bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incremental DF-LCCSD(T) Calculations for a Water Molecule Inside and Outside Armchair Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lei Shulai , Paulus Beate
Published: February 2016

The method of increments is applied to investigate the adsorption of a single water molecule
inside and outside armchair carbon nanotubes with different curvature using density-fitting
local coupled cluster with single and double excitations and perturbative triples treatment
(DF-LCCSD(T)). The correlation contribution to the adsorption energy is expanded in terms of
localized orbitals of both the water molecule and the nanotube. Results of this
investigation show that the simultaneous correlation of groups of localized orbitals of the
water molecule and of the carbon nanotube (i. e. inter-fragment two-body increments) is the
major contribution to the attractive interaction. In contrast the individual correlation
energy of localized orbitals of water molecule or carbon nanotube (i. e. one-body increments)
is negligible. A detailed balance between the repulsive Hartree–Fock contribution and the
attractive correlation contribution to the adsorption energy determines the ground-state
structure of the water molecule inside the carbon nanotube. To elucidate this behavior
benzene-based model systems are investigated with the same methods.
Electric (Hyper) Polarizability of the Hypofluorous Acid (HOF) from High-Level ab initio Calculations with Especially Designed Purpose-Oriented Basis Sets
Authors: Maroulis George
Published: February 2016

The electric dipole moment, polarizability, first and second dipole hyperpolarizability of
HOF were determined via finite-field calculations with ab initio
calculations of high predictive potential. Basis set sensibility and method dependence were
systematically studied. We relied on a systematic sequence of prepared basis sets of
Gaussian-type functions (GTF). A very large purpose-oriented, HOF-specific basis set
yields CCSD(T) values (SCF results in parentheses) for the property
invariants: μ/ea0 = 0.7374 (0.8503), α̅/e2a0
2Eh
−1 = 11.77 (11.22), Δα/e2a0
2Eh
−1 = 5.95 (8.50), β̅/e3a0
3Eh
−2 =− 13.8 (− 16.5) and γ̅/e4a0
4Eh
−3 = 1099 (620).
Deriving Population Growth Models by Growing Fruit Fly Colonies
Authors: Heaps Aaron J. , Dawson Tyler D. , Briggs Jace C. , Hansen Megan A. , Jensen Jamie L.
Published: February 2016

Population growth presents a unique opportunity to make the connection between mathematical and biological reasoning. The objective of this article is to introduce a method of teaching population growth that allows students to utilize mathematical reasoning to derive population growth models from authentic populations through active learning and firsthand experiences. To accomplish this, we designed a lab in which students grow and count populations of Drosophila over the course of 12 weeks, modifying abiotic and biotic limiting factors. Using the data, students derive exponential and logistic growth equations, through mathematical reasoning patterns that allow them to understand the purpose of these models, and hypothesize relationships between various factors and population growth. We gathered student attitudinal data and found that students perceived the lab as more effective, better at preparing them for lecture, and more engaging than the previous lab used. Through this active and inquiry-based method of teaching, students are more involved and engaged in both mathematical and biological reasoning processes.
How Does Oral Hygiene Affect Bacterial Counts in Saliva?
Authors: Geiger-Thornsberry Gretchen L.
Published: February 2016

Oral health is often in the news lately as researchers explore the link of oral health with general health – and, particularly, with cardiac health (Shetty et al., 2012; Parkar et al., 2013). In this inquiry-based experiment, students explore microbes present in saliva and how the numbers are affected by using oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Using Great Ape Phylogeny to Teach Evolutionary Thinking
Authors: Offner Susan
Published: February 2016

A simple phylogenetic tree of the great apes provides many important teaching opportunities, both in the general skill of reading phylogenetic trees and in using them to explore evolutionary relationships.
The insulin sensitiser metformin regulates chicken Sertoli and germ cell populations
Authors: Faure M , Guibert E , Alves S , Pain B , Ramé C , Dupont J , Brillard J P , Froment P
Published: February 2016

Metformin, an insulin sensitiser from the biguanide family of molecules, is used for the treatment of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes individuals. It increases peripheral glucose uptake and may reduce food intake. Based on the tight link between metabolism and fertility, we investigated the role of metformin on testicular function usingin vitroculture of Sertoli cells and seminiferous tubules, complemented byin vivodata obtained following metformin administration to prepubertal chickens.In vitro, metformin treatment reduced Sertoli cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis and morphological changes. The metabolism of Sertoli cells was affected because lactate secretion by Sertoli cells increased approximately twofold and intracellular free ATP was negatively impacted. Two important pathways regulating proliferation and metabolism in Sertoli cells were assayed. Metformin exposure was not associated with an increased phosphorylation of AKT or ERK. There was a 90% reduction in the proportion of proliferating germ cells after a 96-h exposure of seminiferous tubule cultures to metformin.In vivo, 6-week-old chickens treated with metformin for 3 weeks exhibited reduced testicular weight and a 50% decrease in testosterone levels. The expression of a marker of undifferentiated germ cells was unchanged in contrast to the decrease in expression of ‘protamine’, a marker of differentiated germ cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that metformin affects the testicular energy content and the proliferative ability of Sertoli and germ cells.

Reproduction (2016) 151 527–538
Preterm Versus Term Children: Analysis of Sedation/Anesthesia Adverse Events and Longitudinal Risk
Authors: Havidich Jeana E. , Beach Michael , Dierdorf Stephen F. , Onega Tracy , Suresh Gautham , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Preterm and former preterm children frequently require sedation/anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Our objective was to determine the age at which children who are born <37 weeks gestational age are no longer at increased risk for sedation/anesthesia adverse events. Our secondary objective was to describe the nature and incidence of adverse events.

METHODS:

This is a prospective observational study of children receiving sedation/anesthesia for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures outside of the operating room by the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium. A total of 57 227 patients 0 to 22 years of age were eligible for this study. All adverse events and descriptive terms were predefined. Logistic regression and locally weighted scatterplot regression were used for analysis.

RESULTS:

Preterm and former preterm children had higher adverse event rates (14.7% vs 8.5%) compared with children born at term. Our analysis revealed a biphasic pattern for the development of adverse sedation/anesthesia events. Airway and respiratory adverse events were most commonly reported. MRI scans were the most commonly performed procedures in both categories of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients born preterm are nearly twice as likely to develop sedation/anesthesia adverse events, and this risk continues up to 23 years of age. We recommend obtaining birth history during the formulation of an anesthetic/sedation plan, with heightened awareness that preterm and former preterm children may be at increased risk. Further prospective studies focusing on the etiology and prevention of adverse events in former preterm patients are warranted.
Congenital Mirror Movements in Gorlin Syndrome: A Case Report With DTI and Functional MRI Features
Authors: Sag Erdal , Gocmen Rahsan , Yildiz F. Gokcem , Ozturk Zeynelabidin , Temucin Cagri , Teksam Ozlem , Utine Eda
Published: February 2016

Congenital mirror movements are rare conditions that define the inability to perform unimanual movements. Gorlin syndrome, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is a genetic disorder with multiple nevi predisposing to basal cell carcinoma, odontogenic keratocysts, and skeletal malformations. Herein we report on an adolescent patient with Gorlin syndrome and coexisting congenital mirror movements. To our knowledge, this is the first patient in the literature who has both of these very rare conditions.
Isolation and characterisation of flavobacteria from wild and cultured freshwater fish species in Hungary
Authors: Varga Zsuzsanna , Sellyei Boglárka , Paulus Petra , Papp Melitta , Molnár Kálmán , Székely Csaba
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to survey the incidence of Flavobacterium columnare in wild and cultured freshwater fish species in Hungary. This bacterium usually causes disease in waters of more than 25 °C temperature. However, with the introduction of intensive fish farming systems, infected fish exposed to stress develop disease signs also at lower temperatures; in addition, the temperature of natural waters rises to the critical level due to global warming. Twenty-five isolates from wild and cultured freshwater fishes were identified as F. columnare by specific PCR, although both the fragment lengths and the results of PCRRFLP genotyping with BsuRI (HaeIII) and RsaI restriction enzymes raised doubts regarding this species classification. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed that 23 isolates belonged to the species F. johnsoniae and two represented Chryseobacterium spp. The isolates were found to have high-level multidrug resistance: all were resistant to ampicillin and polymyxin B, the 23 F. johnsoniae strains to cotrimoxazole, 88% of them to gentamicin, and 72% to chloramphenicol. The majority of the 25 isolates were sensitive to erythromycin (88%), furazolidone (76%), and florfenicol (68%).
Epidemiological and pathological features of primary cardiac tumours in dogs from Poland in 1970–2014
Authors: Janus Izabela , Nowak Marcin , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Ciaputa Rafał , Kandefer-Gola Małgorzata , Pasławska Urszula , Sapierzyński Rafał , Łopuszyński Wojciech , Otrocka-Domagała Iwona
Published: February 2016

Primary heart tumours affect less than 1% of dogs. Due to their rare incidence, every research showing the frequency of cardiac tumours is valuable. Routine diagnostics is often complemented with immunohistochemical analysis. This study was conducted on 110 patient records from all veterinary faculties in Poland from dogs diagnosed with heart tumours between 1970 and 2014. The dogs’ age, breed and sex with tumour localisation and histopathological diagnosis were analysed. Because of its most common incidence, samples of haemangiosarcoma underwent further examination with assessment of the expression of cell markers that have not been evaluated earlier (i.e. minichromosome maintenance proteins and beta-catenin). We noted 111 tumours including 88.3% malignant and 10.8% benign ones. Haemangiosarcoma and aortic body tumour were the most frequent cardiac neoplasms in the dogs examined (45.9% and 27.9% of all tumours, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis of haemangiosarcoma showed a positive expression of all markers examined. CD31, vimentin, and beta-catenin showed a positive reaction in all 11 samples examined. At least one proliferative marker (Ki-67, MCM-3 or MCM-7) showed a positive reaction in each sample. MCM-3 showed a higher expression than the two other proliferative markers (P = 0.006), but only Ki-67 showed a positive correlation with the mitotic index (P > 0.05, r = 0.89). Although beta-catenin, MCM-3 and MCM-7 showed a positive reaction in the haemangiosarcomas examined, their usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic factors should be a topic of further research.
Influenza A virus infection in dogs: Epizootiology, evolution and prevention — A review
Authors: Xie Xing , Ma Ke , Liu Yongjie
Published: February 2016

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is an enveloped virus belonging to the genus Influenza virus A within the family Orthomyxoviridae. Prior to 2004, only sporadic outbreaks of canine influenza had been observed in dog populations around the world. However, in 2004 an H3N8 influenza virus of equine origin caused severe respiratory disease in racing greyhounds in Florida; subsequently, cases of dogs affected with various subtypes of CIV have been reported in many countries. Here, we performed a structured review of CIV, including its emergence, evolution and epizootiology. Although CIV causes a disease of low mortality, the potential public health threat it poses due to close contact between dogs and humans highlights the necessity of promoting surveillance for this virus.
Synthesis of amphiphilic polycarboxylate copolymer and its notable dispersion and adsorption characteristics onto cement and clay
Authors: Li Yinwen , Zheng Xiuwen , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng
Published: February 2016

Zwitterionic (ZI) polymers have great potential for dispersion and adsorption effects because of their dual functional groups (acidic and basic) grafted on polymer matrices. The ZI monomer 3-(2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl) dimethylammonio-propane-1-sulfonate (DMAPS) and novel amphiphilic polycarboxylate copolymers (APCs) were prepared and characterised. The dispersion and adsorption behaviours of APCs as superplasticisers in a cement system in the absence and presence of clay were investigated. The results indicated that APCs had excellent dispersing ability, and a notable feature was that APCs could effectively inhibit the preferential adsorption of APCs into clay. A mechanistic study including dispersion, adsorption, zeta potential and x-ray diffraction revealed that, compared with traditional polycarboxylate superplasticisers, APCs with ZI groups were more easily adsorbed on the surface of clay but were not incorporated into the layer structure of the clay. This work not only fabricated a new superplasticiser with potential for development, but also provided a concept for preparing new superplasticisers to solve problems involved in their application.
A difusão do você pelas estruturas sociais carioca e mineira dos séculos XIX e XX
Authors: Lopes Célia Regina dos Santos , Rumeu Márcia Cristina de Brito
Published: February 2016

Neste trabalho, busca-se discutir a produtividade das estratégias pronominais de referência ao sujeito de 2a pessoa do discurso e os tipos de relações sociais travadas entre remetente e destinatário em missivas cariocas e mineiras oitocentistas e novecentistas. O foco deste estudo são os tipos de relações sociais que parecem condicionar a frequência de uso das estratégias pronominais de 2a pessoa no Brasil à luz da Teoria do Poder e da Solidariedade pensada por Brown e Gilman (1960). De uma forma geral, nas missivas cariocas e mineiras caracterizadas pelas relações sociais simétricas e assimétricas, observou-se a difusão do você, parecendo já sedimentar a semântica da Solidariedade no Brasil novecentista. 
Para um panorama sócio-diacrônico das formas de tratamento na função de sujeito na região Nordeste
Authors: Martins Marco Antonio , Moura Kássia Kamilla de , Andrade Aroldo Leal de , Lacerda Mariana Fagundes de Oliveira , Gomes Valéria Severina , Carneiro ￼￼￼ Zenaide De Oliveira Novais
Published: February 2016

Apresentamos neste artigo uma análise sócio-diacrônica das formas de tratamento na função de sujeito em cartas pessoais dos estados da Bahia, de Pernambuco e do Rio Grande do Norte, na região nordeste, num recorte temporal que contempla os séculos XIX e XX. Os resultados mostram que nas cartas da região nordeste o subsistema de tratamento exclusivo de você é mais frequente em quase todas as décadas dos dois séculos observados. Esse quadro já se encontra bastante consolidado na primeira metade do século XX, mais especificamente na década de 1910. As escolhas das demais formas de tratamento estão diretamente vinculadas ao tipo de relação estabelecida entre os escreventes, considerando mais poder ou mais solidariedade nos diferentes contatos. 
TERENO: German network of terrestrial environmental observatories
Authors: Bogena Heye Reemt
Published: February 2016

Central elements of the TERENO network are “terrestrial observatories” at the catchment scale which were selected in climate sensitive regions of Germany for the regional analyses of climate change impacts. Within these observatories small scale research facilities and test areas are placed in order to accomplish energy, water, carbon and nutrient process studies across the different compartments of the terrestrial environment. Following a hierarchical scaling approach (point-plot-field) these detailed information and the gained knowledge will be transferred to the regional scale using integrated modelling approaches. Furthermore, existing research stations are enhanced and embedded within the observatories. In addition, mobile measurement platforms enable monitoring of dynamic processes at the local scale up to the determination of spatial pattern at the regional scale are applied within TERENO.
Evaluación de PYMES de software colombianas bajo el modelo CMMi - DEV en el marco del proyecto RCCS
Authors: Llamosa Villalba Ricardo , Estrada Díaz Lilia Yarley
Published: February 2016

Información de la investigación:Este artículo resume los análisis y conclusiones más importantes de la experiencia de gestión para la evaluación oficial en el Modelo CMMi - DEV, a pymes del sector software, en diferentes zonas del territorio colombiano, realizada por la Unión Temporal Red Colombiana de Calidad de Software; como parte del desarrollo del programa Apoyo al Fortalecimiento de la Capacidad Nacional de Software, donde se muestra las fases metodológica, la cobertura de evaluación, las dificultades presentadas y se identifican los aspectos a mejorar para próximos programas similares.
Modelo de adherencia al procedimiento de regulación de la urgencia médica en el Centro Regulador de Urgencias - CRUE de Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
Authors: Amaya Álvaro , Daza Miguel , Andrea Díaz Andrea Díaz , Andrea Díaz Andrea Díaz
Published: February 2016

Trabajo de investigación descriptivaLa atención prehospitalaria ha sido una de las áreas de intervención más críticas debido a su impacto social, es por ello que el funcionamiento de los centros de regulación médica, que son el pilar fundamental de dicha atención, deben contar con procedimientos claros para ejercer una adecuada regulación, debido a que esta tiene como objetivo priorizar y optimizar la atención de urgencias y emergencias y la mitigación del impacto en un eventual desastre. En el caso del CRUE de Bogotá la cantidad de despachos de móviles aumentó considerablemente, pasó de ser en 2007 de 103.691 despachos al 2009 a 213.913, considerando con estas cifras la necesidad de optimizar los recursos y verificar el cumplimiento de los procedimientos establecidos para la regulación médica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en donde se revisó y analizó el procedimiento de regulación de la urgencia médica, así mismo la forma de socialización e implementación del procedimiento, priorizando en el técnico regulador, cuyo perfil tiene más injerencia, evidenciando notables fallas en la forma tanto de implementación como evaluación del mismo, se propone un modelo de adherencia al procedimiento de regulación de la urgencia médica teniendo en cuenta todas las variables que influyen en el adecuado funcionamiento del centro regulador
El discurso del intrapreneurship: una mirada psicoanalítica en las organizaciones en el nuevo capitalismo
Authors: Ararat Herrera Jaime Andrés
Published: February 2016

artículo de reflexiónEste trabajo de reflexión articula de manera exploratoria la construcción del sujeto en algunas organizaciones que buscan una reconfiguración simbólica de la relación entre el trabajador y la organización desde el campo psíquico. Éstas buscan reorientar las nociones tradicionales de autoridad y poder al interior de su estructura organizacional en el contexto de una nueva cultura capitalista, mediante la inclusión de diferentes discursos administrativos como el intrapreneurship, que pretenden adaptar al trabajador a una nueva “realidad simbólica” de cambios e incertidumbres, que lo persuadan a formar parte de una nueva “clase” de trabajadores, con capacidad de liderar y poner en práctica ideas frescas en beneficio de la organización, a fin de determinar en gran medida la inflexión de las relaciones de poder dentro de la misma.
Problemática en una central de urgencias de institución de salud de primer nivel debida al ausentismo del personal por incapacidad médica
Authors: Ávila Sonia Marcela , León Diana Marcela
Published: February 2016

Trabajo de investigaciónEl ausentismo laboral por incapacidad médica, genera una problemática en las instituciones de salud, porque afecta la atención con calidad a todo usuario que necesite el servicio de urgencias donde requiere una atención sin barreras, con accesibilidad y una adecuada oportunidad, teniendo en cuenta que son patologías de atención inmediata, por lo que resulta pertinente realizar un estudio de los factores asociados a las incapacidades, que permita generar el conocimiento de las mismas, para adoptar medidas preventivas que generen un impacto positivo en los diferentes atributos de la calidad como eficiencia, efectividad y eficacia, no sólo para las organizaciones sino también para los trabajadores. Por esta razón fue de vital importancia realizar un estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectivo en una población de empleados del área administrativa y asistencial de una IPS de primer nivel de urgencias, donde se tomaron todas las incapacidades de los trabajadores entre los años 2009 y 2010. Para generar una asociación, se tomaron dos grupos: uno de ellos con incapacidad por enfermedad general, accidente de trabajo y enfermedad profesional y el otro grupo sin incapacidad. Se realizó un análisis bivariado por medio de la prueba chi cuadrado o test exacto de Fisher, con un nivel de significancia del 5%; por otra parte, se hizo un análisis multivariado donde se utilizó la regresión logística para las variables significativas del análisis bivariado. Los factores asociados al ausentismo laboral por incapacidad encontrados, fueron el hecho de no tener hijos, tener un cargo administrativo y laborar en la jornada de la tarde. El tener 2 hijos fue un factor de riesgo 11.83 veces mayor de presentar ausencia laboral frente al no tenerlos y el personal administrativo presentó un riesgo 87 veces mayor de presentar ausencia frente al personal asistencial. Por último, se determinó que el trabajar en la noche fue un posible factor protector para presentar ausentismo laboral. Por esta razón las recomendaciones generadas a partir de los resultados encontrados, se orientan a acciones de mejoramiento de tipo preventivo, otras que comprenden la obligatoriedad del uso de elementos de bioprotección y desinfección terminal de las diferentes áreas como barrera para evitar las enfermedades de tipo infeccioso, todas estas enfocadas a la seguridad y satisfacción del usuario y su familia.
Dinámicas de generación y transferencia de conocimiento en una aglomeración empresarial
Authors: Morales Rubiano María Eugenia , Arias Cante Mayra Alejandra , Ávila Martínez Karolina
Published: February 2016

Artículo de investigaciónEn el contexto actual, la gestión del conocimiento en el ámbito empresarial es un factor estratégico para la generación de ventajas competitivas. En este sentido existen múltiples estudios que muestran los beneficios de la transferencia de conocimiento en aglomeraciones industriales. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar las características de las dinámicas de generación y transferencia de conocimiento en la aglomeración de ópticas ubicada en la localidad Santafé de Bogotá. Para esto, se realizó una revisión conceptual sobre aglomeraciones industriales y dinámicas de conocimiento y se recolectó información de empresarios del sector.Los resultados muestran que en la concentración de empresas existen barreras relacionadas con la cultura empresarial, tales como falta de cooperación, competencia desleal, e individualismo, las cuales impiden un flujo de conocimiento efectivo, lo que afecta el desarrollo de la aglomeración industrial, incluido los procesos de innovación. También se identificaron algunas características positivas como el nivel de educación del capital humano, la baja rotación de personal y el mejoramiento continuo de procesos en respuesta a la demanda, que podrían aprovecharse y fortalecer la dinámica de conocimiento dentro de la aglomeración.
Análisis del nivel de innovación de las empresas del sector de autopartes de Cartagena
Authors: Arraut Camargo Luis Carlos
Published: February 2016

Trabajo de investigaciónEl presente documento analiza el nivel de innovación en la industria de autopartes de la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias desde un punto de vista descriptivo. Primero que todo se analiza bajo el enfoque del modelo de gestión. Para ello se adapta el modelo de innovación ERABERRITU que cumple con las características de ver la innovación como un todo dentro de las organizaciones y con la participación de todas las personas. Es un instrumento gerencial ya que la innovación es direccionada por los directivos de las empresas. Se escogen 46 empresas del sector en Cartagena de Indias y se realiza el análisis teniendo en cuenta criterios que miden el nivel de innovación en las empresas. Por último se presentan consideraciones a tener en cuenta y que inciden en el nivel de innovación del sector.
An Application Of An Artificial Neural Network Investment System To Predict Takeover Targets
Authors: Cheh John J. , Weinberg Randy S. , Yook Ken C.
Published: February 2016

Artificial neural networks are a robust, effective complement to traditional statistical methods in financial applications. They can incorporate qualitative and quantitative information, and recognize underlying patterns and trends in large, complex data sets. This paper applies a neural network model to identify potential acquisition targets. The model incorporates various factors based on acquisition theories suggested in the literature. The resulting neural network model exhibits a highly successful prediction rate and a portfolio of predicted target stocks identified by the network substantially outperformed the market.
The Impact Of Relationship Satisfaction On Attributions, Emotions, And Behaviors Following Service Failure
Authors: Forrester William R. , Maute Manfred F.
Published: February 2016

This article investigates the processes through which relationship quality influences attributional, emotional, and behavioral responses to service failures. Results indicate that relationship quality reduces the likelihood of adverse behaviors by making blame and anger less intense. Results confirm the importance of relationship building behaviors and suggest strategies for reducing vulnerability to customer defection and adverse communications. To reduce negative word-of-mouth, managers should use relationship-building efforts to augment service recovery programs. To make customer exit less likely, service managers should invest in relationship building efforts that help to differentiate their service offers and increase barriers to exit.
A Study Of The Use Of Financial Ratios In Smaller Business Enterprises
Authors: Robinson, Jr. Alfred V.
Published: February 2016

Entrepreneurs should be aware of the currently high rate of failure for small business firms and the consequent need for well-formulated and strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of the smaller business firm. Many of these basic forms of analysis can be derived from financial statement and reporting disclosures for the smaller business firm. These tools for management planning and decision-making are increasingly available with the use of electronic data processing (EDP) systems in the creation of financial data for a business organization.Recognizing the need for systematic use and evaluation of these financial data by small business owners, this study focused upon the use of a set of widely discussed financial ratios by a sample group of small business owners in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Managing The Older Employee
Authors: Fredian Alan J.
Published: February 2016

Employers need to follow certain guidelines to effectively manage the older employee.
Exploring Determinants Of U.S. Household Debt
Authors: Turinetti Erin , Zhuang Hong
Published: February 2016

The fast growing household debt in the U.S. has become a concern to the general public and policy makers. This paper attempts to explore the factors influencing the U.S. household indebtedness using quarterly data over the period of 1980-2010 and controlling for the time series issues. The estimated results show that the unemployment rate, interest rate, disposable personal income per capita, share of retiring population, and educational attainment are negatively associated with the household debt, while housing prices, consumer confidence, and the share of working-age population are positively related to the household borrowing.
Unsystematic Risk In South African Privately-Owned Company Valuations
Authors: Erasmus Henro , Van Rooyen Surika , Oberholzer Merwe
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the study is to determine whether advisory firms valuing privately-owned companies in South Africa take unsystematic risk into account and, if they do, how objectively it is done. A literature search was reviewed and used as a foundation in a questionnaire to gather information from the big four audit, advisory and taxation firms (PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte & Touch and Ernst & Young). The study found that unsystematic risk is incorporated into privately-owned company valuations, but that the whole subject of valuations, especially privately-owned company valuations, does not entail entire objectivity. The study further concluded that it is possible to use unsystematic risk as a device to bring the final results of a valuation in line with the clients objective. Further research should be done by extending the population to include medium- and large advisory firms and comparing the approaches used by each group.
Properties Of Management Forecast And Analysts' Responsiveness
Authors: Kim Yura , Jeong Kyunbeom
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the degree of analysts responsiveness to voluntary management guidance. Prior studies report that the management guidance is informative and influential (e.g. Baginski et al., 1993). This paper studies various factors that trigger equity market reactions around the management forecast issuance date and find that analysts are more reactive to new information contained in management guidance when the guidance conveys information that affects the stock market. The extent of the analysts reaction to management guidance increases when the analysts find that the guidance is more credible. Credibility of management guidance from the standpoint of analysts means ex-post accuracy of the earnings estimate by the management. The direction and the magnitude of earnings forecast revisions are influenced by the assessment of the credibility of management earnings forecast by financial analysts.
Visual Merchandising Displays: Wasted Effort Or Strategic Move? The Dilemma Faced By Apparel Retail Stores
Authors: Cant M. C. , Hefer Mrs Y.
Published: February 2016

Retailing per se has been with us since the beginning of time. Over the years retailing methods and techniques have been adapted and changed in order to meet the demands of the market. In the same way the in store activities aimed at the consumer has been evolving and changing. At first the focus was on merchandising per se, but even merchandising has become more focussed and professional and specialised. This has led to this study focussing on visual merchandising and its effect or not - on consumer spending. Much has been said about visual merchandising displays and the effect it has on consumer perceptions. Consumers perceptions towards visual merchandising displays are investigated and evaluated in this study. The primary research question that was posed in this study was to determine the effect of visual merchandising displays on consumer perceptions. Explorative research was performed and qualitative data were collected by means of focus groups and nave sketches. The data was analysed by means of a thematic analysis process. The main conclusions that can be drawn from this research is that the perceptions of visual merchandising displays are subliminal in creating an interest and desire to further peruse the merchandise and aesthetically to beautify the store.
Non-Audit Services And Audit Quality: Blessing Or Curse?
Authors: Krauss Patrick , Zulch Henning
Published: February 2016

This study investigates whether and how audit quality is associated with the provision of non-audit services by the statutory auditor. Using a sample of 1,008 firm observations of major German listed companies for the sample period 2004-2011, our study is one of the first to thoroughly analyze this issue empirically for the German audit market. Consistent with prior studies we choose discretionary working capital accruals as our proxy for audit quality. Our empirical results demonstrate that total non-audit fees in general and audit related fees in particular are negatively associated with audit quality, while provided tax and other advisory services have an insignificant impact on audit quality. Our results imply that non-audit fees are a significant factor with regard to auditor independence and economic auditor-client bonding while we are not able to detect compensating high knowledge spillover effects from these services. The empirical results are robust to alternative accrual measures and estimation model specifications, while our empirical evidence is not robust with regard to alternative fee measures.
Corporate Governance And Voluntary Disclosure In France
Authors: Barros Carlos P. , Boubaker Sabri , Hamrouni Amal
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates the effect of corporate governance practices on the extent of voluntary disclosure in France. Using a panel of 206 non-financial French listed firms during the period 20062009, we find evidence that voluntary disclosure in annual reports increases with managerial ownership, board and audit committee independence, board meeting frequency, and external audit quality. We also find that frequency of audit committee meetings and diligence of board and auditing are associated with decreased disclosure. Additional findings show that larger, more profitable, and less indebted firms have greater voluntary disclosure.
Predicting First-Year Returns Of Health Care IPOs
Authors: Borghesi Richard , Pencek Tom
Published: February 2016

Prior empirical work shows that IPOs generally earn positive excess first-day returns yet subsequently underperform. Many researchers examine the determinants of post-first-day IPO success, however, these studies do not test for first-year IPO return predictability due to unavailability of pre-IPO data with which to predict first-year performance. In this study we utilize strictly pre-IPO financial data manually obtained from corporate IPO registrations to predict the first-year post-IPO performance of health care firms. We do so by utilizing firm size, free cash flows, discretionary accruals, and Altmans Z. Results suggest that each metric is a significant determinant of first-year raw cumulative and excess cumulative returns, and we are able to reliably identify which firms will be in the top and bottom performance quartiles 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months after the IPO.
What Might Drive Block Ownership In Canadian Firms? Evidence Through Count Data Models
Authors: Saihi Malek , Belanes Amel
Published: February 2016

This paperaddresses the following crucial question: What might influence the decision of a blockholder to enteror exit a firm? Within a concentrated ownership context, such as Canada, we investigate impact of corporategovernance, firms risk, debt, liquidity and size on increase in number ofblockholders. This studycontributes to research topic by shedding light onendogeneity and dynamic nature of ownership structure. In order to take intoaccount discreteness of additional blockholders number, we used four CountData models, namely Poisson, Negative Binomial,Zero-Inflated Poisson, and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial models. Ourfindings show that while excessive high level of risk, free cash-flow, firmsize, institutional and insiders ownership dissuade shareholders from gettinglarge stakes, moderately high levels of risk and firm leverage encourage themto join Blockholders list.
Islamic Banking Products: Regulations, Issues and Challenges
Authors: Aris Nooraslinda Abdul , Othman Rohana , Azli Rafidah Mohd , Sahri Mardiyyah , Razak Dzuljastri Abdul , Rahman Zaharuddin Abdul
Published: February 2016

The Islamic world is in its evolutionary phase. Islamic finance whichcomprises the banking system, takaful (Islamic insurance) and capital market productsand services offer an alternative to society. The development is said to bephenomenal with a double-digit annual growth rate since its inception. McKinsey & Company (2007) in his study stated thatthe value of Islamic banking assets and assets under Islamic management isexpected to reach USD1 trillion by 2010, with Islamic banks growing morerapidly than the average banking sector in most countries. As of 2009,worldwide assets under shariah compliance grew four times from 0.5% to 2% ofthe world economy and reached MYR3.5 trillion (PEMANDU,2010). With the increasing trends of Islamic finance, Islamic financialinstitutions (IFIs) around the world are encouraged to develop and innovate newproducts in order to meet the ever-changing demand from its customers andpotential customers. The introduction of new Islamic products does impose somechallenges, not only to the practitioners and Shariah council members, butalso to society at large, as they are the ultimate users of the product. Thispaper aims to look at the development and regulations of new Islamic banking productswith focus given more on Islamic house financing. Such developments bring aboutvariation in the products introduced to the public as different contracts are adopted.The focus will be mainly on IFIs operating and regulated in Malaysia withspecific enforcement by the countrys regulators.
The Relationship Between Segment-Level Manipulations And Audit Fees
Authors: Hurtt David , Lail Bradley E. , MacGregor Jason
Published: February 2016

We examine the auditorssensitivity to manipulative financial reporting by investigating the relationbetween audit fees and segment-level manipulations. Segment reporting provides an interestingsetting to examine auditor risk assessments because of the discretion affordedto management under existing regulations. Segment manipulations, a form of classificationsmoothing, are not in violation of accounting standards; nevertheless, thesemanipulations violate the spirit of faithful representation by distorting theperformance of a subset of the reporting unit at the expense of (or to thebenefit) of another subset. Because disaggregatedinformation is used by analysts and investors in bottom-upforecasting, these distortions can influence firm value even though they do notaffect bottom-line net income. Ourmeasure of classification smoothing measurescost shifting between core operating segments and non-core segments to proxyfor segment manipulation. We find thataudit fees, a proxy for the auditors risk assessment, have a positiveassociation with segment-level manipulations. Subsequent analyses suggest that higher auditfees are also due to the additional effort exerted in the presence of segment-levelmanipulations. Further, auditors appearjustified in charging higher fees to clients that engage in segmentmanipulations as we document evidence of a positive association betweenrestatements and segment-level manipulations. Collectively, these results suggest thatauditors are aware of the risk associated with companies that engage in segment-levelmanipulations and auditors respond appropriately by charging higher fees anddoing additional work.
Positive Feedback Trading: Google Trends and Feeder Cattle Futures
Authors: Gregory Richard P. , Rochelle Carolyn F. , Rochelle Steve G.
Published: February 2016

What do investors searches for public information reveal about their subsequent trading strategies? Does their search for information support the hypothesis of market efficiency or does it lend support to the idea that investors have behavioral biases. Using Google Trends, we find that the volume of Google searches about feeder cattle is associated with re-enforcement of momentum trading in a manner consistent with a positive feedback mechanism. Further, we find evidence that search volume for cattle is associated with higher volatility and thus amplifies the positive feedback trading mechanism, while the search volume for corn, a major input to cattle production, is associated with a reduction in volatility.
Fiscal Policy And Economic Growth In PIIGS Countries: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Hamdi Helmi , Sbia Rashid
Published: February 2016

This paper studies the dynamic relationships between government revenues, government expenditures and economic growth in Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain (PIIGS henceforth). To this end we use a multivariate econometric model based on the Toda-Yamamoto (1995) procedure. Our empirical results reveal a bidirectional relationship between government revenues and government expenditures in Portugal only. Greece is the only county in which government expenditures Granger cause government revenues. Therefore, there is no evidence for spend-and-tax hypothesis for three countries of our sample. For Italy there is a unique unidirectional relationship running from government revenues to GDP while a unique unidirectional relationship was found running from government revenues to government expenditures for Ireland. Results for Spain show a double bidirectional relationships running from government revenues to GDP and from government expenditures to GDP. Moreover, there exists a unidirectional causal relationship between government revenues and government expenditures. Again, there is no evidence for tax-and-spend hypothesis for three countries of our sample.
Financial Centers And Portfolio Performance: Evidence From An Emerging Market
Authors: Farooq Omar , Bouaddi Mohammed , Ahmed Neveen
Published: February 2016

How does location of a firms headquarter effect its performance? This paper answers this question by using the data from India. This paper shows that portfolio of firms headquartered in Mumbai, the main financial center of the country, outperform portfolio of firms headquartered in other cities. Our results show that average returns, Sharp ratios, Farinelli and Tibiletti ratio, and CAPM alphas for portfolios comprising of firms headquartered in Mumbai are higher than their counterpart portfolios comprising of firms headquartered in other cities. We argue that firms headquartered in the financial center have better information environment than other firms. One of the channels via which improvement in information environment takes place is the clustering of firms in the financial center. We believe that, for any given level of resources, it is relatively cost effective for stock market participants to expend their resources on clustered firms to obtain value relevant information than on dispersed firms, thereby improving information environment of firms headquartered in the financial centers relative to other firms. Our arguments claim that better information environment of firms headquartered in the financial centers helps in maintaining investors confidence.
Uncovering Knowledge Management Practices In Organizations
Authors: Naicker Visvanathan
Published: February 2016

Background: An increasing number of organizations have accepted the importance of managing their companys knowledge in a more structured manner. There have been many knowledge management projects that have been introduced, some which have been successful, but many have failed as well. Knowledge management can be introduced in the culture of the company, which then becomes paramount when the company deals with national and international markets. Objectives: There are concerns as to how to measure the benefits of a Knowledge Management (KM) strategy and its concomitant initiatives on the performance of the company. This paper discusses findings from an empirical investigation amongst 51 organizations. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to capture the data using many previously validated questionnaires. The questionnaire was adapted to suite the requirements of this particular study. Results: The findings suggest that by providing effectual information systems infrastructure knowledge can be captured, transformed and disseminated to organizations. Investment in business information systems supports knowledge sharing and interpersonal interaction and therefore facilitates knowledge management processes and strategies. Conclusion: The importance of this contribution is that it offers suggestions to design a KM approach by means of a new framework emanating from the findings. Finally, contributing to the theoretical analysis and findings from the empirical investigation, this article concludes with suggestions that may assist organizations to address their KM barriers.
Inflation And Tools Of Financial Analysis In Greece 1973-1983
Authors: Paghios John , Boyd F. Virgil
Published: February 2016

At a time when FASB 33 Financial Reporting and Changing Prices is being reconsidered it may be appropriate to examine accounting for inflation in a different setting. The U.S. has never experienced the hyper or even maxi inflation rates of countries. Undoubtedly, this accounts for the lack of continued interest in this problem. For example, in the U.S. following World War II, there was substantial interest in the topic by both the American Institute of CPAs and the American Accounting Association, but this interest waned as the anticipated rise in prices failed to occur.But the usefulness of a solution to this problem should not b based solely on the economic conditions at the time of the review. The real issue of usefulness is a more general one. Would statements adjusted for changes in prices produce more useful information? Would the tools of analysis such as financial ratios be significantly different if based upon adjusted rather than unadjusted data?To examine this issue in a more useful setting than in the U.S., fifteen companies in Greece were selection as the basis for this study.
Computer Needs In The Modern Academic Environment
Authors: Benke, Jr. Ralph L. , Hollis Joseph E.
Published: February 2016

The industrial revolution, which began in Greta Britain around 1760, changed business as radically as Louis Pasteurs proof of the germ theory of disease changed medicine. The industrial revolution caused the transition from manual to machine techniques of production that resulted in the domestic system of production giving way to the factory system.Over two hundred years after the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, another upheaval is being visited on business. The Information Revolution spearheaded by the development of computers, is changing the way we do business, the way we educate business students, and even the way we think about business. Business faculty that are not up to date on computers or are not keeping their students up to date, are going to find that they and their students will be at a competitive disadvantage.
A Special Case Of Financial Planning For The Handicapped
Authors: Holdren Don P.
Published: February 2016

This report addresses problems associated with financial planning and life insurance programming to meet the needs of a family responsible for providing postdeath income for a dependent handicapped person. The planner is faced with the unique problem of developing a financial plan that will provide income over two life expectancy cycles. Problems encountered in the process are discussed and methods are recommended for overcoming them.