bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN TERMS OF ITS REGIONAL LOCALIZATION IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Kotulič Rastislav , Adamišin Peter , Kravčáková Vozárová Ivana 
Published: November 2014

The phenomenon of globalization had resulted in strengthening of the international capital movement in the 1990s, which led to an intensive retraction of small and open economies into the globalization process. The foreign direct investment (FDI) has since gained its importance, especially in the area of local and regional development. Its positive impact is reflected at the local, as well as at the national level. FDI is the means of ensuring technology transfer, increasing employment, as well as improving the quality of the workforce.The aim of this article is to assess the stock of foreign direct investment and its localization in the Slovak regions at NUTS III level. From the content perspective, the article analyzes the economic development of the Slovak region by region, based on the stock of FDI, by using models from neoclassical theory of regional development for the period from 1999 to 2009. We assumed that the different regional stock of foreign direct investment would have a significant impact on the economic differentiation of the regions in the Slovak Republic. This analysis confirmed our assumption.
CONSUMER ETHNOCENTRISM AND CONSUMER ASSOCIATIONS WITH SLOVAK BRANDS
Authors: Vilčeková Lucia 
Published: November 2014

This paper describes the perception of Slovak consumers toward domestic and foreign brands and examines their associations with Slovak brands. The introduction to country of origin in marketing is provided, followed by a brief description of consumer ethnocentrism and consumer animosity; then description of research methodology is mentioned; and finally, research results are presented.The representative research was conducted in 2013 over a sample of 1,067 Slovak consumers over the age of 16. To capture the spontaneous reactions to Slovak brands, the respondents were asked to name what comes to their mind when they hear the expression “Slovak brand.” Slovak consumers associate domestic brands with quality, tradition, fair prices, and Slovakia. Their primary feelings toward Slovak brands are mostly positive. If they have negative perception, that is only because domestic products are not often available in stores and there is a lack of Slovak brands. Moreover, the consumers were presented with a list of 27 statements concerning their attitude toward domestic and foreign brands and their brand buying behavior. Based on the research results, Slovak consumers can be observed as very brand-oriented and often possess a strong brand loyalty when making purchasing decisions. Slovak consumers are not necessarily patriotic as far as purchasing is concerned. The main reason for buying Slovak products is only to support the economy and the Slovak consumers are very aware of the benefits of supporting domestic production. Nevertheless, consumer ethnocentrism is not typical for Slovaks.
ROMANIAN ACHIEVEMENTS IN PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
Authors: Stoicescu Maria , Ionescu Eugen Mihail 
Published: November 2014

Petroleum has been and still remains, in equal measure, a friend and an enemy to humanity: a friend for its use in numerous applications over the years, from the lubrication of cart axles to jet fuel; an enemy for creating permanent conflicts between countries, leading to a global conflagration. This layout has perpetuated for over two millennia, until today.The problem of petroleum has a multitude of aspects: economic, political, financial, social, military, legislative and, last but not least, scientific and technical. It has taken a share of sacrifices, which may not be overlooked, to be rightfully called “black gold.” Subject to continuous development, petroleum is still indispensable to our quotidian life, although attempts have been made to replace it with alternative energy sources due to its negative effects on the planet, which are increasingly visible.The present state of petroleum industry is the result of a continuous labor of many generations of researchers, professors, engineers, technicians, foremen, and workers, especially from petroleum producing countries. Romania is one of the first petroleum producers and ranked first in Europe and among the first nations worldwide until the end of the 19th century. During the 20th century, a large number of oil and gas reservoirs were discovered in many countries on all continents; even today Romania still remains an important producer with encouraging perspectives.Romanian contributions to the progress of petroleum industry are noticeable, being appreciated and implemented by the major companies worldwide. This work intends to present just several of these contributions, some of which are highlighted and highly regarded.
TRANSITIONAL PARADIGM AS AN EXPLANATION FOR THE DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESSES
Authors: Sqapi Gerti 
Published: November 2014

Over the last quarter of the century, the transitional paradigm (or the approach of the transition) has been a dominant paradigm that has greatly influenced different studies on democratization. The purpose of this paper, in a general perspective, is to conduct an analysis of the transitional paradigm, assumptions, key concepts, and hypotheses developed thereof, in order to evaluate the validity or at least be able to understand and explain the processes of democratization wave that affected third world countries. Development of literature and studies within the conceptual framework of this paradigm was mainly conducted during the period of what is known as “the third wave of democratization.” Explanation and direction of change from autocratic to democratic regimes, evident in those countries affected by the third wave, were the main claim of the transition approach. This paper attempts to investigate the validity of the conceptual framework of this approach with respect to the interpretation (and change of directions) of the democratization processes in these countries.
REGULATION OF THE ASYMMETRY IN SPATIAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION
Authors: Imashev Eduard 
Published: November 2014

Based on the research results, the scientific work indicates economic trends and issues in the territorial organization of the economy and population of West Kazakhstan region. Analysis of the spatial development in the economic sphere has shown that there is a territorial localization of the productive forces in the north of West Kazakhstan region. The typology of the West Kazakhstan administrative districts was formed according to their level and pace of socioeconomic and environmental development, from 1997 to 2011, on the basis of rank-scoring methodology. The results of this work demonstrate that the Northern administrative districts of West Kazakhstan region have a relatively high or an average level of social and economic development. A low level of social and economic development characterizes the administrative districts located to the south, west, southwest and southeast of West Kazakhstan region. These spatial differences reveal the current asymmetry in the level of social and economic development of the administrative districts, which determined the need for detecting major priorities in regulation of spatial social and economic development of the region. Thus, we propose the basic priorities for the spatial regulation of social and economic development of West Kazakhstan region within the framework of an effective intra-regional policy. The research results can be used by local government agencies to develop a regional management program for spatial social and economic development of West Kazakhstan region.
VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDA INFECTION PREVALENCE IN TASHKENT
Authors: Ziyadullaev Uktam 
Published: November 2014

Background: The information on the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis does not always reflect real situation regarding this disease, since the frequency of patients’ self- treatment remains high, as evidenced by the results of the studies based on anonymous surveys. The prevalence of this disease is growing steadily both in Uzbekistan and elsewhere in the world. Accumulated problems have provided grounds to conduct the research on the prevalence of Candida vulvovaginitis in the juvenile age population of Tashkent city. Method: The study included examining of 2107 adolescent aged girls of high schools, lyceums and colleges of Tashkent city. Results: Thus, in the studied region the prevalence of Candida vulvovaginitis in adolescent population is high, which in turn requires to take steps to further improve treatment and prevention.
Canon authors and fannish interaction
Authors: Leavenworth Maria Lindgren 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This article investigates how the authors of two popular vampire canons, Stephenie Meyer and J. R. Ward, use extratextual spaces such as homepages and Insider Guides to communicate with their fans while simultaneously limiting these fans’ possibilities for concrete involvement. It is argued that Meyer and Ward are engaged in a continuous battle for control over meaning, but that their interaction with their own narratives has close affinities with fannish practices in general. Of particular saliency is Ward’s and Meyer’s insistence on character autonomy, which increases the immediacy of their fictional worlds, but paradoxically weakens the authorial control they otherwise strive to maintain.
Análisis comparativo de tres tipos de estructuras de paso para canales
Authors: Zúñiga Martínez Edgar 
Published: November 2014

El presente estudio trató del análisis de tres clases de estructuras para salvar el cruzamiento de ríos: a)sifón invertido; b) canal en relleno con sistema de alcantarilla y c) puente canal prefabricado . Se consideraron aspectos constructivos , de operación y económicos para definir la mejor alternativa de las estructuras consideradas. El estudio se realizó por la necesidad de establecer una conexión entre el Canal Central, del Proyecto de Riego Arenal Tempisque, con el Canal Hotel del Proyecto de Riego San Luis a fin de pasar la conexión de canales sobre la Quebrada Salitral situada en Cañas, Guanacaste. Del análisis de esta situación se determinó que la canaleta prefabricada era la mejor alternativa por ser una estructura de fácil instalación y de menor costo de operación y mantenimiento. La estructura de canal en relleno con alcantarilla resultó sumamente costosa por utilizar diámetros que superaban las medidas comerciañes y el elevado costo de operación del relleno. El sifón invertido resultó inoperante por su elevado costo de operación y mantenimiento pues, necesita constante control para que no se atasque. Este hecho es particularmente importante porque el proyecto está localizado en una zona cañera donde, duranye la época de zafra, gran cantidad de hojas de caña invaden los canale sde irrigación.
Práticas de Disclosure Voluntário das Empresas do Setor Elétrico: Uma Análise a Partir do Modelo de Murcia
Authors: Silva Tiago Lucimar da , Alberton Luiz , Vicente Ernesto Fernando Rodrigues 
Published: November 2014

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar as principais práticas de disclosure voluntário das empresas do setor elétrico, listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, e criar um ranking de maiores níveis de divulgação voluntária entre estas empresas. Neste intuito, elaborou-se uma métrica composta por 6 (seis) categorias e 39 (trinta e nove) subcategorias: ambiente de negócios (8), atividade operacional (7), aspectos estratégicos (8), informações financeiras (5), índices financeiros (4) e governança corporativa (7). Utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo, a pesquisa foi realizada a partir das Demonstrações Financeiras Padronizadas (DFP), do exercício findo em 2010 das empresas do setor elétrico, listadas na BM&FBOVESPA. A amostra totalizou as 66 empresas (100%) do segmento econômico Utilidade Pública / Energia Elétrica. Contudo, apenas 65 companhias puderam ser analisadas, devido à ausência de publicação das informações até a data de término da pesquisa. As empresas, que compõem o ranking das melhores práticas de disclosure voluntário, são: Copel; Cemig; Cemig Distribuição e Eletrobrás. As informações com maior nível de evidenciação são: principais mercados de atuação (62), principais acionistas (61) e identificação dos riscos do negócio (59). Os itens menos divulgados foram: indicadores de liquidez (5), projeções (6), perspectivas de novos mercados que a empresa pretende atuar (6) e discussão da concorrência (7). Na análise dos dados ficou evidente a grande variabilidade quanto ao nível de disclosure voluntário das empresas do setor elétrico. Algumas empresas evidenciam um número significativo de informações, enquanto outras se atentaram apenas em cumprir o que é exigido por lei e divulgam poucas informações de forma voluntária.
The influence of craniofacial morphology on the upper airway dimensions
Authors: Indriksone Iveta , Jakobsone Gundega 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate the influence of craniofacial morphology on the upper airway dimensions in healthy adult subjects.

Materials and Methods:
The records of 276 healthy 17- to 27-year-old patients were extracted from the cone-beam computed tomography image database of the Institute of Stomatology, Riga Stradins University. Dolphin 11.7 software was used to evaluate craniofacial anatomy and semiautomatic segmentation of the upper airway. Measurements of oropharyngeal airway volume (OPV), minimal cross-sectional area (CSAmin), and nasopharyngeal airway volume (NPV) were obtained. The presence of adenoid tissues was recorded. Associations between variables were analyzed by Spearman's correlation coefficients, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify factors that had a possible influence on upper airway dimensions.

Results:
The following factors were identified as influencing the variability of NPV (23%): SNA angle, gender, and presence of adenoids. Statistically significant, although weak, correlations were found between SNB angle and OPV (r  =  0.144, P &lt; .05) and CSAmin (r  =  0.182, P &lt; .01).

Conclusion:
The results suggest that craniofacial morphology alone does not have a significant influence on upper airway dimensions.
The helminth community of the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis (Lagomorpha: Leporidae), in the province of Granada, Spain
Authors: Segovia J. , Vila T. , Vargas J. , Fuentes M. , Feliu C. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The helminth community of the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis, in the southern Spanish province of Granada was analysed, thorough the study of 487 individuals shot by hunters between November 1998 and October 1999. Six helminth species were found: Mosgovoyia pectinata (Cestoda); Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Nematodiroides zembrae, Nematodirus sp., Passalurus ambiguus and Micipsella numidica (Nematoda). N. zembrae and M. pectinata (62.4 % and 17.2 %, respectively) were the only component species found. The predominance of helminth species with a direct life cycle is noteworthy. These two component species were significantly influenced by season of capture. Other factors, such as host age and municipality of capture, influenced the prevalences and/or abundances of the component species, while host sex did not exert any important role. These variations, determined by extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors, in the helminth community could be related to the ecology of the Iberian hare, mainly diet, habitat and behaviour.
Microhabitat differences surrounding a pond affects the distribution of trematode parasites among a pulmonate snail community
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Luth K. , Esch G. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbance associated with clear-cutting and changing the environmental landscape can lead to distinct microhabitat structure surrounding aquatic habitats. The transmission dynamics of trematode parasites in their snail first intermediate hosts were examined to determine if these alterations affect trematode parasite distribution. This was accomplished by examining 2,771 pulmonate snails belonging to two species (Physa gyrina and Lymnaea columella) over a three month period in a pond surrounded by distinct microhabitats as a result of anthropogenic changes to the environmental landscape. Trematode parasite distribution in the snail first intermediate hosts was largely tied to the microhabitat preference of their vertebrate definitive hosts. Autogenic species were found further away from the center of the open microhabitat and allogenic parasites were closer to the centralized point, most likely as a result of habitat preference by their frog and waterfowl definitive hosts, respectively. Additionally, there was increased parasitism in the molluscan hosts at the edges of the wooded environments due to habitat overlap of autogenic and allogenic species hosts, indicating that microhabitat structure can have profound effects on parasite distribution.
Population structure of Opisthorchis felineus (Trematoda) and its second intermediate hosts — cyprinid fishes in the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis, based on allozyme data
Authors: Zhigileva O. , Ozhireľev V. , Stepanova T. , Moiseenko T. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Genetic variability of West Siberian populations of Opisthorchis felineus and two species of cyprinid fish, its second intermediate hosts, was studied by isozyme analysis. Low levels of allozyme variation and genetic differentiation in O. felineus from the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis were detected. The proportion of polymorphic loci was 21.1 %, the average observed heterozygosity (Hobs) was 0.008, and expected heterozygosity (Hexp) was 0.052. For most loci in O. felineus deficit of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.7424) was observed. A comparison of population genetic structure of fish and parasites showed they were not congruent. Estimates of genetic differentiation of the parasite were smaller than for the fish — its intermediate host. Migration and population structure of the second intermediate hosts do not play an important role in formation of the population-genetic structure of O. felineus in the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis.
Morphological and molecular characterization of two isolates of Paratrichodorus porosus from Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zeng Y. , Ye W. , Yang L. , Huang Y. , Zhao K. , Zhang Z. , Liang H. , Kerns J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Studies were conducted to characterize morphological and molecular profiles of two isolates of Paratrichodorus porosus (SZ1 and SZ2) which were recovered from Acacia mangium in Tianxinshan and Gleichenia linearis in Yangmeikeng environmental monitoring sites in Shenzhen, China, respectively. Analysis of morphometric, morphological and molecular characters revealed these two Shenzhen isolates are identical to P. porosus. Measurements of both study isolates lie within the ranges for P. porosus. It is typologically characterized by possessing a clearly swollen body cuticle after fixation, an onchiostyle ventrally curved, 46–58 μm long, a pharyngeal bulb usually with a well developed anterior-dorsal intestinal overlap, a secretoryexcretory pore opening between the nerve ring and anterior end of pharyngeal bulb, 90–110 μm from the anterior end, a reproductive system with didelphic, amphidelphic, without spermathecae, a pore-like vulva in ventral view and occupying 52.0 %–59.5 % of total body length from anterior end, a short and barrel-shaped vagina with small sclerotizations, a pair of ventromedian advulvar body pores located prevulvar and postvulvar, a rounded tail and a subterminal anus in females. The sequence analysis based on partial rDNA 18S gene and 28S D2/D3 expansion segment confirm its identity as P. porosus. This is the first report of P. porosus associated with A. mangium and G. linearis.
Microsatellite loci in two epiphytic lichens with contrasting dispersal modes: Nephroma laevigatum and N. parile (Nephromataceae)
Authors: Belinchón Rocío , Ellis Christopher J. , Yahr Rebecca 
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were characterized for two epiphytic cyanolichens, Nephroma laevigatum and N. parile (Nephromataceae), and will be used to investigate population structure and estimate gene flow among populations of these two closely related species with contrasting dispersal modes.• Methods and Results: Twelve and 14 microsatellite loci were characterized for N. laevigatum and N. parile, respectively. Allele number in N. laevigatum ranged from three to 13 per locus, while in N. parile there were from two to six alleles per locus. As expected, the sexually reproducing N. laevigatum had higher genetic diversity than the predominantly asexual N. parile.• Conclusions: This new set of markers is suitable for studying population structure and providing insights into gene flow among populations and for understanding processes of diversification. Compared between the species, they will facilitate an understanding of the influence of contrasting reproductive strategies on population and community structure.
Strengthening of the Hip and Core Versus Knee Muscles for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferber Reed , Bolgla Lori , Earl-Boehm Jennifer E. , Emery Carolyn , Hamstra-Wright Karrie 
Published: November 2014

Context
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common injury in running and jumping athletes. Randomized controlled trials suggest that incorporating hip and core strengthening (HIP) with knee-focused rehabilitation (KNEE) improves PFP outcomes. However, no randomized controlled trials have, to our knowledge, directly compared HIP and KNEE programs.

Objective
To compare PFP pain, function, hip- and knee-muscle strength, and core endurance between KNEE and HIP protocols after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. We hypothesized greater improvements in (1) pain and function, (2) hip strength and core endurance for patients with PFP involved in the HIP protocol, and (3) knee strength for patients involved in the KNEE protocol.

Design
Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting
Four clinical research laboratories in Calgary, Alberta; Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Augusta, Georgia.

Patients or Other Participants
Of 721 patients with PFP screened, 199 (27.6%) met the inclusion criteria (66 men [31.2%], 133 women [66.8%], age = 29.0 ± 7.1 years, height = 170.4 ± 9.4 cm, weight = 67.6 ± 13.5 kg).

Intervention(s)
Patients with PFP were randomly assigned to a 6-week KNEE or HIP protocol.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Primary variables were self-reported visual analog scale and Anterior Knee Pain Scale measures, which were conducted weekly. Secondary variables were muscle strength and core endurance measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.

Results
Compared with baseline, both the visual analog scale and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale improved for patients with PFP in both the HIP and KNEE protocols (P &lt; .001), but the visual analog scale scores for those in the HIP protocol were reduced 1 week earlier than in the KNEE group. Both groups increased in strength (P &lt; .001), but those in the HIP protocol gained more in hip-abductor (P = .01) and -extensor (P = .01) strength and posterior core endurance (P = .05) compared with the KNEE group.

Conclusions
Both the HIP and KNEE rehabilitation protocols produced improvements in PFP, function, and strength over 6 weeks. Although outcomes were similar, the HIP protocol resulted in earlier resolution of pain and greater overall gains in strength compared with the KNEE protocol.