bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of travel motivations of tourists in terms of their demographical characteristics: The case of Ankara
Yabancı turistlerin seyahat motivasyonlarının demografik özellikleri açısından analizi: Ankara örneği
Authors: Yazıcıoğlu İrfan , Akbulut Burcu Ayşenur
Published: August 2016

The fact that tourists have different desires and expectations and those’ve always changed as well, the studies that focus on understanding the components motivate tourists to buy, have been important more and more. This study aims to reveal travel motivation of foreign tourists who visited Ankara city and to determine if tourists’ motivations vary according to demographical characteristics (gender, marial status, income, education, employment, age, nationality). As an implementation area for this study; Ankara is chosen and 390 foreign tourists visiting Ankara are applied. As data collection instrument, survey forms are used within the scope of this study and in analysis of collected data, t test and Anova are used.  As a result of the analyses done; it is determined that their common motivations show a significant difference according to their gender and nationality, but doesn’t show a significant difference according to their marial status, income, education, employment, age. When it is analyzed in terms of dimensions;  it is determined that the motivations of “knowledge” and “relaxation” show a significant difference according to their gender and nationality;  the motivation of “entertainment” shows a significant difference according to their gender, marial status, income, employment, and finally the motivation of “prestige” shows only a significant difference according to their nationality. ÖzetTuristlerin farklı istek ve beklentilere sahip olmaları ve bu isteklerin sürekli değişmesi nedeniyle turistleri satın almaya motive eden unsurları anlamaya yönelik çalışmalar önem kazanmıştır. Bu araştırmanın amacı, yabancı turistlerin seyahat motivasyonlarının belirlenmesi ve seyahat motivasyonlarının demografik özelliklere (cinsiyet, medeni durum, gelir, eğitim, çalışma durumu, yaş ve milliyet) göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğinin ortaya konmasıdır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda uygulama alanı olarak Ankara seçilmiştir. Bu kapsamda Ankara’yı ziyaret eden 390 yabancı turiste ulaşılmıştır. Çalışmada veri toplama aracı olarak anket formları, toplanan verilerin analizinde t testi ve Anova kullanılmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda; turistlerin genel seyahat motivasyonlarının cinsiyet ve milliyet değişkenine göre anlamlı düzeyde farklılaştığı tespit edilirken; medeni durum, gelir, eğitim ve yaş durumuna göre farklılaşmadığı görülmüştür. Boyutlar açısından incelendiğinde ise “bilgi” ve “rahatlama” motivasyonunun cinsiyet ve milliyete göre farklılaştığı; “eğlence” motivasyonunun cinsiyet, medeni durum, gelir, çalışma durumu, milliyete göre farklılaştığı ve ”prestij” motivasyonunun ise sadece milliyete göre farklılaştığı tespit edilmiştir.
Utilização de biofilme comestível na conservação pós-colheita de pimentão verde (capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Sena Edinaldo De Oliveira Alves , Couto Hyrla Grazielle Silva de Araújo , Paixão Airles regina Da Costa , Silveira Maria Priscilla Celestino , De Oliveira Júnior Luis Fernando Ganassali , Carnelossi Marcelo Augusto Gutierrez
Published: July 2016

A utilização de biofilmes comestíveis são uma das alternativas tecnológicas eficientes na manutenção da vida útil de frutos e hortaliças. A fina camada de material comestível atua como excelente propriedade de barreira artificial, e associada à refrigeração age mantendo a qualidade pós-colheita dos frutos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicação do biofilme a base de alginato de sódio sobre a manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita de pimentões verdes (Capsicum annuum L.). Os frutos foram selecionados, lavados, sanitizados, revestidos com 1% e 3% de alginato.   Frutos sem revestimento foram utilizados como controle Após aplicação do revestimento os frutos foram armazenados em expositor vertical a 7°C e 87±1% UR por até 15 dias. A cada três dias Foram realizadas analises de perda de massa fresca, firmeza do fruto, teores de acidez titulável e de ácido ascórbico, pH, parâmetros de cor, e atividade da enzima pectinametilesterase (PME). O uso do revestimento foi eficiente em retardar o metabolismo dos frutos de pimentão. O revestimento também foi capaz de manter por mais tempo a firmeza dos frutos quando comparados com o controle. Frutos revestidos apresentaram maiores valores de SS e AT, menor atividade da enzima pectinametilesterase, menor perda de massa fresca, e melhor aspecto visual durante os 15 dias de armazenamento.
Configuração dos remanescentes florestais em uma área da Mata Atlântica do nordeste do Brasil: orientando medidas de conservação em escala municipal
Authors: Nascimento Erivelton Rosário do , Santos Jucileide Lima , Gouveia Sidney Feitosa
Published: July 2016

A tomada de decisões para o manejo e conservação florestal em escalas locais (e.g., municípios) permite envolver a comunidade e atores diretamente ligados ao uso de recursos naturais. Quando informações detalhadas sobre alvos de conservação (e.g., espécies ameaçadas) são escassas, uma alternativa é utilizar parâmetros espaciais em escala de paisagem para orientar a tomada de decisão em escala local. Neste estudo, utilizamos o município de Umbaúba, localizado no sul do Estado de Sergipe, Brasil, e um dos principais consumidores de produtos energéticos florestais do estado, para avaliar a configuração dos remanescentes florestais em escala de paisagem, a fim de contribuir para a tomada de decisões de conservação e manejo dos remanescentes no município. Utilizando um mapa dos fragmentos florestais do município (64,9 metros de resolução), analisamos um conjunto métricas de paisagem, incluindo quantidade de cobertura, forma e conectividade. Identificamos 35 (5,03 km2) fragmentos de três tipologias de florestas estacionais: arbustiva, arbustivo-arbórea e arbórea. Em geral, os remanescentes são pequenos, irregulares e com baixos índices de conectividade, típicos de áreas altamente fragmentadas. Apesar da baixa condição florestal, a classe arbórea teve a maior cobertura, incluindo o remanescente com maiores tamanho e conectividade (conhecido como Mata do Escôncio). Além de ser o maior fragmento de Umbaúba, ele se estende ao município de Indiaroba, formando um remanescente de maior tamanho (5,44 km2). Além disso, este remanescente abriga espécies ameaçadas de extinção como o macaco-guigó (Callicebus coimbrai) e a nascente do rio Indiaroba, com importância para a manutenção de serviços ecossistêmicos locais.
Obtenção de substância surfactante a partir da modificação de celulose
Authors: Santos Clécio Martinho do Rosário , Graça Denes Carlos Santos da , Cardoso Gisélia
Published: July 2016

A atenção mundial aos problemas ambientais tem motivado, nas últimas décadas, estudos sobre produção de substâncias oriundas da biomassa, por ser esta uma fonte renovável e seus derivados apresentarem baixo impacto ambiental. Dentre as substâncias extraídas da biomassa, a celulose tem tido destaque e emprego em diversas aplicações, pois a sua estrutura pode ser modificada originando produtos com diferentes propriedades de uso industriais. Este estudo teve por objetivo desenvolver uma rota tecnológica para a obtenção de substância surfactante de sisal (Agave sisalana) modificado com álcool láurico, a partir de xantato celulósico. O produto obtido foi caracterizado quimicamente por espectroscopia de absorção na região do infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FT-ir) quanto à inserção do modificante na macromolécula celulósica e os resultados da referida análise mostram que o processo de modificação empregado foi efetivo. Análises de verificação da capacidade de dissolução e do grau de saponificação do novo produto, em meio aquoso, mostraram que o processo realizado conferiu boa dispersão e baixa grau de saponificação. O caráter anfifílico da celulose modificada, associado ao baixo grau de saponificação lhes conferiu atributos para uso em processos industriais.
Participação em aulas de educação física e atitudes positivas para a prática de atividade física em adolescentes do estado de Sergipe, Brasil
Authors: Silva Fabiana Medeiros de Almeida , Menezes Aldemir Smith
Published: July 2016

Introdução: A participação nas aulas de educação física pode oferecer oportunidades aos adolescentes de experimentar e de apreciar um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre participação em aulas de educação física e atitudes positivas para a prática de atividade física em adolescentes. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base escolar com amostra representativa de estudantes do ensino médio da rede pública estadual de Sergipe (n= 3.992, 14 a 19 anos de idade). Os dados foram coletados mediante questionário auto administrado. Foram analisadas atitudes como: realizar atividade física no tempo livre e preferir atividades de lazer fisicamente ativas a atividades sedentárias. Recorreu-se à regressão logística binária para análise de associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: Os adolescentes que relataram participar das aulas de educação física apresentaram mais chances de preferir atividades de lazer fisicamente ativas (OR=1,69; 1,45-1,96) e realizar atividades físicas no tempo livre (OR=2,00; 1,72-2,31). Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que a participação nas aulas de educação física pode ser um fator importante para reduzir a inatividade física entre os adolescentes.
A reconciliação de dados na resolução de problemas industriais
Authors: França Regina Luana , De Santana Souza Domingos Fabiano , De Oliveira Junior Antônio Martins
Published: July 2016

Variáveis de processos industriais possuem importância fundamental para o desenvolvimento, entretanto muitas das vezes se não forem medidas corretamente podem carregar consigo erros que tendem a modificar suas características e até prejudicar o resultado final. O presente estudo consistiu na aplicação da técnica da reconciliação de dados (RD) uma ferramenta matemática para o ajuste de medidas que tendem a obedecer às restrições mássicas e energéticas dos processos em dois modelos adaptados de plantas industriais operando em sistema estacionário com restrições lineares. No primeiro caso uma indústria de produtos intermediários de fertilizantes onde aplicou-se como etapa principal a classificação das variáveis para observabilidade do sistema. No segundo caso uma planta de polimerização de um polo petroquímico foram observadas as variáveis utilizando duas funções robustas que pretendiam atenuar erros em medidas. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a técnica concebida com base em modelo estatístico resultou na convergência do método com um menor número de iterações, correção dos dados medidos e consequentemente redução da variância das variáveis importantes para o processo. O uso dessa técnica para resolução de problemas da engenharia química torna-se valorosa tendo em vista a grande quantidade de instrumentos encontrados nas plantas industriais, que geram milhares de medidas que necessitam de um elevado nível de confiabilidade para uma operação adequada da planta.
Estudo do processo de sacarificação da crueira visando a produção de bioetanol
Authors: Costa Sharlene Silva , Santos Alana Mayara , Silva Cristina Ferraz , De Souza Roberto Rodrigues
Published: July 2016

Matérias-primas como o amido vêm sendo estudadas como grande potencial para a produção de etanol, principalmente por serem encontradas em abundância na natureza. A mandioca destaca-se por ser uma planta tuberosa típica das regiões tropicais e o Brasil é um dos grandes produtores globais. Para fins industriais, a mandioca vem sendo utilizada principalmente para a produção da farinha de mandioca, gerando diversos resíduos. Dentre eles está a crueira, a qual compreende um resíduo sólido rico em amido e gerado em abundância após a etapa de moagem e esfarelamento da mandioca. Entretanto, para os processos fermentativos é necessário que a crueira seja primeiramente hidrolisada para a conversão do amido em açúcares fermentescíveis. Diante do potencial desse substrato para bioconversão, o presente trabalho estudou o processo de hidrólise enzimática da crueira através de planejamento experimental fatorial completo 22 para analisar a influência da quantidade de extrato enzimático bruto e a concentração de crueira no processo de sacarificação. Os resultados do planejamento experimental demostraram que a variável concentração de crueira foi estatisticamente significativa. A melhor faixa de sacarificação obtida foi de 100 a 108 g/L de crueira e 70 mL de extrato enzimático atingindo 10ºBrix. Os ensaios cinéticos demonstraram que 20h é o tempo necessário para atingir o máximo da sacarificação.
Caracterização química e morfológica de mistura de ureia com vermiculita encapsulada em derivado celulósico
Authors: Barros Ana Amélia Gama de , Santos Rosiane Dos , Cardoso Gisélia
Published: July 2016

Estudos que tenham por objetivo inibir a evaporação e a nitrificação em adubação de solo com aplicação de fertilizantes nitrogenados são bem-vindos para a agricultura mundial, uma vez que resultam na conservação do fertilizante nitrogenado no solo e no aumento da eficiência da absorção do nitrogênio (N) pela planta. O presente trabalho trata da avaliação de incorporação de ureia em vermiculita, por processo de mistura encapsulada com derivado celulósico, obtida por extrusão quanto ao seu potencial de liberação controlada de nitrogênio. O teor de ureia empregado na mistura foi de 30% em massa e a solução aquosa de derivado celulósico utilizada no encapsulamento foi de 1% em massa de carboximetilcelulose (CMC). Caracterização química e morfológica dos componentes e do produto obtido foi realizada, respectivamente por FTIR e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Os resultados das análises químicas e morfológicas mostraram que o processo de incorporação da ureia na vermiculita se deu de forma efetiva e não alterou a estrutura lamelar compacta e disposta em camadas de blocos sobrepostas, típica desse argilomineral.
Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação para o Desenvolvimento do Brasil
Authors: Borges Mario N
Published: July 2016

Este artigo apresenta o contexto científico nacional e internacional com foco na trajetória das atividades de ciência, tecnologia e inovação no Brasil ao longo dos últimos anos e na perspectiva que pode ser inferida a partir do histórico traçado. Demonstra-se que o País não pode mais depender apenas do sucesso alcançado no indicador de produção científica indexada. Precisa, urgentemente e de forma ágil, mudar de patamar no desenvolvimento tecnológico e na inovação. O artigo mostra que é possível melhorar a competitividade nacional com base numa política séria e consistente de valorização do trinômio ciência, tecnologia e inovação como pilares para garantir o desenvolvimento social e econômico sustentável do País. Essa política requer, entre outros elementos, um investimento perene e robusto e um arcabouço legal adequado que permita o avanço da pesquisa e da inovação. O artigo apresenta recomendações que poderão por um lado, indicar os gargalos a serem resolvidos e por outro, ajudar a elaboração de uma política consistente para o desenvolvimento nacional.
Reflexões sobre a expansão da UFS no período 2004-2012
Authors: Passos Subrinho Josué Modesto dos
Published: July 2016

Este artigo traz reflexões sobre a expansão da Universidade Federal de Sergipe durante os meus dois mandatos frente a reitoria, de 2004 a 2012.
A primeira década da Associação Sergipana de Ciência e da Scientia Plena
Authors: Maia Ana Figueiredo
Published: July 2016

Este artigo apresenta os Anais do 3º Congresso Sergipano de Ciência e descreve a história da Associação Sergipana de Ciência e da sua revista científica, a Scientia Plena.
Brachiopods and stratigraphy of the Upper Devonian (Frasnian) succession of the Radlin Syncline (Holy Cross Mountains, Poland)
Authors: Baliński Andrzej , Racki Grzegorz , Halamski Adam T.
Published: August 2016

The lower part of the Frasnian succession in the Radlin Syncline (Kielce–Łagów Synclinorium, southern region of the Holy Cross Mountains), in the two studied successions: Józefka at Górno and (for the first time) Radlin, consists of the rhythmic marly Szydłówek Beds, the fossil-rich limestones of the Wietrznia Beds (locally) and the atypically developed, calcareous Kostomłoty Beds. The carbon isotope chemostratigraphic pattern overall corresponds well to the global Early–Middle Frasnian biogeochemical perturbation, even if the majorpunctatapositive excursion is only fragmentarily recorded in the Kostomłoty intrashelf basin.

Two brachiopod assemblages are abundantly represented in both sections: thePhlogoiderhynchus polonicusAssemblage, typical of the Szydłówek Beds, and theBiernatella lentiformisAssemblage, limited to the middle part of the Wietrznia Beds. Both are highly dominated by the index species. Twenty nine lower Frasnian brachiopod species (Craniida – 1 species, Strophomenida – 1, Productida – 2, Protorthida – 1, Orthida – 5, Pentamerida – 1, Rhynchonellida – 4, Atrypida – 4, Athyridida – 3, Spiriferida – 4, Spiriferinida – 3) are described from the Szydłówek and Wietrznia Beds. Seven new species are introduced:Skenidioides cretusHalamski sp. nov.,Biernatium minusBaliński sp. nov.,Monelasmina montisjosephiBaliński sp. nov.,Atryparia(Costatrypa)agricolaeHalamski and Baliński sp. nov.,Davidsonia enmerkarisHalamski sp. nov.,Leptathyris gornensisBaliński sp. nov., andEchinocoelia parvaBaliński sp. nov.Davidsonia enmerkarisHalamski sp. nov. is intermediate betweenDavidsoniaBouchard-Chantereaux, 1849 andRugodavidsoniaCopper, 1996 and is the youngest known representative of the suborder Davidsonioidea Copper, 1996.Skenidioides cretusHalamski sp. nov. is the last representative of the genus. Statistical investigation of a large sample ofSpinatrypina(Exatrypa)explanatadid not confirm the existence of two dimorphic forms, coarse- and fine-ribbed.

The high-diversityBiernatella lentiformisAssemblage is quite dissimilar to coeval brachiopod assemblages described heretofore from the Holy Cross Mountains region. It is interpreted as consisting of mostly parautochthonous dwellers of deep-slope muddy habitats and a local, occasionally storm-agitated, intra-basin brachiopod-crinoid-coral shoal. The fauna was adapted probably to cooler and nutrient-poor waters during an initial phase of the severe carbon cycle perturbation.
Prevalence and mutations of β-thalassemia trait and abnormal hemoglobins in premarital screening in Çanakkale province, Turkey
Authors: Uludağ A , Uysal A , Uludağ A , Ertekin YH , Tekin M , Kütük B , Silan F , Özdemir Ö
Published: August 2016

The prevalence of β-thalassemia (β-thal) carriers in Turkey varies according to region but in general it is 2.0%. Çanakkale is a city in the Aegean region of Turkey but no study about β-thal frequency in Çanakkale has been published to date. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of β-thal mutations in this province. A total of 4452 couples (8904 individuals) applied for premarital thalassemia scans at the Çanakkale State Health Directorate Laboratory between January 2008 and June 2012 and scanning was done with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of 125 β-thal carriers seen at the Medical Genetics Clinic, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey, for genetic counseling, 46 participated in the study. The remaining 79 patients could not be reached. The prevalence for β-thal carriers in Çanakkale was identified as 1.4% (125/8904). One couple were both β-thal carriers. β-Globin gene analysis of 46 carriers found the total frequency of the three most common mutations was 45.6%. These mutations were found to be HBB: c.93-21G>A [IVS-I-110 (G>A)], 26.08% (12/46); HBB: c.17_ 18delCT [codon 5 (‒CT)], 10.85% (5/46); HBB: c.20delA [codon 6 (‒A)] 8.69% (4/46). This is the first report on the frequency and mutation profiles of β-thal for Çanakkale. The incidence of β-thal carriers in Çanakkale is below the average for Turkey. The most frequently observed mutation profile and rate of β-thal in our region is different from the other regions of Turkey.
What Can We Learn About Regulatory Agencies and Regulated Parties from the Empirical Study of Judicial Review of Regulatory Agencies’ Decisions? The Case of Croatia
Authors: Bajakić Ivana , Kos Veseljka
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine regulatory agencies and regulated parties in an empirical study of administrative disputes initiated against the decisions of regulatory agencies in Croatia. We first aim to provide an overview of the status and trend estimates regarding these disputes; second, to answer the question how well does the system work from the perspectives of both the plaintiffs and the regulatory agencies; third, to identify the problem areas and to compare these with problem areas identified by the authors studying the broader area of administrative judiciary in Croatia, and finally to compare efficiency level of regulatory agencies to other public authorities in confirming the legality of their decisions and actions. Data on all administrative disputes against 12 Croatian regulatory agencies’ decisions in the 17-year period between 1995 and 2011 are used to identify the main characteristics and trends relating to these disputes. Data for 2012 to 2013 was also examined to identify initial changes and emerging trends in the new administrative judiciary system resulting from fundamental legal reform as part of Croatia’s process of accession to the European Union in 2013. The results show these administrative disputes to be often costly and timely with modest outcome for the plaintiff and impressive success rate for the most of regulatory agencies.
Faith and laughter: Do atheists and practicing Christians have different senses of humor?
Authors: Schweizer Bernard , Ott Karl-Heinz
Published: August 2016

This study analyzes the reactions of practicing Christians and atheists to various kinds of humorous materials. The goal was to determine whether the presence or absence of Christian belief serves as a predictor for humor appreciation, specifically whether practicing Christians appreciate certain types of humor more (or less) than atheists do. Reactions by all study participants to 18 passages presenting various humor styles were dispersed from “not funny at all” to “very funny,” indicating the subjective nature of measuring humor appreciation. The results show almost no correlation between the presence or absence of Christian faith and the degree of humor appreciation. The only notable exceptions are that practicing Christians tend to react less favorably than atheists to the most blasphemous, disparaging kinds of humor, while atheists are somewhat less amused by good-natured religious jokes compared to practicing Christians. All other joke categories were judged similarly in terms of their perceived funniness by members of the two contrasting religious populations. The overriding determiner of funniness was found to be the inherent comical quality of individual jokes as well as, to some degree, the joke category from which humorous passages were drawn, rather than the presence or absence of Christian faith among the joke recipients. This finding contradicts a-priori claims about the supposed negative correlation between sense of humor and religiosity. The study further exemplifies adaptive statistical methods to extract significant trends and tendencies from empirical data obtained through an online survey.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities of an ornamental medicinal plant: Persicaria orientalis
Authors: Ansari Prawej , Uddin Md. Josim , Rahman Md. Masudur , Abdullah-Al-Mamun Md. , Islam Md. Rabiul , Ali Md. Hazrat , Reza A.S.M. Ali
Published: August 2016

Background:

Persicaria orientalis, an ornamental medicinal plant, has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Although the plant is reported to have some important pharmacological effects, many medicinal values remain unidentified. Our objective was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic properties of the methanol extract of P. orientalis leaves (Po-MeOH).

Methods:

Anti-inflammatory activity was measured by the inhibition of hypotonicity-induced human red blood cell hemolysis and albumin denaturation technique in vitro of Po-MeOH. Diarrheal episodes were examined in mice with castor oil-induced diarrhea. The clot lysis and brine shrimp lethality bioassay in vitro were used to evaluate the thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities of the plant extract, respectively.

Results:

Using in vitro anti-inflammatory models, the results demonstrated that Po-MeOH at the five different dose ranges from 31.25 to 500 μg/mL significantly (p<0.05) protected (0.98%–50.71%) the erythrocyte membrane against lysis induced by hypotonic medium solution and protein denaturation (38.27%–79.22%) of bovine albumin, respectively. The extract exhibited a significant reduction of severity (75.17%) of castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice at the highest dose of 400 mg/kg compared to loperamide (82.06%) at 5 mg/kg. Po-MeOH also showed 33.14% clot lytic activity in the thrombolytic test and cytotoxicity with LC50 value 58.91 μg/mL in the brine shrimp bioassay.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that Po-MeOH has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal effects along with moderate thrombolytic and lower cytotoxic properties that may warrant the further exploration.
Friction surfacing for enhanced surface protection of marine engineering components: erosion-corrosion study
Authors: Rajakumar S. , Balasubramanian V. , Balakrishnan M.
Published: August 2016

Good mechanical properties combined with outstanding corrosion-resistance properties of cast nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) alloy lead to be a specific material for many marine applications, including ship propellers. However, the erosion-corrosion resistance of cast-NAB alloy is not as good as wrought NAB alloy. Hence, in this investigation, an attempt has been made to improve the erosion-corrosion resistance of cast NAB alloy by depositing wrought (extruded) NAB alloy applying the friction surfacing (FS) technique. Erosion-corrosion tests were carried out in slurries composed of sand particles of 3.5% NaCl solution. Silica sand having a nominal size range of 250–355 μm is used as an erodent. Specimens were tested at 30° and 90° impingement angles. It is observed that the erosion and erosion-corrosion resistance of friction surfaced NAB alloy exhibited an improvement as compared to cast NAB alloy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the erosion tracks developed on the cast NAB alloy were wider and deeper than those formed on the friction surfaced extruded NAB alloy.
The Prevention of Tipburn on Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. var. pekinensis (Lour.) Olson) with Foliar Fertilizers and Biostimulators
Authors: Borkowski Jan , Dyki Barbara , Oskiera Michał , Machlańska Aleksandra , Felczyńska Anna
Published: August 2016

Investigations were carried out in 2008-2010 on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. var. pekinensis (Lour.) Olson). The main problem in cultivation of this vegetable is physiological disorder – tipburn. It is connected with low level of calcium in young leaves and with water deficiency. In 2008, seeds of Chinese cabbage were sown twice, in April and July. In July, the day temperature was high (25-30 °C) and relative air humidity was low (35-50%). In these conditions, the young leaves were injured heavily. Rotting was caused by the activity of bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Jones) Hauben et al. However, three times foliar application of 1.5% calcium nitrate or 1.5% Wapnovit significantly reduced the tipburn. Also spraying with 0.03% of Tytanit (containing ions of titanium) or with 2.5% of Biochikol 020 PC (containing chitosan) gave similar effect. In these conditions, application of 1.5% K-300 (containing potassium oxide and ammonium nitrate) exacerbated symptoms of tipburn. Application of Wapnovit or Tytanit reduced instantly rotting of heads contrary to the application of their mixture. In autumn cultivation, when the relative air humidity was 80-100%, spraying with 1.5% solution of K-300 significantly decreased injuries in comparison to control. Application of Wapnovit, K-300, Biochikol, Tytanit or the mixture of Biochikol and calcium nitrate eliminated rotting. In experiments done in the springs of 2009 and 2010, when weather conditions were less favorable for tipburn appearance, a severity of it was lower but application of K-300 increased it appearance. In these experiments, Biochikol and Wapnovit eliminated rotting of heads. The results of three years of study have shown that calcium nitrate, Wapnovit, Tytanit and Biochikol limited occurrence of tipburn and bacterial rotting of Chinese cabbage, but the weather conditions during cultivation had the greatest impact on the severity of tipburn.
Microencapsulation Technique with Organic Additives for Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Szczech Magdalena , Maciorowski Robert
Published: August 2016

The aim of these studies was to develop an effective formulation for microbial strains active in plant protection. Emulsification technique in oil was used to produce alginate microcapsules supplemented with organic additives to improve production process and stability of the preparations during storage. The release of microorganisms from the capsules in soil and their effectiveness in biocontrol of Fusarium wilt were evaluated. Three bacterial strains Burkholderia cepacia strain CAT5, Bacillus spp. strains PZ9 and SZ61, and fungus Trichoderma virens TRS106 were immobilized separately in calcium alginate supplemented with chitosan, peat powder, or skim milk. The productivity of microcapsules was enhanced by 60% when peat was added to the alginate matrix. Peat reduced also contamination of the capsules during storage, significantly enhancing their quality. By contrast, the addition of skim milk reduced quality of the microcapsules. The additives did not influence the viability of entrapped microorganisms and their release in soil. The survival of the microbial cells was mainly related to the kind of microorganism used, and the highest viability showed Bacillus sp. PZ9 and Trichoderma TRS106. Lyophilization of the microcapsules appeared to be unfavorable by reducing microbial viability in the capsules and in the soil after application. The best properties: good storage ability and sufficient microbial release in the soil, exhibited wet microcapsules amended with peat. These capsules were used to control Fusarium wilt in tomato plants. The protective effect was obtained when the microcapsule-entrapped bacteria PZ9 were used. The effectiveness of this bacterium was comparable with fungicide. Peat-amended microcapsules entrapping Bacillus PZ9 showed the best quality and may have potential for commercial use.
The North African “Extremistan” of the Islamic State Caliphate
Authors: Basarabă Adrian Cosmin , Nistor Maria-Mihaela
Published: July 2016

This article aims at presenting ISIS expansion in North Africa in the first quarter of 2016, with its subsequent implication in the wider framework of Jihadist proliferation worldwide. It can be argued that, while losing real estate in the Middle East, ISIS has started a permanent search for extra-cellular matrices or an ongoing process of de- and reterritorialization. The allegiance and support pledged by other African-based terrorist groups or organizations such as Boko Haram, al-I’tisam of the Koran and Sunnah in Sudan, al-Huda Battalion in Maghreb of Islam, The Soldiers of the Caliphate, al-Ghurabaa, Djamaat Houmat ad-Da’wa as-Salafiya and al-Ansar Battalion in Algeria, Islamic Youth Shura Council, Islamic State Libya (Darnah), in Libya, Jamaat Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, Jund al-Khilafah and Mujahideen Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem in Egypt, Okba Ibn Nafaa Battalion, Mujahideen of Tunisia of Kairouan and Jund al-Khilafah in Tunisia and al-Shabaab Jubba Region Cell Bashir Abu Numan in Somalia is an alarming hypothesis of Jihadism reaching “the threshold of inevitability”- syntagm existent in the network theories of David Singh Grewal- turning a whole region, continent of even world into what Nassim Nicholas Taleb would call Extremistan.
Considerations Concerning Possible Explanations of the European Multicultural Society Failure
Authors: Dinicu Anca , Constantin Daniel-Sorin
Published: July 2016

The almost global democratization removed, among other things, the constraints on cooperation between the countries from all over the world. The collapse of ideological barriers has facilitated not only redesigning the states’ foreign policies on other foundations, but also a non-governmental expansion through the many possibilities offered by the free movement of persons, material and spiritual goods, capital and services. All these, enhanced by the boom of social communication networks, have influenced national companies, giving them a touch of transnationality translated by heterogeneity in relation to which national governments seem unable to resist. The permeability of borders, one of the features of globalization, also applies in this case of influence and cultural communion, of movement of people and ideas. This paper aims to address the issue of multiculturalism generated by the migration phenomenon not as a factor of social cohesion, but as one able to induce disorder and adversity against those who are different. The analytical approach is based on the empirical study of the current European context, which is under deep pressure as a result of the immigration „Tsunami” generated largely by the complex situation in the Middle East and North Africa. Therefore, the two possible initialization research questions might be:

are we confronting a single and big problem hanging over the entire geopolitical region mentioned above or is it necessary to focus on each national space separately and try to settle issues from a local-regional perspective by the international community together with the internal forces directly involved in conflict?

is there today a unified European view on multiculturalism applicable at national level? This is, in fact, the issue over which the analysis focuses.
Migrant Crisis and the Visegrád Group’s Policy
Authors: Ivanova Diana
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this article is to present the policy of the countries of the Visegrád Group regarding the problem of migrants from the Near East and North Africa. The study is based on materials from the media and it reveals the position of the Visegrád Group, which differs from that of Brussels, because the four countries are against the introduction of quotas for migrants. The article states that according to them the priority of the common European policy on the issue should be the removal of the root causes of migrant crisis, first and foremost the termination of the war in Syria.
Analysis of Religious Extremism Threat in Bulgaria
Authors: Krastev Krastyu Ivanov
Published: July 2016

The analysis of the religious extremism manifestation objectively reveals as independent the following variables E – Existence, C – Capabilities, I – Intentions and T – Targets. The essence of the proposed analytical model is the fact that if some of the mentioned variables is not presented it is practically impossible for religious extremism to manifest in the society and become violent. The paper describes an analytical model of religious manifestation model, based on some variables and results of research of religious extremist activities in Bulgaria.
Operation of Military Equipment and Utilization of New Pedagogical Approaches to Improve the Efficiency in the Educational Process
Authors: Mares Jaromir , Zajicek Vaclav , Camara Aly Hawa , Pochobradska Katerina
Published: July 2016

The paper deals with the enhancement efficiency of pedagogical procedures of military equipment operation. The aim of the paper is to point out how there were created selected sequences of logistics processes implemented in the use and maintenance, including information support for available analytical tools. There were also redefined logistics processes to understand management functions and logistics processes. As a result of the research a software was developed, which by basic analogous methods and programming helps to develop the educational e-learning program. The program is applicable in the Moodle environment for the needs of students. The educational program aims at verifying the knowledge acquired in the area of operation and its objective is to support practicing principles and procedures. The program is based on a methodical practice of selected activities. It was created for practicing in the e-learning environment. The course has multifunctional purpose, especially to introduce to students selected processes logistical support. The course has to evaluate through interactive approaches, to verify theoretical and practical knowledge. It should help to teach the students how to work in logistics information system (ISL) environment and deepen their practical skills.
Internal Restrictions Concerning Freedom of Making Decisions by Officers in Polish Armed Forces
Authors: Redziak Zbigniew
Published: July 2016

This article presents selected aspects of internal restrictions relating to officers’ making decisions at tactical level in the Land Forces of the Polish Armed Forces. It is dedicated to military practitioners and theoreticians who deal with command and control. The article includes the following kinds of decision-making restrictions: pressure from superiors, capital restrictions, time pressure, structural limitations and cultural restrictions.
New Features of the NATO Centres of Excellence in Support of the North-Atlantic Alliance Transformation
Authors: Simion Eduard , Kis Alexandru
Published: July 2016

The number of NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) has constantly increased, covering further disciplines of interest for NATO capability development. Meanwhile, the involvement of participating nations in COEs augmented, as a proof of the added value COEs bring not only to NATO, but to the involved nations - key stakeholders of these ventures – as well. The quantitative aspect of the NATO COEs network status is complemented by qualitative dimensions describing the current and projected work of the Centres. Their activity aims at top contribution within the four pillars their programs of work cover – doctrine development and standardization, concept development and experimentation, education and training, or lessons learned management. In this respect, this paper further investigates recent developments on the COEs network’s stage, where acquiring Quality Assurance seal and accreditation as Education and Training Facilities for NATO, or even more achieving the Department Head status for the disciplines they cover, is a real mark of excellence and an indicator of successful entrepreneurship.
Considerations about the Conceptualization of National Security in the European Union
Authors: Stănciulescu Robert , Beldiman Elvira
Published: July 2016

The intrinsic links between national security and other types of security also results from the fact that the threats and challenges of the 21st century no longer address the national segment, but also the entire international community, which causes the occurence of security structures at all levels to manage the crises that arise at some point internationally. It is known that in terms of security, states usually adopt a mutual security and defense policy, using human, material, financial and information resources available to everyone in a collective manner. If NATO is a good and eloquent example in this sense, a viable solution against risks and security threats from a regional perspective appeared in the European Union, which has its own policy for security and defense able to integrate national security politicy the of Member States in that of the Union.
Caesar – The Revolutionary of Roman Military Affairs
Authors: Strechie Mădălina
Published: July 2016

In Romans’ view, Caius Julius Caesar was not only a writer, a politician, a triumvir, but also a visionary, a general, a founder and a revolutionary of military art and politics.

Through his wars, Caesar brought a new perspective as the creator of a true reform of political and military affairs. A brilliant mind, Caesar made of the military art a political platform, his political consecration being actually his military glory, the war with the Gauls. By inspired military manoeuvres and a well planned strategy, Caesar conquered the entire Gaul, a very large and resourceful territory. The conquest of Gaul gave Caesar the opportunity to conquer Rome, as the sole leader, with a new redoubtable political actor on his side, the army. Alea iacta est and the Rubicon was crossed by the founder of a new political and military power, the empire. The commander of the army, imperator, also becomes the political commander of the Republic, transformed by Caesar into an empire. By the civil war, Caesar accomplished the revolution of military and political affairs, changing the army from an institution of power into a political institution, a government partner of the supreme military leader who became Rome’s too, a fact carried out by his heir, Augustus. Caesar turned the war into a political affair, dominating his political and military opponents through ambition, consistency, intelligence, acumen, charisma, the qualities worthy of a world military leader.
Strategic Surprise–Determining Principle for the Modern Configuration of the Physiognomy and Dynamics of the Contemporary Military Art
Authors: Udeanu Gheorghe
Published: July 2016

The analysis of the recent armed conflicts reveals the fact that for conferring the necessary conditions to the headquarters and subordinated troops so that they could act strictly according to the coordinates of the plan of the strategic offensive operation, throughout the whole period it is conducted, promoting the initiative [1] and freedom of action [2] becomes imperative, at all levels, by imprinting and maintaining the surprising [3] and ingenious character of the combat manoeuvers and procedures, ensuring the envisaged rhythm of advancement and trying to suppress all the attempts of counter manoeuver of the enemy. Consequently, the existence of the correlation surprise - strategic offensive operation can not be circumvented from the content of any plan of attack, as it constitutes the most important argument for its implementation and validation. So, no matter how obvious the superiority of the forces and means of the attacker are and whatever the context, it intends to act in a surprising manner to achieve the objectives with maximum efficiency and in the shortest time possible.
Integrating the Use of Online Social Networking Sites in the Communication Strategy of a Company
Authors: Fuciu Mircea , Dumitrescu Luigi
Published: July 2016

The usage of online social networking sites has never been stronger for the individuals and for the companies. This paper is underlining the importance of using the online social networking (OSN) sites in the communication strategy of one’s company; it presents the concept and the evolution of this marketing tool. It points out the advantages and disadvantages of using such a platform in a marketing campaign. We are underlining the strengths and weaknesses of this tool, as well as the main tactics and actions that the company must use in order to achieve the desired / maximum result when using such a communication platform in its strategy. At the same time we are presenting several results of a quantitative marketing research about how the OSN sites influence the consumers and the buying behaviour.
Factors Affecting Project Management in the Public Sector
Authors: Nekvapilova Ivana , Pitas Jaromir
Published: July 2016

Abiding by the principles and rules of project management in the public administration environment provides project managers with a range of pitfalls that can influence the success of the project. This fact has been proved by a number of analysed projects. The managers themselves claim that the most challenging problem from the perspective of project management and assessment of the project success is the field of leadership (the leading of the project team by a project manager). The authors of this article have therefore identified the most important factors for assessing the success of the project management of a team by a manager at various stages of the lifecycle of a project. Furthermore, both the direct and indirect impact of not respecting these factors in achieving the project objectives and in creation of job satisfaction within the project team have been presented in compliance with the data analysis of completed projects in the public sector and the authors’ own experience in dealing with projects in the public sector. The article offers approaches to mitigate some negative aspects regarding the principles and rules of project management according to recognized international standards. Although the article is primarily intended for project managers in the public administration environment, it can also provide some inspiration for fresh approaches to the field of leadership for project managers in the private sector. This article was written as a part of the project Development of Social Skills of a Soldier (LEADER_DZRO_K104), funded by institutional support, which is intended for the development of research organizations in the Ministry of Defence (DZRO K-104) funded from.
Human Reliability Using the Fault Tree Analysis. A Case Study of a Military Accident Investigation
Authors: Nicolae Florin , Cotorcea A. , Ristea Marian , Atodiresei Dinu
Published: July 2016

The work integrates the human error term in the broader concept of human performance analysis. The main issues associated with human error and human reliability are highlighted step by step, resulting from the review of literature, from the perspective of the relationship between risk and safety. To assess the risks arising from human error and to reduce vulnerability of work, methods derived from the probabilistic assessment of the work safety systems are used. To identify the risks caused by the human error, the authors propose the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. The paper reveals the way the method is used for identifying the critical subsystems for the functioning of a given system and analyzes how unwanted events and their causes arise and occur. Also, a case study that is investigated throuhg the FTA method and that consists in the analysis of an accident that occurred in Evangelos Florakis naval logistics base from Cyprus, is presented.
Evaluation of the Internal Management Control System - Major Objective in the Preparation and Achievement of the Public Internal Audit
Authors: Popa Ioan Gabriel , Pîrvuţ Valentin
Published: July 2016

In public entities, the management is required to ensure the achievement of all the entity’s objectives in an economic, efficient and effective manner, in compliance with the rules specific to the field, policy and management decisions, as well as the protection of goods and information, prevention and detection of fraud and error, quality of accounting documents and providing timely real and credible information. These objectives can only be achieved if a system of internal managerial control that includes all existing control forms, organizational structures, methods and procedures to ensure the management of funds available to public entities in an economic, efficient and effective way is implemented and developed at the level of the public entity. For at least once during a financial year, the internal management control system must be evaluated by comparing the obtained results with the proposed objectives, in order to identify the factors causing deviations from the baseline and to identify objective corrective or preventive measures to eliminate negative effects or deviations. In this context, it is considered that only public internal audit can carry out the assessment of the internal management control, as the audit, as an independent functional activity, can provide reasonable assurance through a systematic and methodical approach, aimed at improving the activities of the public entity, assisting it in fulfilling its aims.