bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Reputation on Corporate Financial Performance: Median Regression Approach
Authors: Vig Silvija , Dumičić Ksenija , Klopotan Igor 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground:In recent years, reputation has become an important risk concern for companies around the world. Deloitte Global Survey highlights the reputation risk as the top strategic business risk in 2014. This is also proven by a research conducted by AON Global Risk Management Survey in 2015 and Allianz Risk Barometer Survey in 2016 which finds a loss of reputation as one of the biggest risks for business executives. Furthermore, the importance of reputation is confirmed by the fact that reputation accounts for more than 25 percent of a company’s market value and the total market capitalization of the S&P500 companies.Objectives:To investigates the relationship between corporate reputation and financial performance.Methods/Approach:The survey of the paper was conducted in 2015 in Croatia. The questionnaire for assessing corporate reputation contained three reputational dimensions: products and services, corporate integrity, and organizational performance while the financial dimensions contained indicators of EVA, ROCE, ROA, ROE and the financial stability coefficient. Hierarchical regression methods were applied in the analysis.Results:This research leads to the conclusion that some dimensions of corporate reputation can be important predictors of financial performance.Conclusions:Results of the research could be a valid motivation for business executives to consider reputation risk as a critical issue of corporate business strategy.
Best Value Approach (BVA): Enhancing Value Creation in Construction Projects
Authors: Haddadi Amin , Johansen Agnar , Bjørberg Svein 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background: Research has revealed an inadequate understanding of the owners’ and users’ strategic objectives and a lack of methodology for translating these objectives into functional buildings. Fulfilment of owners’ and users’ objectives is fundamental in creating value through a project. Management and design processes can be decisive in achieving the desired objectives. Hence, knowledge about what creates value applied into a management framework will enable higher value creation.

Objectives: Providing a framework to enhance value creation in projects by addressing: i) what means and principles should be considered in the front end of a project to secure value creation?; and ii) how can these principles be structured in a framework to maximize the project’s value creation?

Methods/Approach: A literature study, two questionnaires, a focus group workshop, 8 interviews, and two case studies.

Results: Fulfilment and alignment of users’ needs and owners’ strategies combined with innovative thinking is required for value creation. Challenges and obstacles for value creation are identified, and a framework is suggested.

Conclusions: The framework suggests principles that contribute to value creation in each phase of a project. Implementing this methodology will help decision makers towards a better understanding of the objectives and translating them to functional solutions.
Case Study in Interdisciplinary Scientific Communication: A Decade of the INDECS Journal
Authors: Stepanić Josip , Zoroja Jovana , Šimičević Vanja 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background: Interdisciplinary scientific areas regularly develop unique methodologies, yet utilise the conventional communication modes to disseminate results of their researches.

Objectives: This paper analyses whether a novel, interdisciplinary communication mode can be found in a gradually developing interdisciplinary journal.

Methods/Approach: The content of the journal was categorised based on the characteristics attributed to the published papers. Statistical tests were performed to check for the overlapping categories.

Results: A number of indicators, related to papers or to their authors, are introduced and quantified.

Conclusions: Methodology utilised and data collected serve, on the one hand, as a referent set for treating the content of other interdisciplinary or disciplinary scientific journals, and, on the other hand, as a set for comparison and extraction of universalities or specificities of the journals. Fluctuations accompanying a gradual rise of the considered journal content prevent a definite answer to the question whether there are some emerging interdisciplinary communication novelties.
Digitalisation of Enterprises Brings New Opportunities to Traditional Management Control
Authors: Bredmar Krister 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background: Advanced information systems have changed the way managers work with planning and performance measurement. Traditional management control concepts such as efficiency have changed in meaning due to these information systems.

Objectives: The main purpose behind this paper is to try to understand how a new managerial context is shaped and re-shaped by new information systems that constitute a digital enterprise.

Methods/Approach: Three different cases are presented and analysed.

Results: The new managerial function of advanced information systems is presented through the three cases.

Conclusions: The digitalisation debate and agenda need to develop an even deeper understanding of how digital initiatives affect organisations. This is possible by dealing with concepts such as the digital enterprise, which integrates digital technical solutions with organisational challenges and management control intent.
A new approach to define acceptance limits for hematology in external quality assessment schemes
Authors: Soumali Mohamed Rida , Van Blerk Marjan , Akharif Abdelhadi , Albarède Stéphanie , Kesseler Dagmar , Gutierrez Gabriela , de la Salle Barbara , Plum Inger , Guyard Anne , Favia Ana Paula , Coucke Wim 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:Background:A study performed in 2007 comparing the evaluation procedures used in European external quality assessment schemes (EQAS) for hemoglobin and leukocyte concentrations showed that acceptance criteria vary widely. For this reason, the Hematology working group from the European Organisation for External Quality Assurance Providers in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM) decided to perform a statistical study with the aim of establishing appropriate acceptance limits (AL) allowing harmonization between the evaluation procedures of European EQAS organizers.Methods:Eight EQAS organizers from seven European countries provided their hematology survey results from 2010 to 2012 for red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), platelets and reticulocytes. More than 440,000 data were collected. The relation between the absolute value of the relative differences between reported EQA results and their corresponding assigned value (U-scores) was modeled by means of an adaptation of Thompson’s “characteristic function”. Quantile regression was used to investigate the percentiles of the U-scores for each target concentration range. For deriving AL, focus was mainly on the upper percentiles (90th, 95th and 99th).Results:For RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and MCV, no relation was found between the U-scores and the target concentrations for any of the percentiles. For WBC, platelets and reticulocytes, a relation with the target concentrations was found and concentration-dependent ALs were determined.Conclusions:The approach enabled to determine state of the art-based ALs, that were concentration-dependent when necessary and usable by various EQA providers. It could also easily be applied to other domains.
Visual assessment of hemolysis affects patient safety
Authors: Luksic Ana Helena , Nikolac Gabaj Nora , Miler Marijana , Dukic Lora , Bakliza Ana , Simundic Ana-Maria 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
Manual handling of hemolyzed samples is not standardized and is vulnerable to errors. This study aimed to evaluate laboratory errors due to manual handling of hemolyzed samples and to assess the risk they might have for patient safety.

Methods:
Data were retrospectively obtained from a laboratory information system for 25 emergency tests from hemolyzed samples. Hemolysis (concentration of free hemoglobin >0.5 g/L) was visually assessed by comparison with a color chart. The reference person reestimated the routinely assessed degree of hemolysis to all samples (n=3185) received in the laboratory in a 1-week period. For each test, the correct and incorrect way of handling results was determined. Risk assessment was performed according to ISO 14971 standard with five categories of risk (S1–S5) and error occurrence (O1–O5).

Results:
In the studied period, the emergency laboratory received 495 hemolyzed samples (15.5%) with a total of 2518 laboratory test requests (15.5%): 102 (20.6%) of the reports from hemolyzed samples had a comment on hemolysis; 31% of the test results were handled incorrectly (20.7% due to the incorrect release of the test result despite hemolysis interference and 10.3% due to unnecessary suppression), accounting for 4.8% of the total test volume. Tests with the highest combination of risk and occurrence rate were troponin T, potassium and total bilirubin.

Conclusions:
Manual handling of hemolyzed samples may lead to risk of errors in reporting results for troponin T, potassium and total bilirubin, which may have an effect on clinical decision. In addition, unnecessary suppression of the sample results unaffected by hemolysis could affect patient outcome.
Impact of Sowing Interval on the Yield and Yield Contributing Traits of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under the Tropical Circumstance
Authors: Hakeem M. , Waseem M. , Baloch D.M. , Khan M.A. , Ali Q. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The experiment was conducted to study the impact of sowing interval on the yield and yield contributing traits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), under the tropical circumstance, during 2016, at the research area present near Faculty of Agriculture, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan. Experimental treatments were comprising three varieties of sesame, SV1 (TS-5), SV2 (TH-6) and SV3 (4002), and cultivated under different three sowing dates, at 15 days interval: S1 = 1st sowing (15 March 2016), S2 = 2nd sowing (1st April 2016) and S3 =3rd sowing (15 April 2016). The results of various observations, i.e. plant height at maturity (cm), 1000-seed weight (g), seed mass (t ha−1), yield index (%) rooting depth (cm) and root weight per plant was found to be significant both for the all the sowing dates and sesame genotypes. Non significant finding was observed in traits of biological yield per plant (g) and root-shoot ratio. Whereas interaction among all the treatment factors was non-significant. Maximum yield and yields contributing parameters was observed in S3 = 3rd sowing (15 April 2016) and sesame genotype SV1 (TS-5), followed by SV2 (TH-6), while minimum yield was noted in S3 = 3rd sowing (15 April 2016) and SV3 (4002) sesame genotypes. On the basis of the coastal agroclimatic condition of district Lasbela, it was concluded that maximum yield production was achieved from the sesame variety (TS-5), as compared to other two sesame (TH-6 and 4002) varieties. Sowing date of sesame at 15th April 2016 was more productive, as compared to the other sowing interval. Coastal climatic condition is feasible for sesame cultivation, especially for the sesame variety (TS-5).
Comparative Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters During Urinary Infection in Maltese and Belgian Shepherd Dogs
Authors: Focak M. , Haskovic E. , Suljevic D. , Zahirovic A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, painful and even dangerous for most dog breeds. Clinical signs are often nonspecific and insufficient for diagnosis. Urinalysis in combination with biochemical parameters and urine culture is the best combination of clinical findings for diagnosis of urinary tract infections. The incidence of urinary tract infections in dogs population is growing and 27% of dogs develop an urinary tract infection through their life. Urinary infections occur more often in the elderly than in younger dogs. More than 70% of all urinary tract infections are infections with one bacterial species. Biochemical profile is important aspect for diagnosis establishment, but due to the nature of action infection by different agents may be considered as individual case. The main aim of this research was to analyse biochemical parameters of Maltese and Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) dog breed, who were affected by urinary tract infections. Urea concentration was elevated in Malinois, while urea, phosphates, albumins and alkaline phosphatase activity were elevated in Maltese dogs. Statistical analysis showed differences in concentrations of urea, creatinine, phosphates, so as alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase activity between compared breeds during acute urinary infections. Maltese dogs are less resistant to bacterias, that causes urinary tract infections, and have lower chance to maintain homeostasis of biochemical parameters in blood during urinary bacterial infections, in comparison to Maltese dogs.
Leptin and interleukin-6 level in patients with hypertension and obesity combined with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis during treatment with sartans and statins
Authors: Bochar Olesya , Sklyarov Eugene , Bochar Volodymyr 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The results of treatment of patients with arterial hypertension and obesity combined with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are presented in article. Herein, the combined use of olmesartan or telmisartan with atorvastatin for 12 weeks had a positive impact on the physical condition of patients with arterial hypertension and obesity. This effect was manifested by maintenance of optimal blood pressure, the reduction of subjective complaints and the improvement of heart hemodynamics. Administration of sartans and statins to patients with arterial hypertension combined with obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis led to a significant reduction of LDL (p<0.01) and LDL cholesterol levels (p<0.01), as well as the values of leptin (p<0.01) and IL-6 (p<0.01). The combination of olmesartan or telmisartan with atorvastatin not only allows a control of BP, but also a reduction of the pro-atherogenic fractions of blood lipids, hyperleptinaemia and levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6, hence, in this manner, improving the patient general condition.
Mechanical properties of materials used for temporary fixed dentures – in vitro study
Authors: Celej-Piszcz Elzbieta , Szalewski Leszek , Kleinrok Przemyslaw , Borowicz Janusz 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Objectives. The objective of the research was to define the mechanical properties of currently marketed temporary filling materials. Methods. Eight temporary filling materials: Boston, Dentalon, Protemp II, Revotek LC, Structure 2, Structure 3, UniFast LC, UniFast Trad were used to make 5 samples each of measurements 2 × 2 × 25 mm, in order to define the flexural strength, and 10 rings each of measurements 2 × 5 mm, in order to carry out the Vickers micro-hardness test. After preparation, the samples were stored in distilled water of temperature of 370°C, for 7 days. Subsequently, flexural strength and Vickers hardness testing was undertaken. Results. Composite temporary materials showed considerably better mechanical properties, both in flexural strength and in Vickers micro-hardness testing. Conclusions. the best mechanical properties, both in terms of flexural strength, as well as Vickers micro-hardness test can be observe among composite materials.
Tlr2, Tjp1 genes expression during wound healing dynamics – with melanin treatment
Authors: Dranitsina Alevtina , Dvorshchenko Kateryna , Taburets Olesya , Grebinyk Dmytro , Ostapchenko Ludmila , Beregova Tetyana 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWound healing is the complex and dynamic process of replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures and tissue layers. We have previously shown that melanin, herein, produced by the Antarctic black yeast fungi Pseudonadsoniella brunea (Nadsoniella nigra sp. X-1), has expressed a cyto-protective effect, promoted rapid wound healing of various ethiology and can be offered as a new dermatropic drug. The current study was conducted on a rat model of purulent necrotic wound. In each model, one group was a control, while in the others, wound healing occurred without drug application or with administration of 0,5% carbopol or with both 0,5% carbopol and 0,1% melanin. The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in skin gomogenate in dynamics on 3, 6, 9, 14 and day of full epithelization was estimated using the spectrophotometric biochemical method. Moreover, so as to understand the role played by the Tlr2 and Tjp1 in the process of wound healing and scar formation, Tlr2, Tjp1gene expression and genetic mRNA was determined with quantitative RT-PCR. The application of our pharmacological composition stimulated the decrease of Tlr2 and Tjp1 gene expression against the background of suppression of free radical processes (reduction of superoxide anion radical content) with epithelization and without scarring. The results of this study have shown the positive effects of melanin on wound healing. The obtained results indicate the advisability of applying melanin for the treatment of inflammatory processes.
Phenotypic diversity of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae isolates depending on origin and health condition
Authors: Andrzejczuk Sylwia , Kosikowska Urszula , Malm Anna , Chwiejczak Edyta , Stepien-Pysniak Dagmara 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground. Haemophili are common human microbiota representatives. The aim of our study was to investigate a diversity of Haemophilus spp. isolates selected from clinical specimens on the basis of biochemical characteristics, biotypes distribution, protein profiles and antimicrobial resistance. Results. A total of 893/1025 (87%) of haemophili isolates were identified: 260/1025 (25%) as H. influenzae and 633/1025 (62%) as H. parainfluenzae. Moreover, a group of 107/1025 (10%) isolates without species identification (with e.g. abnormal numerical profile) was described as Haemophilus spp. Within the H. influenzae isolates, biotypes II and III were in a great majority (92/893; 10%, each), whereas among H. parainfluenzae, the most commonly occurring was biotype I and II (301/893, 34% and 178/893, 20%, respectively). A similar prevalence of biotypes was obtained regardless of the patient’s age or health condition or the type of specimen. A production of beta-lactamases was shown in 46/893 (5%) haemophili, both H. influenzae (13/46, 28%) and H. parainfluenzae (33/46, 72%) isolates. On the basis of haemophili biochemical characteristics, the cluster analysis using the UPGMA method demonstrated a high degree of phenotypic similarity due to a small distances between isolates taken from both unhealthy children and adults. Conclusion. Based on biochemical characteristics, about 90% of haemophili clinical isolates representing human-specific respiratory microbiota were positively identified as H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae. The same differences in biotypes and antimicrobial resistance among isolates selected from healthy people or from patients with chronic and recurrent diseases were detected.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative Extension to Central and Eastern European Countries - Sixteen Nations, Five Summits, Many Challenges
Authors: Musabelliu Marsela 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Belt and Road Initiative proclaimed by President Xi in 2013, a strategy developed by the Chinese government, is very important to China but is not confined to China. In order for the initiative to be successful it needs to be embraced by the countries on the terrestrial and maritime route indicated in the plan. In the late 1980s Deng Xiaoping proposed to integrate Socialism with Chinese Characteristics (Zhongguo Tese Shehui Zhuyi, ) into global capitalism and in the 1990s the Jiang Zemin leadership initiated the Going out policy (Zouchuqu Zhanlue, ) – the current Belt and Road Initiative is China’s continuation in implementing those policies into actual deeds. China’s accession to WTO in 2001 marked China’s full integration into the global economy and since then the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has become the largest trading partner for more than 180 countries. The Xi-Li administration has been extremely proactive since it was established in 2012; from that year on, Chinese behavior in international affairs has gained an ever-growing role as a forger of economic and diplomatic ties between countries. The primary example of this behavior is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As every serious foreign policy plan, the BRI is an accumulation of various other initiatives. For example, the cooperation mechanism “16+1”, with which the PRC has approached Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), can be integrated under the BRI. This paper analizes the “16+1” China-CEEC cooperation mechanism in the context of the bigger BRI initiative, and tries to comprehend the economic and political factors intertwined with its implementation.
Catalytic steam reforming of ethanol over W-, V-, or Nb–modified Ni-Al-O hydrotalcite-type precursors
Authors: Korneeva E.V. , Kardash T.Yu. , Rogov V.A. , Smal E.A. , Sadykov V.A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract2:1 Ni/Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) doped by anions using ammonium salts (NH4)10[W12O41], NH4VO3 or (NH4)3[NbO(C2O4)3] have been prepared by co-precipitation, dried and calcined at 600оС, forming NiO-based solid solutions. Diffraction patterns are typical for the layered Ni-Al-O hydrotalcite-like structure. Anion incorporation into the interlayer space increases the interlayer distance for W- and Nb-containing anions but decreases it for VO3 -1. Broad halos in the diffraction patterns indicate amorphous or strongly disordered phases containing the doping anions. H2 reduction of undoped Ni-Al-O (NA) and those doped by W (NAW) and Nb (NANb) occurred in one step, while that doped by V (NAV) was reduced in two steps. W doping increases the reduction temperature, but Nb doping decreases it. The hydrogen consumed increases in the row: NANb < NAW < NAV < NA. In the ethanol steam reforming reaction, modification by W and Nb anions results in ethanol conversion rates close to that of the unmodified sample, but V increases it nearly twofold.
Energy Harvesting Employing a Drive Similar as a Clock Unit
Authors: Behnke C. , Klassen A. , Schomburg W. K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
An energy harvesting device for frequencies of less than 2 Hz with amplitudes of several cm was developed. A pendulum is driving a gear mechanism similar as a clock unit which is driving a wheel carrying 36 magnets. Next to the magnets there are mounted 18 coils generating voltage. This way, a maximum voltage and power of 21.5 V and 114 mW are achieved at 1.25 Hz and 57 mm amplitude.
Factors Impacting On Patient Compliance with Medical Advice: Empirical Study
Authors: Krot Katarzyna , Sousa João Pedro 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this paper to identify factors which have a bearing on compliance with medical advice in various age groups. The survey was conducted, using the CAWI method, on a representative sample of 1000 respondents who declared having used healthcare services in the previous six months. Control of competences is one of the strongest factors which is common for the oldest and youngest groups. Interestingly, trust in the integrity and honesty of doctors is significant for the youngest patients, i.e., the higher is the level of trust, the lower is the tendency to non-comply. Another type of trust is related to the benevolence of doctors and is significant to patients of the middle age group. Satisfaction is a significant predictor in the two oldest groups of patients. High levels of satisfaction seem to deter people from non-adherence to recommended treatment regimens. The results of the present study provide knowledge about the nature and diversity of factors behind patient compliance in various age groups.