bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behind camouflaging: traditional and innovative theoretical perspectives in social and environmental accounting research
Authors: Michelon Giovanna , Pilonato Silvia , Ricceri Federica , Roberts Robin W
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it examines nuances that specific camouflaging perspectives provide to enhance traditional and widely adopted theories in social and environmental accounting. Second, within research on camouflaging, the paper stimulates multidisciplinarity and cross-fertilization by presenting recent developments in organizational theory that hold promise for enhancing our understanding of camouflaging. Finally, it discusses how the research contributions published in this special issue help advance the notion of corporate camouflaging.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper makes use of an extensive literature review and discusses research implications related with the choice of theoretical framework.

Findings

– The idea of camouflaging may provide narrower and more refined perspective(s) that can help researchers delve deeper into their topic of interest and thereby support potentially substantive contributions to the field.

Originality/value

– The paper offers suggestions for future social and environmental accounting research that adopts the concepts of organized hypocrisy, organizational façades and functional stupidity into the study of organizations.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Syntrophomonas wolfei
subsp.
methylbutyratica
Strain 4J5
T
(JCM 14075), a Mesophilic Butyrate- and 2-Methylbutyrate-Degrading Syntroph
Authors: Narihiro Takashi , Nobu Masaru K. , Tamaki Hideyuki , Kamagata Yoichi , Liu Wen-Tso
Published: March 2016

Syntrophomonas wolfei
subsp.
methylbutyratica
strain 4J5
T
(=JCM 14075
T
) is a mesophilic bacterium capable of degrading butyrate and 2-methylbutyrate through syntrophic cooperation with a partner methanogen. The draft genome sequence is 3.2 Mb, with a G+C content of 45.5%.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
subsp.
bulgaricus
CFL1, a Lactic Acid Bacterium Isolated from French Handcrafted Fermented Milk
Authors: Meneghel Julie , Dugat-Bony Eric , Irlinger Françoise , Loux Valentin , Vidal Marie , Passot Stéphanie , Béal Catherine , Layec Séverine , Fonseca Fernanda
Published: March 2016

Lactobacillus delbrueckii
subsp.
bulgaricus
(
L. bulgaricus
) is a lactic acid bacterium widely used for the production of yogurt and cheeses. Here, we report the genome sequence of
L. bulgaricus
CFL1 to improve our knowledge on its stress-induced damages following production and end-use processes.
Invasive aspergillosis presenting as an intracardiac mass in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Bajaj Nitin , Chadha Davinder , Hasija Pradeep , Arora Harmeet Singh
Published: March 2016

Invasive aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised patients. We report a case of invasive aspergillosis presenting as a febrile respiratory infection with a cardiac mass in an immunocompetent patient. Excision of the intracardiac mass followed by histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was managed with voriconazole, to which he responded well. Rare occurrence of an intracardiac mass with systemic aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host is discussed in this case report.
Full-face motorcycle helmet protection from facial impacts: an investigation using THOR dummy impacts and SIMon finite element head model
Authors: Whyte Thomas , Gibson Tom , Eager David , Milthorpe Bruce
Published: March 2016

Objective

Facial impacts are both common and injurious for helmeted motorcyclists who crash; however, there is no facial impact requirement in major motorcycle helmet standards. This study examined the effect of full-face motorcycle helmet protection on brain injury risk in facial impacts using a test device with biofidelic head and neck motion. A preliminary investigation of energy absorbing foam in the helmet chin bar was carried out.

Method

Flat-faced rigid pendulum impacts were performed on a THOR dummy in an unprotected (no helmet) and protected mode (two full-face helmet conditions). The head responses of the dummy were input into the simulated injury monitor finite element head model to analyse the risk of brain injury in these impacts.

Results

Full-face helmet protection provides a significant reduction in brain injury risk in facial impacts at increasing impact speeds compared with an unprotected rider (p<0.05). The effect of low-density crushable foam added to the chin bar could not be distinguished from an unpadded chin bar impact.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of an impact attenuation requirement for the face, full-face helmets do provide a reduction in head injury risk to the wearer in facial impacts. The specific helmet design factors that influence head injury risk in facial impacts need further investigation if improved protection for helmeted motorcyclists is to be achieved.
Improved Method Used to Investigate the Dynamic Shear Failure of AISI 1045 Steel Cylinder Under Blast Loading
Authors: Liang Minzu , Li Xiangyu , Lu Fangyun
Published: March 2016

This study describes an improved method used to determine the dynamic shear failure of materials under blast loading conditions. The proposed method is a convenient and effective and generates material failure along the controlled fracture trajectories under uniform uniaxial stress conditions at a strain rate of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text]. The method was developed by performing experiments on AISI 1045 steel with heat treatment. Specimens were filled with composition B explosives and detonated, and fragments were recovered. Most of the macroscopic shear cracks originated at the notch tips and connected adjacent internal and external notches. The phenomena of multipath and bifurcate shear fracture trajectories were also observed. Fractography analysis of the fragments provided data on damage and failure mechanism and revealed that dynamic shear fracture was characterized by microvoids and microcracks. The adiabatic shear band of AISI 1045 steel was detected on the fracture surface boundary. This finding indicates that adiabatic shear localization is the underlying failure mechanism of the studied material.
A Thermomechanically Consistent Constitutive Theory for Modeling Micro-Void and/or Micro-Crack Driven Failure in Metals at Finite Strains
Authors: Soyarslan Celal , Turtuk Ismail Cem , Deliktas Babur , Bargmann Swantje
Published: March 2016

Within a continuum approximation, we present a thermomechanical finite strain plasticity model which incorporates the blended effects of micro-heterogeneities in the form of micro-cracks and micro-voids. The former accounts for cleavage-type of damage without any volume change whereas the latter is a consequence of plastic void growth. Limiting ourselves to isotropy, for cleavage damage a scalar damage variable [Formula: see text] is incorporated. Its conjugate variable, the elastic energy release rate, and evolution law follow the formal steps of thermodynamics of internal variables requiring postulation of an appropriate damage dissipation potential. The growth of void volume fraction [Formula: see text] is incorporated using a Gurson-type porous plastic potential postulated at the effective stress space following continuum damage mechanics principles. Since the growth of micro-voids is driven by dislocation motion around voids the dissipative effects corresponding to the void growth are encapsulated in the plastic flow. Thus, the void volume fraction is used as a dependent variable using the conservation of mass. The predictive capability of the model is tested through uniaxial tensile tests at various temperatures [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C]. It is shown, via fracture energy plots, that temperature driven ductile-brittle transition in fracture mode is well captured. With an observed ductile-brittle transition temperature around [Formula: see text]C, at lower temperatures fracture is brittle dominated by [Formula: see text] whereas at higher temperatures it is ductile dominated by [Formula: see text].
Glucosensing in the gastrointestinal tract: Impact on glucose metabolism
Authors: Fournel Audren , Marlin Alysson , Abot Anne , Pasquio Charles , Cirillo Carla , Cani Patrice D. , Knauf Claude
Published: March 2016

The gastrointestinal tract is an important interface of exchange between ingested food and the body. Glucose is one of the major dietary sources of energy. All along the gastrointestinal tube, e.g., the oral cavity, small intestine, pancreas, and portal vein, specialized cells referred to as glucosensors detect variations in glucose levels. In response to this glucose detection, these cells send hormonal and neuronal messages to tissues involved in glucose metabolism to regulate glycemia. The gastrointestinal tract continuously communicates with the brain, especially with the hypothalamus, via the gut-brain axis. It is now well established that the cross talk between the gut and the brain is of crucial importance in the control of glucose homeostasis. In addition to receiving glucosensing information from the gut, the hypothalamus may also directly sense glucose. Indeed, the hypothalamus contains glucose-sensitive cells that regulate glucose homeostasis by sending signals to peripheral tissues via the autonomous nervous system. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which glucosensors along the gastrointestinal tract detect glucose, as well as the results of such detection in the whole body, including the hypothalamus. We also highlight how disturbances in the glucosensing process may lead to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of the pathways regulating glucose homeostasis will further facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Childhood Socioeconomic Position and Pubertal Onset: Implications for Breast Cancer
Authors: Hiatt RA , Stewart SL , Hoeft KS , Kushi LH , Windham G , Biro FM , Pinney SM , Wolff M , Teitelbaum S , Braithwaite D
Published: March 2016

Higher socioeconomic position (SEP) has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Its relationship with the age of menarche, which is inversely associated with risk of breast cancer, and to the age of pubertal onset, is less clear. We studied the relationship of SEP to pubertal onset in a multiethnic cohort of girls aged 6–8 years at baseline and followed for 5–8 years in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program in three study sites across the United States that included annual clinical examinations performed from 2004 to 2012. Analyses were conducted with accelerated failure time models using a Weibull distribution, with left, right and interval censoring. Among 1059 girls, an index of SEP comprised of household family income, mother's education and whether the home was owned or rented was assessed for associations with pubertal onset, measured by breast budding (Tanner Stage B2) and pubic hair development (Tanner Stage PH2). Girl's BMI% at entry to the study and black or Hispanic race/ethnicity were the strongest predictors of age at pubertal onset by both measurements, but the SEP index was an independent predictor in adjusted models. Girls from the lowest quintile of SEP entered puberty on average 6% earlier (6.0–7.5 months) than girls from the highest quintile (time ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.91–0.97) adjusted for BMI%, race/ethnicity and their interaction. The meaning of SEP in this relationship bears further study, but our results suggest that early life social circumstances beyond race/ethnicity and body size may influence the timing of pubertal development.
Trial-to-trial Adaptation: Parsing out the Roles of Cerebellum and BG in Predictive Motor Timing
Authors: Lungu Ovidiu V. , Bares Martin , Liu Tao , Gomez Christopher M. , Cechova Ivica , Ashe James
Published: March 2016

We previously demonstrated that predictive motor timing (i.e., timing requiring visuomotor coordination in anticipation of a future event, such as catching or batting a ball) is impaired in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 6 and 8 relative to healthy controls. Specifically, SCA patients had difficulties postponing their motor response while estimating the target kinematics. This behavioral difference relied on the activation of both cerebellum and striatum in healthy controls, but not in cerebellar patients, despite both groups activating certain parts of cerebellum during the task. However, the role of these two key structures in the dynamic adaptation of the motor timing to target kinematic properties remained unexplored. In the current paper, we analyzed these data with the aim of characterizing the trial-by-trial changes in brain activation. We found that in healthy controls alone, and in comparison with SCA patients, the activation in bilateral striatum was exclusively associated with past successes and that in the left putamen, with maintaining a successful performance across successive trials. In healthy controls, relative to SCA patients, a larger network was involved in maintaining a successful trial-by-trial strategy; this included cerebellum and fronto-parieto-temporo-occipital regions that are typically part of attentional network and action monitoring. Cerebellum was also part of a network of regions activated when healthy participants postponed their motor response from one trial to the next; SCA patients showed reduced activation relative to healthy controls in both cerebellum and striatum in the same contrast. These findings support the idea that cerebellum and striatum play complementary roles in the trial-by-trial adaptation in predictive motor timing. In addition to expanding our knowledge of brain structures involved in time processing, our results have implications for the understanding of BG disorders, such as Parkinson disease where feedback processing or reward learning is affected.
Foraging for Coherence in Neuroscience: A Pragmatist Orientation
Authors: Schulkin Jay
Published: March 2016

Foraging for coherence is a pragmatist philosophy of the brain. It is a philosophy anchored to objects and instrumental in understanding the brain. Our age is dominated by neuroscience. A critical common sense underlies inquiry including that of neuroscience. Thus a pragmatist orientation to neuroscience is about foraging for coherence; not overselling neuroscience. Foraging for coherence is the search for adaptation – diverse epistemic orientation tied ideally to learning about oneself, one’s nature, and one’s history in the context of learning about the brain. Neuroscience is about us: Our desires, habits, styles of reason, human vulnerability, and abuse. The language of the neuron, or the gene, or the systems does not replace the discussion about us as the person, in the social and historical context.
China’s rise, the USA and global order: Contested perspectives and an alternative approach
Authors: Nuruzzaman Mohammed
Published: March 2016

China’s recent economic ascendance and its probable impact on the post-war global order have divided China watchers or sinologists into two broad opposing camps – the school of alarmists and the school of deniers. While the alarmist school exaggerates China’s rise as the beginning of a new Sino-centric world order, the denial school rejects the potential of a rising China to challenge and replace the post-war global order shaped and led by the USA. This review essay maps out the major arguments of both camps, critiques their conceptual and methodological shortcomings, highlights the missing points in the debates on China’s projected economic preeminence and emphasizes an alternative approach to account for the rise of Chinese power. It argues that the differing scholarly views on the impacts of China’s economic rise leave us nowhere close to having definitive ideas about China’s actual power status and impacts. Furthermore, the debates are marked by a general lack of comparative analyses on the global socio-economic and political conditions of China’s rise in the modern context and that of imperial Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, Germany in the late 19th century and the USA in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This is where more research is required to clearly understand the rise of China in the contemporary world.
VRK2 gene expression in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and healthy controls
Authors: Tesli Martin , Wirgenes Katrine Verena , Hughes Timothy , Bettella Francesco , Athanasiu Lavinia , Hoseth Eva S. , Nerhus Mari , Lagerberg Trine V. , Steen Nils E. , Agartz Ingrid , Melle Ingrid , Dieset Ingrid , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Common variants in the Vaccinia-related kinase 2 (VRK2) gene have been associated with schizophrenia, but the relevance of its encoded protein VRK2 in the disorder remains unclear.

Aims

To identify potential differences in VRK2 gene expression levels between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified (PNOS) and healthy controls.

Method

VRK2 mRNA level was measured in whole blood in 652 individuals (schizophrenia, n = 201; bipolar disorder, n = 167; PNOS, n = 61; healthy controls, n = 223), and compared across diagnostic categories and subcategories. Additionally, we analysed for association between 1566 VRK2 single nucleotide polymorphisms and mRNA levels.

Results

We found lower VRK2 mRNA levels in schizophrenia compared with healthy controls (P<10–12), bipolar disorder (P<10–12) and PNOS (P = 0.0011), and lower levels in PNOS than in healthy controls (P = 0.0042) and bipolar disorder (P = 0.00026). Expression quantitative trait loci in close proximity to the transcription start site of the short isoforms of the VRK2 gene were identified.

Conclusions

Altered VRK2 gene expression seems specific for schizophrenia and PNOS, which is in accordance with findings from genome-wide association studies. These results suggest that reduced VRK2 mRNA levels are involved in the underlying mechanisms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Earthquake Loss Estimates and Policy Implications for Nonductile Concrete Buildings in Los Angeles
Authors: Anagnos Thalia , Comerio Mary C. , Stewart Jonathan P.
Published: March 2016

The collapse potential of nonductile concrete buildings represents a substantial life safety hazard globally that can be mitigated through carefully crafted policy. Mitigation policy should be approached incrementally by (1) understanding problem scale, (2) screening for low- and high-risk buildings, (3) performing engineering analysis for potentially vulnerable buildings, and (4) retrofit or replacement of high-risk structures. This research addresses initial stages of this sequence for Los Angeles, California. The intent was to investigate approaches for informing mitigation priorities by: characterizing the inventory of approximately 1,500 pre-1976 concrete buildings; estimating risk, including identification of building types that contribute most substantially to the risk; and investigating the impact of retrofit policy alternatives. Loss estimates for scenario events are based on the HAZUS™ Advanced Engineering Building Module. Depending on model assumptions, losses range from $1.8 to $28.5 billion and <50 to 8,300 fatalities. We investigate proposals targeting vulnerable buildings for retrofit as compared to retrofitting all buildings in the inventory. Awareness raised by this research contributed to the formation of the Los Angeles Mayoral Seismic Safety Task Force, which developed policy proposals.
Risk of falling for people with venous leg ulcers: a literature review
Authors: Humphreys Catriona , Moffatt Christine , Hood Victoria
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Little is known about the risk of falling for people with venous leg ulcers (VLUs), and this subject has not been considered in UK populations. Many problems associated with living with VLUs are also known risk factors for sustaining a fall. This literature review considered the question: ‘Do community-dwelling older adults with VLUs have different outcomes in physical function measures used to assess the risk of falling compared with those without VLUs?’

Method:

A review of quantitative literature relating to measures of physical function in people with and without VLUs was undertaken, the development of which was guided by the PRISMA guidelines.

Findings:

People with VLUs have poorer scores in measures of physical function than in people without. Reliability of studies included in the review was hampered by small sample sizes and threats to internal validity and generalisability.

Conclusions:

People with VLUs may be at a greater risk of falling owing to limitations in balance and mobility. Improving physical function may result in ulcer healing and better quality of life. Reducing falls risk may also lead to improved patient safety and enhanced care outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand the problem.
Effect of Web Assisted Education Supported by Six Thinking Hats on Students’ Academic Achievement in Science and Technology Classes
Authors: Ercan Orhan , Bilen Kadir
Published: March 2016

Advances in computer technologies and adoption of related methods and techniques in education have developed parallel to each other. This study focuses on the need to utilize more than one teaching method and technique in education rather than focusing on a single teaching method. By using the pre-test post-test and control group semi-experimental researchmodel, this study examined the effects of the web-assisted education method supported by six thinking hats technique on student achievement, on students’ attitudes towards science and their attitudes towards the use of computers in science classes. The working group of the study was composed of 7th graders in a state secondary school in the 2013-2014 academic year. A working group consists of two randomly selected classes assigned as the experimental and control groups. The working group comprised of 50 students with 25 experimental and 25 control group students. Paired samples t-test, independent samples t-test and ANOVA techniques were used in analyzing the data collected via data collection tools to compare the experimental and control groups. The results showed that web-assisted education materials prepared with the use of the six thinking hats technique increased student attitudes towards science and computers. Students’ attitudes towards computers were similar based on the variables of owning a computer and gender. Paternal education levels had no significant effects on student attitudes towards computers and their academic achievement.
A Study on the Mothers of Roma Children Who Are a Risk Group
Authors: Orcan Maide , Cicekler Canan Yildiz , Ari Ramazan
Published: March 2016

This study aims to define Roma mothers’ views regarding their children’s education and their tendency towards crime. The study is based on an illustrative case study method. The participants of this study are mothers of Roma children between the ages of 4 and 6 who live in Konya, Turkey — more specifically in the Yenimahalle neighborhood in the town of Karatay and who do not attend any preschool programs. As a data collection tool, a questionnaire prepared by the researchers is employed, while in data analysis, descriptive analysis is used. The Roma mothers articulated that they want their children to have education and jobs; that they do not want their children to suffer in the same way they did; that the Roma culture prevents children’s education and therefore the mothers prefer to send their children to private schools, boarding schools or to schools far away from their neighborhoods by taking school buses; that they want their children to be judges, lawyers, nurses and teachers. The mothers stated that they meet the basic needs of their children; that they watch TV together and/or do housework together with their children. They also said that when their children commit a crime, they beat their children; they get angry with them and scold and/or complain to their fathers. They finally added that they can take measures for the children’s not committing a crime by talking to the children or by scolding them. Additionally, Roma mothers state that by taking the case to the fathers they can prevent their children from committing crimes.
The Effect on the 8th Grade Students’ Attitude towards Statistics of Project Based Learning
Authors: Koparan Timur , Güven Bülent
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the effect of the project based learning approach on 8th students’ attitude towards statistics. With this aim, an attitude scale towards statistics was developed. Quasi experimental research model was used in this study. Following this model in the control group the traditional method was applied to teach statistics wheras in the intervention group project based learning approach was followed. The attitude scale towards statistics was applied as pre-test and post-tests to 70 students studying at two different 8th grade classes of a middle school in Trabzon during the 2011–2012 Academic Year. The results of the study revealed that the project based learning increased students’ attitude towards statistics in the intervention group. Therefore, the use of project based learning approach during statistics course in mathematics classes is recommended.
Erosion processes initialized by use of heavy equipment in mountain forests of the Wilczy Potok catchment, Silesian Beskids
Authors: Łukasik Włodzimierz , Kubiesa Piotr , Staszewski Tomasz
Published: March 2016

Forest stand decomposition of the Silesian Beskids which is followed by the tree cutting has been observed since the beginning of the 21st century. Changes in forest management due to the introduction of heavy machines for forest work mainly for skidding have been observed in the Silesian Beskids for the last decade. The paper presents results of a three-year investigation of erosion gullies forming in mountain forest after the skidding performed with use of heavy equipment. In the Wilczy Potok catchment comprising an area of above 100 ha 40 gullies were identified. The measurement of the length and depth of gullies showed that the total volume of soil and rock material removed from the catchment area due to erosion accelerated by skidding exceeded 9 000 m3. The year erosion rate for deep gullies was found to be 10%. The presented results show that necessary protective actions and preventive measures should be taken to mitigate the soil degradation processes.
Copyright and Free Speech: The Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Krisjanis Buss
Published: March 2016

The relationship between copyright and freedom of expression has long been debated. Unlike the legal discourse in other jurisdictions, most notably the United States, where it is assumed that free speech and copyright do not collide, in Europe both rights have separate legal effect and are considered to be of equal importance. As a result, when an individual refers to the human right of free speech to hold and impart copyright protected material, it triggers the collision between the two rights. This paper highlights and explores these relationships between copyright and freedom of expression in Europe, offering an in-depth analysis of the human rights scope of copyright and free speech, as well as examining the circumstances under which each conflicting right should prevail.
Founders in the Living-Dead Trap: A Theoretical Exploration at Entrepreneurship’s Dark Core
Authors: Casas Tomas , Hilb Michael
Published: March 2016

This paper explores the concept of the living-dead trap (LDT), a pervasive state of entrepreneurship resulting from the decision to persevere in the operation of a venture in the face of sustained financial underperformance and personal psychological disutility. Financially underperforming firms can survive for long periods, usually with injections of sweat equity and debt, often decimating in the process the capital of their founders and investors as well as the obligations incurred to employees and other creditors. More specifically, this paper suggests a personal composite of specific cognitive and affective processes that leads entrepreneurs to commit to “failing but not failed” projects. That is, to fall into a trap known as the living-dead trap. We posit the living-dead phenomenon as a most pervasive state in firm founding drawing on cognitive and affective perspectives to model the attendant decision-making processes.
Female Sex Tourism in the Caribbean – A “Fair Trade” or a New Kind of Colonial Exploitation? – Tanika Gupta’s Sugar Mummies and Debbie Tucker Green’s Trade
Authors: Klein Hildegard
Published: March 2016

The above-mentioned authors offer a challenging and revealing study of the enjoyments and drawbacks of female sex tourism. I examine the interactions between white female tourists and local black men from the context of post-colonialism, asking whether these encounters can be considered a “fair trade” or whether they are the neo-colonising of people in this ex-slave society.
The FGF23/Klotho axis in the regulation of mineral and metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Kawai Masanobu
Published: March 2016

The function of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 has been suggested to be multifaceted beyond its canonical function as a regulator of mineral metabolism. FGF23 was originally shown to play a central role in phosphate (Pi) and vitamin D metabolism, and a number of diseases associated with dysregulated Pi metabolism have been attributed to abnormal FGF23 signaling activities. The discovery of Klotho as a co-receptor for FGF23 signaling has also accelerated understanding on the molecular mechanisms underlying Pi and vitamin D metabolism. In addition to these canonical functions, FGF23 has recently been implicated in a number of metabolic diseases including chronic kidney disease-associated complications, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related disorders; however, the physiological significance and molecular mechanisms of these emerging roles of FGF23 remain largely unknown. Molecular and functional insights into the FGF23 pathway will be discussed in the present review, with an emphasis on its role in human disorders related to dysregulated Pi metabolism as well as metabolic disorders.
Effect of Stirring Speed in Hot Mixing Process of Modified Asphalt with SBS Copolymer on Polymeric Distribution and its Rheological Properties
Authors: González García Esteban Alberto , Herrera Nájera Rafael
Published: March 2016

The current work reports the effect of particle size on the rheological behavior of polymer modified asphalt PMA. The modified asphalt was generated with AC-20 asphalt precursor provided by Pemex Salamanca and Solprene® 416 provided by Dynasol Mexico. Solprene® 416 is a SBS star-type copolymer with 4 poly(b-styrene-b-butadiene) arms and Mw = 2.36X105g/gmole. Modified asphalt samples were prepared with 3 wt % of SBS via hot mix process. Mixing time and temperature were kept constant at 4h and 180 °C. This study also varied the agitation in the mixing process: 500, 1000 and 1500 rpm. All PMAs shown sphere-shaped polymer particles as observed via fluorescent microscopy using a Carl Zeiss KS-300 system. Base asphalt and PMAs were also characterized through rheological measurements using a TA Instruments AR-G2 rheometer. Shear viscosity (η) and tan δ data shown that the flow resistance of the PMA increases as the size its polymer particles decreases. Since the size of the polymer particles decreases with the increase of the stirring speed, it is concluded that the stirring speed of the process determines the size of the polymer particles and so the mechanical resistance of the PMA.
Temporary propping at Crossrail Paddington station
Authors: Chambers Paul , Augarde Charles , Reed Sam , Dobbins Adrian
Published: March 2016

The construction of Crossrail Paddington station in London (between 2011 and 2018) required a large temporary propping system, which contained one of the most comprehensive monitoring schemes to date. This paper explores the design and operation of this system through the analysis of a data set collected during the construction period and the numerical modelling undertaken at Durham University. The effects of temperature variation on the partially exposed propping system are quantified, as well as the impact of events in the construction sequence including slab casting, adjacent prop removal and excavation. Several lessons were learned during the construction, in terms of prop installation and removal and the management of the monitoring system. These are discussed for the benefit of future projects using temporary propping and monitoring schemes. The findings from this research have led to a greater understanding of the behaviour of propping systems under different environmental conditions, and may therefore lead to more efficient and safer designs in the future.
A ABRANGÊNCIA DA CONTABILIDADE GERENCIAL SEGUNDO OS DOCENTES DAS INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA
Authors: Carlos Filho Francisco de Assis , Cravo Teixeira Lagioia Umbelina , Matos de Meira Juliana , Nonato Rodrigues Raimundo
Published: March 2016

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a área de abrangência da contabilidade gerencial segundo a percepção dos docentes de contabilidade vinculados às Instituições de Ensino Superior do Estado da Paraíba. Para o alcance do objetivo foram aplicados questionários com perguntas fechadas. A população compreende docentes do curso de ciências contábeis das 11 universidades/faculdades autorizadas pelo Ministério da Educação a ofertar o curso de ciências contábeis do tipo presencial e a amostra compreende 48 docentes dessas instituições. Os itens técnicas de contabilidade gerencial estratégica, informações contábeis para tomada de decisões e custos para controle, avaliação e tomada de decisão, são os únicos itens dentre os 31 analisados que são considerados muito importantes dentro da abrangência da contabilidade gerencial. Comparando com estudos idênticos realizados nos estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina, verificou-se que 7 itens se apresentam convergentes, são eles: informações contábeis para tomada de decisões e custos para controle, avaliação e tomada de decisão são considerados muito importantes, custeio-padrão e análise das variações = custos para controle, formação do preço de venda, planejamento (estratégico, tático e operacional), orçamento operacional, são considerados importantes e implicações comportamentais é considerado sem nenhuma importância nos três estados comparados.  As maiores divergências encontradas são os itens avaliação de patrimônio e planejamento e controle tributário, com classificações distintas nos três estados comparados.
A “CONTABILIDADE CRIATIVA” E A INSCRIÇÃO DE RESTOS A PAGAR COMO “EXPEDIENTE” PARA ALCANÇAR O SUPERAVIT PRIMÁRIO
Authors: Augustinho Sonia Maria , Oliveira Antonio Gonçalves de , Lima Isaura Alberton de
Published: March 2016

Este artigo faz uma relação entre o volume inscrito em restos a pagar e a utilização da “contabilidade criativa” para dar cumprimento à meta fiscal de superávit primário do governo federal. Mostra também as conseqüências dessa elevação dos restos a pagar para as contas públicas nos últimos onze anos. A metodologia adotada quanto aos fins fundamenta-se em pesquisas exploratória e descritiva; e quanto aos meios, em bibliográfica e documental. Os resultados demonstram que o aumento, em mais de 10 vezes, nos valores inscritos em restos a pagar, medidos de 2002 a 2012, não resultou na sustentabilidade da política fiscal praticada, impelindo o governo a recorrer a outros artifícios contábeis, visto que essas despesas postergadas, quando pagas, impactam a execução financeira, impulsionando as despesas do exercício em curso para os próximos anos, dificultando o alcance das metas fiscais.
EDUCAÇÃO FISCAL, TERCEIRO SETOR E FUNÇÕES DE GOVERNO: UMA ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DO PROGRAMA DE EDUCAÇÃO FISCAL DO RN NOS INDICADORES DAS FUNÇÕES DE GOVERNO DOS MUNICÍPIOS
Authors: Borges Erivan Ferreira , Pereira José Matias , Borges Gilmara Mendes da Costa , Da Silva José Jailson
Published: March 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma análise do impacto causado nos indicadores sociais de funções de governo dos municípios sedes das entidades de terceiros setor beneficiárias dos repasses do Programa de Educação Fiscal do RN (PEF/RN) entre os exercícios 2004 e 2009. O PEF/RN tem como objetivos promover e institucionalizar a educação fiscal para o pleno exercício da cidadania, sensibilizar o cidadão para a função socioeconômica do tributo, proporcionar-lhes conhecimentos sobre administração pública, e incentivar o acompanhamento pela sociedade da aplicação dos recursos públicos (PNEF MF/MEC, 2002; PEF/RN, 1997). A pesquisa buscou verificar se a atuação dessas entidades, a partir do recebimento de recursos advindos do PEF, impacta significativa e positivamente nos indicadores sociais dos seus municípios de domicílios. Utilizando-se o teste de hipóteses para médias emparelhadas, os resultados indicam que de maneira geral houve variação positiva nos indicadores, com reflexo direto sobre as funções de assistência social, saúde, desporto e lazer. Quando segregada em estratos, os resultados indicam que esse impacto é concentrado nos municípios com populações superiores a 50.000 habitantes, resultado da concentração econômica na capital e região metropolitana. Como proposta de estudos posteriores, pode-se procurar entender quais são as principais dificuldades enfrentadas por tais entidades para captação dos recursos distribuídos pelo programa, desde aos aspectos cadastrais, acesso a informações e entidades comerciais parceiras. Também se recomenda verificar e investigar a efetividade na aplicação dos gastos, o impacto do programa na formação educacional da população e o que pensam os cidadãos dos municípios sedes sobre a atuação das entidades.
FORMULATION EFFECT: UMA ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DA FORMA DE APRESENTAÇÃO DE DEMONSTRATIVOS E RELATÓRIOS CONTÁBEIS SOBRE O PROCESSO DECISÓRIO
Authors: Lima Diogo Henrique Silva de , Silva César Augusto Tibúrcio
Published: March 2016

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo verificar se a forma como os demonstrativos e relatórios contábeis são apresentados pode (ou não) influenciar as decisões dos usuários de informações financeiras, tendo como base as respostas de 1.850 discentes dos cursos de Administração e Contábeis de instituições públicas e particulares. Foram realizados cinco experimentos, apresentados sob forma de questionário, estruturados em dois estudos. No Estudo I, composto pelos experimentos 1, 2 e 5, o objetivo foi verificar se os diferentes tratamentos contábeis para avaliação e evidenciação de alguns elementos contábeis afetam, de forma significante, as decisões dos alunos. O Estudo II, composto dos experimentos 3, 4, buscou verificar se a utilização de recursos textuais e/ou gráficos na apresentação de informações financeiras pode alterar a percepção e, consequente, decisão dos indivíduos. Os resultados evidenciam que os participantes da pesquisa tiveram suas escolhas influenciadas pelo critério de avaliação de estoques e evidenciação de P&D utilizados e pelo reconhecimento dos efeitos da inflação na elaboração das demonstrações contábeis, bem como pela utilização de recursos textuais e/ou gráficos na apresentação dos relatórios financeiros, comprovando o efeito formulação nas situações apresentadas.
As lacunas constitucionais e sua integração
Authors: Sarmento Daniel
Published: March 2016

O artigo explora a ideia de lacunas constitucionais e busca definir eanalisar os meios existentes para a sua integração no ordenamentobrasileiro. Neste sentido, explora-se a analogia constitucional, oscostumes e convenções constitucionais e a equidade.
Hermenêutica e desvios cognitivos
Authors: Freitas Juarez
Published: March 2016

Os estudos sobre o funcionamento do cérebro revelam os pronunciados riscos de enviesamentos (“biases”) na interpretação do mundo e, nessa medida, na compreensão do Direito. Assim, a hermenêutica jurídica resultará significativamente enriquecida pelo esclarecimento científico desses erros sistemáticos e, ao mesmo tempo, pela sugestão de novos hábitos mentais contra as predisposições tendentes a prejudicar o apropriado processo de tomada da decisão.
A problemática atinente às limitações do mero reconhecimento legal dos direitos humanos: a dignidade humana, para além do individualismo liberal, enquanto discurso legitimador sobre os fundamentos morais
Authors: Farenzena Suélen
Published: March 2016

O presente texto tem por objetivo analisar os limites do mero reconhecimento legal dos direitos humanos, demonstrando que a fundamentação desses constitui sua chave de proteção, efetivação e realização. O estudo propõe-se a demonstrar que o sistema positivo do direito, dissociado de valores morais, não é suficiente para proteção dos direitos humanos, evidenciando, em conseqüência, que para se efetivar a proteção desses direitos há de se encontrar um marco, um fundamento teórico-racional que a justifique, construído a partir da constatação de que os direitos humanos remetem a exigências imprescindíveis para a vida da pessoa humana, que, tento em vista a pretensão de universalidade, não pode restringir-se ao contexto ideológico do liberalismo.
Outras práticas possíveis da psicologia na prisão / Other possible practical psychology in prison
Authors: Pacheco Pedro José , Vaz Viviane Naisinger
Published: March 2016

O presente estudo visa problematizar o ser/fazer psicológico dentro das prisões brasileiras, identificando-o como primeiramente voltado exclusivamente a intervenções avaliativas e julgadoras a fim de subsidiar decisões judiciais para fins de concessão de direitos/benefícios dos sujeitos presos durante a execução de suas penas. Adotando uma perspectiva crítica quanto a este modo tradicional de ser/fazer psicológico, apresentamos outras possibilidades de inserção dessa ciência e profissão nas prisões, mais voltadas à abertura de espaços institucionais criativos e humanizantes que potencializem a emancipação do pensamento, das ideias e dos afetos, a fim de propiciar reflexões e análises teórico-práticas sobre a experiência do encarceramento e seus possíveis efeitos na vida dos sujeitos encarcerados. Para tanto, apresentamos como referencial teórico as abordagens de Erwin Goffman e Michel Foucault acerca das prisões e da criminalidade e penalidades contemporâneas, bem como os estudos atuais sobre saúde mental e da saúde coletiva, especialmente os voltados aos conceitos de prevenção de doenças e promoção de saúde. Por fim, é apresentado e analisado um trabalho de pesquisa intervenção realizado durante seis meses junto a um presídio do interior do Estado do RS, onde se construiu um espaço semanal de acompanhamento psicológico/terapêutico às presas deste estabelecimento, a fim de problematizar a temática prisional na realidade atual brasileira e seus possíveis efeitos em termos de formação de subjetividades mais autônomas e criativas.
A fundação da sociedade civil e o titular do poder constituinte em Hobbes e Espinosa: entre Cila e Caribde / The civil society foundation and the holder of constituent power in Hobbes and Spinoza: between Scylla and Charybdis
Authors: Santos Marina França
Published: March 2016

O presente trabalho se propõe a fazer uma reflexão crítica da tradição constitucionalista por meio do diálogo com as ideias de direito e de estado natural, de sociedade civil e de pacto social; noções centrais à construção do pensamento político e jurídico ocidental. Discutem-se, sob perspectiva, os legados ao constitucionalismo de Hobbes e Espinosa. Conclui-se, optando-se pela visão espinosana, que a fundação da sociedade civil deve ser uma escolha pelo reforço dos direitos fundamentais e que de tal defesa depende a titularidade comum, plural e democrática do poder político.
Teletrabalho e sociedade da informação: modalidades e jornada de trabalho
Authors: Barreto Junior Irineu Francisco , Da Silva Josiane Machado
Published: March 2016

Este artigo trata do surgimento de nova modalidade laboral, denominada teletrabalho, enfoca aspectos relacionados às suas diferentes modalidades e analisa o problema da delimitação da jornada de trabalho. A abordagem é inserida no contexto do novo patamar de sociabilidade humana mediado pelas tecnologias de comunicação e internet, denominado Sociedade da Informação. A pesquisa conceitua, preliminarmente, o teletrabalho como trabalho a distância realizado através de meios informáticos e telemáticose, para maior alcance, busca no Direito Comparado amparo epistemológico e analítico para esta denominação. Não obstante aos avanços tecnológicos, a nova modalidade laboral coloca em risco as garantias clássicas asseguradas pelo Direito brasileiro aos trabalhadores, ao estabelecer novos patamares de meio ambiente laboral, subordinação e outros paradigmas tradicionais na caracterização do vínculo trabalhista. Concluímos com uma análise jurisprudencial relacionada a esta última questão. Finalmente, percebemosque o trabalho a distância não se realiza apenas no domicílio do empregadoe sim em qualquer lugar no qual ele esteja: centros satélites; Telecentros;telecottages; nômade ou móvel, online ou offline, desde que utilizadas atecnologia e a informática.
Sustainable development in the city of Heidelberg
Authors: Graczyk Alicja Małgorzata
Published: March 2016

The city of Heidelberg has won twice the price of European Sustainable City Award. The paper presents the latest author’s investigation (July 2014) about the sustainable development in the Heidelberg. The aim of the article is an analyses and assessment of the implementation of sustainable development in the city. The policy and economical instruments implemented at the local level at the very early stage (early 90s) help the city to build ecological education and shape ecological style of life.. The city citizens have a very high level of ecological awareness and very often participate in policy decisions, shaping sustainable development goals of the Heidelberg. The main local priorities for sustainable development are: climate and environment protection, rising energy efficiency by using renewable energy sources, local heat district, ecological transport and building in passive standard.
Rekonstrukcja historycznej rzeźby za pomocą DEM obszarów przed przekształceniami antropogenicznymi – wybrane przykłady z Polski Środkowej
Authors: Jaskulski Marcin
Published: March 2016

Zaprezentowany artykuł jest przedstawieniem procesu prowadzącego do utworzenia modelu terenu, wybranych obszarów w Polsce Środkowej przed wielkopowierzchniowymi przekształceniami antropogenicznymi mającymi miejsce pół wieku temu. Celem badań była rekonstrukcja Cyfrowych Modeli Wysokościowych (ang. DEM) obszaru, który ze względu na przekształcenia antropogeniczne nie jest w chwili obecnej dostępny do badań za pomocą nowoczesnych metod zbierania informacji wysokościowej. W artykule podano dokładne kryteria wyboru materiałów źródłowych wraz z określeniem układu odniesienia, daty wydania mapy i cięcia poziomicowego. W części głównej artykułu zaprezentowano na dwóch przykładach – największego kompleksu górniczo-energetycznego w Europie – KWB Bełchatów oraz Zbiornika Sulejowskiego, jako rezerwuaru wody do największego miasta Polski Środkowej – Łodzi – szczegółowy opis metodyki postępowania z mapami historycznymi oraz przebieg prac począwszy od wyboru odpowiednich map, przez ich skanowanie, kalibrację i wektoryzację po ostateczny efekt, jakim jest uzyskanie modelu terenu, traktowanego jako historyczny. W opracowaniu tym podkreślono celowość takich działań oraz wykorzystanie modeli DEM w praktyce oraz na analizie kierunków i wielkości przekształceń antropogenicznych rzeźby historycznej i współczesnej.