bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recuperación del paisaje fluvial y su revalorización social: el caso de Arévalo (Ávila)
Authors: Durán Vian Francisco , Serrano-Martínez Miriam , Pons Izquierdo Juan José
Published: September 2018

El presente artículo muestra la reconciliación entre los ciudadanos de Arévalo (Ávila, España) y sus ríos, a través de la ejecución de un proyecto de mejora y acondicionamiento paisajístico. Las claves del éxito de la recuperación de este espacio fluvial, antes degradado y abocado al olvido, fueron tres, fundamentalmente. En primer lugar, se confeccionó un meditado proyecto de recuperación paisajística de escasa dotación presupuestaria, cuya ejecución se realizó satisfactoriamente. En segundo lugar, la idea de actuar en el paisaje fluvial de este pueblo recibió un importante impulso político. Por último, cabe destacar la sensibilidad ambiental con la que se desarrolló el proyecto en todas sus fases, así como la involucración de la propia ciudadanía, a quien se hizo partícipe en todo momento del proceso de ejecución. La transformación del paisaje y su revalorización, así como la recuperación del patrimonio natural y cultural ligado a los ríos de Arévalo, han mejorado la calidad de vida de sus habitantes. La metodología empleada, que es replicable para futuras intervenciones en esta o en otras localidades, así como los resultados más relevantes, se exponen en el presente artículo.
Evolución de la calidad del paisaje a partir del desarrollo turístico en Cayo Santa María (Villa Clara, Cuba)
Authors: Burgui Burgui Mario , Ibarra Benlloch Paloma , Echeverría Arnedo María Teresa
Published: September 2018

En las últimas décadas, el conocido como “turismo de sol y playa” ha experimentado una reconversión en la modalidad de all-inclusive resorts o grandes villas hoteleras, generalmente situadas en espacios de alta calidad paisajística. Por su rápido crecimiento y su alto poder transformador del territorio, tanto a nivel ambiental como socioeconómico, resulta de especial relevancia evaluar el impacto que estos modelos tienen sobre el paisaje de acogida. En este trabajo se lleva a cabo la delimitación y caracterización de unidades de paisaje de una pequeña isla al norte de Cuba antes y después del desarrollo turístico, obteniéndose nuevas unidades conformadas por las villas hoteleras. Posteriormente se realiza un análisis del paisaje y un diagnóstico de su calidad en las dos etapas definidas, constatándose una disminución general de los valores principalmente asociada a las áreas que han acogido construcciones e infraestructuras. Así mismo, se mantienen entrevistas con representantes de los principales sectores socioeconómicos relacionados con el cayo, con el fin de establecer los objetivos de calidad del paisaje y medidas específicas para alcanzarlos.
Scale invariant distribution functions in quantum systems with few degrees of freedom
Authors: Dalla Torre Emanuele
Published: September 2018

Scale invariance usually occurs in extended systems where correlation
functions decay algebraically in space and/or time. Here we introduce a
new type of scale invariance, occurring in the distribution functions of
physical observables. At equilibrium these functions decay over a
typical scale set by the temperature, but they can become scale
invariant in a sudden quantum quench. We exemplify this effect through
the analysis of linear and non-linear quantum oscillators. We find that
their distribution functions generically diverge logarithmically close
to the stable points of the classical dynamics. Our study opens the
possibility to address integrability and its breaking in distribution
functions, with immediate applications to matter-wave
interferometers.
Analytical support for forming the strategy of export-import activity development of enterprises in Ukraine
Authors: Malyarets Lyudmyla , Draskovic Mimo , Proskurnina Nadiia , Dorokhov Oleksandr , Vovk Volodymyr
Published: September 2018

The current economic situation in Ukraine is conditioned by the efficiency of the export-import activity of industrial enterprises. In turn, the effectiveness of the strategy for the development of this activity depends on the scientific substantiation of its analytical support. This confirms the relevance of the topic of the article. The purpose of the article is to present the content of analytical support for forming the strategy of development of export-import activity of the enterprises in Ukraine. The object of the study is the development of analytical support for the formation of this strategy. The main methods of developing this analytical support is the multicriterial optimization method, which uses a genetic algorithm, multidimensional regression analysis, and a taxonomic method for calculating the integral index of development. The article also examines the peculiarities of the implementation of export-import activity of industrial enterprises in modern conditions, analyzes the criteria for its development, provides a system of indicators for the evaluation of this activity and the setting of a multi-criteria optimization task of maximizing the development of export-import activity of the enterprise, the solution of which is recommended with the help of software MatLab. It is recommended that the optimal values obtained are taken as the basis for determining the desired values of the export-import performance indicators.
Evaluation of the anesthetic effects of xylazine-ketamine, xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam and tiletamine-zolazepam using clinical and laboratory parameters in rabbits
Authors: KARASU ABDULLAH , ALTUG NURI , ASLAN LOGMAN , BAKIR BAHTIYAR , YUKSEK NAZMI
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anesthetic effects of xylazine-ketamine (XK), xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam (XTZ) and tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) using hematological and biochemical parameters in rabbits. A total of 18 rabbits were divided into three equal treatment groups (n = 6). The rabbits in the XK, XTZ, and TZ groups were administered xylazine (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (50 mg/kg), xylazine (5 mg/kg) and TZ (15 mg/kg), and TZ (15 mg/kg), respectively, via the intramuscular route. Following the injection, their reflexes were tested every 5 minutes. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature were determined before the injection (0 min) and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 min after injecting the anesthetic combinations. Furthermore, hematological and biochemical (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], and urea) analyses were also performed before, during, and after anesthesia administration. The duration of anesthesia and loss of reflexes were significantly longer in the XTZ group than in the other groups. However, in the TZ group, reflexes were remained. Respiratory rate and body temperature decreased in all the groups. Moreover, heart rate reduced only in the XK and XTZ groups, and the hematological parameters of all groups were comparable. Serum AST and ALP levels increased in the XTZ group compared to that in the XK and TZ groups, respectively. However, these increases were within the reference limits. The post-anesthesia serum BUN and urea levels significantly increased in the XTZ group (p < 0.05) compared to that in the other groups. Thus, although the XTZ combination provided satisfactory anesthetic effect in rabbits, it may be nephrotoxic. Therefore, its use for anesthesia induction in invasive renal procedures and experimental nephrotoxicity studies is not advisable..
Novel Chemotherapeutic Agents - The Contribution of Scorpionates
Authors: Andrade Marta A. , Martins Luísa M.D.R.S.
Published: September 2018

:

The development of safe and effective chemotherapeutic agents is one of the uppermost priorities and challenges of medicinal chemistry and new transition metal complexes are being continuously designed and tested as anticancer agents. Scorpionate ligands have played a great role in coordination chemistry, since their discovery by Trofimenko in the late 1960s, with significant contributions in the fields of catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Scorpionate metal complexes have also shown interesting anticancer properties, and herein, the most recent (last decade) and relevant scorpionate complexes reported for application in medicinal chemistry as chemotherapeutic agents are reviewed. The current progress on the anticancer properties of transition metal complexes bearing homo- or hetero- scorpionate ligands, derived from bis- or tris-(pyrazol-1-yl)-borate or -methane moieties is highlighted.
Implantable Medical Devices and Tissue Engineering: An Overview of Manufacturing Processes and the Use of Polymeric Matrices for Manufacturing and Coating their Surfaces
Authors: Dutra Gabriel Victor Simões , Neto Weslany Silvério , Dutra João Paulo Simões , Machado Fabricio
Published: September 2018

Medical devices are important diagnosis and therapy tools for several diseases
which include a wide range of products. Technological advances in this area have been
proposed to reduce adverse complication incidences. New technologies and manufacturing
processes, as well as the development of new materials or medical devices with modified
surface and the use of biodegradable polymeric devices such as a substrate for cell culture in
the field of tissue engineering, have attracted considerable attention in recent years by the
scientific community intended to produce medical devices with superior properties and
morphology. This review article focused on implantable devices, addresses the major
advances in the biomedical field related to the devices manufacture processes such as 3D
printing and hot melting extrusion, and the use of polymer matrices composed of copolymers,
blends, nanocomposites or grafted with antiproliferative drugs for manufacturing and/or
coating the devices surface.
Lignans' Potential in Pre and Post-onset Type 2 Diabetes Management
Authors: Barre Douglas Edward , Mizier-Barre Kazimiera Amella
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) cases continue to rise dramatically despite efforts to
get people to exercise and eat with a view to health and combatting the cluster of 7 issues (central obesity
(elevated waist circumference), hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombotic state,
increased oxidation (including Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and the pro-inflammatory state associated
with pre- and post-onset T2D.

Background:

There are numerous medications available to deal with these seven major issues. However,
each medication currently available manages a maximum of two cluster members at a time. Consequently,
polypharmacy is frequently required to manage the cluster of seven. Polypharmacy brings
with it high financial costs for numerous medications, the risk of poor compliance (particularly so in
older patients), side effects and drug interactions. Thus, there is a search for new agents that reduce the
high costs and risks of polypharmacy while at the same time combatting three or more of the cluster of
seven. There is very limited evidence to suggest that one or more lignans may efficaciously and safely,
in the short and long term, manage at least three of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-T2D onset, thus
reducing polypharmacy. However, multi-centre, large clinical trials are required before any definitive
conclusions about these lignans can be reached regarding their safe and efficacious polypharmacy
reduction potential, both long and short-term, in pre and post-onset T2D management.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that some lignans appear to have the potential to manage at least three
members of the cluster of seven in pre- or post-T2D onset and hence reduce polypharmacy but much
more investigation is required to confirm if such is the case. At the moment, there is not enough evidence
that any of the lignans will, in the long or short term, safely and efficaciously manage the cluster
of seven via polypharmacy reduction.
Standardization of Dhatryadi Ghrita: A Herbal Ghee Based Ayurvedic Medicinal Preparation
Authors: Pal Rashmi Saxena , Mishra Amrita
Published: September 2018

Background:

In the current time, there is a need to thoroughly examine the process of systematic research methodology and to provide genuine findings to provide the reference for further investigations of traditional herbal medicines, which are beneficial for various disorders.

Objectives:

To standardize Dhatryadi Ghrita on various parameters, in order to assure its safety and efficacy on various grounds.

Methods:

The Ghrita was analyzed for its organoleptic, physico-chemical features and screened for its phyto-constituents as well as its chromatographic analysis.

Results:

The physicochemical standards would serve as a preliminary test for the standardization of the formulation, which helps to lay standards for further use as reference for the quality control/quality assurance laboratory of a Pharmaceutical house.

Conclusion:

The improvement of analytical methodologies can serve as a specific basis for research in herbal drug technology, thereby, facilitating the producers and researchers to set quality standards as well as parameters, so as to fulfill the requirements of regulatory bodies for the establishment of therapeutic efficacy, safety and purity of herbal drugs. The obtained values can be adopted to lay down new pharmacopoeial standards to be followed in its preparation with batch to batch consistency.
Inter-Pathogen Peptide Sharing and the Original Antigenic Sin: Solving a Paradox
Authors: Kanduc Darja , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: September 2018

Aims:

To analyse the peptide commonality among viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens, and the immunopathologic consequences in the human host.

Methods:

HPV16, HCMV,C. diphtheriae, B. pertussis, C. tetani, T. gondii,andT. cruziwere analysed for common amino acid sequences that are additionally shared with the human host. The pentapeptide, a minimal immune determinant in humoral and cellular immune recognition, was used as a measurement unit of the peptide similarity level. Molecular modeling was applied to compare the amino acid contexts containing common minimal determinants.

Results:

Twenty-nine pentapeptides were found to occur, even hundreds of times, throughout the analyzed pathogen proteomes as well as in the human proteome. Such vast peptide commonalities together with molecular modeling data support the possibility that a pre-existing immune response to a first pathogen can be boosted by a successive exposure to a second different pathogen,i.e., the primary response to a pathogen can be transformed into a secondary response to a previously encountered different pathogen. Two possible consequences emerge. Firstly, no responses might be elicited against the pathogen lastly encountered either by infection or active immunization, but reactions could occur only with the early sensitizing pathogen, which is no more present in the organism. Secondly, the immune response boosted by the pathogen lastly encountered will find a way out by cross-reacting with human proteins.

Conclusion:

This study might explain the “original antigenic sin” phenomenon described seven decades ago [Francis T. Jr. Ann Intern Med 1953;39:203], thus providing explanations for vaccine failures and offering possible clues for designing successful vaccines.
Effect of Macronutrient on Plasma, Liver and Pancreatic Metabolomics and their Hierarchic Weights in the Metabolic Network
Authors: Szabo József , Bruckner Geza , Koranyi Laszlo , Solymosi Norbert , Mitchell G.
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims:

The aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the specific metabolomic effects of single macro nutrients in cold exposed rats; and 2) Using centrality analysis ascertain the correlations between these metabolomic parameter measurements.

Methods:

Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups and individually housed under cold climatic conditions. Rats were either cold exposed fasted (negative control) or fed with the following commercially available single macronutrients: casein, POLYCOSE® and safflower oil; the positive control diets included all macronutrients. Samples from the plasma, liver and pancreas were collected and 33 different parameters were determined.

Results:

The primary correlation found between pancreatic hormones and the variables as measured, showed significant positive connections between centrality network node members. Heatmap analysis showed that the macronutrients fed have very differing effects on the metabolomics measured,i.e.casein has a high Heatmap Index on plasma corticosterone while POLYCOSE® and fat had a minimal impact.

Conclusion:

The cold exposed fasted animal model, in which nutrient catabolism is near maximal, serves as a useful “in vivo” tool for studying the relationships among the nutrients, hormones and digestive enzymes under cold stress conditions; feed intake, liver glucose, and small intestinal amylase hold a high position in centrality mapping and are highly imbedded in the metabolomic networks. For example, this model shed light on the relations amoung hormone and enzyme contents of duodenal pancreas, gastric+splenic pancreas and enzyme activities in small intestinal contents. These findings can be applied to optimizing feeding of animals under cold stress.
Computational Pharmacogenetics of P-Glycoprotein Mediated Antiepileptic Drug Resistance
Authors: Varghese Sindhu , Palaniappan Ashok
Published: September 2018

Background:

The treatment of epilepsy using antiepileptogenic drugs is complicated by drug resistance, resulting in treatment failure in more than one-third of cases. Human P-glycoprotein (hPGP;MDR1) is a known epileptogenic mediator.

Methods:

Given that experimental investigations have suggested a role for pharmacogenetics in this treatment failure, it would be of interest to study hPGP polymorphisms that might contribute to the emergence of drug resistance. Changes in protein functional activity could result from mutations as well as altered abundance. Bioinformatics approaches were used to assess and rank the functional impact of 20 missenseMDR1polymorphisms and the top five were selected. The structures of the wildtype and variant hPGP were modelled based on the mouse PGP structure. Docking studies of the wildtype and variant hPGP with four standard anti-epileptic drugs were carried out.

Results:

Our results revealed that the drug binding site with respect to the wildtype protein was uniform. However, the variant hPGP proteins displayed a repertoire of binding sites with stronger binding affinities towards the drug.

Conclusion:

Our studies indicated that specific polymorphisms inMDR1could drive conformational changes of PGP structure, facilitating altered contacts with drug-substrates and thus modifying their bioavailability. This suggests thatMDR1polymorphisms could actively contribute to the emergence of pharmaco-resistance in antiepileptic therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment and Drug Development Study
Authors: Lu Da-Yong , Che Jin-Yu , Yarla Nagendra Sastry , Wu Hong-Ying , Lu Ting-Ren , Xu Bin , Wu Shu-Yun , Ding Jian , Lu Yi , Zhu Hong
Published: September 2018

The causality and etio-pathologic risks for patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) are important areas in modern medicine. Disease complications are largely unpredictable in patients with T2DM. In the future, we welcome therapeutics of both cutting-edge and traditional for anti-diabetic treatments and management with higher efficiency and less cost. Expanding medical knowledge, behavior/life-style notification in healthcare, modern genetic/bioinformatics diagnostic promotion, clinical developments (Traditional Chinese Medicine and personalized medicine) and new drug developments - including candidate drug targets should be implemented in the future. These efforts might be useful avenues for updating anti-diabetic therapeutics globally. This article aims at introducing this information for T2DM treatment boosts.
Psychiatrists' Attitudes Toward Disruptive New Technologies: Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Bourla Alexis , Ferreri Florian , Ogorzelec Laetitia , Peretti Charles-Siegfried , Guinchard Christian , Mouchabac Stephane
Published: September 2018

Background

Recent discoveries in the fields of machine learning (ML), Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), computerized adaptive testing (CAT), digital phenotype, imaging, and biomarkers have brought about a new paradigm shift in medicine.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatrists’ perspectives on this paradigm through the prism of new clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). Our primary objective was to assess the acceptability of these new technologies. Our secondary objective was to characterize the factors affecting their acceptability.

Methods

A sample of psychiatrists was recruited through a mailing list. Respondents completed a Web-based survey. A quantitative study with an original form of assessment involving the screenplay method was implemented involving 3 scenarios, each featuring 1 of the 3 support systems, namely, EMA and CAT, biosensors comprising a connected wristband-based digital phenotype, and an ML-based blood test or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated 4 acceptability domains based on International Organization for Standardization and Nielsen models (usefulness, usability, reliability, and risk).

Results

We recorded 515 observations. Regarding our primary objective, overall acceptability was moderate. MRI coupled with ML was considered to be the most useful system, and the connected wristband was considered the least. All the systems were described as risky (410/515, 79.6%). Regarding our secondary objective, acceptability was strongly influenced by socioepidemiological variables (professional culture), such as gender, age, and theoretical approach.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess psychiatrists’ views on new CDSSs. Data revealed moderate acceptability, but our analysis shows that this is more the result of the lack of knowledge about these new technologies rather than a strong rejection. Furthermore, we found strong correspondences between acceptability profiles and professional culture profiles. Many medical, forensics, and ethical issues were raised, including therapeutic relationship, data security, data storage, and privacy risk. It is essential for psychiatrists to receive training and become involved in the development of new technologies.
Identifying Treatment Modalities for a Multidisciplinary and Blended Care Intervention for Patients With Moderate Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Qualitative Study Among Professionals (Preprint)
Authors: van Westrienen Paula Elisabeth , Pisters Martijn F , Gerrits Marloes , Veenhof Cindy , de Wit Niek J
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a substantial health problem in primary care with a high burden for patients, general practitioners, and the health care system. Most studies focus on chronic MUPS patients. Little research is conducted in patients with moderate MUPS, and an effective primary care intervention for prevention of chronic MUPS is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to identify treatment modalities based on expert opinions for the development of a multidisciplinary and blended intervention for patients with moderate MUPS to prevent chronicity.

METHODS

Two focus groups with 8 and 6 experts (general practitioners, physical therapists, psychologists, and mental health nurses) were carried out. The focus groups were structured using the nominal group technique.

RESULTS

A total of 70 ideas were generated from two nominal group meetings, and 37 of these got votes, were included in the rank order, and were sorted into 8 separate themes. According to the participants, the most important treatment modalities for a multidisciplinary and blended intervention in patients with moderate MUPS were (1) coaching to a healthier lifestyle, (2) education regarding psychosocial factors, (3) therapeutic neuroscience education, (4) multidisciplinary intake, (5) multidisciplinary cooperation and coordination, (6) relaxation or body awareness exercises, (7) clear communication by professionals to the patient, and (8) graded activity. Five independent researchers checked the ideas and linked them to themes to confirm the content analysis and check the validity of the themes.

CONCLUSIONS

From professional expert perspectives, 8 themes should be included in a multidisciplinary and blended intervention to prevent chronicity. These themes provide a first step in developing an intervention for patients with moderate MUPS. Future research should focus on further development steps in which patients with moderate MUPS should be involved to determine if the intervention matches their needs.
Double-Blind, Single-Center, Randomized Three-Way Crossover Trial of Fitted, Thin, and Standard Condoms for Vaginal and Anal Sex: C-PLEASURE Study Protocol and Baseline Data (Preprint)
Authors: Siegler Aaron J , Rosenthal Elizabeth M , Sullivan Patrick S , Ahlschlager Lauren , Kelley Colleen F , Mehta C Christina , Moore Reneé H , Rosenberg Eli S , Cecil Michael P
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Male condoms are underused despite their ability to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The perception of decreased sexual pleasure and poor condom fit are major contributors to condom nonuse.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare event-level performance and pleasure using fitted, thin, and standard condoms among men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW). We also sought to assess condom type preference. We present the study design and enrollment data from the trial.

METHODS

This study recruited sexually active men aged 18 to 54 years in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. We enrolled 252 MSM and 252 MSW in a double-blind, 3-way randomized crossover trial with conditions of fitted, thin, and standard condoms. A permuted block randomization scheme was used to assign each participant to the sequence in which they received each type of study condom. After a baseline screening and enrollment visit, randomized participants were followed for at least 6 and up to 12 weeks depending on their use of study condoms in each 2-week period between scheduled, in-person study visits. Participants were instructed to complete mobile-optimized coital logs as soon as possible after using condoms for anal or vaginal sex acts. The logs collected event-level pleasure and performance measures for the study condoms as well as other relevant data. A questionnaire was administered at the final study visit to assess overall study condom preference.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 252 MSM and 252 MSW, a total of 504 participants. MSM and MSW study arms were similar for a number of key traits including race and ethnicity, marital status, self-rated condom experience, and recent experience of condom failure. Men in the MSM arm were older, however, and fewer MSM were students. The majority of participants in both arms rated themselves as very experienced with using condoms, and the majority had used condoms recently. Over one-third of participants in each arm reported experiencing condom failure in the last 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first condom trial to compare the performance of standard, thin, and fitted condoms and to use pleasure and preference as primary outcomes. Given the disparate impact of HIV on MSM, equal enrollment of MSM and MSW was a key feature of this study. Trial results may inform an FDA label indication for anal sex and provide new information regarding the relative performance of different types of condoms.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02753842; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02753842 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76RLTFyf0)

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/12205
Factors Influencing the Yemeni Customers’ Intention to Adopt Takaful Products
Authors: Echchabi Abdelghani , Ayedh Abdullah Mohammed
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the Yemeni customers’ intention to adopt Takaful products, and to explore the potential factors that influence their decision. This study applies SEM and one sample t-test to analyse the collected data. The results indicate that among the factors included in this study, only compatibility positively and significantly affects the adoption intention. This is the first study that addresses the adoption of Takaful products in Yemen and the factors that influence it. Furthermore, this study extends the Innovations Diffusion Theory (IDT) by applying it to a different setting.
RE-EXAMINING THE EXISTENCE OF LOW PRICE-EARNINGS RATIO EFFECTS: A Descriptive Approach to the Case of Indonesian Stock Market
Authors: Asri Marwan
Published: September 2018

From practical point of view, Price-Earnings (P/E) ratio is one of numerous important aspects to consider. Analysts, investors, and traders in stock markets use P/E ratio –together with other information- in analyzing the past performance, and predicting the future prospect of securities in the market. However, noting its importance, there are some significant disagreements among researchers regarding the ability of P/E ratio in providing “correct information” about the future return of company stocks. One of the topics under discussion is about the presence of so-called low P/E effect, which hypothesizes that high P/E will be followed by low returns and low P/E will be followed by high returns. This study, by repeating partially Johnson et al. (1989) procedures, was trying to confirm the low P/E effect hypothesis in Indonesian market. The study involved 267 stocks listed in Jakarta Stock Exchange in the sample frame and selected the period of 1994-2000 as the focus of analysis. The study also has an intention to investigate whether there was a structural change in return-P/E relationship from the pre-crisis period (1994-1996) to the crisis period (1998-2000). The procedure of analysis was divided into two sections. In the first section a descriptive macro (market) analysis was presented, to test the hypothesis at the market level. It started with an overview about the fluctuation and trend of market P/E ratios during the period of 1991-2000, and followed by investigating the relationship between market P/E and the following returns. A regression analysis was also performed to strengthen the analysis from statistical point of view. In the second section, analysis is more directed to the portfolio level where the portfolios were ranked according to their P/E ratios. The study was concluded with a main finding that does not support the low P/E effect hypothesis.
THE IMPACT OF BANK RESTRUCTURING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE BANKING STOCK PRICES: The Cases of Indonesia’s Banking Reforms on March 13, 1999, and The Issuance of Government Bonds on May 28, 1999
Authors: Susiyanto Muhammad Fendi
Published: September 2018

This study is an event study that aims to investigate how successful the banking reforms measures that has already been done by the Indonesian government in order to strengthen its banking system. There were two events to be investigated in this study, first (1) The banking reforms announcement on March 13, 1999 which consists of the closure of 38 private banks, the taken-over of 7 private banks, 9 private banks will be recapitalized, and let 73 private banks to continue their operation without joining the recapitalization program; second (2) on May 28, 1999 Minister of Finance issued government bonds amounted to Rp 103,831 trillion to complete the private banks’ recapitalization, and also issued the other government bonds to repay the obligations of frozen commercial banks’ and rural banks’ regarding its liquidity support, to Bank Indonesia amounted to Rp 53,779 trillion.These two events above, are expected to be good news or favorable information for investors on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), and should be responded positively by investors which indicates significantly increases on banking stocks after the event dates.Thirteen samples of banking stocks which were listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) at the beginning of 1997 were used to investigate the reaction of banking stocks around the dates of these two events. By using the paired-samples mean difference test, we did not find significant differences between abnormal returns before and after the event dates. Furthermore, the cumulative abnormal return of banking stocks around the banking reforms announcement on March 13, 1999 and the issuance of government bonds announcement on May 28, 1999 were decreasing gradually until it reached the negative area. Trading Volume Activity (TVA) test, on the banking stock volume around the banking reforms announcement on March 13, 1999 has found that TVA of banking stocks after the event date was significantly greater than TVA of banking stocks before the event date. The result was not found on the issuance of government bonds event.In general, from these results, it can be concluded that the banking reforms measures done by the government was not successfully implemented from the market’s point of view.The abnormal return tests have been conducted, yet it is still found a significant abnormal return around both the banking reforms announcement on March 13, 1999 and the issuance of government bonds announcement on May 28, 1999. These findings did not support the semi-strong efficiency of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX).
GAINS FROM INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFICATION AND DOMESTIC PORTFOLIO IN EMERGING STOCKS MARKETS: PHILIPPINE AND INDONESIAN PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Tandelilin Eduardus
Published: September 2018

The study was organized into two major concerns: first, identifying the gains from international diversification in emerging stock markets from the Philippine and the Indonesian perspectives and determining which perspective yields the greater gains; and second, determining how many securities must be included to obtain an optimal investment portfolio from the Philippine and Indonesia perspectives.The empirical results indicate that there are gains from international diversification, both from the Philippine and Indonesian perspectives, in two to eight emerging stock markets. Generally the gains are greater from the Indonesian perspective than the Philippine perspective in all countrycombinations.Further, this study found that the number of stocks needed to form an optimum domestic investment portfolio was bigger for the Indonesian investor‘s perspective (at 15 stocks) than for the Filipino investor (14).
MAINSTREAM ACCOUNTING AND ITS PARADIGM: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Wahyudi Imam
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses the methodology dominantly used in accounting research, namely, mainstream accounting research methodology. This methodology which relies on the methodology of natural sciences and is called hypothetico-deductive approach assumes that human beings are passive objects and has no power to create social realities. As a result, accounting tends to be seen as an objective information separated from its social environment.This belief has created many disadvantages to the development of accounting practices and accounting research itself. Accounting research tends to be separated from accounting practices. Consequently, a lot of research findings cannot be applied in accounting practice. Thus, accountingresearch and accounting theorizing may not produce a real answer to the accounting problems.
THE PREDICTIVE ABILITY OF EARNINGS VERSUS CASH FLOW DATA TO PREDICT FUTURE CASH FLOWS: A FIRM-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Supriyadi Supriyadi
Published: September 2018

This study evaluated the value-relevance of accounting information (earnings and cash flows) in Indonesia to predict a firm’s future operating cash flows. The predictive usefulness of earnings and cash flows in association with future cash flows is of interest for three reasons. They include providing empirical evidence on the relevant accounting information to assess a firm’s future cash flows, information about the behavior and properties of Indonesian accounting information, and evidence of – or at least providing a basis for evaluating–the validity of the IndonesianAccounting Standards Committee (KPSAK) assertion on the usefulness of accounting information to assess future cash flows.The study evaluated three cash flow prediction models that employed cash flow, earnings, and a combination of earnings-cash flow variables. The models were applied on a firm-specific data set. The data used in this study were semi-annual data for the 61 sample firms (manufacturing firms)listed in the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) spanning the years 1990-1997. The results of this study supported the proposed hypothesis that cash flow data provided better information to assess a firm’s future cash flows than earnings data. Since this study employed manufacturing firms only, future research is necessary to evaluate the robustness of the results to otherpopulations of firms and/or by using an alternative deflator of earnings and cash flows, such as consumer price index (CPI) or market value of the firms. Further extensions of this study include additional refinements of the prediction models on an industry-specific basis and disaggregating cash flow variables into operating, investing, and financing components in order to measure the value-relevance of the statement of cash flows.
THE HOUR TO UNDERSTAND AND FAMILIARIZE WITH CULTURAL SETTINGS FOR MARKETING IN THE THIRD MILLENNIUM
Authors: Simon Wachinga Gikonyo
Published: September 2018

Much of the literature about culture is related to the crafting of strategic organizational culture. This is viewed as a lee-way to attainment of competitive advantage in the field of quality production at the expense of the impact that culture could have in not only influencing the consumerbehavior but more importantly in designing and planning marketing strategies in the era of globalization.This paper, therefore, undertakes to examine various cultural settings and along which their implications will be dealt with in detail in order to display the interactive relationship that prevails between culture and its attributes, and consumer behavior on one hand, and the implication of their interaction to strategize for global market opportunities by avoiding culture-marketing clash on the other hand. This paper will not provide a set of proposed strategies that should be adopted by a global marketer in order to avoid the cultural dilemmas. At best it will attempt to pin-point those areas of cultural settings that calls for intensive if not extensive understanding and familiarizing at the same note in this critical era of market competition as we head for the yet to be defined the third millennium.
ASSESSING ACCOUNTABILITY OF PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGETARY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mardiasmo Mardiasmo
Published: September 2018

Performance measurement system is an assessment tool, which assesses strategy implementation through financial and non-financial measures. Budget is one of the financial measures used to assess strategy implementation. It is a primary instrument of many function of decision, which is used as a tool to achieve organization goals. Public sector management has to fulfill vertical and horizontal accountability. To have a deeper understanding pertains to performance measurement system andlocal government budgetary management, this study assessed the existing performance measurement system and local government budgetary management in six municipal/districts. The result showed that the existing performance measurement system is an improper management tool, and that accountability of local government budgetary management is dominated by vertical accountability rather than horizontal accountability. It issuggested that each municipal/district should have its own revenue indica-tor and saving, increase its cost awareness and health and education sectordevelopment budget, implement New Public Management, and reform itsresponsibility system from vertical accountability to horizontal account-ability.
REAL STOCK RETURNS, INFLATIONARY TRENDS AND REAL ACTIVITY: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Majid M. Shabri Abdul
Published: September 2018

This study explores the relationship between real stock returns and inflationary trends in the Malaysian economy. It attempts to test for the relationship between real stock return and inflation in light of Fisher hypothesis that asserts the independence of real stock return and inflation and Fama’s (1981) proxy effect framework which states that the negative real stock returns-inflation is indirectly explained by a negative real economic activity-inflation and a positive real stock returns-real economicactivity relationships. The finding shows that real stock returns are independent of inflationary trends in accordance with the Fisher hypothesis, which implies that the Malaysian stock market provides a good hedge against inflation. The Fama’s proxy hypothesis is then tested to check for the consistency of the relationships. The positive relationship between inflation and real economic activity and the positive relationship betweenreal stock returns and real economic activity that totally contradicts the Fama’s proxy hypothesis however are found, to some extent, be consistent with the explanation of conventional macroeconomic theories of the Philip’s curve.
DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: The Case of Norwegian Students
Authors: Indarti Nurul , Krinstiansen Stein
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to identify determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among young people. The empirical basis is Norwegian students, while an objective is also to create a basis for comparative studies among different economic and cultural contexts. Independent variables in the study include demographic factors and individual background, personality traits, and contextual elements like access to capital and information. The individual perceptions of self-efficacy and instrumental readiness are the variables that affect entrepreneurial intentions most significantly. Age, gender and educational background have no statistically significant impact. Generally, the level of the entrepreneurial intentions among Norwegian students is relatively low, which may be explained by social status and economic remuneration of entrepreneurs compared with employees in the Norwegian context.
NORMATIVE MODERATORS OF IMPULSE BUYING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Negara Danes Jaya , Dharmmesta Basu Swastha
Published: September 2018

Prior research has presented the moderating role of normative evaluations in the relationship between the impulsive buying trait and consumers’ buying behaviors. In this article the authors show that consumer tendency to buy something spontaneous, unreflectively and immediately can be perceived as a factor which describes buying impulsiveness. This article also shows conceptual and empirical evidence that there is some support for the moderating role of normative evaluations in the relationship between buying impulsiveness and impulse buying behaviors. Significance occurs when consumers believe that act on impulse is suitable. The result suggests that consumers’ normative evaluation can moderate the link between the trait and behavioral aspects of impulse buying.
Detecting the Existence of Herding Behavior in Intraday Data: Evidence from the Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Setiyono Setiyono , Tandelilin Eduardus , Hartono Jogiyanto , Hanafi Mamduh M.
Published: September 2018

This study attempts to investigate the issue of the existence of institutional herding in the stock market. The existence is detected in the intraday trade data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during up, down, and stable market condition over the period 2003-2005. By using the model of Lakonishok et al. (1992), it is found that the intensity of the existence of institutional herding at the IDX, on average, is 8.4 percent. Institutional investors do not seem to lead their transactions ina certain characteristic of stock. Most of them follow positive-feedback trading strategy while others follow negative-feedback trading strategy. This study also found that the existence of herd behavior at the IDX did not destabilize the market price in a subsequent period.
Explaining IT Outsourcing Satisfaction using Domberger’s Theory: An SME Perspective
Authors: Yap Ching-Seng , Lim Yet-Mee , Lee Teck-Heang
Published: September 2018

IT outsourcing has emerged as an important tool for enabling organizations to gain access to specific skills and services, focus on their core competencies, and reduce the cost of IT service provision. With the increasing number of IT outsourcing failures, it is timely to identify the determinants of IT outsourcing satisfaction. This study investigates the types of IT function outsourced and examines the factors influencing customer satisfaction in IT outsourcing in Malaysian small- and medium-enterprises. Using an email questionnaire survey, data are collected from 100 firms listed on the Directory of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia. Drawing from Domberger’s Theory of the Contracting Organization, four hypotheses are developed and tested in this study. Using the PLS path modelling technique, the findings show that focus on core competency, cost reduction, access to IT expertise and skills, and flexibility are positively related to customer satisfaction in IT outsourcing. The paper includes implications and recommendations for future studies.
The Consumption Paradigm in Marketing
Authors: Ardianto Eka
Published: September 2018

This article elaborates consumption paradigm in marketing. In background, this paper reviews different perspectives of consumption: economic perspective and marketing perspective. In ontology, this work describes various issues regarding consumption view. In epistemology, this article demonstrates how marketers especially researches explore the consumption phenomena. In methodology, the article describes experiential marketing –one of applied consumption paradigm in marketing, which could be an alternative choice of marketing practices.
Does Knowledge Stickiness Affect a Firm’s Innovation Capability? Empirical Evidence From Indonesian Furniture SMEs
Authors: Indarti Nurul
Published: September 2018

This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge stickiness and a firm’s innovation capability in the context of developing countries, i.e., Indonesia. The main research question addressed by this study is: does knowledge stickiness affect a firm’s innovation capability? Using data from 100 small- and medium-sized furniture enterprises (SMEs), the study finds that product innovations are predominant over process and organizational ones. However, incremental innovations are often more preferred than radical ones. This study also finds that the firms absorb knowledge from various sources to undertake innovations. Buyers, Internet, and suppliers are the significant sources, for sensory, coded, and theoretical knowledge. Buyers are also the main source of a great extent of various knowledge domains related to product, process, and organizational innovations. In general, the furniture firms do not pay considerable attention to planning stages when introducing innovations, as indicated by the fact that not all innovations are preceded by initiatives, except for really new processes and organizational innovations whose impact on the firms’ revenue is less visible. Out of four dimensions of knowledge stickiness used in this study, three of them (i.e., knowledge interconnectedness, sensory knowledge, and coded knowledge) are proven to have significant impact on a firm’s innovation capability. We find, knowledge interconnectedness and coded knowledge have a positive impact, while sensory knowledge influences a firm’s innovation capability in a negative direction. All in all, this study provides empirical evidence that knowledge stickiness has a significant impact on a firm’s innovation capability (explains 36% of total variance).