bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orality, literacy, and the Lisu linguistic borderlands
Authors: Arrington Aminta
Published: July 2015

The Lisu, one of China’s 55 ethnic groups, converted to Christianity nearly 100 years ago through the evangelistic efforts of the China Inland Mission (CIM). The CIM missionaries constructed an orthography, translated the Bible, and stressed the importance of Scripture for individual religious devotion. However, in the course of five months of fieldwork in the Nujiang Valley, I rarely encountered a Lisu engaged in personal Bible study. I contend that this situation has less to do with the level of faith or commitment, and more to do with the interplay of literacy and orality, of individual and community, and the overall Lisu linguistic situation. While the Lisu Bible provides the overall frame for Lisu Christian society, it does not sustain Lisu Christianity in the everyday arena: the practical living out of what it means to be a Lisu Christian. While Scriptures provide the necessary framework, something needs to fill in the frame, to provide sustenance to nurture faith in an oral context. For societies and ethnic groups existing in the linguistic borderlands between the oral and the written, this is the missiological task that will remain once Bible translation is complete.
Window retrofit strategy for energy saving in existing residences with different thermal characteristics and window sizes
Authors: Ahn Byung-Lip , Kim Jong-Hun , Jang Cheol-Yong , Leigh Seung-Bok , Jeong Hakgeun
Published: July 2015

An adequate window system is one of the most important retrofit strategies for effective energy conservation of a building, because the U-value and solar heat gain coefficient of windows have enormous impact on the heating and cooling loads of buildings. Therefore, this paper presents methods for improving the energy efficiency of existing residences that have various window sizes and envelope insulations, through a window retrofit using optimal U-value and solar heat gain coefficient values. Furthermore, the window retrofit strategy has been standardized using analysis of the correlation between the properties of the retrofitted window and energy saving rates. The results show that the annual heating and cooling energy demand decreases by 7.9–16.7% when changing the U-value of the windows in a poorly insulated house, and that the relationship between the lower U-value and energy saving is strong for poorly insulated houses regardless of window size. However, for houses with better insulation and larger window sizes, the total energy usage decreases by 18.4–29.7% when the solar heat gain coefficient is lower, and the energy saving effect of the U-value decreases while that of the solar heat gain coefficient increases.

Practical application: This study was focused on improving the energy efficiency of existing residences by applying retrofitting technology. By exploration of the contribution of the specific qualities of windows and the thermal envelope (insulation) system of buildings via simulation, it was determined that it is necessary to adjust the U-value and SHGC of retrofitted windows, in relation to the thermal performance and window-wall ratio of an existing residence, to achieve high energy efficiency.
The Lymphatic Malformation Function (LMF) Instrument
Authors: Kirkham Erin M. , Edwards Todd C. , Weaver Edward M. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Perkins Jonathan A.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The Lymphatic Malformation Function (LMF) instrument is a preliminary parent‐report assessment designed to measure outcomes in children with cervicofacial lymphatic malformation (LM). This study aimed to assess the measurement properties of the LMF, refine it, test criterion validity, and evaluate the test‐retest reliability.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Two pediatric tertiary referral centers.

Subjects

Parents of 60 children from 6 months to 15 years old with cervicofacial LM.

Methods

Parents were recruited via mail and online. The LMF was administered on paper or online initially and again within 21 days. Response distributions and interitem correlations were examined for item reduction. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on retained items. Cronbach’s α, Spearman correlation, and intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients were calculated to test internal consistency, criterion validity (compared to stage), and test‐retest reliability, respectively.

Results

One item was removed due to a floor effect. The response scale was collapsed from a 5‐point scale to a 3‐point scale due to skewness. Six items were discarded due to redundancy (interitem correlations >0.7); 2 items were discarded due to factor loadings <0.4. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2‐factor structure explaining 84% of variance, and the domains Signs and Impacts had good internal consistency (all Cronbach’s α >0.80 and <0.90), significant association with stage (P <. 05), and good overall test‐retest reliability (ICC, 0.82).

Conclusion

The LMF has been refined into a 12‐item, 2‐domain instrument measuring LM‐specific signs and impacts with internal consistency, criterion validity, and test‐retest reliability.
The Causes of Change and No-Change in Substance Users’ Talk During Motivational Interviewing in the Probation Service in Finland
Authors: Sarpavaara Harri
Published: July 2015

This article explores the beliefs regarding the causes of change and no-change of substance-using clients during motivational interviewing (MI) sessions in probation service context. The analyses are based on videotaped and transcribed data consisting of 98 MI sessions in 12 probation service offices in Finland from 2007 to 2009. The analysis relies on coding of client’s change-related talk utterances and qualitative semiotic framework. The results show that the clients attributed various causes to change and no-change. It seems that the sociocultural, psychological, biological, and contextual causes play an important role in substance users’ change talk and motivation to change. It is suggested that aspects of the social and contextual factors should not be overlooked in MI and other substance use treatment.
Numerical investigation of wind-driven natural ventilation performance in a multi-storey hospital by coupling indoor and outdoor airflow
Authors: Jin Ruiqiu , Hang Jian , Liu Shanshan , Wei Jianjian , Liu Yang , Xie Jielan , Sandberg Mats
Published: July 2015

This study employed two ventilation indexes: local mean age of air and air change rate per hour, to investigate wind-induced natural ventilation of 260 wards of a multi-storey hospital building in suburb of Guangzhou using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Using the surface-grid extrusion technique, high-quality hexahedral grid cells were generated for the coupled outdoor and indoor airflow field. Turbulence was solved by the renormalisation group k-ɛ model validated against experimental data with grid independence studies. Homogeneous tracer gas emission was adopted to predict room age of air. The air change rate of cross ventilation and single-sided ventilation can reach 30–160 h−1 and 0.5–7 h−1, respectively. Due to different locations of room openings on the balconies, natural ventilation of a room can be greatly better than its neighbouring room. The wind-induced cross ventilation highly depends on the distance from the room opening to the stagnation point and on the resulting pressure distribution on the target building surface. Furthermore, it is significantly influenced by the upstream buildings, the bent shape of the target building, and the prevailing wind directions. The coupled computational fluid dynamics methodologies with integrated ventilation indexes are useful for assessing the natural ventilation performance in other complex built environments.
Lectin binding to surface Ig variable regions provides a universal persistent activating signal for follicular lymphoma cells
Authors: Linley Adam , Krysov Sergey , Ponzoni Maurilio , Johnson Peter W. , Packham Graham , Stevenson Freda K.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Unusual sugars on the tips of sIg of FL cells interact with a tissue lectin to activate tumor-specific signaling. Activating lectin does not allow endocytosis of sIg, leading to persistent, essential, and targetable antigen-independent stimulation.
Salvage Surgery After Chemoradiotherapy in the Management of Esophageal Cancer: Is It a Viable Therapeutic Option?
Authors: Markar Sheraz , Gronnier Caroline , Duhamel Alain , Pasquer Arnaud , Théreaux Jérémie , du Rieu Mael Chalret , Lefevre Jérémie H. , Turner Kathleen , Luc Guillaume , Mariette Christophe
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The aim of this large multicenter study was to assess the impact of salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy (SALV) on clinical outcome.

Patients and Methods

Data from consecutive adult patients undergoing resection for esophageal cancer in 30 European centers from 2000 to 2010 were collected. First, groups undergoing SALV (n = 308) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by planned esophagectomy (NCRS; n = 540) were compared. Second, patients who benefited from SALV for persistent (n = 234) versus recurrent disease (n = 74) were compared. Propensity score matching and multivariable analyses were used to compensate for differences in some baseline characteristics.

Results

SALV versus NCRS groups: In-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (8.4% v 9.3%). The only significant differences in complications were seen for anastomotic leak (17.2% v 10.7%; P = .007) and surgical site infection, which were both more frequent in the SALV group. At 3 years, groups had similar overall (43.3% v 40.1%; P = .542) and disease-free survival (39.2% v 32.8%; P = .232) after matching, along with a similar recurrence pattern. Persistent versus recurrent disease groups: There were no significant differences between groups in incidence of in-hospital mortality or major complications. At 3 years, overall (40.9% v 56.2%; P = .046) and disease-free survival (36.6% v 51.6%; P = .095) were lower in the persistent disease group.

Conclusion

The results of this large multicenter study from the modern era suggest that SALV can offer acceptable short- and long-term outcomes in selected patients at experienced centers. Persistent cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy seems to be more biologically aggressive, with poorer survival compared with recurrent cancer.
Cancer Care Delivery Research: Building the Evidence Base to Support Practice Change in Community Oncology
Authors: Kent Erin E. , Mitchell Sandra A. , Castro Kathleen M. , DeWalt Darren A. , Kaluzny Arnold D. , Hautala Judith A. , Grad Oren , Ballard Rachel M. , McCaskill-Stevens Worta J. , Kramer Barnett S. , Clauser Steven B.
Published: July 2015

Understanding how health care system structures, processes, and available resources facilitate and/or hinder the delivery of quality cancer care is imperative, especially given the rapidly changing health care landscape. The emerging field of cancer care delivery research (CCDR) focuses on how organizational structures and processes, care delivery models, financing and reimbursement, health technologies, and health care provider and patient knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors influence cancer care quality, cost, and access and ultimately the health outcomes and well-being of patients and survivors. In this article, we describe attributes of CCDR, present examples of studies that illustrate those attributes, and discuss the potential impact of CCDR in addressing disparities in care. We conclude by emphasizing the need for collaborative research that links academic and community-based settings and serves simultaneously to accelerate the translation of CCDR results into practice. The National Cancer Institute recently launched its Community Oncology Research Program, which includes a focus on this area of research.
Effects of Acupuncture, RU-486 on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Chronically Stressed Adult Male Rats
Authors: Eshkevari Ladan , Mulroney Susan E. , Egan Rupert , Lao Lixing
Published: July 2015

We have recently reported that pretreatment with electroacupuncture (EA) at stomach meridian point 36 (St36) prevents the chronic cold-stress increase in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), an action that may be under central control. Given that treatment for stress-related symptoms usually begins after onset of the stress responses, the objectives of the present study were to determine the efficacy of EA St36 on HPA hormones when EA St36 is given after stress was initiated, if the results are long lasting, and if blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) using RU-486 had the same effects as EA St36. Adult male rats were placed in 4 groups of animals, 3 of which were exposed to cold and 1 of which was a nontreatment control group. After exposure to the cold stress, 2 groups were treated with either EA St36 or sham-EA, repeated over 10 days. The increase in ACTH and corticosterone observed in stress-only rats was prevented in EA St36 animals, and the effects remained intact 4 days after withdrawal of EA but continuation of cold stress. When the GR was blocked with RU-486, the efficacy of EA St36 remained unchanged. GR blockade did significantly elevate ACTH, which is not seen with EA St36, suggesting that EA St36 does act centrally. The elevated HPA hormones in stress-only rats were associated with a significant increase in depressive and anxious behavior; this was not observed in the stressed EA St36 animals. The results indicate that EA specifically at St36 vs sham-EA is effective in treating chronic poststress exposure.
Toward a History and Theory of the Socialist Bildungsroman
Authors: Kohlmann Benjamin
Published: July 2015

This essay identifies the socialist bildungsroman as a distinct transnational genre of the twentieth-century novel. Contrary to recent theorizations of the bildungsroman that stress the link between narratives of individual formation and the organicist idea of the nation, socialist bildungsromane sought to provide the traditional form of the bildungsroman with a genuinely internationalist horizon. The genre of the socialist bildungsroman encodes the checkered history of socialism, in particular the problematic of a revolutionary temporality as well as the fraught relationship between socialism's internationalist aspirations and the resurgence of the nation and nationalism around the mid-century. The article draws on Georg Lukács's fragmentary theorization of the genre to explore an exemplary range of novels, from Fyodor Gladkov's Soviet Cement (1925) and Jean-Paul Sartre's unfinished tetralogy The Roads to Freedom (1945–49) to Doris Lessing'sThe Golden Notebook (1962) and Peter Weiss's trilogy The Aesthetics of Resistance (1975–81). Building on Alain Badiou's understanding of the militant subject's “fidelity” to the revolution, the article describes the dialectical nature of the relationship between subjectivity and the historical truth event. It concludes that in the socialist bildungsroman the protagonist's formation is imagined as an open-ended process centering on the individual's participation in the revolutionary movement rather than as a fixed (national) telos or a redemptive moment of plenitude.
The retromer complex in development and disease
Authors: Wang Shiuan , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: July 2015

The retromer complex is a multimeric protein complex involved in recycling proteins from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network or plasma membrane. It thus regulates the abundance and subcellular distribution of its cargo within cells. Studies using model organisms show that the retromer complex is involved in specific developmental processes. Moreover, a number of recent studies implicate aberrant retromer function in photoreceptor degeneration, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Here, and in the accompanying poster, we provide an overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of retromer-mediated protein trafficking, highlighting key examples of retromer function in vivo.
Terbium Oxide, Fluoride, and Oxyfluoride Nanoparticles with Magneto-optical Properties
Authors: Kawashima Akira , Nakanishi Takayuki , Kitagawa Yuichi , Fujita Koji , Tanaka Katsuhisa , Fushimi Koji , Malik Mohammad A , O’Brien Paul , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: July 2015

Novel terbium nanoparticles (TbX: terbium oxide (Tb2O3), terbium fluoride (TbF3), and terbium oxyfluoride (TbOF)) have been prepared and their magneto-optical properties reported. The TbX nanoparticles were synthesized by the thermolysis of Tb(III) complexes, used as single-source precursors, in oleylamine. The temperature used for the decomposition was estimated from using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. The as-prepared TbX nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Large Faraday rotations were observed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films containing TbX nanoparticles under magnetic field (15000 Oe). TbX nanoparticles with magneto-optical properties have been prepared for the first time.
A NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVE OF IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURIAL IDENTITY: LITERATURE REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR STUDIES IN THE POST SOCIALIST SOCIETIES
Authors: Židonis Žilvinas
Published: July 2015

This article aims to contribute to better understanding of immigrant entrepreneurial identity formation from the perspective of autobiographical narrative analysis. Research on immigrant entrepreneurship identity has been dominated by works of scholars who basically fall into two main steams. The first one deals with such issues as ethnic, female entrepreneurship, and in many cases it reduces immigrant entrepreneurship identity to an ethno-cultural phenomenon, which exists outside or at least in the margins of official economy and mainstream society. The second research stream elaborates on rapidly emerging field of transnationalism studies. From the perspective of identity, transnational entrepreneurs are considered as new “nomads” who migrate from one country to another and maintain linkages with their former country of origin. The article argues that, in spite of extensive and numerous research studies, little has been said about how individuals identify themselves as immigrant entrepreneurs. The article delivers two main propositions. First, instead of “labelling” immigrant entrepreneurs, such as “ethnic”, “female”, or “transnational”, we should approach identity phenomena from the perspective of opportunity discovery and opportunity realisation. Proposition is based on the assumption that opportunity is the generic theme in entrepreneurial discourse. Second, the article proposes autobiographical approach to show how immigrants construct entrepreneurial identity by narrating opportunity, which lies in the centre of any entrepreneurship story.
MAINTENANCE OF THE MONETARY SYSTEM STABILITY IN UZBEKISTAN
Authors: Ismailov Alisher
Published: July 2015

During the years of independence, the Republic of Uzbekistan has succeeded in building the modern monetary system. The national currency was introduced, monetary and currency markets have been developed along with the provision of independence of the Central Bank. However, the stability of national monetary system has not been ensured yet. In particular, the monetization level of the economy remains low, while the GDP deflator is rather high. In addition, high level of national currency devaluation is observed in recent years.Eventually all these urgent problems will negatively influence the stability of macroeconomic growth. The relatively high level of the GDP deflator (GDP deflator reflects a more realistic rate of inflation) has led to the significant growth of the money supply, which resulted in a strong devaluation of the national currency of Uzbekistan. For example, in 2012 the devaluation level of the national currency against the U.S. dollar was 10.5%. In addition, because of the low monetization coefficient, a crisis of defaulted payments among business entities has arisen.The author proposes to increase the volume of foreign currency swap and Gold Swap operation of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan in order to decrease the devaluation of the national currency. The author also suggests increasing the flexibility of monetary policy instruments such as an open market policy and reserve requirements to ensure the stable growth of the money supply.
SHORT TERM INTEREST RATES IMPACT ON GHANA STOCK MARKET
Authors: Addo Augustine , Sunzuoye Fidelis
Published: July 2015

The study examines the joint impact of interest rate and Treasury bill rate on stock market returns on Ghana Stock Exchange over the period between January 1995 and December 2011. Using Johansen’s Multivariate Cointegration Model and Vector Error Correction Model the study establish that there is cointegration between Interest rate, Treasury bill rate and stock market returns indicating long run relationship. On the basis of the Multiple Regression Analysis (OLS) carried out by Eviews 7 program, the results shows that Treasury bill rate and interest rate both have a negative relationship with stock market returns but are not significant.  These results show that interest rate and Treasury bill rate have both negative relationship but weak predictive power on stock market returns independently. The study conclude that interest rate and Treasury bill rate jointly impact on stock market returns in the long run.
DOES PRODUCTIVITY MATTER IN THE ADOPTION OF HYBRID RICE? A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Saeed Rashed , Bashir Arshed , Qasim Muhammad , Mehmood Irfan , Bakhsh Khuda
Published: July 2015

The present study was designed to analyze comparative economics of hybrid rice and basmati in the core rice growing area of Punjab. Cross-data was collected through well-structured questionnaires from 80 farmers during May and June 2011.Study results reveal that higher yield and less time required for maturity in production were the main reasons for planting of hybrid rice. Hybrid rice occupied 3.6 acres whereas area under basmati was 5.9 acres of the total farm area. Farmers obtained above 60 percent increase in yield of hybrid rice. Results show that cost of production of basmati rice was estimated as Rs.37364 per acre and total revenue was Rs.44768 per acre. The benefit cost ratio of basmati rice was 1.20 and that of hybrid rice was 1.80, implying that hybrid rice has brought comparatively more economic benefits to the farmers as compared to basmati in the study area. Shortage of buyers, much costly poor quality hybrid seed, late payment and higher transportation costs are among major constraints in rice production and marketing.
A COMPARISON OF AGGRESSION AND IMPULSIVITY BETWEEN SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS
Authors: Zaidi Uzma
Published: July 2015

The study aimed to investigate the role of aggression and impulsivity in smoking among male adult students. It was hypothesized that there would be significant difference between smokers and  non- smokers on the traits of aggression and impulsivity. The sample of two hundred male adult students was selected from different universities of Islamabad. Two subscales of Impulsiveness and Aggression  were administered to measure the personality traits of aggression and impulsivity. Descriptive statistics and  t-test was calculated for analysis of data. Results showed that there is significant differences in aggression and impulsivity between smokers and non-smokers. The result can be helpful for psychologist and other professionals to plan public health therapeutic and social reengineering interventions for youth.
PANCREATIC SCHWANNOMA: CASE REPORT
Authors: Aytac Bulent , Karamercan Ahmet , Yuksel Mehmet Eren , Kulduk Gamze
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic schwannoma is a rare neoplasm. By 2012, there were only 47 cases reported on pancreatic schwannoma in the English literature to the best of our knowledge. Hereby, we report a 37-year-old Caucasian male with a cystic schwannoma in the head of the pancreas. The patient, complaining of vague abdominal pain and pruritus underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. The CT scan of the abdomen revealed a cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas. Initially, a cystic mucinous tumor of the pancreas was suspected. Whipple’s procedure was undertaken. The histopathologic evaluation of the specimen revealed a pancreatic schwannoma. The patient did well postoperatively. Even rarely seen, pancreatic schwannoma should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.
A CUTANEOUS HORN MIMICKING POLYDACTYLY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tamer Funda , Yuksel Mehmet Eren
Published: July 2015

A cutaneous horn is a general name for cornified material protruding from skin. On the other hand, polydactyly is a common congenital anomaly of the hand and foot which is characterized by extra finger or toe. A cutaneous horn might mimick polydactyly by resembling an extra toe. Hereby, we present a 72-year-old white Caucasian male with an extra toe-like projection on his fourth toe. Initially, polydactyly was suspected, however a cutaneous horn was also considered. The lesion was surgically removed. The histopathological examination of the specimen revealed hyperkeratosis, and thus confirmed the  lesion to be a cutaneous horn.
OPTIMAL PARAMETERS FOR THE FERMENTATION OF COMPLEX SUBSTRATES WHEN PRODUCING BIOGAS AT THE MAXIMAL METHANE CONCENTRATION
Authors: Meiramkulova Kulyash , Bayanov Azamat
Published: July 2015

Republic of Kazakhstan oil will last for 47.4 years, while gas production - 65.6 years. Given the Kashagan reserves, something else for a longer period, that is a very short periods of time with respect to the development of state and they can be extended only by the development of a technological breakthrough. Along with the question of the ever-growing needs of the population for energy resources, there is a question about the availability of annual waste generation as the impact of the rapid growth of the urban population, which is about 4% per year ("Population" encyclopedia of Astana, 2008). To cope with both problems simultaneously, the waste may be used as energy sources by fermentation technology. Among the urban wastes the organic waste is dominated, such as vegetables, fallen leaves, etc., that have the potential to produce biogas. The use of unsuitable materials as a natural catalyst of fermentation and the time spent on fermentation, are some of the existing barriers to the development of energy resources in urban areas. For this purpose a study was conducted to optimize the ratio of urban waste, animal waste and water in combination with the time of fermentation. The study used an experimental method with the random nature of the two-factor model. The first factor is the ratio of waste, manure, and the second quantity of water - during fermentation, which is fixed to each of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18th day of the fermentation substrate. The study showed that the optimum proportion to obtain the maximum amount of biogas is a ratio of 500: 200: 300 waste, manure, and water, respectively. Furthermore, on the second day of fermentation the maximum amount of biogas produced.
RAMS/LCC Anforderungen im IRIS Standard - Herausforderung für Unternehmen aus der Schienenfahrzeugindustrie
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Fatih
Published: July 2015

Um eine Teilhabe am internationalen Markt zu garantieren bzw. zu ermöglichen ist auch für Unternehmen aus dem Schienensektor ein funktionierendes Qualitätsmanagementsystem von Nöten. Zuspruch fand hierfür vor allem der Branchenstandard IRIS, welches im Jahre 2006 erstmals in Anwendung kam und mittlerweile auch 13 Unternehmen aus der Türkei ein Zertifikat besitzen. Der Trend ist steigend. In vielerlei Hinsicht scheint dieser Standard den Wünschen der Unternehmungen gerecht zu werden, doch auch Unmutstöne sind von einigen zuhören, die besonders auf die geringen Kenntnisse und Erfahrung der einzelnen Klienten zurückzuführen sind. Anzuführen ist auch die Tatsache, dass IRIS ein erst recht neuer Standard ist und deshalb auch je nach Schwierigkeiten und Wünschen des Klientels nach oben hin Aufbaufähig ist. Schwierigkeiten seitens der Befragten Unternehmen sind vor allem im Bereich des RAMS/LCC Management zu hören, die einige Firmen überfordern. In dieser Arbeit wird auch genauer auf dieses eingegangen und genauer aus der Sicht der  Unternehmen betrachtet.
REFORMATION OF THE PRESENT CURRICULUM OF THE PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION ACCORDING TO THE COMPETENCE – BASED APPROACH
Authors: Cinga Zhuljeta
Published: July 2015

Up to the present the efforts to raise the quality of the Albanian educational system have been focused mostly in the direction of the content of the school curriculum, delivery of knowledge through the standards, as well as in the direction of instructional plans and programs. These achievements have been insufficient for raising the quality of the contemporary education, a fact that was also noticed by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). 60% of students in Albania did not complete the second level of PISA. The curriculum compilers 2014 using the best international research and practice data in educational field raised the problem of the preceding curriculum, which they characterized as a curriculum traditional in essence. The aim of this work is to argue the proposals of the curriculum compilers for “a curriculum which creates conditions and supports the competence development” through competence mastering, focusing on the students,  needs and demands for education, learning in situations and knowledge building from the students, against a curriculum centered in instructional objectives and focused on the subject content acquirement.Considering the fast rhythm of knowledge explosion in the society of technology and knowledge, the new developments in the work market, changes in conceptions in the learning process, the necessity of reformation of a curriculum “after the competence-based approach” will be argued.
Social Interest, Empathy, and Online Support Groups
Authors: Hammond Heidi
Published: July 2015

The Internet provides a way to connect that transcends the limitation of place and gives rise to communities that vary widely in purpose. This article examines the Adlerian concept of social interest and the related concept of empathy in online support groups. Examining online socialization and expression of empathy can support understanding for how social interest can be developed in a virtual environment.
When Your Smartphone Is Too Smart for Your Own Good: How Social Media Alters Human Relationships
Authors: Wagner Lori Ann
Published: July 2015

The author considers whether the dystopian society of 2025 described in Spike Jonze’s movie Her is as far away as one might think. The intervention of social media and “smart technology” has resulted in human beings preferring engagement in mediated communications. This results in less reliance on the five primary senses acting in concert while interacting socially, a key to empathy. The result may be less honest relationships.
Online and Phone Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kingsley Alana , Henning Janna A.
Published: July 2015

This article reviews the existing literature on the potential advantages and drawbacks of therapy that is conducted when the clinician and client are not sitting in the same room. Specifically, forms of psychotherapy that are conducted via the telephone, e-mail, and video chat are addressed. As different researchers have reported contradictory findings on this topic, and the laws and policies that govern these types of therapy interactions are still being developed, it is suggested that clinicians use extra caution when providing treatment through these media.
Internet and Faith
Authors: Mansager Erik , McDonald Beth , Williams Hallie M.
Published: July 2015

This forum includes a brief summary of the 2014 MIT study that correlated a decline in Americans’ religious affiliation with an increase in Internet use. After a brief summary of the findings, two respondents, religiously affiliated helping professionals, share reflections of what the study elicited in them.
Nigeria’s Hopeful Election
Authors: Lewis Peter , Kew Darren
Published: July 2015

Nigeria’s March 2015 elections ushered in a historic moment—for the first time since the country gained independence 55 years ago, the opposition won a national election. The successful challenge came from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. Given Nigeria’s history of electoral flaws and violence, as well as concerns that the military was growing impatient with civilian rule, the peaceful conduct of the elections proved an especially welcome surprise. With the emphasis having shifted from fear to hope, the elections have the potential to be politically transformative, even if the new government—which faces daunting problems—falls short of its supporters’ elevated expectations.
The Medieval Roots of Democracy
Authors: Møller Jørgen
Published: July 2015

A point of consensus in the so-called “sequencing debate” is that in Europe state-building preceded the development of political accountability, eventually in the form of democratization, by centuries. This is arguably a misrepresentation of the European sequence. Strong institutions of constraints were an integrated part of the political regime form when large-scale state-building began following the sixteenth-century military revolution. European state-builders were therefore checked by countervailing political power but were also able to channel authority through existing institutions. A comparison with Russia shows that it was on this basis that both the modern state and modern democracy emerged and took root in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Rwanda: Progress or Powder Keg?
Authors: Reyntjens Filip
Published: July 2015

While post-genocide Rwanda’s decent technocratic governance has led to strong economic recovery and good public service provision, its political governance is deeply flawed and may destroy these achievements. The ruling RPF has solidly established hegemony by eliminating the political opposition and autonomous civil society, massively violating human rights, and killing well over hundred thousand of its own citizens, abusing the legal and justice systems, and deploying skillful information management. This article addresses the way in which this hegemonic project was conducted, how this relates to regime achievements in the economic sphere, and how tradeoffs between political and technocratic governance have kept the international community at bay.
Hungary’s U-Turn: Retreating from Democracy
Authors: Kornai János
Published: July 2015

For two decades, Hungary, like the other Eastern European countries, followed a general policy of establishing and strengthening the institutions of democracy, rule of law, and a market economy based on private property. However, since the elections of 2010, when Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party came to power, Hungary has made a dramatic U-turn. This article investigates the different spheres of society: political institutions, the rule of law, and the influence of state and market on one another, as well as the world of ideology (education, science, and art), and describes the U-turn’s implications for these fields and the effect it has on the life of people. It argues against the frequent misunderstandings in the interpretation and evaluation of the Hungarian situation, pointing out some typical intellectual fallacies. It draws attention to the dangers of strengthening nationalism, and to the ambivalence evident in Hungarian foreign policy, and looks into the relationship between Hungary and the Western world, particularly the European Union. Finally, it outlines the possible scenarios resulting from future developments in the Hungarian situation.
China After the Reform Era
Authors: Minzner Carl
Published: July 2015

China’s reform era is ending. Core factors that characterized it—political stability, ideological openness, and rapid economic growth—are unraveling. In part, this is the result of Beijing’s steadfast refusal to contemplate fundamental political reform. Since the early 1990s, this has fueled the rise of entrenched interests within the Communist Party itself. It has also contributed to the systematic underdevelopment of institutions of governance among state and society at large. Now, to address looming problems confronting the nation, Chinese leaders are progressively cannibalizing institutional norms and practices that have formed the bedrock of the regime’s stability in the post-Mao era.
Participatory Ethnomedicinal Cancer Research with Fante-Akan Herbalists in Rural Ghana
Authors: Ragosta Summer , Harris Ivelyn , Gyakari Ntim , Otoo Emmanuel , Asase Alex
Published: July 2015

An ethnomedicinal study was initiated with herbalists in coastal Central Region Ghana to explore how cancer is defined, diagnosed, and treated within a traditional Fante-Akan context. The participatory, service-oriented investigation included international collaboration with herbalists and traditional plant experts. On-site meetings informed community leaders and members of project intent and methods, guided protocol, and gauged critical support. To provide immediate educational and economic opportunities, hands-on activities with villagers transferred academic and applied skills. Ethnographic interviews and voucher specimen collections were conducted with seven herbalists. Plant samples were dried and housed locally in a community herbarium cabinet constructed in Kormantse. Ten cancer ethnopharmacopoeia plants were identified, most of which are species considered native to tropical Africa. Fante Akan herbalists listed various types of cancers they treat with herbal remedies, along with ethnomedicinal descriptions of disease etiology, diagnoses, and treatments. The most common cancer type mentioned was “breast cancer.” Topical application was the most often cited method of administering remedies. Researchers established key contacts in the Kormantse, Salt Pond, and Elmina communities, and identified local and international research collaborators for a proposed interdisciplinary project focused on longitudinal case studies with herbalists, patients, and medical physicians.
Inmigración en tiempos de crisis: dinámicas de movilidad emergentes y nuevos impactos sociales
Authors: López-Sala Ana , Oso Laura
Published: July 2015

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Fluorescent foci quantitation for high-throughput analysis
Authors: Ledesma-Fernández Elena , H. Thorpe Peter
Published: July 2015

A number of cellular proteins localize to discrete foci within cells, for example DNA repair proteins, microtubule organizing centers, P bodies or kinetochores. It is often possible to measure the fluorescence emission from tagged proteins within these foci as a surrogate for the concentration of that specific protein. We wished to develop tools that would allow quantitation of fluorescence foci intensities in high-throughput studies. As proof of principle we have examined the kinetochore, a large multi-subunit complex that is critical for the accurate segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Kinetochore perturbations lead to aneuploidy, which is a hallmark of cancer cells. Hence, understanding kinetochore homeostasis and regulation are important for a global understanding of cell division and genome integrity. The 16 budding yeast kinetochores colocalize within the nucleus to form a single focus. Here we have created a set of freely-available tools to allow high-throughput quantitation of kinetochore foci fluorescence. We use this ‘FociQuant’ tool to compare methods of kinetochore quantitation and we show proof of principle that FociQuant can be used to identify changes in kinetochore protein levels in a mutant that affects kinetochore function. This analysis can be applied to any protein that forms discrete foci in cells.
The uppermost Emsian and lower Eifelian in the Kielce Region of the Holy Cross Mts. Part I: Lithostratigraphy
Authors: Wójcik Krystian
Published: July 2015

The paper provides a description of primary geological logs, characteristics and formal lithostratigraphy of the uppermost Emsian and lower Eifelian of the Kielce Region of the Holy Cross Mts., central Poland. Nine sections of this interval, representing the whole area of the Kielce Region, and ranging between the Lower Devonian clastics of the Winna Formation and the Middle Devonian carbonates of the Kowala Formation were studied.

The succession is divided into the Barania Góra Dolomite and Limestone Formation and the Wojciechowice Dolomite Formation. Six members are distinguished within the former. In the western part of the region these are (in stratigraphical order): Porzecze Claystone Member, Dębska Wola Dolomite Member, Dąbrowa Limestone Member, and Brzeziny Dolomite Member. In the eastern part, the formation is divided into the Janczyce Dolomite Member and the Jurkowice Dolomite Member. Additionally, the Wszachów Dolomite Member and Nowy Staw Dolomite Member are distinguished within the overlying Wojciechowice Formation. The thickness of the uppermost Emsian-Eifelian succession ranges from ca. 200 m in the eastern part to ca. 130 m in the western part of the Kielce Region
Epigenetic silicification of the Upper Oxfordian limestones in the Sokole Hills (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland): relationship to facies development and tectonics
Authors: Matyszkiewicz Jacek , Kochman Alicja , Rzepa Grzegorz , Gołębiowska Bożena , Krajewski Marcin , Gaidzik Krzysztof , Żaba Jerzy
Published: July 2015

A spectacular epigenetic silicification was encountered in the Oxfordian bedded limestones exposed in the Sokole Hills situated in the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland. The main epigenetic mineral is microcrystalline quartz accompanied by minor goethite, hematite, barite, galena and sphalerite. Locally, the mineralized limestones reveal Pb and Cu contents exceeding over 150 times the background values of these metals in unmineralized limestones.

The epigenetic mineralization of the bedded limestones was probably a two-stage process. During the first, Early Cretaceous stage, silicified limestones formed at the erosional surface of a denuded carbonate complex. Such silicification greatly limited the progress of the first karstification phase of the Upper Jurassic carbonates initiated in the Hauterivian. The sources of silica accumulated in the limestones were descending solutions enriched in silica derived from the weathering zone. This silicification affected the topmost part of the Upper Jurassic massive limestones and the deeper portions of the bedded limestones along the fracture systems and stylolites.

Early Cretaceous tectonic activity generated new dislocations and re-opened the existing faults, which were subsequently filled with permeable Albian quartz sands. These openings became the migration pathways for ascending, warm, relict, sulphide-carrying hydrothermal solutions at the second formation stage of the epigenetic mineralization. The newly supplied silica from the Albian sands precipitated on the silicified limestones and, as concentric rims, on brecciated, early diagenetic cherts. The second-stage mineralization proceeded under phreatic conditions, presumably close to a fluctuating mixing zone of ascending, warm hydrothermal solutions and descending cold groundwaters. The brecciated cherts acting as silica crystallization nuclei indicate that the last mineralization stage probably followed the final phase of Cenozoic faulting
Creativity and Motivation in Higher Education Teacher Training
Authors: Novotná Jarmila , Verbovanec Ľubomír , Török Ľuboš
Published: July 2015

The main research subject of this study is a teacher. Our goal is to contribute to changes in teacher training in the direction of developing their motivation and creative potential, so that creative personalities of students could be subsequently developed. We chose the methodological concept of a natural developing experiment, in which we study the dynamics of changes in motivation and creativity of student teachers. In the scope of extensive research concept we used various methods to record scores before and after the experiment, such as IMB, DMV, IPOT, WKOPAY and Torrance Figural Test of Creative Thinking. The results were subjected to a quantitative evaluation by means of conventional statistical methods, such as the significance of differences in arithmetic means and index analysis. These were subjected to a qualitative analysis. As a result, conclusions were drawn from the study of future teachers' motivation and creativity. The results have shown significant arguments in favour of aimed and intensive motivational and creative development programmes. As it follows from our findings, interesting also for theories on educational process, the elimination of fear, anxiety, tension and teaching stress can humanise educational environment and also change motives for improving one's creative performance. The goal of our experiment is to contribute to the improvement of undergraduate teacher training and participate in progressive changes in the educational system.
Analysis Evaluating the Results from the Research of Textbooks’ Didactic Efficiency in Technical Education
Authors: Bajtoš Ján , Kmecová Iveta
Published: July 2015

At present we consider education to be one of the most important permanent priorities which greatly influences the prosperity of all countries. Education should enable students to integrate into the dynamically developing society. In this regard, education is the main factor of social prosperity. Therefore, each school is responsible for the level of education they provide (Bajtoš, Orosová 2011). In our contribution, we present some selected results of the investigation focused on the observation of the didactic efficiency of the textbooks in technical education. We bring in some partial valuation results of the education quality of Economics at the Technical High School in Hlohovec. Further, we bring in the results from the didactic test achieved by a group of students. We compared the results of the students from the “standard“ class and the “experimental“ class. In the end, we outline the need of upgrading the efficiency of the educational process.
The Use of the Drama Pedagogical Method in the Training of Cultural Project Managers
Authors: Zalay Szabolcs
Published: July 2015

The universities are traditionally elitist bulwarks. How do they counter this image? I would like to present a special andragogy strategy which I apply in university level education, in the Cultural Project Managers´ training against poverty and social exclusion in the Institute of Cultural Studies at the University of Pécs. I demonstrate the application of drama pedagogy method in the course of the training. We have more and more experience concerning the fact that the Hungarian “drama pedagogy school”, that became stronger in recent decades, has introduced and developed effective methodological frameworks to realize constructive pedagogy able to create more efficient pedagogical situations than the traditional education methods. This means that today´s Hungarian drama pedagogy possesses the qualities which enable to answer many of the challenges mentioned above.
Parameters of the Quality and Efficiency of the Educational System from the Aspect of Ergonomics
Authors: Lorko Martin
Published: July 2015

In the article, the selected ergonomic parameters improving basic educational systems (educational workplaces) are analysed from the point of view of a teacher and a student. The emphasis is put on the complex ergonomic optimization of these educational systems so as to improve their quality and efficiency by increasing productivity and quality of work in the systems.
Strategy for Life-Accompanying Learning in Austria
Authors: Filla Wilhelm
Published: July 2015

A comprehensive “Strategy for Life-Accompanying Learning” was developed in Austria and will continue until 2020. Since the strategy´s objectives are formulated in a very concrete way, it will be able to verify whether they have been reached. Prior to the publication of this strategy, a process of discussion with a broad base of participants had gone on for a couple of years. Practice will show to what extent the strategy can be implemented.