Digital Commons Network^™

A Preliminary Analysis Of The Amendments To The Japanese Secured Transaction Law, Wei Zhang

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble in the 90's left a record amount of non-performing loans in the nation's financial system. To tackle this unprecedented crisis, both legal scholars and practitioners in Japan advocated for a series of amendments to its secured transaction law to facilitate the enforcement of mortgages by banks. In this paper, based on the state of the post-bubble real estate finance market, I discussed the major drawbacks of the existing Japanese secured transaction system as it was applied in the real estate arena. I commented on the proposed material amendments to the Japanese secured …

Metaheuristics With Local Search Techniques For Retail Shelf-Space Optimization, Andrew Lim, Brian Rodrigues, Xingwen Zhang

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Efficient shelf-space allocation can provide retailers with a competitive edge. While there has been little study on this subject, there is great interest in improving product allocation in the retail industry. This paper examines a practicable linear allocation model for optimizing shelf-space allocation. It extends the model to address other requirements such as product groupings and nonlinear profit functions. Besides providing a network flow solution, we put forward a strategy that combines a strong local search with a metaheuristic approach to space allocation. This strategy is flexible and efficient, as it can address both linear and nonlinear problems of realistic …

Resource-Based Theory And Its Link To The Global Strategy, Structure And Performance Relationship: An Integrative Framework, Olivier Furrer, Jeffrey A. Krug, D. Sudharshan, Howard Thomas

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

The global strategy literature provides a basis for examining strategy, structure, and performance relationships in multinational firms. We develop a framework that examines these relationships and their linkages to the firm's intangible asset portfolio. Drawing on resource-based theory, this framework suggests that an on-going multinational firm's worldwide performance is dependent on the fit between its intangible asset portfolio, foreign market entry strategies, partner relationships, and worldwide organisational structure. Each of these dimensions can be linked back to the firm's worldwide strategy and the characteristics of its industry. Implications for research are discussed.

The Great Divide: Considering Section 157a Of The Singapore Companies Act, Pearlie Koh

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The manner in which the powers of a company are carved out to be exercised by either the general meeting of shareholders or its board of directors is often a matter of interpretation of the constitution of the company. This approach retains a fair amount of flexibility in the differing models of power allocation that may be adopted by incorporators, but once carved out, the power allocation usually remains sacrosanct until such time as the constitution is validly altered. This was the position in Singapore before 2003. In 2003, the Companies Act of Singapore was amended to include s 157A, …

On The Effectiveness Of The Restrictions Governing Life In A Common Interest Community: A Comparative Study Between American And Japanese Law, Wei Zhang

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

In this article, I made a comparative study on the laws regulating the restrictions established by developers or among property owners in common interest communities in the U.S. and Japan, as well as the cultural and social backgrounds against which they are created. It appears that similar rules exist in both countries to combat excessive restrictions on life in common interest communities, although the American law treats the ex ante restrictions somewhat differently from the ex post ones. Using a law and economics perspective, I argue that such disparate treatments make good sense given the feasibility of internalizing the effects …

Privatizing Telecoms And Residual State Influence On Financial Performance, Burkhard N. Schrage, Paul M. Vaaler

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

We test competing theoretical perspectives explaining likely shareholder returns from material investment decisions announced by privatizing telecommunications firms (telecoms) with varying levels of residual state ownership. A principal-agent perspective suggests that decrease in residual state ownership in privatizing telecoms leads to more positive shareholder returns. Over time, this effect increases. An alternative credible privatization perspective suggests that retention of substantial (though not controlling) residual state ownership leads to more positive shareholder returns, but only in the short run. Over time this ownership effect fades quickly. We examine empirical support for these competing perspectives with an event study analyzing cumulative abnormal …

Expert Knowledge And The Role Of Consultants In An Emerging Knowledge-Based Economy, Hans-Dieter Evers, Thomas Menkhoff

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

In the emerging globalised knowledge society/economy, a group of professionals, namely experts and consultants gain in importance. The paper discusses the following issues: Who are these experts and consultants? Why is this group of knowledge workers strategically important and why is their importance - socially in terms of number of persons and economically in terms of output or turnover - growing? How can we explain the increasing professionalisation of consultants? How do they gain their expertise and which role does academic knowledge play in professional attainment? How do consultants package and apply expert knowledge? What are the challenges experts and …

Procedural Priming Effects On Spontaneous Inference Formation, Kirmani Amma, Michelle P. Lee, Carolyn Yoon

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Procedural priming refers to how the frequent or recent use of certain cognitive procedures on one task can lead to a greater propensity to use the same procedures on a subsequent task. In this paper, we demonstrate how procedural priming may be used to assess spontaneous inference formation in situations where the inference involves a relationship or rule. We do so in the context of the advertising cost–product quality rule, i.e., that higher advertising expense implies higher product quality. Prior research suggests that underlying the advertising cost–quality rule is a basic human attribution (the effort investment rule) that says, if …

Are Family-Friendly Policies Fair? It Depends On Your Gender, Elizabeth Layne Paddock, J. Bagger, B. A. Gutek

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

No abstract provided.

Book-Length Scholarly Essays As A Hybrid Genre In Science, Susheela Abraham Varghese, Sunita Anne Abraham

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Drawing on existing work on popularizations, this investigation of book-length scholarly essays by practicing scientists across three disciplines reveals a hybrid genre that is neither popularization nor research report. The study utilizes both textual analysis and personal commentary from the writer-researchers to achieve a three-way comparison between the popularization, research article, and the book-length scholarly essay that clarifies how these essays contribute to the authors’ academic agendas. Writing for both a general audience and a jury of their peers, these academics employ an argumentative generic structure. Such argumentation develops a rhetoric of rational inquiry, where understanding how answers to perplexing …

Qos Routing Optimization Strategy Using Genetic Algorithm In Optical Fiber Communication Networks, Zhaoxia Wang, Zengqiang Chen, Zhuzhi Yuan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper describes the routing problems in optical fiber networks, defines five constraints, induces and simplifies the evaluation function and fitness function, and proposes a routing approach based on the genetic algorithm, which includes an operator [OMO] to solve the QoS routing problem in optical fiber communication networks. The simulation results show that the proposed routing method by using this optimal maintain operator genetic algorithm (OMOGA) is superior to the common genetic algorithms (CGA). It not only is robust and efficient but also converges quickly and can be carried out simply, that makes it better than other complicated GA.

Bias In The Correlated Uniqueness Model For Mtmm Data, James M. Conway, Filip Lievens, Steven E. Scullen, Charles E. Lance

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This simulation investigates bias in trait factor loadings and intercorrelations when analyzing multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data using the correlated uniqueness (CU) confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model. A theoretical weakness of the CU model is the assumption of uncorrelated methods. However, previous simulation studies have shown little bias in trait estimates even when true method correlations are large. We hypothesized that there would be substantial bias when both method factor correlations and method factor loadings were large. We generated simulated sample data using population parameters based on our review of actual MTMM results. Results confirmed the prediction; substantial bias occurred in trait …

Price Rounding And Bid-Ask Spreads Before And After The Decimalization, Yan He, Chunchi Wu

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

We investigate price rounding before and after the pilot decimalization on the NYSE. We find that although rounding exists in transaction, bid, and ask prices in both the pre- and postdecimalization periods, it becomes less salient after the decimalization. The cross-sectional relationship between rounding and trading variables is similar before and after the decimalization, and so is the relationship between execution costs and rounding when trading variables are held constant. More importantly, the quoted and effective bid–ask spreads decrease after decimal trading, and this decrease can be ascribed to the decrease in rounding frequency after controlling for the changes in …

Parameter Selection In Genetic Algorithms, Onur Boyabatli, Ihsan Sabuncuoglu

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

In this study, we provide a new taxonomy of parameters of genetic algorithms (GA), structural and numerical parameters, and analyze the effect of numerical parameters on the performance of GA based simulation optimization applications with experimental design techniques. Appropriate levels of each parameter are proposed for a particular problem domain. Controversial to existing literature on GA, our computational results reveal that in the case of a dominant set of decision variable the crossover operator does not have a significant impact on the performance measures, whereas high mutation rates are more suitable for GA applications.

A Study Of Handling Drops That Occur When Small Packages Move Through Small Parcel Delivery Systems, Robert Meisner

Theses

A study was conducted of the drops that small packages encounter during handling operations in the small parcel ground delivery system of United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (FedEx), two of the largest small parcel carriers in the USA The purpose was to determine if the drop heights listed in the International Safe Transit Associations (ISTA) standardized 3C and 3D testing procedure for small parcels replicate or are representative of the real environment. This is important to those who use ISTA tests to validate their package designs. The results of the study showed that relying on ISTA tests may …

Process Evaluation, Claudia V. Guerrero

Theses

This thesis analyzed the existing process for preparing quotes for standard hardware and software at TECH Corporation in order to evaluate its cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction. In addition, a new process for the preparation of standard quotes is proposed with short- and long-term business outcomes.

New Fixed Assets Management Process Design For Pontifica Universidad Catolica Madre Y Maestra (Pucmm), Mary Baez

Theses

Currently, PUCMM does not have a reliable management process for its fixed and controlled assets. In addition, PUCMM does not have a system that can provide accurate, fast and updated information about these items. Therefore, there is the need of a new process for managing PUCMM's fixed assets. The purpose of this research is to design a new management process for PUCMM's fixed and controlled assets that will provide reliable, quick and updated information. The methodology for this study is based on a cross-sectional study to assess fixed assets management processes in this and other well-established organizations. It is a …

Simulating Particle Deposition In A Human Replica Lung Model, Pravir Rai

Theses

Tobacco consumption causes a variety of respiratory diseases including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These diseases occur when pathogens present in cigarette smoke enter into the respiratory system and deposit in the airways or gas exchanging membranes. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) package FLUENT has been applied to study the deposition patterns of cigarette smoke particles from sidestream and mainstream smoke, as well as carcinogen size specific particles for NNK and BaP. A three dimensional cast of an ideal three generation Weibel lung model and a three dimensional morphologically accurate human replica lung model were used in the analysis. …

Using Standardized Patients To Teach And Evaluate Nurse Practitioner Students On Cultural Competency, Carolyn M. Rutledge, Laurel Garzon, Micah Scott, Karen Karlowicz

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

With the increasing diversity in the American population, it is imperative that nurse practitioners learn to manage patients with varying healthcare beliefs and needs. In order to develop culturally competent nurse practitioners, a number of methods have been developed. Many of the current methods focus on improving the awareness and knowledge of nurse practitioners regarding diverse populations. However, very few of the current programs focus on improving the skills and increasing the encounters the students have with diverse populations. This paper focuses on providing nurse practitioner students with diverse encounters using culturally enhanced standardized patient scenarios. The standardized patient programs …

Making Tough Decisions, Karen A. Karlowicz

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

This article focuses on the aspect of critical thinking in making tough decisions in life. Advances in urology have resulted in a range of therapies for many urologic diseases and disorders. Patients need information about each treatment, and the time to fully consider the effect of a given therapy on their overall health. Keep in mind that patients who are empowered to make decisions about their health care are more likely to comply with the treatment plan. Likewise the author urges readers to use their critical thinking skills to solve the clinical problems they are confronted with daily.

Host Suitability And Thermal Requirements Of Lathromeris Ovicida Risbec (Hymenoptera: Tricliogrammatidae), An Egg Parasitoid Of Cereal Stemborers In Africa, A. Chabi-Olaye, M. K. Fiaboe, F. Schulthess

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Factors affecting the bionomics of the trichogrammatid egg parasitoid Lathromeris ovicida and its association with the two sympatric scelionid egg parasitoids Telenomus busseolae and Telenomus isis were studied in the laboratory. The potential host species employed were the noctuids Sesamia calamistis and Sesamia botanephaga, and the pyralids Eldana saccharina and Mussidia nigrivenella. Using eggs of S. calamistis Hampson as hosts, the lower and upper thresholds for development were estimated at 14.8 and 34°C, respectively. The percent parasitism, total progeny, and sex ratio decreased gradually from 42.0 to 10.2, from 56.4 to 10.8, and from 0.74 to 0.61, respectively, with host …

A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to better understand the complex relationship between the stresses encountered by US. service personnel during the Gulf War and eventual physical and psychological health outcomes among its veterans. By developing and validating a stress model using structural equation modeling techniques, it is hoped that knowledge regarding wartime stress and its potential impact on the health of veterans will be gained. This knowledge can be used to guide future policy decisions on how to minimize the deleterious health consequences associated with deployment and combat, as well as furnishing a basis for future studies that examine …

Regulation Of Fc Receptor Expression And Signaling On Murine Mast Cells, Hey Jin Chong

Theses and Dissertations

Mast cells have long been appreciated as the primary effector cells in allergy and asthma, and recently have been implicated in other inflammatory diseases. Using high density oligonucleotide probe arrays, we assessed genome-wide transcriptional profiles after FcεRI aggregation for 90 minutes, 5 hours and 24 hours. We describe novel gene regulation in response to FcεRI signaling, including altered expression of CD44, Pari, osteopontin, Nur77, E4BP4, and NDRG 1. In addition, the gene encoding FcεRI β was downregulated 5 hours after mast cell activation according to both microarray analysis and RPA, and western blotting confirmed the downregulation of the beta subunit …

Teachers' Receptions Of Facilitators And Barriers To Inclusion: A Regional Survey, Hillary Kretz-Harvey

Theses

This study examined teachers' perceptions of facilitators needed to include students with special needs. The Teachers' Opinions of Inclusive Education Needs Survey (TOIENS) was developed for this study in order to examine teachers' perceptions of facilitators to inclusion. Results found that teachers identified material and personnel supports, preservice and inservice training, and environmental/classroom features as all similarly necessary. Discrepancies were found, however, between identified facilitators and the availability of them. Personnel supports were generally considered to be available in the school districts, but several necessary material supports, training, and environmental/classroom features were considered to be unavailable.

The Application Of Proteomics To Pseudomonas Putida F1, Han Hoang

Theses

Through years of technology development, the drug industry has been able to synthesize many valuable medicines to provide better health care. However, any time a new medication (or industrial chemical for that matter) is made; it must be tested to ensure that it is not carcinogenic. For years, scientists have worked to design a screening method that is fast, efficient, and reliable. Currently, the most widely-used method used is the Ames test [1]. This test has both strengths and weaknesses which will be discussed. In this project, Two Dimensional Electrophoresis (2DE) is used to monitor protein expression in Pseudomonas putida …

Utilizing A Structuration Perspective To Examine Perceptions Of Labor Market Opportunities & Constraints In A Distressed Urban Neighborhood, Sharon M. Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to understand how members of an urban extreme poverty neighborhood experience the labor market and how they perceive the role of social policies and institutions that attempt to facilitate or mediate employment opportunities.

Residents of extreme poverty neighborhoods have been the subject of numerous public policy efforts designed to ameliorate the geographic concentration of poverty as well as strategies to promote work participation based on existing theoretical models of how work participation can be induced. It is argued that the predominant theoretical models that shape inquiry and the development of policy recommendations are incomplete …

Emotional Recogition Ability Among Incarcerated Youth, Aubrey S. Elmore

Theses

The purpose of this study was to consider emotional recognition ability among incarcerated youth. Specifically, thirty-eight inmates who were eligible for a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) under New York State law participated in the study. Participants were administered Ekman's facial discrimination task (1976), the Sociomoral Reflection Measure-Short Form (SRM-SF; Gibbs, Basinger, &Fuller, 1992), and an Emotional Intelligence Survey (Schutte et al., 1998). Results showed the incarcerated youth were less accurate in identifying emotions from facial expressions than were non-incarcerated young adults. Further, incarcerated youth with identified learning disabilities were even less accurate in their ability to recognize emotions than …

Unbidden Pilgrimage, Naomi Hart

Theses

This thesis explores how the author expresses in a body of artwork her journey through grief after the loss of her son. In a series of prints and multimedia pieces, she develops the theme of a spiritual pilgrimage through loss to renewed hope and faith. The thesis includes reproductions of works by other artists.

Running Head: Trademark Law And Keyword Advertising, Elizabeth Warner

Theses

The growth of the Internet as a commercial medium has brought about new concerns in terms of the future of intellectual property law. The newest form of advertising, keyword advertising, has created much controversy within the legal system. In the latest case, Google, Inc. v. American Wallpaper and Blind Factory, Google has requested that courts make a decision as to what constitutes infringement in terms of the sale of keywords for advertising on the Internet. The case is still in pending process. Through an economic analysis of trademarks and advertising on the Internet, this paper seeks to demonstrate that the …

The Doubtful Hero: An Artist's Journey, Heather N. Falks

Theses and Dissertations

THE DOUBTFUL HERO: AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY

By Heather N. Falks, MFA

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015

Director: Noreen Barnes

Graduate Studies Director, Department of Theatre

This thesis documents my role as director of Time Tells, an ensemble based, multi-media, devised theatre piece. I address my specific responsibilities when leading an ensemble to create new work and produce it for the public. I identify the problems the ensemble faced and account how I mediated when dealing with conflict. …