bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alliance Experience, IT-Enabled Knowledge Integration, and Ex Ante Value Gains
Authors: Liu Yu , Ravichandran T.
Published: February 2015

An important theme in the alliance research has been the study of how prior alliance experience translates into value gains from alliances. Despite the strong theoretical argument regarding the value-enhancing role of alliance experience, past research has reported mixed results. In an attempt to resolve the inconclusive findings, we provide a more fine-grained view of alliance experience by examining characteristics such as relatedness and diversity, which are defined based on the functional focus and the industry of the partner. Furthermore, we argue that since leveraging alliance experience is a learning process, a firm’s knowledge integration capabilities enabled by information technology (IT) should influence the extent to which the firm benefits from alliance experience. Using data from 1,030 alliances made by 89 firms across 11 industries, we test the effects of relatedness and diversity on abnormal returns following alliance announcements. We find that functionally related experience is positively related to abnormal returns, whereas partner industry-based related experience affects the expected value negatively. We also find that a firm’s IT-enabled knowledge integration positively moderates the effects of both related and diverse experience on abnormal returns. Our findings highlight that although knowledge gained through prior experience is important, complementary capabilities that enable firms to leverage and utilize such knowledge are also necessary for ex ante value creation in alliances. We interpret these findings and discuss their implications for research in both strategic management and information systems.
The Factors Associated with Obesity among the Older Adults in the Gulf Coast Area, with Comparison to the U.S.
Authors: Min Hosik
Published: February 2015

This paper tries to examine the social, demographic, and behavioral factors on obesity in three Gulf Coast states, namely Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which has shown higher obesity prevalence in the U.S. One assumes that contributing factors on obesity in this area would follow the national trend: the lower the socioeconomic status, being a minority, African American, and less exercise increases the odds of having obesity. By using the logistic regression, the study found that the Gulf Coast Area did not fully follow the national trend from the 2012 BRFSS data. Rural older males are less likely to be obese, which is surprising. The effect of SES and female African American in the Gulf Coast Area were greater than those in the U.S. The SES variables constructed by education and household income here estimated the unequal effect of SES on obesity clearer: only the highest SES category was statistically significant, unlike the education showed a linear relationship in other studies. It would be appropriate to consider the result of this study for more effective policies and/or programs.
Neuropsychological Features of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Castro Emanuela , Sportiello Marco Timpano , Cammisuli Davide Maria
Published: February 2015

Motor features traditionally define Parkinson’s disease (PD), but non-motor characteristics such as cognitive impairment and dementia have been gradually documented as a core part of PD. Mild cognitive impairment, as a pre-dementia phase of cognitive dysfunction, is recognised as common in non-demented PD patients. In any case, before Parkinson’s Disease-Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI) diagnostic criteria proposed by the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Task Force in 2012, there was no agreement in the scientific community about definition, clinical features and evolution of PD-MCI. It explains why epidemiological data reported by many studies provide contrasting results. Nevertheless, many investigations have pointed out that a large amount of PD patients without dementia present a specific neuropsychological impairment, mainly characterized by executive, visuospatial and memory deficits. This review focuses on mild cognitive impairment in PD (PD-MCI). To clarify the characterization of PD-MCI neuropsychological profile, a MEDLINE literature search was carried out. Data were extracted from studies published since 1980. The neurocognitive profile of PD patients was heterogeneous. Cognitive impairment was common in PD even at the time of diagnosis and before drug treatment and it was associated with functional impairment. Primary findings reported that single domain impairment with executive dysfunction was more common than multiple domain impairment, but, nowadays, those results are largely criticized. Moreover, visual-space abilities deteriorated very early during the pathology. Patients with posterior cortical deficits seemed to be associated with the development of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PD-D), whereas patients with front striatal deficits were not, hence suggesting the presence of two distinct cognitive syndromes with different aetiologies and prognoses. However, several questions regarding PD-MCI criteria remain currently unanswered. More attention must be paid to the definition of best cut-off scores and to accurate, specific and sensitive tests for discriminating between patients with and without PD-MCI. Further investigations should define the exact prevalence of PD-MCI across different sites/cohort types, estimate PD-MCI subtypes prevalence and even link the clinical phenotype (akinetic-rigid vs tremor-dominant) to the different neuropsychological profiles. Furthermore, research needs to focus on detecting the neuropsychological predictors of PD-MCI conversion into PD-D. Poor efficacy of non-pharmacological intervention to delay the onset of PD-D in PD-MCI patients is also discussed.
Microarray-based Simultaneous Quantitation of Six Serum Tumor Markers Improves Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Ryabykh Tatiana P. , Osipova Tatiana V. , Sokolova Zinaida A. , Paklin Nikolay B.
Published: February 2015

Relative low sensitivity and specificity of the known protein tumor markers limit their application in cancer diagnosis and screening. Simultaneous use of their combination can improve diagnostic efficacy. The aim of the study was to estimate diagnostic characteristics of the hydrogel microarray-based test system “TM-Biochip” developed in EIMB RAS for a simultaneous quantitation of six tumor markers: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA total and free), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and to compare them with the diagnostic characteristics of systems used for estimating one tumor marker. Diagnostic performance of “TM-Biochip” system was evaluated using 170 serum samples from clinically confirmed cancer patients and control group patients. To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the test system we used linear regression and multiple logistic regression (LR), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under ROC curves (AUC). It was demonstrated that this new diagnostic system allows assessing the level of each marker and gives data comparable with the results obtained by measurement of each individual marker in a respective conventional ELISA system. ROC analysis and evaluation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the system demonstrated that the new system did better than each of individual markers when classified: (1) cancer patients vs non-cancer patients; (2) patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) vs the other patients: patients with the other cancers and non-cancer patients; (3) patients with CRC vs patients with the other malignant tumors and (4) patients with prostate cancer (PC) vs patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In classification of the patients with PC and the patients with BPH AUC for the combination of six markers (LR6) was significantly higher than AUCs for each of individual markers, including the greatest AUC for PSAt (0.894 vs 0.771, p=0.032). On addition of such parameter as “age of patient” to the combination of six markers (LR7), AUC raised till 0.930 (p=0.01). Specificity at 90% sensitivity for PSAt, LR6 and LR7 accounted for 20 % (5.7-43.7), 60% (36.1-80.9) and 80.6 % (55.5-95.0), respectively. These results showed that “TM-Biochip” system is more efficient in revealing of cancer patients.
Structure and Properties of Substituted Gold Clusters
Authors: Yarzhemsky V.G. , Kazaryan M.A. , Bulychev N.A. , Muraviev E.N. , Dyakov Yu A. , Kosheleva O.K. , Chen C.H.
Published: February 2015

Structure and stability of some substituted gold nanoparticles were investigated by quantum chemical calculations. It was found that terminal SH and SiO4H3 groups can substitute gold atoms without changes of regular structure in positions, where the number of Au-Au bonds does not exceed three. It was also revealed that neutral and charged endohedral clusters Au12M (M = Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os) form stable symmetrical or quasi-symmetrical structures for different values of total cluster charge. The latter property makes possible attachment/ detachment of functional ligands, and could have a potential for drug delivery.
Supporting transgender survivors of sexual violence: learning from users’ experiences
Authors: Rymer Sally , Cartei Valentina
Published: February 2015

Transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, yet many do not seek, or receive, adequate support following unwanted sexual experiences. This study explores the needs and experiences of transgender survivors when accessing sexual violence support services. The study examines the barriers that transgender survivors may face in accessing services and ways that organisations can reduce these barriers. Our findings provide valuable insights for sexual violence agencies and other providers about how to engage meaningfully with transgender survivors.
Suitability of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α7 and Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor 3 Antibodies for Immune Detection
Authors: Rommel Frank R. , Raghavan Badrinarayanan , Paddenberg Renate , Kummer Wolfgang , Tumala Susanne , Lochnit Günter , Gieler Uwe , Peters Eva M. J.
Published: February 2015

Recent evidence reveals a crucial role for acetylcholine and its receptors in the regulation of inflammation, particularly of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (Chrna7) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3 (Chrm3). Immunohistochemistry is a key tool for their cellular localization in functional tissues. We evaluated nine different commercially available antibodies on back skin tissue from wild-type (Wt) and gene-deficient (KO) mice. In the immunohistochemical analysis, we focused on key AChR-ligand sensitive skin cells (mast cells, nerve fibers and keratinocytes). All five antibodies tested for Chrm3 and the first three Chrna7 antibodies stained positive in both Wt and respective KO skin. With the 4th antibody (ab23832) nerve fibers were unlabeled in the KO mice. By western blot analysis, this antibody detected bands in both Wt and Chrna7 KO skin and brain. qRT-PCR revealed mRNA amplification with a primer set for the undeleted region in both Wt and KO mice, but none with a primer set for the deleted region in KO mice. By 2D electrophoresis, we found β-actin and β-enolase cross reactivity, which was confirmed by double immunolabeling. In view of the present results, the tested antibodies are not suitable for immunolocalization in skin and suggest thorough control of antibody specificity is required if histomorphometry is intended.
Expression of Secretogranin III in Chicken Endocrine Cells
Authors: Gomi Hiroshi , Morikawa Satomi , Shinmura Naoki , Moki Hiroaki , Yasui Tadashi , Tsukise Azuma , Torii Seiji , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Maeda Yoshinori , Hosaka Masahiro
Published: February 2015

The expression of secretogranin III (SgIII) in chicken endocrine cells has not been investigated. There is limited data available for the immunohistochemical localization of SgIII in the brain, pituitary, and pancreatic islets of humans and rodents. In the present study, we used immunoblotting to reveal the similarities between the expression patterns of SgIII in the common endocrine glands of chickens and rats. The protein–protein interactions between SgIII and chromogranin A (CgA) mediate the sorting of CgA/prohormone core aggregates to the secretory granule membrane. We examined these interactions using co-immunoprecipitation in chicken endocrine tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, we also examined the expression of SgIII in a wide range of chicken endocrine glands and gastrointestinal endocrine cells (GECs). SgIII was expressed in the pituitary, pineal, adrenal (medullary parts), parathyroid, and ultimobranchial glands, but not in the thyroid gland. It was also expressed in GECs of the stomach (proventriculus and gizzard), small and large intestines, and pancreatic islet cells. These SgIII-expressing cells co-expressed serotonin, somatostatin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon, or insulin. These results suggest that SgIII is expressed in the endocrine cells that secrete peptide hormones, which mature via the intragranular enzymatic processing of prohormones and physiologically active amines in chickens.
Diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Myocardial Infarction Using a High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assay with Sex-Specific 99th Percentiles Based on the Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Classification System
Authors: Sandoval Yader , Smith Stephen W , Schulz Karen M , Murakami MaryAnn M , Love Sara A , Nicholson Jennifer , Apple Fred S
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

The frequency and characteristics of myocardial infarction (MI) subtypes per the Third Universal Definition of MI (TUDMI) classification system using high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin assays with sex-specific cutoffs is not well known. We sought to describe the diagnostic characteristics of type 1 (T1MI) and type 2 (T2MI) MI using an hs–cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay with sex-specific cutoffs.

METHODS

A total of 310 consecutive patients with serial cTnI measurements obtained on clinical indication were studied with contemporary and hs-cTnI assays. Ninety-ninth percentile sex-specific upper reference limits (URLs) for the hs-cTnI assay were 16 ng/L for females and 34 ng/L for males. The TUDMI consensus recommendations were used to define and adjudicate MI based on each URL.

RESULTS

A total of 127 (41%) patients had at least 1 hs-cTnI exceeding the sex-specific 99th percentiles, whereas 183 (59%) had hs-cTnI within the reference interval. Females had more myocardial injury related to supply/demand ischemia than males (39% vs 18%, P = 0.01), whereas males had more multifactorial or indeterminate injury (52% vs 33%, P = 0.05). By hs-cTnI, there were 32 (10%) acute MIs, among which 10 (3%) were T1MI and 22 (7%) were T2MI. T2MI represented 69% (22 out of 32) of all acute MIs, whereas T1MI represented 31% (10 out of 32). Ninety-five patients (31%) had an increased hs-cTnI above the 99th percentile but did not meet criteria for acute MI. The most common triggers for T2MI were tachyarrhythmias, hypotension/shock, and hypertension. By contemporary cTnI, more MIs (14 T1MI and 29 T2MI) were diagnosed. By contemporary cTnI, there were 43 MIs, 14 T1MI, and 29 T2MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer MI diagnoses were found with the hs-cTnI assay, contrary to the commonly accepted idea that hs-cTnI will lead to excessive false-positive diagnoses.
Erotiká gnorísmata: o reconhecimento do amado em Heliodoro
Authors: Duarte Adriane da Silva
Published: February 2015

As Etiópicas ou Teágenes e Caricleia, de Heliodoro, tem como referência central a Odisseia homérica e, portanto, não poderia deixar de explorar as cenas de reconhecimento. Interessa-me estabelecer como Heliodoro trata o reconhecimento do amado após longa separação. Na Odisseia, Penélope declara a existência de “sinais secretos” (semata kekrummena, XXIIII, 110) pelos quais ela e Odisseu poderiam se reconhecer. Helena, na tragédia homônima de Eurípides, também alude a symbola que somente ela e Menelau compartilham (v. 291). Em Heliodoro (Etiópicas, V, 5, 1-3), Teágenes propõe a Caricleia que elejam sinais que lhes permitam reconhecerem-se caso venham a se separar. Pretendo examinar como Heliodoro dialoga com a tradição, adaptando o motivo às necessidades de sua narrativa.
Genetic variation, inheritance patterns and parent–offspring relationships after artificial inoculations with Heterobasidion parviporum and Ceratocystis polonica in Norway spruce seed orchards and progeny tests
Authors: Skrøppa Tore , Solheim Halvor , Steffenrem Arne
Published: February 2015

Inoculations with the two fungi and were made in two series of progeny tests each containing full-sib families planted at two sites and on grafts of the parents in two seed orchards. Significant variation among families in lesion lengths after inoculation was found for both fungi and a predominantly additive inheritance was indicated. The estimates of narrow sense heritability were 0.13 and 0.22 for and , respectively. The estimate of the genetic correlation between the lesion lengths of the two fungi was as low as 0.12. Significant variation in lesion lengths was also found among parental clones, and within ramets of the same clone, in the seed orchards. In one of the series a high positive correlation (râ=â0.88) was found between the lesion lengths of the male parents and offspring, but not for the female parents and off-spring. The results confirm earlier conclusions that the genetic variation and heritabilities are large enough for practical breeding for resistance.Heterobasidion parviporumCeratocystis polonicaH. parviporumC. polonicaH. parviporum
Narrating Sexual Compulsion: Gay Male Writing Beyond Shame
Authors: Alexander Jonathan
Published: February 2015

Throughout Edmund White’s long and distinguished career, the openly gay male author has not only created some of the richest representations of gay male identity and sociality, but he has also repeatedly reminded us that sex, pleasure, and, indeed, shame about sex and pleasure are at the heart of what it means to be queer. White writes almost compulsively about the nexus of shame and sexuality, promiscuity, and the compulsion to be sexual. But for White, sexual promiscuity shouldn’t necessarily be shameful; rather, the pursuit of sexual pleasures and the delight in identities based on sexuality are a potent part of what makes queer life what it is. A paradigmatic example of such potency is White’s powerful memoir, My Lives, which offers a startling, graphic, and challenging accounting of sexuality, shame, promiscuity, and pleasure—one often eclipsed in more domesticating rhetoric about queer lives. For White in particular, compulsion and compulsive narration become strategies to intervene in how we understand and figure normative gay male lives. To show the power—and necessity—of White’s work, this article contrasts it with recent gay fiction, particularly Tom Mendicino’s much lauded novel, Probation, to examine how sexual compulsion and promiscuity are figured for different aesthetic—and political—ends.
ePBLmed: application supporting classes in medical colleges conducted with the problem based learning method
Authors: Lipiak Tomasz , Piwowar Monika , Markiewicz Michał , Nowakowski Michał
Published: February 2015

This paper reviews the available e-learning applications used in teaching medicine and presents the functionalities of the Web application developed to support classes conducted with the problem-based learning (PBL) method. The application is a form of e-learning platform that allows posting as well as archiving content stored during PBL sessions; it is made up of three modules: the administration module, the teacher module, and the student module. The presented Web application is flexible in operation; it allows designing the number of groups and PBL sessions. The user, apart from using the system during PBL sessions, can access it at any place and time to supplement and update the content. The materials collected during individual PBL sessions constitute sets of content unique for each group because the learning objectives are different for them. With this approach, students can study considerably larger batches of material than it would be possible during classes conducted with other methods.
Modeling and optimization of maximum available work for irreversible
gas power cycles with temperature dependent specific heat
Authors: Açıkkalp Emin , Yamık Hasan
Published: February 2015

In classical thermodynamics,
the maximum power obtained from a system is
defined as exergy (availability). However, the term exergy is used for
reversible cycles only; in reality, reversible cycles do not exist, and all
systems are irreversible. Reversible cycles do not have such restrictions as
time and dimension, and are assumed to work in an equilibrium state. The
objective of this study is to obtain maximum available work for SI, CI and
Brayton cycles while considering the aforementioned restrictions and
assumptions. We assume that the specific heat of the
working fluid varies with temperature, we define optimum compression ratios and pressure ratio in order to obtain maximum available
work, and we discuss the results obtained. The design parameter most
appropriate for the results obtained is presented.
Crystal structure of a second polymorph of tetraphenylphosphonium perrhenate(VII), at 200 K, C24H20O4PRe
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: February 2015

C24H20O4PRe, tetragonal, I4̅ (no. 82), a = 12.2013(3) Å, c = 7.1016(2) Å, V = 1057.2 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0170, wRref(F2) = 0.0416, T = 200 K.
Structure and bonding of water molecules in zeolite hosts: Benchmarking plane-wave DFT against crystal structure data
Authors: Fischer Michael
Published: February 2015

Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations are widely employed to study the interaction of water molecules with zeolite frameworks. However, there have been only few attempts to assess whether these computations reproduce experimental structure data sufficiently well, especially with regard to the hydrogen positions of the water molecules. In this work, a detailed comparison between experimental crystal structures and DFT-optimised structures is made for six water-loaded natural zeolites. For each system, high-quality structure determinations from neutron diffraction data have been reported (bikitaite/Li–BIK, edingtonite/Ba–EDI, gismondine/Ca–GIS, scolecite/Ca–NAT, natrolite/Na–NAT, yugawaralite/Ca–YUG). Using a plane-wave DFT approach, the performance of six pure and three dispersion-corrected exchange-correlation functionals is compared, focusing on an optimisation of the atomic coordinates in a fixed unit cell (with cell parameters taken from experiment). It is found that the PBE and the PW91 functional give the smallest overall deviation between experiment and computation. Of the dispersion-corrected approaches, the PBE–TS functional exhibits the best performance. For the PBE and PBE–TS functionals, the agreement between experiment and DFT is analysed in more detail for different groups of interatomic distances. Regarding the OW–H distances in the water molecules, the DFT optimisations lead to physically realistic bond lengths. On the other hand, DFT has a systematic tendency to underestimate the length of hydrogen bonds. The cation-oxygen distances are mostly in very good agreement with experiment, although some exceptions indicate the necessity of further studies.
MOCVD of GaN-based HEMT structures on 8 inch silicon substrates
Authors: Laboutin Oleg , Lo Chien-Fong , Kao Chen-Kai , O’Connor Kevin , Johnson Wayne , Hill Daily
Published: February 2015

Metal organic chemical vapor deposition, as well as material and basic device properties of nitride-based high electron mobility transistor structures on (111) silicon substrates varying in diameter from 4 to 8 inch were studied using in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques. All substrates used for the growth of the nitride structures in this study were of SEMI standard thicknesses. The total thickness of the nitride structures was in the range of 1.5 – 5 µm. It is reported that nitride structures can be grown on 4, 6 and 8 inch diameter substrates with very similar post-growth wafer shape, material and device characteristics. It is also shown that their crystal quality, 2DEG transport properties and isolation blocking voltages can be improved by increasing nitride structure thickness while maintaining post-growth wafer bow and warp less than 50 µm. The maximum thickness of nitride structures that can be successfully grown on 8 inch diameter SEMI standard substrates seems to be limited to about 4.5 µm due to plastic deformation of Si. Blocking voltages of more than 700 V were achieved using 4.5 µm thick nitride-based high electron mobility transistor structures grown on 8 inch Si substrate.
Evaluation of electron overflow in nitride-based LEDs influenced by polarization charges at electron blocking layers
Authors: Hayashi K. , Yasuda T. , Katsuno S. , Takeuchi T. , Kamiyama S. , Iwaya M. , Akasaki I.
Published: February 2015

We have investigated an influence of positive polarization charges generated at an interface between GaN barrier/p-AlGaN EB (Electron Blocking) layer in a blue-LED. Simulation results suggested that such polarization charges caused an electron overflow from QWs. The simulation results also indicated that sufficient acceptor doping at the interface could neutralize the positive polarization charges and suppress the electron overflow. We then demonstrated the electron overflow caused by the positive polarization charges and its suppression with sufficient Mg doping at the interface by monitoring emissions from an additional second QW inserted between the p-EB layer and the p-GaN layer. Finally we conclude that the contribution of the electron overflow is not significant for the efficiency droop in blue-LEDs.
Fine-tuning B-site of a Chromite based Perovskite Catalyst for Steam Reforming of Glycerol
Authors: Umar Ahmed , Irvine John T.S.
Published: February 2015

The perovskite catalysts La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5X0.5O3±δ (where X= Mn, Fe and Co) were prepared by combustion synthesis and the influence of transition metals B-site substitution on the structural and catalytic properties of the catalysts in steam reforming of both pure and by-product glycerol to produce hydrogen-rich gases for utilization in solid oxide fuel cell was investigated. All the catalyst systems were found very active and selective with the Fe-substituted catalyst slightly more active. Hydrogen yield and coke suppression was better in the Mn-substituted catalyst which was also structurally more stable in fuel environment. Impregnation of Ni into the lattice structure of the pre-reacted both A-site and B-site stoichiometric catalysts from nickel nitrate solution and subsequent redox exsolution of Ni nano particles supported on the oxide surface of the materials has significantly improved the hydrogen yield by enhancing water-gas-shift reaction (WGSR). Thus, extent of the exsolution phenomenon observed in the materials followed the order LSCM > LSCC > LSCF.
GaN HEMT Drain-Lag Performance Dependence on GaN Channel Quality
Authors: Kamada Yoichi , Okamoto Naoya , Sato Masaru , Yamada Atsushi , Kotani Junji , Ishiguro Tetsuro , Ohki Toshihiro , Ozaki Shirou , Makiyama Kozo , Watanabe Keiji , Joshin Kazukiyo
Published: February 2015

In this study, we investigated GaN channel layer quality to suppress drain-lag, which is an important parameter for switching performance. In this experiment, we confirmed that drain-lag performance has dependence on the tilt of the GaN channel layer. GaN channel layer with the tilt angle of 243 arcsec showed faster drain-lag recovery than the tilt angle of 209 arcsec. The results of the drain-lag test and isolation leakage current measurement indicated that the tilt angle and hopping distance contributed to drain-lag recovery. We proposed the mechanism of trap effect during the drain-lag test.
Assessment of land fragmentation for the purpose of land consolidation works as exemplified by the Pasym commune
Authors: Dudzińska Małgorzata , Kocur-Bera Katarzyna
Published: February 2015

In Poland there are no uniform regulations and legal norms establishing the principles of space
assessment aimed at determining the demand for land consolidation works. The article is an
attempt to answer the following question: what factors are important today in determining the
demand for this kind of works?
The factors were set on the basis of professional literature and on a questionnaire conducted on
a group of specialists in land consolidation and on farmers. The aim of the questionnaire was to
examine the preferences of chosen land fragmentation factors. The survey was carried out in the
Pasym commune, situated in the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship.
The results of the research show that the land fragmentation mostly depends on the number of
land plots (parcels) in a farm, their distance to a settlement and the size of a land plot. The least
significant factors in this respect proved: a size of a farm and its irregular shape. The research
has confirmed a general tendency in spatial changes of small farms in the Warmia and Mazury
Voivodeship.
Land consolidation development — disscusion of a new approach recommended for Poland
Authors: Pijanowski Jacek M.
Published: February 2015

The article is an opinion in the ongoing discussion on the directions of the legislative changes in
the field of rural structures in Poland, expressed mainly in connection with the forthcoming EU
programming period 2014–2020. In the very centre of discussion is a new approach to planning
and implementing investment activities related to land consolidation (defined as “land consolidation development”) in Poland.
If investments in post-consolidation development are realized in coordination with water engineering, land improvement and flood control, then even under Rural Development Programme
(RDP) for 2007–2013 more funds can be raised for improving rural structures. A prerequisite for
this is to create integrated guidelines for land consolidation projects.
A study of real estate market in Kraków using the methods of spatial econometrics
Authors: Bitner Agnieszka , Bysina Jakub
Published: February 2015

The article presents implementations of statistics and spatial econometrics that can be used to
study real estate market. The analysis covered the area of the administrative unit of Śródmieście
district of Kraków. It is a very diverse area of research as it includes both the city core of Kraków
and its outskirts. Śródmieście is divided into three districts: Stare Miasto, Grzegórzki and Prądnik
Czerwony. The transactional data come from the notarial deeds drawn up in 2011. During that period 739 purchase/sale transactions of apartments were concluded. The purpose of the article is to
create a map of the average prices of apartments situated in the administrative unit of Śródmieście.
The analysis of the apartment prices was conducted both for the separate districts of cadastral registration (bounds, cadastral districts) and districts and for the whole administrative unit.
The importance of the objective functions and flexibility on calibration of parameters of clark instantaneous unit hydrograph
Authors: Wałęga Andrzej
Published: February 2015

The paper compares the results of automatic calibration of Clark’s synthetic unit hydrographs.
Optimal values of model parameters were determined by the objective functions: percentage
error in peak flow (PEPF), percentage error in volume (PEV), peak-weighted root mean square
error (PWRMSE), sum of absolute residuals (SAR) and sum of squared residuals (SSR). The last
part of the analysis assesses the flexibility of studied model. The research was performed in the
upland watershed of Grabinka – left tributary of the Wisłoka river located in Southern Poland.
The analysis reveals that the smallest differences between the maximum flow in the observed
and calculated flood culmination were obtained when applying PWRMSE function. This paper
also indicates, that Clark’s model was efficient for describing the analyzed floods.
Impact of Knowledge and Information Technologies on Reading Comprehension/Impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y el Conocimiento en la comprensión lectora
Authors: Trillos Pacheco Juan
Published: February 2015

Este texto derivado de la investigación “La Lectura hipermedial y su relación con la comprensión lectora en estudiantes de Comunicación social”, analiza y estudia cómo con la aparición de la tecnología digital no solo se revolucionó el mundo dela imagen, el sonido y la forma de comunicarnos, sino cómo éstas han afectado el ámbito educativo al punto de plantear al hombre contemporáneo enormes retos para su debida y pedagógica implementación dentro de las aulas educativas. Debido a ello en el presente artículo se estudia si la lectura hipermedial modifica el grado de recordación y comprensión lectora en estudiantes de Comunicación social de la Universidad Autónoma del Caribe de Barranquilla.
An Approach to the Verbal Production Process: the Conceptual Side/Aproximación al proceso de producción verbal: la dimensión conceptual
Authors: Santiago Galvis Álvaro William
Published: February 2015

Para efectos de analizar el proceso de producción verbal, en lo que a la dimensión conceptual respecta, en este artículo de revisión y reflexión, en primer lugar, se aborda la noción de lenguaje y se establece que éste es una facultad de la mente/cerebro del ser humano; enseguida se plantea que la lengua es una de las manifestaciones de dicha facultad, y como tal, un sistema de signos verbales cuya función básica es la comunicación. Con base en este principio se establece que la producción verbal es una actividad comunicativa que supone tres momentos: conceptualización, codificación verbal y realización fónica. Finalmente, se analiza el momento de conceptualización, centrando la atención en la noción de proposición.
De gozos y desvelos: melody notes about the caribbean woman/De gozos y desvelos: notas melodiosas sobre la mujer caribeña
Authors: Motato C. Hernando
Published: February 2015

Este artículo es una reflexión sobre las relaciones amorosas, vistas desde la música y la marginalidad. En él, se analizan lasrelaciones pasionales entre los personajes Sofro y Encarnación, del cuento “Encarnación Mancera, mi negra del alma”, delescritor cartagenero Roberto Burgos Cantor. Primordialmente, el tema del amor sostiene y genera una historia de amorescontrariados. Asimismo, se focaliza la importancia de la música en la vida cotidiana de los personajes y la repercusiónde las canciones en la soledad o en la intensidad amorosa de don Sofro. De acuerdo con lo anterior, en el desarrollo de lapropuesta se pretende señalar que la cultura caribeña influye de un modo determinante en todas las condiciones sociales,culturales e ideológicas, tanto en los personajes como en la vida cotidiana que estos asumen en el interior del cuento.
The informative treatment of the Arab spring: Libya and its role on the Spanish front pages/El tratamiento informativo de la Primavera Árabe: Libia y su papel en las portadas españolas
Authors: Soria Ibañez María del Mar
Published: February 2015

El conflicto internacional de Libia se convirtió en uno de los símbolos más cruentos de la lucha por la instauración, en el marco de la Primavera Árabe, de sistemas democráticos en países anclados en dictaduras unilaterales. El conflicto libio ocupó también numerosas portadas de periódicos en España y, por primera vez, se percibe que hay cierta unanimidad en el tratamiento informativo sobre una guerra que pronto se convirtió en conflicto internacional. El estudio revela el tratamiento informativo de este capítulo de transición política que tuvo un amplio eco internacional. Los principales resultados demuestran que el tratamiento mediático y su discurso estuvieron encaminados a la protección o defensa de la población civil y que la neutralidad en el enfoque fue la tónica general para reflejar los enfrentamientos entre insurgentes y fuerzas gadafistas.
Self-esteem, depression, alcohol consumption and smoking in women who work as prostitutes in the cities of S/Autoestima, depresión, consumo de alcohol y cigarrillo en mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Riohacha (Colombia)
Authors: Ceballos Ospino Guillermo Augusto
Published: February 2015

El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer la relación entre la autoestima, depresión, consumo de alcohol y cigarrillo en mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Riohacha. Se utilizó un diseño trasversal y tipo correlacional, con una muestra de 30 mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Riohacha. Los resultados manifiestan que no existen correlaciones entre las variables de estudio. Se concluye que las mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en estas dos ciudades del Caribe colombiano, poseen en su mayoría una depresión moderada y un consumo abusivo de alcohol, sin embargo no tienen problemas con su autoestima, ni con conductas dañinas como el consumo de cigarrillo.
Breaking with the hegemonic position, the road to the acknowledgment and recognition of the social minorities/Ruptura con la postura hegemónica, camino de reconocimiento de las minorías
Authors: Polanía Dussán Germán Andrés
Published: February 2015

El pensamiento Liberal Clásico estructuró el Estado moderno a través de la teoría del pacto social, la supremacía de laley y el reconocimiento del hombre como un ser racional y autónomo, en donde el valor fundamental es la libertad. Sinembargo, al establecer un Estado se definió una identidad y un orden que nace según la teoría política del mismo pueblo(pacto social). No obstante, al mismo tiempo que promueve esa identidad, está rechazando la diferencia porque legalmente no está reconocida en la generalización establecida por la ley. Por eso, es necesario buscar otros aspectos conceptuales que abra el Estado hegemónico al reconocimiento de la diferencia. Además, Colombia, desde 1991, creó un marco legal para garantizar la vida de las minorías, pero cómo generar una concertación que plantee una real inclusión es el reto actual.
The jungle as a space of multiple abuse. Ecocritical reading of two Mexican novels/La selva como espacio de abusos múltiples. Una lectura ecocrítica de dos novelas mexicanas
Authors: Walczak Grazyna
Published: February 2015

La selva americana cobra protagonismo desde los primeros relatos de los descubridores y cronistas del Nuevo Mundo, convirtiéndose en la imaginación europea al Paraíso terrenal. A pesar de que esa imagen persiste hasta el siglo XX, existe en la literatura hispanoamericana una tendencia desmitificadora del estereotipo “edénico” de los espacios selváticos. En Balún Canán (1957) de Rosario Castellanos y en Treinta años (1999) de Carmen Boullosa los lugares descritos otrora como paradisiacos se presentan como áreas de exclusión y confinamiento social y cultural, además de que revelan serios problemas ambientales. Este trabajo propone la lectura de los dos textos desde la perspectiva de la ecocrítica que incluye el análisis de los problemas humanos en conexión con los de la naturaleza. La discusión de los conflictos que revelan las narraciones de las protagonistas de ambas novelas permite valorar las obras de Castellanos y de Boullosa como un testimonio de dilemas sociales que son inseparables de los problemas ambientales puesto que son provocados por el mismo poder.
The Impact of Education and Culture on the Retention and Propagation of French in Ontario, Canada/Impacto de la educación y cultura en la retención y propagación del francés en Ontario, Canadá
Authors: Natsis James
Published: February 2015

La identidad franco-ontariana como grupo lingüístico tiene profundas raíces históricas además de una base numérica considerable. Sin embargo, su localización dentro de un baluarte norteamericano dominado por lo anglosajón, el cual no sólo emerge fuertemente en términos lingüísticos, sino también en términos culturales, presenta retos especiales en lo concerniente a la retención y propagación de la lengua y la cultura. Para enfrentar esta preocupación, la provincia ha logrado un esfuerzo cooperativo de iniciativas gubernamentales y comunitarias para asegurar el futuro de la francofonía ontariana.
Uncertainty, Profits, and International trade/Incertidumbre, beneficios y comercio internacional
Authors: Hailou Frew
Published: February 2015

Este estudio observa el impacto de la incertidumbre y de los beneficios reducidos en el comercio internacional. Usando unmodelo teórico único, encontramos que la lejanía se asocia con cantidades importantes de costos en el comercio. De hecho,nuestro estudio muestra que por cada dólar adicional de costos comerciales incurridos debidos a la lejanía y a la falta deacceso jurisdiccional se reducen los beneficios hasta en $ 0.91. Tales situaciones precipitan la influencia negativa considerableen los niveles de beneficios económicos, lo cual trae como consecuencia una reducción de las actividades comercialesrelacionadas. Usando un modelo de gravedad y datos de 84 países, probamos el impacto de la localización geográfica enlos volúmenes de comercio. Nuestro resultado fortalece la validez de nuestros supuestos teóricos y corrobora hallazgos deestudios similares.
Youth Collectives as participative ways for the construction of an active citizenship/Colectivos juveniles como formas participativas de construcción de ciudadanía activa
Authors: Correa Rafael Arturo Pabón
Published: February 2015

En este artículo de reflexión se plantearán desde una perspectiva argumentativa las características que diferencian e identifican a los colectivos juveniles frente otro tipo de agrupaciones políticas tradicionales, analizando la coyuntura sobre la cual transitan los jóvenes en la actualidad y el papel histórico que han jugado en la consecución de cambios sociales en contraposición al sistema político hegemónico. Desde un punto de vista reflexivo se argumentará acerca de la validez de este tipo de manifestaciones como formas en las que los jóvenes pueden alcanzar el estatus de ciudadanos en la sociedad contemporánea, en cuanto los procesos que llevan a cabo les insertan de forma activa en la esfera pública permitiendo, gracias a sus estructuras organizativas específicas, el desarrollo de formas participativas de comunicación que generan un sentido de pertenencia más alto del que les merecen las instituciones representativas del sistema político tradicional.
Towards a University Researcher, Educator and Administrator of the public in the context of globalization/Hacia una Universidad Investigadora, Educadora y Administradora de lo público en el contexto de la globalización
Authors: Martínez Heredia Katia Milena , Álvarez Teresita
Published: February 2015

Este artículo de reflexión, desde la Teoría Crítico-Social, es resultado de la investigación “De-construcción teórica delparadigma Bio-político, a través de sujetos colectivos en el escenario de la globalización”, adelantada en el estudio doctoralen Ciencias Sociales mención Gerencia en La Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela. Este artículo reflexiona sobre el contextode la globalización, desde la perspectivas de la Universidad, como institución Investigadora, Educadora y Administradorade lo público, y contó con el apoyo del Programa de Comunicación Social-Periodismo de la Universidad Autónomadel Caribe, en la línea de investigación Región, Desarrollo y Comunicación. El análisis es interdisciplinario y vislumbradiscusiones interesantes en el marco de la discusión nacional e internacional entre dos visiones de Universidad de susinvestigadoras. Los resultados cualitativos de esta investigación enriquecen la discusión frente a nuevas e innovadorasformas de vivir y saber en el mundo, acompañadas por herramientas tecnológicas, de comunicación y discursos que seconstruyen a partir de nuevos referentes.
Myth and discourse on adolescent sexuality in Hispanic Websites/Mito y discurso sobre la sexualidad adolescente en páginas web de habla hispana
Authors: Vásquez Valderrama María Adelaida , Helena Beltrán Claudia
Published: February 2015

Este artículo es resultado de la investigación acerca de los discursos, que sobre la sexualidad, manejan los sitios web deeducación sexual, dirigidos a adolescentes de habla hispana. Para el análisis se elige un corpus de textos de 6 sitios web, através de muestreo intencional, en el que se trabajan tres ejes: noción de sexualidad, género y diversidad sexual. Se realizaun análisis cualitativo interpretativo, a través del cual se hace una aproximación al Mito tal como es definido por RolandBarthes. Como resultado central, se halla que el régimen de representaciones sobre la sexualidad adolescente que se promueveen los sitios web analizados, no pretende subvertir el régimen biologicista, adulto, masculino y heterosexual que hacaracterizado históricamente la sexualidad en occidente.
Associação entre a percepção de atributos ambientais e excesso de peso: um estudo realizado em um município de pequeno porte
Authors: Nascimento Marília Augusta Sousa , Zucolotto Daniela Cristina Candela , Sartorelli Daniela Saes
Published: February 2015

O presente estudo investigou a relação entre a percepção de atributos ambientais e a ocorrência de excesso de peso em adultos residentes em Itirapuã, São Paulo, Brasil. Estudo transversal de base populacional conduzido entre 216 adultos. Em modelos de regressão logística ajustados por sexo e idade, verificou-se que os indivíduos que residiam em locais mais distantes de praças ou locais ao ar livre onde pudessem praticar atividade física [OR = 2,05 (IC95%: 1,15; 3,66)], e de escolas de Ensino Fundamental [OR = 1,99 (IC95%: 1,13; 3,47)], apresentaram maior chance de ocorrência de excesso de peso. A satisfação com a qualidade de supermercados [OR = 0,14 (IC95%: 0,03; 0,69) p = 0,02], a satisfação com a iluminação noturna [OR = 0,37 (IC95%: 0,14; 0,96) p = 0,02] e a possibilidade de visualizar pedestres transitando pelas calçadas [OR = 0,41 (IC95%: 0,18; 0,94) p = 0,03] estavam inversamente associados à ocorrência de excesso de peso. Os dados sugerem que a percepção de indivíduos residentes em municípios de pequeno porte acerca dos atributos ambientais esteja associada com a ocorrência do excesso de peso.
Multilevel analysis of self-perception in oral health and associated factors in Southern Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gabardo Marilisa Carneiro Leão , Moysés Samuel Jorge , Moysés Simone Tetu , Olandoski Marcia , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo , Pattussi Marcos Pascoal
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between individual and contextual variables related to self-perception in oral health among residents in the municipality of São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The cross-sectional design involved 1,100 adults in 38 census tracts. The self-perception was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) tool. A logistic multilevel analysis was performed. The multivariate analysis revealed that those who are of the female gender, older, with lower scores of quality of life and less social support, with poor healthy eating habits, smokers and those living in low-income census tracts presented higher odds of reporting worse oral health self-perception (OHIP-1). We concluded that individual and contextual variables are associated with oral health self-perception. This is essential information for planning health services wishing to meet the health needs of the population.