bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial type B RNase P: functional characterization of the L5.1-L15.1 tertiary contact and antisense inhibition
Authors: Walczyk Dennis , Willkomm Dagmar K. , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: September 2016

Ribonuclease P is the ubiquitous endonuclease that generates the mature 5′-ends of precursor tRNAs. In bacteria, the enzyme is composed of a catalytic RNA (∼400 nucleotides) and a small essential protein subunit (∼13 kDa). Most bacterial RNase P RNAs (P RNAs) belong to the architectural type A; type B RNase P RNA is confined to the low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria. Here we demonstrate that the L5.1-L15.1 intradomain contact in the catalytic domain of the prototypic type B RNase P RNA of Bacillus subtilis is crucial for adopting a compact functional conformation: Disruption of the L5.1-L15.1 contact by antisense oligonucleotides or mutation reduced P RNA-alone and holoenzyme activity by one to two orders of magnitude in vitro, largely retarded gel mobility of the RNA and further affected the structure of regions P7/P8/P10.1, P15 and L15.2, and abolished the ability of B. subtilis P RNA to complement a P RNA-deficient Escherichia coli strain. We also provide mutational evidence that an L9-P1 tertiary contact, as found in some Mycoplasma type B RNAs, is not formed in canonical type B RNAs as represented by B. subtilis P RNA. We finally explored the P5.1 and P15 stem–loop structures as targets for LNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides targeting P15, but not those directed against P5.1, were found to efficiently anneal to P RNA and to inhibit activity (IC50 of ∼2 nM) when incubated with preassembled B. subtilis RNase P holoenzymes.
Reduced neuronal size and mTOR pathway activity in the Mecp2 A140V Rett syndrome mouse model
Authors: Rangasamy Sampathkumar , Olfers Shannon , Gerald Brittany , Hilbert Alex , Svejda Sean , Narayanan Vinodh
Published: September 2016

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation in the X-linked MECP2 gene, encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2. We have created a mouse model (Mecp2 A140V “knock-in” mutant) expressing the recurrent human MECP2 A140V mutation linked to an X-linked mental retardation/Rett syndrome phenotype. Morphological analyses focused on quantifying soma and nucleus size were performed on primary hippocampus and cerebellum granule neuron (CGN) cultures from mutant (Mecp2A140V/y) and wild type (Mecp2+/y) male mice. Cultured hippocampus and cerebellar granule neurons from mutant animals were significantly smaller than neurons from wild type animals. We also examined soma size in hippocampus neurons from individual female transgenic mice that express both a mutant  (maternal allele) and a wild type Mecp2 gene linked to an eGFP transgene (paternal allele). In cultures from such doubly heterozygous female mice, the size of neurons expressing the mutant (A140V) allele also showed a significant reduction compared to neurons expressing wild type MeCP2, supporting a cell-autonomous role for MeCP2 in neuronal development. IGF-1 (insulin growth factor-1) treatment of neuronal cells from Mecp2 mutant mice rescued the soma size phenotype. We also found that Mecp2  mutation leads to down-regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway, known to be involved in neuronal size regulation. Our results suggest that i) reduced neuronal size is an important in vitro cellular phenotype of Mecp2 mutation in mice, and ii) MeCP2 might play a critical role in the maintenance of neuronal structure by modulation of the mTOR pathway. The definition of a quantifiable cellular phenotype supports using neuronal size as a biomarker in the development of a high-throughput, in vitro assay to screen for compounds that rescue small neuronal phenotype (“phenotypic assay”).
Syzygium diversity in Gunung Baung, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: MUDIANA DEDEN
Published: September 2016

Mudiana D. 2016. Syzygium diversity in Gunung Baung, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 733-740. Syzygium (Myrtaceae) consists of a lot of species which are widely distributed. One of the distribution areas is the Natural Park of Gunung Baung (TWA Gunung Baung) in Pasuruan, East Java. The results of exploration and characterization of known species show that there are six species of Syzygium known to grow in this region namely S. cumini, S. littorale, S. pycnanthum, S. polyanthum, S. racemosum, and S. samarangense. S. pycnanthum is the most frequently found in Gunung Baung. S. polyanthum and S. samarangense are the only species that are known to be cultivated. Four other species are wild and have not been explored for their potential utilization.
Short Communication: The survival rate and one-year growth of Shorea javanica, Shorea macrobalanos and Hopea mengarawan in coal mined land in Central Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: WIRYONO WIRYONO , SUHARTOYO HERY , MUNAWAR ALI
Published: September 2016

Wiryono, Suhartoyo H, Munawar A. 2016. Short Communication: The survival rate and one-year growth of Shorea javanica, Shorea macrobalanos and Hopea mengarawan in coal mined land in Central Bengkulu, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 741-745. Dipterocarp trees used to dominate the lowland forest of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Currently, however, dipterocarp trees are rare due to deforestation of natural forest. One major cause of deforestation in Sumatra and Kalimantan is coal mining. Rehabilitation of coal mined soil is usually done using fast-growing alien species. We tried to restore a piece of mined land in Central Bengkulu, using commercially valuable species of Dipterocarpaceae, namely Shorea javanica Koord. & Valet., Shorea macrobalanos Ashton and Hopea mengarawan Miq. In this article, we presented the survival rate and growth of the one year old seedlings of these three species within one year of observation. Of the three species, S. macrobalanos had the highest survival rate (93%), followed by S. javanica (80%) and H. mengarawan (77%). Within a year, the one year old seedlings of S. macrobalanos grew 452% in height, significantly higher than that of S. javanica (221%) and of H. mengarawan (119%). Shorea macrobalanos also had the highest growth in diameter within a year, namely 337%, followed by S. javanica (145%) and H. mengarawan (135%). It can be concluded that within a year of observation, the three species of dipterocarps could grow relatively well in mined land. It is therefore recommended that in the restoration of mined land in Sumatra economically valuable native species of dipterocarps should be used instead of fast-growing alien species.
Comparison of Wood Utility Crossarm Properties from 1995 and 2015
Authors: Catchot Tyler , Owens Frank C. , Shmulsky Rubin , Barnes H. M.
Published: September 2016

In response to changes in forest management and conversion practices, concern has arisen that some solid wood products manufactured today exhibit decreased strength and stiffness properties (modulus of rupture [MOR] and modulus of elasticity [MOE]) compared with those manufactured in the past. This study addresses those concerns by comparing the mechanical properties of wood utility crossarms sampled in 2015 with those of a similar sample of crossarms from 1995. Destructive bending tests were performed on crossarm samples of southern pine (Pinus spp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). These data were compared with data from a similar 1995 study by H. M. Barnes and J. E. Winandy (pp. 30–38, in Proc. 97th Annu. Meet. AWPA, 2001). The results showed a statistically significant difference (7.1% reduction) at the α = 0.01 level of mean MOR in southern pine and a statistically significant difference (13.3% reduction) at the α = 0.01 level of mean MOE in Douglas-fir. Distribution analyses also suggested a reduction of strength performance in the lower percentiles for both species groups between the two studies.
Objective and Perceived Weight: Associations with Risky Adolescent Sexual Behavior
Authors: Akers Aletha Y. , Cohen Elan D. , Marshal Michael P. , Roebuck Geoff , Yu Lan , Hipwell Alison E.
Published: September 2016

CONTEXT

Studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased sexual risk‐taking, particularly among adolescent females, but the relationships between obesity, perceived weight and sexual risk behaviors are poorly understood.

METHODS

Integrative data analysis was performed that combined baseline data from the 1994–1995 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (from 17,606 respondents in grades 7–12) and the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (from 7,752 respondents aged 12–16). Using six sexual behaviors measured in both data sets (age at first intercourse, various measures of contraceptive use and number of partners), cluster analysis was conducted that identified five distinct behavior clusters. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis examined associations between adolescents’ weight status (categorized as underweight, normal‐weight, overweight or obese) and weight perception and their cluster membership.

RESULTS

Among males, being underweight, rather than normal‐weight, was negatively associated with membership in increasingly risky clusters (odds ratio, 0.5), as was the perception of being overweight, as opposed to about the right weight (0.8). However, being overweight was positively associated with males’ membership in increasingly risky clusters (1.3). Among females, being obese, rather than normal‐weight, was negatively correlated with membership in increasingly risky clusters (0.8), while the perception of being overweight was positively correlated with such membership (1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Both objective and subjective assessments of weight are associated with the clustering of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents, and these behavioral patterns differ by gender.
Body mass index and age of menarche in young girls
Authors: Olivia Dina , Deliana Melda , Supriatmo Supriatmo , Hakimi Hakimi , Lubis Siska Mayasari
Published: September 2016

Background Currently the age at onset of menarche is earlierthan in the past. Nutritional status has an important role inthe onset of menarche. Past studies have shO\vn an associationbetween body mass index (BMI) in young girls and earlier onsetof menarche.Objective To assess an association between BMI and age at onsetof menarche.Methods This cross􀁈sectional study was conducted in younggirls aged 10 to 15 years from Immanuel Elementary and JuniorHigh School, Medan in June 2010. We used purposive samplingto recruit subjects. After subjects underwent height and weightmeasurements, we calculated their BMIs. The association betweenBMI and initial age of menarche was assessed by Chi square test(P<O.05 v.ith a 95% confidence interval).Results Eighty􀁈five subjects participated in this study. There were44 subjects in the 5th􀀊85th percentile ofBMI (nonnoweight), 19subjects with 85th􀀊95th percentile of BMI (overweight) and 12subjects in the> 95th percentile ofBMI (obese). All obese subjectshad an earlier onset of menarche at ages 1O􀁈 11 years, comparedto that of non􀁈obese subjects (P=O.OOOl).Conclusion Young girls v.ith BMI > 95th percentile had anearlier age at onset of menarche than young girls v.ith lower BMls.[Paediatr lndanes. 2012,52:309-12].
Anatomic variations of the pancreatic duct and their relevance with the Cambridge classification system: MRCP findings of 1158 consecutive patients
Authors: Adibelli Zehra Hilal , Adatepe Mustafa , Imamoglu Cetin , Esen Ozgur Sipahi , Erkan Nazif , Yildirim Mehmet
Published: September 2016

Background

The study was conducted to evaluate the frequencies of the anatomic variations and the gender distributions of these variations of the pancreatic duct and their relevance with the Cambridge classification system as morphological sign of chronic pancreatitis using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1312 consecutive patients who referred to our department for MRCP between January 2013 and August 2015. We excluded 154 patients from the study because of less than optimal results due to imaging limitations or a history of surgery on pancreas. Finally a total of 1158 patients were included in the study.

Results

Among the 1158 patients included in the study, 54 (4.6%) patients showed pancreas divisum, 13 patients (1.2%) were defined as ansa pancreatica. When we evaluated the course of the pancreatic duct, we found the prevalence 62.5% for descending, 30% for sigmoid, 5.5% for vertical and 2% for loop. The most commonly observed pancreatic duct configuration was Type 3 in 528 patients (45.6%) where 521 patients (45%) had Type 1 configuration.

Conclusions

Vertical course (p = 0.004) and Type 2 (p = 0.03) configuration of pancreatic duct were more frequent in females than males. There were no statistically significant differences between the gender for the other pancreatic duct variations such as pancreas divisium, ansa pancreatica and course types other than vertical course (p > 0.05 for all). Variants of pancreas divisum and normal pancreatic duct variants were not associated with morphologic findings of chronic pancreatitis by using the Cambridge classification system. The ansa pancreatica is a rare type of anatomical variation of the pancreatic duct, which might be considered as a predisposing factor to the onset of idiopathic pancreatitis.
El itinerario subjetivo como herramienta de análisis
Authors: Hirai Shinji , Sandoval Rebeca
Published: September 2016

Este artículo propone el uso del concepto “itinerario subjetivo” para analizar los elementos que componen el proceso migratorio de retorno de los jóvenes mexicanos de la generación 1.5. Con base en la descripción y el análisis de la narrativa de un joven que pertenece a esta generación de migrantes que retornó a México, se discutirán las características de esta movilidad de regreso y el proceso de resocialización, así como la forma en que los jóvenes retornados interpretan sus historias migratorias, narran sus emociones y su sentido de pertenencia, y construyen las expectativas de su futuro.

This article proposes the use of the concept “subjective itinerary” as an analytical tool to examine the elements that constitute the return migration process of Mexican youth who belong to the 1.5 generation. Drawing from the description and analysis of the narrative of a young 1.5 man who returned to Mexico, the characteristics of return mobility and socialization process will be discussed, as well as the ways in which young returnees interpret their own migration stories, narrate their emotions and sense of belonging, and build expectations for their future.
Policy Report ~ Informe
Authors: Gándara Patricia
Published: September 2016

Millions of young people receive part of their education in the U.S. and part in Mexico. However, neither the U.S. nor Mexican schools are prepared to educate students from “the other side.” This commonly results in loss of school credit, poor academic preparation and dropping out, which leads to very limited job opportunities and wasted human talent. This article suggests several ways in which this problem can be addressed.

Millones de jóvenes reciben parte de su educación en los Estados Unidos y parte en México. Sin embargo, ni las escuelas de los Estados Unidos ni las de México están preparadas para educar a los estudiantes “del otro lado”. Esta situación comúnmente resulta en la pérdida de créditos escolares, la mala preparación académica y en el abandono de los estudios, lo que conduce a muy limitadas oportunidades de empleo y al desperdicio de talento humano. Este artículo sugiere varias maneras en las cuales se puede abordar este problema.
Synaptonemal Complex Components Are Required for Meiotic Checkpoint Function in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bohr Tisha , Ashley Guinevere , Eggleston Evan , Firestone Kyra , Bhalla Needhi
Published: September 2016

Synapsis involves the assembly of a proteinaceous structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), between paired homologous chromosomes, and is essential for proper meiotic chromosome segregation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the synapsis checkpoint selectively removes nuclei with unsynapsed chromosomes by inducing apoptosis. This checkpoint depends on pairing centers (PCs), cis-acting sites that promote pairing and synapsis. We have hypothesized that the stability of homolog pairing at PCs is monitored by this checkpoint. Here, we report that SC components SYP-3, HTP-3, HIM-3, and HTP-1 are required for a functional synapsis checkpoint. Mutation of these components does not abolish PC function, demonstrating they are bona fide checkpoint components. Further, we identify mutant backgrounds in which the instability of homolog pairing at PCs does not correlate with the synapsis checkpoint response. Altogether, these data suggest that, in addition to homolog pairing, SC assembly may be monitored by the synapsis checkpoint.
The Bilirubin Binding Panel: A Henderson-Hasselbalch Approach to Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Ahlfors Charles E.
Published: September 2016

Poor plasma bilirubin binding increases the risk of bilirubin neurotoxicity in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. New laboratory tests may soon make it possible to obtain a complete bilirubin binding panel when evaluating these babies. The 3 measured components of the panel are the plasma total bilirubin concentration (BTotal), which is currently used to guide clinical care; the bilirubin binding capacity (BBC); and the concentration of non–albumin bound or free bilirubin (BFree). The fourth component is the bilirubin-albumin equilibrium dissociation constant, KD, which is calculated from BTotal, BBC, and BFree. The bilirubin binding panel is comparable to the panel of components used in the Henderson-Hasselbalch approach to acid-base assessment. Bilirubin binding population parameters (not prospective studies to determine whether the new bilirubin binding panel components are better predictors of bilirubin neurotoxicity than BTotal) are needed to expedite the clinical use of bilirubin binding. At any BTotal, the BFree and the relative risk of bilirubin neurotoxicity increase as the KD/BBC ratio increases (ie, bilirubin binding worsens). Comparing the KD/BBC ratio of newborns with BTotal of concern with that typical for the population helps determine whether the risk of bilirubin neurotoxicity varies significantly from the inherent risk at that BTotal. Furthermore, the bilirubin binding panel individualizes care because it helps to determine how aggressive intervention should be at any BTotal, irrespective of whether it is above or below established BTotal guidelines. The bilirubin binding panel may reduce anxiety, costs, unnecessary treatment, and the likelihood of undetected bilirubin neurotoxicity.
Pengaruh Macam dan Waktu Aplikasi Bahan Organik pada Tanaman Ubi Jalar (Ipomoea batatas L.) Var. Kawi
Authors: Suminarti Nur Edy , Susanto Susanto
Published: September 2016

Diversifikasi pangan merupakan langkah tepat untuk mengantisipasi kondisi rawan pangan.  Hal ini menjadi penting karena setiap tahun luas lahan basah telah mengalami penyusutan sekitar 0,1% dari total luas lahan di Indonesia. Sehubungan dengan hal tersebut, dan dalam upaya untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pangan nasional, maka pemanfaatan ubi jalar sebagai sumber bahan pangan alternatif perlu dilakukan. Penelitian yang bertujuan untuk mendapatkan informasi tentang macam dan waktu aplikasi bahan organik yang tepat telah dilakukan di Desa Landungsari, Kabupaten Malang. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Petak Terpisah, macam bahan organik ditempatkan pada petak utama, terdiri dari 3 macam, yaitu  pupuk kandang sapi, kompos azolla dan kompos sampah kota.  Waktu aplikasi bahan organik sebagai anak petak, terdiri dari 3 macam, yaitu : 30 hari sebelum tanam, 15 hari sebelum tanam dan bersamaan tanam. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara destruktif, meliputi  komponen pertumbuhan dan panen, analisis pertumbuhan tanaman dan analisis tanah. Uji F taraf 5% ditujukan untuk menguji pengaruh perlakuan, sedang perbedaan diantara rata-rata perlakuan didasarkan pada nilai BNT taraf 5%. Interaksi nyata terjadi pada sebagian besar parameter yang diamati, dan hasil umbi tertinggi didapatkan pada kompos sampah kota yang waktu aplikasinya dilakukan 30 hari sebelum tanam : 28,03 ton umbi ha-1. Food diversification is a precise step to anticipate food shortage condition. It becomes important because wetland area is decreasing of approximately 0,1% each year of total area in Indonesia. Related to that point, also in order to meet food national demand, utilization of sweet potato as alternative food resource needs to be done. Research aimed to get information about proper kind and application time of organic matter had been done at Landungsari, Malang. The design used was Split Plot, kind of organic matter was placed as main plot, consisting of 3 kinds, ie: cow manure, azzola compost, and urban waste compost. Application time was set as subplot, consisting of 3 times, ie: 30 days before planting, 15 days before planting, and simultaneous with planting. Data collection was carried out destructively, including growth and yield components, plant growth analysis and soil analysis. F test on 5% level intended to test treatment effect, meanwhile difference between mean values based on LSD 5%. Real interaction occurred on almost all parameters observed, moreover the highest tuber yield was on urban waste compost which time application was 30 days before planting : 28,03 ton tuber ha-1.
Demythifying the “Dark Side” of Social Capital: A Comparative Bayesian Analysis of White, Black, Latino, and Asian American Voting Behavior
Authors: Liu Baodong
Published: September 2016

Previous studies have suggested that Americans who regularly attend church develop important civic skills which facilitate their participation in politics (e.g., see Verba et al. 1995). Churches were also heralded as important repositories of social capital, particularly for disadvantaged minority groups who have fewer opportunities to develop civic skills (Putnam 2000). Moreover, social capital theorists have argued that homogenous congregations foster the development of bonding (in-group) rather than bridging (out-group) social capital. One important fact, which has not been examined closely in the voting literature, is that American churches are still highly segregated by race/ethnicity according to a recent Gallup Poll (2004). Also unclear in the literature is the differential impact of bonding versus bridging social capital on political participation. Scholarship by Putnam (2000) and Gutmann (1998) suggests that heterogeneity within associational memberships is healthier for democratic citizenship than those with more homogenous memberships. This paper evaluates this claim and investigates whether or not bonding social capital fosters or discourages political participation for both white-majority voters and minorities. Using Bayesian statistical methods, this study, for the first time, conducted a national, cross-racial analysis of whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asian Americans based on data from the General Social Survey (2002), National Election Studies (2000), and the Pilot National Asian American Political Survey (2001). The finding suggests that church attendance is significant and positively associated with voting participation among racial/ethnic groups that attend churches with mostly homogenous memberships. Contrary to the negative implications purported to stem from the "dark side" of social capital, the results of this research show that bonding social capital positively influences participation in politics. These findings lead to important implications for understanding the mobilization of immigrant communities, a group that political parties rarely attempt to mobilize (Kim 2007; Wong 2006).
When White Goes Right: The Old South in the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Fowler Matt , Parent Wayne , Petrakis Peter
Published: September 2016

None provided
Covering the Median Voter in Congress
Authors: Fogarty Brian J.
Published: September 2016

Political communication and congressional politics scholars have seemingly long settled the question of who in Congress receives national news attention. Party leaders, committee chairs and ranking members, and influential senators typically dominate national news attention. In this paper, I argue that scholars also need to consider the median voter in the House and the filibuster pivot in the Senate to gain a clearer understanding of national media coverage of Congress and its members. The results suggest that members do not receive more coverage simply from being the median voter or the filibuster pivot. Instead, the median voter in the House receives more attention when the majorities in the House are slim and thus the median voter is potentially more important. In the Senate, the filibuster pivot garners more attention from the national media, again conditioned on party margins, than other senators.
No Easy Way Out: One Community's Efforts to House Families Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Patterson David A. , West Stacia , Harrison Taylor M. , Higginbotham Lisa
Published: September 2016

Family homelessness is a persistent major social and public health problem. The present study used 3 years of data from a community's homeless management information system in a survival analysis that examined correlates of time to housing for 133 homeless families. A Cox regression found that veterans were 491% more likely to exit homelessness than nonveterans. Families staying with a family member or friend before entering a rapid rehousing program were 24% less likely to exit homelessness than those who were staying in an emergency shelter or other temporary housing. While 77% of the families found stable housing, the findings suggest variability of outcomes across rehousing programs and the necessity of addressing the complex needs of single, female-headed homeless families.
iTEAM: Outcomes of an Affirming System of Care Serving LGBTQ Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Powell Claudia , Ellasante Ian , Korchmaros Josephine D. , Haverly Katie , Stevens Sally
Published: September 2016

The iTEAM (My Treatment Empowerment for Adolescents on the Move) project used a comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) affirming system-of-care approach to provide intensive case management, substance abuse and mental health treatment, linkages to housing, and other supportive services to LGBTQ and straight-allied (A) youth experiencing homelessness. The iTEAM project aimed to decrease substance use, improve mental health status, increase housing access and stability, improve life skills, increase linkages to other needed services, and reduce HIV risk behaviors. This study examines outcomes of 210 iTEAM participants who completed baseline and 6-month postbaseline self-report assessments. At follow-up, substance use remained low and mental health had improved. Engagement in employment increased, as did housing stability. These findings suggest that the iTEAM system-of-care model might be effective for working with LGBTQ and A youth experiencing homelessness.
Jumping through the Hoops to Get Financial Aid for College Students who Are Homeless: Policy Analysis of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007
Authors: Crutchfield Rashida M. , Chambers Ruth M. , Duffield Barbara
Published: September 2016

Congress enacted the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) to improve college access for unaccompanied homeless youth by expanding the definition of “independent student” on their financial aid applications. Using qualitative interviews with homeless community college students and university financial aid administrators (FAA), this research explored the implementation of this policy. This study indicates that multiple barriers to financial aid for homeless youth continue to persist after the passage of CCRAA. Youth reported burdensome verification procedures and FAAs reported extensive justification to prove youth homelessness and attempts to support students. Efforts to increase these youths' ability to receive financial aid include revisions to the verification procedures and specialized trainings. Specific recommendations for practice, policy, and research are provided.
Periodic and random components of water consumption in Kuwait
Authors: Almedeij Jaber , Alotaibi Sorour
Published: September 2016

This study attempts to algebraically decompose the periodic and random components of monthly total water consumption data metered at desalination plants in Kuwait. The decomposition approach is based on filtering the data in the frequency domain by selecting a threshold amplitude value below which harmonics are assumed to be random. The significant harmonics are used in Fourier series to develop a periodic model, and the residuals obtained by subtracting the periodic model from the original water data are tested by an autocorrelation function. The results show that the amount of random noise in the water consumption data represents a small portion of the overall pattern. The data can thus be considered periodic in nature and people's water consumption behaviour can be interpreted based on the significant periodicities detected by amplitude spectrum plot. This procedure allows application of different modifications for the decomposed periodic and random components, yielding more natural synthetic time series data generation.
¿Se podría incluir en el sistema español el sistema de pensiones de cuentas nocionales de aportación definida?
Authors: Rosado-Cebrian Beatriz , Urbano-Orgaz Blanca
Published: September 2016

En este artículo se presenta una primera aproximación a los sistemas de pensiones basados en cuentas nocionales de aportación definida, mediante un análisis tanto a nivel teórico, a través de su definición, como práctico, del sistema de pensiones sueco, ya que se trata del caso más representativo entre los países que ya han adoptado un sistema de cuentas nocionales. De igual forma, se considera su posible aplicación en España, dado que el sistema público de pensiones español, de reparto y prestación definida, pese a las dos últimas reformas realizadas en los años 2011 y 2013, sigue mostrando problemas de solvencia financiera; así las cosas, parece necesario realizar una reforma más profunda. Si bien los sistemas de cuentas nocionales tienen algunas desventajas que deben ser consideradas, también tienen asociadas una serie de ventajas que podrían ser muy beneficiosas para España, destacando que se mantiene el sistema de reparto, y por tanto, la solidaridad intergeneracional.
Jugar para aprender no es aprender jugando: ludificación de procesos pedagógicos
Authors: Montoya-Álvarez Carlos , Uribe-Ciro David
Published: September 2016

En este artículo se explican las teorías que soportan la actividad ludificadora, se establecen las diferencias y similitudes pedagógicas fundamentales entre jugar, juegos educativos y ludificación, y se ejemplifican las posturas de los autores con tres estudios de caso sobre productos diseñados en el Laboratorio de Aprendizaje de la Institución Universitaria Ceipa, consistentes en un simulador computacional, un juego de mesa y un aplicativo móvil.La aplicación de estrategias propias de los juegos se hace cada vez más común en el mundo educativo, así como en el empresarial, sin embargo, todavía falta profundizar en el concepto de ludificación y en las estrategias educativas ludificadas, de manera que impacte e inspire la forma en la que se diseñan estas actividades en el mundo escolar y laboral.
La producción de recursos educativos y medios didácticos para una educación virtual asequible y accesible
Authors: Morales-Saldarriaga Juan Carlos
Published: September 2016

Este artículo realiza una revisión a la Guía de Contenidos Web Accesibles de la World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), con el propósito de identificar técnicas de producción de contenidos educativos accesibles de bajo coste (asequibles), que sirvan como guía de trabajo para los equipos de producción de recursos educativos y medios didácticos de instituciones de educación en Colombia, que ofertan programas a distancia y virtual.

El análisis exigió una revisión bibliográfica sobre los conceptos de discapacidad, accesibilidad y usabilidad en entornos electrónicos, así como la identificación y descripción de normas nacionales e internacionales sobre cobertura y pertinencia educativa. El problema de investigación parte de la ausencia de una política nacional explícita sobre el diseño y la oferta de programas de formación profesional accesible, especialmente en modalidad a distancia (tradicional y virtual).

Como resultado de la investigación se diseñó un instrumento para valorar la accesibilidad en la producción de recursos educativos digitales, que describe tres niveles de cumplimiento y orienta a creadores y productores de contenido en la comprensión de los estándares definidos por la W3C.
La gestión financiera en las pymes del Distrito Federal, México
Authors: Saavedra-García María Luisa , Tapia-Sánchez Blanca , Aguilar-Anaya María de los Ángeles
Published: September 2016

El objetivo de este artículo consiste en mostrar un diagnóstico sobre el uso de los sistemas de información y gestión financiera en las pymes del Distrito Federal (México). Para ello se realizó un trabajo descriptivo transversal, con una recolección de datos a través de un trabajo de campo, aplicando una encuesta estructurada a una muestra de 300 empresas. Los principales hallazgos de esta investigación demuestran que los sistemas de información financiera se utilizan de modo incipiente, sobre todo en las empresas de tamaño micro. También se encuentra que existe relación entre el nivel de estudios del empresario y algunas prácticas como la adopción de un sistema de información contable y el uso del análisis financiero. Del mismo modo se halló que la gestión financiera es escasa en este tipo de empresas, en especial en lo concerniente con la elaboración de pronósticos y análisis financieros.
Medidas para alimentação e habitação em perspectiva comparada: Venezuela e Brasil
Authors: Saint’Clair Mattioda Henrique , De Souza Luciana Rosa
Published: September 2016

O estudo comparativo dos programas antipobreza enriquece o desenho e a avaliação destas ações. Venezuela e Brasil estão implementando boas práticas antipobreza na América Latina. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os programas de alimentação e habitação em ambos os países e tentar conhecer qual dos dois desenhos possui maior potencial emancipador de pobreza. Com respeito à alimentação, analisaremos comparativamente a Missão Mercal na Venezuela e o Programa Bolsa Família no Brasil. Enquanto aos programas de habitação, estuda-se a Gran Misión Viviendas Venezuela em contraste com o programa “Minha Casa, Minha Vida” do Brasil. No campo teórico-metodológico, este artigo usa os conceitos de capacitações, intitulamentos e funcionalidades de Amartya Sen, para comparar os programas em questão. O texto se divide em três sessões: a primeira aborda as categorias analíticas senianas; a segunda contextualiza historicamente os programas sociais em ambos os países; e a terceira analisa e compara os programas de alimentação e habitação mencionados. Concluímos que existem diferenças importantes entre os programas executados em Venezuela e Brasil, uma vez que se evidencia que o socialismo bolivariano fomenta práticas que estimulam a transferência de bens geradores de ingressos.
Presentación del dossier. La ciudad del siglo XXI: políticas públicas urbanas, desplazamientos y contestaciones
Authors: Cócola Gant Agustín , Durán Gustavo , Janoschka Michael
Published: September 2016

Presentación del Dossier "La ciudad del siglo XXI: políticas públicas urbanas, desplazamientos y contestaciones"
YOUTH MENTORSHIP AS NEOLIBERAL SUBJECT FORMATION
Authors: Hillman Matty Michael
Published: September 2016

This paper critically analyzes how youth mentorship discourse in North America supports hegemonic and normative values of patriarchy, gender role expectations, and negative youth stereotypes. Utilizing critical discourse analysis, I identify and make explicit the additional agendas present in youth mentorship programs. Through an examination of the language and rhetorical devices used to promote youth mentorship programs, multiple elements of discourse are identified as supporting the inculcation of youth with neoliberal values such as competition, entrepreneurism, and self-regulation. The implications of this analysis suggest the continual and increasing presence of neoliberal and corporate capitalistic values in the once publicly funded welfare state.
Development Education and Dialogical Learning in the 21st Century
Authors: Kumar Ajay
Published: September 2016

This introductory paper on Development Education and dialogical learning attempts to briefly contextualise the emerging need of 'Development Education' (DE) as a new discipline of academic study and public action in the context of contemporary 'globalisation'. In the second part, I
discuss in detail the specific aspects of a new learning relationship based on dialogical and communicative learning which, for a discussion in this paper, is based on a constructivist approach with comparative references drawn from a range of Asian and Western thinkers including Mahatma Gandhi
and Paulo Freire.
Difference as a Contribution to Education Theory and Global Learning from a German Perspective: 'We should learn more about the cultures of foreign children'
Authors: Lang-Wojtasik Gregor
Published: September 2016

This article begins by quoting students in a seminar on intercultural education in a German University. Moving from the perception of student teachers that they should learn more about the cultures of foreign students, the article explores understandings of difference from three perspectives.
Firstly, difference is used as a construct to describe distinctions – in the practice of education and connected empirical educational research. Secondly, difference is used as a labelling of contrasts – with contrasts examined within the discourse of international
and intercultural educational science. Finally, difference is used to denote a mark of differentiation – for education in world society. These three explorations of difference provide routes into a framework for understanding global learning and for outlining consequences for
teacher education and research.
Interculturalism, Sustainable Development and Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Gundara Jagdish S. , Sharma Namrata
Published: September 2016

This paper establishes links between the fields of sustainable development and intercultural education. It is written on the premise that diverse forms of knowledge exist within different societal and national contexts, and curricula therefore need to draw on these in order to be 'non-centric'.
That is, curricula should not draw more heavily from one source of knowledge while excluding or marginalising others. For instance, as this paper examines, higher education institutions in socially diverse or multicultural societies have a great deal of intellectual knowledge and expertise
in education. However, the knowledge – including languages, histories, and cultures – of subordinated groups such as international students in European institutions is often entirely left out of the curriculum. In conclusion, the paper poses a number of challenges for research
and teaching in higher education, especially including the need for intercultural professional education of academics so that they develop deeper intellectual understandings and competences in this area.
Global Learning in Austria: Towards a National Strategy and Beyond
Authors: Forghani-Arani Neda , Hartmeyer Helmuth
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses the development of Global Learning in Austria, paying special attention to the process and outcome of the major undertaking of developing a national strategy. The first part of the paper provides a descriptive outline of the contextual development, while the second
part conjoins the description of the process of strategy development with policy discourse analysis to ask how the idea of a pedagogical response to globalisation affects policy and how engaging with policy affects that idea. The concept of Global Learning as defined in the strategy document
is examined in its orientation and intent using a conceptual framework that highlights differing approaches to global citizenship education, in an attempt to situate the Strategy's conceptual approach in the broader international discourse.
Revisiting the Concept of Dialogue in Global Citizenship Education
Authors: Sharma Namrata
Published: September 2016

This paper argues the need to revisit the concept of dialogue in teaching global citizenship education. The ontological paradigm underlying the perspective of the 'self' and 'other' is explored in key policy documents in UK and within some of the debates on citizenship education in
general. Often the argument made is that the 'self' and 'other' have scarce understanding of one another's knowledge and values. Hence various policies and documents suggest the need for more knowledge of the 'other'. An innovative approach, as this paper explores, is to take a qualitative
and heuristic approach to knowledge and values, such as found within the philosophy of Japanese thinker, Daisaku Ikeda. This paper emphasises the need for an intervention that can bring together the 'self' and 'other' in dialogue to facilitate the individual self's growth and development within
such interactions. In relation to this three key concepts in Ikeda's writings, which are, 'the oneness of self and environment' (esho funi), 'Human Revolution' (or individual change), and education for 'Global Citizenship' are discussed here, and the implications of this study for citizenship
education is made based on the author's previous work and teaching.
What Kind of Teachers Will Teach our Children? The Worldmindedness of Undergraduate Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Teacher Candidates at Five Florida Public Universities
Authors: Kirkwood-Tucker Toni Fuss , Morris John D. , Lieberman Mary G.
Published: September 2016

Our research examined degrees of worldmindedness of 644 undergraduate elementary and secondary social studies teacher candidates entering the requisite social studies methods courses in their junior or senior year at five of Florida's largest public universities. Worldmindedness in
this study is defined as a worldview in which one sees oneself connected to the larger world community grounded in Personal Responsibility, Cultural Pluralism, Efficacy, Globalcentrism, and Interconnectedness. We hypothesised selected demographic predictor variables as potential correlates
of higher scores in worldmindedness. Findings demonstrated that variables significantly related to higher scores were: proficiency in two or more languages, progressive political orientation, taking more content courses with a global orientation, high grade point average, birthplace outside
the United States, and female gender. Secondary candidates scored higher than elementary candidates. We conclude with recommendations for educational experiences in teacher education programs that may develop a deeper worldmindedness in teacher candidates with the potential of producing a
sophisticated teaching force comparable to the best in the world.
Developing Global Citizenship: the Effect of Studying Abroad
Authors: Chen Sicong
Published: September 2016

This study is designed as preliminary research into the relationship between developing global citizenship and studying abroad by investigating the perceptions of Chinese students who studied in a UK university in 2006. Through the lens of Oxfam's perspective of global citizenship,
findings that are based on questionnaires and in-depth interviews show that Chinese students have a particular understanding of global citizenship and do not commonly accept the global citizen identity. Studying abroad is deemed to have a positive effect on the development of some elements
of global citizenship but a comprehensive sense of global citizenship seems not to be developed explicitly as a result of studying abroad.
An Ethics of Recognition in Global and Teacher Education: Looking through Queer and Postcolonial Lenses
Authors: Camicia Steven
Published: September 2016

Global education and teacher education struggle to address a wide range of objectives surrounding curriculum. Some of these objectives are market-driven while others emphasise critical democracy. A theoretical framework is presented that combines literature from queer theory and postcolonial
theory to better understand curriculum through a poststructural ethics of recognition. Recognising individuals and groups beyond normalising discourses and creating third spaces are the main themes of this ethics in curriculum work and global teacher education. These interpretations are illustrated
with a brief example of a teacher education project that encouraged dialogue about global inequities and colonisation between pre-service teachers in the Philippines and the United States.
Mathematics Education Meets Development Education: The Competency 'Mathematical Modelling' combined with Global Skills and Competencies in a Secondary School Project in Germany
Authors: Schell-Straub Sigrid
Published: September 2016

This article describes a scientific and practical journey through the worlds of mathematics education and development education/global education. It explores one link in detail: critical mathematics education and the competency 'mathematical modelling' in theory and practice. It describes
a case study of a secondary school in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, based on a model of critical research. A central theme is the value of a holistic, self-organized learning process in which global and mathematical competencies and skills are combined. The research identifies the value
such a process provides in helping students understand their role in a global society, including recommendations for schools, policy, and research.
World Knowledge and Global Citizenship: Factual and Perceived World Knowledge as Predictors of Global Citizenship Identification
Authors: Reysen Stephen , Katzarska-Miller Iva , Gibson Shonda A.
Published: September 2016

We examine the influence of factual and perceived world knowledge on global citizenship identification. Perceived world knowledge directly predicted global citizenship identification, while factual world knowledge did not (Study 1). Students' factual (Study 1) and perceived (Study 2)
world knowledge predicted students' normative environment (degree that valued others prescribe being a global citizen) and global awareness (perceived knowledge of the world and one's connection to the world), which then predicted global citizenship identification, and identification with
global citizens predicted endorsement of pro-social values and behaviours (e.g., intergroup empathy, valuing diversity). Overall, the results highlight the indirect influence of factual and direct influence of perceived world knowledge on students' felt connection with global citizens.