bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers for Clinical Decision-Making in the Management of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high all-cause and PE-related mortality and requires individualized management. After confirmation of PE, a refined risk stratification is particularly warranted among normotensive patients. Previous prognostic models favored combinations of echocardiography or computed tomography suggestive of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction together with biomarkers of RV dysfunction (natriuretic peptides) or myocardial injury (cardiac troponins) to identify candidates for thrombolysis or embolectomy. In contrast, current predictive models using clinical scores such as the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) or its simplified version (sPESI) rather seek to identify patients, not only those at higher risk requiring observation for early detection of hemodynamic decompensation, and the need for initiation of rescue reperfusion therapy, but also those at low risk qualifying for early discharge and outpatient treatment. Almost all prediction models advocate the additional measurement of biomarkers along with imaging of RV dysfunction as part of a comprehensive algorithm.

CONTENT
The following mini-review will provide an updated overview on the individual components of different algorithms with a particular focus on guideline-recommended and new, less-established biomarkers for risk stratification, and how biomarkers should be implemented and interpreted.

SUMMARY
Ideally, biomarkers should be part of a comprehensive risk stratification algorithm used together with clinical risk scores as a basis, and/or imaging. For this purpose, cardiac troponins, including high-sensitivity troponin generations, natriuretic peptides, and h-FABP (heart-type fatty acid–binding protein) are currently recommended in guidelines. There is emerging evidence for several novel biomarkers that require further validation before being applied in clinical practice.
COSECHA Y MANEJO DE Copernicia tectorum (Kunth) Mart. PARA USO ARTESANAL EN EL CARIBE COLOMBIANO
Authors: Torres Romero Maria Claudia , Galeano Garces Gloria Amparo , Bernal Rodrigo 
Published: October 2016

<p>En este estudio se caracterizaron los sistemas de manejo de <em>Copernicia tectorum </em>en dos localidades de la Región Caribe de Colombia: Plato (Magdalena), y Magangué (Bolívar). También se analizó el impacto de la cosecha de cogollos en la estructura de la población, el número de hojas y la longitud de los cogollos. En Plato sólo se cosechan cogollos de palmas subadultas y adultas, lo que parece no afectar las palmas a nivel individual, ni poblacional. En Magangué se cosechan palmas de las clases juveniles, lo que limita su crecimiento; esto da como resultado palmares con muy pocos adultos, comprometiendo su sostenibilidad, incluso en el corto plazo. El modelo de uso comunitario y de libre acceso a los palmares ha permitido su conservación en Plato; en Magangué, por el contrario, se hizo apropiación individual de la tierra, tanto legal como ilegal, lo que trajo fraccionamiento de la población, tala y restricción de acceso para la cosecha. En Plato el manejo debe enfocarse en detener la tala y la afectación a los complejos cenagosos donde crece la palma. En Magangué se debe controlar la sobreexplotación y favorecer el reclutamiento de las clases juveniles. </p>
Surface Analysis for Signs of Corrosion of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Used In Vivo
Authors: Łępicka M. , Grądzka-Dahlke M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate and assess the surface quality of fixed orthodontic appliances after intraoral usage for several months. Nine sets of orthodontic brackets by three different manufacturers and twelve archwires differing in chemical composition were analyzed in a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer for signs of corrosion. Obtained results showed that the majority of the evaluated appliances displayed no traces of corrosion. Machining or casting defects hardly ever act as the origins of corrosion processes. However, some samples displayed signs of corrosion of a galvanic and pitting nature. The authors claim, that despite the surface defects, most of the appliances were able to retain the desired corrosion resistance, although in some cases these flaws could act as the origin of corrosion processes.
The Impact of Transport on International Trade Development
Authors: Pavlović Duško , Radoš Božica 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
International trade implies transport of specific quantity of goods to (frequently) large distances, the success of which depends on the safety and speed of delivery. These are greatly conditioned by the quality of means of transport and infrastructure. This is why international trade development is affected by transport, and the development of means of transport and infrastructure is, to a great extent, influenced by demand for international delivery of various commodities. This paper looks at the interdependence of international trade and transport, showing how transport played a very significant role in international trade development in the past as it does today, commensurate to the role of international trade in the development of carriers and transport infrastructure.
Entrepreneurs and New Communication Technology: Obstacle or Challenge?
Authors: Gujić Martina , Kraljević Radojka , Milun Toni 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Entrepreneurship represents a certain way of thinking and type of behaviour; it’s a continuous search for new ideas, creativity, proactivity and initiative in achieving goals. A successful promotion of an entrepreneurial idea is achieved through marketing communication with consumers. The purpose of this empirical research was to discover the extent in which entrepreneurs use social networks as a new form of communicating with consumers. A total of 172 companies have given information through a specifically designed questionnaire. Research has shown a difference in the extent of using social networks between domestic and foreign owned companies. Moreover, companies with more educated staff have proven to be more open towards accepting information technology in their business activities. This research hasn’t shown significant statistical differences between different age groups.
Economical Optimization of the Mechanized Longwall Faces with Top Coal Caving Mining, In Horizontal Slices
Authors: Onica Ilie , Mihăilescu Viorel , Andrioni Felicia 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
To increase the economic and technical performances of the Jiu Valley hard coal mines, the top coal caving, in horizontal slices, mining methods (Bourbaki methods) were introduced, adapted to the local geo-mining conditions. This mining was successfully experimented by using classical technology, using the individual supports and coal blasting. In the future, it is planned to adopt the mechanized technology, with frame supports and shearers. The mechanized longwall faces with top coal caving mining, in horizontal slices, of coal seam no. 3 could be efficient only if the sizes of the top coal height and the panel length determine a minimum cost of production. Therefore, the goal of this paper is the optimization of these parameters, from a technical and economic point of view, taking into account the general model of the cost function, at the panel level. For that, it was necessary to make a certain sequence of analysis involving: technological unit establishment, purpose function and optimizing model. Thus, there attaining to the mathematical model of the unit cost, after determination of all the individual calculation articles, regarding the preparatory workings, coal face equipments, materials, energy, workforce, etc. Because of the complexity of the obtained technical and economic model, to determine the optimum sizes of the panel length and top coal height, it was necessary to archive a sensitivity analysis of the unit cost function to the main parameters implied into this mathematical model.
Use of Constraints in the Hierarchical Aggregation Procedure Intramax
Authors: Drobne Samo , Lakner Mitja 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground:Intramax is a hierarchical aggregation procedure for dealing with the multi-level specification problem and with the association issue of data set reduction, but it was used as a functional regionalization procedure many times in the past.Objectives:In this paper, we analyse the simultaneous use of three different constraints in the original Intramax procedure, i.e. the contiguity constraint, the higher-inner-flows constraint, and the lower-variation-of-inner-flows constraint.Methods/Approach:The inclusion of constraints in the Intramax procedure was analysed by a programme code developed in Mathematica 10.3 by the processing time, by intra-regional shares of total flows, by self-containment indexes, by numbers of singleton and isolated regions, by the number of aggregation steps where a combination of constraints was applied, by the number of searching steps until the combination of constraints was satisfied, and by surveying the results geographically.Results:The use of the contiguity constraint is important only at the beginning of the aggregation procedure; the higher-inner-flows constraint gives singleton regions, and the lower-variation constraint forces the biggest employment centre as an isolated region up to a relatively high level of aggregation.Conclusions:The original Intramax procedure (without the inclusion of any constraint) gives the most balanced and operative hierarchical sets of functional regions without any singletons or isolated regions.
Pseudoproduction, Pseudocost and Profit Functions in Monopoly from the Dual Perspective
Authors: Vrankić Ilko , Krpan Mira 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background: Duality in the microeconomic theory enables us to represent consumers’ preferences and production technology with various dual functions satisfying certain regularity conditions.

Objectives: Since the basis for the application of duality in the microeconomic theory is the price taking behaviour, this paper takes the challenge of applying principles of duality to a monopolistic case where a single producer has an influence on the price which it charges for its product.

Methods/Approach: The standard approach of deriving the profit function for the monopolist from the production function and the defined pseudoproduction function is accompanied by an alternative approach in which the starting point is the pseudocost function. Starting from the derived profit function, the pseudoproduction function and the pseudocost functions are recovered and a version of Hotelling’s lemma is given.

Results: The structure of the profit maximization problem in a monopolistic case was made similar to the structure of the profit maximization problem in the perfectly competitive case and it is shown that all starting functions can be recovered back from derived functions. A version of Hotelling’s lemma is illustrated, which brings us indirectly from the profit function to the supply function.

Conclusions: By introducing the pseudoproduction function in the profit maximization model of a monopolist, the structure of the problem becomes similar to the perfectly competitive case and duality results can be applied. The profit function is derived from the pseudoproduction and the pseudocost function, and all starting functions are recovered back from the derived profit function.
Application of the Nonparametric DEA Meta-frontier Approach with Undesirable Outputs in the Case of EU Regions
Authors: Hančlová Jana , Melecký Lukáš 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background: The paper focusses on the efficiency evaluation of the EU-28 NUTS 2 regions production process according to the concept of the Regional Competitiveness Index 2013.

Objectives: Production units are divided into four groups using the factors of regional competitiveness. Production technology also enables reduction of the undesirable outputs (a negative impact on health and long-term unemployment). Based on the analysis of distance of the production units from the efficiency frontiers, a directional output distance function assuming a constant return to scale is used. This approach thus respects the heterogeneity among the groups of regions.

Methods/Approach: The nonparametric meta-frontier Data Envelopment Analysis approach was used in two steps. Firstly, the efficiency evaluation within each group of regions is provided and in the second step the meta-frontier is set down. For the measurement of the gap between the group-frontier and the meta-frontier, the technology gap ratios are provided. The paper also analyses environmental inefficiencies.

Results: The obtained results indicate that a significant improvement of meta-technology ratio holds within the European context.

Conclusions: The combination of empirical findings, with respect to technology gaps and environmental technology gaps, supports the evidence that traditional differences of technological frontiers formation are more significant in comparison to group frontiers constitution.
Point-of-care testing INR: an overview
Authors: Barcellona Doris , Fenu Lara , Marongiu Francesco 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Oral anticoagulant therapies with the anti-vitamin K drugs (AVK), warfarin, acenocoumarol and phenprocoumon, are employed in primary and secondary anti-thrombotic prophylaxis in patients with venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and cardiac mechanical valves. However, a monitoring test such as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is required. The periodic monitoring of this therapy entails discomfort for the patients. Telemedicine and telecare can provide significant aid in the management of this therapy allowing patients to perform the test at home or anywhere else with a portable device, i.e. point-of-care testing (POCT), and to send the result to a thrombosis (TC) via web. Patients can receive dose adjustment sent back by the TC. The effectiveness of this type of management is equal or superior to the traditional AVK monitoring in terms of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events. Analysis of the costs with a horizon of 10 years reveals that both self-testing and self-management are cost-effective. The aim of this overview is to describe the pros and cons of the use of POCT as an alternative in the monitoring of AVK. In particular, description of the POCT, decentralization, quality of the therapy, safety and costs will be examined.
Criteria for selection of working fluid in low-temperature ORC
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Mikielewicz Jarosław 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The economics of an ORC system is strictly linked to thermodynamic properties of the working fluid. A bad choice of working fluid could lead to a less efficient and expensive plant/generation unit. Some selection criteria have been put forward by various authors, incorporating thermodynamic properties, provided in literature but these do not have a general character. In the paper a simple analysis has been carried out which resulted in development of thermodynamic criteria for selection of an appropriate working fluid for subcritical and supercritical cycles. The postulated criteria are expressed in terms of non-dimensional numbers, which are characteristic for different fluids. The efficiency of the cycle is in a close relation to these numbers. The criteria are suitable for initial fluid selection. Such criteria should be used with other ones related to environmental impact, economy, system size, etc. Examples of such criteria have been also presented which may be helpful in rating of heat exchangers, which takes into account both heat transfer and flow resistance of the working fluid.
The Role of Small Towns in a Potential Ecoregion through the Example of Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
Authors: Sallay Ágnes , Mikházi Zsuzsanna , Mátá Klaudia , Fóris Edina Dancsokné , Kovács Krisztina Filepné , Valánszki István , Kollányi László 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, as a transboundary World Heritage Site of Hungary and Austria, possesses unique cultural and natural values. The examined areas can be characterised as meeting places of different cultures. We examined the role of small towns in Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, which play an important role in regional development. In the last 25 years, different levels of cooperation started among the Hungarian and Austrian settlements aiming at nature and cultural heritage protection and tourism development. We formulated suggestions to maintain and strengthen the existing co-operation and relations.
Global Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate in Type Two Diabetes Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Relevance to Osteoprotegerin
Authors: Kruzliak Peter , Berezin Alexander , Kremzer Alexander , Samura Tatyana , Benacka Roman , Mozos Ioana , Egom Emmanuel , Rodrigo Luis 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground:Biomechanical stress and inflammatory biomarkers relate to global contractility dysfunction; however, adding these biomarkers into a risk model constructed on clinical data does not improve its prediction value in chronic heart failure (CHF).Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether biomarkers predict declining of left ventricular global contractility function in diabetic patients with ischemia-induced CHF.Patients and Methods:The study retrospectively evolved 54 diabetic patients who had systolic or diastolic ischemia-induced CHF that was defined as left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% or 46-55% respectively assessed by quantitative echocardiography and other conventional criteria according to current clinical guidelines. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were performed according to a conventional method. Radial, longitudinal, and circumferential strain and strain rate values were obtained by speckle-tracking Imaging analysis of both LV short axis and long axis views. Serum adiponectin, NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), osteoprotegerin, and hs- C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined at baseline by ELISA.Results:We found lower global longitudinal strain and strain rate in diabetic patients with LVEF <45% than these in diabetic patients that did not have LVEF (Р=0.001 for all cases). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP (r=0.432; P=0.001 and r=0.402; P=0.001, respectively), osteoprotegerin (r=0.422; P=0.001 and r=0.401; P=0.001, respectively), hs-CRP (r=0.408; P=0.001 and r=0.404; P=0.001, respectively) were independently inversely associated with global longitudinal strain and strain rate in CHF patients.Conclusion:We suggest that osteoprotegerin may be useful in improving the NT-proBNP based model as predictor of decreased global contractility function in diabetic patients with CHF.
First Case of TNF-Receptor-Associated Autoinflammatory Syndrome (TRAPS) in Bulgaria
Authors: Solakov Panayot T. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
TRAPS is a very rare disease with an estimated prevalence of about one per million.
We present a 53-year-old patient from Bulgaria.
The clinical features of the disease are periodic fever, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, abdominal pain and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory studies yield leukocytosis, highly elevated levels of CRP, significantly high ESR. Secondary amyloidosis AA is determined.
The genetic analysis found a heterozygous T>C nucleotide substance (c.250T>C) in exon 3 of TNFRSF1A gene which is associated with ТRAPS (MIM*191190).
The presented case of genetic changes and clinical manifestations in the autoinflammatory syndrome TRAPS due to a mutation in the gene encoding the receptor for tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFRSF1A) is the first documented case of the disease reported in Bulgaria.
Monitoring of Frequency and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pathogens on the Hands of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Tselebonis Athanasios , Nena Evangelia , Nikolaidis Christos , Konstantinidis Theocharis , Kontogiorgis Christos , Panopoulou Maria , Constantinidis Theodore C. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Objective: To monitor microbes, focusing on drug resistance, on the hands of the personnel of four departments of a tertiary hospital (ICU, neonatal unit, internal medicine ward and surgical ward) and explore differences between departments, professions and genders.
Materials and methods: Hand sampling from 125 healthcare employees was conducted followed by isolation, identification and antibiotic resistance profiling of different microbial species.
Results: Staphylococcus spp was the most prevalent microbe (76/125, 60.8%), followed by different Gram-negative pathogens (45.6%). ICU employees had a significant probability to have Gram-negative contamination [OR 3.627 (95% CI 1.220-10.782)], independently of gender or profession. Staphylococcus spp presence was associated with working in the internal medicine ward [OR 6.976 (95% CI 1.767-25.540)] and the surgical ward [OR 5.795 (95% CI 1.586-21.178)]. Staphylococcus spp was more prevalent in males vs. females (81.3% vs. 54.9%, p=0.008) and in medical vs. nursing personnel (76.9% vs. 54.8, p=0.019).
In the majority of Gram-negative isolates (56.1%), at least one multi-drug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) strain was isolated. A statistically significant higher prevalence of XDR Gram-negative microbes was found on the hands of nursing personnel (22.2% vs. 2.3% for medical doctors, p=0.014). Only 2 methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) out of the 12 Staphylococcus aureus positive samples were identified.
Conclusions: Employees in the ICU are more prone to Gram-negative and not to Gram-positive hand contamination. MDR and XDR pathogens are prevalent, and are associated with nursing profession.
Residential preferences in the context of voluntary simple lifestyles: What motivates contemporary Czech simplifiers to reside in the countryside?
Authors: Kala Lukáš , Galčanová Lucie , Pelikán Vojtěch 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The aim of our paper is to broaden the international discussion on environmentally friendly lifestyles. In most of the previous research, via a survey technique involving the self-nomination of participants, voluntary simplifiers are presented as part of a social movement typically connected with an urban environment. Our paper follows the third wave of longitudinal research conducted in the post-socialist Czech Republic in the years 1992, 2002 and 2015. The data were collected using in-depth interviews combined with observations in 20 voluntary modest households. The biographical style of interview enables us to interpret the sources of the participants’ motivation for relocating to the countryside or staying in the urban environment as they interpret it retrospectively. Four dominant narratives emerged: 1) narrative of distaste for city life, 2) narrative of a nice life, 3) narrative about living in freedom, 4) narrative of a return to roots.
Twenty Statements on Text, Literature, and History
Authors: Fritzsche Peter 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMy contribution is an attempt to put forward the thesis that there is an elective affinity between historical narrative, periodization, and the sense of loss. Modern history frequently functions in a way that produces melancholy in its recognition of loss and its acknowledgement of discontinuity. For this reason, historical narrative fits well with the idea of the nation state, which is an entity which must be constantly shored up and extended across local boundaries to encompass strangers in an anonymous pact of intimacy. Historical narratives of the nation seize the evidence of untimely death (or its threat) in order to make the case for the nation, but they often do so in a melancholic register. Thus I attempt to bring into a provisional conceptual union »history«, »narrative «, and »melancholy«.