bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Incorporating Induction Furnace Slag in Concrete as Replacement of Cement: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Mohammad Laeeque , Javed Muhammad Afzal , Qureshi Abdul Sami
Published: September 2018

As Pakistan along with the rest of the world continues to develop, demand for limited natural resources continues to increase also. This demand for resources and subsequent waste that is generated has driven the idea of sustainability towards the forefront of modern day research. To achieve this goal, new and innovative ways are being developed to recycle waste materials that otherwise would end up in landfill sites. Slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing is one such waste material. Pakistan as being a developing country does not have proper facilities to insure safe disposal and recycling of slag. Hence, new and innovative ways for recycling slag are a necessity for Pakistan to move towards technological advancement. Current study focuses to explore the feasibility of using local induction furnace slag as partial substitute of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) in concrete as well as to check its performance against chloride and sulphate damage. The test results showed that 15% or more slag replacement will make the concrete immune to chloride and sulphate damage. However, results also indicate that with increase in slag replacement percentage there is a significant drop in compressive, flexural and split tensile strength of concrete. Keeping in view the loss of strength, immunity against chloride and sulphate damage, reduction in cost of making concrete and sustainability benefits; 15% slag replacement has been deemed optimum replacement value.
Poor Metabolic Control in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes and Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Sildorf Stine M. , Breinegaard Nina , Lindkvist Emilie B. , Tolstrup Janne S. , Boisen Kirsten A. , Teilmann Grete K. , Skovgaard Anne Mette , Svensson Jannet
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidities. We investigated predictors and diabetes outcomes in a pediatric population with and without psychiatric comorbidities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from the Danish Registry of Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (DanDiabKids) and National Patient Register were collected (1996–2015) for this population-based study. We used Kaplan-Meier plots to investigate whether age at type 1 diabetes onset and average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels during the first 2 years after onset of type 1 diabetes (excluding HbA1c at debut) were associated with the risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze HbA1c, BMI, severe hypoglycemia (SH), or ketoacidosis as outcomes, with psychiatric comorbidities as explanatory factor.

RESULTS

Among 4,725 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes identified in both registers, 1,035 were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. High average HbA1c levels during the first 2 years predicted higher risk of psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity had higher HbA1c levels (0.22% [95% CI 0.15; 0.29]; 2.40 mmol/mol [1.62; 3.18]; P < 0.001) and an increased risk of hospitalization with diabetic ketoacidosis (1.80 [1.18; 2.76]; P = 0.006). We found no associations with BMI or SH.

CONCLUSIONS

High average HbA1c levels during the first 2 years after onset of type 1 diabetes might indicate later psychiatric comorbidities. Psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of poor metabolic outcomes. Early focus on the disease burden might improve outcomes.
Propuesta de un modelo en planeación estratégica como herramienta del desarrollo agrícola del valle El Grullo-Autlán-El Limón, Jalisco / Proposal for a Model in Strategic Planning as a Tool for Agricultural Development in the El Grullo-Autlán-El Limón Valley, Jalisco
Authors: Gómez López José Eduardo , Sandoval-Legazpi José de Jesús , Arellano-Panduro Araceli de Jesús
Published: October 2018

En el modelo de desarrollo neoliberal o de libre mercado la planeación es caótica y anárquica, y prácticamente está ausente para las regiones agrícolas. Esto obedece a que el mercado no garantiza el bienestar social ni la conservación de los recursos naturales; en cambio polariza la desigualdad social por concentración de la riqueza, por lo que se requieren modelos alternativos. Entre otras razones que limitan el desarrollo agrícola regional, además de la ausencia de una planeación estratégica, está la falta de un enfoque de sustentabilidad. Por lo anterior, esta investigación tiene como principal objetivo proponer un modelo de planeación estratégica con un enfoque sustentable para el valle agrícola Autlán, El Grullo y El Limón, de estado de Jalisco.Este trabajo incluyó tres etapas. En la primera se elaboró el modelo teórico de planeación estratégica, producto de un proceso de revisión de varias fuentes literarias y de la elaboración de un marco teórico conceptual. La segunda etapa consistió en el cotejo del modelo teórico con la realidad, para contrastar la existencia o ausencia de los elementos de aquel con respecto a esta. Y por último, la etapa tres estuvo centrada en la propuesta de un plan maestro.Los resultados muestran que en este valle se desarrollan actividades no alineadas a una planeación integral y que ésta, además, no es estratégica ni tampoco tiene enfoque de sustentabilidad. Asimismo, considerando la información recabada y con la definición de los elementos del modelo de planeación estratégica, se elaboró un plan de desarrollo para este zona geográfica, partiendo de su principal problema: la ausencia de un proyecto de desarrollo regional único, y considerando para ello otros elementos, como fueron la falta de organización, la diversificación de cultivos, un fideicomiso y una agencia de desarrollo regional para la elaboración de proyectos productivos y de mercado.
A educação matemática crítica nas aulas de matemática em escolas estaduais do espírito santo: uma reflexão a partir das narrativas dos professores
Critical mathematical education in mathematics lessons in state schools of ES: a reflexion from teacher’s narrative
Authors: Littig Jonisario , Tech Adriana Da Conceição , Alves Leonardo Correia
Published: October 2018

Este artigo, de cunho qualitativo, busca analisar as aulas de matemática de professores a partir de suas narrativas, identificando elementos que caracterizam a educação matemática crítica. Os sujeitos foram seis professores da rede estadual de ensino do estado do Espírito Santo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista gravada com esses profissionais. A análise se baseia nas características da educação matemática crítica, apontadas por Skovsmose (2001; 2010; 2013) e Araújo (2009). Os resultados revelam que, apesar dos relatos apresentarem indícios da educação matemática crítica, pela preocupação dos profissionais em propor aulas diversificadas, as práticas dos professores não são desenvolvidas a partir desses princípios. Consideramos que essa ausência limita a compreensão das relações da matemática com os problemas sociais e a formação crítica do aluno. This qualitative article seeks to analyze teacher’s mathematics classes from their narratives, identifying elements that characterize critical mathematical education. The subjects were six teachers from the state education network of the state of Espírito Santo. The data were collected through an interview recorded with these professionals. The analysis is based on the characteristics of Critical Mathematics Education, pointed out by Skovsmose (2001; 2010; 2013) and Araújo (2009). The results show that, although the reports show signs of critical mathematical education, because of the professional’s concern to offer diverse classes, the teacher’s practices are not developed from these principles. We consider that this absence limits the understanding of the relations of mathematics with the social problems and the critical formation of the student.
Percepções de professores de Matemática sobre o ensino de funções e sobre o uso de materiais tecnológicos
Perceptions of mathematics teachers on the functions teaching and the use of technological materials
Authors: Viseu Floriano , Rocha Helena
Published: October 2018

Este estudo pretende conhecer as perceções de professores de matemática do final do ensino básico e do ensino secundário relativamente ao ensino de Funções e ao uso de materiais tecnológicos. Para tal, foi adotada uma metodologia mista, tendo sido recolhidas as perceções de 129 professores através de questionário e de quatro professoras através de entrevista. As principais conclusões apontam para semelhanças nas perceções dos professores, mas também para algumas diferenças relativamente aos ciclos de ensino. No ensino de Funções, os manuais são amplamente utilizados, mas de forma diferente entre os professores de cada um dos ciclos em estudo. O mesmo sucede com as representações e com o uso que é feito das tecnologias. O envolvimento dos alunos nas atividades de estudo é outro aspeto considerado importante, mas uma vez mais existem diferenças. Também a avaliação tem semelhanças, mas difere quanto à valorização do trabalho de grupo. This study intends to understand the perceptions of mathematics teachers from lower and upper secondary regarding the teaching of Functions and the use of technological materials. For that, a mixed methodology was adopted, and the perceptions of 129 teachers were collected through a questionnaire and four teachers through an interview. The main conclusions point to similarities in teachers' perceptions, but also to some differences related to the teaching level of lower or upper secondary. In the teaching of Functions, textbooks are widely used, but differently depending on the level being taught. The same happens with the representations and with the use that is made of the technologies. Involvement of students in work is another aspect considered important, but again there are differences. The assessment also has similarities, but differs in the valuation ascribed to group work.
Uma metodologia para a descoberta de conhecimento em bases de dados da Prova Brasil
A methodology for knowledge discovering in Prova Brasil databases
Authors: Fonseca Stella Oggioni da , Silva Adriana Da Rocha , Namen Anderson Amendoeira
Published: October 2018

A Prova Brasil é uma avaliação que, por intermédio da aplicação de testes e questionários, coleta informações sobre o ensino fundamental. O presente trabalho objetiva apresentar uma metodologia capaz de identificar aspectos, relacionados ao ambiente educacional, que possam ter influenciado positiva ou negativamente no resultado obtido pelos alunos nos testes de Matemática, aplicados em 2013. A abordagem proposta consiste, essencialmente, de um processo de redução de dimensionalidade com posterior aplicação de mineração de dados visando à descoberta de conhecimento nas bases. A partir das conclusões obtidas é possível fomentar a discussão que busquem o alcance de melhorias no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, bem como estimular pesquisas acerca dos dados disponibilizados pelo Governo Federal.Prova Brasil is an evaluation that, through the application of tests and questionnaires, collects information about elementary education. The present work aims to present a methodology for the extraction of aspects related to the educational environment that may have influenced positively or negatively students’ results in the Mathematics tests applied in 2013. The proposed approach consists of a dimensionality reduction process followed by data mining, aiming to get knowledge discovery in databases. Based on the conclusions obtained, discussions about actions for improvements in the teaching-learning process can be made, as well the fostering of researches on the data provided by the Federal Government.
Relationships between different morphological traits of panicles and seeds of Dactylis glomerata L. varieties
Authors: Borawska-Jarmułowicz Barbara
Published: September 2018

This study was aimed to evaluate morphological characteristics of the panicle as well as seeds of Dactylis glomerata varieties relevant for the assessment of seed production. Six varieties different in earliness were sown in two row spacing. Panicle traits: length, number of the 1st and the 2nd order branches as well as 1000-seed weight and morphological seed traits were assessed during 4-year utilization. Significant differences between varieties were found according to the panicle length, number of the branches and 1000-seed weight depending on the year of utilization as well as with reference to evaluated seed traits, irrespectively on year and row spacing. The results showed that the main traits determining the seed weight per panicle of Dactylis glomerata varieties are the panicle length and the number of the 1st order branches. Whereas, seed morphological traits had impact on 1000-seed weight and seed weight per panicle only in the second year of use, in which the highest rainfall than in the other years and moderate temperatures were recorded.
Effective natural handicap criteria application for productive and sustainable agricultural land-use management in Lithuania
Authors: Jarasiunas Gintaras , Corbelle-Rico Eduardo J. , Kanianska Radoslava
Published: September 2018

Since 1975, European policy has provided some kind of support to areas with specific handicaps for agricultural production, in an attempt to maintain farming activities and population levels in them. The definition of clear criteria for the selection of the so called “Less Favoured Areas” (LFAs) is challenging because of the variability of regions within Europe and the variability of farm characteristics within each region. Actual selection remains very much a deductive approach and empirical evidence is scarce. This study investigates the relationship between the criteria of specific natural handicaps used for the delineation of intermediate LFAs (2014–2020) in Lithuania and generic farming condition and status. Results confirm the negative effects of selected natural handicaps on farm economic status and productive land use but raise some concerns regarding the idoneity of some of them, opening a way for their improvement.
Fertilizer and intercropped legumes as nitrogen source for Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tops for bioenergy
Authors: Epie Kenedy E. , Santanen Arja , Mäkelä Pirjo S.A. , Stoddard Frederick
Published: September 2018

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) produces substantial shoots not used as food. To test its potential as a sustainable bioenergy crop, we studied the effects of synthetic fertilizer and intercropped legumes as nitrogen (N) sources on the growth, aboveground biomass dry matter yield and energy qualities of this crop. Plant height, leaf area index (LAI), SPAD-value, biomass yield, ash content and mineral element composition were determined. Mean aboveground biomass yields were not significantly affected by N source (legume intercrops and synthetic fertilizer) and ranged from 13 to 17 t ha-1. Remarkably, plants given no fertilizer yielded equally to plants given 90 N kg ha-1. These results confirm that Jerusalem artichoke, compared to other energy crops, have less need for N and can potentially be sustained by N fixing legumes in an intercropped system. This could reduce or eliminate production and environmental cost in cultivation of biomass feedstock for energy use.
Cultivating forage maize for biomass and bioenergy in a sub-boreal climate
Authors: Epie Kenedy E , Artigas Olga M. , Santanen Arja , Mäkelä Pirjo S.A. , Stoddard Frederick L.
Published: September 2018

The biomass potential of eight high yielding maize cultivars was studied in the sub-boreal climate of southern Finland. The effects of harvest date on lignin and sugar production, biomass yield, mineral element composition, bioenergy potential and soil nutrient management were determined in two years. The eight maize cultivars produced 17.6–33.3 t ha-1 of biomass. The ear fraction contained 50–60% of the biomass, and ash and mineral element composition of the plant fractions were significantly different (p < 0.001), with more ash, Ca and S in the above-ear fractions of the plants than in the mid-stalk portions, whereas the C:N ratio was highest in the lower stalk. Cultivars with less lignin content produced more fermetable sugars. Despite the relatively cool growing conditions and short season of the sub-boreal region, maize has potential for use as biomass, for biofuel or other uses. The crop can be fractioned into ear and stalk, with the lower 20 cm of stalk left in the field to maintain soil organic matter content.
The effect of DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars in crossbred with DanAvl Hybrid on meat quality of finishing pigs
Authors: Rybarczyk Artur , Moroch Robert , Polasik Daniel
Published: September 2018

The research was aimed at determining the physicochemical and sensory properties of the m. longissimus lumborum at DanAvl Hybrid (Landrace – Yorkshire) fatteners and derived from DanAvl Hybrid sows and DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars. Fatteners derived from DanAvl Duroc boars were characterized by better meat quality compared to DanAvl Hybrids and their hybrids with Pulawska breed as evidenced by higher pH in 24–96 h post mortem (p.m.), higher sensory evaluation of juiciness, tenderness and flavor as well as lower shear force at lower content of total protein and higher content of intramuscular fat (IMF). However, DanAvl Hybrid fatteners were characterized by poorer meat quality, i.e. higher color lightness (L*) and higher drip loss both from fresh and thawed meat compared to those derived from DanAvl Duroc and Pulawska boars. Meat of fatteners after Pulawska breed was characterized by the highest redness (a*), and that after DanAvl Duroc breed, the lowest yellowness (b*) and saturation (C*).
Effects of replacing different proportions of barley grain by rye grain on performance of growing and finishing dairy bulls
Authors: Huuskonen Arto Kalevi , Pesonen Maiju
Published: September 2018

The objective was to study the effects of partial replacement of barley grain by rye grain on dry matter (DM) intake and growth performance of growing bulls. The experiment was conducted using 80 dairy bulls which were fed total mixed rations ad libitum. The rations included grass silage (500 g kg-1 DM) and concentrate (500 g kg-1 DM). Four different experimental concentrate mixtures included rye at 0, 150, 300 and 450 g kg-1 DM. The average daily DM and metabolisable energy intakes of the bulls were 10.9 kg d-1 and 127 MJ d-1, respectively. There were no differences in DM, energy or nutrient intakes among the treatments. The average live weight gain and carcass gain of the bulls were 1543 and 832 g d-1, respectively, and rye inclusion had no effects on growth. There were no significant differences in feed conversion or carcass characteristics among the treatments. It can be concluded that rye grain is a suitable energy supplement with good quality silage for growing dairy bulls.
Performance in blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) fed low-protein diets supplemented with DL-methionine and L-histidine
Authors: Ylinen Vappu , Pylkkö Päivi , Peura Jussi , Tuomola Essi , Valaja Jarmo
Published: September 2018

The effects of low-protein diets supplemented with DL-methionine (MET) and L-histidine (HIS) on growth, pelt size and pelt quality were studied in two performance trials conducted at the Kannus Research Farm Luova Ltd, Finland. Both trials were conducted with 200 blue foxes, caged male-female pairs, initial age on average 20 weeks (trial 1) and 25 weeks (trial 2). In trial 1, diets contained digestible crude protein (DCP) 24%, 20% and 16% of metabolisable energy (ME). In trial 2, diets contained DCP 20%, 16.5% and 13% of ME. In both trials, the middle protein level was fed with or without MET and the lowest protein level was fed with MET and with or without HIS. In trial 1, blue foxes showed the greatest average daily gain (ADG) in the highest protein diet. Pelt size and pelt quality were not affected. In trial 2, blue foxes showed the greatest ADG in the low-protein groups. Pelt size and pelt quality were not affected.
TOWARDS A RESEARCH AGENDA ON STEPPE IMAGINARIES IN RUSSIA AND THE SOVIET UNION
Authors: Filep E. , Bichsel C.
Published: September 2018

This article proposes that there is a need for a sustained engagement with and deconstruction of steppe imaginaries in Russian and Soviet literature in the twentieth century. It argues that “steppe” is not solely a term describing a particular environment, but also a pivotal idea which has shaped and shapes identities, cultural assumptions, political reasoning and even geopolitical thought. Based on the review of existing scholarship, the paper demonstrates the centrality of the steppe as a key imaginary for Russian history until the nineteenth century. However, it also reveals that the research on the relevance of such imaginaries for Russian and Soviet political history in the twentieth century is largely absent. Yet, it was during this period that the steppe environments underwent largescale transformations through processes of land reclamation, irrigation development and industrial agriculture.
ESTIMATION Of SUSPENDED SEDIMENT CONCENTRATION USING VNREDSAT – 1A MULTISPECTRAL DATA, A CASE STUDY IN RED RIVER, HANOI, VIETNAM
Authors: Trinh Le Hung , Zablotskii V. R. , Le Thi Giang , Hien Dinh Thi Thu , Le Thi Trinh , Trinh Thi Tham , Nga Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: September 2018

The traditional methods for measuring water quality variables are timeconsuming and do not give a synoptic view of a water body or, more significantly, a synoptic view of different water bodies across the landscape. However, remote sensing technology with advantages such as wide area coverage and short revisit interval have been effectively used for environmental pollution applications, such as for monitoring water quality parameters. Many studies around the world show that optical satellite imagery can be used effectively in evaluating suspended sediment concentration. This article presents results of monitoring suspended sediment concentration in Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam through ground truth measurements and VNREDSat-1A multispectral data. The results obtained in the study can be used to serve the management, monitoring and evaluation of surface water quality.
RECENT TRENDS Of RIVER RUNOff IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS
Authors: Rets E. P. , Dzhamalov R. G. , Kireeva M. B. , Frolova N. L. , Durmanov I. N. , Telegina A. A. , Telegina E. A. , Grigoriev V. Yu.
Published: September 2018

Based on observational data from 70 hydrological stations in the North Caucasus an evaluation of present values of mean annual runoff, minimum monthly winter and summer runoff was carried out. Series of maps was drawn. Significant changes in mean annual. minimum monthly and maximum runoff during last decades have been revealed in the North Caucasus. A rise in both amount of water availability and potential natural hazard is characteristic of the most of the North Caucasus that is considered to be caused by recent climate change. Mean annual runoff during 1978-2010 increased compared to 1945-1977 by 5-30 % in the foothills and by 30-70% in the plain area. An increase in winter minimum monthly runoff is as well most intensive in the plain part of study area (>100%). Within the foothills it amounts to 50-100%. In mountainous area long-term oscillation of winter minimum monthly discharge strongly depends on local factors, such as geological structure. The rate of the increase in summer minimum monthly discharge regularly grows from central foothill part of Northern Caucasus (30-50%) to the Western plain territory (70-100%). In Kuban river basin 30% of analyzed gauging stations show positive trend in maximum instantaneous discharge, while 9% negative. On the contrary, in the Eastern part – Terek river basin – negative trend in maximum instantaneous discharge is prevalent: 38% of gauging stations. Positive trend in Terek river basin is characteristic of 9.5% of analyzed gauging stations.
EXOGENOUS DRIVERS Of SURfACE URBAN HEAT ISLANDS IN NORTHERN wEST SIBERIA
Authors: Esau I. , Miles V.
Published: September 2018

Urban temperature anomalies, frequently referred to as the urban heat islands (UHIs), are of the most distinct and influential climatic factors with significant impact on urban life and environment. However, UHIs in high latitudes are still studied only fragmentary. There is a knowledge gap related to the urban temperature distinction with respect to local temperature anomalies of natural surface types. This study extends upon our recent high latitude regional-scale climatic survey in 28 cities in the Northern West Siberia (NWS) region. Based on MODIS land surface temperature (LST) products covering 15 years between 2001 and 2015, it was revealed that all 28 cities have significant surface urban heat islands (SUHIs). The strong statistical dependence (r = 0.73) on endogenous factors such as city size and the population was found. It was suggested that exogenous factors such as the background LC types could be significant as well. This study presents the analysis of the exogenous factors shaping the apparent SUHI intensities. The major contribution to the SUHI was revealed for water, sparse vegetation, grassland, and shrubland. There are no clear dependence between the partial SUHI intensity and the area fraction occupied by the given LC type. The mechanisms and pathways of the SUHI maintenance cannot be inferred solely from the remote sensing data. Further understanding requires numerical experiments with turbulence-resolving models.
Regional variety in quality of life in Poland
Authors: Nowak Paulina
Published: September 2018

Research background: Quality of life is viewed as the degree of people?s satisfaction of various needs, especially including material, spiritual, safety-related needs and life aspirations. The aspects taken into consideration are economic, spatial, environmental and cultural ones. Quality of life is therefore determined by various conditions in which a human lives and the source of which is the hierarchy of needs and a value system. At the same time, quality of life can be viewed in terms of collectivity (objective aspect) and an individual?s evaluation (subjective aspect). The former view shapes the existing living conditions and the latter results from the satisfaction from a specific person?s life, experiences and ambitions. The multidimensionality of the quality of life categories translates into difficulties in defining and measuring it, and constitutes an interesting research object.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to diagnose and evaluate the variety of the quality of life in Polish voivodeships, in objective terms by building a synthetic measure allowing for estimating inequalities in the quality of life of regional communities. It was assumed that quality of life will be characterised by indicators grouped into the following areas: material living conditions, economic activity, health, education and living environment quality.

Methods: The main method used for measuring quality of life is the linear ordering based on Z. Hellwig?s taxonomic measure which allows for organising voivodeships in terms of the quality of life of communities. Additionally, the cluster analysis (Ward?s agglomerative grouping method) was used, which allowed for distinguishing voivodeships similar in terms of the analysed phenomenon.

Findings & Value added: During the realisation of the research goal, special attention was paid to the complexity of the quality of life issue and its measurement in terms of economy and rather important varieties in voivodeships were emphasized. The conducted analysis allowed for distinguishing groups of regions with the highest, high, low and the lowest quality of life.
Synergy of interfunctional cooperation and services in companies producing electrical equipment and electronic components in the Czech Republic: pilot study
Authors: Tomášková Eva , Kaňovská Lucie , Bednář Josef
Published: September 2018

Research background:  Interfunctional coordination (IFC) is a part of market orientation and at the same time an approach which helps to improve cooperation between different departments or functions in a company. Market orientation is an approach aimed at external and internal elements and activities leading to performance increase. Services offered by a manufacturer are activities complementing their products. Manufacturers can benefit from the service differentiation and use it to design alternative marketing strategies. Generally, IFC and services ? contributes to higher positive effect on business performance. For this reason, it is interesting to know if synergy of IFC and services have a higher positive effect on business performance.

Purpose of the article: This article aims to determine how IFC and services at manufacturing companies in the Czech Republic influence business performance. The research question is as follows: Does the synergy of IFC and services in companies producing electrical equipment and electronic components have a higher positive effect on business performance?

Methods: Sixty SME?s filled in a questionnaire to gather information about IFC and services. For measurement of correlation for two variables, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was chosen. Regression analysis was used for measuring the synergy.

Findings & Value added: The main finding shows that the synergy of the quantities observed has not been confirmed, although some of the following relations were approved such as a positive relationship between: a) some items of IFC and items of business performance, b) some items of services and items of business performance and c) items of IFC and items of services. The result of the paper shows further consequences of IFC and services in today?s manufacturing companies.
Effect of macroeconomic business environment on the development of corporate social responsibility in Baltic Countries and Slovakia
Authors: Krajnakova Emilia , Navickas Valentinas , Kontautiene Rima
Published: September 2018

Research background: Fluctuations in economic activity forced companies to change the traditional methods of organization and management and to search for new tools, knowledge, resources and competences in order to strengthen their positions. This has particularly intensified debates on corporate social responsibility (CSR) not only between business people, but also between pieces of research,  industry leaders and government representatives. The ongoing global ecologic crisis quickened discussions about how the alternation of macroeconomic business environment influences the development of CSR.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to investigate how the changes in macroeconomic business environment influence the development of socially responsible activities in Baltic Countries and Slovakia.

Methods: A statistical analysis of secondary data was used in order to reanalyse the data for the purpose of gaining new insights. The objectives of statistical analysis in this paper were twofold: firstly, to identify the challenges in macroeconomic business environment; secondly, to explore the development of socially responsible activities in different countries. The research period covered the years 2006?2016. The choice of this period is determined by data availability.

Findings & Value added: The authors found that economic conditions may diversely affect the development of different dimensions of CSR. Even in unfavourable macroeconomic conditions companies continue to be involved in socially responsible actions because of long-run CSR benefits. The analysis is useful at an international level because it justified the development of socially responsible businesses in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, and has provided an opportunity to assess the tendencies of CSR development during the different period of economic cycle.
Relationship between corporate image and corporate reputation in Polish banking sector
Authors: Szwajca Danuta
Published: September 2018

Research background: Corporate reputation and image are two valuable intangible resources of the company, aimed at building its long-term competitive ad-vantage and market value. Although reputation and image are interrelated categories, they should not be identified with each other. The differences are not only in the definition and the character, but also in the mechanism of formation and tools to create these resources by the company. Image is a picture, perceptions and associations about the company in the minds of consumers, which may be created using the tools of PR and advertising in a relatively short period of time. Reputation is a review of the company and its activities, formulated by various stakeholder groups, on the basis of not only advertising, but also on the basis of the assessment of real activities of companies in the long term.

Purpose of the article: The cognitive objective of the article is to point out the fundamental differences between reputation and image on the basis of the analysis of approaches and theoretical concepts. The practical objective is to make an attempt to identify the differences and relationships between reputation and image on the basis of empirical analysis, therefore the research was conducted in the Polish banking sector.

Methods: In order to evaluate image and reputation, the survey method was used aimed at the customers of banks operating on the Polish market.

Findings & Value added: Reputation and image are two separate, intangible assets that support each other and the company needs each of them to build its competitive advantage. The results of empirical study allowed formulating the thesis that the banks, whose reputation is rated better by the customers, also have a better and more coherent image in their minds.
Reliability of methodological and psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire of congruence of personal and organizational values
Authors: Vveinhardt Jolita , Gulbovaite Evelina
Published: September 2018

Research background: Congruence of employees? personal and organizational values means that the employee both accepts and cherishes organizational values, as well as follows them in daily activities of the organization. Different forms of values in the organization are derived from three subjects (employees, managers, and the organization as a whole). From this perspective, value congruence occurs when employees? personal values match the organizational values, which are supported by the top management of the organization and are acceptable to the majority of members of the organization.

Purpose of the article: To carry out verification of methodological and psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire of congruence of personal and organizational values.

Methods: The survey of employees was carried out in 15 organizations, of which 11 are private and 4 belong to the public sector (N=374), and on the basis of the results of the research statistical and psychometric analysis of the data was performed. By developing the instrument of congruence of personal and organizational values, an analytical reflection method was applied. To conduct the empirical study, the mixed methods approach was employed, consistently combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, substantiating the research results with different data sources and forms. An expert assessment method was chosen for identification of validity of the constructed instrument and suitability of its content. To identify the perceived congruence of personal and organizational values, employees? personal values, the values prevailing in the organization and the climate of the organization, employees? attitudes towards work and organizational performance results, the employees? questionnaire surveys in fifteen organizations were conducted. The sample was formed employing the stratified sampling methodology. To identify the reliability of methodological and psychometric characteristics of the constructed questionnaire, factor distribution, Cronbach alpha and Spearman Brown coefficients, factor weights, resolutions of test steps were calculated and explained. Multivariate statistical methods: correlation and factor analysis, etc. were also applied.

Findings & value added: The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were empirically proved and it is recommended that scholars researching values in organizations and value congruence should use the Questionnaire of Congruence of Personal and Organizational Values for Employees with the authors? consent.
Analysis of Offshore Wind Turbine Towers with Different Designs by Finite Elements Method
Authors: M Ensari Yigit , Ozdemir Anil , Sermet Fethi , Pinarlik Murat
Published: September 2018

It is known that the use of renewable energy has an increasing trend in whole world. Wind energy is one of the renewable energy types, as well is among the cleanest and most economical energy sources. Nowadays, in order to provide much more energy from wind, turbine towers are being built higher and the turbine blades have begun to be manufactured longer. Due to these applications, tower and turbine weights are continuously increasing. For this reason, it is necessary to optimize the materials used as well as the dimensions of the turbine towers. In the present study, behavior of TLP floating wind turbine towers with three different designs under wave, hydrostatic and static loads were investigated. In order to clarify the effect of these loads, turbine designs were analyzed in the ratio of 1/5 using finite elements method. Steel, reinforced concrete and hybrid (reinforced concrete and steel) wind turbine towers tied to sea floor at a depth of 10 meters rigidly by TLP floating method. In this context, 10-meter-high turbine towers having three different designs which static analyzed previously were used for investigate effects of wave and hydrostatic loads. Turbine structures analyzed with ABAQUS finite elements model. The deformations and stress values of underwater turbine structures were obtained and compared with each other. As it can be seen from analysis results, compared to the reinforced concrete design, the displacement of steel tower design decreased 77.84%. It is seen that the torsion effect was dominant in the steel tower design. However, the decreasing displacement value for steel design was recorded as 44.43% compared to the hybrid tower design.
The Power of Private Label in Retail Market
Authors: Baskaran Kamaladevi
Published: September 2018

Globally, own store brands or private labels are rapidly gaining share at the cost of manufacture brands. In India, where the share of organised retail is minuscule, manufacture brands still dominate. With the retail sector poised for growth, national brand manufacturers will have to contend with competition within distribution channel, which calls for revised marketing strategy locally, to thwart the threat of the private label in a store. The phenomenon also offers national brand manufacturers the opportunity to service the production needs of the private labels efficiently. The problem is India's internet-savvy consumers aren't as convinced about Private labels as their global counterparts. Consumers may be happy with the quality of private label when it comes to kitchen towels and staples like wheat flour but are wary when it comes to buying a store version of, say, baby food or shampoo. The paper has also discussed the different types branding strategies used by retailers in the developing countries. The manufacturer brands have an advantage relative to own brand where symbolic association and/or product innovation are important to customers. Conversely, where symbolic associations and product innovations are less important there is an opportunity for retailers to compete successfully with manufacturer brands if they can demonstrate comparable product quality and provide value or money. This paper deals with the power of private label in modern retail market.
Study on Emotional Improvement and Health Promotion of Senior Citizens Participating in Virtual Reality Games
Authors: Liu Yi-Hui
Published: September 2018

In addition to medical care and health promotion, happiness, care and thoughtfulness associated with medical assistance are among the expectations and demands of the elderly society. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of health promotion and emotional improvement on elderly people by understanding the behavioral intentions of elderly people with various personality traits in participating in virtual reality games. In this study, we used a questionnaire on five personality traits, including extraversion (Extraversion), friendliness (Agreeableness), diligence and integrity (Conscientiousness), and psychosomatic (Neurotic), which was designed by the scholar Martinez and John (1998) in 1998 as a tool to improve the mental health of the elderly.

This study validates that sensorial perception is an important influencing factor in the theoretical model of the behavioral intention of the elderly using virtual reality (VR) wearable devices. That is, the stronger the behavioral intention of the elderly when using VR high-tech products, the more frequent the use will be, and the more significant the improvement of the emotional effect. It is suggested that future research could develop a game plan suitable for the elderly with different characteristics.
The Expectations of Businesses Settled in a Science Park
Authors: Castonguay Yan , Saint-Yves-Durand Samuel , Hamouti Rhizlane
Published: September 2018

Science parks are created to support the development and growth of knowledge-based businesses and to foster the economic development of a region. Based on an exploratory qualitative study, this research project aims, firstly, to understand the expectations of businesses established in science parks, which is not very well documented in the literature and, secondly, to highlight the motivations of a business to settle in a science park. In order to do so, the research is based on a constructivist approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2016 and April 2017 with managers of organizations established in seven science parks in the province of Quebec, Canada. The analysis these interviews identified six major motivations of businesses to settle in a science park. It also revealed eleven major expectations of the science park's contributions for a business established. As a contribution, this research provides some recommendations not only for the managers of science parks, but also for the managers of businesses who want to be established in a science park. This research provides insights for science park managers about the incentives to set up to attract new business and about the support to provide for the business established in a science park in their development.
Information Quality Characteristics for M-Learning Applications
Authors: Sarrab Mohamed , Al-Shihi Hafehd
Published: September 2018

This research study investigates the potential to apply a quality analysis process for mobile learning (M-learning) software applications in accordance to a defined set of information quality characteristics in attempt to increase the level of quality in the mobile learning systems. This empirical study is conducted on widely accepted and used M-learning application form both close source and open source systems comprising a known reasonable amount of MLOC, medium-scale. Four M-learning applications were selected for conducting this study including Moodle, Blackboard, Edmodo and Schoology. The systems are statically analyzed and examined to determine if it meets the proposed quality characteristics or not. For each system the features and techniques used with respect to the defined characteristics are determined and tabulated. This study focuses mainly on particular information quality characteristics include maintainability, reusability, testability, and security. The data shows that the approach is applicable and effective but needs further formalization and improvement to be effectively implemented. New ideas are additionally proposed for future work to include other dimensions of the M-learning application quality characteristics such as availability, reliability, performance, usability, and functionality. This empirical study is part of funded research project investigating the development, adoption and dissemination of M-learning in Oman.
CORRELATION BETWEEN ADENOSINE DEAMINASE ACTIVITY IN PLEURAL FLUID AND SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH PLEURAL EFFUSION
Authors: Dewi Pande Putu Ayu Patria , Aryati Aryati , Anniwati Leonita , Marhana Isnin Anang
Published: September 2018

Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space resulting from increased production of fluid or decreased resorption of fluid in the pleural space. Pleural effusion can be caused by infectious diseases, malignancies, collagen disease, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease and other causes such as medication. Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme involved in the catabolism of purines. This enzyme can be measured in pleural fluid, serum and other body fluids such as cerebrospinal and ascites fluid. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between adenosine deaminase activity in pleural fluid and serum in patients with pleural effusion. This research was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Examination of ADA activity was performed in pleural fluid and serum. Adenosine deaminase activity was examined using photometric methods (Non-Giusti), using Diazyme reagent by TMS 24i Premium. Subjects were 46 patients with pleural effusion caused by malignancies, tuberculosis and systemic diseases. Mean±SD ADA activity for all pleural effusion samples in serum was 13.037± 8.365 (0.5-34.1) U//L and pleural fluid 30.843± 28.860 U//L (1.3-140.8). No correlation between ADA activity in serum and pleural fluid (r=0.173, p= 0.252) was found in all samples. No correlation between ADA activity in serum and pleural fluis was found in malignancies (r=0.109, p=0.630), tuberculosis (r= 0.366, p=0.123), systemic diseases (r =0.466, p=0.429) and non-tuberculosis group (r=0.126, p=0.532). There was no correlation between pleural fluid ADA activity and serum.
DIAGNOSIS OF MYELOMA BASED ON THE 2014 INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA WORKING GROUP
Authors: Febrianthi Maitri , Wirawan Riadi
Published: September 2018

Myeloma is a cytogenetically heterogenous clonal plasma cells proliferative disorder and is almost always preceded by an asymptomatic premalignant stage termed monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Diagnosis of myeloma is based on International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) 2003 which requires one or more CRAB features including hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia and lytic bone lesions. The IMWG 2014 updated criteria for the diagnosis of myeloma allows the use of early indicators for therapy before CRAB features happen. This is a case of a 53-year-old male, based on complete blood count and peripheral blood smear having normochromic normocytic anemia, NRBC 7/100 leucocytes, thrombocytopenia, 1% plasmoblasts, 11% plasmocytes and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) 40 mm. The bone marrow evaluation showed plasmocytes 22.5% ANC with abnormal morphology. The diagnosis myeloma was made based on IMWG 2014 by the presence of plasmocytes 22.5% ANC the bone marrow and having one of Myeloma Defining Events (MDEs) in the form of anemia with hemoglobin level 8.5 g/dL. In addition, patient did examinations of protein electrophoresis, immunofixation and ratio involved/uninvolved Free Light Chain (FLC) serum. The results of those examination confirmed the diagnosis that has been made based on IMWG 2014. Prognosis of the patient is poor by the presence of 11% plasmocytes on blood peripheral and ratio FLC kappa/lambda 0.0010.