bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of blockholders in publicly traded firms
Authors: Kaya Halil D. , Lumpkin-Sowers Nancy L.
Published: February 2017

The outside blockholder has become an important agent in the corporate governance literature in the United States. Understanding how his monitoring role changes as economic circumstances deteriorate is rarely considered. In this study, we examine whether the number of certain types of blockholders, as well as their ownership concentrations, will increase during recessions. By categorizing blockholders by type: affiliated, outside, employee (through Employee Stock Ownership Plans), non-officer director, and officer director, we are able to track how blockholder composition changed within firms when the economy moved from expansion in 1999 to recession in 2001. Using nonparametric tests, we show that the number of outside blockholders and their ownership stake go up during the recessionary period examined. This suggests a more important monitoring role for the outside blockholder when the economy worsens. Though we do not find a statistically significant change overall in the average number of blockholders or the total percentage of shares held across the firms in our sample for the other blockholder types when the economy moves from expansion to recession, we do see noteworthy changes in the behavior of the affiliated and ESOP blockholder at specific ownership concentration levels when the economy shifts.
Capital structure and firm performance in emerging economies: An empirical analysis of Sri Lankan firms
Authors: Manawaduge Athula , De Zoysa Anura , Chowdhury Khorshed , Chandarakumara Anil
Published: February 2017

This paper offers an empirical analysis of the impact of capital structure on firm performance in the context of an emerging market—Sri Lanka. The study applies both pooled and panel data regression models for a sample of 155 Sri Lankan-listed firms. The results demonstrate that most of the Sri Lankan firms finance their operations with short-term debt capital as against the long-term debt capital and provide strong evidence that the firm performance is negatively affected by the use of debt capital. The study also finds a significant negative relationship between tangibility and performance indicating inefficient utilization of non-current assets. The negative performance implications associated with over-utilization of short-term debts and the under-utilization non-current assets provide corporate managers with useful policy directions.
Corporate governance indicators and risk-taking
Authors: Apostolou Apostolos K. , Agoraki Maria-Eleni
Published: February 2017

This paper analyzes the relationship between risk-taking and corporate governance indicators, in terms of board characteristics, financial information quality and ownership structure. Unlike previous studies, we apply a broad range of corporate governance indicators and use a suitable econometric model to solve for possible endogeneity issues. The empirical framework is applied to an industry-wide sample of UK firms during the period 2002-2009. We find that board size and more executives positively affect firm risk-taking, while independence in audit committees has a negative impact. Finally, introducing firm specific characteristics does not affect the robustness of the results.
The financial system reform in China: The lesson learnt from the global financial crisis
Authors: Yang Jessica Hong , Kakabadse Nada
Published: February 2017

This paper reviews the impact of the global financial crisis on financial system reform in China. Scholars and practitioners have critically questioned the efficiencies of the Anglo-American principal-agent model of corporate governance which promotes shareholder-value maximisation. Should China continue to follow the U.K.-U.S. path in relation to financial reform? This conceptual paper provides an insightful review of the corporate governance literature, regulatory reports and news articles from the financial press. After examining the fundamental limitations of the laissez-faire philosophy that underpins the neo-liberal model of capitalism, the paper considers the risks in opening up China’s financial markets and relaxing monetary and fiscal policies. The paper outlines a critique of shareholder-capitalism in relation to the German team-production model of corporate governance, promoting a “social market economy” styled capitalism. Through such analysis, the paper explores numerous implications for China to consider in terms of developing a new and sustainable corporate governance model. China needs to follow its own financial reform through understanding its particular economy. The global financial crisis might help China rethink the nature of corporate governance, identify its weakness and assess the current reform agenda.
Granger causality in volatility between Australian equity and debt markets: A Bayesian analysis
Authors: Sanford Andrew D.
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with identifying Granger causality in the volatilities of returns between the Australian equity and debt markets. Using a bivariate stochastic volatility model previously described by Yu and Renate (2006), we estimate and compare four causal models between equity market volatility, and the short term and long term debt market volatilities. The causal models are compared with two non-causal, bivariate stochastic volatility models. Models comparisons are performed using the Deviance Information Criteria (DIC). Modelling results suggest that bond market volatility Granger causes equity market volatility. Equity volatility and money market volatility show evidence of Granger causality between the two, but no dominate causal direction is identified suggesting causal feedback between the two market volatilities.
Oxidation of Unsaturated Aldehydes by Organic Peracids
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University 12 S. Bandery St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Pikh Zorian , Nebesnyi Roman ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University 12 S. Bandery St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Ivasiv Volodymyr ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University 12 S. Bandery St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Pich Andrij ,   Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University and Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, e.V. Aachen, Germany, Vynnytska Sofia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University 12 S. Bandery St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine
Published: February 2017

The paper is dedicated to studies of kinetic regularities of oxidation of unsaturated aldehydes by organic peracids. The routes of products formation were considered, kinetic model of the oxidation reaction was designed and reaction activation parameters were calculated based on experimental data. New data on reactivity of aldehydes with various structures in the reaction with peracids were obtained.
Microwave Assisted Liquefaction with Crude Glycerol as a Potential Method of Brewer’s Spent Grain Utilization
Authors:   Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland, Hejna Aleksander , Kosmela Paulina ,   Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland, Kopczynska Milena ,   Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland, Haponiuk Jozef ,   Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland, Piszczyk Lukasz ,   Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland
Published: February 2017

Brewer’s spent grain was applied as a low-cost industrial type of lignocellulose biomass in a liquefaction process with crude glycerol. Influence of the reaction time and solvent:biomass ratio on the efficiency of the process, chemical structure and basic properties of obtained biopolyols was analyzed. Spectroscopic studies of the prepared polyols and solid residues shed light on the biomass degradation mechanism through application of microwaves and further reaction of degradation products with solvent particles.
PHYSICAL EXERCISES FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH HOMEWORK AND PARENTS MOBILIZATION AROUND THESE TASKS
Authors: Piech Krzysztof , Nowak Karolina , Birontiene Zina , Bula-Biteniece Inta
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Results presented in this article are part of an international project called Project of physical activity stimulation in a family (PPASF) held jointly with the Klaipėda University and LASE in Riga. We decided to check whether participation of children in preschool age in active classes in nursery school may be an impetus to change behavior in terms of physical activity of a family. For this purpose, a model was developed that included physical activity program conducted in the nursery school, with homework for the children to do together with their parents at home. The aim of the study was to examine the extent to which a child can persuade the parents to a common physical activity and whether sport and recreation for children with homework are a successful proposal to increase motor activity of the family. Material and methods. A diagnostic survey method was applied in the research, using a questionnaire technique. The survey questionnaire covered 38 families including 30 mothers and 8 fathers. Results and conclusions. Research has shown that children can become facilitators of physical activity in the family. The proposed model classes for children proved to be an accurate proposal, which is worth to implement the practice of teaching.
The influence of training loads on the sports results of athletes with visual impairments in the 800 and 1500 m races
Authors: Bednarczuk Grzegorz , Rutkowska Izabela , Skowroński Waldemar
Published: February 2017

Introduction. The increased level in competition and growing interest in sports for the disabled means that the training process of these people is the subject of studies and analysis. The main objective of this study was to identify the structure of the training loads in athletes with visual impairments in the 800 and 1500 m runs, in relation to sports performance. Material and methods. Seven annual trainings cycles of two groups (A, n=8, B, n=5) of athletes with visual impairments (medalists and participants of the Paralympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and multiple Polish masters), engaged in the 800 and 1500 m races, from the years 1998-2000 and 2003-2008 were evaluated. To analyze and evaluate the training loads, based on training logs two methods were used: Method I - based on an analysis of training documentation developed in the Department of Theory of Sport at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Method II - based on an assessment of the energy cost incurred for the implementation of training. Results. The analysis showed significant differences in the training process of the athletes of the two groups. The training of athletes from group A, was carried out mainly with the directed training method (61% of total load - TL) with low intensity - range 1 on a 5 point scale (74% TL), while group B - with special training method (76% TL) in second (2) range of intensity (71% TL). Conclusions. Training carried out by athletes from group B better reflects the specifications of middle distance runs, in comparison with group A, which could lead to a higher level of performance presented by the athletes of group B.
Microstructure and properties of hot extruded Mg-3Zn-Y-xCu (x = 0, 1, 3, 5) alloys
Authors: Liu Bao-sheng , Kuang Ya-fei , Fang Da-qing , Chai Yue-sheng , Zhang Yue-zhong
Published: February 2017

In petroleum drilling engineering, materials with high strength and rapid degradation are required for degradable fracturing ball applications. In this work, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of extruded Mg-3Zn-Y-xCu (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 weight percent) alloys are investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, compression tests, electrochemical measurements, and hydrogen evolution tests, to explore their potential as excellent candidate alloys for degradable fracturing ball applications. It is found that the Mg-3Zn-Y alloy is mainly composed of α-Mg, Mg3Zn3Y2, and Mg3Zn6Y phases. After Cu addition, a new MgZnCu phase is formed, while the Mg3Zn3Y2 phase disappears. The Mg-3Zn-Y-3Cu alloy shows the highest compressive strength (473 MPa) and yield strength (402 MPa), mainly attributed to the combined effect of the fine-grain and dispersed precipitation of Mg3Zn6Y and MgZnCu. The corrosion rate of Mg-3Zn-Y-3Cu reaches 0.41 mm day−1 in 3.5 wt.% KCl solution. Consequently, Mg-3Zn-Y-3Cu alloy is a suitable degradable fracturing ball-seat material.
Comedy, Tragedy, and Saint Thomas More
Authors: Foley Michael P.
Published: February 2017

The twentieth-century political philosopher Leo Strauss uses a quotation from Thomas More to suggest that Christianity is akin to tragedy while philosophy is closer to comedy. This article responds to Strauss’s contention by examining the implications of characterizing philosophy or biblical religion as either comic or tragic; it then analyzes Thomas More’s understanding of Christianity in order to see whether More shares Strauss’s opinion. The paper concludes that he does not: Thomas More sees Christian life and thought as essentially “comic” in both structure and orientation.
The Merits of Being Obscure: Erasmus and Budé Debate the Style, Shape, and Audience of Humanist Scholarship
Authors: Wallace Joseph
Published: February 2017

The author examines the epistolary exchange between Desiderius Erasmus and Guillaume Budé from 1516 to 1519 in the context of Budé’s De Asse et partibus eius and Erasmus’s Adagia. The two humanists argued about the proper style of intellectual exchange and the proper audience for their works. Budé believed that men like himself and Erasmus should concentrate only on subjects that are too difficult for average scholars, while Erasmus wanted his works to be accessible to the entire learned world. The difference of opinion reveals two radically different views of the style, content, purpose, and audience of humanist scholarship in the early sixteenth century.
La nuit – la lumière – le mysticisme: L’exemple de Thomas More
Authors: Blum Wilhelm
Published: February 2017

The night seems to be negative, yet it may be endowed with positive signification, it may be “the night of the mystical betrothal”, which is the real light. In his last work, written in prison, Thomas More evokes the different aspects of night and sleep, but also of irony and sadness (“acedia”). After studying More’s “swan song”, the author analyses the ‘guiding’ night (leading to the light) and the blissful night. At the end (of both the composition and the world) night will disappear and there will be nothing but light, which is the spirit of God.
The “secret of his heart”: What Was Thomas More’s?
Authors: Wegemer Gerard
Published: February 2017

This article studies the background and meaning of More’s last words to his daughter Margaret: that “she had long known the secret of his heart.” Close attention is paid to their last letters of 1534-1535 where More uses similar expressions.
Pairing Alpaca and Llama-Derived Single Domain Antibodies to Enhance Immunoassays for Ricin
Authors: Turner Kendrick , Hardy Sabrina , Liu Jinny , Zabetakis Dan , Lee P. , Goldman Ellen , Anderson George
Published: February 2017

Previously, our group isolated and evaluated anti-ricin single domain antibodies (sdAbs) derived from llamas, engineered them to further increase their thermal stability, and utilized them for the development of sensitive immunoassays. In work focused on the development of therapeutics, Vance et al. 2013 described anti-ricin sdAbs derived from alpacas. Herein, we evaluated the utility of selected alpaca-derived anti-ricin sdAbs for detection applications, and engineered an alpaca-derived sdAb to increase its melting temperature, providing a highly thermal stable reagent for use in ricin detection. Four of the alpaca-derived anti-ricin A-chain sdAbs were produced and characterized. All four bound to epitopes that overlapped with our previously described llama sdAbs. One alpaca sdAb, F6, was found to possess both a high melting temperature (73 °C) and to work optimally with a thermally stable llama anti-ricin sdAb in sandwich assays for ricin detection. We employed a combination of consensus sequence mutagenesis and the addition of a non-canonical disulfide bond to further enhance the thermal stability of F6 to 85 °C. It is advantageous to have a choice of recognition reagents when developing assays. This work resulted in defining an additional pair of highly thermal stable sdAbs for the sensitive detection of ricin.
Stem Cell Therapies in Retinal Disorders
Authors: Garg Aakriti , Yang Jin , Lee Winston , Tsang Stephen
Published: February 2017

Stem cell therapy has long been considered a promising mode of treatment for retinal conditions. While human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have provided the precedent for regenerative medicine, the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) revolutionized this field. iPSCs allow for the development of many types of retinal cells, including those of the retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and ganglion cells, and can model polygenic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Cellular programming and reprogramming technology is especially useful in retinal diseases, as it allows for the study of living cells that have genetic variants that are specific to patients’ diseases. Since iPSCs are a self-renewing resource, scientists can experiment with an unlimited number of pluripotent cells to perfect the process of targeted differentiation, transplantation, and more, for personalized medicine. Challenges in the use of stem cells are present from the scientific, ethical, and political realms. These include transplant complications leading to anatomically incorrect placement, concern for tumorigenesis, and incomplete targeting of differentiation leading to contamination by different types of cells. Despite these limitations, human ESCs and iPSCs specific to individual patients can revolutionize the study of retinal disease and may be effective therapies for conditions currently considered incurable.
Les pères en congé parental en Norvège. Changements et continuités
Authors: Kvande Elin , Brandth Berit
Published: February 2017

Cet article porte sur ce que font les pères norvégiens en congé parental sans la présence de leur conjointe. La Norvège a instauré un quota de congés dédié aux pères, au sein d’un système de congés parentaux en place depuis 1993. Depuis cette date, ce quota a été étendu de quatre à dix semaines aujourd’hui. À partir d’entretiens auprès de pères qui ont utilisé ce congé lors de son instauration en 1993 et auprès d’autres pères l’ayant pris entre 2009 et 2011, les auteures analysent les changements opérés dans leurs pratiques. Alors que pour la première génération de pères « à la maison » , s’occuper de l’enfant excluait la prise en charge des tâches ménagères, les pères actuels intègrent celles-ci au travail de soin. Ils paraissent également développer des compétences relationnelles et des liens émotionnels plus forts avec leur enfant, ainsi qu’un sentiment de responsabilité de leur bien-être les faisant passer du rôle d’aidant de la mère à celui de « coparent ».
Les pères en congé parental à temps partiel en France : vers un modèle égalitaire ?
Authors: Boyer Danielle
Published: February 2017

Fathers on part-time parental leave in France : Towards an egalitarian model ?

How do fathers on part-time parental leave, who represent values that are different to the gender norms on men’s involvement at work and in the family, cope with their role in the home ? Does the availability of these fathers, timewise, result in an even-handed distribution of tasks, even though they spend time alone with their children and share the household and parental tasks with their partner ? The arrangements made are still heavily based on ideas of gender-based tendencies. In particular, their behaviour is strongly influenced by their idea that the mother-child relationship takes precedence and that they are somehow less qualified in their relationships and in their educational role.
Une paternité à construire au quotidien : le cas de la résidence au père
Authors: Piesen Alexandra
Published: February 2017

À partir d’une enquête qualitative menée entre 2012 et 2016 dans le cadre d’une recherche doctorale, cet article s’intéresse à la représentation de la paternité chez les pères ayant leur enfant en résidence quotidienne. Les résultats ont permis de dégager plusieurs traits spécifiques à la paternité solo. Porteurs d’un modèle parental dans lequel la figure maternelle est plus légitime que la leur, ces pères mettent en place un certain nombre de stratégies – comme le recours à des « référents féminins » – lorsqu’ils ne se sentent pas légitimes sur certains sujets – sexualité de leur fille, par exemple. L’absence de modèle de paternité solo conduit les pères à se rapporter essentiellement aux références parentales féminines et à peu s’en démarquer. Pour se sentir et se montrer « bon parent » , ils cherchent une validation de leurs pratiques parentales de la part des mères et de certains professionnels (psychologues, pédopsychiatres, etc.).
The Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort in the CARRA Registry: Clinical Characteristics, Classification, and Outcomes
Authors: Zisman Devy , Gladman Dafna D. , Stoll Matthew L. , Strand Vibeke , Lavi Idit , Hsu Joyce J. , Mellins Elizabeth D. ,   The CARRA Legacy Registry Investigators
Published: February 2017

Objective.

Children with clinically diagnosed juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) who were enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) registry (CARRA-JPsA) were classified according to pediatric International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) and adult criteria [Classification criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR)]. Data on demographic and clinical features at baseline and 1-year followup were analyzed and compared.

Methods.

Cross-sectional analysis was performed of CARRA-JPsA patients enrolled between May 2010 and December 2013 and stratified according to age at disease onset (≤ or > 4 yrs). Features of patients fulfilling ILAR and CASPAR criteria were compared at baseline and followup using chi square, Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney-McNemar, Wilcoxon signed rank, and t tests, as appropriate.

Results.

Among 361 children enrolled as CARRA-JPsA, 72.02% had symptom onset at > 4 years of age, with a male predominance and high prevalence of enthesitis. At followup, statistically significant improvements were reported in arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis, psoriasis, sacroiliitis, and nail pitting, but not in health questionnaire (HQ) scores. Of the patients, 80.5% fulfilled ILAR criteria for JPsA. Fifty-two patients, whose disease fulfilled CASPAR criteria but had not been included in the JPsA cohort, manifested more enthesitis, sacroiliitis, inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis and less psoriasis.

Conclusion.

The data support division of patients with JPsA into 2 clinical subgroups, according to age at disease onset. Improvement in objective findings did not correlate with changes in HQ scores. Pediatric rheumatologists currently do not diagnose JPsA in all children whose disease manifestations meet CASPAR criteria. Unification of adult and pediatric PsA classification criteria warrants consideration.
Quand l’école s’invite à la maison...
Authors: Vassort-Herenthals Marie-Céline
Published: February 2017

Si un enfant est absent de l’école durant plus de 15 jours pour raison médicale, une assistance pédagogique à domicile est mise en place pour l’élève afin qu’il poursuive sa scolarité durant cette période. Ce dispositif dépend de l’Éducation nationale et est gratuit pour les familles. Cet article en décrit le fonctionnement, notamment à travers quelques vignettes cliniques.
Self-Reported Health Status and Malnutrition Risk in Home-Dwelling Korean Older Adult Women
Authors: Son Youn-Jung , Oh Min-Kyung , Lee Yun-Mi
Published: February 2017

The current cross-sectional study described the prevalence of malnutrition risk and identified its associated factors in home-dwelling Korean older adult women. Nutritional status was assessed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative. Multinomial logistic regression analysis determined predictors of nutritional risk. Of 168 participants (mean age = 76.34 years,
SD
= 6.51 years), approximately 69.6% were classified as being at moderate/high risk for malnutrition. Results showed that higher levels of physical (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.12, 0.92]) and emotional (OR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.13, 0.74]) function were associated with decreased risk of malnutrition. In addition, higher levels of bodily pain were associated with increased risk of malnutrition (OR = 2.75, 95% CI [1.35, 5.59]). The findings emphasize the importance of nutritional assessment with comprehensive geriatric assessment. Future longitudinal studies including various sociodemographic backgrounds should examine the effects of self-reported health status on malnutrition risk in older adults.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(2):77–85.]
Antenatal Suppression of IL-1 Protects against Inflammation-Induced Fetal Injury and Improves Neonatal and Developmental Outcomes in Mice
Authors: Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Chin Peck-Yin , Belarbi Lydia , Brien Marie-Ève , Pundir Sheetal , Berryer Martin H. , Beaudry-Richard Alexandra , Madaan Ankush , Sharkey David J. , Lupien-Meilleur Alexis , Hou Xin , Quiniou Christiane , Beaulac Alexandre , Boufaied Ines , Boudreault Amarilys , Carbonaro Adriana , Doan Ngoc-Duc , Joyal Jean-Sebastien , Lubell William D. , Olson David M. , Robertson Sarah A. , Girard Sylvie , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: February 2017

Preterm birth (PTB) is commonly accompanied by in utero fetal inflammation, and existing tocolytic drugs do not target fetal inflammatory injury. Of the candidate proinflammatory mediators, IL-1 appears central and is sufficient to trigger fetal loss. Therefore, we elucidated the effects of antenatal IL-1 exposure on postnatal development and investigated two IL-1 receptor antagonists, the competitive inhibitor anakinra (Kineret) and a potent noncompetitive inhibitor 101.10, for efficacy in blocking IL-1 actions. Antenatal exposure to IL-1β induced Tnfa, Il6, Ccl2, Pghs2, and Mpges1 expression in placenta and fetal membranes, and it elevated amniotic fluid IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and PGF2α, resulting in PTB and marked neonatal mortality. Surviving neonates had increased Il1b, Il6, Il8, Il10, Pghs2, Tnfa, and Crp expression in WBCs, elevated plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, increased IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in fetal lung, intestine, and brain, and morphological abnormalities: e.g., disrupted lung alveolarization, atrophy of intestinal villus and colon-resident lymphoid follicle, and degeneration and atrophy of brain microvasculature with visual evoked potential anomalies. Late gestation treatment with 101.10 abolished these adverse outcomes, whereas Kineret exerted only modest effects and no benefit for gestation length, neonatal mortality, or placental inflammation. In a LPS-induced model of infection-associated PTB, 101.10 prevented PTB, neonatal mortality, and fetal brain inflammation. There was no substantive deviation in postnatal growth trajectory or adult body morphometry after antenatal 101.10 treatment. The results implicate IL-1 as an important driver of neonatal morbidity in PTB and identify 101.10 as a safe and effective candidate therapeutic.
О связи комбинаторных функций и представлений симметрической группы
Authors: Vershik Anatolii Moiseevich , Tsilevich Natalia Vladimirovna
Published: February 2017

Работа посвящена изучению известных комбинаторных функций на симметрической группе $\mathfrak{S}_n$ - главного индекса $\operatorname{maj}$, числа спусков $\operatorname{des}$ и числа инверсий $\operatorname{inv}$ - с точки зрения теории представлений. Показано, что каждая из этих функций порождает в групповой алгебре $\mathbb{C}[\mathfrak{S}_n]$ один и тот же идеал, ограничение на который левого регулярного представления группы $\mathfrak{S}_n$ изоморфно ее представлению в пространстве кососимметрических матриц размера $n\times n$. Это позволяет получить формулы для вычисления функций $\operatorname{maj}$, $\operatorname{des}$, $\operatorname{inv}$ через операции с матрицами исключительно простого вида. Полученные формулы применяются для нахождения спектров рассматриваемых элементов в регулярном представлении, а также для вывода серии тождеств, связывающих эти функции между собой и с числом неподвижных точек $\operatorname{fix}$.
Utilidad de los modelos de viscoelasticidad en el aprendizaje de la ingeniería de materiales poliméricos
Authors: Fombuena V. , Boronat T. , Sánchez-Nácher L. , García-Sanoguera D. , Balart R.
Published: February 2017

El presente artículo realiza una breve descripción sobre los modelos matemáticos de viscoelasticidad más simples:  Modelo de Maxwell y Modelo de Kelvin-Voigt.  No obstante, estos modelos básicos poseen una serie de limitaciones ya que se desvían de forma considerable de la realidad.  Así  pues,  un  modelo  más apropiado en el estudio de la viscoelasticidad en polímeros es el modelo de Burgers. Mediante la resolución de un caso práctico se pone de manifiesto la utilidad de los modelos matemáticos en la comprensión y predicción por parte del alumnado del comportamiento mecánico de un polímero en un proceso como la fluencia y/o relajación donde interviene la variable tiempo.
Una experiencia con Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje en Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria
Authors: Orquín Serrano Ismael , Aguado Sahagún Henar
Published: February 2017

En este trabajo se describe la experiencia desarrollada en un instituto de enseñanza secundaria en los cursos de tercero y cuarto de ESO del empleo de Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje (EVA) en sustitución de los libros de texto clásicos de papel. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar los resultados de nuestro estudio sobre los efectos del empleo de esta nueva herramienta a través del análisis de una encuesta pasada a los alumnos al respecto. Se ofrecen características de la muestra de alumnos para contextualizar lo máximo posible los resultados de la encuesta. Finalmente se analizan las ventajas y desventajas que, a la vista de los resultados, se aprecian al respecto de la introducción de los EVA en las aulas de enseñanza secundaria obligatoria. Podemos concluir que los EVA son una herramienta bien acogida por el alumnado que aumenta su motivación hacia el estudio y mejora sus resultados académicos.
Hacer ciencia para comunicar ciencia desde 1º de ESO: aprender a pensar, leer, realizar, hablar y escribir ciencia
Authors: Menoyo Díaz María del Pilar
Published: February 2017

En este artículo, presentamos el proyecto “Fer cièencia per comunicar cièencia des de 1r d'ESO: Aprendre a pensar, llegir, fer, parlar i escriure ciència", ganador del segundo premio

Etica y Ciència para centros de enseñanza 2015, promovido por la fundación Víctor Grifols i Lucas. Con el proyecto pretendemos que el alumnado adquiera a lo largo de la ESO, de una manera gradual y desde todas las áreas, una alfabetización científica de calidad y por lo tanto que adquiera competencias científicas y lingüísticas que le capaciten para plantearse preguntas cuya respuesta necesite una investigación. También pretendemos fomentar en el alumnado el tratamiento ético de las fuentes de consulta, así como de la obtención de datos y del uso sostenible de los recursos que tienen a su alcance. Pretendemos fomentar la comunicación y divulgación externa del proceso y resultado de las investigaciones, a través del punto de encuentro de enseñanza-aprendizaje que representa la web del instituto Juan Manuel Zafra, sin acceso a visitantes de los diferentes cursos Moodle, o con acceso a visitantes a través de la revista, las diferentes noticias, los tweets o los blogs.  Y participando en encuentros de jóvenes investigadores, como Exporecerca Jove, Jóvenes Investigadores, Galiciencia o Jornadas de ciencias En este artículo mostramos una propuesta de graduación de la aplicación de las competencias científicas y lingüísticas a lo largo de la ESO y marcos donde iniciar al alumnado en la realización de trabajos de investigación.
Proyecto Quick Natura. Técnologías móviles aplicadas a rutas botánicas urbanas
Authors: Ripoll Sergio , Mayoral Olga , Azkárraga Jose Maria
Published: February 2017

El proyecto Quick Natura pretende acercar a las personas que habitan o visitan espacios urbanos de la ciudad de Valencia al entorno vegetal que les rodea, de una manera rápida y amena. La iniciativa se basa en el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para conectar el mundo físico con el virtual mediante la colocación de códigos QR (Quick Response code, “código de respuesta rápida”) en diferentes especies vegetales de jardines, parques y espacios urbanos y periurbanos. Cualquier usuario podrá escanear con un Smartphone u otro dispositivo móvil el código QR ubicado en las plantas etiquetadas, permitiendo el acceso inmediato a una capa de información amena y de fácil comprensión sobre ese ejemplar. El método permite asociar los códigos QR a la página web www.uv.es/quicknatura en el cual cada planta está alojada en un espacio virtual donde los usuarios podrán ver: información sobre la especie a través de preguntas y curiosidades, su ubicación actual, la ubicación de otros códigos QR cercanos y una serie de rutas diseñadas para diferentes jardines de la ciudad de Valencia. El proyecto permite un uso tanto particular como tutelado, con un guía acompañante que pueda complementar la información obtenida a través de Quick Natura. 
Lasers in Apicoectomy: A Brief Review
Authors: Mohammadi Zahed , Shalavi Sousan , Kinoshita Jun-Ichiro , Jafarzadeh Hamid , Giardino Luciano
Published: February 2017

Since the invention of laser, various applications for lasers in endodontics have been proposed, such as disinfection of the root canal system, canal shaping, pulp diagnosis, and apicoectomy. One of the major applications of laser in endodontics is apicoectomy. The aim of this article is to review the benefits and drawbacks of laser applications in apicoectomy, including effect on apical seal, effect on dentin permeability, effect on postsurgery pain, effect on crack formation, effect on root-end morphology, effect on treatment outcome, and connective tissue response to laser-treated dentin.

How to cite this article

Mohammadi Z, Jafarzadeh H, Shalavi S, Kinoshita J-I, Giardino L. Lasers in Apicoectomy: A Brief Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(2):170-173.
O conceito de conduta empresarial responsável à luz dos ordenamentos jurídicos brasileiro, internacional e transnacional
Authors: Webber Ziero Gabriel
Published: February 2017

O objetivo desse artigo é analisar a partir do conceito de conduta empresarial responsável as interações do direito brasileiro com os direitos internacional e transnacional, em particular, como essas três ordens jurídicas interagem de forma conjunta para que juntas possam determinar o que se espera da conduta empresarial. As duas primeiras seções dedicam-se a explorar o conceito de direito transnacional, analisando em particular as interações normativas entre o direito transnacional e os direitos internacional e nacional. A fim de aprofundar tal problemática, bem como contribuir para com os debates acerca do direito transnacional a partir de uma outra perspectiva, esse artigo concentra-se no conceito de conduta empresarial responsável, oriundo da esfera transnacional, o qual é apresentado de modo breve na terceira parte. Na sequência, as interações normativas entre o direito brasileiro via o princípio da função social da empresa com os direitos internacional e transnacional são analisadas à luz do conceito de conduta empresarial responsável. Visando exemplificar como tais interações ocorrem na prática, sejam elas convergentes ou divergentes, é realizado um estudo de caso no contexto da produção de soja. Por fim, conclui-se que a complexidade inerente de tais interações deve ser vista através de seu potencial transformador contribuindo para a superação de uma interpretação hermética do direito brasileiro fazendo com que parâmetros oriundos das ordens internacional e transnacional sejam também levados em consideração.
A decisão Norte-Americana do caso Myriad: novos paradigmas para a proteção patentária do código genético humano e biotecnologia
Authors: Dias José Carlos Vaz e , Cerda Clarisse De La
Published: February 2017

Este artigo aborda as questões proprietárias das invenções biotecnológicas e os parâmetros determinados pelo Caso Myriad, emitido pela Suprema Corte Norte-Americana em 2013. As patentes sobre sequências genéticas e organismos vivos são temas de controvérsias no cenário da propriedade intelectual, pelo impacto nas atividades empresariais e geração de negócios e perspectiva de lucratividade. Por envolver a propriedade de matérias da natureza, existem questões morais e éticas também sobre o tema, principalmente alegações relativas ao homem brincando de Deus e o desrespeito à lei divina em não criar novas espécies de seres vivos. O foco central do artigo é discutir se os variados materiais genéticos isolados por intervenção humana seriam verdadeiras invenções ou meras descobertas, sendo que as descobertas estão fora do escopo d proteção patentária, conforme determinado pelas principais convenções internacionais na área do direito da propriedade intelectual. Para tanto, o Caso Myriad é abordado, assim como a proteção patentária no Brasil para a biotecnologia. Essa decisão judicial aprofundou aspectos técnicos ligados à patenteabilidade de seres vivos e identificou parâmetros e limites para proteção patentária. A referida decisão da Suprema Corte alterou o cenário de proteção, bem como influenciou os parâmetros de investimento na área biotecnológica. Ela pode servir também para a construção de um novo regramento para promoção patentária das invenções biotecnológicas, seguindo a necessidade de atendimento ao fim constitucional do desenvolvimento tecnológico.
'A Practice of Freedom': Self-grading for Liberatory Learning
Authors: Reitenauer Vicki L.
Published: February 2017

This essay offers readers a model for self-grading as a mechanism to catalyze liberatory learning. Drawing inspiration from the feminist and participatory pedagogical approaches of Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Adrienne Rich, the author grounds this discussion within her disciplinary field and professional role, identifies key elements of the model and the teaching practice that surrounds it, and addresses the changed learning environment that has resulted from the implementation of this approach.
Factors Influencing Students Motivation to Learn in Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan)
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Imdad , Sagheer Aamir , Sattar Tehmina , Khan Shahbaz
Published: February 2017

Motivation is the paramount medium and obligatory precondition that provoke critical thinking among the students. The major premise of this research is to reveal diverse factors that can lower the motivation of the students to acquire good academic grades. Cross sectional survey research design was used by the researcher to accumulate the data from N=300 respondents through multistage sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as a tool for the rationale of data collection from Social Science departments of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan). Descriptive Statistics, Correlation method, Analysis of Variance and Reliability Coefficients were used by the researcher to appraise the relationship among the study variables. From the analysis it was found that usage of effectual teaching methodologies, adequate learning environment in the classroom and self-motivated involvement of the students to slot in knowledge acquisition are the foremost determinants that can increase the students motivation for learning process. From the analysis the researcher concluded that encouraging the constructive classroom environment by inducing discussion, establishment of cooperative learning environment and small group work can amplify the students motivational level for the purpose of engaging in the learning process. In addition to this inconsistent workload on the students, usage of obsolete teaching methodologies, large class size, peer pressure to resist the learning process and teachers biased behavior with the students are the foremost factors that can diminish the students interest in their studies. Usage of modern instructional practices, provision of adequate classroom environment and encouragement of analytical feedback from the students are the foremost remedies that can increase the motivational level among the students to acquire premium academic grades.
An Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Teachers’ Professional Development (TPD) in Iran using Akker Spider Web Model
Authors: Sabzian Fouzieh , Ismail Zurida , Ismail Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed , Vajargah Kourosh Fathi
Published: February 2017

Teaching is a complex job, involving classroom management, lesson’s preparation and organization of teaching and learning process, creating and keeping a certain climate, evaluation and feedback. there is consensus on what composes good teaching while teachers have a vital role to any endeavor to grow education. Of course it is very important that not all teachers are effective .The role of the teacher as the exclusive holder of expert knowledge is being worn away by communication technologies. As the social framework of society is changing, the educative role of teachers becomes more complex. Teachers are one of the important foundations of all educational systems. In many countries, extensive programs like maintaining and building good teachers have turned into a fundamental strategy. In fact, teachers' roles and functions are relatively similar in most countries. Usually, teachers are expected to possess all the scientific and technical merits, to dominate course contents and apply appropriate methods and techniques for training, in order to be an appropriate model to educate the youngsters. This paper shows how stakeholders identify the strengths and deficiencies of teachers’ professional development (TPD) with respect to in-service training and according to ten components of Akker Spider Web Model. The aims of this paper are to define evaluation, elaborate educational system in Iran, clarify teacher education, describe effectiveness  teachers’ professional development, explain teaching, state the necessity of evaluation, discuss the necessity of teachers’ training and describe of ten components of Akker Model.
Understanding of Women in Indonesia: Motivation to Lead, Work-Family Conflict, and Ambition
Authors: . Sumarto , Permanasari Resi
Published: February 2017

There is a positive relationship between the high woman representation in public and the success of corruption and poverty eradication. This means that the role of women becomes very strategic along with the increase of woman representation in public region. In Indonesia, the problem is that woman represen­tation is very low in public region, and from time to time it tends to decline. The low woman representation indicates that the motivation of women to lead is lower than men.  It is estimated that work-family conflicts and ambition of women are the significant factors which is cause the low motivation of women to lead in Indonesia. The population consists of the civil servants of local governement in “Gerbangkertasusila” East Java. The data were collected by distributing questionares to respondents. Four relationship hypotheses were signifincantly proven. These are : 1) the motivation of women to lead is lower than man; 2) the higher of women’s work family conflict, the weaker the motivation of women to lead ; 3) the stronger motivation of women to lead, the stronger of women’s work family conflicts; 4) the stronger the interaction between women’s ambition and work-family conflict, the weaker the motivation of women to lead.
Ranking of the Determinants Affecting Students’ Attitude of a Higher Education Institution: Application of AHP
Authors: Anam Shahriyar , Haque Mahbubul , Chowdhury Sarwar
Published: February 2017

With the higher education landscape getting increasingly competitive, the role of marketing has come to the surface. The current study is conducted to prioritise the determinants affecting the attitude of the students pursuing their studies in a particular business school at a private university of Bangladesh. Five criteria are considered in this regard where Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to rank the chosen criteria. The results derived through Expert Choice software version 11.0 indicate that promotional activities are ranked first having a weight of about 52%; this is followed by the quality of teaching staff with around 22%. The other two criteria ‘Service provided by the business school’ and ‘Campus facilities’ are ranked third and fourth with about 12% and 11%, respectively. Co-curricular activities turn out to be of least importance having a weight of 3.4% only. Based on the results, a few marketing strategies are recommended for the policy makers to consider as they cope with the pressure of heightened competition in the market. Suggestions for some avenues of future research are also put forward.
Assessing the Performance-based Logistics Service Model for Taiwan's Heavy Vehicle Supply Chains
Authors: Ivan Su Shong-Iee , Cui Lianguang , Hertz Susanne
Published: February 2017

This article investigates the performance-based logistics (PBL) theory and explores the potential of introducing the PBL service model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. A multiple case study approach is used to explore this research question. Four case firms are selected for this study. The analyses have identified several major risks and influencing factors that hinder the application of the PBL model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. However, with PBL's strength to bring sustainability benefits, an extended assessment analysis of the risks and influencing factors is conducted, and the counter-risk strategies are explored. This study has shown there is a high opportunity for PBL development in Taiwan if the obstacles can be dealt collaboratively in the heavy vehicle supply chains. The research findings provide valuable insights into Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains and similar emerging Asian economies relying mainly on international heavy vehicle suppliers.
Effect of Backscattered Radiation on X-Ray Image Contrast
Authors: Naji A. T. , Jaafar M. S. , Ali E. A. , Al-Ani S. K. J.
Published: February 2017

This paper assesses the effect of backscattered radiation on X-ray image contrast by evaluating the effect of backscatter reduction on X-ray image contrast. Contrast test tool RMI Densitometer, and different types of fabricated anti backscattered grids have been utilized in this study. The measurements are recorded at different exposure parameters such as X-ray tube peak voltage (kVp), and X-rays intensities (mAs). For each exposure, the contrast of the image is evaluated by measuring the variation in optical densities for aluminium steps wedge. The results showed that the x-ray image contrast can be enhanced by decreasing the amount of backscattered radiation, also the fabricated anti backscattered grids have a remarkable effect in the improvement of X-ray image contrast according to grid’s capability in reducing backscattered radiation. In addition, the effectiveness of fabricated grids in improving image contrast depends on the grid’s material and the geometrical design, as well as the radiation exposure parameters. The image contrast enhancements increased up to 36% with the use of crossed iron steel grid which placed under the film screen combination during exposure.