bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Envejecimiento activo y ciudadanía senior
Authors: Cambero Rivero Santiago , Baigorri Agoiz Artemio
Published: May 2019

Este trabajo es una aproximación teórica al origen y evolución del “envejecimiento activo” como marco político a escala internacional desde finales del siglo pasado, y su influencia institucional en Europa y España hasta nuestro días. Igualmente, se relaciona este concepto con otros similares que evidencian la importancia de las políticas y programas de mejora de la calidad de vida entre las personas mayores en sociedades senescentes. Como surgen otros términos significativos del contexto socio-demográfico que confirman el peso creciente de la población de personas mayores de 65 años como ciudadanía sénior, y los nuevos papeles sociales de los adultos mayores como agentes de bienestar general y solidaridad intergeneracional. Así, la ciudadanía sénior aparece como presente y futuro en sociedades cambiantes en las que será preciso un nuevo contrato social de responsabilidad individual y vital para afrontar los múltiples desafíos políticos, económicos, tecnológicos y demográficos.This paper is a theoretical reflection on the origin and evolution of "active ageing" as a political framework at the international level since the end of the last century, and its institutional influence in Europe and Spain currently. Likewise, this concept is related to similar ones that show the importance of policies and programs to improve the quality of life among older people in ageing societies. As a result of this research, other significant terms of the socio-demographic context confirm the increasing weight of the population of people over 65 as senior citizen, and the new social roles of older adults as agents of welfare and intergenerational solidarity. Thus, senior citizenship is present and future in changing societies where a new social contract of individual and vital responsibility will be necessary to cope the political, economic, technological and demographic challenges.
The effect of carprofen on fresh dairy cows health
Authors: Lošytė Gabrielė , Navalinskaitė Ieva , Prokopavičiūtė Žyginta , Pocevičienė Ernesta , Antanaitis Ramūnas
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stress on the health of fresh-lactation cows and the effect of NSAIDs on the stress indicator cortisol, rumination time (RT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The treatment group of cows (TG) (n = 15) were given a subcutaneous injection of Rimadyl Cattle® (50 mg/ml of carprofen), 1.4 mg per 1 kg BW dose, up to 1 hour after calving. At the same time, the control group of cows (CG) (n = 15) were given an injection of 0.9% NaCl. The whole study looked at the health of cows by recording cases that occurred during the period after calving. Blood cortisol examination was performed within 2, 24 and 48 h after the use of the mentioned drugs. Rumination time was registered with the Lely T4C management program for analysis. Milk composition (SCC) was determined using the Lely T4C management program for analysis. NSAIDs (carprofen 50 mg/ml) statistically significantly reduced cortisol plasma concentrations within 48 h from the use of the drug and did not have an impact on SCC. The use of NSAID increased the average ruminating time from the third to the eleventh day after calving.
Biocatalytic transesterification of rapeseed oil by methyl formate
Authors: Makarevičienė Violeta , Sendžikaitė Ieva
Published: May 2019

Due to the awareness of adverse effects of conventional fuels on environment and on a frequent rise in the crude oil price, the need for a sustainable and environment-friendly alternate source of energy has gained importance. Recently, options have been analysed to replace the triglyceride transesterification process, which is generally used in biodiesel production, by the process where raw glycerol is not generated, whereas triacylglycerides obtained instead glycerol can be directly used as fuel for a diesel engine in a mixture with fatty acid esters. In the present work, interesterification of rapeseed oil to biodiesel was carried out with methyl formate and using lipase as a catalyst. The research was carried out at the Laboratory of Chemical and Biochemical Research for Environmental Technology of Aleksandras Stulginskis University. First, the most effective biocatalyst suitable for the process was selected. 14 different lipases were studied. The samples obtained after the synthesis were analysed by the thin-layer and gas chromatography. Process experiments were performed using a methyl formate to oil molar ratio of 6:1 to 40:1, a lipase amount of 5 to 17% (mass of oil) and synthesis duration of 3 to 48 h. The highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was obtained using Lipozyme RM IM as a catalyst and its optimal amount was 13%. The optimal temperature was found to be 20°C and the duration of interesterification 42 h. The optimal molar ratio of methyl formate to oil was determined to be 32:1. Under the obtained conditions the transesterification degree was 60.68 ± 0.95%.
Análise econômica comparativa entre eletricidade e gás natural para aquecimento de água no setor residencial
Authors: Johann Danielle , Simões André Felipe , Rego Erik Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Até 1995, o Governo Federal detinha o monopólio das atividades de exploração, produção, refino e transporte de gás natural; e, cada estado Brasileiro exercia com exclusividade a distribuição de gás canalizado. Com a flexibilização deste cenário por meio das Emendas Constitucionais 09/95 e 05/95, respectivamente, diversas empresas passaram a atuar nas diferentes possibilidades de utilização de gases combustíveis, entre elas o aquecimento de água para banho. Apesar da utilização crescente do gás na matriz energética brasileira, a energia elétrica ainda domina uma parcela infinitamente maior do mercado de aquecimento de água no setor residencial. Todavia, os gases combustíveis constituem-se em uma alternativa ao uso de energia elétrica por ser um produto de alto valor agregado, com vantagens energéticas e ambientais. A grande quantidade de energia elétrica utilizada para banho é a principal motivação para este estudo, uma vez que se trata de uma energia muito nobre para ser utilizada para queima no processo de aquecimento de água e, aquecedores a gás, serão abordados neste estudo itens pertinentes ao deslocamento da energia elétrica para banho considerando suas eficiências durante toda a cadeia. Neste contexto, no presente trabalho, apresenta-se análises econômicas comparativas associadas à substituição da eletricidade pelo gás natural, ou seja, correlata à substituição tecnológica entre chuveiro elétrico e à gás para aquecimento de água no setor residencial. Outrossim, analisa-se possíveis vantagens associadas e esta substituição e energética, assim como estratégias políticas e mercadológicas para transposição de barreiras que obstaculizam esta substituição energética eminentemente tecnológica.
Realidad Virtual: ¿Por dónde empiezo?
Authors: Soler-Adillon Joan
Published: May 2019

La Realidad Virtual (RV) no es nada nuevo. De hecho, lo que comúnmente se entiende como tal existe como proyecto tecnológico desde mucho antes de 1989, que es el año en que Jaron Lanier acuñó el conocido término. Incluso, anteriormente, hay al menos dos referentes imprescindibles en tecnología digital: el predecesor de los cascos de realidad virtual, inventado por Ivan Sutherland en 1968, que ya proyectaba imágenes en 3D en dos pantallas delante de los ojos del usuario, y la creación de gráficos interactivos a tiempo real a partir de 1975 por parte de Myron Krueger en su Videoplace, algo que luego él mismo llamaría Realidad Artificial al teorizar sobre ello.
Diseño de la interfaz de un smartwatch y de su aplicación móvil
Authors: Carrillo Galvez Cristina
Published: May 2019

Mi propia experiencia personal y la afectación a mi entorno familiar de una conocida enfermedad psicológica como es el Alzheimer, me ha hecho ver que puede haber mucha gente en la misma situación en la que nos encontramos mi familia y yo. El trabajo consiste en el diseño de un reloj inteligente adaptado y enfocado principalmente a una parte de la sociedad que sufre dificultades físicas o psicológicas para afrontar su día a día, causantes, por lo tanto, de impedimentos para gestionar la vida con la misma normalidad con la que la afrontaría una persona con plenas facultades. El proyecto centra su diseño en el usuario y en proporcionar una usabilidad óptima para que la experiencia obtenida sea lo más satisfactoria posible, teniendo siempre en cuenta las posibles limitaciones con las que el usuario se puede encontrar al ser un dispositivo diseñado principalmente para gente con algún tipo de discapacidad. Ha sido fundamental centrarse en conseguir una interfaz sencilla y accesible a cualquier público.
The Effects of the Summer Pruning Operations on the Winter Buds Productivity of cv. Vranec (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Nedelkovski Dushko , Roychev Venelin , Beleski Klime , Mokreva Todorka
Published: May 2019

The study presents the analysis of the influence of summer pruning operations (defoliation, cluster thinning) on the parameters of a potential productivity of winter buds at the vine variety Vranec grown near Veles in the period 2013-2015. For this research, four treatments were set: control, defoliation and two types of cluster thinning: 10 and 6 clusters per vine. From the obtained results it is found that there are no injuries in the main winter buds during the vegetation period and the potential fruitfulness is determined by higher coefficient, 1.38, which depends on the location along the cane. The yield at this variety will be formed mainly by clusters with size of 350-550 μm, followed by those with the length of 550-750 μm. The application of defoliation and regulation of the vine yield has a beneficial effect on increasing the rate of potential fruitfulness of winter buds, the number of buds with 2 and 3 clusters, increasing the inflorescences with a length of 350-550 μm and the appearance of those longer than 750 μm.
The Production, Purchase and Processing of Milk in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Glavić Midhat , Zenunović Amir , Budiša Aleksandra
Published: May 2019

The aim of this research was to determine the actual data available to the dairies and to compare them with the statistical data. The actual data obtained from dairy can be used for further research and development of the dairy sector. Dominant production system in BiH are small farms (3‒5 cows) dealing with mixed livestock production, with the primary goal of self-sufficiency of which only 3.5% are farms with more than 20 dairy cows. The data used in the paper were derived from statistical agencies, as well as own research in the 7 largest milk processors in B&H (purchase about 86.10% of total milk in B&H). The number of dairy farmers of these 7 largest milk producers was 9.865 in 2015 (and 15.311 in 2012), who owned a total of 49.865 dairy cows in 2015 (42.364 in 2012). Average per producers of raw milk was 5.05 cows in 2015 (or 2.77 cow per producer in 2012). Average milk production per dairy cow was 4.149 L in 2015 (and 4.026 L in 2012). E‒class quality of milk is only 77% from the deliverables milk and 68% from the number of samples.
The State аnd Areas under Organic Vegetable Production in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Golijan Jelena , Živanović Ljubiša , Popović Aleksandar
Published: May 2019

Due to extremely favourable soil and climate conditions, vegetable production has been traditionally developing in the Republic of Serbia. This study presents the areas under organic vegetable production in Serbia in the 2012-2015 period. In 2015, vegetable production, based on organic principles, was performed on the area of 170.5 ha, with the greatest potential in the region of the Province of Vojvodina (80%). The smallest areas with organic production of vegetables were recorded in the City of Belgrade. Organicaly produced vegetables mainly consist of bean, popping maize, potato, Jerusalem artichoke, gourd and pepper. In spite of poorly developed market not only of vegetable production, but the entire sector of organic food production in Serbia, the number of organic food producers has been rapidly growing and with the adequate investment, credit–monetary and export support by the government, vegetable production could become the most important production in our country.
Applicability of Z-score Models on the Agricultural Companies in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Stojanović Tamara , Drinić Ljiljana
Published: May 2019

The aim of our research was to test the predictability of Altman’s Z-score models in the case of agricultural companies in the Republic of Srpska. Due to the fact that according to these models the companies from the critical zone are supposed to go bankrupt in the near future, while the companies from the safe zone are not supposed to go bankrupt, these two groups of companies have been subject to ex-ante analysis during the period of five years (2011-2015) in order to estimate the predicting efficiency of Z-score models. The authors have also performed the ex-post analysis to see how the bankrupt companies had been classified according to these models in the years preceding their bankruptcy. The results of these analyses show that Z-score models are not reliable in predicting bankruptcy, nor for the creditworthiness analysis, but can be useful in identifying agricultural companies with long-term financial difficulties especially if other, non-financial variables are included.
Fruit Characteristics of Autochthonous Sweet Cherry Cultivars (Prunus avium L.) from the Banjaluka Region
Authors: Radoš Ljubomir , Krmpot Tanja , Begović Fejzo
Published: May 2019

Banjaluka region is characterized by a very rich diversity of old and autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars, which represent a very important genetic potential for future breeding programs. Autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars are spontaneously propagated and used in very few areas for production and consumption in the fresh condition. A very small percentage of autochthonous cultivars are used in local markets or in some forms of processing. The main reason for this is the small number of individual trees whose fruits are used for own household and their poor management. In order to popularize the production and sale of autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars, during this research was perform the basic pomological measurements of the five most common autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars in the Banjaluka region (Ašlamka, Banjalučka crnica, Bjelica-Biljur, Cipov and Crveni hrušt). Pomological (the weight and dimensions of the fruit, weight and dimensions of the pit, dimension of the stalk and the firmness of the fruit flesh) and chemical (total soluble solids content of the fruit) fruit characteristics were determined. Results showed differences in investigated parameters between the cultivars.
Analysis of the State of Bosnian Mountain Horse in the Borike Stud Farm
Authors: Maletić Zoran , Stojanović Mladen , Ćirković Nevena , Antić Marina , Kajkut–Zeljković Mirela
Published: May 2019

In the last fifty years the number of horses in the Balkan Peninsula has been falling significantly, especially the Bosnian Mountain Horse. In B&H there is a decreasing tendency in terms of the total number of horses as well as the extremely poor quality of racial composition. The most famous Balkan horse is the Bosnian Mountain Horse, which is the only indigenous breed in B&H. The most comprehensive program for the conservation of the Bosnian Mountain Horse was carried out at the Borike stud farm (near Rogatica) founded in 1893. An empirical research was conducted through a survey with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska. It is noted that the number of horses over the years has been constantly decreasing and that it is necessary to launch an action plan and to provide adequate measures designed to safeguard their future.
Forecasting Trends in the Apple Production in Bosnia and Herzegovina until 2020
Authors: Stanković Darko , Vaško Željko
Published: May 2019

The aim of the paper is to make a forecast of apple production in Bosnia and Herzegovina until 2020. The subject of the research is analysis of production trends in the apple production, namely the number of trees, the total quantity of production and the yield per tree. The analysis covers historical data in the period from 2006 to 2015, and forecasting parameters for the next five years. To interpret the status of apple production, statistical indicators such as arithmetic mean value, interval variation, coefficient of variation, and rate of change have been used. Furthermore, statistical trends have been used for the projections of development of apple production. In order to eliminate the influence of extreme weather conditions in 2012 and 2014, corrections were made of the achieved yield data by calculating the average based on the previous and the following year. Afterwards, the projections have been made in two scenarios, both original and corrected dat
Taxonomic and Biogeographical Analysis of Bryophytes in the Coastal Area of the Ukrina River (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Šarčević–Todosijević Ljubica , Šarčević Milan
Published: May 2019

Bryophytes are a blind branch in the evolution of plants, but they are a very significant group, which makes a remarkable component of the whole biodiversity owing to the number of described species and its wide coverage. This work shows a taxonomic and biogeographical analysis of Bryophytes in the coastal area of the Ukrina River (Bosnia and Herzegovina). There have been 43 species sampled and determined in the researched localities. The Hepaticopsida class is represented by only one species, Radula complanata, the Bryopsida class dominates almost completely. Among Bryopsida, the representatives of the Hypnales order occur in a great percentage (40.48%). Further, 27 genera have been identified in the bryoflora of the researched area. The species of the Bryum genus (5) take the greatest proportion. In the bryoflora of the researched area the most prevailing is temperate, i.e. a floral element of moderate zones, with 88.37%, then a submediterranean floral element follows with 6.98% and boreal (4.65%). At the researched locality, the most represented are chamephyta with 74.29%, whereas life forms of hemicriptophyta and epiphyte cover significantly lower percentage of Bryophyte flora. Apart from the ecology, the research on Bryophyte is also notable for the areas of pharmacy and medicine because many of their species are capable to synthesize antibiotic substances.
Determination of the Effect of Daily Production Level of Primiparous Holstein Cows on Response to Heat Stress Conditions (THI Threshold) in Eastern Croatia
Authors: Jožef Ivana , Gregić Maja , Bobić Tina , Važić Božo , Gantner Vesna
Published: May 2019

The goal of this paper was to determine the effect of daily production level of primiparous Holstein cows kept on dairy cattle farms in Eastern Croatia on response to heat stress conditions (THI threshold). With that purpose, individual test-day records with data on ambient temperature and relative humidity in the barns were analysed. Data were collected in regular milk recording from 2006-2012. The THI threshold values for daily milk yield were determined by least square analyses of variance for each given THI value (from 68 to 72) using the PROC MIXED (SAS). Low producing cows experienced significant drop at THI=68, while in high producing primiparous Holsteins first significant drop in daily milk yield was observed when THI=69. Also, the amount of daily production drop depended on cow’s production level (0.155-0.256 kg/day in high producing; 0.319-0.460 kg/day in low producing). It could be concluded that the response of primiparous Holstein cows kept in Eastern Croatia to heat stress conditions depends on daily production level.
Agronomic Response of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) to Nitrogen Rates in a Long–Term Fertilizing Experiment
Authors: Panayotova Galia , Kostadinova Svetla
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to analyze the agronomic response of durum wheat during 1990-2014 to nitrogen rates 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg.ha-1. It was found that without N durum wheat realized grain yield of 2.34 t.ha-1. The highest yield was obtained at 120 kg N.ha-1. The partial factor of productivity decreased with the increase of N from 74.7 kg.kg-1 (N40) to 24.1 kg.kg-1 (N160). No proven differences were found in the agronomic efficiency for rates of N40 to N120, as the values were 17.0 - 14.9 kg grain.kg-1. The use of 160 kg N.ha-1 reduced the N agronomic efficiency by 40% compared to N40. A strong positive correlation was obtained between N rates and yield (r = 0.930*). The strong negative relationship was proven by N and by partial factor productivity and agronomic efficiency.
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT DENGAN TINGKAT STRES PASIEN DIABETES MELITUS YANG MENJALANI DIET
Authors: Kusnanto Kusnanto , Sundari Putri Mei , Asmoro Candra Panji , Arifin Hidayat
Published: May 2019

Pengetahuan sangat penting dalam mengembangkan diabetes self-management untuk mencegah resiko komplikasi jangka panjang dengan diet yang ketat. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pengetahuan dan diabetes self-management dengan tingkat stress pasien diabetes melitus yang menjalani diet. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional. Jumlah total sampel didapatkan sebesar 106 responden dengan multistage sampling, Kriteria inklusi meliputi pasien DM <5 tahun dengan rentang usia 35-55 tahun, tidak menggunakan insulin injeksi, Pasien DM masih berkeluarga dan tinggal dengan keluarganya. Data didapatkan dengan kuesioner Knowledge of Diabetic Diet Questionnaire, Self-Management Dietary Behaviors Questionnaire, dan tingkat stress menjalani diet. Kemudian dianalisis dengan uji Spearman test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat pengetahuan (p=0,049; r=-0,192) dan diabetes self-management (p=0,000; r=-0,341) memiliki hubungan terhadap tingkat stress saat menjalani diet. Diabetes self-management memiliki hubungan yang sangat kuat dari pada tingkat pengetahuan terhadap tingkat stress pasien diabetes yang menjalani diet. Penelitian selanjutnya diharapkan bisa menggunakan responden dengan wilayah yang lebih luas dan serta mengembangkan intervensi yang lebih baik untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang diet pada pasien diabetes melitus. Kata Kunci: diabetes melitus, diet, self-management, tingkat stres Abstract The correlation between knowledge level and diabetes self-management towards stress level of patients DM with diet. Knowledge is very important in developing diabetes self-management to prevent the risk of long-term complications with a strict diet. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and diabetes self-management with stress levels of people with diabetes mellitus who went on a diet. This study uses a cross-sectional design. The total samples obtained were 106 respondents with multistage sampling, inclusion criteria included patients with DM <5 years with a range of ages 35-55 years, did not use insulin injection, DM patients were still married and lived with their families. Data are obtained with questionnaire of Knowledge of Diabetic Diet Questionnaire (KDDQ), a Self-Management Dietary Behaviors Questionnaire (SMDBQ), and a stress level on a diet. Data analyzed by the Spearman Rho. The results showed that the level of knowledge (p=0.049; r=-0.192) and diabetes self-management (p=0,000; r=-0,341) had a relationship to stress levels while on a diet. Diabetes self-management has a very strong relationship to the level of knowledge of the stress level of diabetics with diet. Future studies are expected to be able to use respondents with a wider area and develop better interventions to increase knowledge about diets in people with diabetes mellitus. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, diet, self-management, stress level
DISTRACTION TECHNIQUES: TELLING STORIES TO DECREASE PAIN FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN DURING INFUSION
Authors: Anggraeni Lina Dewi , Widiyanti Widiyanti
Published: May 2019

Hospital procedures, such as infusions, are often associated with pain. Preschool-aged children who are hospitalized for infusions will often exhibit a strong fearful response because their concept of body integrity has not fully developed. One way to reduce the fear of infusion pain is by using stories as a distraction technique. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in the scale of pain between members of an intervention group, to which the distraction technique was applied, and a control group, to which it was not applied. The study used quasi-experimental methods, with intervention and control groups. The study was conducted on 46 preschool aged respondents (3-6 years old), divided into a 34 member intervention group and a 12 member control group and ran from September to December 2017 in one of the private hospitals in the East Bekasi. The research employed a questionnaire to collect demographic data and used the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale to assess pain levels. The data analysis technique used was the independent t-test. The results showed there was a difference of pain response between the intervention and control groups with P value < 0.05. Pediatric nurses are advised to use storytelling therapy as an option for providing atraumatic care intervention.  Keywords: Distraction Technique, Infusion installation, Pain, Stories, Preschool Abstrak Teknik Distraksi: Bercerita Menurunkan Nyeri Pada Anak Usia Pra Sekolah Selama Penggunaan Infus. Rasa sakit seringkali dikaitkan dengan salah satu prosedur rumah sakit yakni pemasangan infus. Reaksi anak prasekolah yang dipasang infus menunjukkan ketakutan yang luar biasa, hal itu disebabkan karena konsep integritas tubuhnya belum berkembang dengan baik. Salah satu cara untuk mengurangi ketakutan akibat nyeri pemasangan infus pada prasekolah adalah teknik distraksi bercerita. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi perbedaan skala nyeri antara kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode quasy eksperimen, yang menggunakan kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap 46 responden usia prasekolah (3-6 tahun) yang terdiri dari 34 kelompok intervensi dan 12 kelompok kontrol dari bulan September-Desember 2017 di salah satu Rumah Sakit Swasta di wilayah Bekasi Timur. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuisioner data demografi dan lembar observasi skala nyeri Wong Baker Faces Pain. Teknik analisis data menggunakan Uji Independent T test.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan respon nyeri antara kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol dengan nilai p= 0,012 (< 0.05). Perawat anak sebaiknya menggunakan metode bercerita sebagai sarana asuhan keperawatan atraumatik.  Kata kunci: Cerita, Nyeri, Pemasangan infus, Prasekolah, Teknik distraksi
Large-scale insect outbreak homogenizes the spatial structure of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Pec Gregory J. , Cahill, Jr. James F.
Published: May 2019

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (plant symbionts) are diverse and exist within spatially variable communities that play fundamental roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the underlying ecological mechanisms that maintain and regulate the spatial structuring of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities are both complex and remain poorly understood. Here, we use a gradient of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) induced tree mortality across eleven stands in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests of western Canada to investigate: (i) the degree to which spatial structure varies within this fungal group, and (ii) how these patterns may be driven by the relative importance of tree mortality from changes in understory plant diversity, productivity and fine root biomass following tree death. We found that the homogeneity of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community increased with increasing tree death, aboveground understory productivity and diversity. Whereas, the independent effect of fine root biomass, which declined along the same gradient of tree mortality, increased the heterogeneity of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community. Together, our results demonstrate that large-scale biotic disturbance homogenizes the spatial patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities.
Socio-Economic Determinants of Organic Manuring Practices by Farmers in Southern Agricultural Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Girei A. A. , Luka E. G. , Jatau M. S. , Turai H. M.
Published: May 2019

The study analyzed the socio-economic determinants of organic manuring practices by farmers in Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the area; identify the type of organic manure used by the respondents; determine the effect of socio-economic characteristics on the use of organic manure. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of samples for the study. Fifteen farmers from each of the six selected villages were purposively selected on the basis of their use of organic manure for a total of 90 respondents for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources. The primary source was by personal interview and discussion using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model was used to analyze data collected for this research. The first, second and fourth objectives were achieved using simple descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent and mean, while the third objective was achieved using multiple linear regression analysis. The study revealed that majority or 61.1% of the respondents were in the age bracket of 20-39 years old, which indicates that they were young and active who could engage in organic manure practices. The result on the type of organic manure indicated that cattle dung and green manure representing 48.9% and 38.9% were the major source of manure used by the respondents. The result of socio-economic determinant further revealed that about 69% of the variation in use of organic manure, while the significant determinants were age and membership of cooperative society both at 10% and 5% respectively. Therefore, the study recommend that Enlightenment campaigns should be done through change agents to sensitize farmers in the study area about the benefit of using organic manure for crop production as this will improve farmer’s attitude towards the adoption of sustainable land management practices.
Costus Root Extract Alleviates Blood Biochemical Derangements of Experimentally-Induced Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism in Mice
Authors: Bolkiny Yousry , Tousson Ehab , El-Atrsh Afaf , Akela Mohamed , Farg Eman
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Thyroid hormones regulate all metabolic activities; therefore, it is not amazing that hepatic; renal dysfunctions and lipid alterations are commonly detected in patients with thyroid disorders. This study estimated some biochemical changes in post pubertal hyperthyroid and hypothyroid mice and their impacts on liver and kidney functions and also on changes in the lipid pattern. In addition, the ameliorating role of Costus root extract supplementation was examined. Material and Methods:  A total of 60 male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 5 groups; control, control with costus extract, hypo- and hyper-thyroids post-treated with costus root extract. Results: Present results revealed that, a significant increase in serum thyrotropin (TSH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, potassium, chloride, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serumthyroxine (T4), tri‐iodothyronine (T3), albumin, total protein and calcium ions levels in hypothyroid mice compared to control. In contrast to hypothyroidism, a significant increase in serum T3, ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride and total proteins levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. On the other hand; a significant decrease in serum TSH, T4, albumin, calcium ions cholesterol and triglycerides levels in hyperthyroid mice compared to control. Treatments of mice with Costus root extract in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism modulates the measured serum parameters.

Conclusions: Our results could propose that the extract of Costus roots can be used as an adjuvant co-therapy in hypo- and hyperthyroidism syndromes with propylthiouracil and Eltroxin replacement therapy, respectively
Effect of Combined Application of Nitrogen and Boron on Yield Contributing Characters and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Shamsuzzoha Md. , Kundu Partha Komol , Rouf Md. Abdur , Afrose Rashma , Mostofa Maruf
Published: May 2019

Sesame is an important oilseed crop due to its different types of commercial application. The produced oil from sesame uses for food and beauty care product preparation due to its high nutritive value. However, the yield of sesame is comparatively low than other oilseed crops. Nitrogen and Boron are essential nutrients for plant development and growth. So, the combined application of nitrogen and boron can increase the yield of sesame. From these perspectives, an experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen and boron application on yield contributing characters and yield of sesame. The experiment consisted of four Nitrogen doses (N0: 0 kg N/ha (control), N1: 50 kg N/ha, N2: 60 kg N/ha, N3: 70 kg N/ha) and three Boron doses (B0: 0 kg B/ha (control), B1: 2 kg B/ha, B2: 3 kg B/ha). It was laid out in two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result demonstrated that combination of 60 kg N/ha and 3.0 kg B/ha were acceptable for getting better yield and maximum economic return from the studied parameters.
Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Two Selected Plants (Verononia amygdalina and Jatropha gossypifolia)
Authors: Jeje O. A. , Ileola A. O.
Published: May 2019

Chemical analysis were carried out to investigate the bioactive constituents of Vernonia amygdalina and Jatropha gossypifolia and to determine the quality of saponin, alkaloid, and tannin contents of the selected plants. In comparing the bioactive constituents of Vernonia amygdalina and Jatropha gossypifolia, the results showed that there were significant presence of alkaloids, streoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, condensed tannins, glycosides and reducing sugar in both plants while some were absent such as cardiac glycosides, hydrolysable tannin, phlobatannin, terpenoids, polysaccharide/starch and coumarin. The result also revealed the concentration of some of the bioactive compounds such as saponins 1.103 g/dm3 in Vernonia amygdalina compare with 1.079 g/dm3 in Jatropha gossypifolia. Tannins 26.48 g/dm3 in Vernonia amygdalina, 24.12 g/dm3 in Jatropha gossypifolia and alkaloids; 0.580 g/dm3 in Vernonia amygdalina, 0.7585 g/dm3 in Jatropha gossypifolia. The bioactive compounds detected in these plants are of therapeutic importance and their presence indicates the beneficial effects of the plants and also supports the use of these plants in ethno-medicine for the management of various ailments.
New Conditions That Guarantee Uniform Asymptotically Stable and Absolute Stability of Singularly Perturbed Systems of Certain Class of Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Peter Ebiendele , Osoria Asuelinmen
Published: May 2019

The objectives of this paper is to investigate singularly perturbed system of the fourth order differential equations of the type,       to establish the necessary and  sufficient new conditions that guarantee, uniform asymptotically stable, and absolute  stability of the  system. The Liapunov’s functions were the mathematical model used to establish the main results of this study. The study was motivated by some authors in the literature, Grujic LJ.T, and Hoppensteadt, F., and the results obtained  in this study improves upon their results to the case where more than two arguments was established.
International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) Adoption and Economic Growth: A Study of Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Temitope Ajibade, Ayodeji , Chibuzo Okeke, Obiajulu , Tolulope Olurin, Oluwatoyosi
Published: May 2019

This study examines the effect of IFRS adoption on economic growth, using Nigeria and Kenya, for the period 2000-2016. The data which was utilized in this study, was gotten from National bureau of statistics. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data. Manufacturing sector Gross domestic product (GDP) was used to proxy Economic growth. However, the findings show that there is a significant difference in Economic growth of Nigeria and Kenya between pre and post IFRS adoption. Hence, the study recommends that government should ensure the fully adoption and implementation of IFRS in every possible sector in other to enjoy other benefits that accrue from it. Also, further studies on IFRS adoption and economic growth should employ other variables not used in the study.
Toward Ultradense Small Cell Networks: A Brief History on the Theoretical Analysis of Dense Wireless Networks
Authors: López‐Pérez David , Ding Ming
Published: May 2019

This article dives into the fundamentals of dense and ultradense small cell wireless networks, discussing the reasons why dense and ultradense small cell networks are fundamentally different from sparse ones, and why the well‐known linear capacity scaling law with the base station (BS) density in the latter does not apply to the former. In more detail, we review the impact of the following factors on ultradense networks (UDNs): (i) closed‐access operations and line‐of‐sight conditions, (ii) the near‐field effect, (iii) the antenna height difference between small cell BSs and user equipment (UE), and (iv) the surplus of idle‐mode‐enabled small cell BSs with respect to UEs. Combining all these network characteristics and features, we present a more realistic capacity scaling law for UDNs, which indicates (i) the existence of an optimum BS density to maximize the area spectral efficiency (ASE) for a given finite UE density and (ii) the existence of an optimum density of UEs that can be simultaneously scheduled across the network to maximize the ASE for a given finite BS density.
Frequency Diverse Phased Arrays
Authors: Wang Wen‐Qin
Published: May 2019

This article introduces what frequency diverse array (FDA) is and why it could be utilized in radar and wireless communication systems for improved performance. Recent advances and potential applications together with the technical challenges are discussed. It is shown that FDA indeed provides promising potential for future radar, communications, and even integrated radar and communication applications. However, for practical applications further work on system implementation, optimal array signal processing, and time‐variance related problems should be carried out.
Identification and functional characterization of a bacterial homologue of Zeta toxin in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Srivastava Akriti , Garg Swati , Jain Ravi , Ayana Rajagopal , Kaushik Himani , Garg Lalit , Pati Soumya , Singh Shailja
Published: May 2019

Zeta‐toxin is a cognate toxin of epsilon antitoxin of prokaryotic Type II toxin‐antitoxin system (TA) and play an important role in cell death. An orthologue of bacterial‐zeta‐toxin (BzT) was identified in Leishmania donovani with similar structural and functional features. Leishmania zeta‐toxin (named Ld_ζ1) harboring similar UNAG and ATP‐binding pockets showed UNAG kinase and ATP‐binding activity. An active Ld_ζ1 was found to express in infective extracellular promastigotes stage of L. donovani and episomal overexpression of an active Ld_ζ1domain‐triggered cell death. This study demonstrates the presence of prokaryotic‐like‐zeta‐toxin in eukaryotic parasite Leishmania and its association with cell death. Conceivably, phosphorylated UNAG or analogues, the biochemical mimics of zeta‐toxin function mediating cell death can act as a novel anti‐leishmanial chemotherapeutics.
Functional analysis of YY1 zinc fingers through cysteine mutagenesis
Authors: Chen Kuida , Lu Yao , Shi Ke , Stovall Daniel B. , Li Dangdang , Sui Guangchao
Published: May 2019

As a transcription factor, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) either activates or represses gene expression depending on its recruited cofactors. The YY1 C‐terminal consists of four zinc fingers (ZF) that are responsible for its DNA binding. However, the contribution of each YY1 ZF to its functions have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used alanines to replace YY1 cysteines that are crucial to ZFs in binding to DNA. We characterized these YY1 mutants for their DNA binding, transcriptional activity, and functional role in maintaining MDA‐MB‐231 cell proliferation. We demonstrated that ZFs 2 and 3 are essential to the general biological activity of YY1. ZF 1 showed relatively low importance, while ZF 4 is virtually dispensable for YY1 function.
Access
Authors: Reia‐Baptista Vítor , Tavares Mirian Nogueira
Published: May 2019

Perhaps one should find “five easy pieces” to access the
Brave New World
of global online media and their multicultural content as the new mass environments of real learning: experiencing and virtual living practice. Paraphrasing Bob Rafelson's film of 1970, one should always find “some easy pieces” to put together one's capacities for recovering one's heritage of cultural stories and collective memories. What is one referring to, when one talks about access? Free access? Open access? Cyber access? Controlled access? Easy access? Twisted access?
Active Audiences
Authors: Cappello Gianna
Published: May 2019

The concept of the active audience has been one of the most fruitful and provocative in the media literacy field as it has brought media educators to seriously question the traditional ways of defining both their students' involvement with the media and the effects supposedly produced on them. Audience studies have empirically proven the active role of media audiences in interpreting media content according to subjective views developed within certain social contexts. With the advent of the Internet, and Web 2.0 in particular, the notion of the active audience has a new twist as it no longer simply refers to the activity of interpreting or resisting media messages but to the possibility users have for producing and sharing content, as the expression user‐generated content (UGC) suggests. However, to be an “active audience” today means—more than ever—to have the media literacy competencies to maximize the benefits and opportunities offered by the Internet. At the same time it also means having the competencies to minimize and govern the risks and problems that may hamper its potential as a new powerful “public sphere” for the full development of culture, democracy, participation, freedom of expression, and so on.
Adolescent Literacy in a Digital World
Authors: Alvermann Donna E. , Sanders Rachel Kaminski
Published: May 2019

This entry describes adolescents' uses of digital literacy and popular media texts (broadly defined) in a world that takes for granted much of what heightened technological advances have heaped upon a society largely ambivalent on how to translate these advances into sound instruction. Among the topics addressed in defining what counts as adolescent literacy in a digital world are these: dual and competing models of literacy, youth identities, digital literacy practices, popular media/pop culture, and new directions for research.
Advertising Literacy
Authors: Zarouali Brahim , Walrave Michel , Ponnet Koen , Poels Karolien
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, children are confronted with a considerable amount of advertising, not only through traditional media channels, but also through a wide range of (new) digital formats such as advergames, social media advertising, and product placements. This raises the important issue of whether children are able to critically recognize and understand these persuasive attempts; in other words, do children possess the necessary advertising literacy? In this entry, a concise and comprehensive overview will be presented on the topic of advertising literacy among children. Several issues will be addressed, such as children as a target group, the different perspectives on advertising literacy, and the comparison with the advertising literacy of adults. After that, this entry will dwell on the socialization and cognitive developmental view on advertising literacy. Then, children's level of advertising literacy for different advertising formats will be addressed, followed by how to improve this literacy in particular. Finally, challenges for future advertising literacy research will be presented.
Media Literacy for the 21st Century Teacher
Authors: Sauerteig Denise L. , Cervera Gutierrez Maria F. , Toven‐Lindsey Brit , Dahl Ingrid Hu
Published: May 2019

The prevalence of technology and digital media is creating new opportunities for media literacy education in the classroom. Online professional development training for teachers who are less familiar and confident with digital media is limited and can leave many educators feeling overwhelmed. This entry presents a case study of KQED Teach, a free, online learning platform that helps teachers learn and practice 21st‐century digital media literacy skills, and discusses lessons learned from early evaluations and user research.
Amateur—Professional
Authors: Koltay Tibor
Published: May 2019

This entry focuses on the similarities and differences between amateurs and professionals. The division between them has always existed, but debates around related issues have been reinforced by the influence of Web 2.0 and social media that enable and encourage readers to become producers. Apart from the general characteristics of amateurs, their role in crowdsourcing, and especially in journalism, is demonstrated here. Intermediate categories and hybrid identities of amateurs are also described.
Apps for Children, Regulatory Issues
Authors: Haines Claudia
Published: May 2019

This entry summarizes the major US and EU regulations pertaining to apps for children and considers their purpose, audience, and implications in relation to media literacy. Also included are expert recommendations and guidelines that aim to provide families and professionals who work with children additional information pertaining to children's app use.
Awareness
Authors: Kellner Douglas , Share Jeff
Published: May 2019

This entry explores the need for critical awareness about media as an essential literacy skill for the 21st century. It discusses the development of media education from cultural studies to current pedagogical approaches. Using a critical media literacy (CML) framework, educators are encouraged to apply a sociological lens to reading and writing the word and the world. Democracy today requires an expansion of our understandings of literacy to include reading and writing all types of texts and a deepening of critical inquiry to unveil the relationships between power and information. In order to create conscientious citizens who can shape democracy, people need the skills to question the ways ideologies “naturalize” and “normalize” dominant ways of thinking. CML provides a framework to challenge social injustice in media texts while also empowering students with critical consciousness and awareness to create their own alternative messages.
Mediatization
Authors: Forsman Michael
Published: May 2019

This entry presents mediatization as concept and as an emerging research field. Mediatization is a name for the long‐term structural impact of the media on institutions like politics, religion, family, education, and so on. In this process, the autonomy of media institutions increases, media technologies become ever more present and deeply integrated into everyday life, media esthetics and media logics saturate the fabrics of social practices and cultural life. Different aspects and indicators of mediatization are discussed. So is mediatization in relation to education, digitalization, and media literacy.