bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee Motivation: A Leadership Imperative
Authors: Jensen Joshua D.
Published: March 2018

Employee motivation is a topic that has been studied for nearly a century. Beginning with the Hawthorne Studies in the 1920s and continuing to the current day, researchers have explored the elusive phenomenon of employee motivation. Furthermore, researchers have attempted to understand how leaders can effectively lead their employees in a way that motivates them to reach their full potential. While employee motivation has been, and continues to be, the focus of much research among the social and behavioral sciences on an international scale, leaders today are in need of practical tools that can help them motivate employees more effectively. This paper provides a survey of some of the key research on employee motivation and highlights the important role that leaders play in motivating their employees to achieve high performance. Also included are some practical tools that leaders can implement to increase employee motivation.
Temporal dynamics and management of downy mildew on the table grape ‘BRS Vitória’ in northern Paraná
Authors: Pereira Carolina Bertuzzi , Tessmann Dauri José , Santana Rosangela Getirana , Contreras-Soto Rodrigo Iván , Souza Reginaldo Teodoro de , Naves Rosemeire De Lellis
Published: March 2018

Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is a major disease of grapes in Paraná State, Brazil and other wine-producing regions. The seedless table grape ‘BRS Vitória’ stands out for its tolerance to this disease and is a viable alternative to reduce fungicide applications. The objectives of this study were to analyze the influence of weather-related factors, such as temperature and rainfall on disease progress and to evaluate the efficacy of fungicide spray programs for controlling downy mildew of grapes during the summer-fall and winter-spring crop seasons in northern Paraná, Brazil. Field trials were conducted in Marialva, Paraná, during the winter-spring crop seasons (August to December) in 2013 and 2014 and the summer-fall crop seasons (January to May) in 2014 and 2015. The experimental design used was completely randomized with repeated measurements over the phenological periods, with five treatments and 10 replicates. The following treatments were compared: (1) conventional, in which fungicides were applied according to conventional standards; (2) preventive fungicide sprays every seven days; (3) preventive fungicide sprays every 14 days; (4) fungicide sprays after observing the first downy mildew symptoms; and (5) no fungicide sprays. In the conventional fungicide program, sprays were performed two or three times per week. Treatments 2 and 3 received sprayings between the start of branch budding and fruit ripening. In treatment 4, sprays started from the first occurrence of oil spot symptoms, and then, the applications were spaced every seven days until fruit ripening. The severity of disease was evaluated weekly. The disease was severe only in the 2014 and 2015 summer-fall crop seasons, reaching a maximum severity of 17.3% and 21.3% of the leaf area, respectively. The highest disease severity in the summer-fall crop seasons was associated with higher frequencies of rainy days and higher temperatures. Disease severity in conventional treatments did not differ from severity in treatments with sprayings made every seven and 14 days during the summer-fall crops in both years. Severity index on bunches were not observed for the evaluated trials. The seedless grape ‘BRS Vitória’ is less dependent on the use of fungicides to control downy mildew in northern Paraná.
Antibody occurrence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania sp. and Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Bahia State
Authors: Deiró Ana Graziela De Jesus , Montargil Stela Maria Argôlo , Carvalho Fábio Santos , Munhoz Alexandre Dias , Albuquerque George Rêgo
Published: March 2018

Toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and ehrlichiosis are zoonoses that have cosmopolitan distribution and cause important clinical changes in dogs and humans. Dogs are important in the epidemiology and transmission of Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis and serve as indicators of environmental contamination by the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was to detect antibodies against T. gondii, Leishmania spp., and E. canis in dogs from Bahia and identify the risk factors associated with infections. Blood samples were collected from 353 dogs from several municipalities of Bahia and the sera were tested using reaction of indirect immunofluorescence (RIFI) for T. gondii and Leishmania spp. and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for E. canis. The data were tabulated and analyzed using EPI-INFO 7.1.5 program. Of 353 samples analyzed, 144 (40.8%) were positive for T. gondii (antibody titer 16-4,096) and 92 (26.1%) were seropositive for Leishmania spp. (antibody titer 40-160). The seropositivity for E. canis was the highest as compared to that of the other agents. Furthermore, 184 (52.1%) samples were positive for antibodies against E. canis. Sixteen (4.5%), 71 (20.1%), and 25 (7.1%) samples were co-infected with T. gondii and Leishmania spp., T. gondii and E. canis, and E. canis and Leishmania spp., respectively, while 20 (5.7%) dogs presented co-seropositivity for all three etiological agents. Risk factors such as age, sex, habitat (stray/not stray), and region of dog’s origin were analyzed; age ( ? 1 year) was significantly associated with T. gondii (p = 0.03) and E. canis (p = 0.02) infection and stray animals were more exposed to T. gondii (p = 0.03) and Leishmania spp. (p = 0.01) infection. The results confirmed the heterogeneous distribution of the three etiological agents in dogs from Bahia and identified animals with co-infections.
Agronomic features of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) cv. Roxo under irrigation
Authors: Carvalho Ana Paula da Silva , Arruda Roney Mendes de , Abreu Joadil Gonçalves de , Souza Alexandre Lima de , Rodrigues Rosane Cláudia , Lima Leni Rodrigues , Cabral Luciano Da Silva , Behling Neto Arthur
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to evaluate how different irrigation water depths influence the agronomical features of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) cv. Roxo. Grass was cultivated in a pasture belonging to the Bovine Sector of the National Agrotechnical School of Caceres – MT. The experiment was a block design with five treatments and four repetitions. Treatments consisted of five water depths: 0 = 0% of available water (AW), 1 = 21% of AW, 2 = 34% of AW, 3 = 74% of AW, and 5 = 100% of AW. Evaluated features were production (dry matter ha-1), plant height, leaf/steam ratio, and stem diameter. Dry matter production of cuts from May and July increased linearly with increasing water depth (P < 0.05). Plant height increased linearly as water depth increased in the cuts of May and September, while the height of July cuts was 71.76 cm under an irrigation depth of 390.77 mm. In May, July, and September cuts, leaf percentage decreased linearly as water depth increased (P < 0.05). An increase of 1 mm in water depth reduced leaf percentage by 0.0936% (May), 0.0295% (July), and 0.0122% (September). Our results indicate that to improve dry matter production, May, July, and September cuts should be irrigated with water depths of 56.03 mm, 601.78 mm, and 577.65 mm, respectively.
Carcass characteristics and meat quality of finishing gilts fed diets with different levels of SID methionine + cystine and vitamin B6 supplementation
Authors: Sangali Cleiton Pagliari , Gasparino Eliane , Paula Vinícius Ricardo Cambito de , Ferreira Silvia Letícia , Campos Bruno , Leite Natália Galoro , Furlan Antonio Cláudio , Pozza Paulo Cesar
Published: March 2018

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine + cystine (Met + Cys) and vitamin B6 supplementation on the carcass characteristics and longissimus lumborum (LL) quality in gilts from 75 to 100 kg. Fifty-six gilts were used (Talent x Topigs 20), with an initial average body weight of 75.06 ± 1.68 kg, allotted in a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2×4 factorial scheme, composed of two vitamin B6 supplementation levels (1.58 and 3.58 mg/kg) and four levels of SID Met + Cys (0.370, 0.470, 0.570, and 0.670%), with seven replicates and one animal per experimental unit. No interactions (P > 0.05) between vitamin B6 supplementation and SID Met + Cys levels were observed. The levels of SID Met + Cys and vitamin B6 supplementation did not affect the carcass characteristics. Thawing loss increased linearly, and a quadratic effect was observed for cooking loss and shear force of the LL when dietary SID Met + Cys levels increased. The highest cooking loss (27.29%) and shear force (21.58 N) were estimated at 0.528 and 0.539% SID Met + Cys levels, respectively. The dietary SID Met + Cys requirement for gilts (75–100 kg) did not exceed 10.60 g/day (0.37%), based on carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters, and was not affected by vitamin B6 supplementation.
Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity measured by two techniques and at different sampling positions relative to maize-crop rows and interrows
Authors: Scarabeli Ivan Gabriel Ruiz , Tormena Cássio Antonio , Favilla Henrique Sasso , Figueiredo Getulio Coutinho
Published: March 2018

Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) reflects porous system ability to transfer water in the soil-plant system. The study aimed to measure Ks through two distinct techniques. One of them was carried out in the laboratory by applying the constant-head cylinder method (CHC) in undisturbed samples, herein referred to as a standard technique. The other consisted of a simplified falling-head technique to measure Ks in situ (SFH), as proposed by Bagarello et al. (2004). We also verified the correlations of the obtained Ks values with other soil physical properties. SFH method is simpler, faster and does not require sophisticated equipment, which can be executed directly in the field. The experiment was conducted in the city of Floresta (PR), Brazil, at Cocamar Technology Diffusion Unit. It consisted of four treatments: maize-crop interrow without recent machine traffic (MI), maize-crop interrow traveled by a harvester (MIT), maize-crop row (MR) and its relative position to brachiaria crop row sown in consortium, and in maize-crop interrow (BR). In each treatment, 10 sampling points were defined (repetitions), where Ks was determined by SFH and an undisturbed sample was taken to measure Ks in the laboratory. Ks values measured by methodological approaches were compared through the following statistical indices, with their respective results: Willmott's concordance index (0.944), maximum error (1.269) and mean absolute error (0.291), square root of normalized mean error (0.45), determination coefficient (0.88), residual mass coefficient (0.07), efficiency coefficient (0.72), performance index (0.80), and Pearson's correlation (0.85). A high agreement was found between the studied techniques, with measured values close to each other. Notably, we must give emphasis on SFH since it had a variation coefficient 1.4 times lower than the standard technique.
Prevalence study on Trypanosoma vivax in dairy cattle in the Western region on the State of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Snak Alessandra , Lara Arielle Aparecida , Garcia Felipe Gustavo , Pieri Euclides Mario , Silveira Júlia Angélica Gonçalves da , Osaki Silvia Cristina
Published: March 2018

In Brazil, Trypanosoma vivax is present in several states. The disease is endemic in Pantanal and Minas Gerais. In Paraná there is still no report of the parasite, but due to the state borders with Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Paraguay and Argentina, it is believed that the protozoan circulates in the region without diagnosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of T. vivax in dairy cattle in the western region of Paraná. For this purpose, 600 blood samples and 400 serum samples were collected from dairy cattle, distributed in 60 and 40 properties, respectively. While buffy coat smears were performed on blood samples, serum samples were used in Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction. All samples, in both techniques, presented negative results for T. vivax. These results indicate that the studied hemoprotozoan is not circulating among the cattle in the western region of Paraná. However, future work evolving beef cattle must be carried out and preventive measures should be adopted in order to avoid the entry of the parasite in the State of Paraná.
Use of natural antioxidants in in vitro mammalian embryo production
Authors: Santos Maria Valéria De Oliveira , Borges Alana Azevedo , Queiroz Neta Luiza Bento de , Bertini Luciana Medeiros , Pereira Alexsandra Fernandes
Published: March 2018

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) contributes to the quantitative and qualitative aspects of animal reproduction. Nevertheless, inherent technical factors such as oxidative stress can negatively influence the result and this can impair cell metabolism, thus decreasing the rates of in vitro development, and necessitating the supplementation of culture medium with antioxidants. In this context, compounds of natural origin with this property have been highlighted because of the positive results obtained at different stages of IVEP. Thus, this review aims to present the results obtained by using natural antioxidants to minimize the effects of oxidative stress on gametes and embryos. A variety of natural isolated substances and mixtures (essential oils and extracts) have been studied for supplementation of IVEP media, at stages of in vitro maturation, sperm capacitation, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro development of embryos in different mammalian species. Generally, beneficial effects are observed according to the concentration used, thus demonstrating the potential of several natural antioxidants. Therefore, the main challenges in using these compounds as antioxidants during IVEP include proving their efficiency against free radicals and determining the best concentration at each stage. In addition, understanding the mechanisms of action of such antioxidants is crucial to establishing their use in IVEP biotechnology.
Technical and economic feasibility of irrigated wheat as a function of nitrogen doses, sources, and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense
Authors: Galindo Fernando Shintate , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Tarsitano Maria Aparecida Anselmo , Buzetti Salatier , Santini José Mateus Kondo , Ludkiewicz Mariana Gaioto Ziolkowski , Alves Cleiton José
Published: March 2018

Azospirillum brasilense is a bacterium known for its biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in wheat crops. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research defining how much mineral N should be applied to maximize the efficiency of BNF and attain high, economically sustainable yields. Moreover, it would be interesting to investigate whether adding urea with N- (n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) urease inhibitor might increase BNF in grasses. The objective was to study the effect of inoculation with A. brasilense, associated with varying doses and sources of N, and economically evaluating the yield of irrigated wheat. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria - MS in crop years 2014 and 2015 in Oxisol soil type that was not-tilled. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications, in a 2 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme, where 2 N sources (urea and Super N - urea with urease inhibitor enzyme), 5 nitrogen fertilization doses in top-dressing (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), were applied to wheat crops with or without the inoculation of A. brasilense. Our results showed that the supply of N through Super N was not economically superior to the use of conventional urea; therefore, we recommend the use of urea because of the ease of acquisition. The application of 140 kg ha-1 of N combined with inoculation with A. brasilense showed higher grain yield. However, the 50 kg ha-1 dose of urea in the absence of inoculation provided greater economic viability in wheat cultivation, but was not sufficient to ensure high profitability with grain productivity.
Effect of phosphorus applied as monoammonium phosphate-coated polymers in corn culture under no-tillage system
Authors: Lino Ana Carolina Marostica , Buzetti Salatiér , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Galindo Fernando Shintate , Maestrelo Paulo Ricardo , Rodrigues Mateus Augusto De Carvalho
Published: March 2018

The use of phosphate fertilizers as coated polymers reduces phosphorus losses that occur by adsorption of P to soil particles, thereby providing this essential nutrient for a longer period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus doses applied as conventional monoammonium phosphate or as coated polymers on corn grown in a clayey Oxisol, in the Cerrado region. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria - MS, located at 22°22? S and 51°22? W. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design arranged as a 4 × 2 factorial, with four doses of P2O5 (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1) and two sources of phosphorus (monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and monoammonium phosphate coated polymers). The experiment was conducted under no-tillage system during the cropping seasons in 2008/09 and 2009/10. The MAP and MAP-coated sources did not differ in most of the yield components in either of the two seasons. We found a quadratic function adjustment for P doses up to 117 and 98 kg ha-1 of P2O5 for P concentration in leaf tissue and grain yield in the 2008/2009 crop, respectively. We also obtained a quadratic function adjustment for P rates for grain yield and number of plants, up to 118 and 113 kg ha-1 of P2O5, respectively, in the 2009/2010 harvest.
Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Stabilization: Surgical Technique, Fracture Reduction, and Review of Current Spine Trauma Applications
Authors: Alander Dirk H. , Cui Shari
Published: March 2018

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation has evolved as a useful tool in the management of spinal trauma. As a minimally invasive approach, it provides the stability of open instrumentation while limiting blood loss, avoiding excessive muscle/soft-tissue insult, and improving postoperative pain and mobilization. Muscle-dilating techniques also preserve greater paraspinal muscle volume and strength compared with open midline approaches. In patients with spinal trauma, the use of percutaneous instrumentation and indirect reduction can theoretically preserve the fracture hematoma and its osteogenic inflammatory factors. The evolution of spinal instrumentation and the refinement of indirect reduction techniques has improved the capacity for correction of traumatic deformity. Although perioperative and short-term results have been well described, few long-term outcomes data exist.
Surgical Procedures for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Yasui Youichi , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Kennedy John G.
Published: March 2018

Surgical procedures for managing chronic lateral ankle instability include anatomic direct repair, anatomic reconstruction with an autograft or allograft, and arthroscopic repair. Open direct repair is commonly used for patients with sufficient ligament quality. Reconstruction incorporating either an autograft or an allograft is another promising option in the short term, although the longevity of this procedure remains unclear. Use of an allograft avoids donor site morbidity, but it comes with inherent risks. Arthroscopic repair of chronic lateral ankle instability can provide good to excellent short- and long-term clinical outcomes, but the evidence supporting this technique is limited. Deterioration of the ankle joint after surgery is also a concern. Studies are needed on not only treating ligament insufficiency but also on reducing the risk of ankle joint deterioration.
Uniqueness of certain type of differential-difference and difference polyniminals
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Majumder Sujoy
Published: March 2018

In this paper we consider certain difference and differential-difference polynomials sharing some polynomial and improve a number of results in \cite{8a}, \cite{8aa} and \cite{18}. In particular we point out a gap in the argument in the proof of the main results in \cite {8aa} and rectifying the same we improve and extend the result to a large extent.
Coordination of approximations in the understanding of the limit concept when prospective teachers anticipate students’ answers
Authors: Fernández Ceneida , Sánchez-Matamoros Gloria , Moreno Mar , Callejo M. Luz
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to examine to what extent the identification of the coordination of approximations in the domain and in the range is considered a Key Developmental Understanding (KDU in Simon, 2006) by prospective teachers. 25 prospective secondary school mathematics teachers anticipated high school students’ answers to problems about the limit of a function showing different characteristics of understanding and proposed problems that would support students’ conceptual progress. Results show that identifying the coordination of the approximations in the domain and in the range as KDU allowed prospective teachers to consider progressions in students’ learning in order to support their teaching decisions.
Clostridium difficile infection in patients hospitalized in the gastroenterology ward – retrospective analysis
Authors: Podlaszewska Kinga , Małecka‑Panas Ewa , Gąsiorowska Anita
Published: March 2018

INTRODUCTION. Clostridium difficile associated colitis became over last years a worldwide medical issue. It involves patients
of the Polish hospitals too. The aim of the study was the analysis of CDAD incidence and the course of infection in Gastroenterology
Ward of Regional Specialist Hospital of Zgierz, 2012-2015.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. Retrospective analysis of the medical documentation of 79 patients with CDAD was performed.
Demographic and epidemiological data and the clinical course of infection were analyzed.
RESULTS. The study group comprised of women in 59,5% and men in 40,5%. The patients’ average age was 70,5 years. The
average hospitalization period was 10,3 days. CDAD infection seasonality was proved, with statistically significant peak in
springtime. 73% of patients were previously hospitalized and 85% - had co-morbidities. 76% of patients underwent antibiotherapy,
whilst 29% - used PPI prior to CDAD diagnosis. 50,6% of patients had severe CDAD diagnosed. The recurrence
reached 14%. In 19% of patients CDAD resulted in death.
DISCUSSION. The results of the study confirm increase of the incidence of the patients with CDAD in Gastroenterology Ward
over 4-years’ observation. The prevalence was higher among 65+ patients, after prior hospitalization and antibiotherapy. The
co-morbidities was a significant risk factor, especially common in severe cases.
CONCLUSION. The results we obtained confirm substantial importance of Clostridium difficile infection leading to antibiotherapy-
associated diarrhea among adults, causing prolonged hospitalization, increased prevalence and mortality of patients.
Getting to know and minimizing the risk factors will prevent the future outbreak of the disease.
The use of rifaximin in pre-operative period of patients with tumors of
the gastrointestinal tract – a retrospective study (2013-2016)
Authors: Moroz Nina , Sitarz Robert , Mruk Andrzej , Bakalarz Robert , Maciąg Ewa , Litwiński Jakub , Wierzbicki Ryszard
Published: March 2018

ntroduction: One of the most important goals of preparing a patient for elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery is prevention
of postoperative complications. The literature gives many ways to prepare for surgery, but only a few suggests that pre-operative
use of rifaximin provides benefits in the form of fewer perioperative complications and reduces the severity of pain during
this period.
O bjective: The presented project is a retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of rifaximin in the prevention of perioperative
complications in patients treated in the Unit of General Surgery with the Orthopedic and Urology in the Hospital of the Ministry
of the Interior and Administration in Lublin, and a review of international literature in this subject.
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the results of pre-operative use of rifaximin was performed in 181 patients
scheduled for rectal and colorectal cancer between 2013 and 2016 in the General Surgery Unit with the Orthopedic and Urology
in the Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lublin. Patients undergoing urgent surgery were excluded
from the study.
Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group of 139 patients – patients operated on for rectal and colorectal cancer in
2013 until 2015, in whom rifaximine was not used in the preoperative period. The second group is 42 patients, operated on in
2016, in which the rifaximin was used in the pre-operative period at a dose of 2x2 tablets (400 mg) per day, 12-hour interval,
for 7 days before the planned operation. Additionally, a probiotic was administered for 7 days. Drugs were ordained at the Oncological
Outpatient Clinic as part of the pre-hospitalization check.
R esults: The use of rifaximin in the preoperative period in patients with colorectal cancer had an effect on shortening the time
of post-operative hospitalization and reduced post-surgical pain in comparison with the control group. The analysis of the cynumber
and intensity of surgical complications in both groups did not differ.
C onclusions: Large studies on the influence of rifaximin on the development of colorectal cancer have not been published so
far. Only single reports suggest that its use has a positive effect on the perioperative period of patients treated for colorectal
cancer including rectum and our retrospective analysis confirms these observations.
Link between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kaczyński Tomasz , Wroński Jakub , Głuszko Piotr , Górska Renata
Published: March 2018

Chronic periodontitis is an infectious disease associated with the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. In recent years, more and more data indicate an existing relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The link between both diseases has been confirmed in multiple studies. Despite the fact that this association might be based on shared environmental and genetic risk factors, a possible causal relation was advocated by experimental, epidemiological and interventional studies, with the leading role of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Individuals with chronic periodontitis are at an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis patients are at an increased risk of chronic periodontitis and more severe forms of periodontitis. Furthermore, there is a correlation between the activity in both diseases – patients with more severe periodontitis suffer from more active rheumatoid arthritis. Intervention attempts were also performed, which demonstrated that eliminating periodontal infection and inflammation can affect the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the link between both diseases, focusing on its clinical implications. Will periodontal treatment become a part of standard therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?
Algae, cyanobacteria, and microscopic fungi complexes in the Rybachy Peninsula soils, Russia
Authors: Korneykova Maria , Redkina Vera , Shalygina Regina
Published: March 2018

The investigation of algal-mycological complexes in the Rybachy Peninsula soils was carried out. The different types of tundra soils (Al-Fe-humus podzols, podburs, dry-peaty, peats low moor, cryogenic, undeveloped soils) were researched. The soil samples were collected along the route from Bolshaya Volokovaya Bay, which is in the Barents Sea, to the west of the Cape Nemetskiy. The organic horizons of the tundra podzols and podburs on the Rybachy Peninsula are less acid in comparison with the continental tundra soils of the region. Number of microfungi in the Peninsula soils varied from 9 to 70 thousand colony-forming units per 1 g of soil (CFU/g). It was the least in the cryogenic soils. The fungal mycelium length was significant in all the soils with the exception of the undeveloped one – more than 1 thousand m in 1 g of soil. The biomass amounted to 1.7 mg/g of soil. The species diversity of the soil micromycetes complexes is represented by 12 species. The species Penicillium decumbens dominated by the abundance and frequency of occurrence in the podburs, dry-peaty soils, podzols and peats low moor soils. P. raistrickii and P. glabrum predominated in the undeveloped soils, while Mortierella stylospora prevailed in the cryogenic soils. 62 eukaryotic algae as well as 18 species of cyanobacteria were found in the soil samples from Peninsula. The cryogenic and undeveloped soils, as well as Al-Fe-humus podzols and podburs were characterized by low species diversity, predominantly of green algae of classes Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae. Cyanobacteria and diatoms were noted by their considerable diversity in the dry-peaty soils and peats low moor soils.
Monitoring of parameters of coastal Arctic ecosystems for sustainability control by remote sensing in the short-wave range of radio waves with use of the experimental equipment of coherent reception of a ground-based measuring complex
Authors: Belov Sergej Yurievich
Published: March 2018

Monitoring of the earth's surface by remote sensing in the short-wave band can provide a quick identification of some characteristics of coastal Arctic ecosystems. This band range allows to diagnose subsurface aspects of the earth, as the scattering parameter is affected by irregularities in the dielectric permittivity of subsurface structures. This method is based on the organization of the monitoring probe and may detect changes in these environments, for example, to assess hazardous natural phenomena, assessing sustainability, as well as some man-made hazards and etc. The problem of measuring and accounting for the scattering power of the earth's surface in the short-range of radio waves is important for a number of purposes, such as e.g diagnosing properties of the medium, which is of interest for geological, environmental studies. In this paper, we propose a new method for estimating the parameters of incoherent signal/noise ratio. The paper presents the results of comparison of the measurement method from the point of view of their admissible relative analytical errors. The new method is suggested. Accuracy new method on the order exceeds the widely-used standard method. Interpretation of the data is based on a statistical multiplicative model of the signal. Testing the method of obtained a signal/noise ratio in this model was produced by the example of a double reflection of the probe signal from the SW ionosphere in a vertical sounding (when using a satellite, the signal passes twice through the atmosphere and ionosphere). In this paper, a sensitivity of the model parameters was studied. To obtain the necessary experimental data, the pulse method of coherent reception was used. Analysis of analytical error of estimation of this parameter allowed to recommend a new method instead of standard method. A comparative analysis showed that the analytical (relative) accuracy of the determination of this parameter by a new method exceeded the widely-used standard method by the factor of ten.
The assessment of the socio-economic damage of the indigenous peoples due to industrial development of Russian Arctic
Authors: Gassiy Violetta , Potravny Ivan
Published: March 2018

The paper discusses the problem of the damage assessing to indigenous peoples in modern Russia in the context of industrial development in Arctic. Today the important question is the correlation of the indigenous inhabitants’ interests of the Arctic territories (the preservation of culture, traditional nature, etc.) with the objectives of companies-subsoil users. Therefore, the business’ and the indigenous peoples’ of the North cooperation mechanisms are currently researched and implemented in the industrial development of the territory, both at the primary stage of discussion, coordination of projects, and during investment project realization. The results of the social survey of the indigenous peoples made by the authors in Arctic areas are performed and analyzed in the paper. The research aims to improve the damage assessment methodology used in Russia.
Teaching English Speaking Skills to the Arab Students in the Saudi School in Kuala Lumpur: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Saeed Al-Sobhi Bandar Mohammad , Preece Abdul Shakour
Published: March 2018

Of the four English language skills, speaking enjoys a superior status. Accordingly, it should be given high priority while teaching. In spite of its importance, teaching English speaking skill to Arab EFL learners has always been an exacting task for Arab teachers of English because it is considered a foreign language, i.e. not widely spoken or used in everyday interactions. For such a reason, Arab teachers of English are required to persistently implement new teaching strategies to tackle the problems regarding speaking skills in the classroom. Although a number of studies have been carried out to investigate the difficulties related to teaching English language skills to the Arab students in the Arab World, the current study is regarded the first study which highlights the problems in learning and teaching English speaking skill in the Saudi School in Kuala Lumpur where English is actively spoken as a second language. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the common problems which affect the teaching of English speaking skills to the Arab learners in the Saudi School in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, it aims at exploring the areas of difficulty that prevent the Arab students from learning to speak in the English classes. This research also scrutinises the role of Kuala Lumpur ESL context on the Arab students’ English language speaking skills. The current study adheres to qualitative method, and its data were collected via classroom observations and face-to-face interviews with four teachers of English and four students selected purposively. Findings included areas like learning and teaching difficulties. The study suggested some techniques to improve the teaching quality and enable the students to overcome their lack of speaking ability such as implementing communicative approach in the English classes.
Exploring Taiwanese Students’ Perceptions of Active Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: A Case Study in an English Medium Course
Authors: Chou I-Chia
Published: March 2018

Vocabulary knowledge is considered important in second and foreign language learning because learners’ insufficient vocabulary has been consistently reported as a significant problem in their achievement of second-language (L2) learning. Despite of numerous vocabulary studies, few of them have implemented a learner-centered and interactive approach. The current study attempted to implement an interactive explicit vocabulary instruction in an English-medium course in Taiwan. Students’ attitudes and perceptions on the implementation were explored. Data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods via questionnaires and interviews. Fifty-six students participated in this study. The results showed that students had positive attitudes toward this approach. In addition, students’ interview feedback demonstrated the most and least appreciated aspects of this approach. Educational and pedagogical suggestions for English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers were given.
Crossover Frequency and Transmission-Line Matrix Formalism of Electromagnetic Shielding Properties of Laminated Conductive Sheets
Authors: Benhamou S. M. , Hamouni M. , Ould-Kaddour F.
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes an approach to calculate the crossover frequency of each layer in the multilayered shield and subsequently that of structure constructed by n layers. This important frequency provides a useful approximation for field penetration in a conductor. It is used in a wide variety of calculations. It is in this context that a simplification of the transmission-line matrix formalism for laminated conductive sheets is done using this frequency. Two ranges of frequency are considered: lower and higher than the crossover frequency. Simples formulas and easy to use of the reflection loss, the internal reflection, the absorption loss and the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of laminated shield are obtained. Analysis is carried out for the study of two shields: i) single shield of carbon nanotube polymer composites (CNTs), ii) multilayered shield constructed with Nickel–carbon nanotube polymer composites–Aluminum (Ni–CNTs–Al).
Performance Analysis of Different Indoor Ultra Wide Band Channel Indicators
Authors: Sorrentino A. , Mucchi L. , Cappa S. , Migliaccio M.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, performance of different indicators for the profiling of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wireless propagation channel are analyzed. In particular, the γ-indicator and the kurtosis index k are compared in terms of the standard error. In order to improve the accuracy in the kurtosis case, results of the bootstrap error procedure are also accomplished. Further, an evaluation on the computational time needed for error estimation, is also provided. The comparison is made according to a real set of data derived from UWB measurement campaign accomplished within a modern laboratory/office building in which the two above mentioned indicators have been evaluated.
Genetic variation and DNA fingerprinting of durian types in Malaysia using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Authors: Siew Ging Yang , Ng Wei Lun , Tan Sheau Wei , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Tan Soon Guan , Yeap Swee Keong
Published: March 2018

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is one of the most popular tropical fruits in Asia. To date, 126 durian types have been registered with the Department of Agriculture in Malaysia based on phenotypic characteristics. Classification based on morphology is convenient, easy, and fast but it suffers from phenotypic plasticity as a direct result of environmental factors and age. To overcome the limitation of morphological classification, there is a need to carry out genetic characterization of the various durian types. Such data is important for the evaluation and management of durian genetic resources in producing countries. In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to study the genetic variation in 27 durian types from the germplasm collection of Universiti Putra Malaysia. Based on DNA sequences deposited in Genbank, seven pairs of primers were successfully designed to amplify SSR regions in the durian DNA samples. High levels of variation among the 27 durian types were observed (expected heterozygosity, HE = 0.35). The DNA fingerprinting power of SSR markers revealed by the combined probability of identity (PI) of all loci was 2.3×10−3. Unique DNA fingerprints were generated for 21 out of 27 durian types using five polymorphic SSR markers (the other two SSR markers were monomorphic). We further tested the utility of these markers by evaluating the clonal status of shared durian types from different germplasm collection sites, and found that some were not clones. The findings in this preliminary study not only shows the feasibility of using SSR markers for DNA fingerprinting of durian types, but also challenges the current classification of durian types, e.g., on whether the different types should be called “clones”, “varieties”, or “cultivars”. Such matters have a direct impact on the regulation and management of durian genetic resources in the region.
Landscape connectivity among remnant populations of guanaco (Lama guanicoe Müller, 1776) in an arid region of Chile impacted by global change
Authors: Espinosa Mara I. , Gouin Nicolas , Squeo Francisco A. , López David , Bertin Angéline
Published: March 2018

Connectivity between populations plays a key role in the long-term persistence of species in fragmented habitats. This is of particular concern for biodiversity preservation in drylands, since water limited landscapes are typically characterized by little suitable habitat cover, high habitat fragmentation, harsh matrices, and are being rapidly degraded at a global scale. In this study, we modelled landscape connectivity between 11 guanaco Lama guanicoe populations in Chile’s arid Norte Chico, a region that supports the last remnant coastal populations of this emblematic herbivore indigenous to South America. We produced a habitat suitability model to derive a regional surface resistance map, and used circuit theory to map functional connectivity, investigate the relative isolation between populations, and identify those that contribute most to the patch connectivity network. Predicted suitable habitat for L. guanicoe represented about 25% of the study region (i.e., 29,173 km2) and was heterogeneously distributed along a continuous stretch along the Andes, and discontinuous patches along the coast. As a result, we found that high connectivity current flows in the mid and high Andes formed a wide, continuous connectivity corridor, enabling connectivity between all high Andean populations. Coastal populations, in contrast, were more isolated. These groups demonstrate no inter-population connectivity between themselves, only with higher altitude populations, and for two of them, animal movement was linked to the effectiveness of wildlife crossings along the Pan-American highway. Our results indicate that functional connectivity is an issue of concern for L. guanicoe in Chile’s Norte Chico, implying that future conservation and management plans should emphasize strategies aimed at conserving functional connectivity between coastal and Andean populations, as well as the protection of habitat patches likely to act as stepping stones within the connectivity network.
Dynamics of Gravity Currents in the Presence of Surface Waves
Authors: Stancanelli L. M. , Musumeci R. E. , Foti E.
Published: March 2018

The gravity current dynamics in the presence of regular surface waves is investigated experimentally. The aim is to determine the influence of the wave‐induced velocity field on gravity current kinematic parameters and on the concentration distribution. In the presence of surface waves, the front shows a pulsating behavior while periodic oscillations are observed at the interface between lighter and denser fluids. The dynamics of such processes is related to the wave parameters. Present results confirm that the lock‐exchange generated front velocity is strongly influenced by the oscillatory motion and it may be increased or decreased depending on the Lagrangian mass transport induced by the surface waves. Compared to the propagation in the absence of waves, the dynamics of the concentration field is governed by an enhancement of mixing process due to the orbital motion.
Oxygen Pathways and Budget for the Eastern South Pacific Oxygen Minimum Zone
Authors: Llanillo P. J. , Pelegrí J. L. , Talley L. D. , Peña‐Izquierdo J. , Cordero R. R.
Published: March 2018

Ventilation of the eastern South Pacific Oxygen Minimum Zone (ESP‐OMZ) is quantified using climatological Argo and dissolved oxygen data, combined with reanalysis wind stress data. We (1) estimate all oxygen fluxes (advection and turbulent diffusion) ventilating this OMZ, (2) quantify for the first time the oxygen contribution from the subtropical versus the traditionally studied tropical‐equatorial pathway, and (3) derive a refined annual‐mean oxygen budget for the ESP‐OMZ. In the upper OMZ layer, net oxygen supply is dominated by tropical‐equatorial advection, with more than one‐third of this supply upwelling into the Ekman layer through previously unevaluated vertical advection, within the overturning component of the regional Subtropical Cell (STC). Below the STC, at the OMZ's core, advection is weak and turbulent diffusion (isoneutral and dianeutral) accounts for 89% of the net oxygen supply, most of it coming from the oxygen‐rich subtropical gyre. In the deep OMZ layer, net oxygen supply occurs only through turbulent diffusion and is dominated by the tropical‐equatorial pathway. Considering the entire OMZ, net oxygen supply (3.84 ± 0.42 µmol kg−1 yr−1) is dominated by isoneutral turbulent diffusion (56.5%, split into 32.3% of tropical‐equatorial origin and 24.2% of subtropical origin), followed by isoneutral advection (32.0%, split into 27.6% of tropical‐equatorial origin and 4.4% of subtropical origin) and dianeutral diffusion (11.5%). One‐quarter (25.8%) of the net oxygen input escapes through dianeutral advection (most of it upwelling) and, assuming steady state, biological consumption is responsible for most of the oxygen loss (74.2%).
An Economical Analytical Equation for the Integrated Vertical Overlap of Cumulus and Stratus
Authors: Park Sungsu
Published: March 2018

By extending the previously proposed heuristic parameterization, the author derived an analytical equation computing the overlap areas between the precipitation (or radiation) areas and the cloud areas in a cloud system consisting of cumulus and stratus. The new analytical equation is accurate and much more efficient than the previous heuristic equation, which suffers from the truncation error in association with the digitalization of the overlap areas. Global test simulations with the new analytical formula in an offline mode showed that the maximum cumulus overlap simulates more surface precipitation flux than the random cumulus overlap. On the other hand, the maximum stratus overlap simulates less surface precipitation flux than random stratus overlap, which is due to the increase in the evaporation rate of convective precipitation from the random to maximum stratus overlap. The independent precipitation approximation (IPA) marginally decreases the surface precipitation flux, implying that IPA works well with other parameterizations. In contrast to the net production rate of precipitation and surface precipitation flux that increase when the cumulus and stratus are maximally and randomly overlapped, respectively, the global mean net radiative cooling and longwave cloud radiative forcing (LWCF) increase when the cumulus and stratus are randomly overlapped. On the global average, the vertical cloud overlap exerts larger impacts on the precipitation flux than on the radiation flux. The radiation scheme taking the subgrid variability of water vapor between the cloud and clear portions into account substantially increases the global mean LWCF in tropical deep convection and midlatitude storm track regions.
Icebergs in the Nordic Seas Throughout the Late Pliocene
Authors: Smith Y. M. , Hill D. J. , Dolan A. M. , Haywood A. M. , Dowsett H. J. , Risebrobakken B.
Published: March 2018

The Arctic cryosphere is changing and making a significant contribution to sea level rise. The Late Pliocene had similar CO2levels to the present and a warming comparable to model predictions for the end of this century. However, the state of the Arctic cryosphere during the Pliocene remains poorly constrained. For the first time we combine outputs from a climate model with a thermodynamic iceberg model to simulate likely source regions for ice‐rafted debris (IRD) found in the Nordic Seas from Marine Isotope Stage M2 to the mid‐Piacenzian Warm Period and what this implies about the nature of the Arctic cryosphere at this time. We compare the fraction of melt given by the model scenarios with IRD data from four Ocean Drilling Program sites in the Nordic Seas. Sites 911A, 909C, and 907A show a persistent occurrence of IRD that model results suggest is consistent with permanent ice on Svalbard. Our results indicate that icebergs sourced from the east coast of Greenland do not reach the Nordic Seas sites during the warm Late Pliocene but instead travel south into the North Atlantic. In conclusion, we suggest a continuous occurrence of marine‐terminating glaciers on Svalbard and on East Greenland (due to the elevation of the East Greenland Mountains during the Late Pliocene). The study has highlighted the usefulness of coupled climate model‐iceberg trajectory modeling for understanding ice sheet behavior when proximal geological records for Pliocene ice presence or absence are absent or are inconclusive.