Search

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Orientation: Talent management has become a significant concept in human resource management because of the potential influence thereof on organisational performance in a competitive business environment. Research purpose: This study investigated the impact of contextual factors on talent management and organisational performance of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Gauteng manufacturing sector. Motivation for the study: There is a paucity of research on how organisational context influences the implementation of talent management and related organisational performance. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population included proprietors, general managers and human resource practitioners employed at manufacturing SMMEs in the Gauteng province. A self-designed survey was utilised to gather data from 395 participants. Statistical analysis included structural equation (direct effect) and mediation modelling (indirect effect). Main findings: Exogenous and endogenous contextual factors and specifically perceived importance of talent management and SMME size, statistically significantly predicted talent management and subsequently organisational performance. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact, perceived talent management importance, SMME size and enterprise age statistically significantly influenced talent management directly. Similarly, competition perception, COVID-19 and talent management importance impacted organisational performance. Practical/managerial implications: To promote strategic human resource management and significantly contribute to organisational performance, SMMEs in the manufacturing sector should comprehend the strategic role of talent management, as well as the influence of exogenous and endogenous contextual factors. Contribution/value-add: This study extends the corpus of knowledge regarding talent management and organisational performance in SMMEs, underscoring exogenous and endogenous contextual factors.

Farmers’ Wives’ Association are the most popular form of women’s self-organization in rural areas with a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. The aim of the presented research was to seek an answer to the question of what motives guide people joining Farmers’ Wives’ Associations and what factors influence their functioning. The concept of neo-endogenous development, based on the use of endogenous (local) resources to acquire exogenous (external) resources, is presented. Neo-endogenous mechanisms allow for better identification of development needs and targeted involvement of external resources in meeting them. The basis of these mechanisms is local social capital concentrated, for example, in the village housewives’ circles. A survey was conducted using a custom survey questionnaire, created on the ProfiTest platform. 52 Associations correctly completed the questionnaire. For today’s Farmers’ Wives’ Association, the most important activities are those aimed at the development of localities and the cultivation of local and regional culture. In the aspect of neo-endogenous development, it is important to emphasize the influence of both endogenous and exogenous (the possibility of raising funds) factors on the significant increase in the interest of local communities in this form of cooperation.

Simple Summary: In this overview of the literature, we explore the complex endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the success of ovine artificial insemination (AI). From genetic dynamics and age-related fertility variations to the complexities of cervical anatomy and semen quality, we explore the nuances impacting ovine AI. Additionally, we examine the ongoing debate between natural and hormonal synchronization, semen handling, and the profound effects of environmental stressors like heat and nutritional stress. Our findings suggest that a holistic approach, considering both endogenous and exogenous factors, is crucial for optimizing AI outcomes in sheep breeding programs. This overview of the literature serves as a valuable guide for researchers, veterinarians, and sheep breeders, offering practical insights to enhance the efficiency and success of ovine AI programs and contribute to improved reproductive outcomes and genetic progress. Artificial insemination (AI) plays a vital role in animal breeding programs. AI is applied to enhance animal genetics and facilitate the widespread integration of desirable characteristics with a high potential for productivity. However, in sheep, this biotechnology is not commonly practicable due to multi-factorial challenges, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and unpredictable results. Thoughtful selection of semen donors and recipients based on genetic merit deeply impacts ovine AI outcomes. Additionally, endogenous factors such as breed, age, fertility traits, genetic disorders, and cervical anatomy in ewes contribute to ovine AI success. Extensive research has studied exogenous influences on sexual behavior, reproductive health, and hormonal regulation, all impacting ovine AI success. These exogenous factors include techniques like estrus induction, synchronization, semen handling methods (fresh/chilled/frozen), and insemination methods (cervical/laparoscopic), as well as nutritional factors and climatic conditions. This overview of the literature highlights the endogenous and exogenous challenges facing successful ovine AI and proposes strategies and best practices for improvement. This paper will serve as a guide for understanding and optimizing the success of ovine AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Transformations in Business & Economics is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article justifies the necessity of researching the factors influencing the development of network retail trade. It is noted that the change in retail network work formats, turnover volumes, scalability and coverage of trade zones depends on a complex of factors, different in influence, nature, direction of action, intensity and time period. The author considered the approaches of scientists to the consideration of factors influencing the development of network retail trade. The systematization was carried out and the author's vision of the classification of influencing factors on the development of network retail trade was proposed. It is proposed to classify the factors affecting the development of network retail trade according to the following characteristics: 1. By environment: endogenous (organizational structure, management, personnel qualifications, financial capacity) and exogenous (economic, political, demographic, scientific and technical, social, market, urban planning, infrastructure). 2. By nature of influence: positive (positive action) and destructive (negative action). 3. By direction of influence: direct (direct influence on network retail) and indirect (indirect influence on network retail). 4. By duration of action: permanent and temporary. 5. By volume of impact: general (general impact on network retail), specific (factors determined by the specifics of the location of the trade object) and individual (individualized factors). 6. According to the degree of regulation of influence: regulated (controlled by managers) and unregulated (not controlled by managers). 7. By the degree of realization of influence: real (in real time) and potential (perspective). 8. By level of materialization: traditional (offline) and virtual (online). Economic, demographic, scientific-technical and social factors occupy an important place among external factors. The internal factors are suggested to include organizational structure, management, personnel qualifications, automated management system, financial capacity, location. It is noted that the factors of the internal and external environment can have both a positive and a negative impact on the development of network retail. It is substantiated that potential factors for the development of network retail are retail trade Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, logistics Industry 4.0 and logistics Industry 5.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide and impacts their families and communities. Approximately half of the cases of childless couples are due to problems with male fertility (male factor). In this review, a complex of factors that affect the quality of male fertility is presented. Particular attention is paid to the main factors in the organism representing endogenous factors and to the influence of the professional environment and lifestyle, which represent the exogenous factors. In regard to the exogenous factors, it is important to establish the effect of different environmental factors, such as air pollution, presence of various contaminants, such as chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals, radiation, etc. The exogenous factors also include lifestyle features such as intake of alcohol, smoking, drugs, hazards in the professional working environment, social and psychological aspects, etc. Moreover, with reference to the impact of harmful effects in the professional work environment, the negative factors could be the increased levels of the radiation fund, temperature fluctuations, dustiness, immobility and sitting in the same place for a long time, etc. Obesity and dietary disorders are also associated with the expression of the male factor. In conclusion, it is suggested that for the definition and implementation of adequate and correct treatment of the problems with male fertility, the whole complex of factors should be considered in order to achieve the best results in the procedures associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the energy and reproductive cycles of female and male Gymnodactylus geckoides in the Caatinga area of northeast Brazil. We investigated whether these proxies of body condition, such as reproductive cells maturation and cellular structures changed in response to variation in abiotic and biotic factors (i.e., humidity, temperature, seasonality, body temperature, growing rate and gonad volume), using individuals stored under scientific conditions collected between September 2018 and December 2021. The condition factor showed an isometric growth pattern in the population studied. Meanwhile, the lipid, hepatic, and gonad factors correlated with body growth and showed monthly and seasonal variations, as well as reproductive cell maturation and cellular structure morphology. The cycles displayed constant replacement of energy reserves and mature reproductive cells, indicating constant and acyclic reproduction in G. geckoides. Energy reserves appear to be used for many reproductive activities, including meeting, gestation, and egg laying that occur at different frequencies during different periods in the dry and rainy seasons. Therefore, the reproductive cycle is likely to be strongly controlled by biotic factors, which are modeled using abiotic factors and environmental conditions (environmental patterns which proportionate greater resource availability). Our study is the first to investigate energy cycles and reproductive strategies in G. geckoides. It has shown that this species stores greater amounts of energy during the rainy season and then depletes these reserves during the dry period, since the rainy season correspond to the increase in energy consumption, mainly because of gestation and egg laying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial insemination (AI) plays a vital role in animal breeding programs. AI is applied to enhance animal genetics and facilitate the widespread integration of desirable characteristics with a high potential for productivity. However, in sheep, this biotechnology is not commonly practicable due to multi-factorial challenges, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and unpredictable results. Thoughtful selection of semen donors and recipients based on genetic merit deeply impacts ovine AI outcomes. Additionally, endogenous factors such as breed, age, fertility traits, genetic disorders, and cervical anatomy in ewes contribute to ovine AI success. Extensive research has studied exogenous influences on sexual behavior, reproductive health, and hormonal regulation, all impacting ovine AI success. These exogenous factors include techniques like estrus induction, synchronization, semen handling methods (fresh/chilled/frozen), and insemination methods (cervical/laparoscopic), as well as nutritional factors and climatic conditions. This overview of the literature highlights the endogenous and exogenous challenges facing successful ovine AI and proposes strategies and best practices for improvement. This paper will serve as a guide for understanding and optimizing the success of ovine AI.

Copyright of Medicina (Buenos Aires) is the property of Medicina (Buenos Aires) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study attempt to explain effect of job satisfaction on employee retention, that can be defined as the ability of an organization to retain its employees, especially the most talented ones. In order to retain these employees organizations adopt various retention activities. Retention activities may be defined as sum of all those activities aimed at increasing organizational commitment of employees, giving them an overall ambitious and myriad of opportunities where they can grow by outperforming others. Retention is essential to sustain business operations and can very well prove as a competitive advantage for an organization in the long run. Faculty's dissatisfaction and fewer qualified recruits choosing a career in academia threaten the growth of higher education system. The research aims at analyzing various factors such as payment, promotion, supervision, fringe benefits, contingent rewards, operating conditions, coworkers, nature of work and communication that affect faculty job satisfaction and thus in turn their retention. The research paper works on building the cause and effect relationship of job satisfaction on job retention. This has been explained with the help of Structured equation Modeling. The research has been conducted in the private academic organizations such as the universities and colleges of Uttar Pradesh region as per the objective of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista UNISCI is the property of Unidad de Investigaciones Sobre Seguridad y Cooperacion International (UNISCI) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wound healing involves complex interactions among skin layers: the epidermis, which epithelializes to cover wounds; the dermis, which supports granulation tissue and collagen production; and the hypodermis, which protects overall skin structure. Key factors include neutrophils, activated by platelet degranulation and cytokines, and fibroblasts, which aid in collagen production during proliferation. The healing process encompasses inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, with angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and re-epithelialization crucial for wound closure. Angiogenesis is characterized by the creation of collateral veins, the proliferation of endothelial cells, and the recruitment of perivascular cells. Collagen is produced by fibroblasts in granulation tissue, aiding in the contraction of wounds. The immunological response is impacted by T cells and cytokines. External topical application of various formulations and dressings expedites healing and controls microbial contamination. Polymeric materials, both natural and synthetic, and advanced dressings enhance healing by providing biodegradability, biocompatibility, and infection control, thus addressing tissue regeneration challenges. Numerous dressings promote healing, including films, hydrocolloids, hydrogels, foams, alginates, and tissue-engineered substitutes. Wound dressings are treated with growth factors, particularly PDGF, and antibacterial drugs to prevent infection. The challenges of tissue regeneration and infection control are evolving along with the field of wound care. [Display omitted] • Wound healing involves multiple skin layers and cell types. • Initial inflammatory response plays a key role in pathophysiology of wound. • Polymeric materials, from both natural and synthetic offer advantages in wound healing. • Dressings such as films, hydrogels, foams, alginates, and tissue-engineered substitutes, promote healing. • Dressings treated with growth factors and antibacterial drugs prevent infection and enhance tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real challenge to many practitioners in the financial and investment sector is to accurately profile risk-averse investors to still be inclusive of these investors in the wealth creation process. This study aims to profile risk-averse investors through a structural equation model based on endogenous and exogenous factors. The final sample size consisted of 463 individual investors in the economic hub of South Africa, Gauteng province. These endogenous and exogenous factors may bring about increases or decreases in the risk tolerance levels of investors and accordingly, influence their decisions to initiate, amend or terminate financial behaviours. These factors significantly contributed towards explaining low-risk tolerance behaviour, which assisted with the successful development of a model to profile the risk tolerance behaviour of risk-averse investors. This risk profiling model makes a remarkable and unique contribution to the field of study and the financial industry, since it will assist financial practitioners to profile the risk tolerance behaviour of risk-averse investors more accurately, which will lead to the successful implementation of investment strategies.

Copyright of Religación: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades is the property of Religacion: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Business Law Journal / Administração de Empresas em Revista is the property of Administracao de Empresas em Revista and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The real challenge to many practitioners in the financial and investment sector is to accurately profile risk-averse investors to still be inclusive of these investors in the wealth creation process. This study aims to profile risk-averse investors through a structural equation model based on endogenous and exogenous factors. The final sample size consisted of 463 individual investors in the economic hub of South Africa, Gauteng province. These endogenous and exogenous factors may bring about increases or decreases in the risk tolerance levels of investors and accordingly, influence their decisions to initiate, amend or terminate financial behaviours. These factors significantly contributed towards explaining low-risk tolerance behaviour, which assisted with the successful development of a model to profile the risk tolerance behaviour of risk-averse investors. This risk profiling model makes a remarkable and unique contribution to the field of study and the financial industry, since it will assist financial practitioners to profile the risk tolerance behaviour of risk-averse investors more accurately, which will lead to the successful implementation of investment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the drivers of economic development of any macro-system. In the context of technological paradigm shift, successful operation of small and medium-sized enterprises largely depends on innovations. Therefore, it is advisable to examine innovative behaviour of these firms. The study aims to analyse the innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises of an industrial region, assess the funding of innovation activities, and identify factors that determine the innovation policy of small and medium-sized firms. Additionally, the paper suggests how state and municipal authorities can stimulate the innovative development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The initial data were the results of a survey of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises in a Russian industrial region, which was conducted from May to September 2019 in the Sverdlovsk region. I interviewed 157 small and medium-sized enterprise managers in the Sverdlovsk region from various sectors of economic activity. The applied methods include in-depth interviews with managers, the statistical analysis method, and the logical systematic approach. The conducted research allowed identifying the features of the innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized firms in the Sverdlovsk region. Based on the analysis of the reasons for the low innovation activity of small and medium-sized enterprises, I developed recommendations for its improvement in the Sverdlovsk region. To solve the problem of low innovation activity in an industrial region, it is necessary for state and municipal authorities to stimulate innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized firms. Managers of small and medium-sized enterprises can use the obtained results to increase their activity. State and municipal authorities can apply the findings to develop programmes stimulating innovative behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Subject and purpose of work: The article presents a quantitative change of endogenous factors affecting the development of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship in 2004-2017.

Populus spp. are among the most economically important species worldwide. These trees are used not only for wood and fiber production, but also in the rehabilitation of degraded lands. Since they are clonally propagated, the ability of stem cuttings to form adventitious roots is a critical point for plant establishment and survival in the field, and consequently for the forest industry. Adventitious rooting in different Populus clones has been an agronomic trait targeted in breeding programs for many years, and many factors have been identified that affect this quantitative trait. A huge variation in the rooting capacity has been observed among the species in the Populus genus, and the responses to some of the factors affecting this trait have been shown to be genotype-dependent. This review analyses similarities and differences between results obtained from studies examining the role of internal and external factors affecting rooting of Populus species cuttings. Since rooting is the most important requirement for stand establishment in clonally propagated species, understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms that promote this trait is essential for successful commercial deployment.

Populus spp. are among the most economically important species worldwide. These trees are used not only for wood and fiber production, but also in the rehabilitation of degraded lands. Since they are clonally propagated, the ability of stem cuttings to form adventitious roots is a critical point for plant establishment and survival in the field, and consequently for the forest industry. Adventitious rooting in different Populus clones has been an agronomic trait targeted in breeding programs for many years, and many factors have been identified that affect this quantitative trait. A huge variation in the rooting capacity has been observed among the species in the Populus genus, and the responses to some of the factors affecting this trait have been shown to be genotype-dependent. This review analyses similarities and differences between results obtained from studies examining the role of internal and external factors affecting rooting of Populus species cuttings. Since rooting is the most important requirement for stand establishment in clonally propagated species, understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms that promote this trait is essential for successful commercial deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the various endogenous factors that affect the likelihood of obtaining required capital (LORC) for online crowdfunding platform projects in Kickstarter and The Spark Project. These factors include amount of capital required, campaign length, currency, Facebook connectivity, month of launch, number of FAQs, number of images, number of reward levels, number of updates, number of videos, and product market category. Based on a dataset sample of 400 projects for Kickstarter (95% confidence level) and dataset of 63 projects for The Spark Project (100%) confidence, the researchers conducted linear discriminant analysis and binary logistic regression. The researchers also interviewed three respondents who have had firsthand experience with online crowdfunding. Based on a cross analysis, the results showed that in Kickstarter, the following variables are conclusively significant to LORC: amount of capital required, campaign length, number of images, and number of videos. On the other hand, only amount of capital required was conclusively significant in The Spark Project. In the Philippines, entrepreneurs face multiple challenges to receiving the funding they need from traditional methods. Because of this, many great ideas and profitable ventures fall short even before they could begin. This hampers the innovative environment of the country and makes it harder for the common enterprising Filipino to alleviate their economic challenges and attain their dreams. Given this, rewards-based online crowdfunding has a strong potential to uplift the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Philippines and to help struggling entrepreneurs by serving as an easy-to-access and viable alternative source of startup capital. Online crowdfunding is a recent phenomenon wherein entities (i.e., project creators) seek funding for their projects by appealing to large groups of people (i.e., potential backers) who provide smaller contributions in order to obtain larger capital within a given period of time. Due to its open and accessible nature, even the most marginalized members of society can benefit from this avenue. Multiple endogenous factors (i.e., features of the campaign) affect a crowdfunding project's likelihood of obtaining required capital (LORC). Based on various studies, the researchers decided to investigate the following variables: amount of capital required, campaign length, currency, Facebook connectivity, month of launch, number of FAQs, number of images, number of reward levels, number of updates, number of videos, and product market category. Using linear discriminant analysis, the researchers found that currency has a discriminating power towards global platforms, while number of FAQs and month of launch have a discriminating power towards local platforms. Likewise, using logistic regression, the researchers found that amount of capital required, number of FAQs, number of updates, and product market category are highly significant (a = 0.01) under global platforms (i.e. represented by Kickstarter). In local platforms (i.e., represented by The Spark Project), none of the variables were highly significant, but amount of capital required was very significant (a = 0.05). The study also considers the insights of three key stakeholders who had firsthand experience with online crowdfunding, particularly in Kickstarter and/or The Spark Project. All three respondents gave insights on each of the variables, identifying some with significant impact on LORC. For Kickstarter, all three agreed that amount of capital required, campaign length, number of images, and number of videos are significant. For The Spark Project, all three concurred that amount of capital required, Facebook connectivity, number of videos, and product market category have significant impact. They also identified three new variables: story, crowd, and product. With such insights, this study may help aspiring entrepreneurs in the Philippines launch projects successfully through online crowdfunding. The researchers developed a machine learning program based on the results of the statistical analysis of this study, which will be turned into an application that determines the likelihood of a project's success at obtaining LORC and its suitability in local or global platforms based on project features inputted by the user. This will be released as a product for entrepreneurs as a means of helping them plan their project campaigns for success should they set out to access online crowdfunding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in tree mortality due to severe drought can alter forest structure, composition, dynamics, ecosystem services, carbon fluxes, and energy interactions between the atmosphere and land surfaces. We utilized long-term (2000‒2017, 3 full inventory cycles) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to examine tree mortality and biomass loss in drought-affected forests for East Texas, USA. Plots that experienced six or more years of droughts during those censuses were selected based on 12-month moderate drought severity [Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI) -1.0]. Plots that experienced other disturbances and inconsistent records were excluded from the analysis. In total, 222 plots were retained from nearly 4000 plots. Generalized nonlinear mixed models (GNMMs) were used to examine the changes in tree mortality and recruitment rates for selected plots. The results showed that tree mortality rates and biomass loss to mortality increased overall, and across tree sizes, dominant genera, height classes, and ecoregions. An average mortality rate of 5.89% year−1 during the study period could be incited by water stress created by the regional prolonged and episodic drought events. The overall plot and species-group level recruitment rates decreased during the study period. Forest mortality showed mixed results regarding basal area and forest density using all plots together and when analyzed the plots by stand origin and ecoregion. Higher mortality rates of smaller trees were detected and were likely compounded by density-dependent factors. Comparative analysis of drought-induced tree mortality using hydro-meteorological data along with drought severity and length gradient is suggested to better understand the effects of drought on tree mortality and biomass loss around and beyond East Texas in the southeastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byssus production of Ruditapes philippinarum clams becomes reduced with growth. This tendency is well recognized but has not been analysed in detail. Additionally, it remains uninvestigated whether the lack of competence to produce byssus threads in the adult stage is caused by atrophy of the byssal glands or not. The objective of this study was to evaluate the byssus production ability of clams through the juvenile to adult stages and to examine the importance of two endogenous factors (i.e. shell size, somatic condition) in determining the byssus production probability (proportion of clams with byssus production in a population). This study also histologically confirmed the presence of byssal glands in juvenile to adult clams. For these purposes, field surveys to investigate the relationship among byssus production, shell size and somatic condition of clams collected from four intertidal sites and a histological study for byssal glands of the clams was conducted. This study revealed that byssus production probability decreases with increasing shell size and declining somatic condition and that the lack of byssus production is not caused by the loss of the byssal glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hematological studies of fishes are useful in the diagnosis of many diseases as well as investigation of the extent of damage to the blood. These parameters act as efficient and insightful index to examine health status, physiological and pathological changes occurring in various fishes, i.e., metabolic perturbations in fish body thereby acting as non-specific biomarkers in the field of environmental toxicology, deficiencies and chronic stress in natural as well as aquaculture systems and checking water quality. The assessments of these blood parameters help the biologists to understand the fish homeostasis and biomonitoring of severe and chronic patho-physiological changes inferable to nutrition, water quality, or disease so as to establish the normal reference values of different species and determine systematic relationships among them. Lot of work on various aspects of hematological parameters and their relation with ecological factors has been reported on several fish species from different parts of the world. Each study attributes one or other factors responsible for variation in hematological parameters among different fish species. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to compile the information about the hematological studies of various fish species reported from different parts of the world, and through this study, a general overview has been generated about the major factors responsible for the variation in hematological parameters of fish. The review provides an insight to the characteristics of hematological values showing that fluctuating internal environment of the fish, along with other intrinsic (age, body size, the cycle of sexual maturity, health condition, nutritional state, species) and extrinsic factors (temperature, stress, season, dissolved oxygen, water quality, lotic or lentic environment, stocking density, photoperiod, sampling conditions, laboratory techniques), are the reasons of huge variability of hematological parameters in fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis improves microfracture (MF), but the lack of functional cells and factors inhibit a curative effect. Here, inspired by the healing process of wounds, we prepared a polysaccharide hybrid scaffold (HDCP) to immobilize endogenous growth factors (eGFs), which were derived from platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Compared with the absence of PRP, the hybrid cross-linking network endowed this scaffold with a denser pore structure, enhanced mechanical properties, and slower protein mass transfer rate, thus ensuring the long-term sustainable release of eGFs. In vitro studies confirmed that HDCP promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell recruitment, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation. In vivo implantation indicated that HDCP regenerated a smooth articular cartilage surface with a regular fibrous matrix arrangement structure, and the mechanical strength of the regenerated cartilage considerably improved. The obvious MF enhancement implied that PRP and polysaccharide scaffold hybridization could be used as an implantable matrix for cartilage repair. The polysaccharide hybrid scaffolds (HDCP) encapsulated with endogenous GFs prepared by collagen activation of PRP and HADN-mediated hybrid cross-linking mechanism displayed the abilities to realize long term sustainable release of endogenous GFs, good biocompatibility, abilities to enhance BMSCs enrichment and migration in vitro and in vivo and enhance the efficacy of MF, which might be a potential implantable matrix for MF enhancement. [Display omitted] • The HADN-medicated PRP realized sustainable release of endogenous growth factors. • The HDCP facilitated proliferation, migration and GAG secretion of BMSCs in vitro. • The HDCP enhanced functional cells enrichment and matrix formation in vivo. • The HDCP promoted the mechanical strength of the regenerated cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are synthesized and released from damaged plants, playing a critical role in the interactions among plants, herbivorous pests, and their natural enemies. Recent research has focused on the regularity in the synthesis and release patterns of certain HIPVs, which are consistent with the behaviors of herbivores or their natural enemies. However, their instability has prevented the widespread use of HIPVs for crop protection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the regular patterns of HIPVs synthesis and release, including the associated regulatory mechanisms and influence of endogenous/environmental factors. We also describe the potential utility of HIPVs for enhancing agricultural production. The information provided herein will help researchers better understand the functions and ecological significance of HIPVs, which may lead to the development of viable methods for monitoring and detecting agricultural pests and diseases, with implications for pest and disease control. • There is a circadian rhythm in the release of some HIPVs. • The release pattern of HIPVs is consistent with their biological function. • HIPVs synthesis and release are regulated by endogenous and environmental factors. • HIPVs are potential plant-derived anti-insect compounds for protecting crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: Tax compliance costs are regressive in nature and impose a heavy burden on performance and sustainability of small businesses. Research purpose: The aim of this article was to identify endogenous factors that drive tax compliance costs of small businesses in the construction industry of South Africa. Motivation for the study: Small businesses in the construction industry face many challenges that result in low-profit margins, poor performance and eventually failure. Tax compliance costs are one of the factors behind poor performance and failure, as often cited by small businesses, and as such warranted an investigation into the factors that drive the costs. Research design, approach and method: Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that were emailed to contractors in classes 3 and 4 of the Construction Industry Development Board’s register. A total of 83 usable questionnaires were returned and analysed using the structural equation modelling function of STATA data analysis and statistical software. Main findings: Statistical tests performed revealed that business size, age, method of settling tax obligations and qualifications of the tax preparer drive tax compliance costs of small businesses in the construction industry. Practical/managerial implications: Empowerment of employees and owners engaged in tax tasks, through formal education and tailor-made training, reduces the tax compliance burden and improves the performance of small construction businesses. Contribution/value-add: The results of the study could assist business owners and managers in the construction industry in identifying efficient tax approaches that could minimise the tax compliance costs burden. They also assist with better planning by government departments in terms of the kind of tax support required by small businesses in the construction industry.

The main goal of the paper is to provide insights into the family succession processes in terms of the first inter-generational renewal that has been re-started in the Czech agricultural sector. We want to understand how major transformation processes (i.e., collectivisation, restitution, the post-socialist economic transformation and EU membership) constituted social structures that framed inter-generational change on Czech farms. Such a framework includes the "farm succession gap" that has resulted from the long-term societal changes and that is still reflected in the ongoing succession processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic contents were determined in S. kali leaves, stems, and roots at the beginning, the mid and the end of the vegetative period, as well as the floral bud and open flower at the reproductive stage. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also assessed. Moreover, the major metabolites were identified by HPLC. Results showed a maximum of total phenol contents in the photosynthetic organs, followed by stems and roots. A similar tendency was found for the flavonoids and condensed tannins. Concerning antioxidant analysis, antiradical and Fe-reduced activities were higher in leaves and stems whereas Fe-chelating activity was higher in leaves and roots. Independently of the plant organ, total phenol and flavonoid contents were maximal at the end of the vegetative period whereas tannin content was maximal at the reproductive one. Phenolic contents were related to the organ, the development stage, and their interaction. Concerning the antimicrobial activity, stem extracts were the most efficient against human pathogen strains (Bacteria: Staphylococcus epidermidis , Staphylococcus aureus , Micrococcus luteus , Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fungi: Candida kefyr, C. holmii, C. albicans, C. sake and C. glabrata). Moreover, nine natural products were identified in leaf and stem extracts of S. kali known for their biological activities. As a whole, biological activities of S. kali seem to be strongly related to organs and to the development stage. The phytochemical tests by HPLC demonstrated the presence of nine compounds among them two alkaloids: salsoline and fraxidin. Some molecules are presented in both organs (salsoline, resorcinol, luteolin 7-o-glucoside; and hyperoside). Therefore, endogenous factors greatly account for the biological potential of this medicinal halophyte. • Total polyphenols, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents vary by organ and growth • Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are related to endogenous factors • Nine compounds among them two alkaloids were identified by HPLC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of endogenous development plays a fundamental role in the progress of rural communities since it is subscribed as an option to energize marginalized populations through local initiatives that involve a change in the productive activities that, on many occasions, manage to integrate the tertiary or service sector. Due to the expectations that tourism activity directly generates, especially in rural communities with distinctive identity features, such activity means the exploitation of their cultural and natural heritage as a means to diversify their economy, create new jobs, and, therefore, a significant development opportunity. This work aims to elaborate a review of the specialized literature based on the Web of Science database regarding the local development endogenous concept and to identify how this concept integrates the tourist activity in its approach. Twenty-six articles were identified that include this concept, and only three of them add tourism directly. The main conclusion is that researchers admit the existence of a partnership between local endogenous development and tourism, mainly community-based tourism, by integrating this activity as a strategy for innovation and productive diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economic & Regional Studies/Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Highlights • Tree mortality in relation to site, competition and climate factors was explored. • BMA and stepwise procedure were compared for selecting predictors and model performance. • The best model acquired by stepwise regression was not in the BMA models in most cases. • BMA had a narrower credible interval, and a higher precision of parameter estimation. • The mortality increased with high competition and decreased with increasing temperature. Abstract Relationships between tree mortality and endogenous factors and climate factors have emerged as important concerns, and logistic stepwise regression is widely used for modeling the relationships. However, this method subsequently ignores both the variables not selected because of insignificance, and the model uncertainty due to the variable selection process. Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) selects all possible models and uses the posterior probabilities of these models to perform all inferences and predictions. In this study, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) and logistic stepwise regression were used to analyze tree mortality in relation to competition, site index, and climatic factors in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) plantations established at five initial planting densities (A: 1667, B: 3333, C: 5000, D: 6667, and E: 10,000 trees/ha). Results showed that the posterior probability of the best model acquired by stepwise regression was less than that of the best model (highest posterior probability) acquired by BMA for pooling the data and density level D. Especially in the other planting densities, the model selected by stepwise regression was not in the BMA models. It indicates that the BMA method performed better than logistic stepwise regression, because BMA gave accurate posterior probability by taking into account the uncertainty of the model. In addition, the mortality increased with high competition and decreased with increasing temperature. The research has important implications for managing Chinese fir plantations under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to point out the importance of human resources, especially creative ones, for the competitive development of the territory. In a globalizing world at the beginning of the 21st century, competitiveness is an indispensable precondition for sustainable land development. Within the framework of competitiveness, the soft and hard factors of the development of the territory are decisive, with a key role played by human resources with innate skills, creativity and talent. Human resources are characterized by flexibility and high migration rates. On the other hand, there are areas for sustainable development that are essential to attract and stabilize high-quality human resources. In this paperwork we present the lessons learned from the study of domestic and foreign scientific resources, own research and empiricism. Primary research collected unique data from Slovakia. On this basis, we identified human resource quality indicators and through quantitative research, we compared territorial disparities of selected indicators to help validate existing theories where creativity and talent are a significant endogenous source of competitive advantage for the territory. At the end of the paperwork, we identified the hard and soft factors that regions should prefer in strategic documents for competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves are commonly used in the treatment of diseases. They are considered a waste product resulting from guava cultivation. The leaves are very rich in essential oils (EOs) and volatiles. This work represents the detailed comparative chemical profiles of EOs derived from the leaves of six guava varieties cultivated in Egypt, including Red Malaysian (RM), El-Qanater (EQ), White Indian (WI), Early (E), El-Sabahya El-Gedida (ESEG), and Red Indian (RI), cultivated on the same farm in Egypt. The EOs from the leaves of guava varieties were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed with GC-MS. The EOs were categorized in a holistic manner using chemometric tools. The hydro-distillation of the samples yielded 0.11–0.48% of the EO (v/w). The GC-MS analysis of the extracted EOs showed the presence of 38 identified compounds from the six varieties. The sesquiterpene compounds were recorded as main compounds of E, EQ, ESEG, RI, and WI varieties, while the RM variety attained the highest content of monoterpenes (56.87%). The sesquiterpenes, β-caryophyllene (11.21–43.20%), and globulol (76.17–26.42%) were detected as the major compounds of all studied guava varieties, while trans-nerolidol (0.53–10.14) was reported as a plentiful compound in all of the varieties except for the RM variety. A high concentration of D-limonene was detected in the EOs of the RM (33.96%), WI (27.04%), and ESEG (9.10%) varieties. These major compounds were consistent with those reported for other genotypes from different countries. Overall, the EOs’ composition and the chemometric analysis revealed substantial variations among the studied varieties that might be ascribed to genetic variability, considering the stability of the cultivation and climate conditions. Therefore, this chemical polymorphism of the studied varieties supports that these varieties could be considered as genotypes of P. guajava. It is worth mentioning here that the EOs, derived from leaves considered to be agricultural waste, of the studied varieties showed that they are rich in biologically active compounds, particularly β-caryophyllene, trans-nerolidol, globulol, and D-limonene. These could be considered as added value for pharmacological and industrial applications. Further study is recommended to confirm the chemical variations of the studied varieties at a molecular level, as well as their possible medicinal and industrial uses.

The theory of elementary soil-forming processes (ESP) proposed by Academician I.P. Gerasimov is discussed both in its initial version, and in its advanced perception in the beginning of XXI century. The progress and success of this theory is highlighted. The implementation of this theory is shown with real examples in various natural environments: tundra, taiga, steppe, deserts and highlands. Disputable aspects in interpreting the elementary soil-forming processes are outlined; they concern the following processes: salinization, solodization, podzolization, lessivage and some other processes. Emphasis is put on the participation of abiotic endogenous agents in the development of elementary soil-forming processes, namely, the hydrothermal metamorphism, and periglacial lithogenesis. Examples are adduced for the ESP that were revealed by the author during his research in High Arctics, Siberia, Mongolia, Chile. Proposals for the further progress of the ESP theory are outlined.

Copyright of Economic Annals-XXI / Ekonomìčnij Časopis-XXI is the property of Institute of Society Transformation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)