bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Peperomia pellucida and Terminalia catappa in the Management of Cyst Nematode (Heterodera sacchari) on Selected Rice Varieties
Authors: Izuogu N.B. , Saliu A.R. , Baba H.S. , Olajide C.M. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Experiments were conducted at the teaching and research farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria to determine the effect of aqueous extract of Peperomia pelliucida and Terminalia catappa on the management of cyst nematode, Heterodera sacchari on some selected rice varieties. A screenhouse preliminary study was first carried out in December, 2014 to assess the pathogenicity of H. sacchari on ten varieties of rice from which five varieties were selected for field trials. The five selected rice varieties were grown on soil inoculated with cysts of H. sacchari. The field experiment was a 5×3 factorial type fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Soil nematode population, physiochemical soil analysis and phytochemical screening of the tests plants were carried out. Treatment application of aqueous leaf extract were conducted at the 2nd and 7th weeks after transplanting. Data were collected on the plant height, shoot, root weights, yield and soil nematode population. All numerical data were subjected to analysis of variance (Anova) using GENSTAT statistical package 12th edition and where significant differences were observed, means were separated using fisher’s protected LSD. Results from the study revealed that treatment combination of P. pellucida and T. catappa singly with FARO 60, FARO 61, and NERICA 8 performed significantly higher (p>0.05) than the other rice varieties for most of the growth and yield parameter measured. Significant differences occurred between shoot, root, and yield weight of treated plants and their control counterparts. There was no significant difference between the two plant extracts used with respect to parameters measured. Treated plants performed significantly higher than the control. Based on the results of the study, paddy farmers experiencing H. sacchari infestation are encouraged to treat the field with P. pellucida and or T. catappa, especially when planting FARO 60, FARO 61, and NERICA 8 as these combinations promise to give higher yield.
Influence of Seed Invigoration Techniques on Germination and Seedling Vigor of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Khan A.Z. , Shah T. , Khan S. , Rehman A. , Akbar H. , Muhammad A. , Khalil S.K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the comparative efficiency of different priming techniques on germination and early seedling growth of maize cultivars. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the efficacy of different seed invigoration treatments on seed germination and vigor traits of three maize hybrids, Pioneer 3025, Pioneer 70 and Baber at Agronomy research laboratory, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design (CRD) and was replicated thrice. The treatments included control treatment (T1) unsoaked/dry seed, (T2) hydropriming with distilled water for 24 hrs, (T3) halo priming treatments with NaCl (3% solution) for 24 hrs, (T4) osmopriming with PEG-6000 for 24 hrs and (T5), hormonal priming with GA3 for 24 hrs. The results showed that seed invigoration treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) PEG-6000 and hydropriming with distilled water for 24 hrs gave higher germination, decreased days to 50% germination, increased shoot length, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight, as compared to halo priming with NaCl and control treatment. It is concluded that seed invigoration with GA3, osmopriming with PEG-6000 and hydropriming with distilled water for 24 hrs serve as an appropriate treatment for accelerating the emergence and growth parameters of maize hybrid. Pioneer 3025 showed its superiority over other cultivars in all the studied parameters.
Impact of Glycine Betaine on Salinity Tolerance of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under In Vitro Condition
Authors: Rameeh V. , Gerami M. , Ghasemi Omran V. , Ghavampour S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), with great potential as a natural sweeteners source, has a high content of sweeteners, which are up to 150 times sweeter than sugar, but virtually with no calories. Stevia also suitable to be cultivated in semiarid climates and coastal areas, which are characterized by the low quality of the irrigation water. Soil salinity occupies a prominent place among the soil problems that threaten the sustainability of agriculture over a vast area in the world. Glycine betaine is an osmoprotectant, that plays an important role and accumulates rapidly in many plants during salinity or drought stress. In order to evaluation of glycine betaine amending effects on salinity stress in stevia under in vitro condition, a factorial experiment was conducted in 2015. Four NaCl levels, including 0, 50, 75 and 100 mM, along with 0, 1, 12.5, 25 and 50 mM of glycine betaine concentrations were used in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The results showed that salinity levels had significant reduction effects on plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, number of leaf, total chlorophyll, rebaudioside A and stevioside of the stevia genotype. Due to increasing of glycine betaine, levels all the traits were increased. Owing to amending effect of glycine betaine, its high concentrations made less hazarding effects of salinity on the researched traits. The highest mean value of rebaudioside A (10.62rt) and stevioside (23.38rt) determined at 50 mM of glycine betaine with 0 mM of NaCl concentration.
Risk factors of gestational hypertension development
Authors: Bulavenko Olga , Vaskiv Oksana 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The problem of gestational hypertension (GH) remains to be of current concern in obstetric practice. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine the risk factors for GH development. We examined 53 pregnant women and allocated them to 2 groups: the main group - pregnant women with gestational hypertension (n = 30) and the control group - pregnant women without the pathology (n = 23). The selection of persons for the study was carried out on the basis of detailed history taking, examination and complaints, using standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods of investigation. The data was processed on a PC (standard statistical package Statistica 6.0). Our results show that the gestational hypertension development is closely linked with such risk factors as: age ≤ 18 years old and over 35 years old, unmarried status, living in a city/town, post-secondary education, unemployment, obesity, first labor in consecutively pregnant women, the threat of pregnancy termination, cardiovascular system diseases, urinary tract pathology, varicose veins, as well as ABO-sensibilization.
Prospective of ischemic stroke biomarkers
Authors: Szewczak Krzysztof , Niespialowska Magdalena , Jakubowska-Solarska Beata , Chalabis Magdalena , Gawlowicz Jacek 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Methods currently used in brain vascular disorder diagnostics are neither fast enough nor clear-out; thus, there exists a necessity of finding new types of testing which could enlarge and complete the actual panel of diagnostics or be an alternative to current methods. The discovery of sensitive and specific biomarkers of ischemic brain stroke will improve the effects of treatment and will help to assess the progress or complications of the disease. The relevant diagnosis of ischemic stroke (IS) within the first 4.5 hours after the initial symptoms allows for the initiation of treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activators which limits the magnitude of negative changes in the brain and which enhance the final effectiveness of therapy. The potential biomarkers which are under investigation are substances involved in the processes of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and are of molecules released from damaged vascular endothelial cells and from nerves and cardiac tissue. The analyzed substances are typical of oxidative stress, apoptosis, excitotoxicity and damage of the blood brain barrier.
Features of sonographic parameters of liver in practically healthy men of different somatotypes, in the Podilski region of Ukraine
Authors: Gunas Igor , Melnik Marina , Majewskyi Olexandr , Shevchuk Yuriy 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The analysis of liver sonographic parameters of healthy men of the Podilski region of Ukraine who are of different somatotypes has revealed significant differences only in the thickness of the right lobe of the liver on inhalation, as well as in the width of the caudate lobe of the liver and the densitometry of the left lobe of the liver parenchyma on exhalation and during inhalation. No significant differences or trends between healthy men of different somatotypes were seen in the rest of the sonographic parameters of liver (oblique vertical size of the right lobe of the liver on exhalation and on inhalation, the thickness of the right lobe of the liver on exhalation, the cranio-caudal size of the left lobe of the liver on exhalation and inhalation, the thickness of the left lobe of the liver on exhalation and in inhalation, as well as the length of the caudate particle of the liver and densitometry of right lobe of liver parenchyma on exhalation and inhalation).
Towards a Balanced Synergy of Visions and Interests: Latvia’s Perspectives in 16+1 and Belt and Road Initiatives
Authors: Spruds Andris 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The article analyses China’s 16+1 and Belt and Road initiatives from Latvia’s perspective. Although the initiatives provide engagement on a large scale, it is challenging to achieve the task of achieving a synergy between a variety of stakeholders and interests in the context of a diversity of visions and agendas. The strategic dimension of transcontinental initiatives complicates further the building of synergy. Connectivity is an important and promising principle of both initiatives and transcontinental infrastructural linkages are especially high on the agenda. Mutually beneficial progress, however, must yet be achieved. In times of uncertainty, Central and Eastern European countries, including Latvia, are engaged in a balancing process of potential economic benefits and strategic implications of the 16+1 and Belt and Road initiatives.
Using Patent Development, Education Policy and Research and Development Expenditure Policy to Increase Technological Competitiveness of Small European Union Member States
Authors: Ferraro Simona , Dutt Pawan Kumar , Kerikmäe Tanel 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative will open new trade routes between China and the European Union (EU) and increase competition pressures on smaller EU member states. This article ranks where states like Estonia stand internationally in terms of innovativeness (and consequent competitiveness) by conducting an econometric study of patent development, education policy and research and development (R&D) expenditure policy. The authors claim that small member states such as Estonia should follow the example of countries such as Germany and adopt policies which focus more on increased public spending on R&D and innovation in public universities of science and technology, and raise support for high tech startups with a strong focus on international patenting. Member States must go further and subsidise R&D activities by focusing, inter alia, on filing of foreign patents such as triadic patents.
The Security Challenges of the “One Belt, One Road” Initiative and China’s Choices
Authors: Haiquan Liu 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives (“One Belt, One Road”) are of significance in enhancing China’s open economy. This article explores the dual security challenges faced by the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. These challenges include both traditional security challenges, such as great power competition, territorial and island disputes, and political turmoil in the region, as well as non-traditional threats such as terrorism, piracy, and transnational organized crime. This article analyzes the present situation of security cooperation in the region covered by “One Belt, One Road” and also suggests that China needs to pay special attention to three issues, namely the supply of public security goods, the interests of the United States and Russia, and the pivot of Pakistan, besides developing its own strength.
The Challenge of Different Perceptions on the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Junchi Ma 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article1 focuses on the perceptions of the Chinese and its partners on the Belt and Road Initiative. The author summarizes the existing foreign opinions about the initiative, one “inequality” of the market, three goals that China wants to achieve and two ways in which China wants to create domestic stability. In fact, the difference between foreign and Chinese perceptions is based on the relative national condition of the two sides, the perception of great powers, and the combination of domestic needs and foreign policy. Finally, the author points out that there are three paradoxes which exist in the differences between China and its partners, which is the biggest challenge of the Belt and Road Initiative.
SWOT Analysis and Related Countermeasures for Croatia to Explore the Chinese Tourist Source Market
Authors: Qian Wang 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Croatia is a land endowed with rich and diversified natural and cultural tourist resources. Traveling around Croatia, I was stunned by its beauty. However, I noticed that there were few Chinese tourists in Croatia. How can we bring more Chinese tourists to Croatia? How can we make them happy and comfortable in Croatia? And, at the same time, how can we avoid polluting this tract of pure land? Based on first-hand research work, I make a SWOT analysis of the Chinese tourist source market of Croatia and put forward related countermeasures from the perspective of a native Chinese. The positioning of tourism in Croatia should be ingeniously packaged. I recommend developing diversified and specialized tourist products, various marketing and promotional activities, simple and flexible visa policies and regulations, and other related measures to further explore the Chinese tourist source market of Croatia.
Prenatal diagnosis of rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Smet Maria-Elisabeth , Pincham Vanessa , McLennan Andrew 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Congenital hemangiomata are rare benign vascular tumors, presenting as fully mature lesions at birth. Three types have been described; the “rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma” (RICH), the “non-involuting congenital hemangioma” (NICH)and the “partially involuting congenital hemangioma” (PICH). We herein report on a RICH type congenital hemangioma, identified during a fetal morphology ultrasound performed at 19 weeks’ gestation. Early diagnosis allowed close surveillance of the fetus and neonate and observation of the natural course of this lesion. Although being a potentially life-threatening condition, no intervention was required. It presented as a 4 cm vascular tumor on the forehead at time of the cesarean section and diminished rapidly over the first 4 neonatal months, resulting in some skin excess and discoloration which is expected to entirely resolve by 14 months of age.
Cross-Border Health Care in the European Union: Evaluation of Different Financing Arrangements
Authors: Ried Walter , Rau Frauke Henriette 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This paper analyses the impact of the financing arrangements for planned cross-border health care within the European Union. A financial arrangement is taken to provide a financial incentive but may also involve payment risks and administrative burden. For the pathways given by the Social Security Regulations (883/2004 and 987/2009) and the EU Directive 2011/24/EU, we investigate how the associated financial arrangements act on providers, patients and on publicly funded health insurance. First, the Regulations can induce cross-border health care that will increase domestic health care expenditure and may threaten national health policy by setting an incentive for patients to go abroad for health care not covered by domestic health insurance. Second, the financial arrangement of the Directive may induce cross-border health care which will lower domestic health care expenditure. However, due to considerable payment risks and administrative burden on both patients and providers, these benefits will not be reaped in full. Moreover, in the presence of national cost containment policies, the Directive may provide an incentive for cross-border health care that is too strong. Finally, due to the requirement to pay upfront, the financial arrangement also suffers from a lack of equity of access to health care provision abroad.
Degradation of flood embankments – Results of observation of the destruction mechanism and comparison with a numerical model
Authors: Bogacz Piotr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe paper presents the results of model tests conducted for a flood embankment under varying conditions of saturation. Test embankments were formed from the natural sea sand. The test apparatus consisted of the box with internal dimensions 200 × 100 × 4.5 cm, and thus ensured the implementation of the plane strain state. In most tests during watering air entrapment was observed, leading to formation of open soil discontinuities, called macropores (their dimensions many times exceeded the grain size of the soil skeleton). Analysis of images from a number of tests allowed to create a simplified model of the evolution of a macropore. The numerical model has been based on the finite element method using the PLAXIS 2D software. A comparison has been made between the observation of the phenomena occurring in the physical model and the results of the simulation of the phenomena in the numerical model. A correlation has been proven between the results acquired in reality and the results derived from the numerical model.
Mechanical Design of Innovative Electromagnetic Linear Actuators for Marine Applications
Authors: Muscia Roberto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe describe an engineering solution to manufacture electromagnetic linear actuators for moving rudders and fin stabilizers of military shipsItalian Ministry of Defence, General Direction of Naval Equipments (NAVARM), Projects ISO (2012-2014) and EDDA (2015-2017).. The solution defines the transition from the conceptual design of the device initially studied from an electromagnetic point of view to mechanical configurations that really work. The structural problems that have been resolved with the proposed configuration are described. In order to validate the design choices discussed we illustrate some results of the numerical simulations performed by the structural finite elements method. These results quantitatively justify the suggested mechanical solution by evaluating stresses and deformations in a virtual prototype of the structure during its functioning. The parts of the device that have been studied are the most critical because in cases of excessive deformation/stress, they can irreparably compromise the actuator operation. These parts are the pole piece-base set and the retention cages of the permanent magnets. The FEM analysis has allowed us to identify the most stressed areas of the previous elements whose shape has been appropriately designed so as to reduce the maximum stresses and deformations. Moreover, the FEM analysis helped to find the most convenient solution to join the pole pieces to the respective bases. The good results obtained by the suggested engineering solution have been experimentally confirmed by tests on a small prototype actuator purposely manufactured. Finally, a qualitative analysis of the engineering problems that have to be considered to design electromagnetic linear actuators bigger than the one already manufactured is illustrated.
Modification of Shapley Value and its Implementation in Decision Making
Authors: Zaremba Leszek , Zaremba Cezary S. , Suchenek Marek 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The article presents a solution of a problem that is critical from a practical point of view: how to share a higher than usual discount of $10 million among 5 importers. The discount is a result of forming a coalition by 5 current, formerly competing, importers. The use of Shapley value as a concept for co-operative games yielded a solution that was satisfactory for 4 lesser importers and not satisfactory for the biggest importer. Appropriate modification of Shapley value presented in this article allowed to identify appropriate distribution of the saved purchase amount, which according to each player accurately reflects their actual strength and position on the importer market. A computer program was used in order to make appropriate calculations for 325 permutations of all possible coalitions. In the last chapter of this paper, we recognize the lasting contributions of Lloyd Shapley to the cooperative game theory, commemorating his recent (March 12, 2016) descent from this world.
Integral group rings of solvable groups with trivial central units
Authors: Bächle Andreas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The integral group ring

ℤ
⁢
G

{\mathbb{Z}G}

of a group G has only trivial central units if the only central units of

ℤ
⁢
G

{\mathbb{Z}G}

are

±
z

{\pm z}

for z in the center of G. We show that the order of a finite solvable group G with this property can only be divisible by the primes 2, 3, 5 and 7, by linking this to inverse semi-rational groups and extending one result on this class of groups. We also classify the Frobenius groups whose integral group rings have only trivial central units.
Structural diversity of selected oak stands (Quercus roburL.) on the Krotoszyn Plateau in Poland
Authors: Szmyt Janusz 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe oak forests growing on the Krotoszyn Plateau are the biggest and most valuable oak forest complexes in Poland. The purpose of this study was to analyze the structural diversity of oak (Q. roburL.) stands older than 140 years. Two natural stands located within the forest reserve as well as two managed stands were chosen for investigation. Species and tree size diversity were analyzed using different measures and spatially explicit and inexplicit indices. The results indicate that the structural diversity of the protected oak forests did not differ significantly from that of managed stands. On the contrary, undisturbed natural processes in protected forests can result in a low diversity of some structural attributes in such stands. Although most indices pointed towards a higher structural diversity in protected forests, the differences were not large, especially in the case of spatially explicit indices. The spatial arrangement of live trees was either random, aggregated or regular, with the latter clearly dominating managed, poorly mixed oak stands. Furthermore, a lack of natural disturbances strong hornbeam expansion, in which case strict protection is not favorable for oak sustainability as it creates unsuitable conditions for oak regeneration beneath the hornbeam canopy.