bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Angle-Amplitude Estimation for Multiple Signals with L-Structured Arrays Using Bioinspired Computing
Authors: Zaman Fawad
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work is to estimate jointly the elevation and azimuth angles along with the amplitudes of multiple signals impinging on 1-L- and 2-L-shape arrays. An efficient mechanism based on hybrid Bioinspired techniques is proposed for this purpose. The global search optimizers such as Differential Evolution (DE) and Particle Swarm optimization (PSO) are hybridized with a local search optimizer called pattern search (PS). Approximation theory in Mean Square Error sense is exploited to develop a fitness function of the problem. The unknown parameters of multiple signals transmitted by far-field sources are estimated with the strength of hybrid DE-PS and PSO-PS. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is tested in terms of estimation accuracy, proximity effect, convergence, and computational complexity.
Changes in the Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Cabbage Kimchi with respect to Storage Conditions
Authors: You Su-Yeon , Yang Ji-Su , Kim Sung Hyun , Hwang In Min
Published: January 2017

In this study, the changes in pH, organic acid content, acidity, and salinity of kimchi prepared at 0 days, stored 1–8 weeks at 4 and 10°C, and stored at room temperature for two days were analyzed. Organic acids content was analyzed by using analytical technique of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method was also validated using quality assurance parameters of linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ), precision, and spike recovery experiments. In the analysis of organic acids content (mg/kg), it was found that the kimchi stored for 1–8 weeks at 4 and 10°C showed gradual increase in the organic acids content during storage period. The order of organic acids was lactic acid > acetic acid > citric acid > malic acid > succinic acid > oxalic acid > fumaric acid. The pH values of kimchi stored at 4°C, 10°C, and 25°C were 4.1, 3.6–3.7, and 4.1, respectively.
Secrecy Analysis of Multiuser Untrusted Amplify-and-Forward Relay Networks
Authors: Deng Dan , Li Xutao , Fan Lisheng , Zhou Wen , Qingyang Hu Rose , Zhou Zhili
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the secure communications of multiuser untrusted amplify-and-forward relay networks in the presence of direct links. In the considered system, one user is selected among multiple ones for secure transmission to the destination node with the help of an untrusted relay node. To reduce the information leakage to the untrusted relay, the paper considers two selection criteria to select the user based on the direct and the relaying links, respectively. The impact of direct and the relaying link on the system secrecy performance is studied by deriving the close-form ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) as well as the asymptotic expression. From the asymptotic expression, it can be found that the asymptotic ESR increases linearly with the logarithm of the average channel gain ratio of the direct link to the relaying link.
Semaphorin 3A Increases FAK Phosphorylation at Focal Adhesions to Modulate MDA-MB-231 Cell Migration and Spreading on Different Substratum Concentrations
Authors: Gehler Scott , Compere Frances V. , Miller Alex M.
Published: January 2017

Interactions between integrin-mediated adhesions and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important regulators of cell migration and spreading. However, mechanisms by which extracellular ligands regulate cell migration and spreading in response to changes in substratum concentration are not well understood. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) has been shown to inhibit cell motility and alter integrin signaling in various cell types. We propose that Sema3A alters focal adhesions to modulate breast carcinoma cell migration and spreading on substrata coated with different concentrations of ECM. We demonstrate that Sema3A inhibits MDA-MB-231 cell migration and spreading on substrata coated with high concentrations of collagen and fibronectin but enhances migration and spreading at lower concentrations of collagen and fibronectin. Sema3A increases focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation at tyrosine 397 (pFAK397) at focal adhesions on all substratum concentrations of collagen and fibronectin but decreased pFAK397levels on laminin. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibition blocks the Sema3A-mediated effects on cell migration, spreading, and pFAK397at focal adhesions when cultured on all concentrations of collagen. These results suggest that Sema3A shifts the optimal level of cell-matrix adhesions to a nonoptimal ECM coating concentration, in particular collagen, to yield maximal cell migration and spreading that may be mediated through a ROCK-dependent mechanism.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Multiobjective Optimization of a Two-Disk Flexible Rotor System
Authors: Longxi Zheng , Shengxi Jia , Jingjing Huang
Published: January 2017

With the ever-increasing requirement for the thrust to weight ratio, the rotational speed of modern aeroengine is increasingly improved; thus most of the aeroengine rotor is flexible. Some dynamic problems, such as excessive vibration, appear due to the increase of the rotation speed of the aeroengine. The aim of this study is to reduce the vibration level of the flexible rotor system through optimum design. A laboratory scale two-disk flexible rotor system representing a typical aeroengine rotor system is designed. A combinational optimization strategy coupling the rotordynamics calculation software ANSYS and the multidisciplinary optimization software ISIGHT is proposed to optimize the rotor system. The positions of the disks are selected as the design variables. Constraints are imposed on critical speeds. The disks’ amplitudes and bearings’ transmitted forces are chosen as the optimization objectives. Using this strategy, the optimal positions of the two disks are obtained. The numerical optimization results are verified by the experiments based on the test rig. The results show a significant vibration level reduction after optimization.
HE4 Serum Levels in Patients with BRCA1 Gene Mutation Undergoing Prophylactic Surgery as well as in Other Benign and Malignant Gynecological Diseases
Authors: Chudecka-Głaz Anita , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta , Strojna Aleksandra , Menkiszak Janusz
Published: January 2017

Objective. We assess the behavior of serum concentrations of HE4 marker in female carriers of BRCA1 and assess the diagnostic usefulness of HE4 in ovarian and endometrial cancer.Methods. A total of 619 women with BRCA1 gene mutation, ovarian, endometrial, metastatic, other gynecological cancers, or benign gynecological diseases were included. Intergroup comparative analyses were carried out, the BRCA1 gene carriers subgroup was subjected to detailed analysis, and ROC curves were determined for the assessment of diagnostic usefulness of HE4 in ovarian and endometrial cancer.Results. Statistically lower serum HE4 and CA 125 levels were observed in BRCA1 gene mutation premenopausal carriers. Occult ovarian/fallopian tube cancer was found 3.6%. Each of those patients was characterized by slightly elevated levels of either CA 125 (63.9 and 39.4 U/mL) or HE4 (79 pmol/L). The ROC-AUC curves were 0.892 and 0.894 for diagnostic usefulness of ovarian cancer and 0.865 for differentiation of endometrial cancer from endometrial polyps.Conclusions. Patients with BRCA1 gene mutations have relatively low serum HE4 levels. Even the slightest elevation in HE4 or CA 125 levels in female BRCA1 carriers undergoing prophylactic surgery should significantly increase oncological alertness. The HE4 marker is valuable in ovarian and uterine cancer diagnosis.
Tumor-Infiltrating Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Specific T Cells Are Diverse and Associated with Improved Patient Survival
Authors: Miller Natalie J. , Church Candice D. , Dong Lichun , Crispin David , Fitzgibbon Matthew P. , Lachance Kristina , Jing Lichen , Shinohara Michi , Gavvovidis Ioannis , Willimsky Gerald , McIntosh Martin , Blankenstein Thomas , Koelle David M. , Nghiem Paul
Published: January 2017

Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells are associated with improved survival of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer causally linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). However, CD8+ T-cell infiltration is robust in only 4% to 18% of MCC tumors. We characterized the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire restricted to one prominent epitope of MCPyV (KLLEIAPNC, “KLL”) and assessed whether TCR diversity, tumor infiltration, or T-cell avidity correlated with clinical outcome. HLA-A*02:01/KLL tetramer+ CD8+ T cells from MCC patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were isolated via flow cytometry. TCRβ (TRB) sequencing was performed on tetramer+ cells from PBMCs or TILs (n = 14) and matched tumors (n = 12). Functional avidity of T-cell clones was determined by IFNγ production. We identified KLL tetramer+ T cells in 14% of PBMC and 21% of TIL from MCC patients. TRB repertoires were strikingly diverse (397 unique TRBs were identified from 12 patients) and mostly private (only one TCRb clonotype shared between two patients). An increased fraction of KLL-specific TIL (>1.9%) was associated with significantly increased MCC-specific survival P = 0.0009). T-cell cloning from four patients identified 42 distinct KLL-specific TCRa/b pairs. T-cell clones from patients with improved MCC-specific outcomes were more avid (P < 0.05) and recognized an HLA-appropriate MCC cell line. T cells specific for a single MCPyV epitope display marked TCR diversity within and between patients. Intratumoral infiltration by MCPyV-specific T cells was associated with significantly improved MCC-specific survival, suggesting that augmenting the number or avidity of virus-specific T cells may have therapeutic benefit. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 137–47. ©2017 AACR.
Early Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Loozen Charlotte S. , van Ramshorst Bert , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. , Boerma Djamila
Published: January 2017

Background: In the era of advanced surgical techniques and improved perioperative care, the willingness to perform emergency operations in elderly patients continues to increase. This systematic review aimed at assessing the clinical outcomes of early cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies reporting on early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in patients aged ≥70 years. The conversion rate, perioperative morbidity, and mortality were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Eight articles fell within the scope of this study. In total, 592 patients were identified. The mean age was 81 years. Early cholecystectomy was performed laparoscopically in 316 patients (53%) and open in 276 patients (47%). The procedure was associated with a conversion rate of 23% (95% CI 18.6-28.3), a perioperative morbidity of 24% (95% CI 20.5-27.5), and a mortality of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-5.4). Conclusion: Early cholecystectomy seems to be a feasible treatment in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. To reduce morbidity, patients who may benefit from surgery ought to be selected carefully. Future prospective studies should compare early cholecystectomy with alternative treatments to select the treatment that is most appropriate for elderly patients.
A viola e suas metalinguagens: notação do gesto e aprendizado não formal
Authors: Nogueira Gisela
Published: January 2017

O aprendizado da notação musical foi historicamente associado às camadas privilegiadas da sociedade. Assim o descrevem os textos amplamente conhecidos das áreas de História da Música e Musicologia. Temos por certo, contudo, tratarem de um excerto da produção musical, dado que a prática popular excede, em grande número, a das elites. O levantamento histórico das fontes de documentação musical de que se serviram tratou, exclusivamente, da música escrita em notação convencional e, em larga escala, de manuscritos e publicações até fins do século XIX. A partir da institucionalização do aprendizado musical com o advento dos conservatórios, surgiu a demanda por publicações de textos didáticos que uniformizassem o conhecimento musical. De outro lado, as cordas dedilhadas e, particularmente, as guitarras ou violas, serviram à produção musical de todas as camadas da sociedade, desde suas origens árabes, até a difusão pela Europa e por suas colônias. Seu aprendizado se deu por meio não formal, seja pela tradição oral ou não letrada, seja por outras formas de letramento (possivelmente a razão de sua enorme popularidade), desconsideradas naquelas publicações didáticas, à exceção de pequenas citações ao alaúde e às vihuelas. A institucionalização mesma do ensino desses instrumentos ocorreu muito tardiamente em relação aos instrumentos de orquestra e ao piano. Das representações utilizadas nas formas de letramento formal e não formal, a notação da produção instrumental das cordas dedilhadas reúne a notação do gesto, inclusa em um sistema próprio de signos conhecido como Tablaturas, cujos registros mais antigos datam do final do século XV, e Alfabetos Musicais (muito utilizados nos séculos XVII e XVIII). O letramento através dessa notação é, ainda hoje, amplamente utilizado nos meios informais de aprendizado das cordas dedilhadas. A especificidade de tal sistema promoveu a obliteração desses registros históricos dos textos didáticos e do letramento formal até recentemente. A Universidade brasileira ainda não os trouxe à luz.
Interpretation of the Precision Matrix and Its Application in Estimating Sparse Brain Connectivity during Sleep Spindles from Human Electrocorticography Recordings
Authors: Das Anup , Sampson Aaron L. , Lainscsek Claudia , Muller Lyle , Lin Wutu , Doyle John C. , Cash Sydney S. , Halgren Eric , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: January 2017

The correlation method from brain imaging has been used to estimate functional connectivity in the human brain. However, brain regions might show very high correlation even when the two regions are not directly connected due to the strong interaction of the two regions with common input from a third region. One previously proposed solution to this problem is to use a sparse regularized inverse covariance matrix or precision matrix (SRPM) assuming that the connectivity structure is sparse. This method yields partial correlations to measure strong direct interactions between pairs of regions while simultaneously removing the influence of the rest of the regions, thus identifying regions that are conditionally independent. To test our methods, we first demonstrated conditions under which the SRPM method could indeed find the true physical connection between a pair of nodes for a spring-mass example and an RC circuit example. The recovery of the connectivity structure using the SRPM method can be explained by energy models using the Boltzmann distribution. We then demonstrated the application of the SRPM method for estimating brain connectivity during stage 2 sleep spindles from human electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings using an [Formula: see text] electrode array. The ECoG recordings that we analyzed were from a 32-year-old male patient with long-standing pharmaco-resistant left temporal lobe complex partial epilepsy. Sleep spindles were automatically detected using delay differential analysis and then analyzed with SRPM and the Louvain method for community detection. We found spatially localized brain networks within and between neighboring cortical areas during spindles, in contrast to the case when sleep spindles were not present.
Navicula amoyensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new benthic brackish diatom species from the Jiulong River estuary, Southern China
Authors: CHEN CHANGPING , SUN JIANDONG , ZHAO LONG , SUN LIN , LI XUESONG , LIANG JUNRONG , GAO YAHUI
Published: January 2017

Based on the light and scanning electron microscopy observations, we present a detailed description of a new brackish diatom Navicula amoyensis sp. nov. Samples were collected from an intertidal sand flat in the Jiulong River estuary, Southern China. The key diagnostic features of this species include the simple terminal raphe endings, broad terminal area, two rows of perpendicular apical pores, a wide contracted girdle region with pectinate margin and internal proximal raphe endings with a raised siliceous rib and accessory rib. Furthermore, the main taxonomic features of N. amoyensis sp. nov. and the genera Hippodonta and Navicula are also discussed in detail.
Intellectual Property, Antitrust, and the Economics of Aftermarkets
Authors: Herndon Jill Boylston
Published: January 2017

At the border of intellectual property monopolies and antitrust markets lies a field of dissonance yet to be harmonized by statute or the Supreme Court.

Image Technical Services v. Eastman Kodak, 125 F.3d 1195, 1217 (9th Cir. 1997).
Antitrust'S “State Action” Doctrine and the Policy of the Commerce Clause
Authors: Spinella Frank P.
Published: January 2017

The relief of the citizens of each state from the burden of monopoly and the evils resulting from the restraint of trade among such citizens was left to the States to deal with ….

Chief Justice Fuller in United States v. E.C. Knight Company, 156 U.S. 1, 11 (1895).
Belief Systems, Doctrines, and Foreign Policy
Authors: Brodin Katarina
Published: January 2017

This study is comprised of two parts. In the first, the relationship between the belief system of official decision-makers and the behaviour of states in the realm of foreign policy, as well as the problems and limitations inherent in this type of explanatory model, arc discussed. In the second part, an alternative model is presented in which the official foreign policy doctrine is treated as a central independent variable. Particular attention is given to the possible usefulness of this model for predictive purposes.
Developing Economies in A Borderless World
Authors: Jain P.K. , Yadav Manmohan
Published: January 2017

The “Death of Distance” will be the single most important economic force shaping the society over the next half century with geography, borders and time zones becoming irrelevant with the new communication revolution.

The world trade has increased manifolds since World War II and the merchandise exports have increased to about $6,000 billion today from just $50 billion in 1950 while the trade in services is increasing faster and stands at about $1,450 billion as the economies are opening up and integrating with the world economy.

As evident from the experience of the countries that followed open-market and free trade policies, achieved higher growth rates in their GDP, per capita GDP, and the exports than the closed economies. As more and more countries are opening their economies and integrating with the world economy and the revolution in IT, we are heading towards a “borderless” world with free flow of trade and resources.

The autarkic strategies for economic development followed by India since its independence inevitably cut the economy off from the technological advancements in rest of the world and as a result India still remains way behind the industrialised economies. Also, despite above average growth in India's GDP and exports since 1970s than the world average, India's per capita GDP is among the lowest at $370. Even the most populous country in the world, China has per capita GDP of $860.

The balance-of-payments crisis in mid-1991 forced the Indian policymakers to make a paradigm shift, though under IMF-led bail out package and prescription for structural adjustments, in its economic, industrial, and trade policies more commonly known as the “economic reforms”- liberalisation and globalisation of Indian economy.

While the reforms have helped overcome the liquidity crisis and the economy broadly got back to the growth charted in 1980s, yet the structural adjustments have propelled investment in non-traded goods and in buying out of well performing Indian companies and brands by the MNCs than actually increasing the gross fixed capital formation in the manufacturing sector with the modern technologies.

It is under this background and the similarities in cultural, political, ethnic and alike factors among the South Asian countries, that the present paper aims at analysing and learning lessons from the progressive aspects as well as failures of India's economic reforms, while the South Asian countries emulated the same.
Change in India's Export Composition in the Post-Liberalisation Era
Authors: Bhattacharyya B. , K.De Prithwis
Published: January 2017

The paper examines empirically whether reforms have resulted in a change of the export composition. Specifically, whether there has been a movement in favour of technology & knowledge-intensive goods and away from primary resource-intensive products. In this study, an attempt has also been made to find out whether the demand for knowledge or capital-intensive products is increasing at a faster rate than that of the labour-intensive products. The results show that India's exports have shifted towards more value added product categories. Their gain has primarily come at the cost of labourintensive products. Further, the study also reveals that the demand for knowledge-intensive or capital-intensive products is increasing at a faster rate than that of labour-intensive products.
India's Tea Exports: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Kutty P. Unneen
Published: January 2017

The paper aims at building appropriate import demand models for analysing India's tea exports. With the help of a suitable model, it attempts to estimate some basic parameters and tries to derive some results regarding the competitive power of Indian tea in some principal markets of the world.
Exports from Karnataka
Authors: Narayana M.R.
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the available databases on foreign exports from Karnataka State. And, the major characteristics and limitations of the available data for analysing the export performance of the State are highlighted. Further, the select policy factors, which influence the growth of exports from Karnataka, are described. The performance analyses show that:(a ) the role of exports has been increasing as reflected in the growing share and size of exports in the state income; (b) oft he commodities exported, manufactured goods occupy a major share and are followed by agriculture and allied products; and (c) the state public enterprises contribute a sizable share to total exports from the State. These results are useful, among others, in identifying the potential sectors and products, which may be accorded special and larger policy incentives at present and in future, 'especially within the framework of the ongoing national and State level economic reforms. Further, the experience of Karnataka in building up the database 011 foreign exports is of helpful guidance for other States in India, if they are yet to start in building such a database
SAARC Trade Intensity and India
Authors: Madaan Davinder Kumar
Published: January 2017

Intra-regional SAARC trade intensities have not picked up after the formation of SAARC. This obviously means that SAARC countries are looking outside the SAARC region for their trade. The lack of complementarities among the SAARC economies is reflected in the diminishing trends of the trade intensity indices. During the post-SAARC period (1986-98), intra-regional trade intensities relative to the rest of the world were high in case of Nepal, followed by Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. India was the only country, whose intra-regional export intensities have increased from the pre-SAARC period (1975-85) to the post-SAARC period. India's export intensities with individual SAARC countries were far more than its import intensities. oVerall India's trade intensities were high with Nepal, followed by Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives during the pre- SAARC as well as post-SAARC period.
MFA Phasing Out and Indian Textiles Industry
Authors: Katti Vijaya , Sen Subir
Published: January 2017

The phasing out of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement opens up many opportunities and challenges for the developing countries. The Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) is now an integral part of the WTO with a 10-year transitional agreement with a four-stage integration programme.

The paper covers many areas of the ATC, which are of concern to India. Also, it attempts to highlight Indian textile industry's strengths, weaknesses, production technology, international competition and challenges to be faced in this context by India. Authors also highlight some of the problems, which need to be addressed in future negotiations of the ATC.
TRIPs and Access to Drugs
Authors: Singh Manmeet
Published: January 2017

The Paper seeks to e,xamine the impact of obligations under the TRIPs Agreement on access to drugs. The issue of access has been addressed from the point of view of pricing. The spirit of the Agreement is embodied in Articles 7 and 8 and the argument advanced is that the Agreement be interpreted in view of the same. The paper examines the various options available within the framework of the Agreement. The most popular of these is compulsory licensing However, doubts persist as to when it would be possible to take recourse to such a measure. The other possible options under the agreement such as parallel importation and the now popular "Bolar Exemption" have also been examined. The Doha Declaration was hailed as a victory for the developing countries. However, in retrospect it seems that the celebrations were premature. More than one-and-a-half year have passed since the Declaration and the issue is still shrouded in controversy and negotiations are under a deadlock. Further, access under the existing Indian regime has been dealt with. The Patents Amendment Act 2002, which was enacted to bring Indian law in conformity with the Agreement provided for some of the tools discussed in the paper. The need for a comprehensive pharmaceutical policy was recently addressed by the Government and whether the policy is an effective tool or not is the question which needs to be answered.

“We are called pirates, but who is being pirated? Patients in countries where there is a monopoly on these drugs.”

At present, Zimbabwe, Uganda and the Ivory Coast would require to spend 265 per cent, 172 per cent and 84 per cent of their respective GNPs, just to buy drugs to treat their AIDS patients.
Trade Disputes under WTO
Authors: Rameshan P.
Published: January 2017

The Dispute Settlement Mechanism is one of the best elements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) system since it addressed the earlier concerns under the GATT system, of lack of transparency, nonenforceability, discriminatory nature and high degree of ambiguity. In this paper we evaluate the trends and features of trade disputes initiated at the JVTO Dispute Settlement Body during 1995-2003 and then relate the disputes to world trade. The paper first examines the disputes on the basis of major defendants and complainants involved. It reveals a high frequency with which advanced nations or blocs like the United States (US) and European Communities (EC) got involved as complainant or defendant in trade disputes. The paper next groups the disputes based on broad issues on which the disputes have been initiated. The analysis reveals a large number of disputes on certain widely debated or controversial issues such as Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and import control measures. Thirdly, the paper examines the disputes by category of products involved and concludes that disputes occur more often on products falling in contentious areas such as agriculture and food. The paper ends with an exploratory econometric analysis of the world tradedispute relationship. While it finds no statistically significant causal relationship between trade and disputes, it finds traces of a mutually inverse movement in the two.
Electronic Commerce and General Agreement on Trade in Services
Authors: Rai Sheela
Published: January 2017

International Trade has witnessed a simultaneous growth in electronic commerce and trade in services. Absence of requirement of physical delivery of goods makes trade in services through electronic means easier in comparison to trade in goods by the use of electronic medium. The World Trade Organisation seeks to liberalise trade in services in a gradual manner. The General Agreement on Trade in Services identifies four modes of supply of trade in services of which the first two are relevant for e-commerce. The present paper identifies the issues involved in trade in services through electronic means and examines how the framework under the General Agreement on Trade in Services regulates and affects e-commerce and is in turn also affected by it. Some suggest greater liberalisation in services trade as a possible solution to many of the problems involved. However, now both developing and developed countries have reservations about it guided by their policy consideration and economic compulsions.
Agricultural Exports of India in the New Economic Environment
Authors: Kaundal R.K. , Sharma Manoj
Published: January 2017

Agriculture sector plays a pioneering role in the development of the Indian economy, as it provides employment to about 2/3rd of the total population and contributes to the national income considerably. Agricultural exports have been the backbone of India's export efforts and they expect to do so for its future export growth. Agricultural exports contribute around 13 per cent to India's total export earnings. Agricultural exports are sustainable and their potential to grow is very high. The present paper is an attempt to analyze the issues of growth and instability of India's principal agricultural exports in the new economic environment.
India's Comparative Advantage in Farm Trade in the Emerging Trade Order
Authors: Ramphul  , Pal Ved
Published: January 2017

The present study analyzes the competitiveness of Indian agriculture in the WTO regime. The efficiency indicators at exportable hypothesis indicate that in the emerging liberalized farm trade order, India's export competitiveness is much better in commercial crops. The results of present study reflect that, at the margin, resources are more efficiently utilized in the cultivation of gram and rapeseed/mustard than in the cultivation of wheat at current levels of technologies and prices, and India has vast export potential provided that Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) remove developed countries trade barriers and withdraw domestic support to their agriculture. To generate adequate exportable surplus, India must maintain and enhance its production efficiency. The technology upgradation and infrastructure development are key domestic measures for enhancing competitiveness of Indian agriculture.
FDI: A Tool for Economic Development
Authors: Alam Iqbal Badar
Published: January 2017

India is on a transition from a planned economy to an open market one. The ongoing process of transition (initiated way back in 1991) needs enormous amount of financial resources to carry forward the agenda of transformation. In this respect, the options open for Indian economy namely are - Official Development Assistance (ODA), Loans or commercial borrowings and Foreign Direct Investment. As the domestic saving ratio to GDP is just 24 per cent, India has no option other than to depend on external sources of finance. The convenient and effective option is to invite larger amount of FDI. FDI inflows to Indian economy have become a necessity. Keeping in mind its importance, role and contribution in the process of transformation of Indian economy as a modern or developed economy, the present paper makes an attempt to analyze and suggest how FDI would be an effective medium to promote growth and development of the country and how it can help to attain global competitiveness.
Indo-Thai FTA: Indian CTV/CPT and Auto Industry – A Desk Based Analysis
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Kumar Saini Gordhan
Published: January 2017

Sluggish progress in multilateral trade negotiations has provided an impetus to the growth of bilateral trade agreements the world over. The Indo-Thai Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first phase of which was operational from September 2004, is one such effort that provides access to the manufacturers of both countries to enter into each others' markets beginning with the phased reduction of tariffs on 82 selected items. Since the signing of the agreement, there have been apprehensions from two Indian industries, namely colour TV & picture tube and auto industry in terms of experiencing likely adverse impact.

In this paper, the authors first explore the key provisions of Early Harvest Scheme (EHS) of Indo-Thai FTA and its likely impact on Indian colour TV/colour picture tube and auto industry, especially in post September 2006 era, when the tariffs on 82 items would become zero for both sides. While highlighting the likely impact on Indian industries, the authors have compared and analyzed the import performance of items at HS code-6 and 8 digit levels for 2004 and 2005. A detailed analysis of the short and long term impact on the CTV/CPT and auto industries has been carried out by comparing cost structures, advantages and disadvantages. The paper also includes the major disadvantages being faced by the Indian industries vis-a-vis their Thai counterparts. It concludes with suggestions for Indian manufacturers and policy-makers to counter the likely adverse impact.
Structural Stability of India's Export Demand Function
Authors: Sarkar Amal
Published: January 2017

Sluggish progress in multilateral trade negotiations has provided an impetus to the growth of bilateral trade agreements the world over. The Indo-Thai Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first phase of which was operational from September 2004, is one such effort that provides access to the manufacturers of both countries to enter into each others' markets beginning with the phased reduction of tariffs on 82 selected items. Since the signing of the agreement, there have been apprehensions from two Indian industries, namely colour TV & picture tube and auto industry in terms of experiencing likely adverse impact.

In this paper, the authors first explore the key provisions of Early Harvest Scheme (EHS) of Indo-Thai FTA and its likely impact on Indian colour TV/colour picture tube and auto industry, especially in post September 2006 era, when the tariffs on 82 items would become zero for both sides. While highlighting the likely impact on Indian industries, the authors have compared and analyzed the import performance of items at HS code-6 and 8 digit levels for 2004 and 2005. A detailed analysis of the short and long term impact on the CTV/CPT and auto industries has been carried out by comparing cost structures, advantages and disadvantages. The paper also includes the major disadvantages being faced by the Indian industries vis-a-vis their Thai counterparts. It concludes with suggestions for Indian manufacturers and policy-makers to counter the likely adverse impact.
Dairy Exports from India to Asian Countries
Authors: Hazra Pralay , Sirohi Smita
Published: January 2017

The Asian countries are the major destinations for the Indian dairy exports. The buoyancy in import demand of dairy products in Asian countries due to growing size of their markets resulting from population growth and changing food preferences, offers opportunities for Indian dairy industry to increase their exports. This paper examines export trends of India's dairy products in Asian markets, analyzes the import demand and relative price elasticity of the Indian dairy exports and presents short-term export forecast in select Asian destinations. The analysis is based on HS 4- and 8-digit level data of the India's export to 40 Asian countries during 1991-2004. The results indicate that although presently India is a minor player in Asian markets and exports are moderately to highly instable in most of the destinations, the potential exports can increase substantially.
Regional Economic Cooperation in Asia: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Ranjan Rajiv , Jain Rajeev , Mukherjee Atri
Published: January 2017

The process of regional economic cooperation among emerging Asian economies has gathered pace especially after the East Asian crisis. Although efforts at various levels are underway, it is important to know whether economies of the region behave synchronically. Thus, the paper attempts to examine business cycle convergence among the select emerging economies of the Asian region. It is found that the biggest economies of the emerging Asian region, viz. China and India are one of the least synchronized economies. Empirical analysis also indicates that export baskets are less similar than the import basket of the emerging Asian economies. These have implications for current efforts being pursued in the direction of monetary integration in the region.
India's Trade Linkage with Asean: An Econometric Study
Authors: Sarkar Amal
Published: January 2017

India has put an emphasis on enhancing trade relations with ASEAN region in early 1990s. As a result, India's export to ASEAN has significantly increased in recent years. However, the ASEAN financial crisis had left negative impact on India's export to ASEAN region. From the modelling exercise of the paper, the price and import elasticities of export flows attracts a great deal of attention because of its significant implications on India's export earnings from ASEAN. As the time series data involves non-stationary on their level, the Phillips-Hansen's Fully Modified (FM) method has been applied to get the estimated values of elasticity. The result suggests that India's export is significantly influenced by ASEAN economic growth. Further, it is very much price competitive in the ASEAN market. In other words, the devaluation of India rupee will be helpful for expanding India's export to this region.
An Analysis of Cross-Cultural Negotiations in Textile and Clothing Exporting Units
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Sachdeva Y.P. , Kumar Babita
Published: January 2017

Cross-Cultural Negotiations take place among individuals of different countries possessing different cultural values over business issues. Companies engaged in overseas transactions have to necessarily engage in Cross-Cultural Negotiations. It involves looking at all the factors that can influence the proceedings. It takes into account aspects that are usually unimportant in domestic negotiations. If cross-cultural differences are recognized, clearly communicated, and understood by the negotiator, they can be the basis for framing win-win agreements. Precisely for this reason corporates have to tread cautiously with regard to cross-cultural negotiations. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the awareness and various aspects of negotiation process of cross cultural negotiations in textile and clothing exporting units of Ludhiana. 40 exporters (5 large scale and 35 small scale) were contacted for the Study. The Study reveals that as compared to small scale units, large-scale units were more aware, organized in their approach to negotiation and understood the importance of negotiation styles. On the whole, textile and clothing exporters do not have adequate knowledge about cross-cultural negotiations and they are unable to realize the importance and potential of this concept in today's business world.
Cotton Production, Exports and Price
Authors: Ratna Rajan Sudesh
Published: January 2017

Issue of subsidy provided by the US government to its cotton production has been a bone of contention in the current Doha Round of WTO negotiations. C4 countries have alleged that the subsidy given by the US is hampering their prospects in world market as they are unable to compete with world prices. These countries are vociferously arguing that withdrawal of subsidy from cotton sector will be a welcome step for the growth of a free and fair world economy. However, this paper makes an attempt to examine the prospects of cotton production and exports between India and the US. It provides a comparative analysis by taking into consideration also the pricing factor. It shows India has become a top ten exporter in the world since 2005 and has a promising future in this sector. Similarly, exports of the US have increased. The paper further highlights that the demand of cotton in world market has not decline.
Global Administrative Law and the World Trade Organization's Legitimacy Crisis
Authors: Manocha Dushyant
Published: January 2017

With the establishment of the WTO, world trade has been governed by a rules-based multilateral trading regime. However, the efficacy of the WTO has been questioned of late. This paper examines the functioning of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from an administrative law perspective. It tries to build a theoretical logic for, and suggests some steps towards a more legitimate WTO. It concludes that adoption of a more robust regime of administrative rules and procedures by international policymaking bodies would directly contribute to their capacity for good governance through the mechanism of procedural rigour and would indirectly enhance their legitimacy.
Revision of Indo-Nepal Treaty of Trade
Authors: Mukherji Indra Nath
Published: January 2017

The paper makes an attempt to explain the trend in bilateral trade between the two countries. It points out that barring setbacks in certain years, the bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing steadily. It notes that even though Nepal has been able to diversify its trade with India, its trade deficit with India has been increasing sharply, and its export earnings are barely sufficient to meet the cost of imports of petroleum products from India.

The paper identifies products with high trade potential of both the countries so that these could be targeted in trade facilitation measures or when mutual recognition of each country's certification is accepted by the other.

Realizing the close linkage between trade and investment, the paper examines the volume and status of Indian foreign direct investments in Nepal. An exercise in intra-industry trade between the two countries gives direction for sectors/industries in which Indian investment could flow. The paper expresses concern about the labour situation in Nepal and the lack of arbitration tribunals in case of dispute. Quite a number of Indian industries have been shut down and those in the pipeline could also be adversely affected. In this context the need for long-pending Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) has been emphasized.
A Study on Environmental Compliance of Indian Leather Industry & its Far-reaching Impact on Leather Exports
Authors: Roy Chandan
Published: January 2017

Indian Leather Industry is recognized as one of the most promising foreign exchange earning sectors since early 1970s. The industry was hard hit by two consecutive foreign environment bans since 1989. Along with that, few domestic environmental regulations also resulted into closure down of a number of leather tanneries during this period. However, the government intervention and the successive compliance measures adopted by the firms ultimately helped the industry to gain momentum in its export sector. This paper analyzes the far reaching impact of these environmental regulations on export sector of Indian Leather Industry. Whether this boost in leather export marks a trade-off relation between environmental quality and volume of exports is a matter of debate, which is attempted in this paper. This paper, within the limitations of data availability regarding environmental statistics, has determined a positive relation between environmental quality and volume of leather exports and justified that instead of Pollution Haven Hypothesis, Indian Leather Industry rather confirms Porterɺs Hypothesis.
Export Strategy of Apparel Products
Authors: Gupta J.N. , Katti Vijaya
Published: January 2017

It has been observed that EU countries get higher unit value realization (UVR) in their apparel products export by exporting high value added/differentiated products. The most valuable activities in the apparel value chain are not related to manufacturing per se, but are found in the design, branding, marketing, etc. among other activities within the products.

The study has been undertaken to analyze the export of Indian apparel products from the point of view of total export value and unit value realization (UVR). The study focused on top 10 apparel products being exported from India, which constitute more than 50 per cent of the total value of India's export of apparel products. A time series data has been prepared to get the picture of export of top 10 apparel products from India to the World. For these products, competitive positions of top 10 exporting countries for these products were obtained. Comparative calculation of trade value, quantity and unit value realization (UVR) were carried out for all the top exporters including India in each of these top 10 products. Further, in these top 10 exporting products, the analysis was carried out for India's export destination markets for the years from 2004 to 2009. To know the competitiveness in the export of these 10 products, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) values of these 10 products have been calculated for these products. Analysis shows that Indian exporters are not able to get high UVR for their exports. The study attempted to find destination markets to get high UVR based export for Indian exporters for enhancing export volume of these products to achieve growth. The study is concluded with the suggestions from Indian exporters to improve upon competitiveness by concentrating on export of high value-added products.
Current Issues Surrounding the Trade and Climate Change Interface
Authors: Das Gupta Mitali
Published: January 2017

The interface between trade and climate change is a complex issue though institutionally both the WTO and the UNFCCC are mutually supportive and leave sufficient policy space for one another in their respective operation. In this paper, three issues viz. carbon leakage and the border issue; the problem of unilateral trade measures; and finally, the issue of technology transfer and IPRs have been discussed. While the first two issues show how climate mitigation arises conflict within the WTO system, the third issue will discuss just the reverse, i.e. how the trade and technology transfer could arise conflict in international climate talks. The reason why trade intersects with climate change is due to the numerous implications that climate change may have in terms of its potential impacts and the intense regulatory and economic changes that are required to mitigate and adapt to these impacts. Hence, there is an intense need for a successful conclusion to the current negotiations on both climate change and trade. The paper concludes by saying that a successful conclusion of the WTO negotiations on trade liberalization will definitely help improve access to climate-friendly goods and technologies which are a pre-requisite to address climate change concerns. On the other hand, a successful round of the UNFCCC negotiations is likely to promote a supportive and open international economic system that would lead to sustainable economic growth and development thereby addressing the problems of climate change better.