bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal degradation kinetics and lifetime of HDPE/PLLA/pro-oxidant blends
Authors: Madhu Gaurav , Mandal Dev K. , Bhunia Haripada , Bajpai Pramod K.
Published: February 2016

The effect of adding poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) with and without a pro-oxidant additive cobalt stearate (CoSt) and compatibilizer maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-g-PE) on the thermal degradation and stability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters [i.e. activation energy (E
a), order of reaction (n), and frequency factor ln(A)] of the samples were studied over a temperature range of 25°C–600°C at four heating rates (i.e. 5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min) through model-free techniques (e.g. Friedman, second Kissinger, and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa) and model-fitting techniques (e.g. Freeman-Carroll and Kim-Park). The value of E
a for neat HDPE was found to be much higher than PLLA; for the HDPE/PLLA blend, it was nearer to that of HDPE. An increase in the activation energy of 80/20 (HDPE/PLLA) blend was noticed by the addition of MA-g-PE. The TGA data and degradation kinetics were also used to predict the lifetime of the film samples. The lifetime of HDPE was found to decrease with the increase in the concentration of CoSt, thereby revealing its pro-oxidative ability. Minimum lifetime was noted for the HDPE/PLLA (80/20) sample blended with CoSt, which increased slightly in the presence of MA-g-PE. Studies indicated that the thermal degradation behavior and lifetime of the investigated film samples depends not only on the fractions of their constituents but also on the heating rates and calculation technique.
Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/PMMA nanocomposites with amino-terminated vinyl polydimethylsiloxane phase interfaces
Authors: Li Hongyan , Wang Weian , Cheng Lin , Li Jing , Li Yajing , Liu Hongli
Published: February 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by the Hummers method and was grafted by an amino-terminated vinyl polydimethylsiloxane (AP). The AP-modified GO (GO-AP) was incorporated in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) to prepare nanocomposites. Raman microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the particles. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and dispersing status of the PMMA-based nanocomposites were also investigated. The results indicated that AP was grafted on the surface of GO via the amidation reaction, and the quantity of the grafted AP was approximately 20 wt% that of GO-AP. With the addition of GO-AP, the three-point bending strength of GO-AP/PMMA increased to approximately 58 MPa, and the dispersion of the particles was also enhanced. GO wrapped by AP could not form thermal conducting networks at the percolation thresholds. The increasing amount of AP prevented the formation of thermal conduction network and decreased the thermal conductivity of the composites. The thermal stability of the composites was affected by three main reasons, and the total effect of the three reasons on thermal stability illustrated a negative trend.
A review on the mass spectrometric analysis of thorium
Authors: Aggarwal Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2016

Mass spectrometric analysis of thorium is of great interest to geo-scientists and nuclear technologists. Though thorium is considered
to be a mono-isotopic element for all practical purposes, the 230Th/232Th isotopic ratio provides useful
information for various applications, e. g. dating of corals, build-up of 232U during reactor irradiation, etc. Among the
gamut of mass spectrometric techniques available for the isotopic analysis of different elements, thermal ionization mass spectrometry,
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry are more commonly used for Th analysis. The problems
of blank contribution and poor ionization efficiency of thorium, which are more serious in thorium mass spectrometric analysis, are
discussed. The present state of the Th mass spectrometry is highlighted, with the futuristic increased use of thorium in energy
production, in focus. The need to prepare and make available the certified isotopic reference materials for
230Th/232Th isotope ratios is emphasized.
Human Rights, Institutions and the Division of Moral Labor
Authors: Ladwig Bernd
Published: February 2016

Are human rights general moral norms, or are they conceptually tied to the political function of setting limits to the sovereignty of states? This essay steers a middle course in conceptualizing human rights as basic norms of political morality. Human rights arise out of general moral claims held by individual human beings simply as such, but they play a particular role as necessary conditions of political legitimacy. Nevertheless, we should not identify them with those norms whose violation might justify restrictions on the sovereignty of other states. Such an equation would result in an all too minimalist conception of human rights. The essay advocates a more ambitious conception that integrates civil rights and human rights, particular state and global politics, democracy and collective self-determination under the perspective of a division of moral labor.
Quantum Ion-Acoustic Oscillations in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Khan S.A. , Iqbal Z. , Wazir Z. , Aman-ur-Rehman
Published: February 2016

Quantum ion-acoustic oscillations in single-walled carbon nanotubes are studied by employing a quantum hydrodynamics model. The dispersion equation is obtained by Fourier transformation, which exhibits the existence of quantum ion-acoustic wave affected by change of density balance due to presence of positive or negative heavy species as stationary ion clusters and wave potential at equilibrium. The numerical results are presented, and the role of quantum degeneracy, nanotube geometry, electron exchange-correlation effects, and concentration and polarity of heavy species on wave dispersion is pointed out for typical systems of interest.
RE
3Au5Zn (RE = Y, Sm, Gd–Ho) – A new structure type with five- and six-membered rings as building units in a gold network
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2016

RE
3Au5Zn (RE = Y, Sm, Gd–Ho) intermetallic compounds were synthesized by melting the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. They exhibit a new structure type which was studied by X-ray diffraction on powders and refined from single crystal diffraction data: Cmcm, a = 736.9(2), b = 1489.4(2), c = 1330.4(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0371, 1184 F
2 values and 55 variables for Y3Au4.92Zn1.08 and a = 739.0(1), b = 1495.8(2), c = 1339.2(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0325, 1410 F
2 values and 54 variables for Tb3Au5Zn. The network consists of five- and six-membered gold rings in puckered conformations. Atoms of the rare earth elements are placed within the cavities of this network where every third cavity is filled by a Zn2 dumbbell. The structure is discussed in detail and compared with the gold substructure of Hf7Au10.
Mitiniai vaizdiniai Kristijono Donelaičio Metuose: paukščiai
Authors: Razauskas Dainius
Published: February 2016

The article deals with the traditional (folkloric, mythological) images of birds in Kristijonas Donelaitis’ The Seasons, mainly in the first part, “Spring Joys”. The article consists of three sections: the first deals with lines 1.107–108 and 142–144 of The Seasons, which refer to the folkloric imitation of nightingales; second — lines 1.111–114 and 127–130 (taking into account 1.80–84 and 98–104), where the nightingale is compared to sparrows, while the singing nightingale is an equivalent to the būrai (Krizas) worshiping God; third — lines 1.155–201, where Donelaitis describes the election of the “bird king”. All of these topics are folkloric, and the latter two have direct links with mythology.
Kristijono Donelaičio tema Johanneso Bobrowskio romane Lietuviški fortepijonai ir Heinzo-Jürgeno Zierke’s novelėse
Authors: Mykolaitytė Aurelija
Published: February 2016

The article deals with the reception of Donelaitis in the German literature written in the second half of 20th century. There is the focus on two authors of this time: Johannes Bobrowski and Hans-Jürgen Zierke. The novel “Lithuanian Claviers” reflects Donelaitis’ time and parallel the Nazis’ time recognising the same situation: on the one hand, hostility between different national groups, on the other hand, trying to create the atmosphere of confidence. The writer suggests that it is possible only to creative people, artists in words and music. Such person was Kristijonas Donelaitis whose life shows for nowadays people how to behave in critical situations. Bobrowski tries to revive the memory of Donelaitis who was able to defend his community and behave in his difficult time as real Christian. Zierke demonstrates other way of developing the Donelaitis’ theme. The writer describes relationship between the priest and his parishioners. There is also an emphasis on relationship with his friend, who is a priest, and wife Ana Regina. The strategy of narration is based on reconstructing the spirit of time and portraying Donelaitis. This writer went into details of Donelaitis’ life, his writings mode reminds about the historical fiction. Thus both authors reflect Donelaitis’ theme but in very different ways.
Vladislavo Sirokomlės poema Margiris: archetipiniai poetinės struktūros bruožai
Authors: Čiočytė Dalia
Published: February 2016

The article investigates the poem Margiris (1855) by Vladislavas Sirokomle, a poet of Lithuania who wrote in Polish. Margiris interprets the heroic fight with Teutonic knights in Lithuania’s history: according to historiographical data, in 1336, in Pilenai, Lithuanians chose a collective suicide instead of slavery. The poem combines several archetypical narratives: the historical one of Pilenai, the mythological folk narrative about a dying snake-king, and the narrative of the biblical sacrifice. Sirokomle modifies the mythological and the biblical narratives so that the historical enemy of Lithuania acquires demonic features while the historical sacrifice of Pilenai is given the metaphysical dimension and forms an allusion of the Christian sacrifice. Sirokomle’s poem has strongly influensed the poetic imagination of Maironis, the main Lithuanian Romanticist.
Sceninės Kosto Ostrausko nuorodos, arba teatrinių konvencijų laužymas
Authors: Klišienė Neringa
Published: February 2016

Cet article concerne la problématique des didascalies et de leur rôle, qui a é é té jusqu’ici très peu, voire pas du tout analysée dans la critique dramaturgique lituanienne. L’analyse est fondée sur les textes dramaturgiques de K. Ostrauskas. En rejetant le cadre d’un seul genre et d’une seule composition, en abandonnant le registre soutenu et rhétorique, en remplaçant un enchaînement cohérent d’événements par un principe de collage, l’auteur donne plus de poids aux didascalies. Les couches textuelles différentes insérées dans les didascalies, telles que des citations, des notes bibliographiques, des commentaires, dévoilent l’originalité de la stratégie que choisit K. Ostrauskas pour créer son texte dramatique, où les didascalies dépassent le cadre d’un simple « texte de service ». La présence d’auteur qu’on n’essaie pas de dissimuler (voire qu’on manifeste expressément parfois) aide à créer une relation de tension, de provocation ou même d’opposition avec le texte é é noncé (le dialogue). Les didascalies de K. Ostrauskas sont destinées aussi bien à la visualisation sur scène du texte dramatique qu’à la lecture, car elles gardent des signes de théâtralité qu’il est difficile de transférer sur scène. Elles revèlent une stratégie spécifique de création de signification qui est inséparablement liée à la polémique dialectique entre le texte et la scène. En é é largissant les fonctions des didascalies, le dramaturge met en question l’idée propre au théâtre traditionnel selon laquelle les didascalies ont pour rôle essentiel de servir la mimesis théâtrale.
Utilisation of carbonating olivine for sustainable soil stabilisation
Authors: Fasihnikoutalab Mohammad Hamed , Asadi Afshin , Huat Bujang Kim , Ball Richard J. , Pourakbar Shahram , Singh Parminder
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the first study demonstrating the potential of olivine as a soil stabiliser. Olivine has been shown to provide a reactive source of magnesium oxide capable of sequestering carbon dioxide. The effects of olivine additions on consistency limits, compaction characteristics and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil are described. The effect of carbon dioxide pressure, and carbonation period, on the UCS of olivine-treated soil is of great importance in defining treated properties. Results highlight the benefits of olivine in soft soil stabilisation with reference to the UCS. Use of 20% olivine decreased the plasticity index and optimum moisture content while increasing the maximum dry density of the soil. The greatest strength was developed after carbonation at 200 kPa for 168 h in the soil containing 20% olivine. Structural and compositional analysis using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the benefits of olivine in terms of decreasing the discontinuity of soil. This was attributed to the crystallisation products responsible for strength development after carbonation, respectively. The paper is significant as it presents a more environmentally friendly method of stabilising soils compared with alternative methods using high embodied energy binders such as cement.
Social Exclusion of Australian Childless Women in Their Reproductive Years
Authors: Turnbull Beth , Graham Melissa L , Taket Ann R
Published: February 2016

Research suggests Australian childless women are at risk of pronatalism-driven social exclusion. This exploratory, mixed methods, cross-sectional study described and explored the social exclusion of Australian childless women aged 25 to 44 years, and asked: what are the nature and extent of social exclusion of childless women; and do the nature and extent of exclusion vary for different types of childless women? A total of 776 childless female Australian residents aged 25 to 44 years completed a self-administered questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected on childlessness types, indicators of exclusion and perceived stigmatisation and exclusion due to being childless. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, One Way ANOVAs and Kruskal Wallis Analysis of Ranks. Qualitative data on childless women’s experiences were inductively thematically analysed. Findings suggest societal-level pronatalism drives exclusion of Australian childless women. While exclusion occurs in all domains of life, childless women experience more exclusion, and perceive more exclusion due to being childless, in the social and civic domains than the service and economic domains. Circumstantially and involuntarily childless women, followed by voluntarily childless women, perceive more exclusion due to being childless than undecided and future childed women. Experiences are influenced by the nature of women’s ‘deviance’ from pronatalism.
Avaliação de cultivares de alho no município de Governador Dix-sept Rosado-RN, Brasil
Authors: Soares Alinne Menezes , Negreiros Maria Zuleide de , Resende Francisco Vilela , Lopes Welder de Araújo Rangel , Medeiros José Francismar de , Grangeiro Leilson Costa
Published: February 2016

O Brasil é um dos grandes produtores de alho do mundo, entretanto, apesar de possuir condições edafoclimáticas favoráveis à cultura e contar com mão de obra abundante, ainda não alcançou a autossuficiência na produção de alho, sendo, por isso, necessária a sua importação. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar 11 cultivares de alho nas condições do município de Governador Dix-sept Rosado-RN. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíramse das seguintes cultivares de alho: Amarante, Branco Mossoró, Cateto Roxo, Catiguá, Caturra, Centenário, Chileno PR, Chinês Real, Gravatá, Mexicano e Morano Arequipeno. As características avaliadas foram: percentagem de plantas emergidas, altura de plantas, número de folhas vivas, diâmetro de bulbos (DB), massa fresca total das plantas (MFTP), estande final de plantas (EF), massa média de bulbos diferenciados (MMBD), percentagem de bulbos diferenciados (PBD), produção total de bulbos (PTB), classificação dos bulbos, número de bulbilhos por bulbo (NBB), classificação dos bulbilhos e índice de chochamento. As cultivares Branco Mossoró, Cateto Roxo, Caturra, Centenário, Chinês Real, Gravatá e Mexicano apresentaram maior percentagem de bulbos diferenciados com maior diâmetro, indicando maior adaptabilidade às condições de Governador Dix-sept Rosado-RN. As cultivares com melhor desempenho agronômico e, portanto, mais indicadas para plantio no município de Governador Dix-sept Rosado-RN, são Branco Mossoró e Centenário.
Densidade de plantas e doses de NPK nos componentes de produção de soja-hortaliça na Savana de Roraima
Authors: Monteiro Alynny Neftaly Lopes , Alves José Maria Arcanjo , Matos Williams Da Silva , Silva Marcelo Ribeiro da , Silva Diego Lima , Barreto Glauber Ferreira
Published: February 2016

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de duas densidades e semeadura e doses de NPK (02-24-12) nos componentes de Produção da soja hortaliça linhagem JLM 08, na Savana de Boa Vista, Roraima. O experimento foi conduzido no período de novembro de 2013 a março de 2014, na área experimental do Centro de Ciências Agrária da Universidade Federal de Roraima, Campus Cauamé, em Boa Vista, Roraima. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial (2 x 5), com três repetições. O primeiro fator correspondeu a duas densidades (40.000 e 80.000 plantas por hectare), enquanto o segundo a cinco doses de NPK (02-24-12) (0, 200, 400, 600 e 800 kg ha-1). Avaliaram-se a altura de inserção da primeira e da última vagem, diâmetro do caule, número de vagens por planta com 1, 2 e 3 grãos, número de vagens totais por planta, massa de 100 grãos, bem como a estimativa da produtividade de grãos. A altura de inserção da primeira e da última vagem do genótipo de soja-hortaliça JLM 08 não é influenciada pelas densidades de plantio nem pelas doses do adubo formulado. Na densidade de 80.000 plantas por hectare, o número de vagem por planta é influenciado pelas doses do adubo, apresentando resposta quadrática positiva. A dose de máxima eficiência técnica (492,86 kg ha-1) do adubo determina aumento de 18% na produtividade de grãos para a maior densidade de plantio.
Milho cultivado em sucessão a adubos verdes em sistemas sob bases agroecológicas
Authors: Parron Padovan Milton , Carneiro Leandro Flávio , Felisberto Guilherme , Silva Nascimento Jaqueline , Nogueira Moraes Carneiro Daniella
Published: February 2016

A adubação é uma prática estratégica face às multifunções que exerce nos ambientes agrícolas. Tratando-se de arranjos de cultivos em bases agroecológicas, a sua importância aumenta, tendo em vista que se busca a máxima autonomia nos agroecossistemas. Arranjos com a cultura do milho são promissores, pois potencializa os resultados da cultura de interesse econômico. Em Mato Grosso do Sul, desenvolveuse um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho do milho cultivado em sucessão a adubos verdes em sistemas de base agroecológica. O estudo foi desenvolvido no ano agrícola 2009/2010, em duas ecorregiões distintas (Dourados e Itaquiraí), e composto por dez tratamentos, sendo o cultivo de: Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna pruriens, Stizolobium aterrimum, Pennisetum glaucum, Sorghum bicolor; consórcio de C. juncea e P. glaucum, mistura dos adubos verdes, além da testemunha (plantas espontâneas). Após o manejo, avaliou-se a massa seca e a quantidade de nutrientes acumulados na parte aérea das plantas. Dez dias após o manejo dos adubos verdes, semeou-se o milho. Avaliou-se a altura de plantas e de inserção de espiga, a massa de espigas sem palha (milho verde), a massa seca dos restos culturais e o rendimento de grãos secos. Os resultados evidenciaram que o milho cultivado em sucessão a leguminosas, resulta em maior produção de massa de espigas e rendimento de grãos, destacando-se a M. pruriens, S. aterrimum, C. cajan, C. ensiformis, C. juncea, mistura desses adubos verdes e o consórcio de C. juncea com P. glaucum.
Níveis de sombreamento no crescimento de mudas de castanheira do Brasil
Authors: Albuquerque Teresinha Costa Silveira , Evangelista Tennyson Costa , Albuquerque Neto Antonio Antero Ribeiro de
Published: February 2016

A eficiência no crescimento inicial de árvores nativas pode ser relacionada à habilidade de adaptação de plântulas às condições luminosas do ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o crescimento de mudas de castanheira do brasil, na fase de viveiro, sob diferentes níveis de sombreamento artificial. Como tratamentos testaram-se cinco ambientes: T75 = 75% de sombra; T50 = 50% de sombra; T25 = 25% de sombra; TCza = tela cinza; e TPsol = pleno sol. As avaliações de crescimento foram realizadas após 185 dias de permanência das plantas nos telados, medindo-se a altura, o diâmetro basal do caule, bem como o número, o comprimento e a largura das folhas. Avaliou-se também o teor de clorofila e o cálculo dos teores de clorofila a, b, total e carotenoides. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). Conclui-se que os ambientes com sombreamento médio de 25 e 50% são mais indicados para o desenvolvimento de mudas de castanheiras-do-brasil, permitindo crescimento mais vigoroso das plantas. As plantas em ambientes mais sombreados e a pleno sol apresentam maiores teores de clorofila e carotenoides como estratégia adaptativa.
Bone Mineral Density in Female Professional Athletes Involved in Weight Bearing and Non-Weight Bearing Exercises
Authors: Heshmat Ramin
Published: February 2016

The present study was designed to assess the effect of different types of exercises on the BMD values in female professional atheletes. The case control study was conducted on 59 healthy female atheletes aged between 20 and 30 years who were a member of the countryÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s national teams in the past three years. They were involved in weight-bearing (soccer and golf) and non-weight bearing (swimming and rowing) exercises. The BMD values of the L1Ã¢â‚¬â€œL4 anteroposterior lumbar spine and femoral subregions were recorded using a DXA bone densitometer and compared to that of a group of age and sex-matched non-athletes. Mean BMD values at all the studied sites were highest among the footballers and lowest among the golf players. Except for the spine, a significant difference between the BMD values at all the studied sites. As for spine, a significant difference was only seen in the BMD values of the footballers and that of golf players. There was no significant difference between the BMD values of the controls and those involved in either weight bearing or non-weight bearing exercises. The considerable difference noted in BMD values at different sites in footballers and golf playersÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ points out the great influence of weight-bearing exercises on the bone structure. The bonesÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ response to exercises is site-specific. High-impact weight bearing exercises stressing bones in a variety of directions are more effective in improving BMD values. Athletes involved in non-weight bearing exercises should do certain weight-bearing exercises to strengthen their bones.
Magnesium Modeling Using SolidWorks
Authors: McCullough Matthew B. A.
Published: February 2016

Increased cost and complexity associated with orthopaedic surgeries has led to advancements in degradable materials.Ã‚Â  Degradable metals like magnesium have shown great promise as magnesium based alloys provide the strength of metals but the degradability of polymers.Ã‚Â  As the development of degradable magnesium alloys expands there is a significant need for simplified computational models that can account for the numerous mechanical changes associated with degradation.Ã‚Â  The current study examined initial in silico models of Magnesium samples to gain insight on how degradation impacts mechanical performance over time.Ã‚Â  Models of magnesium rods were created and analyzed using the finite element analysis functionality in a commercially available software package. Ã‚Â SolidWorks is widely known for its design capabilities and generation of 3D solid models; however its analyses capabilities would be useful for such a smart material, like magnesium.Ã‚Â  Ã‚Â Therefore, this work explores the analysis capabilities of SolidWorks, for degradable magnesium in a skeletal environment.
Nano Calcium Supplements: Friends or Foes?
Authors: Larijani Bagher
Published: February 2016

Short Communication
Métodos de superação de dormência de sementes de Schinopsis brasiliensis
Authors: Coelho M. F. B. , Azevedo R. A. B. , Souza J. W. N. , Barros L. P. , Souza A. S.
Published: February 2016

Schinopsis brasiliensis é uma das espécies ameaçadas de extinção na Caatinga do nordeste brasileiro. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar diferentes tratamentos pré-germinativos afim de superar a dormência em  sementes de Schinopsis brasiliensis. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado no esquema fatorial 5x2 com cinco repetições de 50 sementes. Os tratamentos consistiram em: a) escarificação com lixa metálica junto da micrópila; b) escarificação com lixa metálica do lado oposto da micrópila; c) escarificação com lixa metálica de um lado  da semente; d) escarificação com lixa metálica dos dois lados da semente e e) sem escarificação. Estes cinco níveis foram combinados com as sementes com ou sem lavagem em água. A porcentagem de emergência variou de 11,25 a 36,25%. A escarificação junto à micrópila combinada com a lavagem em agua proporcionou maior comprimento da parte aérea. A retirada do epicarpo e mesocarpo de Schinopsis brasiliensis seguida da lavagem em agua corrente por 12 horas e escarificação com lixa junto a micrópila proporcionam maior porcentagem de emergência.

Methods to overcome seed dormancy in Schinopsis brasiliensis

Abstract: Schinopsis brasiliensis is a species threatened with extinction in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil. The objective of this study was to apply different pre-treatments to improve germination of Schinopsis brasiliensis. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 5x2 with five repetitions of 50 seeds. It was used five forms of scarification: a) scarification with metal sandpaper along the micropyle; b) scarification with sandpaper metal opposite the micropyle; c) scarification with metal sanding a seed side; d) scraping with a metallic grip both sides of the seed  and e) without scarification. These five levels were combined with a) without washing seeds in water and b) seeds washed in running water for ten minutes. The emergency percentage ranged from 11.25 to 36.25%. Scarification with the micropyle combined with the washing in water provided greater length of the shoot. The elimination of the epicarp and mesocarp Schinopsis brasiliensis followed by washing in running water for 12 hours and scarification with sandpaper along the micropyle provide greater percentage of emergency.
The links between hypertrophy, reproductive potential and longevity in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.
Authors: Molon Mateusz , Zadrag-Tecza Renata
Published: February 2016

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has long been used as a model organism for studying the basic mechanisms of aging. However, the main problem with the use of this unicellular fungus is the unit of "longevity". For all organisms, lifespan is expressed in units of time, while in the case of yeast it is defined by the number of daughter cells produced. Additionally, in yeast the phenotypic effects of mutations often show a clear dependence on the genetic background, suggesting the need for an analysis of strains representing different genetic backgrounds. Our results confirm the data presented in earlier papers that the reproductive potential is strongly associated with an increase in cell volume per generation. An excessive cell volume results in the loss of reproductive capacity. These data clearly support the hypertrophy hypothesis. The time of life of all analysed mutants, with the exception of sch9D, is the same as in the case of the wild-type strain. Interestingly, the 121% increase of the fob1D mutant's reproductive potential compared to the sfp1D mutant does not result in prolongation of the mutant's time of life (total lifespan).
Inequidades territoriales en Colombia: un balance del Sistema General de Regalías (SGR) en el cierre de la brecha interregional
Authors: Botero Ospina María Elena , Hofman Quintero Juana Marina , Hernández Chitiva Daniel Eduardo
Published: February 2016

La transformación del Sistema General de Regalías (SGR) atiende al desarrollo territorial y al mejoramiento de las condiciones de bienestar de los habitantes de municipios y departamentos, por lo que se esperaría un impacto significativo frente a las condiciones de desequilibrio territorial. Este artículo evalúa el impacto de la transformación del SGR en el desarrollo territorial. Primero, se examina el cambio en el sistema, sus causas y sus beneficios. Seguidamente, se analizan las dinámicas de las economías departamentales, así como el crecimiento económico departamental en los últimos veinte años, para establecer las condiciones sobre las que partió el sistema. En tercer lugar, se establece su contribución al desarrollo territorial, los sectores que atiende y las entidades territoriales beneficiarias del mismo. Finalmente, se evalúa la relación entre capacidad administrativa municipal y asignación de recursos de regalías, que muestran indicios de influencia política en la aprobación de proyectos a las entidades territoriales.
A atuação do Ministério Pùblico do Trabalho em consonância com as ondas de acesso à justiça: o foco na prevenção de conflitos e na defesa dos interesses coletivos
Authors: Francischetto Gilsilene Passon Picoretti
Published: February 2016

Com a Constituição Federal de 1988, ganha relevo a atuação do Ministério Público do Trabalho, como instituição permanente e com a responsabilidade de defender a ordem jurídica, o regime democrático e os interesses sociais e individuais indisponíveis dos trabalhadores. Associado ao texto constitucional, a Lei Complementar nº 75/93 trouxe vários instrumentos a serem utilizados na prevenção dos conflitos trabalhistas e na sua defesa coletiva. Assim, busca-se o presente evidenciar a aproximação de tais atribuições com as ondas de acesso à justiça, preconizadas por Mauro Cappelletti e sua importância para que a atuação de tal instituição possa ser desenvolvida de forma efetiva, com um viés interdisciplinar e humanista.
Mudanças estruturais no processo civil brasileiro
Authors: Grinover Ada Pellegrini
Published: February 2016

O estudo ocupa-se das mudanças estruturais do processo civil brasileiro, excluídas da análise as ações coletivas. Trata-se, assim, da supressão do processo autônomo de execução, primeiro em relação às obrigações de fazer e não fazer e de dar coisa certa e depois nas obrigações de pagar quantia, analisando-se os principais aspectos da lei de cumprimento da sentença. Em seguida, o estudo trata da chamada tutela jurisdicional diferenciada e da sumarização do processo, analisando a tutela antecipatória, sob o aspecto da dispensa do requisito da urgência e em face do Projeto de Lei n. 185/2005 do Senado Federal, que cuida da estabilização da tutela antecipatória. Passa-se, a seguir, a examinar a valorização da sentença de primeiro grau, garantida pelo efeito meramente devolutivo da apelação e pela execução provisória. Vem a seguir o tratamento dado aos processos repetitivos, com a súmula impeditiva de recursos, a súmula vinculante e a sentença de improcedência antes da citação do demandado, cuja constitucionalidade é defendida. São também tratados os meios alternativos de solução de controvérsias, incluindo o Projeto de Lei sobre mediação no processo civil. O estudo é finalizado pela conclusão.
As fontes primárias do direito: o debate europeu cerca de 1850 a 1950
Authors: Adeodato João Maurício
Published: February 2016

Há um problema semântico, maior do que o habitual, naclassificação tradicional das fontes do direito em “primárias” e “secundárias”. Um exemplo dessa dificuldade está nas discussões em torno de qual da perspectiva da norma jurídica kelseniana seria primária, qual seria secundária, se aquela referente à conduta ilícita ou a lícita. Este trabalho estuda como esse problema surgiu e foi tratado ao longo da filosofia do direito européia no século XIX.
Apresentação
Authors: Almeida Eneá De Stutz e
Published: February 2016

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Effect of Economic Factors on Tax Compliance in Kenya: A Survey of Limited Liability Companies within Eldoret Municipality
Authors: David KIpkoech Kosgei , Joel Tenai
Published: February 2016

The problem of tax compliance is as old as taxes themselves. Characterizing and explaining the observed patterns of tax noncompliance and ultimately finding ways to reduce it are of obvious importance to nations around the world. As a public finance topic, tax compliance spans the notions of equity, efficiency and incidence. Low tax compliance is one of the internal factors affecting the ability of the Kenyan government to raise direct tax revenues and thus meet its recurrent and development expenditure. Therefore, this study assessed the economic factors affecting tax compliance among various limited liability companies within the municipality of Eldoret. The general objective of the study was to assess the economic factors affecting tax compliance among various limited Liability Companies within Eldoret Municipality. The study specifically sought to determine the effect of tax rates, tax audits, and level of actual income, fines and penalties on tax compliance. The study adopted survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 320 companies drawn from the target population of 1,470 limited companies. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, coded, keyed and analyzed quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that tax audits had the highest positive effect on level of tax compliance followed by tax rate, fines and penalties. Tax incentives and level of actual income had the least positive effect on tax compliance .Based on these findings, the study concludes that reducing tax rate, ensuring Kenya Revenue Authority tax auditors to educate taxpayers; enforcing fines and penalties, provision of tax incentives and considering the level of actual income of the taxpayers will improve tax compliance. The study recommends that Kenya Revenue Authority management can improve the level of tax compliance by ensuring favorable and fair tax rates. Tax audits findings should be made available to the taxpayers, while fines and penalties need to be enforced effectively. The authority should also improve tax incentives and consider level of income of the taxpayers in its policy formulation. All these can be achieved through an elaborate taxpayer’s education.
An Examination Of Cross Cultural Competence In International Business: The Case Of The Subsidiaries
Authors: Barrera Juan Carlos
Published: February 2016

Cultural competence as approached in this paper enables individuals and organizations to work or respond effectively across cultures in ways that the values, beliefs, traditions and customs are recognized. This study uses Jaccarino & Kendall (2004) empirical model to understand the cross-cultural competence process in an organization. The model consists of four elements: cultural awareness, skill development, developmental planning, and organization strategy. Moreover, this paper explores similarities and differences that exists and the business implications that results from cultural competence variations. Null hypothesis 1 covers the comparison between international subsidiaries by stating that there are no differences in cultural competence between two subsidiaries (United States and Mexico) of an international firm once they operate under unified directives. Null hypothesis 2 covers the comparison within each subsidiary by stating that there are no differences in cultural competence between administrators and direct service providers/clerks in each subsidiary (United States and Mexico) of an international firm.
Marital Matching Among Immigrants: A Multidimensional Approach
Authors: Kelly Claudia Smith , Dalmia Sonia
Published: February 2016

This paper utilizes Becker’s theory of efficient marriage markets to investigate the patterns of marital matching in marriages between two immigrants and between an immigrant and a U.S. native-born. It employs the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series of the 2000 Census and finds support for positive assortative mating on age and education and negative assortment along income and/or hours worked. The results from estimated match matrices employing multiple individual traits reveal that while native-born men are more likely to marry immigrant women with similar traits, native-born women are least likely to marry immigrant men with similar traits when compared to the immigrant-immigrant matches.
Costly Tax Enforcement And Financial Repression: A Reconsideration Using An Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Ziramba Emmanuel
Published: February 2016

Using a monetary endogenous growth overlapping generations model characterized by financial repression, purposeful government expenditures and costly tax enforcement, we analyze whether financial repression can be explained by the cost involved in raising taxes. Note financial repression is modeled via “high” obligatory reserve requirements that banks in the economy need to hold. We show that higher costs of tax collection produce a monotonic increase in reserve requirements. Moreover, the government tends to rely more on indirect taxation, compared to direct taxation, as costs of tax collection increases.
Stock Prices And Inflation: Evidence From 12 Developed & Emerging Economies
Authors: Moazzami Bakhtiar
Published: February 2016

Using a dynamic model that allows direct estimation of short and long-run impacts of changes in goods prices on stock prices, we find that the long-run Fisher elasticities of stock prices with respect to goods prices exceed unity in 12 developed and emerging economies. Our results provide significant support for Darby’s tax version of the Fisher effect. We also find that inflation and stock prices are negatively related in the short-run.
Re-Evaluating The Underlying Premises Of Free Market Privatization In Current Dispensation
Authors: Richards Darlington C. , Nwanna Gladson I.
Published: February 2016

The contextual framework or policy orthodoxy persuading the implementation of privatization was the prevalent thinking that economic systems functioned best in a “free market”, with little or no government intervention. In the same vein was the belief that a more productive allocation and rationalization of factors of production will dictate a wholesale transfer from public to private sector of the ownership and control of productive assets, their allocation and pricing, including the residual profits flowing from them. The most effective vehicle for such implementation of free market privatization was adjudged to be unfettered deregulation. To the extent that it enabled the untangling of bureaucratic impediments to the inflow and retention of capital to the countries by way of foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investment (PI), including the repatriation of resultant profits, it was a welcome outcome. Unfettered deregulation, as clearly manifested in recent years, particularly in well-known developed economies, appears to have produced an outcome substantially inconsistent with the traditional suppositions, begging the obvious question in the minds of academicians and policymakers alike. Where to, from here? The answer to the apparent conflict and/or contradiction is more urgent in the developing and emerging economies where privatization, and in a broader sense, the ideas and practices based on free market principles and on free market prescriptions have been promoted and sold as sacrosanct, if not necessary for their economic growth and survival. Given the current state of the global financial market which, at best, can be said to be in a state of flux, and the myriads of supposedly economic development initiatives invoking the likes of privatization  and deregulation, we are tempted to ask the following questions:  Are there any fixes? Could there be better, more accommodating alternative assumption(s), doctrine(s) or paradigm(s)?
Financial Development And Growth In Middle Eastern Countries
Authors: Barakat Mounther , Waller Edward
Published: February 2016

This paper studies the relationship between financial intermediation and economic growth in a sample of Middle Eastern countries.  The results are consistent with the hypothesis that a well-functioning banking system promotes economic growth.  Moreover, the results suggest that market-specific factors may hinder financial markets’ ability to play hypothesized roles, while enhancing the role of intermediaries.  The paper’s general conclusion is that financial development does affect economic growth.  However, market specific factors affect the magnitude and significance of this effect.  The implication is that studies should control for market-specific factors to assess the relationship between financial development and growth.
Online vs. Offline Coupon Redemption Behaviors
Authors: Jung Kwon , Lee Boon Young
Published: February 2016

Coupons are among the most important promotional vehicles used today. Traditionally, coupons have been distributed through printed offline media, such as newspapers or postal mails. Along with technological advances, the Internet has emerged as a new method of coupon distribution. This study empirically examines coupon redemption behaviors between online and offline coupons. Specifically, differences in the impacts of face value and benefit type on coupon redemption rate are investigated. The results showed some similarities and differences as well as new interesting findings on the relationship pattern between face value and redemption rate of coupons.
EU-12 Countries In The Context Of European Social Model Types
Authors: Puss Tiia , Viies Mare , Maldre Reet
Published: February 2016

The European social model is a vision of society that combines sustainable economic development with ever-improving living and working conditions. The issue whether or not it is possible to use one so-called European social model in the European Union countries, including in new member states and what it should be like, has been a topic of debates for a long time already. In reality, there are several different social models used in Europe, which interpret the concepts of efficiency and equality differently. The theoretical part of this paper will discuss the European social model and its typology based on research by various authors. We shall compare the social outputs of countries grouped into different model types on the basis of different socio-economic indicators. In the empirical part, we carry out a cluster analysis for positioning new European Union (EU-12) countries into mix of European social models. We concentrate on two of the most important aspects of social systems - monetary poverty/inequality and public policy - and try to classify European Union countries according to their social policy. In the analysis, we also evaluate whether the distribution of EU-15 countries, on the basis of Esping-Andersen’s typology, is the same today after a major enlargement of the European Union. We use different clustering methods such as hierarchical and k-means clustering. The analysis is based on EUROSTAT data; clusters are formed on the basis of 2008 socio-economic indicators for EU-27 countries.
The Leadership Characteristics And Efficiency Of Local Administrative Organizations: A Case Study Of Local Administrative Organizations In The Lower North Region Of Thailand
Authors: Boonleaing Sombut , Ngamsanit Saman , Bunjetrit Saard , Muldet Khak , Kroeksakul Patarapong , Sakolnakorn Thongphon Promsaka Na
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to examine the leadership and the efficiency of the chief executive of local government organizations. We asked chief executives of local government organizations in nine provinces in the lower northern region of Thailand to fill out questionnaires and participate in in-depth interviews. Then we used a computer program (SPSS) to do a quantitative analysis of the data, and we also did a content analysis using a qualitative method. The results of this study found that the characteristics of local government leaders are vision, education and knowledge, good personality, high morality, attention to work, responsibility, and participation.
Organizational Climate And Its Influence On Organizational Commitment
Authors: Noordin Fauziah , Omar Safiah , Sehan Syakirarohan , Idrus Shukriah
Published: February 2016

The findings of the study indicate that the employees perceived the organizational climate of their organization to be at a moderate level. The mean values for the components of the organizational climate ranged from the lowest of 3.38 to the highest of 3.77 of the 5-point Likert scale. Continuance commitment appears to be the lowest of the three components of the organizational commitment construct with a mean of 3.22.   In terms of the correlations between the variables, the results indicate that continuance commitment has no correlations with organizational design, teamwork, and decision-making. All other variables show significant positive correlations. Overall, the findings of the present study indicate that there is a need to improve the current situation at ABC Company with respect to all the components of the organizational climate and organizational commitment.
Accounts Receivable Factoring As A Response To Weak Governance: Panel Data Evidence
Authors: Borgia Daniel J. , Swaleheen Mushfiq , Jones Travis L. , Weeks H. Shelton Weeks
Published: February 2016

Accounts receivable factoring is a financing arrangement that occurs when a business sells its accounts receivables.  Factoring has emerged as the most important source of working capital for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in many economies because weak laws, poor enforcement, and the associated informational opacity put the SMEs at a disadvantage when borrowing.  This paper presents an empirical analysis of cross-country differences in factoring activity to determine whether the quality of governance is a significant determinant of the level of factoring activity.  Our analysis is based on a reduced form model that relates a country’s factoring activity (turnover) to the quality of governance, while controlling for other determinants of factoring discussed in the literature.  We use data for a panel of 59 countries, over the period 1995 – 2005.  Our findings support the hypothesis that factoring is more prevalent in economies with weak governance.  Additionally, we present evidence that factor turnover is decreasing in the incidence of corruption.
Teacher Professionalisation And Organisational Commitment: Evidence From Malaysia
Authors: Noordin Fauziah , Rashid Rahmah Mohd , Ghani Rohani , Aripin Rasimah , Darus Zabani
Published: February 2016

The findings suggest that teachers have low to moderate levels of professionalization and moderate levels of affective, continuance, and normative commitments. There is no correlation between affective commitment and job environment.