The Effects of Prehydration on Cement Performance

This study investigated the effects of cement prehydration on cement’s engineering properties. Anhydrous cement was exposed over a saturated KCl solution to maintain 85% RH, for 7 and 28 days. Mortar and cement pastes were tested for strength, workability and setting time, with sample analysis by XRD and DTA. Results showed a decreased reactivity of the prehydrated cements resulting in reduced strength and increased setting times. We propose that this may be due to an upset of the sulphate balance in the cement upon prehydration

Securitization of Aberrant Contract Receivables

Originators of traditional receivables, such as automobile loans, use securitization and structured finance debt transactions to obtain financing at lower net costs than traditional secured financing. The typical securitization or structured finance debt transaction combines (i) a sale of receivables to a separate, bankruptcy remote, special purpose legal entity (an “SPE”) and (ii) a loan to the SPE secured by the receivables. This combination produces lower net financing costs because the SPE’s lender can obtain repayment of its loan from the receivables while avoiding the costs that the Bankruptcy Code imposes on direct secured lenders to originators that could become debtors in bankruptcy for reasons unrelated to the receivables. The viability of this financing technique, however, depends upon receivables that produce reliable cash flows with minimal reliance on an operating company. This article analyzes the reasons for the net costs savings of securitization and structured finance debt transactions and the structural features necessary to achieve those savings. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the feasibility of a securitization or structured finance debt transaction for any type of aberrant contract receivable

Securitization of Aberrant Contract Receivables

Originators of traditional receivables, such as automobile loans, use securitization and structured finance debt transactions to obtain financing at lower net costs than traditional secured financing. The typical securitization or structured finance debt transaction combines (i) a sale of receivables to a separate, bankruptcy remote, special purpose legal entity (an “SPE”) and (ii) a loan to the SPE secured by the receivables. This combination produces lower net financing costs because the SPE’s lender can obtain repayment of its loan from the receivables while avoiding the costs that the Bankruptcy Code imposes on direct secured lenders to originators that could become debtors in bankruptcy for reasons unrelated to the receivables. The viability of this financing technique, however, depends upon receivables that produce reliable cash flows with minimal reliance on an operating company. This article analyzes the reasons for the net costs savings of securitization and structured finance debt transactions and the structural features necessary to achieve those savings. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the feasibility of a securitization or structured finance debt transaction for any type of aberrant contract receivable

The Promise of Artificial Intelligence and Potential Impact on the Sales Function

After a great deal of press and promise, artificial intelligence is beginning to make inroads in the sales function. In this paper, we follow on United Kingdom-based company called CloudApps and the firm\u27s development of an artificial intelligence solution to address the issues inherent in the management of the sales pipeline. We then outline some of the other potential applications using artificial intelligence within an organizations\u27 sales function