bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curtain down and Nothing Settled: Global Sustainability Governance after the ‘Rio+20’ Earth Summit
Authors: Biermann Frank
Published: December 2013

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, was probably the largest event in a long series of megasummits on environmental protection and sustainable development. Roughly 44 000 participants descended on Rio de Janeiro to take part in ten days of preparatory committee meetings, informal consultations, side events, and the actual conference. Yet despite this unprecedented high attendance by participants from governments and civil society, the outcome of the conference is less than many had hoped for. In this paper I review the outcomes of the 2012 Rio conference in detail, with a special focus on its contributions towards the reform of the institutional framework for sustainable development. Following this review, I discuss the way ahead and options for structural reform to restrengthen earth system governance.
Hospital admissions caused by adverse drug events: an Australian prospective study
Authors: Phillips Alexandra L. , Nigro Olimpia , Macolino Karen A. , Scarborough Kirsty C. , Doecke Christopher J. , Angley Manya T. , Shakib Sepehr
Published: December 2013

Objective To assess the frequency of adverse drug event (ADE)-related admissions (ADE-RAs) during a prospective medical record review of patients admitted to a metropolitan tertiary referral hospital. Methods Potential ADE-RA cases were identified by examination of case records of randomly selected patients. Cases were assessed by an expert panel to measure study outcomes, which were the frequency (ADEs and ADE-RAs) as well as type, likelihood of causality, severity, avoidability and detection of ADEs. Results Of the 370 subjects, 59 (16.0%) had a confirmed ADE-RA, with 15 (4.1%) of these serious and preventable. The 59 ADE-RAs were a result of 72 discreet ADEs. Adverse drug reactions were the most common type of ADE, followed by non-compliance. Of the 72 discreet ADEs, 31.9% were classified as ‘probable’ or ‘highly probable’. Most ADEs (54.2%) were classified as ‘definitely avoidable’, 34.7% were classified as ‘severe’ and 21.8% were classified as both ‘definitely avoidable’ and ‘severe’. Half the ADEs were detected after the patient had been admitted and most were detected by medical practitioners. Antineoplastics followed by antidiabetic agents were most frequently implicated. Conclusions Implementing a systems approach that involves multiple strategies, such as improving tertiary-to-primary care information transfer and promoting medication adherence through education programs, is necessary to tackle the problem of avoidable ADE-RAs and the associated cost burden. What is known about the topic? It is estimated that 2–3% of Australian hospital admissions are due to adverse drug events (ADEs), but recent data are lacking. According to the Australian Statistics on Medicines, over 250 million prescriptions were dispensed in 2007, compared with just under 180 million in 1997. This 40% increase in drug utilisation over the 10 years surpasses the Australian population growth of 14% in the same period. An increase in drug use per person indicates that the rate of ADEs and possible ADE-related admissions (ADE-RAs) is likely to have increased. What does this paper add? This prospective study was conducted at a large Australian metropolitan teaching hospital and we report that 59 of 370 participants (16.0%) presenting to the Emergency Department had a confirmed ADE-RA, with 15 (4.1%) presenting with a serious and preventable ADE-RA. What are the implications for practitioners? The findings of this study support implementing a systems approach involving multiple strategies to tackle the problem of avoidable ADE-RAs and the associated cost burden. This study reveals that half the ADEs were not detected until after the admission process, which reinforces the importance of focusing efforts towards preventing ADE-RAs and detecting ADE-RAs through measures such as those recommended in the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council guiding principles.
Health in a ‘post-transition’ Australia: adding years to life or life to years?
Authors: Begg Stephen J.
Published: December 2013

Objective To explore the likely impact of future trajectories of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Methods Estimates of mortality and morbidity were obtained from a previous assessment of Australia’s health from 1993 to 2003, including projections to 2023. Outcomes of interest were the difference between life expectancy (LE0) and health-adjusted life expectancy (i.e. absolute lost health expectancy (ALHE0)), ALHE0 as a proportion of LE0 and the partitioning of changes in ALHE0 into additive contributions from changes in age- and cause-specific mortality and morbidity. Results Actual and projected trajectories of mortality and morbidity resulted in an expansion of ALHE0 of 1.22 years between 1993 and 2023, which was equivalent to a relative expansion of 0.7% in morbidity over the life course. Most (93.8%) of this expansion was accounted for by cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer; of these, the only unfavourable trend of any note was increasing morbidity from diabetes. Conclusions Time spent with morbidity will most likely increase in terms of numbers of years lived and as a proportion of the average life span. This conclusion is based on the expectation that gains in LE0 will continue to exceed gains in ALHE0, and has important implications for public policy. What is known about the topic? Although the aging of Australia’s population as a result of declining birth and death rates is well understood, its relationship with levels of morbidity is not always fully appreciated. This is most noticeable in the policy discourse on primary prevention, in which such activities are sometimes portrayed as having unrealised potential with respect to alleviating growth in health service demand. What does this paper add? This paper sheds new light on these relationships by exploring the likely impact of future trajectories of both morbidity and mortality within an additive partitioning framework. The results suggest a modest expansion of morbidity over the life course, most of which is accounted for by only three causes. In two of these (cardiovascular disease and cancer), the underlying trends in both mortality and morbidity have been favourable for some time due, at least in part, to success in primary prevention. What are the implications for practitioners? Although there may be good arguments in favour of a greater focus on primary prevention as currently practiced, reducing overall demand for health services is unlikely to be one of them. To make such an argument valid, policy makers should consider shifting their attention to the effectiveness of primary prevention as it relates to causes other than cardiovascular disease and cancer, particularly those with a predominantly non-fatal impact, such as diabetes and degenerative diseases of old age.
Organic phosphorus in the aquatic environment
Authors: Baldwin Darren S.
Published: December 2013

Environmental context Organic phosphorus can be one of the major fractions of phosphorus in many aquatic ecosystems. This paper discusses the distribution, cycling and ecological significance of five major classes of organic P in the aquatic environment and discusses several principles to guide organic P research into the future. Abstract Organic phosphorus can be one of the major fractions of phosphorus in many aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, in many studies the ‘organic’ P fraction is operationally defined. However, there are an increasing number of studies where the organic P species have been structurally characterised – in part because of the adoption of 31P NMR spectroscopic techniques. There are five classes of organic P species that have been specifically identified in the aquatic environment – nucleic acids, other nucleotides, inositol phosphates, phospholipids and phosphonates. This paper explores the identification, quantification, biogeochemical cycling and ecological significance of these organic P compounds. Based on this analysis, the paper then identifies a number of principles which could guide the research of organic P into the future. There is an ongoing need to develop methods for quickly and accurately identifying and quantifying organic P species in the environment. The types of ecosystems in which organic P dynamics are studied needs to be expanded; flowing waters, floodplains and small wetlands are currently all under-represented in the literature. While enzymatic hydrolysis is an important transformation pathway for the breakdown of organic P, more effort needs to be directed towards studying other potential transformation pathways. Similarly effort should be directed to estimating the rates of transformations, not simply reporting on the concentrations. And finally, further work is needed in elucidating other roles of organic P in the environment other than simply a source of P to aquatic organisms.
A randomised controlled trial of an active telephone‐based recruitment strategy to increase childcare‐service staff attendance at a physical activity and nutrition training workshop
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Wolfenden Luke , Finch Meghan , Williams Amanda , Dodds Pennie , Gillham Karen , Wyse Rebecca
Published: December 2013

Issue addressed

Centre‐based childcare services represent a promising setting to target the prevention of excessive weight gain in preschool‐aged children. Staff training is a key component of multi‐strategy interventions to improve implementation of effective physical activity and nutrition promoting practices for obesity prevention in childcare services. This randomised controlled trial aimed to examine whether an active telephone‐based strategy to invite childcare‐service staff to attend a training workshop was effective in increasing the proportion of services with staff attending training, compared with a passive strategy.

Methods

Services were randomised to an active telephone‐based or a passive‐recruitment strategy. Those in the active arm received an email invitation and one to three follow‐up phone calls, whereas services in the passive arm were informed of the availability of training only via newsletters. The proportion of services with staff attending the training workshop was compared between the two arms.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐eight services were included in this study. A significantly larger proportion (52%) of services in the active arm compared with those in the passive‐strategy arm (3.1%) attended training (d.f. = 1, c2 = 34.3; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

An active, telephone‐based recruitment strategy significantly increased the proportion of childcare services with staff attending training. Further strategies to improve staff attendance at training need to be identified and implemented.

So what?

Active‐recruitment strategies including follow‐up telephone calls should be utilised to invite staff to participate in training, in order to maximise the use of training as an implementation strategy for obesity prevention in childcare services.
Land-use and historical management effects on soil organic carbon in grazing systems on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Wilson Brian R. , Lonergan Vanessa E.
Published: December 2013

We examined soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration (mg g–1) and total organic carbon (TOC) stock (Mg ha–1 to 30 cm soil depth) in three pasture systems in northern New South Wales: improved pasture, native pasture, and lightly wooded pasture, at two sampling times (2009 and 2011). No significant difference was found in SOC or TOC between sample times, suggesting that under the conditions we examined, neither 2 years nor an intervening significant rainfall event was sufficient to change the quantity or our capacity to detect SOC, and neither represented a barrier to soil carbon accounting. Low fertility, lightly wooded pastures had a slightly but significantly lower SOC concentration, particularly in the surface soil layers. However, no significant differences in TOC were detected between the three pasture systems studied, and from a carbon estimation perspective, they represent one, single dataset. A wide range in TOC values existed within the dataset that could not be explained by environmental factors. The TOC was weakly but significantly correlated with soil nitrogen and phosphorus, but a more significant pattern seemed to be the association of high TOC with proportionally larger subsoil (0.1–0.3 m) organic carbon storage. This we attribute to historical, long-term rather than contemporary management. Of the SOC fractions, particulate organic carbon (POC) dominated in the surface layers but diminished with depth, whereas the proportion of humic carbon (HUM) and resistant organic carbon (ROC) increased with soil depth. The POC did not differ between the pasture systems but native pasture had larger quantities of HUM and ROC, particularly in the surface soil layers, suggesting that this pasture system tends to accumulate organic carbon in more resistant forms, presumably because of litter input quality and historical management.
Promoter occupancy of the basal class I transcription factor A differs strongly between active and silent VSG expression sites in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Nguyen Tu N. , Müller Laura S. M. , Park Sung Hee , Siegel T. Nicolai , Günzl Arthur
Published: December 2013

Monoallelic expression within a gene family is found in pathogens exhibiting antigenic variation and in mammalian olfactory neurons. Trypanosoma brucei, a lethal parasite living in the human bloodstream, expresses variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) from 1 of 15 bloodstream expression sites (BESs) by virtue of a multifunctional RNA polymerase I. The active BES is transcribed in an extranucleolar compartment termed the expression site body (ESB), whereas silent BESs, located elsewhere within the nucleus, are repressed epigenetically. The regulatory mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. Here we show that two essential subunits of the basal class I transcription factor A (CITFA) predominantly occupied the promoter of the active BES relative to that of a silent BES, a phenotype that was maintained after switching BESs in situ. In these experiments, high promoter occupancy of CITFA was coupled to high levels of both promoter-proximal RNA abundance and RNA polymerase I occupancy. Accordingly, fluorescently tagged CITFA-7 was concentrated in the nucleolus and the ESB. Because a ChIP-seq analysis found that along the entire BES, CITFA-7 is specifically enriched only at the promoter, our data strongly indicate that monoallelic BES transcription is activated by a mechanism that functions at the level of transcription initiation.
NKAP is a novel RS-related protein that interacts with RNA and RNA binding proteins
Authors: Burgute Bhagyashri D. , Peche Vivek S. , Steckelberg Anna-Lena , Glöckner Gernot , Gaßen Berthold , Gehring Niels H. , Noegel Angelika A.
Published: December 2013

NKAP is a highly conserved protein with roles in transcriptional repression, T-cell development, maturation and acquisition of functional competency and maintenance and survival of adult hematopoietic stem cells. Here we report the novel role of NKAP in splicing. With NKAP-specific antibodies we found that NKAP localizes to nuclear speckles. NKAP has an RS motif at the N-terminus followed by a highly basic domain and a DUF 926 domain at the C-terminal region. Deletion analysis showed that the basic domain is important for speckle localization. In pull-down experiments, we identified RNA-binding proteins, RNA helicases and splicing factors as interaction partners of NKAP, among them FUS/TLS. The FUS/TLS–NKAP interaction takes place through the RS domain of NKAP and the RGG1 and RGG3 domains of FUS/TLS. We analyzed the ability of NKAP to interact with RNA using in vitro splicing assays and found that NKAP bound both spliced messenger RNA (mRNA) and unspliced pre-mRNA. Genome-wide analysis using crosslinking and immunoprecipitation-seq revealed NKAP association with U1, U4 and U5 small nuclear RNA, and we also demonstrated that knockdown of NKAP led to an increase in pre-mRNA percentage. Our results reveal NKAP as nuclear speckle protein with roles in RNA splicing and processing.
Can Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting be Initiated and Practiced Safely?
Authors: Une Dai , Lapierre Harry , Sohmer Benjamin , Rai Vaneet , Ruel Marc
Published: December 2013

Objective

We examined the effects of learning curve on clinical outcomes and operative time in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG).

Methods

We studied 210 consecutive MICS CABG cases performed by the same surgeon, composed of 3 cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)–assisted single-vessel small thoracotomy (SVST), 87 off-pump SVST, 51 CPB-assisted multivessel small thoracotomy (MVST), and 69 off-pump MVST. For each MICS CABG technique, the frequency of early clinical events (mortality, reopening, stroke, myocardial infarction, and revascularization) was compared between the first 25 cases and the remainder. Logarithmic curve regression analysis and a cumulative summation technique were performed to assess the correlation between operative time and the performed number of each technique.

Results

There was no mortality, and there were 10 conversions to standard sternotomy, all of which were intended as off-pump MVST ( P < 0.001, vs other procedures). Experience was otherwise not associated with perioperative outcome. However, experience numbers correlated with operative time in off-pump SVST and off-pump MVST (122 ± 30 minutes, R2 = 0.18, P < 0.001, and 241 ± 80 minutes, R2 = 0.38, P < 0.001, respectively) but not in CPB-assisted MVST (258 ± 44 minutes, R2 = 0.004, P = 0.7). No complications occurred as a result of CPB assistance.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can be safely initiated, with a very low perioperative risk. Pump assistance is a good strategy to alleviate some of the learning curve and avoid conversions to sternotomy when initiating a multivessel MICS CABG program. 2009:83–94.
Short- and long-term memories formed upon backward conditioning in honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Felsenberg Johannes , Plath Jenny Aino , Lorang Steven , Morgenstern Laura , Eisenhardt Dorothea
Published: December 2013

In classical conditioning, the temporal sequence of stimulus presentations is critical for the association between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). In forward conditioning, the CS precedes the US and is learned as a predictor for the US. Thus it acquires properties to elicit a behavioral response, defined as excitatory properties. In backward conditioning, the US precedes the CS. The CS might be learned as a predictor for the cessation of the US acquiring inhibitory properties that inhibit a behavioral response. Interestingly, behavior after backward conditioning is controlled by both excitatory and inhibitory properties of the CS, but the underlying mechanisms determining which of these opposing properties control behavior upon retrieval is poorly understood. We performed conditioning experiments in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) to investigate the CS properties that control behavior at different time points after backward conditioning. The CS properties, as characterized by the retardation or enhancement of subsequent acquisition, were examined 30 min and 24 h after backward conditioning. We found that 30 min after backward conditioning, the CS acquired an inhibitory property during backward conditioning depending on the intertrial interval, the number of trials, and the odor used as the CS. One day after backward conditioning, we observed significant retardation of acquisition. In addition, we demonstrated an enhanced, generalized odor response in the backward conditioned group compared to untreated animals. These results indicate that two long-lasting opposing memories have been formed in parallel: one about the excitatory properties of the CS and one about the inhibitory properties of the CS.
A real options approach to implementing corporate social responsibility policies at different stages of the mining process
Authors: Hitch Michael , Kumar Ravichandran Ashwin , Mishra Vedvyas
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of “optionality” of corporate social responsibility programs in the mining sector. It is postulated that the degree of commitment and implementation varies with the different stages of the mine life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology/approach applied in this paper follows that of complex systems theory. The authors recognize that elements of CSR do not function/occur in isolation but rather operate in a complex and dynamic system.

Findings

– The findings presented in the paper indicate that there is a not a single “silver bullet” approach to CSR but rather one that ebbs and flows with not only the technical stage of development of a mine but also those extra- economic modifiers that influence a mine's performance and survivability in a competitive global market.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of this particular paper/research is the inability to get a complete set of cost data from any single mining operation. This is due to the highly confidential and proprietary nature of this data, hence a hypothetical/theoretical case is presented.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this research include recognizing the different stages of the mine life cycle cause different applications of CSR policy development and implementation. The authors present a view of a flexible and reflective CSR application.

Originality/value

– This is the first and novel attempt to consider the actual value and commercial implication of CSR using the methods of real options within the broader theoretical framework of complex systems.
Clinical audit on treatment of depression in CAMHS
Authors: Majumder Pallab , Gatsou Lina , Hay Alistair
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this audit cycle was to compare the clinical practice of treating children and adolescents with moderate to severe depression with the NICE guidelines. The second aim was to recommend changes in practice to improve compliance to the guidelines and reinvestigate the degree of change two years after the initial recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 40 patients within Secondary Care with moderate or severe depression were selected. Data were collected, analyzed and recommendations were made. The second phase of the audit cycle was completed after two years, following similar methods.

Findings

– On most of the parameters the clinical practice improved in the re-audit, indicating better compliance with the NICE guidelines. However, on a few areas the compliance did not improve or even deteriorated.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications of the results were discussed and final recommendations were made based on the findings and the perceived change in practice.

Originality/value

– Literature searches revealed no previous audit cycles to have been conducted on CAMHS compliance to NICE guidelines with regards to treating depression.
Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent channel flow by an improved vortex in cell method
Authors: Uchiyama Tomomi , Yoshii Yutaro , Hamada Hirotaka
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This study is concerned with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a turbulent channel flow by an improved vortex in cell (VIC) method. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, two improvements for VIC method are proposed to heighten the numerical accuracy and efficiency. A discretization method employing a staggered grid is presented to ensure the consistency among the discretized equations as well as to prevent the numerical oscillation of the solution. A correction method for vorticity is also proposed to compute the vorticity field satisfying the solenoidal condition. Second, the DNS for a turbulent channel flow is conducted by the improved VIC method. The Reynolds number based on the friction velocity and the channel half width is 180.

Findings

– It is highlighted that the simulated turbulence statistics, such as the mean velocity, the Reynolds shear stress and the budget of the mean enstrophy, agree well with the existing DNS results. It is also shown that the organized flow structures in the near-wall region, such as the streaks and the streamwise vortices, are favourably captured. These demonstrate the high applicability of the improved VIC method to the DNS for wall turbulent flows.

Originality/value

– This study enables the VIC method to perform the DNS for wall turbulent flows.
Parallel analysis of thermal field in a layered DC cable part I
Authors: Golebiowski Jerzy , Piotr Bycul Robert
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose a parallel algorithm in order to increase speed and efficiency of an analysis of transient thermal field in layered DC cables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Initial-boundary problem of thermal field was discretized by means of implicit finite difference method in cylindrical coordinates. A two-stage time decomposition method was applied to introduce parallel computations. An assumed duration of the transient state was decomposed. The system of algebraic equations was being solved with the use of a conjugate gradient method (with diagonal preconditioning) in all time intervals simultaneously.

Findings

– A method for solving (with the use of parallel computing system) the transient heat conduction equation in a DC cable consisting of arbitrary number of material layers was given. The dependence of the convective heat transfer coefficient on the location on the perimeter of the cable and on its surface temperature (which introduced non-linearity in the boundary condition) was taken into account. The influence of the determined field on the efficiency of the heat source was also taken into consideration in the model.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is induced by cylindrical and coaxial structure of the consecutive layers of the system. Thermal field is generated by direct current flow only. The length of the fragment of the cable under consideration should be much greater than its diameter.

Practical implications

– The time-spatial distribution of thermal field in the cross-section of the cable can be used for analysis of its reliability and for determination of important characteristics and parameters of the system.

Originality/value

– A parallel algorithm of solving initial-boundary parabolic problem was proposed as a result of synthesis of three methods (finite difference, time decomposition and conjugate gradient). An algorithm of minimization of disturbances of the solution introduced at the division points was given. Equations approximating real distribution of heat transfer coefficient from the surface of the cable were proposed.
Developing students’ teamwork skills in a cooperative learning project
Authors: Lau Peter , Kwong Theresa , Chong King , Wong Eva
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to apply the inventory – Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness (CATME) to examine the development of teamwork skills among freshmen from the Chinese Mainland through a cooperative learning activity (group project) in the context of Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– The questionnaire survey was conducted twice, at the beginning (pre) and end (post) of the group project; qualitative interviews were undertaken after their project completion.

Findings

– It was found that, except for Category 5 (having relevant knowledge, skills and abilities), the post mean scores in all items of other four categories declined, because students’ Chinese Mainland backgrounds led to their different understanding toward teamwork, as unveiled by the qualitative interviews. However their project completion enabled them to acquire the relevant competencies, causing the rise in the mean scores of Category 5.

Research limitations/implications

– Limited by the small sample size and American-driven CATME, this study did not observe the significant improvements in students’ self-reported evaluation of teamwork. There should be more applications of this instrument into the Asian and Chinese contexts for having it adapted to different national and cultural situations.

Practical implications

– As a gap observed in Chinese Mainland students’ understanding to teamwork, overseas education institutions can incorporate this for curriculum development.

Originality/value

– As a pioneer work in applying the CATME in the Chinese Mainland situation, this study implied a significant room for such kind of inventories mainly originated from west to incorporate the diverse national and cultural characteristics.
Targeting the Digital Agenda for Europe: a new approach for estimating ICT R&D expenditures
Authors: Stančík Juraj
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The main goal of this paper is to create a methodology for estimating public research and development (R&D) expenditures on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the European Union (EU). The study further applies this methodology on business expenditures on R&D (BERD) data across all sectors and estimate ICT BERD within each of them. Then the study assesses the evolution of these expenditures in the context of the Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) and its specific target to double them by 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study assumes that the share of public ICT R&D expenditures in total public R&D expenditures is similar to the share of ICT R&D labour costs. The study bases its estimation on government budget appropriations or outlays on R&D (GBAORD).

Findings

– EU public ICT R&D expenditures grew steadily over the period 2004-2010 and in 2010 reached 5.9 billion. The study also estimates that the total EU ICT BERD in 2010 amounted to 15.8 billion. Regarding the DAE target about ICT R&D expenditures, the study shows that, in both public and private, the EU drops behind.

Research limitations/implications

– The study estimates that substantial ICT BERD can be found also in non-ICT sectors.

Practical implications

– The methodology allows for monitoring one of the DAE targets.

Originality/value

– The methodology currently represents the only way for measuring public ICT R&D expenditures in the EU.
Developmental trajectory and gender differences in Chinese adolescents' physical and relational aggression: an analysis using the latent class growth model
Authors: Yuan Chunyong , Shao Aihui , Chen Xinyin , Xin Tao , Wang Li , Bian Yufang
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the developmental trajectory and patterns of physical aggression and relational aggression over time, and also to examine the gender differences of the three-year developmental process as well as the impact of the developmental trajectory on mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

– Participants: the participants of this study were newly enrolled junior school students. The study spanned three years with continuous tracking performed once every other year. Measures: class play questionnaire. Aggressive behaviors were measured by an adaptive Chinese version of the revised class play assessment. Statistical analysis: to address the questions of the present study, the latent class growth model (LCGM) was used to analyze the three-year longitudinal data by Mplus 6.1.

Findings

– The initial level of physical aggression in boys was higher than that in girls. There were three types of developmental trajectory for boys, corresponding to a lower initial level-increasing group, a middle initial level-increasing group and a higher initial level-stable group. However, girls demonstrated different patterns, corresponding to a lower initial level-increasing group, a middle initial level-increasing group and a higher initial level-decreasing group. In contrast to the physical aggression, the initial level of relational aggression in boys was lower than that in girls. There were four types of developmental trajectory for boys, corresponding to a lower initial level-increasing group, a middle initial level-increasing group, a middle initial level-declining group and a higher initial level-declining group. Girls illustrated different patterns, corresponding to a lower initial level-stable group, a middle initial level-increasing group and a higher initial level-declining group. Different developmental trajectory of physical and relational aggression would influence the interpersonal relationship.

Originality/value

– This paper used a person-centered latent variable approach instead of the variable-centered approach to investigate the developmental trajectory and patterns of physical aggression and relational aggression over three year by employing the LCGM. The initial level of physical aggression in boys was higher than that in girls. In contrast, the initial level of relational aggression in boys was lower than that in girls. There were gender differences in the pattern of physical and relational aggression development trajectory. Different developmental trajectory of physical and relational aggression would influence the interpersonal relationship.
Work engagement versus workaholism: a test of the spillover-crossover model
Authors: B. Bakker Arnold , Shimazu Akihito , Demerouti E. , Shimada Kyoko , Kawakami Norito
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how two different types of heavy work investment – work engagement and workaholism – are related to family satisfaction as reported by employees and their intimate partner.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 398 Japanese couples completed self-reported questionnaires including the model variables. One year later, participants reported again on their family satisfaction. Structural equation modelling analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– As hypothesized, work engagement was positively related to work-family facilitation, which, in turn, predicted own and partner's family satisfaction, also one year later. In contrast, workaholism showed a positive relationship with work-family conflict, and had an indirect negative effect on own and partner's family satisfaction. The structural relationships between the variables from husbands to wives were similar to those from wives to husbands.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of a non-experimental design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality.

Practical implications

– The findings contribute to the work-family interface literature by showing how experiences built up at work can have a positive or negative impact on one's partner's family satisfaction. The study highlights a growing need to promote work engagement and discourage workaholism within organizations since engagement has positive and workaholism has negative implications for employees' private life.

Originality/value

– This study clearly shows the differences between two important work experiences – work engagement and workaholism. Using the spillover-crossover model, the study sheds a new light on the process through which employee work engagement and workaholism influence one's partner at home.
Experimental design of wastewater treatment with electro-coagulation
Authors: Camcioglu Sule , Canan Pekel Lutfiye , Polat Kamran , Hapoglu Hale
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the batch treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater using electro-coagulation (EC).

Design/methodology/approach

– Statistical experimental design was used to investigate the effect of initial pH, current density and temperature. Experiments were planned to obtain the maximum amount of information in the fewest number of runs. Minimum-maximum values of current density, initial pH, temperature of medium were selected as 9-25 mA/cm2, 5-9, 25-50°C, respectively. A total number of 20 experiments including eight factorial points, six axial points and six replicates in centre points were carried out and experimental data were collected. Optimum operating parameters were determined by evaluating experimental results in MATLAB 7.9®.

Findings

– According to the results, the optimum values of current density, initial pH and temperature of medium are determined as 14.12 mA/cm2, 8.22 and 34.21°C, respectively.

Practical implications

– Many researches about different techniques including physical, chemical and biological methods have been done on the subject of pulp and paper wastewater treatment. In physical and chemical processes low molecular weight compounds are not removed efficiently, also these methods are quite expensive. Electrochemical degradation has an advantage of removing even the smallest colloidal particles compared with traditional flocculation and coagulation.

Originality/value

– Complete removal of pollutants, less sludge generation, simple process design and easy operation are standard features of the EC and it comes forward as one of the promising techniques.
Sustainable power density in electricity generation
Authors: Buceti Giuliano
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– When comparing renewables with fossil fuels, emotional approaches are fuelled by the difficulties in defining a proper metric able to make consistent comparisons among energy sources. In literature several approaches have been proposed, all effective in some way but ineffective in others. Variables like energy density, prices, estimated resources, life time emissions, water use and waste, all come at the same time to form an unmanageable mix. This paper discuss the adoption of a shared metric to clarify the boundary conditions that limit the solutions can be operated and to define which scenarios are sustainable and which are not.

Design/methodology/approach

– Energy density and power density are the cornerstones of the physical limitations in the exploitation of the energy sources. On this basis, a novel classification of energy sources, volumetric and flowing, has been proposed and discussed in light of three parameters: abundance, power density and sustainability. Eventually, an extended definition of power density based on life-cycle assessment is adopted.

Findings

– Sustainable power density makes possible compare the different energy options and shows how limitation in land comes to be the root of all resources limitations.

Originality/value

– A definition of a unique parameter is proposed and pros and cons of all energy options are calculated and put in a single graphic providing new insights into the energy policy.
Planning local sustainable development in Western Balkans
Authors: Milutinovic Slobodan , Zivkovic Snezana
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to research local sustainable development strategic planning processes and practices in the Drina River Basin (geographical area delineated by the river Drina and shared among Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia).

Design/methodology/approach

– Research methodology included the analysis of the existing country-based strategic documents and processes, as well as the local strategic documents and processes of implementation in 21 municipalities in the Drina River Basin, including interviews with the representatives of central and local governments and civil sector and a questionnaire-based assessment of the situation and needs in municipalities.

Findings

– The paper argues that local sustainable development planning, although still lacking the proper methodological approach and facing insufficiencies in institutional and implementation capacities is becoming more appreciated by local authorities in the region.

Originality/value

– The findings should help better understand the interactions between local government institutions and civil society in the Drina River Basin municipalities in achieving local sustainable development, as well as the conditions enabling improved communication networks and capacity building.
A strategic decision model for evaluating college and university sustainability investments
Authors: Murphy Tom , O'Brien Will
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to examine a strategic decision model and its potential value for assisting academic institutional leaders in addressing climate change by making better informed sustainability investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Although the vast majority of engagements have focused on IT project selection and prioritization, it will be demonstrated that there is direct applicability to capital investment decisions related to sustainability. Examples of the results are provided with instructions on how to implement a similar approach for organizations challenged with selection and prioritization of sustainability projects. Finally, the model is assessed critically in terms of challenges and lessons learned from client projects.

Findings

– The strategic decision model has been found to provide a broader framework for decisions, i.e. both qualitative and quantitative. At the same time, the methodology used with the model engages more stakeholders in the process to help build consensus regarding investment and project decisions. As a portfolio-based model, relative value and risk can be viewed easily to enable focus on what the stakeholders believe to be key projects. This perspective and the functionality of the application enable action to be taken by the decision maker to possibly reduce project risk and/or increase potential value of specific projects.

Research limitations/implications

– It was determined that additional research, data collection and application development would be necessary if the model were to be used for benchmarking for sustainability planning investment decisions.

Practical implications

– The paper proposes that colleges and universities consider the use of the portfolio decision model and, where appropriate, implement the model as part of their sustainability program. The anticipated benefits of this action would include: greater involvement of key stakeholders in support of required organizational change, improvement in the quality of investment decisions, increased success of sustainability projects and data which will enable future benchmarking.

Originality/value

– Given this emergent leading role of universities in championing sustainability efforts, the purpose of this paper is to provide college and university leaders a tool to address the challenges related to investment decisions targeted at sustainability projects, such as environmental footprint reduction in support of achieving sustainability for their respective institutions.
The role of media pressure on the disclosure of sustainability information by local governments
Authors: Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz , Frías-Aceituno José , Martínez-Ferrero Jennifer
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to analyse the level of environmental, economic, and social engagement disclosed by local governments, taking into account factors such as political ideology and media pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analysed 102 large Spanish municipalities, using data from 2011. An econometric model was used based on dependency techniques for cross-sectional data. The Tobit technique is suitable, since it enables the authors to address particular considerations of extreme scores on the dependent variable.

Findings

– The results show that local governments report less strategic and socio-economic information when subjected to strong media pressure, because the press tends to focus on unusual, negative news, and ignores other issues such as the environment. However, in municipalities governed by left-wing parties, media pressure actually promotes disclosure of this type of information.

Research limitations/implications

– It would be interesting to create an information index which includes local governments' disclosure, spanning a period of several years.

Practical implications

– Particularly in municipalities governed by a left-wing party, media pressure favours the disclosure of sustainability information, including information about the municipal corporation and strategic and social issues.

Originality/value

– This study analyses the impact of the press on the disclosure of sustainability information by local governments and also tests the moderating effect of the ruling party's political ideology. The authors did not find any paper that had analysed this impact before.
Learning from praxis
Authors: Murthy Vikram
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper uses a number of current examples from a variety of industries both regional and global, to explore the relationship between business longevity, environment, and adaptiveness to argue that only adaptive responses contingent on a proper classification of external circumstance will result in productive efficacy for the business. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– There is compelling evidence that businesses have limited life spans. Management and economic theories of creative destruction, argue that this is salutary for markets and economies. Yet as a counterpoint there are significant benefits to business longevity. Such longevity, however, is predicated on the business's dimensionalised understanding of its task and contextual environment and its deployment of an adaptive response contingent on such understanding.

Findings

– It is mandatory in prevailing times that adaptive responses ensure that the overall business has external fit and alignment with its environment and internal congruence and consistency between organisational subsystems and their internal subenvironments.

Originality/value

– The calculus of limited and unpredictable business life spans is justified by theories of creative destruction and hypercompetition. Yet there are intrinsic and extrinsic advantages to business longevity. A causative flow is proffered that predicates business longevity on its ability to; first, classify its prevailing environment, and thereafter deploy contingent adaptive responses for productive efficacy.
Exploring customer attachment behaviour to sustain the retail industry in Malaysia
Authors: Naina Mohamed Rozita , Borhan Halimahton
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The effectiveness of customer experience management to current market growth and perhaps business sustainability has drawn the attention of practitioners and academicians. This paper aims to address the gap by empirically investigating the effect of service encounter, trustworthy promotion and customer attachment behaviour with the moderating influence of customer emotional experience and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study has used a survey approach with a self-administered questionnaire distributed in a retail store intercept: a drop off and collect technique. A hypothesized model was developed, analyzed and tested rigorously using the structural equation modelling procedure.

Findings

– The findings reveal that customer emotional experience has positive significant effects on customer attachment behaviour, but not commitment. However, consumers in general will look for the trustworthiness of promotional activities when purchasing both local and international products.

Originality/value

– The novelty of this study is the contribution of original knowledge through the development of new findings from a new invention, using the practical tool of comprehensive customer emotion experience, with new dimensions, scale and model. These findings have important implications for future research directions and management of the local or international retail industry.