bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sibling Birth on BMI Trajectory in the First 6 Years of Life
Authors: Mosli Rana H. , Kaciroti Niko , Corwyn Robert F. , Bradley Robert H. , Lumeng Julie C. 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
This study examined the longitudinal association between birth of a sibling and changes in body mass index z-score (BMIz) trajectory during the first 6 years of life.

METHODS:
Children (n = 697) were recruited across 10 sites in the United States at the time of birth. Sibship composition was assessed every 3 months. Anthropometry was completed when the child was age 15 months, 24 months, 36 months, 54 months, and in first grade. Children were classified based on the timing of their sibling’s birth. A piecewise quadratic regression model adjusted for potential confounders examined the association of the birth of a sibling with subsequent BMIz trajectory.

RESULTS:
Children whose sibling was born when they were 24 to 36 months or 36 to 54 months old, compared with children who did not experience the birth of a sibling by first grade, had a lower subsequent BMIz trajectory and a significantly lower BMIz at first grade (0.27 vs 0.51, P value = 0.04 and 0.26 vs 0.51, P value = 0.03, respectively). Children who did not experience the birth of a sibling by the time they were in first grade had 2.94 greater odds of obesity (P value = 0.046) at first grade compared with children who experienced the birth of a sibling when they were between 36 to 54 months old.

CONCLUSIONS:
A birth of a sibling when the child is 24 to 54 months old is associated with a healthier BMIz trajectory. Identifying the underlying mechanism of association can help inform intervention programs.
The easternmost tropical Pacific. Part I: A climate review
Authors: Amador Jorge A. , Rivera E. R. , Durán-Quesada A. M. , Mora G. , Sáenz F. , Calderón B. , Mora N. 
Published: March 2016

<p>The tropics are characterized by a variety of atmospheric and oceanic systems dominated by multi-scale interaction processes. This is Part I of a two-part review study on climate and climate variability of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Here, the mean fields of incoming short wave radiation, surface energy fluxes, sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, salinity, wind patterns at 10m height, wind stress curl, precipitation, and evaporation are analyzed and synthetized using available data including that from the last decade. Given the strong interaction between the ETP and Caribbean Sea-Atlantic Ocean, mean field discussions are presented for two different domains, a relatively large domain from 24° S - 36° N and between 129° W - 17° W, and a smaller domain embedding only the Caribbean Sea and the easternmost part of the ETP. Most results on the climate of these two regions can be used as the base line for climate change studies. Interannual variability of tropical cyclones is also investigated over the domain of the latter two basins in the smaller domain. The study is complemented with a short review of some low frequency modes, such as, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation. Such low-frequency modes are known to modulate regional systems, including tropical cyclone frequency.</p><div> </div>
Investigaciones científicas en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco y aguas adyacentes del Pacífico de Costa Rica
Authors: Aguilar Sergio 
Published: March 2016

<p>This Special Issue of the Revista de Biología Tropical, “Scientific Research at Isla del Coco National Park and Adjacent Waters, Pacific Costa Rica” (Volume 64, Supplement 1, 2016) contains 20 papers, with topics ranging from atmospheric sciences to an analysis of conservation public policies, including also papers on physical oceanography, chemistry, botany and marine biodiversity of Isla del Coco National Park, its adjacent waters and regions between the continent and the island. The 20 papers were written by 54 authors, including 15 students, from 13 national and international institutions. The manuscripts were reviewed by more than 75 researchers to whom I am greatly thankful. (The list of reviewers is presented at the end; several requested to remain anonymous.) Their corrections, suggestions and comments greatly contributed to improve the papers. Most of the publications are the product of research projects funded by the Vice-rectory for Research of the University of Costa Rica, the French Fund for the World Environment, the National Council of Rectors of the Public Universities of Costa Rica (CONARE), Conservation International, the Undersea Hunter Group, and other funding agencies. I acknowledge the unconditional support, once more, of the Revista de Biología Tropical. The publication of this Special Issue was possible thanks to the financial contributions by the Costa Rican National Academy of Science, the Undersea Hunter Group, the Pristine Seas Project (National Geographic Society, thanks to Enric Sala), and Conservation International (CI). Finally, I want to thank each and every one of the authors for contributing with their manuscripts for this new Special Issue on scientific research at Isla del Coco National Park and its surrounding waters. I hope that this Special Issue, as well as the previous ones, contributes to increase awareness of the importance of Isla del Coco for Costa Rica and the entire world.</p><div> </div>
Distribución espacio-temporal de la temperatura, salinidad y oxígeno disuelto alrededor del Domo Térmico de Costa Rica
Authors: Lizano Omar G. 
Published: March 2016

<p>The Costa Rica Thermal Dome (CRTD) is an oceanographic phenomenon in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). This is a region of very high biological productivity, resulting in high concentrations of phytoplankton, sea birds, and large pelagics, such as tunas, dolphins and whales. Few publications have looks at the station variability of the water column of the CRTD. Here, horizontal and vertical distribution of some oceanic parameters was analyzed to show the dynamics of ETP, its influence on the CRTD, climatic variations and relationships that justify their distributions. Climatological monthly mean data of Ocean Data View (ODV) from 1900 to 2009 were used to compile profiles of the water column’s temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen, and their spatial distributions around the Costa Rica Thermal Dome (CRTD). Monthly variations of these parameters depend on the intensity and extent of ocean-meteorological phenomena in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), which are related to the north-south migration of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The monthly climatic variation of these variables is analyzed down to 200 m depth. Increased climate variability is found in the water column at stations north and east of the CRTD. The two stations north of the CRTD, closer to the coast, are the ones most affected by the wind in front of the Gulf of Papagayo and where the greatest monthly upwelling variation occurs in this region. The distribution and concentration of dissolved oxygen depends on the ocean-atmospheric dynamics. Oxygen is consumed by respiration and organic matter oxidation around CRTD. Moreover, this is one of the regions of the tropical oceans where an Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) exist, which is related also to poor water circulation or lack ocean ventilation. Sources of dissolved oxygen are linked with sub-surface currents coming from the west and from the south of the geographic equator.</p><div> </div>
Los anormales y el "desarrollo de la pastoral" de Foucault, como expresión plástica en el Jardín de las delicias (1480-1490) de El Bosco
Authors: Montero Rodríguez Daniel 
Published: March 2016

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>El presente artículo analiza el texto pictórico </span><span>El jardín de las delicias </span><span>(1480-1490) del pintor neerlandés Jerónimo Bosch (1450-1516), El Bosco, a partir de los postulados teóricos de Michel Foucault. En primera instancia, se observan los componentes icónicos y su referencialidad, como parte de una visión de mundo determinada por lo sociocultural. Por otra parte, se estudia la relación de la pintura con el discurso religioso, dentro del desarrollo de la “pastoral” y la condición de la monstruosidad humana, explicadas por Michel Foucault en su texto </span><span>Los anormales</span><span>. </span></p></div></div></div>
The Impact of Mobile Phones on English Language Learning: Perceptions of EFL Undergraduates
Authors: Nalliveettil George Mathew , Alenazi Talal Hail Khaled 
Published: March 2016

Researchers across the world are examining the educational value and effectiveness of integrating the latest electronic gadgets with teaching-learning activities in the classroom. In spite of the availability of latest electronic gadgets like iPods, tablets, and smartwatches, researchers are more interested in the educational value of the mobile phones for the teaching-learning of English. In a technologically advanced country like Saudi Arabia, the third and fourth generation (3G, 4G) mobile devices are available at affordable prices, and people of all streams find it necessary to own a mobile phone for connecting with their friends and relatives. Moreover, it has become a common trend among undergraduates to carry a mobile phone to the classroom as well. The present study examines the impact of mobile phones on students’ English language learning. A field study was conducted on fifty-two undergraduate male students majoring in English language and literature at Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia. The methodology of data collection included a self-report for students and a teacher questionnaire. Findings of the study are significant for EFL teachers and researchers for introducing innovative methods and resourceful materials for the English classroom.
Tratamento de resíduo líquido de laticínios utilizando Caixas de Gordura e Reator Anaeróbio Compartimentado seguido de Leitos Cultivados
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina Ferreira Moreira da , E. S. Paterniani José , Roston Denis M. , B. Fernandes Taciano 
Published: March 2016

Neste trabalho foram avaliados o desempenho e a eficiência de um sistema de tratamento de resíduos líquidos de laticínios na remoção da carga orgânica do resíduo em uma indústria de laticínios, utilizando um sistema composto por caixas de gordura, reator anaeróbio compartimentado e leitos cultivados de fluxo subsuperficial vegetado com Typha sp. e utilizando como meio suporte brita #1, sob diferentes tempos de detenção hidráulica (3 e 5 dias) nos leitos cultivados. Como média geral na remoção de DBO e de DQO, o tratamento utilizando tempo de detenção de 3 dias conseguiu remover 98,87% de DBO e 99,77% de DQO, enquanto o tratamento utilizando 5 dias de detenção hidráulica removeu, em média, 99,51% de DBO e 99,56% de DQO. Os resultados indicam que o sistema foi eficiente no tratamento de resíduos líquidos de laticínios.
Administración del riesgo temporal de liquidez, asociado a los llamados al margen, dentro del negocio de comercialización del café verde en Colombia
Authors: Mejía Vega Carlos Armando 
Published: March 2016

<p>En este artículo desarrollamos dos esquemas para administrar el riesgo temporal de liquidez, asociado a los llamados al margen, que experimentan aquellas firmas que: 1) exportan café verde de la especie vegetal arábica en Colombia, y 2) hacen uso del Contrato “C” de Café para mitigar el riesgo de precio al que están constantemente expuestas. Los dos esquemas parten de la base de que un exportador debe depositar una determinada cantidad de efectivo al momento de presentarse un llamado al margen, y por eso se concentraron en la constitución de un fondo preventivo. Para hallar el monto del mismo, se hizo uso del modelo elaborado por Eduardo Schwartz en 1997, pero adaptado al corto plazo, con el cual se estableció una dinámica temporal para el Precio Futuro del Contrato “C” de Café y, posteriormente, se elaboró una metodología (a través de una Simulación de Monte Carlo) para establecer: 1) en qué momentos en el futuro se podían llegar a producir llamados al margen y 2) el monto que debía depositarse en cada uno de esos puntos temporales. Con esos dos inputs, se procedió a tomar el valor esperado y a realizar el proceso de descuento para hallar el monto del fondo preventivo. En el primer esquema, el fondo obtenido no se modificó durante el tiempo en el que el exportador tenía una posición abierta en un portafolio de Contratos “C” de Café (salvo por la presencia de los llamados al margen). En el segundo esquema, sin embargo, el monto del fondo se iba reajustando adicionalmente en la medida en que se tenía nueva información de mercado cada día. Con base en lo anterior, y realizando un ejercicio de backtesting, se evidenció que el segundo esquema permitió una mejor administración de los llamados al margen que el primero, si bien ciertas particularidades de la metodología empleada en ambos casos (en especial el uso del valor esperado) impidieron que se alcanzara una administración mucho más efectiva. De esta forma, la conclusión principal fue que el valor esperado no es el mejor momento estadístico para la constitución de un fondo preventivo, pero la metodología propuesta hasta el momento de determinar el mejor momento estadístico es un primer punto de partida para futuros trabajos. </p>
Macro-Drivers Of Gulf Co-operation Council Countrys Economic Risk
Authors: El-Sady Hassan Mounir 
Published: March 2016

This study provides the first empirical analysis of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), which explores the macro-drivers of each country's economic risk. It examined the economic risk across GCCs countries over the period of January 2000 to December 2011. The study included all GCC countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, United Arab of Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Sultanate of Oman (Oman), and Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain). In terms of economic risk, results revealed that Kuwait and UAE represented a safe land for local and international investment to be allocated in GCC. This could be attributed to their very high rating and stability of economic systems in comparison with other GCC countries. Results also revealed that KSA, Qatar and Bahrain were considered countries with an instable economic system in comparison with other GCC countries. Moreover, findings revealed that each GCC country was a unique case in terms of its drivers of economic risk. Results also indicated that while KSAs economic risk was driven by the instability of its budget balance as a percentage of GDP, Kuwaits economic risk was driven by the low real GDP growth, and UAEs economic risk was driven by the instable GDP per capita. As for the economic risk of Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, it was driven by the illiquidity of the economy as measured by the current account as a percentage of GDP.
Challenges For Tourism: A Changing Paradigm
Authors: Cordente-Rodriguez Maria , Mondejar-Jimenez Juan-Antonio , Talayan Agueda Esteba 
Published: March 2016

The present environment is characterized for the uncertainty and crisis, and the existence of threats and dangers in the society and in the tourist sector for the survival of companies in the market. In addition, apart from changes in the economic situation, changes in demand occur in terms of new wants and needs, obliging suppliers to adapt to them in order to survive in times of a highly competitive environment and a difficult economic situation, when the key is not just attracting visitors, but also satisfying them in order to gain their loyalty. So the real threat is the lack of response to changing situations. The Spanish tourist sector is pressured by various threats such as the need to improve the competitiveness of destinations and products, make the industry more professional, encourage new forms of marketing and promotion, or change the sales model. Therefore, businesses must adapt to these changes and respond to them, strengthen the confidence of customers, who seek to obtain the optimum value for money. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the tourism activity in the town of Cuenca in the period 2005 to 2009, focusing the analysis on how supply changed to adapt to the requirements of demand. The aim being to evaluate their and correct errors, and design the actions of the future. That is to say, create an appropriate market strategy to promote the tourism product and ensure the idea of a consolidated tourist destination.
A Central Banks Role In Cashless Payments
Authors: Duemmler Tobias , Kienle Stephan 
Published: March 2016

The smooth functioning of payment systems is relevant for both the efficiency of the financial sector as well as the implementation of monetary policy operations. Therefore, payment systems are often provided by central banks. The characteristics of individual payment systems, such as increasing economies of scale, favour the development of a monopolistic situation. Therefore, we consider the role of a central bank acting as a monopolist and discuss possible welfare effects. Against the background of huge systemic risks, a central bank acting as an operator of an individual payment system is supposed to be the optimal solution. We illustrate our findings in the light of the role of the Bundesbank which has traditionally been operating its own payment systems.
Retention Management Of Critical (Core) Employees A Challenging Issue Confronting Organisations In The 21st Century
Authors: Chew Janet , Entrekin Lanny 
Published: March 2016

Employee retention is one of the challenges facing many business organisations today. Many industries are afflicted with high demand for specialised employees and are also suffering high levels of turnover. We have moved into a knowledge-based society where human capital is considered a key resource and a competitive business advantage. The high attrition rate of critical (core) employees is costly to corporations. Loss of these high talent employees results in the stripping of valuable human capital, critical skills and institutional memory. Consequently, companies are giving increased attention to ways of retaining their high performing employees rather than relying on costly replacement and retraining. New paradigm companies recognise that an important element in business management practices is the need to successfully motivate and retain employees who survive organisational restructuring, downsizing, consolidation, reorganising or re-engineering initiatives. This paper examines the current human resource practices on the retention of core employees in twelve Australian organisations. It explores the relationship between human resource (HR) practices and retention and further identifies the elements of HR practices, which strongly influence the decision for core employees to stay. It is part of a three phased study and the methodologies discussed in this paper consist of a) a Delphi survey of expert opinions and b) an in-depth interview of HR Managers of organisations. Results from this study will assist in the development of an effective HRM retention program for organisations. Businesses can successfully keep critical employees with a total retention strategy and HR programs to support it.
Entrepreneurship: An Educational Perspective (The Case Of Slovenia Compared To Developed Economies)
Authors: Dimovski Vlado , Znidarsic Jana 
Published: March 2016

Challenges of modern economy are forcing the developed countries to seek comparative advantages mainly in their human resources in the trained, educated, flexible and self-confident workforce. Lifetime learning, continuous training and systematic development of entrepreneurial and managerial skills are becoming the basic need for any developed and/or developing country. Well-educated people with the above mentioned characteristics are initiators of high-tech and dynamic entrepreneurship, which is without doubt the main factor of development. Considering the fact that Slovenia is still far away from ideal entrepreneurial society in which entrepreneurship is the way of life for the majority of its population as well as taking into account that Slovenian entrepreneurs and managers have much lower education than their American counterparts we come to the conclusion that Slovenia should focus much more on entrepreneurial and managerial education. For these reasons we are going to discuss the following hypotheses:Slovenia needs to expand its entrepreneurial activity in general, especially dynamic and high-tech entrepreneurship to compete successfully on the European market.The psychological profile of Slovenian people and/or entrepreneurs is closer to theprofile of employees than to dynamic entrepreneurs. Dynamic entrepreneurship requires a higher educational level than Slovenian entrepreneursposses.Slovenia should improve its educational structure.Entrepreneurial education should involve the implementation of modern, active learningmethods.Active teaching (learning) methods contribute to the development of entrepreneurial characteristics.
Evaluating The International Diversification Benefits Of Chinas New Indexes
Authors: Meziani A. Seddik 
Published: March 2016

This article examines the characteristics and performance of selected Chinas financial indexes. Although several indexes were recently made available, this study focuses on three in particular because they are compiled using distinct methodologies. Based on the differences in their composition, they were categorized as either global or investable indexes, herein indexes composed of shares that are readily available for trading in the market. From a portfolio diversification perspective, this study found that U.S. investors seeking exposure to China stand to gain the most from funds tracking the Standard & Poors/CITIC 50 Index (a global index) than from those tracking the FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Indexor the Halter USX China Index (investable indexes). Its risk-return characteristics, along with other performance evaluation measures used, show that it is most efficient in providing international diversification benefits.
Impact of two disinfectants on detachment of Enterococcus faecalis from polythene in aquatic microcosm
Authors: Djimeli C. Lontsi , Arfao A. Tamsa , Rossi V , Nsulem N , Raspal V , Bricheux G , Nola M , Sime-Ngando T. 
Published: March 2016

<p><strong>After cell adhesion processes in microcosm, the impact of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) on the detachment of <em>Enterococcus faecalis </em>from polythene fragments immersed in water under stationary and dynamic conditions was assessed. The abundance of planktonic cells was also evaluated. The density of <em>E. faecalis</em> adhered in absence of disinfectant fluctuated between 2 and 4 units (Log CFU/cm<sup>2</sup>). </strong><strong>After living in disinfected water, </strong><strong>the density of <em>E. faecalis</em> remained adhered to polythene sometimes reached 2 units (Log CFU/Cm<sup>2</sup>)</strong><strong>. </strong><strong>This highest abundance of cells remained adhered was recorded with cells coming from the lag, exponential and stationary growth phases in water treated with 0.5‰ NaOCl. In H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> disinfected water, the highest value was recorded at all cells growth phases with 5‰ H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>concentration. Adhered <em>E. faecalis</em> cells have been sometimes completely or partially decimated respectively by NaOCl and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> treated water. Considering separately each experimental condition, it was noted that increasing the concentration of disinfectant caused a significant decrease (P≤0.01) in abundance of cells stay adhered after living in water disinfected by the two disinfectants. Changes in disinfectant concentrations in different experimental conditions had an impact on the detachment of <em>E. faecalis</em> cells from the substrates. </strong></p>