bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 1961 Constitutional Referendum in Turkey
Authors: Emre Yunus , Cop Burak
Published: August 2015

The 1961 referendum on the new constitution was the first referendum held in the history of the Turkish republic. However, no deeper analysis of this phenomenon has been conducted in the English-language academic literature. This paper undertakes that objective. The new constitution was drafted and adopted under anti-democratic conditions. The post-coup era was a missed opportunity for instituting a stronger democracy. The referendum was the last nationwide vote in which traditional actors played significant roles in determining voting behavior. The notables and major landowners of the under-developed provinces led the masses to vote in favor of the new constitution. Starting in 1965, politics in Turkey became ideology-centered and class-oriented, thus causing the influence of traditional actors to diminish. Although the campaign for votes to support the referendum dominated the political scene in 1961, the electorate showed its distance from the coup anyway.
Toward an Embodied Cognitive Semantics
Authors: Stocker Kurt
Published: August 2015

This article strives to move forward toward an embodied account of cognitive semantics. Using current empirical embodiment findings and theoretical interpretations thereof, the major schematic systems of Talmyan cognitive semantics (configurational structure, attention, perspective, and force dynamics) are all presented within one unified embodied account. It will be shown that there is much empirical evidence that thought is spatialized and that our eyes project this spatialized thought into the external (usually near) space in front of our body. This—eyes projecting spatialized thought into peripersonal space—will be called the theory of ocular cognitive semantics (and will sometimes also more generally be referred to as the theory of the ocular mind). Ocular cognitive semantics is meant to be a first step forward toward a more comprehensive theory of embodied cognitive semantics. Clinical implications of ocular cognitive semantics for people with schizophrenia are discussed.
Adições à brioflora (Bryopsida) do Estado da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Bastos Cid José Passos , Bôas-Bastos Silvana Brito Vilas
Published: August 2015

The moss flora of the state of Bahia is represented by 208 species distributed in 88 genera and 34 families. Of these, 188 have already been recorded for the Bahia. In this paper are reported 18 species of mosses belonging to 16 genera and 12 families (Archidiaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Bartramiaceae, Bryaceae, Thuidiaceae, Sematophyllaceae, Pterobryaceae, Meteoriaceae, Hookeriaceae, Pottiaceae, Calymperaceae and Fissidentaceae) for Bahia and represent an additional contribution to the knowledge of the bryophyte flora of this state.
Studies on the lichen genus Sticta (Schreber) Ach.: V*. Australian species

Authors: Galloway D. J.
Published: August 2015

Twenty five species of Sticta occur in Australia. These are: Sticta baileyi, S. brevipes, S. camarae, S. caperata, S. cyphellulata, S. diversa, S. duplolimbata, S. filix, S. flavocyphellata, S. fuliginosa, S. howei, S. hypopsiloides, S. latifrons, S. limbata, S. marginifera, S. myrioclada, S. pedunculata, S. rutilans, S. sayeri, S. stipitata, S. sublimbata, S. subtomentella, S. variabilis and S. weigelii. A key and descriptions of each taxon are given together with details of biogeography, distribution, ecology and nomenclature. Sticta baileyi, S. flavocyphellata and S. howei are newly described, and Sticta myrioloba (Müll.Arg.) D.J.Galloway comb. & stat. nov., is proposed.
Notes on Seychelles mosses. 3-4. A revision of Papillidiopsis (Broth.) Buck & Tan, Rhaphidostichum Fleisch. and Warburgiella Müll. Hal. ex Broth. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryopsida) in Africa

Authors: O’Shea Brian J.
Published: August 2015

Three genera of the moss family Sematophyllaceae are revised for Africa as part of a project looking at the mosses of Seychelles. Two of the three species of the genus Rhaphidostichum Fleisch. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryopsida) prove to belong to different genera (Papillidiopsis (Broth.) Buck & Tan and Acroporium Mitt.). One of the two species of Warburgiella Fleisch. is shown to belong to Trichosteleum All species are described and illustrated. The following two new combinations are made: Papillidiopsis mahensis (Besch.) O’Shea (basionym Rhaphidostegium mahense Besch.) and Acroporium subluxurians (Dix. & Thér.) Tan & O’Shea (basionym Rhaphidostichum subluxurians Dix. & Thér.). Papillidiopsis malayana (Dix.) Tan is made a synonym of P. mahensis, and the basionym of Warburgiella leptorrhyncha is altered to Hypnum leptorrhynchum Müll. Hal., Synopsis 2: 313. 1851.
Bryophytes from the Republic of Equatorial Guinea (West Central Africa). IV. Notes on some nomina nuda from Annobon

Authors: Pérez Patxi Heras , Sánchez Marta Infante
Published: August 2015

Eight moss species corresponding to nomina nuda recorded in the literature from Annobon Island are listed with their recent determination and current names. Leucophanes unguiculatum, Philonotis uncinata var. glaucescens and Vesicularia strephomischos are new records for the Equatorial Guinean bryoflora.
Contribution to the bryoflora and bryogeography of St. Helena (South Atlantic Ocean)

Authors: Müller Frank
Published: August 2015

Results of an evaluation of a collection of bryophytes made by Mr. T. Karisch on St. Helena, comprizing approx. 70 specimens, are presented. Four species (Bryum sauteri, Lophocolea bidentata, Syrrhopodon gaudichaudii, Trichostomum brachydontium) are reported for the first time for St. Helena. Five taxa endemic to St. Helena (Kurzia nemoides, Radula fulvifolia, Tylimanthus anisodontus, Fissidens helenicus, Sematophyllum plumularium) and Dicranella proscripta, which is elsewhere only known from Ascension, have been found probably for the first time this century. A phytogeographical analysis of the bryoflora of St. Helena is presented. Dicranella condensata Aongstr. is regarded as synonymous with Dicranella proscripta (Hornsch.) Mitt. and Rhaphidorrhynchium plumularium (Mitt.) Broth. with Sematophyllum erythrocaulon (Aongstr.) Jaeg.
Diversity of bryophyte flora and vegetation on rotten wood in rain and montane forests of northeastern Tanzania

Authors: Mattila Päivi , Koponen Timo
Published: August 2015

Decomposing wood forms the substrate for special lignicolous, hygrophilous, and sciophilous plant communities. In a moist tropical forest, vegetation on this substrate consists mostly of bryophytes. The material gathered from Mt. Meru and the Usambara Mts. in Tanzania comprises 102 taxa or genera of bryophytes. Of these 86 taxa are mosses and 16 hepatics. They were collected from a number of rotten logs at different stages of decay both in primeval and in cultivated forests. The bryophyte vegetation on these logs was examined by use of quadrats 20 x 20 cm. A total of 71 taxa occurred in 51 plots.
Foliicolous lichens and their lichenicolous fungi collected during the Smithsonian International Cryptogamic Expedition to Guyana 1996

Authors: Lücking R.
Published: August 2015

table 1 corrected.
Editorial: Ten years of Tropical Bryology
Authors: AHTI T. , DELGADILLO-M. C. , GALLOWAY D. , MOBERG R. , O´SHEA B. J. , TAN B. C.
Published: August 2015

The first issue of Tropical Bryology was published ten years ago in 1989. Only quite rarely is a new bryological journal founded, and it is a risk to introduce a new journal to those already established. There are examples (e.g., Acta Bryolichenolica Asiatica, Cryptogamic Botany) of other such attempts that have failed. However, the plan to edit a new journal was based on several new ideas.
Mediterranean lichens in the tropics: lichens of the mist oasis of Erkwit, Sudan

Authors: Elshafie A. E. , Sipman H. J.M.
Published: August 2015

From the mist oasis of Erkwit (Red Sea coastal plain of Sudan) 25 epiphytic lichen taxa are reported, probably the first lichen floristic report for the country. Most species encountered are widespread in warm and dry areas worldwide, while a few have their center in the Mediterranean region and document a Mediterranean element in this tropical region.
New and little known species of Zorotypus Silvestri (Zoraptera: Zorotypidae) from China
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , LI LI-ZHEN , WU CHAO
Published: August 2015

A new species of the insect order Zoraptera, Zorotypus hainanensis sp. n., is described from southern China based on apterous adults, which represents a fourth species of the genus in China. Additional collection data for Z. medoensis Hwang in Xizang (= Tibet) is provided. Illustrations of the major diagnostic features of both the new species and Z. medoensis are provided, and their taxonomic placements are briefly discussed.
Notes on "A checklist of the Gyrinidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga) of Brazil" by Colpani et al. (2014)
Authors: Fery H. , Benetti C.J. , COLPANI D. , HAMADA N.
Published: August 2015

In a recently published paper on the Gyrindae of Brazil (Colpani et al. 2014) a checklist of all known species from this country was given. This addition to the knowledge of Gyrinidae, based on literature published prior to 2012, comprises 206 species and subspecies and gives a complete account of the nomenclature for each taxon including synonyms and historical combinations. Additionally, the geographical distribution–both inside and outside of Brazil–of each species is provided. Although the authors have studied the literature (about 120 publications, most of them in French or German) very carefully, it was quite inevitable that some mistakes were made.
Interhemispheric Variability of Earth’s Radiation
Authors: Ruzmaikin Alexander , Aumann Hartmut H. , Jiang Jonathan H.
Published: August 2015

The variability of interhemispheric symmetry of Earth’s energy serves as an independent indicator of climate change. The analysis of updated data obtained from satellite measurements at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) shows that in accord with Earth’s orbital requirements the annually averaged incident solar radiation is the same in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the annual mean of the reflected shortwave radiation is almost north–south symmetric, and the annual mean of the outgoing longwave radiation is larger in the Northern Hemisphere by 1.4 W m−2. These mean radiations systematically differ from the mean radiations found from the numerical atmospheric models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). The hemispheric differences of the TOA radiations vary on the annual and interannual time scales. The multidecadal variability in Earth’s north–south temperature difference reveals a similarity of trends in both hemispheres. The Atlantic meridional transport (in contrast to the Pacific meridional transport) is found to be coherent with the interhemispheric ocean heat content (OHC) difference on decadal and multidecadal time scales, indicating a critical role of the Atlantic in the interhemispheric energy balance change.
Social influence or personal preference? Examining the determinants of usage intention across social media with different sociability
Authors: Wang Nan , Sun Yongqiang
Published: August 2015

Previous studies have identified that social influence and personal preference are two key mechanisms to understand users’ social media adoption behavior. However, whether or not these two mechanisms play equal roles under different contexts has rarely been empirically investigated. To fill this gap, in this study, we propose sociability as a criterion to classify social media and examine the determinants of usage intention across social media with different sociability. An empirical study of 118 low-sociability and 123 high-sociability social media users found that social influence factors play a more important role for high-sociability media users while attitude has stronger impacts on intention for low-sociability media users. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Progestins to control feline reproduction
Authors: Romagnoli Stefano
Published: August 2015

Relevance:

The high fertility rate of cats means that methods to control feline reproduction are a requirement for cat breeders and pet owners, as well as for those involved in the management of feral cat populations. Progestins continue to be used to prevent queens from cycling, and also as an adjunct or alternative to surgical sterilization within trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs.

Evidence base:

A considerable body of information exists on megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), thanks to the many studies and case reports published in the scientific literature over the past 50 years documenting their clinical use in cats. Comparatively less is known about the use in cats of more recent progestins such as levonorgestrel, proligestone, delmadinone, chlormadinone and altrenogest.

Dosing, safety and efficacy:

Based on a combination of dose, frequency and duration of treatment, MA can be categorized into low (0.625 mg/kg/week for up to 30 weeks), medium (0.625 mg/kg q24h for 1 week or q48h for up to 2 weeks) and high (0.625 mg/kg q24h or q48h for several weeks, or weekly for months or years) dosages. Studies suggest that low dosages can be used relatively safely in cats, while higher dosages increase the risk and severity of adverse reactions. Early work showing that an oral MPA dosage of 0.01 mg/kg administered q24h for 12 months suppresses oestrus in queens effectively and safely has not been considered, and much higher MPA dosages (>6.25 mg/kg q24h) have been used in cats over the past 40 years.

Recommendations:

Progestins should always be used with caution. Using the lowest possible dosages, MA and MPA may, however, continue to be used safely in pet queens as well as (in conjunction with TNR programs) for the control of feral cat colonies. More recent progestins appear to be effective and safe, albeit their efficacy and safety need to be further investigated.
Alternative methods for feline fertility control
Authors: Kutzler Michelle A
Published: August 2015

Practical relevance:

Reversible contraceptives are highly desired by purebred cat breeders for managing estrous cycles and by scientists managing assisted reproduction programs. A variety of alternative medicine approaches have been explored as methods to control feline fertility.

Scope:

In the field of veterinary homeopathy, wild carrot seed and papaya have been used for centuries. Both appear to be safe, but their efficacy as feline contraceptives remains anecdotal. In contrast, the use of melatonin in cats has been investigated in a number of studies, findings from which are reviewed in this article.

Rationale:

Cats are seasonally polyestrous (they cycle several times during their breeding season) and are described as long-day breeders because endogenous melatonin negatively regulates estrous cyclicity. Exogenous melatonin administered parenterally also suppresses ovarian activity in cats, and long-term oral or subcutaneous melatonin administration is safe.

Challenges:

The therapeutic use of melatonin is limited by its short biological half-life (15–20 mins), its poor oral bioavailability and its central effects in reducing wakefulness. Research is required to determine whether higher doses, longer-release formulations, repeated administration or combination implants might overcome these limitations.
Vaccines for feline contraception
Authors: Benka Valerie A W , Levy Julie K
Published: August 2015

Vaccine:

GonaCon™ is the trade name of a GnRH–hemocyanin conjugate immunocontraceptive vaccine formulation shown to prevent reproduction and inhibit production of sex hormones in numerous mammalian species for extended durations. GonaCon is currently registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for contraception of female white-tailed deer, and GonaCon™-Equine for female wild horses and burros. Multiple formulations of this GnRH-hemocyanin conjugate immunocontraceptive vaccine have been developed at the National Wildlife Research Center in the United States.

Evidence base:

Three studies employing an early generation vaccine formulation indicated its potential for multi-year contraception of female cats (median duration of effect in excess of 39.7 months). The contraceptive effect for male cats was less predictable and of shorter duration (median duration of effect 14 months). Since these initial feline studies there have been formulation composition changes, and further investigation of the safety, efficacy and duration of this contraceptive vaccine for cats is warranted.

Future prospects:

Individual country regulations will determine if GonaCon could be registered for unowned, free-roaming and/or pet cats.
No surgery required: the future of feline sterilization
Authors: Johnston Shirley , Rhodes Linda
Published: August 2015

Overview:

For many years, researchers have been studying reproduction of cats and dogs, including approaches to non-surgical sterilization, but scant funding has been available for this work. Recognizing the need to fund research and to attract researchers from the biomedical community to apply their expertise to this area, the Michelson Prize & Grants (MPG) in Reproductive Biology program was founded. Since 2009, it has funded 34 research projects in seven countries toward discovery of a safe single-administration lifetime non-surgical sterilant in male and female cats and dogs.

Goal:

The goal of the MPG program is the reduction or elimination of the approximately 2.7 million deaths of healthy shelter cats and dogs in the US every year. The successful product is expected to be a single-dose injectable product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a veterinary prescription item. The most optimistic prediction is that such a product will reach the hands of practicing veterinarians within the next decade.

Areas of research:

Active research is in progress using approaches such as immunocontraception with a single-administration vaccine against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Long-term therapy with GnRH agonists such as deslorelin administered in controlled-release devices is also being studied. Other scientists are targeting cells in the brain or gonads with cytotoxins, such as are used in cancer chemotherapy. Gene therapy expressing proteins that suppress reproduction and gene silencing of peptides essential to reproduction are further avenues of research. Findings are available at www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/research-findings .
Better trap–neuter–return for free-roaming cats
Authors: Boone John D
Published: August 2015

Overview:

Trap–neuter–return (TNR) for cat management is transitioning from an enterprise driven mainly by an urge to ‘help’ into an enterprise that draws useful guidance and precedent from the fields of population biology and wildlife management. This transition is in its infancy, however. At the present time many TNR programs do not produce substantial and persistent reductions in cat populations, and those that do often fail to effectively document this achievement or to publicize their success.

Challenges:

As a result, TNR has become increasingly controversial, with TNR advocates and wildlife conservationists often staking out fundamentally incompatible positions. This may ultimately prove to be an unproductive debate, since public opinion in developed countries is unlikely to support a total abandonment of TNR in favor of widespread cat management using lethal methods, and since wildlife advocates are unlikely to support TNR as it is typically practiced.

Advancements:

In contrast, improving the effectiveness of TNR as a population management tool can benefit both cats and wildlife, potentially on a broad scale. Making these advancements requires the diligent promotion, dissemination and adoption of tools like population modeling, population monitoring and adaptive management. By virtue of their training and exposure to the scientific method, veterinarians are uniquely well positioned to translate the more technical aspects of these approaches to TNR practitioners, and to facilitate their wider use.

Aim:

The purpose of this review is to describe for a veterinary audience how to facilitate more effective sterilization-based management of outdoor cats, using a combination of theoretical knowledge derived from population modeling and empirical knowledge derived from population monitoring. Using both of these information sources synergistically can offer a viable pathway to better management outcomes.
Literature review on: Quantum readout of spin resonance in a silicon transistor
Authors: Barbaro A. R.
Published: August 2015

Phosphorus donor spins in silicon are promising quantum bit (qubit) candidates. They have a natural confinement potential, long spin lifetimes and decades of use in the semiconductor fabrication industry. Readout of a single qubit is a necessary step to build a quantum computer, which could potentially solve particular problems exponentially faster than conventional computers. Electrically detected magnetic resonance has previously been used to measure the spin state of an ensemble of spins. In this literature review, the concept of a quantum computer is introduced before the potential of using electrically detected magnetic resonance to measure the spin state of a single donor spin qubit in a silicon transistor is discussed.
Computation of fixed point index and applications to superlinear periodic problem
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Shengjun
Published: August 2015

In this paper we compute the fixed point index for A-proper semilinear operators under certain boundary conditions. The proof is based on the partial order method combined with the properties of the fixed point index. As an application, we use the abstract results presented above to study the existence conditions of positive solutions for superlinear first-order and second-order periodic problems.
Seismic data denoising through multiscale and sparsity-promoting dictionary learning
Authors: Zhu Lingchen , Liu Entao , McClellan James H.
Published: August 2015

Seismic data comprise many traces that provide a spatiotemporal sampling of the reflected wavefield. However, such information may suffer from ambient and random noise during acquisition, which could possibly limit the use of seismic data in reservoir locating. Traditionally, fixed transforms are used to separate the noise from the data by exploiting their different characteristics in a transform domain. However, their performance may not be satisfactory due to their lack of adaptability to changing data structures. We have developed a novel seismic data denoising method based on a parametric dictionary learning scheme. Unlike previous dictionary learning methods that had to learn unconstrained atoms, our method exploits the underlying sparse structure of the learned atoms over a base dictionary and significantly reduces the dictionary elements that need to be learned. By combining the advantages of multiscale representations with the power of dictionary learning, more degrees of freedom could be provided to the sparse representation, and therefore the characteristics of seismic data could be efficiently captured in sparse coefficients for denoising. The dictionary learning and denoising were processed from all overlapping patches of the given noisy seismic data, which maintained low complexity. Numerical experiments on synthetic seismic data indicated that our scheme achieved the best denoising performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio and minimizes visual distortion.
The Thyroid Hormone Analog DITPA Ameliorates Metabolic Parameters of Male Mice With Mct8 Deficiency
Authors: Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano , Liao Xiao-Hui , Ye Honggang , Weiss Roy E. , Dumitrescu Alexandra M. , Refetoff Samuel
Published: August 2015

Mutations in the gene encoding the thyroid hormone (TH) transporter, monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), cause mental retardation in humans associated with a specific thyroid hormone phenotype manifesting high serum T3 and low T4 and rT3 levels. Moreover, these patients have failure to thrive, and physiological changes compatible with thyrotoxicosis. Recent studies in Mct8-deficient (Mct8KO) mice revealed that the high serum T3 causes increased energy expenditure. The TH analog, diiodothyropropionic acid (DITPA), enters cells independently of Mct8 transport and shows thyromimetic action but with a lower metabolic activity than TH. In this study DITPA was given daily ip to adult Mct8KO mice to determine its effect on thyroid tests in serum and metabolism (total energy expenditure, respiratory exchange rate, and food and water intake). In addition, we measured the expression of TH-responsive genes in the brain, liver, and muscles to assess the thyromimetic effects of DITPA. Administration of 0.3 mg DITPA per 100 g body weight to Mct8KO mice brought serum T3 levels and the metabolic parameters studied to levels observed in untreated Wt animals. Analysis of TH target genes revealed amelioration of the thyrotoxic state in liver, somewhat in the soleus, but there was no amelioration of the brain hypothyroidism. In conclusion, at the dose used, DITPA mainly ameliorated the hypermetabolism of Mct8KO mice. This thyroid hormone analog is suitable for the treatment of the hypermetabolism in patients with MCT8 deficiency, as suggested in limited preliminary human trials.
Judith R. Walkowitz
Authors: Marcus Sharon
Published: August 2015

Historian Judith R. Walkowitz, interviewed by Sharon Marcus, talks about how she came to study Victorian prostitution and the evolution of London’s Soho neighborhood, her efforts to connect political engagement and scholarship, how the discipline of history has and hasn’t changed over the past forty years, the alterity of the past, and her current project on the history of feminism and urban space in 1970s and 1980s London.
Why Look at Cabin Porn?
Authors: Jørgensen Finn Arne
Published: August 2015

The rise of cabin porn—images of beautiful cabins in nature—as a visual genre reflects a growing international interest in cabins, shedworking, and rustic, exurban living off the grid, most of it romanticizing rural and low-tech lifestyles. On the surface, the digitally mediated and disembodied architecture of cabin porn seems to be a form of nostalgia, where the dream of the cabin becomes an arena for resolving an ambivalent relationship to technology and all the bothersome things of modern life. Delving deeper into the cabin porn phenomenon, however, can also reveal something about the mediated experience of nature through digital media.
Credit Constraints and Growth in a Global Economy
Authors: Coeurdacier Nicolas , Guibaud Stéphane , Jin Keyu
Published: August 2015

We show that in an open-economy OLG model, the interaction between growth differentials and household credit constraints—more severe in fast-growing countries—can explain three prominent global trends: a divergence in private saving rates between advanced and emerging economies, large net capital outflows from the latter, and a sustained decline in the world interest rate. Micro-level evidence on the evolution of age-saving profiles in the US and China corroborates our mechanism. Quantitatively, our model explains about a third of the divergence in aggregate saving rates, and a significant portion of the variations in age-saving profiles across countries and over time. (JEL E21, E22, F21, F32, F41, O16, P24)
Effectiveness of the influence of outdoor training by the type of overall phisical condition on the physical condition of the first mature age women
Authors: Сиднева Лариса , Sidneva Larisa
Published: August 2015

The article is dedicated to the features of the outdoor activities and the effectiveness of their influence on the physical

condition of the first Mature age women. The pedagogical experiment was held in the system of sport and health

clubs “Planet of Fitness” for three months with 28–38 years-old women. The experiment developed methodical

recommendations for outdoor practice at sporting venues, located in the yards and parks with the use of additional

equipment. For the main part of the lesson there was designed an exercise program with mainly power orientation

to strengthen the muscles of the back, chest, belt of the upper limb and lower limb, muscles of upper and lower limbs

with regard to recommendations on the technique of exercise, number of repetitions and approaches that rest time.

There was used a series of tests to determine the physical fitness level of the subjects before and after the experiment

that allowed us to assess the following indicators: the strength of different muscle groups, IPC (maximum

oxygen consumption), PWC (physical performance) and BMI (body mass index). The main types of outdoor activities

described in the article and their impact on the physical condition of training people have not been studied

sufficiently, so this publication is the beginning of a cycle of scientific publications on the results of the research

(including comparative) exposure to outdoor physical education on the human body. The article can be useful to

scientists involved in research on the influence of physical activity, and also the teachers (of physical education) of

secondary and higher education, practitioners in the field of fitness.
Influence of cultural and educational tours to the condition of the tourists
Authors: Третьякова Татьяна , Tretyakova Tatyana , Меньщиков Анатолий , Menshchikov Anatoliy
Published: August 2015

The article presents the author’s concept of the influence of the cultural and educational tours on emotional and

physical state of tourists; it explains the new direction of scientific research as “Cultural tourism and human

health”. The hypothesis of the study lies in the assumption about the positive impact of appropriate conditions of

cultural and educational tours on human health: the condition of the tourists in terms of cultural and educational

tours to various regions of Russia will demonstrate positive dynamics under condition of the correct program of

tourist services, including dosed excursions, organization of optimal functional food, comfortable accommodation

and quality of excursions that enhance the resilience of the body, restoring vitality and health. The relevance of

the study is due to the following factors: 1) the worsening of the social problems of contemporary life, associated

with unsustainable way of life that undermines the protective powers of man, dooming him to premature aging and

disease; 2) the need to search for new meanings and ideas for the development of tourist offers in domestic tourism,

especially in conditions of economic pressure by the EU and the US on Russia. The aim of this study was to

identify changes of state to visit in terms of cultural and educational tours to develop a physiologically-based design

system of cultural and educational tours. The study is focused on indicators of emotional state and hemodynamics

(systolic, diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate). Pilot measurements which were made during the experiment,

show that in the context of cultural tourism in the body of the tourists there are some state changes that need to be

checked, scientific instruments/ conditions, criteria and indicators to be determined, a model of ergonomic tour

and recommendations for the design of programs of tourist services to be developed. The results of the study allowed

us to determine a new direction of scientific research – “Cultural tourism and human health”.
Changes in European tax systems during economic downturn
Authors: Kudła Janusz
Published: August 2015

The article includes an analysis of relative changes in tax structure during the period between 2007-2008, based on data of tax revenues from 27 countries of EU and short requests for discretionary tax rates changes occurring in 2009-2010. For the quantitative analysis we used k-mean cluster analysis procedure identifying relatively homogeneous groups of European states based on selected tax structure features. Thus the basic patterns of tax systems had been distinguished for the period before the economic downturn (by convention in 2006) and then we were looking for trends in tax systems’ structure. Changes in taxation, both in terms of tax burden, as well as changes in tax rates are mainly concentrated in the European peripheries, which are accompanied by heterogeneous changes in production. This arrangement supports theories of tax competition stemming from the new economic geography. Member countries of EU experiencing deep economic downturn alter their tax structure, rather by the types of tax than by economic functions of taxes. Countries are trying to raise the taxes which were previously the main basis of their tax revenues or raise those which revenues decrease the most.
The effectiveness of the autoregressive models in forecasting the agricultural prices in Poland
Authors: Tłuczak Agnieszka , Szewczyk Mirosława
Published: August 2015

The forecast of agricultural prices is one of the most important factors in making decision on production farms. The appropriate forecast allows for limiting the risk connected with one’s economic activity. In this study autoregressive models have been used, which helped to determine the price forecast for agricultural products in the purchasing centers in the second half of 2010. To determine the quality of forecast the average ex-post errors of the past forecasts have been used. The achieved results show that autoregressive models are an effective tool in forecasting the agricultural prices in Poland.
Application process for EU funds inside social structures and interest groups. An advisor’s perspective
Authors: Smużewska Marcelina
Published: August 2015

The article deals with process of application for EU funds seen from advisor’s perspective. Statistics reveal huge delays in granting. Till now there has been only 8,5% of complete sum of applications accounted for. The main reason is lack of cooperation between administrative officials and potential grantiees. The nature of that relation was set forth from two perspectives: system and group one. Structural perspective explains clerks’ behavior through traits of organization such as: ”the hierarchy right” and “official apprehension”. Group perspective refers to concept of group solidarity, which focuses on the need to sustain social order. Administrative officials as well as grantiees take care after the same type of goods, mainly: best division of EU grants. Yet through entanglement of control and monitoring systems illusion of barricade emerges and both professional groups resign from cooperation. This has a lot of consequences. Official matters are being dealt in an indolent way and grantiees commit deceptions and forgeries. Closing paragraph contains a list of research techniques that (besides participating observation) could contribute to better understanding of phenomena connected with EU grants.
General government deficit and public debt in EU member states
Authors: Wielechowski Michał
Published: August 2015

The aim of this article is the presentation and the attempt to analyse such phenomena as: an excessive general government deficit and public debt in EU Member States over the past 3 years. For the European Union the years 2008-2010 were the time when public finances of most member countries worsened dramatically. The average budget deficit in the EU increased during that period to a value of almost 7% compared to gross domestic product and public debt reached almost 80% of GDP. Referring the numbers to the principles of the budgetary policy in the Treaty on the European Union (the deficit should not exceed 3% in relation to GDP and public debt – 60% of GDP), the observance of budgetary discipline has been significantly violated. In consequence, the excessive deficit procedure has been initiated. in relation to almost all the countries of the EU, Its purpose was to force the member countries to take concrete actions to stabilize public finances. The economic crisis that began in the second half of 2007 in the United States of America which resulted in a significant deterioration of the finances of all the EU member countries might be regarded as the major source of violation of their budgetary discipline. The reactions of most governments TO the harmful effects caused by the financial crisis were to stimulate national economies and stem the decline of domestic demand. The higher level of public expenditures was simultaneously the cause of increased budget deficits,. To develop and present the problem of an excessive budget deficit and public debt in the EU countries some statistical methods were used and the data source statistics were mainly carried out by the European Commission and the European Statistical Office.
A new approach to state sovereignty in the legal and economic sciences
Authors: Wakuluk Ilona Edyta
Published: August 2015

Sovereignty for centuries has been controversial issue. The understanding of “sovereignty” has been evolving since the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The article presents evolution of the conception of sovereignty till the present value of that notion. Nowadays, the states foundations are population, territory and sovereignty (power). We can distinguish sovereignty in two aspects: external (state) and internal (national). The develop of economy and free market are limiting countries influence to national economy. The active progress has got an effect on countries which devolve competence to international relation organs so the countries internal competence became much more lesser. The dynamic development of international law and reinforcement international cooperation cause the tightening of relations and evolution of the concept “sovereignty”. In the present time, the process of globalization, regionalization or integration aspire to create redefinition of sovereignty. At the beginning of XXI century the active debate on the national identity and sovereignty seems more important than ever before. The transfer of the state authority to other organizations or institutions arouse a lot of controversies. The aim of the article is present the most important issues and to explain different points of views connected with the concept of sovereignty in the legal and economic sciences.
The Harber-Laursen-Metzler effect in Poland
Authors: Misztal Piotr
Published: August 2015

The aim of the paper is to analyse of the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler effect in light of the theory and in practice, with particular reference to this effect in Poland in the period 1995-2009. The results of research carried out by means of the vector autoregression model (VAR) revealed that temporary improvement in terms of trade in Poland led to the current account improvement, and permanent improvement in terms of trade contributed to the current account deterioration. Thus it was confirmed prevalence of the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler effect in Poland. Additionally, results of investigation confirmed relatively greater impact of temporary changes in terms of trade on the current account than in the case of permanent changes in terms of trade. Analogous interdependence was revealed witch reference to explanation of the current account variability. Temporary changes in terms of trade accounted for in much more degree the current account variability in relation to permanent changes in terms of trade.
Chinese foreign direct investments in Latin America and their influence on Chinese-Brazilian economic relations
Authors: Czarnecka-Gallas Marta
Published: August 2015

For many decades Chinese foreign direct investments in Latin America were not a subject of academic research or political debate. However, thanks to China’s fast economic growth, huge saving rate and national reserves, the country plays a more and more important role not only in global trade, being the world’s biggest exporter, but also in international investment scene by increasing the number and volume of its overseas businesses. Chinese FDIs in Latin America, although not as controversial as those in Africa, have registered a steady growth and seem to be both a chance and a threat for Latin American states. The scale and structure of FDI still remain relatively poor but the situation in the last years, especially 2009-2010 shows a significant change. Huge amount of Chinese FDI go to Brazil, which is also the recipient of the biggest Chinese single overseas business project (Porto do Aço). As far as Brazilian-Chinese bilateral economic relations are concerned, the complementarity of countries’ economies gives hope of beneficial cooperation, but at the same time poses a threat on Brazil of being vulnerable to externalities and losing manufacturing advantage in exports. Moreover, Chinese presence in Latin America means not only counterbalance to the influence of the USA but also undermines Brazilian position in the region. Methodology: the author combines quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Data used for the purpose of the article come mainly from UNCTAD statistics on-line, statistics of Chinese Ministry of Commerce, CIA Factbook. Moreover, the author makes use of desk research and literature review.
Being back home after intermediate care: the experience of older people
Authors: Martinsen Bente , Harder Ingegerd , Norlyk Annelise
Published: August 2015

Older people may face many challenges and experience insecurity after discharge from hospital to home. To bridge the potential gap between general hospital and home, the concept of intermediate care (IC) was developed in the year 2000. IC aims to safeguard older people from being discharged to their home before they have sufficiently recovered. However, knowledge within this area is sparse, and the experience of older people in particular is yet to be explored. The aim of this study was to explore older people's experiences of being back home after a stay in an IC unit. Data were drawn from 12 interviews. Transcripts were analysed using a phenomenological approach. The essential meaning of being back home after a stay in an IC unit was characterised by uncertainty. Four constituents emerged: experiencing a state of shock about coming home, dependence on informal helpers, feeling a sense of isolation, and fearing loss of functional ability permanently.
Promoting good dental health in older people: role of the community nurse
Authors: Daly Blánaid , Smith Kerry
Published: August 2015

Good dental health enables a person to eat, speak, and socialise. It contributes to nutrition, general health, and quality of life. The dental health of people living in the UK has improved in the last 40 years, and older people are retaining their natural teeth throughout their life; nontheless, a significant proportion of people over 75 years still rely on partial and full dentures. Dental disease in all age groups is readily prevented by daily oral hygiene and adherence to a healthy diet, avoidance of smoking, and sensible alcohol intake. Some older people may simply need reminding and encouragement to carry out oral hygiene, while more dependent adults may need support and active help to do so. Nursing teams and health professionals play a key role in promoting oral health by supporting oral hygiene and adequate nutrition, preventing discomfort, and detecting dental diseases early. This article gives a brief overview of how nursing teams and health professionals can promote oral health and provides details of resources from which further detailed information may be obtained.
Understanding the Code: acting in a patient's best interests
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2015

The revised Code of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the statutory professional regulator for registered district nurses, makes clear that while district nurses can interpret the values and principles for use in community settings, the standards are not negotiable or discretionary. They must be applied or the district nurse's fitness to practice will be called into question. In this article in the continuing series analysing the legal implications of the Code on district nurse practice, the author considers the fourth standard that requires district nurses to act in the best interests of people at all times.
Effect of patient positioning on toe pressure measurement using noninvasive vascular testing
Authors: Sansosti Laura E , Berger Michael D , Gerrity Michael A , Kelly Patrick , Meyr Andrew J
Published: August 2015

Objective:

Interpretation of digital pressure in the assessment of healing potential for diabetic foot disease has become common because of the potential for false elevation with the ankle-brachial index. However, the specific testing protocol for segmental Doppler examinations and photoplethysmography require patients to be in the supine position, with the lower limbs at heart level, in order to minimise the effect of hydrostatic pressure. This may be difficult in many patients with lower extremity pathology, particularly those who are nonambulatory, with painful wounds, or with orthopnea. In these situations, the noninvasive vascular test may be performed with the patient in a more comfortable position, which may include sitting in a wheelchair with the leg in a dependent position. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of patient positioning on measurement of the digital pressure.

Method:

Hallux pressures were measured in 20 healthy volunteers in 3 variable positions of limb dependency.

Results:

The mean±standard deviation of digital pressure for subjects while lying supine with the limb at heart level was 103.5±26.0 mmHg (the recommended position for performance of the test), while sitting upright with the limb level on the table was 130.6±27.9 mmHg (+26.2%, p<0.0001) and sitting upright with the limb in a dependent position was 169.8±30.8 mmHg (+64.1%, p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

On the basis of these results, we conclude that patient positioning has a significant effect on measurement of digital pressure.
Use of topical haemoglobin on sloughy wounds in the community setting
Authors: Bateman Sharon Dawn
Published: August 2015

Aim:

This evaluation aimed to determine whether the use of a haemoglobin spray solution expedited sloughy wound healing.

Method:

A descriptive evaluation was undertaken within a community setting exploring 25 patients presenting with sloughy healing and non-healing wounds, and the effects of 8 topically administered haemoglobin treatments over a 4-week period. Standard wound cleansing and dressing management were continued, with no changes to pre-evaluation regimens, and care being provided by the patients themselves or by a carer. Data were collected weekly with regard to primary outcomes of slough reduction, wound surface area reduction, patient ease of use (self-care), and overall product experience.

Results:

At 4 weeks, all wounds demonstrated positive measured endpoints of slough elimination and continued wound-size reduction. Patients and carers found the product easy to use (self-caring) with an overall positive wound care experience.

Conclusion:

The administration of a haemoglobin spray solution on patients presenting with sloughy wounds resulted in positive healing outcomes of slough elimination and wound reduction alongside positive self-care and product satisfaction. Continued evaluation is recommended to build upon the evidence of this form of treatment.
Effectively managing wound exudate
Authors: Chamanga Edwin
Published: August 2015

The management of wound exudate remains a clinical challenge despite technological advances in products with better exudate-handling capacities. This clinical challenge is occasionally encountered when thick exudate (viscous exudate) is present, and when most modern dressings do not possess the capabilities to manage the viscosity while enabling exudate absorption. Maceration to the peri-wound area poses another challenge, irrespective of the number of topical barrier application products on the market and the innovation of dressing products that lock exudate away or those that encourage vertical wicking. In addition to all the above, in clinical practice, the assessment and documentation of wound exudate remains sporadic, leading to the challenges of effective wound exudate dressing selection and cost-effective dressings.