bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROMANIA VERSUS BULGARIA: A SHORT ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SEASIDE TOURISM
Authors: Costea Mihai , Hapenciuc Cristian Valentin , Arionesei Gabriela
Published: October 2016

This research compares tourism competitiveness of two neighboring countries, Romania and Bulgaria, which have many similarities economically as well as from a geopolitical and historical perspective. Despite these similarities, immediately after the 1990s, which marked the fall of the communist regime, the tourism phenomenon in the two countries had divergent evolutions. As the tourism industry in Bulgaria, especially its seaside tourism, underwent unprecedented development, the tourism activity in Romania systematically lost its competitiveness. The factors affecting the appearance and increase of such a difference are of interest to the Romanian seaside tourism. To generate the answer to this problem, we perform a series of comparative analyses with data from the World Economic Forum, in terms of the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report (2011-2015), `the National Authority for Tourism of Romania, and the National Institute of Statistics from Romania and Bulgaria. We identified a series of constitutive elements relating to the success of the Bulgarian seaside tourism and a sequence of deficiencies in the strategic and organizational maneuvers of the tourism activity at the Romanian seaside.
LAND USE INDICES FROM SMMS DATA IN WESTERN THAILAND
Authors: Thongtip Uten
Published: October 2016

This applied research was conducted by employing both quantitative and qualitative innovative research methods. This research investigates the satellite data of four spectral bands sent from the Small Multi-Mission Satellite (SMMS). Each band was analyzed to create color composition indices of the western areas of Thailand. Band 1 had a wavelength between 0.43 and 0.52 micrometers, Band 2 between 0.52 and 0.60 micrometers, Band 3 between 0.63 and 0.69 micrometers, and Band 4 between 0.76 and 0.90 micrometers. Three layers of satellite data were overlaid in non-repeating arrangements. Bands showing grayscale were substituted by three additive primary colors of blue, green, and red. The arrangements were permutated into 24 indices: 123, 124, 132, 134, 142, 143, 213, 214, 231, 234, 241, 243, 312, 314, 321, 324, 341, 342, 412, 413, 421, 423, 431, and 432. The data of color composition indices were then analyzed to create the land-use indices. The visual interpretation of the three levels of land-use classification were used in this procedure. The result was a land-use classification with 15 indices: City, Commercial, and Services; Airport; Golf Course; Paddy Field; Field Crop; Perennial; Aquacultural Land; Shrimp Farm; Evergreen Forest; Deciduous Forest; Mangrove Forest; Marine; River; Canal; Reservoir; and Road.
IMPACT OF CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Pucite Elina , Slisers Marius , Miglane Evija , Krievins Dainis , Erts Renars , Jurjans Kristaps , Krievina Ildze
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the impact of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on cognitive performance in patients with severe carotid disease and depressive symptoms, and to explore the possible associations between certain demographics, clinical characteristics, and cognitive function and depression.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 48 patients, who were referred for endarterectomy. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, while depressive symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9) scale. An assessment of cognitive and depressive symptoms was performed 1–3 days before surgery, and then six months after.RESULTS: A paired sample t-test found that the difference in the mean MoCA score between the before (=23.37; SD ± 3.27) and the after (=24.69; SD ± 3.68) surgery results was 1.32 (95% CI = 0.48 – 2.16; p= 0.003; Cohen’s d value = 0.95). A paired sample t-test showed that a decrease in mean PHQ-9 score of > 10 for patients six months after CEA (7.5±4.6) was statistically significant (p= 0.019; Cohen’s d value = 1.32) compared with the PHQ-9 scores at baseline (12.6 ± 2.8).CONCLUSION: Carotid artery endarterectomy seems to have beneficial effects on the course of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Demographic, clinical characteristics (age, gender, comorbidities, previous stroke) did not have impact on course of cognitive and depressive symptoms. A limitation in our study was that the number of patients was relatively small, therefore we intend to perform further study with larger case volume to estimate the impact of carotid artery endarterectomy on cognitive functions and depressive symptoms.
IGG SPECIFIC LEVELS FOR DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS AND PERTUSSIS IN RURAL AND URBAN SAMPLES IN ALBANIA
Authors: Pojani Eftiola , Nelaj Erida , Ylli Alban
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: During the years 1970s and 1980s, IPH (Institute of Public Health) in Albania, achieved remarkable improvements in the biotechnology of the components production of D (diphtheria), T (tetanus) and P (pertussis) for the trivalent vaccine DTP, vaccine DT and the Td one, which together with vaccine TT, consequently led to the increasing of their effectiveness and efficiency. In the year 2000, Rubella component was added to Measles vaccine, and in the year 2005, Mumps component was added too (now MMR vaccine).OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to identify protective immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels for each antigen (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) according to different age groups and residence (rural and urban).METHODS: Two samples, each involving 120 healthy children were selected from urban and rural populations of three central regions of Albania. The children were aged between 1 and 15 years. IgG specific levels for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests (ELISA). Levels of IgG were classified into the following categories: unprotected, insufficient, and fair/good or full/sure protection, using specific thresholds for each, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.RESULTS: Of the same population, 75.7% was found to have IgG protective levels for diphtheria. For tetanus, 81.4% of the total sample had protective levels of IgG, and for pertussis this proportion was 69.0%.Levels of protection for diphtheria and tetanus increased up until  3 years of age (diphtheria: 25.0% at 1 year and then 95.0% at 3 years of age; tetanus: 65.0% at 1 year and 90.0% at 3 years of age). From then on the trend stabilized. The same trend was not observed for pertussis, which presented protective IgG levels of 73.0% from the first year of life. When IgG protective levels were compared between rural and urban samples, differences were only found with diphtheria specific IgG, which was significantly higher in the rural population. Furthermore, a correlation in IgG levels was found among diphtheria and tetanus.CONCLUSIONS: IgG specific levels for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis referring to our sample are are considered acceptable for providing protection in the general population. Nevertheless, these levels seem to have been achieved only after booster doses until the third year of life, especially for diphtheria.
THE HIDDEN PICTURE: UNHEALTHY EATING ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS IN A NON-CLINICAL POPULATION FROM BULGARIA
Authors: Massaldjieva Radka , Bakova Desislava , Semerdjieva Maria , Tilov Boris , Raikova Ekaterina , Torniova Bianka
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: Eating disorders have been intensively researched over recent decades. However, there has been insufficient research into the early assessments for detecting the risk of developing disordered eating. We report preliminary results from a project aiming to assess the prevalence of eating attitudes and behaviors that heighten the risk of eating disorders. The study examines a non-clinical sample of adolescents and adults from two cities of South Bulgaria.METHODS: In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, a total of 1285 volunteers of 828 females and 453 males, aged 14 to 59 years, were surveyed to assess disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. For this purpose, the study used the ‘SCOFF’ questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), and the Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Questionnaire (EABQ), which was developed for this study.RESULTS: The proportion of these volunteers underweight (body mass index below 17.5) was 9.8%. Of the total subject, 34.7% provided two or more positive answers for the SCOFF questionnaire (two being the upper threshold for indicating 100% sensitivity to anorexia and bulimia). The results differed between males and females: 21.6% and 42.1%, respectively, in this regard. A factor analysis (oblimin rotation) of EABQ items revealed four main factors: body shape and weight concerns, personal control over eating and calorie intake, dieting, and preoccupation with food and binge eating. A Spearman’s correlation analysis showed moderately significant correlations (p < 0.001) between the total scores of the SCOFF questionnaire, EABQ, and the scores for three groups of items in the EDDS for assessing eating attitudes and behaviors.CONCLUSION: We found a greater ED risk in adolescents compared with the older groups and in females compared with males. One fifth of males studied were at high risk of ED and ages between 19 and 39 years also appeared at risk. The EABQ was validated as a sensitive and reliable self-report instrument that can be used for early detection for the risk of ED. Our results could form a basis for developing programs in disordered eating prevention.
AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK DESIGN FOR DETERMINATION OF HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS SUB-GROUPS
Authors: Aktan Mehmet Emin , Akdoğan Erhan , Zengin Namık , Güney Ömer Faruk , Parlar Rabia Edibe
Published: October 2016

In this study, an artificial neural network was developed for estimating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis sub-groups. Medical analysis and measurements from 75 patients were used to determine the parameters most effective on disease sub-groups. The study used statistical analyses and an artificial neural network that was trained by the determined parameters. The neural network had four inputs: thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine (fT4), right lobe size (RLS), and RLS2 – fT44, and two outputs for three groups: euthyroid, subclinical, and clinical. After training, the network was tested with data collected from 30 patients. Results show that, overall, the neural network estimated the sub-groups with 90% accuracy. Hence, the study showed that determination of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis sub-groups can be made via designed artificial neural network.
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF PARTIALLY IONIZED HYDROGEN PLASMA
Authors: Gabdullin Maratbek , Ramazanov Tlekkabul , Ismagambetova Tomiris , Karimova Ainur
Published: October 2016

This paper considers dense partially ionized hydrogen plasma. The model of interaction between particles was used to study properties of plasma. Interaction potentials were obtained through the dielectric response function method. Effective potentials, taking into account the screening effects at large distances and the quantum-mechanical diffraction effect at small distances, were used to model the interaction between particles. Another effective screening potential was chosen to describe the charge interaction with neutral atoms. This potential takes into account the interaction between free charge and atomic nucleus with centrally symmetric distribution of the electron density. The degree of ionization was calculated through solving the system of Saha equations. Pair correlation functions were studied in the exponential approximation. Thermodynamic properties for hydrogen plasma were calculated using the effective potentials and obtained on their base pair correlation functions. Internal energy and equation of state of partially ionized hydrogen plasma were compared with the results from previous research. The results indicated that the difference observed with high values of parameters was due to increase in the concentration of atoms.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF ABSORBING BOUNDARY CONDITION IN ANTENNA DESIGN
Authors: Ozkaya Umut , Seyfi Levent
Published: October 2016

In this study, the absorbing boundary condition is modelled and analyzed by particle swarm optimization for antenna designs. Two pieces of circular and rectangular microstrip patch antennas are designed for results by means of High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) simulation program. These antennas are implemented by printed circuit board technologies. The results of measurements and simulation performed for the antenna determined the optimal absorbing boundary distance. . In order to be closer with simulation and measurement results, data set is generated by varying in absorbing boundary size. Average square error between simulation and measurement data is necessary to be optimized as an objective function. For this reason, optimization algorithm based on swarm intelligence is preferred to be minimized the error function. Thanks to the results of measurements and simulation performed with the antenna, optimal absorbing boundary distance is determined by Particle Swarm Optimization.
MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AND DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KOSOVO
Authors: Hoxha Rifat , Hoti Hamdi , Ahmeti Remzi
Published: October 2016

Issues undertaken in this work include: how to increase the development of small and medium enterprises, the factors that affect  their development, barriers in this process, how to help new entrepreneurs, how to increase the number of employers in this economic activity, innovations in enterprises, improvement of retailer balance, and how to increase local production and performance in general. This study will help address specific difficulties and problems of enterprises in Kosovo, and provide necessary recommendations for future steps for small and medium enterprises, while making it easier and supporting them in economic activities to develop economic support and have better employment for future generations in general
High Glycated Albumin and Mortality in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus on Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Christina W , Drechsler Christiane , Suntharalingam Pirianthini , Karumanchi S Ananth , Wanner Christoph , Berg Anders H
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of glycemic control with hemoglobin A1c (A1c) in hemodialysis patients may be compromised by anemia and erythropoietin therapy. Glycated albumin (GA) is an alternative measure of glycemic control but is not commonly used because of insufficient evidence of association to clinical outcomes. We tested whether GA measurements were associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The German Diabetes and Dialysis Study (4D) investigated effects of atorvastatin on survival in 1255 patients with diabetes mellitus receiving hemodialysis. We measured GA during months 0, 6, and 12. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to measure associations between GA and A1c and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Patients with high baseline GA (fourth quartile) had a 42% higher 4-year mortality compared to those in the first quartile (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09–1.85, P = 0.009). Repeated measurements of GA during year one also demonstrated that individuals in the top quartile for GA (analyzed as a time-varying covariate) had a 39% higher 4-year mortality (HR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05–1.85, P = 0.022). The associations between high A1c and mortality using similar analyses were less consistent; mortality in individuals with baseline A1c values in the 3rd quartile was increased compared to 1st quartile (HR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04–1.77, P = 0.023), but risk was not significantly increased in the 2nd or 4th quartiles, and there was a less consistent association between time-varying A1c values and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

High GA measurements are consistently associated with increased mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus on hemodialysis.
From Retrogradism to Post-Gravitational Art and Back
Authors: Anđelković Bojan
Published: October 2016

Dragan Živadinov creates conceptual total works of art that are procedural and processual in nature. At the centre of interest of his art is the spectator, or the gaze, since the essence of this theatre is produced by a constant turning of the perspective. The project(ile) Noordung 1995-2045 has been conceived as a 50-year project to show the instability of the relation between body and technology. It stages itself and thus repeats the drama of the cosmos. A theatre of repetition that again finds the primary (ritual) sense of theatre.
Acts of Recognition: The Political Dimension of Terminology
Authors: Aquilina Stefan
Published: October 2016

This article uses theories on the Politics of Recognition to attach a political dimension to terminology. More than a practice that facilitates communication in rehearsal or studio situations, terminology is a tool that aids in the recognition of one’s work and identity. Two case studies frame the discussion, namely, certain scholarly material written about theatre in Africa and the laboratorial practice developed by Frank Camilleri, a practitioner-academic whose work has featured in recent publications. (These choices are framed around the theories on recurrent practices as developed by Michel De Certeau.) Two terminological approaches are delineated, namely, the appropriation of terms and the formulation of alternative nomenclatures. The relevance of terminology to contemporary discourses on hybridity, creation of lineages and academic accreditation is also evaluated.
Mediating Performance (and) Curatorship
Authors: Šentevska Irena
Published: October 2016

The Prague Quadrennial (PQ), the world’s largest exhibition of stage (performance) design, was held for the 13th time from 17-28 June 2015. This article outlines the historical development of PQ, from its “conceptual” beginnings in the 1930s and real beginnings in socialist Czechoslovakia, to the present day. Our focus is the variety of curatorial practices at PQ 2015 that perform the delicate process of “translation” of live performances into static exhibits and “mediation” between the stage (performing space) and the gallery (exhibition space), taking into account the transformations of the “art world” that is increasingly bringing those spaces together.
Hardship in the headlines: global poverty and neocolonialism in western news media
Authors: Fox Laura
Published: October 2016

Poverty is one of the most significant issues facing the world today. Although Western news media often report on the manifestations of poverty—famine, overcrowding, epidemics, or natural disasters—they rarely reflect the political, economic, and ideological structures that have directly caused and continue to exacerbate it on a global scale. This article argues that Western news media communicate global poverty, as a pressing issue, but ultimately fail to point out underlying causes or suggest any changes to the status quo. This fosters an understanding of poverty as a series of events, rather than the lived daily experience of many. This article, therefore, investigates the structures of neocolonial capitalism and neoliberal ideologies that gained momentum in the 20th century and continue to frame the content of news media today. Discussing the concepts of ‘compassion fatigue’ and Anthony Downs’ ‘issue-attention cycle’, this article is a normative analysis of news media, exploring new ways to educate citizens on the global political economy. Drawing on the work of Lauren Berlant and Robert McChesney, this article ultimately discusses new ways of communicating poverty, which will require an acknowledgement of neocolonialism and a rethinking of crisis as lived daily experience.
A representação do discurso jornalístico na literatura de José Saramago
Authors: Alves Daniel Vecchio
Published: October 2016

Pouco se fala sobre os intertextos literários do discurso jornalístico que se fazem presentes no romance português. Perpassando pela natureza dos poderes político-económicos que estão por trás dos instrumentos da comunicação, nossa atenção especial será dada à análise dos romances O ano da morte de Ricardo Reis e A jangada de pedra de José Saramago, de modo a enfatizar, respectivamente, o cenário do jornalismo impresso na Lisboa salazarista da década de 1930 e o jornalismo radiotelevisivo da década de 1980. Observaremos nesse artigo que, com a leitura desses dois romances, fica claro que ambas as fases do jornalismo português , antes e depois da revolução democrática do 25 de abril, sofrem um processo de interferência contínua de manipulação e dissimulação das notícias, o que contribuiu para proliferar no discurso da imprensa de certo “irrealismo”, nos preceitos de Eduardo Lourenço. Realizaremos, por fim, uma abordagem mais esclarecedora acerca desse irrealismo cultural constituído por muitas décadas de dissimulação comunicativa, evidenciando os processos literários através dos quais o discurso manipulador da mídia é representado. Tais processos serão reconhecidos no texto saramaguiano pela intertextualidade, em seu aspecto central, e pelos processos de alegoria e dialogismo.
“The blacks of Indonesia”: the articulation of papuan ethnic identity on social media
Authors: Surya Yuyun W.I
Published: October 2016

This study aims to explore how Indonesian ethnic minorities construct their identity online. It will focus on the way Papuans articulate their ethnic identity online particularly on Facebook. It looks for the way in which Papuans present and express themselves through posted and shared messages. The articulation of Papuan identity from the Papuans’ view is significant due to the fact that Papuans were denied the freedom to express their ethnic identity. Multimodal discourse analysis is chosen as the method. This method offers a tool to collect and analyse data that is appropriate to study texts in social media. This study will provide analysis on the way Papuans articulate their “Papuanness”, through the posted messages within the Orang Papua group. It reveals that through social media, Papuans are strengthening their identity by raising their distinctive ethnic consciousness. Papuans are emphasising their affiliation to Melanesian race to show their ethnic distinctiveness and to contrast with Indonesians, creating the notion of ethnic authenticity to redefine their ethnic identity, contesting the negative stereotype previously attached to them to empower themselves. Papuans’ marginalisation, oppression and economic exploitation along with being recognised by their black skin and curly hair, have made Papuans “the Blacks of Indonesia”. Papuan ethnic consciousness is facilitated by Facebook platform which allow them to choose and post messages to support their preferred online identity. Through social media, members of the Orang Papua group have shown attempts for power struggle by constructing identity according to their values and interests.
NACIONALIDADE: APROXIMAÇÕES ENTRE O ORDENAMENTO BRASILEIRO E MEXICANO SOBRE OS NATURALIZADOS
Authors: Citlalli Sánchez Ayala Maira
Published: October 2016

Este trabalho tem como objetivo discorrer sobre a questão do direito à nacionalidade no Brasil e no México especialmente no que tange à naturalização. Os processos de migração, naturalização e dupla nacionalidade, apesar de não serem algo recente, chamam a atenção pela proliferação e pela velocidade com que têm ocorrido nos últimos anos. O presente estudo pretende mostrar os apontes históricos e a atual regulação legal da naturalização no Brasil e no México, buscando provocar uma reflexão sobre as distinções ainda existentes entre os nacionais natos e naturalizados, para indagar se estas distinções estão justificadas ou se o tratamento diferenciado pode em alguns casos incorrer em violação dos direitos de igualdade estabelecidos em ambas as Constituições.
A ILUSÓRIA TUTELA PENAL DE UM MEIO AMBIENTE SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Baldissera Rafaela , Fernandes de Aquino Sérgio Ricardo
Published: October 2016

Apesar de discursos declarados tentarem validar o sistema penal com reparador e inibidor de danos ambientais, percebe-se que, na prática, as promessas, com viés ambiental protetivo, estão longe de serem satisfeitas. Diante desse cenário, utilizando-se do método dedutivo, este estudo tem o objetivo de investigar se o direito penal pode ser considerado um sistema coerente para garantir a tutela do meio ambiente, contribuindo para a concretização da sustentabilidade ambiental. Nesse sentido, com a análise da crise ambiental e da sustentabilidade, bem como da proteção jurídica do meio ambiente e a deslegitimação do direito penal frente à tutela ambiental, pode-se concluir que o direito penal traz uma falsa ideia de tutela ambiental, pois não é um sistema adequado para proteger o meio ambiente, muito menos para promover a sustentabilidade.
AVALIAÇÃO AMBIENTAL ESTRATÉGICA TRANSFRONTEIRIÇA COMO CONCRETIZAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE NA SOCIEDADE TRANSNACIONAL
Authors: Lopes de Faria Daniela , Norimitsu Ito Christian , Bodnar Zenildo
Published: October 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo geral analisar visa analisar a Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica em um contexto transfronteiriço e sua relação com a sustentabilidade na sociedade transnacional. O problema que a pesquisa pretende responder é se Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica em um contexto transfronteiriço é um mecanismo de concretização da sustentabilidade na sociedade transnacional. Com relação à metodologia empregada, adotou-se o método dedutivo de pesquisa. O artigo foi produzido por meio de levantamento bibliográfico e operacionalizado pelas técnicas do referente, das categorias básicas, dos conceitos operacionais e do fichamento.
Educação Ambiental e Leitura: Aprendizagem Significativa
Authors: Bezerra Maria José Da Silva , Beserra Theóphilo Michel Álvares Cabral
Published: October 2016

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar o desenvolvimento da leitura de forma significativa, através do entrelaçamento com o tema educação ambiental. Trata-se de uma temática importante para a sustentabilidade do planeta, portanto, apropriado para leitura e escrita, com o objetivo de aprofundar as discussões em sala de aula. Conscientizar e incentivar ações de mudanças de atitudes em prol da questão ambiental, são estratégias de ação que podem ser adotadas ao se trabalhar com a fluência da leitura com o educando. Os resultados se mostraram importantes para uma aprendizagem mais significativa da leitura e da escrita.
Ecopharmacognosy: Exploring The Chemical And Biological Potential Of Nature For Human Health
Authors: Cordell Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2016

“Why didn’t they develop natural product drugs in a sustainable manner at the beginning of this century?”  In 2035, when about 10.0 billion will inhabit Earth, will this be our legacy as the world contemplates the costs and availability of synthetic and gene-based products for primary health care?  Acknowledging the recent history of the relationship between humankind and the Earth, it is essential that the health care issues being left for our descendants be considered in terms of resources. For most people in the world, there are two vast health care “gaps”, access to quality drugs and the development of drugs for major global and local diseases.  Consequently for all of these people, plants, in their various forms, remain a primary source of health care.  In the developed countries, natural products derived from plants assume a relatively minor role in health care, as prescription and over-the-counter products, even with the widespread use of phytotherapeutical preparations.  Significantly, pharmaceutical companies have retrenched substantially in their disease areas of focus.  These research areas do not include the prevalent diseases of the middle- and lower-income countries, and important diseases of the developed world, such as drug resistance. What then is the vision for natural product research to maintain the choices of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development for future generations?  In this discussion some facets of how natural products must be involved globally, in a sustainable manner, for improving health care will be examined within the framework of the new term “ecopharmacognosy”, which invokes sustainability as the basis for research on biologically active natural products.  Access to the biome, the acquisition, analysis and dissemination of plant knowledge, natural product structure diversification, biotechnology development, strategies for natural product drug discovery, and aspects of multitarget therapy and synergy research will be discussed.  Options for the future will be presented which may be significant as countries decide how to develop approaches to relieve their own disease burden, and the needs of their population for improved access to medicinal agents.
Studying Liver Regeneration by Means of Molecular Biology: How Far We Are in Interpreting the Findings?
Authors: Rychtrmoc David , Libra Antonín , Bunček Martin , Garnol Tomáš , Červinková Zuzana
Published: October 2016

Liver regeneration in mammals is a unique phenomenon attracting scientific interest for decades. It is a valuable model for basic biology research of cell cycle control as well as for clinically oriented studies of wide and heterogeneous group of liver diseases. This article provides a concise review of current knowledge about the liver regeneration, focusing mainly on rat partial hepatectomy model. The three main recognized phases of the regenerative response are described. The article also summarizes history of molecular biology approaches to the topic and finally comments on obstacles in interpreting the data obtained from large scale microarray-based gene expression analyses.
Fünf Jahre Kulturgutdigitalisierung an der Badischen Landesbibliothek – eine Zwischenbilanz
Authors: Syré Ludger
Published: October 2016

Ende 2015 konnte die Badische Landesbibliothek in Karlsruhe auf fünf Jahre Kulturgutdigitalisierung zurückblicken. Mit einem Scanner und einem Buchtisch sowie dem Digitalisierungssystem Visual Library gestartet, konnte die hauseigene Werkstatt in der Folgezeit ihre Erstausstattung um weitere Scantechnik und zusätzliche Softwaremodule aufrüsten. Mit Hilfe von Drittmittel-finanzierten Projekten gelang es, die Digitalisierungsstrategie des Hauses, die auf mittelalterliche Handschriften, Musikalien und regionales Schrifttum gerichtet ist, erfolgreich umzusetzen. Der Aufsatz benennt die Inhalte der wichtigsten Digitalisierungsprojekte, die zwischen 2011 und 2015 durchgeführt wurden.
Comparison of Subcritical and Supercritical Flow Patterns Within Triangular Channels Along the Side Weir
Authors: Azimi Hamed , Shabanlou Saeid
Published: October 2016

Side weirs with triangular channel are used as flow controlling devices in draining and irrigation networks. By installing a side weir on the main conduits side walls, the runoff overflows from the weir and are conducted toward the diversion channel. In this study, changing of the flow free surface and the turbulence of the flow field in triangular channels with side weir are numerically simulated using volume of fluid (VOF) scheme and RNG k–ε turbulence model. In the present paper, the pattern of the spatially varied flow with decreasing discharge in both subcritical and supercritical flow regimes for triangular channels with side weirs was simulated. The present numerical model has precisely predicted the changes of the water surface and the specific energy. In subcritical regime, the flow depth is from the beginning of the weir toward its end is followed by an increase and in supercritical conditions is followed by a reduction in depth. For both subcritical and supercritical regimes, a drop in the surface in the first third of the weir’s opening and a surface jump in the final third of its length has occurred. Along the mentioned surface jump the amount of the kinetic energy increases and the potential energy reduces. According to results of the simulation, the maximum longitudinal velocity for subcritical flow regime occurs in the first third of the length of the side weir and for supercritical flow regime, almost in the middle of the weir opening happens. In both subcritical and supercritical regimes, the maximum transverse velocity has occurred in the final third of the length of the side weir.
Technological aspects of vegetable oils epoxidation in the presence of ion exchange resins: a review
Authors: Milchert Eugeniusz , Malarczyk-Matusiak Kornelia , Musik Marlena
Published: October 2016

A review paper of the technology basics of vegetable oils epoxidation by means of peracetic or performic acid in the presence of acidic ion exchange resins has been presented. The influence of the following parameters: temperature, molar ratio of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to ethylenic unsaturation, catalyst loading, stirring intensity and the reaction time on a conversion of ethylenic unsaturation, the relative percentage conversion to oxirane and the iodine number was discussed. Optimal technological parameters, mechanism of epoxidation by carboxylic peracids and the possibilities of catalyst recycling have been also discussed. This review paper shows the application of epoxidized oils.
Economic Transformation in Slovenia: From a Model Example to the Default Edge
Authors: Žídek Libor
Published: October 2016

The Slovenian economy appeared on the brink of bankruptcy at the end of 2013. The situation was caused by high level of classified debts in state-owned banks. This can be seen as surprising because Slovenia used to be (for a long time) considered as a (textbook) example of the gradualist transformation approach. The goal of this article is first to describe the transformation process in the country and consequently to determine causes of the economic problems that resulted in the 2013 crisis. The article concludes that the economic problems were rooted already in the specific functioning of the centrally planned system in Yugoslavia. These specifics had a direct influence on the transformation process in the country and stood behind the application of gradualism. Among the most telling features of gradualism were slow privatization, cold attitude towards foreign investment and the foremost lasting casual economic environment caused by behaviour of the state-owned banks. My conclusion is that the country’s economic problems can be ascribed to gradualism and that they are a clear example of the path dependence development.
The Long-Run Superneutrality of Money Revised: the Extended European Evidence
Authors: Deev Oleg , Hodula Martin
Published: October 2016

This article investigates the validity of the money superneutrality concept for the large panel of European economies. While focusing exclusively on endogenous growth theories including the Mundell-Tobin effect, we examine the long-run response of real output to a permanent inflation shock in every studied country using a structural vector autoregressive framework. For the majority of countries in our sample, the longrun superneutrality concept is confirmed since the original increase/decrease in output growth fades in time. We also test the additional hypothesis of whether the group of countries with smaller in-sample inflation mean forms the exception to the long-run money superneutrality. As the result, modern economies might be better described from the viewpoint of Sidrauski.
Quadratic forms of refined skew normal models based on stochastic representation
Authors: Tian Weizhong , Wang Tonghui
Published: October 2016

Wang, Li and Gupta [17] first introduced the skew chi-square distribution based on the multivariate skew normal distribution provided by Azzalini [2], and Ye, Wang and Gupta [18] extended this results into the skew Wishart distribution. Motivated by these results, we first study a new type of multivariate skew normal distribution introduced by Gupta and Chen [12], the moment generating function, independence and quadratic form are discussed, and also a new type of skew chi-square distribution was introduced. Later on, we defined a new type of skew Wishart distribution based on the matrix skew normal models introduced by Ning [15]. In the end, we will study the probabilistic representation of multivariate skew elliptical models.
Multiskalige Oberflächeninspektion mit Wavelets und Deflektometrie
Authors: Greiner Thomas , Le Tan-Toan , Ziebarth Mathias , Heizmann Michael
Published: October 2016

Für die Inspektion von spiegelnden Oberflächen ist die Deflektometrie eine der bekanntesten Methoden. Eine automatische
Defektdetektion, Klassifikation und Bewertung der Daten von deflektometrischen Messungen gibt es allerdings noch nicht. In
diesem Artikel werden neue Methoden basierend auf der Wavelet-Analyse vorgestellt, die in der Lage sind, Fehler in
unterschiedlichen Skalen zu erkennen. Um die Erkennungsrate zu erhöhen, werden die Filterbänke in Hinsicht auf
Eigenschaften gegebener Defektklassen sowie an dominante Merkmalsausdehnungen optimiert. Die Verfahren wurden mit realen
Messdaten evaluiert, bei denen verschiedene Defektklassen auftraten.
The European Union and Conflict Prevention. What Europeanization?
Authors: Baracani Elena
Published: October 2016

This article presents the main empirical findings of the analysis of the European Union’s activity for conflict prevention in three case studies – Cyprus, Kosovo and Palestine. After having clarified the meaning of conflict ‘resolution’, ‘prevention’ and ‘Europeanization’, it is proposed a classification of the main foreign policy tools at the disposal of the Union to intervene before the escalation of the conflicts, during and after it. Then, the article focuses on the empirical findings of the Europeanization of the conflicts in the case studies, and therefore not only on the instruments used and on the norms promoted, but also on the mechanisms and the conditions that have enabled or not the Union to exert its leverage.
Familialistische vs. individualistische Partnerwahl. Eine Untersuchung der Partnerschaftsqualität bei türkischstämmigen Personen.
Authors: Abdul-Rida Chadi
Published: October 2016

Der Beitrag vergleicht die Partnerschaftsqualität von Personen, deren Familie an der Partnerwahl beteiligt war (familialistischer Modus), mit Personen, die ihre Partnerwahl allein entschieden haben (individualistischer Modus). Es werden Türkischstämmige in Berlin (n=218) untersucht. Die Befragung fand 2009 als Begleitstudie des deutschen Familien- und Beziehungspanels pairfam statt. Als Methode werden Strukturgleichungsmodelle eingesetzt, um vermittelte Effekte zwischen dem Partnerwahlmodus und der Partnerschaftsqualität testen zu können. Die Befunde zeigen ein ähnlich hohes Niveau der globalen Partnerschaftsqualität in beiden Partnerwahlmodi, weisen jedoch auf unterschiedliche Wirkpfade hin. Personen mit einer familialistischen Partnerwahl haben Zugang zu mehr familiären Ressourcen. Personen mit einer individualistischen Partnerwahl haben eine höhere Paarinteraktionsqualität. Familiäre Ressourcen und Paarinteraktionsqualität wirken sich positiv auf die Partnerschaftsqualität aus, so dass sich die darüber vermittelten Effekte beider Partnerwahlmodi gegenseitig ausgleichen.
Theoretical Description of Pulsed RYDMR: Refocusing Zero-Quantum and Single Quantum Coherences
Authors: Nasibulov Egor A. , Behrends Jan , Kulik Leonid V. , Ivanov Konstantin L.
Published: October 2016

A theoretical description of pulsed reaction yield detected magnetic resonance (RYDMR) is proposed. In RYDMR, magnetic resonance spectra of radical pairs (RPs) are indirectly detected by monitoring their recombination yield. Such a detection method is significantly more sensitive than conventional electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), but design of appropriate pulse sequences for RYDMR requires additional effort because of a different observable. In this work various schemes for generating spin-echo like signals and detecting them by RYDMR are treated. Specifically, we consider refocusing of zero-quantum coherences (ZQCs) and single-quantum coherences (SQCs) by selective as well as by non-selective pulses and formulate a general analytical approach to pulsed RYDMR, which makes an efficient use of the product operator formalism. We anticipate that these results are of importance for RYDMR studies of elusive paramagnetic particles, notably, in organic semiconductors.
Somatic Profile of the Elite Boulderers in Poland
Authors: Ozimek Mariusz , Krawczyk Marcin , Zadarko Emilian , Barabasz Zbigniew , Ambroży Tadeusz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Mucha Dawid K. , Jurczak Adam , Mucha Dariusz
Published: October 2016

Ozimek, M, Krawczyk, M, Zadarko, E, Barabasz, Z, Ambroży, T, Stanula, A, Mucha, DK, Jurczak, A, and Mucha, D. Somatic profile of the elite boulderers in Poland. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 963–970, 2017—The study was designed to determine the values of selected somatic characteristics, body proportions, and the somatotype of elite bouldering climbers in Poland and to establish the relationships between the values of the somatic characteristics and climber's performance in bouldering. The study was conducted in a group of elite sport climbers (n = 10) who were ranked by the Polish Mountaineering Association in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The anthropometric measurements were made according to the relevant rules and standards. The results were used to calculate the values of somatic variables and body proportion indices for the climbers and to establish their somatotype. The results were compared with the data on untrained students (n = 165). The boulderers were found to differ significantly from the controls regarding body height (p < 0.01), body mass (p ≤ 0.05), body density (p < 0.01), fat mass percentage (FM%) (p < 0.01), fat mass (FMkg) (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p ≤ 0.05), arm span (p ≤ 0.05), and leg length (p < 0.01). Body proportions in the groups significantly differed in the arm length index (p < 0.01), arm-to-leg length ratio (p < 0.01), and in the indices of the forearm (p < 0.01), thigh (p < 0.01), and lower leg (p ≤ 0.05) muscles. With regard to the somatotypes of the analyzed groups, the biggest differences were observed for the levels of mesomorphy (NS) and endomorphy, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The strongest and significant correlations between the competitive level of the climbers and the values of their somatic characteristics were established for FM% (r = −0.81), fat mass (in kilograms) (r = −0.82), body density (r = 0.81), endomorphy (r = −0.74), arm length (r = 0.77), and the arm length index (r = 0.80). The results of linear regression showed that the competitive level of a bouldering climber was significantly explained (p < 0.01) by fat mass (in kilograms) and the value of the arm length index. A high level of performance in bouldering is related to small stature (an ecto-mesomorph somatotype) and a low body fat percentage (low endomorphy). Regarding body proportions, greater than average arm length to body height ratio and well-developed musculature of the limbs are required for a boulderer to perform on a competitive level. High arm length index and low body fat percentage represent the strongest determinants of performance in bouldering. It can be assumed that arm length index has a high diagnostic value for recruitment and selection of climbers.
The Science of Strength: Reflections on the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Emergence of Research-Based Strength and Conditioning
Authors: Shurley Jason P. , Todd Janice S. , Todd Terry C.
Published: October 2016

Shurley, JP, Todd, JS, and Todd, TC. The science of strength: reflections on the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the emergence of research-based strength and conditioning. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 517–530, 2017—The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) formed in 1978 when a group of 76 strength and conditioning coaches banded together to start an organization whose goal was to facilitate the exchange of ideas on strength training for sports. At the time, very little research existed regarding strength training protocols or their effects. Members clamored for scientific information, however, and by the group's second meeting, they moved to establish a research committee and a professional journal. In the years that followed, more members with experience both as practitioners of strength coaching and training and as scientists joined the organization. As membership demographics shifted, the NSCA's mission changed from exchanging ideas about strength training to creating research on its effects. The group sought to “bridge the gap” between scientists and practitioners, and to that end, the NSCA Journal published features like the “Sport Performance Series” and “Roundtable” articles containing applied science and investigations of claims made by strength equipment manufacturers about the efficacy of their products. In 1987, a second journal, The Journal of Applied Sport Science Research, was established to provide more access to research-based publications, now renamed the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. With over 400 articles published in the JSCR in 2014 alone, the science of strength has advanced dramatically since the NSCA's founding.
Analysis of Relationships Between Three-Dimensional Magnetic Memory Signals and Artificial Defects Under Tensile Load
Authors: Li C. , Dong L. , Wang H. , Xu B. , Li G.
Published: October 2016

This paper mainly discusses the relationships between three-dimensional magnetic memory signals and artificial defects under different load levels. The correlations between the defect signal characteristic parameters and applied stress were analyzed. The magnetic signals at the surface of FV520B steels were measured by a 3D magnetic sensor. It has been concluded that three-dimensional magnetic signals had different detection sensitivity to the defects in different directions, and the defects can be accurately recognized based on the distinctive signal features. Additionally, the peak value of the tangential component and the peak-to-peak value of the normal component (i.e., Bxp and Bzp-p) presented different characteristics in elastic and plastic deformation stages with the increase of applied stress. The amplitude changes of the tangential component and maximum gradient value of the normal component (i.e., ΔBx and KG) were capable of estimating the mechanical damage degree of ferromagnetic materials.