bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness Meditation Effects on Poststroke Spasticity: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Wathugala Melanie , Saldana David , Juliano Julia M. , Chan Jennifer , Liew Sook-Lei
Published: June 2019

This study examined the feasibility of an adapted 2-week mindfulness meditation protocol for chronic stroke survivors. In addition, preliminary effects of this adapted intervention on spasticity and quality of life in individuals after stroke were explored. Ten chronic stroke survivors with spasticity listened to 2 weeks of short mindfulness meditation recordings, adapted from Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course, in a pre/post repeated measures design. Measures of spasticity, quality of life, mindfulness, and anxiety, along with qualitative data from participants’ daily journals, were assessed. On average, participants reported meditating 12.5 days of the full 15 days (mean 12.5 days, SD 0.94, range 8-15 days). Seven of the 10 participants wrote comments in their journals. In addition, there were no adverse effects due to the intervention. Exploratory preliminary analyses also showed statistically significant improvements in spasticity in both the elbow ( P = .032) and wrist ( P = .023) after 2 weeks of meditation, along with improvements in quality of life measures for Energy ( P = .013), Personality ( P = .026), and Work/Productivity ( P = .032). This feasibility study suggests that individuals with spasticity following stroke are able to adhere to a 2-week home-based mindfulness meditation program. In addition, preliminary results also suggest that this adapted, short mindfulness meditation program might be a promising approach for individuals with spasticity following stroke. Future research should expand on these preliminary findings with a larger sample size and control group.
A sphere-equivalency approach for calculating the elastic property of an isotropic solid containing aligned inclusions: Modeling and experiment data verification
Authors: Xu Song , Tang Xiaoming , Su Yuanda
Published: June 2019

Accurate modeling of elastic properties of cracked rocks in the earth’s shallow crust has long been an important topic in the field of geophysics. A sphere-equivalency approach of elastic wave scattering was used to model the elastic moduli of an isotropic solid containing aligned cracks. The results were compared with those of the existing Eshelby-Cheng and Hudson’s theories for dry and fluid saturation conditions, showing remarkably improved stability and accuracy for high crack concentrations, especially for Hudson’s second-order model. The stability and accuracy of the new approach were determined for varying solid and crack parameters. Finally, the new and existing theories were applied to model the laboratory ultrasonic experimental data measured on artificially cracked samples with varying wave frequencies and crack concentrations. Compared to Hudson’s theory, the new model agrees significantly better with the data. Specifically, the root-mean-square errors of theoretical fitting to data from our model are generally smaller than those from the other two models. We have thus developed an effective tool for modeling elastic properties of cracked rocks.
Treatment Outcomes of Immune-Related Cutaneous Adverse Events
Authors: Phillips Gregory S. , Wu Jennifer , Hellmann Matthew D. , Postow Michael A. , Rizvi Naiyer A. , Freites-Martinez Azael , Chan Donald , Dusza Stephen , Motzer Robert J. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Callahan Margaret K. , Chapman Paul B. , Geskin Larisa , Lopez Adriana T. , Reed Vanessa A. , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Annunziata Maria Carmela , Kukoyi Oluwaseun , Pabani Aliyah , Yang Chih-Hsun , Chung Wen-Hung , Markova Alina , Lacouture Mario E.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to report the efficacy of topical and systemic treatments for immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) attributed to checkpoint inhibitors in an uncontrolled cohort of patients referred to oncodermatology clinics.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with ircAEs evaluated by dermatologists from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, at three tertiary care hospitals and cancer centers were identified through electronic medical records. Clinicopathologic characteristics, dermatologic therapy outcome, and laboratory data were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 285 patients (median age, 65 years [range, 17 to 89 years]) with 427 ircAEs were included: pruritus (n = 138; 32%), maculopapular rash (n = 120; 28%), psoriasiform rash (n = 22; 5%), and others (n = 147; 34%). Immune checkpoint inhibitor class was associated with ircAE phenotype ( P = .007), where maculopapular rash was predominant in patients who received combination therapy. Severity of ircAEs was significantly reduced (mean Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade: 1.74 v 0.71; P < .001) with dermatologic interventions, including topical corticosteroids, oral antipruritics, and systemic immunomodulators. A total of 88 ircAEs (20%) were managed with systemic immunomodulators. Of these, 22 (25%) of 88 persisted or worsened. In seven patients with corticosteroid-refractory ircAEs, improvement resulted from targeted biologic immunomodulatory therapies that included rituximab and dupilumab. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) was elevated in 34 (52%) of 65 patients; grade 3 or greater ircAEs were associated with increased absolute eosinophils (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.3 to 13.4) and IL-10 (odds ratio, 23.8; 95% CI, 2.1 to 262.5); mean immunoglobulin E serum levels were greater in higher-grade ircAEs: 1,093 kU/L (grade 3), 245 kU/L (grade 2), and 112 kU/L (grade 1; P = .043).

CONCLUSION

Most ircAEs responded to symptom- and phenotype-directed dermatologic therapies, whereas biologic therapies were effective in patients with corticosteroid-refractory disease. Increased eosinophils, IL-6, IL-10, and immunoglobulin E were associated with ircAEs, and they may represent actionable therapeutic targets for immune-related skin toxicities.
Association Between Maternal Thyroid Hormones and Birth Weight at Early and Late Pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yang Xi , Zhang Yong , Guo Fei , Yang Shuai , Peeters Robin P , Korevaar Tim I M , Fan Jianxia , Huang He-Feng
Published: June 2019

Context

Previous studies suggest that maternal thyroid function affects fetal growth, but the association between combined thyroid hormones from early to late pregnancy and newborn birth weight remains unknown.

Objective

To explore the association of maternal thyroid function during early and late pregnancy with birth weight.

Design

A large prospective cohort study of a Chinese population.

Setting

This study recruited pregnant women who underwent first-trimester prenatal screenings at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2013 and December 2016.

Participants

This study enrolled 46,186 mothers in whom TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), T3, and thyroid peroxidase antibody concentrations were measured in the first and third trimesters and in whom data on birth weight were available.

Main Outcome Measures

Birth weight, small for gestational age, large for gestational age (LGA).

Results

A higher TSH or FT4 concentration, or a lower T3 concentration, during the first or third trimester was associated with a lower birth weight. The lowest percentiles of maternal FT4 (FT4 < 2.5th percentile) in both trimesters were associated with a 0.34-SD higher birth weight. The effect estimates were greater in those in the first trimester (0.23 SD) or in the third trimester (0.17 SD). The association of maternal TSH and FT4 with birth weight differed according to fetal sex.

Conclusions

Persistently low FT4 concentrations throughout pregnancy were associated with higher birth weight and an increased risk of LGA. Based on these findings, we recommend monitoring mildly altered concentrations of thyroid hormone throughout pregnancy.
Identification of Haptoglobin as a Readout of rhGH Therapy in GH Deficiency
Authors: De Feudis Marilisa , Walker Gillian Elisabeth , Genoni Giulia , Manfredi Marcello , Agosti Emanuela , Giordano Mara , Caputo Marina , Di Trapani Luisa , Marengo Emilio , Aimaretti Gianluca , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Bellone Simonetta , Bona Gianni , Prodam Flavia
Published: June 2019

Background

GH deficiency (GHD) is characterized by a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors and subtle inflammation. We aimed to demonstrate, through a proteomic approach, molecules directly modulated by GHD and involved in the inflammatory state.

Methods

Ten children with isolated GHD were studied before and after 1 year of treatment with rhGH and compared with 14 matched controls. A two-dimensional electrophoresis plasma proteomics analysis was performed at baseline and after GH treatment to identify the top molecules modulated by GH. In vitro studies on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells were performed to validate the data.

Results

Twelve of 20 proteomic spots were predicted to be isoforms α and β of haptoglobin (Hp) and confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and Western immunoblot analyses. Hp levels were higher in patients with GHD than controls at baseline (P < 0.001) and were reduced following GH treatment (P < 0.01). In HepG2 cells, both GH and IGF-1 were able to downregulate IL-6–induced Hp secretion. Moreover, Hp secretion was restored in pegvisomant-treated HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

Hp is a molecule acting in the inflammatory state of GHD and a possible biomarker for GH treatment. Nevertheless, the contribution of other factors and the molecular pathways involved in the GH downregulation of Hp remain to be clearly defined.
Impact of Long-Term Dexamethasone Therapy on the Metabolic Profile of Patients With 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Seraphim Carlos E , Frassei Juliana S , Pessoa Bruna S , Scalco Renata C , Miranda Mirela C , Madureira Guiomar , Mendonca Berenice B , Bachega Tania A S S
Published: June 2019

Context

No consensus has been reached regarding the glucocorticoid (GC) to use for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) during adulthood. Dexamethasone (DEX), because of its longer half-life, could improve compliance; however, no data are available regarding the long-term effects of DEX therapy.

Objective

To analyze the metabolic effect of DEX therapy for adults with CAH.

Design

Retrospective analysis of a CAH cohort receiving DEX therapy.

Setting

Medical School Hospital, São Paulo University, Brazil.

Participants

Sixty patients with well-controlled classic CAH (41 women; 30 with salt-wasting) receiving DEX after achievement of final height.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical, laboratory, and metabolic data were compared immediately before DEX and at the last evaluation.

Results

The mean age at the last evaluation was 31.9 ± 9.6 years, and the duration of DEX therapy was 11.5 ± 4.9 years. The mean DEX dose was 0.18 ± 0.07 mg/m2/d. The body mass index SD score (1.6 ± 1.6 vs 1.5 ± 1.5 mg/m2; P = 0.65) and obesity prevalence (27% vs 27%) did not differ between evaluations. However, the waist/height ratio (WtHR) had increased from 0.54 ± 0.08 to 0.56 ± 0.1 (P = 0.001). An increase in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (2.5 ± 1.3 vs 2.8 ± 1.7; P = 0.03) was observed and positively correlated with the WtHR (r = 0.54). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (7% vs 10%; P = 0.7) and hypertension (15% vs 13.3%; P = 0.8) did not differ significantly between the two evaluations.

Conclusions

Long-term and low-dose DEX therapy did not lead to increases in obesity or metabolic syndrome, although it was associated with an increased WtHR and greater homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance observed with chronic use of GCs. DEX appears to be an acceptable option to treat adult CAH.
BOH1 cooperates with Polo-like kinase to regulate flagellum inheritance and cytokinesis initiation in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Pham Kieu T. M. , Zhou Qing , Kurasawa Yasuhiro , Li Ziyin
Published: June 2019

Trypanosoma brucei possesses a motile flagellum that determines cell morphology and the cell division plane. Inheritance of the newly assembled flagellum during the cell cycle is controlled by the Polo-like kinase homolog TbPLK, which also regulates cytokinesis initiation. How TbPLK is targeted to its subcellular locations remains poorly understood. Here we report the trypanosome-specific protein BOH1 that cooperates with TbPLK to regulate flagellum inheritance and cytokinesis initiation in the procyclic form of T. brucei. BOH1 localizes to an unusual sub-domain in the flagellum-associated hook complex, bridging the hook complex, the centrin arm and the flagellum attachment zone. Depletion of BOH1 disrupts hook-complex morphology, inhibits centrin-arm elongation and abolishes flagellum attachment zone assembly, leading to flagellum mis-positioning and detachment. Further, BOH1 deficiency impairs the localization of TbPLK and the cytokinesis regulator CIF1 to the cytokinesis initiation site, providing a molecular mechanism for its role in cytokinesis initiation. These findings reveal the roles of BOH1 in maintaining hook-complex morphology and regulating flagellum inheritance, and establish BOH1 as an upstream regulator of the TbPLK-mediated cytokinesis regulatory pathway.
Anthropogenic noise and the bioacoustics of terrestrial invertebrates
Authors: Raboin Maggie , Elias Damian O.
Published: June 2019

Anthropogenic noise is an important issue of environmental concern owing to its wide-ranging effects on the physiology, behavior and ecology of animals. To date, research has focused on the impacts of far-field airborne noise (i.e. pressure waves) on vertebrates, with few exceptions. However, invertebrates and the other acoustic modalities they rely on, primarily near-field airborne and substrate-borne sound (i.e. particle motion and vibrations, respectively) have received little attention. Here, we review the literature on the impacts of different types of anthropogenic noise (airborne far-field, airborne near-field, substrate-borne) on terrestrial invertebrates. Using literature on invertebrate bioacoustics, we propose a framework for understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic noise on invertebrates and outline predictions of possible constraints and adaptations for invertebrates in responding to anthropogenic noise. We argue that understanding the impacts of anthropogenic noise requires us to consider multiple modalities of sound and to cultivate a broader understanding of invertebrate bioacoustics.
A systematic review on incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans
Authors: Dief Sandy , Veitz-Keenan Analia , Amintavakoli Niloufar , McGowan Richard
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Cone beam CT’s use (CBCT) in dentistry is increasing. Incidental findings (IFs: discoveries unrelated to the original purpose of the scan), are frequently found as a result of a large field of view. The aim of the systematic review is to analyze present literature on IFs using CBCT.

Methods and materials:

The authors searched online databases of studies and assessed the prevalence of IFs among patients undergoing head and neck CBCT scans. STROBE criteria was used to evaluate the quality of the studies.

Results:

The original search retrieved 509 abstracts of which only 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. The sample size varied between 90 and 1000 participants. The frequency of IFs of the selected articles were 24.6–94.3%. The most common non-threatening IFs were found in the airway, such as mucous retention cyst (55.1%) and sinusitis (41.7%). Other non-threatening IFs were soft tissue calcifications such as calcified stylohyloid ligament (26.7%), calcified pineal gland (19.2%), and tonsillolith (14.3%). Threatening IFs were rare findings (1.4%). Three articles reported incidental carotid artery calcifications with a prevalence of 5.7–11.6%. Pathological findings were not common between the articles, but still relevant (2.6%). The studies had a risk of bias varying from moderate to low.

Conclusions:

There is a high frequency of IFs, yet not all of them require immediate medical attention. The low prevalence of threatening IFs emphasizes that CBCT should not be considered a substitution for conventional radiographs, but when used, the scans should be evaluated by a maxillofacial radiologist.
Representações sociais sobre o mérito: um estudo com estudantes da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Serafim Nayara Katryne Pinheiro , Helal Diogo Henrique
Published: June 2019

O estudo analisa as representações sociais sobre o mérito dos estudantes graduandos do Curso de Administração da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (Ufersa), em Mossoró, RN. O artigo discute, com base na teoria das representações sociais, o mérito, a educação e o sistema de cotas sociais e raciais, que foi implementado, de forma integral, na Ufersa em 2013.1. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com discentes dos semestres 2013.1 e 2015.1, devidamente transcritas e analisadas por análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicaram que o desempenho individual foi o cerne das representações sociais acerca do mérito e da educação entre os estudantes cotistas e não cotistas ingressantes em 2013.1 e 2015.1. Observou-se, ainda, a presença da responsabilidade individual como base para rejeição, por parte dos entrevistados, das cotas raciais. Pode-se concluir que o desempenho, a partir da ideia de mérito e da responsabilização individual, são os cernes das representações sociais dos estudantes
The 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension: what’s old is new
Authors: Condon David F , Nickel Nils P , Anderson Ryan , Mirza Shireen , de Jesus Perez Vinicio A
Published: June 2019

In February 2018, the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (WSPH) brought together experts from various disciplines to review the most relevant clinical and scientific advances in the field of PH over the last 5 years. Based on careful review and discussions by members of the different task forces, major revisions were made on the hemodynamic definition for various forms of PH and new genes were added to the list of genetic markers associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. In addition, the use of risk stratification tools was encouraged as a strategy to reduce one-year mortality risk in PAH patients through early implementation of PAH therapies. While members of the medical community are still debating some of the proposed changes, the new WSPH guidelines advocate early diagnosis and initiation of combination therapy to reduce mortality and improve quality of life in patients with PH.
Stress Management
Authors: Ghosh Manika
Published: June 2019

The opportunities in the new millennium is closely associated with the challenges in the work place not, only to excel but to maintain the optimum level of efficiency. This article highlights the consequences of stress at the work place and hence the need for both the employees and the management to ensure a healthy relationship within the organisation.
Think - Green Marketing
Authors: Phadke Suniti
Published: June 2019

This article summarises that Indian organisations have a moral obligation to protect the environment.
Credit Accessibility to Vulnerable Sections: Management Perspective
Authors: . Veerashekharappa
Published: June 2019

Despite the vast expansion of the formal credit system in India, the dependence of the rural poor on informal credit institutions continues in some areas especially for meeting the emergency credit requirements. Such dependence is pronounced in the case of marginal farmers, landless labourers, petty traders and rural artisans, etc., particularly in the resource-poor areas. And credit needs of these sections determined in a complex socio-economic milieu, where it is difficult to adopt project lending approach as followed by banks and where the dividing line between credit for "consumption" and "productive" purposes is blurred (NABARD 1999). It is in this context, peoples' management in making credit to poor assumes significance. The participatory approach bring out the mutual trust and over comes the asymmetric information between the members, which is necessary for initiating banking relationship based on trust and confidence.
Information Technology and Banking Sector With Reference to Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Raman K J , Marcus A
Published: June 2019

Raman and Marcus (2007) have studied the impact of Automation in Public sector Banks as per the reflections of bank customers and bank officials belong to Chennai region. Marcus (2006) studied the public sector banks with special reference to selected branches in Chennai city and the perception of customers due to inception of Information Technology in the banking sector. Customers vary in their perception on information technology. In reality, customers are not against for automation and IT inception. The main concern for them is the delay in transaction due to technical snag and the increased cost of operation due to automation. Most of the customers have accounts in the private sector banks and they are well informed about the new development and up gradation that is happening in those banks. The customers believe that crores of money is being spent by the banks in the name of developing software, training the staff in IT and in providing better ambience to keep abreast with the private banks, but the ultimate outcome of which is not noteworthy.The present study is based on the reflections of 674 bank customers of the public sector banks who have various types of bank accounts in the branches of Chennai city. Branches of public sector banks in Chennai city, consisting of 19 nationalized banks and State Bank of India with its 7 Associates were covered in the process. A wide range of customers through various domains of banking operations have been studied to identify their overall perception.
Methodological Issues in Management Research
Authors: Mishra Sambit Kumar
Published: June 2019

In order to produce information that will be dependably useful to managers, research must be carefully planned, carried out, and interpreted, Good research does not just happen. It is the result of deliberate application of well-tested methods. The aim of this paper is to outline some of those methods and why they are important.
Importance of Organisational Climate in Contemporary Management
Authors: Mathew Jain , Selvi Uma
Published: June 2019

Organizational climate can be defined as shared perceptions or prevailing organizational norms for conducting workplace activities. The term organizational climate to the psychological conditions prevailing in the organization refers to behaviors, attitudes, and feelings that are common there. Organizational climate influences to a great extent the performance of the employees because it has a major impact on motivation and job satisfaction of individual employees. Organizational climate determines the work environment in which the employee feels satisfied or dissatisfied. Since satisfaction determines or influences the efficiency of the employees, we can say that organizational climate is directly related to the efficiency and performance of the employees. The factors that can be observed and measured are called overt factors and the factors that are not visible and quantifiable are called covert factors. Overt factors organizational climate are Hierarchy, Financial resources, Goals of organizations, Skills and abilities of personnel, Technological state, Performance standards and Efficiency measurement. Covert factors of organizational climate are Attitudes, Feelings, Values, Norms, Interaction, Supportiveness and Satisfaction. The techniques that are generally helpful in improving the climate of the organization are Effective Communication System, Concern for people, Participative decision making, Change in policies, Procedures and rules and Technological changes. A climate that favors risk taking will encourage employees fo test and exchange unusual knowledge and ideas. Participation is a very effective tool to develop sound organizational climate and job satisfaction. More satisfied employees possess some personality characteristics that are likely to be reflected in good work performance, self-efficacy and locus of control. An atmosphere of cooperation opens access among group members and creates individual motivation to exchange knowledge with group members resulting in more productivity. So the managements of corporations should strive to create a congenial organizational climate in the organizations.
A Study on Reader's Preference of the Hindu and the New Indian Express Newspapers
Authors: Rajini K.
Published: June 2019

This study helps to know the peoples preference of The Hindu and The New Indian Express Newspapers and the satisfaction levels of the readers. This study helps us to identify the best English newspaper in the market today.
A Study on the Impact of Monetary Policy on Bank Deposits
Authors: Ghatak Anirban
Published: June 2019

Despite 125 years of capital market experience, 83.9 per cent of households in India still invest only in the safe and sound bank deposits. While only 7.2 per cent of the households were investing in the capital market. Radical transformations had occurred in India's capital market in the meanwhile
Commodity Futures-an Indian Experience
Authors: Chowdri G. Prahlad
Published: June 2019

The policy liberalization by the Indian government to allow futures trading in commodities in 2003, after prolonged deliberations on this demand, has thrown open several opportunities and challenges. This paper intends focussing on the historical background and present scenario of the commodity futures market in India. This paper also focuses on the policy aspects initiated by the government in commodity futures market in India. The performances of Commodity exchanges in India and a comparative study with Stock exchange proves the direction of commodity futures trading.
Leadership Behaviour Of The Heads Of Higher Secondary Schools In Kerala
Authors: PJ Fr. Thomas , Visvanathan G.
Published: June 2019

Leadership is the ability to inspire confidence and support individuals who need to achieve administrative goals. Leading is the major role of the Head of an institution. Leadership is expected to deal with change, inspiration, motivation, and influence. Task and relational behaviours of the Heads of higher secondary schools should equally be embedded for effective administration. Therefore an attempt has been made to ascertain the leadership behaviour of the Heads of higher secondary schools in Kerala. The investigators used simple random sampling technique for selecting the sample of 1500 higher secondary school teachers to study the leadership behaviour of the Heads. The main objective of the study is to find out whether there is any significant difference in respect of leadership behaviour of Heads of higher secondary schools with respect to gender, locality and type of management. This study revealed that there is significant difference between male and female Heads of higher secondary schools with respect to their leadership behaviour and no significant difference is found between rural and urban Heads, government and private higher secondary school Heads with respect to the leadership behaviour. It is found that male heads of higher secondary schools have higher leadership behaviour. Therefore female heads of higher secondary schools should be suitably trained for effective leadership behaviour
Managing Employee Absenteeism
Authors: Thekedam Joseph Sebastian
Published: June 2019

Employee absence rate, causes of employee absenteeism and the effects of employee absences on productivity are topics of discussion in many organizations. One reason is that high rates of employee absence may signal weak management and poor labor-management relations. A second reason is that reducing rates of employee absence may be an effective way to improve productivity. This paper reports the results of a study of employee absences in education, a large, labor-intensive industry. Employee absence in education is a serious problem which adversely affects the curriculum, discipline of the students and academic achievements of the students. In addition to economic loss, teacher absences induces students' absenteeism and causes damage to the school's reputation and it may even affect the school's general existence. This research paper tries to find out employee absenteeism rate, analyse the causes of employee absenteeism and design suitable programmes for encouraging better attendance of employees. Correlation analysis revealed that employee absenteeism was significantly related to demographic variables, cultural factors, personal characteristics of employees, community characteristics and organisational factors.
Strategies For Entrepreneurship And Innovation - A Case Study
Authors: Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Swamy Anjaneya
Published: June 2019

Entrepreneurs all over the world have contributed to the economic development of their region. They play a major role not only in organizing production, but in a broader sense, promote the process of economic development. The function of an entrepreneur is to reform or revolutionize the pattern of production by exploiting an invention or more generally an untried technology possibly for producing a new commodity or producing an old one in a new way, by opening up a new source of supply of raw materials or developing a new market. The factor responsible for change, development and ultimately economic growth is innovation. Innovation is the key for not only in developing, new products or (services) for the market but also in stimulating investment interest in the new ventures being created. Innovation is the principal ingredient of entrepreneurship.Tourism is a smokeless service industry as it consumes less energy and pollutes least compared to any manufacturing industry. United Nations, World Tourism Organization and Department of Tourism Government of India have bestowed 'Industry' status to tourism in order to enable the industry to enjoy all the incentives and grants offered to industries in general. Currently tourism enjoys the pride of being the second largest growing industry next to IT. Tourism promotes better national and international relationship through cross culture interaction. Backward areas with its residing people can be uplifted with tourism activities without investing in capital intensive industries. The importance of tourism industry is more pronounced as it employs the largest number of manpower and earns the maximum foreign exchange. Being a part of the services sector tourism has also given birth to innumerable entrepreneurs who thrived on their personal creativity and innovativeness.An effort has been made in this paper to present the career progress of Captain Gopinath who is undoubtedly one of the greatest tourism/ entrepreneurs of the 21s1 century in India. Gopinath sacrificed a secured career in the Indian armed forces to strike on his own and in the process established a number of entrepreneurial establishments in aviation and tourism industry. Captain Gopinath neither followed management theories nor had formal management qualifications. But his actions and achievements had close resemblance with the deliberations of the best management gurus. A study have been conducted to compare the behaviors, actions and achievements of Captain Gopinath with the works of great authors who have researched and contributed over the years on 'Entrepreneurship'.
Predicting share value of private sectors
Authors: R Kasinlingam
Published: June 2019

Investment in equity produces attractive returns in the long run irrespective of high volatility in the short term. This is true not only in a developed country but also for a developing country. But the problem is to decide at what rate to buy and what rate to sell. This article has made an attempt to predict the share value of three private sector bank shares by using equity valuation models. The result indicates that at any point of time if the actual value of shares is less than the calculated value (P0) then such shares can be purchased. This is true till 2010. The data on expected future dividend is collected from CRISIL report and company reports.
A Sector Wise Influence of Equity Ownership Holding on the Corporate Debt Policy- An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Shunmughan R. , E.P. Sengottuvel
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to analyse the effect of equity ownership holding pattern on the corporate debt policy under a sector wise classification. The study uses a sample of thirty six firms in the construction of BSE- 200 index during the period 1999-2009. The study has used Regression analysis and Descriptive statistics to quantify the argument. This paper finds a significant relationship between debt policy and public holding pattern in all the sectors. Promoters holding show insignificant relation for the Transport and Power sector.
Editorial
Authors: Mani Alice
Published: June 2019

The importance of management is being increasingly realised in industrial and non-industrial organisations the world over. This realisation has come about because of increasing complexity of the task of managers and administrators. In most organisations, getting competent and relevant people, retaining them, keeping up their motivation and morale and helping them to both continuously grow and contribute their best to the organisations are all viewed as the most critical problems. Encouraged by the success of the first issue, we have gone ahead with more contributions from industrialists, academicians and chartered accountants, covering topics such as mutual funds, information technology, business processing and outsourcing, women entrepreneurs, notes issue function of Reserve Bank of India, to mention lust a few.
MUTUAL FUNDS - HEADING TOWARDS
Authors: Muniraju M. , Ramachandra K.R.
Published: June 2019

Mutual funds in India have grown from being a small experiment into a much more competitive organisation, both in the private and public sectors. However, the attitude of the investors and the investment avenues made available by the mutual companies have to change. With a modified pattern of functioning, investor-confidence is bound to grow while the savings can be channelised into the desired avenues for sirengthening the economic front. However, mutual funds have a fascinating future in India.
Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance in an Emerging Economy: An Empirical Investigation of a Nigerian Bank
Authors: Ekwe Michael Chidiebere
Published: June 2019

The general belief that employees of an organization are important assets to that organization has not been empirically proved as not many studies have investigated the relationship or association between the intellectual capital components and the organizational  performance indices.
An Exploration of Stree Shakti Programme in Karnataka through Self-Help Groups: With Special Reference to Chitradurga District
Authors: S Kavitha , Laxmana P
Published: June 2019

For the Empowerment of women, government has come up with many schemes. Among those, Self Help Group (SHG) is found to be the strongest route. The purpose of the Programme is to endow women economically and socially by bringing them in self-help groups, and it spent corers of rupees at a time in the project taken up for the development of  women and organizing women empowerment in such huge number.
Market Movement, Earning Capacity and Asset Fluctuation in Taiwanese Stock Exchange
Authors: Cheng Teng Yuan
Published: June 2019

This study examines a simple theory in which investors with market movement behaviours to show the influence of market movement on the relation between earning capacities, returns, and return volatility, and then we examine the empirical evidences from our theory. It first illustrates how asset fluctuation may fluctuate more than the fundamental value
Impact of Macroeconomic Variables on Stock Market Indices Value: A Cross-Country Indices Study
Authors: Mariappan Rohini , Hari Nikita
Published: June 2019

Complete unpredictability and the contagion effect of stock markets could pose significant challenges for the entire financial markets of the world. Moreover, it is an incontrovertible truth that the variations in stock market indices is an integral part of the dynamics of economic activity and can propel social moods and expectations. In fact, the stock market has predicted 10 out of the last 3 recessions.
Multinational Diversification and Pharmaceutical Units Performance: Evidence from Indian Firms
Authors: Sridharan Perumal
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the performance of select Foreign Direct Invested (FDI) assisted pharmaceutical units in India for the period from 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2008.  The dataset has been retrieved from CMIE Prowess database and Organization of Pharmaceuticals Producers of India (OPPI) for 23 FDI assisted pharmaceutical units and evaluated through
Family Decision-Making in the Indian Hinterland: Lessons for the Marketers
Authors: Siraj Sadaf
Published: June 2019

Given that India is one of the world‘s largest consumer markets and is an emerging world economic champion too, this market presents a potentially vast untapped source for research and business. 69% of Indian population is residing in villages (Census, 2011), these rural markets demonstrate linguistic, regional diversities and economic disparities, and hence are considered to be more complex to deal with than the urban markets.  This paper attempts to explore the dynamics of family purchase behavior in the rural context by means of a survey of 152 families from eight villages of Aligarh district (Uttar Pradesh, India). The study empirically investigates the relative involvement of family members in the different stages of decision making. The impact of members‘ position in the family has been tested on  in the purchase decision stages (idea initiation, information collection and final decision) for specific products and  also product related sub-decisions (amount to be spent, when to purchase, what brand, type, size, color and quantity to purchase and from which dealer). Statistical tools like Kruskal-Wallis-H test have been employed to analyze the data collected.
The Role of Front Line Service Employee in Select Service Industries in India
Authors: Srivastava Ritu
Published: June 2019

Employee actions form a very important aspect of service delivery. It is the employee who is reflected as the organization across and along with the various touch points to the customers. The Indian services sector hosts a lot of industries and dynamics within each are undergoing change. However, the understanding and knowledge of critical customer behavior does cut across industries and enable firms towards success. The role of the employee is the key to success especially in the high customer contact service industries as the employee actions convey the professionalism, sincerity and seriousness expected from a company towards understanding its customer base. Researchers in the developed world have done studies but the literature developed in the West cannot be adopted to the Indian context. Research studies done in other countries need to be replicated to see if the findings are applicable in the changed context and condition and only then be generalized. This is very important as businesses in the marketplace may tend to build strategies based on literature and experience established in a different context. This research study is an attempt to analyze the impact that employee actions have on customers in select service industries in India. For the purpose of this study the service employee has been confined to the front line staff in the Retail, Hospital, Airlines, Hotels and Banking industries.
Corporate Governance and the Legal Environment: Some Theoretical Insights and Related UAE Evidence
Authors: Khan Yousuf , D‘Silva Kenneth E
Published: June 2019

Corporate Governance (CG) is complex. It has several strands and dimensions and has been much researched. Such research confirms that while ―trust‖ is fundamental to CG, the legal environment figures prominently within it. Within that environment, corporate law provisions often place a fiduciary (trusting) duty-obligation on directors to act in the best interests of the firm and stakeholders. Such provisions tend to be enshrined within three recurring principles, Probity, Accountability and Transparency, and designed to engender, support and encourage trust amongst all concerned. While extant country-specific corporate laws-rules-regulations prevail, additionally, CG matters are often realised via a voluntary (comply or explain) code. To that extent, such codes are part of the legal environment. Thus, a key objective of the paper is to assess, within the UAE context, the extent of any commonality or sharing of the above
Safe Water – Is it really Safe?
Authors: Lakhwani Vinod M , Tiwari Swati
Published: June 2019

Entering into the new field of business is not an easy go. One has to do market research, to identify the gap, to identify the product/service to be offered, and to target the right customer segment. After doing the required research, the next step is to make decisions on plant location, layout and then set up.  Assessment of funds required for capital as well as revenue expenditure, procurement of machinery and other materials also take substantial amount of efforts. Searching for vendors and finalizing the right one are few other issues.

After having worked successfully for more than 30 years in Bali in the field of sesame seeds and oil business Harsh was standing on a crossroad in 2011. Rising prices of sesame oil resulted in shift in customers’ taste and preferences towards refined oil. Moreover entry of big players at a large scale of operations and rise in price of raw material (sesame seeds) made survival tough. He had a number of options, one to continue with existing business at different scale of operations. Two, enter another business? Three, what business, Four, which place?

The case talks about Harsh’s journey to new business, his choice and then the result.
Market Orientation: the Concept and Its Development
Authors: Mekoth Nandakumar
Published: June 2019

The concept of market orientation has been one of the most discussed and researched topics in the last decade, This paper attempts to bring out the meaning, need and features of market orientation and the steps involved in its implementation. The paper identifies the relationship of various related concepts with the concept of market orientation. The paper also traces back the development of the field of market orientation through literature survey and identifies the distinct stages in the process of development.
Ksfc and North Karnataka
Authors: Anitha H.S , Laxmisha A.S
Published: June 2019

There was no effective State assistance to the entrepreneurs in the pre-independent period. After independence an effort in this direction was initiated by the Government in many ways. Among them, establishment of financial institutions is one. Accordingly KSFC was established in 1959 to cater to the needs of the entrepreneurs in the State of Karnataka. The Corporation is expected to achieve alround and balanced growth of the state.

This paper is an attempt to evaluate the performance of KSFC in North Karnataka. The study is made by taking the assistance given by Corporation from 1990-91 to 1997-98 in all the districts of Karnataka and comparing the percentage share of each district in the KSFC's assistance with the density of population. The study revealed that except Bangalore, Dakshina Kannada and Kolar all the other districts failed to get due share in the KSFC's assistance, Among them, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Dharwad and Raichur failed to get their share miserably These findings revealed that North Karnataka is neglected continuously in several fronts by the Governments ruled the State.To achieve the balanced growth of the State of Karnataka, several suggestions were offered in the paper. Creation of an 'apex body' subordinate of KSFC in North Karnataka, exemption of application processing fees for units coming up in North Karnataka, establishment of 'Technical Advice and Guidance Cell', conducting special developmental campaigns, development of infrastructural facilities etc., are the important suggestions offered by the paper.
Human Capital and Economic Growth in India: A Co-integration and Causality Analysis
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Sahni Priyanka
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to explore the causality relationship between the human capital investment (education & health investment) and economic growth of Indian economy using time series data running from 1991-92 to 2012-13. Co integration, Granger Causality analysis and Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM)has been used in order to test the hypotheses about the presence of causality and co integration among thevariables. The co integration test confirmed that education investment, health investment and GDP are co integrated, indicating an existence of long run equilibrium relationship as confirmed by the Johansen co integration test results. The Granger causality test confirmed the presence of two way causality between education investment and GDP and also between health investment and GDP. It justify that both the components of human capital under consideration i.e. education investment and health investment are the key variables which are affecting economic growth of India and in the same way economic growth providing a platform for the growth of human capital.
Holistic Knowledge Management: Towards Eliminating Ethical Dilemmas of Knowledge Ownership and Sharing
Authors: Prabhu Vikas N , Chackalackal Saju
Published: June 2019

Knowledge management is more than a mere accessory to business strategy; it occupies a pivotal position in organizations that operate in the knowledge-based economy. In order to realize an effective knowledge management system it is imperative to ensure an environment of ethical coherence, which is impossible until the dilemmas regarding knowledge ownership and sharing are resolved. This essay approaches the ethical resolution on the basis of a constructivist and humanistic epistemology wherein the invariable tacit dimension of knowledge and the resultant dualistic dialogic discourseare acknowledged. It proposes the achievement of ethical harmony, insofar as holistic knowledge management is concerned, through the channel of seven organizational dimensions, which through the realization of organizational commitment and trust are deemed to generate an ethically paradigmatic harmony across allcultural strands of the organization, viz., starting from the visionary attitude of its leadership, through the organizational norms, values, and beliefs, down to the perception of every individual knowledge worker.
Marketing of Organic Food Products at Madurai City
Authors: Shandini P , Ramani N
Published: June 2019

The organic farming sector in developing countries is still diminutive. However, the traditional practice of organic farming by the indigenous farmers is an advantage that would help India to become a global market leader in this sector. India has the potential to emerge as a major exporter of organic produce. Organic products mature without the use of fertilizers, artificial chemicals, and pesticides. The Indian organic food market, although in its nascent stage, has started growing rapidly. Generally, consumers prefer organic food due to safety, human health, and ecological concern. Sometimes it could also be due to attributes like nutrition value, taste, originality and look of organic food. Worldwide trade in organic products is growing incredibly which has prompted experts to project consumption of organic food to be more than 25% of total food consumption by 2020. Universal consumption growth rates over the next 3-5 years will be fairly high (25 – 30%) when compared to most other categories of food. In the last decade, organic food products have been measured to do a healthier business than conventional food products. Thus the expansion of organic agriculture is seen as a part of promising promotion trends. This research reveals the percentage consumption of organic food products and provides suggestions to implement the various marketing strategies adopted by the retailers to sell the products and other factors impacting the preference of the consumers in the various strata of the society.