bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the addition of epinephrine to a lidocaine solution on the efficacy and duration of palmar digital nerve blocks in horses with naturally occurring forefoot lameness
Authors: Alvarez Ana Velloso , Schumacher John , DeGraves Fred J.
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE To determine whether addition of epinephrine to a lidocaine solution would prolong and potentiate the efficacy of a palmar digital nerve block (PDNB) in horses.

ANIMALS 6 adult horses with naturally occurring forefoot lameness.

PROCEDURES Initially, a PDNB with a 2% lidocaine solution was performed on the affected foot of each horse. Three days later, the PDNB was repeated with a 1% lidocaine solution or a 1% lidocaine solution containing epinephrine (dilution, 1:200,000). After another 3-day washout period, the PDNB was repeated with the treatment opposite that administered for the second PDNB. Gait was analyzed with a computerized lameness analysis system and heart rate and extent of skin sensation between the heel bulbs of the blocked foot were evaluated at predetermined times for 2 hours after each PDNB.

RESULTS Efficacy and duration of the PDNB did not differ significantly between the 2% and 1% lidocaine treatments. The addition of epinephrine to the 1% lidocaine solution improved the efficacy and prolonged the duration of the PDNB. It also resulted in a positive correlation between skin desensitization and amelioration of lameness. Median heart rate remained unchanged throughout the observation period for all 3 treatments. No adverse effects associated with the PDNBs were observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Addition of epinephrine (dilution, 1:200,000) to a 1% lidocaine solution improved the efficacy and prolonged the duration of a PDNB in horses with naturally occurring lameness and might be clinically useful for lameness evaluations and standing surgery of the forefoot of horses.
Evaluation of tissue Doppler ultrasonographic and strain imaging for assessment of myocardial dysfunction in dogs with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim Yun-Hye , Kim Jung-Hyun , Park Chul
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE To investigate cardiac structural and functional changes by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and strain imaging in dogs with spontaneous type 1 diabetes mellitus.

ANIMALS 30 client-owned dogs, of which 10 had normotensive type 1 diabetes mellitus and 20 were healthy.

PROCEDURES All dogs underwent physical examination, laboratory analyses, standard echocardiography, and TDI.

RESULTS On TDI and strain imaging, transmitral peak early diastolic velocity (E)-to-tissue Doppler–derived peak early diastolic velocity at basal segment (E') of septum ratio, E:lateral E’ ratio, and septal tissue Doppler–derived peak late diastolic velocity at basal segment (A') were significantly higher and the septal E':A’ ratio and lateral longitudinal strain were significantly lower for diabetic dogs than for control dogs. Furthermore, in diabetic dogs, serum glucose and fructosamine concentrations after a 12-hour period of food withholding were positively correlated with regional systolic functional variables (septal and lateral longitudinal strain) and left ventricular filling pressure indices (E:septal E’ and E:lateral E’ ratios) but were negatively correlated with diastolic functional variables (E:transmitral peak late diastolic velocity and septal and lateral E':A’ ratios).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that myocardial function in diabetic dogs may be altered before the development of clinical heart-associated signs and that the change may be more readily detected by TDI and strain imaging than by conventional echocardiography. In addition, findings indicated that hyperglycemia could have detrimental effects on myocardial function, independent of hypertension, other cardiac diseases, and left ventricular hypertrophy, in dogs with type 1 diabetes.
Epidemiological and morphological characteristics of incomplete ossification of the dorsal neural arch of the atlas in dogs with atlantoaxial instability
Authors: Takahashi Fumitaka , Hakozaki Takaharu , Kouno Shigenori , Suzuki Shuji , Sato Asaka , Kanno Nobuo , Harada Yasuji , Yamaguchi Shinya , Hara Yasushi
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate the epidemiological and morphological features and outcome of surgical treatment of incomplete ossification of the dorsal neural arch of the atlas (IODA) in dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI).

ANIMALS 106 AAI-affected dogs that underwent ventral fixation of the atlantoaxial joint.

PROCEDURES Medical records and CT images for each dog were reviewed. Dogs were allocated to 1 of 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of IODA or of dens abnormalities (DAs) in CT images.

RESULTS Of the 106 dogs with AAI, 75 had and 31 did not have IODA; 70 had and 36 did not have DAs. Incomplete ossification was present in the cranialmost, central, or caudalmost portion of the dorsal neural arch of the atlas in 59, 39, and 28 dogs, respectively; 2 or 3 portions were affected in 29 and 11 dogs, respectively. The mean CT value (in Hounsfield units) for the midline of the dorsal neural arch of the atlas in dogs with IODA was significantly lower than that for the same site in the dogs without IODA. The mean age at surgery for dogs with central IODA was significantly higher than that of the non-IODA group. The severity of spinal cord injury before or after atlantoaxial ventral fixation did not differ between the IODA and non-IODA groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that concomitant DAs or IODA is common in dogs with AAI. In dogs with incomplete ossification in the central part of the dorsal neural arch of the atlas, surgical treatment of AAI generally occurs at a middle to advanced age.
LC-MS Method for Determining Amiodarone and Desethylaminodarone in Rat Plasma Used in Endogenous Overdosing Conditions Following Lipolysis
Authors: Jîtcă George , Ősz Bianca-Eugenia , Vancea Szende , Miklos Amalia , Tero-Vescan Amelia
Published: September 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a LC-MS method to determine amiodarone (AMI) and its major metabolite desethylamiodarone (DEA) from rat plasma released from the adipose tissue of AMI treated rats subjected to a weight gain/weight loss cycle. Methods: Separation of the compounds was performed on a Kinetex 2.6 μm C18 100 x 4.6 mm column under isocratic conditions using a mixture of acetonitrile: 0.1% formic acid 65:35 at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Detection of the analyte was performed by electrospray positive ionization, the monitored ions being 135 m/z from 646 for AMI and 135 m/z of 618 for DEA. Analytes were extracted after plasma protein precipitation with methanol. Results: The developed method presented specificity and linearity on the concentration range of 25-2500 ng/ml plasma for AMI and 2.5-1250 ng/ml plasma for DEA and the precision and accuracy of the method at all of quality control concentration levels including LLOQ were according to official guidelines for validating analytical methods. Conclusions: A sensitive and accurate LC-MS method has been developed with a much lower LLOQ than literature data to detect the plasma concentration differences of the studied analytes that result from forced lipolysis and mobilization from the adipose tissue.
Predictors of Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Dinesch Violeta , Dinesch Mihail , Sirbu Ileana Voichita , Macarie Cosmin , Halatiu Bogdan Vasile , Buruian Mircea
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study investigated predictors of progression of coronary atherosclerosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Their identification may be useful in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database of the Cardiology Department of the Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Transplant Institute in Tirgu Mures from January 2012 to December 2015 and identified 180 patients readmitted after successful percutaneous coronary intervention. The t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and mono- and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between the patients’ clinical and angiographic characteristics and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Results: The pre-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic burden was associated with a higher number of new coronary lesions at readmission. Hypertension and the placement of more than one bare-metal stent in the right coronary artery were associated with increased odds of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The use of drug-eluting stents at the index percutaneous coronary intervention and a greater number of drug-eluting stents in the left anterior descending artery were associated with a decreased chance of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions: A massive atherosclerotic load at index percutaneous coronary intervention and hypertension were predictors of the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. The number, type, and localisation of the stent at the index percutaneous intervention could influence the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to identify other potential predictors and to determine how to optimize the treatment of known predictors.
General Characteristics and Quality of Stroke-Related Online Information – A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the Romanian and Hungarian Websites
Authors: Popescu Septimiu Daniel , Popescu Alex Otniel , Dănilă Mihaela , Dobria Mihaela , Maior David , Nădăşan Valentin
Published: September 2018

Background: The quality of online health-related information may affect users’ understanding and medical decision-making with dramatic impact, particularly in case of stroke. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of information about stroke on the Romanian and Hungarian websites in terms of completeness and accuracy. Methods: The research was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. The sample included 25 Romanian and 25 Hungarian websites presenting information about stroke for the general public. General characteristics such as website ownership, main goal, website genre and medical approach were identified by the evaluators using a predetermined set of common instructions. The completeness and accuracy of the information were assessed by two independent assessors against a quality benchmark. Results: Overall, most of the websites were owned by private commercial companies (42%), had educational goal (66%), were designed as medical web-portals (46%) and had a conventional medicine approach (72%). Mean completeness score was 5.6 points (SD± 1.9) for Romanian sites and 4.1 points (SD ± 2.4) for Hungarian sites (p = 0.017). Mean accuracy score was 6.2 points (SD ± 1.1) for Romanian sites and 7.0 points (SD ± 0.7) for Hungarian sites (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The information about stroke on the Romanian and Hungarian websites had poor quality. Although we found statistically significant differences between the quality scores of the two language sub-samples and two site characteristics associated with significantly higher quality, the practical relevance of these findings for online health information seekers should be interpreted with caution.
Influence of the Combine Harvester Parameter Settings on Harvest Losses
Authors: Šotnar Martin , Pospíšil Jiří , Mareček Jan , Dokukilová Tereza , Novotný Vojtěch
Published: September 2018

This paper deals with the relationship between grain yield and grain losses during harvest. Measurements were carried out on a combine harvester with axial harvesting device allowing various adjustments to combine harvester parameter settings, such as rotor speed, gap between separator and rotor, fan speed, holes of the upper and lower sieves. Values of harvest losses in combine harvester with custom settings for the given crops were compared with values of losses obtained by a harvester with manufacturer’s recommended settings. This paper observes the losses in grains of spring barley and winter wheat crops. All the measurements made showed lower grain losses when the combine harvester settings were customized. In general, custom settings provided quantitative losses lower by 0.198% than settings recommended by manufacturer.
Importance of Knowledge and Ski lls of Project Managers for Implementation of Technical Projects
Authors: Ondrouchová Martina , Máchal Pavel , Gablas Branislav
Published: September 2018

The level of technical knowledge and skills of project managers shows a high differentiation, which has an impact on the management of (non)investment projects in the given region, regardless of the sector area such as agriculture, entrepreneurship or services. This paper aims to confirm that the level of technical knowledge and skills of project managers is highly differentiated in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic and to identify the knowledge areas that are affected by the ignorance in this region the most. The research has shown that the management knowledge areas most affected by ignorance in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic are namely Scope management, Quality management and Communication management. These findings show a high level of differentiation in the knowledge and skills of project managers on the regional level, having direct impact on public and private projects in the given region. Due to this issue, there should be established certain standards for project management, which can be demanded by central authorities.
Verification of Suitability of Substrate Composition for Production and Quality of Biogas
Authors: Kažimírová Viera , Gaduš Ján , Giertl Tomáš
Published: September 2018

The paper deals with biogas yield production from two co-substrates - sorghum silage mixture of corn silage and crushed potatoes combined with mixture of livestock manure and swine slurry - in a semi-continuous digester under mesophilic conditions. This paper aims to evaluate the suitability of alternative substrates for biogas production under biogas plant operational conditions. In the first experiment, biogas yield was 0.159 Nm3 per hour with methane content of 56.96% vol. In the second experiment, biogas yield was 0.18 Nm3 per hour with methane content of 52.95% vol. Experiments confirmed that both substrates are suitable for biogas production under the given conditions.
Statistical Process Control as a Failure Removal Improvement Tool
Authors: Zasadzień Michał , Midor Katarzyna
Published: September 2018

Continuous improvement should be a part of the strategy of every modern company that wishes to meet the requirements posed by the demanding, competitive market. The article presents a concept of applying a tool known from quality engineering, i.e. Shewhart control charts, for the improvement of the maintenance process in a small company providing services for the agricultural and construction industries. The improvement of the process included the reducing of the downtime of belt conveyors due to failures. Using control charts allowed the detection of interferences in the process and defining of their nature. Using other tools such as 5 WHY allowed the identification of the root causes of overly long downtimes and, consequently, formulation and implementation of improvements and preventive measures that were optimal for the organisation. The verification of actions taken has shown their positive impact on the process, which was reflected in the shortening of downtime and, subsequently, streamlining the failure removal process. The paper presents a possibility and validity of utilising quality engineering tools, such as Shewhart’s charts, 5 WHY or Ishikawa diagram, for improving the maintenance processes.
Interplanetary External Driven Quasidynamo as the Origin of Geomagnetic Jerks Correlated with Length of Day and Gravity Anomaly
Authors: Lutephy Mohsen
Published: September 2018

We report phenomenological inevitable correlation between the Sun’s magnetic field oscillation through the Earth and the Jupiter, with sinusoidal geomagnetic jerks observed at the Earth, additionally aligned with the gravity and length of day sinusoidal variations and we observe too that the Sun and Jovian planets alignments with Jupiter are origin of the observable abrupt geomagnetic jerks whether historical or new, and experimental results demonstrate a possible explanation on the base of the planetary induced currents upon the metallic liquid cores of the planets upon the varying external magnetic fields as the source of heat flows continued by frictional turbulent and convectional fluid fluxes, amplified and expanding by the Earth magnetic field and observations are showing too that it should be an electric coupling effect between metallic cores of the planets, under the magnetic field oscillation so that Jupiter conductive metallic region interacts with Earth metallic core while the Sun’s magnetic field is oscillating through the Jupiter and we see a relation between secular variation of the Earth’s magnetic field and long term trend of 5.9-years signals as a new method to measure geomagnetic secular variation by LOD signals.
Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum Diesing, 1850 (Digenea, Clinostomidae) in Hoplias malabaricus (Erythrinidae) with the fi rst report of infection of the eyes
Authors: Chagas De Souza D. , Lima Correa L. , Tavares-Dias M.
Published: September 2018

The present study investigated the occurrence of metacercariae of Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum in Hoplias malabaricus in the basin of the São Francisco River in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil). Twenty-nine fish were examined in June 2012 during a survey of fish and parasitic fauna. Of the fish examined, 34.5 % had infected eyes, intestine and musculature, with a mean intensity of 1.1 and an abundance of 0.4 per fish. The prevalence in the intestine was 31.0 %, with mean intensity of 1.1 and mean abundance of 0.3. In the eyes, the prevalence was 3.4 %, with a mean intensity of 1.0 and mean abundance of 1.0. The metacercaria found in the right eyeball was lodged between the cornea and iris. The low parasitism did not affect the condition factor (Kn) of the parasitized fish. This was the first report of I. dimorphum in the eyes of Hoplias malabaricus, a secondary intermediate host for this endoparasite.
Constitutions, Citizenship and the Challenge of National Integration and Nation-Building in Africa
Authors: Mbaku John Mukum
Published: September 2018

Most countries in Africa are both “multination” and “polyethnic” states. This is due partly to the forced amalgamation, by the European colonialists, of the continent’s “ethnocultural nations” into single economic and political units that were called “colonies.” These colonies eventually evolved into what are today’s independent African countries. Today, many of these ethnocultural groups want to secede and form their own independent polities in order to have more autonomy over policies that affect their well-being, including especially their cultural and traditional values. The struggle by these groups for either outright secession or so-called enhanced rights has created many challenges for governance, national integration and nation-building in many countries in Africa today. Throughout the continent, inter-ethnic conflict, for example, over the allocation of scarce resources, has produced sectarian violence that has led to civil wars (as occurred in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Nigeria) and significantly endangered prospects for peaceful coexistence. It has been suggested that the solution to this political quagmire is the creation of differentiated citizenship rights for each of these groups. The paper suggests that of the three types of differentiated citizenship that have been suggested as a way to accommodate diversity—self-government rights, polyethnic rights, and special representation rights—self-government rights pose the greatest threat to social, political, and economic stability in the African countries. The solution to this governance challenge may lie in inclusive and robust dialogue, which can help these groups find a way to remain citizens of their present polities, while at the same time, retaining their cultural identities.
Vanishing Set-Aside Authority in International Commercial Arbitration
Authors: Chen Meng , Wang Chengzhi
Published: September 2018

Traditional set-aside theory is subject to considerable challenges as a result of an uncompromising trend towards autonomy and internationalism in international arbitration. The silence and ambiguity of international law regarding enforcement of set-aside arbitral awards allow some states to abandon their own set-aside authority or ignore set-aside decisions made by competent courts. This article presents a range of evidence that demonstrates the enforcement of set-aside arbitral awards has become a common phenomenon. This article first introduces robust academic debates regarding set-aside authority. Then this article exposes omission and ambiguity in the legal source, which leads to confusion in enforcement proceedings of set-aside arbitral awards. This article describes and analyses selected cases and practical data in order to summarize the approaches taken by national courts when reviewing foreign set-aside decisions. Finally, this article briefly evaluates the most promising solutions to the contradictory enforcement proceedings of set-aside arbitral awards.
Emergency Measures of Protection in International Arbitration
Authors: Feigerlová Monika
Published: September 2018

Numerous arbitration rules were amended over the last five years to include provisions on the so-called emergency arbitration measures. An emergency arbitrator is appointed before the constitution of a full arbitral tribunal and is empowered to grant an interim relief that the applicants could have historically obtained in these urgent situations from ordinary courts only. The article discusses key aspects and challenges of the new institute in the context of both international commercial and investment arbitration.
GPS Investigations under Constitution of Japan – Comparison with the U.S Cases
Authors: Tsuji Yuichiro
Published: September 2018

This paper reviews GPS investigations in Japan and the United States. In 2017, the Japanese Supreme Court held that warrantless GPS search was illegal. The case reviewed in this article illustrates the boundary of permissible investigation using advanced technology and highlights the fact that rapidly developing technology challenges legal research. In the 2017 decision discussed in this paper, law enforcement challenged the permissible scope of investigating warrantless GPS searches; a challenge common in other countries, like the U.S. The U.S. Supreme Court has already decided this case in United States v. Jones decision in 2012. Both of Japanese and American decision takes similar reasoning for their decisions.
Interpretation of the Principle of Informing Parties in Polish Administrative Proceeding – Conclusions and Postulates
Authors: Bisztyga Andrzej , Płonka-Bielenin Katarzyna
Published: September 2018

The principle of informing parties in the Polish administrative procedure is specified in Article 9 of the Act of 14 June 1960, the Code of Administrative Procedure. Public administration bodies are obliged to duly and comprehensively inform the parties on the factual and legal circumstances that may affect the determination of their rights and obligations being the subject of administrative proceedings. The authorities ensure that the parties and other persons involved in the proceedings do not suffer damage due to ignorance of the law, and for this purpose they provide them with necessary explanations and instructions. In administrative proceedings, not the principle of ignorantia iuris nocet the obligation of the authority, resulting in particular from Articel 9 CAP is to inform the party about the factual and legal circumstances that may affect the determination of rights and obligations that are subject to current or potential behavior. This principle applies in particular to proceedings in the field of social assistance and proceedings in the field of family benefits, where a specific law is shaped in accordance with the activities of the party. It should be assumed that a breach the party‘s information rules is an intrinsic and sufficient reason for repealing the decision, even if it is in accordance with substantive law.
Contribution to study of the dependability of a drinking water system
Authors: Boumelita Djamila , Ouerdachi Lahbassi , Debbache Nasr-Eddine
Published: September 2018

In order to ensure better availability of water resource to different users, we undertook a dependability study of system for drinking water supply. A real case study was done on the water supply network in the city of El Hadjarin Algeria. We started from the site modelling, which provided a calculation of a Hydraulic Criticality Index (HCI) in order to prioritize the importance of pipes in the network. Once the indices were calculated, a modelling procedure of reliability block diagram was applied. The objective was to study and analyse the existing network to measure the water availability problems and try to provide viable solutions. An action on the structural aspect and hardware may be required in order to ensure better availability of water and make the system more reliable. Spatial modelling is also proposed to be able to monitor different parts of the network where problems may occur.
Hydrochemical assessment of water quality for irrigation: A case study of the wetland complex of Guerbes-Sanhadja, North-East of Algeria
Authors: Hedjal Sihem , Zouini Derradji , Benamara Abdelwaheb
Published: September 2018

The wetland complex of Guerbes-Sanhadja (north-eastern Algeria), has experienced in recent years a certain economic expansion, particularly agricultural, about 47% of the useful agricultural area marked by several varieties of crops ranging from market gardening to speculative crops, requiring large quantities of water for irrigation purposes, however the swampy areas are the main sources used for irrigation purposes in this practice. It is therefore necessary for this water to have physicochemical properties adapted to plants, in particular the absence of salinity. This study was done to evaluate the status of the swamps areas quality and its suitability for irrigated agriculture. To achieve this objective, water samples from ten swamps areas water were collected from Guerbes-Sanhadja in February and June of 2016. The water quality of these swamps was estimated from different water quality parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC), the chemical parameters like Na+, K+, Ca2+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, BOD5, NO3−, NO2−, NH4+ and PO43−. Based on the physico-chemical analyses, irrigation quality parameters like sodium absorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (% Na), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), magnesium hazard (MH) were calculated. The results showed that the overall concentration of nitrate was very high. About 60 percent of the swampy areas had suitable water quality for chloride, and they had a concentration below the permissible limit for crop irrigation. From the Richards diagram, it is observed that most of the samples from the study area fall in the good to permissible classes for irrigation purpose.
Estimating the runoff coefficient using the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Lallam Faiza , Megnounif Abdesselam , Ghenim Abderrahman Nekkache
Published: September 2018

The runoff coefficient (RC) is a parameter that is very often used in surface hydrology in order to characterize the drainage capacity of a watershed. The traditional estimate of this coefficient is often made from abacuses based on 2 or 3 parameters to the maximum. In this work, three numerical models are presented. Two models are based on experimental work. The first one is based on three criteria, namely the vegetation cover, the type of soil, and the slope. The second one considers the size of the watershed, the maximum daily rainfall and the type of soil. In practice, it is not easy to estimate the coefficient of runoff by simultaneously considering the influence of several criteria. In order to overcome this problem, a third model is developed and presented; it allows capitalizing the information from the first two models mentioned above. The objective of the present work is to be able to verify the comparability of these criteria and to assess the relative importance of each of them.
Assessment of the impact of climate change on the freshwater availability of Kaduna River basin, Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Gloria C. , Ogbu Kingsley N.
Published: September 2018

Changes in runoff trends have caused severe water shortages and ecological problems in agriculture and human well-being in Nigeria. Understanding the long-term (inter-annual to decadal) variations of water availability in river basins is paramount for water resources management and climate change adaptation. Climate change in Northern Nigeria could lead to change of the hydrological cycle and water availability. Moreover, the linkage between climatic changes and streamflow fluctuations is poorly documented in this area. Therefore, this study examined temporal trends in rainfall, temperature and runoff records of Kaduna River basin. Using appropriate statistical tools and participatory survey, trends in streamflow and their linkages with the climate indices were explored to determine their amplifying impacts on water availability and impacts on livelihoods downstream the basin. Analysis indicate variable rainfall trend with significant wet and dry periods. Unlike rainfall, temperature showed annual and seasonal scale statistically increasing trend. Runoff exhibit increasing tendency but only statistically significant on annual scale as investigated with Mann–Kendall trend test. Sen’s estimator values stood in agreement with Mann–Kendall test for all variables. Kendall tau and partial correlation results revealed the influence of climatic variables on runoff. Based on the survey, some of the hydrological implications and current water stress conditions of these fluctuations for the downstream inhabitants were itemized. With increasing risk of climate change and demand for water, we therefore recommend developing adaptive measures in seasonal regime of water availability and future work on modelling of the diverse hydrological characteristics of the entire basin.
Effect of 2014 massive flood on well water qualities: A case study on Kelantan River basin, Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Hariz A. Ab. , Ibrahim Noor A. , Abdul Hamid Azzmer A. , Hamid Tengku H.T. Abdul
Published: September 2018

The effect of physical and biological qualities of wells after submergence was assessed following December 2014 flood in Kelantan. Studies were carried out on a total of 65 wells from 13 stations around Kelantan River basin in which the wells’ water were sampled for pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity and microbial contamination. About 95% of the well showed to be contaminated, 7 out of 65 samples (11.1%) showed TDS values >400 μS·cm−1; and 19 samples (29.2%) recorded turbidity beyond 7.0 NTU. Statistical non-parametric tests carried out on independent groups showed that the status of well contamination was neither determined by both degree of submergence nor by the geographical location. Also the physico-chemical parameters are independent of flood inundation. However, TDS and turbidity values changed based on geographical location, at p < 0.05. Well from estuary recorded higher TDS (241.2 μS·cm−1 ±159.5 SD) and turbidity (8.04 NTU ± 6.53 SD) compared to those from inner basin (TDS at 156.3 μS·cm−1± 88.9 SD; turbidity at 2.90 NTU ± 2.46 SD), respectively. The flood water had played significant role in the transmission of existing contaminant, and most of the wells were unsafe for drinking. We concluded that the degree of flood submergence does not necessarily determine the severity of the well contamination in Kelantan, but the existing contamination may exacerbate further the potential risk during post flood period.
Identification of Maritime Technology Development Mechanisms in the Context of Latvian Smart Specialisation and Blue Growth
Authors: Pudzis E. , Adlers A. , Pukite I. , Geipele S. , Zeltins N.
Published: September 2018

Recognising the fact that economic realities change the world faster than global politics, in 2010 the European Commission approved the strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, called EUROPE 2020, in order to promote greater economic independence and achieve a more sustainable future. The strategy puts forward three mutually reinforcing priorities: (P1) Smart Growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation; (P2) Sustainable Growth: Promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy; (P3) Inclusive Growth: Promoting a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.

In the context of EUROPE 2020, the Smart Specialisation Strategy in Latvia (RIS3) has been set up and introduced as a strategic document for the development of support mechanisms of high value-added economic growth, including the maritime technology sector.

The present study explores the mechanisms for the introduction of Blue Growth and RIS3 Strategies, which should be used to develop the maritime technology industry by assessing the efficiency of these mechanisms. Thus, the study addresses the issues of the implementation of modern technologies in the coastal municipalities and planning regions of Latvia.
Calculation Possibilities of 3D Parameters for Surfaces with Irregular Roughness
Authors: Bulaha N. , Rudzitis J.
Published: September 2018

In the scientific research, calculations of roughness parameters are carried out, with the aim of comparing measured values of roughness parameters with the calculated ones by normal random field equations. First of all, roughness measurement experiments for surfaces with irregular roughness are carried out to determine the roughness parameters and the ordinate distribution histograms using modern measuring equipment Taylor Hobson Talysurf Intra 50. Using the obtained experimental data, Pearson criterion calculations are made in order to check the compliance of surface ordinate distribution function to normal Gaussian distribution law. The obtained results showed that for all investigated samples the surface ordinate distribution function complies with normal Gaussian distribution law. The next step is the calculation of several 3D roughness parameters (from the standard ISO 25178-2). According to the obtained results it is concluded that the calculated values of surface roughness parameters Sa, Sp, Spc, Sdq, Sdr are quite close to the values obtained by measuring equipment Taylor Hobson. The acquired formulas may be applicable for determination of 3D roughness parameters.
The Evaluation of Brucella Spp. Isolation Rates in Ruminant Abortion Cases by Using Different Selective Media
Authors: Karagul Mustafa Sencer , Ikiz Serkan
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate the success of Brucella spp. isolation in ruminant abortion cases by using different selective media. To this end, 58 samples from ruminant abortion cases were utilized. 4 selective media; namely, Farrell Medium (FM), CITA Medium (CM), Modified Thayer Martin (MTM) and Jones & Morgan (JM) were preferred for isolation. In addition to these, one medium with antibiotics was used to extend the range of the results. Suspensions prepared from organ and fetal stomach contents were inoculated to media plates and incubated at 37C° for 5-8 days in 5-10% CO2 condition. Conventional biotyping method was used to identify Brucella isolates within the level of species and biovar. MTM (67.2%) and Farrell (65.5%) outperformed the other media with regards to isolation rate. However, regarding the inhibition ability against contaminant microrganisms, Farrell (86.2%) and CITA (72%) have the highest and second highest percentages respectively. The media’s inhibition ability was examined in the samples in which Brucella spp. isolation occurred to be able to investigate the correlations between isolation and inhibition. Lower isolation percentage was observed in the samples in which the media displayed the lowest inhibition ability against contaminants. In this context, using two different selective media with high inhibition ability against contaminants may be recommended to enhance the isolation rate. Moreover, the components stimulating the growth of Brucella strains might be added to the media to obtain better results.
The Impact of Behavioral Symptoms of Burnout on Work Engagement of Older Employees: The Case of Slovenian Companies
Authors: Rožman Maja , Treven Sonja , Cingula Marijan
Published: September 2018

The main objective of the paper is to determine the impact of behavioral symptoms of burnout of older employees on their work engagement in large- and mediumsized companies in Slovenia. The research is based on the implementation of a factor analysis by which we wanted to reduce the large number of variables into a smaller number of factors. With those factors, we performed a simple linear regression. Based on the results, we confirmed the hypothesis that behavioral symptoms of burnout of older employees have a statistically significant negative impact on their work engagement. Well-being of employees of varying ages in the workplace is key for long-term effectiveness of companies. From this point of view, companies should apply appropriate measures to reduce burnout as well as to contribute to employees’ well-being and better workplace performance, which is reflected in work engagement of employees.
How to Reduce Discrimination in the Workplace: The Case of Austria and Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Authors: Bobek Vito , Maček Anita , Bradler Sarah , Horvat Tatjana
Published: September 2018

To intervene against discriminatory in the workplace is tremendously important because discriminatory practices have an enormous economic impact, along with a severe impact on psychological health, which can result in illnesses such as depression and burnout. Such intervention requires a multidimensional approach, including the whole organization and a systematic procedure. The aim of this paper is to offer suggestions on how to reduce discrimination in the workplace in Austria and Taiwan. To reach this aim, a qualitative study was conducted. It showed that education, active positioning of companies, leadership and diligent selection of employees, discussion and analysis, psychological support, governmental policies, and aspects of language and talking gender-wise are the most important steps to decrease or eliminate discrimination in the workplace.
Professional Languages Alone Do Not Suffice for Successful and Socially Responsible Internal Communication between Different Cultures
Authors: Kukovec Darja , Mulej Matjaž , Žižek Simona Šarotar
Published: September 2018

Successful internal communication in an intercultural environment depends on the organizational culture, business environment, social responsibility, and leaders’ skills. Thus, internal communication and employee adaptation to changing business environments ask what a successful socially responsible internal communication requires. This contribution discusses theoretical foundations of qualitative research, how the organizational culture can define which direction the organization should chose to attain social responsibility, and how internal communication can improve understanding of professional language and be decisive in a working environment. The generated model offers insights into understanding social responsibility and organizational culture to improve internal communication.
Selected Functional Properties of Oxo-Degradable Materials Containing Antimicrobial Substances
Authors: Gibas Edyta , Richert Agnieszka
Published: September 2018

Polyethylene oxo-degradable composites containing antibacterial substances in the form of vegetable oils: geranium, clove and eucalyptus as well as a mixture of nanoAg with nanoCu were discussed. Antibacterial fi lm: PE-0, PE- 1A, PE-2B, PE-3C, PE-4D properties were verifi ed according to ISO 22196:2011 “Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastic and other non-porous surfaces” for the two standard bacteria species of E. coli and S. aureus, whereas water vapour permeability tests (Pv) were carried out acc. ISO 15106-2007 “Plastics. Foils and plates. Determination of water vapor transmission rate. Part 1: Humidity sensor method”. Film marked PE-4D showed the best antibacterial features and good barrier properties.
Profiles of peptide YY and ghrelin, levels of hunger and satiety, and ad libitum intake in obese and non-obese Indonesian women
Authors: Witjaksono Fiastuti , Simadibrata Marcellus , Lukito Widjaja , Wijaya Andi , Nurwidya Fariz
Published: September 2018

Introduction
. The current study aimed to assess profiles of peptide YY and ghrelin, visual analog scales (VAS) for hunger and satiety, and ad libitum intake in obese and non-obese women.

Methods
. This open-label non-randomized interventional study involved obese (BMI ≥ 25–35 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI 18.5–23.0 kg/m2) women subjects. Levels of peptide YY and ghrelin were determined by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, while the degrees of hunger and satiety were measured using visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires. The results were compared in fasting condition and in 15, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after breakfast with balance composition formulation. This study also compared the ad libitum intake within 4 hours after breakfast.

Results
. As compared to the non-obese group, the obese group have significantly lower levels of peptide YY in fasting, and in 15, 60, 120, and 180 minutes post-prandial, and smaller AUC (Area Under the Curve) of fasting peptide YY. Furthermore, the obese group showed significantly higher ad libitum intake. The obese group also have lower levels of ghrelin and lower VAS for hunger and higher in VAS for satiety as compared to the non-obese group.

Conclusions
. There were significant differences in peptide YY level, 4 hours after breakfast ad libitum intake, ghrelin level, and VAS for hunger and satiety, between obese group and non-obese one.
Optimal Rectangle Packing for the 70 Square
Authors: Laverty Brian , Murphy Thomas
Published: September 2018

Gardner asked whether it was possible to tile/pack the squares 1×1,…, 24×24 in a 70×70 square. Arguments that it is impossible have been given by Bitner–Reingold and more recently by Korf–Mofitt–Pollack. Here we outline a simpler algorithm, which we hope could be used to give an alternative and more direct proof in the future. We also derive results of independent interest concerning such packings.
Maximum Genus of the Jenga Like Configurations
Authors: Akiyama Rika , Abe Nozomi , Fujita Hajime , Inaba Yukie , Hataoka Mari , Ito Shiori , Seita Satomi
Published: September 2018

We treat the boundary of the union of blocks in the Jenga game as a surface with a polyhedral structure and consider its genus. We generalize the game and determine the maximum genus among the configurations in the generalized game.
2 × 2 × 2 Color Cubes
Authors: Siegrist Raymond
Published: September 2018

Using six colors, one per side, cubes can be colored in 30 unique ways. In this paper, a row and column pattern in Conway’s matrix always leads to a selection of eight cubes to replicate one of the 30 cubes. Each cube in the set of 30 has a 2 × 2 × 2 replica with inside faces of matching color. The eight cubes of each replica can be configured in two different ways.
Makna simbolik bahasa ritual pertanian masyarakat Bali
Authors: Sartini Ni Wayan
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study is to conserve the agricultural culture and to review the symbolic meaning and local wisdom in certain agricultural rituals. This research is conducted in Subak Kedua Pasedahan Yeh Lauh, Peguyangan Kangin Village, West Denpasar, Bali. Data is collected using the methods of interview and literature review. From the data collected, there are twenty four ritual steps found that should be performed by the farmers in Bali. Those indicate farmers’ religious nature and appreciation of their cultural tradition. Each ritual from sowing to harvesting contains symbolic meanings and cultural values embraced as the guidance in farming life. From the analyses concerning its ritual and tools used, it is concluded that the symbolic meaning of ritual discourse performed by the farmers are: (1) expressing gratitude to God for all abundant harvest grace; (2) asking permission for farming to the motherland as the manifestation of God in term of the ruler of the land; (3) asking for safety for having a successful agriculture to God (Goddess Sri); (4) offerings to the rice field rulers to be kept away from pests that damage plants; (5) keeping the environmental balance –in the philosophy of Hindu society in Bali, it is one of Tri Hita Karana’s best practices.
Agen Budaya dan Pemasaran: Peran Ganda Jaringan Perguruan Spiritual dalam Promosi Wisata Spiritual di Bali
Authors: Sutarya I Gede
Published: September 2018

The interest of foreign tourists to the spiritual tourism to Bali provides an opportunity for the development of the Balinese spiritual network abroad. These spiritual network have a dual role, in addition to initially introduce Balinese culture, they then also promote and become travel agents. This article examines the forms of spiritual disciple networks, the process of network transformation into marketing agents and the role of agents in spreading the culture, so that foreign tourists who interested in spiritual tourism are interested to come to Bali. These research problem are examined with qualitative approach through literature study, nonparticipant observation, and in-depth interview. Data were analyzed by the approach of tourism marketing theory from Seaton (1996) and postmodern theory of Derrida. The result is that the form of spiritual disciple network is the overseas training centers, the process of transforming into a marketing agency through the spiritual group’s desire to travel to Bali those are grew by spiritual teachers. The spiritual tour happened to Bali is the success of marketing agents as agents of cultural spread to the origin country of foreign tourists.
“The Legend of Balinese Goddesses”: Komodifikasi Seni Pertunjukan Hibrid dalam Pariwisata Bali
Authors: Suardana Gede , Darma Putra I Nyoman , Bawa Atmaja Nengah
Published: September 2018

This article examines the commodification of hybrid performing arts in Bali tourism, especially the “Bali Agung - The Legend of Balinese Goddesses” performed regularly at Bali Safari and Marine Park, Gianyar. Data were collected by observation techniques, interviews, and literature review, then discussed with commodity theory and cultural tourism ideology.The study shos that hybridity in this performance is evident from the blended of cultural elements of Bali, China, and Western technology. Hybrid tourism performing arts produced can be communal and institutional in ownership. The hybrid tourism performing art is communal because it is created without copyright so it belongs to the people of Bali, while the hybrid performing arts is institutional because it is created with copyright so that ownership and pro t is only enjoyed by the industry that ‘recreated dan performed’ it. Although di erent, communal and institutional hybrid tourism performing arts have been able to become arts that give new color to the rich variety of Balinese art and culture.