bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Solution of Nigerian Non-Interest Islamic Banking
Authors: Saidu Nasiru
Published: April 2020

The Nigerian non-interest Islamic banking engenders varieties of debate, simply because the system is build based on Islamic principles. Islamic banking is market determinants with the moral principles and teaching of Islamic shariah, also an arrangement of saving money so as to steady by means of the standards of Islamic rule (Shari'ah) as well as practices through the improvement of Islamic economies. The paper examines idea, the challenges and prospects of non-interest banking in Nigerian dealing with some banks managers, employees, Muslims and non Muslims citizens, and library research by evaluation and examining various findings on the subject under study. Due to the high population and progressive opportunity, the study shows that nigeria has an opportunity of being a leader of African Islamic finance, but there are some various obstacles, challenges to the development of Nigerian Islamic finance which an instance Religious and cultural differences, inadequate of Financial Innovations, Lack of adequate knowledge, high Competition and Shari‟ah Related Issues and so on. The paper therefore recommends that Nigerian religious bodies and Central Bank of Nigeria ought to continuously organizing seminars, training and lectures on Islamic finance to banks staff, tertiary institution student, academicians as well as general public on adequate explanations of the aims also objectives as well as advantages of Islamic banking, also the institution should be highly be creative and innovative, attracting and maintaining well trained qualified employees.
Rastin Crowdfunding (RCF): A Financial Subsystem of Rastin Banking
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: April 2020

Expansion and development of social networks have provided new backgrounds for financial activities. Based on Rastin Banking Regulations, crowdfunding can be installed to apply social networks in the direction of Islamic finance. Two methods of crowdfunding are introduced in Rastin Crowd Funding. Sponsor Crowd Funding (SCF) is for the absorption of peoples’ funds for special protective goals in the form of non-profit and free payments to an entrepreneur through banks. Peer to Peer Loan (PPL) is defined for absorption and collection of peoples’ funds for extending interest-free loans to a specific project of an entrepreneur.Regarding the characteristics of crowdfunding and application of social networks, the Crowd Funding System (CFS) is used as a web-based portal for absorption and collection of money resources for crowdfunding project through social networks in Rastin Banking.
Rastin Certificate Market (RCM):A Complementary System of Rastin Banking
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: April 2020

New financial instruments as Rastin Certificates and Rastin Swap Bonds are used in Rastin banking. Rastin Certificate Market (RCM) provides necessary conditions for transaction and transfer of these instruments based on information technology and the integrated Rastin banking subsystems. This market is accessible for electronic account holders on the World Wide Web.
The Impact of FDI in Retail on SMEs Sector with Special Reference to Malappuram District
Authors: Yaseen.C.K Aslam Muhammed , P Sreejith.
Published: April 2020

A fairly liberal foreign direct investment policy is the path for any country to globalization and through that to a world class development. An economy should be flexible enough to welcome international business players to invest high in that economy. Entrance of international brands to a country improves the health of an economy and it also increases the standard of living in that country. Even though India resisted FDI earlier, later realized it’s a necessity in the effort of becoming a developed country. When India liberalized their FDI policies in 1990s, most had a concern that whether it will affect our domestic businesses. Even though there are Indian companies who failed to compete with foreign ones, totally our liberalized FDI has been giving a win-win result till now. But, it is clear that Globalization has changed the face of our economy and the style of doing business in it. One of the area which Globalization had most influence was unarguably Small and Medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Growth of organized retailing and E-commerce has made both positive and negative effects on SMEs. For last 3 years, there have been several vital changes in FDI policy of India which liberalized the terms even more. We can expect the waves of those changes hitting the shore soon. In this current developing scenario, it is important to forecast the effects of those policies in our economy.In this article, the author investigates on the attitude of small and medium entrepreneurs on our new FDI policies.
MSMEs Performance in Nigeria: A Review of Supply Chain Collaboration Challenges
Authors: Okon Emmanuel O.
Published: April 2020

MSMEs are seen as a veritable engines of economic development, but the growth and development of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria have been slow and in some cases even stunted, due to a number of problems and challenges confronting this all-important sub-sector of the economy. Facing uncertain environments, firms have strived to achieve greater supply chain collaboration to leverage the resources and knowledge of their suppliers and customers. However, there are many challenges that affect the MSMEs supply chain collaboration worldwide though some are prevalent in developing world. Based on relevant literature, this paper reviewed the supply chain collaboration challenges affecting MSMEsdevelopment and performance in Nigeria. Conclusion and suggestion were offered as well.
Investigating the Influence of Social Class on Consumers’ Shopping Behaviour in Nigeria
Authors: Chinwendu Okonkwo Deborah , Shedrack Moguluwa Chinwuba
Published: April 2020

Purpose - This research is a critical effort towards investigating the shopping behaviour of consumers among different social class categories in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the underlying factors influencing consumers’ shopping behaviour in order to establish if there is really a clear-cut distinction in this regard among the various social class categories.

Design/methodology/approach - This study adopted the cross-sectional research approach and the survey research method. This study was carried out in order to determine whether there is a significant influence of social class on consumers’ choice of shopping outlet; and investigate the extent to which social class significantly influenced consumers’ organization of purchases, shopping style, and shopping pattern in Nigeria. A total of 384 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to individuals within Enugu metropolis, however only 350 copies were considered usable for data analysis. Respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Descriptive statistical methods such as frequencies and percentages were used in data presentation. The chi-square and multiple regression statistics were used to analyse data.

Findings - The results indicate that social class significantly influenced consumers’ choice of shopping outlet; social class did not in any way significantly influence consumers’ organization of purchases; occupation/profession did not have a significant influence on consumers’ behaviour with respect to their shopping style; and income and  occupation/profession did not have a significant influence on consumers’ behaviour with respect to their shopping pattern.

Practical implications – This paper presents a spotlight on Nigerian consumers’ shopping pattern vis-à-vis the age long social class theory. It revisits the significance of the concept of social class to marketing practice with a strong emphasis on consumer behaviour.

Originality/Value – The significance of this paper is apparent in its proven application of the age-long social class concept in understanding consumer behaviour patterns in these contemporary times. As such, it requires a re-visit by marketing scholars so as to bring it back to limelight considering its relevance to consumer behaviourial patterns.
Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance in Developing Countries: A literature Review
Authors: Barghouthi Orobah Ali
Published: April 2020

Transparency is one of those terms that have many facets. It is used in different ways. It can refer to the openness of governmental functions. It can also refer to a country’s economy. Or it can refer to various aspects of corporate governance and financial reporting. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 1998) lists transparency as one element of good corporate governance. Kulzick (2004) and others (Blanchet, 2002; Prickett, 2002) view transparency from a user perspective. According to their view, transparency includes the following eight concepts: accuracy, consistency, appropriateness, completeness, clarity, time- liness, convenience, and governance and enforcement. This paper focuses on just one aspect of transparency – timeliness.
Bank Information Disclosure, Financial Transparency and Corporate Governance in Rastin Banking
Authors: Bidabad Bijan , Sherafati Mahshid
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This paper aims to define a set of banking operating regulations for financial transparency, corporate governance, and bank information disclosure.

Design: Bank governance, financial transparency, and information disclosure are amongst the most important solutions to attract public trust to financial and banking operations. In order to reach this goal, a new set of regulations should be designed to solve the problem. In this way, Rastin Banking regulations can provide a base to obtain a better information circulation and higher clarity.

Findings: A draft of regulations for financial transparency, governance, and bank information disclosure is presented in this paper, which can be employed as a basis for the codification of the respective law.

Research limitations: Since such kinds of regulations are novel for banks, they are required to be meticulously scrutinized in the first place, and after adaptation, adjustment, and performing the necessary modifications, the code of law can be codified.

Practical implications: Bank managers, through granting various concessions to themselves and their own stakeholders, have violated the rights of shareholders, depositors, and other stakeholders. This issue, through applying the governance methods, is adjustable to a great extent.

Social implications: This procedure is a model that can be adopted in other countries, especially those countries that have essential ambiguities in their banking and financial operations.

Value: Clearly, the lack of transparency in banking operations can gradually weaken the trust of depositors, stakeholders, and shareholders, and result in probable abuses and damages to all parties in the bank’s contracts. This article fulfills an identified need and solves the practical problem in financial abuses, corruption, and collusion, and can provide positive and essential effects on creating public trust in financial operations.
Effect of Capitalizing Human Resource Cost on Corporate Profitability in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adewole Adeyinka Joseph , Ogunyemi Kayode Joseph , Akinmulegun Ojo Sunday
Published: April 2020

The study examined the effects of conventional treatment of Human Asset on Net Profit; determined the effects of Human Resources Capitalization on firm’s net worth; determined the effect of Human Resources Capitalization on firms' share prices. The study adopted the survey research design and well-structured questionnaire was purposively distributed to 100 staffs of selected firms in the Central senatorial district of Ondo state. Data collected were presented and analysed using ANOVA and Regression. The study revealed that creating room for creative accounting, lack of accounting standard backing conventional treatment of human resources and Biasness in financial reporting are joint indicator of the effect of conventional treatment of Human Asset on Net Profit (R2= 0.577; P < 0.005). The study clearly shows that improving investors’ confidence (29.236; 145.171; 0.000), ease in assessing future potential earnings (29.042; 66.933; 0.000); Contribution to decision making process of capital formation (26.197; 100.249; 0.000); sustainable equity position (23.988; 137.766; 0.000); have significant effect on firm’s network. The study also shows that increase in the level of profitability (4.026; 6.789; 0.000), firm’s growth (23.430; 74.008; 0.000); increase in the size of a firm (11.087; 95.832; 0.000); have significantly affected the share price of a firm. It was concluded that increase in profitability, firm size and growth are some of the cogent effect of capitalization of human resources have an effect on the share price of a firm. The study recommends that professionals, regulators and preparers of financial statements should be enlightened in order to improve the reporting of human resources cost on the face of the financial statement.
Public Administration: An Islamic Sufi Approach
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: April 2020

Along with comparing public administration affairs in traditional political, genuinely religious, patrimonial, and charismatic systems, we deal with decision-making problem, and along with mentioning decision-making methods in modern mathematics, the decision making process on the basis of personal value system will be under considerations. If the human beings’ value system moves from caring material affairs towards concerning spiritualties, the consequences of decision-making process would be improved. In establishing management and making hierarchical organization, the more the rate of discipline and ration, the organization framework would become more consolidated. The basic skeleton of an organization includes division of labor, authority, and responsibility, hierarchical relationships of different job categories in the organization, and the qualifications of relationships are of the other items that are being considered in this paper. Mutual understandings and beliefs of members of the organization in approaching organizational goals and their moral commitments to preserve organization's benefits would reduce the costs of supervision and control in organizations including visible and invisible costs, and methods for providing these conditions in Sufism are achieved via purification of the self for every single of the individuals. Meritocracy and favoritism are other discussed topics in this paper. In conclusion, fifty rules for public administration affairs are presented which have been raised by His Excellency Haj Zein ul-Abedin Shirvani, a Sufi Master of two centuries ago.
Impact of Technology Adoption and Its Utilization on SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Selase Afenya Millicent , Selase Aphu Elvis , Ayishetu Abdul-Rahaman , Comfort Asime Dede , Stanley Amezado , Ebenezer Gyan-Acquah
Published: April 2020

The study used a quantitative approach to identify technology adoption and its utilization effect on market performance of small and medium enterprises in Ghana, La-Nkwantanang municipality. The study combined the construct Of Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory to identify some factors which influence small and medium enterprises to adopt and use internet technology. Furthermore, the study examined some factors which also hinder the adoption and utilization of internet technology among small and medium enterprises. Finally, the study determined the relationship between in internet technology usage among small and medium enterprise and market performance. A sample size taken by the researchers was 100 from the small and medium enterprises in Madina La-Nkwatanang municipality. The researchers used structured questionnaires to gather primary data which was analyzed using smart PLS and SPSS and the following results were obtained perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness of internet technology, compatibility and cost effectiveness are some of the factors that influence the adoption and utilization of internet technology, however, there is a positive relationship between internet technology usage and market performance.
The Roles and Challenges of Micro Finance in Women Empowerment: A Case Study in Oromia Credit and Saving Institution in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebisa Diriba Ayele , Dassa Aman Rikitu
Published: April 2020

Empowerment of women has emerged as an important issue in recent times since women remained disadvantaged part of society for a long period of times. Empowerment of women facilitates development by the uplifting their economic, social and political status. Microfinance is proved to be the instrument to handle poverty that exists mostly in urban and rural areas of the country. It is treated as a key strategy in addressing development issues across the country since the last decade. This study basically attempts to analyze the roles and challenges of microfinance in women empowerment. A primary survey has been carried out to capture the realistic experiences from the women beneficiaries of Oromia Micro Credit and Saving Institution of West Shoa Zone branch. In order to address the objectives of the study, a mixed approach has been adopted and primary data were collected and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. A total sample of 268 women customers’ was selected using simple random sampling technique out of 1316 target populations. Data collected from these respondents were analyzed and interpreted using percentage, weighted mean and mean ranking and the hypothesis was tested using the paired t-test. The findings showed that a significant number of clients had increased their income, saving, decision making and asset ownership rights and safeguarded themselves and their families from financial difficulties. Besides its role, the main challenging factors are unproductive usages of the loan, limited loan size, lack of training and follow up, low awareness and high-interest rate of the loan.
Determinants of Micro and Small Enterprises Growth in Selected Towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Geleta Negash , Talegeta Sileshi
Published: April 2020

MSEs have an important contribution to economic growth and employment creation in Ethiopia.  However, due to different bottlenecks that hinder the growth, MSEs found in these three towns were not grown as it was expected. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying the major determinants of MSEs growth in West Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. In the study, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires. Stratified sampling was used to select proportional number of samples from the study area. The study used Chi-square and logistic regression to measure the association and determine growth probability of MSEs, respectively. The result of the study revealed, Entrepreneurial competency, managerial skills, market access, innovation, high initial investment size, access to finance and manufacturing sector variables were identified as a major determinant of growth of the MSEs in the study area.  MSEs Owner/manager characteristics such as gender and age were found not to have an influence on the growth of the enterprises as the descriptive result showed. The probability of growth of MSEs were positively influenced by entrepreneurship competency, management skill, market access, initial investment size, and sector in manufacturing; however, getting access to finance and engaging in innovation activity have negative impact on the growth probability of MSEs based on the binary logit model result.  The variables included in the model explain about 73.38% of the influences on the MSEs Growth so as, the model is fit. The study recommends that proper understanding of these factors constitutes an essential starting point and important for the Owner/manager of MSEs, government and non-governmental organizations to formulate policies and strategies in order to reduce unemployment, poverty and income inequality thereby promote MSEs and their growth in the country and particularly in West Shoa Zone.
REQUERIMIENTOS EN ASESORÍA CONTABLE Y TRIBUTARIA EN LAS PYMES DE MANTA, ECUADOR
Authors: Zambrano-Alcívar Nilda , Riera-Estrada Joe , Chiriboga-Mendoza Fidel
Published: April 2020

El proyecto para evaluar la necesidad de una empresa que realice asesoría contable y tributaria en la ciudad de Manta, se lleva a cabo con la finalidad de contribuir al desarrollo sectorial de las Pymes que operan en este cantón; el estudio se enfoca directamente en analizar las necesidades latentes de la mayoría de empresas de esta categoría en temas contables y tributarios, para de esta manera analizar la situación de las pymes que requieren los servicios de asesoría contable y tributaria, mediante un análisis de mercado según las cinco fuerzas de Porter. La investigación se llevó a cabo mediante la metodología bibliográfica documental y de campo, utilizando herramientas como la entrevista y la encuesta, orientadas a los gerentes de las firmas de consultoría contable ya existentes y a las Pymes de la ciudad de Manta respectivamente. Los resultados arrojados por la investigación realizada concluyen en la necesidad del proyecto de creación de una empresa asesora contable y tributaria que oferte sus servicios a las pymes de la ciudad de Manta, contando con alta aceptación dentro de este sector.

Palabras clave: contabilidad, tributación, empresa, pymes, fuerzas de Porter.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN QUANTUM TEACHING TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS VII MTs AL-IHSAN BULUH RAMPAI
Authors: Fitri Ramadhani , Imas Siti Aminah
Published: April 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan pemaham konsep matematis siswa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Quantum Teaching. Penelitian ini meruapakan penelitian Quasi Experiment dengan rancangan Randomized Subject Posstest Only Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian yaituseluruh siswa kelas VII  MTs Al-Ihsan Buluh Rampai. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan Random sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis berupa uraian. Data dianalisis secara statistik dengan uji independent samples T-test. Berdasarkan hasil uji t tersebut, thitung berada di daerah penolakan H0 dapat disimpulkan bahwa kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa yangh diajar dengan model pembelajaran Quantum Teaching lebih baik daripada pembelajaran konvensional.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN REFLEKTIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS
Authors: Ilmadi Ilmadi , Andi Nur Rahman
Published: April 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk Mendeskripsikan pengaruh pembelajaran reflektif terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis mahasiswa matematika, serta Menganalisis ada tidaknya interaksi antara pembelajaran reflektif pada kemampuan awal matematika terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis mahasiswa matematika. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah eksperimen semu (quasy eksperiment), dalam hal ini membandingkan antara mahasiswa yang di ajar dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran reflektif dengan pembelajaran konvensional. Dari hasil analisis data dapat ditarik beberapa kesimpulan (1)Berdasarkan hasil uji kesamaan rata – rata dimana nilai uji t sebesar 9.261 dengan nilai sig. = 0.000 lebih kecil dari α = 0.05 sehingga terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara rata – rata kemampuan penalaran matematis mahasiswa kelas eksperimen dengan kelas kontrol, oleh karena itu disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran reflektif terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis mahasiswa program studi matematika FMIPA Universitas Pamulang. (2) Berdasarkan hasil uji Anava uji F = 11.311 dengan signifikansi sebesar 0.000 lebih kecil dari α = 0.05, maka menolak H0 yaitu terdapat interaksi antara model pembelajaran reflektif yang diterapkan pada mahasiswa yang berkemampuan awal tinggi, sedang, dan rendah terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis mahasiswa FMIPA Universitas Pamulang.
Chronic kidney disease presenting with bilateral spontaneous femoral neck fracture: A case report
Authors: USTA Mehmet , ERSOY Alparslan , ERSOY Canan , GÖKSEL Gültekin
Published: April 2020

Bone and mineral metabolism disorders are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These patients are susceptible to fractures. Bilateral femoral neck fracture secondary to renal osteodystrophy is a rare complication. We report a case of CKD with bilateral spontaneous femoral neck fracture associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis.
Obesity and Hypertension
Authors: ERSOY Canan , ERSOY Alparslan
Published: April 2020

Obesity is an important public health problem with increasing frequency, leading to different comorbidities including hypertension and can cause mortality. Possible mechanisms that increase blood pressure in overweight and obese people are renal damage, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, sleep apnea syndrome, leptin-melanocortin pathway and genetic predisposition. Most of these mechanisms stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Medical nutrition therapy, lifestyle interventions, medical and/or surgical antiobesity treatment modalities contribute to the control of blood pressure via weight loss. Besides antihypertensive medications should be chosen carefully in overweight and obese patients and drug groups preventing weight loss should not be preferred if possible.
LC. Revue de Recherches sur Le Corbusier
Authors: Calatrava Juan , Dercelles Arnaud , Torres Cueco Jorge
Published: April 2020

Ediatorial Vol. 1, Núm. 1 LC. Revue de recherches sur Le Corbusier.
Firmá esta petición: discursos a favor y en contra del voto exterior para uruguayos en change.org
Authors: Carrancio Pasilio Noelia
Published: April 2020

Neste documento, analisamos as cinco petições digitais sobre o voto dos uruguaios no exterior que encontramos na plataforma Change.org. Da perspectiva da Análise Crítica dos Gêneros Discursivos (BAZERMAN, 1994; BHATIA, 2004; BONINI, 2011), propomos descrever e interpretar o gênero petição digital como uma ferramenta para a ciber-cidadania atual (CROVI, 2013). Nesta linha, mantemos que as petições digitais são semelhantes ao mecanismo constitucional de iniciativa popular, embora não detenham o mesmo poder performativo. Observamos também que são uma prática discursiva hiper-genérica já que, além de estarem relacionadas a outros gêneros discursivos, estão inscritas dentro de um quadro maior de discursividade onde as representações sociais empunhadas em outras esferas circulam, influenciam e servem como explicação e justificação de posições discursivas disputadas.
Pre-deliquescent water uptake in deposited nanoparticles observed with in situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Jack J. , Mundoli Kamal Raj R , Wang Stella , Kokkonen Esko , Mikkelä Mikko-Heikki , Urpelainen Samuli , Prisle Nønne L.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. We study the adsorption of water onto deposited inorganic sodium chloride and organic malonic acid and sucrose nanoparticles at ambient water pressures corresponding to relative humidities (RH) from 0 to 16 %. To obtain information about water uptake at conditions where not accessible with typical aerosol instrumentation, we use surface-sensitive ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS), which has a detection sensitivity from parts per thousand. Our results show that water is already adsorbed on sodium chloride particles at RH well below deliquescence, and that the chemical environment on the particle surface is changing with increasing humidity. While the sucrose particles exhibit only very modest changes on the surface at these relative humidities, the chemical composition and environment of malonic acid particle surfaces is clearly affected. Our observations indicate that water uptake by inorganic and organic aerosol particles could already have an impact on atmospheric chemistry at low relative humidities. We also conclude that the APXPS technique is a viable tool for studying chemical changes on the surfaces of atmospherically relevant aerosol particles which are not accessible with typical online mass- and volume-based methods.
Neomyrmecridium asymmetricum sp. nov. from Ecuador
Authors: Serrano Lizette , Sosa Daynet , Magdama Freddy , Espinoza Fernando , Quevedo Adela , Vera Marcos , Villavicencio Miriam , Maridueña Gabriela , Pérez-Martinez Simón , Malosso Elaine , Ramos-García Beatriz , Castañeda-Ruiz Rafael F.
Published: April 2020

A new species Neomyrmecridium asymmetricum, found on decaying leaves of Theobroma cacao, is distinguished by grouped conidiophores and polyblastic production of narrow clavate to subclavate, 1-septate, asymmetrical, and yellowish or subhyaline conidia. An ITS- and LSU-based
phylogenetic analysis, description, and illustrations are provided. A key and illustrations to Neomyrmecridium species are also presented.
Sero-epidemiological and reproductive survey for alphaherpesvirus infections in horses in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Muniz Talita D'Paula Tavares Pereira , Lara Maria do Carmo Custódio de Souza Hunold , Villalobos Eliana Monteforte Cassaro , Pinheiro Junior José Wilton , Oliveira Ewerton Renner Gomes de , Carneiro Gustavo Ferrer
Published: April 2020

Equine alphaherpesvirus is a major pathogen that causes respiratory disorders, abortion, neurological syndromes, and perinatal mortality in horse populations worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine whether the occurrence of anti-alphaherpesvirus antibodies is correlated to reproductive abnormalities in horses in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The virus neutralization was carried out in 322 serological samples from unvaccinated horses from 42 farms located in 16 municipalities in the Microregion of the Vale do Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil. Of these horses, 23.3% (75/322; 95% CI: 18.9-28.4%) were found to be reactive to anti-alphaherpesvirus antibodies. In addition, 61.9% (26/42) of farms had at least one reactive animal, with an inter-herd variation of 5% to 100%. With regard to reproductive rates, herpetic infection was associated with the use of biological reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), which uses natural mating (p = 0.003); history of perinatal mortality (p = 0.004); birth interval greater than two years (p = 0.003); and reproductive seasonality of mares with irregular cycles in the herd (p = 0.041). This is the first report on the identification of horses reactive to anti-alphaherpesvirus antibody in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. From the results obtained, the adoption of prophylactic measures such as vaccination is suggested in order to prevent infection in susceptible animals and to reduce the viral load excreted by animals with quiescent infection.
Tracing the origin of reservoir sediments using magnetic properties in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Lima Pedro Luiz Terra , Silva Marx Leandro Naves , Quinton John , Armstrong Alona , Inda Alberto Vasconcellos , Batista Pedro Velloso Gomes , Poggere Giovana Clarice , Curi Nilton
Published: April 2020

Determining the origin of eroded soil is essential to design effective soil erosion control strategies which preserve the soil resource, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce the negative impacts of soil erosion, in-field and off-field. Magnetic properties have been widely used in temperate environments to identify sediment sources, pathways and links, but there have been very few applications in tropical and subtropical environments. Therefore, in this paper we investigated reservoir sediment sources in the Upper Grande River Basin, Southeastern Brazil, using sediment tracing techniques based on magnetic parameters (low and high frequency magnetic susceptibility, frequency dependent susceptibility). The different parent materials and subtropical weathering conditions resulted in soils having different Fe oxide minerals and Fe oxide contents, promoting magnetic variability that allowed comparison and identification of possible sources of reservoir sediments in order to reduce water erosion impacts. The results indicate the suitability of magnetic properties as a tracer for soil erosion studies in tropical environments.
Drying and storage of macaúba fruit: chemical and oxidative stability
Authors: Silva Vanessa Mandú da , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Campos Raquel Pires , Borsato Aurélio Vinicius , Hiane Priscila Aiko , Donadon Juliana Rodrigues
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and oxidative stability of dried macaúba (Acrocomia totai) fruit in different air conditions and stored for up to 120 days. The macaúba fruits were collected, sanitized, dried at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C and stored in raffia bags at room temperature. Drying at higher temperatures resulted in pulps with a darker and orangish color and pulp oil with lower titratable acidity contents and acidity indices. Throughout storage, there was an increase in the acidity index of pulp oil and a reduction in the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents in the pulp. Drying and storage reduced the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents of the pulp. Drying at lower temperatures results in pulps with a higher free-radical sequestering ability. Pulp oil quality was compromised by drying and storage time. Newly harvested macaúba fruits can be dried at 40, 50, 60 or 70 °C and stored for up to 120 days without compromising nut oil quality.
Detection of bluetongue virus antibodies in sheep from Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Sbizera Maria Carolina Ricciardi , Cunha Filho Luiz Fernando Coelho da , Lunardi Michele , Pertile Simone Fernanda Nedel , Patelli Thais Helena Constantino , Barreto José Victor Pronievicz , Pituco Edviges Maristela
Published: April 2020

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious and non-contagious disease caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) belonging to the genus Orbivirus. It is transmitted by a hematophagous vector, Culicoides sp., to ruminants, particularly to sheep, which are most susceptible to this disease. The main serological tests are agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), which is recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), which has the advantage of no cross-reaction with other orbiviruses. The aim was to compare the results of these two tests by conducting them on sera collected from sheep in the state of Paraná, Brazil. From March to October 2017, serum samples were collected from 270 sheep from 10 farms in six mesoregions of Paraná. The samples were subjected to AGID and cELISA to detect antibodies against BTV. Based on the test results, we classified the sheep as low, moderate, and high occurrence. The results demonstrated that 64.81% (175/270) of the sheep were seropositive through the cELISA test, showing a high occurrence, and 41.11% (111/270) were seropositive through the AGID test, indicating a moderate occurrence. The concordance between the tests was moderate (0.51) as determined by the Kappa coefficient. Among the studied farms, 90% (9/10) presented at least one seropositive sheep, and the number of animals tested positive by the cELISA test was higher than those by the AGID test. Favorable climate, which favors the presence and multiplication of the culicoid vector and the occurrence of infection, was the biggest predominant factor responsible for the obtained results. The low occurrence in farms with milder climate suggest that the presence of antibodies also occurs due to the low pathogenicity of circulating serotypes in the different mesoregions studied. It is concluded that BTV infection is present in the sheep herds in Paraná, and the occurrence was moderate detected by AGID test and high detected by cELISA test.
Dipyrone, scopolamine, and meloxicam for conventional or two-port laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in female dogs
Authors: Dalmolin Fabíola , Oliveira Marília Teresa , Pinto Filho Saulo Tadeu Lemos , Vaz Marcos André Braz , Cecco Bianca Santana de , Feranti João Pedro Scussel , Carvalho Elizabeth Regina , Silva Marco Augusto Machado , Brun Maurício Veloso
Published: April 2020

For ethical and organic reasons, surgical and analgesic techniques that minimize and adequately control pain should be studied. Ovariohysterectomy is the most common surgical technique in veterinary medicine and is performed in female dogs for elective or therapeutic purposes. Both conventional and minimally invasive surgical techniques are used in veterinary medicine; however, the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique is considered superior to the conventional technique because it is associated with a less painful and faster post-operative recovery. However, for various reasons, the laparoscopic technique is not yet widely used in veterinary medicine, and the conventional ovariohysterectomy is still the most common. The aim of this study, therefore, was to validate the efficacy of the combination of dipyrone, scopolamine, and meloxicam after conventional or two-port laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomies in female dogs. Additionally, this study sought to assess recovery after the two surgical modalities while receiving the same analgesic protocol. Fourteen healthy adult female dogs were spayed and then evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale, the Melbourne Scale, and the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale for 72 hours after surgery. The analgesic protocol was efficient for pain control after both techniques, with minimal differences between the groups.
Initial height and nitrogen fertilisation on deferred pastures of marandu palisadegrass
Authors: Nogueira Henrique Cesar Rodrigues , Santos Manoel Eduardo Rozalino , Carvalho Bruno Humberto Rezende , Carvalho Angélica Nunes de , Vasconcelos Kathleen Alves , Rocha Gabriel de Oliveira
Published: April 2020

In deferred pastures, nitrogen fertilisation and pasture height at the beginning of the deferment period modify the structure and nutritive value of forage. This work was conducted to determine the nitrogen (N) doses and sward heights that were adequate for the deferment of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu syn. Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (marandu palisadegrass). Two sward heights (15 and 30 cm) and four N rates (0, 40, 80,120 kg/ha) at the beginning of the deferment period were evaluated in a randomised block design and a factorial scheme with three replications. At the end of the deferment period, the numbers of live and dead tillers, the numbers of tillers with different sizes, the masses of live leaf lamina, dead leaf lamina, live stem and dead stem, the litter mass and the crude protein and neutral detergent fibre contents of the forage were evaluated. With nitrogen fertilisation, there was an increase in the masses of live leaf and live stem in the deferred canopy. With the application of 80 kg/ha of N, the litter mass was higher in the deferred canopy with a height of 30 cm, in relation to that with a height of 15 cm. The highest canopy presented greater stem mass and worse nutritional value when compared to the lowest one. In order to improve forage characteristics, marandu palisadegrass can be deferred by 15 cm and fertilised with 80 kg/ha N. When marandu palisade grass is deferred to 30 cm, nitrogen doses lower than 80 kg/ha can be applied.
Productive, behavioral and physiological performance of feedlot Guzerat and ½ Guzerat × ½ Aberdeen Angus cattle
Authors: Ferro Diogo Alves da Costa , Ferro Rafael Alves da Costa , Santos Aracele Pinheiro Pales dos , Taveira Rodrigo Zaiden , Silva Bruna Paula Alves da , Santos Klayto José Gonçalves dos , Rosa Geovana Gonçalves , Contijo Lídia Mendes de Aquino
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to compare the productive, behavioral and physiological performance of feedlot Guzerat and ½ Guzerat × ½ Aberdeen Angus cattle. The experiment was conducted in a commercial feedlot for 80 days, between April and June 2016. Fifteen male Guzerat and 15 male ½ Guzerat-Aberdeen Angus cattle, both at the same age, with respective average initial weights of 381.27 and 401.34 ± 54.70 kg, were used. The animals were kept in collective pens, one for each breed group, with 14 m2 available per animal. Environmental conditions, respiratory frequency and behavior were evaluated for 12h00, starting at 06h00 and ending at 18h00. Feeding, rumination, rest, other activities and social, body care, anomalous, playful and locomotion behavior were observed. To examine the productive responses, initial weight, final weight, average daily weight gain, total weight gain, carcass yield, conformation and fatness were measured. Behaviors referring to feeding, rumination and other activities did not differ between the breed groups, except for the rest, playful and locomotion behaviors. A significant difference was detected (p < 0.05) for respiratory frequency and productive characteristics between the breed groups. In conclusion, ½ Guzerat × ½ Aberdeen Angus were superior to Guzerat cattle in productive performance. However, for behavioral and physiological variables, Guzerat animals exhibited better performance.
Influence of RehaCom Therapy on the Improvement of Manual Skills in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects
Authors: Pawlukowska Wioletta , Dobrowolska Natalia , Szylinska Aleksandra , Koziarska Dorota , Meller Agnieszka , Rotter Iwona , Nowacki Przemysław
Published: April 2020

Objective To assess the influence of cognitive therapy, in combination with cognitive software, on manual dexterity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods The Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) was used to establish the eligibility of individuals with MS for testing and to assess their upper limb performance. In addition to standard upper limb rehabilitation, 20 participants received RehaCom-based visual-motor therapy, administered three times a week in 20-minute routines.Results A significant relationship was found between the use of manual therapy that utilized the cognitive function platform and the improvement of the non-dominant hand (p=0.037). Compared to controls, the experimental group scored higher on the NHPT, when using the dominant hand (p=0.007). All members of the experimental group, aged ≤60 years, needed considerably less time to do the NHPT with the dominant hand (p=0.008).Conclusion Application of manual therapy using the cognitive function platform improves performance of the hand. However, further research is needed to analyze the correlation between cognitive function and motor performance in patients with MS.
A Bibliometric Analysis Using Alternative Metrics for Articles in the Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors: Han Seok Cheol , Kang Hyo Jung , Lee Won Jae , Chung Hee Sup , Lee Jong Hyuk
Published: April 2020

Objective To investigate the articles in the Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine (ARM) using a bibliometric analysis to verify whether there is a correlation between the topics of interest for expert groups and the public media.Methods A total of 1,088 ARM articles from the third issue of 2011 to the third issue of 2019 were analyzed. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the articles using conventional metrics (CM) and alternative metrics (AM). The CM was investigated by collating the type of publication, number of citations, and the specific field of rehabilitation medicine for each article. The AM was analyzed using the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) provided by Altmetric, the leading AM company. The correlation between the number of citations and the AAS was tested using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.Results The combined ratio of original articles and case reports was over 90% in this study; however, the total distribution was significantly different compared to previous bibliometric studies (p<0.05). There were 233 articles that satisfied both conditions of at least one citation and at least one AAS point. The number of citations and the AAS were found to have a statistically significant positive linear correlation on a scatter plot (r=0.216, p=0.001).Conclusion There is a significant correlation between AM and CM, which means itis important to increase the dissemination of academic knowledge through the public media and increase the status of the journal by increasing the citation-related index.
The convergence of Olympism and Confucianism
Authors: Foszczyńska Beata
Published: April 2020

In the article, the convergence of Olympism and Confucianism is discussed. These are two diff erent cultural products created under diff erent historical and geographical conditions. While analysing their main assumptions, it turned out that they have many common areas, which are primarily fundamental values such as: humanism, harmony and education aimed at realising these values. The overlapping goals and common values of Olympism and Confucianism are promising perspectives, because they can interact with each other and thus, promote intercultural communication, world peace and universal harmony.
German Gymnasts with Polish Backgrounds: the Fate of Alfred Flatow (1869–1942) and Gustav Flatow (1875–1945)
Authors: Rozmiarek Mateusz
Published: April 2020

This article presents biographical overviews and details of the sporting careers of cousins Alfred and Gustav Flatow,
one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of modern era German sport, born in Danzig and Berent(nowadays-
Gdańsk and Kościerzyna). At a young age, the athletes proved that – owing to their determination and hard work
– it was possible to qualify for the national team and partake at the Olympic Games, and then show the world their
extraordinary skills, thus demonstrating the German gymnastic power. Although they spent the last years of their
lives in the Netherlands, where they emigrated, today they are considered to be the undisputed victims of the Nazi
genocide among Jewish-German Olympic gymnasts. In recent years, in both Poland and Germany, they have been
commemorated in diff erent ways.
‘Kafka is among us’: Turkey’s Transnational and Interlingual Literatures
Authors: Konuk Kader
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on the reception of Kafka in Turkey in conjunction with the status and treatment of ethnic and religious minorities. Investigating the reception and appropriation of Kafka in Turkey reveals the ongoing effort to secure freedom of speech in a country that is marked by a long history of Turkification and Islamisation. The strong tradition of Kafka reception in Turkey sensitises readers to the kinds of literary allusions and rhetorical flourishes that are associated with the Prague author. Characters such as Herr K. and Gregor Samsa, labyrinthine narratives and the motif of estrangement left a lasting imprint on literary texts that openly challenge or circumvent censorship. This article argues that Kafka became a seminal figure for writers in Turkey, writers whose investment was not necessarily in Kafka’s Jewishness but in specific narrative techniques that allowed them to develop their own literature of resistance. This article analyses four novels in this regard - Ferit Edgü’s Hakkâri’de bir Mevsim (1977), Erhan Bener’s Böcek (1982), Bilge Karasu’s Gece (1985), and Orhan Pamuk’s Kar (2004).