bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Strengths-Based Planning Strategies for Rural Localities in Finland
Authors: Rönkkö Emilia , Aarrevaara Eeva
Published: October 2017

In this article, we will introduce the topic of strengths-based planning strategies for rural localities in Finland. The strengths-based approach focuses on capacity building and competence enhancement with the local people, encouraging communities to valorise, identify and mobilise existing but often unrecognised assets. Setting focus only on the deficiencies and problems easily inflicts a ‘surrender mentality‘ in places outside of the urbanisation impact, creating a narrative that both decision-makers and community members start to believe. Hence, the role and potential of smaller rural localities is easily forgotten by planners, politicians and the public at large. Addressing the scale of rural localities in spatial planning, we will first reflect upon the main findings from our earlier research project “Finnish rural localities in the 2010`s” conducted by Lahti University of Applied Sciences, the University of Oulu and Aalto University in 2013-2015. Findings from the research project affirmed the unfortunate consequences of rapid urbanisation, rational blueprint planning and overoptimistic expectations of growth in the 1960s and 70s, which have resulted in the state of permanent incompleteness in rural localities today. However, these localities possess many under-utilised strengths, and we consider it essential for the future development of rural localities to make the most of this potential, and not only tackle the downwards spiral. This requires the ability to engage local stakeholders around a common vision for the future, and strategic approach based on endogenous strengths. We will discuss these possibilities via two theoretically informed case studies. The first one, Vieremä, is situated in the region of Northern Savo, and the other one, Vääksy, is the main centre in the municipality of Asikkala, situated in the region of Päijät-Häme in Southern Finland. Our study design can be characterised as qualitative research benefiting from a case study approach, mixed methods research and participatory action research. Being critical-emancipatory by nature, the exploratory and normative perspectives of Future Studies have also provided methodologies to explore future alternative paths and the available, yet possibly hidden, resources of people, commodities and skills in new ways. Through these case studies, we have identified an urgent need for capacity building and preparedness for sustainable resource management in Finnish rural localities, including natural and cultural heritage protection, climate change management and human well-being. There is a need to start thinking creatively ‘outside-the-box‘ and create strategic alliances between civil society, business and government, and most importantly, between urban and rural areas. Now is the time to start innovating a range of policy options and strategic objectives for addressing rural localities as places where a sustainable future can be developed in Finland.
Socio-Economic Drivers, Land Cover Changes and the Dynamics of Rural Settlements: Mt. Matese Area (Italy)
Authors: Forleo Maria Bonaventura , Giaccio Vincenzo , Giannelli Agostino , Mastronardi Luigi , Palmieri Nadia
Published: October 2017

The paper elaborates on the relationship between land cover changes and transformation drivers, by analysing the dynamics that took place between 1990 and 2010 in Mt. Matese area (Italy). Mt. Matese is an interesting case study which was included as a pilot area in the Italian Strategy for Inner Areas. Drivers related to land cover changes include population characteristics, the agricultural and production system, tourist offer, location and settlements dynamics. Land cover changes and the dynamics of studied drivers are analysed in-depth, through a descriptive and multivariate analysis. Results highlight the difficult situation of the study area for many drivers. However, the slow changes in land cover and the potentialities offered by the natural environment, as well as by the agriculture and tourism sectors, outline some development prospects. The paper outlines the current scenario in the area and provides useful references for future policies aimed at setting up this area as National Park and at implementing the Strategy for Inner Areas.
The Planning of Tourism on Rural Areas: The Stakeholders' Perceptions of the Boticas Municipality (Northeastern Portugal)
Authors: Remoaldo Paula , Freitas Isabel , Matos Olga , Lopes Hélder , Silva Sara , Sánchez Fernández Maria Dolores , Cadima Ribeiro José , Ribeiro Vitor
Published: October 2017

Most of the strategies developed to “save” rural territories in Europe have not been successful. One of their main problems has been the adoption of the top-down paradigm when approaching the development of those territories. Portugal is a good example of the difficulty in adopting a bottom-up paradigm. The main objective of this paper is to present the perceptions of the local (including the residents) and regional stakeholders acting at Boticas, regarding the set of resources available and the development of the tourism industry. Boticas is a northern Portuguese, rural low-density municipality. In capturing those perceptions, the research contributes to the establishment of a more integrated and innovative development strategy and thus, a more capable strategy for profiting from the potential associated with the growth of the tourism industry that has been experienced recently in Portugal. The adoption of a mixed-method was suggested for evaluating these resources and capturing the perceptions of the tourist potential by different stakeholders. Empirical data was collected through a survey of 373 of its residents and 25 interviews conducted with local and regional actors, further supported by an inventory of the cultural resources and their capacity for visits. We conclude here that, residents tend to have a very positive perception of tourism development, and indeed, their perceptions largely met those of other stakeholders.
Methods for the Assessment of Rural Social Infrastructure Needs
Authors: Vaznonienė Gintarė , Pakeltienė Rasa
Published: October 2017

This article reveals the importance of different methods for assessment of social infrastructure (SI) development needs in rural areas. Rural social infrastructure is a significant element of rural territories interpreted in different ways: as social and economic system, basic services for local community, social bridge for integrating different social groups into the society, important factor for satisfaction of rural people’s needs and acknowledgement of their human rights. Besides the mentioned importance of SI to rural areas and rural community, the lack of exploration of methods for analysis of the needs for developing rural social infrastructure has been noticed in the scientific literature. The research aim is therefore to analyse the methods for assessment of needs of rural social infrastructure. The research question has been set accordingly: how different methods for need analysis could be applied to social infrastructure planning and development? The research results show that need analysis is generally linked to various methods, but for the SI planning, development and implementation specifically, there are certain methods, the application of which depends on specifics of rural areas (as territory) and features of local community.
Public Space and the Efficiency of the New Residential Zones in Small Slovak Towns and Villages
Authors: Sopirová Alžbeta , Štefancová Lucia , Bašová Silvia , Görner Karol
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with the issue of creation of new public spaces in emerging residential areas in rural settlements and small towns. The developers of the new residential zones currently pursue their private interests and the specific rural structure is complemented by isolated residential complexes without relation to the centre of the settlement and structure of the main public spaces. The hypothesis that the efficient residential structure can be achieved even at a higher percentage of active and vibrant public spaces is verified at eleven case studies in three selected settlements (Bernolákovo, Brezno, Chorvátsky Grob – Čierna Voda). The examined proposals (case studies) showed that despite the wide application of social and recreational public spaces and the large percentage of green area per capita, the site coverage coefficient was comparable and the population density was even higher than the current standards of development. In conclusion, it is possible to say, that the creation of public spaces in a residential zone does not adversely affect the efficiency of the new development. On the contrary, it brings a lot of benefits.
Reshaping Rural Communities and Spatial Planning in Ukraine
Authors: Rudenko Leonid , Maruniak Eugenia , Golubtsov Oleksandr , Lisovskyi Serhiy , Chekhniy Viktor , Farion Yuriy
Published: October 2017

Ukraine faces a number of challenges including rapid deterioration of the environment. Shift to the sustainable development requires a radical change in governance and legislation. It is obvious the lack of strategic documents, which would define the approaches to integration of certain objectives into sectoral policies. It is strongly related to the system of spatial planning, which should be improved according to European standards, including those concerning environmental protection. This publication reveals approaches to “greening” of the planning process on the basis of German methodology of landscape planning. This methodology was adapted in Ukraine in the framework of joint projects. Particular attention has been given to rural development under decentralisation process. Efficient ways towards the improvement of spatial planning and development have been considered on the case of Ukrainian local community.
Imeretian oak and a great capricorn beetle – the problem of relations on the territory of Ajameti Managed Reserve (Republic of Georgia)
Authors: Matsiakh Iryna , Kramarets Volodymyr , Tsiklauri Khatuna
Published: October 2017

The old-growth endemic Imeretian oak [Quercus robur subsp. imeretina (Steven ex Woronow) Menitsky, 1968] is a protected relict Tertiary period tree still preserved in Ajameti Managed Reserve (Republic of Georgia). For a long time, these forests were experienced to the strong anthropogenic influence. The old-age oak trees and the development of root and stem rot have promoted the settlement of great capricorn beetle [Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)]. Both of species are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The investigation of settling degree of C. cerdo was conducted at two areas, Ajameti and Vartsikhe, on the edge and in the middle of oak forests in June and October 2014. On both the areas, the number of trees with fly exit holes of great capricorn beetle was higher on the margin of forests where plantations suffer greater of human impact. The number of fly exit holes of imago is significantly increased due to deterioration of sanitary condition of forests. The measures of management conservation at Ajameti Managed Reserve were proposed.
Multicriteria evaluation of forestry development by regions (by the example of Ukraine)
Authors: Khvesyk Michael A. , Shubalyi Alexander M. , Golyan Vasily A.
Published: October 2017

The investigation aims at elaboration and practical application of multicriteria evaluation methodology to compare the forestry development levels in the context of regions based on index method. Elaborated methodology provides 5 assessment criteria: intensity of forest reproduction and regeneration, profitability of logging, forestry financial return, forestry protection and security level, and legislation observance. Three main indices were selected to ensure evaluation proportionality. The individual indices of each indicator by regions are calculated and the group integral indices by each criterion along with the reconciled integral index by all groups of criteria are defined. Application of this methodology by the example of Ukrainian forestry allowed conducting ranking and grouping of regions by indicators of integral indices for certain years and the period of 2011−2013. The diagrammed map is plotted to demonstrate the results visually. It revealed that certain highly forested regions did not ensure appropriate forestry development level as individual steppe zone regions. Elaborated methodology can be used for analogical evaluation of forestry development for other countries and their regions or for a set of countries in a certain territory.
Applicability of book value to estimate property of Polish forest management units
Authors: Adamowicz Krzysztof , Gwiazdowicz Magdalena , Szczypa Piotr
Published: October 2017

At present, various solutions are proposed for the appraisal of forest land and stands. Recently an important problem concerning business information is connected with the valuation of assets of individual forest districts. In practice, numerous methods are used to estimate the property of enterprises. However, there are no universal methods to estimate the value of an enterprise. One of these practically applicable methods is the book value method (BVM). In view of the above, it was decided to analyse the applicability of this method to valuate the property of forest districts. Based on the conducted case study and the discussion of results, it was found that the original BV method may not be used to appraise the property of forest districts. The primary justification for rejection of this method in the valuation of forest district property results was from the lack of financial balance information on the value of forest land and stands. As a result, the value of a forest district calculated using the BVM is underestimated. A lesser but significant effect on the estimated value of forest districts is also observed for cash flows related with the Forest Fund. In the case of net contributors, the estimated value of forest districts is overestimated and that of net beneficiaries is underestimated.
The influence of phosphite treatments on oak leaves and damage caused by powdery mildew Erysiphe alphitoides
Authors: Dąbrowski Piotr Andrzej , Kalaji Hazem , Keča Nenad , Horaczek Tomasz , Oszako Tomasz
Published: October 2017

The aim of the project was to check the influence of ammonium phosphite preparation − Actifos on the physiology of leaves and a possible reduction of infection by the fungus a year after the application of fertilizer. Three observation plots were selected in Karczma Borowa, Krotoszyn and Piaski Forest Districts (FD). In each of these observation plots, trees were chosen randomly. In Karczma Borowa FD, the trees were treated by watering them with a 3% solution of Actifos. In Krotoszyn FD, the leaves of trees were sprayed twice (in July and September) from the plane using a 50% solution of Actifos; and in Piaski FD, only the trunks of tress were sprayed twice the same way, but in July 2012 and September 2013. In October 2013, from each tested tree, ten leaves were selected randomly from the upper, well-lit parts of their crowns. The assessment of leaf surface damaged by mycelium and chlorophyll a fluorescence was performed. After the application of the phosphite, no negative physiological consequences for the treated trees were noticed − neither concerning the average leaf area nor the fluorescence of chlorophyll. The manner of phosphite application (leaves, trunks or roots) did not cause any negative consequences for the vitality/health of the treated trees as compared to the control trees. A certain tendency in the reduction of oak mildew on the treated leaves with phosphite was observed, however these observations should be continued in the next years.
Bentonite from the Central Slovakia Volcanic Field – A Prospective Raw Material for Polish Industry
Authors: Górniak Katarzyna , Szydłak Tadeusz , Gaweł Adam , Klimek Agnieszka , Tomczyk Anna , Motyka Jerzy , Bahranowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2017

This paper summarizes information about recently worked bentonite deposits in Slovakia and presents the results of studies on bentonite from the Central Slovakia Volcanic Field (CSVF). The authors compared the mineralogy of commercial bentonites exploited in the Stara Kremnička (Jelšový potok), Kopernica, and Hliník nad Hronom deposits. X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analyses and microscopy showed that the main component is montmorillonite (37-88%), followed by opal C/CT (5-25%), clinoptilolite (up to 15%), feldspars (3-12%), quartz (up to 8%), biotite (2-5%), and kaolinite (up to 2%). The microscopic imaging provided information valuable for the technological assessment of bentonites, particularly the evaluation of mineralogy determined by XRD. The low variability of the mineral composition of commercial bentonites exploited in the western CSVF, together with the significant reserves and localization of deposits close to the Polish-Slovak state border prove that this raw material deserves more attention from Polish industry.
Efficiency of Pb(II) and Mo(VI) Removal by Kaolinite Impregnated with Zero-Valent Iron Particles
Authors: Rybka Karolina , Suwała Katarzyna , Maziarz Paulina , Matusik Jakub
Published: October 2017

In this work, kaolinite modified with zero-valent iron was synthesized and used as a sorbent for Pb(II) and Mo(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The methods revealed successful modification by the Fe0particles precipitation on the surface of well-ordered kaolinite. The sorption experiment results showed a significant increase of sorption capacity in relation to the raw kaolinite. The kaolinite with 25% content of Fe0was found to be the best material for Pb(II) and Mo(VI) removal, resulting in approximately 500 mmol·kg-1and 350 mmol·kg-1sorption, respectively. The possible mechanisms responsible for metals’ removal were identified as reduction by Fe0‘core’ and adsorption on the iron hydroxides ‘shell’. The study indicated that the obtained material is capable of efficient Pb(II) and Mo(VI) removal and may be an interesting alternative to other methods used for heavy metals’ removal.
Assessment of Heavy Metals Inactivation in Contaminated Soil by Coal Fly and Bottom Ashes
Authors: Diatta Jean , Fojcik Edward , Drobek Leszek , Spiżewski Tomasz , Krzesiński Włodzimierz
Published: October 2017

The study compared coal fly and bottom ashes for their ability to inactivate metals and lead to soil remediation. Soil was artificially contaminated with Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd at five degrees. Next, both ashes were added at five rates: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% and all treatments incubated. Data showed that for moderately contaminated soils, ash rates of 0.5 - 1.0% were efficient from 40 to 70% for Zn and Cd, and raised markedly to between 70 and 93% for Cu and Pb. For extremely contaminated soils, the rates of ashes at 1.0, 1.5 and 2% were much more efficient (60 - 80%). The use of fly and bottom ashes for metal inactivation and soil remediation should give greater consideration to the effect of pH and the type of heavy metals than the content of SiO2and Al2O3. Fly ash displayed superior inactivation and remediation effects to the bottom ash.
Determining the Minimum Sum of Production Order Delays in a Two-Machine System
Authors: Jardzioch Andrzej , Dylewski Robert
Published: October 2017

One of the main tasks in the planning of production processes is to satisfy the needs of the customers in terms of quantity, quality and time. The issue of the timely execution of production orders is becoming increasingly important. Based on the conducted studies it can be concluded that the size of the delay depends on the adopted scheduling of orders. This paper focuses on the problem of implementing a scheduling of production orders that will allow to avoid delays, and in the event such a scheduling is not possible, for minimizing the sum of delays of all the orders. A new algorithm has been proposed that allows to determine of the optimal sequence of production orders with the minimum sum of delays. The considerations have been limited to the issue of a two-machine system in which the orders are carried out in a flow.
The Impact of the Availability of Resources, the Allocation of Buffers and Number of Workers on the Effectiveness of an Assembly Manufacturing System
Authors: Kłos Sławomir , Trebuna Peter
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes the application of computer simulation methods in order to analyse the availability of resources, buffers and the impact of the allocation of workers on the throughput andwork-in-progressof a manufacturing system. The simulation model of the production system is based on an existing example of a manufacturing company in the automotive industry. The manufacturing system includes both machining and assembly operations. Simulation experiments were conductedvis-à-visthe availability of the different manufacturing resources, the various allocations of buffer capacities and the number of employees. The production system consists of three manufacturing cells –each cell including two CNC machines– and two assembly stations. The parts produced by the manufacturing cells are stored in buffers and transferred to the assembly stations. Workers are allocated to the manufacturing cells and assembly stations, but the number of workers may be less than number of workplaces and are thus termed ‘multi-workstations’. Using computer simulation methods, the impact of the availability of resources, the number of employees and of the allocation of buffer capacity on the throughput andwork-in-progressof the manufacturing system is analysed. The results of the research are used to improve the effectiveness of manufacturing systems using a decision support system and the proper control of resources. Literature analysis shows that the study of the impact of buffer capacities, availability of resources and the number of employees on assembly manufacturing system performance have not been carried out so far.
LCA as a Tool for Assessing Product and Process Oriented Eco-Innovations Undertaken by Enterprises
Authors: Rybaczewska-Błażejowska Magdalena , Sulerz Aleksandra
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) as an approach to foster the product and process oriented eco- innovation of enterprises, using the fruit and vegetable processing plant as an example. LCA, which is traditionally used to assess the impacts of a single product system on the environment, was applied in the enterprise context. This was made possible by forming an indicator describing the environmental profile of an enterprise, which is calculated by the sum of the multiplication of the environmental impact assessment (LCIA) results for individual unit processes within a particular impact category and their weights reflecting the structure of production in an enterprise. In order to distinguish and indicate the direction in which an enterprise should undertake its eco-innovative actions (implementing eco-innovations within the product or production process) the LCIA results are presented individually for products and production processes. The research was conducted in full compliance with the LCA methodology. LCA proved that the analysed enterprise has the largest negative impacts on the environment in the following impact categories: marine eco-toxicity, freshwater eco-toxicity, freshwater eutrophication, human toxicity and natural land transformation. They result primarily from the consumption of thermal and electric energy in the production processes. Therefore, to improve energy efficiency, the enterprise should take eco-innovative actions in the processes applied.
Spaghetti Shakespeare: „Johnny Hamlet” and the Italian Western
Authors: Ciraulo Darlena
Published: October 2017

The Italian Western, Johnny Hamlet (1968), directed by Enzo G. Castellari, draws on the revenge story of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet for plot and characterization. While international distributors of the film downplayed its connection to highbrow Shakespeare, they emphasized the movie’s violent content and actionpacked revenge narrative, which was typical of the western all’italiana. Johnny Hamlet shares similarities with the brutally violent Django (1966), directed by Sergio Corbucci, whose avenging angel protagonist epitomizes the Spaghetti Western antihero. Although the filmmakers of Johnny Hamlet characterized Johnny as a vindicator, they also sought to develop the “broody” aspect of this gunfighter, one based on Shakespeare’s famously ruminating hero. Using innovative film techniques, Johnny Hamlet shows Johnny as a contemplative pistolero.
Remote Islands as Fictional and Metaphorical Places in Cervantes, Fletcher and Shakespeare
Authors: González José Manuel
Published: October 2017

Islands have always occupied a significant place in literature and have been a source of inspiration for the literary imagination. Fictional islands have existed as either lost paradises, or places where law breaks down under physical hardships and a sense of entrapment and oppression. Islands can be sites of exotic fascination, of cultural exchange and of great social and political upheaval. However, they are more than mere locations since to be in a place implies being bound to that place and appropriating it. That means that the islands narrow boundaries, surrounded by the sea and cut off from mainland, can create bridges between the real and the imaginary as a response to cultural and social anxieties, frequently taking the form of eutopias/dystopias, Edens, Arcadias, Baratarias, metatexts, or cultural crossroads, deeply transforming that particular geographical location. This article is concerned with insularity as a way of interrogating cultural and political practices in the early modern period by looking at the works of Cervantes, Fletcher and Shakespeare where insular relations are characterized by tensions of different sort. The arrival of Prospero and Miranda, Periandro and Auristela (The Trials of Persiles and Segismunda), and Albert and Aminta (The Sea Voyage) to their respective islands take us to a different world, revealing different political and cultural interests and generating multiple perspectives on the shifting relationship between culture, society and power.
Theatre Reviews
Authors: Byington Danielle Nicole , Georgopoulou Xenia , Chopra Vikram
Published: October 2017

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Fibroblast Growth Factor-23: A Novel Biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Papagianni Aikaterini
Published: October 2017

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-23 increase is considered one of the earliest biochemical abnormalities in chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD–MBD). Furthermore, accumulating data have provided evidence of a link between increased FGF-23 levels and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD patients as well as in several other populations including cardiology patients and general population. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effect of FGF-23 on the cardiovascular system are not yet completely defined and are the focus of intense research. However, animal and human studies have demonstrated important actions of FGF-23 in the heart and vessels through which could promote the development of cardiovascular complications in uremia. Moreover, significant interactions have been reported between FGF-23 and other well recognized cardiovascular risk factors such as renin-angiotensin system and inflammation which could account, at least in part, for the observed associations between FGF-23 and adverse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the pleiotropic actions of FGF-23 and moreover to identify whether it is a modifiable risk factor and a potential target of therapeutic interventions which could probably help to reduce the unacceptably high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of CKD patients.
Evidence Based Practice in Using Antibiotics for Acute Tonsillitis in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Nejashmikj Valentina Risteska , Stojkovska Snezana , Topuzovska Irena Kondova , Stavrikj Katarina
Published: October 2017

The increased use of antibiotics for acute tonsillitis is a public health problem. 80% of the antibiotic prescriptions for acute tonsillitis are done in the Primary Care practice (PCP). The inappropriate use of the antibiotic causes bacterial resistance and treatment failure. Only patients with acute tonsillitis caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) have benefit of the antibiotic treatment, which is a predict cause in 5-20%. In order to assess the antibiotic prescribing for acute tonsillitis by the doctors in the PCP in Macedonia we use the data from the national project about antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections which was conducted in November 2014 during a period of 4 weeks as part of the E-quality program sponsored by the IPCRG. 86 general practitioners from Macedonia have participated. The group of 1768 patients, from 4 months to 88 years of age, with diagnosis of acute tonsillitis was analyzed. The antibiotic prescriptions according to the Centor score criteria were compared to the Cochran’s guidelines which are translated and recommended as national guidelines. 88.8% of the patients with acute tonsillitis were treated with antibiotics, of which 52.9% with Centor score 0 to 2 were treated inappropriate. The diagnosis is mostly made based on the clinical picture and the symptoms. Only (23.6%) of the patients were treated with antibiotics (Penicillin V and cephalexin) according to the guidelines.

We concluded that there is a low adherence to the national guidelines. The clinical assessment is not accurate in determining the etiology. Also, there is a high nonadherence in prescribing the first choice of antibiotics. We emphasize the need to change the general practitioners’ prescription behavior according to the guidelines.
Dimensional Stability and Accuracy of Silicone – Based Impression Materials Using Different Impression Techniques – A Literature Review
Authors: Naumovski Borjan , Kapushevska Biljana
Published: October 2017

A quality-made dental impression is a prerequisite for successful fixed-prosthodontic fabrication and is directly dependent on the dimensional stability, accuracy and flexibility of the elastomeric impression materials, as well as on the appropriately used impression techniques. The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of relevant scientific papers which discuss the use of various silicone impression materials, different impression techniques and to evaluate their impact on the dimensional stability and accuracy of the obtained impressions. Scientific papers and studies were selected according to the materials used, the sample size, impression technique, storage time, type of measurements and use of spacer for the period between 2002 and 2016. In the reviewed literature several factors that influence the dimensional stability and accuracy of silicone impression molds, including the choice of the type of viscosity, impression material thickness, impression technique, retention of the impression material on the tray, storage time before the casting, number of castings, hydrophilicity of the material, release of byproducts, contraction after polymerization, thermal contraction and incomplete elastic recovery were presented. The literature review confirmed the lack of standardization of methodologies applied in the research and their great diversity. All findings point to the superiority of the addition silicone compared to the condensation silicone.
Giant Mediastinal Thymic Cyst
Authors: Kondov Goran , Kondov Borislav , Srceva Marija Jovanovska , Damjanovski Goge , Ferati Imran , Karapetrov Ivan , Topuzovska Irena Kondova , Tanevska Nikolina , Kokareva Anita
Published: October 2017

The authors present a rare case of giant mediastinal cyst which arises from the thymus gland, and goes down in both pleural spaces, especially in the right chest cavity where a dominant part of the cyst was present. The cyst was full with 2.5 liters of transparent fluid, and compressed surrounding structures – heart and both lungs, especially the right one which was partially collapsed.

The patient was a 52 years old woman, without any clinical symptoms. Accidentally, on the screened chest X-ray a shading in the distal third of the right chest was detected.

The case was well documented with a CT of the chest, and an indication for surgical treatment was made. The surgery was done successfully in general anesthesia according to the small right anterior thoracotomy from which a giant part of the cyst was mobilized, which was in the right pleural cavity, but, also, the thymus with the origin of the cyst in the anterior and superior mediastinum was completely removed. In the end, a part of the cyst which was in the left pleural cavity was removed.
TOO WEAK TO INFLUENCE? A CASE STUDY OF THE LITHUANIAN NGDOs IN FOREIGN AID POLICY MAKING
Authors: Gadeikienė Marta
Published: October 2017

For the East Central European Countries (ECE), the membership in the European Union also meant an entry into the foreign aid donor community. To understand the international development policy change in over a decade and a policy divergence among the ECE countries that have started from relatively similar situations, this article offers the case study of Lithuania and the analysis of domestic policy actors, namely the non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) as one of the policy change facilitating factors. It provides an empirically-rich account of how Lithuanian NGDOs participate in the national foreign aid policymaking and explains factors that affect Lithuanian NGDOs’ capacity to influence government decisions. Szent-Ivanyi’s and Lightfoot’s theoretical model guided the analysis of the Lithuanian NGDOs umbrella organisations composition and power relations, their organizational capacities, foreign donor assistance and attitudes of the state actors. The article concludes the limited, yet increasing Lithuanian NGDOs’ role in shaping Lithuanian foreign aid policies, as undermined as they are by the chronic lack of resources to fund advocacy from national sources and the dependency on the EU project-based funding. Consequently, these circumstances constrain the NGDO Platforms’ focus mostly on the EU development agenda and therefore mimic the European NGO networks’ policy agenda. The lack of capacities among the NGDOs to adapt a European policy agenda to the national foreign aid policy reality makes it of limited relevance to the policy makers domestically.
KODĖL KULTŪROS POLITIKOS NEIŠGELBĖJO LAISVOJI RINKA?
Authors: Zdanovičius Arnas
Published: October 2017

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Power symbols in office workspace: impact on creativity as microfoundation of the dynamic capabilities of the firm
Authors: Amigoni Gaja , Gaedicke Johannes Christian
Published: October 2017

Purpose – to analyse the role of artefacts in creativity as a microfoundation for dynamic capabilities.
Design/Method/Approach. This conceptual study aims at identifying core aspects of the physical workspace towards power representations and power symbols and delineates impact factors on creativity and its possible implications on the dynamic capabilities of the firm.
Findings. We suggest that creativity, believed to be a core aspect for innovation, is a microfoundation and one of the most critical elements of dynamic capabilities to sustain and foster the evolutionary and entrepreneurial fitness of the firm.
Practical implications. While it has been shown that hierarchies and power symbols affect the creative performance within a firm, research on the role of physical space as representation of power and its effect on creativity is still limited. Focusing on artefacts might help firms to evoke creativity and, thus, increase innovativeness and dynamic capabilities of a firm.
Originality/Value. In fast-paced, globally competitive business environments, sustainable advantage requires unique and difficult-to-replicate dynamic capabilities. Analysis of microfoundations of dynamic capabilities usually goes only one level deeper, e.g. to the concepts of creativity and innovativeness. We made a further step and analyzed artefacts influencing these and other microfoundations.
Paper type – conceptual.
Форсайт и динамические способности предприятий
Authors: Arpentieva Mariyam Ravilevna
Published: October 2017

Цель исследования – проанализировать форсайт-компетенций как компонент динамических способностей предприятий.
Метод исследования – теоретический анализ места форсайт-компетенций в структуре динамических способностей предприятий.
Результаты. Форсайт – система методов трансформирования приоритетов в сфере экономики и производства, социального и культурного развития. Анализ форсайт-компетенций как компонента динамических способностей предприятий показал их ведущую роль в реализации остальных компонентов динамических способностей, а также то, что форсайт предприятий оказывает трансформирующее влияние на развитие системы, помогая преобразовывать, а не только прогнозировать, развитие отрасли или предприятия. Форсайт включает применение и трансформацию рутин предприятия, а также инновации в сфере производства и производственных отношений. Он направлен на выделение и использование маркеров перемен – слабых и сильных сигналов грядущих и вероятных изменений.
Теоретическое и практическое значение исследования. Активная и точная идентификация этих маркеров перемен, в том числе применение и изменение рутин предприятия, не только позволяет прогнозировать неявные тенденции, но и вмешиваться в течение процессов, корректируя их с наименьшей затратой сил и ресурсов. Кроме того, она позволяет воздействовать и на сами рынки и окружающую предприятие реальность в целом. Благодаря форсайт-компетенциям предприятие не только продуктивно приспосабливается к изменениям среды (рынка), но и участвует в ее изменении.
Оригинальность/Ценность/Научная новизна исследования. В статье впервые соотнесены понятия динамических способностей и форсайт-компетенций, форсайт-компетенции рассмотрен как компонент динамических способностей предприятия в целом. Отмечена роль рутинных компонентов жизнедеятельности предприятия в контексте исследования динамических способностей.
Тип статьи – теоретическая.
Dynamic capabilities: a systematic literature review of theory and practice
Authors: Gremme Klara-Marie , Wohlgemuth Veit
Published: October 2017

Purpose. Although the dynamic capability concept has been one of the most researched topics in strategic management in recent years, it is not commonly defined in theory and hardly applied in practice. For this reason, the authors decided to re-evaluate dynamic capability literature.
Design/Method/Approach. Systematic literature review.
Findings. Various discrepancies concerning the very nature of dynamic capabilities and their impact on firm performance are identified that need to be resolved.
Theoretical implications. For the purpose of enabling more precise prediction, it is recommended to contrast various dynamic capability concepts, reducing the number and increasing the predictability of the contingencies involved. It is advised to develop these scenarios based on the various seminal papers on dynamic capabilities, grounded in empirical research and supported by specific examples.
Practical implication. It is concluded that there is a generalized version of the dynamic capability concept that allows one to understand the rough outline of dynamic capability theory. However, it is noted that this generalized, contingency-based version compromises the prediction of specific dynamic capability deployment outcomes, therefore hindering dynamic capabilities in gaining practical application.
Originality/Value. Complementary and opposing views on the characteristics, causalities and contingencies of the dynamic capability construct are combined and contrasted respectively.
Research limitations/Future research. The paper highlights avenues for further research by contrasting, rather than merging, different perspectives.
Paper type – сonceptual.
Combining institutional theory with resource based theory to understand processes of organizational knowing and dynamic capabilities
Authors: Takahashi Adriana Roseli Wünsch , Sander Josué Alexandre
Published: October 2017

Purpose/ Research question.  A promising way to understand the development of the dynamic capabilities and the knowing process is to build a bridge between the Institutional Theory and the Resource-Based Theory (RBT). Although being needed, this approach is missing in the extant literature. So we have a research question: It possible to construct a bridge between two dimensions basing on two theoretical bodies (Institutional Theory and RBT) using an “inverted binocular” to look at knowing process enacted in a process of organizational learning, for formation of competences and dynamic capabilities?
Design/Method/Approach. This paper analyses two different theoretical frameworks in a theoretic way and proposes an interface between those.
Findings. The exploration and explication of micro-institutional processes (organizational or individual) can be connected to the macro level (societal or field level) by combining Institutional Theory with Resource Based Theory (RBT) in a multiparadigmatic view between visions and levels (cross-level).
Theoretical implications. The bridge between these two theories would enable to strengthen the comprehension of the organizational changes in the various levels of analysis, considering their mutual dependence, and the knowing process and dynamic capabilities.
Originality/Value. One of the differentials of this paper is the attention given to knowledge as the main piece for the construction of the bridge between these theories.
Research limitations/Future research. An interface between the RBT and Institutional theory is necessary for a further development and understanding of concepts such as dynamic capabilities.
Paper type – conceptual.
La actitud del vendedor ante las innovaciones tecnológicas y su influencia en su desempeño en las ventas
Authors: Barahona Vinasco José Fernando , Calderón García Haydee
Published: October 2017

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar cómo la actitud que tienen los vendedores ante la tecnología puede representar un factor decisivo en la implementación de los procesos de automatización de la fuerza de ventas (AFV). Se parte del modelo de aceptación tecnológica (tam, por su sigla en inglés), que asume que la actitud viene determinada por la utilidad percibida y por la facilidad de uso de esta, e introducimos como novedad en el modelo su relación con el desempeño. Se contrasta el modelo conceptual en una muestra de vendedores colombianos a través de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados establecen que la percepción de la facilidad de uso de la tecnología influye positivamente en su utilidad percibida, al igual que la percepción de facilidad de uso influye positivamente en la actitud hacia su uso. Sin embargo, la utilidad percibida de la tecnología no muestra una relación directa frente a la actitud hacia su uso, y de igual forma no existe relación directa entre la actitud hacia el uso y el desempeño en ventas.
Contribución de las iniciativas de tecnologías de la información en las organizaciones: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Díaz Pinzón Beatriz Helena , Gómez Medina José Santiago , García González Juan David , Melo Román Hjalmar Arturo , Sanabria Villamizar Fabián Enrique
Published: October 2017

La implementación de tecnologías de información (ti) a nivel empresarial plantea la preocupación de cuál es el efecto de dicha inversión. Generalmente, esta preocupación se asocia con los costos ocasionados y no con los beneficios recibidos. A partir de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se analizan diferentes modelos de beneficios de ti en las organizaciones, para así proponer una estructura multidimensional para la identificación y clasificación de los beneficios generados por el uso de estas tecnologías en las organizaciones. Esta estructura propuesta se compone de 15 beneficios, agrupados en cuatro dimensiones organizacionales: 1) informacional, 2) transaccional, 3) transformacional y 4) estratégica. Este marco referencial permite visualizar y evaluar los aportes de las iniciativas de ti en la generación de valor para las organizaciones.
Medición del capital intelectual en el sector bancario: Aplicación de los modelos Skandia y VAIC
Authors: Demuner Flores María del Rosario , Saavedra García María Luisa , Camarena Adame María Elena
Published: October 2017

El capital intelectual es reconocido como un activo estratégico corporativo importante, capaz de generar ventaja competitiva sostenible y rendimiento financiero superior. Se caracteriza por ser la principal fuente creadora de valor. En la nueva economía, la lógica de negocio se basa en lograr el crecimiento y la creación de valor a largo plazo, el problema radica en que los indicadores tradicionales no proporcionan información sobre si realmente una organización crea valor y en qué medida crea más de lo que ha invertido en recursos. El objetivo de este trabajo es valuar y comparar el capital intelectual en sus tres dimensiones para identificar el valor agregado y la eficiencia con que cada dimensión contribuye en una empresa del sector bancario, aplicando los modelos Skandia y VAIC. El estudio se realiza con la información financiera y no financiera de una organización del sector bancario durante el periodo 2011-2015. Skandia y vaic revelan que la empresa tiende a colocar un diferente grado de énfasis entre las dimensiones del capital intelectual para generar valor corporativo, mientras que la capacidad de creación de valor está muy influenciada por el capital humano. Los resultados también muestran que la eficiencia del capital físico es la variable menos significativa en la creación de valor, mientras que la eficiencia del capital humano es de gran importancia para mejorar la productividad de la empresa. Ambos modelos se complementan: con Skandia se determina el valor monetario del capital intelectual y con VAIC se mide la eficiencia del capital intelectual.
Tasas efectivas del impuesto de renta para sectores de la economía colombiana entre el 2000 y el 2015
Authors: Villabona Robayo Jairo Orlando , Quimbay Herrera Carlos José
Published: October 2017

El principal objetivo de este trabajo es calcular la tasa efectiva del impuesto neto de renta generado por las personas jurídicas, pertenecientes a cada uno de los sectores de la economía colombiana, usando la información disponible en los agregados de declaraciones de renta de la Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN), durante el periodo 2000-2015. Las tasas efectivas obtenidas muestran que el impuesto neto de renta real pagado por las personas jurídicas no es tan alto como se cree, además de que los valores de estas tasas presentan diferencias significativas, para los diferentes sectores económicos, debido a la existencia de beneficios tributarios que impactan de forma diferente a cada sector. Estas diferencias demuestran la inequidad horizontal del sistema tributario colombiano, dado que sectores que no son tan relevantes en generación de empleo, tales como el financiero y el minero, fueron los que presentaron los mayores montos de beneficios tributarios.