bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governing Sustainability Transitions: Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives and Regime Change in United States Agriculture
Authors: Konefal Jason
Published: January 2015

Using a case study of US agriculture, this paper examines how governance affects sustainability transitions in socio-technical systems. The multi-level perspective (MLP) has become a leading framework for theorizing sustainability transitions in socio-technical systems. It posits that transitions to more sustainable socio-technical systems are an outcome of external pressure at the landscape level and internal pressure emanating from niches. While the MLP is a robust analytical framework, it under-theorizes the role that governance plays in sustainability transitions. This paper addresses this research gap through examining three multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) that have developed sustainability metrics and standards for US agriculture: Field to Market; LEO-4000; and the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops. Applying a governance analytical framework, membership selection, decision-making procedures, and access to resources are found to affect the kinds of sustainability metrics developed, as well as their likely implementation. Specifically, the governance processes functioned to channel sustainability metrics towards ones that were congruent with the existing agrifood regime, and marginalize metrics that had the potential to disrupt regime processes. Thus, this article proposes that governance is a key component of sustainability transitions, and that current usage of MSIs in much of environmental governance may function to moderate sustainability transitions.
Labor Market Determinants of Migration Flows in Europe
Authors: Nica Elvira
Published: January 2015

Considerable research attention has focused on the labor market impacts of immigration, the operation and competitiveness of the European Union (EU) labor market, and the expenditures and advantages of labor circulation for sending and receiving economies. The aim of the present study is to examine and evaluate the negative social consequences arising from the mobility of workers, the social and economic drivers of migration, and the effect of immigration on natives’ labor market results such as wages and employment.
Empirical Modeling of Spatial 3D Flow Characteristics Using a Remote-Controlled ADCP System: Monitoring a Spring Flood
Authors: Flener Claude , Wang Yunsheng , Laamanen Leena , Kasvi Elina , Vesakoski Jenni-Mari , Alho Petteri
Published: January 2015

The use of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) for measuring streamflow and discharge is becoming increasingly widespread. The spatial distribution of flow patterns is useful data in studying riverine habitats and geomorphology. Until now, most flow mapping has focused on measurements along a series of transects in a channel. Here, we set out to measure, model and analyze the 3D flow characteristics of a natural river over a continuous areal extent, quantifying flow velocity, 3D flow directions, volumes, water depth and their changes over time. We achieved multidimensional spatial flow measurements by deploying an ADCP on a remotely-controlled boat, combined with kinematic GNSS positioning and locally-monitored water level data. We processed this data into a 3D point cloud of accurately positioned individual 3D flow measurements that allows the visual analysis of flow velocities, directions and channel morphology in 3D space. We demonstrate how this allows monitoring changes of flow patterns with a time series of flow point clouds measured over the period of a spring flood in Finnish Lapland. Furthermore, interpolating the raw point cloud onto a 3D matrix allows us to quantify volumetric flow while reducing noise in the data. We can now quantify the volumes of water moving at certain velocities in a given reach and their location in 3D space, allowing, for instance, the monitoring of the high-velocity core and its changes over time.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the mistletoe Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Loranthaceae)
Authors: González Clementina , Harvey Nick , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: January 2015

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the parasitic Psittacanthus schiedeanus, a common mistletoe species on cloud forest–adapted tree hosts in Mesoamerica, to investigate intraspecific genetic patterns of diversity and genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: Using an enriched library, 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed in P. schiedeanus. All loci consisted of dinucleotide repeats. Average alleles per locus were 12 (4–17), and a total of 120 alleles were recorded across 39 individuals from four populations in Mexico. Primers were tested in 11 additional species, but only amplified successfully in P. calyculatus and P. angustifolius.

• Conclusions: The polymorphic loci described will be useful in studies of genetic diversity and genetic population differentiation in natural populations of these parasitic plants, and will provide valuable information to understand the importance of host distribution.
Materials and characterization techniques for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Zeis Roswitha
Published: January 2015

The performance of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) is critically dependent on the selection of materials and optimization of individual components. A conventional high-temperature membrane electrode assembly (HT-MEA) primarily consists of a polybenzimidazole (PBI)-type membrane containing phosphoric acid and two gas diffusion electrodes (GDE), the anode and the cathode, attached to the two surfaces of the membrane. This review article provides a survey on the materials implemented in state-of-the-art HT-MEAs. These materials must meet extremely demanding requirements because of the severe operating conditions of HT-PEMFCs. They need to be electrochemically and thermally stable in highly acidic environment. The polymer membranes should exhibit high proton conductivity in low-hydration and even anhydrous states. Of special concern for phosphoric-acid-doped PBI-type membranes is the acid loss and management during operation. The slow oxygen reduction reaction in HT-PEMFCs remains a challenge. Phosphoric acid tends to adsorb onto the surface of the platinum catalyst and therefore hampers the reaction kinetics. Additionally, the binder material plays a key role in regulating the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the catalyst layer. Subsequently, the binder controls the electrode–membrane interface that establishes the triple phase boundary between proton conductive electrolyte, electron conductive catalyst, and reactant gases. Moreover, the elevated operating temperatures promote carbon corrosion and therefore degrade the integrity of the catalyst support. These are only some examples how materials properties affect the stability and performance of HT-PEMFCs. For this reason, materials characterization techniques for HT-PEMFCs, either in situ or ex situ, are highly beneficial. Significant progress has recently been made in this field, which enables us to gain a better understanding of underlying processes occurring during fuel cell operation. Various novel tools for characterizing and diagnosing HT-PEMFCs and key components are presented in this review, including FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, synchrotron X-ray imaging, X-ray microtomography, and atomic force microscopy.
Le droit sans complexe : décryptage et repères
Authors: Battisti Michèle , Cottin Stéphane
Published: January 2015

Accéder aux textes juridiques de son secteur d’activité est certes essentiel, mais vous êtes perdu. Pourtant, le paysage qui s’offre à vous n’est pas aussi confus que vous l’imaginiez. Il n’est pas inutile de rappeler que le célèbre adage attribué à Aristote, « Nul n’est censé ignorer la loi » , se poursuit par « surtout quand il est facile de la connaître ». Par ailleurs, diffuser l’information paraît être une mission à haut risque tant le hiatus semble grand entre les possibilités techniques et les obligations juridiques. Abordez la question sans complexe avec ce dossier qui fait le point sur les ouvertures en matière d’accès à l’information juridique et de diffusion de l’information !
Accéder aux normes
Authors: Dessolin-Baumann Sylvie , Cottin Michel
Published: January 2015

[normes] Pour les métiers de l’information, la normalisation est un besoin historique. Aujourd’hui, les professionnels poursuivent leurs travaux au sein de plusieurs commissions d’organismes internationaux et nationaux élaborant des normes. Participer aux travaux des commissions de normalisation est l’un des moyens à envisager pour accéder à ces textes.
L'union fait la force
Authors: Colinmaire Hervé
Published: January 2015

[mutualisation] L’engagement de quelques pionniers soutenu par les pouvoirs publics conscients de l’aspect stratégique d’un accès large et partagé à l’information a permis la construction d’un patrimoine numérique national ambitieux. C’est ce que démontrent Couperin et d’autres projets fondés sur la mutualisation.
Marchés publics et propriété intellectuelle : décryptages
Authors: Brajon Régis
Published: January 2015

[marchés] Les professionnels étant de plus en plus souvent confrontés à des propositions d’achats groupés, à des solutions de consortiums et autres innovations contractuelles, un éclairage sur la pratique des marchés publics au regard des évolutions récentes des droits, notamment de la propriété intellectuelle et des nouveautés nées du droit de l’Union européenne, s’imposait.
Médiation thérapeutique picturale et associativité formelle dans les dispositifs pour enfants avec troubles envahissants du développement
Authors: Brun Anne
Published: January 2015

Cet article vise à décrire la spécificité de la symbolisation et des formes de transfert mises en jeu par la médiation picturale, individuelle ou groupale, avec des enfants souffrant de troubles envahissants du développement, en proposant le concept d’associativité formelle, destiné à repérer l’enchaînement des formes non seulement dans les productions, mais aussi dans l’ensemble du langage sensorimoteur des enfants confrontés au médium. Du fait de cette associativité sensorimotrice, les médiations thérapeutiques comme la peinture favorisent l’émergence de formes primaires de la symbolisation. Dans cette perspective, à l’appui d’une pratique d’observatrice écrivante et de la supervision de nombreux dispositifs de médiation picturale, l’auteure développe l’hypothèse d’une chaîne associative formelle, essentiellement constituée de signifiants formels (Anzieu) à l’œuvre dans le cadre des médiations thérapeutiques. Elle propose un tableau synthétique de « repères pour une évaluation clinique » de la mise en jeu de l’associativité formelle dans un dispositif de médiation picturale, référé à la psychothérapie psychanalytique.
Construire de la sécurité dans l'errance. Maternité chez des femmes migrantes sans domicile fixe
Authors: Panaccione Élodie , Moro Marie Rose
Published: January 2015

Depuis plusieurs années, le nombre de femmes enceintes sans domicile fixe ne cesse d’augmenter dont une grande partie sont des femmes migrantes originaires de pays d’Afrique subsaharienne. Cette étude a pour objectif de cerner les enjeux psychiques et culturels de la période périnatale à l’épreuve des ruptures générées par l’absence de domicile fixe chez ces femmes migrantes. Par-delà, cette étude permet de définir des modalités d’accompagnement spécifiques à destination de ces femmes et de leurs enfants. La réalisation de dix entretiens semi-directifs menés entre le septième et huitième mois de grossesse en prénatal puis entre les deux et quatre mois du bébé met en évidence la nécessité de mettre en place des actions préventives en direction de ces femmes et enfants qui intègrent la dimension sociale, psychologique et culturelle.
Un effondrement de la confiance dans l'UE ?
Authors: Cautrès Bruno
Published: January 2015

La période de « Grande Récession » depuis 2008 a entraîné une baisse de nombreux indicateurs de soutien des Européens à l’intégration européenne. Du point de vue de la confiance que les Européens font à l’Europe (une dimension importante de soutien diffus à l’UE), on peut même parler d’une véritable crise de confiance dans l’action de l’Union européenne constatée depuis 2008 dans les opinions des Européens. Dans certains pays (Grèce par exemple), on enregistre même un effondrement de cette confiance. L’analyse des données de deux vagues de l’Eurobaromètre, une vague au début de la crise et une autre en 2011, montre que si cet effondrement est bien avéré, et pas seulement sur les indicateurs de soutien diffus, les Européens n’impute pas la responsabilité de la crise à l’UE seulement. Ils perçoivent la crise et le rôle de l’Europe dans la crise à travers le prisme de l’expérience nationale qu’ils en ont. Par ailleurs, la crise de confiance dans l’UE n’entraîne pas ipso facto une grave crise de confiance dans l’euro : on ne constate pas d’effondrement comparable à celui que l’on observe en termes de confiance générale dans l’UE. Dans les pays membres de la zone euro les évolutions sont en légère baisse mais de manière qui n’est pas très significative ; ce sont dans les pays qui sont hors de la zone euro ou dans ceux qui sont candidats pour y entrer que la baisse du soutien à l’euro est la plus forte.
Dynamiques de blocage dans le processus décisionnel de l'UE
Authors: Garcia Perez de Leon Cesar
Published: January 2015

La question de la durée du processus décisionnel préoccupe depuis longtemps les praticiens et les chercheurs de l’UE. En effet, si des actes législatifs sont fréquemment adoptés au sein de l’UE, les longues négociations souvent nécessaires pour voter un texte important entraînent des dynamiques de blocage qui remettent en cause l’efficacité de la procédure législative. Afin d’accélérer les prises de décision, les institutions européennes ont de plus en plus recours à des accords précoces, passés dans le cadre de la procédure de codécision. Cette pratique a toutefois montré ses limites s’agissant de limiter les retards. Il apparaît probable que les institutions négocient des accords précoces sous l’influence des règles qui régissent le temps de débat pour l’ensemble de la procédure de codécision. Cette contribution traite de ces règles et vise à analyser le problème des blocages législatifs. Elle montre que la paralysie législative intervient principalement en conséquence du comportement stratégique adopté par des coalitions au sein du Conseil, dans l’optique de contrôler l’agenda politique. Elle indique en outre qu’un tel comportement limite considérablement la capacité du Parlement européen à procéder à un examen significatif de la législation. Afin d’améliorer l’efficacité et de rétablir l’équilibre inter institutionnel, des réformes des règles régissant l’utilisation du temps de débat dans le cadre de la codécision sont recommandées.
La dilution de la méthode communautaire et la diversification des pratiques intergouvernementales
Authors: Dero-Bugny Delphine
Published: January 2015

Le renforcement du Conseil européen et la multiplication d’accords internationaux entre les États membres semblent porter atteinte à la méthode communautaire. Cette diversification des pratiques intergouvernementales au sein de l’Union européenne ne conduit cependant pas nécessairement à une remise en cause de cette méthode. Le recours aux méthodes intergouvernementales est souvent temporaire et les domaines concernés ont généralement vocation à intégrer par la suite la méthode communautaire. L’intergouvernemental ne doit donc pas nécessairement être opposé au communautaire. Il peut même renforcer la méthode communautaire. Le développement et la diversification des méthodes intergouvernementales révèlent cependant la nécessité de renouveler cette méthode. Il faut repenser le rôle du Conseil européen et intégrer des procédures d’urgence permettant de réagir rapidement en cas de crise.
La bonne administration dans l'Union européenne
Authors: Streho Imola
Published: January 2015

La confiance dans les institutions européennes est au plus bas alors que les institutions n’ont jamais été aussi transparentes, ouvertes, prêtes à dialoguer avec leurs « administrés européens ». Désormais le droit primaire de l’UE fait expressément référence à la bonne administration aussi bien dans les traités que dans la Charte des droits fondamentaux de l’UE (1). La place et les missions du Médiateur européen s’affirment également de façon constante dans le cadre institutionnel européen (2); un code européen de bonne conduite administrative formalise désormais les modalités des missions menées par les fonctionnaires européens (3) et une palette d’aide administrative a été mise en place au niveau de l’UE (4). Toutefois, le Parlement européen doit veiller au soutien constant des missions du Médiateur européen et aux recommandations formulées ci-dessous pour permettre des avancées concrètes en matière de bonne administration dans l’UE afin d’aboutir à terme à une confiance plus forte des citoyens « administrés » dans les institutions européennes.
Les mesures « anti-crise » et la transformation des compétences de l'Union en matière économique
Authors: Clément-Wilz Laure
Published: January 2015

Les « mesures anti-crise » renforcent indéniablement l’implication de l’Union et de ses institutions, alors même que le domaine de compétence reste a priori le même : discipline budgétaire d’un côté, coordination des politiques économiques de l’autre. L’ensemble de ces instruments englobe à la fois les politiques budgétaires et économiques nationales ; ces mesures consistent à un contrôle accru opéré par les institutions de l’Union sur les États, notamment les États de la zone euro. Deux types de coordination ont ainsi fusionné, l’un fondé sur un dispositif souple de surveillance multilatérale entre États chapoté par le Conseil et l’autre axé sur une surveillance plus rigide de la part de la Commission. La surveillance des grandes orientations en matière économique par la Commission et le Conseil est plus précise que par le passé, notamment avec le nouveau mécanisme de sanction quasi-automatique des États de la zone euro. La conditionnalité de l’aide financière alourdit encore un peu plus la pression sur les États. Il convient de renforcer la démocratisation de l’ensemble par un renforcement du rôle du Parlement européen et des parlements nationaux et de donner une base juridique claire aux nouvelles missions des institutions de l’Union.
L'impôt européen
Authors: Maitrot de la Motte Alexandre
Published: January 2015

L’impôt européen n’existe pas encore. Pour que ce mythe devienne une réalité, il faudrait, dans une perspective juridique et politique, que l’Union européenne soit dotée d’une compétence fiscale lui permettant de créer à son profit un prélèvement fiscal, dont les contribuables – à l’encontre desquels elle exercerait son pouvoir fiscal – seraient soit les citoyens de l’Union européenne, soit les entreprises ayant leur siège social dans l’Union européenne ou y exerçant une activité économique. En contrepartie de cet impôt dont la nécessité est fonction du degré d’intégration de l’Union européenne attendu (marché intérieur, fédération), un mécanisme européen de consentement démocratique de l’impôt devrait impérativement être instauré. Par ailleurs, il faudrait que la base imposable de l’impôt créé soit choisie avec la plus grande précaution, et ce en fonction des objectifs fixés (rendement financier, sentiment d’appartenance politique des contribuables européens et adjonction d’une dimension fiscale à la citoyenneté européenne).
Au-delà de l'Union bancaire européenne
Authors: Pollin Jean-Paul
Published: January 2015

Après avoir brièvement rappelé les avancées et surtout les limites du projet d’Union bancaire européenne, tel qu’il vient d’être accepté par les diverses parties prenantes, cet article cherche à décrire et à évaluer les réformes susceptibles de compléter le nouvel accord. Deux types de propositions sont évoqués : soit on renforce la régulation bancaire en engageant une réforme structurelle du secteur (une séparation des activités) et en définissant une politique macroprudentielle cohérente au niveau de l’Union, soit on s’efforce de réduire la part de l’intermédiation dans le financement de l’économie européenne en accroissant l’importance des marchés, au risque de heurter les fondements des systèmes économiques et sociaux d’Europe continentale.
Contradictory Genres
Authors: Mcbeath Neil
Published: January 2015

This chapter has its roots in Davidson and Spring's (2008) paper, “Rhetorical Patterns in Academic Writing: Re-Examining Conventional Wisdom,” where the authors questioned the relevance of teaching the five-paragraph essay and the rather artificial division of essay writing into specific types: narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, cause-and-effect, and compare-and-contrast. The chapter expands their argument, suggesting that not only is the division artificial, but it is also positively unhelpful to students following English medium instruction at the tertiary level. As an example, a course-specific genre, the lab report, is examined to demonstrate just how its demands are removed from the conventional patterns.
Don't Get It Right, Just Get It Written
Authors: Al Noursi Omar
Published: January 2015

Writing is an essential skill for students, as it helps them meet persistently changing social and academic demands. They are often evaluated based on written assignments, reports, term papers, and essays. For second and foreign language learners, mastering writing is a very challenging task. Therefore, many of them find it the most difficult of the four skills. To encourage students to develop this crucial skill and consolidate their learning, providing them with clear feedback is essential. Most ESL and EFL teachers perceive feedback as paramount for students' improvement in this vital skill. However, providing effective feedback is a complex process, as many factors and issues have to be considered. This chapter deals with feedback from different angles. The aim is to demonstrate to teachers the most effective ways and alternatives of giving feedback with the aim of guiding them to choose what works best for their students under various circumstances.
An Evaluation of Sohar University GFP Students' Performance in Writing
Authors: Trabelsi Soufiane
Published: January 2015

This chapter reports on a cross-sectional evaluation of the EFL writing abilities of Sohar University GFP (General Foundation Program) students. A representative sample of students (from elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate levels) and teachers is included with a corpus (i.e. content) analysis of students' writing assignments. The researcher also analyzes samples of intermediate students' writing portfolios. Thus, triangulation is drawn on by employing a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods in order to find answers to the major concern relating to what type of writing abilities Sohar GFP students have. A summary is offered of the implications and recommendations based on analysis and discussion of the findings.
Grid Stabilization Effect of Combined Electricity Generation from Wind and Photovoltaic Systems in Murcia, Spain
Authors: Escalante Gino de Jesús Roa , Sánchez-Lozano J. Miguel , Faxas Juan-Gabriel , García-Cascales M. Socorro , Urbina Antonio
Published: January 2015

In this chapter, a model that calculates the impact on the grid of the simultaneous injection of electricity both from photovoltaic and wind sources is presented. The best locations for wind and photovoltaic technologies within Región de Murcia, southeast Spain, have been selected from a GIS database and evaluated and classified using a fuzzy version of the multicriteria decision method called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). After the classification, the best locations are selected for each technology. Then, the impact on the grid arising from the injection of power generated in wind of photovoltaic systems installed at these specific locations and that are connected to the grid has been calculated in a power range of several kWp, including random steps of up to 50kW. The results show that stable grid parameters are obtained within 500ms in all cases, even when this relatively large power surge (or variation) is considered.
Sustainability Campaigns and Consumer Involvement
Authors: Balanlı Zeynep , Hesapçı Özlem
Published: January 2015

The main aim of this chapter is to find out the effects of NGO campaigns on consumers in terms of attitude and behavior and discover any relationship between this effect and sustainable personality factors such as altruism, locus of control, and long-term orientation. A survey is conducted with 177 consumers who reside in Turkey for at least two years that are older than 18 years. Experimented with two popular environmental NGO campaigns, results reveal clearly that altruistic personality trait has a positive effect on consumers in terms of behavior. Locus of control and long-term orientation are not correlated with environmental behavior and attitude of consumers. In addition, only age is positively correlated with consumer behavior in one of the campaigns. Demographics are not found to be sufficient to explain consumer behavior in environmental campaigns.
Ethics in Management and Institutionalization of Ethics
Authors: Sayan İlknur , Karaca Güngör
Published: January 2015

Throughout world economies, place and role of government and public sector have weakened over time, and on the other hand, efficiency, function, and responsibility of the business world and private sector have increased on the global market system. In addition, changing and developing socio-cultural structure has increased social sensitivity stakeholders' consciousness and importance given to ethic values due to increasing social necessities. Ethics turned out to be one of the most important management subjects for entities and governors in the business world. Ethical performance and ethical quality of enterprises are also important for social responsibility towards all stakeholders, enterprises' ethical values, reputation of the enterprise, increasing brand value of goods produced or service provided, providing trust and support of investors, customers, and the public. In this context, ethics, managerial ethics, institutionalization of ethics, and importance of ethical principles in enterprises in terms of corporate managerial principles are evaluated in this chapter.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics in Management in Light of Sustainable Development
Authors: İyigün N. Öykü
Published: January 2015

This chapter introduces the concept of corporate social responsibility and argues that it offers potential contributions to sustainable development by bringing incentives for corporations to act socially responsibly. This chapter continues by exploring the theoretical framework including conceptualizations and the historical perspective of the concepts. It then introduces related terms such as ethics, business ethics, sustainability, and development. As a result, the chapter discusses corporate social responsibility and ethics in management in light of sustainability and development. The conclusion reflects on possible weaknesses, limitations, and challenges to corporate social responsibility and ethics as the primary actors for sustainable development.
Explaining the Firm's De-Internationalization Process by Using Resource-Based View
Authors: Sadikoglu Zeynep
Published: January 2015

The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze why some firms fail in their international operation either right after their exposure or after a certain period of time. Resource-Based View (RBV), which deals with firms' competitive advantage and their superior performance, is used to predict the underlying reasons of firms' failure of internationalization process. In international marketing, RBV basically states that the firm internationally expands its territory when it decides to exploit its resources and capabilities in other markets. This chapter extends RBV literature by applying it to de-internationalization process of the firm. It also provides a framework that shows the actions that need to be taken when firms are faced with a failure in their international operation.
Ensuring Continued Usage of an E-Government Service in Malaysia
Authors: Thominathan Santhanamery , Ramayah Thurasamy
Published: January 2015

This chapter highlights the importance of continuance usage intention of a technology. Continuance intention is defined as one's intention to continue using or long-term usage intention of a technology. Although initial acceptance is important in identifying the success of an information system, continued usage is even more significant in ensuring the long-term viability of technology innovations and in enhancing the financial and quality performance of an organization. Therefore, this chapter aims to examine the continuance usage intention of e-filing system by taxpayers in Malaysia. The data were collected from 153 taxpayers in the northern region of Malaysia using survey method. The result shows a significant relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance usage intention. Surprisingly, perceived usefulness was found to be insignificantly related to satisfaction and satisfaction towards continuance usage intention. Implication of these findings to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia is also elaborated.
Impact of Local Self-Government Institutions on Creating a Business-Friendly Environment
Authors: Stanković Jelena , Novaković Igor
Published: January 2015

The chapter objective is to demonstrate application possibilities of Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) in the specific local economic development problem in Serbia that refers to assessment of Local Self-Government (LSG) institutions' capabilities to act in order to create business-friendly environments and increase entrepreneurial activities. The primary aim of the chapter is to formulate an adequate multi-criteria model for evaluation of institutional cooperation between business councils, as representatives of local authorities and the business community in observed LSG units. Results indicate inadequate quality and functionality of the business councils, although cooperation has been established between the business councils, as a local government institution, and representatives of business community. Data analysis is conducted using relevant statistical methods. For multi-criteria analysis of subjective preferences of Local Economic Development (LED) offices has been applied Analitic Hierarchy Process (AHP).
Towards a Citizen-Centric E-Government Service Index Model
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed R. , Gebba Tarek R. , Aboelmaged Mohamed Gamal
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this chapter is three-fold. First, it proposes a novel E-Government Service Index (ESI) that is a citizen-centric maturity model. Second, the model uses Egypt's E-Government services as an experimental arena to spot the maturity of the provided services and highlights e-government development in Egypt. Finally, the chapter explores the impediments of citizen-centric e-government implementation within the Egyptian context and recommends specific interventions within the frame of the proposed model.
Developing Corporate Social Responsibility Projects
Authors: Williams Jessica , Sheridan Lynnaire , McLean Peter
Published: January 2015

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a prominent topic in the literature, little is known about how companies operationally implement CSR. Accordingly, this chapter presents key insights into how companies design and implement (develop) CSR projects, including the activities involved, their sequence, and the roles of various stakeholders as actors. The insights are based on a qualitative scoping study involving in-depth interviews with CSR practitioners from five major Australian companies. Ten stages of CSR development and 12 actors are identified before presenting an aggregate empirical model of CSR project development.
Putting Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at the Center of Capitalism through Better Valuation of Stakeholder Concerns
Authors: Young Stephen B.
Published: January 2015

The chapter offers a new theoretical approach for the integration of stakeholder concerns into the financial management of for-profit, free market enterprises. The chapter postulates that CSR stakeholder categories are intangible assets of every firm, small or large. As such assets, CSR stakeholders contribute to the current capital valuation of the firm. If their asset quality increases, so does the value of the firm. Conversely, if their asset quality decreases and becomes more of a liability, the value of the firm decreases proportionally. Under this approach, re-conceptualized balance sheets must become a more important tool for business owners and managers to use to enhance the relevance and the quality of their CSR efforts.
The Postmodern Approach to Career Counseling for Contemporary Organizations
Authors: Chakraborty Misha , Wang Jia
Published: January 2015

The intensified globalization and diversity in contemporary workplaces, along with other social and economic changes, have escalated the need for reconsidering and changing traditional approaches to career counseling. The purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, it examines common career counseling practices adopted by organizations. Second, it introduces a nontraditional approach, postmodern approach, to career counseling and explores its effectiveness in meeting changing organizational needs in the globalized world. To achieve these objectives, the chapter begins with a brief overview of career counseling in organizations. Next, current workplace career counseling practices are examined. Following that, an alternative approach by introducing the postmodern approach to career counseling is proposed and the impact of the postmodern approach on the individual, organizational levels, and future trends are discussed. The chapter concludes with implications for career counseling practices and recommendations for future research. This chapter benefits both practitioners and researchers interested in career counseling.
Diverse Roles for T-bet in the Effector Responses Required for Resistance to Infection
Authors: Harms Pritchard Gretchen , Hall Aisling O’Hara , Christian David A. , Wagage Sagie , Fang Qun , Muallem Gaia , John Beena , Glatman Zaretsky Arielle , Dunn William G. , Perrigoue Jacqueline , Reiner Steven L. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: January 2015

The transcription factor T-bet has been most prominently linked to NK and T cell production of IFN-γ, a cytokine required for the control of a diverse array of intracellular pathogens. Indeed, in mice challenged with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, NK and T cell responses are characterized by marked increases of T-bet expression. Unexpectedly, T-bet−/− mice infected with T. gondii develop a strong NK cell IFN-γ response that controls parasite replication at the challenge site, but display high parasite burdens at secondary sites colonized by T. gondii and succumb to infection. The loss of T-bet had a modest effect on T cell production of IFN-γ but did not impact on the generation of parasite-specific T cells. However, the absence of T-bet resulted in lower T cell expression of CD11a, Ly6C, KLRG-1, and CXCR3 and fewer parasite-specific T cells at secondary sites of infection, associated with a defect in parasite control at these sites. Together, these data highlight T-bet–independent pathways to IFN-γ production and reveal a novel role for this transcription factor in coordinating the T cell responses necessary to control this infection in peripheral tissues.
The V Gene Repertoires of Classical and Atypical Memory B Cells in Malaria-Susceptible West African Children
Authors: Zinöcker Severin , Schindler Christine E. , Skinner Jeff , Rogosch Tobias , Waisberg Michael , Schickel Jean-Nicolas , Meffre Eric , Kayentao Kassoum , Ongoïba Aïssata , Traoré Boubacar , Pierce Susan K.
Published: January 2015

Immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria is naturally acquired in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas of Africa. Abs play a key role in mediating this immunity; however, the acquisition of the components of Ab immunity, long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells (MBCs), is remarkably inefficient, requiring years of malaria exposure. Although long-lived classical MBCs (CD19+/CD20+/CD21+/CD27+/CD10−) are gradually acquired in response to natural infection, exposure to P. falciparum also results in a large expansion of what we have termed atypical MBCs (CD19+/CD20+/CD21−/CD27−/CD10−). At present, the function of atypical MBCs in malaria is not known, nor are the factors that drive their differentiation. To gain insight into the relationship between classical and atypical IgG+ MBCs, we compared the Ab H and L chain V gene repertoires of children living in a malaria-endemic region in Mali. We found that these repertoires were remarkably similar by a variety of criteria, including V gene usage, rate of somatic hypermutation, and CDR-H3 length and composition. The similarity in these repertoires suggests that classical MBCs and atypical MBCs differentiate in response to similar Ag-dependent selective pressures in malaria-exposed children and that atypical MBCs do not express a unique V gene repertoire.
Surficial geology and Pleistocene stratigraphy from Deep Bay to Nanoose Harbour, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Bednarski J M
Published: January 2015

A detailed study of the surficial geology of the east coast of Vancouver Island from Deep Bay to Nanoose Harbour was undertaken as part of the Nanaimo Lowland Ground Water Assessment Project. This paper describes the results of the field mapping program and
resulting surficial geology map. The map incorporates Pleistocene stratigraphy derived from new seismic reflection surveys and boreholes carried out by the GSC, and lithological information extracted from BC Ministry of Environment water well database.
Large parts of the coastal lowland are mantled by unconsolidated material over 100 metres thick, but the thickness is quite variable and bedrock outcrops are common. The surficial materials are dominated by deposits from two previous glaciations that are separated by non-glacial fluvial and marine
sediments. During the last glaciation, the coastal plain was subjected to glacial advances from two distinct sources: local mountain glaciers expanding out of the Vancouver Island Ranges, and secondly, the Cordilleran Ice Sheet flowing from the Coast Mountains to the northeast. Quadra Sand, an
extensive proglacial outwash, was deposited over the coastal plain with the approach of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet. At its maximum the ice sheet flowed over the Island Ranges, over-topping the local glaciers.
Deglaciation was marked by thinning and eventual separation of the two ice masses and marine inundating of the coastal plain to at least 150 m above present. At this time extensive gravels were deposited along the ice margins in the form of ice-contact deltas and terraces. With final deglaciation
and rapidly falling base levels most sedimentation was concentrated at the mouths of the main rivers where deltas were built into progressively lower sea levels. In other places, transverse streams crossing the lowland either terraced pre-existing glacial deposits, or cut narrow canyons in the
bedrock. A cobbly surface till covers most the flat-lying interfluves except below the marine limit where the till was partially reworked by marine action or covered by marine sands and silts in poorly drained areas. Modern alluvium is confined to the lower reaches of the larger
rivers.
Corpus callosum dermoid cyst: A rare entity
Authors: Singh Sunita , Jain Promil , Yadav Hemant , Singh Ishwar , Sen Rajeev
Published: January 2015

Dermoid cyst is a congenital lesion that arises due to embryogenic impairment. It accounts for less than 0.3% of all intracranial masses. Herein we report a 30-year-old male who presented with a short history of headache and behavioral disorder. Physical and radiological examination diagnosed it to be a lipoma/epidermoid arising from corpus callosum. The lesion was removed endoscopically and histopathologic examination was performed which confirmed it to be a dermoid cyst. Rarity of the lesion and difficulty in pre-operative diagnosis prompted us to bring forward this case report.
Gossypiboma complicated with paraspinal abscess and lumbar sinus: An uncommon complication of posterior lumbar spinal surgery
Authors: Sahoo Ranjan , Tripathy Pradipta , Das Pulin , Mohapatra Debahuti
Published: January 2015

A 42-year-old female presented with the complaint of purulent discharging sinus over posterior lumbar area following one month of lumbar spinal surgery for prolapsed intervertebral disc. Gossypiboma complicated with paraspinal abscess and sinus track formation over posterior lumbar area was diagnosed in magnetic resonance imaging which was confirmed in re- exploration of lumbar spinal operative site.
Comparison and Evaluation of Mitotic Figures in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia using Crystal Violet and Feulgen Stain
Authors: Agarwal Anveeta
Published: January 2015

Background

Routine staining procedures often pose a problem in differentiating a mitotic cell from an apoptotic cell, deteriorating the reliability of histology grading. Although various new methods have been recommended for identifying mitotic figures (MFs) in tissues, the time factor and cost makes them less feasible. Thus, an attempt was made to evaluate the efficacy of crystal violet and Feulgen reaction in identifying MFs and also to see for any variation in the number of MFs in various grades of Epithelial dysplasia.

Objectives:

1. Using crystal violet and Feulgen stain in the identification and counting of MFs on diagnosed cases of epithelial dysplasia and thereby to evaluate their efficacy.

2. To evaluate the variation in the number of MFs in various grades of epithelial dysplasia.

Materials and methods

The study sample includes retrieval of 30 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections diagnosed for different grades of epithelial dysplasia (WHO grading system, 2005) from the archives, Department of Oral Pathology, MSRDC, Bengaluru. Ten tissue sections each of mild, moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were stained with H&E, Feulgen and 1% crystal violet stains and the number of MFs were counted. Five cases of cervical carcinoma were taken as control. Stained sections were compared, and data obtained was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

A significant increase in the number of MFs (p = 0.02) was observed in Feulgen stained sections as compared to H&E stain.

Conclusion

Feulgen stain can be considered as a simple, reliable, cost-effective and reproducible method of staining MFs.

How to cite this article

Rao RS, Patil S, Agarwal A. Comparison and Evaluation of Mitotic Figures in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia using Crystal Violet and Feulgen Stain. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(3):273-277.
Endodontic Management of Mesiobuccal-2 Canal in Four-Rooted and Five-Canalled Mandibular Third Molar
Authors: Garg Amit Kumar , Mantri Vijay R , Agrawal Neha
Published: January 2015

Aim

A case of unusual root morphology is presented to demonstrate anatomic variations in mandibular third molar.

Background

The most common configuration of mandibular third molar is two roots and three canals; however they may have many different combinations. Endodontic treatment was performed in mandibular third molar having aberrant anatomy.

Case description

Four root canal orifices were located with the aid of dental operating microscope (DOM) and three separate roots were diagnosed with radiographs. Spiral computed tomography (SCT) showed the presence of an extra canal and extra root, indicating a rare anatomic configuration. Looking for additional canals and roots are important part of successful endodontics, as the knowledge of their existence enable clinicians to treat a case successfully that otherwise might end in failure.

Conclusion

The use of DOM and SCT in this case greatly contributed toward making a confirmatory diagnosis and successful endodontic treatment of four-rooted and five-canalled mandibular third molar.

Clinical significance

Variation in root canal anatomy is very common. Knowledge of these variations is very essential for successful root canal outcome, inability to do so can lead to missed canals and failures. Hence, thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy and advances in diagnostic aids are essential.

How to cite this article

Garg AK, Bhardwaj A, Mantri VR, Agrawal N. Endodontic Management of Mesiobuccal-2 Canal in Four-Rooted and Five-Canalled Mandibular Third Molar. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(3):363-366.
The Comparison of Mandibular Radiomorphometric Indices in Panoramic Radiography between Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Moeintaghavi Amir , Hosseinizarch Hossein , Tabassi Sara Mohammadzadeh
Published: January 2015

Aim

Osteoporosis and periodontitis are two separate diseases with different origins and manifestations. It is believed that these diseases linked together, because they both lead to bone damage, some risk factors are similar, they both have the highest prevalence in middle-aged and older women. Some studies showed that the use of panoramic radiography and special indices could be reliable tools for osteoporosis screening. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and jaw osteoporotic indices.

Materials and methods

Eighty-two patients with chronic periodontitis and 80 healthy individuals were selected, they had been referred to a private oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic to take a panoramic radiograph. Then panoramic indicators; including the mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), and panoramic mandible index (PMI) in both groups were measured, recorded and analyzed.

Results

The mean age of investigated individuals was 39/8 ± 9/33. 58.6% of participants were females and 41.4% were males. MI and PMI levels in the periodontal group were more than the periodontally healthy group, but the differences between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.808 and p = 0.102 respectively). The MCI level was significantly different between two groups (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that there is significant relationship between MCI in panoramic radiography and chronic periodontitis. It is suggested to perform more studies to confirm if this index could be used for screening and indicating of bone status in high risk individuals. This study did not show a strong evidence of a relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis.

Clinical significance

Since panoramic radiographs are routinely used for screening in dental practice, any association between radiomorphometric indices of mandible in periodontitis patients might be useful in prediction of osteoporosis in patients referring to dental clinics.

How to cite this article

Moeintaghavi A, Hosseinizarch H, MohammadzadehTabassi S. The Comparison of Mandibular Radiomorphometric Indices in Panoramic Radiography between Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Healthy Individuals. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(4):461-465.