IFRS and Stock Returns: an Empirical Analysis in Brazil

In recent years, the convergence of accounting standards has been an issue that motivated new studies in the accounting field. It is expected that the convergence provides users, especially external users of accounting information, with comparable reports among different economies. Considering this scenario, this article was developed in order to compare the effect of accounting numbers on the stock market before and after the accounting convergence in Brazil. The sample of the study involved Brazilian listed companies at BM&FBOVESPA that had American Depository Receipts (levels II and III) at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For data analysis, descriptive statistics and graphic analysis were employed in order to analyze the behavior of stock returns around the publication dates. The main results indicate that the stock market reacts to the accounting reports. Therefore, the accounting numbers contain relevant information for the decision making of investors in the stock market. Moreover, it is observed that after the accounting convergence, the stock returns of the companies seem to present lower volatility

A Função Social do Processo no Estado Democrático de Direito à Luz da Teoria dos Princípios de Ronald Dworkin e da Teoria do Discurso de Jurgen Habermas

A função social do processo é um tema extremamente importante para a sociedade e pouco discutido quanto a resultados práticos inseridos na vida cotidiana da população, onde as autoridades dos poderes constituídos têm tratado, com indiferença, a decepcionante constatação de que o resultado da atividade processual tem sido insuficiente quanto ao que se deseja como efeito social, suprimindo a razão de ser desse instrumento, ou seja, sua indelegável relevância social no sentido de pacificação da comunidade. Esta pesquisa traz uma temática que convida o leitor a mergulhar numa discussão direcionada para o entendimento da verdadeira função social do processo no Estado Democrático de Direito à luz da Teoria dos Princípios de Ronald Dworkin e da Teoria do Discurso de Jürgen Habermas, sem o intuito de comparar tais teorias ou analisar institutos processuais específicos, mas demonstrar qual a contribuição alcançada e as potencialidades, através da leitura destas duas correntes filosóficas, objetivando a efetividade processual, fazendo uma análise paralela do direito do indivíduo de acesso à justiça, em busca da harmonização da comunidade onde vive e desenvolve suas atividades. Ronald Dworkin apresenta a Teoria dos Princípios que aborda vários aspectos centrais dos problemas que estão em constante análise pelos estudiosos do direito contemporâneo como, por exemplo, a elaboração do conceito de direito, seus processos de aplicação e sua validade, fundamentando sua tese a partir de um sistema jurídico conhecido como common law. Jürgen Habermas apresenta a Teoria do Discurso que procura esclarecer quais são as condições necessárias para uma legitimação democrática do direito. Sua teoria tem pretensões normativas, buscando transcender o aspecto negativo da modernidade para implementar um projeto democrático no âmbito do direito, isto é, suas críticas as teorias de Luhmann, Dworkin e Alexy, aí inseridas as análises das funções do direito, da esfera pública e do sistema político são reconstruídas no marco da Teoria Discursiva. Conclui-se pela necessidade de buscar um novo perfil de celeridade processual para se dar uma resposta adequada aos anseios sociais, sem atropelos, procedimentos precipitados ou julgamentos sumários, observando o respeito às garantias constitucionais, apresentando a contribuição das duas correntes filosóficas estudadas neste trabalho. Palavras-chave: Teoria dos Princípios. Dworkin. Teoria do Discurso. Habermas. Celeridade. Efetividade. Título

Assessment of the potential of tin sulphide thin films prepared by sulphurization of metallic precursors as cell absorbers

In this work, SnxSy thin films have been grown on soda-lime glass substrates by sulphurization of metallic precursors in a nitrogen plus sulphur vapour atmosphere. Different sulphurization temperatures were tested, ranging from 300 °C to 520 °C. The resulting phases were structurally investigated by X-Ray Diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Composition was studied using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy being then correlated with the sulphurization temperature. Optical measurements were performed to obtain transmittance and reflectance spectra, from which the energy band gaps, were estimated. The values obtained were 1.17 eV for the indirect transition and for the direct transition the values varied from 1.26 eV to 1.57 eV. Electrical characterization using Hot Point Probe showed that all samples were p-type semiconductors. Solar cells were built using the structure: SLG/Mo/SnxSy/CdS/ZnO:Ga and the best result for solar cell efficiency was 0.17%

Mo bilayer for thin film photovoltaics revisited

Thin film solar cells based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 as an absorber layer use Mo as the back contact. This metal is widely used in research and in industry but despite this, there are only a few published studies on the properties of Mo. Properties such as low resistivity and good adhesion to soda lime glass are hard to obtain at the same time. These properties are dependent on the deposition conditions and are associated with the overall stress state of the film. In this report, a study of the deposition of a Mo bilayer is carried out by analysing first single and then bilayers. The best properties of the bilayer were achieved when the bottom layer was deposited at 10 × 10−3 mbar with a thickness of 500 nm and the top layer deposited at 1 × 10−3 mbar with a thickness of 300 nm. The films deposited under these conditions showed good adhesion and a sheet resistivity lower than 0.8

Irradiation damage on CrNbTaVWx high entropy alloys

ABSTRACT: CrNbTaVWx high-entropy alloys have been developed for plasma facing components to be applied in nuclear fusion reactors. The CrNbTaVWx (x = 1 and 1.7) compositions were prepared by ball milling and consolidated at 1600 degrees C under 90 MPa. To study the irradiation resistance of these materials, deuterium plasmas were used to irradiate the samples in the PF-1000U facility with 1 and 3 discharges. Structural changes before and after irradiation were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Nuclear reaction analysis was carried out with 1000 and 2300 keV 3He+ ion beams to evaluate the profile and amount of retained deuterium on the irradiated samples. After irradiation, the sample with higher W content revealed swelling and melting for all discharges, while in the case of CrNbTaVW only blisters were observed. The deuterium retention was higher for CrNbTaVW1.7 when compared with CrNbTaVW for 3 discharges applied.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of anode flow field design in direct methanol fuel cells: preliminary studies

The direct methanol fuel cells are promising candidates for portable power sources due to their high energy density, however studies continue in order to give solutions for a number of drawbacks that affect cell performance and efficiency. Achieving good fuel cell performance requires that the flowing streams of fuel and oxidizer are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the catalyst layer and also an efficient removal of reaction products. This is achieved through the optimal design of the flow field, which primarily depend upon channel pattern as well as channel (and rib) shape and size. In this work the effect of anode flow field design on the performance of an own built DMFC is studied. Preliminary results are herein presented

Shelf life of minimally processed cassava roots submitted to different conservation methods.

The useful life of minimally processed cassava roots submitted to different conservation methods was evalu­ated. Cassava roots in natura were physically characterized, minimally processed and stored after submission to treatments in different packaging types. During storage period, the product was submitted to physicochemi­cal, sensorial and microbiological analyzes. Storage time and treatment influenced on minimally processed cassava roots quality. When only the sensorial analysis is considered, the useful life of minimally processed cassava roots was of 28 days for all treatments, except for the roots submitted to the CONTROL and CA treat­ments, which had a 24-day shelf life. However, at 14 days of storage, CONTROL, VAC, CA, and H2O treat­ments showed high psychotrophic count. Mold and yeast counts were also high for CONTROL and VAC treat­ments at 14 days of storage. At 28 days of storage, psychrotrophs, molds and yeasts count was high for all treatments. In general, the most recommended treatments, due to having a longer shelf life, were CA and H2O reaching a maximum period of 14 days of storage. Considering the cooking time and the other physicochemical analyzes, the 2.5% H2O+CA treatment is not recommended for the commercialization of minimally processed cassava roots

Experimental Adhesion Prevention Studies: A Comparative Study in a Rabbit Model

Background: Adhesions formation after abdominal surgery is a problem that causes many complications in the patient’s future life. In this study we compare the possible individual effects of Ringer ́s lactate, Adept® and Mesofol® and the combined effects of Adept® and Mesofol® in the prevention of post surgical adhesions formation in a standardised rabbit model.Materials and Methods: 90 rabbits were divided into 9 groups. The same experimental method was used in all rabbits to produce adhesions, consisting of cecal and sigmoid abrasion and excision of parietal peritoneum. The rabbits were operated after 2 weeks to assess the adhesions occurring. The results were analysed using the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test when needed.Results: Comparison of adhesion stages demonstrated a significant difference between the control group and the Adept® groups (p<0.05) in both branches. The adhesion grade of the combined treatment groups (G5 and G9) was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In the Mesofol® group and the combined group, four and two rabbits, respectively, developed granulomas. Conclusions: Adept® used individually reduced the adhesion grade. The Adept® and Mesofol® combination was less effective in reducing adhesion formation in comparison to the Adept® group by itself. On the other hand, in our experimental study, the usage of Mesofol®, alone or in combination, caused foreign body granulomas in 6 animals. Although the literature is very sufficient in comparison several materials for decreasing adhesion formation, we believe that our study provides more valuable evidence in this area. Due to the appearance of six cases of foreign body granulomas, detailed studies focused on this matter are needed in the future. Keywords: Post-operative adhesions; comparative study; prevention; rabbit model. Introdução: A formação de aderências após a cirurgia abdominal é um problema que causa muitas complicações na vida futura do doente. Neste estudo, comparamos os possíveis efeitos individuais do Ringer lactato, Adept® e do Mesofol®, e os efeitos combinados do Adept® e do Mesofol® na prevenção da formação de aderências pós-cirúrgicas num modelo padronizado de coelhos.Materiais e Métodos: 90 coelhos foram divididos em nove grupos. O mesmo método experimental foi utilizado em todos os coelhos para favorecer a produção de aderências, realizando abrasão do cego e da sigmoideia e excisão do peritoneu parietal. Os coelhos foram operados após duas semanas para avaliar a ocorrência de aderências. Os resultados foram analisados por meio do teste do qui-quadrado e do teste exacto de Fisher, quando necessário.Resultados: A comparação em estadios de aderência demonstrou uma diferença significativa entre o grupo controlo e os grupos Adept® (p <0,05) em ambos os ramos. O grau de aderências dos grupos de tratamento combinado (G5 e G9) não foi estatisticamente significativo (p <0,05). No grupo do Mesofol® e no grupo combinado, quatro e dois coelhos, respectivamente, desenvolveram granulomas. Conclusões: Adept® utilizado individualmente reduziu o grau de aderências. O Adept® combinado com o Mesofol® foi menos eficaz na redução da formação de aderências em comparação com o grupo do Adept®, por si só. Por outro lado, o uso de Mesofol® isoladamente ou em conjunto podem aumentar o risco de granulomas. Estudos mais detalhados são necessários, e futuros estudos sobre a eficácia de um material para diminuir a formação de aderências deve incluir uma comparação de controle de diversos materiais num mesmo modelo.Palavras-Chave: aderências pós-operatórias; estudo comparativo; prevenção; modelo animal em coelhos

Physical-chemical and chemical characterization of Passiflora cincinnata Mast fruits conducted in vertical shoot positioned trellis and horizontal trellises system.

ABSTRACT: Passiflora cincinnata Mast. or Caatinga passion fruit is widely cultivated in the northeastern semi-arid regions of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. The system of cultivation and field management of the Passiflora species affects the physicochemical quality of its fruits. In this study, we evaluated the chemical and physico-chemical characteristics of the fruits of 2 progenies (CPEF2220 and CBAF2334) of P. cincinnata species using the vertical and horizontal trellis system. Fruits were collected from the plants at their physiological maturation stage and tested for the fruit skin color and texture and the pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pulp acidity ratio, and the contents of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols in the seedless fruit pulp. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (progenies x conduction system) performed in 3 replications using 4 plants in each. The analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Tukey?s test at 5% probability. The results revealed that the CBAF2334 fruits presented with greener pigments and greater flavonoids. The fruits were characterized by their green color with some yellowish nuances and a low color saturation in both the progenies. The conduction system was not found to affect the physical and physicochemical characteristics as well as the anthocyanin and polyphenol contents of the studied species. The fruits of plants cultivated on vertical trellis presented with 56.73% more flavonoid content than those cultivated on horizontal trellis. RESUMO: Passiflora cincinnata Mast., conhecida como maracujá da caatinga ocorre no Semiárido nordestino, Goiás, Minas Gerais e na Bahia. A região de cultivo e os sistemas de manejo das espécies do gênero Passiflora podem interferir na qualidade físico-química dos frutos. Objetivou-se avaliar características físico-química e química dos frutos de duas progênies (CPEF220 e CBAF2334) selecionadas de P. cincinnata conduzidas em espaldeira e latada. Frutos no estádio de maturação fisiológica foram avaliados quanto à coloração e textura da casca, pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável, ratio, flavonoides, antocianinas e polifenóis da polpa sem sementes. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 (progênies x sistemas de condução), com três repetições de quatro plantas. Foi realizada a análise de variância, e as médias foram comparadas utilizando o teste de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade. Os frutos da seleção CBAF2334 apresentaram mais pigmentos verdes e mais flavonoides. Os frutos foram caracterizados de coloração verde com nuances amareladas, com baixa saturação de cor, nas duas populações. O sistema de condução não afetou as características físicas, físico-química e os teores de antocianinas e polifenóis das progênies de P. cincinnata. Os frutos das espaldeiras apresentaram 56,73% a mais de flavonoides em comparação aos obtidos na latada.Título em português: Caracterização físico-química e química de frutos de Passiflora cincinnata Mast conduzidos em espaldeira e latada

Larval dispersal of Spodoptera frugiperda strains on Bt Cotton: a model for understanding resistance evolution and consequences for its management.

High dispersal of Lepidoptera larvae between non-Bt and Bt cotton plants can favour the evolution of insect resistance; however, information on host acceptance of neonates in tropical transgenic crops is scarce. Therefore, the purposes of this study were as follows: (i) to investigate the feeding behaviour of susceptible and Cry1F-resistant strains of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on Bt and non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties and (ii) to understand the possible effects of cotton field contamination on the dispersal and infestation capacity of S. frugiperda larvae by using an individualbased model. The main results of this paper are as follows: (1) the highest post-feeding larval dispersal of the Cry1F-resistant strain occurred at an exposure time of 18?24 h; (2) via video tracking assays, we found that the least distance moved was by larvae resistant to Cry1F on non-Bt cotton; and (3) the model indicated differences in mobility capacity between Bt and non-Bt cotton. We conclude that resistant neonates exhibit sedentary behaviour. Our report represents the first findings concerning the fitness cost of larval behaviour traits of S. frugiperda associated with Cry1F resistance in Brazilian populations.Publicado online em 23 de novembro de 2017