bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Achievement, Violent Victimization, and Bullying Among U.S. High School Students
Authors: Hammig Bart , Jozkowski Kristen
Published: January 2013

The authors examined the relationship between adolescents’ experiences with violent victimization and academic achievement. Data from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed for males ( N = 8,537) and females ( N = 7,816). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the relationship between academic achievement and violent victimization. Among males and females, 6.6% and 4.4%, respectively, earned grades of mostly Ds or Fs during the past year. Among males, those earning mostly Ds or Fs had an increased odds of having been injured in a fight (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.5-3.3) or threatened at school (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) when compared to males who earned mostly As or Bs. Moreover, those who earned mostly Cs were at increased odds of having been threatened at school when compared to males who earned mostly As or Bs (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). Among females, those earning mostly Ds or Fs had a higher odds of having been bullied at school (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3 ), threatened at school (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), or violently victimized by an intimate partner (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-3.0) when compared to females who earned mostly As or Bs. Similar findings were observed when examining females earning mostly C grades. Academic achievement is linked to victimization patterns among male and female adolescents. Although the temporality of the relationship is unclear, the strength of the associations increase as academic achievement decreases.
The Social Organization of Violence Toward Hostages
Authors: Phillips Everard M.
Published: January 2013

It is questionable whether violence toward a hostage varies according to criminal or radical orientation of their kidnappers who hold them for ransom. This notion is important because it relates to the assumption that how the hostage is treated may indicate whether the victim may survive the ordeal. To investigate, 181 kidnappings cases were cross-tabulated with four previously identified violent tactics ( inflicting pain, terror, psychological torture, and reward tactics) and three distinctive type of kidnappers (common criminal, organized criminal, and radical/terrorist groups). The results indicated that criminal groups tended to use a range of violent tactics to coerce a hostage in captivity, while radical groups more often specialized in psychological torture. Regardless of these observations, specific forms of violence, for example inflicting pain, provided a better indication of whether the hostage would be killed by his or her kidnappers. This suggests that the intensity of violence and not the type of group conducting the kidnapping indicates whether the hostage will be killed. The implications to the social organization of kidnapping groups are discussed further.
Health Outcomes Among Women Trafficked for Sex in the United States
Authors: Muftić Lisa R. , Finn Mary A.
Published: January 2013

Human trafficking is recognized as a major public health problem and a tragic transnational crime. Little is known about the health outcomes of victims of human trafficking. This study identifies the relationship of risk factors to physical, sexual, and mental health outcomes in three groups of women ( N = 38) exploited for sex in the United States: international trafficking victims, domestic trafficking victims, and nontrafficked sex workers. To date this is the first study to examine the impact of risk factors on health outcomes using a sample of women trafficked for sex in the United States that includes both domestic and international victims. Overall, findings suggest that the experiences in sex work of domestic trafficking victims were dissimilar to those of international trafficking victims. Moreover, domestic trafficking victims displayed poorer health outcomes compared to international trafficking victims. In terms of risk factors, a higher percentage of women involved in street prostitution reported sexual health problems, co-occurring health issues, and addiction. Childhood physical/sexual victimization was related to poor physical health.
Violence-Related Coping, Help-Seeking and Health Care–Based Intervention Preferences Among Perinatal Women in Mumbai, India
Authors: Decker Michele R. , Nair Saritha , Saggurti Niranjan , Sabri Bushra , Jethva Meghna , Raj Anita , Donta Balaiah , Silverman Jay G.
Published: January 2013

Domestic violence is a significant public health issue. India is uniquely affected with an estimated 1 in 3 women facing abuse at the hands of a partner. The current mixed-methods study describes violence-related coping and help-seeking, and preferences for health care—based intervention, among perinatal women residing in low-income communities in Mumbai, India. In-depth interviews were conducted with women who had recently given birth and self-reported recent violence from husbands ( n = 32), followed by survey data collection ( n = 1,038) from mothers seeking immunization for their infants ages 6 months or younger at 3 large urban health centers in Mumbai, India. Participants described fears and other barriers to abuse disclosure, and there was a low level of awareness of formal support services related to violence. Qualitative and quantitative findings indicated that formal help-seeking is uncommon and that informal help sources are most frequently sought. Quantitative results revealed that, while few (<5%) women had been screened for violence in the health care setting, most (67%) would be willing to disclose abuse if asked. When presented with a list of possible clinic-based violence support interventions, participants endorsed crisis counseling and safety planning as most helpful (90.9%). Findings provide direction for violence-related intervention services for perinatal women. A multipronged approach that includes strengthening the informal support system, for example, neighbors and family members, as well as facilitating access to formal services building on the health care system, warrants exploration in this context.
Turning Assault into a “Harmless Prank”—Teenage Perspectives on Happy Slapping
Authors: Palasinski Marek
Published: January 2013

The article describes the ways in which 41 adolescents from three large English cities discussed the phenomenon of happy slapping, which is typically defined as recording a physical assault on an unsuspecting victim on a camera-enabled phone for Internet upload. Using discourse analysis, the construal of motivations for its creation and watching is explored, elaborating on social, cultural, and legal implications. The identified repertoires (creation of comedy, denial of grievous bodily harm, accomplice-witness ambiguity, and reflection of postmodern culture) caution against attributing happy slapping just to boredom, as the mainstream British press does and puts spotlight on other factors, like seeking originality and keeping “pranks” under control. Concluding with the apparent similarities between the discursive worlds inhabited by unconvicted adolescents and convicted offenders, this study provides a theoretical platform for further research on the subtle and intriguing overlap.
Domestic Violence and the Place of Fear in Mother/Baby Relationships
Authors: Buchanan Fiona , Power Charmaine , Verity Fiona
Published: January 2013

It should come as no surprise that when women who have raised babies in domestic violence come together to discuss the formation of relationships with their babies they raise issues of fear. Yet in current attachment studies about the formation of relationships between women and their babies, knowledge of fear based in lived experiences is undervalued. This article draws on a qualitative study of such experiences to explore ways in which fear impacted on 16 women and their babies. From this study it is discerned that fear impacts in diverse ways on women, babies, and their relationships with each other. Women’s experiences show that fear is a complex emotion that cannot be understood outside of context, relations, and subjectivity. Furthermore, fear can be the motivation for protection, whereby actions by women are in the interests of safety of their babies. These insights look beyond attachment theory to the manifestations of and responses to fear identified by women who have raised babies while enduring domestic violence.
The Adaptability of Career Decision-Making Profiles
Authors: Gadassi Reuma , Gati Itamar , Wagman-Rolnick Halleli
Published: January 2013

The present study investigated a new model for characterizing the way individuals make career decisions (career decision-making profiles [CDMP]). Using data from 285 students in a preacademic program, the present study assessed the association of the CDMP’s dimensions with the Emotional and Personality-related Career decision-making Difficulties questionnaire, the Career Decision-making Self-Efficacy scale, and the individuals’ decision status. The results suggest that comprehensive Information Gathering, analytic Information Processing, a more internal Locus of Control, much Effort Invested, less Procrastination, greater Speed of Making the Final Decision, less Dependence on Others, and less Desire to Please others were more adaptive in making career decisions. Contrary to our hypotheses, high Aspiration for an ideal occupation, and low Willingness to compromise were more adaptive for the decision-making process; no level of Consulting with others was particularly adaptive.
Disengaging From Unattainable Career Goals and Reengaging in More Achievable Ones
Authors: Creed Peter A. , Hood Michelle
Published: January 2013

Participants were 181 university students who completed measures of career development (self-efficacy, perceived barriers, distress, planning, and exploration) and goal adjustment capacity (disengagement and reengagement). We expected (a) that when contemplating unachievable goals, those with a higher capacity to adjust their goals (i.e., to disengage and reengage) would report less distress, more career planning, and more exploration; and expected (b) that the relationships between goal adjustment and the outcome variables (distress, planning, and exploration) would be moderated by self-efficacy and perceptions of barriers. We found that those with a higher capacity to adjust their goals by disengaging and reengaging reported more exploration. Less distress was associated with disengagement, but not reengagement, whereas more planning was associated with reengagement, but not disengagement. Additionally, we found moderating effects for self-efficacy and perceptions of barriers; that is, having higher levels of efficacy and perceiving fewer barriers protected when goal adjustment capacity was lower.
Use of ICT in the Classroom Teaching of Management
Authors: Bhaumik Pradip K.
Published: January 2013

This article reviews the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom teaching of management. In this role of technology as an enabler and not a driver of the teaching/learning process, ICT makes it possible to initiate and develop new pedagogical tools in the classroom. The teaching of management requires the development of a broad range of technical, human and conceptual skills and therefore the use of ICT in the classroom teaching of management is quite extensive. We develop a typology of ICT use in the classroom from a pedagogical perspective and extend it to a simple 2×2 model to classify ICT use. Although ICT is extensively used in management education, most of it is confined to what is described as Type I use in this article that uses local sources and the retrieve mode. There is need as well as potential for expansion of ICT use to other types.
Strategic Allocation, Asset Pricing and Prior Return Patterns: Evidence from Indian Commodity Market
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Pandey Asheesh
Published: January 2013

In this article we employ data for 12 commodities, four commodity indices and one stock market proxy from July 2006 to February 2011 for India. We find that commodities that provide higher average returns also exhibit higher price volatility. The return distributions for commodities as well as for indices do not seem to follow a random walk. Combining gold with stock market index provides large portfolio diversification benefits. Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) seems to be a better descriptor of asset pricing in commodity markets when one uses commodity index instead of stock market index to represent market portfolio. It is further observed that there are no discernible prior return patterns in very short term and short term commodity returns that can be used by investors to develop portfolio trading strategies, as is the case in equity markets. Our findings are relevant for policymakers as well as for market traders. This study contributes to the alternative investment literature for emerging markets.
Book Review: Shawkat Alam, Sustainable Development and Free Trade: Institutional Approaches
Authors: Ray Rupamanjari Sinha
Published: January 2013

Shawkat Alam, Sustainable Development and Free Trade: Institutional Approaches, Oxan: Routledge, 2012, xx+288 pp., Price not mentioned (Paperback).
Book Review: Morgen Witzel, Tata: The Evolution of a Corporate Brand
Authors: Taylor Scott
Published: January 2013

Morgen Witzel, Tata: The Evolution of a Corporate Brand. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2010, 256 pp., ₹ 599 [Hardback].
Book Review: Rama Bijapurkar, Customer in the Boardroom? Crafting Customer Based Business Strategy
Authors: Pandey Alok
Published: January 2013

Rama Bijapurkar, Customer in the Boardroom? Crafting Customer Based Business Strategy. New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Pvt. Ltd, 2012, xxii+232 pp., ₹ 495 [Hardback].
Book Review: Yuvnesh Modi, Rahul Kumar and Alok Kothari, The Game Changers: 20 Extraordinary Success Stories of Entrepreneurs from IIT Kharagpur
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: January 2013

Yuvnesh Modi, Rahul Kumar and Alok Kothari, The Game Changers: 20 Extraordinary Success Stories of Entrepreneurs from IIT Kharagpur. Noida: Random House India, 2012, xvi + 263 pp., ₹ 150 (Paperback), ISBN: 9788184002737.
Book Review: Peter Reilly and Tony Williams, Global HR—Challenges Facing the Function
Authors: Saini Debi S.
Published: January 2013

Peter Reilly and Tony Williams, Global HR—Challenges Facing the Function, UK: Gower, Farmhand, 2012, ix+321 pp., Price not mentioned [Hardback].
Book Review: Roel Grit, Project Management: A Practical Approach
Authors: Srivastava Rajiv Kumar
Published: January 2013

Roel Grit, Project Management: A Practical Approach (Third Edition), Groningen, The Netherlands: Routledge, 2011, 198 pp. (Paperback)
Developing Intercultural Learners Through the International Curriculum
Authors: Sample Susan G.
Published: January 2013

Intercultural competence is an increasingly desired and necessary skill in a globalized world. While competence is a complex concept to define and assess, this study examines specific dimensions of the intercultural learning of students in the School of International Studies (SIS) at the University of the Pacific. Students undergo both an interdisciplinary, international curriculum and study abroad for at least a semester, taking courses on cultural adaptation before they leave and reenter. When they return from abroad, changes in their intercultural sensitivity are assessed through both direct (reflection papers and the reporting of “critical incidents”) and indirect methods (use of the Intercultural Development Inventory [IDI]). We find substantial advances in intercultural sensitivity for these students, which is largely consistent across assessment methods. On average, their IDI scores change by 19.78 points, which is both a significant change for these students and is significantly different from university students who have not been a part of the international curriculum or have not studied abroad.
The Immigrant Muslim American at the Boundary of Insider and Outsider
Authors: Chuang Angie , Roemer Robin Chin
Published: January 2013

Studies of Orientalized portrayals of Muslims have generally been distinct from studies on the Othering of immigrant Americans. This study employs concepts of insider/outsider status, applying theories of Orientalism and representations of the Other to newspaper coverage of the Muslim and Pakistani American perpetrator of the 2010 attempted Times Square bombing. Newspapers constructed a seemingly contradictory representation of Faisal Shahzad, as the apparent insider/American who becomes the alienated outsider/Other. This portrayal of the Orientalized insider establishes an emerging discourse on the “homegrown” terrorist who exists at the boundary of self and Other.
A Functional Analysis Comparison of Web-Only Advertisements and Traditional Television Advertisements from the 2004 and 2008 Presidential Campaigns
Authors: Roberts Chris
Published: January 2013

This article uses the functional theory of campaign discourse to determine whether differences exist in the purpose and content of 75 web-only video ads and 742 television ads created by candidates and national parties during the 2004 and 2008 presidential campaigns. Web-only ads were more likely to include attack themes than TV ads, and TV ads were more likely to include acclaim themes than web-only ads. Ads differed little in their use of news-mediated evidence to bolster ad claims.
The Virtual People Set
Authors: Dombert Beate , Mokros Andreas , Brückner Eva , Schlegl Verena , Antfolk Jan , Bäckström Anna , Zappalà Angelo , Osterheider Michael , Santtila Pekka
Published: January 2013

The implicit assessment of pedophilic sexual interest through viewing-time methods necessitates visual stimuli. There are grave ethical and legal concerns against using pictures of real children, however. The present report is a summary of findings on a new set of 108 computer-generated stimuli. The images vary in terms of gender (female/male), explicitness (naked/clothed), and physical maturity (prepubescent, pubescent, and adult) of the persons depicted. A series of three studies tested the internal and external validity of the picture set. Studies 1 and 2 yielded good-to-high estimates of observer agreement with regard to stimulus maturity levels by two methods (categorization and paired comparison). Study 3 extended these findings with regard to judgments made by convicted child sexual offenders.
Feline degenerative joint disease: a genomic and proteomic approach
Authors: Gao Xiangming , Lee Junyu , Malladi Sukhaswami , Melendez Lynda , Lascelles B Duncan X , Al-Murrani Samer
Published: January 2013

The underlying disease mechanisms for feline degenerative joint disease (DJD) are mostly unidentified. Today, most of what is published on mammalian arthritis is based on human clinical findings or on mammalian models of human arthritis. However, DJD is a common occurrence in the millions of domestic felines worldwide. To get a better understanding of the changes in biological pathways that are associated with feline DJD, this study employed a custom-designed feline GeneChip, and the institution’s unique access to large sample populations to investigate genes and proteins from whole blood and serum that may be up- or down-regulated in DJD cats. The GeneChip results centered around three main pathways that were affected in DJD cats: immune function, apoptosis and oxidative phosphorylation. By identifying these key disease-associated pathways it will then be possible to better understand disease pathogenesis and diagnose it more easily, and to better target it with pharmaceutical and nutritional intervention.
Computed tomography characteristics of fibrosarcoma — a histological subtype of feline injection-site sarcoma
Authors: Travetti Olga , di Giancamillo Mauro , Stefanello Damiano , Ferrari Roberta , Giudice Chiara , Grieco Valeria , Saunders Jimmy H
Published: January 2013

Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) may be a consequence of subcutaneous injection. In the present study, the medical records and the computed tomography (CT) features of 22 cats with a FISS, histopathological subtype fibrosarcoma, were used. The majority of the fibrosarcomas (45%) were located in the interscapular region. All fibrosarcomas, except one with mild enhancement, showed strong contrast uptake, characterised as ring (42%), heterogeneous (36%), homogeneous (9%), heterogeneous/ring (6.5%) or mixed heterogeneous/homogeneous enhancement (6.5%). The longest axis of the mass was in a cranio-caudal (68%) or dorso-ventral (32%) direction. The median volume calculated on CT was 7.57 cm3. Common features were a marked local invasiveness of the musculature and heterogeneity of the tissue in the periphery of the neoplasia. When the fibrosarcoma was interscapular, performing an additional post-contrast scan with the forelimbs positioned caudally along the body, in addition to the standard protocol with the forelimbs extended cranially, allowed better evaluation of the actual relationship between the tumour and the surrounding tissues. The mean number of muscles involved with the tumour was 2.09 with extended and 1.95 with flexed forelimbs. When a lower number of structures was considered infiltrated through the double positioning, a less invasive surgical approach to underlying muscles and scapula was performed.
Ceramics art education and contemporary challenges in Nigeria
Authors: Kashim Isah Bolaji , Adelabu Oluwafemi Samuel
Published: January 2013

Formal ceramics art education is becoming a fundamental requirement for professional practice in ceramics in Nigeria. Considering the ample resources available for ceramic practices in the country with a teeming population of over 140 million people, there is a promising future for the art, in spite of the effects of globalization and inter-cultural infiltrations. Despite the existing raw material potential, ceramic resources are still underutilized, while the ceramic art programme still cannot produce individuals who can function productively in a highly competitive ceramics market economy. An appraisal of the professional engagement of art and design graduates does not find the objectives of the programme in Nigerian tertiary institutions to be met. This article examines the current status of ceramic art education by identifying existent problems and inherent potentialities, as well as suggesting a way forward through repositioning art education in Nigeria.
Automated measurements of fiber diameters in melt-blown nonwovens
Authors: Zhang Xian Miao , Wang Rong Wu , Wu Hai Bo , Xu Bugao
Published: January 2013

Fiber diameter and its distribution are the fundamental parameters affecting the performance of melt-blown nonwoven materials. This paper proposes a new method to measure diameters of microfiber in nonwoven based on image processing techniques. The one-pixel-wide boundaries of potential fibers were extracted first. The real fiber profiles were then separated from incorrect rectangles by a recognition procedure. Finally, the fiber diameters and diameter distribution were calculated. The experimental results show that the new method is consistent with the manual methods in measuring the main fiber diameter and fiber diameter distribution of melt-blown nonwoven material and has many advantages including efficiency, reproducibility, and objectivity.
Images
Authors: Gambs Deborah
Published: January 2013

This article responds to Bersani’s critique of psychoanalysis’ personalism by focusing on the role of art, images, and objects in both psychoanalysis and sociology. I take examples of my research in visual art, and images conjured in my own psychoanalytic treatment, to look at the nonhuman agencies present in these relationships.
A Mother’s Son
Authors: Rivera Dale
Published: January 2013

In this autoethnographic essay, the author explores the possibility of healing, understanding, and moving toward a more comprehensive and honest assessment of self through an examination of “narrative inheritance” and “hindsight.” Motivated by an unexpected correspondence, the author asks questions intended to assist in this examination. In particular, the author confronts deep family issues and secrets that have shaped the stories he tells about himself and his family, stories initially dictated by his mother but through recollection and subsequent investigation, become called into question. The author concludes by attempting to reframe the narrative about himself and his family.
Prognostic Value of Resting-State Electroencephalography Structure in Disentangling Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States
Authors: Fingelkurts Andrew A. , Fingelkurts Alexander A. , Bagnato Sergio , Boccagni Cristina , Galardi Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

Background. Patients in a vegetative state pose problems in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Currently, no prognostic markers predict the chance of recovery, which has serious consequences, especially in end-of-life decision making. Objective. We aimed to assess an objective measurement of prognosis using advanced electroencephalography (EEG). Methods. EEG data (19 channels) were collected in 14 patients who were diagnosed to be persistently vegetative based on repeated clinical evaluations at 3 months following brain damage. EEG structure parameters (amplitude, duration, and variability within quasi-stationary segments, as well as the spatial synchrony between such segments and the strength of this synchrony) were used to predict recovery of consciousness 3 months later. Results. The number and strength of cortical functional connections between EEG segments were higher in patients who recovered consciousness ( P < .05 to P < .001) compared with those who did not recover. Linear regression analysis confirms that EEG structure parameters are capable of predicting ( P = .0025) recovery of consciousness 6 months postinjury, whereas the same analysis failed to significantly predict patient outcome based on aspects of their clinical history alone ( P = .629) or conventional EEG spectrum power ( P = .473). Conclusions. The result of this preliminary study demonstrates that structural strategy of EEG analysis is better suited for providing prognosis of consciousness recovery than existing methods of clinical assessment and of conventional EEG. Our results may be a starting point for developing reliable prognosticators in patients who are in a vegetative state, with the potential to improve their day-to-day management, quality of life, and access to early interventions.
A green-cultural criminology: An exploratory outline
Authors: Brisman Avi , South Nigel
Published: January 2013

Within the last two decades, “green criminology” has emerged as a distinctive area of study, drawing together criminologists with a wide range of specific research interests and representing varying theoretical orientations. “Green criminology” spans the micro to the macro, from work on individual-level environmental crimes to business/corporate violations to state transgressions, and includes research conducted from both mainstream and critical theoretical perspectives, as well as arising out of interdisciplinary projects. With few exceptions, there has been little work attempting to explicitly or implicitly integrate cultural criminology with green criminology and vice versa. This article promulgates a green-cultural criminology—an approach that seeks to incorporate a concern with the cultural significance of the environment, environmental crime, and environmental harm into the green criminological enterprise. It begins by demonstrating how cultural criminology is, at some levels, already doing green criminology. It then attempts to map a green criminology onto several key dimensions of cultural criminology: (a) the contestation of space, transgression, and resistance; (b) the way(s) in which crime is constructed and represented by the media; and (c) patterns of constructed consumerism. This article concludes by showing how a green-criminology-cultural-criminology cross-fertilization would be mutually beneficial.
Negative feedback on IL-23 exerted by IL-17A during pulmonary inflammation
Authors: Silverpil Elin , Wright Adam KA , Hansson Marit , Jirholt Pernilla , Henningsson Louise , Smith Margaretha E , Gordon Stephen B , Iwakura Yoichiro , Gjertsson Inger , Glader Pernilla , Lindén Anders
Published: January 2013

It is now established that IL-17 has a broad pro-inflammatory potential in mammalian host defense, in inflammatory disease and in autoimmunity, whereas little is known about its anti-inflammatory potential and inhibitory feedback mechanisms. Here, we examined whether IL-17A can inhibit the extracellular release of IL-23 protein, the upstream regulator of IL-17A producing lymphocyte subsets, that is released from macrophages during pulmonary inflammation. We characterized the effect of IL-17A on IL-23 release in several models of pulmonary inflammation, evaluated the presence of IL-17 receptor A (RA) and C (RC) on human alveolar macrophages and assessed the role of the Rho family GTPase Rac1 as a mediator of the effect of IL-17A on the release of IL-23 protein. In a model of sepsis-induced pneumonia, intravenous exposure to Staphylococcus aureus caused higher IL-23 protein concentrations in cell-free bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from IL-17A knockout (KO) mice, compared with wild type (WT) control mice. In a model of Gram-negative airway infection, pre-treatment with a neutralizing anti-IL-17A Ab and subsequent intranasal (i.n.) exposure to LPS caused higher IL-23 and IL-17A protein concentrations in BAL samples compared with mice exposed to LPS, but pre-treated with an isotype control Ab. Moreover, i.n. exposure with IL-17A protein per se decreased IL- 23 protein concentrations in BAL samples. We detected IL-17RA and IL-17RC on human alveolar macrophages, and found that in vitro stimulation of these cells with IL-17A protein, after exposure to LPS, decreased IL-23 protein in conditioned medium, but not IL-23 p19 or p40 mRNA. This study indicates that IL-17A can partially inhibit the release of IL-23 protein during pulmonary inflammation, presumably by stimulating the here demonstrated receptor units IL-17RA and IL-17RC on alveolar macrophages. Hypothetically, the demonstrated mechanism may serve as negative feedback to protect from excessive IL-17A signaling and to control antibacterial host defense once it is activated.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Wertz Jess , Galli Melissa , Borchers James R.
Published: January 2013

Context:

Achilles tendon (AT) rupture in athletes is increasing in incidence and accounts for one of the most devastating sports injuries because of the threat to alter or end a career. Despite the magnitude of this injury, reliable risk assessment has not been clearly defined, and prevention strategies have been limited. The purpose of this review is to identify potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for AT rupture in aerial and ground athletes stated in the current literature.

Evidence Acquisition:

A MEDLINE search was conducted on AT rupture, or “injury” and “risk factors” and “athletes” from 1980 to 2011. Emphasis was placed on epidemiology, etiology, and review articles focusing on the risk for lower extremity injury in runners and gymnasts. Thirty articles were reviewed, and 22 were included in this assessment.

Results:

Aerial and ground athletes share many intrinsic risk factors for AT rupture, including overuse and degeneration of the tendon as well as anatomical variations that mechanically put an athlete at risk. Older athletes, athletes atypical in size for their sport, high tensile loads, leg dominance, and fatigue also may increase risk. Aerial athletes tend to have more extrinsic factors that play a role in this injury due to the varying landing surfaces from heights and technical maneuvers performed at various skill levels.

Conclusion:

Risk assessment for AT rupture in aerial and ground athletes is multivariable and difficult in terms of developing prevention strategies. Quantitative measures of individual risk factors may help identify major contributors to injury.
Identity-Goal Threats
Authors: Gollwitzer Peter M. , Marquardt Michael K. , Scherer Michaela , Fujita Kentaro
Published: January 2013

We hypothesized that threatening self-aspects that pertain to an identity specified in a binding identity goal leads to distinct compensation (i.e., self-symbolizing), whereas threatening self-aspects not specified in a binding identity goal leads to general self-worth restoration. To test this hypothesis, participants with either weak or strong commitments to becoming lawyers were subjected to either a related or unrelated self-threat, and then given the opportunity to restore both the lawyer identity and general self-worth. Only participants strongly committed to become lawyers responded to a related self-threat by distinct compensation rather than general self-worth restoration. Apparently, strong commitments to an identity goal isolate this particular part of the self from the overall self.
Targeting Rural Yoghurt Market: A Way Forward
Authors: Kumara P.A.P. Samantha , Buddhika S.A.
Published: January 2013

This case describes the marketing practices at Mali, one of the new entrants to the crowded yoghurt market in Sri Lanka. Mali focuses on the rural yoghurt market—a significant market untapped by big players in the yoghurt market. Being a medium-scale enterprise, Nimal, the owner of the Mali, manages the marketing function of the company. So far he has succeeded in the rural market where he focuses on his marketing applications. However, he faces some issues, such as, to what extent he can survive with the existing marketing practices? How can the company address the changes taking place in the consumer behaviour of the rural market? What opportunities are available in the urban market where Mali is about to enter? What lessons can be learned from the applications of marketing practices in a typical rural market? And how the strategic bases of Mali can be affected in long term to get competitive edge in yoghurt market?
How to Overcome the Cultural Divide?: A Study of Japanese Expatriates’ Work Experiences in India
Authors: Basu Sriparna , Yoshida Ryo
Published: January 2013

With the process of globalization setting into motion an increasing amount of global trade between countries, it is inevitable that different cultures converge and collide owing to differing linguistic practices and also affectations of cultural style. Such proximities throw into question troubling equations of self and others as they reconfigure a notion of the interdependent self emerging out of growing interdependence of cultures. The understood meaningfulness of the self expressed against the backdrop of social relationships, roles and duties is rendered somewhat fluid in a cross-cultural setting that exerts its own gravity in creating relatedness of the individual to others and the environment. However, in most cases, firms face serious challenges associated with various cultural gaps which threaten their business performance not quite anticipated by the management. This case study seeks to, first, analyze the kind of challenges the Japanese companies and expatriate managers are facing in India and second, to explore what may be done to overcome such situations.
Global Strategies of the Japanese Mega Bank BTMU toward Asian Countries
Authors: Masaki Iijima , Arai Koichiro
Published: January 2013

In Japan, with declining birth rate and aging population, the domestic market has been shrinking in recent years. As a result, Japanese companies are increasing their operations in foreign countries, and the banks have started to support these Japanese companies aggressively. Especially, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has actively provided various supports to Japanese companies expanding their businesses into foreign countries. China and India have been experiencing higher economic growth in Asia. After recent financial crises precipitated by the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in 2008, more and more Japanese companies tend to consider setting up their businesses in India than it used to be. This study aims to discuss how the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (BTMU) and its group subsidiaries provide sophisticated information and financial services for Japanese customers who want to expand their businesses in Asian countries, especially in India.
Feasibility of Biomass Utilization in Sri Lanka: A Case Study Based on Regional Tea Plantation Companies
Authors: Dasanayaka S.W.S.B.
Published: January 2013

The rising and unquenchable demands for energy in the developing world, together with the need to minimize the use of fossil fuels to protect our ecosystem from further deterioration in climate change, emphasizes the need to explore and exploit alternative energy sources, especially those that are indigenous to each country. Following extensive analysis, this case study identifies the problems facing the use of biomass as an alternative source of energy in Sri Lanka’s tea industry. A number of key issues have been identified; these include biomass quality, lack of funds, high cost of investment on mechanization and insufficient incentives/subsidies to promote the use of biomass as an alternative energy source. This study proposes and recommends that the most effective approach to enhancing the utilization of biomass among tea industry in Sri Lanka is to provide sufficient incentives for companies that achieve self-sufficiency in energy requirement, without burdening the already congested and costly national grid.
Sociology of Decision-making: A Case Study of Integrated Rural Development Programme in Pakistan
Authors: Waheed Ajmal , Rehman Rana Rashid
Published: January 2013

This study deals with describing and analyzing the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in Pakistan.1 Its main objective is to elucidate some of the subtle obstacles that hindered the project from reaching its full potential. In this regard, formulation, implementation and evaluation of different development programmes at gross-root level are discussed. Therein, certain managerial issues, such as participation at gross-root level, coordination, cooperation, motivation, commitment, self-help, delivery of services at rural areas, political intervention and bureaucratic hurdles, are brought at forefront by citing few examples in which challenges have been faced more prominently and which can be used for classroom discussion. One of the critical obstacles relevant to the understanding of this programme, as many others, involves a focus on the sociology of decision-making. It is hoped that the case study would facilitate the readers to have an understanding of the rural development process in Pakistan at a micro level.
Business Turnaround Plan: The Experience of Malaysia Airlines
Authors: Rosnan Herwina , Mahmod Razmah
Published: January 2013

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is the Malaysian national air carrier. It was incorporated during the early days of air travel in 1937. From a humble beginning, MAS has developed into a renowned international airline with award-winning products and services. It managed to achieve cost efficiency and operates slightly below industry average. MAS has gone through several changes in its management over the years and still survives. However, being a national air carrier and government owned, MAS has several constraints in its operation where it has to balance between political and social obligations, and at the same time consider its commercial interest. Thus, some of the decisions on air service destinations, pricing structure and other business factors cannot be made purely based on commercial ground. This had affected the profitability of the airline. Furthermore, the global airline industry was facing turmoil since 11 September 2001 as a result of significant decline in air travel demand as well as the increase in fuel cost. Without exception, MAS was also badly hit and had recorded a substantial RM 1.3 billion loss in 2005. The bad market environment at that time continues to hit MAS hard. Hence, it was inevitable for the airline to make drastic changes in order to respond to the volatile business environment. Therefore, a real and radical business turnaround plan was imperative for MAS. Introduced in 2006, the Business Turnaround Plan (BTP) managed to bring MAS out of its financial crisis within two years of its implementation. This case highlights the winning strategies and action plans implemented by MAS in the BTP that had successfully turnaround this national air carrier from a deep financial crisis. As a result, from a substantial loss of RM 1.3 billion in 2005, MAS achieved a record-breaking profit of RM 610 million in 2007.
MART
Authors: Dayals Ishwar
Published: January 2013

After holding senior positions for 20 years in three multinational companies, where he was highly regarded. Pradeep Kashyap at the age of 40 years resigned. He wanted to help individuals and families in rural India to improve their livelihood. He decided to set up a company where people will respect one another, cooperate and take responsibility for whatever they do. They should be transparent in their dealings with other colleagues and outsiders, and have a sense of belonging. Companies in his experience suffered from hiding information, competing with others and back biting. The only model that he wanted in this company was that of a family. The case discusses the processes that created family-like environment.
Modelling metal–humic substances–surface systems: reasons for success, failure and possible routes for peace of mind
Authors: Reiller P. E.
Published: January 2013

Iron oxides and oxyhydroxides are commonly of considerable importance in the sorption of ions onto rocks, soils and sediments. They can be the controlling sorptive phases even if they are present in relatively small quantities. In common with other oxides and clay minerals, the sorption pH-edge of metals is directly linked to their hydrolysis: the higher the residual charge on the metal ion, the lower the pH-edge. Modelling of this process has been successfully carried out using different microscopic or macroscopic definitions of the interface (e.g. surface complexation or ion exchange models that may or may not include mineralogical descriptions). The influence of organic material on the sorption of many metals is of significant. This organic material includes simple organic molecules and more complex exopolymeric substances (e.g. humic substances) produced by the decay of natural organic matter. Sorption of this organic material to mineral surfaces has been the subject of a large body of work. The various types of organic substances do not share the same affinities for mineral surfaces in general, and for iron oxides and oxyhydroxides in particular. In those cases in which successful models of the component binary systems (i.e. metal–surface, metal–organic, organic–surface) have been developed, the formation of mixed surface complexes, the evolution of the surface itself, the addition order in laboratory systems, and the evolution of natural organic matter fractions during sorption, have often precluded a satisfactory description of metal–surface–organic ternary systems over a sufficiently wide range of parameter values (i.e. pH, ionic strength, concentration of humic substances). This manuscript describes the reasons for some successes and failures in the modelling of the ternary systems. Promising recent advances and possible methods of providing more complete descriptions of these intricate systems are also discussed.
Geochemical barriers to elemental migration in sulfide-rich tailings: three case studies from Western Siberia
Authors: Bogush A. A. , Galkova O. G. , Ishuk N. V.
Published: January 2013

This study describes geochemical barriers that have developed at three different localities in sulfiderich tailings in the Kemerovo region of Western Siberia, Russia. Iron oxyhydroxides, gypsum, malachite, chalcanthite, goslarite, bianchite, gunningite and copper and zinc chlorides crystallized in the sequence specified at an evaporative barrier around glassy slag produced by the Belovo zinc processing plant. A complex cemented barrier that has developed within the old Salair sulfide tailings contains two well defined layers: an upper layer containing Fe(III) minerals and gypsum as cements in which Pb, As, Mo, Ni and Co have been deposited; and (2) a lower calcite- and gypsum-bearing layer, in which phases containing Zn, Cd and Cu have been deposited. A complex organic-mineral barrier below the Ursk sulfide tailings consists of peaty organic matter, clay minerals and iron oxyhydroxides cemented by gypsum. Elements that have leached from the tailings are present in this barrier in a variety of different forms: Ca and Mn are present as water-soluble species; Cu, Fe and Zn are present as species produced by interaction with organic matter via ion-exchange, metal humate formation and cation bridging in organic-mineral complexes; Pb and As are co-precipitated with and/or adsorbed onto iron oxyhydroxides; gold has been deposited as minute particles of native metal. The mechanisms for the formation of the different geochemical barriers are discussed.
High PD-1 expression and suppressed cytokine signaling distinguish T cells infiltrating follicular lymphoma tumors from peripheral T cells
Authors: Myklebust June H. , Irish Jonathan M. , Brody Joshua , Czerwinski Debra K. , Houot Roch , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Timmerman John , Said Jonathan , Green Michael R. , Delabie Jan , Kolstad Arne , Alizadeh Ash A. , Levy Ronald
Published: January 2013

Key Points

FL TILs have reduced cytokine signaling.
E2A transcription factors limit expression of Gata3 to facilitate T lymphocyte lineage commitment
Authors: Xu Wei , Carr Tiffany , Ramirez Kevin , McGregor Stephanie , Sigvardsson Mikael , Kee Barbara L.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

GATA3 is elevated in E2A−/− DN2 cells. GATA3 contributes to arrested T-cell development from E2A−/− DN2 cells.
Robust T-cell stimulation by Epstein-Barr virus–transformed B cells after antigen targeting to DEC-205
Authors: Leung Carol S. , Maurer Michael A. , Meixlsperger Sonja , Lippmann Anne , Cheong Cheolho , Zuo Jianmin , Haigh Tracey A. , Taylor Graham S. , Münz Christian
Published: January 2013

Key Points

B cells contribute to MHC presentation of DEC-205–targeted antigen. Activated B cells present DEC-205–targeted antigen efficiently, because they retain it longer.
A randomized phase 3 trial of thalidomide and prednisone as maintenance therapy after ASCT in patients with MM with a quality-of-life assessment: the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinicals Trials Group Myeloma 10 Trial
Authors: Stewart A. Keith , Trudel Suzanne , Bahlis Nizar J. , White Darrell , Sabry Waleed , Belch Andrew , Reiman Tony , Roy Jean , Shustik Chaim , Kovacs Michael J. , Rubinger Morel , Cantin Guy , Song Kevin , Tompkins Kirsty A. , Marcellus Deb C. , Lacy Martha Q. , Sussman Jonathan , Reece Donna , Brundage Michael , Harnett Erica L. , Shepherd Lois , Chapman Judy-Anne W. , Meyer Ralph M.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Thalidomide and prednisone maintenance after transplantation improves progression-free but not overall survival.
Hierarchy in somatic mutations arising during genomic evolution and progression of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Green Michael R. , Gentles Andrew J. , Nair Ramesh V. , Irish Jonathan M. , Kihira Shingo , Liu Chih Long , Kela Itai , Hopmans Erik S. , Myklebust June H. , Ji Hanlee , Plevritis Sylvia K. , Levy Ronald , Alizadeh Ash A.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Analysis of coding genomes of FL tumor subpopulations reveals striking clonal diversity at diagnosis and progression. Within a hierarchy of somatic evolution of FL coding genomes, many recurrent mutations are subclonal at diagnosis.