bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are the myths of space utilization costing you more than you know?
Authors: Knapp Curtis , Vickroy Kim , De Bruyn Luc , Kwong David
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the importance for real estate organizations to measure portfolio space in a meaningful way, allowing occupancy planners to make aggressive recommendations to reduce under utilized space within a portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of an office space characteristics study of nine global occupiers in four different industries, focusing on vacancy rate, density, space usage and gross versus rentable/usable square footage.

Findings

There is a disconnect between where many corporate real estate executives think they need to be on these measurements, where they think they are, and where they truly are when metrics are based on actuals, and not on targets. Also, most US occupiers are above the BOMA international density recommendation of 225 square feet per person. Per person and per seat space occupancy is lower in Europe and especially in Asia.

Practical implications

The paper contains suggestions on how and what portfolio spaces to measure, as well as a base for comparing major space characteristics to corporate peers. This information is valuable for helping a corporation “right size” its portfolio in occupancy planning, and provides a meaningful way for real estate executives to demonstrate support for overall corporate objectives such as cost efficiency.

Originality/value

This study is possibly the first ever published detailing such a large amount of office space (almost 42 million s.f. total). It provides corporate occupiers a framework for measuring their own portfolios, and a yardstick for comparison of space characteristics to others once that has been completed.
The impact of psychological needs on office design
Authors: Oseland Nigel
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the main psychological theories that have implications for the design and management of successful workplaces. This will support real estate professionals in advising occupiers on how to enhance the quality of their workplaces to improve the performance of its occupants.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarises relevant psychological research and offers guidance based on the literature review.

Findings

In general, current trends in building design and selection do not fully consider psychological factors. Whilst new buildings may be space efficient they are unlikely to be as effective as those buildings that do account for basic individual and organisational needs.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of the psychological theories in the context of office design. A fuller understanding of such theories will improve the quality of workplaces.
Evolution and performance of Chinese technology policy
Authors: Sun Wenxiang , Peng Jisheng , Ma Juelin , Zhong Weiguo
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of Chinese technology policy, assess its technological and economic performance from the visual angle of “market in exchange for technology” strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantified method based on policy contents from policy power, policy goals and policy means was developed to build a policy database, and analyze the evolutionary tendency of Chinese technology policy. In addition, econometric models were built to assess the performance of technology policy.

Findings

The critical goals of Chinese technology policy are introducing technology directly or indirectly by introducing foreign investment and innovation, but the critical linkage between introduction and innovation‐technology absorption was absent – almost all policy means aim at the introduction of foreign investment and innovation but not technology absorption. More unfortunately, the econometric results show that introduction of foreign investment contributes little, while technology absorption contributes much more. Institutional path‐dependence and the competition for benefits among different departments have aggravated an already unbalanced emphasis on technology policies during the reform.

Research limitations/implications

During the quantification of technology policy, one perhaps loses some information about policy, and it can only be used to analyze the technology policy system, not special technology policy.

Practical implications

Analyses of the evolution of Chinese technology policy and econometric results show the blunder of “market in exchange for technology” strategy from policy formulation and execution. Also, it leads to the optimization of technology policy from policy targets, implements based on national technology and innovation strategy.

Originality/value

The paper develops the method of technology policy quantification and builds econometric models to assess the contribution of technology policy to technology progress and economy development.
Market, regulation and technology regime: implication for China mobile phones industry
Authors: Sun Wenxiang , Peng Jisheng , Ma Juelin , Wang Shihong
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prove that the technology that customers accept is sometimes not the most advanced, but backward, and to explain why different technologies could coexist under certain market situations and government regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

A general model was developed to analyze choice of technology regime under evolution of market demand and government regulation led by evolutionary economics.

Findings

Market demands and government regulations can affect the change of technology regime deeply, regardless of the level of certain technology. With the change of environment factors which affect China's mobile phones technological evolution, this paper testifies to the rationality and inevitability of PHS's market success and indicates that government regulations would impact the technological choice and lead to some technology market success, but it would lead to low efficiency of resources allocation.

Originality/value

The paper provides an instrument for analyzing the co‐evolution of market demand, government regulation and technology regime.
“As soon as you get on Bebo you just go mad”: young consumers and the discursive construction of teenagers online
Authors: Willett Rebekah
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how young people as consumers are using one particular social networking site (Bebo), and how these young consumers are engaging with discourses which position them variously as vulnerable to online risk and as members of the knowledgeable “net generation”.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides an in‐depth analysis of data collected from 24 Bebo participants, ages 14‐16, focusing mainly on interviews. Discourse analysis is used to uncover the ways that the participants in the study position themselves in relation to discourses surrounding teenagers as consumers on social networking sites.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that teenagers are using Bebo in very specific ways as part of a range of modes of communication with different audiences. Often their use of Bebo is quite banal, highlighting the possibility that adults (parents, researchers, government, NGOs) over‐invest in the meaning of Bebo for young teens. However, typical of the tensions involved in people's subject positioning, the interviewees also indicate that Bebo is serving particular purposes in relation to their identities as teenagers. Therefore, the article considers dimensions of the “life stage” of adolescence as a way of understanding the significance of Bebo in teenagers' lives.

Originality/value

The article provides an in‐depth analysis of qualitative data related to a small age‐range of consumers on a specific social networking site. This focus highlights the specificity of Bebo as a social networking site, as well as the particular ways that these 14‐16 year olds engage with various technologies and discursive practices surrounding young consumers online.
Building a targeted pharmacy customer engagement approach
Authors: Hamilton John
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the pathways that can enhance pharmacy‐to‐customer engagements, and give capacity to build closely aligned customer interface systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationwide, pharmacy and customer, dual survey‐based service value networks (SVNs) approach, analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM), shows significant business‐customer encounter information pathways act between the pharmacy and its engaging customer.

Findings

The complex nature of the business‐customer exchange and its interacting pathways is highlighted. Six front‐end SVNs business cells engaged in this paper have significant direct (and/or indirect) impact on customer perspectives of their pharmacy. Hence, the pharmacy front‐end business model should be fully and intelligently networked.

Research limitations/implications

The SVNs and SEM approach yields a strong robust pharmacy model, and can move pharmacy business management mechanisms to elevated customer‐engaging levels. It can offer customer‐targeted interaction solutions with enhanced perceived satisfaction. This SVNs approach is efficient, understandable, measurable and business specific. It is appropriate for market leaders, innovators or differentiators. Combined with other interface‐related toolkits it can deliver competitive advantage parameters such as understanding the key measures that improve business‐customer alignment.

Originality/value

SVNs developed under SEM offer a new way to better align the business with its customers. They can be applied at the individual community pharmacy or pharmacy chain level. SVNs release the key measures from which pertinent interacting front‐end business‐to‐customer pathways may be adjusted in a quest to strategically build and align the business closely to its customer demands. This win‐win SVNs interface procedure can also be applied within other service industries.
Evaluation of sustainability schemes for international bioenergy flows
Authors: Mikkilä Mirja , Heinimö Jussi , Panapanaan Virgilio , Linnanen Lassi , Faaij Andre
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a comprehensive picture of the coverage of various certification schemes and sustainability principles relating to the entire value‐added chain of biomass and bioenergy and comparing them accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

A tri‐dimensional approach (sustainability issues; technical biomass conversion routes; physical trade flows) was developed for testing the coverage of various sustainability dimensions in different phases of the value‐added chain with the chosen certification schemes and sustainability principles.

Findings

Using the tri‐dimensional approach, a comparison of the chosen schemes and principles demonstrated that the application of existing schemes and the development of new ones have placed a major emphasis on the primary production of biomass. Economic and social dimensions related to biofuels and bioenergy processing and trade were either emphasised less or they were covered inadequately. In view of this, the schemes sometimes seem to ignore that the utilisation of renewable energy as such guarantee no positive or neutral climate impact and may not be economically sustainable, especially when bioenergy can often be more expensive than energy generated from fossil energy sources.

Originality/value

The analysis showed that the tri‐dimensional model is an applicable framework that could facilitate policy makers to formulate policies that comprehensively take into consideration the various sustainability dimensions throughout the entire value‐added chain, now and in the future. It can be applied to the future outlining and completion of certification schemes and sustainability principles for biomass and bioenergy, as well as in the testing of their applicability in the implementation.
Autonomy and accountability in social services nonprofits: Japan and UK
Authors: Laratta Rosario
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe two recent investigations of social services nonprofits (SSNs) in Japan and UK shed light on the subject of autonomy in relation to accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is effected through an exploration of questions such as: to what extent can we say that SSNs operate “autonomously” in Japan and UK? How do executives in these agencies perceive their own statutory organisation (SO)? To whom exactly are the SSNs accountable? What accountability mechanisms are in effect? How much time do these agencies spend on meeting the requirements of these accountability measures? Do SSN executives consider that accountability demands enhance or inhibit the ability of their organisation to fulfill its mission?

Findings

A close relationship is found between the way in which executive directors view downward accountability demands (accountability to clients or society at large) and the way they perceive SOs. From the discussion of the findings, it became apparent that Japanese executives, who approached downward accountability from its external dimension (i.e. the community at large), appeared to experience a more positive relationship with SOs than their British counterparts, who approached downward accountability almost exclusively from its internal dimension (i.e. in terms of their organisation's users), resulting in their perception of statutory accountability demands as a positive or negative influence on their organisation's mission.

Originality/value

This research makes an important contribution to the understanding of collaborative relations between government and nonprofits, as well as providing meaningful insights in the search for an alternative governance system for the provision of social services under a post welfare‐state regime.
How interpersonal conflicts influence IS‐sourcing decisions
Authors: Ulbrich Frank
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Frameworks on information systems‐sourcing (IS‐sourcing) decisions are frequently based on rational‐choice theory, neglecting such non‐quantifiable aspects as interpersonal conflicts. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether such interpersonal conflicts have a determining influence on an organization's IS‐sourcing decision.

Design/methodology/approach

An illustrative case‐study strategy is applied.

Findings

The following interpersonal conflicts had a determining influence on an organization's IS‐sourcing decision: tensions between personnel in the IS department and those in the users' departments; lack of capabilities on a personal level; power in and between departments; and face‐saving in the corporate group. Based on these empirical findings, a generic model is developed to illustrate how interpersonal conflicts enmesh witheconomic, business, andtechnical factors,and influence IS‐sourcing decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The generic model enables researchers to study IS‐sourcing decisions better. It enriches previous research on IS‐sourcing decisions and alerts researchers that they need to cope with non‐quantifiable aspects that can have an impact on IS‐sourcing decisions.

Practical implications

Once managers understand how interpersonal conflicts can influence an organization's IS‐sourcing decision, they can assess their own organizations more accurately and estimate outcomes of particular IS‐sourcing decisions more realistically. Thus, this paper enables organizations to make better IS‐sourcing decisions, thereby – in the long run – helping them to use IS more effectively in their attempts to improve their business performances and competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous research on IS‐sourcing and fills a gap in traditional frameworks on IS‐sourcing decisions. It illustrates how various types of interpersonal conflicts enmesh witheconomic, business, andtechnical factors, and influence IS‐sourcing decisions.
Strategic outsourcing practices of multi‐national corporations (MNCs) in China
Authors: Kang Mingu , Wu Xiaobo , Hong Paul
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a research model and case illustrations that explore strategic outsourcing practices for sustainable competitive advantages in the Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on in‐depth interviews of executives of three multi‐national firms (MNCs) from Switzerland, Korea and the USA that have been successfully operating in China for more than seven years.

Findings

This paper discusses how three MNC firms in China maintain clear and disciplined strategic outsourcing and achieve desired business outcomes. They race to the top by managing strategic insourcing for high risk and high profit items while outsourcing low risk and high profit leveraging items.

Originality/value

The paper presents a strategic outsourcing model and case studies of three multi‐national firms in China, which suggest both theoretical and managerial implications showing how to implement successful outsourcing practices in the global market.
Performance measurement in business process outsourcing decisions
Authors: Weimer Gero , Seuring Stefan
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Outsourcing research has identified that permanently governing and controlling the outsourcing provider is essential for a successful outsourcing engagement and has prioritised performance measurement systems as the most important tool to support governance and control. The purpose of this paper is to present four outsourcing contracts and conducts a detailed analysis of their performance measurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on case study analysis of four outsourcing projects. The performance measurement systems of these projects are analysed and interpreted against the balanced scorecard concept.

Findings

Major findings of the cross‐case analysis are that almost only performance measurement systems based on the business process perspective were found. This structure is primarily determined by the underlying contract and compensation model. Links to the strategic objectives of the outsourcing project are missing.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on four cases and presents exploratory findings. These have implications towards future research, where a wider set of outsourcing decisions needs to be analysed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding of performance measurement systems that are implemented at outsourcing engagements in practice.
What makes undergraduate students enroll into an elective course?
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul , Ramayah T.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the acceptance level of Islamic accounting course by undergraduate students at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The study used theory of reasoned action (TRA) to analyze the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data for the study are collected using self‐administered questionnaires. Altogether, the sample comprised of 135 respondents. Data are analyzed using statistical package for social science 13.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures 7.0 to determine the acceptance level and model fit.

Findings

Attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and amount of information on Islamic accounting (AIIA) are found to affect the intention of students to enroll in the Islamic accounting course. Other proposed hypotheses are also supported.

Research limitations/implications

The study limitations are confined to three only. The first limitation is the narrow focus on one University in Malaysia as a case study. The second is about its limited relevant measures used in the model that may potentially support the acceptance. The third is about the lack of adequate sample of non‐Muslim students. Nevertheless, these limitations drive for the future research in the area of Islamic accounting.

Practical implications

Despite its limitations, this study is still of importance in providing insights on a particular issue. The findings of this study shed some light on the students' acceptance level of an Islamic course. This course is unique as it is different in orientation compared to other existing courses on offer. This paper also provides an invaluable insight, especially in the case of UMS, to consider Islamic accounting course as a core course in the future instead of only an elective course. The university's management should consider the importance of students' ATT, SN, and AIIA prior to offering the course.

Originality/value

This paper examines undergraduate students' acceptance level of an Islamic accounting course using TRA and highlights the factors affecting the acceptance of students of an Islamic accounting course in a Malaysian higher learning institution.
Legal and regulatory issues of Islamic finance in Australia
Authors: Umar Faruq Ahmad Abu , Kabir Hassan M.
Published: November 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing body of work in the area of Islamic finance by examining the regulation of Islamic finance in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The method employed in this paper is a mixture of direct observation from legal and regulatory perspectives and authors' personal experience, curiosity, and association with this industry.

Findings

In Australia, where Muslims are minorities and full‐fledged Islamic banks are absent, it is expected that regulatory authorities would ensure there is a level playing field, so that neither Islamic financial services providers (IFSPs) nor conventional financial institutions are disadvantaged. They have also been expected to approve and monitor Islamic financial products, including those offered by Islamic managed funds.

Research limitations/implications

The study is undertaken through the Shari'ah, where law, finance, economics, and business form a single dimension only, even though a very significant one. No attempt is made to evaluate the economic efficiency and profitability or otherwise, of IFSPs in Australia. Also, the approach for the study is not supplemented by any empirical work (e.g. by quantitative analysis of data or by survey or other qualitative methodologies).

Practical implications

The paper practically examines: the impact of banking and financial services regulation on Islamic banking and financing practice in Australia; and what further legislative measures and changes are needed to accommodate Islamic financing practice into Australian society to make it a truly viable alternative system of financing for Muslims in Australia.

Originality/value

Examination of the issues of the study is originally undertaken through one of the authors' personal expertise and working experience with some IFSPs in Australia, aiming at developing the relevant regulations by the Australian regulatory regime to make Islamic finance a viable alternative system of financing for Muslims in Australia.
Expression analysis and study of the KLK15 mRNA splice variants in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Avgeris Margaritis , Koutalellis Georgios , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 693–699)

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in male populations in the Western world. The KLK15 gene, the newest member of the kallikrein family, is expressed in the prostate gland. The purpose of this study is the expression analysis and the clinical evaluation of the KLK15 mRNA spliced variants in prostate cancer (CaP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Total RNA was isolated from 104 CaP and BPH tissue specimens. After testing the quality of the RNA, cDNA was produced by reverse transcription, and PCR was performed for the amplification of the KLK15 mRNA transcripts. GAPDH and HPRT genes were used as endogenous controls Our data revealed that mRNA spliced variants of KLK15 were differentially expressed in prostate tissue specimens. Analysis of data showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the frequency of overexpression of KLK15 transcripts encoding for both the active isoform and for the isoform 3 in CaP compared to BPH samples. Furthermore, KLK15 transcripts were found to be highly expressed in more aggressive tumors (P = 0.017). These results suggest that KLK15 expression analysis could be employed as a valuable tool for the discrimination between BPH and CaP tissue specimens and as an unfavorable prognostic marker for prostate cancer.
Differential expression of estrogen‐related receptors β and γ (ERRβ and ERRγ) and their clinical significance in human prostate cancer
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Urano Tomohiko , Ijichi Nobuhiro , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Kumagai Jinpei , Murata Taro , Takayama Kenichi , Horie‐Inoue Kuniko , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Muramatsu Masami , Homma Yukio , Inoue Satoshi
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 646–651)

Estrogen‐related receptor (ERR) is a nuclear receptor that modulates the estrogen‐signaling pathway. Here, we investigated the expression of both ERRβ and ERRγ in human prostate tissues. Using original rabbit polyclonal anti‐ERRβ and anti‐ERRγ antibodies, the expression of ERRβ and ERRγ was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of cancerous lesions (n = 107) and benign foci (n = 92), obtained by radical prostatectomy. Stained slides were evaluated for the proportion of immunoreactive cells and their staining intensity. Total immunoreactivity scores (IR scores; range, 0–8) were calculated as the sum of the proportion and intensity scores. The relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and the expression of the three ERRs (ERRα, ERR β, and ERR γ) was evaluated. IR scores for ERRβ and ERRγ were significantly lower in cancerous lesions than that in benign foci (P < 0.0001, for both). Clinicopathological analyses revealed that the patients with low ERRγ IR scores (≤4) tended to show poor cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.07). Then, we used data from our previous study (Fujimura T., Int J Cancer, 2007; 120: 2325–30). Patients with a high IR score for ERRα and a low score for ERRγ showed significantly poorer cancer‐specific survival than those with a low IR score for ERRα and a high score for ERRγ (P = 0.0003). We demonstrated the differential expression of ERRβ and ERRγ in prostate tissue. The combined evaluation of the expression of ERRα and ERRγ could be a significant prognostic factor for prostate cancer.
Diversity of genome profiles in malignant lymphoma
Authors: Seto Masao , Honma Keiichiro , Nakagawa Masao
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 573–578)

Characteristic chromosome translocations are associated with specific disease entities, and are known to play a pivotal role in lymphoma development. Chromosome translocation alone, however, is not sufficient to produce tumors. Factors including the microenvironment and epigenetic and genetic alterations other than chromosome translocations have been shown to play a role in lymphoma development. Follicular lymphoma cells proliferate in close contact with follicular dendritic cells. Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma cells proliferate at the marginal zone area of reactive follicles which are formed by preceding chronic inflammation. The importance of genetic alterations other than chromosome translocation has been recognized since the introduction of array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). Variations in the genomic profile among patients with the same disease entity have been found by array CGH analyses. These variations indicate that multiple genetic pathways leading to the development of lymphomas may exist and hence result in the variable clinicopathological features observed.
Role of muscarinic receptor activation in regulating immune cell activity in nasal mucosa
Authors: Liu T. , Xie C. , Chen X. , Zhao F. , Liu A.‐M. , Cho D.‐B. , Chong J. , Yang P.‐C.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Liu T, Xie C, Chen X, Zhao F, Liu A‐M, Cho D‐B, Chong J, Yang P‐C. Role of muscarinic receptor activation in regulating immune cell activity in nasal mucosa. Allergy 2010; 65: 969–977.

Background:  The prevalence of airway inflammatory disorders keeps rising; its pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood.

Objective:  The present study aimed to investigate the role of muscarinic receptor (M receptor) in regulating the immune cell activity in nasal mucosa by using surgical removed nasal mucosa from patients with nasal polyposis (NP) as a study platform.

Methods:  Human nasal mucosal sample was collected from inferior turbinectomy of 86 patients with NP or/and allergic rhinitis. Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐alpha), M receptor, OX40 ligand was measured in nasal mucosa by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting assay.

Results:  When compared with non‐NP (nNP) nasal mucosa, contents of TNF‐alpha and TNF‐alpha(+) cells markedly increased in NP nasal mucosa; immune staining colocalized M3 receptor(+) and TNF‐alpha(+) cells in NP nasal mucosa; exposure of isolated CD4(+) T cells to methacholine induced the release of TNF‐alpha. We also found CD11c(+)/M3 receptor(+) cells in NP nasal mucosa. Methacholine increased the expression of OX40L in dendritic cells. Staphylococcal (S) aureus and S. enterotoxin B (SEB) were detected in NP nasal mucosa. Exposure of dendritic cells or naïve CD4(+) T cells to SEB initiated the expression of M3 receptor at mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions:  The present data demonstrate that parasympathetic activity has the capacity to activate dendritic cells to release OX40 ligand, the latter induces CD4(+) T cells to produce IL‐4 and TNF‐alpha that may further contribute to the pathogenesis of NP.
Distribution of the genus Hypoplectrus (Teleostei: Serranidae) in the Greater Caribbean Region: support for a color‐based speciation
Authors: Aguilar‐Perera Alfonso , González‐Salas Carlos
Published: November 2009

The reef‐associated fish genus Hypoplectrus (Serranidae), endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean, represents an ideal model to study speciation within a potentially highly dispersive (marine) ecosystem, because it consists of a complex of at least 10 morphs differentiated primarily by coloration. Although several recent studies on genetics, diet, and fertilization reveal little to no difference between the Hypoplectrus color morphs, there is still not a full understanding of what keeps these morphs distinct or drives their variation. Ecological information is needed alongside the genetic information to better understand this variation. Based on presence/absence records from scientific literature and direct observations in coral reefs, this work examined the distribution of the genus Hypoplectrus in the Greater Caribbean region. Some color morphs occurred simultaneously at given locations, but others showed geographic restrictions. Using cluster and nMDS analyses, we found three major groupings according to distribution: (i) widespread (Hypoplectrus puella, Hypoplectrus unicolor, and Hypoplectrus nigricans), (ii) less widespread (Hypoplectrus indigo, Hypoplectrus gummigutta, Hypoplectrus chlorurus, Hypoplectrus aberrans, and Hypoplectrus guttavarius), and (iii) geographically confined or segregated (Hypoplectrus gemma, Hypoplectrus providencianus). Geographic sections selected for the Greater Caribbean (eastern, western and northern) were dominated by at least three widely distributed Hypoplectrus morphs. New geographic records of some color morphs were documented and compared to previous established distribution ranges in the Greater Caribbean.
Spatial heterogeneity of macrofaunal communities in and near a giant pockmark area in the deep Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Menot Lénaïck , Galéron Joëlle , Olu Karine , Caprais Jean‐Claude , Crassous Philippe , Khripounoff Alexis , Sibuet Myriam
Published: November 2009

The structure and familial‐level composition of macrofaunal communities were examined within and at distance from the giant pockmark Regab in the Southern Gulf of Guinea, at 3200 m depth. The two main questions addressed in this study were (i) does habitat partitioning by large symbiont‐bearing taxa influence macrofaunal assemblages and their environment? and (ii) to what extent does the chemosynthesis‐based ecosystem influence the structure and the composition of nearby macrobenthic communities? Along two radials, at sites from 250 to 1000 m away from the active centre of the cold seep, the abundance and composition of the macrofauna were typical of a deep‐sea community at that depth. Except for a few cores sampled in or near dead vesicomyid fields at the border of the pockmark area, the chemosynthetic ecosystem had no significant influence on macrofaunal communities beyond the edge of the giant pockmark. In seep sediments, the macrofauna had higher densities, reaching over 22,000 ind·m−2, but lower taxonomic richness than in background sediments. The polychaete assemblages associated with siboglinid tubeworms differed in their composition and vertical distribution from communities associated with vesicomyids or found at the border between vesicomyids and mytilids. The siboglinid habitat was dominated by surface‐feeders (ampharetids) or small carnivores (dorvilleids, hesionids and syllids) concentrated in the top sediment layer, while the vesicomyid beds were dominated by deep‐dwelling, subsurface feeders (capitellids and cossurids). This pattern may be related to bioturbation by the vesicomyids that allows an oxygenation of surface sediments while deepening down and enhancing the anaerobic oxidation of methane. Although alpha diversity of polychaete families is low in seep sediments, the variability of faunal assemblages and potentially high level of speciation in cold‐seep environments point to high beta diversity. Comparable numbers of polychaete families coexist in a quarter square meter of seep or non‐seep sediments, although the number of ecological niches that were sampled might be higher at seeps. Further integrative and comparative studies of the diversity and functioning of seep and non‐seep communities would certainly provide clues to understanding both ecosystems and their interactions.
The effects of trophic interactions and spatial competition on algal community composition on Hawaiian coral reefs
Authors: Vermeij Mark J. A. , Dailer Meghan L. , Walsh Sheila M. , Donovan Mary K. , Smith Celia M.
Published: November 2009

Much of coral reef ecology has focused on how human impacts change coral reefs to macroalgal reefs. However, macroalgae may not always be a good indicator of reef decline, especially on reefs with significant sea urchin populations, as found in Kenya and Hawaii. This study tests the effects of trophic interactions (i.e. herbivory by fishes and sea urchins) and spatial competition (between algae and coral) on algal community structure of reefs surrounding two Hawaiian Islands that vary in their level of human impacts. Reef‐building organisms (corals and crustose coralline algae) were less abundant and turf algae were more abundant on Maui as compared to Lanai, where human impacts are lower. In contrast to previous studies, we found no evidence that macroalgae increased with human impacts. Instead, low turf and macroalgal abundance were best explained by the interactive effects of coral cover and sea urchin abundance. Fishing sea urchin predators appeared to have cascading effects on the benthic community. The absence of sea urchin predators and high sea urchin densities correspond to a disproportionately high abundance of turf and crustose coralline algae. We propose that high turf algal abundance is a better indicator of reef decline in Hawaii than high macroalgal abundance because turf abundance was highest on reefs with low coral cover and few fish. The results of this study emphasize that understanding changes in community composition are context‐dependent and that not all degraded reefs look the same.
Econometric Analysis of Foreign Reserves and Some Macroeconomic Variables in Nigeria (1970–2007)*
Authors: Olokoyo Felicia O. , Osabuohien Evans S.C. , Salami O. Adeleke
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Countries are showing interest in accumulating foreign reserves to ensure macroeconomic stability. There has been some debate whether to beef up the level of nations' foreign reserves or make it lower, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Whereas some argue that the foreign reserve determines the country's rating in the global market, others hold opposing views. In this light, this paper examined the interactive influence of foreign reserve (FRS) on some macroeconomic variables such as: economic size (GDP); trade; level of capital inflows (KFL); exchange rate (EXR); and inflation. Analyzing secondary data from CBN statistical bulletins (1970–2007), the econometric results obtained from cointegration test, vector error correction (VEC) within the framework of autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) revealed the following: (1) existence of a long‐run relationship between the variables and two cointegrating equations; (2) possibility of convergence of the variables from the short run to the long run with slow speed of adjustment. It is thus the conclusion of this paper that accumulation of large foreign reserves is not very productive in Nigeria due to its inability to induce some of the macroeconomic variables.
Bank Lending and Business Cycles: South African Evidence
Authors: Akinboade Oludele Akinloye , Makina Daniel
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  The paper provides empirical analysis on the linkage between the behavior of bank lending and business cycles in South Africa. Consistent with theory, overall evidence suggesting pro‐cyclicality of bank lending is uncovered both at macro and micro levels. At macro level, bank lending and lending rates have moved in tandem with business cycles. Real borrowing by government was counter‐cyclical to business cycles as would be expected if the role of government was to fine‐tune the economy during booms and recessions. At micro level, bank lending to households and firms was generally pro‐cyclical. Even the growth of provisioning by banks has been largely pro‐cyclical to business cycles, though exceptions were recorded. First, new mortgage lending exhibited counter‐cyclical behavior before 1993. We attributed this behavior to the political and economic climate prevailing then which created uncertainties that made ownership of property a good hedge against economic and political risks. Secondly, the growth of real credit for investment and of foreign trade finance does not appear to have been related to business cycles.
Interest Rate Liberalization and Economic Growth in Zambia: A Dynamic Linkage
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  This paper examines the dynamic impact of interest rate reforms on economic growth in Zambia—using two models in a stepwise fashion. In the first model, the efficacy of interest rate liberalization is examined by regressing the interest rate on the level of financial deepening. In the second model, the causal relationship between financial depth and economic growth is examined by incorporating savings as an intermittent variable in the bivariate setting, thereby creating a simple trivariate model. Using the cointegration‐based error correction model, the study finds strong support for the positive impact of interest rate liberalization on financial deepening. In addition, the study finds that financial deepening, which results from interest rate liberalization, Granger causes economic growth. The results apply irrespective of whether the causality is estimated in the short run or in the long run. Other results show that: (1) lagged financial depth leads to further financial deepening; (2) savings and economic growth Granger cause each other; and (3) financial development Granger causes savings in the long run.
Heads under bridges or in mud: Reflections on a Southeast Asian ‘diving rumour’
Authors: Forth Gregory
Published: November 2009

In 2006 drilling by an Indonesian oil company precipitated an eruption of volcanic mud which has rendered a large area in East Java uninhabitable. Failed attempts to stop the eruption gave rise to a rumour that Javanese were scouring other islands in search of numerous human heads in order to quell the mud flow. While the circumstances are novel, the article demonstrates how the ‘Lapindo rumour’ is a variant of a much older and more persistent Southeast Asian representation, according to which heads are required to lend durability to iron bridges or other modern structures.
MAOA‐uVNTR and early physical discipline interact to influence delinquent behavior
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Latendresse Shawn J. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bates John E. , Pettit Gregory S. , Budde John P. , Goate Alison M. , Dick Danielle M.
Published: November 2009

Background:  A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the monoamine oxidizing gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has been associated with behavioral sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions in multiple studies (e.g., Caspi et al. 2002; Kim‐Cohen et al., 2006). The present study investigates the effects of genotype and early physical discipline on externalizing behavior. We expand on the current literature in our assessment of externalizing, incorporating information across multiple reporters and over a broad developmental time period, and in our understanding of environmental risk.

Method:  This study uses data from the Child Development Project, an ongoing longitudinal study following a community sample of children beginning at age 5. Physical discipline before age 6 was quantified using a subset of questions from the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus, 1979). Externalizing behavior was assessed in the male, European‐American sub‐sample (N = 250) by parent, teacher, and self‐report using Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form, and Youth Self‐Report (Achenbach, 1991), at 17 time points from ages 6 to 22. Regression analyses tested the influence of genotype, physical discipline, and their interaction on externalizing behavior, and its subscales, delinquency and aggression.

Results:  We found a significant interaction effect between genotype and physical discipline on levels of delinquent behavior. Similar trends were observed for aggression and overall externalizing behavior, although these did not reach statistical significance. Main effects of physical discipline held for all outcome variables, and no main effects held for genotype.

Conclusion:  The adverse consequences of physical discipline on forms of externalizing behavior are exacerbated by an underlying biological risk conferred by MAOA genotype.
Puddling: from natural history to understanding how it affects fitness
Authors: Molleman Freerk
Published: November 2009

The term ‘puddling’ includes feeding on (dried) mud and various excrements and secretions of vertebrates, and carrion. It is thought to be a form of supplementary feeding, not targeted at obtaining energy. Although the natural history of the puddling phenomenon in herbivorous arthropods becomes better known, it is still largely unclear how puddling (in particular for sodium) affects fitness despite the growing knowledge of insect physiology at the cellular level. If we follow the definition used for puddling in Lepidoptera, representatives of a wide range of herbivorous and detrivorous terrestrial arthropods (Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Blattodea, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Diplopoda) have been observed to puddle. It appears that those species with diets low in sodium (e.g., folivorous larvae) puddle for sodium whereas those with diets low in nitrogen (e.g., detritivores) puddle for nitrogen. Sex differentials in puddling behavior can usually be explained by transfers of nutrients from males to females during mating. Puddling is rare or absent in immature stages and there is some evidence that nutrients from puddles increase female reproductive success. Strong evidence for the widely cited hypothesis that sodium from puddles is used to enhance neuromuscular activity is still lacking. High mobility and long life spans could be associated with puddling behavior, whereas insects that are concealed or well defended are less likely to puddle (e.g., beetles). The role that risks of pathogen and parasite infection as well as predation at puddling substrates may play in the evolution of puddling remains virtually unexplored.
CXXC finger protein 1 restricts the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex to euchromatin
Authors: Tate Courtney M. , Lee Jeong‐Heon , Skalnik David G.
Published: November 2009

CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), encoded by the CXXC1 gene, is a component of the euchromatic Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex, and is a critical regulator of histone methylation, cytosine methylation, cellular differentiation, and vertebrate development. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking Cfp1 (CXXC1−/−) are viable but show increased levels of global histone H3K4 methylation, suggesting that Cfp1 functions to inhibit or restrict the activity of the Setd1A histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex. The studies reported here reveal that ES cells lacking Cfp1 contain decreased levels of Setd1A and show subnuclear mislocalization of both Setd1A and trimethylation of histone H3K4 with regions of heterochromatin. Remarkably, structure–function studies reveal that expression of either the N‐terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 1–367) or the C‐terminal fragment of Cfp1 (amino acids 361–656) is sufficient to restore appropriate levels of Setd1A in CXXC1−/− ES cells. Furthermore, functional analysis of various Cfp1 point mutations reveals that retention of either Cfp1 DNA‐binding activity or association with the Setd1 histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex is required to restore normal Setd1A levels. In contrast, expression of full‐length Cfp1 in CXXC1−/− ES cells is required to restrict Setd1A and histone H3K4 trimethylation to euchromatin, indicating that both Cfp1 DNA‐binding activity and interaction with the Setd1A complex are required for appropriate genomic targeting of the Setd1A complex. These studies illustrate the complexity of Cfp1 function, and identify Cfp1 as a regulator of Setd1A genomic targeting.