bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role Of Due Diligence In The Business Valuation Process
Authors: Mullins Terry , Thornton Barry , Adams Michael
Published: February 2016

The due diligence process enables investors to do a better job of determining the appropriate price to pay for a privately held firm.  This article delineates some factors that a prospective buyer should investigate thoroughly to determine the value of a small, privately held business under consideration for purchase.
Does A Strong Ethical Commitment Create A Strategic Human Resource Competitive Advantage?
Authors: Stanwick Peter A. , Stanwick Sarah D.
Published: February 2016

This paper empirically examined whether a comprehensive corporate ethical commitment by firms can create and enhance their competitive advantage by attracting and retaining the highest caliber of employees. The study examined the ethical commitment of the most desirable companies to work for in the United Kingdom by using a sample from The Times ranking of The 100 Best Firms to Work For In the UK.  The results of the study showed that a majority of the firms that were desirable to work for also had a code of ethics, a commitment to corporate social responsibility, a commitment to serve the needs of their stakeholders, a commitment to be environmentally proactive and a commitment to establish a positive work environment for their employees
Tax Benefits For Education Part Two
Authors: Kiani Raj , Stout Gary
Published: February 2016

The past ten years have been a time of great change in the tax treatment of education expenses.  Part I of this research covered the HOPE Scholarship, Lifetime Learning Credits, deductibility of student loan interest, eligibility for tuition deduction, and comparison of credits versus deductions.  This article (Part II) provides an overview of Qualified Tuition Programs which are referred to as Sec. 529 plans.  These plans were authorized by Congress in 1996 and expanded in 2001.  These tax-advantaged savings benefits were set to expire on December 31, 2010. However, Section 1304 in title XIII of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 approved by Congress permanently eliminated the “sunset” provision, thereby making Section 529 plans permanent. This article provides an overview of Section 529 plans as well as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts which are, in essence, IRAs established exclusively for the purpose of paying qualified educational expenses.
On The Financial Characteristics Of Firms That Have Achieved The Highest Levels Of Accuracy In Earnings Predictability
Authors: Payne Bruce C. , Daghestani Adnan , Rumore Nancy Clark
Published: February 2016

The value of a company is said to be a function of the future earnings or cash flows the company will produce discounted at a rate commensurate with risks associated with those cash flows. The subject of earnings predictability or the lack of reliable forecasts has been of interest to academic researchers and financial managers for years. Value Line publishes weekly, a ranking of the reliability of earnings predictions for every firm in their database. The higher the Value Line ranking for earnings predictability, the more likely they would recommend it as a safe investment. Earnings predictability is then, simply one of their important measures of potential value and safety.  The purpose of this study is to provide a financial analysis of those firms described by Value Line as having the most reliable levels of earnings predictability in their database. Specifically, the analysis will test for significant differences in the financial profiles of those firms that achieved the highest Value Line ratings for earnings predictability, and companies selected at random from the same industries.  A unique financial profile is estab­lished for the highest rated group, and it is suggested that the profile may be used to identify firms that because of their financial nature are capable of producing the most accurate sales forecasts, and earnings predictability. As in previous studies of this nature Multiple Discriminant Analysis is used. 
Propositions To Guide Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Authors: Mankelwicz John , Kitahara Robert
Published: February 2016

The methods by which managers make decisions in the face of inaccurate data, changing environments and other pervasive uncertainties, have been studied by researchers and business practitioners for many decades.  Much attention is given to highly quantitative decision-theoretic techniques; such methods generally deal with these inherent impediments to rational decisions using mathematical concepts from the theories of probability, stochastic processes, estimation and optimization, fuzzy sets, etc.  The very act of quantification itself has great implications for managers’ cognitive processes, the impact upon various groups within the organization, and the final outcomes.  Indeed, use of formal methods and actual reliance on hard numbers improves decision quality and speed by providing efficient cognitive simplifications and convergent expectations.  This paper synthesizes findings from several relevant streams of literature and proposes several simple propositions for further discussion and future research. It applies these ideas to two illustrative examples of major complex business decisions.
Where Have The Mediating Variables In Leadership-Performance Research Gone?
Authors: Jing Fenwick Feng , Avery Gayle C.
Published: February 2016

The literature suggests that variables such as using a vision, organizational climate, and trust between leader and followers may mediate the relationship between leadership and organizational performance. Yet, existing research tends to ignore these potentially important variables. This paper addresses this gap, discusses the overlooked variables, and suggests directions for future research via 14 research propositions.
Management & Law: FLSA Regulations And Compensation Policies - Their Legal Exposure And Business Impact
Authors: Torres Ruth , Preziosi Robert C.
Published: February 2016

This paper will review FLSA regulations and how this outdated law is applied to the current day workforce and the relationship between management decisions in light of FLSA regulations, their impact on compensation systems and the business resulting in legal exposure and associated costs as well as business impact. This paper also sets forth preventative measures to avoid and/or or correct these challenges via policies and systems.
The Burden Of Identity: Responding To Product Boycotts In The Middle East
Authors: Knudsen Kjell , Aggarwal Praveen , Maamoun Ahmed
Published: February 2016

Drawing from four different case studies of multinational corporations in the Middle East, we present a framework for understanding the phenomenon of product boycotts driven by socio-political reasons.  We present three sets of actions that trigger boycott calls: government actions, corporate actions, and individual actions.  The strategies used by boycott organizers to generate awareness for their campaign and to manage media usage to target desired audiences are also discussed.  We review a number of strategies available to multinationals to respond to boycott calls.
Generational Diversity: Implications For Healthcare Leaders
Authors: Olson Valerie Dong
Published: February 2016

Amid the multifaceted complexities of the current health care environment and today’s workforce, intergenerational issues created uncharted territory for health care leaders. As a result, healthcare institutions reveal organizational cultures of conflict due to the generational differences in core values and work related issues. In addition, driving forces also consist of the economic, political and social influences of the generational period. It is essential that healthcare leaders understand and take proactive strategies to develop synergism to span the generational gaps as integral components of healthcare organizational culture. 
U.S. Competitiveness And Global Markets
Authors: Narsing Anthony , Ouandlous Arav , McAlum Harry G.
Published: February 2016

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the U.S. economy achieved leadership and supremacy in technology, innovation and productivity. This uncontested supremacy was the result of the combined efforts of both private sector investment policies in research and development and the supporting funding government policies of these corporations. These combined efforts in capital intensive R&D programs propelled the U.S. economy to the forefront of innovation and resulted in significant productivity gains--the drivers behind the U.S. long term economic growth, and the increases in the standards of living.  Is the U.S. able to maintain its supremacy in innovation-technology and thereby its economic leadership? The authors discuss this question in light of the recent role assumed by the newly emerging countries and their respective educational, technological and economic quest for global reach.
The Case For Emerging Market Funds
Authors: Michelson Stuart , Philipova Elena , Srotova Petra
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the performance of open-end actively managed emerging market mutual funds during the time period 1999 to 2005. Our analysis is cross-sectional and time series across a wide range of emerging markets. Previous research includes performance studies of international mutual funds and emerging market funds, but none of the previous studies were as broad nor as specific as the current study. Monthly fund returns are compared to three indices (emerging markets, MSCI, and S&P 500 Index), using annualized returns, Sharpe ratio and Treynor ratio. The results show that the emerging market funds outperform the MSCI Index and the S&P 500 Index, but not the emerging market index. During the study period, an investor would have benefited by either investing in emerging market funds or the emerging market index. There is also a negative relationship between emerging market fund returns and turnover, and a positive relationship between fund returns and size.
Salt Water Product Contamination During Trans Atlantic Shipments: Management Decisions And Legal Implications A Case Study
Authors: Pikas Bohdan
Published: February 2016

A ceramic manufacturing plant received a shipment of heavy sand that was contaminated with salt water during a Trans Atlantic voyage. The ship’s captain and the ship owners claimed it to be an “Act of God” as the ship went through a hurricane. Examination of the hatch covers indicated that they were faulty and compensation for the damaged cargo was demanded. The demand was refused by the ship’s owners and the cargo owner chose to “arrest” the ship to force payment.
An Analysis Of The Levels And Patterns Of Shareholder Rights: 1990 - 2006
Authors: Chugh Lal C. , Meador Joseph W.
Published: February 2016

Greater attention is being paid to the issue of shareholder rights and corporate governance, particularly since the scandals of 1990s and 2000s and the stock market decline of the new millennium.  This study advances the concept of an optimum level of shareholder rights in corporate governance and analyzes the long-run trends in shareholder rights versus management entrenchment, using the G-Index.  This study finds that the level of shareholder rights generally has not increased, despite the legislative and regulatory reforms of the 2000s and contrary to the general perception.  Rather, shareholder rights have declined amongst the large, S&P 500 companies.  The paper also finds that there has been a tendency on the part of firms to converge to a median-level/norm of shareholder rights.  Evidence further suggests that firms are searching for an optimum level that balances the risks and rewards of greater shareholder rights.
Event Differentiation In Service Science
Authors: Katzan, Jr. Harry
Published: February 2016

In service science, a formal methodology is needed to distinguish one service from another and to define classes of services.  A DNA of services is proposed consisting of a service DNA sequence of five letters corresponding to a five-dimensional linear scale.  Each type of service is assigned a DNA sequence.  If two services have the same DNA sequence, then they are in the same service class.  The methodology provides an association between services, service models, and service systems.
2-Level-Service
Authors: Thomopoulos Nick T.
Published: February 2016

2-level-service occurs when an inventory system has two or more locations and one location is the source to another location in the network.  The source location receives its stock from a supplier and -- when called upon -- replenishes the stock to another location, here called the 2-level-service location.  This paper shows how to control the inventory at each location and generates table values on inventory levels for a range of scenarios.
Invasion Of Privacy On The Internet: Information Capturing Without Consent. An Ethical Background As It Pertains To Business Marketing
Authors: Moran Terrence J. , Weinroth Jay
Published: February 2016

Because of unwanted contacts by marketers, privacy issues are becoming more and more important to the U.S. consumer, especially since the advent of the internet. An examination of dimensions of the nature of privacy and right to privacy both in law and moral philosophy will be conducted.
Operating And Earnings Performance Of Quality Certified Listed Firms
Authors: Ferreira Eurico J. , Sinha Amit , Varble Dale
Published: February 2016

With a large number of US firms, obtaining the ISO 9000 quality certification, this article attempts to investigate the impact of the certification on operating and financial performance. Our results indicate the benefits of the certification may be limited and may depend on the time period in consideration, and the sample of firms used for comparing firm performance. Also investors usually do not perceive the ISO certified firms to have a higher quality of earnings and not willing to pay more for earnings from such firms.
Employee Rewards And The Likelihood Of A Successful Initial Public Offering
Authors: Filbeck Greg , Thoms Peg , Boscaljon Brian L.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we survey employees about human resources practices regarding employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and profit sharing plans of firms that have registered for an IPO offering.  We find that firms that had ESOPs in place prior to the registration of an IPO have a greater likelihood of eventually launching an IPO than those registered firms who do not.  Our results broaden the existing finance literature of IPO analysis as we survey registered companies prior to their attempted IPO launch to determine whether their employee-based compensation structure impacts the likelihood of a successful IPO launch.
Practical Guidance For Including A Roth 401 (K) In Your Retirement Investment Portfolio
Authors: VanZante Neal R. , Wagman George R. , Fritzsch Ralph B.
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses details of the Roth 401 (k) and provides practical guidance for making the appropriate decisions about including this relatively new investment opportunity in your retirement portfolio.
Implementing A Balanced Scorecard In A Not-For-Profit Organization
Authors: Martello Michael , Watson John G. , Fischer Michael J.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the use of the Balanced Scorecard in a not-for-profit organization (Cattaraugus County ReHabilitation Center).  The ReHabilitation Center has begun using the Balanced Scorecard paradigm in its strategic planning process.  In this paper an overview is presented of the basic concepts of the Balanced Scorecard including the financial perspective, customer perspective, internal process perspective, and learning and growth perspective.  The history and services of the ReHabilitation Center are then summarized.  The application of the Balanced Scorecard approach to the ReHabilitation Center is discussed in detail.  Implications in using the Balanced Scorecard are discussed.  Finally, conclusions regarding the use of the Balanced Scorecard in a not-for-profit organization are presented.
An Experimental Study of Satisfaction Response: Evaluation of Online Collaborative Learning
Authors: Cheng Xusen , Wang Xueyin , Huang Jianqing , Zarifis Alex
Published: February 2016

 

On the one hand, a growing amount of research discusses support for improving online collaborative learning quality, and many indicators are focused to assess its success. On the other hand, thinkLets for designing reputable and valuable collaborative processes have been developed for more than ten years. However, few studies try to apply thinkLets to online collaborative learning. This paper introduces thinkLets to online collaborative learning and experimentally tests its effectiveness with participants responces on their satisfaction. Yield Shift Theory (YST), a causal theory explaining inner satisfaction, is adopted. In the experiment, 113 students from Universities in Beijing, China are chosen as a sample. They were divided into two groups, collaborating online in a simulated class. Then, YST in student groups under online collaborative learning is validated, comparison study of online collaborative learning with and without thinkLets is implemented and satisfaction response of participants are analyzed. As a result of this comparison, YST is proved applicable in this context, and satisfaction is higher in online collaborative learning with thinkLets.

 
Factors of Participants and Blogs that Predict Blogging Activeness During Teaching Practice and Induction Year
Authors: Luik Piret , Taimalu Merle
Published: February 2016

The blog as a type of social software has been used in education for several years, and its positive effect in the field has been asserted in many studies. This study presents the factors of participants and blogs that predict blogging activeness during teaching practice and induction year. During the teaching practice and induction year all participants could use a blog to share experiences, ask questions, receive support and so on. The blogs were supported by the tutors and all blogs were collective blogs, but they were organised differently and used differently. The data collected included 1,137 blog posts from 192 participants using 13 collective blogs along with their self-reports via pre- and post-period questionnaires. Correlation analysis as the first stage and regression analysis as the second stage was used in this study. The results showed several relationships and the regression analysis indicated that the most influential positive factor predicting participant activeness on the blog was the strength of social relationships between the participants.
Challenges of Transitioning to e-learning System with Learning Objects Capabilities
Authors: Raspopovic Miroslava , Cvetanovic Svetlana , Jankulovic Aleksandar
Published: February 2016

In order for higher education institutions, which implements blended and/or online learning to remain competitive and innovative it needs to keep up with the cutting edge technological and educational advances. This task is usually very difficult, keeping in mind the budget constraints that many institutions have. This usually implies that existing open source solutions have to be used and adapted to individual needs of each institution. Keeping up with the current technological advances often brings not only financial challenges, but also transitional challenges that may put at risk learning quality and reputation of the institution, as well as performance of students. This work describes the features of the system, results and challenges of transitioning to e-learning system that displays learning materials through sequence of reusable learning objects (LOs) from the system that does not have these capabilities. The goal of such system is to increase reusability of learning content, and moreover, to increase online interactivity and communication between the instructor and students. Findings of this work reveal advantages, disadvantages and potential obstacle of implementation e-learning system with LOs and give an overview of suggestions for implementation improvements. These suggestions are given based on evaluation of implementation of new e-learning system with LOs, after the transition from the traditional e-learning system. Furthermore, based on the research of existing methodologies in the field of information systems, and the results of this research, this work proposes methodology for transferring into e-learning system with LOs. 
The Impact of Subliminal Messages through Music on Consumers’ Behavior towards Hyper Stores in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sabir Raja Irfan , Mehmood Hamid
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to investigate the impact of subliminal messages through music in Hyper stores in Punjab, Pakistan and their effect on consumer behavior. Researcher used the music to test the participants of this research with three different conditions; to match the suggestions and subliminal message; the use of suggestion as mismatched with subliminal message; No suggestions for subliminal message. The aim of study was to find out the impact of variables (subliminal messages and the effect of age) on consumer behavior. The study explores the methodology with focuses on evidence from previous literature and empirical studies. Researcher will use explanatory approach with quantitative methods (Regression analyses) to collect and analyze the data. Researcher used questionnaire and survey to measure the participants and to know about subliminal messages, and how they believe on subliminal messages. Population of this study was the consumers of Hyper Stores in Punjab, Pakistan. Major limitations of this study were its context, because it only lies between consumers of Hyper Stores. Progress towards this area has been started, and remains it’s a limited factor to describe the ﬁndings from this research. In education it’s noted to include the Subliminal Messages, consciously or unconsciously, and may use to hinder the originality of students. To induce this type of messages provides the opportunities of redirecting or moving the design and process towards necessary direction. Public realized about the products which contain this types of messages are likely to impact and public try to manipulate by the claims of advertising. The paper extends the new way of manipulating the consumers and divert their mind to enhance the marketing, and previous reviews by its induction of results from a series of empirical studies that have worked in past.
Evaluating Fracture-Fluid Flowback in Marcellus Using Data-Mining Technologies
Authors: Zhou Qiumei , Dilmore Robert , Kleit Andrew , Wang John Yilin
Published: February 2016

Natural-gas recovery from low-permeability unconventional reservoirs—enabled by advanced horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic-fracture treatment—has become a very important energy resource in the past decade. While evaluation of early gas-production data to assess likely rate decline and ultimate gas recovery has been reported in literature, flowback-water recovery has been given little consideration. Fracture-fluid flowback is defined herein as aqueous phase produced within 3 weeks following a fracture treatment (exclusive of well shut-in time). Field data from Marcellus shale wells in northeastern West Virginia indicated approximately 2 to 26% of the fracture fluid is recovered during flowback. However, stimulation of gas shale is a complex engineering process, and the factors that control the volumetric flowback performance are not well-understood.

The objective of this paper is to use post hoc analysis to identify correlations between fracture-fluid flowback and attributes of well completion and geological setting, and to identify those factors that are most important in predicting flowback performances. To accomplish this objective we selected a representative subset of 187 wells for which complete data are available (from a full set of 631 wells), including well location, completion data, hydraulic-fracture-treatment data, and production data. The wells were classified into four groups on the basis of geological settings. For each geological group, engineering and statistical analyses were applied to study the correlation between flowback data and well completion through traditional regression methods. Important factors considered to affect flowback-water recovery efficiency include the number of hydraulic-fracture stages, lateral length, vertical depth, proppant mass applied, proppant size, fracture-fluid volume applied, treatment rate, and shut-in time. The total proppant mass, proppant size, and shut-in time have a relatively large influence on volumetric flowback performance.

The new results enable one to estimate flowback volume in a spatial domain on the basis of the known geological conditions and completion parameters, and lead to a better understanding of flowback behaviors in Marcellus shale. This also helps industry manage flowback water and optimize production operations.
Removal of Cryptosporidium by wastewater treatment processes: a review
Authors: Nasser Abidelfatah M.
Published: February 2016

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and various animal species. The environmental stability and the low infectious dose of Cryptosporidium facilitate its transmission by water and food. Discharge of untreated wastewater may result in waterborne or foodborne Cryptosporidium outbreaks, therefore a suitable treatment may prevent its dissemination. Most studies on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in wastewater have reported a concentration range between 10 and 200 oocysts/L and a prevalence of 6 to 100%. Activated sludge has been found to be ineffective for the removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands are efficient for the reduction of Cryptosporidium from wastewater, especially when the retention time is longer than 20 days at suitable sunlight and temperature. High rate filtration and chlorine disinfection are inefficient for the reduction of Cryptosporidium from effluents, whereas ultrafiltration and UV irradiation were found to be very efficient for the reduction of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Adequate tertiary treatment may result in high quality effluent with low risk of Cryptosporidium for unrestricted irrigation and other non-potable applications.
Ocular, Neurologic and Systemic Findings of the Cases with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Authors: Karahan Eyyup , Tulin Berk Ayse
Published: February 2016

Aim:

To describe the associated ocular, neurologic, and systemic findings in a population of children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and to evaluate the relationship between ocular signs and neurologic findings.

Method:

A retrospective chart review of 53 patients with the diagnosis of ONH seen between December 1998 and September 2012 was performed. All neurodevelopmental anomalies, neuroradiologic findings, endocrinologic and systemic findings were recorded. Poor vision was defined as the visual acuity poorer than logMAR 1.0 or inadequate central steady maintained fixation.

Results:

Thirty (56.6%) of the 53 children with ONH were boys. Mean age at presentation was 56.2±46.8 months (range; 3 months to 18 years). Poor vision defined for the purpose of this study was found in 47.2% of 53 patients. Thirty-three (62.3%) children had nystagmus. Thirty-four (64.2%) children had strabismus. Thirteen (38.2%) of those with strabismus had esotropia, 20 (58.8%) had exotropia. The total number of the children with neurodevelopmental deficit was 22 (41.5%) in our study.

Conclusion:

The vision of young children with ONH should be monitored at least annually, and any refractive errors should be treated. Neuroimaging of the brain and endocrinologic evaluation is necessary in all cases with ONH.
Adding Psychosocial Factors Does Not Improve Predictive Models for People With Spinal Pain Enough to Warrant Extensive Screening for Them at Baseline
Authors: Ailliet Luc , Rubinstein Sidney M. , Hoekstra Trynke , van Tulder Maurits W. , de Vet Henrica C.W.
Published: February 2016

Background

Chiropractors throughout the world by and large focus on patients with musculoskeletal complaints who are generally in good health. Currently, it is widely accepted that neck pain and low back pain are best understood as biopsychosocial phenomena.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain psychosocial factors provide added value for predicting recovery.

Design

This was a prospective, multicenter, chiropractic, practice-based cohort study in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Methods

A total of 917 participants, 326 with neck pain and 591 with low back pain, completed self-administered questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. They provided information on several demographic, biomedical, and psychosocial variables. Lasting perceived recovery was used as the outcome measure, that is, recovery at all follow-up assessments from 3 months on. Twenty-seven potential predictors of outcome were used to build the predictive model. Stepwise, backward generalized estimating equation regression models were used to take into account the clustering of participants within practices. For assessment of the added value of psychosocial variables, 2 model fit indexes were compared.

Results

After the addition of psychosocial variables, predictors in the final model for neck pain included occupational status, body mass index, duration of complaints, previous treatment, and participant expectations (the model fit was marginally improved from 0.684 to 0.695 for the area under the curve and from 65.0% to 66.1% for the percentage correctly predicted). In the final model for low back pain, the selected predictors included country of treatment, age, duration of complaints, previous imaging, and somatization (the area under the curve changed from 0.669 to 0.715, and the percentage correctly predicted changed from 68.6% to 69.5%). Only a minority of participants had high scores on psychological variables.

Limitations

The reliability and validity of lasting recovery as an outcome measure have not been tested. The cohort needs to be seen as a convenience sample. Selection bias, therefore, not be ruled out. There are no indications, however, that patients with complex psychosocial profiles were excluded from this study.

Conclusions

Psychosocial variables provided little added value for predicting outcome in people who had neck pain or low back pain and sought chiropractic care. Therefore, chiropractors should not screen extensively for them at baseline. With regard to the identification of the small subgroup of people with high scores on psychosocial variables and a high risk for chronic pain, further investigation is needed.
Malnutrition as a Modifiable Risk Factor of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Among Under Five Children
Authors: Mishra P. , Parajuli J. , Acharya N. , Gupta V
Published: February 2016

Background: Pneumonia is the single largest cause of death in children worldwide. Malnutrition increases the incidence and severity of ALRI and similarly it contributes to malnutrition. By identifying and treating the cases of malnutrition will decrease disease burden.  Objective: To identify malnutrition as a risk factor of lower respiratory tract infection among children of under five years.Methods and Materials: A case control study was conducted at Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur, Nepal from June 2014 to November 2014. All diagnosed case of ALRI as per WHO were selected for case group. The controls were healthy children presented in OPD, pediatric ward and immunization clinic. The predesigned case performa with check list was the tool to identifying risk factor of ALRI. All data were entered in SPSS version 19. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used for analysis of data with level of significance at p value <0.05.Results: 107 cases and 107 controls were enrolled with age and sex matched. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1 vs 1.8:1 and the proportion of infants, 70.1% vs 68.3% in cases and controls respectively. Moderate wasting was present on 36.4% (39) of case group and 16.8% (18) of control group and It was significantly associated with ALRI (p=0.003). 10.3% (11) of case group children were moderately stunted while 6.5% (7) of control group. It was not statistical associated with ALRI (p=0.325).Conclusions: Wasted children were more prone to suffer from ALRI as compare to stunted children. As it is modifiable risk factor, we should focus on effective community education and public health measures to prevent malnutrition.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014. Page : 2-5
Demographic Profile and Childhood Morbidity Pattern in Western Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Jyoti , Belbase Mohan , Bahl Lalita
Published: February 2016

Background: Nepalgunj Medical College is a tertiary care centre in western Nepal. This part of Nepal is under privileged with high rate of illiteracy and poverty leading to various morbidities including pediatric problems. This study is carried out as there have not been many studies with this regard especially from this part of the country.Methods: This is a retrospective study done in patients admitted in pediatric ward of Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, for six months from June to November 2014.Results: Out of 949 patients admitted in Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, 604 (63.6%) were male and 345(36.4%) were female. Age range 1-5 years had the maximum number of patients 342(36%) of the total hospital admissions. Respiratory tract infections were the most frequent cause of childhood morbidity 266 (28%) followed by central nervous system illness 138 (14.5%) and gastrointestinal system illness 122(12.9%). Mean hospital stay was 4.3 days.Conclusions: Respiratory tract infections were the most frequent cause of childhood morbidity 266(28%) followed by central nervous system illness 138(14.5%) and gastrointestinal system illness 122(12.9%).JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 20-23
Management of the Pre Pubertal Girls with Labial Adhesions
Authors: Paul BJ , Das CR
Published: February 2016

Back ground: Pre pubertal labial adhesion is an important pediatric gynecological problem. Parents panic about this condition as absent vagina, which is rather very easy to handle in a very simple, rapid, surgical management.Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment on prepubertal girls with labial adhesions.Methods: A period of 3 years from May 2011 to May 2014 was taken to conduct a study about this condition on prepubertal girls. The place of study was Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke, Nepal. All patients underwent either outpatient surgical treatment or in operation theatre under short anesthesia, those who were either frightened or non cooperative. They were placed in gynecological (dorsal) position. A thin stainless steel lubricated probe or 1-2 mm. size, Hegar dilator was used to separate the labia minora by firm pressure.Result: All patients were successfully treated and at present they are being followed for recurrence.Conclusion: This benign disorder can be treated by any gynecologist as an office procedure.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014
Canadian Provincial Government Budget Data, 1980/81 to 2013/14
Authors: Kneebone Ronald , Wilkins Margarita
Published: February 2016

Statistics Canada has stopped publishing data on Canadian provincial government budgets, leaving researchers without the ability to examine the fiscal policy choices of those governments. We present a data set describing the budgets of each of the ten provinces spanning the period 1980/81 to 2013/14. Our data are similar to those published in the Department of Finance's Fiscal Reference Tables but provide a finer breakdown of revenue and expenditure into major categories. We illustrate the value of our data set by using it to examine long-term trends in provincial budgets that can be understood only with access to a long time series.
Signal Theatre, Creation, and Actor Training
Authors: Greyeyes Michael
Published: February 2016

The editors of CTR Issue 165 “Equity in Theatre” invited Michael Greyeyes, the Artistic Director of Signal Theatre and the Director of the MFA in Acting program at York University in Toronto, to share his perspectives on actor training, actor creation, and indigeneity. Michael is Plains Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, and his artistic and educational work explore the decolonization of the body, the expression of Indigenous performance practices, and the training of a new generation of culturally aware actors. The slides in this series feature images from recent Signal Theatre shows, productions that, as he explains, regularly engage and extend Indigenous movement and expressive traditions. More of Michael’s work on actor training can be found in his contribution to the recently launched “Diversities in Acting” website curated by David Fancy: brocku.ca/diversities-in-actor-training. This resource features a line-up of professional training voices from a diverse range of cultural, gender, stylistic, and ability backgrounds.
Insatiable Sisters / Sister Solidarity
Authors: Milan Kim Katrin , Wong Gein
Published: February 2016

Kim Katrin Milan describes her approach to curating in inclusive ways that include artists of various abilities and backgrounds. Speaking to the lack of diversity in Canadian theatre, she shares her perspectives on the history and evolution of Insatiable Sisters’ one-night super-cabaret at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Gein Wong discusses the need to shift the landscape by creating a reality where Canadian theatre is consistently grounded in equity. Using previous productions she has co-curated and directed as examples, Gein urgently brings to the forefront the benefits behind recognizing and supporting the ongoing efforts of womyn and trans folks who are intentionally creating space in theatre.
Equity and the Academy: A Survey of Theatre Productions at Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions
Authors: Hanson Nicholas , Elser Alexa
Published: February 2016

On a periodic basis, reports from professional arts organizations as well as articles in the popular press scrutinize the inequitable rates of gender participation in the professional theatre landscape. But what about the school play, in particular at Canadian post-secondary institutions with drama and theatre programs? This article disseminates and analyzes empirical data about artistic programming at post-secondary institutions, with a specific focus on the gender ratio of playwrights. Nicholas Hanson and Alexa Elser collected information about mainstage theatre productions connected to forty-five English-language post-secondary institutions across Canada, spanning a period of three academic years: 2012/13, 2013/14, and 2014/15. Hanson and Elser’s research reveals that schools produce plays written by women even less frequently than professional theatres do. Arguing that a greater focus on gender equity in the academy offers the potential to implement substantive change, Hanson and Elser provide resources and recommendations to bolster the production of plays by women at post-secondary institutions.
An Open Letter to the Artist as a Young Woman or Man; Or, Why We Need to Talk about Race
Authors: Nuñez Marilo
Published: February 2016

The article is written as a personal letter to a young “artist of colour.” Marilo Nuñez explores her own journey in theatre, from her early career as an actor to her work running one of the only Latin American theatre companies in Canada; she gives insight and advice to the new generation of “artists of colour.”
Feminism as a Marketing Tool: Calgary’s Urban Curvz
Authors: Scott Shelley
Published: February 2016

This article begins with the question of whether and how theatres use the word feminism in their advertising and on their websites. I address Calgary’s Urban Curvz theatre company and their assertive use of the word, drawing on conversations with Lindsey Zess-Funk, Artistic Associate, and Jacqueline Russell, the company’s Artistic Director. Is the language of feminism attractive as a marketing strategy for professional theatre? The marketing choices of Urban Curvz—the images used, the language employed, the events hosted—can provide an alternative message to the cacophony of other theatres’ advertising campaigns, and can create an alternative intention for theatregoers in Calgary, but need to be handled carefully. Urban Curvz has made an impact through the growing profile of its Girls Gone Wilde! festival and other special events it sponsors, such as Take Back Halloween, an event held in 2014 that attracted significant media attention but also some negative feedback, as the intention to offer an alternative to the hypersexualization of Halloween costumes was misconstrued by some as “slut shaming.” This incident points to the challenges of articulating a feminist message.
Transitioning the Theatre Industry
Authors: Drake Sunny
Published: February 2016

“Transitioning the Theatre Industry” examines the state of trans theatre in Canada. Vibrant creativity abounds in trans, transgender, transsexual, two spirit, and genderqueer communities. Trans artists, particularly those at the intersections of marginalized identities such as trans women of colour, have immense underused contributions to make to Canadian theatre. Yet there is a lack of trans content in theatres, and very few trans artists are able to access careers in theatre. While mainstream trans visibility has increased somewhat, the majority of cultural content about trans people continues to be created by non-trans artists. The voyeuristic biases of non-trans people shape the telling of particular trans narratives with problematic stereotypes. In contrast, at a community level, trans artists are creating compelling work exploring the wholeness of our experiences—not just our surgeries and physical transitions. Theatre presenters are frequently more conservative than their audiences—wide audiences are able to enjoy trans-themed work, although it is also valid for trans artists to make work specifically for trans communities. This article urges support for the development and presentation of trans artists as a priority, yet also explores whether and how non-trans artists can create respectful, nuanced trans characters.
In Conversation with Women Artistic Directors
Authors: Chevrier Micheline , mandiela ahdri zhina , Nolan Yvette , Ouchi Mieko , Pizano Beatriz , Garton Stanley Sarah
Published: February 2016

A conversation reflecting on gender, diversity, and opportunity in the Canadian theatre industry with six women theatre practitioners, all of whom have worked in various regions and leadership capacities over the years, the focus here being their experiences as artistic directors.
Effect of buffer on fumarase reactions
Authors: Dunford H. Brian
Published: February 2016

Two specific mechanisms are proposed to explain the effect of buffer on the reactions catalysed by fumarase. In one mechanism, buffer catalyses a slow isomerisation of the enzyme in which a catalytic acid group on one side of the active site is replaced by another acid group on the opposite side. In the other mechanism the buffer-catalysed isomerisation reaction is fast. The latter mechanism fits the experimental data.
Activity of Mecillinam and Clavulanic Acid on ESBL Producing and Non- ESBL Producing Escherichia Coli Isolated From UTI Cases
Authors: Shadia Khandaker , Ahmed Abdullah Akhtar , Barai Lovely , Rahman Fahmida , Tahmina Nusrat , Haq J Ashraful
Published: February 2016

Mecillinam is one of the very few oral antibacterial agents used against extended spectrum ?- lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) causing urinary tract infection (UTI)). It is reported that, resistance to mecillinam can be reversed to some extent by adding beta lactamase inhibitor like clavulanic acid. The present study was aimed to determine in-vitro activity of mecillinam and mecillinam-clavulanic acid combination on the susceptibility of ESBL producing and non-ESBL producing E. coli. Total 124 E. coli (78 ESBL positive and 46 ESBL negative) isolates from urine samples of patients with UTI were included in the study. Organisms were isolated from patients attending BIRDEM General Hospital from July 2012 to December 2012. ESBL production was tested by double disc synergy test. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of mecillinam and clavulanic acid against E. coli was determined by agar dilution method. Of the total E. coli isolates, 62.9% was ESBL positive and 37.1% was negative for ESBL. Out of ESBL positive isolates, 75.6% was sensitive to mecillinam while ESBL negative isolates showed the sensitivity as 67.4%. The sensitivity to mecillinam of ESBL positive and negative isolates increased to 85.9% and 86.9% respectively by addition of clavulanic acid with mecillinam. The MIC values of intermediate and resistant isolates converted to sensitive MIC range after addition of clavulanic acid with mecillinam. Conversion of resistance of ESBL producing isolates by adding clavulanic acid was also evident by the reduction of MIC50 and MIC90 from 4?g/ml to ?1 ?g/ml and from 128 ?g/ ml to 64 ?g/ml respectively. Similar trend of reduction of MICs was also observed in non-ESBLs. In conclusion, both ESBL positive and negative E. coli demonstrated considerable sensitivity to mecillinam and the sensitivity increased significantly (p<0.05) by adding clavulanic acid with mecillinam.Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2014; 8(2): 56-60
Wavelet Packet Decomposition to Characterize Injection Molding Tool Damage
Authors: Kek Tomaž , Kusić Dragan , Grum Janez
Published: February 2016

This paper presents measurements of acoustic emission (AE) signals during the injection molding of polypropylene with new and damaged mold. The damaged injection mold has cracks induced by laser surface heat treatment. Standard test specimens were injection molded, commonly used for examining the shrinkage behavior of various thermoplastic materials. The measured AE burst signals during injection molding cycle are presented. For injection molding tool integrity prediction, different AE burst signals’ descriptors are defined. To lower computational complexity and increase performance, the feature selection method was implemented to define a feature subset in an appropriate multidimensional space to characterize the integrity of the injection molding tool and the injection molding process steps. The feature subset was used for neural network pattern recognition of AE signals during the full time of the injection molding cycle. The results confirm that acoustic emission measurement during injection molding of polymer materials is a promising technique for characterizing the integrity of molds with respect to damage, even with resonant sensors.
Multiple Discrete Endogenous Variables in Weakly-Separable Triangular Models
Authors: Jun Sung , Pinkse Joris , Xu Haiqing , Yıldız Neşe
Published: February 2016

We consider a model in which an outcome depends on two discrete treatment variables, where one treatment is given before the other. We formulate a three-equation triangular system with weak separability conditions. Without assuming assignment is random, we establish the identification of an average structural function using two-step matching. We also consider decomposing the effect of the first treatment into direct and indirect effects, which are shown to be identified by the proposed methodology. We allow for both of the treatment variables to be non-binary and do not appeal to an identification-at-infinity argument.