bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sectoral Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Tasneem Alam
Published: August 2018

Does monetary policy have economically significant effects on the real output? Historically, economists have tended to hold markedly different views with regard to this question. In recent times, however, there seems to be increasing consensus among monetary economists and policy-makers that monetary policy does have real effects, at least in the short run.1 Consequently, focus of monetary policy analysis has recently shifted from the big question of whether money matters, to emphasising other aspects of monetary policy and its relations to real economic activity. One aspect that has received considerable attention of late is the sectoral or regional effects of monetary policy shocks. Recent studies on the subject make it quite clear that different sectors or regions of the economy respond differently to monetary shocks. This observation has profound implications for the macroeconomic management as the central bank will have to weigh the varying consequences of its actions on different sectors or regions of the economy. For instance, the tightening of monetary policy might be considered mild from the aggregate perspective, yet it can be viewed as excessive for certain sectors. If this is true then monetary policy should have strong distributional effects within the economy. Accordingly, information on which sectors react first and are more adversely affected by monetary tightening provides valuable information to monetary authorities in designing appropriate monetary policies. Additionally, the results can contribute to our understanding of the underlying nature of transmission mechanism. And for that reason, many economists have called for a disaggregated analysis of monetary transmission mechanism [e.g., Domac (1999), Dedola and Lippi (2005), Ganley and Salmon (1997), Carlino and DeFina (1998)].
Money, Output, and Inflation: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Wasim Shahid Malik
Published: August 2018

Pakistan has experienced inflationary episodes in the last thirty years. “Why has inflation been high in some of the periods?” is a debatable question. There are at least three possible candidate answers to this question; monetary policy actions, supply side factors and/or inflation in the rest of the world (trading partner countries). To test whether monetary policy actions are responsible for episodes of high inflation is the objective of this study. Khan and Schimmelpfennig (2006) studied the relative importance of monetary factors and supply side factors for inflation and found that monetary factors had played dominant role in inflation determination. Agha, et al. (2005), while studying transmission mechanism in Pakistan, found that inflation and output respond significantly to shocks in monetary policy instrument. However both studies depend on small data set. In this study Near-VAR approach has been used to model inflation, real GDP gap and reserve money and then impulse response functions are estimated by imposing restrictions consistent with economic theory, [Enders (2004); Sims (1986)]. Our results show the standard hump shaped response of output and inflation to monetary policy shock, reaching at peak after several quarters. Next Granger causality test is applied to test the direction of causality between inflation and reserve money and real GDP gap and reserve money. It is seen that inflation is Granger caused by reserve money but not the other way around. This result does not hold in case of reserve money and real GDP gap.
Voice and Votes—Does Political Decentralisation Work for the Poor and for Women? Empirical Evidence from the 2005 Local Government Elections in Pakistan
Authors: Regina Birner
Published: August 2018

Decentralisation is associated with the hope that “bringing government closer to the people” will improve the provision of public services by increasing people’s voice in decision-making, and by making the government more accountable to them. Decentralisation is also associated with the hope that disadvantaged groups of society, including the poor and women, will have better possibilities to exercise voice at the local level. Some countries have combined decentralisation with affirmative action, for example, by reserving seats in local councils for women and other disadvantaged groups. Yet the empirical evidence regarding the impacts of decentralisation has been mixed [Bardhan (2002); von Braun and Grote (2002); Jütting, et al. (2004); Steiner (2005)]. In many cases, political decentralisation has not been associated with fiscal and administrative decentralisation, thus limiting the scope of what local governments can actually do. Building capacity at the local level and overcoming coordination problems has been another challenge. Local elite capture has been identified as a major problem that can prevent positive effects of decentralisation for the poor, especially in societies with hierarchical power structures at the local level [Bardhan (2002)]. With regard to gender, there are concerns that decentralisation—even if associated with affirmative action—will not be sufficient to overcome gender-based discrimination. Again, the empirical evidence is mixed [ADB (2004)]. Chatthobadhay and Duflo (2004) found that that women who were elected as village leaders under the reservation policy in the Indian states of West Bengal and Rajastan invested more in those public goods that more closely linked to women’s concerns, such as drinking water. Baden (1999) showed that it depends on local power structures and on the availability and competition over resources whether or not women benefit from decentralisation. In view of the mixed results, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the possibilities to promote public service provision for the poor and for women through political decentralisation and associated affirmative action.
Trends in Absolute Poverty and Governance in Pakistan: 1998-99 and 2004-05
Authors: Talat Anwar
Published: August 2018

Poverty reduction has been at the centre stage of the policy agenda in Pakistan since the beginning of economic reform in the 1990s. Conversely, poverty indices show that the level of poverty has shown no sign of significant poverty reduction despite numerous policy and institutional initiatives undertaken by the government. The debate on trends in poverty during the 1990s has been wide-ranging in Pakistan. Although there has been a consensus that poverty rose during the 1990s, some controversies emerged on the analysis of poverty based on PSLM 2004-05. The official poverty estimates suggest that poverty declined substantially by 10 percentage points from 34.5 percent in 2001-02 to 23.9 percent in 2004-05. In contrast to this, World Bank (2006) has shown that decline in poverty was by 5 percentage point during the above period.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Karachi Stock Exchange
Authors: Attiya Y. Javed
Published: August 2018

In the developed markets the subject of corporate governance is well explored as a significant focus of economics and finance research but there is also a growing interest across emerging markets in this area. In Pakistan, the publication of the SECP Corporate Governance Code 2002 for publicly listed companies has made it an important area of research of corporate sector. According to La Porta, et al. (2000) ‘Corporate governance is to a certain extent a set of mechanisms through which outside investors protect themselves against expropriation by the insiders’. They define the insider as both managers and controlling shareholders A corporate governance system is comprised of a wide range of practices and institutions, from accounting standards and laws concerning financial disclosure, to executive compensation, to size and composition of corporate boards. A corporate governance system defines who owns the firm, and dictates the rules by which economic returns are distributed among shareholders, employees, managers, and other stakeholders. As such, a county's corporate governance regime has deep implications for firm organisation, employment systems, trading relationships, and capital markets. Thus, changes in Pakistani system of corporate governance are likely to have important consequences for the structure and conduct of country business.
Different formulations in gluten-free bread production: A review
Authors: SUNGUR Basak
Published: August 2018

Studies in recent years have shown that the market demand for gluten-free
products is considerably increasing to fulfill celiac patients’ needs. Celiac
disease is a food allergenic disease in humans induced by gluten in wheat,
barley, rye, kamut, spelt and hybrids like triticale. For individuals with this
disease, the one and only cure is to keep away from gluten-containing foods for
perpetuity. Because of this reason, production and development of gluten-free
bakery products, particularly bread because it is a basic food consumed daily
in the world, have become popular and have been improved by the addition of
different cereals, flours and starches, dough treatment or changing processing
conditions and the method of baking. It needs to improve gluten-free bakery
products’ quality because the absence of gluten is a big problem for the
quality of dough and bread. For example, a bread made from gluten free flour
has lower volume, weaker texture and aroma than the traditionally ones . However
the increase of gluten-free market, there are still some problems such as their
high prices, limited variety, and availability and low nutritional quality. This
review focuses on the finding suitable alternatives for gluten free bread to
improve their baking and sensory quality and nutritional properties.
Penerapan Metode Kohonen Som Dalam Pengenalan Karakter Seseorang Melalui Bentuk Bibir
Authors: Fitriani Dian , Faisol Faisol , Yulianto Tony
Published: August 2018

Karakter adalah kebiasaan yang dilakukan secara berulang-ulang serta bisa mencirikan seseorang. Dalam prosesnya, pengenalan karakter bisa dikenali melalui beberapa hal salah satunya dari instrumen di wajah, karena wajah bisa mengekspresikan perasaan seseorang, salah satu instrumen wajah yang bisa dikenali yaitu dilihat dari bentuk bibir, karena bibir berhubungan dengan kemampuan komunikasi. Sehingga dalam penelitian ini dikhususkan pada pengenalan karakter bentuk bibir. Pengenalan karakter dari bentuk bibir disini menggunakan jaringan syaraf tiruan dengan metode Kohonen SOM. Adapun metode Kohonen SOM tidak dapat dilakukan secara langsung karena bentuk bibir diubah dari bentuk citra diekstraksi menggunakan PCA untuk bisa dilakukan proses pengolahan menggunakan Kohonen SOM. Dari hasil penelitian ini dilakukan Pada citra 20 mahasiswa, yang sesuai dengan bibir jenis ke-1 tidak ada, jenis ke-2 ada 3 mahasiswa, jenis ke-3 ada 7 mahasiswa, jenis ke-4 ada 3 mahasiswa, jenis ke-5 ada 2 mahasiswa, dan jenis ke-6 ada 5 mahasiswa
Effect of the Densification of the Reinforced-Asphalt Mixtures on the Permanent Deformation
Authors: Alnadish Adham Mohammed , Aman Mohamad Yusri
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to provide a novel contribution in terms of introducing a better understanding for evaluating the resistance of the reinforced asphalt mixtures to permanent deformation. The resistance of asphalt mixtures to permanent deformation was assessed using dynamic creep test at a temperature of 40 °C. Four mixtures named Mix1, Mix2, Mix3, and Mix 4 were evaluated, Mix1 corresponds to the control mixture that containing coarse steel slag aggregate while Mix2, Mix3, and Mix4 represent the reinforced mixtures with polyester fiber at the proportions of 0.05, 0.15, and 0.3%, respectively. The findings of this study showed that the elastic deformation occurred at the primary stage has a negative influence regarding the permanent deformation assessment. In addition, increasing the content of the polyester fiber has a positive relationship with the elastic stage; the higher the proportion of the fiber, the higher the deformation at the elastic stage, which have a negative effect on the evaluation of the mixtures resistance to permanent deformation, if the deformation occurred at the elastic stage is not neglected. On the other hand, the mixtures containing a high content of polyester fiber exhibited better resistance to the permanent deformation at the viscoelastic stage
Sensitivity to face animacy and inversion in childhood: Evidence from EEG data
Authors: Bayet Laurie , Saville Alyson , Balas Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Adults exhibit behavioral deficits in processing inanimate, artificial faces compared to real human faces, with implications for using artificial faces in research and designing artificial social agents. However, the developmental trajectory of inanimate face perception is unknown. Here, we used electroencephalography to investigate inanimate faces processing in cross-sectional groups of 5-10-year-old children and adults. A face inversion manipulation was used to test whether face animacy processing relies on expert face processing strategies. 5-7-year-olds (N=18), 8-10-year-olds (N=18), and adults (N=16) watched pictures of real or doll faces presented in an upright or inverted orientation. Analyses of event-related potentials revealed larger N170 amplitudes in response to doll faces, irrespective of age group or face orientation. Thus, the N170 is sensitive to face animacy by 5-7 years of age, but such sensitivity may not reflect high-level, expert face processing. Multivariate pattern analyses of the EEG signal additionally assessed whether animacy information could be reliably extracted during face processing. Face orientation information was evident in children and adults, but there was no indication that face animacy information could be reliably extracted at any age. Together, these results suggest that 5-10-year-old children exhibit some sensitivity to face animacy that is comparable to adults.
People Systematically Update Moral Judgments of Blame
Authors: Monroe Andrew Elliott , Malle Bertram F.
Published: August 2018

Six experiments examine people's updating of blame judgments and test predictions developed from a socially-regulated blame perspective. According to this perspective, blame emerged in human history as a socially costly tool for regulating other’s behavior. Because it is costly for both blamers and violators, blame is typically constrained by requirements for “warrant”— evidence that one’s moral judgment is justified. This requirement motivates people to systematically process available causal and mental information surrounding a violation. That is, people are relatively calibrated and even-handed in utilizing evidence that either amplifies or mitigates blame. Such systematic processing should be particularly visible when people update their moral judgments. Using a novel experimental paradigm, we test two sets of predictions derived from the socially-regulated blame perspective and compare them with predictions from a motivated-blame perspective. Studies 1-4 demonstrate (across student, internet, and community samples) that moral perceivers systematically grade updated blame judgments in response to the strength of new causal and mental information, without anchoring on initial evaluations. Further, these studies reveal that perceivers update blame judgments symmetrically in response to exacerbating and mitigating information, inconsistent with motivated-blame predictions. Study 5 shows that graded and symmetric blame updating is robust under cognitive load. Lastly, Study 6 demonstrates that biases can emerge once the social requirement for warrant is relaxed—as in the case of judging outgroup members. We conclude that social constraints on blame judgments render the normal process of blame well calibrated to causal and mental information, and biases may appear when such constraints are absent.
Sampling Frames and Inductive Inference with Censored Evidence
Authors: Hayes Brett , Banner Stephanie , Forrester Suzy , Navarro Danielle
Published: August 2018

We propose and test a Bayesian model of property induction with censored evidence. A core model prediction is that identical evidence samples can lead to different patterns of inductive inference depending on the censoring mechanisms that cause some instances to be excluded. This prediction was confirmed in four experiments examining property induction following exposure to identical samples that were subject to different sampling frames. Each experiment found narrower generalization of a novel property when the sample instances were selected because they shared a common property (property sampling) than when they were selected because they belonged to the same category (category sampling). In line with model predictions, sampling frame effects were moderated by the addition of explicit negative evidence (Experiment 1), sample size (Experiment 2) and category base rates (Experiments 3-4). These data show that reasoners are sensitive to constraints on the sampling process when making property inferences; they consider both the observed evidence and the reasons why certain types of evidence has not been observed.
Stage 1 registered report for replication of Experiment 1 and 2 of “Axe the tax: Taxes are disliked more than equivalent costs” (Sussman & Olivola, 2011)
Authors: Olsen Jerome , Kogler Christoph , Brandt Mark John , Dezső Linda , Kirchler Erich
Published: August 2018

Stage 1: Sussman and Olivola (2011) reported that people in the US show a stronger preference to avoid tax-related costs than to avoid tax-unrelated monetary costs of the same size and coined the term Tax Aversion to describe the phenomenon. The original Experiment 1 and 2 results indicated that people are willing to incur increased timely costs to receive a discount when it refers to taxes (e.g., “axe-the-tax discount”) than when it just refers to a regular discount (e.g., “customer rewards”). Their paper has received considerable attention and is often cited in tax behavior research when referring to citizens’ general aversion to taxes. We propose close replications of Experiments 1 and 2 in two high-powered studies in the US (N = 600 and N = 700, respectively). Because the original study was conducted in a country that relies on a sales tax system, where consumption taxes are very salient, we additionally propose conducting both replication studies in the UK to test whether the effect also applies to a value added tax system (again N = 600 and N = 700, respectively). The replication studies will test whether Tax Aversion is a stable phenomenon in the US and whether the effect extends to a consumption tax system where payments do not represent an out-of-pocket cost.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-carbon reinforced Cu-based powder metallurgy friction materials produced by hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Shu Rui , Jiang Xiaosong , Jiang Jiaxin , Zhu Degui
Published: August 2018

Cu-based powder metallurgy friction material is technically one of the most important powder metallurgy friction materials due to its high conductivity, high strength, good thermal properties and wear endurance. In this paper, nano-carbon reinforced Cu-based powder metallurgy friction materials were prepared by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-carbon reinforced Cu-based powder metallurgy friction materials with different nano-carbon content were systematically investigated. The microstructures of the nanocomposites were examined by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), back scattered electron imaging (BSE), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties were determined from micro-hardness, shear strength and compressive strength. The fracture and strengthening mechanisms of nano-carbon reinforced Cu-based powder metallurgy friction materials are explored on the basis of the microstructure and composition of the nanocomposites along with the formation and function of the interface. The nano-carbon mainly enhances the nanocomposites by load transfer and obstruction of dislocation. The synergistic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)and graphene improves the dispersion but hinders the densification process. The interfaces between carbon and copper are the main source of cracks, and the nanocomposites are mainly composed of brittle fracture.
Recycling of LM25 aluminum alloy scraps
Authors: Bhagyanathan Chandragandhi , Karuppuswamy Palanisamy , Raghu Raman , Gowtham Soundar , Ravi Manickam
Published: August 2018

These days, a lot of metal scraps are generated by the automobile industry since the use of vehicles is increasing globally. As the production of automobile increases, the use of aluminum alloys has been increasing in automobile applications. Since the resources for the production of primary aluminum are getting scarce and the production of primary aluminum is highly expensive, production of components using secondary aluminum alloy in the form of scraps is highly essential. The present study deals with the re-melting of aluminium alloy scraps and the production of secondary aluminum alloy through a gravity die casting process. An investigation of its microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and an impact test have been performed and compared with the properties of primary and standard aluminum alloy. Porosity of secondary aluminum alloy is observed macroscopically. In addition a radiograph test was performed to study the internal defects of the secondary aluminum alloy.
Elaboração de um guia de utilização de quimioterápicos: um relato de experiência
Authors: Araújo Dyego Carlos Souza Anacleto de , Batista Leônia Maria , Albuquerque Patrícia Simões de , Macedo Luciana Lucena Aranha de
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: relatar o processo de elaboração de um guia de utilização de quimioterápicos. Metodologia: o guia foi elaborado a partir de pesquisas em bases de dados, bulas, artigos e livros para levantar informações sobre o uso de medicamentos quimioterápicos da Lista de Medicamentos Padronizados do Hospital Napoleão Laureano (João Pessoa-PB). Resultados: o guia é composto por informações sobre 78 princípios ativos. As informações compreendem: denominação comum brasileira, nome comercial, alerta para aqueles que apresentam grafia e sons semelhantes, forma farmacêutica, categoria antineoplásica, condições de armazenamento, incompatibilidades físico-químicas, condições para reconstituição e diluição, estabilidade após reconstituição, condições de administração, ação vesicante/irritante, medidas adotadas em caso de extravasamento, interações medicamentosas, reações adversas, advertências/precauções e tratamento da toxicidade. Conclusão: espera-se que o desenvolvimento do guia tenha impacto positivo na prática profissional, uma vez que poderá auxiliar no preparo, administração e acompanhamento do uso de medicamentos quimioterápicos.
Estágio extracurricular: vivências e desafios do processo de trabalho como elemento para a transformação
Authors: Wachekowski Giovana , Rodrigues Francisco Carlos Pinto , Fontana Rosane Teresinha , Guimarães Carine Amabile
Published: August 2018

Trata-se de um estudo do tipo relato de experiência, que tem como objetivo, descrever alguns desafios enfrentados pelos trabalhadores de saúde que atuam na atenção básica, observados durante o estágio extracurricular de enfermagem, desenvolvido por uma acadêmica do sexto semestre de um curso de enfermagem.  O referido estágio foi desenvolvido no período de dezembro de 2017 a janeiro de 2018, em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), de um município da região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As lacunas existentes no processo de trabalho da unidade envolvem acolhimento deficitário para os usuários do sistema, consultas médicas baseadas em queixa-conduta, educação em saúde inexistente e dificuldades na atuação da enfermeira. Sendo as unidades primárias de saúde o primeiro contato da população com os serviços de saúde, essas dificuldades apontadas preocupam, visto que as necessidades básicas de saúde do usuário não são plenamente atendidas. É necessário a reorganização do serviço com a cogestão dos trabalhadores, protagonistas da atividade, para a transformação e qualificação do serviço.
INNOVATIVE MARKET DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES INTENSIFICATION OF PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Authors: Koval V.V. , Kolesnikova K.S. , Burlachenko D.M.
Published: August 2018

In the article the bases of intensification of innovative activity are considered and modern tendencies of innovative development of the processing industry are analyzed. The prerequisites and basic conditions for the intensification of innovative development of the processing industry markets are revealed. It is substantiated that the competitive advantages in industry as a structure-forming sector of the national economy are achieved on the basis of an adequately developed strategy for its innovative development, becomes increasingly urgent during a period of long-term market transformation, because it is not only related to determining the social and economic effect, but also requires taking into account the existing potential with Change in environmental conditions.
The analysis of innovative sphere and sources of financing of innovative expenses of the processing industry enterprises is conducted, causes irreversibility of the process of reforming the system of state regulation and public administration in the innovation sphere as a priority for implementing systematic and consistent state policy.
The definition of innovativeness of types of activity of enterprises in the processing industry was made, which allowed to identify the maximum and minimum levels according to the relevant criteria. Proposed to improve the effectiveness of government support for the processing industry to implement adjustments to the antimonopoly, tax and customs policies, as well as to increase the investment attractiveness of industrial enterprises.
EVOLUTION OF FUNCTIONAL TYPES OF MEDIA OBJECTS
Authors: Bochkareva A. R. , LIkhachev E. N.
Published: August 2018

The article deals with the evolution of functional types of media objects at different stages. It is determined that media objects developed from prototypes to modern media centers. The intermediate stage of evolution is established, that is media objects of hybrid (transitional) type. The emergence of new types of information media and their integration into the structure of media objects have a significant impact on the evolution of the architecture of media objects. The current stage is characterized by the emergence and development of new types of media centers. Functional types of media centers (media libraries, centers of culture and art, media libraries at universities, etc.) are determined herein.
RIGIDITY AND STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS BY VARYING ELASTICITY MODULUS
Authors: Mailyan D. R. , Nesvetaev G. V.
Published: August 2018

Relevance: The actual values of the elastic modulus used for manufacturing reinforced concrete products and concrete structures may differ significantly from those given in SNiP 63.13330. It is therefore interesting to estimate the rational value of the elasticity modulus of concrete for a particular design. Purpose: Calculation algorithm is proposed for normal stresses and deformations based on variation of the elasticity modulus of concrete by controlling prescribed and technological factors. Materials and methods: Ordinary concrete grades up to В120 grade with organic and mineral modifiers, reinforced concrete beams, modeling, numerical experiment, beam analysis by normal stresses and deformations. Results: The proposed beam analysis algorithm considers a possible change up to 2 times in the elasticity modulus of concrete. Conclusions: Calculations of the elasticity modulus ensure the beam rigidity, taking into account its reinforcement and cross-sectional parameters and strength for normal stresses at a concrete strength normalization corresponding to the elastic modulus, with regard to prescribed and technological factors.
Subjektivierte Taylorisierung als Beherrschung der Arbeitsperson
Authors: Matuschek Ingo , Kleemann Frank , Voß G. Günter
Published: August 2018

In debates concerning recent developments in the sphere of work, Taylorized and subjectivated forms of work (where workers coordinate tasks on their own, and indirect forms of control are employed) are considered to oppose each other. There almost seems to be a consensus that Taylorized and subjectivated forms of control belong to two distinct domains of the sphere of work: Manufacturing work involving little skill on the one hand, highly skilled and service work on the other. This article argues that the subjectivation process of work also takes place in low-skill jobs. Particularly in work environments structured by information technologies, both ideal types of work organization become intertwined and constitute a distinct mode of work organization: subjectivated Taylorization. A prominent example is call center work. On the basis of own empirical case studies, both management strategies of subjectivated Taylorization and reactions on the workers' side are analyzed. The paper concludes with a reflection on general changes the logic of control, and domination of workers.
Die neuen Solo-Selbständigen zwischen Unternehmergeist und Prekarität
Authors: Candeias Mario
Published: August 2018

The entrepreneur is the central figure in the neoliberal discourse. The trend towards selfemployment is therefore interpretated as a sign for entrepreneurial thinking becoming the basis for general interest articluation, far beyond particular class interest. But in fact the real situation of most of the self-employed clearly points to a social position as independent workers, entangled in contradictions between self-management and a new sense of freedom on the one and harsh dependencies and self-exploitation on the other side. The article tries to elaborate on specific differences and common elements between workers and self-employed. It becomes clear, that the independent workers are part of the rising precariat and could share common interests with other precarious workers. What is needed is to overcome the very individualistic habits of the self-employed. Far from beeing sufficient, new forms of collective organisation such as the Euromayday or an Italian union for precarious independent workers are pointing into this direction.
Das Wahr-Sagen des Marxismus
Authors: Demirović Alex
Published: August 2018

In the first instance, Foucault seemed to be very far from Marx, speaking of Marx in terms of obsolescence, although important as a historical figure. But Foucault is situating his own work in the context and the set of problems of Marx' theory. Thus Foucault's work may be seen as an attempt of critical self: reflection on the claims for power of truth in Marxism. At least this leads Foucault to a conceptualization of power and social contradictions that disables him to acknowledge the radical emancipatolY thrust of Marx' work.
Antiessentialismus und Wahrheitspolitik
Authors: Lindner Urs
Published: August 2018

Discussing aspects of Marx's critique of political economy and Foucault's analytic of power, the text seeks to separate the reflexive stance of anti-essetialism from two positions wich are often seen as being part of it: judgmental relativism and the ,anti-depth war'. To recognise the historical and social relativity of knowledge does not necessarily imply the view that all theories are equally true. And to analyse social structures and dispositions as underlying conditions of events and behavior is not tantamount to a search for metaphysical parallel universes. Criticising Badiou, the paper concludes with a plea for a realist politics of truth as an alternative to either relativist or rationalist conceptions of this topic.
Die Ordnung des Wissens
Authors: Kappeler Florian
Published: August 2018

In its first part, the article deals with Michel Foucaults "discourse analysis", as developed in his "Archaeology of knowledge". The second part considers the concept of discourse in relation to Foucaults "analytic of power" and to a critical theory of society inspired by Karl Marx, especially Louis Althussers notion of ideology. Thus, on the one hand, some propositions for a methodology of discourse analysis are being made, and, on the other hand, its position within a project of critical social theory is discussed.
"Endlose Transaktionen"
Authors: Griesser Markus , Ludwig Gundula
Published: August 2018

What is the use of appropriating Foucault· s studies of governmentality out of a Gramscian perspective for a feminist state theolY? In order to give an answer to this question we suggest four aspects of convergence between Gramsci' s theolY of hegemony and Foucault's studies of gouvernementality. In doing so, we also argue that Foucault's approach to state/power can be interpreted within a materialist state theory. In a second step we discuss how these aspects can be used for a feminist materialistic approach to the state in order to explain both, how state structures are gendered and how the state governs gender and gender relations.
Kapitalistische Macht und neoliberales Regieren
Authors: Marti Urs
Published: August 2018

Neoliberal political projects strive to discipline people according to principles of market and competition. "Governementality- studies" have contributed to a better understanding of strategies used in order to transform human beings into market actors or human capitalists. However, Foucault's idea of governmentality is problematic insofar as it is based on a too narrow conception of power and freedom. Relations of power in capitalist societies cannot be analysed without taking into account the uneven distribution of power resources - mainly of economic means - and Its negative effects on the freedom of action making possible the subjection of people to the rules of competition.
Carl Schmitt Reloaded
Authors: Salomon David
Published: August 2018

Otto Depenheuer, who teaches public law in Germany, is rather influential among German conservative politicians, like for example the present minister of the interior. The article shows that the conceptual approach of the conservative catholic Depenheuer depends nearly completely on the lessons taught by Carl Schmitt, who played a crucial role in the development of the Nazi's conception of law and state.
Bleibt das US-Finanzkapital trotz Krise hegemonial?
Authors: Scherrer Christoph
Published: August 2018

Up until now, the management of the financial crisis has been placed, primarily, in the hands of those who allowed the crisis to happen. Investors and financial institutions have received government support at tax payers' expense while the needs and interests of other victims of the crisis have been, for the most part, neglected. The article focuses on the stages of crisis management in the USA. It assesses their distributional effects and compares them with alternative policy proposals on the basis of available studies. Its original contribution is an analysis of the political forces that have allowed the crisis managers to shift the burden of the crisis onto workers and tax payers. The research is guided by a Neo-Gramscian approach and contributes to the operationalization of the concept hegemony.
Correction: Verkade, J.M.M.; et al. A Polar Sulfamide Spacer Significantly Enhances the Manufacturability, Stability, and Therapeutic Index of Antibody–Drug Conjugates. Antibodies 2018, 7, 12
Authors: Verkade Jorge M. M. , Wijdeven Marloes A. , Van Geel Remon , Janssen Brian M. G. , Van Berkel Sander S. , Van Delft Floris L. ,   Antibodies Editorial Office
Published: August 2018

The conflict of interest section of the published paper [1] has been updated as follows[...]
Emission Behaviors of Inorganic Ultrafine Particles during Zhundong Coal Oxy-Fuel Combustion with Characterized Oxygen Input Fractions Comparable to Air Combustion
Authors: Fan Bin , Wen Chang , Zeng Xianpeng , Wu Jianqun , Yu Xin
Published: August 2018

Zhundong low-rank coal is very likely to be utilized extensively in oxy-fired boilers in the near future. Its PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm) emission behaviors during oxy-fuel combustion need to be carefully studied before its large-scale use. The present study examines the emission behaviors of inorganic ultrafine particles (PM0.5, with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤0.5 μm), as well as PM10 during the combustion of Zhundong coal in air and oxy-fuel conditions (O2/CO2) at three characterized O2 input fractions, i.e., 21, 27 and 32 vol.%. The combustion experiments were carried out in a high-temperature drop-tube furnace (HDTF) at a combustion temperature of 1500 °C. The results show that PM0.5 is composed of Na, S, Mg and Ca, with total fractions of ~90%, while PM0.5–10 (with an aerodynamic diameter between 0.5 and 10 μm) predominantly contains Ca (~50–65%). At three characterized oxygen fractions during oxy-fuel combustion (OXY21, 27 and 32), the promoted O2 fraction was found to increase the yields of both PM0.5 and PM0.5–10. A higher particle-burning temperature and a lower CO2 fraction promote the reactions of both organically bound elements and inorganic minerals, increasing the partitioning of Mg and Ca and causing an increased yield of PM0.5. The yield of PM0.5 from air is high and similar to that from OXY32 while the yield of PM0.5–10 from air is similar to that from OXY27. The high yield of PM0.5 from air is mainly generated by the highest yields of Ca in four conditions.
Study of the Precipitation Process in Aging Steel Pipeline Weldments by Thermoelectric Power Means
Authors: Ramirez Sergio , Carreon Hector , Carreon Maria G. , Salazar Melchor , Bejar Luis , Medina Ariosto
Published: August 2018

The microstructural changes due to the aging process in steel pipeline weldments as a function of the thermoelectric power (TEP) were studied. In general, the thermoelectric methods are based on the well-known Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric methods monitor the TEP via an electron flux induced by a temperature gradient in metallic materials, which is affected by the different types of defects that are present in the atomic lattice, such as atoms in the solid solution, precipitates and dislocations. In this present study, the relationship among the TEP data, hardness and the microstructure of steel pipeline weldments was investigated. In addition, the coarse and dendritic grain structure of the welding material is extremely and unpredictably anisotropic. Such microstructures are no longer direction-independent to the electron flux. Therefore, it has an opposite negative effect on the TEP and overlaps the precipitation effect due to the aging process. TEP and hardness measurements were obtained in each zone of the weldments. For each section of the weldment, the weld bead (WB), heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal (BM) were found to correspond to particular values of TEP. The relationship between the TEP and the microstructure of a weldment of X60 and X65 micro-alloyed steel that was artificially aged was obtained using the conventional contact TEP technique (hot-tip) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that thermoelectric power is very sensitive to the aging process in the two-studied steel pipeline weldments.
Cross-Sectional Associations between Homoarginine, Intermediate Phenotypes, and Atrial Fibrillation in the Community—The Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Niekamp Christoph , Atzler Dorothee , Ojeda Francisco M. , Sinning Christoph R. , Lackner Karl J. , Böger Rainer H , Munzel Thomas , Beutel Manfred E. , Schmidtmann Irene , Pfeiffer Norbert , Leuschner Anja , Blankenberg Stefan , Wild Philipp S. , Zeller Tanja , Schwedhelm Edzard , Schnabel Renate B.
Published: August 2018

Homoarginine has come into the focus of interest as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality. Whether circulating homoarginine is associated with occurrence or persistence of AF and may serve as a new predictive biomarker remains unknown. We measured plasma levels of homoarginine in the population-based Gutenberg health study (3761 patients included, of them 51.7% males), mean age 55.6 ± 10.9 years-old. Associations between homoarginine and intermediate electrocardiographic and echocardiographic phenotypes and manifest AF were examined. Patients with AF (124 patients, of them 73.4% males) had a mean age 64.8 ± 8.6 years-old compared to a mean age of 55.3 ± 10.9 in the population without AF (p-value < 0.001) and showed a less beneficial risk factor profile. The median homoarginine levels in individuals with and without AF were 1.9 μmol/L (interquartile range (IQR) 1.5–2.5) and 2.0 μmol/L (IQR 1.5–2.5), respectively, p = 0.56. In multivariable-adjusted regression analyses homoarginine was not statistically significantly related to electrocardiographic variables. Among echocardiographic variables beta per standard deviation increase was −0.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.23–(−0.02); p = 0.024) for left atrial area and −0.01 (95% CI −0.02–(−0.003); p = 0.013) for E/A ratio. The odds ratio between homoarginine and AF was 0.91 (95% CI 0.70–1.16; p = 0.45). In our large, population-based cross-sectional study, we did not find statistically significant correlations between lower homoarginine levels and occurrence or persistence of AF or most standard electrocardiographic phenotypes, but some moderate inverse associations with echocardiographic left atrial size and E/A. Homoarginine may not represent a strong biomarker to identify individuals at increased risk for AF. Further investigations will be needed to elucidate the role of homoarginine and cardiac function.
Promise and Implementation of Proteomic Prostate Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Latosinska Agnieszka , Frantzi Maria , Merseburger Axel S. , Mischak Harald
Published: August 2018

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality in men. Despite the broad use of prostate-specific antigen test that resulted in an increase in number of diagnosed cases, disease management needs to be improved. Proteomic biomarkers alone and or in combination with clinical and pathological risk calculators are expected to improve on decreasing the unnecessary biopsies, stratify low risk patients, and predict response to treatment. To this end, significant efforts have been undertaken to identify novel biomarkers that can accurately discriminate between indolent and aggressive cancer forms and indicate those men at high risk for developing prostate cancer that require immediate treatment. In the era of “big data” and “personalized medicine” proteomics-based biomarkers hold great promise to provide clinically applicable tools, as proteins regulate all biological functions, and integrate genomic information with the environmental impact. In this review article, we aim to provide a critical assessment of the current proteomics-based biomarkers for prostate cancer and their actual clinical applicability. For that purpose, a systematic review of the literature published within the last 10 years was performed using the Web of Science Database. We specifically discuss the potential and prospects of use for diagnostic, prognostic and predictive proteomics-based biomarkers, including both body fluid- and tissue-based markers.
The Interplay between Circulating Tumor Cells and the Immune System: From Immune Escape to Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Leone Kevin , Poggiana Cristina , Zamarchi Rita
Published: August 2018

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have aroused increasing interest not only in mechanistic studies of metastasis, but also for translational applications, such as patient monitoring, treatment choice, and treatment change due to tumor resistance. In this review, we will assess the state of the art about the study of the interactions between CTCs and the immune system. We intend to analyze the impact that the cells of the immune system have in limiting or promoting the metastatic capability of CTCs. To this purpose, we will examine studies that correlate CTCs, immune cells, and patient prognosis, and we will also discuss relevant animal models that have contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of immune-mediated metastasis. We will then consider some studies in which CTCs seem to play a promising role in monitoring cancer patients during immunotherapy regimens. We believe that, from an accurate and profound knowledge of the interactions between CTCs and the immune system, new immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer might emerge in the future.
RNAs as Candidate Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers of Prostate Cancer—From Cell Line Models to Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Lim Marvin C. J. , Baird Anne-Marie , Aird John , Greene John , Kapoor Dhruv , Gray Steven G. , McDermott Ray , Finn Stephen P.
Published: August 2018

The treatment landscape of prostate cancer has evolved rapidly over the past five years. The explosion in treatment advances has been witnessed in parallel with significant progress in the field of molecular biomarkers. The advent of next-generation sequencing has enabled the molecular profiling of the genomic and transcriptomic architecture of prostate and other cancers. Coupled with this, is a renewed interest in the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in prostate cancer biology. ncRNA consists of several different classes including small non-coding RNA (sncRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). These families are under active investigation, given their essential roles in cancer initiation, development and progression. This review focuses on the evidence for the role of RNAs in prostate cancer, and their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and targets for treatment in this disease.
Non-Linear Diffusion and Power Law Properties of Heterogeneous Systems: Application to Financial Time Series
Authors: Fuentes Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

In this work, we show that it is possible to obtain important ubiquitous physical characteristics when an aggregation of many systems is taken into account. We discuss the possibility of obtaining not only an anomalous diffusion process, but also a Non-Linear diffusion equation, that leads to a probability distribution, when using a set of non-Markovian processes. This probability distribution shows a power law behavior in the structure of its tails. It also reflects the anomalous transport characteristics of the ensemble of particles. This ubiquitous behavior, with a power law in the diffusive transport and the structure of the probability distribution, is related to a fast fluctuating phenomenon presented in the noise parameter. We discuss all the previous results using a financial time series example.