bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aportes de la clínica forense para conceptuar en materia probatoria sobre el riesgo para la vida en el delito de tentativa de homicidio en Colombia
Authors: Muñoz P. Luis Eduardo , Támara P. Liliana Marcela , Sánchez C. Óscar Armando , Fontanilla D. Germán Alfonso , Castellanos M. Camilo Andrés , Dueñas M. Liliana , Gil M. Diego Fernando , MH Afifi Laila , Peña R. Nancy Fabiola , Castellanos M. Úrsula Fernanda
Published: August 2016

El establecimiento del tipo penal de tentativa de homicidio exige a la investigación judicial aportar diferentes elementos probatorios. En este sentido, el informe técnico médico-legal de lesiones no fatales, realizado a solicitud de las autoridades, puede aportar valiosos conceptos médicos sobre la gravedad de las mismas, su localización y severidad. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se han incorporado elementos determinantemente objetivos a partir de la ciencia médica forense para la valoración de la probabilidad que tenga una lesión para causar la muerte. En este artículo se revisan conceptos médico-legales y médicos en el contexto jurídico, que permitirían aportar una ponderación más estructurada de la probabilidad de causar la muerte de una lesión, fundamentalmente a partir de escalas médicas mundialmente reconocidas.
Arial View of Kaieteur Falls
Authors: Butts David
Published: August 2016

Photo
PLACE AND IDENTITY: Reading From God’s Spider at the Federation Of Humanities And Social Sciences Congress
Authors: Dabydeen Cyril
Published: August 2016

Being a guest-writer at the Federation of Humanities and Social Sciences Congress was an honour. I thank the Canadian Association of Commonwealth Language and Literature Studies (CACLALS) and the Association for Canadian and Quebec Literatures (ACQL) for hosting me to read from my new volume, God’s Spider (Peepal Tree Press, UK)–a shortlisted finalist for the Guyana Prize for Literature (Best Poetry Book category).  Indeed, a reading is always a special occasion for me; it’s also a time of liminality–in-betweenness, if you will-- placelessness, a void, quest, looking or yearning for an identity; and being nowhere, but searching. Wanting.  As a preamble to my reading, I touched on W.H. Auden’s view that a poet should “mythologize the ground on which he walks.”  Having now lived for over four decades in Canada, I am well equipped to do this: mythologizing Canada, sometimes with post-colonial verve and style, or angst. Post-colonial, presumably because all art is political (see Salman Rushdie’s essays in his Outside the Whale).
Singing a Joyful Song
Authors: Butts David
Published: August 2016

Photo
Berbice Sugar Factory
Authors: Dabydeen Cyril
Published: August 2016

Photo
Genetic diversity analysis among selected short duration chickpeacultivars and breeding lines based on STMS markers.
Authors: Koinain Syeda Asma , Hegde V S , Bharadwaj C .
Published: August 2016

Genetic diversity among 30 chickpea genotypes was evaluated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The studies using Sequence Tagged Microsatellite Site (STMS) markers markers revealed that among the primers used across the genotypes produced a total of 35 alleles representing 21 SSR loci with frequencies ranging from one to two (mean 1.66) alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.098 to 0.500 (CAM0443, CAM0446). These primers might be an effective and useful tool to determine the genetic differences among chickpea genotypes and to study the phylogenetic relationships. Polymorphic percentage was 96.42. Hierarchical neighbour-joining UPGMA cluster analysis based on simple matching similarity matrix resolved the 30 genotypes into seven clusters. Based on STMS markers highest similarity index 0.850 was observed between BGD 72 and Annigeri-1whereas BGD 9920 and ICC 92944 showed the lowest similarity index 0.214 between them. The STMS clustering pattern indicated the presence of wide genetic diversity between the genotypes. Overall, the study ascertained that SSRs provide powerful marker tools in revealing genetic diversity and relationships in chickpeas, thereby proving useful for selection of parents in breeding programs and also for DNA fingerprinting for identification of cultivars.
Soluble sugars and myo-inositol phosphates during germination andseedling growth of green and white faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Luo Yu-Wei . , Li Jing .
Published: August 2016

The soluble sugar and myo-inositol phosphates in the cotyledons and embryo axis during germination and seedling growth of green and white faba beans, were studied with an objective to analyze the precise distribution of these compounds in the different parts of faba bean seeds. In green and white faba beans the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) for establishing their nutritional relevance, were estimated mainly in the cotyledons which were drastically reduced within 2 days after imbibition (DAI). During germination and seedling growth phytates content was reduced in cotyledon (20–23%) and embryo axis (83–90%).
La historia de desapercibido por inadvertido
Authors: Jiménez Ríos Enrique
Published: August 2016

Se estudia la historia de desapercibido con el sentido de inadvertido a partir de su documentación en el corpus diacrónico del español de la Real Academia Española (CORDE) y en distintos repertorios léxicos, y de la opinión de autores de obras léxicas y lexicográficas de mediados del siglo XIX y principios del XX que se manifiestan sobre la oportunidad de ese cambio. Tras la disputa entre partidarios de la innovación y detractores por considerarla un galicismo, el cambio se produce, y el rastreo de la voz en los diccionarios académicos permite concluir que, si su difusión se debe a galicismo, su origen y cambio semántico son estrictamente castellanos.
Nuevos datos sobre la herencia africana del español caribeño. Estudio de campo en República Dominicana
Authors: Santos Rovira José María
Published: August 2016

La llegada de la esclavitud africana marcó indefectiblemente el futuro del continente americano, no solo a nivel étnico, sino también cultural y lingüístico. Dicha influencia africana es especialmente visible en el contexto caribeño, donde varios trabajos anteriores hablan de la existencia de un habla diferenciada, y aún vigente, entre las comunidades negras. Tras un estudio de campo llevado a cabo en República Dominicana, en el que realizamos diversas entrevistas en las ciudades de Santo Domingo y La Vega, así como en la comunidad afrodominicana de Mata los Indios, en las que aplicamos un cuestionario sobre el uso de términos de origen africano, llegamos a la conclusión de que, hoy en día, no existe ningún tipo de habla diferenciada afrodominicana, ya que los individuos de estas comunidades utilizan la misma variedad lingüística que el resto de nacionales. La única diferencia que pudimos encontrar se centra en su léxico pasivo, muestra, ahora sí, de que las comunidades afrodominicanas se mantienen en contacto con fórmulas lingüísticas heredadas del pasado, a través de cánticos y rituales de origen africano, pero que no representan su habla real y cotidiana. De igual forma, mostramos también que los africanismos son una parte del acervo léxico español que se encuentra en franca regresión.
Ana Llopis Cardona, Aproximación funcional a los marcadores discursivos. Análisis y aplicación lexicográfica, Frankfurt am Main, Peter Lang, 2014, 284 pp., ISBN: 978-3-631-64860-5
Authors: Salameh Jiménez Shima
Published: August 2016

Aproximación funcional a los marcadores discursivos… es el libro que recoge los resultados que la doctora Llopis obtiene en su tesis doctoral. El libro se estructura principalmente en dos partes: en la primera se revisan cuestiones controvertidas sobre los marcadores discursivos; en la segunda se procede a la descripción del análisis efectuado en cuatro marcadores discursivos pertenecientes a las cuatro macrofunciones del discurso, siguiendo la clasificación de Pons Bordería (2001, 2006).
Embouchure Dysfunction in Air Force Band Brass Musicians
Authors: Storms Patrick R , Elkins Candice P , Strohecker Eric M
Published: August 2016

Occupational injuries and medical problems in musicians are well described, but relatively less attention has been paid to orofacial and embouchure-related problems in professional brass players. This study addressed embouchure-related problems in Air Force Band members, a population
of musicians with an intense practice and performance schedule. METHODS: A survey was developed and distributed via the Air Force Survey Office to 599 active-duty Air Force Band members and 201 Air National Guard members. The survey assessed practice patterns, practice and performance venues,
and presence of symptoms suggesting embouchure dysfunction. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 167 Air Force Band brass players. Of the 157 responding to the question about embouchure dysfunction, 42% reported having experienced an embouchure problem at some point in the past, and 53% of
those respondents reported that they were currently experiencing an embouchure problem. Forty-one percent of those with embouchure problems cited practice venues that were not conducive to effective and efficient practice at the time their embouchure problems began, and 48% of those with embouchure
problems reported having to overblow in rehearsal at the time their problems began. DISCUSSION: Embouchure disorders were reported in a large proportion of Air Force Band brass survey respondents, and specific concerns related to practice venues and the need to overblow in practice settings
suggest factors suitable to remediation and preventive strategies.
Una propuesta que apunta a la integración de traducción y empresa
Authors: García Trujillo Wilsón Hernando
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo desarrolla la idea de la necesidad y la importancia de incluir un departamento de traducción profesional en los procesos de negociación de las empresas. El desarrollo de esta propuesta surge a partir de una investigación de carácter cualitativo que se realizó en la empresa TV3 LTDA. En el marco de esta investigación, el objeto de estudio está dado por los procesos de traducción que lleva a cabo la empresa. Los objetivos específicos incluyeron la identificación de los documentos que se requieren traducir al interior de la empresa y la caracterización de los procesos de traducción que se llevan a cabo dentro de la misma.Con el fin de cumplir los objetivos, se utilizaron técnicas de recolección de información tales como: reunión de documentos, cuestionarios y entrevistas realizadas a todos los empleados de TV3 LTDA que habían enfrentado la necesidad de traducción. De esta manera, al llevar a cabo la investigación el resultado principal consistió en el planteamiento de una propuesta organizacional del servicio de traducción para TV3 LTDA, una propuesta ligada específicamente a las necesidades de la empresa y sujeta a los parámetros de calidad de la Norma Europea De Calidad CEN 15038 de la ISO.
Traducción empresarial en el mundo globalizado de hoy
Authors: FrancoBello Carlos
Published: August 2016

Hoy, en un mundo globalizado, el ejercicio de la traducción e interpretación se convierte en una necesidad inminente para el mundo empresarial actual. Por ende, al ser este una práctica empírica y ocasional durante su historia, hoy es necesario que los traductores e intérpretes se hagan conscientes de la necesidad de una profesionalización o especialización no solo en las áreas científico- técnicas, sino también en las áreas económica, financiera y de negocios internacionales, y a su vez la creciente necesidad de que estos profesionales creen su propia empresa con un amplio portafolio de calidad en los campos de la traducción escrita y la interpretación.Un ejemplo de ello es la experiencia de la Universidad EAN en la profesionalización de los primeros traductores en un programa de doble titulación de Maestría en Traducción Económica, Financiera y de Negocios Internacionales, con la Universidad Pompeu Fabra de Barcelona, España, en un intento de brindar herramientas y estrategias traductoras por parte de expertos nacionales y españoles en ejercicio con un amplio bagaje y experiencia en dichos campos
Evolution of a Tradition
Authors: Snow Kathy , Filimowicz Michael
Published: August 2016

This will be the final issue of the CAUCE journal, the Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education (CJUCE). The CAUCE board, in consultation with the membership, decided at the 2015 spring conference to retire CJUCE and develop a new journal that better represents the changes occurring in continuing education.
An Examination of Interprofessional Team Functioning in a BScN Blended Learning Program: Implications for Accessible Distance-Based Nursing Education Programs
Authors: Carter Lorraine Mary , Beattie Bev , Caswell Wenda , Fitzgerald Scott , Nowrouzi Behdin
Published: August 2016

In this study, the perceptions and experiences of an interprofessional team responsible for the development and delivery of the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Blended Learning Program at Nipissing University were examined. In this program, RPNs can acquire a BScN through distance-based part-time study, including online courses and clinical practicum. In three years, the program has grown from an initial intake of 60 students to a current enrolment of over 600 students (Fitzgerald, Beattie, Carter, & Caswell, 2014).The success of the program is attributed to three factors: a part-time curriculum that permits students to work as they study; partnerships with hospitals and other clinical facilities to support the nurse-learner’s clinical placements; and the performance of a highfunctioning interprofessional team. This study of teamwork will benefit nursing and adult learning educators as well as e-learning professionals involved in the development and delivery of flexible programs for working nurses.
Digging Up: A Five-Year Journey to Instructional-Design Stability in a Postsecondary Distance Education Unit
Authors: Epp Jordan , McKee Jeanette
Published: August 2016

This report of practice describes a five-year process to establish and implement quality standards for a substantial portfolio of distancedelivered courses at the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan. The report describes an analysis of the issues and the solutions found that led to our current curriculum design standards and procedures, the implementation of learning technologies, and the identification of issues and solutions regarding copyright law. Lastly, the future prospects of these distance-delivered postsecondary courses are considered. Focusing on the issues and solutions for each category of challenges, this report describes the five-year journey of a small instructional-design team that faced roadblocks and barriers common to many postsecondary continuing and distance education units.
Spanish heritage language learners vs. L2 learners: What CAF reveals about written proficiency
Authors: Camus Pablo , Adrada-Rafael Sergio
Published: August 2016

Recently, great interest has emerged in identifying the learning needs of heritage language (HL) learners. In comparing HL and second language (L2) learners, research suggests that L2 learners outperform HL learners when examining writing abilities (Montrul, 2010; Potowski, 2013). However, complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) have been overlooked when examining HL learners’ writing proficiency, and it could provide a better picture of their writing skills in a spontaneous untimed assignment. To address this issue, 28 L2 learners and 18 HL learners completed an untimed written production task on a non-academic subject and their written proficiency was assessed through CAF measures (Norris & Ortega, 2009). Results showed HL learners significantly outperformed L2 learners on two complexity measures: accuracy and fluency. A possible explanation for these findings could be the type of task used (more spontaneous, less-controlled), which taps into a more implicit type of knowledge, favoring HL learners (Bowles, 2011).
Identidades gramaticales: p erspectivas estudiantiles hacia el a prendizaje y uso de gramática en una clase de SHL
Authors: Perara-Lunde Molly , Melero-García Fernando
Published: August 2016

Como complementación a estudios previos que abordan las perspectivas y actitudes de estudiantes (Ducar, 2008), en este estudio se pone de manifiesto la voz de los estudiantes de español como lengua de herencia con el propósito de mejorar la instrucción de gramática. Las preguntas que han guiado esta investigación son: 1) ¿Cómo conceptualizan la gramática? 2) ¿Cuáles son las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia el aprendizaje de gramática? y 3) ¿Qué registros o dialectos se deben usar en el salón de clase, según los estudiantes? Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas con estudiantes en una clase de español como lengua de herencia de nivel intermedio para explorar temas relacionados con la gramática, el uso de diferentes registros y percepciones sobre el programa de SHL en general. Los comentarios de los participantes revelan una actitud positiva hacia el aprendizaje de la gramática y un entendimiento sofisticado de la variación sociolingüística, lo cual tiene implicaciones para futuras investigaciones y la enseñanza de gramática.
“Spanglish”: Bringing the academic debate into the classroom. Towards critical pedagogy in Spanish heritage instruction
Authors: Reznicek-Parrado Lina M.
Published: August 2016

The academic debate that seeks to categorize Spanish spoken in the United States is controversial. The North American Spanish Language Academy publication Hablando bien se entiende la gente, a reference guide for U.S. Spanish speakers, was the catalyst for a series of debates by academics holding one of two main stances: a) that Spanish in the United States is a universal language which should be devoid of excessive influence of English (Piña-Rosales, Covarrubias, Dumitrescu, & ANLE, 2014); and b) that Spanish in the United States is the reflection of its coexistence with English (Lynch & Potowski, 2014). While this academic conversation is important to the field, the debate has to be brought to the speakers themselves. This study presents a quantitative analysis of a judgment task completed by young heritage speakers of Spanish and a qualitative analysis of short-answer surveys. Results show that, despite participants’ high reported use of “Spanglish,” they vehemently reject its use in the academic context. This strong disconnect between practice and attitude raises serious concerns and has significant implications for pedagogy.
Understanding the Spanish heritage language speaker/learner
Authors: Pascual y Cabo Diego , DeLaRosa-Prada Josh
Published: August 2016

While the linguistic traits and specific needs of heritage speakers have been recognized for several decades, academic interest in the different dimensions of this type of bilingualism has increased exponentially in the last ten years. Because of this, significant progress has been made in all areas of inquiry. From formal/theoretical investigations into the mental architecture of the heritage language to explorations of social factors, as well as other pedagogical concerns, numerous research strands are currently shaping our understanding of the field. With this in mind, the goal of this introduction is twofold. First, we aim to provide an overview of the themes and discussions that are currently taking place in the field of Spanish heritage-speaker bilingualism. To this end, we will consider key issues pertaining to a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to, sociolinguistic attitudes, identity, language competency, and language instruction. Secondly, in so doing, the critical presentation and discussion of each of these areas will also serve to contextualize the articles included in this special issue.
Sampling for Soil Carbon Stock Assessment in Rocky Agricultural Soils
Authors: Beem-Miller Jeffrey P. , Kong Angela Y.Y. , Ogle Stephen , Wolfe David
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Soil mass is the greatest source of uncertainty for C stocks on rocky soils.

Coring methods underestimate soil rock fragment content.

Hammer coring methods underestimate soil mass.

Mass‐based C stock reporting can overcome coring method bias.

Rotary corers are a cost‐competitive and less biased alternative to standard corers.

Coring methods commonly employed in soil organic C (SOC) stock assessment may not accurately capture soil rock fragment (RF) content or soil bulk density (ρb) in rocky agricultural soils, potentially biasing SOC stock estimates. Quantitative pits are considered less biased than coring methods but are invasive and often cost‐prohibitive. We compared fixed‐depth and mass‐based estimates of SOC stocks (0.3‐m depth) for hammer, hydraulic push, and rotary coring methods relative to quantitative pits at four agricultural sites ranging in RF content from <0.01 to 0.24 m3 m−3. Sampling costs were also compared. Coring methods significantly underestimated RF content at all rocky sites, but significant differences (p < 0.05) in SOC stocks between pits and corers were only found with the hammer method using the fixed‐depth approach at the <0.01 m3 m−3 RF site (pit, 5.80 kg C m−2; hammer, 4.74 g C m−2) and at the 0.14 m3 m−3 RF site (pit, 8.81 kg C m−2; hammer, 6.71 kg C m−2). The hammer corer also underestimated ρb at all sites as did the hydraulic push corer at the 0.21 m3 m−3 RF site. No significant differences in mass‐based SOC stock estimates were observed between pits and corers. Our results indicate that (i) calculating SOC stocks on a mass basis can overcome biases in RF and ρb estimates introduced by sampling equipment and (ii) a quantitative pit is the optimal sampling method for establishing reference soil masses, followed by rotary and then hydraulic push corers.
Effect of Cogranulation on Oxidation of Elemental Sulfur: Theoretical Model and Experimental Validation
Authors: Degryse Fien , da Silva Rodrigo C. , Baird Roslyn , McLaughlin Mike J.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Fertilizers with ES are usually in granular form.

Cogranulation of ES reduces its oxidation rate.

This granulation effect was modeled based on the reduction in effective surface area.

The model was verified against experimental data for ES‐fortified fertilizers.

Most studies on elemental sulfur (ES) oxidation have focused on small ES particles mixed through soil, even though commercial ES fertilizers are usually in granular form. Although it has been recognized that cogranulation of ES decreases its oxidation rate, no attempt has been made to quantify this effect. We developed a conceptual model that predicts the “effective diameter” (the diameter of ES particles mixed through soil that would oxidize at the same rate as the granulated ES) by taking into account the effect of granulation on the effective surface area available to the ES in the granule cavity after the soluble macronutrient compound in the fertilizer has diffused away. To validate the model, the oxidation rate was determined for ES‐fortified monoammonium phosphate fertilizer with varying ES content (20–250 g kg−1), ES particle diameter (25 or 60 μm), and granule diameter (1.8 or 3.4 mm). The time to reach 50% oxidation varied from 17 d for small granules at the lowest ES content to 210 d for the large granules with the highest ES content. In agreement with the model predictions, reducing ES particle size did not affect the oxidation rate except at the lowest ES rate, whereas reducing granule size increased the oxidation rate. Predicted and observed oxidation rates were in good agreement, indicating that the model describes the effect of granulation with reasonable accuracy. This model may assist in improving formulation of ES‐containing fertilizers and guiding fertilizer recommendations.
Un proyecto editorial con una perspectiva renovada
Authors: Betancur Arias Juan Diego
Published: August 2016

Funlam Journal of Students’ Research (JSR) (en español, Revista de Investigación delos Estudiantes de la Funlam) es un nuevo proyecto editorial adscrito a la Vicerrectoríade Investigaciones. Su precedente se instala en La voz del semillero, publicaciónseriada que circuló hasta el 2013 y tuvo su primera edición en el 2008, momento desdeel que cada año cumplió con la visibilidad de los trabajos académicos y pedagógicosinvestigativos de los estudiantes que pertenecían a los semilleros de investigación y a quienes, exclusivamente, se les ofrecía este espacio de divulgación. Con siete números que están disponibles para consulta en la biblioteca Vicente Serer Vicens de la Institución, el propósito de La voz del semillero
Monetary policy decision-making when information search is costly
Authors: Jung Alexander , Paolo Mongelli Francesco
Published: August 2016

This paper explores monetary policy decision-making within an insurance model with expected utility-maximizing policy-makers. The authors consider that policy-makers are different in terms of their backgrounds, experience and skills and they may disagree on the appropriate policy response. In a monetary policy committee, they share information and decide on interest rates by means of an agreed voting rule. The authors show that, in the presence of risk and search costs, it would be optimal for policy-makers to fully insure against the expected loss from a potential policy error. Whether a monetary policy committee sufficiently hedges against this risk will depend on several factors such as the skills of policy-makers, the distribution of members’ beliefs, and the committee’s (statutory) voting rule, but also on other factors not captured by the model
An introduction to the prospect of the Chinese RMB as a reserve currency
Authors: Gentle Paul
Published: August 2016

On October 1, 2016, the Chinese RMB (yuan) will be included in the SDRs of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reserve currencies are select currencies that have special drawing rights (SDRs). This article examines some of the aspects of this impending change of including the Chinese RMB as a select currency. The U.S. dollar is expected to continue to dominate as a select currency, after October 1, 2016, for the foreseeable future. This article has been written so as to provide general economists with some understanding of special drawing rights (SDR) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and how the addition of the Chinese RMB will fit in, as of October 1, 2016
Village banks: a financial strategy for developing the South African poor households
Authors: Mashigo Polly , Kabir Humayun
Published: August 2016

Access to financial services is a vital component of poverty alleviation, community and individual development. The major constraint experienced by poor South African households is lack of financial support emanating from systemic weaknesses of the formal financial institutions which include lack of infrastructural facilities, high transaction costs and traditional collateral. The objective of this study is to propose a financial strategy that would improve access to financial services and develop the poor households in South Africa. The research is literature-based since it draws on a wide range of academic literature that documents village/community banks and financing the poor. International best practices which are equally important and crucial are used to identify financial inclusion strategy that alleviates the need for collateral and high transaction costs in financial transactions. The study reveals that village banks create access to basic financial services to the poor households on a sustainable basis through community/village mutual trust, relationships, accountability, perfect knowledge, customs and participation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that village banks be established and supported adequately and used as a financial inclusion strategy for developing the poor households in South Africa
Weekday effects on gold: Tokyo, London, and New York markets
Authors: Yu Hai-Chin , Lee Chia-Ju , Shih Tung-Li
Published: August 2016

Using the probability distribution approach, this study explores the weekday effects among Tokyo, London, and New York gold markets. Friday shows positive and significant higher returns, whereas Tuesday shows negative and significant lower returns than other weekdays. The weekend effects still exist, while Monday effects disappear. On average, London was found to have the highest returns, followed by New York and Tokyo. The peak and width estimations show that Tokyo has the highest volatility, while London and New York have similar volatility distributions, implying a similar preference behavior of investors. It also implies that arbitrage opportunities between London and New York could be trivial. After estimating the distribution from Monday to Friday across the three markets, we found that the distribution of return shows a leftward shifting in London and New York, meaning that the weekend effect is starting earlier from Wednesday and Thursday in London and New York. Some strategy implications are valuable to traders or hedgers Vol. 11, Iss: 2, pp.33-44.
Assessing the impact of structural indicators for the European Union banking system on economic evolution: an empirical investigation in EU
Authors: Ahsan Jamil Syed , Nasif Al Shubiri Faris
Published: August 2016

This study aims to investigate the impact of structural indicators for the European Union banking system on economic evolution. The methodological framework is the analysis of three variables of economic evolution. The econometric equation is built by regression test using annual data for the period 2008 to 2014. The indicators of the European banking system consist of fifteen independent variables and their impact on three economic variables consisting of GDP at current market prices, EMU convergence criterion bond yields (Maastricht criterion) and HICP annual average inflation rates are investigated on the growth in EU (dependent variable). The regression results show that there is statistical significant impact at different level 1%, 5% and 10% of all independent variables on EMU convergence criterion bond yields (Maastricht criterion), and in thirteen variables on GDP at current market prices except total assets of domestic banking groups and branches of credit institutions from rest of the world variables. Finally, only three variables total assets of domestic banking groups, branches of credit institutions from rest of the world and assets of pension funds have significant impact on HICP annual average inflation rates. The researchers recommend the need to build the financial stability in the banking system of the European Union with the continuity of modifying commercial legislation based on environmental changes and raise transparency to increase and diversify investments in the financial markets to reduce risk, and, thus, this will lead to increase in the level of social responsibility toward socialist economic
The changing market efficiency of the Nairobi securities exchange
Authors: M. Njuguna Josephine
Published: August 2016

This paper tests for market efficiency changes of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) after the year 2000 and determines whether technological advancements have led to an increase in the market efficiency. The data that are used are the NSE 20 share index over the period, January 2001 to January 2015 and the NSE All Share Index (ASI) from its initiation, in February 2008 to January 2015. The data analysis method applied is the variance ratio test. The study finds that the market efficiency of the NSE has increased over the test period which suggests that advancement in technology has contributed to the increase in the market efficiency of the Kenyan market. Therefore, the findings of the study are in line with the Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH) for the NSE
SEO valuation and insider manipulation of R&D
Authors: M. Hull Robert , Kwak Sungkyu , L. Walker Rosemary
Published: August 2016

We examine a sample of 674 SEOs from 1999-2010 where reduced R&D spending is significantly associated with the lowering of insider ownership proportions. With this association established, we derive an R&D manipulation variable measuring underinvestment in R&D. We add to the SEO-R&D literature by examining the relation between R&D underinvestment and common stock valuation around SEOs. In contrast to the IPO research, we do not find that underinvestment in R&D leads to greater SEO stock valuations during the offer price setting process. Like the IPO research, we find that underinvestment in R&D leads to lower stock valuations for short-run post-offering tests. In contrast to the long-run IPO results, we find a significant association between R&D manipulation and stock valuation for long-run post-offering tests where underinvestment in R&D is associated with lower stock valuations. We also find the five % owner group for SEOs is important in explaining R&D manipulation and discover that underpricing for SEOs is not related to R&D manipulation. These latter two findings are different from IPOs. In conclusion, SEOs can be quite different from IPOs when examining the association between the insider manipulation of R&D and stock valuation
The effect of legislation on hydropower development: case study of Lithuania
Authors: Jatautas Jaunius , Kasiulis Egidijus
Published: August 2016

The article analyzes the effect of the Lithuanian legislation on hydropower development via the document content analysis and comparative analysis of legislation and scientific literature. The main focus of the article is on assessing the hydropower potential in line with the environmental legislation and establishing the possible development priorities. Effective legislative activity and energy sector management stimulate the production and consumption of electricity from renewable energy (RE) sources, which serve as an alternative to organic fuel, while in Lithuania, non-harmonized legislation creates barriers for effective and socially beneficial use of hydropower. The environmental policy in Lithuania is one of the most rigorous in the European Union. The unconditional prohibition of dam building in ecologically and culturally valuable rivers means that the untapped hydropower potential in Lithuania is only 5%
Management of collaboration for agricultural innovation systems: a case of constraints among stakeholders in the North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Sinah Modirwa , I. Oladele Oladimeji
Published: August 2016

The objective of this paper is to identify constraints hindering collaboration among stakeholders for agricultural innovation system in the North West Province of South Africa. A total sample size of 205 respondents is selected for the study. The study first identifies the characteristics of stakeholders involved in the agricultural innovation system in the North West Province. Data are collected through a structured questionnaire on personal characteristics and constraints hindering collaboration in agricultural innovation system among stakeholders. The data are subjected to analysis using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages and one way ANOVA are used for analysis. The results revealed that gender has an influence on the adoption of agricultural innovation in the North West Province; farming decisions are dominated by men rather than women, extension agents (65%), researchers (68%), farmers (51%), input dealers (73%) and marketers (70%). One way analysis of variance results shows no difference in constraint among AIS stakeholders in North West Province. The F value for constraint shows that there is no significant difference among stakeholders in the North West Province
The adoption of tablet PCs by South African college students: an application of the technology acceptance model
Authors: Shambare Richard , Shambare Kudzanai
Published: August 2016

This paper reports the results of a study that investigated South African tertiary education students’ adoption patterns of tablet PCs as an e-learning medium. Utilizing structural equation modelling techniques, the study tested the hypothesized effects of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, two constituent variables of the technology acceptance model (TAM), to predict the adoption of tablet PCs among college students. Self-completion questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 344 students from a South African college. From the study, two important findings were made. First, the association of innovation awareness and adoption was established. Second, the relationship among perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the adoption of new technology in situations involving discontinuous innovations is clarified. In addition, the study makes two contributions. It is the first to utilize structural equation modelling to study the adoption of tablet PCs within the context of e-learning in South Africa. More importantly, the study develops a technology usage model for discontinuous e-learning innovations
Leadership development in undergraduate programs: an example at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Authors: M. Zapalska Alina , Zieser Nick , Kelley Tyler
Published: August 2016

The paper presents specific examples of leadership training practices and educational activities that have been successfully implemented in an undergraduate program at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The purpose of this study is to illustrate a model of experiential learning that facilitates leadership development in an undergraduate program. The integration of cadets’ learning in a classroom, during students’ engagement in service learning, community engagements, internships, and extra-curricular activities allows cadets to develop necessary leadership skills required for graduation and employment in the future. A structured experiential learning environment allows students to discover their own styles of self-leadership and explore new leadership approaches. Concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation are exercised in the learning communities that include faculty, coaches, students (peer groups) and the community they serve
How South African open distance learning students use social media: a survey
Authors: E. Fourie Letitia
Published: August 2016

Various studies have been conducted on the use of social media but there is a gap in the literature with regard to social media use in South Africa as well as the difference in social media usage between Generation Y and older students. Thus the main purpose of this article is to determine how open distance learning (ODL) students use social media and if age makes a difference in social media usage. An online self-administered questionnaire was sent to a sample of first year ODL students via email that consisted of a Likert scale that surveyed how they used social media. The results indicate that students mostly use social media for entertainment purposes. A slight difference in the use of social media by Generation Y students and older students are found. Generation Y use social media mainly for entertainment purposes whereas older students indicate that they use it more for information seeking purposes. By taking these results into consideration, organizations can develop more tailored marketing messages to the consumers in the different age groups. If they want to reach Generation Y with a marketing message it should be more entertaining. Whereas marketing message aimed at older students should be in the form of more informative messages
Influence of sense of coherence on work-life balance at the South African public service
Authors: N. Ethel Abe , Fields Ziska , O. Sulaiman Atiku
Published: August 2016

The inability of workers to achieve balance between work and family responsibilities has led to heightened incidence of illnesses associated with stress. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the role of Sense of Coherence (SOC) on the achievement of work life balance by focusing on individual managers at a municipality in the South African public service. These individual managers often struggle with work-life balance (WLB) challenges like HIV/AIDS, relational tension, single parenthood, child and elder care, alcohol and substance abuse, debt and financial issues, absence of job autonomy, function vagueness/role conflict and job stress. A sequential transformative mixed methods research design is adopted. Data were collected using self-report questionnaire administered to 364 individual managers; additional eleven members of top management were interviewed. Quantitative data gathered are analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 to test the reliability and validity of the instrument as well as the bivariate association between the variables. NVIVO is used in organizing qualitative data for ease of content analysis. The findings indicate that SOC should be considered when designing strategies to address employee work-life needs. Furthermore, it confirmed that the presence of strong SOC does not lead to achievement of WLB
Female directorship, director compensation, managerial shareholding, and price-earnings multiple of Nigerian firms
Authors: Shittu Isah , Che Ahmad Ayoib , Ishak Zuaini
Published: August 2016

The failure of business entities across the globe has continued to draw the attention of stakeholders of those entities. Due to these problems, different countries issued corporate governance regulations to avoid the repeat of the past. Part of the aims of these CG guides is to increase firm value. In Nigeria, similar guidelines issued for firms are referred to as codes of CG. However, arguments exist between stakeholders on whether those corporate governance mechanisms increase the value of shareholders. Some investment analysts suggest the consideration of governance mechanism before investment, while some argue that CG practices are not necessary for Nigeria. To address this problem, this research empirically examines the effects of female directorship, director compensation and managerial shareholding on price-earnings multiple of Nigerian firms. The research uses data from 100 firms listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The study used the generalized method of moments (GMM) to estimate the regression due to endogeneity problem amongst the variables. The study reveals a significant positive association between female directorship, director compensation, managerial shareholding and price-earnings multiple at 10%, 1% and 10%, respectively. Therefore, it recommends additional females on board, compensation for directors and more managerial share ownership
Audit fees prediction using fuzzy models
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Lari Dashtbayaz Mahmoud , Heydari Masomeh
Published: August 2016

The current study aims to predict the optimal amount of independent audit fees based on the factors influencing audit fees. To identify the factors influencing audit fees, the stakeholders of 30 auditing firms, members of the Iranian Association of Certified Public Accountants in Tehran selected randomly, were interviewed. Finally, the linear programming model for audit fees and its determinants is defined and sum of squared error is used to solve the function with minimum. Also, given that the data are quantitative and comparative and normally distributed, Pearson’s correlation coefficient is used to test the research hypotheses. The results show that a positive significant correlation exists between the variables of expected time to perform audit procedures, the number of accounting documents, audit operation risk, complexity of operations, existence of specific rules and regulations governing the activities of the entity
Aspects of a knowledge theory for new venture creation: management, policy and methodological implications
Authors: Stokvik Hanne , J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild , Skålsvik Hugo
Published: August 2016

The problem studied is related to new venture creation. The question the authors will examine here is: What are the knowledge conditions for new venture creation? The methodology used is conceptual generalization. The purpose of the paper is to bring new understandings to venture creation. In attempting to answer the research question, the authors hope to make a contribution to a policy for supporting entrepreneurship, both corporate entrepreneurship and independent entrepreneurship. The approach the authors adopt here has its roots in the Austrian School. The area of research is the global knowledge economy of the 21st century. Finding one, in this paper, is that entrepreneurial policy has to take four types of knowledge (explicit, tacit, implicit, hidden) into consideration in order to effectively bring forward new venture creation. Finding two is a mini theory, i.e., a system of propositions for new venture creation. Finding three is a system of methodology developed to bring forward the four knowledge types mentioned in finding one
Contingencies, new-institutionalism and complexity in the organizational paradigm. The Italian Jobs Act
Authors: Franco Massimo , Cerimele Alberto
Published: August 2016

The present study is animated by the pespective that organizations can be compared to oxymorons lowered into the reality. The primary objective of this paper, therefore, is to highlight, through theoretical contributions and a case study, the role and the challenges that the companies face in the moments of the definition, and adaption, of the organizational structures in relation to the environmental changes and to the complexity, intended as a preliminary condition and opportunity. The essential thoughts animating the analysis are based on the concept of contingencies, on the new-institutionalism theory and they refer to the general framework of the complexity. The principal methodology used to perform the analyses was a process of literature review. In addition, another methodology used to identify a common thread in the existing research was the “conceptual generalization”. This process has highlighted the theoretical and scientific aspects of the analysis and it has been functional to the final analysis, aimed at highlighting the repercussions on the organization of the companies and the human resources of the Jobs Act, a set of laws and legislative decrees that from the end of 2014 has defined new rules and new technical and organizational scenarios
How can we improve the effectiveness of HRM strategy? A model for future research
Authors: J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild , Sætersdal Helene
Published: August 2016

It is unclear what is meant by human resources (HR) practices at various levels: individual (micro); organizational (meso); and general (macro). An important objective of this article is to develop a model for future research into strategic HR management. Problem for discussion is how can organizations maintain their competitive position with the help of strategic HR management? Research questions: 1. How can strategic HR management be understood at different levels? 2. What knowledge base do the authors have for strategic HR management? Method of research – conceptual generalization. Findings: 1. The authors have developed a typology for the different levels (micro, meso and macro) and the various perspectives: behavioral; resource-based; knowledge-based and dynamic capabilities. 2. The authors have developed a research model for future research into strategic HR management, which takes account of the particular level and the knowledge perspective that has been applied. At the same time, the model illustrates examples of HR practices at different levels, HR management results, and organizational performance