bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditions of Unorganized Manufacturing Industries with Special Reference to MSMEs: A Field Study in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Aggarwal Himani , Gupta Hima , Sengupta Jhumur
Published: August 2017

The study sets out to compare the three types of unorganized manufacturing units in India. These three enterprises are: own account manufacturing enterprises (OAMEs), it is the one which runs without any hired worker employed on a fairly regular basis and is engaged in manufacturing and/or repairing activities (with family labour only); non-directory manufacturing establishments (NDMEs), it is an establishment employing less than six workers (household and hired workers taken together) and is engaged in manufacturing activities; and directory manufacturing establishments (DMEs), it is the one which has employed six or more workers (household and hired workers taken together) and is engaged in manufacturing activities. The parameters for comparison are number of units, number of workers, wages, input, output and gross value added (GVA). The field survey of 500 unorganized manufacturing units has been conducted based on seven major manufacturing industries. Target respondents are the owners of the unorganized manufacturing units in Ghaziabad and Noida. An attempt is also made to measure the effect of labour market in unorganized manufacturing sector on its performance. Most of the studies on unorganized sector are based on the secondary data collected from National Sample Survey Organization. But this study is based on primary data collected with a help of structured questionnaire. The findings of the study help in determining the condition of these enterprises and lay down the idea which enterprise is relatively ahead and which is back with regard to various parameters. Independent sample t-test and multiple regression have also been conducted.
Culture, Ethnicity and Access to Bank Credit
Authors: Mishra Onkar Nath , Tripathi P. S.
Published: August 2017

All entrepreneurial ventures, regardless of their ownership, size, location and industry, require finance in order to initiate, maintain and expand operations. At the same time, access to finance is limited for entrepreneurs, specifically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The classical literature postulates that access to finance is an economic outcome determined by different socio-economic determinants. However, there are significant disparities in availability of finance to mainstream and tribal entrepreneurs which has not been answered satisfactorily till date. This work investigated into the cultural and ethnic determinants of bank credit availability to tribal entrepreneurs in India. It also analyzed whether ethnic heterogeneity exists in bank credit allocation. Using primary data, the study found evidence of ethnic and religion bias in accessing bank credit. Our results indicated that education and family tradition in business significantly improve the probability of getting bank credit for tribal entrepreneurs.
Do Skilled Workers Have Decent Jobs?
Authors: Narayanan Abhinav , Nandi Emon
Published: August 2017

Skill is an important attribute that makes a worker employable in a decent job. In India, successive governments have recognized this fact and have, over the years, taken up a number of investments and initiatives with regards to skill development of the workforce. The National Skill Development Mission introduced in the 2015–2016 year’s budget is based on the underlying positive relationship between skill and employability. But do the skilled workers in India have decent jobs? This article shows that a majority of the skilled workers are employed as informal workers with no employment benefits. We discuss two important reasons that may have contributed to the ineffectiveness of skill development programmes in creating decent job opportunities for workers.
Temporal Trends in the Use of Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Ruíz-Nodar Juan Miguel , Orenes-Piñero Esteban , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Quintana-Giner Miriam , Véliz-Martínez Andrea , Tello-Montoliu Antonio , PerniasEscrig Vicente , Sandín Rollán Miriam , Vicente-Ibarra Nuria , MacíasVillanego Manuel Jesús , Candela Sánchez Elena , Carrillo Alemán Luna , Lozano Teresa , Valdés Mariano , Marín Francisco
Published: August 2017

Background:

Current clinical guidelines of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) recommend the use of potent antiplatelet therapy, prasugrel or ticagrelor, because both drugs consistently reduce cardiovascular events.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine temporal changes in the use of optimal antiplatelet therapy in patients with ACS.

Methods:

A total of 1717 consecutive patients admitted for ACS in 3 tertiary hospitals from February 2014 to December 2015 were enrolled. We divided these 23 months into 4 semesters: period I (0-5 months), period II (6-11 months), period III (12-17 months), and period IV (17-23 months). Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected both at admission and at discharge.

Results:

Treatment with clopidogrel remained constant throughout the periods (52%, 50%, 44%, and 50% for periods I, II, III, and IV, respectively), whereas a progressive increase in ticagrelor treatment was observed (15%, 25%, 26%, and 28%; P = .001). Indeed, new P2Y12 agents showed an increase from 47% at the first semester to 65% in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and in patients younger than 75 years from 36% to 53%. However, for patients older than 75 years, diabetic, and patients with end-stage kidney disease, clopidogrel was the second most commonly used antiplatelet agent.

Conclusion:

In this real-life registry of patients with ACS, we observed there is still a high rate of use of clopidogrel, despite guidelines recommendations, and our analyses also showed a trend toward the use of ticagrelor. Patients who received new antiplatelet agents were patients with STEMI, younger than 75 years, and with less comorbidities. However, the use of ticagrelor and prasugrel remains low, highlighting a therapeutic inertia with considerable gap between evidence-based clinical guidelines and daily clinical practice.
Modeling and analysis of a viscoelastic micro-vibration isolation and mitigation platform for spacecraft
Authors: Xu Chao , Xu Zhao-Dong , Huang Xing-Huai , Xu Ye-Shou , Ge Teng
Published: August 2017

A new viscoelastic micro-vibration isolation and mitigation platform is proposed to reduce disturbances generated by flywheels on board spacecraft. Firstly, property tests on the high-damping viscoelastic material used in the micro-vibration isolation and mitigation element are conducted. Experimental results show that the developed viscoelastic material has better energy dissipation capability under micro-vibration conditions. A mathematic model is employed to describe the dynamic properties of the high-damping viscoelastic material and is used to model the isolation and mitigation element. Secondly, a viscoelastic micro-vibration isolation and mitigation platform, which consists of four elements, is proposed and the analytical model of the coupled system that consists of the platform with flywheel is established. Finally, the isolation and mitigation performances of this micro-vibration isolation and mitigation platform are analyzed and discussed. The results show that the isolation and mitigation platform can effectively reduce the micro-vibration disturbances induced by the flywheel.
Does convexity of yield surfaces in plasticity have a physical significance?
Authors: Glüge Rainer , Bucci Sara
Published: August 2017

Convexity of a function or set is an often needed and important mathematical property. In the case of yield functions [Formula: see text] (or elastic ranges) in terms of stresses, almost all empirical and mechanism-based yield functions have this property. However, requiring positive plastic dissipation does not necessarily exclude non-convex yield functions, which is confirmed by the fact that non-convex yield functions are observed experimentally, although this rarely happens. We therefore ask whether this nice mathematical property reflects a physical material property. This is investigated in an elastic–plastic, small strain, 2D setting. It appears that, at least in this setting, no specific material property can be attributed to the convexity of the yield function.
Trends in JPBI Publications, 1999–2016
Authors: Clarke Shelley , Zakszeski Brittany N. , Kern Lee
Published: August 2017

The field of positive behavior support (PBS) has expanded and evolved significantly since the first issue of Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions ( JPBI) was published. To ascertain how evolution of the field was reflected in the research, we examined trends in empirical studies published in JPBI since its inception. We coded 217 articles published between 1999 and 2016 that included data-based assessment or data-based intervention practices for key variables pertinent to potential trends in PBS. Analyses revealed increases across the publication period in studies that (a) included participants at risk for behavioral difficulties, (b) implemented interventions in general education settings, (c) utilized clinicians/experimenters as intervention agents, and (d) focused on adult skills as the intervention target. Findings are discussed in the context of the expansion of school-wide positive behavior interventions and support.
Incumbent parties, incumbent MPs and the effectiveness of constituency campaigns: Evidence from the 2015 UK general election
Authors: Pattie Charles , Hartman Todd , Johnston Ron
Published: August 2017

Parties’ local campaign efforts can yield electoral dividends in plurality elections; in general, the harder they campaign, the more votes they receive. However, this is not invariably the case. Different parties’ campaigns can have different effects. What is more, the particular status of a candidacy can also influence how effective the local campaign might be. Analyses of constituency campaigning at the 2015 UK General Election reveal inter-party variations in campaign effectiveness. But looking more closely at how a party was placed tactically in a seat prior to the election, and at whether sitting MPs stood again for their party or retired, reveals distinct variations in what parties stand to gain from their local campaigns in different circumstances.
Brexit and the renaissance of parliamentary authority
Authors: Chalmers Damian
Published: August 2017

With the promised return of Parliamentary powers, Brexit is supposed to be a fillip for representative democracy. There is a significant danger that will not be so. EU membership weakened the conditions for representative democracy within those fields governed by the EU. Whitehall will almost be the central player in the reform of EU-derived law. And policy styles are being developed which marginalise rather than consolidate UK legislatures in these fields. Restoration of representative democracy will require a realistic re-evaluation of its virtues so that these can be protected and a re-imagination of the possibilities and limits of parliaments within such a landscape.
Disparities in patient record completeness with respect to the health care utilization project
Authors: Nasir Ayan , Liu Xinliang , Gurupur Varadraj , Qureshi Zaeem
Published: August 2017

Patient data completeness is an important characteristic in maintaining accurate health records and providing the highest standard of care. Furthermore, finding discrepancies in care based on different subpopulation parameters is important to identify areas of underlying systemic issues in order to address concerns and alleviate those discrepancies. In this project, the investigators use the Data Completeness Analysis Package to find trends in patient record completeness using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s State Inpatient Database for the state of Florida, specifically focusing on finding discrepancies among subpopulations along the variables of age, race, and gender. The results from testing Data Completeness Analysis Package with State Inpatient Database show a variety of patterns that provides insights to the health care delivery in Florida.
School Readiness as a Longitudinal Predictor of Social-Emotional and Reading Performance Across the Elementary Grades
Authors: Quirk Matthew , Dowdy Erin , Goldstein Ariel , Carnazzo Katherine
Published: August 2017

This study is a brief psychometric report examining the Kindergarten Student Entrance Profile (KSEP). Multiple regression models were tested examining associations between kindergarten teachers’ ratings of children’s social-emotional and cognitive readiness during the first month of kindergarten with academic and social-emotional outcomes almost 6 years later. Significant associations ( p < .05) were identified between children’s cognitive readiness at kindergarten entry and reading fluency in Grade 5, as well as between children’s social-emotional readiness and multiple aspects of their social-emotional well-being in Grade 5. This study provides evidence supporting the long-term predictive validity of KSEP screener ratings and highlights the importance of screening for social-emotional, as well as cognitive, indicators of readiness when children enter kindergarten. Practical implications are discussed.
A Prototype Operational Earthquake Loss Model for California Based on UCERF3-ETAS – A First Look at Valuation
Authors: Field Edward , Porter Keith , Milner Kevin
Published: August 2017

We present a prototype operational loss model based on UCERF3-ETAS, which is the third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast with an Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) component. As such, UCERF3-ETAS represents the first earthquake forecast to relax fault segmentation assumptions and to include multi-fault ruptures, elastic-rebound, and spatiotemporal clustering, all of which seem important for generating realistic and useful aftershock statistics. UCERF3-ETAS is nevertheless an approximation of the system, however, so usefulness will vary and potential value needs to be ascertained in the context of each application. We examine this question with respect to statewide loss estimates, exemplifying how risk can be elevated by orders of magnitude due to triggered events following various scenario earthquakes. Two important considerations are the probability gains, relative to loss likelihoods in the absence of main shocks, and the rapid decay of gains with time. Significant uncertainties and model limitations remain, so we hope this paper will inspire similar analyses with respect to other risk metrics to help ascertain whether operationalization of UCERF3-ETAS would be worth the considerable resources required.
Loss Predictive Power of Strong Motion Networks for Usage in Parametric Risk Transfer: Istanbul as a Case Study
Authors: Pucciano Sergio , Franco Guillermo , Bazzurro Paolo
Published: August 2017

Parametric catastrophe (CAT) bonds are financial derivatives that provide a capital influx after a large natural disaster. More than US$10 billion in earthquake risk has been transacted since the late 1990s using mathematical relationships between monetary loss and ground accelerations recorded by seismological instruments. This paper investigates how the quality of these relationships varies depending on the functional forms used and the geographic distributions of both the strong motion sensor network and the exposure assets for which coverage is provided. We refer to this quality as the loss predictive power of the network. The analysis concludes that the recurrently used simplistic indices based on the nearest measurements to estimate loss at a particular location are advised only in the most optimistic circumstances in which the density of instruments is high where assets at risk are located. In other cases, more sophisticated ground motion estimation methods are recommended. The Istanbul area, where the Bosphorus I & II Ltd. CAT bond series was implemented in recent years, is treated as a case study.
Framework for Developing Fragility and Consequence Models for Local Personal Risk
Authors: Crowley Helen , Polidoro Barbara , Pinho Rui , van Elk Jan
Published: August 2017

For the estimation of “local personal risk,” i.e., the annual probability of fatality for a hypothetical person continuously present in or near a building, an analytical methodology based on the probability of partial and complete collapse mechanisms (fragility models) and the probability of death given those collapse mechanisms (consequence models) for a building stock exposed to induced seismicity ground shaking is presented.
Wooden Building Damage Analysis in Mashiki Town for the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes on April 14 and 16
Authors: Yamada Masumi , Ohmura Junzo , Goto Hiroyuki
Published: August 2017

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes caused serious building damage in Mashiki town. Because two large earthquakes occurred within an interval of 28 hours, it is difficult to separate the damage caused by each of these earthquakes. We analyzed aerial photos of the center of Mashiki town taken before and after the second event, which allow us to separate the damage caused by the two earthquakes. Our analysis shows that building damage was concentrated especially on the river terrace of the Akitsu river, and there were almost no collapsed buildings in the south of the damaged area. The pattern of damage distribution of the two events was similar, which suggests that the damage to the wooden buildings was caused by local conditions. The analysis of past aerial photos showed that the heterogeneity of the damage distribution is difficult to explain by only the building age. The cause of this heterogeneity was found to be not because of an earthquake faulting effect, but because of a combination of building seismic performance and local site conditions.
Recognizing and caring for the medically compromised child: 4. children with other chronic medical conditions
Authors: Johnstone S.C. , Barnard K.M. , Harrison V.E.
Published: August 2017

This is the fourth and final part of a series on recognizing and caring for medically compromised children. In this article, an outline of appropriate dental management for children with other more commonly encountered chronic medical conditions is given, together with a description of the disorders and their significance in dentistry. This group includes children with physically handicapping conditions and children with learning difficulties, as well as those who are medically compromised.
How trust influence social capital to support collective action in agroforestry development?
Authors: QURNIATI ROMMY , FEBRYANO INDRA GUMAY , ZULFIANI DINI
Published: August 2017

Qurniati R, Febryano IG, Zulfiani D. 2017. How trust influence social capital to support collective action in agroforestry development?. Biodiversitas 18: 1201-1206. Trust is an important factor for strengthening social capital. Trust in forest community is achieved through collective action in small scale agroforestry. It was challenging process regards the low on social capital in communities. This study intended to analyse and explain how trust influences social capital in encouraging collective action in agroforestry development. The study conducted in Sidodadi and Sumur Kumbang Lampung Province, from October-December 2016. The area was selected based on disparities of sea level of villages. The data collected through in-depth interviews with several members of farmer group who responsible for agroforestry. The research found that trust between farmer group member remains high. However, trust as a source of social capital was not supported collective action since farmer group institution is weak. Therefore, to support agroforestry development, social capital should be increased through the development of good networks (bridging) to reach collective goal i.e. community welfare and sustainable forest management
Occurrence of chitinolytic bacteria in shrimp rusip and measurement of their chitin-degrading enzyme activities
Authors: PUSPITA INDUN DEWI , WARDANI ARI , PUSPITASARI RR. OKI ARUM , NUGRAHENI PRIHATI SIH , PUTRA MGS. MUHAMMAD PRIMA , PUDJIRAHARTI SRI , USTADI USTADI
Published: August 2017

Puspita ID, Wardani A, Puspitasari ROA, Nugraheni PS, Putra MMP, Pudjiraharti S, Ustadi. 2017. Occurrence of chitinolytic bacteria in shrimp rusip and measurement of their chitin-degrading enzyme activities. Biodiversitas 18: 1275-1281. The objectives of this research were to isolate chitinolytic bacteria from shrimp rusip (an Indonesian traditional fermented shrimp product), identify bacterial isolates showing high chitinolytic activity, and determine the chitinolytic activity of these isolates. There were 44 chitinolytic bacteria isolated from shrimp rusip: 39 isolates of Gram-positive bacteria and 5 isolates of Gram-negative bacteria. The quantitative method we used to evaluate chitin-degrading enzyme activity measured the amount of N-acetylglucosamine produced from the reaction of crude enzyme and colloidal chitin. Seven isolates showing highest chitinolytic activity were Bacillus cereus (KKT 1, KKT 14, and KKT 19), Bacillus thuringiensis (KKT 6), Enterobacter cloacae (LCK 20), Pseudomonas stutzeri (LCK 17), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (THK1). The highest chitinolytic activity showed by KKT 1, KKT 6, KKT 14, KKT 19, and THK 1 were 0.0016 U/mL (at 72 hours); 0.0018 U/mL (at 48 hours); 0.0019 U/mL (at 48 hours); 0.0033 U/mL (at 48 hours); and 0.0032 U/mL (at 24 hours), respectively.
Pengaruh Suhu Sintering Pada Pembuatan Strontium Titanat (SrTiO3) Terhadap Konstanta Dielektrik Menggunakan Metode Co-Precipitation
Authors: Rofiko Husnah , Iriani Yofentina , Suryana Risa
Published: August 2017

Strontium Titanate (SrTiO3) with variation of sintering temperatures were prepared by co-precipitation methods. Sintering temperature were varied at 700oC, 800oC, and 900oC for 4 hours. SrTiO3 samples were prepared by Strontium Nitrate and Titanium Tetrabutoxide. SrTiO3 samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Resistance Capacitance Inductance (RCL) meter, and Sawyer Tower.  SEM images show that the sintering temperatures could affect the grain size of SrTiO3. In addition, crystal size of SrTiO3 (110) affected by sintering temperature. The highest of dielectric constant is 137 on SrTiO3 at sintering temperature of 900oC. Sawyer Tower curves confirmed that SrTiO3 has paraelectric property.

Keyword: Strontium Titanate, Co-precipitation, dielectrics constant, paraelectrics

 
Learning lessons from local social/poverty impact assessment
Authors: McInerney Chris
Published: August 2017

This article examines the role of social/poverty impact assessment in contributing to the shaping of policy at a local level in Ireland. In doing so, it briefly describes the broader impact assessment landscape internationally, presenting key definitions and identifying underlying principles. From this the article highlights the key elements of social impact assessment, proposing a three-phase process to guide consideration of impact assessment, namely a pre-assessment phase, an assessment phase and a post-assessment phase. An analysis of these different phases then allows for a range of technical and more ‘theological’ assessment complexities to be presented. With this background in place, the article moves on to examine the local-level experience in Ireland. It acknowledges the highly innovative nature of poverty proofing as originally introduced in 1998 and retitled poverty impact assessment following a 2006 review by the Office for Social Inclusion. However, it points to the low level of engagement with poverty impact assessment processes at local level and suggests that poverty impact assessments have become largely subservient to other forms of impact assessment, particularly strategic environmental assessment. The article concludes that the local level does offer an important space for the practice of poverty impact assessment, but is unlikely to do so without the provision of appropriate capacity and resources, or without it being hardwired as a legislative obligation, albeit accompanied by mechanisms to sensitise and incentivise policymakers towards its usage.
Wisdom of the Body in Sport and Exercise Practices
Authors: Pisk Jernej
Published: August 2017

Two alternative ancient views on medicine and health can be distinguished in western antiquity: first, that the knowledge of the doctor is sufficient, and second, that health is primarily a consequence of adapting one’s own life to the wisdom of the body. The body works according to its own laws, has its own “logic,” and speaks its own language. Therefore, listening to the body can be an important source of information for a healthy human life. The body is not merely an object for human manipulation and “the prison of the soul,” but a source of learning and knowledge. It seems that people rarely listen to their own bodies; however, the ancient wisdom of listening to the body is still present and cultivated in modern sports training. Good athletes and trainers are the ones who learn from the body and recognize its messages. In this article, we focus on four aspects of wisdom of the body, presented through four virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The body teaches us temperance and justice; for example, when someone exaggerates too much, the body produces the feeling of pain. The body is a source of fortitude and persistence when rest and healing is needed. The body is a source of prudence or truth about oneself when we face the physical demands of sport. Therefore, through modern sports practices, the perennial wisdom of the body is still accessible to the modern man.
Control and Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Integrated Production of Garden Strawberries (Fragaria×Ananassa Duchesne Ex Rozier)
Authors: Tsolova Elena , Koleva Lilyana , Kalcheva Spaska
Published: August 2017

Arable soils are one of the most valuable natural resources and their long-term sustainable management is a determining factor in the integrated production of strawberries. It is well known that the current large-fruited garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) cultivars are more susceptible to many species of plant-parasitic nematodes and other plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of some cultural practices as potential methods for control of nematodes in the integrated production of strawberries. The investigation of the nematode populations was carried out in the region of western Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria (43°33'22.3"N 22°47'03.4"E), with cultivar ‘Maya’. In the surveyed area, plant protection products were applied under an approved scheme complying with the requirements for integrated fruit production (IOBC, IFP). Nematode populations were identified and classified to trophic level. The following genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were identified: Pratylenchus crenatus, P. neglectus, P. thornei, Tylenchorhynchus sp., and Paratylenchus spp. The density and species composition of plant parasitic nematodes were significantly reduced at the end of the study period comparing to the beginning of the study. From the results, it is clear that the integrated production can be defined as an economically feasible production of high quality fruits, giving priority to environmentally safe methods of pest control.
The Kawa Model in occupational therapy and its application in the rehabilitation of a mentally challenged patient
Authors: Janus Edyta
Published: August 2017

Introduction: The article aims to provide information on the Kawa Model and its application in occupational therapy. The model uses the metaphor of a river to depict a human life journey. Particular constructs connected with a river such as water, river side walls, driftwood or rocks represent elements of individuals′ social environment as well as their resources and limitations. Case study: The application of the Kawa Model in occupational therapy makes it possible to recognize and interpret the state of a patient taking into account social and cultural contexts. It also helps to structure an individual’s narration. Description: The situation of a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is analysed according to the presented model and shown in both graphic and descriptive versions. Conclusions: As well as analysing theoretical aspects of implementing the Kawa Model, the present study shows elements of practical applications of this concept when working with a schizophrenic patient.
Early upper limb physiotherapy in stroke patients. Questions without answers
Authors: Sidaway Marta , Głowacka-Popkiewicz Julita , Krawczyk Maciej , Waraksa Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Stroke is still the most common cause of disability in Poland and in western countries. As many as 80% of patients report reduced upper limb function in the acute phase after stroke. It is estimated that only 5% to 20% of patients experience full functional recovery of an upper limb. In clinical practice, paretic upper limb stimulation after stroke is usually treated as of secondary importance. However, it constantly poses a challenge to physical therapists. The existing procedures do not provide detailed guidelines regarding upper limb rehabilitation model particularly in the first four weeks after stroke. It is hard to predict biological limitations and the effectiveness of upper limb rehabilitation. The aim of this work is to make an attempt at reviewing the knowledge of the current state of early upper limb physiotherapy, its intensity and strategy type as well as neurobiological foundations of the improvement process. Ample scientific evidence confirms that early post-stroke rehabilitation is crucial. There are relatively few foreign (and virtually no Polish) reports related to early upper limb rehabilitation that would take into account the type of exercises and their therapeutic dose. There are still no solid foundations for determining optimal intensity and type of upper limb rehabilitation (including physical and occupational therapy). There is a scarcity of extensive and uniform (in terms of research groups and tools) multicentre investigations aimed at defining an optimal model of upper limb rehabilitation at an early stage after stroke. Thus, a number of questions still remain unanswered.
Iron in neurodegenerative disorders: being in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Authors: Apostolakis Sotirios , Kypraiou Anna-Maria
Published: August 2017

Brain iron deposits have been reported consistently in imaging and histologic examinations of patients with neurodegenerative disorders. While the origins of this finding have not been clarified yet, it is speculated that impaired iron homeostasis or deficient transport mechanisms result in the accumulation of this highly toxic metal ultimately leading to formation of reactive oxygen species and cell death. On the other hand, there are also those who support that iron is just an incidental finding, a by product of neuronal loss. A literature review has been performed in order to present the key findings in support of the iron hypothesis of neurodegeneration, as well as to identify conditions causing or resulting from iron overload and compare and contrast their features with the most prominent neurodegenerative disorders. There is an abundance of experimental and observational findings in support of the hypothesis in question; however, as neurodegeneration is a rare incident of commonly encountered iron-associated disorders of the nervous system, and this metal is found in non-neurodegenerative disorders as well, it is possible that iron is the result or even an incidental finding in neurodegeneration. Understanding the underlying processes of iron metabolism in the brain and particularly its release during cell damage is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the origins of neurodegeneration in the years to come.
Competition Effects in a Young Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis, Bong. Carr) Clonal Trial
Authors: Brotherstone S. , White I. M. S. , Sykes R. , Thompson R. , Connolly T. , Lee S. , Woolliams J.
Published: August 2017

In the analysis of forestry experiments, there may be a need to adjust for competition between plots before predicting deployment performance in the field but there have been few attempts to investigate this. Our analysis looked at diameter data from a 19-year old Sitka spruce clonal trial growing in Scotland. Using a sequence of nested models, a likelihood ratio test indicated that fitting competition at both the genetic and residual level provided a significantly better fit than models which either ignored competition or fitted it at just the genetic or just the residual level. A strong negative genetic correlation of −0.93±0.05 was found between the direct genetic effects and competition effects. This was not significantly different from −1, indicating that competition is almost exactly proportional to the direct genetic effect and that a tree will exert a competitive effect which is closely related to its own genetic merit for size. At the residual level, the correlation between direct and competition effect was estimated as −0.17±0.03. We conclude that competition exists at both the genetic and environmental levels and including it in genetic evaluation systems gives a better prediction of future performance. Results also demonstrate that it is possible to obtain useful information about competition effects from a single-tree plot experiment.
Threshold selection for rust resistance in hybrid poplar: Population response to mass selection
Authors: Stanton B. J.
Published: August 2017

Eleven Populus × generosa populations were developed in the Pacific Northwest by annual controlled hybridization of P. deltoides and P. trichocarpa between 1991 and 2001. Mass selection for Melampsora leaf rust resistance was observed in the field as a threshold character in identifying seedling phenotypes for clonally replicated evaluation. The effectiveness of the approach was assessed for each annual population by comparing the distribution of phenotypes in unselected seedling populations with the distribution of selected genotypes in the clonal field tests established in successive years and evaluated at the approximate same level of disease severity using two selection thresholds corresponding to chlorotic and healthy tissue. Bi-directional selection was used as an initial check on the efficacy of the procedure and resulted in a wide separation in liability between the positive (0.06 threshold units (T.U.)) and negative (−2.45 T.U.) selection groups when tested as clones. The other 10 seedling populations that were subjected solely to directional selection exhibited a mean increase in incidence above the first selection threshold at the clonal stage (47 versus 81%) that was accompanied by an improvement in population liability (−0.06 versus 0.50 T.U.) and a reduction in population standard deviation (0.83 versus 0.54 T.U.). The change in liability was strongly related by polynomial regression to selection intensity and a grouping of populations based on infection-season precipitation (r2=0.98). The mean liability of four of the 10 seedling populations observed during years of high infection-season rainfall was six-fold lower than the mean liability of those populations observed during the other six years of lower infection-season rainfall (−0.12 T.U. versus −0.02 T.U., respectively), indicating that populations undergoing evaluation during years of heavy precipitation experienced more intense rust exposure. Moreover, quadratic functions showed that populations undergoing rust evaluation during years of high rainfall were more responsive to increases in selection intensity above the vertex of the function (i.e. 13.20 versus 3.43 T.U.). Realized heritability averaged 0.63 for all ten populations subjected solely to directional selection.
Gastrointestinal Parasite Community in a New Population of the Przewalski’s Horse (Equus Ferus Przewalskii) in the Orenburg State Reserve, Russia
Authors: Kuzmina T. A. , Zvegintsova N. S. , Zharkikh T. L.
Published: August 2017

The Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) is an endangered subspecies of wild horses (Equus ferus) native to steppes of Central Asia. In 2015, the Program of Establishing of a Semi-Free Population of the Przewalski’s Horse in the Orenburg Reserve was launched by FGFI “Orenburg Reserves”. The first group of 6 Przewalski’s horses (2 males and 4 females) born in the semi-reserve Le Villaret, France, was transported to the Orenburg Reserve. Th e aim of this work was to investigate the species composition of the intestinal parasite community and to monitor the dynamics of the parasite infection of the newly established Przewalski’s horse population. The level of infection by gastrointestinal parasites within the horses was examined by the McMaster method. Gastrointestinal parasites were collected in vivo after deworming of the horses with macrocyclic lactone drug “Univerm” (0.2 % aversectin C, PharmBioMed, Russia). Totally, 20 species of parasites were found: 19 species of nematodes (species of the family Strongylidae and Habronema muscae) and one species of botflies from the genus Gasterophilus. Th e widest species diversity (18 species from 8 genera) was observed in strongylids: 2 species from the subfamily Strongylinae and 16 species from Cyathostominae. Distribution of strongylid species between ten prevalence classes revealed a bimodal structure (“core-satellite” mode) of the strongylid community. Th e results obtained in this study are to be considered as the initial data for the further parasitological monitoring of Przewalski’s horses at the Orenburg State Reserve.
ESR and Optical Studies on the Interaction between Cu(II) and Pepsin
Authors: Sportelli L. , Neubacher H. , Lohmann W.
Published: August 2017

The interaction of Cu (II) with the protein pepsin has been investigated by means of electron spin resonance (ESR) and optical spectroscopy. Depending on the molar ratio of Cu(II) and pepsin in aqueous solution two different complexes are formed. A third complex can be detected after a reaction time of several days, attributed to a complex with a conformationally changed pepsin. The presence of inhibitors 1,2-epoxy-3-phenoxypropane (EPP) or diazoacetyl-ethylester (DAE) seems to hinder the conformational change. The structure of the three complexes is discussed.
Nonlinear fractional equations with supercritical growth
Authors: Li Lin , Agarwal Ravi P. P. , Li Chun
Published: August 2017

We obtain existence of infinitely many solutions for a fractional differential equation with indefinite concave nonlinearities and supercritical growth.
Some coincidence point results for T-contraction mappings on partially ordered b-metric spaces and applications to integral equations
Authors: Radenovic´ Stojan , An Tran Van Van , Quan Le Thanh Thanh
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we prove some fixed point results for T-contraction mappings in partially ordered b-metric spaces, that generalize the main results of [H. Huang, S. Radenovič, J. Vujakovič, On some recent coincidence and immediate consequences in partially ordered b-metric spaces, Fixed Point Theory Appl., 2015, Paper No. 63]. As an application, we discuss the existence for a solution of a nonlinear integral equation.
Sacredness as a Resource, Sacralization as a Strategy
Authors: Kyyrö Jere
Published: August 2017

This article re-thinks the concept of sacred in terms of sacralization, or as strategic action in a certain field of possibilities, and as sacredness, or as a resource to be appropriated in strategic action, aiming to accumulate or exchange specific capitals. Secondly, it looks into national symbols and their uses in the field of cultural production, especially the media in terms of sacralization and sacredness. Its Empirical data consists of media discussions around artworks re-interpreting Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (1867– 1951) as a Finnish national symbol in the 2000s and 2010s. The dynamics of the field of cultural production and media affect the way Mannerheim is re-interpreted, and how these re-interpretations are received. Mannerheim as a sacred symbol can be used in many ways to accumulate specific capitals in the field of cultural production.
One Nation, Many Faiths
Authors: Sutherland Liam T.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the representation of Scottish national identity and religious pluralism within the literature of Interfaith Scotland: a nationwide interfaith body formed after the establishment of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999. I will show that a form of civic and cultural nationalism is evident within that literature. I will also demonstrate that its representations of religious pluralism are structured by the world religions paradigm. It is argued that these different categories are represented as complementary and non-competitive. That representations of religions as universalistic, global and transcendent entail that they do not compete with the limited, bounded and ultimately sovereign national identity of Scotland.
Cooperação internacional para mobilidade estudantil: o caso da Umesp e da Zuyd
Authors: Martins Vanessa , Montague Alexandra , Silva Paulo Bessa Da
Published: August 2017

Este artigo contextualiza brevemente a internacionalização das universidades, seus principais conceitos, aspectos históricos, motivações e realidades, enfatizando os contextos brasileiro e holandês. Descreve a cooperação institucional entre a Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP) - Brasil e a Universidade Zuyd de Ciências Aplicadas (ZUYD), nos Países Baixos. O foco é colocado no intercâmbio de estudantes para o programa de mobilidade semestral. Faz uma narrativa desde o início da parceria, descrevendo os objetivos, como evoluiu e os resultados durante o período. Especial atenção é dada aos sucessos e desafios para operar o programa. As avaliações dos alunos foram analisadas para determinar futuras melhorias para o intercâmbio.
Internacionalização da Educação - Edição especial pelos 50 anos do Cogeime
Authors: Cardoso Luis De Souza
Published: August 2017

Esta edição da Revista de Educação do Cogeime (REC), cujo tema principal é a Internacionalização da Educação, coincide com as celebrações de três importantes marcas históricas para a educação Metodista: os 50 anos da fundação do Cogeime, os 25 anos da Revista de Educação do Cogeime e o lançamento de sua 50ª edição. Portanto, devemos abordar esses tópicos nesta apresentação, cujos significados se entrelaçam e complementam no contexto maior do compromisso metodista com a educação.
Internacionalização da gestão institucional - projeto de cooperação bilateral França Brasil do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina
Authors: Coelho Camila Paim Veran , Stallivieri Luciane
Published: August 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a internacionalização da gestão institucional através do Projeto de Cooperação Técnica Bilateral Brasil França do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina (IFSC) no âmbito da ação de qualificação dos servidores dos Institutos que vivenciam a gestão e operacionalização de insumos utilizados nas aulas práticas de cursos do eixo hospitalidade e lazer. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, realizada por meio de análise documental, bibliográfica e estudo de caso. Os temas norteadores da pesquisa foram baseados nos autores Knight (2004), Sebastián (2004) e Stallivieri (2009). Conclui-se com a pesquisa que o Projeto de Cooperação Bilateral Brasil França apresentou-se como uma das mais importante estratégias para a internacionalização da gestão do IFSC.
МЕТОДЫ РАБОЧЕГО ДИАГНОСТИРОВАНИЯ ДЛЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ КОМПОНЕНТОВ СИСТЕМ КРИТИЧЕСКОГО ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ
Authors: Аль-Даби М. М. , Дрозд А. В. , Дрозд М. О. , Николенко И. Н.
Published: August 2017

Рассмотрены особенности рабочего диагностирования цифровых компонентов в системах критического применения, обеспечивающих функциональную безопасность объектов повышенного риска, включая криогенную технику. Показана целесообразность развития рабочего диагностирования для поразрядные конвейерных узлов цифровых компонентов. В рамках модели приближенных данных получили дальнейшее развитие методы контроля по неравенствам, обеспечивающие рабочее диагностирование поразрядных конвейеров. Предложены модели результата, служащие ему границами, в пределах которых результат определяется достоверным. Для трех типов поразрядных конвейерных умножителей определены модели доступа к данным в контроле.
МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ НАПРЯЖЕННО-ДЕФОРМИРОВАННОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ ЗАВИХРИТЕЛЯ ВИХРЕВОЙ ГОРЕЛКИ
Authors: Афтанюк В.В. , Бандуркин С. К. , Жолудь С. Е.
Published: August 2017

Изложены методика и результаты численного моделирования напряженно-деформированного состояния лопаток завихрителя вихревой горелки, разработанной для модернизации отопительных котлов. Особенностью предложенной горелки является конструкция закручивающего устройства (завихрителя), которое представляет собой корпус с установленными внутрь двумя рядами встречных направляющих лопаток. Это позволяет достичь увеличения турбулизации и закручивания потока и, как следствие, улучшает процесс горения, а также значительно расширяет диапазон регулирования геометрии и параметров факела. Целью численного моделирования завихрителей вихревой горелки является проверка надежности конструкции под действием гидродинамических сил в процессе эксплуатации. Сформулирована математическая постановка задачи, описана методика моделирования с помощью метода конечных элементов. Разработана твердотельная модель завихрителя вихревой горелки. Твердотельная модель разбита на два моделирующих элемента: внешний и внутренний завихрители. Определены поверхности, на которые воздействуют нагрузки и поверхности, находящиеся в относительном покое. Проведен анализ механизмов и закономерностей повреждения лопаток, полей остаточных напряжений. Приведены полученные в результате моделирования количественные оценки параметров надежности лопаток вихревого завихрителя.
Treino Cognitivo para Idosos: Uma Revisão Sistemática dos Estudos Nacionais
Authors: Santos Mariana Teles , Flores-Mendoza Carmen
Published: August 2017

Resumo Este artigo de revisão sistemática sobre treino cognitivo para idosos saudáveis objetivou analisar 23 estudos nacionais em seus aspectos metodológicos e quanto às evidências de eficácia das intervenções. Os estudos foram publicados entre os anos 2000 e 2015. Uma busca foi feita nas bases SciELO, PubMed e PsycInfo utilizando-se os termos (português e inglês): “treino cognitivo”, “estimulação cognitiva”, “envelhecimento”, “idoso” e “brasileiro”. Em uma segunda etapa, as referências dos artigos encontrados foram consultadas para identificar quaisquer estudos pertinentes adicionais. A quase totalidade dos estudos utilizou a modalidade coletiva de intervenção (n = 20). O número de sessões com os participantes variou de 2 a 48 encontros. Em relação às habilidades cognitivas que foram alvo de intervenção, 60,8% dos estudos (n = 14) tiveram como foco o treino de memória episódica. Como medidas cognitivas, 90,4% dos estudos (n = 20) incluíram escalas de domínio comum (não restritas a psicólogos). No tocante aos resultados, 47,6% dos estudos (n = 10) identificaram efeitos de treino para pelo menos uma medida cognitiva utilizada. Conclui-se que o panorama nacional em treino cognitivo para idosos destaca-se por uma tendência a intervenções coletivas e voltadas à estimulação da memória episódica. Discute-se a importância de um avanço na área em relação à ampliação das pesquisas e à testagem da eficácia das intervenções padronizadas para o contexto brasileiro.