bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sexually Dimorphic Area of the Dorsal Hypothalamus in Mice and Common Marmosets
Authors: Moe Yadanar , Kyi-Tha-Thu Chaw , Tanaka Tomoko , Ito Hiroto , Yahashi Satowa , Matsuda Ken-Ichi , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Katsuura Goro , Iwashige Fumihiro , Sakata Ichiro , Akune Atsushi , Inui Akio , Sakai Takafumi , Ogawa Sonoko , Tsukahara Shinji
Published: October 2016

We found a novel sexually dimorphic area (SDA) in the dorsal hypothalamus (DH) of mice. The SDA-DH was sandwiched between 2 known male-biased sexually dimorphic nuclei, the principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the calbindin-sexually dimorphic nucleus, and exhibited a female-biased sex difference in neuronal cell density. The density of neurons in the SDA-DH was increased in male mice by orchidectomy on the day of birth and decreased in female mice by treatment with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or estradiol within 5 days after birth. These findings indicate that the SDA-DH is defeminized under the influence of testicular testosterone, which acts via both directly by binding to the androgen receptor, and indirectly by binding to the estrogen receptor after aromatization. We measured the activity of SDA-DH neurons with c-Fos, a neuronal activity marker, in female mice during maternal and sexual behaviors. The number of c-Fos-expressing neurons in the SDA-DH of female mice was negatively correlated with maternal behavior performance. However, the number of c-Fos-expressing neurons did not change during female sexual behavior. These findings suggest that the SDA-DH contains a neuronal cell population, the activity of which decreases in females exhibiting higher performance of maternal behavior, but it may contribute less to female sexual behavior. Additionally, we examined the brain of common marmosets and found an area that appears to be homologous with the mouse SDA-DH. The sexually dimorphic structure identified in this study is not specific to mice and may be found in other species.
Enforcing the Judgments of the ECtHR in Russia in Light of the Amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court
Authors: Mäger Kerttu
Published: October 2016

The paper was written to analyse the enforceability of the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in Russia, particularly in light of recent amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court and relevant case law of the Constitutional Court of Russia. Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, obliging member states to execute the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights, does not leave room for ‘cherry-picking’ in enforcing the judgements. However, the Constitutional Court has suggested that Russian authorities should indeed engage in cherry-picking and may refuse to enforce judgements that are not in accordance with the Russian Constitution as interpreted by the Constitutional Court. In December 2015, the Russian parliament amended the Law on the Constitutional Court so as to empower said court to declare judgements of the European Court of Human Rights unenforceable when implementation would be in conflict with the Constitution of Russia. The paper discusses the background of these developments and alternatives for overcoming the conflict between domestic legislation and the instruments of the Council of Europe.
The Subjective Right to Environment in the General Part of the Environmental Code Act
Authors: Relve Kaarel
Published: October 2016

Section 23 of Estonia’s General Part of the Environmental Code Act sets out a subjective right to environment. The purpose behind the paper is to examine the basis for the right and analyse its scope and contents in order to determine whether it satisfies the criteria outlined by the Supreme Court for an independent material enforceable subjective right to environment. The right has no explicit basis in international, EU, or constitutional law. The GPECA’s §23 was intended to codify and expand the existing court practice surrounding the basic environmental right. However, the provision does not satisfy the criteria set forth by the Supreme Court, on account of ambiguities in the formulation of the right. The elements of the provision are analysed, and several suggestions are made for the purpose of clarifying the ambiguities.
Law Applicable to Consumer Contracts: Interaction of the Rome I Regulation and EU-directive-based Rules on Conflicts of Laws
Authors: Piir Ragne , Sein Karin
Published: October 2016

The article discusses the abundance and interaction of rules aimed at determining the law applicable to cross-border consumer contracts. Firstly, it examines whether there is a continuing need for conflict-of-laws rules that stem from consumer-related directives. It then addresses the question of whether the Estonian Law of Obligations Act’s conflict-of-laws rules comply with the consumer-related directives. Lastly, the relations between the conflict‑of‑laws rules stemming from consumer-related directives and the Rome I Regulation are analysed. The authors conclude that the level of consumer protection afforded by Rome I seems to allow for a waiver of the various simultaneously existing directive-based conflict rules. Such renunciation would not only resolve the issue of inaccurate transposition to national laws – an apparent problem for the Estonian legislator as well – but also contribute to legal certainty. While the conflict-of-laws rules of Rome I and the national directive-based rules coexist, the latter are to be considered subordinately to Rome I. The conflict rules of the Estonian Law of Obligations Act are deemed to be only domestically mandatory and therefore not to be viewed as overriding mandatory rules in the sense of Article 9 of Rome I.
Development of Company Law in Kazakhstan: Main Issues and Trends
Authors: Karagussov Farkhad
Published: October 2016

The article shows that special legislation to regulate corporate forms for entrepreneurial activity (apart from forms for non-commercial activities) has been developed in Kazakhstan since the 1990s. The most important stages in such development are highlighted, with special emphasis on the influence of Russian legal developments. The article includes description of the current structure, content, and specifics of Kazakhstan’s legislation on corporate forms for economic activity. The absence of a clear concept of company law and of a legal term ‘corporation’ in the law of Kazakhstan is noted in the paper, and also it is argued that a body of company law (or corporate law) of Kazakhstan has not been adequately institutionalised yet within the national legal system. The author identifies the main trends in the development of company/corporate law in Kazakhstan and key concerns related to it.
Discourse. Dialectical Approach to the Definition of Concept
Authors: Садикова  , Sadikova Valentina
Published: October 2016

The article advocates the need of dialectical approach to the definition of

concept discourse in the communicative paradigm. As a methodological

framework for such approach is proposed a determinate system of structural-

semantic models of creation of communicative meaning based on categories,

predicates and Aristotle’s topic-dialectic. Dialectic approach allows

you to learn the language in a dynamic aspect, i.e. in the natural process

of communication, as well as to organize the formed in research practice

terminology definitions.
THE EFFICIENCY OF THE IODINE ORGANIC FORM IN BREEDING BOARS NUTRITION
Authors: Надеев  , Nadeev Vasiliy , Фомичев  , Fomichev Yuriy , Никанова  , Nikanova Lyudmila , Громова  , Gromova Milana
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is improvement of clinical and physiological state of the organism breeding boars and prevention of iodine deficiency by introducing a basic diet of organic form bioiodine – feed additive «Prost». Production experience on breeding boars Landrace breed – research was conducted. By the principle of analogues, two boars group was formed. The animals were kept under identical conditions. All boars producers received the same feed SC-2 with the same content of metabolizable energy. Diet contain in its composition: 45% barley, 30% wheat; 5% corn; 20% of bvmd. Boars-producers of the control group fed a basic diet (RR) without additives, which conforms to the standards VIZH for this age group. The animal feed of the experimental group were injected with 200 mg per head per day of the feed additive «Prost». Blood for morfogematological studies were taken from the jugular vein at the same time, the chime before feeding. The scientific-production experiment studied the effect of the feed additive «simple» biochemical and morphological parameters of blood boars. As a result of studies, it was found that the inclusion in the diet of the treated group fodder additive, organic iodine content of globulins in the serum of experimental animals was by 5.1% higher than the control group, total protein 7.6%, respectively. The number of red blood cells in the animals in the group with the addition of a «simple» for the test period was higher by 22.1%, 22.1% of red blood cells, hematocrit 17.1%, compared to the control. The study of the white blood boars – when fed feed manufacturers «just» supplements in the experimental animals was observed decrease in the total number of leukocytes by 5.8%, which contributed to the increase of protective and adaptive reactions and reduced antigenic, toxicological stress for the body, the iodine content to an increase in whole blood by 43.8 and 246.3% for the bristles, thyroxine T4 6.5% compared with the control group.
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE-CATARRHAL ENDOMETRITIS OF COWS PREPARATION MASTOMETRIN
Authors: Минюк  , Minyuk Lyudmila , Гришина  , Grishina Darya
Published: October 2016

The aim of the work is to improve the effectiveness of treatment of cows with chronic endometritis using homeopathic Mastometrin drug. In this work given economic evaluation of the treatment of chronic purulent-catarrhal endometritis in cows using Mactometpin drug in a comparative perspective with the treatment regimen adopted in the economy. The material for the research were the cows of black-motley breed of dairy complex SEC Kuibyshev district Kinel Samara region. Before the start of the experimental work was performed obstetric clinical examination of the animals are not pregnant. Among the cows with chronic purulent-catarrhal endometritis it was formed on the basis of approximate analogs of two groups of cows (control, experimental) on 10 goals each. In the control group of cows treatment of chronic endometritis was performed under the scheme adopted in the farm. The animals of the experimental group were treated with the drug Mastometrin. To determine the cost-effectiveness of Mastometrin drug in the treatment of chronic endometritis, the duration of the analysis of the treatment was carried out in cows; treatment costs compared with the treatment regimen used in the farm. Based on what has been defined income per head. Research evidence that the use of the drug Mastometrin reduces the waning of clinical signs of chronic endometritis and recovery time than with the scheme of treatment used in the farm. Shown Mastometrin economic efficiency of the drug, whereby the drug Mastometrin proposed to use a dose of 5 ml intramuscularly at intervals of 12 hours daily for 7-14 days.
THE RESULTS OF STUDIES OF THE CRACKS DEVELOPMENT IN THE CYLINDER HEADS OF THE ENGINE YAMZ-238НБ
Authors: Черкашин  , Cherkashin Nikolay , Жильцов  , Zhiltsov Sergey
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the study is to identify the maximum depth of the crack does not affect the normal working movement of the gates. To determine the nature and dynamics of growth heattransaction cracking of the cylinder head and waveness the maximum value of the crack depth and without disrupting the normal operation of the engine. Head material is grey cast iron SCH25 implies the presence of graphite inclusions, lamellar form. Also, this material structure is not optimal to improve the heat transfer, which increases thermal stresses. On the surface and the thickness of the firing of the bottom and leads to the appearance of such incidental defects, such as heatmobile cracks inside cylinder jumpers. Therefore, this defect limits the resource base. The study termodecreased depth of cracks was carried out according to the above method. The results of the studies the magnitude of this defect for the engine YAMZ-238НБ showed that the greatest dynamics of development of this defect is observed in inside cylinder the jumper between the injector hole and socket of the inlet valve. This area is characterized by the greatest temperature changes and mechanical stresses along the thickness and width of the site. It is observed during the period of achievements of 2000-3000 hours. Justified and proposed maximum allowable depth of cracks termodecreased for fire bottom of the cylinder heads in which no emergency is occurring defects of this part. This value should be considered the 6.5 mm because remaining intact the thickness of this zone provides the resource of this part until the next major overhaul. Depth control termodecreased of cracks will allow you to save some spare parts for major repairs of the engine to optimize the reuse of cylinder heads of engines.
JUSTIFICATION OF ROTOR SPEED OF RADIAL HONEY SEPARATOR WITH THE HORIZONTAL FULCRUM PIN
Authors: Сыркин  , Syrkin Vladimir , Васильев  , Vasilev Sergey
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is increase in effectiveness of pumping of honey in the separator of radial type with a horizontal spin axis of a rotor. Use radial a separator allows to make honey pumping on both sides of a frame at once and places larger quantity of a frames. The radial separator consists of housing and a rotor. The rotor is set in motion via the belt drive manually or the electric motor. The rotation frequency of a rotor of a separator is the major technology factor influencing honey pumping process. With increase in a rotation frequency the centrifugal force providing a honey exit from honeycombs of a frame increases. The high rotation frequency of a rotor with a framework, can lead to destruction of a wax basis of a cellular frame. Low the rotation frequency can become the reason of inexact pumping of honey from honeycombs. In the course of centrifugation the honey which is contained in everyone unit is affected by the gravity, a centripetal force, tangential force of shift of layers of honey, force of reaction of walls of honeycombs. As a result of calculation it is established that the rotation frequency of a rotor depends on such parameters as viscosity of honey, geometrical parameters of honeycombs, distances of honeycombs from a separator rotor spin axis. In the course of work there will be first of all a honey honeycombs located further from a rotor axis. Decrease in cooperative weight of a frame will allow to keep its wholeness and to gradually increase a separator rotor rotation frequency.
THE INFLUENCE OF EXTRUSION PROCESSING FOR CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PUMPKIN SEEDS
Authors: Воронина  , Voronina Polina , Шабурова  , Shaburova Galina , Шешницан  , Sheshnizan Irina
Published: October 2016

The purpose of research is assessment of thermoplastic extrusion influence with Ternova-quannum effect on chemical composition and functional and technological properties of pumpkin seeds, processed together with the shell. Raw crude from shell pumpkin seeds were processed within 10-15 s at a temperature of 130-1400С using a single screw press extruder KMZ-2U, equipped with a vacuum chamber, contributing to the implementation of the new technological possibilities of extrusion processing of vegetable raw materials. Determination of the mass share of moisture, fat, crude fiber and ash was performed using standard techniques. The substance total nitrogen was determined by Kjeldahl method and then converted to crude protein. Water and fat absorption of flour made from extruded pumpkin seeds with shell was determined on the basis of generally accepted methods. The results are presented as the mean value of three repeated measurements. The chemical composition of the extruded pumpkin seeds with shell (mass fraction of moisture, crude protein, lipid, ash and crude fiber) and wheat flour used for production of bakery and flour confectionery products. The results obtained indicate a high content in the extrudate pumpkin seeds with the shell of protein, dietary fiber, palingenesy whelping fatty acids, as well as a wide range of minerals that characterizes the resulting product as an effective Supplement for development of the technology of bakery and flour confectionery products of functional purpose. In addition, high water and fat absorption of the extrudate pumpkin seeds with the shell will generate the given structure, nutritional value, taste indicators and losses in the development of such products.
Forms of Representation of Inner States of Fiction Characters
Authors: Федотова  , Fedotova Oksana
Published: October 2016

The paper shows that the author of English language narrative discourse can discuss with his/her readers such topics as inner state of fiction characters. It presents forms of representation of inner state of fiction characters. Firstly, the inner state of a character is described in contexts without metaphor. In this case, the main markers are verbs of mental state, names of emotions, physical representation of emotions, taste perception. Secondly, the inner state of fiction characters is represented via another situation. In this case, the comparison can be either direct or literal. Desperation is compared with a nightmare, beating into the wall, with the sense that the walls are closing in on a hero. Unreality of events is compared with the theatre where everything is make-belief. Thirdly, the inner state of a character is represented via comparison with a person who is experiencing similar feelings: The character can feel like a condemned prisoner, or like a captain of a sinking ship. Finally the inner state of heroes is represented via conceptual metaphor.
Human-Leopard Conflict in Girimukti Village, Sukabumi, Indonesia
Authors: PARTASASMITA RUHYAT , SHANIDA SYA SYA , ISKANDAR JOHAN , MEGANTARA ERRI NOVIAR , HUSODO TEGUH , PARIKESIT PARIKESIT , MALONE NICHOLAS
Published: October 2016

Partasasmita R, Shanida SS, Iskandar J, Megantara EN, Husodo T, Malone N. 2016. Human-Leopard Conflict in Girimukti Village, Sukabumi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 783-790. Populations of leopards continue to decrease over time. This decline is caused by many factors, such as decreasing animal prey and habitat loss. Due to a lack of animal prey, leopards frequently enter villages to find food, including livestock. Therefore, some conflicts between human-leopard have frequently occurred, and in many cases the leopard has been hunted by the villager. Consequently, the abundance of leopard in some areas of West Java have decreased. The aim of this research is to investigate: (i) local knowledge of the Girimukti Village on morphological variation of leopard; (ii) conflict between leopard and the people of Girimukti Village based on local knowledge; (iii) local knowledge on the hunting of leopard; and (iv) utilization of leopard resulting from human-leopard conflict in Girimukti Village, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Mixed methods andfield observation were applied in this study. The result of this study shows that the village people of Girimukti recognize variations of leopard and their behavior; conflict between humans and leopard has increased; hunting leopard is been undertaken by both traps and shotgun; and leopard are used for various purposes, such as trading skin and other body parts, food, traditional medicines, and as amulets. Based on this study, it can be inferred that many drivers of environmental changes that impact faunal and floral communities are social in origin and strongly related with peoplesâ€™ activities. As a result, in addition to biological properties, the social, economic and political systems must be considered and integrated into the conservation program of Javan leopards.

Keywords: Girimukti Village, human-leopard conflict, leopard
The length-weight correlation and population dynamics of razor clams (Solen regularis) in Surabaya east coast, Indonesia
Authors: TRISYANI NINIS , HERAWATI ENDANG YULI , WIDODO MAHENO SRI , SETYOHADI DADUK
Published: October 2016

Trisyani N, Herawati EY, Widodo MS, Setyohadi D. 2016. The length-weight correlation and population dynamics of razor clams (Solen regularis) in Surabaya east coast, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 808-813. Solen regularis is a pelecypod species living in intertidal areas at sandy substrate. In Surabaya east coast, Solen regularis is exploited by the locals for consumption, both as freshseafood or processed one. This research aims to analyze the length-weight correlation of the clams and the population dynamics, conducted from August 2014 to July 2015 in Surabaya east coast. The results show that the correlation is explained in the equation W = 0.038L2.798with the correlation coefficient of 0.9. Also, the allometric growth pattern is proven negative as the increase in body length is faster than that in weight. Growth is measured with von Bertalanffy growth model Lt = 8.0 ( 1-e (-0.7(t+0.003)) and the result from the parameter analysis using ELEFAN I method in FISAT II software show that Lâˆž = 8.0 cm and k = 0.7/year. The estimated weight at t0 in Paulyâ€™s empirical formula is -0.003 cm. Mortality rates are shown as follows: natural mortality (M) is 2.05/year, fishing mortality (F) is 2.01/year, and total mortality is 4.05/year. Exploitation rate (E) is 0.50/year indicating that the exploitation of Solen regularis is inoptimal condition. The B/R and Y/R value is 1.4%/year. It can be suggested from the findings of the research that knowledge on population dynamics may be useful for the utilization and management of Solen regularis in order to preserve its environmental and ecological sustainability.Keywords: Growth, mortality, razor clams, Solen regularis, Surabaya east coast
Nephroprotective potential of Pistacia chinensis bark extract against induced toxicity in rats
Authors: SATTAR SAADIA , KHAN MUHAMMAD RASHID , SHAH NASEER ALI , NOUREEN FARAH , NAZ KIRAN
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Sattar S, Khan MR, Shah NA, Noureen F, Naz K. 2016. Nephroprotective potential of Pistacia chinensis bark extract against induced toxicity in rats. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 192-200. Pistacia chinensis possesses profound antioxidant properties. In this study, the protective influence of P. chinensis bark ethanol extract (PCBE) was scrutinized against CCl4 induced renal toxicity in rats (6 rats in each group). Seven different groups of Sprague–Dawley male rats were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg b.w.; 30% CCl4 in olive oil) at an interval of 48 hour for four weeks. PCBE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. or silymarin at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. was orally administered to the animals on alternate days. CCl4 induced renal toxicity was evident by a significant increase in specific gravity, albumin, count of RBCs and pus cells in urine. Administration of PCBE significantly ameliorated the enhanced serum level of urea, creatinine, and bilirubin whereas increased the level of total protein. Moreover, the influence of CCl4 significantly elevated the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), H2O2 and nitrite content whereas enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and quinone reductase), non- enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH) content in kidney homogenate was compromised. When animals were treated along PCBE, a remarkable protective role was observed on all the parameters of kidney in comparison to only CCl4 treated groups. From this study, it can be concluded that PCBE holds an effective antioxidant and nephroprotective property.
Comparative influence of salinity and temperature on cassava flour product by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus during single culture fermentation
Authors: FREDIANSYAH ANDRI , KURNIADI MUHAMAD
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Frediansyah A, Kurniadi M. 2016. Comparative influence of salinity and temperature on cassava flour product by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus during single culture fermentation. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 207-214. Lactobacillus plantarum (FNCC 0027) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (FNCC 0051) were used as a single culture in cassava fermentation. The effect of salinity (0.5, 1, 2 and 3% (v/v)) and temperatures (4, 25, 30 and 40oC) were investigated on the survival of these lactobacilli. In addition, fiber and moisture content were used to study the characteristic of cassava flour as a final product. About 6.98 cfu/g of L. plantarum and 7.02 cfu/g of L acidophilus were used as a single starter (t = 0 h) for cassava fermentation. After 15 h, the survival rate of both lactobacilli with the salinity of 0.5% and incubation at 40oC were found to be at the highest compared with others. The temperature of incubation was showed in a degree-dependent manner in both reductions of pH to the substrate and fiber contents of flour product. However, it increased the survival of both L. plantarum and L. acidophilus in a degree of temperature-dependent manner. Both salinity and temperature did not give significant effect to further changing of moisture content. The fermentation of cassava could improve proximate composition, cyanide content and physical properties of cassava flour product.
Family nature clubs: An intergenerational opportunity to foster love of the natural world
Authors: D’Amore Chiara
Published: October 2016

Three experiences have been found to foster long-lasting care for the natural environment: time spent enjoying nature, especially during childhood; a close, often familial, role model for nature appreciation; and participation in a nature-focused group that offers direct learning opportunities. Family nature clubs (FNCs) offer all three experiences by regularly bringing families together with a guide to explore and learn about nature. This article reports on a recent doctoral study of over 340 people representing 47 FNCs that sought to understand how these groups may foster environmental sustainability as well as individual, family and community wellbeing. Study results on the effects of FNC participation are presented to help illuminate how family time spent in nature can encourage a connection with and love for nature that may, in turn, foster pro-environmental behaviour.
Changing the narrative in our relationship with consumption
Authors: Black Iain , Shaw Deirdre , Trebeck Katherine
Published: October 2016

This paper introduces two interrelated Open Space articles, Changing the narrative: Measuring progress by measuring what matters to families and Places of prosumption: Community gardens putting the ‘we’ into neighbourhoods. These articles explore how space can be created that facilitates relationships that do not rely on social and environmentally damaging consumption, and help create space for socially, environmentally and economically sustainable societies.
Changing the narrative: Measuring progress by measuring what matters to families
Authors: Trebeck Katherine , Black Iain , Shaw Deirdre
Published: October 2016

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has emerged as a dominant proxy for the success of a nation. At the micro level, a similar monetary orientation is manifest in the development of invidious materialism. This article supports a shift in the purpose of policy-making, away from GDP growth and towards an agenda in which participation and relationships are positioned as more desirable. It presents Oxfam Scotland’s Humankind Index as replacement measure of national progress.
Places of prosumption: Community gardens putting the ‘we’ into neighbourhoods
Authors: Shaw Deirdre , Crossan John , Cumbers Andrew , McMaster Robert , Trebeck Katherine , Black Iain
Published: October 2016

Prosumption encompasses acts of production and consumption, and studies on it have mostly taken a commercial focus, centred on the dominant individualistic narrative of ‘I’. This article seeks to extend debate regarding prosumption by exploring its possibilities for creating a new set of ‘we’ identities based around nature and community. It focuses on community gardens and how these places generate progressive forms of social relations that critique mainstream mass production and environmentally destructive food systems.
Natriuretic Peptides and Analytical Barriers
Authors: Vasile Vlad C , Jaffe Allan S
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The natriuretic peptide system is an endocrine, autocrine and paracrine system that plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Biomarkers based on these peptides are important diagnostic and prognostic tools for myocardial function.

CONTENT

Although natriuretic peptides were discovered more than 2 decades ago, their intricate and complex biology is associated with important questions not yet elucidated. The diversity of circulating forms of natriuretic peptides, the distinct expression of these forms in particular patients, and the heterogeneity of heart failure forms, along with specific assay-related and preanalytic issues, cause assays to be poorly harmonized.

This review presents the relevant issues related to the biology of natriuretic peptides and differences between assays with immediate implications for clinical practice.
Balanço hídrico do sistema Aquifero Barreiras na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Pitimbu-RN
Authors: Righetto Antonio Marozzi , Dias Duany Fernandes
Published: October 2016

Este trabalho objetiva avaliar o balanço hídrico nos compartimentos subterrâneos da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Pitimbu, RN (BHRP), de importância para o aproveitamento sustentável dos recursos hídricos disponíveis. A BHRP possui superfície de 131,67 Km², composta por parcelas dos municípios de Macaíba, Natal e Parnamirim, integrantes da Região Metropolitana de Natal (RMN). Para a modelagem hidrogeológica foi utilizado o aplicativo MODFLOW com cinco camadas e com domínio envolvendo toda a BHRP, considerando os cursos de água, reservatórios e poços de explotação. São apresentados detalhes da modelagem e descritos os principais dados levantados, resultados do balanço hídrico assim como simulações da resposta do aquífero frente às explotações atuais e futuras. Com o balanço hídrico por compartimento, tornou-se possível reconhecer áreas de transferência de água entre compartimentos, do aquífero para o rio e vice-versa e regiões críticas quanto às explotações e decaimento da superfície potenciométrica.
MontanAqua: Tackling Water Stress in the Alps: Water Management Options in the Crans-Montana-Sierre Region (Valais)
Authors: Schneider Flurina , Bonriposi Mariano , Graefe Olivier , Herweg Karl , Homewood Christine , Huss Matthias , Kauzlaric Martina , Liniger Hanspeter , Rey Emmanuel , Reynard Emmanuel , Rist Stephan , Schädler Bruno , Weingartner Rolf
Published: October 2016

Transdisciplinary research is considered an appropriate mode of knowledge production in the search for pathways towards a more sustainable governance of natural resources. However, the co-production of new knowledge between scientists of different disciplines and nonacademic stakeholders
is a challenge that requires novel research designs, methods, and approaches. The MontanAqua team has tackled this challenge by designing and implementing an innovative process of co-production of knowledge. An important element of this process was an assessment and communication tool
known as “the sustainability wheel”.
Transdisciplinary Knowledge Integration within Large Research Programs
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine
Published: October 2016

Research is increasingly organized as large programs. A growing number of such programs produce a synthesis that links and relates scientific results of individual projects and integrates them into an overarching context. The synthesis thus creates an added value that goes beyond
individual project results. Which methods and procedures are used to generate that added value? This paper presents methods and procedures of transdisciplinary knowledge integration that were applied within four thematic syntheses of the Swiss National Research Programme on Sustainable
Water Management (NRP 61).
Mit der Sektorkopplung die Wärmewende einleiten: Ein sozial-ökologischer Aufriss
Authors: Betker Frank
Published: October 2016

Erneuerbare Energien produzieren bislang hauptsächlich für den Stromsektor ‐ nun sollen sie auch die Sektoren Wärme und Verkehr mit klimaneutraler Energie versorgen. Mit dieser sogenannten Sektorkopplung will die Bundesregierung den Einsatz von fossilen Energien
reduzieren. Sozial-ökologische Forschungsansätze helfen, die Transformation des Energiesystems zum Erfolg zu führen.
BaWü-labs on Their Way: Progress of Real-world Laboratories in Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Wagner Felix , Schäpke Niko , Stelzer Franziska , Bergmann Matthias , Lang Daniel J
Published: October 2016

Real-world laboratories aim to create relevant and transferable knowledge and foster societal transformation towards sustainability. Members of the existing laboratories in Baden-Württemberg and experts have discussed the progress and the challenges of these innovative research
settings.
Ayni, Ayllu, Yanantin and Chanincha: The Cultural Values Enabling Adaptation to Climate Change in Communities of the Potato Park, in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Walshe Rory , Argumedo Alejandro
Published: October 2016

There is a critical need for effective and sustained adaptation to the effects of climate change for indigenous peoples. Despite this, adaptation policies often neglect the cultural values that we show to be crucial to their ability to respond, and instead prioritise instrumental and
scientific framings of climate change.Rural communities in the Peruvian Andes are already feeling the negative impacts of climate change, further impacts are expected to arrive comparatively early and be particularly damaging for indigenous communities in the mountains. Therefore there
is a pressing need to ensure effective and sustained adaptation is undertaken. Rural communities studied in the Potato Park in the Cusco Region of Peru are shown to possess a number of cultural values, in Quechua known as ayni, ayllu, yanantin and chanincha. These form the foundation
of the community's ability to successfully respond to the challenges presented by climate change. The limited current adaptation strategies and methods not only neglect these values but also undermine and erode them. Future strategies should instead complement, maintain and utilise these values.
The analysis of pre-service social studies teachers' academic self-efficacy
Authors: Sabanci Osman , Uslu Salih
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study is to determine the pre-service social studies teachers' academic self-efficacy. Research data were obtained from a total of 433 pre-service teachers who studied at the department of social studies at a state university in Ankara in 2013-2014 academic years. In this research involving the use of mixed method, "Academic Self-Efficacy Scale" developed by Jerusalem and Schwarzer (1981) and adapted to Turkish by Yılmaz, Gürçay and Ekici (2007) and "Personal Information Form" and "Academic Self-Efficacy Oriented Opinion Form" developed by researchers were used. It has been concluded on the quantitative dimension of the research that academic self-efficacy of the pre-service teachers shows statistically significant differences in terms of gender variable, and it does not show statistically significant differences in terms of class, daily study time and regular use of the library, reason for choosing social studies teacher education program and the number of books that they read other than textbooks after starting the college. On the qualitative dimension of the research the obtained data supported the pre-service teachers in terms of "feeling competent in the academic sense", "study and exam preparation habits" and "college expectations".
Sales Representative Departures and Customer Reassignment Strategies in Business-to-Business Markets
Authors: Shi Huanhuan , Sridhar Shrihari , Grewal Rajdeep , Lilien Gary
Published: October 2016

When a sales representative (rep) leaves a business-to-business firm, a crucial link with the rep's customers becomes severed. The firm reassigns those customers to different sales reps (either existing reps or new hires) in a manner that mitigates potential sales losses. What causal effect do sales rep departures have on customer-level revenue, and which sales rep replacement strategies are more effective? Using data from a Fortune 500 firm and a difference-in-differences analysis with correction for selection bias, the authors show that sales rep transitions lead to 13.2%–17.6% losses in annual sales. New hires are less effective than existing sales reps in mitigating sales losses. Existing sales reps who are similar (vs. dissimilar) to the departing reps (in terms of past industry experience) are more effective in mitigating sales losses; however, reps with high past performance do not exhibit greater efficacy for mitigating sales losses than reps with average or low past performance. The analysis presents means to quantify the economic consequences of losing a sales rep and to determine how to reassign customers to sales reps according to the resulting economic impact.
How to Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: Improved Variable Selection for New Customer Acquisition
Authors: Tillmanns Sebastian , Ter Hofstede Frenkel , Krafft Manfred , Goetz Oliver
Published: October 2016

Steady customer losses create pressure for firms to acquire new accounts, a task that is both costly and risky. Lacking knowledge about their prospects, firms often use a large array of predictors obtained from list vendors, which in turn rapidly creates massive high-dimensional data problems. Selecting the appropriate variables and their functional relationships with acquisition probabilities is therefore a substantial challenge. This study proposes a Bayesian variable selection approach to optimally select targets for new customer acquisition. Data from an insurance company reveal that this approach outperforms nonselection methods and selection methods based on expert judgment as well as benchmarks based on principal component analysis and bootstrap aggregation of classification trees. Notably, the optimal results show that the Bayesian approach selects panel-based metrics as predictors, detects several nonlinear relationships, selects very large numbers of addresses, and generates profits. In a series of post hoc analyses, the authors consider prospects’ response behaviors and cross-selling potential and systematically vary the number of predictors and the estimated profit per response. The results reveal that more predictors and higher response rates do not necessarily lead to higher profits.
Do Costly Options Lead to Better Outcomes? How the Protestant Work Ethic Influences the Cost–Benefit Heuristic in Goal Pursuit
Authors: Cheng Yimin , Mukhopadhyay Anirban , Schrift Rom Y.
Published: October 2016

People often assume that costlier means lead to better outcomes, even in the absence of an objective relationship in the specific context. Such cost–benefit heuristics in goal pursuit have been observed across several domains, but their antecedents have not been fully explored. In this research, the authors propose that a person's tendency to use cost–benefit heuristics depends on the extent to which that person subscribes to the Protestant Work Ethic (PWE), an influential concept originally introduced to explain the rise of capitalism. The PWE is a core value predicated on the work-specific belief that hard work leads to success, but people who subscribe strongly to it tend to overgeneralize and align other work-unrelated cognitions for consistency. Across ten studies (N = 1,917) measuring and manipulating PWE, robust findings show that people who are high (vs. low) in PWE are more likely to use cost–benefit heuristics and are more likely to choose costlier means in pursuit of superior outcomes. Suggestions are provided for how marketers may identify consumers high versus low in PWE and tailor their offerings accordingly.
Three nontrivial solutions for nonlinear fractional Laplacian equations
Authors: Düzgün Fatma Gamze , Iannizzotto Antonio
Published: October 2016

We study a Dirichlet-type boundary value problem for a pseudodifferential equation driven by the fractional Laplacian, proving the existence of three non-zero solutions. When the reaction term is sublinear at infinity, we apply the second deformation theorem and spectral theory. When the reaction term is superlinear at infinity, we apply the mountain pass theorem and Morse theory.
Preferences of people with disabilities on wheelchairs in relation to forest trails for recreational in selected European countries
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Jakubisová Mariana , Woźnicka Małgorzata , Fialova Jitka , Kotásková Pavla
Published: October 2016

The article presents the results of the survey on the preferences of disabled people in wheelchairs for selected features recreational trails in the woods. The study was conducted in 2015, including a sample of 130 people older than 18 years, in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (52 interviews in Poland, 21 in the Czech Republic and 57 in Slovakia). Respondents were interviewed both at the premises of the organisation as well as by email. The questions in the survey were designed to determine the preferences of the respondents in terms of recreational trails in the forests concerned: the optimal length of the route, recreational and educational points along the distribution routes of and usability of different types of forest roads. The results show that there is quite a lot of differences between the preferences of respondents from each of the analysed countries. Respondents from the Poland and Slovakia prefer shorter routes for recreation in forests, with a greater incidence of recreational and educational points along the route, whilst respondents in the Czech Republic prefer far longer routes, with a relatively larger distance between recreational points. In all the analysed countries, people with disabilities attributed highest usefulness to asphalt surfaces, concrete surfaces or surfaces made of cobblestones. The surface evaluated lowest for usability was made of wood.
European oak decline phenomenon in relation to climatic changes
Authors: Keča Nenad , Koufakis Ioannis , Dietershagen Jana , Nowakowska Justyna A. , Oszako Tomasz
Published: October 2016

The complex phenomenon of decline in European oak is currently triggered by changing climatic conditions and their consequences like heavy rains, local floods and pest development. Especially, pathogens fromPhytophthoragenus profit from soil saturation with water. They are alien invasive species, which attack and severely damage fine roots. In drought conditions occurring in the subsequent year, many oaks die as they encounter problem with water uptake. Additionally, insect defoliators followed by oak mildew infections accelerate the level of tree mortality. Secondary insects, butt and root pathogens are usually the final cause of death of many oaks. More research is needed in the direction to determine (i) measurable factors (e.g. chlorophyll florescence) that can indicate that the process of tree decline has already started, (ii) the correlation between the root decay and the crown symptoms (scanners, software), (iii) which combination of stressors stimulate the best development of pathogens that lead to the high plant mortality and (iv) the difference between the mortality caused by the native and the invasivePhytophthoraspecies.
Takahasi semigroups
Authors: Branco Mário J. J. , Gomes Gracinda M. S. , Silva Pedro V.
Published: October 2016

Takahasi’s Theorem on chains of subgroups of bounded rank in a free group is generalized to several classes of semigroups. As an application, it is proved that the subsemigroups of periodic points are finitely generated and periodic orbits are bounded for arbitrary endomorphisms for various semigroups. Some of these results feature classes such as completely simple semigroups, Clifford semigroups or monoids defined by balanced one-relator presentations.
A parallel evolutionary approach to solving systems of equations in polycyclic groups
Authors: Craven Matthew J. , Robertz Daniel
Published: October 2016

The Anshel–Anshel–Goldfeld (AAG) key exchange protocol is based upon the multiple conjugacy problem for a finitely-presented group. The hardness in breaking this protocol relies on the supposed difficulty in solving the corresponding equations for the conjugating element in the group. Two such protocols based on polycyclic groups as a platform were recently proposed and were shown to be resistant to length-based attack. In this article we propose a parallel evolutionary approach which runs on multicore high-performance architectures. The approach is shown to be more efficient than previous attempts to break these protocols, and also more successful. Comprehensive data of experiments run with a GAP implementation are provided and compared to the results of earlier length-based attacks. These demonstrate that the proposed platform is not as secure as first thought and also show that existing measures of cryptographic complexity are not optimal. A more accurate alternative measure is suggested. Finally, a linear algebra attack for one of the protocols is introduced.
Mixed type boundary value problems for polymetaharmonic equations
Authors: Chkadua George
Published: October 2016

In the paper we consider three-dimensional Riquier-type and classical mixed boundary value problems for the polymetaharmonic equation

(

Δ
+

k
1
2

)

⁢

(

Δ
+

k
2
2

)

⁢
u

=
0

${(\Delta+k^{2}_{1})(\Delta+k^{2}_{2})u=0}$

. We investigate these problems by means of the potential method and the theory of pseudodifferential equations. We prove the existence and uniqueness theorems in Sobolev–Slobodetskii spaces, analyse the asymptotic properties of solutions and establish the best Hölder smoothness results for solutions.
Forecasting the price of uranium based on the costs of uranium deposits exploitation
Authors: Kryzia Dominik , Gawlik Lidia
Published: October 2016

The paper presents the concept of forecasting uranium prices on the basis of the uranium deposits exploitation costs. The model for estimating the costs of raw material extraction over time, depending on the supply level sufficient to meet the demand from nuclear power plants, has been developed. The aforementioned costs, given the inelastic demand for uranium, determine the price of this raw material. This allows estimating the future price of uranium on the basis of knowledge of the resource base and the relationships determining changes in parameters characterizing the resources. As these estimates are affected by considerable uncertainty, the study has used a stochastic approach, constructing the precise probability distributions of uncertain parameters. Based on literature analysis, the variables that are correlated with each other have been identified. The model has implemented the identified correlations between variables. A number of assumptions regarding the input data, model limitations, and the relationship between the variables has been adopted. On the basis of the Monte Carlo simulation, the probability distribution of uranium prices in the coming years until 2050 has been obtained. According to the obtained estimation, uranium prices will remain stable at around 90 USD/kg by 2030. The prices are expected to increase in the next years. It can be assumed that this trend will grow in the future. In 2050, the expected uranium price will be about 130 USD/kg.