bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variables That Affect Results of PFA-100 in a Group of Healthy Blood Donors in the Slovak Population
Authors: Korinkova L. , Stasko J. , Kubisz P. , Grendar M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background: The platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) is a system analyzing platelet function determined for detection of the functional inherited and acquired platelet disorders, screening of von Willebrand disease (vWD) and recently also considered as useful for monitoring of antiplatelet treatment. The PFA-100 test uses a high shear flow system to simulate in vitro the conditions to which platelets are subjected at the site of a damaged blood vessel wall.
Aim of study: We decided to establish the reference intervals of PFA closure time (CT) in the Slovak population of healthy blood donors.
Patients and methods: Fifty age and gender matched healthy blood donors were enrolled in the study. We investigated the relationships between PFA-100 CT, gender and ABO blood groups.
Results: The reference intervals for CT measured on CEPI (collagen/epinephrine) and CADP (collagen/adenosine diphosphate) cartridge in 3.2% citrated blood were 86 - 199 sec. and 42 - 119 sec., respectively. Blood group O was associated with significantly longer CEPI CT (p<0.05) compared to non - O groups. The prolongation of CADP CT in blood donors with blood group O was without significance. The influence of gender as another variable analyzed with CT has not been evaluated as statistically significant.
Conclusion: PFA-100 CT should be interpreted carefully with consideration of both the patient’s clinical presentation and laboratory variables such as ABO blood group.
Evaluating the Importance of Exports in Economic Growth of Pakistan; Evidence from ARDL Bound Testing Approach
Authors: Ali Gulzar 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
This study attempts to empirically evaluate the importance of exports growth in economic growth of Pakistan from 1972–2015, as exports growth plays as an engine in growth of economies. For that purpose this study applied Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag Model Approach to regress the included variables and the empirical results obtained from regression analysis of the variables shows that exports growth plays an encouraging and noteworthy role in economic growth of Pakistan. The study also recommends that an effective socio, economic political change is required to bring a fruitful increase in exports growth of Pakistan.
A result on a Dirac-type equation in spaces of analytic functions
Authors: da Silva Daniel Oliveira 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
We consider a Dirac-type equation with a quadratic nonlinearity with initial data in the Gevrey spaces

G

σ
,
s

{G^{\sigma,s}}

, whose functions admit analytic continuations. We show that the Cauchy problem is locally well-posed in

G

σ
,
s

{G^{\sigma,s}}

, thus giving us short-time persistence of analyticity of solutions. In addition, we prove sufficient conditions for the solutions to be analytic for all time.
Meristic character variability among populations of Silurus triostegus Heckel, 1843 from the Euphrates, Tigris, and Shatt al-Arab Rivers, Iraq
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Ligas Alessandro , Al-Janabi Muhammad I.G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVariation in the numbers of pectoral fin spines and rays, pelvic fin rays, gill rakers on the first gill arch, anal fin rays, and the number of vertebrae of Silurus triostegus Heckel were examined in specimens from 16 localities that span its entire distribution range in the Tigris, Euphrates, and Shatt al-Arab rivers in Iraq. The mean number of the six meristic traits increases toward high latitudes with maximum and minimum values in the north and south of Iraq. Based on cluster analysis and PCA, the Mesopotamian river samples were clearly separated into three distinct groups. The upper Tigris populations were isolated from those of the middle and southern populations of this river and from those of the Euphrates River. Possible reasons for such differentiation among populations are discussed, and the integration of research on this species among the countries neighboring Iraq is required.
Formalin in fish trading: an inefficient practice for sustaining fish quality
Authors: Sanyal Sutapa , Sinha Krishnendu , Saha Swasti , Banerjee Samir 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The illegal use of formalin for quality control purposes is a widespread practice in today’s fish industry. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the quality characteristics of formalin treated (5% formalin for 30 min) mrigel carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, Hamilton, stored on ice. The formalin detected was 12.19 ±0.814 μg g-1 for freshly treated samples and 8.10 ± 0.068 μg g-1 for treated samples stored on ice. In the control fish, the formalin concentration was almost negligible. The assessment of the organoleptic characteristics of the treated fish revealed that the gills had blackened, the eyes had become whitish and opaque, the muscles had lost tenderness, and the fish had stiffened. The quality assessment score of the control batch was significantly higher than that of the treated batch. The microbes in the fish were still lower than the amount specified for fish spoilage. Lipid hydrolysis in the treated fish was much higher than that of control, especially when storage time increased. High levels of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble protein in the treated fish, as compared to that of the control fish, were observed throughout the storage period. Considering the low organoleptic status and poor nutritional quality, formalin treatment in the fish industry is not recommended even though the formalin content and the microbiological counts were still below permissible limits.
Photoresists in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL)
Authors: De Simone Danilo , Vesters Yannick , Vandenberghe Geert 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The evolutionary advances in photosensitive material technology, together with the shortening of the exposure wavelength in the photolithography process, have enabled and driven the transistor scaling dictated by Moore’s law for the last 50 years. Today, the shortening wavelength trend continues to improve the chips’ performance over time by feature size miniaturization. The next-generation lithography technology for high-volume manufacturing (HVM) is extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), using a light source with a wavelength of 13.5 nm. Here, we provide a brief introduction to EUVL and patterning requirements for sub-0-nm feature sizes from a photomaterial standpoint, discussing traditional and novel photoresists. Emphasis will be put on the novel class of metal-containing resists (MCRs) as well as their challenges from a manufacturing prospective.
Ethics and the Sacred: Can Secular Morality Dispense with Religious Values?
Authors: Norman Richard 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this paper I explore the role that the concept of the sacred can play in our moral thinking. I accept that the assertion that ‘human life is sacred’ can be one way of articulating the special value of individual human lives as in some sense inviolable. I cautiously allow that the idea of ‘sacred value’ might also apply to other things such as certain kinds of human commitments, uniquely precious art-works, and some other kinds of living things. In conclusion I offer reasons for resisting the claim, made especially by Roger Scruton, that the experience of the sacred, when properly understood, draws us ineluctably into a religious view of the world.
Sacred Values in Secular Politics
Authors: Lukes Steven 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
What role does sacredness play in the secular politics of the liberal democracies of the United States and Europe today? One approach, focusing on the sources of political unity, suggests that they are integrated by a kind of civil religion, however flawed. This suggestion is criticized empirically as ever less plausible and as blind to the currently feasible limits of social solidarity. A second approach, focusing on the growing democratic crisis of liberal democracies due to ever-deepening social divisions, leads to the suggestion that sacredness is increasingly at work in secular politics. As attachment to organized religion declines so does the public deliberation and negotiation of conflicting interests-the arguing and the bargaining that democracy requires.
“Leaving No Child Behind:” Preferences for Social Inclusion and Altruism
Authors: Menon Martina , Perali Federico , Veronesi Marcella 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Social inclusion is a priority item of international policy agendas. However, little is known about households’ preferences for policies aiming at social inclusion. We implement a household survey in both northern and southern Italy to investigate preferences for financing rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders, a particularly vulnerable group exposed to social exclusion. We find that although societies can be equally socially inclusive, families’ propensity towards “leaving no child behind” varies depending on the presence of children in the family, and household income. We also show that differences in preferences do not depend only on socio-demographic characteristics but also on the subjective concern about crime risk, the immigration rate as well as on altruistic motives. Our results guide the implementation of policies promoting social inclusion across regions.
Spinal curvatures of children and adolescents – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Grabara Małgorzata , Bieniec Anna , Nawrocka Agnieszka 
Published: May 2017

Summary
Study aim: The aim was to assess the spinal curvatures of primary and lower secondary male and female students from Silesia and to identify individual variations that can determine spinal posture.
Material and methods: The study involved 331 girls and 286 boys aged 8 to 16 years. Eligible criteria were non-participation in any professional sport training, and participation in mandatory physical education classes. Posture was evaluated using the moiré method. Measurements of somatic parameters were made with a medical scale using a height meter and a Tanita electronic balance.
Results: Dimorphic postural differences of boys and girls were seen mainly in the shape of lumbar lordosis. Girls were more lordotic than boys at all ages except 10-years-olds. Angle γ was significantly greater in 9-, 15- and 16-year-old girls than boys. LLA was significantly more prominent in 15- and 16-year-old girls than boys. Thoracic kyphosis was significantly more prominent in 8- and 11-year-old boys than girls. We also found a significant effect of age and somatic parameters. In boys mean lumbar lordosis was more pronounced in 10-year-olds. In girls fat mass, fat percentage and BMI correlated with angle α and angle Δ. In boys body height and mass, fat mass, total body water and BMI correlated with angles β, γ, Δ, and lordosis lumbar angle.
Conclusions: The shape of lumbar lordosis is associated with age and gender. Lumbar lordosis decreases with age in male children and adolescents. Our study revealed poor correlations between sagittal spinal curvatures and somatic parameters.
Engineering of biodegradable magnesium alloy scaffolds to stabilize biological myocardial grafts
Authors: Schilling Tobias , Bauer Michael , Biskup Christian , Haverich Axel , Hassel Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objective:
Regenerative bioprostheses are being investigated for replacement of dysfunctional myocardium worldwide. The aim of this study was to develop a degradable magnesium structure to mechanically support the delicate biological grafts during the early remodeling phase.

Methods:
Sheets of magnesium alloys (LA33, LA63 and AX30) were manufactured into scaffolds by abrasive water jet cutting. Thereafter, their surface properties, corrosion kinetics, and breakage behaviors were investigated.

Results:
The magnesium alloy LA63 sheets proved superior to the other alloys in terms of load cycles (lc) until break of the specimens (LA63: >10 Mio lc; AX30: 676,044±220,016 lc; LA33: 423,558±210,063 lc; p<0.01). Coating with MgF led to better protection than coating with MagPass. Less complex, yet sufficiently flexible scaffolds were less prone to early breakage. A slow traverse rate during water jet cutting resulted in the lowest burr, but in a widening of the kerf width from 615±11 μm at 500 mm/min to 708±33 μm at 10 mm/min (p<0.01).

Conclusion:
The findings on alloy composition, coating, structural geometry and manufacturing parameters constitute a basis for clinically applicable magnesium scaffolds. The use of stabilized, regenerative myocardium prostheses could save the patients from severe morbidity and eventually death.
Theoretical Model Used in Monitoring the Losses from Water Networks Due to Water Control Measurement Batteries
Authors: Andrei Vasile , Marin Cornel , Negrea Alexis 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
According to the IWA norms, the water loss category includes also the apparent loss water due to measurement errors of the water meters used at the connections. This paper presents the experimental results obtained during two years of registrations in TARGOVISTE’s Water Company network. A program for verifying the water meters used for connections has been implemented according to a statistical distribution, depending on the number of appliances and their dimensions. Using a theoretical simulation model, calibrated on the basis of the actual reference flows measured on the metrology approved measuring stand, a procedure was developed to assess the level of deviations in the fully metered water distribution network. Depending on the values of deviations and flows actually recorded by the meters in the distribution network, it was possible to estimate the percentage of the losses from the actually used water meters.
Organisational Capabilities Required for Enabling Employee Mobility through Bring- Your-Own-Device Concept
Authors: Toperesu B-Abee , Van Belle Jean-Paul 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background: Mobile device adoption is on the rise and people are increasingly using mobile devices as a part of their lives. Studies have shown that people can use mobile devices to perform their work duties from anywhere. Organisations are now exploring ways of enabling and supporting mobility for employees’ mobile devices, including BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) policies. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the main capabilities required for enterprise mobility. Methods/Approach: This qualitative research study presents empirical results based on interviews with selected senior IS managers of large organizations. Results: The main findings of this study suggest that information security and mobile device management are among the main capabilities required for enterprise mobility. Conclusions: Enterprise mobility is an emerging field which has received very little research attention. More research in the field will help organisations make informed decisions on how to increase productivity, sales and efficiency while achieving employee satisfaction through enterprise mobility.
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting – a Stakeholder’s Perspective Approach
Authors: Litfin Thorsten , Meeh-Bunse Gunther , Luer Katja , Teckert Özlem 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background: International financial reporting standards have constantly been facing fast-growing significant development. This has mainly been driven by the aim of better serving the needs of the investors. Awareness that corporate financial reporting provides short-sighted information and measures has been rising among politicians, in the society and on the financial markets. Therefore, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting as a form of non-financial reporting has made it to limelight. Various reporting types developed, but the type of reporting is hardly codified. Objective: The goal of this paper is to identify the superior CSR reporting type from a stakeholder’s perspective. After identifying and analyzing central guidelines on CSR reporting and presenting different approaches, the authors will apply a positive-empirical methodology. Methods/Approach: In this first innovative joint attempt, eye-tracking technology is combined with a questionnaire for approaching CSR quality. Results: This study demonstrates the validity of the used methodology for the analysis of search and information browsing behavior in various types of sustainability reports. Conclusions: Overall our findings indicate that the reporting type "reference sustainability report" may not be advisable from a stakeholder’s perspective.
Knowledge-cum-values Management belongs to the Way out from Global Crisis
Authors: Ženko Zdenka , Mulej Matjaž , Potočan Vojko 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground: The contemporary world-wide socio-economic crisis tends to escalate and contribute to the global crisis. Limitation of education to one-sided ‘knowledge management’ rather than socially responsible ‘knowledge-cum-values-management’ is one of the crisis’s causes. Objectives: The limitations to current knowledge management should be analyzed with systemic thinking. Which values are prevailing in it now and which values will enable the survival of humankind? Methods/Approach: In the first part, literature is reviewed for analysis and conceptual generalization of knowledge management. The theoretical framework based on ‘system theory’, ‘knowledge management’ and ‘knowledge-cum-values management’, and ‘values of social responsibility’ is introduced. In the second part a new theoretical concept “A potential methodological support for human transition from one-sided to requisitely holistic behavior via social responsibility” is discussed. Results: Knowledge management is a too narrow concept, it tends to leave aside human values, an impact on the natural environment, and extremely growing differences. Humankind needs consideration of responsibility, interdependence and holism in order to minimize detrimental impact of individual behaviour on society, i.e. humans and nature. Conclusions: The research indicates that individuals should attain more requisite holism, and should not be irrational by trying to attain only rationalism in human decision-making and action.
Enhancing Seed Yield of Hybrid Rice by Maintaining Row Ratio and Dosages of Gibberellic Acid
Authors: Abo-Youssef M. , El Sabagh A. , Abo-Gendy G. , Mohamed A. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the optimum levels of gibberellic acid and suitable row ratio for maximization the seed yield of hybrid rice. An experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Rice Research and Training Center, Egypt, during 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. The material under this study included the parental lines of IR69625A (Female lines) and Giza 179 R (Restorer line) to produce F0 hybrid seeds. A split-plot design with three replications was used. The main plot was row ratio (2R:8A, 2R:10A and 2R:12A) and sub plots was the doses of gibberellic acid (g/ha) (control, 300, 350, 400). The results indicated that, Application of GA3 and row ratio had significant effect on different traits of seed yield and hybrid seed production. The highest values of flag leaf area, panicle length, seed set, panicle weight, panicle exsertion and seed yield were acheived by using 2R: 8A row ratio and was observed the lowest values were obtained at the 2:12 row ratio. Acoording to gibberellic acid application, the highest values for panicle length (cm), seed set (%), panicle weight (g), panicle exertion (%), harvest index and seed yield were recorded by using 400 g /ha gibberellic acid. Accordingly, the highest net economic return from seed yield was obtained with the treatment combination of 400 g/ha GA3 x 2:8 (R: A) row ratio.
Transition from Emotional to Rational Advertising for Food Products on the Romanian Market
Authors: Jităreanu A.F. , Leonte Elena , Chiran A. , Drobotă Benedicta 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Advertising helps to establish a set of assumptions that the consumer will bring to all other aspects of their engagement with a given brand. Advertising provides tangible evidence of the financial credibility and competitive presence of an organization. Persuasion is becoming more important in advertising. In marketing, persuasive advertising acts to establish wants/motivations and beliefs/attitudes by helping to formulate a conception of the brand as being one which people like those in the target audience would or should prefer. Considering the changes in lifestyle and eating habits of a significant part of the population in urban areas in Romania, the paper aims to analyse how brands manage to differentiate themselves from competitors, to reposition themselves on the market and influence consumers, meeting their increasingly varied needs. Food brands on the Romanian market are trying, lately, to identify new methods of differentiation and new benefits for their buyers. Given that more and more consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about what they eat and the products’ health effects, brands struggle to highlight the fact that their products offer real benefits for the body. The advertisements have become more diversified and underline the positive effects, from the health and well - being point of view, that those foods offer (no additives and preservatives, use of natural ingredients, various vitamins and minerals or the fact that they are dietary). Advertising messages’ diversification is obvious on the Romanian market, in the context of an increasing concern of the population for the growing level of information of some major consumer segments.
Determinants of Market Participation Among Maize Farmers in Ogbomoso Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbetokun O.A. , Shittu B.A. , Ayoade M.O. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The key to increasing agricultural output in developing countries is improving the productivity of farmers, which cannot be achieved without markets that would effectively bind the increasingly specialized activities of thousands of widely dispersed producers into an integrated national economy. Although, there is a high potential for rural farmers to derive livelihood from market-oriented agriculture and improve their standard of living, but what are those factors determining farmers’ market participation. Thus, this study investigates the determinants of market participation among maize farmers in Ogbomoso zone of Oyo state, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents and a well-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-economic attributes and market participation among maize farmers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Eighty questionnaire were administered, but 79 retrieved were subjected to analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and probit regression. The results show that majority of the farmers were male (70.9%), married (67.1%) and had a minimum of secondary education (74.7%) and above. Also, 70% had direct access and planted improved maize seed and 58% sold maize produced in the urban market. Probit model result shows that gender, age, marital status, household size, farming experience, educational level and membership of association/group are the major determinants influencing market participation in the study area. The study recommends that government should encourage formation of associations/groups, where farmers can get information about market situations and formulate policies on adult literacy programme to encourage farmers to participate more in market.