bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ultimate Management: Unfinished Agenda of Management Education and Development
Authors: Prasad Rao DR. C.R. , Tammaiah DR. T. , Subba Raju MR. G.V. , Raju S.V.K.P.& DR. K.S.
Published: August 2015

The central theme of this paper is self-managed development of Management Cadres. Self-managed is an exciting, revelational, and evolutional experience. Management being essentially normative, consciousness based management education and development is preferable to the intellect based one.

The end result of consciousness-based subjective management is creativity which is essential in conditions of chaos and flux in the management field.

Management development is better based on Indian mysticism to acquire the elements of subjectivity and creativity. The ultimate in management development is the Hindu mystical Yogic consciousness.
Managing Performance Through Excellence
Authors: Gill Satinder , Mehta Madhavi
Published: August 2015

The present paper contends that it is the organization's focus on the critical aspects such as leadership, organizations culture, strategy, and HRD which results in excellent performance. The paper reemphasizes that leadership is considered to be the most influential factor contributing to the performance of excellent organizations whereas Organisation Culture, is the source of behavioural and functional patterns in an organization and determines the performance and productivity of the organization. Strategy outlines the organizations' goals and the means for attaining these goals. Whereas HRD plays a facilitating role in improving performance of an organization through Performance

Appraisals, Training and Development, Feedback and Counselling and Career Planning and Development.
Determinants of Task Procrastination: Public vs Private Sector Comparison
Authors: Sharma Madan Pal
Published: August 2015

To find out the determinants of task procrastination in public and private sector organisations, 600 skilled workers (300from public sector and 300 from private sector organisations) were interviewed with the help of structured interview schedule. The findings show that of the seventeen variables used as potential predictors of task procrastination, only six, i.e., humane and fair management style, task ambiguity, deadline pressure, frustration tolerance, autonomy, and type ‘A’ behaviour pattern/personality in private sector and only five variables, i.e., humane and fair management style, deadline pressure, job satisfaction, frustration tolerance, and locus of control in public sector organisations emerged as critical determinants of task procrastination behaviour.
Marketing Strategy of Family Business in FMCG Sector
Authors: Shirur Srinivas
Published: August 2015

Indian family business is moving through a transition phase. Before liberalisation, Industry was tightly controlled by the government and demand usually exceeding supply. In most of the sectors, there was suppliers market. Only resource which was scarce was finance. This will change after liberalisation. I have taken five companies which have developed core competency in FMCG Sector and compared their strategy with HLL. These companies are Dabur, Marico, Parry, Nirma & Godrej.

Indian companies should shift their priority from finance and production to marketing in FMCG sector. Indian companies should try to launch a product in each segment, try to put their effort in managing the brands, improve their distribution network, try to compete head on with MNCs in premium brands, take advantage of information technology to keep track of the market and should follow contracting out strategy seriously in order to increase flexibility in the market.
Organizational Culture in Action
Authors: Kumar DR. Harish
Published: August 2015

Organizational Culture represents one of the newest topics in the field of Organizational Behaviour. It refers to a set of key values, beliefs and understanding that are shared by the members of an organization. The focus of culture is to provide members with a sense of identity and to generate within them a commitment to the beliefs and values of the organization.

If an organization understands its culture it can effectively respond to external problems of adaptation and survival and internal problems of integration.
Relationship between Size of the Organization and Quality of Worklife of Indian Managers
Authors: Karrir Naval , Khurana Amulya
Published: August 2015

The study examines Quality of Worklife of 491 Managers with respect to size of organization (N: Large = 241, Medium = 132 and Small 118) from 30 organizations (Public =12, Private = 9, Cooperative = 9) of Indian Industry, using various univariate, bivariate and multivariate, statistical techniques. Results have revealed significant correlation between quality of worklife of Managers and size of organization.

To arrive at specific results, superimposition of size of organization and sectoral differences have been done and results discussed.

Key Words: Quality of Worklife feelings/Conditions (QWL F/C), Managers, Size of Organization (Small, Medium Large), Sectors (Public, Private, Cooperative)
E-Commerce & You
Authors: Gupta Prof. Sanjeev , Agnihotri A
Published: August 2015

The next millennium seems to challenge managers at all levels to gam strategic advantage over their competitors. This competitive edge is a gift of Electronic Commerce as now organisations can buy, sell, support products & services & even make 'payments on the Internet. Everything in todays' world is electronised whether it is sending messages (E-mail) or exchanging business documents (EDI) or making payments (EFT) or sending letters (E-Stamp). All these have enabled E-commerce to have direct computer to computer link between customers & organisations & organisations & suppliers. Electronic commerce has linked organisations to suppliers as well as within organisation for faster and efficient transaction processing and decision making thus enabling to from unbeatable powerful virtual teams.
Management of Mind: Learning how to learn
Authors: Kumar Sharat
Published: August 2015

Mind and intellect govern all our actions and choices and determine the directions of our lives. And it is not the events that bother us, but it is the interpretation of events by the mind which makes us happy or depressed. Our managerial and intellectual classes must be exposed to an educational technology which makes them aware that without launching an enquiry into the mechanics of their own mind, they will not travel far.
European Economic and Monetary Cooperation from an Historical Perspective
Authors: Bhalla V K
Published: August 2015

Analyse the issues related to the European Economic and Monetary Union and positive and negative impacts of the single European currency Euro launched on 1st January, 1999, on the economic and political environment in Europe. Launching of Euro strengthens Europe's bargaining position vis-a-vis the United States and other countries. Creation of new financial instruments and convergence of inflation and interest rates will have an impact on investment decisions and cross-border flows will increase the size of the markets.
Market Orientation and Business Performance
Authors: Verma Harsh V
Published: August 2015

Marketing is at the heart of modem marketing thought. Ever since its crystallization managers have been urged to adopt marketing concepts as the core idea driving the business. Marketing concepts enjoy significant support both in academic and popular writings. It is proposed that a market oriented firm would exhibit better performance because of its capacity to build competitive edge and respond to market forces effectively. In other words, market orientation is a critical determinant of business performance. The study was carried out to explore this relationship on a sample of consumer and industrial goods companies. The analysis carried out in the endeavour validates the proposed relationship. On the issue of the extent of market orientation in these companies, it is discovered that companies followed the middle path. That is, they are neither very highly 1Wr low market oriented. This finding is in consonance with the Indian market reality, because markets in India are neither totally competitive nor fully regulated.
Factor Analysis – An Application to Assess Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Arora Sangeeta
Published: August 2015

Factor Analysis is a Multivariate Statistical technique which has gained wide applications in various business related areas. The general purpose of this technique is to find a way of condensing the information contained in a number of original variables in a set of new composite factors with a minimum loss of information. Present paper is an attempt to explain the technique of Factor Analysis and its application in assessing the level of bank customers' satisfaction in terms of the services offered by the banks.
Internet-Based Distance Education
Authors: Diwan Parag , Dumblekar Vinod
Published: August 2015

India's Distance Education (DE) institutions have been around for over 35 years. We see a paradigm shift in the perceptions of people who have taken to DE in large numbers for social and economic reasons in a continuous exercise called lifelong learning . As our national resources are limited, our conventional education systems cannot meet this demand. Spurred by a variety of non-conventional media like floppies, CD and computers, DE has met this need, to some extent.
Software on Rent
Authors: Singh Deepali
Published: August 2015

With the increase in spread of information technology, use of software products and services will percolate down the line to small organisations/medium sized companies. Since the software development cycle time will reduce in the coming years, organisations who want to leverage information technology for their competitive advantage would like to use the latest software tools at minimum cost and therefore, are likely to opt for software on rental basis. In the case of applications where particular software is required for one time use or where software applications are required at sites, rental services will be ven; useful. Trends show that in the years to come, software services and products on rental basis is likely to be a high revenue generating industry.
E-Commerce and Globalisation
Authors: Bisht N S , Joshi Amit , Belwal Rakesh
Published: August 2015

Simplistically put, E-Commerce means selling of products/services on the net a practice which has existed at least for the last two decades in the form of fax or phone. This is distinctly a post-Y2K focus. Merill Lynch proclaimed that on the IT front they would essentially cue in on E-Commerce for the economy of scales. Forrester research foresees the B2B potential hovering around US $ 842 Billion by 2002. The phenomenal growth of �Commerce has been due to the customer satisfaction. It has had its inimitable impact on the 4 Ps of marketing. �-Commerce in short has multidimensional potential. It is bound to have a telling effect on the pricing policies through the Webster listings.

The futuristic growth of Ecommerce in India too is beyond doubt. The various aspects have to be harmonised and synchronised with the various situations. Sincere and careful analysis is required to encash the forthcoming opportunities.
The Moderating Effect of Locus of Control on Organisational Role Stress
Authors: Mohan Vidhu , Chauhan Daisy , Chauhan S P
Published: August 2015

The ability to withstand organisational stress and manage it effectively depends to a great extent on an individual's attitude towards work in an organisation, his general orientation and motivation. The orientation gets reflected in his/her belief and perception about himself/herself; about the extent to which he/she possesses the ability to influence/control the environment. The present study was undertaken on a sample of 174 middle managers belonging to the three sectors of industry viz., Government, public and private, to determine the moderating effect of Locus of Control on Role Stress and the relationship between Locus of Control and Role Efficacy. They were administered Udai Pareek's Organisational Role Stress (ORS), Locus of Control Inventory and Role Efficacy Scale. Simple ANOVA was done to study the analysis of variance by sector. It was found that the managers of the private sector were more internally orientated as compared to those from the government and public sector as revealed by their her mean score on external Locus of Control and lower score on external Locus of Control. Further, on the dimension of External Locus of Control the managers from the public and government scored higher as compared to those from the private sector.
Strategic Traps: A Case Based Analysis
Authors: Roy Dilip , Dutta Anindya
Published: August 2015

Earlier functional approaches like marketing research, operation research management information system are now Jailing to yield successful strategic planning because of a continuous increase in the environmental entropy. This problem is engulfing the corporate world and there is a dire dearth for a remedial measure.

While most of the thinkers are busy in search of an overall end solution, we have tried to define the starting problem and get into the roots of the same by critically examining many real life cases. And in the process of doing so, several strategic traps have been identified. We have grouped those strategic traps into seven different categories and illustrated them with a few typical examples.
Correlates of Mental Depression Among Female Sex Workers in Southern India
Authors: Patel Sangram Kishor , Saggurti Niranjan , Pachauri Saroj , Prabhakar Parimi
Published: August 2015

Mental health is an integral part of overall health status but has been a largely neglected issue in the developing world especially among female sex workers (FSWs). This study examines the prevalence and correlates of major depression among FSWs in southern India. Major depression was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 depression scale data from a cross-sectional Behavioral Tracking Survey, 2010-2011 conducted among FSWs (n = 1986) in Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India. Almost two-fifths of FSWs (39%) reported major depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows a significant association between major depression and the following characteristics for FSWs: low autonomy, alcohol use, experience of violence, police arrest, inconsistent condom use with clients, mobility for sex work, and being HIV positive or not wanting to disclose HIV status. Research and advocacy efforts are needed to ensure that the mental health issues of marginalized groups are appropriately addressed in HIV prevention programs.
Lifestyle Behaviors Predict Negative and Positive Changes in Self-reported Health
Authors: Baron-Epel Orna , Hofstetter C. Richard , Irvin Veronica L. , Kang Sunny , Hovell Melbourne F.
Published: August 2015

Studies of changes in health following immigration are inconsistent, and few are based on longitudinal designs to test associations based on change. This study identified factors that predicted changes in self-reported health (SRH) among California residents of Korean descent. A sample of California residents of Korean descent were interviewed and followed-up 2 or 3 times by telephone during 2001-2009. The questionnaires dealt with SRH, lifestyle behaviors (smoking, physical activity, and fast food consumption), and socioeconomic measures. Statistical analysis included random-intercepts longitudinal regression models predicting change in SRH. A similar percentage of respondents reported improved and deteriorating SRH (30.3% and 29.1%, respectively). Smoking, consumption of fast foods, age, percentage of life spent in the United States, and being female were predictors of deteriorating SRH, whereas physical activity, education, and living with a partner were predictive of improvement in SRH. The effect of immigration on SRH is influenced by socioeconomic factors and lifestyle practices. Results support promotion of healthy lifestyle practices among immigrants.
Average Weight of Seminal Vesicles
Authors: Tjionas George A. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Williamson Sean R. , Diaz Mireya , Menon Mani , Peabody James O. , Gupta Nilesh S. , Parekh Dipen J. , Cote Richard J. , Jorda Merce , Kryvenko Oleksandr N.
Published: August 2015

The International Society of Urological Pathology in 2010 recommended weighing prostates without seminal vesicles (SV) to include only prostate weight in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) calculation, because SV do not produce PSA. Large retrospective cohorts exist with combined weight recorded that needs to be modified for retrospective analysis. Weights of prostates and SV were separately recorded in 172 consecutive prostatectomies. The average weight of SV and proportion of prostate weight from combined weight were calculated. The adjustment factors were then validated on databases of 2 other institutions. The average weight of bilateral SV was 6.4 g (range = 1-17.3 g). The prostate constituted on average 87% (range = 66% to 98%) of the total specimen weight. There was no correlation between patient age and prostate weight with SV weight. The best performing correction method was to subtract 6.4 g from total radical prostatectomy weight and to use this weight for PSAD calculation. The average weights of retrospective specimens weighed with SV were not significantly different between the 3 institutions. Using our data allowed calibration of the weights and PSAD between the cohorts weighed with and without SV. Thus, prostate weight in specimens including SV weight can be adjusted by subtracting 6.4 g, resulting in significant change of PSAD. Some institution-specific variations may exist, which could further increase the precision of retrospective analysis involving prostate weight and PSAD. However, unless institution-specific adjustment parameters are developed, we recommend that this correction factor be used for retrospective cohorts or in institutions where combined weight is still recorded.
Impact of Rosuvastatin in Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in the Elderly
Authors: Tropeano Francesco , Leoncini Mario , Toso Anna , Maioli Mauro , Dabizzi Laura , Biagini Debora , Villani Simona , Bellandi Francesco
Published: August 2015

Background:

Age is a major predictor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Few studies have focused on CI-AKI in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods:

We compare the incidence of CI-AKI in patients <75 and ≥75 years enrolled in the Protective effect of Rosuvastatin and Antiplatelet Therapy On contrast-induced acute kidney injury and myocardial damage in patients with ACS (PRATO-ACS) study and explore the impact of high-dose rosuvastatin on CI-AKI and clinical outcomes in the 2 age-groups. Statin-naive patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS scheduled for early invasive strategy (total 504) were randomized to rosuvastatin (40 mg on admission followed by 20 mg/day) or no statin treatment. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury was defined as creatinine increase ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% above baseline within 72 hours after contrast administration. All patients were stratified in tertiles according to baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

Results:

Rate of CI-AKI was significantly higher in patients ≥75 years (15.9% vs 8.7%, odds ratio: 2.001; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-3.53, P = .015). No significant interaction was observed between age and statin treatment ( P = .17). Pretreatment with rosuvastatin was associated with 65% relative reduction in CI-AKI rate (22/170 [12.9%] vs 8/177 [4.5%], P = .007) in younger patients and 38% (16/82 [19.5%] vs 9/75 [12%], P = .20) in the elderly individuals. The greatest protective effect of statin treatment was achieved in patients with the highest hs-CRP values in both age-groups.

Conclusion:

Patients ≥75 years with ACS had a higher risk of developing CI-AKI. Early high-dose rosuvastatin is efficacious in reducing kidney injury in all patients, especially those with the highest baseline hs-CRP values.
Relationship Quality in Non-Cognitively Impaired Mother–Daughter Care Dyads
Authors: Solomon Diane N. , Hansen Lissi , Baggs Judith G. , Lyons Karen S.
Published: August 2015

More than 60 million Americans provide care to a family member; roughly two thirds are women providing care to aging mothers. Despite the protective nature of relationship quality, little attention has been given to its role in mother–daughter care dyads, particularly in mothers without cognitive impairment. A systematic appraisal of peer-reviewed, English language research was conducted. Nineteen articles met criteria. When relationship quality is positive, mother–daughter dyads enjoy rewards and mutuality, even when conflict occurs. Daughters grow more emotionally committed to mothers’ over the care trajectory, despite increasing demands. Daughters’ commitment deepens as mothers physically decline, and mothers remain engaged, emotional partners. When relationship quality is ambivalent or negative, burden, conflict, and blame conspire, creating a destructive cycle. Avenues for continuing study, including utilizing the dyad as the unit of analysis, troubled dyads, longitudinal assessment, and end of life context, are needed before interventions to improve mother–daughter relationship quality may be successfully implemented.
A feedback chaotic image encryption scheme based on both bit-level and pixel-level
Authors: Ye Guodong , Huang Xiaoling
Published: August 2015

Recently, there are more and more image encryption algorithms being proposed based on chaotic systems. The classical architecture employs permutation plus diffusion. However, the traditional permutation operation can only shuffle the positions of the image pixels, but not change the pixels values and not implement the bit shifting in different bit planes. We can also see that most of them are key-dependent structures. So, they cannot resist efficiently the known-plaintext or chosen-plaintext attacks. To overcome these existing low-security problems, we suggest a new feedback image encryption scheme, in which a mathematical model is established for updating the initial conditions of the chaotic system in the permutation stage. Then, the secure SHA-3 algorithm is employed further to generate the keystream combined with new initial keys of the chaotic system in a diffusion stage. Both keystreams generated in the permutation and diffusion processes are dependent on the plain-image. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations demonstrate the high security of the proposed encryption scheme, especially the ability to resist the known-plaintext and chosen-plaintext attacks.
Discrete-time internal model control with disturbance and vibration rejection
Authors: De Keyser Robin , Copot Cosmin , Hernandez Andres , Ionescu Clara
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a novel design methodology for discrete-time internal model control (IMC) used to compute a disturbance filter. The proposed method employs a generalized algorithm for disturbance rejection and for process dynamics compensation. In IMC, the controller is designed based on a model of the process, while ensuring a desired closed loop performance trajectory (for setpoint tracking). However, in some situations, for example poorly damped systems, the open loop poles of the process affect the closed loop disturbance rejection dynamics. The novel design methodology presented is able to compensate both process dynamics and input disturbances. The method is validated both in simulations and in experimental tests on a poorly damped mass–spring–damper testbench.
Training Social Justice Journalists
Authors: Nelson Jacob L. , Lewis Dan A.
Published: August 2015

Journalism schools are in the midst of sorting through what it means to prepare journalists for a rapidly transitioning field. In this article, we describe an effort to train students in “social justice journalism” at an elite school of journalism. In our ethnographic analysis of its first iteration, we found that this effort failed to turn social justice journalism into a specialized and teachable form of news production. By exploring the assumptions inherent in the program’s first iteration, this article reveals how assumptions that journalism academics and practitioners make about the craft can hurt attempts to teach it.
Introduction of Mobile Media Into Formal Classroom Learning Environments
Authors: Laskin Alexander V. , Avena Joseph
Published: August 2015

Among all the technological changes in the society, smartphones have become one of the most adopted innovations. Yet, in the classroom a common response to phones in students’ hands is to ban them! This study uses Social Construction of Technology theory to investigate whether mobile media can have a place in the classroom. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, the study finds an unexpected paradox: Students rarely use mobile technology in the classroom and, moreover, do not expect to use it in the formal classroom environment, while outside the classroom they fully endorse the educational applications of mobile media.
Family Functioning and Parental Bonding During Childhood in Adults Diagnosed With ADHD
Authors: Montejo José E. , Durán Mariona , del Mar Martínez María , Hilari Ainoa , Roncalli Nicoletta , Vilaregut Anna , Corrales Montserrat , Nogueira Mariana , Casas Miguel , Linares Juan Luis , Ramos-Quiroga J. Antoni
Published: August 2015

Objective: This work assesses family functioning, parental bonding, and the relationship between the two in adults diagnosed with ADHD. Method: The study used a retrospective, ex post facto design and consisted of 100 adult participants, who were distributed into two groups: with and without diagnosis of ADHD. Two family assessment instruments were applied: the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale short spanish version (FACES-20esp)) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The diagnosis of ADHD was done by using a semistructured interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria (Conners’ Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV [CAADID]). Results: The results showed that higher rigidity and lower emotional connection were significantly associated with ADHD family functioning. Regarding parental bonding, the results showed significant differences only in the care dimension, with the ADHD group reporting lower care than the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that ADHD families present dysfunctional family functioning with a rigid, separated typology, and parental bonding based on control without affection.
Party system volatility, regeneration and de-institutionalization in Western Europe (1945–2015)
Authors: Chiaramonte Alessandro , Emanuele Vincenzo
Published: August 2015

Despite a great flourishing of studies about Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe, the issue of party system institutionalization has been widely neglected in Western Europe, where the presence of stable and predictable patterns of interactions among political actors has been generally taken for granted for a long time. Nevertheless, party system institutionalization is not something that can be gained once and for all. This article proposes a theoretical reconceptualization and a new empirical operationalization of party system (de-)institutionalization. Furthermore, it tests the presence of patterns of de-institutionalization in Western Europe from 1945 to (March) 2015 (336 elections in 19 countries) by using an original database of electoral volatility and of its internal components (regeneration and alteration). Data analysis shows that Western Europe is facing great electoral instability and party system regeneration and that many countries have experienced sequences of party system de-institutionalization, especially in the last two decades.
On education and pedagogic development at NHV
Authors: Hermansen Mads
Published: August 2015

The role and development of the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV) during its 60 year existence with special emphasis on the pedagogical basis (Scandinavian pedagogy) of courses, the student population, cross-borders incorporation of staff and professional and institution identity-creation through storytelling.
Epidemiology and statistics at the Nordic School of Public Health: Teaching and research 1979–2014
Authors: Eriksson Bo
Published: August 2015

The Nordic School of Public Health (NHV) was jointly founded in 1953 by the Nordic countries. Until 1979, the school provided ad hoc courses on public health topics, using external teachers drawn mainly from the Nordic countries. At the time, the permanent staff of the school was small. In 1979, it began a Master’s degree programme and a few academic positions were established and filled, to support these courses. The programme included four main areas: Epidemiology, Social Medicine, Environmental Health and Health Services Administration. Epidemiology was compulsory in all Master of Public Health (MPH) exams, but there were a handful of optional courses that could be substituted for the other subjects.

This paper tells the story of Epidemiology at NHV from about 1980, up until closure of the school in 2014. The original MPH model ran until 1995. Nursing Science entered NHV from about 1985 and worked mainly with qualitative research that often focused on individual patients. The new methods attracted nurses, midwives, psychologists and other groups that previously had been less represented in NHV. Being quantitative and population oriented, Epidemiology lost its unique position as a mandatory subject for the MPH examination. In addition the ‘New Public Health’ proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that advocated health promotion and the philosophy of salutogenesis became a challenge for the programme in epidemiology: pathogenesis no longer was of primary interest. From 1995, the MPH format changed repeatedly and a DrPH programme was begun. For the last 8 years of its existence, NHV offered a reasonably comprehensive, basic course in Epidemiology.

Throughout the years, epidemiology training and research at NHV were very traditional. In being a relatively free institution in terms of academic choices, NHV should have contributed to the development and innovation of epidemiology in public health. For several reasons, this did not happen.
NHV and child public health
Authors: Köhler Lennart
Published: August 2015

One of the main interests of the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV) in both education and research was child public health, i.e. an area based on the broad World Health Organisation (WHO) health ideology and on public health methods, while concentrating on the special needs and characteristics of children. The fields of study and action, training, research and service, had the ultimate task to consider the health of children in their full social, economic and political context. Regular courses on child public health were offered as part of the general program in Public Health from 1979 until the closing down of the school, named: Social Paediatrics; Child Health; Child Public Health; and finally, Measuring Children’s Health - A Public Health Perspective. Numerous national, Nordic and international conferences were held, and several textbooks were written and edited. A major research project, NordChild, was initiated as a cross-sectional postal study of a random sample of children aged 2–17 years from the five Nordic countries, performed in 1984, 1996 and 2011. So far, 10 doctoral theses and more than 130 other publications from the studies have been produced. Furthermore, the Nordic Network on Research of Refugee Children was created, and a special interest has been devoted to indicators for children’s health, both internationally, nationally and locally, which has been demonstrated in major EU projects as well as locally in Sweden and Greenland.
Health services management and research at Nordic School of Public Health
Authors: Karlberg Ingvar
Published: August 2015

In Anglo-Saxon countries the subject of health services research has long been an important academic theme. In the Nordic countries, however, this research and training area has been limited and partly hidden by integration into various other sections at universities and colleges. In this respect the Nordic School of Public Health was an exception, as the provision of managerial skills to healthcare professionals and persons working with public health was the backbone of the school during all 60 years. A variety of research in health services management, as well as publications of text books, accompanied the presented courses. Several of the scholars have earned important positions in international networks and editorial boards, as well as in boards for assessments of research grants. In the near future, this academic field will require alternative support.
Nordic School of Public Health NHV and its legacy in global health
Authors: Krettek Alexandra , Karlsson Leena Eklund , Toan Tran Khanh , Thi Kim Chuc Nguyen
Published: August 2015

This article describes the legacy of the Nordic School of Public Health NHV (NHV) in global health. We delineate how this field developed at NHV and describe selected research and research training endeavours with examples from Vietnam and Nepal as well as long-term teaching collaborations such as BRIMHEALTH (Baltic RIM Partnership for Public HEALTH) in the Baltic countries and Arkhangelsk International School of Public Health in Russia.
Healthy ageing, narrative method and research ethics
Authors: Sarvimäki Anneli
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this article is to describe research and teaching activities related to healthy ageing, narrative methods and research ethics at the Nordic School of Public Health NHV during 1999 – 2012. Healthy ageing was conceived in terms of The World Health Organization’s (WHO) model of active ageing and of quality of life defined as a sense of well-being, meaning and value. Qualitative research on ageing and health conducted at NHV showed how elderly people themselves experience health and what they perceive to be health promoting. Narrative method was one the qualitative methods used in research at NHV. By adopting holistic and categorical content analysis the life stories of elderly Finnish migrants, the stories of home-dwelling persons about falls, and working persons’ stories of alcohol use were studied. The courses on research ethics took their point of departure in a model that describes the role of scientific, economic, aesthetic and ethical values in research.
Method development at Nordic School of Public Health NHV: Phenomenology and Grounded Theory
Authors: Strandmark Margaretha
Published: August 2015

Background: Qualitative methods such as phenomenology and grounded theory have been valuable tools in studying public health problems. Aim: A description and comparison of these methods. Results: Phenomenology emphasises an inside perspective in form of consciousness and subjectively lived experiences, whereas grounded theory emanates from the idea that interactions between people create new insights and knowledge. Fundamental aspects of phenomenology include life world, consciousness, phenomenological reduction and essence. Significant elements in grounded theory are coding, categories and core categories, which develop a theory. Conclusions: There are differences in the philosophical approach, the name of the concept and the systematic tools between the methods. Thus, the phenomenological method is appropriate when studying emotional and existential research problems, and grounded theory is a method more suited to investigate processes.
Disability from a public health perspective
Authors: Möller Anders
Published: August 2015

At the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV), methods to alleviate problems with disability have been seen as an important part of actions to support public health. A programme for universal design was started in 2006. Some issues of public health perspectives on disability are presented in this paper, based on discussions from a PhD course held at the NHV. During the course, the students presented papers in which they reflected on the relationship between disability and public health. These essays were collected and published in 2012 at NHV.
Water injection for gasoline engines: Potentials, challenges, and solutions
Authors: Hoppe Fabian , Thewes Matthias , Baumgarten Henning , Dohmen Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Further significant CO2 emission reduction beyond 2020 is mandatory in the United States and might also become mandatory in Europe, depending on the passenger car CO2 legislation, which is to be enacted. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles might account for a big portion of these CO2 reductions as a consequence of the favourable current legislative treatment which does not associate CO2 emissions from electric power generation with vehicle CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, these powertrains benefit from a highly efficient combustion engine. Exhaust heat recovery poses new synergetic possibilities for technologies to mitigate knock like cooled external exhaust gas recirculation and condensed water injection. The condensed water injection concept, which is proposed in this article, demonstrates a potential for efficiency increase of 3.3% – 3.8% in the region of the minimum specific fuel consumption on a stoichiometric combustion concept with Miller cycle and cooled external exhaust gas recirculation. Further improvement of the efficiency of up to 16% is possible at full-load operation. If water injection is used in addition to homogeneous lean combustion, an efficiency gain of 4.5% in the region of the minimum specific fuel consumption is achieved.
Is the interculturalisation of Chile’s universities a real possibility?
Authors: Williamson Guillermo
Published: August 2015

Knowledge deemed worthy of classification as ‘truth’ is not produced only in classic positivist research, or research recognised by the official state accreditation system, it is also produced by research–action, research + development, experimentation and systematisation. One of the most basic aspects of academic work is epistemological reflection on the justification of the research field and the method by which the hidden meaning of reality is discovered. This paper expresses interculturality polyphonically from the Latin American perspective; from the hopes shared with indigenous peoples and the poor; with social, religious and political activists and committed intellectuals; people who act and think honestly. A transversal theme of this text is the nature and condition of the academic reflection on interculturality carried out in universities, in supposedly intercultural contexts. The discussion here is based on educational development projects, research and the author’s own experience of government and university management actions.
Effects of flickering light on the attraction of nocturnal insects
Authors: Barroso A , Haifig I , Janei V , da Silva I , Dietrich C , Costa-Leonardo AM
Published: August 2015

We tested the hypothesis that the phototatic response of nocturnal insects is influenced by the flickering of light sources by comparing the numbers of insects captured in traps illuminated with flickering and non-flickering light. Four flicker profiles produced by a square pulse wave with different combinations of frequency and duty cycle were investigated. Overall, fewer insects were captured in traps illuminated with a flickering light source, independent of the flicker setting used. Furthermore, the difference observed was statistically significant for specific combinations of flickering conditions and insect orders, thus suggesting that flickering reduces the number of nocturnal insects attracted to light sources.
Regulating the Desire Machine
Authors: Payne Matthew Thomas , Alilunas Peter
Published: August 2015

Exploring the short and largely forgotten history of adult-oriented 8-bit video games produced for the Atari 2600 home game console, this essay argues that the games represent an important attempt by media producers to bridge the adult film and interactive entertainment industries. Although American Multiple Industries, Playaround, and Universal Gamex failed to establish a market, their titles nevertheless demonstrate how adult games function as desire machines within an erotic economy that sells a host of anticipatory pleasures. Indeed, the resulting public outcry not only led to the game industry’s first sex-based controversy, but the antagonism signals the desire to regulate sexual expression on a new media technology as game producers—following the lead of adult video professionals—attempted to transport users’ joysticks from living rooms into bedrooms.
MiR-100 Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion and Enhances Chemosensitivity by Targeting IGFIR
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Shu-Tao , Wang Xiao , Deng Jun , Li Wei-Hua , Zhang Peng , Liu Bing-Shan
Published: August 2015

MicroRNAs are highly conserved noncoding RNA that negatively modulate protein expression at a posttranscriptional and/or translational level. MicroRNAs play an important role in the development and progression of human cancers, including osteosarcoma. Recent studies have shown that miR-100 was downregulated in many cancers; however, the role of miR-100 in human osteosarcoma has not been totally elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of miR-100 was significantly downregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues compared to the adjacent tissues. Enforced expression of miR-100 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of osteosarcoma cells, U-2OS, and MG-63. Additionally, miR-100 also sensitized osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-100 decreased the expression of insulin-like growth factor I receptor and inhibited PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling. In human clinical specimens, insulin-like growth factor I receptor was inversely correlated with miR-100 in osteosarcoma tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR-100 is a tumor suppressor microRNA and indicate its potential application for the treatment of osteosarcoma in future.
Natural Products for Management of Oral Mucositis Induced by Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Aghamohamamdi Azar , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal
Published: August 2015

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy of head and neck in patients with cancer. Severe oral mucositis is painful and affects oral functions, including intake of food and medications and speech. Prevention of oral mucositis affects the life quality of patients. Recent studies have been focused on natural products to improve or reduce this complication. Many clinical trials have been performed to assess natural products for treatment of mucositis and their results are promising. The authors reviewed the evidence for natural products in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The Satisfaction and Use of Research Ethics Board Information Systems in Canada
Authors: Detlor Brian , Wilson Michael J.
Published: August 2015

This article reports findings from a national survey of Research Ethics Board (REB) personnel across Canada on the satisfaction and use of information systems that support the review and administration of research ethics protocols. Findings indicate that though a wide variety of REB systems are utilized, the majority fall short of desired characteristics. Despite these shortcomings, most respondents are satisfied with their current REB systems. Satisfaction is dependent on the volume of protocols processed in relation to the robustness of the system. Boards with higher volumes are more satisfied with full-fledged systems; however, the satisfaction of REBs with lower volumes is not affected by the robustness of the REB system used. Recommendations are provided.
An Evaluation of Research Ethics in Undergraduate Health Science Research Methodology Programs at a South African University
Authors: Coetzee Tanya , Hoffmann Willem A. , de Roubaix Malcolm
Published: August 2015

The amended research ethics policy at a South African University required the ethics review of undergraduate research projects, prompting the need to explore the content and teaching approach of research ethics education in health science undergraduate programs. Two qualitative data collection strategies were used: document analysis (syllabi and study guides) and semi-structured interviews with research methodology coordinators. Five main themes emerged: (a) timing of research ethics courses, (b) research ethics course content, (c) sub-optimal use of creative classroom activities to facilitate research ethics lectures, (d) understanding the need for undergraduate project research ethics review, and (e) research ethics capacity training for research methodology lecturers and undergraduate project supervisors.
Stenting as a bail-out option after failed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in infrainguinal vein bypass grafts
Authors: Mathur K , Ayyappan MK , Hodson J , Hopkins J , Duddy MJ , Tiwari A , Vohra RK
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To study the safety and efficacy of bare and covered stents in infrainguinal vein grafts after failure of PTA for treating graft stenoses.

Methods

An analysis of a prospective database of all patients who underwent stenting of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts at this institution between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 was carried out. The main outcome considered was primary patency, which was reported at 1, 6 and 12 months.

Results

A total of 18 patients with a mean age of 73 years (range: 56 to 86) were included. The indications for stent placement were significant recoil (7, 39%), graft rupture (6, 33%), residual vein cusps (3, 17%) and aneurysmal degeneration (2, 11%). There was a high overall technical success rate of 94% (17/18) and arrest of haemorrhage was achieved in all cases of graft rupture. The primary patency at 1, 6 and 12 months was 89%, 71% and 59%, respectively.

Conclusion

The use of bare and covered stents in infrainguinal vein grafts appears safe and effective. They are an excellent bail-out option for the treatment of graft rupture and give acceptable short-term results.
Museumizing trauma: Social politics and memory after the 2005 evacuation of the Jewish communities of Gaza
Authors: Zecharya Bar
Published: August 2015

A provocative example of the relation between memory/memorializing and social transformation in a conflict area, the Museum of Gush Katif in Jerusalem is a private institution with the mission of memorializing the settlement-communities of the Gaza Strip (known to its residents as Gush Katif) and their evacuation by the Israeli Defense Forces in the summer of 2005. The museum presents an alternative narrative to that of the government and mainstream Israeli society, aims to foster sympathy for the evacuees and aspires to lead the viewer to identify with the settlements in order to prevent future evacuations. Its activities, both educational and political, bring it into contact with both religious and secular elements of Israeli society, as well as internationally, turning the museum into not only a site of cultural and political resistance but a cultural symbol in and of itself. This article explores the museum, and the process of remembering that it embodies, from a number of viewpoints. One, the way the museum evokes authoritative symbols from multiple and contrasting sources in order to frame contemporary events—and at the same time affecting the way those symbols are understood; two, the social makeup of the museum’s founders and organizers, seen as an expression of the changing alliances and political stances of cultural subgroups in Israeli society and thus the continued evolution of strategies of remembering; and three, the role of the Museum of Gush Katif as an “alternative museum” seen in the light of comparison with other examples of the category, certainly a provocative example, sometimes corroborating and sometimes complicating the term.