bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOTCH4 signaling controls EFNB2-induced endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in preeclampsia
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Luo Qingqing , Zheng Yanfang , Liu Xiaoping , Hu Ying , Liu Weifang , Luo Minglian , Zhao Yin , Zou Li
Published: April 2016

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy and is closely related to endothelial dysfunction, which can be repaired by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The DLL4/NOTCH–EFNB2 (ephrinB2) cascade may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by inhibiting the biological activity of EPCs. In addition, both NOTCH1 and NOTCH4, which are specific receptors for DLL4/NOTCH, play critical roles in the various steps of angiogenesis. However, it has not been determined which receptor (NOTCH1, NOTCH4, or both) is specific for the DLL4/NOTCH–EFNB2 cascade. Accordingly, we performed a series of investigations to evaluate it. EFNB2 expression was examined when NOTCH4 or NOTCH1 was downregulated, with or without DLL4 treatment. Then, the effects of NOTCH4 on EPC function were detected. Additionally, we analyzed NOTCH4 and EFNB2 expression in the EPCs from preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. Results showed that NOTCH4 downregulation led to decreased expression of EFNB2, which maintained the same level in the presence of DLL4/NOTCH activation. By contrast, NOTCH1 silencing resulted in a moderate increase in EFNB2 expression, which further increased in the presence of DLL4/NOTCH activation. The downregulation of NOTCH4 resulted in an increase of EPC biological activity, which was similar to EFNB2 silencing. NOTCH4 expression, consistent with the EFNB2 level, increased notably in preeclampsia EPCs compared with the controls. These findings suggest that NOTCH4, not NOTCH1, is the specific receptor for the DLL4/NOTCH–EFNB2 cascade. Blockade of this cascade may enhance the angiogenic property of EPCs, and act as a potential target to promote angiogenesis in patients with preeclampsia.
Caracteristicas fitoquímicas y capacidad antioxidante in vitro de Aloe vera, Plukenetia volubilis, Caiophora carduifolia, Cecropia membranácea
Authors: Franco Quino César , Muñoz Espinoza Danny , Gómez Herreros César , Chau Miranda Gina , Cueva Piña Liliana , Guardia Ortiz Eliza , Saavedra Yucra Santos , Arroyo Acevedo Jorge , Herrera Calderón Oscar
Published: April 2016

Introducción: Los antioxidantes han demostrado potencial quimioprotector en patologías degenerativas, inflamatorias, autoinmunes, oncológicas y asociadas al distrés respiratorio. Objetivo: Evaluar las características fitoquímicas y capacidad antioxidante in vitro mediante el método DPPH y ABTS. Diseño: Observacional analítico. Lugar: Laboratorio de Farmacología Experimental, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico/Químico: Hojas de Aloe vera, semillas de Plukenetia volubilis, hojas-tallos de Caiophora carduifolia, hojas de Cecropia membranacea. Intervenciones: Observación y análisis de la capacidad antioxidante mediante el método DPPH-concentración efectiva media (CE50) de los extractos y la capacidad antioxidante equivalente a trolox por el método del ABTS. Medida de resultados: Marcha fitoquímica preliminar, porcentaje de inhibición antioxidante por captación del radical DPPH, determinación del equivalente trolox/gextracto. Resultados: La Cecropia membranacea presentó mayor número de metabolitos secundarios, alcaloides, saponinas, compuestos flavonoides; en la captación de radicales DPPH, requirió menor dosis para alcanzar la capacidad antioxidante (CE50=0,159 mg/mL); mediante el método ABTS (5,834 uM trolox/g). La Caiophora carduifolia (0,87 mg/mL – 0,44 mg/mL) tuvo efectos similares al trolox (p>0,05). El Aloe vera y Plukenetia volubilis también tuvieron capacidad antioxidante dependiente de la dosis. Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado capacidad antioxidante in vitro a concentración dependiente, siendo mayor la de Cecropia membranacea y Caiophora carduifolia y menor la de Aloe vera y Plukenetia volubilis.
Tripanosomiasis americana, una mirada desde el tratamiento
Authors: Sánchez Emmanuel , Vélez María Camila , Restrepo Marcos , Marín Juan Sebastián , Gallego Daniel
Published: April 2016

La tripanosomiasis americana o enfermedad de Chagas es una infección parasitaria causada por el parásito flagelado Trypanosoma cruzi, cuyo principal vector es un insecto de la clase hemíptera conocido como triatomino. La quimioterapia, adicional a un control oportuno de vectores y rigurosidad en el control de las transfusiones, son los elementos más importantes para el manejo de esta parasitosis. En la actualidad, el mercado farmacéutico solo ofrece nifurtimox y benznidazol como opciones terapéuticas, y a pesar de que se han obtenido resultados satisfactorios con el uso de estos medicamentos en fases agudas de la enfermedad, tripanosomiasis congénita y accidentes de laboratorio, la efectividad en las fases crónicas es notoriamente menor. Además, ambos fármacos generan ciertos efectos adversos que deben ser tenidos en cuenta por el personal de la salud, antes de iniciar el debido manejo de esta enfermedad. El objetivo del presente artículo es revisar el estado actual del tratamiento farmacológico de la tripanosomiasis americana, buscando resumir los nuevos avances terapéuticos y dar a conocer las limitaciones de los mismos debido a sus efectos adversos.
Lactancia materna exclusiva prolongada: ¿contribuye a la anemia en niños menores de 5 años de hogares indígenas del Perú?
Authors: López Huamanrayme Eddy , Atamari Anahui Noé , Mestas Valero Abel
Published: April 2016

Leímos con mucho interés el artículo publicado por Flores-Bendezú y col (1), donde se menciona que la prevalencia de anemia en niños menores de 5 años de hogares indígenas fue de 47,5%, resaltando que la totalidad de niños menores de 12 meses presentaba anemia, considerando como posibles causas el deficiente consumo de alimentos ricos en hierro y la enteroparasitosis (1).
Subprime Mortgage Crisis in the United States in 2007–2008: Causes and Consequences (part II)
Authors: Pajarskas Vaidotas , Jočienė Aldona
Published: April 2016

This is the second part of the qualitative and quantitative research on the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States in 2007–2008. The main purpose of this research is to determine the factors and how they contributed to the subprime mortgage crisis, what their causal links and effects on the markets and the whole economy were, and to assess what actions could have been taken by the Federal Reserve and the Government in order to mitigate or prevent the consequences of the subprime mortgage crisis and the housing bubble. In order to obtain the results, the authors performed a qualitative analysis of the scientific literature on the course of events and their development that led to the subprime mortgage crisis and focused on insufficiently regulated home mortgage market expansion, the impact on subprime mortgage crisis of financial innovations and financial engineering, poorly evaluated systemic risks and policy undertaken by both the U.S. Government and the Federal Reserve before and after the crisis. The quantitative research focused on two main parts: firstly, the analysis of dependencies between the causes of subprime mortgage crisis and the consequences using the statistical and regression analysis; secondly, an alternative path the Government and the Federal Reserve could have taken in their policy actions, and the results they could have produced have been explored. The authors believe that the results of the research could give useful guidelines to the central bankers and government officials on how to make long-term decisions that can help in preparing for the financial distress, mitigating the consequences when the crisis strikes, accelerating the recovery and even preventing the crisis in the future.
Asymmetry in the functioning of Ukrainian and foreign banking systems in the conditions of globalization
Authors: Khmelyarchuk Mariya , Kozlovskyi Yurii
Published: April 2016

The article concentrates on the empirical substantiation of manifestations of asymmetry in the functioning of banking systems of different countries in the conditions of globalization, focusing attention on the functioning features of the banking system of Ukraine. According to the materials from the World Bank, asymmetric effects have been revealed in the functioning of national banking systems in terms of the indicators of their activities (capital ratio to assets, a share of nonperforming bank loans, interest rates on loans, and interest rate spread) as well as the percentage of the private sector bank crediting towards the GDP. The attention is focused on the fact that the effective functioning of the banking system of Ukraine is limited by high credit risks, ultra-high interest rates which, in addition to the political and economic instability in Ukraine, do not contribute to the post-crisis recovery of the national economy. The measures for overcoming the significant asymmetries in the functioning of the banking system of Ukraine in comparison with the banking systems of the developed countries have been offered.
A Comparative Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment Factors
Authors: Miškinis Algirdas , Juozėnaitė Ilma
Published: April 2016

The paper identifies factors affecting the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow. It analyzes the determinants of FDI in recent empirical evidence as well as determines differences among FDI factors in Greece, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The determinants being examined are the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, exchange rate, unit labor costs, trade openness as well as inflation. The analyzed period is 1974–2012. Data were collected from the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) databases. With the help of the VAR model it was determined that only the exchange rate had a significant impact on FDI in Greece. Exchange rate, trade openness and inflation had a slight impact on FDI in Ireland. GDP per capita, unit labor costs and inflation had a slight impact on FDI in the Netherlands. The introduction of euro and the financial crisis had a significant impact on FDI only in Greece. Furthermore, after comparison of public debt, the ease of doing business ranking, budget deficit and the corruption index among the countries, it was determined that the low level of FDI in Greece was caused by the unfavorable investment climate.
Fiscal Sustainability and its Impact on Financial Stability in Lithuania and other New Member States of the European Union
Authors: Keliuotytė-Staniulėnienė Greta
Published: April 2016

Financial stability is related to both the real economic sector and public finance stability, and this cohesion is complex, ambiguous, especially complicated, includes many factors acting in different directions. Fiscal sustainability is one of the most significant factors of financial stability, and recently its significance has unfolded in the context of increasing fiscal imbalances and the government debt crisis. The growing interdependence between the public and the financial sectors leads to strengthening the two-direction connection between fiscal sustainability and financial stability. This article analyses one direction of this connection, i. e. implications of fiscal sustainability for financial stability. The complex research presented in this article involves the analysis of scientific literature, of statistical data, multi-criteria evaluation, the interstate comparative analysis, and panel estimation. The results of the research show that some fiscal variables may have a role to play in explaining changes of the financial stability index.
Economic Prospects in the Context of Growing Regional Interdependencies: the European Union and the Eastern Partnership
Authors: Kharlamova Ganna
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with the European Union programme devoted to the eastern neighboring states. Through its European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the EU works with its southern and eastern neighbours to achieve the closest possible political association and the greatest possible degree of economic integration. This goal builds on common interests and values — democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and social cohesion. The EU is concerned that, despite sufficient funding and support from the EU, the targeted states did not raise to the EU targets for the programme or at least to a relevant one. We assume that such fact happened mostly because, although having very diverse economic and reform pasts emerged from the post-soviet period, they were considered and approached as a single group. The main hypothesis: has the umbrella of the EU funds in terms of the EaP provided for the six targeted states to intensify the growth of regional interdependencies as well as political cooperation and progressive economic integration? The main goal of the paper is to assess, by means of the statistical and comparison approach, the development and the economic sustainability of six targeted states (Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) in the period before and after the programme launching – the degree of regional interdependence and economic integration. The research was conducted using the methods of empirical (regression) analysis, theoretical explanations, descriptive analysis, and the Granger causality test.
Effects of Minimum Wage Increases on Employment in Lithuania
Authors: Šuminas Mykolas
Published: April 2016

From the advent of minimum wage it was subject to controversy: economists did not agree on its effects on the state of the economy, the welfare of both firms and workers. Empirical academic literature usually investigates employment reaction to the minimum wage fluctuations. Regrettably, such papers do not exist for Lithuania, so the literature of similar scope and topic of the US and UK (along with several other countries) is explored in this paper.The effect of the Lithuanian real minimum wage on aggregate employment is estimated by using time series models. Dependant on the specification, the real minimum wage elasticity is estimated to be –0.03–0.03 yet statically insignificant in all of the models. The result is in line with the reviewed literature; more precisely most of papers published in mid-1990s and beyond do not register any significant minimum wage effects on employment. The phenomenon is attributed to the fact that firms can exploit other channels (raising prices, hiring more productive employees, etc.) to make adjustments to new, higher wages. The paper does not explore what channels were used by the firms; however, a possible channel of productivity is investigated. Moreover, the temperate minimum wage policy is one of the factors that could have led to the insignificance of minimum wage to employment conclusion: the nominal minimum wage was only raised during the period of economic growth, and during economic downturns and recoveries it was frozen. The claim is further supported by the share of minimum wage earners in respect to total employed and the minimum wage to average wage ratio: the variables were relatively constant from 2005 onwards.
Financial Dollarization: Trojan Horse for Ukraine?
Authors: Versal Nataliia , Stavytskyy Andriy
Published: April 2016

The paper revisits the causes and consequences of financial dollarization in Ukraine during the past decade (monthly data). Dollarization in emerging markets plays a dual role: positive and negative. This study of financial dollarization is in the context of resident household holdings of foreign currency-denominated bank deposits and loans. If exchange rates are stable, deposit dollarization allows the withdrawal of money from the shadow economy, and loan dollarization allows the lending of long-term money, which is not possible with domestic currency due to inflation expectations. At the same time, the instability and lack of supply of foreign currencies in the market result in the collapse of household and bank finances, leading to currency risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. Therefore, the study uses estimate indicators, the deposit dollarization index (DDI), household foreign currency deposits and loans, loan to deposit ratio (LTD), and inflation to find out the tendencies in the context of a changing domestic currency exchange rate. We present three models to reveal the influence of financial dollarization on banking stability. The first one explains the real value of domestic currency deposits through indicators such as M2 (positive), exchange rate (negative), domestic currency deposits (positive), and panic effects (negative). The second one describes the influence of the exchange rate (negative) and panic effects (negative) on foreign currency deposits. The third one explains the DDI through such the exchange rate, M2, and interest rates. The combined models provide an insight about the time necessary to stabilize the Ukrainian banking system.
Defining Belarusian Tourists’ Segment by the Example of Vilnius as their Destination
Authors: Yanachkina Nadzeya , Mačerinskienė Aida
Published: April 2016

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the Belarusian tourist market on the example of Vilnius as a tourism destination. The main objectives of the article are: 1) to identify the dynamics of inbound tourist arrivals from Belarus to Lithuania for 2008–2013 and 2) to define preferences of tourists from Belarus and the main target audience on the Belarusian tourist market. The research has been conducted using such methods as secondary statistical data analysis of the main inbound tourism indicators and a survey using an online questionnaire. The paper has revealed that tourist arrivals from Belarus to Lithuania have been constantly growing, making up 1,045 million in 2013, which corresponds to 19.8% of all tourists that visited Lithuania that year. The empirical research has also found out that the prospective consumer of tourist services provided in Vilnius is a Belarusian aged 26–45, married, employed, with the average monthly income 501–1000 euro, has children, has been to Vilnius more than 4 times, prefers individual travelling, usually travels with family, visits Vilnius for shopping, events, excursions and transit purposes, stays in Vilnius for 2 days and spends about 340 euro. Taking into consideration the mentioned facts, the paper concludes that the development of marketing activities specifically tailored to the needs of Belarusian tourists will help to increase tourist arrivals and tourists’ expenses.
Modelling the Impact of External Shocks on the Economy of Ukraine: DSGE Approach
Authors: Bazhenova Olena , Bazhenova Yuliya
Published: April 2016

The paper explores the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to study the impact of external shocks on the economy of Ukraine. The dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model is constructed for a small open economy that includes households, firms (domestic manufacturers and importers), government, the National Bank and external sector. The model assumes the new-Keynesian approach that includes the so-called “rigidities” of prices and wages, the existence of the households’ consumption habits and investments with adjustment costs. Also, it takes into account the country’s significant dependence on mineral products imports. All goods in the economy are divided into the domestic ones (that are exported and consumed in the country), imports and mineral products. So the purpose of the model is to study the impact of external shocks on the economy of Ukraine, such as a positive shock in world output, a positive shock in the world aggregate demand, a positive shock in the world interest rate, and a positive shock in world prices.
Competition Measurement of Hospitals in Poland: the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index Approach
Authors: Rój Justyna
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to measure the competition level of general hospitals in Poland. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used to investigate the concentration level of the general hospital sector in Poland, which is treated in the literature as a proxy of competition. To understand how general hospitals’ market has been structured and thus competitive, the data for general hospitals spanning all Poland for the period of 2005-2013 were collected. The concentration of hospitals was measured in each of the 16 provinces in Poland based on the aggregated data at the counties level. Data are collected from the public statistical system. The HHI indices support the assertion that in the period of analysis the entire general hospitals’ sector in Poland has been on average moderately concentrated and thus, moderately competitive with the growing tendency to higher concentration and less competition. Moreover, the concentration of hospitals’ services is diversified across the provinces and regions of Poland and it is quite uneven. The analysis also shows that changes in the health care market, which took place in the analysed period, especially statutory changes regarding hospitals in 2011, affected the level of concentration and thus competition. Including this introduction, this paper is organized into six sections. Section 2 outlines the Polish health care reforms especially those applying to hospitals. Section 3 and 4 presents the concept of empirical research, such as data and method. Section 5 provides results of empirical research and section 6 concludes.
Chaos and bifurcations in chaotic maps with parameter q: Numerical and analytical studies
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Xing Yuan Yuan , Lin Xiao Hui Hui
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a class of chaotic maps with parameter q are introduced and bifurcations and chaos in proposed maps are numerical and analytical studied. Euler method is employed to get the continuous systems corresponding to chaotic maps and the fractional styles in Caputo's definition. Based on that, we finally infer a class of chaotic maps with the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton predictor-corrector method. In the simulation and analysis, we discuss the Logistic map with q and Hénon map with q, observe the route from period to chaos and do tests to analyze properties of maps with parameter q.
A note on the tail behavior of randomly weighted and stopped dependent sums
Authors: Dindienė Lina , Leipus Remigijus
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we deal with the tail behavior of the maximum of randomly weighted and stopped sums. We assume that primary random variables (with a certain dependence structure) are identically distributed with heavy-tailed distribution function and random weights are nonnegative. In this note, we specify some conditions for the (weak) asymptotics of the tail of random maximum.
Best proximity points for p-summing cyclic orbital Meir–Keeler contractions
Authors: Zlatanov Boyan
Published: April 2016

We generalize the cyclic orbital Meir–Keeler contractions, which were introduced by S. Karpagam and S. Agrawal in the context of p-summing maps. We found sufficient conditions for these new type of maps, that ensure the existence and uniqueness of fixed points in complete metric spaces, when the distances between the sets are zero, and the existence and uniqueness of best proximity points in uniformly convex Banach spaces.
Invariant analysis and explicit solutions of the time fractional nonlinear perturbed Burgers equation
Authors: Wang Gangwei , Xu Tianzhou
Published: April 2016

The Lie group analysis method is performed for the nonlinear perturbed Burgers equation and the time fractional nonlinear perturbed Burgers equation. All of the point symmetries of the equations are constructed. In view of the point symmetries, the vector fields of the equations are constructed. Subsequently, the symmetry reductions are investigated. In particular, some novel exact and explicit solutions are obtained.
Boundary value problem with integral condition for a Blasius type equation
Authors: Smirnov Sergey
Published: April 2016

The steady motion in the boundary layer along a thin flat plate, which is immersed at zero incidence in a uniform stream with constant velocity, can be described in terms of the solution of the differential equation x'''= -xx'', which satisfies the boundary conditionsx(0) = x'(0) = 0, x'(∞) = 1. The author investigates the generalized boundary value problem consisting of the nonlinear third-order differential equation x''' = -trx|x|q-1x'' subject to the integral boundary conditions x(0) = x'(0) = 0, x'(∞) = λ∫0ξx(s) ds, where 0 < ξ < +∞ is a fixed number and λ > 0 is a parameter. Results on the existence and uniqueness of solutions to boundary value problem are established. An illustrative example is provided.
On the optimality of some multi-point methods for finding multiple roots of nonlinear equation
Authors: Ralević Nebojša M. M. , Ćebić Dejan
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the problem of determining the multiple roots of nonlinear equations, where the multiplicity of the roots is known. The paper contains some remarks on the optimality of the recently published methods [B. Liu, X. Zhou, A new family of fourth-order methods for multiple roots of nonlinear equations, Nonlinear Anal. Model. Control, 18(2):143–152, 2013] and [X. Zhou, X. Chen, Y. Song, Families of third- and fourth-order methods for multiple roots of nonlinear equations, Appl. Math. Comput., 219(11):6030–6038, 2013]. Separate analysis of odd and even multiplicity, has shown the cases where those methods lose their optimal convergence properties. Numerical experiments are made and they support theoretical analysis.
Hipnozė ir vaizduotės išlaisvinimas
Authors: Sabolius Kristupas
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje analizuojamas hipnozės indukcijos fenomenas įvairiose šiuolaikinio meno srityse. Jau Franzas Antonas Mesmeris, Jean-Martinas Charcot ir Sigmundas Freudas transo būsenose įžvelgė terapijos, įtaigos ir kontrolės galimybes. Todėl hipnozė implicitiškai suvokiama kaip sąmonių manipuliavimo įrankis. Tačiau alternatyvios šiuolaikinės teorijos ir meno praktikos hipnozines būkles traktuoja kaip atsivėrimo ir išsilaisvinimo techniką. Straipsnyje pateikiamos Raimundo Malašausko, Marcoso Lutyenso, Catherine’os Contour ir Joris Lacoste’o meninės prieigos, taip pat pasitelkiamos Immanuelio Kanto, Bernardo Stieglerio, Jacques’o Rancière’o bei François Roustango teorinės paradigmos leidžia perinterpretuoti hipnozę kaip „paradoksalaus budrumo“ fenomeną, kuris sustiprina ir perskirsto žmogiškąjį juslumą bei išlaisvina radikalias vaizduotės kultivavimo formas.
Husserlio fenomenologija ir praktinis protas
Authors: Laurukhin Andrei
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje analizuojama ankstyvoji Husserlio veiksmo teorija ir dvi jos formos – mokslo etika ir vertybių teorija bei valios fenomenologija. Autorius sutelkia dėmesį į dvi problemas: logikos ir etikos paralelizmo klausimą bei klausimą, kiek Husserlio etinių problemų ir praktinio proto idėjos plėtotė yra nepriklausoma nuo transcendentalinės fenomenologijos koncepcijos ir metodologinių prielaidų, arba atvirkščiai – kiek ji nuo tų prielaidų yra priklausoma.
Liberalios tironijos gniaužtai
Authors: Stoškus Mindaugas
Published: April 2016

Algirdas Degutis. Kaip galima liberalizmo tironija: teminis straipsnių rinkinys. Vilnius: Naujoji Romuva, 2014. 240 p. ISBN 978-609-8035-30-8
Husserlio fenomenologijos horizontai
Authors: Jonkus Dalius
Published: April 2016

Saulius Geniusas. The Origins of the Horizon in Husserl’s Phenomenology. Dordrecht: Springer, 2012. 243 p. (Contribution to Phenomenology 67). ISBN 978-94-007-4643-5
Developing students’ aptitudes through University-Industry collaboration
Authors: Aizpun Miguel , Sandino Diego , Merideno Inaki
Published: April 2016

In addition to the engineering knowledge base that has been traditionally taught, today’s undergraduate engineering students need to be given the opportunity to practice a set of skills that will be demanded to them by future employers, namely: creativity, teamwork, problem solving, leadership and the ability to generate innovative ideas. In order to achieve this and educate engineers with both in-depth technical knowledge and professional skills, universities must carry out their own innovating and find suitable approaches that serve their students. This article presents a novel approach that involves university-industry collaboration. It is based on creating a student community for a particular company, allowing students to deal with real industry projects and apply what they are learning in the classroom. A sample project for the German sports brand adidas is presented, along with the project results and evaluation by students and teachers. The university-industry collaborative approach is shown to be beneficial for both students and industry.
Floral sexual differentiation in Catasetum fimbriatum (Catasetinae, Orchidaceae) exposed to different light intensities
Authors: Pedroso-de-Moraes Cristiano , De Souza-Leal Thiago , Saoncella Alinne L. , De Almeida Marcílio
Published: April 2016

To elucidate the factors which control the flower phenotypic plasticity of Catasetum fimbriatum, studies focusing the floral development of the species were performed. The treatments were: high light intensity (1613 μmol.m-2.s-1); low light intensity (454 μmol.m-2.s-1) and mean light intensity (827 μmol.m-2.s-1). The floral morphology and anatomy were analyzed to evaluate of the sequence of tissue development involved in the sexual differentiation. We found the presence of cell cluster with meristematic features in the ovaries and gynostemium of the male and female diclinous flowers. These are responsible for the definition of the sexual expression of the species, in the dependence of the environmental stimulus, related to the endogenous concentration of ethylene, allowing, consequently, the dedifferentiation and re-differentiation of those clusters in the sexual determination of the flowers. There were no anatomical differences in floral tissues in different treatments. 
Die Werteerziehung im Lehrwerk Johannes Pauls II.
Authors: Stala Józef
Published: April 2016

An in­‑depth analysis of writings of John Paul II leads to a conclusion that the Pope cared for upbringing that would foster to values. He clearly indicated that the person is to be viewed as the foundation of the process of upbringing and also stressed the significance of upbringing towards life in the family, nation and Church. The author of this article accounts for and presents the problem of upbringing towards values, which is interpreted from the teachings of John Paul II. First, the author indicates the complementary character of education, religion and faith, then they are oriented towards the world of values and the Christian hierarchization of these values.
Some remarks on the conflict between faith and science
Authors: Pabjan Tadeusz
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the conflict between faith and science. Since the issue is extensive, only selected aspects of this question are discussed. At first, the origin of the problem is outlined – it is argued, that the fundamental difference between the language and the method of science on one hand and of theology understood as a rational reflection on the truths of faith on the other is responsible for the conflict. Afterwards, two aspects of the conflict are presented – the first one concerns inconsistencies which appear on the plane of content – when some scientific statements or theorems seem to deny some theological claims; the second one involves differences in mentality and in worldview which appear on the plane of attitude. It is argued, that the content discrepancies can be eliminated with the help of two methods: of separation and of catharsis. But the differences in mentality which appear on the plane of attitude cannot be so easily eliminated. So finally the characteristics of these two different attitudes – of faith and of science – is discussed. It is argued, that a fundamental dissimilarity between the character of scientific knowledge (especially its empiricism) and of religious faith is a basic source of mutual estrangement and alienation.
Christian beliefs and teaching in Fr. Zoricic’s writings – linguistic and theological approach
Authors: Garmaz Jadranka , Gaspar Angelina
Published: April 2016

National cultural and religious heritage presents valuable repository of knowledge and wisdom. The article focuses on the understanding, classification and interpretation of Christian beliefs and the Gospel messages presented in the book of Fr. Zoricic (published in Venice 1780), whose theological thoughts were inspired and reinforced by various Italian and Latin writers of the time. The aim of this research is twofold: to preserve this rare spiritual book and to use it as a code of ethics. How was the dichotomy of good and evil presented in the Book? How did Zoricic describe Our Lady, God and the Body of Christ? To whom did he refer the most? To whom did he devote his writing? To be able to attempt answering these questions the Book was digitized, transcribed and transliterated.. On the basis of core terminology, extracted by natural language processing tool, a detailed linguistic analysis is provided.
Particularidades de la relación entre el Consejo de asuntos económicos y el ecónomo en el Código de Derecho Canónico de Juan Pablo II
Authors: Di Nicco Jorge Antonio
Published: April 2016

The Finance Council and the finance officer support and work with the Bishop in the administration of the goods of the diocese. The relationship between the Council and the treasurer is not without some features, and the analysis of these peculiarities about this article. Both functions are presented and specific situations are discussed. Some concerning the various situations described, with special reference to the reality in Argentina statistical data are available. Suggestions aimed at optimal performance of their respective tasks are performed.
Tutela giuridica della professione religiosa ad tempus emissa
Authors: Michowicz Przemysław
Published: April 2016

The question, which launched our study, concerns the problem of the legal possibilities carried out in order to protect canonically the state of the consecrated life even though assumed temporary. Firstly, the Author tries to focus on the meaning of the canonical state and canonical status of the consecrated persons. The aim is to point out that it is not appropriate to simply consider condicio as the state sic et simpliciter in the meaning of the legislation of the 1983 Code.In a second moment, the Author analyses the hypothesis relates to lose the proper canonical status, especially this one assumed ad tempus. The question the Author tries to answer concerns legal possibilities and appropriates manners in order to protect the single consecrated religious.Finally, the Author presents the main thesis of this paper, relates to the pre­‑establishment of the proof. In this perspective, it is very convenient for both the religious Authority and an individual religious to document the proper acts/activities even though, in case of the legal Superiors, deprived of binding force.
Effects of Timing and Frequency of Flame Cultivation for Dewberry Control
Authors: Ghantous Katherine M. , Sandler Hilary A.
Published: April 2016

Flame cultivation (FC) uses brief exposures of high temperature to control weeds. Three sites in southeastern Massachusetts with dewberry present were studied over a 2-yr period to determine if seasonal timing and frequency of exposure to FC would reduce dewberry stem length and biomass, both in the year of and the year following treatment, and also to evaluate whether FC treatments altered the ratio (sugar : starch) of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in dewberry roots. Dewberry plants were treated with a 9-s exposure to an open-flame hand-held torch at seven different timing regimes (one application in June, July, or August or two applications in June/July, June/August, and July/August, or nontreated). After 1 yr, all treatments showed reduced aboveground dewberry biomass compared to nontreated plots. The timing and frequency of FC treatments were not significant when the weed was growing amongst cranberry vines, but were significant when weeds were treated in the absence of cranberry. Exposure to FC did not affect the ratio of NSC in roots in the year after treatment, indicating that the relative amounts allocated to each type of storage carbohydrate did not differ from nontreated plants, even though the overall amount allocated to root biomass was reduced.
Evaluation of Harvest-Aid Herbicides as Desiccants in Lentil Production
Authors: Zhang Ti , Johnson Eric N. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: April 2016

Desiccants are currently used to improve lentil dry-down prior to harvest. Applying desiccants at growth stages prior to maturity may result in reduced crop yield and quality, and leave unacceptable herbicide residues in seeds. There is little information on whether various herbicides applied alone or as a tank-mix with glyphosate have an effect on glyphosate residues in harvested seed. Field trials were conducted at Saskatoon and Scott, Saskatchewan, Canada, from 2012 to 2014 to determine whether additional desiccants applied alone or tank mixed with glyphosate improve crop desiccation and reduce the potential for unacceptable glyphosate residue in seed. Glufosinate and diquat tank mixed with glyphosate were the most consistent desiccants, providing optimal crop dry-down and a general reduction in glyphosate seed residues without adverse effects on seed yield and weight. Saflufenacil provided good crop desiccation without yield loss, but failed to reduce glyphosate seed residues consistently. Pyraflufen-ethyl and flumioxazin applied alone or tank mixed with glyphosate were found to be inferior options for growers as they exhibited slow and incomplete crop desiccation, and did not decrease glyphosate seed residues. Based on results from this study, growers should apply glufosinate or diquat with preharvest glyphosate to maximize crop and weed desiccation, and minimize glyphosate seed residues.
Behaviour of vertically loaded plate anchors under sustained uplift
Authors: Han C. , Wang D. , Gaudin C. , O'Loughlin C. D. , Cassidy M. J.
Published: April 2016

The use of plate anchors in permanent moorings for deep-water floating structures requires a thorough understanding of their performance under sustained and cyclic loading. This paper addresses the former aspect through a series of centrifuge tests on vertically loaded plate anchors in normally consolidated kaolin clay, supported by large-deformation finite-element analyses. The centrifuge experiments, which included particle image velocimetry measurements to identify the conditions leading to anchor failure, demonstrate that sustained loading can be maintained indefinitely if the anchor displacement at application of the sustained loading does not exceed 40% of the displacement reached at monotonic failure. This corresponds to a sustained load that is about 88% of the monotonic capacity, as identified from the numerical analyses. An important observation from both the centrifuge tests and the numerical analyses was a gap at the base of the anchor that developed under moderate load levels when the vertical effective stress at the base of the anchor reached zero. Although this so-called breakaway condition is generally associated with a lower capacity factor and a heightened potential for anchor failure, the conditions leading to breakaway also allow for consolidation-induced strength increase at the top face of the anchor and the mobilisation of partially drained or drained soil strength, both of which maintain anchor stability.
Análise da relação entre gerenciamento de resultados e custo de capital em empresas brasileiras listadas na BM&FBOVESPA
Authors: Moura Geovanne Dias de , Macêdo Francisca Francivânia Rodrigues Ribeiro , Mazzioni Sady , Kruger Silvana Dalmutt
Published: April 2016

O estudo objetivou analisar a relação entre o gerenciamento de resultados contábeis e o custo de capital próprio e de terceiros em empresas brasileiras listadas na BM&FBovespa. Para tal, realizou-se pesquisa descritiva, conduzida por meio de análise documental e abordagem quantitativa dos dados referentes ao período de 2010 a 2013 de uma amostra composta de 217 empresas. Os resultados evidenciaram que houve elevação do custo de capital próprio. No que tange ao custo de capital de terceiros, quando analisado por meio da variável Kd, constatou-se que ocorreu uma pequena redução de 31,81% para 28,37%. Ao analisar o custo de capital de terceiros, por meio da variável Ki, constatou-se que houve aumento de 23,94% para 30,13%. Os resultados evidenciaram destaque para os gerenciamentos de baixas proporções, principalmente a partir do ano de 2011. Também entre as empresas analisadas aquelas com menor gerenciamento de resultados não apresentavam menor custo de capital próprio e de terceiros.
Government-Backed Mortgage Insurance Promoted a Speedier Recovery from the Great Recession
Authors: Passmore Wayne , Sherlund Shane M.
Published: April 2016

The United Sates government has a long history of involvement in mortgage finance. During the 1930s, the government created the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). In this note, we estimate how the intensity of GSE, FHA, PLS, and portfolio exposures influence the state of the real economy across counties.
A DEN OF INIQUITY? Inside Hillbrow’s residential hotels
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

Hillbrow’s sleazy hotels are notorious crime hotspots. After a general victim survey of the Hillbrow police station area conducted by the ISS, a special follow-up was conducted in these hotels. This survey uncovered startling frankness about the prevalence of drugs, commercial sex work, and corruption in Johannesburg’s inner city.
THE WHITE RIGHT: A threat to South Africa’s internal security?
Authors: Schönteich Martin
Published: April 2016

In late 2002 a number of bomb blasts brought home the realisation that the South African white right did not disappear after the 1994 election. The police have made a number of arrests and seem to have stopped the bombings – for now. The white right cannot garner the support necessary to execute a successful coup in South Africa. However, given sufficient backing, the extreme white right could maintain a sustained sabotage campaign and impair South Africa’s international image while damaging race relations in the country.
SAVE OUR COPS: Preventing police killings
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

On 20 May 2003, a national summit on police killings was held at the SAPS academy in Pretoria – the culmination of a series of provincial meetings on the same topic. Although the national meeting did not achieve its objective – the collaborative drafting of a national action plan – the provincial meetings produced a number of excellent recommendations that deserve to be taken seriously. This article discusses the reasons for the high number of police killings in South Africa and makes suggestions for dealing with the problem.
A BLEAK OUTLOOK: HIV/AIDS and the South African Police Service
Authors: Schönteich Martin
Published: April 2016

As yet largely unrecognised by South African criminal justice policy makers, HIV/AIDS could significantly impact on the country’s criminal justice system agencies, especially the police. South Africa’s HIV/AIDS epidemic is likely to result in a change in the demand for the quantity and complexity of services required of the South African Police Service. Simultaneously, the capacity of the police to deliver an adequate service will be undermined as an increasing number of police officers succumb to the epidemic.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? Social crime prevention in SA: A critical overview
Authors: Frank Cheryl
Published: April 2016

Crime prevention is a relatively new enterprise in South Africa, and the nature of progress in this area has been mixed. While much activity has been noted, particularly among civil society organisations, the generation and utilisation of information is an area of weakness. Key questions remain: how to promote government accountability for service delivery, and how crime prevention advocates engage with issues such as human rights and the strengthening of democracy.
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN? Sector policing and community policing forums
Authors: Maroga Millicent
Published: April 2016

In its efforts to address crime the South African Police Service is increasingly focused on the implementation of sector policing. This is a strategy that calls for a more focused approach to policing at the local level, and includes the establishment of sector policing forums. Indeed, sector policing could be seen as a way of enhancing community policing. One of the key challenges is to ensure that these new police-community based structures do not experience the same shortcomings as community policing forums. This article will describe sector policing and consider some of the challenges to its effective implementation.
CURB THE VENGEANCE: Laws on minimum sentencing and parole spell worsening prison conditions
Authors: Fagan Hannes
Published: April 2016

Since 1995, prison overcrowding has mainly been caused by the massive increase in the number of awaiting trial prisoners. Attempts to reduce these numbers have met with some success. However these efforts are nullified by an increase in the number of sentenced prisoners. Legislation passed in 1997 providing for minimum sentences is now the main cause of overcrowding. The situation will be exacerbated by changes to the release policy as per sections 73 to 82 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 which came into effect on 1 October 2004.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY: Magistrates’ views on the Domestic Violence Act
Authors: Artz Lillian
Published: April 2016

As part of an ongoing project to monitor the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, this article focuses on the role of magistrates. The impression exists that magistrates have a tendency to judge domestic violence matters conservatively. But research shows that most take a ‘better safe, than sorry’ approach in granting particular conditions in protection orders. The general sentiment is that it makes more sense to have an allinclusive protection order than one that will be subject to variation at a later stage.
STILL MARGINAL: Crime in the coloured community
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

Is the crime problem in the Western Cape and the Northern Cape rooted in the coloured population? Official figures suggest that coloured people are twice as likely as any other ethnic group to be murdered, and twice as likely to be incarcerated. Unfortunately, it is impossible to properly explore the linkage between the crime rates in the Cape and the coloured communities without station-level crime statistics, which the police no longer release to the public. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand the links between this group and the crime problem.
A WORLD OF CRIME: Youth views on crime in the Nelson Mandela Metro
Authors: Masuku Sibusiso
Published: April 2016

Although South Africa’s youth are implicated in many incidents of crime, little is known about their experiences and perceptions of the problem. A focus group study in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape reveals the extent to which crime features in the lives of young people. Many were victims of violent crimes like robbery, and over half knew people involved in crime – mostly family and friends. Drug related offences also featured prominently. Few of the youths had confidence in families and schools as the institutions responsible for their development and socialisation.
SMALL BRIBES BIG CHALLENGE: Extent and nature of petty corruption in South Africa
Authors: Van Vuuren Hennie
Published: April 2016

Although grand corruption like that associated with the arms deal, receives most media attention, petty corruption can be as damaging if left unchecked. According to the ISS 2003 National Victims of Crime survey, petty corruption was the second most prevalent crime in the country after housebreaking. Of most concern is that many citizens do not know how to report corruption, do not believe that doing so will change anything, and, despite good whistleblower provisions, are afraid of the consequences if they do report.