bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumption of canid meat at the Gravettian Předmostí site, the Czech Republic
Authors: Germonpré Mietje , Lázničková-Galetová Martina , Jimenez Elodie-Laure , Losey Robert , Sablin Mikhail , Bocherens Hervé , Van Den Broeck Martine
Published: February 2019

Předmostí is one of the most famous Gravettian sites in Central Europe. Its fame is based on a unique human assemblage, sadly largely destroyed during the Second World War, a huge mammoth assemblage and a very rich large canid assemblage. It has been shown previously that mammoth played an important role in the subsistence practices of the Gravettian inhabitants of Předmostí. Detailed analyses of the large canid postcranial material were carried out to investigate whether these canid remains can be assigned to different size groups and whether these remains show evidence of being butchered and consumed by humans. Based on defleshing marks and impact traces on the long bones, it is proposed here that large canids were consumed by the Gravettian inhabitants of Předmostí, thus further elucidating the specific human-large canid relationships that existed during the Upper Palaeolithic.
Late Miocene (Early Turolian) vertebrate faunas and associated biotic record of the Northern Caucasus: Geology, palaeoenvironment, biochronology
Authors: Tesakov Alexey S. , Titov Vadim V. , Simakova Alexandra N. , Frolov Pavel D. , Syromyatnikova Elena V. , Kurshakov Sergey V. , Volkova Natalia V. , Trikhunkov Yaroslav I. , Sotnikova Marina V. , Kruskop Sergey V. , Zelenkov Nikita V. , Tesakova Ekaterina M. , Palatov Dmitry M.
Published: February 2019

Late Miocene continental deposits overlying the Khersonian marine sediments near the city of Maikop bordering the Belaya River (North Caucasus) yielded a diverse biotic record including palynology, ostracods, fresh-water and terrestrial molluscs, fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. The obtained data indicate predominantly wooded landscapes along the banks of a large fresh-water estuarine or lagoonal basin with occasional connection with the sea. The basin existed in a warm temperate to subtropical climate with a high humidity and an estimated mean annual precipitation above 800 mm. The mammalian assemblage with Hipparion spp., Alilepus sp., Paraglirulus schultzi, Eozapus intermedius, Parapodemus lugdunensis, Collimys caucasicus sp. nov., Neocricetodon cf. progressus, etc. is referable to the early Turolian, MN 11. The data regarding composition and stage of evolution of the small mammal content combined with mostly normal polarity of the fossiliferous deposits, and the age estimates of the upper Khersonian boundary as between 8.6 and 7.9 Ma indicate a plausible correlation with Chron C4n and an age range between 8.1–7.6 Ma.
Democricetodon fejfari sp. nov. and replacement of Cricetidae by Muridae in Siwalik deposits of Pakistan
Authors: Lindsay Everett
Published: February 2019

Democricetodon is a core genus within the family Cricetidae; it is recorded in many regions of Asia and Europe, and has left many descendants. One of the early radiations of Democricetodon was in southern Asia, where it radiated for about 10 my, from about 18 Ma to about 8 Ma, during the Miocene epoch. Democricetodon was replaced in southern Asia by one of its cousins, Antemus, in the family Muridae, the Muridae later became one of the most diverse and abundant family of mammals. Cricetidae and Muridae persisted together in Siwalik deposits for a period of about four million years (18 Ma to 14 Ma).
Genus Apodemus in the Pleistocene of Central Europe: when did the extant taxa appear?
Authors: Knitlová Markéta , Horáček Ivan
Published: February 2019

The extant species of the genus Apodemus represent the most common small mammals of Central Europe. Unfortunately, their phylogenetic past is only poorly known. With the aid of detailed biometric analyses we tried to identify the first appearance of the phenotypic patterns characterizing the extant populations. We examined dental material of Apodemus from 53 community samples from the territory of the Czech Republic and Slovakia dated from the early Villanyian (MN 16/17) to the late Middle Pleistocene (Q 3) with particular respect to their correspondence with the morphometric characteristics of the extant species. While the Toringian (Q 3) interglacial samples invariably include forms identical with the extant taxa A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus and supposedly A. uralensis (including the items corresponding to A. maastrichtiensis), the samples of Early Pleistocene age (MN 17 – Q 2) exhibited clear differences in the variation pattern which results in questioning the possibility of their co-identification with the respective extant species. In most instances they varied within the limits in resembling A. sylvaticus but exceeded its variation ranges in some non-metric characters. Regarding serious doubts on real taxonomic status of other named fossil species we propose to denote these Plio-Pleistocene sylvaticus-like phenotypes provisionally with the prior name A. atavus Heller, 1936.
From a Culture of Borders to Borders of Cultures: Nationalism and the “Clash of Civilizations” in International Relations Theory
Authors: Bayeh Joseph N. , Baltos Georgios C.
Published: February 2019

The Peace of Westphalia signed in 1648 signaled the beginning of the modern international system of states. International relations (IR) theory identifies this treaty as the founder of the principle of political sovereignty whereby each nation-state has full control over its territory and domestic affairs, thus it is the beginning of an international system of states. The latter is based on the sanctity and inviolability of interstate borders as its main defining feature. This paper investigates the recent developments in international relations and their significance to the concept of borders in IR theory; on the one hand, a “clash of civilizations” thesis assumes that new “fault lines” borders among civilizations of, mainly, different religions are taking precedence over traditional territorial borders of nation-states, while, on the other hand, a rise in conservative nationalism and, possibly, protectionism, over the traditionally liberal West reasserts the primacy of territorial borders in IR. In particular, this study examines whether such developments signal a paradigm shift in IR theory that may necessitate revisiting certain fundamentals of mainstream respective theories.
Chronic Statin Therapy and Histologic Gastric Changes
Authors: Negovan Anca , Țilea Ioan , Voidăzan Septimiu , Mocan Simona , Szoke Andreea , Stoica Andreea , Pantea Monica
Published: February 2019

Background: The additional benefits of certain frequently used chronic drugs such as statins or aspirin are investigated for their possible effect of influencing various types of cancer, including gastric cancer. The possible role of statins in the occurrence of pre-neoplastic gastric lesions has not been investigated.

Aim: The study aims to determine the influence of chronic statin therapy on premalignant gastric lesions (glandular atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia), adjusted with the most important aggressive environmental factors of the gastric mucosa (Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection, low-dose aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid, ASA], biliary reflux, smoking, alcohol consumption).

Method: The study included 566 patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent an upper endoscopy: 222 patients with chronic statin therapy (atorvastatin 20–80 mg/day or rosuvastatin 5–20 mg/day for at least 6 months) and 344 patients without statin intake. A complete set of biopsies from the gastric antrum and corpus were routinely processed and examined, and demographical, clinical, and pathological variables were recorded.

Results: Active H. pylori infection in gastric biopsies (p = 0.45), biliary reflux (p = 0.74), alcohol consumption (p = 0.43), or prior ulcer disease (p = 0.07; OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.33–1.04) were not associated with an increased risk for premalignant lesions, neither in the statin, nor the no-statin group. Smoking was associated with premalignant lesions in both groups (p = 0.01; OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.12–4.47; and p = 0.04; OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.01–2.94, respectively), while chronic use of ASA had no influence (p = 0.24, respective p = 0.35). In multivariate regression models, chronic treatment with statins had a protective effect (p = 0.006; OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.4–0.8), while smoking (p = 0.01; OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.17–3.39) and age >50 years (p <0.01, OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.84–5.21) were predictors for pre-neoplastic lesions. H. pylori infection, gender, alcohol consumption, biliary reflux, or prior ulcer disease were not associated with premalignant lesions (p >0.05). Conclusions: In the studied population, chronic statin treatment seems to be associated with a decreased risk for premalignant gastric lesions, while age over 50 years and smoking, regardless of gender or ASA consumption, remain the most important risk factors for premalignant gastric lesions.
Social and Political Theory of Social Movements for the Social State
Authors: Koffas Stefanos
Published: February 2019

Social movements, as collective entities, develop to stand up against the existing institutional status quo with a view to its reformation or radical transformation, while the degree to which they are political depends on wider socio-political factors. The diverse action that evolved through their organized mobilization marked the radical transformation of political response, but also the type of state intervention. Social movements exactly because they constitute wider socio-political undertakings that aim to bring about changes in the social, political, economic but also cultural processes, which seek to annul or sideline established standardizations, are considered one of the most readily available ways to express political and social claims; here they are understood to be dynamic interventions in institutionally and structurally complete social systems as in the case of the social state. Within the context of political mobilization and collective social action, social movements functioned at two interrelated levels: the level of expansion, but also of redefinition of social intervention processes in order to achieve the goals of the social state, and the cultural level, a symbolic promotion, in order to establish a greater degree of social justice. Mobilization of resources, collective behaviour for making claims, even contentious action and transaction with institutions and authorities, constitute views of social transformation and political process in the context of the creation and development of the social state.
Influencing Factors of Cross-cultural Adaptation Process of Chinese Students Studying in the Upper Northern Thai Universities
Authors: Kang Sun , Yossuck Pradtana , Panyadee Chalermchai , Ek-lem Bongkochmas
Published: February 2019

With the development of China’s ‘One Belt and One Road’(OBOR) Initiative, many Chinese students have chosen Thai universities for foreign study in recent years. As usual, problems of cross-cultural adaptation becoming the primary issues they encounter during their stay in Thailand. Based on a survey of 314 Chinese undergraduates studying at eight universities in the upper northern region of Thailand, this study analyzed the influencing factors of the cross-cultural adaptation process of these Chinese students. It tested the Young Yun Kim’s structure model, which contains six dimensions of determining aspects on international students’ cross-cultural adaptation process. A quantitative research method was applied in this article by using a structured questionnaire as a tool to collect primary data. The data analysis was conducted by using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regressions. The findings indicated that five dimensions, i.e., Communication Competence (CC), Host Social Communication (HSC), Intercultural Transformation (IT), Environment (EN), and Predisposition (PR) are significant determining aspects for the cross-cultural adaptation process of Chinese students. Furthermore, nine influencing factors out of these five dimensions had significant positive impacts on the cross-cultural adaptation process. Therefore they are considered as the main influencing factors.
Inclusive Policy and Academic Achievements in Mathematics of Student with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Republic of Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Gordana , Branković Nataša , Lazić Bojan , Rakočević Rada
Published: February 2019

One mechanism for evaluating educational systems for inclusion is through academic outputs of students who are taught in either segregated or inclusive setting. The goal of the research was to examine and compare the academic achievement in Mathematics of students with special education needs (SEN) in the fifth and sixth grade (11-12 years old students) in different educational settings in the Republic of Serbia. In this study, 175 students from 11 special and 7 regular schools participated in the research. Assessment results demonstrated statistically significant differences achievement for students in sixth grade in special schools compared to students with SEN in the same classes of regular schools. At fifth grade level there was no statistical difference between the students in special and regular schools. We discuss possible reasons why differences may or may not exist, including distinguishing between inclusion and integration as well as sociohistorical differences in grade levels.
A Lacanian Study of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Authors: Shahwan Saed Jamil
Published: February 2019

This paper sought to explore the role played by Lacan in the analysis of Hemingway’s work in The Old Man and the Sea. It is clear from the analysis that Lacan contributed immensely to the growth and improvement of the literary work between 1901 and 1981. Similarly, for effective analysis of the novel, Lacan sought to bring out issues on desires, conscious, unconscious, subconscious, psychology and others in the interpretation of the Hemingway’s literature. However, to achieve the objective, Lacan adopted his psychological stages of development that includes the real, mirror, and the symbolic stages. Through these stages, Lacan clearly brought out the content as perceived by Hemingway of social, cultural and religion. Ultimately, the analysis of the old man and the sea by Lacan showed that as people become aware or conscious they start to hope for unconsciousness.
Attitudes and Motivation of the Young Generation towards the Palm Oil Industry
Authors: Stapa Siti Hamin , Bakar Kesumawati A , Hashim Fuzirah
Published: February 2019

Malaysia is currently one of the largest producers and exporters of palm oil in the world. Despite the strength and vast potential of our palm oil industry, engaging the youth in this industry is a challenging task as most perceive the industry and agriculture unattractive as a career, without realising the importance of the sector in their everyday lives. Furthermore, the development of sectors such as ecommerce, digital technology and real estate is a compounding factor behind the decline of interest among the younger FELDA generation. The present study is designed to examine the attitudes and motivation of young FELDA generation towards the palm oil industry. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 50 working respondents from the age of 22-40 at 4 FELDA settlements. Questionnaire was distributed for primary data collection, where a four-point Likert scale was used to examine differences in attitudes and motivation towards 64 statements regarding aspects ranging from working conditions to promotion opportunities. The findings point to an overall positive attitude towards all aspects of the industry. The highest mean is revealed in the area of social status, with the majority feeling respected and proud to be a part of the palm oil community. In general, the majority of the respondents display positive attitude and motivation towards the palm oil industry. Based on the findings we would recommend trainings to empower FELDA youths to take advantage of the expanding industry and to claim their space in the palm oil sector.
The Impact of Training and Development on Different Cultural Employees Performance through Interaction Employees Motivation in Erbil Public and Private Banks
Authors: Karam Asaad Ali
Published: February 2019

The research endeavor to inspect the effectiveness of “training and development” (TD) on employee performance (EP), an outcome acquired from the examination, along these lines, could be extrapolated and connected to the training incline that exists within banks that work in Erbil Kurdistan region government (KRG). The procedure was in four banks of both sectors i.e. open and private. The outcomes were acquired by utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) on important factors by Algorithm to measure indicators in reflective way; the R2 results 0.604 employees motivation (EM), and 0.639 (EP). The goal of the examination is to seek factors affecting employee’s performance. Therefore, the findings proposed that (TD) of employees work environment, and employee’s creativity has a most significant effect on enhancing employee’s performance. The examination reasoned that with breakdown the productivity of any association which needs to get to the efficiency per unit from the input information’s.
Structural, spectral, electrical, Z-scan and HOMO LUMO studies on new 2-amino-6-methylpyridinium 2-hydroxybenzoate crystal
Authors: Punithaveni B. , Thilagavathy K. , Muthukumarasamy N. , Nithyaprakash D. , Saravanabhavan M.
Published: February 2019

New organic single crystals of 2-amino-6-methylpyridinium 2-hydroxybenzoate (2A6M2H) were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. The grown crystal structure was studied using single crystal XRD. Crystalline nature and phases were confirmed by powder XRD analysis. FT-IR study was used to identify the functional groups present in the compound. UV-Vis study revealed that the lower cut off wavelength of the crystal is at 350 nm. The dielectric studies indicated the low value of dielectric loss at high frequency. Mechanical properties of the crystals were studied using Vickers microhardness test. The Z-Scan studies were conducted for the crystal using He–Ne laser.
Influence of magnetron powering mode on various properties of TiO2 thin films
Authors: Wiatrowski Artur , Mazur Michał , Obstarczyk Agata , Kaczmarek Danuta , Pastuszek Roman , Wojcieszak Damian , Grobelny Marcin , Kalisz Małgorzata
Published: February 2019

In this paper, comparative studies on the structural, surface, optical, mechanical and corrosion properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films deposited by continuous and sequential magnetron sputtering processes were presented. In case of continuous process, magnetron was continuously supplied with voltage for 90 min. In turn, in sequential process, the voltage was supplied for 1 s alternately with 1 s break, therefore, the total time of the process was extended to 180 min. The TiO2 thin films were crack free, exhibited good adherence to the substrate and the surface morphology was homogeneous. Structural analysis showed that there were no major differences in the microstructure between coatings deposited in continuous and sequential processes. Both films exhibited nanocrystalline anatase structure with crystallite sizes of ca. 21 nm. Deposited coatings had high transparency in the visible wavelength range. Significant differences were observed in porosity (lower for sequential process), scratch resistance (better for sequential process), mechanical performance, i.e. hardness:elastic modulus ratio (higher for sequential process) and corrosion resistance (better for sequential process).
More Than Words?: A Test of the Effect of Emotionally Charged Photographs
Authors: Olesen Thomas
Published: February 2019

Studies of activism and political participation have shown increasing interest in the relationship between photographs and activism. Most contributions are premised on the assumption that photographs have an impact on opinions, knowledge, and/or mobilising motivations. However, such causalities are rarely documented, and when it comes to what is arguably one of the most central questions in the field of activism and participation studies, why some people act and participate, and others do not, there is a near total absence of systematic knowledge on the impact of photographs. Taking the 2015 refugee crisis as its case, this article addresses the effect of photographs on individual willingness to participate politically using an experimental survey. While the hypothesis was that the inclusion of photographs in a call for action should lead to increased willingness to participate, the results showed that adding photographs had no significant effect on individuals’ willingness to participate. A possible explanation for this is the timing of the survey, in December 2015. By then, the debates on the refugee crisis were surrounded by less uncertainty, and opinions had crystallised.
Combining New and Old Viewing Practices: Uses and Experiences of the Transmedia Series “Skam”
Authors: Bengtsson Emelie , Källquist Rebecka , Sveningsson Malin
Published: February 2019

In 2015, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) released a new youth series, Skam, which was acclaimed for its accurate portrayal of Norwegian teenagers but, above all, for its distribution as a transmedia narrative spreading content across several platforms. Through focus-group interviews, this article investigates how Swedish Skam viewers took part in the content and perceived the role and relation between the platforms. While the interviewees followed Skam in different ways, they nevertheless accepted and appreciated the transmedia format. While they argued that the core content needed to be video based, other content was also seen as a natural part of the series and essential in building the narrative. Furthermore, the idea of contemporary media consumption as being less constrained by time and space was partly contradicted. Especially real-time content and discussions with peers motivated the participants to abide by a new kind of TV schedule, reminiscent of TV viewing practices of the past.
Asylum Seekers Arrived, Elites Occupied the Air: Topics and Interviewees in YLE’s Magazine Programmes During the “Asylum-Seeker Crisis”
Authors: Perälä Annu , Niemi Mari K.
Published: February 2019

In this study, we examine the choice of interviewees and discussion topics made by Finland’s national broadcasting company YLE during the so-called “asylum-seeker crisis” of 2015 and 2016. The rapid increase in asylum-seekers, combined with deepening political tensions regarding the situation and the entry of a populist anti-immigration party into government, created a challenging environment for the media. This was especially true for YLE, which is committed to political neutrality and cultural diversity. Our data shows that the “crisis” was framed as a crisis hitting Finland and European decision-making rather than as a humanitarian crisis. Despite long-term academic criticism of bias in expert interviewee selection (e.g. the underrepresentation of minority and female interviewees), the media continued to use traditional sources of knowledge. However, in a novel approach for Finland, the media engaged the large-scale involvement of politicians, and especially representatives of the populist Finns Party.
Labels on coloured tactile maps (typhlomaps) – the Polish experiences
Authors: Olczyk Mariusz
Published: February 2019

The author presents the problems associated with geographical name conventions and labels on coloured tactile maps in atlas-type publications for the blind and visually impaired, based on the author’s many years of experience. The detailed description of the ‘keys’ system and Braille ‘abbreviations’ which Polish cartography uses in this type of works shows the benefits of using the system in the editing of map series. A framework of logical and intuitive ‘abbreviations’ presents many possibilities and makes maps easier to read. The system for connecting names of a particular ‘family’ of terms by using a two-letter abbreviation preceded by a unique ‘key’ should be a fundamental principle for creating sets of Braille ‘abbreviations’ for use in a given work. The author also highlights the need to use exonyms, since Braille’s basic alphabet has none of the diacritic characters which typify various languages, which hinders the correct transcription of certain names.

The proposed system for constructing ‘abbreviations’ and ‘keys’ may also be used effectively in individual town plans and maps to improve the communication of information. The comprehensive structure of this system also makes it easier to search through indexes of ‘abbreviations’ and their explanations.

All the described elements have an impact in raising the practical value of tactile maps.
Use of blackcurrant and chokeberry press residue in snack products
Authors: Drożdż Wioletta , Boruczkowska Hanna , Boruczkowski Tomasz , Tomaszewska-Ciosk Ewa , Zdybel Ewa
Published: February 2019

Fruit and vegetable processing by-products, undervalued until recently, are rich sources of nutrients. This study investigated properties of extruded corn puffs with addition (5–20%) of blackcurrant or chokeberry pressings. We assessed expansion rate, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) of the produced extru-dates, the concentration of polyphenols, and antioxidant activity measured by FRAP method and ABTS method. The puffs with addition of chokeberry pressings had higher WSI values, higher phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins content, and higher antioxidant activity than puffcorn with addition of blackcurrant pressings. The corn puffs with addition of fruit pressings contained much higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and were characterized by much higher antioxidant activity than pure puffcorn. This confirms the usefulness of addition of such fruit processing by-products in order to manufacture functional food.
Phosphorus pentoxide from Kazakhstan phosphorus as a base for production of polyphosphoric acids (PPA) in the cascade reactors system
Authors: Milde Damian , Urbańczyk Leszek , Figura Marcin , Piś Wojciech
Published: February 2019

The polyphosphoric acids (PPA) were synthesized in a cascade reactors system from P2O5 obtained from the burning of Kazakh phosphorus. Presented system provides guidelines for the PPA production process using phosphoric acids only at concentrations above 100% (in conversion to H3PO4). Polyphosphoric acids are processed in a cascade reactors system, where the in 1st concentration of PPA is increased by addition of P2O5, while in the 2nd reactor PPA is diluted with the use of 85% phosphoric acid. Produced PPA can be obtained in the 100–118% range and is characterized by high chemical purity due to the reduction of the corrosivity of the reaction, which results in very low content of iron (below 2 ppm Fe).
Improving The Level of Critical Infrastructure Protection by Developing Resilience
Authors: Cîrdei Ionuţ Alin
Published: February 2019

Modern society is characterized by the increasing interdependence between the actors of the international environment, in the conditions of globalization of all the fields of social life. Increasing interdependencies, together with the emergence of new risks and threats, which attempt to exploit systemic vulnerabilities, which are increasingly numerous and difficult to eliminate, bring a new issue to states and other security environment actors: to ensure the protection the infrastructure elements that are indispensable to the normal activity of the population, economic agents, nongovernmental organizations and state institutions. Critical Infrastructure Protection becomes an important point on the agenda of all decision-makers who are in a position to counter the asymmetric threats that jeopardize national interests and democratic values. Due to the multiplication of risks and threats and the multiplication of interdependencies between the various infrastructure elements, the protection of critical infrastructures can not be achieved effectively only by ensuring their physical protection. The cascading effects of a disturbance can be felt at the level of society as a whole, and it is therefore necessary to address the issue of ensuring the protection of critical infrastructures in a comprehensive manner including infrastructure and community resilience issues.
Promotion as a form of Communication of the Marketing Strategy
Authors: Alexandrescu Mihai-Bogdan , Milandru Marius
Published: February 2019

Permanent communication between bidders and consumers, who are usually spatially and temporarily separated, is a necessity, because prompt and correct information stimulates demand, directs it towards certain products and influences rational consumption, causes changes in the mentalities and attitudes of potential buyers, which will be reflected in the increase in the volume of sold goods and implicitely of the profit, as the sole purpose of the producer. The marketing communication system is the general framework in which promotion takes the form of the promotional mix, based on the four promotional tools: advertising, personal sales, promotion sales and public relations, aimed at presenting the organization, its products and services, at raising awareness of potential customers, and of course, at increasing sales to get more profit.
The Challenges of Organizational Management
Authors: Bucăţa George
Published: February 2019

Many organizations are driven by the market to set their goals in their performance. Some of the goals are: cost reduction, achieving sales levels, increasing the number of customers, increasing the market percentage, improving productivity and quality, innovative products. Challenge becomes extremely acute in the case of companies that continue to expand on new markets. In order to be easily understood, the organization’s objectives should be translated into a language easy to understand for all levels of the organization, that is to be traced in clear objectives, specific to each position, being imparted to the level of unity, team and individual.
Management Accounting–Managerial Obligation or Need
Authors: Ciuhureanu Alina
Published: February 2019

As a managerial tool, accounting is put in the service of management, ensuring the link between the operational system and the entity’s administrating management system. In an economic context with radical and often unexpected changes, we feel that there is a constant need to improve the use of management accounting information for management based on coherent development programs combined with the regulations in force to harness the potential of the organization, the benefits it can use and minimize risks through more coordination, dynamism, and reasoning. The paper highlights that the management accounting system is involved in the internal management of the entity and provides vital information to managers in several interconnected areas: forecasting, cost calculation and analysis, coordination, decision-making, control, evaluation. Starting from the aspects that highlight the necessity and usefulness of management accounting information for management, through the selective research carried out on a sample of 301 entities, we aimed to analyze the opportunity of providing information through the management accounting system, with a series of conclusions based on the associations established.
Robust H∞ Optimal Controller Design for The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Szabolcsi Róbert
Published: February 2019

This article deals with robust H∞ optimal control of the flight control systems of the small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of the plant disturbances and sensor noises. The rationales of the theory of H∞ controller synthesis are brought into a unique frame supporting design procedures being implemented. The paper focuses on numerical example of the synthesis of the controller of the flight control system of the small UAV.
Sick building syndrome, a crossroad in modern occupational medicine assessment
Authors: Barbu Bogdan-Alexandru , Niculescu Zizi , Moise Laura-Georgiana
Published: February 2019

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a complex syndrome consisting of non-specific symptoms with an onset associated with subjects’ presence in some modern building and the disappearance of symptoms shortly after they leave it. The effects of SBS may be the result of a series of protective reactions of the human body triggered by various types of surrounding environment, further suggesting that the human response could be based on a three-phase biological model: sensory perception, low degree inflammatory reactions and environmental stress reactions. Besides stress created by the discomfort of people who develop symptoms, SBS is the cause of an extensive loss of productivity, sickness absenteeism, wasted time in complaints with all the legal punitive issues that arise from them. The subjects diagnosed with SBS are hard to follow-up over time due to workers often leaving their jobs and being lost from cohort databases. Achieving a reputation of a “sick building” may prove difficult to rehabilitate even after expensive repairs and upgrades. In extreme cases closure and even demolition can occur. SBS is an evolving concept and this review we will present part of this evolution and what are the major challenges for its definition.
Are there still other asbestos-related malignancies to be discovered?
Authors: Rașcu Alexandra Maria , Neicu Maria-Gabriela , Rașcu Agripina , Oțelea Marina Ruxandra
Published: February 2019

Mycosis fungoides is one of the most common forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Its diagnosis is sometimes challenging and quite difficult for the physician, because its onset clinical appearance is similar to other skin diseases. Although there are a few hypotheses about mycosis fungoides’ etiology, they aren’t fully understood and still need confirmation. We report the case of a 68 years old patient diagnosed with mycosis fungoides, who has been exposed to asbestos fibers. This case is one of the few reported cases of association between asbestos and mycosis fungoides. There is no data exploring the causal relation between asbestos exposure and mycosis fungoides but common biological mechanisms could represent an argument. If occupational exposure to asbestos will be confirmed in larger studies, a new research-field of asbestos-related diseases needs to be opened.
Stress vulnerability assessment among medical and political science and public administration students
Authors: Handra Claudia-Mariana , Naghi Eugenia , Oțelea Marina Ruxandra
Published: February 2019

Context. Stress is a complex psychosocial phenomenon that significantly influences health. The individual differences in stress response depend on sensitivity to stressors, named “stress vulnerability”.

Objectives. The aims of the study were to determine the level of perceived vulnerability to stress and compare stress vulnerability among students from 2 universities in Bucharest: University of Medicine “Carol Davila” and National University of Political Studies and Public Administration.

Methods. An approximately equal number of students from the two selected universities completed the Romanian version of the Miller-Smith stress vulnerability questionnaire.

Results. A number of 86 (60 women and 26 men) students agreed to participate. Average age was 23.56 years with a standard deviation of 4.86 years. The high vulnerability group included 18 (38%) medical students and 27 (60%) political science and public administration students. The difference was statistically significant (chi2 test, p=0.02) between the two groups. The average health score for medical students (MS) was 15.97, with a median of 15, while for the political science and administration students (PSPAS) the average health score was 24.91, with a median of 26. The average psychosocial score for MS group was 20.41 and the median was 20. In the PSAPS group, the psychosocial score was 26.14 and the median 24. The difference was statistically significant for both health score (p<0.00001) and psychosocial score (p=0.0006).

Conclusions: Stress is a common problem among undergraduated students. In this study the vulnerability to stress was higher for students PSAPS group compared to the students from MS group.
miR-190, CDK1, MCM10 and NDC80 predict the prognosis of the patients with lung cancer
Authors: Gao Li-Wei , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: February 2019

Lung cancer (LC), which includes small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), is common and has a high fatality rate. This study aimed to reveal the prognostic mechanisms of LC. GSE30219 was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and included 293 LC samples and 14 normal lung samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Limma package, and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis using DAVID. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the DEGs were predicted using Webgestalt. Cytoscape software was used to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and to identify significant network modules. Survival analysis was conducted using Survminer and Survival packages, and validation was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The good and poor prognosis groups contained 518 DEGs. miR-190, miR-493, and miR-218 for the upregulated genes and miR-302, miR-200, and miR-26 for the downregulated genes were predicted. Three network modules (module 1, 2, and 3) were identified from the PPI network. CDK1, MCM10, and NDC80 were the core nodes of module 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In module 1, CDK1 interacted with both CCNB1 and CCNB2. Additionally, CDK1, CCNB1, CCNB2, MCM10, and NDC80 expression levels correlated with clinical survival and were identified as DEGs in both GSE30219 and the TCGA dataset. miR-190, miR-493, miR-218, miR-200, and miR-302 might act in LC by targeting the DEGs. CDK1, CCNB1, CCNB2, MCM10, and NDC80 might also influence the prognosis of LC.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce granulopoiesis and early monocyte polarization in the bone marrow of a tMCAO rat model
Authors: Horváth Emőke , Huțanu Adina , Orădan Alex , Chiriac Liviu , Muntean Daniela Lucia , Nagy Előd-Ernő , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Experimental acute cerebral ischemia quickly triggers circulating inflammatory cells, provoking infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in the damaged brain region. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids alleviate the ischemic deterioration, however, their potential effect on bone marrow cell mobilization is less known.

Materials and methods: healthy male Wistar rats were submitted to intraperitoneal saline injection (n=10, sham Group), transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and saline injection (n=10, placebo Group), tMCAO and highly purified fish-oil administration (n=10, T Group). At the two latter groups, twenty-four hours after tMCAO, MRI scans were performed to identify the ischemic regions; the eligible animals were sacrificed, the left parietal bones being removed and subjected to qualitative and quantitative histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results: The active hematopoietic surface was maximal at the T-Group, being significantly lower in the P- and S-Groups (p=0.006 and p= 0.017). The MPO positive surface increased significantly in the T-compared to the S-Group (22.57± 0.86 % vs. 18.87± 0.68%, p= 0.004). Arg1 expression was significantly higher (p=0.001), while iNOS expression was lower (p=0.004) in the T- than in the P-Group, but similar to the S-group. The Arg1/iNOS2 ratio was higher in the FO-treated than in the P-group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: the ischemic conditions triggered granulopoiesis and the increase of iNOS2 positive, type M1 macrophage in the rat bone marrow. Fish-oil treatment generated the expansion of overall hematopoietic surface along with normalization of iNOS2, up-regulating the potentially protective Arg1 positive M2 type macrophages and causing a significant shift in the M2/M1 ratio.
Assessment of Serum Ischemia-modified albumin, Prolidase and Thiol-Disulphide Levels in Subjects With Breast Cancer
Authors: Abusoglu Sedat , Eryavuz Duygu , Bal Ceylan , Nural Cemil , Ozcan Erel , Yildirimel Mehmet , Celik Saadet , Unlu Ali
Published: February 2019

Background: Oxidative damage is of great importance for patients with breast cancer. Thus, studies were performed to identify the relationship between breast cancer and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Objectives: In this study, our aim was to find out the oxidative and antioxidant status, serum thiol-disulphide levels in subjects with breast cancer.

Methods: This study was conducted between March and June 2018 with 82 control subjects (aged between 32-67 years) and 127 breast cancer patients (aged between 27-66 years) (p=0.058) in Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey. Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase, prolidase were analyzed with kinetic spectrophotometric and thiol-disulphide, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), ceruloplasmin were detected by colorimetric methods.

Results: Serum levels of catalase [199.3 (16.4-489.9) vs 81.6 (18.2-322.9) (kU/L)], MPO [124±28 vs 101±31 U/L], disulphide [25 (11-61) vs 18 (2-41) µmol/L], IMA [0.66 (0.31-3.30) vs 0.62 (0.19-1.31) absorbance unit (ABSU)] and prolidase levels [2217±538 vs 1456±401 U/L] were higher in patients than control subjects (For all p<0.001 except for IMA p=0.031). Native thiol [342±60 vs 391±52 µmol/L] and total thiol levels [396±56 vs 430±52 µmol/L] were lower in patients compared with the control group (For all p<0.001).

Conclusions: Levels of serum thiol/disulphide and prolidase might be reliable indicators for determining oxidative status in certain patient populations.
EVIDENCIA PRELIMINAR DEL EFECTO BORDE EN ANFÍBIOS DE LA RESERVA NACIONAL PUCACURO, AL NORTE DE LA AMAZONÍA PERUANA
Authors: Rojas Zamora Rommel Roberto , PÉREZ PEÑA Pedro E.
Published: February 2019

Los anfibios son organismos que poseen una sensible relación con la degradación de hábitats y pueden ser usados como bioindicadores. En este trabajo usamos datos preliminares de una evaluación rápida en la Reserva Nacional Pucacuro, Perú, para probar la influencia del efecto borde en anfibios e identificar potenciales especies indicadoras. Calculamos y comparamos estadísticamente la abundancia, riqueza, tamaños y fluctuaciones espaciales en especies de anfibios en tres zonas de muestreo a tres distancias (Borde, 100 y 200 metros) de áreas deforestadas. Nuestros resultados sugieren la existencia de diferencias en abundancia, riqueza y fluctuaciones espaciales de anfibios en relación con las distancias y sugiere un efecto borde al menos hasta los 100 metros de un área deforestada. Como potenciales especies indicadoras fueron identificadas Rhinella margaritifera, Chiasmocleis bassleri y especies de Pristimantis. A pesar de tratarse de una evaluación rápida, nuestros datos sugieren una fuerte tendencia de cambios espaciales en la riqueza y abundancia de anfibios a diferentes distancias de un área deforestada.
DIAGNOSIS KESULITAN MAHASISWA DI UNIVERSITAS KUNINGAN DALAM PEMBUKTIAN MENGGUNAKAN INDUKSI MATEMATIKA BESERTA UPAYA MENGATASINYA MENGGUNAKAN SCAFFOLDING
Authors: Taufik Azin
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to describe the difficulties of students in the proof using mathematical induction as well as efforts to resolve it using the Scaffolding. Scaffolding is providing assistance given by teachers or peers who are more capable to students so that they can reach their potential level. This study uses a qualitative research design types of case studies, where data is obtained in the form of observations sheet test and an interview with the subject. The subject is based on the results of diagnostic tests that are classified according to type of error is then taken of each group of students as subjects. Based on the research, found the location of the difficulties experienced by students in the proof of proposition using mathematical induction, namely the difficulty in manipulating algebra to show the truth of Pk + 1. Of these difficulties, students are given the scaffolding in accordance with the difficulties faced by each student. Depth scaffolding scaffolding provided is a second level that is explaining, reviewing and restructuring and third tiers of scaffolding that is developing conceptual thinking. The advice given by researchers is the teacher must give emphasis or affirmation special steps to make assumptions and define a form Pk + 1, the student must master the other concepts that relate to a given problem, so as to make the connection between Pk and Pk +1, and similar studies should be conducted with more depth on other types of problems, such as conjecture. Keywords: Diagnosis difficulty, Mathematical Induction, Scaffolding
PENERAPAN STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES (MI) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN DAN DISPOSISI MATEMATIS SISWA SMP
Authors: Ariany Riva Lesta , Dahlan Jarnawi Afgani , Dewanto Stanley -
Published: February 2019

Abstrak Eksperimen kontrol grup  pretes postes untuk mengetahui kemampuan penalaran dan disposisi matematis. Penelitian melibatkan 72 orang siswa kelas VII SMP di Ciamis. Penelitian menemukan bahwa siswa yang belajar menggunakan pembelajaran MI lebih baik dari pada siswa yang belajar menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional dalam meningkatkan kemampuan penalaran.  MI meningkatkan kemampuan penalaran siswa, peningkatannya lebih baik dari pada yang konvensional. Terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan penalaran matematis pada siswa yang menggunakan MI berdasarkan kategori KAM. Penemuan lainnya adalah mengajar dengan MI lebih baik  dari pada konvensional terhadap disposisi siswa. Kata Kunci : MI, Penalaran Matematis, Disposisi.
Perceptions of Namibian College of Open Learning learners' self-regulated skills
Authors: Geduld Bernadette , Iiyambo Selma
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a case study of tutor and learner perceptions of Grade 10 Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) learners’ self-regulated learning (SRL) skills to achieve academic success. Zimmerman and Moylan’s (2009) model of SRL, grounded in social cognitive theory, formed the theoretical framework of the study. A qualitative research design, guided by a phenomenological case study in an interpretivist paradigm, was used to explore the perceptions of tutors and learners regarding the Grade 10 NAMCOL learners’ SRL skills to cope with the challenges of open distance learning (ODL). Three NAMCOL centres, six tutors and 15 learners were conveniently and purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The findings reveal discrepancies between tutors’ and learners’ perceptions of Grade 10 NAMCOL learners’ SRL skills to cope with ODL and to achieve academic success. The findings underline the importance of academic support for ODL learners as well as the development of tutors’ knowledge and use of SRL teaching strategies to foster SRL learning, self- directed learning and academic success. Recommendations are offered to the Namibian Ministry of Education to improve the infrastructure of ODL centres and to NAMCOL to adapt their curriculum design and tutor training. Further studies should be conducted to explore academic and institutional support for NAMCOL learners.