bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unique system of graduate management training for the working executive: An evaluation of success
Authors: Marais Georg
Published: January 2020

The UNISA School of Business Leadership offers a unique Master's degree in Business Leadership, training working executives in all parts of southern Africa by teletuition. An overview is given of the methodology and the activity span of the SBL. The article also covers a survey of MBL graduates, analyzing their career history including topics such as original academic background, current management and income levels, age, occupational mobility both intra- and inter-organizationally, years of experience before and after MBL studies, and academic performance in the MBL. The achievements of, and trends among MBL graduates are compared with information available on MBA graduates from two other South African business schools, and with similar research in the United States and Britain.Die Skool vir Bedryfsleiding van UNISA bied 'n unieke Meestersgraad in Bedrysleiding aan, wat werkende bestuurders in alle dele van Suider-Afrika deur afstands-onderrig oplei. 'n Oorsig word gegee van die metodologie en die aktiwiteitswydte van die SBL. die artikel dek ook 'n opname onder MBL-gegradueerdes, en ontleed hulle loopbaangeskiedenis aan die hand van aspekte soos oorspronklike akademiese agtergrond, huidige bestuurs- en inkomstevlakke, ouderdom, jare ervaring voor en na MBL-studies, beroepsbeweeglikheid sowel binne as tussen organisasies, en akademiese prestasie in die MBL. Die prestasies van, en neigings onder MBL-graduandi word vergelyk met beskikbare inligting oor MBA-graduandi van twee ander Suid-Afrikaanse sakeskole, en met soortgelyke navorsing in die Verenigde State en Brittanje.
Johannesburg metropolitan transport and the Driessen report
Authors: Penny Peter
Published: January 2020

No abstract available.
Experimental and neural network modeling of micellar enhanced ultrafiltration for arsenic removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Yaqub Muhammad , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: January 2020

The optimization of micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) of arsenic (As) contaminated aqueous solution using cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as surfactant was studied through experimental and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. Experimental studies were carried out by varying operational conditions such as time, pressure, molar ratio of CPC to As, concentration of As and pH of feed solution. Root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were considered as performance criterion to evaluate the predicted results of ANN model. The experimental studies provided optimum operating parameters such as pressure 1.8 bar, molar ratio of CPC to As was 5:1, As concentration 1 mM and pH 8.0 of feed solution. ANN model presented reliable results with RMSE values 0.259, 0.553 and 0.623 for training, validation and testing datasets, respectively, while R2 values for training, validation and testing dataset were noted as 0.962, 0.942 and 0.932, respectively. The proposed ANN model traced input-output relationship to predict As removal efficiency (RE) of MEUF process. Therefore, ANN model can be considered as a competitive, powerful and fast alternate because of its high computational speed, accuracy and economics in MEUF process optimization without doing laborious experimental work.
A Corpus-based Study of Collocation Production of Chinese EFL Learners
Authors: Gao Bowen , Zhu Lin , Zhu Lin , Luo Ziyan , Luo Ziyan
Published: January 2020

It is of great difficult for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners to acquire collocation. This research investigated V + N collocation production of Chinese middle school university EFL learners based on TECCL (Ten-thousand English Composition of Chinese Learners) corpus, aiming at discovering the difficulties in collocation usage. In the study, collocations in the writing samples were identified manually and evaluated by dictionaries, corpus and native speakers as right or wrong. Collocation accuracy was figured out and errors were examined. Therefore, difficulties in collocation usage were discovered. The data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively to yield the following three findings: first, middle school students and university students respectively produced 79% and 83% correct collocations among their collocation production. Second, collocation accuracy did not improve significantly as overall L2 (second language) proficiency increases. Third, wrong choice of verb and noun was the largest problem for Chinese EFL learners. The results also suggested that L1 (first language) influence and deficiency in L2 knowledge affected collocation usage. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications were discussed.
The Effectiveness of a Behavioral Training Program to Improve Joint Attention in Children with Moderate Intellectual Disability in Jordan
Authors: Ali Alseraa Ihsan Igdaifan
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to recognize the effect of a behavioral training program on the improvement of joint attention in children with moderate intellectual disability in Jordan, where the experimental method has been applied by single-case research design, and the researcher has prepared and applied the standard for joint attention in children with moderate intellectual disability, whose age ranged between (8-11 years)after indices of validity and reliability necessary for the scale has been calculated.The number of individuals in the study sample is (20) child with moderate intellectual disability, who have been chosen from one of the centers for special education, which is specialized in rehabilitating, training and educating children with intellectual disability in Irbid province, where they had been chosen intentionally because the required conditions in the sample are met. Additionally, a behavioral training program has been applied to develop joint attention skills in children with moderate intellectual disability after indicators of validity, which are necessary for the program, has been calculated. Also, the study results showed that there are differences between the averages, in favor of the posttest design in the total score, where the average is (2.092) in the posttest design, which indicated that the program was effective in improving joint attention in children with moderate intellectual disability. Furthermore, the results showed that there are statistically-significant differences at significance level (0.05(α = in the total score for the standard, and in the dimensions included in the standard of joint attention, in favor of posttest design, where the difference between the two averages in the total score is(0.356) in favor of the posttest.
Fuel Efficiency Vehicle Adoption and Carbon Emissions in a Country Context
Authors: Namukasa Juliet , Namagembe Sheila , Nakayima Faridah
Published: January 2020

The paper aimed at establishing the relationship between age, engine capacity, fuel type and fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. The relationship was obtained using panel data on newly imported registered vehicle stock obtained from Uganda Revenue Authority. This involved collecting data on imported vehicle inventory into Uganda for the period from 2013 to 2017 which was later analysed using the stata software. The findings indicated a positive relationship between a vehicles age, engine capacity, vehicle category (Light Duty Vehicles, Medium Duty Vehicles and Heavy Duty Vehicles) and fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. A comparison with the global fuel efficiency targets indicated that more fuel was being consumed in Uganda compared to non-OECD countries. A reduction in fuel consumption and emissions was observed in petrol vehicles while diesel vehicles had increased carbon emissions and fuel consumptions due to an increase in engine capacities. The findings imply that government should develop policy options that promote vehicle fuel efficiency, transport system operators may undergo training in fuel efficiency issues that will result in an attitudinal change while academicians need to carry out more research comparing the effect of transport systems operators ages, level education and income on carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. The majority of research on fuel efficiency and carbon emissions uses survey data rather than panel data. Further, previous research is focused on vehicles that are already on the road rather than focusing on the effect of age, engine capacity, fuel type on fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.
Socio-Economic Issues Storytelling for Closing Intergenerational Gap
Authors: Buheji Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Stories have shaped people life since the beginning of humanity. Telling and sharing stories in an inspiring way is an art that has been deeply hidden with the heritage of many civilisations. In this paper, we investigate the influence of the new movement of storytelling on the intergeneration gap and their role in raising our curiosity about chronic socio-economic issues that are degrading the movement of humanity.The paper focus on the best way of narrating poverty elimination stories and what improvements need to be done in projects that focus on reporting the results and the outcomes of the poverty labs, as the international project of inspiration economy.
A Crisis in Civic Conscience in the United States? Knowledge and Understanding of the U.S. Bill of Rights among a Group of Undergraduate Students Citizens of the United States
Authors: Coggins Porter E , Heuer Janet A. , Anderson Michael A.
Published: January 2020

Three groups of undergraduate student citizens of the United States at a regional public university were surveyed regarding their knowledge of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States. Additionally, the findings of a focus group discussion of Honors students regarding this same topic are presented and discussed. A fifteen-statement questionnaire was administered to 66 First Year Experience (FYE) undergraduate students, 50 senior students, and nine Honors students. Ten of the statements were quotes from the Bill of Rights amendments and five statements were foils which were not among the Bill of Rights amendments. A focus group discussion with the Honors students revealed several themes including those of rights and responsibility for educational curricula on the Bill of Rights. Analysis of the data indicated that these three groups did not present evidence of deep knowledge of the Bill of Rights by amendment number. We interpret the general lack of knowledge of the Bill of Rights as a warning regarding of the lack of value of the Bill of Rights and citizenship by state and federal governments and raise a concern of the possibility of a growing crisis in civic conscience of the citizenry of our country unless significant educational-policy countermeasures are taken.
What should I do? The role of reciprocity and social norms on gift choices
Authors: Andrade Daniel Modenesi , Barros Lucia Salmonson Guimarães
Published: January 2020

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individuals resolve a conflict between reciprocity and social norms when choosing the price of a gift, and to investigate whether gift exchanges conducted in public or private and people’s appreciation for past gifts play a moderating role in this decision.Method: We ran two web-based survey experiments.Main results: Results showed that when people must choose between reciprocity and social norms, people tend to be reciprocal. However, there are some exceptional circumstances: people preferred to follow social norms when they received a cheaper gift in public, and when they were displeased with a prior expensive gift.Contributions: These findings help shed light onto how people make price decisions when choosing a gift.Relevance/Originality: Understanding price decisions in the gift-giving context is surprisingly an underexplored topic in the marketing literature.Managerial Implications: Understanding how people make price choices is important to practitioners. For instance, retailers can adjust their assortments to offer products across different price ranges, and sales people can make better offers to customers based on how much they are willing to spend.
The image of Brazil: a quantitative study from the prespective of latin american consumers
Authors: Ayala Daisy Carmen Sarzuri , Correa Caroline Miranda , Merlo Edgard Monforte , Silva Dirceu Da , Braga Junior Sergio Silva
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the dimensions that make up the image of Brazil, specifically in Latin America.Method: A quantitative exploratory research has been carried out through a survey with a sample of 1617 respondents of Mexican, Argentinean, Ecuadorian and Bolivian nationality. Data analysis has been performed using structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 2.0 M3 software.Originality/Relevance: The originality of this study is to evaluate the perception of Latin American for the image of Brazil since studies of this type have not yet performed. Thus, the research contributes with an interdisciplinary study whose scale and similar studies can use methodology.Results: The results of the study confirmed that the Brazilian image could be analyzed by a combination of the cognitive, affective and conative components. Since cognitive was the most strongly identified component, based principally on beliefs related to politics, people in the country, socio-environmental aspects, economy, innovation and culture in Brazil.Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The methodology of data analysis used reinforces how much the Modeling by Structural Equations can contribute to the development of the theory related to the image of a country. As for the theoretical advance, it was possible to observe the importance of studies on the subject.Social/Management contributions: The main contribution of this study is the possibility of companies using these results in the direction of efforts in marketing campaigns and image of products for the external or internal market.
Main street retail system: theoretical contributions drawn from the general systems theory
Authors: Silva Andre Luiz Barbosa da , Parente Juracy
Published: January 2020

Objective:The overall purpose of this paper is to develop theoretical contributions to the understanding of the Main Street Retail agglomeration phenomenon, based on the General Systems Theory.Method/approach: This study is exploratory since it aims at gathering previous references and recognizing elements pertinent to the chosen subject. Main Results: The essay suggests three propositions for future research, and their composition could be stated as a general research question:  “How the Main Street Retail can control the systemic entropy to increase the development of the social system in different levels of interaction and relationship?”. The investigation of this issue should shed more light about the growth and survival of the Main Street Retail system. Moreover, the search for a broader perspective in science becomes necessary, as noted by General Systems Theory.Theoretical contributions:  Based on the a literature review on General Systems Theory, this paper is a theoretical essay which tries to bridge the existing gap between theory and applicability of the Systems Theory. It analyzed the Mains Street Retail system along the following three levels: Subsystem or Micro System level, Social Organization or Meso System level and Environmental or Macro System level.Relevance/Originality: This research offers theoretical perspective on General System Theory, Marketing System and the possible application on retail environment with focus on Main Street Retail.Managerial implications: This research offers theoretical perspective on General System Theory, Marketing System and the possible application on retail environment with focus on Main Street Retail. The Main Street is important social organization for providing a social development in local business but their survival is directly related to the system below (micro) and above (macro). The micro system should ensure sustainability of the entrepreneurial business through interaction and relationship of their internal marketing functions. In addition, it’s necessary to maintaining control over business performance.
Valor percibido de la universidad: antecedentes y consecuencias
Authors: Aparicio-Ley Eloisa , Cavazos-Arroyo Judith , Pizzinatto Nadia Kassouf
Published: January 2020

Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es validar un modelo de las instalaciones universitarias y la calidad del servicio de la biblioteca como antecedentes de valor percibido y efecto de éste en la satisfacción y la reputación de la universidad; además del impacto de éstas con la lealtad hacia la institución.Método: Se evaluaron efectos indirectos de las instalaciones y la calidad en reputación, satisfacción y valor percibido de la lealtad a la universidad. Se desarrolló una investigación cuantitativa, explicativa y transversal a 701 alumnos de universidades en México; a través de un muestreo por conveniencia. El análisis se realizó por medio de ecuaciones estructurales con SmartPLS3.0.Resultados: Los resultados mostraron un efecto directo en instalaciones universitarias y calidad de la biblioteca del valor percibido de la misma; seguido, se comprobó un efecto del valor percibido en la reputación de la universidad y la satisfacción con ésta, mismos que a su vez impactan en la lealtad de los estudiantes. Los efectos indirectos fueron positivos y significativos.Contribuciones teóricas: Los resultados contribuyen al conocimiento en el campo del marketing educativo, destacándose el papel de las instalaciones en el valor percibido de los estudiantes de la universidad y la repercusión estratégica de éste en la reputación y la satisfacción con la institución, destacando la comprensión de los antecedentes de la lealtad a las universidades.Relevancia: Esta investigación aporta información relevante para que instituciones de educación superior desarrollen estrategias que refuercen la lealtad de sus estudiantes.
Interactivity and engagement: a systematic review of academic production in marketing
Authors: Garzaro Daniela Menezes , Varotto Luís Fernando , Carvalho Marcelo , Pedro Samara De Carvalho
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the current direction of research on interactivity and engagement, specifically in the field of marketing, evaluating in-depth the main themes and methods of studied research, indicating new directions for future research.Method: From journals listed in the Web of Science, a systematic review of the literature was carried out through textual statistics analysis with the Iramuteq software.  We conducted an in-depth analysis of 40 articles on the subject of engagement and interactivity.Results: We identified that the theme is studied in several environments, such as online environment, social communities, social media ads, games advertising and mobile telephony. The textual analysis indicates that the most frequent relation is related to the studies of branding. This work also identified that most of the research was carried out in the United States, and the most used approach was quantitative, primarily with the use of structural equation modeling.Theoretical contributions: This work contributes to consolidate the academic research in interactivity and engagement in the field of marketing. It shows that interactivity is directly related to engagement and its cognitive and affective commitment, generating an active relationship with technology, which influences satisfaction, trust and commitment.Originality/relevance: This study presents the most recent studies and presents relevant research gaps on the topic of engagement and interactivity, reinforcing its current relevance and increasing importance in marketing research.
Racismo e política criminal: uma análise a partir do Documentário 13th – 13ª Emenda
Authors: Lima Fernanda Da Silva , Pessoa Sara De Araújo
Published: January 2020

Buscando trazer a contribuição do documentário “13ª Emenda” para a realidade brasileira, o objetivo deste trabalho é, nos limites da película, traçar paralelo entre racismo e política criminal nesses países. Utiliza-se de pesquisa bibliográfica com aporte nos fundamentos da teoria das relações raciais no Brasil e da Criminologia crítica. Parte-se da construção da ideia de superioridade da raça branca e, sem ignorar as distorções provocadas no Brasil com o mito da democracia racial, dos estereótipos que relacionam o negro a condutas criminosas. Aborda-se a seletividade e o racismo por trás de políticas criminais de guerra ao crime e do encarceramento.
União homoafetiva e dignidade humana no serviço público federal: leading case no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 19ª Região
Authors: MORAIS Márcio Eduardo Senra Nogueira Pedrosa Morais , Santos André Luiz Ferreira
Published: January 2020

O artigo analisa o tratamento jurídico dirigido aos servidores públicos homossexuais no Brasil, no recorte entre o início do novo milênio e a decisão emblemática de novembro de 2011, no Supremo Tribunal Federal, oriunda de processo que discutiu a união civil entre pessoas homossexuais e sua relação com o Estado do Rio de Janeiro como empregador. A pesquisa foi feita no âmbito do Poder Judiciário federal enquanto empregador/administrador público, e se vale, como estudo de caso, da análise documental do processo 000900-76.5.19.2008.0000, que tramitou perante o Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 19ª Região, no qual se discutiu, pela primeira vez, acerca da união homoafetiva de servidor do judiciário federal e a equiparação à união heteroafetiva para fins de gozo dos benefícios relativos a plano de saúde e previdenciários. A pesquisa procurou revelar como os conceitos de dignidade da pessoa humana, igualdade e não-discriminação e da máxima da efetividade dos direitos fundamentais eram vistos pela Administração Pública no trato com seus administrados-servidores de orientação homossexual.
Construção de identidades e a teologia feminista como integrante de uma revolução cultural na defesa dos direitos reprodutivos e sexuais no Brasil
Authors: Hahn Noli Bernardo , Strücker Bianca
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo, a construção de identidades e a teologia feminista como integrante de uma revolução cultural, especificamente na defesa de direitos reprodutivos e sexuais, é o tema central. Ao longo da história, as relações de gênero foram sendo moldadas para servir aos interesses do patriarcado, configurando-se como construções culturais de identidades, envolvendo relações de poder, o que resultou na opressão e submissão das mulheres e na naturalização destas relações. A teologia feminista surge como um movimento de revolução cultural, pois, dentro de instituições religiosas, locais que costumam ser propulsores do patriarcado, buscam romper com estereótipos de gênero e lutam por direitos e espaços femininos. Neste contexto, a discussão acerca da interrupção voluntária de gravidez, em um estado formalmente laico, como no Brasil, não necessariamente deveria perpassar pela visão religiosa da temática. Entretanto, sabendo da relevância cultural, jurídica e legislativa que a visão religiosa pode exercer sobre temas de sexualidade, a teologia feminista vem para contribuir com o debate, porque respeita o lugar feminino de mulheres que fazem parte de organizações religiosas e lhe dá voz para fazer uma leitura teológico-religiosa e feminina sobre o aborto. Utiliza-se o modo de raciocínio dedutivo e o método de abordagem sócio-histórico-analítico, para, através da teologia feminista, traçar discussões e possibilidades de entendimento da referida temática.
Editorial
Authors: Campos da Silva Guilherme Amorim
Published: January 2020

A edição n. 2 de 2019 da Revista Thesis Juris é a materialização da pesquisa científica em várias áreas do direito, permitindo exame crítico dos temas expostos.A Revista Thesis Juris apresenta a discussão acadêmica de temas atuais e fundamentais a pesquisa e estudo do direito.A qualidade dos trabalhos publicados garante a sua classificação em B1 abrangendo todas as áreas do conhecimento jurídico.A evolução do pensamento jurídico científico permitirá a consecução dos objetivos maiores da sociedade brasileira, notadamente a redução das desigualdades sociais e a criação de uma sociedade igualitária e fraterna.Neste contexto insere-se a presente publicação.Convidamos todos a leitura e a possibilidade de submeter seus pensamentos e pesquisas a Revista Thesis Juris.Sejam todos muito bem-vindos.  Prof. Dr. Guilherme Amorim Campos da SilvaProfessor Coordenador do Programa de Mestrado em Direito da UNINOVE Editor
Função social e responsabilidade social empresarial: convergências e divergências
Authors: Pacca Ferraz de Camargo Caio , Benacchio Marcelo
Published: January 2020

Este artigo busca promover o diálogo entre a função social e a responsabilidade social empresarial, realçando ser aquela cogente, por se tratar de categoria jurídica própria expressamente prevista na legislação nacional, ao passo que esta é voluntária, decorrente de uma liberalidade das organizações empresariais, ainda que apresentadas como um firme compromisso. Por outro lado, explica-se, com apoio no dilema da agência, como a responsabilidade social, originada da valorização da ética empresarial, passou a compor a estratégia da empresa no mercado pós-moderno, sem, porém, inquinar seu fundamento ético weberiano da responsabilidade. Defende-se que as empresas preferem alargar sua responsabilidade social, da qual, aliás, podem colher vantagens de mercado como meio de refrear o reconhecimento de deveres e obrigações jurídicos anexos, de difícil previsão econômica, derivados da prescrição da função social como categoria jurídica própria, dotada, assim, de imperatividade e pretensão. Utilizou-se do método hipotético-dedutivo e da pesquisa bibliográfica, de periódicos, relatórios e textos oficiais e legais.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DETERMINANTS OF AN INFORMATION SOCIETY: CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL ECONOMIES
Authors: Alimpiiev Yevhenii , Dubikovsky Stanislav , Tokar Volodymyr
Published: January 2020

We analyze social-economic models of countries with developed information econ¬omies using group method of data handling. We identified the determinants of optimal model for social and economic development of countries with developed information societies. The experience of countries with developed information economy show that their success and high level of competitiveness rely on adequate determination of prospective development direc¬tions and effective implementation of innovations in production. Countries-leaders by IT-in¬dustry, show higher indicators of competitiveness and living standards. The high employment rates guarantee the dynamic economy and civil society. Implementing strategies for social and economic development of countries with developed information economy maximally ensure the protection of national economic interests. Therefore, the models for sustainable social and economic development objectively form the basis of economic security.
POSSESSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND (AGRICULTURAL HOLDING) AS A PARAMETER OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Czerwińska-Koral Katarzyna
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the article is to show that the concept of agricultural activity, like the concept of an agricultural producer conducting it, can be characterized by reference to the possession of agricultural land (agricultural holding) in the meaning of civil law. Polish legislation gives many examples that possession is a parameter of agricultural activity. What’s more, the trend of determining the characteristics of agricultural activity in legal regulations by the possession of means of production is perpetuated. Detachment from the legal title of factors of production in legal regulations has an impact on the decisions of the agricultural producer in the field of investing in land.
SPORT AND RECREATION PRODUCT OFFERED BY TOURIST ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN POLAND – SIZE AND STRUCTURE
Authors: Chudy Wojciech , Kantyka Joanna
Published: January 2020

In accommodation facilities, in addition to basic services related to the satisfaction of human-tourist needs, additional services may be provided which satisfy higher-level needs, eg. sports / leisure products / services. The purpose of the article is to present the size and structure of the development of tourist areas with accommodation facilities offering sports / recreational products / services in Poland, which includes the administrative division into voivodships. To compare the results obtained, the absolute data is presented as an index expressing the number of objects per 1000 square kilometers of space. In addition, a ranking was established for a type of sports and recreation infrastructure which is available at tourist accommodation facilities in Poland.
Connection
Authors: Losoncz Mark ,   DePaul University
Published: January 2020

There are productive material connections beyond mere internal or external relations. The concept of connection enables a creative reinterpretation of certain historical questions and, accordingly, the essay stresses the importance of the concepts of connection, nexus, and fusion in many philosophies, from Aristotle to Deleuze.
The Imagination
Authors: Lynes Philippe ,   DePaul University
Published: January 2020

This essay proposes the imagination as a new concept for materialism through an interrogation of what therein resists traditional philosophical discourse, and ultimately what Heidegger calls technological positionality or enframing. Drawing from an unpublished 1970–1971 seminar of Derrida’s on materialism, I explore the interplay between the imagination and matter, art and space, in Aristotle, Plato, Heidegger, and Ponge.
Materialist Politics
Authors: Lee Alex Taek-Gwang ,   DePaul University
Published: January 2020

This essay discusses the problem of materialism and its relation to politics through readings of Deleuze’s ontology. It recounts the “hidden tradition” of materialism in an Althusserian sense and brings about the idea of materialist politics by investigating the relationship between Alexius Meinong and Gilles Deleuze.
Lyme disease and heart transplantation: presentation of a clinical case and a literature review
Authors: Pilypas Audrius Aurelijus , Raišelienė Giedrutė , Valaikienė Jurgita
Published: January 2020

Background. Lyme disease, the most common anthropozoonosis, is a transmissible natural focal infection affecting various organs and systems. Also known as Lyme borreliosis, it is caused by Borrelia spirochetes, which are distributed by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Early diagnosis is difficult due to frequent occurrence of atypical symptoms, unnoticed tick bites, the absence of migratory erythematous lesions, and symptoms occurring during the nontick season. If not diagnosed and treated in time, dissemination of the infection occurs and various complications develop since borrelias damage not only the skin but also the nervous system, joints, and, in rare cases, the heart and eyes. Materials and methods. This article presents a clinical case of Lyme borreliosis-induced myocarditis, which led to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy and, consequently, urgent cardiac transplantation. According to our data, this is one of the first described cases of this complication in the world. Results and conclusions. When diagnosed in time and treated properly, the prognosis of Lyme myocarditis is usually good. In most cases, the atrioventricular block disappears within 1–2 weeks of antibiotic treatment and the implantation of a temporary pacemaker is rarely needed. In those rare cases of a chronic Borrelia burgdorferi infection, dilated cardiomyopathy may develop; thus if a sudden atrioventricular block occurs, the physician should be vigilant and perform the necessary tests to exclude the diagnosis of Lyme disease.
Changes in the expression of Notch and Wnt signalling molecules in human endometrial cancer
Authors: Lachej Nadežda , Jonušienė Violeta , Mažeikė Augustina , Sasnauskienė Aušra , Dabkevičienė Daiva , Šimienė Julija , Sužiedėlis Kęstutis , Didžiapetrienė Janina
Published: January 2020

Background. Endometrial cancer is the sixth most frequent type of cancer among women worldwide. Type I adenocarcinomas account for 80–85% of endometrial cancer cases and sometimes require more aggressive treatment than the remaining part of this group. Therefore, molecular markers to stratify adenocarcinomas are needed. Materials and methods. In this study, we analysed Notch and Wnt signalling in human endometrial cancer cases to evaluate these pathway elements as potential biomarkers for type I endometrial cancer. Endometrial samples were obtained from 47 women undergoing surgery for stage I–IV endometrial cancer in the National Cancer Institute (Vilnius, Lithuania) in 2015–2016. The expression at the mRNA level of signalling molecules genes (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, JAG1, JAG2, DLL1, HES1, AXIN2 and CTNNB1) was analysed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Relative expression of NOTCH1, NOTCH4, HES1 and β-catenin proteins in endometrioid adenocarcinoma was evaluated by the Western blot method. Results. The expression level of Notch receptors, ligands, and the target gene, as well as CTNNB1 and AXIN2, was reduced in stage I endometrioid adenocarcinoma if compared to the adjacent non-tumour tissue. The expression of all receptors, ligands, and target molecules was reduced in adenocarcinomas of later stages. The statistically significant correlations between transcript amounts of Notch receptors and ligands were found. There was a statistically significant difference in the gene expression of Notch signalling pathway components between different tumour differentiation grade samples. A positive correlation between mRNA and protein the expression level of NOTCH1, NOTCH4, HES1 was determined in stage I samples. Conclusions. Analysis of 47 human endometrial cancer samples revealed a reduction in the transcript levels of Notch and Wnt signalling molecule compared to the adjacent non-tumour tissue. These results suggest tumour suppressor function of Notch and Wnt signalling in human endometrial cancer. More detailed research on these signalling pathways should reveal their importance as potential biomarkers.
Assessment of Productivity and Income Generation from Rural Agricultural Systems in the Mid-country Wet Zone of Sri Lanka - A Case Study
Authors: Warnasooriya P. G. A. S. , Weerakkody W. A. P. , Nissanka N. A. S. P. , Vidanarachchi J. K.
Published: January 2020

Majority of the rural population in the wet mid elevations in Sri Lanka are predominantly engaged in Kandyan Homegardening (KHG) and smallholder tea cultivations (TS). Reports indicate that recent developments in this region are very low due to marketing, extension and production issues. The study was conducted to evaluate the recent changes in the agricultural productivity and other socio economic parameters of the households in a selected village belonging to Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat in 2017. Information on social and family status, agricultural systems and income generation of a sample households (65%) were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that there was a trend of leaving agriculture by the young generation, resulting in just a 58.4% of the males (predominantly middle aged and old) for agriculture, mostly on part-time basis. Low percentage of women involvement in agricultural livelihoods clearly indicated their potential engagements in agricultural livelihoods in the future, bringing about a good solution for their unemployment issue. Nearly 76% families were engaged with KHGs whereas 36% and 7% were involved in TS and other cropping systems, respectively. The livestock sector was very much at a diminishing phase, limiting only to 7.8% of the households. The highest annual income was recorded by the TS, compared to KHG farmers. This could be justified with lower productivity of KHGs (compared to potential productivity of its major crop components). Majority of the households (38.2%) belongs to the lowest annual income category of less than Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR.) 50,000 (from agriculture). Hence a boost in agriculture will be an urgent need for improving the financial status and the living standards of the villagers. The outcome of the survey will be an eye-opening for policy makers and the institutional setup that are mandated for rural development in Sri Lanka.
The Impact of Sponsorship on Brand Equity of Cellular Networks in Hyderabad Pakistan
Authors: Ali Shah Asif , Memon Haris , Noor Ayesha , Sidra Syeda , Bhutto Aqsa , Khan Abraz
Published: January 2020

Wireless and mobile networks are quickly becoming the consequential type of network access for telecommunication services and with the emergence of modern technologies the number of users has also increased numerously. Similarly, In Pakistan advance facilitating promotions and improved service quality of mobile networks have enormously raised 161.24 million users of mobile networks till july-2019. Due to the innovative advancement and Hi-tech competition in the market the networks use different strategies to retain and sustain the brand equity such as, Linking the brand with an event via sponsorship enables companies to reach consumers’ interest and attention by associating with the events that hold great importance to them. This research article is based on determining the effect of sponsorship on the components of brand equity such as brand loyalty, brand awareness and perceived quality. The methodology adopted for this using a survey questionnaire based on 5-likert scale, and the primary data collection source was sample of 160 respondents. The reliability and regression analysis were used to determine the effects of sponsorships. The results of the reliability shows that the Cronbach’s Alpha lies in the range of good and excellent, Furthermore, it indicate that the sponsorship have positive and significant impact on brand awareness, brand loyalty and perceived quality. Therefore, Managers need to increase the use of sponsorship as a tool, for effective marketing communication, sponsor events for which their customers are emotionally connected and use its attention for their brand and build strong brand equity. In a highly competitive environment, sponsorship activities can help telecom companies attain a completive edge over others.
Election Security and Violence in Ghana: The Case of Ayawaso West Wougon and Talensi By-elections
Authors: Bitafir Ijon Frank
Published: January 2020

Conducts of by-elections in recent times have been fraught with a lot of security challenges. This has been as a result of the violence that characterized the conduct of by-elections in recent times in Ghana. Violence during by-elections in Ghana plays a vital role in securing election victories for political parties. In all the by-elections characterized by violence in Ghana, they were won by parties that were accused of inciting the violence. The main tenets of election violence as identified by the paper included, actors, motives, timing, consequences, and patterns. The paper adopted the content analysis method in its investigation of the two violent by-elections in Ghana.

The paper revealed that there was a correlation between violence during by-elections and victories of incumbent parties. This was because, in the two by-elections understudy, those accused of starting the violence and using national security operatives won the elections. The paper also found out that by-election violence impacted negatively on Ghana’s democratic maturity in several ways, such as; low voter turnout, weakening of democratic foundation and breeding an atmosphere of insecurity. Finally, the paper also revealed that political parties especially those in government resort to violence during by-elections in Ghana because they fear losing it will mean the government was underperforming as argued out by Feigert and Norris and also because they want to add to their tally in parliament.
Comparative Functional Studies on Two Diploid Cotton Genomes Reveals Functional Differences of Basic Helix-loop-helix Proteins in Arabidopsis Trichome Initiation
Authors: Bui Anh Phu Nam , Balasubramanian Vimal Kumar , Nguyen-Huu Thuan-Anh , Le Tuan-Loc , Tran Hoang Dung
Published: January 2020

Background: The cultivated tetraploid cotton species (AD genomes) was originated from two ancestral diploid species (A and D genomes). While the ancestral A-genome species produce spinnable fibers, the D- genome species do not. Cotton fibers are unicellular trichomes originating from seed coat epidermal cells, and currently there is an immense interest in understanding the process of fiber initiation and development. Current knowledge demonstrates that there is a great of deal of resemblance in initiation mechanism between by Arabidopsis trichome and cotton fiber.

Methodology: In this study, we performed comparative functional studies between A genome and D-genome species in cotton by using Arabidopsis trichome initiation as a model. Four cotton genes TTG3, MYB2, DEL61 and DEL65 were amplified from A-genome and D-genome species, and transformed into their homolog trichomeless mutants Arabidopsis ttg1, gl1, and gl3egl3, respectively.

Results: Our data indicated that the transgenic plants expressing TTG3 and MYB2 genes from A-genome and D-genome species complement the ttg1 and gl1 mutants, respectively. We also discovered complete absences of two functional basic helix loop helix (bHLH) proteins (DEL65/DEL61) in D- diploid species and one (DEL65) that is functional in A-genome species, but not from D-genome species. This observation is consistent with the natural phenomenon of spinnable fiber production in A- genome species and absence in D-genome species.
Preliminary Production and Partial Purification of Laccase from a White Rot Fungus and Its Application in Dye Degradation
Authors: Nnamchi Chukwudi Innocent , Ezeofor Grace Adaeze , Amadi Chioma Onyetugo
Published: January 2020

In this study, a laccase producing white rot fungus from the wood degrading family of dermatophytic Trichophyton sp. was isolated. The laccase which was produced via solid state fermentation using rice bran as the lignocellulosic support was partially purified before its effectiveness in degrading an azo dye (methyl orange) was examined. Time course study showed that day nine (day 9) gave the maximum enzyme production. The crude laccase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialyzed against sodium phosphate buffer pH 7. Optimum pH and temperature of the were 4.5 and 55°C respectively as assayed using ABTS (2,2 azino bis-3-ethyle benzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) as substrate. Dye degradation assay was carried out by introducing 0.5 ml of the enzyme into three dye concentrations: 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L and monitoring them for up to 48 hours by taking their absorbances at intervals at 5mins, 5hours, 24hours and 48 hours after enzyme introduction. At the end of the experiment, good dye degradation by laccase from Trichophyton sp. was observed to be positive with 50 mg/L being the most effective concentration during the study. The result are positive indicators of the fact that locally isolated white rot fungi has the capacity to be used for many biotechnological dye degradation and removal studies.
Potential Health Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid: An Important Functional Dairy Ingredient
Authors: Virsangbhai Chaudhari Kalpeshkumar , Goyal Ankit , Tanwar Beenu , Sihag Manvesh Kumar
Published: January 2020

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a class of positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid (cis-9, cis-12 octadecadienoic acid) having conjugate double bond system. CLA are synthesized in rumen of the ruminants by biohydrogenation of dietary fatty acids; and thus, can be obtained from dairy products as well as from the meat of sheep, lamb and other ruminants. Among the several isomers, c9, t11-CLA isomer is the most biologically active form and accounts approximately 80% of total isomers. A number of clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the role of CLA as anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, etc. Several researchers have suggested the positive association of CLA in weight management, hypercholesterolemia, immunomodulatory functions, and improved bone metabolism.
Application of Quality Indicators in the Evaluation of Subtropical Argiudolls and Hapludolls in Formosa (Argentina)
Authors: Baridón Juan Esteban , Casas Roberto Raúl
Published: January 2020

The quality indicators are suitable tools to determine the state of the soil and the effects of different uses and management on it. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the quality of sub-tropical Argiudolls and Hapludolls subjected to different uses in Formosa, using a minimum set of indicators (MSI). Changes in soil use and the application of management techniques to maximize agricultural production are frequent in the world. In Formosa, Argentina, improvements in the productive infrastructure and low market value of the land, promote that these changes occur faster than the monitoring of the ones. The effects of 25 years of continuous agricultural use, extensive livestock in implanted pastures and fruit crops, in relation to the native forest were analyzed. The MSI consisted of five variables: total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, total nitrogen, structural stability and bulk density. The baseline of the indicators was determined and threshold values were established. The standardized MSI was analyzed graphically. Particulate carbon and structural stability were the most sensitive indicators. Continuous agriculture degraded the edaphic system, resulting in lower values of indicators than the thresholds. It produced a decrease of 74% of the particulate organic carbon and 63% of structural stability, with possible impact on the resilience of the system. Fruit crops led to a decrease in soil quality causing particulate organic carbon and structural stability to approach values that compromise their natural recovery. The implanted pasture improved the quality of the soil with respect to the degraded native forest.
Film mulching optimizes the early root and shoot development of rain‐fed spring maize
Authors: Zhang Liang , Meng Yuan , Li Shiqing , Yue Shanchao
Published: January 2020

Full ridge‐furrow plastic film‐mulching (FM) is a key agriculture drought mitigation technique in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. The establishment of high‐yield maize (Zea mays L.) population under FM is built on robust plant development and indispensable soil support that generally started from the seedling stage. However, there is still a lack of information on the root‐shoot development of maize seedling under FM. A 2‐yr field experiment was performed in rainfed plots of Loess Plateau experimental station to study the effects of FM on root‐shoot growth of maize seedlings. Root samples were harvested from different soil layers until max rooting depth at V3 and V6 stages to detail the vertical development. Our results implied that FM significantly improved soil hydrothermal conditions and canopy development at V3 and V6 stages. At the V3 stage, there was no significant difference in root biomass between treatments or growth seasons, but root length under FM treatment was decreased by about 17%; moreover, ridge‐furrow without mulching (CK) treatment intended to distribute 4–9% more root biomass in deeper soil layers, and the root biomass per unit length under FM treatment was increased. At the V6 stage, FM brought about significant advantages in root biomass and length. Nonetheless, maize seedlings under FM treatment had a consistently lower root/shoot ratio, higher root efficiency, and higher water use efficiency during the V3–V6 period. In conclusion, FM helped rainfed maize seedlings run a lightweight but high‐efficiency root to support its productive shoot since the very beginning.