bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contingent Valuation And Recreational Demand
Authors: Ralston Scott N. , Park William M. , Frampton Edward J.
Published: February 2016

A contingent valuation model is developed to estimate the value of the recreational experience for visitors to Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee. Hicksian compensating variation measures of consumer surplus were estimated. Individual willingness-to-pay and aggregate willingness-to-pay were calculated for the lake.
Utilization Of Special Needs Trusts For Disabled Loved Ones
Authors: Zook Richard , Crown Holly , Drucker Meyer
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of using special needs trusts in order to provide assurance that families’ loved ones will be able to maintain a satisfactory standard of living while still remaining qualified for certain “needs based” government assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.  Legal and/or accounting professionals should be consulted to insure that appropriate decisions are made.  As of September of 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 32.5 million Americans, or just over 11.5 percent of the population, live with some form of severe disability.  Understandably, families of these disabled individuals often find themselves searching for a way to ensure that their loved one will be provided for, particularly when they are no longer around to support them.  Increasingly, these families are turning to special needs trusts in order to provide assurance that their loved one will be able to maintain a satisfactory standard of living.  Many considerations, however, must be made by such families in determining if a special needs trust is suitable for their needs.  Extensive laws and regulations applicable to special needs trusts may make them less desirable options or preclude a family from taking advantage of them all together.  This paper will examine special needs trusts, the advantages and disadvantages of such trusts, and the alternative approaches that may be taken when a special needs trust is found to be unsuitable.
Testing Keynesian Proposition And Ricardian Equivalence: More Evidence On The Debate
Authors: Vamvoukas George A. , Gargalas Vassilios N.
Published: February 2016

This paper takes its motives from recent literature concerning the debate on the Keynesian proposition and the Ricardian equivalence, using data of the Greek economy and applying cointegration analysis, Granger causality tests and impulse response functions (IRF). The aim of the econometric methodology is to derive robust results by means of using alternative quantitative techniques. The empirical analysis shows the existence of dynamic relationships between the budget deficit and the interest rate, indicating a two-way causality between deficits and interest rates. The findings of Granger tests and IRFs contradict the view of Ricardian equivalence that government deficits do not influence the behavior of interest rate. Experimenting with the four-variable system (R, D, Y, P), IRF results show that in the case of Greece the budget deficit positively affects the inflation rate. The evidence that budget deficits exert positive effects on interest rates and inflation is consistent with the rationale of the Keynesian proposition.
Managerial Ownership And Dividend Policy In The U.S. Banking Industry
Authors: Collins M. Cary , Dutta Amitabh S. , Wansley James W.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines a sample of U.S. Bank Holding Companies (BHCs) to determine if there is a relationship between managerial equity ownership (insider holdings) and the level of dividends paid out by the BHC. Given the findings of prior research, the analysis is performed using Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression with three equations. The three dependent variables are DIVPAY (dividend payout), DEBT (total liabilities over total consolidated assets) and INSIDER (percentage of common stock held by officers and directors). This study finds that insider holdings has a non-linear relation with dividend payout. Initially, there is a significant negative relation between the level of insider holdings and the level of dividends paid. However, higher levels of insider holdings show a positive relation with the level of dividends paid.
Gozdno in drugo rastje na levem bregu Iškega vintgarja
Authors: Acetto Marko
Published: February 2016

Between 2004 and 2013, we studied and in 2013 also mapped the vegetation (applying the standard Central-European phytocoenological method) on the left bank of the Iški vintgar gorge (the central river basin of the Iška River, Dinaric phytogeographical region, research area 170,3 ha), which had never been studied in detail till then. On the basis of analysis of numerous analytic and synoptic tables (analyzed also by mathematical and statistical methods (Podani, 2001), the following syntaxa were identified: Primulo carniolicae-Pinetum nigrae, Fraxino orni-Pinetum nigrae var. geogr. Primula carniolica rhododendretosum hirsuti var. Laserpitium krapfii, Thymopraecocis-Pinetum nigrae s. lat., Querco-Ostryetum carpinifoliae s. lat., Carici sempervirentis-Ostryetum carpinifoliae, Omphalodo-Fagetum s. lat., Rhododendro hirsuti-Fagetum s. lat., Rhododendro hirsuti-Ostryetum s. lat., Hacquetio epipactis-Fagetum s. lat., Arunco-Fagetum s. lat., Lamio orvalae-Fagetum s. lat., Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum s. lat., Ostryo carpinifoliae-Fagetum s. lat., Ostryo carpinifoliae-Piceetum and other nonforest communities. The majority of these syntaxa were identified even down to the lower syntaxonomic units. The results of our vegetation investigations highlight extraordinary vegetational and ecological diversity of the Iški vintgar left bank, which is without comparison in its immediate and wider vicinity.
The Study of Domestic Waste Collection at Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Sulzakimin Hj
Published: February 2016

At present, public or community perception of local authority performance on waste collection is poor because of the environmental impact and visibility of waste. Therefore, a systematic way of collecting waste must be an important agenda for any local authority. This paper aims to identify the principles of waste management being used and to make recommendations for improving waste management in Samarahan Area. Quantitative method is the approach to archieve the objectives. Quantitative method which is survey question was designed to the public community area Samarahan. This study is interested in knowing the “what”, “why” and “how” issues related to these related subjects. Surveys operate on the basis of statistical sampling, where it surveyed through questionnaires. Then SPSS is used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire survey. Type of analysis used are frequency, descriptive as well as cross tabulation. Furthermore a part from that, this study can help the Local Authority and community to improve the waste management and reduce the issues of domestic waste in Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. 
Coping with Negative Work Experience and Work-related Family Issues: Spirituality as A Buffer against Emotional Exhaustion and Work-Family Conflict
Authors: Liang Haui-Ren , Liang Huai-Liang , Sun Chi-Kuo
Published: February 2016

The current research examined the effects of psychological contract breach on employees’ work to family conflict and their partners’ family-work conflict. This study also investigated the buffering effect of employee spirituality on the employees’ emotional exhaustion caused by such conflicts. Analysis of a sample of 235 employee-partner dyads (188 men, 47 women, M age = 44 yr.) from a plastics corporation in Taiwan found as positive relationship between psychological contract breach and family issues, through employee’s emotional exhaustion. Employees with high spirituality were discovered to weaken the relationships between psychological contract breach and employees’ emotional exhaustion and both family issues. This study highlighted the value of psychological contract breach on family issues from work to family in further research.
Penyelesaian Pelanggaran Berat HAM Masa Lalu sebagai Pelaksanaan Pasal 28I ayat (2) UUD NRI Tahun 1945
Authors: Hambali Ahmad
Published: February 2016

Dalam kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara, Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945 sebagai hukum dasar merupakan satu-satunya acuan bagi pemerintah dan masyarakat sebagai landasan gerak kehidupan. Pengabaian terhadap ketentuan dan aturan Konstitusi khususnya bagi pemerintah akan berimplikasi munculnya gugatan pelanggaran hukum paling serius yang menyebabkan pemakzulan. Oleh karena itu, tidak boleh ada satupun dari janji konstitusi yang dapat dilanggar pemerintah apalagi hal tersebut terkait dengan kewajiban penegakan hukum dalam kerangka negara hukum dan prinsip hak asasi manusia (HAM) yang salah satunya adalah tentang hak untuk tidak diperlakukan diskriminatif yang secara jelas dinyatakan tegas dalam Konstitusi RI. Sejak pemerintahan orde baru yang didalamnya banyak terjadi peristiwa pelanggaran berat HAM, berakhir, tidak satupun pemerintahan sesudahnya menjalankan kewajiban dan prinsip tersebut secara benar dan patut. Akibatnya tidak hanya Konstitusi yang dilanggar, akan tetapi berbagai persoalan masa lalu menggumpal menyumpal lancarnya gerak bangsa ini menuju masa depan.
Pembaruan dan Harmonisasi Peraturan Perundangundangan Bidang Lingkungan dan Penataan Ruang Menuju Pembangunan Berkelanjutan
Authors: Priyanta Maret
Published: February 2016

Dalam upaya untuk mencapai tujuan negara, pembangunan nasional dilakukan oleh semua komponen bangsa. Pembangunan nasional dirumuskan dan ditetapkan oleh pemerintah melalui suatu sistem perencanaan pembangunan nasional. Dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan pembangunan yang memanfaatkan sumber daya alam, peraturan perundang-undangan di bidang lingkungan dan penataan ruang menjadi aspek penting sebagai landasan hukum, di mana materi muatan serta tujuan peraturan tersebut tidak hanya bersumber dari ilmu hukum, namun juga bersumber dari ilmu-ilmu pengetahuan bidang lingkungan dan tata ruang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan yuridis normatif, melalui metode pendekatan perundang-undangan, pendekatan konseptual dan pendekatan analitis. Ruang lingkup penelitian yuridis normatif ini mencakup penelitian terhadap asas-asas hukum, penelitian terhadap inventarisasi hukum positif dan penelitian terhadap sistematika hukum. Permasalahan pengaturan dalam bidang lingkungan dan tata ruang di Indonesia dalam rangka pembangunan berkelanjutan pada awalnya bersumber pada proses pembentukan peraturan perundang-undangan. Dalam hal materi muatan yang diatur memiliki kecenderungan tidak lagi bersumber pada ilmuilmu pengetahuan yang melandasi undang-undang bidang lingkungan dan tata ruang. Konsep pembaruan dan harmonisasi peraturan perundang-undangan bidang lingkungan dan tata ruang di Indonesia dalam rangka pembangunan berkelanjutan harus dikaji dari segi keilmuan dengan pendekatan utuh menyeluruh, inter dan multidisipliner serta lintas sektoral dengan mengharmoniskan ilmu terkait lingkungan dan tata ruang dengan asas, teori dan filsafat dalam ilmu hukum.
Does Customer Value Creation Behavior Drive Customer Well-being?
Authors: Gong Taeshik , Choi Jin Nam , Murdy Samantha
Published: February 2016

To address the potential ambivalent effects of customer value creation behavior (CVCB) in a service setting, we developed a theoretical model identifying separate psychological mechanisms that account for both positive and negative effects of CVCB on customer outcomes, such as customer
value and customer well-being. Participants comprised 103 business customer–supplier dyads. The results show that CVCB enhanced customer outcomes through the intermediate mechanism of customer self-determination, but hindered customer outcomes by generating customer role stress. In addition,
the results indicate that relationship quality moderates the effect of CVCB on customer self-determination and role stress, thus channeling its effect in either a positive or a negative direction. The results offer insight into the mixed findings on customer behavior in the service literature.
The Holistic Brand Experience of Branded Mobile Applications Affects Brand Loyalty
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Ah Yu Eun
Published: February 2016

We investigated the effects of the holistic brand experience of branded mobile applications (apps) on brand loyalty in a sample of 223 university students. Results showed that affective, cognitive, behavioral, and relational holistic brand experiences had significant effects on brand
loyalty; however, the effect of sensory experience on brand loyalty was nonsignificant. Further, the involvement level of branded apps had a significant effect on the relationship between brand experience of branded apps and brand loyalty; however, this effect differed depending on gender.
For males, the effects of cognitive, behavioral, and relational experiences on brand loyalty were significant, whereas, for females, this was true of the effects of affective, cognitive, and behavioral experiences. The results have important theoretical implications for extending holistic
brand experience to the new media area. In practical terms, we provide important suggestions about the use of branded apps as tools for corporate marketing communications.
Valuing Personal Data to Foster Privacy: A Thought Experiment and Opportunities for Research
Authors: Sidgman Juergen , Crompton Malcolm
Published: February 2016

Despite the efforts of regulatory bodies and the private sector, effective protection of personal data through legislation and business self-regulation efforts remains elusive. Privacy legislation is difficult because the flow of data is difficult to predict. Businesses tend to be ineffective at data protection because, generally, they misunderstand the value of the data they possess. Businesses, therefore, do not invest enough in protecting the undervalued asset and data are not managed to reflect their importance to organizations, individuals, and markets. This paper presents the argument that to understand data properly and to improve privacy protection, data must be valued. The paper also elaborates on major impediments to the valuation of data, as well as advantages of overcoming these impediments. In light of the paucity of both privacy and data valuation studies by accounting scholars, the paper also identifies opportunities for research.
Correlation between Urinary Albumin to Creatinine Ratio and In-hospital Cardiac Events among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Akanda Md Abdul Kader , Ali Md Zulfikar , Sayami Lima Asrin , Hossain Mohammad Anowar , Huda Reaz Mahmud , Debnath Lipi , Alam Md Abul , Hossain Shauket , Mohsin Minhazul
Published: February 2016

Background: Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) is an important predictor of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, limited data is available regarding its correlation with in-hospital MACE in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of the current study was to find out the correlation between UACR and in-hospital MACE among patients with AMI.Methods: 651 AMI patients (mean age: 54.4 ± 12.6 years, male/female: 522/129, STEMI/NSTEMI: 438/213) admitted from November 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled in this observational study. The UACR was measured from spot urine samples collected on admission day. Data on patients demography, existence of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and baseline clinical parameters were recorded on admission day. The patients were categorized into three groups - normoalbuminuria (UACR less than 30mg/gCr, n = 404), microalbuminuria (UACR between 30 to 299 mg/gCr, n = 215) and macroalbuminuria (UACR equal to or greater than 300 mg/ gCr, n = 32). For each enrolled patients, the incidences of specified in-hospital MACE (recurrent angina, acute heart failure, arrhythmia, atrio-ventricular conduction disorders, mechanical complications, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest) were recorded throughout the hospital staying period. The comparison of categorical variables between the groups was performed using the chisquare test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The baseline characteristics (age, male gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, family history of CVD, smoking) of three groups were statistically similar. Compared to normoalbuminuria group, the incidences of MACE were significantly higher in micro and macro albuminuria group (p-value: normo vs. micro 0.001 and normo vs. macro 0.006). However, the occurrences of MACE in microalbuminuria group were statistically similar to those of macroalbuminuria group (p-value: micro vs. macro 0.284).Conclusion: Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, at a level of micro and macro albuminuria, was associated with greater incidence of in-hospital MACE compared to its normal level in patients with AMI.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 8(2): 90-93
Improved LMD, Permutation Entropy and Optimized K-Means to Fault Diagnosis for Roller Bearings
Authors: Shi Zongli , Song Wanqing , Taheri Saied
Published: February 2016

A novel bearing vibration signal fault feature extraction and recognition method based on the improved local mean decomposition (LMD), permutation entropy (PE) and the optimized K-means clustering algorithm is put forward in this paper. The improved LMD is proposed based on the self-similarity of roller bearing vibration signal extending the right and left side of the original signal to suppress its edge effect. After decomposing the extended signal into a set of product functions (PFs), the PE is utilized to display the complexity of the PF component and extract the fault feature meanwhile. Then, the optimized K-means algorithm is used to cluster analysis as a new pattern recognition approach, which uses the probability density distribution (PDD) to identify the initial centroid selection and has the priority of recognition accuracy compared with the classic one. Finally, the experiment results show the proposed method is effectively to fault extraction and recognition for roller bearing.
Counterstories about Leadership: A Latina School Principal’s Experience from a Less Documented View in an Urban School Context
Authors: Hernandez Frank , Murakami Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Latina/o school leaders are receiving increasing visibility in research based on their representation in K-12 administrative ranks. However, even though they bring cultural knowledge in providing social and academic support to teachers, families, and especially students of color, their own experiences still reflect less documented histories and contributions because of challenges related to racial identity, racism, sexism, and other historically marginalizing emblems of identity, often invisible in the school leadership research and practice. This study highlights one Latina school leader in the National Latina/o Leadership Study and her experiences developing a professional and racial identity within urban school contexts. Employing Critical Race Theory and LatCrit Theory, this includes the following questions: (a) In what ways Latina/o school principals develop their professional and racial identity? and (b) How do Latina/o school principals negotiate these identities in the context of their schools? Findings reveal the development of a professional and racial identity amidst challenges related to White teachers’ resistance in preparing students of color for successful experiences in schools.
Xylose Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Moysés Danuza , Reis Viviane , Almeida João , Moraes Lidia , Torres Fernando
Published: February 2016

Many years have passed since the first genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains capable of fermenting xylose were obtained with the promise of an environmentally sustainable solution for the conversion of the abundant lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Several challenges emerged from these first experiences, most of them related to solving redox imbalances, discovering new pathways for xylose utilization, modulation of the expression of genes of the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, and reduction of xylitol formation. Strategies on evolutionary engineering were used to improve fermentation kinetics, but the resulting strains were still far from industrial application. Lignocellulosic hydrolysates proved to have different inhibitors derived from lignin and sugar degradation, along with significant amounts of acetic acid, intrinsically related with biomass deconstruction. This, associated with pH, temperature, high ethanol, and other stress fluctuations presented on large scale fermentations led the search for yeasts with more robust backgrounds, like industrial strains, as engineering targets. Some promising yeasts were obtained both from studies of stress tolerance genes and adaptation on hydrolysates. Since fermentation times on mixed-substrate hydrolysates were still not cost-effective, the more selective search for new or engineered sugar transporters for xylose are still the focus of many recent studies. These challenges, as well as under-appreciated process strategies, will be discussed in this review.
Pressure Combined with Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Induces Deep Tissue Injury via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in a Rat Pressure Ulcer Model
Authors: Cui Fei-Fei , Pan Ying-Ying , Xie Hao-Huang , Wang Xiao-Hui , Shi Hong-Xue , Xiao Jian , Zhang Hong-Yu , Chang Hao-Teng , Jiang Li-Ping
Published: February 2016

Pressure ulcer is a complex and significant health problem in long-term bedridden patients, and there is currently no effective treatment or efficient prevention method. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis contributing to the deep injury of pressure ulcers are unclear. The aim of the study was to explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Akt/GSK3β signaling in pressure ulcers. A model of pressure-induced deep tissue injury in adult Sprague-Dawley rats was established. Rats were treated with 2-h compression and subsequent 0.5-h release for various cycles. After recovery, the tissue in the compressed regions was collected for further analysis. The compressed muscle tissues showed clear cellular degenerative features. First, the expression levels of ER stress proteins GRP78, CHOP, and caspase-12 were generally increased compared to those in the control. Phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated GSK3β were upregulated in the beginning of muscle compression, and immediately significantly decreased at the initiation of ischemia-reperfusion injury in compressed muscles tissue. These data show that ER stress may be involved in the underlying mechanisms of cell degeneration after pressure ulcers and that the Akt/GSK3β signal pathway may play an important role in deep tissue injury induced by pressure and ischemia/reperfusion.
Arthrodesis and Hemiarthroplasty: Different Techniques in the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus—Surgery and Postoperative Rehabilitation
Authors: Cannavò Luca , Costarella Luciano , Pavone Vito , Testa Gianluca , De Gori Marco , Sessa Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

Hallux rigidus (HR) is a progressive degenerative pathology affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The aim of the present study is to report our experience on the treatment of HR patients with two different surgical methods: arthrodesis and hemiarthroplasty. Twelve patients (14 HR) underwent surgery for HR from July 2004 to October 2009. Median age was 58 years (Interquartile Range (IQR) 52.75–65.0). At time of surgery, patients had different grades of HR, according to the Regnauld modified classification. The outcome was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (HMI) scale. Controls were performed at one month and then at mid-term follow-up (median 48 months; IQR 29.3–58.0). In the arthrodesis group (n = 6 HR) we observed a median improvement of 35.5 points (IQR 34.75–36.0; p = 0.036) at the early follow-up. In the hemiarthroplasty (n = 8 HR) group the median of differences at the one-month follow-up was 33 (IQR 30.5–33.0; p = 0.022). At mid-term follow-up the arthrodesis group showed the median difference score of 35 (IQR 33.0–35.25) in comparison with the hemiarthroplasty group which showed a median score of 30.5 (IQR 28.0–32.5). Our results are consistent with the current understanding of two surgical techniques for the treatment of HR: nowadays, arthrodesis is considered the treatment of choice in grade III and IV. Hemiarthroplasty seems to be a promising option. Management of pain and joint flexibility are fundamental to prevent relapses and restore the Range Of Motion (ROM) in dorsal flexion. This article is a retrospective case series with a level of evidence 4.
1-Hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione
Authors: Nurbayti Siti , Mujahidin Didin , Syah Yana
Published: February 2016

An anthraquinone derivative, 1-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (4), has been synthesized in two steps from benzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and prenylbromide.
Lignin as a Binder Material for Eco-Friendly Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Huiran , Cornell Ann , Alvarado Fernando , Behm Mårten , Leijonmarck Simon , Li Jiebing , Tomani Per , Lindbergh Göran
Published: February 2016

The industrial lignin used here is a byproduct from Kraft pulp mills, extracted from black liquor. Since lignin is inexpensive, abundant and renewable, its utilization has attracted more and more attention. In this work, lignin was used for the first time as binder material for LiFePO4 positive and graphite negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries. A procedure for pretreatment of lignin, where low-molecular fractions were removed by leaching, was necessary to obtain good battery performance. The lignin was analyzed for molecular mass distribution and thermal behavior prior to and after the pretreatment. Electrodes containing active material, conductive particles and lignin were cast on metal foils, acting as current collectors and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. Good reversible capacities were obtained, 148 mAh·g−1 for the positive electrode and 305 mAh·g−1 for the negative electrode. Fairly good rate capabilities were found for both the positive electrode with 117 mAh·g−1 and the negative electrode with 160 mAh·g−1 at 1C. Low ohmic resistance also indicated good binder functionality. The results show that lignin is a promising candidate as binder material for electrodes in eco-friendly Li-ion batteries.
Faith-Based International Development Work: A Review
Authors: Heist Dan , Cnaan Ram
Published: February 2016

In the wake of the Faith-Based Initiative in the USA, substantial research has resulted in an increased awareness of religious congregations and faith-based organizations as welfare service providers. The next frontier appears to be the role of religious organizations in international social and economic development, a topic that only recently started to attract academic interest. In this paper, we review available literature on the role that religious, or faith-based, organizations play in international social and economic development. We also provide results from our own study of USA international NGOs1 that are faith-based. We divide the paper into the positive contributions of faith-based international NGOs and the drawbacks of these NGOs. We find that faith-based nonprofits constitute almost 60 percent of USA-based international development organizations, and their contribution to international social development is quite considerable. We conclude with a call for further research and nuanced understanding of the role religion plays in international development.
Multivariate Frequency-Severity Regression Models in Insurance
Authors: Frees Edward , Lee Gee , Yang Lu
Published: February 2016

In insurance and related industries including healthcare, it is common to have several outcome measures that the analyst wishes to understand using explanatory variables. For example, in automobile insurance, an accident may result in payments for damage to one’s own vehicle, damage to another party’s vehicle, or personal injury. It is also common to be interested in the frequency of accidents in addition to the severity of the claim amounts. This paper synthesizes and extends the literature on multivariate frequency-severity regression modeling with a focus on insurance industry applications. Regression models for understanding the distribution of each outcome continue to be developed yet there now exists a solid body of literature for the marginal outcomes. This paper contributes to this body of literature by focusing on the use of a copula for modeling the dependence among these outcomes; a major advantage of this tool is that it preserves the body of work established for marginal models. We illustrate this approach using data from the Wisconsin Local Government Property Insurance Fund. This fund offers insurance protection for (i) property; (ii) motor vehicle; and (iii) contractors’ equipment claims. In addition to several claim types and frequency-severity components, outcomes can be further categorized by time and space, requiring complex dependency modeling. We find significant dependencies for these data; specifically, we find that dependencies among lines are stronger than the dependencies between the frequency and average severity within each line.
Building Earthquake Damage Information Extraction from a Single Post-Earthquake PolSAR Image
Authors: Zhai Wei , Shen Huanfeng , Huang Chunlin , Pei Wansheng
Published: February 2016

After an earthquake, rapidly and accurately obtaining building damage information can help to effectively guide the implementation of the emergency rescue and can reduce disaster losses and casualties. Using a single post-earthquake fully-polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image to interpret building damage information not only involves a guaranteed data source but is also easy and can be rapidly implemented. This paper is focused on rapid building earthquake damage detection in urban areas using post-earthquake PolSAR data. In PolSAR images, the undamaged buildings parallel to satellite flight pass are different from the collapsed buildings, but the undamaged buildings divergent to satellite flight pass are very similar to collapsed buildings because of their volume scattering characteristics. In this paper, the method of polarization orientation angle (POA) compensation is employed to increase the scattering power of buildings divergent to satellite flight pass, and then Wishart supervised classification is implemented on the PolSAR data after POA compensation. In addition, the two parameters of normalized difference of the dihedral component (NDDC) and ρHHHV are proposed to improve the classification accuracy of the Wishart supervised classification, and both the undamaged buildings and collapsed buildings are determined. The study was carried out after the “4.14” Yushu earthquake in Yushu County, Qinghai province, China. The three damage levels are set for the urban area at the city block scale according to the values of the BBCR building damage index. The experimental results confirm that the scheme proposed in this paper can greatly improve the accuracy of the extraction of building damage information.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for Social-Ecological Systems Integrating Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services with Resource Efficiency Indicators
Authors: Eisenmenger Nina , Giljum Stefan , Lutter Stephan , Marques Alexandra , Theurl Michaela , Pereira Henrique , Tukker Arnold
Published: February 2016

In this article we develop a comprehensive conceptual framework for resource efficiency indicators with a consistent link of resource use to the socio-economic system and activities therein as well as to the natural system and its ecosystem functioning. Three broad groups of indicators are defined: (1) resource use indicators representing pressures on the environment; (2) resource efficiency indicators relating resource use indicators to the socio-economic side; and (3) environmental impact indicators linking resource use impacts on the state of the natural system. Based on this conceptual framework we develop a structure for possible resource efficiency indicators and conduct a RACER evaluation on the Relevance, Acceptance, Credibility, Easiness and Robustness of indicators. With the RACER evaluation, we identify areas where indicators are well established and available as well as areas where indicators still need further development or even need to be designed first.
Sustainability within the Academic EcoHealth Literature: Existing Engagement and Future Prospects
Authors: Lisitza Aryn , Wolbring Gregor
Published: February 2016

In September 2015, 193 Member States of the United Nations agreed on a new sustainable development agenda, which is outlined in the outcome document Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. EcoHealth is an emerging field of academic inquiry and practice that seeks to improve the health and well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems and is informed in part by the principle of sustainability. The purpose of this study is to investigate which sustainability terms and phrases were engaged in the academic EcoHealth literature, and whether the engagement was conceptual or non-conceptual. To fulfill the purpose, we searched four academic databases (EBSCO All, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science) for the term “ecohealth” in the article title, article abstract, or in the title of the journal. Following the search, we generated descriptive quantitative and qualitative data on n = 647 academic EcoHealth articles. We discuss our findings through the document Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Based on n = 647 articles, our findings suggest that although the academic EcoHealth literature mentions n = 162 sustainability discourse terms and phrases, the vast majority are mentioned in less than 1% of the articles and are not investigated in a conceptual way. We posit that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development gives an opening to the EcoHealth scholars and practitioners to engage more with various sustainability discourses including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Engineering Behavior and Characteristics of Water-Soluble Polymers: Implication on Soil Remediation and Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Cao Shuang , Bate Bate , Hu Jong , Jung Jongwon
Published: February 2016

Biopolymers have shown a great effect in enhanced oil recovery because of the improvement of water-flood performance by mobility control, as well as having been considered for oil contaminated-soil remediation thanks to their mobility control and water-flood performance. This study focused on the wettability analysis of biopolymers such as chitosan (85% deacetylated power), PEO (polyethylene oxide), Xanthan (xanthan gum), SA (Alginic Acid Sodium Salt), and PAA (polyacrylic acid), including the measurements of contact angles, interfacial tension, and viscosity. Furthermore, a micromodel study was conducted to explore pore-scale displacement phenomena during biopolymer injection into the pores. The contact angles of biopolymer solutions are higher on silica surfaces submerged in decane than at atmospheric conditions. While interfacial tensions of the biopolymer solutions have a relatively small range of 25 to 39 mN/m, the viscosities of biopolymer solutions have a wide range, 0.002 to 0.4 Pa·s, that dramatically affect both the capillary number and viscosity number. Both contact angles and interfacial tension have effects on the capillary entry pressure that increases along with an applied effective stress by overburden pressure in sediments. Additionally, a high injection rate of biopolymer solutions into the pores illustrates a high level of displacement ratio. Thus, oil-contaminated soil remediation and enhanced oil recovery should be operated in cost-efficient ways considering the injection rates and capillary entry pressure.
Cylindrospermopsin Biodegradation Abilities of Aeromonas sp. Isolated from Rusałka Lake
Authors: Dziga Dariusz , Kokocinski Mikolaj , Maksylewicz Anna , Czaja-Prokop Urszula , Barylski Jakub
Published: February 2016

The occurrence of the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in freshwater reservoirs is a common phenomenon. However, the biodegradation of this toxin in environmental samples has been observed only occasionally. In this work the biodegradation ability of cylindrospermopsin was investigated based on isolates from lakes with previous cyanotoxin history. Bacterial strains were identified based on the 16S rDNA and rpoD gene comparison. CYN biodegradation was monitored using the HPLC method. The R6 strain identified as Aeromonas sp. was documented as being capable of CYN removal. This biodegradation was dependent on the pH and temperature. Additionally, the stimulation of the growth of the R6 strain in the presence of CYN was indicated. Our discovery supports the hypothesis that (in analogy to the well-known phenomenon of microcystin biodegradation) in lakes dominated by potential CYN-producing cyanobacteria, the processes of microbial utilization of this toxin may occur.
Cognitive Continuum: Areas of Controversy with Cognitive Enhancers
Authors: Jones Kristin C. , Han Jin Y. , Shah Asim A.
Published: February 2016

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists are the only drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. These drugs have demonstrated only modest efficacy for cognitive improvement and progression delay. Given the lack of alternative therapies and the evidence for early pathophysiologic disruptions in cholinergic neurotransmission, cognitive enhancer use in intermediate states (such as mild cognitive impairment) has become an area of study. Further along the cognitive continuum, clinicians face clinical decision-making challenges when using these medications for even mild or moderate stages of dementia, where one must weigh the potentially modest return in benefit versus the significant adverse risks. In addition, ongoing controversy exists regarding continuation or discontinuation of cognitive enhancers in late or end-stage dementia. These medications have also demonstrated some efficacy for use outside of Alzheimer's dementia, and they may have a clinically beneficial effect in treating other forms of dementia.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2016;46(2):110–117.]
Sarcopenia in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Bokshan Steven L. , DePasse J. Mason , Daniels Alan H.
Published: February 2016

Sarcopenia is a loss of skeletal muscle mass in the elderly that is an independent risk factor for falls, disability, postoperative complications, and mortality. Although its cause is not completely understood, sarcopenia generally results from a complex bone–muscle interaction in the setting of chronic disease and aging. Sarcopenia cannot be diagnosed by muscle mass alone. Diagnosis requires 2 of the following 3 criteria: low skeletal muscle mass, inadequate muscle strength, and inadequate physical performance. Forty-four percent of elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and 24% of all patients 65 to 70 years old are sarcopenic. Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis may be used to measure sarcopenia and are relatively inexpensive and accessible, they are generally considered less specific for sarcopenia compared with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Sarcopenia has been shown to predict poor outcomes within the medical and surgical populations and has been directly correlated with increases in taxpayer costs. Strengthening therapy and nutritional supplementation have become the mainstays of sarcopenia treatment. Specifically, the American Medical Directors Association has released guidelines for nutritional supplementation. Although sarcopenia frequently occurs with osteoporosis, it is an independent predictor of fragility fractures. Initiatives to diagnose, treat, and prevent sarcopenia in orthopedic patients are needed. Further investigation must also explore sarcopenia as a predictor of surgical outcomes in orthopedic patients. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(2):e295–e300.]
Use of Oversized Highly Porous Cups in Acetabular Revision
Authors: Ranawat Amar S. , Meftah Morteza , Thomas Anil O. , Thippanna Rajshekhar K. , Ranawat Chitranjan S.
Published: February 2016

This study assessed the efficacy of highly porous cups in revision total hip arthroplasty for Paprosky types II and III acetabular bone loss. The authors identified 33 acetabular revisions in 29 patients from a prospective database (66% type III, 7 with pelvic dissociation). Initial stability was achieved with interference fit between the anterior inferior iliac spine, pubis, and ischium with cups that were 2 to 4 mm larger than the reamed acetabulum and augmented with multiple screw fixations without allograft or wedges. At mean follow-up of 6 years (range, 2.7–7.7 years) after revision surgery, no dislocation, infection, or reoperation was noted. Mean satisfaction score was 6±3.2. Mean anteversion and abduction angles were 43°±4.6° and 21.5°±4.4°, respectively. Complications included limp in 13% of patients, wound issues in 10%, and heterotopic ossification in 17%. Osteointegration was seen in all cups, without any migration. Mean overall osteointegration, based on the average percentage of the 3 zones in both views, was 55%±21% (range, 25%–95%). The most osteointegration was seen in zone I (superior) and zone VI (posterior), and the least osseointegration was seen in zone II (medial) and zone IV (anterior). This method can provide reproducible results in acetabular revision arthroplasty. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(2):e301–e306.]
Le statut épistémologique de l’expérience dans les nouvelles approches préconisées pour l’enseignement des sciences
Authors: Cariou Jean-Yves
Published: February 2016

Les nouvelles préconisations dans l’enseignement des sciences en France relatives à la démarche d’investigation (DI) ainsi que celles concernant les tâches complexes (TC) posent la question du recours à l’expérience et de son statut épistémologique dans le cadre de ces approches. Ses rôles variés ont été discutés à différents moments de l’histoire des sciences : une analyse des propos de différents auteurs permet d’envisager une catégorisation en cinq types d’expériences dans le domaine de la recherche scientifique. Dans le champ de l’éducation, l’expérience qu’accomplit l’enseignant devant ses élèves ou qu’il leur fait réaliser introduit une sixième catégorie. Dewey, Piaget ou encore Bruner estiment que l’esprit expérimental ne se forme véritablement que lorsque l’élève conçoit par lui-même une expérience pour éprouver ses hypothèses. Des auteurs ultérieurs ont établi des typologies, qui se recouvrent en grande partie. La promulgation de la DI est accompagnée de recommandations officielles favorisant le recours à l’expérience au sens d’expérience de contrôle. Dans un état d’esprit proche, les TC sont fondées sur l’utilisation de ressources, dont peuvent faire partie différents types d’expériences. L’analyse des exemples officiels de DI et de TC comportant des expériences offre du point de vue du statut de l’expérience un paysage contrasté. Ils ne correspondent que très partiellement aux textes de cadrage de ces approches, ce qui interroge sur la manière dont divers prescripteurs envisagent le rôle de l’expérience dans la formation scientifique.
Étayer la conception expérimentale par des environnements informatiques : études en génétique
Authors: Marzin-Janvier Patricia
Published: February 2016

L’éducation tend à intégrer des technologies comme l’imagerie, les simulations, la visualisation de phénomènes ou de molécules avec un degré élevé de résolution et la mise à disposition de ressources via des plateformes numériques. L’utilisation du numérique permet l’élaboration de situations expérimentales à partir de référents empiriques virtuels que les élèves peuvent « manipuler » via des environnements informatiques. Les simulations permettent en particulier la manipulation, la visualisation et l’exploration du modèle et de ses virtualités. En nous plaçant dans le contexte pédagogique de la démarche d’investigation, notre proposition consiste à laisser à l’élève la charge de concevoir les expérimentations. Cela amène les élèves à clarifier leur pensée par la production de représentations externes. L’objet de cet article est de regarder trois études sous l’angle des étayages adaptés à des difficultés identifiées via des plateformes numériques : SCY-Lab, WISE et LabBook. Ces difficultés sont soit de nature épistémologique (liées à la nature même des concepts), soit liées au caractère non visible et abstrait des objets manipulés, soit liées à la complexité de la démarche d’investigation expérimentale qui peut faire perdre aux élèves le problème à l’origine de leur travail.
Pathogenic Function of Herpesvirus Entry Mediator in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis by Induction of Th1- and Th17-Type T Cell Responses
Authors: Sakoda Yukimi , Nagai Tomohiko , Murata Sizuka , Mizuno Yukari , Kurosawa Hiromi , Shoda Hiromi , Morishige Naoyuki , Yanai Ryoji , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Tamada Koji
Published: February 2016

Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), a member of the TNFR superfamily, serves as a unique molecular switch to mediate both stimulatory and inhibitory cosignals, depending on its functions as a receptor or ligand interacting with multiple binding partners. In this study, we explored the cosignaling functions of HVEM in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), a mouse model resembling human autoimmune uveitis conditions such as ocular sarcoidosis and Behcet disease. Our studies revealed that EAU severity significantly decreased in HVEM-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice, suggesting that stimulatory cosignals from the HVEM receptor are predominant in EAU. Further studies elucidated that the HVEM cosignal plays an important role in the induction of both Th1- and Th17-type pathogenic T cells in EAU, including differentiation of IL-17–producing αβ+γδ− conventional CD4+ T cells. Mice lacking lymphotoxin-like, inducible expression, competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for HVEM, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes (LIGHT), B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) or both LIGHT and BTLA are also less susceptible to EAU, indicating that LIGHT–HVEM and BTLA–HVEM interactions, two major molecular pathways mediating HVEM functions, are both important in determining EAU pathogenesis. Finally, blocking HVEM cosignals by antagonistic anti-HVEM Abs ameliorated EAU. Taken together, our studies revealed a novel function of the HVEM cosignaling molecule and its ligands in EAU pathogenesis through the induction of Th1- and Th17-type T cell responses and suggested that HVEM-related molecular pathways can be therapeutic targets in autoimmune uveitis.
Entrepreneurial training for Human Resource practitioners and potential services rendered to Small Enterprises
Authors: Van der Walt R. , Van der Walt S.J.
Published: February 2016

This article examines to what extent current South African university courses/programmes in Human Resources Management and Industrial Psychology prepare students for a career in entrepreneurship. It is argued that human resources practitioners have much to offer in the line of services and advice to small enterprises on how to succeed. The data of the survey are analysed through a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that entrepreneurship training currently receives limited attention in the training of human resources practitioners and industrial psychologists.

 

Key words and phrases: entrepreneurial education, human resources management, industrial psychology