bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of dividend pay-out policy: a case of the South African gold mining industry
Authors: Ringane Busisiwe Carol , Makoni Patricia Lindelwa
Published: February 2017

This paper sought to shed light on dividend policy within the gold mining industry in South Africa. Several cause-and-effect variables of dividend policy are discussed, in order to lay down the theoretical framework for the research. These are size, managerial ownership and foreign ownership. To meet the objectives of the study, data from seven mining companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) was analysed for a 5 year (2008-2012) period. As found in earlier studies, there is a positive correlation (r = 0.59) between the dividend policy and the size of the organisation. This was expected as no cashflow is available for distribution during the early stages of exploration, hence no dividends are paid. As the organisation grows and profit increases, there is free cashflow which can be distributed to shareholders. Managerial ownership negatively correlates with dividend pay-out (r = -0.53). Contrary, a weak correlation was observed between foreign ownership and dividend pay-out.
Trends of voluntary IC disclosure in Chinese
Authors: An Yi , Harun Harun , Sharma Umesh
Published: February 2017

This research examines the trend of voluntary intellectual capital (IC) disclosure in China between 2006 and 2009, using content analysis of corporate annual reports of 100 top listed A-share Chinese companies. The results indicate that there was a generally upward trend for the disclosure of IC items, categories and the overall IC over the investigated period. Internal capital was the most highly reported IC category whereas external capital was the least reported for year 2008 and 2009. For disclosure items, “management processes” was the best performer during the time while “licensing agreements” for 2006 and “research collaborations” for 2008 and 2009 were the poorest. It is believed that our research should have some contributions to the existing literature on IC disclosure.
The effect of duality/non-duality of CEO, board size, meeting, committee on domestic shareholdings: Empirical evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sivathaasan Nadarajah , Achchuthan Sivapalan
Published: February 2017

This paper seeks to investigate the effect of duality/non-duality of CEO, board size, meeting, committee on domestic shareholdings of manufacturing companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange over a three-year period from 2011 to 2013. The study employs the independent samples t-test, correlation and regression analyses to assess the relationships as well as the impact on domestic shareholdings using a sample of 32 quoted companies ( n =32). It is found that duality & non-duality of CEO structure do not differ in relation to domestic shareholdings that are inconsistent with the hypothesis formulated. Board size (+) and board meeting (+) have shown positive relationship and board committee (-) is negatively associated with domestic shareholdings. As per the empirical results, board committee and board size have significant (p < 0.05) impact on domestic share holdings and insignificant impact is observed by board meeting. The present study concentrates only on the manufacturing sector quoted on Colombo Stock Exchange. This paper has taken an effort to this area of research on emerging share holdings held by local individuals and institutions in Sri Lanka and the findings could be generalized to the companies similar to this category.
Compliance with international financial reporting paradigm: A tale of two transition paths
Authors: Ramachandra Suresh , Olesen Karin , Narayan Anil Kumar. , Tsoy Alexander
Published: February 2017

This study assesses the effectiveness of contrasting regulatory approaches taken by two transition economies, namely Russia and Kazakhstan, to bring about the organisational changes prompted by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Taking International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36, with specific reference to impairment of goodwill, this paper evaluates the compliance patterns resulting from voluntary adoption by Russia and the mandated approach of Kazakhstan. The results indicate an increasing trend in the levels of compliance by Russian and Kazakhstan firms with Russian firms surpassing the latter which is argued to be due to the contrasting approaches to IFRS adoption in both countries. Policy and regulatory implications to transition countries contemplating on shifting to the principles based paradigm is also discussed.
The success of China’s non-tradable share reform
Authors: Chi Jing , Liao Jing , Li Fengjiao
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the impact of the Non-tradable Share (NTS) Reform on the financial and operating performance of China’s listed firms, using a sample of 563 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that were partially-privatized through share issue privatizations (SIPs) from 1994 to 1998 and then carried out the NTS reform from 2005 to 2008. We find that the NTS reform has greatly improved firm profitability (measured by real net profit, real EBIT, return on sales and EBIT to sales), output (measured by real sales), operating efficiency (measured by real sales, real net profit and real EBIT per employee) and employment (measured by total employment). The positive effect of the NTS reform on firm operating performance is much stronger than that of the first round SIPs. The regression results show that the decrease of state ownership control is a significant determinant of the increase of firm profitability after the NTS reform.
From financial exclusion to financial inclusion through microfinance: the case of rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Makoni Patricia Lindelwa
Published: February 2017

This paper sought to shed light on the status of rural banking and financial exclusion in Zimbabwe. Various reasons put forth by existing commercial banks were examined to understand why a large population of the country remains unbanked. These ranged from perceptions of the rural communities being too poor to need financial services to real economic and business decisions. Various literature on banking the poor and success stories from other countries were discussed in the literature. To meet the objectives of the study, data gathered from various individuals, commercial banks and microfinance institutions based in Matabeleland North was analysed. It was found that the rural population is in fact largely bankable. However, due to inadequate basic infrastructure in the rural areas, it did not make business sense for established banks to service that population. Banks exist to make a profit and the burden of ensuring financial inclusion of the rural population was left mainly to microfinance institutions which however faced a serious of challenges ranging.
Private shareholders and efficiency of German municipal utilities
Authors: Kammlott Christian , Krüger Jens J. , Schiereck Dirk
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether and to what extent ownership structure affects cost efficiency in a sample of mainly state-owned but partially privately controlled municipal utilities in Germany. Using an empirical approach which permits the joint measurement of efficiency and assessment of the effect of ownership structure we find significantly, sizeable and robustly larger efficiency of utilities when private control is present. The findings show that the mere presence of private shareholders is suitable to improve efficiency, irrespective of the number of the shareholders.
A critical review of alternative monetary policies to the inflation-targeting policy
Authors: Maumela Patrick , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine alternative monetary-policy frameworks from a theoretical perspective. The current global financial crisis and a debate on the appropriateness of inflation targeting as a monetary policy-framework have made it worthwhile to revisit the debate of alternative monetary-policy frameworks. As a result, different monetary-policy frameworks have been examined and reasons for and against the adoption of each policy framework were highlighted in this paper. This paper finds that there are several frameworks in which monetary policy can be conducted and none of these frameworks is perfect. Consequently, central banks over time, have experimented with various policy frameworks ranging from exchange-rate targeting to monetary-aggregate targeting. However, not all monetary-policy frameworks have been tested in practice. This paper is of the view that the adoption of a monetary-policy framework should be guided by merits and economic circumstances.
The decline of large Brazilian companies
Authors: Torres Alexandre Pavan , Ribeiro Serra Fernando , Ferreira Manuel Portugal , Menezes Emílio Araujo
Published: February 2017

This article focuses on organizational decline and specifically on the evolution of a selected group of large Brazilian firms. The firms under scrutiny were included in the ranking of the Largest and Best of the Brazilian Exame magazine, in the period comprised between 1974 and 2005. Our descriptive analysis shows two main effects: first, a high rate of decline among the largest Brazilian firms, and second, an acceleration of the rate of decline over the years. That is, the firms are increasingly less capable of maintaining a superior level of competitiveness for an extended time horizon. By studying organizational decline we are better able to understand what firms should do to sustain an advantage.
Insiders’ response to market valuation, and the timing of equity-debt dual issues by Japanese firms
Authors: Eltayeb Ammar M.
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the mutual effects of market valuation and firm’s internal performance on insiders’ response to stock valuation, and on their financing decision. Estimates of logit equations explaining the financing decisions of JASDAQ firms 1999-2010 reveal some interesting patterns. Consistent with the pecking-order theory, when insiders perceive the stock is overvalued, they are more likely to issue dual or debt only, after fully utilize internal funds. Further, when insiders think that the stock is correctly valued concomitantly with outstanding internal performance, they are more likely to issue debt or dual rather than equity only. Conversely, consistent with the market-timing theory, insiders focus mainly on equity issues when they believe the stock is correctly valued but firm performance is relatively low. Moreover, firm size and tangibility of assets are decisive characteristics for dual issuers.
Managerial role in enhancing employee motivation in public health care
Authors: Aysen Ghamiet , Parumasur Sanjana Brijball
Published: February 2017

Engulfed by numerous setbacks pronounced by huge manpower crises, work overload and poor working conditions, public sector employees find it increasingly difficult to ensure a more patient-focused, results-driven and sustainable health care system. Whilst extrinsic rewards are almost non-existent, managers in public health care can play a pivotal role in enhancing employee motivation through intrinsic factors. This study aims to assess managerial characteristics for public health care (management of attention, meaning, self, trust, risk, feelings) and employee motivation (achievement, power, affiliation) and, the relationships between these. A sample of 338 employees (stratified random sampling) and 18 managers (consensus sampling) were drawn. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Based on the results, the study provides guidance for enhancing employee motivation and consequently, service delivery in public health care.
Risk regulations and disclosure in the United Arab Emirates: An institutional theory analysis
Authors: Hassan Mostafa Kamal
Published: February 2017

The paper aims at exploring the social, political and economic forces underlying the development and the deployment of risk disclosure regulations in the United Arab (UAE). It synthesizes an institutional theory framework in order to link the UAE institutional environment to the UAE corporations’ practices associated with risk disclosure. Drawing on DiMaggio and Powell’s (1983) notions of “isomorphic mechanisms”, Meyer and Rowan’s (1977) notions of “sagacious conformity” and Oliver’s (1991) notion of “strategic choice”, the paper explores the legitimation processes behind risk disclosure regulations in the UAE and, at the same time, reveals how managers put into effect and deploy these regulations. The paper relies, primarily, on the discourse analysis of textual data published in legislations, newspapers articles and annual reports published by some of the UAE corporations listed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai financial markets. The paper finds that the UAE institutional context - mainly the country’s aspiration to join global security markets, regulatory framework and accountancy profession activities - excretes pressures on individual corporations to put into effect risk disclosure regulations. In response, the UAE corporations adopt risk regulations as a “strategic disclosure” or as Oliver (1991) calls a “strategic choice” that enables those corporations to communicate a positive image to wider stakeholders. The paper adds to the literature relating to the institutional development behind risk disclosure and the disclosure management literature in emerging economies countries
Corporate governance regulation in banks in the context of crisis: The role of the national bank of Ukraine
Authors: Mozghovyi Yaroslav , Kondrunina Kateryna , Ratnykov Iuliia , Skidan Daria D.
Published: February 2017

This paper gives an overview of corporate governance and banking regulation in Ukrainian banks. Particular attention is paid to the regulatory changes by the National Bank of Ukraine which was made in response to the financial crisis. The paper focuses mainly on the regulation influencing the payment schemes and the size of the regulatory capital as the elements of corporate governance system. The research suggests that some documents issued by the National Bank of Ukraine have a contradictory affect on banks’ sustainability and might provoke the conflict of interests within the structure of corporate governance.
The role of government in corporate governance: Perspectives from the UK
Authors: Adegbite Emmanuel , Shrives Philip , Nichol Timothy
Published: February 2017

Incessant corporate failures have led to increasing governmental participation in the governance of the modern corporation. In this conceptual paper, we examine and propose that the role of government in the UK corporate governance system is four fold, namely: to enhance competitive advantage; to compensate for the failure of self-regulation; to prevent corporate scandals and restore investors’ confidence; and owing to significant public pressures and associated political undertones, to suggest to the public the government is still an effective overseer in the existing prominence of self-regulation. We contribute to the literature on corporate governance, politics, policy making and regulatory institutions, whilst raising important issues that are of practice and policy relevance.
Change in parent’s cost of equity capital around equity carve-out
Authors: Tam Lewis H.K.
Published: February 2017

Equity carve-out transactions typically result in greater disclosure and more analysts following. Does this change in information environment affect the parent firm’s cost of capital? Having a sample of 142 equity carve-out transactions completed between 1982 and 1997, I examine this question by estimating their cost of equity with a residual income model. The results show that the average cost of equity of parent firms declines by about 64 basis points after carve-outs, after controlling for changes in financial leverage and risk-free rate. This decline in the cost of equity is greater for multi-divisional firms. Equity carve-outs that create pure-plays result in a larger decline in the cost of equity. Furthermore, the greater the increase in analyst following, the larger is the decline in the cost of equity around carve-outs. Overall these results imply that reduction in information asymmetry surrounding equity carve-outs is a key reason for the decline in cost of external financing. The major contribution of this paper is to show that it is the decline in the cost of equity, rather than an expected improvement in future earnings, that generates value for parent firms in equity carve-out transactions.
Dividend payouts and companies performance in Taiwan
Authors: You Chun-Fan , Hsu Ai-Chi , Shih Ta-Li
Published: February 2017

This study examines whether companies performance based on dividend yield are effective in the stock-dividend-prevailing markets. Besides adopting various dividend yield rankings, this study incorporates some financial variables to build portfolios. Empirical results show that for the 2003 to 2007 period, cash dividend companies yielded significantly higher annual returns than stock dividend companies, market indices, and other types of dividend yield. The results remain significant after risk adjustments. Finally, the findings of this study are robust various factors, such as the 2008 financial tsunami, and the performance of companies over multiple years. Those results imply that the cash-dividend-yield ranking is an indicator of future returns in the Taiwan market.
Flexitime as a mechanism to reduce employee stress
Authors: Karyabwite Alice , Govender Patsy
Published: February 2017

Flexible working arrangements have been identified as a critical factor of balancing work and personal commitments to reduce employees stress. The study aims to investigate the effect of flexitime as a potential moderator to reduce the administrative employee stress. The study was conducted using a sample of 97 employees in a tertiary environment. The data was collected using a precoded questionnaire and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were compared and contrasted with that of other researchers. The hypotheses were tested using correlations and multiple regression and significant associations with stress and flexitime are reflected in this study. The findings indicate that stress can be reduced through the moderator, that is, flexitime
Treatment of LF slag to prevent powdering during cooling
Authors: Ghorai S. , Mandal G.K. , Roy S. , Minj R.K. , Agarwal A. , Singh D.P. , Kumar A. , Ramna R.B.V.
Published: February 2017

The polymorphic transformation of the monoclinic ?-polymorph to the
orthorhombic ?-polymorph of di-calcium silicate at around 500?C during
cooling results in disintegration of slag. The slag generated, during the
production of thermo mechanically treated steel in ladle furnace at M/s Tata
Steel Limited, Jamshedpur, India, behaves in similar manner. An attempt has
been made to prevent the crumbling of ladle furnace slag. The experiments
were conducted in 10 kg air induction furnace. Various types of silica
source were used to prevent the disintegration of ladle furnace slag by
reducing the basicity and optimizing the additives amount. Apart from silica
sources, other additives like borax and barium carbonate were also used to
stabilize the ? phase. Present investigation reveals that disintegration of
ladle furnace slag can be prevented either by addition of 0.2% boarx or 2%
barium carbonate. Dust formation can also be prevented by decreasing the
ladle furnace slag basicity to about 1.7. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure test, of the borax and barium carbonate treated slag samples,
indicates that barium carbonate treated slag cannot be used for the dusting
prevention as it contains high level of barium.
Experimental analysis of absorption refrigeration system driven by waste heat of diesel engine exhaust
Authors: Kumar Mukul , Das Randip
Published: February 2017

This work presents an experimental study of an ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system using the exhaust of an internal combustion engine as energy source. The exhaust gas energy availability, the performance of the absorption refrigeration system and the engine performance are evaluated. A commercial turbocharged Diesel engine has been tested in a bench test dynamometer, with the absorption refrigeration system adapted to the exhaust system. The maximum COP obtained from the refrigeration system is 0.136 and it has been shown that heat energy available with exhaust gas is capable of producing sufficient cooling capacity for air conditioning the vehicle without requiring any energy input from the engine.
Incentive policies for coal plants in Turkey
Authors: Yildizhan Hasan
Published: February 2017

Turkey need for electricity increases constantly because of its developing economy. So it applies to incentives to find solution to the problem of scarcity of electricity. Building plants using coal gets the greatest support from the state in Turkey. Electricity production with coal in Turkey increases faster than the other sources due to the incentive policies at place. On the other hand, coal compared with other fossil fuel is also the most abundant and most widely used fossil fuel in the world. According to the International Energy Agency data, building plants using coal is in the lead. In addition, it is foreseen that building plants using coal will be the major way of producing electricity although many other materials started to be used in the production of electricity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incentive policies Turkey has in regards to coal plants and to offer policies.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of a V-rib with gap roughened solar air heater
Authors: Rana Jitesh , Silori Anshuman , Maithani Rajesh , Chamoli Sunil
Published: February 2017

A CFD analysis of a solar air heater has been carried out using V-shaped ribs as artificial roughness on the absorber plate. The relative roughness pitch, P/e = 6-12, Reynolds number of 3800-18000, relative roughness height, e/D = = 0.042, and angle of attack, ? = 30?-75?, have been selected as design variables of V-shaped rib for analysis. The ANSYS FLUENT 15.0 with renormalization group k-? turbulence model is selected for the analysis of computational domain of solar air heater. The enhancement of Nusselt number and friction factor with Reynolds number for different values of a relative roughness pitch are presented and discussed by CFD analysis. The effect of angle of attack and Reynolds number on enhancement of Nusselt number and friction factor is also presented. The optimum value of rib configuration based on constant pumping power requirement has been derived using thermohydraulic performance parameter and has been found maximum at angle of attack of 60? and P/e = 10.
Market Reactions to Transparency International Reports on Corporate Anti-Corruption
Authors: Blanc Renata , Patten Dennis M. , Branco Manuel Castelo
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we examine the investor response to the issuance of Transparency International's (TI) 2012 and 2014 Transparency in Corporate Reporting: Assessing the World's Largest Companies reports. Building on prior studies of political cost-inducing events in the environmental domain, we anticipate a negative market reaction, although we argue that the adjustment will be less severe for firms rated as having better anti-corruption disclosure. Focusing on a sample of U.S. companies to control for country-level effects and to allow for comparison with the prior environmental-themed studies, we document a significantly negative market reaction to the first TI report issuance. Although also negative, the market reaction to the 2014 report was not statistically significant. However, we also document that, as expected, market adjustments differ significantly across subgroups based on anti-corruption disclosure in both time periods. These results hold controlling for other factors potentially influencing investor perceptions of exposure to the report issuances. In general, our results are consistent with the prior studies and indicate that the market is savvy to political cost exposures arising from non-environmental events. The findings also suggest that TI's efforts may be increasing stakeholder pressure for corporate anti-corruption performance, but we caution that further investigation of the relation between disclosure and underlying performance in the corruption domain is warranted.
Advanced Glycation End Products, Oxidation Products, and the Extent of Atherosclerosis During the VA Diabetes Trial and Follow-up Study
Authors: Saremi Aramesh , Howell Scott , Schwenke Dawn C. , Bahn Gideon , Beisswenger Paul J. , Reaven Peter D. ,   for the VADT Investigators
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether plasma levels of advanced glycation end products and oxidation products play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) over nearly 10 years of the VA Diabetes Trial and Follow-up Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline plasma levels of methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone, Nε-carboxymethyl lysine, Nε-carboxyethyl lysine (CEL), 3-deoxyglucosone hydroimidazolone and glyoxal hydroimidazolone (G-H1), 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA), and methionine sulfoxide were measured in a total of 411 participants, who underwent ultrasound assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and computed tomography scanning of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic artery calcification (AAC) after an average of 10 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

In risk factor–adjusted multivariable regression models, G-H1 was associated with the extent of CIMT and CAC. In addition, 2-AAA was strongly associated with the extent of CAC, and CEL was strongly associated with the extent of AAC. The combination of specific advanced glycation end products and oxidation products (G-H1 and 2-AAA) was strongly associated with all measures of subclinical atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific advanced glycation end products and metabolic oxidation products are associated with the severity of subclinical atherosclerosis over the long term and may play an important role in the “negative metabolic memory” of macrovascular complications in people with long-standing T2D.
Morphological characteristics of female students of physical education compared to students of other subjects at the faculty of physical education and sport in Biała Podlaska
Authors: Wasiluk Agnieszka , Saczuk Jerzy , Czeczelewski Jan , Długołȩcka Barbara , Czeczelewska Ewa
Published: February 2017

Introduction. TIn a situation characterized by a low birth rate and a highly competitive education market, increasing attention is currently being paid not only to students' level of education, but also to their competencies and predisposition. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to analyze differences in morphological features among physical education students as compared with students of other subjects at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (WWFiS) in Biała Podlaska. Material and methods. This study is based on anthropometric data from 165 first-year female students at WWFiS in Biała Podlaska. Analysis was conducted on a selection of students divided into groups based on their study profile. Using the technique developed by Martin and Saller, measurements were taken of the anthropometric features required to determine BMI and WHR indexes and to estimate body tissue composition. The following were used to characterize the collected variables: sample size (n) arithmetic mean ( ) and standard deviation (SD). Differences among the groups with regard to the features being measured were assessed using ANOVA variation analysis and NIR testing. Results. The study did not confirm reports from other authors concerning analysis of connections between bodily structure and education profile. Thus, it should be concluded that a student's physique plays only a small role in their being selected to study physical education. Conclusions. The differences noted between the groups should rather be interpreted as owing to environmental differences in the lifestyles of the girls in question, rather than to recruitment procedures and, by extension, education profile.
Manual thrombectomy in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via the Transradial Approach: A case report
Authors: Kabir CM Shaheen , Haq M Mahshid , Haq M Maksumul
Published: February 2017

The main goal of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is to achieve not only restoration of flow in the epicardial coronary artery, but also reperfusion at the level of myocardial tissue. Distal embolization is a possible complication of PPCI leading to lack of myocardial reperfusion and microvascular injury. Thrombus aspiration during PPCI has been proposed to prevent embolization. Although the use of thrombectomy devices to aspirate thrombus during primary PCI is not used routinely, there is growing evidence suggesting the use of thrombus aspiration catheters during PCI. We are reporting the case of a 53-year-old diabetic, hypertensive woman presenting with acute infero-posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with right ventricular infarction. She underwent diagnostic coronary angiogram through transradial approach which revealed total occlusion of mid right coronary artery (RCA). Multiple runs of aspiration were performed using Diver Aspiration Catheter-6F and thrombus was aspirated from RCA. After successful thrombus aspiration, dramatic improvements in both coronary flow and ST-segment resolution were achieved.University Heart Journal Vol. 11, No. 2, July 2015; 90-93
“Irony and Charity Are Met Together”: A Puzzle in Margaret Roper’s Letter to Alice Alington
Authors: Avery Joshua
Published: February 2017

This study draws upon the Platonic dialogue tradition as a background for interpreting the conversation between More and his daughter Margaret Roper, as depicted in Margaret’s letter to Alice Alington. With an eye to the famously ironic Socrates, this article will propose the interpretation of a puzzling statement regarding More’s apparent good faith in the sincerity of others who have reversed their positions regarding the problematic oath. Is More expressing ironic distance or straightforward charity in his ambiguous language? The argument is that More, utilizing his legal and literary skills, carefully crafts a rhetoric that paradoxically joins remarkable charity with worldly-wise irony.
The Morean Paradise
Authors: Phélippeau Marie-Claire
Published: February 2017

The isle of Utopia might be seen as a possible earthly Paradise, achieved by enlightened people in quest of perfection on earth. It has most of the elements of an urban paradise but there remain aspects of the postlapsarian working world. In no way is it Eden. This paper will look for unexpected paradisiacal elements in Thomas More’s writings and propose an assessment of his representations of after-life. A rapid survey of his major works will show the evolution of a lifetime in quest of heaven, and will attempt to draw a draught of More’s Paradise and of the road leading to it.
“Sed vatem canimus vates”. Le supplice de Thomas More dans lesFunerade Jean Second
Authors: Catellani-Dufrêne Nathalie
Published: February 2017

The torture of Thomas More gave rise to strong reactions throughout Europe, as can be seen in the lamentation “Naenia in mortem Thomae Mori” written by Johannes Secundus and at first attributed to Erasmus. The article aims at exploring the functions and stakes of that poem of a hybrid making, which explores different styles and tones and is based on antique models. If this poem depicts an antithetic couple, Thomas More, painted as a saint and an elegiac poet, and Henry VIII, true parangon of the tyrant, it implicitely supports the project of Charles V’s European imperialism. Moreover, Johannes Secundus mostly famous for his erotic poetry, asserts there his esthetic choices and claims the poetic licence at the service of a politicized poetry.
Comparison Between Bayesian and Maximum Entropy Analyses of Flow Networks†
Authors: Waldrip Steven , Niven Robert
Published: February 2017

We compare the application of Bayesian inference and the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method for the analysis of ﬂow networks, such as water, electrical and transport networks. The two methods have the advantage of allowing a probabilistic prediction of ﬂow rates and other variables, when there is insufﬁcient information to obtain a deterministic solution, and also allow the effects of uncertainty to be included. Both methods of inference update a prior to a posterior probability density function (pdf) by the inclusion of new information, in the form of data or constraints. The MaxEnt method maximises an entropy function subject to constraints, using the method of Lagrange multipliers,to give the posterior, while the Bayesian method ﬁnds its posterior by multiplying the prior with likelihood functions incorporating the measured data. In this study, we examine MaxEnt using soft constraints, either included in the prior or as probabilistic constraints, in addition to standard moment constraints. We show that when the prior is Gaussian,both Bayesian inference and the MaxEnt method with soft prior constraints give the same posterior means, but their covariances are different. In the Bayesian method, the interactions between variables are applied through the likelihood function, using second or higher-order cross-terms within the posterior pdf. In contrast, the MaxEnt method incorporates interactions between variables using Lagrange multipliers, avoiding second-order correlation terms in the posterior covariance. The MaxEnt method with soft prior constraints, therefore, has a numerical advantage over Bayesian inference, in that the covariance terms are avoided in its integrations. The second MaxEnt method with soft probabilistic constraints is shown to give posterior means of similar, but not identical, structure to the other two methods, due to its different formulation.
Accurate Evaluation of Expected Shortfall for Linear Portfolios with Elliptically Distributed Risk Factors
Authors: Dobrev∗ Dobrislav , Nesmith Travis , Oh Dong
Published: February 2017

We provide an accurate closed-form expression for the expected shortfall of linear portfolios with elliptically distributed risk factors. Our results aim to correct inaccuracies that originate in Kamdem (2005) and are present also in at least thirty other papers referencing it, including the recent survey by Nadarajah et al. (2014) on estimation methods for expected shortfall. In particular, we show that the correction we provide in the popular multivariate Student t setting eliminates understatement of expected shortfall by a factor varying from at least four to more than 100 across different tail quantiles and degrees of freedom. As such, the resulting economic impact in ﬁnancial risk management applications could be signiﬁcant. We further correct such errors encountered also in closely related results in Kamdem (2007 and 2009) for mixtures of elliptical distributions. More generally, our ﬁndings point to the extra scrutiny required when deploying new methods for expected shortfall estimation in practice.
An M/G/1 Retrial G-Queue with General Retrial Times and Working Breakdowns
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Liyuan
Published: February 2017

This paper considers an M/G/1 retrial G-queue with general retrial times, in which the server is subject to working breakdowns and repairs. If the system is not empty during a normal service period, the arrival of a negative customer can cause the server breakdown, and the failed server still works at a lower service rate rather than stopping the service completely. Applying the embedded Markov chain, we obtain the necessary and sufﬁcient condition for the stability of the system. Using the supplementary variable method, we deal with the generating functions of the number of customers in the orbit. Various system performance measures are also developed. Finally, some numerical examples and a cost optimization analysis are presented.
Antiplasmodial Activity, Cytotoxicity and Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Cyclopeptide Alkaloids
Authors: Tuenter Emmy , Segers Karen , Kang Kyo , Viaene Johan , Sung Sang , Cos Paul , Maes Louis , Heyden Yvan , Pieters Luc
Published: February 2017

Cyclopeptide alkaloids are polyamidic, macrocyclic compounds, containing a 13-, 14-, or 15-membered ring. The ring system consists of a hydroxystyrylamine moiety, an amino acid, and a β-hydroxy amino acid; attached to the ring is a side chain, comprised of one or two more amino acid moieties. In vitro antiplasmodial activity was shown before for several compounds belonging to this class, and in this paper the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ten more cyclopeptide alkaloids are reported. Combining these results and the IC50 values that were reported by our group previously, a library consisting of 19 cyclopeptide alkaloids was created. A qualitative SAR (structure-activity relationship) study indicated that a 13-membered macrocyclic ring is preferable over a 14-membered one. Furthermore, the presence of a β-hydroxy proline moiety could correlate with higher antiplasmodial activity, and methoxylation (or, to a lesser extent, hydroxylation) of the styrylamine moiety could be important for displaying antiplasmodial activity. In addition, QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship) models were developed, using PLS (partial least squares regression) and MLR (multiple linear regression). On the one hand, these models allow for the indication of the most important descriptors (molecular properties) responsible for the antiplasmodial activity. Additionally, predictions made for interesting structures did not contradict the expectations raised in the qualitative SAR study.
Chemical Reactivity Theory Study of Advanced Glycation Endproduct Inhibitors
Authors: Frau Juan , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: February 2017

Several compounds with the known ability to perform as inhibitors of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) have been studied with Density Functional Theory (DFT) through the use of anumberofdensityfunctionalswhoseaccuracyhasbeentestedacrossabroadspectrumofdatabases in Chemistry and Physics. The chemical reactivity descriptors for these systems have been calculated through Conceptual DFT in an attempt to relate their intrinsic chemical reactivity with the ability to inhibit the action of glycating carbonyl compounds on amino acids and proteins. This knowledge could be useful in the design and development of new drugs which can be potential medicines for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Endotoxemia in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Pilot Study to Examine the Role of Intestinal Perfusion and Congestion
Authors: Grant Claire , Harrison Laura , Hoad Caroline , Marciani Luca , Cox Eleanor , Buchanan Charlotte , Costigan Carolyn , Francis Susan , Lai Ka-Bik , Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Gowland Penny , McIntyre Christopher
Published: February 2017

Endotoxemia is common in advanced chronic kidney disease and is particularly severe in those receiving dialysis. In hemodialysis patients, translocation from the bowel occurs as a consequence of recurrent circulatory stress leading to a reduction in circulating splanchnic volume and increased intestinal permeability. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are often volume expanded and have continuous direct immersion of bowel in fluid; these may also be important factors in endotoxin translocation and would suggest different therapeutic strategies to improve it. The mechanisms leading to endotoxemia have never been specifically studied in PD. In this study, 17 subjects (8 PD patients, 9 healthy controls) underwent detailed gastrointestinal and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during fasted and fed states. Gross splanchnic perfusion was assessed by quantification of superior mesenteric artery flow. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were correlated to endotoxemia, markers of hydration status and cardiac structure and function.
Acute Peritonitis Caused by Staphylococcus capitis in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient
Authors: Basic-Jukic Nikolina
Published: February 2017

Acute peritonitis remains the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) reported to account for more than 25% of peritonitis episodes ( 1 ). Staphylococcus capitis is a gram-positive, catalase-positive CoNS that was originally identified as a commensal on the skin of the human scalp ( 2 ). Advancement of microbiological technologies for bacterial identification enables diagnosis of previously unknown causes of acute peritonitis. This is the first reported case of acute peritonitis in a PD patient caused by S. capitis.
Intrinsic Correlations for Flaring Blazars Detected by Fermi
Authors: Fan J. H. , Yang J. H. , Xiao H. B. , Lin C. , Constantin D. , Luo G. Y. , Pei Z. Y. , Hao J. M. , Mao Y. W.
Published: February 2017

Blazars are an extreme subclass of active galactic nuclei. Their rapid variability, luminous brightness, superluminal motion, and high and variable polarization are probably due to a beaming effect. However, this beaming factor (or Doppler factor) is very difficult to measure. Currently, a good way to estimate it is to use the timescale of their radio flares. In this Letter, we use multiwavelength data and Doppler factors reported in the literature for a sample of 86 flaring blazars detected by Fermi to compute their intrinsic multiwavelength data and intrinsic spectral energy distributions and investigate the correlations among observed and intrinsic data. Quite interestingly, intrinsic data show a positive correlation between luminosity and peak frequency, in contrast with the behavior of observed data, and a tighter correlation between γ-ray luminosity and the lower-energy ones. For flaring blazars detected by Fermi, we conclude that (1) observed emissions are strongly beamed; (2) the anti-correlation between luminosity and peak frequency from the observed data is an apparent result, the correlation between intrinsic data being positive; and (3) intrinsic γ-ray luminosity is strongly correlated with other intrinsic luminosities.
The Properties of Short Gamma-Ray Burst Jets Triggered by Neutron Star Mergers
Authors: Murguia-Berthier Ariadna , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico , Montes Gabriela , De Colle Fabio , Rezzolla Luciano , Rosswog Stephan , Takami Kentaro , Perego Albino , Lee William H.
Published: February 2017

The most popular model for short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) involves the coalescence of binary neutron stars. Because the progenitor is actually hidden from view, we must consider under which circumstances such merging systems are capable of producing a successful sGRB. Soon after coalescence, winds are launched from the merger remnant. In this paper, we use realistic wind profiles derived from global merger simulations in order to investigate the interaction of sGRB jets with these winds using numerical simulations. We analyze the conditions for which these axisymmetric winds permit relativistic jets to break out and produce an sGRB. We find that jets with luminosities comparable to those observed in sGRBs are only successful when their half-opening angles are below ≈20°. This jet collimation mechanism leads to a simple physical interpretation of the luminosities and opening angles inferred for sGRBs. If wide, low-luminosity jets are observed, they might be indicative of a different progenitor avenue such as the merger of a neutron star with a black hole. We also use the observed durations of sGRB to place constraints on the lifetime of the wind phase, which is determined by the time it takes the jet to break out. In all cases we find that the derived limits argue against completely stable remnants for binary neutron star mergers that produce sGRBs.
Bullying in Senior Living Facilities: Perspectives of Long-Term Care Staff
Authors: Andresen Felicia J. , Buchanan Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2017

Resident-to-resident bullying has attracted attention in the media, but little empirical literature exists related to the topic of senior bullying. The aim of the current study was to better understand resident-to-resident bullying from the perspective of staff who work with older adults. Forty-five long-term care staff members were interviewed regarding their observations of bullying. Results indicate that most staff members have observed bullying. Verbal bullying was the most observed type of bullying, but social bullying was also prevalent. Victims and perpetrators were reported to commonly have cognitive and physical disabilities. More than one half of participants had not received formal training and only 21% reported their facility had a formal policy to address bullying. The implications of these results support the need for detailed policies and training programs for staff to effectively intervene when bullying occurs. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(7), 34–41.]
Direct Care Workforce Training: Internet Accessibility and Acceptance
Authors: Ochylski Daniel P. , Luz Clare C. , Shen Xiaoxi
Published: February 2017

Evidence exists that web-based learning for health care professionals can improve topic-specific knowledge, increase access to training, and lower training costs. However, limited information exists on the value of online education for improving hands-on skills as part of personal care aide (PCA) training. New PCA training programs are emerging that are fully online or hybrid models that blend online with in-person instruction. Such programs require access to a computer and high-speed internet, which could prove difficult for low-income PCAs who are less likely to own a computer. The current study evaluated a PCA training demonstration that examined issues of internet access, use, and acceptability for PCA training. Results show most trainees prefer a hybrid online/in-person model, but there are gaps in access and acceptability, particularly related to reading ability. These findings have implications for health care providers who deliver training programs aimed at developing a qualified PCA workforce capable of providing competent care to older adults. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(6), 46–52.]
Quels murs pour quelle école ? Architecture scolaire, normes scolaires et figures d’élèves
Authors: Dizerbo Anne
Published: February 2017

Cette contribution vise un apport de connaissances sur les effets produits en matière de construction de normes scolaires et de figures d’élèves par l’architecture scolaire de certains collèges du secondaire mais aussi par leur relation avec l’architecture urbaine dans laquelle ils se trouvent implantés. Elle s’appuie pour cela sur une interprétation de matériaux recueillis lors d’entretiens menés avec des collégiens, dans la perspective herméneutique de la recherche biographique en éducation. Elle met en évidence l’étroite relation entre l’architecture d’un établissement scolaire, son implantation dans une trame urbaine et la construction de figures d’élèves.
Треугольные редукции двумеризованной цепочки Тода
Authors: Il'ina Anna Vasil'evna , Krichever Igor Moiseevich
Published: February 2017

В работе предложены новые редукции двумеризованной цепочки Тода, связанные с нижнетреугольными разностными операторами. Для данных редукций построена в явном виде гамильтонова теория.
Los videojuegos como objeto de investigación incipiente en Educación Matemática
Authors: Albarracín Lluís , Hernández-Sabaté Aura , Gorgorió Núria
Published: February 2017

En este artículo presentamos una revisión de las investigaciones realizadas en el ámbito de la Educación Matemática sobre el uso de videojuegos en las aulas. Hemos identificado cuatro aspectos que han centrado estas investigaciones: el impacto sobre el rendimiento académico en matemáticas, el aprendizaje de contenidos matemáticos concretos, los elementos de diseño de videojuegos para el aprendizaje de las matemáticas y la relación entre los videojuegos y la resolución de problemas. Finalmente, proponemos dos nuevos enfoques de investigación que todavía no han sido explorados, como el uso de videojuegos comerciales para desarrollar actividades matemáticas o el uso de videojuegos de simulación como entorno para promover la modelización matemática.