bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El impacto del consenso de Washington en la transformación estatal en América Latina y en Argentina
Authors: Costa Oscar Alberto Luis
Published: July 2014

El planteo del ensayo consiste en identificar los principales postulados surgidos del encuentro, posteriormente conocido como Consenso de Washington, que signaron la década de los noventa en casi todos los países en América Latina. Esos postulados, como consecuencia de la crisis del Estado, fiscal y de endeudamiento, contribuyeron a la modificación del perfil empresario público, dando lugar al fenómeno particular de las privatizaciones.
Variantes de Indicadores de Desempeño en las Exportaciones de Leche en Polvo en los Países del MERCOSUR
Authors: Depetris de Guiguet Edith , García Arancibia Rodrigo , Rossini Gustavo
Published: July 2014

El concepto de ventajas comparativas y más recientemente ventajas competitivas de un país en las exportaciones de un determinado producto ha sido extensamente tratado en la teoría económica, pero muy elusivo en su medición. Se han propuesto varios indicadores, cada uno con ventajas e inconvenientes según el tipo de análisis requerido. En este estudio se aplican cuatro de ellos: el Indice de Ventajas Comparativas Reveladas en las Exportaciones, su versión Logarítmica, Simétrica y Depurada de Doble Conteo. Se evalúa la evolución del desempeño de las exportaciones de leche en polvo en los países del MERCOSUR y verifica si existe alguna superioridad metodológica en alguno de los índices. Los resultados confirman posicionamientos competitivos en leche en polvo entera y descremada tanto para Argentina como Uruguay, que han aumentado entre 1990 y 2004, ya sea en relación a las exportaciones de MERCOSUR como mundiales. Los diferentes indicadores utilizados han dado resultados coherentes, y la utilización de uno u otro dependerá en mucho de algunas consideraciones de tipo metodológicas o prácticas expuestas.
Estudio de Seguimiento de Egresados. El Caso de los Graduados Recientes de la FCE-UNL
Authors: Zandomeni Norma , Chignoli Silvia
Published: July 2014

El presente trabajo se inscribe en el marco de la investigación encarada en el ámbito de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral, con el propósito de indagar sobre los logros laborales de los recientes graduados como así también sobre la adecuación entre la formación recibida y las demandas del ejercicio profesional. Se parte de reconocer que los estudios de seguimiento de egresados constituyen una verdadera estrategia de investigación evaluativa de las instituciones de educación superior, en tanto posibilitan aportar información sobre los vínculos entre la formación brindada y los procesos de inserción y desarrollo profesional y personal de sus egresados. Luego de hacer referencia a una serie de estudios nacionales e internacionales, cuyos aportes abonaron al diseño de la investigación, se alude a las principales decisiones metodológicas y se brindan precisiones técnicas del abordaje empírico. A continuación se presentan algunos resultados del estudio, organizados en base a tres ejes: caracterización de la situación laboral de los recientes graduados, grado de adecuación entre el título obtenido y la ocupación desempeñada y evaluación retrospectiva de los estudios realizados. El análisis de la información obtenida permite concluir con algunas consideraciones que, se evalúa, pueden aportar al debate sobre los vínculos entre la educación superior y el mundo del trabajo.
"Invirtiendo" Tiempo en el Voluntariado Universitario. Escuelita de Negocios: Un Convenio entre Cáritas Santa Fe y la UNL
Authors: Casabianca Ma. Luz , Paz María Luz
Published: July 2014

La Escuelita de Negocios nació como parte de un proyecto de investigación que capacita a los vecinos de barrios periféricos de la ciudad para que organicen empresas sociales de modo más coordinado y profesional. El desafío fue trabajar por la promoción del hombre, impartiendo talleres en salones parroquiales de Cáritas e intentando transferir conocimientos jurídicos y contables a personas bien dispuestas. No resulta paradójico afirmar que los voluntarios que participaron fueron ampliamente recompensados. Testimonio de ello son sus dichos: “La Escuelita se debe percibir como un regalo, los alumnos nos dieron lecciones de vida”. “En cuanto a la experiencia, me sentí muy reconfortado, espero haber trasmitido la alegría interna que sentía dictando las clases; así que si necesitan un colaborador para extensión en otro momento, pido que no dejen de convocarme, por favor”. Todos los voluntarios trabajaron con gusto y compromiso “invirtiendo” tiempo en esta acción en la que salieron ganando. La Escuelita de Negocios confirma que, de una cuestión tan abstracta como es un proyecto de investigación, se puede desprender una acción dinámica y enriquecedora cuando hay confianza en que el futuro se construye con quienes se acercan con ganas de aprender y dar.
El desarrollo local, una aproximación conceptual
Authors: Arocena José
Published: July 2014

Referirse a lo “local” no está exento de ambigüedad, de imprecisiones, de dificultades de definición. Las preguntas que surgen y que frecuentemente no encuentran respuestas convincentes es: ¿qué es lo local? ¿Se trata de una escala que habría que precisar en número de habitantes o en kilómetros cuadrados? ¿Se refiere a una unidad político–administrativa que abarca una parte del territorio nacional? ¿Supone un sistema social con cierta autonomía?La única forma de definir lo “local” es referirlo a su noción correlativa lo “global”. Cuando algo se define como “local” es porque pertenece a lo “global”. Así, un departamento o una provincia es local con respecto al país global, y una ciudad es local con relación al departamento o a la provincia. La noción de “local” es, por lo tanto, relativa. Es por eso que un proceso de desarrollo local sólo puede ser analizado en cuanto a la sociedad global en la que está inscrito.
El valor de la extensión en la formación de los estudiantes.
Authors: Caraballo Florencia , Eisenack Lucio , Valle María Emilia
Published: July 2014

En el año 2011, cursamos la asignatura de “Extensión Universitaria” en la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Durante el mismo nos brindaron herramientas teóricas y metodológicas que están orientadas a complementar nuestra formación profesional.La asignatura apuesta al abordaje de las problemáticas sociales complejas con vistas a favorecer el desarrollo regional y apunta a que el estudiante pueda comprender:• la función de la extensión como herramienta para promover el desarrollo local y regional;• la complejidad de las problemáticas sociales como requisito previo a la intervención social;• la importancia del trabajo interdisciplinario para un correcto abordaje en el diagnóstico de situación y en las propuestas de resolución.
Codificación y Descodificación. La Codificación Agraria en la Argentina
Authors: Brebbia Fernando P.
Published: July 2014

-
Using ADC Maps with Structural Scans to Improve Intraoperative Biopsy Specimens in Brain Metastases
Authors: Zakaria Rasheed , Jenkinson Michael D.
Published: July 2014

Brain metastases are increasingly common tumours but little is known about their biological mechanisms of local brain invasion in vivo. Samples across the leading edge are not easy to obtain using conventional neurosurgical methods as these tumours frequently show cysts, haemorrhage and necrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were generated following diffusion-weighted imaging at 3T using b-values of 0 and 1000 second/mm2 and fused with a 1 mm slice fast spoiled gradient echo sequence. This fused image was used to guide intraoperative biopsies. The technique was performed in ten cases with excellent sampling of the brain-to-metastasis interface, gross total resection and no additional morbidity. Fusing ADC maps with structural scans for intraoperative neuronavigation is a useful method for sampling the leading edge of brain metastases.
Decreasing Handoff-Related Care Failures in Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Bigham Michael T. , Logsdon Tina R. , Manicone Paul E. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Hayes Leslie W. , Randall Kelly H. , Grover Purva , Collins Susan B. , Ramirez Dana E. , O’Guin Crystal D. , Williams Catherine I. , Warnick Robin J. , Sharek Paul J.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Patient handoffs in health care require transfer of information, responsibility, and authority between providers. Suboptimal patient handoffs pose a serious safety risk. Studies demonstrating the impact of improved patient handoffs on care failures are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multihospital collaborative designed to decrease handoff-related care failures.

METHODS:

Twenty-three children’s hospitals participated in a quality improvement collaborative aimed at reducing handoff-related care failures. The improvement was guided by evidence-based recommendations regarding handoff intent and content, standardized handoff tools/methods, and clear transition of responsibility. Hospitals tailored handoff elements to locally important handoff types. Handoff-related care failures were compared between baseline and 3 intervention periods. Secondary outcomes measured compliance to specific change package elements and balancing measure of staff satisfaction.

RESULTS:

Twenty-three children’s hospitals evaluated 7864 handoffs over the 12-month study period. Handoff-related care failures decreased from baseline (25.8%) to the final intervention period (7.9%) (P < .05). Significant improvement was observed in every handoff type studied. Compliance to change package elements improved (achieving a common understanding about the patient from 86% to 96% [P < .05]; clear transition of responsibility from 92% to 96% [P < .05]; and minimized interruptions and distractions from 84% to 90% [P < .05]) as did overall satisfaction with the handoff (from 55% to 70% [P < .05]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of a standardized evidence-based handoff process across 23 children’s hospitals resulted in a significant decrease in handoff-related care failures, observed over all handoff types. Compliance to critical components of the handoff process improved, as did provider satisfaction.
Successful Treatment of Plastic Bronchitis by Selective Lymphatic Embolization in a Fontan Patient
Authors: Dori Yoav , Keller Marc S. , Rychik Jack , Itkin Maxim
Published: July 2014

Plastic bronchitis is a rare and often fatal complication of single-ventricle surgical palliation after total cavopulmonary connection. Although lymphatic abnormalities have been postulated to play a role in the disease process, the etiology and pathophysiology of this complication remain incompletely understood. Here we report on the etiology of plastic bronchitis in a child with total cavopulmonary connection as demonstrated by magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography. We also report on a new treatment of this disease. The patient underwent noncontrast T2-weighted MR lymphatic mapping and dynamic contrast MR lymphangiography with bi-inguinal intranodal contrast injection to determine the anatomy and flow pattern of lymph in his central lymphatic system. The MRI scan demonstrated the presence of a dilated right-sided peribronchial lymphatic network supplied by retrograde lymphatic flow through a large collateral lymphatic vessel originating from the thoracic duct. After careful analysis of the MRI scans we performed selective lymphatic embolization of the pathologic lymphatic network and supplying vessel. This provided resolution of plastic bronchitis for this patient. Five months after the procedure, the patient remains asymptomatic off respiratory medications.
Soil-root interactions in potassium supply
Authors: Végh Krisztina , Csillag J. , Lukács A. , Panwar B , Füleky Gy.
Published: July 2014

Potassium uptake is the result of numerous simultaneous processes influencing the potassium dynamics in the rhizosphere.The presented research has focused on plant-soil interactions in the potassium supply of soil in the root environment of maize. It was assumed that: 1. roots promote the mobilization of K by the acidification of the rhizosphere soil, 2. roots increase wetting-drying cycles in their environment, and 3. soil total K content affects K release and fixation in the bulk of soil and the root environment.The promoting effect of root activity was detected on K release from soil when feldspar was added as K source to the root environment. A 2-unit reduction of soil pH multiplied K concentration in the soil solution, depending on the feldspar rate. Feldspar application significantly increased the solubility and release of potassium into the soil solution.The effect of pH reduction on the K concentration of soil solution was several magnitudes higher than that of the wetting-drying cycles both in the untreated and feldspar treated soils.Potassium uptake by maize over two generations greatly exceeded the exchangeable pool in the growing media. As a consequence of the exhaustive K uptake K release slowed down to the soil solution, as reflected in the H2O extractable K and ExK contents.Significant K fixation was detected after the K removal of maize in feldspar treated soils. On the contrary, in the treatments without plants increasing feldspar rates increased both H2O extractable K and ExK contents.One-term Langmuir equation, corrected with the originally sorbed amount of K, was fitted to measured data. The maximum amount of potassium adsorption (Kmax, mg∙kg−1) and the equilibrium constant (k) were calculated. The potassium buffering capacity was estimated at zero equilibrium concentration. Both K buffering capacity and the energy of K fixation were high for the rhizosphere soil. In rhizosphere soil samples the energy of K fixation was one magnitude higher as compared to the bulk soil and decreased substantially with feldspar addition. In soils without plants the k equilibrium constant did not change as the result of drying-wetting process only in the case of the 50% soil/feldspar mixture.In the liquid phase of the soil without feldspar application potassium concentration decreased in the one-year drying-wetting cycle, presumably it got into more strongly bounded forms in the low K status soil. In 50% feldspar enriched soil samples potassium concentration in the soil solution increased, likely as a consequence of a slow dissolution of the K content of feldspar.
Sulphate and chloride salt efflorescences and their relationships with groundwaters and soils in Hungary
Authors: Szendrei Géza , Tóth T. , Kovács-Pálffy P.
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study is a better understanding of the distribution and formation of salt efflorescences by mineralogical examination. Dominant sodium sulphate and sodium chloride surface efflorescences were selected for investigation. 24 samples were collected between 1999 and 2005 from 16 sites. The soil types were solonchak and meadow solonetz.Basic soil and groundwater analyses were performed according to the standard methods. Minerals were determined by X-ray diffractometry and SEM combined with microanalysis. The evaporation experiments were carried out in a Sanyo Versatile 350 HT environmental test chamber.It was concluded that common sulphate salts form rare and unique mineral associations on salt affected soils in Hungary.Comparing the groundwater compositions and the mineral associations of surface efflorescences or that of precipitated evaporites of groundwaters, the conclusion can be drawn that groundwater composition is reflected much better by the mineral association of experimentally precipitated evaporates of the groundwater than by the mineral associations of surface efflorescences. These differences suggest that the soil matrix may have an effect on the crystallization of minerals (e.g. gypsum, thenardite) in the efflorescences. The differences also suggest that in the surface efflorescences the precipitation process does not come to the end in all cases (minerals with high solubility are missing).Concerning the data on groundwater level depths in case of different (sodium carbonate versus sodium sulphate and sodium chloride) efflorescences, there is a tendency of declining groundwater table in the sequence of these soils. This difference can be explained by the difference (increase) in the solubility of various salt minerals.It was recognized that the change in the major component of surface efflorescenes in time (i.e. the sodium carbonate and sodium carbonate chloride versus sodium sulphate efflorescences before and after 1998) can be explained by the decline of the groundwater level and by the decreasing hydromorphic influence in the lowland area during the 19th and 20th century.Finally it can be stated that the presented research — which mainly focused on mineralogical aspects — has contributed to the earlier knowledge on surface salt efflorescences, which was based only on their chemical composition.
The New Pragmatism, or economics and policy for the future
Authors: Kolodko Grzegorz
Published: July 2014

Economics is not only a means of interpreting the past, but it must become an instrument for shaping the future, too. It should show inevitable future economic processes, with their links to culture, technology, and environment. With theoretical knowledge of this area, strategies of economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development can be put in place. In the future, heterodoxy is bound to dominate, and economics will become increasingly interdisciplinary. Future generations need economics of moderation and a theory describing it, as opposed to the thus far prevailing economics of either deficiency or excess. We need the New Pragmatism.
Revisiting business cycles in the Eurozone: A fuzzy clustering and discriminant approach
Authors: Quah Chee-Heong
Published: July 2014

The first part of analysis draws out homogenous clusters of countries out of the 27 EU states based on their business cycle synchronicities with the euro area (EA) 12, quantified by correlations of cycles between the 27 countries’ GDP components and the EA12’s GDP1. The purpose is to compare the obtained country groupings with the countries that have adopted the euro in practice. This exercise is performed using fuzzy cluster analysis and is carried out for pre- and post-euro periods. Knowing that the recent global and euro zone crisis might impact the post-euro findings, the analysis for the post-euro period is done with and without the crisis period. In the second part of the analysis, a discriminant technique is applied to the clustering findings to ascertain the GDP component whose cycle synchronicity contributes most to the partitioning obtained in the cluster analysis. In a nutshell, findings indicate a significant divergence within EU27 and EA12 in the post-euro period and that business cycle symmetry concerning the GDP component of capital investment as a more significant determinant to country partitions.
Determinants of technical efficiency in agriculture in new EU member states from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Fertő Imre , Jámbor Attila , Tóth József
Published: July 2014

Technical efficiency in agriculture of 10 new EU member states is analysed by Data Envelopment Analysis and econometric panel data analysis. Technical efficiency in agriculture is significantly positively associated with agricultural factor endowments, average farm size, farm specialisation, small-scale farms, and technological change. Foreign direct investments have an ambiguous effect. Reform and institutional developments, large-scale privatisation and price liberalisation, and urban- rural income gap are associated with technical efficiency in agriculture positively. An increase in technical efficiency in agriculture and the development of the rural economy are seen as a strategy to boost the level of living standards in agriculture and in rural areas.
Tracheostomy decannulation of patients with brain injury guided by flexible bronchoscope
Authors: Matesz István , Dénes Zoltán , Belinszkaja Galina , Frey Erika , Nagy Helga , Tarjányi Szilvia , Zsiray Miklós
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Progress in intensive care management of patients with severe brain injury due to trauma or vascular lesion significantly improved the mortality and increased the number of patients with tracheostomy who undergo treatment in rehabilitation departments. Aim: The aim of the authors was to describe the safe tracheostomy decannulation method of patients with brain injury during rehabilitation. Method: A prospective, descriptive study performed at the rehabilitation departments of the National Institute for Medical Rehabilitation in Budapest, Hungary. Results: From January 1 until December 31, 2013, thirty examinations with flexible bronchoscope for tracheostomy decannulation were performed in 20 patients. The patients were admitted to the rehabilitation wards with various brain injuries: 6 patients suffered from trauma, 5 had ischemic stroke, 3 patients had brain stem haemorrhage, 2 patients cerebellar and one patient bifrontal haemorrhage. One patient had menangioma, and one had multiple organ failure and anoxic brain injury caused by pneumonia. The average age of patients was 44 years (range, 18–80 years). During the procedure successful decannulation was performed in 13 patients. Decannulation occurred 62 days after tracheostomy on average. Conclusions: Safe patient care requires that various medical departments keep pace with the development of different specialities. To ensure early rehabilitation of patients with severe brain injury having tracheostomy, safe treatment and, if possible, decannulation should be performed. This procedure requires the involvement of a physician with bronchoscopy skills as well as the development of local protocols. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(28), 1108–1112.
Reference evapotranspiration in agro-climatic regions of India
Authors: Bhartiya Krishna Manikchandji , Ghare Aniruddha Dattatraya
Published: July 2014

The FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method for estimation of evapotranspiration provides accurate results under a wide range of climatic conditions and is considered as the standard method. If complete input data are unavailable, other methods can be used. This study evaluates the performance of these methods and compares them to results obtained from the standard method. Mean square error, mean absolute error, relative mean square error and relative mean absolute error are used to evaluate the performance of the methods for agro-climatic regions of India. Based on the results, recommended alternative methods for estimating evapotranspiration when full weather data are not available are provided for 14 agro-climatic regions of India.
Reiter’s syndrome - disease of young men: Analysis of 312 patients
Authors: Bojovic Jaroslav , Strelic Natasa , Pavlica Ljiljana
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Reiter?s syndrome is reactive arthritis occurring after acute
urogenital (urethritis, cervicitis) or enterocolitis infections. The
associated ophthalmological and/or mucocutaneous changes are full clinical
manifestations of this disease. This paper was aimed at analyzing clinical
and radiological characteristics and findings of possible etiological factors
and protocol for Reiter?s syndrome therapy. Material and Methods. Of 312
patients included in the study, 279 were men and 33 were women, the ratio
between them being 8.5:1. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical
evidence of two basic characteristics of Reiter?s syndrome: arthritis
preceded by acute urogenital or enteral infection. Results. Urogenital and
enterocolitic form of disease was found in 242 (77.5%) and 52 (16.5%)
patients, respectively; whereas the initial cause was not discovered in 18
patients (6%). Three or two main signs of Reiter?s syndrome were present in
approximately the same number of patients (41.7% and 44.2%), whereas all four
signs of disease were present in 14.1% of the patients. Acute or sub-acute
form was present in 40.5%, while recurrent and chronic disease was diagnosed
in 31% and 28.5% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent clinical
manifestation of this disease was on the locomotor system as asymmetrical
oligoarthritis localized in lower extremities, present in 69.4% of the
patients. Chlamydia trachomatis was found in the synovial fluid in 54% of
patients (20/37), ureaplasma or mycoplasma was isolated in the synovial
tissue of 73.1% of patients (30/41) and in the peripheral blood mononuclear
cells in 93.2% of patients (41/44). Human leukocyte antigen B27 was present
in 83.3% of patients. Conclusion. Reiter?s syndrome is a multisystem disease,
predominantly occurring in human leukocyte antigen B27 positive young males.
The fact that the causative agents are found in the synovial membrane or
synovial fluid is indicative of infectious rather than reactive arthritis.
Early clinical results of surgical treatment of patients with femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Mladenovic Desimir , Andjelkovic Zoran , Vukasinovic Zoran , Mitkovic Milorad , Milenkovic Sasa , Micic Ivan , Mladenovic Marko
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice in patients with
symptoms and radiological signs of femoroacetabular impingement. Objective.
Our experience and early results of surgical treatment of patients with signs
of femoroacetabular impingement and early hip osteoarthritis are reported.
Methods. The results of treatment of 21 patients aged 23-54 years with
different types of femoroacetabular impingement are presented. Safe open
surgical dislocation of the hip was performed in all patients. Before and
after surgery, the WOMAC score was performed, clinical and radiographic data
of the operated hips were evaluated and t-tests were used for statistical
analyzes of data. Results. The WOMAC score improved from 70.5 points ( range
56.3 to 89.8 points) to 90.3 points (range 70.3 to 100 points) at one year of
follow-up (p<0.0001), anterior impingement test was negative in all operated
cases, average hip internal rotation improved significantly, no complications
were found, except trochanteric nonunion at the site of osteotomy, which was
reaffixed. Conclusion. Postoperative results have shown that the surgical
approach to treating patients with femoroacetabular impingement is the method
of choice. Three operated patients, with advanced osteoarthritis of the hip,
had to be converted to total hip replacement.
Turkusowe Lake (Wolin Island, Poland) - Surface Waters Quality Changes in Years 1986-2010
Authors: Poleszczuk Gorzysław , Svobodová Zdeňka , Bucior-Kwaczyńska Anna , Miller Tymoteusz
Published: July 2014

After presentation of the characteristics of a water reservoir in CaCO3 excavation pit, called the Turkusowe Lake, situated in the Wolin National Park on the Wolin Island, available results of the analyses referring to the quality of surface water of this water reservoir and being carried out since 1986 as well as those of own studies being carried out from 1999 to 2010 were gathered, collecting this way a research material covering the quarter-century 1986-2010. It was shown that the Turkusowe Lake is a water reservoir being resistant by nature to eutrophication (lake basin development and depth, surrounding by the heights adhering to it, and presence of CaCO3 building the lake basin), whereas an increase in the trophic level and development of eutrophication phenomena in the form of weak phytoplankton blooms being observed, particularly in 2005-2010, is connected with increased anthropogenic pressure in the form of direct discharge of municipal sewage to the lake and waste-water to the soil in the alimentation zone of underground waters feeding this lake. The extent of anthropogenic pressure was so big that it started to prevail over the natural processes limiting an increase in the trophic level in this lake.
Multi-Stage 20-m Shuttle Run Fitness Test, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Velocity at Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Authors: Paradisis Giorgos P. , Zacharogiannis Elias , Mandila Dafni , Smirtiotou Athanasia , Argeitaki Polyxeni , Cooke Carlton B
Published: July 2014

The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test (20mMSFT) is a popular field test which is widely used to measure aerobic fitness by predicting maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and performance. However, the velocity at which VO 2 max occurs (vVO 2 max) is a better indicator of performance than VO 2 max, and can be used to explain inter-individual differences in performance that VO 2 max cannot. It has been reported as a better predictor for running performance and it can be used to monitor athletes’ training for predicting optimal training intensity. This study investigated the validity and suitability of predicting VO2max and vVO2max of adult subjects on the basis of the performance of the 20mMST. Forty eight (25 male and 23 female) physical education students performed, in random order, a laboratory based continuous horizontal treadmill test to determine VO2max, vVO 2 max and a 20mMST, with an interval of 3 days between each test. The results revealed significant correlations between the number of shuttles in the 20mMSFT and directly determined VO 2 max (r = 0.87, p<0.05) and vVO 2 max (r = 0.93, p<0.05). The equation for prediction of VO 2 max was y = 0.0276x + 27.504, whereas for vVO 2 max it was y = 0.0937x + 6.890. It can be concluded that the 20mMSFT can accurately predict VO 2 max and vVO 2 max and this field test can provide useful information regarding aerobic fitness of adults. The predicted vVO 2 max can be used in monitoring athletes, especially in determining optimal training intensity.
Effects of High-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Neto Gabriel R. , Santos Heleodório H. , Sousa Juliana B. C. , Júnior Adenilson T. A. , Araújo Joamira P. , Aniceto Rodrigo R. , Sousa Maria S. C.
Published: July 2014

Strength training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) have been used to improve the levels of muscle adaptation. The aim of this paper was to investigate the acute effect of high intensity squats with and without blood flow restriction on muscular fatigue levels. Twelve athletes (aged 25.95 ± 0.84 years) were randomized into two groups: without Blood Flow Restriction (NFR, n = 6) and With Blood Flow Restriction (WFR, n = 6) that performed a series of free weight squats with 80% 1-RM until concentric failure. The strength of the quadriceps extensors was assessed in a maximum voluntary isometric contraction integrated to signals from the surface electromyogram. The average frequency showed significant reductions in the WFR group for the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles, and intergroup only for the vastus medialis. In conclusion, a set of squats at high intensity with BFR could compromise muscle strength immediately after exercise, however, differences were not significant between groups.
Transference of Traditional Versus Complex Strength and Power Training to Sprint Performance
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Tricoli Valmor , Roschel Hamilton , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Abad Cesar Cavinato Cal , Kobal Ronaldo , Gil Saulo , González-Badillo Juan José
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two different strength-power training models on sprint performance. Forty-eight soldiers of the Brazilian brigade of special operations with at least one year of army training experience were divided into a control group (CG: n = 15, age: 20.2 ± 0.7 years, body height: 1.74 ± 0.06 m, and body mass: 66.7 ± 9.8 kg), a traditional training group (TT: n = 18, age: 20.1 ± 0.7 years, body height: 1.71 ± 0.05 m, and body mass: 64.2 ± 4.7 kg), and a complex training group (CT: n = 15, age: 20.3 ± 0.8 years, body height: 1.71 ± 0.07 m; and body mass: 64.0 ± 8.8 kg). Maximum strength (25% and 26%), CMJ height (36% and 39%), mean power (30% and 35%) and mean propulsive power (22% and 28%) in the loaded jump squat exercise, and 20-m sprint speed (16% and 14%) increased significantly (p<0.05) following the TT and CT, respectively. However, the transfer effect coefficients (TEC) of strength and power performances to 20-m sprint performance following the TT were greater than the CT throughout the 9-week training period. Our data suggest that TT is more effective than CT to improve sprint performance in moderately trained subjects.
The effect of soil mulching with organic mulches, on weed infestation in broccoli and tomato cultivated under polypropylene fibre, and without a cover
Authors: Kosterna Edyta
Published: July 2014

An investigation was done on the effect of different types of organic mulches that were applied in form of straw to the soil mulching process, on the weed infestation, number, and fresh mass of weeds in broccoli cv. Milady F1 (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) and tomato cv. Polfast F1 (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown under polypropylene fibre as a covering, or grown without a covering. The different types of organic straw mulches were: rye (Secale cereale L.), corn (Zea mays L.), rape (Brassica napus L. subsp. napus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.). All the organic mulches were applied at a dose of 10 t/ha. The effect of the mulches was compared to a control plot which had no mulch. The type of organic mulch applied to the soil mulching process influenced species composition, number, and fresh mass of weeds. This effect could be the result of the properties of the mulch (colour, structure, etc.) or the allelopathic effect on the germination and growth of individual weeds species. Irrespective of the investigated factors, 24 and 25 weeds species, respectively, were observed immediately after cover removal and before broccoli and tomato harvest. In the first date of estimation Chenopodium album L., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve, Stellaria media (L.) Vill., and Viola tricolor L. dominated, however, before the vegetables were harvested Ch. album, V. tricolor, Veronica arvensis L., and E. crus-galli dominated. An application of polypropylene fibre contributed to an increase in the number and fresh mass of weeds in both vegetables in the first date of estimation (after cover removal). During this period, vegetables cannot compete with weeds. It is important to note, though, that before the vegetables were harvested, a decrease was found in the number and fresh mass of weeds in the covered plots. The most efficient weed limiter, both after cover removal and also before the broccoli and tomatoes were harvested, was buckwheat and rye straw, respectively.
Seismogenic structures in Quaternary lacustrine deposits of Lake Van (eastern Turkey)
Authors: Üner Serkan
Published: July 2014

Soft-sediment deformation structures formed by liquefaction and/or fluidisation of unconsolidated sediments due to seismic shocks are frequent in the Quaternary sandy, silty and clayey deposits of Lake Van. They are present in both marginal and deep lacustrine facies. Their morphology and interpreted genesis imply that they should be considered as fluid-escape structures (dish and pillar structures, flame structures and sand volcanoes), contorted structures (simple and complex convolutions and ball-and-pillow structures) and other structures (disturbed layers and slump structures). The most recently formed structures are related to the October 23rd, 2011 Van-Tabanli (M 7.2) earthquake. The existence of seismites at various stratigraphic levels in the lacustrine deposits is indicative of tectonic activity that frequently triggered earthquakes with magnitudes of 5 or more, affecting the Lake Van Basin.
Tracing the Life and Work of August Rozental
Authors: Jaczynowski Lech
Published: July 2014

Introduction
. The objective of this paper was to provide an overview of the life and work of a Polish artist and painter, August Rozental, who lived and worked in Bulgaria in the late 19th and early 20th century and is completely unknown in Poland. Documentation of his work may be of interest to both art historians and Polish travel agencies, the latter for marketing purposes.
Material and methods
. In searching for reliable information, the focus remained on historical, icono-graphic and epigraphic sources. Archival and museum collections were consulted, as were academic libraries, periodicals and internet sites (Polish, Bulgarian, Serbian and Russian). The information thus obtained was verified on the basis of three interviews with museology specialists.
Results
. The information was presented in terms of a description of the location and marketing product, to address the needs of cultural tourism. Consequently, the descriptions focus primarily on the artist's surviving works and their locations in monasteries in and around Sofia. Along the way, interesting information was discovered regarding the accomplishments of his brother Juliusz, a poet, and their father August, a doctor who years earlier was exiled to Siberia along with his family. Original, newly discovered documents containing personal information about August Rozental (the painter) are also presented.
Conclusion
. The research confirms his Polish origins and documents the current locations of his most interesting works of art. This makes them easily accessible to both specialists and tourists interested in the subject.
Inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) – A Precondition for Sustainable Development and an Integral Part of Environmental Studies
Authors: Carm Ellen
Published: July 2014

UNESCO (2005) launched the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, 2005-2014, and as we now proceed into the final year of that decade there is a time for asking whose development? That question heavily relies upon what type of education, which again leads to aspects concerning epistemological lenses. I am using my experiences and research from two totally different assignments; an evaluation of a post-literacy and skills program in rural Laos, and the other aimed at developing and implementing a localized approach to HIV/AIDS education in Zambia. The outcomes from the two interventions revealed that in order to initiate and sustain change and development, it was crucial to ensure the inclusion and merger of multiple knowledge systems, science and traditional knowledge. That requires a focus on how. In other words, the processes we put in place to ensure the recognition and merger of different epistemologies are crucial to ensure sustained local development.

The paper briefly discusses key concepts related to multiple knowledge systems, education for sustainable development, and different conceptualization of learning and teaching methods, and explores how environmental education can contribute to sustainable development. The last section illustrates how expansive learning can be applied as a method and a tool to analyze the processes at stake, and outcomes of participatory and inclusive interventions. The paper elaborates on the methodology and shows how a multi-voiced approach can bridge the gap between different epistemologies, e.g. Indigenous Knowledge and Western Knowledge, create space for interaction and negotiations among a diverse group of stakeholders and actors to reach to the local innovations and development activities.
Why have sex? Reasons for having sex among lesbian, bisexual, queer, and questioning women in romantic relationships
Authors: Wood Jessica R. , Milhausen Robin R. , Jeffrey Nicole K.
Published: July 2014

Research has traditionally cited pleasure and reproduction as the primary reasons to engage in sex. However, recent research suggests that there are many psychosocial reasons that women engage in sex and that relational factors such as relationship duration may also influence why women engage in sex. Few studies have examined reasons for sex among sexual minority women, although research has suggested that reasons may be similar to and different from those of heterosexual women. Using the YSEX? survey measure, the current study examined reasons for having sex among 229 lesbian, bisexual, queer and questioning women, aged 18–59 currently in a romantic relationship. The most frequent reasons women reported for engaging in sex were reasons related to pleasure and love/commitment. Contrary to theories of love and attachment, women in the current study did not report significantly different reasons for engaging in sex depending upon the duration of the relationship. Women in earlier stages of their relationship were just as likely to report engaging in sex to feel close to their partner, as were women in later stages of their relationship. In addition, women in later stages of their relationship were just as likely to report engaging in sex out of a physical desire for their partner as were women in earlier stages of their relationship. The strengths and limitations of the study, along with implications of the results are discussed.
Validation of a Psychometric Instrument to Assess Motivation in Veterinary Bachelor Students
Authors: Vandeweerd Jean-Michel , Dugdale Alexandra , Romainville Marc
Published: July 2014

There are indications that motivation correlates with better performance for those studying veterinary medicine. To assess objectively whether motivation profiles influence both veterinary students' attitudes towards educational interventions and their academic success and whether changes in curriculum can affect students' motivation, there is need for an instrument that can provide a valid measurement of the strength of motivation for the study of veterinary medicine. Our objectives were to design and validate a questionnaire that can be used as a psychometric scale to capture the motivation profiles of veterinary students. Question items were obtained from semi-structured interviews with students and from a review of the relevant literature. Each item was scored on a 5-point scale. The preliminary instrument was trialed on a cohort of 450 students. Responses were subjected to reliability and principal component analysis. A 14-item scale was designed, within which two factors explained 53.4% of the variance among the items. The scale had good face, content, and construct validities as well as a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.88).
Autograft-derived spinal cord mass following olfactory mucosal cell transplantation in a spinal cord injury patient
Authors: Dlouhy Brian J. , Awe Olatilewa , Rao Rajesh C. , Kirby Patricia A. , Hitchon Patrick W.
Published: July 2014

Over the last decade, human cell transplantation and neural stem cell trials have examined the feasibility and safety of these potential therapies for treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. However, significant safety concerns have surrounded these trials due to the possibility of ectopic, uncontrolled cellular growth and tumor formation.

The authors present the case of an 18-year-old woman who sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T10–11. Three years after injury, she remained paraplegic and underwent olfactory mucosal cell implantation at the site of injury. She developed back pain 8 years later, and imaging revealed an intramedullary spinal cord mass at the site of cell implantation, which required resection. Intraoperative findings revealed an expanded spinal cord with a multicystic mass containing large amounts of thick mucus-like material. Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining revealed that the mass was composed mostly of cysts lined by respiratory epithelium, submucosal glands with goblet cells, and intervening nerve twigs.

This is the first report of a human spinal cord mass complicating spinal cord cell transplantation and neural stem cell therapy. Given the prolonged time to presentation, safety monitoring of all patients with cell transplantation and neural stem cell implantation should be maintained for many years.
Large Dog Relinquishment to Two Municipal Facilities in New York City and Washington, D.C.: Identifying Targets for Intervention
Authors: Weiss Emily , Slater Margaret , Garrison Laurie , Drain Natasha , Dolan Emily , Scarlett Janet , Zawistowski Stephen
Published: July 2014

While the overall trend in euthanasia has been decreasing nationally, large dogs are at a higher risk of euthanasia than other sized dogs in most animal shelters in the United States. We hypothesized one way to increase the lives saved with respect to these large dogs is to keep them home when possible. In order to develop solutions to decrease relinquishment, a survey was developed to learn more about the reasons owners relinquish large dogs. The survey was administered to owners relinquishing their dogs at two large municipal facilities, one in New York City and one in Washington, D.C. There were 157 responses between the two facilities. We found both significant similarities and differences between respondents and their dogs from the two cities. We identified opportunities to potentially support future relinquishers and found that targets for interventions are likely different in each community.
Phosphorylation of Large T Antigen Regulates Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Replication
Authors: Diaz Jason , Wang Xin , Tsang Sabrina , Jiao Jing , You Jianxin
Published: July 2014

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) was recently discovered as a novel human polyomavirus that is associated with ~80% of Merkel Cell Carcinomas. The Large Tumor antigen (LT) is an early viral protein which has a variety of functions, including manipulation of the cell cycle and initiating viral DNA replication. Phosphorylation plays a critical regulatory role for polyomavirus LT proteins, but no investigation of MCPyV LT phosphorylation has been performed to date. In this report mass spectrometry analysis reveals three unique phosphorylation sites: T271, T297 and T299. In vivo replication assays confirm that phosphorylation of T271 does not play a role in viral replication, while modification at T297 and T299 have dramatic and opposing effects on LT’s ability to initiate replication from the viral origin. We test these mutants for their ability to bind, unwind, and act as a functional helicase at the viral origin. These studies provide a framework for understanding how phosphorylation of LT may dynamically regulate viral replication. Although the natural host cell of MCPyV has not yet been established, this work provides a foundation for understanding how LT activity is regulated and provides tools for better exploring this regulation in both natural host cells and Merkel cells.
Comparison of Intracellular Stress Response of NCI-H526 Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Cells to Platinum(II) Cisplatin and Platinum(IV) Oxoplatin
Authors: Hamilton Gerhard
Published: July 2014

In attempts to develop an orally applicable platinum-based drug, platinum(IV) drugs which exhibit higher in vivo stability compared to the platinum(II) drug cisplatin were formulated. The first such chemotherapeutic agent, namely satraplatin, failed to receive approval. In the present work, we checked the initial cellular stress response of the chemosensitive NCI-H526 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells by determination of the relative phosphorylation of 46 specific phosphorylation sites of 38 selected proteins in a six hours response to cisplatin (platinum(II)) or oxoplatin (platinum(IV)), respectively. Oxoplatin is considered as prodrug of cisplatin, although several findings point to differences in intracellular effects. Cisplatin induced hyperphosphorylation of p38α MAPK and AMPKα1, whereas oxoplatin treatment resulted in increased phosphorylation of a large number of signaling proteins involved in stress response/drug resistance, including JNK, GSK-3α, AMPKα1, src kinases, STATs, CHK-2 and especially focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Cisplatin exerts markedly higher cytotoxicity upon four hours short-term exposure in comparison to oxoplatin and, correspondingly, the extended initial stress response to the platinum(IV) drug oxoplatin thus is expected to increase clinical drug resistance. Induction of a substantial stress response to any prodrug of a platinum-based compound may likewise limit the effectivity of its active metabolite(s), such contributing to the failure of selected derivatized platinum complexes.