bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of an Innovative Business Model for Mobile Virtual Network Operators
Authors: Špaček Miroslav , Vacík Emil
Published: January 2017

Purpose: The article studies a possible innovative business model for sustainable competitive advantage in current communication technologies.Methodology/Approach: This ethnographic approach consists of contextual interviews with company managers and specialists. Scientific observation and comparison took preference over other methods for the evaluation of results. Comparison methods were used for comparing price levels of telecommunication services within OECD countries and used for characterizing virtual operators.This method of modelling was applied to both corporate process-design and functions.Findings: This paper proposes a normative model as the foundation for a virtual operator that would be generally applicable by any potential newcomer to the budding virtual telecommunication market.Research Limitation: Business model innovation in the virtual mobile operator area is a quite new concept, which is still under development. For that reason the validation of the model has not been fully completed until now.Originality/Value of paper: The paper demonstrates this quite new approach to business model development and its possible application in the area of virtual mobile operators.
Crowdfunding – The Case of Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Authors: Šoltés Michal , Štofa Tomáš
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Crowdfunding as a form of alternative financing has become a widespread and successful form of financing new ideas. In this paper, we investigate crowdfunding in CEE countries, Slovakia and Czech Republic, with a strong focus on reward-based crowdfunding. The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation of crowdfunding in the Czech and Slovak Republic.Methodology/Approach: We have analysed the Czech and Slovak market and compared it to the global platform Kickstarter in an attempt to find variables affecting the success of projects using linear and logistic regression.Findings: The distribution of types of crowdfunding is similar to the global situation, but the low levels of awareness and conservatism are slowing down the speed of development of crowdfunding in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We have also observed a higher degree of uncertainty and randomness in modelling of crowdfunding.Research Limitation/implication: In this paper, not all crowdfunding portals have been included because of data unavailability.Originality/Value of paper: The originality of this paper is guaranteed by its focus on the crowdfunding industry in the Czech and Slovak Republic.
BCG immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: is efficacy related to toxicity?
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Nankivell Priscilla , Barberi Anthony , Page Dean , Jenkins Mark , Goad Jeremy , Clarke Anita , Niall Owen , Temelcos Catherine , Cleeve Laurence , Wong Lih-Ming
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of local and systemic adverse effects (AEs) associated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and to determine if there was any relationship between adverse effects and efficacy of treatment.
Methods: Patients receiving induction intravesical BCG immunotherapy for NMIBC from 1995 to 2013 were identified from a group urology practice. Patients completed an AE scoresheet and an AE was recorded if the patient experienced the symptom at any point in the week following instillation. Patients were dichotomised based on recurrence status (treatment efficacy was defined as non-recurrence) and association with AEs was investigated using univariate Cox regression analysis.
Results: One hundred and fifty eight patients were examined with a mean age of 70.2 years (range 41–88) and a male predominance (125, 79%). The most prevalent local AEs were frequency (107, 68%), dysuria (98, 62%) and nocturia (95, 60%). Malaise (54, 34%), myalgia (41, 26%) and fever (32, 20%) were the most common systemic AEs. Recurrencestatus was available for 82 patients, with 43 (52%) diagnosed with recurrence. There was no significant relationship between overall AEs and recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 0.97, P = 0.57], or for local (HR 0.99, P = 0.90) and systemic (HR 0.88, P = 0.32) AEs. Only frequency was significantly associated with reduced recurrence (HR = 0.42, P = 0.04).
Conclusions: AEs due to BCG immunotherapy are common in the induction period with nearly 70% of patients in our cohort experiencing individual symptoms. Local AEs are considerably more prevalent than systemic. Frequency was the only AE to be significantly associated with non-recurrence. Overall, AEs due to BCG instillation treatment werenot related to efficacy for NMIBC.
Sovereignty and the State of Emergency: France and the United States
Authors: Paye Jean-Claude
Published: January 2017

Following the July 14, 2016, massacre in Nice, French President François Hollande once again extended for three months a state of emergency that was to have ended on July 26. An initial, twelve-day state of emergency had been declared after the Paris attacks and extended for three months by a law of November 2015. Still another three-month extension was added and came to an end on May 26, only to be extended for two additional months. Despite the obvious ineffectiveness of such a measure…it has been extended yet again, through January 2017.… This normalization of the "state of exception" has provoked only a muted public reaction. France has thus entered into a permanent state of emergency. This choice is not the result of exceptional events to which the country must respond, but rather expresses an intention to change the political system, as shown by the move to constitutionalize the state of emergency.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Rational homotopy of complex projective varieties with normal isolated singularities
Authors: Chataur David , Cirici Joana
Published: January 2017

LetXbe a complex projective variety of dimensionnwith only isolated normal singularities. In this paper, we prove, using mixed Hodge theory, that if the link of each singular point ofXis(n-2)${(n-2)}$-connected, thenXis a formal topological space. This result applies to a large class of examples, such as normal surface singularities, varieties with ordinary multiple points, hypersurfaces with isolated singularities and, more generally, complete intersections with isolated singularities. We obtain analogous results for contractions of subvarieties.
Effectiveness of online versus live multi-family psychoeducation group therapy for children and adolescents with mood or anxiety disorders: a pilot study
Authors: Sapru Iman , Khalid-Khan Sarosh , Choi Elaine , Alavi Nazanin , Patel Archana , Sutton Chloe , Odejayi Gbolahan , Calancie Olivia G.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

[1] To highlight the effectiveness of multi-family psychoeducation group therapy (MFPGT) in children with mood or anxiety disorders; [2] to measure change in knowledge and awareness of mood and anxiety disorders in families and children; and [3] to compare the relative effectiveness of online compared to live MFPGT.

Method:

Participants included families of children (12 years or younger) referred with a mood or anxiety disorder to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Queen’s University (n=16) who were on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist. Change was measured through questionnaires for all parents before and after the program. Using SPSS v22, comparisons between the online (n=6) and live (n=10) groups were made using the Mann-Whitney U test and within group comparisons were made using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

The online and live education groups showed similar overall improvements in knowledge acquisition and expressed emotion in participating families. However, statistical significance must be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size.

Conclusions:

Online MFPGT may be an effective way to increase knowledge, provide resources and support and build on skills thus giving individuals more control and confidence when dealing with a mood or anxiety disorder while on a waitlist. MFPGT showed equal efficacy in live and online groups, indicating that the online program has the potential to be a more convenient and accessible program for families. More research is needed with a greater sample size.
Potential Consequences of the Energiewende for the Manufacturing Sector in Germany
Authors: Bardt Hubertus
Published: January 2017

Abstract2

The abandonment of nuclear power and new focus on renewable energy sources represents a fundamental change in the structure of Germany’s electricity supply. In the wake of this change in energy policy (which is widely referred to as an energy turnaround), prices started to rise immediately and further increases are to be expected in the years ahead. For the manufacturing sector, this cost burden has been mitigated by exempting energy-intensive sectors from additional costs. However, this causes high levels of uncertainty for large electricity consumers as their current exceptional status may be called into question at some point in the future.

Moreover, the price and cost effects of the German energy policy are not only restricted to energy-intensive enterprises. The metal production, parts of the chemical industry and other industries closely linked to electricity consumers in a complex value chain face higher price and cost risks, as do large segments of the manufacturing sector, which work closely with energy-intensive companies. These dense networks are critical in the joint development of innovations, one of the German industry’s main competitive advantages.

This strength of the German economy may turn into a risk if the future of electricity-intensive industries is hampered by rising national energy prices. A potential relocation of energy-intensive companies to other countries would also weaken the competitiveness of other areas of German industry. Such risks need to be compared with new market opportunities provided by the energy turnaround. The industry seeks those opportunities especially in renewable energies and techniques for improving energy efficiency.
Rebalancing the Market Power. Manufacturer and Retailer Brands in the German Food Retail Market
Authors: Bielig Andreas
Published: January 2017

The German food retail market is considered to be one of the most competitive markets worldwide. A narrow oligopoly of domestic retail chains dominates competition at the national and regional levels, driven mostly by price competition and extensive market coverage. As a result, market entrance for potential newcomers is highly restricted, even for such global players like Wal-Mart, which retreated in 2006 after nine years of substantial financial losses in Germany. There have been discernable attempts by the domestic incumbents to rebalance the traditional “task division”, affecting the range of customers choices as well as retail brands. However, within ten years the share of large retailers brands earnings in the total food retail market increased from 21.8 percent to 38.8 percent in 2012, as “house brands” optimized their assortment, increased their independence from main suppliers and squeezed out competitors. The empirical analysis presented below describes the role played by different retail brands in German food retail market as measured by their market power, and considers its political implications.
A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective of High-Growth Firms: Organizational Aspects
Authors: Szalavetz Andrea
Published: January 2017

Drawing on interviews conducted at five Hungarian high-growth firms (HGFs), this paper discusses how dynamic capabilities shape the outcome of HGFs’ efforts to meet the managerial challenges posed by rapid growth. HGFs are investigated in the context of a relatively under-researched country: Hungary. The research demonstrates that dynamic capabilities have strong explanatory power for the surveyed companies’ achievements, in a similar manner to what is established in the literature on HGFs in advanced economies.

The micro-mechanisms of DC’ deployment is explored by investigating the organizational solutions implemented at the surveyed firms in response to emerging growth-related problems. These responses were found to be similar across the sample. The recurrent growth-related reconfiguration of organizational structures and introduction of various organizational innovations were the result of systematically developed DC and non-abating organizational learning.
Economic Growth, Exchange Rate and Constrained Competiveness of the Tourism Sector in Andalucía
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Ali , Wu Junjie , Guerrero José Calderón
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the relationship between tourism and economic growth, analyzing key factors affecting tourism income in Andalucía, Spain. Based on time series annual data for the period 2005 to 2012 and a multiple regression analysis we show that international tourism has made an important contribution to Andalucía’s economic growth. Some of the factors considered in the analysis include the number of luxury hotels, the hotel price index and the exchange rate, though the latter is outside of the control of local authorities under the European Monetary Union (EMU).
New image analysis method for the estimation of global and spatial changes in fruit microstructure
Authors: Pieczywek Piotr M. , Cybulska Justyna , Dyki Barbara , Konopacka Dorota , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika , Zdunek Artur
Published: January 2017

A new image analysis method for the spatial characterization of microscopy images of fruit microstructure is proposed in order to analyse the heterogeneous microstructure of unprocessed fruit and the possible inhomogeneous effects of various technological treatments on this microstructure. The micro-structure of tissue samples was characterized using the global statistics of size and shape parameters calculated for all visible objects. Global analysis was supported by a novel algorithm that allowed for drawing of the maps of the cell wall fraction from microscopy images and for the analysis of both global and local compaction or loosening of tissue. The spatial distribution of the cell wall fraction was visualised in the convenient form of bivariate histograms. To test the developed image analysis protocols, structural changes resulting from ultrasonic and osmotic treatments of apple tissue samples were studied. Peeled and cored apples were submersed in a liquid medium (distilled water or 60 °Bx sucrose solution) for 45 and 90 min with and without ultrasonic treatment. After these treatment procedures, tissue samples were cut into slices, stained and imaged using a microscope. The proposed method allowed to characterise the effects of different sample treatments.
Effects of long-term use of different farming systems on some physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of soil quality
Authors: Gajda Anna M. , Czyż Ewa A. , Dexter Anthony R.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different farming systems (organic, integrated, conventional and monoculture) on some soil properties as: bulk density, contents of readily-dispersible clay, organic matter and particulate organic matter, and enzymatic activity measured in terms of the intensity of fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. Soil under permanent grass was used as a control. The study was conducted on the 20 years lasting field experiment. Samples of Haplic Luvisol soil were collected twice a year on fields under winter wheat from the layers of 0-5, 5-10, 15-20, and 30-35 cm. Within arable soils the soil under organic farming contained the greatest amount of organic matter, which influenced strongly the readily-dispersible clay content, especially in the layer of 5-20 cm. The readily-dispersible clay content in soil under organic farming was 3 times lower, as compared to the conventional and monoculture farming. The highest contents of particulate organic matter 6.2 and 3.5 mg g−1air dry soil, on average were measured in the 0-5 cm layer of control soil and soil under organic farming, respectively. Also, soil under organic farming and control soil from the depth of 0-5 cm showed 2-2.5 times greater activity of microorganisms in fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis than soil under conventional and monoculture farming. Increase of concentration of organic matter in soil under organic farming decreased soil bulk density. Statistical analysis showed significant correlations between studied parameters of soil quality and confirmed their effectiveness as indicators of disturbances in soil environment.
Concentration of soil CO2 as an indicator of the decalcification rate after liming treatment
Authors: Chmiel Stanisław , Hałas Stanisław , Głowacki Sławomir , Sposób Joanna , Maciejewska Ewa , Trembaczowski Andrzej
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the results of investigation of decalcification of acid sandy and loamy sand soils by infiltration waters, and potential Ca-leaching after liming treatment. For this purpose, monthly measurements were made of the concentration of CO2 in the soil air, dissolved inorganic carbon in the soil waters, and their ionic composition. The determined dissolved inorganic carbon ranged from 5.9 to 10.6 mg dm−3 and from 9.9 to 16.5 mg dm−3 for the sandy and loamy sand soil, respectively. The Ca concentration in soil waters was determined as 5.9-12.4 mg dm−3 in sandy soil and 14.2-19.8 mg dm−3 in soil loamy sand. The calculated rate of decalcification amounted to 23.0 kg ha−1 year−1 in soil sandy and 19.4 kg ha−1 year−1 in loamy sand soil. The potential Ca-leaching is predicted as 124 kg ha−1 year−1 for S and 87 kg ha−1 year−1 for loamy sand soil. At the treatment level of 3 000 kg ha−1 4 year−1 of CaO, ~20% of the Ca-fertilizer can be leached after the liming treatment. The results of the CO2 concentration in the soil air may be useful in estimation of Ca-leaching from soils developed by slightly clayey sands and clayey sands in zones with a moderate climate.
Improved discrimination among similar agricultural plots using red-and-green-based pseudo-colour imaging
Authors: Doi Ryoichi
Published: January 2017

The effects of a pseudo-colour imaging method were investigated by discriminating among similar agricultural plots in remote sensing images acquired using the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (Indiana, USA) and the Landsat 7 satellite (Fergana, Uzbekistan), and that provided by GoogleEarth (Toyama, Japan). From each dataset, red (R)-green (G)-R-G-blue yellow (RGrgbyB), and RGrgby−1B pseudo-colour images were prepared. From each, cyan, magenta, yellow, key black, L*, a*, and b* derivative grayscale images were generated. In the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer image, pixels were selected for corn no tillage (29 pixels), corn minimum tillage (27), and soybean (34) plots. Likewise, in the Landsat 7 image, pixels representing corn (73 pixels), cotton (110), and wheat (112) plots were selected, and in the GoogleEarth image, those representing soybean (118 pixels) and rice (151) were selected. When the 14 derivative grayscale images were used together with an RGB yellow grayscale image, the overall classification accuracy improved from 74 to 94% (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer), 64 to 83% (Landsat), or 77 to 90% (GoogleEarth). As an indicator of discriminatory power, the kappa significance improved 1018-fold (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer) or greater. The derivative grayscale images were found to increase the dimensionality and quantity of data. Herein, the details of the increases in dimensionality and quantity are further analysed and discussed.
Different scenarios for inverse estimation of soil hydraulic parameters from double-ring infiltrometer data using HYDRUS-2D/3D
Authors: Mashayekhi Parisa , Ghorbani-Dashtaki Shoja , Mosaddeghi Mohammad Reza , Shirani Hossein , Nodoushan Ali Reza Mohammadi
Published: January 2017

In this study, HYDRUS-2D/3D was used to simulate ponded infiltration through double-ring infiltrometers into a hypothetical loamy soil profile. Twelve scenarios of inverse modelling (divided into three groups) were considered for estimation of Mualem-van Genuchten hydraulic parameters. In the first group, simulation was carried out solely using cumulative infiltration data. In the second group, cumulative infiltration data plus water content ath= −330 cm (field capacity) were used as inputs. In the third group, cumulative infiltration data plus water contents ath= −330 cm (field capacity) andh= −15 000 cm (permanent wilting point) were used simultaneously as predictors. The results showed that numerical inverse modelling of the double-ring infiltrometer data provided a reliable alternative method for determining soil hydraulic parameters. The results also indicated that by reducing the number of hydraulic parameters involved in the optimization process, the simulation error is reduced. The best one in infiltration simulation which parametersα,n, andKswere optimized using the infiltration data and field capacity as inputs. Including field capacity as additional data was important for better optimization/definition of soil hydraulic functions, but using field capacity and permanent wilting point simultaneously as additional data increased the simulation error.
Integration of experimental and computational methods for identifying geometric, thermal and diffusive properties of biomaterials
Authors: Weres Jerzy , Kujawa Sebastian , Olek Wiesław , Czajkowski Łukasz
Published: January 2017

Knowledge of physical properties of biomaterials is important in understanding and designing agri-food and wood processing industries. In the study presented in this paper computational methods were developed and combined with experiments to enhance identification of agri-food and forest product properties, and to predict heat and water transport in such products. They were based on the finite element model of heat and water transport and supplemented with experimental data. Algorithms were proposed for image processing, geometry meshing, and inverse/direct finite element modelling. The resulting software system was composed of integrated subsystems for 3D geometry data acquisition and mesh generation, for 3D geometry modelling and visualization, and for inverse/direct problem computations for the heat and water transport processes. Auxiliary packages were developed to assess performance, accuracy and unification of data access. The software was validated by identifying selected properties and using the estimated values to predict the examined processes, and then comparing predictions to experimental data. The geometry, thermal conductivity, specific heat, coefficient of water diffusion, equilibrium water content and convective heat and water transfer coefficients in the boundary layer were analysed. The estimated values, used as an input for simulation of the examined processes, enabled reduction in the uncertainty associated with predictions.
Modelling of mass transfer kinetic in osmotic dehydration of kiwifruit
Authors: Jabrayili Sharokh , Farzaneh Vahid , Zare Zahra , Bakhshabadi Hamid , Babazadeh Zahra , Mokhtarian Mohsen , Carvalho Isabel S.
Published: January 2017

Osmotic dehydration characteristics of kiwifruit were predicted by different activation functions of an artificial neural network. Osmotic solution concentration (y1), osmotic solution temperature (y2), and immersion time (y3) were considered as the input parameters and solid gain value (x1) and water loss value (x2) were selected as the outlet parameters of the network. The result showed that logarithm sigmoid activation function has greater performance than tangent hyperbolic activation function for the prediction of osmotic dehydration parameters of kiwifruit. The minimum mean relative error for the solid gain and water loss parameters with one hidden layer and 19 nods were 0.00574 and 0.0062% for logarithm sigmoid activation function, respectively, which introduced logarithm sigmoid function as a more appropriate tool in the prediction of the osmotic dehydration of kiwifruit slices. As a result, it is concluded that this network is capable in the prediction of solid gain and water loss parameters (responses) with the correlation coefficient values of 0.986 and 0.989, respectively.
Old Babylonian Religious Poetry in Anatolia: From Solar Hymn to Plague Prayer
Authors: Metcalf Christopher
Published: January 2017

In a recently published Old Babylonian Sumerian solar hymn, a diseased supplicant inquires into the nature of a past but unknown religious offence with which he has angered his personal god. The present article contains an interpretation of this passage and a discussion of its various Hittite versions, which range from an almost literal translation (in the Prayer of Kantuzili) to renderings that were strongly adapted to Hittite customs (in the prayers of Mursili II.). This unusually well-documented case offers new insights into the translation and adaptation of literary texts in the ancient Near East.
The Akkadian Royal Image: On a Seated Statue of Manishtushu
Authors: Thomas Ariane
Published: January 2017

The Musée du Louvre holds one of the most significant collections of Akkadian royal statuary’s extant vestiges. This article coincides with the restoration and reassembly of a seated statue of King Manishtushu, the third monarch of the dynasty, considered one of the main promoters of this outstanding art. The author takes a new, overall look at royal imagery based on a thorough study of the seated statue, now on view in the Louvre’s permanent display.
From Field Cards to Cuneiform Archives: Two Inscribed Artifacts from Archaic Ur and Their Archaeological Context
Authors: Benati Giacomo , Lecompte Camille
Published: January 2017

The two inscribed artifacts discussed in this article were excavated by C. L. Woolley during the seventh field campaign (1928–1929) at Tell al-Muqayyar, ancient Ur, Iraq. The objects were shipped to the British Museum of London in 1930 and 1935 and have never been published in print. These items are presented and analysed here through a review of their textual information, archaeological context, and associated material culture, using unpublished data from the Ur collection kept in the British Museum. This paper is part of a collaborative research project aiming at re-contextualizing the archaic texts from Ur.
Multilingualism and Formulations of Scholarship: The Rosen Vocabulary
Authors: Crisostomo C. Jay
Published: January 2017

The Rosen Vocabulary is an Old Babylonian bilingual text. Through an edition of this text, I argue that the ad-hoc mixed vocabularies known from the Old Babylonian period feature citations or allusions to literary compositions as well as subsequent analogous expressions, both in Sumerian and in Akkadian.
UET 6/1, 74, the Hymnic Introduction of a Sumerian Letter-Prayer to Ninšubur
Authors: Peterson Jeremiah
Published: January 2017

The close examination of a large previously unedited literary fragment from Old Babylonian Ur reveals that it is a letter-prayer or Gottesbrief to Ninšubur.
Anti-witchcraft Prescriptions from Ḫattuša and Nippur
Authors: Rutz Matthew
Published: January 2017

Two anti-witchcraft prescriptions from the late second millennium BCE are edited for the first time: a fragment from Ḫattuša (HT 75 = BM 108557) and a previously unpublished fragment from Nippur (CBS 11059). The piece from Ḫattuša joins an important therapeutic/prophylactic compilation that has first-millennium duplicates from Assur and Kalḫu, while the manuscript from Nippur, which has duplicates from Ḫattuša and Nineveh, illustrates the early stabilization of a ritual tradition that is later formulated as a measure against a type of witchcraft called
Cuneiform Orthography of the Stops in Alalaḫ VII Akkadian
Authors: Popova Olga V.
Published: January 2017

This article presents a statistical analysis of signs of the CV type and their values as used for stop consonants in Alalaḫ VII documents. Comparing the Alalaḫ VII syllabary with those of OAkk, OAss and Mari, I show that it had not been systematized by the time of the city’s destruction, and that one cannot speak of an adequate written representation for all voiced, voiceless and emphatic stops in Alalaḫ VII. Nevertheless, the syllabary does show a tendency towards a rational distribution of the signs used. This research also demonstrates that it may be misleading to consider Alalaḫ VII the direct source of borrowing of Hittite cuneiform.
Sugar beet nematode Heterodera schachtii distribution and harmfulness in Ukraine
Authors: Pylypenko L. , Kalatur K. , Hallmann J.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To determine the distribution of sugar beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii in Ukraine, to defi ne its population density in soil, the degree of damage and the effi ciency of control measures. Methods. Field survey for soil samples, cyst extraction by fl otation and sieving method, light microscopy. Results. The examination of 12,130 ha of agricultural fi elds in six regions of Ukraine, conducted in 2010–2015, recorded the sugar beet cyst nematode to occur in fi ve of them (Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytsky, and Vinnytsia), at a total area of 2,572 ha. Taking into consideration the results of previous nematological surveys, the presence of sugar beet cyst nematode has now been documented for 18 regions of Ukraine. In most regions H. schachtii was present in 10–11 % of the examined sugar and seed producing farms with nematode population densities reaching up to 142,000 eggs and juveniles in 100 cc of soil (710-fold above the economic threshold). Conclusions. The main reasons for this wide
distribution of H. schachtii in Ukraine are seen in the negligence of prevention measures, unavailability of documented data on its occurrence (missing surveys), crop rotations with over 20 % of host plants, and unavailability of effi cient nematicides and domestic nematode-resistant sugar beet cultivars.
Ecological risks of using chemical sanitizing agents for milking machines and milk containers
Authors: Zhukorskyi O. , Kryvokhyzha Ye.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To analyze the level of the intake of active substances from chemical sanitizing agents into the environment after sanitizing milking equipment at farms of different ownership forms. Methods. The calculation method was used. Results. It was determined that after sanitizing of milking equipment and milk containers with such agents as GALA for dishes, FAIRY juicy lemon, as well as alkaline agents (Chlorantoin, Loiran, Eco chlor, San alkalin, Sulfochlorantin, Catril D, Basix, Hyproclor ED, CircoSuper AF) and acid agents (San acid, Acid XD, Eco cid, Hypracid, CircoSuper SFM) at a milking farm with 1,000 cows and at 800 private farms, within a year the environment would have the intake of chlorine compounds in the amount of 1,529.8 t, anion surface active substances (SAS) – 767.0 t, phosphates – 584.4 t, silicates – 365.0 t, cation SAS – 182.6 t, non-ionogenic SAS – 0.33 t and about 7,026.3 t acids. This may condition the impairment of natural biogeocenoses. Conclusions. The application of such agents as
Loiran, Catril D and TDS to sanitize milking equipment and milk containers at milking farms and at private farms decreases the probability of impairing natural biogeocenoses.
Plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and insulin in cows during different physiological states
Authors: Simonov M. , Vlizlo V. , Petruh I.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To investigate the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF, somatomedin C), triiodothyronine, thyroxine and insulin in cows during prepartum and postpartum periods. Methods. Enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, clinical and statistical methods. Results. It was demonstrated that the plasma concentration of IGF, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and insulin is lower in postpartum cows compared to the interlactation ones. Strong positive correlation dependence (r = 0.7) between the levels of thyroxine and somatomedin C was found on the 2 nd –4 th day after calving. The plasma concentration of all the investigated hormones increased in cows on the 10-14 th day of postpartum period and remained stable until days 30–40. Strong correlation dependence between the levels of somatomedin C and insulin (r = 0.7) was found on the 10- 14 th day of the postpartum period. Conclusions. It was determined that somatomedin C is one of the energetic balance regulators in dairy cows.
Orientation of processes of biological nitrogen transformation in winter rye agroecosystems under different levels of fertilization background
Authors: Volkogon V. , Korotka I.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To determine physiologically expedient rates of mineral nitrogen in winter rye production on sod-podzol- ic soils based on the orientation of the processes of biological nitrogen transformation in the plants rhizosphere. Methods. Field studies, gas chromatography determination of potential nitrogen fi xation activity and potential emissions of N 2 O. Results. The results obtained have demonstrated that the rates of mineral nitrogen, not ex- ceeding 60 kg/ha, can be considered physiologically expedient for winter rye production on sod-podzolic soils. Under the application of microbial preparation Diazobakteryn, there is a higher physiological need of plants for nitrogen, which allows increasing the rates of nitrogen fertilizers up to 90 kg/ha. Conclusions. The orienta- tion of the processes of biological nitrogen transformation in the root zone of plants is a reliable indicator of determining the appropriateness of nitrogen fertilization of crops.
Mathematical model of flat-vertical profile moisture transfer under trickle irrigation in conditions of incomplete saturation
Authors: Romashchenko M. , Shatkovsky A. , Onotsky V.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To develop an effi cient method of building a numerical model for the process of moisture transfer under trickle irrigation, with the mathematical modeling of the method involving the system of differential equations in partial derivatives of Klute-Richards, and to perform computing experiments regarding fl at-vertical profi le moisture transfer with point sources. Methods. The mathematical apparatus of the theory of differential schemes of solving differential equations in partial derivatives, and Newton’s method of iterative approximate solving of non-linear equations. Results. A stable differential two-step symmetrized algorithm (TS-algorithm) along with the corresponding scheme of the method of numerical solution for initially-boundary task for Richards’ equation was created. The method was realized in the form of a computer program in C++ language, the computing experiments were performed with three deeper points, the humidity zones for volume moisture and potential were obtained. Conclusions. The
numerical method was suggested, ensuring the effi cient solution to Richards’ non-linear equation in conditions of several deep point sources. The algorithm structure allows reducing the system of non-linear algebraic equations with many unknowns to solving independent non-linear equations with one unknown. The presented method may easily be expanded for three-dimensional cases. The results of computing experiments are in agreement with natural observations.
The study of the properties of the novel virucidal disinfectant
Authors: Paliy A. , Stegniy B. , Muzyka D. , Gerilovych A. , Korneykov O.
Published: January 2017

Prevention measures are crucial in actual production, whereas the outbreak of a disease requires immediate detection and elimination of the source of infection as well as complex veterinary and sanitary measures. Here the critical role is attributed to disinfection, which breaks the epizootic chain due to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms on the objects under veterinary surveillance and involves the application of various disinfectants. Aim. The study of virucidal properties of the novel disinfectant DZPT-2. Methods. The culture technique was used at the fi rst stage of studies to determine the embryotoxic effect of the preparation on chicken embryos and the cytotoxic effect of the disinfectant on BHK-21 cell culture. The second stage of experiments envisaged the study of virucidal effect of the disinfectant using both the suspension method, test- objects (batiste, wood, glazed tile, metal, glass) and the bioburden. Results. The experiments using the agent of bovine viral diarrhea demonstrated
that the disinfectant DZPT-2 in the concentration of 1.0 % of the active ingredient (AI) when exposed for at least 30 min and in the concentration of 1.5 % of AI when exposed for 15– 60 min disinfects all the test-objects, contaminated by the virus, completely. When exposed for up to 15 min, the disinfectant DZPT-2 does not demonstrate its virucidal effect on Newcastle disease virus, but it disinfects all the test-objects, contaminated by the mentioned virus, when used in the concentration of 0.5–1.0 % of AI and exposed for at least 30 min. Conclusions. It was determined that the preparation DZPT-2 demonstrates its virucidal properties in the concentration of 0.5 % of AI (Newcastle disease virus) and 1.0 % of AI (agent of bovine viral diarrhea) when exposed for 30 min. The new disinfectant DZPT-2 is a promising preparation to be used in practical veterinary medicine to prevent and fi ght viral diseases of farm livestock and poultry.
The issue of radioactive contamination in context of ecosystem services development
Authors: Chobotko G. , Raychuk L. , McDonald I.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the article was to defi ne the role of the radioactive environment contamination in the formation of ecosystem services strategy. Methods. Monographic, systemic and structural, factor analysis, abstract and logical research methods have been used. The data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, materials of scientifi c researches, international materials and reports and other literary sources on the issues investigated have been used as an information base. Results. Retrospective analysis of sources and state of radioactive eco- systems contamination was conducted and the priority steps in developing the concept of ecosystem services in conditions of radiation contamination were found. Conclusions. The current socio-ecological paradigm of the transition from environmental use to environmental management should be refl ected in the relevant envi- ronmental management mechanisms.
Currently, when assessing the state of ecosystem services in Ukraine and worldwide one must take into account the changes in food demand of residents of radioactively contaminated areas, the exploitation of radioactively safe ecosystems growth, their overload and degradation. All of this re- quires an inventory of ecosystem services by type, region, consumers, etc. and the formation of a state register of ecosystem services with a clear assignment of area of responsibility for appropriate natural ecosystems. This will help to make the economic evaluation of different ecosystem services and mechanisms of charges for ecosystem services.
Association of allele variants of gene Rf with red fruit color of apple cultivars of ukrainian breeding
Authors: Udovychenko K. , Ivanovych Ya. , Triapitsyna N.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To estimate the possibilities of using the promising apple cultivars, created by the Institute of Horticul- ture (IH) NAAS, in the breeding programs according to the availability of valuable allele variants of gene Rf, related to red color of apple fruit. Methods. Polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis in agarose gel, the evaluation of phenotype manifestation of the color trait of apple skin according to the grading system. Results. 17 genotypes of apple cultivars of different genetic origin, including 12 cultivars, breeded by IH NAAS, were identifi ed by allele variants of gene Rf. The comparison was made between the genetic analysis results and visual observations of the phenotype manifestation of fruit skin color of different apple cultivars. Conclusions. Apple cultivars Amulet, Perlyna Kyeva and Edera, which are homozygous carriers of dominant alleles А 1 and А 2 of gene Rf are recommended as basic forms in selection programs. It was demonstrated that exact prediction of apple skin color was
possible only in case of the available homozygous genotype by both alleles of gene Rf.
Specificity of heavy metals distribution in atropa belladonna plants
Authors: Rudnyk-Ivashchenko O. , Yaruta O.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To investigate the content of heavy metals (HM) in the seeds and roots of Atropa belladonna plants. To identify possible changes in their concentrations over the years of growing these plants. Methods. Field and spectrometric method, methods, common for agriculture, plant growing and statistics. Results. The content of heavy metals (HM) in the seeds and roots of belladonna plants was determined. It was found that plant roots ac- cumulate them much more compared to the seeds. The concentration of such HM as barium, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, potassium, sodium, strontium, and zinc in the plants exceeds the maximum permis- sible level, which testifi es to partial soil contamination in the region. Conclusions. As there are no data about maximum permissible ratios for the content of important chemical elements in the raw plant material, specifi ed in normative and regulatory documents, scientists have to launch complex investigations, involving specialists of relevant fi elds to identify the
mentioned gradation. It was determined that the main part of HM is accumu- lated in the roots of belladonna plants, whereas their content in the seeds is several times smaller or equals the value under the sensitivity threshold of analytical devices. This fact testifi es to the prospects of growing the mentioned medicinal herb in Kyiv region for further industrial processing. Chemical elements, which belong to compounds of lanthanides and actinides, are almost not accumulated in belladonna plants.
Formation of potato microtubers in vitro depending on temperature and light intensity
Authors: Lavrynenko Yu. , Vozhegova R. , Balashova H. , Kotova O. , Kotov B.
Published: January 2017

Aim. To specify optimal techniques infl uencing the increase of intensity of potato tuber formation in meristem culture in vitro. Methods. Integrated use of laboratory, mathematical and statistical, calculation and compari- son methods and the method of systematic analysis. Results. The paper represents experimental data about the infl uence of temperature and light intensity on the induction of tuber formation under microclonal reproduction of the health-improved initial material. It proves that the decisive factor in the process of morphogenesis of plants in vitro of the early maturing potato variety Kobza and their productivity is temperature conditions for cultivation. Conclusions. Optimal indexes of productivity and economic effi ciency are maintained by grow- ing test-tube plants under the temperature of cultivation of 14–16 oС and the light intensity of 3,000 lux. The number of microtubers per plant was 1.2 pieces, the weight of an average microtuber was 262,0 mg, the weight of microtubers per plant
was 363,7 mg, the number of microtubers weighing more than 350,0 mg was 20,9 %; the cost price of microtubers was 5,31 UAH with the profi tability of 201 %.
Parent Preferences for Medical Error Disclosure: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Coffey Maitreya , Espin Sherry , Hahmann Tara , Clairman Hayyah , Lo Lisha , Friedman Jeremy N. , Matlow Anne
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

According to disclosure guidelines, patients experiencing adverse events due to medical errors should be offered full disclosure, whereas disclosure of near misses is not traditionally expected. This may conflict with parental expectations; surveys reveal most parents expect full disclosure whether errors resulted in harm or not. Protocols regarding whether to include children in these discussions have not been established. This study explores parent preferences around disclosure and views on including children.

METHODS:

Fifteen parents of hospitalized children participated in semistructured interviews. Three hypothetical scenarios of different severity were used to initiate discussion. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded for emergent themes.

RESULTS:

Parents uniformly wanted disclosure if harm occurred, although fewer wanted their child informed. For nonharmful errors, most parents wanted disclosure for themselves but few for their children.

With respect to including children in disclosure, parents preferred to assess their children’s cognitive and emotional readiness to cope with disclosure, wishing to act as a “buffer” between the health care team and their children. Generally, as event severity decreased, they felt that risks of informing children outweighed benefits. Parents strongly emphasized needing reassurance of a good final outcome and anticipated difficulty managing their emotions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents have mixed expectations regarding disclosure. Although survey studies indicate a stronger desire for disclosure of nonharmful events than for adult patients, this qualitative study revealed a greater degree of hesitation and complexity. Parents have a great need for reassurance and consistently wish to act as a buffer between the health care team and their children.
The Effect of Limited English Proficiency on Pediatric Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Ju Mindy , Luna Nathan , Park K.T.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:

The relationship between limited English proficiency (LEP) and worse pediatric health outcomes is well documented.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the relationship between LEP status and pediatric hospital readmissions.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children ≤ 18 years old admitted to a tertiary children’s hospital from 2008 to 2014. The main exposure was LEP status. Independent variables included sex, age, race/ethnicity, insurance, median household income, surgical/medical status, severity of illness (SOI), the presence of a complex chronic condition, and length of stay. Primary outcome measures were 7- and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS:

From 67 473 encounters, 7- and 30-day readmission rates were 3.9% and 8.2%, respectively. LEP patients were more likely to be younger, poorer, and Hispanic; have lower SOI; and government-subsidized insurance. Adjusted odds for 7- or 30-day readmission for LEP versus English-proficient (EP) patients were 1.00 (P = .99) and 0.97 (P = .60), respectively. Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.26 [P = .002] and 1.14 [P = .02]), greater SOI (aOR: 1.04 [P < .001] and 1.05 [P < .001]), and the presence of a complex chronic condition (aOR: 2.31 [P < .001] and 3.03 [P < .001]) were associated with increased odds of 7- and 30-day readmission, respectively. White LEP patients had increased odds of 7- and 30-day readmission compared with white EP patients (aOR: 1.46 [P = .006] and 1.32 [P = .007]) and the poorest LEP patients had increased odds of 7- and 30-day readmission compared with the poorest EP patients (aOR: 1.77 [P = .04] and 2.00 [P < .001]).

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first large study evaluating the relationship between LEP and pediatric hospital readmission. There was no increased risk of readmission in LEP patients compared with EP patients.