bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business problems encountered when developing an own business in a financially constrained environment: The north-eastern regions of Namibia
Authors: Mukata C M , Swanepoel E
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine the macroeconomic environment of the poorest areas in Namibia, the Caprivi and Kavango regions, and to empirically investigate the problems experienced in developing an own business, specifically in the two largest towns Katima Mulilo and Rundu. First, a macroeconomic analysis of the Caprivi and Kavango regions was conducted to determine the potential for SME growth. It was found that there was no database of businesses in the two largest towns. Subsequently, a census of all the businesses (972) was conducted, from which a random sample of 176 businesses was drawn. The Mann- Whitney, Goodman and Kruskalâ€™s tau and Kendallâ€™s tau-b tests were used to test for differences in problems between the two towns. The major problems encountered in developing businesses were a lack of technical training, a lack of management training, a lack of credit for working capital, low demand and a lack of customers. Significant differences were found between the two towns with regard to major problems encountered. This is the first paper exploring problems experienced by SMEs in the remote regions of Namibia. Interventions such as a training centre for small business management training should be established in the two towns.
The ethical awareness of the leadership of South African business schools: Do they set the tone?
Authors: Louw T
Published: February 2019

This paper explores the ethical awareness of the leadership of South African business schools. A questionnaire was distributed electronically to the top leadership of these business schools. The biographical characteristics of respondents were analysed to develop an ethical awareness score for each respondent. This score was used to determine whether respondentsâ€™ ethical awareness was above average and whether ethical awareness was affected by level of qualification or teaching experience. The results indicate that the leadership of South African business schools seem not to be sufficiently ethically aware to ensure that their business schools contribute to improved business ethics education and ethical business practices.
Reflection on Otto Sera Mbangula: Does the Truth Matter?
Authors: Mosala Itumeleng
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article presents a reflection on the contribution that the Reverend Otto Sera Mbangula made to the Black Methodist Consultation, a formation within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The particular question that is explored is: Does the truth matter? Importantly, the reflection on the ministry of the Rev. Mbangula is presented against the background of Marxist ideology with a view to highlighting the ideals that Mbangula held.
İRAN’DA SEÇİLMİŞ BANKALARIN ETKİNLİK ANALİZİ: 2013-2016 DOĞU AZERBAYCAN ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: HAJIHASSANIASL Saeid , NASIRI Nasser
Published: February 2019

Firma faaliyetlerinin
iyileşmesindeki en önemli ilke, performans ölçümüdür. Finansal kurumlar ve
özellikle ticari ve uzman bankaların, ülkelerin ekonomik ve toplumsal
gelişmelerindeki rolleri çok büyüktür. Bu nedenle, bu kurumların performans
analizi de çok büyük önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın temel amacı 2013-2016
yıllar arası İran’ın Doğu Azerbaycan ilindeki seçilmiş sekiz ticari ve uzman bankanın
performans etkinliğini ölçmektir. Çalışmada yöntem olarak doğrusal programlama
temelli olan Veri Zarflama Analizi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonuçlarına göre,
incelenen bütün yıllarda, ölçek etkinsizliği, teknik etkinsizlikten daha büyük
olup ve hemen hemen bütün yıllarda ortalama yönetimsel etkinlik ortalama ölçek
etkinlikten daha büyük olmuştur. Bu nedenle incelenen bankaların optimum
ölçekte faaliyet yapmama problemi, yönetimsel etkinsizlikten daha şiddetlidir
sonucu ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu bağlamda, bankalar ölçek büyüklüklerini dikkate
alarak, mevcut kaynakları daha etkin bir şekilde kullanılmaları önerilmektedir.
KAJIAN POLA TANAM PADA LAHAN GAMBUT KECAMATAN SUNGAI RAYA KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA
Authors: . Karnadi
Published: February 2019

AbstrakDaerah Desa Limbung merupakan salah satudaerah rawa yang dipengaruhi oleh pasang surut yang terletak di KecamatanSungai Raya Kabupaten Kubu Raya yang saat ini sebagian besar belum dikembangkandan dimanfaatkan menjadi lahan pertanian. Hal ini menyebabkan masih rendahnyapendapatan penduduk dalam memproduksi hasil pertaniannya. Untuk itu, setelahdilakukan perbaikan dalam hal pola tanam, yakni dalam pemilihan jenis tanamandan jadwal penanaman yang tepat diharapkan dapat meningkatkan produksi hasilpertanian dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan hidup para petani Kecamatan SungaiRaya Kabupaten Kubu Raya, khususnya untuk Desa Limbung. Dalam penelitian ini,untuk menganalisi permasalahan yang ada diperlukan data primer dan datasekunder. Data primer meliputi data pergerakan pasang surut di lapangan selama27 jam dan data pola tanam yang biasa dilakukan oleh petani Desa Limbung. Untukdata sekunder meliputi data hidrologi dan klimatologi serta data pergerakanpasang surut. Analisis yang akan dilakukan meliputi analisis hidrometri, analisishidrologi, analisis pola tanam dan analisis pengelolaan air. Hasil akhirdidapat bahwa untuk daerah Desa Limbung masih dipengaruhi adanya pasang surutair laut dengan ketinggian spring tide 181,00 cm dan neap tide51,00 cm. Dari analisis kebutuhan air tanaman dengan beberapa alternatif polatanam, didapat pola tanam yang paling baik dengan kebutuhan air tanaman per haripaling terkecil adalah pola tanam Jagung Jagung Jagung dengan kebutuhan airsebesar 4,37 mm/hari dan pola tanam Padi Padi Padi dengan kebutuhan airsebesar 4,58 mm/hari. Berdasarkan zona pengelolaan air yang ada di daerah DesaLimbung dapat dibedakan dua zona pengelolaan air yaitu ZPA I (tanamanperkebunan) dan ZPA VIII (tanaman padi tadah hujan). Sumber air untuk memenuhikebutuhan air tanaman berasal dari saluran tersier yang terdapat di arealpertanian.Kata-kata kunci: pasangsurut, pola tanam, kebutuhan air tanaman
Autochemistry: A Research Paradigm Based on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
Authors: Gressling Thorsten
Published: February 2019

Artificial Intelligence technologies affect every domain and process in industry. Many solutions with different maturity levels have been created or are in development. With this paper we collect initiatives in the domain of chemical science and bring these resources together into a common process model. We define ten building blocks, analyse their role in the architecture and evaluate their impact to the current system. Finally we discuss the changes and the transition that occurs to the lab worker and the chemist.

This paper introduces Autochemistry as a meme and for further development and discussion. We just can provide a first sketch to this exciting new area of scientific principles changing the anthropocentric fundament of chemistry research to a technocentric one.
Structure and Charge Transport Properties of CycloParaPhenylene Monolayers on Graphite
Authors: Pérez-Guardiola Andrés , Sancho-Garcia Juan-Carlos , Muccioli Luca , Jimenez Angel Jose Perez
Published: February 2019

We theoretically investigate, by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations employing a tailored and benchmarked force field, the nanoscale organization of cycloparaphenylene molecules when physisorbed on a graphite surface. The landing of a single molecule is first considered, to progressively deposit more molecules to finally reach the full coverage of the surface. This protocol allows to study, consequently, the mechanism and structural pattern of their self-aggregation. The interfacial morphologies obtained are then analyzed in terms of the electronic coupling between neighboring molecules, allowing thus to provide information about the associated charge-transfer phenomena which could take place in these highly organized monomolecular layers.
Unveiling Pathway Complexity in the Growth of a Spin-Crossover MOF via Engineered Liquid-Liquid Interfacial Reactions
Authors: Calvo Galve Néstor , Abrishamkar Afshin , Sorrenti Alessandro , Coronado Eugenio , deMello Andrew J. , Minguez Espallargas Guillermo , Puigmartí-Luis Josep
Published: February 2019

Coordination polymers (CPs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have recently emerged as a platform to design new materials with novel applications in fields such as electronics, magnetism, catalysis, optics and gas storage/separation. However, the pathways followed and the mechanisms underlying their formation remain largely unknown and unresolved. Accordingly, the elucidation of associated growth mechanisms remains the key obstacle in accessing new properties and functions in such materials. Herein, we demonstrate that reaction-diffusion (RD) conditions accomplished within microfluidic reaction systems can be used to uncover different crystallization pathways undertaken by spin-crossover MOFs towards their thermodynamic products. Specifically, microfluidic RD mixing (providing kinetic control) enables two peculiar nucleation-growth pathways characterized by well-defined metastable intermediates, which have never been observed in bulk environments (under thermodynamic control). Contrarily, in the latter case, crystallization by particle attachment (mesoscale assembly) is observed. These unprecedented results provide a sound basis for understanding coordination polymer growth, and open up new avenues for the engineering of advanced functional materials.
A Partially-Planarised Hole-Transporting Quart-p-Phenylene for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mora-Fuentes Juan P. , Cortizo-Lacalle Diego , Collavini Silvia , Strutyński Karol , Tress Wolfgang R. , Saliba Michael , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Kosta Ivet , Melle-Franco Manuel , Grätzel Michael , Delgado Juan Luis , Mateo-Alonso Aurelio
Published: February 2019

Herein, we describe the synthesis of a hole transporting material based on a partially planarised quart-p-phenylene core incorporating tetraketal and diphenylamine substituents that show optimal energy levels and solubility for perovskite solar cell applications. Triple-cation perovskite devices incorporating such quart-p-phenylene derivative show power-conversion efficiencies, short circuit currents, open circuit voltages, and fill factors that are comparable to those of spiro-OMeTAD.
High-Throughput Assessment of Hypothetical Zeolite Materials for Their Synthesizability and Industrial Deployability
Authors: Zimmermann Nils , Salcedo Perez Jose Luis , Haranczyk Maciej
Published: February 2019

Zeolites are important microporous framework materials, where 200+ structures are known to exist and many millions so-called hypothetical materials can be computationally created. Here, we screen the “Deem” database of hypothetical zeolite structures to find experimentally feasible and industrially relevant materials. We use established and existing criteria and structure descriptors (lattice energy, local interatomic distances, TTT angles), and we develop new criteria which are based on 5-th neighbor distances to T-atoms, tetrahedral order parameters (or, tetrahedrality), and porosity and channel dimensionality. Our filter funnel for screening the most attractive zeolite materials that we construct consists of 9 different types of criteria and a total of 53 subcriteria. The funnel reduces the pool of candidate materials from initially >300,000 to 24 and 11, respectively, depending on the channel dimensionality constraint applied (2- and 3-dimensional vs only 3-dimensional channels). We find that it is critically important to define longer range and more stringent criteria such as the new 5-th neighbor distances to T-atoms and the tetrahedrality descriptor in order to succeed in reducing the huge pool of candidates to a manageable number. Apart from one experimentally achieved structure (SSF), all other candidates are hypothetical frameworks, thus, representing most valuable targets for synthesis and application. Detailed analysis of the screening data allowed us to also propose an exciting future direction how such screening studies as ours could be improved and how framework generating algorithms could be competitively optimized.
Main constraints for RNAi induced by expressed long dsRNA in mouse cells
Authors: Demeter Tomas , Vaskovicova Michaela , Malik Radek , Horvat Filip , Pasulka Josef , Svobodova Eliska , Flemr Matyas , Svoboda Petr
Published: February 2019

RNAi is the sequence-specific mRNA degradation guided by siRNAs produced from long dsRNA by RNase Dicer. Proteins executing RNAi are present in mammalian cells but rather sustain the microRNA pathway. Aiming for a systematic analysis of mammalian RNAi, we report here that the main bottleneck for RNAi efficiency is the production of functional siRNAs, which integrates Dicer activity, dsRNA structure, and siRNA targeting efficiency. Unexpectedly, increased expression of Dicer cofactors TARBP2 or PACT reduces RNAi but not microRNA function. Elimination of protein kinase R, a key dsRNA sensor in the interferon response, had minimal positive effects on RNAi activity in fibroblasts. Without high Dicer activity, RNAi can still occur when the initial Dicer cleavage of the substrate yields an efficient siRNA. Efficient mammalian RNAi may use substrates with some features of microRNA precursors, merging both pathways even more than previously suggested. Although optimized endogenous Dicer substrates mimicking miRNA features could evolve for endogenous regulations, the same principles would make antiviral RNAi inefficient as viruses would adapt to avoid efficacy.
Developing English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teaching materials: a needs analysis of novice teachers
Authors: Silva Larissa Goulart da , Vial Ana Paula Seixas , Sarmento Simone
Published: February 2019

Abstract

The Language without Borders (LwB) Programme is an educational policy which aims at promoting English learning at universities as well as promoting opportunities for teacher development. LwB teachers have to prepare their own English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teaching materials. Taking this into account, we seek to understand how the LwB Programme prepares these teachers to create EAP materials and  if they encounter any difficulties. A needs analysis was carried out through online surveys and semi-structured interviews. The former was sent to LwB teachers from all over Brazil, and the latter was conducted with teachers from one university. Based on the results we suggest some topics that could be addressed in the pedagogical meetings to address these teachers’ needs.

Keywords: English for academic purposes, teacher training, Languages without Borders.

 

O desenvolvimento de materiais didáticos de Inglês para Fins Acadêmicos (IFA): uma análise das necessidades de professores iniciantes

 Resumo

O Programa Idiomas em Fronteiras (IsF) é uma política educacional que busca promover a aprendizagem de inglês na universidade e ser uma oportunidade de formação de professores, pois os professores-bolsistas do IsF devem preparar seu próprios materiais didáticos de Inglês para Fins Acadêmicos (IFA). Levando isso em consideração, buscamos entender como o Programa IsF prepara esses professores para elaborar materiais de IFA e se encontram dificuldades. Para tanto, foi conduzida uma análise de necessidades através de questionários online e entrevistas. Os questionários foram enviados para professores IsF de todo o Brasil e as entrevistas foram realizadas com professores de uma universidade. Com base nos resultados, sugerimos tópicos que podem ser trabalhados nas reuniões pedagógicas para responder às necessidades dos professores.

Palavras-chave: Inglês para fins acadêmicos; formação de professores; Idiomas sem Fronteiras.
Lazer no livro didático de inglês: identidades de classe social
Authors: Nascimento Gabriel , Mastrella-de-Andrade Mariana Rosa
Published: February 2019

Resumo
Considerando que as identidades são construções, formadas na língua, por meio dos discursos (NORTON, 2000); que o livro didático (LD) é figura de autoridade na sala de aula (CORACINI, 1999); e que, em geral, os LDs trazem o lazer como tema de suas unidades (TÍLIO, 2006), neste trabalho temos como objetivo analisar a maneira como a temática lazer no livro didático contribui para a construção de identidades de classe social, naturalizando desigualdades e reforçando a imagem de uma sociedade idealizada e livre de problemas.
Palavras-chave: identidades; livro didático; classe social.
 
Leisure activities in English textbooks: social class identity construction
 Abstract
Considering that identities are constructions, formed in the language through discourses (NORTON, 20000); that textbooks are figures of authority in the language classroom (CORACINI, 1999) and that, in general, they include ‘leisure activities’ in their units and contents (TÍLIO, 2006), in this article we aim at analyzing how the topic leisure in English textbooks contributes to the construction of social class identities, naturalizing inequalities and reinforcing the image of an idealized, problem-free society.
Keywords: Identities; textbooks; social class.
O ensino da Língua Estrangeira como ferramenta para a emancipação das pessoas da Educação de Jovens e Adultos: potencialidades e reflexões
Authors: Vinal Junior José Veiga
Published: February 2019

Resumo

Neste artigo buscamos, traçar algumas reflexões relativas ao uso da língua estrangeira como ferramenta para a emancipação das pessoas da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA). Nesse processo, abordamos o conceito de emancipação e correlacionamos as possíveis ligações entre ensino e aprendizagem de língua estrangeira e suas potencialidades como instrumento social para os sujeitos da EJA. Também apontamos problemáticas e desafios que impossibilitam ou que dificultam  a percepção do ensino da língua estrangeira como instrumento auxiliar no processo emancipatório das pessoas da EJA. Tratamos ainda de questões metodológicas e da importância da formação do professor de língua estrangeira.

Palavras-chave: emancipação, ensino de língua estrangeira, educação de jovens e adultos

 

Abstract

This article aims to reflect upon the use of a foreign language as a tool for helping people from the Youth and Adult Education (EJA) programs in Brazil in their process of emancipation. In doing so, we discuss the concept of emancipation and the possible relation between the process of teaching and learning foreign languages and its possibilities as a social instrument for people involved in the youth and adult education. In addition to that, we highlight some issues and challenges that interfere in the emancipation process of Youth and Adult Education students through the teaching of foreign languages. We also discuss methodological issues and the importance of foreign language teacher training.

Keywords: emancipation, foreign languages teaching, youth and adult education
O vídeo-digital em uma proposta de leitura em língua materna sob um enfoque discursivo
Authors: Raimo Luciana Cristina Dias di
Published: February 2019

Considerando o impacto das tecnologias digitais em práticas de leitura, apresentaremos uma abordagem discursiva de um vídeo disponibilizado no sítio eletrônico de Veja a respeito da cobertura da morte de Eduardo Campos. Na prática de leitura implementada, vale destacar que o vídeo nos permitiu problematizar alguns aspectos: (i) o efeito de evidência produzido pelo/no jornalismo eletrônico como modalidade na qual a informação é sintética e capaz de atingir sujeitos-leitores em larga escala; (ii) o processo de textualização do vídeo que se constitui não por um registro de uma série de ações, mas sim a partir da combinação de cenas congeladas do velório que organizam relações de contradições em torno do visível (cenas do velório) e do dito.
As metafunções textual, ideacional e interpessoal em textos multimodais de livros didáticos de espanhol
Authors: Pinheiro Larisse Lázaro Santos , Ferraz Janaina Aquino
Published: February 2019

Este artigo analisa como os textos multimodais e as metafunções estão inseridas no LD de espanhol. A pesquisa é centrada nos pressupostos teóricos da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional de Halliday (1978), base teórica dos estudos da Teoria da Semiótica Social/Multimodalidade (KRESS; van LEEUWEN, 2006) e Análise de Clusters (BALDRY; THIBAULT, 2006), que definem o texto multimodal como aquele que tem seus significados realizados por várias semioses. O artigo configura-se como uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa em que se privilegia a (re)interpretação de dados. As análises permitem reflexão sobre a composição dos textos multimodais no LD, demonstrando as peculiaridades inerentes à sua composição e como a língua é entendida como parte do contexto sociocultural.
Palavras-chave: Textos multimodais. Metafunções. Livro didático.
Abstract
This paper analyzes how the multimodal texts and metafunctions are inserted in the LD Spanish. The research is focused on the theoretical Systemic Functional Linguistics Halliday (1978), the basis of studies of the Theory of Social Semiotics / Multimodality (KRESS; van LEEUWEN, 2006) and Cluster Analysis (BALDRY; THIBAULT, 2006), define the multimodal text as one that has its meanings carried by several semiosis. The article is configured as a qualitative research that focuses on the (re) interpretation of data. The analyzes allow reflection on the composition of multimodal texts in LD, showing the peculiarities inherent to its composition, and how language is understood as part of sociocultural context.
Keywords: Multimodal texts. Metafunctions. Textbook.
A Revision Model in Writing for Novice Writers with a Focus on Audience and Feedback
Authors: Turgut Dost Guliz
Published: February 2019

Revision is a complex, yet important phase in writing to improve the quality of a text. Some revision models are created in order to explain its components and the ways these components work. However, analysis of available models shows that they are proposed mainly for expert writers, who can complete the complex revision process individually, without the need of support or feedback. Most of the available models also do not include audience as a component. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative revision model for novice writers at or higher than high-school level with a focus on audience and feedback. Firstly, definition of revision is made, which is followed by summaries of importance of audience and feedback in writing. Secondly, available revision models in literature that serves as the basis of the alternative model are reviewed. Finally, the alternative revision model is introduced with its components and the way these components work is explained. The revision model presented in this paper will contribute to literature on writing by filling the gap in revision models by proposing a model for novice writers and highlighting the importance of audience and feedback.
Educational Collectivization:A New Exploration of Modern School System
Authors: Wang Yutian
Published: February 2019

The construction of modern school system has rich connotation, its essence is system innovation, the core is the construction of school internal management system.It is also a dynamic improvement process. Shanghai is one of the leading cities to run schools in collectivization in China. Through innovative collectivization of school running content, it has increasingly become an innovation mechanism of regional education governance, which not only complies with the construction of modern school system, but also plays an important role in promoting modern school governance in reform and practice. This research believes that educational collectivization is a new exploration of modern school system construction, and provides a reference for future research.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Self-Directed Learning untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemahaman Matematis Mahasiswa
Authors: Zamnah Lala Nailah , Ruswana Angra Meta
Published: February 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah peningkatan kemampuan pemahaman matematis mahasiswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran Self-Directed Learning dan mahasiswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan konvensional. Penelitian ini melibatkan dua kelas. Kelas pertama memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran Self-Directed Learning dan kelas kedua memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan konvensional. Untuk mendapatkan data hasil penelitian digunakan instrumen berupa tes kemampuan pemahaman matematis. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika Universitas Galuh mahasiswa semester 2 tahun akademik 2017/2018. Analisis data dilakukan terhadap rataan gain ternormalisasi kedua kelompok sampel dengan menggunakan uji perbedaan rataan gain ternormalisasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan pemahaman matematis mahasiswa antara mahasiswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran self-directed learning dengan mahasiswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran menggunakan konvensional.
Pengembangan Pembelajaran Scientific Berbasis Multirepresentasi Untuk Menunjang Pembelajaran Matematika dalam Kurikulum 2013
Authors: Husna Nurul , Nurhayati Nurhayati
Published: February 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan scientific berbasis multirepresentasi dalam kurikulum 2013. Secara rinci tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan modul yang menunjang pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan scientific dalam kurikulum 2013 dan menjelaskan keterpakaian modul yang dikembangkan untuk menunjang pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan scientific dalam kurikulum 2013, dan melihat keterlaksanaan Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP) dalam menerapkan modul scientific berbasis multirepresentasi di SMP. Adapun target yang dicapai melalui penelitian ini adalah terbitnya sebuah karya ilmiah yang dapat memberi wawasan dan pengetahuan bagi pembaca melalui publikasi ilmiah dalam jurnal ber-ISSN dan terdaftar dalam Hak Kekayaan Intelektual (HKI). Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model pengembangan 4D tanpa tahap Dissemination. Populasi penelitian adalah semua siswa kelas VII SMP di Kota Singkawang. Dari populasi yang ada dipilih dua SMP di Kota Singkawang yang menjadi sampel penelitian melalui teknik random sampling. Satu kelas VII yang berada di kedua SMP tersebut diberikan pembelajaran dengan pendekatan scientific berbasis multirepresentasi. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui teknik tes dan non tes. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan pembelajaran scientific berbasis multirepresentasi dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa, modul scientific berbasis multirepresentasi mendapatkan respon yang sangat baik oleh siswa dan memberikan pengaruh terhadap peningkatan hasil belajar siswa, serta Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP) dengan menggunakan modul scientific berbasis multirepresentasi terlaksana dengan sangat baik di kelas VII SMP.
Microbial Ecotoxicology As An Emerging Research Subject
Authors:   The University of Hong Kong, Gu Ji-Dong
Published: February 2019

Microorganisms play an important role in cycling of elements of ecosystems, including a wide range of chemical pollutants from anthropogenic origin. These pollutants in ecosystems, particularly aquatic, and sediment and soils, are in different physical and chemical forms in association with the inorganic and organic constituents of the sediment and soils, resulting in variable availability of them to microorganisms for assimilation and transformation. A thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the physical and chemical states of them in the environments requires detailed information of both the bioavailable pollutant concentration and also the metabolic capability of the microorganisms to assess the ecological and environmental toxicity of these pollutants meaningfully. Apart from the primary role as decomposers, microorganisms are qualified to be sensitive indicators for environmental pollution, and ecological health and ecotoxicity of pollutants because of their very short generation time and quickly response to chemical pollutants than higher and large organisms. When used for testing with the same strain, different laboratories can generate high reproducible results to allow comparison of the data feasible, not mention the reduction in cost. Based on the current advances made on genomics analysis and bioinformatics, microbial genomes are easily assembled with the technologies available to providing useful transcriptomic and metabolic annotations, expression and prediction to allow advance toxicological to another level.
Sobrevida de mulheres com câncer de colo uterino em um centro de referência do sul do Brasil
Authors: Alves Rafael José Vargas , Watte Guilherme , Garcez Anderson da Silva , Armando António , Motta Neiro Waechter da , Zelmanowicz Alice de Medeiros
Published: February 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida global de mulheres com câncer de colo do útero (CCU) em um serviço de referência do sul do Brasil.

Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, realizado no Hospital Santa Rita (Porto Alegre/RS) com mulheres com diagnóstico de CCU entre 2005 e 2006. Os dados foram do registro de câncer coletados de todas as pacientes com CCU (CID 10: C53). Os dados referentes à incidência e a mortalidade foram coletados em 01/03/2013. As variáveis idade, estadiamento e tipo de tratamento foram utilizadas na análise de sobrevida. Os dados de mortalidade foram comparados com o banco de dados do NIS/DAT/CEVS/SES/RS.

Resultados: No período entre 2005-2006, um total de 269 casos analíticos foram analisados que tinham informações de estadiamento completo. A média de idade foi 50 ± 13 anos, 71% apresentavam estadiamento II-III no início do tratamento. Carcinoma epidermóide foi a histologia mais prevalente (90%). Até março de 2013, 110 mulheres (40,8%) foram a óbito e a sobrevida global em 5 anos foi de 67% (IC 95%: 62-71%). A sobrevida global em 5 anos diminuiu conforme o nível de estadiamento sendo de 83%, 74%, 51% e 23% para os estágios I, II, III e IV, respectivamente.

Conclusão: A sobrevida geral das pacientes com CCU foi de 67%. Esses resultados sao semelhantes aos dados de países desenvolvidos.
Necrólise epidérmica tóxica associada ao uso de nivolumabe: um relato de caso
Authors: Reichow Sandro Laércio , Dagnoni Carini , Maieski Amanda
Published: February 2019

Imunoterapia com nivolumabe para o tratamento de segunda linha para câncer de pulmão avançado demonstrou menor toxicidade e melhores desfechos, em comparação com quimioterapia. Quando ocorrem, os eventos adversos são geralmente imuno-mediados, podendo acometer qualquer órgão e, na maioria das vezes são manejáveis, entretanto raros casos podem ser fatais. Há poucos relatos na literatura de necrólise epidérmica tóxica ocasionada por nivolumabe. O objetivo do presente relato de caso é descrever a história clínica de uma paciente que desenvolveu esta reação após uso desta medicação e discorrer uma breve revisão da literatura sobre sua etiologia e medidas terapêuticas, tendo em vista sua raridade e gravidade. São parte essencial do sucesso do tratamento a detecção precoce dos sintomas/sinais e rápido manejo dos mesmos.
Exploring the link between anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse for performance improvement and hepatocellular carcinoma: a literature review
Authors: Coelho Rafael Corrêa , dos Santos Fernandes Gustavo , Sternberg Cinthya
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) corresponds to 90% of primary malignant liver cell carcinomas and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.

Objective: This compilation of cases aimed to identify evidence of correlation between anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) abuse for performance improvement by healthy subjects and HCC.

Methods: We performed a literature review and identified 935, 1148, 12 and 3 articles in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Lilacs, respectively. Only studies, reviews and case reports evaluating the association between androgens and hepatocarcinoma were included with no restrictions in time span or language. Further on, we excluded studies and case reports which patients were receiving therapeutic androgens and collected data only of those reporting androgen intake to improve physical performance.

Results: Six articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, excluding the duplicates. HCC onset after AAS abuse seems to occur at earlier ages than those related to chronic hepatitis B/C, chronic alcohol consumption and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Timeframe ranged from two to seven years in the cases reports presented here. Many AAS subtypes were used by patients depicted in the case reports, so it is difficult to conclude if a specific AAS is safer or more harmful than the other. Carcinogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, but pre-clinical evidence shows that androgen receptors and oxidative stress may play a pivotal role in its development.

Conclusion: The evidence that HCC has been linked to long term AAS abuse for performance improvement is scant but some association is suggested. AAS must be taken only under specialized supervision and the putative correlation with HCC calls for public policies to make high risk populations aware of the risks of misuse and self-administration.
FOLFIRINOX for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Brazil: a single-institution experience
Authors: Mota José Mauricio , Silva Andre Henares Campos , Franco Andre Silva , Talans Aley , Ribeiro-Ferreira Felipe , de Castria Tiago Biachi , Sabbaga Jorge , Hoff Paulo M.
Published: February 2019

Objective: Data is lacking about FOLFIRINOX use for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in emerging countries. The objective of this study was to report outcomes of efficacy and safety in the setting of a South American institution.

Methods: Patients treated with FOLFIRINOX for metastatic or locally advanced pancreatic cancer at Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (Brazil), between November 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics, safety, response and overall survival were analyzed.

Results: Sixty-one patients were enrolled (metastatic disease: 31). Median age was 61 years (range 37-74), and 88.5% had ECOG 0 or 1; 90.2% had T3 or T4 tumors and 36.1% had node-positive disease. FOLFIRINOX was given as the first-line treatment in 88.5% of patients, and was discontinued due to disease progression (55.7%), limiting toxicity (31.1%) or maximum benefit (13.1%). Median number of cycles was 10 (range 1-32). Dose reductions occurred in 81.9%. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity were found in 60.6% and were mainly hematological (36%), neuropathy (19.6%), fatigue (8.2%) and diarrhea (14.7%). Two patients had febrile neutropenia. Hospitalization during treatment occurred in 31.1% of cases, with three potential treatment-related deaths. Median overall survival was 16.26 in the full cohort; 13.6 in patients with metastatic disease, and 18.7 months in locally advanced disease. The response rate was 39.3% (32.2% in metastatic disease and 43.3% in locally advanced disease).

Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of grade 3 or 4 toxicities, FOLFIRINOX showed efficacy for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and is an excellent treatment option in emerging countries.
UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN CANADA: CULTURAL CAPITAL AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Authors: Antony-Newman Max
Published: February 2019

This qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian university students in Canada helps to understand their educational experience using the concept of cultural capital put forward by Pierre Bourdieu. It was found that Ukrainian students possess high levels of cultural capital, which provides them with advantage in Canada. Specific patterns of social inequality and state-sponsored obstacles to social reproduction lead to particular ways of acquiring cultural capital in Ukraine represented by a more equitable approach to the availability of print, access to extracurricular activities, and popularity of enriched curriculum. Further research on cultural capital in post-socialist countries is also discussed.
THE MODERN TRENDS IN FUTURE FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS` TRAINING TO ICT USAGE IN THEIR FUTURE CAREER
Authors: Proshkin Vladimir , Glushak Oksana , Mazur Nataliia
Published: February 2019

The analysis of competences that should be formed in the future foreign language teachers by the tools of modern information and communications technologies is presented by the authors. It is been determined that generic (core) competences include: informatics, informational, organizational and methodological competences; profile (specific) competences include the abilities of information and communications technologies usage for such pupils` skills forming as: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The program of electronic study course to support the realization of above-mentioned task is presented. The purpose of the program is to create a modern level of informational and computer culture, acquiring practical skills of application information technologies by teachers and philologists in order to increase the efficiency of the educational process; students of philological specialties and their preparation for the pedagogically effective use of information technology training in further professional activities. The content of the program modules has been given. Module 1. Network technologies in foreign languages, module 2. Office technologies in foreign languages, module 3. Multimedia technologies. The stages of using ICT in education have been identified, they are search, analysis and research of information, software, methodological resources for a lesson preparation with the further discussion; planning of organizational and methodological measures aimed at achieving goals and objectives of a certain lesson type; developing information materials according to the topic and type of lesson using ICT tools; assessment of future foreign language teachers readiness for the introduction of informational materials on the basis of software resources into the learning process. The usage of ICT for listening, speaking, reading and writing skills forming is demonstrated on the examples of software, on-line services and various podcasts.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION AS A PHILOSOPHICAL, SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL CATEGORY
Authors: Onishchuk Irina
Published: February 2019

Foreign language education is one of the priority areas of Ukraine's educational policy. It exists not only for teaching students to acquire a foreign language, but also aims to enrich the inner world of a person, to make it more erudite, bring society to a new level. One of the strategic directions in modernizing of education is the overcoming of reproductive mass education and the transition to a new educational paradigm, which provides cognitive activity and autonomy of thinking of those who study. "The school should teach how to think and teach how to study» - these are the pedagogical imperatives of the modern era.
TEACHER EDUCATORS: FROM “THE HIDDEN PROFESSION” TO REVEALED PROFESSION
Authors: Sysoieva Svitlana , Sokolova Iryna
Published: February 2019

Knowledge about the EU policy regarding teacher educators is of significant interest to both scholars and stakeholders of higher education. The authors of this paper have identified four key areas where the analysis of current trends and the formulation of relevant questions for discussion seem to be particularly important for those involved in teacher education and training. These are the development of our knowledge basis about the EU initiatives on teacher education in Europe, the EU policy regarding teacher educators, the challenges and new trends characterising the role of teacher educators in the initial education and the professional development. This study also concentrates on teacher educators’ status, their profile of core values and areas of competence that underpin teacher educators’ diverse and multifaceted roles.

The paper uses literature review as a basis in identifying critical parameters for the EU policy analysis and its implementation to higher education sector. The European expert study made some very specific proposals for the definition of a teacher educators’ competence profile, making a distinction between first-order and second-order knowledge, skills and attitudes and defining key competence areas. Two key actions to support teacher educators in Member States are characterized: to develop an explicit profile of the competences required by teacher educators; to reinforce collaboration between all the key actors in all phases of teacher education.
IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATIONAL REFORMS DURING THE 1990s IN POLAND: OBSTACLES AND CONDITIONS
Authors: Hryshchuk Yulia
Published: February 2019

The article describes the main directions of educational reforms during the 1990-ies in Poland; analyzed the structure of the educational system in Poland; examined changes being implemented in the system of training teachers; identified obstacles and conditions for implementing reforms during transition period.
HIGHER EDUCATION, QUALITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, EXPERT SUPPORT AND ITS ASSURANCE: THE CANONIZATION OF CONCEPTS (THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL DISCOURSE)
Authors: Batechko Nina
Published: February 2019

The article highlights the peculiarities of the justification of the concept of “quality of education” in modern scientific discourse. At the same time, the investigated phenomenon is presented in the interpretation of the systemic and synergistic approaches. It is noted that the synergy of systematic and synergistic approaches can serve as a theoretical and methodological justification for the quality of education. In the context of systemic and synergetic approaches, modern realities of introducing the basic principles of the quality of education and its expert support in the national higher school are analysed. It has been proved that taking into account the best European principles for ensuring the quality of education and own vision of the solution of the problem will allow accelerating the processes of reforming the education sector in Ukraine.
Аналіз стану зелених насаджень Парку молоді міста Рівне
Authors: Denysyuk Natalya
Published: February 2019

У статті проаналізовано видовий склад зелених насаджень Парку молоді м. Рівне. Визначено, що його дендрофлора нараховує 66 видів, які належать до 23 родин відділів Pinophyta і Magnoliophyta. Найбільшою кількістю видів та форм представлено родини Rosaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Oleaceae, Salicaceae, Aceraceae (74,1 %). Домінують тут Thuja occidentalis, Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Aesculus hippocastanum, Picea pungens, Pinus abies, Salix alba, Robinia pseudoacacia. Серед чагарників переважають Syringa vulgaris, Forsythia suspense (10,02 %). Інтродукованих видів маємо 69,67 % від загальної кількості деревно-чагарникових рослин. За вибагливістю до вологи (за С. С. П’ятницьким, В. Я. Заячуком) дендрофлора парку представлена таким чином: мезофіти – 40,3 %; ксеромезофіти – 30,59 %; ксерофіти – 14,05 %; мезоксерофіти –7,69 %; мезогігрофіти – 6,44 %; гігрофіти – 0,93 %. За вибагливістю до родючості ґрунту екологічні групи деревних і кущових насаджень (за С. С. П’ятницьким) у парку є такими: оліготрофи – 53,73 %; мегатрофи – 28,18 % та мезотрофи – 18,09 %. За вибагливістю до світла (за В. Я. Заячуком) найчисленніші відносно тіньовитривалі, тіньовитривалі та дуже світлолюбні деревно-чагарникові рослини. Установлено, що газостійких дерев і кущів у парку нараховується 61,72 %, середньогазостійких – 11,1 %. У задовільному стані зперебувають 78 % дерев та кущів парку, 15 % – у доброму стані, у незадовільному – 7 %. Більшість дендрофлори (63,8 %) за ознакою довговічності представлено мало- й недовговічними породами дерев і кущів. Це свідчить про потребу часткового оновлення паркового комплексу, доповнення наявного асортименту зелених насаджень довговічними та швидкорослими породами й формами дерев і кущів, стійкими до антропогенних впливів, хвороб та шкідників.
Моніторинг популяцій раритетних видів судинних рослин Черемського природного заповідника (Західне Полісся, Україна)
Authors: Danylyk Ivan , Sosnovska Svitlana , Kuzyarin Oleksandr , Kuzmishyna Iryna , Kotsun Larysa
Published: February 2019

Наведено результати оцінки стану популяцій восьми раритетних видів судинних рослин із різними рівнями охорони (міжнародним, національним і регіональним) для території водно-болотного флороценокомплексу Черемського природного заповідника. Серед них два види − (Hammarbya paludosa (L.) O. Kuntze та Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soó) − уключено до Додатка ІІ CITES. Шість видів − (Carex chordorrhiza Ehrh., D. incarnata, H. paludosa, Salix lapponum L., Scheuchzeria palustris L., Utricularia intermedia Hayne) − перебувають під охороною Червоної книги України; два − (Carex limosa L., Drosera rotundifolia L.) − регіонально рідкісні для Волинської області. На популяціях модельних видів рослин проведено апробацію інформативності диференційних й інтегральних ознак популяцій, які доцільно обрати за критерії визначення їх стану в процесі проведення моніторингових досліджень. Площа популяції D. rotundifolia охоплює практично все болото, проективне покриття виду становить до 5 %. Популяція C. limosa є процвітаючою, жодних додаткових заходів зі збереження не потребує. Відзначено високий адаптивний потенціал C. chordorrhiza, що дає змогу виду досить ефективно поширюватися на різні ділянки болотного масиву, відмінні за ступенем трофності. На досліджуваній території S. palustris відзначається доволі високою частотою трапляння, його проективне покриття подекуди досягає 10−15 %. На мезотрофних ділянках Черемського болота, у мочажинах й у вікнах серед різнотрав’я U. intermedia формує невеличкі популяційні локуси, площа яких здебільшого не перевищує 0,25 см2. На площі близько 50 м2 виявлено виключно молоді особини S. lapponum, поширені розсіяно-дифузно на віддалі 2−3 м одне від одного. Популяційний локус H. paludosa займає невелику площу 16 м2 у складі мезооліготрофного рослинного комплексу з переважанням дрібних осок та щільного сфагнового покриття. Генеративні особини виду мають низький та середній рівні життєвості. D. incarnata на території масиву поширена доволі спорадично – площа популяції досягає 5000 м2 із розсіяно-дифузним просторовим розміщенням. Узагальнено отримані результати й розроблено практичні рекомендації щодо застосування пропонованих методик дослідження вибраних критеріїв стану популяцій раритетних видів рослин під час їх моніторингу на території Черемського природного заповідника, що є основою науково обґрунтованих критеріїв созологічного менеджменту.