bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Vitamin D Deficiencies in Sarcoidosis with Disease Activity, Course of Disease and Stages of Lung Involvements
Authors: Kiani Arda , Abedini Atefeh , Adcock Ian M. , Mirenayat Maryam Sadat , Taghavi Kimia , Mortaz Esmaeil , Kazempour-Dizaji Mehdi 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackground:Despite negative association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and incidence of many chronic respiratory diseases, this feature was not well studied in sarcoidosis. Current study investigated the association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency with sarcoidosis chronicity, disease activity, extra-pulmonary skin manifestations, urine calcium level and pulmonary function status in Iranian sarcoidosis patients. Results of this study along with future studies, will supply more effective programs for sarcoidosis treatment.Methods:Eighty sarcoidosis patients in two groups of insufficient serum level and sufficient serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were studied. Course of sarcoidosis was defined as acute and chronic sarcoidosis. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was assessed by spirometry. Skin involvements were defined as biopsy proven skin sarcoidosis. 24-hour urine calcium level was used to specify the disease activity. Stages of lung involvements were obtained by CT-scan and chest X-ray. The statistical analyses were evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.Results:A significant negative correlation was obtained between vitamin D deficiency in sarcoidosis patients and disease chronic course and stages two to four of lung involvements. Considering other parameters of the disease and vitamin D deficiency, no significant correlation was detected.Conclusions:In conclusion, results of the current study implies in the role of vitamin 25(OH)D deficiencies in predicting the course of chronic sarcoidosis. Furthermore, it was concluded that vitamin 25(OH)D deficiency can direct pulmonary sarcoidosis toward stage 2–4 of lung involvements.
Effect of Blood Cell Subtypes Lysis on Routine Biochemical Tests
Authors: Ünlü Burcu , Küme Tuncay , Emek Mestan , Örmen Murat , Doğan Yavuz , Şişman Ali Rıza , Ergör Gül , Çoker Canan 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackground: The aim of this study is to establish the contribution of blood cells subtypes on hemolysis. Methods: Separated blood cell subtype suspensions prepared with blood from 10 volunteers were serially diluted to obtain different concentrations of cell suspensions. The cells were fully lysed and cell hemolysates were added (1:20) to aliquots of serum pool. Thus, seven serum pools with different concentrations of interferent were obtained for each blood cell subtype. Biochemical parameters and serum indices were measured by an autoanalyzer. As cell lysis markers, free hemoglobin was measured by spectrophotometry while myeloperoxidase and b-thromboglobulin were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The percent changes in analyte levels of the serum pools were evaulated by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and compared with clinical thresholds defined for each test. Results: The clinical thresholds were exceeded in lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, magnesium, total protein, total cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, glucose for red blood cells (RBC); lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, inorganic phosphate and glucose for platelets (PLT). Free hemoglobin was significantly correlated with RBC (r=0.999; p=0.001), while myeloperoxidase and b thromboglobulin showed no significant correlation to white blood cells (WBC) and PLT, respectively. Conclusion: The effect of RBC hemolysis in serum on the routine biochemical tests are clearly established, yet, additional studies are required in order to verify this kind of effects of PLT and WBC hemolysis.
Clinical Utility of Survivin (BIRC5), Novel Cardiac Biomarker, as a Prognostic Tool Compared to High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein and Revised Lee Score in Elderly Patients Scheduled for Major Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Marković Danica , Jevtović-Stoimenov Tatjana , Ćosić Vladan , Stošić Biljana , Dinić Vesna , Marković-Živković Bojana , Janković Radmilo J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackground:Recent studies indicate that survivin (BIRC5) is sensitive to the existence of previous ischemic heart disease, since it is activated in the process of tissue repair and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of survivin (BIRC5) as a new cardiac biomarker in the preoperative assessment of cardiovascular risk in comparison with clinically accepted cardiac biomarkers and one of the relevant clinical risk scores.Methods:We included 79 patients, female (41) and male (38), with the mean age of 71.35±6.89. Inclusion criteria: extensive non-cardiac surgery, general anesthesia, age >55 and at least one of the selected cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking and positive family history). Exclusion criteria: emergency surgical procedures and inability to understand and sign an informed consent. Blood sampling was performed 7 days prior surgery and levels of survivin (BIRC5), hsCRP and H-FABP were measured.Results:Revised Lee score was assessed based on data found in patients’ history. Levels of survivin (BIRC5) were higher in deceased patients (P<0.05). It showed AUC=0.807 (95% CI, P<0.0005, 0.698–0.917), greater than both H-FABP and revised Lee index, and it increases the mortality prediction when used together with both biomarkers and revised Lee score. The determined cut-off value was 4 pg/mL and 92.86% of deceased patients had an increased level of survivin (BIRC5), (P=0.005).Conclusions:Survivin (BIRC5) is a potential cardiac biomarker even in elderly patients without tumor, but it cannot be used independently. Further studies with a greater number of patients are needed.
The occurrence of three species of the genus Oscheius Andrássy, 1976 (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Iran
Authors: Valizadeh Ahmad , Goldasteh Shila , Rafiei-Karahroodi Zahra , Pedram Majid 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDue to importance and effectiveness of some entomopathogenic or insect parasitic nematodes in controlling of agricultural pests, or pests of non-agricultural plants, a study was conducted in order to identify the species of this group of nematodes in city of Tehran. As the result, three species belonging to the genusOscheiuswere recovered in association with bark samples having the bark beetle galleries. Morphological and molecular data were provided for two recently recovered species of the genus, namelyO. necromenusandO. onirici. Molecular data were also provided for a recently recovered isolate ofO. tipulae. All three species were recovered in association with bark samples collected from dead trees in the city of Tehran. Morphological characters and morphometric data of the two aforementioned species are in accordance with the data given in their original descriptions. One recovered individual from a small bark sample characterized by its short body length was sequenced for its 28S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA loci, and the results of BLAST search using the newly obtained partial sequences revealed that it belonged toO. tipulae. Molecular phylogenetic studies revealed recently sequenced Iranian populations ofO. oniriciandO. tipulaeforming a clade with other isolates/populations of these species in ITS tree with maximal Bayesian posterior probability (BPP), and presently sequenced isolates ofO. tipulaeandO. necromenusform a clade with other isolates of these species in 28S tree. The two speciesO. oniriciandO. necromenuswere reported in Iran for the first time.
Involvement of Individuals in the Development of Technical Solutions and Rules of Management for Building Renovation Projects: A Case Study of Latvia
Authors: Pukite I. , Grekis A. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
In March 2016, the Latvian government approved a new support program for increasing energy efficiency in residential apartment buildings. For the support of renovation of apartment buildings in the period from 2016 to 2023, 166 470 588 EUR will be available.
Different persons, such as energy auditors, designers, architects, project managers and builders, will be involved in the process of planning, development and implementation of building renovation. At the development stage of the building renovation project, special attention should be devoted to the first stage – energy audit and technical project development. The problem arises due to the fact that each of these individuals, during the development of technical building documentation, does not work as a completely unified system.
The implementation of construction project planning and organisational management system is one of the most important factors to guarantee that the quality of building renovation project is ensured in accordance with the laws and regulatory standards.
The paper studies mutual cooperation, professionalism and the role of information feedback of personnel involved in the planning stage of building renovation, which is an essential prerequisite for the renovation process in order to achieve high quality of work and reduce the energy performance indicator.
The present research includes the analysis of different technical solutions and their impact on energy efficiency. Mutual harmonisation of technical specifications is also investigated.
Measurements of Wave Power in Wave Energy Converter Effectiveness Evaluation
Authors: Berins J. , Berins J. , Kalnacs A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The article is devoted to the technical solution of alternative budget measuring equipment of the water surface gravity wave oscillation and the theoretical justification of the calculated oscillation power. This solution combines technologies such as lasers, WEB-camera image digital processing, interpolation of defined function at irregular intervals, volatility of discrete Fourier transformation for calculating the spectrum.
Stability and the Electronic Structure of XB2(X = Pt, Ir, Pd, Rh, Os) Diborides
Authors: Popoola A.I. , Odusote A.Y. , Ayo-Ojo O.E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFirst-principle calculations have been performed to investigate the structural and electronic properties of platinum group metal diborides in the stoichiometry XB2(X = Pt, Ir, Pd, Rh, Os). All investigated compounds have shown to belong to the orthorhombicPmmn space group rather than theC2/m previously predicted in some of the compositions. Compressibility will reduce with boron addition in Pt, Pd and Rh, but will increase with boron addition into Ir and Os. The electronic density of states show that all the compounds are metals, with PtB2, PdB2and OsB2being potentially incompressible and superhard materials.
Analysis of Characteristics and Requirements for 5G Mobile Communication Systems
Authors: Ancans G. , Stafecka A. , Bobrovs V. , Ancans A. , Caiko J. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
One of the main objectives of the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems, also known as IMT-2020, is to increase the current data rates up to several gigabits per second (Gbit/s) or even up to 10 Gbit/s and higher. One of the possibilities to consider is the use of higher frequencies in order to enlarge the available bandwidth. Wider bandwidth is necessary to achieve much higher data rates. It should be noted that wireless broadband transmission technologies require frequencies for their development.
The main goal of the research is to investigate the characteristics and requirements of 5G mobile communication systems. The paper provides an insight into deployment scenario and radio wave propagation in frequencies above 24 GHz of IMT-2020.
Environmental Performance of Kettle Production: Product Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Marcinkowski Andrzej , Zych Krzysztof 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to compare the environmental impact caused by two different types of water boiling processes. The aim was achieved thanks to product life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted for stovetop and electric kettles. A literature review was carried out. A research model was worked out on the basis of data available in literature as well as additional experiments. In order to have a better opportunity to compare LCA results with reviewed literature, eco-indicator 99 assessment method was chosen. The functional unit included production, usage and waste disposal of each product (according to from cradle to grave approach) where the main function is boiling 3360 l of water during 4-year period of time. A very detailed life cycle inventory was carried out. The mass of components was determined with accuracy of three decimal places (0.001 g). The majority of environmental impact is caused by electricity or natural gas consumption during usage stage: 92% in case of the electric and kettle and 99% in case of stovetop one. Assembly stage contributed in 7% and 0.8% respectively. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses took into consideration various waste scenario patterns as well as demand for transport. Environmental impact turned out to be strongly sensitive to a chosen pattern of energy delivery (electricity mix) which determined final comparison results. Basing on LCA results, some improvements of products were suggested. The boiling time optimization was pointed out for electric kettle's efficiency improvement. Obtained results can be used by manufacturers in order to improve their eco-effectiveness. Moreover, conclusions following the research part can influence the future choices of home appliances users.
Analysis of Personal Income Taxation Determinants in Croatia in Long Run: Evidence from Cointegration Analysis
Authors: Palić Irena , Dumičić Ksenija , Grofelnik Barbara 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Personal income taxation remains an ongoing issue in Croatia. It is used as an important instrument of income redistribution. Moreover, it directly affects purchasing power of the working population. Numerous changes have been made in this type of taxation since the establishment of Croatian tax system. The aim of this paper is to analyse possible determinants of personal income taxation in Croatia. After offering brief insight into public finance theory regarding personal income taxation, the structure of personal income taxation in Croatia is explained. The empirical analysis of the determinants of personal income taxation in Croatia is conducted using cointegration analysis. Economic conditions, average monthly wage, and number of taxpayers are used as determinants of personal income tax used in this research. The cointegration analysis is conducted using monthly data from January 2008 to February 2016. The results of the research show a statistically significant negative impact of economic conditions and statistically significant positive impact of average monthly wage and number of taxpayers on personal income taxation in long run, what is in line with economic and public finance theory.
Greenfield and Brownfield Investments and Economic Growth: Evidence from Central and Eastern European Union Countries
Authors: Bayar Yilmaz 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Global foreign direct investment flows in terms of greenfield and brownfield investments have increased during the recent three decades resulting from the accelerating globalization. The considerable increases in the flows of foreign direct investment have many eventualities for the national economies. This study investigates the mutual effects among greenfield and brownfield (mergers and acquisitions) investments and economic growth in Central and Eastern European Union countries during the 2003–2015 period employing panel data analysis. The findings revealed that both greenfield and brownfield investments had positive influence on the economic growth, but the influence of greenfield investments was found to be relatively higher. Furthermore, one-way causality was discovered from both greenfield and brownfield investments to the economic growth.
Effect of Depreciation of the Exchange Rate on the Trade Balance of Albania
Authors: Kurtović Safet , Halili Blerim , Maxhuni Nehat 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe paper investigates the effect of the real effective exchange rate depreciation of the lek on the trade balance of Albania using quarterly data from 1994 to 2015. Bounds testing cointegration approach, vector error correction model (VECM), and impulse response were used for the empirical analysis. The results of the study show a long-term cointegration between the real effective exchange rate (REER) and the trade balance (TB). Specifically, the REER depreciation positively affects the trade balance of Albania in both the long and short run, indicating the weak presence of the J-curve effect. Important recommendations were derived from the results.
Intergenerational Cooperation at the Workplace from the Management Perspective
Authors: Veingerl Čič Živa , Šarotar Žižek Simona 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe labor market is currently experiencing employees of four generations. Each generation has different behavior patterns, attitudes, expectations, habits, and motivational mechanisms. As generational gaps play an important role in the business process, organizations have to find ways to balance the needs and views of different age groups. To overcome the negative outcomes arising from generational differences and to use the strengths of each generation, the implementation of comprehensive and proactive model of intergenerational cooperation, presented in the paper, is becoming the necessity for each organization because of the benefits.
Dosimetric proprieties of FBX dosimeter for high energy photon and electron beams
Authors: Moussous Ouiza , Medjadj Toufik , Khoudri Saad 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this work is to characterize the ferrous sulfate-benzoic acid-xylenol orange (FBX) aqueous chemical dosimeter developed at our laboratory, prepared using ultra pure water, by measuring the absorption spectrum, dose response curve, precision and accuracy, energy and dose rate dependency and stability of response. The FBX readings were evaluated by using an accurate spectrophotometer. Experimental data were obtained using various nominal energies 6 MV, 18 MV, 12 MeV, and 15 MeV, including the60Co γ-rays beam. The calibration of the dosimeters was performed using the ionization chamber as a reference dosimeter. The results show that the FBX dosimeter has a good precision of about 0.2%, no significant energy, dose rate dependence and a linear dose-response relationship in the 1-5 Gy range.
Determinants of SME Finance: Evidence from Three Central European Countries
Authors: Rahman Ashiqur , Rahman M. Twyeafur , Belas Jaroslav 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This paper explores the determinants of access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the context of three Central European countries: Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Hungary. The data set of the research is obtained from the BEEPS survey, which is conducted by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This paper empirically analyses firms not only from the SMEs point of view, but also shows results for micro, small and medium enterprises separately. Additionally, we have analysed the determinants of access to finance for SMEs at each country level for an in-depth understanding of country-level variations in SME financing. The results indicate that micro firms and firms owned and operated by women are experiencing a shortage of credits from banks. On the other hand, we found a positive relationship between the pledge of collateral and access to finance. With respect to the medium firms, we found evidence that innovative firms have a larger amount of credit from banks. The empirical results also suggest that the loan size increases as the interest rates increase in particular for SMEs on the whole and for micro-firms, although the interest rate is in a negative relationship with the loan size in Czech Republic.
Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and microalbuminuria in patients with normal eGFR
Authors: Kutlugun Aysun Aybal , Ebinc Fatma Ayerden , Ozturk Mujgan Tek , Efe Fatma Kaplan , Karadag İbrahim , Eser Murat , Unsal Oktay , Karakaya Serdar 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and microalbuminuria in patients with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods. 174 patients who had eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were studied. Patients were divided into two groups according to the urinary albumin excretion as microalbuminuric group (n = 105) and normoalbuminuric group (n = 69). NLR and PLR levels were calculated.

Results. NLR was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in microalbuminuric patients (1.91 ± 0.70) compared with normoalbuminuric patients (1.63 ± 0.53). A positive correlation was found between urine albumin excretion and NLR in the whole study group (r = 0.214, p < 0.005).

Conclusions. Higher NLR levels were found in microalbuminuric patients with normal eGFR. Also a significant positive correlation was observed between albuminuria and NLR.
Determination of undrained shear strength and constrained modulus from DMT for stiff overconsolidated clays
Authors: Lechowicz Zbigniew , Rabarijoely Simon , Kutia Tetiana 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The paper presents the results of dilatometer and laboratory tests performed on heavily preconsolidated boulder clays and Pliocene clays prevailing in the Warsaw region. Several different correlations available for evaluating undrained shear strength and constrained modulus from dilatometer tests are discussed. Empirical coefficients for multi-factor correlation to obtain undrained shear strength from dilatometer tests for boulder clays and Pliocene clays were determined. The relationship between factor RM and horizontal stress index (KD) for boulder clays was proposed for the evaluation of constrained modulus from dilatometer tests.
IgA Pemphigus in a Child – a Case Report
Authors: Lekić Branislav , Gajić-Veljić Mirjana , Popadić Svetlana , Nikolić Miloš 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
IgA pemphigus (IGAP) is a rare autoimmune bullous disease characterized by IgA deposits on keratinocyte cell surfaces. The IGAP is classified into: 1) subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD) type, and 2) intraepidermal neutrophilic (IEN) IgA dermatosis type. So far, only 9 children with IGAP have been described in the literature, of whom only 3 with SPD type. We report a 3-year-old boy with SPD type of IGAP. Clinically, he presented with pruritic vesicles, pustules and erosions on the face, trunk, groin area, and extremities. Histopathology showed subcorneal pustules containing a few acantholytic cells. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test of Tzanck smear showed intercellular IgA deposits on the surface of the groups of epidermal cells. Oral dapsone and prednisone induced remission after two weeks; the treatment was discontinued 11 months later, and complete remission was achieved during 19 months without any treatment. Direct immunofluorescence of Tzanck smear is a simple, sensitive, rapid and non-aggressive test, very suitable for the diagnosis of IGAP in children.