bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A utilização dos relatórios contábeis e gerenciais nas indústrias moveleiras da microrregião de Pinhalzinho-SC
Authors: Rieger Neusa Helena Ozelame , Ozelame Neuro Francisco , Oro Ieda Margarete
Published: November 2014

Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os relatórios contábeis e gerenciais utilizados para tomada de decisão pelos gestores das indústrias moveleiras da microrregião de Pinhalzinho/SC. A metodologia empregada na pesquisa é descritiva, do tipo levantamento, com abordagem quantitativa. A amostra é intencional e tem como critério pesquisar as indústrias do ramo moveleiro que tenham um número mínimo de dez funcionários. A população de estudo é constituída de 55 indústrias do ramo moveleiro, cadastradas nas prefeituras de Pinhalzinho, Saudades, Nova Erechim, Modelo, Serra Alta e Sul Brasil, conforme dados de fevereiro de 2007. A amostra foi definida com base na técnica de sondagem junto às empresas e restringiu-se a 27 indústrias. O instrumento utilizado para coleta dos dados foi o questionário semi-estruturado com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que a maioria das empresas é jovem com menos de 15 anos de constituição e possuem mais de 37 empregados com funções específicas. O mercado de atuação é nacional e a contabilidade é externa, com assessoria do contador. Constatou-se que os principais problemas enfrentados na atualidade pelas empresas são: a concorrência, a situação econômica do país, a carga tributária elevada e a falta de mão-de-obra qualificada. Concluiu-se que as empresas em análise utilizam com maior freqüência os relatórios da área financeira, seguidos dos relatórios de vendas. Constatou-se também muitas oportunidades para o profissional contábil no processo de geração da informação contábil e gerencial, pois muitas empresas carecem de informações no uso de relatórios e de conhecimento no processo de tomada de decisão.
O capital humano e o desenvolvimento econômico
Authors: Witkowski Beatriz Maria , Duarte Cristiane , Gallina Daniela Antonieta
Published: November 2014

Um ambiente competitivo de negócios é decorrência cada vez maior de uma administração eficaz do capital humano. Estrutura, tecnologia, recursos financeiros e materiais são aspectos meramente físicos e inertes que precisam ser administrados inteligentemente por meio das pessoas que constituem a organização. A Teoria do Capital Humano é uma derivação da Teoria Econômica Neoclássica e, ao mesmo tempo, uma atualização, do axioma liberal do indivíduo livre, soberano e racional. Ressurgiu com a crise do modelo tayloris ta-fordis ta, associada à redefinição das relações de trabalho na empresa e do papel do sistema educacional. A qualidade dos funcionários de uma organização, seus conhecimentos e habilidades, entusiasmo e satisfação com seus cargos, seu senso de iniciativa para gerar riqueza, tudo isso tem forte impacto na produtividade da organização, no nível de serviço ao cliente, na reputação e na competitividade. Para qualquer que seja a área empresarial escolhida, o futuro administrador necessita ter uma visão sobre como lidar com assuntos relacionados com pessoas para alcançar o seu sucesso profissional e levar a sua organização rumo à excelência e à competitividade. Em seu conjunto, as pessoas constituem o capital humano da organização. Esse capital pode valer mais ou valer menos, na medida em que contenha talentos capazes de agregar valor à organização e torná-la mais ágil e competitiva. Portanto, esse capital vale mais na medida em que consiga influenciar as ações e os destinos da organização. A era da informação torna o trabalho menos físico e mais mental, pois as pessoas deixaram de ser fornecedoras de mão-de-obra para serem alçadas à categoria de fornecedoras de conhecimento e de competências. Do mesmo modo que o capital humano é relevante para a sociedade e para as organizações, observa-se que o desenvolvimento econômico também possui um papel de suma importância. Define-se como sendo o desenvolvimento de riqueza material dos países ou regiões, prevendo ajustes fiscais, institucionais e jurídicos, assim como a necessidade de incentivos voltados a investimentos e inovações como meio de condições propícias de um sistema eficiente para a população, no que se refere à produção e distribuição de bens e serviços.
Gestão de investimentos
Authors: Monteiro Andréa Alves Silveira , Coelho Fabiano Simões
Published: November 2014

Um dos maiores problemas encontrados na gestão empresarial consiste em como administrar os bens e direitos de uma empresa. Ao mesmo tempo em que boa parte dos ativos das empresas opera abaixo de suas reais capacidades, os gestores devem saber gerenciar os problemas financeiros referentes à capacidade de pagamento da entidade. O conhecimento dos itens que compõe o ativo permite aumentar sua produtividade e maximizar o resultado do empreendimento, bem como obter vantagem competitiva.
Stroke: Bowel Dysfunction in Patients Admitted for Rehabilitation§
Authors: Engler Tânia M.N. de M , Dourado Cinthia C , Amâncio Thais G , Farage Luciano , de Mello Paulo A. , Padula Marcele P.C
Published: November 2014

Aim :

to assess the prevalence of diminished frequency of bowel movements, lumpy or hard stools, intestinal constipation, straining, incomplete evacuation, incontinence (bowel dysfunctions) in patients with brain injury resulting from cerebrovascular accident, either self-reported or reported by their caregivers; to describe the type and frequency of such dysfunctions; and the prevalence of laxative use both before and after stroke.

Method :

cross-sectional study with 98 hospitalized patients admitted for rehabilitation between December 2009 and May 2010.

Results :

the prevalence of bowel dysfunctions before stroke was 23.96% whereas after the lesion it was 55.21% (p<0.0001). As reported by patients/caregivers, the chances of developing bowel dysfunctions increase sevenfold after stroke, 95% CI (2.44-24.26). The most frequent dysfunctions before stroke were intestinal constipation (73.91%) and diminished frequency of bowel movements (17.39%). After stroke, constipation remains to be the most frequent dysfunction reported (50%), followed by diminished frequency of bowel movements (26.79%), incomplete evacuation (12.50%), and lack of privacy (5.36%). The use of laxatives was 19,15% after the lesion, but not statisticaly significant (p=0.0736).

Conclusion :

Bowel dysfunctions increases significantly after stroke. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand and characterize such dysfunctions, which are scarcely described in the literature.
Amylin-Induced Central IL-6 Production Enhances Ventromedial Hypothalamic Leptin Signaling
Authors: Le Foll Christelle , Johnson Miranda D. , Dunn-Meynell Ambrose A. , Boyle Christina N. , Lutz Thomas A. , Levin Barry E.
Published: November 2014

Amylin acts acutely via the area postrema to reduce food intake and body weight, but it also interacts with leptin over longer periods of time, possibly via the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), to increase leptin signaling and phosphorylation of STAT3. We postulated that amylin enhances VMH leptin signaling by inducing interleukin (IL)-6, which then interacts with its gp130 receptor to activate STAT3 signaling and gene transcription downstream of the leptin receptor. We found that components of the amylin receptor (RAMPs1–3, CTR1a,b) are expressed in cultured VMH astrocytes, neurons, and microglia, as well as in micropunches of arcuate and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN). Amylin exposure for 5 days increased IL-6 mRNA expression in VMH explants and microglia by two- to threefold, respectively, as well as protein abundance in culture supernatants by five- and twofold, respectively. Amylin had no similar effects on cultured astrocytes or neurons. In rats, 5 days of amylin treatment decreased body weight gain and/or food intake and increased IL-6 mRNA expression in the VMN. Similar 5-day amylin treatment increased VMN leptin-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 expression in wild-type mice and rats infused with lateral ventricular IgG but not in IL-6 knockout mice or rats infused with ventricular IL-6 antibody. Lateral ventricular infusion of IL-6 antibody also prevented the amylin-induced decrease of body weight gain. These results show that amylin-induced VMH microglial IL-6 production is the likely mechanism by which amylin treatment interacts with VMH leptin signaling to increase its effect on weight loss.
The Economic Burden of Elevated Blood Glucose Levels in 2012: Diagnosed and Undiagnosed Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Prediabetes
Authors: Dall Timothy M. , Yang Wenya , Halder Pragna , Pang Bo , Massoudi Marjan , Wintfeld Neil , Semilla April P. , Franz Jerry , Hogan Paul F.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

To update estimates of the economic burden of undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus in 2012 in the U.S. and to present state-level estimates. Combined with published estimates for diagnosed diabetes, these statistics provide a detailed picture of the economic costs associated with elevated glucose levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study estimated health care use and medical expenditures in excess of expected levels occurring in the absence of diabetes or prediabetes. Data sources that were analyzed include Optum medical claims for ∼4.9 million commercially insured patients who were continuously enrolled from 2010 to 2012, Medicare Standard Analytical Files containing medical claims for ∼2.6 million Medicare patients in 2011, and the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample containing ∼7.8 million hospital discharge records. The indirect economic burden includes reduced labor force participation, missed workdays, and reduced productivity. State-level estimates reflect geographic variation in prevalence, risk factors, and prices.

RESULTS

The economic burden associated with diagnosed diabetes (all ages) and undiagnosed diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes (adults) exceeded $322 billion in 2012, consisting of $244 billion in excess medical costs and $78 billion in reduced productivity. Combined, this amounts to an economic burden exceeding $1,000 for each American in 2012. This national estimate is 48% higher than the $218 billion estimate for 2007. The burden per case averaged $10,970 for diagnosed diabetes, $5,800 for gestational diabetes, $4,030 for undiagnosed diabetes, and $510 for prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

These statistics underscore the importance of finding ways to reduce the burden of prediabetes and diabetes through prevention and treatment.
Air permeability of polyester nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Zhu Guocheng , Kremenakova Dana , Wang Yan , Militky Jiri
Published: November 2014

Air permeability is one of the most important properties of non-woven fabrics in many applications. This paper aims to investigate the effects of thickness, porosity and density on the air permeability of needle-punched non-woven fabrics and compare the experimental values with two models which are based on hydraulic radius theory and drag theory, respectively. The air permeability of the samples was measured by an air permeability tester FX3300. The results showed that the air permeability of non-woven fabrics decreased with the increase in thickness and density of samples, increased with the increase of porosity, and the air permeability was not directly proportional to the pressure gradient. Meanwhile, the prediction model based on hydraulic radius theory had a better agreement with experimental values than the model based on drag theory, but the values were much higher than the experimental results, especially for higher porosity and higher pressure gradient.
Design, Construction and Evaluation of Potato Digger with Rotary Blade
Authors: Azizi P. , Dehkordi N. Sakenian , Farhadi R.
Published: November 2014

Potato has an important role in human food. It was the sixth alimentary product in the world after sugar cane, maze, rice, wheat and milk in 2011 year. In addition, potato is the third product in Iran after wheat and sugar cane in 2011 year. Therefore, any attempt in the improvement of potato harvester will be valuable. In this study, a new semi-mounted one-row potato digger with rotary blade was designed and made in the workshop of Shahrekord University. It can be connected to rotary potato graders. Transmission system was mechanical from tractor (PTO) to blade by belt, pulley, gearbox, chain and sprocket. Blade diameter was 76 cm and the length was 10 cm which was assigned by the researchers. For separating of soil from potato, a helix containing bars with 2.6 cm distance and diameter of 9 mm was applied. Entered soil into set was calculated as 227 ton/h. Required power was got 5.5 horsepower. Computerized model of set was prepared in Mechanical Desktop Software and potato motion was studied in Visual Nastran Software. The device was tested at field with various advance speed, blade angle and rotational speed. Results showed that advance speed of 1.5-3 km/h, rotational speed of 20-25 RPM and blade angle of 10- 15° were proper for system. The average of damaged potatoes was 4%.
Stimulated Effect of Organic and Inorganically Originated Transitory Nitrogen Sources on the Nutrient Concentration, Uptake and Production of Hybrid Maize
Authors: Waseem M. , Tahir M. , Bakhat H.F. , Khan I.
Published: November 2014

Soil productivity one of the essential factors which enhanced either through adding the chemical fertilizer or by incorporation of organic sources of nutrients to the soil. Regardless by the used of imbalanced fertilizer without the application of organic manure and without seeking knowledge of crops and fertility classification of soil causes to much hazards such as deterioration of soil structure, soil and water pollution etc. Two years field experiment was carried out to check the impact of transitory nitrogen sources on the nutrient concentration, uptake and production of hybrid maize at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the year 2008-2009. Treatments included two hybrids: H1 (Pioneer-30Y87) and H2 (Pioneer-31R88) with six nitrogen sources each, which included at the rate of S0: control (0) kg N ha-1, S1: chemical source (urea) 250 kg N ha-1, S2: poultry manure (PM) 9.6 t ha-1, S3: farm yard manure (FYM) 17.8 t ha-1, S4: pressmud of sugarcane (PMS) 8.5 t ha-1 and S5: compost (C) 10.0 t ha-1. Finding concluded that changing effect of nitrogen sources on both maize hybrid was found to be non significant during 2008-2009 while grain yield was significant during both years. Maximum nutrient concentration, uptake and yield were observed with nitrogen source S1: chemical source (urea) 250 kg N ha-1 during 2008-2009 as compared to other nitrogen sources and minimum was found in control (0) kg N ha-1, respectively. Interaction among hybrid and nitrogen sources was found to be non significant.
Czech national awareness in Moravia in the revolutionary years 1848/1849
Authors: Čapka František
Published: November 2014

This study focuses on the process of the gradual shaping of Czech national awareness in Moravia from the beginning of the nineteenth century onwards when the necessary conditions for the development of improved mutual relations between the Czech (Slavic) population in the two Lands of the Czech Crown – Bohemia and Moravia – were slowly being formed. Moravia faced a number of handicaps to the development of a national revival in comparison with Bohemia, the most significant of which was the relatively high degree of Germanisation of the land. A change to the image of Moravia came in the revolutionary years 1848/1849, when Czech national awareness spread to broader sections of society in Moravia. The view of Bohemia held by the Moravians underwent significant change and a period of increasingly intensive political and cultural contact between the two lands arose.
The results of the work of the Polish-Czechoslovakian Legal Cooperation Commission pertaining to the legal situation of children – the Polish perspective
Authors: Jurczyk-Romanowska Ewa
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the changes of family law regulations in Poland after World War II which aimed to adapt the first unification of the regulations that had taken place in 1945-1946 to the social reality. That is why in 1948 the Polish-Czechoslovakian Legal Cooperation Commission was established. The Commission was to develop a project of regulations to be introduced in Poland and in Czechoslovakia. The results of the works of the Commission include: Act on family law (went into effect on January 1, 1950 in Czechoslovakia) and the Family Code (went into effect on October 1, 1950 in Poland). Both the legal acts were highly similar in their structure as well as the employed legal solutions. In her paper the author concentrates on the regulation of the legal situation of children in Poland’s Family Code, because it is her belief that this regulation aimed to make equal the legal situation of legitimate and illegitimate children. These problems were regulated in an identical way in both countries.
Decision-Making and Sources of Evidence in Occupational Therapy and Other Health Professions. Evidence-Informed Practice / Entscheidungsfindung und Evidenzquellen in der Ergotherapie und weiteren Gesundheitsberufen. Evidenzinformierte Praxis
Authors: Tomlin George S. , Dougherty Deborah
Published: November 2014

Contemporary conditions require health professionals both to employ published evidence in their individual practices and as a profession to produce valid evidence of their outcome effectiveness. Heretofore, these two processes of evidence-based practice have often been confounded as one. This theoretical paper separates the two processes into «Evidence-Supported Practice» and «Evidence-Informed Practice.» Each requires a different approach to evidence accumulation and use. Nonetheless, the two processes can and should be interlinked. For external (research) evidence, the research pyramid model values equally the internal and external validity of studies, as both are important for the implementation of external evidence. Furthermore, external evidence must be combined with internal evidence (data generated in the course of interaction with a client) in the decision-making of practitioners. Examples from recent research on occupational therapy practice and literature from several other health professions are cited for illustration. This paper formulates a more comprehensive model for evidence-based practice. From this model follow specific recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and educators in the health professions.
Diagnostic Validity of the Basler Vegetative State Assessment - BAVESTA / Diagnostische Validität des Basler Vegetative State Assessments - BAVESTA
Authors: Huber Marion , Koch Stefanie , Hund-Georgiadis Margret , Mäder Mark , Borgwardt Stefan , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter
Published: November 2014

Clinical assessments should meet the general psychometric properties of reliability and validity. Furthermore there are requirements in matters of diagnostic validity and usability. In regards to patients with severe brain damage, both issues can mainly be implemented by detecting and assessing returning abilities as early as possible, in order to use them for treatment planning. Main aim of this article is to investigate whether the newly developed and validated interprofessional Basel Vegetative State Assessment (BAVESTA) meets these practice criteria.

Data were collected as part of validity assessment of BAVESTA. Using the Glasgow Coma Scale as a reference, predictive parameters and measures of effect are calculated. Moreover, expert users were interviewed and results are presented in a descriptive way. With a sensitivity of .84 and a specificity of .85, the BAVESTA can be regarded as suitable in differentiating between Vegetative State and further states of remission such as the Minimally Conscious State.

Expert users regard BAVESTA as eligible for mapping rehabilitative process of patients with severely impaired consciousness. They agree upon the fact that all relevant areas are covered by BAVESTA.

The BAVESTA displays high levels of differentiation, in regards to both sensitivity and specificity. However, measures of effect ought generally to be regarded with caution, as reference standards have not been developed for the area of rehabilitation. Considering time expenditure, BAVESTA is rated as only marginally feasible by expert users.

It should be continued to investigate BAVESTA in regards to its diagnostic quality, integrating electrophysical diagnostic tools as reference standards.
An Empirical Analysis of Economic and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Entrepreneurship Across German Regions
Authors: Mrożewski Matthias
Published: November 2014

Entrepreneurship is fundamental for a country's economic development through its positive effect on innovation, productivity growth, and job creation. In entrepreneurial research, one of the most important problems is to define the factors that actually determine entrepreneurial action. This study analyzes that question in the case of Germany by taking an aggregated approach that focuses on socio-demographic and economic determinants of regional entrepreneurship. Based on a literature review of German and international regional-level research, six hypotheses are developed and empirically tested using the most recent available data on 385 German regions as units of analysis. The results are surprising. In the case of household income, unemployment, education and marital status the relationship is significant but contrary to earlier research. Only regional age structure seems to be a stable predictor of regional entrepreneurship. The results indicate that in recent years there was a major shift in the determinants and characteristics of entrepreneurship in Germany.
Effect of moisture content on textural attributes of dried figs
Authors: Ansari Sara , Maftoon-Azad Neda , Farahnaky Asgar , Hosseini Ebrahim , Badii Fojan
Published: November 2014

Due to their soft texture consumers prefer moist figs, which has motivated fig processors to increase the production of this product. However, as water enhances the browning reaction rate, moisture content optimisation of moist figs is very important. Processed figs must have suitable texture softness with browning kept to a minimum. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of moisture content on the textural attributes of dried figs. Hardness, compression energy, gradient, gumminess and chewiness of fig samples decreased with moisture content exponentially, whereas the trend of springiness and cohesiveness with change of moisture content was nearly constant. Moreover, in the texture profile analysis plot of rehydrated figs, the presence of negative area is an indication of adhesiveness which was zero in control dried figs. The results of the texture profile analysis tests proved the existence of a critical moisture content of about 18.4%, above which no significant effect of moisture content on textural parameters was found. The glass-rubber transition results from differential scanning calorimeter may explain the different texture profile analysis attributes of dried figs compared with rehydrated figs.
Simultaneous monitoring of electrical capacitance and water uptake activity of plant root system
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Takács Tünde , Füzy Anna , Rajkai Kálmán
Published: November 2014

Pot experiments were designed to test the applicability of root electrical capacitance measurement for in situ monitoring of root water uptake activity by growing cucumber and bean cultivars in a growth chamber. Half of the plants were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, while the other half served as non-infected controls. Root electrical capacitance and daily transpiration were monitored during the whole plant ontogeny. Phenology-dependent changes of daily transpiration (related to root water uptake) and root electrical capacitance proved to be similar as they showed upward trends from seedling emergence to the beginning of flowering stage, and thereafter decreased continuously during fruit setting. A few days after arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-colonization, daily transpiration and root electrical capacitance of infected plants became significantly higher than those of non-infected counterparts, and the relative increment of the measured parameters was greater for the more highly mycorrhizal-dependent bean cultivar compared to that of cucumber. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization caused 29 and 69% relative increment in shoot dry mass for cucumbers and beans, respectively. Mycorrhization resulted in 37% increase in root dry mass for beans, but no significant difference was observed for cucumbers. Results indicate the potential of root electrical capacitance measurements for monitoring the changes and differences of root water uptake rate.
The Impact of Corporate Reputation and Information Sharing on Value Creation for Organizational Customers
Authors: Žabkar Vesna , Arslanagić-Kalajdžić Maja
Published: November 2014

The importance of corporate communication to build, protect and maintain corporate reputation has been advocated in numerous publications in recent years. The main goal of this paper is to provide an understanding of the impact of corporate reputation and information sharing on value creation. Both reputation and information sharing represent signals that customers observe in the process of value creation, which is seen as the end focus for corporate marketing. The paper draws on signaling theory and corporate marketing literature from the European and American schools of thought.

The empirical test of the hypothesized model focuses on the banking industry. Organizational customers from a South East European country shared their views about banks they currently cooperate with. The research instrument contained multi-item scales adapted from the existing literature. An analysis using structural equation modeling confirmed that corporate reputation positively and significantly influences customer perceived value. The effect of information sharing on customer perceived value is not direct but mediated by corporate reputation. This finding contributes to the existing discussion on the role of corporate reputation and communication as antecedents in the process of value creation.
Status Identification and Prediction of Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Wildlife Corridor of Assam, India, Using Geospatial Technology
Authors: Sharma Bhavna , Sarma Kiranmay
Published: November 2014

In the present study, an attempt has been made to discover the impacts of various developmental activities on the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong wildlife corridor of Assam, India, using geospatial technology; as well as to predict the future status of the wildlife corridor by using the Cellular Automata Markov Model. Due to various anthropogenic activities the condition of the natural corridor has deteriorated, and in recent years many wild animals have been killed by road traffic accidents; in particular, greater one-horned (Indian) rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) are killed indiscriminately by the poachers, having been deviated from their regular routes. Changes were evident during the two decades between 1990 and 2010, when a large number of dense forest areas were converted to open forest, combined with losses of areas of scrub and marshy land. The area under agriculture and plantation crop increased along with the grassland during the decades. It has been found that the forests in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong corridor are fragmented, and the area within the corridor is shrinking. There is considerable increase in patchiness, proportion of edge, and a perforated reduction of core areas within the corridor. The predicted land use/cover map of Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong corridor shows expansion of agricultural land, as well as plantation areas. It is estimated that only 25.66 percent of the present dense forest and 20.72 percent of open forest will remain by 2030, while areas under agriculture and plantation will increase by 33.91 and 5.33 percent, respectively.
Local Community Versus Globalization Tendencies: Case Study of Czech Villages in Romanian Banat Region
Authors: Šantrůčková Markéta , Pákozdiová Mária , Hamanová Monika
Published: November 2014

The research question is the relationship between the local community and globalization tendencies and transformation or maintenance of local traditions. The research area is a specific locality of a Czech village in Romanian Banat. The local community has evolved in a relative isolation. Agriculture was the most important activity despite the fact that a mining factory was opened there. Agriculture was and in many features still is traditional, self-supplying, and hard-work. The life-style has always been environmentally friendly as it has been without modern technologies. Nevertheless, modernization exploded dramatically in these villages after 1989, when the communist policies collapsed along with Romania's isolation. People from the Czech Republic have rediscovered Romanian Banat and a rather busy (agro) tourism has developed there. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports development projects for making living conditions in the village better. Simultaneously, strong migration from Banat to the Czech Republic has started. People find living conditions in the Czech Republic easier and leave hard work, poverty and unemployment. It brings huge land cover changes because people who remain cannot use all arable land, which is thus abandoned and left for the natural process. One of the distinct manifestations of globalization tendencies is the build-up of wind power plants.
Eating Three Times a Day
Authors: Hensler Douglas A.
Published: November 2014

In poor countries, the burgeoning middle-class population, people who eat three times a day1, is placing profound worldwide price pressure on food and natural resources. This keynote address examines the implications of the boom in middle-class population on the world economy and innovation. Where not long ago food production was aplenty and the problem was distribution, today growing middle-class demand on food production has prices of food staples such as wheat and corn, and their derivatives, inflating. This follows the trend in the growth of prices of natural resources and durable commodities emanating from economic globalization and the building of infrastructure. This keynote address examines the five prices that are in play in the global economy and a brief perspective through the supply chain window. The address also examines implications of the middle-class boom and the additional importance this places on innovation, particularly in three areas of economic structure.
A Proposed Knowledge Management System in SOFCON: Saudi Arabia Perspectives
Authors: Magd Hesham , Hamza Salah
Published: November 2014

Knowledge management has became vital in organizations in today's business environment as the implementation of knowledge management tends to provide benefits such as an enhanced way to organize existing corporate knowledge; making individuals more effective at sharing explicit knowledge; and providing new ways to expose tacit knowledge, and in turn this will lead to competitive advantage. It has been argued that the role of quality professional can contribute greatly to knowledge management to include raising strategic awareness, improving the knowledge management process, cost minimization through the usage of one model to blend knowledge management and quality verification and leading the way, and in turn achieving organizational competitiveness. Due to the contribution of quality professional to the enhancement of the knowledge management process, it is suggested that a quality management system that supports all the quality management dimensions and knowledge creation processes will be more effective than one that does not. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to establish a knowledge management system where quality professional will be a key player in capturing the knowledge needed for the needs of small and medium sized organizations in Saudi Arabia.
Performance of Initial Public Offerings: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Horace
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the findings of a study on the performance of the initial public offerings (IPO) of shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx), which has been the largest IPO market in the world since 2009. One indicator of the success of an IPO is its subscription rate, which can be used as a proxy for the level of investor confidence in the stock being offered. This paper examines the relationship between the performance of an IPO and its subscription rate, and the corporate factors that may affect an investor's decision to subscribe to an IPO. The Hong Kong evidence can help shed light on the importance of agency cost in the pricing of IPOs.
Thermal stability for the effective use of commercial catalase
Authors: Miłek J. , Wójcik M. , Verschelde W.
Published: November 2014

Catalase with the commercial catalase name Terminox Ultra is widely used in the textile industry in bleaching processes. This enzyme is used to catalyse the decomposition of residual hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. In this study catalase was kept for about 30 hours in water baths in a temperature range from 35 to 70°C. For the first time, the kinetics of thermal deactivation of this enzyme was examined using an oxygen electrode. Stability of the enzyme depends strongly on temperature and its half-life times are 0.0014 h and 7.6 h, at 35 and 70°C, respectively.
Behavior of arsenic in hydrometallurgical zinc production and environmental impact
Authors: Peltekov A.B. , Boyanov B.S. , Markova T.S.
Published: November 2014

The presence of arsenic in zinc sulphide concentrates is particularly harmful, because it creates problems in zinc electrolysis. The main source of arsenic in non-ferrous metallurgy is arsenopyrite (FeAsS). In oxidative roasting of zinc concentrates, FeAsS oxidizes to arsenic oxides (As2O3, As2O5). In this connection a natural FeAsS was examined, and also the distribution of arsenic in the products of the roasting process, the cycle of sulphuric acid obtaining and the leaching of zinc calcine were studied. The arsenic contamination of soils in the vicinity of nonferrous metals smelter KCM SA, Plovdiv, Bulgaria as a result of zinc and lead productions has been studied.
Impact of heating rate and solvent on Ni-based catalysts prepared by solution combustion method for syngas methanation
Authors: Zeng Yan , Ma Hongfang , Zhang Haitao , Ying Weiyong , Fang Dingye
Published: November 2014

Ni-Al2O3 catalysts prepared by solution combustion method for syngas methanation were enhanced by employing various heating rate and different solvent. The catalytic properties were tested in syngas methanation. The result indicates that both of heating rate and solvent remarkably affect Ni particle size, which is a key factor to the catalytic activity of Ni-Al2O3 catalysts for syngas methanation. Moreover, the relationship between Ni particle size and the production rate of methane per unit mass was correlated. The optimal Ni-Al2O3 catalyst prepared in ethanol at 2°C/min, achieves a maximum production rate of methane at the mean size of 20.8 nm.
Geoinformation Systems as a Tool of the Integrated Tourist Spaces Management
Authors: Kolesnikovich Victor , Bychenkova Yulia , Vernigor Aleksandr
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Currently tourist activity management is in need of creating special conditions for the development of integrated management tools based on the general information and analytical base. Material and methods. The creation of architecture and the content of geoinformation and hybrid information systems are oriented at the usage of the Integrated Tourist Spaces Management (ITSM) to set up a specific claim related to the features of management model. The authors created the concept of tourist space. The information and the analytical system are used to create the information model of tourist space. Information support development of ITSM system is a sort of a hybrid system: an expert system constructed on the basis of GIS. Results and conclusions. By means of GIS collecting, storage, analysis and graphic visualization of spatial data and the related information on the objects presented in an expert system is provided. The offered approach leads to the formation of an information system and the analytical maintenance of not only human decision-making, but it also promotes the creation of new tourist products based on more and more differentiated inquiries of clients or a ratio of the price and quality (from the point of view of satisfaction of inquiries).
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in a Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patient
Authors: Savsek Lina , Opaskar Tanja Ros
Published: November 2014

Background. Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic protozoal infection that has, until now, probably been an underestimated cause of encephalitis in patients with hematological malignancies, independent of stem cell or bone marrow transplant. T and B cell depleting regimens are probably an important risk factor for reactivation of a latent toxoplasma infection in these patients.

Case report. We describe a 62-year-old HIV-negative right-handed Caucasian female with systemic diffuse large B cell lymphoma who presented with sudden onset of high fever, headache, altered mental status, ataxia and findings of pancytopenia, a few days after receiving her final, 8th cycle of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisolone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy regimen. A progression of lymphoma to the central nervous system was suspected. MRI of the head revealed multiple on T2 and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintense parenchymal lesions with mild surrounding edema, located in both cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres that demonstrated moderate gadolinium enhancement. The polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF PCR) was positive for Toxoplasma gondii. The patient was diagnosed with toxoplasmic encephalitis and successfully treated with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and folic acid. Due to the need for maintenance therapy with rituximab for lymphoma remission, the patient now continues with secondary prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis.

Conclusions. With this case report, we wish to emphasize the need to consider cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with hematological malignancies on immunosuppressive therapy when presenting with new neurologic deficits. In such patients, there are numerous differential diagnoses for cerebral toxoplasmosis, and the CNS lymphoma is the most difficult among all to distinguish it from. If left untreated, cerebral toxoplasmosis has a high mortality rate; therefore early recognition and treatment are of essential importance.
New Extinct Carp Fish Species (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from the Late Neogene of Southeastern Europe
Authors: Kovalchuk М.
Published: November 2014

New Extinct Carp Fish Species (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from the Late Neogene of Southeastern Europe. Kovalchuk, О. М. - A new extinct carp fish taxa from the Upper Neogene strata of Southeastern Europe are described in the paper. Rutilus robustus Kovalchuk, sp. n. from the Early Pliocene of Priozernoe (Republic of Moldova) differs from other species of the Rutilus genus by the massive high ceratobranchiale, long anterior non-dentiferous process, and also thick bulkheads between the septum on cavernous surface. Scardinius ponticus Kovalchuk, sp. n. from the Late Miocene of Odesa Pontian Lectostratotype (Ukraine) is characterized by the enormous pharyngeal teeth, and the enlarged number of cogs at their external grinding edge.
Conchological Variability of Anadara Inaequivalvis (Bivalvia, Arcidae) In the Black–Azov Sea Basin
Authors: Anistratenko V. V. , Anistratenko O. Yu. , Khaliman I. A.
Published: November 2014

Conchological Variability of Anadara inaequivalvis (Bivalvia, Arcidae) in the Black-Azov Sea Basin. Anistratenko, V. V., Anistratenko, O. Yu., Khaliman, I. A. - An alien species in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov - Anadara inaequivalvis (Bruguiere, 1789) - was recently discovered to have a wide range of shell variability. From the investigated samples (over 900 valves) six basic types of the shell commissural opening were defined; they are not, however, discrete conditions. Th e presence of intermediate variants reveals a gradual (continuous) character of the shell variability and indicates that all the samples investigated belong to the same species. Th e variation of some other Anadara characteristics is also discussed, including: quantity and ornamentation of the ribs on the surface of the valves, quantity of chevrons on the ligament area, shape of the hinge plate and quantity of hinge teeth. A comparison of conchological characteristics of Anadara from the Black-Azov Sea Basin with A. inaequivalvis from southeast India shows that ranges and patterns of shell variability of Azov-Black Sea Anadara correspond to variability of A. inaequivalvis from this species type locality - Coromandel Coast of India.
Birds as the Feeders of Ticks (Acari, Ixodida) in Megalopolis of Kyiv
Authors: Nebogatkin I. V.
Published: November 2014

Birds as the Feeders of Ticks (Acari, Ixodida) in Megalopolis of Kyiv. Nebogatkin, I. V. - Data about ticks parasitizing on birds in the city of Kyiv were summarized. 117 birds and 27 nests were examined. Ticks were found on six species collecting food on the ground level: Great Tit (Parus major), White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), Rook (Corvus frugilegus), blackbird (Turdus merula), and Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). 56 Ixodidae specimens of four species from two genera were collected from the birds and their nests: Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758); I. arboricola Schulze et Schlottke, 1930; I. lividus (Koch, 1844), Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844. Th e role of birds as feeders of all developmental stages of ticks not only increases under conditions of urban landscape, but also becomes leading in the places with low population of small mammals. Ectoparasites of birds of the other taxonomic groups along with the ticks can play an important role in maintaining the circulation of pathogens of various aetiologies in the urban landscapes.
Avian influenza A(H10N7) virus involvement in mass mortality of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Sweden, March through October 2014
Authors: Zohari S , Neimanis A , Härkönen T , Moraeus C , Valarcher J F
Published: November 2014

We provide the first scientific report of influenza A virus involvement in a mass mortality event among harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) off the west coast of Sweden. Avian influenza A (H10N7) virus was detected in the lungs of two affected animals. This subtype has not been reported in seals to date, nor has influenza A-associated mortality been reported in seals in Europe. Circulation of avian influenza viruses in mammals may have implications for public health.
Communication, Respect, and Leadership: Interprofessional Collaboration in Hospitals of Rural Ontario
Authors: Morris Diane , Matthews June
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Health care professionals are expected to work collaboratively across diverse settings. In rural hospitals, these professionals face different challenges from their urban colleagues; however, little is known about interprofessional practice in these settings.

Methods: Eleven health care professionals from 2 rural interprofessional teams were interviewed about collaborative practice. The data were analyzed using a constant comparative method.

Results: Common themes included communication, respect, leadership, benefits of interprofessional teams, and the assets and challenges of working in small or rural hospitals. Differences between the cases were apparent in how the members conceptualized their teams, models of which were then compared with an “Ideal Interprofessional Team”.

Conclusions: These results suggest that many experienced health care professionals function well in interprofessional teams; yet, they did not likely receive much education about interprofessional practice in their training. Providing interprofessional education to new practitioners may help them to establish this approach early in their careers and build on it with additional experience. Finally, these findings can be applied to address concerns that have arisen from other reports by exploring innovative ways to attract health professionals to communities in rural, remote, and northern areas, as there is a constant need for dietitians and other health care professionals in these practice settings.
Nutrition Knowledge and Practices of Varsity Coaches at a Canadian University
Authors: Danaher Kavanagh , Curley Tristaca
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Coaches’ sports nutrition knowledge and subsequent nutrition recommendations can have an impact on athletes’ health and performance. The purpose of this study was to determine sports nutrition knowledge and nutrition recommendation practices of varsity coaches at one Canadian university and to determine if the coaches’ nutrition knowledge influenced nutrition recommendations to athletes. The coaches’ accessibility to sports dietitians was also examined.

Methods: Coaches (n = 5) completed a modified psychometrically validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Mean scores were calculated for questionnaire answers based on the correct answer and the coach's degree of certainty in their answer. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Results showed a low nutrition knowledge, yet all coaches made nutrition recommendations to their athletes for fluid needs, dietary supplementation, and weight management; areas that may be potentially detrimental to the health of athletes. In addition, they made recommendations with regard to fluid needs, training diet, precompetition diet, recovery diet (i.e., post training or competition), dietary supplementation, and weight management; areas that could have potentially negative performance consequences to the athlete.

Conclusions: It was determined that coaches had low nutrition knowledge scores and still made nutrition recommendations to athletes. The importance of sports dietitian involvement in varsity athletics is emphasized.
Assessment of Nutritional Adequacy of Packaged Gluten-free Food Products
Authors: Kulai Tasha , Rashid Mohsin
Published: November 2014

Purpose: There is concern about the nutritional quality of processed gluten-free (GF) products. The aim was to investigate the nutrient composition and cost of processed GF products compared with similar regular products.

Methods: Product size, price, caloric value, and macro- and micronutrient composition were compared between foods labeled “Gluten-free” and comparable regular products in 5 grocery stores in 3 Canadian cities. Data were calculated per 100 g of product.

Results: A total of 131 products were studied (71 GF, 60 regular). Overall, calories were comparable between GF and regular foods. However, fat content of GF breads was higher (mean 7.7 vs. 3.6 g, P = 0.003), whereas protein was lower (mean 5.0 vs. 8.0 g, P = 0.001). Mean carbohydrate content of GF pasta was higher (78 vs. 74 g, P = 0.001), whereas protein (7.5 vs. 13.3 g, P < 0.001), fibre (3.3 vs. 5.8 g, P = 0.048), iron (9% vs. 25%DV, P < 0.001), and folate content (5% vs. 95%DV, P < 0.001) were lower. Mean price of GF products was $1.99 versus $1.23 for regular products (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Some commonly consumed packaged GF foods are higher in fat and carbohydrates and lower in protein, iron, and folate compared with regular products. GF products are more expensive. Dietitians should counsel patients on the GF diet regarding its nutritional and financial impact.