bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características del conocimiento transferido como determinantes del rendimiento de los sistemas de franquicia
Authors: Minguela Rata Beatriz , Rodríguez Benavides María Concepción , López Sánchez José Ignacio
Published: May 2015

En este trabajo se pretende analizar la influencia de la naturaleza tácita y el valor del conocimiento (dos características del conocimiento determinantes de la facilidad con la que se puede transferir el mismo) en el rendimiento de los sistemas de franquicia. Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis de regresión lineal sobre una muestra de establecimientos franquiciados en diferentes cadenas de franquicia y sectores de actividad que operan en España, midiendo el rendimiento tanto de manera objetiva como subjetiva y tomando el tipo de actividad llevada a cabo por el establecimiento franquiciado como variable de control. Los resultados parecen indicar que la naturaleza tácita del conocimiento influye de manera negativa en el rendimiento de los sistemas de franquicia mientras que el valor del conocimiento afecta de manera positiva.

In this paper the influence of tacitness and value of knowledge on the performance of franchise systems are studied. With this aim, a linear regression analysis is conducted on a sample of franchisee of different franchise chains and sectors of activity operating in Spain. In the model we added a control variable, named transformation, which representa the kind of activities carried out in the franchisee units: just commercial or transformative and commercial activities. The findings show that tacit knowledge has a negative impact on franchise systems performance, the value of knowledge affects it in a positive manner whereas the control variable is significant.
La remuneración y el control del servicio cultual en la Iglesia de Toledo (S. XVI)
Authors: Villaluenga de Gracia Susana
Published: May 2015

El propósito de este artículo es examinar el sistema de remuneración del clero en la catedral de Toledo en el siglo XVI. Su cabildo mantenía un sistema basado en las enseñanzas bíblicas y la normativa conciliar. Existía así una relación directa entre la remuneración de los sacerdotes y su misión de culto. Esto permitió establecer un salario justo en función a la presencia de los beneficiados a los oficios divinos y a las horas canónicas. Además, el cabildo garantizaba la correcta ejecución de este sistema retributivo a través de importantes mecanismos de control, apuntando de forma rigurosa las ausencias o irregularidades en el culto, que eran penalizadas a cuenta de su asignación y repartidas entre los beneficiarios cumplidores.

The purpose of this articte is to explore the system of remuneration to priest on the cathedral of Toledo in the XVI century. Its chapter kept a system based on the biblical preaching and the canons of the ecclesiastical councils. There was thus a plug between the remuneration of the priest and their mission of cult to God. The belief system was a key factor to set an exact salary that was based on the presence of prebendaries at the divine offices and the canonical hours. Furthermore, the chapter kept an effective control system to report about the absences or irregular behaviour in the cult that were penalized. Then, on based to this information, it was set the salary. The fines were distributed to the prebenderies that fulfilled their obligations.
La responsabilidad social en el mapa estratégico de las universidades públicas
Authors: Núñez Chicharro Montserrat , Alonso Carrillo Inmaculada
Published: May 2015

Los cambios acaecidos en los últimos años en el entorno socio-económico y cultural global, determinan la necesidad de una rápida adaptación de la Universidad que pone a prueba sus rígidas estructuras. La dimensión social del proceso de Bolonia debe considerarse desde una perspectiva estratégica, es decir, debe analizarse la repercusión que, las políticas correctoras de las deficiencias detectadas por los grupos de interés, tienen en relación con el desarrollo de la misión de las universidades.
El desarrollo actual del concepto de Responsabilidad Social y de los modelos de divulgación de la misma, son una oportunidad para incorporar los aspectos sociales del proceso de cambio dado que se incluyen dentro de la triple perspectiva. En este sentido debemos estudiar la dimensión social desde un marco más amplio que es la Responsabilidad Social de la Universidad.
La misión de la Universidad está definida en la mayor parte de los casos en términos de Responsabilidad Social, sin embargo las herramientas de control interno no explican la relación entre los factores claves de la responsabilidad social y el grado de cumplimento de su misión, por ello proponemos un mapa estratégico que muestre las relaciones causales de los factores que inciden en dicho cumplimiento.

The major socio-economic and cultural changes of the last few years emphasize the necessity for a fast adaptation of University, which puts its rigid structure to the test. The social dimension of the Bologna Process must be considered from a strategic perspective, that is, we must analyse the impact of the policies aimed at correcting the deficiencies noticed by the interest groups, in relation to the degree of completion of the mission of universities. The current definition of the concept of Social Responsibility and its models of divulgation represent an opportunity to integrate the social aspects of the process of change as these are included within the triple perspective. In this sense, we must study the social dimension in a wider framework which is the University Social Responsibility. The mission of university is defined in most cases in terms of Social Responsibility; however, the tools for internal control do not evidence the connection between the key factors for Social Responsibility and the degree of accomplishment of university's mission. For this reason, we propose a strategy map which shows the causal relationships of those factors which have a bearing on such accomplishment.
El carácter empírico y lógico de la contabilidad
Authors: Scarano Eduardo R.
Published: May 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es argumentar acerca del carácter esencialmente empírico y científico de la contabilidad. Este punto de vista implica rechazar el carácter predominantemente normativo que posee la contabilidad, por lo menos, en Latinoamérica. Se considera que el normativismo de cualquier tipo es meramente secundario.
La contabilidad es una disciplina científica, pero al carecer de leyes estrictas no constituye una ciencia básica, es una tecnología social.
Se mostrará que tiene una estructura axiomática específica que se puede exponer con la lógica estándar, lo mismo que la matemática contable que supone la partida doble.

The aim of this article is to argue about the essentially empirical and scientific character of the accounting. This point of view implies rejecting the predominantly normative character that possesses the accounting, at least, in Latin America. It thinks that the normativism of any type is merely secondary.
The accounting is a scientific discipline, but it lacks strict laws, therefore, it does not constitute a basic science, is a social technology.
It will appear that it has an axiomatic specific structure that can be exposed by the standard logic the same as the accounting mathematics that supposes the double entry.
Prólogo
Authors: Mures Quintana María Jesús
Published: May 2015

Presentación del número monográfico
Concentración de propiedad y valor de mercado en la empresa familiar : un enfoque de gobierno corporativo
Authors: Pindado Julio , Requejo Ignacio , De la Torre Chabela
Published: May 2015

Dada la importancia de las empresas familiares en todo el mundo, nuestro principal objetivo en este trabajo es investigar la relación entre concentración de propiedad y valor de mercado en elcaso particular de las compañías familiares. Además, estudiamos si las empresas familiares obtienen mejores resultados que las no familiares. Para lograr este objetivo, adoptamos un enfoque de gobierno corporativo. La estimación de nuestros modelos mediante el método generalizado de los momentos proporciona nueva evidencia empírica. Nuestros resultados revelan que la propiedad familiar influye positivamente en el valor empresarial. No obstante, cuando laconcentración de propiedad en manos de la familia es demasiado elevada, el valor de la compañía disminuye; dando lugar a un relación no lineal entre concentración de propiedad familiar y valor de mercado. Finalmente, demostramos que las empresas familiares obtienen mejores resultados que las no familiares, incluso cuando se tiene en cuenta la mencionada no linealidad. En general, losresultados obtenidos indican que el control familiar de las empresas puede ser beneficioso para los accionistas minoritarios.

Given the importance of family firms all over the world, our main objective in this paper is to investigate the relation between ownership concentration and the market value of the company inthe particular case of family firms. Additionally, we study whether family firms outperform nonfamily corporations. To this aim, we adopt a corporate governance approach. The estimation of ourmodels by using the generalized method of moments provides new empirical evidence. Our results show that family ownership impacts positively on firm value. Nevertheless, when ownership concentration in the hands of the family is too high, firm value decreases; thus giving rise to a nonlinear relation between family ownership concentration and firm value. Finally, we find that familyfirms perform better than non-family ones, even when nonlinearities are taken into account. Overall, our findings suggest that family control of corporations may be beneficial to minority shareholders.
La espiral de la credibilidad en los modelos de calidad de las administraciones públicas locales
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodríguez Pablo , Vázquez Burguete José Luis , Placer Galán José Luis
Published: May 2015

En el actual contexto de las administraciones públicas locales, sometidas a un proceso de modernización y actualización constante en los últimos años, el concepto de calidad constituye el principal instrumento para la búsqueda del progreso de los servicios y de la competitividad. Dentro de este marco, es necesario conocer los factores determinantes de la calidad del servicio público local percibido por los ciudadanos y la repercusión de ésta sobre la satisfacción y la credibilidad. Consecuencia de la relación existente entre las variable mencionadas, la credibilidad se configura como elemento de medida de los resultados procedentes de la aplicación de las diferentes política públicas y como elemento acelerador del proceso de mejora de la calidad de estas entidades públicas.

Nowadays public administrations are involved in a constant process in terms of modernization of theirs structures and updating, the concept of quality is the mainly instrument for looking for progress in services and competitiveness. Within the public sector framework, it’s necessary to know factors that determine perceived service quality in local governments by citizens and relationship between quality and satisfaction. As a result of this correspondence, credibility is going to be the element for measuring results from different public politics applied and like an accelerator for improving quality process in public organizations.
Análisis de la edad cognitiva como criterio de segmentación del turista mayor
Authors: Barreto Mauro R. Miranda , González Fernández Ana M.
Published: May 2015

La denominada tercera edad constituye uno de los segmentos de mercado más atractivos para la industria turística en las economías desarrolladas del siglo XXI. Este grupo, cada vez más numeroso, cuyos individuos están en plenitud de facultades y con una disponibilidad adquisitiva considerable, no puede ser tratado como un conjunto homogéneo en términos demográficos, psicológicos, ni comportamentales. Realizada una revisión de la literatura sobre los diversos criterios empleados para la segmentación del mercado de mayores, el presente artículo plantea un modelo de medición del constructo “edad cognitiva”, como alternativa a la edad cronológica, variable tradicionalmente utilizada para diferenciar a los mayores, con la finalidad de determinar si existen diferencias significativas entre ambas. El objetivo de esta investigación es, por lo tanto, comprobar si existen divergencias entre las edades cognitivas y cronológicas de las personas mayores, en el caso de que se contraste positivamente esta hipótesis, se justificaría la importancia de utilizar dicha variable en el proceso de segmentación de las personas mayores. Una vez realizada la segmentación se analiza el efecto de la edad cognitiva sobre el comportamiento turístico de los mayores como turistas en los viajes de larga duración. Con la finalidad de alcanzar estos objetivos y una vez recopilada la información, se emplean un conjunto de técnicas estadísticas multivariantes que permitirán contrastar las hipótesis.

The so-called third age is one of the most attractive market segments for the tourism industry in the developed economies of the twenty-first century. This group, growing in numbers, whose members are in full authority and considerable purchasing power availability can not be treated as homogeneous in terms of demographics, psychological, or in their behavior. A review of the literature on the various criteria used for greater market segmentation, this article presents a model for measuring the construct "cognitive age" as an alternative to chronological age, variable traditionally used to differentiate older people in order to determine whether there are significant differences between them. The objective of this research is, therefore, to determine whether there are differences between cognitive and chronological ages of the older people, in the case of a positive contrast to this hypothesis, we justify the importance of using that variable in the segmentation process of older people. Once the segmentation is determined, the cognitive age effect on the behavior of the largest tourism and tourists on long journeys will be analyzed. In order to achieve these objectives, and once obtained the information collected, it will be used a set of multivariate statistical techniques which will test the hypotheses raised.
The importance of perceived service quality in banking loyalty for large business customers
Authors: Fragata Anabela Oliveira da Silva , Muñoz Gallego Pablo A.
Published: May 2015

El comportamiento de las grandes empresas no financieras a la hora de seleccionar aquel que será su banco principal y el grado de fidelidad al mismo, es una cuestión a la que se ha prestado hasta ahora muy poca atención. La mayor parte de las empresas portuguesas que componen nuestra muestra, señala que trabaja con más de 5 bancos y se observa una relación positiva entre tamaño de la empresa y el número de bancos con los que opera, por lo que la competencia por el cliente aumenta, de ahí la relevancia de profundizar en la justificación de la elección del banco principal. Demostramos que el grado de fidelización al banco principal depende de la calidad percibida que se tenga del mismo, que es de carácter unidimensional, y es explicada por la variedad de productos, fiabilidad del servicio y la relación con el responsable de la sucursal que lleva su cuenta. En cambio, ni las condiciones de precio, de capacidad de respuesta de los empleados, ni el tipo de sucursal, intervienen significativamente. Este resultado puede ayudar a orientar eficazmente las estrategias de fidelización de las entidades financieras hacía sus clientes corporativos de mayor dimensión.

The behaviour of the large corporate banking customers when selecting the main bank and the level of their bank loyalty, are subjects that haven't been much investigated in previous studies.
Most of Portuguese large companies in our sample work with more than 5 banks and there is a positive relation between the size of the company and the number of banks used. The competition in this bank segment is fierce, so it's important to investigate the selection of the main bank.
The data showed that Banking Loyalty for large corporate banking customers depends on Perceived Service Quality, which in turn is one factor construct explained by the variety of products, reliability and by the interpersonal relationship established between the decision maker of the company and the business bank manager. There is no statistical evidence to suggest that the variables Tangibles, Responsiveness and Price conditions are important to predict Perceived Service Quality for large corporate customers.
The results of his study can help banks to build a loyalty strategy towards the segment of large corporate customers.
The gateway to successful business relationships in the 21st century
Authors: Pedersen Ricki
Published: May 2015

La empresa de hoy en día necesita un nuevo concepto porque el negocio entendido como tal no se limita sólo al trabajo. La conciencia medioambiental está explotando, la desconfianza pública en los negocios se sitúa a una altura histórica, muchos empleados y clientes están desconectados de las compañías en las que trabajan o en las que compran, los proveedores se sienten exprimidos, las comunidades a menudo se organizan para mantenerse a distancia de ciertas empresas. La disciplina empresarial está cambiando rápidamente hoy, y requiere nuevas clases de herramientas para mejorar y mantener las relaciones de negocios. Herramientas como las redes empresariales, la innovación, formación, y la comprensión de las diferentes culturas son algunas de ellas. Hoy en día las multinacionales se establecen en todo el mundo (globalización) para reducir gastos y aumentar los beneficios. Sectores como centros de llamada, industrias del automóvil, empresas de informática, industrias textiles, empresas farmacéuticas, solamente para mencionar algunos de ellos. Al mismo tiempo las multinacionales mezclan trabajadores con habilidades diferentes como el idioma, la cultura, la cultura de negocio etc. y esto lo convierte en un gran desafío de cara a la obtención del éxito en relaciones de negocio.

Business today needs new concepts, because business as usual is just not working anymore. Environmental consciousness is exploding, public distrust of business is at a historic high level, many employees and customers are disconnected from the companies they work for or buy from; suppliers feel squeezed, communities often organize to keep certain businesses out. Business discipline is changing rapidly today, and demands new kinds of tools to improve and maintain business relationships. Tools as networking, innovation, coaching staff, understanding different cultures are a part of this. Nowadays multinationals pup up all over the world (globalisation) in order to reduce costs and increase benefits. Sectors such as call centers, car industries, IT companies, textile industry, pharmacy companies, just to mention some of them. At the same time the multinationals mix emplyoees with different skills such as language, culture, business culture etc. and this makes it into a great challenge to obtain success in business relationships.
Las inversiones financieras
Authors: Rodríguez Pérez Alicia
Published: May 2015

Las inversiones financieras en el PGC 2007
Nuevos estados integrantes de las cuentas anuales: el estado de flujos de efectivo y el estado de cambios en el patrimonio neto
Authors: Morala Gómez Belén
Published: May 2015

El estado de flujos de efectivo y el estado de cambios en el patrimonio neto en el PGC 2007
Calidad del servicio percibida por clientes de entidades bancarias de Castilla y León y su repercusión en la satisfacción y lealtad a la misma
Authors: Miguel Dávila José Ángel , Flórez Romero Marcela
Published: May 2015

El propósito de la investigación está enmarcado en el estudio de la calidad del servicio que prestan las entidades bancarias. El objetivo de la investigación ha sido el de identificar los factores que determinan la calidad del servicio que perciben los clientes de las entidades bancarias de Castilla y León, y de cómo la calidad influye en su satisfacción. Así mismo, se trata también de identificar cómo la satisfacción de los clientes por el servicio prestado afecta a su lealtad hacia la entidad.
Mediante un análisis factorial de componentes principales, se encontraron los factores que influyen en la calidad: i) aspectos físicos (estructura física, ubicación conveniente, equipamiento moderno, vigilancia, aspecto limpio, etc.); ii) aspectos de la prestación del servicio (operaciones y servicios convencionales que realiza y ofrece la entidad, confianza y conocimiento que transmite el personal, atención personalizada, tiempos de respuesta, reputación de la entidad); y iii) nuevas tecnologías (cajeros, Internet o banca telefónica). Posteriormente, los resultados del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, muestran una gran influencia de los aspectos de la prestación del servicio en la calidad del servicio, así como la demostración de la calidad como antecedente de la satisfacción y la influencia que ejerce la calidad en la satisfacción y ésta en la lealtad del cliente a la entidad bancaria.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the quality of the services offered by banking entities. The objective of the research has been to identify the key factors determining the service quality as perceived by the clients of banking entities in Castilla y León; it is important to note the way in which quality influences the customers' satisfaction. Others goals of the research focus on how the clients' satisfaction on the perceived service affects their loyalty to the entity.
Through a factor analysis of the main components, the key features influencing quality were found: i) physical aspects (physical structure, conveniente location, modern equipment, etc.), ii) aspects of service's performance (conventional operations and services which the bank offers and performs, personalized service, reputation of the entity, etc.), and iii) new technologies (cash dispenser, internet or phone banking). Afterwards, the results of the structural equations model indicate a great influence of the aspects of service's performance in the service quality. They also demonstrate that quality appears as an antecedent of satisfaction and that there is an influence of quality in satisfaction and of satisfaction in the loyalty of the customer to the banking entity.
Alfabetización inicial y su desarrollo desde la escuela preescolar
Authors: Rugerio Juan-Pablo , Guevara Yolanda
Published: May 2015

El presente trabajo aborda uno de los temas más importantes para la educación preescolar, relacionado con las competencias, habilidades y conocimientos que los niños han de desarrollar para poder iniciar su formación académica en la educación primaria, y en particular la alfabetización formal. Se hace referencia a la Alfabetización Inicial y a la manera en que la escuela preescolar la puede impulsar. En el presente escrito se exponen los aspectos conceptuales básicos sobre alfabetización formal y alfabetización inicial, explicando su importancia para el desarrollo psicológico y académico del niño. En una segunda sección, se enfatizan las actividades que pueden promover el desarrollo de habilidades de alfabetización inicial en los niños, y cómo los padres y profesores de preescolar pueden llevar a cabo una serie de actividades alfabetizadoras. La tercera sección presenta una exposición de estudios en el campo, con el objetivo de ilustrar el tipo de investigaciones que se han realizado, los instrumentos utilizados para la evaluación de los participantes, una serie de aspectos metodológicos que pueden guiar la investigación y los procedimientos de intervención para favorecer el desarrollo psicológico preacadémico. Se realizan algunas consideraciones finales sobre el tema, particularmente sobre los hallazgos de la investigación en el campo.
Un bien necesario para la escritura: la competencia ortográfica
Authors: Rodríguez-Ortega Davinia
Published: May 2015

El presente artículo pretende dar cabida a una exploración sobre la materia ortográfica, no solo en la actualidad, sino desde los primeros escritos que reclaman su importancia para el correcto entendimiento a través de la palabra y el papel. A continuación, se repasan las propuestas de autores literarios de importancia como García Márquez o Juan Ramón Jiménez. La revisión continúa con un análisis de ejemplos extraídos de manuales, para comprobar en qué grado lo que se dicta por ley y a través de la Academia se aplica en el aula. Finalmente, en estas páginas también encuentran lugar los estudios y teorías de los investigadores en la materia, como voces expertas a las que es necesario atender.
La intertextualidad en los textos audiovisuales: el caso de Donkey Xote
Authors: Lorenzo-García Lourdes , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Beatriz
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo analiza los elementos de intertextualidad y sus funciones en la película Donkey Xote (2007, José Pozo), adaptación audiovisual para un doble receptor adulto-niño de El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (Cervantes, 1604). Dichos elementos existen en casi todas las tipologías textuales e implican un papel activo por parte del receptor al poner a prueba su bagaje cultural. El análisis demuestra que la inclusión de referencias intertextuales contribuye a la construcción del discurso pero tiene también un propósito didáctico al facilitarle un contexto familiar (muchos intertextos son quenotipos, es decir, referencias a la modernidad presentes en textos anclados en épocas anteriores) que le permita acercarse de forma lúdica a una obra clásica de la literatura universal. Al mismo tiempo, la película contiene numerosas referencias intertextuales, la mayoría con una función humorística, que por su complejidad apelan directamente a un público adulto.
Lectura e interculturalidad. Estudio de caso sobre la recepción literaria china en el contexto español
Authors: Sáiz-López Amelia
Published: May 2015

La recepción literaria de la novela de Wang Anyi, La canción de la pena eterna por lectoras españolas en la etapa actual de la globalización, donde la mediación de la crítica es de menor relevancia debido al acceso directo a  las obras, invita a la utilización de metodologías cualitativas del ámbito de las ciencias sociales para su análisis. A partir de la información obtenida mediante la técnica de grupos de discusión, el artículo aborda el  discurso elaborado por las lectoras con categorías de la estética de la recepción y de la interpretación literarias, así como de otras aproximaciones teóricas centradas en el contacto entre culturas. El resultado prueba la pertinencia de un abordaje multidisciplinar para la comprensión de los fenómenos interculturales
Management of Manure Nitrogen Using Cover Crops
Authors: Thilakarathna Malinda S. , Serran Stephanie , Lauzon John , Janovicek Ken , Deen Bill
Published: May 2015

The experiment was conducted to determine whether cover crops reduce N losses of fall‐applied liquid hog manure and whether sequestered N by cover crops is “transferred” to subsequent corn (Zea mays L.). Two locations (Elora and St. Mary's) in southern Ontario from 2003–2004 were used consisting of six cover crop treatments (red clover [RC] [Trifolium pratense L.] fall‐killed, RC spring‐killed, oat [Avena sativus L.] fall‐killed, oilseed radish [Raphanus sativus L.] fall‐killed, perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L.] spring‐killed, and no‐cover crop), and three target manure rates (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha−1). Non‐legume cover crops positively responded to fall manure application, where biomass increased by 50 to 130%. Red clover biomass increased 0 to 25% at higher manure rate application. A similar trend was found with plant N uptake. Generally applied manure N recovery was low (0–25%) in all the cover crops. Ammonia losses from manure applications to RC was higher than other cover crops due to inability to incorporate manure. During the period corresponding with corn N uptake, non‐legume cover crop impact on soil mineral N did not differ from the no cover control. When non‐legumes were used as cover crops following manure application, corn biomass, grain yield, and N uptake were equivalent to no cover crop treatment. However, when RC was used as a cover crop, above corn parameters were equivalent for all manure application rates and greater than the no‐cover crop treatment, so “transfer” of manure N could not be confirmed.
The assessment of the stability of the corneal structure after LASIK correction of myopia by different optical zone diameters
Authors: Milivojevic Milorad , Petrovic Vladimir , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Marjanovic Ivan , Resan Mirko
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim. Enlargement of optical zone (OZ) diameter during laser in
situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction of myopia postoperatively improves
the optical outcome, however, it also leads to the increased stroma tissue
consumption - progressive corneal thinning. The aim of this investigation
was to present the possibility of safe OZ enlargement without impairing the
structural stability of the cornea, while obtaining an improved optical
outcome with LASIK treatment of shortsightedness. Methods. Preoperative
assessment of the cornea structure and prediction of the ablated stroma
tissue consumption was conducted in 37 patients (74 eyes) treated for
shortsightedness by means of the LASIK method. With the eyes that, according
to their cornea structure, had the capacity for OZ diameter enlargement of
0.5 mm, LASIK treatment was performed within the wider OZ diameter of 7.0 mm
compared to the standard 6.5 mm. The following two groups were formed,
depending on the diameter of the utilized OZ: the group I (the eyes treated
with the OZ 6.5 mm, n = 37) and the group II (the eyes treated with the OZ
7.0 mm, n = 37). Results. No significant difference in the observed
structural parameters of the cornea was detected between the groups of
patients treated with different OZ diameters. The values of all the
parameters were significantly bellow the threshold values for the
development of postoperative ectasia. Conclusion. Diameter enlargement of
the treated OZ, if there is a preoperative cornea capacity for such
enlargement, will not impair the postoperative stability of the cornea
structure, and will significantly improve the optical outcome.
Relationship of the Dental Aesthetic Index to the oral health-related quality of life
Authors: Ashari Asma , Mohamed Alizae M.
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To assess the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life.

Materials and Methods: 

This cross-sectional study involved 150 subjects attending the Primary Care Unit with no history of orthodontic treatment. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) with 10 occlusal characteristics were measured on study models. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed with the Malaysian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between the malocclusion and quality of life.

Results: 

Significantly weak correlations (r = .176) were found between the DAI and the OHRQoL. Females and the younger age group (12–19 years) tended to score higher on the OHIP-14 than their counterparts. For males, domain 3 (psychological discomfort; r = .462), domain 4 (physical disability; r = .312), domain 7 (handicap; r = .309), and overall score (r = .289) were weak correlates but significant to the DAI compared with females. The older age group showed a significant weak correlation in domain 3 (psychological discomfort; r = .268) and domain 7 (handicap; r = .238), whereas the younger age group showed no correlation with any domain.

Conclusions: 

The DAI score does not predict the effect of malocclusion on the OHRQoL.
Clinical Ratings of Pain Sensitivity Correlate With Quantitative Measures in People With Chronic Neck Pain and Healthy Controls: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rebbeck Trudy , Moloney Niamh , Azoory Roxanne , Hübscher Markus , Waller Robert , Gibbons Rebekah , Beales Darren
Published: May 2015

Background

Correlations between clinical and quantitative measures of pain sensitivity are poor, making it difficult for clinicians to detect people with pain sensitivity. Clinical detection of pain sensitivity is important because these people have a different prognosis and may require different treatment.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical and quantitative measures of pain sensitivity across individuals with and without neck pain.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 40 participants with chronic neck pain and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Participants underwent quantitative sensory testing of cold pain thresholds (CPTs) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). Clinical tests for pain sensitivity were the ice pain test and the pressure pain test. All tests were undertaken at standardized local (neck and upper trapezius muscles) and remote (wrist and tibialis anterior muscles) sites. Median and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated for neck pain and control groups, and parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare groups. Correlation coefficients were calculated between quantitative and clinical measures.

Results

There were significant differences for clinical and quantitative measures of cold and pressure sensitivity between the neck pain and control groups (eg, CPT neck pain group: median=22.31°C, IQR=18.58°C; control group: median=5.0°C, IQR=0.74°C). Moderate-to-good correlations were found between the clinical ice pain test and CPT at all sites (.46 to .68) except at the wrist (.29 to .40). Fair correlations were found for the clinical pressure pain test and PPT (−.26 to −.45). Psychological variables contributing to quantitative measures of pain sensitivity included catastrophization, sleep quality, and female sex.

Limitations

Clinical pressure pain tests were not quantitatively standardized in this study.

Conclusions

The ice pain test may be useful as a clinical correlate of CPT at all sites except the wrist, whereas the pressure pain test is less convincing as a clinical correlate of PPT.
Predictive Value of General Movement Assessment for Cerebral Palsy in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Øberg Gunn Kristin , Jacobsen Bjarne Koster , Jørgensen Lone
Published: May 2015

Background

Early identification of children at high risk of future neurodevelopmental disability is important for the initiation of appropriate therapy. In research settings, the assessment of fidgety movements (FMs) at 3 months supports a general movement assessment (GMA) as a strong predictor for subsequent motor development, but there are few studies from routine clinical settings.

Objective

The study objective was to examine the relationship between FMs and neurodevelopmental outcome by the age of 2 years in high-risk infants in a routine hospital clinical setting.

Design

This was a prospective study.

Methods

A GMA was performed in 87 high-risk infants at 3 months after term age. The infants were clinically assessed for cerebral palsy (CP) at 2 years. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and positive and negative predictive values were computed. The relative risk of motor problems by the age of 2 years, according to the GMA, was estimated.

Results

Of the infants with normal FMs, 93% (50/54) had normal development and none was diagnosed with CP, whereas 75% (12/16) with abnormal or sporadic FMs had normal development. In contrast, 53% (9/17) of those without FMs had CP. When the GMA was considered to be a test for CP and absent FMs were considered to be a positive test result, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 90%. The likelihood ratios for positive and negative test results were 8.7 and 0.1, respectively. The negative predictive value was 99%, and the positive predictive value was 53%. The risk of motor problems by the age of 2 years increased linearly with the extent of pathological results on the GMA and was 10 times higher when FMs were absent at 3 months than when FMs were normal.

Limitations

The relatively small study sample was a study limitation.

Conclusions

When applied in a routine clinical setting, the GMA strongly predicted neurodevelopmental impairments at 2 years in high-risk infants.
Novel Analytical Workflow for Comprehensive Non-targeted Phytochemical Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Hettich Timm , Schlotterbeck Götz
Published: May 2015

The understanding and interpretation of pharmacological properties on a molecular level is of great importance for many different fields of research. Our study provides a novel model work-flow for comprehensive metabolic profiling by structural identification of relevant metabolites
not limited to phytochemistry applications. High resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS data can be directly correlated with pharmacological test results on a molecular level. Thus the understanding and interpretation of pharmacological properties is supported by structural and chemical information.
Comparisons between small intestinal and gastric feeding in severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Dong , Zheng Shao-Qin , Chen Xian-Cai , Jiang Shi-Wen , Chen Hai-Bin
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Nutritional support is highly recommended for reducing the risk of nosocomial infections, such as pneumonitis, in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Currently, there is no consensus for the preferred route of feeding. The authors compared the risks of pneumonitis and other important outcomes associated with small intestinal and gastric feeding in patients with severe TBI.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant randomized controlled trials (up to December 16, 2013) that compared small bowel to gastric feeding in patients with severe TBI were identified from searches in the PubMed and Embase databases. The primary outcome was risk of pneumonia. Secondary outcomes included ventilator-associated pneumonia, mortality, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, total number of complications, aspiration, diarrhea, distention, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials with 325 participants in total were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with gastric feeding, small bowel feeding was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of pneumonitis (risk ratio [RR] 0.67; 95% CI 0.52–0.87; p = 0.002; I2 = 0.0%) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.34–0.81; p = 0.003; I2 = 0.0%). Small intestinal feeding was also associated with a decrease in the total number of complications (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.20–0.93; p = 0.03; I2 = 68%). However, small intestinal feeding did not seem to significantly convert any of the other end points in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited evidence suggests that small bowel feeding in patients with severe TBI is associated with a risk of pneumonia that is lower than that with gastric feeding. From this result, the authors recommend the use of small intestinal feeding to reduce the incidence of pneumonitis in patients with severe TBI.
Spinal intraarterial computed tomography angiography as an effective adjunct for spinal angiography
Authors: Yamamoto Shinji , Kanaya Hideaki , Kim Phyo
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is indispensable for the precise diagnosis of spinal vascular lesions and the assessment of blood supply to the spinal cord. However, comprehensive spinal DSA covering multiple segments requires repetition of selective catheterization into small segmental arteries, which is time consuming, sometimes difficult, and hazardous. The authors investigated the usefulness of CT angiography with intraarterial contrast injection (IA-CTA) as a preliminary study preceding spinal DSA. With the advent of multidetector CT, it is feasible to obtain images of the spinal cord vasculature instantaneously overa number of segments.

METHODS

A total of 56 patients with lesions involving the spinal vasculature underwent IA-CTA with 64- or 320-row detector CT in advance of comprehensive spinal DSA. Contrast material was injected via a pigtail catheter placed at the aorta in proximity to the segments of interest. Scanning was repeated twice to obtain arterial- and venous-phase images to differentiate between the arterial and venous components. The spinal arteries were identified by paging the various multiplanar reconstruction images and tracing the vessels from the aorta. Spinal DSA was subsequently performed by guiding selective catheterization to the feeding segments in reference to the IA-CTA findings. Visualization of the segmental arteries, normal spinal arteries, and abnormal vessels during IA-CTA was investigated and compared with that obtained during spinal DSA.

RESULTS

In all 56 patients, spinal IA-CTA successfully enabled visualization of the spinal vessels, including the radicular arteries and the anterior spinal artery. Below the aortic arch, all segmental arteries were identified clearly. The segmental arteries, radiculomedullary arteries, spinal arteries, and abnormal vessels were traced from the aorta, which would be the target of selective catheterization. In 3 (6.8%) patients, IA-CTA revealed severe aortic atherosclerosis and occlusion of some segmental arteries. The information obtained was useful for directing selective catheterization studies. The findings of IA-CTA corresponded well with those of spinal DSA.

CONCLUSIONS

IA-CTA is a useful adjunct to spinal DSA for surveying the vasculature surrounding the spinal cord and for orienting selective catheterization. IA-CTA can complement spinal DSA, curtail unnecessary segmental injections, and thus reduce procedural complications.
Effects of sex on the incidence and prognosis of spinal meningiomas: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results study
Authors: Westwick Harrison J. , Shamji Mohammed F.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Most spinal meningiomas are intradural lesions in the thoracic spine that present with both local pain and myelopathy. By using the large prospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the authors studied the incidence of spinal meningiomas and examined demographic and treatment factors predictive of death.

METHODS

Using SEER*Stat software, the authors queried the SEER database for cases of spinal meningioma between 2000 and 2010. From the results, tumor incidence and demographic statistics were computed; incidence was analyzed as a function of tumor location, pathology, age, sex, and malignancy code. Survival was analyzed by using a Cox proportional hazards ratio in SPSS for age, sex, marital status, primary site, size quartile, treatment modality, and malignancy code. In this analysis, significance was set at a p value of 0.05.

RESULTS

The 1709 spinal meningiomas reported in the SEER database represented 30.7% of all primary intradural spinal tumors and 7.9% of all meningiomas. These meningiomas occurred at an age-adjusted incidence of 0.193 (95% CI 0.183–0.202) per 100,000 population and were closely related to sex (337 [19.7%] male patients and 1372 [80.3%] female patients). The Cox hazard function for mortality in males was higher (2.4 [95% CI1.7–3.5]) and statistically significant, despite the lower lesion incidence in males. All-cause survival was lowest in patients older than 80 years. Primary site and treatment modality were not significant predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal meningiomas represent a significant fraction of all primary intradural spinal tumors and of all meningiomas. The results of this study establish the association of lesion incidence and survival with sex, with a less frequent incidence in but greater mortality among males.
Impact of Ejaculate Frequencies on the Quality of Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen
Authors: Rakha Bushra Allah , Hussain Iftikhar , Asma-ul-Husna  , Malik Muhammad Fahim , Akhter Shamim , Ansari Muhammad Sajjad
Published: May 2015

The Red Jungle Fowl ( Gallus gallus murghi), a native species of Southern Asia is threatened by habitat destruction, egg collection, predation and genetic hybridisation. Semen banking is one of the reproductive techniques used for the conservation of endangered species. To develop a semen bank for Red Jungle Fowl, the impact of semen collection frequencies on spermatozoa must be known. The study evaluated the impact of four ejaculate collection frequencies (once in 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours) on semen quality parameters (volume, motility, concentration, live/dead ratio, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity) of Red Jungle Fowl semen. Sperm motility and concentration was higher ( P < 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 hours of collection period compared to 12 hours. Semen volume increased ( P < 0.05) at 48 and 72 hours of collection compared to 12 and 24 hours of collection frequency. The sperm acrosomal integrity was higher ( P < 0.05) at 72 hours of collection compared to 12, 24 and 72 hours of collection frequency. The plasma membrane integrity was not affected by the frequency of collection ( P > 0.05). The number of live sperm were observed to be higher ( P > 0.05) at 12 hours of collection compared to 24, 48 and 72 hours. The overall semen output of all cocks was theoretically similar at a collection frequency of once in 48 hours and 72 hours in all of the semen quality parameters evaluated in this study. It is concluded that semen of optimum quality may be collected at 48 and 72 hours of interval for captive breeding programs of Red Jungle Fowl.
The future of corporate governance: Network governance - a lesson from the financial crisis
Authors: Pirson Michael , Turnbull Shann
Published: May 2015

Abstract 10.2 trillion dollars have been lost in the US alone in the first two years after Lehman Brothers collapse. In its wake 45% of world’s wealth has been destroyed and three of the largest bankruptcies in the US have occurred. Just as the majority of observers thought lessons from Enron had been learned, crisis had struck again. Massive government intervention, the collapse of the banking system, and public outrage at the missteps of executives have highlighted once more the weaknesses of mainstream corporate governance systems. Contrary to popular opinion the principal cause of the crisis was not sub-prime mortgage defaults but a failure of corporate governance, states the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. While the OECD is brainstorming new corporate governance codes, public policy makers are calling for more comprehensive and tougher regulation. How likely will those changes help to prevent a future crisis? Not very likely, we argue, unless we fundamentally rethink the underlying failures inherent to the Anglo- Saxon structure of corporate governance and regulation. In the following article, we thus examine the systemic shortcomings of Anglo-Saxon corporate governance that arise from too much power being vested in a single board. We also lay out alternative governance models based on the natural science of communication and control. We then identify why a single board cannot adequately and reliably control the complex firms that wield influence over our lives. Examples of alternative models provide evidence that managers can design governance architectures that significantly reduce the risk of systematic blind spots, and the ensuing massive wealth destruction.