bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User Preferences and Persona Design for an mHealth Intervention to Support Adherence to Cardiovascular Disease Medication in Singapore: A Multi-Method Study (Preprint)
Authors: Haldane Victoria , Koh Joel Jun Kai , Srivastava Aastha , Teo Krichelle Wei Qi , Tan Yao Guo , Cheng Rui Xiang , Yap Yi Cheng , Ong Pei-Shi , Van Dam Rob M , Foo Jie Min , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Koh Gerald Choon-Huat , Foong Pin Sym , Perel Pablo , Legido-Quigley Helena
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile health (mHealth) has gained popularity globally, including for its use in a variety of health interventions, particularly through short message service (SMS) text messaging. However, there are challenges to the use of mHealth, particularly among older users who have a large heterogeneity in usability and accessibility barriers when using technology.

OBJECTIVE

In order to better understand and conceptualize the diversity of users and give insight into their particular needs, we turned to persona creation. Personas are user archetypes created through data generated from multi-method inquiry with actual target users. Personas are an appropriate yet largely underutilized component of current mHealth research.

METHODS

Leveraging data from a multi-method study conducted in Singapore with an ethnically diverse population including Chinese, Malay, and Indian participants, we used a proforma to analyze data from the qualitative component (ie, 20 in-depth interviews) and quantitative component (ie, 100 interviewer-guided surveys). We then identified key characteristics, including technology use and preferences as well as adherence factors, to synthesize five personas reflective of persons over the age of 40 years in Singapore with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or ASCVD risk factors, such as hypertension.

RESULTS

We present five personas typologized as (1) The Quiet Analog, (2) The Busy Grandparent, (3) The Socializer, (4) The Newly Diagnosed, and (5) The Hard-to-Reach. We report on four key characteristics: health care access, medication adherence, mobile phone technology usage (ie, ownership, access, and utilization), and interest in mHealth. Finally, we provide insights into how these personas may be used in the design and implementation of an mHealth intervention. Our work demonstrates how multi-method data can create biopsychosocial personas that can be used to explore and address the diversity in behaviors, preferences, and needs in user groups.

CONCLUSIONS

With wider adoption of mHealth, it is important that we consider user-centered design techniques and design thinking in order to create meaningful, patient-centered interventions for adherence to medications. Future research in this area should include greater exploration of how these five personas can be used to better understand how and when is best to deliver mHealth interventions in Singapore and beyond.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FUNGICIDES AGAINST FUNGAL ISOLATES CARRIED BY OIL PALM SEEDS
Authors: Simanjuntak Donnarina , Faizah Rokhana , Prasetyo Agus Eko , Susanto Agus
Published: March 2018

Oil palm seed is known to bring some pathogenic microbes and reduce the quality of seeds. Research aims to determine the effectiveness of fungicide active ingredients and later as a recommendation fungicide to control fungal isolates carried by oil palm seeds. Research were conducted in the Plant Protection laboratory, IOPRI business unit of Marihat, from April to October 2016. Research using descriptive analysis of seeds and seed health testing methods used consisted of visual observation of seeds and washing test. Seeds obtained from six production sites namely derpericarping, seed selection, first immersion, first winding, germination chamber, and distribution of germinated seed. The fungicides used consist of 39 different types of active ingredients. From the results of seed health testing there are three fungi carried by seeds that have been isolated, ie Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Mucor. These three fungi were further tested against 39 types of fungicides and the result there are 13 to 18 of fungicides that are effective to suppress the growth rate of the three fungi until the seventh day after the application.
GUGUR DAUN TANAMAN KARET AKIBAT PENYAKIT PHYTOPHTHORA SPP. DI PERKEBUNAN KARET JEMBER, JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Berlian Intan , Setyawan Budi
Published: March 2018

Renteng and Banjarsari field is a part of PT. Perkebunan Nusantara XII, located in Jember with major commodity of rubber plant. Since December 2013, leaf fall occurred in Renteng field Afdeling Sidomulyo (year of planting 1996) and Banjarsari field Afdeling Karang Nangka (year of planting 1993). The study was conducted in January to March 2014. Identification of the leaf fall was used macroscopic, microscopic and continued with Koch's postulates. The results showed that yellowing of leaf that's accompanied by leaf fall in Afdeling Sidomulyo (year of planting 1996) and Afdeling Karang Nangka (year of planting 1993) caused pathogen Phytophthora spp. This study has been proved that Phytophthora spp. causes the leaf fall in Indonesia after the last report in 1977.
PEMANFAATAN TANAMAN BANGUN-BANGUN (Coleus amboinicus) DI GAWANGAN TBM KARET UNTUK PENGENDALIAN PENYAKIT JAMUR AKAR PUTIH DAN KESUBURAN TANAH
Authors: Andriyanto Mochlisin , Dalimunthe Cici Indriani , Sembiring Yan Riska Venata
Published: March 2018

Tanaman bangun-bangun (Coleus amboinicus) merupakan tanaman indigenous asal Sumatera Utara yang belum banyak dibudidayakan secara kultur teknis. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk memanfaatkan areal gawangan tanaman karet belum menghasilkan (TBM) dengan menanam tanaman bangun-bangun. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kebun Percobaan Balai Penelitian Sungei Putih pada bulan Maret-Agustus 2015. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tanaman bangun-bangun dapat tumbuh baik di gawangan TBM karet. Tanaman ini dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai tanaman obat dan berpotensi sebagai antijamur untuk mengendalikan penyakit jamur akar putih (JAP). Tanaman bangun-bangun dapat menghambat serangan penyakit JAP dengan cara menanam langsung di lapangan, menggunakan ekstrak akar tanaman atau kombinasi keduanya. Kandungan protein pada tanaman ini juga dapat meningkatkan kesuburan tanah, khususnya dalam meningkatkan ketersedian N dalam tanah.
ANALISIS TEKNO-EKONOMI PELUANG PEMBANGUNAN INDUSTRI PENGOLAHAN SPECIALTY NATURAL RUBBER JENIS KARET ALAM TERHIDROGENASI
Authors: Puspitasari Santi , Falaah Asron Ferdian , Cifriadi Adi
Published: March 2018

Konsep Green Polymer telah menjadi perhatian bagi para pelaku industri polimer yang dibuktikan dengan dikembangkannya berbagai tipe specialty natural rubber. Salah satunya adalah karet alam terhidrogenasi (HNR). HNR memiliki keunggulan ketahanan terhadap proses oksidasi termal sehingga diharapkan dapat mensubstitusi karet sintetik berbasis petroleum tipe EPDM, CR, dan IRR. Pusat Penelitian Karet berhasil memperoleh teknologi pengolahan HNR pada skala semi pilot. Artikel ini mengulas peluang pendirian pabrik pengolahan HNR ditinjau dari aspek tekno-ekonomi. Metode untuk memperoleh data primer dilakukan dengan cara survei dan wawancara, sedangkan data sekunder diperoleh dengan teknik multplikasi dokumen dan pencatatan dari lembaga terkait. Data diolah secara deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil analisis diketahui bahwa potensi pasar dalam negeri industri HNR cukup terbuka mencapai 18 ribu ton per tahun. Industri HNR direncanakan akan didirikan di Kawasan Industri Kendal, Kendal, Jawa Tengah dengan kapasitas produksi sebesar 3600 ton per tahun (20% dari potensi pasar). Penentapan kapasitas produksi turut didukung oleh kemampuan pasok bahan baku lateks pekat sebesar  4500 ton per tahun. Teknologi proses yang diterapkan untuk memproduksi HNR skala industri akan mengadopsi proses pengolahan karet konvensional jenis Crepe. Hasil analisis kelayakan finansial menunjukkan bahwa industri HNR layak untuk didirikan. Industri ini memberikan nilai NPV sebesar IDR 25,3 M, IRR sebesar 18,63, B/C ratio sebesar 1,16, dan PBP selama 5,63. Sementara berdasarkan hasil analisis sensitivitas diketahui bahwa industri ini sangat sensitif terhadap kenaikan nilai tukar USD terhadap IDR dan penurunan harga jual karet alam terhidrogenasi.
The studies of the reaction to the salt stress of varieties of fodder crops for formation of pastures in the conditions of North Western Caspian
Authors: Puchkov M Yu , Lysakov M A , Tumanyan A F , Loktionova E G , Strukov V M , Terekhin A A
Published: March 2018

On the territory of the North-Western Caspian, significant areas occupy soils with varying degrees of salinity, therefore, to form pastures in these areas, it is necessary to select species and varieties of crops that tolerate salt stress. We conducted expeditionary studies on the study of floristic composition, as well as phenological, biometric observation and thoroughly studied the soil cover of pasture communities. As a result, plant species from these communities were selected, which were the most adapted to the unfavorable conditions of the Northwest Caspian region, and other species and cultivars were added from the world collection of All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Plant Growing of other ecogeographical regions. Expeditionary research on the selection of species of pasture plants was carried out on the territory of the West Ilmenno-hillock landscape area, and laboratory studies in the laboratory of the All-Russian Research Institute of Veterinary Research in the period 2011-2017. The purpose of the study is to select varieties and species of perennial pasture crops that are most resistant to high salt content in the soil. When studying the ability of species and varieties to tolerate salt stress, plants were isolated according to their fitness for stress. The most adapted plants, where the percentage of viable seeds was from 24% to 30%, the average ability to tolerate salt stress with germination in seeds of 15%, and varieties and species with an germination from 0.1% to 0% - are unsuitable. To very adapted to salt stress include species and varieties of the plant: Elytrigia elongate (Host.) Nevski, var. Salt - 30%; Elymus novae-angliae (Scribn.) Tzvelev) Ozernensky variety - 28%; elongated elm (Elytrigia elongate (Host.) Nevski) variety Stavropol 10 - 28%; elongated elm (Elytrigia elongate (Host.) Nevski) sort Argonaut - 27%; Agropyron pectinatum (M. Bieb.) Variety - 26%, Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub, cultivar Stavropol 31 - 24%.
Bertold Brecht – Exílio, Imagem e Utopia
Authors: Sousa Edson Luiz André de , Pereira Márcio Fransen
Published: March 2018

Este artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa de mestrado realizada no âmbito de estudos sobre psicanálise, arte e política. Objetivou-se fazer uma articulação entre elementos do exílio de Bertolt Brecht e de seu pensamento a partir da perspectiva de Fredric Jameson, no livro Brecht e a questão do método (2013). Para tanto, fez-se necessário trazer para a discussão uma produção de exílio de Brecht - intitulada Kriegsfibel.
Montagem, fotografia, espelho: Waldemar Cordeiro depois do concretismo
Authors: Fabris Annateresa
Published: March 2018

Em busca de novas possibilidades para o concretismo, Cordeiro interessa-se pelo “realismo brutal” da paisagem urbana, na qual detecta um princípio criativo enraizado no processo dialético da montagem. Os popcretos resultantes desse novo momento (1964-1965) caracterizam-se, não raro, pelo uso de imagens fotográficas, apresentadas como operações retóricas e ideológicas. Usada também em obras posteriores, a fotografia transforma-se num instrumento de contestação das ideias tradicionais sobre arte, tendo como horizonte as transformações advindas da presença dos meios de comunicação de massa.
O Devir Artista: a obra além da própria obra. Entrevista com Túlio Pinto.
Authors: Caldas Felipe Bernardes , Pinto Túlio
Published: March 2018

A preocupação entre como a arte e os artistas dialogam com os sistemas

produtivos não é recente, data ao menos desde o século XIX. Muitos argumentos surgiram deste interesse, assim como atribuições funcionais ao papel da arte e do artista. Como os artistas dialogam, partilham ou tensionam o atual sistema produtivo capitalista, que estaria centrado na informação, na imaterialidade, na fusão entre trabalho e vida? A entrevista com Túlio Pinto fornece uma plataforma reflexiva para pensarmos o que significa trabalhar com arte em diálogo entre o local e o global, os sistemas, os mercados e os circuitos em que a arte contemporânea e seus agentes estão inseridos e percorrem.
AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF SOYBEAN COMMODITY IN SIGI REGENCY
Authors: Patra Eru Rengga , Damayanti Lien , Kalaba Yulianti
Published: March 2018

This research aimed to: 1) Knowing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for agribusiness development of soybean commodity in Sigi Regency; 2) Knowing the right alternative strategy formula for the development of soybean commodity agribusiness in Sigi Regency; 3) Knowing the priority strategy that should be chosen for the agribusiness development of commodity soybean in Sigi Regency. This research purposively conducted in Sigi Regency from January to March 2017, and 6 respondents were chosen. SWOT analysis used to find alternative strategy, and QSPM analysis used to find priority strategy. The availability and productivity of the land is among the main strenghts, and the quality and quantity of human resources is among the main weaknesses.The main opportunity is the price of soybean commodity in the market, while imports of soybeans by the government is the main threats. The alternative and priority strategy that could be undertaken by the governmenr are : 1) Participatory motivation and farmers empowerment program; 2) Strengthening local soybean development policy that is pro-farmer; 3) Soybean cultivation development program through area expansion and land mapping; 4) Regional Agricultural Partnership; 5) Development of soybean processing industry.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FARMING VARIETY OF PEANUT NOLION 1 AND NOLION 2 IN THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH TOTIKUM BANGGAI KEPULAUAN
Authors: Bonenehu Radia N. , Antara Made , Rauf Rustam Abd
Published: March 2018

This study aims to: (1) Knowing large farm income peanut varieties Nolion 1 and Nolion 2 in District Totikum South Banggai Islands, and (2) Determine the ratio of production and farm income peanut varieties Nolion 1 and Nolion 2 in District Totikum South Banggai Islands, research type used in this research is descriptive analysis with comparative research method is ex post facto. Sampling is done by simple random sampling method (simple random sampling) take 15% of the population with sampling technique Proportional Stratified Random Sampling. Analysis of data using revenue analysis and comparative analysis / comparison of the average production and average farm income of farmers responder peanut varieties Nolion Nolion 1 and 2. The results show the average farmer's income respondents peanut farmers varieties Nolion 1 in one process location production research Rp 10,073,697- /ha and Rp.10,637,612,-/ha for varieties Nolion 2. The results of comparative analysis (Compare Independent samplest-test) is obtained, there are differences in average production and income of farmers varieties with varieties Nolion 1 and Nolion 2, on the level of α 5%.  Conclusion of the study that there is a difference in the average production and average farm income farm Nolion 1 peanut varieties and varieties of peanut farming Nolion 2
THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS RATES OF COW MANURE APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MUSTARD (BRASSICA JUNCEA L.)
Authors: Arzad Nur Humairoh , Tambing Yohanis , Bahrudin Bahrudin
Published: March 2018

The research was conducted in the village of Sidera, Subdistrict of Sigi Biromaru, District of Sigi, in May to June 2016. The research aims to find out the effect of various rates of cow manure on growth and yield of mustard.this research was arranged  in a randomized block design (RBD) which consist of 5 rates ofcow manure are: 10 t ha-1, 15 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1, 25 tha-1 and 30 t ha-1 , each treatment was repeated three times to obtain 15 units experiment. The results of this research showed that the application of cow manure significantly affected on growth and yield of mustard plants (plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight of plant) and best rate of manure to mustard (Brassica juncea L.) can be achieved at the dose of 25 t ha-1.
GROWTH OF SPINACH (AMARANTHUS TRICOLOR L.) UNDER VARIOUS APPLICATIONS OF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN HYDROPONIC SYSTEM OF NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE
Authors: Rukmi Sindy Sella , Aiyen Aiyen , Rauf Abdul
Published: March 2018

The research aimed to discover the response of the growth of two spinach species on Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system and the concentration of the appropriate AB Mix solution on each species. The research was conducted in January to February 2016, at Green House, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University by using Split Plot Design method. The main plot was red and green spinach, while the subplot was the concentration of AB Mix nutrient solution, namely 4 ml/L of water, 5 ml/L of water, 6 ml/L of water and 7 ml/L of water. The research findings reveal that AB Mix nutrient solution was generally very good to support the growth of spinach on NFT hydroponic. The green spinach had better response rather than the red one. There was no interaction between species and the concentration of nutrient solution. The good concentration of nutrient solution for green spinach is 6 ml/L. It was showed by the better growth of plant height on all age of plant, the more number of leaves, the canopy and the root (wet and dry) were heavier, while on the red spinach, 5 ml/L of concentration of nutrient solution resulted in the best growth, yet it was not significantly different from other concentration except on the parameter of plant height and the dry weight of plant canopy.
Fundamental properties of statistical convergence and lacunary statistical convergence on time scales
Authors: Turan Ceylan , Duman Oktay
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we first obtain a Tauberian condition for statistical
convergence on time scales. We also find necessary and sufficient conditions
for the equivalence of statistical convergence and lacunary statistical
convergence on time scales. Some significant applications are also presented.
Caputo type fractional differential equations with nonlocal Riemann-Liouville and Erdélyi-Kober type integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris , Tariboon Jessada , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study nonlocal boundary value problems of nonlinear Caputo
fractional differential equations supplemented with different combinations of
Riemann-Liouville and Erd?lyi-Kober type fractional integral boundary
conditions. By applying a variety of tools of fixed point theory, the desired
existence and uniqueness results are obtained. Examples illustrating the main
results are also constructed.
Fejér-type inequalities for Lipschitzian functions and their applications
Authors: Hsu Kai-Chen
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we shall establish some Fej?r-type inequalities for
L-Lipschitzian functions. These inequalities can connect with Fej?r
inequality (1). Also, some applications to convex function, ?-th moment,
mathematical expectation of a random variable and Euler?s Beta function are
provided.
Certain derived WP-bailey pairs and transformation formulas for q-hypergeometric series
Authors: Srivastava H.M. , Singh S.N. , Singh S.P. , Yadav Vijay
Published: March 2018

In this paper, several results involving the derived WP-Bailey pairs of
sequences are established. Furthermore, by using these results, a number of
transformation formulas for basic (or q-) hypergeometric series are derived.
Libera operator on mixed norm spaces hp,q,α ν when 0 < p < 1
Authors: Jevtic Miroljub , Karapetrovic Boban
Published: March 2018

Results from [7] on Libera operator acting on mixed norm spaces hp,q,? ?, for
1 ? p ? 1, are extended to the case 0 < p < 1.
The temporal use of preterite forms in the vernacular of the Sirinic Zupa in the northern Sar Mountains
Authors: Veljovic Bojana , Mladenovic Radivoje
Published: March 2018

This paper analyzes verb tenses which primarily refer to past actions in the
vernacular of the Sirinic Zupa in the northern part of the Sar Mountains. The
authors ascertain the inventory of forms which make up the preterite system
of this vernacular, the syntactic and semantic conditions of their use,
stylistic potential of each unit and the linguistic circumstances that make
(im)possible their combining or interchangeability at the sentence level or
within more extensive narrative sections. It turned out that the perfect has
the most stable position - it is the most frequent form with the widest
domain of use, while the aorist is the basic form which denotes actions
experienced in the past stated by perfective verbs, and its place within the
system is relatively stable. The past tense is most commonly used in
stylistically neutral narration which involves zero emotional engagement,
while the information about experiencing the action (or its lack) is usually
absent from the narrative level or is part of the broader context, since it
is not one of the primary perfective forms. When composing the narration,
i.e. when recounting more complex events, the past tense is not normally used
autonomously; it is combined with other forms of more specified semantics
(aorist, imperfect, narrative imperative, future or present in the past). The
role of the past tense in these contexts is to localize actions in time and
to prepare for their introduction, while other forms give information on
whether the effect of the action was experienced (aorist, imperfect), on
whether the action was repetitive in the past (imperative, future), and the
like. The imperfect is characterized by a much narrower use, while its
syntactic and semantic potential is limited, which points to the fact that
the process of its elimination is well under way, while the pluperfect has
almost disappeared from the system.
Interim Reporting Frequency and the Mispricing of Accruals
Authors: Tsao Shou-Min , Lu Hsueh-Tien , Keung Edmund C.
Published: March 2018

SYNOPSIS

This study examines the association between mandatory financial reporting frequency and the accrual anomaly. Based on regulatory changes in reporting frequency requirements in Taiwan, we divide our sample period into three reporting regimes: a semiannual reporting regime from 1982 to 1985, a quarterly reporting regime from 1986 to 1987, and a monthly reporting regime (both quarterly financial reports and monthly revenue disclosure) from 1988 to 1993. We find that although both switches (from the semiannual reporting regime to the quarterly reporting regime and from the quarterly reporting regime to the monthly reporting regime) hasten the dissemination of the information contained in annual accruals into stock prices and reduce annual accrual mispricing, the switch to monthly reporting has a lesser effect. Our results are robust to controlling for risk factors, transaction costs, and potential changes in accrual, cash flow persistence, and sample composition over time. These results imply that more frequent reporting is one possible mechanism to reduce accrual mispricing.

JEL Classifications: G14; L51; M41; M48.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
Making Government Data Valuable for Constituents: The Case for the Advanced Data Analytics Capabilities of the ENHANCE Framework
Authors: Kozlowski Stephen , Issa Hussein , Appelbaum Deniz
Published: March 2018

Constituent demands for improved transparency in governmental reporting have increased since the 2008 financial crisis in the U.S. that impacted the financial well-being of many individuals and entities, including state and local municipalities. Since then, several governmental entities have provided an open data environment. However, these early initiatives do not incorporate robust analytic capabilities that are able to satisfy numerous and varied constituent inquiries. This research proposes development of the ENHanced ANalytic Constituent Environment (ENHANCE) framework in response to the analytic nature of the inquiries from various governmental stakeholders such as citizens, analysts, bond investors, creditors, vendors, auditors, and oversight officials. The ENHANCE framework bridges the gap between constituents' current analytic capabilities and their demands for increased transparency. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the capabilities of the proposed ENHANCE tool and the underlying series of analytic “apps” that can provide meaningful information to a governmental entity's stakeholders.
Dimensional changes in the palate associated with slow maxillary expansion for early treatment of posterior crossbite
Authors: Bukhari Abdulkadir , Kennedy David , Hannam Alan , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Yen Edwin
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

To compare palatal symmetry, dimensions, and molar angulations following early mixed-dentition slow maxillary expansion with parameters in normal controls.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 30 patients treated with a Haas-type expander for unilateral posterior crossbite with functional shift were compared with 30 controls matched for dental age, gender, and molar relationship. Records were taken before (T1) and after expansion (T2). Palatal width, surface area, volume, and molar angulations were measured on digitized models. Surface area and volume were split in half then divided into anterior, middle, and posterior segments to measure symmetry. Student's t-test was used to assess group differences.

Results:

Mean intercanine width increased 4.65 mm, and intermolar width increased 4.76 mm. The treated mean surface area increased 127.05 mm2 compared with 10.35 mm2 in controls. The treated palatal volume increased 927.55 mm3 compared with 159.89 mm3 for controls. At T1, the controls showed significant differences in surface area and volume between the anterior palatal segments. At T2, this difference occurred in surface area of middle palatal segments of the treated sample. First permanent molars showed an increased buccal and distal inclination after treatment, opposite to controls. The increase in buccal inclination was greater on the crossbite side.

Conclusions:

The Haas-type expander results in similar expansion across the canines and first molars. A palate that is symmetrical before expansion may become asymmetric after expansion but only in the middle segment. Changes in individual molar angulation following palatal expansion can be measured without radiation imaging.
EU-Korea FTA and Its Impact on V4 Economies. A Comparative Analysis of Trade Sophistication and Intra-Industry Trade
Authors: Michalski Bartosz
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates selected short- and mid-term effects in trade in goods between the Visegrad countries (V4: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the Slovak Republic) and the Republic of Korea under the framework of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea. This Agreement is described in the “Trade for All” (2015: 9) strategy as the most ambitious trade deal ever implemented by the EU. The primary purpose of our analysis is to identify, compare, and evaluate the evolution of the technological sophistication of bilateral exports and imports. Another dimension of the paper concentrates on the developments within intra-industry trade. Moreover, these objectives are approached taking into account the context of the South Korean direct investment inflow to the V4. The evaluation of technological sophistication is based on UNCTAD’s methodology, while the intensity of intra-industry trade is measured by the GL-index and identification of its subcategories (horizontal and vertical trade). The analysis covers the timespan 2001–2015. The novelty of the paper lies in the fact that the study of South Korean-V4 trade relations has not so far been carried out from this perspective. Thus this paper investigates interesting phenomena identified in the trade between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and V4 economies. The main findings imply an impact of South Korean direct investments on trade. This is represented by the trade deficit of the V4 with ROK and the structure of bilateral trade in terms of its technological sophistication. South Korean investments might also have had positive consequences for the evolution of IIT, particularly in the machinery sector. The political interpretation indicates that they may strengthen common threats associated with the middle-income trap, particularly the technological gap and the emphasis placed on lower costs of production.
Competitiveness of the Baltic States in International High-Technology Goods Trade
Authors: Falkowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

The aim of the article is to assess the international competitiveness of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) in high-technology goods trade. To this end, Balassa’s method of analysing revealed comparative advantages (RCA) was applied. An in-depth analysis of the dynamics of RCAs in the Baltic States’ exports between 1997 and 2014 has shown that their international competitiveness in this regard is relatively low, the direct consequence of which is the growing negative trade balance in high-technology goods. Also, during the analysed period Lithuania possessed no RCAs in trading high-technology goods, while the number of advantages for Estonia and Latvia was relatively small. Still, among the three Baltic States, Estonia was found to be most competitive in this regard, although in Latvia some progress was observed. In contrast, Lithuania not only had the lowest values of RCA, but also it did not record any improvement in the analysed period.
Is Economic Integration a Historical Shock to City-size Distribution?
Authors: Sorhun Engin
Published: March 2018

Based on the assumption that the economic integration process contributes, via market reforms, to the dynamics of the space distribution in candidate countries, this study examines (i) whether agglomeration forces or dispersion forces are dominant; (ii) whether EU-integration causes a structural break to the space distribution over time; (iii) whether EU-integration makes the city-size distribution more even or uneven in eight eastern European Union members (EU–8). To carry out the analysis, the Ziwot-Andrew and Cusum Square tests are used to detect structural breaks; the ARDL Bound test is used to reveal the interaction between long-run and short-run equilibrium; and the Granger test is used to determine the direction of the causality among the variables. The main results are: the integration with the EU (i) caused a structural break to the city-size distribution, (ii) made the city-size distribution more uneven and (iii) stimulated the agglomerating forces over the spreading forces in the EU–8.
NORMATYWNE VERSUS POZYTYWNE UJĘCIE DECENTRALIZACJI FISKALNEJ A MIERNIKI DECENTRALIZACJI. ANALIZA NA PRZYKŁADZIE WYBRANYCH KRAJÓW EUROPY ŚRODKOWO‑WSCHODNIEJ
Authors: Guziejewska Beata
Published: March 2018

W artykule podjęto problem rozdźwięku pomiędzy zaleceniami teorii finansów publicznych w różnych nurtach a procesami decentralizacji w praktyce. Analiza ma charakter teoretyczno‑empiryczny. Celem rozważań jest przedstawienie dorobku teoretycznego poświęconego decentralizacji fiskalnej wraz ze wskazaniem na zalecenia doktryny i skonfrontowanie ich z tendencjami w praktyce finansów samorządowych w Polsce i wybranych krajach Europy Środkowo‑Wschodniej. W rozważaniach wykorzystano literaturę przedmiotu jak również opracowania instytucji międzynarodowych, dane Eurostatu oraz Komisji Europejskiej. Analizie komparatystycznej poddano dwie grupy państw: państwa Grupy Wyszehradzkiej oraz 3 kraje nadbałtyckie. Kraje te znacznie różnią się jeśli chodzi o zakres decentralizacji fiskalnej. Za najbardziej satysfakcjonujący proces ten można uznać na Łotwie, w Czechach i Polsce. W zakończeniu sfomułowano rekomendacje szerszego wykorzystania podatków od nieruchomości oraz tzw. dodatków do podatków państwowych.
Non-performing loans decision making in the Romanian banking system
Authors: Pop Ionuț-Daniel , Chicu Nicoleta , Răduțu Andrei
Published: March 2018

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) are representing nowadays one of the main challenges for the banking systems all over the world. Therefore, a sustainable decision-making process should be implemented, for minimizing the effects of credit risk. The current paper uses a dynamic panel regression model to present the determinants of NPLs for the largest five banks of the Romanian Banking System during 2007-2016. A Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression is used and defined under three different types of variables: bank specific indicators, macroeconomic indicators and qualitative variables. Other studies illustrated also the determinants of NPLs in various banking systems from all around the world, such as Japan, China or several CEE countries (especially the emergent ones). After an in-depth analysis of the literature and Romanian market, the following variables were found to be relevant and were introduced into a dynamic data panel model: unemployment rate, annual average growth rate of gross domestic product, return on equity (ROE), loan to deposit ratio (LTD). The existing literature presents ROE as having a negative impact on NPLs, unemployment rate being positive correlated with NPLs and a negative relationship between economic growth and such loans. Our contribution to the current literature is represented by the introduction of two additional qualitative variables (Board Risk Management Ratio (BRMR), as the proportion of risk managers within the Board of Directors of each bank in question and the Expert Aggregate Priority Vector (EAPV), as the aggregated perceived risk regarding the NPLs). The decision of introducing these variables relies on previous research made in this area, results being validated by experts from the Romanian Banking System, according to the BASEL III and NBR criteria. The results of the current paper are consistent with the existent literature, the correlations and impact of the variables being relevant for the subject matter.
The need for digital and soft skills in the Romanian business service industry
Authors: Foerster-Pastor Foerster-Metz Ulrike Stefanie , Golowko Nina
Published: March 2018

The Romanian Business Service Sector developed fast in the last decade. Today it employs more than 120 000 Head Counts and continuously grows. However, companies claim not to get the right skills from employees to pursue the digital transformation from a mere service sector towards a more value-added service. Since it has a very young working population with an average age between 26 and 35 years, it is increasingly important to review the employability skills needed by this industry to safeguard the continuation of the sector. So far, Romanian studies have been deducted reflecting the skills needed from the sector. In the first instance, these studies used the questionnaire methodology or global surveys mostly on a very holistic view (ABSL, 2017; Boşcor and Băltescu, 2014). This paper shows a new approach by deriving the skills needed by employers from their own database: job descriptions of entry positions published in companies or job boards were analyzed within a specified period, allowing an accelerated approach to defining skills needed without a too high time delay given the rapid progressing digitalization. The job descriptions are analyzed by using the method of qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2014) using specific criteria based on the literature review of employability skills. Key findings confirm demand for hard skills such as languages and IT skills such as Office Suits, Development Environments as well as higher demand for soft skills especially analysis and problem solving induced by digitalization.
New data on the distribution of Parnopes grandior (Pallas, 1771) (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) in northern Poland: habitat conditions propitious to this rare cuckoo-wasp species
Authors: Twerd Lucyna , Banaszak Józef
Published: March 2018

Parnopes grandior is a species that until recently was on the brink of extinction in Poland. Current data, however, indicates that it is expanding north-westwards. Most records of this species come from after the year 2000, primarily in northern Poland, especially in the north-eastern part of the country. Simultaneously, our research has shown that anthropogenic habitats like sand quarries and military training grounds are optimal sites for P. grandior.
First record of Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, 1835 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Poland
Authors: Wanat Marek
Published: March 2018

Stenopelmus rufinasus, a North American weevil introduced to Europe along with the invasive aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides, has been recorded from Poland for the first time. Its locality is a natural oxbow lake of the River Odra in Wrocław, the only city in Poland where A. filiculoides has been repeatedly recorded over the last dozen years. The diagnostic characters of this weevil species, its biology, current distribution in Europe and its prospects in Poland are discussed.
Impact of refugee population on development: A comparative analysis for the case of host economies
Authors: Kouni Mohamed
Published: March 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between refugees and development in host economies from a macroeconomic point of view. The results obtained show that this relationship is non-linear. The empirical results demonstrate that refugees have a positive and significant direct effect in high and lower-middle-income countries. A positive and significant indirect effect of refugees through labor force and RD channels is also present in the same groups. In upper-middle-income and low-income countries, the direct effect of refugees is negative and significant. Similarly, the indirect effect of the refugee population on development through labor force channel is also negative and statistically significant. However, the indirect effect of refugees through RD channel is statistically significant only for the low-income country group.
Cardiovascular risk factors in a Roma sample population from Romania
Authors: Weiss Emma , Japie Cristina , Balahura Ana Maria , Bartos Daniela , Badila Elisabeta
Published: March 2018

Background. The Roma population has a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher mortality, and shorter life expectancy. It is found in the largest number in Romania, but published data are still scarce here. We studied cardiovascular risk factors and disease along with target organ damage on a population of Roma inhabitants from Bucharest, Romania.

Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 806 Roma subjects (18-83 years), in a community-based participatory research manner. Demographics included anthropometric data, a questionnaire on social status, education, medical history, and health deleterious behaviors. Medical evaluation included clinical examination, blood pressure, ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity measurements, blood tests (complete blood count, lipid profile, glucose, creatinine, uric acid), dip-stick microalbuminuria, dilated fundoscopy, ECG, and echocardiography.

Results. Prevalence of all cardiovascular risk factors was high, peaking in abnormal lipid metabolism (82.13%), heavy smoking (63.02% including ex-smokers) and obesity (50.99%). The first and the latter were actually similar to the general population in Romania. Almost half of subjects were at high or very high risk for fatal cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions. The study shows that the Roma population in a more affluent region in Romania shares a similarly high cardiovascular burden to their surrounding community.
CARACTERÍSTICAS FITOTERAPÊUTICAS DA ALOE VERA
Authors: Souza José Ricardo Sampaio , Da Silva Rai Henrique , ZANACHI João Aldo
Published: March 2018

A fitoterapia é a utilização de plantas para tratamento de enfermidades. Essa técnica de tratamento evolui-o junto com a espécie humana, mas sem perder a forma tradicional de preparo, que é passado de geração a geração. No Brasil, por ser um país multicultural, ocorrem muitas maneiras de preparo para a mesma planta, como é o caso da Aloe vera, conhecida popularmente como babosa. Este estudo tem como referência a pesquisa descritiva exploratória bibliográfica com o objetivo descrever as características terapêuticas da Aloe vera, planta originaria de regiões tropicas e utilizada a milhares de anos pela humanidade para fins terapêuticos ou estáticos. Foram catalogadas mais de 300 espécies, porém as com maior utilização são as espécies Aloe arborescens e Aloe barbadensis. No gel mucilaginoso do interior de suas folhas é encontrado um complexo de substancias como vitaminas, aminoácidos e polissacarídeos; que são responsáveis pela ação cicatrizante, antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, imunomoduladora, antioxidante e hidratante. Atualmente vem sendo utilizada na fabricação de cosméticos, produtos de limpeza, pomadas e sucos nutritivos. Apesar de muitos pesquisadores defenderem o uso da babosa e seus poderes terapêuticos, em novembro de 2011 a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária proibiu a comercialização de produtos à base da Aloe vera para fins alimentícios, alegando que não há comprovação cientifica e a existência de substancias mutagânicas com ação ao longo prazo, assim sendo, legislação atualmente permitiu apenas o externo como fitoterápico e a liberação do seu uso interno (Oral) somente como aromatizante e corante no ramo de alimentos.
ANÁLISE MICROBIOLÓGICA E FÍSICO-QUÍMICA DE UMA ESTAÇÃO DE TRATAMENTO DE ESGOTO DA CIDADE DE SANTA FÉ DO SUL- SP
Authors: Fernando DIAS Caio , Leonel PEREIRA Érick Vinícius , Marcolino DIAS Vinicius , Moreira de SOUZA Andreia Estela
Published: March 2018

A qualidade e eficiência de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto (ETE) é regulamentada de acordo com os parâmetros físicos, químicos e microbiológicos. A qualidade do efluente final deve passar por um controle rigoroso quanto aos padrões pré-estabelecidos, diminuindo os riscos ambientais. Embora a ETE de Santa Fé do Sul seja monitorada pela CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de SÃ£o Paulo) um estudo científico sobre sua eficácia nunca foi realizado. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficácia do tratamento de esgoto de uma Estação de Tratamento de Santa Fé do Sul/ SP como forma de analisar impactos resultantes no ambiente. Para isso, foram analisadas amostras de três pontos da ETE: chegada do esgoto, lagoa de depuração e efluente. Verificou-se a contaminação microbiológica pelo análise das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) em meio de cultura, pH, Demanda Bioquí­mica de Oxigênio (DBO) e condições físicas do local. Em relação a DBO, o esgoto recebido é classificado como forte (DBO maior que 400 mg/L). O efluente (tratado) apresentou DBO 210 mg/L, com redução inferior a 60 mg/L ou inferior a 80% em relação ao inicial,  sendo inapto para lançamento no ambiente. O pH variou entre 7 e 9, estando dentro dos valores permitidos pela legislação vigente. A contaminação microbiana apresentou índices maiores do que o permitido pela legislação (109-1010 UFC/100mL). As bactérias predominantes foram principalmente bacilos gram-negativos. Os resultados indicam que o efluente da ETE analisada não está apto para lançamento, devendo o seu tratamento ser adaptado a fim de evitar impactos ambientais.
GERENCIAMENTO DE RESÍDUO DE SERVIÇO DE SAÚDE DE UM HOSPITAL DO INTERIOR SULMATOGROSSENSE
Authors: Martins de PAULA Bruno César , Ferreira da SILVA Regis Sidmar , De SOUZA Thiago Rodrigo , Costa MARTINS Carmem
Published: March 2018

Resíduo é qualquer material considerado inútil, sem valor gerado pelo homem e descartado no meio ambiente. Os Resíduos Serviços de Saúde (RSS) é uma parte importante do resí­duo sólido não pelo volume gerado, mas pelo seu potencial de risco à saúde e ao meio ambiente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar o sistema de gerenciamento dos RSS do Hospital Fundação Estatal Saúde de Aparecida do Taboado. Foram analisadas as seguintes etapas do manejo: segregação, acondicionamento, identificação, transporte interno, armazenamento temporário e segurança ocupacional. Foram visitadas todas as unidades que compõem o hospital e pesado por quatro vezes durante um mês os RSS do grupo A, antes e após separação de resíduos possivelmente recicláveis considerados do grupo D. Identificou-se que são gerados resíduos dos grupos A, B, D e E, a segregação é feita corretamente somente resíduos do grupo A. A coleta interna e externa não oferece esforço excessivo ao funcionário, entretanto não é utilizado equipamento de proteção individual, as unidades não possuem entrada e saí­da exclusiva para a coleta, exceto o centro cirúrgico. Os abrigos dos resíduos não são adequados, porém são suficientes para armazenar a produção da semana, não possuem identificação e simbologia conforme orientado pela legislação. Os resultados permitem sugerir que o hospital realiza as etapas do manejo de forma parcial, necessitando assim de reestruturar o gerenciamento dos RSS.
COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE FILTROS TELA PARA CAPTAÇÃO E ARMAZENAMENTO DE ÁGUAS PLUVIAIS EM ÁREA URBANA PARA FINS NÃO POTÁVEIS
Authors: ULIAN Estevan Henrique , RAMOS Cleber Alessandro , Jacomini Moreira da SILVA Marcelo
Published: March 2018

A escassez ou mau uso da água, bem como sua desuniforme distribuição geográfica e sazonalidade, gera déficit em diferentes situações ao redor de todo o planeta. Com o crescimento desordenado e o aumento do consumo de água desacelerado, surge uma alternativa para possível solução desse problema. A captação de água de chuva é uma solução que pode diminuir o consumo de água tratada fornecida pela concessionária, entretanto, existem desafios a serem vencidos, tais como a irregularidade da ocorrência das precipitações e a qualidade da água a ser captada e armazenada. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho é comparar a eficiência de três filtros-tela simples diferenciando-os na tela constituinte, definindo qual melhor se adaptou ao experimento. O estudo conta com análises de turbidez e pH, sendo coletadas as amostras antes e depois da passagem da água pelo filtro com um intervalo de 10 minutos entre uma coleta e outra. A concepção é criar um sistema de captação de água de chuva com simplicidade técnica, de baixo custo, composto por tubos PVC e um barril de 200 litros. A metodologia contará com análises de água pluvial para turbidez e pH utilizando-se tela filtrante, objetivando análises comparativas entre três filtros, diferenciando-os na tela filtrante. O estudo demonstrou que é possí­vel obter água para reuso com valores de turbidez inferiores a 2,0 uT, tal como recomenda a norma técnica ABNT NBR 15.527/2007.
The Trajectories of Perennial Crops Cover Change in Relationship with Forest Cover Change in Bao Lam District, Lam Dong Province
Authors: Toan Le Quang , Cu Pham Van , Thanh Bui Quang
Published: March 2018

Abstract: The expansion of perennial crops area plays an important role for supporting the human livelihood in the Central Highlands, so have negative impacts on deforestation and sustainable development. Remote sensing and GIS were used to analyze the trajectories of perennial crops cover change in relationship with deforestation. The Logistic regression models were used to analyze proximate reasons and spatial changing determinants of main land cover changes for the period 2004-2016 of Bảo Lâm district. The result show that the perennial crops changes are indicator for deforestation in Bảo Lâm district with high deforestation rate 0,8% per year caused by the expansion of annual crops, blind area and the expansion of perennial crops. The facile accessed forest and suitable forest area for perennial crops have more destroyed. The trajectories of perennial crops and forest cover changes are important scientific towards sustainable development.