bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convolutional neural networks for automated seismic interpretation
Authors: Waldeland Anders U. , Jensen Are Charles , Gelius Leiv-J. , Solberg Anne H. Schistad
Published: July 2018

Deep-learning methods have proved successful recently for solving problems in image analysis and natural language processing. One of these methods, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), is revolutionizing the field of image analysis and pushing the state of the art. CNNs consist of layers of convolutions with trainable filters. The input to the network is the raw image or seismic amplitudes, removing the need for feature/attribute engineering. During the training phase, the filter coefficients are found by iterative optimization. The network thereby learns how to compute good attributes to solve the given classification task. However, CNNs require large amounts of training data and must be carefully designed and trained to perform well. We look into the intuition behind this method and discuss considerations that must be made in order to make the method reliable. In particular, we discuss how deep learning can be used for automated seismic interpretation. As an example, we show how a CNN can be used for automatic interpretation of salt bodies.
Bahrain workshop asks “What are we getting?” from FWI
Authors: AlMustafa Husam , Alkhalifah Tariq A.
Published: July 2018

In response to popular demand and positive feedback from previous events, a third SEG workshop about full-waveform inversion (FWI) was organized and convened 4–6 December 2017 in Manama, Bahrain. The theme was “Full-waveform inversion: What are we getting?” The objective of the workshop was to assess the potential of FWI while comparing outputs and results, taking into account challenges and difficulties. Special emphasis was placed on challenges related to high resolution and reservoir attributes, waveform inversion of microseismic events, and the ever-challenging salt body.
Resurgent industry provides perfect backdrop as URTeC 2018 comes to Houston
Authors: Maxwell Shawn
Published: July 2018

A strong technical program has been set for this year's Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) to be held 23–25 July in Houston, Texas, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. As URTeC attendees have come to expect, the technical program will be complemented with a strong plenary session, ample networking opportunities, 11 short courses, 11 topical breakfasts and luncheons, and more than 175 companies participating in the technical exhibition.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: July 2018

The following is an excerpt from the inaugural episode of SEG's Seismic Soundoff podcast. The episode featured former SEG President Sally Zinke answering listeners' questions. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/3862 .
Simultaneous recordings of action potentials and calcium transients from human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Prajapati Chandra , Pölönen Risto-Pekka , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: July 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) offer a unique in vitro platform to study these diseases as they recapitulate many disease phenotypes. The membrane potential (Vm) and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) transient (CaT) are usually investigated separately because incorporating different techniques to acquire both aspects concurrently is challenging. In this study, we recorded Vm and CaT simultaneously to understand the interrelation between these parameters in hiPSC-CMs. For this, we used conventional patch clamp technique to record Vm, and synchronized this with Ca2+ imaging system to acquire CaT from same hiPSC-CMs. Our results revealed that the CaT at 90% decay (CaT90) was longer than AP duration at 90% repolarization (APD90). In addition, there were also strong positive correlation between different parameters of CaT and AP. Majority of delayed after depolarizations (DADs) observed in Vm recording were also characterized by elevations in intracellular Ca2+ level, but in some cases no abnormalities were observed in CaT. However, simultaneous fluctuations in CaT were always observed during early after depolarizations (EADs) in Vm . In summary, simultaneous recording of Vm and CaT broaden the understanding of interrelation between Vm and CaT, and could be used to elucidate mechanism underlying arrhythmia in diseased condition.
Government Spending Multipliers under the Zero Lower Bound: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Wataru , Nguyen Thuy Lan , Sergeyev Dmitriy
Published: July 2018

Using a rich dataset on government spending forecasts in Japan, we provide new evidence on the effects of unexpected changes in government spending when the nominal interest rate is near the zero lower bound (ZLB). The on-impact output multiplier is 1.5 in the ZLB period and 0.6 outside of it. We estimate that government spending shocks increase both private consumption and investment during the ZLB period, but crowd them out in the normal period. There is evidence that expected inflation increases more in the ZLB period than in the normal period. (JEL E21, E22, E23, E31, E43, E52, E62)
ÍNDICES DE VEGETAÇÃO OBTIDOS DE IMAGENS MULTIESPECTRAIS APLICADOS NA DISCRIMINAÇÃO DA COBERTURA VEGETAL EM RELEVO MONTANHOSO / VEGETATION RATES OBTAINED FROM MULTISPECTRIC IMAGES APPLIED IN THE DISCRIMINATION OF VEGETABLE COVERAGE IN MOUNTAIN RELIEF
Authors: Francisco Cristiane Nunes , Gruber Nina Cardoso
Published: July 2018

Os índices de vegetação são utilizados para investigar as propriedades espectrais da vegetação e podem ser relacionados a parâmetros biofísicos. Também podem ser utilizados para minimizar os efeitos de iluminação causados pela topografia na resposta espectral, o que dificulta a discriminação da fisionomia da vegetação. Para avaliar a eficiência dos índices de vegetação na discriminação da cobertura vegetal em áreas montanhosas, foram calculados dois índices de imagens multiespectrais do LANDSAT8/OLI que cobrem o Maciço da Tijuca, situado na área central da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados revelaram que ambos índices (IVDN e RS) foram eficientes para separar os corpos d'água e discriminar as classes de vegetação e não-vegetação. Contudo, a área urbana, sombra e rocha ficaram misturadas, enquanto não foi possível classificar a fisionomia da vegetação devido ao efeito da iluminação nos índices de vegetação. A floresta localizada nas encostas sul, que recebia menor iluminação no momento de coleta dos dados pelo sensor orbital, apresentou índices similares à vegetação herbácea e, desta forma, não foi possível separá-las. Enquanto a floresta localizada nas vertentes norte e oeste, que recebiam menos iluminação solar, apresentaram os maiores índices e não confundiu com outras classes de cobertura da terra. Conclui-se que os índices de vegetação (IVDN e RS) não foram eficientes na minimização dos efeitos topográficos na discriminação da fisionomia da vegetação. Por outro lado, os índices mostraram-se eficientes para demonstrar que as bacias hidrográficas situadas em áreas protegidas apresentaram índices mais elevados do que as bacias localizadas próximas às áreas urbanas.
O FOMENTO TERRA PROMETIDA NO SUL DE MATO GROSSO (1930-1950) / THE EARTH PROMOTION PROMISED IN THE SOUTH OF MATO GROSSO (1930-1950)
Authors: Rosa Jota Junior Marques , Ferreira Djane Da Silva , Rosa João Roberto
Published: July 2018

Este artigo trata dos discursos históricos e geográficos no processo de recolonização de Mato Grosso (antes da divisão territorial em dois Estados). O estudo se situa na noção de redefinições das fronteiras brasileiras e nas ideologias pregadas para reocupar o espaço do Sul de Mato Grosso. As fronteiras brasileiras são velhas, apesar disso foram redefinidas no curso e representação do capital mundial, para formulação de um ideário de nação começado em 1930 passando por 1940. Qual a mais perfeita atitude de tomar os espaços vazios e estabelecer a constituição governamental senão com pessoas? Pois foi feito a partir do contexto republicano até mais ou menos 1950, redefinindo as velhas (e agora novas) fronteiras. Prometendo uma terra inexistente, criando condições para as migrações, marchando para o oeste nas novas (velhas) terra prometidas ao capital, elevando o Estado de Mato Grosso da floresta densa, a abertura de vias, vilarejos, colônias agrícola pela recolonização particular.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE ÁREAS VERDES URBANAS A PARTIR DE IMAGENS DE SATÉLITE WORLDVIEW-II: O CASO DAS PRAÇAS NA CIDADE DE MONTES CLAROS – MG / IDENTIFICATION OF URBAN GREEN AREAS FROM SATELLITE IMAGES WORLDVIEW-II: THE CASE OF SQUARES IN THE CITY OF MONTES CLAROS - MG
Authors: Bortolo Carlos Alexandre de , Rodrigues Herick Lyncon Antunes , Borges Mariley Gonçalves
Published: July 2018

A existência de áreas verdes dentro da área urbana influencia diretamente na melhoria das condições ambientais e sociais. Partindo desse pressuposto, as discussões aqui expostas visam classificar as praças como áreas verdes ou espaços públicos, baseados em suas funções apresentadas, tais como, função ecológica, estética, lazer e área permeável de 70%. Assim sendo, tendo como foco principal a cidade de Montes Claros, o presente trabalho busca aplicar os conceitos, métodos e técnicas que auxiliem na identificação, classificação, quantificação e mapeamento das praças da cidade, definindo as mesmas como área verde ou espaço livre. A metodologia utilizada na delimitação e classificação das praças baseou-se na revisão da literatura e na utilização de imagens de satélite com alta resolução espacial, assim também como trabalhos de campo. Constatou-se que as praças consideradas como áreas verdes estão dispostas de forma heterogênea na cidade, ocupando desde loteamentos com condições mais precárias até locais mais dinâmicos e estruturados, observando que ainda existem alguns locais que não dispõem dessas áreas. Conclui-se que, a cidade de Montes Claros possui cerca de noventa e seis praças, destas, oitenta e uma foram classificadas como espaços livres devido apresentarem parte ou nenhuma das funções para ser designada como área verde e dezesseis foram consideradas como áreas verdes por apresentarem todas as funções.
MIGRANTES, REFUGIADOS E GLOBALIZAÇÃO DA INDIFERENÇA / MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND GLOBALIZATION OF INDIFFERENCE
Authors: Doula Sheila Maria
Published: July 2018

Resenha do livroBAUMAN, Zygmunt. Extraños llamando a la puerta. Barcelona: Paidós Ibérica (Estado y Sociedad), 2016, 112p.
Book Review
Authors: Bason Christian
Published: July 2018

Overcrowded: Designing Meaningful Products in a World Awash with Ideas, Roberto Verganti (2017) Cambridge: The MIT Press, 269 pp., ISBN: 9780262035361, h/bk, £26.00
El círculo del tiempo
Authors: Garrido Maturano Ángel E.
Published: July 2018

Este artículo analiza las lecciones de fenomenología de la conciencia interna del tiempo. En primer lugar se propone mostrar la excedencia del tiempo cósmico respecto de la temporalidad de la conciencia. En segundo determinar si la descripción husserliana de la forma del flujo de la conciencia absoluta del tiempo es circular, es decir, si no presupone el tiempo objetivo que pretende constituir. En tercero someter a análisis crítico la automostración del flujo absoluto de la conciencia. Finalmente se menciona la aporética que se cierne sobre toda investigación que quiera reducir uno forma del tiempo a la otra o asirlas independientemente.
Subjetividad y donación en Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Walton Roberto J.
Published: July 2018

Este artículo procura establecer lo rasgos distintivos de los tres estadios de la reducción erótica formulada por J.-L. Marión en contraste con la reducción epistémica al cogito y la reducción ontológica al ser. En primer lugar, en la búsqueda de una seguridad que involucra al otro, la autocerteza del cogito es reemplazada por la pregunta: "¿se me ama de otra-parte?". En segundo lugar, como esta pregunta no puede ser respondida recurriendo al amor a sí mismo, se impone una formulación radicalizada: "¿puedo amar, yo el primero?". Este nuevo estadio da lugar al análisis de fenómenos en que cada participante da al otro lo que no tiene de suyo y al mismo tiempo tiene a su disposición solo para ofrecerlo al otro, esto es, el significado, la carne, el juramento, el gozo, la fidelidad, y el adiós=a Dios. En tercer lugar, puesto que esta lógica del amor muestra la prioridad del otro, se presenta la formulación final de la reducción erótica: "¡Tú, tú has amado el primero!". Marión sostiene que, a través de esta precedencia, se revela el amor de Dios. Una apreciación final de las contribuciones de Marión esboza superposiciones y contrastes con otras posiciones fenomenológicas.
Configuración del sujeto histórico
Authors: Fornari Aníbal
Published: July 2018

La abandonada cuestión del sujeto histórico desde la des-construcción meramente negativa y algo superficial de los mega-relatos propios de la filosofía moderna culminante, retoma su actualidad filosófica en el momento de la denominada globalización, coincidente con una general decadencia de la cultura y de la responsabilidad políticas. La mencionada cuestión es acuciante para quienes, por diversas razones, no se conforman con el desconcierto o no pueden quedar conformados en él, sea por la conciencia de la tarea que la existencia histórica implica, sea por el apremio que recibe su posición de algún modo determinante en la historia contemporánea. El A. aborda el tema desde un planteo preliminar —dividido en dos partes— que intenta primero demostrar, desde el actual redimensionamiento de la decisiva importancia de la sociedad civil para una democracia viva, la necesidad de abordar el sentido de la configuración del sujeto histórico; en segundo lugar, muestra lo decisivo de una recapitulación, en paralelo con lo anterior, de la experiencia fundante y de las tesis básicas que determinaron el potente resurgimiento moderno de esta cuestión, bajo el signo del “sujeto colectivo”, para deslindar el horizonte de un nuevo tratamiento de la misma.
Anti-metastatis Profile of Boesenbergia Pandurata towards MCF-7/HER2 Cells
Authors: Fadliyah Hilyatul , Putri Nindya Budiana , Walidah Ziana , Nurhayati Ika Putri , Ikawati Muthi , Meiyanto Edy
Published: July 2018

The development of cancer at an advanced stage is signed with metastasis that trigger the high of mortality caused breast cancer, possitive HER2 type mainly. Boesenbergia pandurata known as medicinal plant possessing anticancer potential due to the cytototoxic and antimetastatic characteristic of its active compound. The aim of this study is to observe the inhibitory of migration of Boesenbergia pandurata ethanolic extract (BPEE) in combination with doxorubicin (Dox) on MCF-7/HER2 cells. BPEE was prepared by 96% ethanol maceration. Under MTT assay, BPEE decreased the cells viability with IC50 value of 23 ± 3.9 μg/mL. Lamellipodia and wound healing assay analysis showed that BPEE (5 μg/mL) and its combination with doxorubicin (10 nM) inhibited cells migration after 48 hours observation, while gelatin zymography analysis showed that this combination did not affect the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins, but single treatment of BPEE was more able to decrease the expression of both MMP. The combination with those concentrations inhibited the cells migration but not with the cells viability. Thus, BPEE is potential to be developed as antimetastatic agent. The mechanism itself needs to be explored further.
The Cytoprotective and Cell Recovery Properties of Apple Extracts on H2O2 induced-NIH3T3 Cells: An Anti Aging Candidate
Authors: Nurulita Nunuk Aries , Kusuma Anjar Mahardian , Darsini Darsini , Delvia Weny , Yulianti Veby Tri
Published: July 2018

Apple contains high concentration of phenolic compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress. The prolong exposure of free radicals may induce cell damage and premature cell aging. Both local and imported apple contain flavonoid, saponin, tannin, steroid, and terpenoid. The extract of local and imported apples showed low toxicity on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells, with IC50 value of 529 and 463 µg/mL, respectively. Both apple extracts (50 – 250 µg /mL) protected three-day-H2O2 induced-cell damage and cell death. Protective effect was observed as the viability increase of treated cells compared to untreated ones. The protective effect of both extracts were higher than the effect of vitamin C as standard antioxidant at this study. Both apple extracts could reverse cell damage caused by three-hour-high concentration H2O2 exposure, similar with vitamin C. Low concentration of both extracts (50 µg /mL) induced the increase of fibroblast cells’ proliferation kinetics. The extract of imported apple showed higher properties of protective, cell recovery and proliferation of fibroblast cells tha local apple, but not statistically significance. This study concludes that the extract of local and imported apples have high potency in cytoprotective effect and cell recovery of damaged cells caused by free radicals induction. Both apple extracts have high potency to be developed the candidate of antiaging and cells’ regeneration agent.Key words: antiaging, cell recovery, cytoprotective, NIH3T3 cells
On the Reception of Aristotle’s Rhetoric in Byzantium
Authors: Cichocka Helena
Published: July 2018

The paper deals with the reception of Aristotle’s definition of rhetoric(Rhet. I 1355b26–27) in several Byzantine commentators of Hermogenes’and Aphthonius’ treatises. A justification of critical interpretationof this definition is to be found in the commentaries of Troilus and Athanasius(4th/5th century) as well as Sopatros (6th century) and Doxapatres(11th century), Maximus Planudes (13th/14th century) and several anonymouscommentators. The Byzantine tradition has found Aristotle’s definitionof rhetoric to be all too theoretical and insufficiently connected topractical activity, which Byzantium identified with political life.
Self-directed learning as related to learning strategies, self-regulation, and autonomy in an English language program: A local application with global implications
Authors: Williamson Hawkins Melissa
Published: July 2018

English language tutoring and/or self-access centers are services commonly offered as curricular support to English language program students in educational environments worldwide. This paper argues that the theory of self-directed learning (SDL) from the field of adult education should be considered alongside the equally-important areas of language learning strategies, learner autonomy, and self-regulated learning in the setup of these types of tutoring/self-access academic support centers. The proposition is examined by applying it to a particular case in an English language program of a major research university in the southeastern United States. The paper explicates the commonly-known theory of SDL (Grow, 1991) and relates it to models by put forward by Nakata (2010) and Oxford (2011, 2107). Empirical evidence from studies on encouraging SDL for English language study is summarized from a range of research projects conducted worldwide, and the author concludes by offering implications for educators in any institution-based, adult English language program.
Past and future research agendas on writing strategies: Conceptualizations, inquiry methods, and research findings
Authors: Manchón Rosa M.
Published: July 2018

This paper offers a retrospective narrative review of research on L2 writing strategies and a prospective discussion of potential theoretical and pedagogical relevant lines of inquiry to be explored in future research agendas. The retrospective analysis will synthesize the main trends observed in the conceptualization of writing strategies as well as central directions followed in empirical research in the domain. The prospective discussion tries to advance research agendas on the basis of several observations about L2 writing that are presented as key points to be considered when analyzing existing or thinking about future research in the domain. Special mention will be made of future research avenues centrally concerned with theoretical and empirical questions on the manner in which strategic behavior during writing and during written corrective feedback processing may foster language learning. It will be suggested that following this route can result in interesting and profitable synergies between research on language learning strategies and recent SLA-oriented L2 writing research initiatives on the language learning potential associated with L2 writing.
Strategies and interlanguage pragmatics: Explicit and comprehensive
Authors: Sykes Julie M. , Cohen Andrew D.
Published: July 2018

Explicit instruction in strategies for interlanguage pragmatic learning is fundamental to the development of a comprehensive set of pragmatic abilities in the target language. In this article, we begin by providing an overview of previous work in the area of language learner strategies directed at the teaching and learning of pragmatics. We then offer an extension of Cohen’s (2005, 2014) framework of strategies for learning, using, and evaluating the use of interlanguage pragmatics in four domains: knowledge, analysis, subjectivity, and awareness (Sykes, Malone, Forrest, & Sadgic, forthcoming). Examples from current projects are provided to exemplify the critical importance of a strategies-based approach to the teaching and learning of interlanguage pragmatics. The article concludes with ideas for future research and implementation.
Model of the telegraph line and its numerical solution
Authors: Veigend Petr , Nečasová Gabriela , Šátek Václav
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with a model of the telegraph line that consists of system of ordinary differential equations, rather than partial differential telegraph equation. Numerical solution is then based on an original mathematical method. This method uses the Taylor series for solving ordinary differential equations with initial condition - initial value problems in a non-traditional way. Systems of ordinary differential equations are solved using variable order, variable step-size Modern Taylor Series Method. The Modern Taylor Series Method is based on a recurrent calculation of the Taylor series terms for each time interval. The second part of paper presents the solution of linear problems which comes from the model of telegraph line. All experiments were performed using MATLAB software, the newly developed linear solver that uses Modern Taylor Series Method. Linear solver was compared with the state of the art solvers in MATLAB and SPICE software.
Consecutive successful pregnancies of a patient with nail-patella syndrome
Authors: Fadiloglu Erdem , Unal Canan , Orgul Gokcen , Tanacan Atakan , Beksac Mehmet Sinan
Published: July 2018

Nail-patella syndrome is a genetic disorder with some characteristic features (nail dysplasia, patellar hypoplasia, elbow dysplasia, iliac horns and renal symptoms). Renal involvement of these patients requires close follow-up in pregnancy to avoid complications like preeclampsia. In this report, we have presented two consecutive successful pregnancies of a patient with nail-patella syndrome. The first pregnancy resulted with a newborn with nail-patella syndrome and the second pregnancy resulted in a healthy newborn without any obstetric complications. Renal functions were closely followed-up during both pregnancies, and basal renal functions were normal in the pregestational period, which seems to be the most important predictor of obstetric hypertensive complications. Prenatal diagnosis of nail-patella disease is also challenging due to several possible mutations and a wide range of phenotypes of the disease. Ultrasonographic examination findings may be suspicious for the disease in the fetus like patellar hypoplasia or joint contractures.
Lignin linked to slow biodegradability of urea-crosslinked starch in an anaerobic soil environment
Authors: Majeed Zahid , Mansor Nurlidia , Ajab Zainab , Man Zakaria , Sarwano Ariyanti , Ahmad Basharat , Hussain Zahid
Published: July 2018

For slowing fast solubility and increasing the period of urea’s release in soil, urea-crosslinked starch (UcS) was prepared and applied as a slow release fertilizer. The higher environmental biodegradability of UcS is a major drawback for slow release of urea yet it provides an important challenge for large scale production and application on anaerobic farm lands. Hence, in order to reduce biodegradability of UcS, impregnation of UcS with 5–20 wt% of lignin is proposed. Lignin impregnated UcS was buried for a maximum period of 28–64 days under a constructed anaerobic soil environment. Hill’s model predicted that mineralization of UcS by lignin would be reduced by 5.48%. Microbial growth on UcS was inhibited by lignin at the rate of 0.84 day−1. The α-amylase activity was retarded in response to UcS impregnation with lignin at the rate of 810.94 μg h−1 g−1 soil. Lignin also showed improvement in half-life of UcS up to 0.51 days. This work concluded that lignin impregnation was an efficient approach for improvement of UcS through increasing resistance against natural biodegraders.
Fabrication of radially aligned electrospun nanofibers in a three-dimensional conical shape
Authors: Vong Michel , Radacsi Norbert
Published: July 2018

This paper reports on the rapid fabrication of radially-aligned, three-dimensional conical structures by electrospinning. Three different polymers, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polystyrene and Polyacrylonitrile were used to electrospin the cones. These cone structures are spreading out from a vertical conductive pillar, which can be arbitrarily placed on specific part of the collector. The lower part of the cone is clearly defined on the collector, and the cone has a relatively uniform radius around the pillar. The cones are constituted of fibers that are radially aligned towards the top of the pillar, but there is no apex and the fibers fall flat on the top of the pillar surface. A parametric study has been performed to investigate the effects of the pillar morphology (height and thickness) and the electrospinning parameters (applied voltage and working distance) on the overall shape and size of the cone structure, as well as the fiber alignment. The pillar morphology influences directly the cone diameter and height. The electrospinning parameters have little effect on the cone structure. The formation mechanism has been identified to be related to the shape of the electric field, which has been systematically simulated to understand the effect of the electric field lines on the final dimensions of the cone structure.
Towards understanding the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest phosphorus cycling : a modelling approach
Authors: Bortier Michiel F. , Andivia Enrique , Genon José G. , Grebenc Tine , Deckmyn Gaby
Published: July 2018

Many studies have shown the importance of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EM) in forests both for nutrient availability and for carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in the soil. Yet so far they are not incorporated in forest ecosystem growth and yield models. Recent research suggests phosphorus (P) shortage could be a major constraints to forest productivity in the future. For a realistic simulation of future forest ecosystem functioning, inclusion of detailed soil P cycling and the trees-EM interaction is necessary. We developed a full ecosystem P model that simulates P uptake by roots and EM, allocation within trees, physiological deficiency effects on C assimilation and allocation, release through litter decomposition, coupled with water, C and nitrogen (N) fluxes accounted for in the mechanistic forest stand model ANAFORE. Our results confirm the importance of incorporating EM in forest ecosystem models and suggest that the lack of incorporation of P in models may result in an under- or overestimation of forest growth. This new model has the potential of being used to assess the response of trees and/or stands to nutrient availability under different climate and management scenarios. With the current parameterization it is functional as a scientific research tool to investigate hypotheses.
Molecular Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Popovska Savelina L. , Dineva Tereza B. , Damyanova Polina D.
Published: July 2018

Lung cancer is still the leading cancer-related cause of death with a high incidence rate in the whole world. Treatment options – surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease. During the last decade, many molecular alterations were discovered that led to impressive changes in treatment. Personalized approaches, including target therapies with specific inhibitor drugs, became a part of the standard therapies. This article reviews current molecular biomarkers used in clinical practice to treat lung cancer patients.
Measurement and Comparison of Costs of Hypertensive Patients Aged 40-89 Years Treated with Lisinopril and Perindopril
Authors: Simeonova Joana I. , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snejanka T. , Todorova Yoana M. , Hristova Petkana A. , Yanakieva Asia N. , Hristov Martin I.
Published: July 2018

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016 in the research project No 4/2016. We selected 98 patients aged 40-89 and diagnosed with hypertension. The patients were admitted to Cardiology Clinic One of the University Hospital in Pleven. The study aimed to measure and compare direct and indirect costs of hypertensive patients aged 40-89 years, who were treated with lisinopril and perindopril. We estimated the total and average costs of 50 (51.0%) patients treated with lisinopril and 48 (49.0%) treated with perindopril. Males were 46.4%, and the mean age of the sample was 65.9.0±11.2 years. Data were processed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 19.0 (SPSS.v.19.0). Total costs exceeded amount reimbursed for the clinical path (BGN 420.00) in 64.6% of the patients treated with perindopril and 48.0% of the patients treated with lisinopril. We found that treatment costs within 6-months after discharge were BGN 673.82 in patients treated with lisinopril, as compared to BGN 171.92 reimbursed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and BGN 781.18 for those treated with perindopril, compared to BGN 216.33 reimbursed by NHIF. The NHIF reimbursement rate for antihypertensive treatment is insufficient to cover all direct costs. Increased hospital costs and out-of-pocket payments present a significant restriction on access to treatment for arterial hypertension.
Laboratory Assessment of Thyroid Function in Patients with Proteinuria
Authors: Gencheva-Angelova Irena I. , Ruseva Adelaida L. , I.Pastuhov Juli
Published: July 2018

Significant losses of functional proteins such as hormones and hormone-binding proteins are seen in patients suffering from proteinuria. Studies have reported loss of thyroid hormones and thyroxine-binding globulin in the urine. There is evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is six times more common in patients with proteinuria than in healthy people. The parameters of the effect of proteinuria on thyroid function have not been fully studiedyet.We investigated 74 patients with qualitatively established proteinuria, of whom 34 men and 40 women, without diagnosed thyroid disease. The average age of the patients was 60.9 years. We tested 20 free controls for free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), creatinine and albumin in serum, and the quantity of urine protein. The mean results found for TSH were higher in the patients with proteinuria than in those of the controls (2.719 mU/l vs 1.78 mU/l). For FT4, the mean result in the patients with proteinuria was 17.04 pmol/l vs 16.39 pmol/l. in the controls. A correlation was sought between TSH and FT4 levels and all the laboratory parameters we tested. Patients with proteinuria had higher TSH levels, probably due to the loss of thyroid hormones in the urine. However, these losses cannot lead to clinically proven hypothyroidism.
Muscle Blood Supply During Prolonged Static Voluntary Contractions
Authors: Paeglitis Alvis , Kukulis Indulis , Eglitis Egils , Galeja Zinta
Published: July 2018

It is known that metabolic activity of muscle cells even in one separate muscle differs. If VO2 rate differs between muscle’s motor units, then blood flow through capillaries supplying muscle cells must be regulated according to their metabolic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate muscle blood flow and compare it with active muscle cell metabolic activity during muscle prolonged static voluntary contraction with different contraction forces. In this study participated 37 healthy untrained people in age 24 – 36. Investigations were performed on the forearm muscles using hand grip exercises with 10% and 15% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) Volume blood flow in the forearm segment (I) and capillary filtration coefficient (CFC) were measured using venous occlusion plethysmographic device “KPOBOTOK-4”. VO2 and lactate delivery (La) were calculated from pO2 and lactate concentration arterio-venous differences and I in every controlled moment. pH and pO2 was measured using bioanaliser ABC-1”RADIOMETER”. Lactate concentration was measured using BIOSEN C-line “EKF diagnostic” device. During 10% MVC it was shown that I, VO2, La and CFC till the cessation of exercise caused by exhaustion which takes 42±1,1min stabilize on appropriate level not reaching maximal possible values. Increasing contraction force only for 5% it is to 15% MVC all examined parameters during exercise till exhaustion which takes 12±0,8 min, increases and at moment of cessation of exercise reaches their maximal values. Increasing of blood supply and VO2 during 15% MVC did not provide prolonged forearm contraction and exhaustion occurs more than 3 times quicker neither during 10% MVC.
Assessment of Service Skills in the Companies Providing with Leisure Facilities: Research in Customer Approach
Authors: Švagždienė Biruta , Grigaite Kristina , Jasinskas Edmundas
Published: July 2018

On the plane of human capital theories –staff is considered being the most significant resource in a company. The implication is that a company has to take care of employees’ competence, their approach towards work, perception and assumption of responsibility, liabilities to a company, etc. Such an approach towards staff is particularly meaningful for service companies, the employees of which are indentified not only with the very company, but also with the service by customers. Consequently, the employees, oriented towards a customer, can become a meaningful condition of competitive advantage (L. Bagdonienė, 2008). Service is more and more influencing companies’ business. The process of service skills is a significant and complex element of customer service culture development. According to L. Žalys (2002) it can be described as endless and constantly going on in the certain stages process, which possesses distinctive operation technologies. Good relationship with customers and their loyalty is built exactly under the development process of customer service, as it is one of the sales service staff functions. Development process of customer service: to satisfy customers’ needs and requirements. Significant organizational culture is directed towards customer service based on corresponding organizational rules and procedures, practical skills and abilities. The level of the service process depends on the professionalism of the service staff taking care of a customer, communication, responsibility, responsibility and competences. For the assessment of service there are additionally applied two criteria: solution of service problems, and company’s policy in solution of service problems. In the research related to the formation and management of service skills, there are researched assessment criteria for service skills: external image/outlook of the companies, which provide with leisure service, locations and working hours, information about service and their prices, delivery of service, service staff’s appearance, staff’s qualification and attention to constant customers.
Dependence Between the Level of Motivation and the Assessment of Rehabilitation Efficiency and Sports-Activity After the Injury at Basketball and Handball Players
Authors: Andersz Nina , Boguszewski Dariusz
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was the assessment of the dependence between the type and level of motivation, and the assessment of rehabilitation efficiency and sports-activity after the injury. 207 male and female competitors training basketball and handball participated in the study. There were 111 women (46 basketball and 65 handball players) and 96 men (48 basketball and 51 handball players) studied. The investigative tools were: the Carver and White′s questionnaire (measuring the activity level of the BAS and BIS system in three measurements), the author′s survey taking into account the information concerning training-methods, number, types and circumstance of experienced injuries, methods of their treatment and the visual analogue pain intensity scale (VAS). Those surveyed evaluated also the efficiency of physiotherapeutic treatments in the 1-10 scale. The statistical tools were as follow: the arithmetical mean together with the standard deviation and the simple correlation. At training men there was some negative dependence between the time of break in trainings after sustained injury and one of the measurements according to the questionnaire: BAS Drive (p<0.05). In the above-group there also appeared some positive dependence (p<0.05) between the declared level of felt pain and the results on the BAS Fun Seeking scale. The studied women attained noticeably higher (p<0.05) results of the BAS Reward Responsiveness and BIS scale than men. At women there also appeared some positive dependence between the time of break in trainings after sustained injury and the intensification of the BIS activation (p<0.05). 1. Some strong relationship between the levels of different forms of motivation in chosen aspects of rehabilitation of sportsmen was shown. 2. At men, high level of goal oriented motivation was connected with the negative assessment of rehabilitation efficiency, what could evidence the frustration resulting from inability to train. Strong goal orientation may therefore shorten the period of convalescence.
Fitness in the Sport Structure of Latvia
Authors: Čuprika Aleksandra , Fernāte Andra
Published: July 2018

Origination of physical activities in Latvia territory, the necessity for sports sector to be developed, as well as the change of people’s understanding about physical loads and the essence of active lifestyle caused by rapid growth of the fitness sector where the main principle is load applied to strengthen and improve one’s health condition. One of the most important problems is a uniform understanding of the term “fitness”, and its place in the sports sector in Latvia. Therefore the aim of the article is to evaluate fitness as structure element inclusion possibilities in the Sports Structure in Latvia. The research is based on the investigation and analysis of the literature sources and sports policy planning documents, such as “Basic Positions of Sport Policy in Latvia”, project 2013-2020, “National Sport Development Program 2006–2013” of Latvia, “National Development Plan of Latvia 2012–2020”. The place of fitness in the sports system in Latvia, the necessity and possibility to include fitness in the “National Sport Development Program” and in the “Basic Positions of Sport Policy” in perspective were studied. Commercial fitness clubs and the Latvian Fitness and Health Promotion Association (LFVVNA) are not included in the sports structure of Latvia; however, fitness is socially-cultural phenomenon which is necessary to be included in the development program of sport sector.
E-Planner for Physical Education on the Secondary School Level in Latvia
Authors: Pilkevics Arturs , Jansone Rasma , Bautre Inese
Published: July 2018

An innovative planning and assessment tool for the subject of Physical Education (PE) on the secondary school level has been created in the course of this research project. Evaluation of the research on the Latvian assessment system in PE has shown the current need for an online based curriculum planning tool (e-planner) which would help teachers to effectively and qualitatively determine the levels of knowledge, skills, personal trait attributes and development dynamics in PE. This finding has served as basis for the hypothesis of the work: creating an e-planner will have a positive influence on the planning and evaluation processes in the subject of Physical Education on secondary level. The author set put to determine the theoretical foundation and the desired content of the E-planner according to the curriculum standard of PE on the secondary level in Latvia and create the planner based on the free Google Forms online platform. Study included the evaluation of teachers’ opinion about using the E-planner for planning and evaluation purposes. The result of this project is the first on-line curriculum planning tool in the Latvian language which is based on the modern theoretical understanding of student-centered planning and the assessment approach in education. Implementing such a tool on a state level across the disciplines would improve the quality of planning and instruction in schools.
Training-Induced Changes in Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity and Resting Hormonal Status in Blood in Elite Male and Female Speed Skaters
Authors: Obmiński Zbigniew , Litwiniuk Artur , Borkowski Lech , Ładyga Maria , Szczepańska Beata
Published: July 2018

To date, there is only one published study with the use standardized ergometry exercise tests regarding effect of long lasting training period on a change of physical fitness among international level male and female speed skaters (van Ingen Schenau JG, 1992). This study showed high level initial performance and lack of its improvements despite trainings. That phenomenon might be resulted in inadequate training modalities, accumulation of fatigue or simply such high initial fitness, that it was impossible to improve it. Our study was aimed to examine the responses of several biomechanical and physiological parameters to preparatory training period (4 months) with incising predominance of strength-velocity exercises over time course. The results showed minor, non-significant improvements of some parameters of anaerobic and aerobic capacity in the males. In females there was no change in aerobic capacity, and those in anaerobic one were lower than in males. After the period in both sexes resting blood cortisol was elevated and testosterone- to- cortisol ratio, was declined, that suggest shift of protein metabolism toward catabolism. We suspect that among females their adverse hormonal status may have been responsible for, general lower expected training effects.
Influence of Local Versus Foreign Corporations, as Shareholders, on Financial Performance of Romanian Listed Companies
Authors: Țaran Alina , Mironiuc Marilena
Published: July 2018

In the actual context of global mobility of investors and capitals, diverse categories of local and foreign shareholders (institutional investors, governmental agencies, corporations or individual investors) influence business activities, management and results of the owned entities. Shareholders’ monitoring ability is related to their interests and their involvement in the investee’s business. This study contributes to the on-going debate referring to local and foreign shareholders and investigates the influence of both local and foreign corporate shareholders on financial performance of Romanian listed companies during 1997-2016. Results of fixed-effects panel regression analysis reveal that local corporations positively influence the profitability of their affiliates, as measured by ROE. However, foreign corporate shareholders do not significantly influence financial performance of Romanian entities. Thus, the expected benefits associated with foreign ownership do not enhance the performance of local companies. These findings helps future privatisation or investment decisions in Romanian listed companies. Moreover, the results raise further questions regarding the interests of foreign companies investing in Romanian stock market.
Effect of Monetary Incentives on the Demand for Electricity of Domestic Consumers – Case of Israel
Authors: Elbaz Shimon , Zaiț Adriana
Published: July 2018

This research, based on a pilot study performed by the Israeli Electricity Company (IEC) in the framework of a demand management arrangement, focused on an economic approach for influencing domestic customers’ electricity consumption. The main objectives were to find out if monetary incentives in the form of a constant discount in the household consumer’s electricity bill (with no connection to consumption levels) influence consumers participating in a demand management arrangement with their electricity provider (here the IEC) and if such an incentive will lead to a decrease in the participants’ electricity consumption and/or a shift in their consumption from peak to low demand hours. The study examined also the monetary incentive’s influence on the participants’ willingness to join a future arrangement. The findings show that the participants who received a constant incentive increased their consumption, contrary to the expected behaviour, suggesting the presence of a “rebound effect”. One of the incentives that predicted a tendency to save electricity was the pro environmental attitude of the consumer, whereas financial incentives did not predict a tendency to save electricity. Damage to consumer comfort caused by load shedding exerted no significant influence. The economic incentive of a discount in the electricity bill increased the consumers’ willingness to join a future arrangement, even at the cost of compromising their privacy, although the possibility that this arrangement would lead to the loss of their control of home electric appliances as a result of load shedding drastically decreased this willingness. A positive financial incentive was found to have a minor influence on consumers’ willingness to participate in a demand management arrangement, while a negative incentive (the wish to avoid fines) was found to be very influential. Comparing to previous studies, the results are mixed, confirming some previous findings and contradicting others – and they offer an important contribution for the worldwide debate on energy conservation and household electricity reduction, through the Israeli dimension in a complex puzzle.
Nachbeben des Totalen Kriegs
Authors: Willems Bastiaan
Published: July 2018

Vorspann

Am 9./10. April 1945 eroberte die Rote Armee Königsberg, die Hauptstadt Ostpreußens. Wo sich die deutschen Streitkräfte in der Provinz noch halten konnten, wurden sie bis Anfang Mai von den sowjetischen Truppen gezwungen, die Waffen zu strecken. Die letzten Kriegstage und die unmittelbare Nachkriegszeit stellten die verbliebene Zivilbevölkerung vor ungeheure, oft tödliche Herausforderungen, die von Kriegsgewalt, Hunger, Krankheit und Zwangsarbeit gekennzeichnet waren. Lange Zeit hat man fast ausschließlich die Rote Armee und die sowjetische Militärverwaltung dafür verantwortlich gemacht, dass so viele Menschen 1945/46 ihr Eigentum, ihre Gesundheit oder sogar ihr Leben verloren. Bastiaan Willems widerspricht dieser Einschätzung - und präsentiert der Wehrmacht die Rechnung für den Totalen Krieg, den sie 1944/45 auf deutschem Boden führte.