bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How working hours influence the life satisfaction of childless men and women, fathers and mothers in Germany
Authors: Schröder Martin
Published: March 2018

This paper uses the German Socio-Economic Panel to show that fathers – and to a lesser degree childless men and women, are most satisfied with life when working full-time or longer. In contrast, whether mothers spend more or less hours in employment hardly affects their life satisfaction. The rational maximization of income as postulated by family economics cannot explain these results, as they are even found in households where women earn more than men. Because they are also found among those who hold secure jobs and have very little household work and childcare duties, these results contradict the predictions by expansionist role theory that men and women are better off in egalitarian employment arrangements. The results change little over time, with cohorts or with educational group-membership. For men, the results therefore fit best with the predictions of traditional role theory, which suggests that people are most satisfied when adhering to stereotypical gender roles.
Halogens in the Synthesis of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Gerdes Frauke , Klein Eugen , Kull Sascha , Ramin Moayed Mohammad Mehdi , Lesyuk Rostyslav , Klinke Christian
Published: March 2018

In this review, we highlight the role of halogenated compounds in the colloidal synthesis of nanostructured semiconductors. Halogen-containing metallic salts used as precursors and halogenated hydrocarbons used as ligands allow stabilizing different shapes and crystal phases, and enable the formation of colloidal systems with different dimensionality. We summarize recent reports on the tremendous influence of these compounds on the physical properties of nanocrystals, like field-effect mobility and solar cell performance and outline main analytical methods for the nanocrystal surface control.
Uma Análise Sobre a Construção de Conhecimentos por meio do Desenvolvimento de Protótipos
Authors: Pereira Clarissa Gonçalves , Nascimento Manoela Freitas , Meyer Guilherme C. , Fontanella Luisa Leal
Published: March 2018

O panorama contemporâneo referente aos estudos no campo do design aponta que a pesquisa por meio deste domínio é capaz de gerar aprendizados relacionados aos processos projetuais. Este artigo propõe estabelecer uma reflexão a respeito da construção de conhecimentos através da prática projetual e para tanto aborda o recente conceito de Research Through Design e a sua relação com o desenvolvimento de protótipos. Para colaborar com o estudo, é apresentado um projeto desenvolvido na Disciplina de Experimentação em Design de um Curso de Pós Graduação em Design, no intuito de exemplificar o tema e ressaltar saberes revelados na realização do exercício. Desta reflexão podem surgir recursos conceituais que subsidiem a prática projetual e os avanços dos estudos sobre a Research Through Design.
O valor sentimental da coleção
Authors: Santos Lídia Moreira
Published: March 2018

Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório e teórico sobre o valor do objeto, relacionando as teorias com os objetos já analisados durante a pesquisa maior realizada para o Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso, realizado junto aos cursos de Design Gráfico da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, que tem por objetivo apresentar um estudo sobre a Mauricio de Sousa Produções a partir de sua história e evidenciando sua transformação editorial ao longo de sua trajetória. O artigo apresentado corresponde ao capítulo no qual abordamos o valor sentimental que o colecionador possui em relação ao objeto.
Synaptotagmin 7 Mediates Both Facilitation and Asynchronous Release at Granule Cell Synapses
Authors: Turecek Josef , Regehr Wade G.
Published: March 2018

When an action potential invades a presynaptic terminal it evokes large, brief Ca2+signals that trigger vesicle fusion within milliseconds that is followed by a small residual Ca2+(Cares) signal. At many synapses Caresproduces synaptic facilitation that lasts up to hundreds of milliseconds and, although less common, Carescan also evoke asynchronous release (AR) that persists for tens of milliseconds. The properties of facilitation and AR are very different, which suggests that they are mediated by distinct mechanisms. However, recently it has been shown that the slow calcium sensor synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) mediates facilitation at many synapses where AR does not occur, and conversely Syt7 can mediate AR without mediating facilitation. Here we study cerebellar granule cell synapses onto stellate cells and Purkinje cells in mice of both sexes to assess the role of Syt7 in these phenomena at the same synapse. This is of particular interest at granule cell synapses where AR is much more calcium dependent and shorter-lived than facilitation. We find that Syt7 can mediate these two processes despite their divergent properties. In Syt7 knock-out animals, facilitation and AR are smaller and shorter lived than in wild-type animals, even though the initial probability of release and Caressignals are unchanged. Although there are short-lived Syt7-independent mechanisms that mediate facilitation and AR in Syt7 KO animals, we find that at granule cell synapses AR and facilitation are both mediated primarily by Syt7.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAt synapses made by cerebellar granule cells, presynaptic activity elevates calcium for tens of milliseconds, which in turn evokes both asynchronous release (AR) and synaptic facilitation. AR is more calcium sensitive and shorter-lived than facilitation at these synapses, suggesting that they are mediated by different mechanisms. However, we find that the slow calcium sensor synaptotagmin 7 mediates both of these phenomena. Small, rapidly decaying components of AR and facilitation are present in Syt7 KO animals, indicating that additional mechanisms can contribute to both AR and facilitation at these synapses.
The Effects of Tax Avoidance, Accrual Earnings Management, Real Earnings Management, and Capital Intensity on the Cost of Equity
Authors: Firmansyah Amrie , Febriyanto Ahmad Sigid
Published: March 2018

This study aims to examine the effects of tax avoidance, accrual profit management, real profit management, and capital intensity on equity costs. The population of this study is a manufacturing company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange which amounted to 146 companies. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling and resulted in 420 units of analysis. This type of research is quantitative causality by performing hypothesis testing analysis is done by using multiple linear regression model. The findings of this research are tax avoidance will add to the risks that must be borne by investors thus increasing uncertainty over their investment. Investors consider that accrual profit management actions are opportunistic as risk-taking actions as well as real profit management actions. While on Capital Intensity, investors assume the information on the company’s fixed assets is not useful in making investment decisions. The conclusions that can be taken are tax avoidance, accrual profit management, and earnings management real positive to the cost of equity. However, capital intensity has a negative effect.
The Moderation Role of the Audit Committee Quality on the Effect of the Ownership Structure on Intellectual Capital Disclosures
Authors: Alifia Desi , Khafid Muhammad
Published: March 2018

Intellectual capital is an intangible asset which is able to increase company’s value. Intellectual capital inherent to skill, knowledge and experience that can create competitive advantage for company. The purposes of this study are to analyze the effect of ownership structure (managerial ownership, institutional ownership, government ownership, foreign ownership with the quality of audit committee as moderating variable on intellectual capital. The population of this study is financial companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2013 until 2015. Samples are selected using purposive sampling method, and obtained 165 units as observations. Data was collected by documentation, and the analysis data is  moderated regression analysis. The study found that managerial ownership has negative effect on intellectual capital disclosure. Government ownership and foreign ownership has positive effect on intellectual capital disclosure, and institutional ownership has not been proven to effect on intellectual capital disclosure. Then, the study also found that the quality of audit committee has significant effect as a moderating variable on the influence of institutional ownership, but it has not been proven to have a moderating effect on the influence of managerial ownership, government ownership and foreign ownership intellectual capital disclosure. The recommendation for further study is to use another technique such as questionnaires that is directly given to company for discovering the level of company’s intellectual capital disclosure. For the company, the limitation of managerial ownership can be used as a control to the company disclosure practice, and improve the role of audit committee to maximize disclosure practice in the company.
Immuno-modulatory effect of local rhEGF treatment during tissue repair in diabetic ulcers
Authors: García-Honduvilla Natalio , Cifuentes Alberto , Ortega Miguel A , Pastor Marta , Gainza Garazi , Gainza Eusebio , Buján Julia , Álvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: March 2018

Wound healing is a complex process that can be severely impaired due to pathological situations such as diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of this pathology and are characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. In this work, the effects of local treatment with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) were studied using a full-thickness wound healing model in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Wound healing process was assessed with different concentrations of rhEGF (0.1, 0.5, 2.0 and 8.0 µg/mL), placebo and both diabetic and non-diabetic controls (n = 53). The macroscopic healing observed in treated diabetic rats was affected by rhEGF concentration. Histologically, we also observed an improvement in the epithelialization, granulation tissue formation and maturation in treated groups, finding again the best response at doses of 0.5 and 2.0 µg/mL. Afterwards, the tissue immune response over time was assessed in diabetic rats using the most effective concentrations of rhEGF (0.5 and 2.0 µg/mL), compared to controls. The presence of macrophages, CD4+T lymphocytes and CD8+T lymphocytes, in the reparative tissue was quantified, and cytokine expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. rhEGF treatment caused a reduction in the number of infiltrating macrophages in the healing tissue of diabetic, as well as diminished activation of these leukocytes. These findings show that local administration of rhEGF improves the healing process of excisional wounds and the quality of the neoformed tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, this treatment reduces the local inflammation associated with diabetic healing, indicating immuno-modulatory properties.
Periprostatic fat tissue transcriptome reveals a signature diagnostic for high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Mangiola Stefano , Stuchbery Ryan , Macintyre Geoff , Clarkson Michael J , Peters Justin S , Costello Anthony J , Hovens Christopher M , Corcoran Niall M
Published: March 2018

Evidence suggests that altered adipose tissue homeostasis may be an important contributor to the development and/or progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the adipose transcriptional profiles of low- and high-risk disease to determine both prognostic potential and possible biological drivers of aggressive disease. RNA was extracted from periprostatic adipose tissue from patients categorised as having prostate cancer with either a low or high risk of progression based on tumour characteristics at prostatectomy and profiled by RNA sequencing. The expression of selected genes was then quantified by qRT-PCR in a cross-validation cohort. In the first phase, a total of 677 differentially transcribed genes were identified, from which a subset of 14 genes was shortlisted. In the second phase, a 3 gene (IGHA1,OLFM4,RERGL) signature was refined and evaluated using recursive feature selection and cross-validation, obtaining a promising discriminatory utility (area under curve 0.72) at predicting the presence of high-risk disease. Genes implicated in immune and/or inflammatory responses predominated. Periprostatic adipose tissue from patients with high-risk prostate cancer has a distinct transcriptional signature that may be useful for detecting its occult presence. Differential expression appears to be driven by a local immune/inflammatory reaction to more advanced tumours, than any specific adipose tissue-specific tumour-promoting mechanism. This signature is transferable into a clinically usable PCR-based assay, which in a cross-validation cohort shows diagnostic potential.
Fanconi Anemia FANCM/FNCM-1 and FANCD2/FCD-2 Are Required for Maintaining Histone Methylation Levels and Interact with the Histone Demethylase LSD1/SPR-5 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Hyun-Min , Beese-Sims Sara E , Colaiácovo Monica P
Published: March 2018

The histone demethylase LSD1 was originally discovered by removing methyl groups from di- and monomethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me2/1). Several studies suggest that LSD1 plays roles in meiosis as well as in the epigenetic regulation of fertility given that, in its absence, there is evidence of a progressive accumulation of H3K4me2 and increased sterility through generations. In addition to the progressive sterility phenotype observed in the mutants, growing evidence for the importance of histone methylation in the regulation of DNA damage repair has attracted more attention to the field in recent years. However, we are still far from understanding the mechanisms by which histone methylation is involved in DNA damage repair, and only a few studies have focused on the roles of histone demethylases in germline maintenance. Here, we show that the histone demethylase LSD1/CeSPR-5 interacts with the Fanconi anemia (FA) protein FANCM/CeFNCM-1 using biochemical, cytological, and genetic analyses. LSD1/CeSPR-5 is required for replication stress-induced S phase-checkpoint activation, and its absence suppresses the embryonic lethality and larval arrest observed in fncm-1 mutants. FANCM/CeFNCM-1 relocalizes upon hydroxyurea exposure and colocalizes with FANCD2/CeFCD-2 and LSD1/CeSPR-5, suggesting coordination between this histone demethylase and FA components to resolve replication stress. Surprisingly, the FA pathway is required for H3K4me2 maintenance, regardless of the presence of replication stress. Our study reveals a connection between FA and epigenetic maintenance and therefore provides new mechanistic insight into the regulation of histone methylation in DNA repair.
Orientación metodológica de mapeo de donantes para un organismo internacional en el contexto centroamericano (2014-2016)
Authors: Rojas Kolomiets Karolina
Published: March 2018

El presente documento muestra de forma sistematizada el proceso a seguir para la realización de un mapeo de posibles donantes acordes a las necesidades de un organismo internacional en el contexto centroamericano, esto a partir de la necesidad de cubrir brechas de fondos no reembolsables, dado que estos organismos han mostrado una disminución en la recepción de cooperación de este tipo, al ser una de las principales causas la denominación de los países que conforman la región en la categoría de renta media. Para tal propósito, el artículo se fundamenta en la conceptualización de diferentes términos relativos al sistema de cooperación internacional y Ayuda Oficial al Desarrollo (AOD), se concluye con una guía preliminar y básica de los principales elementos que colaborarán en la construcción de un mapeo de donantes, al establecer un antecedente importante en el proceso de recopilación, actualización y sistematización de la información.
Conversation analysis and talk-extrinsic data in research on speech and language therapy
Authors: Plejert Charlotta , Samuelsson Christina , Anward Jan
Published: March 2018

The present article addresses the issue of combining conversation analysis (CA) with talk-extrinsic data, with a specific focus on speech and language therapy and education. Even though the use of CA together with other data sources is now generally accepted, particularly in the field of ‘applied CA’, it is still important to discuss how this is to be done, what pitfalls to avoid, and what methodological problems might remain unresolved. The procedures from a Swedish project on interaction in speech and language intervention that combines CA with interviews and video-based retrospection sessions are used as a basis for discussion. It is stressed that the fruitfulness of combining CA with talk-extrinsic data is strongly related to what research questions are asked, and what values are ascribed to different empirical materials in relation to the overall aims of a project. The article also addresses the potential risks of a methodology such as CA when it is turned into ‘just a tool’ for detailed transcription. Unless continuous attention is paid to CA’s origin and its use for applied purposes, it might become ‘bleached’, in the sense that it becomes solely a technique, and its theoretical and methodological underpinnings get forgotten.
‘What should a woman do and imagine to have bulimia?’: Co-constructing patient expertise in psychotherapy with bulimia patients
Authors: Pawelczyk Joanna , Talarczyk Małgorzata
Published: March 2018

One of the goals of psychotherapy with bulimia patients is identification of the functions of the eating disorder in their lives. Thus, as in any psychotherapeutic approach, the therapist should facilitate the patient’s disclosure of his or her experience of living with bulimia. Talking about one’s dysphoric experiences and, particularly in the case of bulimia, symptoms and experiences that commonly deprive people with bulimia of dignity, constitutes an emotional challenge for the patient and an equally challenging interactional task for the therapist. Using the example of one therapy session with a female bulimia patient, we examine how the therapist and the patient interactionally engage in co-constructing the patient’s expertise – involving epistemics of experience as well as epistemics of expertise – concerning the illness in the interactional here-and-now. Applying tools and insights from discourse and conversation analysis, we examine the sequences in which the patient shifts the topical focus from a general observation concerning bulimia to her personal experience, to be further pursued interactionally by the therapist. We also discuss how the therapist downgrades her epistemic position and (concurrently) foregrounds and bolsters the patient’s voice as expert to accomplish the session’s therapeutic goals.
Vulnerability of medical students and professionals to extreme work stress: A select review of the literature
Authors: Walkiewicz Maciej , Tartas Małgorzata
Published: March 2018

The goal of the paper is to describe the extent to which medical students and professionals are vulnerable to extreme stress. A select review of existing literature on this area has been undertaken, using the English-language online databases EBSCO, Medline and PubMed. The search has identified 36 citations relating to 6324 medical students and 28,285 medical staff (physicians, residents, nurses). The review indicates that merely beginning medical studies is a risk factor for stress, and that medical professionals, who are vulnerable to extreme work stress, say that they do not receive enough support from their co-workers. They are also often notably impulsive, introverted, neurotic and perfectionist, with low emotional intelligence and agreeableness, as well as low and external locus of control. Additionally, from longitudinal studies we have been able to identify psychological factors underpinning admission to a medical university that may be useful for predicting future stress in medical career. The results of this study may be taken into account when organizing psychological intervention programs targeted at educating future medical professionals. It seems that early identification of people at risk could reduce the impact of stress related to medical career and enhance the somatic and mental health of medical professionals.
The Effects of Silver Nitrate Applications on the Flower Quantity of Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: KARAKAYA Deniz , PADEM HÃ¼seyin
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of silver nitrate (AgNO3) on the flower quantity of cucumbers. The seeds used in this study, which was carried out in a plastic greenhouse, in the Gazi village of Antalya Province (Turkey) the during spring and autumn 2005 breeding periods, were â€˜Mostar F1â€™ (designated as â€˜GND1â€™) and â€˜Vesco Seeds Beith Alpha F1 (26.50 F1)â€™, designated as â€˜GND2â€™ and those are the types having common production. The silver nitrate application was performed by the method of spraying on the growth tips of plants and 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm silver nitrate doses were administered. The research was conducted with 4 repetitions having 5 plants in each repetition according to the Random Parcel Trial Pattern. In order to determine the effects of the applications, the effects of a number of female flowers and male flowers on generative characteristics of planting periods (spring and fall) were identified and the results were statistically evaluated. According to the results obtained in this research, AgNO3 has led to the formation of male flowers (no male flower formation in control), has increased the number of male flowers, and has led to a decrease in the number of female flowers. The increase in the number of male flowers varied according to the periods (in â€˜GND2â€™).
Does Primula intricata Gren. et Godr. Merit Species Rank? A Taxonomic Revision Based on nrDNA, cpDNA and AFLP Data
Authors: ŞUTEU Dana , PUSCAS Mihai , BĂCILĂ Ioan , COSTE Ana , FILIPAS Liviu , STOICA Ilie Adrian , HURDU Bogdan Iuliu , URSU Tudor , COLDEA Gheorghe
Published: March 2018

Primula intricata Gren. et Godr. has an unclear taxonomic status: it was originally described as a distinct species but subsequently was considered a subspecies (Primula elatior subsp. intricata) or even a variety (P. elatior var. intricata ) of Primula elatior (L.) Hill. No prior genetic studies were performed on this group of Primulaceae, therefore we considered useful to investigate taxonomies boundaries within the P. elatior-intricata group. We explored genetic differences between Primula intricata and Primula elatior group by applying three different types of molecular markers: nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1), chloroplast DNA (spacer trnH-psbA and intron trnL) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP). We found a solid differentiation between P. intricata and P. elatior group, differentiation that was confirmed by all the employed molecular markers. This finding enabled us to propose a valid species rank for Primula intricata, as a separate taxon from the P. elatior group.
Effect of UV Radiation and Evaluated CO2 on Morphological Traits, Yield and Yield Components of Canola (Brassica napus L.) Grown under Water Deficit Stress
Authors: TOHIDI MOGHADAM Hamid Reza , GHOOSHCHI Farshad , ZAHEDI Hossein
Published: March 2018

In this study, we studied the combined effects of UV radiation, CO2 and water stress on the morphological traits, yield and yield components of canola (Brassica napus cv. ‘Okapi’ and ‘Talaye’) under twelve growth conditions: complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-A (control), complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-B, complete irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-C, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-A, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-B, limited irrigation with ambient CO2 with UV-C, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-A, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-B, complete irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-C, limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-A, limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-B and limited irrigation with elevated CO2 with UV-C. The results showed that water stress significantly decreased all of traits except for the oil percentage. Additionally, an elevated level of CO2 significantly increased the final yield, 1000-seed weight, oil yield, plant height, specific leaf area and number of branches per plant, whereas UV radiation decreased all of the traits in this experiment. Elevated CO2 ameliorated the adverse effects of UV radiation in the final yield, seed weight, oil percentage, oil yield, plant height, specific leaf area and number of branches per plant. This study showed that elevated CO2 can partially ameliorate some of the adverse effects of UV radiation in canola plants. Furthermore, in this study, we observed that the increase in the yield was due to the increase in the seed weight and number of branches caused by elevated CO2 in canola plants. In addition, the maximum yield was obtained from the ‘Talaye’ cultivar under conditions of sunlight, full irrigation and elevated CO2.
Prediction of Flowering Occurrence in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: AJAM NOROUZI Hosein , VAZIN Farshid
Published: March 2018

This study is about quantifying response flowering rate to temperature and photoperiod. Results indicated that the response of faba bean flowering rate is described by beta-segmented (‘Barekat’, ‘Saraziri’, ‘Eraghi’) and beta-quadratic functions (‘Gavi’). The use of quantitative data about the response of phonological development to temperature and photoperiod in faba bean is limited. This study was undertaken to examine phonological development of four faba bean cultivars (‘Barekat’, ‘Saraziri’, ‘Eraghi’, ‘Gavi’) under 11 sowing dates. The experiment was conducted in Gorgan during 2005-2006. Various response functions were evaluated for unctions, cardinal temperatures (base, optimum, and ceiling) for flowering and ceiling photoperiod (the photoperiod below which flowering rate begins to decrease), and photoperiod sensitivity coefficient (slope of the function in response to photoperiod) for flowering rate were determined. ‘Barekat’, ‘Saraziri’, and ‘Eraghi’ cultivars showed a qualitative long-day plant (LDP) response to photoperiod, and progress toward flowering stopped when photoperiod decreased about 10 h per day. However, ‘Gavi’ cultivar showed a quantitative long-day plant (LDP) response to photoperiod. Ceiling photoperiod estimated by beta-segmented function for ‘Barekat’, ‘Saraziri’, and ‘Eraghi’ cultivars were between 14.5 to 16.1 h and by beta-quadratic function for ‘Gavi’ cultivar was 15.3.
Evaluation of Susceptibility of Different Pear Hybrid Populations to Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora)
Authors: EVRENOSOĞLU Yasemin , MISIRLI Adalet , SAYGILI Hikmet , BİLEN Emre , BOZTEPE Özlem , ACARSOY Nihal
Published: March 2018

Fire blight disease caused by pathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is the serious disease of pear, and there is not a certain chemical management against this disease except antibiotic-type compounds such as streptomycin. It is very important to improve new fire blight resistant cultivars in case of integrated disease management. With this purpose, different crosses have been made between Pyrus communis varieties that have good fruit characteristics and resistant cultigens. Besides, self and open pollination treatments have been carried out in maternal plants. The disease resistance level of the hybrids obtained from these combinations was determined by artificial inoculations by Erwinia amylovora in greenhouse conditions. A total of 3284 hybrids were inoculated, and 2631 of them survived and were distributed to different susceptibility classes. 19.88% of the inoculated hybrids was killed by Erwinia amylovora. Total distribution of the hybrids to susceptibility classes was as 6.18% in class “A- slightly susceptible”, 3.11% in class “B- less susceptible”, 8.89% in class “C- mid-susceptible”, 20.28% in class “D- susceptible”, and 61.54% in class “E- very susceptible”. Majority of class “A- slightly susceptible” hybrids were obtained from ‘Magness’ x ‘Ankara’ combination. ‘Kieffer’ x ‘Santa Maria’, ‘Kieffer’ open pollination, ‘Magness’ x ‘Akça’, ‘Magness’ x ‘Kieffer’, ‘Magness’ x ‘Santa Maria’, ‘Mustafa Bey’ x ‘Moonglow’ treatments displayed good results with respect to “A- slightly susceptible” character. It is very important to evaluate these hybrid pear populations through different fruit and tree characteristics in the future.
A Brief Economic Assessment on the Valuation of National and Natural Parks: the Case of Romania
Authors: DUMITRAŞ Diana E. , ARION Felix H. , MERCE Emilian
Published: March 2018

In the last decades, an increased interest has been expressed by researchers from worldwide towards studies about economic valuation of protected areas given that environmental public goods are not always traded on a market. Economists have struggled with this subject for decades and have developed several methods to estimate the economic values of these goods, known as non-market valuation methods. This paper reviews and presents a brief analysis of the most popular techniques as applied to natural areas, which are compared after grouping the research steps in five common steps for a consistent comparative analysis. Moreover, renowned studies conducted worldwide are revealed for each of the methods. A special interest has been noticed towards the estimation of welfare measures, such as Willingness To Pay (WTP) and consumer surplus, and towards differentiating user groups, as well as introducing several factors that may influence the decision to visit the natural areas. The case of Romanian national and natural parks is discussed in detail with the purpose to emphasize the need to continue the research in the field. The unique character of each of the studied parks, marked by geographic and cultural aspects, was confirmed through statistic analyses and thus welfare measures were determined for each park separately. The performed analyses proved that the methods have applicability in Romania as well.
Invasive Plants in the Coastal Vegetal Communities in Valencia (Spain)
Authors: MERINO Francisco FERRER , DONAT Pilar M.
Published: March 2018

A botanical survey has been conducted to determine the influence of invasive species on the main indigenous communities in the Spanish Mediterranean coast and evaluate the current status of these communities in the eastern coast of Spain. The work was done in about 35 km of coastline located in Valencia (Spain). A total of 361 species cataloged are present in the study area, belonging to 79 different families. 49 of them have been inventoried invasive species which currently affect 38 plant communities. For this cause, we have developed a map of location finding out the area occupied by the same at every point and key to indigenous communities it affects. The plant communities characteristic of semi-mobile dunes Centaureo maritimae-Echietum sabulicolae and Medicagini marinae-Ammophiletum australis have turned out to have a greater degree of invasion. Carpobrotus edulis, Agave americana, Arundo donax, Oxalis pes-caprae and Cortaderia sellowiana are invasive species that cause further encroachment, both in area as a number of vegetation communities they affect.
The Effects of Soil-Applied Humic Substances to the Dry Weight and Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Maize Plants under Soil-Salinity Conditions
Authors: TURAN Murat A. , AŞIK Barış B. , KATKAT Ali V. , ÇELİK Hakan
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the soil application of humus substances on the dry weight and the nutrient uptake of selected elements in maize grown under salt stress in greenhouse conditions. Sodium chloride was added to the soil to obtain 0, 15, 30, 45 or 60 mM NaCl. Three different doses of solid humus (0, 1 or 2 g kg-1) were applied to the soil one month prior to planting. High levels of salt (45 and 60 mM NaCl) had negative impacts on the dry weight and the N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn uptake of the maize plants. The highest mean dry weight, Mg and Mn uptake were observed for the 1 g humus kg-1 treatment and the highest mean Cu content was in the 2 g humus kg-1 treatment. On the contrary, the highest mean uptakes of N and P were found in the soils in which humic substances was not added. The interactions of NaCl and the soil humus content were significant for the uptake of Cu (p? 0.01), and we found that adding humus increased the content of Cu in maize plants under slight salt stress (15 mM NaCl) (p?0.01).
Molecular Methods for Assessement the Bacterial Communities from Different Type of Soils in Romania
Authors: CORNEA Călina Petruţa , VOAIDEŞ Cătălina , CIUCA Matilda , STAN Vasilica , GAMENT Eugenia , RAZEC Iosif , DUŞA Mirela
Published: March 2018

Rhizobia are soil bacteria that are capable to form nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with leguminous plants. This ability, as well as the diversity of microbial populations in the soil, and in the rhizosphere of host plants and non-host plants is influenced by several factors, including crop management. The aim of this work was the examination of the influence of some factors on indigenous populations of rhizobia in soils under different crop managements. The genetic diversity of rhizobial strains isolated directly from soil (free-living state) or from root nodules of three herbaceous perennial legumes was examined. The study was conducted in the experimental fields located in Moara DomneascÄƒ area (South of Romania) and in the Brașov County. The characteristics of brown reddish soil were determined (nitrogen content, organic carbon content and pH). Counting of the rhizobia populations was done by most probable number estimation and by viable plate counts. Bacterial strains were isolated directly from soil samples or from root nodules of different plant species (Trifolium repens, T. pratense and Lotus corniculatus). The characterization of rhizobia was performed by DNA fingerprinting (ERIC PCR and BOX PCR) and the bacterial diversity of soils was examined by DGGE technique. The results revealed that the rhizobial diversity was significantly lower in soils under increased fertilization with N. A reduced intraspecific polymorphism was observed in the strains recovered from the same plant species (Trifolium spp.), whatever the origin of the plant (Moara DomneascÄƒ or Brașov) but clear differences appeared to be related to the origin of nodules (red or white clover) as revealed by DNA fingerprints. However, various amplicon profiles were observed by DGGE when total DNA isolated from soils was examined, the differences being associated with the fertilization level.
Forage Yield and the Quality of Perennial Legume-Grass Mixtures under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: ALBAYRAK Sebahattin , TÜRK Mevlüt , YÜKSEL Osman , YILMAZ Murat
Published: March 2018

This study was performed to determine suitable perennial forage species and their mixtures for the establishment of short-term artificial pastures under rainfed conditions in Turkey. The study was conducted from 2008 through 2010. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa Lam.), brome grass (Bromus inermis Leys.), intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium (Host). Beauv.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn.) and their binary and ternary mixtures were used as experimental material. The study found significant differences in yield and quality among the forage mixtures investigated. Sainfoin + bromegrass + crested wheatgrass and sainfoin + crested wheatgrass mixtures gave the highest dry matter yield (8.36 and 7.75 t/ha, respectively). Binary and ternary mixtures of alfalfa + grasses had higher crude protein levels and lower values of ADF and NDF content than mixtures of sainfoin + grasses. Pure alfalfa (56.64%) and binary mixtures of alfalfa + grasses (53.53 to 54.28%) had the highest TDN values. The relative feed values of the mixtures ranged from 95.64 to 112.58. The results of the study indicated that alfalfa and sainfoin binary mixtures with grasses may both be used to establish artificial pastures in similar ecologies owing to their high forage yield and quality.
Studies on Genetic Variability and Correlation among the Different Traits in Solanum lycopersicum L.
Authors: BERNOUSI Iraj , EMAMI Aliyeh , TAJBAKHSH Mehdi , DARVISHZADEH Reza
Published: March 2018

In present study the genetic diversity in some tomato genotypes were investigated in two years at North-west of Iran where due to its geographical situation is one of the most favourable regions for tomato cultivation. Twenty five tomato genotypes were evaluated for yield and important morphological traits during 2006-2007. Experiment was conducted in a 5 lattice square design with 3 replications in each one of years. Data on morphological traits were collected from central row on individual plants basis on mean values of five plants of each genotype selected at random. Analysis of variance on the studied traits revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters except for fruit yield, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and number of tillers. Genotype year interaction was only significant for some of the characters including number of fruit per plant, titratable acidity and for fruit yield. Mean data revealed high range for most of studied traits. Maximum and minimum variability were observed for number of fruit per plant and pH respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed the assessment of similarity and clarified some of the relationships among tomato genotypes. UPGMA produced a dendrogram with four clusters. The first cluster included 64% of studied tomato genotypes. Results from the PCA indicated that more than 91% of the variability observed can be explained by the first seven components. Based on PCA, PC1 can be considered as representatives of fruit size, while properties that show high correlation with PC2 are the ones related to plant characteristics.
Development of Seed Physiological Quality in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars
Authors: GHASSEMI-GOLEZANI Kazem , SHEIKHZADEH-MOSADDEGH Parisa , SHAKIBA Mohammad-Reza , MOHAMADI Aboghasem , NASROLLAHZADEH Safar
Published: March 2018

Stage of maturity at harvest is one of the most important factors that can influence the quality of seeds. This research was carried out in 2008- 2009 to evaluate the development of physiological seed quality in three winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars (Modena, Opera and SLM046). Seeds were harvested serially in 9-10 stages during their development and maturation. Maximum seed weight (mass maturity) was achieved at 48-54 days after flowering, when seed moisture content was 41-50%. However, maximum seed quality as measured by seed viability, germination percentage, germination rate and seedling dry weight was obtained 10 to 22 days after mass maturity. Thereafter, seed quality of all cultivars was started to decrease, due to ageing. Maximum germination rate of SLM046 and maximum seedling dry weight of Opera were significantly higher than those of other two cultivars. These variations in seed quality parameters were attributed to differences in genetic constitution among oilseed rape cultivars. It was concluded that high quality seeds of winter oilseed rape cultivars could be produced with 14-16% moisture content, which is suitable for direct and mechanical harvesting, threshing and storage without further drying.
Gas-Chromatographic Analysis of Major Volatile Compounds Found in Traditional Fruit Brandies from Transylvania, Romania
Authors: RUSU COLDEA Teodora Emilia , SOCACIU Carmen , PARV Maria , VODNAR Dan
Published: March 2018

In the current study, the major volatile compounds from three categories of traditional fruit brandies (plum, apple and pear) were characterized by gas-chromatography (GC-FID). There were collected 26 samples from different locations of Transylvania (Romania), all made by traditional technologies involving fermentation in barrels and distillation in copper stills. The major volatile compounds, besides ethanol, identified and quantified were: acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, methanol, 1-propanol, 2-butanol, iso-butylic alcohol, alcool amyl active, iso-amylic alcohol, 1-butanol and furfural. For each type of brandy, positive but no significant correlations between methanol and furfural concentrations in plum and apple brandy were noticed. To evaluate the differences in composition regarding the geographical origin of plum brandies and to analyze the composition of plum, apple and pear brandies it has been compared the mean values (MVP, MVA and MVPe) obtained for each volatile. For plum brandies it has been observed differences among the mean values of each volatile, in samples originating from counties Cluj, BistriÅ£a-NÄƒsÄƒud and MaramureÅŸ. For methanol, acetaldehyde and 1-propanol the MVP Cluj values were significantly higher than MVP BistriÅ£a-NÄƒsÄƒud. For iso-butylic alcohol, amyl active alcohol, iso-amylic alcohol the MVP Cluj values were significantly higher than for BistriÅ£a-NÄƒsÄƒud and MaramureÅŸ, while for ethyl acetate and furfural the MVP BistriÅ£a-NÄƒsÄƒud were significantly higher than MVP Cluj and MVP MaramureÅŸ. When compared the mean values of volatiles in plum vs apple vs pear brandies, for ethyl acetate, methanol, 2-butanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol, the MVPe values were significantly higher than MVA, for furfural, amyl active and iso-amylic alcohols, while for acetaldehyde the MVPe values were significantly higher than MVP. Methanol represented the major volatile component, characteristic to fruit brandies, released by enzymatic degradation of methoxylated pectins. Therefore, this molecule can be considered not only a parameter of distillate safety but also an indicator of natural origin of distillate and traditional processing.
Seed Priming and Field Performance of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Response to Water Limitation
Authors: GHASSEMI-GOLEZANI Kazem , FARSHBAF-JAFARI Somayeh , SHAFAGH-KOLVANAGH Jalil
Published: March 2018

Laboratory tests and a field experiment were carried out to evaluate the effects of priming methods on seed invigoration and field performance of soybean (cv. â€˜Zanâ€™). The field experiment was arranged as split plot based on RCB design with three replications. Irrigation treatments (I1, I2 and I3: irrigation after 70, 110 and 150 mm evaporation from class A pan) and priming methods (water, 3% KH2PO4 and 3% KNO3 for 8 h at 15Â±1Â°C) were allocated to main and sub-plots, respectively. Germination percentage, seedling dry weight and field emergence percentage decreased, but mean emergence time increased, due to seed priming. Grain yield under severe water deficit was 29.32% less than that under normal irrigation. Pods per plant, grains per plant and grain yield per plant were significantly enhanced as a result of low stand establishment caused by seed priming. Consequently, biological and grain yields per unit area and also harvest index were statistically similar for plants from primed and unprimed seeds. In general, priming methods had no any beneficial effect on laboratory and field performance of soybean seeds.
Evaluation of Drought Tolerance in Rapeseed Genotypes under Non Stress and Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: SHIRANI RAD Amir Hossein , ABBASIAN Abouzar
Published: March 2018

Drought is a wide spread problem seriously influencing rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production, mostly in dryland regions. This study was conducted to determine drought tolerance genotypes with superiority in different stressed environments. Twenty three rapeseed genotypes were tested in a split plot design based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in two years (2008- 2009 and 2009-2010) at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute of Karaj, Iran. Seven drought resistance indices include susceptible stress index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), stress mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were applied on the basis of seed yield in non stress and drought stress conditions. Based on different drought indices, genotypes ‘Modena’, ‘Geronimo’, ‘Elite’, ‘Syn-4’ and ‘SLM046’ had the best rank with low standard deviation. The results indicated that they have stable yield performance. Bi-plot display and cluster analysis cleared superiority of these genotypes in both years. The synthetic derived cultivars could perform well across all environments with better agronomic performance. Results showed MP, GMP and YI indices were more effective in identifying high yielding cultivars in diverse water scarcity.
Performance of Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) under Conservation Tillage Practices in Organic Agriculture
Authors: BILALIS Dimitrios , KARKANIS Anestis , PATSIALI Sotiria , AGRIOGIANNI Maria , KONSTANTAS Aristeidis , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS Vassilios
Published: March 2018

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of tillage systems and varieties on growth, yield and quality of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiments conducted at two sites were laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates, three main plots [conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT) and minimum tillage (MT)] and four sub-plots (‘Siette’, ‘Panifor’, ‘Myrto’, ‘Estero’). The soil porosity and total nitrogen were higher in soils subjected to conservation tillage systems (NT and MT) than under conventional tillage. There were no differences in root growth neither between the tillage systems nor among the varieties. Yield was influenced by the tillage system and variety. The highest grain yield (421-459 kg ha-1) was found under the CT system with ‘Siette’, ‘Myrto’ and ‘Estero’ varieties. In contrast, the highest grain yield was observed under conservation tillage (NT and MT) with ‘Panifor’ variety. There were no significant differences between the tillage systems concerning the protein content and Zeleny value. In contrast, the highest Hagberg falling number was found with MT. Zeleny value was positively and significantly correlated with protein content. High flour quality, as demonstrated by high protein content and Zeleny value, and low Hagberg falling number, was produced in the ‘Estero’ variety.
Effect of Gamma Radiation on Protein Profile, Protein Fraction and Solubility’s of Three Oil Seeds: Soybean, Peanut and Sesame
Authors: AFIFY Abd El-Moneim M.R. , RASHED Mohamed M. , MAHMOUD Ebtesam A. , EL-BELTAGI Hossam Saad
Published: March 2018

The proteins properties of three oil seeds (soybean, peanut and sesame) were investigated following γ-irradiation (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.5 KGy). The effect of γ-radiation on total protein solubility, albumin, globulin and SDS-ME fractions were studied using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results showed that solubility of total protein were decreased and reached to the maximum decrease using irradiation dose of 7.5 KGy compared to control. The interesting phenomena are that albumin and globulin fractions decreased in its solubility while the SDS-ME fraction increased. These phenomena may be due to the effect of gamma radiation on the protein, which may dissociate this fraction to small subunits, and rearrangement to form a complex protein even high or small molecular weight proteins solubilized only in SDS-ME fraction. The changes in protein profile were depended even on radiation dose and on the nature of oil seeds; soybean, peanut and sesame.