bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance Of Space In Iris Murdoch’s The Unicorn As A Twentieth-Century Irish Gothic Novel
Authors: Jarząb Joanna
Published: July 2015

During the twentieth century almost all literary genres came back to prominence in different and alternative forms. The Gothic is no exception to this phenomenon as many a writer made an attempt at using this eighteenth-century genre once again, but adding to it some contemporary elements. Consequently, an abundance of new techniques have been introduced to Gothic fiction to evoke the feeling of horror and terror among the more and more demanding readers of modern times. Still, some writers prefer to return to the traditional concept of the Gothic – as does Iris Murdoch in her novel The Unicorn. The purpose of this article is to analyse the text from the perspective of the Irish Gothic. Those features of the genre which are traditional as well as local are going to be discussed in the context of space as the dominating aspect of the novel. The typical Irish landscape abounding in marshes, bogs and the sea will be contrasted with the inner space of the house, and its resemblance to the old Victorian mansions popular among the Anglo-Irish ascendancy of nineteenth-century Ireland. In what follows, the paper aims at showing how Murdoch’s skilful play with the spatial differentiation between the inside and the outside dislodges other more universal issues, such as the question of freedom, of social taboos and of the different anxieties still present in Irish society today.
Nurslings Of Protestantism: The Questionable Privilege Of Freedom In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette
Authors: Mazurek Monika
Published: July 2015

In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, a number of foreigners at various points express their amazement or admiration of the behaviour of Englishwomen, who, like the novel’s narrator Lucy Snowe, travel alone, visit public places unchaperoned and seem on the whole to lead much less constrained lives than their Continental counterparts. This notion was apparently quite widespread at this time, as the readings of various Victorian texts confirm – they often refer to the independence Englishwomen enjoyed, sometimes with a note of caution but often in a self-congratulatory manner. Villette, the novel which, similarly to its predecessor, The Professor, features a Protestant protagonist living in a Catholic country, makes a connection between Lucy’s Protestantism and her freedom, considered traditionally in English political discourse to be an essentially English and Protestant virtue. However, as the novel shows, in the case of women the notion of freedom is a complicated issue. While the pupils at Mme Beck’s pensionnat have to be kept in check by a sophisticated system of surveillance, whose main purpose is to keep them away from men and sex, Lucy can be trusted to behave according to the Victorian code of conduct, but only because her Protestant upbringing inculcated in her the need to control her desires. The Catholics have the Church to play the role of the disciplinarian for them, while Lucy has to grapple with and stifle her own emotions with her own hands, even when the repression is clearly the cause of her psychosomatic illness. In the end, the expectations regarding the behaviour of women in England and Labassecour are not that much different; the difference is that while young Labassecourians are controlled by the combined systems of family, school and the Church, young Englishwomen are expected to exercise a similar control on their own.
Stock Market Linkages: Evidence From The US, China And India During The Subprime Crisis
Authors: Singh Amanjot , Kaur Parneet
Published: July 2015

The Subprime crisis spillovered the returns and volatility from the US stock market to the other integrated economies. The present study attempts to analyze the stock market linkages between the US, India and China, especially during the US subprime Crisis. The technique of Tri-Variate Vector Autoregression and the Spillover Index has been employed so as to analyze the relations during the time period 2007 to 2009. To estimate the time varying risk parameters, the technique of Threshold Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedastic [TGARCH (1,1)] model has been used. A uni-directional causality has been observed from the US market to the Indian and Chinese market, whereas another unidirectional causality has also been spotted running from the Chinese market to the Indian market in the context of stock market returns during the crisis period. A unidirectional volatility spillover from the US to the Indian market and from the Indian to the Chinese market has been found to be significant. As per the volatility Spillover Index, the cross market impact on the volatility reduces over a time period 2007-2009, due to the increased impact of the past volatility and the presence of 'leverage effect'. The falling returns added to the volatility in the respective markets. The efficient tests of causality inspired by Hill (2007) reported an indirect impact of the US market volatility on the Chinese market via Indian. The portfolio managers should discount this information well ahead of time to maintain the portfolio values by taking positions in futures and options market.
An Unlikely Pair: Berlinde De Bruyckere and J.M. Coetzee
Authors: Kusek Robert , Szymański Wojciech
Published: July 2015

Despite J.M. Coetzee’s ostensible interest in the issues of - largely speaking - visuality, the links between Coetzee’s oeuvre and ‘images’ have not been sufficiently explored either by art or literary critics. The paper offers a detailed discussion of the cooperation between Coetzee and the Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckere which has so far resulted in one installation and two art books co-authored by Coetzee and De Bruyckere. Special attention will be paid to the piece “Cripplewood/Kreupelhout” shown in the Belgian Pavilion of the 2013 Venice Biennial and the catalogue published in its wake. Also, a number of questions related to the nature of Coetzee’s contribution to both projects, the role of a curator and his relationship with the artist, as well as the catalogue’s generic affiliation and its position in Coetzee’s body of works are thoroughly addressed.
‘Hollandse’ dorpen in Polen: Hoe anders waren ze eigenlijk?/ ‘Dutch’ Settlements in Poland: How Different Were They Actually?
Authors: Wenderski Michał
Published: July 2015

The ‘Dutch’ colonisation in Poland, which took place between the 16th and the 19th century, left a clear architectural and spatial mark in the Polish countryside. The newcomers, originally from the Low Countries and later from Germany and other parts of Europe, created independent communities which did not establish strong ties with adjacent villages. Moreover, contrary to autochthonic peasants, the colonists enjoyed freedom and a relatively high social status and were often rather wealthy. Hence their villages and farmsteads differed from local ones being generally speaking more representative. It has often been assumed than the ‘Dutch’ settlements in Poland shared more similarities with the Dutch or Frisian countryside than with the neighbouring villages and that both the settlements as well as the farmhouses differed substantially from local building traditions. This paper explores how much the ‘Dutch’ villages and farms were in fact distinguishable from their local counterparts and to what extent they coincided with building traditions in the Low Countries and in Germany.
Ecologische thematiek in hedendaagse fi ctie: Uitdagingen van milieufi losofi e, ecokritiek en animal studies voor de Nederlandstalige literatuur/ Ecology in the Contemporary Fiction: The Challenges of Environmental Philosophy, Ecocriticism and Animal Studies for the Study of Dutch and Flemish Literature
Authors: Sedláčková Lucie
Published: July 2015

This article is based on the belief that in every historical period, there is a certain part of the literary production that reflects the recent events or tendencies in the contemporary society. Using my dissertation, in which I did research on the representations of the globalisation in recent Dutch and Flemish fiction, as an example of which issues were or were not represented in a number of selected Dutch-written novels, I point out that ecology, which turned to be a non-issue in my corpus, deserves new attention at this moment. My article suggests some attitudes that can help to interpret the ecological issues and the tightly connected subject of animal rights. The new challenges for the literary studies are first of all presented by the ecocriticism and the (critical) animal studies
When a Family Requests a White Doctor
Authors: Reynolds Kimberly L. , Cowden John D. , Brosco Jeffrey P. , Lantos John D.
Published: July 2015

Parents sometimes request that a doctor of a particular race or ethnic group not care for their child. Such requests sometimes seem legitimate and other times seem offensive. The difference reflects a clash of fundamental values. Generally, we try to respect patient or parental preferences. Requests based on racist attitudes, however, do not seem worthy of respect. But where should we draw the line? In this ethics rounds, we present a situation in which parents requested a white doctor and analyze the ways in which doctors might think about and respond to such a request.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a National Newborn Screening Program for Biotinidase Deficiency
Authors: Vallejo-Torres Laura , Castilla Iván , Couce María L , Pérez-Cerdá Celia , Martín-Hernández Elena , Pineda Mercé , Campistol Jaume , Arrospide Arantzazu , Morris Stephen , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

There are conflicting views as to whether testing for biotinidase deficiency (BD) ought to be incorporated into universal newborn screening (NBS) programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding BD to the panel of conditions currently screened under the national NBS program in Spain.

METHODS:

We used information from the regional NBS program for BD that has been in place in the Spanish region of Galicia since 1987. These data, along with other sources, were used to develop a cost-effectiveness decision model that compared lifetime costs and health outcomes of a national birth cohort of newborns with and without an early detection program. The analysis took the perspective of the Spanish National Health Service. Effectiveness was measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). We undertook extensive sensitivity analyses around the main model assumptions, including a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS:

In the base case analysis, NBS for BD led to higher QALYs and higher health care costs, with an estimated incremental cost per QALY gained of $24 677. Lower costs per QALY gained were found when conservative assumptions were relaxed, yielding cost savings in some scenarios. The probability that BD screening was cost-effective was estimated to be >70% in the base case at a standard threshold value.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study indicates that NBS for BD is likely to be a cost-effective use of resources.
Endurance Sport Activity and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation – Epidemiology, Proposed Mechanisms and Management
Authors: Fragakis Nikolaos , Vicedomini Gabriele , Pappone Carlo
Published: July 2015

There is evidence for a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in athletes engaged in long-term endurance sports training compared with the general population. Although atrial anatomic adaptations, alterations in autonomic nervous system, chronic systemic inflammation and fibrosis have been proposed as potential mechanisms, they remain speculative. Medical therapy with long-term antiarrhythmic agents or pill in the pocket medications is hampered by limitations, such as sports eligibility and interference with exercise tolerance. AF ablation represents a valid therapeutic option with results similar to these achieved in other patients. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are needed to confirm whether endurance sport practice affects the maintenance of sinus rhythm following catheter ablation of AF.
Use of Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy – Change of Clinical Settings
Authors: Looi Khang-Li , Tang Anthony SL , Agarwal Sharad
Published: July 2015

Current guidelines recommend cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤35 %), QRS duration of ≥120–150 ms (Class IA and IB indications) on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure (HF) symptoms. Ongoing studies aim to expand the use of CRT in patients with asymptomatic or minimal symptoms left ventricular dysfunction. There have been studies that have shown benefit of CRT extended to this group of patients. There have also been different implications of the role of CRT in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), patients with narrow QRS duration or with right bundle branch block (RBBB) on surface ECG, as well as patients with end-stage renal failure on dialysis therapy. This article aims to review the current body of evidence of expanding use of CRT in these populations.
Menopausia y violencia simbólica: un cuestionamiento al saber médico
Authors: Castillo Vargas Andrés , Chinchilla Badilla Ivannia
Published: July 2015

El siguiente artículo analiza las expresiones de violencia simbólica que el discurso médico tradicional ha promovido en torno a las mujeres en edad mediana que experimentan la menopausia. Con tal objetivo, se especifican inicialmente las características de este tipo de violencia, seguido de un breve análisis en torno a sus principales manifestaciones, para posteriormente concluir con una reflexión alrededor de las bases culturales que dan sustento a la misma. Los hallazgos encontrados, sugieren la necesidad de promover una visión menos estigmatizante de la menopausia, para lo cual resulta imprescindible recurrir a enfoques críticos y no reduccionistas que permitan visualizar los dispositivos culturales que subyacen a los discursos profesionales, con miras a cuestionar y deconstruir las expresiones de violencia simbólica con las que se ha revestido durante tantos años la ausencia menstrual.
Arteterapia en Costa Rica: algunas pinceladas
Authors: Castillo Hellmund Maricris
Published: July 2015

Este documento tiene como objetivos principales, relatar algunos antecedentes históricos relevantes y referirse a ciertos/as precursores claves del quehacer arteterapéutico en Costa Rica. Dada la falta de documentación escrita sobre este tema, los datos se recopilan de forma oral (entrevistas personales, telefónicas y vía correo electrónico) por lo que se convierten en la principal fuente de información para la elaboración de este trabajo.
La psicología como ciencia. Ensayo de reflexión teórica con énfasis en Costa Rica
Authors: Paniagua Esquivel Cristina
Published: July 2015

Más que una disciplina, la psicología se considera como un conjunto de ciencias, en donde el psicólogo se encarga de integrar los conocimientos (Henriques, 2011; Polo, 2009); también se considera como una disciplina dividida (Polo, 2009; Campos, 2013). Como disciplina que estudia al ser humano, se ha categorizado como ciencia social, entrando en la polémica que envuelve a estas ciencias, de si deben entenderse como una ciencia o no (Bernal, 2006). El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar un acercamiento básico, teórico, a la discusión que existe sobre si la psicología es o no ciencia, específicamente en Costa Rica. Se propone la investigación como eje fundamental en todas las áreas y la observación como el método unificador. Se destaca, en menor medida, la experimentación como el método que presenta la parte que se considera “más científica” de psicología, pero sin querer destacarlo como única vía. Se presenta la historia de la psicología (en general como en Costa Rica). También, las características de la ciencia. Finalmente, se considera que efectivamente es una ciencia, aunque las divisiones anteriormente mencionadas, debilitan su definición como tal.
Del paradigma mecanicista a una visión holística para el bienestar de la humanidad: una propuesta algo utópica de Fritjof Capra
Authors: Céspedes Doris
Published: July 2015

En el presente ensayo se realiza un breve análisis del libro El punto crucial de Fritjof Capra (1996), en el cual llaman la atención las propuestas interesantes que este ofrece; sin embargo, sin menospreciar sus valiosos aportes y, sobre todo, su punto de vista positivo, la crítica de la autora de este ensayo, se refiere al matiz algo utópico del autor, y para referir a lo utópico, como autora describe ese concepto como algo que es casi irrealizable o presenta dificultad para ser alcanzado por lo menos a corto plazo.Capra hace una interpretación general e histórica de cómo los paradigmas de la física, a lo largo del tiempo, cambian la mirada del mundo, desde la transición de la concepción mecanicista fuertemente criticada por él, para proponer una concepción holística de la realidad, propuesta que precisamente como autora de este ensayo, es la que considero si bien es muy alentadora, no deja de tener algo de utopía, sobre todo porque en su obra el autor no ahonda en un análisis de mayor fundamentación teórica, y abreviando por ejemplo los aportes de la disciplina psicológica a la salud mental desde la visión sistémica.
Bases gnoseológicas del D.E.I. Diagnóstico Energético Integral®
Authors: Am Elsa Noemí
Published: July 2015

El presente artículo, describe las bases teóricas y el marco de conocimiento en el que se fundamenta el D.E.I. Diagnóstico Energético Integral®. Los aspectos en que se configura como una aplicación del enfoque psicocorporal y también como se delimita en sus conceptos de los métodos kinesiológicos a partir de su propuesta holística y compleja. Esta breve síntesis que intenta ser lo suficientemente abarcativa y generalizadora también actualiza sobre los desafíos que enfrenta el crecimiento de ésta terapia en el campo de la investigación. La búsqueda de la red de la conciencia, de esa posible autopista de información que une todas las cosas, la malla de la vida.
Efecto del asco sobre las actitudes hacia hombres homosexuales: evidencias de cognición corporalizada en una muestra costarricense
Authors: Beirute-Herrera Julianne , Angulo-Castro Valeria , Fallas-Gamboa Karina , Prado-Calderón Jorge Esteban
Published: July 2015

Las teorías sobre cognición corporalizada plantean que los estados internos del cuerpo juegan un rol fundamental en los procesos cognitivos. Los estados corporales pueden modular incluso las actitudes hacia grupos sociales. En esta investigación se examinó cómo la reacción emocional de asco influye sobre las actitudes hacia varios grupos sociales, en particular hacia los hombres homosexuales. Para ello se pidió a los participantes del grupo experimental (n = 23) contestar un cuestionario mientras se encontraban en un aula con un olor ambiental desagradable. El cuestionario incluyó un termómetro de sentimientos para estimar las actitudes hacia diversos grupos sociales y una escala para evaluar las actitudes hacia específicamente personas homosexuales. Se encontró que en el primer instrumento las personas expuestas al mal olor ambiental reportaron actitudes más negativas hacia varios grupos sociales que las personas del grupo control (n = 18), especialmente hacia los hombres homosexuales (d = 1.01). Sin embargo en el segundo instrumento, aunque la tendencia estuvo presente, los resultados no fueron estadísticamente significativos. En síntesis, se observaron evidencias del efecto del estado corporal de asco sobre las actitudes hacia varios grupos sociales, pero la evidencia acerca del efecto específico sobre las actitudes hacia hombres homosexuales no fue consistente.
Un recuento de aspectos sobre el envejecer: A propósito de la película Inocencia
Authors: Palma Paola
Published: July 2015

En el presente ensayo se ofrecerá un estudio de caso tomando como referencia la película Inocencia, dirigida por Paul Cox en el año 2000. Los segmentos de este estudio estarán orientados por tres preguntas fundamentales: 1. ¿Cómo se vive en el envejecer? 2. ¿Cómo se vive la muerte? y 3. ¿Cómo se vive la sexualidad? Esta reflexión ha permitido desarticular algunas falsas creencias en torno a la sexualidad y la vivencia de esta etapa. A la vez que los aspectos enunciados se ejemplifican con escenas de la pelicula.
La raison et la foi. Des philosophes Polonais rapprochent les deux domaines
Authors: Zuziak Władysław
Published: July 2015

This paper presents three attempts of grasping the relations between faith and reason made by M. Heller, J. Tischner and K. Tarnowski. Reason and faith are two foundations for human desire to understand the world. Without them, no attempts to understand can take place. As Heller points out, both of them, due to cooperation, support development and help to eliminate dangerous simplifications. Faith, or more precisely – religious thinking – is, as J. Tischner famously argued, a condition for dialogue, for being open to others and community. Faith gives strength and courage, supports the search for existing (although very often unconscious) ties that bonds people. Faith allows us to discover the meaning and purpose of our lives. K. Tarnowski goes even further and claims, that faith reveals “the surplus” of meaning, which invites us to investigate what is impossible to express- the Mystery. Only in the face of Mystery, by a communion with the Other, can we feel that the presence of the Other is important for our existence. The three philosophers from Krakow emphasized in their works, that the relations between faith and reason, although connected and supplementing themselves, require much attention from both scientists, who create rational models of reality, and theologians, who aim to create a coherent vision linking these two aspects of human world.
Jesus in Narnia. Narrative Katechese im Werk von C.S. Lewis
Authors: Garmaz Jadranka , Komljenović Petar
Published: July 2015

This paper seeks to explore the narrative catechesis and elements of religious pedagogy in C.S. Lewis' “The Chronicles of Narnia” and to critically ponder on the following questions: To what extent is the message of faith conveyed to the reader by Lewis' story-telling? In which way is a narrative approach to theology and catechesis articulated and realised? Why is the narrative catechesis useful and what is its role in the context of the overall mission of the Church i.e. the preaching of the Gospel? In order to provide answers to these questions the first part of this paper outlines a Christian allegory of the Narnian stories. The second part deals with the formalistic approach as using allegory, allusion, and symbolism to interpret Lewis' narrative. The third part outlines the need for a critical awareness and the role of theological narrative in flourishing humanity and human wholeness. The concluding section presents an overall assessment of Lewis's Christian fantasy and its faith-shaping impact.
Il bisogno dei valori e ricerca del senso della vita dei giovani di oggi. Punti Chiavi della Logoterapia di Viktor E. Frankl applicati nel campo formativo
Authors: Styczyński Michał
Published: July 2015

During their existence, people often forget about the meaning of life. With the world spinning faster and faster, the disappearing ability to reflect on complex day-to-day life, the virtual reality and ‘the net’ jungle, people are forgetting how to discover values that lead to the higher goal. There is special concern for the young generation which often loses the meaning of life. The answer to the question – how to find the meaning of life – gives the theory of logotherapy and existential analysis, which was created by Victor E. Frankl. The story of his life, and the difficult experiences which led him to discover the meaning of life persuade the reader about the truthfulness of his scientific discoveries. Logotherapy is a way to find goals and meaning in life: it makes people think about their existence. Frankl shows a certain hierarchy of values, which appear during specific and often difficult life situations. He survived four concentration camps and during those extreme times he was able to find meaning in life. What is more, he helped others find their meaning. A teacher appears on a young man’s life path and this teacher, according to logotherapy, should become the logo-educator and witness to the values. He should be someone, who points to meaning and is able to manifest the meaning of his own existence. Through a mature relationship with the student, the teacher helps the student discover what is the most important. The teacher helps the student realise one’s own plans through to the will, meaning and human conscience – spaces through which the sens consciousness shines through.
Edith Stein – “Great Daughter of Israel and Carmel”, Searching for the Truth Every Day
Authors: Pryba Andrzej
Published: July 2015

Edith Stein was born in a traditional religious Jewish family. In her youth, she stopped praying and lost her faith in God. She was, however, very faithful in searching for the truth, which had become her life's passion. First, the article presents various definitions of truth. Then it deals with phenomenological methods of discovering the truth about man, which were characteristic of Edith Stein. Finally, it shows her discovery of the God of Love, who pulled her towards mystical union in the spirituality of Carmel. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) died in the concentration camp at Auschwitz experiencing the mystery of the Cross of Christ and sacrificing herself for her nation.
Die Familie – Relikt der Vergangenheit oder Fundament der Zukunft?
Authors: Waleszczuk Zbigniew
Published: July 2015

This article is a description of the current situation of the family from a Christian perspective and is divided into three chapters according to the method of the catholic social teaching: see judge, act. In the first part, a analysis of reality is presented, that is a sociological view of the situation of the family in the European countries. The outline of the situation of the family is shown in three dimensions (socio-cultural, political and economic). The second part briefly treats the Catholic teaching on the family, especially their social significance according to John Paul II.. The third part formulates practical conclusions to the question of what we can and should do to promote the family. It is the aim of Christian social ethics – as an instrument of evangelization - to draw adequate conclusions resulting in effective actions of Christians. It is about building bridges between theology and the challenges of the present. Without a doubt, the family is not just a relic of the past, as it was provocatively formulated in the title, but it is, and will continue to be, the foundation of the future.
L’aspetto ecclesiale dell’esistenza cristiana nella morte
Authors: Jaśkiewicz Sylwester
Published: July 2015

This article draws attention to one of the important dimensions of the Christian vision of death, namely its ecclesial dimension. Human existence, after the pilgrimage, is not a solitary existence. Since the Church is one, as we profess in the Creed, all those who belong to Christ, both the living and the dead, belong to the one reality of the Church. The dead are thus not just pious memories in the human mind, but a continuing real presence in the Church, each according to one’s proper state. The Second Vatican Council recalled the three dimensions of the Church - the earthly, heavenly, and the being at the stage of purification. Since ancient times, the Church prays and encourages prayers for the dead, and recalls the communication of spiritual goods. While individual persons are responsible for their actions, including the preparation of the definitive meeting with the Lord, the whole Church still intercedes for them. With the reality of purgatory, which is, in fact, an experience of the mercy of God, persons closely united to Christ and His Church are able to achieve the measure of sanctification, which they failed to achieve during their earthly life.
Discernimento del Superiore religioso: la postulazione
Authors: Michowicz Przemysław
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of the present submission relates to the matter of the postulation regulated by the legal disposition expressed in canons 180 e 181 CIC/83. The main emphasis is not placed on the correct application of the canon law, in the case concerning the dispensation granted to who is ineligible to the canonical office or other assignment.Instead, the Author tries to highlight the meaning and importance that must be given to the discernment undertaken by the collegial Authority in the case of election. The article presents the certain conditions required from the candidate and, at the same time, supplies these criteria, which usually are considered by the Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in the matter of admission of the postulation.
Die Polen angesichts der Umbrüche im politischen und gesellschaftlichen Bereich. Ein Vierteljahrhundert nach der Unabhängigkeit Polens
Authors: Stala Józef
Published: July 2015

Financial, political, ideological, sociological, cultural and existential transitions in Poland are experienced as a far more complex process than what it seemed in the beginning. The challenges Poles are facing in a new, democratic society, in some ways, are more demanding than those in a socialist one. In this article, the author presents sociological data, gathered by the Public Opinion Research Centre in Poland, showing the public opinion about the change in the system since 1989. The evaluation of the social consequences of transformation is not unequivocal. 37 % believe that the post-1989 changes brought more benefits than losses to the people. On the negative side, Poles note the increase in individualism and weakening of interpersonal ties. Negative public sentiment grew in Poland especially after 2009, five years after Polish accession to the European Union when the average salary of Poles accounted for about 25-30% of earnings in Western Europe, many people could not find employment in Poland and so they had to migrate to Western Europe.
The Political Activity of Mazovian Dukes Between the 13th and 15th Century
Authors: Graczyk Waldemar
Published: July 2015

According to some historians, Mazovia once had a separate political existence, with a different form of economy, a social structure and customs that differedfrom those of the Crown, a separate dialect, and its own laws.One of theoutward expressions of its separate existence was its own dynasty. To defend its independence, Mazovia entered into feudal contracts with Bohemia and Kazimierz III the Great. Mazovian dukes also paid homage to Władysław Jagiełło, not only as an acknowledgment of dependence, but also of certain obligations the dukes took upon themselves. After the death of Władysław Jagiełło, a group of Lesser Poland lords proposed the candidature of Siemowit V as king of Poland, and Mazovia had a chance to play a more significant role in Polish politics. It should be stressed that while Siemowit IV still enjoyed popularity on the political scene, his sons, particularly after they divided their patrimony among themselves in 1434, very soon lost significance. The period of the greatest regional disintegration of Mazovia began and the province soon lost any political significance.
A critical review of sustainable built environment development in Iran
Authors: Hakiminejad Ahmadreza , Fu Changfeng , Mohammadzadeh Titkanlou Hamideh
Published: July 2015

Population explosion, irresponsible consumerism, environmental catastrophes, tremendous market-based urban development and the dedication of cities to cars and concrete rather than citizens and environment has put a big question mark over the future of the world’s developing countries. Urban sustainability has emerged as the only solution to the environmental, social and economic challenges facing our cities. In recent years in countries struggling with the concept of urban sustainability, such as Iran, academic circles and the state have had heated debates over sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current situation of sustainable development of the built environment in Iran. The focus is on recognition of urban governance, policies and regulations. The paper examines the scope of sustainable technologies employed in Iran in terms of the development of energy efficiency and renewable energies. This is followed by an investigation of urban sustainability assessment methods through which the paper tackles policy, technology and assessment mechanism issues from a perspective of sustainable built environment development in both theoretical research and practical development in Iran.
Testing of timber–glass composite walls
Authors: Ber Boštjan , Šusteršič Iztok , Premrov Miroslav , Štrukelj Andrej , Dujič Bruno
Published: July 2015

This paper deals with monotonous, quasistatic cyclic and dynamic testing of timber–glass composite wall panels. The goal of the testing was to analyse the general behaviour of timber–glass walls and the failure mechanisms that occur in such structures. First the basic properties of the adhesives (used to connect the timber and glass) were investigated. Experiments were performed on epoxy-, silicone- and polyurethane-based adhesives. These were followed by tests on timber–glass walls, which consisted of 2·4 × 2·4 m timber frames and insulating glass units glued to the timber frame with a polyurethane adhesive. Two types of such walls were used: (a) frames with one large glass panel or (b) two smaller glass panels with one timber post in-between. The wall panels were subjected to monotonous tests, according to EN 594, and quasi-static cyclic tests, according to ISO 16670, in order to analyse the wall's ductility, strength and stiffness degradation. Various combinations of one- and two-storey building set-ups were also tested on the shaking table and subjected to recorded and modified accelerograms. The tested set-ups present a starting point for finite-element modelling that will result in a more comprehensive parametric study.
Cheap Talk and the Efficacy of the ECB’s Securities Market Programme: Did Bond Purchases Matter?
Authors: De Pooter Michiel , DeSimone Rebecca , Martin Robert F. , Pruitt Seth
Published: July 2015

In 2010, in response to an ever-worsening fiscal crisis, the ECB began purchasing sovereign debt from troubled euro-area countries through its Securities Market Programme (SMP). This program was designed to improve market functioning and restore the monetary transmission mechanism within the euro area. This paper does not test those ideals. Rather, we test whether SMP purchases systematically lowered peripheral yields and spreads. We find limited evidence of purchase effects but large announcement effects. In addition, on days in which the ECB was believed to have made large purchases, yields moved down, independent of the size of the ECB’s purchases or even if the ECB conducted any purchase at all that week. In all, we conclude that the ECB’s SMP influenced yields through a confidence channel rather than through any direct purchase effect. In the appendix to this paper we provide a detailed timeline of SMP purchases and market beliefs about purchase timing.
¿Qué nos muestran las pantallas?: La mirada crítica adolescente en el marco de las industrias culturales y del pensamiento actual
Authors: Aguaded-Gómez José Ignacio , Caldeiro-Pedreira Mari Carmen , Rodríguez-López Jeniffer
Published: July 2015

La investigación presenta la situación mediática actual donde proliferan una ingente cantidad de pantallas que conforman la identidad del adolescente; asimismo hace referencia a las industrias culturales que condicionan la mirada de la ciudadanía, especialmente de aquellos que poseen un menor desarrollo de su personalidad moral. En este sentido, destaca el papel de unos y otros como agentes que configuran la mirada, comportamiento y actitudes del sujeto; por ende, en este trabajo, a través de una metodología descriptiva, se revisa la literatura referida a los adolescentes y al contexto mediático; se trata de referencias que permiten la detección de los principales obstáculos. En esta línea, el análisis de la situación conlleva a la formulación de distintos interrogantes articulados en torno a las medidas que pueden adoptarse para disminuir los efectos, no siempre positivos, que las múltiples emisiones ejercen sobre el colectivo adolescente. Para ello y como conclusión se propone el alcance de la mirada crítica con base en la autonomía mediática. Se entiende esta última como la capacidad de empoderar al receptor para convertirse en prosumer, audiencia activa capaz de valorar y analizar los contenidos autónomamente. Su alcance requiere de la formación permanente que auspicie el desarrollo de las seis dimensiones que conforman la competencia mediática y de un giro en la pedagogía y en su forma de materializarse en el aula.
La responsabilidad social universitaria: Componente fundamental en la formación de los futuros docentes de la carrera de Pedagogía, de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
Authors: Raza Calderón Nelson Aníbal , Loachamín Paucar Jesús José María
Published: July 2015

El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar las directrices teórico-prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Universitaria (RSU), que orientaban desde la docencia, la formación de los estudiantes en la carrera de Pedagogía de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS), sede Quito (Q).

En cuanto al enfoque metodológico, la investigación se desarrolló en dos momentos: en el primero, se establecieron los lineamientos conceptuales de RSU, en los escenarios universitarios e institucionales. En el segundo, se realizó el estudio de caso en la carrera de Pedagogía de la UPS-Q que abarcó sus tres instancias: directiva, docente y estudiantil, a través de una modalidad mixta: cualitativa y cuantitativa, de carácter evaluativo. La cualitativa, recogió datos e información mediante entrevistas con profundidad, realizadas a los integrantes del Consejo de Carrera y grupos focales de diez estudiantes, seleccionados aleatoriamente, de cada uno de los niveles 4o, 6o y 8o. La cuantitativa, a través de una encuesta, aplicada a todo el colectivo de docentes.

Finalmente, se estableció que no hay una concepción clara sobre RSU en el nivel directivo, docente y estudiantil de Pedagogía de la UPS-Q; es un concepto que está en construcción. No obstante, subyace la idea del compromiso de la UPS, con los sectores sociales más necesitados que se expresa en los propósitos formativos de sus estudiantes. 
Caminos educativos en el territorio de lo sagrado
Authors: Gramigna Anita
Published: July 2015

En este ar tículo, que tiene un enfoque cualitativo, se trata de la belleza y de su poderoso papel educativo: la belleza como vía formativa de la ética8, y como gracia, o sea, como aquel bienestar que lleva al bien de sí mismo, en la relación con los demás.Vamos a aclarar los términos del discurso: definimos la ética como una profunda reflexión sobre el bien, como una teoría de la moral que guía los comportamientos y traza caminos de significación en y con el mundo, y que, en consecuencia, determina nuestros horizontes existenciales. Pero mientras que la moral se refiere a las costumbres, las épocas y, en síntesis, a los contextos históricos y culturales, la ética sigue principios generales, ya que explora el profundo sentido de lo humano y su destinalidad.

Pensamos que la ética es lo específico del humano porque implica una reflexión que, en la libertad, supera el instinto natural y que, al mismo tiempo, nos permite, con pleno conocimiento, «reflexionar sobre nosotros mismos mientras que reflexionamos». En breve, porque existe una reflexión que libremente y con conocimiento supera el instinto; fenómeno que, a la fecha, parece estar ausente en otros animales.

Deducimos que la libertad y la autoconciencia son elementos ineludibles de la ética como lo son de la educación.
Estudio espectroscópico experimental y computacional de Ibuprofeno y sus precursores de síntesis
Authors: Cuesta Sebastián , Meneses Lorena
Published: July 2015

Se presenta un estudio comparativo de los espectros infrarrojo (IR) y ultravioleta/visible (UV/VIS) de ibuprofeno, isobutilbenceno y 4-isobutilacetofenona obtenidos experimentalmente, con los calculados computacionalmente. La investigación constó de dos etapas.
En la primera se realizó la síntesis experimental de ibuprofeno, donde se aislaron los precursores para el análisis. En la segunda fase, se utilizó el programa de modelamiento electrónico estructural GAUSSIAN 03, donde se obtuvo una optimización molecular de todas las estructuras de interés y sus propiedades espectroscópicas. Los espectros experimentales fueron comparados con los computacionales, obteniéndose ligeras diferencias, con porcentajes de error en bandas específicas, entre 2 y 28 % en los dos tipos deespectroscopía. La principal causa, puede ser el distinto estado de agregación en la que se encuentran las moléculas: estado líquido y sólido en el caso de los espectros experimentales, y estado gaseoso en el caso de los espectros computacionales. Los espectros computacionales son comparables con los obtenidos experimentalmente, demostrando ser bastante exactos. Esto comprueba la aplicabilidadde los métodos computacionales, en el proceso de síntesis y diseño de nuevos fármacos.
Determinantes de la información sostenible divulgada por las empresas de electricidad: un estudio internacional
Authors: Sáez Martín Alejandro , Haro De Rosario Arturo , Caba Pérez María Del Carmen , Benítez Sánchez María Nieves
Published: July 2015

El objetivo del artículo es examinar los factores que afectan a la información voluntaria suministrada por las organizaciones del sector eléctrico en sus memorias de sostenibilidad. La metodología utilizada consiste en aplicar un modelo de regresión Tobit, para medir la influencia de las variables independientes sobre un indicador de sostenibilidad. La muestra objeto de estudio la constituyen 40 corporaciones eléctricas, fundamentalmente europeas y americanas, incluidas en el listado de la Global Reporting Initiative.Los resultados sugieren que; la rentabilidad, la participación en el mercado y la evaluación de la información emitida, influyen en la información que figura en las memorias de sostenibilidad.
Evaluación del desempeño del egresado de la carrera de Ingeniería Comercial de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana - Ecuador
Authors: Izquierdo Maldonado Carlos , Loarte Ávila Walter
Published: July 2015

El contrato social1 y la Ley Orgánica de Educación Superior asignan a la universidad ecuatoriana el rol de formar profesionales con las capacidades y competencias requeridas por los sectores sociales y empresariales del país. La pertinencia de la calidad de la educación superior interpela la gestión académica de la universidad, al preguntarse: ¿si las capacidades y competencias formativas del educando corresponden a los estándares de desempeño requeridos?

El diseño del Modelo de Evaluación de Desempeño Profesional del Egresado de Ingeniería Comercial de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) del Ecuador, permite evaluar las competencias genéricas y específicas alcanzadas por el educando en su fase de formación y desempeño laboral. El modelo recoge varias experiencias, particularmente las competencias genéricas y específicas del perfil de egreso del proyecto Tuning Europa/América Latina.
Importancia de la traducción e interpretación de idiomas para las empresas exportadoras de cacao
Authors: Martinetti Macias Nicole , Chóez Ortega Miriam
Published: July 2015

El presente trabajo analiza la importancia del servicio de traducción e interpretación en las negociaciones internacionales por parte de las empresas ecuatorianas exportadoras, considerando que en la actualidad existe un mayor interés por parte de los productores locales por captar un porcentaje de mercado en Asia. De acuerdo a este hecho uno de los aspectos importantes es el papel del traductor y del intérprete en la comunicación con los importadores. Sin embargo, las empresas del sector cacaotero no cuentan con un departamento de traducción e interpretación (T&I), o no manejan adecuadamente el idioma inglés. Para llevar a cabo el trabajo se utilizó una investigación cualitativa, para lo cual fue necesario realizar entrevistas a varios actores de este sector económico. 
Morfometría de la cuenca del río Avilés, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Aportes al conocimiento de las condiciones de escurrimiento en territorios semiáridos.
Authors: Gil Verónica , Quiroga Diego , Coronato Andrea
Published: July 2015

Se analizan las características morfométricas de la cuenca de un río de la estepa semiárida de clima frío en la que los datos hídricos y meteorológicos son escasos. La obtención de los parámetros e índices ofrece una primera aproximación al conocimiento de la dinámica fluvial de la red de drenaje del río Avilés, en el norte de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Se utilizó una base cartográfica a escala 1:50.000 elaborada sobre un mosaico de imágenes Google Earth® y del modelo digital del terreno SRTM 90 (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission). El procesamiento de la información se realizó sobre la plataforma SIG ArcGis 10®. Se digitalizaron todos los segmentos de cauce siguiendo la regla de la “V” topográfica y se jerarquizó cada uno según la metodología de Strahler (1964). Los índices de Rr, R, Rb, Ish y Dd caracterizan el contexto geológico-geomorfológico de la cuenca, mientras que Rl, Re, If, Ct, C, Ca permiten conocer el posible comportamiento del escurrimiento en dicho contexto. Los resultados presentados en este trabajo permiten inferir condiciones de escurrimiento y disponibilidad de agua en distintos sectores de la cuenca ante eventos de crecidas de distinto origen a pesar de la carencia de datos hidrológicos. Se aporta información de utilidad para el manejo del agua en los campos de ganadería extensiva de la región.
Eurípides: Suplicantes (838-954)
Authors: Salvador Evandro Luis
Published: July 2015

This text presents a free verse translation of the funeral rites (838-954) in Euripides’ The Suppliant Women. It is followed by a panoramic introduction highlighting the social function of the funeral for the war-dead. In this tragedy, Theseus fulfills the role of a commander and buries the majority of the Argive dead at Eleutherai, and it is Adrastus, along with Theseus, who conducts the funeral rites for the other five Argive heroes at Eleusis.
La Constitución de Montecristi y sus legados religiosos
Authors: Espinoza Plúa Marjorie Gabriela
Published: July 2015

Las normas constitucionales que adoptó la Asamblea Constituyente ecuatoriana del año 2008 protegen la vida desde la concepción, prohíben el matrimonio homosexual e incluyen el nombre de Dios. En este documento se reconstruirán los debates y se narrará la historia de la discusión y aprobación de estas disposiciones. La hipótesis de este trabajo es que la Constitución de Montecristi no es la Constitución de un Estado laico. Para ilustrar estas contradicciones y cuestionar el carácter laico del Estado, se describirá el contexto en el que nació la idea de una Constituyente, así como el escenario sobre el que se desenvolvió la aprobación de los textos constitucionales. Después se desarrollarán las razones que sostienen la crítica al alcance del Estado laico, analizando el manejo del tema político en las discusiones y reconstruyendo los debates en el seno de la Asamblea Constituyente relativos a los temas de este artículo. Posteriormente, se analizará la posición religiosa del propio Presidente del Ecuador para develar cómo ese mismo sesgo se adoptó finalmente en la Constitución. Por último se plantearán unas breves conclusiones.