bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the root of SPbSPMU: by memory of the founder of the Department of Operational surgery and topographic anatomy prof. F. I. Valker
Authors: Bagaturiya Georgy Otarovich , Pashko Anna Anatolievna
Published: February 2016

This article is about a scientist, a surgeon, an anatomist, a founder of the doctrine of the development of organs and systems of human after birth. It is based on archival and printed sources. His role as an important organizer, founder and a head of the department of operative surgery and topographic anatomy of the Leningrad Pediatric Medical Institute is mentioned. He was the closest student and a follower of of Professor V. N. Shevkunenko he made a significant contribution to the study of the morphological features of organs and systems during humans postnatal development. His outstanding abilities as an organizer and teacher are shown on the example of a creation of the department of operative surgery in Tashkent Medical Institute and in Leningrad Pediatric Institute, and also on being an acting head of the department of operative surgery and topographic anatomy at the Military Medical Academy during evacuation in the time of the Great Patriotic War, and participating in the organization of assistance to the wounded solders during the Civil, the Finnish wars. His style of teaching, the principles on which he built his relationship with colleagues, students, doctors, and his role in educating of a whole generation of well known scientists and teachers is shown. A large number of anatomical facts of the development of organs and systems of human, obtained by F. I. Valker was summed up in his life's work: "Development of a human after birth" (1951). The evolution of the postnatal development of the nervous, cardiovascular and urinary systems, as well as respiratory and digestive systems is shown in this big work. This doctrine is still of a practical an theoretical importance for doctors of many specialties, especially pediatricians and pediatric surgeons.
The role of genetic factors in the formation of dependence on opiates
Authors: Vostrikov Viktor Vasil’evich , Selizarova Natal'ya Olegovna , Grigor’eva Anastasiya Yur’evna , Proshin Sergei Nikolaevich
Published: February 2016

Sociological surveys show that the average age of drug users in recent years has drastically decreased from 18 years to 13 years. Among children of aged from 5 to 7 years the episodes of drug use have been reported. At the same time their parents addicts contribute to this. Statistics show that more than 60 % of drug addicts are young people aged from 17 to 35 years. More than 20 % are children, students, and only 15 % are people older than 35 years. The use by mother during pregnancy psychoactive substances (PAS) is one of the major risk factor for congenital addiction. The most important risk factors for drug abuse are genetic ones. There are two main genetically dependent factors. The first factor is genetically determined high level of the dopamine which encourage a person on a constant search for new sensations, dissatisfaction peace, and search risky situations. The second one is a low level of the hormone serotonin which results in depression in stressful situations. The stressful situations become very deep. Certain factors increase the risk of addictive behavior of offspring may appear at birth. Many people who started the abuse at early age consciously preferred drug to alcohol. That is the adoption of alcohol caused them to aversion to alcohol because of the memories of his father-alcoholic. However based on the biological characteristics while it is not so easy to predict the likelihood of addiction and clearly define in advance the tendency or, on the contrary, human resistance to drug intoxication and dependence.
A study of morbidity on the territory of the municipality of stara zagora in connection with air pollution aerosols lead
Authors: Platikanova Magdalena , Chakrova Borislava , Yordanova Lina , Lvov Sergey Nikolaevich , Dimov Ivan
Published: February 2016

Within 5 years (2009-2013) surveyed the annual dynamics of the concentration of one of the major air pollutants in the municipality of Stara Zagora - lead aerosols and their impact on public health. In the process of monitoring parallel analyzed the average monthly levels of this pollutant. The problem of lead poisoning associated with heavy environmental pollution (primarily atmospheric air) is most relevant to large industrial cities. In the current environmental situation, the best indicator of the negative impact of lead pollution on the body is the level of morbidity of the population, which depends on the concentration of lead particulate pollutants in ambient air. When evaluating relationship pollution-morbidity on the outcome of hospitalization for different age groups the correlation dependences between the average annual concentration of lead aerosols and various diseases. For this purpose were formed correlation matrix for all types of registered diseases (associated with the impact of lead aerosols on the body), according 10 the International classification of diseases for 3 age groups: 0 to 17 years, 18 years and older and the total population. The analytical data show a significant dependence of the development of several classes of diseases as a result of exposure to toxic lead aerosols contained in the air. In the age group from 0 to 17 years the effect of pollution by lead compounds set the highest correlation dependence diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, registered at the hospital, and for a group of 18 years and more with diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs. Lead aerosols and dust particles have an additive effect on the diseases of the circulatory system in the group of the total population in the municipality of Stara Zagora.
Mechanism of disturbance of reproductive functions in women soldiers under extreme conditions local conflicts and pathogenetic approaches to correct them
Authors: Balaban Inna Valerievna , Pyatibrat Elena Dmitrievna , Proshin Sergei Nikolaevich , Tsykunov Sergey Georgievich , Shabanov Petr Dmitrievich
Published: February 2016

The analysis of psycho-emotional status and homeostasis rates in women with primary dysmenorrheal who have done military service in the extreme conditions in Transdniestria has been performed. Assessment of the severity of neurotic syndromes suggests that women soldiers with the menstrual cycle are characterized by marked affective lability, asthenic and depressive symptoms, affective tensions and insomnias. The multidirectional changes in peripheral blood corpuscles, biochemistry rates and the blood serum hormone rates in women of given community have been revealed. It was determined that military women have menstrual cycle disorders classified as dysmenorrheal that is related to the increase of cortisol concentration and the trend to prolactine increase, while female civilians this disease is related to the increase of follicle-stimulating hormone. Military women who take part in military actions and suffer of dysmenorrheal are characterized with metabolic disorders with the domination of catabolic reactions and the changes in blood serum lipid ranges. The lower rates of cholesterine, lipoproteids of high density and higher rates of triglycerides compared to ones in patients from the control group prove this. The correlation of neurotic syndromes and features of hormonal regulation in women military. Neuropharmacological analysis demonstrated the increased effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in patients receiving antidepressants in women survivors are vital stress, suggesting the involvement monoaminergic systems of the brain in the formation of this gynecological pathology.
No inducible synthase inhibitors produce a positive effect on indexes of central hemodynamics in rats with septic shock
Authors: Strukov Danila Viktorovich , Vasiliev Andrey Glebovich , Alexandrovich Yuriy Stanislavovich
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of NO inducible synthase (iNOS) inhibitors involved in simulation of septic shock in rats. Model of septic shock (SS) was obtained in rats by intravenous administration of live Bifidobacteria culture. Aminoguanidine was used as a selective inhibitor of iNOS. Indexes of central hemodynamics measured by direct method where analyzed. Vascular endothelial function was rated by determination of nitric oxide (II) (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in plasma. Hemostatic parameters were evaluated by the level of soluble fibrin monomer complexes (RKMF). Intravenous administration of live Bifidobacteria culture in rats proved to cause an adequate and effective septic shock model with characteristic changes of hemodynamics in laboratory animals, development of endothelial dysfunction and hemostasis system activation in response to bacteremia. INOS inhibitors have a positive impact on hemodynamics in septic shock. NO is not the only factor in the development of hypotension in septic shock. INOS inhibitors appear to affect the extent of vasopressor dose utilized in the therapy of septic shock contributing to improvement of microcirculation and tissue oxygenation.
Children's oncology in St. Petersburg: achievements and prospects of development
Authors: Belogurova Margarita Borisovna , Boichenko Elmira Gosmanovna , Kulyova Svetlana Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2016

The statistics (incidence, mortality, survival) characterizing a problem and the oncological care to children with malignant tumors in St. Petersburg are presented in the article. It is proved that intensification in the therapeutic regimens according to immunohistochemical features, age, extending of tumor significantly raised survival rates, having approached them to the world. The five-year survival of children treated in the 90th of the last century in St. Petersburg, was 60,9 %, at the beginning of the 2000th increase of survival to 69,3 % with approach to European survival (71,8 %) is noted. Improvement of indicators of survival, first of all, should be explained with progress in therapy of the most widespread localizations - leukemias and central nervous system tumors. Thanks to an intensification of treatment it was succeeded to improve considerably results of treatment of children with acute leukemia: the survival from 10-15 % in the 70-80th reached 80 %. Traditionally good results were observed at Hodgkin’s lymphoma: the 5-year overall survival was 94% with event-free survival of 87 %. Using of the European protocol for treatment of Wilm’s tumor (SIOP 93-01) increased survival of children with a unilateral tumor to 94,4 % at the overall survival more than 80 %. Improvement of overall survival in children was influenced also by introduction in practice protocols of BFM (Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster) for treatment non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma thanks to what 5-year event-free survival increased from 30 to 81 %. Now the perspective in children’s oncology are development of molecular and genetic diagnostics with search the germ mutations at a hereditary cancer syndrome, definition of a range of somatic mutations in genes at sporadic malignant tumors at children.
Gastrointestinal complications of cancer treatment in childhood
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana Viacheslavovna , Kulyova Svetlana Aleksandrovna , Gumbatova Elvira Dzhangirovna , Belogurova Margarita Borisovna
Published: February 2016

Gastrointestinal and liver toxicity are ones of the complications of combined modality treatment for malignant tumors in childhood. Issues of gastrointestinal complications after radiation therapy and chemotherapy are considered in article. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and syndromes associated with the effects of the specific treatment. Among infectious complications accented reader's attention to such serious complication such as cryptosporidiosis, cytomegalovirus infection, and viral hepatitis B and C. Described in detail the clinical pattern of cytomegalovirus hepatitis and enterocolitis. The most common effects of abdominal irradiation are post-radiation enteritis and venoocclusive disease, the occurrence of which is associated with concomitant use of cytotoxic drugs and radiation the liver. Often the development of hepatotoxicity is associated with high-dose chemotherapy with allogeneic or autologous stem cell transplantation, as well as prolonged use of methotrexate in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the stage of maintenance therapy. The article describes the phase drug metabolism in the liver and pathogenesis of disorders. This article lists the chemotherapy agents, the use of which in the schemes of chemotherapy can induce the development of hepatocellular toxicity. Recommendations for dispensary observation and examination of patients with identified disorders of the gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary system.
Features of pathogenesis, clinical course and diagnosis of acute cholecystitis of patients with decompensated cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Kokhanenko Nikolay Yurevich , Shiryajev Yuriy Nikolaevich , Lugovoy Andrey Lvovich , Danilov Sergey Alexandrovich , Gurtskaya Lekso Zurabovich
Published: February 2016

The work presents the features of pathogenesis, clinical course and diagnosis of acute cholecystitis of patients with decompensated cardiovascular diseases have been submitted in this report. The main diseases of cardiovascular system that affects the prognosis of acute cholecystitis have been set off. The sufficient detailed is written about the criteria for patients at risk. Listed severe somatic diseases, which are frequent in older patients being treated in surgical hospitals. The pathogenetic link between inflammatory disease of the gallbladder and cardiovascular system has been explained. The problem of mutual deterioration between acute cholecystitis and different manifestations of coronary artery disease has been reviewed. The noting widespread introduction of new non-invasive methods (ultrasonography, computer tomography and magnetic resonance tomography) and invasive (endovideosurgery) diagnostics. Detailed characteristics of such instrumental techniques as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, magnetic tomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, diagnostic laparoscopy has been given. The role of specific biochemical markers of necrosis has been showed: creatinephosphokinase, its heart fraction, troponin test. Possible changes on the electrocardiogram of patients with acute cholecystitis and reasons for their appearance have been described. Detailed recommendations for the identification of acute myocardial infarction of patients with acute cholecystitis using markers of myocardial damage have been given.
Features response and course of typical pathological processes in burn disease in puberty
Authors: Vasilyeva Anastasia Grigorievna , Zinoviev Evgeny Vladimirovich , Kostyakov Denis Valerievich
Published: February 2016

In response to burn injury in the body of the child in puberty naturally develop typical pathological processes, which include almost all organs and systems, leads to severe disruption of homeostasis failure of adaptive mechanisms. Burn is the most powerful stress factor that causes changes in the body that are typical of the general adaptation syndrome. The main pathogenesis and peculiarities of typical pathological processes in burn disease significantly affected are determined by the endocrine system. Produce hormones are involved not only in the starting mechanism, but also in the development of compensatory-adaptive reactions, mobilizing the body's protective properties. Thus, a feature of adolescence is that at this age the body undergoes a qualitative change to the restructuring of all systems. There are significant morphological and functional restructuring of important metabolic processes in the body organs like the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas, characterized by high activity of metabolic processes, strengthening of cell and tissue differentiation, intensification of regenerative processes. The consequence is excessive functional activity of organs and systems at rest, associated with low and often paradoxical reactivity to external shocks, including a burn injury, which leads to a decrease in functional and adaptive capabilities of the organism adolescents. All these features to consider when choosing the strategy of surgical treatment of persons puberty, burn victims.
Distorted development: the elaboration of Victor Lebedinsky’s ideas
Authors: Bardyshevskaya Marina Konstantinovna
Published: February 2016

This paper provides promising areas of the research of laws and mechanisms of distorted children’s development. The paper is based on the results of the analysis and compilation of empirical data of the author’s longitudinal study of mental development of 170 children with autistic spectrum disorders who were hospitalized in the children’s psychiatric hospital N 6 in Moscow in 1997-2015 years more than once, and 36 children with certain autistic features who were adapted well enough to mass kindergartens and schools in 2010-2015 years. In our research we try to develop several key ideas of V. V. Lebedinsky on the distorted development in the following ways: 1) the study of an uneven development of physical functions by using not only the model of speech development, but the model of development of different kinds of symbolic activity as well; 2) the different types of abnormal links (isolation, confusion, adhesiveness, fixation, star-type links) in regard to the different types of behavior, symbolic activity, emotional states and types of the child’s contact with other people are explored; 3) the different factors, including the restored attachment with close people and the role of child’s personal activity in choosing productive development or refusal from the development in key fields, which determine a high variability of distorted development, are studied; 4) the method of therapeutic observation is being worked out which is based on the identification and support of the natural mechanisms of compensation of distorted development and on the thorough knowledge of adaptive forms of distorted development which are spreading fast in the modern population.
Interim results of neuropsychological analysis of the development of children with perinatal risks
Authors: Goryacheva Tatiana Germanovna , Misochenko Mariya Sergeyevna
Published: February 2016

This article presents a brief description of the normative mental development of the elder preschool children: features hemispheric interaction between the cerebral hemispheres, dynamic, spatial and motor praxis, memory, visual-objective, visual-spatial and acoustic-verbal gnosis and originality of speech, thought and attention. Besides, this article illuminates analysis of the interim data obtained in the course of neuropsychological investigation of cerebral organization of mental functions among preschoolers whose mothers have an anamnesis of various risk factors of perinatal pathology of the fetus. The analysis of the data illustrates that very often agenda had difficulties in carrying out tests for visual gnosis, audio-verbal memory, dynamic and spatial praxis. Also it was hard for children to compile stories for narrative paintings and series of narrative pictures. Besides, it was recorded that the majority of children have shown attention fatigue and instability of attention and the high level of exhaustion. So the interim results received on this level of experimental research illustrate the existence of tendency of defection in the process of formation of high psychic functions among children with different risk of development of perinatal pathology in their anamnesis. But in the cause of the insufficiency of experimental data it is to early to make strict conclusions concerning the concrete consequences of the different perinatal risks for brain organization of child’s psychic activity.
Assessment of efficacy in treatment of inflammatory and degenerative damages of the parodont smooth tissue with tooth pastes according to oxidative status indexes in rats
Authors: Mokrenko Eugeny Vladimirovich , Shabanov Petr Dmitriyevich
Published: February 2016

A rat model of inflammatory and degenerative damages of the smooth parodont tissue by means of administration of 2 % formaldehyde water solution into the smooth parodont tissues was described. The oxidative status of rats including lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system indexes was assessed because of their high sensitivity to inflammation process. The lipid peroxidation indexes (malonic dialdehyde and dienic conjugates level) were 2-3-fold higher in the blood serum and parodont tissue in 7 days after inflammation beginning. The system of antioxidant defense (recovered glutatione level and activity of superoxide dismutase) was more sensitive in comparison with lipid peroxidation. The recovered glutation content in the blood serum was decreased from 2.02 ± 0.09 till 0.88 ± 0.21 µM/ml, and superoxide dismutase activity was reduced from 0.78 ± 0.10 till 0.28 ± 0.04 А/mg protein, that was these indexes were decreased in 2.5-3 times. The same regularity was observed in the smooth tissues of the parodont. The recovered glutation level was decreased in 2.1 times and superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in 7 times. Therefore, the curative and prevention action of tooth pastes and stomatologic drugs could be assessed with this model of inflammation. In particular, the tooth pastes lesmin-dent > clamin-dent > zhemchug (in order of descending activity) attenuate or abolish signs of inflammatory and degenerative damages of the smooth parodont tissue in rats assessed on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system indexes.
Experimental assessment of the KK1 peptide effectiveness for prevention of the CNS delayed impairments after acute intoxication with carbon monoxide
Authors: Tolkach Pavel Gennadievich , Basharin Vadim Alexandrovich , Grebenyuk Alexandre Nikolayevich , Kolobov Alexandre Alexandrovich
Published: February 2016

Intoxication with the carbon monoxide leads to the development the early and delayed neuropsychological impairments. Oxygen therapy is used usually as an antidote for the treatment of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. The synthetic analogues of endogenous peptides were shown to prevent the neuropsychological impairments. One of them is KK1, a tetrapeptide acetyl-(D-Lys)-Lys-Arg-Arg-amide, assessed as a structural analogue of corticotropine. The efficiency of the synthetic tetrapeptide KK1 for the prevention of the CNS delayed impairments after acute carbon monoxide poisoning has been evaluated in this study.
Experimental assessment of inflammatory effect of hypoxen
Authors: Khnychenko Ludmila Konstantinovna , Okunevich Irina Viktorovna
Published: February 2016

The experimental model of acute carrageenan-induced inflammation and chronic model of the “cotton wool`s granuloma” in mice and rats were used in the experinent. The changes in the volume of damaged limb with oedema and granuloma mass in groups of animals were registered. The effect of hypoxen (polydihydroxyphenylenthiosulfonate sodium) and comparative drugs simvastatin and ibuprophen on the inflammatory reaction was studied. Ibuprophen and simvastatin were shown to reduce the development of inflammatory reaction. The administration of hypoxen in dose of 50 mg/kg has got the significant efficiency in lowering of oedema degree and significant decreasing of inflammatory tissue assessed by granuloma mass.
Changes in intracellular potentials and ionic currents of the mollusk and activity of Cl--channels under exposure to some inhibitory amino acids and new litium-containing compounds of them
Authors: Shabanov Petr Dmitrievich , Vislobokov Anatoliy Ivanovich , Shilov Georgiy Nolianovich , Bulay P M , Lugovskii A P
Published: February 2016

The Changes of membrane rest potential (RP), action potential (AP), impulse activity (IA) as well as sodium, calcium and potassium ionic currents in neurons of isolated central nervous system of the Planorbarius corneus mollusk (pedal ganglia) under the extracellular action of inhibitory amino acids GABA, glycine and β-alanine and their litium-containing derivatives (LCD) in 0.1, 1 and 5 mM concentrations have been studied using a microelectrode technique. They induced the same dose-dependent and irreversible depolarization of neurons on 2-10 mV accompanied by increase of AP frequency, prolongation of their duration and decrease of summmerized ionic currents (dV/dt). According to degree of depolarization, the drugs were placed in the following range in decreasing activity: compound 3 > compound 2 > compound 1. In identified pedal ganglion neurons (PPed1), compound 3 in contrast to other compounds induced hyperpolarization by 2-10 mV and blocked impulse activity. The amplitude of sodium and calcium channels was decreased by 7-15 %, in the same degree after application of all compounds exposed in concentration of 5 mM. Efflux potassium ionic currents were increased in dose-dependent manner and irreversibly about by 3-7 % assessed on amplitude indexes without changes in kinetic parameters after application of LCD. Therefore, the decrease of ionic current amplitudes was due to both depolarization of neurons and direct action of LCD on ionic channels. Thus, LCD possess membranotropic activity and can modulate functional state of neurons. In the study of chloride channels in cells culture of rat glioma C6 in vitro by patch-clamp method, GABA, glycine, β-alanine and their LCD 10 µM/l activated chloride channels, shifting equiliblium membrane potential of glioma cells from -90… -70 mV to -55... -60 mV. All compounds (transmitters and LCD) were placed in the following range: glycine > GABA > β-alanine and compound 1 > compound 3 > compound 2 according to descending activity. Therefore, the most active compounds activating Cl--channels were glycine and compound 1 (LCD). Glycine was shown to be coagonist GABA receptors and its litium salt possessed significant membranotropic activity.
Probable molecular genetic predictors for development of the locomotor system pathology in the extreme physical exertion
Authors: Kozlova Anna Sergeevna , Pyatibrat Alexandre Olegovich , Buznik Galina Viktorovna , Melnov Sergei Borisovich , Shabanov Peter Dmitrievich
Published: February 2016

The article presents the basic results of the theoretical analysis of currently available data on modern and future using of molecular genetic markers to determine predisposition to musculoskeletal system diseases in athletes and subsequent regenerative capacity of the organism. The basic genetic markers associated with athletes resistance to injuries are described. It has been shown that one of the most important factors is genetic predisposition to osteoporosis.
Medical clinical perspectives of the hypoxia adaptation factor inhibitors
Authors: Novikov Vasiliy Egorovich , Pozhilova Elena Vasilievna , Levchenkova Olga Sergeevna
Published: February 2016

The protein regulatory factor HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1alfa) plays a leading role in mechanisms of adaptation of the organism tissue to hypoxia, including tumor hypoxia. HIF-1α is a potent inducer of angiogenesis in the field of tumor growth. The importance of HIF-1α in development of tumors and possibility of target pharmacological action on HIF-1α and the related growth factors with help of their inhibitors is discussed in the article. Such approach is represented to have the perspectives in pharmacotherapy of oncological, rheumatic and other diseases in pathogenesis of which hypoxia and ischemia takes the inducing role.
Wherever I Drop Anchor
Authors: Gaini Firouz
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates the connection between young people’s local identities and future perspectives regarding physical mobility and home with Zygmunt Bauman’s concepts of ‘liquid modernity’ and ‘anchor’ as theoretical framework. 40 semi-structured interviews with eight graders from two different communities provide the empirical setting for discussions and analyses. The results paint a clear picture of young islanders critically negotiating their ‘glocal’ identities as independent ‘bricoleurs’ in a complex late modern world. Their individual priorities and strategies support the use of the maritime metaphor of ‘anchoring’ in the quest for a better understanding of identity formation today. Young people’s identities and values, the paper concludes, cannot be unveiled without strong attention to local contexts and glocal processes.
Effect Of Cultural Dimensions On Stock Exchange Investment Decisions In Iran
Authors: Amirhosseini Zahra , Okere Vivian O.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of cultural dimensions on personal investment decisions in the Tehran Stock Exchange. The cultural dimensions model was well established by Geert Hofstede (1980). This research tested a main hypothesis and four subsidiary hypotheses. The data was gathered through library methods and questionnaires. The results showed that the main hypothesis which examined whether there is a significant relationship between cultural dimensions and investment decisions in the Tehran stock exchange was confirmed. Subsidiary hypothesis about the relationship between two of Hofstedes cultural dimensions, Power Distance and Individualism, and investment decisions was not confirmed at a meaningful level. However other subsidiary hypothesis of the research based on the relationship between Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance and investment decisions was significant at a meaningful level and confirmed.
CEO Compensation And Firm Value
Authors: Dah Abdallah M. , Abosedra Salaheddine S. , Matar Ghida F.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the effect of CEO equity-based compensation (EBC) on firm value. In particular, we study the interaction between EBC and the percentage of independent directors as well as the interaction between EBC and managerial entrenchment. Our findings suggest a positive relation between firms value and EBC. Further, we show that the percentage of independent directors has a positive impact on the marginal effect of EBC on firm value.
The Perception Versus The Reality Of Retirement: Are You Ready To Retire?
Authors: Yates Dan , Ward Chris
Published: February 2016

This study explored the perceptions and the reality of retirement of two groups in northwest Ohio: those planning to retire within five years and those who are currently retired. A survey was constructed to capture the thoughts on retirement, living arrangements in retirement, travel plans, work and volunteer plans, concerns about retirement, philanthropy, working with advisors, and retirement income and debt. Obtaining information pertaining to these areas will assist financial advisors/planners in better serving their clients financial future as well as provide retirement readiness information for those considering retirement in the near future.
Empirical Issues In Measuring The Returns To Female Labor Market Experience
Authors: Gabriel Paul E. , Schmitz Susanne
Published: February 2016

This paper assesses the empirical properties of two labor market experience measures for female workers in the United States. Our results confirm that the conventional cross-sectional measure of labor market experience, often referred to as potential experience, is an upwardly-biased estimate of the true labor market experience of women -- since women are more likely to experience periods of intermittent labor force participation. This bias yields inconsistent estimates of the returns to female labor market experience. We also present corrected returns to female labor market experience based on longitudinal work history information.
The Elasticity Of Marketing Return On Investment
Authors: Mitchell Theodore , Olsen Howard
Published: February 2016

This paper demonstrates that the marketing return on investment (MROI) can be inversely related to profits in healthy, high performance firms. In light of this, the authors contend that MROI is a poor metric for evaluating profitable performance, because lower MROI is not always a sign of poor performance and higher MROI is not always a sign of higher performance. However, MROI can be converted into an elasticity of efficiency and used as a diagnostic tool to help marketing managers choose more profitable levels of promotion. MROI in the role of a diagnostic tool has stronger theoretical foundations than in its role as an evaluation metric. The paper presents the elasticity of MROI to changes in marketing expense as a practical tool for marketing managers to improve the profitability of marketing.
Predictive Efficiency Of Random Effects Approach: A Real Model Simulation Study
Authors: AmirKhalkhali Samad , AmirKhalkhali Sal
Published: February 2016

This real model simulation study attempts to shed more light on the predictive performances of two of the most commonly used panel data regression methods - fixed effects and random effects. In particular, this paper attempts to address the question, How do these two alternative estimators perform in prediction when errors follow non-normal distributions? The simulation results support the random effects approach as the better choice.
Market And Welfare Effects Of Multi-Product Mergers With Reference To Tyson-IBP Merger
Authors: Bouras David , Azzam Azzeddine
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we provide a conceptual framework for analyzing the market and welfare effects of mergers that result in multiproduct firms producing strongly demand-related products and derive the conditions under which such type of mergers improve welfare. The Tyson-IBP merger is used as an empirical application of the model. Using estimates of own- and cross-price elasticities of demand for beef, pork, and chicken, we infer that the Tyson-IBP merger has generated the cost-efficiencies necessary to make consumers and livestock producers better off.
How Smokers Became Outlaws: An Application Of The Stakeholder Salience Model To A Social Problem
Authors: Key Susan K. , Scripa Rosalia N. , Juneau Robert
Published: February 2016

Smoking bans have gone from being essentially non-existent to being the norm over the course of the last 50 years. When some of these authors started teaching, it was the norm to smoke in the classroom, in hospitals, on airplanes, in prison and in the office. Times have changedsmoking is no longer allowed in these locations in the United States. In this paper, an overview of the history of smoking advocacy, the impacts of smoke-free legislation on different stakeholders, and changes in public perceptions of smoking are provided. Mitchell and Agles 1997 Stakeholder Salience Model are used to illustrate the changes over time in stakeholder status for both smokers and nonsmokers. The Mitchell Model could have been useful to predict the change in status that the two stakeholder groups experienced and the authors suggest that management should note the emergence of urgent stakeholders in the future, as they may gain salience in other matters that can impact company wealth. Firms have to be aware of both their customers needs (smokers) as well as other social movements that may affect the use of their product, such as nonsmoking legislation. This is the first paper to apply stakeholder salience, including the concepts of urgency, power, and legitimacy, to the changing fortunes of smokers. It looks at how smoking and smokers have gone from the norm in U.S. society to outlaw status.
The Importance Of The Control Environment: Expense Account Fraud At Blue Grass Airport
Authors: Noland Thomas G. , Metrejean Eddie
Published: February 2016

COSOs Internal Control Framework discusses the components of internal control and how the control environment is the most important component. This paper analyzes how a non-existent control environment led to a massive expense account fraud at a regional airport. This fraud eventually led to the resignation and prosecution of the airports top four executives. The paper discusses the findings of the State Auditors investigation and outlines the red flags that should have been obvious to the external auditors. The paper concludes by discussing the changes made to the airports internal controls in the aftermath of the fraud.
Differing Federal Individual Income Tax Perceptions: Political Party Affiliation And Ideological Philosophy
Authors: Lavin Angeline , Moen David , Davies Thomas
Published: February 2016

Individuals who are affiliated with different political parties and who subscribe to different ideological philosophies also tend to have different views on many issues. This paper explores taxpayer perceptions of the federal individual income tax, which can be traced back to 1913 in its present form, based upon their political party affiliation as well as their ideological philosophy. The analysis revealed that the responses to the federal individual income tax statements included in this survey were not independent of political party or ideological philosophy. These results suggest that the political and ideological makeup of Congress and the President are likely to have an impact on future decisions with respect to possible modifications to the federal individual income tax. The question remains whether these differences may be set aside in a consolidated effort to find long range solutions to our countrys fiscal challenges.
Convergence In State And Local Spending On Education: Are Lotteries Ear Marked For Education The Key?
Authors: Pjesky Rex J.
Published: February 2016

Using Barro regression analysis, this paper finds evidence that per capita state spending on education converged from 1977 to 2006 across the U.S. states. Convergence was conditional on a states passage of a lottery for education during that time period. Despite evidence that the convergence of state education spending was conditional on the passage of an education lottery, the relative increase in education spending among many states that passed education lotteries was much greater than the revenue from the lotteries themselves. So, education lotteries seemed to be part of a larger bundle of policies in low spending states to increase education funding. Of all the functions of state and local government, education is both the largest and the most important. In 2006, state and local government direct expenditures were $2.12 trillion dollars. Direct expenditures on education were $728 billion, just over one-third of the total spending. No other single category of spending in state and local government finance rivals education in the number of dollars spent. There is clear competition among states over education funding. Legislatures and advocacy groups in states lagging behind their neighbors often will cite this fact as a reason to increase education spending. A popular choice among states recently has been to initiate a state lottery with the proceeds earmarked for education. From 1977 to 2006, sixteen states either started lotteries, which dedicated net proceeds exclusively for education, or redefined their existing lottery to earmark net proceeds to education. In every case, the lottery was hailed as a resounding success, but have these sixteen states that passed lotteries for education recently seen a relative increase in funding verses the other states? This paper addresses that question.
Revisiting The Good And Bad Sides Of Organizational Politics
Authors: Sonaike Kola
Published: February 2016

This qualitative exploratory study re-examined the common types of political behaviors that typical organization members are prone to engage in and the results expected from such behaviors. The study utilized a purposive and convenience sample of 30 manager-level senior undergraduate students in a University that targets professional career-focused individuals. The study participants were asked eight questions in a semi-structured interview format. The main research question was What types of political behaviors have you experienced in an organization that you have worked for? Further, study participants were asked which of the behaviors, in their estimation could be termed as good or bad and why they categorized them as such. The data obtained from the study were analyzed for patterns and themes using the NVivo 8 computer software. Results showed that, in general, organization members view in positive light political behaviors that are used professionally and that thus foster co-operation among organizational members. On the other hand, organization members view in negative light political behaviors that are perceived as self-serving and destructive to co-operation and team spirit among the various units within the organization. There was a small group, however, that seem to believe that at times, the meanings read to some behaviors by organizational members may be wrong as some of these behaviors may not necessarily have political undertones.
Employee Payroll And Training Budget: Case Study Of A Non-Teaching Healthcare Organization
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaq , Kolachi Nadir Ali
Published: February 2016

Employee turnover is a constant phenomenon faced by organizations. Some turnover is not only healthy, but also necessary for an organization, as it allows for an influx of new blood; however, high levels of turnover can be unhealthy for an organization. This study aims to calculate the employee turnover rate in a particular healthcare organization and compare it with the benchmarks provided in existing literature, and to discover potential reasons for the organizations high turnover. Available data from previous years were also analyzed to estimate the financial and non-financial losses of the organization. The study addresses and rates the importance of some of the most common factors that determine the overall satisfaction of employees, such as salary and other benefits, career opportunity and personal growth, and work life protocols, including policies and procedures, working environment conditions, supervisor behavior, and colleague behavior and support. The results of this research will be helpful for not only the healthcare industry, but also the overall corporate sector, because turnover can pose a serious problem and therefore needs to be promptly investigated and resolved.
Constructing A Scoring Support Approach Model For Classical Ballet: Combining Motion Capture And Statistical Science
Authors: Yanagisawa Kazuma , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: February 2016

This study employs motion capture and statistics todevelop an objective, rational scoring system for classical ballet and uses theresults to construct a scoring support approach model. Specifically, the studyfocuses on classical ballet, using interviews with judges and other methods toclarify the correlation between practical skills and barre training as well asbetween technical and artistic scores. This process revealed that practicalskills are a combination of movements practiced at a barre and that technicalevaluations ofbarre training have a direct link to overall evaluations of practical skills.Based on these insights, the authors broke barre training down into individualmovement elements and movement factors, then clarified the causal relationshipsamong them using positioning data gathered from motion capture equipment andfrom scoring results by professional judges. The knowledge gained was, in turn,used to actually support the scoring of classical ballet barre training, andthe desired results were obtained.
Contagion In MENA Countries During The 2008 Financial Meltdown
Authors: El Sayed Loujaina , Hegazi Nourhan
Published: February 2016

Despite originating in the U.S., the repercussions of the 2008 global financial crisis were spread all over the globe to affect all classes of economies, suggesting the presence of a global contagious effect.MENA countries, which have recently become more integrated into the world economy, were also severely impacted.However, studying the contagious effect of the global financial crisison MENA stock markets was not common in literature despite their importance for international diversification. This paper attempts to test for contagion from the U.S. to MENA equity markets during the 2008 global financial crisis using the change in correlations approach. We employ two models: the adjusted correlation model and the dynamic conditional correlations DCC-GARCH model. Results provide an evidence ofthe existence of contagion from the US to a number of MENA equity markets. The adjusted correlation model was proved tobe biased towards the conclusion of no contagion when compared to the findings of the DCC-GARCH model.
Personal Federal Tax Issues And The Affordable Care Act: Can Tax Penalties And Subsidized Premiums Provide Sufficient Incentives For Health Insurance Purchases
Authors: Eastman Alan D. , Eastman Kevin L.
Published: February 2016

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) includes many changes to the U.S. Federal Tax Code. The tax penalty imposed on individuals who choose to remain uninsured received extraordinary attention while the Supreme Court determined the constitutionality of the ACA. Now, the more relevant question is what impact the penalty may have on individual behavior. This paper presents information that suggests the tax penalty may provide insufficient incentive for many individuals to purchase insurance, even with premium tax credits to reduce the cost for households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit. The ACA also reduces the tax benefit from themedical expense deduction by increasing the threshold amount from 7.5% of adjusted gross income to 10% of adjusted gross income. This may increase the after-tax cost of purchasing health insurance, especially for healthier individuals whose medical expenses (excluding insurance premiums) are below the threshold amount, increasing the incentive to forego the purchase of health insurance and to pay the penalty instead. An approach more consistent with the aims of the ACA is to eliminate the threshold amount but limit the deduction to lower-income taxpayers.
Influence Of Corporate Social Responsibility As Perceived By Salespeople On Their Ethical Behaviour, Attitudes And Their Turnover Intentions
Authors: Bourdeau Baptiste , Graf Raoul , Turcotte Marie-France
Published: February 2016

The ethical behavior of salespeople has become a tremendous challenge in the business world. While a great majority of big companies communicate about their Corporate Social Responsibility, this study shows for the first time that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has no influence upon the ethical behavior of salespeople. However, it demonstrates that a reputation associated with CSR can be a precious management tool that can be used to act upon salespeoples satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intentions. More specifically, CSR policies, as perceived by salespeople, increase their satisfaction level which, in turn, decreases their turnover intention. Likewise, CSR policies, as perceived by salespeople, increase their organizational commitment, which, in turn, contributes to decrease their turnover intention. In addition, this study provides avenues to explore regarding the tools influencing the ethical behavior of salespeople. The answers of 197 salespeople were collected using an innovative recruitment method with high potentialities - social networks.