bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fentanyl Utility Function
Authors: Boom Merel , Olofsen Erik , Neukirchen Meike , Fussen René , Hay Justin , Jan Groeneveld Geert , Aarts Leon , Sarton Elise , Dahan Albert
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

Integrating opioid risk and benefit into a single function may give a useful single measure of the opioid’s positive and negative effects. An explorative study on the effects of fentanyl on antinociception and respiratory depression was performed to construct fentanyl risk–benefit (utility) functions.

Methods:

Twelve volunteers received a 3.5-μg/kg fentanyl intravenous injection on 2 separate study days. On one occasion, ventilation at a clamped increased carbon dioxide concentration was measured and on another the pain tolerance to electrical stimulation. In both sessions, arterial plasma samples were obtained. The data were analyzed with a population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model. A simulation study was performed, using the model parameter estimates and their variances, in which simulated subjects received 3.5 μg/kg of fentanyl. The resultant distributions were used to calculate the utility functions, defined as the probability of at least 50% analgesia (an increase in pain tolerance by ≥50%) minus the probability of at least 50% respiratory depression (a reduction in ventilation by ≥50%). Utility functions were constructed in concentration and time domains.

Results:

Fentanyl produced significant respiratory depression and analgesia. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models adequately described the data. The constructed utility functions were negative at effect-site concentrations of greater than 0.5 ng/ml in the first 90 min after the 3.5 μg/kg bolus infusion.

Conclusions:

Utility functions based on fentanyl’s experimental effects on respiration and pain relief were successfully constructed. These functions are useful in multiple effect comparisons among experimental drugs. Further studies are required to assess whether this risk–benefit analysis is valuable in clinical practice.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Liver in Children
Authors: Nagarajan Sudhan , Jayabose Somasundaram , McBride Whitney , Prasadh Indu , Tanjavur Vijayakumar , Marvin Michael R. , Rodriguez‐Davalos Manuel I.
Published: June 2013

Inflammatory pseudotumors, now more aptly termed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), are uncommon benign neoplasms, which have been reported in most organs and tissues in the body. Originally described and commonly found in the lung, they are also found in the liver of children and adults. We review the literature and analyze the features of the hepatic IMTs reported in children, along with a case report of a 15‐month‐old boy who had a persistent IMT in the liver and underwent surgical resection for the same following a trial of conservative management.
Bioenergetics in human evolution and disease: implications for the origins of biological complexity and the missing genetic variation of common diseases
Authors: Wallace Douglas C.
Published: June 2013

Two major inconsistencies exist in the current neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory that random chromosomal mutations acted on by natural selection generate new species. First, natural selection does not require the evolution of ever increasing complexity, yet this is the hallmark of biology. Second, human chromosomal DNA sequence variation is predominantly either neutral or deleterious and is insufficient to provide the variation required for speciation or for predilection to common diseases. Complexity is explained by the continuous flow of energy through the biosphere that drives the accumulation of nucleic acids and information. Information then encodes complex forms. In animals, energy flow is primarily mediated by mitochondria whose maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for key genes for energy metabolism. In mammals, the mtDNA has a very high mutation rate, but the deleterious mutations are removed by an ovarian selection system. Hence, new mutations that subtly alter energy metabolism are continuously introduced into the species, permitting adaptation to regional differences in energy environments. Therefore, the most phenotypically significant gene variants arise in the mtDNA, are regional, and permit animals to occupy peripheral energy environments where rarer nuclear DNA (nDNA) variants can accumulate, leading to speciation. The neutralist–selectionist debate is then a consequence of mammals having two different evolutionary strategies: a fast mtDNA strategy for intra-specific radiation and a slow nDNA strategy for speciation. Furthermore, the missing genetic variation for common human diseases is primarily mtDNA variation plus regional nDNA variants, both of which have been missed by large, inter-population association studies.
The microstructure and mass transport during friction welding of ductile cast iron
Authors: Kaczorowski Mieczysław , Winiczenko Radosław
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The results of a study of friction welding of ductile cast iron using stainless steel interlayer are presented. Based on the microstructure evolution at the region close to the ductile cast iron‐stainless steel interface, the phenomena accompanying the process of joining were evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to take a closer look into metallurgical phenomena accompanying the friction welding of ductile cast iron.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, ductile cast iron and austenitic‐stainless steel are welded using the friction welding method. The tensile strength of the joints was determined using a conventional tensile test machine. Moreover, the hardness across the interface ductile cast iron‐stainless steel interface was measured on a metallographic specimen. The microstructure of the joints was examined using light metallography as well as electron microscopy. In this case, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied. Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDS) was carried out across the section of friction welded ductile iron‐stainless steel interface.

Findings

On the basis of careful analysis of experimental data it was concluded that the process of friction welding was accompanied with diffusion of Cr, Ni and C atoms across the ductile cast iron‐stainless steel interface. This leads to an increase of carbon concentration in stainless steel where chromium carbides were formed, the size and distribution of which was dependent on the distance from the interface.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to contribute to the literature on friction welding of ductile cast iron.
Tribological behavior of Si3N4 sliding against Dy−sialon ceramics under lubrication of phosphazene lubricants
Authors: Zhu Jiamei , Liu Weimin , Chu Ruizhi , Meng Xianliang
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of Si3N4 sliding against Dy−sialon ceramics lubricated by two novel phosphazenes bridged fluorophenoxycyclotriphosphazene (coded as L‐2P) and metal halide‐stabilized linear phosphazene derivatives (coded as LMZn‐3). The traditional phosphazene tetrakis (3‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐bis(4‐fluorophenoxy) – cyclotriphosphazene (X‐1P) was also tested as the reference.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubricity characteristics of phosphazene derivatives were evaluated on an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester. The morphology of the worn sialon surface was analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS).

Findings

The two novel phosphazenes are effective lubricants for Dy−sialon and show superior tribological properties to traditional phosphazene X‐1P and glycerol. Among all lubricants, linear phosphazene LMZn‐3 exhibits the lowest wear volume loss at 20°C or 100°C. Moreover, LMZn‐3 and L‐2P show much better antiwear ability than X‐1P under higher load than 60N. The decreased friction coefficient and wear volume of Dy−sialon ceramics under lubrication of the phosphazene lubricants are attributed to the tribochemical products mainly consisting of organic oxyfluoride or carbonfluoride species and silicon fluoride.

Research limitations/implications

The paper deals with only limited compounds. The paper works on the subject progressively to explore more combinations for better tribological properties.

Practical implications

The phosphazene derivatives present better tribological performance used as base oils and additives.

Originality/value

There are few data about other phosphazene with different structures, such as bridged cyclotriphosphazene and metal halide‐stabilized linear phosphazene, used as lubricants for ceramics materials.
Integrating management systems: does the location matter?
Authors: Simon Alexandra , Douglas Alex
Published: June 2013

Purpose

In this article, the authors aim to start from the premise that management system standards (MSSs), such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, should not be considered individually, but in conjunction with other systems, because of the similarities and parallelisms among them and the potential benefits of adopting an integrated management system (IMS). This paper attempts to compare the usage of integrated management systems in two of the European countries with more tradition in the field of management systems standardization: England and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

As an exploratory study, the authors used a case study approach based on the results of a questionnaire administered to quality and environmental managers working in firms registered to at least both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards in the two countries.

Findings

The results of this exploratory study reveal some differences regarding the integration practices between the English and the Spanish organizations, namely in the audit process and in the difficulties and benefits encountered during the implementation of the IMS.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the sample size, as the results of six organizations are not representative of the whole population. However, as an exploratory study, the results that the authors find can be useful for the analysis of the geographical dimension of IMS.

Originality/value

The results of the study contribute to characterize a phenomenon that occurs in many countries, the integration of management systems. The article helps to understand whether and how the location of companies impacts on the integration of MSSs. This is, as far as the authors know, the first empirical paper that tackles this topic.
How prevention curricula are taught under real‐world conditions
Authors: Miller‐Day Michelle , Pettigrew Jonathan , Hecht Michael L. , Shin YoungJu , Graham John , Krieger Janice
Published: June 2013

Purpose

As interventions are disseminated widely, issues of fidelity and adaptation become increasingly critical to understand. This study aims to describe the types of adaptations made by teachers delivering a school‐based substance use prevention curriculum and their reasons for adapting program content.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the degree to which implementers adhere to a prevention curriculum, naturally adapt the curriculum, and the reasons implementers give for making adaptations, the study examined lesson adaptations made by the 31 teachers who implemented the keepin’ it REAL drug prevention curriculum in 7th grade classrooms (n=25 schools). Data were collected from teacher self‐reports after each lesson and observer coding of videotaped lessons. From the total sample, 276 lesson videos were randomly selected for observational analysis.

Findings

Teachers self‐reported adapting more than 68 percent of prevention lessons, while independent observers reported more than 97 percent of the observed lessons were adapted in some way. Types of adaptations included: altering the delivery of the lesson by revising the delivery timetable or delivery context; changing content of the lesson by removing, partially covering, revising, or adding content; and altering the designated format of the lesson (such as assigning small group activities to students as individual work). Reasons for adaptation included responding to constraints (time, institutional, personal, and technical), and responding to student needs (students’ abilities to process curriculum content, to enhance student engagement with material).

Research limitations/implications

The study sample was limited to rural schools in the US mid‐Atlantic; however, the results suggest that if programs are to be effectively implemented, program developers need a better understanding of the types of adaptations and reasons implementers provide for adapting curricula.

Practical implications

These descriptive data suggest that prevention curricula be developed in shorter teaching modules, developers reconsider the usefulness of homework, and implementer training and ongoing support might benefit from more attention to different implementation styles.

Originality/value

With nearly half of US public schools implementing some form of evidence‐based substance use prevention program, issues of implementation fidelity and adaptation have become paramount in the field of prevention. The findings from this study reveal the complexity of the types of adaptations teachers make naturally in the classroom to evidence‐based curricula and provide reasons for these adaptations. This information should prove useful for prevention researchers, program developers, and health educators alike.
Styles of adaptation
Authors: Hansen William B. , Pankratz Melinda M. , Dusenbury Linda , Giles Steven M. , Bishop Dana C. , Albritton Jordan , Albritton Lauren P. , Strack Joann
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To be effective, evidence‐based programs should be delivered as prescribed. This suggests that adaptations that deviate from intervention goals may limit a program's effectiveness. This study aims to examine the impact that number and quality of adaptations have on substance use outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined 306 video recordings of teachers delivering “All Stars”, a middle school drug prevention program. Multiple observers coded each recording, noting the number and type of adaptation each teacher made. Each adaptation was given a valence rating. Adaptations that were deleterious to program goals received negative valence ratings; positive ratings were given for adaptations that were likely to facilitate achievement of program goals; neutral ratings were given to adaptations that were expected to have neither a positive nor negative impact on program goals.

Findings

All teachers made adaptations. Teachers were consistent across time in the types of adaptations they made, suggesting each teacher has a personalized style of adapting. Those who made few adaptations, and whose average adaptation was rated as being positive had a higher percentage of students who remained non‐drug users. In contrast, teachers who made many adaptations, whether their average valence rating was positive, neutral or negative, failed to have as many students remain non‐drug users. Measures of fidelity, including quality of delivery and teacher understanding, were related to valence of adaptations, with better performance related to making positive adaptations.

Practical implications

Through training and supervision, teachers should be guided and encouraged to follow programs directions, making few adaptations and ensuring that adaptations that are made advance the goals of intervention. Programs should define acceptable and unacceptable ways they may be adapted.

Originality/value

This study provides significant evidence about the challenges that face disseminated evidence‐based programs.
An approach for exploring the dynamical behaviour of inhomogeneous structural inclusions under consideration of epistemic uncertainty
Authors: Weber Wolfgang , Reuter Uwe , Zastrau Bernd W.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the wave scattering behaviour of an inhomogeneous and eccentric inclusion in a homogeneous matrix material. Another purpose is to evaluate the influence of epistemic uncertainty on the wave scattering behaviour, particularly on the lack of knowledge about this eccentricity. This task calls for a multidisciplinary model.

Design/methodology/approach

The inclusion is modelled as a multi‐layered obstacle, with all layers being eccentric with respect to each other. The material behaviour of the embedding matrix is linear elastic and isotropic. In a multidisciplinary approach, the interaction of the inhomogeneous inclusion and the embedding matrix with respect to an incoming shear wave of arbitrary shape is solved analytically. The purely analytical solution process takes place in the frequency‐domain. Due to the lack of knowledge about the eccentric configuration of the matrix inclusion and its influence on the total wave field inside the matrix material, the mechanical model is coupled with fuzzy set theory for modelling this non‐stochastic uncertainty.

Findings

An analytical model for describing the wave scattering behaviour of an elastic matrix inclusion with eccentric set‐up is found and intimately connected with the framework of fuzzy set theory. Hence it is shown that the treatment of epistemic uncertainty with the derived analytical model is possible and fruitful. Additionally, it is shown that eccentric configurations lead to highly increased amplitudes with respect to the reference case of a concentric or even homogenous set‐up of the inclusion.

Originality/value

The value of this contribution is in the analytical model, which allows one to predict the wave scattering behaviour of eccentric configurations of multi‐layered fibres including the surrounding interphase, and its coupling with fuzzy set theory to cope with the epistemic uncertainty inherent in the geometric set‐up of the matrix inclusion.
Mechanical behaviour and damage evaluation by acoustic emission of composite materials
Authors: Ben Ammar I. , El Mahi A. , Karra C. , El Guerjouma R. , Haddar M.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanical behaviour of cross‐ply laminates under static tensile and buckling loading. Different cross‐ply laminates constituting of carbon fibers (CFRP), hybrid fibers (HFRP) and glass ﬁbers (GFRP) in an epoxy matrix were considered. This work is also interested in identifying and characterizing the local damage in the composites with the use of acoustic emission method (AE).

Design/methodology/approach

The cross‐ply laminates are differentiated by the stacking sequences, thickness of 90° oriented layers and reinforcement. They are subjected to the static tensile and buckling load. The damage investigation is reached by the analysis of acoustic emission signals collected from static buckling tests.

Findings

The results show the effects of reinforcement type, stacking sequences and thicknesses ratio of 90° and 0° layers on the stiffness, failure load and displacement. A cluster analysis of acoustic emission data is achieved and the results are correlated to the damage mechanism of specimens under buckling tests.

Originality/value

The analysis of acoustic emission signals collected from static buckling tests under loading levels of 40, 60 and 100 per cent of the static failure load allows the damage investigation in cross‐ply laminates.
A model for sustainable business excellence: implementation and the roadmap
Authors: Amir Bolboli Seyed , Reiche Markus
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic model for reviewing business excellence (BE) concepts from a systemic perspective and to propose an implementation guideline intending to fill the gap between theory and practice of systems thinking in quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is an exploratory investigation into the business excellence implementation based on systems thinking. After an exhaustive review of literature about BE implementation frameworks, critical barriers and success factors, system‐based integration models and change management models, a methodology was developed which describes the process of designing and implementing a sustainable BE.

Findings

The outcome of this research is a roadmap of BE implementation for sustaining organizational excellence obtained from a meta‐model proposed in this study.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are relevant to all different sized organizations, in different sectors and industries, for managing dynamic and complex processes in order to guarantee a sustainable BE.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique roadmap for implementing BE in the light of systems thinking; such a roadmap has not been addressed in previous publications. When used properly, this roadmap can direct organizations toward sustainable excellence.
Entrepreneurship education and start‐up activity: a gender perspective
Authors: Johansen Vegard
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article seeks to evaluate whether entrepreneurship education (EE) in upper secondary schools promotes male and female start‐up activity. The Company programme (CP) reaches more than 200,000 European youths annually.

Design/methodology/approach

The control‐group design is methodologically strong, and the empirical data are from Norway. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,171 24‐25 year olds; 50 per cent of the respondents had been involved in CP in the period 2004‐2006, and 50 per cent had not. The analyses also control for other factors of relevance to start‐up activity.

Findings

Results from econometric analyses indicate a positive correlation between participation in CP and start‐up activity. The analyses also indicate that CP has more impact on male start‐up activity as compared to women.

Research limitations/implications

A lot of other influences occur between the participation in CP and the start‐up activity. Although CP may be associated with more start‐ups, these are not necessarily start‐ups of a higher quality, survival rate or growth potential. The analysis also conceals variations in start‐up activity among CP‐participants with regard to time spent on CP, position in the CP, and obligatory vs voluntary participation.

Practical implications

To promote start‐up activity among women more effectively, CP could be more focused on shaping confidence and increasing perceived competency among girls participating in the programme.

Social implications

One solution for how to increase start‐up activity among young men and women could be to offer EE within upper secondary schools.

Originality/value

The study measures experience with start‐up activity 6‐8 years after EE‐participation in upper secondary school, it compares the impact of EE on male and female business start‐ups, and the control‐group design is advantageous compared to previous studies.
Lesson study and practical thinking: a case study in Spain
Authors: Peña Trapero Noemí
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore lesson and learning study as a form of ongoing teacher training which allows teachers the opportunity to reconstruct their practical thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

This document begins with a theoretical introduction in which the author explains the nature and dimensions of practical thinking, its importance for the professional development of teachers, followed by the lesson studies themselves, outlining the case of a teacher involved in a research group based on this type of ongoing training.

Findings

With the subtle differences and changes proposed for the Spanish context, lesson studies can be a valuable tool in terms of encouraging reflection and the critical questioning of personal values, beliefs and assumptions about teaching, whilst also enabling the reconstruction of teachers’ practical knowledge, in particular their hidden beliefs, habits and emotions.

Originality/value

This article offers a new approach for lesson studies as a method of training which can improve practice through the reconstruction of the practical thinking of those involved.
Housing and planning regulation – England and Ireland
Authors: Baker Francine
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The paper will aim to examine the contemporary origins and development of the planning system and housing regulation in England and Ireland. One objective is to broadly explicate how the regulation of housing in England began, with reference to Ireland, and its relationship with the planning system. The other is to outline the swing in England from a hotchpotch decentralised system to a centralised, and back again sharply to decentralised approach to planning and the provision for housing, a swing unparalleled in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to consider the main influences on the regulation of planning and housing, with reference to historical, social and legal regulatory developments, and to broadly assess the role of centralised and decentralised systems.

Findings

The regulation of housing was an incidental product of the regulation of public health. The use of town and country planning principles could have assisted such regulation, but were unpopular until the development of a centralised system of planning in the 20th century. This has led to problems in Ireland for the delivery of local services. The change in England under the Localism Act to decentralized system is unlikely to achieve an effective use of local resources. It is unlikely that unwieldy new systems of decision‐making and funding arrangements will improve the provision of housing for low incomes and the poor. A balance between the use of both systems is required.

Originality/value

This paper assesses the impact of social, historical, administrative and legal changes that have impacted on the progress of the relationship between planning and housing regulation in England and Ireland over the last two centuries until the present day.
Why is service‐dominant logic based service system better?
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Ng Gloria , Min Choo Zhi , Firth Robert
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Research suggests that service‐dominant designs are superior to goods‐dominant; but why? The purpose of this paper is to answer three questions. First, in what way is a service system based on service‐dominant logic (SDL) superior to one based on goods‐dominant logic (GDL)? Second, which characteristics of the service system facilitate the co‐creation of value‐in‐context as perceived by the customer? Third, how do customers describe the contents of these characteristics?

Design/methodology/approach

In an experiment, the authors compared two different service systems designed with different mindsets. The experiment was carried out with a group of habitual bus travellers to plan a specific journey using two online service systems by two different organizations; one exhibited a goods‐dominant mindset, and the other a service‐dominant mindset. The subjects' opinions of the two systems were gathered, and sentiment analysis was performed on the opinions to uncover the rationale behind the operational superiority of an SDL‐based system in value co‐creation.

Findings

The sentiment analysis identified three key differentiators: intangibles; operant resources; and information symmetry as the reason why an SDL‐based service system is superior to a GDL‐based system. The study also identified specific attributes linked to the key differentiators that could be built into a service system design and verified during a review of that design.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research by: showing why an SDL based service system is superior to a GDL based one; proposing guidelines for service system design based on SDL to arrive at a favourable customer experience; and to managers by showing that customers have much to contribute in service development and realisation.
Informal economy as a “good” “bad practice”? Informal sale of medicines in Lomé
Authors: Worou‐Houndekon Rosaline D. , Pesqueux Yvon
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expound on the idea that informal economy is a “conforming” situation, based on the informal sale of medicines in Lomé.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study based on interviews.

Findings

The case makes it possible to understand that the quality‐price ratio mainly explains the existing practices, inducing an immediate satisfaction of the purchasers. Indeed, the average income in developing countries is very low and consumers are inclined to buy these products because of their low prices (i.e. “Bottom of the Pyramid” issues – BOP).

Research limitations/implications

To say that the informal economy “conforms to the rules” is to assert its institutional dimension and suggest it should be considered within the categories of institutionalization. It is also a scathing criticism of the logic of international organizations and CSR, one that is unlikely to crop up in the so‐called audited reports.

Practical implications

Informal economy gives rise to innovations and the development of a kind of entrepreneurship dissimilar to that of business schools and the very honorable “social entrepreneurs”. Concepts such as leadership, motivation, negotiation power, organizational learning, strategy, competitive advantage, diversity and the like have coherent materializations, albeit structurally different in origin from the received wisdom about them.

Social implications

The argument of this research is based on the observation that informal economy is a situation just as “conforming” as the formal economy. It should be mentioned that in economics, grassroots collective and non‐institutionalized action is referred to as “informal economy”. It is regarded as inseparable from the formal economy – as evidenced in the case of Togo's reform of public health policy following the Bamako Initiative and its consequences as studied in this paper – but receives less attention despite numerous studies.

Originality/value

This paper presents a real field study. The interviews were carried out near all the categories of actors implied in the drugs sales: wholesalers and retailers and customers (primary wholesalers, local dealers, retailers, patients).
Motives behind white‐collar crime: results of a quantitative and qualitative study in Germany
Authors: Cleff Thomas , Naderer Gabriele , Volkert Jürgen
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Knowledge on corporate crime still lags behind its far‐reaching economic significance. In order to learn more about the motives of corporate criminals, qualitative psychological interviews were conducted with convicted offenders to identify the critical motives behind the crimes. In a quantitative analysis the offender profiles were then systematically compared and validated with the help of court records from public prosecutors' offices in Germany. The purpose of this paper is to gain insights into the complex interaction of emotional, motivational and cognitive processes leading up to the crime in order to draw possible conclusions for how best to prevent and combat white‐collar crime.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to learn more about the motives of corporate criminals, thirteen qualitative psychological interviews were conducted with convicted delinquents in various penitentiaries. The focus was on fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust and corruption. In addition, the court files of 60 corporate criminals from 11 German public prosecutors' offices were analysed systematically in order to evaluate pivotal motives and propitious conditions for criminal behaviour along with characteristic personality traits of the perpetrators.

Findings

Five different criminal psychological profiles were identified that enable a better understanding of the motives behind white‐collar crime. The key point is to gain insight into the complex interaction of emotional, motivational and cognitive processes that lead to a criminal act in order to derive possible consequences for preventing and combating white‐collar crime. The results of the study reveal extremely disparate delinquent types that demand a mix of preventive measures and an adequate compliance management framework.

Originality/value

The results of the study reveal extremely disparate delinquent types that demand a mix of preventive measures and an adequate compliance management framework.
Grazing dampens the positive effects of shrub encroachment on ecosystem functions in a semi‐arid woodland
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Soliveres Santiago , Bowker Matthew A. , Val James
Published: June 2013

The encroachment of woody plants into grasslands, open woodlands and savannah has been widely reported over the past few decades. Overgrazing is a probable cause of shrub encroachment and could be a stronger driver of declining ecosystem structure and functioning in shrublands than encroachment per se. We examined the relative effects of changes in shrub cover and grazing rate on ecosystem functions at sandy and loamy sites in eastern Australia varying in shrub cover and grazing. Our aim was to test the notion that the negative effects on ecosystem functioning commonly attributed to encroachment are more likely due to grazing than to increase in shrub cover per se.

Structural equation modelling indicated a generally strong positive effect of increasing shrub cover, and a generally negative, or slight effect of grazing on multiple measures of ecosystem function related to plant productivity, water infiltration, nutrient cycling and surface stability.

On loamy soils, grazing generally dampened the positive effects of increasing shrub cover on most response variables. On sandy soils, however, although there were generally stronger effects of grazing, most attributes did not change in response to increasing shrub cover.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that, contrary to the prevailing opinion, increasing shrub cover was generally associated with increases (or no change) in functional and structural measures indicative of healthy systems. The dampening of the positive effects of shrub cover caused by grazing was site (soil texture) specific, reinforcing the notion that the effects of increasing shrub cover and their interaction with grazing are context dependent. Our study provides the basis for improved understanding and management of shrublands for a number of competing goals and suggests that managing grazing rates is a better strategy than focusing on shrub removal. Using low levels of grazing is likely to maximize the benefits from shrublands, such as the maintenance of biodiversity, water infiltration and C sequestration, while maintaining a productive herbaceous community.
Visible Ethnic Minorities in Local Political Parties: A Case Study of Two Belgian Cities (Antwerp and Ghent)
Authors: Celis Karen , Eelbode Floor , Wauters Bram
Published: June 2013

The central concern of this article is the extent of political party commitments to the inclusion of ethnic minorities. The study of two Belgian cities and four parties shows a marked discrepancy between the efforts to include ethnic minority candidates and their level of inclusion in the local party structures as individual members, as party officials or as a party subdivision. A possible explanation is that political parties only promote the representation of ethnic minorities out of concern for their own electoral competitiveness, and not based on an unconditional commitment to the full political integration of ethnic minorities.
NATO–Russia Relations and the Chinese Factor: An Ignored Variable
Authors: Kropatcheva Elena
Published: June 2013

NATO–Russia relations have usually been considered in isolation from the broader changing international context, but bipolarity no longer reflects reality. This essay revisits the NATO–Russia relationship by placing it in the context of ‘emerging powers’, in particular China. It demonstrates that the China factor has begun – often indirectly, but significantly – to affect Russia's NATO policy and NATO–Russia relations. Despite mistrust and problems, there is also considerable potential for co-operation among these three actors. While problems in NATO–Russia relations cannot be explained by the Chinese variable alone, it nevertheless offers new insights into some of the issues.
Biological control of the wheat root rot caused by Fusarium graminearum using some PGPR strains in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Moussa T.A.A. , Almaghrabi O.A. , Abdel‐Moneim T.S.
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected bacterial strains against the wheat soil‐borne pathogen Fusarium graminearum under greenhouse conditions. The most potent isolates were 3 isolates out of 18 isolates, which have numbers 3, 9 and 10 with in vitro inhibition index 42.5%, 41.3% and 46.3% respectively. Isolates 3 and 10 were selected for the following experiments. Isolates 3 and 10 were identified as Bacillus subtilis MAA03 and Pseudomonas fluorescens MAA10, respectively according to International Identification Keys and, confirmed by using Biolog system and 16S rDNA where the strains exhibited more than 99.5% sequence identity. Their close taxonomic relationship was further documented by phenotypic similarities. The using of B. subtilis and P. fluorescens separately or in mixture as biocontrol agent against F. graminearum on wheat significantly increased the final germination percent, the mean daily germination and germination index of wheat cultivar, while the mean germination time was significantly decreased relative to infested control. The final infection percent, the mean daily infection and infection index were decreased significantly, while the mean infection time was significantly increased relative to infested control. The use of P. fluorescens as biocontrol agent was the most efficient than B. subtilis or in mixture and the best treatment was seed coating. The application of B. subtilis and P. fluorescens separately or in combination significantly affected the growth parameters of wheat cultivar Tabuki, the root length was significantly increased in seed coating and seed soaking treatments, while non‐significantly decreased in case of soil drench treatment relative to infested control. Shoot length was significantly decreased in case of seed coating treatment relative to infested control. The shoot fresh and dry weights were significantly increased in seed coating and seed soaking treatments relative to infested control. The root fresh and dry weights were significantly increased in seed coating and seed soaking treatments relative to infested control. The number of leaves was significantly increased in all treatments relative to infested control.
Microscopic and biochemical aspects of sorghum resistance to anthracnose mediated by silicon
Authors: Resende R.S. , Rodrigues F.A. , Gomes R.J. , Nascimento K.J.T.
Published: June 2013

The use of silicon (Si) in agriculture has attracted a great deal of interest from researchers because of the numerous benefits of this element to plants, especially when they are submitted to abiotic and/or biotic types of stress. The host's increased resistance to diseases, promoted by Si, is mainly associated with the deposition of this element in the tissues and the potentiation of defence mechanisms. However, the mechanisms involved in Si‐mediated host resistance need to be further investigated. Thus, this study aimed to microscopically and biochemically elucidate the resistance of sorghum to anthracnose. In the leaves of plants supplied with Si, in addition to a greater deposition of Si at the infection sites, the acervuli were smaller in number compared to the leaves of plants not supplied with Si. Additionally, the activities of the defence enzymes peroxidases and polyphenoloxidases and the concentration of anthocyanins were higher in the leaves of plants supplied with Si. It can be concluded that Si, in addition to participate in the physical barrier that slows or prevents Colletotrichum sublineolum penetration in sorghum leaves, also plays a role in the biochemical aspect of sorghum resistance to anthracnose.
Employment status 1 year after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in comatose patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: KRAGHOLM K. , SKOVMOELLER M. , CHRISTENSEN A. L. , FONAGER K. , TILSTED H.‐H. , KIRKEGAARD H. , DE HAAS I. , RASMUSSEN B. S.
Published: June 2013

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia for comatose survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has improved survival and neurologic outcome. This study focused on return to work 1 year after therapeutic hypothermia.

Methods

From June 2004 to June 2009, patients between 18 and 65 years of age with OHCA, who were treated with hypothermia from two regions, representing one third of the national population, were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry, and from hospital and ambulance records. The patients' employment status was obtained from the Danish Ministry of Employment.

Results

One hundred thirty‐three comatose patients after OHCA treated with hypothermia were identified. One hundred and four (78%) patients were employed, or able to work, at the time of cardiac arrest. This particular group of patients showed significant lower in‐hospital mortality compared to the group of patients who were not able to work before cardiac arrest; 13% vs. 48%, respectively (P < 0.001). The workable group had a lower Charlson comorbidity score (P = 0.004), a higher incidence of witnessed cardiac arrest (P = 0.004) and a higher incidence of shockable heart rhythm (P < 0.001). Eighty‐seven patients (84%), who were able to work prior to cardiac arrest, survived, and 55 (65%) of these patients were employed or able to work at 1 year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The majority of patients employed, or able to work prior to OHCA, had returned to work at one year follow‐up. Predictors of return to work in comatose patients treated with hypothermia have to be identified in a larger‐scale study.
Electrical impedance tomography for verification of correct endotracheal tube placement in paediatric patients: a feasibility study
Authors: STEINMANN D. , ENGEHAUSEN M. , STILLER B. , GUTTMANN J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are frequently used in paediatric anaesthesia. Correct placement is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for guiding and confirmation of paediatric ETT placement. In a retrospective analysis of stored EIT data, distribution of ventilation between left and right lung was used to verify correct paediatric ETT placement.

Methods

Left and right lung ventilation was studied by EIT in 18 paediatric patients (median age: 53 months) requiring anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation. EIT was recorded before induction of anaesthesia, during mask ventilation, during ETT placement (including deliberate mainstem intubation), and after ETT repositioning according to the formula: ETT intubation depth (cm) = 3× ETT internal diameter (mm) or the mainstem intubation method (withdrawing the ETT 2 cm). Final ETT position was confirmed by fluoroscopy.

Results

Following deliberate mainstem intubation, distribution of ventilation to the right lung was unequivocally demonstrated by EIT. Homogeneous distribution of ventilation between left and right lung monitored with EIT correlated in each patient with correct endotracheal ETT placement. The distribution of left and right lung ventilation differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the initial two‐lung ventilation and subsequent right one‐lung ventilation, and between right one‐lung and subsequent two‐lung ventilation according to auscultation and the final ETT position, respectively. In one patient, ETT was misplaced within the oesophagus which was also obvious from the EIT record.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that EIT enables non‐invasive recognition of correct ETT placement. Homogeneous right‐left‐lung ventilation is an indicator for correct ETT placement.
The Presence of Epsilon Waves in All Precordial Leads (V1–V6) in a 13‐Year‐Old Boy with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)
Authors: Saprungruang Ankavipar , Tumkosit Monravee , Kongphatthanayothin Apichai
Published: June 2013

Electrocardiographic feature is included in the diagnostic criteria for arrthythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) based on the Revised Task Force criteria 2010. The epsilon wave, which reflects delayed conduction of the right ventricle, is considered to be one of the major diagnostic criteria. We reported a 13‐year‐old Thai boy with ARVD who presented with ventricular tachycardia. The presence of epsilon wave in all precordial leads (V1–V6) was observed in standard 12‐lead EKG. Extensive scarring of the right and left ventricle was seen on cardiac MRI. The extensive Epsilon wave found in this patient may reflect the extensive ventricular wall involvemen.
Gender Egalitarianism and Work–Life Balance for Managers: Multisource Perspectives in 36 Countries
Authors: Lyness Karen S. , Judiesch Michael K.
Published: June 2013

Work–life balance has important implications for both personal well‐being and work‐related outcomes. This study investigated gender differences in multisource ratings of work–life balance, based on self‐reports and supervisors' appraisals of 40,921 managers in 36 countries. Based on a combination of theoretical ideas from social role theory (Eagly & Wood, 2012), prior work–life literature, and gender egalitarianism as a cultural dimension related to societal gender roles, the study tested gender egalitarianism as a moderator of cross‐national variations in these gender differences. Based on multilevel (HLM) analyses, results showed more cross‐national variation by ratee gender in supervisors' appraisals than self‐reports, suggesting that supervisors' perceptions reflected greater influence of societal gender stereotypes. Supervisors rated women lower in work–life balance than men in low egalitarian countries, but similar to men in high egalitarian countries, and only appraisals of women varied depending on egalitarian context. Country gender egalitarian values explained the majority of variation in supervisors' appraisals of women's work–life balance, whereas women's self‐reported balance was linked to objective gender inequalities. Taken together, the findings show that supervisors' perceptions of employees' work–life balance differed by ratee gender and country context, with important implications for work–life theory and practical implications for global employers.
A phase II study of vorinostat (MK‐0683) in patients with polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Andersen Christen L. , McMullin Mary F. , Ejerblad Elisabeth , Zweegman Sonja , Harrison Claire , Fernandes Savio , Bareford David , Knapper Steven , Samuelsson Jan , Löfvenberg Eva , Linder Olle , Andreasson Bjørn , Ahlstrand Erik , Jensen Morten K. , Bjerrum Ole W. , Vestergaard Hanne , Larsen Herdis , Klausen Tobias W. , Mourits‐Andersen Torben , Hasselbalch Hans C.
Published: June 2013

Inhibition of histone deacetylases may be an important target in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. This investigator‐initiated, non‐randomized, open‐label phase II multi‐centre study included 63 patients (19 essential thrombocythaemia, 44 polycythaemia vera) from 15 centres. The primary objective was to evaluate if vorinostat was followed by a decline in clonal myeloproliferation as defined by European Leukaemia Net. Thirty patients (48%) completed the intervention period (24 weeks of therapy). An intention‐to‐treat response rate of 35% was identified. Pruritus was resolved [19% to 0% (P = 0·06)] and the prevalence of splenomegaly was lowered from 50% to 27% (P = 0·03). Sixty‐five per cent of the patients experienced a decrease in JAK2 V617F allele burden (P = 0·006). Thirty‐three patients (52% of patients) discontinued study drug before end of intervention due to adverse events (28 patients) or lack of response (5 patients). In conclusion, vorinostat showed effectiveness by normalizing elevated leucocyte and platelet counts, resolving pruritus and significantly reducing splenomegaly. However, vorinostat was associated with significant side effects resulting in a high discontinuation rate. A lower dose of vorinostat in combination with conventional and/or novel targeted therapies may be warranted in future studies.