bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Elusive Sustainable Development of Small Tropical Islands
Authors: Jędrusik Maciej 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The notion of sustainable development is one of the most popular concepts of our time. However, it remains controversial and quite problematic, especially for small islands and their communities. These challenges arise in relation to the limited scope of resources which can be used for development, and the difficulty of defining the needs of future generations.
Looking at the history of many island jurisdictions, one is confronted with a picture of substantial economic evolution. Island communities have rarely, if ever, been able to foresee or plan their future; frequently, the situation has turned out to be very different from any previously envisaged scenarios. This should not be surprising, since small island destinies are often determined by external variables, over which they have little, if any, control. These variables include colonization, competition over scarce territories, improvements in transportation technologies, the information revolution and natural disasters. Thus, the very idea of sustainable development with respect to small islands is nothing but a charming slogan, an entertaining fiction rather than a reachable target. Of course, islands and their communities can take‘green’ initiatives that are more environmentally friendly; they cannot, however, achieve a state of sustainable development, except with a serious deterioration in the quality of life and off-island connectivity (by air or sea) of their residents.
Preparation and anatomical distribution study of 67Ga-alginic acid nanoparticles for SPECT purposes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Heidarieh Marzieh , Daryalal Fatemeh , Mirvaghefi Alireza , Rajabifar Saeid , Diallo Adama , Sadeghi Mahdi , Zeiai Farhood , Moodi Saeed , Maadi Ehsan , Sheikhzadeh Najmeh , Heidarieh Hassan , Hedyati Maryam 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Ergosan contains 1% alginic acid extracted from two brown sea weeds. Little is known about the target organs and anatomical distribution of Ergosan (alginic acid) in fish. Therefore, feasibility of developing alginic acid nanoparticles to detect target organ in rainbow trout is interesting. To make nanoparticles, Ergosan extract (alginic acid) was irradiated at 30 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results from TEM images showed that particle sizes of irradiated alginic acid ranged from 30 to 70 nm. The FTIR results indicated that gamma irradiation had no significant influence on the basic structure of alginic acid. Later, alginic acid nanoparticles were successively labelled with 67Ga-gallium chloride. The biodistribution of irradiated Ergosan in normal rainbow trout showed highest uptake in intestine and kidney and then in liver and kidney at 4- and 24-h post injection, respectively. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images also demonstrated target specific binding of the tracer at 4- and 24-h post injection. In conclusion, the feed supplemented with alginic acid nanoparticles enhanced SPECT images of gastrointestinal morphology and immunity system in normal rainbow trout.
Assessment of the control rods shadow effect in the VENUS-F core
Authors: Cetnar Jerzy , Domańska Grażyna , Gajda Paweł , Janczyszyn Jerzy 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The partitioning and transmutation (P&T) of spent nuclear fuel is an important field of present development of nuclear energy technologies. One of the possible ways to carry out the P&T process is to use the accelerator driven systems (ADS). This technology has been developed within the EURATOM Framework Programmes for several years now. Current research in this field is carried out within the scope of 7th FP project FREYA. Important parts of the project are experiments performed in the GUINEVERE facility devoted to characterising the subcritical core kinetics and development of reactivity monitoring techniques. The present paper considers the effects of control rods use on the core reactivity. In order to carry out the evaluation of the experimental results, it is important to have detailed core characteristics at hand and to take into consideration the differences in the effect of control rods acting separately or together (the so-called shadow effect) on both the reactivity value and the measured neutron flux. Also any core asymmetry should be revealed. This goal was achieved by both MCNP simulations and the experimental results. However, in the case of experimental results, the need for calculating respective correction factors was unavoidable.
Evaluation of circulating endothelial cells in the rat after acute and fractionated whole-body gamma irradiation
Authors: Al-Massarani Ghassan , Almohamad Khaled 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Damage to vascular endothelial cells is a well recognised complication of the irradiation. Our objective was to determine the gamma-irradiation effect on the rat circulating endothelial cells (CEC). Material and methods: Eight-week old rats were divided into four groups: group 1 - rats were exposed to acute whole- -body gamma irradiation with a wide range of single doses (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Gy), group 2 - rats were exposed to fractionated low doses of irradiation (0.1, 0.5 and 1 Gy) every three days for two months, group 3 as group 2, but followed by two months of rest, group 4 were control animals. CEC (CD146 positive cells) in group 1 were counted following CD146-based immuno-magnetic separation after one day and one week, as well as at the end of experiment in the other groups. Results: Quantified CEC showed that there was a dose-dependent reduction in CEC count in group 1 (one week after irradiation) and group 2. A partial re-population of CEC was observed at the end of experiment in both group 1 and group 2 compared to control group. Group 3 showed a significant increase in CEC levels as compared with group 2 without reaching the control level. Conclusion: The number of CEC (CD146 positive cells) in rats exposed to whole-body gamma irradiation was reduced in a dose-dependent manner and it partly recovered during the two-month interval after irradiation. We suggest that CEC count may be an indicator of the radiation-induced vascular damage.
Silver nanoparticle accumulation by aquatic organisms – neutron activation as a tool for the environmental fate of nanoparticles tracing
Authors: Asztemborska Monika , Jakubiak Małgorzata , Książyk Małgorzata , Stęborowski Romuald , Polkowska-Motrenko Halina , Bystrzejewska-Piotrowska Grażyna 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Water environments are noted as being some of the most exposed to the influence of toxic nanoparticles (NPs). Therefore, there is a growing need for the investigation of the accumulation and toxicity of NPs to aquatic organisms. In our studies neutron activation followed by gamma spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting were used for studying the accumulation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by freshwater larvae of Chironomus and fish Danio rerio. The influence of exposition time, concentration and the source of nanoparticles on the efficiency of AgNP accumulation were studied. It was found that AgNPs are efficiently accumulated by Chironomid larvae for the first 30 hours of exposition; then, the amount of silver nanoparticles decreases. The silver content in larvae increases together with the NP concentration in water. Larvae which have accumulated AgNPs can be a source of nanoparticles for fish and certainly higher levels of Ag in the trophic chain. In comparison with water contamination, silver nanoparticles are more efficiently accumulated if fish are fed with AgNP-contaminated food. Finally, it was concluded that the applied study strategy, including neutron activation of nanoparticles, is very useful technique for tracing the uptake and accumulation of NPs in organisms
Relationships among Components of Insurance Companies and Services’ Quality
Authors: Šebjan Urban , Tominc Polona 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and Purpose: An increasing number of insurance companies and the intensity of competition in this field require research on customer perceptions of the components of insurance services and insurance company. The objective of this study was to examine the conceptual model and to study the relationships between customer perceptions of the innovation, reputation, adequacy of premium, and adequacy of information about the coverage of insurance services.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The research model was tested with structural equation modelling (SEM) with a sample of 200 Slovenian users of insurance services.
Results: The results indicated that higher perceived innovation of insurance company was associated with higher perceived reputation of insurance company. In addition, higher perceived reputation of insurance company was associated with higher perceived adequacy of information about the coverage and the premium for insurance services. The study also found that higher perceived adequacy of premium was associated with higher perceived adequacy of information about the coverage of insurance services.
Conclusion: The original contribution of this article is also the highlighting of relationship between perceived reputation of insurance company, perceived adequacy of information about the insurance premium and perceived adequacy of information about the coverage of insurance services.
Quality Registers in Professional Health Care Educations; Knowledge Gaps and Proposed Actions
Authors: Nordin Annika M. M. , Ernsäter Torie Palm , Bergman Bo 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and purpose: The use of quality registers has increased rapidly in Sweden and they are identified as beneficial for health care competitiveness. A quality register is a structured gathering of patient information, to improve health care. However, the introduction of quality registers in health care organisations presupposes that employees know how to use them in quality improvement. Disconnections, or knowledge gaps, concerning quality registers hamper the possibilities to take advantage of them. Taking departure in professional health care educations, the purpose with the paper is to identify and explore knowledge gaps concerning quality registers. A second purpose is to propose actions to bridge the gaps.
Methodology/Approach: In 2012 50 semi-structured telephone interviews were completed and the material analysed in the search for knowledge gaps.
Results: Five knowledge gaps were found. Some professional health care educations teach improvement knowledge, but they have difficulties integrating quality registers as a resource in teaching. Quality registers do not sufficiently cooperate with professional health care educations and county councils do not generally include learning of quality registers in clinical placements/practicums.
Conclusion: Professional health care educations need forums where they can collaborate with others to jointly explore how learning of quality registers can be integrated. There are promising approaches.
Organizational and Managerial Challenges of Reforming Slovenian Public Agencies
Authors: Kovač Polonca 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Introduction: Agencies are among the key contemporary public organizations, prospering within reforms carried out worldwide to increase professionalism and rationalism in public administration (PA). Hence, countries have been establishing agencies and delegating them public tasks in order to achieve expertise-based instead of politically-driven and thus more efficient public policies. In such context, the present article addresses the most important strategic documents related to public administration reform (PAR) in Slovenia, analyzing their goals in terms of agencification and the main implementation results and gaps.
Research Design: The research is dedicated to exploring the governmental approach to agencification as a key aspect of PAR. It analyzes (1) the main PAR strategic documents on public agencies in Slovenia since the mid-90s, and (2) the perceived implementation of structural and managerial autonomy as the declared goal of agencification. Combined research methods are applied, including descriptive analysis, regional comparisons, structural interviews among representatives of public agencies and their parent ministries, and selected statistical data analysis.
Results: As proven by different research methods, the hypothesis whereby agencification goals in Slovenia are largely achieved as part of PAR documents in terms of autonomous organizational structure was confirmed. A more elaborated agencification in PAR documents relates to higher implementation of autonomy.
Conclusion: Nevertheless, the professionalism of Slovenian agencies is still an on-going process, particularly as regards the efficiency implementation gap. As for the future, a more consistent PAR incorporating cross-sectoral policy on agencies is required to pursue the development of a democratic and efficient PA.
The Prospects for Consumer-Oriented Social Media
Authors: Clarke Roger 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and Purpose: The term ‘social media’ refers to a cluster of applications and online services that support human interaction and content broadcasting and sharing. Current services are isolated islands or ‘walled gardens’, and are based on a business model that is highly exploitative of individuals and their data.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Surveys of the refereed literature have been undertaken on several occasions during the period 2012-13. Reviews were conducted of social media services that are reasonably described as ‘consumer-oriented’. Media reports on those services were uncovered. The available information was then subjected to analysis, including reflection based on prior research conducted by the author.
Results: Required characteristics of consumer-oriented social media, and barriers to emergence and adoption of such services were identified. That provided a basis for proposing means to overcome those barriers. Key impediments to the emergence of such services were identified, and means of overcoming the impediments outlined.
Conclusion: An alternative, consumer-oriented approach is feasible, involving open architecture, inter-operability and portability features, fair terms and privacy-sensitivity.
A synopsis of the genus Orchidotypus (Orchidaceae, Vandoideae) in Colombia, with description of a new species
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta , Mystkowska Katarzyna 
Published: January 2015

Abstract A synopsis of the genus Orchidotypus Kraenzl. in Colombia is presented. Morphological descriptions of all national representatives of the genus are provided, together with information about their habitat, ecology and general distribution, detailed illustrations of the studied plants, and an identification key for Colombian Orchidotypus species. A new species discovered during these studies is described and a new generic combination is proposed.
Second record of the rare species Phacus bętkowskii (Euglenophyceae)
Authors: Richter Dorota 
Published: January 2015

Abstract The paper presents new data on the occurrence of Phacus bętkowskii Stawiński (Euglenophyceae). The species was found in a small midfield pond in southwestern Poland. This is its second locality in the world. The paper includes detailed morphological and metric characteristics of Ph. bętkowskii along with characteristics of its environment, particularly water physicochemistry. Research on a greater number of samples enabled emendation of the species description. Original microphotographs and line drawings of Ph. bętkowskii are presented.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Caloplaca in Central European Russia
Authors: Muchnik Eugenia , Wilk Karina , Vondrák Jan , Frolov Ivan 
Published: January 2015

Abstract The paper provides data on 21 Caloplaca Th. Fr. species from central European Russia. Two species are new for Russia: C. atroflava (Turner) Mong. s.l. and C. soralifera Vondrák & Hrouzek. A further seven are new for European Russia [C. flavocitrina (Nyl.) H. Olivier, C. inconnexa (Nyl.) Zahlbr., C. marmorata (Bagl.) Jatta, C. oasis (A. Massal.) Szatala] or central European Russia [C. dichroa Arup, C. interfulgens (Nyl.) J. Steiner, C. monacensis (Leder.) Lettau]. Short taxonomic notes together with information on habitat and distribution are provided for the newly recorded species. An additional twelve Caloplaca species recognized in the area are also briefly presented.
Youth Volunteering in Sport: A Case Study of The Benefits of “The European Voluntary Service” for a Sport Organization
Authors: Esra Erturan-Ogut E. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The European Voluntary Service of the European Union is thought to play a key role in promoting and encouraging volunteering among young people. Integrating the social work of EVS volunteers into activities through sport organizations is believed to help develop the perception of volunteering as an element of social commitment. The aim of this study is to therefore examine a case of youth volunteering practice in an EVS project in Turkey within the context of the benefits of volunteering. Data was collected using various tools. These included semi-structured interviews, participant observation (non-structured), and document analyses. Content analyses were applied to the interview data. The study established that the EVS is a beneficial channel for youth volunteering and provides benefits for each of the parties: the volunteers, the organization, and the sport participants.
Effects of Marginalization on School Physical Education Programs: a Literature Review
Authors: Laureano Justin , Konukman Ferman , Gümüşdağ Hayrettin , Erdoğan Şamil , Yu Jong-Hoon , Çekin Resul 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the causes of marginalization in Physical Education (PE) and to examine how PE teachers can counter the effects of this marginalization. Therefore, a recent literature review was conducted for the purpose of investigating the effects of marginalization. Four studies addressed feelings of burnout among PE teachers, including isolation, lack of equipment, and lack of space. Three research articles addressed communication with parents to encourage their support of PE. These three articles examined the use of PE websites as a tool to stay in constant communication with parents. In addition, one research study looked at how PE assessments needed to be consistent with other content areas and aligned with state and national standards. Moreover, one research article addressed the causes of parents' misconceptions of their children's PE programs. The final research article was a case study that related to how one teacher was able to change the parents' misconceptions about the PE programs. Results from this literature review study indicated that PE programs are being marginalized, yet there are ways for PE teachers to combat this issue.
The Impact of Heavy Rainfall in the Hydrological Regime of Suha River Basin in 2006
Authors:   Tirnovan, Tirnovan Alina , Romanescu Gheorghe , Cojoc Gianina Maria 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Recent climate changes mentioned in the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC, 2013) report highlight the fact that in the past 50 years at the planetary level have occurred major changes in all climate components. In this regard the analysis of rainfall oscillations and of their impact on the hydric regime is particularly important, being witnessed in the surface and groundwater level variations. In the Suha River Basin, the year 2006 has been characterized by large rainfall quantities that have been generated, in particular, in June by persistent retrograde cyclonic activity (223 mm at Slătioara 3 hydrometric station, 269.1 mm at Gemenea 5 station, 271.6 mm at Valea lui Ion station and 351.8 mm at Stulpicani). On the main course of Suha, but especially on its tributaries (Gemenea and Slătioara) have been recorded very high flow rates (5% and 2% insurance) caused by the amounts of rainfall felt in a short time. To estimate the impact of rainfall on the Suha basin hydrological regime we used data collected by the Siret Basin Water Administration-Bacau, being analyzed the rainfall quantities, duration, intensity, tendency and effects.
Evaluation of Health Consequences of Air Pollution Induced by Beam Rolling Mills Factory (Iran)
Authors: Rafiei Masoud , Gadgil A.S. , Patil Hemlata , Jamir Tongdi 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The increases in air pollution over the metropolitan cities are a threat to human health and environment. An attempt has been made to evaluate the health consequences of indoor air pollution induced by Beam Rolling Mills Factory at Ahwaz (Iran). A questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on health of 481 workers, out of which 200 each were selected from exposed and non-exposed category by stratified randomized method. Fisher exact test and chi-square test were used to calculate the values. The study concludes that more than 80% of the workers have high exposure risk to diseases. Analysis of the health impacts reveals that exposed workers are more prone to various diseases as compared to the non-exposed workers. It is also observed that exposure to air pollutants might be the causative factor for various diseases among the smokers but also nonsmoking workers. The analysis also reveals that there is higher relative risk in occupational fatigue and cardio-vascular disease. Further, the study found that percentage of workers having various diseases is much higher in the indoor environment as compared to the outdoor environment
Analysis of the Dynamics of the Forest Surfaces in the County of Iaşi Between 1990 and 2012
Authors: Cojinovschi Alina Daniela , Rusu Eugen 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The main dynamics that shaped the evolution of the forest surfaces between 1990 and 2012, in the county of Iaşi, are related to the legislative context and to the territorial reforms that affected the district limits. Analyzing these mechanisms in a geographical context shows that these trends are also related to the spatial frame. This study emphasizes that moderate negative coefficients of spatial and territorial autocorrelation can also describe these trends, suggesting that these evolutions are rather chaotic at local scale. This aspect makes us suspect that the loss of forest surfaces in each district is not only dependent on the economic, social and legislative context of the transition period, it is also subject to geographical factors. Analyzing these factors is the main intention of our study because they can provide us a better understanding of the extremely complicated frame of forest dynamics in the study area