bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature-oriented potential resource and melliferous value of forest belts in steppe agro-forest landscapes
Authors: Samsonova Irina , Gryazkin Anatoly , Belyaeva Natalia , Belyaev Vladimir , Petrik Vitaliy , Bespalova Veronica , Lyubimov Alexander
Published: July 2018

Creation of forest shelterbelts in steppe zone is important because they allow to obtain the highest yields of grains of cereals where the area of the most favorable conditions for growth is formed in comparison with many other soil-climatic regions. Melliferous and pollen production value of lands changes as a result of anthropic landscape conversion from agrarian to forest agrarian. There are a lot of melliferous trees and shrubs in forest belts; some of them have been introduced from the other floristic regions and are well naturalised in the local conditions. Nature-oriented potential resource of forest belts is in carbon deposition and oxygen production by phytomass of the main species.

The aim of the research is to evaluate the bioresource potential of forest belts in the conditions of steppe agrarian landscapes. Bioresource potential (Brp) of forests for honey supply in the region was defined according to the distribution of species in the area. Potential honey stock of melliferous lands, represented by forest stands was assigned according to their area, given by the Forestry Department of Rostov region, and the average normative honey productivity of 1 ha of these crops. The number of beehives (N) necessary for honey supply that use ½ of bioresource forest potential was calculated according to the need of a bee family in honey per year. Value of nature-oriented resource of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) stands was defined according to the amount of oxygen produced and carbon deposed. Pure and mixed forest belts with the share of black locust from 60 to 80% (335.0–494.5 kg/ha) in composition with ash (Fraxinus sp.), Norway maple, Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), apricot and dense structure of honey suckle and Siberian pea tree underbrush have the highest productivity. The total volume of possible honey yield from forest belts of agro-forest landscapes in the studied region is 26,379.8 t. Maximum indices of carbon fixation and oxygen production are observed in the maturing stands of black locust, and the largest honey stock dominate in average age stands and are 3,755,000 t, 10,288,000 t and 25,200 t, respectively. The role of the whole system in the increase of landscape honey productivity and formation of forage conveyor for bees and enthomophages might be much more if the recommended assortment of the best melliferous and pollen bearing species would be more completely used when forest belts are created.
Effects of food quality on Melolontha spp. adults
Authors: Woreta Danuta , Wolski Robert , Lipiński Sławomir , Tkaczyk Miłosz
Published: July 2018

The paper presets the results of the study on the life span, survival, body weight and fecundity of cockchafer (Melolontha spp.) adults feeding on the leaves of Betula pendula Roth., Quercus robur L., Q. rubra L., Acer platanoides L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Pinus silvestris L. inflorescences. The life span and body weight of adults, as well as female fertility were examined in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2015, the tested common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha L.) adults and forest cockchafer (Melololntha hippocastani F.) adults were fed on B. pendula., Q. robur and P. silvestris. In 2016, forest cockchafer adults were fed on B. pendula, Q. robur, Q. rubra, T. cordata, and in 2017 – on B. pendula., Q. robur T. cordata and A. platanoides. Adults of both species feeding on Q. robur were treated as the control. Adult specimens observed under laboratory conditions were collected in the field, shortly after leaving their overwintering sites in the soil. Our results showed that feeding on the leaves of Q. robur and Q. rubra had the greatest positive effects on the life span, body weight and fecundity of the studied cockchafer adults. M. melolontha females reared on the leaves of B. pendula laid no eggs. The leaves of A. platanoides constituted an adequate food source for the development of M. hippocastani. P. silvestris inflorescences proved to be the right food only for M. melolontha females. M. hippocastani adults feeding on T. cordata and B. pendula were characterized by a short life, decreasing body weight in the first days of observation and low fertility.
The unresolved problem of determining the forest interest rate
Authors: Adamowicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

Valuation of forests and their components is a significant problem, both for science and practice. At present, in many countries, the market of forest property is limited. As a result, no conclusions may be inferred on the forest value based on the information on forest purchase and sale transactions. In this situation, we apply static methods of forest valuation. The problem of forest statics has been discussed for years (e.g., Brukas et al. 2001; Chang 1983, 2001; Dieter 2001; Hartman 1976; Manley and Bare 2001; Mohring 2001; Zhang 2001; Viitala 2016). Static methods of forest valuation are well known. In the construction of the proposed mathematical formula (Eq. 6), the Faustmann theory was applied, concerning the economic equilibrium in forestry. Numerous modifications of his equation for economic equilibrium were used to develop, for example, an income method for forest valuation based on discounting the final value or prolongation of initial value. The forest interest rate is a key element in these equations. At present, there are no procedures for the establishment of this interest rate, which would be generally accepted by the scientific community. Therefore, the article presents and discusses selected concepts for determining the forest interest rate.
Impact of foliar application of copper sulphate and copper nanoparticles on some morpho-physiological traits and essential oil composition of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)
Authors: Lafmejani Zahra Nemati , Jafari Ali Ashraf , Moradi Pejhman , Moghadam Alireza Ladan
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), a member of Lamiaceae family, is an important medicinal plant that has many useful properties. Copper is an essential micronutrient for normal plant growth and metabolism.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of copper sulphate and copper nanoparticles on morpho-physiological traits and essential oil composition of peppermint.

Methods: Seven treatments of copper sulphate and copper nanoparticles in three concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/l) and control were applied in foliar application three times of the interval of 15 days up to flowering stages of peppermint in Karaj, Iran in 2015.

Results: Copper nanoparticles (1.0 g/l) increased chlorophyll content and essential oil percentage of 35% and 20% higher than control, respectively. The copper sulfate (0.5 g/l) increased dry matter yield up to 58% higher than control. The effects of treatments were significant on 17 out of 34 compositions. Copper nanoparticles (1.0 g/l) increased menthol, menthone and menthofuran content up to 15, 25 and 65% higher than in control, respectively.

Conclusions: Foliar application of copper sulfate (0.5 g/l) and copper nanoparticles (1.0 g/l) in flowering stage were suggested for increase of dry matter production, essential oil content and composition, respectively.
Antioxidant, antibacterial properties and the light barrier assessment of raw and purified melanins isolated from Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds
Authors: Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The nutritive value and terapeuthic activity of watermelon seeds is known, but up to day no studies on isolation and characterisation of their melanin were conducted.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial and light barrier properties of raw and purified melanins isolated from watermelon seeds.

Methods: Native melanin was isolated from seeds by alkaline extraction. Obtained pigment was purified by acid hydrolysis. Chemical tests and FT-IR analysis were conducted to determine the melanin nature of the isolated pigments. UV-Vis, transmittance and colour properties were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS and antibacterial activity through a well diffusion method.

Results: The results of the study demonstrated that melanins isolated from watermelon seeds had antioxidant, light barrier and antibacterial properties. A purified form of melanin had higher antioxidant activity and light barrier properties than the raw form. Both melanins inhibited the growth of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions: Watermelon seeds may be considered as a promising source of natural melanin which possess remarkable therapeutic action that can support the traditional use of this plant in the ethnomedicine.
Actual solubility (S|real.|), level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLBRequ., HLBD, HLBG) and partition coefficient (log P) of phytochemicals contained in Ext. Camellia sinensis L. aqu. siccum in the light of general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility
Authors: Marczyński Zbigniew , Skibska Beata , Nowak Sławomira , Jambor Jerzy , Zgoda Marian Mikołaj
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Using the general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility, the mole fraction (x2) of solubility of phytochemicals contained in the dry green tea leaves was calculated which determines the profile of pharmacological activity.

Objective: The applicative purpose of the study was to estimate the actual solubility of phytochemicals – S|real.| [mol/dm3] in water and in water-ethanol solutions of diversified polarity (εM) for their selective extraction and optimal formulation of oral solid dosage form.

Methods: The basic physico-chemical and structural quantities of phytochemicals and corresponding mathematical equations of general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility were used to calculate the actual solubility – S|real.| and the level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB).

Results: The calculated actual solubility values – S|real.| [mol/dm3] collated with correlation equations enabled the assessment of phytochemical capability for the process of mass exchange on phase boundary. Correlation equations for the dependence log P = f (– log S|real.|) point to the structural preferences of phytochemicals in the kinetics of the mass exchange (diffusion) through the natural phase boundary.

Conclusions: Calculations and correlations between the values characterizing the actual solubility – S|real.|, media polarity (water, ethanol and their solutions) and the partition coefficient (log P) including the level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) show that basing on thermodynamic components of the general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility, the diffusion profile of phytochemicals contained in the green tea extract (Ext. Camellia sinensis L. aqu. siccum) through the biological phase boundary as well as optimal choice of the extraction medium for selective extraction of the class of phytochemicals can be estimated.
Chemical composition and antifungal activities of Ziziphora tenuir and Z. clinopodioides essential oils against dermatophytes
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese , Tabar Rezvan Heidary , Mahdizadeh sElaheh
Published: July 2018

Introduction:
Ziziphora species are traditionally used for treatment of different infectious and non-infectious diseases as antiseptic agents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of Ziziphora clinopodioides and Z. tenuir essential oils and their antifungal effects againt five strains of dermatophytes.

Methods: GC and GC-MS methods were used for essentional oils analize. The anti-elastase activities were determined by porcine pancreatic elastase assays.

Results: 48 different compounds were identified in these two essential oils, which thymol, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole and γ-terpinene were their major components. The anti-dermatophyte activities of essential oils against dermatophytes showed that the essential oils (150 ppm) inhibited the mycelium growth, about 5–100%, which Z. clinopodioides essential oil had higher mycelium growth inhibition (28–100%) than that of Z. tenuir oil. The MIC and MFC values of essential oils were 0.01–1 µl/ml. 0.5 µl/ml essential oils inhibited porcine pancreatic elastase, dose-dependently.

Conclusions: Due to the anti-dermatophyte and anti-elastase effects of Ziziphora sp., it can be considered as natural antifungal agent for more clinical and pre-clinical trials.
Selected physicochemical and solubilization properties of pharmacopeal solutions of dry green tea leaf extract (Ext. Camellia sinensis L. folium aqu. siccum)
Authors: Marczyński Zbigniew , Skibska Beata , Nowak Sławomira , Rychlińska Izabela , Jambor Jerzy , Zgoda Marian Mikołaj
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Green tea offers not only pleasant, delicate flavor, but also provides health benefits. The extract contains, among others, polyphenols responsible for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce the risk of cancer and their presence exerts preventive activity against cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: Analysis of selected physicochemical and solubilizing properties of pharmacopoeial-true solutions of dry green tea extract.

Methods: The caffeine content was determined in the extract and in dry residue after solubilization by high performance liquid chromatography. The process of micellar solubilization of cholesterol granules and ketoprofen was carried out in model solutions of green tea extract.

Results: The obtained results indicate that the prepared ‘ex tempore’ leaf green tea infusion subjected to short thermal exposure will be characterized by significant solubilization abilities.

Conclusions: The outcomes of the research pointed to the possibility of developing a solid oral dosage form with titrated dry green tea extract of expected pharmacotherapeutic profile.
Free Trade in Theory and Policy: Contemporary Challenges
Authors: Nagel Daniel , Burnete Sorin
Published: July 2018

Free trade denotes a state of international commercial relations premised on governments’ restraint from using policy instruments meant to favor indigenous industries against foreign competitors. According to the conventional trade theory advocated by classical and neo-classical thinkers, free trade makes little economic sense failing nations’ tendency to specialize based on comparative advantage, a concept with high persuasive influence despite the elapsing of time. Even though the comparative advantage rule has seldom been questioned per se, the free trade concept has been fiercely disputed and not infrequently, bashed. Nations’ involvement in international trade often follows patterns that do not fit theoretical models but attempt to respond to circumstantial interests, most often the need to protect poorly competitive industries. In common parlance, free trade has had both proponents and enemies.
Political and Military Developments in the Byzantine Empire During the 11th Century
Authors: Qerimi Muhamet , Mala Muhamet
Published: July 2018

For the Byzantine Empire, at the end of the first quarter of the 11thcentury, a new period starts, which in the historiography opinion is generalized as the period of the rule of bureaucratic aristocracy of the capital city. This covers the period 1025-1081, which was characterized by disintegration in the state system and failures in the field of internal and foreign politics. The political crisis at its beginning did not appear clearly, because bureaucratic aristocracy came to power following the thriving period that Byzantine Empire had experienced until then, known as the golden age of the empire. After a calm developmental beginning, the period commenced to be characterized by some developments of decentralizing character. Heirs of the then Byzantine Emperor, Basil II. could not resist enough the separatist movements of feudal and military leaders. Despite these trends towards weakening and separatism, Empire reached that thanks to Komnena dynasty to successfully withstand the challenges that were created by Seljuk Turks and Norman Crusaders. It partially reclaimed its former reputation to continue with the political existence for some more centuries. In these developments, the Byzantine Emperors were supported or often were objected by the non-Byzantine feudal elements that in various cases came from Albania, Bulgaria, Rasha and Zeta.
Buell Quain (1912-1939): an Ethnologist without a Grave
Authors: Thomas Erika
Published: July 2018

During the night of August 2nd to 3rd 1939, the American anthropologist Buell Quain, then working among the Krahô Indians, lacerated his body, opened his veins and ended up hanging himself from a tree by using a rope from his hammock. In several letters dated 2nd August 1939 which he had written and left for his usual correspondents, he mentions a contagious disease to explain his final act. But this reason would be contradicted by many of his last comrades and colleagues. This paper aims to investigate elements that contribute to the understanding of the links between the fieldworker and his subject.
Social and Cultural Barriers in Translation
Authors: Rifai Houssaïne
Published: July 2018

Using current terms, translation turns out to be one of the oldest manifestations of globalization in the world. It has also played a leading role in the civilizational development of Arab countries by filling gaps in law, philosophy and medicine. It would then be interesting to demonstrate how the interaction of Morocco and France, before and during the French Protectorate (1912), contributed to the construction of a literature and the transmission of knowledge through translation. To do this, it would be wise to reveal, first, the development of translation in Morocco before and during the French Protectorate, then to elucidate its role in the birth of a literary consciousness. As an extension, we will finally discuss the impact of the French heritage in general, in terms of language on Moroccan Arabic, in our time when the boundaries between the local and the global are blurred.
Emergence, a Universal Phenomenon which Connects Reality to Consciousness, Natural Sciences to Humanities
Authors: Crumpei Gabriel , Gavriluţ Alina
Published: July 2018

Progress in neuroscience has left a central question of psychism unanswered: what is consciousness? Modeling the psyche from a computational perspective has helped to develop cognitive neurosciences, but it has also shown their limits, of which the definition, description and functioning of consciousness remain essential. From Rene Descartes, who tackled the issue of psychism as the brain-mind dualism, to Chambers, who defined qualia as the tough, difficult problem of research in neuroscience, many hypotheses and theories have been issued to encompass the phenomenon of consciousness. Neuroscience specialists, such as Giulio Tononi or David Eagleman, consider consciousness as a phenomenon of emergence of all processes that take place in the brain. This hypothesis has the advantage of being supported by progress made in the study of complex systems in which the issue of emergence can be mathematically formalized and analyzed by physical-mathematical models. The current tendency to associate neural networks within the broad scope of network science also allows for a physical-mathematical formalization of phenomenology in neural networks and the construction of information-symbolic models. The extrapolation of emergence at the level of physical systems, biological systems and psychic systems can bring new models that can also be applied to the concept of consciousness. The meaning and significance that seem to structure the nature of consciousness is found as direction of evolution and teleological finality, of integration in the whole system and in any complex system at all scales. Starting from the wave-corpuscle duality in quantum physics, we can propose a model for structuring reality, based on the emergence of systems that contribute to the integration and coherence of the entire reality. Physical-mathematical models based mainly on (mereo)topology can provide a mathematical formalization path, and the paradigm of information could allow the development of a pattern of emergence, that is common to all systems, including the psychic system, the difference being given only by the degree of information complexity. Thus, the mind-brain duality, which has been dominating the representation on psychism for a few centuries, could be solved by an informational approach, describing the connection between object and subject, reality and human consciousness, between mind and brain, thus unifying the perspective on natural sciences and humanities.
Rural Diversification Strategies in Promoting Structural Transformation in Zimbabwe
Authors: Svodziwa Mathew
Published: July 2018

Rural diversification strategies in Zimbabwe are wide in nature but the environment plays an important role in ensuring that sustainability and structural transformation are achieved. A good understanding of the diversity of rural livelihoods choices and income sources among rural households would therefore inform policy makers on appropriate policy interventions. This paper delves to establish the role of rural diversification strategies in promoting structural transformation in Zimbabwe using Insiza district as a case study. A mixed methods research design was used. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were applied. The study utilized semi-structured interviews with key informants who were purposively sampled to take part in the study. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed and 86 were returned thus giving the researcher a response rate of 86%. The study’s findings noted that rural diversification is an important component of the rural economy and it plays an important component in order to achieve structural transformation using Insiza district in Zimbabwe as a case study. The study also noted that though climate was negatively impacting on the Insiza district residents, households that diversified their income sources had enhanced income compared with farming households which do not diversify their income sources being vulnerable. The study recommends that the government should intervene by financing and educating the rural folk. Micro-policy should be targeted on rural households incomes that facilitate the provision of widening income options through small scale group schemes.
Ca-125, A Biomarker in Acute-Decompensated Heart Failure. Preliminary Study.
Authors: Ababei M. , Câmpeanu A. , Nistorescu D. , Zaharia O. , Portelli P , Dobroiu M. , Nanea T.
Published: July 2018

Background. CA-125 is a tumor antigen expressed on the surface of ovarian cells, used to monitor the treatment of ovarian cancer (normal upper limit is 35U/mL), but it seems also to have a role as biomarker in heart failure (HF).

Aim. To determine CA-125 changes in acute-decompensated HF (ADHF) patients.

Method. The study group included 110 patients (mean age 72±10 years, 63% men) with ADHF caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy. The subjects were clinically, ecocardiographically and biologically (NT-proBNP, PCR, serum uric acid (sUA), CA-125) evaluated.

Results. CA-125 at admission was 53±33 U/mL and decreased at discharge to 34±17 U/mL, without any difference between males and females. The mean level of CA-125 was significantly higher in patients with pleural effusion.

There was a significant difference between NT-proBNP at admission in obese versus normoponderal patients, which was maintained at discharge. In the same time, the CA-125 did not show significant differences between obese and normoponderal subjects at admission and discharge. The mean level of CA-125 was significantly higher for subjects with reduced ejection fraction and with elevated left ventricular filling pressures versus subjects with preserved ejection fraction and normal left ventricular filling pressures.

The CA-125 correlated with LVEF (R=-0.221, p=0.02), with NT-proBNP (R=0.371, p<0.001), with the inflammation marker - PCR (R=0.284, p=0.003) and oxidative stress marker - sUA (R=0.234, p=0.015).

Conclusions. The wide availability of CA-125, its relatively low cost, its correlation with known prognostic markers in HF and the additional information provided make it a valuable biomarker that can be used in monitoring ADHF patients.
Beyond the Arteries in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Ceasovschih Alexandr , Șorodoc Victoriţa , Aursulesei Viviana , Tesloianu Dan , Jaba Irina M. , Cozma Corina Dima , Mihai Bogdan M. , Stătescu Cristian , Sîrbu Oana , Stoica Alexandra , Tuchiluș Cristina , Anisie Ecaterina , Grigorescu Elena D. , Simionov Lilia , Obreja Maria , Șorodoc Laurenţiu
Published: July 2018

Objectives. This study aimed to examine peripheral artery disease severity impact on psychological profile of arteriopathy patients.

Material and methods. The prospective study included consecutive PAD patients admitted to the 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Cardiology of the Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Spiridon” Iasi, between January and September, 2017.

Rezults. The group included 139 PAD patients, 80.6% male and 19.4% female, with an average age of 63.23±9.44 years. PAD stages have a very strong association with level of quality of life (p<0.0001). All Leriche-Fontaine classification categories were significantly associated with the depressive symptoms (p<0.0001). The stress level was moderate in stages IIA, IIB and III and extremely severe in the terminal stage. The prevalence of anxiety was lowest in incipient PADstages with the highest value in stage III.

Conclusions. The fragment of the PhD study presented the psychological profile in the PAD staging and advocates a personalized, wide-ranging approach to the arteriopathy patient including pain and depressive-anxiety management, with amajor impact on the quality of life at terminal stages.
Risk Factors for Diabetes Type 2 Development. Comparison of 6 Major Risk Factors Prevalence Between Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patients from Bihor County and the Population with Normal Glucose Tolerance from Predatorr Study
Authors: Mihai Vesa Cosmin , Remus Popa Amorin
Published: July 2018

Diabetes mellitus represents a public health problem because of its growing prevalence and the enormous costs for its treatment and complications. There are numerous risk factors for diabetes mellitus development but the most important ones are the modifiable factors. In Bihor County the prevalence of obesity and sedentary behaviour in the population of newly diagnosed patients are increased compared to their prevalence in the population without diabetes. Promotion of healthy eating habits and increased physical effort are the most important measures to prevent diabetes mellitus type 2, which accounts for 90-95% of total diabetes cases. Public health programs that bring together physicians, nutritionists, teachers and target groups (children, young people, obese and overweight people)must be initiated in general population from an early age and maintained in order to promote the adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
Transmission Channels of Public Investments Effects on Economic Growth: Case of the CEMAC Sub-region
Authors: Ngouhouo Ibrahim Nji , Ntavoua Samuel Honoré
Published: July 2018

The main objective of this research is to locate channels through which public investment can be forwarded in order to impact economic growth in the CEMAC sub-region. To achieve this goal, a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) and the two-stage least squares (TSLS) methods have been applied. Data to test our two hypotheses were collected from various sources. The results have shown that there effectively exist significant direct and indirect effects of public investment on economic growth. We also discovered that export and employment are being considered as the last shackles of the chain. To that effect, it is recommended to the CEMAC authorities to grant more interest to these variables during the elaboration of public investment policies.
Orí (Head) as an Expression of Yorùbá Aesthetic Philosophy
Authors: Ajíbóyè Olusegun , Fọlárànmí Stephen , Umoru-Ọkẹ Nanashaitu
Published: July 2018

Aesthetics was never a subject or a separate philosophy in the traditional philosophies of black Africa. This is however not a justification to conclude that it is nonexistent. Indeed, aesthetics is a day to day affair among Africans. There are criteria for aesthetic judgment among African societies which vary from one society to the other. The Yorùbá of Southwestern Nigeria are not different. This study sets out to examine how the Yorùbá make their aesthetic judgments and demonstrate their aesthetic philosophy in decorating their orí, which means head among the Yorùbá. The head receives special aesthetic attention because of its spiritual and biological importance. It is an expression of the practicalities of Yorùbá aesthetic values. Literature and field work has been of paramount aid to this study. The study uses photographs, works of art and visual illustrations to show the various ways the head is adorned and cared for among the Yoruba. It relied on Yoruba art and language as a tool of investigating the concept of ori and aesthetics. Yorùbá aesthetic values are practically demonstrable and deeply located in the Yorùbá societal, moral and ethical idealisms. It concludes that the spiritual importance of orí or its aesthetics has a connection which has been demonstratively established by the Yorùbá as epressed in the images and illustrations used in this paper.
Segmentation of Ecotourism Demand in a National Recreation Area: The Samanes Park Case, Ecuador
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Moreira José Luis Proaño , Bastidas Rafael Arce , Carvache-Franco Orly
Published: July 2018

In the city of Guayaquil of Ecuador is located the Samanes National Recreation Area. This protected area is very visited for its diverse ecotourism activities that are carried out in this site. The empirical work was developed in situ, using a questionnaire and applying the Factorial Analysis as multivariate techniques tries to identify the different segments of the demand. The results show that there are three clusters of visitors: the first group is made up of “multiple motivational tourists”, with high motivation in all variables such as enjoying the environment and pure air, playing sports and enjoying public recreation spaces. The second group is made up of “indifferent tourists”, who present average scores on the motivational variables, as enjoying the environment and pure air, enjoying the public recreational spaces and performing sports. The third group is the largest and are known as the “Ecoturists”, who have high motivations in variables such as enjoying the environment and pure air, enjoy the public recreation spaces, sports and activities in nature and low motivations in the other variables. Carrying out segmentation studies in ecotourism in a recreation area, contributes with important information so that the public institutions in charge of the administration of these protected areas and the providers involved could supply products according to each segment of the demand.
Graduate School Management Characteristics to Ensure Production of Quality Graduates for Sustainable Competitiveness
Authors: Komoldit Kranravee , Tawisook Malai , Pilanthananond Nataya
Published: July 2018

With modern society impacted by globalization, declining birth rates and technological advancement, higher education institutions struggle to produce graduates ready to enter the workforce in adequate quality and number in an increasingly competitive atmosphere. In countries such as Thailand, outdated instruction and social inequalities add further complication. This study aims to examine the management characteristics of such institutions that will effectively promote graduate production and competitiveness in the digital era. Data was collected using Ethnographic Delphi Future Research, with interviews and questionnaires conducted with specialists in the fields of education and management. Results from information gathered and analyzed underline the necessity for supplementing graduate education with information systems technology and digital resources and aligning curricula and practices to meet the demands of industries in need of future manpower. The research identified mechanisms and policies with which higher education management can encourage new knowledge creation through research and provide accessible and convenient avenues for learning to enhance institutional competitiveness and help shape improved, intelligent, better qualified and more marketable human resources for future generations.
Determinants of Financial Moroccan Banks Performance: Approach by the Cointegration Method
Authors: Bayoud Sara , Sifouh Nabil , Chemlal Mohamed
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to test the long-term relationship between banks financial performance and two groups of variables, internal variables specific to the bank, and exogenous macroeconomic variables. To appreciate this long-term relationship, we applied the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares FMOLS method as a technique for estimation cointegrated panel data. Over a period of 26 semesters (2004 to 2016), our results show that a set of internal variables explains the financial performance of banks. As for external factors, economic growth explains this performance, while inflation has no predictive power of performance at least for our sample of the main Moroccan listed banks.
Waqf Between the Past and Present
Authors: Baqutayan Shadiya Mohamed S. , Ariffin Aini Suzana , Mohsin Magda Ismail A. , Mahdzir Akbariah Mohd
Published: July 2018

Waqf plays a very important role in Muslim societies. It has been the main source for various public services provided to communities. It has been marginalized as a mere charity, although it has historically been successful in producing sustainable income and reducing poverty levels in Muslim countries. Traditionally, the creation of Waqf is inculcated in Muslims’ culture, and included all walks of life. It has also contributed to the service of man in various areas of development. Nonetheless, in modern times, Waqf has seen a declining role, which raises a number of questions as to what factors actually led to an earlier growth of Waqf, and what was the factor associated with its later decline. This review propagates a historical narrative of Waqf, highlighting the reasons for its decline and the need for reform. The paper concludes that if Muslims have good governments that can manage the funds are transparent, reformulates the laws governing Waqf, and design an integrated network of sciences to monitor issues and problems; they can realistically revive the practice of Waqf. The proper management and disbursement of Waqf can become a great source of revenue for the Ummah.
Admit One’s Driving Offences or Attribute Them to Others: An Exploratory Study Among a Sample of Cameroonian Drivers
Authors: Gaymard Sandrine , Etoundi Jean-Claude
Published: July 2018

In the field of social thinking the question of norms give rise to several publications. Moreover there exists no study in this theoretical framework concerning Cameroon drivers’ relationship with the rule. In order to understand this, a group of 50 motorists filled out a characterization questionnaire on driving, purposely oriented to the use of the mobile. The instructions to the drivers were to fill it out for themselves (standard condition) and for other drivers (substitution condition). The results confirm the role of the substitution instructions in bringing to light inadmissible offences with standard instructions. It can be concluded that the Cameroon drivers are well aware of the rule and that they tend to attribute the greatest transgressions to other drivers.
Cultural Events: Case Study of a Theatre Festival as an Element of Tourist Attraction
Authors: Gomez-Casero Gema , Alba Carol Angélica Jara , Beltrán Javier Jiménez , Nogueras Jaime Roldán
Published: July 2018

Events have increasingly become more relevant in scientific literature. Festivals are considered a part of event tourism, and they are emerging as a subfield largely because they occupy a special place in each culture. There are few profound studies regarding cultural festivals and, particularly, theatre. The main aim of this research is to contribute to the current scientific literature related to festivals as an instrument for cultural and tourist development. The findings of the study show the most relevant characteristics of the tourist who attends an event with more than forty editions such as the International Classical Theatre Festival of Almagro (Ciudad Real, Spain). Not only does it analyze its sociodemographic characteristics (gender, profession, level of studies and income level) but also interesting aspects such as the characteristics of the trip, which allow to determine the fundamentals of the event as a cultural space and an element of tourist attraction.
Extended Kalman Filter Based Speed-Sensorless Load Torque and Inertia Estimations with Observability Analysis for Induction Motors
Authors: Zerdali Emrah , Barut Murat
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to introduce a novel extended Kalman filter (EKF) based estimator including observability analysis to the literature associated with the high performance speed-sensorless control of induction motors (IMs). The proposed estimator simultaneously performs the estimations of stator stationary axis components of stator currents and rotor fluxes, rotor mechanical speed, load torque including the viscous friction term, and reciprocal of total inertia by using measured stator phase currents and voltages. The inertia estimation is done since it varies with the load coupled to the shaft and affects the performance of speed estimation especially when the rotor speed changes. In this context, the estimations of all mechanical state and parameters besides flux estimation required for high performance control methods are performed together. The performance of the proposed estimator is tested by simulation and real-time experiments under challenging variations in load torque and velocity references; and in both transient and steady states, the quite satisfactory estimation performance is achieved.
A Cost-Effective Resonant Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Boost Converter – Experimental Results and Feasibility Model
Authors: Waradzyn Zbigniew , Stala Robert , Skała Aleksander , Mondzik Andrzej , Penczek Adam
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results of experimental research of a resonant switched capacitor voltage multiplier in a cost-effective topology (CESCVM) with a limited number of active switches. In the charging mode of the switched capacitors, the converter utilizes only one active switch and a required number of diodes. Therefore, the cost of the converter is decreased as compared with that of a classical SCVM converter, owing to a lower number of switches and gate driver circuits, as well as a smaller PCB area. Moreover, the CESCVM has simpler control circuits and higher reliability. This paper presents the original experimental results of the operation of the CESCVM converter. A concept of the bootstrap supply of gate drivers of the flying switches is also examined.
STERNUM KAPATILMASI İÇİN POLİETİLEN/POLYESTER KOMPOZİT MATERYALİN BİYOUYUMLULUĞU: DENEYSEL ÇALIŞMA
Authors: Kabalcı Mehmet
Published: July 2018

Amaç: Günümüzde cerrahi malzeme
çeşitliliğine rağmen bazı dokuların kapatılmasında dayanıklılık yanında
esnekliği de olan yeni sütür materyallerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Özellikle
sternum gibi sürekli harekete maruz kalan kemiklerin sütürasyonunda kullanılan
paslanmaz çelik sütür materyalleri yeterli sağlamlığı sağlasa bile, bu mikro
hareketler nedeniyle kemik doku hasar görebilmekte ve hatta sütürün kendisi de
kopabilmektedir. Polyester lifler, polietilen materyaller ve bunların
kompozisyonu, sağlam ve elasto-plastik yapıları sayesinde aşırı gerilmeye
uğradığında verdiği esneme cevabıyla hem kendine hem de kemik dokuya zarar
vermeden doku bütünlüğünü devam ettirebilecek bir sütür materyali olabilir.
Daha önce biyomekanik karakteristiğini incelediğimiz bu materyalin
biyouyumluluğunu göstermek için bu ön çalışma yapıldı.Gereç ve Yöntem:
300-350 gr ağırlığındaki 8 erkek Wistar Albino ratın karın ön duvarına 1 cm
uzunlukta monofilament paslanmaz çelik tel, multifilaman paslamaz çelik halat,
kompozit polyester/polietilen bant, paslanmaz çelik bant parçaları 2’şer cm
arayla 4 ayrı alanda subkutan dokuya yerleştirildi. Ayrıca kontrol grubu olarak
müdahalesiz 3 rat kullanıldı. İki hafta sonra ratlar kan aspirasyonuyla
sakrifiye edildikten sonra sütürleri içerecek şekilde cilt ve cilt altı doku
tam kat örneklendi. Doku tamir yanıtı, histopatolojik olarak, fibrozis, histiyositik
reaksiyon, vaskülarizasyonve granülositik reaksiyon açısından, 0 ile 3 arasında
semikantitatif olarak skorlandırıldı. Elde edilen veriler
Mann-Whitney U testi ile değerlendirildi.Bulgular: Kontrol grubu dahil edilerek yapılan
histopatolojik sonuçların karşılaştırılmasında gruplar arası anlamlı fark
olduğu ve bu farkın kontrol grubundan kaynaklandığı görüldü. İnflamatuar yanıt
parametreleri tüm gruplarda benzer bulundu.

Sonuç: Özellikle
güncel kompozit malzemelerin cerrahinin pek çok alanında kullanılması bu
materyallerin biyouyumluluğunun incelenmesini zaruri kılar. Bizim çalışmamızda
da polietilen-polyester kompozit materyal zaten kullanımda olan diğer sternum
kapama materyallerine benzer oranda doku cevabına neden olmuştur.
DİSTAL VE MİD PENİL HİPOSPADİAS ONARIMINDA MODİFİYE CONNELL SÜTÜR TEKNİĞİNİN UZUN DÖNEM SONUÇLARI
Authors: YUVANÇ Ercan
Published: July 2018

Amaç: Hipospadias eksternal üretral meanın penisin ventral yüzünde proksimale
açılması ile karakterize konjenital bir anomalidir. Hipospadias onarımında
temel hedef üretranın glansın distaline taşınması ve penisin normal görünümünün
tekrar sağlanmasıdır. Birçok onarım tekniği sonuçları paylaşılmış olmasına
karşın, pek azında cerrahi esnasında kullanılan sütürün uygulanma tekniği
tartışılmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı
hipospadias onarımında ilk kez tarif edilen Modifiye Connell sütür tekniğinin
(MCST) perioperatif ve postoperatif sonuçlarını değerlendirmektir.Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2011-Şubat 2015 tarihleri arasında distal ve midpenil
hipospadias nedeniyle Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty (TIPU) yapılan ve
üretraplasti ile glandüloplasti aşamalarında MCST uygulanan 25 hastanın
sonuçları retrospektif olarak tarandı. Rekürren ve sünnetli vakalar çalışmadan
çıkarıldılar. Perioperatif sütürasyon süresi, penil turnike süresi ve
postoperatif komplikasyonlar ve postoperatif 1. hafta, 1. ay, 3. ay ve yıllık
takip sonuçları kayıt edildi.Bulgular: Ortalama yaş 5.6 ± 1.2 yıl, ortalama takip süresi 4.05 yıldır. 13
subkoronal, 3 koronal ve 9 midpenil hipospadias vakası vardı. Operasyon
esnasında Modifiye Connell sütürasyonu için harcanan ortalama süre 8.3 ± 2.1
dakika olarak belirlendi. Ortalama turnike süresi ise 12.3 ± 3.4 dakika olarak
saptandı. 25 olgunun 24'ünde (%96) cerrahi başarılı sonuç alınmıştır. Sadece 1
olguda dilatasyona yanıt veren meatal stenoz izlenmiştir. Hiçbir olguda
üretro-kutanöz fistül izlenmemiştir. Uzun dönem takip sonuçları uygun kalibreli
ve kozmetik olarak kabul edilebilir ileri doğru, tazyikli, tek, kompakt bir
idrar akımı ile düzgün işleyen bir üretra sağlandığını ortaya koydu.

Sonuç: Hipospadias onarımında MCST uygulama esnasında güvenilir, hızlı, yara
dudaklarının uc-uca getirilmesinde ve epitelyum hattının inverte edilmesinde
avantajlı, watertight, doku kanlanmasını bozmayan ve dolayısıyla yara
iyileşmesini kolaylaştırıp postoperatif fistül gelişimi riskini azaltan ve
fibrotik bir iyileşme hattı yerine vasküler bir hat oluşturarak üretral stenoz
ve penil kurvatur riskini azaltan bir yöntemdir.
DEMOGRAPHIC, ANATOMICAL, AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF PATIENTS WITH GLASS-PUNCHING INJURIES
Authors: EROĞLU Oğuz
Published: July 2018

Objective: Glass-punching behavior may lead to simple injuries, or sometimes to permanent disabilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic, anatomical, and clinical features of patients presenting to the emergency department due to glass-punching, and to examine the relations between these factors.Material and Methods: This retrospective study was performed with patients presenting to the emergency department due to glass-punching. Patients’ demographic data, where the incident took place, its cause, patient’s alcohol and substance use, history of psychiatric disease, the scale of the resulting injury, its location, whether it occurred in the flexor or extensor zones, accompanying injuries, and treatments administered were recorded. The chi-square test was used for data comparisons. p values <0.05 were regarded as significant.Results: One hundred thirteen patents were included. Patients’ mean age was 25.39 ± 7.58 years and 88.5% were male. More than half of the patients (56.6%) were single, and 83.2% were injured on the right side. Alcohol consumption at time of injury was determined in 29.2%, and 12.4% of patients had a diagnosed psychiatric disease. The flexor zone 5 (33.6%) and zone 4 (18.6%), and the extensor aspect zone 5 (49.6%) and zone 6 (36.3%) were the most commonly injured regions. No correlation was determined between gender, marital status, or presence of psychiatric disease, and zone injuries (p>0.05). However, significant correlation was determined between extensor zone 4 injury and right-side injury, and alcohol use (p= 0.036; 0.014, respectively).Conclusion: Glass-punching behavior is commonly seen in males, in single subjects, and in the right hand. The most commonly affected regions in such injuries are extensor zones-5 and 6, and flexor zones-4 and 5. Extensor zone-4 injury is more common in right-handed subjects and those using alcohol.
Experiences of Mothers Who Give Birth before Arrival at the Birthing Unit
Authors: FouchÃ© Moira Sandy , James Sindiwe
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this research was to explore and to describe the experiences of mothers who give birth before arrival at a maternity unit in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area in South Africa to enhance support and healthcare provided to them by healthcare providers. The study used a qualitative research design and implemented explorative, descriptive and contextual approaches. Birth-before-arrival at the maternity unit was found to be an experience with diverse emotional reactions, namely embarrassment, concern, anxiety, anger, but also in some cases the participants were comfortable with giving birth at home. Another challenging experience was the delay of paramedics in responding and arriving following a call-out. Some midwives were experienced to be unsupportive at the maternity unit by showing no compassion, and not providing the necessary privacy as expected. Recommendations for midwifery practice focused on improving the health education of pregnant women with regard to danger signs during pregnancy, signs of labour, a birth companion, birth packages, emergency numbers to call if in labour, and in-service education for the emergency response teams to make them aware of the implications of a delayed response to a call of a woman in labour. It is also recommended to deploy a sufficient number of midwives for community service in addition to those that are in labour wards. There appeared to be an urgent need for collaboration between managers and midwives and the emergency response teams to review transport-related policies and to enhance communication processes between these two departments.