bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigaciones científicas en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco y aguas adyacentes del Pacífico de Costa Rica
Authors: Aguilar Sergio
Published: March 2016

This Special Issue of the Revista de Biología Tropical, “Scientific Research at Isla del Coco National Park and Adjacent Waters, Pacific Costa Rica” (Volume 64, Supplement 1, 2016) contains 20 papers, with topics ranging from atmospheric sciences to an analysis of conservation public policies, including also papers on physical oceanography, chemistry, botany and marine biodiversity of Isla del Coco National Park, its adjacent waters and regions between the continent and the island. The 20 papers were written by 54 authors, including 15 students, from 13 national and international institutions. The manuscripts were reviewed by more than 75 researchers to whom I am greatly thankful. (The list of reviewers is presented at the end; several requested to remain anonymous.) Their corrections, suggestions and comments greatly contributed to improve the papers. Most of the publications are the product of research projects funded by the Vice-rectory for Research of the University of Costa Rica, the French Fund for the World Environment, the National Council of Rectors of the Public Universities of Costa Rica (CONARE), Conservation International, the Undersea Hunter Group, and other funding agencies. I acknowledge the unconditional support, once more, of the Revista de Biología Tropical. The publication of this Special Issue was possible thanks to the financial contributions by the Costa Rican National Academy of Science, the Undersea Hunter Group, the Pristine Seas Project (National Geographic Society, thanks to Enric Sala), and Conservation International (CI). Finally, I want to thank each and every one of the authors for contributing with their manuscripts for this new Special Issue on scientific research at Isla del Coco National Park and its surrounding waters. I hope that this Special Issue, as well as the previous ones, contributes to increase awareness of the importance of Isla del Coco for Costa Rica and the entire world.

 
Distribución espacio-temporal de la temperatura, salinidad y oxígeno disuelto alrededor del Domo Térmico de Costa Rica
Authors: Lizano Omar G.
Published: March 2016

The Costa Rica Thermal Dome (CRTD) is an oceanographic phenomenon in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). This is a region of very high biological productivity, resulting in high concentrations of phytoplankton, sea birds, and large pelagics, such as tunas, dolphins and whales. Few publications have looks at the station variability of the water column of the CRTD. Here, horizontal and vertical distribution of some oceanic parameters was analyzed to show the dynamics of ETP, its influence on the CRTD, climatic variations and relationships that justify their distributions. Climatological monthly mean data of Ocean Data View (ODV) from 1900 to 2009 were used to compile profiles of the water column’s temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen, and their spatial distributions around the Costa Rica Thermal Dome (CRTD). Monthly variations of these parameters depend on the intensity and extent of ocean-meteorological phenomena in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), which are related to the north-south migration of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The monthly climatic variation of these variables is analyzed down to 200 m depth. Increased climate variability is found in the water column at stations north and east of the CRTD. The two stations north of the CRTD, closer to the coast, are the ones most affected by the wind in front of the Gulf of Papagayo and where the greatest monthly upwelling variation occurs in this region. The distribution and concentration of dissolved oxygen depends on the ocean-atmospheric dynamics. Oxygen is consumed by respiration and organic matter oxidation around CRTD. Moreover, this is one of the regions of the tropical oceans where an Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) exist, which is related also to poor water circulation or lack ocean ventilation. Sources of dissolved oxygen are linked with sub-surface currents coming from the west and from the south of the geographic equator.

 
Aplicación del análisis factorial confirmatorio a un modelo de medición del rendimiento académico en lectura
Authors: Fernández Aráuz Andrés
Published: March 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar mediante un ejemplo empírico las diferencias entre las técnicas estadísticas de análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. Los resultados obtenidos con el análisis factorial confirmatorio muestran que tanto el nivel educativo como el estatus socioeconómico, así como las posesiones del hogar son buenos indicadores para la medición de la variable latente llamada Extracción Socioeconómica. El gusto de los estudiantes por la lectura y la diversidad de lecturas son buenos indicadores de medición para la variable latente de Actitud Personal del estudiante, mientras que la actitud del estudiante hacia el centro educativo no es una buena medición para la variable latente de Actitud Personal. Estos resultados sugieren que los factores inobservables de Extracción Socioeconómica, Estrategias de Lectura y Actitud Personal podrían ser utilizados para evaluar la hipótesis causal del efecto de estas variables sobre el rendimiento educativo de los estudiantes en la prueba de lectura.
Voz y polifonía en Pasto verde de Parménides García Saldaña
Authors: Costales García Diana
Published: March 2016

Este artículo se propone demostrar la calidad literaria de la novela Pasto verde de Parménides García Saldaña, la cual ha sido objeto de polémica a lo largo de varias décadas en lo concerniente a su valor artístico, debido a la ruptura que planteó en cuanto al manejo del lenguaje, a la representación sintáctica y tipográfica de la oralidad y al privilegio que otorga al “sentir” sobre el “acontecer”, por lo que no hay una “trama” en cuanto tal. Para lograr mi propósito, analizo algunos aspectos de la obra basándome en los conceptos de “voz” y “polifonía” del teórico ruso Mijail Bajtín, así como de la relación entre la técnica literaria y el contexto social y musical de los años 60 en México.
Lo fantástico y el hiperrealismo en La rebelión de los niños de Cristina Peri Rossi
Authors: Mata Li Mariela
Published: March 2016

El siguiente artículo plantea una interpretación del cuento de Cristina Peri Rossi “La rebelión de los niños” desde el género fantástico. Para argumentar este planteamiento, el hiperrealismo, como subgénero literario, resulta un mecanismo que permite la creación de un contexto realista, el cual, por su parte, provee el contraste necesario para enfatizar la transgresión, característica primordial de un suceso fantástico. “La rebelión de los niños” describe un futuro distópico regido por una dictadura opresiva, en la cual las generaciones más jóvenes, llenas de un intelecto macabro y coraje, deciden vengar a sus padres desaparecidos y construir un nuevo futuro.
Écrasis y enargeia en la Metamorfosis (Asno de Oro) de Apuleyo: La escultura de Diana y Acteón como mise en abyme
Authors: Herrera Valenciano Minor
Published: March 2016

Este trabajo hace ver cómo la écfrasis no solo se limita a la creación de un texto a partir de la observación detallada de una obra artística (escultura de Diana y Acteón), o a la descripción de esta por medio de ilustrativas y hermosas imágenes más bien, lo que se propone a continuación versa sobre cuál es la función de la práctica ecfrástica inscrita en un texto literario, cuáles son las intenciones que posee el autor para entrelazar, como urdimbre en el tejido (texto), la écfrasis y finalmente qué papel juega la enargeia presente en la écfrasis por analizar.
Dichos y refranes utilizados por jóvenes y adultos en el mercado central del cantón central de la provincia de Puntarenas
Authors: Salas Alvarado Jonnathan
Published: March 2016

El presente artículo muestra los resultados obtenidos de un estudio realizado en el año 2012 acerca de dichos y refranes conocidos y utilizados por adultos y jóvenes en el mercado central de Puntarenas. El estudio recopila dichos y refranes conocidos y utilizados dentro del mercado central de Puntarenas mediante la aplicación de un instrumento a 46 personas (20 hombres y 26 mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y más de 60 años. La idea es conocer cuales son los dichos y refranes que gozan de mayor popularidad y uso entre esta población.
Enstein y los tiempos: la versión de Alan Lightman
Authors: Víquez Jiménez Alí
Published: March 2016

Este ensayo estudia las relaciones entre las concepciones del tiempo y las posibilidades de la felicidad humana que se describen en la novela del físico Alan Lightman titulada Einstein ́s Dreams.
Los anormales y el "desarrollo de la pastoral" de Foucault, como expresión plástica en el Jardín de las delicias (1480-1490) de El Bosco
Authors: Montero Rodríguez Daniel
Published: March 2016

El presente artículo analiza el texto pictórico El jardín de las delicias (1480-1490) del pintor neerlandés Jerónimo Bosch (1450-1516), El Bosco, a partir de los postulados teóricos de Michel Foucault. En primera instancia, se observan los componentes icónicos y su referencialidad, como parte de una visión de mundo determinada por lo sociocultural. Por otra parte, se estudia la relación de la pintura con el discurso religioso, dentro del desarrollo de la “pastoral” y la condición de la monstruosidad humana, explicadas por Michel Foucault en su texto Los anormales. 
Evaluation of the viscosity of tropical soils for debris flow analysis: a new approach
Authors: de Campos T. M. P. , Galindo M. S. V.
Published: March 2016

To analyse the debris flow type of landslides it is necessary to know the viscosity of the fast-moving soil mass. Such rheological parameters are important in the evaluation of characteristics of propagation of the movement downhill. This paper presents a proposal for the assessment of soil viscosity based on a modified set-up of the well-known concrete slump test. Through the definition of shearing rates in the slump tests, soil viscosity was determined on a plate–plate rheometer. Four natural soils from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with differing grain size distribution and plasticity, were used in the investigation. The results obtained are compared with experimental data from the literature, and show that care must be taken in defining viscosities based only on data related to grain size. Correlations between soil moisture and shearing rates, defined in the modified slump tests, and viscosity, defined in the rheometer tests, were obtained. As a result, a fairly good relationship between shearing rate and viscosity was established. Comparing the obtained data with numerical results available in the literature it is concluded that the developed experimental methodology may provide a simple way to evaluate the viscosity of soils for debris flow analysis.
Factors associated with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance in gram-negative bacilli isolated from urinary tract infections
Authors: Volcão Lisiane Martins , Lacava Juliano Pereira , Ramis Ivy Bastos , Ramos Daniela Fernandes , Damati Gustavo Souto , Gonçalves Carla Vitola , Da Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Groll Andrea Von
Published: March 2016

Background and Objectives: Fluoroquinolones are one of the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial classes for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) of both hospital and community origin. This study aims to determine the frequency and the factors associated with resistance to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin in gram-negative bacilli isolated from patients with UTIs treated in a hospital in southern Brazil. Methods: We performed a transversal and analytical study based on cases of urinary tract infection caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in patients at the Hospital Universitário Dr. Miguel Riet Correa Jr. in Rio Grande/RS from August 2012 to July 2013. Independent variables such as the age and sex of patients, source of infection of the UTI and the characteristics of the bacterial strains were analyzed. Results: Of the 562 GNB analyzed, the total frequencies of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance were, respectively, 25.5% and 23.3% in strains of community origin and 62.6% and 59% in strains of hospital origin. The risk factors associated with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance were sex (male), infections acquired in the hospital, longer hospitalization times, and the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in the bacterial strains. Conclusions: We observed a strong association between GNB resistance, the time spent in the hospital and the presence of ESBLs. To control antibiotic resistance and to reduce the cost of health care, a strong hospital policy of vigilance is required regarding the use of and resistance to antibiotics.
ESL Teachers as Theory Makers: A Discourse Analysis of Student Assignments in a Second Language Acquisition Course
Authors: Markham Paul , Rice Mary , Darban Behnaz
Published: March 2016

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) knowledge is necessary in order to increase the likelihood that teachers will engage in sound practices. The purpose of this study was to discursively examine the evolving SLA knowledge as part of living educational theories in course assignments of 29 teachers in an SLA theory class. This study offers several valuable additional insights about teachers living educational theories of SLA. Specifically, preservice teachers exhibited more willingness to change their practice in the future than inservice teachers, yet preservice teachers still expressed both a confirmation of original beliefs and personal validation for extant beliefs.
The Didactic Treatment of English as a Medium of Instruction in Ivorian Universities: A Case Study
Authors: Kouassi Jérôme
Published: March 2016

In Côte-d’Ivoire French is used as the language of instruction at all levels of education except the foreign language departments in our universities. Today, the idea is to use EMI[1] in higher education. This requires full year training in intensive English. As the current conditions are not appropriate, the situation calls for reflection on an alternative solution: Training our students without necessarily resorting to a full academic year of intensive English. Considering the difficulties relating to the mobilization of human and material resources indispensable for a successful implementation of intensive English learning and taking account of the current teaching practices in our different departments, what didactic choices can allow the much needed training in our context? In order to answer this question I investigated the situation at the UFR-SEG[2]using a questionnaire and an interview guide. The conclusions of this study carried out in a constructivist and socio-constructivist perspective indicate that the majority of our trained students are unable to use English for instruction. My suggestions are threefold: Triangulation of didactic situations (didactic, a-didactic and non didactic situations), use of a multi-dimensional differentiated approach to instruction, and instruction based on learning strategies.
The Impact of Mobile Phones on English Language Learning: Perceptions of EFL Undergraduates
Authors: Nalliveettil George Mathew , Alenazi Talal Hail Khaled
Published: March 2016

Researchers across the world are examining the educational value and effectiveness of integrating the latest electronic gadgets with teaching-learning activities in the classroom. In spite of the availability of latest electronic gadgets like iPods, tablets, and smartwatches, researchers are more interested in the educational value of the mobile phones for the teaching-learning of English. In a technologically advanced country like Saudi Arabia, the third and fourth generation (3G, 4G) mobile devices are available at affordable prices, and people of all streams find it necessary to own a mobile phone for connecting with their friends and relatives.  Moreover, it has become a common trend among undergraduates to carry a mobile phone to the classroom as well. The present study examines the impact of mobile phones on students’ English language learning.  A field study was conducted on fifty-two undergraduate male students majoring in English language and literature at Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia.  The methodology of data collection included a self-report for students and a teacher questionnaire.   Findings of the study are significant for EFL teachers and researchers for introducing innovative methods and resourceful materials for the English classroom.
Foreign Words in Jordanian Arabic among Jordanians Living in Irbid City: The Impact of Foreign Languages on Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Abushihab Ibrahim
Published: March 2016

The paper investigates the foreign words used in spoken Jordanian Arabic in Irbid city. It also examines the causes behind using them. The data are collected by means of direct interviews and observations. The sample of the study was chosen from fifty participants living in Irbid city. They were thirty males and twenty females who cover different ages, genders and different educational background. The results show that Jordanians use different borrowed words in their daily conversations. English and Turkish are the main source of borrowing these words.
The Grammar Impairment of Mandarin Chinese SLI Children: Evidence from Topic-comment Structures
Authors: Yu Haopeng
Published: March 2016

Acquisition of topic structure was studied in 12 Mandarin Chinese-speaking SLI children aged from 3,11-6,1 and in two other groups of children with normal language development (TDA & TDY). The study aimed to find out whether the Chinese SLI children encounter difficulties when comprehending and producing topic structures, and to locate the sources of the deficits if there are. Comprehension and Production was assessed by using one binary sentence-picture matching tasks, one elicitation production task. The findings were that while the Chinese-speaking SLI children comprehend subject topic structures around the age of 4;0, they are still at chance level in object topic structures at that age. The comprehension impairment is interpreted in the approach of Relativized Minimality as underspeciﬁcation of the feature set of the moved elements. The SLI children avoid producing the target structure, instead utilizing derivationally less complex SVO sentences. The deficit in production can be accounted for by the Derivational Complexity Hypothesis.
The Representation of Male and Female Social Actors in the ILI English Series
Authors: Sadeghi Bahador , Maleki Golrokh
Published: March 2016

Textbooks are important parts of all educational systems nowadays, which can make people ready for globalization and new concepts emerging through it. These individuals need to be given the chance of feeling as successful and important, in a world which is neither blue nor pink. Equality can pave the way to a better world, and the study of the representation of male and female social actors in textbooks can lead to elimination of inequality from textbooks and societies. This study is an attempt to analyze the representation of males and females at the ILI English Series. The dialogues examined critically through Van Leeuwen’s framework (1996, 2008), and they proved to be gender-biased. These series depict a men-without-women world in which females are waiting for a chance to ‘be’, ‘be seen’ and ‘be heard’. (140)
A Psychoanalytic Interpretation of Mother-daughter Relationship in “I Stand Here Ironing”
Authors: Bao Zhongming , Wei Mindan
Published: March 2016

“I Stand Here Ironing” is recognized as one of Tillie Olsen’s most anthologized works. As a biographical short story extracted from the writer’s own experience as a single mother, with the first daughter Clara as the prototype for Emily in the story, it relates how a single mother parents her first child Emily in the turmoil of the Great Depression. It has attracted interests of many scholars to explore the feminist themes of motherhood among the working class or Jewish identity in woman literature. However, psychoanalysis is seldom employed to tap the inner being of Emily and her mother so as to examine the dynamics of mother-daughter relationship. This paper aims to analyze the defense mechanisms adopted by Emily and her mother to explore their unconscious, so that we can have a better understanding about the mother-daughter relationship. Both Emily and her mother resort to certain defense mechanisms to protect their tortured ego and escape from the family as well as the real world. Finally, they bravely confront the reality and fulfill a harmonious return.
Contrastive Study of English and Chinese Word Order from the Perspective of Figure-ground Theory—A Case Study of The Moonstone and Its Chinese Version
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Cao Zuoyu
Published: March 2016

The relationship between human language behavior and cognition can be reflected by the Figure-Ground Theory in cognitive science. In the frame of cognition, figure is more prominent. It is the focus of attention; ground is less prominent and it provides the cognitive reference for the figure. In English expression, figure is usually put on the prominent position. This article points out the similarities and differences between English and Chinese word order by comparing English and Chinese sentences from The Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins. It delves into their cognitive differences through cognition pattern. English adopts cognitive model from figure to ground, while Chinese takes the order from ground to figure. According to the analysis of the article, a conclusion is made that the difference between English and Chinese word order lies in different cognitive models.
Tips for College Science Majors in English-Chinese Translation Practice
Authors: Wang Lili
Published: March 2016

after an experiment of teaching science majors EST translation, the author explains the importance for science majors to learn and practice English-Chinese translation, and provides some theoretical foundations science majors should learn when they do the translation practice. At the same time, the author summaries some unique stylistic features in EST and some tips students should notice in translation practice considering these stylistic features.
Cohesion Analysis of Iranian Advanced EFL Learners’ Writing
Authors: Zarepour Fatemeh
Published: March 2016

This study seeks to examine the most common cohesive devices used by Iranian advance EFL learners in writing a composition. This study also tries to determine the most common cohesive errors committed by the learners and find probable sources of errors. To this end, 30 advance EFL learners were selected. A proficiency test was conducted to ensure if they were at the same level. Then, participants were asked to write a composition of 200-220 words. The data were analyzed. It had been revealed that the most frequent cohesive devices were reference cohesion followed by conjunction, lexical cohesion, ellipsis, and substitution. The most frequent cohesion errors committed by learners were also related to reference cohesion, conjunction, lexical cohesion, ellipsis, and substitution respectively. Furthermore, in this study some pedagogical implications had been suggested for language teachers regarding cohesion.
Effects of L2 on the L1 at Semantic Level: An Empirical Study
Authors: Liu Peiyun , Ni Chuanbin
Published: March 2016

Language transfer is a bidirectional phenomenon, which includes not only forward transfer but also backward transfer. Recently, backward transfer, also seeing as effects of L2 on the L1, has gaining attention in the field of SLA. Taking tag questions as an example, current study aims to enrich backward transfer study with a tentative research on the influence of English (L2) knowledge on Chinese (L1) in the light of Multi-competence Theory from SLA perspective. A questionnaire with assurance-doubt task (40 items) is made and 101 university students are recruited to fill it out. The data are analyzed by SPSS 18.0. Results proved the influence of English knowledge on that of Chinese at semantic level. Besides, the improvement in metalinguistic awareness is found in English major students.
From Ephemeral Planning to Permanent Urbanism: An Urban Planning Theory of Mega-Events
Authors: Kassens-Noor Eva
Published: March 2016

Mega-events like the Olympic Games are powerful forces that shape cities. In the wake of mega-events, a variety of positive and negative legacies have remained in host cities. In order to bring some theoretical clarity to debates about legacy creation, I introduce the concepts of the mega-event utopia, dystopia and heterotopia. A mega-event utopia is ideal and imaginary urbanism embracing abstract concepts about economies, socio-political systems, spaces, and societies in the host during events. The mega-event utopia (in contrast to other utopian visions other stakeholders may hold) is dictated by the desires of the mega-event owners irrespective of the realities in the event host. In short, a mega-event utopia is the perfect event host from the owner’s perspective. Mega-event utopias are suggested as a theoretical model for the systematic transformation of their host cities. As large-scale events progress as ever more powerful transformers into this century, mega-event dystopias have emerged as negatives of these idealistic utopias. As hybrid post-event landscapes, mega-event heterotopias manifest the temporary mega-event utopia as legacy imprints into the long-term realities in hosting cities. Using the Olympic utopia as an example of a mega-event utopia, I theorize utopian visions around four urban traits: economy, image, infrastructure and society. Through the concept of the mega-event legacy utopia, I also provide some insight toward the operationalization of the four urban traits for a city’s economic development, local place marketing, urban development, and public participation.
Проблемы преподавания журналистики в современной России
Authors: Артемов Владимир Львович
Published: March 2016

В статье анализируются проблемы преподавания журналистики в современной России, в том числе понижение общей культуры молодежи — абитуриентов, студентов.
Подготовлено на основе доклада на XII Международной научной конференции «Высшее образование для XXI века» (3-5 декабря 2015 г.) в Московском гуманитарном университете.
Physical Activity and Healthy Aging with Multiple Sclerosis—Literature Review and Research Directions
Authors: Motl Robert W ,   Professor, Sebastião Emerson ,   Postdoctoral Fellow, Klaren Rachel E ,   Doctoral Student; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, McAuley Edward ,   Professor, Stine-Morrow Elizabeth AL ,   Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, Roberts Brent ,   Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, US
Published: March 2016

There is a “greying” of the population of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) that coincides with both increased life expectancy and the shifting demographic landscape worldwide. This growing cohort of older adults with MS undergoes normal age-related declines in physical and psychologic functioning that may be compounded by the disease and its progression. Little is known about predicting and managing the progression and consequences of MS in older adults. We believe that a focus on physical activity behavior represents a novel opportunity for transformative research on healthy aging with MS. The current paper reviews existing evidence on physical activity rates, correlates, consequences, and interventions among older adults with MS, and highlights important areas for future research on physical activity and health aging with MS.
Cancer, Chemotherapy and Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Dietrich Jörg ,   Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US, Kaiser Jochen ,   Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
Published: March 2016

Decline in cognitive function, such as memory impairment, is one of the most commonly reported symptoms in cancer patients. Importantly, cognitive impairment is not restricted to patients treated for brain tumors, but also frequently present in patients treated for tumors outside the nervous system. Recent discoveries from preclinical and translational studies have defined various risk factors and mechanisms underlying such symptoms. The translation of these findings into clinical practice will improve patient management by limiting the degree of neurotoxicity from current therapies, and by exploring novel mechanisms of brain repair.
Terrorismo financiero y nuevo orden mundial
Authors: Fyfe Dan
Published: March 2016

El "Terrorismo financiero" ha sido utilizado por la élite financiera internacional a lo largo del sigo veinte para establecer un "nuevo orden mundial" con Estados Unidos como poder hegemónico. Europa es solo la víctima más reciente de un modus operandi que empezó antes de la Primera Guerra Mundial
Expediente
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: March 2016

Expediente
Composição e estrutura da comunidade de peixes de um afluente do rio Tietê, bacia do Alto rio Paraná.
Authors: Serra Jane Piton , Campos Fabio De Faria e Souza , Castro André Luis da Silva
Published: March 2016

A América do Sul contém a mais rica e variada ictiofauna de água doce do mundo, porém, muito dessa diversidade ainda é desconhecida, tanto na sua composição, quanto em aspectos ecológicos, biológicos e taxonômicos. Essa riqueza, entretanto tem sido afetada pelas alterações antrópicas dos ambientes naturais. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a composição e estrutura da ictiofauna do ribeirão Borá, afluente do rio Cubatão, drenagem do rio Tietê, bacia do alto rio Paraná. O local estudado foi um trecho de quinta ordem e aproximadamente 80 m de extensão do ribeirão, localizado no município de Nova Aliança, São Paulo. O ribeirão Borá apresenta características de ambiente antropizado, como pouca vegetação marginal e pontos poucos profundos com sedimento predominantemente arenoso. Foram realizadas 10 coletadas diurnas entre Novembro de 2002 e Março de 2004. O tempo de coleta e os equipamentos utilizados foram padronizados. Foram coletadas 41 espécies de peixes, pertencentes a 15 famílias e cinco ordens, totalizando 1.459 exemplares. A ordem Characiformes apresentou maior riqueza, seguida por Siluriformes. A família Characidae foi a mais rica, seguida por Loricariidae e Cichlidae. Os maiores valores para riqueza e abundância foram encontrados na estação chuvosa. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho constituem uma forma importante de conhecimento da ictiofauna e reforçam a importância de estudos sobre a composição e estrutura das comunidades de peixes, tanto em ambientes ainda não modificados, quanto naqueles com intenso processo de degradação, como subsídio para conservação e recuperação dos ambientes aquáticos.
Expediente e equipe editorial
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: March 2016

Expediente e equipe editorial
Radiação solar e temperatura do ar em ambiente protegido.
Authors: Rebouças Perila Maciel , Dias Ítala Farias , Alves Melânia Araújo , Barbosa Filho José Antonio Delfino
Published: March 2016

O aumento da produção de alimentos no mundo é uma necessidade recorrente. Com utilização de tecnologias que verticalizam a produção, o homem consegue atingir elevados índices de produtividade em quase todos os setores da agricultura. Sabe-se que existe uma forte relação da temperatura do ar com a incidência de radiação solar. Assim se faz necessário um estudo climatológico dessas variáveis em ambiente protegido. Diante disso esta revisão tem o objetivo de descrever o comportamento das variáveis, radiação solar e temperatura do ar em um ambiente protegido, bem como as relações dessas variáveis com outros componentes do meio. As duas variáveis estudadas possuem uma forte relação entre si. A temperatura do ar no interior de uma estufa geralmente é maior que em seu exterior e é influenciada pela radiação solar, bem como por outros componentes, como o tipo de cobertura, o horário do dia, o clima da região, dentre outros.
Arborização urbana do bairro Centro do município de Cataguases, MG
Authors: De Paula Luana , Silva Duarte Matheus Sebastião , Tostes Renata Barcelo , De Oliveira Júnior Paulo Roberto , De Souza Ruback Samuel
Published: March 2016

A arborização urbana é de suma importância para a qualidade de vida da população. O inventário da arborização fornece informações necessárias para desenvolver um plano de manejo adequado, permitindo conhecer as condições da arborização. O objetivo do trabalho foi quantificar e qualificar a arborização urbana do bairro centro da cidade de Cataguases, onde realizamos levantamentos qualitativos e quantitativos das espécies, sendo inventariados 1927 indivíduos pertencentes a 39 espécies e 21 famílias botânicas. Destas, 71% são exóticas e 15% são Nativa Regional. A espécie Licania tomentosa (oiti), correspondeu a 77,99% do total amostrado, as demais 38 espécies representaram 22,1%. A copa apresentou 97% de interferência na fiação elétrica. Diante desses dados fica evidente a falta de planejamento da arborização urbana do bairro Centro do município de Cataguases, que apesar de ser muito arborizada, sua arborização não foi bem planejada.
Tratamento de resíduo líquido de laticínios utilizando Caixas de Gordura e Reator Anaeróbio Compartimentado seguido de Leitos Cultivados
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina Ferreira Moreira da , E. S. Paterniani José , Roston Denis M. , B. Fernandes Taciano
Published: March 2016

Neste trabalho foram avaliados o desempenho e a eficiência de um sistema de tratamento de resíduos líquidos de laticínios na remoção da carga orgânica do resíduo em uma indústria de laticínios, utilizando um sistema composto por caixas de gordura, reator anaeróbio compartimentado e leitos cultivados de fluxo subsuperficial vegetado com Typha sp. e utilizando como meio suporte brita #1, sob diferentes tempos de detenção hidráulica (3 e 5 dias) nos leitos cultivados. Como média geral na remoção de DBO e de DQO, o tratamento utilizando tempo de detenção de 3 dias conseguiu remover 98,87% de DBO e  99,77% de DQO, enquanto o tratamento utilizando 5 dias de detenção hidráulica removeu, em média, 99,51% de DBO e 99,56% de DQO. Os resultados indicam que o sistema foi eficiente no tratamento de resíduos líquidos de laticínios.
Seleção fenotípica de cultivares de soja precoce para a região Sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Gesteira Gabriel De Siqueira , Zambiazzi Everton Vinicius , Bruzi Adriano Teodoro , Soares Igor Oliveri , Rezende Pedro Milanez de , Silva Karina Barroso
Published: March 2016

Figurando como um dos principais produtores e exportadores de soja o Brasil destaca-se pela potencialidade de plantio de duas safras, uma em seguida da outra, também conhecidas como safra principal e safrinha. Para realização da safrinha com o milho, por exemplo, é necessário à utilização de cultivares precoces de soja que antecipem o período de plantio na segunda safra. Sendo assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a adaptabilidade de cultivares precoce de soja para o cultivo de verão na Região Sul de Minas Gerais. Os caracteres avaliados foram produtividade de grãos, altura de plantas, inserção do primeiro legume e ciclo de cultivo das cultivares introduzidas. O experimento foi conduzido na safra 2012/2013 e 2013/2014, adotando o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com 25 cultivares e três repetições. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância conjunta e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott (1974) a 5 % de probabilidade, com o auxílio do pacote estatístico SISVAR. Adotou-se a estimativa da acurácia para precisão experimental. Em função dos resultados obtidos pode-se inferir que das cultivares avaliadas destaca-se a cultivar BMX Força RR, por apresentar características favoráveis ao cultivo de verão, possibilitando a realização de segunda safra na região sul de Minas Gerais, associado a boas características agronômicas e precocidade.
Professora homenageada
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: March 2016

Homenagem à Professora Sindynara Ferreira
La descentralización fiscal en América Latina. Balance de un proceso
Authors: Pinilla Diego E. , Jiménez Juan de Dios , Montero Roberto
Published: March 2016

La mayor población urbana, la apertura política y económica y el área territorial son factores comunes que explican el origen y la profundidad de la descentralización en América Latina. La descentralización como objetivo obligó a transferir grandes recursos al nivel subnacional y dio lugar a un grave deterioro fiscal. En el intento de establecer incentivos adecuados, la segunda generación de reformas fijó nuevas prioridades: finanzas locales sanas, endeudamiento moderado y mayor esfuerzo tributario local. Este proceso requiere un marco institucional adecuado y habrá de continuar promoviendo una autonomía financiera local real.
El mito de los 400 mil abortos en Colombia
Authors: Rubio Mauricio
Published: March 2016

Durante años se ha dicho que en Colombia se practican 400 mil abortos clandestinos anuales, sin ninguna justificación y contra toda evidencia. Este artículo contrasta la validez de esa cifra. Primero explora cuál pudo ser la fuente inicial y luego muestra que ese cálculo apresurado es inconsistente con un estudio riguroso realizado en 1992. Después revisa otras fuentes que contradicen esa cifra; expone las dificultades para estimar las actividades ilegales y critica uno de los métodos empleados. Por último, estima el rango de abortos anuales a partir de las encuestas nacionales de demografía y salud.
Administración del riesgo temporal de liquidez, asociado a los llamados al margen, dentro del negocio de comercialización del café verde en Colombia
Authors: Mejía Vega Carlos Armando
Published: March 2016

En este artículo desarrollamos dos esquemas para administrar el riesgo temporal de liquidez, asociado a los llamados al margen, que experimentan aquellas firmas que: 1) exportan café verde de la especie vegetal arábica en Colombia, y 2) hacen uso del Contrato “C” de Café para mitigar el riesgo de precio al que están constantemente expuestas. Los dos esquemas parten de la base de que un exportador debe depositar una determinada cantidad de efectivo al momento de presentarse un llamado al margen, y por eso se concentraron en la constitución de un fondo preventivo. Para hallar el monto del mismo, se hizo uso del modelo elaborado por Eduardo Schwartz en 1997, pero adaptado al corto plazo, con el cual se estableció una dinámica temporal para el Precio Futuro del Contrato “C” de Café y, posteriormente, se elaboró una metodología (a través de una Simulación de Monte Carlo) para establecer: 1) en qué momentos en el futuro se podían llegar a producir llamados al margen y 2) el monto que debía depositarse en cada uno de esos puntos temporales. Con esos dos inputs, se procedió a tomar el valor esperado y a realizar el proceso de descuento para hallar el monto del fondo preventivo. En el primer esquema, el fondo obtenido no se modificó durante el tiempo en el que el exportador tenía una posición abierta en un portafolio de Contratos “C” de Café (salvo por la presencia de los llamados al margen). En el segundo esquema, sin embargo, el monto del fondo se iba reajustando adicionalmente en la medida en que se tenía nueva información de mercado cada día. Con base en lo anterior, y realizando un ejercicio de backtesting, se evidenció que el segundo esquema permitió una mejor administración de los llamados al margen que el primero, si bien ciertas particularidades de la metodología empleada en ambos casos (en especial el uso del valor esperado) impidieron que se alcanzara una administración mucho más efectiva. De esta forma, la conclusión principal fue que el valor esperado no es el mejor momento estadístico para la constitución de un fondo preventivo, pero la metodología propuesta hasta el momento de determinar el mejor momento estadístico es un primer punto de partida para futuros trabajos. 
Transformaciones integrales y sus aplicaciones en finanzas
Authors: Moreno Trujillo John Freddy
Published: March 2016

Se expone la aplicación de las transformaciones integrales de Mellin y Laplace para la resolución de la ecuación diferencial parcial de Black-Scholes asociada al problema de valoración de derivados financieros. 
The Determinants Of Financial Leverage Of SMEs In Mauritius
Authors: Odit M.P. , Gobardhun Y.D.
Published: March 2016

The key aim of this paper is to test the relevance of the different financing theories for explaining capital structure choice in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Mauritius. One of the areas of financial theory that has worried much of academicians and professionals is debt policy decisions in firms due to the limited study in this field. Three of the most relevant theories of capital structure are explored, namely the Trade Off Theory, the Agency Theory and the Pecking Order Theory (POH). Hence, in order to shed more light over this issue, an empirical analysis has been carried out over a panel data sample of 25 firms of SMEs for the period 2002-2008, using quantitative analysis. The panel data methodology is used to test empirical hypotheses and controls for firm heteroskecedasticity and corrects for autocorrelation among the variables that are involved. The findings show that some theories are not in line as such with the results obtained from the analysis as the POH. However, some of the Capital Structure Theories are considered important in determining financial leverage of SMEs in Mauritius like agency costs involved, information asymmetry problems, liquidity and cash flow problems. The main implication of this study is to understand the position of SME in Mauritius in terms of their debt and its importance and contribution to the National Income.
The Informational Content Of Voluntary Embedded Value (EV) Financial Disclosures By Canadian Life Insurance Companies During The Recent Period Of Market Turmoil
Authors: Préfontaine Jacques , Desrochers Jean , Godbout Lise
Published: March 2016

The informational content and relevance to external stakeholders of voluntary financial disclosures by commercial banks is now becoming more widely recognized. For instance, banks voluntary disclosures of liquidity, interest rate and market risk metrics have been found to be closely associated with market value of equity and credit ratings. So far, there has been very scarce published research on investigating the informational content and relevance to external stakeholders of voluntary financial disclosures by life insurance companies during the recent period of market turmoil. In order to improve upon this situation, this paper updates previous findings and reports on the informational content of voluntary embedded value (EV) financial disclosures by Canadian life insurance companies during the 2000-2010 time period. As opposed to traditional statutory balance sheet and earnings reporting, EV voluntary disclosure attempts to estimate the present value of future earnings generated by a life insurers current book of various insurance businesses. The preliminary results presented in this study indicate that recent EV voluntary financial disclosures failed to communicate intrinsic informational content and to provide value relevance to external stakeholders in the sense that they were not found to be closely associated with life insurers market value of equity and credit ratings during the recent 2007-2010 period of market turmoil.
Measurement And Consequences Of U.S. Tourists Perceptions Of Service Quality: A South African Hunting Safari Case Study
Authors: Han Xiliang , Radder Laetitia
Published: March 2016

This research verifies the usefulness of the service quality principles and the Basic Service Package elements of the Augmented Service Offering model in measuring perceived service quality of a complex wildlife tourist activity. In addition, it determines the existence of a quality-satisfaction and quality-intention link. The South African hunting safari serves as an illustrating example. As U.S. hunters constitute the largest cluster of non-domestic customers in the South African safari hunting industry, their perceptions of service quality and the resulting satisfaction and behavioral intentions can significantly impact the sustainable competitiveness and profitability of safari service providers. The results negate the applicability of the SERVQUAL model, but confirm the usefulness of the Augmented Service Offering model in measuring the service quality of the safari hunt and in identifying areas of service failure and adequate service performance. The regression analysis confirmed the existence of important quality-satisfaction and quality-intention links.
The Impact Of Trading Volume On Portfolios Effective Time Formation/Holding Periods Based On Momentum Investment Strategies
Authors: Assogbavi Tov , Giguere Martin , Sedzro Komlan
Published: March 2016

This paper analyzes momentum investment strategies based on past market data to evaluate the impact of trading volume on price momentum for the Canadian Stock Market. Utilizing variant models of Jegadeesh and Titman (1993) and Lee and Swaminathan (2000), we evaluate the effective time formation/holding periods of portfolios using both past price and trading volume. The findings suggest that taking high trading volume into consideration in momentum investment strategies on the TSX between 1996 to 2004 generally outperformed a strictly price-based momentum strategy for both winners (t= 2.118, p< .05) and losers (t= 2.174, p< .05). The most effective time period for a winning-high-volume portfolio was nine months of formation, starting in April and a 3-month holding period. The holding period is shorter by six months compared to what is suggested by Assogbavi, et al. (2008). In addition, high-volume portfolios consistently bettered low-volume portfolios for both winners (t= 4.121, p< .001) and losers (t= 3.956, p< .001). For investors who base their portfolio construction on momentum investment strategies, these findings suggest that it would be wise to incorporate past trading volume in their selection process.
The Euros Future: A Ten-Year Projection
Authors: Maniam Balasundram , Mouser Tony , Leavell Hadley
Published: March 2016

The euro is now more than ten years old. It has not quite lived up to the early expectations but has performed well since its introduction. This paper seeks to review the currencys history and evaluate its potential over the next ten years given a list of currency strength factors. This evaluation was based on a thorough review of available research regarding the topic. This paper finds that, despite some significant weaknesses, both the currency and its underlying economy are relatively strong and poised to grow in the long-term. As such, it makes the case for an appreciated currency in the next ten years.
Firms Performance And Top Management Characteristics In Indonesia
Authors: Herri H.
Published: March 2016

Studies on the impact of management characteristics on the performance of companies has attracted many researchers. This topic has received a lot of attention after articles by Hambrick and Mason (1984).In the context of Indonesia, this topic has not received much attention. It is the intention of this paper to bridge this gap by developing the framework and testing a hypothesis. The samples for this study comprised of 117 manufacturing firms listed in the Directory ofIndonesian Manufacturing Firms. This study confirmed that locus of control, one of the personality characteristics has a relationship with company performance. Other personality and demography characteristics however did not have any impact on the performance of the companies studied. This paper also discussed the implications of the findings and suggestions for future research.