bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Insight into Self Assembly of Sophorolipids: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Pandey Prithvi Raj , Dhasaiyan Prabhu , Prasad B. L. V. , Roy Sudip
Published: February 2016

Sophorolipids contain hydrophilic head groups at the ends of a long hydrophobic tail. As
a result, sophorolipids can self assemble into variety of structures in water. Atomistic
self assembly simulations of sophorolipids are performed in water. Two sophorolipids, oleic
acid sophorolipid and linolenic acid sophorolipid, differing in number of double bonds in
the hydrophobic tail are considered for this study. Long time self assembly simulations are
performed considering 1:3 lipid to water ratio by weight for both oleic and linolenic acid
sophorolipids. In addition to 1:3 ratio, long time self assembly simulations are also
performed with 1:1 and 1:2 ratios for linolenic acid sophorolipids. Distinctions in
structural arrangements of sophorolipid molecules in the self assembled configuration for
all the systems are investigated. The present study aims to provide structural insight into
the different self assembled configurations of sophorolipids in water.
Surface Plasmon Assisted Two-Photon Ionization of Noble and Alkali Metal Clusters
Authors: Melikyan Armen , Minassian Hayk
Published: February 2016

In this communication we calculate the TPI cross-section for pump-probe scheme in Au,
Ag and Na neutral clusters in high refractive index environment. The pump
photon energy is chosen to be close to the surface plasmon (SP) energy of considered
clusters. Since the interband transition energy in Ag and Na exceeds the SP
resonance energy, the main contribution into the TPI in these clusters comes from the
interband transitions. In Au clusters the interband transition threshold is very
close to SP resonance, and the SP assisted TPI cross-section is attenuated. The calculations
are performed by separating the coordinates of electrons corresponding to the collective
oscillations and the individual motion that allows to take into account the resonance
contribution of excited SP oscillations. It is shown that the ionization cross section
increases by two orders of magnitude if the energy of the pump photon matches the surface
plasmon energy in the Ag and Na cluster.
New Visualization Method to Evaluate Erosion Quantity and Pattern
Authors: Kamalzare Mehrad , Zimmie Thomas F. , Cutler Barbara , Franklin W. Randolph
Published: February 2016

The objective of this research is to develop tools that would improve the understanding of the process of levee failure because of erosion and reduce the risk of failure. Hydraulic erosion is a complicated phenomenon and depends on many different parameters. To improve design criteria for levees, embankments, and earthen structures, the development of realistic computer models that can simulate the erosion process is necessary. Verification of these computer simulations, as with any simulation, is a necessity. In this research, a large number of physical levee erosion tests were performed at 1g and at high g's using a geotechnical centrifuge. Centrifuge tests were performed to simulate real (prototype) size levees, and thus to obtain a more realistic model. The erosion was modeled physically in detail. Conventional three-dimensional scanning was used to precisely verify the calculated dimensions of initial and final computer model geometries, but did not yield interim data or measurements of the quantity of eroded soil during the tests. A Kinect device was used to scan and evaluate the volume of eroded soil and variation of the shape of the channels as a function of time. Three-dimensional images were obtained, and variations of different parameters were plotted. Various quantities were measured as a function of time. Based on recorded videos and pictures taken during the tests, it was discovered that the Kinect results agreed well with the physical models. The Kinect is a low-cost sensor, and enables the measurement of the rate of soil erosion, which, if done at all, usually requires expensive equipment. The Kinect device was also used in the centrifuge experiments, and functioned well in the high g environment. It is believed to be the first use of a Kinect device in a centrifuge. The application of this method in other laboratory experiments was also investigated.
Editorial Memória em Rede - Nº 14
Authors: Ferreira Maria Letícia Mazzucchi
Published: February 2016

A edição atual da Revista Memória em Rede tem como centro das discussões apresentadas nos artigos, as negociações, dilemas e conflitos que envolvem os processos de patrimonialização.
Educação patrimonial e a reconstrução de manifestações expressivas: imagens de Laguna, SC
Authors: Da Silva Rodrigo Manoel Dias
Published: February 2016

O presente ensaio visual pretende evidenciar os processos de reconstrução de manifestações expressivas e do patrimônio cultural em contextos escolares. Empiricamente, o autor expõe uma sequência de dez imagens coletadas em estudo etnográfico desenvolvido em Laguna, Santa Catarina, cujo objetivo consiste na análise das relações entre educação escolar e patrimonialização cultural em municípios que sofreram processos de tombamento ou registro patrimonial. Na situação analisada, evidencia a experiência de educação patrimonial desenvolvida na escola pública do distrito rural do Ribeirão Pequeno.
“No Accident of Good Fortune”
Authors: Clarke Liz
Published: February 2016

This article addresses the benefits of using women's memoirs as historical sources. Employing a critical framework—the concept of creative labor—taken from recent screenwriting studies scholarship, the author analyzes the way that Frederica Sagar Maas and Lenore Coffee represent their roles in the bureaucratic structure of the Hollywood studio system.
Auditory Scene Analysis and the Perception of Sound Mass in Ligeti’s Continuum
Authors: Douglas Chelsea , Noble Jason , McAdams Stephen
Published: February 2016

Sound mass has been an influential trend in music since the 1950’s and yet many questions about its perception remain unanswered. Approaching sound mass from the perspective of auditory scene analysis, we define it as a type of auditory grouping that retains an impression of multiplicity even as it is perceived as a perceptual unit. Sound mass requires all markers of the individual identities of sounds to be deemphasized to prevent them from splitting off into separate streams. Seeking to determine how consistent listeners are in their perception of sound mass, and whether it is possible to determine sound parameters and threshold values that predict sound mass perception, we conducted two perceptual studies on Ligeti’s Continuum. This piece consists of an extremely rapid, steady stream of eighth-note dyads with no tempo changes. We addressed the claim by Ligeti and others that the fusion into a continuous texture or sound mass occurs at ca. 20 attacks/s, hypothesizing that other factors such as pitch organization, emergent rhythm, timbre, and register would affect this value. A variety of factors were found to affect sound mass perception, suggesting that the threshold value is not absolute but varies according to principles of auditory scene analysis.
A Neurodynamic Account of Musical Tonality
Authors: Large Edward W. , Kim Ji Chul , Flaig Nicole Kristine , Bharucha Jamshed J. , Krumhansl Carol Lynne
Published: February 2016

Science since antiquity has asked whether mathematical relationships among acoustic frequencies govern musical relationships. Psychophysics rejected frequency ratio theories, focusing on sensory phenomena predicted by linear analysis of sound. Cognitive psychologists have since focused on long-term exposure to the music of one’s culture and short-term sensitivity to statistical regularities. Today evidence is rapidly mounting that oscillatory neurodynamics is an important source of nonlinear auditory responses. This leads us to reevaluate the significance of frequency relationships in the perception of music. Here, we present a dynamical systems analysis of mode-locked neural oscillation that predicts cross-cultural invariances in music perception and cognition. We show that this theoretical framework combines with short- and long-term learning to explain the perception of Hindustani rāgas, not only by encultured Indian listeners but also by Western listeners unfamiliar with the style. These findings demonstrate that intrinsic neurodynamics contribute significantly to the perception of musical structure.
Playing with the Edge
Authors: Chew Elaine
Published: February 2016

This article centers on the phenomenon of tipping points—a case of extreme pulse elasticity—in music performance, and the dynamic interplay between tonal structure and musical timing. The article presents the idea and principles of tipping points. Examples illustrate three types of global and local tipping points: melodic, boundary, and cadential. Focusing on cadential tipping points, the article considers the role of tonality in a number of examples, thus bridging the subject of tipping points and prior work on the modeling of tonality. The spiral array model for tonality is described, including how the model traces the dynamics of tonal perception. A real-time implementation of the model is applied to cadential tipping point examples to visualize the effect of tipping points on tonal perception. The analyses show how tipping points influence tonal perception—clarifying, focusing, and exploiting harmonic function, in the case of cadential tipping points, to evoke tension and shape narrative structure.
Fluconazole in the treatment of Cushing's disease
Authors: Burns Kharis , Christie-David Darshika , Gunton Jenny E
Published: February 2016

Ketoconazole was a first-line agent for suppressing steroidogenesis in Cushing's disease. It now has limited availability. Fluconazole, another azole antifungal, is an alternative, although its in vivo efficacy is unclear. A 61-year-old female presented with weight gain, abdominal striae and worsening depression. HbA1c increased to 76 mmol/mol despite increasing insulin. Investigations confirmed cortisol excess; afternoon serum cortisol was 552 nmol/l with an inappropriate ACTH of 9.3 pmol/l. In total, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC):creatinine ratio was 150 nmol/mmol with failure to suppress after 48 h of low-dose dexamethasone. Pituitary MRI revealed a 4-mm microadenoma. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling confirmed Cushing's disease. Transsphenoidal resection was performed and symptoms improved. However, disease recurred 6 months later with elevated 24-h UFC >2200 nmol/day. Metyrapone was commenced at 750 mg tds. Ketoconazole was later added at 400 mg daily, with dose reduction in metyrapone. When ketoconazole became unavailable, fluconazole 200 mg daily was substituted. Urine cortisol:creatinine ratio rose, and the dose was increased to 400 mg daily with normalisation of urine hormone levels. Serum cortisol and urine cortisol:creatinine ratios remain normal on this regimen at 6 months. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first case demonstrating prolonged in vivo efficacy of fluconazole in combination with low-dose metyrapone for the treatment of Cushing's disease. Fluconazole has a more favourable toxicity profile, and we suggest that it is a potential alternative for medical management of Cushing's disease.

Learning points

Surgery remains first line for the management of Cushing's disease with pharmacotherapy used where surgery is unsuccessful or there is persistence of cortisol excess.

Ketoconazole has previously been used to treat cortisol excess through inhibition of CYP450 enzymes 11-β-hydroxylase and 17-α-hydroxylase, though its availability is limited in many countries.

Fluconazole shares similar properties to ketoconazole, although it has less associated toxicity.

Fluconazole represents a suitable alternative for the medical management of Cushing's disease and proved an effective addition to metyrapone in the management of this case.
PERAN LEMBAGA PEREKONOMIAN NAHDLATUL ULAMA (LPNU) DALAM PERKEMBANGAN UMKM BERBASIS SYARIAH
Authors: Ahmad Muhtadi
Published: February 2016

Indonesia yang merupakan negara berpenduduk terbesar ke-empat di dunia dan mayoritas penduduknya beragama Islam, tentunya harus menjadi kiblat dari ekonomi Islam. Akan tetapi belum begitu banyak masyarakat Indonesia yang mengenal adanya ekonomi Islam dikarenakan sistem ekonomi konvensional yang telah begitu lama berkuasa di negeri ini. Oleh karena itu diperlukan peran serta dari pemerintah dan unsur-unsur masyarakat seperti organisasi kemasyarakatan yang berbasis agama dan lembaga-lembaga swadaya masyarakat yang peduli terhadap ekonomi Islam dan memiliki akses informasi yang luas kepada masyarakat.DOI: 10.15408/aiq.v2i1.2471
Carbonation resistance of GGBS concrete
Authors: Lye Chao-Qun , Dhir Ravindra K. , Ghataora Gurmel S.
Published: February 2016

This study presents an analysis of a 30 000 strong data matrix derived from 227 studies originating from 35 countries since 1968. Similar to the fly ash effect, the carbonation of concrete increases with the incorporation of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), but the rate increases as GGBS content is increased. This effect is greater for concrete designed on an equal water/cement (w/c) basis to the corresponding Portland cement (PC) concrete than on an equal strength basis. The Eurocode 2 specification for XC3 carbonation exposure in terms of the characteristic cube strength of concrete (or its w/c ratio) may need to be increased (or decreased) with the addition of GGBS. Other influencing factors, including GGBS fineness, total cement content and curing, were also investigated. In some cases, the carbonation of in-service GGBS concrete has been estimated to exceed the specified cover before 50 years of service life. Measures to minimise the carbonation of GGBS concrete are proposed. Fully carbonated reinforced GGBS concrete is assessed to show a higher corrosion rate. In relation to PC concrete, the carbonation of GGBS concrete is essentially similar when exposed to 3–5% carbon dioxide accelerated or indoor natural exposure, and the conversion factor of 1 week accelerated carbonation equal to 0·6 year is established.
Risikotrekk og skjulte kvalitetar i elevtekstar
Authors: Skar Gustaf Bernhard Uno , Aasen Arne Johannes
Published: February 2016

Denne artikkelen undersøker ein elevtekst frå dei nasjonale utvalsprøvene i skriving som ei rekkje ekspertvurderarar har bedømt svært ulikt. Formålet med analysen er å avdekke vurderingsområde som kan vere krevjande å vurdere når oppgåver ikkje spesifiserar kva sjanger elevane skal skrive. Analysen viser ein elevtekst kan lesast på ulike måtar, som anten sakprega eller litterær tekst. Valet av lesemåte innverkar på kor vidt teksten møter kvalitetskriterier, altså om den blir vurdert som god eller ikkje. Relevansen av ein slik analyse ligg i at denne typen kunnskap har implikasjonar for utvikling av skriveoppgåver, vurderingskriterier og vurderingsrettleiingar.
English abstract
Risk Assessment and Hidden Qualities in Student Texts
This article presents an investigation of a student script that has received highly different ratings by a group of expert raters. The purpose of the analysis is to shed light on rating scales that might be difficult to use when prompts in a writing test do not specify which genre the student is supposed to use. The results show that it is possible to read the specific script in two ways, either as fiction or as non-fiction. Choosing to read it in a particular way effects the interpretation of criteria associated with different band levels on different scales. The results are relevant for all working with writing test development, including teachers designing classroom assessment tasks.
Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Traditional Yoghurts Produced in Guilan Province, Iran
Authors: Reza Nikbakht Mohammad , Lachiniyan Shima , Rahbar Saeid , Oubari Farhad , Rostami Zahra , Tajehmiri Ahmad
Published: February 2016

Aflatoxin M1 is a major carcinogenic compound that may be existed in dairy products. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of AFM1 in traditional yoghurt samples in Guilan Province (Northern Iran). Ninety samples of traditional yoghurts were collected during summer and autumn 2014. Enzyme linked Immunosorbentassay (ELISA) which is a rapid and sensitive method was used to determine the presence and levels of AFM1. 100% of the yoghurt samples were contaminated with 5 and 83 ng/kg of AFM1. In general, AFM1 in 20 samples (22.22%) were higher than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/kg) accepted by the European Union. It was therefore concluded that, high occurrence of AFM1 in yoghurt is a serious risk for public health.
Pharmacodynamics Drug Interactions of Metformin with Aspirin and Nifedipine
Authors: Hassan Khidir A. M. , Mudawi Mahmoud M. E. , Sulaiman Mansour I.
Published: February 2016

Metformin is now being recognized as the standard therapy in T2D patients who are overweight. Metformin has many drug-disease interactions that can increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate any possible pharmacodynamic interactions between metformin and drugs used to treat chronic diseases e.g. Hypertension. The rats were fasted overnight before inducing diabetes with streptozotocin. The rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg kg−1) freshly prepared in 0.1M sodium citrate buffer. The diabetic state was confirmed 72 h after streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats were grouped into seven groups each group of five rats and distributed among the normal control group diabetic control group and the treatment groups. The treatment continued for 10 days. Blood samples were taken before treatment and after 10 days and analyzed for serum glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. In the diabetic control group which was given STZ alone the blood glucose level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 10 days but still above the hyperglycemic level (200mg/dl). The same was observed in the group treated with metformin. The group treated with nifedipine and aspirin showed significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the glucose level below the hyperglycemic level (200mg/dl). While the groups treated with (Metformin + Nifedipine) and (Metformin +Aspirin) showed highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in blood glucose level. These results conclude that the combination of (metformin +Nifedipine) and the combination of (Metformin + Aspirin) have highly significant hypoglycemic effect. It also showed that Nifedipine has promising role in reducing blood glucose level, lipid profile especially LDL-cholesterol, and body weight.
In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Manilkara hexandra (Sapotaceae) Seed Extracts and Violacein against Multidrug Resistant Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Patel Krishna , Ali Arwa Kaizer , Nair Nishith , Kothari Vijay
Published: February 2016

Extracts of the Pongamia pinnata, Manilkara hexandra, and Pyrus pyrifolia seeds prepared by microwave assisted extraction method, and the violet pigment- violacein extracted from Chromobacterium violaceoum were screened for their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans.M. hexandra extracts were able to inhibit both the test strains of S. mutans used in this study with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 600-800 µg/mL. These extracts exerted bactericidal action against S. mutans with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 600-900 µg/mL. Acetone extract of M. hexandra seeds registered highest average total activity of 231.20 mL/g. Extraction efficiency was found to have a moderately good correlation with antibacterial activity. Violacein exerted bactericidal action with MIC and MBC of less than 2 µg/mL against both the strains.
In-vitro Antioxidant and Anti-lipid Peroxidation Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Bougainvillea shubhra, Bougainvillea peruviana and Bougainvillea bhuttiana Golden Glow: A Comparative Study
Authors: Medpilwar Mosmi , Maru Darshil , Upadhyay Meenakshi , Lavania Neha , Vernekar Madhavi , Harmalkar Mugdha Nilesh
Published: February 2016

The aim of our present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activity of ethanolic extracts of Bougainvillea species viz B. shubhra, B. peruviana and B. bhuttiana golden glow. Phytochemical constituents viz. total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins were assayed using standard protocol. The antioxidant activity was studied by DPPH assay, FRAP assay, reducing power assay and in-vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Of the three species, B. bhuttiana golden glow showed highest amount of phenols (6.78±0.001), flavonoids (27.7±0.012) and tannin (11.08±0.008) contents. It also showed highest antioxidant activity of 15.15± 0.008 and 8.08± 0.018 as determined by FRAP assay and reducing power assay respectively. The percent DPPH radical scavenging activity was 82.72% and in-vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial membrane was also found to be highest in B. bhuttiana golden glow.
¿Cuándo las redes transgubernamentales son la mejor opción para tratar amenazas en Bioseguridad? una revisión del estado de la cuestión
Authors: González Segovia Octavio
Published: February 2016

Parto del supuesto de que los Estados eligen conscientemente entre diferentes arreglos institucionales porque consideran que unos son más convenientes que otros para enfrentar nuevos problemas o condiciones. En el campo de la bioseguridad arguyo que la elección está confinada a dos tipos de organizaciones: redes transgubernamentales (RTG) y organizaciones intergubernamentales. Asimismo, sostengo que bajo determinadas condiciones los actores deliberadamente optan por las RTG debido a que las califican como arreglos institucionales superiores. A pesar de que los Estados continúan dependiendo de los tratados formales para dirigir la cooperación en seguridad, muchos de éstos han sido complementados por una variedad de RTG. Debido a su flexibilidad, rapidez y bajos costos en materia de soberanía, muchos anticipan que las RTG serán el vehículo preferido para llevar a cabo la cooperación internacional al desempeñar muchas funciones de gobernanza global pero sin tener la forma de las organizaciones más estructuradas. De ahí, que el objetivo de este ensayo sea evaluar la literatura enfocada en las redes transgubernamentales, legalización y diseño institucional racional, así como conjugar y aplicar algunas de sus teorías al área de la bioseguridad. Por último, discuto dos posibles explicaciones rivales al enfoque racionalista.
La teoría de las relaciones internacionales bajo una perspectiva feminista
Authors: Lascuarín Fernández Mauricio , Villafuerte Valdés Luis Fernando
Published: February 2016

La lógica sociológica en el estudio de las relaciones internacionales está basada en el reconocimiento de las relaciones asimétricas de poder. Desde este enfoque, tal como en el realismo y el neorrealismo, y las teorías que han surgido de allí, se ha permitido el desarrollo de perspectivas del estudio de género y feminismo, donde el principio epistemológico es la relación asimétrica entre hombres y mujeres en sus roles sociales, culturales, económicos, políticos, etc. Entonces, La perspectiva feminista sobre las Relaciones Internacionales ha introducido el concepto de género como una herramienta esencial para el estudio de las interacciones entre los Estados y el escenario internacional. Sin embargo, a pesar de estos esfuerzos para construir una mejor Teoría de las Relaciones Internacionales, el análisis feminista ha tenido poco impacto en las políticas internacionales. El objetivo de este ensayo es analizar el valor de adoptar una perspectiva feminista en las Relaciones Internacionales.La lógica sociológica en el estudio de las relaciones internacionales está basada en el reconocimiento de las relaciones asimétricas de poder. Desde este enfoque, tal como en el realismo y el neorrealismo, y las teorías que han surgido de allí, se ha permitido el desarrollo de perspectivas del estudio de género y feminismo, donde el principio epistemológico es la relación asimétrica entre hombres y mujeres en sus roles sociales, culturales, económicos, políticos, etc. Entonces, La perspectiva feminista sobre las Relaciones Internacionales ha introducido el concepto de género como una herramienta esencial para el estudio de las interacciones entre los Estados y el escenario internacional. Sin embargo, a pesar de estos esfuerzos para construir una mejor Teoría de las Relaciones Internacionales, el análisis feminista ha tenido poco impacto en las políticas internacionales. El objetivo de este ensayo es analizar el valor de adoptar una perspectiva feminista en las Relaciones Internacionales.
Europa ante la amenaza del radicalismo religioso del Estado Islámico
Authors: Melamed Visbal Janiel David
Published: February 2016

El objetivo principal del presente artículo es presentar un análisis crítico acerca de cómo la emergencia y el auge del Estado Islámico, su proclamación de un nuevo califato y su radicalismo religioso violento representan una grave amenaza para la seguridad internacional, especialmente en Europa. En la actualidad, el Estado Islámico se ha convertido en la organización yihadista más notoria. Su expansión territorial, su ideología extremista, su capacidad operacional y su estrategia de reclutamiento de combatientes extranjeros hacen de esta organización una gran amenaza para el continente europeo, debido a su proximidad geográfica y a su influencia tradicional en Medio Oriente, y al aislamiento y la marginalización infligidos a gran parte de la población musulmana en la región. Europa se enfrenta a un escenario complejo en el cual el extremismo religioso podría generar violencia y actos de terrorismo. Es por esta razón que las sociedades europeas liberales deben llegar a un entendimiento acerca de cómo lidiar con esta amenaza en concreto.
¿Estados fallidos? O sobre la imposiblidad de constituir el Estado Nación moderno
Authors: Nievas Flabián , Sampó Carolina
Published: February 2016

Existe cierto consenso en que la existencia de Estados Fallidos genera inestabilidad en el Sistema Internacional, ya que los mismos parecen facilitar el asentamiento de organizaciones criminales trasnacionales que se valen de sus territorios para desarrollar y potenciar sus negocios. Sin embargo, la inclusión de un sinnúmero de casos en esta categoría fuerza una revisión no sólo del concepto sino también de la idea que existe detrás del mismo, anclada en la concepción de Estado-Nación moderno. De allí que el objetivo del presente trabajo es discutir el alcance del concepto de Estado Fallido, teniendo en cuenta que el Estado Nación moderno ha encontrado fuertes dificultades para su consolidación en distintos lugares del planeta. Durante la investigación nos preguntamos si es posible vincular de forma inseparable al Estado y a la nación o si deben tratarse como conceptos separados que en algunos casos se encuentran juntos. En esa misma línea: ¿Son los Estados los que fallan o es la construcción del Estado-nación la que nunca se concretó? ¿Cuál es el papel del reconocimiento internacional del Estado en este tipo de conceptualizaciones?
De tácito a la AMIA: un estudio sobre el antisemitismo universal, el sionismo Argentino y el affaire timerman
Authors: Escudé Carlos
Published: February 2016

Este trabajo usa datos empíricos provenientes de una "investigación-acción participativa," realizada a comienzos de 2015, para poner a prueba la hipótesis de que los mecanismos que tenían vigencia en tiempos greco-romanos, conectando las comunidades de la diáspora judía con un activo centro jerosolimitano, siguen funcionando en nuestros tiempos y siguen teniendo relevancia geopolítica. Se tomaron ejemplos provenientes de experiencias recientes de Argentina y Estados Unidos. En un caso específico, el de las presiones para excomulgar al canciller argentino Héctor Timerman de las instituciones de la comunidad judía, se estudiaron las actitudes de miembros del público a través de un "panel voluntario online." Los hallazgos se vincularon a un significativo esfuerzo heurístico para determinar si la "dialéctica Baron," así llamada en honor de Salo W. Baron (el más importante historiador del pueblo judío de la generación de la Segunda Guerra Mundial), sigue vigente. Esta dialéctica puede resumirse como el complejo mecanismo sociológico trans-histórico por el que la religión judía es reforzada por la nacionalidad judía, a la vez que ésta se arraiga supranacionalmente a través de las comunidades de la diáspora. Este proceso seguramente es una de las causas de largo plazo del antisemitismo sobre las que reflexionó Hannah Arendt.
El enfoque del diálogo civilizacional desde América Latina
Authors: Caro Isaac , Rodríguez Isabel
Published: February 2016

Este artículo se enmarca en el debate teórico del paradigma del civilizacionismo en la disciplina de las relaciones internacionales, a partir de sus dos vertientes opuestas, la de choque de civilizaciones y la de diálogo de civilizaciones. El objetivo es demostrar su validez y aporte en la explicación teórica a problemas de la realidad internacional considerando tres niveles de análisis: internacional, regional, y local. En concreto, analizamos las propuestas de diálogo civilizacional y los encuentros de Alianza de Civilizaciones que tienen lugar en el marco de Naciones Unidas. Dicha tendencia global la explicaremos como problemática en América Latina tomando en consideración tres planes nacionales de Alianza de Civilizaciones, los de Argentina, Brasil y México, así como también analizaremos a nivel local ejemplos de diálogo institucionalizado que se registran en el caso argentino
Unidad moral hispanoamericana y fragmentación nacional: La diplomacia de los Estados Unidos de Colombia en el Caribe. (1963 a 1885)
Authors: Román Romero Raúl , Moncada Guevara María Camila
Published: February 2016

Este artículo analiza las relaciones políticas y diplomáticas de Colombia con los países del Caribe durante los gobiernos del liberalismo radical que van entre 1863 a 1885, evidenciando que tanto el pensamiento político como la acción diplomática estuvieron influenciados por dos situaciones, de un lado las confrontaciones internas del Estado Federal que impedían la unidad de la nación y por otro la doctrina de la unidad moral que establecía como regla fundamental, el orden interno y la armonía externa. No obstante, esta doctrina de la unidad moral presentó serias limitaciones en la práctica diplomática que los gobiernos liberales de Colombia desplegaron en el Caribe durante estos años.
Las relaciones civiles-militares y el proyecto ideológico bolivariano en Venezuela, 1999 - 2014
Authors: Garay Vega Cristián , Ramos Froilán
Published: February 2016

La crisis del proyecto bolivariano en 2013 coloca en revisión las relaciones civiles-militares. La matriz de aquéllas, formulada en base al proyecto bolivariano, así como la situación del sector Defensa presentan un escenario particular. Los autores si bien inscriben a este proyecto dentro del Populismo, hacen notar que obedecen a una interpretación ideológica y no puramente individual o discrecional (carismática), sino a la constatación de un poder de facto en la vida venezolana que está presente largo tiempo (los militares), pero con características nuevas desde el ascenso de Chávez al poder.
Un ejército para la paz. Las bases para el cambio doctrinario en el Ejército de Chile 2002 - 2006
Authors: Seguel Rojas Felipe Andrés
Published: February 2016

ste artículo analiza los cambios producidos al interior del Ejército de Chile, en el marco del período de la Transición Democrática en Chile. Se plantea que este proceso estuvo marcado por el contexto de Post-Guerra Fría a nivel internacional y la necesidad de avances en materia de legitimación social y la definición del rol del Ejército de Chile, a nivel local. En este sentido, el proceso que vivió la Institución durante la Comandancia en Jefe del General Juan Emilio Cheyre (2002-2006) estuvo marcado por los cambios en las Fuerzas Armadas a nivel mundial que repercutieron en la conformación de nuevos conceptos rectores de su profesionalismo. Este cambio le entregó al Ejército chileno nuevas directrices para reorganizar su acción profesional dentro del contexto nacional y para su reinserción internacional conforme la política de Defensa.
Determinants of The Medium Of Payment In Corporate Acquisitions
Authors: Noronha Gregory M. , Sen Nilanjan , Smith David M.
Published: February 2016

This study identifies factors that may be correlated with the bidders choice between offering cash versus stock in a corporate takeover. Results of a logistic regression analysis are generally consistent with information models involving the choice of payment type, as well as hypotheses related to the targets tax status. Support for Jensens (1986) free cash flow hypothesis also is found.
Escalation Of Commitment In Groups And The Moderating Effects Of Information Framing
Authors: Rutledge Robert W.
Published: February 2016

The escalation effect occurs when managers elect to commit additional resources to a project where the unfavorable economic prospects indicate the project should be canceled. It has been suggested that the context in which the decision is reached (e.g., a managers responsibility for the original decision to invest in a project) may influence a managers decision choices (Staw 1981). Bazerman (1984) suggests that framing of information used by decision-makers may explain the escalation effect. This study investigates whether responsibility for a prior decision will affect decision-making in interactive groups in an escalation situation. Additionally, this study looks at the effect of framing on the groups decisions and examines the ability of framing to moderate the escalation effect resulting from responsibility. The results suggest that groups are subject to escalating commitment when they are responsible for a prior related investment decision. The results also provide evidence that groups are influenced by the framing of decision-relevant information, and further, that the framing may have the ability to moderate the effects of responsibility. Implications for organizational decision making are provided.
Economic Conditions And The SECs Enforcement Process
Authors: Nourayi Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2016

This study analyzes enforcement activities of the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in conjunction with changes in economic conditions. Neoclassical regulatory theorists argue that regulators are pro-business during periods of economic downturn. However, within the securities market and the regulated reporting environments violations tend to increase during contraction periods. Therefore, more intense enforcement activities seem appropriate during such periods. The intensity of SEC enforcement activities, subject to economic conditions, is examined based on the number of litigation releases issued by the Commission over a twenty year (1972-1991) period. The test of regulatory behavior revealed that enforcement activities are more intense during economic downturns. Thus the theory that regulators exhibit pro-business behavior during economic contraction is not supported by the results of this study.
The Utilization Of International Information For Global Marketing competitiveness: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Hayajneh Abdalla F. , Amin Sammy G.
Published: February 2016

Using samples of academic researchers, business executives, and government policy makers, this study empirically examined the utilization of international information (economic and business data) for global marketing competitiveness. In addition, the study examined the form of data used by each sample. The importance and form of the international data are analyzed across the samples, and implications for the results of this study are explored. Finally, conclusions are drawn.
An Analysis Of Topical Training Areas Perceived As Desirable By Sales Managers
Authors: Peterson Robin T. , Smith William B.
Published: February 2016

The results of responses from 296 sales managers surveyed on topical areas perceived as significant enough to be covered in training programs are analyzed. Based on the respondents evaluations of a set of topical areas whereby they were asked to indicate the importance of training topics, an analysis is provided across relevant segments and implications drawn. There were relatively little differences in the perceived importance of training topics between sales managers of both industrial and consumer goods as well as large and small sized companies. However, numerous differences of the importance of perceived training topical areas are reported across the career life cycle stages of the sales force.
Layoffs, Stock Price, And Financial Condition Of The Firm
Authors: Iqbal Zahid , Shetty Shekar
Published: February 2016

Prior empirical studies indicate that investors perceptions of managerial decisions are contingent on the finance condition of the firm. We extend this argument to employee layoffs and find that financial healthy firms exhibit lower shareholders reactions when compared with financially weak firms. The findings lend support to the potential benefit hypothesis that the future benefits of layoffs are likely to be less for financially healthy firms than for financially weak firms.
Do Financial Policy Makers Use Financial Theory: The Case Of S&L And BHC Merger Regulation
Authors: Larson, Jr. Glen A. , Burgess Richard C.
Published: February 2016

The potential for risk reduction through free market merger activity between savings and loan associations (S&Ls) and bank holding companies (BHCs) in the late 1970s and early 1980s is the focus of this research. Analysis using event study methodology, the efficient portfolio approach of Markowitz (1952), and select financial and accounting performance measures illustrates the potential risk reduction benefits from merger activity between S&Ls and BHCs that existed during the study period.
Delighting Customers By Managing Expectations For Service Quality: An Example From The Optical Industry
Authors: Saunders Paula M. , Scherer Robert F. , Brown Herbert E.
Published: February 2016

Customer satisfaction measurement and management has the overall objective of satisfying---perhaps even delightingcustomers. Exceeding expectations (i.e. going beyond basic customer satisfaction) is now widely recognized as an effective route to strategic, market-driven organizational behavior. In the current study, expectations of customers of a wholesale optical organization who were delighted with a suppliers total product and service offering were compared and contrasted with those who were not delighted but were still either satisfied, or somewhat satisfied, with the focal organizations performance.
Accounting For OPEBs: Does Better Accounting Serve The Public Interest?
Authors: Pearson Timothy A. , Jerris Scott I. , Brooks Richard
Published: February 2016

In 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issues Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (SFAS 106). SFAS 106 requires public companies to account for postretirement benefits other than pensions (e.g., health care) on an accrual basis. While SFAS 106 is good accounting, it provides corporations with an excellent excuse to amend or terminate health care coverage for retirees. This paper discusses the economic and social consequences of SFAS 106 as well as the politics of the accounting standard setting process.
Cash Flow Decision Making And Financial Accounting Presentation: A Computerized Experiment
Authors: Goldwater Paul M. , Fogarty Timothy J.
Published: February 2016

The use of financial information to estimate future cash flows may be influenced by the format and scaling of financial statement data. This study experimentally manipulated format by providing a graphical alternative to the conventional tabular presentation, and scaling by offering a probabilistic alternative to the single point estimates of financial statements. Subjects, recruited from large public accounting firms in the U.S., received the complete experiment in a self-contained computer diskette. The interaction of scaling and format characteristics produced significantly different cash flow estimates. Furthermore, subject tended to adjust their cash flow estimates based on the interaction of presentation and the skew of the distributional information when probabilistic information was provided. Subject also altered their cue utilization for the estimate of cash flow when they receive differently designed information. Implications for financial reporting and accounting education, centering around the revision of the basic information package, are drawn.
Symbolic Product Attributes And Emulatory Consumption: The Case Of Rodeo Fan Attendance And The Wearing Of Western Clothing
Authors: Schwer R. Keith , Daneshvary Rennae
Published: February 2016

Clothing is an ideal product for the study of emulatory consumption because it is visible, accessible, and relatively inexpensive. This study addresses the relationship between the purchase and usage of symbolic products (western clothing) and involvement with reference groups (rodeo society). Data presented are from a survey which was distributed to 1,559 rodeo fans who attended the 1991 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Explaining Auditors Going Concern Decisions: Assessing Managements Capability
Authors: Goodman Barbara , Braunstein Daniel N. , Reinstein Alan , Gregory George W.
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the ability of nonfinancial variables to aid in the explanation of auditor going concern opinion decisions. The nonfinancial variables measure the quality of client management, defined in terms of its capability. A sample of twenty-nine financially troubled firms was investigated, using a lengthy questionnaire incorporating financial data, observations, and judgments about the clients management personnel. Auditors responded to the questionnaire referring to the audit work papers for each client as a data source. Using LOGIT analysis, particular combinations of specific nonfinancial data were found to accurately discriminate between those firms receiving and non receiving going concern modifications to the audit report. The results indicate that nonfinancial variables as a class aid in explaining auditors going concern opinion decisions.
The Nature And Consequences Of Part-Time Work: A Test Of Hypotheses
Authors: Eberhardt Bruce J. , Moser Steven B.
Published: February 2016

This study investigated hypotheses developed by Feldman (1990) regarding the impact of different types of part-time working arrangements on various attitudes, behaviors, and chosen frames of reference. Using data collected from 240 part-time workers employed by a supermarket chain, significant differences across the types of part-time work arrangements were found. For example, permanent as opposed to temporary part-time employees were more satisfied with and committed to their organizations. Further, students are more likely to consider themselves temporary and voluntary part-time employees than are non-students. Additional findings are discussed and needs for future research are noted.
Stock Splits And False Signaling Cost Within A Management Reputation Framework
Authors: Doran David T.
Published: February 2016

In order for signals to be informationally consistent in an efficient capital market, false signaling must be costly. To date researchers have been unable to identify any cost incurred by false signalers in the case of stock splits. This study identifies inhibited future ability to signal as a cost incurred by false signalers. False signalers are firms that announce stock splits and subsequently report earnings below pre-event Value Line forecasts. Ability to signal is monitored through observation of market reaction (abnormal daily returns generated under the mean adjusted returns model). The results indicate that previous false signalers experience less favorable market reaction to subsequent split announcements than a comparison group. Previous false signalers demonstrate positive earnings performance with subsequent split announcements, and weak evidence indicates earnings performance superior to the comparison group. The notion that previous false signalers attempt to reestablish their reputations when conveying future signals is supported.
Tax Reform And Bank Asset Quality: Did 1986 Tax Law Changes Contribute To Banks Loan Problems?
Authors: Hollingsworth Danny P. , Rose John T.
Published: February 2016

The escalation of bank loan losses in the mid/late 1980s, attended by a marked decrease in banking industry profits and an increase in bank failures, has raised numerous questions about the factor contributing to these events. The present study continues this inquiry by examining the effects of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86) on the quality of banks assets in the late 1980s. Specifically, the study seeks to attribute changes in bank asset quality following enactment of TRA86 to 1) the two major provisions of the law targeted at banks, namely, interest expense allocable to tax-exempt obligations and the tax reserve for bad debts, particularly bad debts of large banks, along with 2) the pre-TRA86 level of real estate loans that were devalued by other provisions of the statute. Using alternative measures of asset quality, a single-equation regression analysis was applied to a sample of 205 large commercial banks. Empirical results indicate some linkage between TRA86 and changes in bank asset quality during the late 1980s, though not in all areas examined.
The Politics Of Economics
Authors: Redmon Alonzo
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between presidential politics and economic policy. Does it make a difference, from an economic perspective, as to what political party occupies the oval office? With evidence of voter discontentment (rise of Ross Perot, low voter turnout), this would seem to be a most relevant question. Using economic variables, it is found that presidents can and do influence economic events. In fact, the presidents party affiliation can be used as an indicator as to what economic policies will be implemented.
Managerial Efficiency And Share Ownership: The Market Reaction To Takeover Defenses
Authors: Maleqadeh Ali R. , McWilliams Victoria B.
Published: February 2016

We examine the stock price reaction of antitakeover charter amendment takeover defenses (TDs) based on whether or not the firms in our sample had managers and directors with high share ownership, and whether the firms could be regarded as efficient. We find that the market reacts differently to the adoption of TDs based on these two criteria.