bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slit2 Modulates the Inflammatory Phenotype of Orbit-Infiltrating Fibrocytes in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Fernando Roshini , Grisolia Ana Beatriz Diniz , Lu Yan , Atkins Stephen , Smith Terry J.
Published: May 2018

Human CD34+ fibrocytes, circulating monocyte lineage progenitor cells, have recently been implicated in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), the ocular manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD). Fibrocytes express constitutive MHC class II (MHC-2) and, surprisingly, thyroglobulin (Tg) and functional thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSHR). Underlying expression of these thyroid proteins is the autoimmune regulator protein (AIRE). Fibrocytes respond robustly to TSH and thyroid-stimulating Igs by generating extremely high levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6. In TAO, they appear to infiltrate the orbit, where they transition to CD34+ orbital fibroblasts (OF). There, they coexist with CD34− OF as a mixed fibroblast population (GD-OF). In contrast to fibrocytes, GD-OF express vanishingly low levels of MHC-2, Tg, TSHR, and AIRE. Further, the amplitude of IL-6 induction by TSH in GD-OF is substantially lower. The molecular basis for this divergence between fibrocytes and CD34+ OF remains uncertain. In this article, we report that Slit2, an axon guidance glycoprotein, is constitutively expressed by the CD34− OF subset of GD-OF. Culture conditioned medium (CM) generated by incubating with GD-OF and CD34− OF substantially reduces levels of MHC-2, Tg, TSHR, and AIRE in fibrocytes. Expression can be restored by specifically depleting CM of Slit2. The effects of CD34− OF CM are mimicked by recombinant human Slit2. TSH induces Slit2 levels in GD-OF by enhancing both Slit2 gene transcription and mRNA stability. These findings suggest that Slit2 represents a TSH-inducible factor within the TAO orbit that can modulate the inflammatory phenotype of CD34+ OF and therefore may determine the activity and severity of the disease.
Labor in Chains: The Shackling of Pregnant Inmates
Authors: King Lauryn
Published: May 2018

In the United States, incarcerated pregnant women are often shackled by correctional officers. Despite being prohibited during labor and delivery at the federal level, and in 22 states and the District of Columbia, perinatal shackling remains standard operating procedure in most correctional facilities. A number of factors contribute to the continuation of this practice even in jurisdictions where it is illegal, including poor implementation of laws banning shackling, lack of training for individual correctional officers, and perpetration of stereotypes about what makes a “good” or “bad” mother. This article reviews the history of the practice of shackling pregnant inmates, assesses the current state of affairs of this practice, examines the arguments for and against perinatal shackling, and analyzes the presumptions that allow it to continue. It then explores several alternatives to shackling along with prospects for change.
The G.I. Bill: A Case Study in Behavioral Economics
Authors: (Swanson) Goff Amanda
Published: May 2018

In pursuit of public welfare, the federal government supports a range of programs designed to encourage desirable behavior. Though for centuries lawmakers have strived to account for irrational actors and ultimately produce effective policy, behavioral economics has only entered the discussion recently as a means to accomplish these ends. The G.I. Bill provides a unique opportunity to examine behavioral economic principles as they relate to a long-standing, well-developed program. Introduced in 1944, the G.I. Bill provides tuition assistance and other educational benefits to support US military veterans pursuing a postsecondary credential. Benefit usage rates remain high and relatively stable in the decades since the legislation’s enactment, suggesting that educational incentives may serve as powerful motivators for veterans continuing their education. However, low college completion rates amongst veterans that choose to use G.I. Bill benefits limit the program’s true effectiveness. This case illustrates both the benefits and the limitations of applying behavioral economics concepts in policy design, particularly as demands on the G.I. Bill program continue to evolve.
Is Drug Testing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Applicants a Good Use of Government Funds?
Authors: Gebriel Tinsae
Published: May 2018

In March of 2017, the Arkansas State Senate voted to make permanent its two-year pilot program to screen all eligible Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants for drugs and test individuals suspected of using drugs. Proponents of the new law argue that it will deter drug use and save the state money through withheld benefits of otherwise qualified new applicants and those up for renewal that test positive and do not enter a treatment program. This paper examines the marginal cost and marginal benefit of drug testing TANF recipients to determine if it is financially valuable for the state of Arkansas.
Commander Zeita Merchant, PhD
Authors: Editors Policy Perspectives
Published: May 2018

Commander Zeita Merchant, PhD, is currently the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago and has served on active duty in the Coast Guard for more than 20 years. She was previously Special Assistant to the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, and has also held the positions of Executive Officer of Marine Safety Unit Texas City, Supervisor, Port of Miami Field Office, and Chief of Port Operations at US Coast Guard Sector Miami. From 2010 to 2012, Commander Merchant served as a Congressional Fellow in the US House of Representatives. She graduated with honors from Tougaloo College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and received her Master of Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School in 2003, her Master of Public Administration from the Trachtenberg School in 2010, and her Doctorate in Business Administration from the National Graduate School in 2011. Commander Merchant has been honored with many professional, academic, and community service awards throughout her career, including no less than eleven medals for her service in the Coast Guard, and is a recognized authority in the field of Marine Safety, Emergency, and Environmental Management.
Nancy Potok, PhD
Authors: Editors Policy Perspectives
Published: May 2018

Nancy Potok, PhD, is currently the Chief Statistician of the United States and the Chief of Statistical and Science Policy at the US Office of Management and Budget. She previously served as the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the US Census Bureau from 2012 to 2017. Her career spans more than 30 years of leadership in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Dr. Potok has also been an adjunct professor at the Trachtenberg School since 2011. She received her BA from Sonoma State University, her MPA from the University of Alabama, and her PhD in public policy and administration from the Trachtenberg School.
Susie Saavedra
Authors: Editors Policy Perspectives
Published: May 2018

Susie Saavedra was recently promoted to Vice President for Policy and Legislative Affairs at the National Urban League Washington Bureau. Prior to this role, she served as Senior Director for the same department. Specifically, Ms. Saavedra is the League’s chief education and health policy officer, a responsibility she has held since 2013. She offers over 15 years of federal legislative, policy, and political experience along with a passion for advancing social and economic justice. Before joining the National Urban League, Ms. Saavedra spent a decade working in both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate for four Members of Congress, as a Legislative Aide to former Senator Hillary Clinton, and as a Legislative Director for Representatives Karen Bass, Al Green and Joe Baca. She also promoted diversity in the halls of Congress as former President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) and has advocated for expanding opportunities for Hispanics in higher education as a governing board member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Ms. Saavedra is also the Vice President of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association which is dedicated to building diversity in the government relations profession. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver.
Drug-free antibacterial polymers for biomedical applications
Authors: Idrees Ayesha , Varela Patrícia , Ruini Francesca , Vasquez Jeddah Marie , Salber Jochen , Greiser Udo , Wang Wenxin , McMahon Sean , Sartori Susanna , Ciardelli Gianluca , Chiono Valeria
Published: May 2018

Microbial colonization on biomaterials is the main cause of failure of a successful implantation. In fact, local infections can eventually evolve in severe sepsis that might finally end up in a multi-organ failure and death of the patient.  Besides, infection has become one of the toughest problems in the medical world, as microorganisms become more resistant to known drugs. Scientific research has been focussing on exploring new strategies to combat this life-threatening problem. In this review, information was collected about currently used polymeric biomaterials in the medical field and the main bacterial infections associated with their implantation. Furthermore, drug-free strategies to overcome this complication are explored, and the existing methodology required for assessment of the antibacterial activity is also described.
Post-transcriptional regulation of microRNAs in cancer: From prediction to validation
Authors: Ankasha Sheril June , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Wahab Norhazlina Abdul , Ali Raja Affendi Raja , Mokhtar Norfilza Mohd
Published: May 2018

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA with an established function to regulate genes at the post-transcriptional level leading to suppression or degradation of its messenger RNA expression (mRNA). Its dysregulation plays a vital role in a variety of biological and pathological processes including cancer. A lot of algorithms have been established to predict the target sites of miRNA, but experimentally identifying and validating its target region is still lacking. Guidance in experimental procedures is really needed to find genuine miRNA targets. Therefore, in this review, we provide an outline on the workflow in predicting and validating the targeted sites of miRNA using several methods as a guideline for the scientists. The final outcome of this type of experiment is essential to explore the major impact of miRNAmRNA interaction involved in the biological processes and to assist miRNA-based drug development in the future.
Visual-Motor Control of Drop Landing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Grooms Dustin R. , Chaudhari Ajit , Page Stephen J. , Nichols-Larsen Deborah S. , Onate James A.
Published: May 2018

Context: 

Visual feedback is crucial in the control of human movement. When vision is obstructed, alterations in landing neuromuscular control may increase movements that place individuals at risk for injury. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may further alter the motor-control response to alterations in visual feedback. The development of stroboscopic glasses that disrupt visual feedback without fully obscuring it has enabled researchers to assess visual-motor control during movements that simulate the dynamic demands of athletic activity.

Objective: 

To investigate the effect of stroboscopic visual-feedback disruption (SVFD) on drop vertical-jump landing mechanics and to determine whether injury history influenced the effect.

Design: 

Cohort study.

Setting: 

Movement-analysis laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 15 participants with ACL reconstruction (ACLR; 7 men, 8 women; age = 21.41 ± 2.60 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.09 m, mass = 69.24 ± 15.24 kg, Tegner Activity Scale score = 7.30 ± 1.30, time since surgery = 36.18 ± 26.50 months, hamstrings grafts = 13, patellar tendon grafts = 2) and 15 matched healthy control participants (7 men, 8 women; age = 23.15 ± 3.48 years, height = 1.73 ± 0.09 m, mass = 69.98 ± 14.83 kg, Tegner Activity Scale score = 6.77 ± 1.48).

Intervention(s): 

Drop vertical-jump landings under normal and SVFD conditions.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

The SVFD effect for knee sagittal- and frontal-plane excursions, peak moments, and vertical ground reaction force were calculated during landing and compared with previously established measurement error and between groups.

Results: 

The SVFD altered knee sagittal-plane excursion (4.04° ± 2.20°, P = .048) and frontal-plane excursion (1.98° ± 1.53°, P = .001) during landing above within-session measurement error. Joint-moment difference scores from full vision to the SVFD condition were not greater than within-session error. We observed an effect of ACLR history only for knee flexion (ACLR group = 3.12° ± 3.76°, control group = −0.84° ± 4.45°; P = .001). We did not observe an effect of side or sex.

Conclusions: 

The SVFD altered sagittal- and frontal-plane landing knee kinematics but did not alter moments. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may induce alterations in sagittal-plane visual-motor control of the knee. The group SVFD effect was on a level similar to that of an in-flight perturbation, motor-learning intervention, or plyometric-training program, indicating that visual-motor ability may contribute to knee neuromuscular control on a clinically important level. The individual effects of the SVFD indicated possible unique sensorimotor versus visual-motor movement strategies during landing.
Determinants of out-of-pocket health expenditure and their welfare implications in a South African context
Authors: Babikir Ali , Satty Ali , Mwambi Henry
Published: May 2018

This study aims to quantify the extent of catastrophic household health expenditures on welfare and determine factors influencing it. A logistic regression model based on the logit link function was used to predict the probability of catastrophic health expenditure occurrence. A comparison between 2008 and 2012 health status of adults shows that there was a sizable improvement of the health status of individuals. The high level of catastrophic health expenditure may be associated with the low share of prepayment in national health expenditure, adequate availability of services and a high level of poverty which for South Africa is 46.2% according to the Statistics South Africa report (2015). Major factors determining the catastrophic expenditure besides poverty were spending on hospitalisation and medical supplies. Thus, reducing catastrophic expenditures requires an increase in financial protection offered to the poor through expanding government-financed benefits for the poor such as implementation of the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme, which will cover all poor households.
The science against sugar, alone, is insufficient in tackling the obesity and type 2 diabetes crises – We must also overcome opposition from vested interests
Authors: Malhotra Aseem , Schofield Grant , Lustig Robert H.
Published: May 2018

No abstract available.
Total rewards and its effects on organisational commitment in higher education institutions
Authors: Mabaso Calvin M. , Dlamini Bongani I.
Published: May 2018

Orientation: Retaining staff with special endeavours within higher education institutions has become a top priority and crucial for any organisational productivity and competiveness. Attracting and retaining talent has remained a critical and complex issue for human capital management in organisations.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of total rewards on organisational commitment measured by Total Rewards Scale and Organisational Commitment Questionnaire.Motivation for the study: There is paucity in research on the impact of total rewards on organisational commitment. Commitment of academic staff is significant as higher education institutions are influential in the development of a country.Research design, approach and method: This study employed the quantitative research method using a survey design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect survey data. A sample of 279 academic staff, which was the total population of participants, was selected for this study.Main findings: Results show a positive and significant correlation between elements of total rewards (performance management, 0.387; recognition, 0.335; talent development and career opportunities, 0.328; compensation, 0.231; benefits, 0.213; work–life balance, 0.024) and organisational commitment. A variance of 52.3% of total rewards explained organisational commitment. Performance management, compensation, benefits, recognition, talent development and career opportunities significantly predicted organisational commitment. However, work–life balance indicated a negative effect on organisational commitment.Practical managerial implications: Findings of the study has implications to managers because they have to encourage and promote total rewards in order to enforce talent retention within higher education institutions for the benefit of both institutions and employees.Contribution: The results are important to managers with great interest in talent retention and can be used as guideline to develop rewards strategy.
Word order in German child language and child-directed speech: A corpus analysis on the ordering of double objects in the German middlefield
Authors: Sauermann Antje , Höhle Barbara
Published: May 2018

We report two corpus analyses to examine the impact of animacy, definiteness, givenness and type of referring expression on the ordering of double objects in the spontaneous speech of German-speaking two- to four-year-old children and the child-directed speech of their mothers. The first corpus analysis revealed that definiteness, givenness and type of referring expression influenced word order variation in child language and child-directed speech when the type of referring expression distinguished between pronouns and lexical noun phrases. These results correspond to previous child language studies in English (e.g., de Marneffe et al. 2012). Extending the scope of previous studies, our second corpus analysis examined the role of different pronoun types on word order. It revealed that word order in child language and child-directed speech was predictable from the types of pronouns used. Different types of pronouns were associated with different sentence positions but also showed a strong correlation to givenness and definiteness. Yet, the distinction between pronoun types diminished the effects of givenness so that givenness had an independent impact on word order only in child-directed speech but not in child language. Our results support a multi-factorial approach to word order in German. Moreover, they underline the strong impact of the type of referring expression on word order and suggest that it plays a crucial role in the acquisition of the factors influencing word order variation.
Adaptabilidad y potencial agronómico de 12 cultivares de tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) en condiciones de casa malla, Managua, Nicaragua
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Jorge , Marín Fernández Vidal , Herrera Fuentes Evert Francisco
Published: May 2018

El uso de casas malla en la producción de tomate permite un aumento en los rendimientos y la calidad del fruto. El objetivo de este estudio fue generar información sobre el comportamiento agronómico de 12 cultivares de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) producidos en condiciones de casa malla, trabajo realizado en el Centro de Experimentación y Validación de Tecnología (CEVT) Las Mercedes, en la Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA) en Managua, Nicaragua. Se utilizó un diseño experimental en Látice rectangular de 3x4 (tres réplicas y cuatro surcos) repetidos en dos bloques. Los datos se analizaron a través de un análisis de varianza y diferencia mínima significativa. Se registró la información de diez variables basadas en el comportamiento agronómico, siete cuantitativas (número de frutos, peso de fruto, rendimiento, número de lóculos, diámetro polar y ecuatorial, grados brix) y tres cualitativa (color e intensidad del fruto maduro y forma del fruto). Los resultados indican que los genotipos mostraron un comportamiento similar respecto a las variables: diámetro ecuatorial, diámetro polar, grados brix y número de lóculos. Los cultivares Shanty, CLN3125L, AVTO1032 y AVTO1059 registraron los mayores rendimientos. En base al análisis de comportamiento agronómico los genotipos promisorios más destacados para continuar con evaluaciones más exigente en condiciones de casa malla son: CLN3125L, AVTO1032, AVTO1059, AVTO1058, AVTO1078, AVTO1005, AVTO1008 y 1x10.
Diversidad y taxonomía de roedores de Nicaragua
Authors: Monge Javier
Published: May 2018

Los roedores constituyen el grupo más diverso de los mamíferos a nivel mundial. Se dispone de suficiente información de muchas de las especies de este grupo, sin embargo, a nivel local puede carecerse de información mínima de algunas especies. En el caso de Nicaragua, se dispone de relativamente poca información documentada o de fácil acceso sobre el tema. Por medio de una revisión bibliográfica de referencias mundiales y regionales se elaboró una lista de especies de roedores presentes en Nicaragua. De cada una de las especies de roedores presentes en Nicaragua se recabó información básica, para su reconocimiento, así como su relación con las personas. En Nicaragua actualmente se reportan 39 especies de roedores, que incluyen ratas y ratones, ardillas, taltuza, puercoespín, guatusa y tepezcuintle, de las cuales dos especies son endémicas para Nicaragua. Se considera que la información incluida en este documento ofrece un panorama general acerca de la taxonomía y diversidad de este grupo en Nicaragua. A su vez, se espera que en la medida que los profesionales y técnicos relacionados con este grupo taxonómico dispongan de más información, se propicie el desarrollo de estudios locales que amplíen el grado de conocimiento de este grupo. La disponibilidad de información básica local es fundamental para la toma de decisiones de manejo, ya sea para fines de control de algunas especies o de protección de otras.
Opciones alimenticias para mitigar problemas de inseguridad alimentaria y nutricional en familias pobres de las comunidades Santa Cruz, Tisma Grande y La Montañita N° 2, Tisma, Masaya 2015
Authors: Pérez Gloria , Medina Eduard , Balmaceda Luis , Guzmán Fidel
Published: May 2018

Este estudio valora el estado nutricional en el que se encuentran las familias que formaron parte de la investigación en las tres comunidades partiendo del análisis de los patrones de consumo que ellas tienen y se valora también el aporte nutricional que las plantas locales (nativas) pueden contribuir a estos patrones alimentarios. En esta investigación del tipo cualitativa se aplicaron instrumentos de recolección de información entre ellos: Entrevistas, recorridos de fincas y estudios de casos con los pequeños productores de las tres comunidades. Los resultados reflejaron que en 9 patrones de consumo de las familias en estudio poseen suficiencia en cuanto al acceso a alimentos nutritivos superando el 110%. El índice de diversidad de la dieta en cuanto a suficiencia en la semana alcanzaron un rango entre el 0.89 en Tisma Grande el cual es deficiente, en Santa Cruz es 0.92 el cual es aceptable y La Montañita No 2 es adecuada suficiencia alimentaria con él 1.08. En el aspecto de la diversidad de la dieta que se refiere a los distintos tipos de alimentos que son consumidos por las familias en la semana los resultados fueron rangos promedios entre 9.3 al 9.7 significando la existencia de una diversidad de dieta aceptable. Para el segundo estudio de casos el cual era conocer información sobre los tipos de plantas nativas y las formas de consumo con el propósito de rescatar y utilizar en sus hábitos de consumo diario determinado así las siguientes plantas: Espinaca (Spinacia oleracea), Quelite (Amaranthus hybridus), Espadillo (Yucca elephantipes), Verdolaga (Portulaca oleracea), Mora (Morus nigra), Cojombro (Sicana odorífera), Batata (Ipomoea batatas), Piñuela (Bromelia baratas), panamá (Sterculia apetala, Tempisque (Sideroxylon capiri), Caimito (Chrysophyllum cainito) entre otras. Definitivamente podemos definir que las familias consumen alimentos con mayor aporte calórico que proteínico puesto que consumen alimentos como los lácteos, carnes y dulces dentro de su dieta, pero es importante mencionar que esto no indica que existe una mala calidad nutricional en las familias ya que el consumo de proteínas no es deficiente, pero si es necesario incluir los alimentos anteriormente señalados y complementar el consumo de alimentos que generen proteínas al organismo de las familias y lograr un balance nutricional estable con el fin de que las familias presenten un estado de salud optimo y así satisfacer sus necesidades nutricionales diarias en relación al trabajo que realizan día a día en sus pequeñas parcelas productivas.
Caracterización del estado nutricional y la calidad de vida en la micro cuenca del lago de Apanás, Jinotega, 2015
Authors: Calvo Reyes Evelyn , Cordero Rizo Marcia , González Rivas Douglas José , Soza Molinares Jorge Isaac
Published: May 2018

El estudio se realizó en tres comunidades rurales del Municipio de Jinotega, Sisle, San Gabriel y Corinto Finca, todas pertenecientes a la micro cuenca del lago de Apanas, Jinotega, Nicaragua. El objetivo fue caracterizar el estado nutricional y la calidad de vida de las familias. La metodología utilizada fue bajo la perspectiva del enfoque cuantitativo, con componentes cualitativos. Se dispuso de una población de 253 familias y una muestra 72 familias, las cuales se tomaron de forma azarizada, para lo cual se utilizaron los criterios de: a) que en las familias existan un niños o niña menor de cinco años de edad, b) que la familia tuviera al menos seis años de vivir en las comunidades, c) que los jefes de familia estuvieran, anuentes a brindar la información necesaria. Para el análisis de la información se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Los resultados establecen que los niños o niñas menores de cinco años de edad nacen con buen peso, las madres cuidan del desarrollo del bebe mediante la asistencia del puesto de salud y el respectivo control prenatal por lo menos una vez al mes. Las madres proporcionan leche materna a los infantes de acuerdo a lo sugerido por el ministerio de salud de 3- 6 meses, lo que proporciona minerales y vitaminas necesarias para el crecimiento del bebe. Las familias poseen servicios básicos desde energía eléctrica, agua potable y saneamiento, además, poseen calidad de vida, viviendas en buen estado con paredes, piso y techos adecuados, que proporcionan seguridad, lo que evita el hacinamiento.
El capital social y la rentabilidad privada de la clase media productiva rural como variables explicativas de la destrucción de los recursos naturales. Caso del municipio de Mulukukú
Authors: Bairamis Konstantinos
Published: May 2018

La destrucción de los recursos naturales en el municipio de Mulukukú y en Nicaragua, está causando una crisis sin precedentes en la economía y en la sociedad. Los recursos naturales sostienen la principal actividad económica: la ganadería, pero el interés inmediato de los productores es su destrucción, para adquirir tierra barata por medio de la deforestación. Al contrario, su interés a largo plazo es la preservación de estos recursos que sostienen su actividad económica y así poder agregar valor a su producción, con certificaciones eco amigables aceptadas y promovidas en el mercado mundial. La investigación es de carácter mixto, cuantitativo y cualitativo y de alcance explicativo. El principal hallazgo es el bajo nivel de capital social de los productores, como fuerza de asociatividad, que los hace víctimas de políticas que destruyen su ganancia y favorecen a los agro exportadores. Su reacción informal institucional, es la apropiación de tierras que pertenecen al estado “de jure”, pero no “de facto”. El pronóstico es que el problema empeorará y la baja posibilidad de solución, depende de cómo se eleva la ganancia de los productores y se fortalece al mismo tiempo su capital social, para influenciar al Estado y establecer políticas públicas a largo plazo que beneficien a los productores, como condición necesaria para proteger el medio ambiente.
La visión de conservación del recurso forestal: una perspectiva basada en la legislación forestal y ambiental de Nicaragua
Authors: Noguera-Talavera Álvaro , Cruz Gladys
Published: May 2018

Este artículo es una síntesis basada en la legislación ambiental y forestal nicaragüense. El objetivo fue presentar una perspectiva de la visión y eficiencia de ambos instrumentos jurídicos para la conservación de los ecosistemas forestales. La metodología para la preparación de este trabajo consistió en la revisión critica de tres leyes (Ley 647 de Reformas y Adiciones a la ley 217; Ley General del Medio Ambiente y los Recursos Naturales, la ley 462: Ley de Conservación, Fomento y Desarrollo Sostenible del Sector Forestal; y ley 585 Ley de Veda para el Corte, Aprovechamiento y Comercialización del Recurso Forestal), así como los reglamentos y normas técnicas de dichas leyes considerando los elementos jurídicos que de manera general (a nivel de ecosistema) como particular (a nivel de especies) establecen medidas de conservación. Desde el punto de vista de conservación per se, es la ley 647 la que contiene mayores elementos jurídicos relativos a la conservación del recurso forestal, estableciendo, por un lado, instancias facultadas para aprobar, supervisar y evaluar actividades con potencial degradante y propuestas de conservación de los ecosistemas forestales, normas generales para la protección de suelos forestales y ciertos elementos para la creación de mecanismos de acceso a incentivos de tipo fiscal. Un punto importante derivado de la ley 462 es el reglamento de áreas protegidas cuya visión gira alrededor de la restricción de uso de ecosistemas, y no así de conservar los ecosistemas forestales o especies de importancia ecológica, productiva o representativos. Al analizar elementos contenidos en la ley 462 se percibe que tanto esta como su reglamento y normas técnicas hacen mayor énfasis en la definición de ecosistemas para producción, y establecimiento de las reglas de carácter técnico para el manejo; lo más relevante en cuanto a conservación, la restricción de aprovechamiento en áreas de protección municipal, y zonas fronterizas; lo cual es ratificado en la ley 585 o de veda cuya acción gira en torno a la protección de seis especies con niveles poco documentadas de amenaza, y excepciones en ciertos territorios, lo que al final no contribuye a la conservación de dichas especies. La visión de conservación contenida en la legislación Nicaragüense expresa mayormente aspectos restrictivos, mientras otro grupo de normas persigue el uso sostenible, pero sin reglamentaciones claras e instrumentos para gestión y evaluación.
Génesis y consolidación de la Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador: 1979–1983
Authors: Paredes Ortiz Roberto Lucio
Published: May 2018

Revista ciencia, cultura y sociedad Vol. 3 No. 2 julio-diciembre 2016; 7-22
Trabajo colectivo y sistematización de experiencias educativas: aportes desde la formación en modalidad virtual (Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia)
Authors: Barbosa-Chacón Jorge Winston , Barbosa Herrera Juan Carlos , Villamizar Escobar Juan Diego
Published: May 2018

El presente estudio tuvo como propósito el desarrollo de un proceso de gestión colectiva que, desde la lógica de la virtualización como proceso de cambio, facilitará la construcción de aprendizajes y conocimientos en pro de la calidad de un programa académico en modalidad virtual. Se siguió la ruta de investigación cualitativa, que enmarca la sistematización de experiencias (SE) en sus fases organizativa, de desarrollo y de transferencia. Se obtuvo una mirada reflexiva del trabajo colectivo en la SE, en particular lo relacionado con la discusión, toma de decisiones y participación. Se concluye que es necesario resignificar y fortalecer tanto la participación general como el rol específico de los agentes educativos en pro de mejorar la dinámica colectiva.Revista ciencia, cultura y sociedad Vol. 3 No. 2 julio-diciembre 2016; 55-63
The profitability of value-added products in dairy farm diversification initiatives
Authors: Alvarez Antonio , García-Cornejo Beatriz , Pérez-Méndez José A. , Roibás David
Published: May 2018

A more open and competitive dairy market has encouraged certain dairy farms to adopt value-adding strategies in order to achieve a higher profitability, which may be important for farms’ survival. This paper investigated the role of some product characteristics in the profitability of value-added products in these farms. For this purpose, we used a unique database of 265 different products commercialized by 49 Spanish dairy farms that offers information on nine attributes of each product. Using hedonic models as a baseline, we examined the influence of these attributes on the margin per liter (ML) of the products. The results of the regression indicated that cheese and yogurt generated 0.688 and 1.518 € more of margin per liter than liquid milk. Similarly, we found a set of attributes that have a positive influence on ML, including possession of a certificate of protected designation of origin (PDO), the milk-type composition (proportion of sheep milk), a longer expiration period, and involvement in direct marketing strategies (DMS). However, other recognized attributes such as organic labeling, maturation period, size of the sales unit and returnable packaging did not have a significant influence on ML. Our findings also showed that firms producing more elaborated products as cheese and yogurt need a lower percentage of their production to cover the fixed costs associated to transformation and commercialization. Overall, our results revealed that the elaboration of value-added dairy products improves the profitability of dairy farms.
Liver infarction: To treat or not to treat?
Authors: Klein Sarit Hochberg , Klein Eyal David , Ackerman Zvi , Hiller Nurit
Published: May 2018

Liver infarctions are a very rare occurrence due to the multiple-source blood supply of the liver. The cause of hepatic infarction is unclear. When diagnosed, appropriate treatment of these infarctions is unknown. Herein we describe a case of acute liver infarctions, with no obvious cause, in a young woman. Work-up did not shed light on the underlying etiology. Treatment with anticoagulation was commenced in this case, with rapid improvement and a good clinical outcome. We suggest that anticoagulation can be administered to treat hepatic infarctions even in the absence of clear-cut thrombosis.
The Essential Issues of the ESP Classroom from a Reflective View
Authors: Shi Wenjie
Published: May 2018

The study looks at the three essential issues concerning the ESP classroom, the practitioners, teaching materials and testing tools, by reflecting on the publications of the ESP classroom three decades earlier and examining the current developments in China. First, in response to the demographic changes in the ESP practitioners and the inter-disciplinary feature of the ESP classroom, collaborative involvement of practitioners from language teachers, subject teachers of specific disciplines and professionals in the workplace was recommended. Second, with regards to teaching materials and methodology design in the ESP classroom, classroom activities based on learners’ needs and ways of teaching suited to prospective functions were proposed, which can be achieved by joint efforts of practitioners through in-class teaching and in-field coaching. Third, the ESP related course evaluation and student assessment at different levels were discussed, arriving at the conclusion that, beside international ESP/EAP tests, localized and specified tests that are constructed on the basis of proper balance of language knowledge and subject knowledge need to be addressed and adopted in the ESP classroom.
The Effects of Direct and Indirect Corrective Feedback on Accuracy in Second Language Writing
Authors: Abbas Abbas Mustafa , Tawfeeq Hogar Mohammed
Published: May 2018

The effectiveness of providing Corrective Feedback (CF) on L2 writing has long been a matter of considerable debate. A growing body of research has been conducted to investigate the value of various types of CF on improving grammatical accuracy in the writing of English as a second or foreign language. This article is mainly concerned with the role of Corrective Feedback (CF) in developing the L2 writers’ ability to produce an accurate text, and argues that CF is considered to be one of the fundamental techniques in teaching second language (L2) writing. Bearing this in mind, it attempts to maintain the effectiveness of CF on the L2 students’ abilities to develop the accuracy of their written output. This topic has recently produced a significant interest among both teachers and researchers in the areas of L2 writing and second language acquisition. A key issue to be addressed is the degree to which CF effectively helps the second language writers obtain long-term accuracy. Currently, the author of this paper has been conducting a PhD study on the effect of direct and indirect corrective feedback on the academic writing accuracy of Kurdish EFL university students, and the data was collected from writing testing samples (pre-test, post-test and delayed post-test) produced by105 undergraduate students of English department from two public universities. The results could be obtained from the study should have important implications for L2 writing practitioners and researchers.
August Wilson’s Presentation of Interracial Movements in 1960s
Authors: Li Yanghua
Published: May 2018

August Wilson’s Two Trains Running tells the life predicaments of the patrons at Memphis’ restaurant in the 1960s. Though Wilson avoids addressing the interracial conflicts and movements on stage to eschew protesting and propaganda, they as social background could not be totally ignored in the play. The paper analyses Wilson’s use of symbolic characters, off-stage space and storytelling to show how the playwright implies his assessment of the black political movements and of the political awareness of common blacks in1960s.
Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Approach to Mine Closure Planning - A Case Study
Authors: Eshun Peter Arroja , Davies-Ocloo Eli Andrews , Amegbey Newton
Published: May 2018

As mining and environmental regulations continue to get tighter on mine closure and reclamation, the choice of an optimal post mining land use becomes critical if mining companies are to continue enjoying the peaceful co-existence they have with their local communities. In this study, possible mine closure alternatives have been identified as suitable for the Salman south pit of Adamus Resources Limited in the Western Region of Ghana. These alternatives are: arable farm land; timber production; shrubs and native forestation; aquaculture; water reservoir; land fill; and recreational site (park). Effective consideration has been given to the identified technical, environmental, economic, and social criteria to assist in the determination of the optimal choice among the identified suitable closure alternatives. Using the Preference Ranking Organisation Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) technique of multi-criteria decision analysis, it was observed from the results that arable farmland was the most preferred choice followed very closely by timber production. Others like aquaculture, recreational site (park), shrubs and native forestation, water reservoir, and landfill followed in a decreasing order. In order to satisfy all the various stakeholders in the mine closure process, it is therefore recommended that arable farmland and/or timber production be adopted as the optimal post mining land use for the study area.
The Effect of Employee Engagement on Organizational Performance Via the Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction: The Case of IT Employees in Jordanian Banking Sector
Authors: Al-dalahmeh Mahmoud , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Abu Khalaf Rana Khaled , Obeidat Bader Yousef
Published: May 2018

This study sought to investigate the effect of IT employees' engagement on organizational performance through the mediating role of job satisfaction for IT employees within the IT Departments in Jordanian banking sector. Quantitative research design and regression analysis were applied on a total of 429 valid returns that were obtained in a questionnaire based survey. The results showed that IT employee engagement significantly affected organizational performance and three of its dimensions, vigor, absorption, and dedication contributed significantly to organizational performance. The results also showed that IT employee engagement positively and significantly affected job satisfaction, where vigor had the most contribution. In addition, it was found that job satisfaction significantly and positively affected organizational performance. Furthermore, job satisfaction only partially mediated the association between IT employee engagement and organizational performance. This study implies that IT departments in Jordanian banking should try their best to promote and facilitate IT employees' engagement and satisfaction in an effort to improve their performance, which will eventually yield positive results for the bank as a whole. In light of these results, the research presented many recommendations for future research, the most important ones were the application of this study in other sectors, cultures, and countries, the exploration of the moderating role of job satisfaction instead of mediating role, and the use of other sampling techniques.
VOIX EN IMAGES
Authors: BEAULAC MARIO
Published: May 2018

La vigueur actuelle du milieu de la bande dessinée québécoise tient d’une part de
l’émergence de nouveaux auteurs, d’autre part de la consolidation de leur oeuvre à la faveur
de nouveaux formats éditoriaux où peuvent s’affiner leurs talents. La reconnaissance de
cette voie alternative, choisie de manière plus ou moins consciente, alors même que se
poursuit l’exploitation du modèle traditionnel (album franco-belge de 44 pages en couleur)
et que se développe parallèlement l’intégration d’un nouveau modèle (assimilé au « roman
graphique ») aux circuits commerciaux du livre, incite les auteurs à articuler un discours
réflexif où la confection visuelle de leurs planches se justifie selon divers paramètres
formels reconnus comme soutenant le propos, tout comme la charge narrative et expressive
d’ensemble. L’éventail de ces paramètres se trouve toutefois orchestré selon des équilibres
changeants, en fonction du projet en cours et d’une position esthétique sous-jacente,
développée de projet en projet. À l’aide des oeuvres, entretiens et prises de position de
quelques auteurs ayant emprunté cette voie alternative — Diane Obomsawin, Jimmy Beaulieu,
Michel Rabagliati et Zviane —, Mario Beaulac retrace les grandes lignes de ce métadiscours,
pour faire émerger quelques-uns des enjeux esthétiques pressentis comme pertinents par ces
praticiens notoires de la bande dessinée québécoise actuelle.
LA BD RENCONTRE LE MUSÉE
Authors: SAOUTER CATHERINE
Published: May 2018

Du 6 novembre 2013 au 30 mars 2014, pour marquer les quinze ans des éditions La Pastèque, le Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal offre ses cimaises à quinze auteurs de bande dessinée québécois, dans le cadre de l’exposition La BD s’expose au musée. Chaque auteur choisit ainsi une oeuvre dans la collection du musée, à partir de laquelle il réalise une bande dessinée de quelques planches. La transmédialité à l’oeuvre dans ces productions, fondée sur une relation entre oeuvre source et oeuvre but, ou, dans les mots de Genette, entre hypotexte et hypertexte, engage une complexité particulière. À l’écart de l’idée d’adaptation, elle compose plutôt avec l’engendrement de nouvelles propositions poétiques jouant de la citation, de l’emprunt, de l’imitation, de l’amplification, de la remise en contexte, tout en portant un regard réflexif sur les médiums — passer de la peinture au dessin, de la couleur au noir et blanc, etc. —, et sur les médias qui président ontologiquement aux cadres énonciatifs des nouvelles oeuvres. Catherine Saouter analyse ces procédés et montre comment cette rencontre entre bande dessinée et musée, renouvelant les entendements de la notion de récit en images autant que celle d’oeuvre d’art par un travail particulièrement fécond sur le plan de la plasticité, autorise à ratifier la légitimation du genre, qui démontre ici une compréhension longtemps déniée du monde de la création visuelle et narrative.
LES INTÉGRITÉS DE JIMMY BEAULIEU
Authors: TREMBLAY-GAUDETTE GABRIEL
Published: May 2018

Acteur essentiel du milieu de la bande dessinée depuis près de vingt ans, Jimmy Beaulieu a publié des oeuvres aux thématiques et formats des plus variés, allant de la volumineuse Comédie sentimentale pornographique à la discrète Vitrine de format fanzine, en plus d’avoir occupé de nombreuses fonctions au sein du neuvième art (artiste, critique, éditeur, libraire, enseignant, conférencier, etc.). Néanmoins, à travers les différents rôles qu’il a occupés et ses allers-retours fréquents entre son projet autobiographique et la fiction, Beaulieu a maintenu une certaine constance en ce qui a trait à une chose : la sincérité. Cet article propose une analyse croisée de plusieurs oeuvres de Jimmy Beaulieu afin de cerner les récurrences qui s’en dégagent et l’intégrité dont il fait preuve depuis ses débuts.
UN DIALOGUE AVEC SOI-MÊME ET LES AUTRES
Authors: JACOB CARMÉLIE
Published: May 2018

En 2014, Zviane publie à compte d’auteure Ping-Pong, un essai introspectif
abordant les maillages entre les différentes pratiques artistiques. Une fois le tirage
épuisé, les éditions Pow Pow proposent de rééditer l’essai, mais le format de la maison,
plus large que celui de la bande dessinée originale, pose problème. Pour occuper l’espace
laissé en trop sur chaque page, l’auteure choisit de commenter sa bande dessinée en plus
d’inviter d’autres artistes québécois et français à faire de même, créant ainsi un
« dialogue entre [elle] en 2014 et [elle] en 2015 », en plus d’un « espace commun de
réflexion où tout le monde se renvoie la balle » (p. 8 et rabat). Cette pratique met en
lumière la difficulté de maintenir une cohérence avec soi-même dans la pratique de l’essai,
qui, comme l’observe Pascal Riendeau, « exprime une pensée et déploie une subjectivité, mais
[…] une pensée en mouvement, qui ne craint pas l’incomplétude » (Méditation et vision de
l’essai, 2012, p. 11). L’autoréflexion et la remise en question, amenées par le
dialogue avec les autres et les effets du passage du temps sur sa propre pensée, sont ainsi
au coeur de Ping-Pong, et cet article analyse comment elles s’articulent au sein du
texte comme du dessin.
Integration of two RAB5 groups during endosomal transport in plants
Authors: Ito Emi , Ebine Kazuo , Choi Seung-won , Ichinose Sakura , Uemura Tomohiro , Nakano Akihiko , Ueda Takashi
Published: May 2018

RAB5 is a key regulator of endosomal functions in eukaryotic cells. Plants possess two different RAB5 groups, canonical and plant-unique types, which act via unknown counteracting mechanisms. Here, we identified an effector molecule of the plant-unique RAB5 in Arabidopsis thaliana, ARA6, which we designated PLANT-UNIQUE RAB5 EFFECTOR 2 (PUF2). Preferential colocalization with canonical RAB5 on endosomes and genetic interaction analysis indicated that PUF2 coordinates vacuolar transport with canonical RAB5, although PUF2 was identified as an effector of ARA6. Competitive binding of PUF2 with GTP-bound ARA6 and GDP-bound canonical RAB5, together interacting with the shared activating factor VPS9a, showed that ARA6 negatively regulates canonical RAB5-mediated vacuolar transport by titrating PUF2 and VPS9a. These results suggest a unique and unprecedented function for a RAB effector involving the integration of two RAB groups to orchestrate endosomal trafficking in plant cells.