bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sobre el funcionamiento semiótico de los procedimientos discursivos de cohesión textual: la persona en la materia Educación para la Ciudadanía y los Derechos Humanos
Authors: Vela Bermejo Juan
Published: April 2016

El trabajo que aquí comienza tiene como objetivo primordial el tratamiento desde una perspectiva semiótica de los mecanismos de cohesión textual mediante un conjunto de análisis discursivos circunscritos a textos del ámbito académico y, concretamente, provenientes de manuales pertenecientes a la asignatura Educación para la Ciudadanía y los Derechos Humanos. Nuestro propósito es identificar y analizar los mecanismos de cohesión textual y su interacción en el discurso, centrando el análisis en los recursos de carácter gramatical o léxico y en los procedimientos de conexión. Para ello partimos de la teoría sistémico funcional con el fin de abordar el análisis discursivo como un continuum donde entre en juego la información contextual, la organización del significado, la estructuración pragmática y la fijación lingüística del texto. Por último, este trabajo pretende reflexionar sobre el uso de los procedimientos lingüísticos de cohesión en el discurso y su función semiótica, además de la estructuración informativa que conllevan en el discurso; asimismo, mediante el tratamiento de los mecanismos cohesivos y su utilización se podrá observar cómo se construye el contexto, qué datos se aportan sobre él y cuáles son los valores o preceptos ideológicos que se pretenden transmitir, partiendo de una temática general de carácter social insertada en los contenidos de la materia Educación para la Ciudadanía.
Inmigración, política lingüística y sistema educativo
Authors: Fernández García Francisco
Published: April 2016

El presente trabajo somete a análisis las formas en que puede encararse el tratamiento de la situación lingüística de los inmigrantes que se incorporan a nuestro sistema educativo, en busca de su máxima integración social. En relación con ello, analiza algunas de las directrices que se han seguido en otros países con mayor tradición como receptores de inmigrantes e incide en la conveniencia de que dicho tratamiento no se base exclusivamente en la enseñanza de la lengua de acogida sino que tome también en consideración las lenguas de origen.
Naringenin ameliorates pathological changes in liver and kidney of diabetic mice: a preliminary study / Naringenin reducira histopatološke promjene u jetri i bubregu miševa s dijabetesom
Authors: Sirovina Damir , Oršolić Nada , Gregorović Gordana , Končić Marijana Zovko
Published: April 2016

The effect of naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit, orange, and tomato, on lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys of alloxan-induced diabetic mice were investigated. Two days after alloxan injection (75 mg kg−1, i.v.), naringenin ethanolic solution (0.5 % v/v) was given to mice intraperitoneally (50 mg kg−1 per day) for seven days. Naringenin’s impact on lipid peroxidation was measured by the 2-thiobarbituric acid test and histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Naringenin administration resulted in a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation level in liver and kidney tissue, as well as in a decreased number of vacuolated liver cells and degree of vacuolisation. Indications of tissue repair in kidney suggested that amelioration of diabetes-induced renal damage could be achieved over a longer period of time. Findings suggest that naringenin could be considered a dietary supplement in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications and other diseases connected with oxidative stress, and gives a hope that it could show similar effects in the treatment of diabetes in humans.
Effects of natural antimicrobials on bacterial cell hydrophobicity, adhesion, and zeta potential / Vpliv naravnih protimikrobnih snovi na bakterijsko hidrofobnost, adhezijo in zeta potencial
Authors: Kurinčič Marija , Jeršek Barbara , Klančnik Anja , Možina Sonja Smole , Fink Rok , Dražić Goran , Raspor Peter , Bohinc Klemen
Published: April 2016

Interactions between bacterial cells and contact materials play an important role in food safety and technology. As bacterial strains become ever more resistant to antibiotics, the aim of this study was to analyse adhesion of selected foodborne bacterial strains on polystyrene surface and to evaluate the effects of natural antimicrobials on bacterial cell hydrophobicity, adhesion, and zeta potential as strategies of adhesion prevention. The results showed strain-specific adhesion rate on polystyrene. The lowest and the highest adhesion were found for two B. cereus lines. Natural antimicrobials ferulic and rosmarinic acid substantially decreased adhesion, whereas the effect of epigallocatechin gallate was neglectful. Similar results were found for the zeta potential, indicating that natural antimicrobials reduce bacterial adhesion. Targeting bacterial adhesion using natural extracts we can eliminate potential infection at an early stage. Future experimental studies should focus on situations that are as close to industrial conditions as possible.
Genotoxicity of sub-lethal di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) / Genotoksičnost subletalne koncentracije di-n-butil ftalata (DBP-a) u nilskoj tilapiji (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Benli Aysel Çağlan Karasu , Erkmen Belda , Erkoç Figen
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to assess genotoxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) erythrocytes after exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of 10 mg L-1 di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) for 24 and 96 h. The results showed that mean MN frequencies in both DBP and ethyl methane-sulfonate (EMS, positive control for MN bioassay) groups were significantly different (p<0.01) with respect to control and solvent control groups, in both exposure scenarios. When analysing nuclear abnormalities, the frequency of notched nuclei was significantly different (p<0.05) but the frequencies of other subtypes did not change. The 96-h exposure led to an increase in the mean frequencies of notched nuclei, and also caused significant differences between MN frequencies in all groups (p<0.01). Our findings indicate that sub-lethal DBP concentrations when tested in controlled laboratory conditions have genotoxic potential towards Nile tilapia. Further detailed studies should be done for the determination of the environmental risk assessment for aquatic life since DBP is a high risk contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Infective endocarditis prophylaxis in patients undergoing oral surgery
Authors: Zoumpoulakis Michail , Anagnostou F. , Dalampiras S. , Zouloumis L. , Pliakos C.
Published: April 2016

Infective endocarditis (IE), an infection of the endocardium that usually involves the valves and adjacent structures, may be caused by a wide variety of bacteria and fungi that entered the bloodstream and settled in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel. The IE is uncommon, but people with some heart conditions have a greater risk of developing it. Despite advances in medical, surgical, and critical care interventions, the IE remains a disease that is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Hence, in order to minimize the risk of adverse outcome and achieve a yet better management of complications, it is crucial to increase the awareness of all the prophylactic measures of the IE. For the past 50 years, the guidelines for the IE prophylaxis have been under constant changes. The purpose of this paper is to review current dental and medical literature considering the IE prophylaxis, including the new and updated guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA, 2007 and 2015), the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2015), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC, 2009 and 2015) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC, 2006).
Schizophrenia and oral health: Review of the literature
Authors: Đorđević Vladan , Đukić-Dejanović Slavica , Janković Ljiljana , Todorović Ljubomir
Published: April 2016

Patients with schizophrenia, especially during period of their hospitalization, are likely to constitute a high-risk group of individuals with respect to prevalence of oral diseases. Several factors are mentioned in the manuscript that may contribute to the finding of increased prevalence of oral diseases in patients with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, some of these can be attributed to dental profession; these patients are sometimes deprived of dental service as they cannot afford the treatment due to its cost and they are even neglected sometimes by dental professionals. The idea of providing oral health care in the environment of specialized health care institutions, such as psychiatric hospitals, during periods of hospitalization, is especially emphasized.
Clinical presentation and management of peripheral giant cell granulomas in children: 2 cases report
Authors: Lefkelidou Anna , Poulopoulos Athanasios , Exarchou Elena-Lito , Andreadis Dimitrios , Arapostathis Konstantinos
Published: April 2016

Objective(s): Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a reactive, proliferative, exophytic lesion developing on the gingiva and alveolar ridge, originating from the periosteum or periodontal membrane. The lesion develops mostly in adults, commonly in the lower jaw, with slight female predilection although is uncommon in children. Cases Report: Two boys, 11 and 8-years-old respectively, otherwise healthy, presented with gingival exophytic lesions in our clinic. In the first case the lesion was located in the right maxilla and appeared 4 months ago, whereas in the second case the fast growing lesion was located in the mandible and appeared 2 months ago. The lesions were red-blue enlargements, irregular and elliptical in shape respectively, soft to firm on palpation. Based on clinical examination, the initial diagnosis was assumed to be a type of reactive hyperplasia. OPG and CBCT showed no evidence of bone pathology. Blood, biochemical and hormonal investigations were within the normal values. Both lesions were surgically removed and histological examination established the diagnosis of PGCG. 4 consecutive follow ups have been done, with no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: This uncommon lesion in children should be included in the differential diagnosis of reactive hyperplasia. The treatment of PGCG comprises surgical resection, along with suppression of the underlying etiologic factors.
Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible: A case report
Authors: Popovik-Monevska Danica , Muratovska Ilijana , Popovska Mirjana , Dvojakovska Suzana , Koneski Filip
Published: April 2016

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is a serious complication of radiotherapy of head and neck malignancies. Different assumptions about its occurring, risk factors and possible therapeutical modalities exist, but the clinical outcome of such patients is still not on the desired level. This article presents a clinical case of ORN of the mandible, occurring with exposed and infected bone, necrotic process that extended through all the mandible body, as well as cutaneous fistula. The first site of ORN was detected 2 years after radiotherapy for oral cancer, with the second one detected 3 and a half years after radiotherapy. In both, the reason for exposing the bone was local trauma due to tooth extraction. Due to the stage of the condition, a decision for surgical treatment accompanied with antibiotics was made. It is very important and critical for irradiated patients and patients with osteoradionecrosis to perform appropriate oral hygiene and frequent dental checks. Establishing protocols for prevention and treatment, but involving some new strategies regarding to this condition, are strongly recommended.
Midline diastema closure with partial laminate veneers: A case report
Authors: Akan Ender , Bagis Bora
Published: April 2016

This case report describes a treatment of big diastema with hybrid ceramic restorative material, using chairside CAD/CAM system with veneer technique.
In vitro wound healing assays – state of the art
Authors: Stamm Anne , Reimers Kerstin , Strauß Sarah , Vogt Peter , Scheper Thomas , Pepelanova Iliyana
Published: April 2016

Wound healing is essential for the restoration of the barrier function of the skin. During this process, cells at the wound edges proliferate and migrate, leading to re-epithelialization of the wound surface. Wound healing assays are used to study the molecular mechanisms of wound repair, as well as in the investigation of potential therapeutics and treatments for improved healing. Numerous models of wound healing have been developed in recent years. In this review, we focus on in vitro assays, as they allow a fast, cost-efficient and ethical alternative to animal models. This paper gives a general overview of 2-dimensional (2D) cell monolayer assays by providing a description of injury methods, as well as an evaluation of each assay’s strengths and limitations. We include a section reviewing assays performed in 3-dimensional (3D) culture, which employ bioengineered skin models to capture complex wound healing mechanics like cell-matrix interactions and the interplay of different cell types in the healing process. Finally, we discuss in detail available software tools and algorithms for data analysis.
Cystatin C provides a better estimate of the effect of glomerular filtration rate on serum human epididymis protein 4 concentrations
Authors: Ferraro Simona , Pasqualetti Sara , Carnevale Assunta , Panteghini Mauro
Published: April 2016

Background:

We evaluated the effect of kidney glomerular function on serum concentrations of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) using creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC) and related chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations.

Methods:

We enrolled 101 women aged ≤56 years with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (estimated by CKD-EPI eGFRCr) ranging from 60 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m2, free of any disease and biological and life-style factors known to influence serum HE4 concentrations, and we measured serum Cr, CysC and HE4 concentrations. Cr and CysC values were included in the three CKD-EPI equations to obtain GFR estimates.

Results:

A statistically significant increase in HE4 median concentrations was detected in subjects with an eGFRCr between 60 and 74 mL/min/1.73 m2 when compared with those with an eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (54.2 vs. 42.2 pmol/L, p=0.003). Regression models showed that CysC measurement per se and eGFRCysC were the most sensitive markers to catch HE4 increases due to a mild decrease in renal function [adjusted r2, 0.38 (p=0.00003) and 0.37 (p=0.0004), respectively]. By assuming baseline CysC and eGFRCysC at 0.80 mg/L and 101.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, an increase of 0.10 mg/L in CysC concentrations and a decrease of 10 mL/min of eGFRCysC implied an average (±SE) increase in serum HE4 concentrations of 9.2 (±1.2) and 8.8 (±1.1) pmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that a better estimate of the effect of GFR on serum HE4 is obtained by measuring CysC in serum or using CKD-EPI eGFRCysC equation.
Investment Attractiveness. The Case Of The Visegrad Group Countries
Authors: Dorożyński Tomasz , Kuna-Marszałek Anetta
Published: April 2016

In the article, we attempt to assess the investment attractiveness of the New EU Member States, using the Visegrad Group countries as examples. This study is structured as follows: First, it explores the existing literature on factors of investment attractiveness. Further we examine inward foreign direct investment flows in the Visegrad Group countries against the global performance in the area from 1990 to 2013. Next we discuss the investment attractiveness of New Member States of the European Union in selected international rankings, paying special attention to the positions occupied by the four analysed countries. The final part examines the correlation between selected variables characteristic of investment attractiveness and the inflow of foreign investment. The study is based on statistical methods (Spearman’s rank correlation and Pearson correlation). At the end we present our conclusions.
Detection of embeddings in binary Markov chains
Authors: Kharin Yuriy S. , Vecherko Egor V.
Published: April 2016

The paper is concerned with problems in steganography on the detection of embeddings and statistical estimation of positions at which message bits are embedded. Binary stationary Markov chains with known or unknown matrices of transition probabilities are used as mathematical models of cover sequences (container hles). Based on the runs statistics and the likelihood ratio statistic, statistical tests are constructed for detecting the presence of embeddings. For a family of contiguous alternatives, the asymptotic power of statistical tests based on the runs statistics is found. An algorithm of polynomial complexity is developed for the statistical estimation of positions with embedded bits. Results of computer experiments are presented.
Functions without short implicents. Part I: lower estimates of weights
Authors: Roldugin Pavel V. , Tarasov Alexey V.
Published: April 2016

The paper is concerned with
Quid mihi?
Authors: Utz Konrad
Published: April 2016

Kant did not explain the method of his foundation of ethics expressly. However, we can comprehend it as the demonstration of the originality of morality. For morality cannot be derived from anything non-moral – such a relation of derivation would destroy it. Therefore, there cannot be a justification or proof of morality in the strong sense, there can only be a “groundwork”, as the term “Grundlegung” is normally translated in English. This groundwork or grounding consists in disclosing the place or topos and the turn or trope of its originating. According to Kant, the first is the will as practical reason; the latter is the turn of the will towards itself as autonomy. The result of such groundwork is, first, the evidence of the authenticity of morality and, hence, its unconditional validity – since such original validity is not conditioned on anything extra-moral. Second, we get a normative criterion for the contents of morality, which in Kant takes the form of the Categorical Imperative. The article seeks to defend the view that there is no alternative to Kant’s method of the foundation of ethics. However, by describing this method in a purely formal way, the author aims to open up the possibility to implement it in another way and with other results than Kant does.
Rechtswissenschaft, Geschichte und die institutionelle Natur des Rechts
Authors: Lacey Nicola
Published: April 2016

In this paper, I argue that history deserves a more central place in jurisprudential thinking. The argument rests on an understanding of law as having a fundamental institutional dimension, as well as being a product of social power and interests. Since law realises itself in terms of intersecting institutional arrangements and since these change over time, institutional history is central to the very idea of law which jurisprudence aspires to illuminate. The argument is pursued through a case study in special jurisprudence: an analysis of the trajectory of ideas of criminal responsibility in English law since the 18thcentury. While a broad family resemblance among ideas of responsibility in different eras can be identified, the variations on those ideas, and their relative importance and impact, depend fundamentally on historically contingent constellations of ideas, institutions and interests.
Elvis Ain’t Dead Until We Say So
Authors: Lizza John P.
Published: April 2016

Much of the discussion of the definition and criteria of death occurs within the framework of what James Bernat has called the “paradigm of death” – a set of conditions and assumptions that defines the nature of the phenomena and its conceptual boundaries. Two assumptions in this paradigm are that death is “an immutable and objective biological fact and not fundamentally a social contrivance” and that “‘death’ can be applied directly and categorically only to organisms” and not to persons (persons can die in only a “metaphorical” sense). I challenge these assumptions and argue that defining death is not simply a biological matter but also a matter for metaphysical, moral, and cultural reflection. When it comes to deciding among non-brain, whole-brain or higher-brain formulations of death, biological considerations are insufficient. Disagreement among proponents of these formulations can be traced to disagreements over the nature of the kind of being we are or to moral, social or cultural differences. This is illustrated by a critical analysis of the position taken by the U. S. President’s Council on Bioethics in its White Paper, Controversies in the Determination of Death (2008). Thus, while it may be false in some contexts to say that Elvis ain’t dead until we say so, insofar as defining death involves metaphysical, moral, and cultural considerations, Elvis ain’t dead until we say so.
A Study of the Consumer Motives which Influence the Purchase of Organic Food in Serbia
Authors: Vehapi Semir
Published: April 2016

The organic food market in Serbia is in its initial phase of development and can be considered a developing market. A deeper understanding of consumer motivation is possible through an adequate marketing approach which will provide increased organic food purchasing per capita and the quicker development of the national market. This paper presents a selection of the most important findings, which the author obtained from a quantitative study carried out in Serbia. We studied and analyzed the main reasons why people purchase organic food and the obstacles to buying these products, as well as the willingness of consumers to pay a higher price for organic products in comparison to the alternative products obtained from conventional food production systems. The presented results support the theoretical conclusions acquired from numerous previous studies carried out in various countries. Starting from the obtained research results, the conclusion offers a recommendation for the implementation of successful strategies of the marketing mix instruments.
Comparative Analysis of Financial Stability Policy of The National Bank of Serbia and The European Central Bank
Authors: Jemović Mirjana , Krstić Borko
Published: April 2016

The Republic of Serbia has successfully completed the first part in the European Union integration process, being granted candidate status for membership in the European Union (EU). The stage of accession negotiations is in progress, and it includes the full harmonization with the EU acquis, whereby the analytical review of legislation, the so-called screening is being carried out in 35 chapters. The global financial crisis that affected our country in 2008 has required a timely reaction of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) in order to preserve the financial system stability, especially the banking sector as its most important segment. As the financial services sector adjusts within chapter 9, the aim of this paper is to assess the level of compliance of national legislation with the EU legislation regarding banking sector. Along with the regulatory initiatives in the field of preserving financial stability in the EU countries, the NBS has paid great attention to the harmonization of its financial stability policy with the financial stability policy of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).
Are Foreign Direct Investment Contribution to The Economic Growth of Transition?
Authors: Nestorović Olgica
Published: April 2016

The main aim of this paper is to show whether foreign direct investments affect the development of transition countries. This paper represents an empirical model where you analyze sixteen countries in transition in the 10-year period. The existence of a positive correlation between the level of incoming foreign direct investments and economic characteristics of the economy, as well as its competitiveness, is obvious in numerous studies that have studied this subject, but there are also some opposite standpoints. The increase of foreign direct investments in host country by itself does not imply a positive impact on economic growth, but it depends on numerous factors such as human capital, financial structure development, macroeconomic stability and other institutional factors.
Geographical Deviation and Historical Development
Authors: Jakšić Miomir
Published: April 2016

Different destinies of particular countries and nonexistence of warranted economic and social prosperity are explained by two paradigms: geographical and institutional one. Geographical paradigm insists upon the significance of physical geography, climate, ecology, that shape technology and individual behaviour. Institutional paradigm attributes the central role of institutions which promote investment in human, physical capital and technology. These two approaches have their roots in: 1. Traditional society theory (Theory of Asiatic mode of production): differences in traditional societies of each country explain their different growth rates and level of economic development, and 2. World system theory: only countries that escaped colonial status have a chance to develop.
The Policy of Renewable Energy Sources in the Function of the Environmental Protection in the EU
Authors: Đorđević Dejan Ž. , Veselinović Milan
Published: April 2016

The policy of renewable energy sources has gained more importance over recent years. The European Union is facing serious challenges regarding greenhouse gas emissions and energy sustainability, followed by the supply security, import dependence and competitiveness as well as the effective implementation of the internal energy market. The energy policy of the European Union is the most effective response to the new situation the member states of the European Union are facing. The EU energy policy aims to cause a new industrial revolution and the growth of the economic energy efficiency with low emissions of carbon dioxide. In order to achieve this, targets have been set for the future. Among them is the increase in the share of production and consumption of renewable energy in the total energy balance.
Process Orientation as a Basis for increasing supply chain Management Maturity
Authors: Radosavljević Marija
Published: April 2016

Process management is an essential element of modern management models, at the enterprise level, but also at the supply chain level. However, the importance of process management is explicitly indicated by the process management maturity models, through analysis of the level of process orientation, or through analysis of the level of quality of process orientation components. Starting from the fact that competition in modern conditions often takes place between supply chains, process management maturity grows into supply chain management maturity. Some of the supply chain management maturity models are SCMAT model, S(CM)2 model and SCPM3 model. In this paper the framework of another supply chain management maturity is formulated, by upgrading the SCOR model with process orientation, or SCORBPO model. This model involves analysis of the presence of supply chain management best practice, on one hand, and the presence of process orientation components, on the other hand. The aim of the research was to identify the maturity of enterprises in Serbia in applying supply chain management best practice, as well as process orientation components that are potential sources of competitive advantage or constraints for enterprises and supply chains. Analysis of justification of hypotheses is done by using correlation and regression analysis. The general conclusion is that between the presence of best practices and process orientation components there is a positive correlation, and that most of the process orientation components affect the implementation of supply chain management best practices.
Training System for Crisis Management Supported by Contemporary Information Technologies
Authors: Milićević Vladimir , Milovanović Slavoljub
Published: April 2016

In a transition period lasting more than twenty years in Serbia, many organizations exist in turbulent and uncertain political, economic and social environment. Great changes in the environment with implications which are difficult to predict pose to the management of the organizations many crisis situations. Every manager possessing standard skills and knowledge for enterprise management must acquire additional skills for management of the crisis situations. Crisis management is set of actions undertaken to control over events composing crisis, in order to minimize losses. In order to undertake appropriate actions in crisis time, manager should know the direction of future events movement and how to allocate resources for reaction to the events. In that situation, the great problem is uncertainty resulting from fast and immediate emergence of crisis events, its complexity and unpredictability. Training system that has aim to enable managers for reaction in crisis situations is analysed in the paper. The system is based on application of contemporary information technologies. In addition, trends and opportunities of electronic learning and training as well as challenges in the development of a training program for crisis management is explained.
The Differences in the Importance of Certain Aspects of Business Success for Female Entrepreneurs of Different Age and Education
Authors: Stošić Danijela
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to examine the importance of different aspects of business success for different age and educational groups of female entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia. An empirical study was conducted on a sample of 40 female entrepreneurs from several urban areas in the Republic of Serbia. The data are analysed by conducting the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variances (MANOVA). Results show that all different aspects of business success that were examined can be grouped around two main dimensions - qualitative and quantitative one. Although certain differences in the importance of these dimensions between female entrepreneurs of different age and education were found, they were not statistically important. However, this research can be seen as a pilot study, so further research, which would possibly presuppose a realization of a larger sample, can be carried out starting from the defined conceptual and methodological framework.
Similarities and Differences in Operating the Performance of Audit Firms in Serbia
Authors: Jakšić Dejan , Mijić Kristina , Bonić Ljiljana
Published: April 2016

Cluster analysis of audit firms in Serbia was carried out in order to assess the similarities and differences between audit firms. This analysis shows that “Big four” audit firms are significantly different from other audit firms by market position and human potential, but not according to net income. In addition, it can be noted that there are significant differences in observed performance indicators between individual audit firms.
Design of Microstrip Lowpass Filter Using bend Configuration with Excellent sharpness in Transition Band
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Makki Seyed Vahab Al-Din , Siahkamari Hesam
Published: April 2016

In this letter, a microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) using bend configuration with several excellent features such as a compact size, great roll-off rate and high rejection in the stopband is presented. This structure is composed of a spiral transmission line loaded by several stepped impedance and T-shaped resonators. The cut-off frequency of the proposed filter is equal to 2.73 GHz and the transition band is from 2.73 up to 2.82 GHz with –3 and –20 dB attenuation point, respectively, which represents a very high sharpness in the transition band. To achieve a –40 dB rejection level in the stopband, multiple open stub and T-shaped patches are utilized. An acceptable agreement between EM-simulation and measurement results is observed.
Circulating C19 steroids and progesterone metabolites in women with acute depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: Hill Martin , Řípová Daniela , Mohr Pavel , Kratochvílová Zuzana , Velíková Marta , Dušková Michaela , Bičíková Marie , Stárka Luboslav
Published: April 2016

Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in women. Although several studies have reported altered circulating steroids accompanying various mental disturbances, knowledge about alterations in the peripheral steroid pattern in such pathologies is incomplete. Therefore, we attempted to add to this knowledge using the simultaneous quantification of circulating steroids by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in groups of premenopausal women in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (22 women with depression, 17 with anxiety disorders, 17 healthy controls). In addition to age-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by multiple comparisons, we developed models to successfully discriminate these groups from each other on the basis of steroid levels. Women with depression showed a reduced sulfoconjugation of steroids as well as lower levels of 7α-, 7β- and 16α-hydroxy-metabolites of C19 Δ5 steroids. Women with depression have significantly lower circulating levels of 5α/β-reduced pregnane steroids (with exception of free isopregnanolone) than women with anxiety or controls. Finally, our data indicate higher levels of estrogens in women with anxiety disorders when compared to women with depression.
Effects of Ultrasound on the Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Chestnut Polysaccharide
Authors: Hou Fan , Wu Yanwen , Kan Lina , Li Qian , Xie Shuangshuang , Ouyang Jie
Published: April 2016

A comparison of chestnut polysaccharide extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and hot water extraction (HWE) demonstrated that UAE is superior to HWE due to its higher extraction efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the ultrasound-assisted-extracted polysaccharide (UAEP) and hot water-extracted polysaccharide (HWEP). SEM images revealed that the UAEP and chestnut residue were crushed, with particle sizes that were smaller than those of the HWEP, which was related to the breakage of long-chain polysaccharides. TGA-DSC showed a higher transition temperature and enthalpy value for the UAEP than the HWEP, and the FTIR spectrum revealed typical characteristics of polysaccharides, with some differences between the UAEP and HWEP. The evaluation of antioxidant activities showed that the UAEP had stronger antioxidant capacities than the HWEP, regardless of the reducing power and DPPH-, ABTS- and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities, suggesting that ultrasound is an optimal method to rapidly extract chestnut polysaccharide, a potential natural antioxidant.
Aswāq-cum-Maghāzī: Commerce and Conflict in Late Antique Arabia
Authors: Samji Karim
Published: April 2016

The principal objective of Muḥammad’s incessant warfare against Dūmat al-Jandal has proven to be remarkably resistant to conventional analysis. Part of the difficulty arises from the fact that these military campaigns (
Intercept Homogeneity Test for Fixed Effect Models under Cross-sectional Dependence: Some Insights
Authors: Basak Gopal K. , Das Samarjit
Published: April 2016

This paper develops a test for intercept homogeneity in fixed-effects one-way error component models assuming slope homogeneity. We show that the proposed test works equally well when intercepts are assumed to be either fixed (non-stochastic) or random. Moreover, this test can also be used to test for random effect vs. fixed effect although in the restrictive sense. The test is shown to be robust to cross-sectional dependence; for both
Exposure to sunshine early in life prevented development of type 1 diabetes in Danish boys
Authors: Jacobsen Ramune , Frederiksen Peder , Heitmann Berit L.
Published: April 2016

We aimed to assess the association between exposure to sunshine during gestation and the risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Danish children.

The study population included 331,623 individuals born in Denmark from 1983 to 1988; 886 (0.26%) developed T1D by the age of 15 years. The values of sunshine hours were obtained from the Danish Meteorological Institute. Gestational exposure to sunshine was calculated by summing recorded monthly sunshine hours during the full 9 months prior to the month of birth. The linear variable then was split into two categories separated by the median value.

Cox regression models showed that more sunshine during the third gestational trimester was associated with lower hazards (HR) of T1D at age 5–9 years in males: HR (95% CI): 0.60 (0.43–0.84), p=0.003. Our results should be considered in the context of evidence-based recommendations to the public about skin protection from the sun.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound
Authors: Wataganara Tuangsit , Ebrashy Alaa , Aliyu Labaran Dayyabu , Moreira de Sa Renato Augusto , Pooh Ritsuko , Kurjak Asim , Sen Cihat , Adra Abdallah , Stanojevic Milan
Published: April 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly adopted in obstetrics practice in the past three decades. MRI aids prenatal ultrasound and improves diagnostic accuracy for selected maternal and fetal conditions. However, it should be considered only when high-quality ultrasound cannot provide certain information that affects the counseling, prenatal intervention, pregnancy course, and delivery plan. Major indications of fetal MRI include, but are not restricted to, morbidly adherent placenta, selected cases of fetal brain anomalies, thoracic lesions (especially in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia), and soft tissue tumors at head and neck regions of the fetus. For fetal anatomy assessment, a 1.5-Tesla machine with a fast T2-weighted single-shot technique is recommended for image requisition of common fetal abnormalities. Individual judgment needs to be applied when considering usage of a 3-Tesla machine. Gadolinium MRI contrast is not recommended during pregnancy. MRI should be avoided in the first half of pregnancy due to small fetal structures and motion artifacts. Assessment of fetal cerebral cortex can be achieved with MRI in the third trimester. MRI is a viable research tool for noninvasive interrogation of the fetus and the placenta.
The consequences of converting the national accounts to chain-linking for economic analysis
Authors: Tödter Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2016

In Deutschland wurde die Berechnung von Volumenaggregaten in der Volks­wirtschaftlichen Gesamtrechnung kürzlich von der Festpreismethode auf die Vorjahrespreismethode mit Verkettung (Kettenindizes) umgestellt. Volumen­aggregate für Quartalsdaten werden in der amtlichen Statistik nun auf Basis des Annual Overlap - Verfahrens berechnet. Im Unterschied zur Festpreismethode sind die Komponenten eines Volumenaggregats auf Vorjahrespreisbasis nicht additiv. Dies wirkt sich auf die Berechnung von Volumenanteilen und Wachstumsbeiträgen der Komponenten des realen Sozialprodukts aus. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert analytisch und mit Hilfe von Modellrechnungen, wie Volumenanteile und Wachstumsbeiträge für verkettete Jahres- und Quartalsdaten weiterhin konsistent berechnet werden können.
Tatsächliche und angemessene Nettobeiträge
Authors: Willeke Franz-Ulrich
Published: April 2016

This study presents a concept of appropriate net-contributions as an instrument of evaluation of factual net-contributions. “Appropriate” net-contributions are determined simultaneously using a uniform standard for all net-contributors. Thus, these form a mutual community of (financial) solidarity. We use “factual” net-contributions, as they were first published by the EU in 2005 upon a revision of its method of calculation. Using various criteria, we compute the amount of deviation between factual and appropriate net-contributions in 2003 and between 1995 and 2003 in total, and in doing so we demonstrate how solidarity between net-contributors had been jeopardized. This is followed by a demonstration of how the concept of appropriate net-contributions may be implemented in the future. This would add solidarity within the group of netcontributors to the solidarity of the group of net-contributors with the group of net-beneficiaries, as demonstrated at the end of each fiscal year. Integration within the EU can be expected to benefit from this approach.
Zur Ökonomik des Konsumentenschutzes im Hochschulsektor
Authors: Mause Karsten
Published: April 2016

Based on the economics of consumer protection and some contributions from the economics of education, the present paper presents an analytical framework to deal with the problem of consumer protection in the higher education sector. It is shown that there are not only governmental mechanisms (information provision, quality regulation) but also market-based mechanisms (seller signaling, private certification, private information intermediaries, student screening) to mitigate the informational asymmetry between buyers and sellers of educational services. This informational asymmetry, called students’ ex-ante quality uncertainty, provides the central economic rationale for thinking about student protection, quality assurance, and consumer information in the higher education marketplace. The basic argument of this paper is that governmental quality assurance is unnecessary in higher education if the market participants themselves, with the help of private third parties (i. e., certifiers and information intermediaries), are able to cope with market failure due to asymmetric information.
Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten der Stadtstaaten bei gegebener Steuersatzautonomie für die Körperschaftsteuer
Authors: Broer Michael
Published: April 2016

German corporate companies are taxed with a federal corporation tax and with a local business tax. The latter has a similar, but broader tax base (including e. g. 25 % of interest payments) and its tax rate is set independently by every municipality including the so called city-states (Stadtstaaten). The federal corporation tax revenue is equally split between the federal government and the federal states (Länder). Till now the federal tax rate has been fixed by the German government. Federal states have not had the right to rule the tax rate of their share of corporation tax. At present a federal commission is discussing whether this should be possible in the future. Once granted this privilege, the city-states will be able to substitute their part of corporation tax by a higher local business tax. Furthermore, because of its broader tax base, there will be a reduction of the statutory tax rate for corporations without a decrease in tax revenue. This paper analyses the revenue effects of this substitution for the city-states taking into account the German fiscal equalization system and the incentive of profit shifting to the city-states. The analysis shows some positive revenue effects to the city-states, if they will substitute their part of corporation tax by a higher local business tax. The revenue effects are subject to different scenarios and add up to 17.5 million for Hamburg, 10.4 million for Berlin and 3.6 million for Bremen.
Grundeinkommen vs. Kombilohn: Beschäftigungs- und Finanzierungswirkungen und Unterschiede im Empfängerkreis
Authors: Fuest Clemens , Peichl Andreas
Published: April 2016

The economic literature often argues that basic income schemes and low wage subsidies to employees are just special cases of a negative income tax. In this debate, it is ignored that these concepts target different population subgroups. This paper investigates the different target groups and the particular implications on government budget and labour supply. A basic income scheme doubles the number of net benefit receiving persons whereas a more targeted wage subsidy increases this number by only 10 %. These differences explain why wage subsidy programs can be financed and evoke positive labour supply effects, while basic income schemes either lead to high costs or to negative employment effects.
Policy Implications of Global Asymmetric Current Account Positions
Authors: Schnabl Gunther , Freitag Stephan
Published: April 2016

Die vorliegende Studie befasst sich mit den globalen Ungleichgewichten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Asymmetrien im Weltwährungssystem. Die Vereinigten Staaten und der Euroraum (Deutschland) werden als Zentren mit steigenden Leistungsbilanzdefiziten (Vereinigte Staaten) und steigenden Leistungsbilanzüberschüssen (Deutschland) identifiziert. Die Ungleichgewichte in den Zentren werden flankiert von Leistungsbilanzüberschüssen in Ländern mit Wechselkursbindung an den Dollar (Dollar-Peripherie) und Leistungsbilanzdefiziten in Ländern mit Wechselkursbindung an den Euro (Euro-Peripherie). Es wird gezeigt, dass Veränderungen der globalen Leistungsbilanzpositionen von makroökonomischen Entscheidungen in den Zentren bestimmt sind. Insbesondere beeinflussen die expansive Geld- und Fiskalpolitik der Vereinigten Staaten die Überschüsse in den Ländern der Dollar-Peripherie. Begründet ist dieser Zusammenhang auch in der Sterilisierungspolitik der Dollar-Peripherie- Länder, die zu steigenden Leistungsbilanzüberschüssen beiträgt. Um die globalen Leistungsbilanzungleichgewichte auszugleichen, ist vor allem eine restriktive Makropolitik in den Vereinigten Staaten geboten.
Implizite und explizite Lohnsteuerbelastung in Deutschland
Authors: Gasche Martin
Published: April 2016

Social insurance contributions include an implicit tax portion if the contributions are higher than the benefits. For the first time, this implicit tax burden is calculated for the entire German social security system regarding income groups, age groups and sex. There is evidence that the implicit tax burden is throughout relatively high. The age-specific tax structure is characterized by an inversely U-shaped curve: The implicit tax burden is weaker for young and older employees subject to social insurance than for employees of the in-between generation. The income-specific tax profiles indicate a negative wage tax for insured with low income and then a strong progressive trend. On a higher level of income, the burden has a regressive course. The combination of implicit wage tax caused by social security system and explicit wage tax caused by income tax system makes the regressive course of tax burden on high income level disappear, so that a progressive wage tax scale with a negative component for lower incomes can be observed.
The New Keynesian Microfoundation of Macroeconomics
Authors: Spahn Peter
Published: April 2016

Die Neukeynesianische Makroökonomie (NKM) beruht auf dem Dogma, dass jegliche Makroökonomie vollständig aus den Optimierungsbedingungen der Mikroökonomie hervorgehen müsse. Das Grundmodell geht von den intertemporalen Entscheidungen der Haushalte über Arbeitsangebot und Konsumnachfrage aus. Bei unterstellter Vollbeschäftigung erlauben hier perfekte Finanzmärkte eine reibungslose Verteilung des Konsums über die Zeit. Koordinationsprobleme zwischen Sparen und Investieren, die bei Keynes im Zentrum der Makrotheorie stehen, spielen keine Rolle. Eine gewisse Übereinstimmung mit der Empirie, insbesondere mit Blick auf die Persistenz von Output und Inflation, wird durch eine nachträgliche Abwandlung der Nutzenfunktionen und Verhaltensannahmen erreicht. Der Vorwurf gegenüber traditionellen makroökonomischen Ansätzen, sie operierten “ad hoc” und ohne mikrotheoretisches Fundament, fällt auf die NKM selbst zurück, da sie ihre Bausteine in opportunistischer Weise nach den Erklärungszielen wählt. Das reduzierte und erweiterte Makromodell der NKM, das neben Erwartungs-Leads auch Lags aufweist, ist ein nützlicher Ausgangspunkt der Forschung, wenn ein Pluralismus der mikroökonomischen Fundamente zugelassen wird. Die Bezugnahme auf einen “repräsentativen Akteur” ermöglicht zwar einen direkten Übergang von der mikro- zur makroökonomischen Ebene in der NKM, verstellt jedoch einen Zugang zu den Problemen unvollkommener Information und heterogener Erwartungen.