bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediation of trust in country-of-origin effects across countries
Authors: Jiménez Nadia , San Martín Sonia
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate if trust plays a mediating role on the country-of-origin (COO) brand reputation and consumer animosity effects in determining consumers’ purchase intentions in both emerging and developed markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opted for the structure equation modelling methodology to analyse data collected from 476 Spanish and Mexican car owners who evaluate American automobiles.

Findings

– The results show that in the emerging market economy, the COO's brand reputation influences trust and purchase intention more than in the mature market. Also, the results show that although trust plays an important role in different markets because it mediates the effect of COO's brand reputation on consumers’ purchase intention in both emerging and mature economies, it does not mediate the effect of animosity on purchase intention in the analysed developed economy.

Research limitations/implications

– The chosen category product presents the shortcoming of being of a hybrid nature regarding their manufacturing origin and research results may not be generalizable since we consider one product of one COO.

Practical implications

– COO's brand reputation is a key trigger of trust, and can substitute absent regulatory institutional elements, especially in emerging markets. In emerging markets, animosity could play an important role in explaining the rejection of foreign products, but the increase of trust could mitigate its negative effect on purchase intention.

Originality/value

– This study distinguishes the mediating role of trust between different interrelated COO variables and consumers’ purchase intentions in two different national contexts, and offers evidence that good COO's brand reputation building is crucial for international marketing success.
Combined equivalent & multi-scale simulation method for 3-D seismic analysis of large-scale shield tunnel
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Jin Xianlong , Yang Zhihao
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The great magnitude differences between the integral tunnel and its structure details make it impossible to numerically model and analyze the global and local seismic behavior of large-scale shield tunnels using a unified spatial scale, even with the help of supercomputers. The paper aims to present a combined equivalent & multi-scale simulation method, by which the tunnel's major mechanical properties under seismic loads can be represented by the equivalent model, and the seismic responses of the interested details can be studied efficiently by the coupled multi-scale model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The nominal orthotropic material constants of the equivalent tunnel model are inversely determined by fitting the modal characteristics of the equivalent model with the corresponding segmental lining model. The critical sections are selected by comprehensive analyzing of the integral compression/extension and bending loads in the equivalent lining under the seismic shaking and the coupled multi-scale model containing the details of interest is solved by the mixed time explicit integration algorithm.

Findings

– The combined equivalent & multi-scale simulation method is an effective and efficient way for seismic analyses of large-scale tunnels. The response of each flexible joint is related to its polar location on the lining ring, and the mixed time integration method can speed-up the calculation process for hybrid FE model with great differences in element sizes.

Originality/value

– The orthotropic equivalent assumption is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, used in the 3D simulation of the shield tunnel lining, representing the rigidity discrepancies caused by the structural property.
Method of lines solutions for the three-wave model of Brillouin equations
Authors: Serdar Gokhan Fikri , W. Griffiths Graham , E. Schiesser William
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the method of lines (MOL) solution of the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) equations (a system of three first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs)), describing the three-wave interaction resulting from a coupling between light and acoustic waves. The system has complex numbers and boundary values.

Design/methodology/approach

– System of three first-order hyperbolic PDEs are first transformed and then spatially discretized. Superbee flux limiter is proposed to offset numerical damping and dispersion, brought on by the low order approximation of spatial derivatives in the PDEs. In order to increase computational efficiency, the structured structure of the PDE Jacobian matrix is identified and a sparse integration algorithm option of the ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers is used. The flux limiter based on higher order approximations eliminates numerical oscillation. Examples are presented, and the performance of the Matlab ODE solvers is evaluated by comparison.

Findings

– This type of solution provides a rapid means of investigating SBS as a tool in fiber optic sensing.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors' knowledge, MOL solution is proposed for the first time for the modeling of three-wave interaction in a SBS-based fiber optic sensor.
Numerical evaluation of the side wall effect on the flow around a hydrofoil
Authors: He Min , Yuan Lingli , Zhou Lingjiu , Yang Jing , Wang Zhengwei
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Studies of the three-dimensional flow characteristics during hydrofoil cavitation have shown that the side walls strongly affect the flow field around the hydrofoil. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the side wall effect for three-dimensional non-cavitating flows around a hydrofoil.

Design/methodology/approach

– A three-dimensional non-cavitating flow field around a hydrofoil is analyzed for different attack angles using the RNG turbulence model and large eddy simulations (LES). The effect of the hydrofoil span was analyzed using LES simulations for various spans.

Findings

– The lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pressure coefficient on the suction side are compared with experimental values. The results from the LES model (Smagorinsky-Lilly subgrid-scale model) agree better with the experimental data than those from the RNG turbulence model.

Originality/value

– This paper shows that the flow around the hydrofoil has significant three-dimensional characteristics due to the side wall. For wide hydrofoils, the wall vortex region becomes essentially stable, and the width of the span has little effect on the middle region.
Techniques to derive geometries for image-based Eulerian computations
Authors: Dillard Seth , Buchholz James , Vigmostad Sarah , Kim Hyunggun , Udaykumar H.S.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The performance of three frequently used level set-based segmentation methods is examined for the purpose of defining features and boundary conditions for image-based Eulerian fluid and solid mechanics models. The focus of the evaluation is to identify an approach that produces the best geometric representation from a computational fluid/solid modeling point of view. In particular, extraction of geometries from a wide variety of imaging modalities and noise intensities, to supply to an immersed boundary approach, is targeted.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two- and three-dimensional images, acquired from optical, X-ray CT, and ultrasound imaging modalities, are segmented with active contours, k-means, and adaptive clustering methods. Segmentation contours are converted to level sets and smoothed as necessary for use in fluid/solid simulations. Results produced by the three approaches are compared visually and with contrast ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio measures.

Findings

– While the active contours method possesses built-in smoothing and regularization and produces continuous contours, the clustering methods (k-means and adaptive clustering) produce discrete (pixelated) contours that require smoothing using speckle-reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD). Thus, for images with high contrast and low to moderate noise, active contours are generally preferable. However, adaptive clustering is found to be far superior to the other two methods for images possessing high levels of noise and global intensity variations, due to its more sophisticated use of local pixel/voxel intensity statistics.

Originality/value

– It is often difficult to know a priori which segmentation will perform best for a given image type, particularly when geometric modeling is the ultimate goal. This work offers insight to the algorithm selection process, as well as outlining a practical framework for generating useful geometric surfaces in an Eulerian setting.
The social return on investment in community befriending
Authors: Arvidson Malin , Battye Fraser , Salisbury David
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to illustrate the social and economic impact of services delivered by a small charity to families affected by post-natal depression (PND). It highlights challenges and offers insights to the meaning of “social value” and “value for money” for commissioners of public health services. This has relevance for the introduction of new policies regarding commissioning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on a social return on investment (SROI) approach. Evidence was gathered from quantitative data, interviews and a literature review. The analysis examined short-, medium- and long-term effects, and attributed monetary values to social outcomes.

Findings

– The service provides a return of £6.50 for every £1 invested. The analysis established outcomes for service users and long-term impacts on families and children. It illustrated how these services are important in achieving more appropriate service responses, providing value for money to the NHS. Findings also relate to the definition of “social value” and “value for money”.

Research limitations/implications

– There is no common accepted method for identifying financial values for a number of the benefits identified in this analysis. By being transparent in how the analysis was carried out, the paper encourages further critical thinking in this area.

Practical implications

– Engaging commissioners in this type of analysis may assist them in the use of economic evaluation that includes social values as an input to decision making.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the understanding of “social value” and “value for money” in the context of public services. This is of importance given that the Social Value Act and “Open Public Services” reform are being implemented in the UK.
Implementing an innovative public sector program
Authors: Stewart Jenny
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to understand factors governing the implementation of an innovative public sector program.

Design/methodology/approach

– A longitudinal case study is used to document change and tension in the implementation process.

Findings

– The study suggests that because of the embedded character of public sector innovation, it is likely that, as they are implemented, many innovations run up against restrictions and limitations, precisely because they challenge many systems and processes in the host agency. These conflicts, unless specifically addressed, may cause the original innovation to lose its fundamental character.

Research limitations/implications

– The case suggests that innovative programs may differ from other types of public sector innovation, such as specific service-delivery initiatives with novel characteristics. Programmatic innovations will be required to produce results according to standard models of managerial accountability which may be difficult to reconcile with innovation.

Practical implications

– The study draws attention to the need for flexible support systems, such as HR, Finance and IT in the implementation of innovation in the public sector; where a classic “intrapreneur” is involved, leadership teams with complementary styles may also be significant.

Originality/value

– The study demonstrates the nature of the trade-offs that are involved in the implementation of innovative programs and highlights the implications of the challenging, if not subversive, nature of many types of innovation
Moderating effects of situational characteristics on impulse buying
Authors: Jung Chang Hyo , Yan Ruoh-Nan , Eckman Molly
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Guided by the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, this study aimed to investigate direct and indirect effects of apparel store environmental characteristics and consumers' positive emotional responses to the environment on impulse buying behavior. Also, this study sought to examine how situational variables interact with consumers' positive emotional responses in influencing impulse buying behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data were collected using a store intercept method from 118 female consumers of an outdoor retail store in the western region of the USA.

Findings

– The study found direct effects of ambient/design characteristics on consumers' positive emotional responses and direct effects of consumers' positive emotional responses to the retail environment on impulse buying behavior. Money availability and task definition moderated the relationship between consumers' positive emotional responses and impulse buying behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptualization of a theoretical framework of impulse buying behavior for apparel resulted from this study.

Practical implications

– Managing appealing store design characteristics may increase consumers' positive emotions and impulse purchases. Displays designed to attract impulse purchasers should target browsers without restricted budgets.

Originality/value

– This study expands the application of the S-O-R model in the context of apparel by including situational factors as moderating variables.
Retirement in a global labour market: a call for abolishing the fixed retirement age
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Sayce Susan , Gregoriou Andros
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore potential benefits and possible pitfalls of the removal of the default retirement age.

Design/methodology/approach

– A human capital and labour market perspective provide theoretical lenses for exploring the potential implications for individuals, organizations and societies. The paper employs financial costing analysis to demonstrate.

Findings

– The paper uses the UK case to illustrate anticipated managerial and societal outcomes. The main finding from the discussion and the financial analysis is that indeed the current system is unsustainable.

Originality/value

– The paper offers areas where lessons about age management can be learnt from other experiences of flexible retirement strategies such as enhancing older workers ' human capital. The idea is of global nature and relevance and forms a “wake-up call” for decision makers at national level.
Personal and organizational resources of family caregivers ' well-being
Authors: Krisor Susanna Maria , Rowold Jens
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Previous research on the work-family nexus has tended to concentrate on childcare responsibilities. This neglects consideration of an increasing population of employees who care for dependents such as elders, impaired partners or disabled children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate organizational and personal resources as antecedents of work-family conflict (WFC) and irritation in a sample of employed family caregivers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 508 employees within one organization who had informal family caregiving responsibilities.

Findings

– The results indicate that a supportive work-family culture was an important resource for reducing WFC and health-related self-efficacy reduced irritation. In sum, when a company fosters a family-friendly culture that includes working in a constructive and understanding manner with employees who have informal family caregiver responsibilities, it becomes easier for the employees to integrate the demands of work and family demands. Moreover, health-related self-efficacy is an important resource that can improve stress and future researchers should give it greater consideration.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to existing literature by the identification of personal and organizational resources of informal family caregivers with the aim to reduce their stress experiences.
SRU/W-based CRIS systems search profile
Authors: Penca Valentin , Nikolić Siniša , Ivanović Dragan , Konjović Zora , Surla Dušan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The main aim of this paper is to develop a CRIS systems search profile that would enable CRIS users to perform unified and semantically rich search for the records stored in the CRIS systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Prior to the search profile construction, diverse representative types of the scientific research data store systems (CRISs, digital libraries, institutional repositories, and search portals) were analyzed versus available search modes, indexes and query types.

Findings

– The new SRU/W standard based search profile (CRIS profile) for the purpose of searching scientific research data was proposed, that supports search for all types of data identified through an exhaustive analysis covering all major scientific and research data store systems.

Research limitations/implications

– Constraints of the proposed profile could appear from the fact that data identified in analyzed systems do not comprise all scientific research data recognized by CERIF standard which, in turn, could call for the profile extension.

Practical implications

– Search profile has been verified on the data in the existing CRIS systems at the University of Novi Sad. The CRIS search profile enables unified and semantically rich search for the data stored in heterogeneous distributed scientific research data store systems.

Originality/value

– The new SRU/W-based search profile extensively supports the search domain of scientific research data in CRIS systems. Commitments to SRU/W and CQL standards enable interoperability among heterogeneous, distributed scientific research data sources.
The use of IT-based information services
Authors: Zabed Ahmed S.M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to investigate the current status of public universities in Bangladesh in terms of library resources and services, IT infrastructure and training requirements for the establishment of a centralized, networked electronic library for the universities in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted in March-April 2012 to ascertain the level of library automation practices, access to online resources and IT facilities utilized by the public universities in Bangladesh. The survey questionnaire was distributed through post and emails directed to the university librarians. The librarians were also asked to identify the type of IT-related training they had and the type of training they require.

Findings

– The survey results indicate that there are insufficiencies in library resources, automation practices, access to online resources and IT facilities in the universities. Although the use of computer and network technologies in older universities is reasonably high; newer universities are lagging far behind in the latest technology applications. The results also suggest significant training needs by the librarians across all areas of electronic information processing.

Originality/value

– This is the first time an attempt has been made to assess the readiness of the public universities in Bangladesh for implementing IT-based information services. The paper also proposed a framework for implementing an integrated electronic library for the universities in the country to offer them better access to a wide range of online resources and services.
Long-term maintenance of treatment effects following intervention for families with children who have acquired brain injury
Authors: T. Woods Damith , Catroppa Cathy , Godfrey Celia , A. Anderson Vicki
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Where no psychosocial or interventional support is provided, children with acquired brain injury (ABI) are at significant risk of serious long-term behavioural and social difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to report the six- and 18-month long-term treatment effects of a family centred behavioural intervention to help families manage and prevent challenging behaviours in children following ABI.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 31 parents were followed up at three time points (post-intervention, 6 and 18 months) after participating in an ABI adapted manualised “Signposts for Building Better Behaviour” programme (Hudsonet al., 2003).

Findings

– Attrition rates were highest amongst families caring for a child with mild ABI. The maintenance of treatment effects were detailed for those families who reported a reduction in challenging behaviour immediately post-intervention. There were no significant elevations in challenging child behaviour, maladaptive parenting, or family dysfunction for any participants over the long-term follow-up. Irrespective of injury severity, parents reported high levels of satisfaction and efficacy in the parenting role at 18 months post-intervention.

Originality/value

– “Signposts” has further demonstrated its clinical viability by meeting the needs of parents who have a child with ABI in both the short- and longer-term.
Increasing NICE compliance in multiple sclerosis and cognition: a service evaluation
Authors: Reeve Dawn , Gayson Charlotte , Stephan Talal
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness and compliance of The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance regarding cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design/methodology/approach

– Assessments were offered routinely to consecutive inpatients with MS and to 20 per cent of outpatients. Once consent was gained, a cognitive assessment and subjective measure of cognition was completed with the patient, as well as a disability scale completed by the Medical Consultant. Individually targeted cognitive rehabilitation advice was provided using a bespoke advice leaflet. Afterwards, those who completed the assessment were asked to provide feedback on their experience.

Findings

– The percentage that were classed as below average cognitively and the pattern of impairment was comparable to previous findings. Memory was rated the most affected by the largest number of MS individuals and a strong relationship was found between objective and subjective measures of attention. The average functional disability level was rated at 6.99. Evaluations for the service provided were positive; over half of the sample was unaware of NICE Guidance on this issue but 100 per cent would recommend this service and provided optimistic quotes.

Practical implications

– This evaluation has enabled greater numbers to receive the recommended services and provided a useful baseline assessment of cognitive impairment and of patient attitudes towards this service. Resulting from this process, a new service framework has been proposed and presented at a local level. The advice leaflet developed for this process has been well received by patients and colleagues resulting in its submission to become an official NHS leaflet.

Originality/value

– Developed clinical governance of NHS services to patients with MS in offering improved assessment and management of cognitive problems. This is in contrast to the national trend showing little improvement of MS care and the lack of NICE implementation by the MS Trust and Royal College of Physicians audit. Furthermore, the bespoke advice leaflet developed for patients and carers of MS demonstrates originality of information provided.
Positive and Negative Spillover from Work to Home: The Role of Organizational Culture and Supportive Arrangements
Authors: Sok Jenny , Blomme Rob , Tromp Debbie
Published: May 2014

For today's managers, striking a sound work−home balance is an important matter. In this paper we investigate the relationship between organizational culture and work‐to‐home spillover. Two types of organizational culture, supportive and innovative, were compared with regard to work‐to‐home spillover. We measured work‐to‐home spillover with the help of positive and negative work−home interference measures: negative work−home interference was divided into strain‐based negative work−home interference and time‐based negative work−home interference. A total of 418 alumni of two Dutch business schools completed a questionnaire. The data were analysed by means of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings showed that a supportive culture explained most of the variance in positive work−home interference and strain‐based negative work−home interference. The relationships between a supportive culture and positive and strain‐based negative work−home interference were fully mediated by flexible work−home arrangements. Flexible work−home arrangements explained the variance in time‐based negative work−home interference, while no relationship was found between supportive culture and time‐based negative work−home interference. Innovative culture was positively related to positive work−home interference and time‐based negative work−home interference. The outcomes suggest that a supportive culture, expressed in flexible work−home arrangements, can enhance positive spillover from the work domain to the home domain and diminish negative spillover. We suggest that improving the work−home interface may attract and retain valued managers.
Schools Policy, Governance and Politics under New Labour
Authors: Goodwin Mark
Published: May 2014

Political science has not developed a strong sub-field in the politics of education. Three recent works on education policy under New Labour suggest strategies for applying insights drawn from the discipline of political science to the study of the field of education. One strand of existing scholarship on education policy and politics has emphasised the neoliberal, market elements of New Labour schools policy. This review article makes the case for a more nuanced account that disaggregates both state and market, and endorses the microlevel studies of changes in education governance undertaken by the works under review.
The Crisis in Ireland: Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Authors: McDaid Shaun
Published: May 2014

The books under review attempt to explain recent political events in Ireland against the backdrop of the collapse of the Celtic Tiger in 2008. Collectively, they offer insights into both the causes and the consequences of the economic crisis, identifying underlying weaknesses in Irish structures of governance which contributed to it. Four key problems are identiﬁed throughout the four volumes: a highly centralised state; an executive that dominates parliament; a dysfunctional electoral system; and a conservative political culture that is resistant to reform. Economic recovery will depend on European elites as much as Irish policy makers. Therefore, despite the turbulence of the 2011 general election, prospects for radical change in the structures and political culture that facilitated Ireland’s crash remain bleak.

Byrne, E. (2012) Political Corruption in Ireland, 1922–2010: A Crooked Harp? Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Gallagher, M. and Marsh, M. (eds) (2011) How Ireland Voted, 2011: The Full Story of Ireland’s Earthquake Election. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Hardiman, N. (ed.) (2012) Irish Governance in Crisis. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Kirby, P. and Murphy, M. P. (2011) Towards a Second Republic. London: Pluto Press.
Relationship between progression‐free survival and overall survival in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer treated with anticancer agents after first‐line treatment failure
Authors: Suzuki Hidekazu , Hirashima Tomonori , Okamoto Norio , Yamadori Tadahiro , Tamiya Motohiro , Morishita Naoko , Shiroyama Takayuki , Takeoka Sawa , Osa Akio , Azuma Yuichiro , Kawase Ichiro
Published: May 2014

Aim

The hazard ratio of progression‐free survival (PFS‐HR) generally does not reflect that of overall survival (OS‐HR) in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with first‐line therapy. Short survival post‐progression (SPP) better reflects the PFS‐HR and OS‐HR in simulations. We aimed to evaluate whether the PFS‐HR reflects the OS‐HR in NSCLC clinical trials for post‐first‐line treatments.

Method

We reviewed clinical studies of post‐first‐line anticancer agents for NSCLC. We examined the sample size of the experimental arm (EA), median PFS (mPFS) or median time to progression in the EA, median overall survival (mOS) in the EA, the PFS‐HR and the OS‐HR. SPP was defined as the difference between mOS and mPFS. The association between mPFS and SPP, mPFS and mOS, and the PFS‐HR and OS‐HR was tested. We sought for the optimal point of correlation of PFS‐HR and OS‐HR by every 1 month of SPP.

Results

We identified 32 trials (34 arms). mPFS and mOS were weakly correlated (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.376; P = 0.0286). The PFS‐HR and OS‐HR were also moderately correlated (r = 0.415; P = 0.015). The maximum r value was 0.770 (SPP < 6 months; P < 0.0001) when we tested the associations between the PFS‐HR and OS‐HR for SPP using 1‐month increments. The estimated regression equation at this point was OS‐HR = 0.679 × (PFS‐HR) + 0.349.

Conclusion

The PFS‐HR and OS‐HR were strongly correlated in advanced NSCLC patients treated with post‐first‐line anticancer agents, with a SPP of less than 6 months.
Identifying Judicial Empathy: Does Having Daughters Cause Judges to Rule for Women's Issues?
Authors: Glynn Adam N. , Sen Maya
Published: May 2014

In this article, we consider whether personal relationships can affect the way that judges decide cases. To do so, we leverage the natural experiment of a child's gender to identify the effect of having daughters on the votes of judges. Using new data on the family lives of U.S. Courts of Appeals judges, we find that, conditional on the number of children a judge has, judges with daughters consistently vote in a more feminist fashion on gender issues than judges who have only sons. This result survives a number of robustness tests and appears to be driven primarily by Republican judges. More broadly, this result demonstrates that personal experiences influence how judges make decisions, and this is the first article to show that empathy may indeed be a component in how judges decide cases.
NOUVEL ESSOR DES FONDATIONS AU QUÉBEC ET AU CANADA: POUR UNE ANALYSE SOCIOPOLITIQUE FONDÉE SUR LE CONCEPT D'ÉCONOMIE PLURIELLE
Authors: GAZZOLI Patricia , JETTÉ Christian , CHAMBERLAND Valérie , DUMAIS Lucie , VAILLANCOURT Yves
Published: May 2014

Les fondations sont peu étudiées au Canada et au Québec. Notre article reconnaît le rôle joué par ces organisations, ainsi que l'apparition de nouvelles fondations dont la force se révèle tant en actifs qu'en dons. Il comprend trois parties. La première partie est basée sur une recension des écrits provenant des États‐Unis depuis les années 2000. La deuxième examine les données concernant les fondations canadiennes et québécoises qui sont disponibles dans les principaux répertoires utilisés au Canada et au Québec, c'est‐à‐dire des répertoires qui ont tendance à cerner et classifier les fondations à partir de catégories principalement fiscales et légales, ce qui conduit à affirmer tout simplement qu'elles sont privées ou publiques. Au terme des deux premières parties de l'article, nous sommes amenés à soulever des questions sur les limites des approches basées principalement sur des catégories fiscales et légales. Ainsi, nous proposons ouvertement dans la troisième partie de l'article une vision théorique alternative de facture davantage sociopolitique. Cette approche fait appel aux concepts d'économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) et d'économie plurielle afin de mieux comprendre les fondations et les nouveaux arrangements institutionnels dans lesquels elles s'inscrivent au Canada. À partir de cet outillage conceptuel, nous affirmons que les fondations peuvent être analysées comme faisant partie de l'économie sociale et solidaire, ce qui ne veut pas dire qu'elles reproduisent automatiquement dans leurs pratiques les valeurs et principes de l'ESS. Au contraire, dans leurs pratiques, à la faveur de l'éclairage de l'économie plurielle, il est possible de déployer une analyse sociopolitique attentive aux diverses configurations ou formes d'hybridation spécifiques résultant des transactions entre les principes de l'ESS (réciprocité), de l'économie privée (concurrence) et de l'économie publique (redistribution).
REGULATION AND JOB CREATION: AN ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Authors: MAJUMDAR Sumit K.
Published: May 2014

The study evaluates the impact of changes in price regulation, an important institutional feature of firms’ environments, on average human resource deployment levels among the United States local exchange telecommunications companies using contemporary historical data between 1988 and 2001. The data permit a natural experiment approach for the evaluation. Firms regulated via rate of return approaches have employed significantly less staff. These employment levels have been 15 percent lower than that of firms regulated via incentive regulation. The study is a direct test of a principal dynamic capabilities idea that firms reconfigure resources in the face of environmental changes to retain their competitive advantages. These results signify the importance of designing regulations possessing requisite incentive properties in enhancing firm level employment and support the key premises of the dynamic capabilities perspective.
TRANSACTION COSTS COMPARISON BETWEEN COOPERATIVES AND CONVENTIONAL APPLE PRODUCERS: A CASE STUDY OF NORTHWESTERN CHINA
Authors: LIJIA Wang , XUEXI Huo
Published: May 2014

The study promotes an analytical framework to monetary the transaction costs for the purpose of assessing the different subfields of transaction cost faced by members in cooperatives and non‐cooperatives members, and therefore investigates the role of cooperatives in reducing them using a questionnaire‐based survey in Shaanxi province in China. The quantified result of each transaction cost‐related item suggests that producers can annually save more than a thousand yuan if they participate in cooperatives. Results also highlight that the medium scale producers would be beneficial most from being a member in cooperatives compared with small‐ and large‐scale ones. By implications, supporting programs referring to improve local road condition, access to internet, and subsidize agricultural cooperatives are highly recommended for policy makers.
CREDIT UNIONS AS CONDUITS FOR MICROFINANCE DELIVERY IN CAMEROON
Authors: OJONG Nathanael
Published: May 2014

While financial inclusion is the buzzword now, especially in development finance studies, research on the role of credit unions in the financial inclusion debate in the global South is sparse. This study helps to fill this gap by analyzing the role credit unions play in the delivery of financial services to the ‘unbankables’. We analyze the strategies used by credit unions to reach the unbankables. We show how credit unions have been able to attract new members and offer a variety of financial services through linkages with informal savings and credit clubs, and by using domestic remittance services to build relationships.
Proximity, acceptance and hopeful ontologies
Authors: Whitehead Mark
Published: May 2014

This commentary considers how we might define a classic paper and suggests that ‘Not at our seaside’ helpfully challenges the grounds on which we confer status onto papers in the modern academy. Particular attention is given in this commentary to the role of ‘Not at our seaside’ in pre‐empting geographical work on the spatial and cultural ‘othering’ of nature. The commentary concludes by reflecting on the positive ontologies of Philo's paper and its insights into what a more socially tolerant and environmentally literate world may involve.
A larger herd size as a symbol of wealth? The fallacy of the cattle complex theory in Tibetan pastoralism
Authors: Nyima Yonten
Published: May 2014

Through a case study from Nagchu, the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, this paper deconstructs the cattle complex theory in the context of Tibetan pastoralism. Specifically, it demonstrates that it is desirable for Tibetan pastoralists to have a larger herd size for three overlapping reasons that do not follow the logic of the cattle complex theory. First, owing to biological, cultural and economic factors, herd sizes are not equivalent to actual livestock available for production. Second, pastoralists desire a larger herd size as a long‐term strategy for livelihood security and flexibility. Third, pastoralists desire a larger herd size as a means to improve their standard of living. This paper also points out that in practice pastoralists' maximum herd size is a function of labour power, rangeland area and conditions and economic status.
Rectal and sublingual administration of tacrolimus: a single‐dose pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Stifft Frank , Vanmolkot Floris , Scheffers Ingrid , van Bortel Luc , Neef Cees , Christiaans Maarten
Published: May 2014

Aims

The immunosuppressant tacrolimus is usually administered orally. When this is not feasible, other routes of administration may be useful. Previous research suggested that tacrolimus may be applied sublingually or rectally. Pharmacokinetic data are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetics of these alternative formulations with orally administered tacrolimus.

Methods

Three single, fixed‐dose formulations of tacrolimus were administered in a random sequence in 18 healthy subjects, using a cross‐over study design. For sublingual administration, 3 mg of powder obtained from oral capsules was applied under the tongue for a period of 15 min without swallowing, with mouth rinsing afterwards. For rectal administration, a suppository containing 15 mg of the oral powder was used. Oral administration consisted of 7 mg of instant‐release tacrolimus capsules (Prograf). Main pharmacokinetic outcome parameters were compared by anova.

Results

Sublingual administration showed no clinically significant exposure, contrary to rectal administration, where all subjects had clinically relevant exposure, with a lower relative bioavailability (78%), a lower maximal blood concentration and a later time of maximal blood concentration compared with oral administration.

Conclusions

Sublingual administration of a single dose of tacrolimus does not result in systemic exposure if care is taken not to swallow saliva and to rinse the oral cavity afterwards. Rectal administration of tacrolimus results in clinically relevant systemic exposure and might represent an alternative formulation in case oral administration is not feasible. When used as a topical agent, systemic side‐effects should be considered.
19F NMR as a Probe of Ligand Interactions with the iNOS Binding site of SPRY Domain‐Containing SOCS Box Protein 2
Authors: Leung Eleanor W. W. , Yagi Hiromasa , Harjani Jitendra R. , Mulcair Mark D. , Scanlon Martin J. , Baell Jonathan B. , Norton Raymond S.
Published: May 2014

SPRY domain‐containing SOCS box protein 2 (SPSB2) regulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by targeting it for proteasomal degradation. Inhibiting this interaction prolongs the intracellular lifetime of iNOS, leading in turn to enhanced killing of infectious pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. SPSB2 recognizes a linear motif (DINNN) in the disordered N‐terminus of iNOS, and ligands that target the DINNN binding site on SPSB2 are potentially novel anti‐infective agents. We have explored 19F NMR as a means of probing ligand binding to SPSB2. All six Trp residues in SPSB2 were replaced with 5‐fluorotryptophan (5‐F‐Trp) by utilizing a Trp auxotroph strain of Escherichia coli. The labeled protein was well folded and bound a DINNN‐containing peptide with similar affinity to native SPSB2. Six well‐resolved 5‐F‐Trp resonances were observed in the 19F NMR spectrum and were assigned using site‐directed mutagenesis. The 19F resonance of W207 was significantly perturbed upon binding to DINNN‐containing peptides. Other resonances were perturbed to a lesser extent although in a way that was sensitive to the composition of the peptide. Analogues of compounds identified in a fragment screen also perturbed the W207 resonance, confirming their binding to the iNOS peptide‐binding site on SPSB2. 19F NMR promises to be a valuable approach in developing inhibitors that bind to the DINNN binding site.
Micropulse versus continuous wave transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma: a randomized exploratory study
Authors: Aquino Maria Cecilia D , Barton Keith , Tan Anna Marie WT , Sng Chelvin , Li Xiang , Loon Seng Chee , Chew Paul TK
Published: May 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of micropulse and continuous wave diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma.

Design

Randomized, comparative, exploratory study in a tertiary hospital setting.

Participants

Patients with refractory, end‐stage glaucoma.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients were randomized to either treatment. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity, number of medicines and repeat treatment were monitored for 18 months. Complications that include visual acuity decline, prolonged anterior chamber inflammation, phthisis bulbi, scleral thinning and ocular pain were noted.

Main Outcome Measure

Intraocular pressure between 6 and 21 mmHg and at least a 30% reduction with or without anti‐glaucoma medications after 18 months.

Results

A successful primary outcome was achieved in 75% of patients who underwent micropulse cyclophotocoagulation and 29% of patients who received continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation after 12 months (P < 0.01). At 18 months, successful outcome was 52% and 30% (P = 0.13), respectively. The mean intraocular pressure was reduced by 45% in both groups (P = 0.70) from a baseline of 36.5 mmHg and 35.0 mmHg (P = 0.50) after 17.5 ± 1.6 months (range 16–19) follow up. No significant difference in retreatment rates or number of intraocular pressure lowering medications was noted. The ocular complication rate was higher in continuous wave treated eyes (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in both micropulse and continuous modes was effective in lowering intraocular pressure. The micropulse mode provided a more consistent and predictable effect in lowering intraocular pressure with minimal ocular complications.
Systematic review of the psychosocial aspects of living with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Velvin G. , Bathen T. , Rand‐Hendriksen S. , Geirdal A.Ø.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the literature on the psychosocial aspects of Marfan syndrome (MFS), to critically appraise and to synthesize relevant literature. A mixed‐method systematic review was performed by searching the published literature databases using available medical, psychological, pedagogical and social databases and other sources. All studies that addressed psychosocial aspects of MFS, published in peer‐reviewed journals were assessed. Of 81 search results, 15 articles (four articles based on same study population) satisfied the eligibility criteria. All studies were cross‐sectional; no intervention or randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were found. Most studies were of small sample sizes, had low response rate or participants without a verified diagnosis. Despite these limitations, all studies described, that MFS has a significant impact on the psychosocial aspects of people's lives: Decreased quality of life; challenges in education, work and family life, depression and anxiety. Some studies indicated that the subjective perception of discomfort did not necessarily match the medical severity of a disease. The research of the psychosocial aspects of MFS is limited in size and quality. More research is needed on the psychosocial aspects of MFS in samples with a verified diagnosis to develop evidence‐based knowledge and appropriate guidelines.
G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor Heteromers as Key Players in the Molecular Architecture of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Brugarolas Marc , Navarro Gemma , Martínez‐Pinilla Eva , Angelats Edgar , Casadó Vicent , Lanciego José L. , Franco Rafael
Published: May 2014

The overall architecture of the nervous system, especially the CNS, is remarkable. The anatomy of the nervous system is constituted not only by macroscopic and microscopy identifiable regions and neuronal cell types, but also by protein complexes whose identification and localization require sophisticated techniques. G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute an example of proteins that are the key factors in the framework needed to sustain brain and nerve structure and function. The versatility underlying nervous system anatomy takes advantage of a recently discovered feature of GPCRs, the possibility to form heteromers that, placed at specific neuronal subsets and at specific locations (pre‐, post‐, or peri‐synaptic), contribute to attain unique neural functions.
Reliability of Contrast Echocardiography to Rule Out Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations and Avoid CT Irradiation in Pediatric Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Karam Carma , Sellier Jacques , Mansencal Nicolas , Fagnou Carole , Blivet Sandra , Chinet Thierry , Lacombe Pascal , Dubourg Olivier
Published: May 2014

Background

The overall risk of cancer is higher in people exposed to computed tomography (CT) scans in childhood or adolescence compared to adults. Transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE) has recently been used to screen for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in children with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), but the value of TTCE to rule out PAVMs and avoid chest CT radiation has yet to be discussed.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2013, 92 pediatric patients with ≥3 Curaçao criteria and/or genetic mutation underwent TTCE and chest CT on the same day. We used the classification proposed by Barzilai for TTCE quantification of shunting. We considered CT findings as negative when no PAVMs or only one microscopic PAVM was detected.

Results

Mean age was 11.2 ± 4.1 years. The shunt was grade 0 on TTCE in 27.3%, grade 1 in 17%, grade 2 in 29.6%, grade 3 in 23.9%, and grade 4 in 2.2%. We found PAVMs on chest CT in 52.2%. All the patients with a grade 0 or 1 had a negative CT. The sensitivity and specificity of TTCE for the detection of PAVMs were 100% and 95.1%, respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 96%.

Conclusions

A low‐grade classification (Barzilai 0 or 1) could presumably exclude the presence of PAVMs and allow CT irradiation to be avoided in children and adolescents. The screening algorithm using TTCE first would allow more than 40% of the pediatric patients screened for PAVMs to be spared the radiation dose of CT.