bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revision of the genus Cynoglossum L. (Boraginaceae Juss.) in Nepal and notes on the widespread Asian species
Authors: König Julia , Siwakoti Mohan , Hilger Hartmut H. , Weigend Maximilian
Published: August 2015

Cynoglossum is one of the most complex genera of Boraginaceae, with both species limits and the delimitation of the genus and its generic segregates highly problematic. Several hundred taxa and more than one thousand names are currently assigned to the genus and its segregates. The geographical centres of distribution are found in Asia and the Mediterranean. The present study investigates the genus Cynoglossum for Nepal, based mainly on herbarium collections from Nepal and across Asia, including most types, and some living accessions in Bonn Botanical Gardens. Based on this revision a total of five species of Cynoglossum are recognised for Nepal: Cynoglossum amabile, C. furcatum, C. lanceolatum, C. microglochin and C. wallichii. Cynoglossum microglochin, a large-fruited taxon, is here for the first time reported from Nepal and is the only species restricted to the Himalayas. All other species are widespread. The widely used name Cynoglossum zeylanicum is not available and the specimens so identified belong to C. furcatum, which is shown to extend to Georgia (Caucasus) in the West. Species described under Paracynoglossum and Cynoglossum, respectively, are found to be synonymous with each other, arguing for abandoning the problematic recognition of Paracynoglossum as a distinct genus. Diagnostic characters are described, micromorphological characters are illustrated and a key for identifying the five species is provided.
Typification and taxonomical notes on the names published by Roberto de Visiani and Josif Pančić in Plantae Serbicae Rariores aut Novae—Decas II
Authors: Clementi Moreno , ANAČkov GORAN , MIOLA ANTONELLA , Vukojičić Snežana
Published: August 2015

We provide information on the typification of ten species names described by Roberto de Visiani and Josif Pančić in Plantae Serbicae Rariores aut Novae—Decas II, published in 1865, and one published by Pančić in Flora of the Principality of Serbia (1874). Ten lectotypes are designated here. The name Scabiosa achaeta Visiani & Pančić is synonymised with Scabiosa fumarioides Visiani & Pančić. Differential characters distinguishing Allium serbicum Visiani & Pančić and the similar A. pallens L. are given.
Scytolyngbya timoleontis, gen. et sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae, Cyanobacteria): a novel false branching Cyanobacteria from China
Authors: Song Gaofei , Jiang Yongguang , Li Renhui
Published: August 2015

A novel genus within Leptolyngbyaceae related to Leptolyngbya morphotypes, Scytolyngbya, gen. nov., is described based on a polyphasic approach in the present study. From a freshwater sample with filaments of oscillatorean cyanobacteria from a well in Hubei Province, China, Scytolyngbya (type species: Scytolyngbya timoleontis, sp. nov.) was found to possess richly and repeatedly false branches and thick sheaths, which distinguishs this genus from Leptolyngbya sensu stricto. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences showed that this species was clustered into the Leptolyngbyaceae and separated from the type species Leptolyngbya boryana. The secondary structures of 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer of Scytolyngbya timoleontis did not correspond to any previously described species in cyanobacteria.
Asarum chueyi (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee and Virginia, USA
Authors: Sinn Brandon T.
Published: August 2015

The forests of eastern North America continue to yield new species, despite more than 200 years of botanical exploration. As a result of fieldwork conducted from 2012–2014, a new Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) species was found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee and Virginia. This species, A. chueyi, is here distinguished from other North American Asarum species by a unique combination of several morphological characters (calyx tube shape, style extension length, abaxial sepal reticulation, and stamen morphology). Furthermore, a taxonomic key to the species of Blomquist’s informal Virginica group, along with a new combination for Hexastylis sorriei Gaddy, which has not been validly published in Asarum, is provided.
Rectification of the position of the type locality of Brachycephalus tridactylus (Anura: Brachycephalidae), a recently described species from southern Brazil
Authors: BORNSCHEIN MARCOS R. , BELMONTE-LOPES RICARDO , RIBEIRO LUIZ F. , MAURÍCIO GIOVANNI NACHTIGALL , PIE MARCIO R.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this note is to correct the geographical position of the type locality of Brachycephalus tridactylus, a recently described species from southern Brazil (Garey et al. 2012). The type locality of B. tridactylus was designated as follows: “Serra do Morato (25°04’54”S; 48°19’53”W; 900–930 m above sea level; datum WGS84), Reserva Natural Salto Morato, municipality of Guaraqueçaba, state of Paraná” (Garey et al. 2012). However, when we plotted this locality data on Google Earth, the type locality was placed 6.80 km to the northwest of the Serra do Morato, falling on a different mountain range (with no common name) and outside Reserva Natural Salto Morato (FGBPN 2011). We therefore performed a fieldtrip to the exact point where the type series was collected (according to a local guide who participated in the collection of specimens with which the species was described). Using a GPS device (Garmin GPSmap 60CSx) we recorded the geographic coordinates and, after plotting this point on Google Earth, we recorded the altitude. We verified that the geographical coordinates of the type locality of B. tridactylus are: 25°08’09”S, 48°17’59”W (datum WGS84).
Taxonomic status and morphological variation of Hydrodynastes bicinctus (Hermann, 1804) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: MURTA-FONSECA ROBERTA A. , FRANCO FRANCISCO L. , FERNANDES DANIEL SILVA
Published: August 2015

Hydrodynastes bicinctus was described with no type material or locality and it has two subspecies currently recognized that are not taxonomically well defined. We tested the validity of the two subspecies through meristic, morphometric, and color pattern characters. Two apparently distinct color patterns of H. bicinctus were noticed, one from the Cerrado open formations and the other from the Amazon rainforest. These aforementioned patterns, however, exhibited a high degree of geographic overlap and many specimens showed a blended pattern. Based on these results we propose synonymizing H. bicinctus schultzi with the nominal taxon. Furthermore, we designate a neotype for the species, present data on geographic distribution, and provide morphological descriptions of the hemipenis, cephalic glands, and skull.
A review of the genus Abdosetae (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from China
Authors: JIN CHI , FU JIANYING , ZHANG FENG
Published: August 2015

Four species of the genus Abdosetae Fu, Zhang & MacDermott, 2010 from China are reviewed, and three of them are new to science: A. digitata sp. nov., A. falcata sp. nov. and A. hamata sp. nov. We re-examined the type material of A. hainan Fu, Zhang & MacDermott, 2010, re-delimited the generic characteristics and re-described the type species. A key to all Abdosetae species and a distribution map of the Chinese species are provided.
A Proposed Revision to the Definition of “Derecho”
Authors: Corfidi Stephen F. , Coniglio Michael C. , Cohen Ariel E. , Mead Corey M.
Published: August 2015

The word “derecho” was first used by Gustavus Hinrichs in 1888 to distinguish the widespread damaging windstorms that occurred on occasion over the mid–Mississippi Valley region of the United States from damaging winds associated with tornadoes. The term soon fell into disuse, however, and did not appear in the literature until Robert Johns and William Hirt resurrected it in the mid-1980s.

While the present definition of derecho served well during the early years of the term’s reintroduction to the meteorological community, it has several shortcomings. These have become more apparent in recent years as various studies shed light on the physical processes responsible for the production of widespread damaging winds. In particular, the current definition’s emphasis on the coverage of storm reports at the expense of identifying the convective structures and physical processes deemed responsible for the reports has led to the term being applied to wind events beyond those for which it originally was intended.

The revised definition of a derecho proposed herein is intended to focus more specifically on those types of windstorms that are the most damaging and potentially life threatening because of their intensity, sustenance, and degree of organization. The proposal is not intended to be final or all encompassing, but rather an initial step toward ultimately realizing a more complete physically based taxonomy that also addresses other forms of damaging-wind-producing convective systems.
Quantifying Climate Forcings and Feedbacks over the Last Millennium in the CMIP5–PMIP3 Models*
Authors: Atwood A. R. , Wu E. , Frierson D. M. W. , Battisti D. S. , Sachs J. P.
Published: August 2015

The role of radiative forcings and climate feedbacks on global cooling over the last millennium is quantified in the CMIP5–PMIP3 transient climate model simulations. Changes in the global energy budget over the last millennium are decomposed into contributions from radiative forcings and climate feedbacks through the use of the approximate partial radiative perturbation method and radiative kernels. Global cooling occurs circa 1200–1850 CE in the multimodel ensemble mean with pronounced minima corresponding with volcanically active periods that are outside the range of natural variability. Analysis of the global energy budget during the last millennium indicates that Little Ice Age (LIA; 1600–1850 CE) cooling is largely driven by volcanic forcing (comprising an average of 65% of the total forcing among models), while contributions due to changes in land use (13%), greenhouse gas concentrations (12%), and insolation (10%) are substantially lower. The combination of these forcings directly contributes to 47% of the global cooling during the LIA, while the remainder of the cooling arises from the sum of the climate feedbacks. The dominant positive feedback is the water vapor feedback, which contributes 29% of the global cooling. Additional positive feedbacks include the surface albedo feedback (which contributes 7% of the global cooling and arises owing to high-latitude sea ice expansion and increased snow cover) and the lapse rate feedback (which contributes an additional 7% of the global cooling and arises owing to greater cooling near the surface than aloft in the middle and high latitudes).
A Clinical Algorithm for Early Identification and Intervention of Cervical Muscular Torticollis
Authors: Nichter Stephanie
Published: August 2015

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common newborn pediatric muscular deformity of the neck. The purpose of this article is to suggest a clinical algorithm for pediatric clinicians to promote prompt identification and intervention for infants with CMT. Early intervention for a child with CMT at less than 1 month of age yields a 98% success rate by 2.5 months of age, with the infant achieving near normal range of motion. Intervention initiated at 6 months of age or later can require 9 to 10 months of therapy with less success in achieving full range of motion of the cervical musculature. The clinical algorithm proposed here incorporates the American Physical Therapy Association guideline for CMT to optimize outcomes for the child and reduce health care expenditures. Current evidence and guidelines demonstrate that primary care providers are the primary diagnostic clinicians, while physical therapists are the preferred provider for the treatment of CMT.
The International Labour Organization: The next 100 years1
Authors: Ryder Guy
Published: August 2015

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has a highly contemporary and relevant mandate: a mandate for the promotion of social justice. The ILO has for a long time stood out among the community of international organizations because of that mandate along with its enabling structure of tripartism and its distinctive means of action, through discussion and Conventions, to drive change. Whilst this mandate and history are important, they are not sufficient in themselves to guarantee the ILO's future relevance. The organization has to develop policies which will enable it to prosecute its mandate in a world of work which is facing extremely difficult challenges. Surveying the origins of the ILO and four contemporary crises – in jobs and unemployment, social justice, values and multilateralism – this address offers a set of specific ‘centenary initiatives' for the ILO and calls for not just the ILO tripartite constituents, but research centres, universities and others to contribute to a discussion about the future of work.
Designing DEVS visual interfaces for end-user programmers
Authors: Maleki Maryam , Woodbury Robert , Goldstein Rhys , Breslav Simon , Khan Azam
Published: August 2015

Although the Discrete Event System specification (DEVS) has over recent decades provided systems engineers with a scalable approach to modeling and simulation, the formalism has seen little uptake in many other disciplines where it could be equally useful. Our observations of end-user programmers confronted with DEVS theory or software suggest that learning barriers are largely responsible for this lack of utilization. To address these barriers, we apply ideas from human–computer interaction to the design of visual interfaces intended to promote their users’ effective knowledge of essential DEVS concepts. The first step is to propose a set of names that make these concepts easier to learn. We then design and provide rationale for visual interfaces for interacting with various elements of DEVS models and simulation runs. Both the names and interface designs are evaluated using the Cognitive Dimensions of Notations framework, which emphasizes trade-offs between 14 aspects of information artifacts. As a whole, this work illustrates a generally applicable design process for the development of interactive formalism-based simulation environments that are learnable and usable to those who are not experts in simulation formalisms.
Gas pipeline small leakage feature extraction based on LMD envelope spectrum entropy and PCA–RWSVM
Authors: Wang Lina , Gao Xianwen , Liu Tan
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a novel intelligent method based on local mean decomposition and multi-class reproducing wavelet support vector machines (RWSVMs), which are applied to detect leakage in natural gas pipelines. First, local mean decomposition is used to construct product function components to decompose the leakage signals. Then, we select the leakage signals which contain the most leakage information, according to the kurtosis features of these signals, through principal component analysis. Next, we reconstruct the principal product function components in order to acquire the envelope spectrum. Finally, we confirm the leak aperture by inputting envelope spectrum entropy features, as feature vectors, into the RWSVMs. Through analysing the pipeline leakage signals, the experiments show that this method can effectively identify different leak categories.
The connectivity of Haifa urban open space network
Authors: Toger Marina , Malkinson Dan , Benenson Itzhak , Czamanski Daniel
Published: August 2015

Urban open spaces are considered as spatial residuals of the expansion of built areas. The environmental impact of the resulting land-cover pattern and associated ecosystem services are frequently evaluated at a crude spatial resolution only. However, wild animals use remaining interconnected fine-grain open spaces as an infrastructure for movement.

In this paper, we traced the evolution of an open-space system in Haifa, Israel, and examined the impact of urban morphology on size and distribution of open spaces at different spatial resolutions.

At a 30 m resolution, our analysis indicated fragmentation and increasing partial elimination of open spaces. Over time the connectivity declined at a diminishing rate, yet the network did not disintegrate into separate components. The evolution analysis implied that in crude resolution, the open space network is threatened.

At a 5 m resolution, our analysis showed that Haifa remains porous to animal movement. Using combined multiple least-cost paths through the urban landscape of heterogeneous permeability, we illustrated extensive connectivity among open spaces. Backyards and other urban in-between spaces complemented the seminatural open-space network connectivity, enabling wildlife movement between habitat patches and thus survival in an urbanized environment.
How will smart growth land-use policies affect travel? A theoretical discussion on the importance of residential sorting
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Chatman Daniel
Published: August 2015

Do policies to encourage compact, mixed use, pedestrian-friendly land-use patterns reduce driving? Not necessarily. Understanding how the built environment affects travel patterns is complex, not least because households may choose their neighborhoods on the basis of how they expect to get around. Some scholars have argued that ignoring this process of residential sorting, or ‘self-selection’, causes overestimates of built-environment influences and leads to false optimism about the efficacy of land-use policies in influencing travel. But others have suggested that residential self-selection provides a strong argument for using land-use policies to expand the supply of development that may facilitate lower automobile use. We argue that previous work on both sides of the argument has neglected to think through the myriad ways that residential choice could affect estimates of built-environment effects. In this paper we provide a more rigorous theory of residential self-selection, identifying a set of five household, market, and policy factors that are critical to understanding the residential self-selection problem, along with research questions that correspond to these factors. We explain why observed relationships between travel and the built environment could be misleading, causing either overestimates or underestimates, depending on the nature and context of residential choice. We illustrate with scenarios that show how different plausible assumptions about residential choice will bias, in different directions, estimates of the built environment's effects on travel; and we argue the need for research to focus not just on those independent estimates but, critically, upon the market and policy context that influences residential sorting.
Successful Total Meniscus Reconstruction Using a Novel Fiber-Reinforced Scaffold
Authors: Merriam Aaron R. , Patel Jay M. , Culp Brian M. , Gatt Charles J. , Dunn Michael G.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Meniscus injuries in the United States result in an estimated 850,000 surgical procedures each year. Although meniscectomies are the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgery, little advancement has been made in meniscus replacement and regeneration, and there is currently no total meniscus replacement device approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Hypothesis:

A novel fiber-reinforced meniscus scaffold can be used as a functional total meniscus replacement.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A tyrosine-derived, polymer fiber–reinforced collagen sponge meniscus scaffold was evaluated mechanically (tensile and compressive testing) and histologically after 16 and 32 weeks of implantation in an ovine total meniscectomy model (N = 20; 16 implants plus 4 meniscectomies, divided equally over the 2 time periods). The extent of cartilage damage was also measured on tibial plateaus by use of toluidine blue surface staining and on femoral condyles by use of Mankin scores on histological slides.

Results:

Scaffolds induced formation of neomeniscus tissue that remained intact and functional, with breaking loads approximating 250 N at both 16 and 32 weeks compared with 552 N for native menisci. Tensile stiffness values (99 and 74 N/mm at 16 and 32 weeks, respectively) were also comparable with those of the native meniscus (147 N/mm). The compressive modulus of the neomeniscus tissue (0.33 MPa at both 16 and 32 weeks) was significantly increased compared with unimplanted (time 0) scaffolds (0.15 MPa). There was histological evidence of extensive tissue ingrowth and extracellular matrix deposition, with immunohistochemical evidence of types I and II collagen. Based on significantly decreased surface damage scores as well as Mankin scores, the scaffold implants provided greater protection of articular cartilage compared with the untreated total meniscectomy.

Conclusion:

This novel fiber-reinforced meniscus scaffold can act as a functional meniscus replacement, with mechanical properties similar to those of the native meniscus, while protecting the articular cartilage of the knee from the extensive damage after a total meniscectomy.

Clinical Relevance:

This meniscus replacement scaffold has the potential to improve surgical treatment and provide better long-term outcomes for those suffering from severe meniscus damage.
ArthroBroström Lateral Ankle Stabilization Technique
Authors: Acevedo Jorge I. , Ortiz Cristian , Golano Pau , Nery Caio
Published: August 2015

Background:

Arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair techniques have recently been developed and biomechanically as well as clinically validated. Although there has been 1 anatomic study relating suture and anchor proximity to anatomic structures, none has evaluated the ArthroBroström procedure.

Purpose:

To evaluate the proximity of anatomic structures for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle ligament stabilization technique and to define ideal landmarks and “safe zones” for this repair.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten human cadaveric ankle specimens (5 matched pairs) were screened for the study. All specimens underwent arthroscopic lateral ligament repair according to the previously described ArthroBroström technique with 2 suture anchors in the fibula. Three cadaveric specimens were used to test the protocol, and 7 were dissected to determine the proximity of anatomic structures. Several distances were measured, including those of different anatomic structures to the suture knots, to determine the “safe zones.” Measurements were obtained by 2 separate observers, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

None of the specimens revealed entrapment by either of the suture knots of the critical anatomic structures, including the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), sural nerve, peroneus tertius tendon, peroneus brevis tendon, or peroneus longus tendon. The internervous safe zone between the intermediate branch of the SPN and sural nerve was a mean of 51 mm (range, 39-64 mm). The intertendinous safe zone between the peroneus tertius and peroneus brevis was a mean of 43 mm (range, 37-49 mm). On average, a 20-mm (range, 8-36 mm) safe distance was maintained from the most medial suture to the intermediate branch of the SPN. The amount of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) grasped by either suture knot varied from 0 to 12 mm, with 86% of repairs including the retinaculum.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that there is a relatively wide internervous and intertendinous safe zone when performing the ArthroBroström technique for lateral ankle stabilization. While none of the critical anatomic structures was entrapped by the suture knots, it was evident that the IER was included in a majority of the repairs. This study further defines the proximity of adjacent anatomic structures and establishes the anatomic safe zones for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle stabilization procedure.

Clinical Relevance:

By defining this relatively risk-free zone, surgeons who are not as experienced with arthroscopic lateral ligament repair techniques may approach arthroscopic suture passage with more confidence.
Bleeding Associated With Feeding Tube Placement in Critically Ill Oncology Patients With Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Patel Rina P. , Canada Todd W. , Nates Joseph L.
Published: August 2015

Background: Existing trials have not evaluated the feasibility of oral or nasal feeding tube (FT) placement in the critically ill thrombocytopenic oncology population. Thrombocytopenia (TCP) may be considered a contraindication to FT placement due to the potential risk of bleeding complications. Methods: Medical intensive care unit (ICU) adult oncology patients with attempted nasal or oral FT placement were evaluated in a 52‐bed ICU at a comprehensive cancer center. End points were compared between patients with and without TCP (platelet count <150,000/μL). Primary outcomes of overt and clinically important bleeding (gastrointestinal and point of entry) were evaluated within 72 hours of FT placement. Results: Fifty‐nine patients were enrolled (TCP, n = 42; no TCP, n = 17; baseline platelet count, 41 ± 48 vs 249 ± 85 [× 103/μL], P < .001). Patients with TCP were more likely to have a hematologic malignancy and lower baseline hemoglobin and platelet count (P < .01). More patients with TCP received blood products 24 hours prior to FT placement (86% vs 12%, P < .01). There was no difference in overt (7.1% vs 0%, P = .55) or clinically important (2.4% vs 5.9%, P = .5) bleeding complications within 72 hours of attempted FT placement among patients with TCP versus those without. Conclusions: Critically ill oncology patients with TCP do not appear to be at a higher risk for bleeding complications after FT placement compared with those without TCP, which may be related to blood product transfusion within 24 hours prior to FT placement.
Hypertextuality and Social Media
Authors: Albu Oana Brindusa , Etter Michael
Published: August 2015

Texts and conversations are central to the constitution of organizations. Through the use of social media technologies, organizational members and nonorganizational members alike have the capacity to author organizational texts that co-constitute an organization as an entity with a specific identity in a situational space and time. The implications of this ability are underexplored. This study focused on how two organizations used the social media technology Twitter to interact with their constituents. The article adopts communication-centered and sociomateriality perspectives to illustrate how Twitter interactions (hashtags) become hypertexts that simultaneously coproduce an organizational actor and act as a pastiche of the organization (i.e., a vehicle of contestation for the specific identity they were designed to bring into existence). The findings provide a novel understanding of hypertextuality as the process through which an organization is temporarily co-constituted by both inter- and intraorganizational discursive-material interactions across spaces and times.
‘And the rest is implementation.’ Comparing approaches to what happens in policy processes beyond Great Expectations
Authors: Hupe Peter L , Hill Michael J
Published: August 2015

Implementation occurs as a ‘late’ part in the stages model of the policy process. As such, it is seen as following upon and subordinate to the preceding stages of agenda-setting and policy formation. Hence, implementation is often addressed as ‘the rest’. This view on implementation as a presupposed residual in goal achievement implies little attention to ‘political’ dimensions, like ambiguity and conflict. Therefore, the view can only partially explain the – sometimes disappointing – results of policy processes. Alternatively, approaches to the policy/implementation nexus with an explicit focus on what happens at the street level have a greater explanatory potential. They are not taking implementation for granted as a seemingly technical matter, simply prescribed by policy objectives.
Holocene climate history of the Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador, Canada) established from pollen and dinoflagellate cyst assemblages covering the past 7000 years
Authors: Richerol Thomas , Fréchette Bianca , Rochon André , Pienitz Reinhard
Published: August 2015

This study documents the past ~7000 years of Holocene climatic history for Labrador and Nunatsiavut, using a sedimentary sequence of more than 8 m retrieved in Nachvak fjord, one of the northernmost fjords of Nunatsiavut. Using a multi-proxy approach combining a solid Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS)-14C chronology and the fossil assemblages of pollen grains and dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts), we were able to compare terrestrial and marine records in an effort to obtain a better understanding of the mid- to late-Holocene climate history of the Nunatsiavut. Records begin at the end of the deglaciation and showed a general delay in the sequence of climate events which followed, both in terrestrial and marine realms. The presence of Pentapharsodinium dalei in great abundance in Nachvak Fjord revealed a strong influence of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Labrador Sea until ~3000 yr BP. Afterward, its rather fast disappearance marked the increased influence of Arctic waters. The last 1000 years show climate stability in the region over the marine realm and a cooling trend over terrestrial landscapes.
The ‘credibility paradox’ in China’s science communication: Views from scientific practitioners
Authors: Zhang Joy Yueyue
Published: August 2015

In contrast to increasing debates on China’s rising status as a global scientific power, issues of China’s science communication remain under-explored. Based on 21 in-depth interviews in three cities, this article examines Chinese scientists’ accounts of the entangled web of influence which conditions the process of how scientific knowledge achieves (or fails to achieve) its civic authority. A main finding of this study is a ‘credibility paradox’ as a result of the over-politicisation of science and science communication in China. Respondents report that an absence of visible institutional endorsements renders them more public credibility and better communication outcomes. Thus, instead of exploiting formal channels of science communication, scientists interviewed were more keen to act as ‘informal risk communicators’ in grassroots and private events. Chinese scientists’ perspectives on how to earn public support of their research sheds light on the nature and impact of a ‘civic epistemology’ in an authoritarian state.
Vivien Theodore Thomas (1910–1985): An African-American laboratory technician who went on to become an innovator in cardiac surgery
Authors: Soylu Erdinc , Athanasiou Thanos , Jarral Omar A
Published: August 2015

Vivien Theodore Thomas (1910–1985) was an African-American laboratory technician and instructor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. He was born as the grandson of a slave in Lousiana, working as a carpenter and subsequently as a laboratory technician after the great depression and the loss of his savings derailed his plans to become a doctor. In his role as a laboratory technician, he overcame challenging personal circumstances to become an innovator in paediatric cardiac surgery, despite having no formal college education. He played an important role in assisting Alfred Blalock and Helen Taussig in the development of the ‘Blalock-Taussig’ shunt, a procedure used to improve the survival of children with cyanotic congenital heart defects. He also contributed to major breakthroughs in research covering a spectrum of disorders such as traumatic shock, coarctation of the aorta and transposition of the great arteries. He acted as a teacher and mentor to a generation of surgical residents and technicians who went on to become leaders in their field across the USA. A television film based on his life was premiered by HBO in 2004 titled ‘Something the Lord made’.
Reengineering and Organizational Competencies: A Work Redesign Perspective
Authors: Kak Anjana , Sharma Anuradha
Published: August 2015

Reengineering the organizations has now become the central management challenge and primary task of business leaders. The management initiatives that organizations are taking in response to today's imperatives are focussing directly on people instead of technologies or processes. Organizations are discovering that their competencies lie not in particular products or product categories, but in unique expertise or the knowledge pool of their people. They are realizing that reengineering alone will not succeed unless the right people with appropriate set of skills are placed in the process.
Reoriented Marketing Strategies in the Changed Environment: Some Perspectives
Authors: Rao Prof. Nageshwar , Das DR. R.P.
Published: August 2015

Today almost every Indian organisation is operating in a highly competitive and globalised environment. In order to meet the challenges, organisations are choosing various strategic alternatives. Some of the currently popular reoriented marketing strategies adopted by Indian organisations like are: (i) Targeting high volume zones through price reductions; (ii) Focus on second tier low income customers, in urban areas or rich buyers in villages for second hand consumer durables; (iii) Replacement schemes for high investment products; (iv) New brand introduction and extensions aimed at fully satisfying customers; (v) Bundled offers: selling tactics for tomorrow's long-term marketing strategy; (vi) Products launching for newer segments and (vii) Price (less) plans to push inventories out of warehouse doors and increase sales.
Economic Value Added and Shareholder Wealth - An empirical study of relationship
Authors: Banerjee Ashok
Published: August 2015

The present study attempts to explore the supremacy of EVA over other variables in explaining the stock price performance. Five independent variables (Earning Per Share, Adjusted Return on Net Worth, Capital Productivity, Labour Productivity and Economic Value Added) are chosen to establish the relationship between shareholder wealth and financial variables. Market Value Added (MVA), which is a measure of shareholder wealth, is considered as the dependent variable.

The above hypothesis is tested on the time series data. Nine industries are chosen for this purpose viz., Automobile, Cement, Cotton and Blended Yarn, Diversified, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Finished Steel, Paper, Tea and Coffee and Tyre.
Business People Reengineering (BPR)
Authors: DR Sushil  , Agnihotri A
Published: August 2015

Today's business environment is dynamic and complex. Competition is no longer business to business but has in fact turned supply chain to supply chain. Those who do not heed to the signs of change will perish off. In the present competitive scenario, organisation are adopting new and new strategies for both survival and protection of their business domain. Reengineering is the buzzword of industry today. Many companies have gone for reengineering implementation, but the failure rate is pretty high for such implementation. Much has been written about reengineering but considerable uncertainty and confusion exists about what reengineering is and what factors can have significant influence over success or failure of a reengineering project. Many reasons have been cited for the failure of reengineering. One of the major reasons for failure has been negligence of human aspect during such implementations which have been brought out in this paper.
Studies on the profile of IMT's Distance Learning Students
Authors: Uberoi N.K.
Published: August 2015

Studies on the profile of Distance Learning Students carried out at IMT indicate that initially the students develop a high level of motivation. The motivation wanes with time. The same is true for confidence building. It is suggested that in order to sustain high levels of motivation and confidence, it is essential to have an idea about the difficulties of students. Another finding of the present study is enhancement of managerial skills. Factors determining this finding need to be analysed further.

The study also revealed that there is no gender difference in respect of motivation, confidence building and acquisition of skills.
Plastics: Wonder Material in Trouble
Authors: Haque DR. M. A.
Published: August 2015

Plastics once considered to be the most versatile and wonderful material available to man have been advocated as the greatest enemies of the environment by environmentalists. In our country, plastics are facing opposition for their use in packaging. Import of plastic wastes from other countries as a part of counter-trade is adding to the problem. Legal initiatives at Central and State levels have been in progress to overcome this problem along with industry's intervention.
Scope for Relationship Marketing in Lubricant Industry
Authors: Sharma Gulnar K , Pandey Vinaya K Ratna
Published: August 2015

Relationship Marketing means to create strong, long lasting, fruitful relationships by developing long-terms bonds through its various instruments of personal connections, as a result of which customers become loyal to the product. The study reveals a shifting trend of the industry. The customer is more aware of quality, R&D is going to play a crucial role. On the whole customers tend to be brand loyal but still 25% of the customers are not committed to any brand and more than 50% switch among 2-3 brands; maintaining continuous relation can work. This can be done by keeping in touch with key customers.
Marketing of Rural Non-Farm Products: A Case Study of Handicrafts
Authors: Singh Sukhpal
Published: August 2015

Marketing of rural non-farm products has been a relatively neglected area of inquiry in business management literature. But, given the present and potential importance of this sector for rural livelihoods and the emerging opportunities in terms of new markets for rural nonfarm products, it is important to understand the market dynamics and issues of this sector. This paper looks at the concept and domain of rural marketing in general and the nature and dynamics of market for handicraft products in particular, with a view to devise strategies for better marketing of these products. It is argued that the lack of marketing orientation is the major problem in this sector, besides poor backward and forward linkages. Certain marketing solutions to better attend the various segments of the handicrafts market are suggested which are based on empirical evidence.
Information Technology Initiatives in Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Rawani AM , Gupta MP
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the need, the importance and the milestones of development of Information Technology (IT) in Indian banking sector. It also presents perceptions of bank. IT executives on critical IT issues in banking. All service sectors in general and the banking sector in particular are information intensive industries. Therefore, they are critically affected by the role of Information Technology (IT). IT plays a critical role in the design, development and implementation of new banking products. IT is not merely a tool to automate day to day work, but it is an enabler to derive a competitive advantage. Finally, the paper concludes with highlighting the need to focus on critical issues such as Integrating Information System Strategy with Business Strategy, User's Satisfaction, Top Management's involvement in IS issues, Customer's Satisfaction, etc.
Influence of shock impulse characteristics on vibration control using nonlinear fluid viscous dampers
Authors: Narkhede Dilip I , Sinha Ravi
Published: August 2015

Energy dissipating damping devices such as fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) often have applications in shock vibration control of structural and mechanical systems. Nonlinear FVDs are more suitable compared to the linear FVDs for applications where large force and velocities are exerted, such as in structures subjected to shock excitations. This paper discusses the influence of shock impulse characteristics on vibration control of a single-degree-of-freedom system with linear and nonlinear fluid viscous dampers for three types of shock excitation profile, viz. half-cycle sine, initial-peak saw tooth and rectangular. The following response parameters have been considered: (1) maximum acceleration of the structure, (2) maximum displacement of the structure, and (3) time required for attenuation of response below a specified threshold. An approximation based on the concept of equal energy dissipation to determine the response of the structure with nonlinear fluid viscous dampers subjected to shock excitation has been proposed. The paper also presents non-dimensional design charts for above shock pulses for linear and nonlinear fluid viscous dampers, which can be used for preliminary decision on damper parameters to be used in design.
How to create and terminate a school of public health
Authors: Köhler Lennart , Karlberg Ingvar
Published: August 2015

The famous preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1948, stating that health is not only the absence of disease, has been one of the most influential political statements of our time. The follow-up, reaching a position where health is viewed as instrumental to a good life and not as a goal in itself, as set out in the Ottawa Charter of 1986, has likewise been of the utmost importance for the global development of public health, as well as developing the concept of health promotion. The focus on public health sparked by the WHO was paralleled by expansion of the academic interest in the topic, beginning in the USA and successively adopted around the world. In the Nordic countries the pioneering of an academic platform for public health studies and research began in 1953. This was later followed by a stepwise expansion to a full academic institution with postgraduate studies, work-related training, research and development. From the start, the resultant institution called the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV) was a joint Nordic project financed by the Nordic governments. The NHV became a leader in public health studies in Nordic countries and also a role model for the development of an academic community. A large campus and a select and erudite staff, together with thousands of students, paved the way for the NHV having a major impact on public health policy in Nordic countries. One effect of this was increasing awareness of the need for systematic policy supporting public health research and, with this, the founding of institutions of public health in all of the separate Nordic countries. Ironically, the impact made by the NHV in spreading the idea of public health as an important part of academic study has made the NHV superfluous. It is true that courses and programmes in public health are now available at most universities in the five Nordic countries, but they are directed at young students fresh from high school. There is no institution that offers a broad and high-quality postgraduate education and training in public health, adapted to the special needs of mid-career professionals in a multi-professional and internordic setting. With the NHV closing, a research institute focusing public health in a Nordic context will disappear, as will an internationally leading School of Public Health, a centre of excellence and relevance in public health, which has evaluated, assessed and promoted the goals and evaluated the success of the Nordic welfare societies.
Health Promotion: A developing focus area over the years
Authors: Povlsen Lene , Borup Ina
Published: August 2015

In 1953 when the Nordic School of Public Health was founded, the aim of public health programmes was disease prevention more than health promotion. This was not unusual, since at this time health usually was seen as the opposite of disease and illness. However, with the Ottawa Charter of 1986, the World Health Organization made a crucial change to view health not as a goal in itself but as the means to a full life. In this way, health promotion became a first priority and fundamental action for the modern society. This insight eventually reached NHV and in 2002 – 50 years after the foundation – an associate professorship was established with a focus on health promotion. Nevertheless, the concept of health promotion had been integrated with or mentioned in courses run prior to the new post. Subsequently, a wide spectrum of courses in health promotion was introduced, such as ‘Empowerment for Child and Adolescent Health Promotion’, ‘Salutogenesis – from theory to practice’ and ‘Health, Stress and Coping’. More than half of all doctoral theses undertaken at NHV during these years had health promotion as their theme. As a derivative, the Nordic Health Promotion Research Network (NHPRN) was established in 2007 with bi-annual meetings at NHV.
The Nordic Health Promotion Research Network (NHPRN)
Authors: Ringsberg Karin C.
Published: August 2015

The Nordic Health Promotion Research Network (NHPRN) was established in 2007 at the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV). This article aims to describe the foundation of the NHPRN, the development and the present status of the work of NHPRN. The NHPRN consists of about 50 senior and junior researchers from all Nordic countries. It is a working network that aims to develop the theoretical understanding of health promotion, to create research cooperation in health promotion from a Nordic perspective and to extend the scope of health promotion through education. Network members meet biannually to discuss and further develop research within the field and are also responsible for the Nordic conference on Health Promotion, organized every 3 years. The NHV hosted the network between 2007 and 2014; and the World Health Organisation (WHO) will assume this role in 2015.
Contribution of the Nordic School of Public Health to the public mental health research field: a selection of research initiatives, 2007–2014
Authors: Forsman Anna K. , Fredén Lars , Lindqvist Rafael , Wahlbeck Kristian
Published: August 2015

The field of public mental health has been defined by an expert group convened by the Nordic School of Public Health (NHV) as encompassing the experience, occurrence, distribution and trajectories of positive mental health and mental health problems and their determinants; mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders; as well as mental health system policies, governance and organization. The mental health priorities of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2010 signalled a mutual Nordic exchange of knowledge in the following thematic areas: child and adolescent mental health; working life and mental health; mental health in older people; strengthening the role of primary care in mental health service provision; stronger involvement of users and carers; and reduction of use of coercion in psychiatric care. Efforts to realize these priorities included commissioning the Nordic Research Academy for Mental Health, an NHV-based network of research institutions with a common interest in mental health research across the Nordic countries, to develop, organize and follow-up projects on public mental health. The research initiatives included mental health policy analysis, register-based research and research focused on the users’ perspective in a Nordic context, as well as EU-level research policy analysis. The public mental health research conducted at the NHV highlighted the complexity of mental health and emphasized that the broad determinants of mental health need to be increasingly addressed in both public health research and practice. For example, health promotion actions, improved access to health care, a healthy alcohol policy and prevention of suicides and violence are all needed to reduce the life expectancy gap – a red flag indicator of public health inequalities. By exchanging knowledge and best practice, the collaboration between the Nordic countries contributes to the welfare of the region. The expertise and traditions developed at the NHV are of significant importance in this work.