bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the drivers of enterprise resource planning and assessing its impacts on supply chain performances
Authors: Hwang David , Min Hokey
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is intended to integrate all facets of a company’s business operations encompassing production planning, material purchasing, inventory control, logistics, accounting, finance, marketing, and human resource management by creating a single depository of the database that can be shared by the entire organization and its trading partners. Through an empirical study, the purpose of this paper is to identify a multitude of drivers that facilitate or hinder the implementation of ERP in business environments. Also, this paper determines its role in supply chain operations and assesses its impact on supply chain performances.

Design/methodology/approach

– To examine which factors drive the ERP adoption and gauge the level of the ERP success, the authors develop a research framework based on two well-known theories in the strategy literature: a contingency theory; and a resource-based view of the firm. This research framework allowed us to develop a series of hypotheses regarding the use of ERP for strategic sourcing. To test hypotheses, the authors carried out the study in three phases: a pre-pilot; a pilot; and a large-scale questionnaire survey. In the pre-pilot phase, the authors generated potential survey items through theory development and a literature review. In the pilot phase, the authors develop a structural equation model along with the identification of valid constructs based on structural interviews and the Q-sort method. At the last stage, the authors conducted a large-scale survey via mail questionnaires primarily targeting the Korean industry comprised of manufacturers and their suppliers and customers.

Findings

– The firm’s ERP adoption and implementation decision is mainly affected by its internal environment. Defying the conventional wisdom, the firm’s external environment has little influence on its decision to adopt and implement ERP. However, through the mediating role of an internal environment, an external environment still indirectly influences the ERP adoption and ERP implementation decision. Also, the authors found that ERP could enhance the ERP adopter’s organizational capability and supplier capability.

Originality/value

– This study is one of a few attempts to investigate the role of ERP in the supply chain and identify important determinants influencing the ERP adoption and implementation decisions. Especially, in contrast with the previous literature which often gauged the benefits of ERP from an ERP adopter’s standpoint, this paper is one of the few to assess the benefits of ERP from the ERP adopter’s supply chain partners standpoints. Also, it is one of the first to assess the impact of ERP on supplier capability, organizational capability, and customer value.
The global financial crisis and Islamic finance: a review of selected literature
Authors: DIAW Abdou
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically analyze the opinions of Islamic economists about the global financial crisis to examine: their views on the causes of the crisis, the juristic and economic assessment they make of these causes and the lessons learned and the way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper critically reviews selected writings of prominent Islamic economics on the recent financial crisis.

Findings

– Most of the authors reviewed acknowledged the technical mistakes put forth by many conventional analysts as causes of the crisis. However, they have showed that the adoption of the principles of Islamic finance would have prevented most of those mistakes. The way forward, therefore, for both Islamic and conventional finance is, inter alia, greater reliance on risk sharing to inject more discipline in the system; the establishment of a strong and comprehensive regulatory body to safeguard the resilience of the system; and the integration of Zakat, Awqaf and other voluntary institutions into the financial system to cater for the financial needs of the poor.

Practical implications

– The importance of integrating the voluntary institutions into the financial system is to make it more inclusive and more equitable.

Originality/value

– This paper is the most comprehensive literature review on Islamic finance and the global financial crisis.
Working in the UAE: expatriate management experiences
Authors: AlMazrouei Hanan , Pech Richard J.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine issues of skills and cultural awareness amongst expatriate managers working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study explores expatriate management and leadership experiences within a predominantly Islamic context and the adjustments that have had to be made by the new arrivals before they could effectively undertake their senior functions within their organisations. Rapid economic growth and recent prosperity in the UAE has resulted in the recruitment and placement of large numbers of expatriate managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews were utilised to explore the experiences of expatriate managers in the UAE. These experiences have been interpreted to provide lessons and advice for new arrivals to the UAE, particularly those who are about to be placed into senior management positions.

Findings

– The findings from our interviews of expatriate managers and leaders reveal a great deal regarding Islamic principles and religious practices, the Arabic language, the preference for a paternalistic management style, customs around issues of female dress and issues of time management. A number of strategies are provided for managing these sensitive cultural issues in the workplace.

Practical implications

– This research provides an important examination of the effects of the UAE national culture on expatriate managers and how they have adjusted when managing local staff.

Originality/value

– This article adds to the disciplines of management and human resources by focussing on cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness, specifically within the context of the UAE.
Unlocking the potential of IC in Italian cultural ecosystems
Authors: Borin Elena , Donato Fabio
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the consistence of an ecosystem framework within the cultural sector and investigate the potential role of intellectual capital (IC) in cultural ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents the results of an empirical research carried out within a specific Italian area, the Po Delta. It was based on sound theoretical analysis and group interviews focusing on three main discussion topics.

Findings

– The research validated the consistence of ecosystem frameworks in relation to the cultural sector and the key role played by IC in their design, creation and implementation. It also highlighted the idea that this perspective is part of a broader rethinking process of the cultural field.

Research limitations/implications

– The research was carried out within a specific geographical area. The results, however, indicate the need for further research on the potential of IC in cultural ecosystems, in light of both a comparative and international perspective.

Practical implications

– The research highlights the emergence of new frameworks and highlights the role of IC in new governance models in the cultural sector.

Social implications

– The analysis underlines the need for new governance systems based on a bottom-up approach, multi-level and multi-stakeholder frameworks, and potentially bringing important societal changes.

Originality/value

– The concept of IC ecosystems remains a relatively unexplored field within the cultural sector. This paper could make a valuable contribution to the debate on new governance systems in this field.
Employee self-concepts, voluntary learning behavior, and perceived employability
Authors: Kim Sungjun , Kim Hacksoo , Lee Jinkyu
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the antecedents of employees’ perceived employability based on both self-concept and human capital theory. The study tested the relationship between employees’ self-concepts and perceived employability by using organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and role-breadth self-efficacy. This study also examined the interactive relationship between self-concepts and voluntary leaning behavior, which can be viewed as a means of enhancing human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 301 employees of an organization in Korea.

Findings

– The results demonstrated that OBSE and its interaction with voluntary learning behavior were positively correlated with perceived employability.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were cross-sectional. Causal inferences should be made with caution.

Originality/value

– Unlike previous literature that has relied primarily on human capital theory, this study draws on self-concept theory to show that employee self-concept can be an antecedent of perceived employability. Furthermore, this study argues that employees’ perceived employability may be more fully understood through the lenses of both self-concept and human capital theories.
The relationship between interpersonal conflict and workplace bullying
Authors: Leon-Perez Jose M. , Medina Francisco J. , Arenas Alicia , Munduate Lourdes
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that conflict management styles play in the relationship between interpersonal conflict and workplace bullying.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey study was conducted among 761 employees from different organizations in Spain.

Findings

– Results suggest that an escalation of the conflict process from task related to relationship conflict may explain bullying situations to some extent. Regarding conflict management, attempts to actively manage conflict through problem solving may prevent it escalating to higher emotional levels (relationship conflict) and bullying situations; in contrast, other conflict management strategies seem to foster conflict escalation.

Research limitations/implications

– The correlational design makes the conclusions on causality questionable, and future research should examine the dynamic conflict process in more detail. On the other hand, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study empirically differentiating interpersonal conflict and workplace bullying.

Originality/value

– This study explores how conflict management can prevent conflict escalating into workplace bullying, which has important implications for occupational health practitioners and managers.
Do plant‐ and soil‐mediated legacy effects impact future biotic interactions?
Authors: Wurst Susanne , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: April 2015

Biotic interactions of plants can have legacy effects mediated by changes in plant traits and soil characteristics. Legacy effects are defined as effects that persist after the causal biotic interaction ceases, because plant traits and soil characteristics are plastic and modifications may be maintained for long time periods.

To date, studies on biotic interactions of plants with above‐ and below‐ground organisms and their plant‐mediated interactions have mainly focused on short‐term effects in the continuous presence of interacting organisms.

Little is known about how long the changes in plant traits and soil characteristics persist after the biotic interaction ceases and indirectly affect future biotic interactions and community assembly. Further, since some organisms switch between above‐ and below‐ground compartments during ontogeny, impacts on soil‐dwelling larval stages can have direct legacy effects on their above‐ground adult stages and vice versa.

Elucidating legacy effects of biotic interactions above and below the ground will provide a deeper insight into a better understanding of the importance of plant trait‐ and soil characteristic‐mediated indirect interactions in shaping community assembly, biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Do Analyst Stock Recommendations Piggyback on Recent Corporate News? An Analysis of Regular‐Hour and After‐Hours Revisions
Authors: LI EDWARD XUEJUN , RAMESH K. , SHEN MIN , WU JOANNA SHUANG
Published: April 2015

Analysts often update their recommendations following corporate news. Questions have been raised regarding analysts’ ability to generate new information beyond recent corporate events. Employing a comprehensive database on corporate news, we show that only a small minority, or 27.9%, of all recommendation revisions directionally confirm the information in the preceding corporate events and even these “confirming revisions” facilitate the information discovery of corporate events and thus cannot simply be dismissed as “piggybacking.” Our analysis further shows that analysts not only facilitate price discovery to corporate news through issuing trending revisions but also help reverse prevailing market sentiments following corporate news by issuing contrarian revisions. Our study is the first to investigate short‐window intraday market reactions to revisions issued after hours, which account for 70% of all recommendation revisions in our sample period. Analysts’ incentives to issue revisions after hours appear to reflect demands from large institutional clients, who dominate after‐hours trading. More importantly, we show that the after‐hours revisions are associated with significantly greater price reactions and different price reaction patterns than revisions issued during regular trading hours. Collectively, our evidence indicates that analysts are a significant source of new information beyond recent corporate news and they also help shape the market's assessment of corporate disclosures.
Health professionals working in remote Australia: a review of the literature
Authors: Onnis Leigh‐ann Lesley , Pryce Josephine
Published: April 2015

Health professionals working in remote Australia have demanding and stressful yet diverse and rewarding roles. The health domain literature examines the challenges of health service delivery non‐cognisant of the benefits of a human resource management (HRM) approach. This systematic literature review uses an HRM approach to examine what is already known on this topic, and to identify key extant themes in order to determine: 1) which factors are common across the entire remote health workforce; and 2) whether there are factors that are unique to working in remote Indigenous communities that need further consideration. The findings suggest that the challenges and rewards are similar for health professionals working in remote Indigenous communities and those working in rural and remote regions. Therefore, the emergent themes (personal, professional, organisational and contextual) presented within a conceptual framework in this article are pertinent for all health professionals working in remote Australia.
The Effect of Nutrient Fortification of Sauces on Product Stability, Sensory Properties, and Subsequent Liking by Older Adults
Authors: Tsikritzi Roussa , Wang Jianqiu , Collins Vanessa J. , Allen Victoria J. , Mavrommatis Yiannis , Moynihan Paula J. , Gosney Margot A. , Kennedy Orla B. , Methven Lisa
Published: April 2015

There are potential nutritional and sensory benefits of adding sauces to hospital meals. The aim of this study was to develop nutrient fortified sauces with acceptable sensory properties suitable for older people at risk of undernutrition. Tomato, gravy, and white sauce were fortified with macro‐ and micronutrients using food ingredients rich in energy and protein as well as vitamin and mineral premixes. Sensory profile was assessed by a trained panel. Hedonic liking of fortified compared with standard sauces was evaluated by healthy older volunteers. The fortified sauces had higher nutritional value than the conventional ones, for example the energy content of the fortified tomato, white sauce, and gravy formulations were increased between 2.5‐ and 4‐fold compared to their control formulations. Healthy older consumers preferred the fortified tomato sauce compared with unfortified. There were no significant differences in liking between the fortified and standard option for gravy. There were limitations in the extent of fortification with protein, potassium, and magnesium, as excessive inclusion resulted in bitterness, undesired flavors, or textural issues. This was particularly marked in the white sauce to the extent that their sensory characteristics were not sufficiently optimized for hedonic testing. It is proposed that the development of fortified sauces is a simple approach to improving energy intake for hospitalized older people, both through the nutrient composition of the sauce itself and due to the benefits of increasing sensorial taste and lubrication in the mouth.
A Cost‐Effective Laser Scanning Method for Mapping Stream Channel Geometry and Roughness
Authors: Lam Norris , Nathanson Marcus , Lundgren Niclas , Rehnström Robin , Lyon Steve W.
Published: April 2015

This brief pilot study implements a camera‐based laser scanning system that potentially offers a viable, cost‐effective alternative to traditional terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and LiDARequipment. We adapted a low‐cost laser ranging system (SICK LSM111) to acquire area scans of the channel and bed for a temporarily diverted stream. The 5 m × 2 m study area was scanned at a 4 mm point spacing which resulted in a point cloud density of 5,600 points/m2. A local maxima search algorithm was applied to the point cloud and a grain size distribution of the stream bed was extracted. The 84th and 90th percentiles of this distribution, which are commonly used to characterize channel roughness, were 90 mm and 109 mm, respectively. Our example shows the system can resolve both large‐scale geometry (e.g., bed slope and channel width) and small‐scale roughness elements (e.g., grain sizes between about 30 and 255 mm) in an exposed stream channel thereby providing a resolution adequate for the estimation of ecohydraulic roughness parameters such as Manning'sn. While more work is necessary to refine our specific field‐deployable system's design, these initial results are promising in particular for those working on a limited or fixed budget. This opens up a realm of laser scanning applications and monitoring strategies for water resources that may not have been possible previously due to cost limitations associated with traditionalTLSsystems.
Considering Climate Change in the Estimation of Long‐Term Flood Risks of Devils Lake in North Dakota
Authors: Kharel Gehendra , Kirilenko Andrei
Published: April 2015

Terminal lakes are impacted by regional changes in climate. Devils Lake (DL), North Dakota, United States (U.S.), is a case in which a prolonged shift in the precipitation pattern resulted in a 10‐m water‐level rise over the past two decades, which cost over one billion U.S. dollars in mitigation. Currently, DL is 1.5 m from an uncontrolled overspill to the nearby Sheyenne River, which could lead to unprecedented environmental, social, and economic costs. Water outlets recently implemented in the lake to slow the water‐level rise and prevent an uncontrolled overspill are subject to significant concerns over the introduction of invasive species and downstream water quality. We developed a hydrological model of the DL basin using the soil and water assessment tool and analyzed DL's overspill probability using an ensemble of statistically downscaled General Circulation Model (GCM) projections of the future climate. The results indicate a significant likelihood (7.3‐20.0%) of overspill in the next few decades in the absence of outlets; some members of the GCM integration ensemble suggest an exceedance probability of over 85.0 and 95.0% for the 2020s and 2050s, respectively. Full‐capacity outlets radically reduce the probability of DL overspill and are able to partially mitigate the problem by decreasing the average lake level by approximately 1.9 and 1.5 m in the 2020s and 2050s, respectively.
Calibration and Uncertainty Analysis Using the Sparrow Model for Dissolved‐Solids Transport in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Keum Jongho , Kaluarachchi Jagath J.
Published: April 2015

Salinity in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) is due to both natural sources and processes, and anthropogenic activities. Given economic damage due to salinity of $295 million in 2010, understanding salinity sources and production together with transport are of great importance. SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed (SPARROW) is a nonlinear regression water quality model that simulates sources and transport of contaminants such as dissolved‐solids. However, SPARROW simulations of dissolved‐solids in the UCRB only represent conditions through 1998 due to limited data availability. More importantly, prior simulations focused on a single year calibration and its transferability to other years, and the validity of this approach is questionable, given the changing hydrologic and climatic conditions. This study presents different calibration approaches to assess the best approach for reducing model uncertainty. This study conducted simulations from 1999 to 2011, and the results showed good model accuracy. However, the number of monitoring stations decreased significantly in recent years resulting in higher model uncertainty. The uncertainty analysis was conducted using SPARROW results and bootstrapping. The results suggest that the watershed rankings based on salinity yields changed due to the uncertainty analysis and therefore, uncertainty consideration should be an important part of the management strategy.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for palliative treatment of painful non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rib metastasis: Experience in 12 patients
Authors: Hu Mu , Zhi Xiuyi , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2015

Background

Painful rib metastasis is common in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pain is often partially or totally refractory to analgesic medications or the side effects of medication are unacceptable. We report the safety and efficacy of a new method: radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating painful NSCLC rib metastasis.

Methods

RFA procedures were completed in 12 patients with painful rib metastasis. Patient age ranged from 66–83 years (mean 74.8 years, standard deviation (SD) = 5.3). There were four cases of squamous‐carcinoma, seven adenocarcinomas, and one case of large cell carcinoma. Pain caused by neoplasm size, pain levels pre‐procedure and post‐procedure (as assessed using the visual analog scale, VAS), time length, and target temperature of RFA treatments were documented.

Results

RFA procedures were performed with 100% technical success. The mean pre‐procedure and post‐procedure pain, as measured by the VAS, was 7.9 (SD = 0.90) and 3.4 (SD = 0.99), respectively. No symptomatic complications occurred. Non‐symptomatic complications included one case of pneumothorax and one case of hemoptysis.

Conclusion

RFA appears to be a safe, practical, and effective method for the palliative treatment of painful NSCLC chest wall metastasis.
A simple template for pitching research
Authors: Faff Robert W.
Published: April 2015

In this article, I propose a simple new research tool – a template designed for pitching research. The two‐page pitching template begins with four ‘preliminaries’: working title, research question, key papers and motivation. Following this is the core of the template based on a ‘3‐2‐1 countdown’, namely THREE elements – idea, data and tools; TWO questions – What's new? and So what?; and ONE bottom line – contribution. The template ends with ‘other’ considerations. Finance and accounting examples are given to illustrate application of the template.
Regional versus urban differences in teenage alcohol use: Does parental disapproval account for these differences?
Authors: Chan Gary C.K. , Kelly Adrian B. , Connor Jason P. , Hall Wayne , Young Ross McD. , Toumbourou John W. , Williams Joanne
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate if parental disapproval of alcohol use accounts for differences in adolescent alcohol use across regional and urban communities.

Design

Secondary data analysis of grade‐level stratified data from a random sample of schools.

Setting

High schools in Victoria, Australia.

Participants

A random sample of 10 273 adolescents from Grade 7 (mean age = 12.51 years), 9 (14.46 years) and 11 (16.42 years).

Main outcome measures

The key independent variables were parental disapproval of adolescent alcohol use and regionality (regional/ urban), and the dependent variable was past 30 days alcohol use.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, adolescents in regional areas were more likely to use alcohol in the past 30 days (OR = 1.83, 1.44 and 1.37 for Grades 7, 9 and 11, respectively, P < 0.05), and their parents have a lower level of disapproval of their alcohol use (b = −0.12, −0.15 and −0.19 for Grades 7, 9 and 11, respectively, P < 0.001). Bootstrapping analyses suggested that 8.37%, 23.30% and 39.22% of the effect of regionality on adolescent alcohol use was mediated by parental disapproval of alcohol use for Grades 7, 9 and 11 participants respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Adolescents in urban areas had a lower risk of alcohol use compared with their regional counterparts, and differences in parental disapproval of alcohol use contributed to this difference.
Time to surgery for hip fracture patients in a rural orthopaedic referral hospital
Authors: Hinde Yoshio Robert , Pennington Richard , Nott Matthew Lewis
Published: April 2015

Problem

It is well established that shorter surgical waiting time for hip fracture patients improves outcomes. We identify and quantify time to surgery for hip fracture patients in a rural hospital.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting: 

A sixty‐bed rural referral hospital with an orthopaedic service. Data were collected for 57 patients 50 years and older who had surgery for Muller AO type 31‐A and 31‐B fractures at Bega Hospital in 2012.

Key measures for improvement

Time to surgery from presentation was compared for patients who presented directly to Bega hospital to those that were transferred from a peripheral hospital.

Strategies for change

To quantify contributing factors to surgical delay will help identify areas for future improvement.

Effects of change

Delay to surgery from presentation was significantly greater for transferred patients (58 hours), compared with direct presentations (41 hours). Mean time for patient transfer was 23 hours. Thirty‐five per cent of patients had their operation within 36 hours from presentation.

Lessons learnt

The time to surgery for most transfer and direct presentation patients fell outside current guidelines. In our geographically large referral network, delay to surgery was significantly influenced by time to transfer. Based on previously published research, surgery for our hip fracture patients should be expedited. We therefore recommend priority transfer for these significantly injured patients and dedicated emergency operating lists to perform this surgery in a timely manner.
Systematic review: thalidomide and thalidomide analogues for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yang C. , Singh P. , Singh H. , Le M.‐L. , El‐Matary W.
Published: April 2015

Background

It has been reported that thalidomide may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim

To review the evidence examining the efficacy and safety of thalidomide for inducing and maintaining remission in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PubMed (1950–August 2014), EMBASE (1984–August 2014), Scopus, and Web of knowledge were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies and case series. The primary outcomes were induction of remission or response for active IBD or relapse rate for patients in remission and subsequently on thalidomide/analogues for at least 3 months.

Results

Twelve studies (2 RCTs and 10 case series) met the inclusion criteria for inducing remission and included 248 patients (10 with UC, 238 with CD). Only one RCT of paediatric CD achieved high quality scores (remission rate thalidomide: 46%, placebo: 12%; p=0.01). The crude pooled remission rate for thalidomide was 49% and 25% in luminal and perianal CD respectively. For UC, 50% achieved remission and 10% had partial response. One case series reported 21 patients (17 CD, four UC) who maintained remission for 6 months. Many adverse events were reported including sedation (32%) and peripheral neuropathy (20%).

Conclusions

One high quality RCT showed that thalidomide is effective for inducing remission in paediatric CD. The current evidence is insufficient to support using thalidomide to induce remission in UC or adult CD, or to maintain remission in IBD. Significant adverse events may occur, necessitating discontinuation of thalidomide.
Lessons from outside the classroom: What can New Zealand learn from the long Chilean Winter?
Authors: Kennedy Colin M.
Published: April 2015

This article explores the potential impact of increased school choice, specifically of proposed charter (partnership) schools, on educational inequality in New Zealand. An initial review of the educational marketplace literature proves inconclusive as to whether privatised schooling is capable of reducing disparity in academic outcomes and broader social contexts, and even suggests it might further increase segregation. Subsequently, the article presents a case study of educational inequality in Chile (1990–2010) to set up a comparison of an education system that has become increasingly market based and unequal. The 20‐year time frame was selected to cover the shift to decentralised education under Pinochet until the large‐scale breakout of student protests against systemic inequality, known as the ‘Chilean Winter’. In conclusion, the article suggests that a successful strategy to counter educational disparity needs to create viable alternatives to a free‐market approach and, as such, it appears that there are important lessons that New Zealand can learn from the Chilean Winter – lessons that go beyond the implementation of charter schools to fundamental social structures.
Analysing access to the local REDD+ benefits of Sungai Lamandau, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Howson Peter , Kindon Sara
Published: April 2015

The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in Sungai Lamandau was Indonesia's first forest carbon finance initiative officially proposed by a community group upon land they intended to control autonomously. However, the flagging carbon market and government licensing obstructions stalled progress towards possible monetary gains. With a focus on the agency of local farmers, we explore the ‘bundles of powers’ that they mobilised to access the other diverse and, at times, elusive set of benefits within the REDD+ project. In the absence of a formal tenure and ‘carbon rights’ regime, local actors' ability to benefit from the project was dependent on social relationships, REDD+ knowledge and access to local markets and capital. The result was a benefit‐sharing framework of uneven distribution.
Practitioner perspective on REDD: Commercial challenges in project‐based rainforest protection financing in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Weaver Sean
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a practitioner perspective on community‐based REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) projects in the Pacific Islands. It draws upon the author's experience in forest conservation financing since 1987, and REDD project and programme design, development and implementation since 2006. The aim is to highlight the commercial challenges faced by REDD practitioners, and explore strategic (including policy) solutions to meet these challenges. The paper begins by situating REDD as a tool for forest conservation and community development. Following a brief overview of the key elements of REDD project development procedures, the paper examines commercial (particularly market access) challenges faced by project proponents, together with challenges associated with the supply and demand dynamic for REDD credits in the global carbon market. This is situated against a backdrop of global policy stagnation in the REDD sector and the implications of this for those at the frontier of community‐based forest protection efforts on the ground. The paper culminates by showing the importance of an effective partnership between governments, rainforest communities and the private sector in regional and global rainforest conservation financing.
Using cumulative sums of martingale residuals for model checking in nested case‐control studies
Authors: Borgan Ørnulf , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2015

Standard use of Cox regression requires collection of covariate information for all individuals in a cohort even when only a small fraction of them experiences the event of interest (fail). This may be very expensive for large cohorts. Further in biomarker studies, it will imply a waste of valuable biological material that one may want to save for future studies. A nested case‐control study offers a useful alternative. For this design, covariate information is only needed for the failing individuals (cases) and a sample of controls selected from the cases’ at‐risk sets. Methods based on martingale residuals are useful for checking the fit of Cox's regression model for cohort data. But similar methods have so far not been developed for nested case‐control data. In this article, it is described how one may define martingale residuals for nested case‐control data, and it is shown how plots and tests based on cumulative sums of martingale residuals may be used to check model fit. The plots and tests may be obtained using available software.
Will MOOCs transform learning and teaching in higher education? Engagement and course retention in online learning provision
Authors: de Freitas Sara Isabella , Morgan John , Gibson David
Published: April 2015

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been the subject of much polarised debate around their potential to transform higher education in terms of opening access. Although MOOCs have been attracting large learner cohorts, concerns have emerged from the early evidence base centring upon issues of quality in learning and teaching provision, and there is clear evidence that impressive headline figures on MOOC enrolments often contrast with extremely low course completion rates. To address these concerns of quality, low retention and the need for engagement, this paper provides a review and case study of MOOC provision. The review considers the current position of MOOCs as a change agent for higher education provision, and the case study considers lessons learnt from an Astronomy MOOC which uses the Open2Study platform. This paper asks about new engagement strategies needed for face‐to‐face and online learners, and explores how course retention can be improved in online provision.
The British Society for Haematology: ‘What have the Romans ever done for us?’
Authors: Baglin Trevor , Carrington Paddy , Jackson Graham ,   the Board of Trustees of the BSH
Published: April 2015

‘….Alright, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, the roads, fresh water and public health………………what have the Romans ever done for us?’

From Monty Python's Life of Brian

An organizational review of the British Society for Haematology (BSH) was started in November 2013 and completed in June 2014. Many members of the Society participated in the surveys and have given their views, including those on the Shape of Training Greenaway report. Members' views were incorporated in the review and these have informed the eight strategic aims agreed at the Board meeting on 10 June 2014. The BSH will aim to realise these strategic aims over the next three to five years.
α1‐Adrenoceptor activation of PKC‐ε causes heterologous desensitization of thromboxane receptors in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhao Yingzi , Vanhoutte Paul M , Leung Susan W S
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

In the aorta of adult spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), but not in that of normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY), rats, previous exposure to phenylephrine inhibits subsequent contractions to PGE2. The present experiments were designed to examine the mechanism(s) underlying this inhibition.

Experimental Approach

Isometric tension was measured in isolated rings of SHR and WKY aortae. Gene expression and protein presence were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting respectively.

Key Results

In aorta of 18 weeks SHR, but not age‐matched WKY, pre‐exposure to phenylephrine inhibited subsequent contractions to PGE2 that were mediated by thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors. This inhibition was not observed in preparations of pre‐hypertensive 5‐week‐old SHR, and was significantly larger in those of 36‐ than 18‐week‐old SHR. Pre‐exposure to the PKC activator, phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate, also inhibited subsequent contractions to PGE2 in SHR aortae. The selective inhibitor of PKC‐ε, ε‐V1‐2, abolished the desensitization caused by pre‐exposure to phenylephrine. Two molecular PKC bands were detected and their relative intensities differed in 36‐week‐old WKY and SHR vascular smooth muscle. The mRNA expressions of PKC‐α, PKC‐ε, PK‐N2 and PKC‐ζ and of G protein‐coupled kinase (GRK)‐2, GRK4 and β‐arrestin2 were higher in SHR than WKY aortae.

Conclusions and Implications

These experiments suggest that in the SHR but not the WKY aorta, α1‐adrenoceptor activation desensitizes TP receptors through activation of PKC‐ε. This heterologous desensitization is a consequence of the chronic exposure to high arterial pressure.
Activation of PPAR‐δ induces microRNA‐100 and decreases the uptake of very low‐density lipoprotein in endothelial cells
Authors: Fang Xi , Fang Li , Liu Ao , Wang Xiaohong , Zhao Beilei , Wang Nanping
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Increased level of very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a key feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with cardiovascular diseases. PPAR‐δ agonists play a protective role in lipid metabolism and vascular function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PPAR‐δ in the uptake of VLDL in endothelial cells and its underlying mechanism(s).

Experimental Approach

Uptake of VLDL in HUVECs was assessed by Dil‐fluorescent labelling of VLDL. Levels of VLDL receptor mRNA and microRNA (miR‐100) were detected by quantitative PCR. The target genes of miR‐100 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. 3′‐Untranslated region (3′‐UTR) luciferase reporter and Argonaute 1 pull‐down assays were used to validate the target of miR‐100.

Key Results

PPAR‐δ agonist GW501516 decreased uptake of VLDL and expression of VLDL receptor at mRNA and protein levels. GW501516 inhibited the luciferase reporter activity of the 3′‐UTR of VLDL receptor. VLDL receptor was a direct target of miR‐100. miR‐100 was significantly increased by GW501516 in HUVECs. Transfection of a miR‐100 mimic decreased the mRNA and protein levels of VLDL receptor and uptake of VLDL. Furthermore, a miR‐100 inhibitor abolished the inhibitory effect of PPAR‐δ on VLDL receptor expression and VLDL uptake.

Conclusions and Implications

In endothelial cells, activation of PPAR‐δ decreased VLDL receptor expression and VLDL uptake via the induction of miR‐100. These results provided a novel mechanism for the vascular protective effect of PPAR‐δ agonists.
Regeneration of Juvenile Woody Plants after Fire in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest of Southern India
Authors: Mondal Nandita , Sukumar Raman
Published: April 2015

Woody tree species in seasonally dry tropical forests are known to have traits that help them to recover from recurring disturbances such as fire. Two such traits are resprouting and rapid post‐fire growth. We compared survival and growth rates of regenerating small‐sized individuals (juveniles) of woody tree species after dry season fire (February–March) at eight adjacent pairs of burnt and unburnt transects in a seasonally dry tropical forest in southern India. Juveniles were monitored at 3‐mo intervals between August 2009 and August 2010. High juvenile survivorship (>95%) was observed in both burnt and unburnt areas. Growth rates of juveniles, analyzed at the community level as well as for a few species individually (especially fast‐growing ones), were distinctly higher in burnt areas compared to unburnt areas after a fire event, particularly during the pre‐monsoon season immediately after a fire. Rapid growth by juveniles soon after a fire may be due to lowered competition from other vegetative forms such as grasses, possibly aided by the availability of resources stored belowground. Such an adaptation would allow a juvenile bank to be retained in the understory of a dry forest, from where individuals can grow to a possible fire‐tolerant size during favorable conditions.
The Use of Tilted Implant for Posterior Atrophic Maxilla
Authors: Barnea Eitan , Tal Haim , Nissan Joseph , Tarrasch Ricardo , Peleg Michael , Kolerman Roni
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To retrospectively analyze the influence of implant inclination on marginal bone loss at freestanding implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses (FPPs) over a medium‐term period of functional loading.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐nine partially edentulous patients with freestanding FPDs supported by two implants placed in a two‐stage procedure comprised the study group. The anterior implant was placed axially, and the posterior tilted distally. Mesial or distal inclination of each implant was measured in relation to the vertical axis perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Average bone loss was compared between straight and tilted implants, smokers, and nonsmokers.

Results

Mean angulation of the anterior axial‐positioned implant was 3.45 degrees distally (range 0–8) and of the distal implants was 32.83 degrees distally (range 20–50 degrees). Average bone loss after 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.89 (SD = 0.73), 1.18 (SD = 0.74), and 1.50 (SD = 0.81), respectively, for axial implants, and 0.98 (SD = 0.69), 1.10 (SD = 0.60) and 1.50 (SD = 0.67) for tilted implants, with no significant correlation between implant angulation and bone loss. A significant correlation between implant angulation and annual bone loss was obtained for tilted implants only (r = 0.52, p = .004).Using Albrektsson criteria, the success rate was 89.6% (26 out of 29 implants) for straight and 93.1% (27 out of 29) for tilted implants.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates no effect of implant angulation on peri‐implant bone loss in the posterior maxilla.
Response of Dictyostelium discoideum to UV‐C and involvement of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase
Authors: Mir H. , Alex T. , Rajawat J. , Kadam A. , Begum R.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Radiation and chemical mutagens are direct DNA‐damaging agents and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is frequently used in biological studies. Consequent to ozone depletion, UV‐C could become a great challenge to living organisms on earth, in the near future. The present study has focused on the role of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) during UV‐C‐induced growth and developmental changes in Dictyostelium discoideum, a phylogenetically important unicellular eukaryote.

Materials and methods

Dictyostelium discoideum cells were exposed to different doses of UV‐C and PARP activity, and effects of its inhibition were studied. Expression of developmentally regulated genes yakA, car1, aca, csA, regA, ctnA, ctnB, gp24, hspD and dsn were analysed using semiquantitative RT‐PCR.

Results

We report that the D. discoideum cells displayed PARP activation within 2 min of UV‐C irradiation and there was increase in NO levels in a dose‐dependent manner. UV‐C‐irradiated cells had impaired growth, delayed or blocked development and delayed germination compared to control cells. In our previous studies we have shown that inhibition of PARP recovered oxidative stress‐induced changes in D. discoideum; however, intriguingly PARP inhibition did not correct all defects as effectively in UV‐C‐irradiated cells. This possibly was due to interplay with increased NO signalling.

Conclusions

Our results signify that UV‐C and oxidative stress affected growth and development in D. discoideum by different mechanisms; these studies could provide major clues to complex mechanisms of growth and development in higher organisms.
Stem cells and their potential therapeutic use in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: Bonthius Daniel J
Published: April 2015

This commentary is on the case report by Kuşkonmaz et al. on pages 880–883 of this issue.
Sample attrition in the RLMS, 2001–10
Authors: Gerry Christopher J. , Papadopoulos Georgios
Published: April 2015

The data of the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) – Higher School of Economics represents one of the few nationally representative sources of household and individual data for Russia. These data have been collected since 1992 and in recent years, thanks to more secure financial and logistical support, have become a resource increasingly drawn upon by scholars and students for national and cross‐national studies. In this paper, we examine the extent of non‐random attrition in the RLMS and discuss the circumstances under which this might give rise to biases in econometric analysis. We illustrate this with an example drawn from the health sphere.
Informality and mobility
Authors: Slonimczyk Fabián , Gimpelson Vladimir
Published: April 2015

Informality is a defining characteristic of labour markets in developing and transition countries. This paper analyzes patterns of mobility across different forms of formal and informal employment in Russia. Using the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey household panel we estimate a dynamic multinomial logit model with individual heterogeneity and correct for the initial conditions problem. Simulations show that structural state dependence is weak and that transition rates from informal to formal employment are not lower than from non‐employment. These results lend support to the integrated view of the labour market.
A prospective analysis of labour market status and self‐rated health in the UK and Russia
Authors: Platts Loretta G.
Published: April 2015

Comparing prospective data from the UK and Russia, this paper analyzes whether the association of labour market status, and particularly unemployment, with subsequent health varies by the level of state protection provided to the unemployed. While the UK's unemployment welfare regime is classified as providing minimal protection, the Russian regime is sub‐protective. Employing Cox duration analysis upon data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey and the British Household Panel Survey for the period 2000–2007, this study finds that labour market status and economic circumstances independently predicted individual‐level declines in self‐rated health and, contrary to expectations, the associations of unemployment with health decline were similarly sized in the two countries.
Changes in household composition as a shock‐mitigating strategy
Authors: Abanokova Kseniya , Lokshin Michael
Published: April 2015

This paper uses data from the Russian Longitudinal Survey that span the two recent economic recessions of 1998 and 2008 to study the effect of declining incomes on household composition. We hypothesize that individuals face a trade‐off between taking advantage of economies of scale and specialization when living with others, and individual privacy. Consumption smoothing is achieved by forgoing privacy during the crisis and results in increases in household size. Our empirical results suggest that members of households that experienced negative income shocks are more likely to move in with others compared to individuals residing in households whose income remained the same or increased.