bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CULTURE, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, AND DIVIDEND POLICY: INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Chang Kiyoung , Kang Eun
Published: June 2012

We find that Hofstede's cultural dimensions—uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and long‐term orientation—remain significant in the determination of firms’ dividend policies, even after controlling for corporate governance. We also show that this association varies with the strength of corporate governance, measured by the degree of investor protection. Hence, national culture and investor protection independently affect firms’ dividend payouts but also interact with each other, such that strong investor protection induces higher dividend payouts in high uncertainty avoiding and/or highly masculine cultures. Our results provide strong evidence that cultural differences matter and offer additional power in explaining variations in dividend policies.
The Warden's Dilemma: Self-Sacrifice and Compromise in Asymmetric Interactions
Authors: Fierke K. M.
Published: June 2012

Many of the violent conflicts of the post-Cold War period have involved peoples who have historically been victims of interstate politics. Compromise is highly problematic in contexts of this kind, given that sovereign powers tend to attach the label ‘terrorism’ to acts of resistance and the resistance tends to claim an experience of injustice. Given a situation where compromise is seen by actors on both sides to be impossible, how would anything other than a ‘rotten compromise’ be possible? The article develops a framework called the Warden's Dilemma which is then put to use in the empirical exploration of two historical cases: the hunger strikes in Northern Ireland in 1980–81 and the martyrdom of Polish Solidarity's priest, Jerzy Popieluszko, a few years later.
Origin and contrasting succession pathways of the Western Carpathian calcareous fens revealed by plant and mollusc macrofossils
Authors: Hájková Petra , Horsák Michal , Hájek Michal , Lacina Adam , Buchtová Hana , Pelánková Barbora
Published: June 2012

Calcareous fens are unique environments whose history is almost unexplored. The radiocarbon dates of the basal layers of 49 undisturbed calcareous fens showed that in the Western Carpathians (central Europe) many of the extant fen sites originated fairly recently, with two peaks in the High Middle and Roman Ages, the former corresponding to human‐induced changes of the landscape. Conspicuous number of fens also appeared in the Lateglacial and later in the Bronze Age owing to suitable environmental conditions. The Lateglacial calcareous fens were of semi‐open character with coniferous trees, a heliophilous understorey, and mollusc communities composed of several snail species typical of glacial landscapes. We found wood of Taxus baccata in six localities between 7390 and 600 cal. a BP, suggesting that calcareous fens could have represented a refugial habitat for this red‐listed species during the middle Holocene. Using plant macrofossil and mollusc analyses of three representative profiles we illustrate the most common developmental types: (i) fens originating in the Lateglacial, having an open or semi‐open character during the whole Holocene; (ii) open fens originating as wooded wetlands; and (iii) open fens starting their development de novo in the late Holocene. Human activities were responsible for the formation of a high number of calcareous fens, especially in the Outer Western Carpathians, and became important drivers of fen biodiversity development. Only a few recently existing calcareous fens contain old sequences of calcareous deposits. They represent unique natural archives and harbour highly endangered relic populations of fen specialists, making their strict protection urgent.
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using cultured allogeneic keratinocytes—A pilot study
Authors: You Hi‐Jin , Han Seung‐Kyu , Lee Jin‐Woo , Chang Hak
Published: June 2012

Diabetic foot ulcers often pose a difficult treatment problem. Repeated applications of cell‐based products have been reported to result in acceleration of diabetic wound healing. The purpose of this clinical trial study was to report preliminary findings of the efficacy and safety of the cultured allogeneic keratinocyte sheets in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Fifty‐nine patients with diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to either the keratinocyte treatment group (n = 27) or the control group treated with vaseline gauze (n = 32). Except for the application of keratinocytes, treatment of study ulcers was identical for patients in both groups. Either keratinocyte sheet or vaseline gauze was applied at the beginning of the study and weekly thereafter for a maximum of 11 weeks. The maximum follow‐up period for each patient was 12 weeks. Complete ulcer healing was achieved in 100% of the treatment group and 69% of the control group (p < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier median times to complete closure were 35 and 57 days for the keratinocyte and control groups, respectively. No adverse events related to the treatment occurred. These results indicate that cultured allogeneic keratinocytes may offer a safe and effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.
Functional and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Following Percutaneous Decompression
Authors: Mekhail Nagy , Costandi Shrif , Abraham Benjamin , Wadie Samuel Samuel
Published: June 2012

Background:  Neurogenic claudication due to symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a painful condition causing significant functional disability. While the cause of LSS is multifactorial, thickened ligamentum flavum (LF) accounts for up to 85% of spinal canal narrowing. mild percutaneous lumbar decompression allows debulking of the hypertrophic LF while avoiding the morbidities frequently associated with more invasive surgical procedures.

Methods:  In this prospective case series study, consecutive LSS patients presenting with neurogenic claudication were treated with percutaneous lumbar decompression. Efficacy was evaluated using the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire. Pre‐ and postprocedure Standing Time, Walking Distance, and Visual Analog Score (VAS) were also monitored. Significant device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events were reported.

Results:  The mild procedure was successfully performed on forty patients. At twelve months, both PDI and Roland‐Morris showed significant improvement of 22.6 points (ANOVA, P < 0.0001) and 7.7 points (ANOVA, P < 0.0001), respectively. Walking Distance, Standing Time, and VAS improvements were also statistically significant, increasing from 246 to 3,956 feet (ANOVA, P < 0.0001), 8 to 56 minutes (ANOVA, P < 0.0001), and 7.1 to 3.6 points (ANOVA, P < 0.0001), respectively. Tukey HSD test found improvement in all 5‐outcome measures to be significant from baseline at each follow‐up interval. No significant device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated significant functional improvement as well as decreased disability secondary to neurogenic claudication after mild procedure. Safety, cost‐effectiveness, and quality‐of‐life outcomes are best compared with comprehensive medical management in a randomized controlled fashion and, where ethical, to open lumbar decompression surgery.
Understanding Shared Roles in Policy and Administration: An Empirical Study of Council‐Manager Relations
Authors: Demir Tansu , Reddick Christopher G.
Published: June 2012

Recent literature in public administration emphasizes enhanced collaboration between elected and administrative officials. The complementarity view is presented as an alternative to the traditional politics–administration dichotomy. At the center of this new perspective lies the concept of shared roles between elected officials and public administrators with respect to policy making and administration. This article expands the emerging literature on role sharing by proposing and testing new variables to understand what enhances the policy‐making role of city managers and the administrative role of elected officials. Employing data collected from a nationwide survey of city managers and utilizing structural equation modeling methodology, this research finds that the council’s expectations and the city manager’s role conception significantly influence the city manager’s involvement in policy making, while the context of policy making, the city manager’s support, and the council’s access to resources affect elected officials’ involvement in administration. This article aims to make a cumulative contribution to the literature on role sharing.
Entrepreneurial In‐migration and Neoendogenous Rural Development
Authors: Bosworth Gary , Atterton Jane
Published: June 2012

Abstract

The social, cultural, and economic transitions in rural areas across the globe lead us to critique the traditional “top‐down” or “bottom‐up” distinction as being outdated for contemporary rural policy. In Europe and the United States in particular, high rates of counterurbanization heighten the need for new ways of thinking about rural development. To address this, we describe the emergence of neoendogenous development theories in the United Kingdom and elucidate further on the economic implications of this approach for rural development. In particular, we examine the role of local and extralocal networks and population flows as facilitators of neoendogenous development based on our independent studies in northeast England and northern Scotland. This approach highlights the importance of diverse forms of capital in rural economies and examines the role of social networks in the utilization of these resources. In‐migrant business owners are a valuable research focus as they provide a link between the “local” and the “extralocal,” allowing greater insight into the creation and evolution of network ties in relation to economic activity in rural areas.
Energy Policy and Environmental Possibilities: Biofuels and Key Protagonists of Ecological Change*
Authors: Holleman Hannah
Published: June 2012

Abstract

While a growing body of research indicates the severe ecological and social costs of biofuel production worldwide, the U.S. government continues to promote the expansion of this fuel sector. Recent congressional testimony regarding the promotion of biofuels via the renewable fuel standard (RFS) offers a strategic research site for sociological investigation into the practices of key political actors and their roles in promoting and discouraging ecologically oriented change. Congressional hearings provide a window into the political process of energy policy formation, thus informing environmental sociological theory and debates. The ecological modernization perspective and its assumptions provide the analytical frame of this empirical analysis of congressional hearings during the peak legislative period concerning biofuels. This research is intended to contribute to alternative energy debates, add to our understanding of the role of various actors in energy policy formation, and further theoretical developments within sociology.
Structural, Optical and Improved Electrical Properties of Relaxor‐Based Single Crystals After Poling
Authors: Fang Bijun , Qian Kun , Miao Fenfen , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Zhao Xiangyong , Xu Haiqing , Luo Haosu
Published: June 2012

0.695Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.305PbTiO3 (PMN–0.305PT) single crystals were grown by a modified Bridgman method. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and X‐ray single crystal diffraction (XRSCD) measurements showed that the crystal structure of PMN–0.305PT can be identified as distorted rhombohedral structure or triclinic structure, with both close to pseudo‐cubic structure. Polarization exerts significant influences on electrical properties, domain configuration, and infrared spectra of the PMN–0.305PT crystal plates with different orientations. An additional dielectric peak or dielectric shoulder is induced at lower temperature in the dielectric response behavior, in which the shape and temperature of the dielectric anomaly exhibit great dependency on the crystal orientation. The PMN–0.305PT single crystals exhibit complex domain configuration with statistical 4 mm symmetry after poling. The “stretching” normal vibration of [Mg1/3Nb2/3]/TiO3 group is observed in the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra with infrared‐absorption band occurring around 609 cm−1. The PMN–0.305PT single crystals exhibit excellent pyroelectric property, which will lead to promising advance in pyroelectric applications.
Hemispherical and Columnar TiO2 Arrays Grown by Reactive Pulsed Laser Deposition for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Sauthier G. , Figueras A. , György E.
Published: May 2012

Hemispherical and columnar TiO2 array were produced by reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using self‐assembled polystyrene (PS) monolayers as templates. The integration of PS microspheres self‐assembly processes and PLD permits the creation of periodic arrays in hexagonal arrangement. The micro/nano array architecture demonstrates outstanding catalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue dye in aqueous solution. The obtained results suggest that besides other structural characteristics the large specific surface area plays an essential role in the improvement of photoactivity of oxide semiconductor catalyst.
Is It That Difficult to Find a Good Preference Order for the Incremental Algorithm?
Authors: Krahmer Emiel , Koolen Ruud , Theune Mariët
Published: June 2012

In a recent article published in this journal (van Deemter, Gatt, van der Sluis, & Power, 2012), the authors criticize the Incremental Algorithm (a well‐known algorithm for the generation of referring expressions due to Dale & Reiter, 1995, also in this journal) because of its strong reliance on a pre‐determined, domain‐dependent Preference Order. The authors argue that there are potentially many different Preference Orders that could be considered, while often no evidence is available to determine which is a good one. In this brief note, however, we suggest (based on a learning curve experiment) that finding a Preference Order for a new domain may not be so difficult after all, as long as one has access to a handful of human‐produced descriptions collected in a semantically transparent way. We argue that this is due to the fact that it is both more important and less difficult to get a good ordering of the head than of the tail of a Preference Order.
Assessing the Incremental Algorithm: A Response to Krahmer et al.
Authors: Deemter Kees van , Gatt Albert , Sluis Ielka van der , Power Richard
Published: June 2012

This response discusses the experiment reported in Krahmer et al.’s Letter to the Editor of Cognitive Science. We observe that their results do not tell us whether the Incremental Algorithm is better or worse than its competitors, and we speculate about implications for reference in complex domains, and for learning from ‘‘normal” (i.e., non‐semantically‐balanced) corpora.
Pigmented malignant pilomatrixoma: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Sloan Joanna B. , Sueki Hirohiko , Jaworsky Christine
Published: June 2012

An unusual variant of malignant pilomatrixoma displaying melanization of epithelial elements is described. Melanization is a rare event even in the benign form of this adnexal neoplasm. Previously reported cases of malignant pilomatrixoma are re‐viewd; none containing pigment have been previously reported to our knowledge. Possible etiologies for lack of pigment in most benign and malignant pilomatrixoma are discussed .
Large forests enhance songbird nesting success in agricultural‐ dominated landscapes of the Midwestern US
Authors: Chapa‐Vargas Leonardo , Robinson Scott K.
Published: May 2012

We studied the effects of habitat composition and distance from edges on nesting success and brood parasitism of forest birds in the Kaskaskia River Bottoms, one of the largest remaining tracts of floodplain forest in the agricultural Midwestern United States. Our goal was to help the private landowners, who have maintained this region in forest cover, enhance the value of these forests for nesting birds. We measured nest predation rates and levels of brood parasitism of four species, the indigo bunting Passerina cyanea, Acadian flycatcher Empidonax virescens, northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis and prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea in relation to distances from natural and anthropogenic edges and proportion of natural and anthropogenic habitats within fixed radii around nests. We predicted that nesting success would increase with increasing distance from anthropogenic habitats and with increasing land cover in natural habitats. Our results showed no strong effect of any of these variables on avian nesting success, although parasitism levels increased slightly with increasing proportion of agricultural land around nests for two of the species. Nevertheless, nesting success for at least three of these species was much higher than in more fragmented forest tracts elsewhere in the agricultural Midwest where most forest tracts appear to be population sinks for most species. These results suggest that forest tracts in the Kaskaskia may be saturated with nest predators and brood parasites, but are not super‐saturated in a way that would cause these tracts to become ‘black hole’ population sinks. Our data further suggest that, as long as landowners maintain their private landholdings in forest cover, the details of how they manage their land may have little effect on songbird nesting success. These results also suggest that reforestation efforts in areas with many openings may still benefit forest birds.
Diagnosing pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies: a multicenter prospective evaluation of an Aspergillus PCR assay and a galactomannan ELISA in bronchoalveolar lavage samples
Authors: Reinwald Mark , Spiess Birgit , Heinz Werner J. , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Kiehl Michael , Schultheis Beate , Krause Stefan W. , Wolf Hans‐Heinrich , Bertz Hartmut , Maschmeyer Georg , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Buchheidt Dieter
Published: June 2012

Objectives

Diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a challenge in patients with hematological malignancies. The clinical significance of testing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples both with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Aspergillus galactomannan ELISA (GM) is unclear, and the BAL cutoff for GM has not been clearly evaluated yet.

Methods

Using a validated nested PCR assay and a GM ELISA, we prospectively examined BAL samples from 87 hematological patients at high risk of IPA. Of 76 (87%) evaluable patients, 29 patients had proven or probable disease.

Results

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of GM optical density (OD) cutoff levels yielded a BAL OD of 0.5 to be optimal. We identified 29 probable or proven cases based on this OD. Sensitivity and specificity for BAL GM were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62–0.9) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99), respectively. For BAL PCR, sensitivity and specificity were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.41–0.75) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75–0.94), respectively. Combining BAL GM and PCR for diagnosis showed a sensitivity and specificity rate of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.38–0.72) and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.93–1.0), respectively, if positivity was defined by positive results for both tests. If either positive BAL GM or positive BAL PCR results defined test positivity, the sensitivity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.65–0.92), and the specificity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70–0.91)

Conclusions

In terms of optimal sensitivity and specificity, a GM OD cutoff of 0.5 was determined for BAL samples. Positivity for both GM and Aspergillus PCR in BAL makes a pulmonary aspergillosis highly likely.
Evaluation of pretransplant factors predicting cardiac dysfunction following high‐dose melphalan conditioning and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bleeker Jonathan S. , Gertz Morie A. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Larson Dirk R. , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Dispenzieri Angela , Hayman Suzanne R. , Hogan William , Kumar Shaji , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Lacy Martha Q.
Published: June 2012

Background

Cardiac complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are emerging as a significant concern given the increasing utilization of HSCT for a variety of hematologic malignancies.

Methods

We utilized an existing database to determine the frequency of cardiac dysfunction (CD), namely a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction, following conditioning with high‐dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous HSCT for multiple myeloma (MM) and systemic amyloidosis (AL). We then performed a case–control study to examine variables associated with increased risk of CD in this population.

Results

In MM patients undergoing HSCT, the rate of CD was 1.6% (17/1050, 95% CI: [0.9, 2.6]). None of the examined pre‐HSCT variables or HDM dose were significantly associated with development of CD in this population. In patients with AL, the rate of CD was 5.6% (24/426, 95% CI: [3.6, 8.3]). On univariate analysis, decision to administer an HDM dose <200 mg/m2 [odds ratio (OR): 4.59 (1.27–16.57) P = 0.02], pretransplant left ventricular ejection fraction <60% [OR: 17.78 (2.29–138.33) P = 0.006], and documented amyloid involvement of ≥3 organs [OR: 4.0 (1.03–15.6) P = 0.046] were associated with the development of CD in the AL population. No other examined peri‐transplant factors were associated with development of CD.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first series to report a significant rate of CD following HDM conditioning and autologous HSCT in patients with AL.
Experimental and computational analysis of soft tissue mechanical response under negative pressure in forearm
Authors: Iivarinen Jarkko T. , Korhonen Rami K. , Julkunen Petro , Jurvelin Jukka S.
Published: June 2012

Background

Instrumentation, relying on the use of negative pressure (suction), has been introduced to reduce pathological tissue swelling. Then, relative contribution of skin, adipose tissue and muscle, to the overall mechanical response is not known.

Methods

Under suction, stretch of soft tissues in the forearm of human subjects (N = 11) was experimentally measured at rest and under venous occlusion. Three dimensional, fibril‐reinforced hyperelastic finite element (FE) model was constructed, the model response was matched with the experimental measurement and the mechanical characteristics of each tissue were derived. Parametric analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of different tissues on the total stretch.

Results

The model suggested that, at large strains, the stretch response was more sensitive to changes in the elastic modulus of skin than those in adipose tissue. During venous occlusion, reduction of the stretch of forearm tissues was related to stiffening of the skin and adipose tissue, as evidenced by increased modulus of 27 ± 21% and 35 ± 26%, respectively.

Conclusion

The method based on suction may be used to diagnose and monitor changes in properties of soft tissues, especially those of skin, as well as tissue swelling typical to pathological conditions such as oedema.
Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes and Bone Loss around Titanium Implants with Oxidized Surface: Six‐Year Follow‐Up Results from a Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: Francetti Luca , Azzola Francesco , Corbella Stefano , Taschieri Silvio , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: June 2012

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to assess long‐term clinical outcomes and peri‐implant bone level changes around oxidized implants supporting partial fixed rehabilitations.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐two partially edentulous patients were included in the study. A total of 33 fixed rehabilitations were placed, supported by 54 titanium implants with oxidized microtextured surface. Prostheses were delivered after 3 and 6 months of implant placement in the mandible and maxilla, respectively. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up at 6 and 12 months and then yearly. At each follow‐up, plaque level and bleeding scores were assessed and periapical radiographs were taken. The main outcomes were prosthesis success, implant survival, implant success, and marginal bone level change.

Results: Three patients were excluded from the study because they did not attend the 1‐year follow‐up. Nineteen patients, accounting for 49 implants, were followed for at least 6 years after prosthesis delivery. The mean follow‐up duration was 81.8 months (range 75–96 months). One mandibular single‐tooth implant failed after 1 year in a smoker woman. Cumulative implant survival and success at 6 years were 98.0% and 95.9%, respectively. Prosthesis success was 96.7%. The mean peri‐implant bone loss at 6 years was 0.76 ± 0.47 mm. Not significantly (p = .75) greater bone loss was found in the maxilla (0.78 ± 0.14 mm, n = 19) as compared with the mandible (0.74 ± 0.59 mm, n = 30). In the maxilla, bone loss was significantly greater around implants supporting partial prostheses as compared with single‐tooth implants (p = .03). Full patient satisfaction was reported.

Conclusion: Implants with oxidized microtextured surface may achieve excellent long‐term clinical outcomes in the rehabilitation of partial edentulism.
Responses to Children's Media Use in Families With and Without Siblings: A Family Development Perspective
Authors: Davies John J. , Gentile Douglas A.
Published: June 2012

Drawing on family development theory, this study provides insight into how family stages with and without siblings are related to media habits and effects. Two national samples (N = 527 and N = 1,257) present a cross‐sectional snapshot of media uses in families across three stages of family life: families with preschoolers (2–6 years), with elementary school‐age children (7–12 years), and with adolescents (13–17 years). We observed differences between family stages in five domains of media use: alternative activities to screen media, media use, parental monitoring, consistency in applying media rules, and resistance to media effects. Generally, more positive media habits were associated with families in earlier stages, families with siblings, and families with larger age gaps in sibling spacing. But greater vulnerability to media effects was associated with those families with multiple children and gaps in sibling spacing that spanned more than one stage.
The Family Impact Lens: A Family‐Focused, Evidence‐Informed Approach to Policy and Practice
Authors: Bogenschneider Karen , Little Olivia M. , Ooms Theodora , Benning Sara , Cadigan Karen , Corbett Thomas
Published: June 2012

Families have long been recognized for the contributions they make to their members and to society. Yet families are seldom substantively incorporated into the normal course of policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation. We propose the family impact lens as one way to shift the rhetoric from appreciating families to prioritizing them as worthy of study, investment, partnership, and political action. This paper provides the theoretical and empirical rationale for the family impact lens and introduces a toolkit for professionals who conduct or manage programs, teach about families, communicate with policymakers and program administrators, or evaluate programs and policies. Five guiding principles comprise the core of the family impact lens—family responsibility, family stability, family relationships, family diversity, and family engagement. To operationalize these principles, three methodologies are proposed—Family Impact Discussion Starters, the Family Impact Checklist, and Family Impact Analysis. Next steps are proposed for implementation and evaluation.
Communication Technology and Postdivorce Coparenting
Authors: Ganong Lawrence H. , Coleman Marilyn , Feistman Richard , Jamison Tyler , Stafford Markham Melinda
Published: June 2012

Divorced individuals who share parenting responsibilities have to figure out ways to work together to raise their children. The purpose of this qualitative study of 49 divorced coparents was to examine how they used technology (e.g., cell phones, computers) to communicate. For parents in effective coparenting relationships, communication technologies made it easier for them to plan and make conjoint decisions about their children while living apart. Communication technology, however, did not necessarily make coparenting easier if parents were contentious. Contentious parents used communication technologies as tools to (a) reduce conflicts, (b) withhold information, (c) limit the ability of the coparent to have input into childrearing decisions, and (d) try to influence the behavior of the coparent.
New Parents' Facebook Use at the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Bartholomew Mitchell K. , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Glassman Michael , Kamp Dush Claire M. , Sullivan Jason M.
Published: June 2012

New parents' Facebook use was examined from a social capital perspective. Surveys regarding Facebook use and parenting satisfaction, parenting self‐efficacy, and parenting stress were completed by 154 mothers and 150 fathers as part of a larger study of dual‐earner, Midwestern U.S. couples making the transition to parenthood. Results indicated that mothers used Facebook more than fathers, and that mothers perceived an increase in use over the transition. When more of mothers' Facebook friends were family members or relatives, and when fathers reported connecting with more of their Facebook friends outside of Facebook, they reported better parental adjustment. For mothers, however, more frequent visits to Facebook accounts and more frequent content management were each associated with higher levels of parenting stress.
Do You See What I See? Parent and Child Reports of Parental Monitoring of Media
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Nathanson Amy I. , Rasmussen Eric E. , Reimer Rachel A. , Walsh David A.
Published: June 2012

Research on parental monitoring of children's media use suggests parents can reduce the negative effects of media exposure on children, although this research is rarely conducted with elementary school children and leaves open questions about whether parents or children are better reporters. Participants were 1,323 children, their parents, and teachers. Parents and children reported on four aspects of monitoring for TV and video games: co‐using, limit setting on amount, limit setting on content, and active mediation. Parents gave much higher estimates than did children. Monitoring was moderated by child age, child sex, parent marital status, parent education, and parent income. Although parent‐ and child‐reported monitoring correlated rather poorly, both types were almost equally good predictors of children's screen time, media violence exposure, and teacher reports of school performance. When there were differences, the child reports tended to be slightly better predictors, demonstrating the validity of child reports of parental monitoring.
Using Natural Experiments to Study the Impact of Media on the Family
Authors: Price Joseph , Dahl Gordon B.
Published: June 2012

The randomized trial is the gold standard in scientific research and is used by several fields to study the effects of media. Although useful for studying the immediate response to media exposure, the experimental approach is not well suited to studying long‐term effects or behavior outside the laboratory. The “natural experiment” approach, a quasi‐experimental method commonly used by economists, exploits settings in which there is naturally occurring variation that “randomly” influences the amount and type of media that individuals are exposed to. We discuss the methodological issues of natural experiments and the ways in which findings based on this approach can complement the findings from laboratory or other experimental settings. The examples we discuss highlight the value of interdisciplinary work in better understanding media's impact on family issues such as fertility, divorce, domestic violence, and child well‐being.
Effects of Food Availability on Space and Refuge Use by a Neotropical Scatterhoarding Rodent
Authors: Emsens Willem‐Jan , Suselbeek Lennart , Hirsch Ben T. , Kays Roland , Winkelhagen Annemarie J. S. , Jansen Patrick A.
Published: June 2012

Animals that rely on refuges for safety can theoretically increase their foraging area without simultaneously increasing predation risk and travel costs by using more refuges. The key prediction of this theory, a negative correlation between food abundance, home range size and the number of refuges used, has never been empirically tested. We determined how home range size and refuge use by the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) varied across a gradient of abundance of the agoutis' principal food source: seeds and fruits of the palm Astrocaryum standleyanum. We used both manual and automated radio telemetry to measure space use of 11 agoutis during 2 mo of the Astrocaryum fruiting season, and of another set of 10 agoutis during 6 mo in which the animals largely relied on cached Astrocaryum seeds. We found that agoutis living in areas of lower food density had larger home ranges, and that all individuals used multiple refuges. The number of refuges, however, was not correlated with home range size. Consequently, agoutis that had larger home ranges roamed farther from their refuges. These results suggest that agoutis increase their home range size in response to food scarcity at the cost of their safety.
Modeling egg development of the pest Clavipalpus ursinus (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) using a temperature‐dependent approach
Authors: Escobar Andrea , Gil Rodrigo , Ricardo Bojacá Carlos , Jiménez Jaime
Published: June 2012

Abstract  Predicting the population dynamics of insects in natural conditions is essential for their management or preservation, and temperature‐dependent development models contribute to achieving this. In this research the effects of temperature and soil moisture content on egg development and hatching of Clavipalpus ursinus (Blanchard) were evaluated. The eggs were exposed to seven temperature treatments with averages of 7.2, 13.0, 15.5, 19.7, 20.6, 22.0 and 25.3°C, in combination with three soil moisture contents of 40%, 60% and 80%. A linear and two non‐linear (Lactin and Briere) models were evaluated in order to determine the thermal requirements of this developmental stage. Temperature affected significantly the time of development and egg hatching, while no significant effect was observed for moisture content. Thermal requirements were set as: 7.2°C for lower developmental threshold, 20.6°C for optimum developmental threshold, 25.3°C for maximum temperature and 344.83 degree‐days for the thermal constant. The linear model described satisfactorily egg development at intermediate temperatures; nevertheless, a slightly better fit of the observed data was obtained with the Lactin model. Egg development took place inside a narrow range of temperatures. Consequently, an increment of soil temperature could generate a negative impact on the population size of this species or changes in its biological parameters.
Data Processing System (DPS) software with experimental design, statistical analysis and data mining developed for use in entomological research
Authors: Tang Qi‐Yi , Zhang Chuan‐Xi
Published: June 2012

Abstract  A comprehensive but simple‐to‐use software package called DPS (Data Processing System) has been developed to execute a range of standard numerical analyses and operations used in experimental design, statistics and data mining. This program runs on standard Windows computers. Many of the functions are specific to entomological and other biological research and are not found in standard statistical software. This paper presents applications of DPS to experimental design, statistical analysis and data mining in entomology.
Chemical and behavioral analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbons from Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Authors: Mann Rajinder S. , Rouseff Russell L. , Smoot Jack , Rao Nandikeswara , Meyer Wendy L. , Lapointe Stephen L. , Robbins Paul S. , Cha Dong , Linn Charles E. , Webster Francis X. , Tiwari Siddharth , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: June 2012

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the vector of the phloem‐inhabiting bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which is presumed to cause HLB in Florida citrus. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to examine the behavioral responses of male and female D. citri to their cuticular extracts. In olfactometer assays, more male D. citri were attracted to one, five, or 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units than blank controls. The results were confirmed in field studies in which clear or yellow traps baited with 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units attracted proportionately more males than clear traps baited with male cuticular extract or unbaited traps. Analyses of cuticular constituents of male and female D. citri revealed differences between the sexes in chemical composition of their cuticular extracts. Laboratory bioassays with synthetic chemicals identified from cuticular extracts indicated that dodecanoic acid attracted more males than clean air. Traps baited with dodecanoic acid did not increase total catch of D. citri as compared with blank traps at the dosages tested; however, the sex ratio of psyllid catch was male biased on traps baited with the highest lure loading dosage tested (10.0 mg).
MicroRNA‐dependent development revealed by RNA interference‐mediated gene silencing of LmDicer1 in the migratory locust
Authors: Wang Yan‐Li , Yang Mei‐Ling , Jiang Feng , Zhang Jian‐Zhen , Kang Le
Published: June 2012

Abstract  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which participate in many biological processes. The small RNA transcriptome in the migratory locust has been characterized and 50 conserved miRNA families and 185 potential locust‐specific miRNA family candidates have been identified using high‐throughput sequencing. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs influence a wide variety of locusts’ biological processes, such as growth or development. In insects, Dicer1 ribonuclease transforms miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs. Thus, using systemic RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of Dicer1 in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, we reduced miRNA contents in the locust and disrupted two types of molt (nymph–nymph, and nymph–adult). The RNAi of LmDicer1 also resulted in a high mortality in L. migratora. Our study revealed that LmDicer1 was essential for miRNA regulation and development of L. migratoria. These results further support our notion that LmDicer1 could serve as an excellent target for developing novel strategies for controlling this important insect pest.
3‐D Milk Fouling Modeling of Plate Heat Exchangers with Different Surface Finishes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes
Authors: Choi W. , Jun S. , Nguyen L.T. , Rungraeng N. , Yi H. , Balasubramanian S. , Puri V.M. , Lee J.
Published: May 2012

Milk fouling and self‐cleanability of the heat exchanger surface during the pasteurization process has gained attention from industries as well as academia. In particular, the antifouling mechanism associated with plate corrugation profiles causing the extreme turbulent flow scheme and surface coatings to reduce the surface energy is uncertain. This study was aimed to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) model in three‐dimensional (3‐D) environment, which could estimate antifouling performances of plate heat exchangers (PHEs) during milk pasteurization process. It was the first attempt to simulate the fouling and temperature distribution patterns on realistic corrugated surfaces of PHE unit with different surface treatments. The conventional stainless steel surface and stainless steel plates coated with Lectrofluor 641 and graded Ni‐P‐polytetrafluoroethylene were compared for their antifouling performances. A transient 3‐D fouling model was developed based on heat and mass transfer equations, and fouling kinetics involving diffusion and protein adhesion mechanisms. Pattern and size of corrugations of actual PHE were measured and subsequently used to build 3‐D solid geometry using AutoCAD (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA). The geometry file was meshed using Gambit software (Fluent Inc., Lebanon, NH) and further transferred to CFD codes. Fouling predictions based on chemical kinetics and the temperature‐dependent parameters accounting for different surface energy values were close to experimental data within a maximum prediction error of 7%. The developed 3‐D fouling model is expected to meet the demand of food industries to correlate the surface energy with the self‐cleanability of food thermal process equipments and seek the theoretical solution.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Milk‐fouling phenomena of plate heat exchangers (PHEs) result in an increase of energy consumption, extra maintenance, higher labor costs and a decrease in the productivity. In addition, fouling deposits can cause the growth of unwanted microorganisms on the corrugated surfaces of PHEs. In this study, the transient three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics model was developed to describe fouling phenomena in consideration of realistic corrugation profiles and estimate the amount of surface fouling based on the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic performances of the PHEs and surface characteristics (conventionally uncoated stainless steel [SS‐316] and stainless steel surfaces with Lectrofluor 641 and graded Ni‐P‐polytetrafluoroethylene).
Evaluation of Zerovalent Zinc for Treatment of 1,2,3‐Trichloropropane‐Contaminated Groundwater: Laboratory and Field Assessment
Authors: Salter‐Blanc Alexandra J. , Suchomel Eric J. , Fortuna John H. , Nurmi James T. , Walker Chris , Krug Tom , O'Hara Suzanne , Ruiz Nancy , Morley Theresa , Tratnyek Paul G.
Published: June 2012

The efficacy and feasibility of using zerovalent zinc (ZVZ) to treat 1,2,3‐trichloropropane (TCP)‐contaminated groundwater was assessed in laboratory and field experiments. In the first portion of the study, the reactivity of commercially available granular ZVZ toward TCP was measured in bench‐scale batch‐reactor and column experiments. These results were used to design columns for on‐site pilot‐scale treatment of contaminated groundwater at a site in Southern California. Two of the ZVZ materials tested were found to produce relatively high rates of TCP degradation as well as predictable behavior when scaling from bench‐scale to field testing. In addition, there was little decrease in the rates of TCP degradation over the duration of field testing. Finally, no secondary impacts to water quality were identified. The results suggest that ZVZ may be an effective and feasible material for use in engineered treatment systems, perhaps including permeable reactive barriers.
EVALUATION OF CONTINGENT REPAYMENTS IN MICROFINANCE: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL DISASTER IN BANGLADESH
Authors: SHOJI MASAHIRO
Published: June 2012

Frequent and strictly scheduled repayments and savings in microfinance often deteriorate the liquidity of members in the face of negative shocks. Previous articles suggest the introduction of a contingent repayment system that allows such members to be rescheduled, but the unavailability of a suitable dataset makes it difficult to examine how it would actually work. This study is one of the first to evaluate the impact of this repayment system on household livelihood. In employing a unique dataset from Bangladesh, I show that rescheduling reduces the possibility of binding credit constraints and borrowing from moneylenders, and may also reduce transitory poverty. However, short‐term rescheduling has insignificant effects. Indebted members with less liquid assets are more likely to be rescheduled.
INFORMALIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL LABOR IN INDIA: EFFECTS OF LABOR MARKET RIGIDITIES AND IMPORT COMPETITION
Authors: GOLDAR BISHWANATH , AGGARWAL SURESH CHAND
Published: June 2012

Since the 1980s, industrial labor in India has been increasingly informalized, manifested in a rising share of unorganized sector employment and the growing use of temporary and contract workers, and subcontracting in organized manufacturing. Using unit‐level data from the National Sample Survey employment–unemployment survey for 2004–5, the paper investigates econometrically whether labor market rigidities and import competition have been responsible for the informalization of industrial labor in India. The results of econometric models show that labor market reforms tend to increase the creation of regular jobs, while import competition tends to raise casual employment among workers with education levels above primary.
Chaeboland Industrial Policy in Korea
Authors: LIM Wonhyuk
Published: June 2012

Although the degree of sectoral targeting changed dramatically from the 1960s to the 1970s and then from the 1980s onward, Korea maintained an outward‐oriented, bottom‐up, and integrated approach to industrial policy, relying on close public–private consultation and international benchmarking. The government and the chaebol systematically studied what had to be done to fill the missing links in the domestic value chain and move up the quality ladder, through technology acquisition, human resource development, and construction of optimal‐scale plants aimed for the global market. As the capacity of the private sector increased and sectoral targeting became a more difficult proposition, Korea shifted to a more sector‐neutral approach, which provided support for industry rationalization and R&D regardless of sectors. This was in line with a larger shift from industrial policy to competition and corporate governance policy, starting with the enactment of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act in 1980.
Determinants of Labor Market Participation and Wages of North Korean Female Refugees in South Korea
Authors: YU Shi‐Eun , KIM Byung‐Yeon , JEON Woo‐Taek , JUNG Seung‐Ho
Published: June 2012

This paper uses data from a survey on 289 North Korean female refugees who arrived in South Korea in 2007 to understand the determinants of their economic adaption in the South Korean labor market. More specifically, we look at the effects of job finding channels and government policies on the labor market participation and wages of these women. We find that job finding through both personal contacts and public employment networks increases the probability of finding employment, but the former, especially job finding through contacts with South Koreans, is the most effective route to finding employment. In addition, jobs with higher wages are acquired in employment attained from South Korean referrals, followed by South Korean government agencies and those from North Korean refugee contacts. We further find that labor market participation is negatively affected by both public benefits and private transfers possibly because of increases in the reservation wages of job seekers.
Home Market Effects of Foreign Trade in China's Manufacturing Sector: Analysis Using International Standard Industry Classification Panel Data
Authors: Li Huizhong , Qi Fei , Zhang Shaoxuan
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we use 2002–2008 International Standard Industry Classification two‐digit bilateral trade panel data for manufacturing industries in China and the OECD countries to test for the existence of home market effects. We find that significant home market effects exist in 8 out of 12 industries. These industries include the food, beverage and tobacco industry, wood products, the paper products and printing industry, chemical products, other non‐metallic mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, and miscellaneous products and waste resources recycling industry. Textile, clothing and leather manufacturing, oil refining and nuclear fuel manufacturing, rubber and plastics, and basic metals and fabricated metal products industries do not exhibit home market effects. Indeed, strong reverse home market effects occur for oil refining and nuclear fuel manufacturing and for the rubber and plastics industry. The empirical results reveal that certain industries benefit from new export opportunities due to the expansion of domestic demand in China.