bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formação interdisciplinar de professores de administração
Authors: Tordino Cláudio Antônio
Published: April 2013

O aumento de escopo da área tem levado a Administração à constituição de subáreas especializadas, em detrimento da visão de conjunto, cada vez mais requerida. Essa fragmentação compele à inclusão de novas disciplinas nos currículos dos cursos de graduação em Administração, com o fito de mantê-los atualizados. Parece, contudo, que a multiplicidade de disciplinas mais tem gerado perplexidades do que propiciado a professores e estudantes a ambicionada compreensão do todo. Este texto discute a idéia de que o sucesso de um curso de graduação em Administração pode depender da formação abrangente e integrada de seus professores. A alternativa proposta é a da adoção de programa de formação de professores calcado em abordagem interdisciplinar e aprendizagem com pesquisa, para que, dessa experiência por eles vivida, obtenham visão compreensiva das áreas de Administração, independentemente das disciplinas que ministrem, e encontrem caminhos para práticas consistentes e conseqüentes que levem à autonomização dos estudantes.
Empreendedorismo: uma filosofia para o desenvolvimento sustentável e a redução da pobreza
Authors: Degen Ronald Jean
Published: April 2013

O autor chegou ao Brasil nos anos 70 e encontrou pobreza extrema nas favelas e uma das maiores desigualdades de renda entre ricos e pobres do mundo. Convidado a dar aula na FGV, iniciou em 1980 o ensino do empreendedorismo com o objetivo de incentivar os alunos a empreender e assim promover o crescimento econômico para reduzir a pobreza e a desigualdade de renda. Retornando ao país em 2008 o autor faz uma reflexão das razões porque esses objetivos não foram alcançados apesar da atividade empreendedora na America Latina ser maior do que a de países como os EUA. A explicação está na motivação da atividade empreendedora. O empreendedorismo por oportunidade tem um significante maior impacto sobre o crescimento econômico de um país do que o empreendedorismo por necessidade. Geralmente, o crescimento econômico de um país de baixa renda é inversamente proporcional a sua atividade empreendedora por necessidade e o crescimento econômico de um país de alta renda é diretamente proporcional a sua atividade empreendedora por oportunidade. O Brasil e a Colômbia têm somente 55% da atividade empreendedora motivada por oportunidades, enquanto que os EUA têm 80%, conforme mostra pesquisa do Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). A solução proposta pelo autor é as escolas técnicas e as universidades reestruturarem os seus cursos de empreendedorismo, que não atingiram o seu objetivo de promover o crescimento econômico, e incentivar mais o empreendedorismo por oportunidade orientado para o desenvolvimento sustentável e a redução da pobreza e o empreendedorismo por necessidade para eliminar a pobreza extrema.
A influência do líder na condução do processo de implementação do planejamento estratégico
Authors: Kich Juliane Inês Di Francesco , Pereira Mauricio Fernandes , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Santos Adelcio Machado dos
Published: April 2013

As instituições hospitalares, cada vez mais competitivas, para sobreviverem no mercado estão tendo que adotar ferramentas de administração, entre as quais está a elaboração de um planejamento estratégico. Este trabalho dedica-se a estudar qual a influência do líder na condução do processo de implementação do planejamento estratégico em uma instituição hospitalar pública. A pesquisa foi feita com base no estudo de caso do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, onde foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, com líderes da instituição, através de questões guiadas para fins deste estudo. Percebeu-se que o principal papel do líder na condução do planejamento estratégico é o de motivador, e a delegação de tarefas a pequenos grupos responsáveis por determinadas estratégias, muito auxilia no processo, devido à sobrecarga da liderança de uma instituição complexa como o hospital.
Um estudo sobre a organização e o desenvolvimento do processo orçamentário em empresas de tecnologia de Florianópolis
Authors: Simas Francielle Koerich , Costa Alexandre Marino da , Moritz Gilberto de Oliveira
Published: April 2013

O sistema orçamentário é uma ferramenta administrativa que facilita a integração das atividades através do planejamento e do controle das diversas áreas da organização. Este artigo objetiva identificar a estrutura e os principais métodos utilizados para a elaboração dos orçamentos nas empresas de tecnologia de Florianópolis. A investigação foi realizada através de uma pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, bibliográfica e quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário com perguntas fechadas dirigidas a uma população composta por 24 empresas do ramo de tecnologia, de Florianópolis, cadastradas pela Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Santa Catarina – FIESC. Observou-se que a maioria das empresas ainda não apresenta a estrutura de sistema orçamentário sistematizada, na qual são projetadas todas as peças orçamentárias pertencentes aos processos organizacionais. Pode-se destacar também que o principal método de projeção dos itens considerados para elaboração das peças orçamentárias é constituído pelo reajuste dos dados históricos. Constatou-se que a participação na decisão de elaboração do orçamento é formada em sua maioria pela alta administração e que os recursos tecnológicos utilizados para o desenvolvimento dos orçamentos são compostos, principalmente, por planilhas eletrônicas.
A inovação e os fatores organizacionais característicos
Authors: Zilber Moises Ari , Lex Sergio , Moraes Cláudio Alberto de , Perez Gilberto , Vidal Patricia Gonçalves , Corrêa Gisleine Bartolomeu Fregoneze
Published: April 2013

O objetivo do presente estudo é o de identificar os fatores organizacionais determinantes para que uma empresa possa ser considerada inovadora na indústria de equipamentos Eletro-Médicos. A pesquisa foi feita dentro do enfoque quantitativo, intencionando obter a visão dos próprios fabricantes de equipamentos quanto aos fatores organizacionais característicos que contribuem para o sucesso do processo de inovação. Foram pesquisados 46 fabricantes de equipamentos Eletro-Médicos por meio de uma amostra não probabilística por conveniência. A análise quantitativa com tratamento estatístico multivariado, por meio da análise fatorial, indicou a presença de seis fatores respondendo por 80,6% da variância total, sendo que apenas dois fatores determinantes das organizações pesquisadas, “Liderança e Comprometimento” e “Reconhecimento e Interação” respondem respectivamente por 47% e por 9 % da variância total.
Valor percebido pelos consumidores: um estudo exploratório em relação às lojas onde realizam compras de alimentos
Authors: Biscola Paulo Henrique Nogueira , Santos Rubens Costa
Published: April 2013

No Brasil, os varejos de grande escala estão perdendo espaço para os formatos menores como pequenos supermercados, feiras e padarias. Os consumidores buscam realizar suas compras em locais que diminuam o ônus e aumentem o bônus na realização das compras. Para compreensão desse fenômeno, formulou-se o problema de pesquisa: quais os ônus e bônus que os consumidores percebem existir na escolha de um determinado formato de loja para realizarem suas compras de alimentos? Uma revisão do conhecimento a respeito de valor percebido e de seus antecedentes foi feita. Em seguida uma pesquisa exploratória em profundidade com 51 donas-de-casa (26 de baixa renda e 25 de alta) foi conduzida em uma média cidade brasileira. Os resultados apontaram a preocupação das consumidoras com a questão do preço e do tempo de viagem (proximidade). Os valores de Holbrook (1999) também foram analisados, bem como os esforços e os riscos percebidos. Na conclusão são apresentadas as limitações e as sugestões para novas pesquisas.
Um estudo exploratório sobre a satisfação de clientes em um ambiente de serviços de fisioterapia
Authors: Milan Gabriel Sperandio
Published: April 2013

Este artigo aborda a relação da satisfação com a retenção e a possível lealdade de clientes, direcionando tal abordagem ao setor de serviços. Essa relação é fundamentada através do resgate conceitual da satisfação, inserindo a qualidade percebida como um de seus antecedentes e vislumbrando como resultados esperados a retenção e a lealdade de clientes. Ao aprofundar a questão da qualidade, sob a perspectiva avaliativa do cliente, em termos de suas expectativas e percepções, direcionou-se o estudo ao ambiente de serviços. Assim, o trabalho apresenta um estudo exploratório através de uma abordagem qualitativa junto a usuários de serviços de fisioterapia disponibilizados por um Plano de Saúde. Inicialmente, apresenta-se uma revisão da literatura que consolida a importância da satisfação de clientes, identificando prováveis benefícios e componentes para a tomada de decisão. A seguir, apresenta-se o estudo, que permite aprofundar o entendimento a respeito dos tipos de paciente que utilizam os serviços de fisioterapia do Plano de Saúde em análise e quais os aspectos relacionados à qualidade do serviço que mais influenciam seu grau de satisfação.
Planejamentos municipais, gestão de prefeituras e tecnologia da informação: estudos de casos em pequenos municípios paranaenses
Authors: Rezende Denis Alcides , Guagliardi José Augusto
Published: April 2013

Gerir uma cidade é considerar questões sociais, ambientais, políticas, econômicas e legais. Os instrumentos da administração e da tecnologia da informação são fundamentais para os gestores municipais nas suas ações cotidianas e estratégicas. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os planejamentos municipais e as contribuições da tecnologia da informação na gestão de prefeituras e no desenvolvimento de nove municípios. A metodologia da pesquisa enfatizou um estudo de caso múltiplo por meio de um protocolo. Os resultados demonstraram as dificuldades das prefeituras na organização dos dados municipais, na disponibilização de informações e nos planejamentos para fins de controle e gestão. A conclusão reitera a relevância dos planejamentos municipais alinhados, integrados e alicerçados pelos sistemas de informação e pelos recursos da tecnologia da informação, evidenciando a participação dos munícipes na gestão municipal e no desenvolvimento das cidades. As contribuições estão direcionadas aos municípios pesquisados, à academia e a outros municípios que podem estabelecer analogias.
Análise da utilização da demonstração do fluxo de caixa como um instrumento de gestão financeira nas sociedades anônimas de capital aberto do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Quintana Alexandre Costa , Saurin Valter
Published: April 2013

Este trabalho foi elaborado com o objetivo de analisar se efetivamente a Demonstração do Fluxo de Caixa está sendo utilizada como um instrumento de gestão financeira, pelas sociedades anônimas de capital aberto do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Em termos metodológicos, elaborou-se um questionário que procurou atender aos objetivos da pesquisa e foi enviado às sociedades anônimas de capital aberto do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Além disso, realizou-se uma análise documental nos demonstrativos contábeis e financeiros dessas sociedades. A partir dos dados dos questionários, foi feita uma análise, pela qual se concluiu que a Demonstração do Fluxo de Caixa está sendo utilizada como um instrumento de gestão financeira por um número reduzido de sociedades anônimas de capital aberto do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Concluiu-se, ainda, que tal Demonstração tem sido mais usada como um demonstrativo complementar e que, em alguns momentos, ela traz contribuição para a gestão
Qualidade, Satisfação e Comprometimento: Um Estudo nas Relações BtoB na Indústria de Eletricidade
Authors: Oliveira Luciano José , Gonçalves Filho Cid , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto , Souki Gustavo Quiroga
Published: April 2013

O entendimento do comportamento dos consumidores e suas expectativas constituem um fator essencial para o desempenho de mercado da empresa. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar as relações BtoB entre empresas consumidoras de energia elétrica e seu fornecedor através de um modelo estrutural relacional, compreendendo as atitudes e a intenção comportamental dessas empresas. O estudo testou um modelo teórico-empírico estrutural, mensurado mediante um survey de 922 casos. As hipóteses derivadas de que a Qualidade Percebida explica os comportamentos de Satisfação, Confiança e Valor Percebido se mostraram linearmente aderentes. O mesmo ocorreu com a as hipóteses de que a Satisfação explica comportamentos de Comprometimento e Comunicação “boca a boca”. O modelo mostrou-se aderente na explicação do comportamento relacional BtoB entre uma empresa fornecedora de produtos e serviços essenciais e seu mercado sugerindo interessantes recomendações gerenciais.
The effect of water availability on plastic responses and biomass allocation in early growth traits of Pinus radiata D. Don
Authors: Espinoza S. E. , Magni C. R. , Martínez V. A. , Ivković M.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of water availability on plastic responses and biomass allocation in early growth traits of Pinus radiata D. Don.Area of study: Seedlings of 69 families of P. radiata belonging to five different sites in Central Chile, ranging from coastal range to fothills of the Andes, were grown in controlled conditions to evaluate differences in response to watering.Material and methods: The seedlings were subjected to two watering regimes: well-watered treatment, in which seedlings were watered daily, and water stress treatment in which seedlings were subjected to three cyclic water deficits by watering to container capacity on 12 days cycles each. After twenty-eight weeks root collar diameter, height, shoot dry weight (stem + needles), root dry weight, total dry weight, height/diameter ratio and root/shoot ratio were recorded. Patterns and amounts of phenotypic changes, including changes in biomass allocation, were analyzed.Main results: Families from coastal sites presented high divergence for phenotypic changes, allocating more biomass to shoots, and those families from interior sites presented low phenotypic plasticity, allocating more biomass to roots at the expense of shoots. These changes are interpreted as a plastic response and leads to the conclusion that the local landrace of P. radiata in Chile originating from contrasting environments possess distinct morphological responses to water deficit which in turn leads to phenotypic plasticity.Research highlights: Families belonging to sandy soil sites must be considered for tree breeding in dry areas, selecting those with high root: shoot ratio.Key words: early testing; environmental interaction; ontogeny; plasticity index; water stress.
Modelling diameter distributions of Quercus suber L. stands in “Los Alcornocales” Natural Park (Cádiz-Málaga, Spain) by using the two-parameter Weibull function
Authors: Calzado A. , Torres E.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: The aim of this work was to model diameter distributions of Quercus suber stands. The ultimate goal was to construct models enabling the development of more affordable forest inventory methods. This is the first study of this type on cork oak forests in the area.Area of study: The area of study is “Los Alcornocales” Natural Park (Cádiz-Málaga, Spain).Material and methods: The diameter distributions of 100 permanent plots were modelled with the two-parameter Weibull function. Distribution parameters were fitted with the non-linear regression, maximum likelihood, moment and percentile-based methods. Goodness of fit with the different methods was compared in terms of number of plots rejected by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, bias, mean square error and mean absolute error. The scale and shape parameters in the Weibull function were related to the stand variables by using the parameter prediction model.Main results: The best fitting was obtained with the non-linear regression approach, using as initial values those obtained by maximum likelihood method, the percentage of rejections by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was 2% of the total number of cases. The scale parameter (b) was successfully modelled in terms of the quadratic mean diameter under cork (R2 adj = 0.99). The shape parameter (c) was modelled by using maximum diameter, minimum diameter and plot elevation (R2 adj = 0.40).Research highlights: The proposed model diameter distribution can be a highly useful tool for the inventorying and management of cork oak forests.Key words: maximum likelihood method; moment method; non linear regression approach; parameter prediction model; percentile method; scale parameter; shape parameter.
Site quality influence over understory plant diversity in old-growth and harvested Nothofagus pumilio forests
Authors: Gallo E. A. , Lencinas M. V. , Martinez-Pastur G. J.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: The effects and interactions of shelterwood forest harvesting and site qualities over understory plant species diversity and composition were compared among primary and harvested Nothofagus pumilio forests.Area of study: Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), on three pure conditions (one and six year-old harvested, and primary without previous harvesting forests) and three site qualities (high, medium and low).Material and Methods: Understory richness and cover (%) were registered in five replicates of 1 hectare each per treatment. Taxonomic species were classified in categories (groups, origin and life forms). Two-way ANOVAs and multivariate analyses were conducted.Main results: Shelterwood harvesting and site quality significantly influenced understory cover and richness, which allow the introduction of native and exotic species and increasing of dicot and monocot covers. In dicots, monocots, exotics and total groups, higher richness and covers were related to time. Meanwhile, cover reached similar high values in all site qualities on dicot, native and total groups. On the other hand, monocot and exotic richness and cover remain similar in primary and recently harvested forests, and greatly increased in old harvested forests. Mosses and ferns were among the most sensitive groups.Research highlights: Impacts of shelterwood cut depend on site quality of the stands and time since harvesting occurs. For this, different site quality stands should received differential attention in the development of conservation strategies, as well as variations in the shelterwood implementation (as irregularity and patchiness) should be considered to better promote understory plant species conservation inside managed areas.Key words: plant species conservation; years after harvesting; forest management; Tierra del Fuego.
Effects of the crisis in the resin sector on the demography of rural municipalities in Spain
Authors: Ortuño Perez S. F. , Garcia-Robredo F. , Ayuga Tellez E. , Fullana Belda C.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: The aim of this work is to test the positive effect of a substantially developed resin sector on rural demographic evolution. This work shows how in the period between 1970 and 2010 the demographic decline in the interior regions of Spain was more pronounced in areas characterized by the importance of resin-producing forest stands compared to other nearby rural municipalities where this natural resource is not present.Area of study: The study area consists of a set of rural municipalities in Central Spain, both resin and non-resin producing, in the provinces of Segovia, Avila, Valladolid, Burgos, Soria, Cuenca and Guadalajara.Material and methods: The relationship between resin production and population in resin and non-resin producing municipalities was modeled by means of linear regression analysis.Main results: Generally speaking, between 1950 and 1970 the production of resin halted demographic decline in the regions where this activity was substantially developed. However, when the resin sector entered into crisis in the 1970s, and the economic repercussions of this activity gradually ceased to be felt, the demographic decline in the regions which had been involved in resin production was much more acute than in other non-resin-producing rural areas.Research highlights: This work shows the relationship between resin extraction activity and population evolution in rural municipalities. Sustainable resin exploitation can contribute to the maintenance and development of rural communities, and should be used as a tool for generating employment in rural areas.Key words: demography; economic crisis; resin sector; rural development.
Short Communication. Wood identification based on their common name and their transversal surface anatomy. Application to the batch from the expedition of Ruiz and Pavon
Authors: Villasante A.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: To identify species of wood samples based on common names and anatomical analyses of their transversal surfaces (without microscopic preparations).Area of study: Spain and South America.Material and Methods: The test was carried out on a batch of 15 lumber samples deposited in the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid, from the expedition by Ruiz and Pavón (1777-1811). The first stage of the methodology is to search and to make a critical analysis of the databases which list common nomenclature along with scientific nomenclature. A geographic filter was then applied to the information resulting from the samples with a more restricted distribution. Finally an anatomical verification was carried out with a pocket microscope with a magnification of x40, equipped with a 50 micrometers resolution scale.Main results: The identification of the wood based exclusively on the common name is not useful due to the high number of alternative possibilities (14 for “naranjo”, 10 for “ébano”, etc.). The common name of one of the samples (“huachapelí mulato”) enabled the geographic origin of the samples to be accurately located to the shipyard area in Guayaquil (Ecuador). Given that Ruiz y Pavón did not travel to Ecuador, the specimens must have been obtained by Tafalla. It was possible to determine correctly 67% of the lumber samples from the batch. In 17% of the cases the methodology did not provide a reliable identification.Research highlights: It was possible to determine correctly 67% of the lumber samples from the batch and their geographic provenance. The identification of the wood based exclusively on the common name is not useful.Key words: historic wood; Ruiz and Pavon’s expedition; wood anatomy; wood identification; wood nomenclature.
Short Communication. Comparing flammability traits among fire-stricken (low elevation) and non fire-stricken (high elevation) conifer forest species of Europe: A test of the Mutch hypothesis
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos A. P. , Mitsopoulos I. D. , Kaliva A.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study. The flammability of the main coniferous forest species of Europe, divided into two groups according to their fire regime and altitudinal distribution, was tested in an effort to detect species-specific differences that may have an influence on community-wide fire regimes.Area of study. Conifer species comprising low- and high-elevation forests in Europe.Materials and Methods. The following conifer species were tested: low elevation; Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine), Pinus brutia (Turkish pine), Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), Pinus pinea (stone pine) and Cupressus sempervirens (cypress), high elevation (i.e., above 600 m a.s.l.); Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), Abies alba (white fir), Picea excelsa (Norway spruce), Abies borissii regis (Macedonian fir) and Pinus nigra (black pine). Flammability assessment (time-to-ignition and ignition temperature) was conducted by an innovative ignition apparatus, heat content was measured with an IKA Adiabatic Bomb Calorimeter and ash content by heating 5 g of plant material in a muffle furnace at 650ºC for 1 h. Differences among species was statistically analysed by Duncan’s multiple comparison test.Main results. The results did not distinguish separate groups among traits between fire- and non-fire-stricken communities at the individual species level.Research highlights. Differences in fire regimes among low and high elevation conifer forests could be attributed either to differences in flammability of the plant communities as a whole (i.e., fuelbed or canopy properties vs. individual fuel properties) or to other factors (climatic or anthropogenic).Key words: flammability; ignitability; heat content; ash content; conifer species; Mutch hypothesis.
The effects of land use change on carbon content in the aerial biomass of an Abies religiosa (Kunth Schltdl. et Cham.) forest in central Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Pineda Lopez M.R. , Sanchez-Velasquez L. R. , Vazquez-Dominguez G. , Rojo Alboreca A.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study.) Were analyzed patterns and dynamics of forest cover change and land use for the period 1995-2005, and estimated carbon content in biomass in a forest of fir (Abies religiosa).Area of study. Ejido El Conejo in the Cofre de Perote National Park, Veracruz, Mexico.Material and Methods. Spatial data (maps, orthophotographs) were used: (UTM); GRS 80 spheroid; zone 14, datum ITRF92; units: metres. Maps for 1995 and 2005 were constructed and compared. Carbon content in the aboveground biomass of fir (Abies religiosa) was estimated using an equation specific to species.Main results. After one decade, the forested area had increased slightly (0.25%). The main type of land cover change was from shrubland to forest (probability of change 0.41); the change from forestland to shrubland with trees was 0.05%, and from forest to agriculture was 0.02%. Data from 2008 confirmed that the A. religiosa forest located in the ejido is distributed in largely unconnected fragments, of which some have a high density of young trees. Estimated carbon content in the aboveground biomass (163.51 Mg ha-1) was higher than that estimated for other forests of the same species in Mexico.Research highlights. It is recommended that ecological corridors be established throughout the reforested area, in order to connect these fragments (and increase carbon sequestration) and favour faunal and floral conservation. Finally, recognition should be given to the high vulnerability of A. religiosa forests to climate change, given their high degree of fragmentation and critical altitudinal limit.Key words: Aboveground biomass; carbon storage; ecological corridors; fir forest.
Short Communication. Effect of the health status and geographical origin on the cork production characteristics of Western Algeria cork oak stands
Authors: Dahane B. , Bouhraoua R. T. , Garcia de Ceca J. L. , Gonzalez-Adrados J. R.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: To analyze the effect of health status on cork production, analyzing if this influence is uniform or is affected by site conditions.Area of study: Two Western Algerian cork tree forests have been studied: M’Sila located in the coastal plains under semiarid climate, and Zarieffet, located in the mountainous interior under sub-humid climate.Material and Methods: 40 trees were selected in each forest and classified according to their health status as healthy, weakened, or decaying. A sample of cork from each tree has been obtained to measure the key variables related to cork production. A two-way ANOVA was performed considering two factors: site and health status.Main results: Quercus suber L. productivity is affected by the vitality of trees in the same way in both sources, showing values between 5.96 ± 7.1 kg • m-2 (coast, weakened trees) and 8.13 ± 0.45 kg • m-2 (mountain, healthy trees). The health status also affects the number and area of pores, especially in the cork oak groves of the coast, where the coefficient of porosity ranges from 3.79 ± 0.84% (healthy trees) to 8.11 ± 1.91% (decaying trees). The variables where the site has presented a stronger effect are those related to the amount of cork produced by the phellogen (density -kg·l-1, p<0.000- and productivity -kg·m-2, p=0.001-), and pore density (1·cm-2, p=0.001). Scrap thickness (mm) and porosity (%) show a smaller effect although still representative (p=0.041 and 0.038 respectively). Porosity and pore density show interaction site*health status. They all have higher values in the mountain (Zarieffet) than in the coast (M’Sila). The effect of tree vitality on the formation of pores in the cork oak phellogen is lower in the mountain than in the coast. No significant effects were found for any of the two factors neither on the annual growth rate nor on the thickness of the cork.Research highlights: Results lead to the conclusion that the effect of health status on traumatic phellogen formation and activity is clear but not uniform. Further studies are necessary for a deeper understanding of the effect of stress situations on pore formation and characteristics.Keywords: mean annual growth; density; productivity; porosity; decay
The impact of protest responses in choice experiments: an application to a Biosphere Reserve Management Program
Authors: Barrio M. , Loureiro M.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: To identify protest responses and compute welfare estimates with and without the inclusion of such responses using follow-up statements in a choice experiment exercise. To our knowledge, this is one of the first empirical applications that, following the conventional treatment used in contingent valuation methodology, explicitly deals with the treatment and identification of protest responses in choice experiments.Area of study: the Eo, Oscos y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve sited between the regions of Galicia and Asturias. We are interested in the influence of such responses on preference elicitation for alternative management actions in this Reserve.Materials and methods: A face-to-face survey conducted in a sample of residents and non-residents of this Reserve. In total, more than 450 surveys were collected.Main results show that protest responses are fairly common in choice experiments, and their analysis affects the statistical performance of the empirical models as well as the valuation estimates. In fact, when the sample is corrected by protest responses, its size decreases to 303 individuals. Furthermore, we can observe that protest responses are triggered by a less positive attitude towards the wolf.Research highlight: Protest responses are a common issue in choice experiments and, therefore, future exercises should consider them explicitly, as earlier contingent valuation studies have.Key words: Biosphere Reserve; choice experiments; protest responses; willingness to pay.
Short Communication. Restoring monoculture plantation using stand spatial structure analysis
Authors: Gao G. , Ding G. , Wang H. , Zang Y. , Liang W. , An Y. , He Y.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study. To improve the quality of monoculture plantations in China.Area of study. structure-based forest management was conducted in Rocky Mountain Area of Northern China.Material and Methods. Stand spatial structure indicators of mingling degree, uniform angle index, neighborhood comparison and opening degree were comparably investigated to understand the changes of Pinus tabulaeformis plantations.Main results. The results indicated that structure-based forest management accounted for 0.403 and 0.448 of the significant variations in mingling degree and opening degree increments, and had no essential changes in uniform angle index and neighborhood comparison. Structure-based forest management is greatly beneficial to plantation quality, and it can be a source of improvement on stand structure.Research highlights. This improved information is essential to provide a firm basis for future policy-making on how best to restore degraded forests in China as well as the rest of the world.Key words: monoculture plantation; structure-based forest management; stand spatial structure; forest restoration
Trends in hunters, hunting grounds and big game harvest in Spain
Authors: Herruzo A. C. , Martinez-Jauregui M.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study: Game species are considered a scarce natural resource and therefore they are subject to economic analysis. Current studies on factors affecting big game trends have mostly emphasized the impact of ecological supply variables. This study intends to expand this analysis by considering two important supply and demand economic parameters.Area of study: We use big game hunting in Spain from 1972 until 2007 as a case study since it has an important role in the European hunting activity.  Material and Methods: Different linear models were fitted to explain big game harvest as a function of two parameters not previously used: hunting grounds areas and big game firearm hunting licenses.Main results: Our main results show that up to 1989 the decrease in the area of open access territories significantly explains the increase in big game harvests, and that afterwards, once the hunting property rights were strengthen in most of the Spanish territory, the number of big game firearm licenses best explain big game harvests increments.Research highlights: This work shows an upward trend in Spanish harvests of big game, which can be attributed in part to (1) a shift to the right of big game demand, measured by an increase in big game firearm licenses, and (2) a change in the nature of big game supply (from a backward to an ordinary upward supply curve) due to the strengthening of hunting property rights of Spanish hunting grounds.Keywords: hunting license; firearm license; hunting bag; hunting sector; property rights; wildlife.
Nutrient concentration age dynamics of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantations in Central America
Authors: Fernandez Moya J. , Murillo R. , Portuguez E. , Fallas J.L. , Rios V. , Kottman F. , Verjans J. M. , Mata R. , Alvarado A.
Published: April 2013

Aim of study. Appropriate knowledge regarding teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) nutrition is required for a better management of the plantations to attain high productivity and sustainability. This study aims to answer the following questions: How can it be determined if a teak tree suffers a nutrient deficiency before it shows symptoms? Are nutrient concentration decreases in older trees associated with age-related declines in forest productivity?Area of study. Costa Rica and Panama.Material and Methods. Nutrient concentration in different tree tissues (bole, bark, branches and foliage) were measured at different ages using false-time-series in 28 teak plantationsResearch highlights. Foliar N concentration decreases from 2.28 in year 1 to 1.76% in year 19. Foliar Mg concentration increases from 0.23 in year 1 to 0.34% in year 19. The foliar concentrations of the other nutrients are assumed to be constant with tree age: 1.33% Ca, 0.88% K, 0.16% P, 0.12% S, 130 mg kg-1 Fe, 43 mg kg-1 Mn, 11 mg kg-1 Cu, 32 mg kg-1 Zn and 20 mg kg-1 B. The nutrient concentration values showed can be taken as a reference to evaluate the nutritional status of similar teak plantations in the region. The concentrations of K, Mg and N could be associated with declines in teak plantation productivity as the plantation becomes older. Whether age-related changes in nutrient concentrations are a cause or a consequence of age-related declines in productivity is an issue for future research with the aim of achieving higher growth rates throughout the rotation period.Key words: forest nutrition; age-related decline in productivity; nutrient foliar concentration; nutrient bole concentration; resorption.
Information Needs of Public Health Staff in a Knowledge Translation Setting in Canada
Authors: Lê Mê-Linh
Published: April 2013

Introduction: In response to emerging public health crises in the early 2000s, the Government of Canada recognized the need for a more coordinated public health approach and launched the six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCPH). The information needs and information-seeking behavior of public health professionals is a relatively understudied area. In this paper, the results of a survey of NCCPH staff is provided and discussed as a means to help fill this gap in the literature. Also examined is the use of information specialists to ascertain whether they are being used to their full potential. Methods: A combination of telephone interviews, a literature review, and a questionnaire distributed to relevant staff. Results: The results indicated some similarities with previous studies such as a reliance on journal articles and colleagues as information sources. It was also shown that staff is unaware of many information resources now available. Training was indicated as a potential area of skills-based growth, as most staff have received limited instruction on searching and information retrieval skills, and required competencies can change frequently as new services, tools, and databases are introduced. Discussion: There is a strong inclination from the staff surveyed to seek information on their own, without the use of an information specialist. However, respondents indicated they are challenged most in their information seeking by a lack of time and awareness of what resources are available, two knowledge areas for which an information specialist is uniquely qualified. Awareness must be raised of the specialized skills of information specialists and how they are able to assist in the information-seeking and retrieval process.
Orthopaedic Surgical Content Associated with Resources for Clinical Evidence
Authors: Turvey Sarah L , Hussain Nasir , Banfield Laura , Bhandari Mohit
Published: April 2013

Introduction: As evidence-based medicine is increasingly being adopted in medical and surgical practice, effective processing and interpretation of medical literature is imperative. Databases presenting the contents of medical literature have been developed; however, their efficacy merits investigation. The objective of this study was to quantify surgical and orthopaedic content within five evidence-based medicine resources: DynaMed, Clinical Evidence, UpToDate, PIER, and First Consult. Methods: We abstracted surgical and orthopaedic content from UpToDate, DynaMed, PIER, First Consult, and Clinical Evidence. We defined surgical content as that which involved surgical interventions. We classified surgical content by specialty and, for orthopaedics, by subspecialty. The amount of surgical content, as measured by the number of relevant reviews, was compared with the total number of reviews in each database. Likewise, the amount of orthopaedic content, as measured by the number of relevant reviews, was compared with the total number of reviews and the total number of surgical reviews in each database. Results: Across all databases containing a total of 13268 reviews, we identified an average of 18% surgical content. Specifically, First Consult and PIER contained 28% surgical content as a percentage of the total database content. DynaMed contained 14% and Clinical Evidence 11%, whereas UpToDate contained only 9.5% surgical content. Overall, general surgery, pediatrics, and oncology were the most common specialty areas in all databases. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the limited surgical content within these large scope resources poses difficulties for physicians and surgeons seeking answers to complex clinical questions, specifically within the field of orthopaedics. This study therefore demonstrates the potential need for, and benefit of, surgery-specific or even specialty-specific tools.
Immunocytochemistry for MUC4 and MUC16 Is a Useful Adjunct in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma on Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Horn Adam , Chakraborty Subhankar , Dey Parama , Haridas Dhanya , Souchek Joshua , Batra Surinder K. , Lele Subodh M.
Published: April 2013

Context.—Diagnoses rendered as atypical/suspicious for malignancy on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of pancreatic mass lesions range from 2% to 29% in various studies. We have identified the expression of 3 genes, MUC4, MUC16, and NGAL that are highly upregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this study, we analyzed the expression of these markers in FNA samples to determine whether they could improve sensitivity and specificity.

Objective.—To evaluate the utility of MUC4, MUC16, and NGAL in the evaluation of pancreatic FNA specimens.

Design.—Records of pancreatic FNAs performed during 10 consecutive years were reviewed. Unstained sections from corresponding cell blocks were immunostained for MUC4, MUC16, and NGAL (polyclonal). Immunostaining was assessed using the H-score (range, 0–3). Any case with an H-score of >0.5 was considered positive.

Results.—Cases were classified using cytomorphologic criteria as adenocarcinoma (31 of 64; 48.4%), benign (17 of 64; 26.6%), and atypical/suspicious (16 of 64; 25%). On follow-up, all cases (100%; 31 of 31) diagnosed as carcinoma on cytology were confirmed on biopsy/resection samples or by clinical follow-up (such as unresectable disease). Of the cases diagnosed as atypical/suspicious, 69% (11 of 16) were found to be positive for adenocarcinoma and 31% (5 of 16) were benign on subsequent follow-up. Overall sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for the various markers for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were as follows: MUC4 (74% and 100%), MUC16 (62.9% and 100%), and NGAL (61.3% and 58.8%). In cases that were atypical/suspicious on cytology, expression of MUC4 and MUC16 was 100% specific for carcinoma with sensitivities of 63.6% and 66.7%, respectively.

Conclusion.—Immunocytochemistry for MUC4 and MUC16 appears to be a useful adjunct in the classification of pancreatic FNA samples, especially in cases that are equivocal (atypical/suspicious) for adenocarcinoma on cytomorphologic assessment.
Verrucous Cyst With Melanocytic and Sebaceous Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hardin Justin , Gardner Jerad M. , Colomé Maria I. , Chévez-Barrios Patricia
Published: April 2013

A 58-year-old woman presented with a cystic skin lesion. Microscopic examination showed an intradermal cyst lined by acanthotic squamous epithelium with squamous eddies and compact hyperkeratosis, and changes typical of verrucous lesions. Mature sebaceous cells and dendritic melanocytes were present as well. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a verrucous cyst with areas of sebaceous differentiation and melanocytes. Verrucous cysts are well-known, benign lesions with a clear histologic pattern. Histologically, they resemble verruca vulgaris with acanthosis, hypergranulosis, dense keratohyaline granules, and viral cytopathic effects seen. Until now, melanocytes and mature sebaceous cells in the cyst lining have not been reported. We do not feel that these findings alter the expected benign nature of this lesion. Instead, we report this case to suggest the possible adnexal embryonic origin, given the presence of sebaceous cells and dendritic melanocytes that support this histologic lineage in our specific case.
Integrity and Amplification of Nucleic Acids From Snap-Frozen Prostate Tissues From Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic and Open Prostatectomies
Authors: Voss Barbara L. , Santiano Kristine , Milano Mary , Mangold Kathy A. , Kaul Karen L.
Published: April 2013

Context.—Recently, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has replaced open retropubic radical prostatectomy as the surgical procedure of choice. This less-invasive approach offers many advantages but exposes prostate tissue to longer periods of warm ischemia that may affect subsequent analysis of biomarkers.

Objective.—To analyze the nucleic acid quality and quantity isolated from open versus laparoscopic prostatectomies.

Design.—Nucleic acids were isolated from 10 open-obtained and 10 laparoscopic-obtained tissues stored in our prostate sample repository. Nucleic acid integrity was assessed via electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction amplification of RNA and DNA targets ranging in size from 125 to 939 base pairs.

Results.—The DNA yield, integrity, and polymerase chain reaction amplification were identical between samples obtained from both surgical approaches. The RNA integrity number and yield were similar, as was β-2 microglobulin mRNA amplification up to 652 base pairs. However, 2 of 10 samples (20%) collected robotically showed decreased real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification of prostate-specific antigen messenger RNA, especially with targets larger than 300 base pairs.

Conclusions.—Generally, the quality and quantity of nucleic acids isolated from prostate tissue obtained via open or laparoscopic approaches are equivalent, suggesting that procurement of tissues is appropriate from either procedure. However, some loss of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification of larger RNA targets was noted in the laparoscopic samples; appropriate design of assays to keep amplicon sizes small and the use of internal controls to assess RNA integrity is recommended.
Diagnostic and Clinical Considerations in Concomitant Bone Marrow Involvement by Plasma Cell Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis: A Series of 15 Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Alley Christopher L. , Wang Endi , Dunphy Cherie H. , Gong Jerald Z. , Lu Chuanyi M. , Boswell Elizabeth L. , Burchette James , Lagoo Anand S.
Published: April 2013

Context.—Plasma cell myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are both common hematologic malignancies, sharing many epidemiologic features. Concomitant detection of the 2 conditions poses special diagnostic challenges for the pathologist.

Objective.—To describe the pathologic findings in cases of concomitant bone marrow involvement by myeloma and CD5+ monoclonal B cells and to outline the differential diagnostic possibilities, suggest a workup for correct diagnosis, and examine clinical outcome.

Design.—Fifteen cases that met the diagnostic criteria were identified from pathology databases at 4 participating institutions. Morphologic findings were reviewed, additional immunohistochemical stains performed, and flow cytometric, cytogenetic, and relevant laboratory and clinical information was summarized. Previously published cases were searched from electronic databases and cross-references.

Results.—Most patients (13 of 15) were older males. Often (11 of 15) they presented clinically with myeloma, yet had both monotypic plasma cells and B cells in the diagnostic marrow. In 4 patients, myeloma developed 24 months or later after chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In 7 patients, myeloma and CD5+ B cells showed identical immunoglobulin light-chain restriction. Primary differential diagnoses include lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia with plasmacytoid differentiation. CD56 and/or cyclin D1 expression by plasma cells was helpful for correct diagnosis. Most patients in our cohort and published reports were treated for plasma cell myeloma.

Conclusions.—Concomitant detection of myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the bone marrow is a rare event, which must be carefully differentiated from lymphomas with lymphoplasmacytic differentiation for correct treatment.
Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Naderi Nadia , Yang David T.
Published: April 2013

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a low-grade, B-cell neoplasm composed of small lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes, and plasma cells that typically involve the bone marrow, and it is associated with an immunoglobulin M (IgM) gammopathy. The definition of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) and its relationship to LPL has been confusing in the past. In addition, the diagnosis of LPL itself can be challenging because LPL lacks disease-specific morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features to differentiate it from other mature B-cell neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis of LPL/WM rests on recognition of the differential diagnostic features between LPL and other diagnostic possibilities and the use of the recently refined definition of WM and its relationship with LPL: The presence of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy of any level in the setting of bone marrow involvement by LPL. This review summarizes the clinical, laboratory, and histologic features of LPL/WM, with particular emphasis on unique aspects of LPL/WM that may aid in accurate diagnosis.