bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic caffeine intake increases androgenic stimuli, epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia in rat ventral prostate
Authors: Sarobo Carolina , Lacorte Lívia M. , Martins Marcela , Rinaldi Jaqueline C. , Moroz Andrei , Scarano Wellerson R. , Delella Flavia K. , Felisbino Sérgio L.
Published: October 2015

Coffee intake has been associated with a low risk of developing cancer, including prostate cancer, which is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. However, few studies have evaluated the chronic effects of caffeine, which is the most abundant methylxanthine in coffee, on prostate morphology and physiology. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic, low‐dose caffeine intake on rat prostate morphology from puberty to adulthood. Five‐week‐old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups: caffeine‐treated (20 ppm in drinking water, n = 12) and control (n = 12). The ventral and dorsolateral prostates were dissected, weighted and submitted to morphological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis of cellular proliferation, apoptosis and androgen receptor (AR) tissue expression. The testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were measured in the plasma. Our results show that caffeine intake increased the concentrations of T and DHT, organ weight, epithelial cell proliferation and AR tissue expression in the ventral prostatic lobe. All the ventral prostates from the caffeine‐treated animals presented various degrees of epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. Our results suggest that chronic caffeine intake from puberty increases androgenic signalling and cell proliferation in the rat prostate gland and can be related to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Wine industry residue as antioxidant in cooked chicken meat
Authors: Shirahigue Ligianne Din , Plata‐Oviedo Manuel , De Alencar Severino Matias , D’Arce Marisa Aparecida Bismara Regitano , De Souza Vieira Thais Maria Ferreira , Oldoni Tatiana Luiza Cadorin , Contreras‐Castillo Carmen J.
Published: October 2015

The effectiveness of grape extracts as food ingredient has been tested in various systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of four concentrations of residues of the wine industry in delaying lipid oxidation in processed chicken meat stored under refrigeration. The development of oxidation during the 14‐day storage was evaluated through the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method (TBAS). The analyses of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were performed in grape residue extracts through DPPH (1,1‐difenil‐2‐picrilidrazil) method, lipid peroxidation inhibition and Rancimat. The profile of polyphenols was determined using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Isabel grape extract (IGE) and Niagara grape extract (NGE) showed significant content of phenolic compounds. NGE and IGE had high antioxidant activity. The addition of grape extracts significantly increased the oxidative stability of processed and cooked chicken meat during the storage time. The extracts from both grape varieties when applied in concentrations of 40 and 60 mg of GAE, presented results similar to that of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT).
Investigations on winter season Sudanese sorghum cultivars: effect of sprouting on the nutritional value
Authors: Mohamed Nour Azharri A. , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Babiker Elfadil E. , Yagoub Abu ElGasim A.
Published: October 2015

Physicochemical attributes of sorghum grains of Wad Ahmed (summer season cultivar), Abu Ragaba and Abu Kunjara (winter season cultivars) were compared. Floury endosperms characterise grains of all cultivars. Grains of Abu Ragaba and Wad Ahmed are white and Abu Kunjara are coloured. Grains were sprouted for 24, 48 and 72 h and changes in nutrients, tannin, phytic acid, protein digestibility and total and extractable minerals were studied. The nutrients and antinutients contents significantly (P ≤ 0.05) varied between cultivars. High tannin characterises Abu Ragaba and Wad Ahmed. In vitro protein digestibility of the cultivars is comparable. Contents and HCl‐extractability of Ca, P and Fe are varied. Abu Ragaba had the higher HCl‐extractability of the minerals. Sprouting changed contents of the nutrients, reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) tannins and phytic acid and increased digestible protein in all cultivars. Reduction of tannins was the highest in Abu Ragaba. The magnitude of reduction increased as sprouting prolonged.
Assessment of protein changes in farmed giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) muscles during refrigerated storage
Authors: Rawdkuen Saroat , Jongjareonrak Akkasit , Phatcharat Suttirug , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: October 2015

Farmed giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) muscles (dorsal and ventral sites) were stored in a refrigerator (at 4 °C) for 14 days to determine the effect of refrigerated storage on biochemical and physical changes. The analyses were carried out at 0, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days of storage. At day 14, Ca2+ ‐ATPase activity markedly decreased when compared to its value at day 1 (>90%), while a small decrease was observed for surface hydrophobicity and reactive sulfhydryls content. Total volatile basic nitrogen and trichloroacetic‐soluble peptide content gradually increased when the storage period was extended. The myosin heavy chain decreased slightly on SDS‐PAGE for both meat cuts with increased storage time. Expressible drip and cooking loss were highest during the first day of storage and slightly decreased with storage time. Instrumental hardness was significantly higher in the ventral compared to the dorsal muscle, while the toughness was the highest at the second day of storage. The muscle bundles with scanning electron microscopy were less attached, resulting in the observed big gaps over increasing storage time. Results indicated that changes of proteins have detrimental effects on the quality attributes of farmed giant catfish muscles during refrigerated storage, particularly physical and biochemical properties.
Preparation and in vitro antioxidant activity of enzymatic hydrolysates from oyster (Crassostrea talienwhannensis) meat
Authors: Dong Xiu‐Ping , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Zhao Hong‐Xia , Zhou Da‐Yong , Wu Hai‐Tao , Yang Jing‐Feng , Li Dong‐Mei , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2015

Oyster is an abundant resource from ocean, which contains high content of protein. In the present study, oyster (Crassostrea talienwhannensis) meat was digested with three proteases including papain, neutrase and alcalase respectively and the derived hydrolysates were fractionated using a series of ultrafiltration membranes (molecular weight cut‐offs of 10, 5, 3 and 1 kDa). The resultant peptide fractions were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power assay. Results indicated that oyster meat hydrolysates (OMHs) possessed DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power in a dose‐dependent manner. The fractions below 1 kDa showed the strongest overall antioxidant activity. The present study demonstrated that the antioxidant potent of OMHs was strongly related to their concentration, size and amino acid composition.
Evaluation of plant oils for suppression of crown rot disease and improvement of shelf life of banana (Musa spp. AAA subgroup, cv. Robusta)
Authors: Sangeetha Ganesan , Thangavelu Raman , Usha Rani Swaminathan
Published: October 2015

Fourteen plant oils were evaluated to control the crown rot disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Colletotrichum musae. Five of these, viz. Ocimum sanctum, Cymbopogan citratus, C. martinii, C. nardus and Pelargonium graveolens oils completely arrested the mycelial growth of both test pathogens at their lowest concentration compared to other oils. Besides, these plant oils have also inhibited the activity of cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes produced by these pathogens effectively under in vitro condition. The treatment of banana fruit var. Robusta (Cavendish‐AAA) with oils of O. sanctum, C. citratus, C. nardus and C. martinii not only reduced the crown rot severity significantly, but also increased the shelf life of banana fruits. However, under low‐temperature storage (14 °C) condition, O. sanctum oil increased the shelf life of banana fruits up to 48 days without affecting their organoleptic properties. Hence, O. sanctum oil could be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides for the management of crown rot disease.
Use of chitosan, honey and pineapple juice as filling liquids for increasing the microbiological shelf life of a fruit‐based salad
Authors: D’Amato Daniela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2015

The activity of some natural compounds for extending the storage life of fresh‐cut fruits was examined. In particular, the effect of chitosan, honey and pineapple juice used as filling solution on the growth of mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, in fruit‐based salads stored at 4 °C, 8 °C and 12 °C was investigated. Honey showed the greatest antibacterial effect on mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, with non significant effects on lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan affected the growth of all microbial groups considered (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeast), particularly, in conditions of refrigerated storage. In contrast, no difference in the growth of monitored microorganisms between samples containing pineapple juice and control was detected.
Physiochemical and antimicrobial properties of edible aloe/gelatin composite films
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Pei , Wang Be‐Jen , Weng Yih‐Ming
Published: October 2015

Edible antimicrobial aloe/gelatin composite films with different ratio of freeze–dried aloe leaf gel powder and gelatin (aloe/gelatin = 5/0, 4/1, 3/2, 2/3, 1/4 and 0/5) were fabricated. The thickness of the resulting films was between 0.055 (aloe/gelatin = 0/5) and 0.157 mm (aloe/gelatin = 4/1). The mechanical properties including maximum elongation, tensile strength, elongation at break and break strength were determined. The mechanical properties were increased with the increasing amount of gelatin used in the composite formulation. The tensile strength for composite films with the ratio of 4/1, 3/2, 2/3, 1/4 and 0/5 was 4.12, 5.29, 6.96, 11.47 and 37.76 MPa, respectively. Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogens, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were used in antimicrobial activity test. The results showed that antimicrobial activities of the composite films increased as the amount of aloe gel powder used in the composite films increased. The average area of inhibitory zones for films with composition of aloe/gelatin = 1/4 and aloe/gelatin = 4/1 was 1.63–2.38 and 3.82–4.80 cm2, respectively.
Effects of season on proximate and fatty acid compositions of two mediterranean fish – the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus)
Authors: Küçükgülmez Aygül , Celik Mehmet , Ersoy Beyza , Yanar Yasemen
Published: October 2015

The aim of this work was to study the seasonal variation of the proximate and fatty acid compositions in the round herring (Etrumeus teres) and tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucernus) caught from the North‐Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Proximate compositions and fatty acid contents of both fish species showed statistically significant seasonal variations (P < 0.05). While the protein contents were at its highest in winter, the lipid contents were at its highest in autumn. The main fatty acids were C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C16:1 n‐7 (palmiteoleic acid), 18:1 n‐9c (oleic acid), C20:5 n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and C22:6 n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The total polyunsaturated fatty acid in round herring was highest in winter, whereas that in tub gurnard was highest in spring.
Compression of gellan gels. Part I: effect of salts
Authors: Evageliou Vasiliki , Karantoni Maria , Mandala Ioanna , Komaitis Michael
Published: October 2015

Gellan gels, in the presence of potassium and calcium ions and their mixtures, were tested using large deformation compression experiments. Characterisation was based on stress and strain at failure along with Young’s modulus. Samples prior to compression were refrigerated at 5  °C for 1, 2 and 24 h. In the case of potassium, the strongest gel was obtained for a cation concentration of 80 mm. Increasing concentrations of calcium resulted in decreased gel strength. Brittleness values for potassium and calcium gels fluctuated around ∼0.5 and ∼0.3 respectively. The strength for both, potassium and calcium, gels did not increase significantly over time. For each cation, Young’s modulus and stress at failure showed the same variation. In the case of mixtures, strength was determined by calcium as its progressive replacement by potassium was actually similar to reducing its concentration. Potassium determined the remaining properties.
Understanding responses to feedback: the potential and limitations of regulatory focus theory
Authors: Watling Christopher , Driessen Erik , van der Vleuten Cees P M , Vanstone Meredith , Lingard Lorelei
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012:46:593–603

Objectives  Regulatory focus theory posits the existence of two systems of self‐regulation underlying human motivation: promotion focus, which is concerned with aspirations and accomplishments, and prevention focus, which is concerned with obligations and responsibilities. It has been proposed that regulatory focus theory may help to explain learners’ variable responses to feedback, predicting that positive feedback is motivating under promotion focus, whereas negative feedback is motivating under prevention focus. We aimed to explore this link between regulatory focus theory and response to feedback using data collected in a naturalistic setting.

Methods  In a constructivist grounded theory study, we interviewed 22 early‐career academic doctors about experiences they perceived as influential in their learning. Although feedback emerged as important, responses to feedback were highly variable. To better understand how feedback becomes (or fails to become) influential, we used the theoretical framework of regulatory focus to re‐examine all descriptions of experiences of receiving and responding to feedback.

Results  Feedback could be influential or non‐influential, regardless of its sign (positive or negative). In circumstances in which the individual’s regulatory focus was readily determined, such as in choosing a career (promotion) or preparing for a high‐stakes examination (prevention), the apparent influence of feedback was consistent with the prediction of regulatory focus theory. However, we encountered many challenges in applying regulatory focus theory to real feedback scenarios, including the frequent presence of a mixed regulatory focus, the potential for regulatory focus to change over time, and the competing influences of other factors, such as the perceived credibility of the source or content of the feedback.

Conclusions  Regulatory focus theory offers a useful, if limited, construct for exploring learners’ responses to feedback in the clinical setting. The insights and predictions it offers must be considered in light of the motivational complexity of clinical learning tasks and of other factors influencing the impact of feedback.
Ethnic disparities in undergraduate pre‐clinical and clinical performance
Authors: Stegers‐Jager Karen M , Steyerberg Ewout W , Cohen‐Schotanus Janke , Themmen Axel P N
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012: 46:575–585

Context  Research from numerous medical schools has shown that students from ethnic minorities underperform compared with those from the ethnic majority. However, little is known about why this underperformance occurs and whether there are performance differences among ethnic minority groups.

Objectives  This study aimed to investigate underperformance across ethnic minority groups in undergraduate pre‐clinical and clinical training.

Methods  A longitudinal prospective cohort study of progress on a 6‐year undergraduate medical course was conducted in a Dutch medical school. Participants included 1661 Dutch and 696 non‐Dutch students who entered the course over a consecutive 6‐year period (2002–2007). Main outcome measures were performance in Year 1 and in the pre‐clinical and clinical courses. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression analysis for ethnic subgroups (Surinamese/Antillean, Turkish/Moroccan/African, Asian, Western) compared with Dutch students, adjusted for age, gender, pre‐university grade point average (pu‐GPA), additional socio‐demographic variables (first‐generation immigrant, urban background, first‐generation university student, first language, medical doctor as parent) and previous performance at medical school.

Results  Compared with Dutch students, Surinamese and Antillean students specifically underperformed in the Year 1 course (pass rate: 37% versus 64%; adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.27–0.60) and the pre‐clinical course (pass rate: 19% versus 41%; adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93). On the clinical course all non‐Dutch subgroups were less likely than Dutch students to receive a grade of ≥ 8.0 (at least three of five grades: 54–77% versus 88%; adjusted ORs: 0.17–0.45).

Conclusions  Strong ethnic disparities exist in medical school performance even after adjusting for age, gender, pu‐GPA and socio‐demographic variables. More subjective grading cannot be ruled out as a cause of lower grades in clinical training, but other possible explanations should be studied further to mitigate the disparities.
Supporting students with disability and health issues: lowering the social barriers
Authors: Cook Vivien , Griffin Ann , Hayden Sheila , Hinson Joy , Raven Peter
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012: 46:564–574

Context  Legislation and General Medical Council guidance require medical schools to make reasonable adjustments to enable students with disabilities to progress in their studies without disadvantage. Current definitions of disability have moved from the traditional ‘medical’ model to a ‘social’ model that emphasises the role of institutions in removing unnecessary barriers to learning through flexible provision. In response, two medical schools introduced a Student Support Card to empower students with disabilities and health issues to request reasonable adjustments. A study was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the Student Support Card from the user’s perspective in both institutions.

Methods  A questionnaire survey of card‐holders was conducted in 2009–2010. A total of 31 respondents took part, from among whom six volunteers were recruited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted and data independently analysed by two researchers.

Results  The results from the questionnaire indicated that the scheme was well received by students and brought clear benefits, and that the card’s value lay in ownership, as well as in use. Further themes emerged from the interviews which suggested that students were judicious in requesting adjustments, thus reflecting their concerns over the disclosure of disability, the threat that their behaviour might be misinterpreted and their acquiring of the competencies necessary to become a doctor.

Conclusions  The benefits of such a scheme are that it is flexible and addresses unique student needs. Further research needs to focus upon: how educators perceive the utility of the Student Support Card; whether it should be embedded in the wider medical school culture, and, subsequently, how a working consensus can be achieved with regard to reasonable adjustments within vocational education in which there are clear requirements for competence.
Super giant basal cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall: still possible in the 21st century
Authors: De Bree Eelco , Laliotis Aggelos , Manios Andreas , Tsiftsis Dimitris D. , Melissas John
Published: October 2015

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is very common and usually encountered when it is small in size. Giant BCC (i.e. greater than 5 cm in diameter) is quite rare and comprises 0.5 percent of all BCC. Extremely rarely, tumors larger than 20 cm have been reported. Herein, a case with an enormous, vegetating BCC of the abdominal wall, 30 x 20 cm in size, is described. This report demonstrates that such a case can still be observed in the civilized world of the 21st century, which remains profoundly astonishing. A literature survey was performed and revealed only 7 cases with such super giant BCC (i.e. larger than 20 cm in diameter). Generally, this tumor attains these enormous proportions due to neglect on the patient’s part, and is usually located at sites covered by clothes. Treatment is mainly surgical and generally curative, resulting also in an improved quality of life. Tumor size of more than 10 cm in diameter is associated with increased risk for metastatic disease, severe morbidity and consequently impaired prognosis.
The Immunology of Early Pregnancy in Farm Animals
Authors: Hansen PJ
Published: October 2015

Contents

The mammalian conceptus undergoes development in the face of a functional immune system. This characteristic of viviparity creates opportunities and perils for the conceptus. In the period up to hatching from the zona pellucida, the conceptus appears immunologically inert with low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and little evidence for alterations in the function of maternal immune cells. The conceptus may benefit from cytokines produced by leucocytes resident in the reproductive tract or by other cells of the reproductive tract. One cytokine in particular, colony‐stimulating factor 2, can promote preimplantation development and cause changes in conceptus function that increase the likelihood that the conceptus develops to term. It is not clear whether activation of specific types of immune responses in early pregnancy can enhance the likelihood of pregnancy success. Semen deposition causes inflammation in the reproductive tract, but there is little evidence that this process is beneficial to pregnancy unless the uterus was exposed to a prior inflammatory event. Around the time of placentation, the period of immunological inertness of the conceptus is replaced by a period of immune activation caused by the expression of interferon genes in ruminants and pigs and MHC class I genes in invasive trophoblast of the horse. The large‐scale changes in the endometrium that occur as a result are likely to play an important role to ensure continued development of the conceptus. In contrast, other immune responses generated as a result of disease in the reproductive tract or other tissues (mastitis) can lead to death of the conceptus. Because of this hazard, as well as the possibility that cell‐mediated immune responses against the conceptus could occur, the immune system is regulated by both the mother and conceptus to reduce immune responsiveness during pregnancy.
Development of PET radiopharmaceuticals and their clinical applications at the Positron Medical Center
Authors: Ishiwata Kiichi , Kimura Yuichi , Oda Keiichi , Ishii Kenji , Sakata Muneyuki , Kawasaki Keiichi , Nariai Tadashi , Suzuki Yukihisa , Ishibashi Kenji , Mishina Masahiro , Hashimoto Masaya , Ishikawa Masatomo , Toyohara Jun
Published: October 2015

The Positron Medical Center has developed a large number of radiopharmaceuticals and 36 radiopharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use for studying aging and geriatric diseases, especially brain functions. Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to provide a highly advanced PET‐based diagnosis. The current status of the development of radiopharmaceuticals, and representative clinical and methodological results are reviewed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S180–S196.
Training in ureteroscopy: a critical appraisal of the literature
Authors: Skolarikos Andreas , Gravas Stavros , Laguna M. Pilar , Traxer Olivier , Preminger Glenn M. , de la Rosette Jean
Published: October 2015

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Ureteroscopy outcome depends on the availability of the technological equipment and the surgeon experience.

This study tries to define the learning curve of ureteroscopy, to underline the current quality of training and to propose the minimum requirements for a curriculum in ureteroscopy.

The aim of the present review was to study factors influencing training and the maintenance of skills in performing ureteroscopy (URS). We searched on the following keywords in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases: renal or ureteric stone; ureteroscopy; endourology; educational; training; learning curve; expertise; skill; residency; practice; simulator; and robotics. We have defined, when possible, levels and grades of evidence, based on 2009 recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine. We found that technological advancement and surgeon experience is a predictive factor for success or complications of URS. Experience may be related to special endourology training, time passed after basic training and the number of procedures performed. Studies suggest that a resident must perform a certain amount of cases to gain proficiency with URS, but there is still a need for well designed studies for the learning curve of URS to be accurately defined. Training models may be useful for training in URS and stone disintegration. Stone centres that provide all the endoscopic treatment options seem to provide the best conditions to ensure a sufficient volume of patients required. Defining minimum requirements for training in URS and for maintaining certification is a major challenge, as is defining the learning curve in URS. Careful curriculum design in high‐volume stone centres may be the key to optimizing URS training.
Status and Developments of eLearning in the EU10 Member States: the cases of Estonia, Hungary and Slovenia
Authors: ALA‐MUTKA KIRSTI , GÁSPÁR PÁL , KISMIHÓK GÁBOR , SUURNA MARGIT , VEHOVAR VASJA
Published: October 2015

This article summarises research carried out between 2006 and 2008 by IPTS (Institution for Prospective Technological Studies) in collaboration with a consortium of experts from 10 member states, led by ICEGEC. The project gathered information on eLearning developments to assess drivers and barriers and to suggest implications for policy and research in the 10 member states that joined the European Union in 2004. Three examples of countries (Estonia, Hungary and Slovenia) demonstrate that, while the group is not homogeneous, commonalities can be detected. Reports show that all the EU10 countries have been catching up with the older member states in ICT penetration and skills, but large digital divides remain due to regional, social and economic divides. Educational institutions are equipped with ICT, but not always at the same level in classrooms as in EU15. Universities are using ICT in education, but mostly for material provision purposes. Enterprises seem to have higher usage of eLearning solutions than in EU15, but these are not equally available for all employees. Lack of focus and coordination in policies to support eLearning developments has been assessed to be a major barrier. In general, EU10 seems to be facing similar challenges to other European countries, although specific efforts are needed to help close the divides and engage people in lifelong learning with the new opportunities ICT could provide.
Dissemination of Accruals Information, Role of Semi‐Annual Reporting, and Analysts' Earnings Forecasts: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Suda Kazuyuki , Takehara Hitoshi
Published: October 2015

Our study investigates the effects of dissemination of accounting accruals information on stock prices using Japanese annual reports as our sample. We conduct month‐by‐month detailed analyses of price adjustment behavior with a particular focus on revisions of analysts' earnings forecasts and changes in trading volume around the period of upcoming semi‐annual reports. We find that analysts' forecasts are often revised around this time, and analysts use this as auxiliary information. In addition, an accompanying re‐adjustment of abnormal returns and an increase in trading volume are observed. Our findings demonstrate that informational uncertainty initially triggered by the announcement of annual reports decreases as semi‐annual reports are disclosed and analysts change their earnings forecasts, and confirms the importance of semi‐annual reporting.
Consultancy's Consequences? A Critical Assessment of Management Consultancy's Impact on Management
Authors: Sturdy Andrew
Published: October 2015

Much is claimed of management consultancy by critics and celebrants alike. Through shaping and legitimizing ideas and catalysing change, it has impacted on management practice and people's lives more generally. Given the growth of consultancy as an industry and wider activity, few have challenged these views. However, there are good reasons for treating them with some caution. In particular, its impact is exaggerated in geographical scope and confused with that of management ideas in general – consultancy as a scapegoat for management. At the same time, recent changes in both the nature and status of management and of consultancy have rendered traditional boundary distinctions less tenable such that the scope and impact of consultancy may be even greater than is typically assumed. Overall, its impact has been both understated and overstated. I therefore argue for a more cautious and critical approach. This recognizes consultancy as an integral part of management, where its distinctive role lies more in its structural position and ambiguous visibility and accountability than its practices, skills or occupational/professional identity claims. The research agenda thus becomes one of more clearly identifying the consequences of management as well as of consultancy, in part through a consideration of contexts where they are, or were, largely absent.
737. AEXTOXICON PUNCTATUM
Authors: O’Brien Seamus
Published: October 2015

Aextoxicon punctatum Ruiz & Pavón, the olivillo, is a poisonous dioecious evergreen tree native to the sub‐Antarctic forests of Chile and Argentina. Though introduced to cultivation during the late 1920s it has always remained rare. A tree of Aextoxicon punctatum is now fruiting at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, Ireland. Details of the tree's habitat, ecology and its discovery and subsequent introduction are discussed.
Having One's Cake and Eating It Too: Cameron's Conservatives and Immigration
Authors: BALE TIM , HAMPSHIRE JAMES , PARTOS REBECCA
Published: October 2015

The May 2010 general election represented a change in tone on immigration and asylum policy for the Conservative party. Although its manifesto still contained a promise to limit numbers and expressed concern about the abuse of student visas, the Party's previous fixation with asylum seekers had disappeared. This article considers the rationale for these developments in the light of David Cameron's election as leader in late 2005 and his efforts from then on to reposition his party. Cameron's initial silence on this issue and his appointment of a moderate as immigration spokesman were part of an attempt both to shift the focus onto the economic impact of migration and, more broadly, to ‘decontaminate the Tory brand’ in order to gain ‘permission to be heard’ by small‐l liberals who were critical to the Party's electoral recovery but alienated by hard‐line stances. That said, immigration was never entirely forgotten even in this early period and was always seen, so long as it was carefully handled, as an issue capable of benefitting the Tories. As such, it was skilfully factored back into the Party's offer from late 2007 onwards. In government, the Conservatives may have the upper hand on immigration over their junior coalition partner, but this is no guarantee that they will be able to deliver the outcomes they promised
Screening and signalling for technology licensing: a comparison
Authors: Antelo Manel
Published: October 2015

This article studies, in an adverse selection set‐up, how a patentee licenses a new technology in a two‐period context where the licensee has private information on its marginal cost of production. Two different ways of licensing are considered: the patentee offers, in the first period, either a menu of contracts that screens the different types of licensee or a single contract that obliges the licensee to signal its true type. Of these two contracts, the better for the patentee depends on the probability of the innovation gives rise to a low marginal cost and the difference between the high and low cost. Findings explain, to some degree, the variety of licensing contracts observed in practice (some including only a fixed fee, and others including both a royalty and a fixed fee). This variety may be rationalised by the use of different devices (signalling or screening) aimed at alleviating the effects of opportunism. A welfare comparison of the two means for extracting hidden information from the licensee is also made.
Evaluating the impact of TRIZ creativity training: an organizational field study
Authors: Birdi Kamal , Leach Desmond , Magadley Wissam
Published: October 2015

Creativity training is used by many organizations in an attempt to improve the innovativeness of their employees, yet there has been relatively little systematic evaluation carried out of the impact of such training. This study reports on the evaluation of the effectiveness of a theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ)‐based creativity training program in a major international engineering firm. Cross‐sectional, longitudinal and multisource evaluation strategies were used to assess the impact of the training on a sample of design engineers (n = 123) and to make comparisons with nontrainees (n = 96). Results indicate that participation in TRIZ training led to short‐term improvements in both the creative problem‐solving skills and motivation to innovate of engineers, and these were associated with longer term improvements in their idea suggestion in the workplace. There was variable support for the translation of these ideas into new innovations and improved performance at work as a result of the training. Theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the effectiveness of creativity training interventions are discussed.
Analyzing the successful development of a high‐novelty innovation project under a time‐pressured schedule
Authors: Kach Andrew , Azadegan Arash , Dooley Kevin J.
Published: October 2015

Research has identified numerous determinants leading to the success of new product development (NPD) projects. However, which particular determinants carry more importance when developing high‐novelty projects under tight time constraints have yet to be clarified. We study the development of ECJ‐400 of Eclipse Aircraft Company, a highly innovative new jet airplane that was designed and built in a very aggressive 229‐day timetable. Through an in‐depth case analysis using interviews with members of the four companies involved in the design, manufacturing, and flight testing of the airplane, we enquire about the underlying factors that led to the successful creation of this product. Propositions were formulated and then depicted respectively through the development of a casual network diagram. Our study contributes to the NPD speed literature by highlighting the particular interrelationships between determinants that are influential toward highly novel time‐pressured NPD projects.
Antecedents and consequences of team sensemaking capability in product development projects
Authors: Akgün Ali E. , Keskin Halit , Lynn Gary , Dogan Derya
Published: October 2015

With the increasing popularity of organizational sensemaking in the literature, sensemaking capability of firms attracts many researchers and practitioners from different fields. Nevertheless, sensemaking capability is rarely addressed in the new product development (NPD) project teams in the technology and innovation management literature. Specifically, we know little about what team sensemaking capability is, its ingredients and benefits, and how it works in NPD projects (e.g., its antecedents and consequences). By investigating 92 NPD project teams, we found that (1) team sensemaking capability, which is composed of internal and external communication, information gathering, information classification, building shared mental models, and taking experimental actions, has a positive impact on the information implementation and speed‐to‐market; (2) information implementation and speed‐to‐market mediate the relationship between team sensemaking capability and new product success; and (3) team sensemaking capability mediates the relationship between team processes and information implementation and partially mediates the relationship between team processes and speed‐to‐market. We also found that team autonomy, interpersonal trust among team members, and open‐mindedness of team members positively influence the development of team sensemaking capability. Theoretical and managerial implications of the study findings are discussed.
Paths of Development and Wage Variations
Authors: Kiyota Kozo
Published: October 2015

In analyzing the relationship between factor endowments and sectoral per capita output (the paths of development), it was shown empirically that the number of cones was neither one nor three but two, and that all countries fall into one of these two cones. This is a puzzle, because it is inconsistent with large wage variations across economies. This paper attempts to solve this puzzle, introducing complete and incomplete specialization into a multiple‐cone model. Empirical results reveal that the two‐cone Heckscher–Ohlin (HO) model can be consistent with HO specialization and wage variations across economies.
The Dark Side of the Generalized System of Preferences
Authors: Herz Bernhard , Wagner Marco
Published: October 2015

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was established to promote the exports of low‐income countries to industrialized countries in order to support their economic growth and development. However, the design of these schemes is rather complex and the effects of GSP have been found to be controversial. In our empirical analysis, based on an extensive dataset covering most of world trade, we find that GSP tends to foster developing countries' exports in the short‐run, but hampers them in the long‐run. Also, GSP granting countries are able to promote their own exports initially, while in the long‐run their exports decrease. Taken together, GSP does not seem to be a suitable instrument to promote sustainable economic growth and development of low‐income countries.
Envy and Inequality*
Authors: Alvarez‐Cuadrado Francisco , Long Ngo Van
Published: October 2015

We present an overlapping generations economy, populated by heterogeneous agents who care about both consumption relative to others and the bequest they leave to their offspring. We show that saving and bequest rates vary across the income distribution, and we obtain several interesting results. First, envy reduces the steady‐state capital stock and increases the degree of inequality in consumption, capital ownership, and bequests. Second, if the bequest motive is sufficiently strong the equalizing effect of bequests disappears. Third, income inequality for a given cohort increases with age. Fourth, the distribution of inherited wealth becomes more unequal than that of wealth in general. Fifth, economic position becomes more persistent across generations.
Export Market Dynamics and Plant‐Level Productivity: Impact of Tariff Reductions and Exchange‐Rate Cycles*
Authors: Baldwin John , Yan Beiling
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we examine how changes in tariff rates and industry‐specific real exchange rates affect the entry/exit process to export markets and productivity growth. Using the experience of the Canadian manufacturing sector over three decades, we find that firms in export markets enjoy faster productivity growth than non‐participants. The size of the growth advantage depends on whether real exchange rates are increasing or decreasing. The increase in the value of the Canadian dollar during the post‐2000 period almost completely offset the productivity growth advantages enjoyed by new exporters during this period.
Are Aid Flows Excessive or Insufficient? Estimating the Growth Impact of Aid in Threshold Regressions
Authors: Kalyvitis Sarantis , Stengos Thanasis , Vlachaki Irene
Published: October 2015

Existing empirical studies and policy reports provide ambiguous results on the growth effect of foreign aid flows in the recipient countries. The present paper examines whether there exists an aid threshold that determines the growth impact of foreign aid. We use a threshold regression methodology to estimate growth specifications and the associated aid thresholds in a sample of 42 aid recipients covering the period 1970–2000. Our findings indicate that there is a threshold level of aid, above which the growth impact of aid becomes positive.
Trade Misinvoicing: The Dark Side of World Trade
Authors: Buehn Andreas , Eichler Stefan
Published: October 2015

We analyse the determinants of trade misinvoicing using data on 86 countries from 1980 to 2005. In a simple microeconomic framework, we derive the determinants of four different types of trade misinvoicing taking into account that only the financial incentives determinewhetherandhow muchexports/imports to underinvoice or overinvoice, whereas the deterrents only affect theextentof misinvoicing. The hypothesised determinants are tested using data on discrepancies in bilateral trade with the United States. We find that the black market premia and tariffs motivate illegal trading activities. Higher financial penalties effectively act as a deterrent to this crime.
TREATING TRANSGENDERED CHILDREN: CLINICAL METHODS AND RELIGIOUS MYTHOLOGY
Authors: Conroy Melissa
Published: October 2015

Bruce Lincoln suggests that myth is “that small class of stories that possess both credibility and authority” (1992, 24). When studying the history of mythology we find that myths often are understood as something other people have—as if the group in question possesses the truth while others live by falsehoods. In examining contemporary North American society, we can see how Judeo‐Christian narratives structure popular and medical discourses regarding sex and gender. The idea that humans are born into male and female, and male and female only, is a deeply held belief—so much so that it appears as fact rather than belief. Anthropologists such as Serena Nanda and Will Roscoe have documented the cross‐cultural and historical “gender variants” who exist in societies where three or more genders are the norm. The origin of the belief in two sexes could well be the opening verses of Genesis where the origin of the human species is described in bipolar, dimorphic forms: “… in the image of God He created them; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27 NRSV). In the article I explore the mythology that underlies the clinical management of transgender children.
AGNOSTIC MEDITATIONS ON BUDDHIST MEDITATION
Authors: Deleanu Florin
Published: October 2015

I first attempt a taxonomy of meditation in traditional Indian Buddhism. Based on the main psychological or somatic function at which the meditative effort is directed, the following classes can be distinguished: (1) emotion‐centered meditation (coinciding with the traditional samatha approach); (2) consciousness‐centered meditation (with two subclasses: consciousness reduction/elimination and ideation obliteration); (3) reflection‐centered meditation (with two subtypes: morality‐directed reflection and reality‐directed observation, the latter corresponding to the vipassanā method); (4) visualization‐centered meditation; and (5) physiology‐centered meditation. In the second part of the essay I tackle the problem of the epistemic validity and happiness‐engendering value of Buddhist meditation. In my highly conjectural view, the claim that meditation represents an infallible tool for realizing the (Supreme) Truth as well as a universally valid method for attaining the highest forms of happiness is largely based on the crēdō effect, that is, a placebolike process. I do not deny that meditation may have some positive effects on mental and physical health or that its practice may bring changes to the mind. Meditation may be a valuable alternative approach in life and clinical treatment, but it is far from being a must or a panacea.
HOUSEHOLD‐SECTOR MONEY DEMAND FOR THE UK
Authors: BISSOONDEEAL RAKESH K. , JONES BARRY E. , BINNER JANE M. , MULLINEUX ANDREW W.
Published: October 2015

We test for the existence of a long‐run money demand relationship for the UK involving household‐sector Divisia and simple sum monetary indexes for the period from 1977 to 2008. We construct our Divisia index using non‐break‐adjusted levels and break‐adjusted flows following the Bank of England. We test for cointegration between the real Divisia and simple sum indexes, their corresponding opportunity cost measures, real income and real share prices. Our results support the existence of a long‐run money demand relationship for both the Divisia and simple sum indexes.
THE STATUS OF MORAL STATUS
Authors: SACHS BENJAMIN
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates whether moral status talk gets us anywhere in our search for answers to questions in the ethics of marginal cases. I consider the usefulness of moral status talk first on the assumption that an individual's possession of moral status is not a further fact about that individual, and then on the assumption that it is. Finally, I offer an expressivistic interpretation of moral status talk. In each case, I argue that such talk conveys nothing that cannot be conveyed more clearly in other words. My conclusion is that we should stop using moral status and its cognates.
Collaborative Efforts to End the War in Viet Nam: The Interactions of Women Strike for Peace, the Vietnamese Women’s Union, and the Women’s Union of Liberation, 1965–1968
Authors: Frazier Jessica M.
Published: October 2015

In 1965, two Women Strike for Peace (WSP) members met with members of the Vietnamese Women’s Union (VWU) of North Viet Nam and the Women’s Union of Liberation (WUL) of South Viet Nam. This meeting was the first in a series through which WSP, the VWU, and the WUL hoped to gain the attention of the American public and politicians to end the United States’ war in Viet Nam. WSP members, who emphasized their maternal concerns when they entered foreign policy debates, constructed an image of Vietnamese motherhood that mimicked the American ideal. However, the VWU and WUL, at times, undermined the imagery WSP had created by highlighting Vietnamese women’s roles in military and revolutionary efforts. This paper explores both the limits and possibilities of women’s transnational peace activism owing to an emphasis on women’s commonalities.
The De‐Threatenization of the Other: an Israeli and a Palestinian Case of Understanding the Other’s Suffering
Authors: Kamel Lorenzo , Huber Daniela
Published: October 2015

As a result of the failure of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, new initiatives from civil society have emerged. Initiators learned from the shortcomings of the peace process and seek to achieve peace through understanding the suffering of the Other. Such attempts leave an open space for the trauma of the counterpart and engage both sides in deconstructing mutually exclusive identities that represent the Other as an existential threat. They represent a first step for a deep dialogue and have the potential to (de)threatenize the Other. This article examines two such initiatives that are unique in not seeking to explain their own narrative to the Other, but to present the narrative of the Other to their very own community.