bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life in Greek Adult Patients Two Years after Successful Renal Transplantation
Authors: Balaska Aikaterini , Pistolas Dimitris , Koukoulaki Maria , Alassas Dimitris , Drakopoulos Spiros , Kaklamanos Ioannis , Bonatsos Gerasimos , Birbas Kostantinos 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Introduction. This study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the heath-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Greek adult transplant recipients before and 2 years after successful renal transplantation (RT). The SF-36 survey score was used. Methods. Eighty-five Greek hemodialysis patients underwent RT at the Transplant Unit of Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, including 44 men and 41 women (mean age 43.8 years; range 21-59 years). The scale scores of a Greek version of the SF-36 survey were compared between the transplant and the hemodialysis patients. We also examined the relationships of the scale scores with the patients′ age and the type of donor. Results. According to the SF-36 health survey, transplant recipients had better results for general health perception (p≤0.001), role-physical functioning (p≤0.01), role-emotional functioning (p≤0.01), and vitality (p≤ 0.01). In addition, the scale score of physical functioning, general health and vitality of the patients who were younger than 30 years at the time of transplantation were significantly higher than those of the patients who were older than 30 years, while the scores of bodily pain, general health, and physical functioning were significantly lower in cadaveric graft recipients compared with living-related recipients. Conclusions. The SF-36 health survey is a validated and comprehensive instrument for evaluating renal transplant patients′ HRQOL. Our data demonstrated an improvement in HRQOL in renal transplant patients 2 years after successful renal transplantation. The data also confirmed that the recipients′ age at transplantation and the type of donor were important factors affecting the HRQOL.
Residential mobility, second homes and quality of life: Consequences of moving out from the city of Madrid
Authors: Lardiés-Bosque Raúl 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Residential mobility and migration of retired people is an emerging issue in western societies. Moreover, the Quality of Life (QoL) of old people has become a challenge in our societies, of great interest for researchers and planners. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated how mobility and/or migration help improve QoL. This paper aims to determine the influence of retired people’s residential mobility on the different dimensions of their life. Factors driving residential mobility in this population group are analysed, as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of this group, family, friends and social contacts, and environmental conditions, before and after moving. The methodology used is qualitative and the results have been obtained from 29 in-depth interviews with aged people who have moved from the city of Madrid to other places in Spain. The consequences of the moves are analysed in terms of how the different dimensions of their QoL and their well-being are affected.
Change of municipal finances due to suburbanization as a development challenge on the example of Poland
Authors: Smutek Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe article summarizes the results of a study of the impact of suburbanization on the budgets of Polish gminas existing in the zones of influence of big cities. The study covers the 2001-2010 period and examines the zone of influence of 12 most important cities, following the National Spatial Development Concept 2030. Revenues, and therefore expenditures of gminas, are increasing due to the process of suburbanization. That growth is concentrated in a relatively small number of administrative units. One of the most important results is the increase in gminas’ income from their shares in PIT. The second consists in higher incomes from the property taxes, mostly on commercial property. Higher incomes on assets are concentrated in the areas that were formerly developed. Transfer incomes are lower in suburbanizing areas. Suburbanization results in higher expenditure on transport (mostly road infrastructure) and lower on education (postponement of investments), and social assistance. Higher expenditures on housing are concentrated in the areas that were developed in the past.
Development of Adaptive Soft Sensor Using Locally Weighted Kernel Partial Least Square Model
Authors: Yeo Wan Sieng , Saptoro Agus , Kumar Perumal 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Locally weighted partial least square (LW-PLS) model has been commonly used to develop adaptive soft sensors and process monitoring for numerous industries which include pharmaceutical, petrochemical, semiconductor, wastewater treatment system and biochemical. The advantages of LW-PLS model are its ability to deal with a large number of input variables, collinearity among the variables and outliers. Nevertheless, since most industrial processes are highly nonlinear, a traditional LW-PLS which is based on a linear model becomes incapable of handling nonlinear processes. Hence, an improved LW-PLS model is required to enhance the adaptive soft sensors in dealing with data nonlinearity. In this work, Kernel function which has nonlinear features was incorporated into LW-PLS model and this proposed model is named locally weighted kernel partial least square (LW-KPLS). Comparisons between LW-PLS and LW-KPLS models in terms of predictive performance and their computational loads were carried out by evaluating both models using data generated from a simulated plant. From the results, it is apparent that in terms of predictive performance LW-KPLS is superior compared to LW-PLS. However, it is found that computational load of LW-KPLS is higher than LW-PLS. After adapting ensemble method with LW-KPLS, computational loads of both models were found to be comparable. These indicate that LW-KPLS performs better than LW-PLS in nonlinear process applications. In addition, evaluation on localization parameter in both LW-PLS and LW-KPLS is also carried out.
The Share Price Effect of CVS Health’s Announcement to Stop Selling Tobacco: A Comparative Case Study Using Synthetic Controls
Authors: Andersen Martin , Bauhoff Sebastian 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We study how the announcement by CVS Health, a large US-based pharmacy chain, to stop selling tobacco products affected its share price and that of its close competitors, as well as major tobacco companies. Combining event study and synthetic control methodologies we compare measures of CVS’s stock market valuation with those of a peer group consisting of large publicly listed firms that are part of Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 stock market index. CVS’s announcement is associated with a short-term decrease in its share price, whereas close competitors have benefitted from CVS’ decision. We also find a negative share price effect for Altria, the largest US domestic tobacco firm. Overall our findings are consistent with markets expecting consumers to shift from CVS to alternative outlets in the short-run, and interpreting CVS’ decision to drop tobacco products as signal that other firms may follow suit.
The Relationship Between Concentration of the Banking Sector in Poland and Its Soundness
Authors: Wojcicka Karolina 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Each year assets of the banking sector in Poland increase and thereby its significance in the real economy increases as well. At the same time, the ongoing consolidation process and changes in the ownership structure cause the Polish banking sector to play a substantial role not only on the local financial market, but on the European market as well and Polish banks are becoming more and more significant entities in their international banking groups (both in Europe and worldwide). However, the perspective of concentration increase and restriction of the Polish banking sector to a few operating banks (dominated by entities with foreign capital) is a source of distress in the context of its soundness - and due to its significance in the Polish economy - to the whole financial sector and real economy. The main goal of this article is to analyse the changes of concentration in the banking sector in Poland, including the ownership concentration, while attempting to determine its soundness (using the financial stability ratios method). The purpose of the study is also to prove a thesis that limited concentration with diversification of the ownership structure and its limited concentration favours thesoundness of a banking system. The study was carried out on the basis of an analysis of literature (both Polish and English) and comparative analysis (of the concentration of the Polish banking sector against other European countries). Qualitative analysis was complemented with quantitative research, based on analysis of statistical data.
Measurement of Intellectual Capital as Exemplified by Methods of Groups Based on the Roa Indicator and on Market Capitalization
Authors: Palimąka Karolina , Mierzejewskl Mateusz 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The concept of a knowledge-based economy is a relatively new topic, but it does not mean that the previous economies did not use knowledge. For many years, knowledge formed the basis of any economy, it was a factor that set the pace of each of them, but just nit is making a significant impact on the entrepreneurial environment, and more. Inherent KBE is the concept of intellectual capital. The article raises both theoretical approaches towards the concept of intellectual capital, and points to the importance (from the point of view of managing this intangible value in the company) -of measuring intellectual capital. The process of good management of the value of intangible assets must be supported by knowledge about, e. g.,its size, value, etc. The authors focus on presenting methods of measuring intellectual capital from two groups of methods by the classification made by K. E. Sveiby, who is considered one of the fathers of the IC concept. The goal of the article is to compare methods from these two groups in terms of their flaws and advantages as regards preparing business analysis. This is done through presentation of the topic, including the concept and methods of intellectual capital measurement, which was based on the review of the literature.Furthermore, based on financial statements of companies from the WIG- oil&gas index and WIG- food industry indexwaysof interpreting the final results are presented.
Maximum Drawdown Measures in Hedge Fund Efficiency Appraisal
Authors: Pruchnicka-Grabias Izabela 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The study concentrates on the comparison of hedge fund efficiency measured by maximum drawdown measures with traditional risk/return ratios. The examined period is from 1990 to 2011 and the data were provided by Hedge Fund Research. It is a continuation of the research done for a shorter period, that is for the years 2005 - 2011. The results obtained there were interesting and showed that the results of complex efficiency measures aren’t much different from traditional measures. It posed the question of whether it is worth applying them with their entire complexity. The author wants to check if the same conclusions will be drawn for a longer period. After having analyzed maximum drawdown measures, further research will be devoted to other groups of measures. It should give the answer to the question of whether complex efficiency measures are as useful as it is often stressed in the hedge fund literature.
Improved Description and Monitoring of Near Surface Hazardous Infiltrate Complexes by Shear Waves for Effective Containment Response
Authors: Hassan Bilal , Butt Stephen , Hurich Charles 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Among numerous causes of fluid releases and infiltration in near surface, resurgence in such anthropic activities associated with unconventional resource developments have brought about a resounding concern. Apart from the risk of an immediate chemical hazard, a long term possible recurrent geo-environmental risk since can also be envisaged as for various prevalent stake holders and broader initiatives. Urgency and exactness for spatiotemporal containment and remediation promotes the devising of efficient methods for monitoring near subsurface flow complexes caused by such spills. Swave (Shear waves) spectral imaging results, in relevant context, of a controlled immiscible fluid displacement monitoring experimental study are analysed and inferred. Against the prospective method as well evaluated, Swave diffraction associated spectral peculiarities are examined, importantly, given background medium characteristics definitions invoking fresh insights of microscale significance alongside macroscale potential.
Changes of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Thi Vai River and Cai Mep Estuaries Under Polluted Conditions with Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Huong Nguyen Thi Thanh , Duc Pham Anh , Mien Pham Van 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The pollution on the Thi Vai River has been spreading out rapidly over the two lasted decades caused by the wastewater from the industrial parks in the left bank of Thi Vai River and Cai Mep Estuaries. The evaluation of the benthic macroinvertebrate changes was very necessary to identify the consequences of the industrial wastewater on water quality and aquatic ecosystem of Thi Vai River and Cai Mep Estuaries. In this study, the variables of benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality were investigated in Thi Vai River and Cai Mep Estuaries, Southern Vietnam. The monitoring data of benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality parameters covered the period from 1989 to 2015 at 6 sampling sites in Thi Vai River and Cai Mep Estuaries. The basic water quality parameters were also tested including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The biodiversity indices of benthic macroinvertebrates were applied for water quality assessment. The results showed that pH ranged from 6.4 – 7.6 during the monitoring. The DO concentrations were in between 0.20 - 6.70 mg/L. The concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorous ranged from 0.03 - 5.70 mg/L 0.024 - 1.380 mg/L respectively. Macroinvertebrate community in the study area consisted of 36 species of polychaeta, gastropoda, bivalvia, and crustacea, of which, species of polychaeta were dominant in species number. The benthic macroinvertebartes density ranged from 0 - 2.746 individuals/m−1 with the main dominant species of Neanthes caudata, Prionospio malmgreni, Paraprionospio pinnata, Trichochaeta carica, Maldane sarsi, Capitella capitata, Terebellides stroemi, Euditylia polymorpha, Grandidierella lignorum, Apseudes vietnamensis. The biodiversity index values during the monitoring characterized for aquatic environmental conditions of mesotrophic to polytrophic. Besides, species richness positively correlated with DO, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The results confirmed the advantage of using benthic macroinvertebrates and their indices for water quality assessment.
The Saoura Foggaras: Degradation of Hydraulic System Millennium Case of Beni Abbes, Ouakda, Beni Ounif and Lahmar (Algeria)
Authors: Remini Boualem , Rezoug Cherrif , Hamoudi Saaed 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this article, we studied, for the first time, the foggaras of Saoura. Five missions were carried out in the oases of Kerzaz, Lahmar, Boukais, Beni Ounif, Ouakda, and Beni Abbes during the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The first results showed that there was a difference between the foggaras of Touat and those of Saoura. The galleries of Saoura are much shorter than those of Touat and Gourara. On the contrary, the distribution of water from the Touat and Gourara foggaras is carried out per unit volume, whereas from the Saoura foggaras per unit time. The foggaras we visited are practically in a degraded condition. The contribution of modern technology (pumps and wells) in the oases of Saoura is the principal cause of the decline of the hydraulic system millennium.
Effects of Cluster Sets and Rest-Redistribution on Mechanical Responses to Back Squats in Trained Men
Authors: Tufano James J. , Conlon Jenny A. , Nimphius Sophia , Brown Lee E. , Petkovic Alex , Frick Justin , Gregory Haff G. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Eight resistance-trained men completed three protocols separated by 48-96 hours. Each protocol included 36 repetitions with the same rest duration, but the frequency and length of rest periods differed. The cluster sets of four (CS4) protocol included 30 s of rest after the 4th, 8th, 16th, 20th, 28th, and 32nd repetition in addition to 120 s of rest after the 12th and 24th repetition. For the other two protocols, the total 420 s rest time of CS4 was redistributed to include nine sets of four repetitions (RR4) with 52.5 s of rest after every four repetitions, or 36 sets of single repetitions (RR1) with 12 s of rest after every repetition. Mean (MF) and peak (PF) force, velocity (MV and PV), and power output (MP and PP) were measured during 36 repetitions and were collapsed into 12 repetitions for analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA 3 (protocol) x 12 (repetition) showed a protocol x repetition interaction for PF, MV, PV, MP, and PP (p-values from <0.001 to 0.012). No interaction or main effect was present for MF. During RR1, MV, PV, MP, and PP were maintained, but decreased throughout every 4-repetition sequence during CS4 and RR4. During CS4 and RR4, PF was less following a rest period compared to subsequent repetitions, whereas PF was maintained during RR1. These data indicate that rest redistribution results in similar average kinetics and kinematics, but if total rest time is redistributed to create shorter but more frequent sets, kinetics and kinematics may remain more constant.
Impact of the Polymorphism Near MC4R (rs17782313) on Obesity- and Metabolic-Related Traits in Women Participating in an Aerobic Training Program
Authors: Leońska-Duniec Agata , Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Zarębska Aleksandra , Smółka Wojciech , Cięszczyk Paweł 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The C/T polymorphism (rs17782313) mapped 188 kb downstream of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) shows a strong relationship with an increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the information on polymorphism’s potential modifying effect on obesity- and metabolic-related traits achieved through training is still unknown. Therefore, we decided to check if selected body measurements observed in physically active participants would be modulated by the genotype. The genotype distribution was examined in a group of 201 Polish women measured for chosen traits before and after the completion of a 12 week moderate-intensive aerobic training program. A statistically significant relationship between the glucose level and the genotype was identified (p = 0.046). Participants with CC and CT genotypes had a higher glucose level during the entire study period compared with the TT genotype. However, our results did not confirm the relationship between the C allele and an increased BMI or other obesity-related traits. Additionally, we did not observe a near MC4R C/T polymorphism x physical activity interaction. However, our results revealed that majority of obesity-related variables changed significantly during the 12 week training program. The effect sizes (d) of these changes ranged from small to medium (d = 0.11-0.80), whereas the largest effect (d = 0.80; i.e. medium) was reported for the fat mass content (FM). We found a relationship between the near MC4R C/T polymorphism and an increased glucose level, and it is thus a candidate to influence type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, after the 12 week training program, participants with the C (risk) allele with fasting hyperglycemia had a normal glucose level. Although, this change was not statistically significant, it shows an important trend which needs further investigation.
Fundamental Tactical Principles of Soccer: a Comparison of Different Age Groups
Authors: Borges Paulo Henrique , Guilherme José , Rechenchosky Leandro , da Costa Luciane Cristina Arantes , Rinadi Wilson 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The fundamental tactical principles of the game of soccer represent a set of action rules that guide behaviours related to the management of game space. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of fundamental offensive and defensive tactical principles among youth soccer players from 12 to 17 years old. The sample consisted of 3689 tactical actions performed by 48 soccer players in three age categories: under 13 (U-13), under 15 (U-15), and under 17 (U-17). Tactical performance was measured using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). The Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Cohen’s Kappa tests were used in the study analysis. The results showed that the principles of “offensive coverage” (p = 0.01) and “concentration” (p = 0.04) were performed more frequently by the U-17 players than the U-13 players. The tactical principles “width and length” (p < 0.05) and “defensive unit” (p < 0.05) were executed more frequently by younger soccer players. It can be concluded that the frequency with which fundamental tactical principles are performed varies between the gaming categories, which implies that there is valuation of defensive security and a progressive increase in “offensive coverage” caused by increased confidence and security in offensive actions.
Evaluation of the Illinois Change of Direction Test in Youth Elite Soccer Players of Different Age
Authors: Negra Yassine , Chaabene Helmi , Amara Samiha , Jaric Slobodan , Hammami Mehréz , Hachana Younés 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Change of direction ability is an essential pre-requisite in team sports athletes. The Illinois change of direction test has been routinely used for testing change of direction ability in soccer players. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Illinois change of direction test in young elite soccer players in terms of its reliability, usefulness and relationship with body size. A total of one hundred and ninety-four male, national-level soccer players were recruited. They were classified into four age groups (U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14). Participants were tested using the Illinois change of direction test twice, and basic indices of body size were obtained. The Illinois change of direction scores showed high relative and absolute reliability in all age groups (all intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.91, and the standard error of measurement was <5%). The usefulness analysis showed that the Illinois change of direction test could detect small changes in performance in the U-10 and U-12 groups. However, it could only detect moderate changes in performance in the U-8 and U-14 groups. Although the Illinois change of direction test detected significant performance differences among groups, scores were not significantly related to body size (-0.30<r<0.15; p > 0.05). Taking into account the test’s high reliability and the appropriate level of usefulness, these results might support the use of the Illinois change of direction test as a standard measure for quantifying change of direction ability in young soccer players.