bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USING ESSENTIAL OILS TO COMBAT THE THREAT OF MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA, PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA
Authors: Grullon Jenies , Mack James P. , Rojtman Albert
Published: February 2017

Objective: The development of antibiotics was a revolutionary scientific discovery and medical advancement that greatly extended the life expectancy of mankind. Through less than 100 y of using antibiotics to treat infectious bacteria, some of these highly adaptive organisms have developed resistance to the drugs. The healthcare field is greatly concerned with the threat of many common infections that have been considered treatable for decades, regaining its ability to be severely fatal; thus, making alternative treatments currently in high demand. This study concentrated on investigating an alternative treatment for a specific gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a resistance-gaining bacteria that commonly infects hospitalized patients with weakened immune systems and/or open wounds.

Methods: Prior to the age of modern medicine, human beings relied on nature for medicinal treatments. In our research, we focused on determining the in vitro efficacy of using the essential oils, cassia and cinnamon bark, their major component, cinnamaldehyde, as well as the major component of manuka honey, methylglyoxal, as an alternative treatment against P. aeruginosa We tested cassia, cinnamon bark, cinnamaldehyde, and methylglyoxal using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method; the diameter of the zone of inhibition for each treated bacterial sample was measured and compared with the standard antibiotic treatments, tobramycin, and amikacin.

Results: This study showed that the selected essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, and methylglyoxal were as effective or better in inhibiting the growth of P. aeruginosa compared to the standard aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Conclusion: The tested essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, and methylglyoxal may be useful as an alternative treatment for infections caused by P. aeruginosa and may also provide communities where antibiotics are not readily available, a cost-effective way to treat this infectious disease.
METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION STUDY FOR QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF GENOTOXIC IMPURITY AND ITS PRECURSOR IN FLUCONAZOLE SAMPLE BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY–TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Rao K L. Narasimha , Devanna N. , Reddy K.v.n. Suresh
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of this work is method development and validation study for quantitative determination of 1-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2,3-epoxypropyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole, a genotoxic impurity and its precursor in a fluconazole drug sample by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Methods: LC-MS/MS analysis of these impurities was performed on Hypersil BDS C18 (100 mm x 4.0 mm, 3 µm) column. 5 mmol ammonium acetate and acetonitrile in the ratio of 65:35 (v/v) was used as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The developed method was accomplished with a short run time of 10 min. Triple quadrupole mass detector coupled with positive electrospray ionization was used for the quantification of genotoxic impurities in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Results: The method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method was linear in the range of 0.30 µg/g to 11.37 µg/g for impurity A and 0.30 µg/g to 11.34 µg/g for impurity B with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The accuracy of the method was in the range of 98.25 % to 100.53 % for both impurities.

Conclusion: A specific, selective, highly sensitive and more accurate analytical method using LC-MS/MS coupled with positive electrospray ionization has been developed for the quantification of genotoxic impurity (1-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2,3-epoxypropyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole) and its precursor (1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-ethanone) at 0.3 µg/g with respect to the 5.0 mg/ml of fluconazole.
INFLUENCE OF HARVESTING TIME ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF ABIES KOREANA TWIGS
Authors: Seo Min , Sowndhararajan Kandhasamy , Kim Songmun
Published: February 2017

Objective: In the present study, the influence of harvesting time (April, June, August and October 2015) on the essential oil composition of Abies koreana twigs from Korea was investigated.

Methods: The essential oil from the twigs of A. koreana was isolated by steam distillation and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: The essential oil yield was found to vary from 0.76 to 1.20% depending on the month of harvesting. The GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of 26 different essential oil components from the twigs harvested in the months of April, June, August and October, which were mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons (57.63–72.38%) followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (18.82–25.96%). Harvesting time mainly influenced on the concentration of the major components of the essential oil from the twigs of A. koreana. Limonene (17.38–31.13%), bornyl acetate (13.22–21.17%), camphene (12.56–13.26%), α-pinene (11.05–13.02%), β-pinene (4.55–5.70%), 3-carene (5.21–6.43%) and β-eudesmol (1.49–8.24%) were detected as the major components in the essential oil.

Conclusion: The main differences between the essential oil compositions of four different months can be referred to limonene and bornyl acetate. The results showed considerable variations in the composition of essential oil, particularly quantitative variation during different harvesting months.
AWARENESS OF USAGE OF SUNSCREENS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KANDY, SRI LANKA
Authors: Nawarathna N.g. P.d. , Herath H.m. D.r. , Wickramarathne D. B. M. , Sakeena M. H. F. , Gunawardhane C. B. , Sudeshika S. H.t.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the awareness of usage of sunscreens among school children in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Methods: School children (138) who do outdoor sports were recruited from six schools. Knowledge and attitudes towards the usage and application of sunscreens were assessed using a researcher administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses were done using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS version-16).

Results: Among the school children who do outdoor sports, 71 (51.4%) of participants used sunscreens and 67 (48.6%) of participants did not use sunscreens.

Conclusion: According to the results most of the school children have a lack of knowledge, attitudes and practice towards the usage of sunscreens.
CARBAMAZEPINE INDUCED SLE-A RARE AND SERIOUS ADR
Authors: P. C. Sai Keerthana , N. Anila K.
Published: February 2017

Carbamazepine is a commonly used antiseizure medication. Carbamazepine-induced SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a very rare phenomenon. Drug-induced SLE is an autoimmune disease caused by long-term use of certain drugs. Carbamazepine is a drug with low risk for causing lupus symptoms. The process that leads to drug-induced SLE are not entirely understood. A very few cases are reported with carbamazepine association with SLE. Herein we report a case of 4 y old girl with SLE induced by carbamazepine showing a causality score of 8 by Naranjo ADR probability scale.
EFFECT OF ROTATORY VESTIBULAR STIMULATION ON LEARNING AND MEMORY IN RATS-STANDARDIZATION OF A NOVEL METHOD
Authors: P. Devi N. , Mukkadan J. K.
Published: February 2017

Objective: To find out the effect of rotatory vestibular stimulation in cognition in rats through examining the behavioural patterns, the alterations in dendritic arborization and changes in AChE activity.

Methods: Rotatory vestibular stimulation was provided in a rotatory vestibular apparatus at a rate of 50 rpm for 5 min, for 30 d for rats. 0.3 mg/kg of physostigmine also administered to rats of another group as a standard drug. No rotatory vestibular stimulation or physostigmine is provided to the control rats. Behavioural analysis, Neuromorphological and biochemical studies were done after vestibular stimulation.

Results: No. of trails for acquisition and retention reduced significantly in treated rats when compared with the control rats. In all the treated rats the dendritic arborization increased significantly, and activity of AChE decreased significantly when compare with the control.

Conclusion: Rotatory vestibular stimulation enhances learning and memory via increasing dendritic arborization and inhibiting acetyl-cholinesterase activity in rats. 
DESIGN AND IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL PATCHES OF DULOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: Peddapalli Himabindu , Chinnala Krishna Mohan , Banala Nagaraj
Published: February 2017

Objective: Buccal mucosa is a potential site for the delivery of drugs to the systemic circulation, a drug administered through the buccal mucosa enters directly to the systemic circulation, thereby which bypass the drug from the ﬁrst-pass hepatic metabolism and adverse gastrointestinal effect. Duloxetine hydrochloride (DLX HCL) is a selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). It is used in the treatment of depression, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and in moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence in women.

However, it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, and it is susceptible to undergo degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach, which results in the poor bioavailability. The objective of the present investigation is to design and evaluate the mucoadhesive buccal patches of DLX HCL with a goal of to increase the bioavailability and improve the patient compliance.

Methods: Mucoadhesive buccal patches were prepared by solvent casting technique using mucoadhesive polymers. The patches were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, surface pH, folding endurance, moisture absorption, drug content uniformity, in vitro drug release, mechanical properties and ex vivo permeation studies.

Results: The results of the optimised buccal patch F4 indicate that the mucoadhesive buccal patches of duloxetine hydrochloride may be a good choice for improving the bioavailability by bypassing the extensive first pass metabolism and acid degradation in the stomach.

Conclusion: Duloxetine hydrochloride can be delivered through the buccal route of drug administration through the buccal patches.
STANDARDISATION OF PIPALIASAVA-A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION
Authors: Mansuri Ashiyana , Desai Sonal
Published: February 2017

Objective: Pipaliasava is a commercially available traditionally fermented biomedicine containing self-generated alcohol. Pipaliasava was standardised for various physicochemical and toxicological parameters using relevant modern techniques.

Methods: Pipaliasava was evaluated for organoleptic and various physicochemical properties. Alcohol content was determined by gas chromatography. The formulation was analysed for the presence of microbial contamination by microbial tests and for heavy metals by atomic emission spectroscopy. HPTLC studies were carried out for quantitative determination of gallic acid in ethyl acetate extract of the formulation.

Results: The formulation was found to be mild acidic. The refractive index was found to be 1.37. The viscosity was found to be 29.2 cp. The solid content was found to be 22.05 % w/v. Water-soluble extractive value and alcohol-soluble extractive value were evaluated to be 31.664 % w/v and 30.424 % w/v. Reducing and non-reducing sugars were found to be 20.08 % w/v and 0.38 % w/v. The content of ethanol was found to be 8.29 % using GC technique. Different extracts of pipaliasava were evaluated for the presence of various phytoconstituents using respective chemical tests. The formulation showed the absence of lead and mercury and permissible levels of arsenic and cadmium. The formulation showed no presence of E. coli, P. aerugenosa and S. aureus in the microbiological examination. Gallic acid content in the ethyl acetate extract of pipaliasava was found to be 0.0061 % by HPTLC.

Conclusion: Marketed pipaliasava formulation was successfully standardized as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and WHO guidelines.
EFFECTS OF TAMOXIFEN OR LETROZOLE ON LIPID PROFILE, VITAMIN D AND ESTRADIOL SERUM LEVELS IN OBESE POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMAN WITH BREAST CANCER
Authors: Al-biati Haeder Abdulhafith , Sahib Ahmed Salih , Mahmood Anwar Noori
Published: February 2017

Objective: Obesity is associated with both increased breast cancer risk and poorer prognosis after disease onset. Women who are obese continue to have higher levels of estrogen than women of normal weight even after treatment with hormone-suppressing drugs, raising the possibility that they might benefit from modification or changes to their treatment. The aim of this work was to study the effect of letrozole compared to tamoxifen on serum estradiol and, vitamine D and metabolic profile in Iraqi obese postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was carried out at Baquba teaching hospital, Diyala, Iraq. The analyzed variables were: age, lipid profile including total cholesterol; triglycerides, HDL-C, blood sugar, estradiol, and serum vit D. Descriptive statistics and testing of hypothesis were used for the analysis using mean±SD test P≤0.05.

Results: Lipid profile, serum estradiol showed significant variability among the studied group in this study and serum vit D show significant differences between groups in postmenopausal obese with breast cancer taking tamoxifen.

Conclusion: Treatment of obese women with breast cancer with tamoxifen or letrozole had neglected effects on metabolic parameters including lipid profile and blood sugar, both agents decrease serum estradiol level in treated patients, and most importantly, the significant positive effect of tamoxifen on serum vitamin D level compared to negative effect of aromatase inhibitor drug letrozole.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF LORNOXICAM AND DICLOFENAC AS POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESICS AFTER MASTOIDECTOMY SURGERY
Authors: Nalini R. , Ezhilramya J.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lornoxicam compared to diclofenac in the management of postoperative pain following mastoidectomy surgery.

Methods: The present study was a prospective, single-blinded, randomised study. 80 mastoidectomy patients were randomised into two groups. Group A received lornoxicam 8 mg and group B received diclofenac 75 mg intramuscularly twice daily for 3 consecutive days. The primary parameter was to analyse the postoperative pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Wong Bakers scale (WBS). The secondary parameters were the usage of rescue medication and time to use rescue medication.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the postoperative pain in the lornoxicam group than the diclofenac group (p value<0.05) throughout the study. Significantly 11 patients required rescue medication in diclofenac group, 3 patients in lornoxicam group. No serious adverse event was noted in two groups.

Conclusion: Lornoxicam 8 mg was a better analgesic than diclofenac 75 mg in efficacy and safety in the management of postoperative pain following mastoidectomy surgery.
PRE-SCREENING TPMT STATUS OF LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS FOR AZATHIOPRINE THERAPY–A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE FROM SOUTH INDIA
Authors: Sasidharan Sagi , James Emmanuel , S. Sudhindran
Published: February 2017

Objective: To assess azathioprine-induced bone marrow toxicity and its correlation with thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) mutation in liver transplant patients who develop myelosuppression while on azathioprine therapy.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from 1st September 2014 to 30thJune 2015 on 60 liver transplant patients who were tested for TPMT allele activity prior to receiving azathioprine. Haemoglobin levels, platelet counts and white blood cell counts of the patients were monitored for the occurrence of myelotoxicity. Patients who underwent liver transplant during the retrospective period from 1st September 2011 to 31st August 2014 and who developed myelosuppression while on azathioprine therapy were also tested for TPMT genotype.

Results: A total of 76 liver transplant patients were tested for TPMT mutation. Prevalence of TPMT mutation in the study patients was 3.95%. The heterozygous TPMT*1/*3C genotype was traced in 2.63% of the patients while 1.32% of patients were homozygous for TPMT*3C allele. Interestingly 43.4% of patients with wild allele also showed azathioprine-induced myelosuppression. Azathioprine dose of 100 mg showed a higher degree of myelotoxicity than lower doses. Haematological indices of 42.1% of patients normalised on cessation of azathioprine therapy.

Conclusion: Myelosuppression following the introduction of azathioprine was observed in patients with both ‘mutant’ and ‘wild-type’ alleles. Therefore a cautious approach has to be taken in pre-screening liver transplant recipients for TPMT allele determination in our population. The absence of TPMT mutation does not ensure freedom from myelosuppression. Hence regular monitoring of haematological indices of such patients receiving thiopurine therapy should be continued.
PHYTOHORMONE INDUCED CHANGES ON BONE HISTOLOGY IN NORMAL AND DIABETIC MALE RAT
Authors: Athithan Velan , Srikumar Kotteazeth
Published: February 2017

Objective: To study the effect of brasslinolide keto isoform 28-homocastasterone in diabetic male rat bone marrow cells, bone histological changes, electrolytes and alkaline phosphatase activity in rat blood.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in the group (n=6) of rats with a single peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg bwt). With a treatment schedule of 15 consecutive days, control (n=6) and diabetic rats received 666µg/kg bwt of 28-homocastasterone. Circulating blood cell count, cell indices, bone marrow cells, bone histology, electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl-, P, Ca2+and alkaline phosphatase activity was assessed.

Results: Cytological examination showed an increased erythrocyte progenitor and megakaryocyte cell lineage along with improved osteoblastic and bone histomorphology in the treated group was noted. A significant reduction in electrolytes level (p<0.05) and increased in alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.05) was noted in treated groups.
Conclusion: It is suggested that brassinosteroid keto isoform 28-homocastasterone exhibits a hematopoietic effect in diabetic rat and improves bone histology while reducing hyperglycemic damage in bone.
 
USE OF LACTIC ACID AND SPAN 80 IN THE FORMULATION OF LIPID BASED IMIQUIMOD VESICLES FOR GENITAL WARTS
Authors: Jain Saroj , Diwan Anupama , Sardana Satish
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of present study was formulation development of imiquimod using lactic acid and span 80 for topical delivery to cure genital warts.

Methods: Lipid based vesicles (LBV) of 2% imiquimod were prepared with phospholipoin 90G, ethanol, lactic acid and span 80 using central composite design. The prepared vesicles were optimized statistically and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, percentage entrapment efficiency (% EE) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optimized LBV were incorporated into gel formulation which was evaluated and compared with control gel and marketed formulation.

Results: The optimized vesicles had particle size 394.8±9.6 nm, zeta potential-16.5±2.5 mV, % EE 88.27±0.45 and TEM study confirmed the formation of vesicular structure with spherical shape. The gel formulation of imiquimod vesicles showed positive results like spreadability 14.3±0.34 gcm/s, viscosity 13500±1.67 cp, consistency 6.1±0.14 mm and extrudability 16.47±0.11 g/cm2. In vitro permeation amount of drug was remarkably lower (10.13 %) than control (87.17 %) and marketed formulation (27.46 %). Results of retained drug for both in vitro as well as in vivo permeation study and local accumulation efficiency (4.021±0.2292) were considerably higher for LBV gel than control (0.1008±0.002513) and marketed formulation (0.8314±0.0300). To understand the mechanism of interaction between skin and vesicles, fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy studies were also done. Results of skin irritancy test and histological examination revealed biocompatible nature of formulation.

Conclusion: Results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that this vesicle gel formulation provided efficient and site specific dermal delivery of imiquimod for cure of genital warts.
PROCESS AND PARAMETERS AFFECTING DRUG RELEASE PERFORMANCE OF PREPARED CROSS-LINKED ALGINATE HYDROGEL BEADS FOR EZETIMIBE
Authors: Reddy K. V. Ramana , Nagabhushanam M. V.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate an oral sustained release delivery system of ezetimibe mucoadhesive beads by ionic gelation technique based on sodium alginate used as a hydrophilic carrier in combination with carbopol 934P which acts as a rate modifier.

Methods: Microbeads of ezetimibe were prepared using an easy method of ionotropic gelation by little modification while in addition of drug. The prepared beads were characterised for mean particle size, entrapment efficiency, swelling capacity, and in vitro release. They were also subjected to various studies such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) Spectroscopy for drug polymer reaction, Scanning Electron Microscopy for surface morphology, and Differential Scanning Calorimetric Analysis to determine the physical state of the drug in the beads.

Results: The microspheres of ezetimibe were formulated successfully. The addition of drug concentration gives higher drug loading and higher conc. of Alcl+3 yields small diameter beads and lower drug entrapment. Analysis of the release profiles showed that the data corresponds to zero order release and the diffusion-controlled mechanism as suggested by Higuchi concept.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that beads produced by the sequential method had higher drug entrapment. Beads produced by simultaneous yields larger beads in diameter. The concept was cleared that drug release was dependent upon the quantity of polymer and increase in conc. of. aluminium chloride retarded the drug release in the sequential method. Prepared beads enhance the dissolution of ezetimibe and the oral bioavailability and also reduce the fluctuations in the oral bioavailability.
Board diversity and structure: What implications for investments in innovation? Empirical evidence from Italian context
Authors: Martini Silvio Bianchi , Corvino Antonio , Rigolini Alessandra
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the board diversity and the investments in innovation in a sample of companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (named Borsa Italiana) and operating in the consumer goods and in the consumer services industry. This sample covers the period from 2006 to 2010 and contains 345 observations. Drawing on the literature review, we pinpointed six hypotheses related to the impact on the investments in innovation of the following independent variables: 1. presence of outside directors; 2. average number of the other positions held by the members of the board; 3. minority shareholder representatives on the board; 4. presence of women on the board of directors; 5. number of committees; 6. frequency of board meetings. Furthermore, on the basis of the previous empirical studies, to measure the investments in innovation (the dependent variable), we chose these accounting ratios: total intangible assets divided by total assets and total R&D costs divided by total sales. From the methodology standpoint, we used both the bivariate statistic (i.e. Pearson Correlations and Anova one way) and the multivariate one (i.e. OLS regression analysis with robust standard errors calculated by the Newey-West, HAC method). Our findings confirm the previous studies and show that, also for the Italian listed companies operating in the industries mentioned earlier, the outsiders as well as the frequency of meetings held by the Strategy Committee assume a relevant role in supporting the investments in innovation. Conversely, the other independent variables concerning board diversity (i.e. women, minority shareholder representatives etc.) are not statistically significant and, as a result, do not influence the investments in innovation.
Strategic dynamics and corporate governance effectiveness in a family firm
Authors: Di Toma Paolo
Published: February 2017

This paper employs a case-study approach to address linkages between corporate governance and a firm‟s strategic dynamics. It investigates a family firm which moved from a state of crisis to a renewed growth and profitability stage to analyze how establishing appropriate governance practices may contribute to strategic renewal and value creation. Creating an effective system of corporate governance is a crucial task for all firms, requiring an appropriate balance between accountability and entrepreneurial dimensions to carry out the firm‟s strategies. Data reveal how corporate governance variations over time may help a family firm to move through its organizational life cycle, by creating an appropriate fit with the evolving strategic needs
Two proxies for shareholder influence: A case of payout policy
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Sinha Amit , Chen Xin
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the relative importance of two proxies for shareholder influence over the board: the size of equity ownership and Banzhaf index voting power. Our empirical findings indicate that consideration of voting power in models may result in conclusions different from those that consider the size of equity ownership, on payout policy if firms are either paying dividends or repurchasing shares, or both. Comparing to the size of equity ownership, empirical results by the proxy of voting power are more consistent with theoretical predictions
Cross country industry betas
Authors: Dell’Acqua Alberto , Teti Emanuele , Etro Leonardo L. , Boero Marco
Published: February 2017

We study the differences in the industrial composition between two stock market indices, the Italian FTSE MIB and the Chinese Shanghai Composite Stock Exchange. We argue that differences in the set of industry weights, measured through market capitalization, on different stock markets carry valuable information required for adjusting industry betas in an emerging market context. On the basis of 256 weekly observations of 1,020 companies belonging to 10 industrial sectors on the Italian and Chinese stock markets, we test the hypotheses that statistically significant cross-country differences in industry betas and industry weights exist and that cross-country differences in industry betas are linearly related to cross-country differences in industry weights. The empirical evidence gathered confirms the existence of cross-country structural differences in industry betas and industry weights, but confutes the hypothesis of a linear relationship between the two
Do managers engage in earnings management to support firm’s market valuation?
Authors: Raoli Elisa
Published: February 2017

This study examines the relationship between a firm’s market value and earnings management in the Italian financial market. Change in total accruals is used as a proxy for earnings management and change in the market to book ratio is used as a proxy for a firm’s market value. In contrast to the United States, Italy is a code-law and insider system country. The financial accounting system is characterized by a close overlap with tax accounting systems, which allows me to study the relationship with a different perspective than is possible with U.S. data. Moreover, I imply change in total accruals to measure earnings management. To my knowledge, there are no studies utilising this methodology in this type of institutional setting. The results of my study show that an increase in a firm’s market value is associated with income-increasing earnings management and a decrease in a firm’s market value is associated with income-decreasing earnings management. In line with U.S. evidence, my findings empirically validate Jensen’s prediction (Jensen, 2005) of the overvalued company also in the Italian financial market. The positive relationship between a decrease in a firm’s market value and income-decreasing earnings management is consistent with Badertscher (2011) study.
Corporate social performance, cost of capital and the ownership in Taiwanese advantage technology industry
Authors: Wu Chiaming , Hsieh Chin-Hsien , Lin Fengyi
Published: February 2017

This study discusses how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects firm’s cost of capital in Taiwan advantage technology industry including semiconductor and photoelectric industry in the Taiwan Stock Market with different ownership structure. We match sample by propensity matching method and analyze the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and the cost of capital. Our results show the CSP has negative significant effects with cost of capital under family-owned companies, but no significant effects with non-family-owned companies. This study further address how media reported CSR news affects both shareholders’ reaction and firm’s cost of capital.
The impact of investor protection on financial performance of Islamic banks: An empirical analysis
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Hassan Abdi , Abdirashid Esse , Zeller Bruno , Du Miaoli
Published: February 2017

The last decade witnessed dramatic growth of the Islamic banking and finance sector, which had largely been credited to its adoption of the profit and loss sharing principles. However, in practice, the Islamic banks mostly reply on debt-like financing methods such as mark-up and leasing finance instead. Consequently, the investors are exposed to default risks. This study empirically examines the impact of investor protection on financial performance of Islamic banks based on an unbalanced panel data collected from 91 Islamic banks and financial institutions worldwide across 1991-2010. Econometric techniques are adopted to specify the models. Results show that stronger investor protection results in better financial performance in the Islamic banking and financial institutions. The paper concludes with acknowledging the limitations and discussion of future research directions
Does better corporate governance attract foreign equity ownership? Evidence from Malaysian listed companies
Authors: Choong Yap Voon , Thim Chan Kok , Murugesu John Stanley
Published: February 2017

This study examines the effect of firm-level corporate governance variables on foreign equity ownership (FEO) in Malaysia. Foreign equity ownership can be an important source of capital for companies to fund their expansion and growth. To attract FEO, good corporate governance practices are vital because these practices are used to reduce or mitigate agency cost. Based on a sample of listed firms on Bursa Malaysia and employing multiple regression analysis, the study finds that a number of corporate governance mechanisms significantly improve the ability of companies to attract foreign equity ownership, especially, Insider Ownership, Government Ownership, Firm Size, Dividend Yield and Tobin’s Q. The results of the study indicate that firm-level efforts for better corporate governance sends positive signals and confidence to foreign investors.
Ownership concentration and financial performance: the case of Sri Lankan listed companies
Authors: Pathirawasam Chandrapala , Wickremasinghe Guneratne
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of ownership concentration and the other endogenous factors on the financial performance of companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Both pooled and ordinary least squares regressions are used to analyze the data. The return on assets (ROA) is used as the performance measure. One study finding is that the ownership concentration within these listed companies does not have a statistically significant positive relationship with the ROA. However, the study indicates that firm size, quick ratio and ratio of inventory investment to total assets have positive impacts on the ROA. But the debt ratio is negatively related to the financial performance of the listed companies.
Determining which management level makes decisions when outsourcing the distribution function
Authors: Muller Johan , van Scheers Louise
Published: February 2017

Outsourcing is one of the widest used methods of facilities management employed by organisations for doing business in today’s global economy. The main purpose of the research is to evaluate consensus amongst the different levels of management to outsource the distribution function at a South African steel retailer. The research survey was done in the form of a questionnaire utilising statements with a quantitative. The population selected was the first three levels of management across all six of the business units. Analysis of the data was done with the statistical package of social sciences SPSS and the applied pedometric techniques such as Chi-square and ANOVA. Findings and results from the analysis indicate that management is positive towards adopting outsourcing
The intra-industry effects of chapter 11 filings: Evidence from analysts’ earnings forecast revisions
Authors: Caton Gary L. , Donaldson Jeffrey , Goh Jeremy
Published: February 2017

Shareholders suffer huge losses when firms they own file Chapter 11. Interestingly, even shareholders of rival companies experience statistically significant losses. We examine how the bad news associated with a bankruptcy filing is transferred to the filing firm’s rivals. Using revisions in analysts’ earnings forecasts as a proxy for changes in expected future cash flows, we find that after a bankruptcy filing the market revises downward its cash flow expectations for rivals. Regression analysis confirms a positive relation between changes in expected cash flow and stock market reactions. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that bad news associated with bankruptcy filings are transferred to rivals through reductions in expected future cash flows
VIHARA DI TENGAH-TENGAH SERIBU PURA (STUDI KASUS TENTANG KONVERSI AGAMA DARI AGAMA HINDU KE AGAMA BUDHA DI DESA ALASANGKER, KECAMATAN BULELENG, KABUPATEN BULELENG-BALI)
Authors: Sedana Arta Ketut
Published: February 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah (1) Untuk mengetahui latar belakang adanya anggota masyarakat di Desa Alasangker yang beralih agama dari agama Hindu ke Agama Budha; (2) Untuk mengetahui proses konversi agama dan perkembangan Agama Budha di Desa Alasangker dari awal masuknya sampai sekarang; (3) Untuk mengetahui implikasi konversi agama terhadap keluarga dan desa pakraman Penelitian ini secara metodologis menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, teknik penentuan informan dengan purposive sampling dan informan terus dikembangkan dengan teknik snowball. Dalam pengumpulan data peneliti menggunakan: (1) Wawancara mendalam dengan membuat pedoman wawancara; (2) Observasi partisipasi. (3) Studi dokumen. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa latar belakang konversi agama di Desa Alasangker disebabkan oleh faktor Interen:1) untuk memperbaiki citra diri, hal ini disebabkan masyarakat yang berkonversi agama pada zaman Orde Lama adalah anggota PKI dan Partindo, sehingga segala aktivitasnya dicurigai oleh masyarakat desa. 2) Kurangnya pemahaman terhadap ajaran agama Hindu, yang disebabkan sumber ajaran agama hanya berasal dari lontar dan buku-buku agama Hindu sulit didapatkan di awal tahun 1970-an ditambah pihak PHDI kurang mengadakan pembinaan ke desa-desa tentang agama Hindu. 3) Faktor kemiskinan, kepapaan disebabkan mereka kehilangan orang tua maupun saudara yang menjadi tulang punggung keluarga. Sedangkan faktor eksternal adalah adanya pengaruh ajaran tokoh-tokoh agama Budha yang mempunyai keahlian dan kharisma, kemiripan ajaran agama Hindu dan Budha seperti ajaran hukum karma, punarbawa, dan tujuan akhir agama hidup manusia, kemudahan-kemudahan yang diberikan dari lembaga agama Budha,  seperti pemberian buku-buku secara gratis.
PERKAWINAN BEDA AGAMA DI TINJAU DARI UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 1 TAHUN 1974 TENTANG PERKAWINAN DAN HUKUM ADAT DI BALI (STUDI KASUS DI DESA TANGGUWISIA KECAMATAN SERIRIT KABUPATEN BULELENG)
Authors: Suastika I Nengah
Published: February 2017

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) mengetahui latar belakang terjadinya perkawinan beda agama di Desa Tangguwisia, Kecamatan Seririt, Kabupaten Buleleng, (2) untuk mengetahui prosedur dari perkawinan beda agama  di tinjau dari UU No 1Tahun 1974 yang terjadi di Desa Tangguwisia, Kecamatan Seririt, Kabupaten Buleleng, (3) untuk mengetahui bagaimana dampak serta pandangan masyarakat mengenai perkawinan beda agama terhadap pasangan yang melakukan perkawinan tersebut. Penelitian ini adalah termasuk penelitian Deskritif Kualitatif. Subyek dalam penelitian ini adalah pelaku perkawinan beda agama, tokoh agama, generasi muda, dan tokoh masyarakat. Penentuan responden yang di tentukan dengan metode purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan metode wawancara, observasi, pencatatan dokumen, kepustakaan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perkawinan beda agama yang terjadi di desa tangguwisia bisa dilakukan apabila terlebih dahulu melaksanakan upacara sudi wadani, sudi yang artinya penyucian, wadani yang artinya ucapan –ucapanpernyataan berupa kata-kata, jadi sydi wardani adalah upacara pada waktu melakukan penyucian, menjadi agama hindu. Yang melatar belakangi terjadinya perkawinan beda agama adalah karena meningkatnya hubungan sosial anak-anak dari pulau-kepulau dan juga dari manca negara .Perkawinan dilaksanakan berdasarkan atas hukum adat di bali sah nya perkawinan menurut  yurisprudensi raad kerta dan adat bali apabila sudah melaksanakan upacara mebyakaon penyucian kedua belah pihak pasangan mempelai, prosedur perkawinan sesuai dengan hukum adat bali calon mempelai yang non hindu arus melaksanakan sudi wadani untuk memeluk agama hindu.Perkawinan beda agama berdampak psikologis, pewaris, status anak, akibat ekonomi pandangan masyarakat 80% setuju dengan perkawinan beda agama terjadi karena telah mentaati awig-awig umat hindu dengan melebur agama yang dahulu melakukan sudi wadani untuk memeluk agama sama dengan mempelai pria. Karena dalam umat hindu perkawinan yang memiliki keyakinan beda tidak dapat dilangsungkan perkawinan tersebut.Kata kunci : Perkawinan Beda Agama, Ditinjau Dari UU No 1 Tahun 1974 Dan Hukum Adat  Bali Di Desa Pakraman Tangguwisia
MEDIA ANTI BULLYING : PEMBIMBINGAN ANAK USIA DINI PADA TAMAN KANAK-KANAK DI KOTA SINGARAJA
Authors: Widiyanthi Dewi Arum
Published: February 2017

AbstrakMeningkatnya kejadian bullying terhadap anak usia dini menuntut upaya preventif maupun kuratif yang melibatkan pihak-pihak terkait, di antaranya adalah sekolah Taman Kanak-kanak. Upaya yang efektif dapat dilakukan dengan dukungan media sebagai perantara pesan yang ingin disampaikan pada anak usia dini. Permasalahan di lapangan merujuk pada kondisi kurangnya pemahaman guru TK tentang bullying dan pentingnya media bimbingan konseling bermuatan anti bullying untuk anak usia dini. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai melalui kegiatan P2M ini adalah meningkatkan pemahaman dan meningkatkan kemampuan guru TK di Kota Singaraja dalam membuat media bimbingan konseling bermuatan anti bullying untuk anak usia dini.Khalayak sasaran yang dilibatkan dalam kegiatan P2M ini adalah para guru TK di Kota Singaraja, yang berasal dari beberapa gugus. Kegiatan P2M ini dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah, diskusi, dan workshop, sehingga dapat menghasilkan produk berupa media bimbingan konseling untuk menyampaikan pesan anti bullying bagi anak usia dini.Hasil kegiatan P2M menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pemahaman guru TK tentang perilaku bullying dan peran media BK sebagai sarana menyampaikan pesan yang menaik bagi anak usia dini dan juga pengetahuan tentang pembuatan media untuk menyampaikan pesan anti bullying pada anak usia dini. Pemahaman dan pengetahuan yang semakin bertambah dituangkan dalam pembuatan media. Hasil penilaian dari ahli media BK menunjukkan bahwa secara kuantitatif media yang dihasilkan oleh semua kelompok guru TK berada dalam kriteria sangat baik. Kata Kunci: pelatihan, media bimbingan konseling, anti bullying, anak usia dini.
Effect of resistance training on flexibility in young adult men and women
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Campos-Filho Marçal G.A. , Avelar Ademar , Santos Leandro dos , Júnior Abdallah Achour , Aguiar Andreo F. , Fleck Steven J. , Júnior Hélio Serassuelo , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND:

Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness. However, to date, there is no comparative study between men and women concerning the influence of resistance training (RT) on flexibility.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the effect of RT on flexibility in young adult men and women.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight men and 30 women underwent progressive RT for 16 weeks, 3 times per week. Anthropometric and flexibility measurements were performed at pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. The flexibility measurements were obtained using a fleximeter.

RESULTS:

There was no significant sex by time interaction(P> 0.05) for any outcomes. Both sexes increased flexibility similarly from baseline to mid-training in shoulder extension (10.4-11.1%) and lateral trunk inclination (2.4-3.4%). Shoulder flexion increased at same magnitude in men and women from baseline to post-training (1.3-2.8%). Hip flexion and trunk flexion scores increased from baseline to mid-training(hip flexion = 3.7-3.9%, trunk flexion = 2.7%), however, a decrease was observed from mid- to post-training (hip flexion = -2.4 - -2.6%, trunk flexion = -1.4%) with values returning to baseline with no difference between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

: The results suggest that regardless of sex, RT improves or at least preserves the flexibility of different joint movements in young adult men and women.
Bimanual Gesture Imitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sanin G¨nter , Benke Thomas
Published: February 2017

Background/objective: Unimanual gesture production or imitation has often been studied in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during apraxia testing. In the present study, it was hypothesized that bimanual motor tasks may be a sensitive method to detect impairments of motor cognition in AD due to increased demands on the cognitive system.

Methods: We investigated bimanual, meaningless gesture imitation in 45 AD outpatients, 38 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 50 normal controls (NC) attending a memory clinic. Participants performed neuropsychological background testing and three tasks: the Interlocking Finger Test (ILF), Imitation of Alternating Hand Movements (AHM), and Bimanual Rhythm Tapping (BRT).

Results: The tasks were short and easy to administer. Inter-rater reliability was high across all three tests. AD patients performed significantly poorer than NC and MCI participants; a deficit to imitate bimanual gestures was rarely found in MCI and NC participants. Sensitivity to detect AD ranged from 0.5 and 0.7, specificity beyond 0.9. ROC analyses revealed good diagnostic accuracy (0.77 to 0.92). Impairment to imitate bimanual gestures was mainly predicted by diagnosis and disease severity.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an impairment to imitate bimanual, meaningless gestures is a valid disease marker of mild to moderate AD and can easily be assessed in memory clinic settings. Based on our preliminary findings, it appears to be a separate impairment which can be distinguished from other cognitive deficits.
Cognitive Training Interventions for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kallio Eeva-Liisa , Öhman Hanna , Kautiainen Hannu , Hietanen Marja , Pitkälä Kaisu
Published: February 2017

Background: Cognitive training (CT) refers to guided cognitive exercises designed to improve specific cognitive functions, as well as enhance performance in untrained cognitive tasks. Positive effects of CT on cognitive functions in healthy elderly people and persons with mild cognitive impairment have been reported, but data regarding the effects of CT in patients with dementia is unclear.

Objective: We systematically reviewed the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to find out if CT improves or stabilizes cognition and/or everyday functioning in patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Results: Altogether, 31 RCTs with CT as either the primary intervention or part of a broader cognitive or multi-component intervention were found. A positive effect was reported in 24 trials, mainly on global cognition and training-specific tasks, particularly when more intensive or more specific CT programs were used. Little evidence of improved everyday functioning was found.

Conclusions: Despite some positive findings, the inaccurate definitions of CT, inadequate sample sizes, unclear randomization methods, incomplete datasets at follow-up and multiple testing may have inflated the results in many trials. Future high quality RCTs with appropriate classification and specification of cognitive interventions are necessary to confirm CT as an effective treatment option in Alzheimer’s disease.
Meta-Analysis of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Revealed Commonly Impaired Pathways and Dysregulation of NRF2-Dependent Genes
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Wen-Xing , Dai Shao-Xing , Guo Yi-Cheng , Han Fei-Fei , Zheng Jun-Juan , Li Gong-Hua , Huang Jing-Fei
Published: February 2017

Many lines of evidence suggest that Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have common characteristics, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. As the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear, we perform a meta-analysis with 9 microarray datasets of PD studies and 7 of AD studies to explore it. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that PD and AD both showed dysfunction in the synaptic vesicle cycle, GABAergic synapses, phagosomes, oxidative phosphorylation, and TCA cycle pathways, and AD had more enriched genes. Comparing the differentially expressed genes between AD and PD, we identified 54 common genes shared by more than six tissues. Among them, 31 downregulated genes contained the antioxidant response element (ARE) consensus sequence bound by NRF2. NRF2 is a transcription factor, which protects cells against oxidative stress through coordinated upregulation of ARE-driven genes. To our surprise, although NRF2 was upregulated, its target genes were all downregulated. Further exploration found that MAFF was upregulated in all tissues and significantly negatively correlated with the 31 NRF2-dependent genes in diseased conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated over-expressed small MAFs can form homodimers and act as transcriptional repressors. Therefore, MAFF might play an important role in dysfunction of NRF2 regulatory network in PD and AD.