bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance And The Quality Of Financial Disclosures
Authors: Myring Mark , Shortridge Rebecca Toppe
Published: March 2016

Congress has recently enacted measures designed to improve corporate governance standards.  Regulators have asserted that strong corporate governance enhances the transparency and validity of financial statements.  Previous studies addressing the relationship between corporate governance and financial reporting quality yield mixed results.  This study employs analyst earnings forecasts to determine whether corporate governance procedures impact the quality of accounting information.  Following the work of Barron et al. (1998), we examined the impact of various measures of the strength of corporate governance on forecast accuracy and dispersion.  Our results provide mixed evidence to support the notion that the strength of corporate governance impacts the quality of financial statement information.
Regulating The Pharmaceutical Industry In The European Union: A Dilemma Of Achieving A Single Market
Authors: Timur Aysegul , Picone Gabriel
Published: March 2016

Pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement regulations create a dilemma to achieve a single pharmaceutical market in the European Union (EU). Although considerable progress has been made in the past years in harmonization of the pharmaceutical markets, the pricing decisions or systems have continued to be operated on a national basis, which results in price differences across the member states. These price differences create opportunity for parallel trade which, in combination with the EU single market principle calling for the free movement of goods, could lead to reduction in price differences. Among the harmonization efforts by the European Commission, national decisions on pricing and controls, plus parallel trade dilemma, we attempt to analyze the bilateral drug price differences using a sample of countries that represent from strict to relatively less pharmaceutical regulations. Almost all member countries regulate pharmaceutical prices, either directly or indirectly, in the EU, which creates less or more price differences despite market integration. This paper is simply aimed at analyzing price differences in the European pharmaceutical market, employing annual 1994–2003 IMS Health Data from five EU countries (Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain) on prices of molecules used to treat cardiovascular disease. The analysis includes a two step approach. First, we calculate the common use of Laspeyres and Paasche weighted price and quantity indices to make comparisons for both bilaterally matched molecules (considering Spain as the base country) and diffused molecules that are available for five countries. Second, we adopt a hedonic price regression to control observable quality and market characteristics and then re-analyze price differentials. The study concludes that price differences still exist, but are decreasing over time. Even though the results are sensitive to sample and methods used, we found implicit evidence that harmonization efforts by the European Commission may ease reducing price differences in the long run, but it should not be interpreted as moving toward complete elimination of price differences due to complexities in this industry.
Competencies For Human Resource Development Practitioners
Authors: Erasmus Barney , Loedolff Vadm Pieter , Hammann Mr Filip
Published: March 2016

This paper reports on research into the required competencies of human resource development practitioners (HRD) in selected South African organizations.  The research identified the level of importance and of satisfaction with the main competencies amongst HRD practitioners. Data was gathered from a random sample of business establishments. Data analysis indicated, firstly the importance of various competencies and the present satisfaction level, and secondly the differences between groups of some biographical variables in terms of the average level of importance and satisfaction of competencies. The results obtained have definite implications in the field of HRD and for education and training programmes offered by tertiary education institutions.
The Perceived Country Of Origin Images In Turkey
Authors: Tigli Mehmet , Pirtini Serdar , Erdem Y. Can
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of country-of-origin image in quality perceptions of Turkish consumers. Since the research already supports the fact that country-of-origin image reflects a consumer’s general perception about the quality of products made in a particular country and the nature of people from that country, the authors aimed to search how consistent the Turkish consumers are in perceiving some products/product groups and the countries those products are associated with. The objective is to assess the matching of perceptions of some country images and the products. Both the product-country and the country-product match information can be used to assess consumers’ purchase intentions by both marketing practitioners and the state authorities in managing country images. This study examined country-of-origin in terms of the fit between countries and product categories as perceived by a sample of 500 students/professionals in both major universities and numerous business institutions in Turkey. The findings indicated that the respondents were not consistent in associating the names of the products and the names of the countries with each other.
The Financial And Cost Accounting Implications Of Medical Tourism
Authors: Carruth Paul J. , Carruth Ann K.
Published: March 2016

It is estimated that the current annual U.S. investment in health care is $2 trillion, roughly 16 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).   Of great concern is the fact that health care costs are rising at two-and-one-half times the rate of inflation in the economy. As a result, the model of health care outsourcing to less developed countries has become increasingly more attractive to individuals who pay out of pocket expenses for health care or who do not want to wait long periods for health care. Medical tourism, introduced in several countries outside the U.S. over a decade ago, is a term coined to represent those underinsured individuals who are willing to pay to travel overseas to save significant amounts of money on the same procedures offered at much greater expense through the U.S. health care system.  Because quality of health care around the world varies, concern over substandard care with regard to surgery and other medical procedures is a factor to take into consideration when evaluating medical tourism.   This article analyzes the cost implications of medical outsourcing abroad and discusses the financial implications of medical tourism as it relates to the cost of direct care, follow up care, and complications.
Government Size And The International Mobility Of Capital
Authors: Dar Atul A. , AmirKhalkhali Sal
Published: March 2016

This paper examines how government size impacts on the degree of capital mobility among 23 industrial countries by estimating saving-investment correlations using an error-correction model, with random coefficients, from data for the 1970-2006 period. The error-correction approach allows us to integrate both short-run and long-run behaviour within a single model. This is important if the model is to be given a capital mobility interpretation, because the saving-investment correlation relevant for assessing capital mobility is a long run one. Further, a model with random coefficients is a more general way of incorporating unmeasured differences between countries. Our sample is classified into five groups according to government size, which is measured by the ratio of government expenditures to GDP, and the model is estimated for each group separately using the random coefficients estimator.  Our results find some support for the view that countries with larger governments also have lower capital mobility.
Customer Retention Strategies For Disintermediated Travel Agents: How To Stop Customers From Migrating To Online Booking Channels
Authors: Viljoen Kim , Roberts-Lombard M.
Published: March 2016

Remaining relevant to customers and retaining customers who could consider booking online, requires travel agents to modify their marketing strategies.  Travel agents need to find new ways to add value for customers and suppliers to reinstate their roles in the travel distribution process and ultimately retain their customers. A total of 600 travel agencies in South Africa participated in the study through the completion of an online survey.  The data analysis technique used for the study was path analysis.  The findings stipulate that travel agency owners and managers believe that providing differentiated products to their leisure customers, is the key to winning back lost customers and keeping existing customers.  Travel agency owners and managers further indicated that this is an existing reintermediation strategy that they plan to practise in the future as well.  It is therefore recommended that travel agents focus on delivering high-quality service to win back lost customers and thus reintermediate their businesses.
Relationship Between Audit Opinion And Credit Rating: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Cha Myungki , Hwang Kookjae , Yeo Youngjun
Published: March 2016

In this study, we investigate the relationship between credit ratings and audit opinions of financially distressed companies impending bankruptcy. Using Korean publicly-held firms for the years 2007 through 2014, we analyze 97 bankrupt companies with credit rating available before they file bankruptcy. Following prior research (Geiger et al., 2005), we find that the propensity to issue a going concern audit opinion is associated with the credit score issued by NICE immediately prior to the audit opinion date. We also compare credit ratings to audit opinions to investigate which of the two is more conservative and provides the earlier signal of bankruptcy. Through empirical test, we can conclude that audit system has more successfully predictive function in signaling preceding bankruptcy than CRAs' system with overly optimism. We argue that after a string of high-profile corporate failures such as Enron and Arthur Anderson’s bankruptcies, legislators portrayed auditors negatively and ultimately led to the enactment and more forced liabilities and thus auditors become more conservative. To remedy CRAs' failure by providing overly optimism, we suggest that like as auditors, CRAs' regulations should be more strengthened on their liability about issuing credit ratings.
Authors: Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Fernandes Daniele Pimentel , Costa Ticiana Cabral , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rego Amalia Cintia Meneses , Medeiros Vitor Brasil , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify if diabetes induced in rats changes the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) and, consequently, the accuracy of the scintigraphic exams. Methods: We used 14 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated in 2 group: the diabetic group (D) rats (n=7) were submitted to the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin, and 7 non diabetic rats were used as controls (C). After 7 days, in the 14 animals it was administered 0,1 mL of Na99mTcO4  (0.66 MBq) through orbital plexus and, after 30 minutes, the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate was evaluated, being compared the uptske of this in the several studied organs of diabetic animals and controls. Results: The biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 was significantly higher in the liver and smaller in the bladder, thyroid and stomach of diabetic mice when compared to the control group rats. Conclusion: Diabetes induced in rats alters the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4, and this finding could have clinical implications on scintigraphic exams.
Authors: Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Medeiros Vítor Brasil , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Egito Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin in an experimental model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion, as well as in the prevention of bacterial translocation.  Methods: We used Wistar rats, randomly allocated in 5 groups:  C (n=10) controls; S (N=10) Shan-operated; I/R (n=10) intestinal ischemia and reperfusion; S+Sim (n=7) sham treated with simvastatin and I/R+Sim (n=7) ischemia/reperfusion treated with simvastatin.   In the group S, a laparotomy and manipulation of intestinal loops were performed. In the groups I/R and I/R+Sim, the superior mesenteric artery was occluded with a vascular microclamp, the laparotomy was closed and reopened 60 minutes after for pull back the clamp. The reperfusion was confirmed by the return of the pulsation of the mesenteric arcade. The animals were sacrificed after 120 minutes of reperfusion. Simvastatin microemulsion (10mg/kg) was administered (gavage) 18 hs and 2 hours before the surgical procedure.  Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for measurement of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10. One gram of spleen, liver and mesenteric lymph nodes was harvested for culture in selective means for Gram (-) and Gram (+) bacteria. A sample of terminal ileum of each animal was harvested, fixed in formalin 10% and included in paraffin. Slices were stained with hematoxilin-eosin for morphometric measurement. The damages of the intestinal samples were examined in a blind way by an experienced pathologist, in agreement with microscopic criteria for levels of aggressions based previously on a grade system. ANOVA and the post-hoc Tukey test were used, considering  p<0,05 as significant. Results: We observed bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver and blood in all animals submitted to I/R, being smaller in the group I/R treated with simvastatin than in controls. In the I/R group rats the values of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher, when compared to the I/R+Sim group rats. The I/R+Sim group rats showed higher levels of IL-10, when compared with the other groups (p<0.05). The ileal segments presented macroscopic dilation and intramural hemorrhage. The microscopy revealed intense mucosa lesion in the group I/R compared to the other groups. The  histopathologic findings of the I/R+Sim group rats were similar to that found in the groups C and S. Conclusion: The simvastatin contributed to reduce the bacterial translocation, the values of pro-inflammatory cytokine and to increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine, preserving the integrity of the intestinal epithelium in an experimental model of ischemia/reperfusion.
Authors: Leão Layra Ribeiro Souza , Lima Hilkéa Carla Souza Medeiros , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Dantas-Filho Antonio Medeiros , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of sildenafil on the liver, when administered prior to the episode of liver ischemia/reperfusion. Method: We used 12 Wistar rats. In both IR group (n=6) and IR sildenafil group (n=6), hepatic ischemia was induced for 45 minutes by occlusion of blood vessels supplying the median and lateral lobes of the liver using a vascular clip (bulldog). IR group animals were treated with sildenafil citrate at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg by gavage, 30 minutes before ischemia. During the observation period of ischemia/reperfusion, the abdomen was temporarily closed. After 45 min the vascular clamp was removed, and reperfusion occurred by 60 min. Liver biodistribution of Tc-99m-phytate, histopathology and serum AST, ALT, LDH were analyzed. Results: In animals treated with sildenafil the right lobe of the liver (without ischemia) had significantly higher radioactivity uptake than in the untreated rats (p <0.001). After ischemia/reperfusion, sildenafil failed to improve the radioactive uptake in the left lobe (p = 0.01). Comparing the right and left lobes, the radioactive uptake was lower in lobe left than in right lobe (p = 0.005) of untreated rats (controls). The liver function tests were significantly more impaired in the group treated with sildenafil than in controls. Conclusion: Sildenafil contributed to the deterioration of liver function in a model of ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Leão Layra Ribeiro de Sousa , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Pesquisa com o objetivo de estudar a açáo da interposiçáo do íleo terminal na hiperglicemia e na massa de células beta pancreáticas em ratos diabéticos náo obesos. Métodos: Foram utilizados de 18 ratos Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de 6 cada. Um grupo controle náo diabético, um grupo (controle diabético) submetido à induçáo do diabetes com estreptozotocina, e outro grupo diabetes submetido à interposiçáo ileal. A massa de células beta foi quantificada por método indireto através da divisáo dos níveis séricos de peptídeo-C (ng/mL) pela glicemia (mg/dL). Usados os testes de variância (ANOVA) e Tukey, para análise de diferenças específicas, considerando-se significância de p<0.05. Resultados: A glicemia dos animais diabéticos com interposiçáo ileal foi significativamente reduzida (94,5±5.6mg/dL), quando comparada com o grupo controle diabético (245±4,8mg/dL) (p<0,05). O peptídeo-C revelou níveis significativamente maiores nos animais do grupo diabetes interposiçáo (0,58±0,06ng/mL) do que no grupo controle diabetes (0,42±0,03ng/mL), sugerindo maior resposta à estimulaçáo pancreática neste grupo (p<0,05). A razáo entre peptídeo-C e glicemia revelou diferença significante (p<0,05), observando-se maior massa e funçáo de células beta nos animais diabetes interposiçáo (0,61) do que nos controle diabetes (0,004). Conclusáo: Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que a interposiçáo ileal contribuiu para a reduçáo da glicemia e para o aumento da massa de células beta funcionantes em ratos diabéticos.
Authors: Carvalho Marilia Daniela Ferreira , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: A hepatectomia é uma modalidade cirúrgica para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas benignas e malignas. Este estudo retrospectivo teve como objetivo analisar os principais aspectos clínicos e técnicas relativas a 33 hepatectomias realizadas de julho de 2006 a julho de 2010, no Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Métodos: As informações dos pacientes foram armazenados no programa de 2000 MV ®, desenvolvido por MV Software & Consulting. Os dados de interesse para o trabalho foram organizados em tabelas, que foram processados no Microsoft Office Excel ® 2010 para a construçáo de dados estatísticos e gráficos. Os dados demográficos incluíram sexo, origem, idade e co-morbidades. A hepatectomia foi categorizada como ressecçáo anatômica e ressecçáo nonanatômica. A hepatectomia curativa foi definida como sem evidência macroscópica de tumor residual. Todos os pacientes que foram submetidos a hepatectomia foram computados. A prevalência de complicações foi calculada e expressa. Estatísticas: todos os dados contínuos foram apresentados como médias (intervalos). Todos os dados categóricos foram apresentados em porcentagem. Resultados: Náo foi encontrada diferença na prevalência de gênero masculino e feminino. A comorbidade mais prevalente foi hipertensáo arterial (30%) e a complicaçáo pós-operatória mais encontrada foi a fístula entérica (18%). Quarenta e cinco por cento dos pacientes náo apresentaram comorbidade. A mortalidade foi de 12%. Vinte e um por cento dos pacientes tinham câncer de vesícula biliar e 12% tinham metástase hepática de câncer de cólon. Carcinoma hepatocelular ocorreu em 6% dos pacientes e lesáo iatrogênica de ducto biliar em 3% dos casos. A ressecçáo anatômica predominou (n = 25; 75,7%). Sete deles (21,2%) foram submetidos a hemihepatectomia e 4 foram submetidos a bisegmentectomia estendida. Oito pacientes (24,3%) foram submetidos a ressecçáo atípica (náo-anatômica). Conclusáo: Esses dados mostraram morbidade e mortalidade pós-hepatectomia foram compatíveis com a literatura e que a avaliaçáo radiológica e funcional permitiu ressecçáo anatômica na maioria dos casos, com ótima margem de ressecçáo. Medidas para minimizar a morbidade pós-operatória foram implementadas.
Attenuation of lung injury using simvastatin in a rat sepsis model
Authors: Medeiros Vítor Brasil , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros de , Rego Amália Cínthia Meneses , Araújo-Filho Irami , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Considering that statins have pleiotrophic effects, we hypothesized that vimvastatin therapy could help in the setting of sepsis and lung injury. The aim of this study was to address the effect of simvastatin pretreatment on lung injury in rats with abdominal sepsis. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 235±26g were used and distributed into the three groups: group 1, n=10 (sham), treated with oral injection of saline (10mL/Kg) 24 hs before and again immediately before surgery; group 2, n=10 (abdominal sepsis+saline), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and treatment with saline as group 1; group 3, n=10 (abdominal sepsis+simvastatin), CLP and treatment with oral injection (gavage) of 10mg/Kg of simvastatin suspension (10mg/ml) 24 hs before and again immediately before surgery. Commercial ELISA kits were used for measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Lung tissue from all animals was studied with light microscopy to determine the distribution and amount of lung injury. Results: TNF-α plasma expression was significantly lower in rats treated with simvastatin (172.8±25 pg/mL) than in rats treated with 0.9% saline (298.5±63 pg/ml). IL-1 plasma levels showed a drastic decrease (53.3±7 pg/mL) in simvastatin treated rats, compared with the sepsis/saline group rats (127.6±28 pg/mL). The plasma levels of IL-6 in the sepsis/simvastatin treated rats (53.3±7 pg/mL) were lower than in sepsis/saline treated rats (134.6±15mL). In control rats the plasma cytokines were significantly less expressive (28.4±6) than in the other groups. Representative lung histology demonstrated marked inflammation characterized by abundant interstitial neutrophils and edema in group sepsis/saline. Induced inflammation was greatly reduced by simvastatin pretreatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggest that simvastatin protects the lung against tissue injury in abdominal sepsis via inhibition of cytokines expression.
Triclosan-coated polyglactin-910 for closure of infected abdominal wall of rats with peritonitis
Authors: Tôrres Juliana Lima , Araújo-Filho Irami , Araújo Maria De Lourdes M. de F. N. , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Sá Marília De vasconcelos , Medeiros Vítor Brasil , Tôrres Suzana Lima , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros de , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Antibacterial-coated sutures have been reported to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections both in experimental and clinical studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan (Vicryl Plus) and traditional polyglactin suture (Vicryl) with regard to surgical abdominal wound infections following abdominal sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats weighing 285±15g were randomly distributed on Vicryl plus group (n=6) and Vicryl group (n=6). The variables to be evaluated were: (1) tensile strength of the tissues at the site of the suture (2) the histopathological aspects with counts of inflammatory cells; (3) bacteriology - growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Results: On the fifth postoperative day bacterial cultures of the secretions collected from abdominal wounds revealed growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella sp. A significant difference was observed in the mean colony forming units of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in wounds sutured with noncoated (Vicryl) versus triclosan-coated sutures (Vicryl Plus). In the Vicryl group, the average tensil strength was 533.8±75.8 gf/mm2, significantly lower than in Vicryl Plus group (854.0±51.7 gf/mm2). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p<0.0001). The density of the inflammatory reaction was significantly higher (p=0.003) in the Vicryl group rats (1033.26±153.97) than the in Vicryl Plus group (723.29±96.5). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of Coated Vicryl Plus suture, that prevented bacterial colonization and reduced the inflammatory response, allowing tissue healing even in infected wounds.
Telesurgery in medical school and teaching hospital
Authors: Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Melo Luís Felipe Revorêdo Antunes , Galvão Rafael Bessa Freitas , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Telesurgery has been advertised for increasing efficiency, extending the scope of surgical practice, improving surgery outcomes, and reducing costs in the healthcare system. The aim of this article is to describe the some important aspects of telesurgery in medical schools, including the telecommunication requirements, the impact from lack of haptic feedback, surgeons adaptation, ethical and medicolegal issues. Methods: A review was done in Pubmed and ScieLo electronic platform, and a total of 20 representative articles were identified and are the basis of this review. Results: In this review we described the basic terms about telemedicine and telesurgery. We also described the guides for the establishment of telesurgical networks connecting various hospitals and centers in the world, allowing for rapid and safe dissemination of new surgical techniques. Telemedicine has been used to read image exams, interpret tests, consultation, conventional, laparoscopic and telerobotic surgery, manage diabetes, and manage postoperative follow up from remote sites. Reductions in time lost from work, transportation costs, more efficiency for the health care providers, and reducing medical costs all have been suggested as benefits of telemedicine. Conclusion: Despite the information published about telemedicine and telesurgery, this technology has been shown to be highly important in medical schools in rural hospitals, and war settings, with unequivocal benefits. Properly structured investigations will be needed to determine the role of telesurgery in the future.
Second Chance Education in Botswana: Implementing a holistic approach based on the botho philosophy to empower marginalized youth in the Kweneng District
Authors: Khudu-Petersen Kelone , Mamvuto Attwell
Published: March 2016

This paper reports on a project initiated by the non-governmental organization Springboard Humanism (SBH) based in Molepolole, the capital of the Kweneng District of Botswana. The project aims to empower young marginalized women, particularly indigenous BaSarwa and BaKgalagari, who dropped out of school at Junior Certificate Examination (JCE) level (Year 10). The modus operandi at SBH is botho, an African philosophy emphasizing caring, sharing, showing respect and compassion. Participatory action research was conducted with 60 purposively sampled students and other stakeholders who were asked to participate. The study used interviews, observations and document analysis to generate data. The project had been running for three years (2012–2014) at the time of the study and has shown potential to generate positive outcomes and to empower marginalized ethnic minority learners, especially females. Participants in the project have managed to pass the JCE which enables them to enter senior secondary school or vocational education. It is recommended that Botswana's education system adopt this pathway to mainstream education to help ethnic minority youth improve their academic performance.
Carbon sequestration in a surface flow constructed wetland after 12 years of swine wastewater treatment
Authors: Reddy Gudigopuram B. , Raczkowski Charles W. , Cyrus Johnsely S. , Szogi Ariel
Published: March 2016

Constructed wetlands used for the treatment of swine wastewater may potentially sequester significant amounts of carbon. In past studies, we evaluated the treatment efficiency of wastewater in a marsh–pond–marsh design wetland system. The functionality of this system was highly dependent on soil carbon content and organic matter turnover rate. To better understand system performance and carbon dynamics, we measured plant dry matter, decomposition rates and soil carbon fractions. Plant litter decomposition rate was 0.0052 g day−1 (±0.00119 g day−1) with an estimated half-life of 133 days. The detritus layer accumulated over the soil surface had much more humin than other C fractions. In marsh areas, soil C extracted with NaOH had four to six times higher amounts of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin than soil C extracted by cold and hot water, HCl/HF, and Na pyruvate. In the pond area, humic acid, fulvic acid and humin content were two to four times lower than in the marsh area. More soil C and N was found in the marsh area than in the pond area. These wetlands proved to be large sinks for stable C forms.
Meat industry wastewater: microbiological quality and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and Salmonella sp. isolates, case study in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Stošić Milena , Čučak Dragana , Kovačević Srđan , Perović Marija , Radonić Jelena , Sekulić Maja Turk , Miloradov Mirjana Vojinović , Radnović Dragan
Published: March 2016

Wastewater from meat processing industries is a fusion of compounds with a high load of organic matter, and pathogen microorganisms like Escherichia coli, and Salmonella sp. The aim of this research was to determine microbiological characteristics of the wastewater discharged from the meat processing industry in order to get a more detailed insight into meat industry wastewater pollution, and to evaluate the resistance of bacterial strains E. coli and Salmonella sp. to antibiotics. The evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on 37 strains of E. coli and eight strains of Salmonella sp. to nine different antibiotics. The number of faecal pollution indicators was very high in all samples. From a total of 37 strains of E. coli, a moderate degree of resistance was shown to tetracycline (37.83%); a low degree of resistance to ampicillin (21.62%), streptomycin (24.32%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol (18.92%) and nalidixic acid (16.22%); and very low to: chloramphenicol (13.51%), ciprofloxacin (2.7%), gentamicin and cefotaxime (0.0%). The results for eight strains of Salmonella sp. show that all eight isolates had some degree of susceptibility to nine tested antimicrobial agents and six strains were fully susceptible to all tested antibiotics.
Lateral Ridge Augmentation with Autogenous Bone Harvested Using Trephine Drills: A Noninvasive Technique
Authors: Arab H. R. , Moeintaghavi A. , Taheri M. , Sargolzaie N. , Aghasizadeh D. , Shiezadeh F.
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the success rate of a chairside ridge augmentation procedure using bone autografts harvested with trephine drills and placed without the use of screws.

Methods:

Thirty patients were recruited for the study. After the surgical site was anesthetized and a crestal incision was made, an envelope flap was retracted using blunt dissection limited to the graft site, and the periosteum was raised intact and undamaged from the bone. The flap was extended laterally to obtain sufficient space for the bone graft. At the donor site, bone was obtained from the external oblique ridge area. A #5 or #6 trephine drill was used to harvest one or two pieces of bone. The bone blocks were placed inside the envelope flap at the recipient site, which was then sutured and covered with periodontal dressing. Antibiotics, analgesics, and mouthwash were prescribed. Measurements of ridge width were performed using CBCT before and 3 months after surgery. The pre- and post operative results were compared using paired t test.

Results:

Pre- and post-operative mean ridge widths were 2.23 ± 0.79 and 5.16 ± 0.68 mm, respectively. The mean increase in width was 2.92 ± 0.89 mm(P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

This non-invasive and simple technique provided an acceptable increase in ridge width. As the sample was small, we recommend further clinical investigation with larger samples to confirm that this technique may be used successfully as an alternative to current invasive augmentation methods.
A Case of Anterior Chamber Cholesterolosis Due to Coats' Disease and a Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Stacey Andrew W. , Borri Melissa , Francesco Sonia De , Antenore Angela S. , Menicacci Felice , Hadjistilianou Theodora
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

To present the case of an 18 month old boy with Coats' disease who was found to have anterior chamber cholesterolosis.

Methods:

Case presentation and review of reported cases.

Results:

An 18 month old boy presented with unilateral stage 3B Coats' disease without other clinical findings. Two weeks after presentation he returned with xanthocoria due to anterior chamber cholesterolosis. He subsequently developed hyphema, neovascular glaucoma, and was enucleated. His case is compared to all previously reported cases of Coats' disease leading to anterior chamber cholesterolosis.

Conclusion:

The presentation of anterior chamber cholesterolosis in Coats' disease can range from the incidental finding in an asymptomatic patient to acute angle closure glaucoma with pain and acutely decreased vision. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication of Coats' disease as it denotes a poor visual prognosis.
Better research reporting to improve the utility of routine data for making better treatment decisions
Authors: Hemkens Lars G , Langan Sinéad M , Benchimol Eric I
Published: March 2016

The availability of routinely collected health data, such as health administrative data, electronic health records, prescription records and disease registries, has increased in the information age. This has led to an explosion of reports of comparativeness effectiveness research using such data. Guidelines for the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected Data (RECORD) will improve the completeness and transparency of reporting of research using routinely collected health data. The
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research
has endorsed these guidelines. In this commentary, the RECORD checklist is reprinted and members of the RECORD working committee reflect on the importance of these reporting guidelines for the field of comparative effectiveness research.
An Empirical overview of Microenterprises and Microfinance Development in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: March 2016

This paper aims an overview of microfinance and microenterprises development and analyze the related various dimensions of the micro-enterprises. It focuses on registration status, causes of registration and non-registration, employment status and participation of women in the microenterprises, problems related to microenterprises, training need assessment and their effectiveness, microinsurance and their status.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp.3-12
Financial Health Soundness Measurement of Private Commercial Banks in Bangladesh: An Observation of Selected Banks
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Main , Masud Abdul Kaium
Published: March 2016

The financial sector is one of the most significant sectors for any country, especially if a country is a developing in nature. In such an environment, banking sector plays the vital role to strengthen the economic conditions. Economic growth and international business is increasing in Bangladesh and private commercial banks especially private sectors play the major roles. Thus it becomes important to measure the financial soundness of the private banks in order to judge their respective position. The study was conducted to measure the financial soundness of selected private commercial banks of Bangladesh for the period 2006-2010. In this paper, an attempt was made to analyze the financial soundness of selected banks using different statistical tools and financial indicators. The study reveals that different financial indicators showed upward trends during the period 2006   to 2010. The study also made a rank of the selected commercial banks based on financial indicators. It was found that a bank with higher deposits, loans & advances, investments, branches, employees does not always mean that has better profitability performance. The study also recommends measures that could be adopted by banks to ensure soundness in their operation.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp. 20-36
Hierarchical to Gender Egalitarianism: Women Empowerment and Emancipation through Micro Finance in Rural Nepal
Authors: Upadhyay Prakash
Published: March 2016

The major objective of this paper is to identify the efficacy of Micro Finance in women empowerment and to explore the ramifications of awareness and socioeconomic alterations owing to Micro Finance program. Both quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources were used in the study. The instruments of primary data collection were questionnaire, observation, interview and focus group discussion. Pedestal on gender theories examining status and power differences related to gender empowerment, role of caste, ethnicity, culture and, to some extent, class status in shaping individuals and problems, this study deduced that gender empowerment is a transformation of gender relations from hierarchal to egalitarian plan rather than just women’s power position and this has been doable through Micro Finance which has proved to be the financial self sustainable paradigm. Microfinance program has supported to women’s income generating and livelihood activities and helped in poverty reduction owing to which rural women’s life style and way of living is altering. Gender empowerment through Micro Finance incorporates emancipation and empowerment of women without creating a misgiving of emasculation of men. Emancipation of women is procuring economic, social and political rights and equality meant for fostering a balance in gender relations as against the one-sided women empowerment approach.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp. 48-62
Impact of Spouse’s Employment on Marital Stability: Evidence from Working Men and Women in Pokhara
Authors: Bhattarai Bal Ram , Gurung Santosh Kumar , Kunwar Kripa
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the impact of employment on marital stability of working men and women. The objectives of research were to identify the demographic and employment characteristics of spouses, to examine the relationship between spouse’s employment and marital stability and to analyze factors affecting marital stability. The study has employed descriptive as well as analytical research design. The study is based on primary data collected in Pokhara. The results of the study illustrates that there exits significant differences on mean scores of discuss on relatives, spend leisure, interaction with children, prepare family budget, intimate conversation and share information items by employment type. The results also indicate that in general the satisfaction from marital life is same across employment type but employment of spouse in government job leads to higher affection and commitment. In this connection the study mainly focuses on spouse's employment and marital stability.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp. 102-115
Organizational Commitment of Female Employees of Nepalese Financial Institutions
Authors: Shrestha Indira
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the organizational commitment of female employees of Nepalese Financial Institutions (NFIs) and analyzes the factors affecting the organizational commitment. A structured questionnaire has been distributed to the female employees of NFIs. Financial Institutions have been stratified into three strata namely commercial bank, development bank and finance companies situated at Lekhnath municipality and Pokhara sub-metropolitan city. Stratified random sampling method has been applied for sampling. The sample size for this study is 122. The paper employs 18 statement questionnaire developed by Mowday, Steers, and Porter as measure of organizational commitment (OC) which is used as the dependent variable in the study. Additionally, communication, career development and role of employee, working condition, recognition and reward, role of immediate supervisor and training program as factors of job satisfaction have been considered as independent variables. Descriptive analysis has been used to find frequency, mean, and percentage. Statistical tools like correlation, independent sample t test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis have been employed. The study reveals that the female employees in NFI are found to have moderate level of organizational commitment. No significant difference is found in the OC level of the employees by marital status, job position, organizational status, educational level, and service year except the age of employee. The organizational commitment of the employees is found to be effected significantly by role of supervisor and training programme of organization. Moreover, for married employees role of supervisor is found to be important factor for organizational commitment while for single employees training programme is found to be more important.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp.126-136
Relationship Between Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence From Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Poudel Resam Lal
Published: March 2016

The research paper aims to show the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in Nepalese commercial banks. In simple terms corporate governance is the system by which companies are governed. It is a set of rules and behaviors according to which companies are managed and controlled. Corporate social responsibility or sustainability is an important feature in contemporary business addresses different aspects like business ethics, stakeholder’s management and social performance. Effective corporate governance is expected to support effective and efficient corporate social responsibility within commercial banks. The content analysis of 10 commercial banks composing 5 Joint Venture (JV) Banks and 5 Non Joint Venture (NJV) Banks though judgmental sampling method based on stratified sampling technique was used to extract CSR disclosure items and corporate governance factors from secondary data specifically annual report for the period of one year. T-test was employed to test the level of significance. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and independent variables associated with corporate governance practices. The study reveals that different variables associated with corporate governance practices are positively and significantly correlated with the level of corporate social responsibility initiatives based on all three models. The paper is useful to organization and statutory bodies to take consideration of corporate governance practices which will enhance corporate social responsibility initiatives.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp.137-144
List Of Completed Master Dissertation January 2014 to December 2015
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: March 2016

N/A
Full-Depth Reclamation: Cost-Effective Rehabilitation Strategy for Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Jones David , Louw Stefan , Wu Rongzong
Published: March 2016

Full-depth reclamation with or without various stabilizers has been successfully used as a rehabilitation strategy in California since 2001. Long-term field monitoring on a number of full-depth reclamation projects that use foamed asphalt with portland cement as the stabilizer combined with a comprehensive laboratory study resulted in the preparation of guidelines and specification language for this rehabilitation strategy in 2008. However, the design criteria were essentially empirical in line with California design procedures for this level of rehabilitation project. There has been growing interest in the use of full-depth reclamation with no stabilizer as a rehabilitation option for lower-volume roads and in the use of mechanistic design in a greater range of rehabilitation projects. Consequently, the research initiative was extended to a second phase to include accelerated load testing on an instrumented test track constructed with four full-depth reclamation strategies to gather data for the development of performance models that can be included in mechanistic–empirical rehabilitation design procedures. This paper summarizes the results of a set of tests in this accelerated loading study, which compared dry and wet performance of a pavement rehabilitated with full-depth reclamation without any stabilizer. The section performed well in terms of expected low-volume traffic (i.e., up to 500,000 equivalent single-axle wheel loads). Poorer performance under wet base course conditions emphasized the need for appropriate drainage on low-volume road structures. The findings indicate that full-depth reclamation with no stabilizer, followed by the placement of an appropriate surface treatment or thin asphalt concrete layer, is a potentially cost-effective rehabilitation strategy for distressed low-volume pavements.
Fiber Effect on Interfacial Bond Between Concrete and Fiber-Reinforced Mortar
Authors: Kim Min Ook , Bordelon Amanda
Published: March 2016

Field overlay and bridge deck studies have suggested that vertical curling deflections and debonding can be reduced when the overlay contains fiber reinforcement. This study investigates the tensile and shear bond between aged concrete and fiber-reinforced mortar. Three macrofibers commonly used in fiber-reinforced concrete pavement overlays or bridge decks were investigated. The macrofibers were a stretched synthetic, a textured synthetic, and a hooked-end steel fiber. The tensile fracture energy within the fiber-reinforced mortar material and an interfacial tensile bond energy between the fiber-reinforced mortar cast against the aged and sandblasted concrete were all higher than that of plain unreinforced mortar. The peak loads associated with tensile or shear bond failure were not statistically affected with the addition of fibers in the overlay mixture. Overall, the interfacial tensile bond energy did improve as the fiber volume content increased, especially because some of the fracture path occurred through the mortar layer and was bridged by the fibers near the interface surface.