bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of hypoglycemic status and causative factors in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Islam Md Zahirul , Aklima Jannatul , Yesmin Farhana , Islam Mohammad Sayedul , Chakma Kanchan , Alauddin Mohammad , Hasan Bhuiyan Robiul
Published: September 2017

Background: Very few studies have been reported on hypoglycemic status, hematological parameters and causative organisms of neonatal sepsis in different regions of Bangladesh. Hence, present study was conducted in the Chittagong city of Bangladesh.Methods: The study was conducted on 106 neonates (0 to 28 days of age) in Chattagam Maa-Shishu O General Hospital, Bangladesh. The questionnaire was developed to get relevant information of the neonates. Blood from neonates were subjected to routine investigations like blood glucose, CRP, hematological parameters, blood culture and bacterial identification.Results: Among 106 neonates with sepsis, 68 presented early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and 38 presented late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Fifty-one neonates had low birth weight (2500 g or less), 18 had very low birth weight (1500 g or less) and 22 were preterm. The most prevalent clinical features were reluctant to feed (56), hyperthermia (31) and hypotonia (22). Thirty-three neonates had neutropenia (<54%) and 62 had higher neutrophil count (>62%). Biochemical analysis showed 52 had higher C-reactive protein levels. Investigation of hypoglycemic status revealed that there were different types of neonatal sepsis, i.e. 77 neonates were hypoglycemic (<45 gm/dl), and among them EONS and LONS were 59 and 18, respectively. Thirty-three neonates had positive blood culture for bacteria. Among them, Klebsiella spp. accounted for 10 of the total isolates followed by Acinetobacter spp. 8. The Gram-positive and negative bacteria were found in 7 and 26, respectively.Conclusions: Hypoglycemia was associated with neonatal sepsis as an exacerbating factor.
Comparison of FEV1/FEV6 with FEV1/FVC in the diagnosis of COPD
Authors: Ranganath D. , Ravindranath M.
Published: September 2017

Background: Globally COPD occurs. But it is a health hazard among those who smoke. The life expectancy is also reduced to a large extent. Hence early diagnosis may help prevent further progression of disease and motivate people to modify their lifestyle.Methods: Patients aged 40 years and above, attending to pulmonology OPD and in-patients with symptoms suggestive of COPD were subjected to spirometric examinations following standard protocol of test performance as laid down by ATS/ERS. Spirometric examinations were analyzed statistically to know the performance of FEV1/FEV6 ratio using a cut-off value of < 0.70 (post bronchodilator) arbitrarily as against FEV1/FVC ratio of < 0.70 (post bronchodilator) in accordance with GOLD guidelines for the diagnosis of COPD.Results: Majority (83.8%) were male. Out of 229 patients 197 patients had airways obstruction as per post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC of < 0.70. Among 197 patients who were diagnosed as having COPD as per post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio, 180 (91.37%) patients had an FEV1/FEV6 value < 0.70. Among 192 male patients, 170 were diagnosed as having COPD as per post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of < 0.70 as against 153 as per post bronchodilator FEV1/FEV6 ratio of < 0.70. Among 37 female patients 27 were found to have COPD based on both FEV1/FVC and FEV1/FEV6 post bronchodilator values.Conclusions: FEV1/FEV6 ratio is an acceptable alternative to FEV1/FVC ratio in the diagnosis of COPD in patients aged 40 years and above and with risk factors for COPD.
A study of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in cases of ischemic stroke
Authors: Relwani Prakash R. , Kulkarni Vrinda K.
Published: September 2017

Background: Measurement of Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) by carotid doppler is a non-invasive, safe and inexpensive investigation. CIMT may predict ischaemic stroke. However, the data about the usefulness of CIMT as a predictor in Indian scenario is relatively less. The primary objective of the present study was to determine utility of CIMT as a predictor of ischemic stroke.Methods: This study was a case control study carried out at a tertiary care institute. The study included fifty cases of ischaemic stroke. Fifty age and sex matched controls were selected who were not relatives of cases.Results: A detailed history of cases and controls was taken. They were subjected to routine investigations; blood sugars and lipid profile were sent.  CIMT was measured by doing carotid doppler study on both sided carotid arteries. The results were analysed.Conclusions: From this study, we concluded that there is increase in CIMT in patients of ischemic stroke. Age, gender and side of the vessel had no significant effect on CIMT. It was concluded that CIMT value has a direct correlation with ischemic stroke. Thus, Carotid intima media thickness can be used as a non-invasive predictor of future ischemic stroke incidence.
Haematological profile of diabetes and non-diabetes patients in rural tertiary centre
Authors: S. Harish Kumar , S. V. Srinivasa , K. Prabhakar
Published: September 2017

Background: Anemia is a common haematological finding in diabetic patients. Many research studies have reported that anemia mostly occurs in patients with diabetes who also have renal insufficiency. A few other studies have also reported an incidence of anemia in diabetics prior to evidence of renal impairment. Anemia occurs earlier and at a greater degree in patients presenting with diabetic nephropathy than those presenting with other causes of renal failure. The objective of this study is to determine the haematological profile among type 2 Diabetes mellitus in comparison with non-diabetic controls.Methods: Hospital based case control study was conducted in a rural tertiary care centre for a period of 1 year (May 2016 to April 2017) among type 2 diabetic patients and equal proportion of controls without diabetes. 70 diabetics and non-diabetics as controlled were enrolled for the study. Pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from subjects. For laboratory investigation 5 ml of blood was drawn from the patient and analysed in the automated cell counter for haematological parameters. Data was analysed using SPSS 22 version, Chi-square test and independent t test was the test of significance for qualitative and quantitative data respectively. P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Mean age of diabetics was 55.7±3.6 years and non-diabetics was 56.2±3.5 years. Majority of subjects in both the groups were females. In diabetics mean haemoglobin, RBCs, PCV, and MCV was significantly lower than in non-diabetics. Whereas mean MCHC, WBCs and lymphocytes was significantly higher in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. No difference was observed for MCH, neutrophils and platelets between two groups. This shows that diabetics are prone for anemia, leucocytosis and lymphocytosis.Conclusions: Haematological profile in diabetes patients in deranged and diabetics are more prone for anemia, leucocytosis and lymphocytosis. Hence routine and regular screening for haematological profile is recommended in diabetic patients to initiate early prevention strategies and to reduce the morbidity related to it.
Measurement of bone mineral density in stable COPD patients using ultrasound densitometry: prevention is better than cure
Authors: Ali M. Arif , Salve Vijay Tukaram
Published: September 2017

Background: COPD is a multisystem disorder and three or more comorbidities are associated with poor prognosis. Osteoporosis is one of the major comorbidity and is associated with an impact on the primary dysfunction in COPD. Bone Mineral density measures strength of the skeletal system and ultrasound based BMD measurement is a cheap, cost effective intervention which is also free from ionizing radiation. Ultrasound densitometer BMD measurement can be utilized for screening of osteoporosis in COPD patients. Methods: 50 stable COPD (diagnosed as per GOLD guideline) patients attending a post graduate institute in Mumbai were enrolled for the study and bone mineral density was measured using ultrasonography BMD scan of calcaneum. Results: Among 50 enrolled COPD patients, 27 (54%) patients had osteopenia and 14 (28%) were osteoporotic.9 (64.3%) female and 18 (50%) male COPD patients had osteopenia. 4 (28.6%) females and 10 (27.8%) males were osteoporotic. Conclusions: Considering the additional burden of osteoporosis on management of COPD, it is advisable to measure BMD to formulate strategies to prevent fractures in COPD patients.
Relation between deviated nasal septum and paranasal sinus pathology
Authors: Sumaily Ibrahim , Hudise Jibril , Aldhabaan Saud
Published: September 2017

Background: Deviated nasal septum is a very common finding in ENT clinic, most of the times, as incidental findings without any related symptom. Sometimes it present in association with suspiciously related sinusitis. Our study is to identify the possible association between deviated nasal septum and sinusitis, so that we can consider septoplasty alone a first surgical management for these cases without any sinus procedure or not.

Methods: A cross sectional case-control study. SPSS.v22 used for data analysis. We used Kuhn-Kinnedy staging system for sinus pathology and applied it on the osteomeatal complex (OMC) and all paranasal sinuses. Those patients with deviated septum were studied for sinus disease especially maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses, and those with sinus disease were studied for deviated septum.  

Results: We studied 238 patients, 120 males and 118 females, of them 164 (control) found to have central septum (68.9%) and 74 (cases) found to have deviated nasal septum (31.1%), 42 to the right and 32 to the left. 104 candidates (43.7%) found to have sinus disease. All findings were almost equal in both genders. Of the total sample, 40% of those with central septum found to have patent OMC and normal sinus mucosa equally. Of those who have DNS (74 candidates), OMC found to be opacified in 13.5% in the ipsilateral side, and 27% bilaterally. In those with DNS maxillary sinus was diseased in 20.3% ipsilaterally, 21.2% contralaterally, and 18.5% bilaterally. Anterior ethmoid sinuses were similarly affected in 40.5% ipsilateral and contralateral to DNS.

Conclusions: According to our finding, no significant association between deviated nasal and paranasal sinusitis. Attributing sinuses disease to deviated nasal septum may lead to over treatment of the patient and unnecessary surgery.

 
Fluroscopic guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of vertebral body lesion: a safe and effective procedure
Authors: Chamakeri Puneet , Bulagond Anil , Kulkarni Srikant , Shirol Sharad , Patil Vijay
Published: September 2017

Background: Vertebral biopsy is suitable for patients with intractable back pain and vertebral body lesions that are detected with noninvasive imaging modalities. Histologic confirmation is necessary for correct diagnosis and subsequent clinical management. Percutaneous biopsy is less invasive and cost-effective.

Methods: Twenty three patients with history of severe back pain with vertebral body lesion identified by any of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were taken up for percutaneous biopsy. Lesion level was determined under fluoroscopy. Biopsy was taken with trephine needle under local anesthesia. Accuracy and effectiveness analyzed after histologic reports.

Results: Among 23 patients, 2 were having malignant primary lesions (8.6%), 8 were having vertebral metastasis (35%), 10 were having infectious etiology (43.4%) and 3 were osteoporotic fractures. There were no complications. One unsuspected secondary malignancy was detected. True positive cases were 19; true negative cases were 3 and one false negative case. Overall accuracy is 95%.

Conclusions: This minimal invasive technique is simple, safe and effective in diagnosis of malignancy and infection aiding the treating surgeon in their further management. It is also useful in detecting unsuspected malignancy.

 
Mudanças climáticas, riscos e adaptação na megacidade de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Di Giulio Gabriela Marques , Bedran-Martins Ana Maria , Vasconcellos Maria da Penha , Ribeiro Wagner Costa
Published: September 2017

O artigo discute resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a experiência em curso da megacidade de São Paulo relacionada a questões climáticas. Dialogando com a literatura e tendo como base estudo realizado entre 2014 e 2015, reflete sobre o papel do poder local no processo de buscar sinergias entre adaptação, mitigação e desenvolvimento por meio da experimentação. Os autores discutem ações implementadas em São Paulo com potencial para responder aos desafios climáticos, com foco nas intervenções que não estão diretamente associadas ao discurso climático. Exemplos dessas intervenções são as propostas do Plano Diretor e ações de mobilidade urbana adotadas na gestão municipal (2013-2016). Esses projetos e a adoção de uma agenda socioambiental podem se constituir como respostas às mudanças climáticas, promovendo sinergias entre adaptação e mitigação. Os autores concluem o artigo sinalizando desafios para a adaptação na capital paulista, considerando suas especificidades e complexidades nos planos econômico/político/social.
Supercapitalismo na relação entre o licenciamento ambiental e o financiamento de campanhas eleitorais
Authors: Jeronymo Alexandre Cosme José
Published: September 2017

O artigo estabelece aproximações entre os limites do licenciamento ambiental e os financiamentos corporativos para campanhas políticas eleitorais. A ocorrência desta aproximação cria um ambiente denominado Supercapitalismo, que é permissivo para converter o território da democracia ambiental no território dos grupos econômicos que capturam a classe política. Essa correlação envolve a doação-empréstimo de dinheiro para campanhas políticas e a sua evolução reside na captura do Estado pelos agentes econômicos. Os mecanismos utilizados para recuperar a doação-empréstimo instrumentalizam o Estado e o licenciamento ambiental. A construção do artigo considera indicadores de desconfiança na classe política e nos partidos políticos, utiliza trabalhos acadêmicos, pesquisas de organizações não governamentais e informações da imprensa quando revelam episódios de estudos de impactos incompletos, deslocamentos populacionais e indenizações irrisórias, e audiências públicas fraudulentas. O artigo conclui indicando que a doação-empréstimo ingressa na política, na classe política, instrumentaliza o Estado e corrompe processos que intencionam a democracia ambiental.
Da pesca ao natural:
Authors: Violin Fábio Luciano , Alves Gilberto Luiz
Published: September 2017

O objeto de análise deste estudo é a trajetória do turismo em Mato Grosso do Sul, entre os anos 1970 e 2015, tendo como principais objetivos a descrição histórica da trajetória do turismo no estado e os gatilhos de alteração do foco das atividades de pesca para a oferta de atrativos vinculados ao turismo em meio natural. Tal empreitada tomou forma por meio do apoio de fontes secundárias, documentos e registros institucionais, além de observações in loco, registros fotográficos e entrevistas semiestruturadas com turistas e moradores. Diante das análises, é possível constatar que as políticas públicas, aliadas aos investimentos da iniciativa privada, alteraram de modo substancial as características do turismo no estado, bem como sua natureza e localidades de expansão. O ecoturismo, representante da nova fase do turismo no estado, apresenta-se profundamente marcado pela preocupação comercial de forma a desconsiderar as singularidades culturais locais e o meio ambiente. Conclui-se que a ação expressa do setor público e os investimentos em estrutura, tanto privados quanto públicos, alteraram de modo substancial a natureza do desenvolvimento turístico no estado.
Análise da estrutura e dos critérios na elaboração do índice de Sustentabilidade
Authors: Feil Alexandre André , Schreiber Dusan
Published: September 2017

A sustentabilidade do sistema ambiental-humano representa, na atualidade, a melhor opção para a sua continuidade. A identificação da direção da sustentabilidade pode ser realizada utilizando-se um índice de sustentabilidade, porém, este é considerado complexo e subjetivo. Portanto, este estudo objetiva analisar o processo de elaboração do índice de sustentabilidade, identificando as principais definições, a estrutura e os métodos. A metodologia utilizada quanto ao tipo de pesquisa é qualitativa e a coleta dos dados realizou-se com base em uma revisão bibliográfica, e sua análise ocorreu por meio do processo de interpretação. Os resultados revelam que a estrutura de um índice de sustentabilidade ocorre diante da identificação do objetivo e do sistema ambiental-humano, da seleção dos indicadores, normalização, ponderação, agregação, assim gerando o índice. Conclui-se que o processo de elaboração do índice de sustentabilidade não tem um modelo único, assim, os diferentes processos podem ser utilizados, mas diferenciam-se diante da qualidade da mensuração do nível de sustentabilidade. Além disso, a escolha de um processo está relacionada com as informações que estão disponíveis no subsistema a ser mensurado. Nesse sentido, recomenda-se muita cautela, pois o índice gerado pode apresentar resultados insatisfatórios e irreais.
Uma nova proposta de indicadores de sustentabilidade na mineração
Authors: Mota José Aroudo , Maneschy Maria Cristina , Souza-Filho Pedro W. M. , Navarro Torres Vidal F. , Siqueira José Oswaldo , Filipe dos Santos Jorge , Matlaba Valente
Published: September 2017

A indústria mineral tem compromissos permanentes e inadiáveis com a sustentabilidade. O setor representa um rico campo de análise sobre o encontro entre as racionalidades econômica e ambiental. Justamente pela magnitude das escalas em que as mineradoras atuam e de seus impactos socioambientais, e por operarem sob pesadas pressões que incidem no mercado global de commodities, importa compreender essa evolução recente no setor. Em paralelo, é imperativo construir indicadores para monitorar a sustentabilidade em regiões que abrigam grandes minas. Este artigo discute os diversos aspectos do desenvolvimento sustentável e analisa as categorias propostas de indicadores de sustentabilidade na mineração, com base em literatura recente. A partir daí, propõe um conjunto de indicadores de sustentabilidade para a mineração industrial, nos eixos ambiental, econômico e social, com aderência a regiões tropicais, entre as quais a Província Mineral de Carajás, localizada na região sudeste do estado do Pará (Amazônia, Brasil).
Da posse à Reserva Extrativista Rio Xingu:
Authors: Castro Roberta Rowsy Amorim de , Maia Ricardo Eduardo de Freitas , Carvalho Gleiciane Barroso , Guerra Gutemberg Armando Diniz
Published: September 2017

Este artigo faz uma análise sobre a situação de grilagem de terras ocupadas por populações tradicionais, destacando a participação de movimentos sociais e das famílias locais na construção do processo de resistência, que foi determinante para a criação de uma Unidade de Conservação de Uso Sustentável na região da Terra do Meio, estado do Pará. Foram feitas 23 entrevistas semiestruturadas com famílias residentes na área, que foram foram gravadas e as narrativas transcritas. Na região, as populações tradicionais sempre viveram sob constantes pressões e ameaças aos seus modos de vida e ao direito à terra, seja por seringueiros, fazendeiros, grileiros, posseiros, madeireiros ou especuladores. O cenário de coerção e expropriação de terras desencadeou um processo de lutas e reivindicações, incidindo na criação da Reserva Extrativista Rio Xingu, que visa a garantia do território e manutenção dos modos de vida das famílias locais.
Estudo de viabilidade da reutilização de banners de lona na produção de móveis
Authors: Nejeliski Danieli Maehler , Palhano Ana Paula , Matoso Lucas Gabriel
Published: September 2017

A lona vinílica é um material de custo acessível com boa qualidade de impressão, por isso é muito utilizada para a confecção de banners para campanhas publicitárias e eventos acadêmicos. Em ambas, as aplicações se transformam rapidamente em resíduos. Nesse contexto, foi idealizado um projeto de pesquisa com o objetivo de estudar a viabilidade da reutilização dos banners de lona na produção de móveis. O projeto foi desenvolvido com os alunos do Curso Técnico em Móveis do Instituto Federal Farroupilha (IFFar), Campus Santa Rosa. Na primeira etapa foram realizados testes de corte, união, acabamento e deformação. Constatou-se que o corte da lona é viável. A união com adesivos foi insatisfatória e o método com melhores resultados foi a união mecânica com grampos metálicos. Com relação ao acabamento, as tintas não cobriram a superfície de maneira homogênea. Quanto à resistência, a lona vinílica sofreu deformação plástica com a aplicação de carga localizada. Com restrições, a aplicação do material na produção de móveis foi considerada viável. Na segunda etapa foram desenvolvidos o projeto e o protótipo de luminárias de coluna, uma mesa de centro, bancos dobráveis e nichos empilháveis. O projeto dos produtos priorizou a reutilização e o uso racional das matérias-primas, o processo produtivo simplificado e a estética contemporânea, condizentes com os preceitos do Ecodesign e do princípio da viabilidade econômica.
Sempre teremos Paris
Authors: Curi Melissa , Litre Gabriela , Saito Carlos , Bursztyn Marcel
Published: September 2017

A partir desse número 2, do volume 8, SeD passa a ser publicada de forma mais condensada, mas não menos profunda e interessante que a versões anteriores. Algumas seções, como resenhas e debate, deixam de ser presença obrigatória em todos os números e passam a ser publicados apenas em algumas edições. Optamos em dar ênfase aos artigos Varia, como forma de ressaltar a importância da diversidade de temas e perspectivas relacionados à sustentabilidade. Diante do cenário político nacional e internacional, no qual a classe política dominante enrijece as suas ações para assegurar interesses econômicos imediatistas, desprezando diversidades culturais e a integridade ambiental, faz-se necessário valorizar a pluralidade, nas suas mais diversas dimensões, como elemento essencial para a sustentabilidade do planeta.
Tempos sombrios na relação entre a política dos políticos e a política científica
Authors: Bursztyn Marcel , Saito Carlos
Published: September 2017

Durante a sua campanha para a presidência dos Estados Unidos, Donald Trump foi claro em relação ao seu propósito de desembarcar do Acordo de Paris sobre Mudanças Climáticas. É nesse contexto, reforçado por ameaça de redução nas verbas destinadas à pesquisa científica, que entra em cena um movimento voltado para a valorização da Ciência, defendendo-se o uso de evidências científicas no processo de tomada de decisão em todos os níveis de governo: a marcha pela ciência, convocada para o dia 22 de abril, quando o número anterior da revista Sustentabilidade em Debate já estava em fase de finalização.
Resistencia genética a Sporisorium reilianum f. sp. zeae en líneas seleccionadas de maíz (Zea mays L.) con endospermo blanco y amarillo
Authors: Quezada-Salinas Andrés , Moreno-Velázquez Magnolia , De León-García de Alba Carlos , Nava-Díaz Cristian , Solano-Báez Alma Rosa
Published: September 2017

El carbón de la espiga (Sporisorium reilianum f. sp. zeae) del maíz (Zea mays L.) es una enfermedad de gran importancia que se presenta en zonas productoras de maíz, incluyendo los Valles del Mezquital y Toluca. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar líneas C2-S1 y C2-S2 de maíz adaptadas al Altiplano de México para ser utilizadas en un programa de mejoramiento de resistencia y buenas características agronómicas. Semillas de cada línea se inocularon con una suspensión de 1.7x107 mL-1 teliosporas de S. reilianum f. sp. zeae en 1% de carboximetilcelulosa de sodio y se sembraron en invernadero. Las plantas fueron monitoreadas hasta la formación de espiga, donde se evaluó la incidencia. En 258 líneas C2-S1 de endospermo blanco se presentó hasta 92.3% de incidencia y hasta 41.7% en 71 líneas de endospermo amarillo. Con base en la incidencia y características agronómicas, se seleccionaron y autofecundaron en campo 38 líneas C2-S1 de endospermo blanco y 24 de endospermo amarillo. Un total de 123 y 114 líneas C2-S2 de endospermo blanco y amarillo, respectivamente, fueron inoculadas con teliosporas del patógeno y presentaron una incidencia de la enfermedad de hasta 42.8% y 28.5%, respectivamente. La inoculación con teliosporas y siembra en invernadero permitió identificar líneas de maíz con diferente porcentaje de infección y seleccionar las líneas resistentes, probando la eficiencia de ésta técnica.
Evolución de técnicas de diagnóstico de virus fitopatógenos
Authors: González-Garza Ramiro
Published: September 2017

La sintomatología producida por los virus en las plantas enfermas fue la primera forma de detectar e identificar los virus que las afectaban y los nombraron de acuerdo a la sintomatología que producían. El uso de plantas diferenciales infectadas mediante transmisión mecánica, por injerto o vectores, amplió la capacidad de detectar e identificar muchos de los virus fitopatógenos y también llevó a confundir con virosis otras enfermedades causadas por otros agentes infecciosos. La detección por serología usa la interacción de la proteína viral como antígeno contra los anticuerpos producidos contra ellos por un vertebrado. Los primeros métodos serológicos usados para la detección viral fueron de precipitación antígenos-anticuerpo en medio líquido, seguido por la doble difusión en agar y finalmente por el ensayo de inmunoabsorción ligado a enzima, muy económico en el uso de reactivos, muy sensible y usa un medio sólido de inmovilización del antígeno o del anticuerpo que pueden ser diferentes plásticos o membranas. La detección del ácido nucleico viral mediante el método de hibridación de ácidos nucleicos o por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa es más sensible que la serología y éste último método combinado con los secuenciadores de la segunda generación (Next Generation Sequencing) han revolucionado la detección de virus en los vegetales.
Style Influences And JSE Sector Returns: Evidence From The South African Stock Market
Authors: Small Wayne , Hsieh Heng-Hsing
Published: September 2017

A distinctive phenomenon on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is the market segmentation between the resource sector and the financial and industrial sectors documented in empirical literature. The dominance of the resource sector in the cap-weighted FTSE/JSE All-Share index (ALSI) implies that the ALSI index might not be mean-variance efficient due to the potential lack of diversification. We estimate and compare the historical sector exposures of the ALSI index to its hypothetically optimal sector exposures over the examination period from 2003 through 2013. It is found that to achieve mean-variance efficiency on the JSE over the examination period, one should maintain substantial investments in the industrial sector and tactically allocate the remainder of the investments to the financial sector and/or the resource sector. It is also observed that the sector exposures of the ALSI index have shifted significantly from the resource sector to the industrial sector. To gain a better understanding of the investment style influences on the JSE sector returns, we further investigate the exposures of the prominent JSE sector returns to the style risks using the Carhart (1997) four-factor model. It is found that investments in financial stocks are exposed to significant value risk and, to some degree, influenced by the performance of large caps on the JSE. In addition, excess returns on the industrial sector are attributed to value, small cap and momentum risk premiums to some degree. The performance of the resource sector, on the other hand, is mildly biased towards the growth, large cap and contrarian investment styles on the JSE.
Stress Tests By The European Banking Authority: The Immunity Of Italian Cooperative Banks
Authors: Quintiliani Andrea
Published: September 2017

Purpose. The objectives of the paper are two-fold. The first objective of the research is formulated with the intent to analyze the existence or not of a possible “European Banking Authority (EBA) effect” on the credit offer of local banks compared with national banks subject to the requests of capital from European Authority. The second research objective aims to understand what are the conditions that allow to develop a model of a local bank capable of supporting SMEs, with a suitable risk-return profile.

Methodology. This paper presents an empirical comparative analysis between Cooperative Credit Banks (BCCs) and Italian banking groups.

Findings. The empirical analysis shows how the financial then real crisis has not induced BCCs to restrict credit to firms. In particular, the BCCs not included in stress exercises, show, unlike national banks, a substantial “independence” of credit trend from the advices of the Authority. The survey evidences have however highlighted some critical elements that are reflected inevitably on the local bank’s risk-return profile.

Research Limitations. The quantitative nature of the empirical analysis must be followed by a qualitative analysis in order to strengthen the validity of the results.

Implications. This work will be useful to stimulate the debate on the studies of local banks and their anti-cyclic role in favor of the SMEs.

Originality. The work affects an aspect which has hitherto been little studied.
The Effect Of Corporate Governance On Unfaithful Disclosure Designation And Unfaithful Disclosure Penalty Points
Authors: Moon Bo Young , Park Soo Yeon
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the relation between Unfaithful Disclosure Corporations (“UDC”) and corporate governance using listed firm (KOSPI and KOSDAQ) data in Korea. Prior literature reports that corporate governance has an impact on the level of disclosure and the quality of disclosure provided by companies. However, it is hard to find the studies about corporate governance and UDC at the term of disclosure quality. Compare to some financially advanced countries, Korea established corporate governance in a relatively short period of time; hence concerns have been raised the corporate governance have not played effective role to monitor management. We question how corporate governance affects companies’ unfaithful disclosure by using several corporate governance proxy variables and UDC data which is unique system in Korea.

From the empirical tests, we find a negative association between the proportion of outside directors, an indicator of the board’s independence, and UDC designation, among companies listed on both KOSPI and KOSDAQ. On the other hand, there is a significant positive association between the proportion of outside directors and UDCs’ imposed and accumulated penalty points among KOSDAQ-listed companies. This implies that outside director system effectively play a monitoring role however due to different natures of members included in outside directors, the system often fails to control regarding based reasons for penalty points imposition. In addition, we find the percentage of foreign equity ownership showed statistically significant positive association with UDC designation and a significant positive association with the imposed and accumulated penalty points among KOSPI-listed companies. We interpret this results that foreign investors with a short-term investment propensity may not enough to play a proper monitoring role in Korea and thereby they cannot effectively control the disclosure quality provided by the management. We also find that there is a significant positive association between the percentage of managerial ownership and UDC designation in the KOSDAQ market.  

This study will contribute to academics and disclosure-related practitioners by documenting about corporate governance and its impact on unfaithful disclosure corporations.
Consuming For Recognition: South African Youth Consumption Of Status Clothing
Authors: Dondolo Hilda Bongazana , Madinga Nkosivile Welcome
Published: September 2017

Buying expensive and fashionable brands to portray social status is increasing rapidly among South African township youth. The South African youth mainly spend their income on status-depicting clothing in order to conform to social settings and groups and to be noticed by their community. This study investigates the factors influencing the need to consume status-depicting clothing items among South African township youth. A self-completing survey questionnaire was administered to 400 youth consumers from three township malls in the Sedibeng district, Gauteng region of South Africa. Regression analysis was employed to analyse the data. The results suggest that materialism, fashion clothing involvement and group identity are key factors predicting status consumption among South African township youth consumers (aged 18-24 years). Marketers interested in targeting status conscious township youth consumers are advised to devise their advertisements in such a way that they emphasise the brand or product’s ability to indicate status.
Improving The Compliance With Accounting Standards Without Public Accountability (SAK ETAP) By Developing Organizational Culture: A Case Of Indonesian SMEs
Authors: Yanto Heri , Yulianto Arief , Sebayang Lesta Karolina Boru , Mulyaga Fian
Published: September 2017

In Indonesia’s economy SMEs have significant contribution to GDP and labor employment. On the other hand, SMEs still have substantial problems. One of them is related to capital insufficiency due to limited access of SMEs to financial institutions. This limitation may be caused, among other things, by the fact that SMEs’ financial statements have not complied with Accounting Standards without Public Accountability (SAK ETAP). The study aims at identifying antecedents of SAK ETAP implementation as well as formulating strategies to improve its implementation in SMEs. Five important antecedents of SAK ETAP implementation are organizational culture, education, exposure, age, and scale. Therefore, developing organizational culture by increasing SMEs’ exposure on socialization and training is a promising strategy. There is also a need for more intensive cooperation of various parties such as government, Institute of Indonesian Chartered Accountants (IAI), universities, SME association, and NGOs to improve both SMEs’ compliance with SAK ETAP and organizational culture. In addition, mobilization of academic staffs and accounting students to facilitate the implementation of SAK ETAP is worth-trying.
Measuring The Impact Of Trust On Job Performance And Self-Efficacy In A Project: Evidence From Saudi Arabia
Authors: Varshney Deepanjana , Varshney Nirbhay K.
Published: September 2017

The individual’s ability to complete the given task effectively can be termed as Self-efficacy. Employee performance is examined about outcomes and behavior. Job performance determines the quality as well as the quantity accomplished by employees over a period. Trust has been widely used as a mediating variable in previous research and has been found to exhibit positive mediating effects on the variables.

In our research, we have investigated the factors (Team-self-efficacy and trust) affecting the project team members’ job performance. We have conducted a study to collect data and test the model proposed on 155 respondents (project team members) of a large construction company at Saudi Arabia. The findings demonstrated that trust partially mediated the relationship between the team job performance and self-efficacy. Additionally, significant positive correlations between the variables were found. There have been several studies examining the variables as discussed in the paper. However, there is a paucity of research on small groups like the project teams worldwide. The significance of the results and future research directions were analyzed and discussed. The importance of the results and directions for future research were also put forward.
Are Leaders’ Personality Traits Imperative For Employees’ Job Performance? The Context Of An Emerging Economy
Authors: Anwar Bilal , Xiao Zhongdong , Fiaz Muhammad , Ikram Amir , Younas Muhammad
Published: September 2017

Leader’s personality considerably influences the behavior of employees and is perhaps one of the most important predictor of their job performance. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the personality-performance paradigm in the context of emerging economies. Personality was assessed through big five traits, namely openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. While task performance attribute of job performance was considered as dependent variable. Stratified sampling technique was deployed to gather data from 149 SMEs belonging to diversified business sectors operating in the industrial city of Gujranwala, Pakistan. Cronbach’s alpha test endorsed the consistency of survey questionnaire, and multiple regression analysis was used to test hypotheses. All of the personality traits, with the exception of neuroticism, are found to be valid predictors of employee job performance, though the degree and significance of correlation varies. The study contributes to the enhanced understanding of the personality-performance relationship and highlights the desirable personality inventories of potential leaders and entrepreneurs. Broader practical implications and recommendations for future research bring the discussion to the close.
O patrimônio imaterial e a sustentabilidade de sua salvaguarda
Authors: Arantes Antônio
Published: September 2017

O artigo reflete a maneira como se tem lilado com os conhecimentos e expressões da cultura popular no âmbito das políticas de preservação deste tipo de patrimônio, mostrando como falta ao processo a voz ativa das populações produtoras dessa cultura. Analisa as transformações sociais que geram o mercado da memória de grupos especificos e aponta para o constante embate das tradições com a politica e a economia e a necessidade de não se perder de vista a melhoria da qualidade de vida das diferentes comunidades.
Strongly Interacting Light Dark Matter
Authors: Bruggisser Sebastian , Riva Francesco , Urbano Alfredo
Published: September 2017

We discuss a class of Dark Matter (DM) models that, although
inherently strongly coupled, appear weakly coupled at small-energy and
fulfill the WIMP miracle, generating a sizable relic abundance through
the standard freeze-out mechanism. Such models are based on approximate
global symmetries that forbid relevant interactions; fundamental
principles, like unitarity, restrict these symmetries to a small class,
in such a way that the leading interactions between DM and the Standard
Model are captured by effective operators up to dimension-8. The
underlying strong coupling implies that these interactions become much
larger at high-energy and represent an interesting novel target for LHC
missing-energy searches.
Multi-objective optimization for sustainable groundwater management by developing of coupled quantity-quality simulation-optimization model
Authors: Kamali Asghar , Niksokhan Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2017

This study addresses the issue of optimal management of aquifers using a mathematical simulation- optimization model which relies on the stability of water quality and quantity, considering salinity. In this research first we developed a hydrological model (SWAT) to estimate recharge rates and its spatiotemporal distribution. Then, groundwater simulation of the basin was simulated and calibrated using MODFLOW 2000 and water quality was simulated and calibrated using MT3DMS. Afterwards, a multi-objective optimization model (MOPSO) and embed simulation models as tools to assess the objective function was carried out in order to produce a simulation-optimization model. Finally, a sustainability index to assess Pareto front's answers and three management scenarios (continuing previous operation, 30% increasing and reduction in previous operation) was developed. The results show that the majority of Pareto optimal answers have more sustainability index than a 30% reduction of operation with the best answer of 0.059. Relatively, the sustainability index of 30% reduction of operation is 0.05.
Estimating net discharge of the Yangtze River into the East China Sea
Authors: Chen Zhigao , Wang Zhenxiang , Liu Yangyang , Wang Shengping
Published: September 2017

The discharge at Datong station may be not entirely representative of net discharge into the East China Sea due to water abstraction and precipitation along the lower Yangtze River. Therefore, Xuliujing station, which is much nearer to the river mouth, is chosen to accurately estimate the net discharge in this paper. The Multi-Profile Method that considers the cross-sectional variability of flow is applied at Xuliujing station to estimate the tidal discharge. Then, the low-pass filter is used to remove the effects of the tide and the net discharge is obtained. Lastly, the net discharge in Datong and that in Xuliujing are compared. The results show that the net discharge of Xuliujing is obviously larger than that of Datong in the rainy season due to precipitation, but the net discharge of Xuliujing is slightly smaller than that of Datong in the dry season due to persistent abstraction and less precipitation. Therefore, in some degree, the net discharge of Xuliujing is more representative than that of Datong regarding the discharge into the East China Sea.
Effect of phosphorus on nitrogen migration and transformation in deep subsurface wastewater infiltration systems
Authors: Wang Hongqiang , Zhang Lieyu
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the effect of phosphorus on nitrogen migration and transformation during the sewage purification processes in deep subsurface wastewater infiltration systems. Good performance was achieved with a hydraulic loading rate of 0.1 m3/m2·d, indicating that the effluent water quality could meet the primary grade A values as put forth by the ‘Cities Sewage Treatment Plant Pollutant Discharge Standard’ (GB18918-2002). In addition, the results of three inflow total phosphorus (TP) concentrations (5 mg L−1, 15 mg L−1, and 30 mg L−1) indicated that high-levels of phosphorus were more advantageous in regards to improving the activity of denitrifying bacteria in soil and strengthening the effect of nitrogen removal, suggesting that the effluent total nitrogen (TN) concentration could meet the primary grade A standard (TN ≤ 15 mg L−1). It was further observed that soil depth was less crucial when inflow TP concentrations were higher. Therefore, the results indicated that inflow phosphorus concentrations could greatly influence nitrogen migration and transformation in deep subsurface wastewater infiltration systems.
Compensation Still Matters: Language Learning Strategies in the Third Millennium ESL Learners
Authors: Hajhashemi Karim , Shakarami Alireza , Caltabiano Nerina
Published: September 2017

Digital media play enormous roles in much of the learning, communication, socializing and ways of working of “Net-Generation” learners who are growing up in a wired world. Living in this digital era may require different ways of communicating, thinking, approaching learning, prioritizing strategies, interpersonally communicating, and possibly developing compensatory techniques for information gaps among other categories of Language Learning Strategies. The Net-Geners therefore, need new skills and new strategies to perform successfully as learners and workers. This study uses a mixed-methods approach that includes concurrent quantitative and qualitative data (i) to identify the Net-Generation learner’s strategy preferences based on the “Strategies Inventory for Language Learning” (SILL) categories currently considered the most comprehensive strategy inventory and (ii) to identify possible emergent compensation strategies among Net-Geners as a comprehensive study of the strategies used by the Net-Geners is clearly beyond the scope of this article. The results indicate that compensation strategies have undergone a number of modifications and are used differently by the Net-Geners in order to compensate their knowledge gap and help enhance their ESL learning.
Student Perceptions of the Use of Multimedia for Online Course Communication
Authors: Krause Jaclyn , Portolese Laura , Bonner Julie
Published: September 2017

A great deal of research exists in the use of multimedia communications in online classrooms as a means of furthering student engagement. However, little research exists that examines the perceptions of students when such technologies are used. Additionally, it is unclear that students are likely to engage in the use of such technologies when available. This research explores the perceptions of 69 students taking both online and hybrid undergraduate project management courses. Specifically, the study seeks to explore how students experienced the use of multimedia by their instructor and classmates in both online announcements and discussions, as well as whether these same students used or would be likely to use multimedia for similar communications. Finally, student perceptions of social presence, the degree to which one is perceived as a real person in computer-mediated communication (Gunawardena, 1995), are examined. The results of the study indicate that while students overwhelming enjoy the instructor’s use of multimedia communication, they are unlikely to engage in using these technologies themselves. A discussion of these results and recommendations for further research complete this paper.
An Instructor Learning Analytics Implementation Model
Authors: McKee Holly
Published: September 2017

With the widespread use of learning analytics tools, there is a need to explore how these technologies can be used to enhance teaching and learning. Little research has been conducted on what human processes are necessary to facilitate meaningful adoption of learning analytics. The research problem is that there is a lack of evidence-based guidance on how instructors can effectively implement learning analytics to support students with the purpose of improving learning outcomes. The goal was to develop and validate a model to guide instructors in the implementation of learning analytics tools. Using design and development research methods, an implementation model was constructed and validated internally. Themes emerged falling into the categories of adoption and caution with six themes falling under adoption including: LA as evidence, reaching out, frequency, early identification/intervention, self-reflection, and align LA with pedagogical intent and three themes falling under the category of caution including: skepticism, fear of overdependence, and question of usefulness.  The model should enhance instructors’ use of learning analytics by enabling them to better take advantage of available technologies to support teaching and learning in online and blended learning environments. Researchers can further validate the model by studying its usability (i.e., usefulness, effectiveness, efficiency, and learnability), as well as, how instructors’ use of this model to implement learning analytics in their courses affects retention, persistence, and performance.