bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Quality Model at University Library Services Sunderland
Authors: Grieves Kay , Halpin Michelle
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share the ways in which University Library Services Sunderland, created and embedded a quality model, to engender service-culture change, ensure engagement with and best use of library services and capture and demonstrate evidence of the value of the library's contribution to the student experience. Launched in 2008 the Quality Model initiative is ongoing and has become the established way of working.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is of particular significance as Higher Education (HE) libraries are increasingly challenged to demonstrate their contribution to the academic experience and are exploring the role of cultural change to facilitate this. Although designed to meet the specific aims at Sunderland many of the techniques will be transferrable to the strategic priorities of other HE libraries.

Findings

– The creation and embedding of the Quality Model is enabling us to successfully nurture cultural change, to re-shape customer relationships and to capture and demonstrate the impact.

Originality/value

– The University of Sunderland Quality Model differs from many library performance models in that it takes an holistic approach. It aims to inform and shape cultural change and lead a strategic approach to customer relationship management in order to facilitate the capturing of impact evidence and demonstrate the value of the contribution. It is self-formed and based upon strategic marketing principles and underpins university priorities.
Using video to trace the embodied and material in a study of health practice
Authors: Hopwood Nick
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– To explore the methodological implications of sociomaterial theory for qualitative research about practice. The purpose of this paper is to assess the potential and limitations of video stimulus to discussion about practice as embodied and material, and to theorise this in terms of epistemic objects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A video based on a residential child and family service in Sydney was used as a stimulus in six focus group discussions with researchers and professionals in child and family health. Three focus groups were held in Sweden, and three in the British Isles, settings where a similar approach to supporting families with young children is established. A sociomaterial perspective, drawing on Schatzki's practice theory and Knorr Cetina's notion of epistemic objects informed the design and methodologically focused analysis.

Findings

– The use of video is shown to be successful in facilitating and prompting participants to reflect and comment on practice as embodied and material. However, the analysis also accounts for more problematic nature of this approach, exploring the affective connections and illusion of totality that can be associated with video screenings. An alternative, based on line drawings, is suggested, and the paper concludes by raising further questions about data reduction and stimulus artefacts.

Originality/value

– The turn to sociomaterial theory has huge potential, but its methodological implications remain unexplored. This paper contributes original perspectives relating to the use of video in a qualitative study, offering innovative theorisation and discussion of stimulus material as epistemic objects, which offers fresh insights into significant methodological prospects and problems.
Exploring power relations embedded in medication communication processes on general medical wards
Authors: Liu Wei , Manias Elizabeth , Gerdtz Marie
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine power relations embedded in verbal and non-verbal medication communication processes that involve nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients in two general medical wards of an acute care hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reports on the findings of an ethnographic study investigating medication communication processes in hospital spatial environments. It was theoretically informed by the work of Norman Fairclough. Data collection methods comprising video-recordings and video reflexive focus groups were employed. Fairclough's critical discourse analytic framework guided data analysis.

Findings

– Four different forms of power relations between clinician-patient, nurse-doctor, clinician-organisation and multidisciplinary interactions were uncovered. Nurses asserted their professional autonomy when communicating with doctors about medications by offering specific advice on medical prescribing and challenging medication decisions. Video reflexivity enabled nurses to critically examine their contribution to medication decision-making processes. Clinicians of different disciplines openly contested the organisational structure of patient allocation during medical discussions about management options. Clinicians of different disciplines also engaged in medication communication interchangeably to accomplish patient discharge.

Originality/value

– An investigation of existing power relations embedded in medication communication processes within specific clinical contexts can lead to a better understanding of medication safety practices. Video reflexive focus groups are helpful in encouraging clinicians to reflect on their practice and consider ways in which it could be improved in how power relations are played out.
The information milieu of remote sensing: an overview
Authors: Blake Linda , A. Warner Timothy
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview of issues relevant to scientific information literacy within the context of the remote sensing, a cross-cutting scientific discipline. The authors examine the range of sources of scientific information, trends in publishing and the characteristics of scholarly articles in the field of remote sensing. They focus on challenges in finding and using information, as well as current trends and emerging issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Issues pertinent to teaching information literacy and particularly remote sensing research and lifelong learning are reviewed, drawing on the knowledge and experience of the authors, as well as published resources.

Findings

– The large and increasing volume of publications in remote sensing suggests that professionals in this field require a contextual understanding of knowledge production and dissemination in remote sensing, as well as specific literature search skills.

Research limitations/implications

– Just as for the field of remote sensing, scientific knowledge dissemination is changing rapidly. The full implications of electronic publications have probably not yet been realized in remote sensing, but have already changed the landscape considerably. In particular, open-access publications may have significant implications for both scholars and libraries.

Practical implications

– This paper will be useful to information professionals, including librarians, who will benefit from a deeper understanding of remote sensing literature and how remote sensing information is produced, stored and disseminated. This knowledge is essential for teaching remote sensing students advanced information literacy skills.

Originality/value

– Librarians, as well as educators and professionals in the field of remote sensing, require information on the context of remote sensing knowledge production and dissemination as a key component of information literacy. A review of the literature did not reveal current treatment of information literacy in the field of remote sensing.
Psychology guides and information literacy
Authors: Pendell Kimberly , Armstrong Annie
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to provide an understanding of current practice and informs the further development of guides as key instructional tools. To assess the existing landscape of research guides as instructional tools, researchers examined the instructional content and associated media formats of online psychology research guides.

Design/methodology/approach

– Researchers devised an instrument utilizing Standard Two of the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL’s) Psychology Information Literacy Standards and inventoried the instructional content and associated media formats of a sample set of 36 psychology research guides.

Findings

– Although online research guides offer a platform for presenting instructional content in myriad formats, it was found that the sample set of psychology research guides rarely incorporated instructional content.

Research limitations/implications

– Psychology course guides were not part of the sample set; it is possible that guide authors approach the addition of instructional content in course guides differently than in general psychology subject guides.

Practical implications

– This paper provides an overview of how libraries are, or are not, using research guides as part of their instruction program. The researchers propose a framework for adding instructional content to psychology guides using Standard Two.

Originality/value

– Considering the ubiquity of online research guides on academic library Web sites, little research on the existing integration of instructional content into guides has been published. This study offers a snapshot of current guide practice and proposes a practical, systematic and unique model for aligning information literacy standards with guide content areas which has not been proposed elsewhere.
Measuring and managing sustainability performance of supply chains
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Burritt Roger
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss what a fully sustainable supply chain might look like and the consequences that can be drawn from this view. Also, it develops a practical approach towards sustainability supply chain performance measurement and management. The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of sustainability performance of supply chains (SPSCs). Little research has been conducted on the issues, existing methods and possible approaches to measure and manage SPSCs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review and conceptual development of framework.

Findings

– The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of SPSCs. Existing approaches discussed in the vein of improving supply chains and increasing recycling are examined in the light of our framework, and areas to extend the research on sustainability performance measurement and management are identified.

Research limitations/implications

– Opportunities for extension of research on sustainability performance measurement and management of supply chains are identified.

Practical implications

– The framework offers help to managers in their choice of sustainability performance measurement and management approaches.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a structured overview of sustainability performance measurement and management literature and approaches to supply chain management. The framework proposed provides a foundation for further research.
Exploring agency, knowledge and power in an Australian bulk cereal supply chain
Authors: Byrne Romona , Power Damien
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how information sharing practices influenced inter-firm relationships. This was done specifically in relation to bulk commodity supply chains, due to the pre-existing power asymmetries in the system.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research was conducted using an interpretivist, inductive approach. The intention was to gather a wide range of data and then explore the data to see which themes emerged, rather than focusing on collecting data relevant only to specific themes.

Findings

– The key findings of this research focused around the difference between creating situations of compliance or collaboration in a supply chain context. This suggests that by understanding the relationships that exist between organisations, those in procurement and supply chain management roles will be able to better understand and manage the nuances of their supplier relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is focused on a supply network specifically configured to facilitate sourcing and distribution of bulk grain. As such the findings need to be understood within the constraints of this context.

Practical implications

– Reliance on coercive power in an institutional change process is shown in our study to create a situation of compliance rather than of collaboration. Reliance on a different type of power, such as referent power, would be more successful in creating a situation of collaboration.

Social implications

– The sourcing and distribution of bulk grain is fundamental to food distribution in a developed economy. Our study provides a set of propositions indicating where managers can focus to more effectively manage these flows.

Originality/value

– The definition of the “agent” also provided an interesting point of comparison. This research found that the ultimate definition of the “agent” changes and can be linked to the institutional differences in ownership within a supply chain. This suggests the potential to redefine the way that Agency theory is discussed. The notion that the “agent” is dynamic and is likely to be the “agent”, “caretaker” and more at the same time suggests the potential for the traditional definition of the agent to be challenged.
Using organisational theories to further our understanding of socially sustainable supply chains
Authors: Moxham Claire , Kauppi Katri
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to use organisational theories to frame research questions examining how to embed social sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) by focusing on fair trade.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on previous organisational theory review papers in SCM, institutional theory and the extended resource-based view have been used as theoretical lenses to develop research questions for further studies.

Findings

– The authors developed seven research questions that enable and encourage the further examination of the factors impacting fair trade supply chains, as well as identify approaches to improve social sustainability in SCM practice.

Social implications

– As the aim of fair trade is to rebalance inequities inherent in North–South trading relationships, further work in this area has the potential for positive economic, environmental and social impact.

Originality/value

– The paper discusses two key themes: whether fair trade is changing SCM practices, and whether fair trade is a source of competitive advantage in supply chains. Using established theory to develop research questions encourages further examination of this important topic.
Benchmarking carbon emissions performance in supply chains
Authors: Acquaye Adolf , Genovese Andrea , Barrett John , Lenny Koh S.C.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to develop a benchmarking framework to address issues such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data, ensuring that the entire supply chain environmental impact (in terms of carbon) and resource use for all tiers, including domestic and import flows, are evaluated. Benchmarking has become an important issue in supply chain management practice. However, challenges such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data have limited the development of approaches for evaluating performances of product supply chains. This industry-level benchmarking approach ensures that individual firms can compare their carbon emissions against other similarly structured firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Benchmarking has become an important issue in supply chain management practice. However, challenges such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data have limited the development of approaches for evaluating performances of product supply chains. The paper aims to develop a benchmarking framework to address these issues, ensuring that the entire supply chain environmental impact (in terms of carbon) and resource use for all tiers, including domestic and import flows, are evaluated. This industry-level benchmarking approach ensures that individual firms can compare their carbon emissions against other similarly structured firms.

Findings

– Supply chain carbon maps are developed as a means of producing industry-level benchmarks to set a measure for the environmental sustainability of product supply chains. The industry-level benchmark provides the first step for firms to manage the environmental performance, identify and target high carbon emission hot-spots and for cross-sectorial benchmarking.

Originality/value

– The paper links the theoretical development of supply chain environmental system based on the Multi-Regional Input–Output model to the innovative development of supply chain carbon maps, such that an industry-level benchmarking framework is produced as a means of setting product supply chain carbon emissions benchmarks.
Do supply management and global sourcing matter for firm sustainability performance?
Authors: Gualandris Jury , Golini Ruggero , Kalchschmidt Matteo
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has on company’s sustainability performance (both environmental and social), the direct and the indirect impacts that traditional supply management (SM) has on such performance and the effect that global sourcing exerts on the relationships involving SM, SSCM and firm sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical data were obtained from the fifth edition of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. The sample consists of 336 assembly manufacturing companies from 21 countries. Data were collected in 2009. The authors apply a moderated mediation analysis to analyse the role of SM and SSCM, and also perform a multi-group analysis to verify the moderation effect played by global sourcing.

Findings

– First, SSCM improves sustainability performance (both environmental and social) of the company that implements it. Then, SM plays a complex role, as it fosters the adoption of SSCM and makes SSCM more effective. Interestingly, these results are valid for bothLocals(i.e. companies sourcing mainly within their continent) andGlobals(i.e. companies that have relevant international supply relationships). However, forLocalsonly, SM also produces a direct effect on sustainability performance of the company.

Originality/value

– Findings provide empirical evidence that supports previous theoretical works. Furthermore, this paper expands the literature by shedding light on the multifaceted role of SM and on the moderating role of global sourcing. Results are useful to practitioners and researchers interested in developing their understanding of how sustainability at the company level is related to supply chain management.
Determining and applying sustainable supplier key performance indicators
Authors: Bai Chunguang , Sarkis Joseph
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to identify sustainable supply chain key performance indicators (KPI) that can then be used for sustainability performance evaluation for suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Initially the complexity of sustainable supply chain performance measurement is discussed. Then, a two-stage method utilizing neighborhood rough set theory to identify KPI and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to benchmark and evaluate relative performance using the KPI is completed. Additional analysis is performed to determine the sensitivity of the KPI set formation and performance results.

Findings

– The results show that KPI can be determined using neighborhood rough set, and DEA performance results provide insight into relative performance of suppliers. The supply chain sustainability performance results from both the neighborhood rough set and DEA can be quite sensitive parameters selected and sustainability KPI sets that were determined.

Research limitations/implications

– The data utilized in this study are illustrative and simulated. Only one model for the neighborhood rough set and DEA was utilized. Additional investigations using a variation of rough set and DEA models can be completed.

Practical implications

– This tool set is valuable for managers to help identify sustainable supply chain KPI (from among hundreds of potential measures) and evaluate sustainability performance of various units within supply chains, including supply chain partners, departments, projects and programs.

Social implications

– Sustainability incorporates many business, economic and social implications. The methods introduced in this paper can help organizations and their supply chains become more strategically and operationally sustainable.

Originality/value

– Few tools and techniques exist in the sustainable supply chain literature to help develop KPIs and evaluate sustainability performance of suppliers and the supply chain. This paper is one of the first that integrates neighborhood rough set and DEA to address this important sustainable supply chain performance measurement issue.
A step-by-step process for transforming contentious disagreements into creative collaboration
Authors: Edward Freeman R. , E. Haskins Mark
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The authors propose that “root cause analysis,” coupled with critical thinking, is applicable to understanding and resolving contentious disagreements that arise from time to time within management teams. By subjecting the disagreement to a step-by-step analytical process, a rich array of considerations often surfaces, a more expansive discussion ensues, and the decided course of action is likely to be more wholeheartedly embraced.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors demonstrate how leaders can resolve conflicts productively by creating a culture of candor and methodically exploring the root cause underlying critical management team disagreements. They have organized the process into three parts.

Findings

– When a management team acknowledges and addresses “[…]the disagreement and they start to look for the real issue and separate the symptoms from the causes,” that is when the potential for positive outcomes arises and disagreement recedes.

Practical implications

– The authors show that a guided, analytical root-cause process for resolving disagreements is a worthy addition to every strategic leader’s tool kit.

Originality/value

– This step-by-step process is easy for a leaders at all levels to internalize and practice.
Graphene sensors: a review of recent developments
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in nanosensors based on graphene.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following an introduction, this paper first considers some of the motivations for using graphene in sensors. It then describes a selection of recently reported graphene nanosensors for detecting physical variables, gases, chemical species and biological agents. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

– Graphene exhibits a number of unique properties that make it an intriguing candidate for use in sensors. Research is still at a relatively early stage, but prototype sensors have been demonstrated which respond to numerous physical, molecular and biological variables.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a timely review of the use of graphene in sensors.
Bluetooth parking access control
Authors: Stankovski Stevan , Ostojic Gordana , Djukic Nikola , Tegeltija Srdjan , Milojkovic Aleksandar
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach of using mobile phones with Bluetooth technology to enter/exit restricted area.

Design/methodology/approach

– Applied Bluetooth technology implemented in mobile phones enables the user to perform the identification and the state of presence while entering/exiting the parking space without stopping the vehicle. For the successful implementation of this method for presence detection and proper identification, it is necessary to determine the values of the Bluetooth signal.

Findings

– This paper discuses a case study that has been done at entry/exit of parking lots. The obtained experimental results show that mobile phones with the Bluetooth technology can be successfully applied as presence detection sensors, as well as in processes for the identification of the user/object in the move.

Practical implications

– The paper gives a primer how mobile phones with Bluetooth technology, in addition to their basic purpose, can be used as identification devices to enter/exit restricted area.

Originality/value

– The users have possibilities to access restricted area using a common device – a mobile phone with Bluetooth technology. Successful implementation of developed access control system is based on determining the proper value of the Bluetooth signal strength field that extends around the control cabinet in which the Bluetooth devices are situated.
Optimising maintenance cost performance with skilled technicians
Authors: Peng Au-Yong Cheong , Shah Ali Azlan , Ahmad Faizah
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– High-maintenance cost is the common issue in building industry due to low service quality of maintenance management in Malaysia. Lack of preventive measure is the problem that implicates poor maintenance performance. Scheduled maintenance is suggested to improve the maintenance performance. However, the effectiveness of scheduled maintenance can be greatly influenced by the availability of skilled technicians. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the aspects of skilled technician to be concerned in maintenance management, as well as to establish the relationship between the aspects and maintenance cost performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative approach is adopted and carried out through questionnaire survey. Furthermore, descriptive analysis and correlation analysis are used to analyse the research data.

Findings

– The literature review identifies three aspects of skilled technician to be concerned in maintenance management. Then, research result demonstrates that the skill and knowledge of technician is significantly correlated to the maintenance cost variance. The skill and knowledge of technician must be considered in maintenance planning and execution.

Originality/value

– The research recommends the maintenance management to employ skilled technician through thorough hiring process and to encourage the existing maintenance staff for participating the relevant training, workshop, or seminar.
Design principles for improving the process of publishing open data
Authors: Zuiderwijk Anneke , Janssen Marijn , Choenni Sunil , Meijer Ronald
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to derive design principles for improving the open data publishing process of public organizations. Although governments create large amounts of data, the publication of open data is often cumbersome and there are no standard procedures and processes for opening data, blocking the easy publication of government data.

Design/methodology/approach

– Action design research (ADR) was used to derive design principles. The literature was used as a foundation, and discussion sessions with civil servants were used to evaluate the usefulness of the principles.

Findings

– Barriers preventing easy and low-cost publication of open data were identified and connected to design principles, which can be used to guide the design of an open data publishing process. Five new principles are: start thinking about the opening of data at the beginning of the process; develop guidelines, especially about privacy and policy sensitivity of data; provide decision support by integrating insight in the activities of other actors involved in the publishing process; make data publication an integral, well-defined and standardized part of daily procedures and routines; and monitor how the published data are reused.

Research limitations/implications

– The principles are derived using ADR in a single case. A next step can be to investigate multiple comparative case studies and detail the principles further. We recommend using these principles to develop a reference architecture.

Practical implications

– The design principles can be used by public organizations to improve their open data publishing processes. The design principles are derived from practice and discussed with practitioners. The discussions showed that the principles could improve the publication process.

Social implications

– Decreasing the barriers for publishing open government data could result in the publication of more open data. These open data can then be used to stimulate various public values, such as transparency, accountability, innovation, economic growth and informed decision- and policymaking.

Originality/value

– Publishing data by public organizations is a complex and ill-understood activity. The lack of suitable business processes and the unclear division of responsibilities block publication of open data. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting design principles which can be used to improve the open data publishing process of public sector organizations.
Functionality and prevalence of trehalose‐based oligosaccharides as novel compatible solutes in ascospores of Neosartorya fischeri (Aspergillus fischeri) and other fungi
Authors: Wyatt Timon T. , van Leeuwen M. Richard , Golovina Elena A. , Hoekstra Folkert A. , Kuenstner Eric J. , Palumbo Edward A. , Snyder Nicole L. , Visagie Cobus , Verkennis Alex , Hallsworth John E. , Wösten Han A.B. , Dijksterhuis Jan
Published: July 2014

Ascospores of Neosartorya, Byssochlamys and Talaromyces can be regarded as the most stress‐resistant eukaryotic cells. They can survive exposure at temperatures as high as 85°C for 100 min or more. Neosartorya fischeri ascospores are more viscous and more resistant to the combined stress of heat and desiccation than the ascospores of Talaromyces macrosporus which contain predominantly trehalose. These ascospores contain trehalose‐based oligosaccharides (TOS) that are novel compatible solutes, which are accumulated to high levels. These compounds are also found in other members of the genus Neosartorya and in some other genera within the order Eurotiales that also include Byssochlamys and Talaromyces. The presence of oligosaccharides was observed in species that had a relatively high growth temperature. TOS glasses have a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than trehalose, and they form a stable glass with crystallizing molecules, such as mannitol. Our data indicate that TOS are important for prolonged stabilization of cells against stress. The possible unique role of these solutes in protection against dry heat conditions is discussed.
Network analysis reveals that bacteria and fungi form modules that correlate independently with soil parameters
Authors: de Menezes Alexandre B. , Prendergast‐Miller Miranda T. , Richardson Alan E. , Toscas Peter , Farrell Mark , Macdonald Lynne M. , Baker Geoff , Wark Tim , Thrall Peter H.
Published: July 2014

Network and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine interactions between bacterial and fungal community terminal restriction length polymorphisms as well as soil properties in paired woodland and pasture sites. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that shifts in woodland community composition correlated with soil dissolved organic carbon, while changes in pasture community composition correlated with moisture, nitrogen and phosphorus. Weighted correlation network analysis detected two distinct microbial modules per land use. Bacterial and fungal ribotypes did not group separately, rather all modules comprised of both bacterial and fungal ribotypes. Woodland modules had a similar fungal : bacterial ribotype ratio, while in the pasture, one module was fungal dominated. There was no correspondence between pasture and woodland modules in their ribotype composition. The modules had different relationships to soil variables, and these contrasts were not detected without the use of network analysis. This study demonstrated that fungi and bacteria, components of the soil microbial communities usually treated as separate functional groups as in aCCAapproach, were co‐correlated and formed distinct associations in these adjacent habitats. Understanding these distinct modular associations may shed more light on their niche space in the soil environment, and allow a more realistic description of soil microbial ecology and function.
Now You See It: Now You Don't! Issues of Secularity and Secularisation in Publicly Funded Elementary Schools in the Australian Colonies during the Middle Third of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Ely Richard
Published: July 2014

This article opens and ends with reference to two interlinked studies: Charles Taylor's 2007 A Secular Age, and his 2011 Dilemmas and Connections: Selected Essays. These are often magnificent but sometimes flawed works. This article aims to explore the implications and ramifications of Taylor's failure to discuss, in either study, nineteenth‐century provision for secular instruction by government elementary schools in Ireland, Great Britain, and the Australian colonies. What these did or did not mean should have been grist to Taylor's mill, especially since, in these places (and other English‐speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and New Zealand) “secular instruction” provisions soon attracted energetic imputations of infidelity and atheism, as well as support. “Secular Instruction” Acts in two Australian colonies (Victoria in 1872, South Australia in 1851 and 1875) are here considered in detail, for these, especially the Victorian, were interpreted by some then and more recently as emphatically secular (in the sense of “Godless”). My argument is that this emphatic secularity, for emphatic it often was, mostly should not be read as “Godless” but as an often Protestant‐inflected statutory expression — of the kind usefully defined — by reference to an ideal type — as “Civic Protestantism.”
Geographical indication regulation and intra‐trade in the European Union
Authors: Sorgho Zakaria , Larue Bruno
Published: July 2014

Protection of indications of geographical origin (GIs) can reduce information asymmetry between producers and consumers, and potentially enhance trade. However, GIs can also possibly divert trade. We rely on panel data about agri‐food trade among the 27 countries of the European Union to investigate these issues using variations of estimators proposed by Head and Mayer () and Santos Silva and Tenreyro (). Our findings suggest that the protection of GIs creates trade when the importing and exporting countries have GI‐protected products. There is also empirical evidence regarding a trade‐diverting effect when the importing country does not have GIs and a border enlargement effect arising from European GI‐protection.
Agritourism and off‐farm work: survival strategies for small farms
Authors: Khanal Aditya R. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: July 2014

This study considers agritourism and off‐farm work as income diversification choices simultaneously and analyzes factors influencing such choices. Further, the study assesses the impact of agritourism, off‐farm work, and both on gross cash farm income and total farm household income. We utilized large set of nationwide farm survey data and selectivity‐based multinomial choice model. An important finding of our study is that small farms have higher household income if they choose both income diversification strategies rather than a single strategy. Results suggest that education, age of the operator, financial condition, and location of the farm are important factors driving income diversification alternatives. Finally, our study indicates that accounting for selectivity is essential to ensure unbiased and consistent estimates.
Specific spatial distribution of caspase‐3 in normal lenses
Authors: Talebizadeh Nooshin , Yu Zhaohua , Kronschläger Martin , Hallböök Finn , Söderberg Per
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To determine the distribution of active caspase‐3 in rat eye lens epithelium.

Methods

In total, 120 sagittal sections from forty rats were assessed for active caspase‐3 labelling using immunohistochemistry. Lens epithelial cells were counted, and the fraction of active caspase‐3 labelled cells and their relative positions were identified in each section.

Results

Active caspase‐3 is present in normal lens epithelium. The active caspase‐3 expression was higher in the anterior pole of the lens. Probability of radial spatial distribution of labelling was fitted with a logistic model. The increase rate and the inflection point were estimated as CI (0.95) to 23 ± 3 cells and 114 ± 3 cells, respectively.

Conclusion

The gradually decreasing active caspase‐3 labelling from the anterior pole to the periphery suggests that active caspase‐3 may be involved in normal protein turnover caused by, for example, incident light.
Central hydrogen sulphide mediates ventilatory responses to hypercapnia in adult conscious rats
Authors: da Silva G. S. F. , Soriano R. N. , Kwiatkoski M. , Giusti H. , Glass M. L. , Branco L. G. S.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is endogenously produced and plays an important role as a modulator of neuronal functions; however, its modulatory role in the central CO2 chemoreception is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of endogenously produced H2S in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in adult conscious rats.

Methods

Cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) inhibitors (aminooxyacetate: AOA and propargylglycine: PAG respectively) and a H2S donor (sodium sulphide: Na2S) were microinjected into the fourth ventricle (4V). Ventilation (), oxygen consumption () and body temperature were recorded before (room air) and during a 30‐min CO2 exposure (hypercapnia, 7% CO2). Endogenous H2S levels were measured in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).

Results

Microinjection of Na2S (H2S donor), AOA (CBS inhibitor) or PAG (CSE inhibitor) did not affect baseline of the measured variables compared to control group (vehicle). In all experimental groups, hypercapnia elicited an increase in . However, AOA microinjection, but not PAG, attenuated the ventilatory response to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), whereas Na2S elicited a slight, not significant, enhancement. Moreover, endogenous H2S levels were found higher in the NTS after hypercapnia (P < 0.05) compared to room air (normoxia) condition.

Conclusion

There are a few reports on the role of gaseous transmitters in the control of breathing. Importantly, the present data suggest that endogenous H2S via the CBS–H2S pathway mediates the ventilatory response to hypercapnia playing an excitatory role.
Systematic review: the role of the gut microbiota in chemotherapy‐ or radiation‐induced gastrointestinal mucositis – current evidence and potential clinical applications
Authors: Touchefeu Y. , Montassier E. , Nieman K. , Gastinne T. , Potel G. , Bruley des Varannes S. , Le Vacon F. , de La Cochetière M. F.
Published: July 2014

Background

Gastrointestinal mucositis is defined as inflammation and/or ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract occurring as a complication of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and affects about 50% of all cancer patients.

Aim

To assess the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal mucositis and the potential for manipulations of the microbiota to prevent and to treat mucositis.

Methods

Search of the literature published in English using Medline, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, with main search terms ‘intestinal microbiota’, ‘bacteremia’, ‘mucositis’, ‘chemotherapy‐induced diarrhoea’, ‘chemotherapy‐induced mucositis’, ‘radiotherapy‐induced mucositis’.

Results

The gut microbiota plays a major role in the maintenance of intestinal homoeostasis and integrity. Patients receiving cytotoxic and radiation therapy exhibit marked changes in intestinal microbiota, with most frequently, decrease in Bifidobacterium, Clostridium cluster XIVa, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteroides. These modifications may contribute to the development of mucositis, particularly diarrhoea and bacteraemia. The prevention of cancer therapy‐induced mucositis by probiotics has been investigated in randomised clinical trials with some promising results. Three of six trials reported a significantly decreased incidence of diarrhoea. One trial reported a decrease in infectious complications.

Conclusions

The gut microbiota may play a major role in the pathogenesis of mucositis through the modification of intestinal barrier function, innate immunity and intestinal repair mechanisms. Better knowledge of these effects may lead to new therapeutic approaches and to the identification of predictive markers of mucositis.
If you can't stand the heat, get into the kitchen: obligatory passage points and mutually supported impediments at the climate–development interface
Authors: Simon Gregory L
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the recent integration of cookstove dissemination activities into the global carbon economy. The concepts mutually supported impediments and obligatory passage points are used to advance our understanding of win–win outcomes at the climate–technology–development interface. Focusing on the recent integration of cookstove dissemination activities into the global carbon economy, these concepts provide a theoretical foundation for advancing geographical perspectives on the spatial allocation of control over technology‐based development projects. Each concept highlights household cooking spaces as informal sites for activating alternative development potentials under carbon financing. Given that programme success – in both development and climate objective areas – ultimately rests on the willingness of female stove‐users to adopt improved cooking technologies and commit to their long‐term use, this paper articulates a clear framework that emphasises the need for close and substantive dialogue between project officers, local manufacturers and targeted households; hence the need for diverse programme decision makers to 'get into the kitchen' when generating strategies that improve both household‐scale development and carbon‐reduction outcomes.
Clinical trials of medicines in neonates: the influence of ethical and practical issues on design and conduct
Authors: Turner Mark A.
Published: July 2014

In the past, there has been a perception that ethical and practical problems limit the opportunities for research in neonates. This perception is no longer appropriate. It is now clear that research about the medicines used in neonates is an ethical requirement. It is possible to conduct high quality research in neonates if the research team adapt to the characteristics of this population. Good practice involves respecting the specific needs of newborn babies and their families by adopting relevant approaches to study design, recruitment, pharmacokinetic studies and safety assessment. Neonatal units have a unique culture that requires careful development in a research setting. Clinical investigators need to recognize the clinical and ethical imperative to conduct rigorous research. Industry needs to engage with neonatal networks early in the process of drug development, preferably before contacting regulatory agencies. Follow‐up over 3–5 years is essential for the evaluation of medicines in neonates and explicit funding for this is required for the assessment of the benefit and risk of treatments given to sick newborn babies. The views of parents must be central to the development of studies and the research agenda. Ethical and practical problems are no longer barriers to research in neonates. The current challenges are to disseminate good practice and maximize capacity in order to meet the need for research among newborn babies.
A technique for tracking the reading rate to identify the e‐book reading behaviors and comprehension outcomes of elementary school students
Authors: Huang Yueh‐Min , Liang Tsung‐Ho
Published: July 2014

Tracking individual reading behaviors is a difficult task, as is carrying out real‐time recording and analysis throughout the reading process, but these aims are worth pursuing. In this study, the reading rate is adopted as an indicator to identify different reading behaviors and comprehension outcomes. A reading rate tracking technique is thus developed with an Interactive E‐book Learning System (IELS), and this study examines whether the reading rate detected by this system can properly reflect the actual reading behaviors and comprehension outcomes of users. A total of 500 quantitative records were collected from the reading profiles of 43 fifth‐grade students, separated into two groups for oral and silent reading behaviors, and then analyzed to reveal the reading rates accounting for specific reading behaviors and comprehension outcomes. Our findings indicate that the reading rate can accurately reflect students' reading behaviors. In addition, a somewhat positive correlation between reading rates and comprehension outcomes was only found in the silent reading group. By using the technique presented in this work, the reading behaviors related to e‐books can be easily interpreted based on the reading rate over time throughout the reading process, something that is much more difficult when using printed books. Based on the results of this work, it is anticipated that educators can get better insights into students' behaviors with regard to reading, so as to deliver more personalized and effective instruction.
Culture: Copying, Compression, and Conventionality
Authors: Tamariz Mónica , Kirby Simon
Published: July 2014

Through cultural transmission, repeated learning by new individuals transforms cultural information, which tends to become increasingly compressible (Kirby, Cornish, & Smith, ; Smith, Tamariz, & Kirby, ). Existing diffusion chain studies include in their design two processes that could be responsible for this tendency: learning (storing patterns in memory) and reproducing (producing the patterns again). This paper manipulates the presence of learning in a simple iterated drawing design experiment. We find that learning seems to be the causal factor behind the increase in compressibility observed in the transmitted information, while reproducing is a source of random heritable innovations. Only a theory invoking these two aspects of cultural learning will be able to explain human culture's fundamental balance between stability and innovation.