bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: Žubule Ērika , Kavale Lūcija
Published: May 2016

The paper is focused on the efficiency of government activities and possibilities of evaluating it. Nowadays an appropriate use of public finances is an urgent problem of financial management of the state. Therefore, a special emphasis is put on the necessity to evaluate the results of activities of the public sector. These results have become an important element of the public financial system oriented towards results, as they form a stable base for planning and evaluating government budget resources. Being unaware of results, it is impossible to estimate if the aims and tasks set by the government financial policy are real and appropriate to the current situation and financial resources. Therefore a systematic approach to the evaluation of activities of the state administration is necessary. It can be done with the help of the system of efficiency indicators.Existing views on efficiency evaluation options for the public sector in economic literature are summarized, related issues are highlighted and trends in the improvement of the performance indicators system are identified in the research.
SOME CASES OF INTEGRATED SOCIAL SERVICES IN POLAND
Authors: Grewiński Mirosław , Lizut Jaonna
Published: May 2016

In Poland, public operations refer to the European debate on social policy and public policies, which focus on the development of social services and proper public management. An integrated approach to social services is the answer to the need for changes in the attitude to social problems, which require an extensive activity in the public field and the involvement of many organizations and institutions that create networks. This paper presents current experiences in integrating social services in Poland.  Mostly, they have a local and testing character, but they are the “starting point” for the reorganization of the social assistance system. The integrated approach emphasizes the need of reorientation in perception of beneficiaries of social assistance, stimulating their activity and targeted public policies so that they take into consideration different lifestyles and needs. The reorganization and management of social policy system should lead to better social service delivery.
LEGAL AND FINANCIAL WORK ASPECTS OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN LITHUANIA, SLOVAKIA AND LATVIA
Authors: Mietule Iveta , Skėruvienė Vitalija , Ubrežiova Iveta , Znotiņa Daina
Published: May 2016

The legal and financial work aspects of academic staff have been insufficiently studied. Basically, it is the existing autonomy of each university personnel policy. The variety of diverse approaches exists not only in different countries, but also within the borders of one particular country. The research aims to provide an evaluation of the legal and financial work aspects of the academic staff in Lithuania, Slovakia and Latvia. In the framework of this research a comparative analysis of all three countries’ legislation has been performed, reflecting common and distinctive features of the academic staff requirements, as well as general principles of salary formation have been evaluated.
IDENTITY OF KĀRLIS RŪDOLFS KREICBERGS IN HIS LIFE
Authors: Medveckis Arturs
Published: May 2016

The aim of the paper is to analyse the identity of Latvian pedagogue and conductor Kārlis Rūdolfs Kreicbergs (1921-2014), by using the author's elaborated theoretical model of identity research (2016), and the integrated author's approbated personality research model (2013). The personality research model, which, in its micro context, includes basic features of his personality - emotions, talent, behaviour and convictions, as well as adaptation characteristics - interests, motivations, values, attitudes, is supplemented with components determining the identity of the pedagogue: in mezzo context in the social environment, where the identity of the pedagogue, as well as family, identity in his everyday life, student's and religious identity is formed, but in micro context, - professional, national, local, political and cultural identity of the personality, thus creating a research model of the multidimensional identity of the teacher and factors influencing development thereof. After the approbated model with the help of qualitative research methods the obtained data are related to theoretical opinions about the identity formation of the pedagogue,  thus approving the innovative character of the proposed theoretical model.
On Simultaneously Increasing MANET Survivability, Capacity, Power Efficiency and Security
Authors: Hunjet Robert
Published: May 2016

Increasing the capacity, survivability and power efficiency of wireless networks are often seen as competing goals. This paper shows that it is possible to pursue these goals simultaneously in ad hoc networks through the use of a multi-objective cross entropy optimisation operating on the placement of additional nodes and transmission power control. Encouraging results were obtained through simulation, with substantial capacity gains and associated transmission power savings achieved, whilst offering survivability through bi-connected topologies. This paper also discusses how the increase in power efficiency improves the security of the network by reducing the range at which messages within the network can be detected and decoded by eavesdropping nodes. A derivation of the optimal distance required between senders and receivers in the presence of noise is described, and the effects of relaying on overall network capacity and node throughput are discussed.
The impact of Disability Studies curriculum on education professionals' perspectives and practice: Implications for education, social justice, and social change
Authors: Pearson Holly , Cosier Meghan , Kim Joanne J. , Gomez Audri M. , Hines Carol , McKee Aja A. , Ruiz Litzy Z.
Published: May 2016

As a field, Disability Studies has gained ground in the past few decades by highlighting alternative ways of thinking about disability as a social, cultural, and political phenomenon. As more education professionals pursue advanced degrees with a Disability Studies framework, there is a need to understand how, if at all, Disability Studies influences their perspectives and practices. This study employed semi-structured interviews with nine doctoral students enrolled in a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education program that used the framework of Disability Studies, who are also practicing education professionals, to explore how gaining knowledge about Disability Studies impacted their daily work in the field of education. Through their experiences, they indicated that Disability Studies has transformed their conceptualization of disability, their practices, and themselves.
Understanding political development through an intersectionality framework: Life stories of disability activists
Authors: Nishida Akemi
Published: May 2016

This article explores how those who do not share their marginalized identities with their surrounding people (e.g., family members) and thus community resources relating to these identities, initiate and experience political development. The concept of intersectionality is used as an analytical tool to examine how one's political development is mediated via one's intersecting identities, communities, and experience of social in/justices. Life story interviews were conducted with disabled activists to explore this question. The stories reveal how these activists, who had initially resisted identifying as disabled for various reasons, eventually used the politicizing experiences from nondisability identities and communities to reframe and reclaim their disability status. By tracing the political developments of disabled people, this article places importance on understanding the process in a holistic way and on developing activist communities and movements that acknowledge intersecting identities and in/justices.
The Hand of The Silent Worker: Reading an ASL imageword
Authors: Kincheloe Pamela J.
Published: May 2016

The essay argues that the attempt to represent ASL in two dimensions is not a new, postmodern phenomenon, but is instead one that is embedded in deaf history at least as far back as the nineteenth century.  The essay then provides a close, historically contextual reading of a particular illustration from the October 1928 issue of The Silent Worker, showing evidence of a multivocal imageword; a successful two dimensional representation of ASL, depicted in a clash with the heteroglossic English text with which it appears.
STAKEHOLDER-CENTERED ONTOLOGIES FOR EDUCATIONAL DESIGNS
Authors:   Department of Business Information Systems – Communications Engineering, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Ch. Stary , M. Neubauer ,   Department of Business Information Systems – Communications Engineering, Johannes Kepler University Linz, St. Oppl ,   Department of Business Information Systems – Communications Engineering, Johannes Kepler University Linz, G. Weichhart ,   Profactor GmbH
Published: May 2016

E-Learning and Knowledge Management environments are increasingly becoming highly interactive and content-rich. They encapsulate social, cognitive, and technological aspects. Concept maps are effective means to generate and organize multiple grounded knowledge for sharing content and trigger behavior along learning and development processes. Since the basic concept map structure and procedure can easily be explained, the various stakeholders engaged in learning processes and knowledge management activities can benefit from these capabilities. Concept maps allow encoding not only relevant information but also elaborating different perspectives on information elements. In this way, meaningful content and features for interaction can effectively be conveyed. We demonstrate the non-intrusive and non-disruptive use of concept maps for user- and usage-centered design of learning environments. The approach spans from articulating educational designs and tagging didactic content to purposeful navigation and traceable design spaces. We use metadata to encode educational intention for learning support. They also allow using content elements in different educational contexts. Their handling can be aligned with existing features of learning support systems including social media. By understanding such application development as a learning process itself, concept mapping enforces systemic understanding and thus, accelerates further developments in context-sensitive design, as our findings from the field reveal.
OPTIMIZATION OF GENERALIZED MULTI-PURPOSE SYSTEMS
Authors:   Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Building, Piyavsky S.
Published: May 2016

The article expands the definition of multi-purpose system that was previously implemented by the author. Multipurpose system is defined as a collection of elements that react to external impacts by reassigning parts of the impact between the members of the collection in an optimal way. It is assumed that the vector of the impact is always scalar, every element of the system is able to react to any kind of separate impact autonomously, without any interaction with other elements of the system. The article considers the model of the generalized multi-purpose system, where these restrictions are removed. The model described in the article allows for limited impact reaction of the system’s elements. The possibility of joint response for impact for the elements of the system is considered. A multi-criteria methods of evaluation the system’s performance is proposed. Accurate algorithms of optimization of integrated and guaranteeing systems based on the model of a mixed linear programming are proposed. Given the high dimensionality of the numerically solved tasks for the optimization problems, precise and heuristic methods for the dimensionality reduction are proposed. A variety of tasks, such as designing of objects and systems of objects, standardization and unification, arrangement of items, services and others can be solved by means of optimization of the generalized multi-purpose systems.
ملامح الاتجاه الأدبي الاجتماعي في تفسير الأزهر للعلامة الحاج عبد المالك كريم أمر الله
Authors: Hadi Sutrisno
Published: May 2016

Among other interpretation patterns of the Qur’an, the social pattern is the most prominent at this time due to its emphasis on efforts to actualization of the Qur’an guidance in various aspect of life as well as harmonization of the teachings of Islam with the times. One of the most distinguished works in this type in Indonesia is that of Hamka, Tafsir Al-Azhar. This article is aimed at analyzing the work to define how consistent the author to be in line with the characteristics of the interpretation pattern in terms of its background and objectives, bibliographies it refers to, and its methodology. It is found that the author, Hamka, is very consistent to be in line with social interpretation pattern of the Qur’an.
التفسير العلمي في القرآن الكريم بين المؤيدين والمخالفين: دراسة تحليلية نقدية
Authors: Usman Usman
Published: May 2016

One of the patterns of Qur’an interpretation that develops widely in the last and current century is Tafsīr al-'ilmiy. The pattern of Qur’an interpretation has been revealing opinion and argumentation that accept as well as reject it. The article is aimed at analyzing position of this pattern among the Qur’an interpreters, mufassirūn. The method used in this study is comparison analysis. The author concludes that, despite of controversies among the mufassirūn, there is a common intention and objectives they share. They find that Qur’an verses containing scientific signs, known as āyāt kawniyyah, must be considered to bear intrinsically guide to humankind. The mufassirūn are obliged to find and elaborate the guide.
Arthroscopic Repair of an Isolated Teres Minor Tear
Authors: Zaman Saif U. , Syed Hasan M.
Published: May 2016

Case:

Isolated avulsion of the teres minor tendon is exceedingly uncommon and, to our knowledge, the presentation and arthroscopic repair of this type of injury have not been described. Known musculotendinous avulsions about the shoulder frequently involve the supraspinatus, long head of the biceps, and pectoralis major.

Conclusion:

We present the case of a patient with an isolated teres minor avulsion and an otherwise intact rotator cuff. The patient underwent successful arthroscopic repair and rehabilitation, allowing for a return to the pre-injury level of function.
Popliteal Artery Thrombosis After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Patella
Authors: Priddy Michael C. , Pollock Anthony G. , Chong Alexander C.M.
Published: May 2016

Case:

A 31-year-old man presented with a right patellar fracture after a motor-vehicle accident. He had a history of a myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, for which he reported taking aspirin and clopidogrel daily. One hour after surgery, an acute popliteal artery thrombosis was detected. The patient was ultimately successfully managed with endovascular placement of a catheter and a 14-hour infusion of tissue plasminogen activator. The patient had no further known thromboembolic events after 11 months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

High suspicion must be maintained for acute thromboembolic events in patients with a history of such events.
Stimulation of the hydrolytic stage for biogas production from cattle manure in an electrochemical bioreactor
Authors: Samani Saeed , Abdoli Mohammad Ali , Karbassi Abdolreza , Amin Mohammad Mehdi
Published: May 2016

Electrical current in the hydrolytic phase of the biogas process might affect biogas yield. In this study, four 1,150 mL single membrane-less chamber electrochemical bioreactors, containing two parallel titanium plates were connected to the electrical source with voltages of 0, −0.5, −1 and −1.5 V, respectively. Reactor 1 with 0 V was considered as a control reactor. The trend of biogas production was precisely checked against pH, oxidation reduction potential and electrical power at a temperature of 37 ± 0.5°C amid cattle manure as substrate for 120 days. Biogas production increased by voltage applied to Reactors 2 and 3 when compared with the control reactor. In addition, the electricity in Reactors 2 and 3 caused more biogas production than Reactor 4. Acetogenic phase occurred more quickly in Reactor 3 than in the other reactors. The obtained results from Reactor 4 were indicative of acidogenic domination and its continuous behavior under electrical stimulation. The results of the present investigation clearly revealed that phasic electrical current could enhance the efficiency of biogas production.
Optimization of the ball mill processing parameters in the fat filling production
Authors: Loncarevic Ivana , Fistes Aleksandar , Rakic Dusan , Pajin Biljana , Petrovic Jovana , Torbica Aleksandra , Zaric Danica
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the main milling variables, i.e., agitator shaft speed (50, 75 and 100%, which is 25, 37.5 and 50 rpm) and milling time (30, 45 and 60 min) on physical and sensory properties of fat filling, as well as on energy consumption during the production in a laboratory ball mill. Within the response surface method, the face centered central composite design is used. A response surface regression analysis for responses was performed and a full quadratic model was fitted to the experimental data. It is shown that agitator shaft speed had the most significant influence on physical properties (particle size distribution, rheological and textural propertes) and sensory characteristics of fat filling, while the milling energy consumption is highly influenced by milling time with contribution 55.4%, followed by agitator shaft speed (40.04%). The model obtained by regression analyses was used to perform the optimization of processing parameters in order to provide the combination of agitator shaft speed and milling time that cost less energy while at the same time do not compromise the quality of the fat filling. Optimization of production of fat filling in a laboratory ball mill would imply the maximum agitator shaft speed and 30-min milling time.
Hyperparathyroidism as a cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis: A case report
Authors: Tesic-Rajkovic Snezana , Radovanovic-Dinic Biljana , Mitic Branka , Dinic-Radovic Violeta , Jovanovic Maja
Published: May 2016

Introduction. One of the more uncommon etiological factors responsible for the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) is hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism (HPT), as a cause of hypercalcemia, is responsible for 1.5?13% of AP according to a number of studies. A mechanism of the development of AP in hyperparathyroidism is still unclear. Case report. We presented a 47-year-old female patient, who had five episodes of AP in total before the etiological factors were finally determined. The patient had certain comorbidities which were considered to be potential causes of AP. She had chronic renal insufficiency (she was on a regular hemodialysis program), systemic lupus erythematosus and mioma uteri. She used to regularly take an antiepileptic drug (combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid). During the fifth episode of AP, the serum calcium level was for the first time elevated to twice the normal value. Level of parathyroid hormone was several times higher. A static scintigraphy found hyperplasia or hyperfunctional adenoma of the right inferior and superior parathyroid glands. Abdominal multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scan verified the enlargement of the entire pancreas, as well as the presence of heterogeneous structures with diffuse amorphous calcifications. The lytic lesions in the pelvic bones could be seen in both sides. Parathyroidectomy was being postponed by an endocrine surgeon because of the poor overall condition of the patient. In the next period the patient had five more episodes of AP. The condition was significantly contributed by increasingly more frequent and longer episodes of metrorrhagia. Despite all therapeutic measures that were taken, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) developed, and fatal outcome occurred. Conclusion. In case of recurrent pancreatitis, hyperparathyroidism is to be considered even if a significant elevation of serum calcium is not present. This is especially the case for patients with chronic renal insufficiency or impaired vitamin D metabolism, who have a higher risk of secondary hyperthyroidism.
Pulmonary sequestration mimicring lun cancer: A case report
Authors: Adzic-Vukicevic Tatjana , Radovanovic Dragan , Acimovic Bojana , Popovic Marko
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital anomaly and most intralobar sequestrations were located in lower lobes. Case report. We reported an unusual 28-yearold female patient with intralobar pulmonary sequestration on the left lower lobe, successfully treated with lobectomy. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with intravenous contrast revealed multiple clustered cystic lesions in the left lower lobe with aberrant artery from descedenting aorta. Additional aortography showed an aberrant artery (3 mm in diameter) arising from the abdominal aorta and flowing into the lesion. Conclusion. Standard therapy regimen for pulmonary sequestration includes surgery. CT scan of thorax with intravenous contrast and aortography represent the gold standard for its diagnosis. Tumor-like shadows seen on the chest radiography or CT scans should not be always suspected on malignant lesions.
24-hour evaluation of dental plaque bacteria and halitosis after consumption of a single placebo or dental treat by dogs
Authors: Jeusette Isabelle C. , Román Aurora Mateo , Torre Celina , Crusafont Josep , Sánchez Nuria , Sánchez Maria C. , Pérez-Salcedo Leire , Herrera David
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine whether consumption of a single dental treat with specific mechanical properties and active ingredients would provide a 24-hour effect on dental plaque bacteria and halitosis in dogs.

ANIMALS 10 dogs of various breeds from a privately owned colony that had received routine dental scaling and polishing 4 weeks before the study began.

PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive 1 placebo or dental treat first. A 4-week washout period was provided, and then dogs received the opposite treatment. Oral plaque and breath samples were collected before and 0.5, 3, 12, and 24 hours after treat consumption. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) concentration was measured in breath samples. Total aerobic, total anaerobic, Porphyromonas gulae, Prevotella intermedia–like, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacterial counts (measured via bacterial culture) and total live bacterial counts, total live and dead bacterial counts, and bacterial vitality (measured via quantitative real-time PCR assay) were assessed in plaque samples.

RESULTS Compared with placebo treat consumption, dental treat consumption resulted in a significant decrease in breath VSCs concentration and all plaque bacterial counts, without an effect on bacterial vitality. Effects of the dental treat versus the placebo treat persisted for 12 hours for several bacterial counts and for 24 hours for breath VSCs concentration.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although clinical benefits should be investigated in larger scale, longer-term studies, results of this study suggested that feeding the evaluated dental treat may help to decrease oral bacterial growth in dogs for 12 hours and oral malodor for 24 hours. A feeding interval of 12 hours is therefore recommended.
Comparison of the in vitro anticollagenase efficacy of homologous serum and plasma on degradation of corneas of cats, dogs, and horses
Authors: Conway Emily D. , Stiles Jean , Townsend Wendy M. , Weng Hsin-Yi
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE To compare the anticollagenase efficacy of fresh feline, canine, and equine serum and plasma on in vitro corneal degradation.

SAMPLE Grossly normal corneas from recently euthanized dogs, cats, and horses and fresh serum and plasma from healthy dogs, cats, and horses.

PROCEDURES Serum and plasma were pooled by species and used for in vitro experiments. Corneas were collected and stored at −80°C. Sections of cornea were dried, weighed, and incubated in saline (0.9% NaCl) solution with clostridial collagenase and homologous fresh serum or plasma. Corneal degradation was assessed as the percentage of corneal weight loss and hydroxyproline concentration, compared with results for positive and negative control samples.

RESULTS Homologous fresh serum and plasma significantly reduced the percentage of corneal weight loss, compared with results for positive control samples. No significant difference was found in percentage of corneal weight loss between incubation with serum or plasma for feline, canine, and equine corneas. Canine serum and plasma significantly reduced hydroxyproline concentrations, whereas inclusion of feline and equine serum or plasma did not, compared with results for positive control samples. Hydroxyproline concentrations were moderately correlated with percentage of corneal weight loss for feline samples and weakly correlated for equine samples, but they were not correlated for canine samples.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, the anticollagenase efficacy of fresh feline, canine, and equine serum was not different from that of plasma. Plasma should be an acceptable substitute for serum in the topical treatment of keratomalacia.
Inventing Eco-Cycle
Authors: Smith-Nonini Sandy
Published: May 2016

Abstract

This article discusses lessons learned from a social enterprise project supporting sustainability education in central North Carolina (U.S.A.). Since 2011, Eco-Cycle,1 a retail shop featuring creative-reuse has provided support for a community meeting space that offers weekly environmental education workshops. Many approaches to social justice-oriented green initiatives in the United States emulate urban agriculture models and tend to be grant-dependent in early years, only achieving economic sustainability with difficulty. In contrast, our non-profit co-op of upcycler crafters and vintage vendors grew out of production and marketing of upcycled rain barrels, based on a social enterprise approach rather than a traditional model. I discuss the stepping-stones to this venture, which originated through a neighbourhood energy conservation initiative, followed by alliance-building with non-profits to promote green job creation. I relate the complications and surprising forms of synergism emerging from the social enterprise approach to social theory on cooperatives and community-based development models.

1Eco-Cycle is a pseudonym.
Genetic divergence of indigenous pummelo genotypes
Authors: Alam Md Sarowar , Mia Md Sultan , Salim Md , Rashid Jubair Al , Rahman Md Saidur
Published: May 2016

The genetic divergence was studied in33pummelogenotypes using D2 statistics and principal component analysis at Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Akbarpur, Moulvibazar during 2012 to 2014. The genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters and the maximum number of genotypes was included in cluster IV and V and the minimum number in cluster I. The inter cluster distance in all of the cases were higher than the intra cluster distance indicating wider genetic diversity among the accessions of different groups. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and II followed by cluster II and V and the lowest between III and IV. The highest intra- cluster distance was observed for the cluster II and the lowest for the cluster III. For cluster II, the highest mean values for plant height (6.13m), individual fruit weight (1141.67g), fruit length (13.03 cm) and breadth (13.15 cm), number of segments per fruit (14.41), number and weight of seeds per fruit (123.67 and 50.41g), yield per plant (50.94 kg) were observed. The first axis largely accounted for the variation among the pummelo accessions (26.16%) followed by second axis (18.75%). The first 8 axes accounted 90.56 % of the total variation. The characters individual fruit weight (g) and weight of seeds per fruit (g) showing positive value in both the vectors contributed maximum towards divergence. Considering magnitude of genetic distance, contribution of different traits toward the total divergence, magnitude of cluster means for different traits and performance the genotypes of cluster I, II, and IV may be considered as parents for future hybridization program.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 37-43, April 2016
Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in seed germination and root-shoot development of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under different salinity condition
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Mosharraf , Das Keshob Chandra , Yesmin Sabina , Shahriar Syfullah
Published: May 2016

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by a wide variety of mechanisms. Ten isolates of bacteria designated as SS01, SS02, SS03, SS04, SS05, SS06, SS07, SS08, SS09 and SS10 were successfully isolated and morphologically and biochemically characterized. Subsequently to investigate the effect of PGPR isolates on the growth of chickpea, a pot culture experiment was conducted in 2013 at National Institute Biotechnology, Bangladesh net house. Prior to seeds grown in plastic pots, seeds were treated with PGPR isolates and seedlings were harvested after 21 days of inoculation. All the isolates were gram negative in reaction, catalase positive, produced indole acetic acid (IAA) as well as performed phosphate solubilization, able to degrade cellulose and have the adaptability in wide range of temperature and showed positive growth pattern in medium. Most of isolates resulted in a significant increasing of shoot length, root length and dry matter production of shoot and root of chickpea seedlings. Application of PGPR isolates significantly improves the percentage of seed germination under saline conditions. The present study, therefore suggested that the use of PGPR isolates SS04, SS10 and SS08 as inoculants biofertilizers might be beneficial for chickpea cultivation in saline conditionRes. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 105-113, April 2016
Establishment of health management package for native sheep of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam KBM Saiful , Ershaduzzaman Md , Munsi Md Nuruzzaman , Kabir Md Humayun , Das Sompa , Kabir Md Hazzaz Bin
Published: May 2016

The present study was designed to explore the disease status of sheep in Bangladesh with the aim of developing health management package for sheep for better and efficient sheep production in Bangladesh. Both retrospective and prospective investigations on the incidence and prevalence of different diseases of sheep have been conducted in the study areas. Information on the disease related factors like health status, sex and age, vaccination, deworming, etc. were collected. Samples (faeces, blood, etc.) were collected from the diseased/dead animals and preserved following the standard procedure. Faecal samples were examined to determine the parasitic loads and faecal as well as blood samples were examined to determine any protozoan infection present in the study animals. Samples from diarrhoeic animals were studied to isolate and identify causal organisms. Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity studies of the aetiological agents responsible for common infectious diseases in sheep were also conducted in order to suggest the most suitable antibiotic to treat the concerned diseases in the field. Since helminthic infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and foot rot were found to be the mostly occurring health hazards in sheep of all ages, especial attempts were made to develop herbal based novel approaches to treat and control major intestinal helminthic infestations of sheep. However, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were found most effective antibiotics and recommended to use in diarrhoeal cases in the field. On the other hand, methanol extract of mahogany seeds (100 mg), betel leaf (100 mg) and dodder (100 mg) were found significantly effective against 100% worms in 2 hours in vitro and thus recommended to be used in the field against helminthic infection in sheep. Therefore, a health management package for native sheep of Bangladesh can be designed using the present findings with some fluctuations for different sites after doing the in vivo evaluation of the medicinal plants used in this experiment.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 151-155, April 2016
Impact of rainfall on spatio-temporal distribution of sediment organic matter along the Chittagong Coast, Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Avijit , Mallick Debbrota , Mandal Shamindra Nath , Anka Ishrat Zahan , Shiuli Milan Kumar , Hasin Tasnuba , Sarker Shubha
Published: May 2016

Sediment organic matter regulates the coastal biogeochemical cycle which is influenced by rainfall pattern and has potential relationship with organic carbon as well as mud characteristics. The objective of present research was to identify the impact of precipitation on the spatiotemporal variation inorganic features of intertidal mudflats. Three locations were selected in freshwater zone; two were in brackish water region and last three locations situated in marine waters from Halda to Salimpur coast. Two sites from each location were designated as the highest high tide level (onshore) and lowest low tide level (offshore) of the intertidal zone during winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) spanning between 2013 and 2014. Sediment organic matter and carbon were measured by combustion and Walkey-Black wet oxidation in turn. Average organic matter content in monsoon were found 4.5±0.03, 2.3±0.01 and 2.4 in freshwater, brackish and marine locations whereas 5.2±0.6, 3.9±0.14 and 5.4±0.04% investigated during winter. Precipitation pattern varies from different seasons and locations that have impact on land runoff, freshwater inflow, mixing and circulation. Mud dominated coastal intertidal zones represented high organic matter content than sand dominated coast. Furthermore, depositional pattern, transport, erosion-accretion processes, tidal action, wave characteristics and seasonal inconstancy control the organic matter characteristics in the coastal sediment. This research suggests the necessity of periodic observation of rainfall pattern and organic matter distribution to assess the intertidal deposits which support the stabilization of local geomorphology and biogeochemistry in Chittagong coastal region.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 175-186, April 2016
Building an Interoperability Test System for Electric Vehicle Chargers Based on ISO/IEC 15118 and IEC 61850 Standards
Authors: Shin Minho , Kim Hwimin , Kim Hyoseop , Jang Hyuksoo
Published: May 2016

The electric vehicle market is rapidly growing due to its environmental friendliness and governmental support. As electric vehicles are powered by electricity, the interoperability between the vehicles and the chargers made by multiple vendors is crucial for the success of the technology. Relevant standards are being published, but the methods for conformance testing need to be developed. In this paper, we present our conformance test system for the electric vehicle charger in accordance with the standards ISO/IEC 15118, IEC 61851 and IEC 61850-90-8. Our test system leverages the TTCN-3 framework for its flexibility and productivity. We evaluate the test system by lab tests with two reference chargers that we built. We also present the test results in two international testival events for the ISO/IEC 15118 interoperability. We confirmed that our test system is robust, efficient and practical.
A Micro-Platinum Wire Biosensor for Fast and Selective Detection of Alanine Aminotransferase
Authors: Thuy Tran , Tseng Tina
Published: May 2016

In this study, a miniaturized biosensor based on permselective polymer layers (overoxidized polypyrrole (Ppy) and Nafion®) modified and enzyme (glutamate oxidase (GlutOx)) immobilized micro-platinum wire electrode for the detection of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was fabricated. The proposed ALT biosensor was measured electrochemically by constant potential amperometry at +0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The ALT biosensor provides fast response time (~5 s) and superior selectivity towards ALT against both negatively and positively charged species (e.g., ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA), respectively). The detection range of the ALT biosensor is found to be 10–900 U/L which covers the range of normal ALT levels presented in the serum and the detection limit and sensitivity are found to be 8.48 U/L and 0.059 nA/(U/L·mm2) (N = 10), respectively. We also found that one-day storage of the ALT biosensor at −20 °C right after the sensor being fabricated can enhance the sensor sensitivity (1.74 times higher than that of the sensor stored at 4 °C). The ALT biosensor is stable after eight weeks of storage at −20 °C. The sensor was tested in spiked ALT samples (ALT activities: 20, 200, 400, and 900 U/L) and reasonable recoveries (70%~107%) were obtained.
Epidemic of Chemical Peritonitis in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A Report from Western India
Authors: Jamale Tukaram , Dhokare Aniruddha , Satpute Kushal , Kulkarni Renu , Usulumarty Deepa , Vishwanath Billa , Noronha Santosh , Hase Niwrutti
Published: May 2016

While non-infectious etiologies like chemical irritants are rare causes of epidemics of peritonitis, this possibility should be considered when one encounters an unusual clustering of peritonitis cases. We describe here an epidemic of chemical peritonitis at our center.
ORIGIN AND DEFINITION OF THE CATEGORY OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF ENTERPRISE
Authors: Ianioglo Alina , Polajeva Tatjana
Published: May 2016

This article aims to reveal the essence of the economic security of enterprise, the origin of this concept. This study is necessary due to the difference of interpretations of the economic security. By analyzing and systemizing results of scientific studies, there can be distinguished five main approaches to its definition. Main threats that affect enterprises are identified and presented. Uncertainty and changeability of external and internal environments, under which enterprises operate, makes the topic relevant. At the present time, economic security of enterprise is an important factor of improving its economic condition and ensuring its sustainable development.
SELECTION OF HEATING SYSTEM BASED ON ACQUISITION AND OPERATING COSTS FOR FAMILY HOUSES
Authors: Novotný Miloslav , Šuhajda Karel , Kucera Radim , Šuhajdová Eva
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate mutual dependences and significance of the input factors of a heating system for a family house. The input factors which are being most commonly considered are operating costs, acquisition prices on financial return rate, life span of these systems or requirements for maintenance and control. This research is focused on the analysis of three different heating systems in the common detached house; electric heating foils, heat pump and gas boiler. The building itself is evaluated in three variants; with and without a ventilation unit and with adjusted structure composition. To analyse the parameters mentioned above the Promethee method (multicriterial analysis) has been used.
VALUE ADDED EXPORTS AND COMPETITIVENESS IN THE BALTIC STATES
Authors: Ozoliņa Velga
Published: May 2016

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the exports and competitiveness in the Baltic States from the trade in value added perspective. The main objective is to determine the differences in export patterns measured in gross terms and in value added terms and the implications on competitiveness. Focusing on the recent trend to facilitate high value added exports, the article describes high- and medium-high-tech industries as classified by the EUROSTAT in more detail. OECD database is used for the study purposes, data are analysed using different statistical methods, including the calculation of relative indicators and regression analysis. The results show that Lithuania seems to be more competitive Baltic Country in general terms, but Latvia is lagging behind in the sector of high- and medium-high-tech industries.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION
Authors: Adámek Pavel
Published: May 2016

The differing views regarding the role of business in society are often presented as being placed within the stakeholder-shareholder debate. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) not only sits comfortably with the mantra of maximising shareholder value, sustainable CRS practices enhance shareholder value. The purpose of the current paper is to focus on the strategic implications of stakeholder approach in theoretical background with confrontation in a sample of Czech small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and large enterprises. Data were collected through personal questionnaires that were subsequently evaluated by dependence on the type of stakeholders and their level of significance. The findings of the research discovered considerable differences between the perception of the role and importance of the various stakeholders. The contribution of this paper derives in application of stakeholder approach in Czech enterprises. They are seen as having an obligation to consider society’s long-run needs and wants, which implies that they engage in activities that promote benefits for society.
MADM AND FUTURES STUDIES; A NECESSITY
Authors: Hashemkhani Zolfani Sarfaraz , Maknoon Reza , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: May 2016

Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) has been developing in different methods, perspectives and frameworks since introducing step. Futures Studies as a specialized framework and methodology has introduced newer and has been always in developing phase too. MADM as a part of Multiple Criteria Decision Making is known as multi-disciplinary approach, framework and methodology. Nowadays, Futures Studies is also known as multi-disciplinary approach too. Basically, MADM is structured for a stable environment while most decisions need to be made, dynamically. Time is so much important especially in the new century in comparison with the past. Decisions making about future are usually so complicated and MADM can be helpful in that process. Importance of making future based decisions is undeniable in trying to answer to decision needs. This research will present a comprehensive review on the literature of MADM and new orientations in considering future in MADM models and necessity of them will be checked also carefully. Eventually, importance of seeing both MADM and Futures Studies together as a unit model will be discussed in this study.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF INCREASING VALUE AND SCOPE OF SHARED SERVICES CENTRES
Authors: Tamošiūnienė Rima , Kislovska Anna , Kazlauskienė Eglė , Gankova Tsvetelina
Published: May 2016

Development of Business Services Market and shift from manufacturing to services economy, where customer-oriented solutions, innovation and global networks are key valuables, forced appearance of business forms such as Shared Services Centres (SSC), which are paralleled with Business Process Outsourcing, Global Business Services. This business proved its advantage in private and public sector and increased in value and scope. SSCs are seen as economic catalyst, competitive business solution of organizations with entrepreneurial mindset. SSCs accelerate economic multiplier, which is seen in internal organizational aspects and external economic aspects. The aim of this paper is to escalate economic aspects of increasing value and scope of SSC‘s.
DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS OF EMOTIONAL STATES FROM ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM SIGNALS
Authors: Goshvarpour Atefeh , Abbasi Ataollah , Goshvarpour Ateke
Published: May 2016

The current study evaluates the dynamics of the electroencephalogram signals during specific emotional states in order to obtain a detailed understanding of the affective EEG patterns. Employing recurrence analysis, the dynamical states of the emotional brain during visual stimuli is evaluated. Three channels of electroencephalogram time series (Fz, Cz, and Pz) available in eNTERFACE06_EMOBRAIN database are used in this study. Electroencephalogram signals are recorded from 5 subjects in three emotional categories: exciting negative (disgust), neutral and exciting positive (happy). Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) was applied to study electroencephalogram morphological changes in different emotional states (happy, disgust, neutral). The ANOVA and [Formula: see text]-test are done to detect significant differences in RQA measures of the EEGs. It has shown that the phase space trajectory becomes more periodic during exciting negative. In addition, the results reveal that in comparison with negative emotion and neutral, the behavior of EEGs in positive emotion is highly chaotic. Performing statistical analysis, significant differences were observed in recurrence rate, determinism, average diagonal, line length, Shannon entropy, laminarity, trapping time among three emotional evoked groups. Although these changes occurred in all EEG channels, a better distinction between each emotional state can be observed in Pz location. It seems that recurrence analysis is a promising non-linear approach for detecting instantaneous changes in the emotional EEG induced by visual stimuli. RQA has the potential to discover differences of signal features in response to an emotional stimulus.
Supporting Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) Through Geographic Information Technologies and Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI)
Authors: Siabato Willington , Moya-Honduvilla Javier , Bernabé-Poveda Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2016

The way aeronautical information is managed and disseminated must be modernized. Current aeronautical information services (AIS) methods for storing, publishing, disseminating, querying, and updating the volume of data required for the effective management of air traffic control have become obsolete. This does not contribute to preventing airspace congestion, which turns into a limiting factor for economic growth and generates negative effects on the environment. Owing to this, some work plans for improving AIS and air traffic flow focus on data and services interoperability to allow an efficient and coordinated use and exchange of aeronautical information. Geographic information technologies (GIT) and spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are comprehensive technologies upon which any service that integrates geospatial information can rely. The authors are working on the assumption that the foundations and underlying technologies of GIT and SDI can be applied to support aeronautical data and services, considering that aeronautical information contains a large number of geospatial components. This article presents the design, development, and implementation of a Web-based system architecture to evolve and enhance the use and management of aeronautical information in any context, e.g., in aeronautical charts on board, in control towers, and in aeronautical information services. After conducting a study into the use of aeronautical information, it was found that users demand specific requirements regarding reliability, flexibility, customization, integration, standardization, and cost reduction. These issues are not being addressed with existing systems and methods. A system compliant with geographic standards (OGC, ISO) and aeronautical regulations (ICAO, EUROCONTROL) and supported by a scalable and distributed Web architecture is proposed. This proposal would solve the shortcomings identified in the study and provide aeronautical information management (AIM) with new methods and strategies. In order to seek aeronautical data and services interoperability, a comprehensive aeronautical metadata profile has been defined. This proposal facilitates the use, retrieval, updating, querying, and editing of aeronautical information, as well as its exchange between different private and public institutions. The tests and validations have shown that the proposal is achievable.