bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Фермерство – витоки розвитку: зональний аспект
Authors: Shulskyi M.G.
Published: May 2017

У статті проведено дослідження діяльності фермерських господарств у Львівській області з врахуванням зональних аспектів їх розвитку. Основна мета даної публікації полягає в тому, щоб привернути увагу науковців і практиків до дослідження процесів впливу природних факторів на розвиток аграрного виробництва. В основу цих досліджень використано статистичні матеріали діяльності фермерських господарств у розрізі природних зон Львівщини: Полісся, Лісостепу, Передгірської і Гірської зон. В процесах дослідження примінено традиційні методи економічних досліджень: метод теоретичного обґрунтування, економіко-статистичного аналізу, монографічний, аналізу і синтезу та ін. В результаті досліджень встановлено, що у фермерських господарствах різних природних зон функціонує різна кількість цих господарств (табл. 1), вони використовують різні за розмірами земельні угіддя (табл. 2, табл. 3), в них занята неодинакова кількість працюючих (табл. 4). Все це в комплексі дозволило встановити певні тенденції і закономірності формування цих господарств, які становлять основи їх розвитку. Висновки випливають із результатів дослідження і характеризують різні ознаки становлення фермерських господарств з врахуванням зональних аспектів. Для обгрунтування наслідків і дати відповідь на питання: чому це сталося так, а не інакше? Для цього необхідно проводити подальші дослідження за обраною темою.
Fluoride Glass Fiber Lasers
Authors: Tropper A. C.
Published: May 2017

The versatility of lanthanide-doped fluorozirconate glass fiber as a laser material is evident since over the past four years more than 30 laser transitions have been demonstrated in this medium, at wavelengths ranging from 480nm to 3.45μm. In this low phonon-energy glass metastable lanthanide energy levels are found wherever the gap to the next level exceeds ∼2000cm-1. The glass not only has extended transparency in the infrared but also appears resistant to photochromic damage by blue radiation, making it an attractive blue laser gain medium. In particular it has been shown that some blue and green laser transitions in these fibers can be operated efficiently with infrared pumping, offering the possibility of diodepumped operation. Various schemes are potentially of interest; for example 3mW of 493nm laser power has been generated from a praseodymium-doped fluoride fiber pumped at two wavelengths by the emission and unabsorbed 840nm pump radiation from an ytterbium-doped silica fiber laser.
High Slope Efficiency and Low Threshold in a Diode Pumped Epitaxially Grown Yb:YAG Waveguide Laser
Authors: Chartier Isabelle , Wyon C. , Pelenc D. , Ferrand B. , Shepherd D. P. , Hanna D. C.
Published: May 2017

We report the 1.03 μm laser operation of a diode-pumped Yb doped YAG planar waveguide at room temperature. The fabrication of multilayer planar waveguides by Liquid Phase Epitaxy and their characterization are also described.

Laser results (40 mW threshold, 80 % slope efficiency) obtained with a 2.9 % output coupler compares favourably with bulk results reported elsewhere.
Growth Studies and X-Ray Topographical Assessment of KTP
Authors: Hutton K B , Ward R C C , Godfrey K W
Published: May 2017

Device quality single crystals of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) have been grown using a top seeded solution growth method which incorporates a crystal weighing facility and which takes advantage of saturation temperatures well below the accepted transition temperature of this material. Weight and crucible temperature data are received and displayed on a monitoring computer in the form of a growth profile. Results obtained from the growth programme are discussed including the effect of very slow cooling (< 0.03 °C/hr) on the control of growth quality and a study of growth defects using x-ray diffraction topography carried out using synchrotron radiation. Variations on the standard K6P4O13 flux were investigated, including the addition of CeO2 to improve optical transmission and the use of K7P3O11 as an alternative growth solution.
Advances in Dye-Doped Sol-Gel Lasers
Authors: Dunn B. , Nishida F. , Toda R. , Zink J. I. , Allik T. H. , Chandra S. , Hutchinson J. A.
Published: May 2017

The sol-gel process is a solution synthesis technique which provides a low temperature chemical route for the preparation of rigid transparent matrices. A number of laser dyes have been incorporated in different sol-gel matrices and tunable laser action has been demonstrated with these materials. This paper extends the sol-gel laser field into two significant areas, infrared dyes and pyrromethenes. The work with the tricarbocyanine dyes shows the versatility of sol-gel chemistry as organic modifications produce a favorable environment for the dye molecules. The results with the pyrromethene system show a considerable increase in output energy and offer the promise of longer laser lifetimes.
Progress Toward Thin-Film LiNbO3 Waveguides on GaAs
Authors: Kingston J. J. , Leplingard F. , Fork D. K.
Published: May 2017

The availability of epitaxial ferroelectric films on semiconductor substrates would open up many options for integrated optics technology. There are significant materials issues involved in achieving this integration and we will report on progress toward optical waveguide fabrication on GaAs substrates. As a first step, we are investigating the fabrication of z-LiNbO3 waveguides on A12O3-c. The films have been deposited by off-axis rf magnetron sputtering and characterized by x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopies. Prism coupling has been used to determine waveguide thickness, indices of refraction and propogation losses. Issues concerning crystallography, texture, composition, surface roughness and processing will be discussed.
Czochralski Growth of Oxide Laser Crystals
Authors: Koka Milan R.
Published: May 2017

The most widely used active elements of optically pumped solid state lasers are crystals of inorganic oxides. Such oxide materials crystallasing in either garnet or corundum structures are prepared on industrial scale by the pulling technique known as Czochralski Crystal Growth. The description of the present state-of-the-art in Czochralski growth is described along with critical variables involved in growth of large size, high quality oxide crystals. The description of crystal growth of ruby, yttrium aluminum garnets, and titanium sapphire is presented. The effects of compositions, ambient atmospheres, crystal growth variables, and environmental conditions on individual crystal types are described. Suitability of the Czochralski technique for crystal growth of different oxides is discussed with emphasis on material properties such as phase diagram implication (congruency of melting), melting temperatures, crucible materials, effects of doping ions, and high temperature melt chemistry.
Coherent Phonon Materials for Laser Applications
Authors: Cheng T. K. , Vidal J. , Zeiger H. J. , Ippen E. P. , Dresselhaus G. , Dresselhaus M. S.
Published: May 2017

With the development of the short pulse laser source, it has been demonstrated that molecular [1–4] and lattice dynamics [5–7] can be studied in the time domain. Pulses of light that are short compared to the optical phonon period have been found to initiate coherent lattice vibrations through various mechanisms which depend on the material type. The purpose of this paper is to describe the observation of the coherent phonon phenomenon in semimetals and narrow-gap semiconductors, and to propose a potential application of this phenomenon as a terahertz light modulator.
KLTN Self-Pumped Phase Conjugation
Authors: Wei Jiangqian , Guan Qingcai , Wang Jiyang , Yue Xuefeng , Shao Zongshu , Liu Yaogang
Published: May 2017

Homogenous tetragonal potassium lithium tantalate niobate (KLTN) crystals were grown using the flux pulling method. A two-wave-mixing gain coefficient of 0.5cm−1 has been measured using undoped KLTN. The gain coefficient can be increased to 2.7 cm−1 after doping of 0.2wt% Fe. The “cat” self-pumped phase conjugator was performed, for the first time, with KLTN:Fe crystal. We obtained a reflectivity of 14% and a response time less than 3 seconds using a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG quasi-continuous laser.
Preparation of Ultrathin Nanocomposite Films from Exfoliated Aluminosilicate/Coumarin Dye Complexes and Cationic Polyelectrolytes by Layer-by-Layer Deposition
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Blumstein Alexandre , Kumar Jayant , Sung Changmo , Tripathy Sukant K.
Published: May 2017

Multilayer nanocomposite films have been prepared from exfoliated aluminosilicate/coumarin dye complex through layer-by-layer self-assembly using cationic polyelectrolytes. Coumarin dye molecules were intercalated into the layered aluminosilicate by an ion exchange reaction. Particles of the hectorite/dye complex were delaminated by extensive shaking and sonication of their water suspension into 2∼3 nm-thin silicate layers with molecules of the dye adsorbed on their surface. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy data are in agreement with such a model. Ultrathin multilayered films were prepared using layer-by-layer self-assembly from the aluminosilicate platelets and a cationic polyelectrolyte polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC). Linear build-up of the films up to 20 cycles was demonstrated and investigated using absorption spectroscopy and spectrofluorometer. The resulting transparent films have exhibited strong characteristic blue-green fluorescence due to coumarin dye molecules adhered to the exfoliated hectorite platelets.
Light-Emitting Devices Based on a Binuclear Complex of Ruthenium(II) with Crown Ether as Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Lafolet Frédéric , Gorgy Karine , Leprêtre Jean-Claude , Stéphan Olivier
Published: May 2017

Solid-state light-emitting devices have been fabricated by using blends of a binuclear complex of ruthenium(II), with both 1,6-bis[4-(4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridyl)]hexane and regular 2,2'-bipyridine ligands and lithium trifluorosulfonate/18-crown-6 ether complex. Orange light is emitted for low turn on voltage, i.e. ranging from 2.5-3V, close to the electrochemical gap of the binuclear Ru-based complex. However, the device performances decrease upon operation within few hours. We report that the main degradation process involved in the decrease of the light emission intensity during device operation is based on an electrochemical degradation of the ruthenium complex, mainly a loss of capacity on the reduction side.
Formation of Two-Dimensional Electronic System and Weak Localization in Conducting Langmuir-Blodgett Film of BEDO-TTF with Stearic Acid
Authors: Ishizaki Yasuo , Suzuki Makoto , Ohnuki Hitoshi , Imakubo Tatsuro , Izumi Mitsuru
Published: May 2017

The organic highly conducting Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film formed by a molecular association of BEDO-TTF and stearic acid shows the logarithmic decrease of DC conductivity and negative magnetoresistance at low temperature. These data are interpreted by the weak localization of two-dimensional (2D) electronic system inside the homogeneous conducting layer of BEDO-TTF molecules. The electronic length with phase memory has a mesoscopic scale. Strong evidence of the 2D coherent charge transport in the conducting LB film is provided for the first time.
Enhanced Second Order Nonlinear Optical Susceptibilities in Ionically Self-Assembled Films Incorporating Dianionic Molecules
Authors: Neyman P.J. , Guzy M.T. , Shah S. , Van Cott K.E. , Davis R.M. , Wang H. , Gibson H.W. , Brands C. , Heflin J.R.
Published: May 2017

Ionically self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) films have been recently shown to spontaneously produce noncentrosymmetric ordering that gives rise to a substantial second order nonlinear optical (NLO) response. Typically, the ISAM films for NLO response are an assemblage of bilayers of oppositely charged polymers whose thickness can be controlled through variation of pH and ionic strength of the immersion solutions. Here, we study the effects of replacing the NLO-active polymer layers with layers of dianionic molecules. Films fabricated exclusively using polyelectrolytes contain some fraction of both randomly oriented and anti-parallel oriented chromophores. The incorporation of dianionic molecules within the ISAM films affords greater χ(2) due to increased net polar orientation of the chromophores.
Electrical Rectification by a Monolayer of Hexadecylquinolinium Tricyanoquinodimethanide Sandwiched Between Gold Electrodes
Authors: Metzger Robert M.
Published: May 2017

Unimolecular rectification, previously reported between oxide-bearing electrodes, was detected between oxide-free Au electrodes for a Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer of the zwitterionic D+∼-A- molecule hexadecylquinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanide, C16H33Q-3CNQ. The top gold electrode was deposited from a Au vapor pre-cooled by multiple collisions with Ar atoms. The maximum rectification ratio is 27.5 at 2.2 Volts (the average rectification ratio is 7.55). The currents are as large as 9.04 × 104 electrons molecule-1 s-1. The result reinforces previous work with oxide-bearing Al electrodes, but the currents with Au electrodes are larger by three to five orders of magnitude.
Godność człowieka, jego zaangażowania i komunikowania się
Authors: Misztal Wojciech
Published: May 2017

Artykuł podejmuje kwestię postrzegania godności we współczesnym świecie, przy czym spośród wielu możliwości został uwzględniony świat przekazu cyfrowego. Następnie ukazano godność zaangażowania się osoby ludzkiej. Jednym z ważnych obszarów jej aktywności jest komunikowanie się. Prowadzi to do podjęcia zagadnienia godności ludzkiego komunikowania się. Taki kontekst stanowi podstawę do sformułowania pytania o godność mediów i szukania na nie odpowiedzi.
Tożsamość człowieka w pedagogicznym kontekście nowoczesnych technologii mass mediów
Authors: Ryszka Łukasz
Published: May 2017

Współczesne media stały się zjawiskiem masowym i wszechobecnym, dlatego wywierają wpływ na percepcję świata przez widzów oraz sprzyjają tworzeniu nowego kulturowego obrazu rzeczywistości. Jednocześnie widz – odbiorca, staje się również kreatorem tejże rzeczywistości. W kontekście oceny roli mediów nasuwa się jednak pytanie, czy człowiek w świecie wszechobecnego „nadzoru” mediów może być wolny i zachować atrybuty podmiotowego istnienia, w tym swojej wolności? W kontekście współczesnej socjalizacji, zwłaszcza młodego pokolenia, która przebiega zupełnie inaczej niż dawniej, zasadne wydaje się zadawanie wciąż na nowo pytania o to, w jaki sposób dzisiejsze mass media kształtują tożsamość człowieka i na nią wpływają. Wcześniej człowiek otrzymywał wzory kultury w kręgu najbliższego otoczenia, jakie stanowiła dla niego rodzina czy wspólnota narodowa. Współczesne systemy informacyjne porównuje się często do sił natury, które nadają nowy kształt społeczeństwu. Z punktu widzenia pedagogiki najistotniejszym elementem jest jednak działanie nad wykryciem i przeciwdziałaniem błędom niewłaściwego korzystania z mass mediów. Chodzi więc o przygotowanie człowieka do ich odbioru, ale również właściwego współtworzenia.
Tabu politycznej poprawności – tarcza czy kaganiec?
Authors: Soczyński Sławomir
Published: May 2017

Dość powszechnie praktykowana dziś – szczególnie w urzędach i mediach – polityczna poprawność, a także mechanizmy, którymi się ona posługuje, doczekały się już licznych opracowań. Wśród nich znajdziemy te, których autorzy wyrażają swoje obawy i lęki, zarzucając politycznej poprawności przede wszystkim próbę ograniczenia tak ważnej dla współczesnego człowieka wartości, jaką jest wolność słowa. Na przeciwległym biegunie są natomiast te publikacje, w których podkreśla się jej znaczenie w walce o równość każdej osoby. Śmiało możemy powiedzieć, że autorzy z obu grup stoją na straży istotnych dla naszej społeczności wartości, mających swe źródło w godności osoby ludzkiej. Artykuł ten jest próbą analizy zjawiska, jakim jest poprawność polityczna, i poszukiwaniem podłoża konfliktu wskazanych postaw.
Mediacje rówieśnicze jako metoda wychowawcza
Authors: Wojtanowicz Katarzyna
Published: May 2017

Mediacja jest powszechnie stosowaną metodą rozwiązywania konfliktów. Znajduje również szerokie zastosowanie w budowaniu odpowiedzialności młodego pokolenia. Wykorzystanie mediacji jest formą edukacji osobistej i obywatelskiej tej grupy społecznej. W tym zastosowaniu mediacja podejmuje szereg funkcji, w szczególności: przejmowanie odpowiedzialności za własne zachowanie młodzieży, kształtowanie postawy tolerancji, wartości i moralności, a także umiejętności komunikacji i mediacji. Jest to szczególnie istotne w dobie reformowania polskiego sytemu wychowania i edukacji. Nie bez znaczenia jest również podejmowanie działań wspierających rodzinę w wypełnianiu funkcji wychowawczej, budowaniu postaw społecznych i moralnych. Mediacja jest narzędziem, które rozwija empatię u młodych osób, a także uwrażliwia na siebie wzajemnie, budując relacje interpersonalne, które w dzisiejszym świecie często zastępują nowe technologie.
Úloha sociálneho pracovníka pri práci s rizikovou skupinou nových náboženských hnutí
Authors: Šip Maroš
Published: May 2017

Príspevok v krátkosti analyzuje úlohu sociálneho pracovníka pri práci s rizikovou skupinou nových náboženských hnutí (NNH). Odbornú pomoc sociálneho pracovníka potrebuje aj človek, ktorý po odchode zo sekty stratil osobnú identitu, skorigovali sa jeho sociálne väzby s blízkymi príbuznými a priateľmi. Sociálny pracovník poskytuje opätovnú sociálnu rehabilitáciu sociálnych zručností a obnovu dôvery vo vlastné schopnosti.
Dylematy uzależnienia – impulsywność i radzenie sobie ze stresem u mężczyzn uczestniczących w terapii uzależnień
Authors: Krok Dariusz , Gałążewska Ilona
Published: May 2017

Dotychczasowe badania nad osobami uzależnionymi koncentrowały się głównie na aspekcie reaktywnego radzenia sobie, natomiast proaktywne podejście było zignorowane. Aspekt impulsywności również okazuje się mało zbadany ze względu na różnorodność zastosowanych perspektyw badawczych. W związku z powyższym celem niniejszego artykułu było zbadanie różnic w zakresie impulsywności oraz reaktywnego i proaktywnego radzenia sobie wśród mężczyzn uzależnionych oraz bez uzależnienia. Artykuł składa się z trzech części. Pierwsza skupia się na przeglądzie teorii i badań z dziedziny uzależnień, impulsywności i radzenia sobie ze stresem. W drugiej części przedstawiono metodologię badań, a w trzeciej – wyniki i ich dyskusję. W celu zweryfikowania hipotez przeprowadzono badania na grupie 160 mężczyzn. W grupie eksperymentalnej było 80 uzależnionych mężczyzn, podczas gdy grupa kontrolna składała się z tej samej liczby mężczyzn bez uzależnienia. Zostały zastosowane trzy narzędzia badawcze: kwestionariusz impulsywności IVE, kwestionariusz radzenia sobie w sytuacjach stresowych CISS i kwestionariusz reakcji na codziennie wydarzenia PCI. W celu przeprowadzenia analizy statystycznej użyto pakietu STATISTICA. Analiza wyników wykazała istnienie znaczących różnic między grupami badanych mężczyzn. Mężczyźni uzależnieni charakteryzowali się wyższą impulsywnością, wykorzystaniem ucieczkowej strategii radzenia sobie oraz proaktywnych strategii związanych z poszukiwaniem wsparcia instrumentalnego i emocjonalnego, a także radzenia sobie skoncentrowanego na unikaniu. Mężczyźni bez uzależnienia w porównaniu z mężczyznami z grupy eksperymentalnej częściej stosowali proaktywne i refleksyjne radzenie sobie, strategiczne planowanie oraz prewencyjne radzenie sobie.
Obraz osoby starszej w przestrzeni medialnej
Authors: Pikuła Norbert G.
Published: May 2017

Obecnie media stały się nośnikiem wiedzy i informacji. To poprzez przekaz medialny kreowane są normy i wartości. Trendy kulturowe oraz zmiany społeczne stanowią istoty element funkcjonowania przestrzeni medialnej. W obszarze zainteresowań środków masowego przekazu znajduje się również starzenie społeczeństw, a tym samy wzrost liczby osób starszych. Panujące opinie na temat seniorów w znacznej części opierają się na ich wizerunku prezentowanym w środkach masowego przekazu. Możliwość dotarcia do dużej liczby odbiorców w krótkim czasie pozwala na generowanie obrazu i szybkim rozpowszechnianiu go wśród starszych i młodszych odbiorców. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki analizy czasopism młodzieżowych, prasy codziennej, portali internetowych, reklam oraz programów informacyjnych w kontekście medialnego wizerunku osób starszych. Poprzez wtórną analizę danych odpowiedziano na pytanie: W jaki sposób osoby starsze przedstawia się w mediach?
Re-discovering jaguar in remaining coastal Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil by non-invasive DNA analysis
Authors: Souza Andiara Silos Moraes de Castro , Saranholi Bruno Henrique , Crawshaw Jr. Peter Gransden , Paviolo Agustin Javier , Rampim Lilian Elaine , Sartorello Leonardo , Galetti Jr. Pedro Manoel
Published: May 2017

Abstract Jaguar populations have been declining in Brazil mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with humans, poaching and reduction of prey. This is dramatically true in the Atlantic Forest, where occurrence of this large felid is now restricted to very few remaining areas. We used a non-invasive DNA analysis to search through felid scats collected in the Santa Virginia Unit (SVU) of the Serra do Mar State Park, to test for the potential presence of jaguar there. Our results indicated at least three individuals (two females and one male) inside SVU, thus confirming at least temporary presence of this top predator in this important protected area. It is now crucial to intensify studies in that area and surroundings, to evaluate the status of these individuals and identify conservation needs to urgently improve the prospects for the establishment of a resident population, allowing it to expand to adjoining units of the Serra do Mar State Park and Serra da Bocaina National Park.
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Locally Advanced (Stage IIIA and IIIB) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Combined Modality Therapy
Authors: Scilla Katherine A. , Bentzen Søren M. , Lam Vincent K. , Mohindra Pranshu , Nichols Elizabeth M. , Vyfhuis Melissa A. , Bhooshan Neha , Feigenberg Steven J. , Edelman Martin J. , Feliciano Josephine L.
Published: May 2017

Background

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a measure of systemic inflammation that appears prognostic in localized and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Increased systemic inflammation portends a poorer prognosis in cancer patients. We hypothesized that low NLR at diagnosis is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in locally advanced NSCLC (LANSCLC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Records from 276 patients with stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation with or without surgery between 2000 and 2010 with adequate data were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline demographic data and pretreatment peripheral blood absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were collected. Patients were grouped into quartiles based on NLR. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test was used to compare mortality between groups. A linear test-for-trend was used for the NLR quartile groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis.

Results

The NLR was prognostic for OS (p < .0001). Median survival in months (95% confidence interval) for the first, second, third, and fourth quartile groups of the population distribution of NLR were 27 (19–36), 28 (22–34), 22 (12–31), and 10 (8–12), respectively. NLR remained prognostic for OS after adjusting for race, sex, stage, performance status, and chemoradiotherapy approach (p = .004).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, our series is the largest to demonstrate that baseline NLR is a significant prognostic indicator in LANSCLC patients who received definitive chemoradiation with or without surgery. As an indicator of inflammatory response, it should be explored as a potential predictive marker in the context of immunotherapy and radiation therapy.
Run-out of cut-slope landslides: mesh-free simulations
Authors: He X. , Liang D. , Bolton M. D.
Published: May 2017

This study uses an incompressible smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) model to investigate the run-out and deposit morphology of granular materials flowing down cut slopes. The primary aim is to study the influence of various factors on the run-out and to summarise a quantitative relationship for direct use in landslide hazard management. In the model, the granular materials are modelled as a rigid perfectly plastic material with a Coulomb yield surface. The coupled continuity equation and momentum equation are solved by a semi-implicit algorithm. The model is first validated and its results are carefully compared with various controlled experiments regarding granular flows. The model reproduces the flows and correctly predicts the deposition profiles under various conditions. Then, the computational results are used to study the run-out and mobility of landslides. For granular columns collapsing onto a flat surface, a normalised run-out and a new scaling relationship are proposed, which are supported by numerous measured and numerical results. A similar relationship for the run-out of granular rectangles on steep slopes has also been explored. It is found that the normalised run-out is mainly determined by the slope angle and the normalised drop height. Furthermore, three types of idealised cut-slope landslides are simulated to study the influence of the initial landslide shape on the run-out. It is found that the normalised run-out of these idealised cut-slope landslides is smaller than that of granular rectangles on slopes of the same angles and drop heights. The difference between the run-outs is found to be mainly determined by the proportion of the whole mass that initially lies above a predictable discontinuity plane.
An approach to value-based infrastructure asset management
Authors: Srinivasan Rengarajan , Parlikad Ajith Kumar
Published: May 2017

Effective management of civil infrastructure assets requires intricate considerations with regard to safety, serviceability, reputation and cost. Additionally, infrastructure assets have different requirements from various stakeholders and have a longer service life. However, traditional asset management decisions focused predominantly on cost, and there is an inherent need to understand the value of an infrastructure asset to various stakeholders and to utilise this value to drive asset management decisions. In this paper, a systematic approach to making value-based asset management decisions is proposed. The proposed process provides an efficient method for mapping the stakeholder’s requirements to the value provided by the asset. This map can then be used to assess the value and make effective decisions. The developed approach is demonstrated through a case study involving transportation tunnels. The essential consideration of value is expected to allow organisations to evaluate the balance between cost, risk and performance, thereby allowing better-informed decisions.
BIOGRAPHY OF NATIVE CITY: A VIEW OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Shlat Natalia
Published: May 2017

The article analyzes the peculiarities of perception of preschool children of their native city (for example, the city of Pskov). The author, based on OV Solntseva's experimental materials «Preschoolers about the city: from diagnosis to design the content of the pedagogical process» (2009-2010 years), gives the content and results of the self-study in the framework of the project "System of ethnocultural the education of children of preschool age in the border areas of Russia "(RFH, the project № 14-36-01242, 2014). The materials include the description of the experimental procedures, analysis of results of experimental study (ascertained experimental data), the findings underlying the construction of integrative technology of ethno-cultural education of children of preschool age on the content of architecture of their native city.
TRENDS OF CHILD'S UPBRINGING DIFFICULTIES IN FAMILY AND PRE-SCHOOL
Authors: Samuseviča Alīda , Vikmane Blāzma
Published: May 2017

Based on findings of pre-school pedagogical and psychological theories on the importance of individualizing the socialization process in childhood, the authors of the paper detect the current typical difficulties of parents to nurture their children in family and the brightest children's undesirable behaviors in pre-school educational institutions. For children within the pre-school age group the nurturing effect from parents and the pedagogical values are particularly important. All the nuances of the family life and the system of mutual relationships create the specifics of child's individual socialization process. Authors of the paper emphasize and update the topicality of the democratic upbringing style in the family, characterize pedagogical reflection of pre-school teachers on contradictory trends of upbringing experiences of parents and the necessity to develop the pedagogical competence.
YOUNG CHILDREN’S FREEDOM OF CHOICE IN CHILD-CENTRED EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE
Authors: Ozola Aija
Published: May 2017

The importance of young children’s freedom of choice has been discussed since Froebel’s and Montessori’s contribution to the pedagogical ideas related to early childhood education. However, the theoretical framework of the term and its contents in modern early childhood education does not offer detailed description and would rather be characterized as incomplete and fragmented. The current study is an attempt to partly fill the gap between educational theory and practice basing on early childhood teachers’ empirical experience and beliefs on children’s freedom of choice.

The aim of the study is to identify early childhood teachers’ beliefs on children’s freedom of choice in child-centred educational practice. Focus group discussions were conducted with early childhood teachers implementing early childhood curriculum in municipal early childhood education institutions located in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Data were analysed using the method of qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed very positive attitude of teachers towards children’s freedom of choice and existence of teachers’ personal meaning of the term and its contents. The benefits and possible risks of implementing children’s freedom of choice were identified as well as factors enabling and hindering its implementation.
GIFTED CHILD AS A PERSONALITY WITH SGIFTED CHILD AS A PERSONALITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT OF THE EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
Authors: Demchenko Olena , Zaitseva Olga
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the contradiction between the recognition of gifted children in the theoretical discourse as a category of persons with special educational needs, on the one hand, and the low level of their involvement in the inclusive educational environment at school practice, on the other. The necessity of providing talented individuals the status of an important group of atypical children, whose capabilities disclosing is complicated by the disharmonious type of mental development, high level of claims, a number of social and psychological problems is grounded. The needs and problems of gifted children and the system of social and pedagogical work, aimed forming their subjectivity in terms of inclusive education are defined.
SYNERGY OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORMS IN STUDIES
Authors: Buivydienė Rūta , Mamčenko Jelena , Piscikiene Inga , Šustickienė Brigita
Published: May 2017

The paper presents comprehensive study of applicability of various language learning platforms to the development of foreign language that are indicated in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). To carry out the research, a number of language learning platforms that are used as an alternative to Learning Management Systems (such as Moodle) was selected and on their basis a questionnaire was designed. The quantitative research involved faculty students and lecturers of Vilnius College of Technologies and design. The results of the research permitted us to draw a list of recommendations on which language learning platforms are best to be used in EFL classrooms to facilitate the development of foreign language competences.
THE THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF WELL-BEING IN THE CONTEXT OF LIFELONG LEARNING
Authors: Odiņa Indra , Zeide Inga
Published: May 2017

In 2006 the European Parliament and European Union Council has defined eight key competences for lifelong learning, necessary for personal fulfillment and development, active citizenship, social inclusion and employment. Since the economic crisis of 2008, the world is looking for new ways and methods to ensure the well-fare and reformulate the value of human life. Currently at EU level, one of the most important debates closely connected with the basic context of lifelong learning is on the dimensions of life quality.

The desk study deals with the qualitative content analysis of the documents of EU, OECD, data of the projects of Office of National Statistics in Latvia, the U.K. and Germany, research of Ruff (1995), Rath and Harter (2010), Layard (2005), Rohr (2014), etc. The dimensions of life quality in different sources and by different authors have been defined similarly indicating that the qualitative indicators are as important as the quantitative. It is clear that the quality of life cannot be measured only by quantitative indicators such as income or birth / mortality. This article discusses the theoretical aspects of such dimension of life quality as well-being in different sources, compares and analyses them in the Latvian context.
MODERN CONCEPT OF CHILDREN’S PRESCHOOL EDUCATION: CHANGES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Malinauskienė Daiva
Published: May 2017

The article deals with a modern concept of children’s preschool education and scientific research meant to substantiate a positive impact of high-quality preschool education on a child’s life and his/her academic achievements in future. The analysis of foreign and national sources, research and strategic documents on education focusing on the evaluation of essential changes in the sector of preschool education and the discussion of the prospects of institutional preschool education has been conducted. The issues that must inevitably become a part of the work schedule of the Lithuanian education policy have been distinguished: accessibility of educational institutions, high quality (self-)education, the necessity of help for a child belonging to a risk group, ensuring education and social services for families and children in poverty, education of talented and gifted children, the situation of (self-)education of children in rural areas and other issues that are important for the practice of children’s (self-)education of today.
Effect of pharmacovigilance training programme on quantitative and qualitative adverse drug reaction reporting
Authors: Jogdand Sangita D. , Padhye Mugdha R. , Nagpure Shailesh , Shinde Raju K.
Published: May 2017

Background: Adverse Drug Reactions(ADRs) are required to monitored in post marketing phase for unstudied ADR or beneficial effect which were not evident in controlled study design, but ADRs are usually under reported due to misbelieves or ignorance of health care worker. There is increasing numbers of adverse drug reaction monitoring centers in India affiliated to governing council but are in primitive phase. Also, there is lack of knowledge and attitude towards necessity for proper reporting of ADR, understanding of terminologies. Hence present study was undertaken to assess out of educational intervention in the form of simulated ADR workshop.Methods: Hundred nursing staff of JNMC were trained through Simulation Workshop i.e. initial knowledge as assessed before intervention, followed by explanations of every terminology essential for quality reporting of ADR. Ideal ADR reports were provided for study and ADR scenario was given for reporting of ADR. Deficiencies in reported ADR explained to participants. Post intervention knowledge and reporting was assessed. Deficiencies in actual ADR were pursued for three months.Results: There was statistically significant improvement observed in knowledge (p <0.01) and corresponding, proportionate quality parameters of ADRs as suggested by Z test.Conclusions: Educational intervention through simulated ADR and understanding about significance of ADR reporting’s and related terminologies improves quality as well as numbers of ADR reporting.
Pattern of adverse drug reactions reporting in two medical colleges of Tripura, India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Chakraborty Anannya , Ray Debasis , Ghosh Ranjib , Roy Nibedita , Bhattacharje Sayan
Published: May 2017

Background: India as an important clinical trial hub in the world. In clinical trials, many of the drug issues related to the safety are inadequately studied in highly selected and limited number of patients. Due to introduction of many new drugs in the country, it has become essential to have an effective Pharmacovigilance system nationwide. Under reporting of ADRs is widespread and a daunting challenge in Pharmacovigilance programme of India (PvPI).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for two months with the objective to study the pattern of ADRs reporting in two teaching hospitals of Tripura. The data were collected in “Suspected ADR reporting forms” of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). Suspected ADRs were assessed for causality using Naranjo ADR probability scale.Results: 44 ADR reporting forms were received with 58 ADRS. Among them, Gastrointestinal System ADRs were the highest (25.86%). More ADRs were seen in males than females (52.27% vs 47.72%). 68.18% cases had the medication through oral route. Out of all ADRs, 67.24% were Type A reactions. Most of the reactions reported, were mild (90.9%) based on modified Hartwig severity scale. Most of the ADRs reported were of probable causality (score 5-9) measured by Naranjo’s Algorithm.Conclusions: This study would definitely give an insight into the pattern of ADRs in tertiary health care centers and may help to increase awareness of health care provider for further Pharmacovigilance studies.
A study of vitamin D supplementation with directly observed treatment short course for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Randhawa Gurpreet Kaur , Jindal Suneet , Rai Jaswant , Kajal Nirmal Chand
Published: May 2017

Background: Tuberculosis remains one of major global health problems due to growing resistance in TB bacilli against anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). Vitamin D3 has been reported to have immunostimulatory effect. Aim was to study effect of Vitamin D3 on efficacy and safety of ATT / Directly Observed Treatment, short course regimen.Methods: Prospective, randomized and interventional study of 90 days was carried out in 60 newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients on DOTS strategy. Study was conducted in Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India. 30 patients each were randomly divided into two groups, A and B, with group A - vitamin D3 and DOTS regimen and Group B - DOTS alone. Patients were evaluated on day 0, 30, 60 and 90 by TB score, sputum microscopy, laboratory investigations, and adverse drug events. At the end of 90 days, results were tabulated and data analyzed statistically applying relevant tests.Results: Statistically non-significant improvement in symptoms, sputum conversion and decrease in mean TB scores was seen in Group A vs B at 90 days. Significant increase in mean Vitamin D levels was seen in Group A at end of study. Insignificant difference in safety profile was observed in group A which showed additional adverse events suspected to be due to Vitamin D. Equivocal hepatoprotective effect of Vitamin D was observed.Conclusions: Vitamin D as adjuvant to ATT does not confer additional benefit to newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Large multi-centric trials are required to find any benefit of Vitamin D supplementation with ATT.
Efficacy and safety of formoterol versus montelukast as add on therapy in moderate persistent asthma
Authors: Rani Mamta , Singh Jarnail , Gupta Prem Parkash
Published: May 2017

Background: From a pathophysiologic point of view, asthma treatment is directed toward the airway to effectively suppress inflammation, attenuate airway hyper responsiveness. Ideally, this in turn should translate into benefits in terms of symptom control, prevention of exacerbations, optimizing dyspnoea, along with patient safety.Methods: This study was carried out at Department of Pharmacology and TB and Respiratory Medicine, Pt. BDS PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. The protocol was approved by institutional review board. Out of 60 OPD patients, group A (30) received inhaled budesonide 400μg and formoterol fumarate 6μg twice daily and group B (30) received oral montelukast 10 mg once daily along with inhaled budesonide 400μg twice daily. All values were expressed as mean±SEM and comparison between both groups was done using unpaired t-test.Results: Baseline PFT Values at 0 week and Improvement at 8 weeks were comparable between both groups with P-value >0.05. In Group A both day time cough/wheeze score (20.67±0.19 to 11.23±0.37) and night time cough/wheeze score (11.47±0.17 to 4.27±0.21) reduced after 8 weeks treatment. Also in Group B daytime cough/ wheeze reduced from (20.70±0.25) at 4 weeks to (12.93±0.43) at end of 8 weeks. Modified Borg’s dyspnoea score also decreased significantly (3.13±0.11 to 0.73±0.06) in Group A and (3.16±0.14 to 0.80±0.05) in Group B at end of 8 weeks and decrease was comparable in both groups (p value >0.05). Statistically there was no difference between two treatments as far as safety assessment was concerned. Most common ADRs reported were headache, asthenia and abdominal pain.Conclusions: Montelukast seems clinically effective and safe in controlling asthma symptoms, PFT and improving dyspnoea. So montelukast can be reasonable and alternative therapeutic option as add on to inhaled ICS in moderate persistent asthma patients.
Study of the effect of vildagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor on learning and memory dysfunction of diabetic rats
Authors: Swain Trupti Rekha , Swain Manorama , Pattanaik Suchismita
Published: May 2017

Background: To evaluate whether vildagliptin, DPP-IV inhibitor possess a favorable effect on learning and memory dysfunction in the management of Diabetes mellitus.Methods: Forty Albino rats of either sex weighing 100-180g, were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Streptozotocin was used for induction of diabetes in rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups of eight rats in each. Group-1 was taken as control with no further intervention whereas group-2,3,4 were injected 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg,20mg/kg of vildagliptin respectively for a period of 2 months. At the end of first and second month of treatment period, the rats were subjected to Y maze and EPM tests. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance followed by Student’s t test for paired analysis.Results: There was significant decrease in no of arm entries and SAP (p<0.05) in group-1 with induced diabetes. In addition, there was slight increase in no of open arm entries with time spent in open arm for the same group. The decrease in no of arm entries and SAP progressively declined and the no of open arm entries with time spent in open arm progressively increased from group-2 to group 4 till the end of 1st month. After 2nd month there was further decrease in no of arm entries and SAP (p<0.05) for group-1. There was significant increase in all parameters for rest of the groups after 2nd month as compared to 1st month. The findings clearly infer the potency of vildagliptin in treating diabetes induced learning and memory impairment.Conclusions: Vildagliptin significantly reduces the incidence of diabetes induced memory impairment and improves learning if continued further.
Use of anti-snake venom and clinical outcomes in snake envenomation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Pore Shraddha M. , Kumbhar Arvind V. , Shah Ruchi D. , Patil Praveeenkumar T. , Patankar Sachin M. , Herekar Rohit N. , Ramanand Sunita J.
Published: May 2017

Background: The only effective measure to prevent or reverse most of the manifestations of venomous snake-bite is timely administration of antisnake venom (ASV) with or without adjunctive treatment as necessary in each case. But recently several concerns have been raised with regard to use of polyvalent ASV. Hence the present study was conducted to assess use of ASV, early adverse reactions to ASV, adjunctive treatment and clinical outcomes in snake-bite patients, which would help to identify areas of problem and provide basis for planning strategies to increase rational use of drugs.Methods: It was a prospective observational study approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. All indoor patients with systemic manifestations of snake envenomation were included in the study. All participants gave written informed consent. Data was obtained prospectively using a structured case record form. Descriptive statistics was used to express the results.Results: Among 52 patients, snake-bite predominantly affected males (59.62%) than females (40.38%). The most common site of snake-bite was lower limb (65.38%). The main indication for ASV administration was vasculotoxic snake-bite (59.62%). Mean dose of ASV use was 18.21±15.51 vials. Mortality was seen in one patient. Majority of patients (28/52, 53.85%) received ASV in the range of 1-10 vials for the management of snake-bite.Conclusions: The use and dose of ASV was appropriate in vasculotoxic snake-bite while few neurotoxic snake-bite patients needed higher than recommended dose.
A randomized comparative study of efficacy and safety of saroglitazar with fenofibrate in diabetic dyslipidemic patients on metformin and glimeperide
Authors: Ahmed Syed Mohsin , Mujeeb Momin Mohd. Abdul
Published: May 2017

Background: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of saroglitazar with fenofibrate in Indian diabetic dyslipidemic patients who were on Metformin and Glimepiride.Methods: Adults patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia fulﬁlling the inclusion criteria were randomized in two groups. Group A patients received metformin (1000 mg/ day) + Glimepiride (4 mg/day) with fenoﬁbrate (160 mg/day), while group B patients received metformin (1000 mg/day) + Glimepiride (4 mg/day) with saroglitazar (4 mg/day). Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), triglyceride (TG), LDL- cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and post prandial plasma glucose (PPPG) were measured at baseline and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.Results: There was a significant reduction in TG and HbA1C levels at 12 weeks from the baseline value (p=0.001) in both groups. However, there was no significant reduction in TG between the groups at 12 weeks but HbA1C levels in group B decreased signiﬁcantly compared to group A at 12 weeks. Also, there was a significant reduction in FPG and PPPG levels at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in both groups from their baseline values (p=0.001). The reduction in FPG and PPPG levels in group B was statistically signiﬁcantly compared to group A at every interval. There was statistically signiﬁcant change in LDL-C and HDL-C at 12 weeks from baseline in both the groups. Also, there was significant rise in HDL-C in group B when compared to group A.Conclusions: Group B patients on saroglitazar with metformin and Glimepiride showed a significant reduction in HbA1C, FPG and PPG levels compared to group A patients on fenofibrate with metformin and Glimepiride.