bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working with Documentaries in the EFL Classroom: Successful Strategies for Decreasing Anxiety during Oral Tests
Authors: Díaz-Ducca Jenaro A.
Published: March 2016

Este artículo describe la implementación y los resultados de un proyecto de investigación acción donde se utilizaron documentales como insumo para disminuir los niveles de ansiedad autopercibida por los estudiantes, durante evaluaciones orales (mesas redondas). El proyecto se desarrolló en un programa libre de inglés para adultos en una universidad pública de Costa Rica. Entre los resultados, 77% de los estudiantes reportaron menores niveles finales de ansiedad al hablar en público, así como mayor motivación y autoconfianza. Las estrategias más exitosas fueron: escoger temas relevantes, uso de subtítulos en inglés, discusiones previas para aclarar el contenido y la comprensión, apoyo (scaffolding) tanto del profesor como de los pares, y tiempo para preparar las notas de sus intervenciones. Los estudiantes también mostraron un interés en ver más materiales y participar en discusiones no evaluadas como medios para seguir lidiando con la ansiedad. 
The Role of Facebook in Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Araya Ríos Jacqueline , Espinoza Campos Jorge Luis
Published: March 2016

Recientemente, la tecnología ha venido ejerciendo una gran influencia sobre la forma en que se aprende un idioma. Tanto los estudiantes como los profesores están expuestos a la Internet diariamente, y esto puede aprovecharse para enseñar y aprender una lengua extranjera. Por esta razón, es necesario encontrar maneras de combinar la tecnología con la enseñanza de idiomas. Este trabajo presenta los resultados de un estudio llevado a cabo con estudiantes que han estado expuestos al uso de Facebook en sus cursos de inglés. Se hace hincapié en las formas en que Facebook puede emplearse como medio para promover la autonomía y se resumen los resultados de la aplicación de esta práctica. 
Globalidad, modernidad y movimientos sociales: China y Asia Oriental frente al colonialismo europeo (1850-1900)
Authors: Madrigal Muñoz Eduardo
Published: March 2016

Desde la óptica de la Historia Global y Mundial, el autor se propone analizar cinco movimientos sociales en países asiáticos influenciados por potencias imperialistas europeas en el siglo XIX, y establecer la relación entre ellos con respecto a procesos sociales internacionales, a procesos imperiales de expansión y a procesos de difusión de la globalización. 
China por radio: la experiencia de “Costa Rica, Nihao!”
Authors: Arias Núñez Carolina
Published: March 2016

Las primeras llegadas de chinos a Costa Rica datan de la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Desde entonces, empezaron a integrarse a la sociedad local como trabajadores de fincas, del servicio doméstico y en la construcción del ferrocarril al Atlántico. Hasta hoy, la comunidad china ha contribuido a conformar la cultura costarricense moderna. A pesar de esto, la presencia de chinos, su cultura o su idioma en los medios de comunicación locales son prácticamente inexistentes, a excepción de algunas celebraciones o tradiciones. Además, los periodistas descendientes de chinos que trabajan en medios se pueden contar con los dedos de una mano. Por lo anterior, la revista “Costa Rica, Nihao!” es un programa pionero, no sólo por colocar la cultura y el idioma chinos en un medio radiofónico nacional, por primera vez, sino también por conjuntar esfuerzos de costarricenses, chinos y chino-costarricenses para dar voz y contenido a sus diversas secciones. En este artículo, queremos presentar las fortalezas, oportunidades, debilidades y amenazas (análisis FODA) del programa “Costa Rica, Nihao!”, como base para definir planes de acción, de cara a su sobrevivencia y expansión como modelo mediático educativo, tanto en Costa Rica, como en otros países de Latinoamérica. 
Hyalinobatrachium iaspidiense (Ayarzaguena, 1992) (Anura: Centrolenidae): first record in Amapá state, Brazil and geographic distribution map
Authors: Silva e Silva Yuri Breno , Costa-Campos Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2016

We report the first record of Hyalinobatrachium iaspidiense (Ayarzaguena, 1992) from Amapá state, Brazil. This record is 1,020 km east from the type locality at Quebrada de Jaspe, San Ignacio de Yuraní, Bolívar state, Venezuela, and extends the distribution of the species 345 km north of the nearest known locality in Para. We also provide a map of the localities reported in the literature.
CNT-Based Functionalization of 9Å Tobermorite to Optimize Concrete Flexural Strength
Authors: Garza-Castañón Mauricio , Vela Carlos , Serrano Karla , Tudón-Martínez Juan C.
Published: March 2016

Several experimental efforts related to the concrete improvement are focused to increase its flexural strength to complement the high compressive strength, which is usually developed by materials of this nature. The flexural strength or modulus of rupture of the concrete is important in civil engineering applications such as infrastructure projects, pavements and buildings. This work proposes an alternative to optimize concrete flexural strength through the functionalization of the 9 Angstrom (Å) Tobermorite using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). A complete ab-initio, 3D Atomistic Model of the 9Å Tobermorite is presented as the basis of the silicate cementitious hydrated products. In order to validate the model, some mechanical properties were computed using a Density Functional Theory (DFT) based program. Afterwards, a functionalization based on CNTs with different diameters was carried out to improve the flexural strength of the concrete.
Use of Fly Ash and Cu-Slag from Mexico to Make Alkali Cements and Hybrid Cements
Authors: Rendón Belmonte M. , Palomo Sánchez A. , Fernández Jiménez A. , Torres Acosta A. , Martínez Madrid M. , Pérez Quiroz J. T.
Published: March 2016

This paper focus on evaluating the ability to use Mexican fly ash (FA) and copper slag (CS) to produce alkali cements (0% OPC) or hybrid cements (20% OPC + 80% fly ash). The alkali activators used were two: 8 M NaOH solution for alkali cements and NaCl with sodium silicate for hybrid cement (HYC). Results of mechanical testing and characterization of the reaction products formed after 2 and 28 days are presented and discussed. Mechanical strength in some cases exceeded 20 MPa, at 2 days curing. The chemical characterization techniques used were X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Editorial
Authors: Moreno González María Consuelo
Published: March 2016

Históricamente, el hombre ha abordado su relación con el mundo a través de la transformación de la naturaleza para su contemplación o adoración, pero especialmente para la satisfacción de necesidades básicas (alimento, abrigo, respiración, descanso y techo) y simbólicas (transporte, NTIC, posesión de bienes…). Ejemplos de ello se han presentado a lo largo de la historia con obras de ingeniería como: el círculo de piedra de Stonehenge en Inglaterra de más de 5.000 años de existencia, las pirámides de Egipto, el acueducto preincaico y las líneas de Nazca, así como la ciudad incaica de Machu Pichu construida en una montaña en Perú y sus analogías en México y Guatemala, la Muralla China de más de 21.000 kilómetros de largo, entre otras; y en tiempos más recientes, se destaca la construcción de “megaobras” tipo: la represa Hoover en Estados Unidos, el túnel interoceánico que conecta a Francia con Inglaterra, el aprovechamiento de suelos marinos en Holanda, la ciudad de Abu Dhabi en los Emiratos Unidos Árabes, el canal de Panamá o la central hidroeléctrica de Hidrosogamoso en Colombia
Combinação linear de previsões com ajuste numérico com programação não linear MINIMAX
Authors: Corrêa Jairo Marlon , Neto Anselmo Chaves , Teixeira Júnior Luiz Albino , Carreno Edgar Manuel , Faria Álvaro E.
Published: March 2016

Este artigo propõe a combinação linear das previsões obtidas por três métodos de previsão (a saber, ARIMA,Amortecimento Exponencial e Redes Neurais Artificiais) cujos pesos adaptativos determinados por meio deum problema de programação não linear multiobjetivo, em que se busca minimizar, simultaneamente, asestatísticas: MAE, MAPE e MSE. Os resultados alcançados pela combinação proposta são comparados coma abordagem tradicional de combinação linear de previsões, onde os pesos adaptativos ótimos são determinadossomente pela minimização do MSE; com o método de combinação por média aritmética; e com osmétodos individuais.
A atividade laboral do cirurgião dentista sob o contexto multidisciplinar da ergonomia: uma revisão sobre os domínios a serem considerados em ambiente odontológico
Authors: Ferrari Daniel Augusto , Camarotto João Alberto , Santos João Eduardo Guarnetti dos
Published: March 2016

Inúmeros estudos científicos comprovam que profissionais da odontologia se expõem diariamente a vários riscos associados a diversos agentes presentes em seu ambiente de trabalho. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica referente a pesquisas concernentes à atividade do cirurgião-dentista no Brasil sob a égide da ergonomia. Utilizando como parâmetros os princípios da Análise Ergonômica de Trabalho (AET), este estudo teve como foco traçar um panorama dos principais enfoques ergonômicos abordados pelos pesquisadores dentro de uma variada gama de problemas existentes nessa atividade. O estudo utilizou como método a revisão bibliográfica de 48 trabalhos científicos selecionados no período de julho a novembro de 2014. Os resultados demonstram que estudos relacionados aos domínios da ergonomia física focada na atividade do cirurgião-dentista demonstram-se amplamente abordados. Sendo assim, este trabalho sugere novas frentes de pesquisas de âmbito cognitivo e organizacional.
Research trends and design guidelines for fire resistance of structural concrete in South Korea
Authors: Choi Won-Chang , Kim Sun-Woo , Jang Seok-Joon , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: March 2016

Research into the fire resistance of structural concrete in South Korea has been ongoing since 2000 and incorporates studies on concrete materials, columns, construction methods and finishing materials. Recently, experiments and analytical studies have been undertaken to include diverse materials and structures for fire resistance. Based on the results of these studies, the South Korean government recognised the need for performance criteria for legal fire-resistant construction and published Regulations for Egress/Fire Protection Construction in 2015. In light of this previous work, this paper provides a review of recent research results for the prevention of the explosive fracture of concrete exposed to high temperatures, analysis of the fire resistance of concrete and recent fire mitigation construction methods. In addition, the paper briefly describes existing specifications for fire resistance design methods in South Korea.
The Spitzenkandidaten in the European Parliament Election Campaign Coverage 2014 in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Schulze Heidi
Published: March 2016

Elections to the European Parliament are characterised by a steady decline in voter turnout. To tackle this problem, in 2014, several groups of the European Parliament nominated pan-European Spitzenkandidaten who were expected to personalise the elections and mobilise European voters. Based on this development, this study analyses the media coverage of the 2014 EP elections with special focus on the role of the Spitzenkandidaten. A quantitative content analysis of European election campaign coverage in the opinion leading newspapers of three influential EU member states, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom was carried out. The results show large candidate- and country-specific differences regarding the visibility and thematic coverage of the EP elections in general as well as the presentation of the Spitzenkandidaten. The Spitzenkandidaten were not very visible in either the German, French, or British newspaper coverage. With respect to the presence and media personalisation of the Spitzenkandidaten, the newspaper coverage of the EP election does not demonstrate any mobilising effect and thus does not reflect the high expectations the European Parliament attributed to the nomination of the Spitzenkandidaten.
Context Matters: Economic Voting in the 2009 and 2014 European Parliament Elections
Authors: Okolikj Martin , Quinlan Stephen
Published: March 2016

Using the 2009 and 2014 European Election Studies (EES), we explore the effect of the economy on the vote in the 2009 and 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections. The paper demonstrates that the economy did influence voters in both contests. However, its impact was heterogeneous across the two elections and between countries. While assessments of the economy directly motivated voters in 2009 by 2014 economic appraisals were conditioned by how much responsibility voters felt the national government had for the state of the economy, implying a shift in calculus between the two elections. The analysis suggests that voters in 2009 were simply reacting to the economic tsunami that was the Global Financial Crisis, with motivations primarily driven by the unfavourable economic conditions countries faced. But in 2014, evaluations were conditioned by judgments about responsibility for the economy, suggesting a more conscious holding to account of the government. Our paper also reveals cross-country differences in the influence of the economy on vote. Attribution of responsibility and economic evaluations had a more potent impact on support for the government in bailout countries compared to non-bailout countries in 2014. Our findings demonstrate the importance of economy on vote in EP elections but also highlight how its impact on vote can vary based on context.
Evaluations of the Spitzenkandidaten: The Role of Information and News Exposure in Citizens’ Preference Formation
Authors: Gattermann Katjana , De Vreese Claes , Van der Brug Wouter
Published: March 2016

The 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections were characterised by a novel element in European Union (EU) politics. For the first time, the major European party families put forward top candidates for President of the European Commission, the so-called Spitzenkandidaten. This paper tests whether this innovation had the potential to—at least partially—alleviate the alleged accountability deficit. We rely on original survey data to assess citizens’ preferences for each of the main Spitzenkandidaten: Jean-Claude Juncker, Martin Schulz, and Guy Verhofstadt. Our research is guided by three questions: what explains whether citizens formulate a preference for a certain Spitzenkandidat? Which factors are responsible for variations in such preferences? And, are these explanations moderated by citizens’ political awareness? We show that three factors enable citizens to formulate a preference for the Spitzenkandidaten: news exposure, general EU political information, and campaign-specific information about the Spitzenkandidaten. Furthermore, we demonstrate that only the most knowledgeable citizens are able to use party cues in their evaluations of the Spitzenkandidaten. The implications of our findings are discussed with reference to the EU’s democratic deficit debate.
European Parliament Elections of May 2014: Driven by National Politics or EU Policy Making?
Authors: Schmitt Hermann , Toygür Ilke
Published: March 2016

The 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections took place in a very particular environment. Economic crisis, bailout packages, and austerity measures were central on the agenda in many Southern countries while open borders and intra-EU migration gained high salience elsewhere in the Union. A strong decline of political trust in European and national institutions was alarming. At the same time, the nomination and campaigning of “Spitzenkandidaten”, lead candidates of EP political groups for European Commission (EC) presidency, was meant to establish a new linkage between European Parliament elections and the (s)election of the president of the Commission. All of this might have changed the very nature of EP elections as second-order national elections. In this paper, we try to shed light on this by analysing aggregate election results, both at the country-level and at the party-level and compare them with the results of the preceding first-order national election in each EU member country. Our results suggest that the ongoing politicisation of EU politics had little impact on the second-order nature of European Parliament elections.
Forgotten Topological Index and Hyper-Zagreb Index of Generalized Transformation Graphs
Authors: Basavanagoud Bommanahal , Desai Veena R.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we obtain the expressions for forgotten topological index, hyper-Zagreb index and coindex for generalized transformation graphs Gaband their complements \overline/Gab.
New Pretreatment and Resolution Using the Bee Colony Optimization for the Two-Dimensional Bin Packing Problem
Authors: Amara Aida Kenza , Djebbar Bachir
Published: March 2016

The two-dimensional bin packing problem involves packing a given set of rectangles into a minimum number of larger identical rectangles called bins. In this paper, we propose and develop mathematically a new pretreatment for the oriented version of the problem in order to reduce its size, identify and value the lost spaces by increasing the size of some objects. A heuristic method based on the first-fit strategy adapted to this problem is proposed. We present an approach of resolution using the bee colony optimization. The computational results show the effectiveness of the pretreatment in reducing the number of bins.
Statistical Hypothesis Test in Three Factor ANOVA Model under Fuzzy Environments Using Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Parthiban Selvam , Gajivaradhan P.
Published: March 2016

This paper deals with the problem of three factor ANOVA model (Latin Square Design-LSD) test using Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers (tfns.). The proposed test is analysed under various types of trapezoidal fuzzy models such as Alpha Cut Interval, Membership Function, Ranking Function, Total Integral Value and Graded Mean Integration Representation. Finally a comparative view of the conclusions obtained from various test is given. Moreover, two numerical examples having different conclusions have been given for a concrete comparative study.
The Method of Exterior Forms in Linear Programming
Authors: Kondratiev Gennadii V.
Published: March 2016

The method of exterior forms by H. Grassmann and E. Cartan is used for solving the linear programming problem. It captures the essence of the problem in a convenient, compact form. The solution is presented by Cramer’s like rules and is reduced to computing the set of values of the objective function at the vertices of the polyhedron constraints, without any explicit calculation of the vertices themselves.
Techno-economic feasibility of soy-Tofu a health food in Indian context
Authors: Singh Mohan , Verma* Devendra Kumar , Kumar1 Devendra
Published: March 2016

The soy paneer made from different blends of soy milk and buffalo milk (100:0; 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40 and 50:50.). A sensory test was also made to judge its consumer acceptability. The test of significance of sensory test of paneer made from soymilk (unhulled soybean) and buffalo milk was made using completely randomized design. After analysis of results it was found that the colour and appearance of soypaneer improved with increase in part of buffalo milk in blend. The taste improved with increase in part of buffalo milk in blended milk. The flavour improved with increase in part of buffalo milk in blended milk. The texture and consistency improve with increase in part of buffalo milk in blended milk. The overall acceptability improves with increase in part of buffalo milk in blended milk. At 30:70 per cent blend the soypaneer was not only acceptable to consumer, but it also maintained the identity as soypaneer. Production cost of soy milk was found to be Rs. 5.84 per liter whereas that of Tofu was found to be Rs. 60.00 per kg.
Stability of saccharine in low calorie carrot halwa
Authors: Vairagade A. S. , Patil M. R. , Gawande H. M. , Dhotre A. V.
Published: March 2016

Low calorie carrot halwa was prepared by replacing sugar in recipe with saccharine at four different levels and the product was also subjected to physical and sensory qualities during storage. Stability of saccharine was also studied during storage. It was found that carrot halwa prepared with replacement of sugar up to 10% with saccharine scored highest in sweetness perception and at par in other sensory properties i.e. colour and appearance, body and texture and overall acceptability with control. Storage studies at 10 ºC revealed that saccharine sweetened carrot halwa (stored in polystyrene thermoformed cups), resembled the control in retaining the sensory profile, but showed increased acidity and microbial load. HPLC analysis showed no degradation of saccharine during entire period of storage in all samples.
Effect of pre-milling processing techniques on pearl millet grains with special reference to in-vitro iron availability
Authors: Bhati* Dashrath , Bhatnagar Vibha , Acharya Vibha
Published: March 2016

Pre-milling processing has an effect on both nutritional composition and its ­in-vitro availability. In the present study an attempt was made to find out the effect of different pre-milling processing on the in-vitro iron availability. Pearl millet grains were subjected to processing technique viz. acid treatment (2 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours and 24 hours), dry heat treatment (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes), blanching treatment (30 seconds, 60 seconds and 90 seconds), and malting treatment to find out the in-vitro iron availability. Iron content in raw pearl millet was 11.93 mg/100gm. After treatment the total iron content was reduced in all the treatments. The in vitro iron availability was found to be higher in all the treatments as compared to raw pearl millet. In vitro iron content was noted maximum after dry heat treatment for 120 minutes (i.e. 3.58 mg/100gm) and minimum for 24 hour acid treatment (i.e. 2.39 mg/100gm). Hence the present study indicates that the pre-milling processing may reduce the total iron content but it increases the in vitro iron availability.
Current status and future prospects of research on genetically modified rice: A review
Authors: Dutta Suvendhu S. , Das Shantanu , Pale Gratify , Iangrai Banshanlang , Aochen C. , Rai Mayank , Pattanayak A.
Published: March 2016

Genetically modified crops are the most auspicious development of scientists of today. Rice being the staple food crop globally, it is needed to give immense importance for its improvement. Development of rice varieties tolerant to pests and diseases will ensure safety to farmers against the harmful effects of chemicals used as insecticides and fungicides. Certain abiotic factors like drought, cold, heat, salinity, which hinders the growth of rice can be battled by developing GM rice carrying genes that impact tolerance to these factors. Moreover, increased production and utilization of golden rice would provide the required nutrients especially for the poor to meet their nutritional requirements. But commercialization of GM crops is still an issue as people are yet to accept them globally. Finally, the future prospect of GM rice will flourish unless it is met by some loop holes.
Vegetable peels as natural antioxidants for processed foods – A review
Authors: Sonia N. S. , Mini C. , Geethalekshmi P. R.
Published: March 2016

Antioxidants are substances that are able to prevent or inhibit oxidation processes in human body as well as in food products. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized it selves. The protection of foods from oxygen is the basic principle upon which antioxidant protective technologies are based. Both synthetic as well as natural antioxidants are using in food industry but the application of synthetics has been reassessed due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Research is being focused on vegetable materials which are a rich source of antioxidant compounds. Various antioxidant compounds have been isolated, many of them being polyphenols. Direct relationship exists between the total phenolic contents and the antioxidant activity in fruits and vegetables. The entire tissue of fruits and vegetables are rich in bio-active compounds and in most cases the waste by-products can present similar or even higher contents of antioxidant compounds. The waste materials such as peels, seeds and stones produced from the fruit and vegetable processing unit can be successfully used as a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants. Different antioxidant sources, their mode of action, application in food industry and antioxidant activities of banana peel, watermelon peel, potato peel and cucumber peel are reviewed in this paper.
Strategic nutritional management for organic livestock and poultry farming-A review
Authors: Ribadiya N. K. , Savsani H. H. , Patil S. S. , Dutta K. S. , Garg D. D. , Karangiya V. K.
Published: March 2016

Organic livestock farming promotes the use of organic and biodegradable inputs from the ecosystem in terms of animal nutrition, animal health, animal housing and breeding. It is getting popular in many countries including India due to increased consumers’ demand of organic products and environmental concerns. Sound managemental aspect of organic livestock farming stands upon the nutritional management of the animals for better performance and animal health. Animal nutrition plays a key role to prevent infections, to provide wellbeing to the animals through better immunity and to improve animal production. Thus, roles of nutritionists and veterinarians are more important in organic system than conventional system which needs improved nutritional management and efficient surveillances of diseases and organisms that are economically important.
Role of pollination in improving productivity of cashew – A review
Authors: Eradasappa E. , Mohana G. S.
Published: March 2016

Cashew has become an important nut crop in India owing to its nutritional value and export earnings. The productivity of cashew in India is low because of several reasons and hence India imports raw nuts from other countries to meet the demand of its processing industries. Several studies have shown that inadequate pollination plays an important role in low productivity of cashew in addition to other factors. Hence, it is imperative to understand and address the issue of pollination in cashew to increase the productivity. In this regard, an attempt has been made here to review the research related to pollination in cashew.
Discerning genetic diversity among super early pigeonpea germplasm using microsatellite markers
Authors: Pushpavalli SNCVL , Rajeswari R. Raja
Published: March 2016

In the present study genetic diversity studies have been carried out using twenty four polymorphic SSR markers in a set of thirty five super early pigeonpea germplasm. The primers amplified a total of 69 alleles with 24 primers having highest PIC of 0.74. The SSR markers grouped the germplasm into four clusters based on jaccard’s similarity coefficient. To test the goodness of fit of a clustering to a set of SSR data, cophenetic correlation coefficient or cophenetic value was estimated using the COPH and MXCOMP options in NTSYS-pc program. The cophenetic value of 0.94 obtained using the SSR data indicated a very good fit. The polymorphic SSR primers could clearly distinguish the determinate germplasm and non-determinate germplasm. PCA revealed that phenotypic variation explained by the SSRs with first four PCs accounted to 65.4% of total variation. Analysis of molecular variance of pigeonpea germplasm has shown that approximately 1.2% of genetic diversity was within super early germplasm, 71% among germplasm, and 27% among determinate and indeterminate types.
Entrepreneur Training Needs Analysis: Implications On The Entrepreneurial Skills Needed For Successful Entrepreneurs
Authors: Jusoh Rosnani , Ziyae Babak , Asimiran Soaib , Kadir Suhaida Abd.
Published: March 2016

This paper is one of the outcomes of the study from interview of 30 entrepreneurs in Malaysia, investigating the business competencies needed for successful in their business.  In the paper, the training needs of entrepreneurs are identified and analysed with respect to a number of issues affecting business such as creativity and innovation, sources of business finance, accounting skills, financial management, areas in which the entrepreneurs find it difficult to acquire knowledge.  The study confirm the view of entrepreneurship education makes a significant different in the performance of entrepreneurs, with entrepreneurs expressing a need for further training and education in specific business issues.
Interplay Between Conflict, Poverty And Remittance: The Case Of Nepal
Authors: Panday Priniti
Published: March 2016

In 1996, the Maoist launched the "Peoples War" in Nepal claiming that the constitution of Nepal was inadequate in ensuring freedom, justice and welfare for the Nepalese people. The insurgency spread throughout the country and in a period of 10 years, about 13 thousand people lost their lives. In 2005, the Maoists declared a cease-fire and entered a peace agreement with other political parties, ending the decade long war and putting forth a united opposition against the monarchy. In April 2006, King Gyanendra, the ruling monarch of Nepal ceded absolute power, bringing to an end the long standing monarchy in the country. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with substantial variation within the country with respect to economic development and conflict intensity. In this paper, we will provide evidence of regional diversity and examine a possible relationship between the level of development and conflict intensity across regions. In the midst of the conflict, poverty rate in Nepal dropped by about 10%. We will look at remittances as a possible explanation of this phenomenon.
Development Of Sustainable Tourism Industry Along Chaophraya River
Authors: Sirikudta Supada , Archarungroj Paiboon , Serirat Sirivan , Gulid Nuk
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this research is to present marketing mix strategies plans in the development of sustainable tourism industry along Chaophraya River.  The samples are 200 thai tourists and 200 foreign tourists who travel along Chaophraya River in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya in Thailand.  This results reveal that the operators should plan their marketing strategies, focusing on distribution channels, promotion and quality of service, so that the Thai and foreign tourists could perceive more than their expectation which would lead to satisfaction. For Thai tourists to revisit in the future operators must consider perception variable in terms of personnel; and push factors in terms of seeking for escape and relaxation, which together had 13.7% influence. For foreign tourists, operators must consider perception variable in term of personnel, push factors in terms of seeking for different lifestyle and entertainment and pull factor in term of environment quality, which together had 18.1% influence. Moreover the operators should increase the sustainable tourism such as preserving and public relation of natural environment and have local tourist guide.
Leadership Competencies: The Contribution Of The Bachelor In Management And Leadership (BML) To The Development Of Leaders At First National Bank, South Africa
Authors: Botha Sylvie , Claassens Madaleen
Published: March 2016

The importance of effective managerial leadership is vital within the business environment. Business leaders, including those within the financial services industry, are confronted with numerous challenges. In order to deal effectively with those challenges, the unique developmental needs of business leaders need to be addressed continuously. From a South African perspective, business leaders are confronted with unique challenges such as globalisation, cultural diversity, black economic empowerment and transformation. Leaders whose competency levels are adequately developed are able to address these issues and succeed in adding value to their organisations. The question is whether the required leadership competencies can be acquired through tertiary education programmes that are specifically designed for adult learners, and whether this learning contributes to the growth of successful business leaders.  This study focused on the leadership competencies required by leaders within the financial services industry exploring the contribution made by the Bachelor in Management and Leadership degree (offered by the University of the Free State in South Africa) to the development of leaders at First National Bank, a major financial services provider in South Africa.  The results of the study indicated that the BML has indeed addressed the researched managerial leadership competencies utilised by First National Bank and that the programme has contributed significantly to the development and growth of its managerial leaders. However, certain gaps were identified and  in order to ensure the sustainability of acquired knowledge and skills, it is recommended that a coaching and mentorship programme be introduced and implemented  by First National Bank. It was also found that leadership in Africa faces unique challenges and it is foreseen that South African companies will place more emphasis on African leadership competencies in their leadership development programmes.
An Integrative Approach To The Approved Destination Status Tourism
Authors: He Yunke
Published: March 2016

Approved Destination Status (ADS) is a status granted to a foreign country by the Chinese government, which allows Chinese outbound tour groups to travel to that country. The ADS tourism market is different from the traditional tourism market. In this new market, a good percentage of tourists join the ADS group tours mainly for the purpose of assessing business and education opportunities in destination countries. A new, innovative and integrative approach is required for destination countries to meet the needs of ADS tourist and to gain the full economic benefit generated from the ADS tourism.
Impact Of Membership Of Financial Institutions On Rural Saving: A Micro-Level Study
Authors: Pailwar Veena K. , Kaur Jaspreet , Saxena Khushboo , Nijhara Mitesh
Published: March 2016

In developing countries like India, mobilization of rural saving is necessary for inclusive growth. This micro study, aims at ascertaining the significance of financial institutions in mobilizing financial saving of rural/ semi-urban households. It is based on the primary data collected from full scale sample survey conducted in five villages and two suburban areas of National Capital Region, India. A hierarchal regression carried out on this data identified that the membership of financial institutions, specifically that of banks, insurance and informal financial institutions explains significant proportion of the variation in the rural household financial saving.
Attitude Of Religious Class Towards Contemporary Female Higher Education
Authors: Inamullah Hafiz M. , Sarwar Muhammad. , Khan Naeemullah , Hifazatulla Hifazatulla , Naseeruddin M. , Hussain Ishtiaq
Published: March 2016

The study aimed at exploring the attitude of religious class towards Contemporary female higher education. The population for the study was the religious class of Kohat, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan of Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan.  Fifty individuals of each category were selected randomly as a sample of the study. Thus the sample consisted of 200 religious individuals.
Growth And Expansion Of Women-Owned Home-Based Business
Authors: Breen John , Karanasios Stan
Published: March 2016

Home-based business (HBB) growth and expansion has been approached from the perspective of the increase in numbers of HBBs and the economic multiplier effect. However, little is known concerning the actual growth and expansion of the individual HBBs in terms of increase in turnover and sales, number of employees, increase in products and services, return on investment and market share. This is particularly true when narrowed to a specific demographic group, such as women-owned HBBs. This paper explores the growth aspirations and actual growth experiences of women-owned HBBs, as well as the factors both influencing growth and retarding growth amongst women-owned HBBs in Victoria, Australia. We found that over half of female owned HBBs have experienced growth and almost three quarters aspire for future growth. A factor analysis and subsequent correlation and one-way Anova revealed the significant factors associated with growth and retarding growth. We found that prudent business management and external factors in the form of government support and securing a major contract are important factors contributing to growth. Concerning future growth the most important factors were business management and market opportunities such as achieving exports and conducting business over the Internet. HBBs that planned to grow also placed more importance on the barriers to growth. The paper expands knowledge in the domain of women-owned HBBs and challenges the view of women-owned HBBs as less formal organisations with an indifferent attitude towards growth.
Nonlinear Dependencies And Chaos In The Bilateral Exchange Rate Of The Dollar
Authors: Adrangi Bahram , Allender Mary Allender , Chatrath Arjun , Raffiee Kambiz
Published: March 2016

Employing the daily bilateral exchange rate of the dollar against the Canadian dollar, the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen, we conduct a battery of tests for the presence of low-dimension chaos.  The three stationary series are subjected to Correlation Dimension tests, BDS tests, and tests for entropy. While we find strong evidence of nonlinear dependence in the data, the evidence is not consistent with chaos.  Our test results indicate that GARCH-type processes explain the nonlinearities in the data.  We also show that employing seasonally adjusted index series enhances the robustness of results via the existing tests for chaotic structure.
A Reassessment Of Regulated Bank Capital On Profitability And Risk
Authors: Corcoran Charles
Published: March 2016

Banks must maintain minimum capital levels, but a regulated balance sheet implies profit suboptimization.  Moreover, the presumptive role of minimum capital in reducing insolvency risk may be misplaced.  Evidence is presented that suggests a bank’s level of capital may not accurately presage the risk of loan default.  Regulators must exercise restraint in further increasing bank capital levels, as unintended consequences may make matters worse.
Legal And Ethical Implications Of The Foreign Outsourcing Of Tax Return Preparation
Authors: Leavins John R. , Starner John , Simms John E.
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the outsourcing of tax preparation to foreign service providers has grown substantially. The benefits of outsourcing include lower costs and obtaining additional assistance during the busy tax season. However, some have raised both legal and ethical questions regarding this process. Arguments against the practice include problems related to ensuring confidentially of the information transmitted and the inability to adequately supervise personnel in foreign locations. This paper explores the legal concerns and ethical questions regarding outsourcing in light of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Internal Revenue Service requirements, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Code of Professional Conduct. In addition, the paper summarizes the most recent pronouncement of the AICPA on the subject.
Economic Growth Of Post-Soviet Central Asian Countries: Can Microentrepreneurship Play A Role?
Authors: Mondal Wali I.
Published: March 2016

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics broke down in 1991 giving birth to 15 Newly Independent States. Soon after independence, all post-Soviet states engaged in reforming their economies by abandoning the Gosplan-style central planning. In their quest for economic growth, all 15 States formed trade unions; however, these trade unions did not lead to any significant regional growth. On the other hand, both group-based and individual microcredit operations, conducted through microfinance institutes succeeded in four out of the five post-Soviet Central Asian Countries. This paper analyzed 43 microfinance institutes in 4 post-Soviet Central Asian Countries and found that there was significant prospect for the development of microentrepreneurship in the region. In order to promote economic growth, the author recommends formation of a consortium of microfinance institutes in the region with membership of all five countries. Further studies are needed to ascertain the growth prospect of the post-Soviet Central Asian Countries through the development of microentrepreneurship.
Openness, Bureaucratic Corruption And Public Policy In An Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Ziramba Emmanuel
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we develop a dynamic general equilibrium overlapping generations monetary endogenous growth model of a financially repressed small open economy characterized by bureaucratic corruption, and, in turn, analyze optimal policy decisions of the government following an increase in the degree of corruption. As suggested in the empirical literature, we find that increases in the degree of corruption should ideally result in an increase in the ratio of seigniorage to total revenue, as an optimal response of the benevolent government. In addition, higher degrees of corruption are also found to be accompanied by higher levels of financial repression.
A Comparative Study Of Ethical Work Climates Among Public And Private Sector Asian Accountants
Authors: Venezia Gerald , Venezia Chiulien Chuang , Hung Chung-wen
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a significant difference exists in the ethical behavior between public and private sector accountants. Current research has either focused on one sector or the other, leaving scant data for comparative studies. The public sector’s focus on the intricacies of bureaucracy, emphasis on serving the public and sworn oaths to constitutions is bound and constrained by rules and law. The private sector, on the other, hand emphasizes entrepreneurship and risk-taking, encouraging creative approaches that challenge the parameters of the law, as well as answering to stake-holders. These differences toward decision-making influence their respective ethical choices. The 36-item revised version of Ethical Climate Questionnaire, developed by Bart Victor, John B. Cullen, (1987-1988), and James W. Bronson (1993), was the instrument used to evaluate the ethical perceptions of the accountants. Factor analysis results extracted seven dimensions and all of them originally identified from the based theory of Ethical Work Climate of Cullen, Victor, and Bronson (1993). They are Rules/Codes, Caring, Self-Interest, Social Responsibility, Efficiency, Instrumentalism, and Personal Morality. The results reflected the differences between the public and private sectors, emphasizing what is considered to be of optimum to each. The public sector showed a higher perception in rules/codes, caring, self-interests, social responsibility, and instrumentalism, while efficiency and personal morality were perceived higher in the private sector.
Germany: Twenty Years After The Union
Authors: Mavrokordatos Pete , Stascinsky Stan , Michael Andrew
Published: March 2016

One of the most important events in the world after World War II was the reunification of Germany, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The aim of this paper is to discuss the general economic conditions in Germany, before and after the reunification. This paper is divided into four parts. The introductory section provides a summative discussion of the economic conditions in East and West Germany from World War II until the time of reunification. The second section presents an evaluation of the German economy since the reunification. The third section presents macroeconomic data to illustrate the general impact of the unification on the German economy. The final section offers concluding remarks and recommendations.
Islamic Social Reporting Of Listed Companies In Malaysia
Authors: Othman Rohana , Thani Azlan Md
Published: March 2016

The resurgence of Islam to a loftier pedestal as a way of life opened up an additional dimension to financial reporting to stakeholders.  Muslim decision-makers expect corporations to include additional information in their reports to enable them to exercise prudence, both from economics and Islamic jurisprudence point of views.  Based on the Islamic theoretical foundation of social accountability and full disclosure, Muslim business owners - or in this study, the shariah-approved companies, must prove that they are operating under Islamic laws. The Islamic capital market has developed at such a rapid pace that the shariah-approved companies are beginning to present a religious aspect to their financial statements by disclosing the fulfilment of its obligations in line with the shariah, like zakat, sadaqa, wages and compensation, and the conduct of business activities within a halal environment; hence, the need for Islamic Social Reporting (ISR).  This study attempted to measure the extent of ISR as practiced by shariah-approved Malaysian companies listed in Bursa Malaysia in their annual reports.  The study led to a conclusion on the degree of accountability on the part of the companies by way of their conformity to shariah.  Based on the descriptive statistics of the disclosure index, it can be concluded that the extent of ISR in the annual report of selected companies is considered minimal.
Disclosure Level And Compliance With IFRSs: An Empirical Investigation Of Kuwaiti Companies
Authors: Mutawaa Abdullah Al , Hewaidy Aly M
Published: March 2016

This study empirically investigates the extent of compliance of Kuwaiti listed companies with IAS/IFRSs disclosure requirements, and provides evidence of the factors associated with the level of compliance. The factors examined are: company size, profitability, leverage, liquidity, type of industry, type of auditor, and company age. For this purpose a disclosure index is developed including 101 disclosure items representing 12 IASs. The annual reports of a sample of 48 non-financial companies carefully scrutinized against the disclosure index. The findings of the study indicate that the overall compliance level for the sampled companies averages 69% of the disclosures required by the standards tested. Regression results indicate that only company size and type of industry have positive association with IAS-required disclosures and their coefficients are significantly different from zero. Other explanatory variables are found statistically insignificant.
Internationalization Of SMEs: Opportunities And Limitations In The Age Of Globalization
Authors: Sen Arup , Haq Kushnood
Published: March 2016

Economic growth and innovation in this global environment are fuelled increasingly by small and medium-sized companies.  The purpose of this study is to examine the practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) relative to exporting and outsourcing activities.  Data from an exploratory survey of 100 companies suggest that outsourcing of research and development activities has remained stable while the non-core activities such as manufacturing, distribution, and marketing activities continue to be outsourced at an accelerating pace.  The results also reveal that medium-sized firms are more involved in outsourcing of the non-core activities than those as observed for smaller firms.  This paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of the survey findings for outsourcing and strategic management of the outsourcing function.