bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbound tourism influenced by social media: An Indian case study
Authors: MANHAS Parikshat S , DOGRA Jeet
Published: January 2019

In 2014, the Union Government of India has set a target to achieve 1%
share in global tourism arrivals in India, as expressed by the then Union
Minister State for Tourism. In this regard, the role played by Social Media to
influence the foreign tourist was significant. To analyze the causality between
India, as a tourist destination and its presence on social media platform, a
research study has been done which was fully funded by Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India. The main objective was to study all the foreign tourists
visiting India duly influenced by the social media. Due to the nature of the
study, the technique of the focus - group interview has applied and then
structured questionnaire has prepared to achieve the six objectives of the
study. With a total sample size of 2,351 inbound tourists, collected in four
phases during peak inbound tourist seasons from 2015 to 2016. The sample had
consisted of the respondents from 93 nationalities and influenced by social
media to visit India. The major outcomes were that majority of the inbound
tourists came to know about India as a tourist destination through social media
and then they explored more information specifically tourists attractions, to
plan their trips to India. The majority of the tourists got influenced by
Tripadvisor and Facebook platforms and reasonably satisfied with the
information generated by the other social media sources. The results and conclusions
have accepted by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and utilized
appropriately to gain the competitive advantage.
EL IDEAL HUMANISTA DE MEJORAMIENTO HUMANO Y SU INFLUENCIA EN VASCO DE QUIROGA
Authors: Sabido Sánchez Juárez Cecilia Guadalupe
Published: January 2019

En esta investigación pretendo mostrar los elementos de humanismo presentes en el proyecto de creación de los «hospitales-pueblo» con los que Vasco de Quiroga pretendía responder a las necesidades que encontró al llegar al Nuevo Mundo. Para ello, señalaré una precisión relativa a las características del humanismo renacentista y las peculiaridades que tuvo en la Universidad de Salamanca de su tiempo; asimismo consideraré cómo influye en el proyecto de Vasco de Quiroga la experiencia profesional previa a su llegada a la Nueva España. Después retomaré las consideraciones humanistas de sus principales fuentes de inspiración y el modo en que pudo adecuarlas a las necesidades que detectó en las comunidades indígenas a su cargo. La idea central es que Vasco de Quiroga toma como punto de partida el ideal humanista de «mejoramiento humano», realizable a través de la palabra y la vida comunitaria; si bien este ideal es universal, lo encuentra especialmente viable en tierras americanas, dados sus hábitos y virtudes, a diferencia del estado de corrupción de la sociedad europea. En última instancia, la visión y el proyecto de Vasco de Quiroga contribuirán a instaurar un peculiar humanismo en el pensamiento y la vida práctica del mundo novohispano. Palabras clave: humanismo, humanismo cívico, renacimiento, república, mejoramiento humano, vida comunitaria, conquista.
Evaluation of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization on the in vitro efficacy of meropenem-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate beads
Authors: Durham Myra E. , Elfenbein Johanna R.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization on the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of meropenem-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (M-PMMA) beads.

SAMPLE 6-mm-diameter polymethyl methacrylate beads that were or were not impregnated with meropenem.

PROCEDURES Meropenem-free polymethyl methacrylate and M-PMMA beads were sterilized by use of an autoclave or VHP or remained unsterilized. To determine the antimicrobial efficacy of each bead-sterilization combination (treatment), Mueller-Hinton agar plates were inoculated with 1 of 6 common equine pathogens, and 1 bead from each treatment was applied to a sixth of each plate. The zone of bacterial inhibition for each treatment was measured after 24 hours. To estimate the duration of antimicrobial elution into a solid or liquid medium, 1 bead from each treatment was transferred every 24 hours to a new Staphylococcus aureus–inoculated agar plate or a tube with PBS solution, and an aliquot of the eluent from each tube was then applied to a paper disc on an S aureus–inoculated agar plate. All agar plates were incubated for 24 hours, and the zone of bacterial inhibition was measured for each treatment.

RESULTS In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of M-PMMA beads was retained following VHP sterilization. The duration of antimicrobial elution in solid and liquid media did not differ significantly between unsterilized and VHP-sterilized M-PMMA beads.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that M-PMMA beads retained in vitro antimicrobial activity and eluted the drug for up to 2 weeks after VHP sterilization.
Morphometric evaluation of the portal vein by means of abdominal computed tomographic angiography in dogs free of vascular anomalies
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Ferreira Amy , Maddox Thomas W.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To determine the mean diameter of the main portal vein (PV) in healthy dogs by use of CT angiography, identify any associations between PV diameter and certain dog characteristics, and validate a clinically valuable ratio for quantifying the size of the PV.

ANIMALS 100 dogs with no hepatic, cardiac, or vascular anomalies that underwent abdominal CT angiography.

PROCEDURES Diameters of the main PV, abdominal aorta (Ao), and caudal vena cava (CVC) were measured by 2 observers at a defined location on postcontrast CT angiographic images in axial, sagittal, and transverse planes. Dog characteristics were evaluated for associations with PV diameter, and a PV:Ao diameter ratio was calculated. Intraclass correlations were calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement in vessel diameter measurements.

RESULTS Mean diameter values were 7.9 mm (range, 4.1 to 14.8 mm) for the PV, 8.9 mm (range, 3.7 to 13.7 mm) for the Ao, and 11.4 mm (range, 4.4 to 22.5 mm) for the CVC. The PV:Ao diameter ratio was 0.91 mm. The PV diameter was significantly associated with dog body weight but not with dog age, sex, or neuter status. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities for measurements of all 3 vessels were considered excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings indicated that the PV:Ao diameter ratio was a repeatable measurement that may be useful for evaluating the size of the portal vasculature in dogs and possibly for distinguishing healthy PVs from abnormal PVs in dogs with hepatic vascular anomalies.
Investigation of effects of omeprazole on the fecal and gastric microbiota of healthy adult horses
Authors: Tyma Jesse F. , Epstein Kira L. , Whitfield-Cargile Canaan M. , Cohen Noah D. , Giguère Steeve
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of oral omeprazole administration on the fecal and gastric microbiota of healthy adult horses.

ANIMALS 12 healthy adult research horses.

PROCEDURES Horses were randomly assigned to receive omeprazole paste (4 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h) or a sham (control) treatment (tap water [20 mL, PO, q 24 h]) for 28 days. Fecal and gastric fluid samples were collected prior to the first treatment (day 0), and on days 7, 28, 35, and 56. Sample DNA was extracted, and bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified and sequenced to characterize α and β diversity and differential expression of the fecal and gastric microbiota. Data were analyzed by visual examination and by statistical methods.

RESULTS Composition and diversity of the fecal microbiota did not differ significantly between treatment groups or over time. Substantial variation in gastric fluid results within groups and over time precluded meaningful interpretation of the microbiota in those samples.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results supported that omeprazole administration had no effect on fecal microbiota composition and diversity in this group of healthy adult horses. Small sample size limited power to detect a difference if one existed; however, qualitative graphic examination supported that any difference would likely have been small and of limited clinical importance. Adequate data to evaluate potential effects on the gastric microbiota were not obtained. Investigations are needed to determine the effects of omeprazole in horses with systemic disease or horses receiving other medical treatments.
Comparison of body condition score and other minimally invasive biomarkers between dogs with gastric carcinoma and dogs with chronic gastritis
Authors: Seim-Wikse Tonje , Skancke Ellen , Nødtvedt Ane , Jörundsson Einar , Grotmol Tom , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Bjørnvad Charlotte R.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To identify minimally invasive biomarkers to help differentiate dogs with gastric carcinoma from those with chronic gastritis.

DESIGN Prospective study.

ANIMALS 15 dogs with gastric carcinoma, 29 dogs with chronic gastritis, and 7 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES Dogs with clinical signs of upper gastrointestinal tract disease for > 14 days that underwent gastroscopy or necropsy for collection of gastric biopsy specimens for histologic evaluation were prospectively enrolled. Gastric carcinoma and chronic gastritis were diagnosed on the basis of histologic findings. Additionally, gastric biopsy specimens were collected endoscopically from 7 healthy (control) dogs while they were anesthetized for a routine neutering procedure. Prior to being anesthetized for gastroscopy or euthanized, all dogs underwent a physical examination, and a blood sample was collected for quantification of select serum biomarker concentrations. Histologic findings, body condition score (BCS), and serum biomarker concentrations were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS Dogs with gastric carcinoma were significantly older and had a significantly lower BCS, lower serum folate concentration, and greater serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, compared with dogs with chronic gastritis and control dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that age > 8 years, BCS < 4, serum CRP concentration > 25 mg/L, and an abnormally low serum folate concentration might be useful noninvasive biomarkers for identification of dogs with gastric carcinoma. For underweight older dogs with signs of upper gastrointestinal tract disease and high serum CRP and low serum folate concentrations, gastric biopsy specimens should be obtained and evaluated so that a prompt definitive diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.
Retrospective study of survival time and prognostic factors for dogs with small intestinal adenocarcinoma treated by tumor excision with or without adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Smith Ashley A. , Frimberger Angela E. , Moore Antony S.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To estimate survival time for dogs with small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIACA) following tumor excision with or without adjuvant chemotherapy and to identify factors associated with survival time.

DESIGN Retrospective case series with a nested cohort study.

ANIMALS 29 client-owned dogs with surgically resected, histologically diagnosed SIACA.

PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data collected regarding dog signalment; clinical signs; physical examination findings; PCV; serum total solids concentration; diagnostic imaging results; tumor size, location, and histologic characteristics (serosal extension, lymphatic invasion, surgical margins, and lymph node metastasis); type of adjuvant chemotherapy; NSAID administration; and survival time. Variables were assessed for associations with survival time and hazard rate via Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.

RESULTS Overall median survival time for dogs with SIACA following tumor excision was 544 days (95% confidence interval, 369 to 719 days). Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 60% and 36%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only age category was an independent predictor of survival over the follow-up period. Dogs < 8 years of age had a significantly longer median survival time (1,193 days) than dogs ≥ 8 years (488 days). Lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy, NSAID administration, and other assessed variables were not associated with survival time.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that SIACA in dogs carries a fair prognosis following excision, even when lymph node metastasis is present. Prospective studies are warranted to better characterize the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy or NSAID administration on survival time.
Outcome following computed tomographic imaging and subsequent surgical removal of keratomas in equids: 32 cases (2005–2016)
Authors: Katzman Scott A. , Spriet Mathieu , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To describe the use of CT in the diagnosis of and presurgical planning for equids with keratomas treated by hoof wall resection and determine postoperative complications and outcome.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 29 horses and 3 mules with keratomas treated by partial or complete hoof wall resection following CT imaging of the distal portion of the affected extremity from 2005 through 2016.

PROCEDURES For each equid, physical examination and lameness evaluation were performed, followed by imaging of the distal portion of the affected extremity. A tentative diagnosis of keratoma was made given results of clinical, radiographic, and CT examination, with the definitive diagnosis made on histologic examination. After CT imaging, each equid was treated with hoof wall resection.

RESULTS CT allowed accurate identification of the size and location of 35 keratomas in 33 feet. Thirty equids underwent partial and 2 underwent complete hoof wall resection for keratoma removal. Complications developed in 4 of 31 (13%) equids and included excessive granulation tissue formation at the surgical site (n = 1), excessive granulation tissue formation and worsening lameness (1), incomplete keratoma removal with suspected regrowth (1), and incomplete healing of the surgical site with distal interphalangeal joint sepsis secondary to repeated debridement of abnormal tissue (1). Twenty-eight of 31 (90%) equids returned to their previous activity level.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preoperative CT examination of the feet was useful in the diagnosis of and surgical planning for keratomas in equids. A low complication rate was achieved with the described techniques.
Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in goats
Authors: Daniel Alexander J. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Holt Timothy N. , Griffenhagen Gregg M. , Hackett Eileen S.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE To describe a minimally invasive 3-portal laparoscopic approach for elective ovariohysterectomy and the outcome of that procedure in a population of goats.

DESIGN Descriptive clinical study.

ANIMALS 16 healthy client-owned goats.

PROCEDURES Food but not water was withheld from all goats for 24 hours before the procedure. Goats were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. Three laparoscopic portals were created in the caudoventral portion of the abdomen, and the abdomen was insufflated to a maximum pressure of 10 mm Hg. A blunt-tip vessel sealer and divider device was used to transect the left and right mesovarium and mesometrium and uterus, and the resected tissue was removed from the abdomen. After hemostasis was verified, the portals were closed in a routine manner and anesthesia was discontinued. Goats were discharged from the hospital 24 hours after the procedure, and owners were contacted by telephone or email to obtain short- and long-term follow-up information by use of standardized questions.

RESULTS All procedures were performed by a surgeon and assistant surgeon. The procedure was not complex and was easily learned. No intraoperative complications were reported, and only 1 goat required rescue analgesia post-operatively. No other postoperative complications were recorded. Median surgery time was 43 minutes (range, 20 to 65 minutes). All owners were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, and several perceived that the procedure improved goat behavior.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy was a viable alternative for elective sterilization of female goats.
Factors of selection and quality of wood used for woodcraft in medieval Polish strongholds and early urban centres
Authors: Cywa Katarzyna , Wacnik Agnieszka , Lityńska-Zając Maria
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses various aspects of the use of wood for crafts in the Middle Ages, based on xylological analyses of 4211 crafted items of everyday use discovered at 62 archaeological sites in Poland. Over 1500 items were identified in the authors’ own analyses, and the remaining taxonomic data were taken from the literature. The research showed that the main types of wood used at the time were Pinus sylvestris, Quercus sp., Fraxinus excelsior, Picea sp. vel Larix sp., Taxus baccata, Alnus sp., Abies alba and Euonymus sp. Nineteen other taxa were used to make a much smaller pool of objects.

At most of the analysed sites a similar set of materials was used to produce the items, regardless of their age and location. The choice of wood was selective and was based on the characteristics of particular tree and shrub species. Large coopered vessels were primarily made of wood from Quercus sp., Pinus sylvestris and Taxus baccata. The manufacture of turned utensils usually involved Fraxinus excelsior, while stave bowls were made using only Pinus sylvestris and Picea/Larix (mainly Picea abies).

To verify the local availability of the source taxa, we used pollen sequences from natural and anthropogenic sites in the vicinity of the places where the examined artefacts were found. The choice of wood was limited by the availability of the trees and shrubs. In north-western Poland the most important taxa used for woodworking in the Middle Ages were Pinus sylvestris, Quercus sp., Fraxinus excelsior and Fagus sylvatica; in the south, Picea/Larix and Abies alba were used most frequently. Some items made of Abies alba, Picea and Larix were imported from other parts of the country.

We inferred two stages of the use of wood by medieval Polish craftsmen. In the first stage, from the mid-10th century to the late 12th century, they largely used deciduous taxa; the second stage, from the 13th to the 15th centuries, saw the increased use of conifers.

We found that the medieval craftsmen chose high-quality wood without defects. Radial wood with the best technical parameters was preferred. Its share increased in the late Middle Ages; this can be attributed to the craftsmen’s increasing familiarity with carpentry techniques.
Body composition and physical performance of Slovak Ice hockey players with different training approach during pre-season preparation
Authors: Candráková Čerňanová Veronika , Čerňan Ján , Danková Zuzana , Siváková Daniela
Published: January 2019

The pre-season preparation aim is to improve the components of physical performance through the changes in training intensity, gradual increment in volume, variation in training frequency and optimizing the body composition. The problem in team sports is the lack of individualization, because most coaches in team sports focus their training on the group and not on improving each player’s strengths and weaknesses. The aim of this study is to identify differences in the body composition and physical performance of young ice-hockey players (15-18 years) with different pre-season training approaches (collective vs. individual). This longitudinal study monitored 13 ice-hockey players with collective training and 8 ice-hockey players with individual training during their pre-season preparation. Body composition was measured by bioimpedance analyzer BIA 101 (Akern, S.R.L.) and the Myotest PRO determined player physical performance in power, force and velocity. Performance and body composition comparisons showed gradual increase in the differences between the two studied groups during the training process.
This increase escalated to significant differences in the final output test results and was especially noted in the upper limbs power and force (p=0.016; p<0.001) and lower limbs power and force (p=0.029; p=0.001) with better performance results by individual training approach. Stepwise linear regression also showed significant relationship between upper limbs power, resistance (p<0.001) and fat mass (p<0.001). The upper limbs force was significantly associated with intra-cellular (p<0.001) and extracellular water (p=0.026), body cell mass index (p<0.001), basal metabolic rate (p<0.001) and training approach (p<0.001), while the lower limbs power was significantly associated with total body water (p<0.001), training approach (p=0.033) and the pre-season preparation phase (p<0.001). In addition, the training approach (p<0.001), preparation phase (p<0.001), player position (p=0.012) and fat free mass (p<0.001) were significantly associated with lowers limb force. Our results indicate the importance of using an individual training approach and optimal body composition in physical performance progression.
Facial attractiveness and lip morphology of Caucasian women
Authors: Lewandowski Zdzisław , Danel Dariusz P.
Published: January 2019

Human lips are one of the most sexually dimorphic facial features. Although lip morphology is considered particularly important for female facial attractiveness no systematic empirical study has been conducted in this respect. This study aimed to investigate a relationship between female Caucasian facial attractiveness and their lip morphology. Two series of morphologically average composite portraits with digitally increased and decreased lip width and height measurements were assessed by adult men and women. Results were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. When compared to the average lip shape both a decrease and an increase in lip width were associated with lower female facial attractiveness. A systematic increase in lip height from the lowest values to the highest, was associated with an increase in attractiveness scores. Attractiveness assessments of men and women did not differ significantly. The results show that perception of lip attractiveness may be intersexually congruent and that a variation in lip morphology may significantly affect female facial attractiveness.
Periodontitis in 14th–17th century inhabitants of Brześć Kujawski in north-central Poland
Authors: Karkus Justyna
Published: January 2019

Manifestations of periodontitis, the destructive form of periodontal disease affecting the alveolar bone, are often clearly recognizable in archaeological human remains. Analysis of this disease allows to obtain data not only about biological condition but also diet and nutrition of past populations. The objective of this paper was to asses periodontitis in the Polish urban population of Brześć Kujawski during Medieval – Modern transition (14th–17th centuries AD). An attempt was also made to explain the relationship between atrophy of alveolar bones and the type of diet. Lowering of alveolar crests was diagnosed based on measurements of the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar crest edge (CEJ– AC) distance and morphology of the alveolar edge. In studied population periodontitis affected 77.1% of individuals and 41.4% of all alveoli. Frequency, intensity and severity of the disease was higher in males and increased with the individual’s age. Severity of alveolar destruction was associated with dental calculus accumulation. It seems that a high prevalence of the disease may be, among others, result of carbohydrate-rich diet and fragmented food. Sex differences could be related to differences in diet (especially in protein intake) and hormone levels or lack of oral hygiene in part of the population.
Semi-Autonomous Drone for Agriculture on the Tractor Base
Authors: Kashkarov Anton , Diordiiev Volodymyr , Sabo Andrii , Novikov Gennadii
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the prospects of using a drone for spraying the gardens and vineyards. Relevance of this process is substantiated with the help of statistical data on the industry in Ukraine. To increase the efficiency of drones during the plant treatment, the concept of a semi-autonomous drone is proposed with connection to a communication line with a tractor – a “tractor-drone” complex. A spraying solution and commands for the drone are transmitted via the communication line. Basic physical formulas for appropriate selection of technical means for the lifting of sprayer frame are presented. Environmental parameters for the flight control system were estimated: temperature fluctuation at 20 K requires screw speed increase by 1.5%; an increase in atmospheric pressure by 5% allows reduction of screw speed by 2%. Tasks of the control system for the concept of semi-autonomous drones are defined in the paper.
Aspects of the Internal Gear Honing Process
Authors: Lupas Rares , Beju Livia Dana
Published: January 2019

The paper analyzes the process of internal honing of cylindrical gears, a new and modern method of finishing the gear tooth flanks. At the beginning, the kinematics of the process is being analyzed. By realizing the state of art, we were able to identify the main features of the process, its advantages in terms of surface precision and quality, the residual stresses and the wear of the flanks compared with other finishing processes. An experimental study of the geometric precision, the shape of the flanks and the roughness for honed surfaces compared to the unfinished ones, highlighted the value and the need of this process.
Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates from different dairy products and their emergence in the food chain
Authors: György É. , Laslo É.
Published: January 2019

The antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogens represents a healthcare concern globally. This phenomenon has an increasing impact on medicine and economy. A total of 26 spoilage and pathogenic bacterial isolates originating from different dairy products have been screened against eight different antibiotics. Based on the type of the selective agar medium used for their isolation, the isolates were: five staphylococci isolates, six Vibrio isolates, two Pseudomonas sp. isolates, three Salmonella isolates, five E. coli isolates, and five coliform isolates. The overall resistance to the tested antimicrobials of the bacterial isolates was 31.73%, the majority being susceptible. Based on the results, there are isolates with multiple antibiotic patterns that can be possible risk factors and may call for preventive measures.
Methods and procedures for reducing soy trypsin inhibitor activity by means of heat treatment combined with chemical methods
Authors: Csapó J. , Albert Cs.
Published: January 2019

We have developed a new procedure for reducing soy trypsin inhibitor activity by means of heat treatment combined with chemical methods, through which soy trypsin inhibitor activity decreases to the tenth or twentieth part of the original value. We determined the optimal concentration of the applied chemicals (hydrogen-peroxide, ammonium-hydroxide) as well as the optimal temperature and duration of the treatment. The chemical procedure combined with heat treatment results in lower energy consumption as compared to the original heat treatment methods.
Development of fortified bakery products based on kokoro, a traditional Nigerian snack
Authors: Fadairo O. , Diósi G. , Mironescu I. , Máthé E.
Published: January 2019

Variants of kokoro snack samples were produced by fortification of maize flour-Fibersol 2-whey protein blends at 1% each with functional ingredients (ginger, fenugreek, turmeric, spirulina, red paprika) and a final blend containing all the functional ingredients at 1% level each. The resultant kokoro snack samples produced were evaluated for proximate composition and sensory qualities. The results of proximate analysis showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference in moisture, protein, ash content, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate content, and energy values in all the blends of the kokoro snack sample and ranged from 51.20% to 36.80%, from 4.46% to 3.85%, from 1.15% to 0.98%, from 0.13% to 0.00%, from 4.93% to 3.94%, from 53.57% to 39.2, and from 232.30 kcal/100 g to 172.99 kcal/100 g respectively. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the sensory attributes of all kokoro samples in terms of appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The kokoro snack blend R 97:1:1:1 (Maize: Fibersol 2: Whey protein: Red paprika) was most preferred by the panellists, having the highest mean sensory score of 8.97. The results of the evaluation of the kokoro snack samples showed that an acceptable fortified bakery product based on kokoro can be produced by the addition of maize flour-Fibersol 2-whey protein blends to red paprika and ginger at 1% level of fortification. This will further encourage the cultivation and utilization of these spices in food formulation and hence provide health-promoting benefits to target consumers.
The Bank Card Market: a Comparative Analysis of Ukraine and its Neighboring Countries
Authors: Sobolieva-Tereshchenko Olena
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to define the major determinants of the bank card market to investigate the banking sector of different countries. Using three models of ranking, we discuss what can be used to rank the financial market and how it translates into the ranking of the bank card market. We use comparative analysis to verify our assumption, referring to a total of 8 countries: Ukraine and its neighboring countries. Afterward, we conduct a more in‑depth analysis of two cases (Poland and Ukraine) as two similar bank card markets. The research question is founded on the assumption that for a comparative analysis, it is necessary to use a system of interrelated indicators of bank payment cards, ATMs and POS terminals as the explicative variables.
Complementarity Between Foreign Aid and Financial Development as a Driver of Economic Growth in Selected Emerging Markets
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: January 2019

This paper studied whether the complementarity between financial development and foreign aid promotes economic growth in selected emerging markets using the panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) approach, with data ranging from 1994 to 2014. Although (1) aid‑growth and (2) finance‑growth studies have been conclusively dealt with, the role of financial development in the aid‑growth nexus has been hardly researched. Is financial development a channel through which foreign aid positively influences economic growth? The current study seeks to address these issues using selected emerging markets as a case study. The complementarity between foreign aid and financial development (domestic credit provided by the financial sector, domestic private credit provided by banks, outstanding domestic private debt securities and stock market turnover) resulted in a significant positive impact on economic growth. The study, therefore, urges selected emerging markets to implement policies which deepen the financial sector in order to allow foreign aid to positively contribute towards economic growth.
The Impact of Interplay Between Formal and Informal Institutions on Corporate Governance Systems: a Comparative Study of CEECs
Authors: Godlewska Małgorzata , Pilewicz Tomasz
Published: January 2019

The central point of this paper is to present the results of comparative case study research concerning the impact of the interplay between formal and informal institutions in the corporate governance systems (CGS) of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). Particular focus was put on the values of the corporate governance codes (CGC) of CEECs, as well as on transparent ownership structures, transactions with related parties, the protection of minority shareholders, independent members of supervisory boards, and separation between the CEO position and the chairman of the board of directors. The main subject of interest concerns two research areas: the character of the relationship between formal and informal institutions, as well as whether the interplay between them is relevant to the CGSs of CEECs. Moreover, the author investigates whether the CGCs of CEECs consist of regulations that are compatible with the values set up in preambles using research methods such as individual case study or deductive reasoning. The conclusion presented in the paper was drawn on the basis of a review of the literature and research on national and European corporate governance regulations, as well as the CGC of CEECs. The primary contribution this article makes is to advance the stream of research beyond any single country setting, and to link the literature on the interplay between formal and informal institutions related to CGSs in a broad range of economies in transition (‘catch up’ countries) like CEECs. This paper provides an understanding of how the interplay between formal and informal institutions may influence the CGCs of CEECs.
Preconditions for the Tax Environment of a Alterglobal Development
Authors: Krysovatyy Andriy I. , Zvarych Iryna Ya. , Zvarych Roman Ye. , Zhyvko Maksym An.
Published: January 2019

In this article, we analyzed economic surroundings as a precondition for the development of the tax environment in the context of alterglobal development. We admitted that economic globalization is harmful to the environment because it depends on its own viability: the constant increase in commodity consumption, the increased use of resources and the growing disposition to pollute waste in the ocean, on the ground, and in the air. So, we proposed considering and analyzing alterglobalization as a process oriented towards self‑determination for peoples, communities and nations. In this context, we developed the idea about Environmental Fiscal Reform, including increasing green taxation and the phase‑out of environmentally harmful subsidies as well as financial incentives, VAT reductions and tax breaks for green initiatives – providing the perfect conditions for the transition to a circular economy. As the new economy is developing at a rapid pace today – 10% per year, more than three times the global economic growth rate – it has a significant impact on competitiveness.
Research and development for Industry 4.0 – the position of the Czech Republic in cognitive computing and robotics
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš
Published: January 2019

We have examined the recent development of the knowledge base in the fields of cognitive computing and robotics. The proxies for the evaluation of the R&D in these fields are the publication activity and the patents production spanning the years 1998 to 2016. A comparison with selected EU countries, USA, China, Japan and South Korea is presented. The publication activities grow much faster than the overall volume of world publications. In the number of publications per year in the field of cognitive computing China surpassed in 2004 USA and trails the EU-28 since. The robotics seems less in the focus of China’s R&D as the Chinese publications output just reached the USA level in the last two years of the examined interval. A common feature of the Asian countries is a significantly below the world average citation impact of the publications in both fields. The number of patent applications in cognitive computing and robotics has been growing in recent years. The patent activity in the China is growing very fast, the EU and USA are gradually losing their position and China dominated in the patent activity in cognitive computing and robotics in 2015.

The Czech Republic exhibits a significantly above the EU average dynamics of the publication activity in both R&D fields. Though the robotics publications occupy a smaller fraction of the total national publications output, their citation impact at the roughly 150 percent level of the world average is on par with the publication output of EU-15 countries. The number of patent applications in cognitive computing and robotics with Czech invertors has been growing fast and their share in the total number of patent applications with Czech inventors is above the EU average. However, these applications are very often owned by foreign companies, in particular from the USA. Our study indicates that the Czech Republic has, in the world context, a robust and dynamic R&D capable to address the challenges associated with the implementation of Industry 4.0 and advanced information processing.
Efficiency of regional innovation policy tools: Support to research-industry cooperation through the JIC Voucher programme
Authors: Kostić Miroslav
Published: January 2019

Support to research-industry cooperation belongs to main priorities of the Regional Innovation Strategy of South Moravia, also considering the shortcomings identified in cooperation and knowledge transfer between these sectors. Establishing links between companies and research institutions was aimed by the JIC Voucher (2009–2015) programme, the first programme of innovation vouchers in Czechia. Even though the support of new partnerships between companies and research institutions was the main goal of the programme, the number of supported partnerships of formerly cooperating entities was higher. A follow-up cooperation, usually on financially larger research projects, took place in more than one third of supported partnerships. Thus the programme positively affected a part of participating companies to spend higher amounts on R&D needed for co-financing of projects funded from national R&D programmes. The follow-up projects were more often realised by partners cooperating even before receiving the voucher. Also the non-approved projects of formerly cooperating partners were more often realised using other sources of funds than projects of those newly cooperating on an application for innovation voucher. Despite significant benefits of JIC Voucher to strengthening cooperation between companies and research institutions, the support to large companies – also enabled by the programme – can be viewed as inessential. This is obvious especially with respect to resources and experience with research cooperation usually held by these companies.
Partial Correctness of GCD Algorithm
Authors: Ivanov Ievgen , Korniłowicz Artur , Nikitchenko Mykola
Published: January 2019

In this paper we present a formalization in the Mizar system [2, 1] of the correctness of the subtraction-based version of Euclid’s algorithm computing the greatest common divisor of natural numbers. The algorithm is written in terms of simple-named complex-valued nominative data [11, 4].

The validity of the algorithm is presented in terms of semantic Floyd-Hoare triples over such data [7]. Proofs of the correctness are based on an inference system for an extended Floyd-Hoare logic with partial pre- and post-conditions [8, 10, 5, 3].
Bee Bread Cells in Honey Super Distort The Results of Pollen Analysis of Honey
Authors: Teper Dariusz , Semkiw Piotr , Skubida Piotr , Borański Mikołaj
Published: January 2019

The pollen analysis is currently the only reliable test to determine honey variety, but the results are sometimes burdened with error. The main reason for this is additional pollen that got into honey in a way other than with nectar collected by bees but through the centrifugation of combs containing bee bread cells.

Studies were conducted in 2012 - 2013 on how different numbers of bee bread cells placed in the honey super influence lime honey pollen analysis. Bee bread pollen getting into honey during extraction in centrifugal-force honey extractors was proven to significantly influence the results of pollen analysis. In some extreme cases, it might skew the results so much that correct determination of honey variety by pollen analysis is no longer possible.
Balling Behavior of Workers Toward Honey Bee Queens Returning from Mating Flights
Authors: Gerula Dariusz , Panasiuk Beata , Bieńkowska Małgorzata , Węgrzynowicz Paweł
Published: January 2019

During natural mating honeybee queens can get lost due to drifting, predators or other cases. In this work, the balling of queens returning from flights by worker bees originating from the same colony was observed. Three subspecies of bees Carniolan, Caucasian and European Black Bee were tested. Research was conducted in both spring and summer, but in the former in newly created colonies, while in the latter in new and earlier used ones. Generally 15.2% of queens were balled and in total 30.2% of queens were lost during mating flights. 269 queens performed 785 mating flights, and 5.2% of those finished with balling. Three times more queens were balled when returning from mating flight rather than orientation flight. Subspecies matches or mismatches of queens and workers in nucleuses did not significantly affect the balling or its frequency. Additionally, no bee subspecies characterized stronger tendencies to ball a queen. Worker bees from newly created nucleuses treated queens similarly to the ones in nucleuses earlier used. However, significantly more queens had been balled during the spring in comparison to summer. There were days with higher balling of queens. During some days the weather was very unstable and unpredictable with such anomalies as heat waves, thunderstorms or sudden drops in insolation. Most of the queens were balled at the entrance while returning from flight and only a few inside the hive. In the research, clear causes of balling were not found, but some factors can be excluded.
Optimization of double layered beam shaping assembly using genetic algorithm
Authors: Bilalodin  , Kusminarto  , Suparta Gede Bayu , Hermanto Arief , Palupi Dwi Satya , Sardjono Yohannes
Published: January 2019

The genetic algorithm method is a new method used to obtain radiation beams that meet the IAEA requirements. This method is used in optimization of configurations and compositions of materials that compose double layered Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA). The double layered BSA is modeled as having two layers of material for each of the components, which are the moderator, reflector, collimator, and filter. Up to 21st generation, the optimization results in four (4) individuals having the capacity to generate the most optimum radiation beams. The best configuration, producing the most optimum radiation beams, is attained by using combinations of materials, that is by combining Al with either one of CaF2 and PbF2for moderator; combining Pb material with either Ni or Pb for reflector; combining Ni and either FeC or C for collimator, and FeC+LiF and Cd for fast and thermal neutron filter. The parameters of radiation resulted from the four configurations of double layer BSA adequately satisfy the standard of the IAEA.
Mechanism of Subsidies as an Element of State Support of Livestock Sector’s Development in Ukraine
Authors: Shyian Nataliia
Published: January 2019

The article presents results of the analysis of the cattle breeding industry’s development in Ukraine, the main trend of which was the decrease in the number of cattle, including the number of cows. A way to support livestock in the industry using the subsidy mechanism is suggested. This approach is aimed at increasing profitability of the cattle breeding industry output per 1 ha of fodder crops in the farm to profitability of barley production from 1 hectare in the area. The results of the proposed approach show that increasing milk profitability from 1 hectare of fodder crops to barley profitability from 1 hectare can be the basis for maintaining the livestock sector. The use of the livestock productivity factor (cow milk yield) in the proposed methodology makes farms more interested in increasing livestock productivity, which in turn increases the number of subsidies in the industry. In addition, an increase in fodder crops area in the farm has an ecological effect.
My Genome Belongs to Me: Controlling Third Party Computation on Genomic Data
Authors: Deuber Dominic , Egger Christoph , Fech Katharina , Malavolta Giulio , Schröder Dominique , Thyagarajan Sri Aravinda Krishnan , Battke Florian , Durand Claudia
Published: January 2019

An individual’s genetic information is possibly the most valuable personal information. While knowledge of a person’s DNA sequence can facilitate the diagnosis of several heritable diseases and allow personalized treatment, its exposure comes with significant threats to the patient’s privacy. Currently known solutions for privacy-respecting computation require the owner of the DNA to either be heavily involved in the execution of a cryptographic protocol or to completely outsource the access control to a third party. This motivates the demand for cryptographic protocols which enable computation over encrypted genomic data while keeping the owner of the genome in full control. We envision a scenario where data owners can exercise arbitrary and dynamic access policies, depending on the intended use of the analysis results and on the credentials of who is conducting the analysis. At the same time, data owners are not required to maintain a local copy of their entire genetic data and do not need to exhaust their computational resources in an expensive cryptographic protocol.

In this work, we present METIS, a system that assists the computation over encrypted data stored in the cloud while leaving the decision on admissible computations to the data owner. It is based on garbled circuits and supports any polynomially-computable function. A critical feature of our system is that the data owner is free from computational overload and her communication complexity is independent of the size of the input data and only linear in the size of the circuit’s output. We demonstrate the practicality of our approach with an implementation and an evaluation of several functions over real datasets.
LOGAN: Membership Inference Attacks Against Generative Models
Authors: Hayes Jamie , Melis Luca , Danezis George , De Cristofaro Emiliano
Published: January 2019

Generative models estimate the underlying distribution of a dataset to generate realistic samples according to that distribution. In this paper, we present the first membership inference attacks against generative models: given a data point, the adversary determines whether or not it was used to train the model. Our attacks leverage Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), which combine a discriminative and a generative model, to detect overfitting and recognize inputs that were part of training datasets, using the discriminator’s capacity to learn statistical differences in distributions. We present attacks based on both white-box and black-box access to the target model, against several state-of-the-art generative models, over datasets of complex representations of faces (LFW), objects (CIFAR-10), and medical images (Diabetic Retinopathy). We also discuss the sensitivity of the attacks to different training parameters, and their robustness against mitigation strategies, finding that defenses are either ineffective or lead to significantly worse performances of the generative models in terms of training stability and/or sample quality.