bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexity and endogeneity in economic modeling
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The concepts of complexity, endogeneity and circular causation – Myrdal's term was cumulative causation – are shown to be interrelated ones in configuring an economic model in the framework of systemic embedding and its empirical application.

Design/methodology/approach

The ensuing framework of economic modeling with complexity provides a controllable and predictable overarching worldview. Anomie in the economic universe and its embedded world‐system are analytically rejected. This consequence is due to the epistemic nature of modeling that combines complexity, endogeneity, and circular causation for attaining predictability and controllability, even in the face of complex systemic perturbations. The epistemology of unity of knowledge contrasted with rationalism is treated as the foundational worldview. An illustrative empirical work is given to convey the conceptual model and its applied viability.

Findings

Both the theoretical and empirical results point out how the induced effects of knowledge flows in reference to the epistemology of unity of knowledge continuously improves the complementary relationships of the evolutionary learning fields, and rejects marginalism as being logically non‐sequiter in such epistemic systems.

Research limitations/implications

More variables and data would increase the explanation of the continuous simulation in the evolutionary learning world‐system model.

Practical implications

More data would increase the versatility of the empirical exercise.

Social implications

The study is based on the idea of social and economic interface in extending the scope of economic modeling.

Originality/value

The paper is very original in the area of heterodox economics that questions orthodox economic postulates and presents the complex methodology by circular causation method instead.
Soft‐computing based navigation approach for a bi‐steerable mobile robot
Authors: Azouaoui Ouahiba , Ouadah Noureddine , Mansour Ibrahim , Semani Ali , Aouana Salim , Chabi Djafer
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an implementation of a soft‐computing (SC) based navigation approach on a bi‐steerable mobile robot, Robucar. This approach must provide Robucar with capability to acquire the obstacle avoidance, target localization, decision‐making and action behaviors after learning and adaptation. This approach uses three neural networks (NN) and fuzzy logic (FL) controller to achieve the desired task. The NNs corresponding to the obstacle avoidance and target localization are trained using the back‐propagation algorithm and the last one is based on the reinforcement learning paradigm while the FL controller uses the Mamdani search and match algorithm. Simulation and experimental results are presented, showing the effectiveness of the overall navigation control system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an interesting navigation approach is applied to a car‐like robot, Robucar, with addition of an action behavior to deal with the generation of smooth motions. Indeed, this approach is based on four basic behaviors; three of them are fused under a neural paradigm using Gradient Back‐Propagation (GBP) and reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms and the last behavior uses a FL controller. It uses a set of suggested rules to describe the control policy to achieve the action behavior.

Findings

In the implemented SC‐based navigation, the intelligent behaviors necessary to the navigation are acquired by learning using GBP algorithm and adaptation using FL. The proposed approach provides Robucar with more autonomy, intelligence and real‐time processing capabilities. Indeed, the proposed NNs and FLC are able to remedy problems of analytical approaches, missing or incorrect environment knowledge and uncertainties which can lead to undesirable effects as the rough velocity changes. The simulation and experimental results display the ability of the proposed SC‐based navigation approach to provide Robucar with capability to intelligently navigate in a priori unknown environment, illustrating the robustness and adaptation capabilities of the approach.

Research limitations/implications

This work can be extended to consider mobile obstacles with a velocity higher than the velocity of the robot.

Originality/value

This paper presents a learning approach to navigating a bi‐steerable mobile robot in an unknown environment using GBP and RL paradigms.
Cybernetics and systems on the web
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Topics that have arisen in the CYBCOM list are discussed, including a link to a valuable online collection of papers having a bearing on cybernetics and an intriguing paper examining the suggestion that the universe exists within a program or computer. Exception is taken to a suggestion that neural sense endings should not be seen as transducers, and an example of neural plasticity depending on use of stem cells from teeth is discussed. An important development in computing technology is reported, stemming from use of carbon nanotubes instead of silicon.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the Internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The CYBCOM list continues to be valuable, though with unfortunate disregard for “wet” neurophysiology.

Practical implications

The literature collection mentioned will save a great deal of online searching and trips to libraries. The use of stem cells to allow neural repair may prove to have clinical value. The reported development in computer technology is likely to have a very major impact.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
The sustainable clothing market: an evaluation of potential strategies for UK retailers
Authors: Goworek Helen , Fisher Tom , Cooper Tim , Woodward Sophie , Hiller Alex
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate consumers' perspectives on sustainable clothing consumption and to examine ways in which this information could influence retailers' policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was conducted using focus groups, home tasks and workshops with 99 participants. The sample represented different groups of consumers in relation to their sustainability behaviour.

Findings

Focus group participants had a limited awareness of the sustainability impacts of clothing. Where participants displayed pro‐environmental behaviour, this was not necessarily intentional, but was largely a response to other influences. The respondents' maintenance and disposal of clothes were found to be influenced mainly by existing habits and routines, which usually take precedence over awareness of sustainable practice. The research indicated that consumers could be persuaded to change their behaviour in relation to sustainability by being encouraged and enabled to reflect more on their behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses qualitative research and is limited to UK consumers. Future research in this field could incorporate quantitative methods or in‐depth interviews. Academics could conduct further research and generate theories which apply to the sustainable consumption of clothing.

Social implications

The findings have implications for retailers, academics and society. Retailers can develop and implement more sustainable policies and practices in relation to clothing production and consumption. There are wider implications for society and the environment in that retailers' practices can impact greatly on the sustainability of the planet's resources.

Originality/value

This paper's originality lies in its assessment of the implications for retailers of consumers' views on the sustainable consumption of clothing.
The impact of cyberostracism on online complaint handling
Authors: S. Mattila Anna , Andreau Luisa , Hanks Lydia , E. Kim Ellen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– This research aims to examine how consumers react to being ignored by a company once they have complained about an online service failure. The authors seek to propose that automatic reply e-mails to customer complaints are considered a form of cyberostracism, thus having equally harmful effects on customer perceptions as a mere no reply.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors first conducted a qualitative study to ensure that consumers feel ignored when companies fail to respond to their e-mails. This was followed by an experimental study that tested the research propositions. The experimental design was a 3 (ostracism) × 2 (severity of failure) factorial between-subjects design.

Findings

– The results indicated that consumers did not perceive any significant difference between an automatic reply e-mail and no reply at all and perceived both to be a form of cyberostracism. It was also found that cyberostracism led to higher levels of negative emotions, lower levels of satisfaction, and higher levels of negative behavioural outcomes. The prediction that these impacts would be moderated by failure severity was partially supported.

Practical implications

– These findings should alert retailers to the fact that when an online failure occurs, proactive and personalised recovery efforts are necessary to maintain customer loyalty and mitigate negative behavioural outcomes.

Originality/value

– The authors extend the online failure literature by showing that automatic reply e-mail responses are perceived as cyberostracism and have an equally negative impact on consumer perceptions and post-failure behaviours as a mere no reply.
An activity‐theory analysis of corporate wikis
Authors: Hasan Helen , Pfaff Charmaine C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Wiki technologies, which are popular in social settings, are beginning to contribute to more flexible and participatory approaches to the exploitation of knowledge in corporate settings. Through the lens of activity theory, this paper aims to investigate contentious challenges to organizational activities that may be associated with the introduction of corporate wikis, in particular the potential democratization of knowledge work.

Design/methodology/approach

From a study of several cases of corporate wiki adoption, this paper presents and interprets two representative cases sampled to provide more generalized results. Qualitative data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and observation. The analysis followed a systematic process of data reduction, display, and rich interpretation using the concepts of activity theory.

Findings

This research provides new understandings of the undervalued activities of knowledge workers, their challenges as wiki users and resulting implications for organizational transformation and improved organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

There is potential bias and limited scope as the choice of cases was determined through organizations known to the researchers and involved some action research. However, the authors justify this approach for a dynamic, emergent topic worthy of immediate investigation and direct applicability of findings to corporate practice.

Social implications

This paper addresses the implications of new Web 2.0 technologies for the democratization of knowledge management in the workplace.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work lies in using activity theory to explore reasons why some organizations are more successful than others in implementing wikis. This work contributes to research on how social and technological interventions may lead to improved exploitation of knowledge as a corporate resource.
Expectations and experience
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Wickramanayake Nuwan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals in offshore software development and commercial banks in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, quantitative research methodology was used and data were collected from 342 and 208 IT professionals engaged full‐time in offshore software development and commercial banks, respectively, in Sri Lanka. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, paired sample t‐test, independent sample t‐test, and binary logistic regression were used appropriately for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study led to identify job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals that discriminate between offshore software development and commercial banks.

Originality/value

The literature provides evidence that job expectations of IT professionals in offshore software development are different from their counterparts in other comparable occupations. Therefore, the paper argues that sectoral differences in job expectations, experience, and met expectations of IT professionals are worthy of empirical investigation. Although the growth of the services sector has resulted in extensive employment opportunities for IT professionals in South Asia, the details on their job expectations and whether their expectations vary by the business sector remain obscure.
SIEM‐based framework for security controls automation
Authors: Montesino Raydel , Fenz Stefan , Baluja Walter
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for security controls automation, in order to achieve greater efficiency and reduce the complexity of information security management.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reviewed the controls recommended by well known standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800‐53; and identified security controls that can be automated by existing hard‐and software tools. The research also analyzed the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) technology and proposed a SIEM‐based framework for security controls automation, taking into account the automation potential of SIEM systems and their integration possibilities with several security tools.

Findings

About 30 per cent of information security controls can be automated and they were grouped in a list of ten automatable security controls. A SIEM‐based framework can be used for centralized and integrated management of the ten automatable security controls.

Practical implications

By implementing the proposed framework and therefore automating as many security controls as possible, organizations will achieve more efficiency in information security management, reducing also the complexity of this process. This research may also be useful for SIEM vendors, in order to include more functionality to their products and provide a maximum of security controls automation within SIEM platforms.

Originality/value

This paper delimits the boundaries of information security automation and defines what automation means for each security control. A novel framework for security controls automation is proposed. This research provides an automation concept that goes beyond what it is normally described in previous works and SIEM solutions.
Information security and business continuity management in interorganizational IT relationships
Authors: Järveläinen Jonna
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how managers of IT and information security aim to enhance information security and business continuity management in interorganizational IT relationships, such as outsourcing, cloud computing and interorganizational systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative study of large multinational or local organizations operating in Finland was conducted. In total, 18 IT and information security managers were interviewed with semi‐structured questions.

Findings

First, the author discovered that several methods such as contracts, audits and standards were applied to balance power relationships between organizations or transfer responsibilities to other parties. The objectives of these methods are different within organizations. Second, the paper presents a comprehensive view of different security and continuity solutions in interorganizational IT relationships. The findings have practical value for IT managers and information security experts.

Research limitations/implications

The interviews were conducted in different organizations. Therefore, it is suggested that a single in‐depth study that examines the phenomenon on different organizational levels within one organization would supplement the findings. Further studies on the power, trust and control balance of interorganizational IT relationships are required.

Originality/value

This paper builds on and expands information security and business continuity literature by illustrating that audits and standards play different roles in interorganizational IT relationships within organizations, and that contracts form the basis of those relationships. Information security problems and business continuity breaches caused by external partners and outsourcing vendors affect the reputation and value of the client company. Therefore, managers must have the means to ensure the continuity of operations.
Intrusion detection and the role of the system administrator
Authors: Sommestad Teodor , Hunstad Amund
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The expertise of a system administrator is believed to be important for effective use of intrusion detection systems (IDS). This paper examines two hypotheses concerning the system administrators' ability to filter alarms produced by an IDS by comparing the performance of an IDS to the performance of a system administrator using the IDS.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was constructed where five computer networks are attacked during four days. The experiment assessed difference made between the output of a system administrator using an IDS and the output of the IDS alone. The administrator's analysis process was also investigated through interviews.

Findings

The experiment shows that the system administrator analysing the output from the IDS significantly improves the portion of alarms corresponding to attacks, without decreasing the probability that an attack is detected significantly. In addition, an analysis is made of the types of expertise that is used when output from the IDS is processed by the administrator.

Originality/value

Previous work, based on interviews with system administrators, has suggested that competent system administrators are important in order to achieve effective IDS solutions. This paper presents a quantitative test of the value system administrators add to the intrusion detection solution.
Digital libraries: the systems analysis perspective
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This column seeks to examine the role of libraries in the description, organization, and accumulation of critical research data.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion column, but the literature was briefly examined to understand the trends for this area.

Findings

Libraries have an important role in data curation and preservation regarding the research data output of a university.

Practical implications

There is a very important opportunity for libraries to take the lead in the important area of data curation and preservation regarding research data.

Originality/value

Libraries can play a vital role in establishing orderly policies and procedures surrounding the curation, preservation, and organization of important research data, which is an emerging area at research institutions, but is becoming an acute need.
Understanding the elements of a digital library project plan: part 3
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This, the last part of a three‐part article, aims to provide an overview of the elements necessary to develop an effective project plan for digital library projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a review and summarization of the literature and thinking in project management applied to the digital library context.

Findings

It is found that there are many different approaches to creating a digital library project plan, but several basic elements are essential for developing an effective digital library project plan.

Originality/value

This article provides a succinct synopsis and checklist for creating a digital library project plan.
End user development of digital collection mash‐ups
Authors: Long Holley
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate the value of opening up digital collections for end‐user development of mash‐ups and to evaluate the suitability of libraries' infrastructure for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

The author surveyed ARL members' digital collection platforms to assess the terms of use statements and options for programmatic access.

Findings

The findings show that 17 per cent of the institutions surveyed offer some means for mashing up digital collections, and that, while more than half the collections surveyed have some form of terms of use or rights statements, they were not written to support this type of use case.

Research limitations/implications

Results of the research suggest that a mashable digital collection service is feasible for most libraries.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to librarians who are considering providing application programming interface (API) access to their digital collections.
Creating a digital library of three‐dimensional objects in CONTENTdm
Authors: Valentino Maura , Shults Brian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a project conducted by the University of Oklahoma Libraries to create a digital collection consisting of three‐dimensional scientific objects.

Design/methodology/approach

The University of Oklahoma Libraries developed the following methodology for creating a digital collection of three‐dimensional objects. Digital still photographs of six sides of each object where created. These photographs were then used to create videos that emphasized the most interesting feature on each side of the object. These videos were then imported into CONTENTdm using the picture cube feature to create the digital representation of the three‐dimensional object.

Findings

This method was found to be a good method for representing three‐dimensional objects in a two‐dimensional format for inclusion in a digital collection. However, some limitations were encountered. For example, only one interesting feature could be emphasized on each side of the object and the software used to create the digital videos, while easy to use, offered only limited features for enhancing the resulting videos.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates a cost effective and resource efficient method of implementing a digital collection of three‐dimensional objects that could be further improved through the use of more advanced video creation software.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into a new way of representing three‐dimensional objects in a digital library. This information will be useful to digital librarians faced with resource and cost constraints who have collections of three‐dimensional physical objects that would be of interest to their user community.
Embracing the shift to cloud computing: knowledge and skills for systems librarians
Authors: Liu Weiling , Cai Huibin (Heather)
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of cloud computing and its increasing impact on systems librarianship, and to propose strategies for systems librarians as they embrace the shift to cloud computing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes various forms, including needs assessment, literature review, impact analysis, environmental scanning and strategic planning.

Findings

Cloud computing has a great impact on systems librarianship. There is not enough evidence to prove that such environmental changes will likely obviate the need for systems librarians in the near future. Systems librarians must upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the new demands of the change.

Originality/value

At the time of this literature review, few publications were dedicated to the discussion of cloud computing and systems librarianship. This article is intended to fill the gap of the literature in this area.
“Push” versus “pull” entrepreneurship: an ambiguous distinction?
Authors: Dawson Christopher , Henley Andrew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reassess whether individuals choose to become self‐employed for “pull” or “push” reasons, to discuss and describe ambiguities in this distinction, with focus on differences between men and women, and draw conclusions for further conceptual work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews current literature, from which specific hypotheses are developed. For illustration and evaluation secondary analysis is undertaken of an existing large‐scale data source available in UK Quarterly Labour Force Surveys over the period 1999‐2001.

Findings

It was found that 86 per cent state only a single reason for self‐employment. Response patterns differ significantly between men and women. Independence is the most commonly cited motivation but 22 per cent of women cite family commitments. “Push” motivations may account for as much as 48 per cent depending on interpretation. Men who report two or more factors tend to combine “pull” factors, but women tend to combine “push” with “pull”.

Research limitations/implications

Respondents may display recall bias. Potential ambiguity in the way in which respondents may interpret particular motivations points to the need for future detailed qualitative research, and questionnaire item development. Further work is recommended to assess whether conclusions hold in recent recessionary economic conditions.

Practical implications

Clarity between “push” and “pull” factors is important in the design of entrepreneurship policy, especially during a recession. Further work is needed to provide this clarity to inform policy design.

Originality/value

Few previous studies investigate reasons for choosing entrepreneurship using large, population‐generalisable data, and do not consider the conceptual ambiguities inherent in categorising motivations as either “pull” or “push”.
Gender and entrepreneurship
Authors: Marlow Susan , McAdam Maura
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Women‐owned businesses are frequently described as under‐performing in that the majority remain small and marginal. The authors dispute this description; within this paper, it is argued that such performance profiles reflect the constrained performance of most small firms. The assertion that women owned firms under‐perform reflects a gendered bias within the entrepreneurial discourse where femininity and deficit are deemed coterminous. In addition, women‐owned firms are expected to under‐perform given expectations of female weakness in the context of male normativity and superiority. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to critically evaluate the association between gender and business performance suggesting that this critique has implications for the broader development of our understanding of entrepreneuring behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual research note which explores the notion of performance and under‐performance in the context of gender.

Findings

It is argued that gendered socio‐economic positioning ensures that women‐owned businesses demonstrate constrained performance but this is not synonymous with under‐performance. Furthermore, ingrained epistemological gendered biases persist which portray women as flawed entrepreneurs despite the absence of convincing data regarding essential gendered differences between the performance of male and female entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that far greater reflexive criticism is called for regarding epistemological assumptions which shape the current research agenda.

Originality/value

This discussion develops a critical analysis of the association between gender, performance and entrepreneuring.
How do corporate characteristics affect capital structure decisions of French SMEs?
Authors: Benkraiem Ramzi , Gurau Calin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of various corporate characteristics on the capital structure of French small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

OLS fixed‐effect regressions are used to estimate the influence of SME corporate characteristics on three capital structure measures, namely total, long‐term and short‐term debt.

Findings

The findings suggest that size, profitability, growth and tangibility of assets influence, in a significant way, the capital structure of French SMEs. Furthermore, when decomposing the sample into two groups: small (1) and medium‐sized (2) firms, the findings indicate that corporate characteristics affect the capital structure of these two subsamples in the same direction, but with different amplitudes.

Originality/value

The evidence presented and discussed in this paper extends the existing literature. From an academic perspective, the methodological approach and the empirical results provide a level of analysis unmatched by the previous research on French firms. Moreover, the findings can add to the knowledge and the understanding of SME corporate managers. They can provide useful information to assist them in their decision making regarding the capital structure of their firms at a time when difficulties of SME financing are more and more evoked in the French context.
An exploration into the effectiveness of self‐help CBT for mothers with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety in the London Borough of Bexley
Authors: Palmer David , Pittaway Sarah , Cook Lindsey , Garner Sandra , Holtum Sue , Sansom Jackie , Bassi Charu
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of guided self‐help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mothers with depression and/or anxiety undertaken in two Sure Start children's centres in the London Borough of Bexley.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was carried out involving 23 participants who attended an initial appointment with a Psychological Well‐being Practitioner and who were assessed and allocated to a guided self‐help CBT intervention (either workbooks or computer‐based). In addition, in‐depth interviews were undertaken with nine participants who had completed the programme.

Findings

The study finds that guided self‐help CBT produced a significant clinical benefit for participants with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. Narratives with participants also highlighted improved confidence and self‐esteem, positive thinking and better coping strategies, which may have a positive impact on their children and families. This research also demonstrated the importance of a partnership approach to providing therapeutic interventions for vulnerable groups such as those in this study.

Originality/value

The findings represent a “snap‐shot” of the positive effects of guided self‐help CBT for those suffering maternal depression. They demonstrate the need to recognise and support the therapeutic social milieu, particularly in settings that are familiar and accessible. In addition, psychological interventions that include facilitative holistic working and inter‐agency working can be particularly effective.
Evaluation of a pilot project for mental health screening for children looked after in an inner London borough
Authors: Newlove‐Delgado Tamsin , Murphy Elizabeth , Ford Tamsin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a screening test for looked after children in order to identify undetected psychiatric disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

Children aged four to 16 in care in one London Borough for four consecutive months were eligible for screening. Carers, teachers and children aged over 11 were asked to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Where the SDQ suggested that a psychiatric disorder was “possible” or “probable”, participants were then invited to complete the Developmental and Well‐Being Assessment, which was rated by a senior psychiatrist to generate diagnoses if appropriate.

Findings

The paper finds that over one year, 23 children were eligible for screening. A total of 18 underwent the initial stage of screening, and seven were subsequently diagnosed with a formal psychiatric disorder.

Originality/value

This study illustrates the unmet need for mental health interventions among children looked after by the local authority and confirms the feasibility of a simple screening protocol.
Urban youth violence prevention: effectiveness of a scaled‐up practice‐to‐research programme
Authors: Chauveron Lisa M. , Thompkins Amanda C. , Harel Ofer
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of The Leadership Program's Violence Prevention Project (VPP) – a 12‐session programme consisting of explicit curriculum‐based classroom instruction designed for adolescents to promote a range of communication skills associated with violence prevention and alter classroom norms about aggression and violence.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐site, quasi‐experimental effectiveness trial examined pre‐ and post‐implementation surveys that assessed violence‐related behaviours and attitudes from 3,264 6th‐8th grade students in 24 urban public schools across four consecutive academic years (2005‐2009).

Findings

Multilevel modelling showed VPP buffered negative beliefs and behaviour in a wide range of violence‐related outcomes including peer support and tolerance for aggression. VPP also promoted positive conflict resolution skills by reducing the use of verbally and physically aggressive resolution strategies over time in programme participants. Programme quality was maintained through a five point practitioner‐created fidelity system amenable to real‐world conditions.

Originality/value

Findings indicate semester‐long violence prevention programmes promoting communication skills are effective with urban early adolescents.
Challenges recruiting families with children at risk of anti‐social behaviour into intervention trials: lessons from the Helping Children Achieve (HCA) study
Authors: Stateva Milena , Minton Jacqueline , Beckett Celia , Doolan Moira , Ford Tamsin , Kallitsoglou Angeliki , Scott Stephen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The Helping Children Achieve study is a randomised controlled trial designed to test the effectiveness of parenting interventions for children at risk of anti‐social behaviour. The paper aims to examine the challenges in recruitment to the HCA trial.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is on‐going and is being conducted at two sites: an inner city London borough and a city in the South West of England. In total, 395 participants consented to participate in the trial; 325 were assessed at baseline and 215 met the criteria and agreed to take part. Recruitment used population screens and referrals.

Findings

The screening procedure was more labour intensive but attracted greater numbers, including many parents who might not otherwise have sought help and included many families from disadvantaged backgrounds. The referrals included those with more serious problems and a higher proportion engaged with the service. Recruitment rates were lower in the London site due to ineligibility and greater difficulty in accessing schools. Retention in the two areas was similar.

Originality/value

The study provides data on recruitment challenges and lessons learned that could help formulate future policy regarding service delivery. Also of value is the finding that it is possible to conduct population screens in very deprived, multi‐ethnic areas and to get high rates of return.
The effect of using nonchlorine products for cleaning and sanitising milking equipment on bacterial numbers and residues in milk
Authors: Gleeson David , O'Brien Bernadette , jordan kieran
Published: March 2013

Seven milking machine cleaning procedures which differed in the working solution content of sodium hydroxide, presence of chlorine, temperature of water, and inclusion of acid and four antimicrobial products used as sanitisers in the premilking rinse water were evaluated. The cleaning system, which incorporated a high working solution of sodium hydroxide (2525 ppm) used in cold water combined with a hot (70 °C) daily acid wash, had lower total bacterial counts (TBC) (1040 colony forming units (cfu)/mL) than the same detergent product without the addition of acid (1980 cfu/mL) (P < 0.05). Lower TBC were observed in milk and on equipment surfaces when a sanitiser was applied (P < 0.01). Trichloromethane levels in milk were higher when chlorine was used as a sanitiser (P < 0.01).
“How far do you have to walk to find peace again?”: A case study of First Nations' operational values for a community forest inNortheastBritishColumbia,Canada
Authors: Booth Annie L. , Muir Bruce R.
Published: March 2013

In this paper we report upon research conducted with two First Nations located inBritishColumbia,Canada (Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations) on their preferences regarding forest operations within their community forest license. We confirmed the forestry‐related values previously documented in other research, and we are able to determine specific parameters with regard to the protection or integration of these values, particularly those that are ecologically based. In addition, we identify significant cultural values expected in forestry planning and management, their parameters, as well as values not commonly discussed within the literature, such as concerns over non‐indigenous access and conflicting, overlapping resource tenures. We conclude that further research, which accounts for and readily accommodates indigenous values and preferences, is needed to examine North American indigenous participation in both community forest tenures and in developing forest operation planning.
Development, Dissemination, and Preimplementation Evaluation of Food Safety Educational Materials for Secondary Education
Authors: Shearer Adrienne E.H. , Snider O. Sue , Kniel Kalmia E.
Published: March 2013

Abstract:  With the persistence of microbiological foodborne illness and anticipated future shortage of scientists with agricultural and food science expertise in the United States, it is imperative to educate youth on microbiological food safety and enhance their awareness of opportunities to become engaged in finding solutions to food safety challenges. To help integrate food science education across the high school curriculum, new educational materials on microbiological food safety were developed and then disseminated to and evaluated by educators of secondary basic and applied sciences. The materials present food safety concepts in the context of foodborne illness outbreaks to introduce basic concepts of food microbiology, epidemiology, and food safety strategies as well as their broad impact on economics, communication, and regulations. The ready‐to‐implement educational materials support educational content standards and various learning styles and encourage critical thinking skills. The materials include a presentation on food microbiology and foodborne illness surveillance, case studies on foodborne illness outbreaks, a video on the laboratory investigation of foodborne illness, interactive web‐based activities, and supporting materials for teachers and classroom display. Exposure to the materials in a 1‐d workshop positively impacted educator familiarity with general microbiology, food safety strategies, regulatory requirements, and associated terminology as measured by a test administered prior to and after use of the materials. Teachers of biology, chemistry, family and consumer sciences, and related sciences rated the materials favorably on applicability, anticipated ease of implementation, and anticipated reception by students.
Pregnancy, Cesarean, and Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Plu Isabelle , Sec Isabelle , Barrès Denis , Lecomte Dominique
Published: March 2013

A 43‐year‐old full‐term pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1, medical history of gestational diabetes mellitus) developed a sudden and malignant hypertension with hemoptysis, sweat, and tachycardia during a scheduled C‐section. A dead newborn was delivered and was successfully resuscitated. The mother died after resistant cardiac arrest. Autopsy and pathological analyses revealed an acute pulmonary edema and a necrotic and hemorrhagic voluminous tumor of the left adrenal gland, which was a pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands which secretes catecholamines. In pregnant women, its symptoms can mimic gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The gestational diabetes mellitus was presumed to be a symptom of the pheochromocytoma, and cardiopulmonary failure the result from the necrosis of the tumor provoked by gravid uterus compression. From a medico‐legal point of view, the tumor could not have been suspected during the pregnancy.
Localization and morphological variation of three bacteriome‐inhabiting symbionts within a planthopper of the genus Oliarus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae)
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Mulligan Kathryn L.
Published: March 2013

Many planthoppers of the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) host three bacteriome‐inhabiting bacteria: a gammaproteobacterium: ‘Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum’, a betaproteobacterium: ‘Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea’, and a member of the bacteroidetes: ‘Ca. Sulcia muelleri’. Through light microscopy observations, DGGE PCR and FISH analysis, we examined the morphology and localization of these three endosymbionts within the abdomens of females of the planthopper Oliarus filicicola. Our results indicate a complex distribution and variation in bacterial morphologies. ‘Ca. Sulcia muelleri’ singularly colonize one pair of bacteriomes and have cells of irregular shape with an average diameter of approximately 4–5 μm. ‘Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum’ bacteria are roughly globular and have an average diameter of approximately 1.5‐2 μm in a pair of bacteriomes located near the posterior end of the abdomen, which are surrounded by giant and highly degenerated cells of ‘Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea’. In addition, ‘Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea’ colonizes the ‘rectal organ’ (sensu Buchner) and the bacterial cells appear as a small, roughly globular with an average diameter of 3 μm; whereas, ‘Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum’ infects an additional two bacteriomes and the bacterial cells appear tightly packed and highly degenerated. All three endosymbionts colocalize in the forming eggs inside the host's ovaries. Based on the abdominal distribution of bacteriomes and bacterial morphologies, we suggest that ‘Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea’ and ‘Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum’ correspond to the symbionts described by Buchner as the ‘x‐’ and the ‘c + d symbiont’ respectively.
Impact of microbial diversity depletion on xenobiotic degradation by sewage‐activated sludge
Authors: Hernandez‐Raquet Guillermina , Durand Elodie , Braun Florence , Cravo‐Laureau Cristiana , Godon Jean‐Jacques
Published: March 2013

Microbial diversity is generally considered as having no effect on the major processes of the ecosystem such as respiration or nutrient assimilation. However, information about the impact of diversity on minor functions such as xenobiotic degradation is scant. We studied the role of diversity on the capacity of an activated‐sludge microbial community to eliminate phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. We also assessed the impact of diversity erosion on the ability of activated sludge to oxidize a wide range of organic compounds. The diversity of activated sludge was artificially modified by dilution to extinction followed by regrowth stage which led to communities with similar biomass but displaying a diversity gradient. The capacity of activated‐sludge community to degrade phenanthrene was greatly modified: at high levels of diversity, the community was able to mineralize phenanthrene whereas at medium levels it first of all partially lost its ability to mineralize this pollutant and at the lowest diversity, the activated sludge completely lost its capacity to transform phenanthrene. Diversity depletion also reduced the metabolic diversity and biomass productivity of sewage‐activated sludge. This study demonstrates that diversity erosion can greatly affect major ecosystem services such as pollutant removal.
Primary pulmonary peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Song , Liang Bin , Jiang Shujuan
Published: March 2013

Primary pulmonary T‐cell lymphoma is a rare condition characterized by fever, cough, dyspnea, and bilateral pulmonary nodules, usually diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy or computed tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy and pathology. In view of its poor prognosis, it is critical to distinguish and diagnose this disease as early as possible. We report here a case of a 39‐year‐old man who presented with fever, cough, expectoration with multiple nodules, and patch shadow in both lungs by chest CT. Tissue samples were taken by CT guided needle biopsy. The histological sample and immunohistochemistry showed peripheral T‐cell lymphoma‐not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS). After the patient was treated by chemotherapy for two courses, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died 2.3 months after the onset of the disease.
Chloroprocaine 40 mg produces shorter spinal block than articaine 40 mg in day‐case knee arthroscopy patients
Authors: FÖRSTER J. G. , ROSENBERG P. H. , HARILAINEN A. , SANDELIN J. , PITKÄNEN M. T.
Published: March 2013

Background

Articaine and chloroprocaine have recently gained interest as short‐acting spinal anaesthetics. Based on previous work comparing articaine 60 mg with chloroprocaine 40 mg, we hypothesised that articaine 40 mg and chloroprocaine 40 mg would produce similar spinal anaesthesa regarding block onset, maximal spread, and recovery.

Methods

In this randomised, double‐blind study, adult patients (18–70 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I‐III, BMI < 36 kg/m2) scheduled for day‐case knee arthroscopy received either articaine 40 mg (20 mg/ml) (group A40, n = 16) or chloroprocaine 40 mg (20 mg/ml) (group C40, n = 18) intrathecally. Telephone interviews were performed on the first and seventh postoperative day to disclose possible side effects, e.g. transient neurological symptoms (TNS).

Results

The groups were comparable regarding demographic data, onset and maximal spread of spinal anaesthesia, and duration of surgery. Surgery could be performed successfully under spinal anaesthesia except once in A40 (insufficient block) and once in C40 (prolonged surgery). Complete recovery was significantly slower in A40 vs. C40 for both motor block (105 (94/120) vs. 75 (71/90) min) [P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U‐test (MW‐U)] and sensory block [135 (109/176) vs. 105 min (90/124)] (P < 0.02, MW‐U), respectively [data are median (25th/75th percentiles)]. One patient from A40 showed mild TNS.

Conclusion

Both A40 and C40 provided mainly adequate spinal anaesthesia for day‐case knee arthroscopy. While onset and maximal spread were comparable, the recovery from motor block was clearly faster with chloroprocaine after equivalent doses of spinal articaine and chloroprocaine.