factors. In a second phase, the consumers have been divided into three categories based on a hierarchical Ward cluster analysis. The three clusters have been defined and analyzed and recommendations for the future research have been given.
A Model to Measure the Performance of Human Resources in Organisations
Authors: Tilca Magnolia , Mare Elisabeta , Apatean Anca 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The economic crisis, demography, technology, globalization etc. are all factors which will influence the organizational structures and business strategies. A new business strategy will require, among others, that passive Human Resources Management (HRM) change into an active one with a decisive influence upon business. The vision of an active HRM requires that HR information (IT) dedicated systems assist human resources managers in their decision-making. The existing IT systems predominantly manage the salary calculations and, possibly, the employee's professional development, two of the tasks that a human resources manager has to pursue. However, tasks such as assisting, consulting and engaging the human resources in the organization are equally important. IT systems must also develop into these directions. The present paper proposes a solution to measure the performance of human resources by creating an employee performance indicator (EPI). The paper first describes the economic phenomenon involved in the HR performance process, then the mathematical model is formulated, the algorithm is implemented, the solution of the model is analysed from a technical and economic point of view, and finally the decision is made. We use the weighted arithmetic mean to compute the EPI indicator and the correlation formula to establish the degree of relevance between the EPI indicator and the variables involved in the model. An implementation in R is given.
Investigation of Road Transport Enterprise Functioning on the Basis of System Dynamics
Authors: Tolujevs Jurijs , Shedenov Otegali , Askarov Gani 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The work is devoted to the study of the possibilities to apply the System Dynamics method for the analysis of processes at the road transport enterprises. The study contains a concise review on examples of three simulation paradigms application for creating models, associated with the road motor transport. The following paradigms were under consideration: Discrete Event, Agent Based, and System Dynamics. Furthermore, the paper describes the causal loop diagram designed using the principles of system dynamics. This diagram is a qualitative model that represents the relationships between the main factors affecting the performance indicators of a road transport enterprise. The quantitative model constructed using the principles of system dynamics is also represented. The mentioned model reflects the process of functioning of a road transport enterprise during the year. The model is developed using Vensim simulation software.