bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Asian crisis and corporate governance - ownership structure, debt financing, and corporate diversification
Authors: Hanazaki Masaharu , Liu Qun
Published: February 2017

Based on firm-level analysis, this paper suggests that ownership concentration enabling controlling shareholders to expropriate other shareholders; fund raising through debt that is short of effective monitoring by creditors; and inefficiency caused by the ill effects of diversification are all associated with significantly worse performance during the Asian crisis. The region’s predominant governance structure, characterized by family control and conglomerates, was considered a factor in its miraculous economic development but has been seen since the crisis as the of crony capitalism
The importance of the law matters thesis
Authors: Woo Li-Anne Elizabeth
Published: February 2017

The ‘law matters’ thesis is undisputed, keenly preserved and persuasively argued in the legal literature. For something to matter, relevance or importance depends on the audience - the readers or users of that material. This research critically examines the law matters thesis, considering to whom it matters and why. This research also critiques the law matters thesis from a perspective largely beyond the mainstream law journals and yields perspectives often overlooked in the law literature. ‘Law matters’ advocates argue that the existence of strong investor protection results in observed economic growth and development of capital markets. While one might conclude there is a strong correlation between legal culture and financial capital market development in legal research, non-legal research provides counter-evidence that legal culture alone does not determine financial market growth in East Asia
Corporate governance and firm performance: A comparative analysis of auditing problems
Authors: Auci Sabrina
Published: February 2017

The recent financial crises have created a new debate about comparison and convergence of different systems of corporate governance. In particular, they have underlined poor efficiency of rule structures to achieve a good relationship between different stakeholder’s rights. In line with many studies of corporate governance that emphasize the manager-stakeholders relationship as explained by agency theory, in this paper, I analyse the role of auditing as an incentive device to reduce contractual or transaction costs related to asymmetric information.Considering as a benchmark the recent US Sarbanes Oxley Act of July 2002. I describe a set of auditing principles by comparing common and civil corporate laws. First, by using multiple correspondence analysis on six countries and twenty-seven dummy variables on auditing rules, I identify the main variables that form the auditing index. Second, I test the hypothesis that a suitable rule structure can improve the capability of financial markets to estimate the fair value of firms. In particular, I analyse the problem of the effects of direct and indirect monitoring rules for managers on the market value of public companies. The results obtained highlight a different relationship between auditing principles and firm performance from that expected on the basis of the legal framework
Are Canadian closely-held firms perceived to report low quality accounting information? Empirical evidence
Authors: Bozec Yves
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence as to how corporate ownership structure in Canada affects earnings informativeness, as measured by the earnings-return relationship. Like those in many countries around the world, Canadian publicly traded companies are characterized by both concentrated ownership and divergence between voting rights and cash-flow rights. Like those in many other countries, their main agency problem resides in the conflict between large controlling blockholders and minority shareholders. These large dominant shareholders, with their imposing block of voting rights, are likely to influence accounting-information reporting. In this paper, we test whether large dominant shareholders are perceived to report low quality earnings. We show that earnings informativeness depends directly on the ownership structure of publicly traded firms. Furthermore, we show that investors perceive reported earnings as least credible when a controlling blockholder has both the power and impetus to expropriate minority shareholders, which suggests a non-monotonic relationship between earnings informativeness and ownership structure
Corporate governance mechanisms and their impact on firm value
Authors: Del Brio Esther B. , Maia-Ramires Elida , Perote Javier
Published: February 2017

Previous studies have cast doubts on the effectiveness of corporate governance codes in Continental- European countries, due to their Anglo-Saxon orientation. We chose a Continental-European country with an Anglo-Saxon orientated code, such as Spain, and analyse the effects of the recommendations proposed in the Spanish Olivencia Code on the value of the firm. By using panel data estimation, we analyse the impact on firm’s value of some corporate governance related variables, such as the quality of audit reports, the magnitude of director remuneration, the reporting on director remuneration or the firm size. Results suggest a positive relationship between good corporate governance practices and the value of the company. Moreover, the more transparent the company is and the more favourable audit reports they obtain, the better the firm’s value. We also conclude that it is the degree of compliance with the codes, rather than the mere reporting of whether firms comply or not with them, which increases firm’s value.
Is the „bottom line“ the bottom line? The determinants of CEO forced exit
Authors: Ward Andrew
Published: February 2017

The linkage between poor firm performance and CEO dismissal has not been consistently demonstrated in prior research, leading to calls to explore factors that moderate this relationship. In an industry-matched sample of firms from the Business Week 1000 that dismiss their CEO and those that don’t, we examine the relationship between different measures of firm performance and dismissal, as well as the power of the CEO, board and shareholders to moderate this relationship. We find that CEO succession is related to stock returns, changes in profitability, and debt downgrading, but not to earnings expectations. Further, CEOs use their power to resist exit under all circumstances, while boards and institutional investors exercise their power to force out the CEO only when performance is poor
Management control in enterprise system enabled organizations: A literature review
Authors: Rikhardsson Pall , Rohde Carsten , Rom Anders
Published: February 2017

The objective of this paper is to add to the limited body of knowledge on the relationship between enterprise systems (ES) and management control. Based on a literature review, we describe and classify studies that empirically address this relationship. Apart from not being extensive, the research done so far primarily addresses the relationship between management control and ES based on a limited number of methodologies and approaches. We argue that there seems to be a need for more research done from functionalistic and critical perspectives, as well which employs a greater variety of methodologies. Subsequently, we propose some avenues for future research
Evidence on board size and information asymmetry: A capital markets perspective
Authors: Flaherty Susan , Li Joanne , Small Kenneth
Published: February 2017

We examine the relation of board size with market liquidity and adverse selection costs using a sample of Fortune 200 companies. After controlling for firm specifics, equity characteristics, and ratio of insiders, we find a direct relation between board size and equity market liquidity. Our findings indicate that board size is positively and significantly related to dollar depth but has no impact on bid-ask spreads. Furthermore, using the adverse selection component of the bid-ask spread as a proxy for transparency, we find that larger boards reduce information asymmetries, but the ratio of insiders to total board members has no impact on informational asymmetries
Impact of board size and board diversity on firm value: Australian evidence
Authors: Nguyen Hoa , Faff Robert
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to provide a preliminary analysis of the relationship between firm market value and the size and gender diversity of a board of directors for a sample of publicly listed Australian firms. Our results show that smaller boards appear to be more effective in representing the shareholders as smaller boards are associated with higher firm value. As board size increases firm value declines, however at a decreasing rate suggesting that the relationship between board size and firm value is not strictly linear. Our findings further indicate that gender diversity promotes shareholders’ value as the presence of women directors is associated with higher firm value
Family ownership, premiums paid and performance: Evidence from corporate take-overs in Malaysia
Authors: Song Saw-Imm , Ali Ruhani , Pillay Subramaniam
Published: February 2017

This study examines the relationship between ownership identity of the largest shareholders, premiums paid and take-over performance, with reference to 63 large acquisitions by Malaysian public listed firms from 1990 to 1999. It is found that the premiums paid are much higher than those in developed countries. It has a curvilinear relationship with take-over performance. At lower to moderate levels of premiums, it improves post-take-over performance while excessive premium drags down the performance of the bidding firms. The finding shows that there is an interaction effect between family ownership and premiums paid which has contributed positively to the post-take-over performance. The evidence suggests that family ownership mitigates agency problem in corporate take-overs
Why does any firm have several owners?
Authors: Madsen Erik Strojer , Smith Valdemar , Dilling-Hansen Mogens
Published: February 2017

The paper considers the owners of the firms as normal investors who want to optimise the return from their investments in accordance with their wealth constraint and the risk of their investment in the firm. The paper tests this theory on a representative sample of Danish companies including small firms. Concerning the wealth constraint for owners, the study finds evidence of more dispersed ownership in larger and more capital-demanding firms. According to the investors’ risk aspect, firms operating on foreign markets are more likely to have more than one owner. Concerning the domestic markets the owner structure is more dispersed in industries with a volatile business cycle.
Are convertible bond calls harbingers of bad news?
Authors: Datta Sudip , Raman Kartik
Published: February 2017

Two decades after Harris and Raviv’s (1985) article, a definitive answer to the question of whether convertible bond calls signal bad news remains elusive. Our study overcomes the limitations of previous studies by examining the operating performance of calling firms. We find strong evidence that firms calling their convertible bonds experience a significant decline in operating performance over the three years subsequent to the announcement of the call. This result is independent of mean reversion and other factors that affect operating performance. Our findings provide a resolution to the current puzzle associated with the information content of convertible bond calls.
Stock incentive plans in Europe: Empirical evidence and design implications
Authors: Zattoni Alessandro
Published: February 2017

Traditionally, stock incentive plans have been used by American companies for two primary purposes: as tools of corporate governance to align the interests of top managers and shareholders, and to motivate managers to maximize shareholders’ value. Recently, just as the misuse of stock option plans is the subject of scathing criticism, such plans are seeing widespread dissemination in several European countries. Empirical studies conducted by both consulting companies and management scholars outline the increasing diffusion of stock incentive plans designed by European companies and the main features of these plans. The characteristics of the process through which they are designed and of the equity incentives implemented raise the concerns of investors and academics about the ability of such plans to align managers’ interests to shareholders’. Since stock incentive plans were created and developed in the Anglo-Saxon capitalistic system, the last part of the paper reviews the reasons why firms should set up these plans. The aim is to ascertain whether European companies have good reasons to create SIPs and if the features of the incentive plans designed by these executives are consistent with achieving these goals. To answer these questions, a theoretical model is presented to provide a framework for designing stock incentive plans that are tailored to the characteristics of the company, specific aims it wishes to pursue, and the relative institutional environment.
Stock repurchases by real estate investment trusts (REITS), stockholder returns and underperformance, free cash flow and capital restructuring motives
Authors: Rathinasamy R. S.
Published: February 2017

Returns accruing to the stockholders of 149 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) following the announcement of stock repurchases covering a five-year period from 1998 to 2002 are analyzed. Standard market model (Brown and Warner, 1985) was used to compute the excess returns. Results show that stockholders earn significant average abnormal returns (AARs) and cumulative average returns (CARs) following stock buy-backs. Further, evidence is uncovered providing support for various motives for REITs buyback, namely excess free cash flow, under-performance and capital restructuring motives.
The firm and its governance over the industry life-cycle
Authors: Krafft Jackie , Ravix Jacques-Laurent
Published: February 2017

Uniformity in modes of governance is now widely debated. So far, the predominant thesis was that there should be a superior model promoting optimality by disclosure of information and transparency. But today, this thesis is greatly contested, since the adoption of a unique and universal set of rules and arrangements neglects the diversity and heterogeneity of firms, industries, as well as institutional contexts. What emerges as a result is that different types of rules and norms should govern differently entrepreneurial as well as public firms, depending on the industry in which they operate and the stage of development of this industry. The objectives of this paper are to explore the issue of the diversity in modes of corporate governance, and to contribute to the issue with a focus on what corporate governance may look like over the industry life cycle
Brazilian electric sector corporate governance: institutional investors control versus managers movements
Authors: Saltorato Patrícia
Published: February 2017

The present work aims calling attention to the cultural dynamics of a deflagrated conflict within the new institutional environment of a privatized electric sector company in São Paulo, opposing those who defend the company’s democratization among the entire manufacture community viewing the stakeholders’ collective rights (managers, Non-Governmental Organizations, local community, the State, regulatory and certificating agencies, consumers etc…) against those who defend the company’s democratization, but just among its shareholders (GRÜN, 2003), central in the individuals rights discourse. This article presents the results of a research carried through 55 managers of privatized company within São Paulo’s electric sector. These results indicates these monetarized actors’ movements within the re organizational process analyzed have set limits towards managerial actions, whose, in order to legitimize themselves and make prevailing their symbolic power (BOURDIEU, 2000) in the present organizational scene, impose concurrent constructions to the shareholders, either upon the valid company definition, as upon the better management approach to be adopted, both extracted from their world views, each of whom, interested in guaranteeing their divergent expectative.
Why do some senior managers inflate firms’ reported earnings? Economic causes and potential solutions
Authors: Sridharan VG , Navissi Farshid , Kostyuk Alexander
Published: February 2017

We examine the economic reasons underlying the behavior of some senior managers to inflate their firms’ reported earnings. While the extant literature cites accounting and corporate governance structure as potential reasons that facilitate the inflating tendency, we conjecture that opportunism at different hierarchical levels within firms do not leave much scope for some senior managers to improve firms’ fundamental performance. To protect their personal utility, they resort to inflating tendency, but only if the firms’ corporate governance has loopholes. A major solution offered here is to improve firms’ internal management control system which could reduce within-firm opportunism. However, this solution must accompany improvements to corporate governance.
Financial supervision in EU countries
Authors: Cervellati Enrico Maria , Fioriti Eleonora
Published: February 2017

Today there are about thirty authorities supervising national financial markets and institutions in the EU-15 countries. The member States have chosen different models for supervising their financial systems. We describe the three main theoretical supervisory models proposed in the literature: vertical, horizontal, centralised. In practice, however, it is difficult to find a pure application of these models, while the actual supervisory systems are the result of the different legal frameworks of the member States and of the way in which their financial systems developed. Moreover, although the Lamfalussy Report can be considered an important step towards a more integrated financial supervisory system at the European level, the supervisory arrangements are still very different among member States. This work provides an analysis of the different systems of financial supervision in Europe: showing how the differences that still exist among their systems make it more difficult to achieve a real European integration in financial supervision
The impact of entry mode on subsequent commitment to poorly performing subsidiaries
Authors: Collins Jamie D. , Reutzel Christopher R. , Li Dan
Published: February 2017

Despite of the extensive research on the choice of how to structure a new foreign subsidiary in the international business literature, few studies have explored how the initial foreign entry mode impacts a multinational’s subsequent activities in the host market. Drawing insights from prospect theory, this paper addresses how a multinational’s entry mode influences the firm’s reaction to negative subsidiary performance. Specifically, we argue that the entry mode (ownership structure of a multinational’s subsidiary) affects the firm’s potential for escalation of commitment to a poorly performing subsidiary. Further, we argue that the relationship between entry mode and a multinational’s escalation of commitment is moderated by three factors – institutional distance between the home and the host country, cost of exiting the host market, and the parent firm’s prior performance. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting the case that initial entry mode influences a multinational’s post-entry activities
Earnings management and debt ownership structure in Spanish firms
Authors: López-Iturriaga Félix J. , Hoffmann Paolo Saona
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyze the efficiency of debt ownership as a mechanism of corporate governance in reducing the discretionary behavior of managers. We use earnings management and discretionary accruals as indicators of managerial accounting discretion. Our results show that corporate debt has a prominent impact on reducing earnings management. Banking debt can foster the discretionary behavior of managers whereas public debt plays no relevant role. At the same time we test the complementary effect of some other mechanisms of corporate governance such as capital structure and ownership concentration
A review of the two main competing models of corporate governance: the shareholdership model versus the stakeholdership model
Authors: Nwanji Tony Ikechukwu , Howell Kerry E.
Published: February 2017

This paper reviews the impact of the shareholdership and stakeholdership models in guiding managers through the most appropriate way of delivering business objectives. The shareholder model is the traditional Anglo-American system of corporate governance, which focuses on the maximisation of shareholder wealth, while the stakeholder model is considered to be exemplified by the German system of corporate governance and focuses on meeting the needs and expectations of a wider range of stakeholder groups. The results from this study indicate that a combination of both models could enable management to deliver the needs of stakeholders groups, while in the long term maximizing wealth for the shareholders
Debt policy, free cash flow hypothesis, and balancing of agency theory through ownership: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Mahadwartha Putu Anom , Ismiyanti Fitri
Published: February 2017

This research argues that there is conflict of interest between managers and shareholders. The conflict also varies based on growth opportunities. This research argues that disciplinary role exist in debt policy with the use of free cash flow hypothesis. This research explores the implications of free cash flow hypothesis concerning the disciplinary role of ownership structure in corporate debt policy. Managerial ownership and internal institutional are other mechanism to reduce agency conflict also has a significant impact on debt policy (control coalition cohesiveness). The relationship between managerial ownership and debt policy is interdependence, as known as balancing of agency theory. This study uses 1264 observation of 154 listed Indonesian firms between the years 1995 until 2003. Three state least square (3SLS) model will be use for statistical and analytical purposes. This study developed several arguments. The relation between debt and free cash flow are positive, but the relation differs between low-growth firms and high-growth firms. Internal institutional shareholders discourage managerial perquisites using debt. The result of this research support the free cash flow hypothesis and balancing of agency theory through ownership and there is disciplinary role of ownership structure in debt policy.
Criminal aspects of business a need for corporate governance reform
Authors: Dorweiler Vernon P. , Yakhou Mehenna
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research is to describe past conduct of corporate officers, in their use of corporate assets, including reputation. This is beyond lawful use of their corporate positions. The paper uses a literature review to describe corporate officer actions, and identify impacts on the corporate reputation and its leaders. Findings are presented in exhibit form, as (a) assigning criminal liability, and (b) the range and detail of sanctions to be imposed
Do investors react to environmental friendly news? An analysis for Spanish capital market
Authors: Callado-Muñoz Francisco J. , Utrero-González Natalia
Published: February 2017

This work adds to the recent debate in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its effects on performance and firm value. By analysing Spanish companies participating in the IBEX-35 stock-exchange index, this paper empirically tests whether there is a significant price reaction to environmental friendly announcements. Using event studies methodology, the distinction among sectors allows for a better understanding of investors reaction. Results show first, that investors do act in response to this kind of practices and second, that the sign of their reaction depends crucially on the business of the firm and the sector where it operates. In this sense, results may help in reconciling the opposite views regarding the effects of CSR policies.
The role of social norms for the relationship between private ownership and the performance of banking sectors in transition countries: the cases of Bulgaria and Hungary as examples
Authors: Groessl Ingrid , Levratto Nadine
Published: February 2017

We start with a theoretical reflection on the merits of private ownership in banking sectors concluding that the merits of private ownership in a market economy crucially depend on the overall compliance with principles of good governance. We show that it is pivotal in this respect that the underlying legal order is in action and not just on the books. Whether this is the case depends on accepted social norms which in their turn derive from cultural value orientations. We use these insights to compare the development and performance of banking sectors in Bulgaria and Hungary with the attempt to establish relationships of found differences between the countries to different basic value orientations
The transformation of European corporate governance: a case of Germany and France
Authors: Perry Frederick V. , Rehman Scheherazade S.
Published: February 2017

This paper provides insight into the evolving EU-wide corporate governance systems and discusses these changes within the context of the political-institutional, economic, legal and social features. In doing so, asking where are they, and where might they be headed? Specific attention is given to the comparison of the German and French system to the U.S. system. Moreover, this article also examines the evidence that varying legal and social traditions and rule of law directly impact corporate governance styles and efficiency. It is our contention that during the 1990s the EU nations experienced strong pressures to develop more effective corporate governance systems, tending toward the Anglo-Saxon model as applied in the U.S. and that this trends continues today especially among the large global multinationals.
On the choice between a sale-leaseback and debt
Authors: Nwogugu Michael
Published: February 2017

This article introduces decision models for commercial real estate leasing. The concepts and models developed in the article can also be applied to equipment leasing and other types of leasing
Risk management and corporate governance in the Lebanese Islamic banking industry
Authors: Chahine Salim , Dagher Bassem
Published: February 2017

Despite recent growth in the Islamic banking industry, little is known on the best practices in its risk management. This paper examines the risk management systems of Islamic banks in Lebanon. Using a survey technique, it shows the diversity of risks faced by Islamic banks. It also confirms the importance of good corporate governance as a tool which is associated with the implementation of best practices in risk management
The determinants of the succession in Taiwan’s family business groups
Authors: Chung Hsi-Mei , Liu Yunshi
Published: February 2017

Based on the panel data analysis of Taiwan’s family business groups from 1988 to 2002, this research attempts to investigate the relationships among overlapping investment, use of particularistic ties, group performance, and succession in family business group. The results show that the family business group’s overlapping investment between the owner-managers and family members occupying the decisive positions of group affiliates significantly influence its leader change. This study highlights the importance of alternative control choices within the family business. Furthermore, it also provides a good comparing start-point for researches interested in understanding the succession issue of Chinese family business in Great China
Corporate governance and business ethics: Pictures of the policies
Authors: Terblanche Nic , Pitt Leyland F. , Nel Deon , Wallstrom Asa
Published: February 2017

This study analyses the ethics policies of the world’s four largest oil companies, as communicated on their websites, using the Leximancer approach. The text contained in the ethics policies of these firms was used in a content analysis and then mapped. This article illustrates a powerful, but simple and relatively inexpensive way for executives and corporate governance scholars to examine ethics policies, particularly as they are communicated online. The intent is to demonstrate a research and analysis method. The major contribution of this study is the use of a new research approach and set of tools that ethics researchers, policy makers and managers can exploit. The technique is easy to use, and the results are similarly straightforward to interpret.
Dielectric Properties of Polymer Blends Using Least Square Method
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Mohammed , Nasrat Loai S. , Ibrahim Abd Allah Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in high and medium voltage cables insulation due to its low dielectric losses and its ability to improve cables properties in high temperatures. This paper aims to improve PVC electrical properties (dielectric strength) for high voltage and medium voltage cables in respect of mechanical characteristics by adding ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Blends of PVC with EPDM were prepared with 0%, 20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%, and 100% by weight percentages concentration. The dielectric strength of the blends was tested in several conditions such as dry, wet and salty wet condition. Tensile strength test was applied to check mechanical properties of the blends. Results were analyzed using least square method in a way to determine the optimum percentage of mixing PVC/EPDM blend, which gives the best of electrical and mechanical properties under different conditions.
Endothelial protein C receptor–dependent antichemotactic effects of canine protein C
Authors: Wong Valerie M. , Côté Olivier , Bienzle Dorothee , Hayes M. Anthony , Wood R. Darren
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine whether canine protein C (CnPC) had antichemotactic effects on canine neutrophils, whether endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) was expressed on canine neutrophils, and the role of EPCR in neutrophil chemotaxis.

SAMPLE Neutrophils isolated from blood samples from healthy dogs (n = 6) and sick dogs with (2) or without (3) an inflammatory leukogram.

PROCEDURES Neutrophils were analyzed by reverse transcriptase PCR assay and flow cytometry for detection of EPCR mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Neutrophils were incubated with CnPC zymogen or canine activated protein C (CnAPC), with or without RCR-379 (an anti–human EPCR antibody). Neutrophils were then allowed to migrate through a filter membrane toward a chemokine. Untreated neutrophils served as positive control samples. Migration was quantified by fluorescence measurement, and chemotaxis index (Chx) values (fluorescence of test sample/fluorescence of positive control sample) were computed.

RESULTS The cDNA for EPCR was amplified, and EPCR expression was detected on neutrophil surfaces. Obtained Chx values were significantly higher in cells treated with RCR-379 than in cells treated with CnPC or CnAPC alone. The Chx values for neutrophils treated with RCR-379 were not significantly different from 1, whereas those for neutrophils treated without RCR-379 were significantly less than 1. The effects of RCR-379 on neutrophil migration were independent of concentration or activation status of protein C.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Canine neutrophils expressed EPCR, and inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis by CnPC and CnAPC depended on EPCR. Interventions with EPCR signaling may have therapeutic application in dogs.
ACUTE TOXICITY TEST OF SKIN MANGOSTEEN (GARCINIA MANGOSTANA L.) AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC STUDY OF LIVER
Authors: Candra A. A. , Irwani I.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of writing was to examine the toxicity acute mangosteen skin (Garcinia mangostana L.) and histopathologic study of liver. Animals in this study was 2 weeks old chickens with an average weight of 500 grams were divided into the test group; distilled water (blank), doses of 250, 500.1000, 2000.4000 mg/kg body weight. Chicken were housed in individual cages and given food and drink ad libitum. Acute toxicity tests performed on experimental animals. Giving the toxic dose in the treatment group performed one (single dosage) by intragastric using a stomach tube. The control group was force-fed with physiological saline. Acute toxicity tests performed on experimental animals. Giving the toxic dose in the treatment group performed one (single dosage) by intragastric using a stomach tube. On histopathological examination of liver in the test toksikasi mangosteen rind extract the microscopic changes that occur are cell degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. In the treatment group occurred degeneration that occurs in hepatocyte cell degeneration grained and hidrops. Extract of mangosteen rind has a broad safety index and does not cause high mortality in administration. Mangosteen rind extract that does not cause cellular toxicity reaction in the delivery of 100 doses.
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOGRAM PROFILES OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM APPARENTLY HEALTHY AND DIARRHEIC GOATS
Authors: Begum F. , Islam M. M. , Sohidullah M. , Kabir S. M. L. , Islam M. , Rahman M. T.
Published: February 2017

The present study was designed for the cultural, biochemical characterization and molecular detection of E. coli from apparently healthy and diarrheic goats in and around BAU campus including their antibiogram study. A total of 50 fecal samples were collected among which 13 originated from diarrheic goat and 37 from apparently healthy goats. Out of 50 samples, 35 were found positive for E. coli i.e., overall 70% occurrence. Occurrences of E. coli from diarrheic and apparently healthy goats were 92% and 62% respectively. Occurrences were 60%, 80% and 70% in case of BAU Goat Farm, Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Boyra respectively. On age basis 93%, 54%, 66% and 54% samples originated from 6 months, 7-12 months, 13-18 months and 19 months aged goats were found positive respectively. Occurrences of E. coli on the basis of sex were 78% for male and 62% for female. In case of breed, the occurrences were 69% in Black Bengal and 100% in for Jamunapari. Molecular detection was done by PCR and 13 out of 20 isolates tested gave the bands at the 585 bp specific for E. coli 16S rRNA gene. All the isolates (100%) were found sensitive to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin; 100% and 35% were intermediately resistant to tetracycline and gentamicin respectively and 25% isolates were resistant to streptomycin. Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin were found to be the best choice of antibiotics for the treatment of colibacillosis in goats in the study area.
MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM RAW MILK SOLD IN DIFFERENT MARKETS OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Islam M. A. , Kabir S. M. L. , Seel S. K.
Published: February 2017

The study was intended for molecular detection of E. coli isolated from raw cows milk. A total of 20 milk samples were collected from different upazila markets of Jamalpur, Tangail, Kishoreganj and Netrokona districts of Bangladesh. Milk samples were cultured onto various culture media for the isolation of bacteria. The isolated bacteria were identified by studying staining characteristics, cultural properties on different selective media, biochemical tests, catalase and coagulase test, and finally by PCR. Out of 20 samples, 15 (75%) milk samples were found positive for E. coli. 15 Escherichia coli isolates were amplified by 16S rRNA gene based PCR. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was carried out to ascertain the susceptibility of the organism to various antibiotics. Its results showed that the E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxycillin (86.67%) and erythromycin (73.33%) but sensitive to azithromycin (53.33%), ciprofloxacin (86.67%), gentamicin (86.67%), norfloxacin (80%) and streptomycin (66.67%).
Do we live in a Marxian world?
Authors: FRANCO J. Agustín
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes a scientific discussion from a Marxian-feminist point of view as a critical response to the European “austerity policies”. Nowadays global inequalities are very relevant, particularly a proletarization process based on an increase in class struggle, growing inequalities, unsustainability and the transnational concentration of power and wealth. The neoliberal approach ignores Marx’s theory and suggests that the Marxian view fails to explain the current economic system. However, I believe this to be a (dishonest) simplification of Marx’s theory (because data is very clear). This misrepresentation has a negative effect on the overall validity and sustainability of several European policies, mainly distribution and migration policies. Consequently, some policy recommendations need to be readdressed, including from a feminist point of view.
Handling Internet-Based Health Information: Improving Health Information Web Site Literacy Among Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Sun Ran , Mulvehill Alice M. , Gilson Courtney C. , Huang Linda L.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Patient care problems arise when health care consumers and professionals find health information on the Internet because that information is often inaccurate. To mitigate this problem, nurses can develop Web literacy and share that skill with health care consumers. This study evaluated a Web-literacy intervention for undergraduate nursing students to find reliable Web-based health information.

Method:

A pre- and postsurvey queried undergraduate nursing students in an informatics course; the intervention comprised lecture, in-class practice, and assignments about health Web site evaluation tools. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and ANOVA signed-rank tests.

Results:

Pre-intervention, 75.9% of participants reported using Web sites to obtain health information. Postintervention, 87.9% displayed confidence in using an evaluation tool. Both the ability to critique health Web sites (
p
= .005) and confidence in finding reliable Internet-based health information (
p
= .058) increased.

Conclusion:

Web-literacy education guides nursing students to find, evaluate, and use reliable Web sites, which improves their ability to deliver safer patient care. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(2):110–114.]
Perceptions and Experience in Mobile Learning via SMS: A Case Study of Distance Education Students in a Malaysian Public University
Authors: Abu Ziden Azidah , Rosli Munirah , Gunasegaran Thenmolli , Azizan Siti Norbaya
Published: January 2017

SMS can be utilized as a new opportunity that can be applied to improve current educational practices and processes in a variety of fields, including distance education. This study is an in-depth qualitative inquiry into distance education students’ perception and experience in mobile learning via SMS. A set of interview questions was used as the survey method to gather primary data from five students enrolling in the School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The findings revealed that SMS learning generally was perceived positively by the respondents. They agreed that SMS learning is convenient, useful as reminder and relevant to their studies. Apart from few issues raised, respondents agreed that their SMS learning experiences were great, helpful and they generally satisfied with the system.  As implications, the study shed lights on the potential of SMS learning as an effective and innovative paradigm in pedagogy particularly in distance education environment.
Skill Space Mission India 2025
Authors: Chawla Y. P. , Singh R. S. P.
Published: January 2017

India ventured into the Skilling space mission launched in 2009 and reoriented its direction and focus to meet “Make in India”, “Start Up-Stand Up” and “Solarizing India”. The Skill spaces and technology investments for “Make in India” are in independent silos with no change in earlier estimated skill requirements for various sectors as estimated by National Skill Development Corporation, now with a renewed thrust of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). National Policy on Skill Development (NPSD) under Skill Development mission (2010) approved by the previous government had set a target for skilling 50 crore (500 million) persons by the year 2022. NSDC has now set a revised target of skilling / upskilling 15 crore (1500 Mn.) people by the year 2022. The investments in Technology and the Skilling are operating from respective independent and closed silos with very little interaction.
Utility based Tool to Assess Overall Effectiveness of HRD Instruments
Authors: Khurana Dinesh Kumar , Kapur P.K. , Sachdeva Nitin
Published: January 2017

Humans practically measure everything in life. For any business, they measure revenue, sales, profits, earning per share, stake holders value and so forth. In HR management they measure staff attrition, cost of training per candidate, rating awarded in performance management system etc. Measurement of Effectiveness of HRD instruments namely training and development, compensation, feedback and coaching, job design, career planning etc. are required for any organization, regardless of size, industry, location or success. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze prominent HR instruments to determine their individual measure of effectiveness and the Total Expected Utility Measure based on Multiple-Attribute Utility analysis, from both the employees' and employers' view point. To assign relative importance to each HRD instrument, Analytical Hierarchical Process has been used. The methodology adopted was questionnaire, to a random sample of teaching faculty in a large private university in north India. The findings indicate that the total expected utility measure is an important measure and facilitates comparing firms in the same industry, region, size, etc.
Approaches and Principles for UX Web Experiences
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Monteiro José Augusto
Published: January 2017

The challenge of creating user experiences involves a panoply of multidisciplinary competences in terms of knowing tools, processes and the business itself. This study intends to identify and synthesize the main approaches and principles adopted by web design and e-business companies to create immersive user experiences. In order to achieve this objective, the authors conducted six semi-structured interviews with web design and e-business companies. They highlight that companies adopt specific-device design, responsive design and adaptive design approaches. Companies considered fundamental to attend technology life-cycle, heterogeneity of technologies and devices, identification of customer needs, relevance of test phase, scalability of applications, and accessibility and usability issues. Additionally, the customer experience testing is considered a key element to measure user experiences and companies expect that business and technological dimensions will be two key factors with future impact in their business.
CD31, a Valuable Marker to Identify Early and Late Stages of T Cell Differentiation in the Human Thymus
Authors: Douaisi Marc , Resop Rachel S. , Nagasawa Maho , Craft Joshua , Jamieson Beth D. , Blom Bianca , Uittenbogaart Christel H.
Published: February 2017

Although CD31 expression on human thymocytes has been reported, a detailed analysis of CD31 expression at various stages of T cell development in the human thymus is missing. In this study, we provide a global picture of the evolution of CD31 expression from the CD34+ hematopoietic precursor to the CD45RA+ mature CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive (SP) T cells. Using nine-color flow cytometry, we show that CD31 is highly expressed on CD34+ progenitors and stays high until the early double-positive stage (CD3−CD4+CD8α+β−). After β-selection, CD31 expression levels become low to undetectable. CD31 expression then increases and peaks on CD3highCD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. However, following positive selection, CD31 expression differs dramatically between CD4+ and CD8+ lineages: homogeneously high on CD8 SP but lower or negative on CD4 SP cells, including a subset of CD45RA+CD31− mature CD4+ thymocytes. CD31 expression on TCRγδ thymocytes is very similar to that of CD4 SP cells. Remarkably, there is a substantial subset of semimature (CD45RA−) CD4 SP thymocytes that lack CD31 expression. Moreover, FOXP3+ and ICOS+ cells are overrepresented in this CD31− subpopulation. Despite this CD31−CD45RA− subpopulation, most egress-capable mature CD45RA+ CD4 SP thymocytes express CD31. The variations in CD31 expression appear to coincide with three major selection processes occurring during thymopoiesis: β-selection, positive selection, and negative selection. Considering the ability of CD31 to modulate the TCR’s activation threshold via the recruitment of tyrosine phosphatases, our results suggest a significant role for CD31 during T cell development.
Innate Immune Cell Recovery Is Positively Regulated by NLRP12 during Emergency Hematopoiesis
Authors: Linz Brandon M. L. , Neely Crystal J. , Kartchner Laurel B. , Mendoza April E. , Khoury Amal L. , Truax Agnieszka , Sempowski Gregory , Eitas Timothy , Brickey June , Ting Jenny P. Y. , Cairns Bruce A. , Maile Robert
Published: February 2017

With enhanced concerns of terrorist attacks, dual exposure to radiation and thermal combined injury (RCI) has become a real threat with devastating immunosuppression. NLRP12, a member of the NOD-like receptor family, is expressed in myeloid and bone marrow cells and was implicated as a checkpoint regulator of inflammatory cytokines, as well as an inflammasome activator. We show that NLRP12 has a profound impact on hematopoietic recovery during RCI by serving as a checkpoint of TNF signaling and preventing hematopoietic apoptosis. Using a mouse model of RCI, increased NLRP12 expression was detected in target tissues. Nlrp12−/− mice exhibited significantly greater mortality, an inability to fight bacterial infection, heightened levels of proinflammatory cytokines, overt granulocyte/monocyte progenitor cell apoptosis, and failure to reconstitute peripheral myeloid populations. Anti-TNF Ab administration improved peripheral immune recovery. These data suggest that NLRP12 is essential for survival after RCI by regulating myelopoiesis and immune reconstitution.
Implicitly Restarted Refined Partially Orthogonal Projection Method with Deflation
Authors: Wei Wei , Dai Hua
Published: January 2017

In this paper we consider the computation of some eigenpairs with smallest eigenvalues in modulus of large-scale polynomial eigenvalue problem. Recently, a partially orthogonal projection method and its refinement scheme were presented for solving the polynomial eigenvalue problem. The methods preserve the structures and properties of the original polynomial eigenvalue problem. Implicitly updating the starting vector and constructing better projection subspace, we develop an implicitly restarted version of the partially orthogonal projection method. Combining the implicit restarting strategy with the refinement scheme, we present an implicitly restarted refined partially orthogonal projection method. In order to avoid the situation that the converged eigenvalues converge repeatedly in the later iterations, we propose a novel explicit non-equivalence low-rank deflation technique. Finally some numerical experiments show that the implicitly restarted refined partially orthogonal projection method with the explicit non-equivalence low-rank deflation technique is efficient and robust.