bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poisson-Fermi Formulation of Nonlocal Electrostatics in Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Liu Jinn-Liang , Xie Dexuan , Eisenberg Bob
Published: November 2017

We present a nonlocal electrostatic formulation of nonuniform ions and water molecules with interstitial voids that uses a Fermi-like distribution to account for steric and correlation efects in electrolyte solutions. The formulation is based on the volume exclusion of hard spheres leading to a steric potential and Maxwell’s displacement field with Yukawa-type interactions resulting in a nonlocal electric potential. The classical Poisson-Boltzmann model fails to describe steric and correlation effects important in a variety of chemical and biological systems, especially in high field or large concentration conditions found in and near binding sites, ion channels, and electrodes. Steric effects and correlations are apparent when we compare nonlocal Poisson-Fermi results to Poisson-Boltzmann calculations in electric double layer and to experimental measurements on the selectivity of potassium channels for K+ over Na+.
Laser Labial Frenectomy in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kacarska Marina , Gjorovska Maja , Dzipunova Biljana
Published: November 2017

The paper presents the specifics of a laser-assisted labial frenectomy in a pediatric patient, with emphasis on the surgical technique, the laser parameters, patient’s compliance and postoperative outcome. A 9-year-old girl was referred to the University Department of Oral Surgery for labial frenectomy for orthodontic reasons. The clinical examination and evaluation revealed the presence of an aberrant labial frenum (class IV according to Placeket et al.) and a 3 mm wide medial diastema. A penetrating frenum caused a significant problem in the closure of the diastema during the orthodontic treatment, and a frenectomy was indicated. A conventional frenectomy is carried out with a scalpel excision followed by placement of few stitches. Some degree of post-operative discomfort as well as the need for a return visit to remove the stitches can be anticipated. The patient was in good general health but anxious about the surgical intervenetion, and hence Er. YAG laser frenectomy was suggested. The surgery was performed with Er.YAG laser (Fotona Fidelis III) and a non-contact hand piece, working with long pulse mode (LP), energy (E) of 120 mJ, frequency of 15 Hz and power of 1.80 W. The surgery was fast and easy to perform. The cooperation with the patient during treatment was excellent. The bleeding was scarce and the visibility was not compromised. Sutures were not necessary. The postoperative period was uneventful, pain-free, without swelling or signs of infection. No painkillers or antibiotics were used. A fibrin coating was visible the following day. The wound healing process was completed three weeks after surgery, with minimal scar. This laser is suitable to be used in soft-tissue proceduresin pediatric patients.
Non-invasive Prenatal Determination of Fetal Maturity
Authors: Dzikova Elena , Dimitrov Goran , Stojceva-Taneva Olivera
Published: November 2017

Aims. The prenatal prediction of fetal maturity is very important, since neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the biggest causes of neonatal mortality.

Our aim was to investigate a new non-invasive method for prediction of fetal maturity and to determine in which group according to gestational age of the fetus, the treatment works the best and in which cases it is necessary to be repeated.

Methods. We examined 60 patients (30 with impending preterm delivery, divided in 3 groups: 28-30, 30-32, and 32-34 gestational weeks and 30 controls), at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Skopje, R. Macedonia.

Fetal maturity was examined using ultrasound histogram from fetal lungs and liver, correlated with gestational age and postpartum RDS. Where possible, we performed amniocentesis for lamellar body count (LBC) to correlate our results with the current invasive method for prediction of fetal maturity.

Results. Pre-therapy investigation showed a strong fetal immaturity in 28-32 weeks of gestation and less evident fetal immaturity in 32-34 weeks of gestation. Seventy-two hours post-treatment, fetal maturation was low in the first group, higher in the second and the highest in the third group. Amniocentesis for LBC showed correlation with the ultrasound results. Postpartum results were correlated with pre-delivery ultrasound and showed significance of p <0.05.

Conclusion. The results obtained in our study were with high significance, and they were in correlation with other similar studies. However, more extensive investigations should be made to replace the current invasive technique.
Existence results for fractional integro-differential inclusions with state-dependent delay
Authors: Siracusa Giovana , Henríquez Hernán R. , Cuevas Claudio
Published: November 2017

In this paper we are concerned with a class of abstract fractional integro-differential inclusions with infinite state-dependent delay. Our approach is based on the existence of a resolvent operator for the homogeneous equation.We establish the existence of mild solutions using both contractive maps and condensing maps. Finally, an application to the theory of heat conduction in materials with memory is given.
The crystal structure of trans-tetraaqua-bis(p-tolylsulfinato-κO)calcium(II)), C14H22O8S2Ca
Authors: Xi-Shi Tai , Peng-Fei Li
Published: November 2017

C14H22O8S2Ca, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.349(3) Å, b = 5.0828(10) Å, c = 12.183(2) Å, β = 109.29(3)°, V = 955.5(3) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0376, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1129, T = 293(2)K.
Crystal structure of (E)-3-(pyren-1-yl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C24H15NO
Authors: Huang Qiu-Ying , Wang Hong-Ying , Ren Su-Juan , Meng Xiang-Ru
Published: November 2017

C24H15NO, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.3161(3) Å, b = 5.53330(10) Å, c = 29.2019(7) Å, β = 97.341(1)°, V = 1653.24(7) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0423, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1344, T = 294(2) K.
Characterization of tomato growth and fruit quality under foliar ammonium sprays
Authors: Souri Mohammad Kazem , Dehnavard Sara
Published: November 2017

This study was done to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ammonium sulfate on growth and fruit quality of tomato plants under hydroponic culture system. Over four months of tomato plant growth, plants were sprayed once per week with different concentrations of ammonium sulfate (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM), as well as with 50 mM every second day. Foliar application of ammonium sulfate led to reductions in many growth and quality parameters, and higher ammonium concentrations exerted greater reductions. Number of leaves, fresh weight of shoots, percentage of leaf dry weight and fruit yield were negatively associated with the treatment with ammonium sulfate. However, leaf nitrogen concentration, fruit diameter and fruit length increased significantly by the application of ammonium. Fruit quality factors were also affected by ammonium sulfate spray treatments. The maximum pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids (TSS) were obtained from the lowest (50 mM) weekly application of ammonium sulfate. The results indicate that foliar application of ammonium in moderate concentrations could have beneficial effects on plant growth and quality of tomato fruit.
The Two Meanings of Sound Symbolism
Authors: Elsen Hilke
Published: November 2017

This article deals with sound symbolism and the ways to interpret sound symbolic phenomena. Sound symbolism appears to be a universal phenomenon but linguists tend to neglect it or offer heterogeneous approaches and definitions. This paper is concerned with the role of motivation, as assumed in cases like cuckoo, and the question whether some sound symbolic effects might be the result of acquired statistical knowledge about the language system. The author argues that several aspects of sound symbolism such as natural/iconic or habitual relationships between sound and (facets of) referents interact but should be considered separately to gain a more realistic insight into the working of sound symbolism.
Synthesis, characterization and cellulose dissolution capabilities of ammonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs)
Authors: Javed Fatima , Ullah Faheem , Akil Hazizan Md.
Published: November 2017

Green synthesis of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), are presented as friendly and challenging solvents for the effective dissolution of oil palm-lignocellulosic biomass. A series of Bronsted acidic-ionic liquids were prepared by the direct neutralization of diethyl dimethyl ammonium hydroxide with several (economical and environmental friendly) Bronsted acids as RTILs. The structural and physicochemical characterization was performed by applying various techniques as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta-nanosizer and dynamic light scattering (DLS) respectively, to state the effect of anion on the extended cellulose dissolution capabilities of the synthesized RTILs under mild conditions. As a polysaccharide solvent, diethyl dimethyl ammonium phosphate (A1P) showed the extreme capability to extract 65 % of cellulose from biomass without any pretreatment for 30 min. The present study could be a significant step toward the synthesis of efficient RTILs and generating upgraded cellulose for Hi-tech engineered composites and energy concerns.
Potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers family as substitutes of petroleum based polymers for packaging applications and solutions brought by their composites to form barrier materials
Authors: Keskin Gülsah , Kızıl Gülnur , Bechelany Mikhael , Pochat-Bohatier Céline , Öner Mualla
Published: November 2017

Today, there is an increasing concern about protection of ecological systems. Petro-based synthetic polymers are not biodegradable and cause environmental pollution. These polymers that are stuck in nature, affect wildlife adversely. Also, in future petrochemical materials will drain away and demand for eco-friendly plastics which can substitute synthetic plastics will increase. Biopolymers are products which can be degraded by enzymatic activities of various microorganisms, and the degradation products are nontoxic. They are attractive alternatives to non-degradable materials in short-term applications such as packaging. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a member of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family which is biodegradable and produced by microorganism. It has good gas barrier properties that make it convenient to use in different applications. The present paper gives an overview on PHAs and their composites, their main properties, with a specific focus on potential applications of PHBV in packaging.
Evaluating the potential of natural surfactants in the petroleum industry: the case of hydrophobins
Authors: Blesic Marijana , Dichiarante Valentina , Milani Roberto , Linder Markus , Metrangolo Pierangelo
Published: November 2017

Enhancing oil recovery from currently available reservoirs is a major issue for petroleum companies. Among the possible strategies towards this, chemical flooding through injection of surfactants into the wells seems to be particularly promising, thanks to their ability to reduce oil/water interfacial tension that promotes oil mobilization. Environmental concerns about the use of synthetic surfactants led to a growing interest in their replacement with surfactants of biological origin, such as lipopeptides and glycolipids produced by several microorganisms. Hydrophobins are small amphiphilic proteins produced by filamentous fungi with high surface activity and good emulsification properties, and may represent a novel sustainable tool for this purpose. We report here a thorough study of their stability and emulsifying performance towards a model hydrocarbon mixture, in conditions that mimic those of real oil reservoirs (high salinity and high temperature). Due to the moderate interfacial tension reduction induced in such conditions, the application of hydrophobins in enhanced oil recovery techniques does not appear feasible at the moment, at least in absence of co-surfactants. On the other hand, the obtained results showed the potential of hydrophobins in promoting the formation of a gel-like emulsion ‘barrier’ at the oil/water interface.
The risk of developing a contact allergy to materials present in diving suits and diving equipment
Authors: Gadomski Krzysztof , Siermontowski Piotr , Dąbrowiecki Zbigniew , Olszaski Romuald
Published: November 2017

Allergic contact eczema is the most common occupational skin disease caused by allergens. Thus far, no research has been conducted in Poland in relation to the development of contact allergies amongst divers resulting from particular diving suit components. A group of 86 divers were examined using allergy patch tests. Standard products of contact allergy diagnostics were used containing 40 allergens.
Application of the optimal homotopy asymptotic method to nonlinear Bingham fluid dampers
Authors: Marinca Vasile , Ene Remus-Daniel , Bereteu Liviu
Published: November 2017

Dynamic response time is an important feature for determining the performance of magnetorheological (MR) dampers in practical civil engineering applications. The objective of this paper is to show how to use the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) to give approximate analytical solutions of the nonlinear differential equation of a modified Bingham model with non-viscous exponential damping. Our procedure does not depend upon small parameters and provides us with a convenient way to optimally control the convergence of the approximate solutions. OHAM is very efficient in practice for ensuring very rapid convergence of the solution after only one iteration and with a small number of steps.
HEALTH SELF-ASSESSMENT IN PRESENTLY AND PREVIOUSLY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE AGED 45-89 YEARS
Authors: Kotarska Katarzyna , Nowak Maria Alicja
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Health behaviours, such as physical activity, are important elements in human life. They are particularly significant and crucial for the elderly in adapting to the new challenges in their daily life. One important indicator of the health status of individuals in the post-working age is its self-assessment. The aim of the study was to determine the self-assessment of the health status of people aged 45-89 years physically active at present and in the past. Material and methods. The research was based on purposeful sampling and was carried out as part of courses related to the physical mobilisation of elderly people held at the Poznań Academy of Physical Education faculty in Gorzów Wielkopolski and at the Faculty of Physical Culture and Health Promotion at the University of Szczecin. The research involved 300 parents and grandparents of the students taking courses at the two universities. Data were collected by means of a diagnostic survey carried out using questionnaires and interviews. Results. Women constituted the majority of respondents and had a higher self-assessment of their health than the men in each age group. The highest self-assessments were reported by urban dwellers, parents, and younger people. People who were physically active (currently and previously) - practising sports, travelling, going away on holiday, and taking care of their health (by doing rehabilitation or going to a sanatorium) - or professionally active also had a higher self-assessment of their health. Conclusions. Studying the elderly is important not only for diagnosing diseases but also for identifying prevention activities. Knowledge of the types of behaviour that are conducive to health and ways of modifying them, supported by positive behaviour patterns, should contribute to improving the health of society.
Language Proficiency and Cultural Identity as Two Facets of the Acculturation Process
Authors: Kmiotek Łukasz
Published: November 2017

This article describes a cross-cultural study comparing bicultural identity of first generation Poles and high school students in the Rhône Alpes region (France), as well as French language university students in Poland. Studies show that two components, language and identity, are related. This article intends to answer questions regarding the relationship between the migrant’s bicultural identity and language proficiency. Bilingualism is operationalized as (i) listening comprehension and (ii) bidirectional translation. The results do not confirm that there is a relation between bilingual skills and identification with shared French and Polish values. Cultural identity appears to be inversely related to country of residence: Polish identity is strongest amongst immigrant youth in France and French identity is strongest amongst Polish students of French language and culture. These identities run in opposite direction to language competencies. The results suggest internalization of one of the cultures' negative stereotypes towards the other or towards itself.
The Need to Respect the Principles of Force Protection During Peace Support Operations
Authors: Manolache Eusebio A.
Published: November 2017

The current area of military actions is different from that of the last century and constantly changing. Peace support operations are current and dominate the future actions. Therefore, attention is turning to this type of military operations, and the physical and material resources allocated are progressively increasing. Although they are operations conducted in order to achieve the peace, troops continue to face opponents with different goals and ways of thinking. Thus comes the necessity of using force to restore the security climate. The mission in Afghanistan that lasted long time enough, showed why military interventions are needed to redress the conflicts and enforce the peace. In this respect, to act as expected, the military must be provided with effective protective measures. Several areas of action were equipped with advanced systems that prevent enemy actions to alter the life and health of the military. These measures should be continuously updated, since the environment is constantly changing and the challenges are always different.
A Profile of a Strategic Leader under the Leadership Law in the Czech Armed Forces
Authors: Kosecová Janka , Cupák Petr
Published: November 2017

From a certain point of view, it can be said that leadership and management are two different things that go hand in hand and complement each other. A number of authors dealing with this issue have long tried to define the exact boundaries between these terms, which, however, may not be entirely beneficial. It is desirable rather to seek appropriate interconnection of both areas in order to ensure the continuous development of the organization. For this reason, the concepts of strategic management, strategic thinking and knowledge management have been clarified. It is possible to apply strategic leadership in the Czech Armed Forces in the right way only by assuming that these areas are used correctly. The aim of the article is to present the current leader profile at a strategic level under the Leadership laws, using the theory developed by major author John Calvin Maxwell. The article details the results of the questionnaire survey. The strong, average and weak areas of leadership capabilities of the organization's top management are clearly identified. In conclusion, the most important recommendations are proposed to improve the current situation.
External Resources in Military Logistics – Theory and Implementation
Authors: Morong Stanislav
Published: November 2017

The article focuses on the specific status of the Armed Forces in the implementation of outsourcing, as one of the cost-benefit optimization methods in military practice. The author points out the need for a comprehensive and strategic monitoring and estimation of the costs, as an elementary assumption of the effective use of public financial resources. Implications of projects implemented without adequate economic analysis are shown on the example of the services outsourcing in military logistics in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.
Evaluation Criteria for the Respiratory Function of the Divers
Authors: Stanciu Tamara , Adumitresi Cecilia
Published: November 2017

The respiratory effort in hyperbaric conditions is of particular nature, leading to an increase of the respiratory flow of the diver and to the change of their pulmonary volumes. There are important criteria in the selection process of the most suitable divers. Some of these criteria are related to the respiratory function. In order to evaluate the divers respiratory function an examination of the pulmonary volumes is performed in regards to their variations measured by spirometry, of the increased oxygen consumption in hyperbaric conditions and of the production of carbon dioxide during the unitary dive at the depth of work using air as a respiratory mixture. The physical and physiological phenomena involved in the hyperbaric respiration have been studied in cooperation with “Ovidius” University of Constanta, Faculty of Medicine. A specific medical method of evaluation of the pulmonary ventilation, spirometry, the measurement of forced expiratory volume in the first second of a forced expiration, Tiffneau index, have been adapted to the under pressure breathing environment. The parameters have been studied as experimental determinations on diver groups, during simulated diving, using air as a respiratory mixture, at 50 [mH2O] in the Hyperbaric Complex of the Diving Centre
Minimally invasive electrochemotherapy procedure for treating nasal duct tumors in dogs using a single needle electrode
Authors: Maglietti Felipe , Tellado Matías , Olaiz Nahuel , Michinski Sebastian , Marshall Guillermo
Published: November 2017

Background

Nasal cavity tumors are usually diagnosed late, when they already have infiltrated adjacent tissues thus requiring very aggressive treatments with serious side effects. Here we use electrochemotherapy (ECT), a well demonstrated treatment modality for superficial tumors.

Materials and methods

In the case of deep-seated tumors, the main limitation of ECT is reaching the tumor with an appropriate electric field. To overcome this limitation we introduce the single needle electrode (SiNE), a minimally invasive device that can deliver an appropriate electric field with a simple procedure. Twenty-one canine patients with spontaneous tumors were selected, eleven were treated using the SiNE with ECT, and ten with surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy as a control group.

Results

In the SiNE group, 27% achieved a complete response, 64% had a partial response, and 9% had a stable disease. This means that 91% of objective responses were obtained. The mean overall survival was 16.86 months (4–32 months, median 16.5 months), with a survival rate significantly higher (p = 0.0008) when compared with control group. The only side effect observed was the inflammation of the treated nasal passage, which was controlled with corticosteroid therapy for one week. One year after the treatment, 60% of the canine of the SiNE group vs. 10% of the control group remained alive, and after the 32 months follow-up, the survival rate were 30% and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions

ECT with the SiNE can be safely used in canine to treat nasal tumors with encouraging results.
Trainee involvement increases precut rates and delays access to the common bile duct without an increase in procedure-related adverse events: a brave new world of ERCP training?
Authors: Voiosu Theodor , Voiosu Andrei , Benguş Andreea , Rimbaş Mihai , Mateescu Bogdan
Published: November 2017

Background and aims. Selective cannulation of the desired duct is a key element in ERCP procedures and an important step in the training of fellows. However, there is limited data about technical success and patient safety for ERCPs conducted in a training setting.We aimed to evaluate the impact of trainee involvement on the cannulation technique and procedure related outcomes at ERCP.

Materials and methods. We conducted an observational study of all ERCP conducted in an endoscopy unit with an on-going training program. Patient related data and procedure-related data (method of cannulation, time to cannulation, degree of trainee involvement, technical success and procedure-related adverse events) were collected using a standard form. The method of cannulation, time to cannulation and procedure-related adverse events were compared between ERCPs with trainee involvement and those without.

Results. 641 consecutive ERCPs were evaluated and 474 native papilla cases performed by 4 trainers and 3 trainees were included in the final analysis. Trainees were involved in 171 procedures (36.1%), achieving cannulation of the desired duct in 50.8% of the cases. Cannulation rates were similar in the trainee group compared to the control group (91.7% vs. 88.7%) and there was no increase in the rate of adverse events. However, cannulation time was significantly longer in the trainee group with a significant increase in the rate of precut use (32.1% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions. Trainee involvement resulted in longer cannulation times and increased use of precut sphincterotomy, but, was not associated with an increased risk of procedure related adverse events.
Parametric estimation for linear stochastic differential equations driven by sub-fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Prakasa Rao B. L. S.
Published: November 2017

We investigate the asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood
estimator and Bayes estimator of the drift parameter for stochastic
processes satisfying linear stochastic differential equations driven
by a sub-fractional Brownian motion. We also obtain a Bernstein–von Mises type theorem for this class of processes.
Low Temperature Refrigeration as an Alternative Anti-Pest Treatment of Dates
Authors: Lallouche Ahmed , Kolodyaznaya Valentina , Boulkrane Mohamed Said , Baranenko Denis
Published: November 2017

Large amounts of dates are produced and consumed around the world each year. Apomyelois ceratoniae causes main losses during storage and export of date fruit. Fumigation is the most widely used treatment to prevent postharvest losses. However, this treatment negatively affects the biological value of dates, environmental and economic parameters of production. Widespread fumigation agent methyl bromide is toxic to a human body and contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer. The aim of the current work was to find a new method based on the use of low temperature refrigeration to reduce the pest and insect infestation preserving the nutritive value of dates during cold storage at the same time. A. ceratoniae mortality under different temperatures and dates respiration rate, sugar, organic acids, pectic substances content and sensorial characteristics were studied. The results indicate that at −18 °С the A. ceratonie larva dies within 2 h, the eggs and larvae - within 24 h respectively. Thus, it is clearly shown that there is no need in using chemicals or irradiation to prevent dates pests. Physicochemical and organoleptic proprieties of dates were satisfactory during 360 d at −18 °С and during 180 d at +4 °С. The low temperature refrigeration and storage at −18 °С is recommended for dates to prevent pests and quality losses. It is apparently advantageous for environment and climate if compared with other anti-pest treatment variants.
From CSR to Customer Loyalty: An Empirical Investigation in the Retail Banking Industry of a Developing Country
Authors: Moisescu Ovidiu-Ioan
Published: November 2017

The objective of the current paper is to investigate the impact of customers’ perceptions of their service providers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) on customer loyalty, bringing relevant and useful insights regarding the nature of this relationship in the retail banking industry, and in the particular context of a developing country. The objective was accomplished by planning and implementing a consumer survey among a sample of 1449 Romanian retail banking customers, using an item-pool drawn up from the literature. The observed variables were grouped into several reflective latent variables, and afterwards included into a multiple regression model. The results indicate that customers’ loyalty towards retail banking companies is significantly and positively impacted by how customers perceive their providers’ CSR. Moreover, analyzing each category of responsibilities individually, banks’ responsibility towards their customers can be emphasized as being the most important dimension in our research context. The results convey practical implications for customer loyalty enhancement in a European developing country’s retail banking industry, by identifying those CSR dimensions on which organizations should focus on within their CSR policies implementation and communication.
Modeling Conditional Volatility of Indian Banking Sector’s Stock Market Returns
Authors: Singh Amanjot
Published: November 2017

The study attempts to capture conditional variance of Indian banking sector’s stock market returns across the years 2005 to 2015 by employing different GARCH based symmetric and asymmetric models. The results report existence of persistency as well as leverage effects in the banking sector return volatility. On an expected note, the global financial crisis increased conditional volatility in the Indian banking sector during the years 2007 to 2009; further evidenced from Markov regime switches. The exponential GARCH (EGARCH) model is found to be the best fit model capturing time-varying variance in the banking sector. The results support strong implications for the market participants at the time of devising portfolio management strategies.
Motivational Factors: Drivers Behind Women Entrepreneurs’ Decision to Start an Entrepreneurial Venture in Croatia
Authors: Fosić Ivana , Kristić Jelena , Trusić Ana
Published: November 2017

A decision to start a business is not easy because it is result of the economic conditions, cultural context, but also “push” and “pull” factors. In order to determine woman motivational factors, a survey of 1,157 Eastern Croatia respondents was conducted. The purpose of the research was to determine which motivations the potential future entrepreneurs believe trigger women entrepreneurs’ decision to start an entrepreneurial venture. The results show that women are considered to be financially motivated. The fact that real-life women entrepreneurs from previous research have stated slightly different motivations shows that there is room for improvement of entrepreneurship education.
Approximate maximum likelihood estimation for population genetic inference
Authors: Bertl Johanna , Ewing Gregory , Kosiol Carolin , Futschik Andreas
Published: November 2017

In many population genetic problems, parameter estimation is obstructed by an intractable likelihood function. Therefore, approximate estimation methods have been developed, and with growing computational power, sampling-based methods became popular. However, these methods such as Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) can be inefficient in high-dimensional problems. This led to the development of more sophisticated iterative estimation methods like particle filters. Here, we propose an alternative approach that is based on stochastic approximation. By moving along a simulated gradient or ascent direction, the algorithm produces a sequence of estimates that eventually converges to the maximum likelihood estimate, given a set of observed summary statistics. This strategy does not sample much from low-likelihood regions of the parameter space, and is fast, even when many summary statistics are involved. We put considerable efforts into providing tuning guidelines that improve the robustness and lead to good performance on problems with high-dimensional summary statistics and a low signal-to-noise ratio. We then investigate the performance of our resulting approach and study its properties in simulations. Finally, we re-estimate parameters describing the demographic history of Bornean and Sumatran orang-utans.
Peter Konwitschny, Opera and Theatre Director Shaping the Profile of the Bratislava Opera of a New Millennium
Authors: Mojžišová Michaela
Published: November 2017

The paper examines the work of the acclaimed German opera and theatre director Peter Konwitschny at the Opera of the Slovak National Theatre. The authoress bases herself on an analysis of the productions of Eugen Onegin (2005) [Eugene Onegin], by Tchaikovsky, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (2007) and Bohéma (2013) [La bohème], Janáček‘s Vec Makropulos (2015) [The Makropulos Affair], and Halévy‘s Židovka (2017) [La Juive], all of which, save for Janáček‘s opera, the Opera of the Slovak National Theatre has borrowed from foreign theatre scenes. The authoress makes a stocklist of the basic principles of Konwitschny’s direction signature and his contribution to theatre production, as well as to the artistic ensemble of the Bratislava Opera.
Anxious Affinities: How Theatrical Performance Can Generate a Platform for Interpersonal Dialogue
Authors: Motal Jan
Published: November 2017

The article combines both philosophical and psychological approaches to argue that art and theatre performance especially can be grasped as a revelation of the universal and basic human concern, which is existential anxiety. The author presents an opinion, that via performative acts on stage, spectators and performers/actors are interconnected in hermeneutic situation (Hans-Georg Gadamer), in which they play their existential experience. Therefore, the universal death anxiety (Irvin D. Yalom) can be understood as a possible platform for interpersonal and intercultural dialogue (Martin Buber). The article concludes, that archetypes (Carl Gustav Jung) are such a place for mutual understanding, representing both mental and physical answers to the basic existential experience of humankind.
The problematics of truth and solidarity in Peirce’s rhetoric
Authors: Liszka James
Published: November 2017

A strong case can be made that Peirce’s formal rhetoric is primarily a theory of inquiry. Peirce’s convergence theory of truth requires a community of inquiry enduring indefinitely over time. Such a community, then, must promote “solidarity” in Peirce’s terms, a consistent practice of cooperation among inquirers over generations. One of the tasks of his formal rhetoric, then, is to analyze the conditions for solidarity. Using Peirce’s framework of a belief-desire model for practical action, solidarity can be promoted if there are commonly desired ends and a consensus of beliefs about the best means to attain those ends in inquiry. Peirce recognizes, however, that the community of inquiry is constituted with different types of inquirers who have different purposes for inquiry. He divides them among the “pure” theoretical scientists, applied scientists and practical inquirers – the general public – who are interested in the practical applications that can bring betterment to their lives. It is argued here that Peirce’s apparent inconsistencies concerning the role and purpose of science can be attributed to cautions addressed to each of these different audiences. The remainder of the paper explores the problematics of solidarity in a community of inquirers who have different ends for inquiry, and how Peirce attempts to address the puzzles and paradoxes that result.
Rethinking ideology: Greimas’s semiotics, neomarxism, and cultural anthropology
Authors: Keršytė Nijolė
Published: November 2017

Ideology is commonly seen today from two points of view, which, although opposed, support each other. For some, ideology no longer has a place in postmodern society; for others it is still an opium, a pathology that must be cured. A different stand-point is defended here, based on the conception of ideology in Greimas’s semiotics. Underlying any human action directed towards values, ideology, over and above its role as a representation of evil (as embodied in totalitarianism), is an inevitable and transversal phenomenon which cannot be confined to the political sphere. This idea is presented first via Geertz’s cultural anthropology. The anthropologist proposes a non-evaluative and non-combative approach to ideology. As if anticipating the neo-Marxist (Althusser’s) conception, discarding the view of ideology as an inverted image of reality, he sees it as a construct of imagination and of figurative discourse. For him, ideology is a symbolic system whose analysis requires a theory of meaning (linguistics, rhetoric, semiotics).

Greimasian semiotics offers precisely what Geertz contemplated: a non-evaluative, purely descriptive conception of ideology and of the methodological tools for its analysis. The article stresses the differences between the structural approach and the dominant socio-political theories, and finally compares the principles of ideological analysis of discourse as assumed respectively by (neo)Marxist criticism and by semiotics.
Population Genetics of Heterosis: Effects of Hardy-Weinberg Disequilibrium
Authors: Wu Rongling , Ma Ch.-X. , Wu J. , Fang W. , Casella G.
Published: November 2017

The mechanistic explanation of heterosis has been traditionally based on quantitative differences of gene effects. However, for outcrossing populations, heterosis is also a property of populations. In this paper, the effects of the deviation of a population from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) on the magnitude of heterosis have been examined numerically. The mating of two populations in HWE may generate directions and magnitudes of heterosis different from the mating of two populations in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (HWD). Such differences of heterosis between these two types of population mating may be due to the release of vigor restored in the parental populations during the process of HWD. Results from this study can provide guidance on the selection of parental populations for the effective exploitation of heterosis and the prediction of genetic structure and organization for hybrid zones in nature.
Progeny Testing Preceded by Phenotypic Pre-selection – Timing Considerations
Authors: Danusevičius Darius , Lindgren D.
Published: November 2017

Progeny-testing is a common element in tree breeding. It takes long time until trees reach the sexual maturity. That time could be used for field testing followed by progeny-test of the selected phenotypes (two-stage strategy), or the time until mating could be reduced by forcing early flowering (singlestage strategy). Benefit of phenotypic pre-selection followed by progeny testing in long-term breeding was assessed as a function of the age at the pre-selection by the aid of a deterministic tree breeding simulator. As a criterion of goodness of a breeding program, annual progress in group merit (GM/Y-refers to the rate of change in the average of genetic gain and gene diversity) at a total budget constraint was used. For simplicity, a long-term program with balanced selection was studied. Scenarios with different genetic parameters, cost and time components were evaluated and optimised for resource allocation. At the optimum age of mating for progeny test, two-stage Phenotype/ Progeny strategy generated higher GM/Y than singlestage Progeny strategy at the age of mating for progeny test equal to three years, except for a typical scenario with weak JM correlation, low heritability and long rotation time. High heritability, short rotation and strong J-M genetic correlation favoured phenotypic pre-selection. Optimum age for phenotypic pre-selection varied from 6 to 17 years and the percentage of GM/Y lost in comparison to the maximum due to delay of mating for the progeny test until age 15 and 25 years ranged from 0 to 14% and from 1 to 29%, respectively. In the case of low heritability, long rotation, low J-M correlation, high cost for cycling and low budget, early mating age would bring little benefit if compared to mating at the optimum age. We suggest that, in long-term breeding based on progeny testing, investment in phenotypic pre-selection is more beneficial than investment to achieve early flowering to initiate the progeny test early.
Inbreeding in Pinus Radiata – V. The Effects of Inbreeding on Fecundity
Authors: Wu H. X. , Owen J.V. , Abarquez A. , Matheson A. C.
Published: November 2017

A successful inbreeding and hybrid breeding strategy in tree improvement requires that 1) inbreeding (selfing) can produce superior inbred lines (effective purging of deleterious alleles), 2) there is heterosis among crosses of inbred lines, 3) early selection between lines is effective, and 4) inbreeding will not substantially reduce reproductive ability. We have previously reported that inbreeding depression on growth was lower in radiata pine relative to other conifers and segregation in the first two-generations of selfs generated superior inbred trees. In addition, we have observed that early selection among inbred trees (lines) was more effective than in out-crossed populations and there was an apparent heterosis in radiata pine. In this study, the effect of inbreeding on the reproductive ability in young and adult trees of radiata pine has been quantified from five populations of varied inbreeding levels (F =0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75). It was observed that the effects of inbreeding depression on fecundity was higher at a young age than at older age and inbreeding depression at a young age is due to two factors: 1) a delay of reproductive age (about 8.3, and 8.5% of trees delayed for F =0.5 and F =0.75 populations, respectively) and 2) a true reduction of flowering trees (6.7 and 13.1% more trees having no flowers for F =0.5 and F =0.75 populations than F =0 population, respectively). Despite significant inbreeding depression on the percentage of female reproductive trees and the number of cones on adult trees, overall inbreeding depression on fecundity was low in radiata pine. One founder clone contributed most of the significant inbreeding depression observed for the population of eight founder clones. It was observed that fecundity varied more widely among the eight clones than among the inbreeding level (self and outcross).
Discordance Between Geographical Distribution and Genetic Relationship Among Populations of Japanese Red Pine in Korea Revealed by Analysis of I-SSR Markers
Authors: Hong Y.-P. , Kwon H.-Y. , Kim K.-S. , Hong K.-N. , Kim Y.-Y.
Published: November 2017

Level and distribution of genetic diversity in 8 populations of Japanese red pine in Korea were estimated using I-SSR variants. A total of 80 I-SSR variants were observed in the analyzed 150 individuals, which revealed DNA fingerprints-like individual specific amplicon profiles for all of them. Relatively higher level of genetic diversity within populations was observed in 8 populations of Japanese red pine (mean of 0.450) than in other tree species. From the results of AMOVA, majority of genetic diversity was allocated within populations (93.42%) resulting in a moderate degree of population differentiation (ΦST= 0.066). The observed distribution pattern of I-SSR variants among 8 populations was coincided with the typical patterns for the long-lived woody species. Genetic relationships among the populations, reconstructed by UPGMA and Neighbor- Joining methods, revealed 2 genetic groups. The populations of Gangwon-Uljin and Chungnam-Taean turned out to be the most closely related despite a distant location between them. The overall genetic relationships among the 8 populations, reconstructed by both methods, were not coincided with geographic distances. The discrepancy between genetic relationships and geographical distribution among the populations suggests that the analyzed populations might have undergone random changes in genetic composition due to some kinds of disturbances. Results obtained in this study suggests that more careful approach should be made in preparing strategy for gene conservation of Japanese red pine in Korea. More information on countrywide molecular population genetic status of Japanese red pine will be helpful to prepare more reasonable strategy for gene conservation of the species in the country.
Seed Source Variation in Cone, Seed and Seedling Characteristic Across the Natural Distribution of Himalayan Low Level Pine Pinus roxburghii Sarg
Authors: Roy S. Mukherjee , Thapliyal R. C. , Phartyal S. S.
Published: November 2017

The wide range of climatic condition in the natural distribution of chir pine is expected to result in high genetic variation within different populations of the species. The present study on the provenance variation of chir pine aims to determine the nature and extent of variation in wide range of populations with respect to 23 morphological traits of cone, seed and seedling, (at nursery stage) of 63 provenances of Pinus roxburghii. Seed sources exhibited a wide range of variability in terms of mean vales for various traits, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variability, broad sense heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain and offer ample scope for undertaking screening for the desired traits. Genotypic variance (Vg) and genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) for most of the parameters were found to be higher than corresponding environmental variance (Ve) and environmental coefficient of variability (ECV), except cone fresh weight, survival%, days taken for bud break and collar diameter where Ve and ECV dominated the Vg and GCV, thus indicating influence of environment on the expression of these traits. Moderate to high percentage of heritability coupled with same intensity of gain, was observed for many of the traits studied under laboratory conditions and at nursery stage e.g. for germination percentage, MGT, GV. This signifies that these traits are under strong genetic control and good amount of heritable additive genetic component can be exploited for further selection and improvement of this species.
Fertility and Effective Population Size in Seedling Seed Orchards of Casuarina equisetifolia and C. junghuhniana
Authors: Varghese M. , Lindgren D. , Nicodemus A.
Published: November 2017

Two seedling seed orchards each of C. equisetifolia and C. junghuhniana established by thinning provenance trials in coastal and inland locations in South India were evaluated for sex expression and fertility variation at four years. More than 80% of the trees in C. equisetifolia orchards were fertile in both sites with a similar pattern of more (almost 2 times) female trees and equal proportion of monoecious and non-flowering trees. In C. junghuhniana, the coastal orchard had twice the proportion of fertile trees as that of the inland. Orchards established in coastal environment had less fertility variation and hence maintained lower coancestry values in both species. Coastal site has more trees contributing effectively to seed production than inland locations and the orchards maintain higher (almost two times) effective population sizes. Genetic drift is also 3 times higher in inland locations in both species. Male and female trees in inland orchards of both species however had greater reproductive output than coastal trees. Monoecious Casuarina equisetifolia trees showed a different trend of greater male fertility in coastal site, but seed output was the same in both locations. Gene diversity values of all orchards are high though it is marginally higher in coastal sites. Measures like constrained seed collection from large number of trees and promoting representation of superior provenances with low fertility would be useful in checking diversity loss during domestication.