Measuring Market Valuation of Amman Stock Exchange Industrial Sectors: Tobin’s Q Ratio as Investors’ Market Performance Indicator

This research investigation purported to present the market valuation of Amman Stock Exchange Industrial Sectors utilizing the Tobin’s Q ratio to serve as performance indicator among Jordanian industrial firms. The most specific research objectives addressed in this research work were to evaluate the Amman Stock Exchange Industry market performance, present the trend in Q ratio valuation during the study period, and to recommend some guiding principles to enrich investors in making the right investment decisions. The research paper is anchored on the concepts of Chung and Pruitt (1994) who have developed a simple approximation of Tobin’s q. For the methodology, the researchers made use of the 49 sample companies from all industrial public traded company sectors listed in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) clustered based on the Amman Stock Exchange classification as published in their publications inclusive of 2008-2015. The sectors included the Pharmaceutical & Medical Industries, Chemical Industries, Paper & Cartoon Industries, Food & Beverage, Tobacco & Cigarettes, Mining & Extraction Industries, Engineering & Construction, Electrical Industries, Textile, and Leather & Clothing......

Adeptness in Conflict Management of Expatriates deployed in Government, Semi-Government and Private Service Operations in the United Arab Emirates

The purpose of this research investigation is to verbalize the conflict management of expatriates deployed in service operations in government, semi-government and private organizations in UAE, their maturity level, length of work experience, type of industry, location of workplace: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Um Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah; and the length of business operation of the company.     The research design employed was descriptive- correlational, and generally quantitative, as this investigation used post-positivist claims for developing knowledge to test the hypotheses formulated. Data were collected from the group of expatriates who were working in different emirates in UAE, and were deployed in service operations. A questionnaire -survey form was the data collection method utilized with subparts on indicators and respondents’ profiles and comprised of closed-ended questions gleaned from readings and other learning resources. The items were subjected to validity and reliability testing techniques, its validity index established, and the reliability index was generated using the Cronbach Alpha. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) based on the specific research objectives was used to analyze the data gathered. Findings of the study showed that the conflict management skills of expats deployed in the service operations of government, semi-government and private organizations in UAE were High. Expatriates in service operations in the United Arab Emirates have the very high emotional maturity, high in communication skills, and creativity in problem-solving but only have Moderate skill in empathy. Moreover, results showed that the conflict management skills of the expats are significantly influenced by their maturity level, length of work experience and length of service operations of the organizations where the expatriates were employed but the locations of the workplace where the expats were assigned to, do not significantly influence their conflict management skills as expressed in their communication skills, empathy, maturity and creative problem-solving skills. The purpose of this research investigation is to verbalize the conflict management of expatriates deployed in service operations in government, semi-government and private organizations in UAE, their maturity level, length of work experience, type of industry, location of work place, and the length of business operation of the company. Keywords: Adeptness, Conflict Management, Communication Skills, Emotional Maturity, Empathy, Creative Problem Solvin

IP6K gene identification in plant genomes by tag searching

BACKGROUND: Plants have played a special role in inositol polyphosphate (IP) research since in plant seeds was discovered the first IP, the fully phosphorylated inositol ring of phytic acid (IP6). It is now known that phytic acid is further metabolized by the IP6 Kinases (IP6Ks) to generate IP containing pyro-phosphate moiety. The IP6K are evolutionary conserved enzymes identified in several mammalian, fungi and amoebae species. Although IP6K has not yet been identified in plant chromosomes, there are many clues suggesting its presences in vegetal cells. RESULTS: In this paper we propose a new approach to search for the plant IP6K gene, that lead to the identification in plant genome of a nucleotide sequence corresponding to a specific tag of the IP6K family. Such a tag has been found in all IP6K genes identified up to now, as well as in all genes belonging to the Inositol Polyphosphate Kinases superfamily (IPK). The tag sequence corresponds to the inositol-binding site of the enzyme, and it can be considered as characterizing all IPK genes. To this aim we applied a technique based on motif discovery. We exploited DLSME, a software recently proposed, which allows for the motif structure to be only partially specified by the user. First we applied the new method on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of plants, where such a gene could have been nested, possibly encrypted and hidden by virtue of the editing and/or trans-splicing processes. Then we looked for the gene in nuclear genome of two model plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis we conducted in plant mitochondria provided the negative, though we argue relevant, result that IP6K does not actually occur in vegetable mtDNA. Very interestingly, the tag search in nuclear genomes lead us to identify a promising sequence in chromosome 5 of Oryza sativa. Further analyses are in course to confirm that this sequence actually corresponds to IP6K mammalian gene

Constraining the cosmic radiation density due to lepton number with Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

The cosmic energy density in the form of radiation before and during Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) is typically parameterized in terms of the effective number of neutrinos N_eff. This quantity, in case of no extra degrees of freedom, depends upon the chemical potential and the temperature characterizing the three active neutrino distributions, as well as by their possible non-thermal features. In the present analysis we determine the upper bounds that BBN places on N_eff from primordial neutrino--antineutrino asymmetries, with a careful treatment of the dynamics of neutrino oscillations. We consider quite a wide range for the total lepton number in the neutrino sector, eta_nu= eta_{nu_e}+eta_{nu_mu}+eta_{nu_tau} and the initial electron neutrino asymmetry eta_{nu_e}^in, solving the corresponding kinetic equations which rule the dynamics of neutrino (antineutrino) distributions in phase space due to collisions, pair processes and flavor oscillations. New bounds on both the total lepton number in the neutrino sector and the nu_e -bar{nu}_e asymmetry at the onset of BBN are obtained fully exploiting the time evolution of neutrino distributions, as well as the most recent determinations of primordial 2H/H density ratio and 4He mass fraction. Note that taking the baryon fraction as measured by WMAP, the 2H/H abundance plays a relevant role in constraining the allowed regions in the eta_nu -eta_{nu_e}^in plane. These bounds fix the maximum contribution of neutrinos with primordial asymmetries to N_eff as a function of the mixing parameter theta_13, and point out the upper bound N_eff < 3.4. Comparing these results with the forthcoming measurement of N_eff by the Planck satellite will likely provide insight on the nature of the radiation content of the universe.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figures, version to be published in JCA

Confinement and surface effects on the physical properties of rhombohedral-shape hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanocrystals

Morphological, microstructural and vibrational properties of hematite (α-FeO) nanocrystals with a rhombohedral shape and rounded edges, obtained by forced hydrolysis of iron(III) solutions under a fast nucleation, have been investigated in detail as a function of aging time. These studies allowed us to propose a detailed formation mechanism and revealed that these nanocrystals are composed of four {104} side facets, two {110} faces at the edges of the long diagonal of the nanocrystals and two {-441} facets as the top and bottom faces. Also, the presence of nanoscopic pores and fissures was evidenced. The vibrational bands of such nanocrystals were shifted to lower frequencies in comparison with bulk hematite ones as the nanocrystal size was reduced due to phonon confinement effects. Also, the indirect and direct transition band gaps displayed interesting dependences on the aging time arising from quantum confinement and surface effectsConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología CB-17948

Experimental poisoning of goats by <i>Ipomoea carnea</i> subsp. <i>fistulosa</i> in Argentina: a clinic and pathological correlation with special consideration on the central nervous system

Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa, aguapei or mandiyura, is responsible for lysosomal storage in goats. The shrub contains several alkaloids, mainly swansonine which inhibits lysosomal α-mannosidase and Golgi mannosidase II. Poisoning occurs by inhibition of these hydrolases. There is neuronal vacuolation, endocrine dysfunction, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal injury, and immune disorders. Clinical signs and pathology of the experimental poisoning of goats by Ipomoea carnea in Argentina are here described. Five goats received fresh leaves and stems of Ipomoea. At the beginning, the goats did not consume the plant, but later, it was preferred over any other forage. High dose induced rapid intoxication, whereas with low doses, the course of the toxicosis was more protracted. The goats were euthanized when they were recumbent. Cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons and colliculi, were routinely processed for histology. In nine days, the following clinical signs developed: abnormal fascies, dilated nostrils and abnormal postures of the head, cephalic tremors and nystagmus, difficulty in standing. Subsequently, the goats had a tendency to fall, always to the left, with spastic convulsions. There was lack in coordination of voluntary movements due to Purkinje and deep nuclei neurons damage. The cochlear reflex originated hyperreflexia, abnormal posture, head movements and tremors. The withdrawal reflex produced flexor muscles hypersensitivity at the four legs, later depression and stupor. Abnormal responses to sounds were related to collicular lesions. Thalamic damage altered the withdrawal reflex, showing incomplete reaction. The observed cervical hair bristling was attributed to a thalamic regulated nociceptive response. Depression may be associated with agonists of lysergic acid contained in Ipomoea. These clinical signs were correlated with lesions in different parts of the CNS.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa em caprinos da Argentina: correlação clínico-patológica, com especial atenção ao sistema nervoso central

Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa, aguapei or mandiyura, is responsible for lysosomal storage in goats. The shrub contains several alkaloids, mainly swansonine which inhibits lysosomal α-mannosidase and Golgi mannosidase II. Poisoning occurs by inhibition of these hydrolases. There is neuronal vacuolation, endocrine dysfunction, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal injury, and immune disorders. Clinical signs and pathology of the experimental poisoning of goats by Ipomoea carnea in Argentina are here described. Five goats received fresh leaves and stems of Ipomoea. At the beginning, the goats did not consume the plant, but later, it was preferred over any other forage. High dose induced rapid intoxication, whereas with low doses, the course of the toxicosis was more protracted. The goats were euthanized when they were recumbent. Cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons and colliculi, were routinely processed for histology. In nine days, the following clinical signs developed: abnormal fascies, dilated nostrils and abnormal postures of the head, cephalic tremors and nystagmus, difficulty in standing. Subsequently, the goats had a tendency to fall, always to the left, with spastic convulsions. There was lack in coordination of voluntary movements due to Purkinje and deep nuclei neurons damage. The cochlear reflex originated hyperreflexia, abnormal posture, head movements and tremors. The withdrawal reflex produced flexor muscles hypersensitivity at the four legs, later depression and stupor. Abnormal responses to sounds were related to collicular lesions. Thalamic damage altered the withdrawal reflex, showing incomplete reaction. The observed cervical hair bristling was attributed to a thalamic regulated nociceptive response. Depression may be associated with agonists of lysergic acid contained in Ipomoea. These clinical signs were correlated with lesions in different parts of the CNS.Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa, aguapeí ou mandiyura, causa uma doença de depósito lisossomal em caprinos. A planta contém vários alcalóides, principalmente swansonine, que inibe uma α-mannosidase lisossomal e uma mannosidase II do Golgi. A intoxicação ocorre pela inibição dessas hidrolases. Há vacuolização neuronal, disfunção endócrina, lesões cardiovasculares e gastrointestinais e distúrbios imunológicos. No presente trabalho é descrita a intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa em caprinos da Argentina. Cinco cabras receberam folhas frescas e ramos de Ipomoea. No começo eles não consumiram a planta, mas depois ela foi preferida a qualquer outras forrageiras. Altas doses induziram uma Pesq. Vet. Bras. 32(1):37-42, janeiro 2012 38 Elvio E. Ríos et al. intoxicação rápida, enquanto que com doses baixas demora mais tempo. As cabras foram sacrificadas quando ficavam em decúbito. Cérebro, cerebelo, medula oblonga, ponte e colículos foram processados rotineiramente para histologia. Aos nove dias, encontramos: fascie anormal, narinas dilatadas, posturas anormais da cabeça, tremores cefálicos e nistagmo, dificuldade para permanecer na estação. Posteriormente, presentearam a tendência de queda, sempre à esquerda, com convulsões espásticas. Os neurônios de Purkinje e os os núcleos profundos foram danificados. Como conseqüência, emergiu a falta de coordenação de movimentos voluntários. A hiper-reflexo coclear originou postura anormal, movimentos de cabeça e tremores. A retirada produz reflexos hipersensibilidade nos flexores dos quatro membros, depois depressão e letargia. As respostas anormais estão ligadas a lesões do colículo. Injurias no tálamo alteram o reflexo de retirada, mostrando uma reação incompleta. Os pelos eriçados da região cervical podem representar uma resposta nociceptiva também regulada pelo tálamo. A depressão pode estar associada com agonistas do ácido lisérgico presentes na Ipomoea. Esses sintomas estão relacionados com lesões em diferentes partes do SNC.Fil: Ríos, Elvio E.. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ictiologia del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Cholich, Luciana Andrea. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ictiologia del Nordeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Gimeno, Eduardo Juan. Universidad Nacional de la Plata; ArgentinaFil: Guidi, María G.. Universidad Nacional de la Plata; ArgentinaFil: Acosta de Pérez, Ofelia C.. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ictiologia del Nordeste; Argentin

Experimental poisoning of goats by <i>Ipomoea carnea</i> subsp. <i>fistulosa</i> in Argentina: a clinic and pathological correlation with special consideration on the central nervous system

Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa, aguapei or mandiyura, is responsible for lysosomal storage in goats. The shrub contains several alkaloids, mainly swansonine which inhibits lysosomal α-mannosidase and Golgi mannosidase II. Poisoning occurs by inhibition of these hydrolases. There is neuronal vacuolation, endocrine dysfunction, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal injury, and immune disorders. Clinical signs and pathology of the experimental poisoning of goats by Ipomoea carnea in Argentina are here described. Five goats received fresh leaves and stems of Ipomoea. At the beginning, the goats did not consume the plant, but later, it was preferred over any other forage. High dose induced rapid intoxication, whereas with low doses, the course of the toxicosis was more protracted. The goats were euthanized when they were recumbent. Cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons and colliculi, were routinely processed for histology. In nine days, the following clinical signs developed: abnormal fascies, dilated nostrils and abnormal postures of the head, cephalic tremors and nystagmus, difficulty in standing. Subsequently, the goats had a tendency to fall, always to the left, with spastic convulsions. There was lack in coordination of voluntary movements due to Purkinje and deep nuclei neurons damage. The cochlear reflex originated hyperreflexia, abnormal posture, head movements and tremors. The withdrawal reflex produced flexor muscles hypersensitivity at the four legs, later depression and stupor. Abnormal responses to sounds were related to collicular lesions. Thalamic damage altered the withdrawal reflex, showing incomplete reaction. The observed cervical hair bristling was attributed to a thalamic regulated nociceptive response. Depression may be associated with agonists of lysergic acid contained in Ipomoea. These clinical signs were correlated with lesions in different parts of the CNS.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Standardization and organoleptic and physicochemical characterization of 15 argentinean propolis

El propóleos es una mezcla de composición química compleja que posee propiedades biológicas de gran interés para fines terapéuticos. Existen distintos tipos de propóleos que difieren en su composición química de acuerdo a su origen botánico. En la actualidad se carece de un estándar de calidad de propóleos. Por esta razón, en este trabajo fueron determinados los caracteres organolépticos, propiedades físico- químicas y el contenido total de compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides de 15 muestras de propóleos recolectadas de diferentes regiones de Chaco, Corrientes, Santiago del Estero y Mendoza, para así brindar una estandarización que permita producir medicamentos de propóleos de seguridad y eficacia demostrable. Se encontró gran variación en las propiedades de los diferentes propóleos estudiados, incluso de aquellos provenientes de una misma región. Los propóleos difirieron principalmente en su contenido de compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides, siendo significativamente superiores en los propóleos originarios de Mendoza, donde la vegetación más abundante pertenece a Populus sp.Propolis is a mixture of complex chemical composition that possesses biological properties of great interest for therapeutic purposes. Different types of propolis exist, which differ in its chemical composition according to its botanical origin. At present, there is not a quality standard for propolis. For this reason, in this work the organoleptic characteristics, the physicochemical properties, the total content of phenolic compounds and the flavonoid composition of 15 samples of propolis collected from different regions of Chaco, Corrientes, Santiago del Estero, and Mendoza were determined, for providing an standardization that allows the production of effective and safe propolis products. It was found great variation in the properties of the different studied propolis, even of those from the same region. Principally, propolis differed in its phenolic and flavonoids content, being significantly higher in propolis from Mendoza, where the most abundant vegetation belongs to Populus sp.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire