bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dating Zarathustra: Oriental Texts and the Problem of Persian Prehistory, 1700–1900
Authors: Marchand Suzanne
Published: March 2016

Establishing the identity, and the chronology, of the Persian religious reformer Zarathustra has been of great interest to western scholars since antiquity—but became an urgent question in the early modern era. Scholars trained chiefly in biblical exegesis particularly wished to know if Zarathustra had preached a monotheistic or a dualistic faith. The complexity of the source material, however, made it difficult to decide this question, and impossible to securely place Zarathustra in time. Even after the deciphering of Old Avestan, the question of Zarathustra’s dates has remained enormously fraught, and dependent on inferences from classical or biblical texts. The ongoing quest to date Zarathustra shows us that ‘orientalism’ as a scholarly enterprise exhibits many continuities across the centuries and that chronology continues even today to be a crucial and controversial subject.
Taxonomic changes in Marchantiaceae, Corsiniaceae and Cleveaceae (Marchantiidae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Long David G. , FORREST LAURA L. , VILLARREAL JUAN CARLOS , CRANDALL-STOTLER BARBARA J.
Published: March 2016

Molecular phylogenetic studies of complex thalloid liverworts have resolved relationships that require taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. Since Bucegia and Preissia are deeply nested within Marchantia, species formerly placed in these genera are transferred to Marchantia as Marchantia romanica, comb. nov. and Marchantia quadrata, respectively, and placed in the new subgenus, Marchantia subg. Preissia, comb. et stat. nov. The families Exormothecaceae and Corsiniaceae are merged under the earlier name Corsiniaceae. The genus Stephensoniella Kashyap becomes a synonym of Exormotheca and its sole species S. brevipedunculata is transferred to Exormotheca, with the new combination Exormotheca brevipedunculata. In the Cleveaceae, the recent recognition of Clevea as distinct from Athalamia, necessitates the new combination Clevea nana to replace the name Clevea hyalina on the basis of nomenclatural priority.
Comparison of Anatomic Double- and Single-Bundle Techniques for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon Autografts
Authors: Karikis Ioannis , Desai Neel , Sernert Ninni , Rostgard-Christensen Lars , Kartus Jüri
Published: March 2016

Background:

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the outcomes of the anatomic double-bundle (DB) and anatomic single-bundle (SB) techniques 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Since more effective restoration of rotational laxity is considered the main advantage of the DB technique, the pivot-shift test was the primary outcome variable of the study.

Hypothesis:

Double-bundle ACL reconstruction will result in a better outcome in terms of the pivot-shift test.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 105 patients (33 women, 72 men; median age, 27 years; range, 18-52 years) were randomized and underwent ACL reconstruction (DB group, n = 53; SB group, n = 52). All reconstructions were performed anatomically by identifying the ACL footprints, using the anteromedial portal for the femoral tunnel drilling, and utilizing interference screw for tibial and femoral fixation. A single blinded observer examined the patients preoperatively and at follow-up (median, 64 months; range, 55-75 months). Multiple subjective and objective clinical evaluation tests and radiographic assessments of osteoarthritis (OA) were performed using the Ahlbäck, Kellgren-Lawrence, and Fairbank grading systems at 6 weeks postoperatively and at the final follow-up evaluation.

Results:

Preoperatively, no differences were found between the study groups, apart from the preinjury Tegner activity level, which was lower in the DB group (SB: mean, 7.8 [range, 3-9]; DB: mean, 7.3 [range, 0-9]; P = .02). Eighty-seven patients (83%) were available for examination at the 5-year follow-up. Statistical differences could not be found between the groups in terms of the pivot-shift test, KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, manual Lachman test, single-legged-hop test, square-hop test, range of motion, Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity scale, or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Correspondingly, no differences were found between the groups regarding the presence of OA at follow-up. However, a significant increase of OA was found within the DB group at the 5-year follow-up. Both groups improved at follow-up compared with the preoperative assessment in terms of the laxity tests, hop tests, and scoring scales.

Conclusion:

At the 5-year follow-up of an unselected group of patients, anatomic DB reconstruction was not superior to anatomic SB reconstruction in terms of the pivot-shift test.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals the conserved building blocks involved in parallel evolution of diverse phenotypic traits in ants
Authors: Morandin Claire , Tin Mandy M. Y. , Abril Sílvia , Gómez Crisanto , Pontieri Luigi , Schiøtt Morten , Sundström Liselotte , Tsuji Kazuki , Pedersen Jes Søe , Helanterä Heikki , Mikheyev Alexander S.
Published: March 2016

Background

Reproductive division of labor in eusocial insects is a striking example of a shared genetic background giving rise to alternative phenotypes, namely queen and worker castes. Queen and worker phenotypes play major roles in the evolution of eusocial insects. Their behavior, morphology and physiology underpin many ecologically relevant colony-level traits, which evolved in parallel in multiple species.

Results

Using queen and worker transcriptomic data from 16 ant species we tested the hypothesis that conserved sets of genes are involved in ant reproductive division of labor. We further hypothesized that such sets of genes should also be involved in the parallel evolution of other key traits. We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis, which clusters co-expressed genes into modules, whose expression levels can be summarized by their ‘eigengenes’. Eigengenes of most modules were correlated with phenotypic differentiation between queens and workers. Furthermore, eigengenes of some modules were correlated with repeated evolution of key phenotypes such as complete worker sterility, the number of queens per colony, and even invasiveness. Finally, connectivity and expression levels of genes within the co-expressed network were strongly associated with the strength of selection. Although caste-associated sets of genes evolve faster than non-caste-associated, we found no evidence for queen- or worker-associated co-expressed genes evolving faster than one another.

Conclusions

These results identify conserved functionally important genomic units that likely serve as building blocks of phenotypic innovation, and allow the remarkable breadth of parallel evolution seen in ants, and possibly other eusocial insects as well.
Shortened leukocyte telomere length in type 2 diabetes mellitus: genetic polymorphisms in mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and telomeric pathways
Authors: Zhou Yuling , Ning Zhixin , Lee Yvonne , Hambly Brett D. , McLachlan Craig S.
Published: March 2016

Current debate in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has focused on shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as the result of a number of possible causes, including polymorphisms in mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) leading to oxidative stress, telomere regulatory pathway gene polymorphisms, or as a direct result of associated cardiovascular complications inducing tissue organ inflammation and oxidative stress. There is evidence that a heritable shorter telomere trait is a risk factor for development of T2DM. This review discusses the contribution and balance of genetic regulation of UCPs and telomere pathways in the context of T2DM. We discuss genotypes that are well known to influence the shortening of LTL, in particular OBFC1 and telomerase genotypes such as TERC. Interestingly, the interaction between short telomeres and T2DM risk appears to involve mitochondrial dysfunction as an intermediate process. A hypothesis is presented that genetic heterogeneity within UCPs may directly affect oxidative stress that feeds back to influence the fine balance of telomere regulation, cell cycle regulation and diabetes risk and/or metabolic disease progression.
Light therapy for non-seasonal depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Perera Stefan , Eisen Rebecca , Bhatt Meha , Bhatnagar Neera , de Souza Russell , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab
Published: March 2016

Background

Light therapy is a known treatment for patients with seasonal affective disorder. However, the efficacy of light therapy in treating patients with non-seasonal depression remains inconclusive.

Aims

To provide the current state of evidence for efficacy of light therapy in non-seasonal depressive disorders.

Method

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL from their inception to September 2015. Study selection, data abstraction and risk of bias assessment were independently conducted in duplicate. Meta-analyses were performed to provide a summary statistic for the included RCTs. The reporting of this systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A meta-analysis including 881 participants from 20 RCTs demonstrated a beneficial effect of light therapy in non-seasonal depression (standardised mean difference in depression score −0.41 (95% CI −0.64 to −0.18)). This estimate was associated with significant heterogeneity (I2=60%,P=0.0003) that was not sufficiently explained by subgroup analyses. There was also high risk of bias in the included trials limiting the study interpretation.

Conclusions

The overall quality of evidence is poor due to high risk of bias and inconsistency. However, considering that light therapy has minimal side-effects and our meta-analysis demonstrated that a significant proportion of patients achieved a clinically significant response, light therapy may be effective for patients with non-seasonal depression and can be a helpful additional therapeutic intervention for depression.
Surveillance, insecticide resistance and control of an invasive Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) population in California
Authors: Cornel Anthony J. , Holeman Jodi , Nieman Catelyn C. , Lee Yoosook , Smith Charles , Amorino Mark , Brisco Katherine K. , Barrera Roberto , Lanzaro Gregory C. , Mulligan III F. Stephen
Published: March 2016

The invasion and subsequent establishment in California of Aedes aegypti in 2013 has created new challenges for local mosquito abatement and vector control districts. Studies were undertaken to identify effective and economical strategies to monitor the abundance and spread of this mosquito species as well as for its control. Overall, BG Sentinel (BGS) traps were found to be the most sensitive trap type to measure abundance and spread into new locations. Autocidal-Gravid-Ovitraps (AGO-B), when placed at a site for a week, performed equally to BGS in detecting the presence of female Ae. aegypti. Considering operational cost and our findings, we recommend use of BGS traps for surveillance in response to service requests especially in locations outside the known infestation area. We recommend AGO-Bs be placed at fixed sites, cleared and processed once a week to monitor mosquito abundance within a known infestation area. Long-term high density placements of AGO-Bs were found to show promise as an environmentally friendly trap-kill control strategy. California Ae. aegypti were found to be homozygous for the V1016I mutation in the voltage gated sodium channel gene, which is implicated to be involved in insecticide resistance. This strain originating from Clovis, California was resistant to some pyrethroids but not to deltamethrin in bottle bio-assays. Sentinel cage ultra-low-volume (ULV) trials using a new formulation of deltamethrin (DeltaGard®) demonstrated that it provided some control (average of 56% death in sentinel cages in a 91.4 m spray swath) after a single truck mounted aerial ULV application in residential areas.
Junior biomedical scientists and preprints
Authors: McDowell Gary
Published: March 2016

Researchers, publishers and representatives of funding agencies gathered at ASAPBio (February, 2016) to discuss the use of preprint publications in biology. It became clear through the discussion on Twitter with #ASAPBio that many were unclear as to the purpose of the meeting, how preprints could help or hinder junior scientists, or even what preprints are. As a postdoc attendee of the meeting, I would like to share some information and resources to help junior scientists decide for themselves whether submitting preprints are a worthwhile endeavor, and explain why I, and the lab I am currently part of, have decided to start publishing our papers on preprint servers when also submitting to traditional journals.
A palliative care approach in heart failure: knowledge and attitudes of cardiac nurses
Authors: Barrett Michelle , Connaire Kevin
Published: March 2016

Applying the principles and practice of a palliative care approach can enhance the quality of life of patients suffering with heart failure, yet many nurses misunderstand the role of palliative care.

Aim:

This study examined the knowledge and attitudes of cardiac nurses regarding a palliative care approach when caring for heart failure patients.

Method:

Two validated questionnaires were used to examine the knowledge and attitudes of 102 nurses in three Irish university hospitals.

Results:

Seventy-six nurses' responses (75%) reflected that there was limited overall knowledge, but positive attitudes towards palliative care. A positive correlation was identified between higher knowledge scores and positive attitudes, indicating that those with greater knowledge of palliative care demonstrated more favourable attitudes to caring for dying patients.

Conclusion:

Addressing the palliative care needs of heart failure patients requires education and training and this study identified specific educational needs in pain and symptom control and communication skills.
Has the publication of Health Education England's reports had a positive effect?
Authors: Senior Yvonne
Published: March 2016

Despite showing initial support for Health Education England's efforts to be inclusive of all professions providing non-surgical aesthetic procedures, Yvonne Senior is now concerned about the use of the new guidelines and how they might be manipulated to various individual advantages. In this month's column, she explains where she stands on the final reports
The importance of keeping up with emerging technologies and trends
Authors: Lewis Wendy
Published: March 2016

Aesthetic medicine is a fast-evolving sector, with new devices, injectables and skincare ranges coming out on a regular basis. To provide patients with the best treatment options and outcomes, it is imperative that practitioners are in the know about advancements in products and procedures. Wendy Lewis explores ways in which aesthetic nurses can stay on top of their game in a competitive field
Well-being in wounds inventory (WOWI): development of a valid and reliable measure of well-being in patients with wounds
Authors: Upton D. , Upton P. , Alexander R.
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Physical and psychosocial deficits have been reported in people living with chronic wounds. While the negative impact of these factors on an individual's quality of life (QoL) is well documented, there has been little research into the well-being of those living with chronic wounds, despite recent calls for increased attention to this related, yet distinct construct. This paper introduces the Well-being in Wounds Inventory (WOWI) and provides support for the WOWI as a valid and reliable measure of well-being in patients living with chronic wounds.

Method:

A draft questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of individuals with chronic wounds (n=85) and the resulting data subject to factor analysis in order to refine the structure of the questionnaire. The reliability, validity and responsiveness of the resulting questionnaire were then tested by administration to a second sample of individuals with wounds (n=49). Socio-demographic data, issues affecting patient well-being and well-being factors, such as, emotions; perceived coping skills; social support; personal control; hope for the future, were measured.

Results:

Results confirmed the WOWI as a reliable and valid measure of well-being. Items loaded onto two subscales, ‘personal resources’ and ‘wound worries’. Analysis revealed the WOWI to be highly feasible measure of well-being, with good test-retest reliability and responsiveness to changes in health status.

Conclusion:

The current study highlights the importance of assessing well-being factors in individuals living with chronic wounds. It introduces the WOWI as a valid and reliable measure of well-being in chronic wound patients. The authors recommend health-care practitioners take account of well-being as part of a holistic treatment plan in order to maximise patient outcomes.

Declaration of interest:

This project was funded by Urgo Medical. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
El ruido que se escapa: lo no idiomático como posicionamiento crítico ante el proceso de normativización de la música improvisada.
Authors: Rey Vizcaino Héctor
Published: March 2016

En esta disertación se expone una revisión de la noción de improvisación no idiomática. Introducida por el músico británico Derek Bailey, ganó notoriedad gracias a su libro La Improvisación: su naturaleza y su práctica en la música, publicado en 1980. La música improvisada, a pesar de su celebración de la fugacidad e irrevocabilidad del momento presente, no está exenta de influencias que la dirigen hacia su asentamiento y cristalización. Este artículo se ocupa de caracterizar la agencia de estas fuerzas con la intención de fundar un entendimiento de lo no idiomático como la posibilidad de la praxis musical improvisada de adoptar un posicionamiento crítico frente a los procesos de subjetivación que la persiguen.
Txalaparta y vanguardia, ruido y música
Authors: Hurtado Mendieta Enrike
Published: March 2016

La txalaparta es una tradición musical del País Vasco de gran riqueza y complejidad rítmica que es tocada por dos intérpretes en alternancia. La txalaparta está directamente relacionada con la experimentación musical de los años 60, momento de su renacimiento, pero recientemente ha sufrido cambios rítmicos y tonales para acomodarse a la música europea clásica. Su recuperación es un fenómeno muy interesante ya que en la txalaparta tradicional hay características de interés para la música experimental pero, a la vez, su recuperación ocurre en un entorno cultural de vanguardia. Entre los aspectos formales y conceptuales comunes están la libertad de elegir dentro de unas reglas predefinidas y la interrelación entre los intérpretes a través de la improvisación, la exploración del timbre, el uso de la repetición y el pulso, o la falta de interés por la melodía.
Zarata da garaipena? Kapitalismo bizkortua eta bere soinu banda(k)
Authors: Del Amo Castro Ion Andoni , Letamendia Onzain Arkaitz
Published: March 2016

Modernitatearen helburua artelan totalak garatzea zen, bere garaiaren esentzia antzematen zutenak. Beethovenen “Sinfonia Heroiko” artelan musikala dugu honen adibide: soinu totala. Bestetik, XX. mendearen hasieran italiar futuristak zarataren artearen etorrera sumatzen hasi ziren; hiriko eta industria paisaiaren abiadura, energia eta zarata aldarrikatuz. Kapitalaren errotazio abiaduraren bizkortzearekin batera, musikaren erritmoa ere azeleratu egin da. Musika industrialak, elektronikoak eta punkak bere garaiko zarata (eta abiadura) hartzen dute oinarri. Zarata hauek soinu izan nahi dute, garaiko inkomunikazioa bada ere komunikatzen dutena: zarataren soinua. Egungo kapitalismo azeleratuak denbora historikoaren zatiketa dakar, logika postmodernoaren bitartez produktu kulturalen hustuketa sustatuz. Musikan diskoaren narratibaren aurrean zatiketa nagusituz doa; abesti solteak, bere testuinguru orokorretik erauziak. Deskonexioa ultra konexioaren garaian: zarata totala.
Laboratórios de escuta
Authors: Stolf Maria Raquel da Silva
Published: March 2016

O presente texto aborda investigações em torno de experiências de silêncio, bem como acerca de propostas que envolvem umaescuta porosa, reflexões que dialogam com autores como Roland Barthes, Jean-Luc Nancy, Brandon LaBelle, Peter Galison, entre outros. Tais investigações movem o processo dos trabalhosAssonâncias de silêncios [sala de escuta](2008-2010) e60 silêncios empilhados(2010-2014), duas instalações que articulam relações entre componentes sonoros e escritos, propondo situações de leitura e escuta de silêncios. Apresenta-se também reflexões sobre as intersecções entre silêncio e ruído, a partir da referência de John Cage, do silêncio como interrupção de sentido e acerca de uma espécie desilêncio acústico: as localizações do silêncio – onde e aonde acontecem os silêncios? No encontro ou desencontro entre audição, escuta, contexto e sentido? Porém, como propor umsilêncio acústico?
El rol del ruido en la conformación de la identidad sonora de un lugar
Authors: Cornelio Yacamán Jaime Alejandro
Published: March 2016

Existen elementos de identidad sonora que se encuentran en determinados ecosistemas y que responden a la complejidad de los distintos fenómenos que le rodean. El ruido es uno de los elementos más importantes puesto que forma parte de una experiencia cognoscitiva que es posible analizar e identificar. A partir de la doble pregunta de investigación: ¿cómo revelar la identidad de un lugar a través del sonido? y ¿cuáles son los elementos fundamentales de esta identidad del ecosistema que constituyen esta traducción? el objetivo del artículo es analizar el papel del ruido en la conformación de la identidad sonora territorial (ecosistemas sonoros). El análisis será realizado a partir de las teorías de la complejidad (Dewey, Morin, Whitehead) y algunos estudios de caso (obra propia, Cusack; Carruth, Polack).
La interferencia y la escucha (pensar hoy la escucha con Luigi Nono)
Authors: Jiménez Carmona Susana
Published: March 2016

En este artículo se parte de la distinción entre escuchar y entender para plantear, siguiendo al compositor Luigi Nono, que se escucha lo que no se comprende, lo que no responde a lo ya sabido y escapa del código y de la repetición. La obra de Nono forma parte del pensamiento musical que, a lo largo del s. XX, ha cuestionado la contraposición entre ruido y sonido conduciendo a la ruptura tanto de las convenciones ligadas al concierto de música clásica como a los modos de oír lo que suena. En este marco, el compositor veneciano apuesta por la escucha como dispositivo cargado de enorme potencia política que manifiesta la capacidad disruptiva y de disenso del arte y de la música. Esta forma de plantear la escucha la hemos puesto en diálogo con pensadores actuales como Rancière y Tiqqun.
El ruido como artificio
Authors: Artiach Oraa Mattin
Published: March 2016

El ruido es un término muy difuso. Sin embargo, también ha sido una práctica musical dentro de una tradición específica. Lo que primero me atrajo del ruido fue la posibilidad de sobrepasar los límites de lo que era aceptable: en lo sonoro, en lo cultural, conceptualmente y socialmente. Pero el ruido no es siempre perturbador. Para que sea perturbador es necesario encontrarse negativamente con una serie de expectativas. Una vez comprendidos los tropos del ruido, su efecto negativo crítico deja de ser válido. En este punto, identificaré parte del potencial que el ruido -como práctica musical- contiene para producir alienación y extrañamiento. Para ello, quiero usar el ruido como artificio, de manera similar a la que el formalista ruso Viktor Shklovskyutilizó su concepto deostranenie(extrañamiento o desfamiliarización) y, mediante esto, defenderé que el ruido necesita ser entendido tanto de manera histórica como contextualmente.
Literatura infantil y educación en el exilio español en México
Authors: Cerrillo Pedro C.
Published: March 2016

La Guerra Civil (1936-1939) española supuso la llegada de miles de españoles (muchos de ellos republicanos) a México, entre los cuales se encontraban artistas que difundieron la cultura continuando los proyectos peninsulares e iniciando nuevas relaciones con América. Desde entonces, los títulos de obras y autores de Literatura infantil son numerosos. Este artículo repasa la labor del exilio español en México con los textos destinados a los más pequeños.
Una narrativa infantil y juvenil para la memoria
Authors: Bermúdez Martínez María
Published: March 2016

La problemática de la representación de la realidad histórica, política, social y la indagación en el pasado a través de una narrativa de la memoria, recorre varias de las literaturas hispanoamericanas actuales desde los años ochenta y noventa, y parece haber comenzado también su andadura en el ámbito de la literatura infantil y juvenil. Este artículo se propone como un acercamiento, incompleto sin duda —no se pretende la exhaustividad ante un panorama tan amplio y complejo, sino simplemente abordar algunas interesantes lecturas que van trazando una senda—, a los acercamientos que la narrativa infantil y juvenil hispanoamericana ha tenido hacia la realidad histórica y social y el tratamiento de la memoria, atendiendo especialmente al panorama argentino y poniendo a la vez sobre la mesa algunas de las cuestiones centrales en las que se debate la literatura infantil y juvenil en la actualidad.
Nuevas notas a propósito de la Galería de Teatro Infantil de Antonio Vanegas Arroyo
Authors: Ortiz Bullé Goyri Alejandro
Published: March 2016

Se trata de un acercamiento a la literatura dramática para niños escrita e impresa por el editor Antonio Vanegas Arroyo en las primeras décadas del siglo XX, Tanto la estructura como la temáticas de los llamados «juguetes cómicos» de Vanegas Arroyo destacan por su originalidad que salen del canon propio de lo que se considera teatro infantil y por su enorme presencia en la niñez mexicana de la época.
Poética literaria y musical de Francisco Gabilondo Soler “Cri-crí”
Authors: García Óscar Armando
Published: March 2016

Se trata de una panorámica de la obra musical de Francisco Gabilondo Soler “Cri-Cri”, dedicada a una audiencia infantil durante varias décadas del siglo XX en México. Este horizonte permite distinguir sus poéticas musicales y literarias, así como la posibilidad de revalorar a este compositor dentro del ámbito de la literatura y la música hispanoamericana.
Breve antología
Authors: Rovira Soler José Carlos
Published: March 2016

Contiene: A Margarita Debayle / Rubén Darío; Los juegos de Lilus; La amiga de Lilus / Elena Poniatowska; El tío Tito / Juan Villoro; La mujer vampiro / María Teresa Andruetto; Guanaco blanco en la mitad de Francia / Ana María Shua; Guardianes / María José Ferrada; El expreso azul / Cecilia Eudave.
Sumario N° 11
Authors: - -
Published: March 2016

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Energy Conservation Programmes in Russia
Authors: Gerasimenko Yuliia
Published: March 2016

This article is devoted to the problem of state management in the sphere of energy-conservation in the building sector. This problem is vital to ensure the energy and environmental security of each country. That is why the concept of the article seems to be very scientifically important. The article presents the results of scientific analysis of the creation incentives for the development of energy-efficient building. The existent management approaches and a role of program-target method of management in Russia have been analysed. Some new measures of energy-saving innovation implementation are presented. The disadvantages of current energy-saving programme have been revealed, and the concept of its improvement has been suggested.
Residential Building Management System Features and Underlying Factors
Authors: Puķīte Iveta , Geipele Ineta
Published: March 2016

For the implementation of real estate management, in accordance with the legislative framework of good practice and quality management, a system is required that helps the processes to be arranged according to their fundamental values, criteria and functions. The study sets residential property management elements and factors influencing them. The significance of the topic is set by the developing industry and the requirement for quality and sustainable management model that includes all interested parties - owners, lessees, tenants, users on the one side, housing managers on the other and the state, local government and non-governmental organisations on the third side. The development of this sector as a whole depends on the quality of residential housing management process.
Lessor’s Status in Land Consolidation in Europe – Reports From Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia and Estonia
Authors: Sulonen Kimmo , Kotilainen Seija
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this research was to investigate a landowner’s status as a lessor in land consolidation on agricultural areas in Europe. The research was based on surveys designed for land consolidation experts from Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia and statistical data of the areas. The lease of agricultural land is common in Europe. However, there are differences related to how common the lease is and what the rental value of land is. The variation is based on factors such as differences in the markets, historical development of the agricultural lands and current legislation. The lessors have rights as landowners in land consolidation, but in case the land is used by third parties, lessor’s status is more limited compared to other landowners’. Similarly the costs of land consolidation typically are paid by landowners, not by users. The lessors are commonly indifferent and suspicious about the land consolidation. They are occasionally suspicious, especially before or at the beginning of the process, but later on they seem to be less suspicious. The lessors’ experience of land consolidation is based commonly on a fear of additional costs for their investment.
Environmental Costs Management of the Project: The Experience of Russia and Mongolia
Authors: Gengut Igor , Davaahuu Nyamdorj , Alnykina Elena , Potravnyy Ivan
Published: March 2016

The paper is devoted to the assessment problems of the ecological costs management of the production in the project activity. The authors study the conditions of preparation and implementation of investment projects to eliminate accumulated environmental damage in the context of “green” economy. The technogenic deposits’ use approaches are considered for the purpose of the production costs optimization. The paper explains the necessity of building the fund liquidation (a fund for future generations) in the depletion of resource base of the enterprise. The proposed mechanism for the management of environmental costs in project activities can be used at the enterprises of Russia and Mongolia. For example, the Mongolian-Russian mining company “Erdenet” in Mongolia shows the direction to reduce costs and production costs through the implementation of measures for resource and energy efficiency, involving economic circulation of off-balance ores and tailings.
Water Efficient Cropping Systems for Semi-Arid Regions in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad A. , Ahmed Z.I. , Shehzad M. , Aziz I. , Khan K.S. , Shoaib M. , Mehmood T. , Mubeen K.
Published: March 2016

Water scarcity and land degradation are emerging threats to global food production. The dry land regions of world are affected by climate change to a greater extent and facing food insecurity. The current pattern of food production has been estimated to be inadequate to meet demands of growing population and required around 38% increase to meet world`s food demands by 2025. Food insecurity in erosion hit dry land regions of Pakistan also demands development of resource-efficient cropping systems to meet the food needs of population growing. The research studies involved different cropping patterns such as fallow-wheat, mungbean-wheat, sorghum-wheat, fallow-lentil, mungbean-lentil, sorghum-lentil, fallow-barley, mungbean-barley and sorghum-barley. The organic amendments involved farmyard manure, NPK, poultry manure, compost and inoculation by phosphorus solubilizing microbes. The effect of cropping systems and soil amendments were evaluated at field scale in terms of water use efficiency measured in terms of economic terms. The results of the studies revealed that double cropping (mungbean-lentil and mungbean-barley) was feasible option in the dryland regions of Pakistan if integrated with the use of poultry manure as alternate environmental-friendly strategy to cut down the use of mineral fertilizers and eliminate summer fallowing.
Coefficient Analysis and Association between Morpho-Agronomical Characters in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Akhshi N. , Firouzabadi F. Nazarian , Cheghamirza K. , Dorri H.R.
Published: March 2016

Pulses are important food sources for human consumption. In an attempt to study the associations between common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) morpho-agronomical traits, twelve genotypes and inbred lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in 2010-2011 crop season. Seed yield and 20 other morpho-agronomic characters were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) difference among genotypes with respect to almost all traits. Correlation analysis demonstrated that seed yield had a strong positive correlation with both seed number per plant and seed number per pod, suggesting the usefulness of these traits in common bean breeding programs. Step-wise regression analysis pointed out that the pod weight, seed number per pod and 100 seed weight contributed to the seed yield prediction, whereas other traits did not contributed to the seed yield prediction. These traits explained almost 99% of total seed yield variations. Path analysis showed that the maximum direct and positive effect was related to pod weight. Furthermore, factor analysis revealed that four factors, explained almost 71% of the total variance. The results of this research showed that biologic yield, pod weight, straw weight, number of pod per plant and seed number per plant were the most closely related traits to the seed yield.
Effects of Different Nutritional Systems on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Medicinal Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)
Authors: Zarei D. , Shabani G. , Chaichi M. Reza , Khanahmadi M. , Akbarabadi A.
Published: March 2016

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different nutritional systems (chemical, biological and integrated) on germination and seedling growth in medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). The statistical design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Four levels of different fertilizing systems including chemical (T1), biological (a combination of nitrogen bacteria, Azospirillum brasilense and Glomus mosseae) (T2) and integrated fertilizing systems (biological fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer) (T3), and control (without fertilizer) (T0), were employed. The results indicated that the maximum seed germination was 95% and the highest seed germination rate with 30.4 per day was observed in the intergraded nutritional treatment. The experimental results showed that all nutritional treatments had positive effects on seed germination compared to control. The highest level of germination percentage with 95% and the highest rate of germination with 30.4 seeds per day were obtained in integrated nutritional treatment. However, the integrated nutritional system required more time to demonstrate its positive effect on the growth and yield of medicinal pumpkin compared to chemical system. The results of present experiment indicated that integrated nutritional treatment had the greatest positive impact on germination characteristics in medicinal pumpkin. Designing and developing such nutritional systems can guarantee and facilitate the achievement of long-term objectives of sustainable agriculture.
Effect of Salinity on Nodulation, Glutamine Synthetase and Glutamate Synthase Activity in Nodules of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Younesi O. , Moradi A.
Published: March 2016

Bami cultivar of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was inoculated with salt-tolerant Sinorhizobium meliloti in solution culture with different salt concentrations (0, 50, 75 and 100 mmoles 1-1NaCl) added immediately at the time of inoculation. The results indicated that S. meliloti formed an infective and effective symbiosis with alfalfa under saline and nonsaline conditions. Salinity significantly decreased shoot and root dry weight, nodule weight and mean nodule weight. Roots were more sensitive than shoots, and N2 fixation was more sensitive to salinity than was plant growth. Analyses of ammonium assimilating enzymes in the nodule showed that glutamine synthetase appeared to be more tolerant to salinity than glutamate synthase, and that it limits ammonium assimilation under saline stress.
Anatomical, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Adaptations of the Alimentary Canal of the Uromastyx aegyptius and the Spalerosophis diadema to their Food Habits
Authors: Baiomy A.A.A. , Mansour A.A. , Attia H.F.
Published: March 2016

This study deals with anatomical, histochemical and ultrastructural adaptations of the alimentary canal of the Uromastyx aegyptius and the Spalerosophis diadema to their food habits. Proteins and nucleic acids are highly pronounced in the alimentary tract mucosal cells of the studied two species. A variable distribution of proteins and nucleic acids was observed in the different regions of the alimentary tract mucosa of the studied two species. The activity of alkaline phosphatase showed obvious variations not only among different organs, but also between the two species. At the ultrastructural level, the oesophageal mucosal cells contained oval shaped euchromatic nucleus with condensed chromatin and the perinuclear cytoplasm contained some electron-light vesicles. The gastric mucosal cells contained oval shaped euchromatic nucleus with condensed chromatin and the cytoplasm contained many rough endoplasmic reticulum, also many tonofilaments formed thick bundles which converged at the adherence junction in the lateral membranes. The small and large mucosal intestinal cells contained oval euchromatic nuclei and their cytoplasm contained few electron-light vesicles, also their lateral membranes showed many interdigitations. In spite of their difference in taxonomy, habitat, mode of feeding and their vital activities, they show more or less a similarity in the histochemical and ultrastructural patterns of their alimentary tract mucosa. This study can be applied to distinguish between different species of reptiles and for establishment of natural reserves.
‘Justice seen is Justice done?’ - Assessing the Impact of Outreach Activities by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
Authors: Schulz Philipp
Published: March 2016

By referring to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as a case study, this paper seeks to explore the impact of outreach activities by international criminal tribunals. Building upon primary field research findings, including twenty-seven in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 108 respondents, this paper applies a theory-driven investigation of the impact of outreach activities by the ICTR. Contrary to the theoretical argument, on a national level throughout society over time, outreach activities by the ICTR did neither increase awareness and understanding, nor shape positive perceptions towards the Tribunal and its expected contribution to reconciliation. Furthermore, a comparison of groups of outreach participants and control groups shows that outreach did increase the level of knowledge among beneficiaries of such activities. An increased understanding, however, cannot be correlated with more positive perceptions towards the Tribunal or its role in promoting reconciliation.
Coexistence of rare variant HbD Punjab [α2β2121(Glu→Gln)] and alpha 3.7 kb deletion in a young boy of Hindu family in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Arijit , Basak Jayasri , Mukhopadhyay Ashis
Published: March 2016

HbD Punjab is a variant of hemoglobin which occurs as a result of mutation in codon 121 (GAA>CAA) of the β-globin gene, which replaces glutamic acid with glutamine (Glu→Gln). The heterozygous state of HbD does not produce any clinical or hematological symptoms, although its association with HbS and thalassemia produces clinically significant but less severe conditions. The homozygous state produces mild hemolytic anemia and mild to moderate splenomegaly. Alpha-thalassemia is characterized by reduction or absence of the α-globin chains due to deletional or non-deletional mutations of α-globin genes located on chromosome 16. The present study describes a Hindu family where both HbD Punjab and alpha 3.7 kb deletion are present among the members in the heterozygous and double heterozygous state. Comparison of clinical and hematological parameters between the heterozygous and double heterozygous state of HbD and the alpha 3.7 kb deletion is also discussed here. According to our study, the prevalence rate of HbD Punjab is very low, i.e. 0.06%.
Traditional agricultural landscape and their management in less favoured areas in Slovakia
Authors: Špulerová Jana , Drábová Monika , Lieskovský Juraj
Published: March 2016

Traditional agricultural landscapes are a mosaic of small-scale arable fields and permanent agricultural cultivations such as grasslands, vineyards and high-trunk orchards. Most of them are threatened by abandonment as they are usually situated in marginal mountain regions with less favourable conditions for agriculture. Our aim was to analyse the distribution of traditional agricultural landscapes in less favoured areas and the effects of the supportive measures of the Common Agricultural Policy, which are oriented towards helping farmers from these areas in maintaining traditional agriculture. Except for traditional agricultural vineyard landscapes, almost all TAL plots are situated in less favoured areas. Most of them are located in mountain areas with less favourable conditions for agriculture. Abandonment of traditional agricultural landscape inside the less favoured areas is significantly higher than in locations elsewhere. The supportive measures of the Common Agricultural Policy do not effectively mitigate this abandonment. If we would like to maintain traditional agricultural landscape in less favoured areas, it is necessary to stop the existing negative trend of abandonment and search for new ways to motivate farmers to continue their traditional farming by adjusting the conditions of the common agricultural policy to benefit small farmers as well.
Assessment of metals contamination and ecological risk in ait Ammar abandoned iron mine soil, Morocco
Authors: Nouri Mohamed , Haddioui Abd El Majid
Published: March 2016

The present study is an attempt to assess the pollution intensity and corresponding ecological risk of phosphorus and metals including Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe using various indices like geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, pollution and ecological risk index. In all, 20 surface soil samples were collected from the Ait Ammar iron mine of Oued Zem city, province of Khouribga, in central Morocco. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples were used to assess their potential ecological risks. According to the results of potential ecological risk index (RI), pollution index (PI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), potential contamination index (Cp), contaminant factor (Cf) and degree of contamination (Cd), based on the averages, considerable pollution of metals in soils of study area was observed. The consequence of the correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr and P mainly originated from natural sources and Cd and Pb are mostly derived from anthropogenic sources. The results showed that these metals in soil were ranked by severity of ecological risk as Pb > Cd > Cu > Cr > Zn, based on their single-element indexes. In view of the potential ecological risk (RI), soils from all soil samples showed a potential ecological risk. These results will provide basic information for the improvement of soil environment management and heavy metal pollution prevention in Ait Ammar.
Adjektive mit Negationspräfixen im heutigen Dänisch
Authors: Rajnik Eugeniusz
Published: March 2016

The article offers a classification of adjective prefixes in Danish (section 3) including, among others, native and foreign prefixes (e.g. gen- and a-, respectively), genuine prefixes (e.g. ægte-) and particle prefixes (e.g. anti-). Various definitions of prefixal derivatives have been presented in section 4, while section 5 shows examples of and discusses native and foreign negative prefixes modifying the meanings of adjectives in contemporary Danish. The adjectives in question have been analyzed with regards to their structure and the emotional load they convey. Section 6 concludes the paper and includes comments on the productivity of the prefixes in question, as well as synonymy and antonymy in their usage.
The ethical turn in the early writings of Pär Lagerkvist
Authors: Szewczyk-Haake Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

In the text presented, I have undertaken an analysis of the early essays of Pär Lagerkvist (dated 1915-1917), both the ones published in periodicals and the unpublished manuscripts in the possession of the Kungliga Biblioteket in Stockholm. In those essays, Lagerkvist paid considerable attention to the matters of the ethics of art and the conflict between the ethical and aesthetical criteria of assessment of the work of art, and those problems are discussed also in Lagerkvist’s letters from that time. The aim of the article is to present this less known area of the artist’s activity and to point to the fact that the consequences of those reflections can be tracked in Lagerkvist’s literary works written in the same time period. Moreover, it can be argued that the understanding of the ethical art and the moral sense of the artistic activity presented in the early texts became an import and lasting feature of Lagerkvist’s writing - and, consequently, it can be claimed that the essays under discussion have a formative effect on Lagerkvist’s later output.
New Zealand perspectives on early childhood education: Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou ka ora ai te iwi
Authors: Tesar Marek
Published: March 2016

This special issue focuses on histories, pedagogies, policies, philosophies and alternative perspectives in early childhood education. Te Whāriki is heralded as the first bicultural curriculum not only in New Zealand, but in the world. Its importance is reflected in national and international research and early childhood discourses. Despite this, there is simultaneous critique of neoliberal policy, globalised practices and public and private investment in early childhood education in this region. Some lessons from New Zealand, of curriculum building, policy implementation, philosophies and sociologies of children and childhood are explored by New Zealand scholars, and focus on these broad New Zealand perspectives of ECE, to address the diverse interests of an international audience.