bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification etiology of chronic infectious-inflammatory pulmonary diseases exacerbations in children
Authors: Boronina Lyubov Grigoryevna , Samatova Elena Valeryevna
Published: February 2016

During the examination of 45 children with exacerbation of chronic infectious-inflammatory pulmonary diseases complex of laboratory methods (culture, polymerase chain reaction, indirect immunofluorescence, gas-liquid chromatography, immune-enzyme analysis) established that the exacerbation associated with monoculture (62.2 %): aerobic - 40 %, including facultative anaerobic bacteria, nonspore-forming anaerobic bacteria - 17.8 %, viruses - 4.4 %, and with associations of microorganisms (26.4 %): bacterial-bacterial - 15.4 %, bacterial-viral - 8.8 %, bacterial-fungal - 2.2 %.
Temporary biventricular pacing after cardiac surgery: a method of supporting cerebral perfusion
Authors: Naumov Aleksey Borisovich , Didenko Maksim Viktorovich , Marchenko Sergey Pavlovich , Suvorov Vitaliy Vladimirovich , Averkin Igor Igorevich , Pasenov Gippokrat Sergeyevich
Published: February 2016

One of the main aims in postoperative period after cardiac surgery is the improving good systemic hemodynamics. In this connection after the cardiac operation it is necessary to use temporary pacing. In literature we can find a lot of methods of application temporary pacing, but what is better we don’t know. Routinely, in cardiac surgical procedures, epicardial pacing leads are placed on the right atrium and right ventricle in case of significant bradycardia or the development of atrioventricular block. It has been reported previously that right atrium - right ventricle pacing may induce left ventricle dyssynchrony and hemodynamic compromise compared with atrial pacing alone. On the other hand, it has recently been suggested that right atrio-biventricular pacing may improve hemodynamics in postcardiac surgery patients. However, this conclusion is not clear in the clinical setting. And may be we will be able to reduce the doses of inotropes, if we will be use method of right atrio-biventricular pacing [16, 20]. Temporary atrio-biventricular pacing improves cardiac output after open-heart surgery and whether ventricular pacing optimization increases cardiac output in this setting. We will examine which forms of cardiac dysfunction benefit from temporary pacing using direct and indirect measures of perfusion and cardiac function. We will also analyze hemodynamics effect after cardiac operation with different setting of pacemaker. The results of our study demonstrate the high efficiency of temporary biventricular pacing, achieved the best hemodynamic effect compared with other methods of temporary pacemaker.
Pathophysiological principles for evaluating hemodynamic
Authors: Marchenko Sergey Pavlovich , Khubulava Gennadiy Grigorevich , Naumov Alexey Borisovich , Seliverstova Anastasia Alexeevna , Cipurdeeva Natalia Dmitrievna , Suvorov Vitaliy Vladimirovich , Nevmergitskaiy Oksana Vladimirovna , Alexandrovich Uriy Stanislavovich , Kulemin Evginiy Sergeevich
Published: February 2016

The diagnosis and treatment of patients with hemodynamic disorders is basing of the understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular system. The relationship between length of muscle fibers and power reduction were first time revealed by Fick. Otto Frank was formulated fundamental principles of contractility of cardiomyocytes. Straub and Wiggers in 1914 was described the mail principles of the right ventricle work. Ernest Starling was performed a series of experiments, which explore a dependence of left ventricular ejection from venous inflow and elastic resistance of the aorta. In 1914 Ernest Starling was published research result, which describe how the mechanical energy of heart beats is depend from length fiber. Another essential part of knowledge of this problem was discovered by Aurtur Guyton experiments. Guyton has been established that there is a linear relationship between the pressure in the right atrium and the venous return. The lack of quantitative assessment of volume status has led to a qualitative approach, de-scribed by the term “response to the volume load.” However, as pointed out by some authors [16, 29], it is important to remember that the response to the preload is not a pathological condition. A quantitative approach to the assessment of volume status is based on the concept of Guyton on average system pressure filling, theoretically independent of cardiac function. This approach is used clinically. In this review article we describe possibility of clinical application of all knowledge of this questions.
Evaluating the effectiveness of resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a model of acute hypoxic cardiac arrest in pigs (experimental study)
Authors: Khubulava Gennadiy Grigoryevich , Naumov Aleksey Borisovich , Marchenko Sergey Pavlovich , Suvorov Vitaliy Vladimirovich , Averkin Igor Igorevich , Nevmerzhitskaya Oksana Vladimirovna , Zaytsev Vladimir Vladimirovich , Seliverstova Anastasiya Alekseyevna , Andreyev Vadim Vladimirovich , Vlasenko Sergey Vasilyevich
Published: February 2016

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with closed-chest cardiac massage was developed to maintain circulation and ventilation until life-threatening problems could be corrected or reversed. Studies on the effect of CPR have shown that about 80-95 % cases of resuscitation are fatal or severe neurological consequences and survival to discharge after CPR ranged from 6 to 22 % [2, 4, 8, 11]. Furthermore, the chances of survival decline rapidly if the resuscitation period more than 10 minute. At the same time, we know that successful neurologic outcomes are inversely associated with the time of brain hypoperfusion. Because of the low survival rate after prolonged CPR, more aggressive methods have been suggested to increase success. With the advancement of techniques, extracorporeal mechanical support has been applied in conjunction with CPR, with variable results [5, 12]. To assess the efficacy of resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was modeled the acute hypoxic cardiac arrest in pigs. Results of the study in the two groups demonstrate efficient switching method supporting circulatory support (ECMO) in the minutes of CPR. In the provision of an extended set of measures of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the modeling of hypoxic cardiac arrest in animals in the group with ECMO received great survival to the end of the experiment, less expressed manifestations of acute heart failure. Intergroup comparison given the prerequisites for the development of protocols with the use of ECMO CPR, which would reduce the number of complications and death in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Isonymy as an indicator of inbreeding in child populations of Yamal and Gyda tundra
Authors: Avrusin Sergey Lvovich , Chasnyk Vyacheslav Grigoryevich , Solodkova Irina Vladimirovna , Sinelnikova Yelena Vladimirovna , Bobko Yaroslav Nikolayevich , Burtseva Tatyana Yegorovna
Published: February 2016

It is known that the term «inbreeding» refers to a descendant of close relatives. As a result of inbreeding in the population the number of homozygotes increases and thus the number of heterozygotes reduces, which degrades the quality of the population (inbreeding-depression), since it increases the frequency of diseases associated with recessive genes in such children. In isolated populations individuals with adverse signs as a result of inbreeding eventually get culled of (Kirkpatrick et al., 2000). Decrease in genetic di-versity as a result of inbreeding, usually leads to that the individual and the population lose their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, as many body functions are genetically determined. Simple statistical calculations indicate that all human beings are relatives to some extend. The inbreeding coefficient can be determined by analyzing the family tree based on the number of ancestors to the shared ancestor for both parents. The purpose of this study was to determine the inbreeding coefficient by means of isonymic analysis of the population of 2043 Nenets and Khanty children living in the villages of the Yamal region as well as in tundra assigned to boarding schools located in villages Salemal, Panaevsk, Yar-Sale, Novy Port and Gyda of the Yamal-Nenets autonomous destrict. Inbreeding coefficient was calculated using marital isonymy to estimate the frequency of consanguineous marriages as a measure of inbreeding (Crow and Mange,1965). We calculated the frequency of prospective isonymic marriages for individual Nenets and Khanty surnames for inhabitants of Yar-Sale, Salemal, Panaevsk, Novy Port and Gyda tundra. In Gyda tun-dra for one of the not very common in the region surnames the highest frequency of prospective consanguineous marriages was revealed (0.189). Values of the coefficient of random inbreeding for inhabitants of Yamal and Gyda tundra vary from 0.02 to 0.058 which is much higher than for example in the population of one of the Yakutia regions (0.0007) (Kucher et al., 2010) or in the population of Kirovsk region (0.00321-0.01063) (Kadyshev, 2011). In the population of Gyda tundra we revealed the highest coefficient of random inbreeding (0.058), which is the third world‘s largest value pub-lished to date.
Outcomes of treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis related uveitis with TNF-alpha inhibitors
Authors: Gaidar Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Kostik Mikhail Mikhaylovich , Snegireva Ludmila Stepanovna , Dubko Margarita Fedorovna , Masalova Vera Vasilyevna , Serogodskaya Elena Dmitrievna , Macijevska Aida Sirradzidinovna , Hynes Alla
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of two anti-TNF-alpha biological agents: Adalimumab (humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody) and Infliximab (chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds both circulating and membrane-bound TNF-alpha receptors) in treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis related uveitis. 37 children (73 % girls) with uveitis associated with aggressive forms of JIA who failed Methotrexate and topical treatment; Methotrexate and other immunosuppressive agents and systemic corticosteroids were included in the study. The age of patients at the beginning of biological therapies ranged 5-17 years. In ADA group the remission was observed in 61 % of cases, in 18 % we saw the reduction of flare-ups and in 14 % of children we registered exacerbation of the disease which was caused in most cases by discontinuation of non-biological drug. In INF group we observed remission in 78 % of the cases, no improvement in 22 %. The speed of remission in JIA associated uveitis treated with ADA and INF depended on the severity of uveitis, the time between the beginning of the disease and administration of immunosuppressive therapy. Early administration of anti-TNF-alpha agents, when there is no results from standard immunosuppressive therapy, allowed us to achieve remission in a shorter period of time and also allowed as to decrease the severity of complications of uveitis, as well as reduce the side effects of immunosuppressive therapy, especially of corticosteroids. This study needs to be continued to enroll more patients and to increase the follow-up time to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-alpha agents in JIA associated uveitis.
Characteristics of pregnancy as determinants of cardiac oscillator of a baby in the early neonatal period of life
Authors: Wakah Ahmad , Solodkova Irina Vladimirovna , Kornishina Tat’yana Leonidovna , Malkina Elizaveta Viktorovna , Shadrina Ol’ga Viktorovna , Adrianov Andrey Viktorovich , Chasnyk Vyacheslav Grigoryevich
Published: February 2016

In order to assess the influence of course of pregnancy upon rate and rhythm of heartbeat of a baby in the early neonatal period of life, parameters of babies’ cardiac oscillators were described in terms of power spectral density function calculated for rows of 100-250 consecutive ECG RR-intervals registered during orthodox sleep. Correlation of heart rhythm characteristics, ECG patterns of a baby during first 5 days after delivery and parameters of pregnancy described both in terms of nosology and symptoms (122 parameters in total) were analyzed. 160 newborns were enrolled in the study. Drug abuse, impossi-bility to fill in the query form or informal consent, severe disease of baby, gestational age less than 28 weeks and/or body weight at birth less than 1500 grams were specified as major exclusion criteria. It was shown that preeclampsia during the first half of pregnancy and women’s illness, associated with body temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius after 8 week of pregnancy are among major determinants of babies’ cardiac oscillator in the early neonatal period of life, but they don’t affect the ECG wave amplitude and the duration of PQ and QT intervals. Pregnancy complicated during the first half promotes bradycardia and high heart rate variability and pregnancy complicated during the second half promotes tachycardia and low heart rate variability in babies during at least 5 days after delivery. Hypothetical spatial models of pacemaker areas were proposed for cases of normal pregnancy, pregnancy complicated in the first half and pregnancy complicated in the second half.
Formation of sensorimotor mechanisms in syllable production during the initial stage of reading acquisition
Authors: Kornev Alexandr Nikolayevitch , Stoljarova Elvira Ivanovna , Galperina Elizaveta Iosifovna , Guillemard Diana Mikhailovna
Published: February 2016

Cognitive mechanisms of reading skills in children are not well understood. With regard to the Russian language this question has not been studied at all. Due to the nature of Russian language a central position in the development of reading skill takes sounds blending into syllable. The paper deals with longitudinal evaluation of phonetic and temporal characteristics of sounds blending into syllable in Russian-speaking 1st grade pupils (7 years old) during the initial stage of reading acquisition (namely, the subjects were not yet able to read whole words). The hypothesis of this study is the assumption of co-existence of a few individual-typological strategies of mastering the reading skills. The experiment involved 40 pupils that have not yet mastered the skill of reading whole words to the beginning of training in first class. The study was conducted individually and consisted of two types of tests: I - reading stimuli (letters, syllables, words, pseudowords) and II - the repetition of similar auditory stimuli. Phonogram was analyzed by the software PRAAT 5.2.16, Gold Wave and original computer program. Timing and phonetic characteristics of reading letters and syllables (CV, VC) were estimated, also simultaneity recognition index of syllable in children was calculated. There were statistically significant differences in the basic phonetic and temporal characteristics between the results at the beginning of 1 grade (E1) and after 3 months (E2). Individual qualitative and quantitative typological peculiarities were shown that during the reading skills development children turn from sequential to parallel mode of graphic syllable processing and synthesis of phonetic syllable. Individual strategies and schemes in reading development among the 1st grade pupils are also discussed in the paper.
Characteristics of the immune response in children with atopic desoders
Authors: Gurina Olga Petrovna , Dementyeva Elena Aleksandrovna , Blinov Aleksandr Evgenevich , Varlamova Olga Nikolaevna , Timokhina Vera Ivanovna
Published: February 2016

The study of the immune status of immunopathological reactions and spectral sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis (215 children) and atopic bronchial asthma (197 children) aged 1 month to 17 years. The immune status was investigated by immunological tests of first level, subpopulations of lymphocytes by flow cytome-try, allergodiagnosis, diagnosis of autoimmune antibodies-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Defined heterogeneity of immune system disorders, age-related features of sensitization to the household, food, epidermal and other allergens, the production of IgG autoantibodies to tissue antigens. The study of lymphocyte subpopulations indicates the presence of differences in the cellular immune re-sponse in children with atopic dermatitis and atopic asthma. The allergens that accumulate in the body have a direct effect on the functional activity of phagocytes. The study of the immune status in children with atopic allergic diseases it is necessary to conduct a reasonable individual pathogenic immune to improve the effectiveness of standard therapy, reduced the severity of the disease, frequency of exacerbations, and reduce the frequency and severity of comorbidity. Determination of specific IgE to a wide range of aller-gens, it is recommended to include in the scheme is mandatory labo-ratory examination of patients with atopic allergies. During the ex-amination and treatment of patients suffering from allergic diseases, it is necessary to consider the possibility of the presence of concomitant fungal sensitization. Measures to eliminate significant causal allergens should include correction of the child’s nutrition, control over the environment and the remediation of foci of chronic infection and normalization of the intestinal microflora. Immunore-habilitation children with allergopathology should be carried out taking into account the possible presence and activity of the auto-immune process.
New initiatives for transforming clinical research in Korea
Authors: Chee Deborah , Park Min Soo , Sohn Ji-Hoon
Published: February 2016

Korea has continuously sought to improve its regulatory environment for clinical trials and has invested heavily in clinical trial infrastructure and technology since the early 2000’s. A strategic investment through the Korea National Enterprise for Clinical Trials (KoNECT) program began in 2007 and grew to encompass a network of regional clinical trial centers to promote clinical trial capabilities and human resource development. In early 2014, KoNECT became a permanent organization focused on the advancement of the country's clinical trial industry. This was followed by the establishment of the Korea Clinical Trials Global Initiative (KCGI) and the KoNECT Collaboration Center for global clinical trials (KCC). KCGI and KCC are now at the forefront of KoNECT’s efforts to promote higher operational efficiency in the country’s clinical trials. These new initiatives in clinical research are undertaking multichannel approaches to pursue a cohesive international collaboration model between government, industry and academia for the development of new treatments and improved patient care.
Influence of a 6-month modified or traditional Daniel Fast on measures of health in men and women
Authors: Bloomer Richard J
Published: February 2016

We have previously reported on the health impact of the plant-based fasting method known as the Daniel Fast (DF). However, our prior studies have included only short-term (21-day) interventions, rather than interventions spanning multiple months. For long-lasting and robust health effects, dietary modification for longer periods of time may be needed. We determined the 6-month impact of a traditional (vegan) DF (n=12) and modified DF (n=9; allowing for the inclusion of small amounts of meat and milk) on anthropometric and biochemical markers of health in men and women (mean age: 45 years). Outcome measures were obtained on day one of the assigned dietary plan, as well as after 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of adherence to the plan. Multiple improvements were noted for both dietary plans across the 6 month intervention, with limited differences noted across time between the traditional and modified DF. Compliance to both dietary plans was approximately 80% at month 6. These data indicate that both a traditional and modified DF, which allow for ad libitum feeding, result in improvements in multiple health-related outcomes. Adopting such a dietary approach may lead to enhanced quality of life, as well as a reduction in disease risk over time. Additional, long-term studies related to the health impact of this fasting method are needed.Ã‚Â
Factores subyacentes de cultura y personalidad empresarial que influyen en la intención de invertir
Authors: Rascón Manquero Luz Elvia
Published: February 2016

El objetivo del trabajo es hacer una caracterización de la personalidad empresarial de los inversionistas que operan en la región Centro-Occidente de México. A diferencia de la gran mayoría de trabajos que existen sobre este tema, la caracterización se hace desde la perspectiva de la Psicología Económica, que incorpora elementos de carácter psicológico a partir de rasgos de cultura y personalidad. Este estudio tiene implicaciones importantes porque permitirá identificar factores subyacentes a la toma de decisiones en la intención de invertir.
Improving the Service Quality of Islamic Boarding School based on Importance Performance Analysis Results
Authors: Usman Fadly
Published: February 2016

Service quality is very importance aspect in a boarding school. In this research, an importance-performance analysis enables to evaluate the weaknesses of an Islamic boarding school according to service quality factors. This study attempts to understand stakeholders’ expectations and perceptions toward boarding school and shows the usefulness of the Importance-performance analysis grid in evaluating the service quality of school. This research identifies 35 items and each item is rated using the 5-point of Likert scale. The results are obtained from 350 respondents from students, teachers, and parents. The final results of importance-performance grid show that 12 items fall into quadrant of “Keep up the good work”, and 18 items fall into the “Concentrate here” quadrant, 3 items fall into quadrant of “Low priority”, and 2 items fall into “Possible overkill” quadrant. The findings of the research show that a school management and facilities aspect are necessary to better organizational characteristics and enhance the service quality of school. The results are useful in identifying marketing strategic and help the boarding school develop better service quality.
Demystifying the Prudential Carve-out: A proposal
Authors: Trujillo Samuel
Published: February 2016

This article explores how the broadest spirited exception in the framework of the World Trade Organization, commonly referred to as the prudential carve-out, could be applied without adding to or diminishing the rights and obligations of WTO Members. It argues that through the customary rules of interpretation of international law, the only standard applicable to the prudential carve out is that of a reasonable means to ends connection. However, this broad standard of review can be enriched by expert knowledge on financial and prudential regulation, given that the form of dispute settlement established in the Annex to Financial Services of the GATS provides a window for dissecting the concept of “prudential”. The AFS requires that an “expert panel” decide on controversies regarding financial and prudential issues, instead of the ordinary “highly qualified” WTO panel. The article draws on principles developed by the disciplines of micro- and macroprudential regulation to exemplify how expert knowledge can guide an otherwise vague standard of review.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Instrument
Authors: Sukkarieh-Haraty Ola , Howard Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Translation of instruments needs to ensure equivalence between the source and the target language to establish the psychometric properties of the translated version. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) instrument. The 12-item English version of the SDSCA was translated into Arabic using back translation on a sample of 140 Lebanese participants with Type 2 diabetes. Construct validity was measured using exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation. Multitrait scaling analysis was used to test for item convergent and discriminant validity based on item–scale correlations. Conceptual and content validity were examined by an expert panel in diabetes. Internal consistency reliability R was assessed using interitem correlations. The average interitem correlation for the four subscales ranged between –.05 for Diet and .66 for Glucose Testing. Factor analysis identified four factors which accounted for 60% of the variance. The preliminary results of Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities-Arabic Version (SDSCA-Ar) are comparable to the psychometric properties the original SDSCA. SDSCA-Ar is a valid measure of diabetes self-care in Lebanese patients with diabetes.
Educational Video Intervention Effects on Periprocedural Anxiety Levels Among Cardiac Catheterization Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ayasrah Shahnaz Mohammed , Ahmad Muayyad M.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: To explore the effectiveness of an educational video intervention in lowering periprocedural anxiety among Jordanian patients hospitalized for cardiac catheterization (CATH). There are many potential reasons of anxiety related to CATH including involvement of the heart and the actual test procedure. Methods: A randomized controlled trial took place in a specialized heart institute in Jordan. The sample size was 186 patients who had undergone CATH procedure. Patients anxiety levels were measured by physiological parameters of anxiety (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and by the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). Results: After video education, there was a significant difference in periprocedural perceived anxiety between the groups: preprocedural anxiety levels (M = 39.03, SD = 5.70) for the experimental group versus (M = 49.34, SD = 6.00) for the control, p < .001, and postprocedural perceived anxiety for the experimental group (M = 29.18, SD = 5.42) versus (M = 41.73, SD = 5.41) for the control. Conclusion: Providing an educational video intervention about CATH may effectively decrease periprocedural anxiety levels.
The Mixture Of Distribution Hypothesis And The Russian Stock Market
Authors: Canarella Giorgio , Pollard Stephen K.
Published: February 2016

According to the mixture of distributions hypothesis (MDH), a serially correlated mixture of variables measuring the rate at which information arrives to the market explains the GARCH effects in stock returns. While reasonable amount of empirical evidence supports this hypothesis for developed, highly liquid stock markets in industrial countries, the current literature does not provide much findings for stock markets in countries that have recently experienced the transition from economic planning to capitalism. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a first piece of evidence for one of the newly created stock market, the Russian stock market. Examination of the relationship between risk, returns, volatility and volume existing in the Russian stock market provides evidence in support of the MDH and suggests that even in emerging and turbulent markets risk and returns are jointly integrated to the flow of information arriving to the market.
Profits From Buying Losers And Selling Winners In The London Stock Exchange
Authors: Antoniou Antonios , Galariotis Emilios C. , Spyrou Spyros I.
Published: February 2016

DeBondt and Thaler (1985) have challenged the notions of market efficiency and of rational investor behaviour. According to their findings stock portfolios that experience negative returns tend to outperform portfolios that experience positive returns, during the subsequent period. In other words, stock returns may be predictable, and this may be due to excessive investor optimism and pessimism. This paper investigates the existence of such contrarian profits for stocks listed in the London Stock Exchange. The results indicate that contrarian strategies are profitable for UK stocks and more pronounced for extreme market capitalisation stocks. These profits persist even after the sample is adjusted for market frictions, and irrespective of whether raw or risk-adjusted returns are used.
Underpricing Of IPOs By Bulge-Bracket Underwriters Acting As Lead Managers And Sole Book Runners
Authors: Mercado-Mendez Jose
Published: February 2016

During the dot-com period, prestigious investment banks earned record profits underwriting technology IPOs, but some companies going public also lost funds, potentially, by accepting offer prices well below the opening price or closing price of the first trading day. Several prestigious underwriters have paid penalties, to the NASD and the SEC, to settle allegations about improper distribution of shares of IPOs of stock. However, the fines assessed by regulators have not been the same across investment banks. This study analyzes short-term underpricing and money left on the table by the most prestigious investment banks, bulge-bracket underwriters, when they underwrite initial public offerings of common stock. I find evidence that seems to indicate that some prestigious investment banks consistently underprice IPOs much less than some other banks when they act as lead underwriters and sole book runners.
Culture: National, Organizational And Occupational: The Case Of Honda Of America Manufacturing, Inc.
Authors: Figiel Victoria L.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the merging of cultures at Honda of America Manufacturing at Marysville, Ohio in light of academic studies of international business and organizational behavior. At the heart of this review are studies of organizational behavior and personnel management revolving around national culture, organizational culture and occupational culture. Competing theories are explained. Application to the case of Honda of America Manufacturing provides a means of reviewing the academic discussion in a business environment where national cultures are merged.
An International Research Project For The Finance Curriculum
Authors: Misch Marilyn B.
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses a team-based international research project that was incorporated into an international finance class and that would be appropriate for inclusion in a basic corporate finance class with minor modifications.  The project requires students to:  track the stock prices and trading volumes of several international companies whose shares are traded on U.S. markets, as well as any news events, national interest rate changes, market indices and exchange rates related to those shares; prepare weekly reports analyzing the weekly data; prepare a final report analyzing the findings for the semester; and, present an oral report to the class.  The paper discusses the pedagogical approach used, the procedures required to set up the project, the grading techniques employed, the results of the project, and suggestions for incorporating the project in general corporate finance classes.
Valuation And Market Timing In Private M&A Transactions
Authors: Azarmi Ted , Eisele Florian , Haecker Christine
Published: February 2016

The objective of this case is to teach and initiate a classroom discussion about the optimal market timing for the sale of a mid-cap privately held firm.  The discussion is facilitated by a real world case example that focuses on the sale of a Little Rock, AK based plastic injection molding company with approximately $20 million in revenues.

 

Theoretical and practical issues central to receiving maximum price in relation to selling at the right time are addressed.  Considered are the desired time to close the deal from the owner’s point of view, the time required for successful completion of the sale process, business conditions in this industry, firm-specific business conditions, and ability of agents to time this market. 

 

This case also discusses various reasons for the sale of private companies and the effect of respective sale motives on the placement of these firms.  Principally, the retirement decision by the owners of small privately held firms as the most frequent reason for the sale of these companies is explored.
Additional Costs And Risks In Software Acquisition Projects
Authors: Haddad Maliha , La Salle Anita
Published: February 2016

Organizations usually contract their software projects to avoid the risks associated with developing the software internally and to control their costs. However, a study of two-dozen contracted project indicates that such organizations face unique risks and hidden costs that are particular to software aquisitions.  This paper describes research done to estimate the effort expended by organizations in overseeing and participating in contracted software projects and the implications for predicting costs and identifying risks of such projects. It presents a framework for collecting and measuring costs incurred before, during and after the contract award. For many of the organizations that participated in the survey, realizing the actual costs and  risks of a project was an eye opener – hidden costs and risks  are significant and they are typically not managed.  The research results emphasize  the need for institutionalizing processes for the collection of data about contracting costs within an organization so that databases of metrics about completed projects can be built and later used to forecast costs for future projects to improve decision-making processes. The research results also emphasize the need to acknowledge the risks involved so  they can be mitigated to improve the relationship with the contracor and the chances for project success. The authors are engaged in research directed toward assisting such organizations in identifying the risks and costs and improving the acquisition process.  
To Save Or To Spend: That Is The Tax Question?
Authors: Snyder Tricia
Published: February 2016

While the effects of interest rates on consumption and savings has always been a concern to economists, there is still a great debate regarding the magnitude of the after-tax interest rate effect on savings. The response of consumption and savings to such changes in after tax interest rates potentially alter the United States private savings rate, which may influence our economic growth. While the Federal Reserve has executed the most aggressive expansionary monetary policy in history by lowering the Federal Funds interest rate by more than 10 times in the past year in an attempt to increase consumption to rebound from the current recession, this may ultimately reduce savings.  If savings fall, it potentially reduces our ability to spend in the future? In Solow's Growth model, the biggest determinant of future growth in an economy is the savings rate. The current savings rate in the US is at an all time low and is much lower than that of other nations, such as Germany and Japan. So, how can policy makers increase savings in the US? Can the U.S. increase savings by lowering the capital gains tax rate, which changes the after tax return on capital investment? If so, how effective will President Bush's proposed capital gains tax cut be on altering our savings rate?  To better understand after-tax interest rate effects on savings, one needs to discover the interest elasticity of savings to different types of taxes, such as capital gains and consumption taxes. If the private savings rate is sensitive to the after-tax interest rate return, then a capital gains tax, income tax, and sales tax will have very different effects on savings. The more sensitive the savings rate is to the after tax interest rate, the more an increase in the after tax interest rate will cause an increase in savings.  To assess the current interest elasticity of consumption/savings on the after tax real return of interest, I build on Boskin's (1978) model with a simultaneous equations model and more recent data. Specifically, I estimate the log of consumption on wealth, unemployment, interest rates, and disposable private income, and the after tax return of the Moody's AAA Bond Rate. To avoid the potential endogeneity bias between these variables, I use a simultaneous equation approach. Results will help determine if the U.S. can increase its savings by lowering the tax rates on investment. In general, this paper finds that the elasticity of substitution is close to .2, which suggests that the elasticity of substitution is quite small and stable. As Feldstein suggests this shows that a reduction in an income or sales tax will generate greater savings than a reduction in the capital gains income tax.
Negotiating Styles Among American Purchasing Managers In The 21st Century: Revisited
Authors: Hageen Abdalla , Kedia Sushila , Oubre Diana
Published: February 2016

This study addresses whether the collaborative negotiation style is the most prevalent among American purchasing managers in the 21st century’s landscape created by the global economy. It also examines whether there are relationships between the purchasing manager’s negotiation styles and selected personal and organizational characteristics that may affect negotiation styles. The results of the study reveal that the collaborative style is predominant. There are also significant relationships between the purchasing manager’s negotiation styles and personal and organizational characteristics.
Contingency Theory: Science Or Technology?
Authors: Betts Stephen C.
Published: February 2016

An answer to the research question, 'Is Contingency Theory Science or Technology?' is proposed in this paper.  Contingency theories and a contingency perspective are popular among researchers in organization theory and design.  They are based on the idea that a proper fit between contingency variables and organizational design parameters will result in the highest performance.  Does the identification of a 'contingency theory' consisting of a set contingency variable/design parameter matches constitute scientific theory or prescriptive technology?  Justifications are made for these theories as science, technology and both.  The conclusion presented is that a contingency theory is both science and technology, but often ineffective as technology because it is not applied.  General recommendations are made for researchers to increase emphasis on (1) multiple rather than single contingencies and (2) explanations of relationships.
Occupational Attributes With The Highest Minority Domination: Variables Narrowing Or Increasing Interethnic Occupational Differences
Authors: Droussiotis Annabel
Published: February 2016

The occupational profile of the various ethnic groups varies in the United States. The occupational stratification is sometimes based on one’s ethnicity rather than ability. When interethnic occupational differences are attributed to discrimination the result is inefficiency in the labor market. The purpose of this study is to determine the occupations in which ethnic minorities are dominant and the factors which are most significant in either increasing or reducing this dominance. The data consist of 183 Economic Areas (as defined by the Bureau of Economic Analysis). Explanatory variables reflect educational levels, human capital accumulation, social status, government action, and general area characteristic for each groups. Occupational attributes are used to aggregate all occupations, reflecting prestige and satisfaction levels. African-American, Hispanic-American and Asian-American groups are compared to non-Hispanic whites. Males and females are tested separately. The results show that African American and Hispanic males and females are influenced by similar variables. The level of higher education assists the labor position of African and Hispanic American males reducing interethnic occupational differences. The density of the minority group in the area improves the position of their female counterparts. The Asian American group is very different.
Toward Universalism In International Bank-ruptcy Law: Foundations For Strategy For-mulation In Selected Countries
Authors: Brewerton F.J. , LeMaster Jane
Published: February 2016

Two major impacts of globalization have been the dramatic increase in the number of multinational corporations that now exist and the wave of international bankruptcy law reform now taking place.  Multinational corporations are widening their search for new strategic opportunities and are venturing into new countries, cultures, and geographic markets in this pursuit.  As a result of the reform movement, bankruptcy laws in various countries are becoming more similar, are providing documentation that the Universalism Model is a pragmatic vehicle for resolving multinational bankruptcies, and are indirectly generating increased strategic opportunities for multinational corporations.

 

This paper comprises 1) a brief summary of globalization and its impact on the creation of multinational corporations; 2) a brief summary of the Territorial Model and the Universalism Model of international bankruptcy law; 3) a general discussion and comparison of bankruptcy laws in selected Latin American countries; 4) a discussion of the strategic implications of these countries’ bankruptcy laws; and 5) general conclusions regarding the strategic significance of global bankruptcy reform and Universalism.
Can Agents Be Trusted? Experimental Evidence From The Monitoring Game
Authors: Wachsman Yoav
Published: February 2016

Most principals can monitor their agents, but monitoring is usually costly and imperfect. This paper reports the experimental results of a Monitoring Game. In this sequential game, each principal decides whether to monitor an agent that he is randomly paired with and then the agent decides whether to cheat or be honest. Monitoring is costly, but it increases the probability that the agent will get caught. The experiment shows that cheating is commonplace, although most participants do not cheat if they are monitored. Additionally, cheating is more common when neutral terms are used in the instructions.
Demographic Invasion, Assamese Identity and Geopolitics
Authors: Borkakoti Jitendralal
Published: February 2016

This article critically examines several dimensions of the Bangladeshi migration to Assam, beginning with the historical background and the factors that led to the Assam Movement. It is argued that the seeds of the apparent failure of deporting illegal Bangladeshis were already implanted in Assam Accord. An analysis of the numbers of the Bangladeshi migrants in Assam and the problems of ascertaining such numbers has been carried out. The impact of large-scale migration on Assamese culture and politics is discussed in view of the balkanisation of the ethnic groups in Assam. Attention has been drawn to the dangers of geopolitics in terms of the proposed North East economic zone. Lastly, a relatively conciliatory and accommodating approach to solve the Bangladeshi issue has been suggested in light of the fact that historical events have overtaken some significantÂ Â  provisions of the 28-year old Assam Accord.
How do the poor handle money? What do the financial diaries of char dwellers tell us about financial inclusion?
Authors: Lahiri-Dutt Kuntala , Samanta Gopa
Published: February 2016

Derived from livelihoods surveys and ethnographic material about people living on the chars, or river islands, in deltaic lower Bengal, this paper illustrates the complex, diverse and ingenious ways that the poor manage money. These islands constitute some of the most vulnerable housing locations of some of the poorest communities; state services and facilities do not reach the chars because they are not listed as land in revenue records. It demonstrates that the poor live in a diverse economy where community spirit, family assistance and trust play roles equally important to markets. In doing so, it puts forth a grounded-in-the-field, evidence-based, critique of the slogan â€˜financial inclusionâ€™ that has gained prominence in recent years.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India’s Retail Sector
Authors: Nath Hiranya K
Published: February 2016

This article presents an overview of retail trade in India in the wake of the country's new policy that will allow foreign capital in multi-band retailing. It discusses various potential benefits and costs of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector, particularly in terms of its effects on traditional retailers, employment, consumers, farmers, and local manufacturers. It argues that given somewhat slower growth projection for the Indian economy during the next decade, various structural issues including inadequate infrastructure and a lack of affordable real estate, and the prevalent structure of the agricultural markets, it is unlikely that all the potential benefits and costs will be realised to their fullest extent, at least in the foreseeable future. The economic dynamics and the political process will play an important role in determining the outcomes of this move to allow FDI in the retail sector and will ultimately determine the effects on various stakeholders.
Reinterpreting the‘Bard’: Shakespearean Performances in India and (East)Germany
Authors: Sarma Dhurjjati
Published: February 2016

This essay attempts to undertake a comparative study of the Shakespearean appropriations in late 19th century India under colonial rule on one hand, and in mid-20th century (East) Germany on the other. While 19th century Indian responses to Shakespeare carried a covert nationalist agenda against the British rulers who had made him complicit in the colonial project, the mid-20th century German adaptations found in him, a potent site for voicing their opposition against the governments, which had imposed censorship regulations upon newspapers, books and television. Within this framework and making use of the textual, performative and audience sensibility components, the paper would endeavor to: a) explore the nuances in the performance strategies of selected playwrights from both the countries, and understand the extent of divergences and departures from the English text; and b) scrutinise the location of these performances respectively within the overlapping currents of colonial modernity, nationality and regional identity in the 19th and 20th century India, and the post-war communist regimes operating in (East) Germany.
Safeguarding the Dignity of Women under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013-A Critical Analysis
Authors: Borpatragohain R C
Published: February 2016

This viewpoint aims to analyse the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013 from a legal perspective. In doing so, it discusses the statutory safeguards of rights to a dignified life of a woman by analysing the various existing laws, which have been significantly amended to build the Criminal Act, 2013. These laws are: Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860; Indian Evidence Act 1872, Code of Criminal Procedure as amended in 1973, Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act 1956, Information Technology Act 2000, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013. In the conclusion, I urge that although efficient laws are in operation in India towards protecting the right to live with dignity of women, however, incidents of violence against women are on the rise. Hence, a concerted effort in bringing appropriate attitudinal change is the task ahead for all Indians.