bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Smoking in the Development of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dénes Márton István , Borz Cristian , Török Árpád , Kántor Tibor , Nădășan Valentin , Csibi Mónika , Ábrám Zoltán 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Introduction. Smoking is an important public health issue nowadays. It causes a lot of diseases and represents also a source of carcinogenic substances. Recent studies showed an increased incidence of colorectal cancer in smokers. The aim of our study is to assess the association between smoking and colorectal cancer and to establish the prevalence of heavy smokers among the patients operated on for colorectal cancer.

Methodology. We run a retrospective study of the charts belonging to the patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and operated on in our department between 2004 and 2013. The patients were classified in smokers, former smokers and nonsmokers. The amount of tobacco was evaluated according to the number of smoked cigarettes per day, the smoking period, respectively the pack-years. The data were corroborated with the location of the tumor and analyzed using the online version of Graphpad.

Results. From 982 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we found 297 smokers (30.24%). Among these, 106 patients (35.69%) have smoked for over 30 years, at least 20 cigarettes per day, more than 30 pack-years. The number of heavy smokers was significantly greater (p=0.0001) in the group with rectal cancer compared to the group with colon cancer. The association of smoking with rectal cancer was also important (p=0.0015) among the former smokers.

Conclusions. Smoking is related to higher incidence of colorectal cancer. Our data sustain the hypothesis of increased risk of developing rectal cancer in heavy smokers. We recommend the screening for colorectal cancer among the heavy smoker population.
Determination of Priorities in Apparel Purchasing from Private Sale Websites
Authors: Saricam Canan , Erdumlu Nazan 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In the fast-changing internet era, private sale websites attracted an enormous interest from the consumers in especially online marketing of apparel goods. The retailers may garner more benefit if the prior issues for the consumers when they are purchasing apparel products online is known. Reviewing the literature, this study presents the factors in three groups in a hierarchical manner considering the multidimensional aspect of online purchasing of apparel products from private sale websites and then determines the prior issues for the consumers by making pairwise comparisons among these factors using analytical hierarchy process on a sample group of 100 Turkish respondents. The findings revealed that “privacy/security” in terms of online shopping criteria, “product information” in terms of apparel products criteria, and “discount ratio” in terms of private shopping criteria took highest scores of importance when the aspects were analyzed individually. Nonetheless, the parameters regarding the online shopping criteria were found to be more important than the criteria regarding the apparel products and private shopping criteria. In the end, it was also observed that these items that were found to have highest importance were actually corresponding to the risks of the situation.
Modification of the inlet to the tertiary air duct in the cement kiln installation
Authors: Borsuk Grzegorz , Wydrych Jacek , Dobrowolski Bolesław 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Rotary kiln installation forms a very complex system, as it consists of various components which affect cement production. However, some problems with particle settling are encountered during operation of tertiary air installation. This paper reports on the results of a study into gas-particle flow in a tertiary air duct installation. This flow was calculated using Euler method for air motion and Lagrange method for particle motion. The results in this paper demonstrate that study focus on the tertiary air installation is a practical measure without the analysis of other processes in the rotary kiln. A solution to this problem offers several alternatives of modifying the inlet to the tertiary air duct. As a result of numerical calculations, we demonstrate the influence of geometry of a rotary kiln modification on the number of large particles transported in the tertiary air duct. The results indicate that in order to reduce large particles, rotary kiln head geometry needs to be modified, and a particle settler should be installed at its outlet.
Two social exchanges and service personnel’s internal service behavioural intention at international tourism hotels
Authors: Chen Wen-Jung 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHospitality is a service industry in which team cooperation and assistance among the co-workers is necessary. Scholars have found that salary or benefits by themselves are not sufficient to motivate employees’ internal service intention and attitude. The norm of reciprocity in which the individuals’ intention results in active behaviour that is driven by the desire to obtain rewards has rarely been applied in the field of hotel internal service. In this study, we used the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the effects of leader-member exchange (LMX) and co-worker exchange on internal service behavioural intention and its causes, that is, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. In this study, we chose frontline professional service personnel from 30 international tourist hotels in Taiwan as research subjects and collected 684 valid questionnaires for statistical analysis. The results showed that LMX and co-worker exchange significantly affected the internal service behavioural intention and were significantly correlated with the causes of internal service behaviour intention, that is, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. The results of this study should provide practical and theoretical assistance guidance for the rapidly growing domestic hospitality industry, in terms of increasing service competitiveness and facilitating the strategic planning of human resource management.
Gathering Information from Transport Systems for
Processing in Supply Chains
Authors: Kodym Oldřich , Unucka Jakub 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Paper deals with complex system for processing
information from means of transport acting as parts
of train (rail or road). It focuses on automated information
gathering using AutoID technology, information transmission
via Internet of Things networks and information usage
in information systems of logistic firms for support
of selected processes on MES and ERP levels. Different
kinds of gathered information from whole transport chain
are discussed. Compliance with existing standards is mentioned.
Security of information in full life cycle is integral
part of presented system. Design of fully equipped system
based on synthesized functional nodes is presented.
The patent activity of the Czech R&D organizations and its international comparison
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
An effective knowledge transfer between research institutions and industry is a significant bottleneck in the national innovation system. CR adopted in recent years a series of systemic measures aimed to stimulate the orientation of the R&D organizations towards the generation of knowledge directly applicable in the innovation process and more generally to improve the collaboration of the R&D establishment with the industry. In the majority of programs supporting the applied research patents and industrial designs and utility models are among the anticipated results. The Methodology of the evaluation of R&D organizations implemented in the second half of the last decade brought financial bonuses for the creation of the results in the category of industrial property. Despite of this stimulus CR lags behind the technologically advanced EU countries in the patent activities. The topic of this article is a comparison of the protection of the industrial property rights in the Czech higher education institutions and governmental R&D institutions with selected EU countries. We make use of a couple of quantitative indicators to assess the quality and the technological and the commercial potential of the produced industrial property. Despite a dynamic growth of the patent applications in the CR the number of patent applications relative to the country size is far below the EU-15 average. The Czech research organizations contribute to a higher extent to the number of patent applications then do the analogous institutions in EU-15 countries where the majority of patent applications come from the industrial sphere. The Czech research organizations mainly limit the patent rights to the Czech Republic whereas in the EU-15 countries the opposite is preponderant and only a small fraction of patent applications remains limited to the national environment. Thus the majority of the Czech patents created by research organizations cannot be commercialized on the international scene nor can contribute to the international competitiveness of the Czech industry. The patent applications submitted by the Czech research organizations are significantly less cited. This indicates that the protected intellectual property is of lesser importance. The Methodology of the evaluation of research organizations which was implemented in the second half of the last decade has visibly stimulated the patent activities of the research organizations but simultaneously an absence of any assessment of a future commercialization promoted a production of intellectual property of a limited commercial usability.
The Use of Multi-Criteria Taxonomy in the Study of Objective Quality of Life in Polish Voivodeships
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Szczecińska Beata 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The article attempts to compare the living conditions of the population living in rural communities of West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The analysis used data for 159 indicators in the following areas of life: natural environment, demographics, social aspects, municipal infrastructure and housing, economic aspects, education and schooling, culture and tourism, and transport. The application of a multi-criteria taxonomy method allowed the author to take into account all the spheres of life altogether and to differentiate a group of voivodeships that are similar in terms of the examined phenomenon. On the basis of the conducted study it was found that Poland’s regions demonstrate a high degree of differences in terms of the objective quality of life.
Tests for the Presence of Price Convergence on Residential Property Market in Several Districts of Szczecin in 2006–2009
Authors: Gnat Sebastian 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Neighbouring local property markets are not separate realities. They influence one another and create an interrelated system of supply and demand. Some of these interrelations are convergent, while others result in contradictory trends on the markets. Convergence is a term denoting a process of some phenomena approaching its normative level. Tests for the presence of convergence help to assess if the objects under observation show resemblance in the context of the observed phenomenon, and to find out how long it takes for this resemblance to be complete. In this paper, I propose the application of methods normally used in tests for convergence for the purpose of the analysis of trends of the average residential property prices in some districts in Szczecin over the time range of 2006–2009, that is during the housing bubble on the residential property market. The study will provide information if such a market phase encourages price convergence.
The Influence of the Technical Condition of a Building on the Property’s Market Value
Authors: Ziembicka Beata 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The housed property’s market value is influenced by a set of characteristic qualities, among which is the technical condition of a building. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of the technical condition of a building on the market price of the dwelling units, depending, among others, on the chosen method and the approach to the assessment of the housing wear degree. The analysis has been performed based on the estimation of the market value of an illustrative dwelling unit located in a building erected with the use of prefabricated large panel technology in selected variants. The study is based on data from the period between January and December 2012, which are related to the sale of rights to dwelling units from the secondary market. The information was obtained from a transactional database based on the Partner Data Exchange system with the Walor software.
Identifying Predictors of Central Sleep Apnea/Cheyne-Stokes Breathing in Chronic Heart Failure: a Pathophysiological Approach
Authors: Draganova Aneliya I. , Terziyski Kiril V. , Kostianev Stefan S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChronic heart failure (CHF) is a major health problem associated with increased mortality, despite modern treatment options. Central sleep apnea (CSA)/Cheyne-Stokes breathing (CSB) is a common and yet largely under-diagnosed co-morbidity, adding significantly to the poor prognosis in CHF because of a number of acute and chronic effects, including intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic overactivation, disturbed sleep architecture and impaired physical tolerance. It is characterized by repetitive periods of crescendo-decrescendo ventilatory pattern, alternating with central apneas and hypopneas. The pathogenesis of CSA/CSB is based on the concept of loop gain, comprising three major components: controller gain, plant gain and feedback gain. Laboratory polysomnography, being the golden standard for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) at present, is a costly and highly specialized procedure unable to meet the vast diagnostic demand. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, CSA/CSB has a low clinical profile. Therefore, a reliable predictive system is needed for identifying CHF patients who are most likely to suffer from CSA/CSB, optimizing polysomnography use. The candidate predictors should be standardized, easily accessible and low-priced in order to be applied in daily medical routine.The present review focuses on a pathophysiological approach to the selection of some predictors based on parameters reflecting the etiology, the pathogenesis and the consequences of CSA/CSB in CHF.
Association between Noise Pollution and Prevalent Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Dzhambov Angel M. , Dimitrova Donka D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground:Noise pollution is considered a risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Both are highly prevalent in Bulgaria, but their association has not been studied sufficiently.Aim:The aim of the present study was to examine the risk of IHD associated with road traffic (Lden) and lifetime occupational noise exposure (LONE) in a Bulgarian sample.Materials and methods:A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 513 residents of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A questionnaire asked about doctor-diagnosed IHD, LONE and confounding factors. Ldenwas derived from official noise map after geocoding participants’ addresses. In log-link Poisson regressions we investigated the relative risks of prevalent IHD. Sensitivity analyses examined subgroup differences.Results:Lden≥ 65 dB was associated with higher risk (RR=1.84, 95% CI: 0.61, 5.57) of IHD in long-term residents (≥ 20 years). LONE was associated with RR=1.76 (0.82, 3.78) for ever-exposed; and RR=2.35 (1.00, 5.52) for 15 - 47 years exposure.Conclusions:Exposure to Lden≥65 dB was associated with non-significantly higher risk of IHD. Longer LONE was consistently associated with higher risk. In some subgroups the effect of noise was more pronounced.
A Neural Computational Intelligence Method Based on Legendre Polynomials for Fuzzy Fractional Order Differential Equation
Authors: Khan N. A. , Shaikh A. , Zahoor Raja M. A. , Khan S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In this article, Legendre simulated annealing, neural network (LSANN) is designed for fuzzy fractional order differential equations, which is employed on fractional fuzzy initial value problem (FFIVP) with triangular condition. Here, Legendre polynomials are used to modify the structure of neural networks with a Taylor series approximation of the tangent hyperbolic as activation function while the network adaptive coefficients are trained in the procedure of simulated annealing to optimize the residual error. The computational results are depicted in terms of numerical values to compare them with previous results.
Detection of Myocardial Injury Using miRNAs Expression as Genetic Biomarkers in Acute Cardiac Care
Authors: Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Bedreag Ovidiu Horea , Popovici Sonia Elena , Sas Adriana Mariana , Stan Adrian Tudor , Stoicescu Emil Robert , Sandesc Dorel 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally. At present, there are many ways to diagnose this pathophysiology. The greatest disadvantages related to current biomarkers are their low specificity, low selectivity and low accuracy. A new method, extensively studied recently, is the expression of miRNAs, used as genetic biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents an update of miRNAs species expression that can serve as early diagnostic biomarkers and for the continuous monitoring of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Assessment of Coronary Plaque Vulnerability in Acute Coronary Syndromes using Optical Coherence Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound. A Systematic Review
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Mester András , Benedek Annabell , Rat Nora , Opincariu Diana , Chițu Monica 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to analyze studies characterizing vulnerable coronary plaques using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), in order to identify the most efficient invasive technique permitting plaque characterization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Method: A total number of 432 studies were identified, 420 through database searching and 12 through manual searching. Eight duplicate studies were removed, leaving a total number of 424 studies to be screened. Twenty-six studies only available in Abstract-only form were excluded, resulting in 398 studies checked for eligibility. Eleven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic analysis. Plaque vulnerability was investigated in plaques with thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) versus those with thick cap fibroatheroma, in ruptured coronary plaques versus non-ruptured coronary plaques, in culprit versus non-culprit lesions and in lipid-rich versus non-lipid-rich plaques.

Results: A total of 1,568 coronary plaques in 1,225 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who underwent both IVUS and OCT for analysis of plaque features were included in the final analysis. The review identified the following IVUS-derived features as significantly correlated with plaque vulnerability: plaque burden (p <0.001), remodeling index (p <0.001), external elastic membrane cross-sectional area (p <0.001), and the amount of necrotic core (p <0.001), while OCT-derived features characterizing unstable plaque were TCFA (p <0.001), lipid arch (p <0.001), accumulation of macrophages (p = 0.03), and presence of intracoronary thrombus (p <0.001).

Conclusion: Both IVUS and OCT are invasive imaging techniques able to provide relevant information on the vulnerability of coronary atheromatous plaques, identifying, as they do, various plaque features significantly associated with unstable plaques. Information provided by the two techniques is complementary, and both methods can serve as a useful clinical diagnostic tool, especially in cases of ACS patients undergoing a revascularization procedure.
The Stability of Long-Run Money Demand in Western Balkan Countries: An Empirical Panel Investigation
Authors: Kjosevski Jordan , Petkovski Mihail , Naumovska Elena 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The goal of this paper is to examine the stability of money demand (M1) in five Western Balkan countries using quarterly data from 2005Q1 to 2014Q4. The dynamic ordinary least squares – DOLS method was used to find the long-run relationships in a money demand model. The empirical results identify the long-run money demand relationship among real M1 nominal interest rate, exchange rate, inflation and a dummy variable for the effect of the European debt crisis. The estimated long-run coefficients are, respectively −0.086, 0.519, 0.002 and 0.030. Our findings imply that real money demand in Western Balkan countries was stable in the analyzed period.
Double Taxation Conventions in Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Dumiter Florin , Jimon Ștefania 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this article we provide a qualitative overview regarding the panacea of double taxation conventions in Central and Eastern European Countries. Double taxation paradigm highlights some serious problems arising from multiple taxation of the same income or capital. In the European Union these problems suggest that there is a strong need of a “best practice” construction of an optimal fiscal space in order to eliminate or reduce this problem. Central and Eastern European Countries have some special features: on one hand these countries have been influenced by the communist and postcommunism era, and on the other hand there are specific particularities for each country which must be economically and judicially understood and explained. This article highlights the structure, construction and appliance of the double taxation conventions in the Central and Eastern European Countries. The conclusions of this article enact the solutions of the potential problems of double taxation, especially in these former communist countries, with respect to the strengthening of the new fiscal space in the European Union.
Evaluation of Renal Function in Alzheimer’s Disease and Geriatric Patients: Results from a Turkish Two-Center Study
Authors: Erbayraktar Zubeyde , Evlice Ahmet Turan , Yilmaz Gokhan , Yazici Canan , Yener Gorsev , Ulusu Nuriye Nuray 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackground:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe multifactorial neurodegenerative proteopathy associated with advanced age. Discrepancies in the renal function of these patients compared to geriatric patients with dementia have rarely been reported. In this study, we aimed to disclose the importance of associated renal changes for the pathogenesis of AD.Methods:Patients with AD (n=107) and geriatric patients with dementia and without dementia (n=124) (231 patients in total) from Dokuz Eylul and Cukurova University Hospitals were enrolled in the study. We measured serum Na, K, Cl, Ca, BUN, creatinine, total protein levels and MDRD [eGFR] in all groups.Results:From Izmir Center, the first study arm consisted of patients with AD dementia (n=74), and the second arm included geriatric patients with dementia (n=79). From Adana, 78 patients were recruited to the study, of which 33 were with AD and 45 were geriatric patients without dementia. When we analyzed comparatively the AD and geriatric dementia patients study arms, a statistically significant difference was observed both in the median age (p<0.001), as well as in the biochemical parameters from Izmir Center: Na (p<0.001), K (p<0.001), Cl (p<0.05), Ca (p<0.001), BUN (p<0.05), creatinine (p<0.001), total protein (p<0.001) and MDRD [eGFR] (p<0.001). However, these were not significantly different between AD and geriatric patients without dementia in the Adana group.Conclusions:Our results indicate that renal function is prone to alterations in different age groups of patients with AD. However, there is no conclusive evidence that renal function is one of the risk factors in AD.