bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulose Accumulation in Straw of Triticum Monococcum L., Triticum Dicoccum Sch. and Triticum Spelta L. in Organic Farming Conditions
Authors: Sevov Atanas , Zorovski Plamen , Koleva-Valkova Lyubka
Published: April 2018

In a study conducted in the experimental field of the Agricultural University - Plovdiv accumulation of cellulose in straw of Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Sch. and Triticum spelta L., has been tracked as a result of bio fertilizes application in organic farming conditions. The highest cellulose content was found in the straw of Triticum spelta L., followed by Triticum monococcum L. The least accumulation was found in the straw of Triticum dicoccum Sch. With few exceptions, the application of the investigated fertilizes, increases the content of cellulose in a leaf-stalked mass in Triticum dicoccum Sch. and Triticum spelta L. The opposite trend was observed in Triticum dicoccum Sch. A species reaction was found as a result of fertilization on accumulation of cellulose in straw.
Specifics of Organic Food Markets’ Demand
Authors: Nikolić Marija
Published: April 2018

Organic food market in Serbia is characterized by underdeveloped supply and limited demand. Demand of organically produced food has certain specifics. Paper analyzes research results of domestic and foreign authors aiming to identify key characteristics and to carry out a systematization of the factors that determine demand and consumption of organic products in Serbian and foreign markets. The aim of the research is to develop demographic profile of organic consumers, and to provide a picture of “typical” organic consumer.

Most authors agree that there is a positive correlation between the level of education and consumption of organic products. Studies conducted in Serbia suggest that concern for health is one of the most important factors of buying organic products, while foreign customers, in addition, are also motivated by environmental and animal welfare attributes, and with desire to consume “local” food. In both groups of consumers sensory characteristics of the product were recognized as the key factors for the consumption of organic products. Price is one of the relevant factors that limit the purchase of these products. Significant attention was paid to marketing channels. Since domestic organic producers are underdeveloped and unadjusted to customers’ requirements, getting familiar with the basic characteristics of buyers of organic food is the starting point for development of adequate marketing concept for growers, processors and retail of this group of products.
High dose of histone deacetylase inhibitors affects insulin secretory mechanism of pancreatic beta cell line
Authors: Yamato Eiji
Published: April 2018

Objective. Histone deacytylase inhibitors (HDACis) inhibit the deacetylation of the lysine residue of proteins, including histones, and regulate the transcription of a variety of genes. Recently, HDACis have been used clinically as anti-cancer drugs and possible anti-diabetic drugs. Even though HDACis have been proven to protect the cytokine-induced damage of pancreatic beta cells, evidence also shows that high doses of HDACis are cytotoxic. In the present study, we, therefore, investigated the eff ect of HDACis on insulin secretion in a pancreatic beta cell line. Methods. Pancreatic beta cells MIN6 were treated with selected HDACis (trichostatin A, TSA; valproic acid, VPA; and sodium butyrate, NaB) in medium supplemented with 25 mM glucose and 13% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) for indicated time intervals. Protein expression of Pdx1 and Mafa in MIN6 cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes was measured by quantitative RT-PCR method. Insulin release from MIN6 cells and insulin cell content were estimated by ELISA kit. Superoxide production in MIN6 cells was measured using a Total ROS/Superoxide Detection System. Results. TSA, VPA, and NaB inhibited the expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes and their products. TSA treatment led to beta cell malfunction, characterized by enhanced insulin secretion at 3 and 9 mM glucose, but impaired insulin secretion at 15 and 25 mM glucose. Th us, TSA induced dysregulation of the insulin secretion mechanism. TSA also enhanced reactive oxygen species production in pancreatic beta cells. Conclusions. Our results showed that HDACis caused failure to suppress insulin secretion at low glucose concentrations and enhance insulin secretion at high glucose concentrations. In other words, when these HDACis are used clinically, high doses of HDACis may cause hypoglycemia in the fasting state and hyperglycemia in the fed state. When using HDACis, physicians should, therefore, be aware of the capacity of these drugs to modulate the insulin secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells.
Measures of Prägnanz?
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Pinna Baingio
Published: April 2018

Prägnanz was suggested by Max Wertheimer in the 1920s as subsuming all “Laws of Gestalt” as they apply to visual awareness. Thus, it assumes a prominent position in any account of Gestalt phenomena. From a phenomenological perspective, some visual stimuli evidently “have more Prägnanz” than others, so Prägnanz seems to be an intensive quality. Here, we investigate the intricacies that need to be faced on the way to a definition of formal scales. Such measures naturally depend both upon the stimulus and upon the observer. Structural complexity bottlenecks of visual systems play a role, as well as the relevance to biological fitness, that is the affinity to the optical user interface. This positions the notion of Prägnanz squarely within the realm of biology. Indeed, the familiar “releasers” of ethology are singular cases of extremely high Prägnanz.
The diversity of teleost fish trematodes in the Bay of Bizerte, Tunisia (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Antar R. , Gargouri L.
Published: April 2018

A total of 39 digeneans species allocated to 28 genera in 12 families were recovered from 534 fishes belonging to 14 species in three families (Carangidae, Mullidae and Sparidae) collected in the Bay of Bizerte off the coast of Tunisia. We provide a host-parasite list of records from this locality, including 63 host-parasite combinations. The Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925 is the most diverse group with 12 species. The species richness of individual digenean genera in the Bay of Bizerte ranges from 1 – 6 species. The mean number of 2.58 species per host indicates a relatively high digenean diversity in the Bay of Bizerte, which is related to its geographical location, its connection with the neighbouring Bizerte Lagoon and the nature of the bottoms of the littoral marine areas off the northern Tunisian coasts. This diversity is significantly higher than that reported off the southern coast of Tunisia and distinctly lower than that observed for teleost hosts in the Scandola Nature Reserve off Corsica. Generally, the levels of infection in teleosts fishes from the Bay of Bizerte are lower than those from the other two localities.
Kinetic Profile of the Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Extract: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl Radical Bleaching Assay
Authors: Mirković Snježana , Rajković Katarina , Jeremić Sanja , Gavrilović Marijana , Tomić Ljiljana , Arsenijević Valentina Arsić , Krstić Boro
Published: April 2018

The objective of this paper was to assess the antiradical effectiveness of propolis extract (PE) based on 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) bleaching assay kinetic profile. The kinetic profile of scavenging DPPH• for PE exhibited one kinetic period characterized by one kinetic constant. The second-order rate constant (k
2) for the oxidation of PE by DPPH•, determined for the first time in this study, was 0.17 dm3g−1s−1. The obtained k2 value was compared to that of synthetic antioxidants and natural extracts used in the food industry. Kinetic analysis of PE antiradical effectiveness showed that the k
2 was within the range values for natural colorants of fruit extracts and should be considered as a fast acting natural antioxidant source. The k
2 parameter indicates the extent of oxidation inhibition that is based on all of the kinetic profiles of DPPH bleaching rather than single point measurements. For this reason, the kinetic analysis should become a necessary step for more precise antioxidative characterization of propolis.
Characterization of Native Honey Bee Subspecies in Republic of Benin Using Morphometric and Genetic Tools
Authors: Amakpe Felicien , De Smet Lina , Brunain Marleen , Jacobs Frans J. , Sinsin Brice , de Graaf Dirk C.
Published: April 2018

Morphometric characteristics combined with genetic markers are powerful tools used for determining honey bee subspecies. Bees samples collected from 94 established apiaries distributed throughout all of the Republic of Benin were morphometricaly characterized using seven parameters and the COI-COII regions of mitochondrial DNA were sequenced. Based on the morphometric data the native honey bees could be divided into three distinct ecotypes - the Benino-dry-tropical-ecotype in the north, the Benino-Sudanian-ecotype in the central part and the Benino-Sudano-Guinean-ecotype in the south. The DNA COI-COII regions sequence analyses confirmed that the honey bee population of the Republic of Benin belongs to different mitotypes but do not correspond with the determined ecotypes. We could determine three new haplotypes which missed the P0 segment but the Q region was duplicated or triplicated. Phylogenetic analyses clustered them together in the A evolutionary lineage. In conclusion, morphometric and genetic analysis of the native West African honey bees indicated that each of the different mitotypes was able to adapt to the different ecological conditions in the country by morphometric adjustments.
Powered Upper Limb Orthosis Actuation System Based on Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Chakarov Dimitar , Veneva Ivanka , Tsveov Mihail , Venev Pavel
Published: April 2018

The actuation system of a powered upper limb orthosis is studied in the work. To create natural safety in the mutual “man-robot” interaction, an actuation system based on pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM) is selected. Experimentally obtained force/contraction diagrams for bundles, consisting of different number of muscles are shown in the paper. The pooling force and the stiffness of the pneumatic actuators is assessed as a function of the number of muscles in the bundle and the supply pressure. Joint motion and torque is achieved by antagonistic actions through pulleys, driven by bundles of pneumatic muscles. Joint stiffness and joint torques are determined on condition of a power balance, as a function of the joint position, pressure, number of muscles and muscles
Determination of the Crack Resistance Parameters at Equipment Nozzle Zones Under the Seismic Loads Via Finite Element Method
Authors: Kyrychok Vladyslav , Torop Vasyl
Published: April 2018

The present paper is devoted to the problem of the assessment of probable crack growth at pressure vessel nozzles zone under the cyclic seismic loads. The approaches to creating distributed pipeline systems, connected to equipment are being proposed. The possibility of using in common different finite element program packages for accurate estimation of the strength of bonded pipelines and pressure vessels systems is shown and justified. The authors propose checking the danger of defects in nozzle domain, evaluate the residual life of the system, basing on the developed approach.
Do statins induce or protect from acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease: An update review in 2018
Authors: Verdoodt An , Honore Patrick M. , Jacobs Rita , Waele Elisabeth De , Gorp Viola Van , Regt Jouke De , Spapen Herbert D.
Published: April 2018

Statins essentially are cholesterol-lowering drugs that are extensively prescribed for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Compelling evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of statins may not only be due to its ability to control cholesterol levels but also due to a pleiotropic cholesterol-independent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, endothelial-protective and plaque-stabilizing activity. Along this line, statins may also exert acute and long-term effects on renal function. We present a narrative literature review that summarizes arguments in favor of or against the preventive and/or therapeutic use of statins in kidney-related diseases or complications. We also highlight the ongoing controversy regarding statin therapy in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.
Predisposing factors for chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Mohri Junichi , Katada Chikatoshi , Ueda Marie , Sugawara Mitsuhiro , Yamashita Keishi , Moriya Hiromitsu , Komori Shouko , Hayakawa Kazushige , Koizumi Wasaburo , Atsuda Koichiro
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

We retrospectively studied the predisposing factors for nephrotoxicity in the patients with advanced esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma who received combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF therapy).

Methods

Between January 2010 and March 2014, 41 patients with Stage IB to III esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma received the DCF therapy (docetaxel 70-75 mg/m2, day 1; cisplatin 70-75 mg/m2, day 1; 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m2, days 1-5) in our hospital. Renal dysfunction was defined as a creatinine clearance (Ccr) of less than 60 mL/min. Predictors of nephrotoxicity were identified through logistic-regression analysis.

Results

Nephrotoxicity developed in 20 patients and did not develop in 21 patients. Nephrotoxicity developed during the first course of DCF therapy in 16 patients, the second course in 3 patients, and the third course in 1 patient. The dose of DCF therapy was decreased in 8 patients with nephrotoxicity and 7 patients without nephrotoxicity. Multivariate analysis showed that a low Ccr level immediately before DCF therapy was an independent risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity (odds ratio, 0.932; 95% confidence interval, 0.876 to 0.992; P = 0.027). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of Ccr for the development of nephrotoxicity was 75.8 mL/min. The 2-year overall survival rate was 84.2% in patients with nephrotoxicity and 90.0% in patients without nephrotoxicity (P = 0.635).

Conclusions

Low Ccr levels immediately before DCF therapy are a risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity. Patients should therefore be carefully monitored.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio relation to sepsis severity scores and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: A case series
Authors: Pantzaris Nikolaos-Dimitrios , Platanaki Christina , Pierrako Charalampos , Karamouzos Vasilios , Velissaris Dimitrios
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as calculated from the white cell differential blood count is considered a promising marker for the prognosis of patients with various diseases, including sepsis. This study was designed to assess the possible use of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the prediction of survival outcomes in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). A secondary objective was to compare the prognostic accuracy of NLR with the commonly used severity scores of sepsis SOFA, APACHE II and SAPS II.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on data extracted from 26 patients suffering from acute CAP. The study period was from February 01, 2017 until April 30, 2017. All patients with CAP were presented in the Emergency Department (ED) of the University Hospital of Patras, Greece and were treated after admission in the Internal Medicine Department. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated from the white blood cell count (WBC) values measured from a peripheral venous blood specimen drawn on admission. It was then compared with C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels and the sepsis calculated prognostic scores APACHE II, SAPS II and SOFA. The impact of the above parameters was evaluated in relation to the final outcome.

Results

The mean period of hospitalization for the enrolled patients was 9.3 days (SD 5.8 days). Twenty-four patients (92.3%) got finally discharged from the hospital and two (7.7%) died during the hospitalization. Mean NLR and serum CRP values on admission were 10.2 ± 8.8 (min 1.4; max 34.7) and 11.4 ± 11 mg/dL (min 0.4; max 42.6) respectively. Based on the correlation analysis, serum CRP was more strongly positively correlated with NLR (r = 0.543, P = 0.004), than total WBC (r = 0.454, P = 0.02). None of the biomarkers of inflammation measured or computed in the study (CRP, WBC, NLR) showed any correlation with either the days of hospitalization or the sepsis prognostic scores.

Conclusions

NLR shows a statistical significant correlation to the commonly used inflammatory markers CRP and total WBC in the small sample size of patients with CAP that we assessed. Although NLR is a simple, cheap and rapidly available measurement in the ED, future, larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm its possible value as a prognostic index in sepsis patients with CAP.
Public Support of Solar Electricity and its Impact on Households - Prosumers
Authors: Zimmermannová Jarmila , Pawliczek Adam , Čermák Petr
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose: Currently, the idea of households - prosumers is broadly discussed in public governments, mainly in connection with both the energy security issues and the environmental issues. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to present new agent model of household - prosumer and to compare two scenarios – “off grid household” and “on grid household”. The additional goal is to evaluate the impact of public support of solar electricity on the economic efficiency of household – prosumer projects (systems).

Design/Methodology/Approach: The model is structured as a micro-level agent model, representing one household – prosumer. The model has the following general characteristics: one household with own electricity generation (photovoltaic panels), battery and in case of “on grid household” also connection to the grid. The main goal of the agent is to cover electricity consumption in household with minimal costs. The agent model of prosumer is tested and validated, using the empirical data.

Results: The highest level of subsidy has significant impact on the economic indicators of selected scenarios. It causes lower investment costs at the beginning of the project and consequently shorter payback period (3-4 years earlier), positive cumulative cash flow, net present value and IRR in earlier period (approximately 5-10 years earlier, depending on the scenario).

Conclusion: We can recommend to the government to continue with current system of subsidies, since it contributes to better economic indicators of particular solar electricity projects. On the other hand, the level of subsidy should be at least the same as in current year 2017, for the purposes of representing the significant part of the investment costs. Low level of subsidy has negligible impact on the economic indicators of households – prosumers projects. The developed agent model is suitable for the evaluation of economic impact of public support on households – prosumers.
Multi-Objective Weather Routing of Sailboats Considering Wave Resistance
Authors: Życzkowski Marcin , Krata Przemysław , Szłapczyński Rafał
Published: April 2018

The article presents a method to determine the route of a sailing vessel with the aid of deterministic algorithms. The method assumes that the area in which the route is to be determined is limited and the basic input data comprise the wind vector and the speed characteristic of the vessel. Compared to previous works of the authors, the present article additionally takes into account the effect of sea waves with the resultant resistance increase on the vessel speed. This approach brings the proposed model closer to real behaviour of a sailing vessel. The result returned by the method is the sailing route, optimised based on the multi-criteria objective function. Along with the time criterion, this function also takes into account comfort of voyage and the number of performed turns. The developed method has been implemented as simulation application SaillingAssistance and experimentally verified.
An Optimization Approach to the Intermodal Transportation Network in Fruit Cold Chain, Considering Cost, Quality Degradation and Carbon Dioxide Footprint
Authors: Ma Qianli , Wang Wenyuan , Peng Yun , Song Xiangqun
Published: April 2018

This model optimizes port hinterland intermodal refrigerated container flows, considering both cost and quality degradation, which is distinctive from the previous literature content in a way that it quantifies the influence of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in different setting temperature on intermodal network planning. The primary contribution of this paper is that the model is beneficial not only to shippers and customers for the novel service design, but also offer, for policy-makers of the government, insights to develop inland transport infrastructures in consideration of intermodal transportation. The majority of models of multimodal system have been established with an objective of cost minimization for normal commodities. As the food quality is possible to be influenced by varying duration time required for the storage and transportation, and transportation accompanied with refrigeration producing more CO2 emission, this paper aims to address cost minimization and quality degradation minimization within the constraint of CO2 footprint. To achieve this aim, we put the quality degradation model in a mixed-integer linear programming model used for intermodal network planning for cold chain. The example of Dalian Port and Yingkou Port offer insight into trade-offs between transportation temperature and transport mode considering CO2 footprint. Furthermore, the model can offer a useful reference for other regions with the demand for different imported food, which requires an uninterrupted cold chain during the transportation and storage.
CD4+CD25+CD127low FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Khalili Ali , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Maleki Iradj , Abediankenari Saeid , Afrouzi Mousa Mohammadnia
Published: April 2018

Background. Regulatory T (Treg) cell plays a key role in autoimmune diseases. We evaluated the regulatory function and frequency of Treg cells and secreted IL-10, IL-35 concentration in Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods. Twenty-three patients with CD and 25 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. We analysed the alteration of Tregs frequency using flow cytometry for CD4, CD25, CD127 and FoxP3 markers. Surface expression of CD4, CD25 and CD127 markers were used for isolation of relatively pure Treg cells. Suppressive activity of Tregs was determined by measuring their ability to inhibit the proliferation of T responder (Tres) cells. In addition, the amounts of IL-10 and IL-35 cytokines in co-culture supernatants were measured by ELISA assay after stimulation with anti-CD2/CD3/CD28.

Results. CD patients had significantly lower frequency of CD4+ CD25+ CD127low FoxP3+ Treg cells in comparison with controls (2.17 ± 1.04 vs. 2.83 ± 1.07, p = 0.0352). Additionally, Treg cells mediated suppression was not significantly different in CD patients compared to controls. There was a significant difference in IL-10 secretion in response to anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 stimulation compared with HC (p = 0.0074).

Conclusion. The frequency of CD4+ CD25+ CD127low FoxP3+ Tregs decreased in active stage of CD but there was no impaired suppressive function of CD4+ CD25+ CD127low FoxP3+ Treg cells. We suggest that an alteration in the balance of Tregs and T effectors may contribute to pathogenesis of CD.
Screening of Model Animals for Experimental Infection with Equine Cyathostomes
Authors: Scháňková Š. , Langrová I. , Jankovská I. , Vadlejch J. , Čadková Z. , Křivská D.
Published: April 2018

Various laboratory animals – mice (Mus musculus) of six strains, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), rats (Rattus norvegicus), and Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were experimentally infected with larvae of small strongyles (Cyathostominae), obtained from horse faeces and cultured to the infective larval stage L3. The attempt to transfer cyathostome larvae was aimed at developing a model for the investigation of different aspects of the life cycle and biology of these nematodes in the laboratory. Some animals were immunized (hydrocortisone) for the duration of the study. The laboratory animals were orally infected with 2–10 thousand sheathed or ex-sheathed L3 larvae of mixed cyathostome species. All attempts to inoculate any animal failed; there was no larval development in the experimental rodents and it can be stated that none of the investigated animals may serve as a suitable model host for horse nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae.
Parasites of Myocastor coypus – a Comparison in Farm Animals and Their Feral Counterparts
Authors: Nechybová S. , Langrová I. , Tůmová E.
Published: April 2018

The parasitic status in the coypus (nutrias) Myocastor coypus, both farm-bred or free-living on river banks in the Czech Republic, was determined. Faecal samples were collected from 200 coypus originating from 11 farms (farm-bred animals) and from 20 individuals living at 14 natural localities (feral animals). Faeces were examined for nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts using the McMaster method. The evaluation of faeces from farm-bred coypus indicated infection with the following parasites: Trichuris sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Eimeria seidelli, Eimeria nutriae, Eimeria coypi, and Eimeria myopotami. Free-living feral rodents harboured Eimeria nutriae, E. coypi, Strongyloides sp. and in one case also Trichuris sp. An additional visceral examination of 20 coypus originating from five farms revealed two nematode species in the gastrointestinal tracts, namely Trichuris myocastoris and Strongyloides myopotami. The study indicated that feral coypus are far less parasitized than their captive counterparts.
Exploitation of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Shell Waste in the Form of Polymer–Particle Biocomposite
Authors: Müller M. , Valášek P. , Linda M. , Petrásek S.
Published: April 2018

Mechanically ground hazelnut (Corylus avellana) shells, a food industry by-product of hazelnuts processing, were tested for use as a composite material filler. Mechanical properties and fracture surface of the composite were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Polymer composites, i.e. resins filled with microparticles of hazelnut shells, were tested at various concentrations of the filler (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%). Hazelnut shell microparticles used at low concentration (5 wt%) increased tensile strength. The filler did not considerably influence hardness of the composite. Adhesive bond strength did not significantly change up to 20 wt%. The hazelnut shell microparticles were well wetted with the resin.
Drivers of Informal Sector Participation of Small and Medium Enterprise in Ghana
Authors: Mintah S. , Darkwah S.
Published: April 2018

The informal sector of Ghana has been growing amidst the recent economic development in this country. The study investigated the drivers of informal sector participation by SMEs in Ghana and made use of a Chi-square statistical methodology to analyze the drivers of SME participation in the informal sector of Ghana. Analyses from the study showed that gender can be deemed as a driver for SME participation in the informal sector of Ghana. Gender was significant at 0.012 with registration of business enterprise and 0.055 with tax obligation of respondents. The educational level of SME operators had an impact on registration and tax obligation and therefore can be deemed as a driver of SME participation in the informal sector of Ghana. However, the level of education was insignificant to registration and tax obligation but had a strong correlation to these variables. The study also showed that women are more likely to participate in the informal sector of Ghana as compared to men and also that there is a high tendency of not paying tax among SME operators in the informal sector of Ghana. A very low educational level among SME participants was recorded with over 60% of the respondents not having any formal education. Based on the findings of the study, a country-wide research can be done to ascertain the socio-economic determinants of informal sector participation in Ghana. Also, the study highly recommends policies that can harness the usefulness of informal sector.
MODEL RENCANA PELAKSANAAN PEMBELAJARAN
Authors: Widyastono Herry
Published: April 2018

Dalam rangka mencapai tujuan pembelajaran secara efektifÂ dan efisien, guru dituntut untuk menyusun rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran sebelum melaksanakan pembelajaran. PenyusunanÂ rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran mungkin selama ini didasarkanÂ atas intuisi, kepraktisan, mencontoh pengajar favoritnya ketika masihÂ menjadi mahasiswa di lembaga pendidikan tenaga kependidikanÂ (LPTK), atau atas dasar teori-teori tertentu yang pernahÂ dipelajarinya. Salah satu model rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaranÂ yang ditawarkan di sini, di dalamnya terkandung komponen: (1)Â Urutan kegiatan pembelajaran, yaitu urutan kegiatan pengajar dalamÂ menyampaikan materi pelajaran (pesan/informasi) kepada siswa; (2)Â Metode pembelajaran, yaitu cara pengajar mengorganisasikan pesanlÂ lnformasi dan siswa agar terjadi pembelajaran; (3) MediaÂ pembelajaran, yaitu peralatan yang digunakan untuk menyalurkanÂ pesan/informasi dari pengirim (sumber belajar) kepada penerimaÂ pesan (siswa); (4) Sumber belajar, yaitu sumber pesan/informasi yangÂ akan dipelajari siswa; dan (5) Waktu yang digunakan oleh siswa dan pengajar dalam menyelesaikan setiap langkah dalam kegiatanÂ pembelajaran.
Multikulturalisme-Bhinneka Tunggal lka Dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan Sebagai Wahana Pembangunan Karakter Bangsa Indonesia
Authors: Winataputra Udin Saripudin
Published: April 2018

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika yang secara harfiah diartikan sebagaiÂ bercerai berai tetapi satu merupakan ilustrasi dari jati diri bangsaÂ Indonesia yang secara natural, dan sosial-kultural dibangun di alasÂ keanekaragaman. (etnis, bahasa, budaya, dll). Secara akademis,Â konsep bhinneka tunggal ika tersebut dapatdipahami dalam konteksÂ konsep generik multiculturalism atau multikulturalisme. DalamÂ konteks itu, komitmen final tentang NKRI, Pembukaan UUD 1945Â yang diterima secara konsisten dengan Pancasila di dalamnya,Â wawasan Nusantara yang mempersatukan wilayah Indonesia dariÂ Sabang sampai Merauke serta pengakuan kebudayaan Indonesia yangÂ merajut puncak-puncak budaya dari semua etnis yang ada di Indonesia, merupakan indikasi yang kuat bahwa Indonesia tidak menganutÂ konsep American's melting pot, atau Australia's ethnic selection, atauÂ Malaysia's three ethnicity coexistence, atau Argentina's socialÂ cultrural assortment tetapi merupakan eclectic model dari Canada'sÂ cultural mosaic dengan konsepsi Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Mpu Tantular
Peningkatan Penguasaan Rumus Matematika Melalui Pemberian Latihan Soal Bervariasi Pada Siswa Kelas 11-7 SMU Negeri 1 Makassar
Authors: Nurdin Nurdin
Published: April 2018

Penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (Classroom Aktion Research) yang bertujuan meningkatkan penguasaanÂ rumus matematika melalui pemberian soal latihan bervariasi.Â Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMU Negeri I Makassar dengan subjekÂ penelitian Kelas JJ-7 dengan jumlah siswa sebanyak 48 orang (20Â orang siswa laki-laki dan 28 orang siswa perempuan). PenelitianÂ berlangsung selama dua siklus dengan masing-masing siklus selamaÂ 4 kali pertemuan. Hasil-hasil yang diperoleh melalui penelitian iniÂ adalah a) pada siklus pertama, secara klasikal terlihat bahwa skorÂ rata-rata siswa adalah 6,96 atau berada dalam kategori tinggi, b)Â Pada siklus kedua, secara klasikal terlihat bahwa skor rata-rata siswaÂ adalah 7,21 atau berada dalam kategori tinggi, c)terdapatÂ peningkatan penguasaan rumus matematika siswa setelah dilakukanÂ pemberian soal-soal latihan bervariasi, dl terjadi peningkatanÂ motivasi dan keaktifan siswa dalam proses belajar-mengajarÂ matematika, yang tercermin dari jumlah Siswa yang siap mengerjakanÂ soal di papan tulis yang cenderung meningkat dari satu pertemuanÂ ke pertemuan berikutnya.
Kesenjangan Gender dalam Pemerataan dan Perluasan Akses Pendidikan
Authors: Kintamani Ida
Published: April 2018

TujuanÂ penulisan ini adalah untuk mengetahui kesenjangan gender dalamÂ pemerataan dan perluasan akses pendidikan dilihat dari empat hal, yaitu 1) sasaran umum pendidikan bagi perempuan, 2) akses pendidikan bagi perempuan, 3) kontrol pendidikan bagi perempuan, dan 4) manfaat pendidikan bagi perempuan. Hasil penelitian adalah bahwa sasaran umum pendidikan menunjukkan kesenjangan gender pada SD (4,40%) dan SM (2,9%) akibat akses penndidikan yang dihitung dari angka masukan kasar juga ada kesenjangan sebesar 3,51% Partisipasi mahasiswa dalam bentuk presentase mahasiswa PT pada teknologi (61,48%) dan IPA (52,01%) juga terjadi kesenjangan rata-rata sebesar 10,60% akibat kontrol pengambilan keputusan lebih didominasi laki-laki. Oleh karena dominannya laki-laki dalam penentu kebijakan sehingga perempuan tertinggal, hal ini ditunjukkan perempuan yang menduduki eselon hanya 20,34% sehingga ada kesenjangan 39,33%). Angka melanjutkan ke jenjang pendidikan yang lebih tinggi juga menunjukkan kesenjangan terutama pada SMP ke SMK (13,22%) dan hanyaÂ angka bertahan di semua jenjang yang lebih besar perempuan
Modernisasi dan Rekonstektualisasi Pendidikan di Era Globalisasi
Authors: Luddin Muchlis R.
Published: April 2018

Penulisan artikel ini dimaksudkan untuk memberikanÂ gambaran yang lebih utuh mengapa sebuah kebijakan harus diambilÂ setelah memperhatikan berbagai variabel yang sedang berkembang.Â Area kebijakan pendidikan merupakan diskursus penting dalamÂ penyelenggaraan pendidikan di suatu negara. Kebijakan pendidikanÂ amat menentukan konstruksi dan arah pembangunan manusia Indonesia. Kebijakan pendidikan tidak dirumuskan dalam suatu prosesÂ yang tunggal, tetapi ta ditentukan oleh berbagai variabel penting,Â apalagi jika kebijakan pendidikan itu ingin difokuskan kepada upayaÂ mengantisiapasi perkembangan aspirasi masyarakat. Pada era gloÂ­bal seperti sekarang, kebijakan pendidikan harus mencerminkanÂ tuntutan modernisasi dan rekonstektualisasi, sehingga kebijakanÂ pendidikan itu relevan dengan aspirasi masyarakat, pembangunanÂ ekonomi, dan perkembangan atau tuntutan globalisasi.
Budaya Kepemimpinan Lokal dalam Pelaksanaan Manajemen Berbasis Sekolah (MBS)
Authors: Turi La
Published: April 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali informasi yangÂ berkaitan dengan pentingnya implementasi budaya kepemimpinanÂ lokal dalam pelaksanaan manajemen berbasis sekolah (MBS) diÂ sekolah. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMP Negeri 7 Bau-Bau, Keraton Buton Sulawesi Tenggara dengan menggunakan metode kualitatifÂ yang bersifat etnografi. Data dan informasi penelitian ditetapkanÂ dengan teknik Snow-ball. Jnforman penelitian terdiri atas kepalaÂ sekolah, para guru, staf pendukung lainnya, komite sekolah, tokohÂ masyarakat/pemimpin informal/tokoh adat. Data dikumpulkanÂ dengan cara observasi p artisip an, interview mendalam, danÂ dokumentasi. Data dianalisis dengan analisis domain, analis isÂ taxonomi, analisis komponensial, dan analisis tema. Hasil penelitianÂ ini menunjukkan bahwa salah satu aspek yang dapat mempengaruhiÂ pelaksanaan manajemen berbasis sekolah (MBS) adalah budayaÂ kepemimpinan lokal, dalam istilah setempat dikenal denganÂ kepemimpinan "Bhinct-bhinci kuli "
Porous Aluminophosphates as Adsorbents for the Separation of CO2/CH4 and CH4/N2 Mixtures – a Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Fischer Michael
Published: April 2018

Aluminophosphates with zeolite-like topologies (AlPOs) have received considerable attention as potential adsorbents for use in the separation of methane-containing gas mixtures. Such separations, especially the removal of carbon dioxide and nitrogen from methane, are of great technological relevance in the context of the “upgrade” of natural gas, landfill gas, and biogas. While more than 50 zeolite frameworks have been synthesised in aluminophosphate composition or as heteroatom substituted AlPO derivatives, only a few of them have been characterised experimentally with regard to their adsorption and separation behaviour. In order to predict the potential of a variety of AlPO frameworks for applications in CO2/CH4 and CH4/N2 separations, atomistic grand-canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations were performed for 53 different structures. Building on previous work, which studied CO2/N2 mixture adsorption in AlPOs (M. Fischer, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 22801–22812), force field parameters for methane adsorption in AlPOs were validated through a comparison to available experimental adsorption data. Afterwards, CO2/CH4 and CH4/N2 mixture isotherms were computed for all 53 frameworks for room temperature and total pressures up to 1000 kPa (10 bar), allowing the prediction of selectivities and working capacities for conditions that are relevant for pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum swing adsorption (VSA). For CO2/CH4 mixtures, the GIS, SIV, and ATT frameworks were found to have the highest selectivities and CO2 working capacities under VSA conditions, whereas several frameworks, among them AFY, KFI, AEI, and LTA, show higher working capacities under PSA conditions. For CH4/N2 mixtures, all frameworks are moderately selective for methane over nitrogen, with ATV exhibiting a significantly higher selectivity than all other frameworks. While some of the most promising topologies are either not available in pure-AlPO4 composition or collapse upon calcination, others can be synthesised and activated, rendering them interesting candidates for future experimental studies. In addition to predictions of mixture adsorption isotherms, further simulations were performed for four selected systems in order to investigate the microscopic origins of the macroscopic adsorption behaviour, e.g. with regard to the very high CH4/N2 selectivity of ATV and the loading-dependent evolution of the heat of CO2 adsorption and CO2/CH4 selectivity of AEI and GME.
The works of 'David Lynn': New Zealand writer
Authors: Gibbs Rowan
Published: April 2018

Research into the works of David Lynn.
The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English
Authors: Millar Paul
Published: April 2018

A review of the second edition (1998) of The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English (ed. Terry Sturm).
The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature
Authors: Murray Stuart
Published: April 2018

The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature Reviewed by Stuart Murray, Trinity College, Dublin.
Living Relationships Kokiri Ngatahi: The Treaty of Waitangi in the New Millennium
Authors: Byrnes Giselle M.
Published: April 2018

Review of Living Relationships Kokiri Ngatahi: The Treaty of Waitangi in the New Millennium
Patrons of Maori Culture: Power, Theory and Ideology in the Maori Renaissance
Authors: Byrnes Giselle M.
Published: April 2018

Review of Patrons of Maori Culture: Power, Theory and Ideology in the Maori Renaissance
Review of Recalling Aotearoa. Indigenous Politics and Ethnic Relations in New Zealand
Authors: Drichel Simone
Published: April 2018

Review of Recalling Aotearoa. Indigenous Politics and Ethnic Relations in New Zealand
Barry Crump: a Bibliography
Authors: Gibbs Rowan
Published: April 2018

A Biography of Barry Crump.
Group 1: Non-Market Work
Authors: Morrison Philip , Brown Paul , Dwyer Maire , Hyman Prue , Maunier Patricia , Novitz Rosemary
Published: April 2018

This discussion group focussed on questions surrounding non-market work. Some of these questions included: Do our official statistics adequately describe work in New Zealand society of they only provide information about paid employment and the work of working proprietors? How do we define “work” given that we need to include work that does not involve monetary exchanges? How do we value unpaid work? What are the equity issues and policy implications of non-market work?
Group 2: The Changing Structure of the New Zealand Work-Force
Authors: George Barker , Crothers Charles , Frazer Andrew , Franklin Harvey , Smith David , Swainson Nicola
Published: April 2018

This discussion group focussed on questions surrounding the changing structure of the New Zealand work-force. The major questions in this field are to identify what it is they must decides and why it requires explanation. Trends must be identified and “forecasts” made of changes in the work-force, drawing attention to the range of policy “interventions’ they imply. This overall task involves examining changes in the demand for labour (the supply of jobs) and the supply of labour (the demand of jobs).
Group 3: Ethnic Groups and the Labour Market
Authors: Hicks John , Hill Craig , Imray David , Swarey Richard
Published: April 2018

This discussion group focussed on five major questions. (1) What are the appropriate ethnic groupings to be considered? (2) What type(s) of disadvantage do these groups experience in employment, for example in income and occupational mobility? (3) Does the disadvantage result from "cultural rejection" by the groups or from discrimination? (4) What role is played by lack of education, training and experience in generating disadvantage? (5) What can be done in the way of positive action programmes? Questions of highest priority were identified, as well as obstacles and other observations concerning this research.
Group 4: Migrant Labour and Policy
Authors: Andrews Grant , Grimes Arthur , Martin John , Pearson David
Published: April 2018

Two broad areas of research were pinpointed. The first was an examination of migrant workers, that is transient workers who are not integrated into the social context of the area in which they are living; the seasonal flows of labour for horticulture for example. The second area of research is related more directly to permanent internal and external migration.
Labour and Employment Surveys of the Department of Labour
Authors: Rosemary Graham , Hastings Kevin
Published: April 2018

The Department of Labour has 5 major data collections the results of which are available to the public, viz. (1) The Quarterly Employment Survey (Q.E.S.); (2) The Job Vacancy Survey (J.V.S.); (3) Monthly Employment Operations (M.E.O.); (4) Immigration Permit Information (I.P.I.); and (5) Apprenticeship Statistics. The Department also maintains a computerized mailing list, for the use of ·Q .E. S. and J.V.S., the Central Address Register of Business (CARB). This paper does 2 things. First, it sets out details of each of these collections, and of CARB, and secondly it outlines some new developments which the Department has planned for the near future.
EFEKTIFITAS GAMIFICATION BERBASIS BLENDED LEARNING PADA MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN EKONOMI
Authors: Anwar Saiful , Marlena Novi , Wulandari Retno
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the study is to see the effectiveness of the concept of gamification that is applied in the learning process of the subject of Renewal of Economic Education Learning. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach. Subjects in this study are students of class 06PIEE001 FKIP Pamulang University. In this study adopted Marczewski's Gamification Framework concept which consists of 8 questions: 1) what is being gamified; 2) why is it being gamified; 3) who are the users; 4) how is it being gamified; 5) analytics are set up; 6) tested with users; 7) acted on feedback; and 8) released the solution. Based on the results of data analysis and discussion, it can be concluded that 1) the learning process in the course of Renewal of Economic Education Learning can be done with the concept of gamification by combining face-to-face learning in the classroom with online learning learning; 2) student response in learning process with gamification concept mostly interested because it is new for them; 3) there is a nurturant effect for as long as the concept of gamification is applied in the class
ANALISIS ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP DAN HAMBATAN PERTUMBUHAN USAHA DI UMKM PENGOLAHAN TAHU “RDS” SINGOSARI MALANG
Authors: Tristanto Aris Wahyu , Wardana Ludi Wishnu
Published: April 2018

This research was conducted to describe the entrepreneurial leadership of SMEs Tofu "RDS" and description about the obstacles experienced by SMEs Tofu "RDS". This research uses descriptive qualitative research design that aims to obtain the information available at this time, and then attempt to describe, record and interpret the information. Data collection methods used were interviews, observation and documentation. This type of qualitative research is case study. The result of the research is the condition of entrepreneurial leadership from the leadership of SMEs Tofu "RDS" is generally good because he is able to motivate employees well, have a picture of the future effort, able to read opportunities well, actively seeking new ideas, persistent in running their business And barriers faced by SMEs Tofu "RDS" can be overcome well by the leadership of SMEs Tofu RDS.
Oxidative stress response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to multiple stressors
Authors: Kopp Radovan , Palíková Miroslava , Papežíková Ivana , Mareš Jan , Navrátil Stanislav , Pikula Jiří , Pohanka Miroslav
Published: April 2018

Fish can be exposed to multiple stressors at the same time, including natural toxins, environmental pollutants or feed contamination. In this study, we report on the effects of controlled exposure of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to multiple stressors. In doing so, we test the hypothesis that cyanobacterial biomass and arsenic in feed combine to enhance negative effects on fish, including modulation of antioxidant response. The trout (mean weight 288 ± 59 g) were divided into six experimental groups of 25 fish each (C - control group; B - 3% lyophilised toxic cyanobacterial biomass; As5 - arsenic at 5 mg·kg–1; As50 - arsenic at 50 mg·kg–1; and two combinations of cyanobacterial biomass and arsenic (B+As5 and B+As50). All indicators of oxidative stress were determined using standard methods, showing significant changes. Overall antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power) decreased significantly in the liver, gills and heart after 10-days, while lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) increased in the liver of groups exposed to cyanobacterial biomass, and in the heart of groups exposed to increased concentrations of arsenic and those under combined exposure. Levels of glutathione reductase showed a significant reduction following exposure, especially in the gills and liver. Our results indicate that the antioxidant system plays an important role in the protective response of tissues to stressors, and especially arsenic.
Bilateral corneal dermoids and eyelid malformation in a colt – a case report
Authors: Makra Zita , Jakab Csaba
Published: April 2018

A 4-month-old colt was presented to the Department and Clinic of Equine Medicine, University of Veterinary Science, Hungary for the evaluation of chronic bilateral mucopurulent discharge and mild blepharospasm. On ophthalmic examination, pigmented skin with long hairs located ventro-temporally on both corneas, a cluster of aberrant long hairs protruding from both caruncles and medial canthi, and a duplicated inferior eyelid of the left eye were identified. Surgical excision of limbic dermoids on both eyes and blepharoplasty appeared curative at the 6-month post-operative follow-up. This case report describes unusually located bilateral limbic dermoids in a horse. In addition, the dermoid on the left eye was accompanied by eyelid malformation. This unique combination of ocular congenital lesions has not been described in a horse so far.