bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Website Atmospherics: Motivators Or Hygiene Factors?
Authors: Mueller James D. , Mack Rhonda
Published: February 2016

Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory is once again resurrected and used to frame hypothesized influences on internet shopper satisfaction (and dissatisfaction).   Previous research investigating the influence of web site design and web site atmospherics is discussed with respect to the theory.  Exploratory factor analysis is then used to extract a four-factor solution of internet shopper satisfaction, and interpreted with respect to Herzberg’s model.  Risk and User Friendliness related variables are interpreted as hygiene factors, or dissatisfiers, while Enjoyment and Price variables better explain shopper satisfaction, or motivation.  The ensuing discussion compares the usefulness of this model with empirically validated satisfaction paradigms in explaining the relationship between internet shopper satisfaction and web site atmospherics.
Demand And Equilibrium In A Network Of Oligopolistic Markets
Authors: Kalashnikova Natalia , Kalashnikov Vyacheslav
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we consider an oligopolistic model of electricity market with conjectures concerning the price variations depending upon the agents’ production increase or increase. By introducing the notion of an exterior equilibrium and a special type of a producer’s cost function, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the exterior (conjectured) equilibrium. Then we introduce the notion of an interior stable equilibrium and analyze the behavior of groups of consumers with different consumption abilities. The proposed techniques allow us to make a qualitative description of dependence of the market price upon the active demand component.
Using Relational Database Software To Prepare An Archival Dataset For Importation Into A Statistical Analysis Package
Authors: Lazarony Paul J. , Driscoll Donna A.
Published: February 2016

Researchers frequently find that archival data that they need to test their theoretical models must undergo a variety of preparatory steps before the data are ready to be loaded into their favorite statistical analysis package.  Although some powerful software tools and techniques to handle such data preparation do exist and are relatively easy to learn, many researchers remain unaware of them.  The purpose of this paper is to introduce some of these data preparation tools and techniques by use of a hands-on demonstration.  The demonstration begins with data embedded in a Web page and shows how a spreadsheet, a word processor, and the SQL language from a relational database can be used to make the extracted “ready for prime-time.”  The original Web page data for the demonstration can be downloaded from the authors’ web page; the software packages used to prepare the data are MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Access.  Although SPSS is used for the statistical analysis described in the final phase of the process, readers do not have to have this software to benefit from the demonstration.  Any statistical analysis package could be used.
The Economic Effects Of Digital Technology On The Market For Recorded Music
Authors: Gilliam Lynde
Published: February 2016

For more than fifty years, the recorded music industry has owed its existence to the development of analog sound recording technology. It was not, however, simply the development of a sound recording technology that created and sustained the industry. It was the fact that this recording technology was analog-based. Today, music recorded using analog technology is rare, having been almost completely replaced by the recently developed digital recording technology. As the use of digital recording technology continues to increase, particularly in conjunction with the evolving Internet, the likely outcome will be one of significant financial loss and structural change to the traditional recorded music industry.
Auditor Choice: After Enron
Authors: Bush H. Francis
Published: February 2016

In this study, the author examines the choice of auditor for firms who had contracted with Arthur Andersen prior to its collapse in the aftermath of Enron.  This study was motivated by previous research on factors affecting the choice, including but not limited to size, geography, industry and financial condition.  The results, in general, indicate that the choice among the Big Four accounting firms is not affected by these variables.  This opens two possibilities: either that the choice is based on less tangible factors or such factors are overwhelmed by the size of the Big Fours accounting firms.  However, when considered together, multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) develops a model that is able to predict which firm will be chosen at a significantly higher than simply guessing among the Big Four CPA firms.  This result is driven by the results of two of the four firms.
Integrated Learning Through Experience: Sports Marketing Education Is All About The Little Things
Authors: Newman Eric J. , Hebein Fred
Published: February 2016

The fun and exciting business of sports entertainment is continuing to grow with sales revenue in the billions.  Sports entertainment is serious business with increasing demand for knowledgeable marketers willing to work hard in a very fun but stressful environment.   After working and experiencing the stadium, the fans, and the related business activities, the students realized that their projects were real and could have important impacts.  With the integration of this knowledge and experience, the students started building mini-marketing plans that were feasible project ideas that could be implemented with management sponsorship.  Another important result was the student realization that the managers and employees who were required to implement the project ideas had no extra time or extra resources.  The project had to gain the support of the managers and employees at the expense of other projects and in addition to their regular business assignments
Linkage Between GDP And Emissions: A Global Perspective On Environmental Kuznets Curve
Authors: Dhanda Kanwalroop Kathy , Adrangi Bahram , Chatrath Arjun
Published: February 2016

In this paper we present a mathematical framework for the linkage between GDP and emissions for a particular nation or group of nations.  The properties of the functions will be discussed, followed by an empirical section that illustrates the methodology employed.  We will also present the greenhouse gases emissions data and GDP data and discuss the results of the empirical study.
The Publishing Patterns Of Mid-Career Economics Doctoral Graduates
Authors: Heinrich Jeff , Kashian Russ
Published: February 2016

We present publication data for seasoned graduates of 120 economics Ph.D. programs.  The data show that while publishing output is highly concentrated among the graduates of top programs, the inclusion of a wider pool of academic journals provides an opportunity to visualize the publishing potential of second and third tier programs.   This paper’s distinctive methodology concurs with the rich history of literature that determines the top tier of academic programs.  However, expanding the list to the full EconLit database allows a glimpse at the publishing trends of the lesser ranked programs.  This provides an opportunity for small regional and liberal arts colleges and universities to evaluate graduate programs according to their distinct needs.  In addition, inclusion of field designations (such as international, labor, monetary, etc) as grouped by the American Economic Association classification allows insight into the potential for specialization among programs.
Asset Choice And Time Diversification Benefits
Authors: Sinha Amit K. , Sun Megan Y.
Published: February 2016

The issue of time diversification has been controversial. While some findings support time diversification, others do not. For example, Hodges, Taylor and Yoder (1997) find bonds outperform stocks, but Mukherji (2002) finds stocks provide time diversification benefits. This paper investigates whether the differences in the findings of Hodges, Taylor and Yoder (1997) and Mukherji (2002) stem from methodological variation. Results indicate that the differences in the procedure used to estimate the holding period returns may in fact be the reason for the difference in findings. Using a procedure to estimate holding period returns that is similar to Hodges, Taylor and Yoder (1997), and a performance measure that is similar to Mukherji (2002), we do not find that stocks provide time diversification benefits.
Tax Benefits For Education
Authors: Kiani Raj , Stout Gary
Published: February 2016

The past eight years have been a time of great change in the tax treatment of higher education expenses.  The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 started this process with the creation of the HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credits.  The subsequent Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 expanded these incentives, but these provisions will terminate at the end of 2010 unless new legislation extends them.  This article provides an overview of determining eligibility for education credits and computation thereof, discussion of the deductibility of student loan interest, eligibility for tuition and fees deduction, and comparison of credits versus deductions in terms of which one is more beneficial to a particular taxpayer.
A Behavioral Approach To Derive The Cost Of Equity Capital For Small Closely Held Firms
Authors: Boudreaux Denis , Watson Tom , Hopper James
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this research is to explore the theoretical structure that underlies the valuation process for small closely held firms.  All discounted cash flow valuation models require an estimate of a firm’s weighted average cost of capital as well as the firm’s component cost of equity capital. The CAPM is frequently employed to measure the cost of equity capital for a publicly traded firm.  A publicly held firm’s common stock price is determined in the capital markets and is readily available.  The firm’s stock price can then be used to estimate its beta; a necessary input to the CAPM.  Because there is no information about stock prices, the task of estimating the cost of equity for a closely held firm is more challenging.  The build-up model is frequently used to calculate the cost of equity for the closely held firm. However there is much controversy over this model’s assumptions, reliability and validity.  Specifically, this research critiques the build-up model identifying its advantages and its liabilities. The purpose of this work is to create discussion and stimulate economists to study and improve this important area.  Additionally, this study offers a new economic model to estimate the cost of equity capital that is theoretically correct easy to understand
Proposed Changes to Social Security: An Analysis
Authors: Pritchard Robert E. , Potter Gregory C.
Published: February 2016

Some 48 million Americans are expected to collect around $518 billion in Social Security benefits during 2005.  Of these, about 70 percent are retired workers.  The ratio of workers covered by Social Security to retirees is approximately three to one but will decrease to about two to one in the next generation.  Furthermore, at present, there are significantly more Social Security taxes collected than benefits paid; the excess is spent to help fund other government programs.  With the Baby Boomers starting to collect benefits in 2008 and large federal deficits already threatening to push interest rates higher, providing for future Social Security funding is being addressed.  This paper explores existing and future demands expected to be placed on Social Security and possible changes that may be implemented to ensure its long-term viability.
Investigation Into The General Acceptance Of AACSB Ethics Standards
Authors: Myring Mark , Wrege William
Published: February 2016

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has long required the integration of ethics into the accounting curriculum of accredited schools.  Little research investigates how this requirement is implemented.  We conduct a survey of accredited and non- accredited institutions to determine how ethics are integrated into the accounting curriculum.  Results of this survey are of interest to individuals at accredited and non-accredited schools.
Analysing The Impact Of Price Promotions Versus No-Price Promotions On Brand Image
Authors: Martinez Eva , Montaner Teresa , Pina Jose M.
Published: February 2016

Companies are increasingly designing more promotional actions to obtain better sales rates in the short term. However, the indiscriminate use of this tool has a negative effect for the organisations in the middle and long term. The purpose of this paper is to analyse if the frequent use of promotions has a negative effect on the promoted brand image. More exactly we have studied how different promotional tools may affect the image that consumers have on two brands and also if the category of the promoted product has any influence on that effect. Considering the data obtained in an experiment we have demonstrated that the effect of promotions on brand image depends on the type of promotional tool and the product category.
Capital Ownership And Its Impact On International Trade And Economic Growth: The Tunisian Experience
Authors: Ghali Khalifa H. , Trabelsi Hedi
Published: February 2016

Despite the widespread belief that a privatized economy performs better than a centrally planned one, there is no empirical evidence on whether changing the structure of capital ownership affects trade and growth in developing countries. This paper addresses this issue by analyzing and comparing the distinctive effects of privately and publicly owned capital on international trade and economic growth. Based on a modified version of the neo-classical one-sector aggregate production technology, we investigate the intertemporal interactions among the growth rate of real output, private capital, public capital, international trade and labor. The results of applying our methodology to data from Tunisia suggest that private capital performs better than public capital in promoting economic growth and international trade.  Despite the widespread belief that a privatized economy performs better than a centrally planned one, there is no empirical evidence on whether changing the structure of capital ownership affects trade and growth in developing countries. This paper addresses this issue by analyzing and comparing the distinctive effects of privately and publicly owned capital on international trade and economic growth. Based on a modified version of the neo-classical one-sector aggregate production technology, we investigate the intertemporal interactions among the growth rate of real output, private capital, public capital, international trade and labor. The results of applying our methodology to data from Tunisia suggest that private capital performs better than public capital in promoting economic growth and international trade.
Straddle Option Profitability In Corporate Lawsuits
Authors: Wind Erica A. , Laux Judith A.
Published: February 2016

The current study investigates whether abnormal returns may be gained by purchasing a straddle position prior to a verdict or settlement announcement in a lawsuit.  The basis for the hypothesis stems from behavioral finance—more specifically, the Overreaction Hypothesis.  Using CAPM expected rates of return and comparisons of 31 lawsuit firms’ straddle returns, three new straddle trading strategies are devised.  Within the sample of lawsuits, abnormal returns are evident for the three strategies.  The results and their implications support behavioral finance and the Overreaction Hypothesis and thus refute the Efficient Markets Hypothesis.
Accounting Internships: A Student-Driven Approach
Authors: Cummings Richard , Tataman William S.
Published: February 2016

The battle for talent is fought over interns and not full-time hires according to the CPA Practice Management Forum (2005).  Albrecht and Sacks (2000, 55) report that this internship learning experience needs to be carefully managed between the school and the firm.  The purpose of this paper is to provide accounting educators with a model to effectively manage an internship program.  Specifically this model will provide a  unique “student driven” matching of students to employers in the internship process and an effective assessment for this process.
Hybrid Method For Forecasting A Steel Mill's Sales
Authors: Rebiasz Bogdan
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a proposal of long range steel mill's sales forecasting method. It can be also used in other sectors of steel industry, and (after minor modifications) in enterprises operating in a power industry, building materials industry, plastics industry etc. Heuristic methods are often used in long range forecasting. In the proposed method few parameters are predicted with fuzzy Delphi method. It results in the forecasts in form of fuzzy triangular numbers. Transformation of possibility distribution, generated by fuzzy number, into a probability distribution enables to integrate forecasts obtained from fuzzy Delphi method with those prepared with structural models and developmental trends models. A computer simulation is used to determine sales forecast's expected value and probability distribution. In case of structural models and developmental trends models a simulation with re-estimation has been used. The method presented in this paper is used to generate random numbers from a set determined by triangular fuzzy number.
Supply-Chain Management Issues In The Oil And Gas Industry
Authors: Chima Christopher M.
Published: February 2016

The oil and gas industry is involved in a global supply-chain that includes domestic and international transportation, ordering  and inventory visibility and control, materials handling, import/export facilitation and information technology. Thus, the industry offers a classic model for implementing supply-chain management techniques. In a supply-chain, a company is linked to its upstream suppliers and downstream distributors as materials, information, and capital flow through the supply-chain.  The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of supply-chain management in the oil and gas industry. This paper also discusses the application of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to supply-chain management issues. Then, several strategies are examined for improving supply-chains in the oil and gas industry. Finally, two case studies are introduced to show how improving supply-chain logistics in the oil and gas industry can improve efficiency and the bottom line.
Property-Liability Insurers Recapitalization: An Event Study
Authors: Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2016

This paper utilizes an event study methodology and presents an empirical investigation of property-liability (P&L) insurers recapitalization behavior after the industry-wide capital shock, September 11 attacks. The Probit regression results provide the evidence that external capital markets are more likely to be accessed by property-liability insurers which are larger in size, have greater need to replenish capital stocks, have greater growth opportunities, higher cash flow volatilities, greater coverage, or those who already used financial debt. Poor financial quality insurers appear to be constrained.
To Iterate Or Not To Iterate? Using The WACC In Equity Valuation
Authors: Larkin Patrick J.
Published: February 2016

The textbook discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation method involves estimating a target debt ratio for the firm, discounting firm cash flows at the WACC to estimate firm value, then subtracting the current value of debt to get equity value. This method gives the correct equity value in situations in which the firm will move toward the target debt ratio after the transaction is complete, such as takeovers and capital budgeting projects. The textbook method does not work well for estimating equity value in passive investments in which leverage is unlikely to change as a result of the potential transaction. Estimating equity value in passive investments when leverage is unlikely to change requires a simple iterative procedure to correct for circularity, which is demonstrated here. This situation sows confusion among students and practitioners. Finance scholars and textbook authors are aware of the situation but the author has never seen it clearly explained in prior textbooks or articles.
Joint Dynamics Of The U.S. Treasury Maturity Rates: Policy Implications For Central Banks
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid
Published: February 2016

This paper examines whether there is a direct relationship between yields of differing maturities for the U.S. Treasury market. The hypothesis that long horizon rates may help to predict future short horizon rates, in addition to short horizon rates helping to predict future long horizon rates, provides the motivation for the present study. The proposed inter-relationship between the different interest rates exhibits important implications for central bank policy-making. Employing a multivariate time-series analysis, we find that spreads in the short-term rate tend to rise (fall) in response to rises in prior short-term (long-term) rate spreads. Additionally, spreads in the long term rates tend to decrease in response to prior rises in the 1 year Treasury rate spread. Finally, positive impulse responses for long term spreads largely derive from shocks to shorter term maturity spreads, while shocks to longer term maturity rates result in gradual negative impulse responses for maturity rates of shorter horizons. In sum, this paper provides evidence of important feedback relationships across the maturity spectrum in the U.S. Treasury market. An understanding of the maturity rate dynamics is crucial for future central bank interventions and for the pricing of options and other related financial instruments.
The Influence Of Coaching On Employee Perceptions Of Supervisor Effectiveness And Organizational Policies
Authors: Rocereto Joseph F. , Mosca Joseph B. , Forquer Gupta Susan , Rosenberg Stuart L.
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the effects of the use of coaching as a management style on supervisor effectiveness and key employee-related organizational policies. Specifically, we examine the direct effects of coaching on employee perceived supervisor effectiveness and organizational work-family balance support, as well as the impact of supervisory effectiveness on employee perceived effectiveness of organizational rewards programs. Ordinal regression was used to test the hypotheses, and data from 134 undergraduate and graduate business students enrolled in a Northeast university who indicated that they were currently employed on a full-time basis support these relationships. Results show that the degree to which employees view their supervisor as acting as a coach positively influences perceived supervisor effectiveness and organizational work-family balance support. Additionally, results support the notion that organizational work-family balance support also leads to perceived supervisor effectiveness which, in turn, positively influences employee perception regarding the effectiveness of organizational rewards programs.
The National Commission On Fiscal Responsibility And Reform: How Its Report Can Impact Marginal Tax Rates
Authors: Ferraro Steven R. , Powell Richard W.
Published: February 2016

The United States government has a serious budget problem. In 2010 President Barack Obama created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to deal with the problem by identifying policies to improve the fiscal situation. Among the Commissions recommendations was a proposal to modify payments under Social Security. For most recipients, the modifications would decrease Social Security benefits although benefits would increase for the poorest quintile of recipients. The purpose of this paper is to construct a model for evaluating the proposed shift in Social Security payments. From the perspective of Social Security recipients, the model shows the cutbacks as the partial loss of an annuity stream, as the loss of a lump sum that is capable of generating the partial annuity stream, and as a tax increase for the remainder of the recipients working years as they deposit a special tax into a retirement account designed to replace the lost benefits.
House Price Appreciation: The Impact Of No Income Verification Loans And Investor Activity
Authors: Kelly Lynne
Published: February 2016

This paper examines house price appreciation in the US from 2004 through 2009, a period marked by a boom-and-bust cycle for house prices, to investigate the impact of the extensive use of no income verification loans and investor activity on house price movements. House price appreciation for each state and Washington, DC is modeled in cross-sectional time series regressions using macroeconomic variables and loan type intensities. The findings suggest that widespread use of no income verification loans and non-owner occupied loans directly impacts house price movements and significantly explains the astonishing gains and sudden losses that occurred during the sample period.
Relationship Between Firm Value And Financial Structure: A Study On Firms In ISE Industrial Index
Authors: Altan Mikail , Arkan Ferhat
Published: February 2016

Maximization of firm value has become the basic objective of the firms. Short-term debt, long-term debt and equity used by firms may affect firm value. Objective of the study is to investigate the effect of financial structures of firms on their values. In the study 127 firms data, that are indexed in ISE, are used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 15.0 program. According to the results of the analysis the values of the firms were affected by financial structures of firms. For example; a 1% change in equity cause 1.183% change value of the firm, a 1% change in the short-term debt cause 0.362% change value of the firm, a 1% change in change long-term debt cause 0.163% change in the value of firm.
The Impact Of Price Perception On Customer Loyalty In The Airline Context
Authors: Anuwichanont Jirawat
Published: February 2016

It is a generally acknowledged in marketing literature that pricing is a critical strategy that influences product/service demand and company profitability. Consequently, price plays an important role in influencing customers decisions in choosing and developing loyalty with a particular product or service. Moreover, consumers are becoming more value conscious, focusing on price and value as the primary reason when purchasing product and service. Thus, the influence of the multi-dimensions of perceived value on customer loyalty in the airline context was examined. In addition, the moderating effect of consumers price perception was also investigated in explaining service loyalty. The empirical findings strongly supported the significant impact of quality/emotional response/reputation, behavioral price on brand affect and brand trust. But no support was found for the hypothesized relationships between monetary price and brand affect and brand trust. Moreover, brand trust was found to significantly predict both attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty, as hypothesized. Contrary to expectations, brand affect exerted no impact on both loyalty constructs. The moderating effect of price perception was significantly apparent solely on the relationship between brand affect and loyalty constructs.
An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy for Teaching with Technology
Authors: Giles Rebecca M. , Kent Andrea M.
Published: February 2016

Self-efficacy has been persistently cited as a major component in understanding how frequently and successfully individuals use technology. Preservice teachers’ technology self-efficacy is a creditable indicator of graduates’ likelihood to use instructional technology throughout their careers; thus, it is imperative that new teachers graduate with a high sense of self-efficacy regarding their abilities to use technology as an effective teaching tool. The purpose of this study was to determine preservice teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs related to integrating technology into instruction. Elementary preservice teachers (n=28) from a single university completed a Likert-type survey using a forced choice scale with six points. Responses to the 5-item survey were converted to numerical data, and the research question was examined using descriptive statistics. Data indicated that almost all (93%) of the participants incorporated technology into the lessons they taught with the majority (68%) of participants reporting a high level of confidence in their ability to select and utilize technology in teaching. Further, 89% of the participants felt they could integrate technology across the curriculum with 80% indicating they were capable of determining the why, when, and how to do so most of the time.
PERBANDINGAN KECEPATAN PENCACAHAN ANTARA TIMER 0 (8 BIT) DENGAN TIMER 1 (16 BIT) PADA SISTEM MIKROKONTROLER
Authors: Saptadi Arief Hendra
Published: February 2016

Penggunaan pewaktu/pencacah dalam sistem mikrokontroler memberikan keuntungan dalam hal tidak membebani sumber daya CPU dan memungkinkan CPU menjalankan tugas lain. Dengan tersedianya pilihan timer/counter 8 bit dan 16 bit, permasalahan yang muncul adalah pemilihan jenis pewaktu/pencacah yang akan digunakan. Dalam eksperimen yang dilakukan, sistem minimum mikrokontroler AVR ATmega8535 telah mencacah suatu bilangan dengan tepat, menggunakan dua pewaktu/pencacah yang berbeda, yaitu Timer/Counter 0 (8 bit) dan Timer/Counter 1 (16 bit). Kondisi limpahan yang terjadi dalam siklus pencacahan 8 bit dan 16 bit, masing-masing akan mengaktifkan Register OCR0 dan OCR1AL. Sinyal keluaran dari port B.3 (OC0) dan port D.5 (OC1A) selanjutnya dimasukkan ke osiloskop dan dibandingkan. Dari hasil pengamatan sinyal keluaran telah dibuktikan bahwa kedua jenis pewaktu/pencacah tersebut memiliki kecepatan yang sama. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemilihan pewaktu/pencacah akan lebih didasarkan pada fleksibilitas rentang pencacahan, ukuran program maupun waktu eksekusi.

Kata kunci : Pewaktu, Pencacah, 8 bit, 16 bit, Mikrokontroler
Make in India: A Paradigm Shift in Rajasthan Reforms
Authors: Rathore Dr. Archana
Published: February 2016

Launch of “Make in India” aimed at making India a global manufacturing hub. It was also rolled out with the aim of creating millions of jobs in the country. Government has announced many steps in last one year to improve the business environment by easing processes to do business in the country, and attract foreign investments. If any country needs to grow obviously it is the army of states which is going to play a major role in fighting the battle out. Rajasthan being the largest state in the country has tremendous potential to support “Make in India”. Question arises whether we are looking for development or sustainable economic development. Do we have a productive labor force? Are we in the stage to provide equal healthcare to all so that so called demographic dividend does not become demographic burden in near future? How the allocation of the scarce economic resources in the state can be done? If we are calling for urban infrastructure development, moving towards the concept of smart city, what solutions we have for proper governance? Looking at global climate change problem, can we grow parallel managing our environmental problems? In this discussion paper author tries to identify the key issues and challenges pertaining to Rajasthan to play its vital role as key economic driver.
Legal Guarantees and Inconsistency of State Recognition to the Right of Religion/Belief in Indonesia
Authors: Kadarudin Kadarudin
Published: February 2016

The right to freedom of religion/belief has been guaranteed by law in Indonesia, but there are still going on some violations of the right to freedom of religion/belief in the various regions. The purpose of this study was to determine the form of the legal guarantee of the right to freedom of religion/belief in Indonesia, shape inconsistencies state recognition of the right to religion/belief in Indonesia, and efforts to improve the rights of religion/belief in Indonesia. This paper uses a normative study. It was found that there are some rules that apply in Indonesia, which may hinder the implementation of the right of religion/belief, thus causing the occurrence of cases of rights violations religion/belief in some areas, should therefore rules should be immediately revoked. The conclusions of this paper are contained inconsistent state recognition of the right to religion/ belief in Indonesia.
Putusan Hakim yang Progresif dalam Perkara Perdata (Telaah “Kasus Pohon Mangga”)
Authors: Suwito Suwito
Published: February 2016

Gagasan hukum progresif merupakan konsep berhukum dengan cara menempatkan hukum sebagai instrumen dalam pencapaian tujuan-tujuan sosialnya. Gagasan ini pula menekankan adanya penemuan hukum di setiap putusan hakim sebagai upaya untuk menggali nilai-nilai yang hidup dalam masyarakat. Pemikiran hukum progresif ini telah teraplikasi pada beberapa putusan hakim di Indonesia. Salah satunya adalah pada perkara keperdataan yang dikenal dengan sebutan kasus “Pohon Mangga” yang terjadi di wilayah hukum Pengadilan Negeri Jayapura. Tujuan pada penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengkaji secara yuridis normatif salah satu putusan pengadilan dalam perkara perdata yang berbasis hukum progresif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan ialah metode pendekatan normatif dengan putusan pengadilan sebagai bahan hukum primer. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pertimbangan yuridis hakim yang berbasis hukum progresif pada putusan perkara tersebut, dimana hakim telah berhasil menyelesaikan permasalahan hukum yang termasuk kategori rumit dan abstrak. Kesimpulan pada kajian kasus ini menunjukkan bahwa setiap permasalahan hukum dapat diselesaikan tanpa harus mengenyampingkan peraturan dengan tetap berpegang teguh pada kaidah untuk mencapai rasa keadilan, kemanfaatan dan kepastian hukum sebagai ciri dari hukum yang progresif.
Penggunaan Media E-mail sebagai Sarana Beracara Contante Justitie pada Pengadilan di Indonesia
Authors: Wahab Yasser S. , Kalalo Julianto J.J. , Mery Lisa
Published: February 2016

Penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana penerapan asas constante justitie pada peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku di Indonesia, serta untuk mengetahui sinergitas proses beracara jika menggunakan sarana media internet e-mail dalam mewujudkan contante justitie. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian normatif. Penelitian dilakukan secara kualitatif dengan bertumpu pada studi kepustakaan (library research) dengan pendekatan bahan hukum primer dan bahan hukum sekunder. Hasil penelitian mengindikasikan bahwa meski prinsip contante justitie telah diatur dalam ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan di Indonesia, yaitu pada Pasal 2 ayat (4) Undang-Undang Nomor 48 tahun 2009 tentang Kekuasaan Kehakiman, namun pada praktiknya masih ketinggalan zaman, khususnya pada proses beracara jawabmenjawab, karena dilaksanakan secara “tradisional” dengan mewajibkan para pihak untuk menghadiri dan mengajukan surat (secara fisik) di depan persidangan.
Recent Advances in Viscoelastic Surfactants for Improved Production From Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
Authors: Hull Katherine L. , Sayed Mohammed , Al-Muntasheri Ghaithan A.
Published: February 2016

Viscoelastic surfactants (VES) are used in upstream oil and gas applications, particularly hydraulic fracturing and matrix acidizing. A description of surfactant types is introduced along with a description of how they assemble into micelles, what sizes and shapes of micelles can be formed under different conditions, and finally how specific structures can lead to bulk viscoelastic-solution properties. This theoretical discussion leads into a description of the specific VES systems that have been used over the last 20 years in improved oil recovery for upstream applications.

VES-based fluids have been used most extensively for hydraulic fracturing. They are preferred over conventional polymer-based fracturing-fluid systems because they are essentially solids-free systems that have demonstrated less damage to the reservoir-rock formation. In fact, approximately 10% of the fracturing treatments use VES-based fluids. Important advancements in VESs have been made by introducing “pseudocrosslinking agents,” such as nanoparticles, to enhance the viscosity. Fracturing-fluid systems modeled after VES have also been improved recently by developing internal breakers to lower their viscosity to flow back the well. The flexibility of VES-based fluids has been demonstrated by their application as foamed fluids, as well as their incorporation with brine systems such as produced water.

A second key area that has benefited from VES-based systems is matrix acidizing of carbonate-based reservoirs. The viscosity of these VES-based fluids is mostly controlled by pH; at low pH (low viscosity), the acid system flows easily and invades pore spaces in the formation. During acidizing, the acid is spent, and the pH and viscosity increase. Because the spent acid has higher viscosity, fresh acid is diverted to low-permeability, uncontacted zones and penetrates the rocks to form wormholes. A number of experimental studies and field applications to these effects have been performed and will be described in this study.

In order for VES-based fluids to play a more-prominent role in the field, inherent limitations such as cost, applicable temperature range, and leakoff characteristics will need to continue to be addressed. If we can efficiently and economically overcome these issues, VES-based fluids offer the industry an excellent clean and nondamaging alternative to conventional polymer-based fluids.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and Candidate Gene Identification for Seed Glucosinolates in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Hirani Arvind H. , Geng Jianfeng , Zhang Jiefu , Zelmer Carla D. , McVetty Peter B. E. , Daayf Fouad , Li Genyi
Published: February 2016

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are sulfur‐ and nitrogen‐rich plant secondary metabolites biosynthesized in plant species belonging to the order Brassicales. In this study, using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross between Chinese cabbage [Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt and subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt] and yellow sarson [B. rapa L. subsp. trilocularis (Roxb.) Hanelt], eight gene‐specific and gene‐flanking markers for GSLs and 148 simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers were assembled on the previous ultradense genetic map of B. rapa. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for GSLs was performed using this genetic map, and gene‐specific markers were used to identify the loci involved in the biosynthesis of GSLs. Over a dozen QTL for progoitrin, gluconapin, glucoalyssin, glucobrassicanapin, 4‐hydroxyglucobrassicin, total aliphatic glucosinolate, and total GSL were identified in seeds. A candidate locus of Br‐GSL‐ELONG gene on linkage group A03 was identified to cosegregate with 5C aliphatic GSLs (glucoalyssin, glucobrassicanapin, and sum of 5C) in B. rapa. This locus was also colocalized with the QTL controlling seed gluconapin and sum of 4C GSL (gluconapin, progoitrin). The results suggest that the Br‐GSL‐ELONG locus on linkage group A03 might have multifunctional properties for 4C and 5C aliphatic GSL biosynthesis in Brassica species. Glucosinolate biosynthesis gene‐specific molecular markers developed in this study can be used to manipulate GSLs in other Brassica species including rapeseed (B. napus L.) and Brassica vegetables.
A novel anoxic–aerobic biofilter process using new composite packing material for the treatment of rural domestic wastewater
Authors: Pan L. T. , Han Y.
Published: February 2016

A pilot scale experiment was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of contaminants removal in a continuously two-stage biological process composed of an anoxic biofilter (AF) and an biological aerated filter (BAF). This novel process was developed by introducing new composite packing material (MZF) into bioreactors to treat rural domestic wastewater. A comparative study conducted by the same process with ceramsite as packing material under the same conditions showed that a MZF system with a Fe proportion in the packing material performed better in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (average 91.5%), ammonia (NH4+-N) removal (average 98.3%), total nitrogen (TN) removal (average 64.8%) and total phosphorus (TP) removal (average 90%). After treatment of the MZF system, the concentrations of COD, NH4+-N, TN and TP in effluent were 20.3 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 11.5 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L, respectively. The simultaneously high efficiencies of nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal were achieved by the coupling effects of biological and chemical processes in the MZF system. The results of this study showed that the application of MZF might be a favorable choice as packing material in biofilters for treatment of rural domestic wastewater.
Cytokine Responses in Gills of Capoeta umbla as Biomarkers of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Danabas Durali , Yildirim Nuran Cikcikoglu , Yildirim Numan , Onal Ayten Oztufekci , Uslu Gulsad , Unlu Erhan , Danabas Seval , Ergin Cemil , Tayhan Nilgun
Published: February 2016

Immunological biomarkers reflect the effects of exposure to environmental contaminants. In this study, the suitability and sensitivity of cytokine responses, interleukin1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in gill tissues of Capoeta umbla (Heckel, 1843), collected from different regions, as early warning indices of environmental pollution and ecosystem health was evaluated. Fish and water samples were taken from ten stations in March and September 2011 and 2012. Tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels were determined in samples of the gill tissues by using an ELISA kit. Significant variations of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels observed between stations and seasons. The results of this study show that seasonal variations of cytokine responses in gills of Capoeta umbla are sensitive to the contaminants present in Uzuncayir Dam Lake (Tunceli, Turkey) water and are valuable biomarkers for environmental pollution and ecosystem health.
Experimental Assessment of the Degradation of “Unbiodegradable” Organic Solids in Activated Sludge
Authors: Friedrich M. , Takács I. , Tränckner Jens
Published: February 2016

In current process models activated sludge consists of biodegradable and unbiodegradable organic fractions. Recent evidence suggests that this approach may not be accurate because some of this “unbiodegradable” material may indeed be degradable. To improve sludge production predictions, it is important to know to what extent the “unbiodegradable” organic fraction is degradable. Assuming that volatile suspended solids (VSS) is a measure of the sum of biodegradable and unbiodegradable organic solids and the integral of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) is representative of the biodegradable organics, the combination of these measurements can be used to predict the change of unbiodegradable organic solids within an aerobic digestion batch experiment. This procedure was used to estimate degradation rates of “unbiodegradable” VSS between 0.006 to 0.029 d−1. The advantage of the proposed method is that the degradation rate can be determined directly based on measurements and relies on a limited number of assumptions.
Bioengineering the Endocrine Pancreas: Intraomental Islet Transplantation Within a Biologic Resorbable Scaffold
Authors: Berman Dora M. , Molano R. Damaris , Fotino Carmen , Ulissi Ulisse , Gimeno Jennifer , Mendez Armando J. , Kenyon Norman M. , Kenyon Norma S. , Andrews David M. , Ricordi Camillo , Pileggi Antonello
Published: February 2016

Transplantation of pancreatic islets is a therapeutic option to preserve or restore β-cell function. Our study was aimed at developing a clinically applicable protocol for extrahepatic transplantation of pancreatic islets. The potency of islets implanted onto the omentum, using an in situ–generated adherent, resorbable plasma-thrombin biologic scaffold, was evaluated in diabetic rat and nonhuman primate (NHP) models. Intraomental islet engraftment in the biologic scaffold was confirmed by achievement of improved metabolic function and preservation of islet cytoarchitecture, with reconstitution of rich intrainsular vascular networks in both species. Long-term nonfasting normoglycemia and adequate glucose clearance (tolerance tests) were achieved in both intrahepatic and intraomental sites in rats. Intraomental graft recipients displayed lower levels of serum biomarkers of islet distress (e.g., acute serum insulin) and inflammation (e.g., leptin and α2-macroglobulin). Importantly, low-purity (30:70% endocrine:exocrine) syngeneic rat islet preparations displayed function equivalent to that of pure (>95% endocrine) preparations after intraomental biologic scaffold implantation. Moreover, the biologic scaffold sustained allogeneic islet engraftment in immunosuppressed recipients. Collectively, our feasibility/efficacy data, along with the simplicity of the procedure and the safety of the biologic scaffold components, represented sufficient preclinical testing to proceed to a pilot phase I/II clinical trial.
Influence of Battery Level of a Cordless LED Unit on the Properties of a Nanofilled Composite Resin
Authors: Pereira AG , Raposo LHA , Teixeira DNR , Gonzaga RCQ , Cardoso IO , Soares CJ , Soares PV
Published: February 2016

The properties of composite resins can be influenced by light activation, depending primarily on the performance of the curing unit. The aim of this study was to evaluate how different battery levels of a cordless light-emitting diode (LED) unit influence the properties of a nanofilled composite resin. First, the battery voltage and light intensity of the cordless LED unit were individually checked for all light-curing cycles. Then, composite resin discs were prepared and light-cured at different battery levels: high level (HL, 100%), medium level (ML, 50%), and low level (LL, 10%). The degree of conversion, diametral tensile strength, sorption, and solubility of the specimens were tested. Data were checked for homoscedasticity and submitted to one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significant difference and Pearson correlation tests (p<0.05). The battery voltage and light intensity varied significantly among the groups (p<0.001). The LL group presented a lower degree of conversion than the HL and ML groups (p<0.001), which shower similar results (p=0.182). Lower diametral tensile strength was also verified for the LL group when compared with the HL and ML groups (p<0.001), which presented no difference (p=0.052). Positive correlation was observed between the light intensity and the parameters studied, with the exception of sorption and solubility (p<0.001). The ML and LL groups showed higher sorption than the HL group (p <0.001), but no difference was verified between the first two groups (p=0.535). No significant differences were found for solubility between the ML and LL groups (p=0.104), but the HL group presented lower values (p<0.001). The different battery levels of the cordless LED curing unit influenced all the properties of the nanofilled composite resin evaluated.