bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future scenarios for management education
Authors: Thomas Howard , Lee Michelle , Wilson Alexander
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Business schools are facing unprecedented challenges, ranging from financial sustainability in some quarters to waning demand for the MBA to the potentially disruptive impact of massive open online courses. Given these challenges, how might the future of management education unfold? The purpose of this paper is to better understand how leaders in management education perceive these challenges and their likely impact on the evolution of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 39 experts, the majority of who were in leadership positions at business schools. Each of these in-depth interviews was tape-recorded, transcribed and then content-analysed.

Findings

– The authors asked the panel of experts for their insights on what they perceive to be the most likely, best-case, and worst-case scenarios in the next ten years. The modal response for the most likely scenario was one where intense competition pushes schools to specialise and better differentiate their offerings, as they attempt to strengthen their position in the market. The best-case scenario was one where schools move closer to the practice, in an attempt to regain relevance and legitimacy. Finally, the experts described the worst-case scenario as a situation where management education as a whole fails to respond to the criticisms and challenges, leading the field down the path of greater and greater irrelevance.

Originality/value

– The insights gained from this research can be of strategic value to administrators and those in leadership positions in business schools who wish to anticipate shifts in the management education landscape and strategic responses of peer schools.
The business school model: a flawed organizational design?
Authors: Spender J.C.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– There has been considerable discussion recently about business schools’ shortcomings and how their curriculum should be changed. Many presume discipline-wide agreement that managing is a rational and model-able decision-making practice. But practitioners are not convinced and often suggest rationality-dominated business schools are teaching impractical ideas. The purpose of this paper is to look at this discussion's micro foundations and offers a novel approach that presumes managerial judgment is crucial to firms’ processes and, indeed, is the reason firms exist.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines discussion of the conceptual nature of firms and managing them with data about business schools’ growth and curriculum evolution.

Findings

– If we presume firms are rational apparatus for achieving known goals, managing is little more than computing; and if Knightian uncertainty is taken seriously, managerial judgment becomes the core of the analysis. But schools that attempt to train students’ judgment are extraordinarily difficult to manage, especially in the current academic environment.

Originality/value

– While many are aware of Knight's influential thinking, it has not yet been brought into a theory of the firm or of managing. The paper works toward a novel theory of the managed firm (TMF) in which management's uncertainty-resolving judgments are key.
Low carbon non-domestic building design process. An ethnographic comparison of design in Wales and England
Authors: Zapata-Lancaster Gabriela
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The UK aims to reduce the carbon emissions in the building sector so as to achieve nearly zero-carbon new buildings by 2020. In 2010, a 25 per cent reduction of carbon emissions was mandated in England and Wales. The aim of this paper is to reveal how the design teams were coping with the energy regulation changes in 2010 in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

– An ethnographic methodology was selected to investigate in-depth the real-time design process in four architecture practices. The study was analysed in detail and compared the design process of six non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The data collection methods included interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis and were conducted for a period of 12-21 months per case study.

Findings

– The field findings suggest the disconnections between the project driver and the policy agenda and reveal what the design teams do to embed energy performance in routine project design.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the in-depth nature of the data, no claims for generalisation or representativeness are made. However, the detailed analysis of the real-time design process reveals the designers’ enactment of the policy agenda, which is in essence a timeless phenomenon about policy intervention and performance-based regulations.

Originality/value

– The designers’ enactment of and responses to the policy changes become an analytical tool to infer lessons that can be learned from the process and lead to the achievement of expected carbon reductions and the success of the policy intentions.
The Nordic Five to Fifteen questionnaire could provide the basis for a common neurological disability variable
Authors: Illum Niels Ove , Gradel Kim Oren
Published: May 2014

Aims

Assessing disabilities in children is essential and Danish parents provide increasingly important feedback on how their child's disability affects daily living. The Nordic Five to Fifteen (FTF) parent questionnaire is widely used in Nordic countries to detect atypical or delayed development in children. Our study evaluated its internal validity and whether it could be used to generate a common disability variable across childhood neurological disorders and severities.

Methods

The 28‐statement FTF questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with spina bifida, muscular disorders, spinal atrophy, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, mental retardation and disability, who received treatment for brain tumours. Psychometric analysis and Rasch analysis of the five FTF code qualifier level data were carried out.

Results

A total of 227 of 332 (68.4%) parents participated. The mean qualifier score was 3.06 (standard deviation 0.89, range 2.31–4.26), and the variances mean was 1.57 (range 0.87–2.38). The corrected code‐total correlation was 0.65, and reliability was 0.96. The Rasch analysis demonstrated good fit alignment of codes.

Conclusion

The FTF questionnaire can be used with children with neurological disabilities, and the Rasch scale analysis results indicate that it could form the analytical basis for developing a common disability variable.
Synthesis, In Vitro Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibition, and Herbicidal Activity of N‐(Benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3‐diones and N‐(Benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones
Authors: Wu Qiong‐You , Jiang Li‐Li , Zuo Yang , Wang Zhi‐Fang , Xi Zhen , Yang Guang‐Fu
Published: May 2014

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (EC 1.3.3.4) is one of the most significant targets for a large family of herbicides. As part of our continuous efforts to search for novel protoporphyrinogen oxidase‐inhibiting herbicides, N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)tetrahydroisoindole‐1,3‐dione was selected as a lead compound for structural optimization, leading to the syntheses of a series of novel N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3‐diones (1a–o) and N‐(benzothiazol‐5‐yl)hexahydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones (2a–i). These newly prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, 1H NMR, and ESI‐MS, and the structures of 1h and 2h were further confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The bioassays indicated that some compounds displayed comparable or higher protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibition activities in comparison with the commercial control. Very promising, compound 2a, ethyl 2‐((6‐fluoro‐5‐(4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1‐oxo‐1H‐isoindol‐2(3H)‐yl)benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐sulfanyl)acetate, was recognized as the most potent candidate with Ki value of 0.0091 μm. Further greenhouse screening results demonstrated that some compounds exhibited good herbicidal activity against Chenopodium album at the dosage of 150 g/ha.
Prevalence and risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among children under three years old in mid‐western rural areas of China
Authors: Jiang Y. , Su X. , Wang C. , Zhang L. , Zhang X. , Wang L. , Cui Y.
Published: May 2014

Background

Adequate nutrition is needed to ensure optimum growth and development of infants and young children. Although the national economy has developed rapidly during recent decades in China, malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem. The aim of the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with stunting and severe stunting under 3 years old in mid‐western rural areas in China.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional survey was carried out in 84 villages in mid‐western provinces of China in 2010. A total of 1260 children were selected for nutritional assessment in terms of stunting and severe stunting using the new World Health Organization growth standards. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors for adverse nutritional status.

Results

The prevalence of stunting and severe stunting was 27.0% and 13.2% respectively. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for stunted children were province of residence, caregiver's education, child's gender, low birthweight and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (<6 months). The risk factors for severe stunting in children aged 0–36 months were province of residence, caregiver's education and child's gender.

Conclusions

These results indicate that malnutrition is still a major public health problem among children under 3 years old. The government should implement appropriate nutritional intervention strategies to help reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in children.
Spontaneous abortion is associated with elevated systemic C5a and reduced mRNA of complement inhibitory proteins in placenta
Authors: Banadakoppa M , Chauhan M S , Havemann D , Balakrishnan M , Dominic J S , Yallampalli C
Published: May 2014

Spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy due to unknown reasons is a common problem. The excess complement activation and consequent placental inflammation and anti-angiogenic milieu is emerging as an important associated factor in many pregnancy-related complications. In the present study we sought to examine the expression of complement inhibitory proteins at the feto–maternal interface and levels of complement split products in the circulation to understand their role in spontaneous abortion. Consenting pregnant women who either underwent elective abortion due to non-clinical reasons (n = 13) or suffered miscarriage (n = 14) were recruited for the study. Systemic levels of complement factors C3a and C5a were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma C5 and C3 protein levels were examined by Western blot. Expressions of complement regulatory proteins such as CD46 and CD55 in the decidua were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The median of plasma C3a level was 82·83 ng/ml and 66·17 ng/ml in elective and spontaneous abortion patients, respectively. Medians of plasma C5a levels in elective and spontaneous abortion patients were 0·96 ng/ml and 1·14 ng/ml, respectively. Only plasma C5a levels but not C3a levels showed significant elevation in spontaneous abortion patients compared to elective abortion patients. Further, there was a threefold decrease in the mRNA expressions of complement inhibitory proteins CD46 and CD55 in the decidua obtained from spontaneous abortion patients compared to that of elective abortion patients. These data suggested that dysregulated complement cascade may be associated with spontaneous abortion.
Impaired health‐related quality of life in Addison's disease – impact of replacement therapy, comorbidities and socio‐economic factors
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Matikainen Niina , Sintonen Harri , Ranki Annamari , Roine Risto P. , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla
Published: May 2014

Objective

Patients with Addison's disease (AD) on conventional replacement therapy have impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). It is possible that lower hydrocortisone (HC) doses recommended by current guidelines could restore HRQoL. We compared HRQoL in AD patients treated according to current HC recommendations to that of the age‐ and gender‐standardized general population.

Subjects, design and measurement

We assessed HRQoL in a cross‐sectional setting with the 15D instrument in a Finnish AD cohort (n = 107) and compared the results with those of a large sample of general population (n = 5671). We examined possible predictors of HRQoL in AD. Within the patient group, HRQoL was also assessed by SF‐36.

Results

Mean HC dose was 22 mg/d, corresponding to 12 ± 4 mg/m2. HRQoL was impaired in AD compared with the general population (15D score; 0·853 vs 0·918, P < 0·001). Within single 15D dimensions, discomfort and symptoms, vitality and sexual activity were most affected. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that Patient's Association membership (P = 0·02), female gender (P < 0·01), presence of other autoimmune or inflammatory comorbidity (P < 0·02), lower education (P < 0·02) and longer disease duration (P < 0·05) independently predicted impaired HRQoL, whereas replacement regimens, autoimmune‐related comorbidities, total number of comorbidities or level of healthcare follow‐up did not. In AD, HRQoL was impaired also as assessed by SF‐36.

Conclusions

HRQoL is significantly impaired in AD compared with the general population despite use of recommended HC doses. Patient's Association membership was the most significant predictor of impaired HRQoL. This finding should be explored in more detail in the future.
Continuous Levels‐of‐Detail and Visual Abstraction for Seamless Molecular Visualization
Authors: Parulek Julius , Jönsson Daniel , Ropinski Timo , Bruckner Stefan , Ynnerman Anders , Viola Ivan
Published: May 2014

Molecular visualization is often challenged with rendering of large molecular structures in real time. We introduce a novel approach that enables us to show even large protein complexes. Our method is based on the level‐of‐detail concept, where we exploit three different abstractions combined in one visualization. Firstly, molecular surface abstraction exploits three different surfaces, solvent‐excluded surface (SES), Gaussian kernels and van der Waals spheres, combined as one surface by linear interpolation. Secondly, we introduce three shading abstraction levels and a method for creating seamless transitions between these representations. The SES representation with full shading and added contours stands in focus while on the other side a sphere representation of a cluster of atoms with constant shading and without contours provide the context. Thirdly, we propose a hierarchical abstraction based on a set of clusters formed on molecular atoms. All three abstraction models are driven by one importance function classifying the scene into the near‐, mid‐ and far‐field. Moreover, we introduce a methodology to render the entire molecule directly using the A‐buffer technique, which further improves the performance. The rendering performance is evaluated on series of molecules of varying atom counts.
Does direct observation of procedural skills reflect trainee's progress in otolaryngology?
Authors: Awad Z. , Hayden L. , Muthuswamy K. , Ziprin P. , Darzi A. , Tolley N.S.
Published: May 2014

Background

UK surgical trainees are required to undertake work‐based assessments each year in order to progress in their training. Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is one of these assessments. We aim to investigate the validity of DOPS in assessing otolaryngology trainees at all levels.

Methods

A retrospective search of the portfolios of all otolaryngology trainees in North Thames was carried out to identify otolaryngology‐specific DOPS. A score (Cs) was calculated for each DOPS based on the percentage of satisfactorily‐rated items. The overall performance rating (Ps) was analysed as a separate variable and compared with Cs. The Ps and Cs results were then compared across trainee grades and levels within each grade: Core trainees (CT1‐CT2) and specialty trainees (ST3‐ST8).

Results

Seven hundred and sixty‐seven otolaryngology DOPS were completed between August 2008 and September 2013. The tool was found to be reliable and internally consistent. Trainees in ST grade had higher Cs and Ps scores than CT grade (P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that both Cs and Ps increased from CT1 to ST3 (P = 0.005) but not from ST4 onwards (P = 0.198).

Conclusions

Otolaryngology DOPS is a useful tool in assessing otolaryngology trainees especially from CT1‐ST3 level. DOPS can also differentiate between junior and senior trainees. However, it was not able to demonstrate progress at levels above ST3, most likely due to the simplicity of the procedures which trainees tend to master in the first few years of training.
Pharmacotherapeutic targeting of cation‐chloride cotransporters in neonatal seizures
Authors: Puskarjov Martin , Kahle Kristopher T. , Ruusuvuori Eva , Kaila Kai
Published: May 2014

Seizures are a common manifestation of acute neurologic insults in neonates and are often resistant to the standard antiepileptic drugs that are efficacious in children and adults. The paucity of evidence‐based treatment guidelines, coupled with a rudimentary understanding of disease pathogenesis, has made the current treatment of neonatal seizures empiric and often ineffective, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Key developmental differences in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission between the immature and mature brain, and trauma‐induced alterations in the function of the cation‐chloride cotransporters (CCCs) NKCC1 and KCC2, probably contribute to the poor efficacy of standard antiepileptic drugs used in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Although CCCs are attractive drug targets, bumetanide and other existing CCC inhibitors are suboptimal because of pharmacokinetic constraints and lack of target specificity. Newer approaches including isoform‐specific NKCC1 inhibitors with increased central nervous system penetration, and direct and indirect strategies to enhance KCC2‐mediated neuronal chloride extrusion, might allow therapeutic modulation of the GABAergic system for neonatal seizure treatment.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Multiscale fatigue crack growth modelling for welded stiffened panels
Authors: Božić Ž. , Schmauder S. , Mlikota M. , Hummel M.
Published: May 2014

The influence of welding residual stresses in stiffened panels on effective stress intensity factor (SIF) values and fatigue crack growth rate is studied in this paper. Interpretation of relevant effects on different length scales such as dislocation appearance and microstructural crack nucleation and propagation is taken into account using molecular dynamics simulations as well as a Tanaka–Mura approach for the analysis of the problem. Mode I SIFs, KI, were calculated by the finite element method using shell elements and the crack tip displacement extrapolation technique. The total SIF value, Ktot, is derived by a part due to the applied load, Kappl, and by a part due to welding residual stresses, Kres. Fatigue crack propagation simulations based on power law models showed that high tensile residual stresses in the vicinity of a stiffener significantly increase the crack growth rate, which is in good agreement with experimental results.
Fatigue design of railway wheels: a probabilistic approach
Authors: Roux C. , Lorang X. , Maitournam H. , Nguyen‐Tajan M. L.
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with a method to evaluate and optimize the design of railway wheels subjected to multiparameter variable fatigue loading. The fatigue loads are statistically evaluated from in‐service measurements. Representative realistic loading paths are built from the knowledge of the influence of various factors (such as train speed and track curvature). Using these paths, the method combines finite element computations and the fatigue equivalence method for damage evaluation in the structure. An extension of the Dang Van fatigue criterion in the high‐cycle fatigue finite life domain associated with a damage accumulation law is adopted. The probability of failure of the structure is directly obtained from the interference between a local fatigue equivalent stress and fatigue strength distributions (based on the stress–strength interference approach). The result is useful for the optimization during the design stage or the validation of the fatigue strength of structures.
Reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia in denture wearers: a rare trauma‐related lesion
Authors: Chrysomali Evanthia , Katsoulas Nikolaos , Houpis Constantinos
Published: May 2014

Objective

To present a case of reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia (ROCM) in the anterior edentulous mandibular ridge.

Background

The ROCM secondary to chronic mechanical denture trauma is rare and appears as a focal sometimes painful mass on or near the crest of the edentulous alveolar ridge in long‐term denture wearers. The literature review disclosed 24 cases involving more commonly the posterior portion of the mandible.

Materials and methods

An 80‐year‐old female was referred for the evaluation of a painful, submucosal nodule extending into the vestibular mucosa of the anterior edentulous mandibular region. Microscopically, cartilaginous regions exhibiting sparse hyperchromatic or binucleated chondrocytes transitioned into areas of ossification.

Results

The diagnosis was ROCM. The presence of osteocartilaginous tissue displaying bizarre histopathological features can create a diagnostic dilemma.

Conclusion

Complete conservative surgical excision of this lesion has a very good prognosis. Surgical augmentation of the sharp edentulous mandibular ridges might be needed to avoid continuous irritation and possible recurrence.
Effectiveness of an oral health educational program on community‐dwelling older people with xerostomia
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Yoshida Naomi , Kono Yoko , Hirano Hirohiko , Yoshida Hideyo , Mataki Shiro , Sugimoto Kumiko
Published: May 2014

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in oral health and function through an oral health educational program for the independent older people with xerostomia.

Methods

Community‐dwelling older people with xerostomia aged over 65 years who participated in a preliminary comprehensive health survey in 2011 were recruited for the educational program. A total of 47 participants were randomly assigned into two groups, the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 21). The intervention group attended a 90‐min oral health education program every 2 weeks for 3 months. The program consisted of oral hygiene instruction, facial and tongue muscle exercise, and salivary gland massage. The control group was provided only general information about oral health. The assessments of oral function, such as oral diadochokinesis of articulation, swallowing, taste threshold and salivary flow rate, were carried out before and after 3 months with or without intervention.

Results

A total of 38 participants (21 of intervention group and 17 of control group) completed the study protocol. In the intervention group, resting salivation significantly improved after the program. The second and third cumulated Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test times significantly improved in the intervention group. The threshold for bitterness significantly lowered in the intervention group, whereas the sour threshold significantly heightened in the control group after 3 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the educational program targeting oral function improvement is effective among the independent older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 481–489.
Effectiveness of glycinebetaine foliar application in relieving salt stress symptoms in two turf‐grasses
Authors: Scalia Rosalinda , Oddo Elisabetta , Russo Gianni , Saiano Filippo , Grisafi Francesca
Published: May 2014

Salinity is one of the problems that must be dealt with in turf‐grass management, due both to restrictions in freshwater use for landscape irrigation and exposure to salt stress in coastal areas. This led to select salinity tolerant genotypes and test management practices, such as the application of osmoprotectants, in order to maintain turf quality at acceptable costs. We compared the effects of irrigation with 600 mmol L−1 NaCl and glycinebetaine (GB) application for 8 weeks on pot‐grown weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). We selected two easily assessable parameters, total clippings fresh weight and chlorophyll content, to evaluate the response to different treatments. Leaf sap solute potential was measured to estimate the effect of treatments on osmoregulation. Salinity treatment resulted in a 70% reduction in total clippings fresh weight in weeping alkaligrass, while the reduction was only 20% in tall fescue. GB treatment had no effect on salt‐stressed plants of weeping alkaligrass, while in tall fescue total clippings fresh weight was the same as that of the control. We conclude that in our experimental conditions, weeping alkaligrass was more sensitive to salinity than tall fescue and that foliar application of GB relieved salt stress symptoms in tall fescue, but had no significant effect on weeping alkaligrass.
Polymerization kinetics of resin cements after light activation through fibre posts: an in vitro study
Authors: Khabeer A. , Whitworth J. , Rolland S.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To measure the polymerization of light‐cured (Variolink Veneer, VLV) and dual‐cured (Variolink II, VLII) resin luting cements after light activation through different lengths of fibre post ex vivo.

Methodology

Degree of conversion after prolonged direct light activation (PLA) [12 min after LED light activation for 3 min] was determined using ATR‐FTIR. Models were then produced to allow samples of VLV and VLII (n = 5 each group) to be light‐activated through 3, 6 and 9 mm lengths of fibre post (Fiber Lux). Degree of conversion was assessed by ATR‐FTIR and expressed as a percentage of the degree of conversion achieved after PLA. Data were analysed using anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05).

Results

Mean [SD] degree of conversion for VLV and VLII after PLA was 57.97% [1.51] and 54.71% [3.77], respectively. Light activation of VLV through a 3 mm post produced 81.62% of the PLA value, compared with 71.03% for the 6 mm and 46.04% for the 9 mm post. Conversion after activation through 9 mm posts was significantly less than through 3 mm and 6 mm posts (P < 0.05). For VLII, activation through a 3 mm post produced 66.51% of the PLA value, compared with 54.38% for the 6 mm and 41.56% for the 9 mm post. A significant decrease in degree of conversion was noted for VLII as post length increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The degree of conversion for VLV reduced after light activation through 9 mm posts when compared to 3 mm and 6 mm posts, whilst the degree of conversion for VLII decreased with every increase in post length.
Exploring the critical role of motivation to transfer in the training transfer process
Authors: Grohmann Anna , Beller Johannes , Kauffeld Simone
Published: May 2014

The present study aims at exploring the critical role of motivation to transfer within the training transfer process. In a sample of N = 252 employees of one industrial company, one peer rating and several self‐ratings of transfer were used to investigate the mediating role of motivation to transfer in the relationship between training characteristics and training transfer. We furthermore used an online survey with N = 391 employees from different branches to corroborate the first analysis in a more diverse sample and to explore differential effects of motivation to transfer. The participants' motivation to transfer was successfully identified as a mediational link between training characteristics and transfer. Moreover, quantile regression revealed that the positive effects of motivation to transfer on training transfer differ across quantiles. Understanding the role of motivation to transfer within the transfer process in greater detail helps to identify crucial parameters for successful transfer. Because motivation to transfer was found to be a linking mechanism between training characteristics and transfer, training professionals should enhance it by means of different instructional methods. Quantile regression results point out that motivation to transfer should especially be emphasized and monitored depending on characteristics of the training participants. The present study answers the call for research on the mediating role of motivation to transfer in the transfer process. This is one of the first studies that successfully applied quantile regression to training transfer research, suggesting new directions for future research.
Effects of Workers' Remittances and its Volatility on Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Raza Syed Ali
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the effect of workers' remittances and its volatility on economic growth of five South Asian countries by employing long time series data from 1975 to 2009. Cointegration results confirm a significant positive long run relationship between remittances and economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, but a significant negative relationship in Pakistan. Conversely, the volatility of workers' remittances has a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Pakistan, Indian, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but a negative but insignificant impact in Nepal. All sensitivity analyses confirm that the results are robust. A less volatile inflow of workers' remittances is growth‐enhancing for all countries. It is suggested that policy makers should make policies to reduce the transaction cost to welcome remittances into the region. Furthermore, countries like Pakistan should make the policies to discourage voluntary unemployment.

Policy Implications

This study show the positive effect of remittances on economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri‐Lanka and Nepal. These countries should create friendly policies to reduce the transaction cost to ensure the continuous inflows of workers' remittances.

Results indicate a negative effect of remittances on economic growth in Pakistan. Remittances are considered an uninterrupted source of income, which may increase voluntary unemployment, leading to decreased economic growth. The government should make policies to discourage this voluntary unemployment.

Policymakers should create effective systems to ensure this inflow comes through formal financial channels for better control.
The Battle for Influence: The Politics of Business Lobbying in the European Parliament
Authors: Rasmussen Maja Kluger
Published: May 2014

TheEuropeanParliament (EP) has become an increasingly important lobbying venue for business due to the recent enhancement of its regulatory powers. Existing research, however, disagrees on the extent to which the intensified business lobbying has resulted in increased business influence onEPpolicy outcomes. Some studies find a ‘business bias’ in theEP, while others still perceive it to be a forceful promoter of diffuse interests (such as consumer and environmental groups). This article examines the conditions under which business groups shape policy outcomes in theEP. The article uses a comparative qualitative case study design of four recent legislative dossiers, and draws on process‐tracing ofEUdocuments and lobbying letters, and 145 interviews. It finds that the ability of business to leave its fingerprints onEPreports depends on a number of factors – most notably business unity, low issue salience and dossiers being dealt with by mainstream committees.
The Cratylia mollis Seed Lectin Induces Membrane Permeability Transition in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria and a Cyclosporine A‐Insensitive Permeability Transition in Trypanosoma cruzi Mitochondria
Authors: Fernandes Mariana P. , Leite Ana C. R. , Araújo Flavia F. B. , Saad Sara T. O. , Baratti M. O. , Correia M. T. S. , Coelho Luana C. B. B. , Gadelha Fernanda R. , Vercesi Anibal E.
Published: May 2014

Previous results provided evidence that Cratylia mollis seed lectin (Cramoll 1,4) promotes Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes death by necrosis via a mechanism involving plasma membrane permeabilization to Ca2+ and mitochondrial dysfunction due to matrix Ca2+ overload. In order to investigate the mechanism of Ca2+‐induced mitochondrial impairment, experiments were performed analyzing the effects of this lectin on T. cruzi mitochondrial fraction and in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM), as a control. Confocal microscopy of T. cruzi whole cell revealed that Cramoll 1,4 binding to the plasma membrane glycoconjugates is followed by its internalization and binding to the mitochondrion. Electrical membrane potential (∆Ψm) of T. cruzi mitochondrial fraction suspended in a reaction medium containing 10 μM Ca2+ was significantly decreased by 50 μg/ml Cramoll 1,4 via a mechanism insensitive to cyclosporine A (CsA, membrane permeability transition (MPT) inhibitor), but sensitive to catalase or 125 mM glucose. In RLM suspended in a medium containing 10 μM Ca2+ this lectin, at 50 μg/ml, induced increase in the rate of hydrogen peroxide release, mitochondrial swelling, and ∆Ψm disruption. All these mitochondrial alterations were sensitive to CsA, catalase, and EGTA. These results indicate that Cramoll 1, 4 leads to inner mitochondrial membrane permeabilization through Ca2+ dependent mechanisms in both mitochondria. The sensitivity to CsA in RLM characterizes this lectin as a MPT inducer and the lack of CsA effect identifies a CsA‐insensitive MPT in T. cruzi mitochondria.
Identifying Risk of Readmission in Hospitalized Elderly Adults Through Inpatient Medication Exposure
Authors: Pavon Juliessa M. , Zhao Yanfang , McConnell Eleanor , Hastings S. Nicole
Published: May 2014

Objective

To use electronic health record (EHR) data to examine the association between inpatient medication exposure and risk of hospital readmission.

Design

Retrospective, observational study.

Setting

Tertiary and quaternary care academic health system in Durham, North Carolina.

Participants

All individuals aged 60 and older who were residents of Durham County, North Carolina and were hospitalized and discharged alive from Duke University Hospital between 2007 and 2009 (N = 4,627).

Measurements

Independent variables were inpatient exposure to individual medication classes. Primary outcome was readmission to a Duke Health System hospital within 30 days.

Results

Readmission rate was 21% (n = 955). In adjusted models, exposure to anticonvulsants (odds ratio OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.48), benzodiazepines (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04–1.44), corticosteroids (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07–1.50), and opioids (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06–1.47) was associated with greater likelihood of readmission. Exposure to antidepressants (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.16–2.96) and opioids on the cardiology service (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.01–3.07) and exposure to opioids on the medicine service (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.17–3.22) were associated with greater odds of readmission than for individuals on the surgery service.

Conclusion

Exposure of hospitalized elderly adults to certain medication classes was associated with greater likelihood of readmission. Incorporating medication data from EHRs may improve the performance of hospital readmission prediction models.
Rice CYP703A3, a cytochrome P450 hydroxylase, is essential for development of anther cuticle and pollen exine
Authors: Yang Xijia , Wu Di , Shi Jianxin , He Yi , Pinot Franck , Grausem Bernard , Yin Changsong , Zhu Lu , Chen Mingjiao , Luo Zhijing , Liang Wanqi , Zhang Dabing
Published: May 2014

Anther cuticle and pollen exine act as protective envelopes for the male gametophyte or pollen grain, but the mechanism underlying the synthesis of these lipidic polymers remains unclear. Previously, a tapetum‐expressed CYP703A3, a putative cytochrome P450 fatty acid hydroxylase, was shown to be essential for male fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, the biochemical and biological roles of CYP703A3 has not been characterized. Here, we observed that cyp703a3‐2 caused by one base insertion in CYP703A3 displays defective pollen exine and anther epicuticular layer, which differs from Arabidopsis cyp703a2 in which only defective pollen exine occurs. Consistently, chemical composition assay showed that levels of cutin monomers and wax components were dramatically reduced in cyp703a3‐2 anthers. Unlike the wide range of substrates of Arabidopsis CYP703A2, CYP703A3 functions as an in‐chain hydroxylase only for a specific substrate, lauric acid, preferably generating 7‐hydroxylated lauric acid. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation and expression analyses revealed that the expression of CYP703A3 is directly regulated by Tapetum Degeneration Retardation, a known regulator of tapetum PCD and pollen exine formation. Collectively, our results suggest that CYP703A3 represents a conserved and diversified biochemical pathway for in‐chain hydroxylation of lauric acid required for the development of male organ in higher plants.
The Role of Maternity Care Providers in Promoting Shared Decision Making Regarding Birthing Positions During the Second Stage of Labor
Authors: Nieuwenhuijze Marianne J. , Low Lisa Kane , Korstjens Irene , Lagro‐Janssen Toine
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Through the use of a variety of birthing positions during the second stage of labor, a woman can increase progress, improve outcomes, and have a positive birth experience. The role that a maternity care provider has in determining which position a woman uses during the second stage of labor has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to explore how maternity care providers communicate with women during the second stage of labor regarding birthing position.

Methods

A literature‐informed framework was developed to conduct a process of deductive content analysis of communication patterns between nulliparous women and their maternity care providers during the second stage of labor. Literature discussing shared decision making, control, and predictors of positive birth experiences were reviewed to develop a coding framework. The framework included the following categories: listening to women, encouragement, information, offering choices, and style of support. Forty‐one audiotapes of women and their maternity care providers during the second stage of labor were transcribed verbatim and analyzed.

Results

Themes identified in the transcripts included all those in the analytic framework, plus 2 added categories of communication: empathy and interaction. Maternity care providers in this study enabled women to select various birthing positions using a dynamic process that moved between open, informative approaches and more closed, directive approaches, depending on the woman's needs and clinical condition. As clinical conditions unfolded, women became more actively involved in shared decision making regarding birthing positions, and maternity care providers found the right balance between being responsive to the woman's questions or directives.

Discussion

Enabling shared decision making during birth is not a linear process using a single approach; it is dynamic process that requires a variety of approaches. Maternity care providers can support a woman to use different birthing positions during the second stage of labor by employing a flexible style that incorporates clinical assessment and the woman's responses.
Personality Predicts Obedience in a Milgram Paradigm
Authors: Bègue Laurent , Beauvois Jean‐Léon , Courbet Didier , Oberlé Dominique , Lepage Johan , Duke Aaron A.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates how obedience in a Milgram‐like experiment is predicted by interindividual differences. Participants were 35 males and 31 females aged 26–54 from the general population who were contacted by phone 8 months after their participation in a study transposing Milgram's obedience paradigm to the context of a fake television game show. Interviews were presented as opinion polls with no stated ties to the earlier experiment. Personality was assessed by the Big Five Mini‐Markers questionnaire (Saucier, 1994). Political orientation and social activism were also measured. Results confirmed hypotheses that Conscientiousness and Agreeableness would be associated with willingness to administer higher‐intensity electric shocks to a victim. Political orientation and social activism were also related to obedience. Our results provide empirical evidence suggesting that individual differences in personality and political variables matter in the explanation of obedience to authority.
METelemedicine: A Pilot Study With Rural Alcohol Users on Community Supervision
Authors: Staton‐Tindall Michele , Havens Jennifer R. , Webster J. Matthew , Leukefeld Carl
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This pilot study examined a telemedicine‐based intervention using motivational enhancement therapy (METelemedicine) to reduce alcohol use among a sample of at‐risk, rural alcohol users.

Methods

A total of 127 rural alcohol users were recruited from community supervision offices and engaged in brief intervention sessions using telemedicine. Analysis examined alcohol outcomes at 3 months postbaseline.

Findings

Findings indicated that although there were no overall differences between comparison groups on alcohol outcomes, 3+ sessions of METelemedicine significantly reduced the likelihood of any alcohol use by 72% (P < .05). In addition, 3+ sessions of the intervention predicted fewer days of drinking in the follow‐up period, fewer drinks per week, and fewer days experiencing alcohol problems.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that telemedicine may be a promising approach to deliver interventions with alcohol users who may not utilize formal treatment services. This method has potential to decrease some of the barriers to access and use of evidence‐based treatment for populations in need of services.
Income Distribution, Consumer Debt and Keeping up with the Joneses
Authors: Ryoo Soon , Kim Yun K.
Published: May 2014

We extend Kaldor's theory of income distribution to include workers' debt accumulation and their motive to emulate rentiers' consumption. Our results show that (i) the interaction between income distribution and emulation can produce instability; (ii) instability is more likely when the workers' emulation motive is strong and bankers' lending decisions are highly accommodating; and (iii) a plausible assumption on the non‐linearity of emulation behavior can generate a limit cycle. Our analysis provides an alternative perspective on the increase in household indebtedness for the decades before the recent crisis and the subsequent deleveraging process.
Computing and Analyzing Mixed Equilibrium Network Flows with Gasoline and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Jiang Nan , Xie Chi
Published: May 2014

This article addresses a new network equilibrium problem with mode and route choices for the emerging need of modeling regional transportation networks that accommodate both gasoline and electric vehicles. The two transportation modes (or vehicle types) distinguish from each other in terms of driving distance limit and travel cost composition. In view of the advantages (e.g., low fuel expenses and vehicle emissions) and disadvantages (e.g., limited driving range and long charging time) pertaining to driving electric vehicles, it is anticipated that a large number of households/motorists may prefer to own both gasoline and electric vehicles (although, of course, many households/motorists still only own gasoline vehicles (GVs) and some households may choose to own electric vehicles only) in the transition period from the petroleum era to the electricity era. The purpose of this article is to offer a traffic equilibrium modeling tool for networks that serve households/motorists who can choose between gasoline and electric vehicles. Specifically, we present a convex optimization model for characterizing such mixed equilibrium traffic networks with both gasoline and electric vehicles, which are expected to exist for a long period in the future. Two competing solution algorithms, a linear approximation algorithm of the Jacobi type and a quadratic approximation algorithm taking the form of the Gauss–Seidel decomposition, are implemented and evaluated. Experimental results clearly show that, from the model behavior perspective, the produced network flow patterns replicate the anticipated combined mode–route choice results, that is, the higher the distance limit or the gasoline price is, the more travelers choose battery electric vehicles (BEVs) when both BEVs and GVs are available to them; and, from the solution efficiency perspective, the quadratic approximation algorithm exhibits linear convergence and can reach higher solution precision in shorter time.
Wolbachia infection does not alter attraction of the mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti to human odours
Authors: TURLEY A. P. , SMALLEGANGE R. C. , TAKKEN W. , ZALUCKI M. P. , O'NEILL S. L. , MCGRAW E. A.
Published: May 2014

The insect endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) is undergoing field trials around the world to determine if it can reduce transmission of dengue virus from the mosquito Stegomyia aegypti to humans. Two different Wolbachia strains have been released to date. The primary effect of the wMel strain is pathogen protection whereby infection with the symbiont limits replication of dengue virus inside the mosquito. A second strain, wMelPop, induces pathogen protection, reduces the adult mosquito lifespan and decreases blood feeding success in mosquitoes after 15 days of age. Here we test whether Wolbachia infection affects mosquito attraction to host odours in adults aged 5 and 15 days. We found no evidence of reduced odour attraction of mosquitoes, even for those infected with the more virulent wMelPop. This bodes well for fitness and competitiveness in the field given that the mosquitoes must find hosts to reproduce for the biocontrol method to succeed.