bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
R&D Spending and the Rewards to Human Capital in India's IT Sector
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K 
Published: January 2017

Firms organize heterogeneous resources developed to create capabilities sustaining the provision of services or the production of output, and they engage in research and development (R&D) activities. R&D is an extremely human capital-intensive effort and the intangible assets are embodied in human capital. Firms engaging in R&D activities also devote attention to human capital issues and may be progressive in human relations and compensation policies. Such progressive firms would have a higher wage share, signalling financial commitment to people assets. That is the expectation. Paradoxically, R&D spending is discretionary, held low in priorities, and is the first expenditure cut in a downturn. Not much is known of this relationship in spite of it being an important relationship in contemporary theories of economic growth and corporate development. This article examines the links between the R&D spending of Indian information technology and software sector firms and their wage share. The extent of a firm's wage share measures the share of a firm's product accruing to its human capital pool. When a firm's wage share is larger, the quantum of value generated by its activities used to reward employees is larger. The relationship between R&D spending and wage share captures an important aspect of the behaviour, related to wealth sharing, of innovative versus not so innovative firms. The information technology and software sector is critical in India's growth. Its presence has had domestic consequences in terms of employment and exports. The dynamic R&D spending and wage share relationship is examined for a large panel of firms in the Indian information technology and software industry from the period 2000-01 to 2005-06. Whether India technology and software firms' employees benefit from their own firms' practices is an important issue in engendering the future performance of the information technology and software sector. The results show that the firm R&D spending and wage share relationship is negative and significant. A short-term cost minimizing approach, where firms compete by balancing expenditures, so that an increase in one type of expenditure by firms is counterbalanced by a decline in another type of expenditure, rather than a long-term oriented dynamic capabilities enhancement approach, best describes Indian information technology and software firms' behaviour. The negative relationship noted in this analysis does not augur well for Indian firms' efforts to develop into globally competitive firms, as rewards to human capital are not forthcoming for activities related to R&D efforts.
MNC CSR in Emerging Economy Conflict Zones– A Case Study of HUL's North-East Operations in India
Authors: Jayakumar Tulsi 
Published: January 2017

For multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in emerging markets, the fast-growing wealth represents a tremendous opportunity. At the same time, these emerging markets also present a huge challenge to the MNCs due to underdeveloped institutional environment, weak public governance, widespread bribery and corruption, and lack of regulatory legislations and rules, public transparency, and respect for human rights. MNCs are likely to view foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging economies as a major component of their cost minimization policies. As such, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which are used by MNCs as a key source to gain sustainable competitive advantage in developed countries may get diluted in emerging economies. Such a myopic view may enhance short-term profits, but would not ensure long-term sustainability. Most of the research on CSR has focused on the strategies of companies in the developed world. The literature on MNCs in developing economies and CSR is still embryonic. As CSR becomes increasingly important to MNCs, it is crucial to understand how MNCs' subsidiaries approach CSR in emerging markets so as to realize the challenges MNCs' subsidiaries face in aligning their CSR approach with local practices. The questions of how MNCs' subsidiaries approach CSR in emerging markets and how they adapt to local CSR practices remain largely under-explored. Another area of recent research pertains to MNC CSR in ‘conflict zones’ and their potential. Can the otherwise mutually conflicting objectives of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Financial Performance be seen going hand in hand in such ‘conflict zones’ Can a cause-effect relationship be posited, especially in such conflict zones, with the success of the latter riding on a satisfactory performance of the former? This paper analyses the CSR practices followed by HUL in its unit in DoomDooma, Assam in the period 2001–2004, a period which was one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of HUL operation in India. The largest personal care products factory set up in DoomDooma to take advantage of the government's concessions to encourage the region's development, witnessed serious challenges in the form of local bandhs (closures), followed by an attack by the militant group, ULFA. Yet, the productivity contribution of the Assam factory was one of the highest and in fact was responsible for the company's top line growth. It is suggested that the financial performance was due in no small measure, to the corporate responsibility measures undertaken internally and externally by the company. The former consisted of the measures undertaken vis-a-vis the key stakeholders, viz. employees, consumers, ecosystem, and business partners while the external CR measures were with respect to the specific CSR initiatives undertaken keeping in mind the needs and expectations of the local community. Thus, the company's CR initiatives helped in sustainable growth.
Factors influencing IT Adoption by Bank Employees: An Extended TAM Approach
Authors: Nath Rupanjali , Bhal Kanika T , Kapoor Geetika T 
Published: January 2017

The use of Information Technology (IT) in the banking sector has seen a phenomenal growth in India. For its effective use and implementation, employees' acceptance and the consequent use of IT are important. Davis' Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (1989) explains users' acceptance of electronic systems. By applying the extended TAM approach to this study, the authors aim to uncover various factors that affect the attitude and acceptance of bank employees towards CBS. The TAM model identifies perceived usefulness (PU), and perceived ease of use (PEU) as impacting attitude towards IT and behavioural intention. The model is extended by identifying social influence, computer self-efficacy, and technological facility as factors affecting perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The target respondents for this study were bank employees from the public and private sectors banks (State Bank of India, Union Bank, Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank) situated in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Measurement items applied in this study were an adaptation of previously validated measures or were developed on the basis of a literature review. Responses were analysed using the 7-point Likert Scale that ranged from (1) ‘strongly disagree’ to (7) ‘strongly agree’. To test the reliability of the measures, a pilot study was conducted with 20 randomly chosen employees and modified scales. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Overall, the findings suggest that extended TAM variables positively influence the intention and usage behaviour through PU and PEU. That is, social influence enhances perceived usefulness; and computer self-efficacy and technology facility influence the perceived ease of use. Again, perceived ease of use significantly influences perceived usefulness which in turn has significant effect on behavioural intention and usage behaviour. Social influence of superiors was the prominent determinant of perceived usefulness of the CBS technology. Hence the role of managers as effective communicators is heightened especially in conveying the benefits of using IT and in turn achieving organizational goals.
Sraffa, Wittgenstein and the Nature of Economic Theory
Authors: McLachlan Hugh V. , Swales J.K. 
Published: January 2017

Roncaglia has made the fascinating claim that there is a difference between the marginalist school of economists and the economics of Sraffa which is related to the difference between Wittgenstein’s earlier and his later philosophy. This claim is considered in the light of the commonly held view that Sraffa was influential in producing the change between Wittgenstein’s earlier and later philosophy. It is shown that the claim is untenable and that the commonly held view is not as easy to support as those who make it lead one to suppose: it is contentious and possibly mistaken.
Low Frequency Measurement by Synchronized Integrating Method and Influence of Reflecting Object
Authors: Fukuhara H. , Ohkuma T. 
Published: January 2017

Concern over noise pollution led to the development of methods for making environmental assessments. At the same time, the need arose for methods to measure low frequency sound and clarify propagation conditions. The main objective of this research was to investigate low frequency sound propagation conditions and the problems associated with measurement and analysis. We also studied the characteristics of low frequency sound (below 100 Hz) near reflecting surfaces and developed a technique for positioning the measurement microphones. Additionally we found it necessary to develop a new measurement method we call “the synchronized integral” method. A theoretically perfect point sound source was needed for the measurements. To satisfy this need, we constructed a source for quantitative investigation and measurements were made at distances up to 100 m from the sound source. Analysis of the data we collected clarified the following phenomena: −6 dB/-doubling distance (d.d) attenuation is not reached; frequency and microphone height influence attenuation; measurements taken near the ground are most stable; superposition influence occurs at frequencies above 125 Hz.
Annoyance of Audible Infrasound
Authors: Møller Henrik 
Published: January 2017

Contours of equal annoyance were determined for pure tones in the frequency range 4 – 31.5 Hz. The curves show a narrowing of the dynamic range of the ear at low frequencies. The same pattern is seen for equal loudness curves, and the results support the theory that the annoyance of infrasound is closely related to the loudness sensation. Annoyance ratings of 1/3 octave noise did not deviate from ratings of pure tones with the same sound pressure level. Combinations of audio and infrasonic noise were in general given a rating close to or slightly above the rating of the most annoying of the individual noise conditions. For infrasound the proposed G1-weighting curve is shown to give values that correlate well with subjective annoyance rating. Values obtained with the G2-curve do not correlate as well. Low audio frequencies are not covered by the G-curves, and it is shown that these are insufficiently covered by the A-curve. Further research is needed in this area.
Hearing Thresholds and Equal Loudness Contours in Free Field at Frequencies below 1 kHz
Authors: Watanabe Toshio , Moller Henrik 
Published: January 2017

Hearing thresholds for pure sinusoidal tones were determined in a free field at frequencies from 25 Hz to 1 kHz. Contours of equal loudness were determined at the same frequencies at loudness levels from 20 phon to 80 phon in steps of 20 phon. 12 subjects participated. The psychometric method used for the threshold determinations was the method of limits. The deviations from minimum audible field values given in ISO/R226 were small (3 dB at most frequencies). For the measurement of equal loudness the reference was a 1 kHz tone, and other tones were compared to that. The psychometric method was the method of limits. The resulting equal loundess contours were positioned at much higher levels than those of ISO/R226. Similar results have recently been reported by others. At low loudness levels the results were in good agreement with the curves obtained by Fletcher and Munson, but at high loudness levels they were also above their curves. Some of the points of equal loudness were also determined by a maximum likelihood estimation method. The results differed slightly from those obtained by the method of limits.
Transmission of Vibration to the Hand
Authors: Sörensson A. , Lundström R. 
Published: January 2017

The transmission of vibration from a handle to twelve test points located on the volar side of the hands of five females and five males was determined with laser technique for non-contact measurement of vibration. The excitation level was almost constant (0.01 m/srms) within the frequency range of 12.5 to 1250 Hz. The grip force exerted by the subjects was 10 N. Vibration at frequencies below 40 Hz was in general transmitted to all test points without any noticeable attenuation.-Far higher frequencies and for test points adjacent to the wrist the transmission of vibration decreased with the frequency (5 dB/octave). For test points on the nails of the middle finger and thumb the un-attenuated frequency range was extended up to about 500 Hz. For other test points a more complicated pattern was observed and in the frequency range of 40–160 Hz, vibration was seen to be either fully transmitted or even amplified Only small and unclear differences in vibration transmission between females and males were observed.
Heterogeneous propagation of spreading depolarizations in the lissencephalic and gyrencephalic brain
Authors: Santos Edgar , Sánchez-Porras Renán , Sakowitz Oliver W , Dreier Jens P , Dahlem Markus A 
Published: January 2017

In the recently published article, “Heterogeneous incidence and propagation of spreading depolarizations,” it is shown, in vivo and in vitro, how KCl-induced spreading depolarizations in mouse and rat brains can be highly variable, and that they are not limited, as once thought, to a concentric, isotropic, or homogenous depolarization wave in space or in time. The reported results serve as a link between the different species, and this paper contributes to changing the way in which SD expansion is viewed in the lissencephalic brain. Here, we discuss their results with our previous observations made in the gyrencephalic swine brain, in computer simulations, and in the human brain.
Long-term Outcomes of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Adolescent Patients
Authors: Ogura Takahiro , Bryant Tim , Minas Tom 
Published: January 2017

Background: Treating symptomatic articular cartilage lesions is challenging, especially in adolescent patients, because of longer life expectancies and higher levels of functional activity. For this population, long-term outcomes after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) remain to be determined. Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes in adolescents after ACI using survival analyses, validated outcome questionnaires, and standard radiographs. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a review of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent ACI between 1996 and 2013. We evaluated 27 patients aged <18 years old (29 knees; mean age, 15.9 years) who were treated by a single surgeon for symptomatic, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions over a mean 9.6-year follow-up (median, 13 years; range, 2-19 years). A mean of 1.5 lesions per knee were treated over a mean total surface area of 6.2 cm2 (range, 2.0-23.4 cm2) per knee. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with graft failure as the end point. The modified Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, visual analog scale, and Short Form 36 scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Patients also self-reported knee function and satisfaction. Standard radiographs were evaluated using Kellgren-Lawrence grades. Results: Both 5- and 10-year survival rates were 89%. All clinical scores improved significantly postoperatively. A total of 96% of patients rated knee function as better after surgery, and all patients indicated that they would undergo the same surgery again. Approximately 90% rated knee-specific outcomes as good or excellent and were satisfied with the procedure. At last follow-up, 12 of 26 successful knees were radiographically assessed (mean, 5.6 years postoperatively), with no significant osteoarthritis progression. Three knees were considered failures, which were managed by autologous bone grafting or osteochondral autologous transplantation. Twenty knees required subsequent surgical procedures. These were primarily associated with periosteum and were arthroscopically performed. Conclusion: ACI resulted in satisfactory survival rates and significant improvements in function, pain, and mental health for adolescent patients over a long-term follow-up. ACI was associated with very high satisfaction postoperatively, despite the subsequent procedure rate being relatively high primarily because of the use of periosteum. If periosteum is used, this rate should be a consideration when discussing ACI with patients and their parents.
Body Mass and Weekly Training Distance Influence the Pain and Injuries Experienced by Runners Using Minimalist Shoes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fuller Joel T. , Thewlis Dominic , Buckley Jonathan D. , Brown Nicholas A.T. , Hamill Joseph , Tsiros Margarita D. 
Published: January 2017

Background: Minimalist shoes have been popularized as a safe alternative to conventional running shoes. However, a paucity of research is available investigating the longer-term safety of minimalist shoes. Purpose: To compare running-related pain and injury between minimalist and conventional shoes in trained runners and to investigate interactions between shoe type, body mass, and weekly training distance. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Sixty-one trained, habitual rearfoot footfall runners (mean ± SD: body mass, 74.6 ± 9.3 kg; weekly training distance, 25 ± 14 km) were randomly allocated to either minimalist or conventional shoes. Runners gradually increased the time spent running in their allocated shoes over 26 weeks. Running-related pain intensity was measured weekly by use of 100-mm visual analog scales. Time to first running-related injury was also assessed. Results: Interactions were found between shoe type and weekly training distance for weekly running-related pain; greater pain was experienced with minimalist shoes ( P < .05), and clinically meaningful increases (>10 mm) were noted when the weekly training distance was more than 35 km/wk. Eleven of 30 runners sustained an injury in conventional shoes compared with 16 of 31 runners in minimalist shoes (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-4.27; P = .31). A shoe × body mass interaction was found for time to first running-related injury ( P = .01). For runners using minimalist shoes, relative to runners using conventional shoes, the risk of sustaining an injury became more likely with increasing body mass above 71.4 kg, and the risk was moderately increased (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.66; P = .02) for runners using minimalist shoes who had a body mass of 85.7 kg. Conclusions: Runners should limit weekly training distance in minimalist shoes to avoid running-related pain. Heavier runners are at greater risk of injury when running in minimalist shoes. Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000642785).
Diagnostic Accuracy of Imaging Modalities and Injection Techniques for the Diagnosis of Femoroacetabular Impingement/Labral Tear: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Reiman Michael P. , Thorborg Kristian , Goode Adam P. , Cook Chad E. , Weir Adam , Hölmich Per 
Published: January 2017

Background:Diagnosing femoroacetabular impingement/acetabular labral tear (FAI/ALT) and subsequently making a decision regarding surgery are based primarily on diagnostic imaging and intra-articular hip joint injection techniques of unknown accuracy.Purpose:Summarize and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of various imaging modalities and injection techniques relevant to hip FAI/ALT.Study Design:Systematic review with meta-analysis.Methods:A computer-assisted literature search was conducted of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using keywords related to diagnostic accuracy of hip joint pathologic changes. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used for the search and reporting phases of the study. Quality assessment of bias and applicability was conducted using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool. Random effects models were used to summarize sensitivities (SN), specificities (SP), likelihood ratios (+LR and –LR), diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), and respective confidence intervals (CI).Results:The search strategy and assessment for risk of bias revealed 25 articles scoring above 10/14 on the items of the QUADAS. Four studies investigated FAI, and the data were not pooled. Twenty articles on ALT qualified for meta-analysis. Pretest probability of ALT in the studies in this review was 81% (72%-88%), while the pretest probability of FAI diagnosis was 74% (95% CI, 51%-91%). The meta-analysis showed that computed tomography arthrography (CTA) demonstrated the strongest overall diagnostic accuracy: pooled SN 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.96); SP 0.89 (95% CI, 0.74-0.97); +LR 6.28 (95% CI, 2.78-14.21); –LR 0.11 (95% CI, 0.06-0.21); and DOR 64.38 (95% CI, 19.17-216.21).Conclusion:High pretest probability of disease was demonstrated. Positive imaging findings increased the probability that a labral tear existed by a minimal to small degree with the use of magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiogram (MRI/MRA) and ultrasound (US) and by a moderate degree for CTA. Negative imaging findings decreased the probability that a labral tear existed by a minimal degree with the use of MRI and US, a small to moderate degree with MRA, and a moderate degree with CTA.Clinical Relevance:Although findings of the included studies suggested potentially favorable use of these modalities for the diagnosis of ALT and FAI, our results suggest that these findings have limited generalizability and clinical utility given very high pretest prevalence, large confidence intervals, and selection criteria of the studies.Registration:PROSPERO Registration #CRD42015027745.