bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of alpha and gamma radiolysis on Pu retention in the solvent TBP/kerosene
Authors: Gao Yang , Zheng Weifang , Cao Xiaoming , Chen Shaolei
Published: January 2015

In light of the issue of radiolysis of the solvent system in PUREX process, alpha and gamma radiation stability of tributyl phosphate (TBP)/kerosene (OK) have been studied in this paper, in which 238Pu dissolved in the organic phase and 60Co are selected as alpha and gamma irradiation sources, respectively. The amount of the degradation products not easily removed after the washing process has been measured by the plutonium retention. The effects of the absorbed dose, the TBP volume fraction, the cumulative absorbed dose and the presence of UO2
2+ and Zr4+ on the radiolysis of the solvents have been investigated. The results have indicated that the Pu retention increases with the increase of the absorbed dose after alpha or gamma irradiation, and is larger for the solvent containing less TBP. There is competition between UO2
2+ and Pu4+ to complex with the degradation products, and Zr4+ accelerates the radiolysis of the system.
Users’ Perceptions on Internet Financial Reporting
Authors: Dolinšek Tatjana , Tominc Polona , Skerbinjek Andreja Lutar
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: The objective of this research was to explore the perceptions of the users regarding Internet financial reporting practices in Slovenia. With this research, we wanted to determine what the perceptions of the users are regarding the reliability, credibility, usefulness and sufficiency of online accounting information and how their expectations regarding the content of accounting information differ from the actual situation.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: This research has two parts: in the first part, we summarised the actual situation regarding publishing of internet financial reporting on a sample of large companies in Slovenia (n=110) while, in the second part, we conducted a survey with which we assessed the expectations of users as regards of accounting information (n=127). We then compared users’ expectations with the actual situation, analysed by evaluation of 110 websites of Slovene companies.

Results: In the research we found that 52.6% of companies publish their accounting information on their websites and that on average 40.2% of users actually make use of this information We found that users have evaluated all four of characteristics: reliability, credibility, usefulness and sufficiency above average, whereby they evaluated usefulness with the highest grade and sufficiency with the lowest.

Conclusion: The results of this research can offer companies a feedback on users’ expectations, particularly in cases where these expectations are greater than the actual situation. We have determined that users generally want information that indicates the financial status of a company (such as the Rating Report and data on the company’s liquidity), as these information are currently expected by users but available information do not meet their need in full.
Outline of Implemented Eco-innovation Activities – the Case of Clusters of South Eastern European Region
Authors: Hojnik Jana , Ruzzier Mitja , Lipnik Aleš
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: Providing a win-win situation for enterprises and the environment is raising the importance of eco-innovation. This article sheds light on the eco-innovation activities implemented within the clusters of the South Eastern European region (hereafter the SEE region). The main objective of this paper is to provide an outline of the situation pertaining to the implementation of eco-innovation activities in analyzed clusters.

Methodology: Empirical evidence is provided through the performance of survey research with a sample of 52 clusters, encompassing 11 countries of the SEE region. The basic research method used in this research was a questionnaire developed for cluster organizations, with which we gathered the data and afterwards conducted descriptive statistics.

Results: The findings demonstrate that the majority of analyzed clusters implement eco-innovation activities. The results indicate that 40 clusters out of 52 in all have set objectives with regard to eco-innovation support in their national or regional programs, followed by 35 clusters, which include objectives related to eco-innovation in their cluster strategies, and lastly, only 15 clusters are primarily focused on eco-innovation. Hence, our study depicting the current situation regarding the implementation of eco-innovation activities in analyzed clusters and clusters’ orientation towards eco-innovation leads to us the discussion of why such differences in clusters occur.

Conclusion: The huge differences related to the implementation of eco-innovation activities in clusters of the SEE region, can also reflect the level of the national/regional development in terms of economic indicators such as GDP and, at the same time, offer room for a lot of improvement, and an exchange of best practice.
Symphytocarpus trechisporus (Myxogastrea) in Poland
Authors: Salamaga Agnieszka , Grzesiak Barbara , Kochanowska Magdalena , Kochanowski Janusz
Published: January 2015

Symphytocarpus trechisporus (Berk. ex Torrend) Nann.-Bremek. is rare in Poland, known previously from only one locality. Sixty years after the original report, this paper presents two new localities of it in separate regions of Poland. Although S. trechisporus is recorded mostly on Sphagnum sp., the taxon does not seem to be attached to a specific substrate; rather it is associated with acidic habitats.
New records of Phacus and Monomorphina taxa (Euglenophyta) for Thailand
Authors: Duangjan Kritsana , Wołowski Konrad , Peerapornpisal Yuwadee
Published: January 2015

The diversity of Phacus and Monomorphina (Euglenophyta) from northern Thailand was studied in various water bodies of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang and Phayao provinces. This paper presents 25 taxa of Phacus and 1 Monomorphina new for Thailand, including 3 Phacus taxa new for Southeast Asia. Several varieties and forms were recognized. All are briefly described, with original illustrations.
Maria Bandeira, an elusive Brazilian botanist
Authors: Filgueiras Tarciso S. , Peixoto Ariane Luna , Bediaga Begonha
Published: January 2015

Maria do Carmo Vaughan Bandeira (1902-1992) is a little-known Brazilian botanist who worked for about ten years at the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She made approximately 800 botanical collections, including mosses (her special interest) but also lichens, fungi and occasionally angiosperms. She studied at La Sorbonne in Paris, corresponded with leading botanists in different fields of botanical research in Europe and the USA, and represented the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden in many instances. At age 29 she abandoned a promising research career and entered a convent in Rio where she lived for 60 years as a cloistered nun.
Hieracia balcanica IX. Typification of the Hieracium (Asteraceae) names described by J. Freyn from the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Szeląg Zbigniew
Published: January 2015

Thirteen names in Hieracium L. described by Josef Freyn from the Balkan Peninsula are lectotypified from among specimens stored at BRNM. For one species the holotype was found in BRNM. All discussed taxa are illustrated by photos of original specimens.
Attitudes of Iranian Male University Students Toward Sport and Exercise with Reference to Age, Educational Level, and Field of Study
Authors: Mirsafian Hamidreza
Published: January 2015

This article aimed to discover the attitudes of Iranian male university students toward sport and exercise. This study is based on the same research as another published paper regarding the attitudes of Iranian female students toward sport and exercise. Participants (N = 821) were selected from different educational levels and fields of study from among 12 public universities. Data were collected by a modified and developed version of Kenyon's scale (1968), which measures the attitudes of people toward physical activity. For the analysis of the data, independent sample t-test and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were employed (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the attitudes of the respondents can be identified as fitness (3.96 ± 1.02), catharsis (3.84 ± 0.80), social (3.82 ± 1.10), aesthetic (3.03 ± 1.14), vertigo (2.15 ± 1.16), and ascetic (2.07 ± 0.79). Furthermore, it was found that various demographic and social characteristics affected participants' attitudes toward sport and exercise (p < 0.05). Based on the results, it was concluded that the sport programs should be organized around students' dominant attitudes toward regular activities. In addition, planning and organizing sport programs with regard to the wide attitudinal differences between male and female students could be a big step toward improving students' participation rate in sporting activities at Iranian universities.
Identifying Pollutants in the Siret River Basin by Applying New Assessment Tools on Monitoring Data: the Correlation of Land Use and Physicochemical Parameter of Water Quality Analysis
Authors: Mănescu Andreea , Mihail Luca , Raluca Mihalache
Published: January 2015

The Siret River are used as raw water source for different municipal water supply systems, yet the Siret River are used as receiving bodies by some inhabitants and industry. In the study the quality of the Siret River water was determinate using a Water Quality Index (WQI). Results are presented from a field study performed on the Bistrita, Moldova, Suceava, Siret, Şomuzu Mare, Trotuş and Tributary River in the study area Siret Basin Romania. The main objective of this study was to determine is to find correlations land use to indicators physical-chemical of water quality, to investigate pollution source is more responsible for river water quality. This is of interest not only research context, but also for supporting and facilitating the application analysis postullend in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/CE) for the establishment of programmers of measures. For this purpose a slightly impact pollution source municipal wastewater treatment, land uses, urban, forest, agriculture and mining was selected and intensively monitored during six years January 2006 - December 2011, sampling was determined to meet the WFD standards for confidence in twenty two different control section of the Siret Basin. The main measures to reduce emissions to the Siret River were calcium, ammonium, sulfate, residue fixed (RF), sodium, chloride, free detergent and municipal wastewater treatment, concentrated on point emission. The main contributor to diffuse this parameters increased when more percentage of land was dedicated to industry and urban and less to forest and mining.
Atmospheric Patterns During the Storms from January 2014 in Bulgaria and Romania
Authors: Chiotoroiu Brindusa , Ivanova Veneta , Apostol Liviu
Published: January 2015

Synoptic conditions associated with strong winds and snowfalls on January 2014 in Bulgaria and Romania are investigated in this paper. The Romanian authorities established the orange and red codes while the Bulgarian ones the orange code. A first peak was recorded in northern and especially northeastern Bulgaria and south-eastern Romania on January 25-26 and a second one on January 29 2014. The purpose is to understand what regulates the duration and intensity of these events. For their study, NCEP-500/700/850 and SLP analyses, different model outputs and soundings as well as data from 12 weather stations have been used.
Atmospheric Dispersion of PM10 in an Urban Area
Authors: Dragomir Carmelia Mariana , Constantin Daniel Eduard , Voiculescu Mirela , Georgescu Lucian Puiu Georgescu
Published: January 2015

One way of monitoring the atmospheric pollution is to estimate anthropogenic emissions. This paper presents a study of PM10 emissions in a city SE of Romania (Braila) for the period 2009-2012. PM10 emissions decrease from 304.75 t in 2009 to 78.01 t in 2012. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency Braila and the METI-LIS dispersion model, four maps were produced in order to estimate the spatial distribution of PM10 emission in each year. Results of dispersion models show that the air quality can change abruptly between points at few meters away. Expectedly, PM10 emissions increase towards the centre of the city centre, are generally higher in the vicinity of busy streets and roads.
Informal Collection of Household Solid Waste in Three Towns of Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbu Anthony , Okoroigwe Decklan
Published: January 2015

Management of urban solid waste implies the collection, transfer, treatment recycle, reuse and disposal of such waste. Collection of urban household solid waste traditionally rests with government agencies designated with such responsibility. Solid waste collection begins from storage at the household level to the final treatment or disposal point and represents the most important aspect of urban solid waste management. Little has however been written on urban household solid waste collection in Nigeria. Using empirical data from three urban areas of Anambra State, Nigeria, the paper examines the place of informal private solid waste collectors in household solid waste collection. The ANOVA technique is used to test the null hypothesis that the sample means of the distance to designated community/street solid waste collection containers in the residential neighbourhoods of the three towns are equal. We conclude on household patronage of informal private solid waste collectors as against government provided community/street collection containers in the areas studied.
Zinc Regime in the Sewage Sludge-Soil-Plant System of a City Waste Water Treatment Pond
Authors: Lacatusu Radu , Lacatusu Anca-Rovena , Lungu Mihaela , Stanciu Burileanu Mihaela Monica , Vrînceanu Andrei
Published: January 2015

The sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plant of Iasi, a city with 300,000 inhabitants, for domestic and industrial origin, was stored in a mud pond arranged on an area of 18,920 m2. Chemical analyzes of the sludge showed that, of all the chemical elements determined, only Zn is found at pollutant level (5739 mg∙kg-1), i.e. almost 30 times more than the maximum allowable limit for Zn in soil and 45 times more than the Zn content of the soil on which the mud pond has been set. Over time, the content of Zn in the mud pond, but also from soil to which it has been placed, has become upper the normal content of the surrounding soil up to a depth of 260 cm. On the other hand, the vegetation installed on sewage sludge in the process of mineralization, composed predominantly of Phragmites, Rumex, Chenopodium, and Aster species had accumulated in roots, stems and leaves Zn quantities equivalent to 1463 mg Kg-1, 3988 mg Kg-1, 1463 mg Kg-1, respectively, 1120 mg∙Kg-1. The plants in question represents the natural means of phytoremediation, and sewage sludge as such may constitute a fertilizer material for soils in the area, on which Zn deficiency in maize has been recorded. In addition, the ash resulted from the incineration of plants loaded with zinc may constitute, in its turn, a good material for fertilizing of the soils that are deficient in zinc.
The Importance of Water Temperature Fluctuations in Relation to the Hydrological Factor. Case Study – Bistrita River Basin (Romania)
Authors: Cojoc Gianina Maria , Romanescu Gheorghe , Tirnovan Alina
Published: January 2015

The increase in most components of the climate over the past 50 years, including air and water temperature, is a real phenomenon, as attested by the numerous specialized researches according to IPCC (2013). The water temperature is one of the most important climatic components in analyzing the hydrological regime of the Bistrita River (Romania). The thermal regime of the Bistrita River basin and the frost phenomena associated with the risk factor are particularly important and frequently appear in this area. In recent years, under the Siret Water Basin Administration, this parameter was permanently monitored, so we could do an analysis, which shows that the water temperature fluctuations, influenced by air temperature, lead to the emergence of the ice jam phenomenon. The present study aims to analyze the water temperature, as compared to the air temperature, and the effect of these components on the liquid flow regime (the values were recorded at the hydrological stations on the main course of the Bistrita River). The negative effects resulted from the ice jam phenomenon require developing methods of damage prevention and defense. The frost phenomena recorded after the construction of the Bicaz dam are analyzed in this article
The Impact of Weather and Climate Risks on Cereal Crops Productivity
Authors: Nedealcov Maria
Published: January 2015

Increase the intensity and frequency of the weather and climate risks contribute to compromised harvests in recent decades. Analysis of financial losses indicates that in 2007 and 2012 substantial values were reached. In this context it is important to know their regional peculiarities of manifestation both in present and in the years to come. The results shows that pronounced manifestation of the weather and climate risks in recent years (2000-2013) contributed to the decline of winter wheat harvest of 2q / ha compared with the harvest that is expected in the 2020s - calculated according to the most drastic SRES B2A scenario. The results are extremely necessary to take adaptation measures to new climatic conditions and to food security for the future in the Republic of Moldova.
Considerations on Temperature Inversions in the Lower Troposphere in the 2001-2002 Cold Season, South of the Carpathian Mountains
Authors: Florentina Bărcăcianu , Liviu Apostol
Published: January 2015

Temperature inversions are characterized by negative vertical thermal gradients (Donciu, 1953, Ţâştea, 1965, Bogdan, 1971, Neacşa, Frimescu, 1981). The most frequent manifestation is in the depression areas because in addition to radiative cooling and better possibility to store cold air invasion, it also takes place the accumulation and of air flow of cold air due to gravity. The area south of the Carpathians, shows depression features, gaining titles like: carpathianbalkanic bucket (Bălescu, 1962), carpathian-balkanic sink (Ion-Bordei, N. 1988). In this space the inversions occupy the entire area, proof being the values from low altitude stations similar to those from mountain peaks, while the middle part of the slope remains wormer.
The Accuracy of Standwise Forest Inventory in Mature Stands
Authors: Grīnvalds Ainārs
Published: January 2015

Traditionally forest resources are estimated in each compartment or stand with ocular standwise forest inventory. However, this inventory technique has shortages with measurement accuracy. In the study the accuracy of the standwise forest inventory was estimated by comparing the growing stock volume of the standwise inventory with the accurate (instrumental) re-measurements. Comparison was done with 4515 mature stands of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), birch (Betula spp.), aspen (Populus tremula L.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.). The stands’ measurements by callipers or by harvesters (recalculated to growing stock volume) were used for accurate re-measurements. The study results show that the volume of standwise forest inventory have relative bias of 17.6% (volume is underestimated by 17.6%) and relative root mean square error 27.5 % for the whole data. Spruce stands are more accurately measured and black alder stands - inaccurately. The accuracy of pine, birch and mixed stands was similar to overall trends. Stands with volume 200 - 300 m3 ha-1 are more accurately measured and stands with the volume less than 200 m3 ha-1 - most inaccurately. The accuracy of stands with the volume more than 300 m3 ha-1, decreases by increasing the volume of stands. The volume estimation of individual species has different trends in standwise forest inventory. The volume of pine and birch is overestimated and the volume of spruce, aspen and black alder is underestimated.
Characterisation of Hulled Oat Grain Physical and Biochemical Parameters Significant for Dietary Products/ Plçkðòaino Auzu Graudu Raksturojums Pçc Diçtisku Produktu Raþoðanai Nozîmîgâm Fizikâlâm Un Íîmiskâm Pazîmçm
Authors: Bleidere Māra , Timbare Regīna , Bobere Natalija , Paklone Madara , Jākobsone Ida , Zute Sanita
Published: January 2015

The objectives of the study were to investigate the variability of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain physical traits and chemical composition and to determine relationships between traits. Field experiments including five hulled oat genotypes were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute for two seasons during 2010-2011. Variation of traits was mainly determined by genotype (ω2 = 53 - 88%), with the min/max values for 1000 kernel weight 32.4/36.5 g, test weight 470.0/507.9 g·L-1, hull content 215.4/265.6 g·kg-1, crude protein 110.0/124.9 g·kg-1, starch 456.9/483.0 g·kg-1, β-glucans 28.1/36.6 g·kg-1 and crude fat 46.2/60.0 g·kg-1. Oat variety ‘Arta’ had the highest test weight (507 g·L-1) and contents of crude protein (124.9 g·kg-1), β-glucans (36.5 g·kg-1), α-tocopherol (7.8 mg·kg-1), average crude fat (55.5 g·kg-1) and total phenolics (113.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/GAE 100 g-1 DM) in the grain. Expression of traits significantly depended on meteorological conditions in the specific year. In both years of investigation there were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between contents of β-glucans and crude fat, and negative correlation of β-glucans with starch content, total phenolics and antiradical scavenging activity.
Creating and Characterisation of New Red Clover Variety ‘Jancis’/ Sarkanâ Âboliòa Ðíirnes ‘Jancis’ Izveidoðana Un Tâs Raksturojums
Authors: Jansone Biruta , Rancāne Sarmīte , Bērziņš Pēteris , Jansons Aldis
Published: January 2015

The aim of this work was to develop a red clover variety adapted to agro-climatic conditions of Latvia, suitable for different requirements of forage producers, resistant to most widespread diseases and producing high seed yield annually. Medium late ripening diploid red clover variety ‘Jancis’ was created at the LLU Research Institute of Agriculture in long-term work carried out since 1985. After free pollination of best samples of red clover collections from the VIR (St. Petersburg), individual and family selection among hybrids were carried out for approximately 20 years. Finally, best breeding line Nr. 43047 was registered as a variety ‘Jancis’. The variety is characterised by good winter hardiness, high dry matter yield (10-12 t·ha-1) and good persistence in the sward - up to 3-4 years. The variety is characterised by a long stem (90-110 cm) with 8-9 internodes, dark green leaves with a distinctive brighter picture, medium length and width of medial leaflet, and bright pink flower heads. ‘Jancis’ has stable annual seed yield in the conditions of Latvia; under favourable conditions reaching 500- 600 kg·ha-1 seeds. Since 2010, the variety ‘Jancis’ has been included in the common Latvian and EU Plant Variety Catalogue.
Ambulatory Anaesthesia/ Anestēzija Ambulatorajā Ķirurģija
Authors: Svediene Saule
Published: January 2015

Ambulatory (outpatient) surgery refers to the admittance into hospital on the day of surgery of carefully selected and prepared patients for a planned surgical procedure and their discharge within hours. About 65% of all surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. There are many benefits of ambulatory surgery: cost reduction up to 25-75%, efficiency, shorter waiting lists, lower cancellation rate, patient convenience, low morbidity/mortality, less infections and respiratory complications and less medication. All patients should follow a sequential pathway and be pre-assessed according to a set of ambulatory case criteria (health status, age, complexity of surgery, transport, and social support). An anaesthesia plan is developed by an anaesthesiologist, then accepted by the patient after discussion and documented. Anaesthetic management includes the usage of local anaesthetic or short-acting general anaesthetic drugs with fewer residual psychomotor effects and low incidence of postoperative malaise. Medical discharge criteria as well as the discharge organisation are also important. The readmission rate after outpatient surgery is about 1%. Nausea/vomiting, pain and operative site bleeding are the most common causes. Extended stay or inpatient facilities should be available for patients who cannot be discharged after a reasonable stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit areas
Factors Affecting a Successful Out-Of-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Pirmsslimnīcas Etapa Kardiopulmonālo Reanimāciju Rezultātus Ietekmējošie Faktori
Authors: Setlers Kaspars , Vanags Indulis , Kalēja Anita
Published: January 2015

A retrospective patient record analysis of the Emergency Medial Service’s Rîga City Regional Centre was provided from January 2012 through December 2013. 1359 adult patients were CPR treated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest according to ERC Guidelines 2010. A total of 490 patients were excluded from the study. The main outcome measure was survival to hospital admission. Of 869 CPR-treated patients, 60% (n = 521) were men. The mean age of patients was 66.68 ± 15.28 years. The survival rate to hospital admission was 12.9% (n = 112). 54 of survived patients were women. Mean patient age of successful CPR was 63.22 ± 16.21 and unsuccessful CPR 67.20 ± 15.09. At least one related illness was recorded with 63.4% (n = 551) patients. There were 61 survivors in bystander witnessed OHCA and nine survivors in unwitnessed OHCA. The rate of bystander CPR when CA (cardiac arrest) was witnessed was 24.8%. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) as initial heart rhythm was significantly associated with survival to hospital admission in 54 cases (p < 0.0001). Age and gender affected return of spontaneous circulation. Survival to hospital admission had rhythm-specific outcome. Presence of OHCA witnesses improved outcome compared to bystander CPR. The objective of this study was to report patient characteristics, the role of witnesses in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and outcome of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation
The cost of systemic therapy for metastatic colorectal carcinoma in Slovenia: discrepancy analysis between cost and reimbursement
Authors: Mesti Tanja , Boshkoska Biljana Mileva , Kos Mitja , Tekavčič Metka , Ocvirk Janja
Published: January 2015

Background. The aim of the study was to estimate the direct medical costs of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and to question the healthcare payment system in Slovenia.

Methods. Using an internal patient database, the costs of mCRC patients were estimated in 2009 by examining (1) mCRC direct medical related costs, and (2) the cost difference between payment received by Slovenian health insurance and actual mCRC costs. Costs were analysed in the treatment phase of the disease by assessing the direct medical costs of hospital treatment with systemic therapy together with hospital treatment of side effects, without assessing radiotherapy or surgical treatment. Follow-up costs, indirect medical costs, and nonmedical costs were not included.

Results. A total of 209 mCRC patients met all eligibility criteria. The direct medical costs of mCRC hospitalization with systemic therapy in Slovenia for 2009 were estimated as the cost of medications (cost of systemic therapy + cost of drugs for premedication) + labor cost (the cost of carrying out systemic treatment) + cost of lab tests + cost of imaging tests + KRAS testing cost + cost of hospital treatment due to side effects of mCRC treatment, and amounted to €3,914,697. The difference between the cost paid by health insurance and actual costs, estimated as direct medical costs of hospitalization of mCRC patients treated with systemic therapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in 2009, was €1,900,757.80.

Conclusions. The costs paid to the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana by health insurance for treating mCRC with systemic therapy do not match the actual cost of treatment. In fact, the difference between the payment and the actual cost estimated as direct medical costs of hospitalization of mCRC patients treated with systemic therapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in 2009 was €1,900,757.80. The model Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (AR-DRG) for cost assessment in oncology being currently used is probably one of the reasons for the discrepancy between pay-outs and actual costs. We propose new method for more precise cost assessment in oncology.
Screening the distribution of EU Support for Primary Education in Slovakia
Authors: Szitásiová Valéria
Published: January 2015

The aim of the research paper was to analyse the distribution of education support financed by the European Union. We focused on the evaluation of the regional distribution of the primary education support within the less developed NUTS 2 regions in Slovakia which were eligible to receive a support through two selected political measures. Particularly, we analysed the Regional Operational Programme, particularly the Measure 1.1 Education Infrastructure that was aimed at modernizing the primary school buildings and equipment. On the other hand we examined also the Operational Programme Education, particularly its measure 1.1 Transformation of traditional to modern school that was focused on the modernization of content of education process. The analysis pointed out the main differences between the mentioned two support measures. It was also showed the territorial distribution of these EU funds at the NUTS 2 level, regional level and at the levels of particular districts and supported municipalities. These results were confronted with a selected indicator of development, through which the fulfilment of the principle of territorial concentration was examined.
District Heating Systems Performance Analyses. Heat Energy Tariff
Authors: Ziemele Jelena , Vigants Girts , Vitolins Valdis , Blumberga Dagnija , Veidenbergs Ivars
Published: January 2015

The paper addresses an important element of the European energy sector: the evaluation of district heating (DH) system operations from the standpoint of increasing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy resources. This has been done by developing a new methodology for the evaluation of the heat tariff. The paper presents an algorithm of this methodology, which includes not only a data base and calculation equation systems, but also an integrated multi-criteria analysis module using MADM/MCDM (Multi-Attribute Decision Making / Multi-Criteria Decision Making) based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution). The results of the multi-criteria analysis are used to set the tariff benchmarks. The evaluation methodology has been tested for Latvian heat tariffs, and the obtained results show that only half of heating companies reach a benchmark value equal to 0.5 for the efficiency closeness to the ideal solution indicator. This means that the proposed evaluation methodology would not only allow companies to determine how they perform with regard to the proposed benchmark, but also to identify their need to restructure so that they may reach the level of a low-carbon business.
Sustainable Use Of Macro-Algae For Biogas Production In Latvian Conditions: A Preliminary Study Through An Integrated Mca And Lca Approach
Authors: Pastare Laura , Romagnoli Francesco , Lauka Dace , Dzene Ilze , Kuznecova Tatjana
Published: January 2015

The study focuses on sustainability evaluation of an algae-based energy system in Latvia with a holistic and integrated approach of multi-criteria analysis combined with life cycle assessment (including a practical side - biogas yield experiments of locally available algae).

The study shows potential for sustainable use of algae in Latvian conditions and thus that algal biomass can be utilized for the production of biogas. The most sustainable and feasible scenario of using algae for biogas energy production foresees the collection of algae biomass from natural water bodies. Important beneficial effects through the use of algae are related to avoiding global warming potential (GWP) and eutrophication impacts. Biogas batch experiments carried out with the local macrophyte C.demersum have shown a methane yield of 554 l CH4/kg VS.
The Necessity of Private Language: A Conceptual Confusion Latent in Diverse Episodes of the History of Psychology / Potrzeba języka prywatnego: zamieszanie pojęciowe zawarte w różnorodnych wątkach historii psychologii
Authors: Ariso José María
Published: January 2015

The present paper aims to show how Wittgenstein’s so-called ‘private language argument’ (PLA) affects diverse psychological theories. To this end, it starts by describing the main lines of the PLA and explaining why the idea of a private language constitutes a logical impossibility. Then, it is shown that the psychological theories of Descartes, Locke, Husserl, James, Fodor and Chomsky presuppose the existence of a private language, so that these theories lack internal consistency. Lastly, it is clarified why PLA, far from turning Wittgenstein into a behaviourist, involves a critique of behaviourism
Creative Processes in Creativity Training / Procesy twórcze w warsztatach kreatywności
Authors: Rynkiewicz Justyna
Published: January 2015

The article is an attempt to discover the essence of creativity trainings. Creativity is the ability to create new and valuable objects. Thus I will analyze those two adjectives “new” and “valuable”. What more I will undertake the problem of assumptions which are made by creators of creativity trainings. Then I will present the creative processes by Margaret Baden and ways to develop them. At the end I will try to identify conditions of the effectiveness of those trainings
The Role of State in the Sphere of Innovative Development of the Agricultural Complex of Ukraine1
Authors: Jurkovičová Lujza , Kubiniy Natalya , Hotra Viktoria V.
Published: January 2015

The article examines the current state of innovative agricultural development in Ukraine and determines the role of the state in the sphere of innovative development of the agricultural complex. It considers the most problematic characteristics and factors of the slowdown of innovative development of domestic agricultural enterprises. It also suggests measures that would promote the increase of innovative activity of agricultural enterprises.
New Focus on India: A CEE perspective for Investment, Business and Trade Development
Authors: Svobodová Valéria Honaizer , Fernandes Owen
Published: January 2015

The expectations of Indian masses have skyrocketed since the new election results. There is excitement and anticipation in the air from all factions of society and industry. Will it be resurgent India taking giant strides towards a vibrating economy or will there be strategic moves on consolidation and then acceleration? The New Prime Minister has a proven record of doing things differently and has results to show that it worked for him at the state level. Will it work for the nation as a whole? What can Central Europe expect in terms of bilateral trade with India? This paper takes a look at some crucial factors.
High Morphological Variability of Gerris Argentatus Schummel 1832 (Gerridae) and Probably Europe’S Smallest Gerrids, in the Danube Delta (Romania)
Authors: Olosutean Horea , Olosutean Codruța , Ilie Daniela
Published: January 2015

On a field trip to the Busurca Canal, near Sulina, in the Danube Delta, an apterous Gerris argentatus male was captured. It measured only 5.1 mm from the tip of the head to the end of the last abdominal segment, and was the smallest adult pond skater recorded in Europe. This specimen was also the first to be describe as an apterous form of G. argentatus, the species previously being known as either macropterous or micropterous. A large macropterous male, measuring 6.77 mm, was also collected in the same habitat, its size exceeding the known measurement for the species. Five G. argentatus females were taken from two sites on the Busurca Canal, each one measuring under the 7.5 mm length documented as a minimum for females of the species, with the smallest sample being only 6.59 mm in length.
Positronium as a probe of small free volumes in crystals, polymers and porous media
Authors: Goworek Tomasz
Published: January 2015

Positronium (a hydrogen-like bound state of an electron and a positron) is a convenient probe to determine the sizes of subnanometric free volumes (voids) in condensed matter. A review of experimental methods used in positron spectroscopy and examples of their application to the free volume studies are presented.
Hydroxyapatite catalyzed cyclization of aryl enones: Solvent-free efficient synthesis of some 4-aryl-5,6-dihydro- 6-(substituted phenyl)-4H-1,3-oxazine-2-amines
Authors: Thirunarayanan G.
Published: January 2015

Some 4-aryl-5,6-dihydro-6-(substituted phenyl)-4H-1,3-oxazine- 2-amine derivatives including 4-(4-methyl-1-naphthyl)-5,6- dihydro-6-(substituted phenyl)-4H-1,3-oxazine-2-amines have been synthesised by hydroxyapatite catalyzed solvent-free cyclization of aryl chalcones and urea using microwave irradiation under solventfree condition. The yields of the oxazines were more than 85%. The synthesised oxazine amines have been characterized by their physical constants, analytical and spectroscopic data.
Application of Marxist Economic Thought by the Government of Nepal after 2006
Authors: Neupane Bhim Prasad
Published: January 2015

This paper aims to discuss the application of Marxist Economic thought by the government of Nepal after the second popular movement of 2006. The paper is based on documents published by the government, publication from National Planning Commission. The paper finds that most of the policies and programs adopted by Nepal Government after 2006 are influenced by Marxist Economic Thought. Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 11 & 12 No. 1-2 (2010) Combined Issue Page: 21-32 Uploaded date: 10 April, 2012
Higher educational enrollment, school teachers and GDP in Nepal: a causality analysis
Authors: Dahal Madhav Prasad
Published: January 2015

Education-centered human capital theory acknowledges the role of education in the economic development of nations. With the emergence of endogenous growth theories in the 1980s one of the variables very extensively included in cross?country and country-specific empirical growth studies is education measured by enrollment in primary, secondary and higher level of education, average years of schooling and literacy rate. The aim of this paper is to investigate empirically the linkage between higher education and real gross domestic product of Nepal. This paper employs time series data on enrollment in higher education and teachers working in the lower secondary and secondary schools and gross domestic product of Nepal spanning the period 1975-2009 and investigates the causality in Granger’s sense employing unit root and cointegration test tools. Evidence is in favour of causality running from real gross domestic product to enrollment in higher education but the causality relation between real gross domestic product and school teachers seems neutral.Key words: Enrollment in higher education; Teachers in lower secondary and secondary schools; Real GDP; Unit root; Cointegration; Granger causality; NepalEconomic Journal of Development IssuesVol. 11 & 12 No. 1-2 (2010) Combined IssuePage: 69-91Uploaded date: 10 April, 2012
The effect of demographic factors on fertility behaviour in Western Terai of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Ram Chandra
Published: January 2015

The basic purpose of this research work is to find out the effect of demographic factors on fertility behavior of people in western Terai of Nepal. Trend in fertility is analyzed statistically in detail not only district wise but also for the whole of the western Terai of Nepal on the basis of primary data collect by the researcher. Among different variables, affecting fertility wives’ education is found as the most effective variable. It has also been observed that an upward shift in the occupational status, affects the fertility behaviours of couples negatively. Similarly there exists an inverse relationship between income and fertility. Among the couples of different religions Muslims couples have the highest fertility and Hindus have the lowest. Rural respondents have the higher fertility than the urban ones. Among the various castes analyzed it has been deduced that Janajati couples have the lowest mean fertility in the study area. Female respondents use contraceptives more than the male ones.Key words: Demographic factors; Fertility; Surviving' Habitat; KapilvastuEconomic Journal of Development IssuesVol. 11 & 12 No. 1-2 (2010) Combined IssuePage: 99- 111Uploaded date: 10 April, 2012
The parallel economy in India: causes, impacts and governement initiatives
Authors: Sarkar Sukanta
Published: January 2015

The study has made an attempt to assess the overall profile of parallel economy in India, particularly in terms of causes, impacts and government initiatives. The results indicate that parallel economy has been expanding very rapidly in India as well as in developing countries. It is evident from the study that government of India already introduced various commissions for estimating black economy but estimation reports are not same. Indian government is more concerned about the prevalence of the parallel economy and various commissions are formed for controlling it but results are not so impressive. Thus, the paper suggests that recommendations of the commissions or laws should be implemented correctly for reducing bad effects of black economy.Key words: Black money; Inflation; Privatization; Real estate; IndiaEconomic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 11 & 12 No. 1-2 (2010) Combined IssuePage: 124-134Uploaded date: 10 April, 2012
Econometric analysis of oil consumption and economic growth in Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Tara Prasad
Published: January 2015

Oil is one of the main inputs for many sectors like transportation, manufacturing, electricity generation and others. Oil is also very important for the economic growth of Nepal. This paper examines the short and long-run causality between oil consumption and Gross Domestic Product for Nepal using annual data covering the period of 1975-2009. Granger causality test is employed to analyse the relationship between economic growth and oil consumption variables with same order of integration (I (1)). In this study is found that there exists bi-directional Granger causality between oil consumption and economic growth in the short and long run.Key words: Oilconsumption; Economic Growth; Causality; Co-integrationEconomic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 11 & 12 No. 1-2 (2010) Combined IssuePage: 135-143Uploaded date: 10 April, 2012
Effect of gender gap in education on district level GDP per capital of Nepal
Authors: Dahal Madhav Prasad
Published: January 2015

Growth theories developed in the 1980s and 1990s incorporate education centered human capital to explain the cross-country and country specific variations in the per capita gross domestic product. This article examines the effect of gender inequality in education on the per capita GDP of the districts of Nepal. Gender inequality in education is more pronounced in less developed countries than in developed countries. Utilizing the data pertaining to the year 2001 taken from Nepal Human Development Report 2004 published by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) country office Nepal, we find that gender gap in education has obvious negative impact on district level GDP per capita of Nepal. This bears implication in policy formulation to minimize the gender disparity in education.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ejdi.v13i0.7211 Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol.13 & 14 2011, pp.65-74
Economic impact of community forestry in Nepal: A case of mid-hill districts of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Ram Chandra
Published: January 2015

The main objective of this study is to find the economic impact of community forestry. Specifically the study aims to indentify the elements of cost and benefits of community forestry and estimate the monetary value of costs and benefits. This study is basically based on secondary information including unpublished documents of Nepal Swiss Community Forestry Project (NSCFP). Due to the lack of refined data on the benefits and costs, first elements of costs and benefits were identified and estimation of monetary benefits and costs has been estimated with certain assumptions.The study found that annual cost for the management of community forestry is about NRs. 119 thousand for each community forest user’s group in the studied three districts. Of the total costs, about 64% is borne by the forest user’s group households mostly in the form of labour. The donor contributed about 16% and the Government of Nepal contributed about 13 % of the total costs.Similarly the annual monetary benefits (only direct) per Community Forest User Group (CFUG) per year is NRs. 710 thousand. This indicates that the benefits are about 7 times greater than the costs even without considering the indirect benefits. Of the total about 80% benefit comes from the forest products, about 11% from time saving and about 7% from employment generation due to better management of community forestry. It is also found that CFUGs are able to mobilize about NRs. 38 million and utililizing part of it for the development of community in different ways.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ejdi.v13i0.7212 Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol.13 & 14 2011, pp.75-96
Total factor productivity of manufacturing sector in India: A regional analysis for the State of Haryana
Authors: Sehgal Shallu , Sharma Suparn
Published: January 2015

Using pooled data for the period of 1981-82 to 2007-08 for different categories of organized sector’s manufacturing industries for the sample state of Haryana, the present undertaking seeks to analyze the inter-temporal and inter-industry comparison of total factor productivity (TFP) measured by Malmquist productivity index (MPI), which is an application of DEA to panel data to calculate the indices of TFP change, technology change, efficiency change. The general development pattern observed by the Haryana is definitely not a healthy sign of structural change in the economy. The analysis of the discussion reflects that while the tertiary sectors have maintained its lion’s share in GDP of India and Haryana as well, the declining trend in the share of primary sector and more or less stable contribution of the secondary sector is noticeable. The study reveals that technical efficiency change is the key driver of TFPG in the manufacturing sector of Haryana during pre reforms period, however, the picture has turned around during the post reforms period. A positive impact of liberalization policy on technological advancement of the manufacturing sector of the state has been experienced. But, during the post reforms period the state has realized inefficiency in the utilization of resources in hand and it is really an alarming sign indicating that the incapability of manufacturing sector of the state in question to cope up with the technological advancement.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ejdi.v13i0.7213 Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol.13 & 14 2011, pp.97-118