Mergers and Acquisitions as Vital Instruments of Corporate Strategy: Current and Historical Perspective

M. Jibran Sheikh,Mah-a-Mobeen Ahmed,Qudsia Arshad,Wajid Shakeel 한국유통과학회 2015 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.2 No.1

In this paper our main focus is to provide insight into the history of M&A’s for this purpose we have analysed the different waves of M&A. We have analysed these waves in context of available literature and fact and figures. During the study we realised that almost all of the waves of M&A’s ended because of financial crises, although impact and severity of that crises may differ. We analysed the impact of current crises on M&A in global context and in order to establish how companies have and in post crises era i.e. after crises of 2007 onwards how the companies have changed their corporate strategies to accommodate M&A’s. We have also analysed which factors fuelled M&A’s in past and were these factors present in post crises era M&A activities. By first quarter of 2011 the many firms saw new growth opportunities in M&A activities seemed to rebound as large companies used M&A’s as part of their corporate strategy but this was cut short by events like US debt ceiling, down grade of USA’s credit ratings along with fears about Eurozone’s financial health and their impact on future prospects of M&A’s would they continue to prosper or would they be weighed down by these events.

Potential antifilarial activity of the fruit, leaf and stem extract of Melia azedarach Linn. on cattle filarial parasite Setaria cervi in vitro

Ahmed, Qamar U.,Zaidi, S.M.K.R.,Kaleem, M.,Khan, N.U.,Singhal, K.C. Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2006 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.6 No.2

The effect of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the fruit, leaf and stem of Melia azedarach Linn. (Meliaceae) on the spontaneous movements of both the whole worm and the nerve-muscle (n.m.) preparation of Setaria (S.) cervi and on the survival of microfilariae in vitro was studied. Alcoholic extracts of fruit, leaf and stem caused inhibition of the spontaneous movements of the whole worm and the n.m. preparation of S. cervi, while only aqueous extract of fruit caused inhibition of the spontaneous movements of the whole worm and the n.m. preparation of S. cervi. The initial stimulatory effect was not observed by the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of fruit on n.m. preparation. The concentrations required to inhibit the movements of the whole worm and n.m. preparation for alcoholic extracts of fruit, leaf and stem were 250, $40\;{\mu}g/ml$; 280, $40\;{\mu}g/ml$ and 270, $25\;{\mu}g/ml$ respectively, whereas an aqueous extract of fruit caused inhibition of whole worm and n.m. preparation at $200\;{\mu}g/ml$ and $40\;{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. Alcoholic extracts of the fruit, leaf and stem and aqueous extract of the fruit of M. azedarach caused concentration related inhibition on the survival of microfilariae (m.f.) of S. cervi. The $LC_{50}$ and $LC_{90}$ as observed after 6 h were found to be 5, 15, 10, 20 ng/ml and 10, 25, 20 and 35 ng/ml, respectively. This work was conducted in view of the exploration of potential antifilarial herbal drug.

Contribution to the Study of Heteroptera, Gerromorpha(Semiaquatic Bugs). V. Water Crickets(Family Veliidae) from Egypt

Ahmed Rowaida Saleh,Gadalla Sohair M. Korean Society of Applied Entomology 2005 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.8 No.3

This study is the fifth part of a series on Gerromorpha from Egypt. It includes a taxonomic review of family Veliidae that was recorded from Egypt with references to their habitats and distribution. Two genera: Microvelia Westwood & Rhagovelia Mayr and 6 species: M. gracillima Reuter; M. popovi Brown; M. macani Brown; M. pygmaea (Dufour); M. waelbroecki Kirkaldy & R. nigricans (Burmeister) are confirmed from Egypt. Microvelia macani Brown was recorded from Africa and Egypt for the first time. Keys for the identification of the subfamilies, genera and all species are given. Illustrations, and scanning electron microphotographs are provided.

Effect of Ni substitution on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of Zn_1-xNi_xO nanorods

Ahmed, F.,Arshi, N.,Anwar, M.S.,Lee, S.H.,Byon, E.S.,Lyu, N.J.,Koo, B.H. Elsevier 2012 Current Applied Physics Vol.12 No.suppl2

We report the preparation of Zn<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ni<SUB>x</SUB>O nanorods through a chemical route using microwave irradiation. The obtained Zn<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ni<SUB>x</SUB>O nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. XRD and TEM results showed that the Zn<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ni<SUB>x</SUB>O nanorods have single phase nature with wurtzite structure and Ni was successfully incorporated at Zn site into the ZnO. The shape of the nanorods changed from hexagon (length ~1.5 μm, diameter ~200 nm) to pencil like tip (length ~1 μm, diameter ~80 nm) by only changing the Ni content from 1% to 3% in ZnO. Concerning the Raman scattering spectra, the modification in the intensity of E<SUB>2</SUB><SUP>high</SUP> mode and sub-band edge emissions provides enough evidence for the existence of intrinsic defects associated with the O atoms. Magnetic measurement results revealed that Zn<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ni<SUB>x</SUB>O nanorods show the well-defined ferromagnetic features at room temperature and the value of M<SUB>s</SUB> increased with the increase of Ni concentration.

Effect of pH value on ionic state of iron in double perovskite Sr2FeCoO6 synthesised by gel-combustion method

M. Siddique,S. K. Durrani,E. Ahmed 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2015 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.16 No.5

The double perovskite Sr2FeCoO6 oxide powder has been prepared by nitrate-citrate gel-combustion process for different ratios of citric acid and metals under various pH values and calcined at 700 o C for the complete decomposition of the carbonaceous residues. The effect of pH on crystal development and ionic state of iron has been determined by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies. The analysis revealed that calcinated powder is a single phase cubic perveoskite structure SrFe0.5Co0.5O3 with space group Pm3m and lattice parameter 3.867 Å. Mössbauer spectroscopic results indicate that as-synthesized and calcined samples have mixed ionic states like Fe3+, Fe3.5+ and Fe4+ in the tetrahedral framework of SrFe0.5Co0.5O3.

Management of Charcoal Rot of Sesame by Seed Soaking in Medicinal Plant Extracts and Hot Water

Ahmed, Hoda A.M.,Abdel-Razik, A.A.,Hassan, M.H.A.,Khaled, S.A. The Korean Society of Plant Pathology 2010 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.26 No.4

Macrophomina phaseolina causing charcoal rot was isolated from sesame seeds (cvs. Giza 32 and Shandawel-3) collected from different localities of Assiut, Sohage and El-Minia Governorates. The fungus was found in the highest frequently in samples collected from Assiut Governorate followed by Sohag and finally EL Minia Governorate. The obtained isolates were different in their virulence on the tested sesame cvs. Also, they differed in their growth nature including colony color and sclerotial production. The color of colonies of the pathogen seem to be correlated with density of sclerotial formation. Aqueous extracts of Majorna, Wild chamomile, Geranium oil and Nees plants were highly toxic to tested isolates of M. phaseolina, in vitro. On the other hand the rest of the tested aqueous extracts had no effect. Under greenhouse conditions in 2005 and 2006 seasons, soaking seeds of sesame before sowing in aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus, Nerium, Ocimum and Roesmary plants decreased the disease incidence. Aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus and Ocimum were the most effective treatment. Dipping sesame seeds in hot water at $60^{\circ}C$ for 5 minutes increased seed germination of Giza 32 and Shandawel-3 cvs. followed by $55^{\circ}C$, $50^{\circ}C$ and $45^{\circ}C$, while $40^{\circ}C$ treatment resulted the lowest seed germination rate. Dipping sesame seeds in hot water at different temperature before planting decreased seed, seedling and charcoal rots. Soaking seeds in hot water at $60^{\circ}C$ increased greatly plant height and decreased seed, seedling rot and charcoal rot followed by $55^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$, under greenhouse condition.

Partial Confinement Utilization for Rectangular Concrete Columns Subjected to Biaxial Bending and Axial Compression

Ahmed M. Abd El-Fattah,Hayder A. Rasheed,Ahmed H. Al-Rahmani 한국콘크리트학회 2017 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.11 No.1

The prediction of the actual ultimate capacity of confined concrete columns requires partial confinement utilization under eccentric loading. This is attributed to the reduction in compression zone compared to columns under pure axial compression. Modern codes and standards are introducing the need to perform extreme event analysis under static loads. There has been a number of studies that focused on the analysis and testing of concentric columns. On the other hand, the augmentation of compressive strength due to partial confinement has not been treated before. The higher eccentricity causes smaller confined concrete region in compression yielding smaller increase in strength of concrete. Accordingly, the ultimate eccentric confined strength is gradually reduced from the fully confined value fcc (at zero eccentricity) to the unconfined value f 0 c (at infinite eccentricity) as a function of the ratio of compression area to total area of each eccentricity. This approach is used to implement an adaptive Mander model for analyzing eccentrically loaded columns. Generalization of the 3D moment of area approach is implemented based on proportional loading, fiber model and the secant stiffness approach, in an incremental-iterative numerical procedure to achieve the equilibrium path of P–e and M–u response up to failure. This numerical analysis is adapted to assess the confining effect in rectangular columns confined with conventional lateral steel. This analysis is validated against experimental data found in the literature showing good correlation to the partial confinement model while rendering the full confinement treatment unsafe.

Numerical Study of Fan Coil Heat Exchanger with Copper-Foam

Ahmed M. Hassan,Adil Abbas Alwan,Hameed K. Hamzah 한국유체기계학회 2023 International journal of fluid machinery and syste Vol.16 No.1

Due to its high porosity as well as a high specific surface area, the use of open cell metallic foam in heat transfer applications has received increasing interest. In present study, the dynamic and thermal performance of heat exchanger composed of copper foam incorporated in a fan coil was numerically analyzed. Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model was used to represent the momentum equation inside the metallic foam (a porous medium). A local thermal equilibrium was used to solve the energy equation through the porous medium. Different porosity values were taken during the study, ranging from 0.88 to 0.98, while the velocity of inlet air of the heat exchanger ranged from 1 m/s to 10 m/s. The objective of current study is to compare the thermal and dynamic performance of the heat exchanger affected by several variables such as heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, pressure drop, Colburn factor, and area goodness factor. The results showed that increasing the air inlet velocity will increase the heat transfer coefficient, but on the other hand, increasing the velocity ten times will rise pressure drop from 19.032 Pa to 335.76 Pa. Also, the area goodness factor value will decrease with increasing inlet velocity. Finally, we found that increasing in medium porosity will reduce heat transfer coefficient but increase pressure drop

Insecticidal, biochemical and histological effects of monoterpenes against Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Gharib Ahmed M.,El-Shewy Amira M.,Hamouda Sameh S.A.,Gad Hassan A.,Abdelgaleil Samir A.M. 한국응용곤충학회 2024 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.27 No.2

The insecticidal activity of ten monoterpenes against larvae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) was eval uated. Monoterpenes were mixed with food-media at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0 and 100.0 mg/kg. Three monoterpenes, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole and cuminaldehyde displayed a durable larvicidal activity with LC 50 values of 0.14, 1.59 and 1.90 mg/kg 3 days post treatment. The three monoterpenes were more toxic than deltamethrin (LC 50 = 3.36 mg/kg). Likewise, monoterpenes induced a significant reduction in pupation and adult emergence. Cuminaldehyde at 25.0 mg/kg, and p-cymene, 1,8-cineole and citronellal at 50.0 mg/kg caused a complete inhibition of pupation and adult emergence. Also, p-cymene at 25.0 mg/kg reduced the activity of larval amylase and lipase, while 1,8-cineole and cuminaldehyde increased their activity. Cuminaldehyde and α-terpinene inhibited the activity of proteases whereas p-cymene enhanced their activity. In the case of acetylcholinesterase, general-esterase and adenosinetriphosphatase, p-cymene and 1,8-cineole induced enzyme inhibition and citronellal increased enzyme activities. Finally, the tested monoterpenes caused histological changes on treated larvae, such as the basement membrane appeared and the epithelium cells deformed in some points and seen filled with scattered vacuoles. These findings indicate that the tested monoterpenes have a potential to be applied in IPM programs of M. domestica.

Clinical Impact of Overexpression of FOXP3 and WT1 on Disease Outcome in Egyptian Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Assem, Magda M,Osman, Ahmed,Kandeel, Eman Z,Elshimy, Reham AA,Nassar, Hanan R,Ali, Radwa E Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.10

Background: In the last decade, it has become clear that change of gene expression may alter the hematopoietic cell quiescent state and consequently play a major role in leukemogenesis. WT1 is known to be a player in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and FOXP3 has a crucial role in regulating the immune response. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of overexpression of WT1and FOXP3 genes on clinical course in adult and pediatric AML patients in Egypt. Patients and methods: Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 97 de novo non M3 AML patients (63 adult and 34 pediatric). Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect overexpression WT1 and FOXP3 genes. Patient follow up ranged from 0.2 to 39.0 months with a median of 5 months. Results: In the pediatric group; WT1 was significantly expressed with a high total leukocyte count median 50X109/L (p=0.018). In the adult group, WT1 had an adverse impact on complete remission induction, disease-free survival and overall survival (p=0.02, p=0.035, p=0.019 respectively). FOXP3 overexpression was associated with FAB subtypes AML M0 +M1 vs. M2, M4+M5 (p =0.039) and the presence of hepatomegaly (p=0.005). Conclusions: WT1 and FOXP3 overexpression has an adverse impact on clinical presentation, treatment response and survival of pediatric and adult Egyptian AML patients.