bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comercio Justo and Justice
Authors: Stenn Dr. Tamara
Published: April 2013

The paper examines the theoretical basis of fair trade as justice. Grounded largely in the work of Amartya Sen, it looks at the origins, motivations, and elements of fair trade. Fair trade is examined as a potentially transformational form of justice. The intellectual merit of this paper is to examine how fair trade outcomes advance our theoretical understanding of justice. The broader impact is to create a dialogue around understanding fair trade which can lead to further development of just and equitable trade systems worldwide.
Meritocracy in Asia Pacific
Authors: Poocharoen Ora-orn , Brillantes Alex
Published: April 2013

This article provides an analysis of definitions and tools of merit systems in Asia compared to the United States. It traces the history of meritocracy in Asia and describes real practices in selected countries. The analysis is based on a framework investigating five dimensions of Merit systems: recruitment criteria; corruption in recruitment and promotion; political affiliation and influence; level of centralization of recruitment and promotion processes; and the extent of merit-protection regimes. Data are derived from a large-scale survey of civil servants of seven countries (United States, China, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines) and interview data from two countries (Thailand and the Philippines). Findings suggest that recruitment criteria in Asia are highly reliant on central examinations and education qualifications are becoming more important in many countries. Installed prior to democracy, merit systems in Asia are intended to build strong and loyal bureaucracies to shape an elite class capable of running the country. Despite having central exams, many Asian countries continue to face the problem of corruption and patron–client problems in recruitment and promotion. This stems from historical experiences and the loopholes in these processes. Merit systems in Asia are primary intended to remedy this problem rather than the issue of political intervention as understood in the United States. The study also reveals the relations between having a centralized system of recruitment and the need to be flexible and fast in hiring. Lastly, findings suggest Asian countries lagging behind the United States in terms of merit-protection regimes that include whistleblower protection laws and trainings on ethics and merit. This could be the answer to ensuring Meritocracy in Asia.
Modeling and experimental study of the effect of pressure on pyrolysis of wet wood
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: April 2013

Studies are reported using experiments and numerical simulation, quantifying ignition characteristics of wet wood exposed to radiation at different altitudes. Experiments were conducted separately at an altitude of 3650 m in Lhasa and an altitude of 30 m in Hefei. The comparative experiments indicate that ignition is more likely to occur in the low-pressure environment in Lhasa than in a normal atmospheric pressure environment. A numerical model has been established to simulate the pyrolysis of wet wood at different ambient pressures. In the model, moisture evaporation, the flowing of combustible gas, and pressure work are involved. The pressure effect on the kinetic reaction of pyrolysis is also analyzed and concluded to be insignificant for the pyrolysis process of a whole wood slab.
Generation 1.5 Writing Compared to L1 and L2 Writing in First-Year Composition
Authors: Doolan Stephen M.
Published: April 2013

Recently, scholars have suggested that “second-language writers” are made up of two distinct groups: Generation 1.5 (long-term U.S.-resident language learners) and more traditional L2 students (e.g., international or recently arrived immigrants). To investigate that claim, this study compares the first-year composition writing of Generation 1.5 students to the writing of their classmates to determine whether textual markers distinguish demographically identified groups. Results indicate no significant textual differences between Generation 1.5 and L1 (English as a first language) students but do indicate significant differences between Generation 1.5 and L2 students, suggesting that Generation 1.5 writers (broadly defined) may not be second-language writers.
Dress and the Social Construction of Gender in Two Sororities
Authors: Arthur Linda B.
Published: April 2013

This study sheds light on dress as it is involved in the social construction of femininity, and in particular how sororities are engaged in this process. As institutions, the sororities in this study trained their members toward a traditional notion of femininity that was visually expressed in appearance. New sorority members (pledges) were actively involved in the social construction of gender as they adopted the sororities' idealized images and roles pertaining to femininity.

Enculturation into a sorority began with adoption of the idealized images such as a sorority look. Pledges wanted to at least look like full-fledged members and alleviated status insecurity by adopting the idealized image as they embraced their roles. As competing roles emerged over time, full-fledged members substituted the sorority's idealized images for personal images.

Adherence to the sororities' idealized images became a gender role obligation. Benefits of this study to textiles and clothing scholarship include a deeper understanding of the role of appearance in non-verbal communication and in informal social control.
Forging Linkages between Dress and Law in the U.S., Part I: Rape and Sexual Harassment
Authors: Lennon Sharron J. , Johnson Kim K. P. , Schulz Theresa Lennon
Published: April 2013

This is the first of two articles in which we argue that textiles and clothing research has relevance for the legal system in the United States in several different contexts. In this paper we highlight textiles and clothing scholarship and illustrate how that scholarship could be used to inform legal practices or legislative action in the United States regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault. Textiles and clothing researchers have demonstrated that dress conveys both accurate and inaccurate messages about the wearer. However, it is evident from statutes and written judicial decisions (caselaw) that the legal community often assumes that dress accurately indicates the wearer's attitude or intent. Yet in so doing, the legal system may be relying on inaccurate inferences to inform judgments and render decisions. Recommendations are suggested for research and policy linkages between textiles and clothing research and law.
Relationship of General and Apparel Spatial Visualization Ability
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Ling Zhang
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine if apparel spatial visualization ability as measured by the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test (ASVT) is correlated with general spatial visualization ability as measured by the Surface Development Test (SDT), and if both general and apparel spatial visualization abilities are related to level of training. The study was a quasi-experimental post-test-only nonequivalent comparison group design using participants from intact groups—a CAD class, a manual flat patternmaking class, and a no-training group (lecture class in retail buying). The CAD and manual patternmaking groups did not differ from one another on SDT scores but both groups scored higher than the no-training group. Scores on the ASVT differed significantly among all three groups. Scores on the ASVT and the SDT were correlated with each other. These results indicate that spatial visualization abilities are related to level of training and that the ASVT measures spatial visualization ability specific to apparel. This study contributes to understanding one of the cognitive components required for selected careers in the apparel industry.
A Structural Model for Weight Satisfaction, Self-Consciousness and Women's Use of Clothing in Mood Enhancement
Authors: Kwon Yoon-Hee , Shim Soyeon
Published: April 2013

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the causal relationships among three variables: women's weight satisfaction, women's self-consciousness (public self-consciousness, private self-consciousness, and social anxiety), and women's use of clothing in mood enhancement. Data from 344 females were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and structural modeling using LISREL 8. The results indicated that weight satisfaction had direct, negative correlations with all three dimensions of self consciousness. In addition, weight satisfaction had an indirect, negative correlation with social anxiety through both public and private self-consciousness. Both public self consciousness and private self-consciousness were positively correlated with women's use of clothing in enhancing their mood. As hypothesized, no direct effects were noted between weight satisfaction and women's use of clothing in mood enhancement: the effects of women's weight satisfaction were primarily indirect through public and private self-consciousness. Social anxiety was shown to have no direct correlation with women's use of clothing in enhancing their daily mood.
Advocacy Activities of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations
Authors: Almog-Bar Michal , Schmid Hillel
Published: April 2013

Policy advocacy is widely regarded as an eminent feature of nonprofit organizations’ activities, allowing them to represent their constituencies. The article presents a literature review of research on nonprofit policy advocacy that has been published over the last decade, focusing on advocacy by nonprofit human service organizations (NPHSOs) and its unique characteristics and contributions. The review focuses on several key topics, including: the definitions and origins of the term advocacy and its current uses in studies related to NPHSOs; the current situation and prevalence of NPHSO advocacy activities; organizational and structural variables as they relate to policy advocacy; dependence on external funding sources and policy advocacy; strategies, tactics, modes of operation, and the effectiveness of NPHSO policy advocacy. The article presents and discusses the implications of this research and suggests directions for future research.
Injection forging of solid asymmetric branched components
Authors: Alves Luis M , Martins Paulo AF
Published: April 2013

Injection forging allows producing near-net or net-shape asymmetric branched components with geometries that are difficult or impossible to fabricate by means of conventional impression die forging. On the contrary to previous research work in the field that was mainly focused on proposing methodologies for shape classification, systematization of forming defects, definition of workability ranges and evaluation of the overall performance of finite element predictions against experiments, the aims and scope of this article are centred in material flow and forging load requirements that result from double-acting tool concepts with closing spring elements. The presentation includes details on the active tool parts that were utilized for producing solid branched components with different numbers of radial straight legs, on the mechanical characterization of the material and on the numerical simulation and experiments that were performed with selected test cases. Results and observations confirm that double-acting tool concept with closing spring elements is a flexible and efficient manufacturing process for producing injection forged components because it can eliminate the formability problems and defects that are commonly found in single-acting tool concepts and can avoid the need for employing multi-acting presses with counteracting punches.
A new process capability analysis chart approach on the chip resistor quality management
Authors: Ouyang Liang-Yuh , Hsu Chang-Hsien , Yang Chun-Ming
Published: April 2013

Process capability indices have been extensively used to determine whether the quality characteristics of the product meet the preset targets of the customer in manufacturing industries. However, these existing process capability indices cannot categorically determine improvement priorities for substandard quality characteristics. Besides, process capability indices also cannot effectively identify and measure deficiencies in process capability owing to accuracy, precision, or both. In this study, we combine the process capability index Cpm, minimum individual process capability C0, accuracy A, and precision P to develop a new process capability analysis chart. Managers can apply process capability analysis chart to identify the substandard quality characteristics of the product. Furthermore, if the budget for all substandard quality characteristics improvements is limited, we use the discrimination distance method to measure and determine improvement priorities for substandard quality characteristics. Moreover, we construct an implementation flowchart of the process capability analysis chart to derive the results easily. Finally, an example of a chip resistor is presented to illustrate the applicability of the process capability analysis chart for manufacturing quality management.
Investigation of machining parameters and surface integrity in wire electric discharge machining of pure titanium
Authors: Kumar Anish , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Jatinder
Published: April 2013

This research work explores the relationship of machining parameters such as pulse on time (Ton), pulse off time (Toff), peak current (Ip), spark gap voltage, wire feed and wire tension on the material removal rate, wire wear ratio and surface roughness for pure titanium in wire electric discharge machining process. The Box–Behnken design had been utilized to plan the experiments, and response surface methodology was employed for developing the empirical models. The peak current, spark gap voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time and interaction between pulse on time and peak current affected the surface roughness significantly. Multi-response optimization of process parameters was obtained using desirability approach. Furthermore, the selected machined samples were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques. The predictions from this model were validated by conducting confirmatory experiments.
Numerical simulations of the occupant head response in an infantry vehicle under blunt impact and blast loading conditions
Authors: Sevagan Gopinath , Zhu Feng , Jiang Binhui , Yang King H
Published: April 2013

This article presents the results of a finite element simulation on the occupant head response in an infantry vehicle under two separated loading conditions: (1) blunt impact and (2) blast loading conditions. A Hybrid-III dummy body integrated with a previously validated human head model was used as the surrogate. The biomechanical response of the head was studied in terms of head acceleration due to the impact by a projectile on the vehicle and intracranial pressure caused by blast wave. A series of parametric studies were conducted on the numerical model to analyze the effect of some key parameters, such as seat configuration, impact velocity, and boundary conditions. The simulation results indicate that a properly designed seat and internal surface of the infantry vehicle can play a vital role in reducing the risk of head injury in the current scenarios. Comparison of the kinematic responses under the blunt impact and blast loading conditions reveals that under the current loading conditions, the acceleration pulse in the blast scenario has much higher peak values and frequency than blunt impact case, which may reflect different head response characteristics.
Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in ultrasound using tissue characterization and pixel classification
Authors: Acharya UR , Vinitha Sree S , Mookiah MRK , Yantri R , Molinari F , Zieleźnik W , Małyszek-Tumidajewicz J , Stępień B , Bardales RH , Witkowska A , Suri JS
Published: April 2013

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common type of inflammation of the thyroid gland, and accurate diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis would be helpful to better manage the disease process and predict thyroid failure. Most of the published computer-based techniques that use ultrasound thyroid images for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis are limited by lack of procedure standardization because individual investigators use various initial ultrasound settings. This article presents a computer-aided diagnostic technique that uses grayscale features and classifiers to provide a more objective and reproducible classification of normal and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis-affected cases. In this paradigm, we extracted grayscale features based on entropy, Gabor wavelet, moments, image texture, and higher order spectra from the 100 normal and 100 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis-affected ultrasound thyroid images. Significant features were selected using t-test. The resulting feature vectors were used to build the following three classifiers using tenfold stratified cross validation technique: support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and radial basis probabilistic neural network. Our results show that a combination of 12 features coupled with support vector machine classifier with the polynomial kernel of order 1 and linear kernel gives the highest accuracy of 80%, sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 84%, and positive predictive value of 83.3% for the detection of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The proposed computer-aided diagnostic system uses novel features that have not yet been explored for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis. Even though the accuracy is only 80%, the presented preliminary results are encouraging to warrant analysis of more such powerful features on larger databases.
Individual motion patterns during gait and sit-to-stand contribute to edge-loading risk in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing
Authors: Mellon Stephen J , Grammatopoulos George , Andersen Michael S , Pegg Elise C , Pandit Hemant G , Murray David W , Gill Harinderjit S
Published: April 2013

The occurrence of pseudotumours (soft tissue masses relating to the hip joint) following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty has been associated with higher than normal bearing wear and high serum metal ion levels although both these findings do not necessarily coexist. The purpose of this study was to examine patient activity patterns and their influence on acetabular component edge loading in a group of subjects with known serum metal ion levels. Fifteen subjects with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (eight males and seven females) were recruited for motion analysis followed by computed tomography scans. They were divided into three groups based on their serum metal ion levels and the orientation of their acetabular component: well-positioned acetabular component with low metal ions, mal-positioned acetabular component with low metal ions and mal-positioned acetabular component with high ions. A combination of motion analysis, subject-specific modelling (AnyBody Modeling System, Aalborg, Denmark) and computed tomography measurements was used to calculate dynamically the contact patch-to-rim distance for each subject during gait and sit-to-stand. The contact-pitch-to-rim distance for the high ion group was significantly lower ( p<0.001) than for the two low ion groups (well-positioned and mal-positioned) during the stance phase of gait (0%–60%) and loading phase of sit-to-stand (20%–80%). The results of this study, in particular, the significant difference between the two mal-positioned groups, suggest that wear of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty is not only affected by acetabular cup orientation but also influenced by individual patient activity patterns.
Low Skin Conductance Activity in Infancy Predicts Aggression in Toddlers 2 Years Later
Authors: Baker Erika , Shelton Katherine H. , Baibazarova Eugenia , Hay Dale F. , van Goozen Stephanie H. M.
Published: April 2013

Low autonomic nervous system activity is claimed to be a biomarker for aggressive and antisocial behavior. Although there is evidence that low skin conductance activity (SCA) accounts for variation in the severity of antisocial behavior and predicts the onset of aggression in children and adults, it is unknown whether SCA measured in infancy can predict the development of aggression. We measured SCA in 70 typically developing 1-year-old infants at baseline, during an orienting habituation paradigm, and during a fear challenge. We also observed the infants’ fear behavior, and each mother rated her infant’s temperament and her attachment to her child. At follow-up, mothers rated the children at 3 years old for aggressive and nonaggressive behavior problems. Low infant SCA predicted aggressive behavior, but there was no association between SCA and nonaggressive behavior problems. Mothers’ ratings of the infants’ temperament and their maternal attachment and the infants’ observed fearlessness did not predict later aggression. These results suggest that SCA is a specific biomarker for aggression in low-risk samples of infants.
Joint modeling of multivariate longitudinal measurements and survival data with applications to Parkinson’s disease
Authors: He Bo , Luo Sheng
Published: April 2013

In many clinical trials, studying neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple longitudinal outcomes are collected in order to fully explore the multidimensional impairment caused by these diseases. The follow-up of some patients can be stopped by some outcome-dependent terminal event, e.g. death and dropout. In this article, we develop a joint model that consists of a multilevel item response theory (MLIRT) model for the multiple longitudinal outcomes, and a Cox’s proportional hazard model with piecewise constant baseline hazards for the event time data. Shared random effects are used to link together two models. The model inference is conducted using a Bayesian framework via Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation implemented in BUGS language. Our proposed model is evaluated by simulation studies and is applied to the DATATOP study, a motivating clinical trial assessing the effect of tocopherol on PD among patients with early PD.
The Teenage Brain
Authors: Van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , Crone Eveline A.
Published: April 2013

Recent neuroscientific studies have pinpointed a relative imbalance between the development of subcortical-affective and prefrontal-control brain networks that creates specific sensitivities during adolescence. Despite these advances in understanding adolescent brain development, there is a strong need for a more mechanistic understanding of the way these limbic and frontal-cortical areas interact and contribute to adolescents’ risky and social decision-making. We discuss a neuroeconomic approach that has the potential to significantly forward the understanding of decision making in adolescence.
The Teenage Brain
Authors: De Lorme Kayla , Bell Margaret R. , Sisk Cheryl L.
Published: April 2013

Maturation of social cognition and a gain in social proficiency are universal aspects of adolescent development that prepare individuals for adulthood. Social cognition involves the perception and interpretation of social cues, followed by the generation of a behavioral response. Social proficiency is acquired through the ability to make behavioral adaptations as one learns from social experience; increased social proficiency facilitates successful social interactions. In males, the neuroendocrine bases of these developmental changes involve both activational and organizational influences of testicular hormones. Using the male Syrian hamster as a model, this review provides evidence that social stimuli acquire rewarding properties during adolescence via activational effects of pubertal testosterone, whereas the adolescent gain in social proficiency depends on organizational actions of pubertal testosterone.
The Teenage Brain
Authors: Galván Adriana
Published: April 2013

Adolescence is characterized by heightened reward sensitivity. Accumulating evidence suggests that this behavior is associated with neurodevelopmental changes in reward-related neural circuitry. In this article, I review recent studies in animal models and humans that highlight the unique adolescent response to reward in the striatum, a reward-sensitive brain region. This work helps the field understand characteristic adolescent behavior and will be important in addressing policy questions related to this period of development.
The pathology of enterotoxemia by Clostridium perfringens type C in calves
Authors: Garcia Jorge P. , Anderson Mark , Blanchard Patricia , Mete Asli , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: April 2013

The pathology of Clostridium perfringens type C infection has been described with detail only in foals and piglets. The current report describes the diagnostic workup and detailed pathology of 3 cases of C. perfringens type C infection in calves. A 2-day-old Jersey calf and fresh and fixed tissues from a 4-week-old Angus calf and from a 1-week-old Jersey calf were received at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System with a history of digestive disease and death. The gross changes in the gastrointestinal tract of 1 calf consisted of multifocal subserosal hemorrhages of the rumen, diffuse congestion and multifocal hemorrhages of the small intestinal mucosa, and dilated cecum with bloody liquid contents. In a second calf, a large segment of small intestine was hemorrhagic. The small intestine of the third calf was dilated and filled with abundant yellow fluid content. Microscopically, all 3 calves had diffuse coagulation necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. Clostridium perfringens type A was isolated from the intestinal content of 2 calves. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Bovine rotavirus was positive on colonic content of 1 calf. Small numbers of cryptosporidia were seen in smears of colonic content of 2 calves, and Salmonella sp. group E was detected in the small intestinal content of another calf. Clostridium perfringens beta toxin was detected in the intestinal content of the 3 animals. A diagnosis of C. perfringens type C infection was confirmed based on pathological findings and detection of beta toxin in the intestinal content of the 3 animals.
On the convexity of the function C ↦ f(det C) on positive-definite matrices
Authors: Lehmich Stephan , Neff Patrizio , Lankeit Johannes
Published: April 2013

Let [Formula: see text]. We prove a condition on [Formula: see text] for the convexity of f ∘det on [Formula: see text], namely that f ∘det is convex on [Formula: see text] if and only if

[Formula: see text]

This generalizes the observation that C ↦ − ln det C is convex as a function of C.
Effects of Extended Time for College Students With and Without ADHD
Authors: Miller Laura A. , Lewandowski Lawrence J. , Antshel Kevin M.
Published: April 2013

Objective: The number of students with a disability requesting test accommodations has been steadily increasing in higher education settings. The present study examined the effects of extra time on the reading comprehension performance of college students with and without ADHD. Method: A modified version of The Nelson–Denny Reading Test was completed by 38 college students with ADHD and 38 matched controls under three conditions: standard time, time and one half, and double time. Results: Groups did not differ in the number of items attempted or correctly answered at standard time, time and one half, or double time. Comparing the ADHD group at extended time to non-ADHD peers at standard time, the ADHD group attempted and answered significantly more test items. Conclusion: Extra time conferred an advantage to the ADHD group, suggesting that extended time accommodations are not specific and perhaps not necessary for all college students with an ADHD diagnosis.
The Contribution of Illegal Activities to National Income in the Netherlands
Authors: Kazemier Brugt , Bruil Arjan , Steeg Annemieke van de , Rensman Marieke
Published: April 2013

Illegal activities such as smuggling, prostitution, and the production and sales of illicit drugs contribute to the national income of a country. In practice, however, they are not included in the statistics, because there are hardly any reliable estimates about these activities. Recently, Statistics Netherlands has started research into the share of illegal activities in the national income. This article presents the estimates for 1995 through 2008. The total contribution of illegal activities to the national income of the Netherlands increased from 1,800 million euro in 1995 to almost 3,500 million euro in 2008, equaling 0.6 percent of gross domestic product. Drugs accounted for more than 50 percent of the total income from illegal activities in 2001. In 2008, this was down to less than 40 percent, whereas finding illegal employment rose from about 10 percent in 1995 to 33 percent in 2008.
An online survey to determine owner experiences and opinions on the management of their hyperthyroid cats using oral anti-thyroid medications
Authors: Caney Sarah MA
Published: April 2013

Hyperthyroidism is the most common feline endocrinopathy. Treatment options comprise anti-thyroid medication, iodine-restricted diet, surgical thyroidectomy and radioiodine. One hundred and eleven owners of hyperthyroid cats completed a detailed survey asking about their experiences and views on the management of hyperthyroidism. Male cats were slightly over-represented (60 cats, 54%). Concurrent chronic kidney disease was reported in 27% of the cats. Oral anti-thyroid medication was offered to 92% of owners. The final treatment decision was usually based on the veterinarian’s recommendation or joint decision-making between the owner and the veterinarian. Almost all of the cats (103, 93%) had received oral anti-thyroid medication at some point in the course of their disease. Sixty-nine cats (62%) were receiving oral anti-thyroid medication at the time of survey completion. Management of hyperthyroidism using UK veterinary-licensed oral anti-thyroid medication (Vidalta; MSD Animal Health, Felimazole; Dechra Veterinary Products) was associated with 72–75% success rates in terms of owner-assessed clinical outcome. The most important treatment priorities for owners were the prescription of the most accurate dose of medication and use of the lowest possible dose. None ranked once-daily treatment as most important to them, and 79% of owners said that they were, or would be, happy to dose their cat twice daily to control its hyperthyroidism. For 62% of owners, pilling their cat twice daily was not a problem. These results suggest that most cat owners are not a barrier to prescribing twice-daily anti-thyroid medication, if required.
What comes around: the early 20th century American roots of legitimating corporate social responsibility
Authors: Marens Richard
Published: April 2013

Understanding why explicit, managerial-centred corporate social responsibility (CSR) which first developed in the United States, has recently spread globally requires an examination of the circumstances under which it first emerged. CSR arose out of the success of large American corporations of the early 20th century in preventing unionization or significant regulation of their workplaces, a success that required firms to assume responsibility for employee welfare, not only to promote efficiency and prevent a resurgence of labour activism, but also to reassure traditionalists concerned with new white collar employment relations. Corporate executives discovered that positive publicity with regard to personnel policies helped them manage other controversies, so after World War I, some began to extend claims of being responsible employers to argue for a more comprehensive set of social responsibilities. The onset of the Depression and its aftermath reduced the significance of managerial voluntarism for almost a half century, but the rise of neo-liberalism has revived managerial CSR, although once again it may not survive a global crisis.
CSR as aspirational talk
Authors: Christensen Lars Thøger , Morsing Mette , Thyssen Ole
Published: April 2013

Most writings on corporate social responsibility (CSR) treat lack of consistency between organizational CSR talk and action as a serious problem that needs to be eliminated. In this article, we argue that differences between words and action are not necessarily a bad thing and that such discrepancies have the potential to stimulate CSR improvements. We draw on a research tradition that regards communication as performative to challenge the conventional assumption that CSR communication is essentially superficial, as opposed to CSR action. In addition, we extend notions of organizational hypocrisy to argue that aspirational CSR talk may be an important resource for social change, even when organizations do not fully live up to their aspirations.
Why do corporate actors engage in pro-social behaviour? A Bourdieusian perspective on corporate social responsibility
Authors: van Aaken Dominik , Splitter Violetta , Seidl David
Published: April 2013

Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social practice, this article develops a novel approach to the study of corporate social responsibility (CSR). According to this approach, pro-social activities are conceptualized as social practices that individual managers employ in their efforts to attain social power. Whether such practices are enacted or not depends on (1) the particular features of the social field; (2) the individual managers’ socially shaped dispositions and (3) their stock of different forms of capital. By combining these theoretical concepts, the Bourdieusian approach we develop highlights the interplay between the economic and non-economic motivations that underlie CSR, acknowledging influences both on the micro- and the macro-level, as well as deterministic and voluntaristic aspects of human behaviour.
Conscience as control – managing employees through CSR
Authors: Costas Jana , Kärreman Dan
Published: April 2013

Corporate social responsibility has become an important topic for both academics and practitioners. CSR typically stands for corporate responses to ethical, environmental and social issues. Whilst extant research has predominately focused on CSR in relation to external stakeholders and taking a macro-institutional and/or functionalist perspective, we provide a critical engagement with the interactions between CSR, employees and management control within organizations. Qualitative data gathered at two management consultancy firms demonstrate how CSR discourses and practices serve to construct an idealized image of a socially, ecologically and ethically responsible corporate self. In this way, CSR works as a form of aspirational control that ties employees’ aspirational identities and ethical conscience to the organization. The article discusses the implications of CSR concerning cynical distancing, ethical sealing and the space for politics and critique in corporations.
In search of corporate social responsibility: Introduction to special issue
Authors: Fleming Peter , Roberts John , Garsten Christina
Published: April 2013

This introduction to the special issue aims to contextualize and critically comment on the current trajectory of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in both scholarly inquiry and business practice. It suggests that we must place it within the milieu of the ongoing economic crisis and the failure of a number of important opportunities to make business ethical (e.g. the 2012 Rio + 20 Earth Summit). It then suggests possible future terrain for tenable CSR research (and practice), especially in the context of widespread cynicism and disbelief regarding the claims of business ethicists in industry and the academy.
Are economic liberties basic rights?
Authors: Platz Jeppe von
Published: April 2013

In this essay I discuss a powerful challenge to high-liberalism: the challenge presented by neoclassical liberals that the high-liberal assumptions and values imply that the full range of economic liberties are basic rights. If the claim is true, then the high-liberal road from ideals of democracy and democratic citizenship to left-liberal institutions is blocked. Indeed, in that case the high-liberal is committed to an institutional scheme more along the lines of laissez-faire capitalism than property-owning democracy. To present and discuss this challenge, I let John Rawls represent the high-liberal argument that only a narrow range of economic liberties are basic rights and John Tomasi represent the neoclassical liberal argument that the full range of economic liberties are basic rights. I show that Rawls’s argument is inadequate, but also that Tomasi’s argument fails. I thus conclude that high-liberalism is in a precarious situation, but is not yet undone by the neoclassical liberal challenge.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant? Étienne de la Boétie on corruption and transparency
Authors: Sparling Robert
Published: April 2013

Étienne de La Boétie (1530–63) is a central, if enigmatic, figure in modern French political philosophy. While his name is most famous for his friendship with Montaigne, his Discours de la servitude volontaire (Discourse of Voluntary Servitude) is a tour-de-force of humanist political writing, a youthful paean to liberty arguing that subjection to tyrants is the result of popular corruption. This article argues that the text can be read as a reflection on the perils and promise of transparency. Reading La Boétie helps us see two radically different ways in which members of a polity can be known to one another – two models of transparency – and it offers an important, but ultimately unsettling, political ideal based on a classical conception of civic friendship. The article draws out the importance of this ideal for modern anti-corruption efforts.
The shameless truth: Shame and friendship in Aristotle
Authors: Sokolon Marlene K.
Published: April 2013

Does shame have a limited moral role because it is associated with a loss of self-respect or is it an important emotional support for socially beneficial behaviours? Aristotle supports the latter position. In his ethical theory, he famously claims that shame is a semi-virtue essential in the habituation of moral norms. He clarifies this role in the Rhetoric’s lesser-known distinction between true and conventional shame, which implies human beings make subjective evaluations of those appropriated cultural norms. Importantly, he locates this potential for ethical assessment in friendship and not in public discourse, as he thinks it would be shameless to publicly evaluate moral rules. The article ends by exploring potential critiques to his position and argues that Aristotle’s approach makes shame indispensable for moral progress, even though we might want to consider some limited role for shameless public protest.
Two forms of realism in political theory
Authors: Baderin Alice
Published: April 2013

This paper explores contemporary debates about the meaning and value of realism in political theory. I seek to move beyond the widespread observation that realism encompasses a diverse set of critiques and commitments, by urging that we recognize two key strands in recent realist thought. Detachment realists claim that political theory is excessively abstract and infeasible and thereby fails adequately to inform actual political decision-making. Displacement critics, on the other hand, suggest that political theory threatens or disrespects real politics. Not only are these visions of realism very different, there are also important tensions between them. I focus, in particular, on clarifying and evaluating the more complex charge that political theory displaces politics.
Measuring gang membership in England and Wales: A latent class analysis with Eurogang survey questions
Authors: Medina Juanjo , Aldridge Judith , Shute Jon , Ross Andy
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the conceptual and empirical adequacy of the Eurogang Network’s survey measurement of gang membership. Using data from a nationally representative survey of young people in England and Wales, we employed a latent class analysis to model variation in the characteristics of peer groups. We found that while Eurogang survey items identified a distinct group of young people involved in more frequent and serious offending, this definition also extended to a separate group whose only ‘vice’ was recreational drug use. We discuss the conceptual validity of extending the ‘gang’ label to this latter group, together with the pressing need for more developmentally sensitive measures of peer networks in adolescence.
Magnetic Compression in Gastrointestinal and Bilioenteric Anastomosis
Authors: Lambe Tadhg , Ríordáin Mícheál G. Ó , Cahill Ronan A. , Cantillon-Murphy Pádraig
Published: April 2013

Aim. The concept of compression alimentary anastomosis is well established. Recently, magnetic axial alignment pressures have been encompassed within such device constructs. We quantify the magnetic compression force and pressure required to successfully achieve gastrointestinal and bilioenteric anastomosis by in-depth interrogation of the reported literature. Methods. Reports of successful deployment and proof of anastomotic patency on survival were scrutinized to quantify the necessary dimensions and strengths of magnetic devices in ( a) gastroenteral anastomosis in live porcine models and ( b) bilioenteric anastomosis in the clinical setting. Using a calculatory tool developed for this work (magnetic force determination algorithm, MAGDA), ideal magnetic force and compression pressure were quantified from successful reports with regard to their variance by intermagnet separation. Results. Optimized ranges for both compression force and pressure were determined for successful porcine gastroenteral and clinical bilioenteric anastomoses. For gastroenteral anastomoses (porcine investigations), an optimized compression force between 2.55 and 3.57 kg at 2-mm intermagnet separation is recommended. The associated compression pressure should not exceed 60 N/cm2. Successful bilioenteric anastomoses is best clinically achieved with intermagnet compression of 18 to 31 g and associated pressures between 1 and 3.5 N/mm2 (at 2-mm intermagnet separation). Conclusion. The creation of magnetic compression anastomoses using permanent magnets demonstrates a remarkable resilience to variations in magnetic force and pressure exertion. However, inappropriate selection of compression characteristics and magnet dimensions may incur difficulties. Recommendations of this work and the availability of the free online tool ( http://magda.ucc.ie/ ) may facilitate a factor of robustness in the design and refinement of future devices.
Reliability analysis of a geographic information system-aided optimal phasor measurement unit location for smart grid operation
Authors: Ghosh Debomita , Ghose T. , Mohanta D.K.
Published: April 2013

The conventional power system is going through a paradigm change towards smart grid, incorporating technological innovations for sensing, communicating, applying intelligence and exercising control through feedback. Recently, phasor measurement units (PMUs) have been used extensively for the purpose of sensing and communication. In many system planning studies, planners experience conflicts while taking into account the requirements related to communication systems, environment and geographic configurations owing to lack of proper spatial co-ordination. A geographic information system (GIS) provides a rich set of functions to view the power system network and to explore the geospatial relations.

The main contribution of this article is to investigate the impact of topological attributes on commissioning phasor measurement units to ensure reliability through different phasor measurement unit connectivity configuration.

Comparative studies have been done amongst different phasor measurement unit connectivity configuration for determining the most reliable data exchange methodology. Case studies related to the eastern grid of India corroborate the potential use of geographic information system taking pragmatic spatial aspects into account for phasor measurement unit placement.
The pulp switch flap: An option for the treatment of loss of the dominant half of the digital pulp
Authors: Silva J. Braga , Pires F. K. S. , Teixeira L. F.
Published: April 2013

The fingertip has an important role in bi-digital pinch quality, and pulp loss is common and difficult to solve. The pulp switch consists of a pulp island flap with a homodigital neurovascular pedicle, vascularized by the palmar digital artery of the non-dominant pulp transposed to the dominant pulp side. We report the results in 16 patients treated for loss of the dominant half of a digital pulp from January 2000 to December 2008. On review after a minimum of 6 (range 6–18) months, the Weber’s test demonstrated an average of 8 mm in static 2 point discrimination test for all digits, except the ring finger. In the monofilament Semmes–Weinstein test, we obtained a score of 3.61 for the thumb and little fingers, and 4.31 for the other fingers. We did not find partial or total necrosis of the flap. The pulp switch flap gave satisfactory functional results for viability, sensitivity, and digital mobility providing a sensate bi-digital pinch with acceptable aesthetic results in a single surgical procedure.
Ultrasound diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy: Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic nerve thickness
Authors: Yalcin E. , Unlu E. , Akyuz M. , Karaahmet O. Z.
Published: April 2013

There is still no consensus on a normal value for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Such data would be valuable for the ultrasound diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy. Comparison of the symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic sides has been recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the asymptomatic ulnar nerve could be a reference value. High-resolution ultrasonic measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the ulnar nerves at the elbow were compared with 38 contralateral asymptomatic elbows of patients with unilateral ulnar neuropathy and 38 healthy controls. There were significant differences in the cross-sectional areas at all levels between the healthy control subjects and asymptomatic side of the ulnar neuropathy patients ( p < 0.05). The findings of this study suggest that there is a limitation in using the asymptomatic side for obtaining reference values in ultrasonographic studies. Each ultrasonographic laboratory should determine its own reference values.
Inherited predisposition to multiple myeloma
Authors: Koura Divya T. , Langston Amelia A.
Published: April 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States, after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Family pedigree analyses of high-risk families, case-control studies and racial disparities in disease incidence all point to a potential inherited predisposition to MM. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified susceptibility loci in a number of cancers and such studies are currently underway in MM. To date, GWASs in MM have identified several potential regions of interest for further study on chromosomes 3p22, 7p15.3, 8q24 and 2p23.3. In addition, several targets of paraproteins (so called ‘paratargs’) in MM have been identified. Hyperphosphorylation of the paratarg protein, which is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, appears a common mechanism underlying the antigenicity of these proteins. One particular protein, hyperphosphorylated paratarg-7 (pP-7) is a common target in persons with myeloma and has also been identified in affected members of several high-risk MM families. It appears that the frequency of pP-7 as an antigenic target may be particularly high in African American patients with MM, which could be part of the explanation for observed racial disparities in the incidence of MM. In this review we focus on available data in the area of inherited predisposition to MM, and highlight future research directions.