bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JUVENTUDE E FORMAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL NO CONTEXTO DAS REFORMAS DO ENSINO MÉDIO E DAS DIRETRIZES CURRICULARES NACIONAIS (1971-2017)
Authors: Oliveira Salvador Rodrigues de , Batista Sueli Soares dos Santos
Published: June 2018

Como tem se dado a construção de reformas educacionais e diretrizes curriculares admitindo-se a relação entre educação e trabalho à medida que a escolarização tem sido adotada como central nas políticas públicas que visão a inserção social dos jovens? A partir desta questão norteadora, o objetivo deste estudo é aprofundar quanto às concepções das reformas do ensino médio articulado ou não à profissionalização dos jovens. A partir de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, constata-se o vigor do dualismo entre o ensino propedêutico e o profissionalizante, sendo a não superação desta dualidade o que tem definido a identidade do ensino médio e os seus limites enquanto possibilidade de escolarização e profissionalização dos jovens. Pode-se compreender que as mudanças ocorridas nas legislações educacionais nos últimos anos têm sido para cumprir formalidades de natureza quantitativa e econômica sem que se tenha enfrentado satisfatoriamente os desafios para promover a emancipação do jovem por meio da educação. Um aspecto revelador desse processo é a permanência de reformas educacionais que priorizam a busca de uma inserção rápida no mercado de trabalho sem que essa inserção se converta em melhores níveis de escolarização dos jovens.
EDUCAÇÃO PÚBLICA EM RISCO: descontinuidades, golpes e resistência
Authors: Reis Valdeci , Sartori Ademilde Silveira
Published: June 2018

O texto apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa documental no âmbito das políticas recentes de formação de professores, com destaque para as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais, bem como a proposta de residência pedagógica anunciada pelo MEC. Nosso objetivo, nesse sentido, é analisar as possibilidades e limites da formação de professores nos cursos de licenciatura no panorama de políticas atuais e analisar os embates criados com o anúncio da Base Nacional de Formação Docente. No momento em que o país passa por um complexo ajuste fiscal, onde escolas e universidades sofrem com os cortes no orçamento, entendemos que o anúncio do MEC é contraditório e ignora as especificidades culturais de cada região.
REFORMAS CURRICULARES: avanços, resistências e desafios
Authors: Pereira Maria Zuleide Da Costa
Published: June 2018

Interessamo-nos, portanto, compreender a quem se destinam essas reformas e quais propostas de mudanças socioeducativas que essas iniciativas apresentam ou não. Assim, socializa-se a partir de diferentes textos, a dinâmica do movimento curricular na Educação Básica e no Ensino Superior no Brasil e em um dos Estados da África, São Tomé e Príncipe. No que se refere ao Brasil, as reformas curriculares vêm ocorrendo de forma turbulenta e distante dos atores e das realidades das escolas. Os textos refletem estas inquietações apontando para fragilidades e fragmentações inerentes ao processo inicial de construção e pretenso desenvolvimento das políticas.
A study of the nexus between economic development and deposit funded bank loans issued to private-public entities
Authors: Kolapo Funso T. , Oke Michael O. , Olaniyan Temitayo O.
Published: June 2018

We scrutinized bank deposits and loans issued to private-public sectors and its nexus with economic development in a developing country over the period 1970-2016. This study adopts per capita income as the proxy for economic development, while loans to private sectors, loans to government sectors, money supply, and lending interest rate were the financial deepening variables. We use the Ng-Perron and Augmented Dickey-Fuller Breakpoint Unit Root Tests to check the presence of unit root, and in determining the order of integration of the variables– I(d) in the presence of structural break for each variables respectively, while the T-Y augmented Granger non-causality test is used to reveal how causal effects flow in this study. Hence, taking into account the effect of structural breaks, we found that bank loans to government sectors and lending interest rates were stationary series as p < 0.01. We also found from the T-Y Granger non-causality results in its overall sense that the feedback hypothesis by contrast to prior studies holds in the developing country context. The feedback hypothesis establishes that bank loans and economic development Granger cause each other. In this paper, we recommended among other things that the monetary authorities should regulate the activities of bank deposits to ensure that they gear up the growth of loans to private sectors by examining factors, such as lending interest rate which can possibly undermine lending to these sectors; considering their role as key engine of economic growth in any developing economy.
Prehypertension and hypertension prevalence and risk factors among adult population in Republic of Serbia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sipetic-Grujicic Sandra , Miljus Dragan , Soldatovic Ivan , Nikolic Aleksandra , Vujcic Isidora
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim. Prehypertension and hypertension are an important public health problem worldwide and although they can be modified, they are often a risk for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension and associated risk factors in the adult population (15+ years) of Serbia. Methods. The cross-sectional study covered 14,623 adult respondents, but 14,422 volunteered to measure their blood pressure according to a pre-defined protocol. A stratified two-stage national representative random sampling approach was used for the selection of the survey sample. Results. In 2013, 17.7% of Serbian population, aged 15 and over, was normotensive, every third (33.1%) person had prehypertension, and every second (49.3%) had hypertension. The standardized prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 40.6% and 34.5%, respectively; 57.8% of the hypertensive population were receiving medical treatment. Among those receiving medical treatment, 35.2% (36.4% males and 33.2% females) had a blood pressure within the normal range. According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, independently significant risk factors for hypertension compared to persons with normotension were older age (50 and more) (p < 0.001), overweight (p < 0.001) and obesity (p < 0.001), moderate (p < 0.001) and large (p < 0.001) waist circumference in both sexes, and nonurban place of residence in females (p = 0.006). In females, independently significant risk factors for prehypertension compared to persons with normotension were older age (50 and more) (p < 0.001), overweight (p < 0.001) and obesity (p < 0.001), moderate (p < 0.001) and large (p < 0.001) waist circumference, but high level of physical activity was significantly protective (p = 0.014). In males, overweight (p < 0.001) and obesity (p < 0.001) were independently significant risk factors for prehypertension. Conclusion. Serbia belongs to countries with a high prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension. Our results emphasize the need for a new public health strategy for the prevention, detection and treatment of prehypertension and hypertension.
Diabetes Technology Update: Use of Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Hospital
Authors: Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Klonoff David C.
Published: June 2018

The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has gained wide acceptance in diabetes care. These devices have been demonstrated to be clinically valuable, improving glycemic control and reducing risks of hypoglycemia in ambulatory patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Approximately 30–40% of patients with type 1 diabetes and an increasing number of insulin-requiring patients with type 2 diabetes are using pump and sensor technology. As the popularity of these devices increases, it becomes very likely that hospital health care providers will face the need to manage the inpatient care of patients under insulin pump therapy and CGM. The American Diabetes Association advocates allowing patients who are physically and mentally able to continue to use their pumps when hospitalized. Health care institutions must have clear policies and procedures to allow the patient to continue to receive CSII treatment to maximize safety and to comply with existing regulations related to self-management of medication. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether CSII therapy and CGM systems in the hospital are associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with intermittent monitoring and conventional insulin treatment or with a favorable cost-benefit ratio.
Governing Conflicts Between Mining and Tourism in the Arctic
Authors: Similä Jukka , Jokinen Mikko
Published: June 2018

The Arctic is one of the largest regions on the globe, and is regarded as a vast storehouse of potential resources, including minerals. Both mining and tourism are rapidly growing economic sectors in the region. While the variety of tourism activities supported and offered is extensive, all of these activities are essentially forms of nature-based tourism.
Land-use conflicts between mining and tourism are likely to emerge when a new mine is opened close to a tourist area, because mining activities may dramatically change the landscape, which is essential for tourism. The impact greatly depends on the location of mining facilities, the physical size of the mining project, the mining processes used, logistics and how well the image of the mine and its end product fits in with the image of the tourist destination. While tourism and the mining industry may benefit from each other, the relationship between a mine and tourism is often asymmetrically counterproductive; where such a relationship exists, a need for regulation arises.
In this article, we assess the legal means available for resolving conflicts between the mining and tourism industries and discuss possibilities to improve these means. The two key regulatory instruments for governing such conflicts are land-use planning and mining permit processes. We illustrate the nature of conflicts and various decision-making procedures with reference to the Finnish legal framework and a case study on an ongoing mining project in the town of Kolari.
Review: Global perspectives on teaching excellence – A new era for higher education
Authors: Käck Annika
Published: June 2018

Are you searching for a book that discusses teaching excellence from both a global and future perspective? In that case, Global perspectives on teaching excellence - A new era for higher education is a highly relevant and interesting book with contributions from 42 individuals, all involved in higher education in many countries. Christine Broughan, Graham Steventon and Lynn Clouder, researchers from Coventry University in the United Kingdom, are the editors. In this book, the concept of teaching excellence is explored by international authors who highlight a number of key issues. One issue is that teaching excellence has no international definition because it is such a complex subject covering diverse ontological, epistemological and cultural contexts. We can read this book with three questions in mind: If and how teaching excellence can be measured; what impact frameworks, initiatives and awards have on teaching excellence; and, what are the new challenges for global teaching excellence in the 21st century? The authors’ focus is a blend of political, theoretical and applied research which gives the reader many different perspectives on teaching excellence.
Influence of Solidification Rates and Stress-Relief Annealing on the Mechanical Properties of Cast 6063 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Stephen Joseph Temitope , Adebayo Adeyinka , Adeyemi Gbenga Joshua
Published: June 2018

This paper reports the influence of solidification rate and stress-relief annealing on the mechanical properties of cast 6063 Aluminium alloy (Al6063). Ingots of Al6063 were melted and then cast using sand and metal moulds. Some of the cast samples were heat treated and then cooled in natural air. Tensile test, hardness test, impact test and microstructural analysis were carried out on the samples. The results show substantial changes in the mechanical properties of the specimens. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and hardness percentage elongation of cast Al6063 increases with the use of casting method with high thermal conductivity and reduces when annealing is carried out on the specimens. The ultimate tensile strength of 146.7 MPa and 163.5 MPa were recorded for sand mould and metal mould samples, respectively and the values decreases by 10.3% and 7.5% for the respective moulds. In contrast, the values of impact strength and percentage elongation of cast Al6063 rod improved with the increase in thermal conductivity of casting method and annealing operation. The ductile increased by 51.01% and 45.82% for sand mould and metal mould samples, respectively, after they were annealed. Furthermore, microstructural analysis of cast Al6063 rod revealed a fine-grained structure with increase in thermal conductivity of casting method used; however, the annealing process encouraged grain growth as a result of the stress being relieved from the samples.
TEACHERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL SUPPORT PROCESS ON A NETWORKING SITE
Authors: Ab Rashid Radzuwan , A. Rahman Mohd Fazry , Abdul Rahman Shireena Basree
Published: June 2018

This paper is part of a larger study investigating teachers’ engagement in social support process on a networking site. It concentrates on the social and discursive practices of 20 Malaysian English language teachers as they co-construct social support on Facebook Timelines. The main data generated from participant observations were analysed using discourse analysis approach. The findings revealed that the teachers mainly post about negative experiences at school, such as facing colleagues and students whom they perceived as problematic and time pressure. By posting their negative experiences, teachers can be seen to initiate the co-construction of both emotional and informational support with Friends they believe are like-minded and supportive. This paper thus argues that teachers' postings on social networking sites are more than just an account of mundane teaching-related experiences, but serve as a mechanism for them to obtain social support to help them reflect on their practice and cope with the emotional turmoil arising from day-to-day challenges at school. Keywords: Social support, Malaysian English language teacher, Facebook Timeline, co-construction, discursive identity.Cite as: Rashid, R.A., Rahman, M.F.A., & Rahman, S.B.A. (2016). Teachers’ engagement in social support process on a networking site. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 1(1), 34-45.
A STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH TO IDEAS GENERATION FOR PROJECTS: IS IT A THREAT TO CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION?
Authors: Haji Suhaili Wida Susanty , Haywood Jeff
Published: June 2018

The conceptual framework of the nature of learning in final year undergraduate projects (FYP) has not been clearly defined. Fostering creativity in undergraduate projects, and particularly in their proposals for the projects is challenging. Defining what is viewed by assessors as ‘creative’ can be less precise than other features, such as feasibility and resourcing. This study focused on supports given to students in developing high quality proposals for their FYP in computer science, and the supports for teachers to assess this new feature.  Providing these supports requires development of new approaches, as assessment of the proposal is not a common practice in other universities which offer undergraduate programme of Computer Science. A new assessment rubric for evaluating the proposals was developed for both teachers and students, and material extracted from past project proposals (of differing quality) was mapped to the assessment criteria and presented as an online support system.  Student and teacher feedback was gathered at all stages. The concept of combining and reorganizing existing knowledge to produce creative ideas is discussed, and both the literature review and the research findings from this study may be of value to researchers interested in FYP and teachers wishing to develop such modules. Keywords: final year project, student –centered, creativity, assessment, inquiry-based learning.Cite as: Haji Suhaili, W.S., Haywood, J. (2017). A student-centered approach to ideas generation for projects: Is it a threat to creativity and innovation? Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(1), 13-26.
SUDANESE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF USING FACEBOOK FOR VOCABULARY LEARNING AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL
Authors: Al Mubarak Amin Ali
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to explore Sudanese students’ perception of using Facebook for vocabulary learning at university level. Numerous studies have undertaken exploration on the use of innovative methodologies for foreign language learning. However, the role of Facebook in such context is underexplored, culminating in this particular work. 100 first and second year students pursuing their Bachelor degree with major in English at University of AL Imam AL Mahdi of the academic year 2016-2017 were selected to take part in this study. Quantitative research method was utilized to yield perspective understanding of their involvement with the particular platform. The findings reveal that the students have positive perceptions regarding the use of Facebook for vocabulary learning. The students have also expressed the assistance of Facebook in learning new things through the useful information available on the site. This paper concludes that Facebook is a potential platform for improvement of university students’ vocabulary knowledge.  Keywords: Facebook, language learning, social media, Sudan, vocabulary, tertiary educationCite as: Al Mubarak, A.A. (2017). Sudanese students’ perceptions of using Facebook for vocabulary learning at university level. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(1), 170-176
WENDELL BERRY: MEDIATING BETWEEN CULTURE AND NATURE
Authors: Al Jumaili Firas A. Nsaif
Published: June 2018

Wendell Berry who was born in 1945 is an American poet, novelist, environmental activist and a farmer.  Berry worships nature and constantly resorts to it but not to retreat from society to a simple life of nature or to escape from social obligations. Rather, he emphasizes the need for a new view of nature that goes beyond the mystical treatment of nature. This paper aims to review Berry’s efforts as a poet to mediate culture and nature through his words. Berry emphasizes labour and the cultivation of land for he is in between the civilized and the wild. Berry argues that culture and nature cannot be separated, and his conviction of the close connection between poetry and farming can be understood accordingly. Berry made great efforts through his works to reform the relationship between civilization and the earth. Unless human society renews the vision of its relationship with the natural world, there will be little hope of substantial and permanent environmental reform. This paper is hoped to inspire other poets, especially Asian poets to promote similar ideology in their works.Keywords: Culture, meditation, nature, place, wildernessCite as: Al Jumaili, F.A.N. (2017). Wendell Berry: Mediating between culture and nature. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 118-126.
THE SIMILARITY OF RADICAL ISLAMIC IDEOLOGY BETWEEN THE MALAYSIAN GROUPS OF JEMAAH ISLAMIYAH, KUMPULAN MILITAN MALAYSIA AND ISLAMIC STATE (DAESH)
Authors: Abu Bakar Siti Zubaidah , Muhammed Kifli Azura , Yusoff Kamaruzaman
Published: June 2018

Islamic radical movement has a long-established history in Malaysia. Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Kumpulan Militan Malaysia (KMM) were the most dangerous groups. Although they had been banned by the government, the similarity of their salafi jihadi ideology with the current movement of Islamic State (Daesh) is seen as a major security challenge to the nationwide including Malaysia. Therefore, the objective of this article is to examine the continuity of ideological similarities between JI, KMM and Daesh. This research is qualitative and it employs historical sociology approach. The main data were generated through library research and document analysis. The article concludes that there are five element of similarities in continuity of the ideology among those movements. Also, there is significant radical evolution of  Daesh ideological movement  contributing  to the extreme violence. This article is hoped to help Malaysian Government in understanding the ideology of radical Islamic movements and formulate pro active mechanism to minimize the threats imposed by Daesh. Keywords: Daesh, ideology, Jemaah Islamiyah, Kumpulan Militan Malaysia, radical IslamCite as: Abu Bakar, S.Z., Muhammed Kifli, A., & Yusoff, K. (2017). Persamaan ideologi radikal Islam di Malaysia dalam kumpulan Jemaah Islamiyah, Kumpulan Militan Malaysia dan Islamic State (Daesh) [The similarity of radical Islamic ideology between the Malaysian groups of Jemaah Islamiyah, Kumpulan Militan Malaysia and Islamic State (Daesh)]. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 155-168. AbstrakGerakan radikal Islam telah bertapak lama di Malaysia. Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) dan Kumpulan Militan Malaysia (KMM) adalah dua kumpulan radikal Islam yang sangat bahaya dan berpengaruh suatu ketika dahulu. Walaupun telah diharamkan oleh kerajaan, namun ideologi salafi jihadi yang diperjuangkan mempunyai persamaan dengan gerakan militan Islamic State (Daesh) yang pada hari ini dilihat sebagai cabaran utama bukan sahaja bagi Malaysia malah juga seluruh dunia. Berdasarkan situasi tersebut, artikel ini disediakan dengan objektif untuk meninjau kesinambungan persamaan ideologi antara JI, KMM dan Daesh di Malaysia. Metodologi kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif berpendekatan sosiologi sejarah dengan dapatan data dibuat menerusi tinjauan kepustakaan dan analisis dokumen. Dapatan kajian merumuskan bahawa terdapat lima elemen persamaan dalam kesinambungan ideologi kumpulan gerakan radikal tersebut. Walaubagaimanapun, pembaharuan yang signifikan telah dilancarkan oleh Daesh sehingga membawa kepada ancaman keselamatan yang lebih ekstrem. Justeru, artikel ini diharap membantu pihak Kerajaan dalam memahami ideologi gerakan radikal Islam seterusnya menggubal mekanisme khusus sebagai langkah pro aktif dalam menangani ancamannya yang semakin membimbangkan dewasa ini.Kata Kunci: Daesh, ideologi, Jemaah Islamiyah, Kumpulan Militan Malaysia, radikal Islam
CABARAN DAN PENDEKATAN PENTERJEMAHAN INTRALINGUAL JAWI KEPADA RUMI UNDANG-UNDANG ADAT NEGERI KEDAH
[CHALLENGES AND APPROACHES TO INTRALINGUAL TRANSLATION OF JAWI TO RUMI UNDANG-UNDANG ADAT NEGERI KEDAH]
Authors: Mansor Idris
Published: June 2018

The process of transferring the script of a text of the same language is a type of intralingual translation. The focus of this study was intralingual translation from Jawi into Rumi. This study aimed to examine problems faced by translators in translating old Malay manuscript from Jawi to Rumi and approaches used to oversee the problems. This study employed a descriptive approach by examining the text of Undang-Undang Adat Negeri Kedah as the research data. The finding shows that there are some problems in translating old Malay manuscripts which involve the overloaded use of Arabic language and dialect, blurry writing, the use of old version of Jawi scripts and difficult-to-understand words. To address the identified challenges, this study presents some suggestions appropriate to intralingual translation techniques. This study is expected to serve as a basic guideline to translators who engage in intralingual translation of the Jawi script to Rumi.Keywords: Intralingual translation, Jawi, Malay manuscript, Malay langauge, Undang-Undang Adat Negeri KedahCite as: Mansor, I. (2017). Cabaran dan pendekatan penterjemahan intralingual jawi kepada rumi Undang-undang Adat Negeri Kedah [Challenges and approaches to intralingual translation of jawi to rumi Undang-undang Adat Negeri Kedah]. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 251-263. AbstrakProses mengubah bentuk tulisan sesebuah teks dalam bahasa yang sama merupakan salah satu bentuk terjemahan intralingual. Fokus kajian ini adalah terjemahan intralingual daripada Jawi kepada Rumi. Kajian ini bertujuan meneliti permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh penterjemah dalam mentransliterasi sebuah manuskrip Melayu lama daripada Jawi kepada Rumi dan pendekatan yang digunakan bagi mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif dengan meneliti teks Undang-Undang Adat Negari Kedah sebagai data kajian. Dapatan kajian mendapati terdapat beberapa permasalahan dalam mengalih tulisan manuskrip lama yang antaranya melibatkan penggunaan bahasa Arab dan dialek yang sarat, tulisan yang kabur, penggunaan tulisan Jawi lama serta perkataan yang sukar difahami. Bagi menangani cabaran tersebut, kajian ini mengemukakan beberapa cadangan yang berkaitan dengan teknik terjemahan intralingual yang sesuai digunakan. Kajian ini diharap dapat menjadi panduan asas kepada penterjemah yang menceburi bidang terjemahan intralingual daripada tulisan Jawi kepada Rumi. Kata Kunci : Bahasa Melayu, Jawi, manuskrip Melayu, terjemahan intralingual Undang-Undang Adat Negeri Kedah.
BRINGING ROHINGYA REFUGEES OFF-TRACK OF LONG-TERM ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Moses Ferdinand , Kengatharan Shandralingam
Published: June 2018

The ethnic Rohingya is experiencing not only marginalization and statelessness in Myanmar but also facing brutal oppression, violence perpetrated by some in the ethnic majority for many decades. Bangladesh has long been a major Rohingya refugees hosting country and currently, it hosts around 600,000 refugees. Beside recently arrived refugees, there are thousands of refugees, who have been staying in Bangladesh for around three decades as registered or unregistered refugees. Long-term refugees, as per many reports, have been heavily relying on international aid, amid their poor socioeconomic development in Bangladesh. The development of Rohingya refugees is analyzed in this paper from the dimensions of Bangladesh, as a host country; poor human development of Rohingya refugees, and the wider international community. National competition for limited availability of resources and opportunities in Bangladesh; poor human development of Rohingya refugees, make them prolong dependents for refugee handouts. To obtain sustainable development of Rohingya population in Bangladesh, this paper proposes an appeal to international producers to make them financially sound by offering employment opportunities by establishing production plants in Bangladesh. In addition, to avoid hostilities with the local population, equal composition of refugees and the local population is suggested in employee recruitments.Keywords: Rohingya, Myanmar, Bangladesh, refugees, economic developmentCite as: Joseph, F.M & Shandralingam, K. (2018). Bringing Rohingya refugees off-track of long-term economic vulnerability in Bangladesh. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 3(1), 42-50.http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol3iss1pp42-50
Reseña a Escritos Paranoicos / Polosecki
Authors: Jaubet Franco
Published: June 2018

El enigmático final de Fabián Polosecki como significante para pensar el recorrido de su carrera como periodista del campo audiovisual. Su pensamiento político, filosófico y místico desde el aporte de sus documentos, sus conferencias y los testimonios de sus colegas y amigos.
Challenging policy barriers in sustainable urban design
Authors: Birkeland Janis
Published: June 2018

In built environment design, codes set minimum health and safety requirements, policies set aspirational targets, and incentives such as green building rating schemes set design standards. These approaches have failed to provide universal well-being and environmental justice (i.e. intra-generational equity), or increases in the natural life-support system that exceed depletion rates (i.e. inter- generational equity). Governments that do not ensure all citizens can obtain basic needs, life quality and resource security fail to meet their basic responsibilities. Two recent documents, one representing sustainable urban policy and principles, the other representing urban biodiversity standards, are examined against the Positive Development Test (whether the development increases the public estate, ecological base and future public options). The discussion suggests that contemporary policies and incentive schemes, as presently conceived, cannot provide the basic physical preconditions for sustainability, let alone address socio-economic inequities. An alternative design-based approach is presented to address the issues the paper identified.
Detection of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) and Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus (AmFV) in Honey Bees in Mexico
Authors: García-Anaya Mayra C. , Romo-Chacón Alejandro , Sáenz-Mendoza Alma I. , Pérez-Ordoñez Gerardo , Acosta-Muñiz Carlos H.
Published: June 2018

The recent alarming loss of honey bee colonies around the world is believed to be related to the presence of viruses. The aim of this study was to detect two major viral diseases, Apis mellifera Filamentous virus (AmFV) and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) using Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction RT-PCR, in honey bees in Mexico. Adult and larvae honey bee samples were collected from asymptomatic colonies of six major beekeeping regions in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Both viruses were detected in both developmental stages of honey bees, IAPV at a higher prevalence (23.5%) as compared to AmFV, only in 0.9% of samples. However, this is the first report on AmFV infection in Mexican apiaries. Further studies are required to understand the AmFV and IAPV impact on colony loss in Mexico and to develop strategies for enhancing the control of viral diseases.
Spatial Planning as a Tool for Effective Nature Conservation: A Conceptual Framework for Turkey’s Spatial Planning System
Authors: Gökmen Esra Yazici , Gülersoy Nuran Zeren
Published: June 2018

Protected areas can be parts of larger ecosystems, and land use changes in the unprotected part of the ecosystems may threaten the biological diversity by affecting the ecological processes. The relationship between protected areas and their surroundings has been influential in understanding the role of spatial planning in nature conservation. This article focuses on the problem that Turkey’s protected areas are vulnerable to pressure and threats caused by land use changes. Spatial planning serving as a bridge between nature conservation and land use is the solution for effective nature conservation in Turkey. Thereby, the aim of this article is to develop a conceptual framework which offers spatial planning as an effective tool to bridge the gap between land use change and nature conservation. In this context, first literature review is conducted, and systematic conservation planning, evidence-based conservation planning, bioregional planning and national system planning are presented as effective planning methods in nature conservation. In addition to literature review, official national statistics and Convention on Biological Diversity’s country reports are utilized to shed light on Turkey’s current state. Finally, a conceptual framework is defined, the main differences with the current situation are revealed. The results indicate that an effective planning system for Turkey’s protected areas incorporates a holistic, target-oriented system defining the spatial planning process for protected areas. The spatial planning system to be developed in this context is also used by decision-makers in evaluating the ecological effectiveness of existing plans.
China and the Baltic States: strategic challenges and security dilemmas for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
Authors: Scott David
Published: June 2018

The article considers traditional and non-traditional security concerns faced by the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the face of China’s increasing presence. Consequently the article first considers the geo-economic challenges posed to these Baltic States through the China and Central and East Europe Countries (CCEEC) grouping, and China’s Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) initiative. This economic leverage translates to political leverage able to be exerted on the Baltic states by China, with regard to human rights and the issue of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, such mechanisms and Chinese financing serves to politically divide the Baltic states, and also divides EU solidarity vis-à-vis China. Finally there are the conventional security issues posed to the Baltic states in the Russia-China naval exercises carried out in Baltic waters in 2017; with China’s role in effect providing implicit support and legitimisation of explicit Russian threats in the Baltic. It concludes by suggesting alternative infrastructure routings to at least reduce the threat of Russian interference.
Evaluation of Analytical Performance of Variant II Turbo HbA1c Analyzer According to Sigma Metrics
Authors: Bozkaya Giray , Uzuncan Nuriye , Bilgili Sibel , Demirezen Ozlem
Published: June 2018

Background: Hemoglobin A1c, (HbA1c) which is the major constituent of glycated hemoglobin, has been used in the follow-up of retrospective glycemia for years and in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus nowadays. Since the analytical performance of HbA1c should be high likewise all laboratory tests, various quality control measures are used. Sigma metrics is one of these measures and it is the combination of bias, precision and total allowable error that ensures a general evaluation of analytical quality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the analytical performance of Bio-Rad’s Variant Turbo II HbA1c analyzer according to sigma metrics.

Methods: Sigma levels were calculated using the data obtained from two levels of internal and 12 external quality control materials (Bio-Rad) of Variant II Turbo HbA1c analyzer according to s= (TEa% - Bias%) / CV% formula.

Results: The mean sigma levels for low and high quality control materials were found to be 3.0 and 4.1, respectively.

Conclusions: The annual mean analytical performance of Variant II Turbo HbA1c analyzer was found to be acceptable according to sigma metrics. In order to be sure of the difference in HbA1c results indicating the success or failure in treatment but not arise from analytical variation, it is thought that more stringent quality control measures should be applied to reach higher sigma levels.
Serum lactate as reliable biomarker of acute kidney injury in low-risk cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Radovic Mina , Bojic Suzana , Kotur-Stevuljevic Jelena , Lezaic Visnja , Milicic Biljana , Velinovic Milos , Karan Radmila , Simic-Ogrizovic Sanja
Published: June 2018

Background

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) frequently occurs in patients assessed as low-risk for developing CSA-AKI. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) and lactate are promising biomarkers of CSA-AKI but have not yet been explored in low-risk patients.

Aim

To evaluate urinary NGAL (uNGAL), KIM-1 and lactate as biomarkers of CSA-AKI in patients with low-risk for developing CSA-AKI.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 100 adult elective cardiac surgery patients assessed as low-risk for developing CSA-AKI. UNGAL, KIM-1 and lactate were measured preoperatively, at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and 3, 12, 24 and 48 h later.

Results

Fifteen patients developed CSA-AKI. Patients with CSA-AKI had significantly higher lactate but similar uNGAL and KIM-1 levels compared to patients without CSA-AKI. Unlike uNGAL and KIM-1, postoperative lactate was good biomarker of CSA-AKI with the highest odds ratio (OR) 2.7 [1.4–4.9] 24 h after CPB. Peak lactate concentration ≥ 4 mmol/L carried dramatically higher risk for developing CSA-AKI (OR 6.3 [1.9–20.5]).

Conclusions

Unlike uNGAL and KIM-1, postoperative lactate was significant independent predictor of CSA-AKI with the highest odds ratio 24 h after CPB.
Age and Assay Related Changes of Laboratory Thyroid Function Tests in the Reference Female Population
Authors: Barhanovic Najdana Gligorovic , Antunovic Tanja , Kavaric Sreten , Djogo Aleksandar , Spasojevic Vesna Kalimanovska
Published: June 2018

Background: Laboratory thyroid function tests play a central role in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to determine reference values for thyroid tests in a rigorously selected group of Montenegrin females, investigate the impact of possible age-related changes and the influence of the interassay bias between three frequently used immunoassays.

Methods: Female subjects were randomly selected, aged between 20 and 69 and 946 of them met the selection criteria. TSH, fT3, fT4, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured. Eighty samples were further analyzed on two other immunochemistry platforms.

Results: Median TSH progressively increased with age, there was no difference in fT3, while fT4 was significantly higher in the two oldest groups compared to the others. When using the age-related 97.5 percentile of TSH the percentage of reclassification was highest in the 20–29 years of age group (5.2%, p<0.05). In the oldest band, 7.7% had TSH values above cohort-specific and below the age-related upper reference limit. Bland-Altman bias plots revealed the highest interassay absolute mean difference between compared TSH assays of 24.5% and for fT4 assays of 13.8%.

Conclusions: The correlation coefficients between fT3 assays from different manufacturers were low. Serum TSH and fT4 concentrations increased with age and the implementation of age-specific TSH reference intervals would be of interest. The bias between the three commercial immunoassays indicated that the standardization of thyroid function tests is a task of great importance.
Association of overexpressed MYC gene with altered PHACTR3 and E2F4 genes contributes to non-small cell lung carcinoma pathogenesis
Authors: Dragoj Miodrag , Bankovic Jasna , Podolski-Renic Ana , Buric Sonja Stojkovic , Pesic Milica , Tanic Nikola , Stankovic Tijana
Published: June 2018

Background

C-Myc is one of the major cellular oncogenes overexpressed in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Its deregulated expression is necessary but not sufficient for malignant transformation. We evaluated expression of MYC gene in NSCLC patients and its association with alterations in the genes previously identified to be related to NSCLC pathogenesis, PHACTR3 and E2F4.

Methods

We analyzed MYC gene expression by qRT-PCR in 30 NSCLC patients’ samples and paired normal lung tissue. MYC expression was further statistically evaluated in relation to histopathological parameters, PHACTR3 and E2F4 gene alterations and survival. Alterations in aforementioned genes were previously detected and identified based on AP-PCR profiles of paired normal and tumor DNA samples, selection of DNA bands with altered mobility in tumor samples and their characterization by the reamplification, cloning and sequencing.

Results

MYC expression was significantly increased in NSCLC samples and its overexpression significantly associated with squamous cell carcinoma subtype. Most importantly, MYC overexpression significantly coincided with mutations in PHACTR3 and E2F4 genes, in group of all patients and in squamous cell carcinoma subtype. Moreover, patients with jointly overexpressed MYC and altered PHACTR3 or E2F4 showed trend of shorter survival.

Conclusions

Overall, MYC is frequently overexpressed in NSCLC and it is associated with mutated PHACTR3 gene, as well as mutated E2F4 gene. These joint gene alterations could be considered as potential molecular markers of NSCLC and its specific subtypes.
Evaluation of the Influence of a Rail Vehicle Running with Wheel-flat on the Railway Track
Authors: Dižo Ján , Blatnický Miroslav , Steišūnas Stasys , Vaičiūnas Gediminas
Published: June 2018

The railway transport network is currently in a quite big expansion. Therefore, railway tracks are modernized and the attention is given also on the technical state of rail vehicles, which operate on them. However, it may happen that the wheel surface is damaged. One of the most common reasons of wheel damage is too much braking, which results to the wheel-flat formation. This article is focused on the evaluation of the influence of a rail vehicle running on the railway track, which a wheel is damaged by the wheel-flat. Investigation of these negative effects was performed by means of simulation computations. As evaluating parameters, values of the wheel force in the contact of the rail and wheel with a flat where observed.
Green Marketing and its Use in a Transport Company
Authors: Nadanyiova Margareta
Published: June 2018

Green marketing as a part of environmental management has become a new marketing philosophy of many companies. It includes more than just a simple building of corporate image but it also becomes a modern idea of the enforcement of actual environmental trends to a broad spectrum of business activities. The field of action of green marketing tools is relatively extensive, starting with the protection of environment, production and sale of products and services with ecological conditions and requirements, through the final consumption of environmentally friendly products, which affects the quality of life and health of the whole society. The aim of the article includes to provide a literature review on the issue from several foreign and domestic authors. By using methods of description, comparison, deduction, induction, it discusses the essence of a green marketing and also analyses its use in a Slovak public transport company. Based on this, in discussion are indicated some proposals to improve the effectivity and visibility of these activities in the public transport company and thus ensure the image of the company as more environmental friendly. This measures help to improve the positive perception of the company by customers and the general public.
Assessment of Shippers and Ship Owners Ship and Charter Type Choice in the Wet and Dry Bulk Ship Brokering Market: Knowledge Guide for African Indigenous Ship Brokers
Authors: Theophilus C Nwokedi , Eba Moses Ntor-Ue , Ifiok Okonko , Leonard Ndubuisi
Published: June 2018

The study assessed shippers and ship owners’ ship and charter party type choices in the wet and dry bulk ship broking and chartering market as guide for performance improvement for African and Nigerian ship brokers. It aims to determine if significant differences exists between shippers ship type choices among Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC), Handymax, Supramax and capsize vessels in the wet and dry bulk market as well shippers and ship owners charter party type choice between voyage charter and time charter for the various ship types. The study adopted a survey method in which the Baltic International Maritime Council (BIMCO) was surveyed and 5 year data on ship types and charter party type choices of shippers and ship owners was obtained. The statistical tools of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test were used to compare the ship type choices and charter party type choices of shippers and ship owners. The result indicates that shippers’ in the wet and dry bulk cargo market show greater preference for Supramax vessel type. The aggregate number of vessels chartered over the period covered in the study is 41,684 vessels out of which 22,593 representing about 54.2% are Supramax. This was seconded by VLCC which recorded 8,829 or 21.2% charters. Capsize and Handymax vessel types had 6211 and 4069 charters respectively which represent 14.9% and 9.77% each. Shippers and ship owners also show greater preference for voyage charter party type than time charter party for all types of vessels. It was recommended that ship brokers should place greater priority on trading in Supramax ship types and voyage charter party type as the demand trend for this ship type is likely to remain higher over time; followed by VLCC; while more shippers and ship owners are likely continue to show preference for voyage charter than time charter.
Explaining the European Union’s Changing Position towards the Gibraltar Question after the Brexit Referendum
Authors: Yıldız İ Uğur Burç , Çamyamaç Anıl
Published: June 2018

Having previously remained impartial on the Gibraltar question between Spain and Britain since both were member states, the European Union suddenly changed its position after the Brexit referendum in favor of the Spanish government at the expense of breaching international law. In doing so, the European Union, for the first time, created a foreign policy on the long-standing Gibraltar question. This article explores the reasons behind the creation of this foreign policy in support of Spain. The European Union feared that the idea of Euroscepticism may escalate among remaining member states after the Brexit referendum because of wide-spread claims that it would dissolve in the near future, fuelled by farright political parties. The European Union therefore created a foreign policy regarding Gibraltar in Spain’s favor in order to promote a “sense of community” for thwarting a further rise in Euroscepticism. While making its analysis, the article applies the assumption of social constructivism that ideas shape interests, which then determine the foreign policy choices of actors.
Power Recovery Support Tabunio Watershed Based on Analysis of Erosion Based on Geographic Information System in the Province of South Kalimantan
Authors: Kadir Syarifuddin ,   Badaruddin,   Nurlina, Farma Eka
Published: June 2018

Watershed Tabunio is one of the watershed in the Province of South Kalimantan which has an important role to support the environmental aspects and socio-economic aspects, it is caused by the upstream part of the watershed there are different types of land use can increase the rate of erosion, the flow surface, also on the middle and downstream utilized by the Tanah Laut for agriculture, plantation and fisheries. This study aims to determine the level of erosion, which is useful as a reference for determining the direction of land use for the carrying capacity of watershed restoration efforts Tabunio. This research method using a regional approach ecological watershed analysis process and presentation done spatially through Geographic Information Systems. The results showed that: a) Amount highest erosion 219,08 ton/ha/yr on Land Unit 3B (mining land use with a gradient of 3-8%), while the lowest amount of erosion 11,44 ton/ha/yr on Land Unit 8 (use secondary dry forest with gradients of 25-40%); b) The level of erosion is very light Danger land unit 8 on the use of secondary dry forest on the slope of 25-40%), while other land units at the rate of moderate to severe erosion. Recovery of the carrying capacity of the watershed Tabunio lower the rate of erosion through soil and water conservation vegetatively and civil engineering (mechanical).
The Relationships of Reading Comprehension Ability with the Ability to Understand The Questions of Mathematical Word Problems
Authors: Auzar M.S.
Published: June 2018

This research described the relationships of reading comprehension ability with the ability to understand the questions of mathematical word problems. Some 40 students of Elementary School 155 Tampan Pekanbaru were taken as the sample of the research. The data were gathered using a reading comprehension test and a test of understanding questions of mathematical word problems. The results showed that the average score of reading comprehension is 5.83 and the average score of understanding the questions of mathematical word problems is 4.13. The relationships between the two variables were r = 0.31. This score indicates that there are no strong or significant are relationships between reading comprehension with the ability to understand questions of mathematical word problems. So, the hypothesis stating that when a reading ability is high, the ability to understand questions of mathematical word problems will also be high is rejected.