bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Examination of Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives on Autonomy-Supportive Instructional Behaviors
Authors: Ng Betsy , Liu W. C. , Wang C. K. John
Published: June 2015

The present study focuses on the perspectives of teachers and students in Singapore schools after an autonomy-supportive classroom intervention. Nurturing of students to become motivated and self-regulated learners can be achieved by promoting an autonomy-supportive learning climate. This study examines the perspectives of teachers and students in an in-depth and meaningful manner after the classroom intervention. Through students’ viewpoints, teachers can understand their structure of teaching style and students’ expectations. Findings of semi-structured interviews with students and teachers were analyzed, with emerging themes discussed in the context of literature. Based on qualitative data, this preliminary study explores a rich and meaningful insight to students’ expectations of their teachers and teachers’ expectations towards their students. The qualitative data provided relevant and practical insights into the classroom intervention, suggesting that teachers should be aware of their instructional behaviors in class as such acts might have ramification on students’ perception, motivation and learning. Limitations and implications are also discussed.
O "contar histórias" da formação: o narrador na perspectiva de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Ourique João Luis Pereira
Published: July 2015

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A Origem (Ursprung) como alvo e o método interpretativo de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Coli Anna Luiza
Published: July 2015

O presente artigo tem por objetivo a análise do método interpretativo proposto por Walter Benjamin no prefácio à obra Origem do drama barroco alemão sob a perspectiva do conceito de Origem (Ursprung) e de sua importância central na compreensão do pensamento sobre a história, presente no texto tardio intitulado “Sobre o conceito da história”. A conexão entre a obra sobre o drama trágico do século XVII e o estudo sobre a história consiste na elucidação do conceito de Origem como categoria sobretudo estrutural, em detrimento da leitura que a compreende a partir de um ponto de vista genético, como uma categoria meramente histórica e arcaizante.
Walter Benjamin: o compromisso com a teoria
Authors: Ribeiro Gustavo Silveira
Published: July 2015

Walter Benjamin:o compromisso com a teoria
Relações entre a natureza e a literatura no pensamento de Italo Calvino
Authors: Ferraz Bruna Fontes
Published: July 2015

Neste trabalho, pretendemos evidenciar uma relação de equivalência entre natureza e literatura no pensamento do escritor italiano Italo Calvino. Considerando a capacidade produtora da literatura, que cria mundos possíveis, percorreremos o conceito de uma literatura como antiphysis que, através do jogo, da técnica e do artifício, tem a palavra como a própria natureza e não mais como um eco ou uma imitação de uma natureza perdida.
Assessment of Myocardial Viability: A Review of Current Non Invasive Imaging Techniques
Authors: Talib Ahmed
Published: June 2015

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent and
single most common cause of morbidity and mortality1 with
the resulting left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) an important
complication2. Worldwide, CAD accounts for 5.7 million new
cases per year, of these 1.3 million in Europe alone3. In addition,
it imposes a substantial share of health service resources and
expenses, an impaired quality of life, disability and high social
cost3,4. Furthermore, LVD itself has been shown to be a powerful
determinant of survival2, 5.
Wave intensity analysis in the ventricles, carotid and coronary arteries – What has been learnt during the last 25 years?: Part 2
Authors: Kolyva Christina
Published: June 2015

Wave intensity analysis (WIA) was introduced 25 years ago for the study of arterial wave travel and has since been established
as a powerful tool for the investigation of cardio-vascular interaction. Despite the complex mathematical derivation of the
method, the implementation is simple. As a time-domain technique, WIA enables the direct association between waves
and events during the cardiac cycle. Furthermore, it enables the separation of the pressure (or diameter), velocity and wave
intensity waveforms into their forward and backward components, and provides a means for the determination of the timing
and magnitude of waves of different origins. Hemodynamic questions at several locations along the vascular tree have been
investigated with WIA. Part 2 of this review will focus on the physiological and clinical findings to which WIA has contributed,
through clinical and in vivo studies in the ventricles and in the coronary and carotid arteries.
Cardiovascular and Renal Calcification and Bone: A comparison of the effect of Dietary Fatty Acids
Authors: Nicoll Rachell
Published: June 2015

Cardiovascular (CV) and renal calcification is regularly found with osteoporosis and both are conditions of chronic
inflammation and oxidative stress. Intake of dietary fatty acids is known to impact on the incidence of CV disease and bone
loss but few studies have specifically looked at their impact on CV or renal calcification. This review found that although a
very high total fat intake is likely to prove detrimental to both tissues and bone, particularly with low calcium intake, human
studies often show mixed results, possibly because fatty acid intake shows a U-shaped dose/response curve, contrary to the
expected linear relationship. Nevertheless, intake of fish and fish oil are generally found to protect against ectopic calcification
and bone loss, with a low omega 6 to omega 3 ratio (preferably <5:1) proving critical. Fish intake of 3-4 servings a week was
believed to be optimal. In arteries, the relationship between fish oil intake and other markers of sub-clinical atherosclerosis,
such as intima-medial thickness, may be stronger than their relationship with arterial calcification. Any association with arterial
calcification often lost significance after adjustment for CV risk factors, suggesting that fish oil may act principally by lowering
risk factors and calling into question whether CV calcification is a condition of dyslipidaemia.
Global dyssynchrony correlates with compromised left ventricular filling and stroke volume but not with ejection fraction or QRS duration in HFpEF
Authors: Ibrahimi Pranvera
Published: June 2015

Background and Aim: Mechanical global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony reflected as prolonged total isovolumic time
(t-IVT) has been introduced as a potential mechanism behind compromised stroke volume in heart failure (HF). It has also
been shown to be superior to other markers of dyssynchrony in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
(CRT), but its application in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to
assess the role of t-IVT in explaining symptoms in HFpEF.
Methods: In 55 symptomatic HFpEF patients (age 60±9 years, NYHA class II-IV; LV EF ≥45%) and 24 age and gender
matched controls, a complete Doppler echocardiographic study was performed including mitral annulus peak systolic
excursion (MAPSE) and myocardial velocities as well as LV filling, outflow tract velocity time integral (VTI) and stroke volume
measurements. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed by t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 - (total ejection time + total filling
time)], Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time) and pre-ejection time difference between LV and RV.
Results: Patients had reduced lateral and septal MAPSE (p=0.009 and p=0.01, respectively) lower lateral and septal s’
(p=0.002 and p=0.04, respectively) and e’ (p<0.001, for both) velocities and higher E/e’ ratio (p=0.01) compared to controls.
They also had longer t-IVT (p<0.001), higher Tei index (p=0.04), but similar pre-ejection time difference and LVEF to controls.
T-IVT correlated with LV filling time (r=0.44, p<0.001), stroke volume (r=-0.41; p=0.002), MAPSE (lateral: r=-0.36, p=0.007 and
septal: r=-0.31; p=0.02), but not with LV mass index, LVEF, E/e’ ratio or QRS duration.
Conclusion: Patients with HFpEF have exaggerated global mechanical dyssynchrony shown by prolonged t-IVT, compared
with healthy age and gender matched controls. The relationship between t-IVT, LV filling and stroke volume suggests an
association, more important than with ejection fraction or electrical dyssynchrony. These results support the importance of
the individualistic approach for optimum HFpEF patient management.
Ectopic calcification and bone: a comparison of the effect of dietary carbohydrates, sugars and protein
Authors: Nicoll Rachel , McLaren Howard John , Henein Michael
Published: June 2015

A number of studies have shown that severe calcification of the arteries, heart and kidneys commonly coexists with
osteoporosis, particularly in renal disease. We have already shown that with respect to dietary fats, those that promote
ectopic (mainly cardiovascular) calcification are also detrimental to bone, with a similar relationship seen in fats which inhibit
ectopic calcification. This review of dietary carbohydrates, sugars and protein has shown a similar correspondence of effect,
with protein proving protective against ectopic calcification, at least in animals, and beneficial to bone. There appears to be
an interaction with calcium intake, with the beneficial effects of high protein being negated in a calcium deficiency, while a
high calcium intake enhances the dangers of a low protein intake; the cut-off for calcium intake may be around 800mg/d
for bone health. The results of studies on carbohydrates are unclear. Although there are no human studies on ectopic
calcification and intake of sugars, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and high blood glucose are known risk factors and are
also detrimental to bone. Fructose consistently promotes ectopic calcification in animals and is detrimental to bone in both
animals and humans, although the results for sucrose, glucose and lactose are mixed. Protein and prebiotics, both protective
against ectopic calcification and beneficial to bone, appear to act by increasing calcium absorption. Mechanisms of action
shared between inhibition of ectopic calcification and increased bone mineral density (BMD) include insulin-like growth factor
(IGF)-1, which can be directly induced by protein and glucose, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which decrease
expression of IGF-1 and generate reactive oxygen species, promote ectopic calcification and increased bone resorption.
Smoking Ban: A Long-term Analysis of the Malta Paradox in a Population of over 400,000 Subjects
Authors: Magri Caroline , Xuereb Robert , Distefano Sandra , Calleja Neville , Grech Victor
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The introduction of laws that make indoor public areas and workplaces smoke-free has resulted in a significant
reduction in the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Malta was the second European country to introduce the
smoking ban legislation in April 2004. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the smoking ban in Malta on
ACS morbidity and mortality.
Methods: The number of ACS hospital admissions and the number of cardiovascular deaths were retrospectively analysed.
The annual data for 5 years prior to and following the introduction of the Tobacco Act were obtained according to age-groups
for both genders. Poisson regression analyses were performed to assess for decline in ACS admission and cardiovascular
death.
Results: The ACS admission rate increased throughout the 5 years following the introduction of the smoking ban. There was
no change in mortality rate in the 5 years following the legislation, except in 2007 when a small but significant decline was
noted.
Conclusions: The Malta smoking ban did not have a significant impact on cardiovascular mortality and ACS admissions
rates, indicating the need for proper enforcement of the public smoking ban and increase in public awareness regarding the
adverse effects of smoking.
Key words: Coronary heart disease; Mortality; Prevention; Smoking.
Cardiovascular Calcification and Bone: A Comparison of The Effects of Dietary and Serum Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Vitamin D
Authors: Nicoll Rachel
Published: June 2015

This comparison of the effects of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D on cardiovascular (CV) calcification and
bone has shown that in general the micronutrients that promote bone health also protect the arteries. We have shown that
adequate amounts of all three minerals should be ingested, paying particular attention to supplementing calcium to bind high
phosphorus and to ensure the maximum benefit from supplementing vitamin D. It appears that the optimum intake for bone is
>800 mg/d calcium, with postmenopausal women possibly requiring a total intake of >1100mg/d. Both CV and bone studies
suggest achieving a serum 25(OH)D level of >75nmol/l. These relationships are valid for a Caucasian population, however,
and may not hold in African Americans and Asians. The recent concerns that calcium supplementation may increase CV
disease risk has largely proved groundless, with higher calcium intake improving dyslipidaemia, hypertension and mortality.
With respect to higher serum phosphate, there is an association with CV calcification and CVD risk even within the normal
range, suggesting that the reference ranges may need to be redefined for ‘at risk’ patients. CV calcification was reduced in
CKD patients with magnesium intake in the range 384-669mg/d. When considering the complex interplay of the action of the
minerals together with their regulators vitamin D, PTH and FGF23, it is clear that this is a very sophisticated system which
attempts to maintain calcium homeostasis to the possible detriment of bone and arteries. This reinforces the need to ensure
adequate calcium intake before supplementing vitamin D.
A study of prevalence of primary hypothyroidism in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mukherjee Sudeb , Datta Suhana , Datta Pramathanath , Mukherjee Apurba K. , Maisnam Indira
Published: June 2015

Background: The association between thyroid dysfunction and DM has long been recognized, although the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among diabetes population varies in different studies. This study destined to know the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.  

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellituswas done. Total 60 patients (male 51, female9) fulfillingdiagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus according to ADA (American Diabetes Association) criteria were analysed by doing Thyroid Function Test (FT4,TSH).

Results: 75% of patients have the biochemical features of thyroid dysfunction. Subcategorically in descending order of frequency they are - Subclinical hypothyroidism (33.33%) (defined by no symptoms or clinical fetures of hypothyroidism but biochemically TSH level in the range of above 5 mIU/ml but below 10 mIU/ml with normal FT4 level), 15% of patients each for overt hypothyroidism (either clinical features or Biochemically TSH >10 mIU/ml or FT4 below normal), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (only biochemical low level of TSH <0.34 mIU/ml in this study) and 11.667% patients show the features of clinical hyperthyroidism (clinical or FT4 level well above normal range along with low TSH).

Conclusions: Avery high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in this part of world in contrast to Europe & US suggest routine screening for thyroid disorder in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Objective Structured Practical Examination: our experience in Pharmacology at Goa Medical College, Bambolim-Goa, India
Authors: Chandelkar Ulhas Kalgo , PV Rataboli , LJ Samuel , AS Kamat , LV Bandodkar
Published: June 2015

Background: Practical examination is an important component of evaluation in the medical curriculum. OSPE (objective structured practical examination) pattern has structured questions with marks for each point and all the objectives of teaching-learning can be tested and assigned the desired weightage.

Methods: The evaluation was done for 146 II MBBS students in Pharmacology. Every student had to spend two minutes each for dosage form (DF) and drug advice (DA) at their respective stations. All the students had to attempt same questions to avoid bias of evaluation. Checklist was provided to the faculty who functioned as observers.

Results: All the students believed that OSPE tests practical skills. Most of the students rated OSPE as better than traditional viva or table work. Almost half the students were satisfied with the present setup. Since it tests practical skills better, all the faculty were in favour of conducting the entire practicals in OSPE setup. 50% of faculty proposed need of incorporating injection technique on dummies which will help the students to learn injection techniques well.

Conclusions: It is often difficult to measure practical knowledge and applications by written practical examinations.  In such situation OSPE can be structured and standardized to evaluate the clinical applications.
Determinants of health care seeking behavior among rural population of a coastal area in South India
Authors: Chauhan Ramesh Chand , Kandan Mani , Purty Anil J. , Samuel Abel , Singh Zile
Published: June 2015

Background: Understanding of health seeking behaviour (HSB) is essential to provide need based health care services to the population. Many factors like sex, age, type of illness, access to services and perceived quality of the services, influences the health seeking behavior. This study assessed the HSB among rural population of a coastal area in Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A community based descriptive study was done in a rural coastal area of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu state of India. Using simple random sampling method, 559 participants were selected. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Information about socio-demographic characteristics, presence of acute or chronic illness, health care seeking behavior and reasons for non-utilization of particular health facilities etc. was obtained. Chi square test was applied to find the association of health care seeking behavior with various participant characteristics.  

Results: Among 559 study participants, majority (56.4%) visited public health care facilities for various illnesses. Almost one-third of the study participants visited the private health facilities and another 11.6 percent visited other health facilities including pharmacies. Among various causes, febrile illnesses (39.5%) and pain (20.8%) were the most common reasons for visiting a health care facility. Individual’s income was significantly associated with the HSB (p value <0.05). Availability of services, free of cost was reported as most common reason for preferring to the public health facility. On other hand, private practitioners were preferred due to their better availability and quality of care.
Conclusions: Public health care facilities were preferred by due to low cost of services and HSB varies with the type of illness and income of the individuals.
Awareness and practices about menstrual hygiene and its impact among migrant adolescent girls of Dera: a community based cross-sectional study from Nashik (Maharashtra)
Authors: Gosavi Shriram Vitthal , Almale Balaji , Gujarathi Amit , Vankundre Ashok , Dhakane Supriya , Patil Rakesh , Mahale Mahesh , Borade Pratima , Pawar Sunita
Published: June 2015

Background: Onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring during adolescence. In various parts of India, there are several cultural traditions, myths and misconceptions related to menstruation, which make them vulnerable to genital tract infections. There is very little awareness about menstruation among girls when they first experience it. Social prohibitions and negative attitude of parents in discussing the related issues openly has blocked the access of adolescent girls to right kind of information especially among migrant adolescent girls. Women having better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe practices are less vulnerable to Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) and its consequences. Hence this study was conducted with objective to assess awareness and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent in migrant population.  

Methods: Study area and study population: This cross-sectional community based study was conducted among migrant adolescent girls residing in (Dera) the Corporation area of Nashik (Maharashtra). Duration of study: The study was carried out for 2 months. Purposive sampling method was adopted. We carried out in-depth interviews among such purposively selected adolescent girls till redundancy in responses started creeping up. A written informed consent was taken from the study subject’s. A semi-structured schedule with open ended questions was used for data collection process.  

Results: Majority of the study participants were not aware (75%) about menarche while for sanitary protection old traditional method cloths were used. Knowledge of menarche was mostly (50%) provided by friends followed by mother (35%).  
Conclusions: In the present study, we found that the myths and misconceptions about menstrual practices are still continued in the 21st Century. There is a need to focus on such migrant population for their better health.
Self-reported training assessment of medical interns and fresh graduates of a tertiary care centre
Authors: Palappallil Dhanya S.
Published: June 2015

Background: In India internship training is considered to be a period of learning entrusted with clinical responsibilities. This study helps to know the self-reported preparedness of fresh graduates for internship as well as trained interns to be a practicising primary care doctor.

Methods: Cross sectional study was done in a tertiary care teaching hospital of South India. Thirty five interns who completed training and thirty five fresh graduates entering internship were randomly recruited for the study after getting ethics committee approval. Data was collected in a structured questionnaire which assessed the confidence levels of the participants in performing various skilled activities. The feedback regarding training and suggestions were also received. The data was analysed by SPSS 16. Both the groups were considered to be equally competent and hence non parametric test for 2 independent samples Mann Whitney U, Chi square test and Fisher’s exact test was done.  

Results: Apart from delivering health talks in local bodies and prescribing oral contraceptives there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the confidence levels of interns who completed training. Total scores of trained interns were greater than that of fresh graduates (p<0.001). 97.14 % participants wanted cardiology as a compulsory area of training for internship. Suggestions for improvement include orientation classes, exact procedure demonstrations, more seminars and active involvement of interns in management of the patients.

Conclusions: Internship training is effective in this tertiary care hospital and trained interns make better doctors than fresh doctors as the theoretical knowledge gained is put into practice.
A case of fracture of humerus in newborn delivered by elective caesarean section
Authors: Kaur Devindra , Singh Harminder
Published: June 2015

Birth fractures are common during vaginal deliveries and with breech presentations. This case report of fracture humerus during elective LSCS done for previous LSCS with vertex presentation and with no predisposing risk factors.
Bilateral facial palsy with hypertension: a case report
Authors: Srinivas Vaddadi , Srinivas V. Radha , Vardhan R. Vikram
Published: June 2015

Bilateral facial paralysis is a rare condition, we report a case of a 70-year-old healthy, illiterate man with sequential bilateral facial paralysis as a manifestation of unknown cause after exclusion of various known causes. He initially presented with a left sided Bell’s palsy 12 months back, within a month there was facial palsy on the contra lateral side, but patient has not taken any measures to seek any medical attention initially. Later on 4 months back, he developed episodic headache and reeling sensation. His physical examination revealed bilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy with high blood pressure. As the investigations revealed no cause, we have arrived at the diagnosis of Bilateral Bell’s palsy and treated his hypertension.
Botryomycosis: a case report
Authors: L Eswari , TN Revathy
Published: June 2015

Botryomycosis arises from chronic infections produced by low-virulence organisms in an altered host environment. Staphylococci have been the most common organisms implicated, but various other bacteria have also been identified in human botryomycosis lesions. Here is a case report of a male diabetic patient with botryomycosis on the gluteal region with E. coli as the causative organism.
Pterygium inversum unguis
Authors: L Eswari , TN Revathy
Published: June 2015

Pterygium Inversum Unguis (PIU) is a rare nail abnormality characterized by adherent hyponychium to the ventral surface of nail plate. Most of the few cases reported are acquired conditions associated with connective tissue disorders. Very few cases of congenital PIU have been reported. We report for the first time, PIU in two sisters born of second degree consanguineous marriage involving second toe of both feet present since birth.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of lung: a very unusual presentation
Authors: Kumari Saroj , Saugat Rajendra , Kapoor Akhil , Paramanandhan Murali , Soni Gunjan , Sirohi Parmender
Published: June 2015

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy of the lung arising from the main bronchial division, sub mucosal glands of large airways. Initially it was suspected as a non-resolving pneumonia, which did not respond to empirical antibiotics. Contrast Enhanced Computer Tomography (CECT) of thorax was suggestive of malignancy, bronchoscopic biopsy was suggestive of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection (lobectomy, pneumonectomy). As the tumor is radiosensitive, radiotherapy can be used following surgery in the treatment.
Giant eumycetoma gluteal region: excision and V-Y flap advancement
Authors: Ali Anwar , Khadda Sandeep , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Parmar Ashok , Sakhrani Jitendra Kumar , Kapoor Akhil
Published: June 2015

Eumycetoma (“mycotic mycetoma”) is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection of the skin and soft tissue, most often affecting the lower extremity (typically a single foot). Eumycetomas are usually confined to subcutaneous tissues but can involve fascia, bone, and regional lymph nodes via contiguous dissemination. We hereby report a case mycetoma of gluteal region, an unusual site of presentation.
Managing neglected Morel-Lavallée lesion of thigh in a limited resource environment: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Singhal Aanshu , Dharmshaktu Ganesh Singh , Singh Pankaj
Published: June 2015

Morel-Lavallée lesion is a special form of a traumatic event that consists of an internal degloving injury to a body part. The injury is not very common and limited to numerus case reports and series described in the literature. Long standing and neglected cases are rarer and owe their neglect to poor attention to the presence of the entity as significant one. There are various treatment modalities described for the mangement of this condition none with an evidence of superiority over the other. We hereby describe our experience of a six weeks old neglected condition managed successfully in limited resource environment.
Carcinoma of colon in an adolescent: a case report with review of literature
Authors: Takalkar Unmesh Vidyadhar , Asegaonkar Shilpa Balaji , Kulkarni Umesh , Jadhav Amol , Advani Suresh , Reddy D. Nageshwar
Published: June 2015

Colorectal cancer is an extremely rare clinical entity in pediatric and adolescent age group. In the present case report, diagnosis and management of adenocarcinoma of colon in a teenager has been presented. A 15-year old boy without any predisposing factor was referred with gastrointestinal symptoms. With advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, the case was treated successfully. Nonspecific vague symptoms of gastrointestinal system especially pain in abdomen, altered bowel habits if associated with weight loss should be meticulously evaluated further. Even in the absence of any predisposing conditions, high level of suspicion of CRC in children and adolescents is mandatory.
Perry initiative: bridging gender gap in orthopaedic education
Authors: Dharmshaktu Ganesh Singh
Published: June 2015

Orthopaedic surgery is discipline with evident skewed gender ratio that has not seen changes with time. Traditionally associated with masculinity and physical endurance, the branch still is considered not suitable as a career for and by female doctors the world over.
Macroeconomic analysis of the czech economy 1996
Authors: Hájek Mojmír
Published: July 2015

This article consist of analysis of all main indicators of Czech economy in 1996. They are: GDP and economic growth focused on economic dynamism; Disproportionality in the development of the main components of aggregate demand and supply and productive efficiency of the domestic economy; Productivity focused on trends in productivity of labour in the national economy and selected sectors and finally on total factor productivity (capital and labour); External economic relation focused on balance of trade deficit and trends in export and import and also on the trends in the use of net import of goods and services and trade deficit financing - capital inflow and balance of payments; Public Finance; Monetary Policy; Inflation focused on general trends and two main impulses: demand and cost.
Social transfers in the period of transformation and their effects
Authors: Sirovátka Tomáš
Published: July 2015

Individual responsibility and subsidiarity represent more general principles of market transition which are also relevant for social security system. The main goals of transformation of social security systems in transition countries have been defined as follows: more transparency and better targeting which is - considering cost efficiency requirement - necessary condition to protect the citizens against the newly emerging social risks. The question how far the effects of social security system transformation correspond to these claims seems to be extremely politically significant.
Structural changes in transitive economies
Authors: Kadeřábková Anna , Srholec Martin
Published: July 2015

The inter-industry differences in the capacity for technology change influence the intensity and quality of structural changes in the economy, its growth dynamics and competitiveness. The intensity of changing qualitative characteristics reflects the transition economies capacity for taking technology opportunities. On this background, the analysis proceeds to the qualitative characteristics of structural changes in selected transition economies (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia). Qualitative characteristics are specified in terms of factor input, technology intensity, product differentiation and market concentration, and labor skills. The methodology approaches are specified according to the alternative views of technology change, and the role of its qualitative characteristics in the long-term growth dynamics. The given criteria are applied to the analysis of export structure and its development in time (1995 - 1999). The two forms of structural change characteristics, i.e. its intensity and quality, are compared to identify their role in the export performance.
Old age pension system reforms in the czech republic and slovenia
Authors: Valentová Marie
Published: July 2015

This article examines the introduction of old age pension reforms in the Czech Republic and Slovenia. It is designed firstly to define similarities and differences in enacted legislation affecting the pension systems of the observed countries after the fall of the communistic regime and secondly to compare the influence of the most significant factors which have caused these similarities or differences. Namely this article focuses on a comparison of three factors such as a demographic, political and traditional ones.
Pension policy in the czech republic (lessons from a comparative study with hungary and poland)
Authors: Mora Marek
Published: July 2015

This article deals with pension policy in three most developed transition countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Unreformed public pension systems suffer under a number of deficiencies and it is likely that pension policy will be a part of negotiations in the EU accession process, mainly due to its fiscal and social impacts. The progress in pension reform made so far differs broadly among those three countries. Hungary has adopted a multi-pillar system in July 1998 with a significant role of mandatory, fully funded pillar. Poland has made important preparation steps in the same direction and the laws have recently been approved by the Parliament. In the Czech Republic the main importance is still attached to the public pay-as-you-go pillar which was in 1994 complemented by private capital pension funds. This article search for explanations of this different development and makes some minimum recommendations for the Czech pension policy. A warning for the Czech government should be that the most pension reforms have been implemented in countries where the old system stood before collapse or had already collapsed. The Czech Republic should not wait until this moment and should take immediate actions to avoid this danger.
Retrospective stable isotope analysis reveals ecosystem responses to river regulation over the last century
Authors: Turner Thomas F. , Krabbenhoft Trevor J. , Collyer Michael L. , Krabbenhoft Corey A. , Edwards Melanie S. , Sharp Zachary D.
Published: July 2015

Disruption of natural flow regimes, nutrient pollution, and other consequences of human population growth and development have impacted most major rivers of the world. Alarming losses of aquatic biodiversity coincide with human‐caused river alteration, but effects of biotic homogenization on aquatic ecosystem processes are not as well documented. This is because unaltered systems for comparison are scarce, and some ecosystem‐wide effects may take decades to manifest. We evaluated aquatic ecosystem responses to extensive river‐floodplain engineering and nutrient addition in the Rio Grande of southwestern North America as revealed by changes in trophic structure of, and resource availability to, the fish community. Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA) was conducted on museum‐preserved fishes collected over a 70‐year period of intensive river management and exponential human population growth. Trophic complexity and resource heterogeneity for fish consumers (measured as “isotopic niche breadth”) decreased following sediment deprivation and channelization, and these effects persist into the present. Increased nutrient inputs led to δ15N enrichment in the entire fish community at all affected sites, and a shift to autochthonous sources of carbon at the most proximal site downstream of wastewater release, probably via bottom‐up transfer. Overall, retrospective SIA of apex consumers suggests radical change and functional impairment of a floodplain river ecosystem already marked by significant biodiversity loss.
Characterizing Changes from a Century of Genetic Improvement of Soybean Cultivars in Northeast China
Authors: Wu Tingting , Sun Shi , Wang Caijie , Lu Wencheng , Sun Bincheng , Song Xiqing , Han Xiaozeng , Guo Tai , Man Weiqun , Cheng Yanxi , Niu Jianguang , Fu Lianshun , Song Wenwen , Jiang Bingjun , Hou Wensheng , Wu Cunxiang , Han Tianfu
Published: July 2015

The first soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding program in China was established in the northeast in 1913. A trend analysis of widely grown cultivars across Chinese soybean breeding history may provide a better perspective on the genetic progress in soybean. The objective of the current study was to assess the genetic change of 15 phenological, yield, and agronomic traits on widely grown cultivars in northeast China. Sixty‐four soybean cultivars representing a span of 84 yr (1923–2007) of release were included. The field experiments were conducted at three sites in each region during 2009, 2010, and 2011, and the annual genetic changes were obtained by regression analysis. The results showed that the yield gain in widely grown cultivars of different regions ranged from 6 to 16 kg ha−1 yr−1 due to improvements in different yield components in the last nine decades. In addition, modern cultivars demonstrated more upright plant architecture, fewer branches, shorter height, higher lodging resistance, and earlier flowering than obsolete cultivars. However, changes were insignificant in the height of the bottom pod and the node number. The changing rates of yield and phenological traits across these decades were constant, while that of agronomic traits were discontinuous. Days to flowering, branch number, and lodging score were more responsive to environments in new cultivars than in old cultivars. In conclusion, these findings indicate a substantial improvement in the yield, agronomic, and phenological traits resulted from long‐term genetic breeding. This study also provides insight into developing new strategies for soybean genetic improvement in China and worldwide.
Field‐Measured, Hourly Soil Water Evaporation Stages in Relation to Reference Evapotranspiration Rate and Soil to Air Temperature Ratio
Authors: Tolk Judy A. , Evett Steven R. , Schwartz Robert C.
Published: July 2015

Upon wetting, soil water evaporation (E) is controlled by available energy (Stage 1, or S1), and once water becomes limiting, also by soil hydraulic characteristics (Stage 2, or S2). Determination of the transitioning between stages is important for estimating E. The objectives of this research were to compare changes in E in relation to reference evapotranspiration (ETo), or E ETo−1, and to the ratio of surface soil temperature (Ts) and air temperature (Ta), or Ts Ta−1, using its change from <1 to >1 as a means to identify stage transitions. Hourly E measurements were made in 17 measurement runs after irrigations ranging from 9 to 52 mm in weighing lysimeters containing clay loam, silt loam, sandy loam, and fine sand at Bushland, TX. On the day of irrigation, E exceeded ETo by 21% on average. The 3‐d total E losses from bare soils averaged 47% of irrigation amounts >30 mm, 72% of irrigation amounts <30 mm, and nighttime E averaged 28% of total E losses. On the day of irrigation, E/ETo relationships were similar for the four soils, indicating that soil texture had no effect on E/ETo during S1. The Ts Ta−1 ratio exhibited a consistent response to drying rate changes. For E > ETo, Ts Ta−1 remained ≤0.9, but would be ≥1.0 when E was ≤ETo. By using criteria based on Ts Ta−1, estimates of readily available (REW) and total evaporable water (TEW) were variable but often larger for REW and within 3.5 mm for TEW, when compared with published values.
Within‐Year Changes in Hydraulic Properties of a Shallow Entisol in Farmland and Forestland
Authors: Wang Hong-Lan , Tang Xiang-Yu , Zhang Wei , Song Song-Bai , McKenzie Blair M.
Published: July 2015

For regions with shallow soils underlain by fractured parent rocks, it is important to understand the characteristics of soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity. This knowledge could support the development of strategies to manage water for crops. A farmland and a forestland with thin Entisols, located in hilly central Sichuan on the Yangtze River's upper reaches, were chosen as experimental fields. A variety of parameters related to hydraulically effective macroporosity (pore radius >125 μm), the single‐porosity van Genuchten model, and the dual‐porosity bi‐exponential (BE) model for water retention characteristics were determined. Tension infiltration data showed that soil macropores were the main pores (accounting for 87.9–99.7%) contributing to fast drainage at all tested soil depths under both land uses in the rainy summer, in spite of their very low percentage of the total porosity (0.61–3.06%). The available soil water content, determined as the drainable soil textural porosity using the bi‐exponential model (θtxt‐BE), was found to be very low (0.032–0.091 m3 m−3) and negatively (P < 0.05) related to the initial soil water content at the time of sampling, resulting in high vulnerability of the crops grown on the farmland to drought. Plowing operations and periodical drying appeared to be the two main factors controlling the within‐year change in soil hydraulic properties. For agricultural soils showing a bimodal pore size distribution, the soil's capacity to hold crop‐available water in textural pores, which may vary with the time of year, rather than the total soil water content should be analyzed to inform decisions on irrigation operations including required amounts.
Transient analytical solution of temperature distribution and fracture limits in pulsed solid-state laser rod
Authors: Shibib Khalid , Munshid Mohammed , Abdul-Rayyak Mohammed , Salman Luma
Published: July 2015

The exact analytical solution of axis-symmetry transient temperature and Tresca failure stress in pulsed mode solid-state laser rod is derived using integral transform method. The result obtained from this work is compared with previously published data and good agreement is found. The effect of increasing period is studied, and it is found that at constant pulse width as the period is increased, the allowable pumping power is increased too. Furthermore, the effect of changing pulse width with a constant period is studied, and it is found that as the pulse width is increased, the allowable pumping power is decreased. The effect of duty cycle is studied also and it is found that as duty cycle is increased the allowable pumping power is decreased. This work permits proper selection of pulse width, period and duty cycle to avoid laser rod fracture while obtaining maximum output laser power in the designing of laser system.

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/TSCI170731162E
MHD effect on nanofluid with energy and hydrothermal behavior between two collateral plates: Application of new semi analytical technique
Authors: Sheikholeslami Mohsen , Sher Akbar , Mustafa Muhammad
Published: July 2015

In this study, heat and mass transfer characteristic of unsteady nanofluid flow between parallel plates is investigated. The important effect of Brownian motion and thermophoresis has been included in the model of nanofluid. The governing equations are solved via differential transformation method. The validity of this method was verified by comparison previous work which is done for viscous fluid. The analytical investigation is carried out for different governing parameters namely: the squeeze number, Hartmann number, Schmidt number, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoretic parameter, and Eckert number. The results indicate that skin friction coefficient has direct relationship with Hartmann number and squeeze number. Also it can be found that Nusselt number increases with increase of Hartmann number, Eckert number, and Schmidt number but it is decreases with augment of squeeze number.
Sweetness and Spice: Tax Issues for Foodies
Authors: Anderson Susan E. , Stallworth H. Lynn
Published: July 2015

A food blog and a catering business provide an issue-rich context in which students examine tax issues involving individuals, a partnership, and a single owner LLC. The case illustrates how advances in technology and social media occur without the issuance of directly applicable tax guidance, thus introducing students to uncertainty in interpreting the tax law and providing professional advice. The goals of the case are to increase students' (1) abilities to identify tax issues for individuals and small home-based businesses, (2) tax research proficiency, (3) written communication skills, (4) technical knowledge, and (5) experience in tax planning. The case helps students develop four of the core competencies expressed in the AICPA's (2012) CPA Vision Project, including improving students' abilities to interpret converging information, think strategically and critically, communicate effectively, and adeptly use technology. Student responses to a posttest questionnaire indicate that the case helped develop their issue identification, tax research, and writing skills.
Surgically planned versus histologically measured lateral tumor margins for resection of cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs: 46 cases (2010–2013)
Authors: Risselada Marije , Mathews Kyle G. , Griffith Emily
Published: July 2015

Objective—To compare preplanned lateral surgical margins and measured lateral histologic margins for cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) resections in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Sample—51 biopsy specimens from dogs (n = 46) with MCTs.

Procedures—All canine patients that underwent curative-intent surgical resection of cutaneous or subcutaneous MCTs from January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2013, with complete medical records including signalment, body condition score (BCS), surgery report (with measured surgical margins), and histopathology report were included. The surgically measured tumor margins in each quadrant were grouped and compared with the corresponding histologic margins. Specimens from dogs with truncal MCTs and a BCS of 7 to 9 on a scale from 1 to 9 (ie, high) were compared with those of dogs with a BCS of 4 to 6 to evaluate effect of BCS on tissue margins.

Results—51 specimens were included. Surgically mapped lateral margins differed significantly from histologically reported margins in all 4 quadrants. The mean histologic margins were 35% to 42% smaller than the surgical margins for the combined 51 specimens. A higher BCS did not significantly influence the magnitude of the decrease in lateral margins measured histologically. No significant difference was found for the magnitude of the differences between any of the 4 lateral margins.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that surgical and histologic margins may differ significantly for canine cutaneous and subcutaneous MCTs. This may be a result of tissue shrinkage following excision and fixation, extension of the MCT beyond palpable margins, or both. Histologic measurements may significantly underestimate the tumor-free margins in dogs with cutaneous and subcutaneous MCTs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;247:184–189)
Simultaneous measurement of magnetic field and temperature based on magnetic fluid-clad long period fiber grating
Authors: Tang J. , Pu S. , Luo L. , Dong S.
Published: June 2015

Simultaneous measurement of magnetic field and temperature is proposed and experimentalized with a magnetic fluid-clad long period fiber grating structure. Magnetic fluid is used as the surrounding material of the long period fiber grating. Both of the wavelength and intensity of the spectral resonance valley of the proposed structure can be influenced by the applied magnetic field and ambient temperature variation. A two-parameter matrix method is proposed and utilized to measure the magnetic field and temperature simultaneously. The linear relationship between the corresponding wavelength shift/intensity variation and magnetic field/temperature change is obtained at certain ranges of magnetic field and temperature, which is favorable for sensing applications.