bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open data privacy and security policy issues and its influence on embracing the Internet of Things
Authors: Garg Radhika
Published: May 2018

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are changing the way people interact with each other. Today, every physical device can have the capability to connect to the Internet (digital presence) to send and receive data. Internet connected cameras, home automation systems, connected cars are all examples of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT). IoT can bring benefits to users in terms of monitoring and intelligent capabilities, however, these devices collect, transmit, store, and have a potential to share vast amount of personal and individual data that encroach private spaces and can be vulnerable to security breaches. The ecosystem of IoT comprises not only of users, various sensors, and devices but also other stakeholders of IoT such as data collectors, processors, regulators, and policy-makers. Even though the number of commercially available IoT devices is on steep rise, the uptake of these devices has been slow, and abandonment rapid. This paper explains how stakeholders (including users) and technologies form an assemblage in which these stakeholders are cumulatively responsible for making IoT an essential element of day-to-day living and connectivity. To this end, this paper examines open issues in data privacy and security policies (from perspectives of the European Union and North America), and its effects on stakeholders in the ecosystem. This paper concludes by explaining how these open issues, if unresolved, can lead to another wave of digital division and discrimination in the use of IoT.
Russian information troops, disinformation, and democracy
Authors: Lysenko Volodymyr , Brooks Catherine
Published: May 2018

This research examines the contemporary landscape relative to information-driven strategies used for global gain by analyzing Russian activities in particular. With Russia functioning as a cause of global democratic disruption, this exploratory project focuses on information-based, computational, and media-related political strategies. The findings provide a way to see patterns over time offering further evidence of ‘hybrid’ warfare identified in recent literature. This work allows readers to connect events in recent years in order to view them together as a strong case of ‘hybrid’ war. These findings also provide scholars, practitioners, and citizens interested in democratic processes around the globe the opportunity to consider the many threats to contemporary political processes, and contributes to ongoing academic conversations about digital political disruptions and warfare. Particularly for readers concerned about political influence via social media and digital security, this study of Russia’s information-related activity as a case of international interference will be of particular interest.
More friends, more interactions? The association between network size and interactions on Facebook
Authors: Yau Joanna C. , Reich Stephanie M. , Wang Yiran , Niiya Melissa , Mark Gloria
Published: May 2018

With social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook, individuals have immediate access to hundreds of people from different aspects of their lives. On one hand, this may increase the number of people that individuals can interact with directly because communication now requires less effort. On the other hand, individuals may still only interact with a small portion of their networks because humans have limited time and resources. Mayhew and Levinger (1976) proposed that because of time and resource constraints, individuals in larger networks spend, on average, less time with each contact. Thus, while people may have opportunities through Facebook to interact with more people, they may not actually do so. Using logging software, we explored the percentage of their Facebook network that individuals sent direct messages to and whether individuals with larger networks sent direct messages to a smaller percentage of their networks. We found that in line with Mayhew and Levinger’s claim, users messaged a very small percentage of their networks (less than two percent) and that users with larger friend networks sent messages to a smaller percentage of their friend networks. This suggests that while Facebook may enable users to connect with more people than ever before, there are still limits to the number of ties with whom individuals actively interact.
Impact of Socially Responsible Leadership on Employee Leave Intention: Exploratory Study on IT Companies in Egypt
Authors: Arishi Mona , Elsaid Abdel Moniem , Dawi Sahar , Elsaid Eahab
Published: May 2018

The study examines the impact of Socially Responsible Leadership on Employee Leave Intention in IT companies in Egypt. The sample consists of 208 employees in Egyptian IT companies. The study used the updated version of the Socially Responsible Leadership Scale (SRLS-R2) as the tool of investigation. The methodology used included the Pearson coefficient, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, simple liner regressions and ANOVA tests. The study concluded that Socially Responsible Leadership and its eight dimensions (Congruence, Commitment, Common Purpose, Collaboration, Controversy with Civility, Citizenship, Change for the Common Good and Consciousness of Self) have a significant negative impact on the Employee Leave Intention.
Van de redactie
Authors: Metze Tamara
Published: May 2018

This editorial offers an introduction to the current issue.
De digitale kooi: administratieve uitsluiting door informatiearchitectuur in de Basisregistratie Personen
Authors: Peeters Rik , Widlak Arjan
Published: May 2018

The Digital Cage: Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Through IT-Innovation in the Dutch Civil Registry

The Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database is an IT-innovation that enables the use of the civil registry by hundreds of (semi-)public organisations. Literature review and a case study show how this ‘basis registration’ creates a deep tension between system and lifeworld: citizens who do not fit the system’s criteria lose their access to the major part of public services. The instrumental rationality of the system simplifies the use of addresses for service delivery to one single definition, turns the consequences of address mutations into a black box, and reduces the discretionary space of street-level bureaucrats to handle with social complexities and unintended consequences of the system. This type of IT-innovations can, therefore, come to resemble a ‘digital cage’: a highly disciplining system that hinges on hardware and software design instead of Weberian rules and procedures.
Slanker maar topzwaar, meer vrouwen maar vergrijsd: het veranderende gezicht van de rijksoverheid 2002-2015
Authors: Toshkov Dimiter , Schmidt Eduard , van den Berg Caspar
Published: May 2018

Leaner but top heavy, more gender-balanced but more senior: The changing face of the Dutch civil service, 2000-2015.

This article analyses the transformations of the Dutch civil service over the last 15 years, during which numerous cutbacks and reorganizations took place. While existing research predominantly focused on changes in the total number of civil servants, we examine how the distribution of civil servants changed in terms of rank, gender and age. We theorize four methods for shrinking the government apparatus, and for each method, we identify the possible consequences for the composition of the central civil service in terms of hierarchical make-up and of age. Our results indicate that the total number of civil servants only slightly decreased, but the decrease affected differentially the various ranks of the civil service. While at the lower ranks the number of civil servants decreased strongly, at the upper ranks the number actually increased slightly. The number of women in the civil service increased, also in the higher echelons. Regarding the age distribution, we found considerable changes, with the modal age shifting upwards with up to ten years. Altogether, the civil service has become slightly smaller, more gender-balanced, and significantly more senior (both in terms of ranks and age). The results of this study show that it is important for researchers and practitioners to look beyond the trends in the total number of civil servants and explore the deeper changes within the civil service.
De winsten van zorginstellingen
Authors: Suijs Jeroen , Verbon Harrie
Published: May 2018

Profits obtained by health organizations

In this feature authors discuss recent research findings that are of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.

We calculate and describe profits obtained by health organizations in The Netherlands in the years 2014 and 2015. We distinguish between profit and not-for-profit organizations. We find that on average net profits amount to about 2 percent on turnover with a peak of more than 3 percent for mental-healthcare organizations. If we take the size of organizations into account, we find that for-profit organizations with a turnover of less than 1 million euro tend to have on average net profit rates of 4 percent to more than 5 percent with peaks amounting to more than 50 percent. We are not yet able to come up with explanations for these excessively high profit rates in parts of the Dutch health care sector. On the other hand, the highest losses can be found in small-sized organizations as well. We delved deeper into the financial accounts of a few for-profit organizations and found indications of misreporting of turnover or number of treatments. On the other hand, bad management and unhealthy cost structures might explain why some organizations incur excessive big losses. The sector does not appear to be well monitored by the government.
Markten versus kapitalisme?
Authors: Brandon Pepijn
Published: May 2018

In this feature authors review recently published books on subjects of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.
Pyriform Widening with Concurrent Z-Plasty for Nasal Valve Surgery: Revisiting a Time-Tested Technique
Authors: Gilde Jason E. , Handler Ethan B. , Shih Charles W.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Nasal obstruction may originate from the nasal valve. Many surgical techniques to improve the nasal valve are available but may fail to correct obstruction originating from a narrow pyriform aperture. We present a technique to widen the narrow pyriform aperture and review the literature.

Materials and Methods:

The article highlights a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pyriform widening with concurrent Z-plasty (PWZ) for nasal obstruction. Subjective measures of nasal obstruction were analyzed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The procedure consists of an incision made anterior to the inferior turbinate along the inferior aspect of the lateral bony pyriform. The periosteum is elevated, and a rongeur is used to widen the exposed bone. After oblique incisions are made, soft tissue flaps are elevated and transposed. The literature is reviewed.

Results:

Six adults underwent PWZ for nasal obstruction from 2011 through 2014. Three patients had prior nasal surgery. All patients reported subjective improvement, with mean NOSE scale scores of 15.7 preoperatively and 9.7 postoperatively. In the literature, all prior articles on pyriform aperture widening report positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

The surgical correction of nasal obstruction is challenging, given the complexity of the nasal valve. Upon review of the literature and analysis of our experience, we advocate consideration of PWZ in patients with anatomic obstruction at the level of the pyriform rim who have failed previous procedures or as an adjunct to primary nasal valve surgery. Further research is needed to examine the effects of pyriform widening on nasal obstruction.
The Gauged Earlobe: A Review of Current Treatment Methods and Presentation of a New Technique
Authors: Diepenbrock Ryan M. , Fries Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

While not a new practice, the incidence of ear gauging is increasing. Our purpose is to review the literature (including the history of ear gauging as well as current repair techniques) and propose a new technique (the star technique) to better equip the contemporary cosmetic surgeon.
Le développement local par la culture : cinq propositions pour des villes culturelles
Authors: Leclerc Yvon
Published: May 2018

Les recherches menées par l’auteur durant plus de vingt ans sur l’évolution des territoires l’ont conduit à présenter la culture comme le premier élément à considérer dans le développement urbain ou rural, car elle intègre le respect de l’histoire, le sens du lieu, le patrimoine sous toutes ses formes et les pratiques des habitants. Il a observé que les projets de nature culturelle provoquent des réactions intangibles qui ne sont pas toujours prises en compte dans le développement des territoires. À une époque où les villes et les régions sont en concurrence, la beauté d’un lieu, la fierté et le sentiment d’appartenance qui en découlent sont des facteurs de développement. L’auteur démontre, à partir d’études de cas, la pertinence du recours à une stratégie culturelle, car elle stimule la créativité, l’innovation et la mobilisation des acteurs locaux.
Development of the Personal Qualities Assessment as a Tool for Selecting Medical Students
Authors: Powis David , Bore Miles , Munro Donald , Lumsden Mary Ann
Published: May 2018

A review of the medical student selection literature and our own past research (Lowe, Kerridge, Bore, Munro and Powis (2001) has indicated that competent and ethical practice of medicine requires doctors to possess a range of personal qualities in addition to high-level academic ability. A three-part test battery called the Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) has been developed as a measure of some of these qualities: it consists of the Mental Agility Test (MAT), which measures cognitive skills, the Mojac scale, which measures moral orientation, and the NACE scale, which measures Narcissism, Aloofness, Confidence and Empathy. Five hundred and seven applicants for entry in October 2003 to the Scottish medical schools volunteered to complete the MAT, Mojac and NACE tests in January 2003. The test results played no part in making or informing selection decisions. The scores obtained by the candidates on each test covered a wide range, indicating that each test component has good discriminating power. Correlations between the test components were low (−0.02 to +0.17), indicating that they each measure different attributes. Since the test results were not used in making selection decisions it will be possible to relate outcome indices (e.g., examination and professional performance as the students progress through medical school) to the test component scores to seek evidence for the predictive validity of the PQA battery and thereby indicate its potential usefulness as a selection tool.
Recognising Prior Learning: Investigating the Future of Informal Learning, a Northern Ireland Study
Authors: O'Hagan Celia , McAleavy Gerry , Storan John
Published: May 2018

Credit accumulation and transfer schemes (CATS) have developed as a means to facilitate access and the recognition and development of formal learning experiences across educational sectors and providers. Modularisation and credit developments have significantly affected the provision of formal learning opportunities over the last three decades. Recognition of experiential learning and the needs of adult students continues to develop. Institutions continue to expound the need for robust provision for accreditation of prior learning in terms of a valued and academically transferable entitlement for experienced learners, but travelling the pathway toward accreditation is still an obscure and uncertain process for learners. New and engaging procedures for the advancement of experienced students have been developed, including access initiatives, strategies for more effective learner support, inclusive curriculum practices and enhanced learning resource capabilities. Why then do we find institutions remaining with limited Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) capabilities? This paper begins by examining the underlying concepts of a credit-based learning culture from the perspective of policy, whilst exploring the educational models linked to APEL and the debate behind the value of informal learning and the process of attaining recognition. The main finding of the Northern Ireland study, as part of a European study, suggests that existing mediums for APEL have, to date, inspired a sense of renewed thinking but that institutional strategies for increased participation have not always addressed adult educational needs appropriately. This paper, based on research at the University of Ulster and project partners, will investigate the obstacles that remain some twenty years after the access movement of the 1980s.
Perceived Effectiveness of Adult Education as a Contributor to National Development in Southern Africa Today
Authors: Oduaran Akpovire , Okukpon Lucy
Published: May 2018

This qualitative interpretivist study analyses the perceptions of a stratified and purposive sample of university-based adult educators with a view to understanding how they perceive the effectiveness of adult education as a contributor to national development in southern Africa at the beginning of the 21st century. These perceptions of university-based adult educators are investigated against the background of the current global trend to project adult education as a component of the configuration of lifelong learning. Among the findings are that university-based adult educators in southern Africa differ to some extent as to whether or not the discipline has contributed significantly to southern African national development, and that the need for an enabling environment for the utilisation of adult education is as yet unappreciated.
Stressors, Stress and Coping in Dual-Demand Environments: The Case of Working ‘Back to Schoolers’
Authors: Kariv Dafna , Heiman Tali , Zion Rishon Le
Published: May 2018

The main objective of this study is to explore the coping behaviours of Israeli continuing education students who combine work and academic studies. Multi-level analyses revealed that: (1) perceived academic stress is determined by academic load and perceived work stress by workload; (2) coping strategies are related to an array of perceived stresses; and (3) perceived academic stress has a significant influence on coping strategies even after academic load, workload, social support and demographics are taken into account. A major inference of our results is that workers who face dual-demanding environments consider their work to be less controllable than their academic environment and use different coping behaviours to manage each of their dual-demand environments. Implications on the role of organisations in reducing stress of working students are discussed.
Political Empowerment of Women through Literacy Education Programmes in EDO and Delta States, Nigeria
Authors: Olomukoro Caroline O. , Adelore Omobola O.
Published: May 2018

The study examined the political empowerment of women through literacy education programmes in Edo and Delta States in the South-South Geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A sample of 1022 women was randomly drawn from the different levels of literacy classes organised by the Agency of Adult and Nonformal Education and non-governmental and private organisations in the area under investigation. Psychological empowerment scale and socio-political scale were used for data collection. These were complemented by four sessions of Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The results of the study revealed that literacy education programmes correlated with women participation in political activities and leadership roles. Women were able to participate more actively in decision-making processes and social interactions at home, in a public gathering and in the community at large. The FGD result showed that women gained self-esteem and self-confidence as a result of their participation in literacy programmes.
Adult and Lifelong Learning as Tools for Organisational Adaptation and Change Management
Authors: Laitinen Ilpo
Published: May 2018

Significant structural reforms of public administration are commencing in Finland from 2017. Firstly, municipalities and cities are being combined into larger entities. Secondly, five social-welfare and healthcare regions are to be created, with that level being responsible for arranging services in this field. Thirdly, the City of Helsinki is outsourcing service provision. This study shows that in current thinking on services, the foundations of reform rest with customers and new service models. Little consideration has been given to the needs of clients or the potential that technology offers for the rationalisation of service practices. I consider the key change to involve a transition from closed systems to open ones. Open systems are core elements in the theory of complex adaptive systems, as discussed below.

Public organisations are becoming less hierarchical and status-centred; they can be seen as relationships that lead to networks, interaction and understanding. The way public organisations are developing shows they are moving away from hierarchical bureaucracy towards more open, network-based and self-directed practices. Information, its accessibility and interpretation and the organisation's ability to use it have been internal drivers for change within organisations, and these are linked to continuous learning. The lower the predictability of organisational activities and the greater the uncertainty about everything continuing unchanged, the more important it becomes to enhance continuous learning, i.e. lifelong learning as an adaptation.
Characterization of the eyespot and hematochrome-like granules of Euglena gracilis by scan-free absorbance spectral imaging A(x, y, λ) for quantification of carotenoids within the live cells
Authors: Yamashita Kyohei , Yagi Takafumi , Isono Takumi , Nishiyama Yusuke , Hashimoto Masafumi , Yamada Koji , Suzuki Kengo , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: May 2018

Euglena gracilis is an edible photosynthetic single-cell alga that can synthesize carotenoids. It is highly demanded to establish the technology to select and grow individual cells capable of synthesizing more carotenoids because it contributes to safe and inexpensive production of carotenoids. In the cells of E. gracilis, carotenoids are mainly contained in chloroplasts and eyespots, and typical carotenoids have a characteristic absorption maximum in common. E. gracilis also has an organelle resembling hematochrome, which has an appearance similar to the eyespot and the absorption band spectrally overlapping that of the carotenoid although reportedly it does not contain carotenoids. To discriminate the eyespot and hematochrome-like granules and to investigate the intracellular distribution of carotenoids, scan-free, non-invasive, absorbance spectral imaging A(x, y, λ) microscopy of single live cells was applied. It was demonstrated that this technique is a powerful tool not only for basic research on intracellular structural analysis but also for identifying difference in carotenoid content in individual cells applicable to screening of carotenoid-rich cells. By this technique, it was confirmed that carotenoids exist in chloroplasts and eyespots, and a number of characteristic absorption spectra of pigments observed specific to the eyespot or hematochrome-like granules were identified. In addition, it was found that hematochrome-like granules have a characteristic absorption peak at 620 nm as well as at 676 nm, suggesting that its origin is a component of chloroplast including Chlorophyll a.
Hypercortisolaemia and dyslipidaemia in a selected diabetic population
Authors: Oluwole Adediji Isaac , Adelakun Ayodele Ademola , Oluwaseyifunmi Afolabi Joy , A Akinleye Waheed , Darasimi Taiwo Timilehin
Published: May 2018

Background: Type II DM and obesity are metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic stress. These features were assessed in patients using fasting plasma glucose, fasting lipid profile and serum cortisol as their markers.Materials and methods: Ninety participants were recruited and classified into 3 groups of thirty each – Obese with type II DM, Non-obese with type II DM, non-obese and non-diabetics who served as controls. Anthropometric measures of weight and height were taken using standard procedures and body mass index was calculated thereafter. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast for the in vitro assay of serum cortisol, plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry as appropriate. Data obtained were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and post hoc test for comparison of variables between groups. Pearson’s correlation was performed to assess the relationship between variables and p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Serum cortisol, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol were elevated while HDL-cholesterol was reduced in both obese and non-obese subjects with type II diabetes mellitus when compared with controls. Cortisol had a significant positive association with plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in obese subjects with type II diabetes mellitus while cortisol had a significant inverse relationship with HDL-cholesterol in both obese and non-obese subjects with type II diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that elevated serum cortisol, a consequence of type II DM, accompanies dyslipidaemia in both obese and non-obese type II DM patients. It could therefore be inferred that ‘diabetic stress’ is the underlying factor of elevated cortisol in this group.
Combinatorial programming of human neuronal progenitors using magnetically-guided stoichiometric mRNA delivery
Authors: Azimi Sayyed M , Sheridan Steven D , Ghannad-Rezaie Mostafa , Eimon Peter M , Yanik Mehmet Fatih
Published: May 2018

Identification of optimal transcription factor expression patterns to direct cellular differentiation along a desired pathway presents significant challenges. We demonstrate massively combinatorial screening of temporally-varying mRNA transcription factors to direct differentiation of neural progenitor cells using a dynamically-reconfigurable magnetically-guided spotting technology for localizing mRNA, enabling experiments on millimetre size spots. In addition, we present a time-interleaved delivery method that dramatically reduces fluctuations in the delivered transcription factor copy numbers per cell. We screened combinatorial and temporal delivery of a pool of midbrain-specific transcription factors to augment the generation of dopaminergic neurons. We show that the combinatorial delivery of LMX1A, FOXA2 and PITX3 is highly effective in generating dopaminergic neurons from midbrain progenitors. We show that LMX1A significantly increases TH-expression levels when delivered to neural progenitor cells either during proliferation or after induction of neural differentiation, while FOXA2 and PITX3 increase expression only when delivered prior to induction, demonstrating temporal dependence of factor addition.
Inhibitor-induced HER2-HER3 heterodimerisation promotes proliferation through a novel dimer interface
Authors: Claus Jeroen , Patel Gargi , Autore Flavia , Colomba Audrey , Weitsman Gregory , Soliman Tanya N , Roberts Selene , Zanetti-Domingues Laura C , Hirsch Michael , Collu Francesca , George Roger , Ortiz-Zapater Elena , Barber Paul R , Vojnovic Boris , Yarden Yosef , Martin-Fernandez Marisa L , Cameron Angus , Fraternali Franca , Ng Tony , Parker Peter J
Published: May 2018

While targeted therapy against HER2 is an effective first-line treatment in HER2+ breast cancer, acquired resistance remains a clinical challenge. The pseudokinase HER3, heterodimerisation partner of HER2, is widely implicated in the resistance to HER2-mediated therapy. Here, we show that lapatinib, an ATP-competitive inhibitor of HER2, is able to induce proliferation cooperatively with the HER3 ligand neuregulin. This counterintuitive synergy between inhibitor and growth factor depends on their ability to promote atypical HER2-HER3 heterodimerisation. By stabilising a particular HER2 conformer, lapatinib drives HER2-HER3 kinase domain heterocomplex formation. This dimer exists in a head-to-head orientation distinct from the canonical asymmetric active dimer. The associated clustering observed for these dimers predisposes to neuregulin responses, affording a proliferative outcome. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the liabilities involved in targeting kinases with ATP-competitive inhibitors and highlight the complex role of protein conformation in acquired resistance.
Synthetic hormone-responsive transcription factors can monitor and re-program plant development
Authors: Khakhar Arjun , Leydon Alexander R , Lemmex Andrew C , Klavins Eric , Nemhauser Jennifer L
Published: May 2018

Developmental programs sculpt plant morphology to meet environmental challenges, and these same programs have been manipulated to increase agricultural productivity (Doebley et al., 1997; Khush, 2001). Hormones coordinate these programs, creating chemical circuitry (Vanstraelen and Benková, 2012) that has been represented in mathematical models (Refahi et al., 2016; Prusinkiewicz et al., 2009); however, model-guided engineering of plant morphology has been limited by a lack of tools (Parry et al., 2009; Voytas and Gao, 2014). Here, we introduce a novel set of synthetic and modular hormone activated Cas9-based repressors (HACRs) in Arabidopsis thaliana that respond to three hormones: auxin, gibberellins and jasmonates. We demonstrate that HACRs are sensitive to both exogenous hormone treatments and local differences in endogenous hormone levels associated with development. We further show that this capability can be leveraged to reprogram development in an agriculturally relevant manner by changing how the hormonal circuitry regulates target genes. By deploying a HACR to re-parameterize the auxin-induced expression of the auxin transporter PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1), we decreased shoot branching and phyllotactic noise, as predicted by existing models (Refahi et al., 2016; Prusinkiewicz et al., 2009).
Multivalency regulates activity in an intrinsically disordered transcription factor
Authors: Clark Sarah , Myers Janette B , King Ashleigh , Fiala Radovan , Novacek Jiri , Pearce Grant , Heierhorst Jörg , Reichow Steve L , Barbar Elisar J
Published: May 2018

The transcription factor ASCIZ (ATMIN, ZNF822) has an unusually high number of recognition motifs for the product of its main target gene, the hub protein LC8 (DYNLL1). Using a combination of biophysical methods, structural analysis by NMR and electron microscopy, and cellular transcription assays, we developed a model that proposes a concerted role of intrinsic disorder and multiple LC8 binding events in regulating LC8 transcription. We demonstrate that the long intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of ASCIZ binds LC8 to form a dynamic ensemble of complexes with a gradient of transcriptional activity that is inversely proportional to LC8 occupancy. The preference for low occupancy complexes at saturating LC8 concentrations with both human and Drosophila ASCIZ indicates that negative cooperativity is an important feature of ASCIZ-LC8 interactions. The prevalence of intrinsic disorder and multivalency among transcription factors suggests that formation of heterogeneous, dynamic complexes is a widespread mechanism for tuning transcriptional regulation.
Competências Comportamentais dos Profissionais de Secretariado: o impacto da atuação internacional da empresa
Authors: Almeida Walkíria Aparecida Gomes de , Borini Felipe Mendes , Souza Eduardo Cesar Pereira
Published: May 2018

Competência é uma característica que demonstra o quanto o indivíduo está se desenvolvendo num determinado projeto, trabalho ou tarefa. Está relacionada ao conhecimento adquirido e a articulação a partir das habilidades desenvolvidas no dia a dia (Fleury & Fleury, 2001). Considerando tais afirmativas, este artigo tem por objetivo identificar se a natureza internacional da empresa implica no desenvolvimento de diferentes competências individuais para o profissional de Secretariado. A abordagem da pesquisa foi quantitativa, o método de pesquisa foi o levantamento e a técnica de coleta de dados foi do tipo survey. Os resultados coletados demonstram que uma parte do conjunto de competências estabelecidas pelo MEC (Brasil, 2005) está relacionada às cinco competências apuradas na pesquisa. Com relação às competências comportamentais percebe-se que o profissional pesquisado aponta somente quatro das competências averiguadas na revisão da literatura. Os achados deste trabalho indicam que os profissionais de empresas nacionais e internacionais desenvolvem competências semelhantes. Por fim, acredita-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir com a área de Estudos Organizacionais (estudo das competências secretariais) no Brasil e em outros países.
Evidências da Adaptação de Profissionais de Secretariado ao Trabalho Virtual
Authors: Fanzeres Naira , Lima Luciana
Published: May 2018

Este artigo buscou verificar como se dá o ajuste, pelo profissional de assessoria executiva, ao trabalho virtual. Para isso, a amostra de trinta e um profissionais que atuam virtualmente como assessores executivos, responderam um questionário padronizado e aplicado por Raghuram, Garud, Wiesenfeld e Gupta (2001) em estudo de mesma natureza. Esse é constituídos por dezoito afirmações fechadas do tipo Likert divididas em quatro seções: independência no trabalho virtual, clareza nas avaliações e conexão organizacional, confiança interpessoal. Dentre os achados, destacam-se que clareza das avaliações, referente aos fatores estruturais do trabalho virtual, e confiança interpessoal, pertencente aos fatores relacionais, apresentam os maiores índices de concordância por parte dos participantes. Verificou-se que 87% mostram-se satisfeitos em trabalhar de forma virtual e este achado demonstra o ajuste a esse tipo de modalidade de trabalho flexível. Além disso, esse ajuste é reforçado pelo fato de que, apesar de 70% dos respondente afirmarem terem aumento de produtividade, a telepressão não parece os afetar e 77% defendem que há equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e profissional atuando de forma virtual. Almejou-se contribuir para o aprofundamento dessa temática proporcionando uma discussão mais assertiva sobre a realidade dos assessores executivos, além de fornecer informações aos cursos de formação profissional.
Implantando um Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projetos Estratégico: um estudo de caso em uma instituição federal de ensino
Authors: Medeiros Bruno Campelo , Sousa Neto Manoel Veras de , Medeiros Júnior Josué Vítor de , Gurgel André Morais
Published: May 2018

O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral compreender o processo de implantação de um EGP estratégico. A pesquisa se torna relevante, na medida em que se observa o crescimento em relação à adoção e implantação de EGPs estratégicos, encarregados de exercerem funções de apoio estratégico. Também percebe-se que muitas dessas estruturas estão sendo implantadas sob diferentes formatos, sendo, portanto, um objeto de estudo que precisa ser melhor investigado. O estudo adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, por meio de um estudo de caso em uma instituição pública de ensino, tendo como procedimentos técnicos de coleta uma narrativa, assim como documentos institucionais obtidos, e como procedimento de análise as técnicas de análise de conteúdo e codificação. Os resultados demonstram que há diferenças em relação ao processo de implantação do EGP estratégico, comparado o caso estudado com a literatura existente. Além disso, observou-se que o EGP estratégico foi implantado de forma gradativa e com processos contínuos de melhoria de suas práticas. Contudo, o estudo apresenta como implicações gerenciais a necessidade de se refletir sobre as funções desempenhadas pelo escritório, bem como a possibilidade de ampliar seu escopo de participação, utilizando uma estrutura descentralizada que permita uma maior organização e divisão de suas funções.
Políticas Públicas Para Agricultura Familiar no Interior do Estado do Amazonas
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno dos Santos , Simão Frâncio Costa , Petry Jonas Fernando
Published: May 2018

As políticas públicas desenvolvidas pelo Estado têm importância fundamental na sociedade, tendo em vista que ela proporciona de forma igualitária melhorias na vida dos cidadãos e influencia direta ou indiretamente no modo de viver de cada indivíduo. Desse modo, foi promulgada em 2006 a Lei no 11.326, que reconhece oficialmente a agricultura familiar como profissão. Sendo assim, foram criadas políticas públicas específicas de estímulo aos agricultores familiares. Nesse contexto, considerando a relevância do tema em questão, foi definido como objetivo do trabalho analisar a importância das Políticas Públicas voltadas para a agricultura familiar como meio de desenvolvimento socioeconômico na Associação Novo Horizonte, localizada no município de Tabatinga (AM). Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida de forma exploratória e descritiva, com a aplicação de survey e técnicas de observação. Os resultados indicam que a maioria dos associados não possui conhecimentos sobre a oferta de Políticas Públicas de incentivo à Agricultura Familiar, assim como constatou as principais dificuldades encontradas para a realização das atividades agrícolas, por exemplo, a falta de apoio dos órgãos competentes. Nesse sentido, apontou a necessidade de investimento na infraestrutura, o que representa a melhoria na pavimentação das estradas que dão acesso à zona rural.
Produção Científica do Grupo de Pesquisa em Secretariado Executivo Bilíngue Rumo ao Stricto Sensu: mutatis mutandis
Authors: Schmidt Carla Maria , Wenningkamp Keila Raquel , Cielo Ivanete Daga , Sanches Fernanda Cristina
Published: May 2018

O Grupo de Pesquisa em Secretariado Executivo Bilingue da Unioeste - GPSEB busca contribuir com a área secretarial, desenvolvendo uma proposta de programa stricto sensu. Para tanto é fundamental que haja estreita relação entre as produções científicas dos pesquisadores e as linhas de pesquisa do grupo. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a compatibilidade existente entre as produções científicas dos membros pesquisadores e as linhas de pesquisa do GPSEB no quadriênio (2013-2016). Este estudo é importante para o referido grupo, dada a possibilidade de ajustes e realinhamentos nas produções desenvolvidas. Para alcançar o objetivo, o referencial teórico discorre sobre o cenário da produção científica secretarial no Brasil e ainda sobre aspectos fundamentais para a abertura de programas stricto sensu, a partir da análise da Capes. Em termos metodológicos, realizou-se uma pesquisa de cunho descritivo, com abordagem predominantemente qualitativa. O objeto de análise foram as produções científicas dos pesquisadores do GPSEB no período de 2013-2016, a partir de busca nos currículos lattes dos pesquisadores. Os principais resultados apontam que os pesquisadores apresentam possibilidades para ofertar um programa de mestrado, contudo, aspectos importantes necessitam ser realinhados. Dentre eles, especial atenção deve ser dada a uma maior quantidade de publicações em periódicos e também na área específica de secretariado.
A regra do Jogo: relação entre estado e terceiro setor
Authors: Amorim Amanda Florense Alves , Mendes Josiete da Silva , Pereira Layse Maria Leite , Cavalcante Carlos Eduardo
Published: May 2018

Este estudo analisa as relações interorganizacionais entre o Estado (Governo do Estado da Paraíba) e organizações não governamentais dos direitos das mulheres. Trata-se de um estudo de campo, qualitativo, descritivo usando um roteiro semi-estruturado e análise de conteúdo categórico. As categorias de análise são: rede de valor de ONG e o modelo de PARTS (jogadores, valores adicionais, regras, táticas e escopo). Também foi avaliada a influência da criação da Secretaria de Estado das Mulheres e da Diversidade Humana. Pode-se deduzir que as alianças intersetoriais (parcerias) proporcionam o fortalecimento da relação entre ONGs e Estado. Também pode haver uma relação de coopetição – termo herdado da base teórica utilizada – entre as organizações, e este cenário tende a manter a convergência de interesses.
Effectiveness of a direct-to-consumer written health education program in the reduction of benzodiazepine and sedative-hypnotic use in an elderly population at a single Veterans Affairs medical center
Authors: Erwin William J. , Goodman Courtney , Smith Tammy
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

The use of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics in the elderly is associated with a significant risk of delirium, falls, fractures, cognitive impairment, and motor vehicle accidents. This quality improvement project applies a direct-to-consumer intervention to an elderly veteran population to reduce the use of these medications.

Methods:

Patients aged 75 and older currently taking a benzodiazepine and/or a sedative-hypnotic were included in the project. Direct-to-consumer education intervention letters were mailed to patients within 30 days of their next appointment. Their providers were emailed a questionnaire after the patient's appointment. Providers were asked if the letter prompted a conversation regarding medication use, whether the provider initiated discussion regarding a taper, and whether a specific taper plan was developed. Medical records were reviewed to determine if a reduction in dose or discontinuation occurred.

Results:

Fifty-nine direct-to-consumer education letters were mailed to the patients. Follow-up questionnaires were e-mailed to 44 providers, and 27 providers responded. Twenty-two percent of patients had their benzodiazepine and/or sedative hypnotic dose reduced or discontinued after their follow-up appointment. Sixty-seven percent of veterans initiated a conversation with their provider regarding their medication with 74% of providers discussing dose reduction. Fifty-six percent of recipients developed a specific taper plan with their provider.

Discussion:

The data from this project suggests that direct-to-consumer patient education can reduce the exposure to benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics in an elderly veteran population. More data is needed on larger populations to further explore the benefit of direct-to-consumer interventions.
Role of antidepressants in the treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Marvanova Marketa , Gramith Kirstin
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is difficult to treat and is associated with frequent relapses and high mortality rates. Psychiatric symptomatology (eg, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder/behaviors) are common comorbidities. This review provides current information about safety and efficacy of antidepressant therapy for management of AN in adults.

Methods:

A literature review of randomized controlled trials, open-label studies, and case reports with adults or adults/adolescents was conducted. PubMed and Medline were searched using anorexia management and treatment, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and mirtazapine in AN, relapse prevention in AN, and psychotropic medications in AN.

Results:

The role and utility of antidepressants in AN were published in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies; open-label trials; and a retrospective study. Antidepressants should not be used as sole therapy for AN although their use for confounding symptomatology makes discerning efficacy difficult as they are given together with other therapies. Neurobiological changes due to starvation and AN itself complicate results interpretation. For safety, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are not recommended, and bupropion is contraindicated. Use of SSRIs during acute treatment lacks efficacy. Use of SSRIs—primarily fluoxetine and to some extent citalopram, sertraline, or mirtazapine—may aid in relapse prevention and improvement of psychiatric symptomatology in weight-restored anorexic patients.

Discussion:

Health care professionals should use clinical judgment regarding fluoxetine or possibly citalopram, sertraline or mirtazapine as adjunctive treatment to psychotherapy for relapse prevention, improvement of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and/or obsessive-compulsive behaviors unresolved with nutritional rehabilitation and psychotherapy.
Antiepileptic drugs and suicide-related outcomes in bipolar disorder: A descriptive review of published data
Authors: Caley Charles F. , Perriello Emily , Golden Julia
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

In January 2008 the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to healthcare professionals about the potential for an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior associated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Given that AEDs are important for treating bipolar disorder (BD), a better understanding of suicide-related events is necessary.

Methods:

A PubMed search was performed using the following search terms: anticonvulsant OR valpro* OR carbamazepine OR lamotrigine OR oxcarbazepine OR topiramate AND bipolar AND suicid*. The objective was to identify published investigations reporting rate and/or risk data of suicide-related outcomes in BD patients treated with AED monotherapy.

Results:

The search identified 323 reviewable citations, with 13 of these studies (4.0%) being reviewed. Valproate was studied most often, and lithium treatment was frequently used as a reference group. Carbamazepine and lamotrigine had small treatment exposure durations. Suicide attempts and suicide deaths were studied the most; a few trials investigated suicidal thinking and/or hospitalizations for suicidal behavior. Suicide attempt rates occurred in the following order: no treatment > carbamazepine > valproate > lithium, while suicide death rates were: no treatment > valproate > lithium > carbamazepine. For valproate, the risk of suicide attempts and suicide death appeared higher than lithium, but lower than no treatment.

Discussion:

Investigating suicide-related events for AEDs in BD is difficult; more data are necessary for valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. An improved understanding of AED treatment and suicide-related events in BD may help pharmacists become more effective at supporting their patients with BD.