bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participação e deliberação na internet: um estudo de caso do Orçamento Participativo Digital de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Sampaio Rafael Cardoso , Maia Rousiley Celi Moreira , Marques Francisco Paulo Jamil Almeida
Published: October 2014

Esse artigo busca avaliar trocas discursivas realizadas no fórum online do orçamento participativo digital (OPD) de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Para tanto, é formulado um modelo de análise das discussões entre os cidadãos participantes do programa baseado nas teorias de democracia deliberativa. São analisadas as mensagens dos usuários (n=375) postadas na ferramenta de comentários do site do OPD. Os resultados apontam que os aspectos discursivos concernentes à reciprocidade e à reflexividade se mostraram relativamente escassos; entretanto, o respeito pelos outros interlocutores, bem como a construção da justificativa dos pontos de vista expressos no fórum, alcançaram índices elevados, mesmo não havendo empowerment da ferramenta ou incentivo por parte da Prefeitura. Conclui-se que a internet pode, efetivamente, oferecer ambientes voltados para o estabelecimento de trocas discursivas qualificadas e que, mesmo nos casos onde há baixos índices de deliberatividade, há progressos importantes do ponto de vista do aprendizado a que são expostos os usuários.
Corrupção e reforma institucional no Brasil, 1988-2008
Authors: Praça Sérgio
Published: October 2014

Como instituições políticas fomentam a corrupção? Como a publicização de escândalos de corrupção afeta a reforma dessas instituições? Este artigo toma o processo orçamentário brasileiro desde 1988 como um estudo de caso para ilustrar essas duas questões. Neste período, dois escândalos de corrupção envolvendo o processo orçamentário foram expostos: os "anões do orçamento" de 1988 a 1993 e os "sanguessugas" em 2006. O caso dos "anões" é um ótimo exemplo de como a centralização institucional, aliada à informalidade, resulta em corrupção. O caso dos "sanguessugas", por sua vez, ilustra como atores corruptos podem prosperar em um cenário institucional parcialmente descentralizado. Ambos os escândalos resultaram em reformas institucionais parciais e, até certo ponto, eficazes.
Eleições, estabilidade democrática e socialização política no Brasil: análise longitudinal da persistência de valores nas eleições presidenciais de 2002 a 2010
Authors: Baquero Marcello , Gonzalez Rodrigo Stumpf
Published: October 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é examinar os debates recentes sobre os fatores que explicam a estabilidade democrática no Brasil. Com base no conceito de socialização política examina-se o impacto que as eleições têm no fortalecimento democrático e a importância de normas e valores para o futuro da democracia. Considera-se que as eleições presidenciais no contexto político brasileiro se constituem em um momento importante do processo de socialização política. Para verificar esta proposição este trabalho utiliza como base de dados as pesquisas do Estudo Eleitoral Brasileiro (ESEB) de 2002, 2006 e 2010. É analisado se o fator idade gera diferenças em relação aos valores e atitudes manifestados pelos entrevistados com um tempo maior de experiência democrática, contribuindo na formação de uma cultura política congruente com a democracia, ou se são definidos pelo contexto eleitoral, tendo como base a divisão da população em coortes por faixa etária e na escolha eleitoral em cada pleito. Com base nos dados analisados identifica-se uma mudança da cultura política em direção à valorização da democracia, mas com a manutenção de contradições que indicam a manutenção de uma cultura híbrida, que não favorece a democracia representativa poliárquica.
Anthropometric Analysis of the Velopharynx and Related Craniometric Dimensions in Three Adult Populations Using MRI
Authors: Perry Jamie L. , Kuehn David P. , Sutton Bradley P. , Gamage Jinadasa K. , Fang Xiangming
Published: October 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of sex, race, and craniometry among three distinct racial groups of adults with normal velopharyngeal anatomy and to determine whether craniofacial structures could be used to predict velopharyngeal structures.

Methods

A total of 88 adults across three racial groups including white, black, and Asian (Japanese) participated. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a high-resolution, three-dimensional anatomical scan. Measurements were obtained on the levator veli palatini muscle, velum, and craniofacial structures.

Results

Head circumference was used as a covariate to control the effect of overall cranial size on the analyses. Palate height, linear cranial base, and face height and width vary based on sex, with men demonstrating larger values compared with women. Linear base values, cranial base angle, and face width vary significantly based on race, with Japanese subjects showing the smallest anterior to posterior measures and larger face-width values. Levator muscle measures, excluding angle measures, vary significantly ( P < .0001) based on sex. There was no statistically significant difference ( P > .05) among racial groups in the levator muscle measures. Velar length and thickness varied significantly based on race and sex.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the interaction of race and sex on levator muscle morphology. In spite of the differences in velar dimensions, no significant differences were found in muscle size, specifically the levator veli palatini, which is contained within the velum.
A large direct simple shear device for the testing of peat at low stresses
Authors: Den Haan E. J. , Grognet M.
Published: October 2014

A large direct simple shear device has been developed for the testing of peat at low normal stress. The large size allows adequate representation of the often coarse structure of peat, increases the accuracy with which small loads can be applied and diminishes device resistances to acceptably small proportions. A plane strain configuration between glass plates is used, allowing observation of the deformation field as it develops. The sample is gripped by pins along all four in-plane boundaries to reduce slippage during shear. Interesting results have been obtained in an initial series of tests. Strengths appear to be some 10% higher than those in standard simple shear tests on small-diameter samples, while the post-peak softening often measured in the latter appears to be lacking.
Modular mobile foundation species as reservoirs of biodiversity
Authors: Altieri Andrew H. , Witman Jon D.
Published: October 2014

The complex structure of biogenic habitats including coral reefs, hemlock forests, and seagrass meadows are widely recognized for the diverse communities they shelter. As human impacts accelerate the loss of such foundation species, we need to identify the general characteristics of previously unrecognized species that can also fulfill the role of habitat provider. We conducted surveys and experiments to test whether the slate‐pencil urchin (Eucidaris galapagensis) acts as a foundation species on subtidal walls in the Galapagos archipelago. The spines of slate‐pencil urchins are more than 90% encrusted with a diverse epifauna, and a single urchin can host over 20 species (e.g., sponges, ascidians, bryozoans, corals, molluscs, worms, and crustaceans). Like many other foundation species, urchins can provide substrate and a refuge from predators. Urchins are consistently abundant throughout the Galapagos subtidal, and the total surface area of urchin spines can rival that of the primary rock substrate, which is significant since substrate availability can limit small‐scale species richness in this system. Our experimental manipulation of spine configuration and exclusion of predators revealed that urchins also enhance epifaunal diversity by providing a predation refuge. Unlike previously recognized foundation species, however, the urchin habitat is modular and mobile, and has the potential to redistribute associated epifauna. Characterizing how previously overlooked foundation species can act as reservoirs of biodiversity in ecosystems, such as the Galapagos where other foundation species such as coral have declined, has important implications for how we identify foundation species, predict ecosystem stability, and prioritize conservation efforts.
Hyperglucose Contributes to Periodontitis: Involvement of the NLRP3 Pathway by Engaging the Innate Immunity of Oral Gingival Epithelium
Authors: Huang Xin , Yang Xi , Ni Jia , Xie Baoyi , Liu Yeungyeung , Xuan Dongying , Zhang Jincai
Published: October 2014

Background: The NLRP3 inflammasome is essentially a family of intracellular innate immune sensors that can respond to bacterial challenge and initiate early host immunity responses. However, the involvement and possible molecular mechanism of the NLRP3 pathway in the context of chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods: Gingival tissues were collected from patients with CP and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the expression of NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)‐1β was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. To explore the possible molecular mechanism, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were established in vitro and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or high glucose. High extracellular K+ was applied as an inhibitor of NLRP3. The NLRP3 pathway was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Compared with control individuals, NLRP3 and IL‐1β were significantly upregulated in oral gingival epithelium of patients with CP and/or T2DM (P <0.05). The expression of NLRP3 was significantly upregulated in HGECs when stimulated in vitro by LPS or high glucose (P = 0.00). The simultaneous stimulation of LPS and high glucose contributed to significant upregulation of NLRP3 expression versus LPS or high glucose alone (P = 0.00). Although expression of caspase 1 and IL‐1β protein were increased in HGECs when stimulated by LPS, they were partially inhibited after the NLRP3 was successfully blocked.

Conclusion: For patients with T2DM and CP, hyperglycemic status may exacerbate the inflammation state of gingival tissue by activating the NLRP3 pathway, and this abnormal host inflammatory response may contribute to further tissue breakdown.
Phosphorus Transformations from Reclaimed Wastewater to Irrigated Soil: A 31P NMR Study
Authors: Zohar Iris , Cade-Menun Barbara , Paytan Adina , Shaviv Avi
Published: October 2014

Irrigation of soils with reclaimed wastewater (RW) is a common practice in arid regions, but may pose an environmental threat if labile phosphorus (P) forms accumulate at the soil surface. Soil P lability can be affected by P forms in the applied RW and by P composition and distribution in the soil. Solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed to identify P forms in RW solutions, in whole soil extracts and in fractionated soil P pools in agricultural soils (maize crop, Acre, Israel) irrigated with the examined RW or with freshwater (FW) and a chemical fertilizer. The RW was rich with total P (PT) and molybdate‐reactive P (MRP), consistent with high concentrations of MRP in the RW‐irrigated soil. Identified compounds and compound classes in the RW and in the soils include orthophosphate, polyphosphate, orthophosphate monoesters, and orthophosphate diesters. However, there was a shift in P compound classes from the RW to the RW‐irrigated soil; although the water sources were different, P forms in the soils of the different treatments were similar. The possible factors that might control this change are discussed, including biological and geochemical P recycling and crop inputs.
Soil Biogeochemical Processes across a Lateral Toposequence in an Old‐Growth Floodplain Forest
Authors: Ricker Matthew C. , Lockaby B. Graeme
Published: October 2014

Floodplain forests are important landscapes that retain and transform nutrients derived from watershed sources. Although research has been conducted regarding biogeochemical processes in floodplains, few studies have been in old‐growth bottomland forests. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify how landscape variability and environmental factors influence floodplain biogeochemistry in old‐growth ecosystems of Congaree National Park (CONG), SC. During a 2‐yr period, we measured biogeochemical indices along an alluvial soil toposequence that included seasonal variation in microbial biomass and net N mineralization. Soil microbial biomass was relatively consistent throughout the study and displayed few relationships to environmental variables. Net N mineralization showed distinct seasonal variations ranging from 37 ± 9 to 412 ± 73 g N ha−1 d−1 during cool winter and warm summer months, respectively. Nitrate‐N was the major product of net N mineralization in all seasons, and only hydric soils in low‐lying topographic positions had appreciable net NH4–N production (>15% total N mineralized), which typically occurred after spring flooding. These results suggest that the intrinsic biogeochemical processes within the old‐growth bottomland forests of CONG differ from those of aggrading floodplain forests of the southeastern United States, especially with regard to production of excess NO3–N.
Soil Wind Erodibility Based on Dry Aggregate‐Size Distribution in the Tarim Basin
Authors: Li Xinhu , Feng Guanglong , Sharratt Brenton S. , Zheng Zehao , Pi Huawei , Gao Fei
Published: October 2014

The Tarim Basin is an important source of airborne particulate matter that contributes to poor air quality in China. However, little attention has been given to estimating wind erodibility of soils in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the soil wind erodibility for four land use types in the Tarim Basin. Wind erodibility was determined from the dry aggregate size distribution of soils collected from desert, farmland, forest, and shrubland environments in spring 2013. Our analysis revealed that the percentage of soil mass composed of aggregates <840 μm in diameter (erodible fraction) ranged from 5.2 to 99.9% across sites with a mean of 58.9% across land use types. The four land use types had a high content of erodible aggregates. The mean percentage of soil mass which was comprised of saltation‐size (500–100 μm in diameter) and suspension‐size material (<100 μm in diameter) was 15.0 and 39.0%, respectively, across land use types. The desert had the highest potential for saltation activity and suspension. Our results suggest that all land use types examined in this study have potential to contribute to the atmospheric dust load in the Tarim Basin and to transcontinental and transoceanic transport of dust.
Stimulation of GLP-1 Secretion Downstream of the Ligand-Gated Ion Channel TRPA1
Authors: Emery Edward C. , Diakogiannaki Eleftheria , Gentry Clive , Psichas Arianna , Habib Abdella M. , Bevan Stuart , Fischer Michael J.M. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M.
Published: October 2014

Stimulus-coupled incretin secretion from enteroendocrine cells plays a fundamental role in glucose homeostasis and could be targeted for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigated the expression and function of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in enteroendocrine L cells producing GLP-1. By microarray and quantitative PCR analysis, we identified trpa1 as an L cell–enriched transcript in the small intestine. Calcium imaging of primary L cells and the model cell line GLUTag revealed responses triggered by the TRPA1 agonists allyl-isothiocyanate (mustard oil), carvacrol, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were blocked by TRPA1 antagonists. Electrophysiology in GLUTag cells showed that carvacrol induced a current with characteristics typical of TRPA1 and triggered the firing of action potentials. TRPA1 activation caused an increase in GLP-1 secretion from primary murine intestinal cultures and GLUTag cells, an effect that was abolished in cultures from trpa1−/− mice or by pharmacological TRPA1 inhibition. These findings present TRPA1 as a novel sensory mechanism in enteroendocrine L cells, coupled to the facilitation of GLP-1 release, which may be exploitable as a target for treating diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c and the Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Among Adults Without Diabetes
Authors: Carson April P. , Steffes Michael W. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Kim Yongin , Gross Myron D. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Reis Jared P. , Loria Catherine M. , Jacobs David R. , Lewis Cora E.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Higher levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk among individuals without diabetes and may also be positively associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC). This study investigated the association of HbA1c with CAC progression in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 2,076 participants with HbA1c and noncontrast computed tomography (CT) assessed at baseline (2005–2006), and CT repeated 5 years later (2010–2011). CAC progression was defined as 1) incident CAC (increase >0 Agatston units among those with no CAC at baseline), 2) any CAC progression (increase >10 Agatston units between examinations), and 3) advanced CAC progression (increase >100 Agatston units between examinations).

RESULTS

During the 5-year follow-up period, 12.9% of participants without baseline CAC developed incident CAC; among all participants, 18.2% had any CAC progression and 5.4% had advanced CAC progression. Higher HbA1c was associated with incident CAC (risk ratio [RR] = 1.45; 95% CI 1.02, 2.06), any CAC progression (RR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.16, 1.96), and advanced CAC progression (RR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.47, 3.99) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Additional adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors attenuated the associations of HbA1c with incident CAC (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.74, 1.49) and any CAC progression (RR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.87, 1.47). In contrast, the association of HbA1c with advanced CAC progression persisted in multivariable adjusted models (RR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.08, 2.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HbA1c was independently associated with advanced CAC progression among individuals without diabetes, while the associations with incident CAC and any CAC progression were accounted for by other established cardiovascular risk factors.
Differential Association Between Biomarkers of Subclinical Inflammation and Painful Polyneuropathy: Results From the KORA F4 Study
Authors: Herder Christian , Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Heier Margit , Kowall Bernd , Koenig Wolfgang , Thorand Barbara , Roden Michael , Meisinger Christa , Ziegler Dan
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of painful neuropathy in rodents, but the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and painful distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) has not been assessed in population-based studies. Therefore, we investigated whether circulating levels of seven pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mediators were associated with painful DSPN in older individuals in a large population-based study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study population consisted of individuals with painless (n = 337) and painful DSPN (n = 54) from a source population (n = 1,047) of men and women aged 61–82 years who participated in the German KORA F4 survey (2006–2008). We measured circulating levels of seven immune mediators and assessed their associations with the presence of painful DSPN using multiple logistic regression models.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age and sex, we found positive associations between serum concentrations of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and the soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 and painful DSPN (P = 0.004 and P = 0.005, respectively), whereas no associations were observed for C-reactive protein, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA, P = 0.07–0.38). Associations between IL-6 and sICAM-1 and painful DSPN remained significant after additional adjustment for waist circumference, height, hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, history of myocardial infarction and/or stroke, presence of other neurological conditions, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P = 0.005 and P = 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Painful DSPN is linked to systemic subclinical and vascular inflammation in the older population independent of anthropometric, lifestyle, and metabolic confounders.
Sectoral Interdependencies and Key Sectors in the Romanian, Hungarian and Slovak Economy – An Approach Based on Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Balla Emese
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is to analyse sectoral interdependencies and to identify the key sectors in the Romanian, Hungarian and Slovak economy, drawing a comparison between these three countries. In order to do these investigations, input-output analysis is applied, as it is based on a model which presents interactions between sectors of the economy. This method can also be used for determining the role of each sector in the national economy regarding its contribution to the total output, incomes, exportimport and so on, and for quantifying direct and indirect impact on the whole economy caused by any change produced in a sector’s activity. As the results of the analyses show, several similarities and differences appear in the economic structure, the sectoral interdependencies and the key sectors of the analysed countries. For example, in Romania, intersectoral transactions are axing mainly on the Trade and Manufacturing sectors, while in Hungary and Slovakia on the Manufacturing and Other professional, scientific and technical services sectors. Key sectors - identified by applying output and income backward linkages - also differ as in Romania the output backward linkage is the largest in the case of the Trade sector, in Hungary, in the Food sector and in Slovakia in the Electricity, gas, water and waste management sector. In the case of the income linkages, Social, collective and personal services rank in the first place in all three countries
Changes in Education Funding in Hungary
Authors: Madaras Attila , Varga József
Published: October 2014

Our study examines some of the key aspects of education funding in Hungary. The theme of this publication is a current issue because the financing of Hungarian education has been dramatically changed from October 2013 on. Enrolment-based funding has been replaced by the average salary-based normative support, and the new “teacher career model” has been introduced. The study demonstrates the changes in financing using a model school, the calculations being based on the Budget Act of each year. We look at the trends of the previous system of financing, analysing the data from 2003 to 2012. We can compare the new, average salary-based funding with the normative support in 2012. By comparing the two types of funding, we attempt to find out whether the changes in Hungarian public education represent an opportunity for true transformation or they will remain a mere alteration in the calculation method of funding.
A Comparison of Algorithms for Conjoint Choice Designs
Authors: Illyés László , Sándor Zsolt
Published: October 2014

We study the performance of some widely-used design construction algorithms like the coordinate exchange and swapping-cycling as well as some of their versions. We measure performance in two ways, namely, first, by measuring jointly both running time and the efficiency achieved, and, second, by fixing the running time of the algorithms and measuring the efficiency achieved while allowing the number of choice situations to vary. In addition, we also analyse the performance in terms of heterogeneous designs. A somewhat surprising outcome of our analyses is that a simplified version of the joint swapping-cycling algorithm outperforms the coordinate-exchange algorithm irrespective of the performance measure.
Determinants of Intra-Industry Trade in Agricultural and Food Products Between Poland and EU Countries
Authors: Łapinska Justyna
Published: October 2014

The present study investigates the country-specific determinants of intra-industry trade between Poland and its European Union trading partners in agricultural and food products during the time period 2002-2011. An econometric model for panel data is applied for the analysis of the factors determining Polish bilateral intra-industry trade with European Union countries. The research leads to the formulation of a statement that the intensity of intra-industry trade in agricultural and food products is positively influenced by the intensity of trade with EU countries and the level of economic development of the member countries (as measured by the size of their GDP per capita). Increase in intra-trade turnover is also facilitated by EU membership and by the fact that Poland’s trade partners use similar Slavic-based languages. Relative differences in the size of the economies and relative differences in Poland’s and its trading partners’ levels of economic development have a negative impact. The degree of the imbalance of trade turnover between trading partners also negatively influences the intensity of intra-trade exchange. The research confirms that the impact of all of the identified factors determining intra-industry trade is consistent with the predictions of the theory.
German Language Proficiency among Students of Business and Management in the Czech Republic and its Perception: The Importance of German Language Skills on the Labour Market and the Role of Universities in Foreign Language Training
Authors: Zinecker Marek , Konečná Zdeňka
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the results of an empirical study designed to map German language proficiency among students at Czech universities of business and management. The results of this empirical survey can be summarised as follows. First, the ability of students at Czech universities of business and management to communicate in German is poor, and exceeds the general German language proficiency of the Czech population only to an insignificant extent. Second, the school environment (the opportunity to learn the language, compulsory subject, language study motivation) has a decisive influence on the respondents’ ability to communicate in German. Third, nearly three-quarters of the respondents perceive German as a language that is very or rather important for their profession and career growth. Fourth, almost two-thirds of the respondents consider the role played by a university of business and management in the improvement of German language proficiency rather or very important. In conclusion, the study proposes directions for the potential development of the national educational system in the area of German language proficiency of university graduates in business and management in the Czech Republic, with an emphasis on the concept of content and language integrated learning (CLIL). We believe that the survey results are also very important from the point of view of enterprises operating in the Czech Republic because of the very close economic relations between the Czech Republic and German-speaking countries.
Exploring Links Between Cooperation, Internationalization and Proftability: A Study of Polish Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Mazur Jolanta , Zaborek Piotr
Published: October 2014

The paper is focused on developing a predictive, statistical model depicting the relationships among companies' involvement in internationalization, engagement in cooperation with business partners and their fnancial performance.

Data were collected through a CATI survey of managers of medium-sized Polish manufacturing enterprises. The principal statistical technique employed was binary logistic regression. The regression equation model contained four statistically significant dichotomous predictors: (1) sales abroad above 30% of total sales, (2) cooperation with foreign suppliers, (3) cooperation with domestic distributors, and (4) Export-Only Early-Internationalized status of the company. The two former variables were correlated positively with the profit margin, while the two latter shown negative associations.

The principal limitation of the study was a relatively small sample size of 110 units that, while enough to detect patterns with strong and medium-strong effect sizes, might not have provided sufficient power to identify weaker associations. Generalizations were also constrained by the selection criteria of the sample to medium-sized Polish enterprises from traditional manufacturing B2B industries.

The study yielded a regression model that permitted isolation of the main factors linked to the degree of sales profitability, which could assist managers in their efforts to enhance profit margins and in competitor analysis. The originality of the approach involves using a comprehensive list of 25 potential predictors in analysis that represented salient dimensions of cooperation and internationalization. The predictive capacities of the model were found to be sufficient to make it useful for both scholars and practitioners. The research relied on a sample drawn from the population that has rarely been studied on similar subjects.
Subjective and Objective Health of the Population Aged 50+ and the Welfare State Regimes in 16 European Countries
Authors: Romaniuk Joanna
Published: October 2014

Health at 50+ issues are particularly important now, when the inevitable increase in the old-age dependency ratio calls for governmental involvement in measures that are aimed at mitigating the negative effects of population aging in Europe. The investigations of differences between the subjective and objective health measures in a welfare state regime perspective have not been conducted before although it can be assumed that such analyses might provide valuable information about the impact of welfare regime on health as well as about the interchangeability between the self-reported and measured health.

The main objective of this study was to determine whether the type of welfare regime influences the subjective and objective health of the population aged 50+. Hierarchical logistic regression models were applied to examine this subject. Analyses were conducted for 16 European countries (N=57236) classified into four different types of welfare regimes: social democratic, post-socialist, conservative-corporatist and Mediterranean. The empirical results suggest that the type of welfare regime helps to explain the variations in the subjective health between countries as well as the differences between individuals. However, it does not explain the differences in objective health when analyzing all socio-economic groups collectively. Analyzes performed within defined socioeconomic groups showed that the types of welfare regimes differentiated between both subjective and objective health in the majority of defined groups, however, the health of those least well-of in all of the analyzed welfare regimes was found to be similar. The different results obtained for both subjective and objective health in post-socialist and Mediterranean countries suggest that these two types of measurement should not be used interchangeably.
Innovation and Internationalization of Hungarian SMEs in the IT Industry
Authors: Csonka László
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is to look at the extent and type of internationalization among Hungarian information technology (IT) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the possible relationship between the degree of innovativeness and the internationalization of these companies. Information technologies play an important role in the Hungarian economy: this sector is one of the most R&D intensive industries in which many SMEs are active.

The paper reviews relevant theories of internationalization in research, development and innovation (RDI) to give a broader picture of the environment in which SMEs have to succeed. This is followed by a secondary data analysis to show the situation of the industry in Hungary, then by an analysis of the survey data and interviews designed specifically for the purpose of this research.

The new empirical results show that Hungarian IT SMEs are still at the beginning of the internationalization process: while aware of the advantages of collaborations and internationalization, they are still reluctant to venture out of their “safety zone” and therefore they collaborate only with their closest partners. Very few SMEs have decided to establish international RDI contacts.

The analysis suggests that the main barriers in internationalization of the Hungarian SMEs are due to lack of capital, appropriate managerial capabilities and innovation-friendly economic environment.

So far, most theories/empirical research have concentrated on the role and activities of multinational enterprises in the internationalization of RDI, while in the literature less relevant knowledge on SMEs is available. The aim of this paper is to contribute to this latter part of the literature by analyzing the international activities of innovative/R&D-intensive SMEs in Hungary.
International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment as Innovation Factors of the U.S. Economy
Authors: Napiórkowski Tomasz M.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this research is to asses the hypothesis that foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade have had a positive impact on innovation in one of the most significant economies in the world, the United States (U.S.). To do so, the author used annual data from 1995 to 2010 to build a set of econometric models. In each model, 11 in total) the number of patent applications by U.S. residents is regressed on inward FDI stock, exports and imports of the economy as a collective, and in each of the 10 SITC groups separately.

Although the topic of FDI is widely covered in the literature, there are still disagreements when it comes to the impact of foreign direct investment on the host economy [McGrattan, 2011]. To partially address this gap, this research approaches the host economy not only as an aggregate, but also as a sum of its components (i.e., SITC groups), which to the knowledge of this author has not yet been done on the innovation-FDI-trade plane, especially for the U.S.

Unfortunately, the study suffers from the lack of available data. For example, the number of patents and other used variables is reported in the aggregate and not for each SITC groups (e.g., trade). As a result, our conclusions regarding exports and imports in a specific SITC category (and the total) impact innovation in the U.S. is reported in the aggregate.

General notions found in the literature are first shown and discussed. Second, the dynamics of innovation, trade and inward FDI stock in the U.S. are presented. Third, the main portion of the work, i.e. the econometric study, takes place, leading to several policy applications and conclusions.
The Factors Influencing Economic Efficiency of the Hospital Bed Care in Terms of the Regional Allowance Organizations
Authors: Vaňková Ivana , Vrabková Iveta
Published: October 2014

This paper aims to provide an efficiency evaluation of selected hospital bed care providers during years 2010 -2012 with respect to selected factors: The size of the hospital establishment according to number of beds, number of hospitalized patients, the average length of stay per a patient in care, total staff cost calculated per bed, total revenues calculated per bed, and total costs calculated per bed. For this purpose, hospitals providing primarily acute bed care were chosen. From the legal point of view, they are allowance organizations of a particular region. The evaluation concerns both allocative efficiency and technical efficiency. The allocative efficiency is treated from the proper algorithm point of view and it compares total costs calculated per bed with total revenues calculated per bed. A method denominated Data Envelopment Analysis was applied for the calculation of the technical efficiency of units. To be more specific, it was input-oriented model with constant returns to scale (CCR). The input parameters involve the number of beds, the average length of stay and costs per day of stay. Output parameters were as follows: Bed occupancy in days and the number of hospitalized patients. The data published by the Institute of Health Information and Statistic of the Czech Republic and by ÚFIS system (the Data Base of Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic) were used as the source of data. The evaluation implies that only three hospitals were economically-effective: Silesian Hospital in Opava, Hospital Jihlava, and TGM Hospital Hodonín. The most significant factor influencing the efficiency was determined - the average length of stay.
Therapeutic Hypothermia in Brain Trauma Injury: Controversies
Authors: Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Rubiano Andres M. , Ramirez Omar , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: October 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability in developed countries. It is a major cause of mortality in young patients worldwide. Intracranial hypertension is the cause of death in more than 80% of patients with TBI. When secondary lesions occur, start a number of mechanisms that increase the metabolic injury to brain tissue. Induction of hypothermia has been shown to alter the natural course of the disease process. The biological foundations suggest that hypothermia may have a potential benefit, although some publications have shown no improvement, it is clear that in a group of mostly young patients, early hypothermia may be beneficial. We present a practical review of the literature on this subject.
Outcome of Operative Intervention in Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumours
Authors: Jaiswal Manish , Shyam Mittal Radhey
Published: October 2014

Objective: The authors analysed the outcome of intramedullary spinal cord tumour surgery, focusing on the preoperative & postoperative neurological status and influence of preoperative gait status on postoperative gait.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 53 intramedullary tumour patients, operated at our institute between Jan 2006 and July 2012 was done. Pre - and postoperative neurological status was determined. Preoperative MRI was done. Ambulatory status were evaluated using the modified McCormick Scale. All the patients were operated using standard microsurgical techniques. Extent of resection was quantified by direct visualization with microscope as: gross resection, subtotal resection, partial resection, and biopsy.

Results: 73.5% of the patients were in 40-60 years of age group (age range, 5-81 years; mean age 41 years). Region most commonly affected was thoracic (40%). The preoperative McCormick grade was I in 20 (37.7%), II in 16 (30.1%), III in 7 (13.2%), IV in 9 (16.9%), and V in 1 (1.88%) patients. Gross resection was possible in 54.7% of cases. Gross resection rate was significantly higher in good preoperative gait (grade - I). Histologically 41.5% of the lesions were ependymomas. Overall postoperative neurological status improved in 16 (30.3%) of the patients, remained unchanged in 27 (50.9%) of cases, and deteriorated in 10 (18.8%) patients.

Conclusions: Better final outcome of walking ability correlated with good preoperative gait. Higher Gross resection rate was found in cases at an early stage. We favor early and optimal resection of tumour to give least morbidity and better quality of life.
Glycemia in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Clinical Implications
Authors: Alvis-Miranda Hernando , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: October 2014

Spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage or intracranial hemorrhage accounts for 10-15% of all strokes. Intracranial hemorrhage is much less common than ischemic stroke, but has higher mortality and morbidity, one of the leading causes of severe disability. Various alterations, among these the endocrine were identified when an intracerebral hemorrhage, these stress-mediated mechanisms exacerbate secondary injury. Deep knowledge of the injuries which are directly involved alterations of glucose, offers insight as cytotoxicity, neuronal death and metabolic dysregulations alter the prognosis of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
Remote Supratentorial Hemorrhage After Posterior Fossa Surgery: A Brief Case Report
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Alcalá-Cerra Gabriel , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Ramírez Omar , Calderón-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Rubiano Andrés M.
Published: October 2014

The supratentorial hemorrhage after posterior fossa surgery is an unusual but delicate complication that carries high mortality and morbidity. A 50 year old woman presented vertigo 6 months of evolution, which worsened in the last 2 months accompanied by ataxia. She showed left cerebellar signs, had no focal motor or sensory deficits. A brain MRI identified cerebellopontine angle lesion with mass effect. The patient was treated on suboccipital craniectomy and resection of right posterior fossa tumor, the histopathological diagnosis was consistent with typical meningioma. (WHO Class I).

The postoperative period was satisfactory. A month later, presented clinical symptoms of right-sided hemiparesis, brain CT revealed left frontal supratentorial hematoma, receiving conservative management. Patient was discharged after 10 days. Reports in the literature on this rare complication, detailed cases where the hematoma was presented in hours to days. To our knowledge this is the first report in the literature of supratentorial hemorrhage and posterior fossa surgery one month after the surgical procedure has been performed.
Intramedullary Mature Teratoma of Cervical Spine in an Infant: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Chanduka Amit , Purohit Devendra , Mittal Radhe Shyam , Kaushal Ronyl
Published: October 2014

Spinal Teratomas are rare tumor and cervical intramedullary location in infancy still rarer. Only eleven cases of cervical intramedullary teratoma in pediatric patients is reported in available literature (1, ll). We are reporting a case of an infant presenting with cervical mature teratoma with associated dysraphism, adding the next in this rare case series. Arising as a result of dysembryogenesis, these lesions by virtue of their content are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Heterogeneous intensities on MRI produced by intralesional lipomatous and osseous elements are helpful but rarely enough to diagnose the tumor. Histology is confirmatory. Mature teratomas generally have good prognosis and a timely intervention can prevent further neurological deterioration. However a strict clinical and radiological follow up is recommended.
“Panda Smiled Again - Credit Goes to Repeated Early Stage Computed Tomography Scan: An Interesting Case Report”
Authors: Jaiswal Manish , Gandhi Ashok , Purohit Devendra , Mittal R. S.
Published: October 2014

Extradural hematoma (EDH) is considered to be a rare in head trauma associated with arrested hydrocephalus, and represents a serious pathology from which complete recovery can be expected if urgent intervention done in time. In this case report, the authors present an arrested hydrocephalus patient who was apparently asymptomatic at the time of hospital admission with a mild head injury and developed rapidly increasing size of EDH. The value of repeated early Computed tomography (CT) scan and the pathogenesis of rapidly increasing size of EDH in arrested hydrocephalic patient are discussed.
European Antibiotic Awareness Day: a five-year perspective of Europe-wide actions to promote prudent use of antibiotics
Authors: Earnshaw S , Mancarella G , Mendez A , Todorova B , Magiorakos A P , Possenti E , Stryk M , Gilbro S , Goossens H , Albiger B , Monnet D L ,   on behalf of the European Antibiotic Awareness Day Technical Advisory Committee,   on behalf of the European Antibiotic Awareness Day Collaborative Group
Published: October 2014

Following the European Union (EU) Council Recommendation on prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine in 2001, and the success of national campaigns, i.e. Belgium and France, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) decided to establish the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) on 18 November as platform to support national campaigns across Europe. This article provides an overview of EAAD tools, materials, and activities developed during the first five years. It shows that EAAD has been successful due to good cooperation between ECDC and national institutions, strong political and stakeholder support and evidence-based development of campaign materials. EAAD has provided a platform for pre-existing national campaigns and encouraged similar campaigns to develop where neither political support had been secured, nor financial support had been available. As a result, participating countries have continuously expressed strong support for ECDC to continue its work on EAAD. This has been endorsed by a steadily increasing number of countries participating and the growing interest of varied professional and stakeholder organisations. We conclude that EAAD should continue to act as catalyst for discussion and as mechanism to raise awareness of the public and prescribers about prudent use of antibiotics.
Dewey’s “Science as Method” a Century Later
Authors: Rudolph John L.
Published: October 2014

Over a hundred years ago, John Dewey delivered his now-well-known address “Science as Subject-Matter and as Method” to those assembled at the Boston meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in which he lamented the nearly exclusive focus on content knowledge in early-20th-century school science classrooms. This article revisits Dewey’s talk and examines the development of science education in the United States in the years since that address. Dewey’s critique of science education in 1909 provides fertile ground for a renewed critique of science education practices today. It is argued that there is, specifically, a need to recover the rapidly fading civic aims of science teaching, which requires greater attention to the methods of science—the idea Dewey highlighted so strongly back then.
Kick the Ball or Kicked the Ball? Perception of the Past Morpheme –ed by Second Language Learners
Authors: Bell Philippa , Trofimovich Pavel , Collins Laura
Published: October 2014

Abstract:

Explanations for the well-documented second language (L2) learning challenge of the English regular past include verb semantics (Bardovi-Harlig, 2000), phonetic properties (Goad, White, & Steele, 2003), and frequency factors (Collins, Trofimovich, White, Cardoso, & Horst, 2009). Difficulty perceiving past-tense morphology (i.e., hearing –ed in the input) has received less research attention. In this study, we explored the roles of three perceptual factors (phonological environment, speech rate, semantic clues) among 106 L2 learners and 81 English speakers of a similar age. Experiment 1 was a forced-choice auditory identification task contrasting perceptually ‘easy’ ([əd] + vowel) and ‘hard’ ([t] or [d] + consonant) regular past contexts at normal conversational speed. Experiment 2 contrasted easy and hard contexts at a slowed-down speech rate. Experiment 3 included time adverbials that matched or mismatched the tense marker (e.g., walked the dog now vs. walked the dog yesterday). The L2 learners behaved at just above chance at normal conversational speed in both contexts, and slowing speech down helped them in easy contexts only. The English speakers were more accurate in easy than in hard contexts regardless of speech rate. Both L2 learners and English speakers also relied on adverbials at the expense of the phonetic cue to past morphology (–ed). Implications of these findings for the roles of input and frequency in L2 learning, and for pronunciation teaching (i.e., setting reasonable learning goals) are discussed.