bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of rainfall variables and antecedent discharge on urban effluent concentrations and loads in wet weather
Authors: Xu Zuxin , Xiong Lijun , Li Huaizheng , Liao Zhengliang , Yin Hailong , Wu Jun , Xu Jin , Chen Hao
Published: January 2017

For storm drainages inappropriately connected with sewage, wet weather discharge is a major factor that adversely affects receiving waters. A study of the wet weather influences of rainfall-discharge variables on storm drainages connected with sewage was conducted in the downtown Shanghai area (374 ha). Two indicators, event mean concentration (EMC) and event pollutant load per unit area (EPL), were used to describe the pollution discharge during 20 rain events. The study showed that the total rainfall and discharge volume were important factors that affect the EMCs and EPLs of the chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, and especially those of NH4+-N. The pollutant concentrations at the beginning of the discharge and the discharge period were also major factors that influence the EMCs of these three pollutants. Regression relationships between the rainfall-discharge variables and discharge volume/ EPLs (R2 = 0.824–0.981) were stronger than the relationships between the rainfall-discharge variables and EMCs. These regression equations can be considered reliable in the system, with a relative validation error of less than ±10% for the discharge volume, and less than ±20% for the EPLs. The results presented in this paper provide guidance for effectively controlling pollution in similar storm drainages.
Comparison of the methane production potential and biodegradability of kitchen waste from different sources under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Wang Wen , Zhang Shuyu , Ma Zonghu , Anwar Naveed , Liu Guangqing , Zhang Ruihong
Published: January 2017

The methane production potential of kitchen waste (KW) obtained from different sources was compared through mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion. The methane yields (MYs) obtained with the same KW sample under different temperatures were similar, whereas the MYs obtained with different samples differed significantly. The highest MY obtained in S7 was 54%–60% higher than the lowest MY in S3. The modified Gompertz model was utilized to simulate the methane production process. The maximum production rate of methane under thermophilic conditions was 2%–86% higher than that under mesophilic conditions. The characteristics of different KW samples were studied. In the distribution of total chemical oxygen demand, the diversity of organic compounds of KW was the most dominant factor that affected the potential MYs of KW. The effect of the C/N and C/P ratios or the concentration of metal ions was insignificant. Two typical methods to calculate the theoretical MY (TMY) were compared, the organic composition method can simulate methane production more precisely than the elemental analysis method. Significant linear correlations were found between TMYorg and MYs under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The organic composition method can thus be utilized as a fast technique to predict the methane production potential of KW.
The binding of metal ions to molecularly-imprinted polymers
Authors: Perera Rukshan , Ashraf Syed , Mueller Anja
Published: January 2017

Imprinting polymerization is a flexible method to make resins specific for different compounds. Imprinting polymerization involves the polymerization of the resin in the presence of a template, here cadmium ions or arsenate. The template is then removed by washing, leaving specific binding sites in the resin. In water treatment, the removal of toxic metal ions is difficult due to the limited affinity of these ions to ion exchange resins. Imprinting polymerization of ion-exchange resins is used to develop resins with high capacity and some selectivity for cadmium ions or arsenate for water treatment that still function as general ion-exchange resins. A minimum binding capacity of 325 meq/g was achieved for cadmium ions. Competition experiments elucidate the type of bonds present in the imprinting complex. The capacity and bond types for the cadmium ions and arsenate were contrasted. In the case of cadmium, metal-ligand bonds provide significant specificity of binding, although significant binding also occurs to non-specific surface sites. Arsenate ions are larger than cadmium ions and can only bind via ionic and hydrogen bonds, which are weaker than metal-ligand bonds. This results in lower specificity for arsenate. Additionally, diffusion into the resin is a limiting factor due to the larger size of the arsenate ion. These data elucidate the bonds formed between metal ions and the imprinting sites as well as other parameters that increase the capacity for heavy metals and arsenate.
Antihyperglycemic Effects of Formulation of Spray Dried Fruit Juice of Emblica officinalis in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.
Authors: Patel Snehal S. , Shah Rajendra S. , Goyal Ramesh K.
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The present investigation was carried out to study antihyperglycemic activity
of formulation prepared by spray-dried powder of fruit juice of E. officinalis (SDF) on animal
model of type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Hyperglycemia was produced by streptozotocin 45 mg/kg i.v. and formulation was administered
orally (100 mg/kg) for 28 days to diabetic rats. At the end of 28 days various biochemical parameters
such as serum glucose, insulin, AUCglucose, AUC insulin and lipid profile were estimated.

Results: STZ induced rats showed signs and symptoms of diabetes such as body weight loss,
polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, treatment with formulation produced slight improvement in these
symptoms. Treatment with formulation to diabetic rat produced significant decrease in serum glucose,
AUCglucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol. However, insulin,
AUCinsulin and serum high density lipoprotein level were not significantly affected after treatment.
Treatment also produced reduction in malonaldehyde levels and increased antioxidant enzymes levels
in diabetic rats.

Conclusion: Thus, formulation of E. officinalis significantly improved glucose and lipid dysfunction
and oxidative stress in diabetic status. The mechanism of its antidiabetic activity may be either increase
in peripheral glucose uptake, reduced insulin resistance or antioxidant property of formulation.
A Review on the Impact of Herbal Extracts and Essential Oils on Viability of Probiotics in Fermented Milks
Authors: Asli Mojtaba Yousefi , Khorshidian Nasim , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: January 2017

Scientific attentions have been recently drawn to functional foods consisting of biologically active components. Probiotics are one of the food components exerting beneficial health effects by balancing the microflora in the intestinal environment when consuming in an adequate amount and manufacturing of probiotic products, especially fermented dairy ones raised. In order to achieve health claim of commercialized probiotic products, enough quantity of each probiotic strain is essential. However, poor viability and high susceptibility of probiotic bacteria to the environmental conditions have encouraged food researchers to investigate various methods to enhance minimum viable numbers of each probiotic strain in probiotic products. Recently, using herbal extracts and essential oils in yogurt and fermented milk as new trends in order to improve the viability of probiotics has been taken into consideration. In this article, the importance of probiotics as functional food ingredients and the impact of extracts and essential oil from different sources on the viability of probiotic fermented milk are reviewed.
Path Loss Measurement and Channel Modeling with Muscular Tissue Characteristics
Authors: Qin Yu-Ping , Zhang Shuang , Liu Hai-Yan , Liu Yi-He , Li You-Zhi , Peng Xue , Ma Xiu , Li Qi-Li , Huang Xuan
Published: January 2017

Background:

The galvanic coupling intra-body communication has low radiation and strong anti-interference ability, so it has many advantages in the wireless communication.

Method:

In order to analyze the effect of muscle tissue’s characteristics upon the communication channel, we selected the muscle of pig buttock as the experimental sample, and used it to study the attenuation property with the galvanic coupling intra-body communication channel along the parallel direction and the transverse direction relative to the muscular fibre line as well as on the surface of destroyed muscular fibre; the study frequency ranges from 1kHz to 10MHz.In the isotropic experiment, in order to destroy muscle’s fibre characteristics, we grinded the muscle four times, at least five minutes for each time. 0dbm sine-wave signal was input to measure the channel attenuation parameter S21 when the transmitter and the receiver were placed at different positions and different distances d1 and d2 (20mm, 40mm, 60mm), so as to analyze channel loss.

Conclusion:

Within the same frequency range and at the same communication distance, the maximum error of channel attenuation was 10dB; within the same frequency, as the communication distance was increased, the channel attenuation rose gradually, with 4dB increased every 20mm. The conclusion provides the basis for building the theoretical model in the future.
Study on Cross-shaped Concrete Filled Steel Tubular Stub Columns Subjected to Axial Compression: Experiments and Design Method
Authors: Qiguang Chen , Jian Cai , ZhiLiang Zuo , Jinxuan Huang , Jieying Wei
Published: January 2017

Despite its wide application prospect, researches on the cross-shaped concrete filled steel tubular (CFT) columns are scarce, and no design method can be used. This paper concerns with the axial load behavior of cross-shaped CFT stub columns. Five specimens were tested to examine the influences of three parameters on the characteristics of failure, the bearing capacity and deformability. The parameters include the width-thickness ratios of steel plates, the yield strengths of steel and the sectional dimensions. Experimental results demonstrate that the global outward bulge of steel tube near the concave corners is significant, so that the stresses on the steel tube distribute unevenly and the confinement effects on the concrete are inferior to the rectangular CFT columns. By decreasing the width-thickness ratio of each steel plate, the global outward bulge near the concave corners was smaller, but the ductility could be improved only when it decreased by 2.08 times. By increasing the yield strength of steel to 1.47 times, the bearing capacity and deformation were inversely smaller, but the ductility was increased. By increasing the length-width ratio of each leg to 2.25 times, the global outward bulge was increased and local buckling occurred earlier. Then the application scopes for evaluating the maximum strength of specimens by the methods in design codes are provided. A new method is also proposed by considering the confinement effects of concrete and the strength loss of steel tube. The results predicted by the proposed method show good agreement with the experimental ones.
Experimental Investigation on the Static and Impact Behaviors of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Cao Hai
Published: January 2017

Experimental studies on basalt fiber have been performed in China and abroad. Specifically, the compressive properties, flexural properties, splitting tensile properties and impact test behavior of chopped basalt fiber-reinforced concrete have been investigated. In addition, the effects of the mixing amount of fibers on the mechanical properties of C30 concrete were scrutinized, and the best mixing amount of fibers was obtained. The results indicate that the static and impact test behaviors of basalt fiber reinforced concrete significantly improved, and strengthening and toughening effects were achieved.
PERILAKU BISNIS PETANI DALAM USAHATANI BERAS SEMI ORGANIK DI KECAMATAN PANDAK KABUPATEN BANTUL
Authors: Hermawan Arif , Witjaksono Roso , Harsoyo Harsoyo
Published: January 2017

This research aimed to know farmer s business behavior in semiorganic rice farming and also to know factorswhich influence it. This research was using descriptive analytic method by survey technique. Subdistrict, villages,andfarmer group/association offarmer group samples were chosen by purposive method. 60 group member samples were taken from every farmer group/association offarmer group sample by proportional random sampling. Data was analized by Proportion Test and Multiple Linear  Regression Analysis.The result of research shows that most of farmers have good business behavior in semiorganic rice farming. Business knowledge, role of farmer group leader, and farmer activity in extension give positive influence to farmer business behavior, while motivation, income alocation, working experience, type of business information resources, and outside capital do not influence its business behavior in semiorganic rice farming.
ADOPSI TEKNOLOGI BUDIDAYA SORGUM DI DESA PONCOSARI KECAMATAN SRANDAKAN KABUPATEN BANTUL
Authors: Nurkholipah Nurkholipah , Subejo Subejo , Harsoyo Harsoyo
Published: January 2017

Technology adoption is a process by someone of knowing until starting to apply the technology. Development is the process of improving the quantity and quality. The purpose of this research was to: (1) identify the developmentof sorghum cultivation, (2) determine the adoption level of sorghum cultivation technology, (3) determine the factors that influence to adoption level of sorghum cultivation technology, and (4) determine the effect of adoption level and the other factors in development of sorghum cultivation. The research was conducted in Poncosari Village, Srandakan Sub-district, Bantul District. The samples were farmers who directly involved in the sorghum cultivation in productive land (irrigated land). The basic method used descriptive analytic by using census sampling method that consist of 30 sorghum farmers who were members of Bismo Farmer Groups. Data were analyzed by a qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitative data at thefirst hypothesis was analyzed with proportion test, the second and third hypothesis used multiple linear regression. The research results showed that most of the sorghumfarmers (70%) had a high adoption level of sorghum cultivation technology. Based on the results ofmultiple linear regression analysis, factors that positivelyinfluenced to adoption level of sorghum cultivation technology were land size and role offarmer group. Development ofsorghum cultivation was included in low category with factors that positively influenced was motivation of farmers.
Efficacy and safety of APT198K for the treatment of infantile colic: a pilot study
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Bacarea Anca , Marusteri Marius , Bacarea Vlad , Constantin Mariana , Manolache Mihai
Published: January 2017

Aim:
Comparing efficacy and safety of APT198K (xyloglucan plus heat-killed
Lactobacillus reuteri
SGL01 and
Bifidobacterium brevis
SGB01) versus a lactase dietary supplement as first-line treatment of infantile colic.
Methods:
Randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel group, active-controlled study, in 46 infants aged 3–16 weeks with infantile colic, receiving APT198K or a lactase dietary supplement for 10 days.
Results:
Number and duration of crying episodes decreased significantly versus baseline in both groups. On day 8, the mean duration of crying per episode was significantly shorter in the APT198K group compared with the lactase group (9.14 ± 5.34 vs 13.22 ± 5.29 min; p = 0.014) and remained so up to day 11.
Conclusion:
APT198K decreased the mean duration per crying episode significantly more than a lactase dietary supplement in infants with colic. Further evaluation in larger studies is warranted.
Clinical trial registry:
EudraCT number 2014-002860-334;
https://eudract.ema.europa.eu
.
Metoclopramide as intermittent and continuous infusions in critically ill patients: a pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Malekolkottab Masoume , Khalili Hossein , Mohammadi Mostafa , Ramezani Masoud , Nourian Anahid
Published: January 2017

Aim:
Metoclopramide is commonly used as a prokinetic agent in critically ill patients with enteral feeding intolerance. In this study, noninferiority of metoclopramide as intermittent versus continuous infusion was examined in critically ill patients with enteral feeding intolerance.
Methods:
Forty critically ill adults patients were assigned to receive metoclopramide as either intermittent (10 mg every 6 h) or continuous (2 mg/h) infusion. Frequency of feeding intolerance and adverse effects of metoclopramide were assessed during 7 days of study.
Results:
Number of patients with feeding intolerance during different times of the course was not different between the groups. Although not statistically significant, diarrhea and cardiac rhythm were more common in continuous than intermittent infusion group.
Conclusion:
Continuous and intermittent infusions of metoclopramide showed equivalent effectiveness in critically ill patients.
The Effectiveness of Guided Discovery Learning to Teach Integral Calculus for the Mathematics Students of Mathematics Education Widya Dharma University
Authors: - Yuliana , - Tasari , Wijayanti Septiana
Published: January 2017

The objectives of this research are (1) to develop Guided Discovery Learning in integral calculus subject; (2) to identify the effectiveness of Guided Discovery Learning in improving the students’ understanding toward integral calculus subject. This research was quasy experimental research with the students of even semester in Mathematics Education Widya Dharma University as the sample. Cluster Random sampling was conducted to determine control group that was taught using Conventional model and experimental group that was taught using Guided Discovery Learning model. The instruments of this research included pre-test, post-test, and student’s response questionnaire. The data of post-test was analyzed using T-test. The result was H0 was rejected for the level of significance The result of this data analysis found out that Guide Discovery Learning was more effective than Conventional Model. It was supported by the result questionnaire. The result of questionnaire that  more than 75% questionnaire items got 67.65% positive response. It means Guided Discovery Learning can increase students’ interest in joining integral calculus class.
Boards characteristics, audit committee, external auditor and earnings management: Chinese evidence
Authors: Li Yongqing , Eddie Ian , Liu Jinghui
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the effect of two-tier board characteristics, audit committee, and external auditors on earnings management in China. This study contributes to the empirical literature of corporate governance in China that remarkably differs from the Anglo-Saxon structure in terms of boards’ features and auditing. Using a sample of 622 listed Chinese company-years, this study finds that independent directors on the board of directors are negatively related to earnings management while employee supervisors on the supervisory board are not related to earnings management. The results of empirical analysis also show that the presence of audit committees and the brand auditors are negatively associated with earnings management. Finally, the relationship between qualified audit opinions and the level of earnings management are examined. The results show that qualified audit opinion is associated with a higher level of earnings management. Implications of these findings are discussed with regard to the characteristics of corporate governance and auditing settings in Chinese listed companies. In particular, higher proportion of independent directors on the board can improve the quality of reported earnings. However, it indicates that the role of supervisory board to restrain earnings management is limited with the increase of employee members. In addition, the existence of an audit committee improves the quality of reported earnings. Moreover, external audit play a monitoring role in mitigating earnings management in Chinese listed companies.
The performance of Shari’a supervisory boards within Islamic financial institutions in the Gulf cooperation council countries
Authors: Garas Samy Nathan
Published: January 2017

This study evaluates the role and performance of Shari’a Supervisory Boards (SSB) within Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). Although the SSB has a significant impact on an IFI’s performance, there has been little empirical research on the SSB performance. This study is unique in measuring empirically the relation between five variables and SSB performance. Data has been collected through a questionnaire from 76 Shari’a Supervisory Boards, 73 Boards of Directors, and 59 shareholders of IFIs in the GCC countries during 2009. The researchers found three variables that have a positive impact on the performance of SSBs: the number of SSB meetings, the qualifications of SSB members, and the evaluation of each member. Furthermore, the work of the Shari’a control department was found to have a negative impact on SSB performance. There was no statistically relationship between SSB performance and SSB position within the IFI organization structure. This study fills a literature gap in corporate governance by evaluating the impact of a religious board upon the performance of financial institutions. The study provides a theoretical framework for measuring SSB performance using internal variables. This study offers insights to GCC regulators, central banks, and other IFI stakeholders concerning SSB performance. In addition, it provides guidance to SSB members in improving their performance and strengthening their relations with other governance organs.
The effect on intra-industry rivals when firms emerge from and refile for chapter 11 bankruptcies
Authors: Chang Jow-Ran , Kuo Chii-Shyan , Tseng Yu-Chun
Published: January 2017

We examine the intra-industry credit contagion effect when firms emerge from and refile for Chapter11 bankruptcies. We use the industry competitors‟ daily credit default swap (CDS) spreads to measure the contagion effects. We find that the firm‟s emergence from bankruptcy protection favorably affects the creditworthiness of market leaders. One possible interpretation of the result is that industry leaders could be less susceptible to the competitive challenges induced by the reinvigorated firms from bankruptcies. In addition, the markets may interpret such events positively since healthy competitors can boost and benefit the prospects of industry. Further, we find that Chapter 11 bankruptcy refilings also generate a favorable contagion effect. Apparently, the refiling firm‟s industry peers may benefit from the financial difficulty of the refiling firms.
The effectiveness of trade map as tool for measuring the trade potential between South Africa and China
Authors: Bothma Cornelius , Cant Michael Colin
Published: January 2017

Measuring the trade potential between two countries is an important task both for the national trade analyst as well as for the company researcher. Trade potential is commonly measured using the gravity model, an economic construct. The gravity model, however, is not a perfect model and has its detractors. More recently, the International Trade Centre developed Trade Map an online tool for analysing the trade flows between countries. Although not yet widely used, Trade Map appears to be to good alternative or complementary facility that can be used to measure trade potential. The purpose of this article is to report on the evaluation of Trade Map as a tool for measuring trade potential. In so doing, Trade Map was used to analyse the trade potential between South Africa and China. It was found that Trade Map can provide the international trade researcher with a rich width and depth of information on the trade potential between two countries. It is suggest that Trade Map should be used together with the gravity model to create a more complete analysis of trade potential
Implementation of cross-docks
Authors: Vogt John , Pienaar Wessel
Published: January 2017

The cross-dock-based supply chain is an integrated supply chain which uses the unique characteristics of a cross-dock to speed goods to downstream customers. A comparison is made with the warehouse process to demonstrate the improved efficiency of a cross-dock supply chain. There are three types of cross-docks and they all utilize the same design parameters to determine the shape and size of the facility. A method to determine these parameters is presented and practical design methods are illustrated. The relative advantages of manual and automated processes are discussed.
Corporate governance, ownership structure and firm performance of Egyptian listed companies
Authors: El-Masry Ahmed
Published: January 2017

The study investigates the relationship of corporate governance mechanisms, ownership structure and the Egyptian firm performance. This study utilizes a sample of 50 firms using the accounting and market data available for the period 2004-2006. The sample firms are all listed in either the Cairo or Alexandria Stock. The cross-sectional regression analysis is employed to test the hypotheses of the study. The results indicate a positive significant relationship between firm performance and the percentage of outside directors in boards and the existence of institutional representatives in boards. Furthermore, a significant negative relationship exists between firm performance and board size, role duality and the existence of firm’s website. The results also reveal a significant, positive relationship between firm performance measures and the percentage of women members in boards of directors in Egyptian firms. Our results support previous literature and show consistency with the agency theory.
Econometric analysis of the effects of equity capitalization strategies on Brazilian companies performance
Authors: Sanchez Otavio Prospero , Filho Elmo Tambosi , Domingos Luis Carlos
Published: January 2017

This article explores the effect in performance of two types of firm financing strategies in Brazilian market, IPO and debentures. We use a fixed effects panel data analysis of 264 firms during the period from 2002 to 2008 to analyze how firms that performed IPO and issued debentures differentiate from others, in terms of Tobin Q. We found that firm that performed IPO have shown a negative effect on Tobin Q while firms that performed debentures, a popular financing strategy in Brazil, showed superior performance. These findings, while consistent with previous literature, make important contributions to the understanding of local market conditions given that Brazilian IPO have being very attention grabbing for international investors.
Corporate governance, ownership concentration and firm performance in a developing financial market
Authors: Rashid Kashif , Islam Sardar
Published: January 2017

This paper seeks to examine the role of blockholders (majority shareholders) in affecting the value of a firm (BVF) in the developing (Malaysian) financial market characterized by the existence of additional imperfections in this market. The data is collected by using stratified random sampling for the firms listed in the Kuala Lumpur Securities Exchange for the years 2000-2003 to perform multiple regression analysis. The results of the study suggest that blockholders play a negative role in affecting the firms’ value explaining market operations in the selected market, and contradicting the foundation of the developing market and convergence of interest hypothesis. In addition, the bigger board, liquid market, correct valuation of securities and effective utilization of assets improve shareholders’ value in the selected financial market. This paper contributes to the literature by performing a comprehensive study on the poorly researched topic of the BVF relationship. Furthermore, a correct proxy to value a firm is used and additional tests for robustness are performed to provide valid results on this relationship. Finally, the role of additional imperfections and implications of different management theories in explaining the BVF relationship is also provided in this study. The results provide new insights and highlight the importance of corporate governance provisions relevant for the firms of the developing market. The results of the study can be used by the regulatory regime to make effective corporate governance policies.
Share pricing of South African banking groups - Importance of efficiency and earnings per share
Authors: Cronjé Tom , de Beer Johan
Published: January 2017

Previous research findings indicate that the relevant performance of firms is one way or another, reflected in the market prices of shares. Such research is focussed on different performance components of firm individual risk (FIR), but none of the research segregates systematic and unsystematic risk of the shares to levels where the relative FIR components that were researched could be quantified in proportion to FIR level share price determinants. This brings about the objective of this research to segregate the pricing of shares in terms of market and firm specific factors with the intention to quantify the association of relative bank efficiency and earnings performance with the pricing of South African bank shares. The study draws a parallel between the actual significance of measured efficiency and earnings per share (EPS) with share pricing and quantified FIR. Within this context the comparative significance of measured efficiency and EPS are explored to investigate the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) prevalence. An analysis of efficiency and share price relationships at different financial year time points shows a semi-strong form of the EMH in both the pre-Global Financial Crises (GFC) and GFC periods. This indicates that the application of an active investment strategy by investors based on efficiency measures may be beneficial. The impact of EPS as contributing determinant of share prices increased during the GFC period compared to the pre-GFC period, but reflects a strong form of the EMH.
Corporate governance, ownership structure and performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria
Authors: Obembe Olufemi B. , Adebisi S.A. Adeleye , Kelvin Adeleye Olabanji
Published: January 2017

Recognizing the weakness in the use of the OLS model in the panel data analysis of corporate governance and firm performance, this study augmented the model with the use of fixed effect model for a sample of 76 listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Moreover, the study accounted for the role of some vital control variables excluded by previous researchers from Nigeria. Our results suggest that findings based on OLS models could be misleading. Foreign ownership that was found to have a negative impact on firm performance was the only positive and significant variable in the fixed effect model. Ownership concentration was found to have a negative impact on performance using the ROA. Our study confirmed the expropriation hypothesis for Nigeria.
Factors for board effectiveness from the perspective of strategy implementation: Proposal of an instrument
Authors: Amaral-Baptista Marcio Alves , Lewe van Aduard de Macedo-Soares Teresia Diana , Campelo de Melo Maria Angela
Published: January 2017

We present a set of factors which can contribute to the effectiveness of boards of directors in managing strategy implementation. Following more recent research strands on corporate governance and boards, we focus on non-structural factors related to cognitive, behavioral, work process and power dimensions. They may enhance the explanatory power of structural features of boards where the latter’s effectiveness is concerned. The identified factors are cohesiveness, presence of knowledge and skills, use of knowledge and skills, effort norms, cognitive conflict, task performance and information architecture. They were divided into sets of observable variables, which were consolidated into an instrument - reference lists - with a view to helping scholars and practitioners in assessing how boards rank in these factors.
Values-based public-private networks best practices in Italian local government: The case of “Regione Marche”
Authors: Del Baldo Mara , Demartini Paola
Published: January 2017

Internationally, the theme of territorial social responsibility, or territorial networks (CSR-oriented partnerships between local public and private partners) aimed to promote a model of sustainable economic growth, is still little noted. The movement of collective responsibility sees institutions and organisations (public and private, for profit and non-profit) participating in a form of economic development that is socially and environmentally sustainable. In these territories where deeply rooted actors are stimulated to cooperate for the responsible development of the productive system, their combined actions become an effective instrument in the sustainable government of the territory. Based on this consideration, the aim of our research is the evaluation of Italian local governmental initiatives to promote corporate social responsibility through public-private networks (specially focusing on the “Marche Region” case- study). Local governance based on the subsidiarity and the shared values of a spatial and socio-economic community can therefore be interpreted as a possible form of “managing publicly” which is focused on creating values and following the public interest, and operates through their motivations and values. This triggers a path of human governance in which participation, co-planning, and dialogue are not merely slogans but the modus operandi in actors’ processes of creating value.
The relationship between mutual fund flows and stock market returns: A comparative empirical analysis
Authors: Yangbo Boa , Wickramanayake Jayasinghe , Watson John R. , Tsigos Stan
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the relationship between aggregate equity mutual fund flows and excess stock market returns in Hong Kong and Singapore. Our findings demonstrate that, in Hong Kong, two-way causality exists between aggregate equity mutual fund flows and stock market returns. In comparison, despite their close proximity and reputation as global hubs no such finding is reported in the case of Singapore. We find that in Singapore, neither aggregate equity mutual fund flows Granger-cause subsequent excess stock market returns nor excess stock market returns Granger-cause subsequent aggregate equity mutual fund flows. The difference in findings is attributed to the degree of openness for each country. Additionally, for both Hong Kong and Singapore, we find that contemporaneous aggregate unexpected equity mutual fund flows positively affect excess stock market returns and vice versa. The study contributes to the literature by providing support with what is already known in regards investor heuristics, that excess stock market returns has a positive effect on aggregate equity mutual fund flows.
Foreign primary listings and corporate governance bonding
Authors: Cong Ling Mei , Tower Greg , Van der Zahn Mitchell , Brown Alistair
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates whether a foreign primary listing is associated with corporate governance bonding of PRC firms listed in Hong Kong and Singapore. Consistent with bonding theory, there is a significant difference between the corporate governance quality of PRC firms with a foreign primary listing and counterparts with a domestic primary listing only (i.e. the PRC benchmark). The corporate governance quality of PRC foreign primary listing firms is not significantly different from foreign market benchmarks. The association between the foreign primary listing and corporate governance quality holds when firm characteristics are controlled for. Findings from this paper contribute to the cross listing literature by providing direct evidence on the corporate governance bonding associated with PRC foreign primary listings.
Mimetic isomorphism in the governance of IPO companies in Italy
Authors: Barbesta Alberto , Giudici Giancarlo , Lugo Stefano
Published: January 2017

In order to comply with listing requirements and overcome information asymmetries, listing companies may be encouraged to adapt themselves with market standards („isomorphism‟) in the setting of governance devices in order to reduce the perceived uncertainty and obtain legitimacy towards investors. In this work we evaluate the isomorphism of IPO companies with respect to the board characteristics (i.e. board size and members‟ age). By analyzing a sample of 121 companies listed from 1999 to 2008 on the Italian Exchange, we find that mimetic strategies are frequent in IPO companies, and that the majority of them exhibit a reduction in the differences of board characteristics in the year after the flotation, compared to listed firms in the same sector. The percentage of mimicking companies is even larger if we consider only companies that introduce changes in the board composition. Multivariate analyses suggest that isomorphism strategies are targeted to signal the IPO firm‟s quality, and are an alternative to issuing underpriced shares.
Inside and outside shareholders and monitoring: Evidence from developing country
Authors: Mustapha Mazlina , Ahmad Ayoib Che
Published: January 2017

This paper tests the effect of managerial (inside) and block-holders (outside) ownership in relation to agency theory in Malaysian business environment. This study tests the agency relationship in different culture and social contact and provides evidence whether agency theory in non-western organizations have equal impact in Asian organizations. Consistent with agency theory and the convergence of interest hypothesis, managerial ownership (insiders) in Malaysia indicate a negative relationship with the demand for monitoring. This finding may be due to the fact that as the managers are also the owners, there is less conflict, less information asymmetry and less hierarchical organization structure in the companies, which lead to lower monitoring costs. However, another ownership structure, outside block-holders appear to demand more monitoring. This positive relationship may be explained by their effort to compensate their lack of involvement in the daily transactions and internal decisions of the company, especially in the concentrated business environment in the country.
Depressive symptoms among patients with schizophrenia in acute and remission phases
Authors: Peljto Amir , Pesic Danilo , Christodoulou Nikos , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica
Published: January 2017

Bacground/Aim. Researchers suggest that among people with schizophrenia, the prevalence of depressive symptoms ranges from 7% to 80%. The rate of depressive symptoms among people with schizophrenia varies widely because of the phase of the disease, type of study applied, rating scale for depressive symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the clinical correlation of depressive symptoms with other clinical parameters (type and severity of psychotic symptoms, severity of illness, insight and global functioning) among patients with schizophrenia in acute and remission phases. Methods. This prospective clinical study enrolled 100 consecutive patients with schizophrenia both in acute and remission phases. Psychometric assessments were made using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for rating the symptoms of schizophrenia, Scale to Assess the Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. Results. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with schizophrenia in the acute phase was 23% at the study group, while in the remission phase it was 13%. In the acute phase, the CDSS scale correlated with a depressive and positive subscale of the PANSS scale as well as SUMD scale. In the remission phase, the CDSS scale correlated only with a depressive subscale of the PANSS scale. The CDSS scale did not correlate with the negative subscale of the PANSS scale. The subjective nature of depressive symptoms is more pronounced in the remission phase. Conclusion. Our findings showed that depressive symptoms were more pronounced in the acute psychotic phase than in the remission phase of schizophrenia. Targeted, patient oriented, and algorithm-based approach for treatment management, with taking into account different phenotypic expressions of the disorder (patients with and without affective symptoms) is warranted in patients with schizophrenia.
Quality of life of the mechanically ventilated patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Zornic Nenad , Milovanovic Dragan , Stojadinovic Miroslav , Radovanovic Dragce , Davidovic Goran , Simovic Stefan , Bukumiric Zoran , Janjic Vladimir , Maric Nebojsa , Jevdjic Jasna , Rosic Vesna , Nesic Jelena
Published: January 2017

Background/Aim. Patients with pneumonia who require mechanical ventilation (MV) are associated with several poor outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, higher rate of mortality and increased spread of antibioticsresistant pathogens. MV in patients with communityacquired pneumonia (CAP) could cause development of psychological symptoms, often neglected in the Intensive Care Units (ICU) as well as decreased quality of life after the withdrawal of the MV. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients with CAPs treated with MV in ICU. Methods. The study was designed as a cohort study of hospital-treated patients with CAP with prospective data collection. The quality of life was defined as the primary outcome, while the use of MV was assumed as the primary prognostic factor that adversely affected the outcome. The patients were recruited from the population of patients with CAPs who were hospitalized at the ICU, Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia, from January 2013 to January 2014. The experimental group consisted of patients who were on MV while the control group included patients who were treated for CPAs in the ICU, but were not subjected to MV. The quality of life was assessed by using patient-rated Euro Quality of Life (EuroQoL) Group-EQ-5D index. The calculation of the total EQ-5D-5L score values was performed by using the predefined, validated mapping key according to response combinations. Statistical analysis was performed by using ?2 test, Student's t-test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. The patients with MV had worse EQ5D-5L values in comparison to the control group for all 5 domains. Mobility, self-care and usual activities were negatively affected during the whole follow-up period. Pain or discomfort and anxiety or depression differed significantly between the study group and the control group at days 7 and 30. Conclusion. Patients with MV tend to have poorer quality of life, especially in 3 domains. The main reasons are the presence of chronic comorbidities in the population that require MV.
Reslizumab versus placebo for poorly controlled, severe eosinophilic asthma: Meta-analysis
Authors: Milosavljevic Milos , Jankovic Slobodan , Pejcic Ana , Milovanovic Jasmina , Opancina Valentina , Kostic Marina
Published: January 2017

Background/Aim. Reslizumab is humanized monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology which binds to circulating interleukin-5 (IL-5) and down-regulates the IL-5 signaling pathway. Reslizumab is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients 18 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma phenotype whose symptoms were inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of reslizumab compared to placebo in patients suffering from inadequately controlled, moderateto- severe asthma with elevated blood eosinophil counts. Methods. Our meta-analysis was based on systematic search of literature and selection of high-quality evidence according to pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effects of reslizumab and placebo were summarized using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3.5 and heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane Q test and I? values. Several types of bias were assessed and publication bias shown by Funnel plot and Egger?s regression. Results. The meta-analysis included 5 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Reslizumab 3.0 mg/kg produced substantial improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1. second (FEV 1) (mean difference 0.15 [0.10, 0.21]) and in forced vital capacity (FVC) (mean difference 0.21 [0.09, 0.32]) over the 15 or 16-week treatment period, substantial decrease versus placebo in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score (mean difference -0.28 [-0.41, -0.16]), and substantial increase vs. placebo from baseline in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) total score (mean difference 0.24 [0.06, 0.43]). Also, reslizumab 3.0 mg/kg caused less adverse events versus placebo (OR 0.67 [0.51, 0.88]), especially asthma worsening (OR 0.53 [0.36, 0.77]) or bronchitis (OR 0.42 [0.24, 0.74]). Conclusion. On the basis of published clinical trials reslizumab could be considered as an effective and safe therapeutic option for severe, poorly controlled eosinophilic asthma for the time being.
Comparison of Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL and 100 Units/mL in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring Profiles and Variability Using Morning or Evening Injections
Authors: Bergenstal Richard M. , Bailey Timothy S. , Rodbard David , Ziemen Monika , Guo Hailing , Muehlen-Bartmer Isabel , Ahmann Andrew J.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare glucose control in participants with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) or glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in the morning or evening, in combination with mealtime insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 16-week, exploratory, open-label, parallel-group, two-period crossover study (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01658579), 59 adults with type 1 diabetes were randomized (1:1:1:1) to once-daily Gla-300 or Gla-100 given in the morning or evening (with crossover in the injection schedule). The primary efficacy end point was the mean percentage of time in the target glucose range (80–140 mg/dL), as measured using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), during the last 2 weeks of each 8-week period. Additional end points included other CGM glycemic control parameters, hypoglycemia (per self-monitored plasma glucose [SMPG]), and adverse events.

RESULTS

The percentage of time within the target glucose range was comparable between the Gla-300 and Gla-100 groups. There was significantly less increase in CGM-based glucose during the last 4 h of the 24-h injection interval for Gla-300 compared with Gla-100 (least squares mean difference −14.7 mg/dL [95% CI −26.9 to −2.5]; P = 0.0192). Mean 24-h glucose curves for the Gla-300 group were smoother (lower glycemic excursions), irrespective of morning or evening injection. Four metrics of intrasubject interstitial glucose variability showed no difference between Gla-300 and Gla-100. Nocturnal confirmed (<54 mg/dL by SMPG) or severe hypoglycemia rate was lower for Gla-300 participants than for Gla-100 participants (4.0 vs. 9.0 events per participant-year; rate ratio 0.45 [95% CI 0.24–0.82]).

CONCLUSIONS

Less increase in CGM-based glucose levels in the last 4 h of the 24-h injection interval, smoother average 24-h glucose profiles irrespective of injection time, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycemia were observed with Gla-300 versus Gla-100.
Forma urbana, suas motivações e seus efeitos: cumplicidade ontológica, teleologia e alguns equívocos
Authors: Saboya Renato T.
Published: January 2017

Editorial | vol. 04 | núm. 1 | julho 2016.