bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monetary and Fiscal Arrangements for the Eurozone: Some Unconventional Proposals
Authors: Masini Fabio 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Contributions in this special issue argue make a number of points with regard to the urgent need to change the economic governance of the Eurozone, pointing at some tools to increase its spending capacity. The process of potential fragmentation ignited by the recent vote on Brexit make such changes even more urgent, signalling the need to provide concrete responses to citizens, in order to show that the euro area, and the EU at large, are able to satisfy some of their crucial needs. The papers which make up this special issue were presented in Florence, at a meeting held in the framework of a Jean Monnet + Project called MoreEU. The first section deals with the reform of the budget; the second with a further use of quantitative easing and the role of the ECB.
Reforming the financing of the EU budget: Outlook
Authors: D’Alfonso Alessandro 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This paper provides a general overview of the EU’s own resources system, and of the debate on its possible reform within the current legal framework. Two alternative reforms are discussed, along with their possible advantages and drawbacks: 1) a simplified system based only on a resource related to gross national income; and 2) the introduction of new genuine own resources and the possible elimination of some current own resources. The second option, which has long been called for by the European Parliament, is explored in further detail, with an overview of the potential candidates for new own resources analysed by the European Commission prior to its 2011 reform proposal. The current outlook for a possible reform focuses on the ongoing work of the high-level group on own resources chaired by Professor Mario Monti, presenting the main obstacles to change and possible ways forward. This paper updates the author’s in-depth analysis How the EU budget is financed: The “own resources” system and the debate on its reform (European Parliamentary Research Service, Brussels).
Mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 – A round-up of key issues at stake
Authors: Sapała Magdalena 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
By the end of 2016 the European Commission is expected to present its mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020. The results of the review may open the way for a revision of the MFF Regulation. The scope of the review, as laid down in the legislation, as well as the difficult implementation of the MFF in its first years, give grounds to expect changes in the MFF Regulation. However, experience of past reviews and the requirement of a unanimous vote in the Council on the revision of the MFF raise concerns about the final result of the exercise.
This paper explains how the idea of the mid-term review of the MFF has evolved, why it has become so important, and what issues are at stake at the outset of the debate. It shows that in order to ensure a smoother implementation of the MFF in the future years some radical changes are necessary, including an increase of the ceilings and flexibility. Besides, the problems with the implementation of the current MFF give arguments for a thorough reform with a view of the post-2020 MFF.
EU governance in the run-up to 2025: A Joint Budgetary Procedure
Authors: Nicoli Francesco 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The Euro Area (Eurozone, or EZ) is navigating uncharted waters; it has started, in slow motion, to slide towards a fiscal federation, while still lacking both the fiscal capacity and the democratic qualification to achieve this goal. Strengthening the EMU’s democratic profile is a fundamental requirement for the sustainability of the EMU as much as its completion with a fiscal and economic arm. Yet, according to the Five Presidents Report released in 2015, no substantial progress is expected to be achieved before 2025. Against this background, this paper is structured in two parts. The first part analyses the most recent trends in the Governance of the Eurozone. The second part discusses whether a transition from governance to government of the Monetary Union is both feasible and effective, advancing a new proposal -a Joint Budgetary Procedure-tailored to strengthen the European Semester with stronger incentive mechanisms, greater reach and stronger governance.
Surface Contamination in a Teaching Hospital: A 6 Year Perspective
Authors: Roland Christel , Ouellette-Frève Johann-François , Plante Caroline , Bussières Jean-François 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjective:The aim of this paper is to review the surface contamination of three hazardous drugs within a teaching hospital and comment the different strategies put in place over the years in the context of these multicenter studies.Background:Many cross-sectional studies have been published about surface contamination with hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.Methods:This is a descriptive retrospective and longitudinal study. The study was conducted in a 500-bed mother-child university health center in Quebec, Canada.Results:A total of 72 samples (e. g. 36 in the pharmacy and 36 in outpatient care area) were obtained between 2010 and 2016 for a total of 216 analyses (three drugs/samples tested). The proportion of positive samples was 50 % (36/72) for cyclophosphamide, 32 % (23/72) for ifosfamide and 19 % (14/72) for methotrexate. The cyclophosphamide concentrations measured varied from undetectable to 400 pg/cmConclusion:This study shows a longitudinal perspective of the surface contamination of hazardous drugs in a teaching mother-child hospital. Every hospital should review its annual scorecard of contamination with a longitudinal perspective to minimize drug contamination. It is possible to contain surface contamination with hazardous drugs with different strategies.
Future of environmental research in the age of epigenomics and exposomics
Authors: Holland Nina 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEnvironmental research and public health in the 21st century face serious challenges such as increased air pollution and global warming, widespread use of potentially harmful chemicals including pesticides, plasticizers, and other endocrine disruptors, and radical changes in nutrition and lifestyle typical of modern societies. In particular, exposure to environmental and occupational toxicants may contribute to the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes, neurodevelopmental deficits, and increased risk of cancer and other multifactorial diseases such as diabetes and asthma. Rapidly evolving methodologies of exposure assessment and the conceptual framework of the Exposome, first introduced in 2005, are new frontiers of environmental research. Metabolomics and adductomics provide remarkable opportunities for a better understanding of exposure and prediction of potential adverse health outcomes. Metabolomics, the study of metabolism at whole-body level, involves assessment of the total repertoire of small molecules present in a biological sample, shedding light on interactions between gene expression, protein expression, and the environment. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics are generating multidimensional structures of biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, increasingly important for the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the emergence of personalized medicine. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation and miRNA expression, attract increasing attention as potential links between the genetic and environmental determinants of health and disease. Unlike genetics, epigenetic mechanisms could be reversible and an understanding of their role may lead to better protection of susceptible populations and improved public health.
Risk Factors for Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in In-Home and Out-of-Home Settings
Authors: Kassa Hilina , Moon Rachel Y. , Colvin Jeffrey D. 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Multiple environmental risk factors are associated with sleep-related infant deaths. Little is known about differences in risk factors for deaths occurring in-home and out-of-home. We sought to compare risk factors for in-home and out-of-home infant deaths.

METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of sleep-related infant deaths from 2004 to 2014 in the National Child Fatality Review and Prevention database. The main exposure was setting (in-home versus out-of-home) at time of death. Primary outcomes were known risk factors: sleep position, sleep location (eg, crib), objects in the environment, and bed sharing. Risk factors for in-home versus out-of-home deaths were compared using the χ2 test and multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS:
A total of 11 717 deaths were analyzed. Infants who died out-of-home were more likely to be in a stroller/car seat (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.1–3.4; P &lt; .001) and other locations (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.3; P &lt; .001), and placed prone (adjusted odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.3; P &lt;0.01). Bed sharing was less common out-of-home (adjusted odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–0.7; P &lt; .001). There were no differences in sleeping on a couch/ chair, or objects in the sleep environment.

CONCLUSIONS:
Sleep-related infant deaths in the out-of-home setting have higher odds of having certain risk factors, such as prone placement for sleep and location in a stroller/car seat, rather than in a crib/bassinet. Caregivers should be educated on the importance of placing infants to sleep supine in cribs/bassinets to protect against sleep-related deaths, both in and out of the home.
LAS MUJERES EN LAS ESFERAS POLÍTICAS ASIÁTICAS
Authors: Inguanzo Isabel 
Published: October 2016

El porcentaje de mujeres en los parlamentos en los países de Asia-Pacífico es de los más bajos del planeta. Sin embargo, varios de estos países cuentan con una larga tradición de mujeres jefas de gobierno. Las principales causas que normalmente se atribuyen a la ausencia de mujeres en las esferas políticas son la existencia de sistemas electorales de tipo plurality y las resistencias a la adopción de cuotas. Esto último se ve afectado a su vez por determinadas actitudes políticas hacia la participación de la mujer en la vida pública y hacia determinadas concepciones de autoridad, presentes en los países de Asia. Estos elementos pueden afectar a la participación de las mujeres en política en general y a la participación de las mujeres en los puestos de toma de decisión en particular. Este estudio comparado analiza a través de un análisis estadístico el impacto de factores institucionales - propios del sistema electoral y del régimen político- socioeconómicos y de la posición de la mujer en diferentes Estados de Asia Pacífico, sobre la participación de las mujeres en la vida pública estos países.
Social Presence in a Three-Dimensional Virtual World Used for Distance Education / Društvena prisutnost u trodimenzionalnim virtualnim svjetovima koji se primjenjuju u nastavi na daljinu
Authors: Yilmaz Rabia , Aydemir Melike , Karaman Selcuj , Goktas Yuksel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine differences in social presence among students who had participated in a traditional video conference environment and a 3D virtual world for distance education. Also, characteristics of the 3D environment most affected their social presence, and the users’ opinions concerning the 3D environment were revealed. For this purpose, an exploratory, mixed research method was used in this study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were usedto collect and analyze the data. The participants included 40 distance education university students, of which 20 in an experimental group (using a 3D virtual world) and 20 in a control group (using traditional methods). The results indicate that students who used the 3D virtual environment reported notably higher social presence. They perceived 3D virtual world as more social than video conference environment. Also, they found the 3D virtual world warm, interesting, and flexible, and that they were active and sociable within such environment. These results showed that 3D virtual worlds can be used effectively in educational environments for distance education students because they provide a rich social presence.Key words: distance education and telelearning; interactive learning environments; three-dimensional (3D); virtual reality. --- SažetakSvrha ovog istraživanja bila je istražiti razlike u društvenoj prisutnosti među studentima koji su se, za nastavu na daljinu, koristili tradicionalnom videokonferencijom i 3D virtualnim svijetom. Osim toga, utvrđena su obilježja 3D okruženja koja najviše utječu na društvenu prisutnost i mišljenja korisnika o 3D okruženju. U ovom istraživanju koristile su se različite istraživačke metode. Za prikupljanje i analizu podataka koristile su se kvantitativne i kvalitativne metode. Uzorak ispitanika činilo je 40 studenata koji studiraju na daljinu, od toga je 20 studenata bilo u eksperimentalnoj grupi (koristili su se 3D virtualnim svijetom), a 20 u kontrolnoj grupi (koristili su se tradicionalnim metodama). Rezultati pokazuju da su student koji su se koristili 3D virtualnim okruženjem imali znatno veću društvenu prisutnost. 3D virtualni svijet doživjeli su društvenijim nego videokonferenciju. Uz to su uvidjeli da je 3D virtualni svijet pristupačnije, zanimljivije i fleksibilnije okruženje unutar kojeg su bili aktivni i društveni. Ti rezultati pokazuju da 3D virtualni svjetovi mogu biti učinkovita obrazovna okruženja za studij na daljinu zato što omogućuju veću društvenu prisutnost.Ključne riječi: interaktivna obrazovna okruženja; nastava na daljinu i teleučenje; trodimenzionalno (3D); virtualna stvarnost
Intercultural Sensitivity of Teachers / Interkulturalna osjetljivost nastavnika
Authors: Drandić Dijana 
Published: October 2016

The aim of the empirical research, conducted in the primary schools in the city of Pula and decribed in the current paper, was to examine (1) whether or not the teachers were interculturally sensitive and, if yes, to what extent, and (2) whether or not the teachers' intercultural sensitivity was affected by the factors, such as: their professional qualifications (class teaching – subject teaching), gender (male - female), school location (central or branch school) and years of service (up to 10 years, 11-20 years, and more than 20 years). The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale – ISS by Chen and Starosta (2000) was used as a measuring instrument here. This scale measures the intercultural sensitivity by focusing on 24 dependent items (variables/statements) linked to 4 independent variables and, thus, defining examinees. The results, obtained through the frequency analysis and the Chi-square test, as well as through the analysis of some statistically relevant figures (significance level 5%), suggest that – in terms of intercultural sensitivity – no statistically relevant difference subsists between the teachers. The participants proved to be interculturally sensitive; their professional qualifications, gender, school location and years of service did not affect their intercultural sensitivity level. Moreover, the research was also used to check the validity and reliability of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale within the context of the Croatian educational system. Key words: interaction between culturally diverse individuals; intercultural competence; student; teacher.---Cilj empirijskog istraživanja u ovom radu bio je, na primjeru osnovnih škola grada Pule,ispitati: jesu li i u kojoj mjeri nastavnici interkulturalno osjetljivi te postoje li razlike u interkulturalnoj osjetljivosti između nastavnika s obzirom na stručnu spremu (razredna nastava – predmetna nastava), spol (muški – ženski), položaj škole (centralna škola – područna škola) i godine staža provedene u nastavi (do 10 godina, od 11 do 20 godina i više od 20 godina). U istraživanju smo se koristili instrumentom Intercultural Sensitivity Scale – ISS autora Chen i Starosta. Skala mjeri interkulturalnu osjetljivost putem 24 zavisne varijable/tvrdnje kojima su pridružene 4 nezavisne varijable koje definiraju ispitanike. Na temelju rezultata istraživanja dobivenih frekvencijskom analizom i hi-kvadrat testom, zatim pregledom statistički značajnih rezultata (na razini signifikantnosti 5 %) možemo zaključitida ne postoji statistički značajna razlika u interkulturalnoj osjetljivosti među nastavnicima. Ispitali smo i utvrdili da su nastavnici interkulturalno osjetljivi, nije utvrđena razlika s obzirom na stručnu spremu, spol, status škole i godine staža provedene u nastavi. Naše istraživanje je, nadalje, poslužilo i za provjeru valjanosti i pouzdanosti Skale interkulturalne osjetljivosti u kontekstu hrvatskog odgojno-obrazovnog sustava. Ključne riječi: interakcija kulturno različitih; interkulturalna kompetencija; nastavnik; učenik.
Sport Talent of Pupils in the Split-Dalmatia County/Sportska darovitost učenika i učenica Splitsko-dalmatinske županije
Authors: Burger Ante , Rogulj Nenad , Papić Vladan , Čavala Marijana 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe study was conducted with the purpose of determining the level and the differences of sport talents in boys and girls attending primary schools in the Split-Dalmatia County. By the ''TALENT'' expert system we established potential talent in 93 randomly selected male and female primary school pupils in 14 different sports and sport disciplines based on the level of their motor and functional abilities evaluated by 7 measuring instruments. The results of the study show that particularly female pupils are, with regard to their motor and functional abilities, most talented for running athletic disciplines and kicking martial arts. We also revealed a high level of talent for sport games in male pupils, primarily tennis and football; while female pupils have talent for water sports in addition to some sport games and all kinds of martial arts. A similar distribution of sport talent in male and female pupils most likely leads to the similar structure of anthropological features in both sexes, and generally to a slightly higher level of potential sport talent in girls compared to the boys from this region.Key words: expert system; school; sport; talent.---SažetakIstraživanje je provedeno s ciljem utvrđivanja razine i razlika u sportskoj darovitosti između učenika i učenica osnovnih škola u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji. Putem ekspertnog sustava «TALENT» utvrđena je potencijalna darovitost 93 slučajno odabrana učenika i učenica u 14 različitih sportova i sportskih disciplina, na temelju razine njihovih motoričkih i funkcionalnih sposobnosti koje su procijenjene sa 7 mjernih instrumenata. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na to da su učenici, a posebno učenice, prema svojim motoričkim i funkcionalnim sposobnostima najdarovitiji za lake atletske trkačke discipline i borilačke sportove u vidu udaranja. Visoka razina darovitosti kod učenika postoji i za sportske igre, osobito za tenis i nogomet, a kod učenica osim za pojedine sportske igre i za sportove u vodi, kao i za sve vrste borilačkih sportova. Slična raspodjela sportske darovitosti kod učenika i učenika vjerojatno ukazuje i na sličnu strukturu antropoloških značajki kod oba spola, ali i generalno na nešto veću razinu potencijalne sportske darovitosti djevojčica u odnosu na dječake u navedenom području. Ključne riječi: darovitost; ekspertni sustav; sport; škola.
Using WebQuest and Wiki Activities in Chemistry Courses: Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ Views and their Motivation to Learn Chemistry / Primjena WebQuest i Wiki sustava u nastavi kemije: stavovi budućih učitelja i njihova motivacija za učenje kemije
Authors: Tepe Tansel , Ilhan Nail , Inceoglu Mustafa Murat 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study aims to determine pre-service elementary teachers’ views with regard to evaluating the effectiveness of WebQuest and Wiki activities prepared for general chemistry courses. It also aims to detect the effects of these activities on pre-service elementary teachers’ levels of motivation to learn chemistry. For this aim, we used a mixed method research design. Data were gathered using focus group interviews and the ‘Chemistry Motivation Questionnaire’. The sample of the study consisted of 111 pre-service elementary teachers from two different universities. The frequency of the pre-service teachers’ logging into WebQuest and Wiki activities of the Moodle Learning Management Systems were monitored. The qualitative result of the study shows that both systems made cognitive contributions to pre-service teachers and attracted their interest at the sensory level. As for the quantitative analysis, the results of our study indicate that pre-service teachers had positive views toward using WebQuest or Wiki activities in courses, whereas their motivation to learn chemistry did not increase. A positive, significant relationship but at a low level was observed between pre-service teachers’ motivation to learn chemistry and the frequency of logging into Wiki activities. Key words: Chemistry Course; Moodle; Motivation; WebQuest; Wiki.---SažetakOvim istraživanjem pokušat će se odrediti stavovi budućih učitelja vezani uz procjenu učinkovitosti primjene WebQuesta i Wikija pripremljenih za nastavu opće kemije. Također se nastoje otkriti učinci njihove primjene na razinu motivacije budućih učitelja za učenje kemije. S tom svrhom koristili smo se mješovitom metodologijom istraživanja. Podaci su dobiveni koristeći se intervjuima u fokus grupama i upitnikom 'Chemistry Motivation Questionnaire'. Uzorak ispitanika sastojao se od 11 budućih učitelja s dva sveučilišta. Promatrala se učestalost prijavljivanja na WebQust i Wiki sustave putem Moodle sustava za upravljanje učenjem/poučavanjem. Rezultati kvalitativne analize pokazali su da je primjena oba sustava imala kognitivni doprinos za buduće učitelje te je potaknula njihov interes na osjećajnoj razini. Što se kvantitativnih rezultata tiče, oni su u ovome istraživanju ukazali na to da budući učitelji imaju pozitivne stavove prema korištenju WebQuest ili Wiki sustava u nastavi, a da njihova motivacija za učenje kemije nije porasla. Pozitivan, značajan odnos, iako na niskoj razini, uočen je kod usporedbe motivacije budućih učitelja za učenje kemije i njihove učestalosti prijavljivanja u Wiki sustav. Ključne riječi: nastava kemije; Moodle; motivacija; WebQuest; Wiki.
Determinación de arsénico en agua potable del cantón del Grecia
Authors: Bolaños Alfaro John Diego 
Published: October 2016

La presente investigación científica cuantifica los niveles de arsénico en el agua potable del cantón de Grecia, de la provincia de Alajuela, utilizando la técnica analítica de absorción atómica acoplada a un generador de hidruros, debido a la reciente aparición de nacientes contaminadas con éste catión en el país y motivado por la ausencia de información actualizada en la zona de estudio. Se obtiene como principal resultado que ninguna de las 26 nacientes analizadas supera el límite máximo permitido por el decreto costarricense 32327-S, de 0.01 mg/L. Se ofrece además, información sobre las implicaciones para la salud que significa el consumo cotidiano de Arsénico y su relación con el desarrollo del arsenicismo crónico, donde se concluye, que aunque el cantón corresponde a una zona de riesgo por ubicarse en la faldas del volcán Poás, la ingesta de agua potable ofrecida por la Municipalidad y las ASADAS, no representan riesgo sobre ésta problemática de salud.