bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend und Zyklus im Bruttoinlandsprodukt der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Eine Anmerkung / Trends and Cycles in Germany’s Real Gross Domestic Product. A Note
Authors: Meier Carsten-Patrick
Published: April 2016

Diese Anmerkung zeigt, dass das reale Bruttoinlandsprodukt der Bundesrepublik Deutschland einem trendstationären Prozess folgt. Dabei werden sowohl ökonometrische Tests, bei denen die Trendstationarität die Alternativhypothese ist, eingesetzt als auch solche, bei denen sie die Nullhypothese darstellt. Beide Verfahren präferieren das trendstationäre Modell. Eine explizite Berücksichtigung von Brüchen im Trend ist für dieses Ergebnis nicht notwendig. Für die praktische Trend-Zyklus-Zerlegung im Rahmen der Konjunkturforschung hat ein Modell mit Trendbrüchen gleichwohl Vorteile.
Tax Competition through Tax Evasion / Steuerwettbewerb über Steuerhinterziehung
Authors: Beckmann Klaus
Published: April 2016

In the present paper, I analyse the competitive behaviour of benevolent governments in the presence of (capital) income tax evasion when information exchange is not possible. My approach is to introduce a cost of evasion function into an otherwise standard tax competition model and to explore three variants of the basic tax competition cum evasion game.

Two distinct justifications for tax harmonisation emerge. First, harmonisation of taxation at the source can be supported with the usual spill-over argument that is at the core of the tax competition literature. This kind of argument does not apply to the harmonisation of residence-based taxes, however. Second, in a strategic situation where a tax haven facilitates tax evasion by citizens of the rest of the world, countries may find it to their advantage to coordinate their residence-based tax policies as well.
Zur korrekten Interpretation der Ergebnisse einer log-linearen Regression bei Heteroskedastie. Eine methodische Untersuchung mit einer Anwendung auf die relativen Löhne von Ausländern / Correctly Interpreting the Results from a Log-linear Regression under Heteroskedasticity. Methods and an Application to the Relative Wages of Immigrants
Authors: Winkelmann Rainer
Published: April 2016

The common estimator for relative adjusted wage differentials based on dummy variables in loglinear regressions is inconsistent in the presence of group-specific heteroskedasticity. The direction and magnitude of the bias are derived. At the same time, a heteroskedasticity-consistent estimator is proposed. The formulas are exact for normally distributed errors and approximations otherwise. An example on the wage determination in the German labor market shows that ignoring the problem of heteroskedasticity will lead to an underestimation of the relative wage gap between Germans and Immigrants, since the wages of immigrants are relatively less dispersed. Evidence from the literature as well as an independent analysis using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel for 1996 yield a downward bias of up to 25 percent. The importance of these results extend beyond the case of dummy variables to the general problem of Computing expectations of retransformed variables.
Employment and Investment of the West German Industry 1968-1998. A Descriptive Analysis / Beschäftigung und Investitionen in der westdeutschen Industrie 1968-1998. Eine deskriptive Untersuchung
Authors: Kirchesch Kai
Published: April 2016

Small and medium-sized enterprises are considered to be the principal generator of new jobs in the industrialised countries at least since the Birch (1979) study. According to this image, they are also stabilising the economy during the business cycles because of the lower volatility of their employment and investment. The results of the following studies were ambiguous, though. This is also valid for the studies about Germany, that are at most based on the Census of Businesses or the Census of Employment. The few studies about the employment and investment behaviour in the West German industry investigate too short periods. The present investigation tries to cure this lack by analysing the differences between small and large industrial enterprises with regard to their employment and investment behaviour for the period between 1968 and 1998. A link between firm size and the employment and investment behaviour can only be found in the nineties. However, with small and medium-sized enterprises being more stable over the investigated period, there is a relation between the size and the volatility of industrial enterprises.
A Cross-country Study of Corporate Financial Structure and the Flexibility Issue / Eine Querschnittsanalyse der Finanzstruktur von Unternehmen und der Flexibilitätsaspekt
Authors: Rivaud-Danset Dorothée
Published: April 2016

Firms need flexibility, defined as the capacity to react to unexpected situations. Corporate flexibility improves with liquidity. For non-financial firms, sources of liquidity are twofold: internal, by keeping cash, and external, through a borrowing power, usually from banks. On the average, a high rate of cash testifies to a lack of mutual trust between bank and firm, typical of a ‘procedure-based’ banking model and a ‘Exit-dominated’ financial system (versus a ‘Voice-dominated’ one). Data Analysis supports the view that cash balance is an indicator of corporate financial pattern which should be taken into account to characterize national financial systems. This article brings a new perspective to the analysis of financial system differences by focusing on corporate liquidity.
Statistische Besonderheiten von Finanzzeitreihen / Statistical Properties of Financial Time Series
Authors: Krämer Walter
Published: April 2016

Finanzmarktdaten wie Zinsen, Aktien- oder Wechselkurse und andere spekulative Preise setzen sich durch verschiedene Besonderheiten von sonstigen ökonomischen Zeitreihendaten ab. Dieser Artikel untersucht die Konsequenzen dieser Besonderheiten für die rationale Bewertung von Finanzinstrumenten und für verschiedene, in finanzwirtschaftlichen Anwendungen angewandte statistische Schätzungen und Tests.
Dynamische Effekte symmetrischer Nachfrageund Angebotspolitiken in einer asymmetrischen Währungsunion / Dynamic Effects of Symmetric Demand and Supply Side Policies in an Asymmetric Monetary Union
Authors: Wohltmann Hans-Werner , Clausen Volker
Published: April 2016

The paper analyzes the dynamic effects of anticipated symmetric demand and supply side policies within the framework of a macroeconomic model of a small monetary union, which is characterized by asymmetric wage adjustment equations of Phillips’ curve type. It is shown that an anticipated simultaneous increase in government expenditure in both member countries leads to a short-run fall in output and to temporary divergences in output developments. From the perspective of the country with the lower wage flexibility the output differential is positive in the short-run. In the course of the subsequent adjustment process the relative cyclical position is reversed. The difference between the two member country outputs changes its sign due to changes in the internal and external terms of trade. Similar results hold with a simultaneous reduction of labor extra-costs in both countries. Compared with a symmetric increase in government expenditure the development of the output differential is essentially opposite in sign.
Einkommenseffekte, Wechselkursdynamik und der Euro/Dollar-Kurs / Income Effects, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and the Euro/Dollar Rate
Authors: Jarchow Hans-Joachim
Published: April 2016

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das bekannte Dornbusch-Modell mit verzögerter Anpassung der Güterpreise und überschießender Wechselkursreaktion durch Endogenisierung des Güterangebots und Übertragung auf ein Zwei-Länder-Modell erweitert. Wie gezeigt wird, bewirkt ein expansiver Einfluss auf die ausländische Güternachfrage (z. B. auf den Konsum und die Investition im Ausland) eine reale und nominale Abwertung der Inlandswährung, während ein expansiver Einfluss auf das ausländische Güterangebot (z. B. als Folge gestiegener Arbeitsproduktivität im Ausland) dazu führt, dass sich die Inlandswährung real aufwertet und der nominale Wechselkurs steigen, fallen oder konstant bleiben kann. Im ersten Fall tritt immer ein overshooting ein, im zweiten kann es eintreten. Dominiert der erste Vorgang den zweiten, was offenbar in der Betrachtungsperiode (1999 I bis 2000 III) in den USA der Fall war, dann sind die Modellimplikationen mit der nominalen und realen Abwertung des Euro gegenüber dem Dollar vereinbar.
Zur Begründung der linearen Nachfragefunktion in der Haushaltstheorie / Reasons for the Linear Demand Function in Consumer Theory
Authors: Schöler Klaus , Kneis Gert
Published: April 2016

Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die oft verwendeten linearen Nachfragefunktionen nutzentheoretisch zu fundieren. Die Herleitung einer Nutzenfunktion mit diesen Eigenschaften erbringt ein überraschendes Ergebnis: Nicht nur eine Nutzenfunktion, sondern eine Klasse von Nutzenfunktionen hat die geforderten Eigenschaften. Dabei wird auch deutlich, daß in einer Zwei-Güter-Welt immer dann, wenn die Nachfrage nach dem einen Gut linear vom Preis abhängig ist, die Nachfrage nach dem zweiten Gut in einem Preis-Mengen-Diagramm konvex zum Ursprung verläuft.
Explaining International Productivity Differences / Erklärung internationaler Produktivitätsunterschiede
Authors: Krüger Jens J. , Cantner Uwe , Hanusch Horst
Published: April 2016

In this paper we add new results to the investigation of productivity levels rather than productivity changes, as proposed by Hall/Jones (1996, 1997, 1999). To obtain measures of relative productivity levels we depart from traditional growth accounting and calculate the Malmquist index of total factor productivity change using a nonparametric approach to efficiency analysis for a broad sample of 87 countries. This index can be decomposed into measures of technological progress and efficiency change that are cumulated to level measures. The so obtained heterogeneity in productivity levels is then related to several determinants of technology driven growth by regression estimates. Doing this (a) we are able to provide confirmation of the validity of the decomposition of the Malmquist index and (b) we find innovation-related explanations for international technological frontier shifts and imitative catching up and falling behind.
Solar-Powered Plasmon-Enhanced Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Naldoni Alberto , Riboni Francesca , Guler Urcan , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Kildishev Alexander V.
Published: April 2016

Photocatalysis uses semiconductors to convert sunlight into chemical energy. Recent reports have shown that plasmonic nanostructures can be used to extend semiconductor light absorption or to drive direct photocatalysis with visible light at their surface. In this review, we discuss the fundamental decay pathway of localized surface plasmons in the context of driving solar-powered chemical reactions. We also review different nanophotonic approaches demonstrated for increasing solar-to-hydrogen conversion in photoelectrochemical water splitting, including experimental observations of enhanced reaction selectivity for reactions occurring at the metalsemiconductor interface. The enhanced reaction selectivity is highly dependent on the morphology, electronic properties, and spatial arrangement of composite nanostructures and their elements. In addition, we report on the particular features of photocatalytic reactions evolving at plasmonic metal surfaces and discuss the possibility of manipulating the reaction selectivity through the activation of targeted molecular bonds. Finally, using solar-to-hydrogen conversion techniques as an example, we quantify the efficacy metrics achievable in plasmon-driven photoelectrochemical systems and highlight some of the new directions that could lead to the practical implementation of solar-powered plasmon-based catalytic devices.
The Design and Semi-Physical Simulation Test of Fault-Tolerant Controller for Aero Engine
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Tianhong
Published: April 2016

A new fault-tolerant control method for aero engine is proposed, which can accurately diagnose the sensor fault by Kalman filter banks and reconstruct the signal by real-time on-board adaptive model combing with a simplified real-time model and an improved Kalman filter. In order to verify the feasibility of the method proposed, a semi-physical simulation experiment has been carried out. Besides the real I/O interfaces, controller hardware and the virtual plant model, semi-physical simulation system also contains real fuel system. Compared with the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation, semi-physical simulation system has a higher degree of confidence. In order to meet the needs of semi-physical simulation, a rapid prototyping controller with fault-tolerant control ability based on NI CompactRIO platform is designed and verified on the semi-physical simulation test platform. The result shows that the controller can realize the aero engine control safely and reliably with little influence on controller performance in the event of fault on sensor.
The Code of the Desert
Authors: Nicholson Geoff
Published: April 2016

A personal essay about visiting and living in the California desert, the architecture and art created there, and what does and doesn’t “belong” there. There are considerations of homesteader cabins, motels, “villains’ houses” and the author’s own ambivalent urges to own a piece of the desert, with references to Ed Ruscha, Rayner Banham and Noah Purifoy.
Tiesiosios žarnos prolapsas: chirurginis perinealinis gydymas
Authors: Fretes Ir , Muñoz D.
Published: April 2016

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Sėkminga vienos angos videotorakoskopinė kairio plaučio viršutinė lobektomija neintubuotam pacientui: klinikinis atvejis
Authors: Pankratjevaitė Lina , Samiatina-Morkūnienė Diana
Published: April 2016

ĮžangaVideotorakoskopinė chirurgija (VATS) visame pasaulyje pirmuosius žingsnius žengė daugiau nei prieš dvidešimt metų. Įprastinė trijų angų VATS buvo patobulinta iki vienos angos VATS. Pacientai, kuriems atliktos minimaliai invazinės operacijos, jaučia mažesnį pooperacinį skausmą, greičiau sveiksta. Be to, didelės torakoskopinės plaučių rezekcijos gali būti atliekamos ir neintubuotiems pacientams.Klinikinis atvejisLietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto ligoninėje pirmą kartą Lietuvos istorijoje sėkmingai atlikta vienos angos videotorakoskopinė kairė viršutinė lobektomija 68 metų pacientui, sirgusiam nesmulkialąsteliniu plaučių vėžiu.IšvadosNeintubuotam pacientui atlikta vienos angos VATS lobektomija, esant vėžio pažeistai plaučio skilčiai, yra saugi ir efektyvi operacija.
PASIRENGIMO NAGRINĖTI CIVILINES BYLAS TEISME ĮTAKA BYLAI IŠNAGRINĖTI PER PROTINGĄ LAIKĄ
Authors: Nekrošius Vytautas , Simaitis Rimantas , Vėbraitė Vigita , Brazdeikis Aurimas
Published: April 2016

Šiame straipsnyje analizuojama pasirengimo stadija civiliniame procese, šios stadijos įtaka civilinėms byloms nagrinėti per protingą terminą ir bandoma išskirti pagrindines problemas, kylančias šiame civilinio proceso etape. Daugiausia dėmesio skiriama tam tikroms pasirengimo formoms ir jų įtakai proceso trukmei, taip pat ginčo šalių bandymams pateikti įrodymus pavėluotai ar keisti ieškinio dalyką ar pagrindą kuo vėliau ir taip užvilkinti bylos nagrinėjimą teisme.
TARYBOS DIREKTYVOS 2009/133/EB NUOSTATŲ, SKIRTŲ KOVOTI SU MOKESČIŲ VENGIMU, PERKĖLIMAS Į LIETUVOS TEISĘ
Authors: Petkevičiūtė Agnė
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje atkreipiamas dėmesys į tai, kad Lietuvoje, įgyvendinant 2009 m. spalio 19 d. Tarybos direktyvą 2009/133/EB dėl bendros mokesčių sistemos, taikomos įvairių valstybių narių įmonių jungimui, skaidymui, daliniam skaidymui, turto perleidimui ir keitimuisi akcijomis ir SE arba SCE registruotos buveinės perkėlimui iš vienos valstybės narės į kitą, į Pelno mokesčio įstatymą nebuvo tiesiogiai perkelta jos 15 straipsnyje įtvirtinta norma, dėl skirta kovoti su mokesčių vengimu. Atlikus išsamią šio direktyvos straipsnio analizę, pateikiamas vertinimas, ar šio straipsnio perkėlimas buvo reikalingas.
VAKARŲ TEISĖS TRADICIJOS IR BIOMEDICINOS MOKSLŲ SANTYKIS EUROPOS PATENTŲ KONVENCIJOS 53 (A) STRAIPSNIO KONTEKSTE
Authors: Randakevičiūtė Jurgita
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje analizuojama, kaip Vakarų teisės tradicija turėtų reaguoti į biomedicinos mokslų pažangą, nulemiančią išradimų, kurie dažnai yra suprantami tik siauram tam tikros srities specialistų ratui, atsiradimą. Šiuo darbu yra siekiama pristatyti požiūrį į Vakarų teisės tradiciją ir biomedicinos mokslus, kaip į dvi santykiaujančias tradicijas, ir tokiu būdu padėti pagrindus tolesniam tyrimui, siekiančiam nustatyti, kaip teisinė sistema turėtų reaguoti į biomedicinos mokslų pažangą ir nustatyti atitinkamą teisinį reguliavimą. Europos patentų konvencijos 53(a) straipsnis šiame darbe pasitelkiamas kaip atspirties taškas minėtų dviejų tradicijų santykiui analizuoti.
PLĖŠIMAS NUKENTĖJUSIOJO VALIĄ PALAUŽUS NAUDOJAMAIS ĮRANKIAIS
Authors: Žukovaitė Inga
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje atskleidžiama plėšimą kvalifikuojančių požymių samprata, pateikiamas apibendrintas požymių, kurie susiję su įrankių, palengvinančių palaužti nukentėjusiojo valią, naudojimu, aiškinimas teismų praktikoje. Aptariama panaudojimo sąvokos turinys, plėšimo įrankių reglamentavimo būdai, atskirai įvertinama peilio, specialiai žmogui žaloti pritaikyto daikto, bei ginklų panaudojimo požymiai.
Flood regime and water table determines tree distribution in a forest-savanna gradient in the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: FERREIRA-JÚNIOR WALNIR G. , SCHAEFER CARLOS E.G.R. , CUNHA CÁTIA N. , DUARTE TEMILZE G. , CHIEREGATTO LUIZ C. , CARMO FLÁVIA M.S.
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT This study aimed to recognized the preferential location of species of the tree sinusiae in response to a moisture gradient in Pantanal Matogrossense, Brazil. We established sampling plots of arboreal sinusiae along a soil moisture and flood gradient. Piezometers were installed, allowing monthly measurements of water table depth and flood height during one year. Detrended Correspondence Analysis, Gradient Direct Analysis, Multi-response Permutation Procedures and Indicator Species Analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of moisture gradient on tree distribution. The annual variation of water table is shallower and similar in Seasonally Flooded Forest and Termite Savanna, with increasing depths in Open Savanna, Savanna Forest and Dry Forest. Circa 64% of the species were characterized as having a preferential location in "terrestrial habitats normally not subjected to inundation", while 8% preferentially occur in "wet habitats". Lowest tree richness in flood-affected vegetation types is related to both present-day high climatic seasonality and Late Pleistocene dry paleoclimates in the Pantanal wetland. The tree distribution across different formations in the Pantanal shows a direct relationship with soil moisture gradient.
Paulo Freire: educador-pensador da libertação
Authors: Costa Bruno Botelho
Published: April 2016

Resumo O presente trabalho propõe um exame da fundamentação teórica humanista crítica do educador e pensador Paulo Freire, tomada como eixo orientador de sua perspectiva de libertação. Primeiramente foi feita uma contextualização da cena pessoal, histórica, política e filosófica que permeou o início de seu trabalho e sua opção por trabalhar com os setores marginalizados da sociedade brasileira. Em seguida, foram explicitados alguns conceitos-chave nos quais essa fundamentação teórica se sustenta e foram abordadas algumas questões para situar o papel do intelectual segundo Freire, tecendo considerações sobre o contexto educacional/social contemporâneo. Por fim, concluiu-se com mediações que visam demonstrar como os elementos desenvolvidos nos levam de volta à noção de radicalidade da humanização, também fruto das reflexões de início do trabalho de Freire.
Evaluation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil by Early Childhood professionals
Authors: FIORAVANTI-BASTOS Ana Carolina Monnerat , FILGUEIRAS Alberto , MOURA Maria Lucia Seidl de
Published: April 2016

Child development assessment is important for the development of action plans for early childhood problem prevention. There are few instruments that are systematically used in day care centers. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil, which consists of 18 questionnaires, was adapted and used in the public day care system of Rio de Janeiro. However, studies on the user's evaluation of this screening tool have not yet been conducted. A total of 28 childhood educators who work in 6 different day care centers participated in this study. They completed two different versions of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil: a version to Assess Beliefs of Educators about children Development and another one about the Characteristics of this screening tool. The internal consistency for 504 questionnaires was calculated and compared to the original sample. Analysis of Variance was performed to identify differences between the importance given by educators to the five developmental domains assessed in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem solving, and personal-social. Results indicated good internal consistency and the need for changes in the questionnaire to ensure clarity and adequacy to day care centers.
The significance of teaching in indigenous teacher education: The role of language mediation
Authors: FERREIRA Áurea Lúcia Magalhães Cardoso de Medeiros , SOUZA Vera Lúcia Trevisan de
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of a PhD research that investigated the role of language mediation in the training of professionals to teach indigenous people, seeking to investigate its influence on the changes and preservation of indigenous culture. This study was based on theoretical and methodological assumptions of cultural-historical Psychology. The present study investigated a teacher training course, Tamî'kan - Indigenous Teacher Education, in the State of Roraima, and the data were collected through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 10 students and 3 course coordinators. The results indicate difficulties undergone by the indigenous students resulting from previous teaching experiences by non-indigenous teachers, especially regarding the Portuguese language. This relationship leads to contradictions in terms of indigenous culture and can influence the students' character and professional life.
Estrutura e Conservação de um Trecho de Floresta Estacional em Piraí, RJ
Authors: Medeiros Alexandre dos Santos , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Braz Denise Monte
Published: April 2016

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi a caracterização florística e estrutural de um fragmento de floresta estacional em Piraí, RJ, visando a determinação de seu estágio sucessional. O Parque Municipal da Mata do Amador (22º37’S e 43º53’W) abrange 16,4 ha, constituindo um importante remanescente florestal urbano. Foram instaladas 15 parcelas de 10 × 10 metros, sendo o diâmetro de inclusão dos indivíduos maior ou igual a 5 centímetros. Foram mensurados 176 indivíduos, reunidos em 24 famílias, 46 gêneros e 51 espécies. A família com maior riqueza foi Fabaceae, os gêneros mais abundantes foram Cupania L., Casearia Jacq e Eugenia L. e a espécie com maior valor de importância foi Sorocea bonplandii. Ficou demonstrado que a Mata do Amador apresenta diversidade considerável de espécies (H’ = 3,517 natsind-1) e equabiliadade elevada (J’ = 0,884), sendo classificada como fragmento de floresta secundária em estágio médio de regeneração.
Magmatismo cálcio-alcalino Calimiano no embasamento do Terreno Jauru (Província Rondoniana - San Ignácio), Cráton Amazônico: geoquímica e geocronologia Sm-Nd E U/Pb
Authors: Fachetti Frankie James Serrano , Costa Ana Cláudia Dantas da , Silva Carlos Humberto da
Published: April 2016

RESUMO: O Ortognaisse Taquarussu e o Granodiorito Guadalupe, parte da Província Rondoniana-San Ignácio, SW do Cráton Amazônico, correspondem a corpos orientados segundo um trend principal NW. São rochas de composição granodiorítica com ocorrências subordinadas de monzogranitos, de granulação fina a grossa, constituídas essencialmente por plagioclásio, quartzo, microclina, ortoclásio e biotita. Os minerais acessórios são anfibólio, titanita, granada, apatita, epidoto, zircão e opacos. O estudo geoquímico permitiu classificar as rochas como granodioritos e monzogranitos, oriundos de um magmatismo intermediário a ácido, de caráter subalcalino, da série cálcio-alcalina a cálcio-alcalina alto K, com índices de alumina que variam de metaluminoso a levemente peraluminoso. Foram classificados como gerados em ambiente de arco de ilhas vulcânicos e os dados U-Pb (SHRIMP em zircão) mostram uma idade concórdia de 1575 ± 6 Ma. A idade modelo das análises de Sm-Nd (TDM) apontam para 1,63 Ga, com εNd (t = 1,57 Ga) variando entre -1,52 e +0,78. Esses dados permitem caracterizar essas rochas como uma crosta juvenil com uma possível contaminação de rochas crustais.
Ground Penetrating Radar investigation of depositional architecture: the São Sebastião and Marizal formations in the Cretaceous Tucano Basin (Northeastern Brazil)
Authors: Tamura Larissa Natsumi , Almeida Renato Paes de , Taioli Fabio , Marconato André , Janikian Liliane
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT: One key factor for the advance in the study of fluvial deposits is the application of geophysical methods, being the Ground Penetrating Radar one of special value. Although applied to active rivers, the method is not extensively tested on the rock record, bearing interest for hydrocarbon reservoir analogue models. The São Sebastião and Marizal formations were the subject of previous studies, which made possible the comparison of Ground Penetrating Radar survey to previous stratigraphic studies in order to identify the best combination of resolution, penetration and antenna frequency for the studied subject. Eight radar facies were identified, being six of them related to fluvial sedimentary environments, one related to eolian sedimentary environment and one radar facies interpreted as coastal sedimentary environment. The Ground Penetrating Radar data showed compatibility to sedimentary structures in the outcrops, like planar and trough cross-stratified beds. It is noted that the obtained resolution was efficient in the identification of structures up to 0.3 m using a 100 MHz antenna. In this way, the Ground Penetrating Radar survey in outcrops bears great potential for further works on fluvial depositional architecture.
Custo-efetividade do uso da tomografia de emissão de pósitrons na detecção de recorrência do câncer diferenciado de tireoide
Authors: Caetano Rosângela , Biz Aline Navega , Schluckebier Luciene Fontes , Silva Rondineli Mendes da , Braga José Ueleres , Bastos Cláudia Regina Garcia
Published: April 2016

Avaliou-se a custo-efetividade da adição da tomografia de emissão de pósitrons (18FDG-PET-TC) aos métodos convencionais na detecção de recorrência de cânceres diferenciados de tireoide. O modelo analítico de decisão representou coorte hipotética de pacientes adultos, de alto risco pela estratificação inicial, submetidos a tireoidectomia total e ablação com I131. A estratégia convencional de detecção foi comparada à adição da 18FDG-PET-TC aplicada aos indivíduos com resultados de cintigrafia com I131 negativos. O horizonte temporal foi de dez anos. Utilizou-se a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e, como medida de efetividade, os casos adicionais diagnosticados pela inclusão da PET-TC. Foram considerados apenas os custos médicos diretos. O custo do PET-TC foi estimado por microcustos; os demais custos foram obtidos das tabelas de pagamento de procedimentos do SUS. Custos e benefícios foram descontados em 5%. Realizaram-se análises de sensibilidade determinística univariada e probabilística. Detectaram-se 1.875 casos de recorrência com a estratégia convencional. Uso da 18FDG-PET-TC permitiu a detecção adicional de 13 casos, com custo de R$477.633,05/caso detectado. Os parâmetros de maior impacto na análise foram: medidas de acurácia dos métodos convencionais, custo do PET-TC e taxa de desconto. Os custos da adição da PET-TC mostram-se significativos e sua introdução não é custo-efetiva.
Influence of river discharge on phytoplankton structure and nutrient concentrations in four tropical semiarid estuaries
Authors: Barroso Hortência de Sousa , Becker Helena , Melo Vânia Maria Maciel
Published: April 2016

Abstract This study evaluated changes in phytoplankton and nutrients after an increase in river discharge in four estuaries of northeastern Brazil. Samples were taken during a markedly freshwater-deprived period (Nov/2010, dry season), and during a rainy season (May/2011). While two estuaries are located in urban areas (Ceará - CE and Cocó - CO), the others are markedly freshwater-deprived (Pacoti - PAC and Pirangi - PIR). Our findings indicate that increased freshwater had opposing effects on estuaries impacted by anthropogenic discharges (CO, CE and PIR) compared with the other, less impacted (PAC). In CO and CE, the freshwater flow during the rainy period had a nutrient diluting effect and controlled phytoplankton blooms. In PIR, only phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen decreased in the rainy season. In contrast, an increase of all nutrients was observed in PAC, and of TN in PIR, followed by an increase in phytoplankton biomass. In the rainy season, eutrophic freshwater species dominated in all the estuaries. In the dry season, blooms of Cryptomonas/Rhodomonas and Synechocystis aquatilis were, respectively, observed in CE and CO. Also in the dry season, PAC and PIR had a predominance of marine species under a condition of hypersalinity. Canonical correspondence analysis suggested the variation observed for salinity, silica, and TN are the main driver of phytoplankton structure.
A Nowcasting Model for Canada: Do U.S. Variables Matter?
Authors: Bragoli Daniela , Modugno Michele
Published: April 2016

We propose a dynamic factor model for nowcasting the growth rate of quarterly real Canadian gross domestic product. We show that the proposed model produces more accurate nowcasts than those produced by institutional forecasters, like the Bank of Canada, the The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the survey collected by Bloomberg, which reflects the median forecast of market participants. We show that including U.S. data in a nowcasting model for Canada dramatically improves its predictive accuracy, mainly because of the absence of timely production data for Canada. Moreover, Statistics Canada produces a monthly real GDP measure along with the quarterly one, and we show how to modify the state space representation of our model to properly link the monthly GDP with its quarterly counterpart.
A importância da TCFC no diagnóstico e localização de dentes supranumerários
Authors: Valente Nathália De Alencar , Soares Bárbara Monteiro , Santos Eduardo José Da Costa , Silva Milena Bortolotto Felippe
Published: April 2016

Dentes supranumerários são achados frequentes, podendo encontrar-se inclusos nas arcadas. As radiografias convencionais são utilizadas para o diagnóstico e permitem a visualização da posição dentária e a relação com estruturas vizinhas. Entretanto, essas modalidades de imagem apresentam limitações que podem comprometer o diagnóstico e o tratamento. O uso da imagem tridimensional obtida pela Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC) supera muitas dessas desvantagens, tornando essa técnica superior às convencionais, em casos envolvendo dentes inclusos e/ou impactados. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão de literatura destacando às vantagens da TCFC em relação às imagens bidimensionais no diagnóstico de hiperdontia.
International and Domestic Trade Regulations to Secure the Food Supply
Authors: Kaufmann Christine , Ehlert Caroline
Published: April 2016

In a time of global warming, of financial crisis, and of a crisis in food availability we need to ask how the food supply can be secured into the future. The present article considers the extent to which food security is at risk and considers how this risk is currently addressed through international and domestic trade regulation. It gives particular attention to the problems of the poor in the face of increasing biofuel production. It argues that sustainable results can only come about if the interests of the most vulnerable groups of the community are addressed at the international level. In particular, the current regulatory frameworks need to be enforced in order to ensure the food security of the world’s population.
The System of Food Law in the European Union
Authors: Van der Meulen Bernd
Published: April 2016

The first decade of the twenty-first century has seen a complete recast of the regulatory infrastructure for food in the European Union (EU), changing its previously strict market orientation and turning it into an instrument with the primary objective of ensuring food safety. This article contributes to the comparative study of food law by analysing the new body of EU food law and bringing the underlying structure to the forefront. EU food law applies an holistic approach to the food chain, addressing, on the basis of scientific risk analysis: food as a product in terms of its accepted ingredients and the
limits placed on contaminants; the processes of food production, trade and risk management; and the presentation of food in advertising and labelling. The European Commission and the Member States share responsibility for
official controls, incident management and enforcement.
Physicality in Australian Patent Law
Authors: McEniery Ben
Published: April 2016

It is generally understood that the patent system exists to encourage the conception and disclosure of new and useful inventions embodied in machines and other physical devices, along with new methods that physically transform matter from one state to another. What is not well understood is whether, and to what extent, the patent system is to encourage and protect the conception and disclosure of inventions that are non-physical methods — namely those that do not result in a physical transformation of matter. This issue was considered in Grant v Commissioner of Patents. In that case the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia held that an invention must involve a physical effect or transformation to be patentable subject matter. In doing so, it introduced a physicality requirement into Australian law. What this article seeks to establish is whether the court’s decision is consistent with the case law on point. It does so by examining the key common law cases that followed the High Court’s watershed decision in National Research Development Corporation v Commissioner of Patents, the undisputed authoritative statement of principle in regard to the patentable subject matter standard in Australia. This is done with a view to determining whether there is anything in those cases that supports the view that the Australian patentable subject matter test contains a physicality requirement.
Fat a Taxing Matter
Authors: Campisano Karen , Stewart Duncan
Published: April 2016

With increasing rates of obesity and associated obesity related diseases, much attention has been drawn to the latest obesity epidemic, with a variety of solutions proffered. There is a growing amount of evidence relating high intake of trans fats to obesity and coronary heart disease. It has been estimated that “obesity and its associated illnesses cost Australian society and governments a total of $21 billion in 2005”. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008) Whilst rates of obesity in upper and middle classes is slowing down, obesity and diabetes rates in the lower socio-economic bracket of society (see Table 1) continue to climb at alarming rates (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008)
Pirates as an Idea
Authors: Abida Umme , Hitchens Paul , Laegaard Bibi , Rozario Sheldon
Published: April 2016

At least 12 foreign ships are being held hostage in the waters off Eyl in the Nugal region, 300 nautical miles south of Africa's Horn, including a Ukrainian vessel, the MV Faina, loaded with 33 tanks and ammunition that was hijacked in September. The captured ships are being closely watched by hundreds of pirates aboard boats equipped with satellite phones and GPS devices. Hundreds mo re gunmen provide back-up on shore, where they incessantly chew the narcotic leaf ‘qat’ and dream of sharing in the huge ransoms that can run into millions of dollars. (Source: The Age) The above article is but one of many in the press in recent times reflecting how present day pirates operate. Pirates are still ruling the high seas, but historically what triggered their choice of lifestyle and why are they still active in the 21st century? Could actions in the past have eradicated the pirate industry a long time ago or is it just part of natural evolution?
Two Wheels and Rationality?
Authors: Ooi Ying Ying , Venkataraman Chandrashekar
Published: April 2016

Robert M. Pirsig (1974), in his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , writes “I feel some anxiety about this, which I realize is irrational and try to get rid of by talking about the road. There’s no way to fall off. No danger to the motorcycle. Just a memory of places where you could throw a stone and it would drop thousands of feet before coming to a rest and somehow associating that stone with the (motor)cycle and rider.” The notion of motorcycle riding, or more commonly, motorcycling, being irrational is not new; we would venture that not much has changed in over a century since its invention as far as it being intrinsically irrational is concerned. It was seemingly irrational to Pirsig when he was riding way back in the 50s and 60s, and continues to be irrational even today. We can reaffirm this view based on our personal experiences as motorcycle rider and pillion. However, the economists in us seek a rational explanation to the act of motorcycling, and we explore that perspective in this paper.
The Game of Arranged Marriages
Authors: Anchalia Nikunj , Ackerlauer Petra , Kannan Usha
Published: April 2016

A recent article in the Times of India (Desai, 2009) discusses the persistent existence of arranged marriages in India over time. Surprisingly, the educated middle class is experiencing a slightly increasing rate of arranged marriages indicating that it still is a widely accepted way of finding a partner. But the advancement of technology has definitely transformed arranged marriages (C NN, 2008). A common way to find a potential spouse these days is through online matchmaking portals like shaadi.com (14 million profiles) or bharatmatrimony. com (1.5 million profiles). Relying on romance or love when entering a marriage involves trying to transform a relationship from its present state into a long-term committed union. The problem is that even though romance may facilitate love, it does not necessarily guarantee a long term bond. Arranged marriages, on the other hand, simply try to transform an uncertain future outcome into a secure long-term contract base d on specific economic, cultural, educational and social factors associated with the potential partners (Desai, 2009). This paper analyses arranged marriages in the context of game theory, highlighting the principles of utility maximization , principal–agent theory and economies of scale .
The Economics of Formula 1
Authors: Kattepur Arjun , Vostrikov Victor , Goel Konark
Published: April 2016

At the end of the 2008 season, Honda withdrew from F1 and planned to turn the attention of its 400 engineers to developing more environmentally friendly cars. In the wake of Honda’s withdrawal, Toyota, and Sauber BMW ar e scheduled to withdraw at the end of 2009 as well. This begs the question of why these mainstream automobile manufacturers are backing out of F1. The F1 market can be viewed as an oligopolistic market which comprises of a small number of strategically interacting players. The decisions made by one player in such a market affect the decisions of the others and vice versa. One of the characteristic features in an oligopolistic market is that firms can create a cartel by adopting a strategy of explicit or even tacit collusion, facilitated by their strategic interaction. The players involved in our case can be identified as the teams which compete in F1 such as Ferrari, McLaren- Mercedes, and Sauber BMW. The Federation Internationale de l’ Auto mobile is commonly know n as the FIA is the overseeing regulatory body in F1. The FIA is responsible for sanctioning of funds and licensing F1 teams.
Is Soccer Played Fairly?
Authors: Roy Neil Edmund , Ayala Roberto , Khan Azizur
Published: April 2016

Club soccer today is bigger than it has ever been. The passion people have for their respective clubs can almost certainly be paralleled to that of their national teams. As a sport soccer goes above and beyond the theatrics witnessed on the field. The mechanics involved behind the scenes more often than not determine a club’s success, or lack of it. It is an international sport that elicits passion and pride among supporters culminating into a multimillion dollar business. And like any other firm in a market a club aims to maximise profits at the lowest possible costs. An unavoidable result of the manner in which the soccer market operates is the rather evident disparity that exists amongst soccer clubs today. We have grown accustomed to viewing soccer in an environment tainted with disparity. Over the years, we have been desensitised to how bigger clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United seem to only grow bigger. While smaller clubs such as, Xerez and Portsmouth, have to contend with comparatively trivial issues pertaining to merely surviving.
An Economic Analysis of the Luxury Car Tax in Australia
Authors: McPherson Andrew , Guffogg Sharon , Takemoto Sae , Williams Scott
Published: April 2016

Luxury cars are a symbol of wealth, succe ss and prestige and are a commodity of a sophisticated monopolistically competitive market around the world. Considering luxury cars to be representative of s uperior goods, you would expect sales to be decreasing during an economic downturn. However, while sales of luxury cars in Europe and the US declined during the GFC, sales within Australia increased substantially. This paper presents a closer inspection of this market in Australia and particularly focuses on how the government has applied the Luxury Car Tax (LCT). It looks at the impact of the LCT on the Australian luxury car market from an economic perspectiv e, and attempts to explain the political rationale for maintaining such a tax.
The $845,000 Porsche 918 Hybrid Spyder: Redefining the Supercar
Authors: Abdulhak Ismail , Smith Trent Andrew
Published: April 2016

As a result of the role of the automobile in contributing to carbon emissions and in symbolizing the overconsumption of scarce no n-renewable fuel reso urces coupled with the increased media focus on climat e change governments all over the world are intervening in the automobile market with regulation. Rising world oil prices and consumer preferences for enviro nmentally friendly goods has driven automobile manufacture rs to research, develop an d market alternative drive systems. Such advancements are now commo n in the family car market with hybrid electric as well as fully electric cars now ava ilable. However, Porsche are blazing a new trail with their introduction of the new 918 hybrid Sp yder. They plan to trigger acceptance for low emission hybrid drive systems in a market that has had few viable or perhaps even acceptable alternatives to the gasoline combustion engi ne – the supercar segment.
Does a Recession have an Impact on Alcohol Consumption?
Authors: Dziadkiewicz Johanna , Pisani Alexia , Wong Rebecca
Published: April 2016

The hypothesis of this paper is alcohol consumption will decrease when a country experiences a recession. We have used data covering the yearly consumption (in litres per capita) of alcohol from the World Health Organization (2015), combined with yearly & quarterly GDP data from the OECD website (2015) to firstly identify years where there have been more than 2 periods of negative growth (recession), and to compare these data sets to see if any relationship exists.We have used correlation analysis between the financial data and the consumption data, as well as scatter graphs to see if there is a high correlation (0.7) or a trend, for 3 countries that have experienced a recession over the last 15 years (US, Finland & Greece). What we found is that some types of alcohol did appear to show both positive and negative relationships to GDP or recession but this relationship differed between countries. There are other factors that must be considered including cultural relationship to alcohol in different locations, as well as any government or social programs.
Standardized characterization procedures: a necessary support to regulations
Authors: Spinosa Ludovico
Published: April 2016

Sustainable procedures for sludge/biosolids management require the development of strategies to reduce the amount of sludge to be handled and to produce higher quality biosolids. Therefore, realistic and enforceable regulations adapted to local situations must be developed, defined outlet procedures established and good quality products guaranteed. To this end, the definition of standardized characterization procedures and guidelines for good practices becomes a necessary support to regulations. To contribute to the development of the EU directives dealing with sludge, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has established Technical Committee 308 (TC 308) whose scope is the standardization of methods for sludge characterization and the production of guidelines of good practice. In this paper, the most recent developments of the CEN/TC 308 work for the chemical, biological and physical characterization of sludge/biosolids are discussed in relation to the main different treatment and outlet options.
Carbonized medlar-core particles as a new biosorbent for removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution and study of its surface morphology
Authors: Samadani Langeroodi Narges , Safaei Elaheh
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of carbonized medlar-core particles as a new biosorbent to remove Cu2+ from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the biosorbent. This paper reports the effects of adsorbent dose, pH, temperature and concentration of adsorbate. Batch isotherm studies were also performed to understand the ability of the adsorbent. The adsorption behavior of the Cu2+ was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity determined from the Langmuir adsorption equation has been found as 43.478 mg.g−1 at 298.15 K. The adsorption of Cu2+ by medlar core in carbonized form was spontaneous and endothermic. It was also found that the biosorption of Cu2+ followed second-order kinetics. Carbonized medlar-core particles showed great potential in aqueous solution due to the high adsorption capacity.
Comparative Kinetic Studies and Performance Evaluation of Biofilm and Biomass Characteristics of Pseudomonas fluorescens in Degrading Synthetic Phenolic Effluent in Inverse Fluidized Bed Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Begum S. Sabarunisha , Radha K. V.
Published: April 2016

The bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied in an Inverse Fluidized Bed Biofilm Reactor under batch recirculation conditions using synthetic phenolic effluent of various concentrations (400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 mg/l). The performance of the reactor was investigated and the characteristics of biomass and biofilm were determined by evaluating biofilm dry density and thickness, bioparticle density, suspended and attached biomass concentration, chemical oxygen demand and phenol removal efficiency. Biodegradation kinetics had been studied for suspended biomass culture and biofilm systems with respect to its specific growth and substrate consumption rates. Suspended biomass followed substrate inhibition kinetics and the experimental data fitted well with the Haldane model. The degradation kinetic behavior of biofilm revealed that a well adapted biofilm system with effective control of biofilm thickness in an inverse fluidized bed biofilm reactor overcomes substrate inhibition effects by tolerating higher phenol concentration and fitted well to the Monod model.