bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silica-induced fibrosis: an ancient response from the early metazoans
Authors: Pozzolini Marina , Scarfì Sonia , Gallus Lorenzo , Ferrando Sara , Cerrano Carlo , Giovine Marco
Published: July 2018

Exposure to crystalline silica particles causes silicosis, an occupational disease leading to an overproduction of collagen in the lung. The first step of this pathology is characterized by the release of inflammatory mediators. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine directly involved in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The marine demosponge Chondrosia reniformis is able to incorporate silica grains and partially dissolve the crystalline forms apparently without toxic effects. In the present work, C. reniformis tissue explants were treated with fine quartz dust and the expression level of fibrogenic genes was assayed by qPCR, demonstrating an overexpression of a fibrillar and a non-fibrillar collagen and of prolyl-4-hydroxylase enzyme. The deposition of new collagen could also be documented in quartz-treated sponge explants. Furthermore, TNF pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpression and involvement in silica-induced sponge collagen biosynthesis was demonstrated in quartz-treated explants as compared with controls by means of specific TNF inhibitors affecting the fibrogenic gene response. As no documentable detrimental effect was observed in treated explants, we conclude that the C. reniformis unique quartz engulfment and erosion is physiological and beneficial to the animal, leading to new collagen synthesis and strengthening of the body stiffness. Thus, we put forward the hypothesis that an ancient physiological behaviour from the lowest of the Metazoa, persisting through evolution via the same molecular mediators such as TNF, may have become the cause of disease in the specialized tissues of higher animals such as mammals.
Upper rate limits for one-to-one auditory-motor coordination involving whole-body oscillation: a study of street dancers and non-dancers
Authors: Miura Akito , Fujii Shinya , Okano Masahiro , Kudo Kazutoshi , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: July 2018

The capacity for auditory-motor coordination (AMC) is shared by several species, among which humans are most flexible in coordinating with tempo changes. We investigated how humans lose this tempo flexibility at their upper rate limit, and the effect of skill level on this phenomenon. Seven skilled street dancers, including a world champion, and ten non-dancers were instructed to bend their knees according to a metronome beat in a standing position at eight constant beat frequencies (3.8–5 Hz). Although maximum frequency of movement during the task was 4.8 Hz in the non-dancers and 5.0 Hz in the dancers, the rate limit for AMC was 4.1 Hz in the non-dancers and 4.9 Hz in the dancers. These results suggest that the loss of AMC was not due to rate limit of movement execution, but rather due to a constraint on the AMC process. In addition, mediation analysis revealed that a kinematic bias (i.e., the extent of knee flexion during the task) causally affected the extent of phase wandering via mediating factors (e.g., the extent to which movement frequency was reduced relative to the beat frequency). These results add evidence that gravity acts as constraint on AMC involving vertical rhythmic movement.
Exploring nature's natural knockouts:In vivocardiorespiratory performance of Antarctic fishes during acute warming
Authors: Joyce William , Egginton Stuart , Farrell Anthony P. , Crockett Elizabeth L. , O'Brien Kristin M. , Axelsson Michael
Published: July 2018

We tested the hypothesis that Blackfin icefish (Chaenocephalus aceratus), one of the six species in the family Channichthyidae (the icefishes) that do not express haemoglobin and myoglobin, lack regulatory cardiovascular flexibility during acute warming and activity. The experimental protocols were designed to optimize the surgical protocol and minimize stress. First, minimally invasive heart rate (fH) measurements were made during a thermal ramp until cardiac failure in C. aceratus and compared with the closely related red-blooded Black rockcod (Notothenia coriiceps). Then, integrative cardiovascular adjustments were more extensively studied using flow probes and intravascular catheters in C. aceratus during acute warming (from 0 to 8°C) at rest and after imposed activity. C. aceratus had a lower routine fH than N. coriiceps (9 min−1 vs. 14 min−1) and a lower peak fH during acute warming (38 min−1 vs. 55 min−1) with a similar cardiac breakpoint temperature (13 and 14°C, respectively). Routine cardiac output (Q̇) for C. aceratus at ∼0°C was much lower (26.6 ml min−1 kg−1) than previously reported, likely because fish in the present study had a low fH (12 min−1) indicative of a high routine vagal tone and low stress. C. aceratus increased oxygen consumption during acute warming and with activity. Correspondingly, Q̇ increased considerably (maximally 86.3 ml min−1 kg−1), as did vascular conductance (five-fold). Thus, unlike earlier suggestions, these data provide convincing evidence that icefish can mount a well-developed cardiovascular regulation of heart rate, cardiac output and vascular conductance, and this regulatory capacity provides flexibility during acute warming.
ΤΑ ΚΕΚΡΥΜΜΕΝΑ ΕΛΑΤΤΩΜΑΤΑ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΜΠΟΡΙΑΝ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΩΝ
Authors: ΠΑΝΟΥ Δ. Ε.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΜΑΚΡΟΧΡΟΝΙΟΣ ΣΥΝΤΗΡΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΠΕΡΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΤΑΥΡΟΥ ΕΙΣ ΧΑΜΗΛΗΝ ΘΕΡΜΟΚΡΑΣΙΑΝ (ΚΑΤΑΨΥΞΙΝ)
Authors: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ε.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΧΡΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΥΠΕΡΜΑΓΓΑΝΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΛΙΟΥ ΕΝ ΤΗ, ΘΕΡΑΠΕΥΤΙΚΗ, ΤΗΣ ΚΕΤΩΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΝ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΦΟΡΩΝ ΑΓΕΛΑΔΩΝ
Authors: ΚΑΡΔΑΣΗΣ Ι.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΡΟΥΚΕΛΛΩΣΕΩΝ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΖΩΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ (Σκέψεις και γνώμαι)
Authors: ΠΑΓΚΑΛΟΣ Γ. Η.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: ESTABILIDADE DA ATIVIDADE ANTIOXIDANTE E CONSTITUINTES QUÍMICOS APÓS PREPARO DO CHÁ
Authors: Martins Ribeiro Andressa Ândria , Martins Diegue Henrique Nascimento , Cibin Gabriela Roso , Silveira Damaris , Magalhães Pérola de Oliveira , Fonseca-Bazzo Yris Maria
Published: July 2018

A espécie vegetal Hibiscus sabdariffa L. é utilizada devido ao seu gosto peculiar e suas propriedades curativas. A literatura relata propriedades antioxidante, anti-inflamatória e antidiabética para esta planta. Sua utilização é por meio do chá, obtido da infusão de partes da planta, precisamente seu cálice seco. Devido a suas propriedades, o consumodeste chá no Brasil vem crescendo. A avaliação da qualidade é importante de forma a garantir à população a eficácia e segurança de tais produtos. Neste estudo, três marcas de chás de H. sabdariffa L. foram avaliadas quanto a suas propriedades antioxidantes, assim como seu perfil fitoquímico por CLAE/DAD. Foram utilizados os métodos deperoxidação lipídica e inibição da formação do complexo fosfomolibdênio para a avaliação da atividade antioxidante. Para melhor orientação do consumo deste chá, foi avaliada a estabilidade da atividade antioxidante após 1 e 12 horas do preparo. Na análise cromatográfica foi detectada a presença de ácido neoclorogênico para as três marcas avaliadas. Os chás apresentaram atividade antioxidante nos dois métodos avaliados. Contudo, a atividade antioxidante tende a reduzir após 12 horas. Esta tendência à redução de atividade possibilita a orientação para o consumo do chá de H. sabdariffa L. até 12 horas após preparo.
Risks of the Tourism Industry in Ukraine
Authors: SOFIICHUK Kateryna
Published: July 2018

Tourism industry provides economic growth in all over the world. In the same time Ukrainian tourism industry going through hard times. The purpose of the study is to identify and assess the existing risks of the tourism industry in Ukraine, excluding the East of Ukraine, and explore the preconditions for avoiding or reducing these risks. Being that it is necessary to strengthen the image of Ukraine as a reliable state for travel in the foreign tourist’s eyes. The object of a study is the process of managing the risks of the tourism industry at the state level. The main hypothesis of the study is that the growth of the contribution of tourism to the country's GDP depends on the risks of the tourist enterprises and the level of the tourist’s risks in Ukraine. The theoretical base of risks in tourism and the dynamics of Ukrainian tourist arrivals and amount of tourist enterprises were considered in the study. The model of risk management in tourism is developed in the paper. The methodological basis were the following scientific methods: analysis and synthesis (for identification and evaluating types of touristic hazards in Ukraine), theoretical search and abstract-logical (for analyzing a risk management approaches), expert method (for identification and assessing an influence of tourism risks); graph method (to describe arrivals number and to forecast amount of enterprises in Ukraine); the method of least squares was used for the forecasting of the number of tourist enterprises in Ukraine; the principal component analysis method for grouping risks in Ukraine. The analysis of the future risks of the tourism industry of Ukraine was conducted. According to the results of the investigation, the recommendations about measures which should be taken by the state to manage and prevent risks were proposed.
The Impact of Customer Relationship Management on Tourist Satisfaction: The Case of Radisson Blue Resort in Aqaba City
Authors: ALANANZEH Omar Abedalla , MASA'DEH Ra'ed , JAWABREH Omar , MAHMOUD Ali Al , HAMADA Randa
Published: July 2018

Aims: This paper aims at investigating the effects of customer relationship management in terms of tourist attractions and facilities, outlets (F&B), and front office services on tourist satisfaction.

Design: A total of 136 questionnaires containing 34 items was used to collect information from tourists in Radisson resort in Aqaba city located in Jordan. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the research hypotheses.

Findings: Results of the current study revealed that there is a significant impact of tourist attractions and facilities, and front office services on tourist satisfaction, whereas outlets (F&B), has no significant impact on it. Results of T-test showed that there is no significant difference in the impact of tourist satisfaction that in favor of gender. Also, results of ANOVA test indicated that there is no significant difference in the impact of tourist satisfaction that can be attributed to age, occupation, educational level, the purpose of the visit, holiday booked a date and a number of previous visits.

Implications: this study will contribute a better understanding of tourist’s satisfaction through proper customer relationship management in terms of tourist facilities, outlets, and front office services.

Originality: This study is considered the first case study that links tourist satisfaction with the prober management of the hotel facilities and outlets
Analysis of Tourism Destination Loyalty of Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta
Authors: SUPRIYAD Edy
Published: July 2018

The most popular tourist destination visited in Jakarta is Ragunan Zoo. Ragunan Zoo is a 147-hectare park and inhabited more than 2.009 animals and overgrown more than 20,000 trees to make the atmosphere cool and comfortable environment. The area was arranged and woke up and partly still developed into a modern Ragunan Zoo as the identity of the city of Jakarta, located in Ragunan, South Jakarta. The purpose of this research includes (1) To test among variables tourism destination parts, service quality has affect to destination loyalty (2) To test among variables tourism destination parts, service quality have affect to Satisfaction (3) To test the effect between variable satisfaction to the destination loyalty. The population in this study covers all tourist visited Ragunan Zoo. The sample in this study was taken using non-probability sampling method, with purposive sampling technique. The number of samples is 150 samples from tourists who have visited Ragunan Zoo. Dependent variable is destination loyalty and independent variable consists of tourism destination parts, service quality and intermediary variable is satisfaction. Analysis of data using Structural Equation Modeling with PLS software (Partial Least Square) The results obtained are (1) Tourism Destination Parts, Service Quality has significant effect to Tourist Destination Parts, while Service Quality has significant effect to Destination Loyalty (3) Tourist Satisfaction has no significant effect to Destination Loyalty at Ragunan Zoo.
Batur toward Sustainable Tourism Development - A Community-based Geotourism Case from Bali in Indonesia
Authors: ERNAWATI Ni Made , SITAWAT Anak Agung Raka , MULIATI Ni Kadek
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses contemporary issues in developing Batur toward a sustainable geotourism site. It is a result of a qualitative study using a combined method of document review, observation and direct participation as data collecting methods.   Natural conservation is one of the vocal points of Batur geotourism, as it uses natural environment as attraction and venue. Tourism brings benefits to people in Batur who used to have farming as the only major occupation; since tourism was introduced in this area people’s profession diversified. In general, the benefits of tourism reasonably reinforce a better living in Batur, these such as better economic, infrastructure and landscaping; more appreciation and attention to natural environment and culture; broader social interaction and wider perspective and horizon of the people. Nonetheless, more efforts need to be exerted for better tourism development results. Currently, Batur tourism management operates in fractions, to maximize the benefits from tourism, a systematic and integrated management needs to be devised with the collaboration of stakeholders that enables the provision of quality tourism products and services, an integrated promotion, the availability of tourism facilities and infrastructure that harmoniously coexist with nature, the establishment of network, and the application of regulations that support sustainable tourism.
On the Study of Racah Parameter B for Nickel (II) and Cobalt (II) Compounds
Authors: Mohamad M.E. Shakdofa  , Kamal A. Aly  , Pankaj Sharma  , Gomaa A. M. Ali
Published: July 2018

The ligand field strength (Dq) and interelectronic repulsion (B) have been calculated for nickel (II) and cobalt (II) compounds by Underhill and Billing [1] based on v2 and v3 values. They solved the quadratic equation 340(Dq2-18(v2+v3) Dq+ v2 v3=0 in Dq for octahedral. Then, the B value was determined using the equation v2+ v3−30Dq−15B=0. But, the first equation has real and imaginary solutions and it’s difficult to determine the imaginary one. In addition, in many cases there is no solution of this equation as well as in the case of CoO (d7 oct.). For octahedral, the above two equations can be considered as a system of two equations with two unknowns which can be solved if we have v2 and v3 values and vice versa. Similarly, for tetrahedral, the former two equations also can be solved for Dq and B. Using Newton–Raphson iterations, Dq and B values are exactly determined for octahedral and tetrahedral systems. The obtained values of Dq and B were compared with those previously reported.
Conceptual Thinking in Design Studios: Upon Music and form Relation
Authors: Dilara Onur  , Betül Akgül
Published: July 2018

In today’s ever-changing and ever-growing world, new teaching and learning strategies are the focus of attention in order to develop creative thinking in design training. Previous applications of imaginative and formal methods are being evaluated to see their inadequacies, and new approaches are being discussed. Both imagination and form- based approaches are employed to develop creative thinking. Whereas imagination based approaches develop students’ creative thinking, form based ones let them have three dimensional thinking and develop their skills of form creation. In this regard, abstraction- based design studies, which depend upon imagination and concept, are often used to develop students’ form creation skills. Several abstract and concrete different disciplines are starting points in design studios, which enrich students’ imagination and help them develop thinking skills. Music was employed as a source of inspiration in form production using conceptual abstraction within this studio study which resulted from imaginative and formal interaction. In spring semester, 2014-2015 academic year, elective courses such as Creative Thinking and Seat Component, carried out by fellow teaching staff, appear in syllabus of Interior Architecture Department, KTU, and course content and outcomes of studio studies are to be scrutinized within this framework.
Study of Complications of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children at a Reference Hospital for Infectious Disease Treatment
Authors: Diniz Lilian Martins Oliveira , Maia Marcelle Marie Martins , Oliveira Yara Vieira de , Mourão Marina Santos Falci , Couto Amanda Vieira , Mota Vânia Carneiro , Versiani Carolina Mazieiro , Silveira Priscila Olívia da Costa , Romanelli Roberta Maia Castro
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Varicella is a disease with potentially severe complications. We aimed to investigate characteristics of hospitalized children with varicella in Brazil in the prevaccine period and to identify predictors for requiring intensive care treatment.

METHODS:

A prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2011 to April 2014. Patients up to 13 years of age with varicella diagnosis were included. Information was collected through interview and review of medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 669 patients were admitted. The median age of subjects was 2.7 years (range 0–14 years) with a predominance of boys (56.6%). The main causes of hospitalization were bacterial complications (77.7%), viral complications (11.4%), and at-risk patients (10.9%). Main bacterial complications were skin infection and pneumonia. Main viral complications were herpes zoster, cerebellitis, and encephalitis. Most at-risk patients used corticosteroids or had a diagnosis of leukemia. At-risk patients were hospitalized earlier (P < .01) and remained hospitalized for longer periods (P = .03). A total of 44 patients (6.6%) were admitted to the ICU, and 5 (0.8%) died of septic shock. Thrombocytopenia was associated with more severe illness in patients with bacterial infections (P = .001). The long-time interval between onset of infection and admission was associated with the need for intensive care in all groups (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS:

Secondary bacterial infection is the main cause of hospitalization, and thrombocytopenia in these patients leads to worse outcomes. Difficulties of access to the health system and delay in medical care are determining factors of greater severity in this population.
Diagnosis and Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Gillam-Krakauer Maria , Reese Jeff
Published: July 2018

Preterm infants are at increased risk for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Prolonged exposure to PDA may be deleterious and has been associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of postnatal ductus arteriosus closure are not fully understood, clinical experience and research trials have informed recent changes in PDA management strategies and refocused treatment strategies on smaller subsets of infants who require intervention. This review examines current diagnostic and management approaches to PDA in preterm neonates.
TECHNOLOGY OF PRODUCING SYMBIOTIC BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ADDITIVE
Authors: Krupytska L. , Kaprelyants L. , Trufkati L. , Velichko T. , Kirilov V.
Published: July 2018

The article presents data on the development of the technology of multicomponent probiotics from two bacterial strains: Bifidobacterium longum-Ya3 and Propionibacterium shermanii-4. The ability of bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium to have a selective stimulating effect on the growth of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium has been characterised. Based on the experimental data obtained with the MATLAB software, optimal conditions were determined for the accumulation of the maximum amount of biomass of the consortium of Bifidobacterium longum-Ya3 and Propionibacterium shermanii-4. The main parameters that determined the yield of biomass in the process of cultivation under different temperature conditions (T=30°С, Т=34 °С, Т=37 °С) have been taken as the optimality criteria. These parameters are the number of colony-forming units and the active acidity. It has been established that the optimal time for cultivating a consortium of bifidobacteria and propionibacteria in a soy-lactose medium is 24 hours at a temperature of 34°C. On the basis of the data obtained, we have created a symbiotic BAA (biologically active additive) and developed a basic technological scheme for its production. The biologically active additive was created on the basis of the symbiotic consortium of bifido and propionibacteria containing 4 × 1010 CFU/cm3 of B. longum-Ya3, and 3 × 1010 CFU/cm3 of P. shermanii-4. The microbiological control of the quality of the obtained dietary supplement based on the consortium of the bacteria Bifidobacterium longum-Ya3 and Propionibacterium shermanii-4 has found no pathogenic and sanitary indicator microorganisms. It means that the finished product is safe and suitable for consumption. As for the organoleptic parameters, the BAA obtained is of a powder-like structure, beige-coloured, with a specific taste and smell.
PLASMA-CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED WATER INFLUENCE ON STALING AND SAFETY OF SPROUTED BREAD
Authors: Pivovarov A. , Mykolenko S. , Hez’ Y. , Shcherbakov S.
Published: July 2018

The article reveals the research results of freshness and safety of sprouted wheat bread made with the use of water additionally treated with nonequilibrium low-temperature contact plasma. Prospects of the use of dispersion of wheat grain for the wholegrain bread production are shown which allow decreasing the grain raw materials loss along the food chain. The ways of prolongation of bread freshness during storage and slowdown of bread staling are analyzed. It is shown that in case of usage of plasma-chemically activated water in the technology wheat grain soaking duration decreases by 30%. The additional water treatment also promotes bread freshness prolongation up to two days. It is determined that water gets the characteristics relevant for the technology after 30–40 minutes of treatment with nonequilibrium low-temperature contact plasma. According to our findings, usage of plasma-chemically activated water provides slowdown of water migration and moisture loss by the crumb. It is determined that the usage of additional water treatment in the technology results in 17–60% increase in hydrophilic properties of the crumb and slows down their reduction during storage of sprouted wheat bread. Results of differential thermal analysis showed changes in various forms of moisture binding in the product during storage and increase in the part of adsorptionally bound moisture by 6–8%, when additional water treatment is used for grain soaking and dough making in sprouted wheat bread making technology. The rate of moisture removal from crumb of sprouted wheat bread made with the use of water subjected to nonequilibrium low-temperature contact plasma was determined through mathematical processing of data and construction of piecewise linear model. It is proved that safety level of usage of plasma-chemically activated water in sprouted wheat bread technology meets the requirements to the content of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, and mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone).
THE INFLUENCE OF GRAPE POWDERS ON THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DOUGH AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QUALITY OF BUTTER BISCUITS
Authors: Brykova T. , Samohvalova O. , Grevtseva N. , Kasabova K. , Grygorenko A.
Published: July 2018

The effect of grape powders on the rheological properties of dough and the indicators of butter biscuits quality have been investigated. Butter biscuits were cooked with the addition of powdered grape seeds and grape skins from the grape pomace obtained in the southern regions of Ukraine. The grape powders were added to the dough in an amount of 15.0% of the weight of the wheat flour. It has been shown that the presence of powdered grape skins increases the dough’s effective viscosity by 3.9 times, of powdered grape seeds – by 5.4 times, as compared to the reference sample, and it makes the dough more resistant to destruction. Adding powdered grape skins increases the plastic viscosity of the samples by 31.4%, powdered grape seeds – by 38.1%. The higher plastic properties of the dough allow the biscuits to hold their shape better and to retain the pattern on their surface. With grape powders added, the adhesive strength of the dough decreases. When powdered grape skins are added, the adhesion strength decreases by 23.0 %, and if we add powdered grape seeds, by 33.0%. It facilitates the work of moulding equipment and reduces the production losses of the dough during processing and moulding. The values of physicochemical parameters of the quality of butter biscuits – the specific volume and the wetting ability – slightly increase as compared to the reference sample. Products hold their shape better, and do not become runny during baking, because of a higher degree of form stability. Organoleptic indicators of the quality of butter biscuits with experimental additives are becoming better. Biscuits acquire a pleasant nutty taste after adding powdered grape seeds, and the taste and flavour of prunes and raisins after adding powdered grape skins. Butter biscuits take a deep chocolate colour or chocolate with a violet tint.
Ekonomiczne uwarunkowania zachowań konsumpcyjnych gospodarstw domowych w Polsce w latach 2006–2015
Authors: Choroś-Mrozowska Dominika , Clowes David
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study is to determine factors of consumer behaviour with a particular emphasis on economic ones. Taking into account the characteristic conditions in which modern households operate, an attempt is made to identify those factors that operate not only on micro and/or macroeconomic scales, but also on a global scale. The study analyses the determinants of consumer behaviour in Polish households from 2006 – at which point they began to gradually feel the effects of accession to the European Union. Preliminary results indicate that changes in consumption across Polish households were influenced not only by changes in those homes’ financial situation, in the form of increased income or asset value, but also in the current and expected economic situation in Poland as well as the rest of the world.
Zadłużanie się jednostek samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce – stan i perspektywy
Authors: Owsiak Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

The individual debt ratio for local government units was introduced in 2014 as an instrument of financial security of local government units and also takes into account the individual capacity of each local government unit to settle its liabilities. Nevertheless, its construction has come in for criticism, and the Ministry of Finance has announces modifications. This article identifies problems related to the indebtedness of local government units in Poland after 2013. The issues to be discussed include fiscal rules regarding local governments, the effectiveness of functioning legal solutions in the scope of debt reduction and the absorption of EU funds.
Uzbrojenie terenu i jego wpływ na wartość nieruchomości gruntowej
Authors: Surówka Marcin
Published: July 2018

The article presents a practical solution to a problem in appraising investment projects – cost estimation of the construction investment utility infrastructure. In particular, it defines utility infrastructure for investors and its components (energy, gas and water supply installations), explains its importance, presents a valuation method, and based on current market data shows the impact of utilities on the value of real estate. The article also looks at alternative ways of supplying water, sewage and gas installations to real estate.
Budżetowanie jako element planowania w przedsiębiorstwie
Authors: Żaba-Nieroda Renata
Published: July 2018

The study presents principles of material and financial planning in a production company. An important aspect of managing a business is budgeting, which involves a set of activities performed in accordance with the rules and methods relevant to this process. Activities also mean the quantification of descriptive intentions and the means of their implementation. In addition to asserting that planning and controlling business activities on a budget basis is a must and one of the key elements of sound management, material and financial plans make it possible for a business to describe and plan its needs in a timely and transparent manner for the coming period, and to compare and summarise their costs. The article analyses practices that have been used in budgeting, designing pro-forma accounts related to the implementation of financing processes in companies’ day-to-day operations and strategic financial decisions.
Low‐Power Image Recognition Challenge
Authors: Lu Yung‐Hsiang , Berg Alexander C , Chen Yiran
Published: July 2018

The Low‐Power Image Recognition Challenge (LPIRC) has been held annually since 2015. This article summarizes the competition advancements made over the past three years.
Creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan
Authors: Parker Lynne E.
Published: July 2018

In October 2016, the United States government published the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan, which lays out a strategic plan for federally funded research and development in AI. As a coleader of the task force that developed this plan, I was asked to discuss its creation in an invited presentation at AAAI 2017. This article is based on that presentation, which outlines not only the plan itself, but also provides insight into its goals and objectives, and background into how it was created.
Pathological Corporate Governance Deficiencies in South Africa's State-Owned Companies: A Critical Reflection
Authors: Thabane Tebello , Snyman-Van Deventer Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

Globally, states use state-owned companies (SOCs) or public corporations to provide public goods, limit private and foreign control of the domestic economy, generate public funds for the fiscus, increase service delivery and encourage economic development and industrialisation. Particularly given its unique socio-political and economic dynamics, a country such as South Africa clearly needs this type of strategic enterprise. Yet, that does not mean that everything at our SOCs is as it should be. The beleaguered South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has recently seen the resignation of board members, shareholder interference in its operational affairs, and a high turnover of chief accounting officers and other executive management members. Due to non-performance, it has also received several cash injections from its shareholder to enable it to continue to deliver its services. In addition, the shareholder minister took it upon herself to amend the SABC's memorandum of incorporation, conferring upon herself the authority to appoint, suspend or even dismiss key executive members. South African Airways (SAA), in turn, has had seven CEOs in less than four years, has had to be bailed out at a cost of R550 million, and has in addition been granted a R5 billion guarantee by the shareholder for a restructuring exercise. Other SOCs such as Eskom, the Post Office and Telkom have also experienced high board and executive management turnover, perennial underperformance necessitating regular bailouts, and challenges regarding the division of power between their boards and the various shareholder ministers. Another issue that seems to plague South Africa's SOCs is the appointment of board members and executive officials with questionable qualifications. By critically examining the corporate governance challenges besetting the SABC, SAA and Eskom in particular, this article seeks to explore the root causes of the corporate governance deficiencies of SOCs, and how their corporate governance can be enhanced. It is concluded that the challenges faced by the country's SOCs are twofold: firstly, the SOCs boards' lack of appreciation of the cardinal corporate governance rules, and secondly, the role of government as a single or dominant shareholder, which results in substantial political interference in the running of the SOCs. This dual problem requires a dual solution. To arrest the problem of poor corporate governance in SOCs, government as the shareholder should firstly appoint fit and proper directors, having followed a sound due-diligence process. Once it has established such properly skilled and competent boards, however, government should adopt an arm's-length approach to the affairs of the SOCs as a way of insulating these corporations from political interference
Pericles Should Learn to Fix a Leaky Pipe – Why Trial Advocacy Should Become Part of the LLB Curriculum (Part 1)
Authors: Gravett Willem Hendrik
Published: July 2018

It is a sad fact that at most university law schools in South Africa, a student can graduate without ever having set foot in a courtroom, and without ever having spoken to, or on behalf of, a person in need of advice or counsel. The past several years have witnessed a swelling chorus of complaints that the current LLB curriculum produces law graduates who were "out of their depth" in practice. My purpose is to make a case for the inclusion in the LLB curriculum of a course in trial advocacy. This endeavour of necessity invokes the broader debate over the educational objectives of a university law school – a debate memorably framed by William Twining as the two polar images of "Pericles and the plumber". My thesis is that the education of practising lawyers should be the primary mission of the university law school. The first part of this contribution is a response to those legal academics who hold that the role of the law school is to educate law students in the theories and substance of the law; that it is not to function as a trade school or a nursery school for legal practice. With reference to the development of legal education in the United States, I argue that the "education/training" dichotomy has been exposed as a red herring. This so-called antithesis is false, because it assumes that a vocational approach is necessarily incompatible with such values as free inquiry, intellectual rigour, independence of thought, and breadth of perspective. The modern American law school has shown that such so-called incompatibility is the product of intellectual snobbery and devoid of any substance. It is also often said that the raison d'être of a university legal education is to develop in the law student the ability "to think like a lawyer". However, what legal academics usually mean by "thinking like a lawyer" is the development of a limited subset of the skills that are of crucial importance in practising law: one fundamental cognitive skill – analysis – and one fundamental applied skill – legal research. We are not preparing our students for other, equally crucial lawyering tasks – negotiating, client counselling, witness interviewing and trial advocacy. Thinking like a lawyer is a much richer and more intricate process than merely collecting and manipulating doctrine. We cannot say that we are fulfilling our goal to teach students to "think like lawyers", because the complete lawyer "thinks" about doctrine and about trial strategy and about negotiation and about counselling.
Inheritance Rights for Posthumously Procreated Children: A Growing Challenge for the Law
Authors: Zaal Frederick Noel , D'Almaine Justin
Published: July 2018

Significant advances in cryogenic technology render it possible to freeze and store human gametes. Under appropriate laboratory conditions frozen gametes can remain viable for long periods of time. In consequence, it is possible for a child to be conceived and procreated after the death of one or both parents. This raises some challenging juristic problems. Amongst these are implications for the law of inheritance. Where a valid will expressly refers to a child who will be procreated after the testator's death, the child's right to inherit will be secured. However, where a will merely refers to children as a class, or with intestate succession, it becomes uncertain whether a posthumously procreated child has a right to inherit. South African legislation governing succession, the common law and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 all fail to provide definitive answers. Because of this and as the numbers of posthumously procreated children are likely to increase as artificial reproduction services become more widely available, there is a need for South African legislation to clarify their inheritance rights.
Métodos multicriterio aplicados en la selección de un material para discos de freno
Authors: Martínez Gómez Javier , Chérrez Troya Mario , Llanes Cedeño Edilberto Antonio , Peralta Zurita Diana
Published: July 2018

La selección de material para un componente automotor es un proceso complejo, porque implica una exploración de los principales criterios de acuerdo con las propiedades exigidas por el componente a diseñar. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar un material alterno en la fabricación de un disco de freno en vehículos livianos tipo SUV, a partir de los métodos multicriterio; para lo cual se toman en consideración cinco materiales candidatos para la aplicación deseada (Ti6Al4V, Al10Si C, AISI 304L, ASTM A 536 y ASTM A48). Los métodos multicriterio (MCDM) empleados son: VIKOR – la optimización multidisciplinar y solución de compromiso; ELECTRE I – eliminación y opciones que reflejan la realidad; COPRAS – evaluación compleja proporcional; ARAS – evaluación de relación de aditivos; MOORA – optimización multiobjetivo basado en el análisis de radios y el método ENTROPÍA que se emplea para la ponderación de los criterios. Se obtiene que la mejor alternativa es el material ASTM A536 según los métodos COPRAS, ELECTRE I, y ARAS por su baja densidad, un alto límite elástico y una buena resistencia a la compresión; en segunda opción es el ASTM A48 según VIKOR y MOORA.
Pre-service Teachers’ Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Attitude and Intentions Towards Virtual Laboratory Package Utilization in Teaching and Learning of Physics
Authors: Falode Oluwole
Published: July 2018

This study was carried out to investigate pre-service teachers’ perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude and intentions towards the utilization of virtual laboratory package in teaching and learning of Nigerian secondary school physics concepts. Descriptive survey research was employed and 66 fourth and fifth year Physics education students were purposively used as research sample. Four research questions guided the study and a 16-item questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by educational technology experts, physics expert and guidance and counselling experts. Pilot study was carried out on year three physics education students and a reliability coefficients ranging from 0.76 to 0.89 was obtained for each of the four sections of the questionnaire. Data collected from the administration of the research instruments were analyzed using descriptive statistics of Mean and Standard Deviation. A decision rule was set, in which, a mean score of 2.50 and above was considered Agreed while a mean score below 2.50 was considered Disagreed. Findings revealed that pre-service physics teachers perceived the virtual laboratory package easy to use and useful with mean scores of 3.18 and 3.34 respectively. Also, respondents’ attitude and intentions to use the package in teaching and learning of physics were positive with mean scores of 3.21 and 3.37 respectively. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that administrators should equip schools with adequate Information and Communication Technology facilities that would aid students and teachers’ utilization of virtual-based learning environments in teaching and learning process.
ETN3 v1
Authors: Taylor Kara
Published: July 2018

Endothelin is the most powerful vasoconstrictor. It exists not only in the vascular endothelium, but also in various tissues and cells. It is an important factor in regulating cardiovascular function and maintains basal vascular tone and heart, and plays an important role in the vascular system homeostasis. The endothelin system includes three peptide ligands (EDN1, EDN2, and EDN3) and two G protein-coupled receptors (EDTRA, EDTRB).
ETN1 v1
Authors: Taylor Kara
Published: July 2018

The protein encoded by this gene is proteolytically processed to release a secreted peptide termed endothelin 1. This peptide is a potent vasoconstrictor and is produced by vascular endothelial cells. Endothelin 1 also can affect the central nervous system. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
STRATEGIC TRADEOFFS: MOVEMENT-GOVERNMENT INTERACTIONS AND DUTCH GAY AND LESBIAN POLICY, 1986–1994*
Authors: Davidson Robert J.
Published: July 2018

Interactions between social movements and government actors have been conceptualized as either combative and exclusionary or institutionalized and coopted. This article transcends that dichotomy by tracing one social movement organization's tactical pursuit of institutionalization, examining the process through which institutionalization occurred, and evaluating its effects. This case study, based on qualitative, archival data, traces the institutionalization of the gay and lesbian social movement organization, the Dutch Association for the Integration of Homosexuality, COC, between 1986 and 1994. The analysis offers three findings: First, institutionalization is a process built through sustained exchange relations over time. Second, institutionalization does not necessarily result in cooptation but does involve tradeoffs. Third, both SMO and governmental actors are affected, albeit differently, by the process of institutionalization. While the COC was primarily affected organizationally, the Dutch government became more activist by attempting to influence the social institution of sexuality to accommodate homosexuality.
Teaching video game translation: first steps, systems and hands-on experience / Ensinando tradução de videogame: primeiros passos, sistemas e experiência prática
Authors: Esqueda Marileide Dias , Stupiello Érika Nogueira de Andrade
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT: Despite the significant growth of the game localization industry in the past years, translation undergraduate curricula in Brazil still lacks formal training in game localization, often leaving novice translators no alternative but to search for the required skills informally in game translation communities. Designing a video game localization course in translation undergraduate programs in public universities is a complex task in today’s reality, particularly due to limited access to free and authentic materials. This paper describes a game localization teaching experience at the undergraduate level with special focus on how to handle the linguistic assets of the online race game SuperTuxKart, while trying to shed some light on potential translation requirements of entertainment software and its incorporation into translation programs.KEYWORDS: video game localization; video game translation; translator training; translation undergraduate program; SuperTuxKart. RESUMO: A despeito do significativo crescimento da indústria de localização de games nos últimos anos, os currículos dos cursos de graduação em tradução ainda carecem de formação específica na localização de games, geralmente não oferecendo ao tradutor em formação alternativas outras senão a de adquirir informalmente, ou em comunidades on-line de gamers, os conhecimentos sobre a tradução desse tipo de material. Planejar um curso de localização de games para cursos de graduação em tradução torna-se uma tarefa complexa na realidade atual, particularmente devido ao acesso limitado a materiais livres e autênticos. Diante do exposto, este trabalho descreve uma experiência de ensino de localização de games em nível de graduação, com especial atenção às formas de manipulação dos ativos linguísticos do jogo online de corrida SuperTuxKart, com vistas a demonstrar as possíveis demandas tradutórias relacionadas a softwares de entretenimento e sua inserção na sala de aula de formação de tradutores.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: localization de videogame; tradução de videogame; formação de tradutores; graduação em tradução; SuperTuxKart.
Native compounds in TİD: A classification based on headedness
Authors: TAŞÇI Süleyman , GÖKSEL Aslı
Published: July 2018

This
paper investigates the position of the structural head and its connection to
the semantic head in 127 compounds in Turkish Sign Language (TİD). To eliminate
language contact effects, we selected compounds that have monomorphemic
counterparts in Turkish. The findings are: (i) Endocentric compounds tend to be
head-final, (ii) Exocentric compounds tend to be head-initial, (iii) compound
internal order, in some well-defined cases, is affected by the lexical
semantics of one of the components. In addition, we identify two classes of
compounds, cranberry compounds and descriptive compounds, and finally, point to
the similarities between compound and phrase structure with respect to the head
parameter.
On-farm Characterization of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Landraces in the Highlands of North Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Daniel , Mekuria Wuletaw , Asres Tazebachew , Derso Beyene
Published: July 2018

Barley is an important crop for the North Gondar highlands of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. To assess the characterization of barley landraces, 180 farmers from six villages in three districts of north Gondar zone were selected and surveyed. With regard to distribution status, most of the recorded landraces of barley were endangered. The main end uses of barley in the study area were kolo, beso, tela, injera, korefe, kita and kinche. According to farmers, the main criteria for selecting a variety was varietal characteristics mainly in the pre-harvest operation. The main characteristics for doing so are length of the spike, size of the seed, amount of seed per spike, ability to withstand disease, stand of the plant, tillering ability, number of rows, and germination ability. The majority of farmers renew the seed mostly between 1 and 3 years. The main reason for renewing are production decline, to prevent landraces from elimination and toincrease productivity. The majority of the farmers stated that they do not store seeds for long period of time associated with the fact that they hardly produce any surplus that can be stored for longer years. In barley production, women have roles of joint decisions on number and types of varieties to grow, plot allocation, and storage. However, postharvest processing is mainly decided by women. Farmers have proverbs associated with how much women are important in saving and maintaining barley landraces and make ready when the need arises. Hence, barley genetic resources should be conserved before they are lost and farmers’ variety selection criteria should be incorporated in the modern breeding of barley. The active involvement of women in the maintenance and improvement of landraces should not be undermined in the modern crop improvement programs.