bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model tests of energy piles with and without a vertical load
Authors: Wang Cheng-long , Liu Han-long , Kong Gang-qiang , Ng Charles W. W. , Wu Di
Published: February 2016

The thermomechanical behaviour of energy piles during heating and cooling through model tests was studied. These model tests were carried out both with and without a vertical load and dry sand was used. The axial load distribution, load-settlement of the pile head, pile and soil temperature, soil pressure at the pile tip, horizontal soil pressure, thermal stress and mobilised side shear stress were investigated. The magnitude of stress and displacement influenced by vertical load or no load was comparatively analysed. The results show that heating and cooling induced thermal stress in piles and residual thermal stress was introduced after a heating and cooling cycle. Horizontal soil pressure also varied and changes in soil pressure at the pile tip differed depending on whether or not a vertical load was applied. Moreover, the pile temperature and the temperature within one pile diameter of the pile axis varied noticeably in the condition of this paper. The heave under no load was 143% of that under a vertical load after heating, while the settlement under no load was only 64% of that under vertical load after cooling.
MicroRNA-23b Targets Ras GTPase-Activating Protein SH3 Domain-Binding Protein 2 to Alleviate Fibrosis and Albuminuria in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Binghai , Li Hongzhi , Liu Jieting , Han Pengfei , Zhang Chunlei , Bai He , Yuan Xiaohuan , Wang Xiaoli , Li Li , Ma Hongchuang , Jin Xiudong , Chu Yanhui
Published: February 2016

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a frequent and severe complication of diabetes that is structurally characterized by glomerular basement membrane thickening, extracellular matrix accumulation, and destabilization of podocyte foot processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in DN, but identification of the specific miRs involved remains incomplete. Here, we confirm that the peripheral blood from patients with diabetes and the kidneys of animals with type 1 or 2 diabetes have low levels of miR-23b compared with those of their nondiabetic counterparts. Furthermore, exposure to high glucose downregulated miR-23b in cultured kidney cells. In contrast, renal expression of Ras GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 2 (G3BP2), a putative miR-23b target, increased in DN. In vitro, overexpression of miR-23b decreased, and inhibition of miR-23b increased, G3BP2 expression levels. Bioinformatics analysis also revealed p53 binding sites in the miR-23b promoter; in vitro inhibition of p53 or the upstream p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) upregulated miR-23b expression in high-glucose conditions. In turn, inhibition of G3BP2 or overexpression of miR-23b downregulated p53 and p38MAPK expression in high-glucose conditions. In vivo, overexpression of miR-23b or inhibition of p53 in db/db mice reversed hyperalbuminuria and kidney fibrosis, whereas miR-23b antagomir treatment promoted renal fibrosis and increased albuminuria in wild-type mice. These data suggest that hyperglycemia regulates pathogenic processes in DN through an miR-23b/G3BP2 feedback circuit involving p38MAPK and p53. In conclusion, these results reveal a role for miR-23b in DN and indicate a novel potential therapeutic target.
Role of Receptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase γ in Sensing Extracellular CO2 and HCO3 −
Authors: Zhou Yuehan , Skelton Lara A. , Xu Lumei , Chandler Margaret P. , Berthiaume Jessica M. , Boron Walter F.
Published: February 2016

Regulation of blood pH—critical for virtually every facet of life—requires that the renal proximal tubule (PT) adjust its rate of H+ secretion (nearly the same as the rate of HCO3
− reabsorption, J
HCO3
) in response to changes in blood [CO2] and [HCO3
−]. Yet CO2/HCO3
− sensing mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Because receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors render J
HCO3
in the PT insensitive to changes in CO2 concentration, we hypothesized that the structural features of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-γ (RPTPγ) that are consistent with binding of extracellular CO2 or HCO3
− facilitate monitoring of blood CO2/HCO3
− concentrations. We now report that PTs express RPTPγ on blood-facing membranes. Moreover, RPTPγ deletion in mice eliminated the CO2 and HCO3
− sensitivities of J
HCO3
as well as the normal defense of blood pH during whole-body acidosis. Thus, RPTPγ appears to be a novel extracellular CO2/HCO3
− sensor critical for pH homeostasis.
Zonas francas como generadoras de empleo en Colombia
Authors: Álvarez-Díaz Rocío
Published: February 2016

El presente artículo muestra los resultados de la investigación “Impacto en la generación de empleo en Bogotá por inversión extranjera y transferencia tecnológica en las zonas francas permanentes con operadores industriales de bienes, en el periodo 2000-2010 y proyección al 2015”, con la cual se buscaba determinar la influencia de la inversión extranjera y la transferencia tecnológica en el empleo. La investigación se llevó a cabo en dos fases: en la primera, se realizó un diagnóstico a través de una encuesta a 94 usuarios industriales en la zona franca de Fontibón, en Bogotá, Colombia; la segunda, contempló la inferencia del empleo en 62 zonas francas especiales del territorio colombiano, a partir de la información suministrada por la Cámara de Usuarios de Zonas Francas de la Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI). A la información obtenida, se le aplicó el método de regresión lineal, el cual permite validar los coeficientes estadísticos y determinar el grado de asociación y explicación de las variables. En este sentido, se acepta la hipótesis según la cual el incremento de capital por concepto de inversión extranjera y transferencia tecnológica genera nuevas unidades de trabajo. Por lo tanto, las zonas francas en Colombia se identifican como instrumento de desarrollo regional debido al aumento en la tasa de ocupación.
Saving for College and Section 529 Plans
Authors: Hannon Simona , Moore Kevin , Schmeiser Max , Stefanescu Irina
Published: February 2016

The past decade has simultaneously witnessed a substantial increase in enrollment at post-secondary institutions and a marked increase in college tuition. Not surprisingly, this trend overlapped with an increased demand for student loans and tax-advantaged educational savings.
Can a Bank Run Be Stopped? Government Guarantees and the Run on Continental Illinois
Authors: Carlson Mark A. , Rose Jonathan D.
Published: February 2016

This paper analyzes the run on Continental Illinois in 1984. We find that the run slowed but did not stop following an extraordinary government intervention, which included the guarantee of all liabilities of the bank and a commitment to provide ongoing liquidity support. Continental’s outflows were driven by a broad set of US and foreign financial institutions. These were large, sophisticated creditors with holdings far in excess of the insurance limit. During the initial run, creditors with relatively liquid balance sheets nevertheless withdrew more than other creditors, likely reflecting low tolerance to hold illiquid assets. In addition, smaller and more- distant creditors were more likely to withdraw. In the second and more drawn out phase of the run, institutions with relative large exposures to Continental were more likely to withdraw, reflecting a general unwillingness to have an outsized exposure to a troubled institution even in the absence of credit r is k. Finally, we show that the concentration of holdings of Continental’s liabilities was a key dynamic in the run and was importantly linked to Continental’s systemic importance.
Institutional Factors and Job Satisfaction of College Teachers: A Study for West Bengal
Authors: Roy Suhas , Roy Swapan Kumar
Published: February 2016

Job satisfaction of college teachers has paramount importance in the development of a country. These teachers supply the nation her workforce. The objective of the present paper is to find out whether institutional factors like pay, promotion, reputation of the institution, research or up gradation facilities, infrastructure of the college, medium of instruction, work environment and the like are responsible for differences of satisfaction levels as enjoyed by the college teachers. Teachers serving in the degree level colleges affiliated by different universities of West Bengal have been taken as samples for filling up a questionnaire containing 55 statements designed to constitute a 5-point Likert scale. The present paper found that pay and allowances, promotion, superannuation, college specific criteria, students related matter, examination-admission-election processes, infrastructure facilities, supervision, co-workers and stakeholders, work environment and community support have influences on job satisfaction of college teachers.
Comorbid cardiovascular system disorders in patients with cryoglobulinaemia
Authors: Petrov A V , Zayaeva A A
Published: February 2016

Aim. To study a possible association between cryoglobulinemia and cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease in patients with symptomatic cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis patients with elevated cryoglobulins. Methods. Analysis of the coexistent cardiovascular system diseases prevalence, heart and carotid arteries echocardiography data of 32 patients with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, and 129 patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on the fact of high cryoglobulins titers in the blood plasma compared to 32 healthy volunteers in the control group was conducted. Cryoglobulins isolation from the blood was performed using the A.E. Kalovidoris method in N.A. Konstantinova modification. Results. In patients with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis with asymptomatic cryoglobulinemia a high frequency of hypertension prevalence (46.8 and 34.4%, respectively), ischemic heart disease (15.6 and 7.9%), congestive heart failure (9.4 and 10.5%), chronic venous insufficiency (53.1 and 23.7%) and postthrombophlebetic syndrome (28.1 and 18.4%) was observed. When analyzing ultrasound data in patients with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis it has been found that the cryoglobulinemia is accompanied by left ventricular myocardial geometry violation (in 81.3 and 65.7% respectively versus 12.5% of patients in the control group), myocardial diastolic dysfunction (71 9 and 65.7% versus 15.6%), an increase in the proportion of patients with the «intima-media» complex thickening (78.1 and 36.8% versus 31.2%) and atherosclerotic plaques (34.4 and 13, 2% versus 6.2%) in the carotid arteries. Conclusion. Cryoglobulinemia can be considered as adjuvant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatism.
Intermacromolecular interactions with Eudragit® copolymers as a new principle of the microparticulate oral drug delivery systems development
Authors: Moustafine R I
Published: February 2016

The main trends of combining the chemically complementary types of (meth)acrylic copolymers of pharmaceutical-grade - Eudragit® in oral microparticulate systems with modified release (spheres, granules, capsules, etc.) - and the technological methods used in their manufacture, including various types of coating (single-layer, multi-layered, combined) are considered. It is noted that the processes that control the drugs release are based on pH-dependent intermacromolecular interaction of reactive groups between a pair of opposite charged Eudragit® copolymers both inside of spherical micro-matrix and inside the multilayer and combined coatings, allowing regulating both the degree and time of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) release from pharmaceutical form. Using this principle allows to develop time-sensitive and pH-sensitive systems with a targeted API delivery to predetermined parts of the gastrointestinal tract, preferably to the colon, which is not only the optimal zone for absorption of many API, but also often requires treatment of inflammatory diseases of different origin. Analysis of these processes is of key importance to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the API transport from considered systems types, methods of their correction, modification of macromolecular parameters (such as the copolymer units charge density, the stoichiometry of the produced composition, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fragments ratio in the polycomplexes structure affecting the swelling and resulting permeability of the system), as well as perspectives of (meth)acrylate polycomplexes use as a new class of carriers in the design of modern self-regulating, depending on the gastrointestinal tract physiological fluids pH, microparticulate oral API delivery systems.
Gender differences of response to various options of drug therapy in patients with chronic heart failure after suffered myocardial infarction
Authors: Dadashova G M
Published: February 2016

Aim. To evaluate gender features of treatment in patients with chronic heart failure who suffered myocardial infarction, determine the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers II, as well as antidepressants in the clinico-functional and psycho-emotional status, morphological and functional parameters of the heart in the treatment of men and women with this pathology.Methods. The study included 205 men and 185 women with chronic heart failure after suffering a myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized into three groups. Patients of the first group (80 men and 70 women) received background treatment (cardiac glycosides, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, prolonged nitrates if necessary, acetylsalicylic acid, atorvastatin and perindopril 5-10 mg/day. The patients of the second group (80 men and 70 women) received valsartan 80-160 mg/day in addition to the above-noted background treatment. In the therapeutic regimen of the third group of patients (45 men and 45 women) sertraline in a dose of 50 mg/day was included in addition to background treatment. All the patients underwent usual methods of general clinical examination, the 6-minute walk test, clinical status evaluation, the anxiety syndrome severity assessment using a Hamilton scale, echocardiography. The patients dynamic monitoring was carried out for 6 months.Results. The study results showed that provided therapy has comparable clinical effect in both men and women in all three groups. Statistically significant improvement in clinical condition indicators was reported and as a result, exercise tolerance increased. At the same time the quality of life improvement was more pronounced (p <0.001) in patients of the third group, amid the perindopril and sertraline use. According to the results of our study in patients of all three groups provided therapy has a comparable positive effect on echocardiography indicators, including those which characterize left ventricular hypertrophy.Conclusion. Amid the provided treatment in all three groups positive dynamics of clinical status indicators and intracardiac dynamics was reported; in addition to that the dynamics of both clinical status and linear and volumetric heart parameters was more pronounced amid the treatment with perindopril in combination with sertraline.
Dependence of clot contraction (retraction) on the molecular and cellular blood composition
Authors: Peshkova A D , Lozhkin A P , Fathullina L S , Malyasev D V , Bredikhin R A , Litvinov R I
Published: February 2016

Aim. To study the effect of the blood components on clot contraction dynamics in vitro.Methods. The original method based on the optical detection of changes in the blood clot volume over time was used. Whole blood, as well as reconstructed samples using washed platelets, erythrocytes, purified fibrinogen, platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma were studied.Results. Blood clot contraction has a non-linear kinetics, reflecting the complexity of the underlying mechanisms. Platelets increase the blood clot contraction, while the red blood cells have an inhibitory effect. Blocking the fibrin and platelets interaction using the RGDS peptide, an integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist, reduces the extent and rate of clot contraction. The exogenous Ca2+ is not required for contraction, but its addition stabilizes clots by inhibiting the erythrocytes. Thrombin has a dose-dependent effect and increases the rate and extent of contraction. In blood samples of patients taking warfarin, blood clot contraction was delayed.Conclusion. The blood clot contraction is a process which depends on many factors, including the blood cell composition, amount of fibrinogen, the endogenous thrombin activity and platelets interaction with fibrin; understanding the mechanisms of the blood clot contraction could form the basis for the development of novel approaches to the hemostatic disorders treatment.
Prevention of compartment syndrome after abdominal surgeries
Authors: Salakhov E K , Salakhov K K
Published: February 2016

The article presents the basic concepts and definitions of compartment syndrome, some mechanisms of its development, methods of treatment and prevention. Abdominal compartment syndrome is diagnosed in 20% of patients with therapeutic and 30% of patients with surgical pathology. Mortality in its development amid the treatment reaches 42-68%, and without treatment - 100%. The high risk of abdominal compartment syndrome development is characteristic for patients with generalized peritonitis. The trigger mechanism of syndrome development becomes increased intra-abdominal pressure, which leads to the multiple organ failure development. Currently, there are different approaches to the abdominal compartment syndrome prevention. There is no doubt that it is better to prevent this syndrome than cure, as well as any other pathological condition. It is necessary to bear in mind the probability of its formation and routinely measure intra-abdominal pressure in high-risk patients. Treatment tactics choice and timely detection of intra-abdominal hypertension are crucial in prevention of the abdominal compartment syndrome development in patients with abdominal surgical pathology. In general, it is recommended to perform preventive measures in respect of abdominal compartment syndrome in two directions. As the first one, the decision on the type of wound suturing is considered. Tissue perfusion optimization is considered as another preventive direction. Currently, there is no single approach in the abdominal compartment syndrome prevention in patients with generalized peritonitis, and further studies in this area are highly relevant. Since this pathology leads to impairment of almost all vital body functions and is associated with extremely high mortality, its early diagnosis by the intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, which allows to perform timely actions that prevent an adverse outcome, is of particular importance.
El Pterigion ¿una lesión tumoral?
Authors: Castaño Bello Juan Andrés , Gaviria Blanco Magda Milena , Delgado Barragán Jose Elias
Published: February 2016

El pterigion es una alteración caracterizada por la proliferación anormal del tejido conjuntival, en algunos individuos crece a tal punto que puede afectar el eje visual. Ha sido considerada por diferentes autores como una lesión neoplásica debido a que presenta características propias de los tejidos tumorales. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de artículos científicos a partir de los cuales se respalda la propuesta hecha por Clear et al, quienes sugieren por primera vez la asociación entre la enfermedad y las neoplasias, para esto, se resaltan evidencias moleculares reportadas en los genes p53, p21 y COX-2, cuyos polimorfismos se han relacionado con la presencia de tumores, e identificados en algunos casos de pterigion
El cuidado paliativo: un recurso para la atención del paciente con enfermedad terminal
Authors: Sarmiento Medina María Inés
Published: February 2016

Introducción: la longevidad y los cambios en el estilo de vida conllevan un aumento de patologías crónicas que pueden ser causa de dolor y sufrimiento al final de la vida. El Cuidado Paliativo (CP) es un tipo de atención en salud que tiene en cuenta esta necesidad. Se advierte a los gobiernos que deben estar preparados para hacer cambios en sus programas de salud e incluir esta atención como uno de los asuntos centrales de sus políticas.
Objetivos: describir la historia, filosofía y objetivos del CP. Puntualizar su grado de desarrollo en el mundo y en Colombia.
Métodos: revisión bibliográfica narrativa que incluyó deferentes bases de datos sin restricción en el tiempo, con los siguientes términos clave: palliative care history, palliative care philosophy, palliative care guides, end-of-lifecare, abandonment, burden, caregivers, pain, suffering, terminal illness, dying patients y medical education in palliativecare.
Resultados: la filosofía del CP se basa en el respeto a la calidad de vida, la autonomía y la dignidad del paciente al final de la vida mediante un adecuado manejo clínico y emocional y no comparte posturas radicales como la eutanasia o el suicidio asistido. Su desarrollo en el mundo es desigual y se destaca en países industrializados. En Colombia hay algunos avances, aunque todavía está lejos de atender las necesidades. La formación actual de los médicos en CP y manejo del dolor es deficiente y se privilegia el nivel de postgrado.
Conclusión: el CP es una opción para que el paciente con enfermedad terminal no sea abandonado a morir en una situación de angustia, dolor y sufrimiento. Se destaca la necesidad de incluir el CP en los servicios de salud para que aseguren una atención adecuada y de calidad en todas las etapas de la enfermedad.
Estado nutricional antropométrico de los niños y adolescentes de 17 escuelas del área rural del municipio de La Mesa, Cundinamarca, Colombia, 2012
Authors: Medina Óscar , Vargas Sandra Lucía , Ibánez Édgar , Rodríguez Gilma
Published: February 2016

Objetivo. Determinar el estado nutricional de los niños y adolescentes escolares de 17 escuelas del área rural del municipio de La Mesa, Cundinamarca, en 2012.
Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en el cual se tomaron medidas antropométricas de peso y talla a 411 niños y adolescentes de 17 escuelas rurales del municipio de La Mesa, en el 2012. Se utilizaron los patrones de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para los niños y adolescentes de 0 a 18 años, adoptados por Colombia en la Resolución 2121 del 2010. Los indicadores utilizados fueron talla para la edad e índice de masa corporal. Se usaron los criterios de clasificación de acuerdo con los puntos de corte establecidos para el país en términos de desviación estándar
Resultados. La edad promedio fue de 8,4±2,2 años. Se encontró que la prevalencia de riesgo de talla baja para los escolares menores de 10 años fue de 29,2 %, y en los mayores de esta edad, de 31,4 %. El 59,1 % de los niños y adolescentes del estudio tenía una talla adecuada para la edad y el 10,7 % presentaba talla baja para la edad. En relación con el exceso de peso, el 11,4 % tuvo sobrepeso y el 1,9 % presentó obesidad.
Conclusión. Se observó que el 25,2 % de la población escolar del área rural de La Mesa tenía algún compromiso nutricional en cuanto a baja talla para la edad, delgadez, sobrepeso y obesidad. Estos datos ratifican los resultados encontrados en la ENSIN 2010 y expresan problemas por deficiencia de talla para la edad, déficit o exceso de peso para la talla
Absceso hepático amebiano. Presentación de caso
Authors: Olivera Rivero Mario
Published: February 2016

El absceso hepático amebiano (AHA) es la manifestación extraintestinal más frecuente de la amebiasis. El AHA es resultado de la invasión de Entamoeba histolytica al hígado. Es una infección que está asociada a las malas condiciones de saneamiento ambiental y a los deficientes hábitos higiénicos. Es una patología que aún sigue presentado una alta morbilidad. En este artículo se informa un caso clínico y seguimiento de un paciente de 23 años con AHA, quien presenta la sintomatología típica a quien se suministra tratamiento etiológico adecuado. Adicionamente, se realiza una revisión sobre el tema abordando los aspectos epidemiológicos más relevantes
STRES KERJA, PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI
Authors: Adawiyah Robiatul , Siswanto Siswanto
Published: February 2016

The research aims to determine direct effect of work stress on employee perfor-mance, and job satisfaction as a mediating variable. This research was con-ducted at Islamic Banking in Malang. Explanatory research is used. Sampling
technique used proportional random sampling with path analysis as data
analysis. Research results showed the effect of work stress on employee perfor-mance was indirectly significant. While, the influence work stress on employee
performance was not significant
Supporting Parents with Mental Health Support in the NICU
Authors: Discenza Deborah
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Parents of premature babies are at high risk for postpartum depression and Posttraumatic stress disorder and need a lot of mental health support. Enter Parijat Deshpande, a mother who gave birth to her son in the 24th week and has a background in psychology and is now a health and wellness counselor. Parijat has a strong focus on perinatal wellness and helping parents of a preemie reduce their stress and increase the parent–child bond.
Organization Of Distributed Adaptive Learning
Authors: Vengerov Alexander
Published: February 2016

The growing sensitivity of various systems and parts of industry, society, and even everyday individual life leads to the increased volume of changes and needs for adaptation and learning. This creates a new situation where learning from being purely academic knowledge transfer procedure is becoming a ubiquitous always-on essential part of all viable organizations, systems, processes and human lives. The form of learning, which becomes an essential integral part of coevolutionary adaptive efforts of individuals and socio-economic entities in their attempts to cope with change, supplements the traditional learn-for-reuse forms. The rapidly evolving new features of learning discussed in this paper form a system determined by their mutual reinforcement and dynamic influence.
The Graduate MIS Security Course: Objectives And Challenges
Authors: Jensen Bradley K. , Guynes Carl S. , Nyaboga Andrew
Published: February 2016

Given the magnitude of real and potential losses, both private and public employers increasingly expect graduates of management information systems (MIS) programs to understand information security concepts. The infrastructure requirements for the course includes setting up a secure laboratory environment to accommodate the development of viruses and worms. The labs and lectures are intended to instruct students in the inspection and protection of information assets, as well as detection of and reaction to threats to information assets.
Live Case Analysis: Pedagogical Problems And Prospects In Management Education
Authors: Roth Kevin J. , Smith Chad
Published: February 2016

The selection of an appropriate and effective pedagogy has been a central theme in management education for decades. There currently exists a wide range of pedagogical options designed to match course content with the most appropriate technique(s) for effective learning outcomes. Most recently, a variety of experiential learning methods have been employed to provide students with real-life experiences and applications in the overall class design. Live case analysis is typically identified as one of a series of options within the domain of experiential learning methods. This paper examines the live case approach as a tool for achieving desired outcomes in management education. Perspectives are offered from multiple stakeholder groups that highlight both the challenges and prospects in the use of this method of teaching. Results demonstrate the usefulness of the live case approach for achieving assessment objectives and measuring important program outcomes.
Min And Max Extreme Interval Values
Authors: Jance Marsha L. , Thomopoulos Nick T.
Published: February 2016

The paper shows how to find the min and max extreme interval values for the exponential and triangular distributions from the min and max uniform extreme interval values. Tables are provided to show the min and max extreme interval values for the uniform, exponential, and triangular distributions for different probabilities and observation sizes.
Learner-Centered (LCI) Vs. Teacher-Centered (TCI) Instruction: A Classroom Management Perspective
Authors: Minter Mary Kennedy
Published: February 2016

Teacher education should incorporate management and leadership training with an emphasis on student audience analysis. Macro perspectives of teaching are needed for a workable approach to the management of education.
Implementing Strategic Orientation
Authors: Fischer Arthur K. , Brownback Sarah
Published: February 2016

An HRM case dealing with problems and issues of setting up orientation programs which align with corporate strategy. Discussion concerns how such a case can be used to exhibit the alignment between HRM and business strategy.
Proposal For Supply Chain Concentration In The Traditional MBA Program
Authors: Ramaswamy K. V.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this proposal is to develop and implement a concentration in Supply Chain Management in the existing traditional MBA program effective fall 2012. Houston is the hub for many multinational oil and energy companies, large healthcare systems, wholesale/retail businesses, engineering and construction companies, and is a major city along the transportation artery of NAFTA. The program is designed to provide SCM expertise to students in the existing traditional MBA program. The environment for this proposal is the School of Business at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004.
Analyzing Educational Testing Service Graduate Major Field Test Results
Authors: Thornton Barry , Arbogast Gordon
Published: February 2016

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) created the Graduate Major Field Test in Business (GMFT-B) for MBA students. This test is administered to all MBA classes at Jacksonville University for the purpose of measuring student academic achievement and growth, as well as to assess educational outcomes. The test is given in the capstone course, Business Strategy and Policy, typically taken by students at the end of their MBA program. It provides valuable feedback to each student as to their standing with regard to students across the nation. A total of six years of data (2006 to 2011) was collected for analysis of these test scores. For the first half of this time period, Jacksonville University was in candidacy for accreditation by the Association for the Advancement of Colleges and Schools of Business (AACSB), and for the time period 2009-2011 it was an AACSB accredited institution. Executive MBA, evening MBA (also known as flex MBA) and day-time (accelerated) MBA classes took the exam over that time period. It was determined that the executive MBA student grades were significantly better than their counterparts in the evening (flex) and day-time (accelerated) MBA students at Jacksonville University. It was also found that there was no significant difference in student performance during the first half (AACSB candidacy) and second half (AACSB accreditation) of the time period under investigation.
Developing An Assessment Of Learning Process: The Importance Of Pre-Testing
Authors: Sheran Michelle , Sarbaum Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

Colleges and universities are increasingly being held accountable for assessing and reporting student learning. Recently there has been increased focus on using assessment to improve learning over time. In this paper we present a simple, step-by-step assessment process that will deliver meaningful results to achieve these ends. We emphasize the need to conduct controlled and consistent pre- and post-testing so that the impact of pedagogical changes can be effectively measured. We explain how we have utilized this process in our Principles of Microeconomics courses to assess learning objectives and show that absolute performance on the assessment of a learning objective is not always consistent with relative performance improvement. These results reinforce the need to use pre-testing to effectively assess learning and measure the impact of pedagogical changes over time.
Fostering Experiential Learning And Service Through Client Projects In Graduate Business Courses Offered Online
Authors: Hagan Linda M.
Published: February 2016

Undergraduate marketing and public relations capstone courses utilize client projects to allow students to apply their knowledge and encourage collaboration. Yet, at the graduate level, especially with courses offered in an online modality, experiential service learning in the form of client project assignments presents unique challenges. However, with an increased emphasis on practical application across the business curricula and growth in distance learning, client projects can provide opportunities for adult learners to hone their skills and encourage teamwork using new collaborative technology. This paper discusses experiential service learning and gives an example of a client project model.
Animated PowerPoint Presentations For Teaching Operations And Supply Chain Management: Perceived Value And Electronic Exchange Of Files
Authors: Treleven Mark D. , Penlesky Richard J. , Callarman Thomas E. , Watts Charles A. , Bragg Daniel J.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the innovation of sharing animated PowerPoint presentations used in teaching operations and supply chain management techniques and concepts through an international electronic exchange. The plan for the exchange is presented and discussed. The potential benefits to faculty and students of using PowerPoint animations in operations and supply chain management classes are discussed. Evidence of these benefits is also provided. Readers are provided with information about how to join the exchange.
An Examination Of Personal Values And Value Systems Of Chinese And U.S. Business Students
Authors: Giacomino Don E. , Li Xin , Akers Michael D.
Published: February 2016

Using the Rokeach Value Survey and the Musser and Orke typology this paper examines the personal values and value systems of business students in China and compares the results with the results of a recent study that used similar methodology to examine the values and value systems of U.S. students. The study also examines the differences in values and value systems of the Chinese students by gender and by major. While there are few differences for the Chinese students by gender, our findings show several differences in the rankings of values by the Chinese and U.S. students as well as differences in value systems. Implications for accounting education are discussed.
Decimal Place Setting And Error In AMORT Function In Texas Instruments BA-II Plus Calculator
Authors: Huang Qian , Ng Chee
Published: February 2016

Setting decimal places to two in Texas Instruments BA-II Plus financial calculator to be consistent with our currency denomination is insidious. It yields erroneous amortization answers that elude unsuspecting users. The only remedy to minimize the erroneous answers is to increase the decimal places to nine, the maximum permissible by the calculator.
Miller Table Company: A Profit Analysis Case Integrating Managerial Accounting, Microeconomics And Marketing
Authors: Miller Louise
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a unique integrative business case appropriate for use in a managerial accounting course or other business courses related to economics or marketing. The case describes a scenario in which a managerial accountant is assisting in business decisions relating to factors influencing the profitability of a small manufacturing operation. Students are asked to optimize profits for company operations given information concerning costs, quality, and marketing options.
Social Attributes And Economic Instability In Africa
Authors: Okpala Amon O. , Jonsson Petur O.
Published: February 2016

How do the social characteristics of African economies affect their relative economic stability? This paper offers a new nominal definition of economic instability in terms of average standard deviations from the exponential growth path suggested by neoclassical growth theory under ideal conditions. We used the portion of the population that subsists on agriculture as an indication of how diverse and adaptable any particular economy is. Literacy rates may serve as a proxy for the quality and adaptability of the labor force in the various countries. Other variables used are urban population as a percentage of total population, life expectancy, infant mortality rates and the corruption perception index. These variables were all statistically significant in explaining economic instability with the expectation of corruption perception index and infant mortality rates which were statistically insignificant.
The Effects Of Individual Differences And Industry Stability On Auditors' Perceived Risk Assessments
Authors: Makkawi Bilal A. , Rutledge Robert W.
Published: February 2016

The U. S. Public Oversight Board’s Panel on Audit Effectiveness suggests that both audit effectiveness and efficiency may benefit from greater consideration being given to auditors’ risk assessments. The association between several independent variables (e.g., tolerance-for-ambiguity, field dependence/independence, and industry stability) and auditors’ perceived risk assessments is examined in an experimental setting. Six hypotheses suggested from a review of the literature are tested. The results indicate that industry stability and (to a lesser extent) tolerance-for-ambiguity (TFA) each have a main effect on auditors’ perceived risk assessments. Further, these two variables are found to have a moderately significant interactive effect on such assessments. The level of industry stability (stable or unstable) is found to affect the risk assessments of low-TFA subjects more than high-TFA subjects. Implications of these results for the audit process are provided.
Cash Balance Pension Plans: Good News or Bad News?
Authors: Rao Arundhati , Higgins Leslee , Taylor Sandra
Published: February 2016

Modification of defined benefit plans and conversion of defined contribution plans into Cash Balance Pension Plans (CBPs) has attracted a lot of attention recently.  A comparison of the three plans and an examination of 10 companies reveal a significant financial incentive in favor of CBPs.  The “good news” for a younger employee is level accrual of benefits and plan portability, and for stockholders, a smaller impact on net income.  CBPs bear “bad news” for older and/or less mobile employees and the stockholders when the plan assets perform poorly. 
Traditional And Non-Traditional Determinants Of Foreign Direct Investment In Developing Countries
Authors: Kahai Simran K.
Published: February 2016

This paper extends previous studies on the determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by looking at both traditional and non-traditional factors that influence the amount of FDI flowing to developing countries. Emphasis is placed on the role of non-traditional qualitative factors. Data from 1998 and 2000 for fifty-five developing countries are employed to estimate an empirical model of FDI. Results indicate that FDI is significantly affected by several qualitative factors such as the level of economic freedom, level of corruption, and the level of international trade regulations adopted in the host country. These findings support the need for increased considera- tion of cultural and institutional factors in attempting to better estimate and understand the devel- opment process.
The Jock Tax Contest: Professional Athletes Vs. The States - Background And Current Developments
Authors: Ekmekjian Elizabeth C. , Wilkerson James C. , Bing Robert W.
Published: February 2016

Opening day of the Major League Baseball‟s 2002 season fell on April 1 of that year. After the National Anthem was sung, the crowd applauded as the New York Mets took the field, and the umpire yelled, “play ball.” The State of New York also cheered. Why? New York, like a number of other states and localities, imposes an income tax on athletes that visit its borders. So, when Tex- as Rangers shortstop, Alex Rodriguez, the highest paid baseball player during the 2002 season with a salary of $22 million, played 4 regular season games in the Big Apple, he incurred a tax liability of approximately $34,250. This state income taxation of nonresident professional athletes is commonly referred to as “the jock tax.” This paper introduces the reader to the jock tax beginning with a brief explanation of state income taxes, continuing with a discussion of its complexi- ties and historical/current issues faced by athletes, teams and the states through implementation of the tax. The paper concludes with the broader implications of a state or local taxing jurisdiction's powers to tax its nonresident visitors. 
State Level Poverty: The Case Of New York
Authors: Mogull Robert G.
Published: February 2016

This study serves two purposes. First, it demonstrates a method of estimating and projecting annual poverty at sub-national levels. Data are obtained from decennial censuses and form the benchmarks from which poverty is estimated and projected for separate demographic groups. Projections are based upon historical curvilinear trends for each group. The methodology demonstrated can be easily applied in a variety of jurisdictional settings and levels. The second objective is to provide a portrait of poverty by demographic group specifically within the State of New York. The evidence indicates that New York can anticipate a substantial poverty increase over the next decade. There will also be major shifts among demographic groups in their shares of overall State poverty.
Discontinued Operations Recognition, Initial Provisions, And Subsequent Adjustments
Authors: Collins Allison , Collins Denton , Shaw Wayne
Published: February 2016

This study extends our understanding of why firms choose to take discretionary write-offs and identifies factors that influence the measurement of the charges taken. We focus on segment disposals, initial provisions recorded upon discontinuance of those segments, and adjustments to initial provisions that accompany the segment disposals. We partition our sample into those disposals that were substantially completed at the time of recognition (nondiscretionary disposals) and those that were recognized prior to disposal completion (discretionary disposals). With respect to motivations for taking discretionary rather than nondiscretionary disposals, we find that firms electing discretionary disposals discontinue segments that experience sharp declines in earnings and that require more negative initial provisions; the continuing portion of these firms are less profitable and are in weaker financial condition when compared to firms recognizing disposals upon completion. Further, they are more likely to announce the disposal in the fourth quarter, and they are more likely to underestimate the cost of disposal. With respect to measurement issues, we find that subsequent adjustments to initial provisions for discretionary disposals relate both to firms’ abilities to estimate losses on disposal at the plan date and to management incentives to manage disclosures. In contrast, subsequent adjustments accompanying nondiscretionary disposals relate primarily to uncertainties contained in the disposal agreement.
Indicators Of Managers‟ Motivations For Issuing Forecasts Of Revenue And Earnings
Authors: Lacina Michael
Published: February 2016

This paper examines potential motivations for managers to include a revenue forecast with their earnings forecast by studying the characteristics of firms that make an earnings forecast with or without a revenue forecast and the news of the earnings forecasts. The main test is a multivariate logit regression analysis that is performed on a large sample of firms that issue earnings forecasts, some of which are accompanied by a revenue forecast. In accordance with hypotheses, firms that forecast both earnings and revenue are smaller, have more external financing needs, are more likely to be from a high technology industry, and disclose earnings forecasts with better news than firms that forecast earnings only. On the other hand, in contrast to what is hypothesized, there is no significant difference between those two groups of firms with respect to industry concentration. Initially, firms that forecast both earnings and revenue are found to be younger and have higher earnings volatility. However, further analysis shows these potential determinants to be subsumed by other firm characteristics.
The Mediating Role Of EMS Teamwork As It Pertains To HR Factors And Perceived Environmental Performance
Authors: Daily Bonnie F. , Bishop James W. , Steiner Robert
Published: February 2016

Little management theory or empirical results exist to guide managers in maximizing employee efforts to successfully implement Environmental Management Systems (EMS). In response, this study examines the relationship among Human Resource (HR) factors and employee perceptions of environmental performance. Four hundred thirty-seven (437) employees were surveyed in an organization with a well-developed EMS program and ISO 14001 certification. Results suggest that management support for EMS, EMS training, employee empowerment, and EMS rewards are related to perceived environmental performance. Furthermore, EMS teamwork plays a mediating role between some of independent variables and perceived environmental performance. Finally, implications for managers are discussed.
How Marketing Communications Correlates With Business Performance
Authors: Mumel Damijan , Hocevar Nina , Snoj Boris
Published: February 2016

Companies use different marketing activities to communicate with the environment. These decisions are often a result of past experiences, habits or a certain influences. Measuring the efficiency of a communication mix as well as analyzing the effect of using a specific marketing communication activity on different business performance determinants are usually neglected. This paper might contribute to this problem as it focuses on the correlation between marketing communication activities and the business performance of a company through two aspects: a) the frequency of using a specific marketing communication activity and its correlation to business performance determinants; b) the correlation between the number of marketing communication activities that a company uses and its business performance determinants. We found statistically significant relationships (positive and negative) among some variables. The results helped us interpret which activity a company should use in order to increase customer loyalty, which activity helps raise net profit, and how many marketing communication activities should a company employ to optimise business performance. With this, managers have obtained basic guidelines when building their marketing communication mix.
The Impact Of Analysts‟ Recommendations: Evidence From The Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Glezakos Michalis , Merika Anna
Published: February 2016

This study aims to investigate the usefulness of analysts’ recommendations on firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). It contradicts the majority of published works which conclude that analysts’ recommendations do offer valuable investment opportunities. The unique feature of this work is that it sheds light on the issue, adopting a practical approach stemming from the investor’s point of view. It is shown through an event study methodology, that analysts’ recommendations do not result to any significant excess returns.