bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Los Canindeyú a través de las fuentes: dinastía de caciques en el Alto Paraná. Siglos XVII-XVIII
Authors: Salinas María Laura , Svriz Wucherer Pedro Miguel
Published: July 2014

En este trabajo presentaremos dos fuentes inéditas con el fin de contextualizarlas. Por un lado el fragmento de una visita de indios al pueblo de indios de Itatí (Corrientes, Nordeste de Argentina) realizada en 1653, la misma se conserva en el Archivo y Biblioteca Nacionales de Bolivia (Sucre) y fue realizada por el oidor Andrés Garabito de León. Se trata de la inspección específica a una encomienda constituida por una parcialidad a cargo de un cacique de la familia Canindeyú en la que se desarrolló un proceso conflictivo, reclamos de los indígenas, descargo del encomendero, presentación de testigos y definiciones por parte del visitador. El otro documento del siglo XVIII ofrece interesantes facetas: no tiene fecha exacta de producción, fue escrito por un cacique y corregidor, perteneciente también a la familia Canindeyú de Itatí; y refiere a una solicitud de exención de mita para los varones de dicha reducción.Ambos textos nos invitan a reflexionar sobre los cacicazgos en un mismo pueblo de indios en marcos cronológicos diferentes y nos posibilita problematizar sobre estas fuentes, sus alcances y límites; permitiéndonos recorrer también el universo del trabajo indígena, las relaciones feudatarios - encomendados y las vinculaciones de una reducción con funcionarios y vecinos de la ciudad.
Implementing an Emergency Department Information System
Authors: Vezyridis Paraskevas , Timmons Stephen
Published: July 2014

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly used in healthcare settings. Despite their technical robustness, their implementation has not always been straightforward. This is a case study of the implementation of a clinical information system for patient registration and tracking in the busy emergency department (ED) of a large English NHS University Hospitals Trust. By adopting an Actor-Network Theory (ANT) approach, the authors explore the complex intertwining of people and machines in the local setting as they negotiate the success of the project. Based on the analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with clinical and administrative staff and, of relevant policy and project documentation, the authors demonstrate how the technologically-mediated transformation of healthcare practices is not a fixed and linear process, but the interplay of various fluctuating, performative and co-constitutive technical and social factors.
A Study of Online Co-Creation Strategies of Starbucks Using Netnography
Authors: Sindhwani Preetika , Ahuja Vandana
Published: July 2014

Inbound marketing focuses on producing relevant, audience captivating, high quality content that attracts consumers towards the online presence of a specific organization, brand or product. This study has been conducted using the online marketing research technique called netnography – a qualitative and interpretive methodology for the study of users in the virtual space. As the virtual medium presents a good medium for organization-consumer, bi-directional dialogue, companies can use the online arena for soliciting consumer views for their products, promotion mechanisms etc., hence, making these ideal tools to enable consumer participation in the co-creation strategies of organizations. Co-creation involves the consumers' participation in the creation of the core offering itself. It can occur through shared inventiveness, co-design or shared production of related goods, and can occur with customers and any other partners in the value network (R. Bolton, & S. Saxena-Iyer, 2009). Co-creation occurs when the customer participates through spontaneous, discretionary behaviors that uniquely customize the service experience (beyond the selection of pre-determined options). This was done by exploratory research on consumers' behavior in the online community “My Starbucks Idea”, with respect to updates and responses from Starbucks and their behavior with respect to feedback and suggestions from consumers. Ideas include fresh ideas given by other consumers to Starbucks through posts and the ideas which have been implemented recently in the stores that are updated by Starbucks' employees. Starbucks behavior was seen in terms of the ratio of volume of suggestion posts by consumers and volume of ideas adopted by Starbucks. “My Starbucks Idea” involves the psychological aspects of consumer behavior which are utilized by Starbucks because the ratio of volume of suggestion posts by consumers and the volume of ideas adopted by Starbucks is remarkably high. Another reason of participation of the consumers is the social connection; it is supported by the higher volume of posts observed.
Efficiency and Contribution of Strategies for Finding Randomized Controlled Trials: A Case Study from a Systematic Review on Therapeutic Interventions of Chronic Depression
Authors: Westphal Annika , Kriston Levente , Hölzel Lars P. , Härter Martin , von Wolff Alessa
Published: July 2014

Background

Identifying all existing evidence is a crucial aspect in conducting systematic reviews. Since the retrieval of electronic database searches alone is limited, guidelines recommend the use of additional search strategies. The aim of this investigation was to assess the efficiency and contribution of additional search strategies for identifying randomized controlled trials in conducting a systematic review on interventions after performing a sensitive electronic database search.

Design and Methods

Seven electronic databases, 3 journals and 11 systematic reviews were searched. All first authors of the included studies were contacted; citation tracking and a search in clinical trial registers were performed. A priori defined evaluation criteria were calculated for each search strategy.

Results

A total of 358 full-text articles were identified; 50 studies were included in the systematic review, wherefrom 84.0% (42) were acquired by the sensitive electronic database search and 16.0% (8) through additional search strategies. Screening reference lists of related systematic reviews was the most beneficial additional search strategy, with an efficiency of 31.3% (5) and a contribution of 10.0% (5/50), whereas hand-searching and author contacts contributed two and one additional studies, respectively. Citation tracking and searching clinical trial registers did not lead to any further inclusion of primary studies.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, hand-searching contents of relevant journals and screening reference lists of related systematic reviews may be helpful additional strategies to identify an extensive body of evidence. In case of limited resources, a sensitive electronic database search may constitute an appropriate alternative for identifying relevant trials.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ASSESSMENT OF THROMBOSPONDIN AND PLACENTA GROWTH FACTOR LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA: TWO CENTERS EGYPTIAN STUDIES
Authors: Hagag Adel Abd elhaleim , Elmashad Ghada , El-Lateef Aml Ezzat Abd
Published: July 2014

Abstract: Background: Sickle cell disease has a worldwide distribution. Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is one of the most important clinical features of the disease. Thrombospondin (TSP1) and Placenta growth factor (PlGF) have been reported to be involved in sickle cell diseases (SCD). Objective: The aim of this study is to assess TSP1 and PlGF levels in SCD patients. Patients and methods: This study was carried out in forty patients with sickle cell anemia who were attendants to Hematology units, Pediatric Departments, Tanta and Elmenofia University Hospital in the period between December 2011 and December 2013 including twenty patients with sickle cell anemia during vaso-occlusive crisis (twelve males and eight females) and twenty patients with sickle cell disease out of crisis (ten males and ten females). Also this study included twenty healthy children of matched age and sex as a control group. Serum TSP1 and PlGF levels were analyzed by ELISA. Results: Mean serum TSP1 levels were significantly higher in SCA patients with crisis than SCA patients out of crisis and were significantly higher in SCA patients with or without crisis compared to controls. Mean serum Placenta growth factor levels were significantly higher in SCA patients with crisis than SCA patients out of crisis and were significantly higher in SCA patients with or without crisis compared to controls. Conclusions: TSP1and PlGF concentration may be useful VOC markers in SCD patients. Recommendation: Further studies should be conducted to determine the exact point before VOC, when serum TSP1 and PIGF levels begin to increase. This requires monitoring of the TSP1 and PIGF levels in sickle cell patients out of crisis, showing how rapidly these levels increase just before VOC development.
Role of Damage Control Orthopedics and Early Total Care in the Multiple Injured Trauma Patients
Authors: Jordan Robert W. , Chahal Gurdip S. , Davies Matthew H.
Published: July 2014

The care of multiply injured patients with orthopedic injuries has evolved from prolonged periods in traction to early total care (ETC). ETC is advantageous in ease of nursing care and aiding patient recovery. However, concerns have been raised that this ‘second hit’ of surgery places these severely injured patients at risk of excessive inflammatory responses that can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Damage control was initially used in abdominal trauma but has been adapted for use in orthopedics. The mainstay of treatment involves external fixation of long bone and pelvic fractures which acts to defer definitive fixation until physiologic stability is restored. The indications for implementing each approach are not clear and this article provides a narrative review of the topic.
Estimation of severe drug-drug interaction warnings by medical specialist groups for Austrian nationwide eMedication
Authors: Sauter S. K. , Neuhofer L. M. , Edlinger D. , Grossmann W. , Wolzt M. , Endel G. , Gall W. , Rinner C.
Published: July 2014

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the amount of severe drug-drug interaction warnings per medical specialist group triggered by prescribed drugs of a patient before and after the introduction of a nationwide eMedication system in Austria planned for 2015.

Methods: The estimations of interaction warnings are based on patients’ prescriptions of a single health care professional per patient, as well as all patients’ prescriptions from all visited health care professionals. We used a research database of the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Organizations that contains health claims data of the years 2006 and 2007.

Results: The study cohort consists of about 1 million patients, with 26.4 million prescribed drugs from about 3,400 different health care professionals. The estimation of interaction warnings show a heterogeneous pattern of severe drug-drug-interaction warnings across medical specialist groups.

Conclusion: During an eMedication implementation it must be taken into consideration that different medical specialist groups require customized support.

Citation: Rinner C, Sauter SK, Neuhofer LM, Edlinger D, Grossmann W, Wolzt M, Endel G, Gall W. Estimation of severe drug-drug interaction warnings by medical specialist groups for Austrian nationwide eMedication. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 603–611

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-04-RA-0030
The quasi 16-day wave in mesospheric water vapor during boreal winter 2011/2012
Authors: Scheiben D. , Tschanz B. , Hocke K. , Kämpfer N. , Ka S. , Oh J. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. This study investigates the characteristics of the quasi 16-day wave in the mesosphere during boreal winter 2011/2012 using observations of water vapor from ground-based microwave radiometers and satellite data. The ground-based microwave radiometers are located in Seoul (South Korea, 37° N), Bern (Switzerland, 47° N) and Sodankylä (Finland, 67° N). The quasi 16-day wave is observed in the mesosphere at all three locations, while the dominant period increases with latitude from 15 days at Seoul to 20 days at Sodankylä. The observed evolution of the quasi 16-day wave confirms that the wave activity is strongly decreased during a sudden stratospheric warming that occurred in mid-January 2012. Using satellite data from the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Aura satellite, we examine the zonal characteristics of the quasi 16-day wave and conclude that the observed waves above the midlatitudinal stations Seoul and Bern are eastward-propagating s = −1 planetary waves with periods of 15 to 16 days, while the observed oscillation above the polar station Sodankylä is a standing wave with a period of approximately 20 days. The strongest relative wave amplitudes in water vapor during the investigated time period are approximately 15%. The wave activity varies strongly along a latitude circle. The activity of the quasi 16-day wave in mesospheric water vapor during boreal winter 2011/2012 is strongest over northern Europe, the North Atlantic Ocean and northwestern Canada. The region of highest wave activity seems to be related to the position of the polar vortex. We conclude that the classic approach to characterize planetary waves zonally averaged along a latitude circle is not sufficient to explain the local observations because of the strong longitudinal dependence of the wave activity.
The effect of atmospheric aerosol particles and clouds on net ecosystem exchange in the Amazon
Authors: Cirino G. G. , Souza R. A. F. , Adams D. K. , Artaxo P.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Carbon cycling in the Amazon is closely linked to atmospheric processes and climate in the region as a consequence of the strong coupling between the atmosphere and biosphere. This work examines the effects of changes in net radiation due to atmospheric aerosol particles and clouds on the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 in the Amazon region. Some of the major environmental factors affecting the photosynthetic activity of plants, such as air temperature and relative humidity, were also examined. An algorithm for clear-sky irradiance was developed and used to determine the relative irradiance, f, which quantifies the percentage of solar radiation absorbed and scattered due to atmospheric aerosol particles and clouds. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) was calculated from irradiances measured with the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor, onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites, and was validated with ground-based AOD measurements from AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) sun photometers. Carbon fluxes were measured using eddy covariance technique at the Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) flux towers. Two sites were studied: the Jaru Biological Reserve (RBJ), located in Rondonia, and the Cuieiras Biological Reserve at the K34 LBA tower (located in a preserved region in the central Amazon). Analysis was performed continuously from 1999 to 2009 at K34 and from 1999 to 2002 at RBJ, and includes wet, dry and transition seasons. In the Jaru Biological Reserve, a 29% increase in carbon uptake (NEE) was observed when the AOD ranged from 0.10 to 1.5 at 550 nm. In the Cuieiras Biological Reserve, the aerosol effect on NEE was smaller, accounting for an approximate 20% increase in NEE. High aerosol loading (AOD above 3 at 550 nm) or high cloud cover leads to reductions in solar flux and strong decreases in photosynthesis up to the point where NEE approaches zero. The observed increase in NEE is attributed to an enhancement (~50%) in the diffuse fraction of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). The enhancement in diffuse PAR can be done through increases in aerosols and/or clouds. In the present study, it was not possible to separate these two components. Significant changes in air temperature and relative humidity resulting from changes in solar radiation fluxes under high aerosol loading were also observed at both sites. Considering the long-range transport of aerosols in the Amazon, the observed changes in NEE for these two sites may occur over large areas in the Amazon, significantly altering the carbon balance in the largest rainforest in the world.
Emission trends and mitigation options for air pollutants in East Asia
Authors: Wang S. X. , Zhao B. , Cai S. Y. , Klimont Z. , Nielsen C. P. , Morikawa T. , Woo J. H. , Kim Y. , Fu X. , Xu J. Y. , Hao J. M. , He K. B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Emissions of air pollutants in East Asia play an important role in the regional and global atmospheric environment. In this study we evaluated the recent emission trends of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) in East Asia, and projected their future emissions up until 2030 with six emission scenarios. The results will provide future emission projections for the modeling community of the model inter-comparison program for Asia (MICS-Asia). During 2005–2010, the emissions of SO2 and PM2.5 in East Asia decreased by 15 and 12%, respectively, mainly attributable to the large-scale deployment of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) at China's power plants, and the promotion of highly efficient PM removal technologies in China's power plants and cement industry. During this period, the emissions of NOx and NMVOC increased by 25 and 15%, driven by rapid increase in the emissions from China due to inadequate control strategies. In contrast, the NOx and NMVOC emissions in East Asia except China decreased by 13–17%, mainly due to the implementation of stringent vehicle emission standards in Japan and South Korea. Under current regulations and current levels of implementation, NOx, SO2, and NMVOC emissions in East Asia are projected to increase by about one-quarter over 2010 levels by 2030, while PM2.5 emissions are expected to decrease by 7%. Assuming enforcement of new energy-saving policies, emissions of NOx, SO2, PM2.5 and NMVOC in East Asia are expected to decrease by 28, 36, 28, and 15%, respectively, compared with the baseline case. The implementation of "progressive" end-of-pipe control measures would lead to another one-third reduction of the baseline emissions of NOx, and about one-quarter reduction of SO2, PM2.5, and NMVOC. Assuming the full application of technically feasible energy-saving policies and end-of-pipe control technologies, the emissions of NOx, SO2, and PM2.5 in East Asia would account for only about one-quarter, and NMVOC for one-third, of the levels of the baseline projection. Compared with previous projections, this study projects larger reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions by considering aggressive governmental plans and standards scheduled to be implemented in the next decade, and quantifies the significant effects of detailed progressive control measures on NMVOC emissions up until 2030.
Atmospheric tar balls: aged primary droplets from biomass burning?
Authors: Tóth A. , Hoffer A. , Nyirő-Kósa I. , Pósfai M. , Gelencsér A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric tar balls are particles of special morphology and composition that are fairly abundant in the plumes of biomass smoke. These particles form a specific subset of brown carbon (BrC) which has been shown to play a significant role in atmospheric shortwave absorption and, by extension, climate forcing. Here we suggest that tar balls are produced by the direct emission of liquid tar droplets followed by heat transformation upon biomass burning. For the first time in atmospheric chemistry we generated tar-ball particles from liquid tar obtained previously by dry distillation of wood in an all-glass apparatus in the laboratory with the total exclusion of flame processes. The particles were perfectly spherical with a mean optical diameter of 300 nm, refractory, externally mixed, and homogeneous in the contrast of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. They lacked any graphene-like microstructure and exhibited a mean carbon-to-oxygen ratio of 10. All of the observed characteristics of laboratory-generated particles were very similar to those reported for atmospheric tar-ball particles in the literature, strongly supporting our hypothesis regarding the formation mechanism of atmospheric tar-ball particles.
Temperature and precipitation in Northeast China during the last 150 years: relationship to large-scale climatic variability
Authors: Alessio S. , Taricco C. , Rubinetti S. , Vivaldo G. , Mancuso S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The analysis of two historical time series of temperature and precipitation in Northeast China, spanning, respectively, 1870–2004 and 1841–2004, performed by continuous wavelet transform and other classical and advanced spectral methods, is presented here. Both variables show a particular trend and oscillations of about 85, 60, 35 and 20 years that are highly significant, with a phase opposition at the centennial scale and at the 20-year scale. The analysis of the four temperature series relative to single seasons shows that the 20-year cycle is typical of the summer monsoon season, while the 35-year cycle is most evident in winter. The cycles of ~ 60 years and longer are present in all seasons. The centennial variation of temperature and precipitation describes well the 1970–1980 transition between a period of relatively strong East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM), corresponding to high precipitation and relatively cool temperatures in Northeast China, and a conditions of weak EASM (low precipitation and warm temperatures). The connection of the detected local variations with large-scale climatic variability is deduced from the comparison with different climatic records (Northern Hemisphere temperature, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation indexes).
Isoprene emissions track the seasonal cycle of canopy temperature, not primary production: evidence from remote sensing
Authors: Foster P. N. , Prentice I. C. , Morfopoulos C. , Siddall M. , van Weele M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Isoprene is important in atmospheric chemistry, but its seasonal emission pattern – especially in the tropics, where most isoprene is emitted – is incompletely understood. We set out to discover generalized relationships applicable across many biomes between large-scale isoprene emission and a series of potential predictor variables, including both observed and model-estimated variables related to gross primary production (GPP) and canopy temperature. We used remotely sensed atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde, an intermediate oxidation product of isoprene, as a proxy for isoprene emission in 22 regions selected to span high to low latitudes, to sample major biomes, and to minimize interference from pyrogenic sources of volatile organic compounds that could interfere with the isoprene signal. Formaldehyde concentrations showed the highest average seasonal correlations with remotely sensed (r = 0.85) and model-estimated (r = 0.80) canopy temperatures. Both variables predicted formaldehyde concentrations better than air temperature (r= 0.56) and a "reference" isoprene model that combines GPP and an exponential function of temperature (r = 0.49), and far better than either remotely sensed green vegetation cover, fPAR (r = 0.25) or model-estimated GPP (r = 0.14). Gross primary production in tropical regions was anti-correlated with formaldehyde concentration (r = −0.30), which peaks during the dry season. Our results were most reliable in the tropics, where formaldehyde observational errors were the least. The tropics are of particular interest because they are the greatest source of isoprene emission as well as the region where previous modelling attempts have been least successful. We conjecture that positive correlations of isoprene emission with GPP and air temperature (as found in temperate forests) may arise simply because both covary with canopy temperature, peaking during the relatively short growing season. The lack of a general correlation between GPP and formaldehyde concentration in the seasonal cycle is consistent with experimental evidence that isoprene emission rates are largely decoupled from photosynthetic rates, and with the likely adaptive significance of isoprene emission in protecting leaves against heat damage and oxidative stress.
The declining uptake rate of atmospheric CO2 by land and ocean sinks
Authors: Raupach M. R. , Gloor M. , Sarmiento J. L. , Canadell J. G. , Frölicher T. L. , Gasser T. , Houghton R. A. , Le Quéré C. , Trudinger C. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Through 1959–2012, an airborne fraction (AF) of 0.44 of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions remained in the atmosphere, with the rest being taken up by land and ocean CO2 sinks. Understanding of this uptake is critical because it greatly alleviates the emissions reductions required for climate mitigation, and also reduces the risks and damages that adaptation has to embrace. An observable quantity that reflects sink properties more directly than the AF is the CO2 sink rate (kS), the combined land–ocean CO2 sink flux per unit excess atmospheric CO2 above preindustrial levels. Here we show from observations that kS declined over 1959–2012 by a factor of about 1 / 3, implying that CO2 sinks increased more slowly than excess CO2. Using a carbon–climate model, we attribute the decline in kS to four mechanisms: slower-than-exponential CO2 emissions growth (~ 35% of the trend), volcanic eruptions (~ 25%), sink responses to climate change (~ 20%), and nonlinear responses to increasing CO2, mainly oceanic (~ 20%). The first of these mechanisms is associated purely with the trajectory of extrinsic forcing, and the last two with intrinsic, feedback responses of sink processes to changes in climate and atmospheric CO2. Our results suggest that the effects of these intrinsic, nonlinear responses are already detectable in the global carbon cycle. Although continuing future decreases in kS will occur under all plausible CO2 emission scenarios, the rate of decline varies between scenarios in non-intuitive ways because extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms respond in opposite ways to changes in emissions: extrinsic mechanisms cause kS to decline more strongly with increasing mitigation, while intrinsic mechanisms cause kS to decline more strongly under high-emission, low-mitigation scenarios as the carbon–climate system is perturbed further from a near-linear regime.
Non-market valuation supporting water management: the case study in Czestochowa, Poland
Authors: Kountouris Y. , Godyn I. , Sauer J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Water resources in Poland continue to be under stress despite systematic efforts to safeguard ground and surface water quality and quantity. Groundwater protection from nitrate pollution of human origin requires the development of sewerage systems. Such investments are often financed from public funds that must be formally appraised. The appraisal should be done by a comparison of benefits and costs of investment measures – not only financial but also environmental and social. A significant challenge is the monetization of the effects on the environment. In this paper we use non-market valuation to examine residents' preferences and estimate their willingness to pay for improving drinking water quality. This paper also contributes to the narrow literature on valuation of benefits of measures for groundwater quality improvement by presenting an application of the choice experiment method in the Czestochowa Region of Poland. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study estimating the value of benefits of the groundwater quality improvement in Poland.
Hydrological dynamics of water sources in a Mediterranean lagoon
Authors: Stumpp C. , Ekdal A. , Gönenc I. E. , Maloszewski P.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Lagoons are important ecosystems occupying large coastal areas worldwide. Lagoons contain various mixtures of marine and freshwater sources which are highly dynamic in time. However, it often remains a challenge to identify and quantify dynamic changes of water sources, particularly in heterogeneous lagoon systems like the Köycegiz-Dalyan Lagoon (KDL), which is located at the southwest of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea coast. The objective of this study was to quantify different contributions of potential water sources i.e. surface water, groundwater and seawater in the lagoon and how these water sources changed over time and space. In the wet and dry season stable isotopes of water, chloride concentration (Cl-) and salinity were measured in two depths in the lagoon and surrounding water bodies (sea, lake, groundwater). Different components of water sources were quantified with a three component endmember mixing analysis. Differences in Cl- and stable isotopes over time indicated the dynamic behaviour of the system. Generally, none of the groundwater samples was impacted by water of the Mediterranean Sea. During the wet season, most of the lagoon water (>95%) was influenced by freshwater and vertically well mixed. During the dry season, high Cl- in the deeper sampling locations indicated a high contribution of marine water throughout the entire lagoon system due to salt water intrusion. However, a distinct layering in the lagoon was obvious from low Cl- and depleted isotope contents close to the surface supporting freshwater inflow into the system even during the dry season. Besides temporal dynamics also spatial heterogeneities were identified. Changes in water sources were most evident in the main lagoon channel compared to more isolate lagoon lakes, which were influenced by marine water even in the wet season, and compared to side branches indicating slower turnover times. We found that environmental tracers helped to quantify contributions of different water sources in the Köycegiz-Dalyan Lagoon which is a highly dynamic and heterogeneous groundwater dependent ecosystem.
Did Adria rotate relative to Africa?
Authors: van Hinsbergen D. J. J. , Mensink M. , Langereis C. G. , Maffione M. , Spalluto L. , Tropeano M. , Sabato L.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The first and foremost boundary condition for kinematic reconstructions of the Mediterranean region is the relative motion between Africa and Eurasia, constrained through reconstructions of the Atlantic Ocean. The Adria continental block is in a downgoing plate position relative to the strongly curved central Mediterranean subduction-related orogens, and forms the foreland of the Apennines, Alps, Dinarides, and Albanides–Hellenides. It is connected to the African plate through the Ionian Basin, likely with Lower Mesozoic oceanic lithosphere. If the relative motion of Adria versus Africa is known, its position relative to Eurasia can be constrained through a plate circuit, thus allowing robust boundary conditions for the reconstruction of the complex kinematic history of the Mediterranean region. Based on kinematic reconstructions for the Neogene motion of Adria versus Africa, as interpreted from the Alps and from Ionian Basin and its surrounding areas, it has been suggested that Adria underwent counterclockwise (ccw) vertical axis rotations ranging from ~ 0 to 20°. Here, we provide six new paleomagnetic poles from Adria, derived from the Lower Cretaceous to Upper Miocene carbonatic units of the Apulian peninsula (southern Italy). These, in combination with published poles from the Po Plain (Italy), the Istrian peninsula (Croatia), and the Gargano promontory (Italy), document a post-Eocene 9.8 ± 9.5° counterclockwise vertical axis rotation of Adria. Our results do not show evidence of significant Africa–Adria rotation between the Early Cretaceous and Eocene. Models based on reconstructions of the Alps, invoking 17° ccw rotation, and based on the Ionian Basin, invoking 2° ccw rotation, are both permitted within the documented rotation range, yet are mutually exclusive. This apparent enigma could possibly be solved only if one or more of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) Neogene shortening in the western Alps has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 150 km); (ii) Neogene extension in the Ionian Basin has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 420 km); and/or (iii) a major sinistral strike-slip zone has decoupled northern and southern Adria in Neogene time. Here we present five alternative reconstructions of Adria at 20 Ma, highlighting the kinematic uncertainties, and satisfying the inferred rotation pattern from this study and/or from previously proposed kinematic reconstructions.
Impact of Technological Advancement on Employee Performance in Banking Sector
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Maqbool Nadeem , Shafique Huzaifah
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to check the impact of technological advancement on employee performance in banking sector.Methodology: This paper was completed with the help of extensive literature on technological advancement and employee performance available on the databases and websites. Primary data has been used in this paper to check the impact of technological advancement on employee performance. SPSS 16 software package is used to analyze the employee responses and statistical technique Regression analysis is used to check the impact of technological advancement on employee performance.Findings: Total of 140 questionnaires has been distributed among different banks and out of which 100 were get completed and returned. After analyzing the data very efficiently, we find that technological advancement has significant impact on motivation and training of employees. Motivation has significant impact on employee performance but training has no significant impact on employee performance. Moreover as the concerned for technological advancement and employee performance, there is significant relationship among them.Research limitations / Implications: More research will be require on this theory “impact of technological advancement on employee performance in banking sector”
Knowledge Creation Process and Firms’ Innovation Performance: Mediating Effect of Organizational Learning
Authors: BERRAIES Sarra , CHAHER Mehrez
Published: July 2014

On the basis of the Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995)’s study, this paper examines the effects of knowledge creation process on firm’s innovation performance and the mediating role of organizational learning in this relationship. Conceptually, we develop a research model summarizing the relationships between these variables. This model was tested within 214     companies belonging to the information technology and communication (ICT) sector. Results highlight the role of organizational learning as a partial mediator in the relationship between the knowledge creation process and innovation performance. Findings identify also the importance of tacit-linked activities namely socialization, internalization and externalization for innovation performance of the Tunisian ICT companies.
Assessing the Impact of Bank Concentration and Liquidity of Refah Bank Branches on Profitability during the Period1383-190
Authors: Ostadi Hossin , Monsef Nastran
Published: July 2014

Profitability is an important factor to show this articledoeswhat is the role of the intermediary bank to collect your savings and allocation of loans.  Given the importance of profitability indicators in this study, the factors affecting the profitability of commercial banks in Iranare analyzedwith emphasis on the degree of centralization and bank deposits. Dependent variable is indicators of profitability (ROE, ROA) and bank deposits, bank size, bank capital, focus on liquidity and banking requirements are independent variables. Correlation analysis and OLS regression are used and the research period is 1381 to 1390 that the country's territory where bank branches.Our results indicate that the effect of bank size on profitability is positive and the increase in bank size on profitability is increased. Impact on the profitability of bank deposits is positive, ie increasing the profitability of bank deposits increased. Finally, the impact of bank concentration on profitability is positive. Increasing the bank's focus profitability increases. Moreover, the results adversely affect the liquidity of the index is profit.
Transformational Leadership: Implications for Organizational Competitive Advantage
Authors: Ekuma Kelechi John
Published: July 2014

There is a growing consensus among scholars and practitioners alike that maximising the potentials of human resources is central to organisational effectiveness and improved performance in the 21st century global market place of intense competition. It has also been suggested that the ways in which organisational leaders manage people can remarkably influence company performances and competitiveness. Despite this realisation however, scholars, managers and practitioners alike disagree on the most appropriate approach to organisational leadership. Indeed, there is an on-going debate about the leadership style that yields the best results for organisations in contemporary times. And whilst the debates rage, an increasingly dominant discourse is that transformational leadership is central to organisational effectiveness and gaining of competitive advantage. This notwithstanding, the most fundamental issue remains how to understand how transformational leadership practices impact on performance in practical terms. Consequently, producing an unequivocal response to the question ‘what does transformational leadership really contribute to organisational performance?’ has remained elusive. It is against this backdrop, that this article critically evaluates the concept of Transformational Leadership (henceforth TL), with a view of highlighting its contributions to organisational effectiveness and performance. Synthesising organisational and leadership theories and integrating literatures in organisational development and HR, the paper argues that there are evidences to suggest that there are clear linkages between TL, organisational effectiveness and improved performance. The paper further contends that emotional intelligence is key to the operationalization of TL and concludes that the greatest challenge remains how to quantify the contributions of TL in practical terms.
Determinants of Employees Intention to Leave: A Study from Pakistan
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Qadeer , Munir Hafiz Muhammad Atif , Iqbal Mr. Faisal , Hussain Mr. Atta
Published: July 2014

In Organizations productivity is a very important issue. There are several factors that determine productivity of an organization. Nowadays Employee turnover is one of those who are considered to be one of the difficult issues in business. The effect of intension to leave has received huge attention from top management(senior executives), human resource professionals and other industrial psychologists has proven it to be one of the most costly and apparently difficult human resource challenges faced globally by different organizations in the whole world. The main purpose of this research is to discover the real causes behind the turnover and its harmful effects on the productivity of many industries. We (the authors) of this document have studied and visited numerous local organizations in both government and private sectors in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, and observed the causes of turnover. The real aim of this research paper was to discover the existing reasons of turnover, adverse affects, and possible results that could be useful for their productivity and market shares for local industries.
Impact of Total Innovation Management on Supply Chain in Nigeria’s Automobile Industry
Authors: Olamade Olumuyiwa O. , Abubakar Kazeem , A. Yusuff Shola
Published: July 2014

Total Innovation Management (TIM) is the system of forming an innovative synergy between technology, organization and culture to build innovation competence in organizations. Supply Chain (SC) is a global network used to deliver products and services from raw materials to end-customers via an engineered flow of information, physical distribution and cash. This paper appraised TIM on SC in the automobile industry in Nigeria using structured questionnaire and interview. The upshot indicated 40% of SC executives are more concerned with risk associated with supply and thus invest in insurance policies. 80% of trained SC staff applies ICT tools in visibility (trackability). All SC staff were receptive to innovative ideas, indicating sustainability of TIM ideology in the sector.
The Impact of Promotional Tools on Sales Promotion
Authors: Meo Adeel , Abbas Muhammad Daniyal , Sajjad Muhammad Nadeem , Rizwan Muhammad , Bukhari Sayed shahbaz hussain , Hameed Muhammad Saad
Published: July 2014

The main reason of conducting this research was to explore the influence of social surrounding, discount level and buying behavior on sales promotion. The research results found that there was no significant relationship of social surrounding, discount level with sales promotion. But on the other hand buying behavior, free sample, price reduction has a significant relationship with sales promotion. The results of this research paper will help the marketers to understand best promotional techniques to increase significantly in their sales as well as revenues. This research paper also plays a vital role in helping businessmen to develop their business planes more effectively so that they can get the competitive advantage over their competitors and make them able to maximize their profits.In total 180 Questionnaires were distributed by hand in different department of Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Data was feed in SPSS.  This research was done on different sales promotional techniques.Findings shows that different sales promotional techniques have impact on consumer buying behavior and purchase intention for all type of products on the other hand there is no significant effect of discount level and social surrounding on sales promotion.
The impact on branded product on consumer purchase intentions
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Qayyum Mudasser , Qadeer Waqas , Javed M.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study is to absorb the brand trust, brand  satisfaction and brand  attachment with ecological cost influence of consumer purchase intention. This study seeks to investigate the effect of aparant product image straight and unforeseen effects of low price, past experience,brand attachment and product awareness on customer  purchase intention. Lead the consumer want to buy branded products and attached with brands. The two key factors, brand trust and brand attachment are effective on consumer purchase intention toward branded products.This questionnaire surveys distributed to levi’s jeans user in Pakistan, in 160 questionnare distributed, 158 athentic questionnaire were returned. This result show, customer in pakistan explain soaring purchase intention  to  branded product  ,levie’s jeans. Brand trust and brand attachment have a positive effective on their purchase intention. This outcome show that applicant show a high intention to eacquire environmental gracious wines as well report solid relationship to the atmosphere. The study aim an useful constitutionnel mold and remark positive effectiv factors for  consumers’ purchase intention towards branded products.
Household pets and zoonoses
Authors: Whitfield Yvonne , Smith Angela
Published: July 2014

The popularity of having exotic animals as pets is increasing, particularly among children. It is also estimated that approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. The implications of these two trends are areas of concern for the public health community. We conducted a review of household pet zoonoses studies. This included a jurisdictional scan of public health agencies in Canada for policies and protocols on household pet zoonoses. Key stakeholder consultations with pet-related zoonoses experts and authors in Canada enhanced the information reviewed. Trends in pet ownership, risks of disease transmission, burden of illness, and current public health practices were examined. As a result, policy and intervention gaps and future opportunities for research and collaboration were identified. Specifically, pets remain as a primary source of numerous reportable and nonreportable diseases and outbreaks for example, salmonellosis, tularaemia, cutaneous larvae migrans, and Human Lymphocytic Chorimeningitis Virus infections. Pet treats and some pet foods were cited as potential sources of zoonotic diseases. Children under 5 years of age and immuno-compromised individuals were noted as potential high-risk groups; and daycares, schools, summer camps, private homes, and acute care and veterinary hospitals were noted as high-risk settings for zoonotic disease transmission. The primary risk factors identified include improper handling of pets and improper hand hygiene. The continued growth of the pet industry will necessitate interventions by public health, veterinary, and regulatory communities to mitigate the impact of pet zoonoses on the public. These interventions should include enhancement of the current surveillance systems, regulations to address existing gaps in the pet food industry, the development of policies and protocols at the provincial and federal levels of government, education of the public regarding the risks associated with the handling of pets, and greater collaboration among the human and animal health sectors.
Qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de sementes de Aroeira-Preta (Lithraea molleoides) submetidas a métodos de superação de dormência
Authors: Piveta Graziela , Muniz Marlove de Fátima Brião , Reiniger Lia Rejane Silveira , Dutra Cláudia Braga , Pacheco Cleidionara
Published: July 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509814567O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. comparando diferentes métodos de superação da dormência. Os métodos de superação da dormência utilizados foram: escarificação ácida por 10, 15, 20 e 25 minutos; imersão em água quente, com temperatura de 70, 80 e 90°C, até resfriar por 24 horas, imersão em ácido giberélico (GA3) na concentração de 250 e 500 mg.L-1, por 24 e 48 horas; e imersão em nitrato de potássio (KNO3) por 24 e 48 horas. Foram realizadas avaliações de sanidade, germinação e comprimento médio de plântulas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes por tratamento. Os dados em percentagem foram transformados segundo arco sen√x/100 e submetidos à análise de variância. A comparação das médias foi realizada através do teste de Tukey a 5 % de significância. Foi realizada análise de correlação simples entre sementes mortas do teste de germinação e os diferentes fungos identificados no teste de sanidade. No teste de sanidade, foram identificados com maior incidência os fungos Rhizoctonia spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Chaetomium spp., Epicoccum spp. De uma maneira geral, a utilização da água quente controlou a incidência dos diferentes fungos e a utilização do ácido giberélico proporcionou um aumento da incidência dos diferentes patógenos. A maior porcentagem de germinação foi observada quando se utilizou escarificação ácida por 20 minutos, imersão em água quente a 70°C, GA3 (250 mg L-1 por 48 horas) e KNO3 por 48 horas.