bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular structure of high-spin (S = {\bf 5} \over {\bf 2}) manganese(II) phthalocyanine in tetrabutylammonium bromido(phthalocyaninato)manganese(II)
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: April 2014

The title complex salt, (C16H36N)[MnBr(C32H16N8)] or (TBA)[MnIIBr(Pc)] (TBA is tetrabutylammonium and Pc is phthalocyaninate), has been obtained as single crystals by the diffusion technique and its crystal structure was determined using X-ray diffraction. The high-spin (S = 5\over 2) [MnIIBr(Pc)]− macrocycle has a concave conformation, with an average equatorial Mn—N(Pc) bond length of 2.1187 (19) Å, an axial Mn—Br bond length of 2.5493 (7) Å and with the MnII cation displaced out of the 24-atom Pc plane by 0.894 (2) Å. The geometry of the MnIIN4 fragment in [MnIIBr(Pc)]− is similar to that of the high-spin (S = 5\over 2) manganese(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) in [MnII(1-MeIm)(TPP)] (1-MeIm is 1-methylimidazole).
Identifying the prevalence of aggressive behaviour reported by Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses in residential intellectual disability services: an Irish perspective
Authors: Crotty G. , Doody O. , Lyons R.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Despite the high incidence of aggressive behaviours among some individuals with intellectual disability, Ireland has paid little attention to the prevalence of aggressive behaviours experienced by Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses (RNID). Within services the focus is mainly on intervention and management of such behaviours. Therefore a disparity occurs in that these interventions and management strategies have become the exclusive concern. Resulting in aggressive behaviour being seen as a sole entity, where similar interventions and management strategies are used for ambiguously contrasting aggressive behaviours. Consequently the ability to document and assess-specific behaviour typologies and their prevalence is fundamental not only to understand these behaviour types but also to orient and educate RNIDs in specific behaviour programme development. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study reports on a survey of the prevalence of verbal aggression, aggression against property and aggression against others experienced by RNIDs’ within four residential settings across two health service executive regions in Ireland. A purposeful non-random convenience sampling method was employed. Totally, 119 RNIDs responded to the survey which was an adaptation of Crockeret al.(2006) survey instrument Modified Overt Aggression Scale.

Findings

– The findings of this study showed the experienced prevalence rate of verbal aggression, aggression against property and aggression against others were 64, 48.9 and 50.7 per cent, respectively. Cross-tabulation of specific correlates identifies those with a mild and intellectual disability as displaying a greater prevalence of verbal aggression and aggression against property. While those with a moderate intellectual disability displayed a higher prevalence of aggression against others. Males were reported as more aggressive across all three typologies studied and those aged between 20 and 39 recorded the highest prevalence of aggression across all three typologies. The practice classification areas of challenging behaviour and low support reported the highest prevalence of aggression within all typologies.

Originality/value

– The health care of the person with intellectual disability and aggressive behaviour presents an enormous challenge for services. In-order to improve considerably the quality of life for clients, services need to take a careful considered pragmatic view of the issues for the person with intellectual disability and aggressive behaviour and develop realistic, proactive and responsive strategies. To do this, precise knowledge of the prevalence of aggressive behaviours needs to be obtained. This study is the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.
Integrative psychotherapy in intellectual disabilities: using cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic formulations
Authors: Drury Helena , Alim Nadja
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to outline how a combination of different psychological models may inform formulation and treatment, and the benefits for the client and the therapist of working in this way.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a single case study, describing an integrative approach in which psychodynamic ideas were used to inform cognitive-behavioural treatment.

Findings

– The integrated approach reported here not only allowed the client to develop his skills in problem solving and taking different perspectives, but also to take a more active role in decisions about his life.

Practical implications

– Integrative approaches may be of particular use for individuals who have not shown a full response to interventions based on a single theoretical model. Malan's triangles of insight provide a clear structure to psychodynamic formulation that is easily accessible to emerging psychodynamic practitioners.

Originality/value

– Little previous research has described integrative approaches for psychological difficulties in people with an intellectual disability. The approach outlined in this study describes reasons for using an integrative approach, provides one example of how different models may be combined in practice, and describes ways in which the integrative approach enriched the intervention.
Examining the mediating role of learning engagement, learning process and learning experience on the learning outcomes through localized real case studies
Authors: Nkhoma Mathews , Sriratanaviriyakul Narumon , Pham Cong Hiep , Khai Lam Tri
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of real, localized case studies on students’ learning engagement, the learning process and learning experience and the role of such case studies in influencing students’ learning outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 400 undergraduate students through an online questionnaire immediately after discussion of the case in Business Information Systems classes. Student learning from the case study was measured by two components consisting of case knowledge and case perceptions. The student course engagement questionnaire was used to examine engagement in skills, emotions, participation and performance while the study process questionnaire was administered to assess students’ learning approaches. Additionally, the seven predominant roles of the feedback were used to analyse students’ learning experience. Finally, students’ learning outcomes were assessed both in group performance and individual performance. Structure equation modelling was applied to test the causal model.

Findings

– The results revealed that the case study had a positive influence on students’ engagement in skills and emotions. Moreover, case perceptions led students to surface approach in their learning. Furthermore, case knowledge had a positive impact on the learning experience.

Research limitations/implications

– The study suggests that localized case studies should be designed cautiously. Furthermore the method of instruction regarding the method must be clearly explained for undergraduate students. Future research should consider a way of evaluating academic achievement as a result of using localized cases.

Originality/value

– The findings reported in the paper contributed to an area of educational research by emphasizing on the mediating role of learning engagement, the learning process and the learning experience.
Helicopter parents: an examination of the correlates of over-parenting of college students
Authors: C. Bradley-Geist Jill , B. Olson-Buchanan Julie
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine antecedents and consequences of parental involvement and over-parenting as it relates to college students’ college experiences and workplace expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online survey was completed by 482 undergraduate college students; the survey contained questions about parenting behaviors, personality and demographic items, and workplace scenarios to which participants responded.

Findings

– Statistical analyses revealed that over-parenting was more common when college students lived at home and had fewer siblings. Additionally, over-parenting (but not parental involvement) was associated with lower student self-efficacy as well as maladaptive responses to workplace scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

– Data are correlational and were collected from students only. Future longitudinal research that includes the parent and employer perspective is needed.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the antecedents and outcomes associated with over-parenting. Over-parenting is assessed in relation to college and workplace outcomes.
Personality, learning strategies, and academic performance
Authors: Moldasheva Gulnara , Mahmood Monowar
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between personality traits, learning strategies and academic performance among undergraduate students in the post-Soviet transition country of Kazakhstan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a quantitative survey method to assess individual personality, learning strategies and academic motivations. Statistical software (SPSS) was used to conduct correlations, linear regressions and multiple regressions as a means of testing the hypotheses and making inferences.

Findings

– The results suggest that students with different personality characteristics have different motivations and priorities in their pursuit of university degrees. However, some of these differences seem to be related to their fields of academic study and biographical backgrounds.

Practical implications

– The research emphasises the importance of managing individuals by focusing on their individual differences in learning strategies, rather than by relying on the personality stereotypes that existing literature suggests are prevalent.

Originality/value

– The findings will help educators take appropriate measures in selecting learning strategies that suit the different personality types of students, and will encourage and assist them in improving their academic performance. As this type of research has never been carried out in post-Soviet CIS countries, dissemination of the study's findings will immensely benefit students and educators in the region.
The pains and gains of blended learning – social constructivist perspectives
Authors: Pillay Soma , James Reynold
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Using the case of a cross-cultural setting, the purpose of this paper is to compare perceptions of students towards face-to-face learning and blended learning. A social constructivist perspective is used which implies that cultural data are in fact social constructs made on the basis of the participants’ own cultural thought patterns and the concepts and categories to which they are socialised within learning organisations. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Perceptual evidence forms the primary qualitative and quantitative data for this study. The paper uses social constructivist approach with empirical data in developing the notion that cross-cultural management is a process whereby people, through social interactions, acquire participative competence for working in cross-cultural settings.

Findings

– Perceptual data emerging from this study point out that considering the learning objectives of a cross-cultural context are paramount when engaging in cross-cultural management curriculum and teaching design. Such social contexts, while complex and challenging, is often a perfect opportunity where cross-cultural competence can be developed.

Originality/value

– The value of the study lies in the original insights it offers into student experiences and the challenges to adopt a “one size fits all” strategy in a cross-cultural setting.
Exploring the promise of e-tablet restaurant menus
Authors: Beldona Srikanth , Buchanan Nadria , L. Miller Brian
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to determine the relative efficacy of an e-tablet menu over the traditional paper-based menu across the parameters of order information quality, menu usability, and ordering satisfaction using customer perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two types of data were collected: customer perceptions using an instrument comprising academically underpinned constructs and observational data that involved ordering times, logs of any customization requests, and notes gathered from interactions with restaurant staff.

Findings

– Findings indicate that e-tablet menus are significantly superior to the traditional paper-based menu across all parameters. Restaurateurs should be cognizant of customization options to significantly enhance order information quality, improve customer service and boost sales.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings support the idea that the use of technology does help to enhance the service experience, specifically the ordering experience for the customer.

Practical implications

– Electronic tablets have the ability to transfer greater levels of information in an interactive manner thereby enhancing the role of the menu in the merchandising of a restaurant's offerings.

Originality/value

– Although there is evidence of the importance of restaurant menus to the success of restaurants, little is known about the influence of the use of electronic menus on the ordering experience. This study provides findings that focus on the usability of menus and their impact on the ordering experience.
A socio-ecological framework of social justice leadership in education
Authors: Berkovich Izhak
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the gap between conceptualizations of social injustices and the desired social transformation that addresses multiple social subsystems and levels on one hand, and social justice leadership that addresses intra-school efforts on the other. The paper aims to expand the conceptualization of social justice leadership and tie it together with concepts of activism and social change.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper adopts a socio-ecological perspective. It reviews works about social justice leadership in education, activism, and social change to present the notion that in light of existing social justice barriers educational leaders should serve as activists in schools and in the community and policy areas.

Findings

– The paper presents a macro framework, focussing on individual leaders in the field and on the consolidation of intentions, actions, and outcomes in a manner necessary for using social justice as an effective socio-political agenda in a socio-ecological system.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a conceptual framework which can enable practitioners and researchers to better understand social justice efforts.
Using experience sampling methodology to understand how educational leadership students solve problems on the fly
Authors: Katz-Buonincontro Jen , M. Hektner Joel
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a pilot study of the emotional states associated with educational leadership students’ attempts at problem solving “on the fly” in their schools and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Experience sampling methodology (ESM) was used to study 375 “problem-perceiving moments” in leadership students using iPod touches, followed by individual cognitive interviews (CIs).

Findings

– Students reported higher levels of intrinsic motivation and cognitive engagement when solving new vs old problems. Students experienced both more positive and more negative emotions when attempting to problem solve than when reporting that they were not solving problems, yet lower levels of self-efficacy coupled with insufficient time to reflect on their leadership goals while at work. Consistent with previous research, students reported engaging in metacognitive and reflective activities more frequently while with supervisors and colleagues. In the CIs, students’ narrative descriptions generally supported the quantitative analysis. For example, students described “putting out fires,” and discussed multi-tasking as a deterrent to problem solving. They also talked about balancing the emotional “highs and lows” throughout their day as well as the role of social affirmation in the problem solving process.

Research limitations/implications

– While the limitations of this small pilot study include a small sample using self-report data, the implications for educational leadership faculty are to explicitly integrate psychological research into leadership courses to expand students’ knowledge of creative problem solving and focus on building their self-efficacy.

Originality/value

– Even though students might not perceive they are good at problem solving, faculty can help them learn how to regulate their emotions and create teamwork conditions for constructively vetting problems. In turn, this kind of instruction and research can enhance leadership students’ persistence as problem solvers, which may help prevent leadership burnout and turnover.
New housing supply and price reactions: evidence from Spanish markets
Authors: Taltavull de la Paz Paloma
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The paper develops a housing model equation for Spain and selected regions to estimate new supply elasticity. The aim of the paper is to assess the role of housing supply on price evolution and explain the fall in housing starts since the start of the credit crunch.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a pooled EGLS specification controlling for the presence of cross-section heteroskedasticity. Fixed effect estimators are calculated to capture regional heterogeneity. The model uses secondary data (quarterly) for 17 Spanish regions over the period 1990-2012. A recursive procedure is applied to estimate model parameters starting with a baseline model (1990-1999) and successively adding one-year time information. Elasticities, as well as explanatory power from models, are reported and jointly analyzed. Elasticity is interpreted as the extent to which market mechanisms drive developer responses.

Findings

– Elasticities of new supply are shown to be very stable during all periods but characterized by differences in response at a regional level. Elasticity ranges from 0.8 to 1.3 across regions. The model reports a non-market-oriented mechanism that guides building decisions. The credit crunch and debt crisis have had a double negative effect capturing the cumulative effect of exogenous shocks.

Research limitations/implications

– Elastic responses restrained the effects of over-pricing in the period of strong demand pressures in the early 2000s. Changes in elasticity parameters over time suggest that long-term elasticity in housing supply depends on the specific region analyzed. The results show that the credit crunch shock had varying degrees of severity in Spanish regions, dramatically reducing house-building because of the high sensitivity to changes in prices.

Practical implications

– Estimated elasticity may be used to forecast responses to changes in housing prices. The results add to the understanding of the equilibrium mechanism in the housing market across regions.

Originality/value

– This is the first article that analyses housing supply, calculates supply elasticities and measures the impact of the credit crunch on the housing market from the supply side in Spain. The paper adds evidence to the debate concerning the equilibrium mechanism in the housing market.
Exploring observational learning in leadership development for managers
Authors: Kempster Steve , Parry Ken
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Observational learning within the leadership development of managers is under-theorized thus far. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical argument that builds out from a relational leadership perspective to center on processes affecting observational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The contribution is to draw together research to build a holistic model of observational learning. A further contribution is to apply this model to the context of leadership development.

Findings

– The paper examines processes associated with attention, availability, access, attainability, motivation and social comparison with significant others in particular contexts. The paper takes a temporal perspective to examine the ways that such interaction appears to be most prominent at particular times.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper concludes by outlining the opportunities for applying this understanding of observational leadership learning within management development arenas and explore future directions for research.

Originality/value

– Observational learning has been relatively overlooked. Though the authors often “know” that leaders develop through experience, the role of observational learning in this experience is not well understood. This paper is intended to provide a stimulus for exploring this important area in terms of shaping thinking and designs for management development interventions.
Gender, age and nationality: assessing their impact on conflict resolution styles
Authors: Gbadamosi Oluwakemi , Ghanbari Baghestan Abbas , Al-Mabrouk Khalil
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the conflict resolution styles used by university students in handling conflicts, and to determine the effects (if any) of age, nationality and gender on how students respond to conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Thomas-Kilmann conflict mode instrument was adopted to assess the conflict resolution styles (accommodating, avoiding, collaborative, competitive and compromising) of post graduate students in a University in Malaysia. Both ANOVA andt-test analyses were utilized to investigate the relationship between, nationality, gender, age and conflict resolution styles used by students.

Findings

– Results of this study indicates that female students used competitive style more than male students, while male students are more likely to avoid conflicts. The older students were discovered to use more avoiding, while younger students are more likely to be competitive in nature. The findings did not reveal any significant differences in nationality.

Originality/value

– This paper expands its focus from gender (which is the most commonly tested category) to other categories such as age and nationality, thereby giving room for these new categories to be tested extensively in future researches. The results reveal that students not only use different conflict resolution styles to address conflicts, but also there exists differences in the styles used by students of different age groups and gender.
Simulation-based learning in management education
Authors: Lu Jiafang , Hallinger Philip , Showanasai Parinya
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Proponents have argued that simulation-based learning (SBL) offers capabilities that respond to persisting critiques of management education. This research intended to provide additional empirical evidence for the instructional effectiveness of SBL. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopted a quasi-experimental, multiple time series design to examine the instructional effectiveness of courses that incorporated computer simulations in a Master of Management program at a business school in Thailand. It compared student perceptions of three SBL courses with courses that used a variety of other instructional approaches over a period of seven years.

Findings

– Results revealed that students rated the SBL courses significantly higher on overall perceived instructional effectiveness, as manifested by action-directed learning, student engagement, quality of assessment and feedback, and instructor effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

– The consistency of significant results for a large number of course sections over a substantial period of time suggests that the SBL courses created a more active, productive environment in which to learn management theory and practice.

Practical implications

– The results support assertions that simulations offer potential for enhancing the quality of university-based management education.

Originality/value

– First, the research provides empirical insights into the implementation of SBL in management education; second, many instructors remain skeptical as to whether active learning methods imported from western contexts are suitable for Asian learners. The study addresses this issue in the light of data that describe one institution's sustained attempt to employ computer simulations in its graduate management education program.
Examining the adoption of computer-assisted audit tools and techniques
Authors: Mahzan Nurmazilah , Lymer Andy
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The use of computer-assisted audit techniques and tools (CAATTs) is a part of many professionally recommended audit procedures. This paper aims to argue that obtaining a better understanding of the factors underlying successful CAATTs adoptions would be helpful to aid wider development of these technologies in internal audit functions.

Design/methodology/approach

– To help develop the understanding of the factors that lead to successful adoption of GAS, this paper uses current theories that are seeking to better explain the various elements that constitute IT adoption processes. In particular, it makes use the “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology” (UTAUT). UTAUT is used to structure the analysis of ten semi-structured, qualitative, interviews of key decision-makers in adoptions of CAATTS in internal audit functions in exploring the key factors that drove the successful adoption of these IT technologies. The most widely used CAATTs tools available to internal auditors is currently GAS. This study specifically focuses on GAS tools.

Findings

– This paper explores the successful adoption of GAS in ten cases to draw out the general factors that appear to be essential elements that lead to successful adoptions. From this basis, the paper proposes an initial model, built on existing theories of IT adoption more generally, as a theoretical basis for GAS adoption by decision-makers in an internal audit setting to better understand what may be essential factors to their adoption decisions to be likewise successful. Results suggest that two constructs from UTAUT (performance expectancy and facilitating conditions) appear to be particularly important factors influencing successful adoptions of GAS in this domain. However, the UTAUT constructs of social influence and effort expectancy are not found by this study to be as important in this specific IT adoption domain. UTAUT also proposes four moderating factors that influence the constructs. This paper explores two of these moderators – experience and voluntariness – and shows that both are keys to the constructs application to this domain.

Originality/value

– The paper examines the motivation for CAATTs adoption by internal auditors using the UTAUT framework commonly used in information system research but not so to date in this domain where there is professional guidance suggesting wider use of technology should be made compared to actual usage.
Technology in audit engagements: a case study
Authors: A. Vasarhelyi Miklos , Romero Silvia
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The audit of corporations is now dependent on the examination of corporate computer systems. Although tools and techniques have been available for decades, there are major limitations on the audits of corporate systems by external auditors. This paper aims to examine external auditor usage of technology benefiting from a unique opportunity of reviewing a large CPA firm's audit work papers and interviewing their audit staff to examine the following questions: are auditors using the available technological tools? What are the difficulties they face in using these tools? Are there mediators to enhance usability? Why and what circumstances surround their absence?

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a cross-sectional, case-based field study comparing four engagements in a major audit firm.

Findings

– This paper concludes that the characteristics of the audit team largely determine the levels of technology utilization. Furthermore, the integration of technology support teams and auditors may improve usability, and, consequently, increase technology adoption.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper includes information about four audit engagements. Given that audit firms have different cultures, practices and employee competencies, and hence emphasize the use of technology to varying degrees, it would be desirable to expand this study to reflect these variations.

Practical implications

– The paper presents a discussion of the reasons why auditors do not fully use technology and provide tools to increase its usability.

Originality/value

– The paper benefits from a unique opportunity of interviewing audit teams of a large firm, as well as through reviewing their work papers.
Modeling voluntary CAAT utilization decisions in auditing
Authors: B. Curtis Mary , A. Payne Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The authors aim to examine whether the well-established unified theory of acceptance and use of technology can be effectively adapted for use in an external audit setting and whether the re-specified model holds under different levels of budget pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes the form of a case study/questionnaire with Lisrel path modelling.

Findings

– Results support the re-specified model.

Research limitations/implications

– The model should aid audit research by providing a platform for new research to explore more specific solutions to technology reluctance. The authors extend general TAM research through additional exploration of the theory and impact of social influence, a determinant that has shown inconsistent tendencies in prior studies. The authors address several limitations in past TAM research including the use of student participants and self-selection bias.

Practical implications

– Firms must understand the implications of their policies and culture on the intention of audit teams to voluntarily utilize software. Technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of audit procedures, aid in the identification of fraud and lower litigation costs. Accounting firms have invested in the development of audit testing software and can only recoup these investments if the software is used.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to completely model the intention to use technology in an external audit engagement with consideration of budget influences.
Innovation in procurement from rural India using enterprise mobility strategy: a case study
Authors: Shah Mrinalini , Chattopadhyay Nilanjan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The fundamental rule for sustenance in the business world for organizations is to explore new ways to discover themselves and to realign the business strategies with the changing environment, apply new management concepts and adopt new technologies so as to have a faster response to the changing business situation. With more than 600 million user base of mobile phones in India, it may be useful for the Indian companies to set up an enterprise mobility strategy akin to their information technology strategy and take maximum advantage of this mobile wave. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper discusses methodology adopted to bring in and manage change in its process of procurement in a big organization “Marico,” one of the largest players in the Indian FMCG sector. A detailed process which “Marico” adopted to bring change in procurement process and its supply chain was studied with the help of long interviews and available secondary data.

Findings

– Heindl mode (2008) on the steps on continuous innovation are what Marico followed though process started in Marico much earlier. The case emphasizes how innovation models can be followed even to bring change in big corporate houses.

Practical implications

– Marico did formulate an enterprise mobility strategy as an innovation in its procurement process can pave the way and learning for other FMCG companies to benchmark its strategies against the one adopted by “Marico” the company of the study to find out the gaps exiting and therefore, the scope for improvement.

Originality/value

– “Maricio” is a unique example of continuous innovation and change in procurement from rural India which revolutionized the industry and bought bigger revenue and less hassles for the company.
The determinants of ASEAN-5 real effective exchange ratevis-á-visthe UK pound
Authors: AbuDalu Abdalrahman , Musa Ahmed Elsadig
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical analysis of long-run and short-run forcing variables of purchasing power parity (PPP) for ASEAN-5 currenciesvis-à-visthe UK pound, i.e. their real effective exchange rate (REER).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a recently developed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration (Pesaranet al., 2001) over the period 1991:Q1-2006:Q2. Our empirical results suggest that the foreign interest rate (R*) and domestic money supply (M1) are the significant long-run forcing variables of PPP for ASEAN-5 REERs for the three periods.

Findings

– In the short-run, the variables have different impacts during the sub-periods and full period for ASEAN-5 countries. The results suggest that the domestic money supply (M1) for Malaysia, domestic interest rate and foreign interest rate (R*) for Indonesia, domestic money supply (M1) and term of trades (TOT) for Philippines, foreign interest rate (R*) for Thailand, and foreign interest rate (R*) and net foreign assets (NFA) for Singapore, respectively, have the highest significant short-run forcing variable of PPP for countries REERs.

Originality/value

– In this respect, the outcomes can derive policy implication for the monetary authorities in these ASEAN-5 countries.
Double parameterized regularization inversion method for migration velocity analysis in transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis
Authors: Yu Caixia , Wang Yanfei , Zhao Jingtao , Wang Zhenli
Published: April 2014

Simultaneous estimation of velocity gradients and anisotropic parameters from seismic reflection data is one of the main challenges in transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis migration velocity analysis. In migration velocity analysis, we usually construct the objective function using the l2 norm along with a linear conjugate gradient scheme to solve the inversion problem. Nevertheless, for seismic data this inversion scheme is not stable and may not converge in finite time. In order to ensure the uniform convergence of parameter inversion and improve the efficiency of migration velocity analysis, this paper develops a double parameterized regularization model and gives the corresponding algorithms. The model is based on the combination of the l2 norm and the non‐smooth l1 norm. For solving such an inversion problem, the quasi‐Newton method is utilized to make the iterative process stable, which can ensure the positive definiteness of the Hessian matrix. Numerical simulation indicates that this method allows fast convergence to the true model and simultaneously generates inversion results with a higher accuracy. Therefore, our proposed method is very promising for practical migration velocity analysis in anisotropic media.
Effects of selective harvest of non‐lactating females on chamois population dynamics
Authors: Rughetti Marco , Festa‐Bianchet Marco
Published: April 2014

In large mammals, regulations or hunter preference often lead to selective harvest of non‐lactating females, with unknown impacts upon population growth. Because female survival has very high elasticity effects on population growth, an assessment of the magnitude and selectivity of female harvest is crucial to understand population dynamics of sport‐hunted ungulates. Hunting accounts for most mortality of adult chamoisRupicapra rupicapraand regulations typically discourage the harvest of lactating females as orphaned kids have reduced survival rates.

We used an individual‐based model, produced from empirical data, to explore the effects of selective removal of non‐lactating females on chamois population dynamics.

Harvest intensity had much stronger effects on female population dynamics than selectivity for reproductive status. Selective harvest of non‐lactating females had very weak effects on population size and then only at a high harvest rate and under strong selectivity. Assuming no difference in winter survival between orphaned and non‐orphaned kids, harvest of non‐lactating females decreased population size at equilibrium compared to a random female harvest, whereas the opposite was true when assuming 50% lower survival of orphaned kids.

Selective harvest of non‐lactating females may avoid the negative effects of orphaning on juvenile survival, but increases mortality of pre‐reproductive females that normally enjoy high survival and have high reproductive value.

Synthesis and applications. The impact of selective harvest of non‐lactating females upon population dynamics is likely to be more affected by the age structure of lactating and non‐lactating females rather than by the survival of orphan and non‐orphan juveniles. High harvest of pre‐reproductive females has undesirable effects on population dynamics, which must be considered alongside any cultural preferences of hunters when developing hunting regulations or policies.
Factors influencing hybrid rice adoption: a Bangladesh case
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker A. , Mohanty Samarendu , Nelson Andrew
Published: April 2014

As rice constitutes the major share in cereal consumption in South and East Asian countries that ranges from as low as 40 per cent in India to 97 per cent in Myanmar, to ensure food security, governments in these countries are encouraging farmers to adopt hybrid rice. This is mainly because hybrid rice provides a yield gain of 15–20 per cent over conventionally bred varieties in general. Yet, despite strenuous government efforts, farmers’ adoption rates have remained low in India, Bangladesh and Vietnam compared with China. Although studies often claim that higher seed costs and inferior grain quality are the major factors limiting hybrid rice adoption, very few studies examine the importance of socio‐economic factors and infrastructure in the adoption of hybrid rice. Using Bangladesh as a case, a comparative analysis has been made on the adoption of hybrid and modern varieties relative to traditional rice varieties and land allocation to these varieties. Econometric results indicate that general land characteristics, loan facilities and general infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation facilities and the availability of government‐approved seed dealers, significantly influence the adoption of hybrid and modern rice varieties and land allocation to these varieties compared with traditional varieties.
Reinventing the Governance of Public Finances in Remote Indigenous Australia
Authors: Moran Mark , Porter Doug
Published: April 2014

The economies of remote Indigenous settlements are dominated by public finances. The current system of governing public finance is highly saturated, fragmented and centralised, and this has a corrosive effect on local governance capability. The political accountability of leaders to their constituents is weakened in favour of an administrative accountability ‘upwards’ to higher authorities. New Public Management reforms have promoted administrative deconcentration, over political devolution, and this has been accompanied by an influx of public servants, Non‐Government Organisations (NGOs) and private contractors, and a decline in Indigenous organisations and local government. The end result in many settlements is a marked disengagement of Indigenous people in their own governance. There is evidence of considerable political capabilities existing within local government electorates. Decentralised financing arrangements can be used to catalyse these capabilities and then address deficits in administrative and technical performance.
The need to address poor numeracy skills in the emergency department environment
Authors: Eley Robert , Sinnott Michael , Steinle Vicki , Trenning Leeanne , Boyde Mary , Dimeski Goce
Published: April 2014

Substantial evidence exists for lack of numerical skills among many health professionals. Although poor numeracy has long been recognised as a contributor to medication error, other activities for which numerical literacy are required, such as interpretation of diagnostic results, have been largely ignored. Poor self‐awareness of lack of numerical literacy increases the risk, especially in the busy and hurried emergency environment. System changes, such as standardising units and improving number presentation, reduce the potential for misinterpretation; however system changes do not address the underlying deficiencies in mathematical skills. The training of doctors in numeracy has been largely ignored. In contrast, education for nurses frequently occurs during both pre‐ and post‐registration programmes. Interventions have had mixed success, although additional emphasis in increasing conceptual understanding of numbers is encouraging. The consequences of poor numerical literacy should be addressed in all clinical staff, not only by practice change to remove the potential for errors to be made, but also complemented by self‐awareness and education.
Psychological factors in emergency medicine
Authors: Gutenstein Marc
Published: April 2014

Human psychology, neuroscience and behavioural economics study the human mind, brain and behaviour. Scientific research has discovered a great deal about the factors that influence human perception, judgment and activity in the real world. In this article, I aim to provide an outline of the relationship between decision‐making, cognition, emotion and behaviour. I propose that meta‐cognition, or thinking‐about‐thinking, has the potential to inform how we practice emergency medicine. By accommodating human traits rather than trying to defy them, we can ultimately benefit our patients.
Transporting children with toxicological emergencies
Authors: Blake Danielle , Dalton Sarah , Gunja Naren
Published: April 2014

Objective

Each year, the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) receives over 3600 calls from health professionals regarding the management and transportation of critically ill children across New South Wales, with toxicological emergencies making up 1.5% of these calls. The aim of the present study is to describe the characteristics of patients transported for toxicological emergencies and their retrieval management.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients referred for management of a toxicological emergency between 2007 and 2011. Extracted data included patient demographics, substances involved, consultation with toxicological expertise, interventions performed and major adverse outcomes.

Results

Two hundred and thirty patients, with 307 toxicological exposures, were referred to NETS, of whom 169 (73.5%) were subsequently transported. Pharmaceutical poisonings (223, 72.6%) were the most common, followed by non‐pharmaceutical poisonings (61, 19.9%) and envenomation (23, 7.5%). Psychotropics, analgesics and chemicals were the most frequently ingested substances. The most common source of accidentally ingested pharmaceuticals was a family member. The most frequently given therapies were specific antidotes, in particular naloxone and N‐acetylcysteine. Nearly half (43.2%) of transported children required only non‐invasive monitoring. There was one death during the retrieval process.

Conclusions

Many children with toxicological emergencies require only non‐invasive monitoring, which could be provided by trained ambulance crews in select scenarios. Involvement of a toxicologist in the initial consultation to identify these patients might reduce retrieval numbers and costs. Children on regular medication and those living with family members on psychotropic or cardiac drugs were identified as high‐risk groups that should be targeted for medication safety education.
Semi‐subsistence Farming in Romania and Bulgaria: a Survival Strategy?
Authors: Hubbard Carmen , Mishev Plamen , Ivanova Nedka , Luca Lucian
Published: April 2014

Bulgaria and Romania have experienced radical transformations in their agriculture and rural economies, following transition to a market economy and accession to the EU. However, they remain two EU Member States characterised by a highly fragmented and polarised farm structure. The majority of farms in Bulgaria and Romania are very small in size. However, they continue to provide the main source of income for many rural households. They act as a social safety net and ensure food self‐sufficiency for both themselves and their urban relatives. There are other roles that small and SSFs appear to play in the wider rural economy, e.g. providers of environmental public goods, supplying speciality foods and ensuring the continuation of local and cultural traditions, but so far there is little research to support this argument. Despite the expectation of a gradual disappearance of small and SSFs and/or their market integration following the countries accession to the EU, it is clear that they are here to stay. At least for a while.
Narratives in research: Story as ‘showing’ the eminently ordinary experience of ageing
Authors: Wright‐St Clair Valerie A , Grant Bevan C , Smythe Elizabeth A
Published: April 2014

Aim

To offer a perspective when research narratives about how ageing is lived in everyday life are the primary data.

Methods

A literature search explored the garnering of narratives about everyday life in advanced age in qualitative research. Narrative examples from the authors' research, and supervised student research, are drawn on to illustrate the experiences of ageing when going about an ordinary day.

Results

Stories show the lived experience of ageing is both ordinary and complex. Notions revealed are: age as constructed, as assumed by others, as being engaged every day, and as living the day my way.

Conclusion

Understanding what it means to be older is in part shaped by which stories are told, who tells the stories and what sense is made of them. In gerontology research, ‘story telling’ can be a potent means of knowing what it means to be ‘older’ and of being worthy to self and others.
The use of vemurafenib in Australian patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma containing the V600 BRAF gene mutation
Authors: Brown Michael P , Long Georgina V
Published: April 2014

Metastatic melanoma remains one of the major causes of death related to skin cancers and has been resistant to traditional anticancer therapies. The clinical development of vemurafenib in the treatment of metastatic melanoma with the V600 mutation of the BRAF gene has provided meaningful improvements in the overall survival and progression‐free survival of metastatic melanoma patients. However, significant side effects have been noted with this therapy, in particular cutaneous adverse events (AEs) such as rashes, squamous cell carcinoma and severe photosensitivity to UVA light among others. With an emphasis on the Australian perspective, this review provides an overview of the clinical development of vemurafenib, its attendant dose‐limiting toxicities and other AEs, recommendations for safety monitoring, supportive treatments of AEs and dose modifications, with the aim of maximizing the chances of continuing beneficial treatment.