bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect Of Brand Experience Provider On Brand Experience: Focus On Korean Cosmetic Brand Shop
Authors: Jeong Gap Yeon , Im Chae Chang , Kim Min Suk
Published: November 2017

This present research distinguishes brand experience providers of cosmetic companies that include three elements: Brand identity elements of cosmetic brand shops (feminine and environmental-friendly brand identity); Marketing mix elements (level of iconic product, level of steady-seller product, reasonable pricing, convenience of location, quality of additional service); Cosmetic brand store elements (effective product assortment, atmosphere of a store, availability of testers, proficiency of consultants). This paper aims to explore these elements and the effect of brand experience provider on all brand experience dimensions; sensory, affective, intellectual, and behavioral experience. After the review of extant studies, we propose 11 hypotheses.

Based on the collected 295 consumers of experienced cosmetic brand shop, the proposed model is testified with the SPSS 15.0 and AMOS 7.0 is supported. According to the result of empirical analysis, it turns out that, in terms of characteristics of brand experiential provider, 'feminine brand identity', 'iconic product', 'steady seller product', 'convenient location', 'additional service quality', 'assortment', 'atmosphere', 'self-tester', and 'consultant' affected the customers' holistic brand experience of cosmetic brand shop. However, 'environmental-friendly brand identity', 'reasonable price' results to have no influence on the holistic brand experience of brand of cosmetic brand shop. The study produced a theoretical implication on brand experience that it empirically approached to factors of brand experiential provider on holistic brand experience of store. The earlier studies were at best conceptual analysis or they mainly dealt with in-store factor, whereas this paper divides factors that affect the customer's overall experience into 'brand identity', 'marketing mix strategy', and 'physical environment of in-store'.
Adding Sustainable Value: Linkages Between Growth, Governance And Social Responsibility
Authors: Ramaswamy Vinita , Leavins John , Ueng C. Joe
Published: November 2017

Key performance indicators such as high EPS and revenue growth are frequently used to evaluate high quality securities from successful companies.  Characterized as “growth” stock, these stocks are accompanied by high PE and PB ratios, indicating compelling potential for future capital appreciation. However, relentless stress on high growth alone has its disadvantages, and research has clearly shown that growth by itself is not a sufficient condition for long-term sustainable value.  Stakeholders driving company value also expect a strong underlying framework of accountability, transparency and fairness.  Concepts of socially responsible investing add societal expectations of commitment to employees, consumers and the environment.  This study explores the relationship between growth, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility as a possible basis for explaining long-term value.  Initial results indicate that these growth companies tend to have robust financial metrics but with higher risk, as indicated by financial metrics and a lower score in governance policies, but display insignificant variances on social responsibility factors.
Analyzing The Determinants Of Attitude, Behavior, And Satisfaction On Imported Products: Implications For The Growing Food And Beverage Industry
Authors: McSporran Alexander James , Cho Yoon C.
Published: November 2017

The aims of this study are to determine the influences of attitude formation, behavior, and satisfaction, with specific reference to the products of the food and beverage industry of Southeast Asia. This study employs the theoretical frameworks of the Theory of Planned Behavior and others to understand the psychological processes that take place between forming beliefs and actual consumption. The key findings reveal that consumers are influenced by both the traditional food attributes such as quality, price, and availability, while also extraneously influenced both by perceived family influence and perceived societal influence in their attitude formation. These factors, through the proposed model of study, were also statistically proven to influence behavioral intention of the sample group through willingness to purchase. In addition, satisfaction with prior purchase was also shown to be a determinant of consumer attitude, while the determinants of expected satisfaction were inconclusive. The results of the modelling and analyses of this study indicate the necessity for the concurrent development of innovative marketing strategies and quality improvements in the industry as it follows its projected growth course and outward expansion.
NMD SERVER: NATURAL MEDICINES DATABASE FOR DRUG DISCOVERY
Authors:   School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel, Chandra Kaushik Aman , Sahi Shakti ,   School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
Published: November 2017

Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed disease globally and the second leading cause of the death. Natural Medicines are the alternative form of treatment that includes use of various plants. It is one of the safe treatment option to treat cancer and safer than allopathic medicines in order to reduce side effects. NMD Server: Natural Medicines Database for Drug Discovery is a unique and significant database of its kind, giving researchers, medical practitioners, pharmaceutical industries and students of Life Sciences an instant access to over 354 records of Natural Medicines which may be developed and used for treatment of Cancer. This database constitutes the specific information related to Natural Medicines and their respective target sites. NMD Server: Natural Medicines Database for Drug Discovery provides all the information (database fields) regarding the physiological parameters of database and is considered to be the linked table with pre-determined values and names that are included to aid in populating the fields of the linked tables. There have been many different types of fields with its respective data types that have been designated on the basis of data provided. NMDdock Tools have been integrated in this database for convenience for users like docking analysis of target and natural medicine, Sensitivity & Specificity analysis of natural medicine, Linear Correlation and Regression tool, Sequence Manipulation of target, Statistical Analysis. For the precise information about any particular drug, connectivity has been made with other databases and applications based highly bioinformatics tools have been embedded for convenience of users.
Financial Analysis of Retail Business Organization: A Case of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Authors: Martínez Ascensión Barroso , Galván Ramón Sanguino , Alam Samsul
Published: November 2017

The main objective of this study is to present the Walmart’s financial performance, making the important valuation of the company. The study used quantitative method using secondary sources. The finding of this descriptive study is that Walmart is the lucrative choice for the past, present and future investors with the estimation of terminal value at the end of the fiscal year 2026 estimated US $580 billion and the fundamental value of US $736 billion. The result shows that due to the emergence of stronger competitors and for being matured, Walmart is not performing as expected by investors, but its gigantic market size will make it capable of doing business profitably over a longer period of time. The ultimate decision given for the investors is to buy. The assumption is made on in-depth financial analysis with reliable data and calculation. The study has noteworthy importance to the financial market stakeholders.
Effectiveness of Performance Appraisal System and its Effect on Employee Motivation
Authors: Idowu Ayomikun
Published: November 2017

Employee performance has traditionally been accorded prime focus by human resource managers. As a result, a number of performance appraisal techniques have over time been devised to help establish employee’s performance. In the contemporary times, the use of performance appraisals has been extended beyond rating of the employee’s performance to aspects such as motivation. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate effectiveness of performance appraisal systems and its effect on employee motivation. The study’s main objectives pertained to establishing the moderating role of performance appraisal as a motivation tool as well as potential challenges.

The study findings show the presence of significant positive outcomes when the organisation uses performance appraisal as a motivation tool. Further, the study finds that the use of more than one appraisal techniques helps yield greater satisfaction and consequently higher motivational levels. The specific aspects of performance appraisal systems (PAS) that help improve motivation include the linking of performance to rewards; using the PAS to help set objectives and benchmarks; as well as the use of PA to help identify employee’s strength and weaknesses.
Shared Situational Knowledge Exhibited in Christian Counselling Interactions: Jay E. Adams Examples
Authors: Ayansola Abayomi
Published: November 2017

Speech actors in Christian counselling exhibit shared situational knowledge and assumptions in constructing meaning and in the negotiation of the goal of the interaction. This is particularly helpful to the counsellor for effective counselling andas a prerequisite for the proper diagnosis of myriad of issues confronting man in addition to showing empathy to the client. Against the advocacy, from a segment of scholars, for the exclusion of context from, or, that context is only tangential to meaning, this study, based on the sociolinguistic framework provided by Dell Hymes (1962) as modified by Levinson’s (1979) ‘notion of activity type’ explores shared situational knowledge (SSK) among interactants with examples drawn from the Jay E. Adams’ counselling cases. The study concludes that SSK manifests as social, religious and emotional undercurrents in the counselling situation. This understanding is a vital tool in providing the counsellor a linguistic direction in his investigation and the subsequent advice on diverse problems that are brought to his desk.
Enhancements of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Nitrogen Acquisition of Chrysanthemum morifolium under Salt Stress 
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Wang Minqiang , Li Yan , Wu Aiping , Huang Juying
Published: November 2017

The study aimed to investigate the effects of colonization with two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Funneliformis mosseae , Diversispora versiformis , alone and in combination on the growth and nutrient acquisition of NaCl-stressed Chrysanthemum morifolium (Hangbaiju) plants in the greenhouse experiment. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Hangbaiju plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 0, 50 and 200 mM NaCl for five months, following 6 weeks of non-saline pre-treatment. The results showed that root length, shoot and root dry weight, total dry weight, shoot and root N concentration were higher in mycorrhizal than in non-mycorrhizal plants under moderate saline conditions especially with D. versiformis colonization. As salinity increased, the mycorrhizal colonization, the mycorrhizal dependence (MD) decreased. Enhancement of tissue N acquisition is probably the main mechanism underlying salt tolerance in AM plants. It is suggested that the symbiotic associations between D. versiformis fungus and C. morifolium plants may be taken as a biotechnological practice in culture.
Diffusion-Driven Charge Transport in Light Emitting Devices
Authors: Kim Iurii , Kivisaari Pyry , Oksanen Jani , Suihkonen Sami
Published: November 2017

Almost all modern inorganic light-emitting diode (LED) designs are based on double heterojunctions (DHJs) whose structure and current injection principle have remained essentially unchanged for decades. Although highly efficient devices based on the DHJ design have been developed and commercialized for energy-efficient general lighting, the conventional DHJ design requires burying the active region (AR) inside a pn-junction. This has hindered the development of emitters utilizing nanostructured ARs located close to device surfaces such as nanowires or surface quantum wells. Modern DHJ III-N LEDs also exhibit resistive losses which arise from the DHJ device geometry. The recently introduced diffusion-driven charge transport (DDCT) emitter design offers a novel way to transport charge carriers to unconventionally placed ARs. In a DDCT device, the AR is located apart from the pn-junction and the charge carriers are injected into the AR by bipolar diffusion. This device design allows the integration of surface ARs to semiconductor LEDs and offers a promising method to reduce resistive losses in high power devices. In this work, we present a review of the recent progress in gallium nitride (GaN) based DDCT devices, and an outlook of potential DDCT has for opto- and microelectronics.
CLASSIFYING THE ICE SEASONS 1982-2016 USING THE WEIGHTED ICE DAYS NUMBER AS A NEW WINTER SEVERITY CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: Rjazin Jevgeni , Alari Victor , Pärn Ove
Published: November 2017

Sea ice is a key climate factor and it restricts considerably the winter navigation in severe seasons on the Baltic Sea. So determining ice conditions severity and describing ice cover behavior at severe seasons are necessary. The ice seasons severity degree is studied at the years 1982 to 2016. A new integrative characteristic named the weighted ice days number of the season is introduced to determine the ice season severity. The ice concentration data on the Baltic Sea published in the European Copernicus Programme are used to calculate the maximal ice extent and the weighted ice days number of the seasons. Both the ice season severity characteristics are used to classify the winters with respect of severity. The ice seasons 1981/82, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1995/96 and 2002/03 are classified as severe by the weighted ice days number. Only three seasons of this list are severe by both the criteria. We interpret this coincidence as the evidence of enough-during extensive ice cover in these three seasons. In the winter 2010/11 ice cover extended widely for some time, but did not last longer. At 2002/03 and a few other ice seasons the Baltic Sea was ice-covered in moderate extent, but the ice cover stayed long time. For 11 winters (32 % of the period) the relational weighted ice days number differs considerably (> 10 %) from the relational maximal ice extent. These winters yield one third of the studied ice seasons. Statistically every 6th winter is severe by the weighted ice days number whereas only statistically every 8th winter is severe by the maximal ice extent on the Baltic. Hence there are more intrinsically severe seasons than the maximal ice extent gives. The maximal ice extent fails to account with the ice cover durability. The weighted ice days number enables to describe the ice cover behavior more representatively. Using the weighted ice days number adds the temporal dimension to the ice season severity study.
DEVELOPMENT OF ADAPTIVE MOVING TWO–SIDED EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING METHOD FOR RESTORING AND FORECASTING OF TIME SERIES
Authors: Bratus Olena
Published: November 2017

Two algorithms for restoring of missing values of time series with using of adaptive moving two-sided exponential smoothing method with different initial conditions are developed in the article. Adaptive moving two–sided exponential smoothing method for restoring of true regularities and forecasting of time series is developed. The integral criterion of model adequacy and the proximity criterion for using for restoring of the true regularities of time series evolution are suggested. Practical researches with restoring of true regularities of Wolf numbers and solar radio fluxes at a wavelength of 10.7 cm, restoring of missing values and forecasting of solar radio fluxes at a wavelength of 10.7 cm are performed. Comparisons of created method with traditional methods are performed for all experiments. Developed adaptive moving two-sided exponential smoothing method is shown superiority in comparison with all traditional methods in the restoring of true regularities, missing values and forecasting of solar data.
INVESTIGATION OF TRANSIENT NUCLEATE BOILING PROCESSES AND THEIR PRACTICAL USE IN HEAT TREATING INDUSTRY
Authors: Kobasko Nikolai
Published: November 2017

In the paper transient nucleate boiling process is widely discussed. It’s unknown previously and investigated by author characteristics create a basis for designing of new technologies which allow receiving super strengthened materials. Obtained results are also used for appropriate software development to be widely applied for control of technological processes and cooling recipes design. A possibility of transition from real heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) to effective HTCs is discussed in the paper too. It is shown that core temperature of steel parts at the end of transient nucleate boiling (self-regulated thermal process (SRTP)) is a linear function of a part dimension when convective heat transfer coefficient during quenching in liquid media is fixed. Also, it is shown that effective Kondrtajev number Kn is a function of part size and convection intensity and is almost linear function for large sizes of steel parts. Surface temperature at the beginning of self-regulated thermal process and at its end is calculated depending on size and intensity of cooling. Based on obtained new results, it is possible to design DATABASE for liquid quenchants using standard Inconel 600 probe combined with the Liscic/Petrofer probe. Obtained results can be useful for engineers and software designers.
ELABORATION OF THE MODEL OF FORMATION OF READINESS OF FUTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO THE USE OF LEARNING-PLAYING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Marko Marina
Published: November 2017

The study characterizes the structural-functional model of formation of readiness of students of the specialty “Primary education” to using learning-playing technologies in the educational process. Among general modeling forms there was chosen the combined model (graphic descriptive scheme) of the structural-functional type. There was substantiated the main idea of modeling of the process of formation of future primary school teachers’ readiness to using learning-playing technologies, especially, elaboration of such structural-functional model that would allow to improve the effectiveness of this process, to make it correspondent to social requirements and expectations from realization of New Ukrainian school principles. It was determined, that the object of modeling is the process of formation of readiness to using learning-playing technologies, realized within the general system of the professional training of future primary school teachers. The aim of the model creation was formulated: elaboration of the schematic construction that embodies the abstract structure and the real projected process and result. The theoretical-methodological approaches to the model projecting process were separated, namely: system, activity, personally oriented, competence. The main blocs of the elaborated structural-functional model were separated, especially, target, content, procedural and resulting.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE NATURE OF ECONOMIC CYCLES AND THEIR ANALYSIS IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT
Authors: Revyakin Georgiy
Published: November 2017

The article offers a new product based theory of economic cycles. The theory explains economic activity fluctuations from the point of life-cycle of marketable goods and services.
Based on our assumptions, we have created a model of world GDP and described its dynamics for the period from 1960 till 2015. In this article, we consider long-term growth trend as granted and as an independent variable due to the complexity of factors, which influence economic growth, while defining economic cycles as a recurrent process, which is analyzed by the model. Considering that, we used Hodrick-Prescott filter as an approximated function to the trend component and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) as the method of spectral analysis of the cyclical component after detrending.
We have also discovered main features of economic cycles in developed and developing countries along with the dependency of economic cycles’ amplitudes on the level of financial sector development.
DEVELOPMENT AND HYGIENIC SUBSTANTIATION OF CALCULATING MODELS FOR PROGNOSIS OF PYRAZOLECARBOXAMIDES, CARBOXAMIDES, TRIAZOLES, CARBAMATES CLASSES OF FUNGICIDES TOXICITY DEPEND ON THEIR PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Antonenko Anna , Vavrinevych Olena
Published: November 2017

Methods for determining the toxicological parameters of pesticides are long-term, labor-intensive and require significant financial and resource costs, which is why laboratories do not always cope with the increasing flow of chemical plant protection products. In solving this problem, the important role is played by methods of mathematical modeling and prediction of xenobiotics toxicity. The aim of the research is the scientific substantiation of the possibility of creating and using of calculation models for predicting the toxicity of various classes of fungicides. Materials and methods. Toxicometry indices and physico-chemical parameters of widely used in the world agriculture fungicides were used for analysis. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using IBM SPSS StatisticsBase v.22 and MS Exсel statistical program packages. Results. Significant correlation dependences between the toxic properties of fungicides of the class of pyrazole-carboxamides, carboxamides, triazoles, imidazoles, carbamates, dithiocarbamates, methoxyacrylates and their physico-chemical properties were found. Discussion. In most of cases, the calculated values correlated with experimentally established. For all valid pairs of resultant and factorial variables, a reliable correlation relationship was established. Conclusion. It was proved that the proposed calculation models for forecasting the hazard of studied fungicides are adequate and significant. The developed algorithm makes it possible to substantially simplify the conduction of toxicological experiments provided that there are data on the physical and chemical properties of the studied compounds and to accelerate the procedure for registration of new fungicides of the studied classes
COMPARISON OF METHODS OF MEAN BLOOD PRESSURE CALCULATION USING AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING RESULTS
Authors: Syvolap Vitaliy , Zhemanyuk Svitlana
Published: November 2017

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a modern method of BP investigation. However, only some ABPM parameters, as diurnal systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), are used now as the diagnostic guide according to international recommendations. It is pure knowledge in clinical practice about usage and calculation of mean blood pressure (MBP). Such parameter is the steady flow of blood through the aorta and its arteries and equals the cardiac output multiplied by vascular resistance [1], according to some clinical studies may have predictable value as SBP or DBP, however there is no clinical evidence about these parameters, as information how to calculate in ABPM. The aim of the study is to compare the mean blood pressure calculated by two methods using ABPM parameters. We selected 20 ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) patients (median of age 60 [56; 64] years, 65 % women). ABPM was recorded using a bifunctional device (Incart, S.-P., RF). We calculated MBP as [[(2×DBP)+SBP]/3] [2] and as [DBP+[0.01×exp(4,14-40,74/HR)] ×PP] [3], Formula 1 and Formula 2, respectively. The analysis of difference between results of MBP measurements calculated by two methods was performed using the Bland and Altman method. The data show, that MBP calculated by Formula 1 and Formula 2 are as 87.7 [83.2−90.5] and 91.1 [85.4−93.5] mm Hg, respectively. The limits of agreements for the MBP were 0,49/5,91. In general, based on the findings of the current study, the measurements of MBP calculated using different formulas show good agreement. Further studies need to have more clinical evidence to analyze the result
Bimodal Soil Pore Structure Investigated by a Combined Soil Water Retention Curve and X‐Ray Computed Tomography Approach
Authors: Zhou Hu , Mooney Sacha Jon , Peng Xinhua
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Soil water retention curves of the paddy soil were bested fitted with bimodal models.

Computed‐tomography imaging and retention curves generated similar bimodal pore structure.

Combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased structural porosity.

Textural porosity was not affected by fertilization treatments.

Well‐structured soils are considered to have bimodal pore structure, including textural pores between particles and structural pores between aggregates. Pore structure can be inferred from the soil water retention curve (SWRC) but our understanding of the 3‐D pore geometry that regulates this curve is limited. This study investigated the pore structure of a paddy soil under different fertilization regimes by both SWRC and X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) imaging with the aim of comparing the two methods. Undisturbed soil aggregates and cores were collected from the surface layer of long‐term unfertilized (CK), inorganically fertilized (NPK), and organically and inorganically fertilized (NPKOM) paddy soils. Aggregates and cores were scanned with micro‐CT and pore structures were analyzed. The SWRCs were measured on the same CT‐scanned cores. Three unimodal models, three bimodal models, and one trimodal model were evaluated for fitting the SWRC and to derive soil pore size distribution (PSD). Results showed the SWRC of the paddy soil were best fitted with the bimodal lognormal (BLN) and double‐exponential (DE) models, with the derived PSD showing distinct bimodality. The micro‐CT images revealed the hierarchy structure of the paddy soil and a bimodal pattern in the PSDs. The structural porosities from BLN, DE models and CT imaging were consistent and correlated with the natural logarithm of saturated hydraulic conductivity. Long‐term application of NPKOM increased structural porosity though no significant differences were recorded in the textural porosity compared with the NPK and CK treatment, while the latter two showed a near identical pore structure. These results demonstrated the benefits of both approaches especially for soil structures with a bimodal pore structure such as the well‐structured paddy soil.
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Fraction Accumulation with Long‐Term Biosolids Applications
Authors: Pan W. L. , Port L. E. , Xiao Y. , Bary A. I. , Cogger C. G.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Biosolids N contribute to wheat grain and soil N.

Applied biosolids contain light fraction and non‐hydrolyzable C and N.

Biosolids C efficiently increased soil C at 0.91 Mg C in soil per Mg C in added biosolids.

Buildup of non‐hydrolyzable, high C:N light fraction originates in light density biosolids.

High total and non‐hydrolyzable C retention rates have implications for greenhouse gas mitigation.

Global sustainability depends on the recycling of organic wastes, containing carbon and plant nutrients, back into food production. Biosolids are capable of building total soil organic matter, but their ability to build stable organic C and N fractions is less well understood. The sequestration of stable soil C and replacement of energy‐requiring commercial fertilizers both have implications for greenhouse gas mitigation. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of biosolids amendments to store labile and stable soil C and N fractions while supplying crop N needs. Three rates of anaerobically digested biosolids were incorporated following wheat harvest every 4 yr in a wheat‐fallow system over 20 yr, and compared to a no‐fertilizer check and a standard commercial fertilizer treatment. Increases in total soil C and N correlated to cumulative application rates of total and acid‐resistant, non‐hydrolyzable (NH) C and N, with 91% of added biosolids C efficiently retained in soil. The soil accumulated light fraction (LF) C and N in biosolids treated plots, whereas the LF pools of the control plots decreased and LF pools in the commercial fertilizer plots stayed relatively constant. Total soil N correlated with cumulative biosolids N, with 35% of added biosolids N retained in the soil of which only 4% was stored in the soil NH N fraction. Anhydrous ammonia increased wheat yields by 27% over the 0‐fertilizer check, without increasing soil N. Biosolids markedly elevated total, stable and LF soil C and N pools in semiarid conditions, while maintaining comparable wheat productivity to commercially fertilized wheat‐fallow.
Decimetric‐Scale Two‐Dimensional Distribution of Soil Phosphorus after 20 Years of Tillage Management and Maintenance Phosphorus Fertilization
Authors: Cambouris A. N. , Messiga A. J. , Ziadi N. , Perron I. , Morel C.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

2‐D distribution of Mehlich‐3 P across seeding row had no spatial pattern in no‐till and moldboard plow.

Horizontal distribution of Mehlich‐3 P was less sensitive to extrinsic factors.

Soil‐surface P accumulation in no‐till is due in part to P recycled by corn and soybean.

Surface P accumulation in no‐till is also due to the replenishment of solution P by residual P.

Improving soil test P assessment at plot scale is essential for productivity in conservation agriculture systems. We characterized the distribution of Mehlich‐3 P (PM3) concentrations at the decimetric scale with depth on either side of the sowing row in no‐till (NT) and moldboard plow (MP) plots fertilized with 35 kg P ha–1 every 2‐yr in a corn–soybean rotation (20‐yr). A total of 996 soil samples (83 samples × 2 depths [0–5 and 5–20 cm] × 6 plots [3 blocks each MP and NT]) were collected at corn harvest in 2012. The average PM3 concentrations in the 0‐ to 5‐cm layer were 35.7 and 63.4 mg kg–1 in MP and NT, respectively. The PM3 concentration in the 5‐ to 20‐cm depth was similar between MP and NT and averaged 32.0 mg kg–1. The horizontal distribution of PM3 concentrations in these plots was less sensitive to extrinsic factors including tillage, P fertilization and soil depth. High coefficients of variation were associated with PM3 data in both MP (77 and 63% at 0–5 and 5–20 cm, respectively) and NT plots (46 and 66% at 0–5 and 5–20 cm, respectively). It is possible that this strong overall variability overshadowed any PM3 pattern that could have been introduced by NT management. Geostatistical semivariance analysis indicated a predominance of random spatial dependence in most plots, except two plots (one MP and one NT) with moderate spatial structures. The 2‐D geospatial model related to tillage was not detected by the sampling grid used at this experimental site. Therefore, a similar sampling strategy would be appropriate and could be recommended for these two tillage systems in this long‐term corn–soybean rotation.
Factors impeding the use of banking services in rural Southern African states
Authors: Choga Ireen , Mapanga Arthur , Munapo Elias
Published: November 2017

The paper presents factors why people are reluctant to bank money in rural Southern African countries. Six countries namely Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe were used in the study. A focus group of 10 people from each of the stated Southern African countries was composed and used to obtain perceptions, views, reactions, attitudes, experiences among others on why people are reluctant to bank their money. People are unwilling to bank their money in rural Southern Africa and the reasons behind this seem to be many. If no correctional measures are put in place, rural Southern Africa will continue to be unbanked for the next five decades.
Performance differences between Islamic and conventional banking forms
Authors: Alshammari Turki
Published: November 2017

This paper strives to recognize the possible performance differences between the two popular banking forms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Applying different methodologies on the data that span the period 2003–2015, this study docu¬ments significant differences with respect to the period, countries, and performance measures. Specifically, conventional banks in GCC countries outperform their Islamic counterparts in profitability. Also, bank specific factors such as liquidity, capital ad¬equacy, bank size and growth all affect the profitability. In addition, GCC conventional and Islamic banks were isolated from the 2008 subprime crisis even though their prof¬itability seems to be decayed differently over the period of the economic downturn.
Implementation of the “bail-in” mechanism in the banking system of Ukraine
Authors: Kuznetsova Anzhela , Azarenkova Galyna , Olefir Ievgeniia
Published: November 2017

One of the important tasks of the National Bank of Ukraine is to implement the Directive 2014/59/EU namely to introduce the “bail-in” mechanism, which will enable to resolve insolvency of banks or high probability of its occurrence at the expense of internal sources of banks in order to improve the Ukrainian banking system functioning and adapt it to the requirements and standards of the European Union. The foreign experience of the “bail-in” implementation shows that central banks succeeded in restructuring the balance sheets of banks and significantly reduced the risks of their activities. Thus, the purpose of the study is to substantiate the expediency of the “bail-in” mechanism introduction in banking system of Ukraine. The essence of the “bail-in” mechanism is the involvement of shareholders and lenders of the bank in order to restore its solvency by offsetting shareholders’ equity, subordinated debt, and/or converting/writing off other long-term unsecured and unprovided liabilities in a subordinated debt or shares of the bank. In the process of scientific research, using the comparative method, the method of analogies and methods of logical generalization and scientific abstraction, the structure of the “bail-in” mechanism is determined, which consists of methods (conversion of liabilities into capital, liabilities write-off, capital write-off), provision (normative and legal, financial, organizational and institutional, technical and technological, informational) and levers (incentives, sanctions). Using the expert estimation method, it is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of the “bail-in” mechanism by comparing the quality of the assets of the bank prior to its implementation and after the completion of the action. The results of the study show that, firstly, the implementation of the “bail-in” mechanism in Ukraine will enable the National Bank of Ukraine to interfere with the activities of banks at an early stage of the problems and to take all necessary measures to restore their solvency. Secondly, the “bail-in” mechanism implementation in Ukraine will increase banks’ resilience to shock, crisis and contribute to long-term financial stability.
Emergence of synergetic effect in creation of collaborative alliances in natural resource management
Authors: Halynska Yuliia
Published: November 2017

Based on the theoretical method of generalizing the views of scientists on the essence of the “synergy” concept, the authors of the article have examined the content and essence of the concept “synergetic effect” in the article. The concept of “collaborative social responsibility” was defined during the formation of collaborative alliances in the “state-local communities-extracting enterprise” system. The authors have determined the formation of a synergetic effect in the natural resource management in the conditions of collaborative alliances and it was suggested to assess the synergetic effect from the collaborative alliance interaction in the natural resource management through the analysis of “benefits and costs”.
Dynamic Reliability Analysis of Mega-Sub Isolation System Under Random Ground Motion
Authors: Li Xiangxiu , Li Xiaojun , Liu Aiwen , He Qiumei
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

The equation of motion of the mega-sub isolation system is derived in the present study. Then, the parameter optimization of the mega-sub isolation system is studied to illustrate the effects of the damping and stiffness of the isolation devices on the reliability of the system.

Methods:

Moreover, based on the first passage mechanism, the calculation procedure of the dynamic reliability of the system is presented. In this procedure, the story drift of the structure is used as the evaluation.

Results and Conclusion:

Numerical example shows that when the damping ratio of the isolation device is given, the overall reliability of the structure increases at first then decreases with increased frequency ratio, when the frequency ratio is constant, the overall reliability of the structure increases with increased damping ratio. In addition, compared to the aseismic system, the overall reliability of the mega-sub isolation system is significantly improved.
MODIS Summer SUHI Cross-sections Anomalies over the Megacities of the Monsoon Asia Region and Global Trends
Authors: Itzhak-Ben-Shalom Hofit , Alpert Pinhas , Potchter Oded , Samuels Rana
Published: November 2017

Background:

Evidence has accumulated in recent years regarding the scope of local and global climate changes attributed to exacerbating anthropogenic factors such as accelerating population growth, urbanization, industrialization, traffic and energy use. Remote space monitoring, unlike ground-based measurements, has the advantage of providing global coverage on a daily basis.

Methods:

MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Aqua and Terra 1°×1° spatial resolution as well as the 1 km higher resolution of Aqua-MODIS were investigated for a global overview of megacities temperature variations, as well as the recent trends of the 10 largest Monsoon Asian megacities.

Results:

The average Land Surface Temperature (LST) cross-sections of the 10 Asian megacities were examined for June-August 2002-2014. Temperature variations fit a spatial bell-shaped curve, with a pronounced maximum over the city center. Nighttime data indicated sharp LST decreases with distance from the city center, particularly in the coldest cities, those of Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka and Beijing.

Conclusion:

Daytime latitudinal (E-W) and longitudinal (N-S) Surface Urban Heat Islands (SUHI) have steeper gradients than for nighttime data. During daytime, the SUHI gradients are largest in Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka and Beijing with values reaching 15oC followed by the cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou with ~11oC, and Karachi with ~5oC SUHI. Nighttime SUHIs were more moderate, 4-6oC in Tokyo, Seoul ~5oC, Osaka 5-7oC and Beijing ~7oC. Only in the three largest megacities,i.e., Tokyo, Guangzhou and Shanghai, did the nighttime LST trends decline.
Redefining Knee Balance in a Medially Stabilized Prosthesis: An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Van Overschelde Philippe , Pinskerova Vera , Koch Peter P. , Fornasieri Christophe , Fucentese Sandro
Published: November 2017

Background:

To date, there is still no consensus on what soft tissues must be preserved and what structures can be safely released during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a medially stabilized implant.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a progressive selective release of the medial and lateral soft tissues in a knee implanted with a medially stabilized prosthesis.

Method:

Six cadaveric fresh-frozen full leg specimens were tested. In each case, kinematic pattern and mediolateral laxity were measured in three stages: firstly, prior to implantation; secondly, after the implantation of the trial components, but before any soft tissue release; and thirdly, progressively as soft tissue was released with the trial implant in place. The incremental impact of each selective release on knee balance was then analyzed.

Results:

In all cases sagittal stability was not affected by the progressive release of the lateral soft tissue envelope. It was possible to perform progressive lateral release provided the anterior one-third of the iliotibial band (ITB) remained intact. Progressive medial release could be performed on the medial side provided the anterior fibers of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) remained intact.

Conclusion:

The medially conforming implant remains stable provided the anterior fibers of sMCL and the anterior fibers of the ITB remain intact. The implant’s sagittal stability is mainly dependent on its medial ball-in-socket design.
A Single Drop in the Eye – Effects on the Whole Body?
Authors: Vaajanen Anu , Vapaatalo Heikki
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Although the local adverse effects of ophthalmic drugs, including allergic reactions, are well recognized, less is known about the systemic side- effects of eye drops, especially during pregnancy, breast-feeding and early childhood. Ophthalmologists should also be aware of unusual, in some cases even life-threatening, effects of commonly used eye drops.

Conclusion:

This brief review outlines the routes of systemic absorption and the kinetics of active components present in eye drops, and identifies the clinically relevant systemic adverse effects.
Person‐Centered Care: Opportunities and Challenges for Academic Dental Institutions and Programs
Authors: Walji Muhammad F. , Karimbux Nadeem Y. , Spielman Andrew I.
Published: November 2017

Many readers may be familiar with patient‐centered care, but they may not be familiar with the concept of person‐centered care. Person‐centered care implies knowing the patient as a person, not as just another patient or as a clinical requirement in dental school. Person‐centered care gains the trust of the patient and is meaningful to the person because it respects his or her values, preferences, needs, and beliefs, emphasizing the individual's freedom of choice while promoting emotional and physical comfort. This article describes the concept of person‐centered care, compares person‐centered care with patient‐ and student‐centered care, presents a vision of person‐centered care in a clinic setting, discusses its opportunities and challenges in general, and outlines future topics of interest for the academic, research, and practicing dental communities, including opportunities for in‐depth reviews and guidelines.
A Teaching Tool for Establishing Risk of Oral Health Deterioration in Elderly Patients: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation at a U.S. Dental School
Authors: Marchini Leonardo , Hartshorn Jennifer E. , Cowen Howard , Dawson Deborah V. , Johnsen David C.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a learning strategy using critical thinking to teach dental students how to assess the risk of rapid oral health deterioration (ROHD) among elderly patients. A learning guide was developed using risk factors identified in the literature and the steps that expert faculty members apply in their clinical decision making, summarized in a set of ten steps. A new system of labeling risk was developed for the elderly population, which correlates the level of risk with the amount of disease. Participants in the study were all 91 fourth‐year dental students in two subsequent classes who took part in a five‐week Geriatrics and Special Needs Clinic rotation in the spring of 2015 and 2016. The students were introduced to the ROHD concept and asked to use the guide in a presentation during their rotation. The students were graded on an A, G, or M scale (Applied concept, Grasped and applied concept, or Missed application of concept). Students were also asked to assess their learning experience, and their answers were thematically grouped and analyzed. For eight of the ten steps, at least 93% of the students were graded A or G. The exceptions were the steps about developing a communications plan, which was missed by 23.1%, and self‐assessment, which was missed by 30.8%. Interexaminer agreement on students’ applying (A + G grades) versus missing the step was moderate or high on six of ten items. Nearly all the students (98.7%) considered assessing the risk of ROHD an important or very important skill. In this study, a learning strategy to teach dental students how to assess the risk of ROHD among elderly patients was developed and successfully implemented.
Dental Student, Resident, and Faculty Attitudes Toward Treating Medicaid Patients
Authors: Behar-Horenstein Linda S. , Feng Xiaoying
Published: November 2017

Failure to receive proper oral health care including both prevention and maintenance is influenced by myriad and complex social, economic, and dental factors, including access to care. Reducing oral health disparities requires changes in the preparation of future dentists as well as measuring and influencing the attitudes and knowledge of practicing dentists. The aim of this study was to determine the likelihood that future dentists (students and residents) and faculty members at one U.S. dental school would treat Medicaid participants. Attitudes were measured using the Deamonte Driver scenario survey, which assesses factors affecting dentists’ participation in Medicaid. In October 2012, all 113 full‐time faculty members were invited to participate, and 60 completed the survey, for a response rate of 53.1%. In January and February 2013, all 18 residents in the dental clinics and university hospital were invited to participate, and 16 completed the survey, for a response rate of 88.9%. From 2013 to 2015, all 267 students in three classes were invited to participate: first‐year students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 and fourth‐year students in the Class of 2015. A total of 255 students completed the survey, for an overall student response rate of 95.5%. The results showed that the students were more likely to participate in caring for Medicaid patients than the faculty and residents. The white and male students had stronger negative stereotypes about Medicaid patients than the females and underrepresented minority students, while residents had stronger negative stereotypes about Medicaid patients than the students and faculty. Overall, the cultural competency skills, beliefs, and attitudes of these faculty members and residents were less developed than those of their students, signaling a need for broad educational and faculty development programs to fully prepare the future dental workforce to care for these patients.