bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the company’s motivation system
in the employees’ perception – case study
Authors: Adamska Hanna
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, organizations through the appropriate motivational activities create employee behavior. They should apply available material and non-material incentives in a sustainable manner. Therefore, it is necessary to create such a motivation system within the organization’s activity that will generate employees’ right attitudes, beneficial for them and for the entire organization as well.
The purpose of the work was to determine the employees’ subjective feelings related to motivational instruments used in the company.
The research object was EnergiaPro S.A. with its registered seat in Wroclaw. The basic research technique was a survey, which was carried out anonymously among the employees of the administrative division.
Research has shown that the company uses methods of material and non-material motivation. Employees particularly appreciate the system of cash incentives, especially bonuses. It is the motivator for them to work more efficiently. Not without significance for them is also non-cash motivating (training, social allowances and the use of additional leave). They have positive feelings about the correctness of the motivational methods used, although their expectations regarding cash motivation, especially salaries, are higher. They expect wage increases and fair awards, recognizing that this is a major problem in the company.
Innovations in sectors in the industrial approach
Authors: Golonka Adrian
Published: June 2019

The article presents the development of innovations from the perspective of specific sectors. Typologies of innovations in sectors have been indicated and the most important differences between them have been articulated. The article describes the sector dimensions in terms of innovation management. In addition, the influence of knowledge and technological possibilities on the development of innovations in particular sectors has been indicated. The article provides a description of individual entities, relations and institutions relevant for the implementation of innovations. The final section addresses the dynamics and transformation in sectors and indicates the possible political implications.
Work–life balance as a significant element of corporate social responsibility – perspectives of banks in Poland
Authors: Gulewicz Maria-Magdalena
Published: June 2019

The article presents issues of reconciliation of professional and family life as well as activities that organizations take to maintain balance. The considerations are based on literature studies and own research results. It has been pointed out that this is a significant problem, and activities in this area undertaken by organizations within the framework of corporate social responsibility have been assessed.
Impact of the collapse of the Lehman Brothers bank
and the 2008 financial crisis on global economic security
Authors: Mieszala Radoslaw
Published: June 2019

The study presents the analysis of the economic phenomena that occurred at the turn of 2007/2008. The financial meltdown and stagnation – a slowdown in the growth of world economies, which led to a chain of bankruptcies and debts, took place in those years. Due to the domino effect, the Lehman Brothers activity had an impact on the global economy. The bank declared bankruptcy on September 15, 2008, which caused panic on the US stock exchange and a greater conviction about the crisis of high-risk mortgage loans. The result was multifaceted activities implementing proper corporate governance and deliberalization of financial law in the United States. The collapse of the colossus achieving record profits was, therefore, a kind of breakthrough that triggered a financial crisis that spread throughout the world.
The State Treasury and the US Federal Reserve System joined the rescue of the company; nevertheless, negotiations with potential investors ended in a fiasco.
Business models and business innovativeness and goodwill
Authors: Tomczyk Monika , Spychalska-Wojtkiewicz Monika
Published: June 2019

Business models are a tool offering a relatively easy way of supporting innovation and goodwill management in an organisation. The article defines the role and place of business models in modern company management.
Wirtschaftliche Untergangsszenarien und neoliberale Reformen
Authors: Ergen Timur
Published: June 2019

Der Beitrag führt vor, wie Geschichten über die kollektive wirtschaftliche Zukunft zur Mobilisierung politischer Unterstützung für neoliberale Reformen genutzt wurden. Am Beispiel des Economic Recovery Tax Acts von 1981 wird gezeigt, wie die Regierung Ronald Reagans industrielle Niedergangsszenarien aufgriff, um Steuersenkungen durchzusetzen. Diese Rechtfertigungsstrategie rächte sich in der Folge, als andauernde industrielle Probleme in zunehmenden politischen Druck zur Einrichtung von Handelsbeschränkungen mündeten. Der Beitrag ist relevant für das breitere Verständnis der Durchsetzung umstrittener Reformen, indem er zeigt, dass Erzählungen über die Zukunft gesellschaftliche Koalitionen verschieben können.
Die Moderne als Weltbürgerkrieg. Zeit- und Geschichtskritik bei Roman Schnur, Reinhart Koselleck, Hanno Kesting und Nicolaus Sombart
Authors: Potsch Lukas
Published: June 2019

Der Aufsatz untersucht die Bearbeitung der von Carl Schmitt geprägten These vom Weltbürgerkrieg durch seine Schüler Roman Schnur, Reinhart Koselleck, Hanno Kesting und Nicolaus Sombart nach 1945. Gezeigt wird, dass der Rückgriff auf dieses Theorem es ermöglichte, auf spezifische Herausforderungen junger, tendenziell konservativer Intellektueller in der Nachkriegszeit - wie die Kriegsniederlage und die Verbrechen des Nationalsozialismus - zu reagieren. Während der Begriff sowohl bei Schmitt als auch seinen Schülern eine Relativierung des Nationalsozialismus enthält, zeichnen sich Schnurs, Kosellecks, Kestings und Sombarts Arbeiten anders als bei Schmitt jedoch durch eine Ablehnung von Gewalt und Krieg aus.
El polémico viaje de Eduardo Dato a Cataluña en mayo de 1900 = The Controversial Journey of Eduardo Dato to Cataluña in May of 1900
Authors: Costa Martínez Roberto
Published: June 2019

En 1899 arranca el primer gobierno de Francisco Silvela. Con él, detentando el Ministerio de Gobernación, un prestigioso abogado que había accedido a la política quince años atrás; Eduardo Dato. Tras investigar un asunto de grave corrupción en el consistorio de Madrid como subsecretario de Gobernación, en 1892,  había pasado a formar parte de la disidencia conservadora encabezada por Silvela.Tras la pérdida de las colonias, las drásticas reformas económicas emprendidas en 1899 por el ministro Fernández Villaverde, propiciaron en Cataluña una huelga comercial e industrial conocida como «el tancament de caixes». El origen lo constituía una reforma tributaria, pero la confluencia con las tensiones descentralizadoras convirtieron el asunto en una auténtica crisis política; crisis que pasaría a la memoria por las “pitadas” y altercados callejeros durante la visita del propio Dato a la región durante el mes de mayo de 1900. Nuestro objetivo es ahondar en las circunstancias que rodearon dicha visita acudiendo a prensa de época así como a documentos de archivos. In 1899 the first Government of Francisco Silvela began. Included in his government, appointed to the Ministry of the Interior, was Eduardo Dato, a prestigious lawyer who had began his political career fifteen years earlier. After investigating a matter of serious corruption in the town hall of Madrid as an Undersecretary of the Government in 1892, he left his government post to became part of the conservative dissension led by Silvela.After the loss of the colonies, the drastic economic reforms undertaken in 1899 by his Government led to a commercial and industrial strike known as “The Closing of the Cashboxes”   in Catalonia. Tax reform was the impetus of the strike, but when combined with the tension of decentralization, the issue evolved into a true political crisis; this crisis would become part of the nationalist history of Catalonia through the "protests" and street riots that occurred during Dato’s visit to the region in the month of May of 1900. Our objective is to delve into the circumstances surrounding the visit going to period press and archival documents.Palabras claveDato; Catalaluña; Durán y Bas; Silvela; descentralización; La Veu de Catalunya
Mujeres iberoamericanas y derechos humanos. Experiencias feministas, acción política y exilios
Authors: Ezama Gil Angeles
Published: June 2019

REeseña de este libro
Reseña de: Dorleta Apaolaza Llorente, Los Bandos de buen gobierno en Cuba. La norma y la práctica (1730-1830)
Authors: Santos Fuentes Alain J.
Published: June 2019

Reseña de: Dorleta Apaolaza Llorente, Los Bandos de buen gobierno en Cuba. La norma y la práctica (1730-1830), Bilbao, Universidad del País Vasco, 2016. ISBN: 978-84-9082-400-9.
Reseña de: Sánchez Collantes, Sergio (ed.), Estudios sobre el republicanismo histórico en España. Luchas políticas, constitucionalismo y alcance sociocultural
Authors: Agudín Menéndez José Luis
Published: June 2019

Reseña de: Sánchez Collantes, Sergio (ed.), Estudios sobre el republicanismo histórico en España. Luchas políticas, constitucionalismo y alcance sociocultural, Oviedo, Real Instituto de Estudios Asturianos, 2017, 250 pp.
The construction and validation of a new Hepatitis C Virus social stigma in the workplace scale
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed A. , Saad Mohamad , Magdy Mariam A.
Published: June 2019

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop a new scale to measure the social stigma of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the workplace using a refined version of Link and colleagues’ (Link & Phelan, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.27.1.363; Link, Yang, Phelan, & Collins, 2004, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.schbul.a007098) definition of social stigma.

Methods

The new scale was developed over a multistage process that was guided by existing scales and focus groups. Two studies were conducted to validate the scale. The first, collected data from 224 employees and used exploratory factor analysis to remove unsatisfactory items. The second study collected data from 254 employees and used confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Results indicated that the new 32 item scale had acceptable reliability and validity. These results support the conceptualization of stigma as a latent construct that abstracts stereotyping, prejudice and intention to discriminate.

Conclusion

Findings elucidate that HCV stigma can be operationalized as a general factor behind stereotyping, prejudice and intentions to discriminate in the workplace. This is an important conclusion because it may bring parsimony and coherence to a complex and dispersed literature. Additionally, the new scale may be used to study HCV stigma in the workplace.
Life satisfaction: Study of the predictors in a mixed Portuguese sample
Authors: Sousa Marina , Cabral Joana , Benevides Joana , da Motta Carolina , Carvalho Célia Barreto , Peixoto Ermelindo
Published: June 2019

Aim

Life satisfaction has been a central research topic in the field of Health Psychology, as an essential construct to individual adaptive psychological functioning. This paper aims to study the predictors of life satisfaction in a mixed sample, verifying the continuity of satisfaction with life in populations of patients with psychiatric disorders and healthy controls.

Method

It was used a mixed sample of non-clinical participants (n = 228) and clinical participants with psychiatric illness (n = 183) from Azores (Portugal). Correlation analyses and, subsequently, multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to study the predictors of satisfaction with life.

Results

Depression and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs were the best predictors of life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Psychological disorders constitute a vulnerability factor for dissatisfaction with life. Therefore, prevention or education and the promotion of adaptive coping strategies for adverse life situations is imperative for improving satisfaction with life, particularly in individuals affected with psychiatric illness.
Social comparison in parents of children with chronic conditions: Results from the Portuguese version of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure
Authors: Mendes Teresa , Crespo Carla , Marôco João , Buunk Abraham , Austin Joan
Published: June 2019

Aim

The Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) is a measure for assessing individual differences in social comparison orientation. Despite the relevance of social comparison orientation in understanding adult patients' adjustment responses to chronic health conditions, the impact of parental social comparison processes in the context of chronic pediatric conditions remains unexplored. This study’s main goal was to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the INCOM with parents of children with chronic health conditions.

Method

Two samples of parents of children with chronic pediatric conditions (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and obesity) were used (test sample, N = 301; validation sample, N = 192). Parents completed self-reported measures of social comparison orientation, anxiety and depression symptoms and neuroticism.

Results

Regarding factorial validity, results supported the unidimensionality of a revised INCOM scale, comprised of nine items. Results also supported the reliability of the measure, and provided evidence of concurrent validity: parents with higher social comparison orientation presented more anxiety and depressive symptoms, and higher neuroticism scores, consistent with what was theoretically expected.

Conclusion

This study opens an important door in the field of pediatric chronic conditions, supporting the relevance of examining parents’ social comparison differences in future research, and the utility of the INCOM in the assessment of those differences.
Caracterização geotécnica visando a implantação de trincheira drenante no município de Palmas/TO.
Authors: Lima Junior Amitai Silva , Mendonça Rose Mary Gondim , Rodrigues Paula Raquel Barreto , Santos Domingos Bonfim Ribeiro dos , Andrade Thaynan Gomes
Published: June 2019

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar o solo de uma área susceptível a alagamento no município de Palmas/TO e analisar se o mesmo suporta as limitações para implantação da trincheira drenante como sistema drenante alternativo de baixo custo.Os resultados dos ensaios geotécnicos do solo e a análise granulométrica demostraram que o solo é areno siltoso com pequena quantidade de pedregulho, e 55 % de finos, a classificação conforme o Soil Conservation Service o solo se enquadra como solos arenosos com baixo teor de argila total, a massa especifica grão foi de 2,65 g/cm3, devido à presença do mineral quartzo e caulinita. O índice de plasticidade foi de 17,2% valor que estabelece a plasticidade do solo como altamente plástica.  Conforme a Carta de Plasticidade de Casagrande, a amostra de solo pode ser classificada comosolos argilosos de baixa compressibilidade. Os ensaios de dispersão rápida com submersão em solução de 0.001 N de hidróxido de sódio, o solo é classificado como sendo não dispersivo. O ensaio de desagregação do solo a reação da amostra à inundação foi a de faturamento. Os valores de condutividade hidráulica vertical encontrados para o anel metálico, foi de 49,284 mm/h, determinando que o solo e correlacionável a franco arenoso. Conclui –se que solo tem a capacidade de suporte da trincheira possuindo condutibilidade hidráulicae possui caráter não dispersivo, enquanto que o de desagregação indica um índice de colapsibilidade baixo.
Updating the distribution of the exotic agave weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal, 1838 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in peninsular Spain
Authors: Adrián Martín-Taboada , Antonio Román Muñoz , Francisco Díaz-Ruiz
Published: June 2019

Las invasiones biológicas se consideran en la actualidad como uno de los principales factores que condicionan la pérdida de biodiversidad en el planeta. En las últimas décadas, se ha incrementado el número de especies exóticas/invasoras detectadas en España. Este es el caso del picudo negro (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), un coleóptero (familia Curculionidae) originario de América, especializado en el consumo de plantas de las familias Agavaceae y Dracaenaceae. Detectado por primera vez en España en 2007, en Barcelona, ha sufrido una amplia expansión por todo el arco Mediterráneo. A partir de la recopilación de citas obtenidas de diferentes bases de datos, así como de otras obtenidas por los autores, se presenta una actualización de la distribución de esta especie para la España peninsular, discutiendo su potencial invasor.

Biological invasions are considered one of the main factors conditioning the loss of biodiversity on the planet. During the last decades an increase in the number of exotic/invasive species has been detected in Spain. This is the case of the agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), an American coleoptera (Curcu­lionidae family) specialized in plants of the families Agavaceae and Dracaenaceae. It was detected for the first time in Spain in Barcelona in 2007. Since then it has suffered a wide expansion throughout the Iberian Mediterranean arc. From the compilation of citations obtained from different databases, as well as others obtained by the authors, an update of the distribution of this species is presented for peninsular Spain. We also discussed its invasive potential.
Explore and compare the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of dental implant as a treatment option among sub-population of Saudi Arabia
Authors: SAQUİB Shahabe , ALQAHTANİ Nabeeh , AL-AHMARİ Ahmed , ALQAHTANİ Saad , BHAT Yunis Saleem , ABİD KHAN Muhammed
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Implant
therapy has gained wide popularity in the recent years. A complete information
on implant therapy should be provided to
patient by the dentist. The aim of present study is to evaluate the knowledge,
attitude, source of information and
acceptance of dental implants among the general population in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia.Methods:
A total of 712 patients were randomly selected from the OPD of dental hospitals
across the southern region of Saudi
Arabia. The designed questionnaire comprised of 15 open-ended questions. Only Saudi national population was selected
for the survey. The questionnaire was divided into demographic data, knowledge,
attitude and participant’s acceptance towards implant therapy. The collected
data were statistically analyzed using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results:
Out of 712 participants, 675 complete the survey. 59.1% were male and 41.9%
were females with an average age of 39.6
years old. All variables except for age
showed statistically significant
difference in the knowledge about implant among the study groups (p<0.05). The knowledge score was directly related to
education and professional status of the participants. Majority of the patients
(66%) with a history of implant therapy
were satisfied with the placed implant. 41% of the participants reported high
cost as a limiting factor for selecting an implant
treatment.

Conclusions: Population
from the southern region of Saudi Arabia
has moderate knowledge about dental
implant treatment. Dentists were found to be the most important source of
information to the patient. The major barrier for not selecting implant
treatment was the high cost of the
implant therapy.
Analyzing moisture-heat coupling in a wheat-soil system using data-driven vector autoregression model
Authors: Feng Xiaohang , Zhang Xia , Feng Zhenqi , Wei Yichang
Published: June 2019

Soil temperature and moisture have a close relationship, the accurate controlling of which is important for crop growth. Mechanistic models built by previous studies need exhaustive parameters and seldom consider time stochasticity and lagging effect. To circumvent these problems, this study designed a data-driven stochastic model analyzing soil moisture-heat coupling. Firstly, three vector autoregression models are built using hourly data on soil moisture and temperature at the depth of 10, 30, and 90 cm. Secondly, from impulse response functions, the time lag and intensity of two variables’ response to one unit of positive shock can be obtained, which describe the time length and strength at which temperature and moisture affect each other, indicating the degree of coupling. Thirdly, Granger causality tests unfold whether one variable’s past value helps predict the other’s future value. Analyzing data obtained from Shangqiu Experiment Station in Central China, we obtained three conclusions. Firstly, moisture’s response time lag is 25, 50, and 120 h, while temperature’s response time lag is 50, 120, and 120 h at 10, 30, and 90 cm. Secondly, temperature’s response intensity is 0.2004, 0.0163, and 0.0035 °C for 1% variation in moisture, and moisture’s response intensity is 0.0638%, 0.0163%, and 0.0050% for 1 °C variation in temperature at 10, 30, and 90 cm. Thirdly, the past value of soil moisture helps predict soil temperature at 10, 30, and 90 cm. Besides, the past value of soil temperature helps predict soil moisture at 10 and 30 cm, but not at 90 cm. We verified this model by using data from a different year and linking it to soil plant atmospheric continuum model.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Satisfaction in an Insurance Industry in Trincomalee District
Authors: Kumuthinidevi S. , Shamila F. A.
Published: June 2019

The current research is intended to identify the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee satisfaction in an insurance industry in Trincomalee district. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained much attention in recent years. It provides companies with a significant approach for achieving employee satisfaction and considered a source for enhancing competitive advantage.

Data was collected using a research method, questionnaire survey. This research found that, the majority insurance Industries consider their CSR to society and CSR to their working environment undertaking various measures to conserve resources as well as satisfied their employees within the organization. Insurance Industries provided little support to most internal CSR practices identified in this study. The conceptualization of the study demonstrated independent variables (Corporate Social Responsibility) of Economic responsibility, Ethical responsibility, Legal responsibility and Philanthropic responsibility how to effect on dependent variable of employees satisfaction in an insurance Industries. A quantitative analysis was conducted with 100 of sample. The data was collected though distributing questionnaire among respondent. Further, univariate analysis and bivariate analysis were carried out through SPSS (21.0).

The findings revealed that corporate social responsibility and satisfaction is in high level and corporate social responsibility moderately and positively influence on satisfaction. Furthermore, study found that there was positive and significant relationship between corporate social responsibility and employee satisfaction in an Insurance Industry in Trincomalee district. The recommendations were provided, in order to further improvement in highest returns to their stakeholders, comply with all state laws and regulations, be compromise ethical norms of the society to achieve corporate goals, Strive to provide community betterment. This study will be more beneficial both existing insurance industries and newly joint who will be doing the business in insurance industry in Sri Lanka.
Membrane Interactivity of Anesthetic Adjuvant Dexmedetomidine Discriminable from Clonidine and Enantiomeric Levomedetomidine
Authors: Mizogami Maki , Tsuchiya Hironori
Published: June 2019

Aims: Dexmedetomidine, which has been increasingly used as an anesthetic adjuvant, is more lipophilic and more active than another α2-adrenergic agonist clonidine and enantiomeric levomedetomidine. Lipophilicity and stereostructure affect the clinical effects of α2-adrenergic agonists. We aimed to compare the membrane interactivity of dexmedetomidine with clonidine and levomedetomidine from a point of view different from the mode of action on α2-adrenergic receptors.

Methodology: Unilamellar vesicles were prepared with phospholipids and cholesterol to mimic the lipid compositions of peripheral nerve cell, central nerve cell and cardiomyocyte membranes, and lipid rafts. They were subjected to the reactions with dexmedetomidine, clonidine and levomedetomidine at 10-200 μM, followed by measuring fluorescence polarization to determine the membrane interactivity to change membrane fluidity and specify the membrane region for the stereostructure-specific interaction.

Results: Dexmedetomidine and clonidine acted on lipid bilayers to increase the membrane fluidity with potencies varying by a compositional difference of membrane lipids. Dexmedetomidine showed greater interactivity with neuro-mimetic and cardiomyocyte-mimetic membranes than clonidine, being consistent with their comparative lipophilicity and activity. The effects of α2-adrenergic agonists on lipid raft model membranes were much weaker than those on other membranes, indicating that lipid rafts are not mechanistically relevant to them. Higher interactive dexmedetomidine was discriminated from lower interactive levomedetomidine in the presence of chiral cholesterol in membranes. An interactivity difference between two enantiomers was largest in the superficial region of lipid bilayers and the rank order of their membrane-interacting potency was reversed by replacing cholesterol with epicholesterol, suggesting that cholesterol’s 3β-hydroxyl groups positioned close to the membrane surface are responsible for the enantioselective interaction.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine structure-specifically interacts with biomimetic membranes depending on their lipid compositions more potently than clonidine and levomedetomidine. Such membrane interactivity associated with higher lipophilicity and stereostructure characterizes dexmedetomidine in addition to higher affinity for α2-adrenergic receptors.
Effect of Season and Use of C. rotundus Extract for Air Laying Here Propagation of C. quercifolius
Authors: Pimentel Marcelo Soares , Arriel Eder Ferreira , Leite Maria José de Holanda , Nunes Álvaro Renan Vieira , Santos William De Sousa , Sousa Gabriela Gomes Ramos de
Published: June 2019

Clonal propagation makes greater genetic gains in less time than using seed reproduction for forest species like C. quercifolius. The auxin – based phytoregulators such as Indol Butyric Acid (IBA) and he aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus L. tubers have been used in plant cloning as rooting promoters an improvement in root quality. The aim of this work was to analyze the efficiency of the cloning technique by air layering in a Caatinga species, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, and replace with specifically to know the best season, the time requirements for rooting and the efficiency of the extract of C. rotundus and IBA. Thus, aqueous extracts of tubers of C. rotundus, at concentrations of 0.0% (Replace with absolute witness), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% were also evaluate, also the AIB at the concentration of 6.0 g/L (witness 2). The results indicated that the best season for the cloning of Cnidoscolus quercifolius by technique of wintering. In general, the use of natural and synthetic auxins positively influenced all the variables analyzed, surpassing the controls. It should be noted that the IBA was statistically superior to the other treatments for the response variables of the treatments applied (notes) and number of roots. It can be concluded that this species may be an advertisement for this technique, since it presented a higher number of rootes weeds in a shorter time, when compared to other forest species.
Importance of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces Genetic Resources in Plant Breeding Programmes
Authors: Benlioğlu Berk , Adak M. Sait
Published: June 2019

Plant genetic resources are the biological basis of global food security. Agricultural diversity and genetic resources should be used more effectively to sustain the current level of food production and to solve future problems. The importance of plant genetic resources in the improvement of varieties with new features is indisputably known. The most effective use of plant genetic resources is undoubtedly in plant breeding and improvement of new varieties. In other words, it is used as a genitor. Since the cultivars are often inadequate in many genes, especially biotic and abiotic stress factors (diseases, pests, cold, drought, etc.), breeders constantly search for new sources of genetic materials. This review is based on reports in the landraces (primitive) varieties and crop wild relatives to explain the importance of genetic resources in plant breeding of reviewing scientific literature to pass.
Agronomic Evaluation of Performance of Sesame Varieties in Maize-based Intercropping System in the Southern Guinean Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Ajibola A. T. , Kolawole G. O.
Published: June 2019

Aims: Field experiments were conducted to determine compatibility of sesame varieties for intercropping with maize.

Study Design: The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Teaching and Research Farm, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, southern guinea savanna area of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons.

Methodology: The treatments included Sole maize (Oba Super 1 variety), five sole sesame varieties (E-8, O3l, O1m, O2 m, Exotic-Sudan) and their intercrops, making a total of eleven treatments.  Sole maize was planted at a spacing of 75 cm x 25 cm. For intercrops, maize was planted at a spacing of 100 cm x 25  cm and sesame seeds were planted at a spacing of 100 cm x 10 cm such that sesame row alternated maize row. Maize was planted first and sesame was introduced two weeks after.

Results: Intercropping maize with sesame varieties significantly (P = 0.05) reduced number of pods and grain yield of sesame varieties in both years. However, variety O2m produced grain yield in the intercrop similar to the mono crop. Generally, Intercropping sesame with maize significantly reduced the grain yield of maize by 36% compared to the sole crop. Exotic-Sudan varieties caused the highest percentage yield reduction (52%). Sesame varieties O2m and O3l were the only varieties whose yield advantage in intercropping with maize had land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.28 and 1.18 while other varieties had values less than 1 indicating yield advantage of O2m and O3l with maize. The relative crowding coefficient (K) value of maize (4.98) was higher than sesame (0.44) thus indicating its dominance in the mixture.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the prospective sesame farmers could grow varieties O2m and O3l in place of the popular E-8 because intercropping with maize did not affect their performances in both years.
Evaluating Landuse Change along Thiruvananthapuram Coast, South West Coast of India Using Geo-spatial Techniques
Authors: Shaji J.
Published: June 2019

Coastal zone across the world is typified with intensive multiple human activities. Historic maps and multi-temporal satellite images are helpful in detecting the change in land use over the years. An attempt is made to evaluate the land use/land cover change along the coastal zone of Thiruvananthapuram using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques. Landuse scenarios for 1988, 2000 and 2010 have been generated using Survey of India Topographical Sheets, Landsat ETM+ Image and Quickbird Image respectively. ERDAS software is used for image processing and land-use change is analysed using ArcGis 10.2.1 Software. The reasons and implications of landuse change in the coast are also studied through field investigation and valid conclusions are drawn. Agricultural land, clustered settlement area, a settlement with vegetation, sandy area and rocky area is the broad landuse categories delineated in the coastal zone. The analysis shows that the agricultural land area has decreased from 9.34% to 3.89% while the area under clustered settlement increased from 5.75 % to 25.65% during 1988-2010. This study can provide base information on land use scenario of the coast while framing out the ICZM plan.
Effect of silymarin supplementation on some productive and hematological parameters in meat type male Japanese quails
Authors: Ivelina Pavlova Hristo Lukanov, , Yoana Petrova, Nadya Bozakova Veselin Ivanov, Todor Slavov,
Published: June 2019

A total of 90 14-day-old meat type male Japanese quails were included in the experiment and equally divided into 3 groups: control group (CG) without treatment, experimental group 1 (EG 0.5%), supplemented with silymarin 0.5% and experimental group 2 (EG 1%), supplemented with silymarin 1%. The aim of the current study was to establish the effect of supplementation with different doses of silymarin extract on the growth performance and some hematological parameters in male Japanese quails. Main growth performance (body weight, feed consumption and weight gain) were examined and FCR was calculated. Some hematological (WBC, RBC, HGB and HTC) and biochemical (triglycerides, AST and ALT) parameters were determined. The highest average body weight was observed in EG 0.5% group at 35-day-old age and the lowest in EG 1%, 239.61±2.96 g and 231.74±2.96 g respectively. The highest values of the weight gain were calculated in EG 0.5% group, 67.02±2.03 g during the first week of fattening and the lowest was observed in EG 1% group at the fifth week after hatching, 23.30±2.03 g respectively. The lowest values of FCR were observed during the first week of the trial, 2.42±0.08 kg/kg to 2.61±0.13 kg/kg in EG 1% and the control group respectively. The supplementation of 0.5% and 1% silymarin did not significantly change the studied hematological and biochemical parameters. A tendency of higher values of triglycerides and lower values of AST and ALT was observed in the groups, supplemented with silymarin compared to the controls. From the obtained results of the present study we can conclude that the silymarin supplementation at higher doses (0.5% and 1%) did not have effect on the main growth performance and some hematological and biochemical parameters of male Japanese quails.
Yield potential of different sunflower genetic classes: A multivariate approach
Authors: De Oliveira, Geraldo A. Gravina Ziraldo M. Santos, Tâmara R. A. , Cruz, Gustavo H. F. De Oliveira Camila Q. Sant’Anna, Derivaldo P. da , G. C. dos Santos, Rogerio F. Daher Avelino dos S.s Rocha, José
Published: June 2019

Breeding programs aim at obtaining superior genotypes. The multivariate analysis allows simultaneously assessing a large number of variables and interesting genotypes. The objective of the present study is to assess the yield potential of different sunflower genetic classes. A randomized block design, with four repetitions, and eight sunflower genotypes was used in the current experiment. Principal component analyses were performed for the variables plant height, lower stem diameter, upper stem diameter, chapter diameter, chapter weigh, achene weight and grouping. The method by UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Using an Arithmetic Average) was used to assess the oil content. The upper stem diameter, lower stem diameter and plant height variables showed high positive correlation, as well as chapter diameter, chapter weight and plant height. Variables lower stem diameter and achene weight were not correlated. Genotypes Olisun-3 and Aguará-4 showed potential for the selection of the chapter diameter, chapter weight and achene weight variables; the hybrids Charrua e Olisun-5 was adopted for upper stem diameter, plant height and lower stem diameter character selections. The open-cross varieties presented higher oil content percentage.
Effects of sunflower oil supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in crossbred (Macheng Black x Boer) goats
Authors: Jiangkun Yu, Ji Zhang, Rudy Hartanto, Liyuan Cai, , Sun, Desheng Qi Niya Zhang, Lvhui
Published: June 2019

This study aims to determine the effects of sunflower oil supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in crossbred goats. Randomized complete block with sub sampling; with 3 treatments, 3 sub sampling and 4 experiment periods as blocks were conducted using 9 crossbred (Boer x Macheng Black) female goats with an initial body weight (BW) around 20.96±1.79 kg were used in our experiment. Three levels of sunflower oil supplementation (sunflower oil = S; 0, 33, and 66 g kg-1 of dry matter (DM)) to commercial complete feed were used for the treatment arrangement.  Every experiment period was done in three weeks and rested one week before the next period at the individual cages. Nutrient digestibility (except ether extract (EE)), protozoa counts and ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration were decreased; molar proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were changed; blood metabolites (except cholesterol) were not affected by sunflower oil supplementation. The inclusion of sunflower oil had no adverse effect on performance; thus improve dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE) which S33 was better than S0 and S66. In conclusion, the best result was sunflower oil supplementation 33 g kg-1 of DM (S33); because compared with control, improve ADG (31.79%) and FE (15.32%)). Sunflower oil supplementation could improve performance by positively affecting the ruminal on rumen fermentation in crossbred (Boer x Macheng Black) female goats.
The influence of morphological and geographical traits on yield of Miscanthus sinensis during the first two years
Authors: Qiang Li, Lanming Cui Nuananong Purente , Zhang Jing , Peng Junhua , He Miao
Published: June 2019

Miscanthus is a C4 perennial energy crop distributed in various regions of China. Miscanthus sinensis has a high potential for biomass production, great adaptability to marginal land and tolerance to stress environmental. It's very important for the production and development of biofuel to review both the morphological and geographical traits on yield. However, the relevance of biomass yield and the geographical position of habitat are still not well known. In the present study, investigations of heading date, plant height, stem number and dry biomass per plant were carried out to calculate the influence of the morphological traits on yield. The investigation was based on 327 Miscanthus sinensis accessions collected from 21 provinces from all over China. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the two-year field experiment. The data for the second year was used to perform the analysis of variance and regression. Statistical data analysis was also performed on the variation of the biomass and morphological traits over successive period of study. The results showed that the growth included plant height and stem number in the following year was much better than the first year, particularly the biomass. Regression analysis revealed that latitude, plant height, and stem number were the key morphological traits that influence the biomass production. Also, heading date and elevation were found to be highly correlated to yield structure. These results demonstrated that the growth and yield were strongly influenced by geographical location, and apart from morphological traits, geographical traits were important factors that affect biomass.
Leaf thickness and gas exchange are indicators of drought stress tolerance of sugarcane
Authors: Jailma Ribeiro de Andrade Sebastião de Oliveira Maia Júnior, , Carvalho Silva, Karolyne P. O. d. Santos Claudiana Moura dos Santos, João Antônio , Silva José Vieira , Endres Lauricio
Published: June 2019

The frequent occurrence of prolonged droughts has become a very negative factor in the sugarcane crop production worldwide. Ratoon sugarcane, after second crop cycle, can response to drought stress is different as first crop cycle. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the biometric and physiological responses of sugarcane varieties under drought stress conditions of ratoon crop sugarcane. Our hypothesis is that some biometric and physiological characteristics of sugarcane are correlated with its drought tolerance. Six sugarcane varieties were used: 1-RB72910, 2-RB99382, 3-RB72454, 4-RB92579, 5-RB855536 and 6-RB931011, and three water treatments based on soil available water content (SAWC) and defined as: 1-control, 80 to 100% SAWC; 2-moderate water stress, 40 to 60% SAWC and 3-severe water stress, 0 to 20% SAWC. The RB92579 variety was the most tolerant to drought, with less alteration in its biometric and physiological characteristics under drought stress. On the other hand, RB72454 variety was the most affected by drought stress, with high reduction in gas exchange and plant growth. Sugarcane leaf width, specific leaf area, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis and carboxylation efficiency were quite sensitive to changes in soil moisture and can be used by breeding programs to discriminate sugarcane varieties more tolerant to drought stress.
Turnip aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) discriminate host plants based on the strain of Cauliflower mosaic virus infection
Authors: Finke, James Schoelz Mustafa Adhab, Deborah
Published: June 2019

The degree of vector preference for virus-infected plants can alter the progress of virus epidemics. The objective of this study is to test whether infection of turnip plants with different strains of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) can influence the feeding preference of the turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi). Three different strains of CaMV that cause different types of symptoms on turnips were used in this study. These strains were NY8153 (severe, causes necrosis of the midrib and mottling with severe stunting), W260 (mild, causes mosaic with moderate stunting) and H12 (symptomless). Results showed that turnip aphids preferred W260-infected plants, in general. When given a choice, aphids chose W260-infected plants significantly more often than NY8153-infected or healthy plants. W260-infected vs. H12-infected plants showed a trend in the same direction. Also, aphids chose plants infected with H12 more often than healthy plants when given a choice. By contrast, turnip aphids showed no preference between NY8153-infected and healthy plants, or between NY8153-infected and H12-infected plants. Therefore, we conclude that aphids can recognize plants infected with different strains of CaMV and will choose plants with specific strains over others. Specifically, aphids prefer W260-infected turnips over other choices. These results suggest that virus infection affects the aphid host choice and this may have implications for the spread of different virus strains.
Effect of jasmonic acid on glucosinolate metabolism in different organs of broccoli sprouts
Authors: Wang, Liping Guo Yinglian Zhu, Fengwu
Published: June 2019

Edible sprouts, especially Brassica sprouts, contain high levels of health-promoting compounds. Exogenous elicitors have been used as strategies to improve the nutraceutical quality of Brassica sprouts. In this study, effects of jasmonic acid (JA) treatment on growth, the levels of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, as well as myrosinase activity in different organs of broccoli sprouts were investigated. JA treatment markedly increased the contents of glucosinolates (GSLs), especially glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin in broccoli sprouts. However, gluconapin was not affected even decreased by JA treatment. Cotyledon, hypocotyl and root obtained the different results in induction of GSLs. Among these, neoglucobrassicin obtained the highest enhancement in three organs. Myrosinase activity in cotyledon of broccoli increased after JA treatment, while decreased in hypocotyl. Three concentrations of JA all significantly increased sulforaphane and isothiocyanates formation in cotyledon, hypocotyl and root of broccoli sprouts. Application of 100 μM JA led to the highest myrosinase activity, the least gluconapin and the most sulforaphane and isothiocyanates in cotyledon, as well as the most isothiocyanates in root. These results indicated that JA treatment could be an effective way to improve the cancer-prevention benefits of broccoli sprouts via enhancing sulforaphane and total isothiocyanates.
Production, physical, chemical and sensory evaluation of dried banana (Musa cavendish)
Authors: Mírian L. F. Freitas Thales H. B. Ferreira,
Published: June 2019

Brazil is one of the largest producer of banana in the world. However, its consumption is still compromised, because the fruit has a very short shelf life, which gives rise to the need for developing new ways to preserve it, such as drying or dehydration. The present study aims to produce dried banana by means of drying the fresh Musa Cavendish banana and to evaluate the influence of pre-treatments on the product’s quality and acceptability. Three samples were used: T1 was the control and had no pre-treatment; T2 received a pre-treatment composed of a sodium metabisulphite additive solution; and finally T3 was pre-treated with a citric and an ascorbic acid antioxidant solution. The samples were characterized according to yield calculation, moisture, titratable acidity, soluble solids, pH, water activity (aw), color parameters, instrumental texture, and sensory analyses for their overall acceptance and purchase intention. The yield was approximately 30% and there was low water activity and moisture in the product, even after drying for all treatments. There was also an influence of the pre-treatments on the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of the dried banana. The overall acceptability results indicates a possibility for marketing the product.
Effect of lactic acid and steam treatments on Campylobacter jejuni on chicken skin
Authors: Haydar OZDEMIR, Guzin IPLIKCIOGLU CIL, , Gorkem CENGIZ Bahar ONARAN, , SEN Erdi
Published: June 2019

Minimization of Campylobacter jejuni contaminations in poultry meats is important for public health. Certain chemical agents and physical processes to be used on carcasses to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. One of the most common used chemical is lactic acid. The bactericidal activity of different concentrations of lactic acid and hot steam on the C. jejuni populations on chicken skin samples were determined. Chicken breast skin samples were inoculated with C. jejuni and dipped into different lactic acid solutions and hot steam. reduction of C. jejuni and pH values were determined after 0., 1., 3. and 5 days of the storage at 4±1°C. according to microbiological analysis. Compared with the control group, reductions in C. jejuni populations were determined as 1.72 and 2.02 log at 22°C, as 1.91 and 2.34 log at 54°C on day 0, in 2%, 3% concentrations respectively. On the other hand, beginning from day 0, bacterial counts reached undetectable (<1.0x102 cfu/g) levels after the decontamination treatments with 4% LA for 60 s at 22°C and 54°C, after the treatments with 2% LA followed by HS concentrations of 97±1°C for 15 s and 133±1°C for 3 s. It was determined that decontamination with lactic acid and hot steam application had a significant reduction effect on C. jejuni in chicken skin samples and the effect of lactic acid was increased depending on the concentration.