bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Characterization of Sixteen Yersinia enterocolitica-Infecting Podoviruses of Pig Origin
Authors: Salem Mabruka , Skurnik Mikael
Published: April 2018

Yersinia enterocolitica causes enteric infections in humans and animals. Human infections are often caused by contaminated pork meat. Y. enterocolitica colonizes pig tonsils and pigs secrete both the human pathogen and its specific bacteriophages into the stools. In this work, sixteen Y. enterocolitica—infecting lytic bacteriophages isolated from pig stools originating from several pig farms were characterized. All phages belong to the Podoviridae family and their genomes range between 38,391–40,451 bp in size. The overall genome organization of all the phages resembled that of T7-like phages, having 3–6 host RNA polymerase (RNAP)-specific promoters at the beginning of the genomes and 11–13 phage RNAP-specific promoters as well as 3–5 rho-independent terminators, scattered throughout the genomes. Using a ligation-based approach, the physical termini of the genomes containing direct terminal repeats of 190–224 bp were established. No genes associated with lysogeny nor any toxin, virulence factor or antibiotic resistance genes were present in the genomes. Even though the phages had been isolated from different pig farms the nucleotide sequences of their genomes were 90–97% identical suggesting that the phages were undergoing microevolution within and between the farms. Lipopolysaccharide was found to be the surface receptor of all but one of the phages. The phages are classified as new species within the T7virus genus of Autographivirinae subfamily.
A Comparative Assessment of Variable Selection Methods in Urban Water Demand Forecasting
Authors: Haque Md , Rahman Ataur , Hagare Dharma , Chowdhury Rezaul
Published: April 2018

Urban water demand is influenced by a variety of factors such as climate change, population growth, socio-economic conditions and policy issues. These variables are often correlated with each other, which may create a problem in building appropriate water demand forecasting model. Therefore, selection of the appropriate predictor variables is important for accurate prediction of future water demand. In this study, seven variable selection methods in the context of multiple linear regression analysis were examined in selecting the optimal predictor variable set for long-term residential water demand forecasting model development. These methods were (i) stepwise selection, (ii) backward elimination, (iii) forward selection, (iv) best model with residual mean square error criteria, (v) best model with the Akaike information criterion, (vi) best model with Mallow’s Cp criterion and (vii) principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that different variable selection methods produced different multiple linear regression models with different sets of predictor variables. Moreover, the selection methods (i)–(vi) showed some irrational relationships between the water demand and the predictor variables due to the presence of a high degree of correlations among the predictor variables, whereas PCA showed promising results in avoiding these irrational behaviours and minimising multicollinearity problems.
An uracil-linked hydroxyflavone probe for the recognition of ATP
Authors: Bojtár Márton , Janzsó-Berend Péter Zoltán , Mester Dávid , Hessz Dóra , Kállay Mihály , Kubinyi Miklós , Bitter István
Published: April 2018

Background: Nucleotides are essential molecules in living systems due to their paramount importance in various physiological processes. In the past years, numerous attempts were made to selectively recognize and detect these analytes, especially ATP using small-molecule fluorescent chemosensors. Despite the various solutions, the selective detection of ATP is still challenging due to the structural similarity of various nucleotides. In this paper, we report the conjugation of a uracil nucleobase to the known 4’-dimethylamino-hydroxyflavone fluorophore.

Results: The complexation of this scaffold with ATP is already known. The complex is held together by stacking and electrostatic interactions. To achieve multi-point recognition, we designed the uracil-appended version of this probe to include complementary base-pairing interactions. The theoretical calculations revealed the availability of multiple complex structures. The synthesis was performed using click chemistry and the nucleotide recognition properties of the probe were evaluated using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Conclusions: The first, uracil-containing fluorescent ATP probe based on a hydroxyflavone fluorophore was synthesized and evaluated. A selective complexation with ATP was observed and a ratiometric response in the excitation spectrum.
Difficult to Doable: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Distance Education
Authors: Cannistraci Patricia , Kehm Bonny , Pieper Barbara B. , Speerschneider Kim , Farber Stacey L. , Storandt Barbara C.
Published: April 2018

Background:

This study investigated the effect of interprofessional educational (IPE) in a distance education setting on students' self-efficacy around the Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPEC) constructs.

Method:

Senior RN-to-Bachelor of Science nursing students, students from health sciences, and dietetic intern students participated in the IPE learning experience. A pre- postsurvey design measured the change in student self-efficacy in relation to the IPEC constructs of values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams and teamwork.

Results:

In total, 92 students participated and 46 completed the pre–postsurvey. There were statistically significant changes in student self-efficacy across all constructs. Qualitative comments revealed themes of collaboration strengthening care, the value of exposure to different perspectives, and desire for commonly shared goals among the team.

Conclusion:

Research on IPE in distance education lags behind IPE in traditional settings. This study revealed that IPE is attainable in distance education, with significant changes in student's self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is a key indicator of future behavior. [
J Nurs Educ.
2018;57(4):225–228.]
Integrating Video Simulation Scenarios Into Online Nursing Instruction
Authors: Stanley Mary Jo , Serratos Jennifer , Matthew Wendy , Fernandez Dinorah , Dang Michelle
Published: April 2018

Background:

As nursing programs continue to expand online, innovative pedagogies that support online teaching and learning practices grounded in theoretical constructs are needed.

Method:

Video simulation scenarios and VoiceThread technology were used to create a model of online instruction that promotes active student participation and aligns with course objectives and content. Kolb's experiential learning theory serves as the framework for this project.

Results:

The integration of multimedia in the course gave students a collaborative experience where they can apply their knowledge to the simulation scenarios. Inclusion of the vignettes was found to be effective in addressing specific areas of curriculum while stimulating student engagement.

Conclusion:

Increased use of online delivery for nursing education necessitates course designs that promote student interaction and foster community. Teaching and learning practices that include technologies and are supported by theoretical constructs promote best practices for online instruction. [J Nurs Educ.2018;57(4):245–249.]
Isolated Tubal Torsion: A Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen in Childhood
Authors: Demirel Berat Dilek , Hancioglu Sertac , Bicakci Unal , Ariturk Ender , Bernay Ferit
Published: April 2018

Isolated fallopian tube torsion is a rare cause of acute abdomen mostly seen in women of reproductive age. It is often diagnosed during surgery. In this study we aimed to present a case of isolated fallopian tube torsion in a child. An 11-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. With the help of radiological evaluation we diagnosed. It should be kept in mind that even if ovarian blood flow is normal in girls with abdominal pain, it may be an isolated tubular torsion and requires immediate intervention.
Management of trade credit by small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Otto Werner H.
Published: April 2018

This study identifies the trade credit management situation within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the trade credit management practices of SMEs, focussing on debtors alone, in order to establish whether South African SMEs mismanage trade credit. Focussing on SMEs, this study created a unique opportunity to determine the trade credit management practices of SMEs specifically. This article provides vital evidence containing SMEs’ trade credit management practices and insight to entrepreneurs (SME owners) and government regarding possible reasons why SMEs find it difficult to manage trade credit effectively. Data were analysed using statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, frequencies, cross-tabulations and mean scores. The intention is that SMEs and small firms can use the results of this study in assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of their own practices and, in doing so, contribute towards the sustainability and viability of SMEs in order to empower SMEs to operate successfully in addressing the South African development challenges.
Application of the Technology Acceptance Model and the Technology–Organisation–Environment Model to examine social media marketing use in the South African tourism industry
Authors: Matikiti Rosemary , Mpinganjira Mercy , Roberts-Lombard Mornay
Published: April 2018

Background: In tourism, globally there is a growing interest in social media marketing research. However, most previous research on social media marketing has focused on large tourism enterprises such as chain hotels, leaving out small tourism businesses such as travel agencies and tour operators. Objective: The aim of this research was to establish factors that influence attitude towards the use of social media marketing by travel agencies and tour operators in South Africa. Method: The study adopteda quantitative approach through the use of questionnaires. Data used in the analysis were collected from 150 travel agencies and tour operators by means of a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that managerial support and managers’ level of education are the two main internal factors which influence attitude towards the use of social media marketing. Pressure from competitors, perceived benefits and perceived ease of use were found to be the most prominent external factors which influence the use of social media marketing. The results also revealed that technical knowledge moderates the relationship between attitude towards social media marketing and the level of social media marketing usage. Conclusion: The study concludes with these recommendations: Management of travel agencies, tour operating businesses and the South African government should support the use of social media marketing by small tourism businesses through providing training and workshops on social media marketing for the employees to acquire the required skills.
Survey to Identify Substandard and Falsified Tablets in Several Asian Countries with Pharmacopeial Quality Control Tests and Principal Component Analysis of Handheld Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kakio Tomoko , Nagase Hitomi , Takaoka Takashi , Yoshida Naoko , Hirakawa Junichi , Macha Susan , Hiroshima Takashi , Ikeda Yukihiro , Tsuboi Hirohito , Kimura Kazuko
Published: April 2018

The World Health Organization has warned that substandard and falsified medical products (SFs) can harm patients and fail to treat the diseases for which they were intended, and they affect every region of the world, leading to loss of confidence in medicines, health-care providers, and health systems. Therefore, development of analytical procedures to detect SFs is extremely important. In this study, we investigated the quality of pharmaceutical tablets containing the antihypertensive candesartan cilexetil, collected in China, Indonesia, Japan, and Myanmar, using the Japanese pharmacopeial analytical procedures for quality control, together with principal component analysis (PCA) of Raman spectrum obtained with handheld Raman spectrometer. Some samples showed delayed dissolution and failed to meet the pharmacopeial specification, whereas others failed the assay test. These products appeared to be substandard. Principal component analysis showed that all Raman spectra could be explained in terms of two components: the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the kinds of excipients. Principal component analysis score plot indicated one substandard, and the falsified tablets have similar principal components in Raman spectra, in contrast to authentic products. The locations of samples within the PCA score plot varied according to the source country, suggesting that manufacturers in different countries use different excipients. Our results indicate that the handheld Raman device will be useful for detection of SFs in the field. Principal component analysis of that Raman data clarify the difference in chemical properties between good quality products and SFs that circulate in the Asian market.
Determination of optimal quantities of different types of driers for addition in the batches of paint formulation
Authors: Gupta Abhijit , Gauri Susanta Kumar
Published: April 2018

Paint is generally considered as a mixture of pigment, binder (vehicle), solvent, driers and other additives. Though the basic function of driers is to decrease the drying time after application, it significantly affects the gloss and clarity of paint coatings too. In a batch of manufactured paint usually three kinds of driers (surface drier, through drier and auxiliary drier) are used. An Indian paint manufacturing company identifies that determination of optimal quantities for different types of driers for addition in a batch of solvent-based paint production is a major quality problem for the organization. This paper describes how the management of the company resolved the quality problem by carrying out properly planned statistical studies. Using rotatable central composite design (RCCD), response surface methodology (RSM) and goal programming (GP) technique optimal quantities of the three types of driers for a batch are determined and implemented. The results show that the paint quality improved substantially.Keywords: Rotatable central composite design, Response surface methodology, Multiple response optimization, Goal programming
The effect of tilt angle on the performance of evacuated tube solar air collector: experimental analysis
Authors: Dabra Vishal , Yadav Laxmikant , Yadav Avadhesh
Published: April 2018

The evacuated tube solar air collector had different collector tilt angles from the horizontal with the one inclined at 30° and 45°. Experimental results revealed that tilt angle had significant influence on the thermal performance of the evacuated tube solar air collector along with or without reflector. Experiments also showed that, for 30° tilt angle evacuated tube solar air collector with reflector had better thermal performance then the 45° tilt angle evacuated tube solar air collector with or without reflector. This indicated that increasing collector tilt angle had no positive effect on the thermosyphon phenomenon inside the evacuated tubes.Keywords: Evacuated tube, solar air collector, thermal Performance, tilt angles, reflector
Retrieving horizontally resolved wind fields using multi-static
meteor radar observations
Authors: Stober Gunter , Chau Jorge L. , Vierinen Juha , Jacobi Christoph , Wilhelm Sven
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Recently, the MMARIA (Multi-static, multi-frequency Agile Radar for Investigations of the Atmosphere) concept of a multi-static VHF meteor radar network to derive horizontally resolved wind fields in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere was introduced. Here we present preliminary results of the MMARIA network above Eastern Germany using two transmitters located at Juliusruh and Collm, and 5 receiving links two monostatic and three multi-static). The observations are complemented during a one-week campaign, with a couple of addition continuous-wave coded transmitters, making a total of 7 multi-static links. In order to access the kinematic properties of non-homogenous wind fields we developed a wind retrieval algorithm that applies regularization to determine the non-linear wind field in the altitude range of 82–98 km. The derived horizontally resolved wind fields are compared to wind fields retrieved by a more established volume velocity processing that includes the horizontal gradients of the horizontal wind components. The potential of such observations and the new retrieval to investigate gravity waves with horizontal scales between 50–200 km is presented and discussed.
Effects of solar activity and galactic cosmic ray cycles on the modulation of the annual average temperature at two sites in southern Brazil
Authors: Frigo Everton , Antonelli Francesco , da Silva Djeniffer S. S. , Lima Pedro C. M. , Pacca Igor I. G. , Bageston José V.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Quasi-periodic variations in solar activity and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) on
decadal and bidecadal timescales have been suggested as a climate forcing
mechanism for many regions on Earth. One of these regions is southern Brazil,
where the lowest values during the last century were observed for the total
geomagnetic field intensity at the Earth's surface. These low values are due
to the passage of the center of the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA),
which crosses the Brazilian territory from east to west following a latitude
of ∼ 26∘. In areas with low geomagnetic intensity, such as the
SAMA, the incidence of GCRs is increased. Consequently, possible climatic
effects related to the GCRs tend to be maximized in this region. In this work,
we investigate the relationship between the ∼ 11-year and
∼ 22-year cycles that are related to solar activity and GCRs and the
annual average temperature recorded between 1936 and 2014 at two weather
stations, both located near a latitude of 26∘ S but at different
longitudes. The first of these stations (Torres – TOR) is located in the
coastal region, and the other (Iraí – IRA) is located in the interior,
around 450 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Sunspot data and the solar modulation
potential for cosmic rays were used as proxies for the solar activity and the
GCRs, respectively. Our investigation of the influence of decadal and
bidecadal cycles in temperature data was carried out using the wavelet
transform coherence (WTC) spectrum. The results indicate that periodicities of 11 years
may have continuously modulated the climate at TOR via a nonlinear mechanism,
while at IRA, the effects of this 11-year modulation period were
intermittent. Four temperature maxima, separated by around 20 years, were
detected in the same years at both weather stations. These temperature maxima
are almost coincident with the maxima of the odd solar cycles. Furthermore,
these maxima occur after transitions from even to odd solar cycles, that is,
after some years of intense GCR flux. The obtained results offer indirect
mathematical evidence that solar activity and GCR variations contributed to
climatic changes in southern Brazil during the last century. A comparison of
the results obtained for the two weather stations indicates that the SAMA
also contributes indirectly to these temperature variations. The contribution
of other mechanisms also related to solar activity cannot be excluded. Keywords. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (climatology)
Biological production in the Indian Ocean upwelling zones –Part 1: refined estimation via the use of a variable compensation depth in ocean carbon models
Authors: Sreeush Mohanan Geethalekshmi , Valsala Vinu , Pentakota Sreenivas , Prasad Koneru Venkata Siva Rama , Murtugudde Raghu
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Biological modelling approach adopted by the Ocean Carbon-Cycle Model
Intercomparison Project (OCMIP-II) provided amazingly simple but
surprisingly accurate rendition of the annual mean carbon cycle for the
global ocean. Nonetheless, OCMIP models are known to have seasonal biases
which are typically attributed to their bulk parameterisation of
compensation depth. Utilising the criteria of surface Chl a-based
attenuation of solar radiation and the minimum solar radiation required for
production, we have proposed a new parameterisation for a spatially and
temporally varying compensation depth which captures the seasonality in
the production zone reasonably well. This new parameterisation is shown to
improve the seasonality of CO2 fluxes, surface ocean pCO2,
biological export and new production in the major upwelling zones of the
Indian Ocean. The seasonally varying compensation depth enriches the nutrient
concentration in the upper ocean yielding more faithful biological exports
which in turn leads to accurate seasonality in the carbon cycle. The
export production strengthens by ∼ 70 % over the western Arabian Sea
during the monsoon period and achieves a good balance between export and new
production in the model. This underscores the importance of having a seasonal
balance in the model export and new productions for a better representation of
the seasonality of the carbon cycle over upwelling regions. The study also
implies that both the biological and solubility pumps play an important role
in the Indian Ocean upwelling zones.
Higher response of terrestrial plant growth to ammonium than nitrate addition
Authors: Yan Liming , Xu Xiaoni , Xia Jianyang
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Terrestrial plant growth and ecosystem productivity are strongly limited by availability of nitrogen (N). Atmospheric deposition of wet N as nitrate and ammonium has been rapidly increased since the industrial revolution, associated with a high spatial variation of changes in the ammonium- to nitrate-N ratio (i.e., NH4+-N / NO3−-N). However, whether and how terrestrial plants respond differently to NH4+-N and NO3−-N addition have never been quantitatively synthesized. Here, we first did a literature survey and analysis on the model projections of future changes in NH4+-N / NO3−-N in atmospheric N deposition. Most models predicted an increase in the global average of NH4+-N / NO3−-N ratio, but decreasing trends in western Europe and eastern China. Then, a meta-analysis was applied to compare the different growth responses of 402 plant species to NH4+-N and NO3−-N addition from 217 N fertilization studies. In general, a greater response of plant growth to NH4+-N (+6.3 % g−1 N) than NO3−-N (+1.0 % g−1 N) addition was detected across all species. The larger sensitivity of plant growth to NH4+- than NO3−-N was found in all plant functional types except for grasses. In addition, the NO3−-N addition promoted terrestrial plants to allocate more biomass to above-ground, whereas NH4+-N addition significantly enhanced below- but not above-ground growth. These results imply that the global accelerating N deposition could stimulate plant growth more in regions with increasing (e.g., North America) than decreasing (e.g., eastern China) NH4+-N / NO3−-N ratio. The findings suggest future assessments and predictions on the vegetation response to atmospheric N enrichment could benefit from a better understanding of plant strategies for acquiring different forms of N.
Surficial sediment texture database for SW Iberia Atlantic Margin
Authors: Costas Susana , Ramires Margarida , de Sousa Luisa B. , Mendes Isabel , Ferreira Oscar
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Assessing the impact of changes on the environment driven by natural or anthropogenic forcers includes the comparison between antecedent and post-event conditions. The latter is particularly relevant in order to better understand to which extent those changes actually impact or alter a particular environment and associated services and to determine the resilience of a system. In this regard, it turns essential to create or provide databases to inform about baseline conditions. Here, we present a database that integrates surficial sediment samples collected and analysed for textural characterization within the frame of a series of research projects over circa 20 years. Collected samples along the southwestern Atlantic Margin of the Iberian Peninsula extend from estuaries and beaches to the adjacent continental shelf. For the case of the more dynamic environments, namely coastal sandy barriers, samples were repeated over time in order to capture the intrinsic variability of the system. Examples of the utility of this dataset for a variety of purposes and environments are also included within this manuscript through three examples. Therefore, here we show the added value of the database as it can be used to assess the impact of a particular event or activity at an estuary by providing baseline conditions, evaluate the continental shelf sediment suitability for nourishment activities, or to contribute to the morphodynamics understanding and classification of beaches. Finally, it is worth stating the importance of such databases to analyse medium to long-term variability as the one induced by sea level rise, changes in storminess or by human activities. The data presented here are in open access at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.883104.
Hadal water biogeochemistry over the Izu-Ogasawara Trench observed with a
full-depth CTD-CMS
Authors: Kawagucci Shinsuke , Makabe Akiko , Kodama Taketoshi , Matsui Yohei , Yoshikawa Chisato , Ono Etsuro , Wakita Masahide , Nunoura Takuro , Uchida Hiroshi , Yokokawa Taichi
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Full-depth profiles of hydrographic and geochemical properties at the Izu-Ogasawara Trench were observed for the first time using a CTD-CMS (Conductivity Temperature Depth profiler with Carousel Multiple Sampling) system, supplemented by some comparative samplings at the northern Mariana Trench using the same methods. The CTD sensor, calibrated from measurements of seawater samples, demonstrated a well-mixed hydrographic structure below 7000 m within the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. Seawater samples collected from this well-mixed hadal layer exhibited constant concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, silicate, and nitrous oxide as well as constant nitrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of nitrate and nitrous oxide. These results agree well with previous observations of the Izu-Ogasawara hadal waters and deep-sea water surrounding the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. In turn, methane concentrations and isotopic compositions indicated spatial heterogeneity within the well-mixed hadal water mass, strongly suggesting a local methane source within the trench, in addition to the background methane originating from the general deep-sea bottom water. Sedimentary compound releases, associated with sediment re-suspensions, are considered to be the most likely mechanism for generating this significant CH4 anomaly.
Kant on Sex. Reconsidered. -- A Kantian account of sexuality: sexual love, sexual identity, and sexual orientation
Authors: Varden Helga
Published: April 2018

Kant on sex gives most philosophers the following associations: a lifelong celibate philosopher; a natural teleological view of sexuality; a strange incorporation of this natural teleological account within his freedom-based moral theory; and a stark ethical condemnation of most sexual activity. Although this paper provides an interpretation of Kant’s view on sexuality, it neither defends nor offers an apology for everything Kant says about sexuality. Rather, it aims to show that a reconsidered Kant-based account can utilize his many worthwhile insights and that by making Kant’s account of sexuality more consistent with his own basic philosophical commitments, the result is a compelling approach to the complex and complicated phenomena of sexual love, sexual identity, and sexual orientation.
Actualización cartográfca del yacimiento arqueológico de Copán Ruinas, Honduras en el año 2016
Authors: Villatoro Escobar Jessica Gabriela , Moreno Segura Eduardo
Published: April 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo fue actualizar la cartografía del Yacimiento Arqueológico de Copán Ruinas a un nivel más preciso de lo que existe en la actualidad. El proceso se llevó a cabo siguiendo una metodología descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo que consistió en el uso de Sistemas de Posicionamiento Global “GPS y DRON”, utilizados en campo para apreciar el terreno con mayor claridad. El empleo de Sistemas de Información Geográfca fue de vital importancia para el agrupamiento, delimitación y digitalización de datos geográfcos organizados en capas temáticas. Los resultados se presentan de forma descriptiva en diferentes momentos, uno donde se obtuvo un orto mosaico y modelo digital de superfcie, otro donde se obtuvo un mapa de sombras y estructuras arqueológicas, fnalmente el mapa de sitio Maya “Copán” actualizado, donde se aprecia el área de estudio con mayor claridad y precisión gracias a la resolución empleada. Se concluye que la actualización cartográfca, en especial, la del Yacimiento de Copán Ruinas es de mucho interés para entes gubernamentales y no gubernamentales, así como, universidades y otros que desean generar otros estudios, teniendo como insumo principal información de primera mano que facilite otros procesos como: la distribución de recursos físicos, naturales y económicos (inversiones nacionales y extranjeras), todo en torno al buen manejo del sitio arqueológico que representariqueza para el territorio hondureño.
Estrategias de mitigación del ataque del gorgojo descortezador de Pino en Honduras Periodo 2014 - 2016
Authors: Carías Arias Antonio Benjamín , Antonio Barrios Juan , Espino Vicente , Oqueli Rafael Oscar
Published: April 2018

El estudio se enmarcó en el “Plan de Acción Para el Control de la Plaga del Gorgojo de Pino” el cual tiene como fin el control efectivo de la plaga a nivel nacional, con la participación de todos los actores del sector forestal el cual, a su vez, el Plan estaba enmarcado en la Emergencia Forestal Nacional declarada por el Gobierno de Honduras a través del Acuerdo Ejecutivo 051-2015. Parte fundamental del Plan fue la integración de los actores del sector forestal, áreas protegidas y vida silvestre y las acciones de control y monitoreo que eran dos de los aspectos torales de la ejecución de la unidad sumado a esto se tenía la gestión de los recursos financieros para las actividades de control y monitoreo, implementación de estrategias de comunicación, capacitación y divulgación de todo lo concerniente a la afectación por la plaga del gorgojo. Inicialmente se trabajó en una etapa diagnostico preliminar que permitió conocer el estado de los componentes en el Instituto de Conservación Forestal (ICF), las capacidades que tenían los diferentes actores para afrontar la crisis de la plaga y la capacidad humana instalada. Teniendo todo esto claro se procedió a la elaboración de metodologías e instrumentos los cuales normarían, la generación de información. Ya en marcha las acciones se hicieron análisis más profundos de las experiencias en campo, evaluandolas prácticas y experiencias de los actores, métodos y equipos de trabajo que dieron buenos resultados.
The experiences of caregivers providing home care for terminally ill family members at the end of life: A phenomenological study in Bahrain
Authors: Saleh Fatima , O’Neill Catherine S.
Published: April 2018

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experience of caregivers providing home care for terminally ill family members, with the objectives of describing their experiences of caring for relatives who are terminally ill with cancer and the needs of home caregiving in Bahrain.Methods: The study adopted a Heideggerian, hermeneutic phenomenological design, with a purposive sample of eight family caregivers. Data was generated through one to one, in-depth interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) the burden of care, (2) comforts, and (3) coping. The findings showed that the lived experience of home caregiving includes physical, emotional and financial burdens, combined with a lack of professional support. The collective experience was infused with intense emotions because of a lack of structured support, resulting in negative emotions that frequently affected the caregivers’ well-being and their ability to care for the ill person. Nevertheless, caregivers tried to maintain care and comforts for their terminally ill relative in the home. They adopted the home environment, arranged resources to ease caring and provided psychological care. Caregivers utilized three coping mechanisms, faith, personal strategies and distribution of the care responsibilities among family members.Conclusions: Caregivers were not prepared for the commitment and burdens of home care when a family member is terminally ill. A recommendation from the study findings is that training be offered on nursing care before patients discharge. In addition, a reactivation of the palliative care clinic hotline service would support family caregivers. A further recommendation is that home nursing care and hospice services be established to improve homecare services for family caregivers in Bahrain.
Examining the Effectiveness of Video Instruction on Teaching Daily Living Skills to Adolescents and Young Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Horn Annemarie L.
Published: April 2018

Independently performing essential daily living skills enables individuals to become more self-sufficient adults. Those with intellectual disability (ID) tend to require direct instruction and repetition to successfully aquire everyday tasks. Many adults with ID continue to show deficits in this domain, affecting independent living abilities (Luftig & Muthert, 2005). Video-based instruction holds promise in increasing autonomous functioning while decreasing reliance on staff. This review of the literature examines the effectiveness of using video instruction (VI) to teach daily living skills to adolescents and young adults with ID. Acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of target skills are examined across the literature. A total of 12 empirical articles on VI were reviewed, all published between 2006-2017. Findings support the use of VI when teaching daily living skills to adolescents and adults with mild or moderate ID. Implications for research and practice are offered.
Experiential Study in Learning English Writing: An Inquiry into Saudi Learners’ Concerns
Authors: Al Shammari Sahal R.
Published: April 2018

Writing plays a prominent role in learning a second language or foreign language. Research mainly focused on the development of writing skill from the teachers or trainers’ perspectives, but in the recent studies researchers have explored students’ concerns about writing skill and the difficulties they encounter in the process. The learners are fully aware of the challenges and their expectations of the courses. The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ perceptions about academic writing courses or writing in general and to investigate the differences they observe about the teaching practice followed in the kingdom as well as ELP in the USA. A total of 03 students (from three different provinces of the KSA) from the pre-university English language program (Applied English Center, Kansas University, USA) for Saudi students enrolled for various courses in their masters program in the US universities participated in this study. The general design of the study was qualitative in nature as a questionnaire and a focus-group interview were implemented for data collection. The overall results demonstrated that the difference in teaching strategies is a significant factor which poses a question mark on the professional training expected of the teachers involved in various universities in the kingdom. The major findings demonstrated students’ awareness of their needs and ESL writing requirements and how teaching writing in MT or so to say L1 influences their ESL learning. The study concluded with recommendations for future research.
Choice and Background Knowledge: How do Individuals Evaluate Accumulating Evidence in A Murder Scenario?
Authors: Mackenzie Elizabeth , Chalmers Emily , Wastell Colin , Duncan Piers , Roberts Matthew
Published: April 2018

Can the simple act of selecting a possible suspect of a crime bias the evaluation of the evidence? Does the typicality of the crime impact the assessment of guilt of a suspect? In two experiments, we examine these two questions and find some remarkable results with implications for law enforcement and jury deliberation. Experiment 1 data show that by allowing participants to choose a most-likely-perpetrator, guilt ratings were substantially higher compared to participants who were not allowed to make a choice. This difference persisted after reading a further body of incriminating evidence. In experiment 2 participants were provided with general and specific background information relevant to a suspect, in other words how common was the crime-suspect scenario. When provided with high plausibility compared to low plausibility information, participants gave higher guilt ratings that persisted after further evidence. The results are interpreted in terms of argument theory which provides a parsimonious explanation of the data. These results have implications for the conduct of investigations, for example: putting in place procedures that minimize the effects of suspect prioritization and background information.
Verantwoordelijkheid, veiligheid en strafrecht
Authors: Kortleven Willem-Jan
Published: April 2018

Safety, accountability and criminal law: On the criminalization of fallibility

This paper analyses various landmark criminal cases in the Netherlands that saw individual professionals being blamed for allegedly contributing to safety-critical events occurring in the past twenty years. These cases can be seen as symbolizing an increasingly risk-averse society whose expectations of human capacity for securing safety have reached unprecedented levels. In this view, punishing professionals who make dangerous mistakes serves to re-establish the illusion of being in control and to satisfy emotions. In practice, however, the prosecution of professional error appears to be somewhat out of touch with public sentiment, as responses to the cases discussed revealed little public support and a backlash among professionals. Moreover, safety science and practice claim that punishing individual error tends to undermine safety and overemphasizes the role of individual error compared to systemic failures. This begs the question of whether criminal liability should be imposed at the system level, as recently happened when local governments were sentenced following fatalities on dangerous road spots. Sentencing ‘system administrators’ may have advantages, but probably produces negative effects as well. Therefore, it would be ideal if administrators reduced the need for resorting to criminal law by proactively and generously taking responsibility for their organisation’s share in accidents.
POLISH POSITION ON THE WORLD MARKET OF APPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE
Authors: Kraciński Paweł
Published: April 2018

The aim of the research was to determine the position of Poland in the global trade of AJC and to identify trends in export and import of this product in 2005-2016. The importance of AJC export in the production of apples by the world’s largest exporters of this product was identified. Export of AJC was decreasing in the years 2005-2016. The average volume of export in 2014-2016 amounted to 1.4 million tons and was 20% lower than in 2005-2007. The largest exporters of AJC in terms of export volume in 2014-2016 were China (34%), Poland (20%) and Ukraine (7%). Among the largest exporters as compared to years 2005-2007 the countries with the decreased export volume in the years 2014-2016 were Germany (62%) China (39%) and Italy (25%) and the ones with increased were Ukraine (136%), Republic of Moldova (106%) and Poland (51%). In the years 2005-2016 export of AJC was the most important in the disposal of apple production in Moldova (62%), Hungary (51%), Poland (48%) and Ukraine (41%).
THE RELATION BETWEEN FARM SIZE AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
IN HUNGARIAN EGG PRODUCTION
Authors: Szabó Virag
Published: April 2018

The economic efficiency of cage and deep-litter farms of different sizes with a cost and income analysis based was examined on the 2004-2014 Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data provided by the Hungarian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (AKI). It was found that the differences in efficiency experienced in previous years continued to increase years after the cage changes in both types of hen keeping appeared. It has been shown that deep-litter farmers typically keep smaller stocks and 36% of stocks are supplied in the framework of family work, whose wages are not recorded as personal expenses. It was also found that both unit cost and average sales price per egg decrease in the case of the cage and the deep-litter method with the increase in farm size. While the second biggest decline in average sales price occurs in the case of cage farmers with a stock of over 25,000, in the case of deep-litter farmers it already comes about at a stock of over 10,000.
Consumer food cooperatives as complex adaptive networks the case of five cooperatives from Poland
Authors: Zakharov Kyrill
Published: April 2018

This paper is an attempt to present selected Polish consumer food cooperatives as the complex
adaptive network. Based on the literature review and structured questionnaire, their compliance with
consumer cooperative principles and attitude of the members towards these principles were investigated.
It is argued that due to their voluntary character based on networking activities they are subject to adjustment processes. These processes, under the umbrella of the democratic governance, are focused on using
these principles as adaptive mechanism.
Twenty-One Statements about Political Philosophy
Authors: Reiff Mark R. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2018

While the volume of material inspired by Rawls’s reinvigoration of the discipline back in 1971 has still not begun to subside, its significance has been in serious decline for quite some time. New and important work is appearing less and less frequently, while the scope of the work that is appearing is getting smaller and more internal and its practical applications more difficult to discern. The discipline has reached a point of intellectual stagnation, even as real-world events suggest that the need for what political philosophy can provide could not be more critical. What follows then is a set of statements about how I believe that we, as political philosophers, should approach what we do. It contains my view as to what political philosophy should be about, how political philosophy should be done, and how courses in political philosophy should be taught, interlaced with commentary on the current state of the profession.
Humanização no cuidado hospitalar: percepção de familiares acompanhantes
Authors: Pinheiro Ana Lúcia Uberti , Beuter Margrid , Brondani Cecília Maria , Roso Camila Castro , Flores Rosiele Gomes
Published: April 2018

O estudo teve como objetivo descrever a percepção de familiares acompanhantes de doentes internados, acerca do cuidado prestado pela equipe de enfermagem. Constitui-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, cujos sujeitos foram familiares acompanhantes de doentes internados em uma unidade de clínica médica e cirúrgica de um hospital público no interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados deu-se por meio da análise temática, originando a categoria — as tecnologias leves no cuidado hospitalar e dois subtemas: o acolhimento no cenário do cuidado e a comunicação como forma de cuidado. Os dados demonstram a predominância das tecnologias leves no cuidado prestado pela equipe de enfermagem, porém, algumas situações deixam transparecer o domínio de ações tecnicistas e mecanizadas em intervenções da enfermagem. Conclui-se que a integração das tecnologias leves e duras proporciona uma assistência qualificada ao doente hospitalizado e sua família.
O olhar das equipes de referência sobre o trabalho realizado pelo apoio matricial
Authors: Rosa Fábio Mello da , Weiller Teresinha Heck , François Ana Paula Wilke , Brites Liara Saldanha , Silveira Daiane , Righi Liane Beatriz
Published: April 2018

O artigo busca apresentar a experiência dos residentes da primeira turma do Programa de Residência Multiprofissional Integrada em Sistema Público de Saúde/Universidade Federal de Santa Maria a partir do trabalho realizado pelos apoiadores matriciais em saúde da família sob a ótica dos profissionais que integram as equipes de referência da Estratégia de saúde da Família. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado de dezembro de 2010 a março de 2011, em um município do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados da pesquisa foi realizada a partir de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, revelando que em dois anos de implantação do um programa de residência muito há que caminhar–se no sentido da construção de pactos cotidianos entre ensino e o serviço, tendo o diálogo como ferramenta e tecnologia na construção de projetos terapêuticos que respondam as necessidades dos usuários.
BIOFERTILIZER BASED ON SILICATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA IMPROVES PHOTOSYNTHETIC FUNCTION OF BRASSICA JUNCEA
Authors: MALEVA Maria , BORISOVA Galina , KOSHCHEEVA Olga , SINENKO Olga
Published: April 2018

Usage of biofertilizers is one of the important components of integrated nutrientmanagement, as they are renewable source of plant nutrients, ecologically safecompared to chemical fertilizers and cost effective. Silicate solubilizing bacteria(SSB) can play an efficient role not only in solubilizing insoluble forms of silicatesbut also potassium and phosphates, hence increasing soil fertility and therebyenhancing plant productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the influenceof SSB-enriched biofertilizer on the structural and functional parameters ofphotosynthetic apparatus of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. The pure culture of SSBwas isolated from the clay substrate, cultivated on Zak–Alexandrov medium andidentified as Bacillus sp. To obtain the biofertilizer, SSB culture (0.6*108 cfu mL-1)was mixed with steriled peat (1:1, v/w) and dried at 35–40°C. Plants were grownfrom seeds during two months in the pots with adding SSB-enriched biofertilizer tothe mixture of clay and soil (1:10, w/w). The clay substrate plus peat without SSBwas used as a control. It was found that addition of SSB-enriched biofertilizer toclay substrate significantly increased the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus andpotassium in the leaves of B. juncea. The thickness of mesophyllic layer and thenumber of mesophyll cells were increased on average by 24 %. It was correlatedwith a sharp increase of photosynthetic pigment content and CO2 uptake (1.5–2.0times). We can conclude that SSB-enriched biofertilizer improves thephotosynthetic function of B. juncea.