bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In their own words: The experience and needs of children in younger-onset Alzheimer's disease and other dementias families
Authors: Gelman Caroline Rosenthal , Rhames Kate
Published: May 2016

Because of the age of persons diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease or other dementias (YOD), an important and as yet relatively little explored area of YOD, particularly in the United States, is the impact on young children of having a parent with YOD. After reviewing the small but growing research in this area, we report on findings from 12 in-depth interviews with children and well-parents in families with a parent with YOD on the experience and needs of children having a parent with this diagnosis. Children report disruption in many aspects of their lives: their developmental trajectory, emotional and psychological development, familial and broader social relationships, and financial stability. Despite these significant disruptions, and a dearth of information, resources, and services tailored to their individual and familial needs, these children demonstrate remarkable resilience and self-awareness. We discuss implications for interventions with these families.
Comparison of Amplitude-Integrated EEG and Conventional EEG in a Cohort of Premature Infants
Authors: Meledin Irina , Abu Tailakh Muhammad , Gilat Shlomo , Yogev Hagai , Golan Agneta , Novack Victor , Shany Eilon
Published: May 2016

Objective: To compare amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) and conventional EEG (EEG) activity in premature neonates. Methods: Biweekly aEEG and EEG were simultaneously recorded in a cohort of infants born less than 34 weeks gestation. aEEG recordings were visually assessed for lower and upper border amplitude and bandwidth. EEG recordings were compressed for visual evaluation of continuity and assessed using a signal processing software for interburst intervals (IBI) and frequencies’ amplitude. Ten-minute segments of aEEG and EEG indices were compared using regression analysis. Results: A total of 189 recordings from 67 infants were made, from which 1697 aEEG/EEG pairs of 10-minute segments were assessed. Good concordance was found for visual assessment of continuity between the 2 methods. EEG IBI, alpha and theta frequencies’ amplitudes were negatively correlated to the aEEG lower border while conceptional age (CA) was positively correlated to aEEG lower border ( P < .001). IBI and all frequencies’ amplitude were positively correlated to the upper aEEG border ( P ≤ .001). CA was negatively correlated to aEEG span while IBI, alpha, beta, and theta frequencies’ amplitude were positively correlated to the aEEG span. Conclusions: Important information is retained and integrated in the transformation of premature neonatal EEG to aEEG. Significance: aEEG recordings in high-risk premature neonates reflect reliably EEG background information related to continuity and amplitude.
Phronesis
Authors: Greeff Minrie , Rennie Stuart
Published: May 2016

Health researchers conducting research in the community are often faced with unanticipated ethical issues that arise in the course of their research and that go beyond the scope of ethical approval by the research ethics committee. Eight expert researchers were selected through extreme intensity purposive sampling, because they are representative of unusual manifestations of the phenomenon related to their research in the community. They were selected to take part in a semi-structured focus group discussion on whether practical wisdom ( phronesis) is used as a decision-making skill to solve unanticipated ethical issues during research in the community. Although the researchers were not familiar with the concept phronesis, it became obvious that it formed an integral part of their everyday existence and decision making during intervention research. They could balance research ethics with practical considerations. The capacity of practical wisdom as a crucial decision-making skill should be assimilated into a researcher’s everyday reality, and also into the process of mentoring young researchers to become phronimos. Researchers should be taught this skill to handle unanticipated ethical issues.
How can schools and teachers benefit from human resources management? Conceptualising HRM from content and process perspectives
Authors: Runhaar Piety
Published: May 2016

The necessity for schools to implement human resources management (HRM) is increasingly acknowledged. Specifically, HRM holds the potential of increasing student outcomes through the increased involvement, empowerment and motivation of teachers. In educational literature, however, little empirical attention is paid to the ways in which different HRM practices could be bundled into a comprehensive HRM system (content) and how HRM could best be implemented to attain positive teacher and student outcomes (process). Regarding the content, and following the ‘AMO theory of performance’, it is argued that HRM systems should comprise (A) ability-, (M) motivation- and (O) opportunity-enhancing HRM practices. Regarding the process, and based on ‘HRM system strength’ literature, it is argued that when teachers perceive HRM as distinctive and consistent, and if they perceive consensus, this will enhance teachers’ and schools’ performance. By combining insights from educational studies on single HRM practices with HRM theories, this paper builds a conceptual framework which can be used to design HRM systems and to understand the way they operate.
School as a loosely coupled organization? An empirical examination using national SASS 2003–04 data
Authors: Shen Jianping , Gao Xingyuan , Xia Jiangang
Published: May 2016

The notion of schools as ‘loosely coupled’ organizations has been widely discussed in the research literature. Many argue it is either a protective mechanism for schools to buffer external pressure or a barrier for implementing new reforms. Against the backdrop of systemic change and accountability, we applied a two-level hierarchical linear model to nationally representative data in the US, testing the ‘loosely coupled’ theory through examining the association between data-informed improvement efforts at the school level and data-informed instruction at the classroom level. Statistically significant associations were identified but with a small proportion of variance explained, indicating that the top-down systemic change strategy failed to tighten the system as intended. Alternatively, bottom-up strategies, such as professional learning communities, which operate under the assumption of working with loose coupling, should be considered.
Sweet Marjoram
Authors: Bina Fatemeh , Rahimi Roja
Published: May 2016

Origanum majorana L. commonly known as sweet marjoram has been used for variety of diseases in traditional and folklore medicines, including gastrointestinal, ocular, nasopharyngeal, respiratory, cardiac, rheumatologic, and neurological disorders. Essential oil containing monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes as well as phenolic compounds are chemical constituents isolated and detected in O majorana. Wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-platelet, gastroprotective, antibacterial and antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antitumor, antiulcer, and anticholinesterase inhibitory activities have been reported from this plant in modern medicine. This article summarizes comprehensive information concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet marjoram.
The Media Scapegoat and Mom’s Mouth
Authors: Wright Chrysalis L. , Mokbel Jasmin
Published: May 2016

Swearing acceptance as a function of media and family influences was examined among 763 college students from a large southeastern public research university. Participants completed an online questionnaire and answered a series of questions related to their personality characteristics, religiosity, and swearing histories and attitudes. Participants reported being most frequently exposed to swearing from their mothers followed by media sources. Swearing acceptance varied as a function of the Big Five personality characteristics as well as religiosity. The extent to which media and family influences related to swearing acceptance through potential mediating factors of personality characteristics and religiosity was assessed with structural equation modeling. Overall, the model was able to explain some of the relationship between media and family influences and the swearing acceptance of participants.
Revisiting Cass’s Model of Homosexual Identity Development in Context of Bangladesh Society
Authors: Ferdoush Md. Azmeary
Published: May 2016

This is an exploratory study to find out how kotis (a category of homosexual) develop their sexual identity in a developing country like Bangladesh, which is predominantly a Muslim society. To do so, the six-stage model of homosexual identity development by Cass was adopted. Face-to-face unstructured interviews were conducted to collect data from 18 self-identified kotis. The study found that although the first four stages of Cass’s model could be applied to understand the identity development process of the Kotis, the final two stages could not. Goffman’s stigma-management strategies have been used to explain why the final two stages cannot be applied and how the kotis manage stigma at every stage. The study concludes that the kotis in Dhaka cannot develop their sexual identity completely because of stigma attached with their identity and Cass’s model could be more applicable if stigma-management strategies are included.
Expanded lung T-bet+RORγT+CD4+T-cells in sarcoidosis patients with a favourable disease phenotype
Authors: Kaiser Ylva , Lepzien Rico , Kullberg Susanna , Eklund Anders , Smed-Sörensen Anna , Grunewald Johan
Published: May 2016

Disease phenotypes of pulmonary sarcoidosis are distinguished by clinical rather than immunological criteria. We aimed to characterise patterns of CD4+T-cell lineage plasticity underlying the differences in clinical presentation and disease course between the acute form, Löfgren's syndrome, and the heterogeneous, potentially progressive “non-Löfgren” form.

33 pulmonary sarcoidosis patients and nine controls underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. CD4+T-cell transcription factor, chemokine receptor and T-cell receptor expression, proliferation and cytokine production were assessed in the lavage fluid and peripheral blood using flow cytometry and multicolour FluoroSpot.

CD4+T-cells simultaneously expressing the T-helper cell (Th)1 and Th17 transcriptional regulators T-bet and RORγT (T-bet+RORγT+) were identified in the lavage, but not blood, of all subjects, and to a significantly higher degree in Löfgren's patients. T-bet+RORγT+cells proliferated actively, produced interferon (IFN)γ and interleukin (IL)-17A, co-expressed the chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR6, and correlated with nonchronic disease. T-cell receptor-restricted Vα2.3+Vβ22+T-cells strongly co-expressed T-bet/RORγT and CXCR3/CCR6. Cytokine production was more heterogeneous in Löfgren's patients, with significantly higher IL-17A, IL-10, IL-22 and IL-2, but lower IFNγ.

Here we demonstrate the presence of lung T-bet+RORγT+CXCR3+CCR6+CD4+T-cells and Th17-associated cytokines especially in sarcoidosis patients with a favourable prognosis, suggesting a Th1/Th17-permissive environment in the lung with implications for disease resolution.
Utility of measuring FEV0.75/FVC ratio in preschoolers with uncontrolled wheezing disorder
Authors: Nève Véronique , Hulo Sébastien , Edmé Jean-Louis , Boileau Sophie , Baquet Georges , Pouessel Guillaume , Thumerelle Caroline , Deschildre Antoine , Matran Régis
Published: May 2016

Uncontrolled wheezing disorder is common in preschoolers and disease control assessment is challenging as parents frequently overestimate the extent to which their child's disease is controlled. This is the first study of forced expiratory volume int s (FEVt)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio measurements (i.e.FEV1/FVC, FEV0.75/FVC and FEV0.5/FVC) in wheezy preschoolers in relation to disease control. Our objective was to evaluate whether FEVt/FVC ratios less than the lower limit of normal (LLN; z-score <−1.64) were associated with uncontrolled wheezing disorder in preschoolers.

Valid FVC, FEV1, FEV0.75and FEV0.5values were obtained in 92 healthy and 125 wheezy (62% uncontrolled) children (3–5 years). Associations between spirometry value <LLN, disease classification (healthy/wheezy) and disease control classifications (controlled/uncontrolled disease) were estimated using logistic regression.

FEV0.75/FVC or FEV0.5/FVC ratios <LLN were associated with wheezing disorder (OR 9.78, 95% CI 3.70–25.88 and OR 6.64, 95% CI 2.24–19.66; all p<0.001). Only an FEV0.75/FVC ratio <LLN was associated with uncontrolled wheezing disorder (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.12–5.68; p=0.025).

FEV0.75/FVC ratio is a useful surrogate outcome index to evaluate the control of the wheezing disease of preschoolers.
Epidemiology and survival of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from national data in Canada
Authors: Hopkins Robert B. , Burke Natasha , Fell Charlene , Dion Genevieve , Kolb Martin
Published: May 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease, with estimates of prevalence varying considerably across countries due to paucity in data collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of IPF in Canada using administrative data requiring minimal extrapolation.

We used mandatory national administrative data from 2007–2011 to identify IPF cases of all ages with an International Classification of Diseases (Version 10, Canadian) diagnosis code of J84.1. We used a broad definition that excluded cases with subsequent diagnosis of other interstitial lung diseases, and a narrow definition that required further diagnostic testing prior to IPF diagnosis. We explored survival and quality of life.

For all ages, the broad prevalence of IPF was 41.8 per 100 000 (14 259 cases) and was higher for men. The incidence rate was 18.7 per 100 000 (6390 cases) and was higher for men. The narrow prevalence was 20.0 per 100 000 (6822 cases) and incidence was 9.0 per 100 000 (3057 cases). The 4-year risk of death was 41.0% and the quality of life with IPF after 2 years was lower than for Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Using comprehensive national data, the prevalence of IPF in Canada was higher than other national estimates, suggesting that either IPF may be more common in Canada or that data capture may have been previously limited.
Observation of viable alloskin vs xenoskin grafted onto subcutaneous tissue wounds after tangential excision in massive burns
Authors: Zuo Haibin , Song Guodong , Shi Wen , Jia Jun , Zhang Yonghu
Published: May 2016

Background

Staged excision and grafting with viable cryopreserved alloskin or fresh pigskin at an early stage is a main strategy for wound management in massive burns. Alloskin is the gold standard of a biological temporary skin substitute, and the main drawback to its wider use is the limited number of donors. In this paper, we compare the use of fresh pigskins to cryopreserved alloskins as temporary skin substitutes on subcutaneous tissue wounds after tangential excision by observing the clinical performances of these grafts in cases of a massive burn.

Methods

We selected six adult massive burn patients undergoing tangential excision and skin grafting on subcutaneous tissue wounds (TESGSTW) at our burn center from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2013. The general clinical data and survival percentage of skins at postoperative weeks (POWs) 1, 2, and 3 were analyzed. In our clinical practice, we also observed the phenomenon that several viable cryopreserved alloskin or fresh pigskin grafts used as temporary coverage on subcutaneous tissue wounds had long-term survival after repeated desquamation. The macroscopic and histological results of one typical case were also analyzed.

Results

In this study, the first three TESGSTW operations were performed at 2–3, 5–8, and 11–16 days post-injury. The operation areas were 30.3 ± 7.9 % total body surface area (TBSA), 19.0 ± 6.0 % TBSA, and 12.0 ± 1.7 % TBSA, respectively. The survival percentage of the cryopreserved alloskins or fresh pigskins at POWs 1, 2, and 3 were 80.0 ± 10.0 % vs 75.7 ± 5.3 % (t = 1.01, P = 0.16), 71.2 ± 10.6 % vs 66.4 ± 6.2 % (t = 1.09, P = 0.30), and 48.7 ± 2.5 % vs 35.0 ± 7.0 % (t = 3.83, P = 0.03), respectively. The microscopic observation of the survival of alloskins or pigskins in one typical case showed rete ridges and a basilar membrane at the joint of the epidermis and dermis at an early stage; these structures disappeared with extended time post-operation.

Conclusions

From the clinical observations, fresh pigskin and cryopreserved alloskins could be used with equal effectiveness at an early stage (within 2 weeks post-operation) as temporary coverage on massive burns after TESGSTW. After engraftment, several cryopreserved alloskins or fresh pigskins could co-survive in a massive burn patient for an extended amount of time. The co-survival of alloskin and pigskin will provide clues for further research into skin transplantation.
POWER LEVEL EFFECTS ON THORIUM-BASED FUELS IN PRESSURE-TUBE HEAVY WATER REACTORS
Authors: Bromley Blair Patrick , Edwards Geoffrey W.R. , Sambavalingam Pranavan
Published: May 2016

Lattice and core physics modeling and calculations have been performed to quantify the impact of power/flux levels on the reactivity and achievable burnup for 35-element fuel bundles made with Pu/Th or U-233/Th. The fissile content in these bundles has been adjusted to produce on the order of 20 MWd/kg burnup in homogeneous cores in a 700 MWe-class pressure-tube heavy water reactor, operating on a once-through thorium cycle. Results demonstrate that the impact of the power/flux level is modest for Pu/Th fuels but significant for U-233/Th fuels. In particular, high power/flux reduces the breeding and burnup potential of U-233/Th fuels. Thus, there may be an incentive to operate reactors with U-233/Th fuels at a lower power density or to develop alternative refueling schemes that will lower the time-average specific power, thereby increasing burnup.
Barriers and facilitators to end-of-life communication in advanced chronic organ failure
Authors: Van den Heuvel Liza AMC , Hoving Ciska , Schols Jos MGA , Spruit Martijn A , Wouters Emiel FM , Janssen Daisy JA
Published: May 2016

Aim:

The aim of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to identify barriers and facilitators to end-of-life communication experienced by family caregivers of patients with advanced chronic organ failure and to examine agreement in barriers and facilitators between family caregivers and patients.

Methods:

Patients and family caregivers were interviewed using the barriers and facilitators questionnaire. Agreement was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients for continuous variables and Cohen's kappa for categorical variables.

Results:

A total of 158 patients and family caregiver dyads were included. The most important barriers for family caregivers were related to uncertainty about expected care and focus on staying alive instead of dying. The facilitators were related to trust in and competence of their physician and earlier experiences with death in their (social) environment. For most barriers and facilitators, agreement between patients and family caregivers was fair to moderate.

Conclusion:

Differences in barriers and facilitators between patients and family caregivers ask for an individual approach to facilitate end-of-life communication.
Nerve injuries associated with supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children
Authors: Kwok I. H. Y. , Silk Z. M. , Quick T. J. , Sinisi M. , MacQuillan A. , Fox M.
Published: May 2016

Aims

We aimed to identify the pattern of nerve injury associated with paediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

Patients and Methods

Over a 17 year period, between 1996 and 2012, 166 children were referred to our specialist peripheral nerve injury unit. From examination of the medical records and radiographs were recorded the nature of the fracture, associated vascular and neurological injury, treatment provided and clinical course.

Results

Of the 166 patients (111 male, 55 female; mean age at time of injury was seven years (standard deviation 2.2)), 26 (15.7%) had neurological dysfunction in two or more nerves. The injury pattern in the 196 affected nerves showed that the most commonly affected nerve was the ulnar nerve (43.4%), followed by the median (36.7%) and radial (19.9%) nerves. A non-degenerative injury was seen in 27.5%, whilst 67.9% were degenerative in nature. Surgical exploration of the nerves was undertaken in 94 (56.6%) children. The mean follow-up time was 12.8 months and 156 (94%) patients had an excellent or good clinical outcome according to the grading of Birch, Bonney and Parry.

Conclusion

Following paediatric supracondylar fractures we recommend prompt referral to a specialist unit in the presence of complete nerve palsy, a positive Tinel’s sign, neuropathic pain or vascular compromise, for consideration of nerve exploration. Take home message: When managed appropriately, nerve recovery and clinical outcomes for this paediatric population are extremely favourable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:851–6.
Review of the outcomes of complex acetabular reconstructions using a stemmed acetabular pedestal component
Authors: Stihsen C. , Hipfl C. , Kubista B. , Funovics P. T. , Dominkus M. , Giurea A. , Windhager R.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Until now, there has been no consensus as to whether stemmed acetabular components are appropriate for use in patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) who have major acetabular defects or pelvic discontinuity. We wished to address this deficiency in the literature.

Patients and Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of 35 patients (six men and 29 women) with a mean age of 68 years (37 to 87), with major acetabular defects who underwent revision THA between 2000 and 2012.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 63 months (24 to 141), a total of 15 patients (43%) had required at least one further operation. Six implants (17%) loosened aseptically, four (11%) were further revised for infection and two (6%) for technical failure. By taking revision for any reason as the endpoint, the rate of survival of the implant was 61% after five years; by taking revision for aseptic loosening as the end point, it was 78%. The cumulative five-year survival for aseptic loosening was 94% in patients without pelvic discontinuity, and 56% in those with pelvic discontinuity.

Conclusion

These results indicate a significantly worse survival in patients with pelvic discontinuity (p = 0.020) and we advise caution in the use of the pedestal component in patients with major acetabular defects and pelvic discontinuity who require revision THA. As a result of these findings we have stopped using this implant and prefer to use particulate bone grafts protected with an anti-protrusion cage and posterior column plate fixation, if necessary. Take home message: Based on these poor results, we advise caution if using the pedestal component in patients with major acetabular defects with the presence of a pelvic discontinuity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:772–9.
A comparison between the direct anterior and posterior approaches for total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Malek I. A. , Royce G. , Bhatti S. U. , Whittaker J. P. , Phillips S. P. , Wilson I. R. B. , Wootton J. R. , Starks I.
Published: May 2016

Aims

We assessed the difference in hospital based and early clinical outcomes between the direct anterior approach and the posterior approach in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Patients and Methods

The outcome was assessed in 448 (203 males, 245 females) consecutive patients undergoing unilateral primary THA after the implementation of an ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway. In all, 265 patients (mean age: 71 years (49 to 89); 117 males and 148 females) had surgery using the direct anterior approach (DAA) and 183 patients (mean age: 70 years (26 to 100); 86 males and 97 females) using a posterior approach. The groups were compared for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, body mass index, the side of the operation, pre-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and attendance at ‘Joint school’. Mean follow-up was 18.1 months (one to 50).

Results

There was no significant difference in mean length of stay (p = 0.07), pain scores on the day of surgery, the first, second and third post-operative days (p = 0.36, 0.23, 0.25 and 0.59, respectively), the day of mobilisation (p = 0.12), the mean OHS at six and 24 months (p = 0.08, and 0.29, respectively), the incidence of infection (p = 1.0), dislocation (p = 1.0), re-operation (p = 0.21) or 28 days’ re-admission (p = 0.06). Significantly more patients in the DAA group achieved a planned discharge target of three days post-operatively (68% vs 56%, p = 0.007). The rate of periprosthetic femoral fractures was significantly higher in the DAA group (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

We conclude that there is no difference in clinical outcomes between the DAA and the posterior approach in patients undergoing THA when an ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway is used. However, a significantly higher rate of periprosthetic femoral fractures remains a concern with the DAA, even in experienced hands. Take home message: Our results show that the DAA for THA is not superior to posterior approach when ‘Enhanced Recovery’ pathway is used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:754–60.
Another problem with RBN models of mechanisms
Authors: Gebharter Alexander
Published: May 2016

Casini, Illari, Russo, and Williamson (2011) suggest to model mechanisms by means of recursive Bayesian networks (RBNs) and Clarke, Leuridan, and Williamson (2014) extend their modelling approach to mechanisms featuring causal feedback. One of the main selling points of the RBN approach should be that it provides answers to questions concerning manipulation and control. In this paper I demonstrate that the method to compute the effects of interventions the authors mentioned endorse leads to absurd results under the additional assumption of faithfulness, which can be expected to hold in most RBN models of mechanisms.
Description of a quality improvement training programme for health professionals in the ministry of health and social services in Namibia
Authors: Nangombe Julia Paul , Amukugo Hans Justus
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to describe the quality improvement training programme for health professionals in the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia. The Practice Oriented Theory of Dickoff (1968) was used as practical guidelines to develop the conceptual framework. This framework was employed during the research and the educational programme development process. During the research process, the agent was the researcher; recipients (Managers/leadership and health professionals); the context (MoHSS head office and healthcare facilities); dynamics (findings for objective one and two); Procedure (research process) and terminus (foundations for development of educational programme). For the educational programme developing process, agent (quality specialist), recipients (health professional), context (health facilities), procedure (training programme for health professionals), dynamics, (challenges hampering successful implementation of the programme) and the terminus (knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through the training programme). During the development of the quality improvement training programme, two main theories were adapted. The most prominent one was a model by Meyer and Van Niekerk (2008), which was adapted to guide the process of developing the training programme. Kolb’s experiential learning theory was used to explain the learning process and styles of developing knowledge through experiences.The content of the training programme was derived from five main themes, 17 sub-themes and the conceptual framework based on the situation analysis about challenges faced by the health care facilities. The five themes were lack of implementation of policies and guidelines; inadequate resources; lack of interpersonal relationships; inadequate understanding of quality assurance and quality improvement; and inadequate research to provide evidence-based information during treatment and patient care.The educational programme consisted of the purpose / aim, objectives, structure / design, facilitation process, implementation process, and evaluation of the programme.
Desafios históricos da inclusão: Características institucionais de duas novas universidades federais brasileiras
Authors: Santos Eduardo , Tavares Manuel
Published: May 2016

Este artigo é uma reflexão sobre as principais características institucionais das novas universidades que emergiram no Brasil a partir dos governos Luís Inácio Lula da Silva (2002-2010), com prosseguimento no primeiro governo Dilma Roussef (2011-2014). Elas representam, a nosso ver, uma “transgressão” relativamente aos modelos clássicos de universidade que foram implantados no Brasil (napoleônico, humboldtiano e estadunidense) e uma resposta nacional contra hegemônica às linhas de força (conceituais e políticas) de um processo mais amplo de reconfiguração da educação superior no mundo contemporâneo, que tem como tipo ideal a chamada world class university. Tomamos, como casos em estudo para este debate, as universidades federais multicampi da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), sediada em Chapecó, Santa Catarina, e do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), sediada em Itabuna, Bahia, pelo fato de serem instituições que assumem compromissos com a inclusão de segmentos populacionais oriundos de escolas públicas, de minorias étnico-sociais e de territórios historicamente afastados do ensino superior público, colocando-se, desse modo, ao serviço de segmentos da população historicamente oprimidos. Defendemos, neste texto, a tese de que tais instituições aproximam-se de uma perspectiva popular de educação superior, quer do ponto de vista das suas matrizes institucionais e curriculares, quer de suas políticas de inclusão, e que vão além do acesso a vagas; nesse passo, apresentam as necessárias condições de possibilidade para o enfrentamento do desafio da qualidade e a consolidação do sistema nacional de educação superior. O texto está pautado na análise de dados públicos disponibilizados nas páginas dessas universidades e de entrevistas com pró-reitores realizadas no âmbito do Projeto “Observatório da Universidade Popular no Brasil”, desenvolvido pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Nove de Julho (PPGE-Uninove).
Produção científica em MOOCs no contexto do ensino superior: Uma abordagem de análise de redes sociais
Authors: Simões Dora
Published: May 2016

Os MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) são a mais recente abordagem de oferta formativa, dinamizada por instituições de ensino superior. Tratando-se de uma abordagem de ensino e aprendizagem aberta, e portanto, desprovida de barreiras económicas, culturais ou sociais, à partida, parece bastante promissora. Mas será mesmo assim? Como forma de obter maior compreensão sobre este foco de investigação e as dimensões mais exploradas, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a produção científica, com base SCOPUS, levada a cabo sob as palavras chave “Massive Open Online Course” e “Higher Education”. Além de uma análise estatístico-descritiva é também usada a metodologia de Análise de Redes Sociais com vista a obter um “retrato” das relações entre os autores interessados e que publicam sobre este domínio. Os resultados da análise realizada revelam que o interesse por esta temática teve a sua primeira expressão efetiva em 2013 e está atualmente em ascensão, estando atualmente a suscitar cada vez mais interesse. A produção científica por autor é ainda pouco notória, mas existe uma fonte de publicação maioritariamente escolhida pelos investigadores, não sendo, no entanto, nem a mais citada nem a que tem maior índice SJR. A análise gráfica da rede de interações revela existirem poucas interações entre os autores, mas que a maioria das publicações são em coautoria de 4 investigadores. Ainda, a análise de indicadores de rede revela que a sua densidade e a centralidade são muito baixas.
Intrafamiliale Zeitallokation, Haushaltsproduktion und Frauenerwerbstätigkeit / Intrafamily Allocation of Time, Home Production, and Female Labor Force Participation
Authors: Althammer Jörg , Wenzler Simone
Published: May 2016

Der vorliegende Aufsatz analysiert die intrafamiliale Zeitallokation im theoretischen Kontext der neueren Haushaltsökonomie und liefert einen mikroökonomisch fundierten Ansatz zur Quantifizierung der Leistungen im Haushalt. Unter Verwendung der Daten der neunten Welle des sozioökonomischen Panels werden die theoretischen Ergebnisse empirisch umgesetzt; dabei zeigt sich, daß ökonomische Parameter einen eigenständigen Beitrag zur Erklärung der Erwerbspartizipation und der intrafamilialen Rollenverteilung leisten und die im Haushalt erbrachte Wertschöpfung in Abhängigkeit von Familiengröße und dem Erwerbsstatus der Frau zwischen 43 % und 152 % der Wertschöpfung am Arbeitsmarkt ausmacht.
Ein räumliches Modell der Bank / A Spatial Model of a Banking Firm
Authors: Schöler Klaus
Published: May 2016

Ausgangspunkt für diesen Beitrag ist die empirische Beobachtung regionaler Märkte für Bankkredite. Dieses Phänomen bedarf einer Erklärung, da der Transport von Finanzdienstleistungen geringe und in vielen Fällen entfernungsunabhängige Kosten verursacht. Transportkosten können - im Gegensatz zu güterproduzierenden Unternehmen - nicht die Ursache für regionale Kreditmärkte sein. Als Grund für das beschriebene Phänomen wird die räumlich begrenzte Diffusion kostenloser Informationen über die Kreditnehmer angenommen. Mit steigender Entfernung zwischen Bank und Kreditnehmer reduzieren sich die kostenlos verfügbaren Informationen und führen entweder zu Kreditausfällen oder zu steigenden Kosten der Bank für Informationsbeschaffung. In beiden Fällen entsteht ein regionaler Kreditmarkt, der unter alternativen Bedingungen untersucht wird.
Energieeinsparung als Versicherung gegen Marktrisiken / Saving Energy as Insurance against Market Risk
Authors: Kreuzberg Peter
Published: May 2016

Viele Investitionen in die Einsparung konventioneller Energieträger gelten als unwirtschaftlich, weil sie ihre Kapitalkosten nicht erwirtschaften. Am Beispiel von öleinsparenden Projekten wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit gezeigt, daß die traditionell verwendeten Kapitalkosten vermutlich stark überhöht sind. Das empirisch geschätzte, statistisch signifikante „Öl-BETA“ weist ein negatives Vorzeichen auf und liefert ein Indiz für die Eigenschaft der Energieeinsparung als Versicherung gegen systematische Marktrisiken. Die risikoangepaßten Kapitalkosten liegen unter diesen Umständen unterhalb der Verzinsung risikoloser Anlagen.
A Puzzling Story: The Cyclical Behavior of Price-cost Margins / Eine verwirrende Geschichte: Das zyklische Verhalten von Preis-Kosten-Margen
Authors: Wied-Nebbeling Susanne
Published: May 2016

Some recent empirical studies reveal countercyclical price-cost margins. From a microeconomic point of view this is not plausible because for the overwhelming number of industries, profits are highest in boom. As indicators of profitability price-cost margins should be procyclical. However, it will be shown that a margin relying on marginal cost can behave countercyclically or remains constant even with procyclical profits. A margin based on average cost is a better indicator of the development of profits. Therefore, empirical analysts should not regard different definitions of price-cost margins as equivalent.
Qualifikation, Beschäftigung und technischer Fortschritt / Skill Structure, Employment and Technological Progress
Authors: Blechinger Doris , Pfeiffer Friedhelm
Published: May 2016

Für die Bundesrepublik und insbesondere für Baden-Württemberg mit seiner hohen Industriedichte und dem großen Anteil innovativer Unternehmen ist das Verständnis der wirtschaftlichen Zusammenhänge zwischen Beschäftigung, Qualifikation und technischem Fortschritt von zentraler Bedeutung. Zur Quantifizierung der Beschäftigungseffekte des technischen Fortschritts wird für das Produzierende Gewerbe in Westdeutschland und in Baden-Württemberg das Wachstum der Arbeitsnachfrage zwischen 1992/94, 1993/95 und 1992/95 in kleinen und großen Unternehmen getrennt geschätzt. Prozeßinnovationen wirken tendenziell negativ, Produktinnovationen zum Teil positiv, zum Teil negativ. Der Gesamteffekt von Prozeß- und Produktinnovationen hängt vom Untersuchungszeitraum und von der Unternehmensgröße ab, und ist eher negativ ausgefallen. Die Qualifikationsstruktur der Beschäftigten in innovativen und nicht-innovativen Unternehmen wird mit einer Rangkorrelationsanalyse untersucht. Technischer Fortschritt setzt geringqualifizierte Arbeit frei. In innovativen Unternehmen ist die Höherqualifizierung der Arbeitskräfte stärker ausgeprägt.
Umverteilungseffekte durch Reformen der Finanzierung der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung / Redistributional Effects of Health Care Financing Reforms in Germany
Authors: Winkelhake Olaf , John Jürgen
Published: May 2016

Daten der Einkommens- und Verbrauchsstichprobe 1988 wurden für eine statische Mikrosimulation der Verteilungswirkungen verschiedener Reformszenarien der Finanzierung der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung verwendet. Trotz ihres Alters stellen diese Daten die zur Zeit aktuellste verfügbare Quelle dar. Es wurden die Einführung des allgemeinen Kassenwettbewerbs zum 1. 1. 1997 simuliert, sowie die Reformoptionen „Anhebung der Beitragsbemessungsgrenze“, „Reform der Familienversicherung“ und „Einbeziehung von Vermögenseinkünften“. Als Ergebnis läßt sich festhalten, daß der zu erwartende Umverteilungseffekt aller untersuchten Optionen nur marginal ist. Insbesondere letzteres Ergebnis steht in deutlichem Kontrast zu den Erwartungen in der öffentlichen Diskussion.
Kündigungsschutz aus institutionenökonomischer Perspektive / Employment Protection in an Institutional Perspective
Authors: Schellhaaß Horst M. , Nolte Ansgar
Published: May 2016

Dieser Beitrag stellt den geltenden Kündigungsschutzregelungen einen institutionenökonomisch fundierten Entwurf gegenüber, nach dem sich Schutzbedürftigkeit nicht an der Arbeitnehmereigenschaft per se, sondern am Ausmaß der versunkenen Kosten orientiert. Hieraus resultiert erstens eine Differenzierung des Kündigungsschutzes zwischen Jedermanns-, allgemeinen und betriebsspezifischen Qualifikationen. Zweitens variiert die Funktion des Kündigungsschutzes: Während bei betriebsspezifischen Qualifikationen die opportunistische Enteignung von Quasirenten durch den Vertragspartner verhindert werden soll, soll bei allgemeinen Qualifikationen der Wettbewerb durch gleichartig ausgebildete Außenseiter abgeschwächt werden. Drittens soll als Folge der Informationsasymmetrien der Arbeitsgerichtsbarkeit der gesetzliche Kündigungsschutz partiell durch einen impliziten Bestandsschutz der Arbeitsverhältnisse ersetzt werden. Viertens steigen die Anreize zu Vorsorgeaufwendungen in Form produktivitätserhöhender Humankapitalinvestitionen zur Vermeidung von Trennungssituationen anstelle der traditionellen Kompensationspolitik im Kündigungsfall.
Brain Drain and Brain Gain in Europe / Brain Drain und Brain Gain in Europa
Authors: Straubhaar Thomas , Wolburg Martin R.
Published: May 2016

This article seeks empirically for some brain effects in the migration flows from East European countries to Germany. Using previously unpublished Eurostat data we find that highly qualified persons tend to immigrate overproportionally into Germany so that the stock of human capital within the sending countries is reduced. With the help of a panel data analysis we then estimate a European production function and find that the share of highly qualified persons in the population has a significant and positive effect on the explanation of income differentials across the EU(12) countries. Using the obtained parameters of the production function for the East European countries we calibrate the welfare effects of the brain drain. Our major findings are: First, Germany gains from migration from Eastern Europe whereas Eastern European countries lose from free migration because the average shock of human capital is lowered. Second, the overall increase in income is positive, thus international welfare increases. Third, taking remittances into account does not alter the qualitative findings.
Die Unterscheidung der Trinität und die Einheit der Kontingenzformel Gott
Authors: Thomas Günter
Published: May 2016

Der Beitrag nimmt von Seiten der Theologie mit Niklas Luhmann das Gespräch über den Gottesbegriff in „Die Religion der Gesellschaft“ auf. Luhmann führt ihn in seiner Religionssoziologie als sogenannte Kontingenzformel ein, mit der im Religionssystem die Paradoxien des Codes bearbeitet werden. Mit Gott wird die Einheit der Unterscheidung von Transzendenz und Immanenz vorgestellt. Hierzu greift Luhmann auf Traditionen der philosophischen Gotteslehre zurück, die Gott als jenseits der Unterscheidung von Unterscheidung und Nichtunterscheidung denken. Der Gott der Luhmannschen Religionssoziologie ist als zeitlos und jenseits der Unterscheidung von Selbstreferenz und Fremdreferenz, als im Grunde differenzloser Letztsinn konzipiert. Auf die von Luhmann beschriebene Krise des metaphysischen Gottesverständnisses reagierte die Theologie des 20. Jahrhunderts mit einem verstärkt trinitätstheologischen Denken. Darum argumentiert der Beitrag, daß für ein Denken, das sich an einem trinitarisch differenzierten Gottesverständnis orientiert, an den Extrempositionen des Unterscheidens nicht eine Einheit, sondern eine Differenz steht. Diese Unterscheidung in Gott hat weitgehende Implikationen für das Verhältnis von Immanenz und Transzendenz.
Die Form der autopoietischen Reproduktion am Beispiel von Bewußtsein und Kommunikation
Authors: Fuchs Peter
Published: May 2016

Niklas Luhmanns Theorie unterscheidet zwei Typen sinn-orientierter Systeme: soziale Systeme und bewußte Systeme. Beide sind bezogen auf das sehr abstrakte Konzept der Autopoiesis. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die Annahme, daß die Operationen dieser Systeme aufgefaßt werden können als identisch in der Form, jedoch als verschieden im Blick auf das Medium, in dem diese Form realisiert wird. Bezogen auf Autopoiesis wird argumentiert, daß beide Systemtypen die Referenz auf sich selbst und die Referenz auf die Umwelt kombinieren müssen. Sie erfüllen dieses Erfordernis durch ein spezielles Zeitmanagement, das in terms der ›différance‹ analysiert werden kann. Dieses Management, das begriffen wird als eine Art isomorpher Strategie, ist das Ergebnis (und die Bedingung) der Koproduktion und der Koevolution sozialer und bewußter Systeme.
Was ist noch Theorie? Eine Auseinandersetzung mit Peter Fuchs' ›Metapher des Systems‹
Authors: Clam Jean
Published: May 2016

Der Beitrag geht von Peter Fuchs′ Ausarbeitung einer Verflechtung von Derrida’scher Dekonstruktion und Luhmann’scher Systemtheorie aus. Er stellt die Frage nach der Möglichkeit von Theorie unter den neuen Bedingungen postontologischen Denkens. Zuerst wird, entgegen Fuchs′ Tendenz, die Notwendigkeit einer schärferen Trennung zwischen Dekonstruktion und Systemtheorie gezeigt. Das theoretische Projekt der Systemtheorie wird ernst genommen: der Beitrag zeigt, inwiefern die Systemtheorie die inaugurale postontologische Theorie darstellt. Der Begriff sowie alle Momente postontologischen Theoretisierens werden durchgegangen und expliziert: Grund-Problematik, Adequität und Inadequität, Inkongruenz, Fragmentarität. Zuletzt wird mit dem eigens hierfür entwickelten Begriff der »Intellektion« die vollzughafte und existenzielle Problematik von Theorie erhellt.
Ein blinder Fleck bei Niklas Luhmann? Soziale Wirkungen von Emotionen aus Sicht der fraktalen Affektlogik
Authors: Ciompi Luc
Published: May 2016

Dynamische Wirkungen von Emotionen auf das kollektive Denken und Verhalten wurden bisher soziologisch kaum hinreichend erfasst. Dies wird im ersten Teil des Artikels anhand der kritischen Analyse ihres Stellenwerts im Werk von Niklas Luhmann paradigmatisch aufgezeigt. Luhmann versteht Emotionen fast nur als individuelle Störphänomene, die grundsätzlich nicht Gegenstand der Soziologie seien. Dieser Sichtweise wird anschließend das Konzept der fraktalen Affektlogik (Ciompi 1982; 1997) gegenübergestellt, welches Affekte als gerichtete energetische Zustände evolutionären Ursprungs auffasst, die mit spezifischen Verhaltenstendenzen und Kognitionen gekoppelt sind und sich - u.a. dank dem Phänomen der emotionalen Ansteckung - auf verschiedenste soziale Ebenen ausbreiten. Emotionen beeinflussen das kollektive Denken und Handeln sog. selbstähnlich wie das individuelle. Sie lenken Wahrnehmung, Aufmerksamkeit und Gedächtnis auf Außerordentliches, regulieren das Alltagsverhalten und vermögen auch plötzliche nichtlineare Umschläge von Fühlen, Denken und Verhalten in global neue Funktionsmuster zu bewirken. Anhand von sozialen Schlüsselphänomenen wie kontingenter Kommunikation, Selbstreferenz, Komplexitätsreduktion, Sinn- und Wertbildung wird weiter gezeigt, dass kollektive Affekte im Dienst der Autopoiese sozialer Systeme stehen. Sie sind biogene Grundenergien, die letztlich alle soziale Dynamik mobilisieren und strukturieren. Diese Sichtweise ergänzt einen »blinden Fleck« in der Luhmannschen Soziologie und führt zu neuen Fragestellungen.
Publish or Stay Behind and Perhaps Perish: Stability of Publication Practices in (Some) Social Sciences
Authors: Roth Wolff-Michael
Published: May 2016

Obwohl neue technische Entwicklungen das schnelle und hinsichtlich der Länge problemlose Veröffentlichen ermöglichen, werden elektronische Medien in manchen Wissenschaften nur langsam - wenn überhaupt - akzeptiert und benutzt. Auf der Grundlage eines kulturhistorischen Ansatzes der dritten Generation argumentiere ich, dass sich die Stabilität von Veröffentlichungspraktiken (in Nordamerika) aus der Rolle der Publikationen in der akademischen Laufbahn ergibt. Entscheidungen in so unterschiedlichen Zusammenhängen wie Dauereinstellung, Beförderung, Gehalt, Gehaltserhöhung, und Drittmittelerwerb hängen von der Veröffentlichungsliste ab, die als eine Form der Objektivierung der Leistung eines Individuums verstanden wird. Die Stabilität der Veröffentlichungspraktiken kann man daher als das Produkt von der hoch vernetzten Natur akademischer Praktiken und Tätigkeitssystemen und der dialektischen Natur der Wissenschaftsgemeinden (communities of practice) verstehen, die sich sowohl identisch reproduzieren (Stasis), als auch in neuen Formen produzieren. Dieses Phänomen kann man zum Teil verstehen als das Bedürfnis eines Akademikers (einer Akademikerin), zur Erhaltung der Wissensgemeinde durch Dienste beizutragen, die den Entscheidungen über Dauereinstellung, Beförderung, und Gehalt Rechnung tragen.