bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Evidence Based Methods to Compensate for a Lack of Subject Background when Ordering Chemistry Monographs
Authors: Wright Robert A.
Published: February 2016

Objective – The aim of this article is to present evidence based methods for the selection of chemistry monographs, particularly for librarians lacking a background in chemistry. These methods will be described in detail, their practical application illustrated, and their efficacy tested by analyzing circulation data.

Methods – Two hundred and ninety-five chemistry monographs were selected between 2005 and 2007 using rigorously-applied evidence based methods involving the Library's integrated library system (ILS), Google, and SciFinder Scholar. The average circulation rate of this group of monographs was compared to the average circulation rate of 254 chemistry monographs selected between 2002 and 2004 when the methods were not used or were in an incomplete state of development.

Results – Circulations/month were on average 9% greater in the cohort of monographs selected with the rigorously-applied evidence based methods. Further statistical analysis, however, finds that this result can not be attributed to the different application of these methods.

Conclusion – The methods discussed in this article appear to provide an evidence base for the selection of chemistry monographs, but their application does not change circulation rates in a statistically significant way. Further research is needed to determine if this lack of statistical significance is real or a product of the organic development and application of these methods over time, making definitive comparisons difficult.
The Call for Evidence Based Practice: Speaking Louder than Words
Authors: Lyons Ray
Published: February 2016

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Evidence or Evidence Based Practice? An Analysis of IASL Research Forum Papers, 1998-2009
Authors: Mardis Marcia A.
Published: February 2016

Objective - Conferences are essential opportunities for professional development and for learning about research. This study analyses papers presented in the Research Forum track of the International Association of School Librarians (IASL) conferences to determine whether the amount of school library research reporting increased or decreased over time; who (i.e., what author roles and affiliations) has written about research; which countries were represented in the research articles; what topics were discussed in research articles; and what research methodologies were used. The aim was to determine the extent to which the Research Forum provides research evidence that relates to practice.

Methods - This study continues the longitudinal analysis of published school library research begun by Clyde (1996) by analyzing Research Forum papers published in IASL conference proceedings from 1998-2009 and using the same approaches and metrics as previous studies by Clyde (e.g., 1996; 2002; 2004), Clyde and Oberg (2004), and Oberg (2006).

Results - Conference paper topics, author origins, quantities, and research approaches remained static through the 11 years analyzed. The analysis reveals that the papers’ authors, methods, and topics reflected those found in previous studies of school library research. As well as replicating previous studies, the role of academic research at a practitioner-based conference was investigated.

Conclusions - Based on long-established imperatives from leaders in the profession, the IASL conferences provide both evidence and evidence -based practice for school librarians from all over the world. However, when scholarly research is shared at practitioner venues, it is possible that school librarians may assume that research results constitute evidence -based practice (EBP), not evidence upon which practice should be based. This distinction is important if considering that the purpose of academic research is to objectively inform, not to advocate a particular position or practice.

The Research Forum can be a valuable venue for the presentation of empirical research findings and conclusions and objective program evaluations and provide a valuable complement to the evidence -based practice descriptions shared in the Professional Papers portion of the conference program. It is argued that the Research Forum must be clear in its purpose: to present the results of research; to present effective practice determined by rigorous evaluation; or to present research-supported arguments for the support of school libraries. Through a reconceptualization of EBP, the paper demonstrates how EBP is both a method and a methodology for the presentation of school library research and practice in a conference atmosphere.
Musings on Collection Analysis and Its Utility in Modern Collection Development
Authors: Schmidt Jane
Published: February 2016

A commentary on moving views of collection analysis forward to focus more on access rather than ownership, and services rather than physical resources to measure the ability of a library to support academic programs of study.
Evaluating the Development of Virtual Communities of Practice that Support Evidence Based Practice
Authors: Urquhart Christine , Brice Anne , Cooper Janet , Spink Siân , Thomas Rhian
Published: February 2016

Objective – The aim of this paper is to examine how virtual community of practice principles might be used by information professionals with emphasis on the work of the Specialist Libraries for health professionals in England, UK. An evaluation conducted in 2004-2005 examined the operation of the Specialist Libraries, which the National Library for Health had contracted out to various organisations, and assessed their stage of development as communities of practice.

Methods – Evaluation methods included observation of a meeting of information specialists, interviews with clinical leads and information specialists, and evaluation of the content and format of the Specialist Library websites. The evaluation framework was based on a systematic review of the literature to determine the critical success factors for communities of practice and their role in supporting evidence based practice. An updated literature review was conducted for this paper.

Results – Operational structures varied but were mostly effective in producing communities of practice that were at an “engaged” stage. Some Specialist Libraries wished to move towards the “active” stage by supporting online discussion forums, or by providing question and answering services or more learning activities and materials. Although the evidence from the literature suggests there are few clear criteria for judging the effectiveness of communities of practice, the evaluation framework used here was successful in identifying the state of progress and how information professionals might approach designing virtual communities of practice.

Conclusions – Structuring library and information services around community of practice principles is effective. Careful and participative design of the information architecture is required for good support for evidence based practice.
The Effects Of Cover Letter Format And Appeal ON Mail Survey Response Patterns
Authors: Finch James E. , Thorelli Irene
Published: February 2016

Low response rates remain the primary obstacle to the cost effective use mail surveys in market research. This study examines the efficacy of two cost-free techniques for improving the efficiency of this methodology. The effects of three different appear strategies and cover letter formats were examined in 3 x 3 factorial design. The egoistic appear produced higher response rates than either help-the-sponsor or social utility appears. This effect was most pronounced when the appeal was presented in the post script of the cover letter. Consistent with the results of a previous study, a control group which received no appeal manipulation yielded the highest response rate. Psychological reactance and self-perception theory were used to account for these results.
The Impact Of Electrical Co-Generation On The Oklahoma Economy
Authors: Amos, Jr. Orley M. , Wingender John , Doescher Tabitha , Willett Keith
Published: February 2016

Using input-output analysis, this paper estimates the impact of electricity co-generation on the Oklahoma economy, assuming alternative electricity growth rates and co-generation capacity. The impact is affected by co-generation operation, utility operation, co-generation construction, utility construction, and electricity rate changes. This study indicates that co-generation can have a beneficial impact on output, earnings, employment and taxes with a rapid electricity demand growth scenario and a detrimental impact with slower growth.
SECs Electronic Filing System: An Evaluation
Authors: Yang David C.
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses the development and functioning of the SEDCs EDGAR system. The considerations for using EDGAR and the future impact of such a revolutionary system on accounting issues and practices such as continuous reporting, continuous auditing and database auditing, etc. are examined.
An Investigation Of Gender Differences In Occupational Stress And General Well Being
Authors: Ryland Elisabeth K. , Greenfeld Sue
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the relationship between gender, occupational stress, well-being and coping among a gender-balanced group of 302 untenured assistant professors. The group perceived high levels of life stress and medium high levels of work stress. As hypothesized, women expressed more life stress but, contrary to expectations, the work stress among women was only slightly higher than among men. There were no gender differences in coping. Thus, in this occupational setting, women handled work stress just as well as their male counterparts.
The Level Of Employee Utilization And Its Effect On Subsequent Turnover
Authors: Wright Thomas A.
Published: February 2016

A longitudinal organizational field study examined the relationship between level of employee utilization and subsequent turnover. The subjects were classified into one of two employee utilization types, underutilized or utilized, based on their performance ratings in each of seven demand levels. Subjects were further classified into turnover or no turnover groups. A one-tailed test of the null hypothesis of turnover/utilization independence was rejected at the .005 level. Implications are addressed and future research directions are introduced.
The Expected Utility Maximization Framework And The Demand and Supply For Retroactive Liability Insurance
Authors: Urrutia Jorge L.
Published: February 2016

The paper uses the expected utility of wealth maximization principle to establish the economic boundaries under which a market for retroactive liability insurance will develop. It is shown that the economic feasibility for the backdated insurance coverage is affected by the income tax rates, and the levels of risk aversion of the potential insurer and insured and by the time to settlement. However, the potential insurers tax rate is more relevant than the other parameters.
Corporate Crises: The Emergence Of A New Management Priority
Authors: Barton Laurence
Published: February 2016

Corporations often find themselves at the apex of a community crisis. For instance, plans to expand a manufacturing plant often meet with neighborhood opposition over traffic concerns, and environmental accidents can trigger a series of embarrassing regulatory investigations. In these and many other situations, organizations are increasingly looking inward to their employees as a source of information about community perceptions as well to create a local nucleus for support of corporate goals.
Thinking Styles Of Supervisory Vs. Non-Supervisory CPAs
Authors: King William L. , Masters Robert J.
Published: February 2016

A previous study suggests that accountants as a group tend to have a thinking style that is characterized by preciseness and conformity, but that the most successful accountants are those who are more prone to challenge rules and question assumptions. A survey of certified public accountants in Kansas replicated this finding. In addition, this study provides evidence that, as suggested by the positive relationship between innovativeness and success, CPAs at the supervisory level are more innovative than those at the working level. Finally, the results of this research may have implications for the education, certification and career orientation of accountants.
Preferred Stock Financing: A Survey Of Trends In The 1980s
Authors: Houston Carol Olson , Houston Jr. Arthur L.
Published: February 2016

Following major structural changes in the preferred stock market, a survey was undertaken to determine whether reasons for issuing preferred stock had changed and for what purposes it is now issued. Differences in uses between traditional and new preferred stock are documented. No support is found for the common generalization that convertible preferred stock is issued primarily for merger and acquisition activities. Reasons for issuing preferred stock vary by industry and whether the firm is expanding or restructuring.
Methodological Disclosure: The Foundation For Effective Use Of Survey Research
Authors: Stern Bruce L. , Ashmun Ray
Published: February 2016

A survey of marketing executives and a content analysis of their most recent survey research report reveals that most methodology descriptions are sketchy, at best. Important details about the sampling plan and other procedures are often omitted or loosely presented, leaving the reader insufficiently informed about the foundation that the study was built upon.
Foreign Currency Translations May Cause Erratic Equity Positions
Authors: Schweikart James A. , Sanborn Robert H.
Published: February 2016

Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 52 (FASB 52) replaced FASB 8 in 1981 and the new guidelines have been accepted widely for providing noncontroversial and adequate disclosure of foreign currency matters. The nine years since the adoption of FAS 52 have seen erratically fluctuating exchange rates, however, and the equity positions of many firms have responded accordingly. This article provides an investigation into the erratic equity positions that may have been caused by the new guidelines, and recommends actions that may avoid future embarrassments for the accounting profession.
Quality Control And Home Runs: An Examination Of Appropriate Metrics For Quality Control
Authors: Williams Joseph , Edgeman Rich
Published: February 2016

The issue of appropriate quality control metrics is discussed in the context of the production of baseballs. Specifically, Major League Baseball players stroked record numbers of home runs in 1987, generating what is commonly known as the lively ball explanation for the unusual power output. The Commissioners office released a study proving that the 1987 baseball was not unusually lively. However, after examination of the quality control metrics used by MLB; we demonstrate that (1) it is quite possible that baseballs were indeed lively and (2) that acceptance sampling alone does not properly address the quality control problem.
Work Satisfaction, Work Performance, And Organization Tenure Considered As Predictors Of Employee Turnover
Authors: Wright Thomas A.
Published: February 2016

A two-year field study provided that data on work satisfaction, work performance, and tenure with the organization as predictors of employee turnover. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant differences among the turnover groups in terms of the predictor variables considered simultaneously.
Auditor Perceptions Of Statements On Auditing Standards 53 and 54: A Study Of Demographics And Perceptions Of Efficacy
Authors: Specht Linda B. , Waldron Darryl G.
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationship between auditor demographics and auditor perceptions of Statements of Auditing Standards 53 and 54, and the extent to which these statements may be contributing to a previously unrecognized expectations gap between the Auditing Standards Board and practicing CPAs. Responses from a randomly drawn sample of AICPA auditors were subjected to a canonical correlation analysis in order to identify and define any underlying perceptual constructs. These constructs were subsequently compared with the stated objectives of the Statements.
In Defense Of Plant Closings
Authors: Kalra Rajiv , Diebler Sheila
Published: February 2016

Globalization of markets and technological advancements result in, among other things, closing of uncompetitive plants. This paper defends plant closings. We argue that a plant is not necessarily an unfortunate event; rather, it is another productive assets re-deployment alternative available to managers. Possible causes and shareholder wealth consequences of plant closing are examined. A plant closing valuation model is developed. This is followed by an example which illustrates the method to accurately compute the plant closing value.
Capital Gain Expectations And Efficiency In The Real Estate Markets
Authors: Kholdy Shady , Sohrabian Ahmad
Published: February 2016

Capital gain expectation is known to be an important determinant of housing price hikes during the real estate booms. Empirically, however, specifying the way expectations about current and future economic variables are formed is a dilemma. Although it is reasonable to assume that economic fundamentals have a significant effect on the investors’ expectation about future gains, a number of housing market analysts claim that expectations of housing prices are extrapolative. This study attempts to investigate the mechanism by which investors’ capital gain expectations and psychology are shaped. The results suggest that housing prices are predictable with respect to capital gain expectations only when these expectations are formed by extrapolation of past price appreciations. Considering the large number of empirical evidence on housing market anomaly with respect to capital gain expectations, the results suggest that the extrapolative expectations can better explain the real estate price behavior than expectations that are formed by economic fundamentals.
The Cost Of Fast Cash For Students: Payday Loans Versus Credit Card Cash Advances
Authors: Corcoran Charles P.
Published: February 2016

When asked if they, a friend or a family member has borrowed cash quickly, spur-of-the-moment, with little or no credit checking or collateral, many respond affirmatively.  Twenty-one of eighty- two students (25.6%) from my Spring, 2007, Personal Finance course  have first-hand knowledge of a credit card cash advance, while seven of eighty-two students (8.5%) have first-hand knowledge of a payday loan transaction.  Two of eighty-two students (2.4%) claim to know of instances of both methods of obtaining cash quickly.  While both methods of borrowing should be avoided, should an emergency loan be necessary, the cost of a credit card cash advance is significantly lower than the cost of a payday loan.
Agency Problem And The Value Of Conglomerates
Authors: Khoroshilov Yuri
Published: February 2016

Empirical studies show that a large portion of the diversification discount can be explained by controlling for firm-specific characteristics. Although these studies leave no doubt that there is a self-selection component in firm’s decision to diversify, the failure to explain the entire discount implies that some conglomerates destroy value and raises a question: why firms choose to diversify and what prevent them from value-increasing divestitures. This paper provides an answer to this question. It argues that the agency cost in a conglomerate is positively related to the number of divisions with good investment opportunities. Therefore, benefits of conglomeration offset agency costs for conglomerates with a number of bad divisions and make diversification profitable for bad firms. However, when investment opportunities of some divisions improve, the agency cost increases and offsets the benefits of diversification. Unfortunately, if investors cannot correctly price all of the conglomerate’s divisions, the conglomerate cannot receive the fair price for its good divisions and, therefore, cannot implement value-increasing divestitures. As a result, the paper predicts a negative relationship between the age of the conglomerate and the diversification discount, while a failure to control for the self-selection bias may lead to an incorrect conclusion that this relationship is positive. By looking at the exogenous shocks to the economy, the paper also predicts more refocusing activities and greater value-distortion of diversification during economic booms.
Can Individual Investors Capture The Value Premium?
Authors: Larkin Patrick J.
Published: February 2016

I test the performance of several simple one and two-factor mechanical GARP and value investment strategies against a value-weighted market portfolio for the period 1998-2006, focusing on the suitability of the strategies for individual investors. All of the GARP and value strategies produce substantially higher average returns than the market portfolio over the 97 rolling one-year holding periods included in the study. The strategies have a higher standard deviation of returns across the 97 start months, but are less likely than the market portfolio to experience negative returns over any three or five-year time period. Overall, the best performing strategies are EBIT to enterprise value and return on capital, EBIT to enterprise value alone, and earnings yield (the inverse of the P/E ratio). Adding a profitability factor to form a GARP strategy from a simple one-factor value strategy does not appear boost performance, though it does reduce risk in the EBIT to enterprise value and return on capital strategy. My results indicate that individual investors who are able to tolerate occasional underperformance should consider using a GARP or value strategy in at least a portion of the portion of their portfolio that is allocated to U.S. equities.
Preparation and Evaluation of Ofloxacin Sustained Released Gastro Retentive Floating Microspheres
Authors: Manish Negi  , Vikash Kumar Shukla  , T. S. Easwari
Published: February 2016

Floating microspheres of Ofloxacin were prepared by emulsion cross linking method in which form two phase solution. A total of six formulations were prepared i.e. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6. Microsphere were evaluated for various rheological properties like bulk density, tapped density, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose, shows satisfactory results. The prepared microsphere were then evaluated for various physical tests like particle size, drug content, drug entrapment efficiency, swelling index and buoyancy test by using standard procedures. The particle size of all the formulations was ranged between 158.6±0.62 and 205.1±0.42 μm. The drug content and entrapment efficiency was ranged between 18.4±0.48 to 31.1±1.02% and 53.0±1.48 to 76.6±0.94%, respectively. The swelling index and buoyancy were ranged from 79.9±1.42 to 110.6±1.37 and 94.2±0.29 to 121.9±0.19, respectively. The prepared microspheres exhibited good spherical geometry with smooth surface as evidence by scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro release studies exhibited that F3 displayed better sustained effect over a period of 16 hours.
Memaknai “Hukum Negara (Law Through State)” dalam Bingkai “Negara Hukum (Rechtstaat)”
Authors: Ch. Likadja Jeffry Alexander
Published: February 2016

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan konsep ketaatan hukum dalam bingkai negara hukum (rechstaat) dan bagaimana implementasi dan implikasi prinsip kebebasan (individu) dalam negara hukum di Indonesia. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode penelitian normatif (doctrinal research) dengan mengggunakan pendekatan konseptual. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendekatan Rule of Law diperlukan untuk membuat konsep negara hukum (Rechtstaat) menjadi lebih dinamis dan mampu menghadapi dinamika perubahan yang terjadi di masyarakat, serta membuat hukum lebih otonom dari intervensi otoritas lainnya semisal politik. Implementasi kebebasan dalam konteks negara hukum masih dimaknai secara sempit dan hanya mengangap keadilan dapat terlaksana jika hukum prosedural dapat dipatuhi oleh semua warga negara. Tujuan utama dari penerapan Rule of Law adalah pembatasan kekuasaan otoritas dan pengurangan kewajiban-kewajiban warga negara, sehingga akan menghasilkan suatu ajaran ilmu hukum yang berpusat pada hak (right centered jurisprudence).
Prospek Negara Hukum Indonesia: Gagasan dan Realita
Authors: Zoelva Hamdan
Published: February 2016

Indonesia sejak awal telah menegaskan dirinya sebagai sebuah negara hukum. Hal itu tampak pada adanya pengaturan yang jelas terkait kekuasaan dan fungsi masingmasing lembaga negara dalam bentuk sistem checks and balances antar cabang kekuasaan, jaminan perlindungan HAM yang cukup lengkap, kejelasan prinsip-prinsip mekanisme demokrasi, serta jaminan peradilan yang independen. Meskipun konstitusi telah mengatur sedemikian rupa, upaya mewujudkan negara hukum bukanlah hal yang mudah. Sekarang ini nampak perjalanan negara hukum Indonesia terasa masih tertatih-tatih. Berbagai persoalan hukum yang mengusik rasa keadilan terus muncul silih berganti. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lebih dari dasawarsa terakhir, Indonesia telah banyak melakukan perubahan untuk mewujudkan cita negara hukum. Namun pada praktiknya, pembangunan hukum terasa masih tetap jauh dari harapan. Keberhasilan membangun negara hukum tidak dapat diukur dari kemampuan memproduksi legislasi dan menciptakan atau merevitalisasi institusi hukum. Lebih dari itu, keberhasilan bernegara hukum harus pula diukur dari implementasi dan penegakan hukum yang mampu menciptakan keadilan bagi seluruh rakyat. Oleh karena itu, fokus utama berbagai kajian hukum dan kebijakan hukum, harus diorientasikan pada institusi peradilan dan penegakkan hukum.
Grafted cellulose acetate reverse osmosis membrane using 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid for water desalination
Authors: Morsy Ashraf , Ebrahim Shaker , Kenawy El-Refaie , Abdel-Fattah Tarek , Kandil Sherif
Published: February 2016

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes based on cellulose acetate (CA), were prepared using a phase inversion technique. To improve the hydrophilicity, salt rejection and water flux of these membranes, a novel grafting of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) was added on the top surface of the CA-RO membranes. The grafted CA-RO membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It was found that the contact angles were 58° and 45° for pristine CA and 15 wt% grafted CA-RO membranes, respectively, which suggest an increase in the membrane surface hydrophilicity after grafting. The morphological studies of the surface of the pristine CA-RO membrane revealed a typical ridge-and-valley morphology and displayed a relatively high surface roughness of 337 nm, and a significant decrease at 15 wt% of grafted CA-RO membrane to 7 nm. The effect of the grafting percentages of AMPSA on the water flux and salt rejection was studied using a cross flow RO unit. The salt rejection and water flux of the grafted CA-RO membrane with 15 wt% were 99.03% and 6 L/m2h, respectively.
Family Routine Behaviors and Meaningful Rituals: A Comparison Between Italian and Migrant Couples
Authors: Migliorini Laura , Rania Nadia , Tassara Tatiana , Cardinali Paola
Published: February 2016

Routines and meaningful rituals play an important role in the family dynamic system. During the past 30 years, migratory flow into Italy has been constantly increasing. Our aim was to explore the structure of daily life in order to understand and compare family functioning of migrant
couples in Italy with the family functioning of couples who were born and bred in Italy. In our study there were 124 participants (31 Italian couples and 31 migrant couples) who completed modified versions of the Family Routine Inventory and the Family Ritual Questionnaire. Participants were
contacted by teachers at kindergartens attended by the children of the couples. The results highlighted a significant difference between Italian and migrant couples in the symbolic-significance dimension of rituals. The particularity of this finding is its coexistence with the absence of significant
differences in the more pragmatic aspects of rituals. The possible influence of the migration experience and practical implications are discussed.
Making Home Smoke Free in a Bangladeshi Village through an Intervention at School
Authors: Ahmed Jasimuddin , Choudhury Sohel R , Zaman M Mostafa
Published: February 2016

Background: Objective of the study was to determine the outcome of school student led smoke free home program.Methods: A study was conducted among the school student of Bangladesh, during the period of July to November 2010.Students were used as an agent to create an environment in the house discussing with their parents and other members of the family to reduce indoor smoking and as well as help smokers in quitting smoking.Result: During the five months intervention indoor smoking prevalence reduced by 61.6% but smoking prevalence among fathers reduced only 3.2%.Conclusion: This small intervention of short duration indicates that motivation through school student have a high potential of making home smoke-free.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 8(2): 135-137
CdTe Quantum Dot Fluorescence Modulation by Spin Crossover
Authors: Kraieva Olena , Suleimanov Iurii , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: February 2016

Nanocomposite materials containing Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) nanocrystals and [Fe(H-trz)2(trz)]BF4 nanoparticles were synthesized and investigated for the coupling between their photoluminescent and spin crossover properties. The bright CdTe emission around 550 nm was found to decrease reversibly when switching the ferrous complex from the high spin (HS) to the low spin (LS) state, which was attributed to the spectral overlap of the luminescence with the absorption of the complex in the latter electronic configuration. A significant irreversible change of the luminescence signal (photobleaching) was also observed both in emission intensity and lifetime measurements.
Au-Based Catalysts: Electrochemical Characterization for Structural Insights
Authors: Pifferi Valentina , Chan-Thaw Carine , Campisi Sebastiano , Testolin Anna , Villa Alberto , Falciola Luigi , Prati Laura
Published: February 2016

Au-based catalysts are widely used in important processes because of their peculiar characteristics. The catalyst performance depends strongly on the nature and structure of the metal nanoparticles, especially in the case of bimetallic catalysts where synergistic effects between the two metals can be occasionally seen. In this paper, it is shown that electrochemical characterisation (cyclovoltammetry CV and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy EIS) of AuPd systems can be used to determine the presence of an electronic interaction between the two metals, thus providing a strong support in the determination of the nature of the synergy between Au and Pd in the liquid phase oxidation of alcohols. However, it seems likely that the strong difference in the catalytic behavior between the single metals and the bimetallic system is connected not only to the redox behaviour, but also to the energetic balance between the different elementary steps of the reaction.
Curcumin and Health
Authors: Pulido-Moran Mario , Moreno-Fernandez Jorge , Ramirez-Tortosa Cesar , Ramirez-Tortosa MCarmen
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, there are some molecules that have shown over the years a high capacity to act against relevant pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders or cancer. This article provides a brief review about the origin, bioavailability and new research on curcumin and synthetized derivatives. It examines the beneficial effects on health, delving into aspects such as cancer, cardiovascular effects, metabolic syndrome, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties, and neurological, liver and respiratory disorders. Thanks to all these activities, curcumin is positioned as an interesting nutraceutical. This is the reason why it has been subjected to several modifications in its structure and administration form that have permitted an increase in bioavailability and effectiveness against different diseases, decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated to these pathologies.
Solanum nigrum Protects against Hepatic Fibrosis via Suppression of Hyperglycemia in High-Fat/Ethanol Diet-Induced Rats
Authors: Tai Cheng-Jeng , Choong Chen-Yen , Shi Yeu-Ching , Lin Yu-Chun , Wang Chia-Woei , Lee Bao-Hong , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: February 2016

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) signal through the receptor for AGE (RAGE), which can lead to hepatic fibrosis in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. We investigated the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts from Solanum nigrum (AESN) on AGEs-induced RAGE signaling and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hyperglycemia induced by high-fat diet with ethanol. Methods: An animal model was used to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of AESN in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 30%) with ethanol (10%). Male Wistar rats (4 weeks of age) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): (1) control (basal diet); (2) HFD (30%) + ethanol (10%) (HFD/ethanol); (3) HFD/ethanol + AESN (100 mg/kg, oral administration); and (4) HFD/ethanol + pioglitazone (10 mg/kg, oral administration) and treated with HFD for 6 months in the presence or absence of 10% ethanol in dietary water. Results: We found that AESN improved insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and downregulated lipogenesis via regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), PPARγ co-activator (PGC-1α), carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA levels in the liver of HFD/ethanol-treated rats. In turn, AESN may delay and inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) inhibition and MMP-2 production. Conclusions: These results suggest that AESN may be further explored as a novel anti-fibrotic strategy for the prevention of liver disease.
MULTI-COLOR OPTICAL MONITORING OF MRK 501 FROM 2010 TO 2015
Authors: Xiong Dingrong , Zhang Haojing , Zhang Xiong , Yi Tingfeng , Bai Jinming , Wang Fang , Liu Hongtao , Zheng Yonggang
Published: February 2016

We have monitored the BL Lac object Mrk 501 in the optical V, R, and I bands from 2010 to 2015. For Mrk 501, the presence of a strong host galaxy component can affect the results of photometry. After subtracting the host galaxy contributions, the source shows intraday and long-term variabilities for optical flux and color indices. The average variability amplitudes of the V, R, and I bands are

, respectively, and the value of the duty cycle is 14.87%. A minimal variability timescale of 106 minutes is detected. No significant time lag between the V and I bands is found on one night. The bluer-when-brighter (BWB) trend is dominant for Mrk 501 on intermediate, short, and intraday timescales, which supports the shock-in-jet model. For the long timescale, Mrk 501, in different states, can have different BWB trends. The corresponding results for non-correcting host galaxy contributions are also presented.
Humanitarian Media Events
Authors: Vandevoordt Robin
Published: February 2016

When somewhere in the world disaster strikes, chances are that West-European NGO's will put their hands together by launching national fundraising appeals. In these appeals, the media, public institutions and individual citizens are asked to contribute their share by donating a sum of money or, better still, by organizing their own fundraising activities. If all goes well, the appeal then soon acquires a festive character, as an entire nation interrupts its regular course of affairs to organize fundraising activities ranging from small family barbeques to widely broadcasted live shows. This chapter proposes to conceptualize these appeals as ‘humanitarian media events', by drawing attention to some of their distinctively symbolic character. These theoretical reflections are then applied to the case of the Belgian appeal for Syrian refugees, launched in April 2013. This analysis consists of three components: the media, by comparing the coverage on Syria during the most important period of the appeal; the campaign, relying on in-depth interviews with campaigners and campaign material; and the audience, by drawing on interviews with audience members who organised a small-scale fundraising activity. This presentation thereby aims to develop a neo-Durkheimian, symbolic-cognitive framework to understand the nature and course of national humanitarian appeals, and the role played by a variety of social actors.
The Black Panther Has Died
Authors: Mateus Samuel
Published: February 2016

Media ecology is characterized today by the frequent airing of disruptive events. The shared experience of broadcasting is thus taken by disenchantment, fragmentation and individualization. Does this mean that integrative and ceremonial media events are condemned to disappear? What about media rituals and collective consensus? In this chapter, we argue that the Media Events category is not just an invaluable frame to understand contemporary television but it is also a vital process on the way societies re-work their solidarities, negotiate collective belonging and publicly stage social rituals. Analysing the live coverage of the funerary ceremonies of Eusébio, the Portuguese world-wide football legend, we address this major social occurrence approaching it as a death media event, a public mourning ceremonial and a tele-ritual. Media events are still a powerful example of how media plays a major role on social integration and national identity. The television broadcast of Eusébio's funeral - it is claimed - constitutes a key example, in the Portuguese society, of the integrative dimension of public events.
Bollywood Sporting Spectacles
Authors: Raj Sony Jalarajan , Sreekumar Rohini
Published: February 2016

Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved as a popular event for the large entertainment savvy middle class as well as sports enthusiasts who equally enjoy the new live spectacle on television. Most of the franchised team is owned by Bollywood stars or at least branded or heralded by film star. This made cricket match an extremely glamorized event with all the mix of a Bollywood film. This revolutionized the entertainment culture of public where they are now witnessing the merging of the most popular entertainment outlet – film and sports. The chapter argues that the concept of IPL as a media event is identified by the public as a glorified Bollywood film where it set an ideology that every second should be enjoyed with a similar enthusiasm of a masala Bollywood film. This chapter situates IPL with the larger framework provided by Dayan and Katz (1992) in defining a media event.
Dried blood spot specimen quality and validation of a new pre-analytical processing method for qualitative HIV-1 PCR, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Govender Kerusha , Parboosing Raveen , Siyaca Ntombizandile , Moodley Pravikrishnen
Published: February 2016

Background: Poor quality dried blood spot (DBS) specimens are usually rejected by virology laboratories, affecting early infant diagnosis of HIV. The practice of combining two incompletely-filled DBS in one specimen preparation tube during pre-analytical specimen processing (i.e., the two-spot method) has been implemented to reduce the number of specimens being rejected for insufficient volume.Objectives: This study analysed laboratory data to describe the quality of DBS specimens and the use of the two-spot method over a one-year period, then validated the two-spot method against the standard (one-spot) method.Methods: Data on HIV-1 PCR test requests submitted in 2014 to the Department of Virology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa were analysed to describe reasons for specimen rejection, as well as results of the two-spot method. The accuracy, lower limit of detection and precision of the two-spot method were assessed.Results: Of the 88 481 specimens received, 3.7% were rejected for pre-analytical problems. Of those, 48.9% were rejected as a result of insufficient specimen volume. Two health facilities had significantly more specimen rejections than other facilities. The two-spot method prevented 10 504 specimen rejections. The Pearson correlation coefficient comparing the standard to the two-spot method was 0.997.Conclusions: The two-spot method was comparable with the standard method of pre-analytical specimen processing. Two health facilities were identified for targeted retraining on specimen quality. The two-spot method of DBS specimen processing can be used as an adjunct to retraining, to reduce the number of specimens rejected and improve linkage to care.
Ubuntu and Social Capital factors in Family Businesses
Authors: Venter William
Published: February 2016

The current study is an investigation of social capital, and more particularly the support of the concept of ubuntu in large family businesses in South Africa. Insights into the social responsibility activities of some of the largest family businesses in South Africa, obtained through semi-structured interviews, clearly indicate the important role which the social responsibility ubuntu activities of these businesses play in caring for the community. As South Africa has a mainly “individualistic economic community”, it is interesting to observe how the collectivistic notion of ubuntu is practised in the social responsibility activities of family business groups.

Key words and phrases: ubuntu, social responsibility, social capital, family business, conditional matrix
Del hallazgo arqueológico al Ciberespacio
Authors: Flores Gutiérrez Mariano , López Martínez Carlos María
Published: February 2016

New technologies have provided a new tool for the dissemination of history. At the completion profiles of plants and archaeological sites, taking pictures field and its subsequent publication in jobs research, has added other, published in other media such as 3D reconstruction of remains archaeological sites, both movable and immovable, tours virtual worlds and free audio and web pages. These possibilities are reflected in the spread of results of the excavation of the Jewish synagogue and Lorca.
Web didáctica: “Cabrera de Mar, arqueologia i patrimoni”. Un ejemplo de reconstrucción o anastilosis virtual de yacimientos y paisajes arqueológicos íberos, romanos y medievales. La infografía al servicio de la arqueología, del patrimonio y de la educación.
Authors: Rovira i Juan Josep Maria
Published: February 2016

Presentation of the educational Web www.cabrerademarpatrimoni.cat “Cabrera de Mar, arqueología i patrimoni”. Web whose central objective disclosure (to the general public, but especially to our elementary and secondary students) of archeology and heritage Iberian, Roman, medieval and modern, making it understandable to make the content and value that has no doubt to educate in the values of heritage and its preservation. The thread and the most characteristic element is anastilosis or virtual reconstruction of archaeological sites. Throughout the communication is intended to answer the question "what is, for what it is, and as for who is it? With the teaching’s Web that we present today.
O direito humano à comunicação prévia e pormenorizada das acusações nos processos administrativos: o desprezo do Superior Tribunal de Justiça ao Pacto de San José da Costa Rica e à Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos
Authors: Hachem Daniel Wunder , Pethechust Eloi Rodrigues Barreto
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o direito dos acusados, nos processos administrativos sancionadores, a uma descrição prévia e pormenorizada das acusações que lhes são dirigidas. A partir da previsão desse direito na Convenção Americana sobre Direitos Humanos, no rol denominado “Garantias Judiciais”, o trabalho busca realizar um confronto entre o posicionamento do Superior Tribunal de Justiça brasileiro e a jurisprudência da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos a respeito a incidência de tais garantias em processos administrativos. Após constatar que o Superior Tribunal de Justiça brasileiro ignora solenemente o referido direito em suas decisões, admitindo práticas administrativas totalmente contrárias ao Pacto de San José da Rica, o estudo conclui pela necessidade de o STJ e a Administração Pública brasileira adequarem o seu entendimento à posição consolidada pela Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos.
Análise da responsabilidade internacional da Ucrânia por violação dos direitos humanos na queda do voo da Malaysia Airlines (MH17)
Authors: Cravo Daniela
Published: February 2016

Sequer as investigações oficiais do abate do Vôo MH17 no espaço aéreo da Ucrânia foram finalizadas, mas o caso já chegou à Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos, por meio de ação movida por familiares de vítimas. Esses buscam a responsabilização da Ucrânia por violação dos direitos humanos; mas será que essa pode ser responsabilizada? Houve omissão pelo não fechamento do espaço aéreo? E, em caso positivo, qual é o fórum mais conveniente para buscar tal responsabilização? Não se deve falar em responsabilidade extraterritorial da Rússia? O propósito desse estudo, que se apoia no método dedutivo de abordagem de dados, é justamente tecer algumas possíveis respostas a tais questões, as quais apontam, como conclusão, para a responsabilidade da Ucrânia pela sua omissão ao não prudentemente fechar o seu espaço aéreo.
O diálogo hermenêutico e a pergunta adequada à aplicação dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no Brasil: caminhos para o processo de internacionalização da constituição
Authors: Ferreira Rafael Fonseca , Anadon Celine Barreto
Published: February 2016

O objetivo deste artigo consiste em recompor a paisagem entre o direito interno e o direito internacional a partir do fenômeno da constitucionalização do direito internacional proporcionado pela Constituição Federal de 1988 e a recepção dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos. O trabalho é guiado por uma análise de caráter fenomenológico-hermenêutica, a partir do referencial teórico de Gadamer e a ideia de diálogo, estruturado sob a dinâmica da pergunta e da resposta. No início, elabora-se uma crítica dirigida à deficiência teórico-interpretativa do imaginário jurídico dominante que, tanto na doutrina como na jurisprudência do STF, consegue superar à lógica do discurso formal do status hierárquico-normativo (positivista) na aplicação dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no Brasil antes e depois da introdução do § 3º no art. 5º pela Emenda Constitucional nº 45/2004. Diante desse cenário, mais do que uma proposta de diálogos interjurisdicionais, com base na crítica hermenêutica do diálogo, objetiva-se mais profundamente demonstrar que existem outros caminhos para a normatividade dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos os quais transcendem a simples redução da definição de sua posição hierárquica ou de uma comunicação entre cortes nacionais e internacionais. Por fim, sob a desconstrução do paradigma hierárquico-normativista de caráter positivista, busca-se demonstrar a adequada compreensão (teórico-normativa) e dialógica entre Constituição e tratados internacionais de direitos humanos como novos horizontes da normatividade constitucional e do processo de internacionalização do Direito.