bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of Conditioned Responding to Threat Cues and Safety Cues as Predictors of Anxiety Symptoms in High Risk Children: A Twelve-month Follow-up
Authors: Waters Allison M.
Published: September 2016

While both maternal emotional disorders and perturbed fear learning increase risk for emotional disorder, it remains unclear the way in which these factors interact. This preliminary study examined whether responding during Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction (Time 1) differentially predicted anxiety and depression symptoms 12 months later (Time 2) in 23 children with maternal risk for emotional disorders and 23 low risk comparisons. At Time 1, participants completed diagnostic and symptom measures and a discriminative conditioning and extinction task using shape conditional stimuli paired with (CS+) and without (CS-) an aversive tone unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Skin conductance responses (SCRs) were assessed in latency windows corresponding to CS orienting (first interval), UCS anticipation (second interval) and response to the UCS (third interval). Diagnostic and symptom measures were repeated at Time 2. Larger acquisition first interval SCRs during CS+ trials predicted higher Time 2 anxiety symptoms in high risk offspring but not low risk comparisons. Larger acquisition third interval SCRs during CS- trials predicted higher Time 2 anxiety symptoms in all children, irrespective of maternal diagnostic status. There were no significant effects involving fear extinction responses. All analyses involving the prediction of depression symptoms were not significant. Elevated responding to safety cues may be a general risk marker among children, and larger orienting responses to threat cues may be a specific risk marker in high risk offspring for increasing anxiety but not depressive symptoms over time.
Criminal-Legal and Criminological Overviews of Kosovo Citizen’s Participation in Armed Conflicts in Syria and Iraq
Authors: Hajdari Azem
Published: September 2016

The criminal offence of Kosovo citizen’s participation in armed conflicts outside of the country has been included in Kosovo criminal legislation in 2015. It has been addressed by a special law and this was determined due to the inclusion of a considerable number of Kosovo citizens in armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq. A perpetrator of this criminal offence can be any person that is a Kosovo citizen, whereas their incriminating actions shall be punishable from 6 months up to 15 years of sentence by imprisonment. Conducted researched for this criminal offence prove in armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq are currently 314 Kosovo citizens, among them also 27 children and 38 women. Kosovo citizens included in these conflicts exercise their military action mainly in support of terrorist organizations ISIS, SALUSTRA etc. In these conflicts until now died 57 Kosovo citizens. Concerning this criminal offence The State Prosecution has issued 34 decisions on implementing investigations, whereas courts did not yet promulgated any judgment punishing its perpetrators. The causes of Kosovo citizen’s participation in armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq are different, but dominate those economic, ideological, the poor work of justice bodies and media. This criminal offence causes numerous consequences of political, psychological, personal and family character.
Firm Growth and Technical Efficiency in Ethiopia: The Role of Firm Size and Finance
Authors: Tesfaye Edjigu Habtamu
Published: September 2016

The performance of manufacturing ﬁrms can play a crucial rule in spurring economic growth and international competency. However, it has received little attention in developing countries particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using ﬁrm level data from 2000 to 2008 survey, this paper empirically investigates the key determinants of growth and technical efficiency of Ethiopian manufacturing establishments focusing on the impact of size and ﬁnance. The empirical result using dynamic panel data estimation suggest that small and young ﬁrms grow more rapidly. Leverage ratio and cash ﬂow are also main determinants of ﬁrm growth. However, they have heterogeneous effect. While, the availability of internal finance signiﬁcantly affect the growth of smaller ﬁrms, leverage (borrowing) represent a binding constraint for growth of large ﬁrms. Firm’s asset, labour quality, ownership and legal status are also binding constraints for growth of ﬁrm in Ethiopia. Moreover, a stochastic frontier analysis of the production function shows that there is signiﬁcant difference in efficiency scores across ﬁrms. The result shows that efficiency score increases with ﬁrm size and cash flow but decrease with borrowing.

 
A Study Regarding the Advances of Political Stability and Economic Development Experienced in Turkey during the Periods of 1980-2015
Authors: Yardimcioglu Mahmut , Ilhan Ahmet
Published: September 2016

In this study, the causality relationship between the political stability and gross domestic product (GDP) in Turkey with the annual data for the period 1980-2015 has been analyzed. The cointegration and Engle-Granger causality tests have been applied in the study. As the Series were cointegrated, the Error Correction Method has been used in order to carry out the causality test. According to the analysis results, the cointegration test suggests the presence of a long-term relationship between political stability and gross domestic product (GDP). As for the Error Correction Model, it reveals the presence of one-way causal relationship from political stability to GDP.
The Visual “Big Picture” of Intermediate Macroeconomics: A Pedagogical Tool to Teach Intermediate Macroeconomics
Authors: Zeytoon Nejad Moosavian Seyyed Ali
Published: September 2016

The primary purpose of this paper is to introduce a holistic, visual “big picture” of the concepts and diagrams that are commonly covered in the course of intermediate macroeconomics. Intermediate macroeconomics discusses numerous concepts and diagrams in order to finally show how aggregate supply (AS) and aggregate demand (AD) are derived in an economy. A further learning objective defined for the intermediate macroeconomics course is to enable students to investigate the overall effects of macroeconomic policies on AS and AD in the economy. In order to better attain the aforementioned learning objectives, the present paper proposes a visual “big picture” which can be applied as a pedagogical tool in teaching intermediate macroeconomics classes. This visual “big picture” logically connects twenty-seven macroeconomic diagrams which are usually introduced in the intermediate macroeconomics course, and also describes the general pattern and overall structure of macroeconomics in terms of four separate markets in a visual way, namely labor market, capital market, money market, and goods market. Finally, it is suggested that this visual “big picture” should be provided to the students taking the course of intermediate macroeconomics so that they can readily grasp the logical order of the concepts and the underlying complex structure of the markets that are discussed in the course.
Impact of Capital Structure on Stock Prices: Evidence from Oman
Authors: Menon Udayakumari Vidhyasagara
Published: September 2016

The study tests the relationship between capital structures and share prices of the listed companies of Muscat Securities Market (MSM). It considers all the 113 listed companies registered in MSM for three main sectors for a period of eight years i.e. 2008 till 2015. It analyzes the relationship between share price and capital structure by employing correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis in a panel framework. We found an inverse relationship between amount of debt and share prices. Further a positive relationship between amount of equity and share prices and debt equity ratio. The results were statistically significant at 1% level of significance. The results indicate adding debt to overall capital inversely effects the share prices. The results are in tandem to Net Income Approach which portrays capital structure to influence firm value.
Australian National Training Packages – A Critical Analysis
Authors: Maj Stanislaw Paul
Published: September 2016

In the Australian Further Education sector all education is based on national training packages which are designed and managed to meet the needs of different industries. They provide specifications of training elements; the associate performance criteria; expected required knowledge and skills all benchmarked against defined evidence guides. Significantly the do not define content or how the content should be taught with regard to both depth and scope. The advantage of this approach is flexibility with respect to interpretation and implementation. The disadvantage is potential differences in implementation. Three implementations were evaluated to assess this potential problem. The results clearly show an extreme difference in implementation. This cannot be consistent with national benchmarked standards. Further work is needed.
A joint analysis of river runoff and meteorological forcing in the Karakoram, upper Indus Basin
Authors: Reggiani Paolo , Mukhopadhyay Biswajit , Rientjes T.H.M. , Khan Asif
Published: September 2016

Satellite‐geodetic altimetry investigations in the Karakoram have indicated slight mass gain or loss of the glaciers during the early part of 21st century. Equivalent discharge in the upper Indus Basin due to these mass changes has been estimated at 5 to 10% of mean annual flow. However, satellite altimetry and geodetic glacier mass estimates in the extreme topography of the Karakoram have not yet been counter‐validated by hydrological analysis. Therefore, we present a first cross validation of three to five decades of river flow data from the three major watersheds in the Karakoram, with matching series of monthly precipitation, temperature, and evaporation provided by six atmospheric reanalysis products for 1979–2014. The analyses suggest that in most cases river flows have been increasing steadily from the end of the 1960s and 1970s to the middle of the 1990s and have stabilized or are in decline since then. Hunza watershed in Karakoram West shows consistently declining flows over the first half of the analysis period and stable flows during the second half for most of the summer melting season, suggesting mass accumulation. Rising river flows in the Shyok and Shigar watersheds, followed by stabilizing or slightly declining flows from 1995 onward, can be explained by consistently increasing precipitation during the first half of the analysis period, and successive stabilization or minor decline thereof. Flow data do not necessarily suggest considerable loss or gain of glacial mass in the Karakoram during the late 90s and early 2000s as suggested by satellite‐based altimetry studies.
Factors influencing participation in health behaviors in endometrial cancer survivors
Authors: Hardcastle Sarah J. , Glassey Rachael , Salfinger Stuart , Tan Jason , Cohen Paul
Published: September 2016

Background

The study purpose was to investigate endometrial cancer survivors' health perceptions following cessation of active cancer treatment and to explore factors influencing participation in health‐promoting behaviors.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with participants who had completed active treatment of cancer within the previous 3 years. Participants were 22 endometrial cancer survivors (mean age = 62.55 years, SD = 7.08) at risk of cardiovascular disease who were recruited from 2 oncologists in Perth, Western Australia. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Five main themes emerged: physical activity knowledge and advice; authority of oncologists; accountability and external motivation; monitoring and barriers to healthy eating; and physical activity. Participants recalled that specific recommendations for physical activity or body weight were rarely made by the oncologists, but felt they would have followed such lifestyle advice if it had been given. The overarching theme was the need for accountability and monitoring to successfully change health behaviors.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at promoting health behaviors in endometrial cancer survivors should include referral and advice from oncologists, provision of monitoring, and promotion of planning and self‐control. Implications for endometrial cancer survivors at risk of cardiovascular disease: these women are likely to benefit most from interventions aimed at promoting planning, self‐regulation and problem solving and regular follow‐up.
Motivaciones y barreras para la implantación del comercio electrónico en España: un estudio Delphi
Authors: Gallego M. Dolores , Bueno Salvador , Terreño Juan Francisco
Published: September 2016

A pesar del avance de Internet, las cifras globales muestran un lento crecimiento del comercio electrónico en España. Por ello, este trabajo plantea identificar las barreras que obstaculizan la difusión del comercio electrónico, así como las principales motivaciones empresariales a su implantación. El método Delphi fue aplicado con la intención de alcanzar un consenso dentro de un panel de expertos en la materia sobre cuáles son las principales motivaciones y barreras a la implantación del comercio electrónico en España. Los resultados identifican la expansión de los mercados y la captación de nuevos clientes como principales incentivos. Entre los obstáculos se destacan los relacionados con problemas logísticos, la seguridad en métodos de pago y la oferta de productos difícilmente comercializables por Internet.
Paediatrician perceptions of patient referral and discharge
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Turbitt Erin , Gafforini Sarah , Kunin Marina
Published: September 2016

Objective
The aim of the present study was to determine the factors involved in the decision of paediatric specialists to discharge patients back to their primary care provider following referral. Return of patients to primary care, when medically appropriate, is essential to provide efficient care to children given the limited workforce of paediatric subspecialists in Australia.

Methods
Data were compiled from a self-completed mail survey of all paediatricians in five specialties at two children’s hospitals in Melbourne (n = 81). Analysis involved frequency distributions and descriptive analyses, followed by bivariate analyses to determine the differences, if any, among respondents based on the demographic variables collected.

Results
The response rate was 91%. Most paediatricians (73%) believed that at least sometimes referrals were for a condition general practitioners (GPs) should be able to manage themselves. However, only 36% reported that they frequently or almost always provided the referring GP with information on how to care for the particular condition without a referral. Concerns regarding whether a patient would receive required care following discharge were felt to be important by most paediatricians. Further, many paediatricians reported that their discharge decision is affected by concerns it would be too complicated to arrange for a GP to take over the care of a patient.

Conclusions
Understanding the factors involved in the referral process and the decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary care is essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times. Ensuring appropriate referral of children involves the participation of GPs, parents and specialists.

What is known about the topic?
Most paediatric subspecialists practice in paediatric hospitals, where there is a sufficient volume of patients requiring their services. There have been reports across Australia of increased referrals to general and subspecialist paediatricians, with subsequent increases in waiting times and difficulties accessing timely care for children. There are anecdotal reports of inappropriate referrals to paediatric subspecialty clinics.

What does this paper add?
There is broad sentiment among paediatric specialists that they receive many referrals from GPs without either a clear rationale for the referral and/or sufficient information regarding the clinical history of the patient. Few paediatricians report contacting the referring GP to obtain additional information. Paediatricians believe parents are a frequent driver of both necessary and unnecessary referrals.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Understanding the factors involved in the referral process and the decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary care is essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times.
Effects of soil composition and preparation on the prediction of particle size distribution using mid-infrared spectroscopy and partial least-squares regression
Authors: Janik Leslie J. , Soriano-Disla José M. , Forrester Sean T. , McLaughlin Michael J.
Published: September 2016

Soil composition and preparation can affect prediction accuracy using diffuse reflectance mid-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of soil composition, preparation and carbonate content on the accuracy of particle size distribution (PSD) predictions in four contrasting sets of soils, including calcareous soils, using partial least-squares regression (PLSR). The soils were scanned as <2- and <0.1-mm fine-ground samples. Regression calibrations were derived for individual soil sets, as well as a composite of the four sets. Predictions for clay and sand for the <2-mm composite calibration resulted in good accuracy (coefficient of determination R2=0.78; ratio of the standard deviation of reference values to the prediction error (RPD)=2.2), but were less accurate for clay in the calcareous soils (R2=0.70–0.78; RPD=1.8–1.1) and similarly accurate for sand (R2=0.68–0.80; RPD=1.7–2.2). Predictions for silt were poor. Accuracies improved by fine grinding (R2=0.88, RPD=2.9 for clay; R2=0.84, RPD=2.9 for sand). It was concluded that single, large and highly variable sets rather than site-specific calibrations could be used for the PSD predictions of specific soil sets. Changes in the PLSR loading weights, resulting from grinding, could be linked to an improved access of the infrared beam to the soil matrix by removal or dilution of surface coatings, resulting in a reduction of inter- and intraparticulate heterogeneity.
AT2 Receptors: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Hypertension
Authors: Carey Robert M.
Published: September 2016

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is arguably the most important and best studied hormonal system in the control of blood pressure (BP) and the pathogenesis of hypertension. The RAS features its main effector angiotensin II (Ang II) acting via its 2 major receptors, angiotensin type-1(AT1R) and type-2 (AT2R). In general, AT2Rs oppose the detrimental actions of Ang II via AT1Rs. AT2R activation induces vasodilation and natriuresis, but its effects to lower BP in hypertension have not been as clear as anticipated. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that acute and chronic AT2R stimulation can induce natriuresis and lower BP in the Ang II infusion model of experimental hypertension. AT2R activation induces receptor recruitment from intracellular sites to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells via a bradykinin, nitric oxide, and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′ monophosphate signaling pathway that results in internalization and inactivation of sodium (Na+) transporters Na+–H+ exchanger-3 and Na+/K+ATPase. These responses do not require the presence of concurrent AT1R blockade and are effective both in the prevention and reversal of hypertension. This review will address the role of AT2Rs in the control of BP and Na+ excretion and the case for these receptors as potential therapeutic targets for hypertension in humans.
Associations of the Serum/Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase Genes With BP Changes and Hypertension Incidence: The Gensalt Study
Authors: Zhang Dingding , Gu Dongfeng , He Jiang , Hixson James E. , Rao Dabeeru C. , Li Changwei , He Hua , Chen Jichun , Huang Jianfeng , Chen Jing , Rice Treva K. , Chen Shufeng , Kelly Tanika N.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Single-marker and novel gene-based methods were employed to examine the associations of the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinases (SGK) gene family with longitudinal blood pressure (BP) changes and hypertension incidence in a family-based cohort study.

METHODS

Totally, 1,768 Chinese participants from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) follow-up study were included in the current analyses. Nine BP measures were obtained at each of 3 visits during the GenSalt follow-up study. Mixed-model and Gene-based analyses were used to examine the associations of the SGK gene family with longitudinal BP phenotypes. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing.

RESULTS

After an average 7.2-year follow-up, 32.2% (513) of participants free of hypertension at baseline developed hypertension. Four novel SNPs in the SGK1 gene were predictive of the longitudinal BP phenotypes. The major alleles of SGK1 rs1763498 and rs114414980 conferred 2.9- and 2.5-fold increased risks of hypertension development, respectively (P = 1.0×10−4 and 6.0×10–4, respectively). In addition, the major allele of SGK1 rs229133 was significantly associated with 0.4mm Hg larger annual increases in systolic BP (P = 4.2×10−4), while the major allele of rs6924468 was significantly associated with 0.2mm Hg smaller annual increases in diastolic BP (P = 4.2×10−4). Gene-based analyses revealed an association of the SGK1 gene with risk of hypertension development (P = 7.4×10−3). No evidence for the SGK2 and SGK3 genes was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study suggest that the SGK1 gene may play a role in long-term BP regulation and hypertension incidence.
Phytoplasma classification and phylogeny based on in silico and in vitro RFLP analysis of cpn60 universal target sequences
Authors: Pérez-López Edel , Olivier Chrystel Y. , Luna-Rodríguez Mauricio , Dumonceaux Tim J.
Published: September 2016

Phytoplasmas are unculturable, phytopathogenic bacteria that cause economic losses worldwide. As unculturable micro-organisms, phytoplasma taxonomy has been based on the use of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene to establish 16Sr groups and subgroups based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern resulting from the digestion of amplicon (in vitro) or sequence (in silico) with seventeen restriction enzymes. Problems such as heterogeneity of the ribosomal operon and the inability to differentiate closely related phytoplasma strains has motivated the search for additional markers capable of providing finer differentiation of phytoplasma strains. In this study we developed and validated a scheme to classify phytoplasmas based on the use of cpn60 universal target (cpn60 UT) sequences. Ninety-six cpn60 UT sequences from strains belonging to 19 16Sr subgroups were subjected to in silico RFLP using pDRAW32 software, resulting in 25 distinctive RFLP profiles. Based on these results we delineated cpn60 UT groups and subgroups, and established a threshold similarity coefficient for groups and subgroups classifying all the strains analysed in this study. The nucleotide identity among the reference strains, the correspondence between in vitro and in silico RFLP, and the phylogenetic relationships of phytoplasma strains based on cpn60 UT sequences are also discussed.
The effect of board gender diversity on firm performance: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Kılıç Merve , Kuzey Cemil
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to include two primary goals. First to determine the board characteristics of listed companies in Turkey and second to investigate the effect of board gender diversity on the performance of these companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an instrumental variables regression analysis to investigate the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance using the data from 2008-2012 of the entities listed on the Borsa Istanbul.

Findings

The results indicate that the boards of these companies in Turkey are male-dominated. Moreover, this study shows that the inclusion of female directors is positively related to the financial performance of firms, as measured by the return on assets, the return on equity and the return on sales.

Originality/value

Limited empirical studies have been conducted on the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance in emerging economies. Therefore, there is still no consensus regarding the link between board gender diversity and firm financial performance based upon the mixed and sometimes contradictory results in prior research. Therefore, this study extends the current literature in the context of Turkey, showing that a female member on the board can enhance the financial performance of a company.
A cross-national examination of prejudice toward immigrants: the role of education and political ideology
Authors: Erhart Ryan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

More than ever before, people from around the world are migrating away from their country of birth. Yet citizens of host countries do not always welcome these immigrants – instead, citizens sometimes express prejudice toward them. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence attitudes toward immigrants cross-nationally.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data from the International Social Survey Programme, which includes data from 30 countries across two time points, were analyzed.

Findings

Findings indicate that people with higher level of education tend to have more favorable attitudes toward immigrants, while those with more politically conservative leanings and those with a greater sense of national identity tend to hold more prejudicial attitudes toward immigrants. At the country/regional level, education is consistent in its relationship with more favorable attitudes. However, political conservatism is less consistent in predicting prejudice – the relationship is strong in western democracies, but is largely negligible in other parts of the world.

Originality/value

The present analyses carry implications for improving anti-immigrant prejudice throughout the world.
Prejudice toward immigrants in student and community samples
Authors: Wood Emily F. , Miller Monica K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The number of immigrants in the USA has increased steadily in recent decades. Two studies investigated individual differences that relate to attitudes toward immigrants in student and community samples. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

US university students and a community sampler were surveyed.

Findings

In both samples, higher scores on attributional complexity were associated with more positive attitudes toward immigrants and individuals who make dispositional attributions for the causes of crime and/or who are higher in faith in intuition tended to have more negative attitudes. Political orientation was a significant predictor in both samples; being more liberal and identifying as a Democrat compared to a Republican was related to more positive attitudes. Higher need for cognition scores were associated with more positive attitudes and higher legal authoritarianism scores were associated with more negative attitudes; however these were only significant predictors in the community sample.

Originality/value

Prejudicial attitudes toward immigrants can have adverse effects on immigrants in the realms of the legal system, workplace, healthcare, and education.
The inter-relationship between violence and education amidst armed conflict in Southern Thailand
Authors: Tuntivivat Sudarat
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate direct, cultural, and structural violence in education system in the midst of armed conflict in Southern Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory qualitative case study conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 40 participants, consisting of students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, principals, experts, education specialists, and administrators from seven schools across the three southern border provinces.

Findings

The study reveals some misconceptions of violence, normalization of direct violence in armed conflict, and pinpoints the ways in which cultural violence is used to legitimize structural and direct violence in the education system, as well as adverse effects and ethno-religious segregation in schools and the larger society.

Social implications

Some policy recommendations are offered to address violence and promote sustainable peace through the education system in Southern Thailand.

Originality/value

This paper offers new perspectives on the inter-relationship between education and violence and adverse effects on violence in the education system in the midst of armed conflict in Southern Thailand.
Two approaches for sustaining growth: re-introducing the “founder’s mentality” and implementing “The Three Box” solution
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The challenge of sustaining growth seems to be getting steeper and steeper. This Masterclass provides context for two recent books that have valuable insights to offer to company leaders and strategists on how to build resilience and sustain growth in increasingly dynamic and uncertain global competitive markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In The Founder’s Mentality: How to Overcome the Predictable Crises of Growth (2016), well-known Bain strategy consultants, Chris Zook and James Allen offer a strategy for consciously embedding “the founder’s mentality” into the culture of young firms as they scale or rediscovering it in mature firms that might be stalling and losing their way. For strategy and innovation guru, Vijay Govindarajan, sustaining growth increasingly requires being able to pursue simultaneously two very different types of activity and mindset – exploiting a legacy business while exploring new business opportunities. He offers a very practical framework for approaching this challenge in The Three Box Solution: A Strategy for Leading Innovation.

Findings

The “founder’s mentality” refers to “a collection of specific behaviors and attitudes best exemplified by the traits of great founders that if properly cultivated in the rest of the organization, can lead more reliably to sustainable growth.” Some young firms fail to establish a founder’s mentality from the outset, while many mature founder-led companies come to lose their sense of insurgency and other key founder’s mentality traits over time. “Just about every company, at any stage in its life, can benefit from the attitudes and behaviors that make up the founder’s mentality.”

Practical implications

Govindarajan argues that “asking what assumptions must be true for this idea to be highly profitable” and testing the most critical of these “as early and as inexpensively as possible” is ‘the best way to reveal an ill-conceived project.

Originality/value

The two books, taken together, provide a wealth of insight for leaders seeking to diagnose their firm’s growth problems and looking for potential solutions for reviving innovation and growth.
How successful firms guide innovation: insights and strategies of leading CEOs
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Davidson Steven , Ikeda Kazuaki , Korsten Peter J. , Marshall Anthony
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This report by the IBM Institute for Business Value, part of long-term study of C-suite executives, probes the perspectives of the 818 CEOs to find out what they think the future will bring and how they’re positioning their organizations to prosper in the “age of disruption.”

Design/methodology/approach

The report also focuses specifically on what a subset of the 818 – CEOs of the most successful enterprises surveyed – do differently.

Findings

IBM analysis identified a small group of organizations that have both a strong reputation as leading innovators and an outstanding financial track record. Lead by so-called Torchbearer CEOs the firms are exploring opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and ecosystems to pursue entirely new revenue streams and models.

Practical implications

CEOs recognize the confluence of technologies magnifies their impact across markets and economies. Emerging technologies intersect and combine in new and different ways, enabling enterprises to redefine how they engage with their customers and partners.

Originality/value

Two-thirds of executives surveyed plan to reassess their strategic direction and explore the potential for novel, non-traditional forms of growth. They’re actively pursuing opportunities to play a new or different role in the ecosystems they inhabit.
John C. Camillus: discovering opportunities by exploring wicked problems
Authors: Fahey Liam
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In this interview John C Camillus, author of Wicked Strategies: How Companies Conquer Complexity and Confound Competitors shares his approach to identifying “wicked problems” that firms can then explore to find growth opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The “wicked strategies” approach that Camillus proposes is designed to convert disruptive technologies into innovative business models, reconcile conflicted stakeholders by engaging them in co-creation of value and transform an unknowable future into a desired one through the alchemy of a Feed-Forward Framework.

Findings

Camillus’ proposed Feed-Forward Framework enables and employs the process of experimentation.

Practical implications

Camillus’ multi-level approach starts by discerning unique “wicked problems,” then applies a “Feed-Forward Framework” that analyzes multiple stakeholder interests and develops scenarios to discover and test possible opportunities and robust strategies.

Originality/value

The role of the corporate headquarters that Camillus proposes differs from the approach that is conventionally employed – it focuses intensely on human resources and competency development.
On continuous families of geometric Seifert conemanifold structures
Authors: Lozano María Teresa , Montesinos-Amilibia José María
Published: September 2016

In this paper, dedicated to Prof. Lou Kauffman, we determine the Thurston’s geometry possesed by any Seifert fibered conemanifold structure in a Seifert manifold with orbit space [Formula: see text] and no more than three exceptional fibers, whose singular set, composed by fibers, has at most three components which can include exceptional or general fibers (the total number of exceptional and singular fibers is less than or equal to three). We also give the method to obtain the holonomy of that structure. We apply these results to three families of Seifert manifolds, namely, spherical, Nil manifolds and manifolds obtained by Dehn surgery on a torus knot [Formula: see text]. As a consequence we generalize to all torus knots the results obtained in [Geometric conemanifolds structures on [Formula: see text], the result of [Formula: see text] surgery in the left-handed trefoil knot [Formula: see text], J. Knot Theory Ramifications 24(12) (2015), Article ID: 1550057, 38pp., doi: 10.1142/S0218216515500571] for the case of the left handle trefoil knot. We associate a plot to each torus knot for the different geometries, in the spirit of Thurston.
The construction of LDPC codes based on the subspaces of singular linear space over finite field
Authors: Wang Congcong , Zhang Yingying , Li Zhuoqun , Zhang Xiaona , Gao You
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite field with [Formula: see text] elements, where [Formula: see text] is a prime power. [Formula: see text] denotes the [Formula: see text]-dimensional row linear space over [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we construct a series of LDPC codes based on the subspaces of singular linear space over [Formula: see text], and calculate their parameters.
Evaluation, Classification, and Influential Factors Analysis of Traffic Congestion in Chinese Cities Using the Online Map Data
Authors: Bian Changzhi , Yuan Changwei , Kuang Wenbo , Wu Dayong
Published: September 2016

This study proposes a new method to describe, compare, and classify the traffic congestion states in 23 Chinese cities using the online map data and further reveals the influential factors that may affect them. First, the real-time traffic congestion information is obtained from the online map of AutoNavi in a 15-minute interval. Next, a new measuring index is introduced to describe the overall characterization of congestion patterns in each city based on online map data, which is named as the congestion ratio. The next analysis is the cluster analysis based on the temporal distribution of the congestion ratio, which helps to identify groups of the selected cities with similar traffic congestion states. These cities are categorized as four groups according to the severity of traffic congestion: severely congested, less severely congested, amble, and smooth cities. Lastly, multiple linear regression models are developed to identify the primary factors that affect the congestion ratio. The result shows that the influences of per capita road area, car ownership, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on the congestion ratio are significant. Sensitivity analyses are also implemented in order to reveal more effective policy measures in mitigating traffic congestion in urban areas.
Online Open Circuit Fault Diagnosis for Rail Transit Traction Converter Based on Object-Oriented Colored Petri Net Topology Reasoning
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Chunmei , Diao Lijun , Chen Jie , Qiu Ruichang , Wang Peizhen
Published: September 2016

For online open circuit fault diagnosis of the traction converter in rail transit vehicles, conventional approaches depend heavily on component parameters and circuit layouts. For better universality and less parameter sensitivity during the diagnosis, this paper proposes a novel topology analysis approach to diagnose switching device open circuit failures. During the diagnosis, the topology is analyzed with fault reasoning mechanism, which is based on object-oriented Petri net (OOCPN). The OOCPN model takes in digitalized current inputs as fault signatures, and dynamical transitions between discrete switching states of a circuit with broken device are symbolized with the dynamical transitions of colored tokens in OOCPN. Such transitions simulate natural reasoning process of an expert’s brain during diagnosis. The dependence on component parameters and on circuit layouts is finally eliminated by such circuit topology reasoning process. In the last part, the proposed online reasoning and diagnosis process is exemplified with the case of a certain switching device failure in the power circuit of traction converter.
Antibiotic Resistance of Diverse Bacteria from Aquaculture in Borneo
Authors: Kathleen M. M. , Samuel L. , Felecia C. , Reagan E. L. , Kasing A. , Lesley M. , Toh S. C.
Published: September 2016

The administration of antimicrobials in aquaculture provides a selective pressure creating a reservoir of multiple resistant bacteria in the cultured fish and shrimps as well as the aquaculture environment. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture products and aquaculture’s surrounding environment in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Ninety-four identified bacterial isolates constituted of 17 genera were isolated from sediment, water, and cultured organisms (fish and shrimp) in selected aquaculture farms. These isolates were tested for their antibiotic resistance against 22 antibiotics from several groups using the disk diffusion method. The results show that the highest resistance was observed towards streptomycin (85%,n=20), while the lowest resistance was towards gentamicin (1.1%,n=90). The multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index of the isolates tested ranged between 0 and 0.63. It was suggested that isolates with MAR index > 0.2 were recovered from sources with high risk of antibiotic resistant contamination. This study revealed low level of antibiotic resistance in the aquaculture bacterial isolates except for streptomycin and ampicillin (>50% resistance,n=94) which have been used in the aquaculture industry for several decades. Antibiotic resistant patterns should be continuously monitored to predict the emergence and widespread of MAR. Effective action is needed to keep the new resistance from further developing and spreading.
General Randić, Sum-Connectivity, Hyper-Zagreb and Harmonic Indices, and Harmonic Polynomial of Molecular Graphs
Authors: Farahani Mohammad Reza , Gao Wei , Kanna M. R. Rajesh , Kumar R. Pradeep , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: September 2016

We present explicit formula for the general Randić connectivity, general sum-connectivity, Hyper-Zagreb and Harmonic Indices, and Harmonic polynomial of some simple connected molecular graphs.
Pathway Analysis Based on Attractor and Cross Talk in Colon Cancer
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Wang Lin , Wang Bingping , Yue Meng , Cheng Yufeng
Published: September 2016

Colon cancer is the third and second most common cancer form in men and women worldwide. It is generally accepted that colon cancer mainly results from diet. The aim of this study was to identify core pathways which elucidated the molecular mechanisms in colon cancer. The microarray data of E-GEOD-44861 was downloaded from ArrayExpress database. All human pathways were obtained from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. In total, 135 differential expressed genes (DEG) were identified using Linear Models for Microarray Data package. Differential pathways were identified with the method of attractor after overlapping with DEG. Pathway cross talk network (PCN) was constructed by combining protein-protein interactions and differential pathways. Cross talks of all pathways were obtained in PCN. There were 65 pathways with RankProd (RP) values < 0.05 and 16 pathways with Impact Factors (IF) values > 100. Five pathways were satisfied withPvalue < 0.05, RP values < 0.05, and IF values > 100, which were considered to be the most important pathways in colon cancer. In conclusion, the five pathways were identified in the center status of colon cancer, which may contribute to understanding the mechanism and development of colon cancer.
Use of Plant Extracts as an Effective Manner to ControlClostridium perfringensInduced Necrotic Enteritis in Poultry
Authors: Diaz Carrasco J. M. , Redondo L. M. , Redondo E. A. , Dominguez J. E. , Chacana A. P. , Fernandez Miyakawa M. E.
Published: September 2016

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an important concern in poultry industry since it causes economic losses, increased mortality, reduction of bird welfare, and contamination of chicken products for human consumption. For decades, the use of in-feed antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) has been the main strategy to control intestinal pathogens includingClostridium perfringens(CP), the causative agent of NE. However, the use of AGPs in animal diet has been linked to the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial resistance through food-borne microorganisms, which has led to the ban of AGPs in many countries. This scenario has challenged the poultry industry to search for safer alternative products in order to prevent NE. In this context, the utilization of natural plant extracts with antimicrobial properties appears as a promising and feasible tool to control NE in chicken. In this paper, we review the scientific studies analyzing the potential of plant extracts as alternative feed additives to reduce NE in poultry, with focus on two types of plant products that arise as promising candidates: tannins and essential oils. Some of these products showed antimicrobial activity against CP and coccidiain vitroandin vivoand are able to increase productive performance, emulating the bioactive properties of AGPs.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Level of Some Selected Metal in Edible Oils
Authors: Tesfaye Bereket , Abebaw Alemayehu
Published: September 2016

The physico-chemical properties and level of some essential metals of four edible oils, two imported (Viking and Avena) and two processed in Ethiopia (Selam and Nur) oil samples, were analyzed using classical wet chemical method and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The result of physico-chemical properties shows that acid value in Avena and Viking oils which is 0.091±0.0042 mgKOH/g and 0.082±0.0047 mgKOH/g, respectively, from palm oil variety and in Selam and Nur oils 0.276±0.0056 mgKOH/g and 0.188±0.0050 mgKOH/g, respectively, from noug oil variety, saponification value in Avena and Viking oils which is 190.27±3.528 mgKOH/g and 189.80±3.528 mgKOH/g, respectively, and in Selam and Nur oils 187.00±5.668 mgKOH/g and 143.05±8.527 mgKOH/g, respectively, iodine value in Viking and Avena oils which is 97.545±0.6345 g and 53.807±1.0150 g, respectively, and Nur and Selam oils 116.410±0.3863 g and 88.153±0.5300 g, respectively, and peroxide value in Viking and Avena oils which is 1.413±0.0808 meq/kg and 1.233±0.0305 meq/kg, respectively, from palm oil variety and in Selam and Nur oils 0.893±0.0503 meq/kg and 1.460±0.0600 meq/kg, respectively, from noug oil variety were obtained. The level of essential metals in edible oil samples was analyzed after wet digestion. The results show that levels of Cu in Viking and Avena oils that were 0.62±0.022 mg and 0.28±0.004 mg, respectively, and in Selam and Nur oils 0.86±0.003 mg and 0.42±0.005 mg, respectively, and the levels of Zn in Viking and Avena oils that were 1.58±0.154 mg and 1.27±0.255 mg, respectively, and in Selam and Nur oils 1.19±0.160 mg and 1.47±0.567 mg, respectively, were obtained. The physico-chemical properties and level of essential metal revealed that four edible oils were acceptable to human consumption.
Disproportionately Elevated Proinsulin Levels as an Early Indicator ofβ-Cell Dysfunction in Nondiabetic Offspring of Chinese Diabetic Patients
Authors: Li Ming , Feng Dan , Zhang Kui , Gao Shan , Lu Juming
Published: September 2016

Objective.To study the characteristics ofβ-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR) in the first-degree relatives (FDRs) of T2DM in Chinese population and to examine the usefulness of proinsulin (PI) for evaluatingβ-cell dysfunction.Methods. 229 subjects of nondiabetic FDRs, 71 newly diagnosed T2DM, and 114 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) but not FDRs (NGT-non-FDRs) were verified by a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Specific insulin (SI) and PI were measured by highly sensitive ELISA.Results. Compared to NGT-non-FDRs, NGT-FDRs showed higher levels of fasting and 2-hour PI, fasting PI-to-SI ratio (FPI/SI), and HOMA-IR (p<0.01). Meanwhile, fasting PI, FPI/SI, and HOMA-IR were increased steadily from NGT-FDRs to prediabetes-FDRs and were highest in T2DM group (p<0.001), whereas a significant decrease in HOMA-B could be observed only in T2DM group. Moreover, a progressive deterioration ofβ-cell function in NGT-FDRs, prediabetes-FDRs, and T2DM could be identified by FPI/SI even after adjusting for HOMA-IR: relative to non-FDRs controls, mean FPI/SI levels were increased 1.5, 2.0, and 4.7-fold, respectively (allp<0.01).Conclusions.  β-cell dysfunction as assessed by disproportionate secretion of proinsulin and IR by HOMA (using specific insulin assay) already exist in FDRs of T2DM even with normal glucose status. Compared with HOMA-B, FPI/SI could detectβ-cell failure in earlier stage of diabetes development.