bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
College Students’ Knowledge of Risk Factors Related to Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Andrew Christine , Hiles-Gaddy Deborah , MacRitchie Mikayla Lauren , Abraham Sam
Published: October 2017

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent health issue, accounting for a large proportion of deaths worldwide. Despite the high prevalence of this potentially detrimental condition, many college students are not fully aware of its contributing risk factors. The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ knowledge of risk factors related to CVD. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study with a descriptive design. A survey with 5 demographic questions and 20 Likert-type statements was administered to 118 students in a Midwestern college in the United States. Results: The majority of the students displayed knowledge of risk factors such as smoking tobacco, inactive lifestyle, hypertension, low intake of fruits and vegetables, elevated cholesterol levels, high dietary sodium and obesity. However, a knowledge deficit existed regarding gender and ethnicity, which are non-modifiable risk factors, albeit important considerations.Conclusions: Although students appeared knowledgeable about areas such as cholesterol in cardiovascular health, further education could be beneficial to improve this knowledge base.
Statistical and Fractal Approaches on Long Time-Series to Surface-Water/Groundwater Relationship Assessment: A Central Italy Alluvial Plain Case Study
Authors: Chiaudani Alessandro , Di Curzio Diego , Palmucci William , Pasculli Antonio , Polemio Maurizio , Rusi Sergio
Published: October 2017

In this research, univariate and bivariate statistical methods were applied to rainfall, river and piezometric level datasets belonging to 24 years long time series (1986-2009). These methods, that often are used to understand the effects of precipitation on rivers and karstic springs discharge, have been used to assess, piezometric level response to rainfall and river level fluctuations in a porous aquifer. A rain gauge, a river level gauge and three wells, located in Central Italy along the lower Pescara river valley in correspondence of its important alluvial aquifer, provided the data. The statistical analysis has been used within a known hydrogeological framework, which has been refined by mean of a photo-interpretation and a GPS survey. Water-groundwater relationships were identified following the autocorrelation and cross-correlation analyses; the spectral analysis and mono-fractal features of time series were assessed, in order to provide information on multy-year variability, data distributions, their fractal dimension and the distribution return time within the historical time series. The statistical-mathematical results were interpreted through field work that identified distinct groundwater flowpaths within the aquifer and enabled the implementation of a conceptual model, improving the knowledge on water resources management tools.
Addressing Complexities of Machine Learning in Big Data: Principles, Trends and Challenges from Systematical Perspectives
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Xia , Huang Jincai , Feng Yanghe , Liu Zhong , Su Jiahao , Luo Zhihao , Cheng Guangquan
Published: October 2017

The concept of ‘big data’ has been widely discussed, and its value has been illuminated throughout a variety of domains. To quickly mine potential values and alleviate the ever-increasing volume of information, machine learning is playing an increasingly important role and faces more challenges than ever. Because few studies exist regarding how to modify machine learning techniques to accommodate big data environments, we provide a comprehensive overview of the history of the evolution of big data, the foundations of machine learning, and the bottlenecks and trends of machine learning in the big data era. More specifically, based on learning principals, we discuss regularization to enhance generalization. The challenges of quality in big data are reduced to the curse of dimensionality, class imbalances, concept drift and label noise, and the underlying reasons and mainstream methodologies to address these challenges are introduced. Learning model development has been driven by domain specifics, dataset complexities, and the presence or absence of human involvement. In this paper, we propose a robust learning paradigm by aggregating the aforementioned factors. Over the next few decades, we believe that these perspectives will lead to novel ideas and encourage more studies aimed at incorporating knowledge and establishing data-driven learning systems that involve both data quality considerations and human interactions.
Multifractal Comparison of Reflectivity and Polarimetric Rainfall Data from C- and X-Band Radars and Respective Hydrological Responses of a Complex Catchment Model
Authors: Paz Igor , Willinger Bernard , Gires Auguste , Monier Laurent , Zobrist Christophe , Tisserand Bruno , Tchiguirinskaia Ioulia , Schertzer Daniel
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a comparison between rain gauges, C-band and X-band radar data over an instrumented and regulated catchment of the Paris region, as well as their respective hydrological impacts with the help of flow observations and a semi-distributed hydrological model. Both radars confirm the high spatial variability of the rainfall down to their space resolution (respectively one kilometer and 250 m) and therefore underscore limitations of semi-distributed simulations. The use of the polarimetric capacity of the Météo-France C-band radar was limited to corrections of the horizontal reflectivity and its rainfall estimates are adjusted with the help of a rain gauge network. On the contrary, neither calibration was performed for the polarimetric X-band radar of the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (below called ENPC X-band radar), nor any optimization of its scans. In spite of that and the non-negligible fact that the catchment was much closer to the C-band radar than to the X-band radar (20 km vs. 40 km), the latter seems to perform at least as well as the former, but with a higher scale resolution. This characteristic was best highlighted with the help of a multifractal analysis of the respective radar data, which also shows that the X-band radar was able to pick up a few extremes that were smoothed out by the C-band radar.
An Actantial and Functional Structure Analysis on Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Authors: Santoso Heri Dwi
Published: October 2017

To a certain extent, a structural study is good enough to comprehend the very substance of a literary work. Given the above thesis, the researcher attempted to conduct a structural research on Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry (ROTHMC), an African-American novel, using actantial and functional structure analysis. This study aimed at comprehending the basic framework of the story that leads to the revelation of the plot and relations between characters, which indicated the African-American protagonist’s struggle to challenge white supremacy. Method used in the research was descriptive qualitative. Results found that the protagonist was David Logan, an African-American independent farmer that had an ambition to free African-American community from white people’s repressions. It was also found that the ambition and dream of David Logan about African-American freedom and independence and his awareness on the repression toward African-American people (Sender) has made him struggled to make African-American or African-American become a free race with dignity in the United States, where land and other things at the time was dominated by White people. Meanwhile, the functional analysis showed the plot structure of ROTHMC, which was centered on the struggles of David Logan and the family to challenge white supremacy.
Konsep dan Implementasi Pembangunan Pertanian Berkelanjutan di Indonesia
Authors: Rivai Rudy Sunarja , Anugrah Iwan Setiajie
Published: October 2017

English
Sustainable development including that of agriculture is all of the countries’ commitment to implement. Previous development implementation focused on economic progress resulting in environmental degradation and social problems. Sustainable development approach is basically development activities integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects. However, this concept is not fully implemented by all of the countries as depicted in the agreement. It is indicated by many problems related with environmental degradation and natural resources deprivation. Implementation of sustainable agricultural development deals with some constraints especially in developing countries including in Indonesia. One of the main constraints in Indonesia is interest conflict among sectors leading to separated implementation.  Sustainable development concept is a multi-dimensional approach implemented through integrated program among sectors both at central and regional levels.

 

Indonesian
Pembangunan berkelanjutan termasuk pembangunan pertanian berkelanjutan merupakan komitmen negara-negara dunia yang harus dipatuhi dan dilaksanakan. Pelaksanaan pembangunan pada masa lalu yang hanya menekankan tujuan kemajuan ekonomi telah berdampak kepada kerusakan lingkungan dan timbulnya masalah sosial. Pendekatan pembangunan berkelanjutan pada hekekatnya adalah kegiatan pembangunan yang memadukan aspek ekonomi, sosial dan lingkungan. Namun demikian dalam implementasi-nya konsep ini belum dilaksanakan oleh semua negara sesuai kesepakatan. Hal ini tercermin dari masih banyaknya ditemukan masalah-masalah yang berkaitan dengan kerusakan lingkungan dan degradasi sumber daya alam. Masih banyak dijumpai permasalahan dalam implementasi pembangunan pertanian berkelanjutan terutama di negara yang sedang berkembang termasuk Indonesia. Di Indonesia, salah satu penyebab yang menonjol adalah adanya ego sektoral yang menyebabkan pelaksanaan menjadi tersekat. Konsep pembangunan berkelanjutan bersifat multi dimensi sehingga dalam implementasinya harus merupakan program terpadu lintas sektor dan multi disiplin pada tingkat pusat dan/atau daerah.
Perspektif Global Penelitian untuk Pembangunan: Antisipasi Lingkungan Strategis dan Agenda R&D Pertanian
Authors: Rusastra I Wayan
Published: October 2017

English
In the globalization context the perspective contribution and redefinition of agricultural sector are changing. The multifunctional roles and inclusiveness of agriculture become stronger with their ultimate goals as a source of growth and employment, food security enhancement and poverty alleviation, as well as sustaining natural resources and agricultural development. Two fundamental global trends to take into account are inter-temporal strategic environment and anticipative agricultural R&D for development. Global strategic environment consists of biofuel development, climate change, sustainable agriculture, gender mainstreaming, and food-fuel-financial crises. On the other hand, the anticipative agricultural R&D global to get more attention is international trade transparency, technology role and food demand, incentive and investment reformation, structural transformation, and the harmonization of food security and food sovereignty development. Both aspects should be adapted and synergized in the thematic program planning and priority setting of agricultural research for development. The end target is the relevancy and effectiveness of agricultural research and achievement of agricultural development.

 

Indonesian
Dalam perspektif global, telah terjadi pergeseran kontribusi dan redifinisi peran multifungsi sektor pertanian. Urgensi tentang multifungsi dan inklusifitas peran sektor pertanian semakin menguat, dengan sasaran sebagai sumber pertumbuhan dan kesempatan kerja, ketahanan pangan dan pengentasan kemiskinan, pelestarian sumberdaya dan keberlanjutan pembangunan pertanian. Dua perkembangan fundamental global yang perlu dipertimbangkan adalah dinamika lingkungan strategis dan R&D pertanian untuk pembangunan. Dinamika lingkungan strategis global mencakup pengembangan biofuel, perubahan iklim, pertanian berkelanjutan, pengarusutamaan gender, serta krisis energi, pangan, dan finansial global. Sementara itu antisipasi R&D pertanian global yang perlu dipertimbangkan adalah transparansi perdagangan, peran iptek dan kebutuhan pangan, reformasi insentif dan investasi, transformasi struktural, serta harmonisasi ketahanan pangan dan kedaulatan pangan. Kedua aspek tersebut perlu diadaptasikan dan disinergikan dalam perumusan program tematik dan penetapan skala prioritas R&D pertanian untuk pembangunan. Sasaran akhirnya adalah relevansi dan efektifitas R&D dan keberhasilan pembangunan pertanian nasional.
Harvesting and Climate Effects on Organic Matter Characteristics in British Columbia Coastal Forests
Authors: Preston C.M. , Trofymow J.A. , Niu J. , Fyfe C.A.
Published: October 2017

As part of investigations into the effects of harvesting old‐growth forest, we characterized carbon in five organic matter pools in eight forest chronosequences of coastal British Columbia. Each chronosequence comprised stands in four seral stages from regeneration (3–8 yr) to old‐growth (>250 yr), with second‐growth stands mostly of harvest origin. Stands were located in two biogeoclimatic subzones with contrasting climate (wetter, slightly cooler conditions on the west coast of Vancouver Island than on the east). Carbon concentrations in fine woody debris (FWD), forest floor (LFH), fine roots from LFH, and two water‐floatable fractions from 10 to 30 cm mineral soil (MIN‐ROOT, 2–8 mm and MIN‐FLOAT, <2 mm) showed no significant effects due to climate, seral stage, or site. There were some significant differences in N concentrations, but none related to seral stage. Carbon‐13 cross‐polarization with magic‐angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with principal component analysis of relative areas also showed little harvesting effect, but greater variation related to input of coarse woody debris (CWD) vs. roots high in tannin. Overall, there tended to be more spectral features associated with wood and lignin in the west; whereas some MIN‐ROOT samples from the drier east side had aromatic intensity attributed to charcoal. The minimal effects of one harvest on organic matter are most likely due to the large legacy effect; however, more intensive management will probably result in less CWD retention, less charcoal input, and less microsite variability in these pools of poorly decomposed organic matter.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Studies of Flow and Transport in Porous Media
Authors: Chen Quan , Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Oswald Sascha
Published: October 2017

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) methods for visualization of fluid flow and transport in porous media are reviewed in this paper. They are illustrated with experiments showing applications of velocity imaging, NMRI measurements of multiphase flow, and NMRI measurements of density flow. The latter two are compared with numerical simulations. The examples show the capacity of NMRI to give structural information both of the medium and the fluid distributions as well as their temporal development. The resulting data can be used in a black box–white box comparison and as benchmarks for numerical models.
Variations of Permeability and Pore Size Distribution of Porous Media with Pressure
Authors: Chen Quan , Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Ye Chaohui , Yue Yong
Published: October 2017

Porosity and permeability of porous and fractured geological media decrease with the exploitation of formation fluids such as petroleum, natural gas, or ground water. This may result in ground subsidence and a decrease of recovery of petroleum, natural gas, or ground water. Therefore, an evaluation of the behavior of permeability and porosity under formation fluid pressure changes is important to petroleum and ground water industries. This study for the first time establishes a method, which allows for the measurement of permeability, porosity, and pore size distribution of cores simultaneously. From the observation of the pore size distribution by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation time spectrometry the mechanisms of pressure‐dependent porosity and permeability change can be derived. This information cannot be obtained by traditional methods. As the large‐size pores or fractures contribute significantly to the permeability, their change consequently leads to a large permeability change. The contribution of fractures to permeability is even larger than that of pores. Thus, the permeability of the cores with fractures decreased more than that of cores without fractures during formation pressure decrease. Furthermore, it did not recover during formation pressure increase. It can be concluded that in fractures, mainly plastic deformation takes place, while matrix pores mainly show elastic deformation. Therefore, it is very important to keep an appropriate formation fluid pressure during the exploitation of ground water and petroleum in a fractured formation.
Real‐Time, High‐Resolution Quantitative Measurement of Multiple Soil Gas Emissions
Authors: Milligan D.B. , Wilson P.F. , Mautner M.N. , Freeman C.G. , McEwan M.J. , Clough T.J. , Sherlock R.R.
Published: October 2017

A new technique is presented for the rapid, high‐resolution identification and quantification of multiple trace gases above soils, at concentrations down to 0.01 μL L−1 (10 ppb). The technique, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT–MS), utilizes chemical ionization reagent ions that react with trace gases but not with the major air components (N2, O2, Ar, CO2). This allows the real‐time measurement of multiple trace gases without the need for preconcentration, trapping, or chromatographic separation. The technique is demonstrated by monitoring the emission of ammonia and nitric oxide, and the search for volatile organics, above containerized soil samples treated with synthetic cattle urine. In this model system, NH3 emissions peaked after 24 h at 2000 nmol m−2 s−1 and integrated to approximately 7% of the urea N applied, while NO emissions peaked about 25 d after urine addition at approximately 140 nmol m−2 s−1 and integrated to approximately 10% of the applied urea N. The monitoring of organics along with NH3 and NO was demonstrated in soils treated with synthetic urine, pyridine, and dimethylamine. No emission of volatile nitrogen organics from the urine treatments was observed at levels >0.01% of the applied nitrogen. The SIFT method allows the simultaneous in situ measurement of multiple gas components with a high spatial resolution of <10 cm and time resolution <20 s. These capabilities allow, for example, identification of emission hotspots, and measurement of localized and rapid variations above agricultural and contaminated soils, as well as integrated emissions over longer periods.
Industrial Impact on Marsh Soils at the Bahia Blanca Ria, Argentina
Authors: Andrade Maria Luisa , Reyzabal Maria Luisa , Marcet Purificacion , Montero Maria Jose
Published: October 2017

The Bahía Blanca Estuary is located in southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The area is linked to a petrochemical industrial complex, whose raw materials and final products contaminate the surrounding areas via atmospheric pollution and effluents, which are dumped in the estuary waters. To establish the effects of the industrial waste disposal on the nearest coastal soils, 17 samples were taken at different distances from the loading dock and the outfall pipes of the industrial complex. Later, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil samples, their hydrocarbon contents, sulfides, sulfates, Zn, Cu, and Pb were analyzed and a comparison was made to control samples, which were not affected by the industrial outfall. Hydrocarbons, Zn, Cu, and Pb contents were found at levels that modified the physical and chemical characteristics of the soils. The resistance to penetration shows that the thinner the film of water that surrounds the particles or aggregates, the smaller the migration of organic micelle, which settle on the surface of the contact material. This is demonstrated by the degree of cohesion reached by the particles and the strong influence on the index of hydrophobicity. The high porosity shows that the continuity of the porous space of the soil matrix is impeded by the presence of pollutants, which generate areas that are highly limiting to water flow. The oxidation–reduction potential and the low concentrations of soluble forms of Cu and Pb compared with their concentrations precipitated as sulfides confirm the action of the pollutants.
Leaching from Organic Matter–Rich Soils by Rain of Different Qualities
Authors: Strand L. T. , Abrahamsen G. , Stuanes A. O.
Published: October 2017

Soil monoliths from an area exposed to acid precipitation and from an unpolluted area were used in a lysimeter experiment to study effects of different rain qualities on the chemical composition of the leachate from shallow soils rich in organic matter. The vegetation was either dominated by moorgrass [Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench] or heather [Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull]. The lysimeters received either “acid rain” (pH 4.3) or “normal rain” (pH 5.3). High concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were characteristic of the leachate. The different “rain” qualities had no significant influence on the DOC concentration. More DOC was, however, leached from lysimeters with heather vegetation. Roughly 50% of the aluminum (Al) was in complex with organic material and the Al charge was calculated to be between +1.4 and +2.0. Sulfate (SO2−4) was the only component that was significantly influenced by the treatment, as more was leached from lysimeters receiving “acid rain.” Sulfate was poorly correlated with pH, suggesting that reduced SO2−4 input would not necessarily lead to reduced acidity. Differences in the pH of the leachate due to the treatments were less than 0.15 pH units. Nitrate (NO−3) was only leached in very low concentrations and of little consequence for the leachate acidity. Some observations do, however, suggest that NO−3 may contribute to acidification in episodes with high precipitation. High concentrations of Cl− in the leachate and a significant positive correlation between Cl−, H+, and base cations indicate that sea salt episodes may be important for soil acidification and acidity of the leachate.
Simulating Interactive Effects of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation, Carbon Dioxide Elevation, and Climatic Change on Legume Growth
Authors: Yu Mei , Gao Q. , Shaffer M. J.
Published: October 2017

The underlying mechanisms of interaction between the symbiotic nitrogen‐fixation process and main physiological processes, such as assimilation, nutrient allocation, and structural growth, as well as effects of nitrogen fixation on plant responses to global change, are important and still open to more investigation. Appropriate models have not been adequately developed. A dynamic ecophysiological model was developed in this study for a legume plant [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growing in northern China. The model synthesized symbiotic nitrogen fixation and the main physiological processes under variable atmospheric CO2 concentration and climatic conditions, and emphasized the interactive effects of these processes on seasonal biomass dynamics of the plant. Experimental measurements of ecophysiological quantities obtained in a CO2 enrichment experiment on soybean plants, were used to parameterize and validate the model. The results indicated that the model simulated the experiments with reasonable accuracy. The R2 values between simulations and observations are 0.94, 0.95, and 0.86 for total biomass, green biomass, and nodule biomass, respectively. The simulations for various combinations of atmospheric CO2 concentration, precipitation, and temperature, with or without nitrogen fixation, showed that increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration, precipitation, and efficiency of nitrogen fixation all have positive effects on biomass accumulation. On the other hand, an increased temperature induced lower rates of biomass accumulation under semi‐arid conditions. In general, factors with positive effects on plant growth tended to promote each other in the simulation range, except the relationship between CO2 concentration and climatic factors. Because of the enhanced water use efficiency with a higher CO2 concentration, more significant effects of CO2 concentration were associated with a worse (dryer and warmer in this study) climate.
Effects of Arsenic Concentrations and Forms on Arsenic Uptake by the Hyperaccumulator Ladder Brake
Authors: Tu Cong , Ma Lena Q.
Published: October 2017

Ladder brake (Pteris vittataL.) is a newly discovered arsenic hyperaccumulator. No information is available about arsenic effects on ladder brake. This study determined the effects of different arsenic concentrations (50 to 1000 mg kg−1) or forms (organic vs. inorganic and arsenite vs. arsenate) applied to soils on growth and arsenic uptake by ladder brake. Young plants were grown in a greenhouse for 12 or 18 wk. Ladder brake was highly tolerant of arsenic and survived in soil containing up to 500 mg As kg−1The fact that addition of arsenate up to 100 mg As kg−1increased fern biomass by 64 to 107%, coupled with higher arsenic concentration in younger fronds at low soil arsenic concentrations and older fronds at high soil arsenic concentrations, implies that arsenic may be beneficial for fern growth. Addition of 50 mg As kg−1was best for fern growth and arsenic accumulation, resulting in the highest fern biomass (3.9 g plant−1), bioconcentration factor (up to 63), and translocation factor (up to 25). With an exception of FeAsO4and AlAsO4, which had the lowest effects due to their low solubility, little difference was observed among other arsenic forms mainly because of arsenic conversion in soil. Aboveground biomass was mostly responsible for accumulation of arsenic by plant (75–99%). Up to 26% of the added arsenic was removed by ladder brake, showing the high efficiency of ladder brake in arsenic removal. The results suggest that ladder brake may be a good candidate to remediate arsenic‐contaminated soils.
Pollutant Removal Efficacy of Three Wet Detention Ponds
Authors: Mallin Michael A. , Ensign Scott H. , Wheeler Tracey L. , Mayes David B.
Published: October 2017

Monthly inflow and outflow data were collected from three wet detention ponds in Wilmington, North Carolina, for a 29‐mo period. Two ponds drained urban areas consisting primarily of residential, mixed services, and retail usage, while the third mainly drained residential and golf course areas. One of the urban ponds achieved significant reductions in total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and fecal coliform bacterial counts. This pond was characterized by a high length to width ratio, with most inputs directed into the upper area, and extensive coverage by a diverse community of aquatic macrophyte vegetation. The second urban pond achieved significant reductions in turbidity and fecal coliform bacterial counts, but there were no significant differences between inflowing and outflowing water nutrient concentrations. There were substantial suburban runoff inputs entering the mid‐ and lower‐pond areas that short‐circuited pollutant removal contact time. The golf course pond showed significant increases in nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate in the outflow relative to the inflow, probably as a result of course fertilization. However, nutrient concentrations in the outflow water were low compared with discharges from a selection of other area golf courses, possibly a result of the outflow passing through a wooded wetland following pond discharge. To achieve good reduction in a variety of pollutants, wet pond design should include maximizing the contact time of inflowing water with rooted vegetation and organic sediments. This can be achieved through a physical pond design that provides a high length to width ratio, and planting of native macrophyte species.
A new method of measuring stock market manipulation through structural equation modeling (SEM)
Authors: Rahman Maxim Maruf , Sadat Muhammad Ashif Abu
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a new model of measuring a latent variable, stock market manipulation. The model bears close resemblance with the literature on economic well-being. It interprets the manipulation of a stock as a latent variable, in the form of a multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) model. This approach exploits systematic relations between various indicators of manipulation and between manipulation and multiple causes, which allows it to identify the determinants of manipulation and an index of manipulation simultaneously. The main reason of stock market manipulation comes from the fact that information availability is not universally equal. The manipulation is thus critically linked to the creation, arrival and dissemination of information or rumors/mis-information. Thus, the immediate impact of manipulation is on the time profile of returns, or excess returns, from an asset and the excess volatility of returns in excess of the volatility explained by the fundamentals. In this basic setup, the model used these two variables as the indicators of stock market manipulation. The main intuition of the MIMIC approach is that some variables, or statistics, related to peace are indicators of manipulation, while others signify effects or outputs of causal factors, or inputs, of manipulation. In other words, distinction can be made between causes of manipulation and indicators of manipulation. The causal factors used in this model are classified into five different domains namely pure economic factors as determinants of manipulation, labor market conditions, international factors, quality of governance factors and systematic risk factors.
Orientation to finance (ORTOFIN) and its relationship with residential status
Authors: Faisal Shaha
Published: October 2017

The two of factors Orientation towards Finance (ORTOFIN) Scale tests the financial information and personal financial planning of the respondents. The Scale helps in identifying the personal financial management behavior of a general and non-specific nature. The present study was undertaken to test the relationship between status of residence and financial orientation using ORTOFIN Scale. Towards this the ORTOFIN scale was administered on 167 resident employed Indians and 62 expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. Since most of the expatriates work in unique situations that are often beset with risks, they have to face an uncertain future. This unique situation was hypothesized, would induce in them a different type of financial behavior, distinct from those who are settled and work in the home country. Results of the study, however, show that there is no relationship between the status of residence and financial orientation of the respondents. The results of the study are of great significance and of practical implication to those financial institutions with which expatriates are associated.
The impact of microfinance on microenterprises
Authors: Olugbenga Sanya , Mashigo Polly
Published: October 2017

The provision of and access to financial services, particularly credit, can contribute greatly to the development of microenterprises in South Africa. Such provision has been an issue ignored by conventional banks or formal financial institutions. The problem associated with this ignorance includes high transaction and operation costs, lack of collateral, and the inability to obtain information about microenterprises resulting in difficulties to extend such credit. Microfinance therefore becomes an alternative to conventional banking and a mainstream and sustainable development activity for extending credit to microenterprises. However, the benefits of microfinance, which include, among others, the ability to provide the much-needed financial support for microenterprises, have not been fully harnessed in South Africa. The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of microfinance on microenterprises in a typical South African township and to propose specialized financial mechanisms to support and improve the provision of credit to microenterprises. The article draws on the findings of a study undertaken in the Ga-Rankuwa township located in the Tshwane Metropolitan area in the Gauteng province of South Africa. It further draws on a wide range of extensive review of literature that documents the impact of microfinance on microenterprises. A case study approach is adopted and mixed method research paradigm (qualitative and quantitative) is used to gather information. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit information from the randomly selected microfinance institutions and microenterprises in the Ga-Rankuwa township.
Company’s financial state forecasting: methods and approaches
Authors: Jumadilova Shynara , Sailaubekov Nurlan , Kunanbayeva Dana
Published: October 2017

Planning company’s activity is a complex process, in which foresight is of great importance. The paper presents a method to predict financial state of a company using available financial data. For the prediction of quantitative indicators of the company currently there are different ways to build predictive models, such as simple and multiple regressions, autoregressive model and others. In this paper, to predict financial indicators of the company we use econometric modeling techniques. Tools to check the time series for the seasonality and stationarity are used in constructing the models. To check the reliability of the analysis techniques applied backtesting. To apply the developed method we used the values of financial indicators of the Kazakh national oil producing company. However, the method can be used for any company despite its size, industry, and so on. Albeit the method proposed is universal one and enables to predict financial state at any company, it has certain shortcomings and should be used along with fun¬damental analysis tools. The method proposed in the paper illustrated adequate results with sufficient accuracy according to the backtesting results. Therefore, based on the results of forecasting the financial state indicators, one can conduct a financial analysis of the expected state in upcoming period and use the derived values for future planning.
Detecting false financial statements: evidence from Greece in the period of economic crisis
Authors: Pazarskis Michail , Drogalas George , Baltzi Kyriaki
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is the examination of the financial fraud in Greek companies, listed on the Athens Exchange for the period of 2008-2015 during the economic crisis in Greece. The data of all the listed companies that were used comprise financial statements, reviews in the reports by the auditors and the figures and information based on the reports of the Athens Exchange. A total of twelve companies were found and they comprise the primary research sample with fraud in their financial statements (FFS), while another twelve companies were employed as a control sample (non-FFS) for various comparisons. From thirty financial ratios, several statistical tests to the sample and the control sample are applied in order to create a model that will use ratios as “predictors” in the analysis of financial statements for fraud. The model is accurate in classifying the total sample correctly with accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent. The results demonstrate that the model functions effectively in detecting FFS in a period of economic crisis and could be used as a tool to the banking system, from internal and external auditors and taxation or other state authorities.
A comparison of two models to measure business success in microinsurance
Authors: B. Chummun Zaheenah , Bisschoff Christo
Published: October 2017

Microinsurance is an insurance product offered to low-income earners charactrized by low profitability resulting from low premiums and high transaction costs. Insurance companies are socially challenged to also include this market segment in their portfolio of insurance products to contribute to economic development and servicing the low-income market. Business success in the microinsurance segment is, therefore, more than calculating profits. This article offers guidance to measure business success in this market. Two models were constructed to measure business success: one generalized and the other an industry specific model. These models are compared to determine which one would be the more suitable to employ as a tool to measure business success in the microinsurance industry. The analysis indicated that the generalized model is better model to use. However, the industry specific model also proves to be valuable and is more suitable for specific company applications than general industry analysis.
The evaluation of derivatives of double barrier options of the Bessel processes by methods of spectral analysis
Authors: Burtnyak Ivan , Malytska Anna
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with the spectral methods to calculate the value of the double barrier option generated by the Bessel diffusion process. This technique enables us to calculate the option price in the form of a Fourier-Bessel series with the corresponding ratio. The autors propose a simple method to estimate options using the Green’s expansion function for boundary value problem for a singular parabolic equation. Thus, the accuracy of the estimation coincides with the accuracy of the convergence of the Fourier-Bessel series. In this paper, the authors use the spectral theory to calculate the price of derivatives of financial assets considering that the processes described are by Markov and can be considered in Hilbert spaces. In this work, the authors use the diffusion process to find derivatives prices by introducing them through the Bessel functions of first kind. They also examine the Sturm-Liouville problem where the boundary conditions utilize the Bessel functions and their derivatives. All assumptions lead to analytical formulae that are consistent with the empirical evidence and, when implemented in practice, reflect adequately the passage of processes on stock markets. The authors also focus on the financial flows generated by Bessel diffusion processes which are presented in the system of Bessel functions of the first order under the condition that the linear combination of the flow and its spatial derivative are taken into account. Such a presentation enables us to calculate the market value of a share portfolio, provides the measurement of internal volatility in the market at any given time, and allows us to investigate the dynamics of the stock market. The splitting of Green’s function in the system of Bessel functions is presented by an analytical formula which is convenient for calculating the price level of options.
Oil price risk in the Eurozone: a sectoral analysis
Authors: Belhassine Olfa , Ben Bouzid Amira
Published: October 2017

This study investigates how oil price movements impact the main Eurozone industry supersectors returns. We use a multifactor market model in which we incorporate oil price changes as an additional risk factor. In order to account for possible breaks in the relationship, we use the Bai and Perron (1998, 2003) breakpoints identification methodology. We find evidence of the presence of structural instabilities on the relationship between sector stock returns and oil price changes. Different breakpoints are identified, particularly the 2003 Iraq invasion year, the 2008 subprime crisis and the 2012 Euro debt crisis. Moreover, our results prove that stock return sensitivities to oil prices are time varying and sector dependent. Besides, the subprime financial crisis appears to induce a significantly positive effect on the oil-stock market nexus. However, the Euro debt crisis has a mostly negative effect. The other identified breakpoints do not seem to have any significant effect on the oil stock market nexus.
Entrepreneurial orientation and its impact on firm growth amongst SMEs in South Africa
Authors: Ngek Neneh Brownhilder , van Zyl Johan
Published: October 2017

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has been widely touted as a fundamental ingredient for enhancing firm growth. Consequently, this aimed at examining the impact of EO and its dimensional variables (innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness) on SME growth (employment, sales, and asset growth). Using information from 285 SMEs, the results obtained indicated that while EO had a significant positive association with SME growth (employment and sales growth), most SMEs show a moderate level of EO. Also, following the EO dimensions, the findings established the emergence of proactive innovation (a combination of proactiveness and innovativeness) which showed a significant positive association on sales growth. Risk-taking was the only factor that showed a significant influence on employment and asset growth. This study also showed that controlling for the effect of firm age on growth significantly reduced the error of predicting sales growth by 2.3%. This study culminates with recommendations on enhancing EO amongst SMEs in South Africa.
EM APOIO AO PLANEJAMENTO URBANO: AVALIAÇÃO MULTICRITÉRIOS E A APLICABILIDADE DA OSS PARA A ARQUITETURA E URBANISMO
Authors: Rocha Nicole Andrade da
Published: October 2017

Conscientes que a cidade é lugar das relações e das inter-relações de signos complexos e que demandam soluções específicas para cada caso, este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a ferramenta de avaliação multicritérios Observação Social Sistemática (OSS), estudada na dissertação de mestrado titulada "Observação Social Sistemática: estudo de caso em duas regiões urbanas de Juiz de Fora- MG". A ferramenta, adaptada para realidade brasileira, vale-se da observação sistemática, método utilizado pelo campo da Ciências Sociais Aplicada, que tem como vantagem principal a participação passiva dos atores envolvidos no objeto de estudo (o que dispensa a necessidade de parecer do comitê de ética) no qual propõem-se realizar diagnósticos urbanos da realidade local, através do levantamento in loco produzindo dados quali-quantitativos. Desta forma, o presente artigo irá analisar tal ferramenta, expor os resultados encontrados e verificar sua aplicabilidade para o campo da arquitetura e urbanismo juntamente das conclusões e observações finais.
IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS CAUSADOS POR NECROCHORUME DE CEMITÉRIOS: UM OLHAR PARA OS POSSÍVEIS RISCOS A SAÚDE PÚBLICA
Authors: Silva Joaklebio Alves da , Marques Maria Juliana Dantas de Paula
Published: October 2017

A questão ambiental envolvendo cemitérios é uma temática recente e pouco debatida na atual sociedade, porém, está sendo pesquisada e apresentada em trabalhos científicos que visam identificar fontes de contaminação causadas pelos mesmos. A decomposição da matéria orgânica gera um líquido viscoso, de cor acinzentada-acastanhada e com odor acre e fétido, o necrochorume. Este líquido pode gerar contaminação das águas, do solo e do ar, caracterizando um problema em várias cidades. Sendo assim, a presente pesquisa objetivou, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, caracterizar os impactos ambientais causados por necrochorume de cemitérios, bem como avaliar as inter-relações com os possíveis riscos a saúde pública. Analisando as referências é notável que, somente a partir da homologação da Resolução CONAMA nº 335/2003 essa questão começou a receber a atenção necessária. Existem vários tipos de cemitérios, porém os mais comuns e debatidos neste contexto são os tradicionais, ou parques jardins, onde o cadáver fica em contato direto com o solo, e os verticais, estes com melhor eficiência em termos ambientais e de saúde da população do entorno. O processo de decomposição dos corpos em necrópoles deve ser atenciosamente analisado por órgãos públicos responsáveis pelos cemitérios, destacando as alterações físicas, químicas e biológicas que o mesmo pode causar quando implantado de forma incorreta tornando o ambiente pronto para disseminar doenças infectocontagiosas afetando a saúde pública. A construção de cemitérios exige maior atenção dos órgãos governamentais nas esferas municipal, estadual e federal na tentativa de minimizar os problemas ambientais e não afetar negativamente a qualidade de vida das populações urbanas e rurais.Palavras-chave:  Necrochorume. Meio ambiente. Saúde humana.
Sealing ability of materials used as protective cervical barrier in internal tooth bleaching
Authors: Ordoñéz-Aguilera Juan Fernando , Maenosono Rafael Massunari , Oda Denise Ferracioli , Honório Heitor Marques , Lia Mondelli Rafael Francisco , Ishikiriama Sérgio Kiyoshi
Published: October 2017

The use of a protective cervical barrier (PCB) is very well established to perform a safe internal bleaching; however, there is still no consensus on which material has the best sealing ability. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the apical and linear sealing of different PCB materials placed during internalbleaching. Material and methods: This study had two study factors: PCB positioning, divided at two levels (cement-enamel junction [CEJ] and 1mm above the cement enamel junction [CEJ+1]); and PCB material, divided at eight levels (resin composite [RC], glass ionomer cement [GIC], resin-modified glass ionomer cement liner [LRGIC], restorative resin-modified glass ionomer cement [RRGIC], zinc phosphate cement [ZPC], eugenol-free zinc oxide cement [ZOC],provisional filling resin [PFR] and gutta-percha as control [GUT]). Response variables were apical and linear sealing obtained through dye penetration and analyzed with a digital microscope. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). Results: The main factor for both apical and linear sealing was the type of material (p<0.01), regardless of their position. RC and ZPC presented the worst sealing values (p<0.05). The Spearmanrank correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation between the apical and linear leakage. Conclusion: The results suggest that RC and ZPC must be avoided as a PCB during internal bleaching procedures.
Deciduous molar hypomineralization (DMH) – a rare entity and its clinical management approach
Authors: Avisa Priyanka Avisa , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Kamatham Rekhalakshmi , Nuvvula Sivakumar
Published: October 2017

An idiopathic qualitative defect of enamel, affecting one or more of the permanent molars with/without permanent incisors is known as Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). Similar defect on primary second molars is termed asdeciduous molar hypomineralization (DMH). Case report and Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MIH and DMH worldwide is between 2.4%-40.2% and 4.9%-9.0% respectively. Clinically, these defects appear as white, yellow or brown spots, and surface is smooth with normal thickness of the enamel. Lack of quality in the enamel causes porosity that fractures easily under mastication, exposing the dentin, and further allows progression of caries. Hence, thiscondition should be diagnosed as early as possible for providing a preventive management against caries and avoid post eruptive breakdown. In addition, intervention with full coverage restoration is needful in the management of the affected teeth. Preformed metal crowns (PMCs) are recommended as the best full coverage restoration for managing primary molar teeth. The Hall Technique embraces changing concepts of managing, without local anesthesia, cariesremoval or tooth preparation. Management of teeth with DMH is challenging as it is quite difficult to achieve anesthesia and due to hypersensitivity, the co-operation of the child is questionable.