bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eight-Point Project
Authors: Csillag Sara , Balázs Eva , Kocsis Mihály , Udvarhelyi Tessza , Vago Iren
Published: September 2017

In this chapter the authors report the outcomes of a year-long action research project in which engaged researchers of different professional fields tried to support non-profit institutions and their staff to develop the Hungarian care system for autistic people, re-instill the above-mentioned courage of individuals and teams (composed of psychologists, social workers, special education teachers and parents) and to invent and adopt new processes and procedures. Coordinated and supported by a central research team, 27 non-profit care institutions in the fields of education, employment, housing and social services, healthcare and crisis intervention from all over Hungary led their own action research.
Teaching Writing to Low Socio-Economic Students With Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rago David
Published: September 2017

Writing well is conditioned on having a cognitive system that performs executive functions well. Executive functions include organizing, planning, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-assessing. Unfortunately, people with learning disabilities (LD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) do not perform these executive functions well; therefore, they do not write at a proficient level. In addition, students from low socio-economic status (SES) also do not perform these executive functions well; therefore, they do not write at a proficient level. The ecobiodevelopmental (EBD) framework is the structure for this chapter. Within this framework, the writing traits of students with LD and ASD are described, as is the impact poverty has on students' cognitive learning systems. Different ways to teach writing are presented at the end of the chapter. These different writing strategies are shown to support the cognitive learning systems and executive functioning of low SES students who have LD and/or ASD.
MNCs as a Factor for Governance Modernizing in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Aleksey Arkhipov , Rubinskaya Eteri
Published: September 2017

Deepening integration of countries within the world economy demands from the states to develop internal and external policies which would be at the same time adequate to challenges of the global economy, to corporate interests and also to national development priorities. Thus, the new concept of state regulation of transnational entrepreneurship must take into account the network structure of organization and significant IT involvement in all transborder operations. In the research presented further we have analyzed the approaches to theoretical definition of transnational entrepreneurship along with the conditions for its formation and spread. We also attempt to determine the economic efficiency of network organization of transnational business under the conditions of global economic instability and the need for permanent development. The major problems related to the interactions of corporations and states are outlined, and the potential development scenarios for these relations are suggested. The role of today's transnational corporations in international capital flow and international labour distribution is explained; the meaning and value of such corporations for the world economy is assessed. The authors also offer for consideration the stages in Russian transnational entrepreneurship development along with recommendations concerning the development and implementation of national economic strategy taking into account the weight of transnationalization factor and the priorities of economic security.
Resources and Capacities as Factors of National Agro-Industrial Reforms
Authors: Adzic Sofija
Published: September 2017

Research findings indicate that the basic condition for overcoming the current development entropy is agro-industry internationalization. During the last few years, innovative system of work and new model of agrarian industrial business management crystallized in Serbia. The innovations of development trends point to better and more appropriate using of resources and necessary production capacities for the purpose of successful agro-industrial reforms. The reform process within the agro-industrial business will carried out the country from trap of medium development dictated by investors. The conducted studies indicate that there is a basis to improve state and future development of agricultural industry in the European integration process. Radical change in economic and institutional infrastructure towards the agro-industrial sector's competitiveness improvement is modern challenges for regional economic policy makers and actors of transitional macro management. Increase of competitiveness will generate a new development potential which would contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the country.
A Self-Learning Based Antenna System for Indoor Wireless Network
Authors: Ni Wei
Published: September 2017

This paper provides an intelligent antenna system for indoor coverage wireless network. With the proposed antenna system, it can estimate user equipment (UE) distribution by a long-term self-learning mechanism. Based on such estimated UE distribution, it can reallocate radio power on each antenna. As a result, it can increase frequency spectrum efficiency and improve system capacity compared with the traditional system. In addition, this solution can also save energy and control interference to neighbor system.
A Framework to Evaluate and Overcome User Anticipations and Concerns from New IT System
Authors: Ali Mahmood
Published: September 2017

The introduction of new technology presents a unique set of challenges which are unlike from any other change process. It brings itself changes which directly impacts user's performance and their day to day activities. Due to its profound impact on the user, they tend to have certain anticipations and concerns from the new technology which influence the acceptance of new technology. Adopting key informants interview methodology, user anticipations and concerns arising from the new technology are identified. The findings suggest that generally users' expectations and concerns are drawn from their previous experience with the IT system and they tend to view a new implementation as what is in there for them. The paper concludes by providing a framework overcoming the resistance to the new system by incorporating key factors relating to the user anticipation and concern, and suggesting strategies to improve successful adoption and to increase user involvement.
Towards a Hybrid MAS Organizational Model
Authors: Abbas Hosny A. , Shaheen Samir
Published: September 2017

The organizational aspects are currently getting a great attention within the multi-agent systems (MAS) community. The motivation towards this trend is finding a way to handle the increasing complexity and distribution of modern agent-based applications using higher order abstractions such as agent organizations. It is a transition from concerning the micro level (individual agents) to concerning the macro level (the whole system) to handle complexity. A large number of MAS organizational models can be found in MAS literature. Some of them adopt the ACMAS (Agent-Centered MAS) viewpoint and others adopt the OCMAS (Organizational-Centered MAS) viewpoint. Each of the ACMAS and OCMAS viewpoints has its advantages and disadvantages; therefore, combining them into a hybrid model is expected to give us the chance to take benefit of their advantages and avoid their disadvantages. This chapter presents our recent work towards the conceptual design of a hybrid MAS organizational model that combines both of the ACMAS and OCMAS viewpoints.
Hybrid Approach of Modified AES
Authors: Amine Filali Mohamed , Abdelkader Gafour
Published: September 2017

Advanced Encryption Standard is one of the most popular symmetric key encryption algorithms to many works, which have employed to implement modified AES. In this paper, the modification that has been proposed on AES algorithm that has been developed to decrease its time complexity on bulky data and increased security will be included using the image as input data. The modification proposed itself including alteration in the mix column and shift rows transformation of AES encryption algorithm, embedding confusion-diffusion. This work has been implemented on the most recent Xilinx Spartan FPGA.
Shared Leadership and Key Innovation Indicators in Six Sigma Projects
Authors: Galli Brian J. , Kaviani Mohamad Amin , Bottani Eleonora , Murino Teresa
Published: September 2017

This research establishes the relationship(s) that shared leadership has with two performance metrics in Six Sigma healthcare teams: the perceived effectiveness of a team completing assigned project deliverables and satisfying customer requirements. Another primary goal is to comprehend additional factors affecting the three analyzed variables. The study found that the degree of shared leadership displayed at any Six Sigma project phase is dependent on the deliverables complexity and degree of change management complexity. Throughout this research, the role of shared leadership cannot be stressed enough. This variable yield influence and relationships with several factors, including change management and decision-making. In turn, they impact a team's environment and ability to effectively complete a project. Understanding the impact and relationship(s) that shared leadership has on quality improvement projects can provide an organization with several benefits, such as improved ability to complete projects efficiently and with quality. Finally, this study builds practical knowledge by outlining implications to professionals, managers, and teams for decision-making, change management, leadership development, Six Sigma training, and external coaching.
Variation Sharing
Authors: Kock Ned , Sexton Shaun
Published: September 2017

The most fundamental problem currently associated with structural equation modeling employing the partial least squares method is that it does not properly account for measurement error, which often leads to path coefficient estimates that asymptotically converge to values of lower magnitude than the true values. This attenuation phenomenon affects applications in the field of business data analytics; and is in fact a characteristic of composite-based models in general, where latent variables are modeled as exact linear combinations of their indicators. The underestimation is often of around 10% per path in models that meet generally accepted measurement quality assessment criteria. The authors propose a numeric solution to this problem, which they call the factor-based partial least squares regression (FPLSR) algorithm, whereby variation lost in composites is restored in proportion to measurement error and amount of attenuation. Six variations of the solution are developed based on different reliability measures, and contrasted in Monte Carlo simulations. The authors' solution is nonparametric and seems to perform generally well with small samples and severely non-normal data.
Homo Neuroeconomicus
Authors: Larsen Torben
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the development of a neuroeconomic model of decision-making (DM). The method used was a review of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of game trials on economic choice. Key centers in economic DM are Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex, Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, Frontopolar Cortex, Orbitofrontal Cortex, Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Amygdala and Ventral Tegmentum. The interaction of these centers determines individual risk-preference (NeM). The validity of NeM is consolidated by lesion-studies. NeM shows that relaxation exercises are complementary to physical fitness in the maintenance of mental health. Further, NeM explains the effect of “Early home-supported discharge” and how chess games support the learning of mathematics.
Analysing Critical Success Factors for Supporting Online Shopping
Authors: Varela Maria Leonilde R. , Putnik Goran D. , Carvalho Maria do Sameiro , Ferreira Luís , Cruz-Cunha Maria Manuela , Manupati V. K. , Manoj K.
Published: September 2017

Online shopping is nowadays is a highly frequent action but there are several critical factors that have to be considered for enabling websites and platforms to be able to offer all necessary requisites for guaranteeing user friendly, secure and also enjoyable shopping experiences to clients, offering them exactly what they expect to buy, and quickly find, among a huge offer available online. In this paper, a set of considered critical success factors are analysed on a set of top ranked websites, about luxurious furniture, to understand to what extent these critical factors are satisfied. The results can be taken into consideration for implementing a successful business through e-commerce from herein analysed perspectives.
Laser Controlled Dynamic Self-Assembly of Nanostructure
Authors: Zhang Li Nan , Zheng Wei , Cheng Cong Xiu , Wu Li Qun
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a three-dimensional dynamic model of laser controlled dynamic self-assembly of nanostructure. A phase field model is employed to study the surface fabrication of silicon which is induced by the laser. The mechanism of the surface fabrication is that the heating effect enhances surface diffusion mobility results in atoms outward flow. The computational model systematically integrate for high reliability of the whole analysis, the experimental and simulated measurements have been quantitatively investigated. A semi-implicit Fourier spectral scheme is applied for high efficiency and numerical stability. The performed simulations suggest a substantial potential of the presented model, which provides a reliable technology of nanostructure fabrications on the surface of silicon.
Controlled Synthesis of Novel Popcorn-Like CeO2 Nanostructures and their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Niu Xiao Fei , Tu Fu Rong
Published: September 2017

The monodisperse popcorn-like CeO2 nanostructures with crude surface covered by wrinkles completely and a diameter of 150-300 nm have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal technology. XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman scattering and M-H curve were employed to characterize the samples. The results showed that the popcorn-like CeO2 nanostructures have a cubic fluorite structure and there are Ce3+ ions and oxygen vacancies existing in their surface. The magnetic measurement indicated that the popcorn-like CeO2 nanostructures possess excellent ferromagnetism at room temperature, which can be attributed to the influences of the morphology of the particles, Ce3+ ions and oxygen vacancies.
Size Control of Ruthenium Nano-Cluster by Seed-Mediated Method
Authors: Deng Bang Chao , Zhang Ai Qing
Published: September 2017

A series of well dispersed ruthenium nano-clusters using Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizer were synthesized by seed-mediated method. In this method, polymer-stabilized PVP-Ru nano-cluster with a diameter of about 3.14 nm was prepared by the reduction of RuCl3 in ethylene glycol and used as a seed solution (S), which was then added to the EG solution of ruthenium (Ⅲ) salts (E) to control the size of the Ru nano-cluster synthesized in this seed-mediated method. The influences of the amount of S solution that was added to E solution and the existence of PVP in ruthenium salts solution on the size of Ru were studied in this essay. Compared with the seed solution, the size of Ru nano-cluster increased with the decreasing of the amount of seed solution added. Moreover, the existence of PVP in the EG solution of ruthenium salts would hinder the Ru nano-cluster from growing since PVP will weaken the ability for newly formed Ru0 to regrow on the seed crystal.
Application of Gauss's theorem to quantify localized surface emissions from airborne measurements of wind and trace gases
Authors: Conley Stephen , Faloona Ian , Mehrotra Shobhit , Suard Maxime , Lenschow Donald H. , Sweeney Colm , Herndon Scott , Schwietzke Stefan , Pétron Gabrielle , Pifer Justin , Kort Eric A. , Schnell Russell
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Airborne estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are becoming more prevalent with the advent of rapid commercial development of trace gas instrumentation featuring increased measurement accuracy, precision, and frequency, and the swelling interest in the verification of current emission inventories. Multiple airborne studies have indicated that emission inventories may underestimate some hydrocarbon emission sources in US oil- and gas-producing basins. Consequently, a proper assessment of the accuracy of these airborne methods is crucial to interpreting the meaning of such discrepancies. We present a new method of sampling surface sources of any trace gas for which fast and precise measurements can be made and apply it to methane, ethane, and carbon dioxide on spatial scales of  ∼ 1000 m, where consecutive loops are flown around a targeted source region at multiple altitudes. Using Reynolds decomposition for the scalar concentrations, along with Gauss's theorem, we show that the method accurately accounts for the smaller-scale turbulent dispersion of the local plume, which is often ignored in other average mass balance methods. With the help of large eddy simulations (LES) we further show how the circling radius can be optimized for the micrometeorological conditions encountered during any flight. Furthermore, by sampling controlled releases of methane and ethane on the ground we can ascertain that the accuracy of the method, in appropriate meteorological conditions, is often better than 10 %, with limits of detection below 5 kg h−1 for both methane and ethane. Because of the FAA-mandated minimum flight safe altitude of 150 m, placement of the aircraft is critical to preventing a large portion of the emission plume from flowing underneath the lowest aircraft sampling altitude, which is generally the leading source of uncertainty in these measurements. Finally, we show how the accuracy of the method is strongly dependent on the number of sampling loops and/or time spent sampling the source plume.
Intense pCO2 and [O2] Oscillations in a Mussel-Seagrass Habitat: Implications for Calcification
Authors: Saderne Vincent , Fietzek Peer , Müller Jens Daniel , Körtzinger Arne , Hiebenthal Claas
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of ocean acidification on calcifiers inhabiting nearshore benthic habitats, such as the blue mussel Mytilus edulis. The majority of these experiments was performed under stable CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), carbonate chemistry and oxygen (O2) levels, reflecting present or expected future open ocean conditions. Consequently, levels and variations occurring in coastal habitats, due to biotic and abiotic processes, were mostly neglected, even though these variations largely override global long-term trends. To highlight this hiatus and guide future research, state-of-the-art technologies were deployed to obtain high-resolution time series of pCO2 and [O2] on a mussel patch within a Zostera marina seagrass bed, in Kiel Bay (western Baltic Sea) in August and September 2013. Combining the in situ data with results of discrete sample measurements, a full seawater carbonate chemistry was derived using statistical models. An average pCO2 more than 50 % (~ 640 µatm) higher than current atmospheric levels was found right above the mussel patch. Diel amplitudes of pCO2 were large: 765 ± 310 (mean ± SD). Corrosive conditions for calcium carbonates (Ωarag and Ωcalc
Application of UAV-SfM photogrammetry and aerial lidar to a disastrous flood: repeated topographic measurement of a newly formed crevasse splay of the Kinu River, central Japan
Authors: Izumida Atsuto , Uchiyama Shoichiro , Sugai Toshihiko
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Geomorphic impacts of a disastrous crevasse splay that formed in September 2015 and its post-formation modifications were quantitatively documented by using repeated, high-definition digital surface models (DSMs) of an inhabited and cultivated floodplain of the Kinu River, central Japan. The DSMs were based on pre-flood (resolution: 2 m) and post-flood (resolution: 1 m) aerial light detection and ranging (lidar) data from January 2007 and September 2015, respectively, and on structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry data (resolution: 3.84 cm) derived from aerial photos taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in December 2015. After elimination of systematic errors among the DSMs and down-sampling of the SfM-derived DSM, elevation changes on the order of 10−1 m – including not only topography but also growth of vegetation, vanishing of flood waters, and restoration and repair works – were detected. Comparison of the DSMs showed that the volume eroded by the flood was more than twice the deposited volume in the area within 300–500 m of the breached artificial levee, where the topography was significantly affected. The results suggest that DSMs based on a combination of UAV-SfM and lidar data can be used to quantify, rapidly and in rich detail, topographic changes on floodplains caused by floods.
Climbing with Ṣā’eb, Sinking with Ghanī: A Comparison of Two Ghazals on Poetry
Authors: Keshavmurthy Prashant
Published: September 2017

This article aims to get at the voice of Ghanī Kashmīrī (d. 1669), the most famous poet of the Persian language ghazal from Kashmir and one of the foremost practitioners of the early modern ghazal style that called itself Speaking the Fresh or Speaking Anew.1 Literary studies recognizes “voice” as designating the relationship between the narrator or narrators and their diegetic universe or universes, between a tale’s teller(s) and the tale-world(s).2 It is only by specifying the logic of these relations that we may then specify the overarching logic of an author’s voice.
Persian Cargo on a Russian Ark: The Role of Iran in Sokurov’s Russian Ark
Authors: Rouhi Leyla , Cassiday Julie A.
Published: September 2017

Alexander Sokurov’s Russian Ark (2002) includes a scene in which the Qajar delegation from Iran, led by Khusrau Mīrzā, offers an apology to Tsar Nicholas I for the murder of Griboedov in Tehran in 1829. The article analyzes this scene in detail, relating it to relevant contexts, including relations between Russia and Iran, and showcases the scene’s ambivalence in spite of the film’s nationalist agenda.
A Proposed System to Manage Donations to Improve Public Schools and Colleges Academic Standings
Authors: Al Ashry (Ashry) Mohammed H. S.
Published: September 2017

Public schools are usually financed with governments’ grants, typically included in the annual budget. In the United States, financial donations are encouraged by the governing bodies and sanctioned by the deductible charitable contributions' taxing system. This paper proposes a donation-contribution scheme to strategically enhance education. The process is planned, developed and arranged by volunteers, schools’ principles-deans, and supervised by special members of the board of education. It involves special charity events and prearranged private visual demonstrations. Wealthy individuals and Corporate heads like to take advantage of the taxing deductible system to eliminate taxing of inappropriate financial write offs by subscribing to benevolent charitable activities. In Saudi Arabia, however, financial donations to public schools are non-existent. This paper provides preliminary partial draft code, and develops an example of a processing procedure for acquiring donations utilizing a reliable cost effective technique.
The Connotations of Language Teacher Autonomy
Authors: Han Ligang
Published: September 2017

With the research on the development of learner autonomy in foreign language education, teacher autonomy has become a hot topic in the research of foreign language teacher education. However, it is the most difficult question to define language teacher autonomy and any answer to it is likely to be subjective. On the basis of expounding upon the different definitions concerning the research on teacher autonomy in language teaching and learning, the focus of the present paper is to clarify the connotations of language teacher autonomy and a working definition is made.
The Impact of Individual Characteristics and Branch Characteristics on Housing Agent Performance: Heckit model and Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Authors: Lee Chun-Chang
Published: September 2017

This study investigates the impacts of individual characteristics and branch characteristics on housing agent performance. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to provide estimations. The empirical results suggest that individual performance varies significantly from branch to branch and is better in branches with higher levels of compensation for individual performance. Individual characteristics including college level education, having children over the age of six, work experience, the square of work experience, and work experience outside the real estate industry have significant effects on individual performance. Individual performance is also better in branches with requirements for hours worked. The individual performance of salespeople working under team compensation schemes is not significantly better than that of salespeople working in branches without team compensation schemes. When the average housing prices for the areas in which branches operate are higher, individual performance will be higher. As the average housing price for an area increases, however, the corresponding increase in individual performance will be less and less strong. According to the empirical results, there was a degree of self-selection in the samples. The results of two-stage estimation were not significantly different from the estimation results of the original model. Hence, the results demonstrate the robustness of the estimation model used.
Constraints to Vegetable Production Resulting from Pest and Diseases Induced by Climate Change and Globalization: A Review
Authors: Phophi Mutondwa M. , Mafongoya Paramu L.
Published: September 2017

Vegetable production worldwide is constrained by pests and diseases which effects are exacerbated by climate change and variability. Greenhouse gas emissions are also increasing due to poor agricultural practices and other human activities. This will continue to have a negative impact on the prevalence of insect pests and diseases. This review focuses on the climatic factors that impact on insect pests and diseases of vegetable crops. High atmospheric temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide increases pest development, survival of pests and distribution of pest to new areas. The distribution of insect pests and diseases are not due to climate changes only but are also a result of globalisation and poor biosecurity measures at country borders. There is limited information on the distribution of pests and diseases due to globalisation in African countries. New exotic pests will continue to be introduced to countries if biosecurity measures are not improved. Future research must focus on how to manage emerging pests and diseases influenced by high temperatures and carbon dioxide and other climatic conditions which influence pest severity under smallholder farmers in the southern African regions.
Determinants of Milk Market Participation and Volume of Sales to Milk Collection Centres of the Smallholder Dairy Value Chain in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chamboko Tafireyi , Mwakiwa Emmanuel , Mugabe Prisca H.
Published: September 2017

At the attainment of Zimbabwe’s independence, government of Zimbabwe established the smallholder dairy development programme to encourage smallholder farmers to participate in formal milk markets. Although now more than three decades since the government established this programme, smallholder contribution to the national formal market remains low at 5%. This study was undertaken to determine factors affecting milk market participation and volume of sales to milk collection centres of the smallholder dairy value chain. Four smallholder dairy schemes were purposively selected on the basis of whether the scheme participated in the semi-formal or formal dairy value chain. A total of 185 farmers were then selected through simple random sampling and interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Heckman two-stage selection econometric models. Results show that resources (represented by dairy cows, household size), knowledge (educational level, access to information and extension), experience (household head age) and agro-ecological region significantly determined farmers’ participation in milk markets. The study also shows the determinants of milk sales volumes to be resources (number of dairy cows and landholding size); market access (distance to milk collection centre); ambition of the farmer (age); and natural climatic conditions (agro-ecological region). Government policy interventions therefore need to be targeted at increasing the number of dairy cows, taking into account landholding and market access, targeting educated, young farmers located in agro-ecological regions I and II, providing them with adequate, appropriate information and extension packages in order to enhance milk market participation and volume of sales.
Trinexapac-Ethyl Causes Stimulatory Effect on the Initial Growth of Eucalyptus urograndis Clones
Authors: Bacha Allan Lopes , Martins Pedro de F. R. Barbosa , Carrega Willians Cesar , Alves Pedro Luis da C. A. , Paula Rinaldo Cesar de
Published: September 2017

Eucalyptus plants are sensitive to stress factors in the initial growth phase. The plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl can provide gains to eucalyptus plants, a phenomenon known as hormesis. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of trinexapac-ethyl on the initial growth of two Eucalyptus urograndis clones (Clone 1 = I-144 and Clone 2 = 1407). The experiment was performed during 90 days after planting (DAP) of eucalyptus, in 100 L pots, with a randomized complete block design. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with two eucalyptus clones and three trinexapac-ethyl doses (0, 30 and 60 g i.a. ha-1), with four replications. Fortnightly, plants height and stem diameter were evaluated. At 90 DAP, the leaf area and plants dry matter (DM) were evaluated. Clone 1 obtained leaf area and total DM 53% and 58% larger than Clone 2, respectively. The higher dose of trinexapac-ethyl provided mean gains of 30% in stem DM and total DM in Clone 1. For Clone 2, both doses of the product caused mean gains of 70% in stem DM, leaf DM and total DM. In conclusion, trinexapac-ethyl has a positive effect on the initial growth of E. urograndis, Clones I-144 and 1407. Clone I-144 showed higher growth than Clone 1407, regardless trinexapac-ethyl application. However, the Clone 1407 obtained more expressive gains with the application of trinexapac-ethyl, compared to Clone I-144.
Quality of Yellow Bell Pepper Fruits Cultivated in Fertilized Soil with Yellow Water and Cassava Wastewater
Authors: Ramos J. G. , Do Nascimento M. T. C. C. , Guimarães R. F. B. , Pereira M. De O. , Borges V. E. , De Araujo N. C. , Dos Santos J. S.
Published: September 2017

Currently there is a great need for reuse of water in agricultural activity, aiming at reducing environmental impacts and production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fruit production of hybrid Satrapo bell pepper, under fertilization with yellow water and cassava wastewater. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located at Campina Grande city, PB. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight treatments and five replications, totaling 40 experimental plots. The treatments were characterized by fertilization with cattle manure (EB); NPK; human urine (HU); cassava wastewater (M); cassava wastewater and human urine (UH+M); the double volume of human urine (2xUH); the double volume of cassava wastewater (2xM); and the double volume of human urine and cassava wastewater (2xUH+M). At 60 day after transplanting (DAT) were evaluated the diameter, thickness of mesocarp, fresh and dry phytomass and number of lobes of yellow bell pepper fruits.According to the results, there were significant differences in the variables analyzed due to the treatments applied. The treatment corresponding to 2xM provided the highest results for length, diameter, thickness of the mesocarp, fresh and dry phytomass of the bell pepper fruits. On the contrary, 2xUH was the treatment that provided the lowest values for these variables and provided the highest number of lobes.
Impact of Aquatic Earthworms on Methane Emission Reduction from the Paddy Field Soil in Japan
Authors: Mitra Priyanka , Kaneko Nobuhiro
Published: September 2017

Methane (CH4) is one of the major greenhouse gases that significantly contributes to global warming. Therefore, substantial efforts are being made to reduce CH4 emissions. Paddy fields make a major contribution to atmospheric CH4 concentration because of their anoxic soil environment. Paddy field is habitat of many aquatic earthworms which can play a crucial role in reducing CH4 emissions from paddy field, because their bioturbation activities influence the soil structure and increase oxygen penetration and hence the activity of methanotrophs. Therefore, it was hypothesized that aquatic earthworms may accelerate oxidation of CH4 through their bioturbation activity. This incubation study evaluated the effects of earthworms on the activity of methanotrophs. Soil was incubated with a full factorial combination of two levels of aquatic earthworm (with and without earthworm) and two levels of fertilizer (with and without urea) for 35 days. The addition of urea increased the earthworm density in paddy soil by nearly doubled of without urea. At 28 days after incubation (DAI) the CH4 flux decreased from 2055 mg m-2 h-1 in only urea received soil to 425 mg m-2 h-1 in soil received both urea and earthworm treatment. Phospholipid fatty acid analysis showed that the presence of aquatic earthworms contributed to an increase in the biomass of methanotrophs. The study implies that aquatic earthworms may play vital role to reduce CH4 emission form paddy fields by creating favorable environment for methanotrophs, even in the soils fertilized with urea.
Investigating of N and K Fertilizers on Yield and Components of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Shahkoomahally Elahe , Shahkoomahally Shirin
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen and potassium fertilization have given variable results in increasing soybean yield. More information is needed about optimum potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) fertilizers placement for soybean. This study investigated the effect of different amounts of nitrogen and potassium on yield and its components on soybean cultivar DPX. Treatments include nitrogen (from urea) - Potash (potassium sulfate) in seven levels (N0-K0, N50-K0, N0-K20, N50-K20, N100-K50, N200-K100 and N250-K150 kg/ha) and factor inoculated and non-inoculated at two levels. Some growth parameters such as seed number, 100 seed weight, pod number, yield and harvest index were analyzed. There was significant difference between seed number and 100 seed weight. When the seeds were inoculated with bacteria, treatments N0-K0 and N250-K150 have a minimum and maximum number of seeds in these conditions, respectively. Also, the results showed that 100 seed weight in treatments inoculated with bacteria, N250-K150 most (24 g per plant) and N0-K0 minimal (14 g per plant), respectively. In the absence of inoculation with bacteria treated N0-K0 also had the lowest 100 seed weight. There was a positive correlation between number of pod per plant, yield and harvest index and N rate. Consequently the results demonstrated that increases in yields were necessarilyrelated to increase in plant N and K content and inoculated with bacteria had a marginal effect.
Grey Correlative Degree Analysis on the Cold-Resistant Traits of Parthenocarpic Eggplant
Authors: Lv Ling Ling , Li Wei , Xiao Xi Ou , Gao Xiao Min
Published: September 2017

In order to breed new eggplant variety with parthenocarpic ability and strong cold-resistance, the six cold-resistant traits of fifteen eggplant resources with parthenocarpic ability were evaluated with grey correlative degree analysis. One non-parthenocarpic resource ‘Shenggao No. 2’ was used as control. The results indicated that ‘29’, ‘32’, ‘30’, ‘XBL’, ‘31-2-1’, ‘TXQ’ and ‘31-2-2’ had strong cold-resistance; ‘HLMQ’, ‘HQ’, ‘ZHQ’, control and ‘HXZ’ had weak cold-resistance; the other four resources had moderate cold-resistance. When suffered cold stress, the resources with strong cold-resistance had a larger increase of SOD, POD, CAT activities and a least increase of MDA content and EL. Among the strong cold-resistant resources, ‘29’, ‘30’, ‘31-2-1’, ‘TXQ’ and ‘31-2-2’ had purplish red fruits and significantly stronger cold-resistance than control, which were suitable for cultivation in south China. ‘32’ and ‘XBL’ with white fruits could be used as breeding materials.
Tax forecasting as part of a macro financial controlling system: the case of Ukraine
Authors: Paientko Tetiana , Proskura Kateryna
Published: September 2017

Tax forecasting as part of a macro financial controlling system: the case of Ukraine

The current system of forecasting and tax planning in Ukraine is oriented to the needs of the government, its goal being to calculate the desired amounts of tax revenue. Fiscal authorities apply administrative pressure on businesses to implement tax plans. In Ukraine, tax forecasting is a process that is focused on achieving short-term goals without taking into account the impact of such actions on the future economic environment, therefore negatively affecting the quality of forecasts. The aim of this article is to justify the directions of tax forecasting improvement in the macro financial controlling system. Elements of tax forecasting and the planning system are examined. The main methods of tax forecasting that are applied by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine are analyzed. The need to improve the methodology for tax fore-casting, taking into account the expectations of economic agents, is proved. Tools and criteria for effec-tive tax planning and forecasting in Ukraine for controlling bases are developed.
The usefulness of fair value estimates for financial decision making: a literature review
Authors: Sapkauskiene Alfreda , Orlovskij Sergej
Published: September 2017

The usefulness of fair value estimates for financial decision making: a literature review

The objective of this discussion is to answer the fundamental question: ‘Are Fair Value estimates current-ly useful for financial decision making?’ Through a systematic review we analyse the qualitative second-ary data from dedicated scientific articles, based on the relevance and reliability of Fair Value estimates, and find out that there are still ongoing problems with reliability of information mainly because of the managerial estimation process and the ‘human factor’ in general. We identify 3 problem areas that are closely interconnected: (1) the business entity, (2) auditing, and (3) financial regulators and accounting academics. Each area has its own set of challenges and several suggestions are given to improve the reliability and relevance of Fair Value estimates, but a lot of those propositions require dedicated attention from accounting academics, financial regulators, and standard-setters. All in all, there is a clear trend that the situation with Fair Value estimates (especially those of Level 3) has been improving recently, and Level 3 estimates can indeed be used in the current financial decision process, but with some level of scepticism.
Recommendation for use of Sinupret extract in acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wysocki Jarosław
Published: September 2017

Acute and chronic rhinosinusitis is the most common problem encountered in ENT practice. Nearly all cases of acute
rhinosinusitis are of viral background. Further course of the disease is determined by the condition of mucosal membranes,
systemic immune strength, virulence of the infectious agent and the morphology of paranasal sinuses. Medications
used in acute rhinosinusitis provide symptomatic treatment, their effect being aimed at reduction of inflammation
and swelling. Products obtained from medicinal plants may provide an alternative to these medications. In
vitro studies have shown that these products demonstrate anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, anti-edemic, and
antiviral effects. With the market placement of Sinupret extract, the armamentarium of therapeutic has been extended
by a concentrated product characterized by strength comparable to that of synthetic analgesic and anti-inflammatory
drug as well as by additional, documented antiviral effect. The article discusses the composition of Sinupret extract,
the mechanisms of action of its active substances, and the results of preclinical and clinical studies of Sinupret
and Sinupret extract.
Shock Tourism – between Sensation and Empathy. 9/11 Case Study
Authors: Duda Anna
Published: September 2017

Purpose. The attempt to create a definition of the shock tourism as a type of dark tourism. The phenomenon of spontaneous travels to sites of disasters was first described from the anthropological perspective by Chris Rojek in 1993. He used the term black spots, referring to places that became travel destinations in reaction to current media coverage (spotlights). In Polish research we hitherto lack the translation of this term, as well as explicit descriptions of travels which are the immediate result of current media coverage. The proposed definition of shock tourism will be presented not only as a kind of „sensation tourism”. The visitors, through their presence, not only influence the shape of memory sites but they also take part in creating the memory of tragic events. The example of New York’s Ground Zero shows us how much, over the course of recent years, not only the physical space of the site, but also its symbolic dimensions have changed. The narration of 11th September National Museum, the 9/11 Memorial Site and the work of non-profit 9/11 Tribute Center contribute to changing the perception of „shock sites” from lieux de l’imagination to lieux de mémoire. Method. Fieldwork, participant observation (an analysis of narratives of 9/11 National Museum and Memory Site; observation of tourists’ and tour guides behaviour). Findings. An analysis of narratives of 9/11 National Museum and Memori Site, as well as the activity of 9/11 Tribute Center became a starting point to further considerations on the role of tourists in creating postmodern lieux de mémoire. Research and conclusions limitations. Limited time of fieldwork (10 days). Originality. The paper concerns postmodern phenomenon of the evolution od post-disaster sites into the memorylands, according to Sharon Macdonald’s concept. The framework of shock tourism opens new horizons and research perspectives of this process. Type of paper. Theoretical paper based on case study of 9/11.
Methodology for Skull Tap Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (Tap-cVEMP)
Authors: Glinka Paulina , Lachowska Magdalena , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: September 2017

Objective: The aim of this study is to present a methodology of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials registered from sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) using skull tap stimulation (Tap-cVEMP) in a patient with cerebellopontine angle tumor (CPAT).
Material and methods: A 23-year-old female with CPAT. The methodology of Tap-cVEMP is introduced. The results of VEMP is confronted with surgical information about the tumor.
Results: The results of AC-cVEMP and Tap-cVEMP revealed the inferior vestibular nerve bundle to be affected by the tumor with intact superior bundle. Information obtained from VEMP was confirmed during surgery.
Conclusion: Skull Tap Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (Tap-cVEMP) may be the useful method in the diagnostics of CPAT. AC-cVEMP and Tap-cVEMP may be helpful to evaluate the functional integrity of both vestibular nerve bundles providing the information about their involvement in the pathological process.
Skin and mucosal lesions in otolaryngological practice
Authors: Sobolewski Piotr , Ziuzia Laura , Dobrzyński Paweł , Walecka Irena
Published: September 2017

Cutaneous and mucosal lesions are seen in many diseases, frequently being the main element of the clinical presentation.
It is not uncommon that the patient with mucosal lesions of the upper respiratory tract consults the otolaryngologist
first, therefore it is important that those specialists know the mucosal symptoms of dermatological diseases
and consider them in the differential diagnosis. In this article diseases with the mucosal lesions of the upper
respiratory tract are described, including pemphigus, pemphigoid, lichen planus, and Behçet’s disease. Knowledge of
the morphology of these mucosal manifestations is essential in the clinical practice of both dermatologists and otolaryngologists,
and the diagnostic and therapeutic success may be achieved only with the cooperation of these specialists.
Transient bilateral palsy of vocal cord after tonsillectomy in local anesthesia – case report
Authors: Wendt Robert , Dalke Krzysztof Jarosław , Glamowski Piotr Tomasz
Published: September 2017

Vocal cord palsy as a result of tonsillectomy in local anesthesia is a very rare complication. In literature, there is only
few publication describing this side effect of tonsillectomy. We present a case of 26 years old men who was classified
for surgical removing of tonsils in local anesthesia using 1% lignocaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine. During the procedure
respiratory failure with stridor was developed, examination using indirect laryngoscopy show bilateral vocal
chord palsy. The authors present probably pathomechanism of this complication.
Effect of Metal Ions, Solvents and Surfactants on the Activity of Protease from Aspergillus niger KIBGE-IB36
Authors: Hafsa Sattar  , Afsheen Aman  , Shah Ali Ul Qader
Published: September 2017

Metal ions greatly impact on the enzymatic activity, they may form strong interaction by forming coordinate bond with enzyme-substrate at the catalytic site which may activate, inhibit or stabilized the enzyme molecules. In this study, extracellular protease from Aspergillus niger KIBGE-IB36 was precipitated with 40% ammonium sulfate. It was revealed that K+, Ba2+, Na+, Mg2+ Zn2+, Ca2+ boosted the protease activity whereas, Cs+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, V2+, Co2+, Hg2+ and Al3+ showed to be inhibitor of protease. Dimethyl sulfoxide (5.0 mM) and methanol (5.0 mM) showed catalytic activity while ethanol at same concentration exhibited inhibitory effect. Protease activity augmented with Tween 80, while SDS, Triton X-100, EDTA and PMSF exhibited inhibitory effect.