bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choques de política fiscal y sus efectos dinámicos sobre la actividad económica y la deuda pública 1990-2007
Authors: Díaz Álvaro , Laverde Henry , Gómez John Jairo
Published: December 2015

El presente documento busca evidencia de los efectos dinámicos de la política fiscal colombiana sobre variables como PIB real, precios y tasas de interés, teniendo en cuenta de manera explícita el efecto que tiene la deuda sobre las variables fiscales, vía restricción presupuestaria intertemporal del gobierno. Para tal fin, se emplea un modelo VAR estructural (SVAR), utilizando datos trimestrales durante el período 1990:2-2007:1, mediante el cual se identifican claramente choques exógenos sobre las variables fiscales; asimismo, se estiman los efectos de política fiscal sobre las variables a través de las funciones impulso-respuesta. La incidencia de la deuda sobre las variables fiscales se estima en dos modelos: un modelo SVAR base, en el cual se omite el efecto de la deuda sobre las variables fiscales y otro en el cual se incluye explícitamente, con el ánimo de “rastrear” los efectos dinámicos sobre estas variables.
De la geopolítica a la geoeconomía: ¿Una forma virtual de colonización?
Authors: Cadena Montenegro José Luis
Published: December 2015

Algunos teóricos, terminado el siglo XX, aseguraron que la geopolítica –a la que culparon de los crímenes cometidos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial– había llegado a su fin. En el nuevo siglo se puede afirmar con seguridad que tal juicio fue apresurado y que desconocidos actores y variadas tácticas han permitido la metamorfosis de la geopolítica en geoeconomía. Las antiguas campañas de conquista territorial y la consolidación de enclaves a gran distancia por parte de imperios, están siendo reemplazadas por la incursión de empresas transnacionales que con nutridos capitales y masivas campañas publicitarias, pretenden apoderarse de los mercados internos y externos. Las industrias criminales, paradójicamente, contribuyen al crecimiento económico y a la aparición de fenómenos colaterales perversos que afectan a la sociedad. La globalización que empezó como un proceso netamente económico, permite conquistar, además de mercados, las mentes y los corazones de quienes aspirando a ser ciudadanos mundiales, se convierten en presas del fenómeno de la aculturación. Los economistas en formación deben asimilar la ética económica para planear y administrar los recursos naturales de cara a los desafíos actuales por el abuso en su explotación y por los daños ambientales que ponen en peligro la misma existencia humana. La geografía, en especial la económica, coadyuva de manera concreta en el análisis y solución de los problemas coyunturales del siglo XXI.
Las instituciones del Estado y los grandes conglomerados industriales como determinantes del cambio estructural en Corea del Sur y Colombia
Authors: Hernández Umaña Iván Darío , Rosado Salgado Luis Arturo
Published: December 2015

Este escrito estudia las condiciones suficientes y/o necesarias para implicar el cambio estructural. En él se compara el proceso de industrialización de Corea del Sur con el de Colombia. Se analizan dos períodos: 1960-1990 y 1991-2007, antes y después de la apertura en ambos países. Se afirma que las economías de Corea del Sur y de Colombia, continuaron siendo variedades de crony capitalism, incluso después de que ambos países abrazaran las reformas liberacionistas. La calidad de las instituciones de embedded autonomy del Estado junto con las instituciones de corporate governance, explican el cambio estructural.
Capital social organizacional, base de la sustentabilidad organizacional para el desarrollo ambiental y económico: el caso de las micro y pequeñas empresas en la explotación del tule typha spp de la Laguna de Zapotlán
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo se analiza la sustentabilidad de las organizaciones que realizan actividades de explotación del tule thypha spp en la Laguna de Zapotlán y su impacto en el desarrollo socioeconómico y ambiental en los municipios de Gómez Farías y Zapotlán el Grande. La hipótesis inicial de trabajo se delimita con la consideración de que el escaso capital social de las organizaciones que realizan la explotación del tule typha spp de la Laguna de Zapotlán, pese a que se limita a la sustentabilidad del desarrollo, contribuye al sostenimiento de ingresos de más de 300 familias de San Sebastián y en menor escala de Cd. Guzmán. El método de investigación empleado es el etnográfico, complementado con el trabajo de campo, apoyado con entrevistas informales, investigación documental y bibliográfica. La principal conclusión es que no existe un equilibrio entre la sustentabilidad de las organizaciones por el escaso capital social y la sustentabilidad del desarrollo ambiental y económico que debería ser considerado por el programa de rehabilitación de la Laguna de Zapotlán a efecto de mejorar los niveles de ingreso, rescatar y crear nuevas fuentes de empleo y mejorar los niveles de calidad de vida de cerca de 300 que dependen del cultivo y explotación artesanal del tule. Asimismo, se sugiere dar mayor sustentabilidad a las pequeñas y micro empresas artesanales con la creación de un programa de asesoría de exportación del producto artesanal derivado del tule con el fin de ampliar el valor agregado que proporciona el manejo propio de los procesos de comercialización en mercados internacionales. Aunque no se explicitó en los objetivos de la investigación, se encontró que el escaso capital social organizacional y la falta de forma adecuadas de organización para la productividad contribuyen a limitar los alcances y beneficios económicos que debe proporcionar una adecuada explotación del tule de la Laguna de Zapotlán.
Índice de Gestión Social Empresarial (IGS): una aplicación de la medición de capital social
Authors: Rangel J. Sander A. , Saíz V. Jorge E.
Published: December 2015

Partiendo de los conceptos y elementos planteados en el artículo preliminar (Saíz y Rangel, 2008) y haciendo aplicación de metodologías de análisis estadístico multivariado, esta investigación pretende medir los vínculos existentes entre la empresa CODENSA S.A. y las comunidades (clientes residenciales) en donde presta el servicio de distribución de energía eléctrica en Bogotá D.C. y el municipio conurbano de Soacha, con el propósito de establecer un Índice de Gestión Social (IGS) como una aproximación a la medición y análisis de capital social, conjugando la percepción contextual de las empresa, con el grado de confianza, cooperación y compromiso que se desprende de los procesos participativos.
Las imperfecciones del mercado de créditos, la restricción crediticia y los créditos alternativos
Authors: Díaz Valencia Gustavo Adolfo
Published: December 2015

El siguiente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar de manera general algunos fundamentos teóricos y empíricos relacionados con las imperfecciones del mercado de créditos que conllevan a la restricción del crédito, la aparición del crédito informal y la propuesta de canales alternativos de financiación como los microcréditos, con el fin de analizar los alcances y las limitaciones de estas actividades financieras, las cuales en muchas ocasiones son excluyentes para los pequeños productores informales, los productores agrícolas, los trabajadores por cuenta propia y numerosos grupos sociales, quienes enfrentan grandes dificultades para acceder a este tipo de recursos, por no disponer de los suficientes ingresos y garantías reales que respalden estas obligaciones financieras. Por ello, es importante plantear una reflexión en el sentido de analizar si el crédito como vehículo de financiación facilita el desarrollo de las actividades económicas o por el contrario, se ha convertido en una actividad cada vez más excluyente especialmente para aquellos sectores más vulnerables de la población, que limita aún más el mejoramiento de sus condiciones de vida. Asimismo, se efectuará una breve caracterización del microcrédito en Colombia, su evolución, y los principales alcances que han tenido los usuarios de estos créditos.
Cambios en la estructura demográfica de Boyacá y su impacto socioeconómico (1985-2005)
Authors: Acero Luz Marcela Díaz , Rodríguez Gustavo Adolfo Junca
Published: December 2015

El presente trabajo  pretende verificar que existió un proceso migratorio  interno hu- mano, de los municipios periféricos de Boyacá hacia los del centro –Tunja, Duitama, Sogamoso, Chiquinquirá–, y del departamento hacia afuera (Bogotá). En consecuencia, el crecimiento de la población de Boyacá no está determinado por factores norma- les de crecimiento vegetativo o de reducción de la población. En particular, se plantea que dichas migraciones tienen como punto de llegada los municipios del eje central del departamento, pero estos no presentan gran crecimiento demográfico que evidencie la totalidad de la población que emigra del resto de pueblos, dirigiéndose al núcleo del país, específicamente a la ciudad de Bogotá, por ser el principal punto de desarrollo económico de Colombia.
El trilema de la política monetaria en Colombia no se cumple
Authors: Valencia Gustavo Adolfo Díaz
Published: December 2015

El artículo hace una presentación de la política monetaria y cambiaria  en Colombia durante la última década con énfasis en el posible cumplimiento del trilema monetario, el cual establece que la principal implicación de la política monetaria es determinar una tasa de cambio deseable para lograr los propósitos del comercio internacional; una tasa de interés apetecible para incentivar  la actividad  productiva,  y una mayor movilidad de capitales compatible con el funcionamiento de la meta inflación objetivo. De otra parte, se verificará la imposibilidad del trilema considerando la paridad descubierta de las tasas de interés en un ambiente macroeconómico caracterizado por una tasa de cam- bio flexible, pero revaluada, una baja tasa de interés doméstica y una incertidumbre del mercado financiero internacional, lo cual se ha reflejado en un aumento de los saldos de la cuenta de capital y financiera, especialmente los pasivos, y en un mayor déficit de la cuenta corriente.
Modelación basada en agentes en el sistema pensional colombiano. Una aproximación desde el mercado laboral y la dinámica poblacional
Authors: Cárdenas Nancy Quinceno
Published: December 2015

Este artículo corresponde a un estudio del sistema pensional colombiano (SPC), reglamentado por la Ley 100 de 1993. Por medio de un Modelo Basado en Agentes (MBA), se analizan características propias de los agentes en el SPC con respecto a su articulación al mercado laboral y a la dinámica poblacional, quienes asumen uno de los roles en el sistema pensional en procura de lograr su pensión. Las probabilidades de los agentes de adoptar un régimen están condicionadas por las características del sistema pensional y por variables económicas, sociales y del sistema político; las variables pueden cambiar junto a la evolución del sistema pensional, debido a las acciones colectivas de los agentes y a las decisiones de política pública.
The New Actors of Macroprudential Supervision in Germany and Europe – A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Gurlit Elke , Schnabel Isabel
Published: December 2015

With the CRR/CRD IV package being in effect, the banking supervisors of the European Union possess an impressive set of macroprudential instruments to fight systemic risks in the financial system. However, in order to be effective and efficient, the instruments need an appropriate organizational and institutional setting. The text analyzes the complex multi-level network of actors of macroprudential supervision from a legal and economic perspective.
Regulating Investment Crowdfunding: Small Business Capital Formation and Investor Protection
Authors: Bradford C. Steven
Published: December 2015

Investment crowdfunding is a promising solution to the difficulties that small businesses, especially startups, have raising capital. But the capital formation gains promised by crowdfunding come at a cost. Crowdfunding exposes investors, including small, unsophisticated investors who may not appreciate the potential problems, to serious risks of fraud, entrepreneurial self-dealing, illiquidity, and business failure.

Regulation may help protect investors, but there’s an unavoidable tradeoff between investor protection and the cost of raising capital through crowdfunding. Excessive regulation will kill crowdfunding by making it too expensive for the small offerings it is meant to facilitate. But excessive investor losses will also kill crowdfunding; if crowdfunding becomes a haven for fraud, the pool of potential investors will dry up.

Crowdfunding regulation has a number of possible focal points: the issuers of the securities being sold; the intermediaries through whom those securities are sold; the investors buying the securities. And various types of regulation are possible, including disclosure requirements, investor sophistication requirements, investment limits, due diligence requirements, and resale limitations. This article considers the regulatory choices the United States and Germany have made and discusses how crowdfunding should be regulated.
Die Kündigung des Kredits wegen Verschlechterung der Vermögensverhältnisse – Voraussetzungen, Erkenntnisdefizite und Risiken für den Darlehensgeber
Authors: Regenfus Thomas
Published: December 2015

Die in § 490 Abs. 1 BGB gesetzlich geregelte Kündigung wegen Verschlechterung der Vermögensverhältnisse ist für die Kreditwirtschaft von erheblicher Bedeutung. Leicht und unproblematisch ist der Umgang mit der Bestimmung jedoch nicht: Zahlreiche Tatbestandsmerkmale sind unbestimmt und setzen eine Prognose voraus. Auf die geforderte nachteilige Entwicklung der Vermögenssituation des Kreditnehmers und die daraus resultierende Gefährdung des Rückerstattungsanspruchs kann oftmals nur aufgrund von Indizien geschlossen werden. Bei einer Fehleinschätzung drohen existenzielle Schäden für den Kreditnehmer und entsprechende Haftungsrisiken für den Kreditgeber. Ein Beurteilungsspielraum kommt dem Kreditgeber dabei nicht zu; jedoch können sich die allgemeinen Grundsätze, die für Prognoseentscheidungen im Bereich des Zivilrechts gelten, günstig für ihn auswirken. Eine Obliegenheit, den Kreditnehmer vor einer bevorstehenden Kündigung zu warnen, lässt sich sowohl mittelbar aus den tatbestandlichen Voraussetzungen des § 490 Abs. 1 BGB als auch dem Erfordernis, die Prognose auf ausreichender sachlicher Grundlage zu treffen, ableiten.
Mindestanforderungen an die Sicherheit von Internetzahlungen (MaSI) – Rechtsfolgen für die Praxis
Authors: Zahrte Kai
Published: December 2015

Am 5. 11. 2015 ist das BaFin-Rundschreiben zu Mindestanforderungen an die Sicherheit von Internetzahlungen in Kraft getreten; ein Anforderungskatalog, der sich an deutsche Zahlungsdienstleister richtet. Der folgende Beitrag stellt die Auswirkungen auf die gängigen Internetbezahlverfahren dar und setzt sich mit den Folgen für Nutzer, Anbieter und den hart umkämpften Wettbewerb auseinander.
Clinical Interventions to Promote Breastfeeding by Latinas: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wouk Kathryn , Lara-Cinisomo Sandraluz , Stuebe Alison M. , Poole Charles , Petrick Jessica L. , McKenney Kathryn M.
Published: December 2015

CONTEXT:

Breastfeeding duration and exclusivity among Latinas fall below recommended levels, indicating a need for targeted interventions. The effectiveness of clinical breastfeeding interventions for Latinas remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review the documented effectiveness of clinical breastfeeding interventions on any and exclusive breastfeeding among Latinas.

DATA SOURCES:

English-language publications in Medline, CINAHL, and Embase were searched through May 28, 2015.

STUDY SELECTION:

Fourteen prospective, controlled studies describing 17 interventions met inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Extracted study characteristics include study design, population characteristics, intervention components, timing and intensity of delivery, provider type, control procedures, and outcome measures.

RESULTS:

Random-effects meta-analyses estimated risk differences (RDs) between breastfeeding mothers in intervention and control arms of each study and 95% prediction intervals (PIs) within which 95% of intervals cover the true value estimated by a future study. Interventions increased any breastfeeding at 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 months (RD 0.04 [95% PI −0.15 to 0.23] and 0.08 [−0.08 to 0.25], respectively) and exclusive breastfeeding at 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 months (0.04 [−0.09 to 0.18] and 0.01 [−0.01 to 0.02]). Funnel plot asymmetry suggested publication bias for initiation and 1- to 3-month any breastfeeding. Estimates were slightly larger among interventions with prenatal and postpartum components, 3 to 6 patient contacts, and delivery by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or lay provider.

LIMITATIONS:

The published evidence for Latinas is limited, and studies have varying methodologic rigor.

CONCLUSIONS:

Breastfeeding interventions targeting Latinas increased any and exclusive breastfeeding compared with usual care.
Evaluation and Referral of Children With Signs of Early Puberty
Authors: Kaplowitz Paul , Bloch Clifford ,   the SECTION ON ENDOCRINOLOGY, Sills Irene N. , Bloch Clifford A. , Casella Samuel J. , Gonzalez Jose L. , Lynch Jane L. , Wintergerst Kupper A.
Published: December 2015

Concerns about possible early pubertal development are a common cause for referral to pediatric medical subspecialists. Several recent studies have suggested that onset of breast and/or pubic hair development may be occurring earlier than in the past. Although there is a chance of finding pathology in girls with signs of puberty before 8 years of age and in boys before 9 years of age, the vast majority of these children with signs of apparent puberty have variations of normal growth and physical development and do not require laboratory testing, bone age radiographs, or intervention. The most common of these signs of early puberty are premature adrenarche (early onset of pubic hair and/or body odor), premature thelarche (nonprogressive breast development, usually occurring before 2 years of age), and lipomastia, in which girls have apparent breast development which, on careful palpation, is determined to be adipose tissue. Indicators that the signs of sexual maturation may represent true, central precocious puberty include progressive breast development over a 4- to 6-month period of observation or progressive penis and testicular enlargement, especially if accompanied by rapid linear growth. Children exhibiting these true indicators of early puberty need prompt evaluation by the appropriate pediatric medical subspecialist. Therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist may be indicated, as discussed in this report.
Nature and Nurture in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy – A Clinical Perspective
Authors: James Cynthia A ,   Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Published: December 2015

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterised by frequent ventricular arrhythmias and slowly progressive predominant RV dysfunction. Up to two-thirds of ARVD/C patients have mutations in genes encoding the cardiac desmosome. Mutations in other genes are increasingly recognised. Inheritance of ARVD/C is generally autosomal dominant with reduced age-related penetrance and significant variable expressivity. While the full explanation for this phenotypic heterogeneity remains unclear, there is increasing evidence that exercise plays a major role in disease penetrance and arrhythmic risk. The disproportionate representation of athletes among ARVD/C patients has long been noted. Recently, the association of exercise with earlier onset and more severe arrhythmic and structural disease has been documented. This article reviews current evidence regarding the association of genotype, exercise and clinical outcomes and discusses the emerging paradigm in which genetic predisposition and environmental factors (exercise) interact around a threshold for phenotypic expression of ARVD/C.
Upstream Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Orso Francesco , Fabbri Gianna , Maggioni Aldo Pietro ,   Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Section of Geriatric Medicine and Cardiology, Florence, Italy,   ANMCO Research Center, Florence, Italy,   ANMCO Research Center, Florence, Italy,   ANMCO Research Center, Florence, Italy
Published: December 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults and is associated with an increased risk of fatal and non-fatal events. Antiarrhythmic drugs provide limited protection against AF recurrence and have a poor safety profile. Several mechanisms have been proven to be involved in AF, e.g. inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and ischaemia. Prevention of AF with interventions that target these mechanisms has emerged as a result of experimental studies suggesting the use of upstream therapies. Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have multiple effects on cardiac electrophysiology, and epidemiological studies on fish oil suggest a possible use of n-3 PUFA in AF prevention. Several randomised clinical trials have been designed to evaluate the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in preventing AF. In this review, we report the conflicting results of these trials in two different clinical settings: recurrence in patients with history of AF and development of post-operative AF in patient undergoing cardiac surgery.
CRP at early follicular phase of menstrual cycle can cause misinterpretation for cardiovascular risk assessment
Authors: Gursoy Asli Yarci , Caglar Gamze Sinem , Kiseli Mine , Pabuccu Emre , Candar Tuba , Demirtas Selda
Published: December 2015

Objective

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-known marker of inflammation and infection in clinical practice. This study is designed to evaluate CRP levels in different phases of menstrual cycle, which might end up with misleading conclusions especially when used for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Methods

Twenty-seven women were eligible for the cross-sectional study. Venous blood samples from each participant were collected twice during the menstrual cycle. The first sampling was held at 2nd to 5th days of the menstrual cycle for FSH, estradiol, CRP, and sedimentation, and the second was done at 21st to 24th days of the menstrual cycle for measurement of progesterone, CRP, and sedimentation values.

Results

CRP values were significantly higher in the early follicular phase compared to luteal phase (1.8 mg/L [0.3–7.67] vs. 0.7 mg/L [0.1–8.3], p < 0.001, respectively). In both phases of the menstrual cycle, sedimentation rate was similar (12.1 ± 6.7 vs. 12.3 ± 7.7; p = 0.717, respectively).

Conclusions

CRP levels in early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (menstruation) are significantly higher than CRP levels in luteal phase of the same cycle. In reproductive age women, detection of CRP for cardiovascular risk assessment during menstruation might not be appropriate.
Effect of yogurt and pH equivalent lemon juice on salivary flow rate in healthy volunteers — An experimental crossover study
Authors: Murugesh Jeevitha , Annigeri Rajeshwari G. , Raheel Syed Ahmed , Azzeghaiby Saleh , Alshehri Mohammad , Kujan Omar
Published: December 2015

Background

Xerostomia is a common clinical problem, and different medications have been tried in its management. In the present study, routine dietary products are used to assess their effect on salivary flow.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of yogurt and lemon juice on increase in salivation and its comparison with that of unstimulated saliva.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 volunteers (aged 19–48) were selected. The pH of yogurt was calculated, and equivalent pH lemon juice was prepared. First, normal resting saliva was collected as baseline followed by every 1 min for 5 min. Patients were given lemon juice or yogurt and then crossed over to the other group to assess the impact of the stimulants on salivary flow from 1 to 5 min.

Results

The results were analyzed statistically. Comparisons between baseline saliva secretion and that by yogurt and lemon juice (using the ANOVA test) showed that there was a significant increase after treatment at the end of the experiment for both yogurt and lemon juice. However, yogurt showed a significant increase in saliva secretion compared to baseline than lemon juice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that yogurt is a potential candidate for the treatment of dry mouth.
Pregnancy management of women with kidney transplantation
Authors: Kovács Dávid Ágoston , Szabó László , Jenei Katalin , Fedor Roland , Zádori Gergely , Zsom Lajos , Kabai Krisztina , Záhonyi Anita , Asztalos László , Nemes Balázs
Published: December 2015

Women with renal disease, besides many dysfunctions, face increasing infertility and high-risk pregnancy due to uremia and changes of the hormonal functions. After renal transplantation, sexual dysfunction improves, providing the possibility of successful pregnancy for women of childbearing age. However, kidney transplanted patients are high-risk pregnant patients with increased maternal and fetal risks, and the graft also may be compromised during pregnancy; most studies report on several successive deliveries due to multidisciplinary team management. In clinical practice, the graft is rarely affected during the period of gestation. Fetal development disorders are also rare although preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation are common. For now, several studies and clinical investigations proved that, under multidisciplinary control, kidney transplanted female patients are also possible to have safe pregnancy and successful delivery. There are conflicting data in the literature about the prevention of complications and the timing of pregnancy. Herein, we would like to present some experience of our centre. A total of 847 kidney transplantations have been performed between June 1993 and December 2013 with 163 childbearing aged females (18–45 years) in our center. We report on three kidney transplanted patients who have given birth to healthy newborns. In our practice, severe complications have not been observed.
Judge’s Persuasive Language in a Chinese Civil Case
Authors: Zhenhua Wang
Published: December 2015

This paper looks into the linguistic forces of persuasion of the woman judge in a Chinese civil trial. The judge was mediating the conflicts of the two parties in a local court. The two parties were in strong disagreement over compensation and the price for purchasing the bungalow of the plaintiff. She was successful in solving the conflicts. This paper approaches the mediation of persuasion from the Systemic Functional model, and examines the generic features in the context of culture and register features in the context of situation. The analysis of genre finds that she uses the strategy of interference, elaboration and suggestion/proposal to fulfill her solution. The analysis of register finds that she employs proper linguistic tactics in the changing context of situation. Her proper tactics instantiates her strategy and the coupling of the two contribute to the successful mediation. One implication this paper draws is that one’s attitude changes the others’ attitude.
Functional Stylistics in the TEXTUAL respect
Authors: Peng Xuanwei
Published: December 2015

Systemic Functional Linguistics has experienced over 40 years of application to literary discourse analysis and gained considerable achievements, with particular reference to the ideational and interpersonal areas. Contrary to that situation is the textual area, which, except for cohesion, is much less explored in thematization and information. This paper aims to fill this gap. Taking the short narrative text Gehenna I investigate thematic and information creating patterns for their aesthetic effects. There exist types of unfolding routines in literary texts that are oriented towards stylistic goals. The observations manifest once again the power of SFL in its appliability.
Magnesium sulfate attack on clays stabilised by carbide slag- and magnesia-ground granulated blast furnace slag
Authors: Yi Y. , Li C. , Liu S. , Jin F.
Published: December 2015

Carbide slag (CS)– and reactive magnesia (MgO)–activated ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were used to stabilise soft clay subjected to accelerated magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) attack. The results indicated that the CS–GGBS-stabilised clay had a higher resistance to magnesium sulfate attack than magnesia–GGBS-stabilised clay; this was contrary to findings from a previous study subjected to sodium sulfate attack. The formation of gypsum and the decomposition of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) occurred in both stabilised clays after the magnesium sulfate attack, which is primarily responsible for the deterioration. Since the magnesia–GGBS-stabilised clay had a lower pH buffering capacity and calcium/silicon ratio of CSH than CS–GGBS-stabilised clay, it was more susceptible to magnesium sulfate attack.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE KREBS CYCLE: A PROMISING THEME FOR MEANINGFUL BIOCHEMISTRY LEARNING IN BIOLOGY
Authors: Costa C. , Galembeck E.
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Evolution has been recognized as a key concept for biologists. In order to motivate biology undergraduates for contents of central energetic metabolism, we addressed the Krebs cycle structure and functions to an evolutionary view. To this end, we created a study guide which contextualizes the emergence of the cyclic pathway, in light of the prokaryotic influence since early Earth anaerobic condition to oxygen rise in atmosphere. OBJECTIVES: The main goal is to highlight the educational potential of the material whose subject is scarcely covered in biochemistry textbooks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study guide is composed by three interrelated sections, the problem (Section 1), designed to arouse curiosity, inform and motivate students; an introductory text (Section 2) about life evolution, including early micro-organisms and Krebs cycle emergence, and questions (Section 3) for debate. The activity consisted on a peer discussion session, with instructors tutoring. The questions were designed to foster exchange of ideas in an ever-increasing level of complexity, and cover subjects from early atmospheric conditions to organization of the metabolism along the subsequent geological ages. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We noticed that students were engaged and motivated by the task, especially during group discussion. Based on students’ feedbacks and class observations, we learned that the material raised curiosity and stimulated discussion among peers. It brought a historical and purposeful way of dealing with difficult biochemical concepts. CONCLUSIONS: The whole experience suggests that the study guide was a stimulus for broadening comprehension of the Krebs cycle, reinforcing the evolutionary stance as an important theme for biology and biochemistry understanding. On the other hand, we do not underestimate the fact that approaching Krebs cycle from an evolutionary standpoint is a quite complex discussion for the majority of students. KEYWORDS: Evolution. Krebs cycle. Metabolism learning. Biology. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We thank Capes for financial support.
Biochemistry on the game board: improvements in the teaching-learning process in basic education
Authors: Silva F. A. , Rebeca R.
Published: December 2015

According to the Curriculum Guidelines of Biology of Basic Education "school should encourage the pedagogical practice based on different methodologies, valuing the teaching concepts, the learning (internalization) and the evaluation that allow teachers and students being aware of the need for emancipatory transformation”.  The teaching of biochemistry and its contents in basic education are not discussed as a structuring content within the Biology subject, but are included in related content such as cellular biology. The objective of this study was to inventory the contents and methodologies related to biochemistry taught by teachers of basic education and produce teaching-learning materials as contribution to these contents from the inventory results. The methodology was developed from the analysis of the questionnaires applied to biology teachers from public schools of Guarapuava-Pr. The results showed that the teaching of biochemistry and biology discipline, although it comes from the same area, are designed as two unattached areas, meaning there is no perception by teachers in relation to the implicit conceptual intercept in teaching Biology and Biochemistry. To this end, the profile of the game Grow was adapted using themes related to Biochemistry. The game consists of 45 cards and a game board with a track. The player who gives more write answers to the questions reaches the end and wins the match. For game evaluation participants answered a questionnaire at the end of the activity. Most of the participants argued that the process has contributed to ensure the assimilation of the contents, since it is a leisure activity with effective participation of students. Thus, the obtained data confirmed the assumption of  Pedroso (2009), which states that the games allow a significant teacher-student interaction, disseminating scientific knowledge from the views and experiences of the student.
The qualitative analysis of biochemical content in textbooks of elementary school
Authors: Etcheverria et al K. W.M.
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Biochemistry is the science that deals with the metabolic functions of living beings. In its concepts, it uses chemistry and biology to study the interactions of organisms with the environment. For basic education students is often complex the association of biochemistry with their daily lives, especially in elementary school where they have their first contact with science in school and the didactic book will serve as an important tool for research. Thus, this work aims to analyze qualitatively content related to biochemistry in science books of the final years of elementary school. Methods: We analyzed six science books used in elementary school, and the following criteria were examined: clarity and language presented on the inserted content; resolutions and images shown subtitles, and interdisciplinarity of matters. Results and discussion: The books of the sixth and fifth years were those who achieved the expected learning goals. The first of then made a very good presentation of the content and the images, addressing the subject in an interdisciplinary way. However, the second one is well below in the analyzed criteria, bringing the matter in a vague writing, and failing in associate the content with other assumptions themes. The images had a very low quality and their explanations were difficult to associate. Conclusion: We can say that the biochemistry content are complex, however its development from the beginning of primary education contributes to overcoming the complexity of their understanding. The analysis of the books brought a result that was expected. Only one book had significantly positive results in all analyzed characteristics, the other books had some very good aspects, but in several details, they were vague and poorly contextualized. Approaching the school sciences to the student every day we can demystify scientific knowledge and its production.
A biochemistry laboratory course designed to enhance students autonomy
Authors: Silva T. , Galembeck E.
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Laboratory sessions are responsible for promoting instrumentation skills desirable in biochemistry and biochemistry related careers. They are traditionally based on experimental protocols that lead to the expected results, and students usually have not autonomy to plan and execute their experiments. GOALS: This work aimed to enhance a traditional biochemistry lab course, applying pre-lab quizzes on protein biochemistry and lab techniques in order to have students better prepared to plan, execute and interpret experiments. This approach also aims to bring the laboratory sessions into an inquiry-based environment capable to improve students’ independent capabilities in 2 autonomy domains: learning and communication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Online quizzes are delivered one week before each laboratory session, containing questions regarding the experimental techniques and theoretical basis related to them. Laboratory activities are presented in an inquiry-based approach where the first class of each activity is dedicated to plan experiments in order to answer the research questions presented by instructors. Activities are also organized in order to enhance students’ autonomy. The first activity is the simplest and more instructor-controlled and the last one is the most complex and less driven, transferring gradually to students the responsibility for their decisions in laboratory, supporting students’ autonomy. RESULTS: Online quizzes allowed instructors to identify students’ difficulties and to timely intervene. Scientific reports presented by students at the end of each activity showed that they performed better on less driven activities in which autonomy support were more complex than in the instructor controlled activities. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific reports analysis reveals students capabilities related to different scopes of autonomy, such as: discuss different strategies; find multiple solutions to solve problems; make their own experiment hypothesis and look for literature to support data found. Thus, this approach may have positively supported students’ autonomy, encouraging them to think by themselves and to take decisions concerning their experiments.
Keynote Lecture: The Problems and Challenges in Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Albert Bruce
Published: December 2015

Distressed by the perverse incentives that have generated the current hyper-competitive biomedical research environment in the United States, four of us published an open-access article in April 2014 entitled: Rescuing US biomedical research from its systemic flaws (Alberts, B., Kirschner, Marc W., Tilghman, Shirley, and  Varmus, H.; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111, 5773-5777 (2014)). As announced in our follow-up piece, Opinion: Addressing systemic problems in the biomedical research enterprise (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112, 1912-1913 (2015)), we have formed a 16-member steering committee to oversee a new website that is designed to collect suggestions for actions that can ameliorate the identified problems, as well as to highlight promising changes that are either underway or proposed (see http://rescuingbiomedicalresearch.org).  Despite widespread agreement concerning the problems, any substantial change in the system is bound to be controversial. Experiments are therefore needed. In my talk, I will outline some possible ideas for overcoming the inertia that prevents moving forward.We are encouraging both national and international contributions to this effort, since the problems that we have described are by no means unique to the United States.
Using video games to combine learning and assessment in mathematics education
Authors: Kiili Kristian Juha Mikael , Devlin Keith , Perttula Arttu , Tuomi Pauliina , Lindstedt Antero
Published: December 2015

One problem with most education systems is that learning and (summative) assessment are generally treated as quite separate things in schools. We argue that video games can provide an opportunity to combine these processes in an engaging and effective way. The present study focuses on investigating the effectiveness and the assessment power of two different mathematics video games, Semideus and Wuzzit Trouble. In the current study, we validated the Semideus game as a rational number test instrument. We used it as a pre- and a post-test for a three-hour intervention in which we studied the effectiveness of Wuzzit Trouble, a game built on whole number arithmetic and designed to enhance mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. The results showed that (1) games can be used to assess mathematical knowledge validly, and (2) even short game-based interventions can be very effective. Based on the results, we argue that game-based assessment can create a more complete picture of mathematical knowledge than simply measuring students' accuracy, providing indicators of student misconceptions and conceptual change processes
Research Vessel POSEIDON
Authors: Lackschewitz Klas , Heinitz Maike
Published: December 2015

The research vessel POSEIDON, operated by GEOMAR Kiel, is an important research platform for the marine science community. The knowledge gained from ocean expeditions contributes to a better understanding of the biological, physical, geological and chemical processes in the ocean.
From the Editors – Redactioneel
Authors: Santing Catrien
Published: December 2015

Sometimes an issue grows naturally into a theme number. The occasion was the celebration of two hundred years of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is almost over. BMGN – Low Countries Historical Review has put the most important publications that emerged in connection with this milestone into a historiographical context and judged them on their merits and blind spots. In the forum ‘The Bicentennial 1813-1815’ James Kennedy, Gita Deneckere, Matthijs Lok and Alicia Schrikker take an historiographical approach and tackle the various commemorative works from the point of view of such questions as continuitydiscontinuity of the Ancien Régime in the Netherlands/Belgium 1813-1831, the national history writing about this period in the Netherlands and Belgium and the situation in the colonies, something often forgotten. Tom Verschaffel succesfully reviews three royal biographies within a single framework and points out the similarities and differences between the three. The perceptive analyses of all these monumental works to which the occasion has given rise appear to accord well with other royal material, which indicates that this is a vigorous field of research. Frans Willem Lantink demonstrates this in his dissection of the usual genres dealing with the subject. Susie Protschky extends the area of royalty research to the Netherlands-Indies. She makes clear the role played by photographs in establishing the ‘imagined community’ of royalists who were faithful to the Dutch fatherland and Queen Wilhelmina.In the discussion dossier on historical reasoning Dick de Boer, Peter Henderikx, Roos van Oosten and Erik Cordfunke and George Maat discuss the importance of innovative methods borrowed from physics and technology, in trying to solve tricky historical questions, but eventhis debate has a royal tinge. The protagonist, or perhaps it would be better to speak of the subject because it is about his remains, is the Dutch Count William II, elected as the King ofthe Romans in 1247. The editors hope you will royally enjoy reading this new number.
Tragisch koningschap
Authors: Verschaffel Tom
Published: December 2015

Tragic MonarchyThe simultaneous publication of the biographies of the first three kings of the Orange dynasty, William I (by Jeroen Koch), William II (by Jeroen van Zanten) and William III (by Dik van der Meulen), calls for a comparison between the biographers and their work, and even more so between the three Williams themselves. The biographies are critical: William I is characterised as active and decisive, but also as stubborn and authoritarian, William II is shown as liberal, but also as indecisive and corruptible, and William III as violent and unreliable. Along with their life stories, the trilogy provides a history of the royal function and analyses how it was adapted to the rapidly changing political and social context. Throughout this process the royal authority and competence diminished systematically. The gap between this reality and the Orange kings’ aspirations turns them into tragic figures but makes their life stories attractive.Het gelijktijdig verschijnen van de biografieën van de eerste drie koningen van de Oranjedynastie, Willem I (door Jeroen Koch), Willem II (door Jeroen van Zanten) en Willem III (door Dik van der Meulen), noopt tot een vergelijking: tussen de biografen en hun werk, maar veel meer nog tussen de drie Willems. De biografen zijn kritisch: Willem I wordt geschetst als besluitvaardig, maar ook als eigenzinnig en autoritair, Willem II als liberaler, maar ook als twijfelzuchtig en chantabel, Willem III als gewelddadig en onbetrouwbaar. Het drieluik biedt ook een geschiedenis van het koningschap en laat zien hoe het zich aanpaste aan de snel veranderende politieke en maatschappelijke context en hoe de koninklijke macht daarbij stelselmatig werd ingeperkt. De kloof tussen hun ambities en de realiteit maakt hen stuk voor stuk tot tragische figuren en verleent hun levensverhalen spanning en aantrekkelijkheid.
De valkuilen van de historische sensatie Een pleidooi voor nuchter ‘getrennt marschieren’ inzake archeologisch-historische contradicties
Authors: Van Oosten R.M.R.
Published: December 2015

The Danger of Historical Sensation: A Plea for a Sober ‘getrennt marschieren’ regarding Archaeological-Historical ContradictionsThree issues will be discussed in this article – the castle of Amsterdam (1994-1995), the mikveh of Venlo and the King’s tomb of Middelburg – where initially a tangible archaeological find seems to support a spectacular historical theory. On closer inspection, the combination of archaeological and historical sources has not rendered conclusive interdisciplinary evidence, but only generated castles in the air, fairy tales or at least a version of the past that fails to do justice to both disciplines. These issues are reason to highlight four methodological rules of thumb concerning historical-archaeological research. In order to prevent collective disillusionment, the most self-evident is to stay sober and down-to-earth and not to get stuck in a stage of enthusiastic intoxication or haze of ‘historical sensation’. Particularly in the case of fascinating historical-archaeological challenges this is a pitfall into which even very experienced researchers risk falling. This article is part of the discussion forum 'At the Meeting Point of Historical Disciplines'.In dit artikel worden drie kwesties besproken – het kasteel van Amsterdam (1994-1995), de mikwe van Venlo (2004-2014) en het koningsgraf van Willem II in Middelburg – waarbij een tastbare archeologische vondst aanvankelijk een sensationele historische theorie leek te ondersteunen. De combinatie van archeologische en historische bronnen bleek bij nader inzien geen sluitend interdisciplinair bewijs te leveren, maar slechts luchtkastelen, sprookjes of in elk geval een versie van het verleden die aan geen van beide disciplines recht deed. Deze kwesties zijn aanleiding om vier methodische vuistregels inzake historischarcheologisch onderzoek voor het voetlicht te brengen. Het meest voor de hand liggend om een collectieve maatschappelijke kater te voorkomen is nuchter blijven en niet in de enthousiasmerende dronkenschap of roes van historische sensatie meegesleurd te worden. Juist bij fascinerende historisch-archeologische vraagstukken, is dat een valkuil waar ook zeer geoefende onderzoekers met open ogen in kunnen lopen. Dit artikel maakt deel uit van het discussiedossier 'Op het raakvlak van historische disciplines'.
Coen Wilders, Patronage in de provincie. Het Utrechtse netwerk van stadhouder Willem III
Authors: Raeymaekers Dries
Published: December 2015

Coen Wilders, Patronage in de provincie. Het Utrechtse netwerk van stadhouder Willem III (Dissertatie Universiteit van Amsterdam 2010; Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2015, 236 pp., isbn 978 90 8964 738 2).
Coreline Boot, Het leger onder vuur. De Koninklijke Landmacht en haar critici 1945-1989
Authors: Klep Christ
Published: December 2015

Coreline Boot, Het leger onder vuur. De Koninklijke Landmacht en haar critici 1945-1989 (Dissertatie Leiden 2014; Amsterdam, Boom, 2015, 312 pp., isbn 978 90 8953 634 1).
Judith Brouwer, Levenstekens. Gekaapte brieven uit het Rampjaar 1672
Authors: Zijlstra Suze
Published: December 2015

Judith Brouwer, Levenstekens. Gekaapte brieven uit het Rampjaar 1672 (Dissertatie Rijksuniversiteit Groningen 2013; Hilversum: Verloren, 2014, 352 pp., isbn 978 90 8704 405 3).