bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ISSUES OF GREEN ECONOMY INNOVATIVENESS
Authors: BRODZIŃSKI Zbigniew , KUROWSKA Krystyna
Published: March 2018

Broadly speaking, the green economy involves pro-environmental products and services, investments, economy sectors, public procurement contracts, and jobs. This is a new idea, both in terms of regulations supporting its development and of practical effects of the implementation of technologies and organisational solutions aimed at the protection of natural environment. The possibility for obtaining new jobs thanks to the support of the green economy is the focus of various decision-making centres. The problem, however, is the lack of a thorough understanding of the potential existing in the developing green job market, particularly in rural areas, which hampers taking efficient measures. The aim of the study was to indicate the determinants of and opportunities for the development of the green economy and green jobs in sectors related to the rural economy. The opinions presented in the study were obtained through interviews from a randomly selected group of 578 managers of “green economy”-related businesses operating in rural areas. The study participants are entrepreneurs employing workers and creating jobs in the following areas: agri-food processing, services, manufacturing, renewable energy sources, and tourism. It can be concluded that, inter alia, despite the difficult situation in the labour market, and the problems with sales of products and services in the green economy sector, it should be expected that in the next few (3 to 5) years, the social demand for innovative products/services of this sector will increase.
DUAL-USE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY OF CONCERN: INCREASE OF RISKS IN MODERN LIFE SCIENCE AND GLOBALIZATION OF BIOETHICS
Authors: NEZHMETDINOVA Farida , YAKHIN Sergey , ADIGAMOV Nail , KHALIULLIN Damir
Published: March 2018

Modern life sciences represent the sphere of natural and exact sciences, which include scientific research of living organisms such as microorganisms, plants, animals and human beings. For example modern biology spreads quickly in such spheres as robotics, computer systems, psychology, linguistics and different social subjects, giving rise to new promising directions and interdisciplinary spheres. At the same time a number of researchers mark that technical-technological possibilities of changing fundamental basics of existence of humans and nature are being created. The article based on the analysis of tendencies of development of the technology and recent discussions about dual- use research and technology of concern, justifies the increasing role of bioethics. Of particular concern is received wide spread production and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), carrying a serious risk for human and animal health, biological diversity on the planet. This requires special mechanisms and prevention, such as humanitarian expertise and bioethics. This is due to the fact that the high rate and intensity of development of science and technology have created conditions of uncertainty, lead to increased risks to life and human welfare, the sustainable development of society and nature. It has been suggested that regulation of these risks at the global level, which in turn emphasizes the growing global nature of bioethics.
GROUNDED THEORY METHODOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
Authors: PRANSKŪNIENĖ Rasa
Published: March 2018

Although the Grounded Theory (GT) methodology has been developed for over 50 years and is one of the most popular methodologies in the world, it is not often used in rural development research. In order to update the possibilities of applying GT in rural development research, this article is based on the analysis of scientific literature and presents the evolution of the development of GT methodology and the possibilities of its application in rural development research. The classic GT strategy is discussed in more detail, as methodology which provides the possibility to researcher to look at the phenomenon from inside without formulating the hypothesis, i.e., to “emerge” the theory, which reveals the main concern and explains how it is resolved, by conceptualizing the authentic experiences of research participants. The article aims to explain that classic GT is a “full package” approach, discusses its coding process; reveales the principles of the emerging classic GT. The GT methodology is discussed as the paradigm that can help researchers discover new insights and develop new theories, explaining the processes of social innovations for rural development.
Outcome Analysis of the Flow Diversion with Pipeline Embolization Device for the Surgical Treatment of Unruptured Large and Giant Paraclinoid Carotid Aneurysms
Authors: Byvaltsev V. A. , Makhambetov Y. T. , Stepanov I. A. , Kaliyev A. B. , Akshulakov A. K.
Published: March 2018

Background: Both the high frequency of recurrence of large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms (PA) of the internal carotid artery and the occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications, leading to unsatisfactory results of surgical treatment of this group of patients, make the stated problem urgent. Flow-diverter embolization devices are actively used in many large international neurosurgical centers for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms of different morphology, size, and localization. Currently, there are very few reports on the effectiveness of the use of flow diverting stents in the surgical treatment of large and giant PA of the internal carotid artery. The results of these studies are controversial and largely contradictory. Aim: Outcome analysis of the use of Pipeline embolization device (PED) for the surgical treatment of large and giant carotid PA. Methods: The study enrolled 37 patients (25 women, 12 men; mean age 51.7±10.7 years) who were divided into those treated with the PED alone versus those treated with the PED and concurrent coil embolization. The average follow-up period was 19.7±3.8 months. Results: In 56.7% of cases, PA caused the development of an insignificant neurological deficit (Modified Rankin Scale 1−2). In 18.9% of patients, PA provoked a gross neurologic deficit (MRS 3−5). 24.3% of patients with PA did not have any clinical-neurological manifestations. After the surgery, neurologic status improved in 32.4% of patients, remained the same — in 45.9% of cases, and the degree of neurologic deficit increased in 21.6%. PED procedure was performed in 70.2% of patients. In 29.7% of cases, the dislocation of large or giant PA of the internal carotid artery from the systemic blood stream was performed using PED and concurrent coil embolization. At the indicated period of patient observation, complete occlusion of large and giant carotid PA was achieved in 75.6% of cases, almost complete and partial occlusion — in 24.3%. The incidence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications was 10.8% and 8.1%, respectively. Mortality rate among patients was 2.7%. Conclusions: The use of PED is an effective method for occluding large or giant PA of the internal carotid artery. Nevertheless, this method of endovascular treatment of PA is associated with a high complication incidence.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses Clinical Assessment. Patient Selection for Multifocal Intraocular Correction
Authors: Morozova T. A. , Kerimov T. Z.
Published: March 2018

There are some multufocal intraocular corrections particular qualities compared to monofocal correction. Therefore, the patient’s careful selection, detail preoperative diagnosis, accurate intraocular lens power calculation are necessary to get the optimal clinical results. There are some disadvantages in the postoperative period, such as the contrast sensitivities reduction, dysphotopsia, neuroadaptation. In addition multifocal IOLs are expensive. The clinical studies include evaluating of visual acuity for different distances, defocus curve, spectacle independence, contrast sensitivity, aberrometry data. Additionally, complications after multifocal IOLs implantation and the reasons of explantation are analyzed. This review includes 36 articles (34 clinical studies and 2 meta-analysis) of the following aspects of multifocal intraocular correction: contrast sensitivity, aberrometry analysis, pupil influence on the visual outcomes, postoperative complications, analysis of explantation reasons, preoperative patient’s selection for multifocal correction.
Clinical and Anamnestic, Immunological, Echographic, and Hysteroscopic Features of Chronic Endometritis Associated with Impaired Reproductive Function
Authors: Ishenko A. I. , Unanyan A. L. , Kogan E. A. , Demura T. A. , Kossovich J. M.
Published: March 2018

Background: The widespread prevalence of infertility, the low effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and the high incidence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women determine the relevance of the considered problem. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and anamnestic, laboratory, and instrumental features of CE associated with infertility and unsuccessful IVF cycles in women of reproductive age. Materials and methods: The study enrollred 150 women of reproductive age with morphologically established CE (main group, n=120) and without CE (control group, n=30). A subgroup I of the main group included 64 patients with infertility and IVF failures, a subgroup II – 56 fertile women. In addition to anamnesis collection and identification of CE clinical features, all patients underwent infectious screening, immunological and immunohistochemical analysis, ultrasound examination of pelvic organs with dopplerometry, and office hysteroscopy. A comparative analysis of the data obtained from subgroups of the main group was conducted. Results: Histological study of endometrial pipelle-biopsy specimens on the 7−10th day of the cycle revealed CE in all patients of the main group. We found prevalence of mean duration of CE in the subgroup I relative to subgroup II ― 5.5±0.06 years and 2.4±0.07 years, respectively (p0.001). Infectious screening showed that 58 (90.6%) patients of the I subgroup had sterile endometrial seeding which was 16.9 times higher than in subgroup II (p0.0001). Immunological analysis determined the presence of AEAT in all patients of the subgroup I, 43 of which (67.2%) were above 265 U/ml, while 51 (91.1%) of subgroup II had no AEAT (p0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis of the endometrium on the 18th−24th day of the cycle established high expression of CD16 , CD20 , CD56 , and HLA-DRII in 58 (90.6%) patients of the subgroup I, whereas in 54 patients (96.4%) of II subgroup high expression of CD16 and CD20 with low amount of CD56- and HLA-DRII-positive cells was registered (p0.001). We determined prognostically significant clinical and anamnestic risk factors predisposing to the development of infertility in patients with CE (p0,05). We revealed certain echographic, dopplerometric, and hysteroscopic criteria of CE demonstrating the critical disruption of endometrial receptivity in infertile women. Conclusion: Most patients (90.6%) with infertility had autoimmune component of CE characterized by prolonged (more than 5 years) course, high serum level of AEAT, sterile endometrial crops, and high expression of inflammation markers CD16 , CD20 , CD56 and HLA-DRII .
Evaluation of antifibrotic effect of pirfenidone on human nasal mucosal fibroblast cell culture
Authors: At'kova E. L. , Krahoveckij N. N. , Yartsev V. D. , Subbot A. M. , Gabashvili A. N. , Rein D. A. , Nesterova T. V.
Published: March 2018

Background: One of the main reasons of failure in surgical treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is excessive postoperative scarring of the dacryostomy. Despite the variety of procedures designed to prevent this, conflicting evidence of their efficacy and safety provide incentive for further research of antifibrotic therapeutics for adjunctive use in dacryocystorhinostomy.Aims: To evaluate the antifibrotic effect of pirfenidone on human nasal mucosal fibroblast cell culture.Materials and methods: Human nasal mucosal fibroblast cell cultures were established using samples obtained from 3 consecutive patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Cell viability following treatment with pirfenidone was evaluated using MTS-assay. Induced inhibition of cell proliferation and migration was determined using scratch wound assay.Results: In this study pirfenidone exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibiting effect on fibroblast proliferation with insignificant cell toxicity. Cell viability following 48 hours of incubation with various pirfenidone concentrations did not drop below 80%. The recovery of the fibroblast monolayer assessed after 24 hours of incubation was 84.88 and 8.26% in the control group, at a drug concentration of 0.15 mg/ml. Cell proliferation and migration was severely inhibited in cell culture specimens treated with pirfenidone compared to controls. The difference between groups was statistically significant (p=0,001).Conclusions: In our study pirfenidone demonstrated a pronounced antifibrotic effect. It is unlikely that inhibition of proliferation and migration of human nasal mucosal fibroblasts is mediated by cell toxicity of this medication as it was evaluated as low. Nonetheless an in vitro analysis is insufficient to judge pirfenidone’s efficacy and safety in preventing cicatrix formation following dacrycystorhinostomy.
A Phase I Trial of the IGF-1R Antibody Ganitumab (AMG 479) in Combination with Everolimus (RAD001) and Panitumumab in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Vlahovic Gordana , Meadows Kellen L. , Hatch Ace J. , Jia Jingquan , Nixon Andrew B. , Uronis Hope E. , Morse Michael A. , Selim M. Angelica , Crawford Jeffrey , Riedel Richard F. , Zafar S. Yousuf , Howard Leigh A. , O'Neill Margot , Meadows Jennifer J. , Haley Sherri T. , Arrowood Christy C. , Rushing Christel , Pang Herbert , Hurwitz Herbert I.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose or recommended phase II dose (RPTD) and safety and tolerability of the ganitumab and everolimus doublet regimen followed by the ganitumab, everolimus, and panitumumab triplet regimen.

Materials and Methods

This was a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation trial. Doublet therapy consisted of ganitumab at 12 mg/kg every 2 weeks; doses of everolimus were adjusted according to dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Panitumumab at 4.8 mg/kg every 2 weeks was added to the RPTD of ganitumab and everolimus. DLTs were assessed in cycle 1; toxicity evaluation was closely monitored throughout treatment. Treatment continued until disease progression or undesirable toxicity. Pretreatment and on-treatment skin biopsies were collected to assess insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) target modulation.

Results

Forty-three subjects were enrolled. In the doublet regimen, two DLTs were observed in cohort 1, no DLTs in cohort −1, and one in cohort −1B. The triplet combination was discontinued because of unacceptable toxicity. Common adverse events were thrombocytopenia/neutropenia, skin rash, mucositis, fatigue, and hyperglycemia. In the doublet regimen, two patients with refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) achieved prolonged complete responses ranging from 18 to >60 months; one treatment-naïve patient with chondrosarcoma achieved prolonged stable disease >24 months. In dermal granulation tissue, the insulin-like growth factor receptor and mTOR pathways were potently and specifically inhibited by ganitumab and everolimus, respectively.

Conclusion

The triplet regimen of ganitumab, everolimus, and panitumumab was associated with unacceptable toxicity. However, the doublet of ganitumab at 12 mg/kg every 2 weeks and everolimus five times weekly had an acceptable safety profile and demonstrated notable clinical activity in patients with refractory NSCLC and sarcoma.

Implications for Practice

This trial evaluated the maximum tolerated dose or recommended phase II dose and safety and tolerability of the ganitumab and everolimus doublet regimen followed by the ganitumab, everolimus, and panitumumab triplet regimen. Although the triplet regimen of ganitumab, everolimus, and panitumumab was associated with unacceptable toxicity, the doublet of ganitumab at 12 mg/kg every 2 weeks and everolimus at five times weekly had an acceptable safety profile and demonstrated notable clinical activity in patients with refractory non-small cell lung cancer and sarcoma.
Using drone surveys of infrastructure and plant to improve safety and productivity
Authors: Snook Victor
Published: March 2018

New technology continues to revolutionise civil engineering. Victor Snook, head of digital at Balfour Beatty, explains how using drones for condition surveys of infrastructure and plant is helping the company to improve both safety and productivity.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resins from fast pyrolysis bio-oil
Authors: Barde Mehul , Adhikari Sushil , Via Brian K , Auad Maria L
Published: March 2018

Fast pyrolysis bio-oil was used to replace phenol up to 50 wt% to synthesize bionovolac resin. A glycidylation reaction was employed for epoxidizing novolac, bionovolac, fast pyrolysis bio-oil and α-resorcylic acid. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy was used to observe available compounds in the bio-oil, whereas Fourier transform infrared and phosphorus-31 (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used for the characterization of the resulting resins. Epoxy resins were cross-linked by polyaddition reaction with the polyetheramine hardener Jeffamine T-403 at elevated temperatures. The thermal and thermomechanical properties of cured thermosets were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The glass transition temperatures and moduli of novolac-based cross-linked systems were found to be superior to those of epoxy resins without novolacs. Additionally, Soxhlet extraction and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize solvent resistance and morphology, respectively. The incorporation of α-resorcylic acid-based epoxy enhanced the properties of cured polymers. The preparation of bio-based epoxy–novolac thermoset networks resulted in reduced consumption of petroleum-based chemicals.
Assessment of SFRC flat slab punching behaviour – part I: monotonic vertical loading
Authors: Gouveia Nuno D. , Faria Duarte M. V. , Ramos António Pinho
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a study of the behaviour and load capacity of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) flat slabs under monotonically increased concentrated vertical loads. The SFRC was used only in the local region of the slab–column connection, as the rest of the slab was cast using normal concrete without fibres. The six experimental test specimens had a thickness of 150 mm with different longitudinal reinforcement ratios, using a non-uniform distribution over the slab width. The concretes used were made with different Dramix 4D 65/60 BG steel fibre contents (0, 0·5, 0·75 and 1·0% volume content). The slab tests were complemented by flexural tests on notched beams. This made it possible to determine the tension behaviour of the different concretes used, through a linear post-cracking behaviour and inverse analysis. The inverse analysis made it possible to define the stress–crack opening relationship that characterises the tension behaviour of SFRC and to relate it to the observed behaviour and load capacity of the tested slabs. The tests results show that the tensile behaviour of the SFRC plays an important role in the behavioural and load capacity of the slabs and that it can be considered relevant to physically based models.
A Phenomenological Study on Experiences of Social Network(SNS) Leisure Activity: Focusing on Women in Their Twenties
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Kim Sung-Min , Hwang Hee-Jeong , Lee Hoon
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the ways of using the conspicuous expression of women in their twenties through social network services (SNS). In-depth interviews were conducted with female students in their twenties as research participants. The results of the study are as follows. First, this study revealed the SNS usage patterns of female students in their twenties as a leisure activity. Second, it examined how SNS was utilized as a way of self-expression. Third, this study also found out how conspicuous self-expression occurs in SNS beyond regular types of self-expression as categorizing these two distinct consumption types and revealed the reinforcement process between them. Finally, the psychology after conspicuous self-expressions was analyzed. This study has theoretical implications in the fact that it analyzed and categorized the inner aspect of SNS users applying conspicuous leisure and self-expression theories. It is also meaningful that Veblen's conspicuous leisure is expanded. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as basic data for future research investigating the psychological leisure function of women in their twenties.
Analysis of Growth Process on Sharing Economy Platform in Tourism Industry Using Actor-Network Theory: Focused on Airbnb
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Kim Sang-Tae , Kim Nam-Jo
Published: March 2018

This study analyzed the growth of Airbnb, which is an excellent example of a sharing economy platform, based on the translation process of the actor-network theory. The translation process is analyzed in the order of attraction → entrapment → reinforcement. Analysis results showed that each step attracted hosts and guests, had the guests register on a web-page, and related various non-human actors to continue transactions. In other words, a network among various human and non-human actors is formed by a sharing economy platform. In particular, non-human actors played various roles in each step. First, the attraction step played exchange and trust roles, and the entrapment step played exchange, trust, and convenience roles. The reinforcement step played exchange, trust, and individual benefit roles. This study explored the possibility of the actor-network theory as a new paradigm to explain social phenomena. The actor-network theory emphasizes the relationships among non-human actors such as technology and materials instead of focusing on people and groups in society. The relationship between humans and non-humans can provide more diverse and richer explanations than from a human-oriented perspective. In the practical aspect, it showed that a non-human actor should be considered as important for growing a sharing economy platform similar to the Airbnb platform. In other words, it revealed that non-human actors should be organized and mobilized in the aspects of exchange, trust, and convenience. The results can help companies built on a sharing economy platform, which are newly emerging in the domestic tourism sector, develop successful strategies.
A Comparative Study of Influencing Factors to Use Mobile Delivery Applications Based on the UTAUT Model
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Cui Chun , Seo Sun-Hee
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to explore the intentions of Korean and Chinese customers to use mobile delivery app services that are being developed in Korea and China. The factors influencing the intent of use were divided into drivers (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition, and personal mobility) and barriers (usage barriers, value barriers, risk barriers, tradition barriers, image barriers, and perceived price). Based on the results, a comparative analysis between Korean and Chinese customers was conducted in order to identify the similarities and differences. The results show that to Koreans performance expectancy, social influence, tradition barriers, and perceived price have significant effects on the intention to use mobile delivery app services, and to Chinese performance expectancy, social influence, personal mobility, and image barriers have significant effects on intention to use the app services.
La potencia de los esclavos Conjetura sobre un silencio de Spinoza
Authors: Tatián Diego
Published: March 2018

En una carta del 20 de julio de 1664 Spinoza le relata a su amigo Peter Balling un sueño con “cierto brasileño, negro y sarnoso”. Tal vez sea esa la única mención en la obra spinozista que refiere al Nuevo Mundo, donde Holanda poseía colonias. A partir de ese sueño, el presente trabajo inquiere sobre la coexistencia de las filosofías modernas de la libertad con la esclavitud real de miles de seres humanos en América, y en particular sobre el silencio de Spinoza en relación con la trata de esclavos africanos en tierras americanas.
Palabras aladas. La figura del aedo en los poemas homéricos
Authors: Vélez Upegui Mauricio
Published: March 2018

Como se sabe, uno de los rasgos de la epopeya, en cuanto género literario, es la mención y caracterización de numerosos personajes. La Ilíada y Odisea, como representantes eximios de la épica griega antigua, no constituyen una excepción. Numerosos son los personajes que Homero incluye tanto en el poema que narra la cólera de Aquiles cuanto en el que relata el regreso de Odiseo, una vez culminada la guerra de Troya. Uno de estos personajes es el aedo o cantor oral de acciones de dioses y gestas de héroes. Por ende, en este texto se pretende adelantar un ejercicio hermenéutico sobre dicha figura. En concreto, tres serán los objetos de comprensión y explicación textual, a saber: primero, especificar las implicaciones del nombre y del oficio de cantor; segundo, establecer las semejanzas y diferencias de los aedos homéricos y sus respectivos cantos; y tercero, diferenciar los modos de elección de las canciones y los efectos causados en el auditorio.
República, libertad y democracia en Spinoza
Authors: Peña Javier
Published: March 2018

El objetivo principal de este artículo es mostrar el valor de una lectura de la filosofía política de Spinoza desde un enfoque republicano. Spinoza incorpora en su teoría política elementos del léxico, conceptos y problemas del republicanismo, retomándolos y transformándolos de acuerdo con los fundamentos metafísicos de su filosofía y con el contexto holandés de su tiempo. Podemos comprender mejor el sentido y el alcance de esa teoría si situamos a Spinoza en el marco de la tradición republicana. Tras una breve caracterización del republicanismo holandés, el artículo muestra cómo están presentes en el Tratado teológico-político y en el Tratado político los temas y conceptos básicos del republicanismo. Se centra sobre todo en el concepto de libertad, clave de la propuesta de una república democrática.
Minority Response to Ethnic Democracy
Authors: Dambrauskas Karolis
Published: March 2018

This article focuses on the evolution of Polish minority responses to Lithuanian minority policies in the post-EU-accession period.  State-minority conflicts in Lithuania have not generated violence or minority radicalization, despite continuing discontent among members of the state’s Polish minority (which constitutes Lithuania’s largest ethnic minority population) and the failure of the Lithuanian state to resolve the causes of discontent.  Employing Smooha’s concept of ethnic democracy, the article addresses this puzzle through an ethnographic exploration of the views held by members of the Polish minority about the Lithuanian state’s policies of nation-building.  The findings reveal a diverse set of critical perceptions among Poles in Lithuania, which emphasize the ineffectiveness of state policies in addressing minority needs.  However, a shared perception of threat from Russia, generated after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, helps to sustain the regime’s stability and its strategy of stalling the resolution of minority concerns.
From Pledge-Fulfilment to Mandate-Fulfilment
Authors: Körösényi András , Sebők Miklós
Published: March 2018

The article presents a theoretical synthesis that could serve as the conceptual framework for empirical studies of the fulfilment of electoral pledges in modern democracies. Studies related to the program-to-policy linkage derived their hypotheses, for the most part, from an implicit, common sense model of mandate theory. The article presents a realistic version of positive mandate theory, one that is stripped of its normative assumptions and is suitable for empirical testing. It is informed by five theoretical building blocks: the concept of the binding mandate, the party theory of representation, the doctrine of responsible party government, modern normative mandate theory and the conceptual pair of delegation and mandate. The resulting framework incorporates the information content of the campaigns, the definiteness of the authorization and the strength of pledge enactment as its core components.
Bifurcation, Stratification and Informality in Post-Socialist Welfare Regimes
Authors: Cox Terry
Published: March 2018

The essay assesses the work of Júlia Szalai on the concept of the bifurcated welfare state as a contribution to the debate on welfare regimes in Central and Eastern Europe. It locates her work in the context of the debate around Esping-Andersen’s ideal types of welfare state regimes and sees the bifurcated welfare state as offering a means of understanding the key features of hybrid welfare states in East Central Europe. The essay then examines evidence in support of the concept and explores possible ways in which the idea may contribute to the research agenda on welfare regimes.
With Eyes Wide Shut. Job Searching Qualified Roma and Employee Seeking Companies
Authors: Árendás Zsuzsanna , Messing Vera , Zentai Violetta
Published: March 2018

This article is dedicated to Julia Szalai who researches the underlying reasons, consequences and mechanisms of the social exclusion of the Roma in Central and East European societies. Her work and her writings serve as a compass for those who examine problems of social exclusion, including the authors of this article. The present paper discusses position of the Roma on the Hungarian job-market, focusing on highly-qualified young Roma within the context of the business sphere. Our knowledge is informed by the first results of an initiative which creates bridges between disadvantaged social groups and the business sector through pro-active measures. The initiative mobilizes multinational companies, business trainers, NGOs promoting social inclusion, and academics. Both the initiative and our study intend to pursue a subtle understanding of the tangible and hidden obstacles that highly educated young Roma encounter when seeking employment, and of the dilemmas that multinational companies face in relating to these prospective employees.
Official Statistics and Big Data
Authors: Giczi Johanna , Szőke Katalin
Published: March 2018

More than five years ago Eurostat started a project with the aim to 'tame' sources of Big Data in a way that they can be incoporated into official statistical systems. In order to solve the problems a statistician might be faced with during the official statistical application of Big Data, first of all, we give an overview of traditional data collection, and then point to the differences one has to face when dealing with Big Data. We introduce common sources of data (traditional, administrative) and highlight the ways huge sets of data are different compared to them. Next, we discuss characteristics of Big Data versus traditional statistical methods based on the qualitative criteria of official statistics, and we also elaborate on the problems of analysing Big Data. Finally, we provide a list of use cases for Big Data in official statistical data collections.
Cultural heritage readability: Children’s perception of cultural landscape, Laodikeia Ancient City, Denizli
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Ayşe
Published: March 2018

Aim of study: The aim of this study is to experience the
perception levels of primary school students of cultural landscape values
through educational techniques based on verbal conversation-interview, active
learning and visual perception studies performed in the archaeological site
example.Area of study: Laodikeia archaeological site, which is
located within the boundaries of Pamukkale district of Denizli province and is
the near neighbor of Seren Bayraktar Primary School, was selected as the
sampling area.Material and Methods: The students' levels of perception
of cultural landscape values were measured by theoretical and practical
informing performed in the Laodikeia ancient city archaeological site and
through observation-exploration studies, and their levels of awareness, of
cultural landscape values were measured by written and drawing (free painting)
applications.Main results: In the evaluation made, it was determined
that the fact that students learn verbal information by experiencing with
visual data increased their levels of perception and awareness.

Research highlights: These practical experiences, that
is, personal experiences, can improve students' understanding and connection
with the cultural landscape, and the foundations of protecting the past will be
laid. It will contribute to thinking about the necessity of using by protecting
as a whole. In this context, social landscape studies are important in that
they can support people's historical landscape management by reading their
perceptions.
A Stocking diagram for silvicultural implications in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands
Authors: KARA Ferhat
Published: March 2018

Aim of study: Residual stand densities are commonly defined using basal area (m2 ha-1) (BA) and number of trees per hectare (TPH) when using even-aged silvicultural methods such as clearcutting and shelterwood methods in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests. However, it has been stated that absolute density measures such as BA and TPH are not the most useful indexes because growing space at a given BA or TPH varies with average tree diameter. Therefore, silvicultural management tools such as stocking charts (SC) and density management diagrams (DMD) have seemed to be more useful when allocating growing space to achieve a broad range of silvicultural objectives in even-aged stands. Given the importance of stand density on the regeneration success and growth of Scots pine, and given the shortages of absolute density measures (i.e. BA and TPH), a density diagram would be a useful tool for this tree species as well. Thus, in this study, a stand stocking diagram (SD) was developed for Scots pine stands. Material and Methods: Two published equations developed from open grown Scots pine trees, and from normal Scots pine stands were utilized to determine the minimum density of full site occupancy and the average maximum density, respectively. The form of the diagram follows Gingrich stocking chart. Main results: The A-line on the diagram represents the average maximum density where trees, on average, have the minimum growing space needed to survive. The B-line represents the lowest density where canopy closure can occur and is the minimum stocking necessary for full site occupancy or canopy closure. Consistent with a published Scots pine DMD, there is biological relevance and utility to the stocking diagram created in this study. Highlights: With the stocking diagram presented in this paper, regeneration and tending applications will be more practical in Scots pine forests because available growing space will be well-determined and utilized using the diagram.
A Genetic Programming Study on Classification of Cassava Plant
Authors: Laksmana Indra , Syelly Rosda , Tazar Nurzarah , Putera Perdana
Published: March 2018

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important plant that is consumed in many forms. It could be processed as vegetable, chips, fodder, or bioethanol through a fermentation process. The cyclic acid HCN of cassava varies based on the varieties. Cassava with high HCN is toxic when it is consumed directly. This research designed a system to identify the cassava varieties based on HCN content by applying a heuristic search algorithm, using genetic operations. The identification of HCN content by applying Generic programming produced a structured classification rule and represents in tree form. The experiment in this study used binary code data generated from booleanizing process. Binary code data is divided into training data and test data using 5-fold cross-validation, and then the process of genetic operation. Rules are derived from repeated experiments to get the best rule. The best rule to identify with an average accuracy of 95.26%, obtained on population parameters of 10,000, 20-30 nodes. The node consists of Function set of AND, OR, NOR and 96 terminal sets (attributes / identifiers); in addition, the best classification rules are obtained on the crossover probability of 0.9 and 0.1 mutations of 10 generations. The resulting Rule can be utilized by the community in identifying the class of HCN cassava content.
Analysis of logging forest residues as an energy source
Authors: Vasileios Filippou , Ioannis Philippou , Nikolaos Symeonidis , Ioannis Eleftheriadis , Kostas Tsiotas
Published: March 2018

Forest residue extraction levels in Greece are currently very low, but logging residues have the potential to be an important component of the wood energy supply chain. Forests are a major supplier of renewable energy. Exploring the possibilities of utilizing the biomass of logging residues for energy requires analysis and knowledge of its properties. In this research work the properties (ash, volatiles, fixed carbon, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and calorific value) of the various constituents of the biomass of fir (Abies borisii - regis), pine (Pinus nigra), oak (Quercus frainetto) and beech (Fagus silvatica) logging residues were determined. Bark and ash content increased with decreasing diameter of branches. Ash content was higher in bark than in wood of branches in all species. Ash and nitrogen content was several times higher in bark and in foliage or needles than in wood of branches. Oak branches and twigs of all species had ash and nitrogen content higher than that required by the EN ISO 17225-2 standard for domestic pellets and they should not be used for energy, at least for pellets production. Volatile mater, fixed carbon, carbon and hydrogen content were in the range given by other researchers. Heating value is higher in softwood (fir and pine) than in hardwood (oak and beech) and ranged from 18.72 MJ/kg to 21.00 MJ/kg. In addition, Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the means between the various constituents in all species.
Spectroscopic study on chemical composition of essential oil and crude extract from Albanian Pinus halepensis Mill.
Authors: Taraj Krenaida , Malollari Ilirjan , Ylli Fatos , Maliqati Ramiz , Andoni Adelaida , Llupa Jonilda
Published: March 2018

Balkan countries are home to outstanding natural bioresources such as large number of herbs, plants and forestry species. They are also, among the most important export regions for medicinal and aromatic plants in Europe. Balkan has various flora with different tree species as well. Pinus halepensis, also known as the Aleppo pine, is native to the Mediterranean region. However, its range extends to Balkan countries as well, such as Albania, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro. It is one of the many trees that are well known for their medicinal properties, as well as for their economical significance. In this work essential oils/extracts of Pinus halepensis needles were acquired by hydro-distillation (Clevenger type) and Soxhlet extraction. The pine oils and crude extracts were analysed by FTIR spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry aiming the identification of the main chemical constituents of the oil extracts of Albanian pine needles. FTIR analyses indicated presence of caryophyllene and pinene as the main chemical constituents in the essential oil and extract of pine needles.
Abstracts from the 2018 OAS Annual Meeting
Authors: Ohio Academy of Science The
Published: March 2018

Abstracts from the 2018 Ohio Academy of Science Annual Meeting
Diclofenac-induced biochemical changes in nephrotoxicity among male Albino rats
Authors: R. Sivaraj , S. Umarani
Published: March 2018

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with adverse renal effects caused by the reduction in synthesis of renal prostaglandins in sensitive persons or animal species, and potentially during long-term use in non-sensitive persons if resistance to side effects decreases with age. The effects of diclofenac sodium on the kidneys were studied during 4 1/2 hours in eight patients with normal renal function. Urinary output decreased within 10 min after the injection, and maximally by 80%. The renal plasma flow and the glomerular filtration rate initially diminished significantly, by 35%, but began to increase after only 2 hours. The dominant and persistent effect was a reduction of free water clearance, with maximum fall from 5.9 to 0.08ml/min after 2 1/2 hours. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diclofenac-induced acute nephrotoxicity using biochemical parameters in rats.Methods: 12 male Wistar rats allotted in 4 equal groups were intraperitoneally injected with 0, 10, 50 and 100mg/kg diclofenac, respectively and 12 hours after injection, blood serum samples were collected for assessment of basic renal function test parameters such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid, sodium, Potassium.Results: Rats treated up to 50mg/kg diclofenac were considered to be within normal range in rats. By increase in dose more than 50mg/kg showed significant increases in uremia were evidenced in intoxicated animals. Observed specifically in group IV Rats.Conclusions: In this study, uremia, as an indicator of kidney damage, was significantly increased depending on dose. Diclofenac may cause kidney damage depending on dose and this effect may also be observed. NSAIDs-induced nephrotoxicity may be due to the inhibitory effect of these drugs on prostaglandin synthesis, thus causing kidney ischemia.
A prospective observational study on drug safety monitoring and Pharmacoeconomics in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Mohamedali Seema P.
Published: March 2018

Background: Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. The study was aimed at learning and comparing the toxicities of various chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of carcinoma lung, which will help in the implementation of counter measures to avoid development of toxicities, with a constant vigil on the patients during chemotherapeutic cycles. This study also aimed at searching into the added economic burden to the unfortunate patient, who is already suffering from a deadly disease. Study also targeted at evaluating the performance status of the patients receiving the chemotherapy.Methods: The Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) data was collected from 40 patients receiving chemotherapy for locally advanced unresectable carcinoma lung from the cancer wards of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 months. ADRs were graded according to WHO guidelines and their performance statuses were assessed using the Zubrod’s performance scale. Cost analysis of chemotherapeutic regimens was also carried out.Results: On comparison, alopecia and peripheral neuropathy were significantly more common with carboplatin-paclitaxel combination compared to other regimens (p value<0.005). Cost analysis reveals that the most commonly employed carboplatin-paclitaxel combination is more affordable when compared to the newer highly expensive agents but is costlier than cisplatin based chemotherapy. Also, carboplatin-paclitaxel combination offers a reasonably good performance status.Conclusions: Thus, carboplatin-paclitaxel combination is the preferred regimen for palliation in advanced NSCLC, especially in the older patients.
Monitoring of adverse drug reactions in medicine, paediatric and surgical departments of a tertiary care hospital: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sowmyanarayan Sujatha , Banerjee Swati
Published: March 2018

Background: the aim of the study was to monitor all adverse drug reactions in the departments of Medicine, Paediatrics and Surgery in a Tertiary Care Hospital.Methods: It was a prospective study undertaken in a 300 bedded tertiary care hospital. Patients presenting with adverse drug reactions in Medicine, Paediatrics and Surgery Departments were studied. Causality and severity of the adverse drug reactions were analysed Other parameters such as age wise and gender wise distribution of the ADRs, types of ADRs and drugs causing ADRs were studied.Results: There were 33 cases of ADRs were enrolled for the study in the duration of Sept. 2016 to Aug. 2017. Female preponderance was seen. The largest number of ADRs were seen in the age group of 21-30 years (30.3%). The most common ADR was skin rash (30.3%) followed by periorbital edema (12%). There were two SAEs namely Anaphylaxis and Steven Johnson syndrome. The most offending class of drug was antibiotics (30.3%) followed by intravenous fluids (12.1%).Conclusions: The maximum number of cases were reported from the Medicine Department which was 11 (33.33%). The highest number of ADRs fell in the probable category (63.6%). The number of cases of mild and moderate severity were equal (42.4%). The knowledge of these adverse drug reactions is necessary while prescribing drugs to patients as patient safety is absolutely essential. Also the healthcare provided by the institution will improve. This data has been collected with a view to establish an ADR monitoring centre at our hospital.
Prescription pattern among patients having mild to moderate bronchial asthma using metered dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler in tertiary hospital in western india
Authors: Akhoon Neha , Brashier D. B. S.
Published: March 2018

Background: Bronchial asthma is a syndrome characterized by airflow obstruction that manifests as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. The treatment is tailored according to the severity of the disease. The drugs used for treatment of bronchial asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, beta-2 agonists, methylxanthines, leukotriene antagonists and mast cell stabilizers. Despite the availability of all these drugs, which are recommended for the treatment, not every patient achieves complete control of the disease. The reason behind this could be irrational prescribing of drugs for the treatment and errors in the technique of using inhaler devices. Though rational prescribing of drugs and correct technique for the use of inhaler can be improved by proper training of target population, but there is paucity of such data in our country.Methods: This study was planned to monitor prescription pattern and errors in use of inhalation devices, in patients diagnosed as cases of mild to moderate bronchial asthma, attending Out Patient Department (OPD) of respiratory medicine of a tertiary hospital. A total of 207 patients were recruited and their prescription pattern and inhalation technique were assessed.Results: The study showed that inhaled short acting β2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids were the most commonly used drug groups, which were prescribed to all the patients in the study, followed by long acting β2-agonists, leukotriene antagonists and methylxanthines in decreasing order.Conclusions: As a conclusion, the treating physicians were prescribing according to the laid down guidelines. It is concluded that such studies should be periodically done to ensure the adherence to the treatment guidelines.