bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Распространение степной гадюки Vipera renardi (Reptilia, Viperidae) в Харьковской области
Authors: Tupikov A. I. , Zinenko O. I.
Published: May 2016

Изучение современного состояния популяций животных, находящихся под охраной, является неотъемлемым элементом в разработке и построении грамотной стратегии охраны видов. Vipera renardi Christoph, 1861 (Reptilia, Viperidae) включена в Красную книгу Украины, а также в Красную книгу Харьковской области и имеет статус уязвимого вида. В статье приведены обобщенные данные о распространении вида в историческом прошлом, а также о современном состояним популяций в Харьковской области, полученные в результате натурных обследований ранее известных и потенциальных местообитаний. Восемьдесят процентов известных до конца ХХ века популяций степной гадюки в области исчезли. Вероятнее всего, это связано с преобразованием биотопов и, возможно, другими не выясненными причинами, в числе которых отдаленные эффекты фрагментации популяций, загрязнение и побочные результаты применения ядохимикатов. Гадюки практически отсутствуют в северной, лесостепной части области. Северная граница вида в регионе сместилась к югу и сейчас проходит по северной границе степной зоны. На данный момент в Харьковской области достоверно подтверждено пять местообитаний этого вида. Находки в окрестностях пос. Червона Хвыля и пгт. Шевченково приводятся впервые.
Корелятивна характеристика кадмію у ґрунтах степового Придніпров’я
Authors: Tsvetkova N. M. , Gunko S. O.
Published: May 2016

Проведено теоретичне узагальнення особливостей розподілу елемента першого класу небезпеки кадмію в ґрунтах. Надано екологічну оцінку ґрунтам за вмістом і розповсюдженням кадмію в м. Дніпродзержинськ – промисловому центрі степового Придніпров’я. З’ясовано, що за ступенем виразності антропогенного впливу досліджувані ґрунти належать до таких типів: власне урбаноземи, плантоземи, природно-антропогенні поверхнево перетворені та ристоземи. Отримано інформацію щодо геохімії кадмію у валовій та рухомій формах в едафотопах урбоекосистем. Виявлено розподіл кадмію по ґрунтовому профілю глибиною 150 см усіх досліджуваних екологічних профілів насипних та природних ґрунтів. В урбаноземах, плантоземах, природних порушених ґрунтах і ристоземах міста вміст валової форми кадмію варіює в межах 0,6–7,5 мг/кг, рухомої – 0,1–3,4 мг/кг ґрунту. Коефіцієнт варіації вмісту кадмію валової форми перебуває в межах 2–18%, рухомої – 5–20%. Установлено поведінку кадмію в едафотопах обраних екологічних профілів, мінімальний вміст відмічено у верхніх точках міста, що вказує на вплив рельєфу місцевості. Досліджено фізико-хімічні властивості ґрунтів у міських едафотопах, установлено кореляційний зв’язок між вмістом кадмію та загальною лужністю, органо-мінеральною частиною ґрунту та кислотністю.
Особливості похідних березових молодняків у низькогір’ї Покуття (Українські Карпати)
Authors: Milevskaya S. Y.
Published: May 2016

Лісові ландшафти місцевого низькогір’я протягом останніх 3–5 століть зазнали глибокої антропогенної трансформації. Похідні молодняки тут займають до 25% загальної площі лісів. Проблема розвитку похідних деревостанів особливо актуальна для сучасної лісової типології в карпатському регіоні. Потребує відображення у типології динамічних тенденцій формування деревостанів, особливо змішаних молодняків. Мета нашого дослідження – пізнання структурних особливостей фітоценозів похідних березових молодняків у цьому районі. Об’єкт дослідження – молодняки I класу віку, що ростуть у басейні р. Лючка. Концептуальною основою нашого дослідження послужило сучасне динамічне розуміння типу лісу як послідовної серії лісових рослинних угруповань у межах однорідних умов місць росту. Застосовано методи еколого-флористичних досліджень школи Браун-Бланке в інтерпретації польської школи фітосоціології. У той же час до уваги брали синтаксономічні узагальнення українських учених. Фактичний матеріал – власні геоботанічні дослідження з фіксацією в рослинних угрупованнях переважної більшості видів. Обробляючи матеріал, головним чином до уваги брали види, що мають діагностичне значення для виділення синтаксонів рослинних угруповань. Молоді деревостани висотою 8–12 м та зімкненістю крон 70% формують спільно дерева Betula pendula и B. pubescens. Досить чисельну домішку утворюють дерева Alnus incana, а також трапляються Fagus sylvatica, Populus tremula, Quercus robur, Padus avium. За домінантами такі фітоценози можна назвати сіровільховими березняками ожиново-осоково-орляковими – Betula pendula+Alnus incana–Rubus caesius–Carex brizoides+Pteridium aquilinum. Це багаті у флористичному відношенні рослинні угруповання. Вони містять щонайменше 12 деревних видів, 3 – чагарників, 4 – чагарничків та 89 – трав’янистих видів. Діагностичні види свідчать про приналежність таких угруповань до класу середньоєвропейських листяних лісів Querco-Fagetea. Водночас є підстави вважати їх близькими до атлантичних кислих оліготрофних і мезотрофних листяних лісів класу Quercetea robori-petraeae. Однак 12 діагностичних видів підтверджують належність цих угруповань до порядку Fagetalia sylvaticae, який представляє європейські мезофітні широколисті ліси. На рівні союзів рослинних угруповань чіткої асоційованості не виявлено. Більшість діагностичних видів досліджених фітоценозів свідчить про близькість флористичної композиції до угруповань асоціації Potentillo albae-Quercetum, яка представляє світлі субконтинентальні діброви.
Вплив синтетичних стимуляторів росту на морфофізіологічні характеристики та біологічну продуктивність культури картоплі
Authors: Rogach V. V. , Rogach T. I.
Published: May 2016

Досліджено вплив синтетичних стимуляторів росту рослин на ріст, розвиток і продуктивність культури картоплі. Застосування гіберелової кислоти, 1-нафтилоцтової кислоти та 6-бензиламінопурину – високоефективний засіб регуляції морфогенезу та продуктивності картоплі. Лінійні розміри рослин картоплі та маси сухої та сирої речовини цілої рослини збільшувалися лише за умов застосування гіберелової кислоти. Інші регулятори росту показників достовірно не змінювали. За дії гіберелової кислоти та 6-бензиламінопурину збільшувалася кількість листків на рослині, маса сирої та сухої речовини листя, що є однією з основних передумов посилення фотосинтетичної активності рослини. Усі три стимулятори росту збільшували площу листкової поверхні. Гіберелова та 1-нафтилоцтова кислоти зумовлювали потовщення хлоренхіми та зростання об’єму клітин стовпчастої паренхіми. Наслідком збільшення площі листя та розростання мезофілу стало підвищення листкового індексу та питомої поверхневої щільності листків. Зміни фітометричних і мезоструктурних показників листків та збільшення вмісту суми хлорофілів за дії регуляторів росту сприяли посиленню фотосинтетичної активності листкового апарату, наслідком чого було підвищення показника чистої продуктивності фотосинтезу та зростання урожайності культури. Найефективнішим було застосування гіберелової кислоти та 6-бензиламінопурину.
Ophiodes intermedius Boulenger, 1894 (Squamata: Anguidae): Uruguay distribution extension with conservation comments
Authors: Colina Marcelo , Arrieta Diego , Carreira Santiago
Published: May 2016

A new locality for Ophiodes intermedius is reported for Uruguay. The new record at Punta Gorda, Departamento Colonia, is the first departmental record, and extends the known distribution in Uruguay approximately 150 km to the south. This taxon is restricted to the fast developing western littoral of Uruguay, and a frequent assessment of its regional conservation status is recommended.
Phimophis guerini (Duméril, Bibron and Dumeril, 1854) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae): distribution extension in Paraiba, Brazil
Authors: Filho Gentil Alves Pereira , Santana Gindomar Gomes , Vieira Washington Luiz da Silva , Alves Rômulo Romeu da Nóbrega , Montenegro Paulo Fernando Guedes Pereira , Freitas Marco Antônio de
Published: May 2016

We provide a new record of Phimophis guerini from the Atlantic Forest in Paraiba state and a review of the distribution of the species.
Fishes from the Las Piedras River, Madre de Dios basin, Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Carvalho Tiago P. , Flores Julio Araújo , Espino Jessica , Trevejo Giannina , Ortega Hernan , Jerep Fernando C. , Reis Roberto E. , Albert James S.
Published: May 2016

We report results of an ichthyological survey on the Las Piedras basin, a tributary of the Madre de Dios River located in the southwestern portion of the Amazon Basin in southeastern Peru. Collections were made at low water (June, 2011) from 180 - 270 m elevation, within the Fitzcarrald Arch. This is the last of four expeditions to the region with the goal of comparing the ichthyofaunas across the headwaters of the largest tributary basins in the western Amazon: Juruá, Ucayali, Purús and Madre de Dios rivers. Twenty-one sites along the Las Piedras River and its tributaries were sampled and a total of 144 species belonging to 32 families and seven orders were captured and identified. The most diverse families were Characidae (34 spp.), Loricariidae (23 spp.), and Pimelodidae (19 spp.).
Floristic composition in areas of Caatinga and Brejo de Altitude in Sergipe state, Brazil
Authors: Machado Wedna De Jesus , Prata Ana Paula Do Nascimento , Mello Anabel Aparecida de
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to characterize the vegetation of the Serra da Guia, Sergipe state, Brazil, through the floristic survey of two areas, one located at the base (Caatinga - 09°58’09”S, 37°51’52”W) and the other at the top of the mountain (Brejo de Altitude - 09°58’55”S, 37°52’06”W), with systematic monthly collections from October 2009 to September 2010. We sampled 416 species (88 families): 238 species (60 families) in the area of Caatinga and 284 species (76 families) in the Brejo. In the Caatinga, families with higher species richness were Fabaceae (32) and Euphorbiaceae (17), while in the Brejo, these were Fabaceae (25) and Poaceae (19). The Serra da Guia is the first Brejo de Altitude described and studied in the Sergipe state, and analysis of the floristic composition of plant communities in the Caatinga and the Brejo has shown that these formations have very different characteristics and high biodiversity.
Ichthyofauna of the Aiuruoca River basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Casarim Ruanny , Bueno Marina Lopes , Pompeu Paulo Santos
Published: May 2016

Although the Aiuruoca River is recognized as a very important area for fish fauna, the species composition of this river remains unknown or restricted to technical reports of licensing projects. The aim of this study was to describe the composition and distribution of the ichthyofauna in the Aiuruoca River basin. Fifty-eight collection points were sampled along the Aiuruoca River basin during 2010 and 2011, including 38 streams, 11 lagoons and 9 points along the Aiuruoca River main channel. A total of 8562 specimens were collected belonging to 6 orders, 15 families, 33 genera and 47 species. The pirapetinga fish (Brycon nattereri) is listed on Brazil’s endangered species, and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was the only exotic species captured. Altitude is one of the main factors that influence fish community structure in the Aiuruoca River basin, confirming its importance for fish conservation
Squamata reptiles of a fragment of tropical dry forest in northwestern Venezuela (Lake Maracaibo region)
Authors: Larreal Junior T. , Rivas Gilson A. , Portillo-Quintero Carlos , Barros Tito R.
Published: May 2016

We present a commented taxonomic list of the reptiles found during herpetological surveys carried out in an isolated fragment of tropical dry forest located in the municipality of San Francisco, Zulia state, northwestern Venezuela between January-December 2011. We report a total of 24 species belonging to the order Squamata, distributed in 12 families and 21 genera. Colubridae is the most diverse family with six species, followed by Dipsadidae (four species), Boidae, Gymnophthalmidae, Phyllodactylidae and Teiidae with two species each, and finally Dactyloidae, Iguanidae, Elapidae, Gekkonidae, Sphaerodactylidae and Viperidae with a single species each. The species composition at this site matches what would be expected in a tropical dry forest in the region. Our study suggests that this isolated tropical dry forest fragment is the last refuge of the herpetofauna that once occupied much of the dry forests of the northern Maracaibo basin and should therefore be considered for conservation purposes.
Anurans from the “Restinga” of Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Telles Felipe Bottona da Silva , Menezes Vanderlaine Amaral , Maia-Carneiro Thiago , Dorigo Thiago Arnt , Winck Gisele Regina , Rocha Carlos Frederico Duarte
Published: May 2016

We present a list of the anuran amphibians from “restinga” of Grumari, part of the Parque Natural Municipal de Grumari (PNMG), Rio de Janeiro municipality, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. This study was carried out from May 2009 to December 2010 using two active sampling methods: quadrant plots and acoustic/visual transects. We recorded 22 anuran species distributed in six families: Bufonidae (1 species), Craugastoridae (1), Hylidae (14), Leptodactylidae (3), Microhylidae (2) and Strabomantidae (1). The presence of endangered and endemic species evidence Grumari’s importance as an area for conservation of the “restinga” habitat remnants in Rio de Janeiro. Grumari is also one of the richest known areas in terms of amphibian species among the “restinga” areas studied to date in Brazil, second only to Mata de São João, Bahia.
Typhlops tycherus Townsend, Wilson, Ketzler and Luque-Montes, 2008 (Squamata: Serpentes: Typhlopidae): significant range extension for this Honduran endemic
Authors: McCranie James R. , Orellana Leonardo Valdés
Published: May 2016

We report the second known museum specimen of Typhlops tycherus, a blindsnake endemic to Honduras. This new specimen is from a locality about 240 km from the species’ type locality, thus documenting that T. tycherus has a broader geographical distribution than previously thought.
Range extension of Kinosternon dunni Schmidt, 1947 (Reptilia, Testudines, Kinosternidae) in Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Renteria-Moreno Luis E. , Forero-Medina German , Garcés-Restrepo Mario F. , Rueda-Almonacid José V.
Published: May 2016

Dunns’ mud turtle Kinosternon dunni is recognized only from a few localities in the drainages of the San Juan, Baudó and Docampadó Rivers in Chocó, Colombia. We report on the occurrence of the species in three new localities in a different drainage, two in the Atrato River drainage, which flows into the Caribbean Sea, and a third locality in the Gulf of Urabá, in the Colombian Caribbean. These new records extend the range of the species approximately 367 km to the north of the closest previous confirmed record.
Glossy-bellied racer snake Platyceps ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae): new locality record in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India
Authors: Narayanan Abhishek , Satyanarayan Kartick
Published: May 2016

This paper extends the distribution of glossy bellied racer (Platyceps ventromaculatus) to about 250 km North East straight line aerial distance from its closest known distribution site. (Sikar in Rajasthan) Two live uncollected (1 male, 1 female) sub adults specimens were collected in Delhi NCR (28°38’59” N 77°10’12” E); mensural, meristic and colour pattern data were recorded and the snakes released in the same habitat. It’s presence in a developed Metropolis like Delhi NCR may indicate its synurbic abilities.
Anti-CD28 Antibody and Belatacept Exert Differential Effects on Mechanisms of Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Ville Simon , Poirier Nicolas , Branchereau Julien , Charpy Vianney , Pengam Sabrina , Nerriere-Daguin Véronique , Le Bas-Bernardet Stéphanie , Coulon Flora , Mary Caroline , Chenouard Alexis , Hervouet Jeremy , Minault David , Nedellec Steven , Renaudin Karine , Vanhove Bernard , Blancho Gilles
Published: May 2016

Belatacept is a biologic that targets CD80/86 and prevents its interaction with CD28 and its alternative ligand, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Clinical experience in kidney transplantation has revealed a high incidence of rejection with belatacept, especially with intensive regimens, suggesting that blocking CTLA-4 is deleterious. We performed a head to head assessment of FR104 (n=5), a selective pegylated Fab′ antibody fragment antagonist of CD28 that does not block the CTLA-4 pathway, and belatacept (n=5) in kidney allotransplantation in baboons. The biologics were supplemented with an initial 1-month treatment with low-dose tacrolimus. In cases of acute rejection, animals also received steroids. In the belatacept group, four of five recipients developed severe, steroid–resistant acute cellular rejection, whereas FR104-treated animals did not. Assessment of regulatory T cell–specific demethylated region methylation status in 1-month biopsy samples revealed a nonsignificant trend for higher regulatory T cell frequencies in FR104-treated animals. Transcriptional analysis did not reveal significant differences in Th17 cytokines but did reveal higher levels of IL-21, the main cytokine secreted by CD4 T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, in belatacept-treated animals. In vitro, FR104 controlled the proliferative response of human preexisting Tfh cells more efficiently than belatacept. In mice, selective CD28 blockade also controlled Tfh memory cell responses to KLH stimulation more efficiently than CD80/86 blockade. Our data reveal that selective CD28 blockade and belatacept exert different effects on mechanisms of renal allograft rejection, particularly at the level of Tfh cell stimulation.
Red Emprendesur: universidad, educación, emprendimiento e innovación
Authors: Vera Castillo Pedro
Published: May 2016

Este artículo de reflexión analiza cómo la Red Emprendedorismo e Innovación en América Latina (Emprendesur) potencia el trabajo en conjunto de todos los actores comprometidos con el desarrollo de ecosistemas regionales o locales de emprendedorismo e innovación con énfasis en la educación y la formación de emprendedores. A partir de la conocida formulación del ecosistema emprendedor propuesta por David Isenberg de Babson College, se defiende la idea acerca de cómo los dominios de capital humano y cultura son los que están en el centro del ecosistema emprendedor. Se postula entonces que son precisamente los dominios de capital humano y cultura los que están en el centro del ecosistema emprendedor. Su naturaleza y la calidad de las interacciones entre ellos, y en relación con los demás dominios que los rodean, serán responsables de generar o no el emprendimiento durable que se busca. Como conclusión, se propone actualizar la propuesta de Isenberg para aplicarla al contexto latinoamericano y avanzar en la conceptualización de ecosistemas emprendedores durables que vinculen activamente educación, emprendimiento e innovación con un enfoque nuevo, el cual se debe construir entre todos.
The variable polarization undulator beamline UE52 SGM at BESSY II
Authors: Miedema Piter Sybren , Quevedo Wislon , Fondell Mattis
Published: May 2016

UE52 SGM is an open port beamline with a monochromator containing 3 spherical gratings covering the energy range of 100 to 1500 eV and allows for variable polarization (circular and in any orientation linear) with a focus of about 20 - 60 μm (horizontal) x beamline slit (vertical) spot in focus.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Reimbursement situation of this medical device 15 years after entering the European Market
Authors: Linder Joerg
Published: May 2016

Getting adequate reimbursement for new and innovative medical devices is crucial for a successful uptake of the product in the market. However in the last years payers and authorities pushed for more detailed evaluations of the actual benefits of new medical devices before granting reimbursement. These assessment are often based on established Health-Technology-Assessments methods developed for pharmaceuticals. But as medical devices and pharmaceuticals differ in many ways these processes often do not work as smoothly as hoped and necessary. The history and current reimbursement situation of Negative-Pressure-Wound-Therapy (NPWT) is an example for these issues. Despite being on the market for over fifteen years in Europe and backed up by clinical and economic studies only Germany, Switzerland, Netherland, Sweden and Slovakia do have a dedicated reimbursement for NPWT in the inpatient sector. In the outpatient sector the reimbursement situation is even bleaker as only Switzerland and Austria have a fully functioning reimbursement in place. In Germany reimbursement decision are taken on a case-by-case base while in England only the dressings are reimbursed but not the equipment itself. In France only usage in the home hospitalisation sector is reimbursed. This situation cannot be satisfying for patients, physicians, payers and manufacturers. In order to improve the uptake of new medical devices manufacturer need to focus earlier on creating solid clinical evidence while payers also have to adapt their health-technology-assessments and take the differences of medical devices compared to pharmaceuticals into account.
Apresentação
Authors: Rezende Elcio Nacur
Published: May 2016

Ostentando o Estrato A2 do Sistema Qualis da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES -, a Revista Veredas do Direito - Direito Ambiental e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, apresenta à comunidade científica seu primeiro número de 2016.Apresentando como linha editorial a mesma Área de Concentração do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Direito da Escola Superior Dom Helder Câmara, o Direito Ambiental e o Desenvolvimento Sustentável é o tema central de nossas publicações.
Novas perspectivas para a classificação
Authors: Barros Camila Monteiro de , Padilha Renata
Published: May 2016

Resenha do artigo The modernity of classification, de Jens-Erik Mai. O tema central do artigo é a discussão das práticas modernas relacionadas à classificação, direcionando a reflexão ao que o autor chama de concepção pósmoderna de classificação. Nessa concepção, ganha espaço a diversidade da experiência humana, sendo, portanto, aceito que qualquer fato pode ter múltiplas interpretações. É nesse sentido que Mai defende que é necessário repensar a base conceitual do trabalho e da teoria de classificação e construir uma fundamentação que comece a partir de uma suposição interpretativa pluralista. A conclusão do artigo baseia-se na possibilidade de adoção da teoria pós-moderna da classificação, devendo-se fazer muito mais do que simplesmente fornecer receitas e métodos de como desenvolver esquemas e sistemas, mas também envolver criticamente a base teórica e a suposição que constitui o trabalho de classificação.
Política editorial
Authors: Em Questão Comissão Editorial
Published: May 2016

Política editorial
A Gestão da Informação sob a abordagem da Ecologia: possibilidades à competência em informação
Authors: Rosa e Silva Elizabeth Coelho , Vitorino Elizete Vieira
Published: May 2016

A existência das organizações atuais ocorre em um ambiente de interrelações em constante estado de transformação. Nesse contexto, o valor da informação é determinante para as organizações preverem, compreenderem e responderem às transformações ambientais. O trabalho apresenta a Gestão da Informação sob a abordagem da Ecologia da Informação, caracterizando-se como pesquisa bibliográfica, permitindo a recuperação do conhecimento científico acumulado sobre Gestão da Informação, Ecologia da Informação e competência em informação, a partir de material elaborado principalmente em livros e artigos científicos. Examina as relações entre competência em informação e Ecologia da Informação, concernentes à inovação conceitual na Ciência da Informação. Os resultados apontam para a integração dos diversos componentes informacionais, o que denota a necessidade em assimilar a informação sob uma perspectiva menos tecnológica e mais crítica e reflexiva, colocando pessoas no centro do gerenciamento informacional, com vistas ao desenvolvimento da competência em informação.
Prolonged cognitive–motor impairments in children and adolescents with a history of concussion
Authors: Dalecki Marc , Albines David , Macpherson Alison , Sergio Lauren E
Published: May 2016

Aim: We investigated whether children and adolescents with concussion history show cognitive–motor integration (CMI) deficits. Method: Asymptomatic children and adolescents with concussion history (n = 50; mean 12.84 years) and no history (n = 49; mean: 11.63 years) slid a cursor to targets using their finger on a dual-touch-screen laptop; target location and motor action were not aligned in the CMI task. Results: Children and adolescents with concussion history showed prolonged CMI deficits, in that their performance did not match that of no history controls until nearly 2 years postevent. Conclusion: These CMI deficits may be due to disruptions in fronto-parietal networks, contributing to an increased vulnerability to further injury. Current return-to-play assessments that do not test CMI may not fully capture functional abilities postconcussion.
Environmental impact assessment in the practice of international court of justice
Authors: Vucic Mihajlo
Published: May 2016

The paper deals with the legal institute of transboundary environmental
impact assessment and its application in concrete reality of international
relations. The article starts from the recent judgment of the ICJ in the
environmental dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua which was based on the
analysis of the content, legal status and mode of application of this
institute. The author firstly gives a brief overview of factual background
and legal history of the dispute so as to enable the reader to understand the
context of the judgment. The author points the climate and environmental
factors that create the politically tense climate in the region. Then, the
legal analysis of transboundary environmental impact assessment in general
international law is given through the overview of legal scholarship, treaty
norms and international jurisprudence. A separate section is devoted to the
application of this institute in the branch of international law which
regulates the use of international watercourses, since the crux of the
dispute is about the usage of the shared San Juan river and its ecosystems.
In the last part, the interpretation of this institute in the disposition of
the judgment of the ICJ is given, and some examples of Court?s argumentation
which represent a new understanding of some elements of this institute or
which clear previous dilemmas concerning the modes of interpretation are
presented. The author points out also that the Court has missed the
opportunity to shed additional light on the mode of application of this
institute in the emergency cases on the territory of the state which is under
an obligation to apply it. The article concludes with the statement that the
judgment in the dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua has on the whole
contributed to the established status of this institute as the norm of
general international law, however, it still stands for further legal
practice to define the precise contents of the procedure for its application.
Improved Glycemic Control and Vascular Function in Overweight and Obese Subjects by Glyoxalase 1 Inducer Formulation
Authors: Xue Mingzhan , Weickert Martin O. , Qureshi Sheharyar , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Anwar Attia , Waldron Molly , Shafie Alaa , Messenger David , Fowler Mark , Jenkins Gail , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: May 2016

Risk of insulin resistance, impaired glycemic control, and cardiovascular disease is excessive in overweight and obese populations. We hypothesized that increasing expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1)—an enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of reactive metabolite and glycating agent methylglyoxal—may improve metabolic and vascular health. Dietary bioactive compounds were screened for Glo1 inducer activity in a functional reporter assay, hits were confirmed in cell culture, and an optimized Glo1 inducer formulation was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial in 29 overweight and obese subjects. We found trans-resveratrol (tRES) and hesperetin (HESP), at concentrations achieved clinically, synergized to increase Glo1 expression. In highly overweight subjects (BMI >27.5 kg/m2), tRES-HESP coformulation increased expression and activity of Glo1 (27%, P < 0.05) and decreased plasma methylglyoxal (−37%, P < 0.05) and total body methylglyoxal-protein glycation (−14%, P < 0.01). It decreased fasting and postprandial plasma glucose (−5%, P < 0.01, and −8%, P < 0.03, respectively), increased oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (42 mL ⋅ min−1 ⋅ m−2, P < 0.02), and improved arterial dilatation Δbrachial artery flow-mediated dilatation/Δdilation response to glyceryl nitrate (95% CI 0.13–2.11). In all subjects, it decreased vascular inflammation marker soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (−10%, P < 0.01). In previous clinical evaluations, tRES and HESP individually were ineffective. tRES-HESP coformulation could be a suitable treatment for improved metabolic and vascular health in overweight and obese populations.
Newly Identified Gait Patterns in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis May Be Related to Push-off Quality
Authors: Kempen Jiska C.E. , Doorenbosch Caroline A.M. , Knol Dirk L. , de Groot Vincent , Beckerman Heleen
Published: May 2016

Background

Limited walking ability is an important problem for patients with multiple sclerosis. A better understanding of how gait impairments lead to limited walking ability may help to develop more targeted interventions. Although gait classifications are available in cerebral palsy and stroke, relevant knowledge in MS is scarce.

Objective

The aims of this study were: (1) to identify distinctive gait patterns in patients with MS based on a combined evaluation of kinematics, gait features, and muscle activity during walking and (2) to determine the clinical relevance of these gait patterns.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study of 81 patients with MS of mild-to-moderate severity (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] median score=3.0, range=1.0–7.0) and an age range of 28 to 69 years.

Method

The patients participated in 2-dimensional video gait analysis, with concurrent measurement of surface electromyography and ground reaction forces. A score chart of 73 gait items was used to rate each gait analysis. A single rater performed the scoring. Latent class analysis was used to identify gait classes.

Results

Analysis of the 73 gait variables revealed that 9 variables could distinguish 3 clinically meaningful gait classes. The 9 variables were: (1) heel-rise in terminal stance, (2) push-off, (3) clearance in initial swing, (4) plantar-flexion position in mid-swing, (5) pelvic rotation, (6) arm-trunk movement, (7) activity of the gastrocnemius muscle in pre-swing, (8) M-wave, and (9) propulsive force. The EDSS score and gait speed worsened in ascending classes.

Limitations

Most participants had mild-to-moderate limitations in walking ability based on their EDSS scores, and the number of walkers who were severely limited was small.

Conclusions

Based on a small set of 9 variables measured with 2-dimensional clinical gait analysis, patients with MS could be divided into 3 different gait classes. The gait variables are suggestive of insufficient ankle push-off.
Silent dissemination of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in South America could contribute to the global spread of the mcr-1 gene
Authors: Fernandes Miriam R , Moura Quezia , Sartori Luciana , Silva Ketrin C , Cunha Marcos PV , Esposito Fernanda , Lopes Ralf , Otutumi Luciana K , Gonçalves Daniela D , Dropa Milena , Matté Maria H , Monte Daniel FM , Landgraf Mariza , Francisco Gabriela R , Bueno Maria FC , de Oliveira Garcia Doroti , Knöbl Terezinha , Moreno Andrea M , Lincopan Nilton
Published: May 2016

During a Brazilian multicentric antimicrobial resistance surveillance study, colistin resistance was investigated in 4,620 Enterobacteriaceae isolated from human, animal, food and environmental samples collected from 2000 to 2016. We present evidence that mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli has been emerging in South America since at least 2012, supporting a previous report on the possible acquisition of mcr-1-harbouring E. coli by European travellers visiting Latin American countries.
Editorial Vol.XI
Authors: Sharma Om
Published: May 2016

Editorial board has pleasure to release this issue of Economic Literature, an annual Journal of Department of Economics, Prithvi Narayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara (Volume XI, No. 1, June 2013). Through the publication of this journal Department of Economics has been making efforts to promote the general advancement of economic knowledge, information and techniques of analysis since 1981. Our aim is to continue this tradition by publishing highly academic and policy oriented research papers and to provide platforms for enthusiastic scholars who like to publish their scholarly and analytical paper based on fresh research on the issues of interest around the discipline of economics. This issue incorporates analytical articles of contemporary issues of economy ranging from impact of public expenditure, natural resource use, micro-insurance, tourism trends, food security, recreational demand to impact of global recession.

Editorial board strongly believe that University Departments should engage in research and disseminate the ideas and findings to the scientific community for the enlightenment of knowledge, not just to deliver the existing knowledge in class rooms; it will not only enrich field of knowledge but also inspire the fresh graduates towards the culture of scientific research and thoughtful writings. If this publication contributed something to strengthen the culture, we will feel great satisfaction. It is, however, up to the reader to evaluate our endeavour.

 It was not possible to offer this volume to the esteemed readers without the contributions of the authors of articles included in this issue. The board, therefore, reverentially acknowledge the authors who have contributed to the journal. We would also like to thank to those who have assisted us in the course of this publication. Special thanks go to the campus administration for encouragement and support in various ways. The editorial board welcomes all the noble thoughts, constructive comments an
Impact of Annual Budgets in Economic Development of Nepal: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Sharma Om
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with the impact of the annual budgets on the economic development process of Nepal. The epoch-making macro economic variables are introduced through the application of the econometric models of various kinds, such as linear, log-linear in single equation system, multiple forms and the Granger Causality test (1969) by applying the annual data for the period of 1974/75 to 2006/07 in current as well as constant term. The high average elasticity coefficient of manufactured GDP, GDP, GNP and PCI respectively indicate that development expenditure is highly significant in determining development. A nominal role of internal borrowing and internal revenue in the economy and the excessive dependence on foreign aid has led the country for heavy debt service obligations every years forcing for additional tax burden.

Economic Literature, Vol. XI (1-14), June 2013
State of Remittance and Balance of Payment in Nepal
Authors: Ojha Gorakh Raj
Published: May 2016

Foreign employment of Nepali workers is viewed as a potential source of foreign exchange and  a way to reduce poverty. This article , on the basis of time series trend of remittance inflow to Nepal , aims at shedding light on the relative importance and contribution of remittance to the BOP of Nepal. It is also tried to spell out problems and remedial measures relating to foreign employment of Nepali workers. 

Economic Literature, Vol. XI (15-19), June 2013 
Mainstreaming Micro-Insurance Schemes: Role of Insurance Companies in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Pushpa Raj
Published: May 2016

Micro-insurance refers to the relatively short term insurances meant for health, accident, crop and livestock policies. The beneficiaries are the rural people who are mostly involved in agriculture which is subject to different external shocks. Along with agro insurance, the regulator is also encouraging insurance companies to insure micro enterprises such as water mills, tea shops, rickshaws and vending carts. The poor households currently need to incur huge amounts of health expenses which are over and above their current income(s) and savings and therefore, need to resort to multiple sources of financing, of which a major source is borrowing. At present, there are 25 registered insurance companies in Nepal. Of these, 8 are private commercial life insurers, 16 are private commercial non-life insurers and 1 is composite insurer. There is no scientific calculation of the crop’s yield and of livestock, which will create ambiguity in the valuation of the property being insured. 

Economic Literature, Vol. XI (40-46), June 2013 
A Study of Hospitality Internship in Gokarna Forest Resort, Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Ramesh Raj , Khatri-Thapa Sarswati
Published: May 2016

Hospitality and Tourism industry and internship are crucial to each other and for this reason, the industry as well as the prospective intern should be fully aware about the internship and its various aspects. To make the internship more effective it should be studied from the perspective of prospective interns and the employer. Because of the lack of adequate understanding the interns as well as the employers are facing the difficulties when the internship starts. This article tries to present an internship from various perspectives as well as portray an intern’s change of understanding about the internship before and after the involvement in the field. This portray mainly focus on the concept of internship, knowledge before, during and after internship, learning experience, difference between theoretical and real life world with some suggestions for the following generations.Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education (Vol. 6), 2016, Page: 95-126
Study of abnormal papsmear result in army families
Authors: Khatri Ratna
Published: May 2016

To study the incidence of abnormal  papsmear in Shree Birendra Hospital in the year 2068 among army families. Method: Among the army families all sexually exposed ladies up to age group 60 yrs. are subjected to papsmear. The groups who had positive result are subjected for colposcopy and directed biopsies, and those with cervical precancerous lesions or cancer, received appropriate treatment. Result: Among 7000 gynaecological patients examined in the gynaecology outpatient department 1100 pap smears were done. Out of this, total normal smear were 647 rests were abnormal. Conclusion: In low resource settings a single papsmear testing was associated with significant reduction in the numbers of advanced cervical cancers and deaths from cervical cancers. Therefore, in low resource settings where colposcopy, biopsy, or follow-up with pap smears cannot be done effectively, cryotherapy, as part of a single visit approach is  still needed.
Isolates and their Antibiogram in Different Samples from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu.
Authors: Bhatta Bibek , Thapa Roshina , Shahi Sanjay , Karki Sushil , Bhatta Yogesh , Das Jay Kumar , Pandeya Dipendra Raj
Published: May 2016

Introduction: The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance constitutes a major risk for human health by limiting the success of these agents in the therapy. The widespread uses of antibiotics, together with the length of time over which they have been available, have led to major problems of resistant organisms contributing to morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of etiological agent and its sensitivities to available drugs is of immense value to the rational selection and use of antimicrobial agents and to the development of appropriate prescribing policies. The aim of this study was to prepare a local antibiogram of the commonly isolated organism at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A prospective study was conducted at KMC Teaching Hospital, from April 14th to 17th September 2014. Laboratory data of culture and sensitivity were collected from hospital Microbiology Laboratory and analyzed using SPSS software.Results: In our study most of the isolates were Gram negative with Klebsiella Spp. and Escherichia coli being predominant with many MDR isolates. The isolates were found to be resistant to different groups of drugs. We found least resistance to Chloramphenicol, Imepenem and Amikacin. Most of the resistance was found against Amoxicillin and Erythromycin. Among gram positive S. aureus was predominant with 64.7% MRSA and 23.1% VRSA isolates.Conclusions: The most sensitive drug for gram positive was Chloramphenicol, Cephotaxim and Norfloxacine. The only drug which was 100% sensitive to Gram Negative organism was Chloramphenicol.
Practice and Awareness Regarding Tobacco Consumption among Residents of the Hilly area of Eastern Region of Nepal
Authors: Shah Ram Bilakshan , Subedi Laxmi , Jha Nilambar
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Tobacco use is a global socio-economic hazard and medical malady. The incidence of tobacco is persisting and spreading in all walks of our modern society.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Dhankuta Municipality where 205 households were taken as subjects. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the study subjects and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between pattern of tobacco use and awareness of tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality.Results: The awareness towards tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality was found to be 41 %. The awareness of tobacco consumption was significantly higher among the female (49 %) in gender and those whose education were School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and above (44.6 %) (P<0.05). The respondents consuming tobacco have forty times lesser chances of having aware as respondents not consuming tobacco (OR=0.025). The respondents consuming tobacco for more than 20 years (12.1 %) and more than 20 sticks per day (20 %) were more aware of tobacco consumption but the difference was not significant.Conclusions: The awareness towards tobacco use among residents of Dhankuta municipality was found to be less. Male in gender, lack of education and poor occupation like famer, housewife was found to be less aware of tobacco consumption.
Glimpse of Medical Support and Healthcare in Peacekeeping Mission: Experience from United Nations Mission in Liberia
Authors: Kunwar Mandeep
Published: May 2016

Nepal has been actively participating in different United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions for  a long time. Medical care in peacekeeping and humanitarian mission consists of different approach than what is seen in regular clinical and hospital setting. This article shares some of the healthcare aspects and medical activities carried out during deployment of Nepalese peacekeepers to such UN mission.
Amphiphile/Water/Decanol Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline System: Study of Thermal States of Anisometric Micelles in Nematic-Calamitic and Nematic-Discotic Mesophases
Authors: Nesrullajev Arif
Published: May 2016

Structural peculiarities of the rod-like micelles in the nematic-calamitic (NC) and disc-like micelles in the nematic-discotic (ND) lyotropic mesophases have been investigated. Hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/water/1-decanol ternary lyotropic system was used. Temperature changes of the shapes and anisometricity of the rod-like and disc-like micelles have been estimated. The method of the electrical conductivity anisotropy in the orientational shear flow has been used for these estimations. Sign of the diamagnetic anisotropy of the NC and ND mesophases has been also determined. The rod-like micelles of the NC mesophase were considered as the prolate ellipsoids and the disc-like micelles of the ND mesophase were considered as the oblate ellipsoids.
Interdiffusion in bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1 173 K
Authors: Kuang Dongyang , Liu Dandan , Chen Weimin , Lu Zhao , Zhang Lijun , Du Yong , Jin Zhanpeng , Tang Chengying
Published: May 2016

The interdiffusion behavior of bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1173 K was experimentally investigated on the basis of six groups of bulk diffusion couples. With the electron probe microanalysis technique and the Matano–Kirkaldy method, the composition-dependent mole-fraction interdiffusion coefficients and the interdiffusion fluxes in bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1173 K were determined. The reliability of the presently obtained interdiffusivities was verified by the thermodynamic stability constraints, comparison with the interdiffusion coefficients in boundary binary bcc_B2 Ni–Al alloys as well as numerical simulations based on Fick's second law.
Reflections about Italian academic life in Economia Aziendale and its evolution
Authors: Yrjo Collin Sven-Olof
Published: May 2016

Applicants for habilitation to Associate and Full professor in Economia Aziendale has during two years been evaluated by a commission, containing four Italian professors and one international professor. Me, being the international evaluator, present here some of my observations and impressions from the evaluation and present some reflections about the evolution of the Italian academic system and the subject, Economia Aziendale. My main conclusion, that the tradition of the subject is, at least in the short run, at threat due to the push towards internationalisation, could be regarded as rather pessimistic. But it is also a call for governed development, which should benefit all of us in the area, the whole international community.
Managerial discretion in authorising open market share repurchases: empirical evidence from the Italian context
Authors: Roncagliolo Elisa
Published: May 2016

This paper contributes to existing literature on open market share repurchases in Italy by studying authorisations that the board of directors needs to obtain from the shareholders' general meeting in order to acquire company's own shares. In such a context, I investigate whether the buyback purpose that managers disclose in their report affects number of shares to be repurchased. Particularly, since managers could potentially benefit from share repurchase programmes carried out in the presence of stock option plans, I explore whether this motivation influences the number of shares they require to include in the buyback programme. In pursuit of my objectives, I analyse reports managers provide shareholders' meeting to obtain the authorisation to acquire company's own shares over a 6-year period (2004-2009) in Italian listed companies. Main results suggest that the buyback motivation affects number of shares managers intend repurchasing, highlighting the role of the quality of the board of directors in this issue.
Acquisition-type or merger-type accounting? Further insights on transactions involving businesses governed by the same party(-ies)
Authors: Onesti Tiziano , Romano Mario , Taliento Marco
Published: May 2016

This paper - aiming at encouraging a fruitful debate - intends to highlight the discontinuous evolution of the accounting solutions explored by notable bodies (Efrag-Oic, Iasb, Fasb, Kasb, etc.) with reference to transactions involving businesses under common control. The work finally recompose them in two basic categories (discussing their pros/cons as well), here analyzed: acquisition-type accounting, which emphasizes fair value (emergence of exchange or current amounts) vs. merger-type accounting, linked to historical costs (continuity values approach). The first cluster includes the pure-acquisition and the fresh-start method, whereas the second the predecessor basis and the pooling of interests techniques. The concrete identification of the proper methodology, in this regard, essentially requires the profound understanding of the underlying economics, architecture and key elements of a specific transaction shedding light on the most relevant and reliable information useful to stakeholders.