bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letters
Authors: Taylor Anna
Published: December 2014

It is commendable that manufacturers of breastmilk substitutes, under the auspices of their trade association, the IDFA (Infant and Dietetic Foods Association), are taking the extensive evidence of breaches of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes presented in the report Cracking the Code seriously. However, it is predictable that the findings have sparked a defensive, critical response from the industry (Vol. 5(6) 1997, p.334)
To Suture or not to Suture
Authors: Fleming Valerie , Hagen Susan
Published: December 2014

Mary Steen (Br J Midwifery 6(9): 572-9) has suggested that research is required urgently into the merits of perineal suturing following normal births. We are pleased to report that such a study has just commenced in central Scotland. The two year study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, The Scottish Office, is a randomized controlled trial of suturing versus non-suturing of first and second degree postpartum perineal tears in primiparous women. As suggested by Mary Steen, we found little research evidence which measured the benefits of suturing or non-suturing of the perineum. Our study, being carried out in a standardized manner, will examine differences in outcome between primiparous women who do and do not have suturing to first or second degree perineal lacerations sustained during spontaneous vaginal births between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.
El futuro es hoy (2009): A Poetic Look at Generation Y or 90
Authors: Enrique Avila López
Published: December 2014

This article analyses Sandra Gómez's Cuban documentary El futuro es hoy, which has won awards not only in Cuba but also in Europe. The article first studies in detail the content of this short film, whose main theme focuses upon the current situation in Cuba and, specifically, what the seven protagonists think about their future in the island. The article then situates Sandra's work within the Hispanic cinematic context. The conclusion is that the film is derived from both film and literary influences and argues that it has a poetic character observed in her particular way of portraying the current state of affairs in Cuba. Finally, the article places her work within the so-called ‘Generation Y’ or ‘90’ in Cuba.
A Review of the Ninth Forum of World Association for Political Economy
Authors: Xiaoqin Ding  , Yanqing Guo
Published: December 2014

The traditional outlook on development is based on expanding physical production, which takes for granted that all economic growth is a good thing and ignores social development. It argues that gross domestic product (GDP) is the sole benchmark for evaluating different countries' economic performances. Such an outlook appears as the reflection of overweighed instrumental rationality and absent human values. On the contrary, a scientific outlook on development, based on Marxist economics, could be taken as a positive response to the shortcomings of the traditional outlook. It argues that scientific economic development should serve the people, and as a consequence, economic development should enhance comprehensive human development and elevate the well-being of the people, eventually improving the livelihoods of people worldwide and the fairness of economic development and income distribution. In May 2014, World Association for Political Economy (WAPE) held its Ninth Forum themed “Growth, Development, Social Justice.” At the forum, participants put out “A Fair Development” and suggested that all countries should put more emphasis on qualitative not just quantitative changes in the economy and consider the basic purpose of economic growth.
Lunar Park: From ashes to ashes
Authors: Loewy Monika
Published: December 2014

Lunar Park opens with a sentence repeated from a previous novel: he states, ‘You do an awfully good impression of yourself’, thus setting the satirical and deceptive tone of the text. In this article, I will focus on two themes implicit in this sentence: that Lunar Park tracks Bret Easton Ellis’s search for his true identity and past and that this is impossible. I suggest that it is this inability to know an author, text or oneself within the context of a nation founded upon illusory ideals and their underlying fragmentation on which this book is centred.

Ellis’s semi-autobiography playfully describes America’s cultural and physical landscape as being ruptured and repressed, emphasizing the way this context has structured his own life. The novel chronicles the author’s fame and family and takes place in a suburban town outside New York City, which is under the threat of terrorist acts in a post-9/11 America. Here, the fictional character Patrick Bateman from Ellis’s previous novel American Psycho begins to haunt Ellis’s home. Since American Psycho is renowned for its critique of the American dream, in Lunar Park, Bateman can be seen as allegorizing a romanticized identity that disavows imperialism, a notion central to American Exceptionalism. It is this, I suggest, that haunts Ellis throughout the Lunar Park.

In this article, I will discuss how Lunar Park embodies Ellis’s movement towards avowal, towards recognizing those fantasies that have structured Americans’ reactions to trauma, specifically 9/11. By fabricating the past, Ellis gestures towards the impossibility of ever remembering it, as based upon his identity and book having been formed through a meaningless world where ‘publishing a shiny booklike object was simply an excuse for parties and glamour’ (Ellis 2005: 9). In so doing, I suggest that the text also invites the reader to ‘enter the fiction of America, enter America as fiction’ (Baudrillard 2010: 29) in order to break down their own illusions. Lunar Park thus materializes the falling monument it represents, exposing post-9/11 America as catastrophic while revealing its own erasure. This article will trace Ellis’s frustrated search to find and illuminate his identity as an American and author in an idea of the New World.
Height increment of hybrid aspen Populus tremuloides x P. tremula as a function of weather conditions in central part of Latvia
Authors: Jansons Āris , Zeps Mārtiņš , Rieksts-Riekstiņš Juris , Matisons Roberts , Krišāns Oskars
Published: December 2014

Height growth of young hybrid aspen ( L. Ã Michx.) was studied in relation to weather conditions. Height of clones with different leaf flushing phenology (early, intermediate and late) was monitored during the growing periods of 2010 and 2011 in a plantation established on former agricultural land. Mean daily height increment (HI) was calculated. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which weather factors (variables) had significant effect on HI. Mean seasonal height growth (mean seasonal HI) between clones (groups) was compared by ANOVA. In both years, HI was significantly higher for clones with early and intermediate leaf flushing compared to clones with late leaf flushing. The effect of weather factors also differed between clones according to their leaf flushing phenology; it was the weakest for HI of clones with early leaf flushing compared to clones with intermediate and late leaf flushing. Mean temperature was the main factor, which positively affected HI of all clones, suggesting that warmer climate might be beneficial for height growth of young hybrid aspen in Latvia. Nevertheless, significant negative relationship between HI and potential evapotranspiration (PET) was observed for clones with delayed leaf flushing, suggesting negative effect of increasing variability of precipitation on growth. Thus, the differences in height growth intensity might be related to growth sensitivity to weather conditions. On the other hand, such differences in height growth between clones might be caused by competition (i.e. with herbs), as trees with early leaf flushing might conquer more resources and become more robust against the environmental fluctuation.Populus tremulaP. tremuloides
Die Erben des Malcolm X
Authors: Simon Katrin
Published: December 2014

Seit dem 19. Jahrhundert finden Afroamerikaner im Islam eine attraktive Alternative zum Christentum. Prominente Konvertiten wie Malcolm X und Muhammad Ali sind Ikonen eines Islam, der auf Selbstdisziplinierung und Aufstiegswillen setzt. Anhand ethnographischer Quellen und deren Einordnung in sozialwissenschaftliche Diskurse zu US-Geschichte und Gesellschaft zeigt Katrin Simon auf eindrückliche Weise, dass der »Black Islam« ein eigenständiges Phänomen ist, der sich vom Islam der Einwanderer unterscheidet. So entsteht ein einmaliger Blick in ein Amerika, in dem Ghetto-Imame und verschleierte Feministinnen gegen Rassismus auch in den eigenen Reihen kämpfen.
Indigene Völker in der Weltgesellschaft
Authors: Sowa Frank
Published: December 2014

Seit Ende der 1990er Jahre machen Naturwissenschaftler und Umweltschutzaktivisten die mit der Jagd verbundene Lebensweise der Inuit für den Rückgang einiger Tierpopulationen in Grönland verantwortlich. Jedoch: Indigene Völker nehmen im ökologischen Diskurs (noch) einen Sonderstatus ein, da ihnen zugeschrieben wird, dass sie einen ressourcenschonenden Umgang mit natürlichen Gütern aus der Tier- und Pflanzenwelt praktizieren. Schützenswerte Natur vs. grönländische Kollektividentität: Kalaalimernit - der grönländische Ausdruck für einheimisches Essen - wird zum umkämpften Terrain. Frank Sowa zeichnet nach, wie die globalen Modelle von »Natur«, »Indigenität« und »(National-)Kultur« zunehmend die Handlungsfähigkeit der lokalen Akteure strukturieren.
PROJETO EUROPEU: POR OPORTUNIDADES PARA CRIANÇAS DESFAVORECIDAS E COM NECESSIDADES EDUCATIVAS ESPECIAIS DURANTE OS PRIMEIROS ANOS DE VIDA - O ENVOLVIMENTO PARENTAL NO ACOLHIMENTO EDUCATIVO DAS CRIANÇAS COM MENOS DE 3 ANOS
Authors: Cardona Maria João , Piscalho Isabel , Uva Marta , Luís Helena , Tavares Teresa Cláudia
Published: December 2014

O trabalho apresentado neste artigo integra-se no Projeto TODDLER, um projeto financiado pela União Europeia (2010-2013) que integra instituições do ensino superior de 8 países: Portugal, Alemanha, Bélgica, Dinamarca, Espanha, Reino Unido, Roménia, sendo coordenado pela Universidade Stavanger (Noruega). Concebido com base nas recomendações do estudo da Eurydice (2009) - que reconhece a relevância da qualidade das respostas educativas desde os primeiros anos de vida como base fundamental para a promoção de uma maior igualdade de oportunidades para todas as crianças numa perspectiva de educação para a cidadania (www.toddlerineurope.eu) - o projeto prevê caracterizar a realidade dos países intervenientes e a organização de materiais para a formação dos profissionais e das profissionais que trabalham com este grupo etário. Neste trabalho de caracterização, coube a Portugal, entre outros aspectos, estudar o envolvimento parental nos diferentes países envolvidos. Neste artigo apresentaremos uma síntese do trabalho realizado pela equipa da Escola Superior de Educação, refletindo alguns dos dados já recolhidos e analisados sobre as características do envolvimento parental nos espaços que (in)formalmente acolhem as crianças com menos de 3 anos, em Portugal e na Europa.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v22i23.1766
TECNOLOGIAS DA INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO SEGUNDO OS PRESSUPOSTOS DA FILOSOFIA DA EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA CRÍTICA
Authors: Bennemann Marcio , Allevato Norma Suely Gomes
Published: December 2014

Esta pesquisa aborda a formação continuada de professores que ensinam Matemática nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental, tendo como objetivo analisar as compreensões manifestadas pelos professores, a respeito da Educação Matemática Crítica ao desenvolverem atividades matemáticas empregando as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação. Por meio da metodologia qualitativa, os dados foram obtidos a partir das interações dos participantes em encontros de formação continuada, nos quais foram desenvolvidas atividades matemáticas utilizando planilha de cálculo e o software GeoGebra. Segundo as compreensões dos participantes, as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação contribuíram com a Educação Matemática Crítica criando novas possibilidades de ensino através do favorecimento das investigações e dos benefícios das múltiplas representações.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v25i2.2841
MEDIAÇÕES DIDÁTICAS REALIZADAS EM SITUAÇÕES COLABORATIVAS ONLINE COM O USO DA GEOMETRIA DINÂMICA
Authors: Cysneiros Mirella , Gitirana Verônica
Published: December 2014

Este artigo discute uma investigação sobre Mediações Didáticas em uma situação especialmente construída para a aprendizagem colaborativa do conceito de Simetria de Reflexão com um software de Geometria Dinâmica compartilhado à distância. Conceitos de CSCL (Aprendizagem Colaborativa Suportada por Computador), do campo matemático de reflexão axial e da aprendizagem de simetria de reflexão foram utilizados para a construção da situação. A metodologia consistiu da concepção das situações e experimentação com três professores de Matemática em formação continuada e um professor Mediador. O chat e interações no Tabulæ foram tratadas com uma Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados revelam um roteiro de atividade que inicia com a interação individual com o problema, passa por momento de cooperação, e culmina com atividades colaborativas, nas quais os formandos assumem a mediação didática. A observação da ação do colega ou professor no ambiente de geometria mostrou-se essencial às mediações.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v25i2.2971
Stern-Vergleich und menschliches Verhalten Zu Alkmans Partheneion (fr. 1,60–63)
Authors: Adorjáni Zsolt
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with a notorious interpretive crux of Alcman’s Louvre-Partheneion: the identity of the Πεληάδες and the meaning and function of the φᾶρος. The article attempts to make sense of the debated verses in their context, highlighting Alcman’s subtle praise of human beings against the foil of the divine.
P.Oxy. LXIV 4410, Fr. 1 and 2.1–5
Authors: Bartol Krystyna
Published: December 2014

This article discusses Marco Perale’s readings in P.Oxy. LXIV 4410, fr. 1 and 2.1-5. It also suggests another possible reading and presents an alternative explanation of the meaning of the text.
Fragmente mit nummerierten und ethnischen Hipparchien (P.UB Trier S 77-43)
Authors: Scheuble-Reiter Sandra
Published: December 2014

This fragmentary papyrus contains the first evidence for the hipparchy of the Macedonians and documents for the first time the hierarchy of the ethnic hipparchies. The text probably deals with the collection of taxes from the cavalrymen (of the numered and ethnic hipparchies) by military officials, most likely by military logeutai. So the papyrus records the names of 12 or 13 military logeutai.
A Fifth Century Receipt for the Delivery of Wheat from Karanis
Authors: Litinas Nikos , Cook R. James
Published: December 2014

Publication of a fifth century Greek receipt from Karanis, which preserves the name of an individual also known from P.Haun. III 58.
Karen Blixen’s “The Poet” and Søren Kierkegaard’s Gjentagelsen
Authors: Bunch Mads
Published: December 2014

It is commonly acknowledged within Karen Blixen scholarship that some of Blixen’s tales are literary responses to other works from world literature. In this paper I will argue that the tale “The Poet” from
Mathematical Modeling, Verification and Optimization for Catalytic Membrane Esterification Micro-reactor
Authors: El-Zanati E. , Ritchie S.M.C. , Abdallah H. , Elnashaie S.
Published: December 2014

Analysis of efficient production of ethyl acetate utilizing aCatalyticMembraneMicro-Reactor(CMMR)was theoretically investigated and verified using published results for the esterification reaction. Grafted sulfonic groups in the pores of a polyethersulfone membrane catalyzed the reaction. Theoretical analysis of the catalytic membrane reactor was achieved through development of a lumped parameter model to describe the CMMR behavior and performance. The developed model was solved numerically for different design and operating conditions using MATLAB Simulink software. The model parameters were verified and validated using the experimental results to achieve a reliable tool for design, replication, scaling-up, and optimization. The approach to maximum conversion was simulated. Cumulative yield per unit time was investigated to determine the optimum process time. Membrane regeneration was conducted and the regeneration time was determined as well in order to reuse the membrane for other cycles. Reactor scaling-up was studied using the model for process design.
Simulation of Soot Size Distribution in a Counterflow Flame
Authors: He Z. , Zhou K. , Xiao M. , Wei F.
Published: December 2014

Soot formed during the rich combustion of fossil fuels is an undesirable pollutant and health hazard. A newly developed Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the soot formation in a counterflow diffusion flame of ethylene. The simulation uses a new reaction mechanism available in literature, which focuses on modeling the formation of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) up to coronene (C24H12). Nascent soot particles are assumed to form from the collision of eight different PAH molecules. Soot surface growth includes the hydrogen-abstraction-C2H2-addition mechanism and the condensation of the PAHs. Soot coagulation is in the free-molecular regime because particles are small (not more than a hundred nanometer). The coupling between vapor consumption and soot formation is handled by an interpolative moment method. Soot particle diffusion is found negligible throughout the counterflow flame, except for a very narrow region right around the stagnation plane. The soot particle size distribution (PSD) generally exhibits a bimodal shape. The first peak corresponds to a large number of nascent particles, while the second peak results from the competition between nucleation and coagulation. Surface growth affects the PSD quantitatively, but does not change the modality. A comparison with experimental data is also provided.
Optimal GPS/accelerometer integration algorithm for monitoring the vertical structural dynamics
Authors: Meng Xiaolin , Wang Jian , Han Houzeng
Published: December 2014

The vertical structural dynamics is a crucial factor for structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil structures such as high-rise buildings, suspension bridges and towers. This paper presents an optimal GPS/accelerometer integration algorithm for an automated multi-sensor monitoring system. The closed loop feedback algorithm for integrating the vertical GPS and accelerometer measurements is proposed based on a 5 state extended KALMAN filter (EKF) and then the narrow moving window Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis is applied to extract structural dynamics. A civil structural vibration is simulated and the analysed result shows the proposed algorithm can effectively integrate the online vertical measurements produced by GPS and accelerometer. Furthermore, the accelerometer bias and scale factor can also be estimated which is impossible with traditional integration algorithms. Further analysis shows the vibration frequencies detected in GPS or accelerometer are all included in the integrated vertical defection time series and the accelerometer can effectively compensate the short-term GPS outages with high quality. Finally, the data set collected with a time synchronised and integrated GPS/accelerometer monitoring system installed on the Nottingham Wilford Bridge when excited by 15 people jumping together at its mid-span are utilised to verify the effectiveness of this proposed algorithm. Its implementations are satisfactory and the detected vibration frequencies are 1.720 Hz, 1.870 Hz, 2.104 Hz, 2.905 Hz and also 10.050 Hz, which is not found in GPS or accelerometer only measurements.
Developmental and reproductive effects of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas operations
Authors: Webb Ellen , Bushkin-Bedient Sheila , Cheng Amanda , Kassotis Christopher D. , Balise Victoria , Nagel Susan C.
Published: December 2014

Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have the potential to increase air and water pollution in communities located near UOG operations. Every stage of UOG operation from well construction to extraction, operations, transportation, and distribution can lead to air and water contamination. Hundreds of chemicals are associated with the process of unconventional oil and natural gas production. In this work, we review the scientific literature providing evidence that adult and early life exposure to chemicals associated with UOG operations can result in adverse reproductive health and developmental effects in humans. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) and formaldehyde] and heavy metals (including arsenic, cadmium and lead) are just a few of the known contributors to reduced air and water quality that pose a threat to human developmental and reproductive health. The developing fetus is particularly sensitive to environmental factors, which include air and water pollution. Research shows that there are critical windows of vulnerability during prenatal and early postnatal development, during which chemical exposures can cause potentially permanent damage to the growing embryo and fetus. Many of the air and water pollutants found near UOG operation sites are recognized as being developmental and reproductive toxicants; therefore there is a compelling need to increase our knowledge of the potential health consequences for adults, infants, and children from these chemicals through rapid and thorough health research investigation.
Design of a PV Module-Integrated Ćuk Converter Based Isolated Dual Boost Microinverter
Authors: Sankarganesh R. , Thangavel S.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) module-integrated isolated Ćuk converter based solar microinverter with a pseudo-DC link. The Ćuk converters offer more advantages over the buck and boost converters used in PV integrated applications. The proposed grid-tied solar microinverter based on the isolated Ćuk converter individually extracts the maximum power from the photovoltaic panel and it transfers the extracted maximum power to the AC utility system through solar microinverter. High maximum power point tracking accuracy and high conversion efficiency can be achieved with the proposed topology. The principle of operation and the design considerations of the proposed isolated Ćuk converter-based solar inverter are analyzed and discussed. The results of a laboratory prototype model and the MATLAB/Simulink simulation results of the proposed system have been presented to validate its feasibility.
Using Actor-Network Theory to Understanding Virtual Community Networks of Older People Using the Internet
Authors: Lepa Jerzy , Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

Older people around the world are adopting the Internet at an increasing rate, and in the process are forming virtual community networks in a way that would not otherwise have been possible. Internet interactions by this group include e-mail, chat groups, community forums and discussion groups as well as the individual use of the Web for information purposes. Some of these virtual networks relate older people to other older people, while other networks span age groups as when, for instance, a grandmother communicates by e-mail with her grandchildren. But linking to the Internet is not always straightforward as family members, friends and the technology, along with other non-human actors, often intrude. This highlights the socio-technical nature of these networks and the need to investigate them in a way that allows this to be seen. To attempt an understanding of the formation and operation of virtual networks of older people, and the interactions involved, a socio-technical approach is required and this paper will attempt such an analysis based on research, in an Australian context, undertaken by the authors.
Issues and Guidance in Research Ethics
Authors: Francis Ronald D. , Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses the principles that govern the outlook and decisions of research ethics committees. The purpose of the paper is to outline such underlying principles in order to aid understanding for researchers into aspects of social and commercial behaviour. Prior to conducting research in any corporate area there is an obligation toward any human participants. That obligation is set out most clearly in the information and forms put out by the various ethics committees charged with examining the proposal, and with giving formal ethical approval. The principles that invest the understanding of ethics committees are those of protecting the vulnerable, and of protecting justifiably good reputations. Ethics committees should be seen as enabling and protecting rather than as a barrier to research. Peer reviews should be seen to include ethics matters in research, and are thus a natural extension of the common scientific endeavour. To this end the article outlines and discusses the issues commonly addressed by research ethics committees. By highlighting these principles, this paper aims to give insights and suggestions that should make the ethics application task easier.
Ecuador, the Digital Divide and Small Tourism Enterprises
Authors: Karanasios Stan
Published: December 2014

This article explores the digital divide from the perspective of Ecuadorian small tourism enterprises. Ecuador’s ICT environment has been described as underdeveloped, obsolete, and expensive to use. There is also a serious shortage of ICT related human capital. Given these stumbling blocks, this article seeks to identify how small tourism operators have managed to adopt the Internet. Adopting a qualitative approach, field interviews were conducted with tourism enterprises across rural, semi-rural, and metropolitan areas of Ecuador. This article adds to our understanding of the digital divide, especially from the point of view of small tourism enterprises, and serves as an example to other small tourism enterprises in developing countries seeking to adopt the Internet.
Grounding E-Government in Vietnam: from Antecedents to Responsive Government Services
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen Thanh , Schauder Don
Published: December 2014

The paper concerns the antecedents or preconditions for the successful development of e-government in Vietnam. The main antecedent issue under consideration is the readiness of the population to access and use networked ICTs, the prime communication medium of e-government. The paper reports the results of in-depth interviews with 38 citizens in various regions of the country. Its purpose is primarily to examine the capacity of citizens to become effective users of e-government services in terms of their access to, and capacity to use, ICTs. Its subsidiary purpose, in the light of these user-centric considerations, is to offer some thoughts on how government in Vietnam might position itself better to provide effective e-government services. In essence the paper attempts to shed light on the following questions: How ready is the population to make use of e-government services if these were provided? How ready is government to provide a full range of e-government services to this population? At present only 16 million out of Vietnam’s more than 85 million people are ICT/Internet users. If e-government service delivery is to be effective, clearly a much greater proportion of the population needs to become users. The paper looks at case studies of users and non-users, as well as background data from a variety of Vietnamese and international sources, in order to frame initial suggestions about how barriers to wider internet use can be overcome, and how services to current and future users could be made more effective.
Analysis of Workplace Surveillance in a Quest for an Ethical Stance
Authors: Ahmed Saima
Published: December 2014

This article examines the incidence of surveillance in higher learning academic institutions in Pakistan. It gives an overview of surveillance in a workplace and outlines how the latest technology has made the task more convenient for employers. It further delves into the privacy issues that arise as a consequence of surveillance. A review of related ethical theories has been undertaken to fathom the justification of surveillance practices in the modern workplace. In the literature review section, a number of studies that explore impacts of surveillance have been reviewed. The data has been gathered from 60 employees working in 5 different universities (both public and private sector) covering primarily their ethical stance on surveillance practices used. The study would help in figuring out the typical methods used and their extent of usage in order to establish incidence of surveillance in an academic institution setting. Finally, relevant hypothesis are tested with the available data to comprehend employees ethical stance on deployment of surveillance, their perception changes (if any) in case of availability of notices on surveillance etc.
Governance and Performance: Publicly Listed Companies in Malaysia
Authors: Ponnu Cyril H. , Ramthandin Sarimah
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the relationship between corporate governance practice (as indicated by corporate governance disclosure) and company’s financial performance. Certain corporate structures and practices were examined to determine if they have any effect on company’s performance. Corporate governance practices were assessed based on the level of disclosure made in the companies’ annual reports. For financial performance, stock price performance and return on equity (ROE) were used as proxies. Results show that there is a positive relationship between the corporate governance practices and company performance. Findings from this research could be used by regulators, investors, corporations and others who contend that good corporate governance is important for increasing firm’s performance and investor confidence.
Motivations for the Adoption of Chronic Disease Information Systems in General Practice
Authors: Carbone Daniel , Burgess Stephen
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key motivational factors that lead to the successful implementation of Chronic Diseases Information Systems (CDISs) in twenty eight general practices in a case study of a large general practice division network in Australia. The literature identified three major areas of CDIS motivation: patient care gap motivator, internal motivators and external motivators. Patient care emerged as the most important motivation for adopting CDIS, followed by risk management and financial incentives. However, the study also determined that the motivational forces are inter-related and suggests that the decision to adopt CDIS should consider a number of these identified factors.
Bribery: What do Australian managers know and what do they do?
Authors: Segon Michael , Booth Chris
Published: December 2014

The recent conviction and gaoling of former Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu and as well as a further 18 Australian citizens facing charges in relation to "fraud and other economic crimes raises a number of questions regarding ethical business practice. A key issue that should be considered is whether Australian businesses are as ethical and transparent as the current high ranking in the Transparency International corruption index tends to suggest.This paper reviews literature pertaining to the normalisation of corrupt practices and the extent to which organisational members and managers are aware of and take action to report such practices. The paper will also present the findings of a survey of over 100 practicing managers that identifies whether they are aware of unethical practices and what they would do if they were to offer or receive an offer to engage in unethical practices. The survey focuses on a major corrupt practice, namely bribery. It also considers the reaction of managers to the request or order of a senior manager to engage in unethical practices inclusive of bribery. Conclusions will then be drawn regarding the extent of normalisation of corruption in Australian organisations.
Latest Developments in Officers’ Duties of SMEs
Authors: Adams Michael
Published: December 2014

This paper examines the balance between officers' and directors' duties in the context of modern regulatory reform. The onus that falls on all directors, from a legal point of view, is applied irrespective of the size and complexity of the corporation. Thus, a small (micro-business) with a single director has the same legal obligation under the common law, the equitable fiduciary duties and the statutory obligations under the Corporations Act as Australia's largest entity, BHP Billiton. The current Federal Government is attempting to reduce the burden of red tape on business to help the economy. The regulators, in particular ASIC, are pursuing cases to enforce the law and increase compliance. There has been recent case law which helps explain the key statutory provisions and the underlying complexity of the law. The major defence and protection for officers' duties, is the so called “business judgement rule,” but it does not seem to be very effective and good quality insurance cover is probably much more useful in the commercial world.
Editorial
Authors: Armstrong Anona
Published: December 2014

Recent convictions of Australian citizens in China raises questions about whether different nationalities hold different views of what constitutes ethical and unethical business practices. The first three papers in this edition of the Journal explored issues for business ethics in different contexts. Segon and Booth conducted a survey of Australian managers to determine whether Australian businesses are as ethical and transparent as the Transparent International corruption index suggests.
The Financial Debacle Necessitates a Systematic Approach to Achieving Ethical Behavior in the Corporate Workplace
Authors: Clarke Clifton , Bassell Myles
Published: December 2014

The current vitriolic discourse over the financial scandals implicating Wall Street and its satellite institutions dictates a fresh look at strategies intended to eradicate or prevent unethical practices in business activities. The spate of recently published unethical behavior among business executives in the United States confirms, unequivocally, that past and current strategies have failed. This paper reviews and evaluates the impact of some of these strategies. It found that the strategies focus on legislation, written corporate codes of ethics and assorted activities in business schools. It found that these strategies are largely isolated and missed the fact that unethical business conduct is systemic, reflecting the ethical lapses of two systems: a public system (consisting of governmental bodies, business schools, and the general citizenry) and a corporate system (consisting of boards of directors, executives, managers and employees). It found that there is a significant gap between the rhetoric of corporate executives and their attention to unethical conduct in the workplace. It concludes that isolated legislative actions, apathetic business schools’ policies, complacent and complicit corporate boards, contribute to the failure. It also concludes that, the implementation of business ethics in the workplace requires a transformation of attitude within and between these systems and posits that a system approach is the only strategy that can successfully transform these systems and that business schools are uniquely capable of leading this transformation.
Agri-environmental programs in rural development: case of the Ostfriesland region in Germany
Authors: Denekas Jörg , Jaszczak Agnieszka , Gotkiewicz Wojciech , Pawlewicz Adam , Žukovskis Jan
Published: December 2014

Rural areas in the EU are highly varied in terms of their spatial, environmental, social and functional features. Their specificity is associated mainly with the agricultural production profile in the area. In recent years, programs aimed at limiting the adverse effect of agricultural production (especially using intensive methods) on the natural environment have become increasingly important. Agri-environmental programs encourage farmers to take preventive or corrective actions in regard to the condition of the natural environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate agrienvironmental programs and their influence on the development of German farms in the Rheiderland (Ostfriesland region, Lower Saxony, Germany). This paper presents the principles in the German system of organisation of agri-environmental programs in the years 2007–2013 and planned for the years 2014–2020.
Students motivation factors and measures to ensure active participation in entrepreneurship educational practice
Authors: Čapienė Aistė , Merkienė Rasa
Published: December 2014

This article analyses students motivation to actively participate in entrepreneurship education practice. Given is the analysis of reasons, factors, measures leading to greater motivation to entrepreneurial educational attainment and practical skills implement. The article‘s aim is to identify and empirically examine students' motivation factors and measures to ensure the active participation in entrepreneurship practice. The study methods are based on scientific works on the evolution of the concept of motivation, modern attitude, motivational effect on the active involvement in the activities. Scientific literature was analyzed, a study had been made, also conclusions are given.
Estimation of level of performance functions forests radioactively contaminated territories
Authors: Martynchuk Ivan
Published: December 2014

Forest resources are an integral part of economic, social and ecological development of the state. Making decisions as for the change and improving the system of forestry and the mechanism of management of it should be based on the results of comprehensive evaluation of implementation their functions by forest fund. The research is based on application of integrating estimation method to economic objects. The main functions of forest resources include productive, socio-economic, protective and preserving function. The method of evaluation of lamas their functions is developed, which is based on the method of integral evaluation and regulation of performing indicators implementation of specific functions. System of indicators is selected, which reflect the performance of the forest resources of each determined function. It was ascertained that degree of execution of their functions by forests of the four most radioactively contaminated districts of Zhytomyr oblast as one of the worst-affected by Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster differs significantly. This applies especially to provisional and protection functions.
Innovative technology in agriculture as a component of environmental management
Authors: Martynchuk Mariya
Published: December 2014

Innovative technologies in contemporary agriculture appear as an efficient instrument of introduction of ecological management to agricultural companies. The aim of the research is to investigate ecological consequences of agro-innovations. The research is based on methods of analysis, synthesis and logical generalization. The analysis of the publications of national scientists studying the issue of innovation in the agricultural sector has been studied. Terminological identification of the concept of "ahroinnovation" has been made. Best innovative technology for each type of agricultural activities has been singled out and grouped. Possible ecological and economic consequences of introduction the innovative technologies in national agricultural production have been predicted.
Potential of entrepreneurship amongst Lithuanian countryside population
Authors: Ramanauskienė Jadvyga , Astromskienė Adelė
Published: December 2014

In scientific literature entrepreneurship is defined as a direct factor of effectives of business activities which aids in achieving economic and commercial results. The abundance of theoretical models of entrepreneurship education reveals the multi-level and multi-stage nature of entrepreneurship expression. Aim of the study is to analyze theoretical and methodical attitude towards tendencies of entrepreneurship education and provide recommendations of improving the entrepreneurship and employment of countryside population. This study contains criteria of entrepreneurship which are important for business development in countryside regions. It also has factors and tools defined that are significant for entrepreneurship of countryside population and its realization. An analysis of improvement of entrepreneurship level, development and promotion of business in countryside regions as well as the realization of means was performed. Tendencies of viable entrepreneurship development and realization were defined. Recommendations in improving the entrepreneurship of countryside population and stimulating their desire to found personal business were given.
Performance evaluation results of the organic dairy cooperative
Authors: Skulskis Virgilijus , Girgždienė Vilija , Mikelionytė Deiva
Published: December 2014

The Lithuanian dairy sector is dominated by small and medium-sized milk producers. Cooperation is one of the means that could improve conditions and results of their activity. The purpose of the paper is to analyse the opinion of members of organic dairy cooperative on its performance and to propose recommendations for the development of organic cooperatives. A questionnairebased survey shows that the respondents positively evaluate cooperative performance, and the prestige of the cooperative is very important to all members. Investments and financial stability of the cooperative are important factors for the successful development of organic production. A significant share of the respondents would prefer a broader range of services provided by the cooperative.
Main aspects of the Ukrainian share market development
Authors: Zotsenko Olena
Published: December 2014

The share market is an objective economic mechanism which provides internal institutional and functional integrity of the equity sector and the market system of relations. Importance of the research is due to the fact that share market potentially can help to bring economic restructuring in Ukraine becoming a factor of economic growth, employment, integration of Ukraine into the world economy. The goal of the research is to identify main aspects of Ukrainian share market management as well as providing recommendations to improve its functioning. This paper lead to important conclusion – the main objective of the Ukrainian share market at the current stage of development should be the mobilization of temporarily free funds of individuals and businesses, the redistribution of resources in those sectors that require additional funding for further development. Research is based on comparative analysis and statistical data analysis of the current and past situations in Ukrainian share market. The study used the data of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine, PFTS Stock Exchange and Ukrainian Exchange data.
Cross-Linked Carbon Nanotube Heat Spreader
Authors: Konesky Gregory A.
Published: December 2014

Among the exceptional properties of isolated individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs), exceptional thermal conductivity along their axis has been demonstrated, However they have also shown poor thermal transfer between adjacent CNTs. Thick bundles of aligned CNTs have been used as heat pipes, but the thermal input and output power densities are the same, providing no heat spreading effect. We demonstrate the use of energetic argon ion beams to join overlapping CNTs in a thin film to form an interpenetrating network with an isotropic thermal conductivity of 2150 W/m K. Such thin films may be used as heat spreaders to enlarge the thermal footprint of laser diodes and CPU chips, for example, for enhanced cooling. At higher ion energies and fluence, the CNTs appear to collapse and reform, aligned parallel to the ion beam axis, and form dense high aspect ratio tapered structures. The high surface area of these structures lends themselves to applications in energy storage, for example. We consider the mechanisms of energetic ion interaction with CNTs and junction formation of two overlapping CNTs during the subsequent self-healing process, as well as the formation of high aspect ratio structures under more extreme conditions
In Reply
Authors: Ferreri Andrés J.M. , Gospodarowicz Mary , Zucca Emanuele , Christie David
Published: December 2014

The authors thank Hoppe et al. for their interest in the study of patients with limited-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the bone (PB-DLBCL). There is agreement that patients with PB-DLBCL should be managed with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and, if local practice includes it, radiotherapy and that treatment decisions should be based on patient characteristics, lymphoma extension, anatomical site, and conventional risk factors.
A preliminary study on hydraulic resistance of bentonite/host-rock seal interface
Authors: CHEN Y.-G. , CUI Y.-J. , TANG A.M. , WANG Q. , YE W.-M.
Published: December 2014

Compacted bentonite-based materials are often used as buffer materials in radioactive waste disposal. When the compacted bentonite blocks are emplaced, technological voids related to different interfaces involving the buffer material are created, and their hydro-mechanical behaviour is of primary importance for the safety of disposal. In this study, the hydraulic resistance of the interface between compacted MX80 bentonite and Boom Clay is investigated in the laboratory using an injection cell. The results obtained show that when water is injected, the technological gap is quickly reduced due to the bentonite swelling. When water pressure reaches the hydraulic resistance of the interface, hydraulic fracturing takes place with a drastic pressure decrease. After fracturing, water injection continues and bentonite continues to swell. A higher subsequent pressure is needed to produce a new hydraulic fracturing. After a certain time, the hydraulic resistance becomes high enough so that no further fracturing occurs, suggesting that the technological gap is sealed.
Análisis radiográfico de las lesiones periapicales en pacientes sometidos a tratamiento de conducto
Authors: Osorio-Cabarcas Gisella , Quintero-Ricardo Edison , Covo-Morales Eduardo , Díaz-Caballero Antonio José , Simancas-Pallares Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2014

Introducción:periapical lesiones son un hallazgo importante en la práctica de endodoncia, debido a la información que proporcionan para el diagnóstico y plan de tratamiento. El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir los hallazgos radiográficos de lesiones periapicales en las historias clínicas de los pacientes tratados con endodoncia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo tamaño medido, la ubicación, la ampliación del ligamento periodontal, lámina dura, y la pérdida ósea de las lesiones apicales y dientes tratados. El estudio incluyó a 576 radiografías obtenidas entre 2003 y 2007, teniendo criterios de selección definidos en cuenta. Un formato fue diseñado y las radiografías fueron estandarizadas mediante un lector digital calibrado. Análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el programa STATA. Resultados:la edad media fue de 32,1 ± 14,6 años. Los rayos X relacionados con pacientes de sexo femenino en el 59,4% de los casos y los hombres en el 40,6% de los casos; 38% presentó lesiones de gran tamaño (> 7 mm). La pérdida de hueso fue detectable en 18.2% de los casos. Finalmente, la lámina dura tuvo mayor continuidad en el rango de 8 a 10 mm con 37,5%. Conclusiones: los resultados sugieren que las características de las lesiones periapicales fueron consistentes con otros hallazgos descritos en la literatura. Así como los rayos X, otros hallazgos deben ser tenidos en cuenta para el diagnóstico y tratamiento correcto.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16925/od.v10i18.720