bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross Road Elections: Change in EU Performance Evaluations during the European Parliament Elections 2014
Authors: De Vreese Claes , Azrout Rachid , Moeller Judith
Published: March 2016

The 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections were held after a period where public opinion about the EU changed significantly. In this paper we investigate evaluations of the performance of the European Union, as this dimension of EU attitudes is particularly relevant ahead of elections. We look at public opinion developments since 2009 and then zoom in on the role played by the news media in shaping public opinion about EU performance by linking citizens’ evaluations across time to the news media content they were exposed to. The article relies on original multiple wave survey panel data and a systematic media content analysis in the Netherlands. It shows how public opinion has changed, how it changes around EP elections, and how exposure to media coverage can help improve citizens’ evaluations of EU performance.
The Impact of the Explosion of EU News on Voter Choice in the 2014 EU Elections
Authors: Kleinnijenhuis Jan , Van Atteveldt Wouter
Published: March 2016

The European elections in 2014 were the first to be held after a long period in which EU-related news was prominent in the media. They were held after years of daily news about the euro crisis and after months of news about the popular uprising in the Ukraine against president Yanukovych, who had refused to sign the association agreement with the EU. This could have invited political parties to overcome the usual problem of low salience of EU issues by strongly profiling themselves on EU issues. Turnout at the 2014 EU elections, however, remained low, hinting that parties were unable to convert the attention for European issues into enthusiasm for their party at the European elections. This paper asks how vote choice was influenced by party campaigning on EU related issues. A news effects analysis based on a content analysis of Dutch newspapers and television, and on a panel survey among Dutch voters revealed that EU issues functioned as wedge issues: the more strongly parties were associated in the news with the euro crisis and the Ukraine, the less they succeeded in mobilizing voters.
Voting at National versus European Elections: An Individual Level Test of the Second Order Paradigm for the 2014 European Parliament Elections
Authors: Boomgaarden Hajo G. , Johann David , Kritzinger Sylvia
Published: March 2016

The second-order paradigm is the dominant framework for research on electoral behavior in European Parliament (EP) elections. In this study, we assess to what degree voting patterns in the 2014 EP election were characterized by second-orderness. While most studies of second-order voting behavior rely on macro-level accounts or suffer from potentially conflated vote measures, this study relies on panel data from the 2013 national and the 2014 EP election in Austria. We study change patterns in electoral behavior and, more importantly, assess the motives behind differences in vote choices between first- and second-order elections. Overall, the findings point towards a persisting relevance of the second-order framework for explaining voting in the 2014 EP election.
Introduction: How Different Were the European Elections of 2014?
Authors: Van der Brug Wouter , Gattermann Katjana , De Vreese Claes H.
Published: March 2016

This issue brings together papers that focus on the question of whether and in which ways the 2014 European Parliament elections were different from previous ones. This is important from the point of view of emerging scholarship on changes in the EU and from the point of view of the self-proclaimed ‘This time it’s different!’ slogan from the Parliament. The papers centre around three themes: 1) the role of the Spitzenkandidaten, 2) media and voters, and 3) electoral behaviour.
The U125-2 NIM beamline at BESSY II
Authors: Baumgärtel Peter , Packe Ingo
Published: March 2016

Optical design and technical data of the high-resolution normal incidence monochromator (NIM) beamline U125-2 NIM are presented.
Crop regulation in guava-A review
Authors: Boora Rajbir Singh , Dhaliwal H. S. , Arora N. K.
Published: March 2016

The basic principle of crop regulation is to manipulates the natural flowering and fruiting of guava plant in desired season of the year that contribute to increased fruit yield, quality, profitability and sustainability of the environment by reducing the use of the frequency of the pesticides. This concept is based on the fact that guava flowers are borne only on new, succulent, vigorously emerging vegetative growths. These new growth flushes can be either new emergences of lateral bud on older stems or extensions of already established terminals of various size and vigor. The crop regulation can be achieved by the adoption of the various practices like withholding irrigation after harvesting during the months of April-May in Northern Indian plains. This results in the shedding of flowers and the tree goes to rest. The basin of the tree is dug up, manured and irrigated in June. After about 30-35 days the tree put forth profuse flowering and fruit mature in winter. Terminal portion of the shoots up to 20 or 30 cm length should be pruned between 20th to 30th April. Always avoid severe pruning in guava. Apply the recommended dose of fertilizers during the month of June to encourage vegetative growth in July-August for getting maximum flowering during August-September for winter season crop. To regulate the guava crop, it is essential to reduce the fruit set during the rainy season and subsequently increase the fruit set during winter season by the use of different chemicals like NAA ethereal and urea etc.
Residual feed intake-An emerging system for selection of efficient animals: A review
Authors: Kushwaha Raju , Singh A. K. , Kumar M.
Published: March 2016

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency, and is defined as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed intake based on its size and growth. It is independent of the level of production, and the lower the value the more efficient the animal is. This paper examines the current state of knowledge on RFI. Available information indicates that postweaning RFI is moderately heritable, and that selection for low RFI will result in progeny that consume less feed for the same level of production as progeny of high RFI cattle. Under ad libitum feeding, RFI is phenotypically independent of growth traits. There is a weak genetic relationship between RFI and fatness but additional studies are needed to assess the magnitude of this relationship in different breeds, sexes, ages and feeding regimes. Residual feed intake is believed to represent inherent variation in basic metabolic processes which determine efficiency. Economic analyses of genetic improvement schemes that incorporate testing of individuals for RFI have yielded substantial economic benefits over and above existing schemes that do not include RFI testing. Selection for low RFI has an additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cattle.
Ruminant and environment: A review
Authors: Lahoti S. R. , Rathi N. S. , Chole S. R.
Published: March 2016

Major green house gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide which are emitted directly and indirectly by ruminants. More than 80 per cent methane is normally produced during enteric fermentation. Methane has the second largest contributor to the green house effect and has 23 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. The Indian contribution of methane from all sources is around 12 per cent of total world production, in which mostly by emission by ruminants. India possesses largest ruminant population. An effort is made to mitigate the methane production in the ruminants. Nutritional management like good quality feed, use of higher concentrates, supplementing cattle diets with urea molasses block licks, fiber palletisation, breeding management like AI., ETT, In vitro fertilization which improves genetics and reproductive efficiency can also improve production efficiency which reduces green house gas emission.
Impact of global warming on insect behavior -A review
Authors: Sable M. G. , Rana D. K.
Published: March 2016

Global warming is a great concern throughout the world. Being poikilothermic in nature insects are greatly affected by changing temperature. Insect will experience additional life cycles with rapid growth rate. As a result of changes in the population dynamics including distribution and migration the reliability on current insect pest ETL will be reduced. Increased insect pests outbreak will affect agricultural production. Research on basic biology of insect, population dynamics and behavior patterns should be focused to ascertain the effect of global warming on insect behavior.
Growth and yield response of cowpea to multiaction bioinoculants
Authors: Vaishnavi S. Jidhu , Jeyakumar P.
Published: March 2016

Studies were taken up to estimate the morpho-physiological changes in cowpea due to a multiaction bioinoculants (TagTeam) as seed treatment. Seed treatment with TagTeam @ 8.1g/kg showed significant increase in plant height, root length and number of nodules as compared to control. Physiological parameters such as leaf area, total dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll index were also found higher in seed treatment with TagTeam @ 8.1g/kg. Co-inocultion of Rhizobium and Penicillium (TagTeam) @ 8.1g/kg enhanced the uptake of NPK in cowpea. Available NPK was found non significant with initial soil sample and found maximum with control and lower content in TagTeam seed treatment @ 8.1g/kg. Seed treatment with TagTeam @ 8.1g/kg increased the yield by 13.36 per cent over control and improved yield components and seed protein content in cowpea.
Economics of seed production in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) as influenced by different levels of sulphur and boron
Authors: Parry Feroz Ahmad , Chattoo Mushtaq Ahmad , Ganie Shabeer Ahmad , Razvi Syed Mudasir
Published: March 2016

A field experiment was conducted at Division of Vegetable Science SKUAST-Kashmir Shalimar during rabi 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 in randomized complete block design with sixteen treatment combinations consisting four levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg S ha-1) and boron (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg B ha-1) replicated thrice . The study revealed that combined application of 30 kg S and 2 kg B ha-1 recorded significantly higher values for number of seeded pods per plant (7.00), number of seeds per pod (5.95), seed yield per plant (7.20 g), seed yield per ha (24.0 q), 100- seed weight (17.32 g) , Stover yield per ha (25.54 q) and maximum net returns of RS. 141243.0 with returns per Re invested of 2.43.
Effect of trap design and weather factors on relative efficiency of yellow sticky traps for sampling aphids in groundnut
Authors: Jasrotia Poonam , Nataraja M. V. , Harish G. , Dutta Ram , Savaliya S. D.
Published: March 2016

The present investigations were carried to evaluate the trapping efficiency of three different yellow sticky traps for monitoring of aphid population in groundnut with relation to weather factors. The aphid population was found comparatively higher during January to March every year. The number of aphid (alates) caught was significantly higher on inverted dust bin traps followed by round plate traps and rectangular tray trap.
Mergers Of Private Enterprises: A Powerful Force For The Development Of Private Business Organizations In Latin America - The Case Of Ecuador
Authors: Theodore John
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this article was to assess the scale of mergers of small and medium-size private business organizations in Ecuador over the past ten years and to determine if the ownership and management of such enterprises have the desire in merging with other Ecuadorian business organizations. Such mergers create larger business enterprises that allow the appearance, sustenance, and development of the principles of organization and precipitate the need for commensurate managerial education for their management and ownership. It was determined, in this study, that only a very limited number of mergers have taken place during the past ten years  and that the entrepreneurial mindset of business owners and their managers is not favoring mergers. The ownership and management of small and medium-size Ecuadorian business organizations do not understand the benefits derived from mergers. The study noted that Ecuador’s business owners and their managers are traditionally accustomed to operating with obsolete management methods and controls that suppress opportunities leading to organizational development.
Management Of Banking System Liquidity In The Czech Republic
Authors: Bruna Karel
Published: March 2016

Implementation of monetary policy assumes that monetary policy instruments stabilize O/N interest rates to the proximity of main policy rate to achieve monetary targets. The function of stabilizing mechanism is based on simple rule that the volume of liquidity in the banking system is held in line with the demand of banks for reserves. In this paper main factors of banking system liquidity are analyzed in the context of bank’s imperfect intertemporal substitution of reserves and with respect to predictibility of O/N interest rates volatility. Analysis of O/N PRIBOR and CZEONIA reference interest rates prove Czech National Bank’s ability to stabilise O/N interest rates disregard overall excess liquidity in the banking system. It also identified structural changes acting in the money market like reduced instability of demand for reserve and decreased volatility of O/N interest rates due to intdroduction of credit facility or increased volatility of the spread between O/N interest rates and repo rate due to reduction of frequency of repo tenders. Rapid increase in the volatility of differences between OMO target and bank’s supply of excess reserves is also resulting in the weakening of a direct relationship between O/N PRIBOR dynamics and repo tenders.
The Metamorphosis And Bifurcation Of Guanxi In Virtual Third Spaces: The Role Of BBS In Changing Social Relationships In China
Authors: Banfe Peter L.
Published: March 2016

This research is a the second installation of a planned series of articles exploring the dynamic interaction between the forces of modernization as represented by technology, specifically virtual forms of communication, and traditional culture in China. The focus of the research of this article is the phenomenon of the ubiquity and popularity of BBS (electronic bulletin board systems) in China, long considered “old school” and eclipsed by newer forms of virtual interaction in the West.  The research explores the possibility that BBS’s are developing into virtual third space in which we find traditional social constructs in China being challenged and modified in important ways. Specifically the research underlying this paper proposes to explore that hypothesis that an analysis of the interaction, operations and structure within these social spaces (BBS) might lead one to consider whether or not Guanxi, the relational glue which adheres Chinese society together, as well as other related cultural values and behaviors, are not being updated and modified in critical ways within these virtual third spaces.  Additionally, the research proposes that Guanxi may be bifurcating within the virtual societies of the BBS, where the shared collective experiences of “social networking”  of Guanxi has split from the “utilitarian reciprocal obligation” of “houmen” or guanxi practice.  The results of the research tentatively confirm this proposition and identifies how the unique structure of BBSs and rules of interaction create a new virtual third space, or public sphere, which, while maintaining some aspects of traditional Confucian social order and Guanxi, are leading to their metamorphosis within these virtual communities.
China Foreign Direct Investment: Greenfield, Mergers & Acquisition, Or Joint-Venture
Authors: Norris, Jr. JT
Published: March 2016

Foreign investment in China is once again beginning to grow as the economy sees signs of recovery.  Companies looking to establish a presence in mainland China, have three options to evaluate and choose between 1) entering into a joint-venture, 2) acquiring an existing company, or3) developing an organization via Green Field development.  This paper delves deeper into these three options, outlining the benefits and pitfalls of each approach.  The purpose is to provide the reader with a general overview of investment vehicles available in China and to guide the business professional in a course of action, including the social impact of these options.
The Usefulness Of Earnings And Book Value For Equity Valuation To Kuwait Stock Exchange Participants
Authors: Alfaraih Mishari , Alanezi Faisal
Published: March 2016

Motivated by the lack of research on the value relevance of accounting information in emerging markets and the unique institutional setting in Kuwait, the objective of this study is to examine the value relevance of accounting earnings and book value information produced by Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE)-listed firms during the 1995-2006 period empirically by using two valuation models - price and returns models. The results of both models show that earnings and book value were, jointly and individually, positively and significantly related to stock price and stock returns. Interestingly, the value relevance of earnings and book value of KSE-listed firms were found to be higher than the findings observed in some developed and emerging countries. This finding could be attributed partially to the fairly limited sources of credible and useful competing information available to market participants and the lack of alternative sources of information about prospects. An important implication of this finding is that the KSE needs to develop its information environment further to become more efficient in offering a free exchange of information about companies listed on its exchange.
The Theory Of Planned Behaviour And The Impact Of Past Behaviour
Authors: Sommer Lutz
Published: March 2016

The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has since its development some 20 years ago proved to be a powerful approach to explain human behaviour. It has been successfully applied to a wide range of behaviours. Interestingly, it is in particular complex behaviour such as managerial decision making which saw only a few attempts to use TPB. This is in particular true for company internationalisation. While the main elements of the theory are generally accepted, it has been suggested at many occasions that the model would benefit by the inclusion of more constructs in terms of explanatory quality. Among the elements proposed, Past Behaviour is of particular importance. Although being vividly discussed, researchers did not come to a definitive judgement on whether or not the construct really should be integrated as an independent factor. The paper at hand adresses these issues by developping a framework for an extended TPB which should be relevant in particular for complex behaviours such as International Entrepreneurship. It is based on an extensive literature review which identifies two main lines of research in terms of Past Behaviour. Using a decomposition approach to integrate Past Behaviour, the shortcomings of earlier approaches are avoided. The framework features a second contribution by explicitly modelling information processing modes, which are proposed to influence development of intentions.
Investor Sentiment And Close-End Country Funds?
Authors: Chiang Kevin C.H. , Wisen Craig H. , Zhou Xiyu (Thomas)
Published: March 2016

An innovative method to estimate the duration of investor sentiment is applied to closed-end country fund returns and it finds that U.S. investor sentiment has a short life.  The effects of sentiment on closed-end country fund returns are largely consistent with existing literature however, it is only apparent in daily time-series regressions.  Sentiment rapidly fades at a weekly frequency and virtually disappears using monthly return observations.  These results suggest that the kind of investor sentiment for country fund prices does not have a persistent component.
Modeling Claim Sizes In Personal Line Non-Life Insurance
Authors: Adeleke Ismail Adedeji , Ibiwoye Ade
Published: March 2016

This paper uses claims data from the most prominent lines of non-life insurance business in Nigeria to determine appropriate models for claim amounts by fitting theoretical distributions to the various data. The risk premiums for each class of business are also estimated. The result of the study demonstrates that some lines of business are indeed better modeled with different distributions than had earlier been conjectured.
Does Earnings Management Amplify The Association Between Corporate Governance And Firm Performance?: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Kang Sun-A , Kim Yong-Shik
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to examine whether earnings management strengthens the causal links between corporate governance and firm performance. It examines the association between corporate governance and real activity-based earnings management and extends it to firm performance. This study involves 1,104 listings on the Korean Stock Exchange and finds that real activity-based earnings management decreases if firms have a well-established governance system, and such earnings management could strengthen the causal link between corporate governance and firm performance as measured by Tobin’s Q. Our study results are the first empirical evidences that real activity-based earnings management is effectively controlled by a corporate governance system and that it has links between corporate governance and performance. This provides the importance of corporate governance which could effectively constrain real activity-based earnings management, such that eventually influences the firm’s performance. In particular, it provides useful insights into corporate structures in which ownership is highly concentrated. Our findings are of great importance for Korea, in which the predominant business structure for large enterprises is that of the chaebol (equivalent to the Japanese keiretsu), which consists of conglomerates of many smaller companies and in which the structure of corporate governance is that of owner control.
Monetary Policy And Long-Term Interest Rates In South Africa
Authors: Bonga-Bonga Lumengo
Published: March 2016

This paper examines how short-term and long-term interest rates react to supply, demand and monetary policy shocks in South Africa. Use is made of the impulse response functions obtained from the structural vector autoregressive model with long-term restrictions. We find a positive correlation between the two interest rates after a monetary and demand shock and a negative correlation after a supply shock. The finding of this paper is that the operation of the monetary transmission mechanism should be effective in South Africa. Furthermore, this paper provides an approach to identify supply shocks in the South African business cycle.
Cost Accounting In Auto Manufacturing Companies In Germany And The United States
Authors: Jinkens Robert , Yallapragada RamMohan R.
Published: March 2016

Corporate accountants are mandated to prepare and distribute financial accounting reports for external U.S.ers at end of each accounting period.  However, there are no similar statutory requirements for corporate accountants to provide managers of their companies with the management accounting information necessary for decision making in their bU.S.iness operations.   Cost accounting is an important integral part of management accounting.  Product costing has always been a much debated issue in management accounting.  The area that has generated a host of conflicting views is the allocation of overhead costs to products.  Traditional absorption costing is claimed to be resulting in an unfair allocation of overhead costs to products.  New approaches such as the Activity Based Costing (ABC) did not receive widespread adoption. It is being realized in management accounting field that an emerging costing method known as Resource Consumption Accounting (RCA) is a better method for product costing.  It is a method adopted by the German manufacturing companies.  This paper describes the German cost accounting method and also compares the German cost accounting with the cost accounting in the United States, specifically in the automobile manufacturing indU.S.try.
Encouragement Of Entrepreneurship In Affluent Economies: The Case Of Kuwait
Authors: Al-Wugayan Adel , Alshimmiri Turki
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates how Kuwait’s young population (university students) reckons business incubation as an encouragement vehicle to promote small business creation at the time students finish their university schooling. Mainly, it attempts to measure how Kuwaiti university students view small business ventures. This might be very crucial as the main economic challenges in Kuwait now relate to the compelling need for economic diversification. The results mainly show a high willingness for both males and females to participate in small business creation.
Determinants Of FDI Inflows In High Income Countries: An Intertemporal And Cross Sectional Analysis Since 1990
Authors: Shahmoradi Behrooz , Thimmaiah Navitha , Indumati S.
Published: March 2016

The marked rise of FDI ?ows to high-income countries since the early 1990s has prompted substantial empirical research into the important determinants of FDI. This paper also has attempted to identify important determinants of FDI inflow for the selected high-income countries (23 countries) since 1990. Based on the related review of literature, six variables (Outflow, GDP, BOP, Export, Import and Labor) have been selected. Employing adding-up/multiple regression models, significant determinants were identified.
Establishment Of Highly Precise CAE Analysis Model Using Automotive Bolts
Authors: Takahashi Takashige , Ueno Toshiya , Yamaji Manabu , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the authors propose a model for a highly precise CAE analysis approach, which is intended to contribute to the regeneration of development and design. This model has been applied with significant results in making proposals for bolt tightening behavior analysis, which continues to be an area of concern.
Comparison Of VaR For Credit Risk And OpVaR For Operational Risk
Authors: Duarte Joe
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the models for calculating credit risk and operational risk as a comparative review of determination among its models, features and applications according to international standards of regulation of financial markets.
International Equity Markets Cross Border Trading, Or Leading?
Authors: Miranda Paolo
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the mechanisms that lead to the conclusion that one market leads another. The results of a model, based on Kyle (1985), suggest cross border trading and industry commonality as mechanisms. The data confirms the results obtained by the model showing that countries heavily engaged in cross border trading appear in variance decomposition / impulse response functions as leading other markets.
Study On Relationships Between Financial Markets In The US And ASEAN Countries
Authors: Rim Hong , Setaputra Robert
Published: March 2016

This study examines dynamics of inter-market relationships among financial markets in the US and 5 ASEAN countries in the framework of the Vector Autoregressive model. This study uses daily returns of the MSCI market indexes around the Asian economic crisis for a period of 1992~2006 and three 3 sub-periods (pre-, during-, and post-crisis). The major findings are: 1) the U.S. influence remained strong in ASEAN markets for this period, 2) ASEAN markets had little impacts on the U.S. markets; and 3) the integration between the U.S. and ASEAN markets and among ASEAN markets had not increased during this period. Thus, there still exist much diversification benefits to be exploited in ASEAN markets.
Capital Market And The Transmission Channel Of The Monetary Policy: An Empirical Evidence On The Money View
Authors: Geetha Caroline
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is to find the relationship between the monetary transmission channels with the stock prices.  The study utilizes the monthly data from 1990 to 2001 obtained from the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Report and the monthly bulletin of the Central Bank of Malaysia.  The result revealed that all the variables are non-stationary at the level form and stationary at the first difference.  The Johansen Cointegration revealed that a long-run relationship does exist for the unanticipated changes in money supply, unlike the anticipated changes in money supply that only established a short-run relationship with stock prices.  This is due to the level of monetization that is unable to eliminate the excess in the money market in the long run.
Global Impact Of Tax Considerations For Displaced Workers
Authors: Garrison Larry R. , Cummings Richard
Published: March 2016

The current recession, combined with the globalization of the economy, outsourcing of jobs, and business downsizing, has resulted in thousands of workers experiencing the loss of their job.  In addition to other circumstances that arise through the loss of a job, a new and unfamiliar set of tax issues can result through this new situation.   This article will address some of the tax issues affecting displaced workers.  The discussion will include strategies for displaced worker’s income, deductions, tax credits and special considerations.
Some Benefits Of Reducing Inflation In South Africa
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Uwilingiye Josine
Published: March 2016

This paper evaluates the welfare gain from permanently reducing inflation from two percent to price stability and compares it the output cost associated with this transition. The paper emphasizes the distortions caused by the interaction of inflation and capital income taxation in calculating the gain from moving to a zero rate of inflation. Though the annual deadweight loss of a two percent inflation rate is 0.225 percent of GDP - a relatively small number when compared to the literature, since the real gain from shifting to price stability grows in perpetuity at the rate of growth of GDP, the present value is a substantial multiple of the annual welfare gain. Calculations reveal a present value gain of 15 percent of GDP. Since the corresponding one-off output cost of moving from two percent inflation to price stability is 0.034 percent of GDP, the gain outweighs the cost by an overwhelming margin.
The Analysis Of Problem And Threat Of Small And Medium-Sized Enterprizes In Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sakolnakorn Thongphon Promsaka Na
Published: March 2016

The objectives of the study are: 1) to study the problems of small and medium-sized enterprises in the northeastern region of Thailand and 2) to analyze the problems of the operation and management of small and medium-sized enterprises in the northeastern region of Thailand. The researcher used a qualitative method with in-depth interviews of 30 entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises in northeast Thailand. In addition, content analysis was used to analyze this data. The researcher found five problems affecting SMEs in northeast Thailand: 1) public policy and government support, 2) financial support, 3) knowledge capital, 4) labor, and 5) marketing.
Planning And Pricing Of Financial Services: A Study On Perceptions And Practices Of Non-Banking Finance Companies
Authors: Shollapur M. R.
Published: March 2016

The financial services industry in India is expanding and heading for global competition. The market players need to frame a well thought customer oriented product planning and pricing strategy with a commitment to add value to customers in the volatile and competitive environment. This study elicits the responses of major players in the industry and offers inputs for acquiring competitive capabilities in planning and pricing financial services.
Information Content Of Analyst Recommendations: Evidence From The Danish Biotechnology Sector
Authors: Farooq Omar
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to document the performance of analyst recommendations for biotechnology firms listed at the Copenhagen Stock Exchange during the period between 2001 and 2010.  Our results show that analysts are able to reveal value relevant information via their recommendations.  We report that buy recommendations are followed by significantly positive returns and sell recommendations are followed by significantly negative returns.  However, we also show that performance of analyst recommendations is not uniform across all firms.  It depends on the extent of information asymmetries present within firms.  We show that analyst recommendations contain no value for firms with the least level of transparency (lowest intellectual capital disclosure, lowest analyst coverage, and lowest frequency of recommendations).  However, as information environment improves, value of analyst recommendations also goes up. We recommend biotechnology firms to improve on their disclosure levels.
Resource Nationalism Specter Hovers Over The Oil Industry: The Transnational Corporate Strategy To Tackle Resource Nationalism Risks
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Maniruzzaman Munir
Published: March 2016

Resource nationalism is building momentum across oil-endowed countries. Transnational corporations (TNCs) have to effectively address the emerging scenarios that are caused by the resurgence in resource nationalism. This is clearly a diserable focus that has received much attention in the literature on government-business relations ever since the oil nationalization of the 1970s. But there is limited literature that provides a synthesized view on the transnational oil companies’ (TNOC) strategies to tackle resource nationalism risk; this leaves a gap in the literature where the paper aims to contribute. The paper explores the exclusive literature on resource nationalism and the activities of TNOCs, and from this literature engages in conceptual development. The paper focuses on the notion of resource nationalism and its implications on TNOCs’ activities in host states. This paper provides policy guidelines, suggesting the ways in which the major TNOCs can respond with robust responsible and sustainable programs to the resource nationalism in the global oil industry.
Investigating The Mediating Role Of Service Innovation In Firm Performance: An Empirical Research
Authors: Arshad Arif Mohammad , Wang Jie , Su Qin
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management (TQM), service innovation and firm performance in the Pakistan’s service industry. An empirical survey was performed and there were 190 participants from financial service firms in Pakistan. Regression analysis was employed in this study to investigate the tri-dimensional relationship between TQM, service innovation and firm performance. In the context of financial firms, this research examines how TQM practices adopted and managed to boost service innovation and whether and how TQM practices is going to influence the firm performance through the mediating role of service innovation. A research framework and the related hypotheses are suggested. Direct and indirect impact of each construct of TQM practices on organizational performance was determined. Data analysis discloses that, extent of TQM implementation has a positive and significant influence on service innovation as well as on organizational performance. Furthermore, a positive but a weak relationship was observed between service innovation and organizational performance.  The direct relationship between TQM and organizational performance outperforms the indirect relationship of service innovation and organizational performance. It has contributed in the sense that past researchers have not considered the tri-dimensional relationship between TQM, service innovation and firm performance.
Authors: Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Kumakura Harue Santiago , Alloufa Sarah Lima , Mourão Thaís Silva , Souza Priscila Medeiros , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Medeiros Vítor Brasil , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Based on studies that have attributed anti-inflammatory properties to statins, the aim of this work was to observe the effect of simvastatin in the attenuation of mucositis induced by methotrexate in the gastrointestinal tract in rats and its effects on cytokines. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats weighing 270±18 g were randomly distributed into two groups: methotrexate/saline (MTX/S n = 6) and methotrexate/simvastatin (MTX /SV n=6). In all animals, 3 mg / kg of methotrexate was injected subcutaneously for 3 consecutive days. In the MTX / SV simvastatin was administered orally one week before and during treatment with methotrexate. In the MTX/S, saline was administered at the same doses and schedules. We determined the plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and the histological analysis by HE staining in segments of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum and colon. Results: The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (14±91.7, 119.3±4 and 83.1±4, respectively) was lower in the MTX/SV group rats than in the MTX/S (171.3±16, 218. ±15 and 114.8±3, respectively). Histopathology showed that simvastatin reduced significantly (p<0.05) the damage induced by methotrexate in the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, jejunum and colon. Conclusion: Simvastatin showed anti-inflammatory action in rats, suggesting potential clinical implication in the prevention or attenuation of mucositis induced by methotrexate.
Authors: Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Pinheiro Laíza Araújo Araújo Mohana , Torres Cristhiane Araújo , Silva Mayara Mytzi Aquino , Maciel Grossi Thiago Roberto , Araújo-Filho Irami , Rêgo Amália Cinthia Meneses , Medeiros Vítor Brasil , Carvalho Marília Daniela Ferreira , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline in the treatment of abdominal sepsis in rats submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Methods: We used 18 Wistar male rats three months old, randomly divided into control group C (n = 6); CLP (n = 6) for the rats submitted to CLP; Group CLP + PTX (n = 6) whose rats were treated with pentoxifylline and submitted to CLP. Pentoxifylline (40mg/Kg) was injected intraperitoneal 2 hours  before and 8 hours after the induction of peritonitis. Histopathology of the lung, liver and kidney as well as analysis of renal function, markers of liver injury and cytokines were studied. The results were compared through ANOVA, and post hoc by Bonferroni test, considering p <0.05 as significant. Results: The control group rats showed lower levels of all cytokines, compared to CLP group (p <0.05). The CLP+PTX rats showed significantly lower amounts of TNF-α and IL-1 β when compared to the CLP group, but similar to group C. The levels of IL-6 in Group CLP+PTX, were higher than that found in group C and lower than that found in Group CLP (p <0.05). Reduction of urea and creatinine occurred after administration of pentoxifylline. The values of AST and ALT were slightly lower in the experimental group, and no significant difference was observed comparing with the control group. The microscopic findings of kidney, liver and lung revealed less inflammatory reaction associated with the reduction of pathological changes in animals treated with pentoxifylline. Conclusion: The pentoxifylline attenuated the pathophysiological events of sepsis, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, preserving renal function and tissue injury in an experimental model of polymicrobial sepsis.
Ancestral Knowledge Systems: A conceptual framework for decolonizing research in social science
Authors: Sandoval Cueponcaxochitl D. Moreno , Lagunas Rosalva Mojica , Montelongo Lydia T. , Díaz Marisol Juárez
Published: March 2016

Building on the seminal work of Linda T. Smith in decolonizing research methodologies, this paper introduces Ancestral Knowledge Systems (AKS) as a conceptual framework for social science research methodologies. We use autoethnography and critical self-reflection throughout the article to make visible the components of AKS. First, we lay out the context in which AKS was re-created after a doctoral course on decolonizing research methodologies. We unpack internalized colonization to address the need to go beyond identity politics and towards AKS thinking as an approach to promote a multiplicity of knowledge systems. Next, we discuss family epistemologies and collective memories as methods for reconnecting accountability systems to ancestral homeland(s). Finally, we discuss our visions for AKS across learning ecologies. The scholarly significance of our research is twofold: (1) it develops a framework for critical introspection and connectivity for decolonizing research, and (2) it promotes a multiplicity of knowledge systems in the academy.
Engaging Eco-Hermeneutical Methods: Integrating Indigenous and environmental curricula through an eco-justice-arts-informed pedagogy
Authors: Kulnieks Andrejs , Longboat Dan Roronhiakewen , Young Kelly
Published: March 2016

In this article we highlight the intersection of oral and literary traditions by conceptualizing landscape as archive through an integration of Indigenous knowledges into environmental education curriculum and teaching. We report on a study that focused on the experiences of pre-service teachers who engaged in ecological teachings in an established alternative settings placement as part of a pre-service teacher education program in rural Ontario, Canada. To inform our program we used the insights gained through a three-year qualitative methodological study using questionnaires and focus groups as part of an ongoing research project that started in 2012. The 44 male and 125 female participants ranged in age from 22 to 35 years. Our findings revealed that engaging in ecological teachings that have been passed along through generations of Indigenous storytellers can and should be an essential aspect of curricular development of North American systems of education.
A Glimpse into the antithetical poetic world of Vihang A. Naik
Authors: Karmakar Goutam
Published: March 2016

Antithesis and rapidity mark the pattern inVihangA.Naik’s poems with a complete correctness that deserves an amount of considerable appreciation. He had used imagery in a vivid and descriptive language to add an inner depth to his work. As a result, it appealed to the human senses deepening the reader’s understanding of the work. He makes use of particular words that creates an emotional intensity in the reader’s mind. Antithesis is a contrast or opposition either rhetorical or philosophical and this term was cultivated especially by Pope and other eighteenth century poets. In philosophy, an antithesis is a second argument or principle brought forward which sharply contrasts ideas that are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase structure. It is a literary device to put two contrasting ideas together and this emphasizes the difference between the two ideas and adds an interest to writing. His poetic world consists of antithetical statements that have been part of our everyday speech and are profoundly employed in the arguments and discussions in his poems. He had employed it in not only sentences but also in modern society and events. This paper mainly deals on the fact upon how he had used it extensively by equally showing the good and the bad facets of city life. He occupies a distinctive position as a poet and his poems involve contemplation or absorption into spirituality in respect to modern life, much beyond the earthly vision or the worldly understanding. He reflects upon the mind that has been lost in thematerialistic pursuit of the world. His simple theme of city life is expressed with stark sincerity and his influence upon the reader is immense and builds up an emotion that compass his poetic style by introducing a new range of experiences in city life.
Overcoming Environmental and Technical Challenges for Well Cementing: A Global Perspective
Authors: Johnson Carl R. , Shindgikar Nikhil Dilip , Beurel Muriel Martin
Published: March 2016

Globally, there is an increasing focus on hydrocarbon recovery in regions that are new to environmental legislation and regulation; very often, these are offshore environments where well integrity has broad effects. Providing environmentally compliant fluids is becoming a standard, and thus expertise in regulations and “green” chemistry is rapidly being pulled from established regions such as the North Sea. The expectation that both regulations and necessary chemistry can be slotted into the new region's operations is difficult to achieve because there is no single set or universal set of regulations; therefore, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution.

This paper addresses numerous distinct challenges for cementing-related fluids and how the changing regulatory stage across different regions can be optimally managed. Indeed, because these regions can be “frontier” or remote in nature, emphasis on cost control from operators is high to minimize the well-construction cost. This may not align with environmental compliance expectations. Particular examples from West Africa will be presented to highlight challenges toward conformity with the aim of discussing the pitfalls and potential solutions available.

Environmental regulations and practices are continually evolving, and they come under increasing scrutiny at the well-planning stage, with heavy emphasis on well integrity and cementing quality. The most-legislated region of offshore exploration and production is the North Sea, and, naturally, governing bodies and operators are adopting North Sea regulatory models elsewhere. Through case histories covering North Sea, French Guiana, and West Africa, a systematic review of the numerous approaches governing the application of cementing fluids for well integrity will be deliberated. An innovative “green” chemistry solution for high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) operations, developed to tackle compliance with Norwegian North Sea regulations, will act as key example of steps taken to safeguard global environmentally sensitive regions and ensure long-term well integrity.
The Use of the Digital Smile Design Concept as an Auxiliary Tool in Aesthetic Rehabilitation: A Case Report
Authors: Zanardi Piero Rocha , Laia Rocha Zanardi Raquel , Chaib Stegun Roberto , Sesma Newton , Costa Bru-no , Cruz Laganá Dalva
Published: March 2016

The digital smile design is a practical diagnosis method that can assist the clinician to visualize and measure dentogingival discrepancies. This clinical report aims to present the associated steps, from the diagnosis of the alterations diagnosis through to the final aesthetic result. A 37-years-old female patient presented as her main complaint the tooth form and colour discrepancies. Applying the digital smile design principle, the necessary measures for a harmonic smile correction could be accurately determined. The initial diagnosis led to a wax up of the master cast that was duplicated in acrylic resin directly in the mouth. This temporary restoration guided the periodontal surgery and the final pressed ceramic crown restoration. We conclude that the digital smile design concept seems to be a useful tool to achieve a satisfactory aesthetic result.