bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural course of congenital hypothyroidism by dual oxidase 2 mutations from the neonatal period through puberty
Authors: Maruo Yoshihiro , Nagasaki Keisuke , Matsui Katsuyuki , Mimura Yu , Mori Asami , Fukami Maki , Takeuchi Yoshihiro
Published: January 2016

Aim

We previously reported that biallelic mutations in dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) cause transient hypothyroidism. Since then, many cases with DUOX2 mutations have been reported. However, the clinical features and prognosis of individuals with DUOX2 defects have not been clarified.

Objective

We investigated the prognosis of patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to DUOX2 mutations.

Patients

Twenty-five patients were identified by a neonatal screening program and included seven familial cases. Their serum TSH values ranged from 18.9 to 734.6 mU/l. Twenty-two of the patients had low serum free thyroxine (fT4) levels (0.17–1.1 ng/dl). Twenty-four of the patients were treated with L-thyroxine.

Methods

We analyzed the DUOX2, thyroid peroxidase, Na+/I− symporter, and dual oxidase maturation factor 2 genes of these 25 patients by PCR-amplified direct sequencing. An additional 11 genes were analyzed in 11 of the 25 patients using next-generation sequencing.

Results

All patients had biallelic DUOX2 mutations, and seven novel alleles were detected. Fourteen of the patients were able to discontinue replacement therapy, and seven were receiving reduced L-thyroxine doses. Normalization of thyroglobulin lagged several years behind the completion of treatment. Two patients showed permanent hypothyroidism. Except for one case of a learning disability, growth and psychomotor development were normal.

Conclusion

The prognosis of Japanese patients with DUOX2 defects was usually transient CH. Delayed improvement of thyroglobulin indicates that these patients have subclinical hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism did not recur in patients during the study period (up to 18 years old).
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with increased osteopontin levels
Authors: Saklamaz Ali , Calan Mehmet , Yilmaz Ozgur , Kume Tuncay , Temur Muzaffer , Yildiz Nurdan , Kasap Esin , Genc Mine , Sarer Yurekli Banu , Unal Kocabas Gokcen
Published: January 2016

Objective

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multi-functional secreted glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and inflammatory process. Growing evidence suggests that there is a link between OPN and ovarian function. However, no such link has yet been found for OPN in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to ascertain whether circulating OPN levels are altered in women with PCOS and to determine whether OPN levels differ between the follicular phase and mid-cycle of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women.

Design and methods

In total, 150 women with PCOS and 150 age- and BMI-matched controls without PCOS were recruited for this prospective observational study. OPN levels were measured using ELISA. Metabolic parameters were also determined.

Results

Circulating OPN levels were significantly elevated in PCOS women compared with controls (69.12±31.59 ng/ml vs 42.66±21.28 ng/ml; P<0.001). OPN levels were significantly higher at mid-cycle than in the follicular phase in eumenorrheic women. OPN was positively correlated with BMI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free testosterone, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio (OR) for PCOS was 3.64 for patients in the highest quartile of OPN compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR=3.64; 95% CI=2.42–5.57; P=0.011). Our findings indicate that BMI, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and free testosterone are independent factors influencing serum OPN levels and that OPN is an independent predictor for HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

PCOS is associated with increased OPN levels.
Association of antiepileptic drug usage, trace elements and thyroid hormone status
Authors: Zevenbergen Chantal , Korevaar Tim I M , Schuette Andrea , Peeters Robin P , Medici Marco , Visser Theo J , Schomburg Lutz , Visser W Edward
Published: January 2016

Background

Levels of thyroid hormone (TH) and trace elements (copper (Cu) and selenium (Se)) are important for development and function of the brain. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can influence serum TH and trace element levels. As the relationship between AEDs, THs, and trace elements has not yet been studied directly, we explored these interactions.

Method

In total 898 participants, from the Thyroid Origin of Psychomotor Retardation study designed to investigate thyroid parameters in subjects with intellectual disability (ID), had data available on serum Se, Cu, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), reverse T3, T4, and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG); 401 subjects were on AED treatment. Differences in trace elements according to medication usage was investigated using ANOVA, and associations between trace elements and thyroid parameters were analysed using (non-) linear regression models.

Results

Study participants were not deficient in any of the trace elements analyzed. AED (carbamazepine, valproate and phenytoin) usage was negatively associated with serum Se and showed compound-specific associations with Cu levels. After correction for drug usage, Se was positively associated with TSH levels, negatively associated with FT4levels, and positively with T3levels. Cu was positively associated with T4, T3, and rT3, which was largely dependent on TBG levels.

Conclusion

The subjects with ID did not display profound deficiencies in trace element levels. AEDs were associated with serum Se and Cu levels, while serum Se and Cu were also associated with thyroid parameters. Further studies on the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical importance are warranted.
Anti-tumour effects of lanreotide for pancreatic and intestinal neuroendocrine tumours: the CLARINET open-label extension study
Authors: Caplin Martyn E , Pavel Marianne , Ćwikła Jarosław B , Phan Alexandria T , Raderer Markus , Sedláčková Eva , Cadiot Guillaume , Wolin Edward M , Capdevila Jaume , Wall Lucy , Rindi Guido , Langley Alison , Martinez Séverine , Gomez-Panzani Edda , Ruszniewski Philippe , _ _
Published: January 2016

In the CLARINET study, lanreotide Autogel (depot in USA) significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic pancreatic/intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). We report long-term safety and additional efficacy data from the open-label extension (OLE). Patients with metastatic grade 1/2 (Ki-67 ≤10%) non-functioning NET and documented baseline tumour-progression status received lanreotide Autogel 120 mg (n=101) or placebo (n=103) for 96 weeks or until death/progressive disease (PD) in CLARINET study. Patients with stable disease (SD) at core study end (lanreotide/placebo) or PD (placebo only) continued or switched to lanreotide in the OLE. In total, 88 patients (previously: lanreotide, n=41; placebo, n=47) participated: 38% had pancreatic, 39% midgut and 23% other/unknown primary tumours. Patients continuing lanreotide reported fewer adverse events (AEs) (all and treatment-related) during OLE than core study. Placebo-to-lanreotide switch patients reported similar AE rates in OLE and core studies, except more diarrhoea was considered treatment-related in OLE (overall diarrhoea unchanged). Median lanreotide PFS (core study randomisation to PD in core/OLE; n=101) was 32.8 months (95% CI: 30.9, 68.0). A sensitivity analysis, addressing potential selection bias by assuming that patients with SD on lanreotide in the core study and not entering the OLE (n=13) had PD 24 weeks after last core assessment, found median PFS remaining consistent: 30.8 months (95% CI: 30.0, 31.3). Median time to further PD after placebo-to-lanreotide switch (n=32) was 14.0 months (10.1; not reached). This OLE study suggests long-term treatment with lanreotide Autogel 120 mg maintained favourable safety/tolerability. CLARINET OLE data also provide new evidence of lanreotide anti-tumour benefits in indolent and progressive pancreatic/intestinal NETs.
A Multidisciplinary Children’s Airway Center: Impact on the Care of Patients With Tracheostomy
Authors: Abode Kathleen A. , Drake Amelia F. , Zdanski Carlton J. , Retsch-Bogart George Z. , Gee Amanda B. , Noah Terry L.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND:

Children with complex airway problems see multiple specialists. To improve outcomes and coordinate care, we developed a multidisciplinary Children’s Airway Center. For children with tracheostomies, aspects of care targeted for improvement included optimizing initial hospital discharge, promoting effective communication between providers and caregivers, and avoiding tracheostomy complications.

METHODS:

The population includes children up to 21 years old with tracheostomies. The airway center team includes providers from pediatric pulmonology, pediatric otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, and pediatric gastroenterology. Improvement initiatives included enhanced educational strategies, weekly care conferences, institutional consensus guidelines and care plans, personalized clinic schedules, and standardized intervals between airway examinations. A patient database allowed for tracking outcomes over time.

RESULTS:

We initially identified 173 airway center patients including 123 with tracheostomies. The median number of new patients evaluated by the center team each year was 172. Median hospitalization after tracheostomy decreased from 37 days to 26 days for new tracheostomy patients <1 year old discharged from the hospital. A median of 24 care plans was evaluated at weekly conferences. Consensus protocol adherence increased likelihood of successful decannulation from 68% to 86% of attempts. The median interval of 8 months between airway examinations aligned with published recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS:

For children with tracheostomies, our Children’s Airway Center met and sustained goals of optimizing hospitalization, promoting communication, and avoiding tracheostomy complications by initiating targeted improvements in a multidisciplinary team setting. A multidisciplinary approach to management of these patients can yield measurable improvements in important outcomes.
The perspectives of long-term growth in Russia
Authors: Idrisov Georgy , Sinelnikov-Murylev Sergey
Published: January 2016

The paper analyses the inconsequence and problems of Russian economic policy to accelerate economic growth. The authors consider three components of growth rate (potential, Russian business cycle, and world business cycle components) and conclude that in order to pursue an effective economic policy to accelerate growth, it has to be addressed to the potential (long-run) growth component. The main ingredients of this policy are government spending restructuring and budget institutions reform, labour and capital markets reform as well as productivity growth.
Jingle bells and struggling GIPS: Comparing the Baltic and the southern euro zone’s crisis experience using the varieties of capitalism framework
Authors: Kuokštis Vytautas
Published: January 2016

This article compares the experience of the Baltic countries and the eurozone’s southern members, the GIPS (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain), in terms of the run-up to the Great Recession and the eurozone crisis, responses during the downturn, and the subsequent recovery (or lack thereof). It discusses numerous apparent similarities in terms of the build-up of macroeconomic vulnerabilities and the content of anti-crisis strategies pursued as well as the substantially different results of these policies. This article applies the VoC (Varieties of Capitalism) approach. To this end, it presents theoretical expectations regarding different varieties’ vulnerability to macroeconomic imbalances, preferences regarding anti-crisis policy as well as the likely outcome of the internal devaluation strategy. The article finds the VoC approach largely useful, although it is more helpful in accounting for the nature of reaction to the crisis and the outcomes of anti-crisis policy, while less so in explaining the initial accumulation of vulnerabilities.
Inflation targeting and its discontents: The case of Poland
Authors: Ciżkowicz Piotr , Rzońca Andrzej
Published: January 2016

The paper provides a general evaluation of inflation targeting in Poland with some reference to challenges faced by major central banks. First, it argues that inflation targeting has proved to be relatively successful in Poland and attributes this success to a bias towards the aggressive mitigation of inflationary risks, whenever they have arisen. Second, it briefly explains why the National Bank of Poland does not need to search for an alternative to inflation targeting. Then, it presents the negative aspects of the price level targeting and nominal GDP targeting. Third, it refers to the post- EU accession experience of Poland as being supportive for the “leaning against the wind” approach to monetary policy conducting. Fourth, it argues that such an approach is supported by evidence on the effects of the crisis’ outburst and aggressive interest rate cuts on trust in central banks. Fifth, it indicates the determinants of slow post-crisis restructuring and persistently high uncertainty as desired priorities in the research agenda in central banks.
A Study on Knowledge Management Capabilities towards New Product Innovation Type and Development Performance of Chinese Businesses
Authors: Xu Sheng
Published: January 2016

A business needs to constantly innovate and reinforce the competitiveness for the survival development and sustainable management. Focus on new product development has become the key factor in modern manufacturers maintaining the competitiveness. The process and the results depend on the effective application and management of organizational knowledge that it is necessary to reinforce the capabilities in order to promote the new product development performance.

With random sampling, the employees and the managers in top ten businesses of 1,000 Chinese industrial businesses are distributed 1,000 copies of questionnaire. Total 568 effective copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 57%. The results show 1. the significantly positive correlation between knowledge acquisition capabilities in knowledge management capabilities and new product development performance, 2. the remarkably positive correlation between knowledge transformation and application capabilities in knowledge management capabilities and new product development performance, 3. the notably positive correlation between knowledge protection capabilities in knowledge management capabilities and new product development performance, and 4. the signifi- cant moderating effects of product innovation type on the correlation between knowledge management capabilities and new product development performance. The research results are expected to provide essential contributions and suggestions for the knowledge management capabilities and the new product development of Chinese businesses.
An International Comparative Study of the Input—output Efficiency of Human Resources of Science and Technology
Authors: Yi Xie , Rong Ran
Published: January 2016

By using the input—output method and principal component analysis, this paper did a comparative research on the input—output efficiency of human resources of science and technology among the world’s leading countries, and revealed the actual situation of the input—output efficiency of human resources of science and technology in our country. Among all these seven countries, the input—output efficiency of human resources of science and technology in Japan is the highest, and in China the lowest. There is a significant linear relationship between input and output. And finally, it put forward the thoughts and suggestions about improving the input and output efficiency of human resources of science and technology.
Analysis of the Linkage Effect between Regional Economic Development and Logistics Competitiveness in China
Authors: Xuejiao Wang
Published: January 2016

Logistics industry, being the modern industry integrating information, forwarding, warehousing, and transportation, plays an important role in optimizing the industrial structure in regional economic development. There have been many experts and scholars interpreting the relationship between the level of regional economy and logistics industry from the aspect of econometric model. Referring to existing research results, Panel Vector Autoregressive Model and Factor Analysis are applied to study panel data of 5 coastal provinces in past 20 years and construct relevant indicators reflecting logistic competitiveness, the level of regional economy, and degree of openness in order to explore the linkage effect between logistic competitiveness and the level of regional economy. The results suggest that the 5 coastal provinces can merely achieve the long-term and steady development of regional economy by moving towards the linkage development between logistic industry and manufacturing industry.
Effects of Curriculum Design on Students’ Creative Potential Developing — A Case Study on Students in the Department of Business Management
Authors: Lin Pao-Cheng , Lin Pei-Kuan
Published: January 2016

The rapid advance of science technology and civilization has resulted in people’s activities being more complicated as various new problems are likely to occur at any time. Problem-solving abilities therefore become a basic competence to survive in modern societies. In the problem-solving process, the development of creativity is required to break through dilemmas. School education aims to cultivate students’ decision-making and problem-solving competence. Nonetheless, the educational approaches and contents in Taiwan stress too much on mastery learning, and ignore the development of curiosity and creative potential.

Aiming at the students in the department of business management in national universities in Taiwan, total 300 copies of questionnaires are distributed, and 187 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 62%, in which each retrieved copy is regarded as a valid sample. The research findings show that Curriculum Design presents partially positive effects on Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration in Creative Potential Developing and Background Variables reveal significant moderating effects on the correlations between Curriculum Design and Creative Potential Developing.
Research on Exploring the Formation Factors of Youth Entrepreneurship Satisfaction and Behavior Intention
Authors: Feng Liu , Xiao-Ting Song
Published: January 2016

This research established the youth entrepreneur satisfaction forming path and behavior intention model on the base of classical customer satisfaction index model, and took the 172 youth entrepreneurs as research object, who have been supported by China Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YBC) Mianyang Office since 2007. This study applies factor analysis and structural equation model to reveal the satisfaction formation mechanism which affects by the youth entrepreneurs expectations, guidance quality and guidance value perception, as well as the entrepreneurs’ subsequent behavior affected by the satisfaction. The results show that the mentor image has significantly positive effect on the youth entrepreneur expectation. The latter affects the satisfaction through the guidance quality perception to exert influence on the youth’s guidance value perception; youth entrepreneur expectation, guidance value perception and guidance quality perception have positive effects on satisfaction. As for the youth entrepreneurs’ behavioral intention, the youth’s satisfaction had significantly negative effects on their complaint and significantly positive effects on their loyalty. In addition, there were significantly negative effects between the youth entrepreneurs’ complaint and loyalty.
Development of a Kinesthetic Learning System for Schoolchildren’s Baseball Learning Based on Competence Motivation Theory: Its Effect on Students’ Skill and Motivation
Authors: Yang Yu-Fu , Hsieh Ming-Chia , Ku Man-Ting
Published: January 2016

The traditional baseball instruction strategies were mainly conducted by the instructors with oral explanation and exemplification while students had to improve their performance in athletic activities through continuous practice. During the learning process of athletic skills, students oftentimes posed less confidence due to unskilled body movement resulting in lower achievement sense. Finally, they started to reject the engagement in relevant athletic activities and even never practice anymore. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the influence on the learning motivation and the performance of athletic skills made by students in the conventionally instructive mode by introducing the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) instruction strategies of the kinect baseball learning system. Research results indicated: (1) after the kinect baseball learning system was introduced into instruction, it positively affected the learning motivation of students; (2) after the kinect baseball learning system was introduced into instruction, it positively affected the performance of athletic skills of students.
Effects of Female Managers’ Leadership on Teamwork and Organizational Performance in Catering Industry
Authors: Wu Monica Shu-Fen
Published: January 2016

The promotion of educational standards and the rising independent awareness of females, females are gradually taking a place in the employment market. Industrial structure evolution and social transformation have the societies in Taiwan change from traditional manufacturing to hi-tech, information, and food service industries. Demands for human resources therefore become different from the past that lots of employment opportunities were indirectly created for females. Regarding the labor participation rate, the increasing female engagement in workplaces has enhanced the generation of female leadership. The unique female personality traits could assist female managers in forming unique management styles in business management. Aiming at Wowprime, total 650 copies of questionnaires are distributed, and 477 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 73%. The results conclude 1. positive effects of leadership on teamwork, 2. positive effects of teamwork on organizational performance, and 3. positive effects of leadership on organizational performance. The results are expected to help the leadership of female managers in catering industry.
A Study on the Correlations among Organizational Support, Professional Commitment, and Employee Engagement in Catering Industry
Authors: Lo Chun-Hsien , Nieh Fang-Pei
Published: January 2016

The gross product of catering industry in developed countries often exceeds most other industries because of changing styles of societies, economic development, increasing national income, frequent international trade, and convenient and rapid transportation. The economic development in Taiwan has stepped in service-oriented phase from industrial economy and is approaching the mature economy of advanced countries. The marketing and management strategies for catering industry have become important as it is a business related to “people”, with more personnel than other industries, mainly providing delicate food, which is regarded as the key in tourism industry, and offering better products and services for customers.

Aiming at the staffin Landis Hotels & Resorts as the research subject, total 280 copies of questionnaires are distributed, and 176 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 63%. The research findings show the significant correlations between 1. Organizational Support and Professional Commitment, 2. Professional Commitment and Employee Engagement, and 3. Organizational Support and Employee Engagement.
Effects of Relationship Bonding on Brand Attitudes and Customer Loyalty in Tourism Industry
Authors: Tai Yu-Nan
Published: January 2016

The fiercely competitive markets in tourism industry have caused difficulty in developing new consumers. In addition to keep the quality of service, a tourism business has to change the marketing strategies and focus on the maintenance of relationship bonding with current consumers. In this study, the employees and customers of Chateau Beach Resort Kenting are distributed 300 copies of questionnaire. After deducting invalid and incomplete ones, total 162 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 54%. The research results are summarized as follows. 1. Relationship bonding presents significantly positive correlations with brand attitudes. 2. Brand attitudes reveal remarkably positive correlations with customer loyalty. 3. Relationship bonding shows notably positive correlations with customer loyalty. 4. Brand attitudes have partial mediating effects on the correlations between relationship bonding and customer loyalty. Aiming at above results, suggestions are proposed to help tourism businesses create better operation performance.
Effects of Crisis Communication Strategies and Media Report on Corporate Image in Catering Industry
Authors: Gunawan Sri , Shieh Chich-Jen , Pei Yu
Published: January 2016

The enhancement of economic development and living standard in last years has the people stress more on recreational life that tourism becomes prevalent in Taiwan. County and city governments positively promote tourism and hold cultural festivals to enhance the boom of accommodation and catering industries and further fire national tourism market and catering industry.

Through online questionnaire survey, the customers of Wang Steak, TASTy, Tokiya, and ikki, which are the subsidiaries of Wowprime and burst out the oil scandal recently, are distributed 800 copies of questionnaires. Total 388 effective copies are retrieved with the effective rate 49%. The research results are concluded as follows. 1. Crisis Communication Strategies would affect Media Report. 2. Crisis Communication Strategies would influence Corporate Image. 3. Media Report has significantly positive effects on Managerial Capacity in Corporate Image. 4. Media Report presents remarkably positive effects on Corporate Reputation in Corporate Image. 5. Media Report shows notably positive effects on Communication News in Corporate Image. It is expected that catering businesses could enhance the countermeasures of Crisis Communication Strategies to cope with crises.
Testing Non-linear Effect of Urbanization on Economic Growth in China — Based on the Aspect of Financial Deepening
Authors: Li Xinguang , Hu Ridong
Published: January 2016

Smooth Transition Regression Model (STR) is applied to analyze the non-linear effect of urbanization on economic growth in this study. By collecting relevant variable data in 1978–2012, financial deepening is selected as the transition variable to construct the STR Model which could reflect the dynamic change of urbanizational economic growth effect. The result shows that urbanizational economic growth effect should present the characteristics of threshold and could be described with non-linear Smooth Transition Model (LSTR1). Meanwhile, the urbanizational economic growth effect should reveal asymmetry, in which the research findings show contemporary financial deepening (FISt) as a factor. Specifically, the linear feature appears when the FISt is lower than 0.3792 (before 1990), while it reveals non-linearity when the FISt exceeds 0.3792 (after 1990), and the non-linearity becomes the major factor in the urbanizational economic growth effect after 1990.
Media Coverage and Stock Return in the Taiwan Stock Market
Authors: Wang Kuei-Yuan , Chen Chien-Kuo , Wei Hsiao-Chi
Published: January 2016

The purposes of this paper were to explore the relationship between media coverage and stock returns in Taiwan stock markets. The empirical results were as follows: (1) stock returns showed causality with either media coverage amounts or the degrees of good/bad media coverage; (2) when impacted by the past stock returns, the stock return might finish its response to the impulse around three days and showed a negative effect, whereas when impacted by the past media coverage amounts, the media coverage amount might also finish its response to the impulse within three day and showed a negative effect; (3) when impacted by the degrees of the past good media coverage, the good media coverage degree might finish its response in three days and showed a negative effect, in which a positive effect might be presented on the first two days, while the effect might turn negative on the third day. Given that, when impacted by the past stock returns, the stock return might finish its response to the impulse within three days and showed a negative effect and, when impacted by the degrees of the past good media coverage, the stock return might also finish its response in three days and showed a negative effect. That is, media coverage could be used as an indicator to predict stock returns in the Taiwan stock markets when making investment decisions.
Effects of Corporate Governance and Competition on Corporate Performance of International Enterprises
Authors: Wang Yaw-Yih
Published: January 2016

The occurrence of Asian Financial Crisis and successive scandals highlight the importance of corporate governance on which the public start to stress. “Pursuing internationalization for sustainable development” has become a trend for corporate development in the future. Nonetheless, the promotion of internationalization enhances multiple operating environments and information complexity. An enterprise therefore has to adjust the existing organizational structure and construct favorable corporate governance mechanisms to timely reflect market demands and have the enterprise acquire the advantage of the economy of scale through overseas extension points. With the approach of globalization era, the extreme dependence of economic activities on import/export hastens Taiwan actively joining in World Trade Organization (WTO) to enhance the circulation of goods and resources among member states. Under such a trend, the industrial structure in Taiwan needs to be adjusted, and industries with competitiveness would present larger development space. Aiming at listed companies in Taiwan Stock Exchange, the research period is set 16 years, from 1999 to 2014. The research results conclude that 1. competition would affect corporate governance, 2. competition would influence corporate performance, and 3. corporate governance would affect corporate performance. The research results are expected to inspire international enterprises with the competition evaluation and corporate governance adjustment to promote the corporate performance.
A Study Based on the Effect of Strategic Orientation on Management Innovation and Human Resource Management of a Business
Authors: Lei Ruan , Yan Zhang , Lei Peng
Published: January 2016

Investigation on human resource role is progressing, and the influence of fits between human resources and business strategies have been confirmed in various studies. Such influence has also been proven as a good way to acquire organizational competitive advantages and achieve the optimal operating performance. Under such a context, a new variable, Management Innovation, is included in this study to observe the effects of such a practical and changeable variable on strategic orientation and human resource management role.

Top ten businesses in Fujian Province are selected for the questionnaire survey. Total 500 copies of questionnaire are distributed and 376 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 75%. The research results show the positive effects of 1. strategic orientation on management innovation, 2. strategic orientation on human resource management role, and 3. management innovation on human resource management role. It expects to verify richer and multiple effects in this study for the reference of successive research and the practice.
A imigração como risco para a saúde: uma análise das representações do imigrante africano na cobertura da Folha de S. Paulo sobre o ébola
Authors: Sacramento Igor , Machado Izamara Bastos
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo analisamos a construção de estereótipos sobre os imigrantes africanos na Folha de S. Paulo durante a cobertura do surto epidémico de ébola no continente africano, em 2014. Damos especial atenção ao modo como o jornal noticiou o caso de suspeita de contágio do imigrante guineano Soulyname Bah. Observamos que houve, por meio da lógica do medo, um processo de marcação identitária expressa na oposição entre “nós” e “eles”, promovendo a repulsa à diferença pela ressignificação das características da etnia africana enquanto marcador de risco à saúde. Na sociedade do risco, a cobertura jornalística sobre o ébola — e de outras pandemias — revela um paradoxo crucial da nossa época: o apogeu de avanços científicos humanos que, apesar de tudo, não têm necessariamente atenuado os nossos medos e pânicos sobre potenciais perigos. Nesse contexto, a imigração configura-se como uma questão de segurança e é entendida como uma pluralidade de ameaças (terrorismo, crime, doença e desemprego). Dessa forma, como concluímos neste trabalho, a securitização da imigração é um processo que substitui a consideração de problemas sociais estruturais por práticas discursivas, tecnológicas e institucionais que permitem a identificação e a responsabilização de grupos específicos.
E-migrante: espaços tecnológicos, geográficos, sociais. Novos atores e espaços de participação política?
Authors: Olivera Mauricio Nihil
Published: January 2016

Esse artigo fundamenta-se nos resultados da pesquisa intitulada “Estudo dos movimentos migratórios recentes da Espanha ao Uruguai. Novos espaços tecnológicos, geográficos e sociais de vinculação cidadã” (Olivera et al., 2014) e, a partir conceito proposto de “e-migrante”, analisamos se a introdução das TIC possibilita renovar as formas tradicionais de participação política e a tomada de decisões públicas. A partir deste conceito, buscamos identificar as formas e redes de comunicação à distância utilizadas pelos espanhóis imigrantes e suas formas de vinculação (política, social e cultural) no Uruguai e problematizá-las na linha das ciências sociais e da pesquisa crítica da Sociedade de Informação. Sustentamos que as formas de vinculação dos novos imigrantes espanhóis no Uruguai se situam em relação dialética e são resultado de um processo social que depende também das decisões e das significações adotadas pelos sujeitos. Essas decisões e subjetivações não são determinadas pelas estruturas, mas tampouco são totalmente contingentes. Movem-se num espaço de possíveis configurações e são ressignificadas em situações concretas.
Radio mobility in the digital era: interactivity, participation and content share possibilities in Iberian broadcasters
Authors: Piñeiro-Otero Teresa , Ribeiro Fábio
Published: January 2016

In the context of the scientific research into radio, recent years have encouraged many theories about the meaning of a post-radio (Oliveira & Portela, 2011), thus enlisting several parameters regarding the inclusion of contemporary radio in the digital and online environments. This digital migration has led to the development of mobile applications for radio, broadening the communicative potential of audiences (Aguado, Feijoo & Martínez, 2013), as well as promoting convergence of interactive content among listeners-users. Aware of this opportunity, the main broadcasters in Spain and Portugal have broadened their radiophonic scope to the mobile platform, especially geared towards smartphones through the development of mobile applications, commonly known as apps (Cerezo, 2010). As a symbol of a culture in permanent changing, smartphones not only provide greater easiness in terms of access and interaction, but also afford larger opportunities for disseminating content among audiences, a phenomenon that some studies have labelled as user distributed content (Villi, 2012). This article presents an exploratory analysis of the current policies of the main Spanish and Portuguese radio broadcasters regarding mobile applications, evaluating the different levels of interaction and participation in these platforms. This observation led to the conclusion, among other findings, that the mobile platform represents a supplementary channel for traditional FM radio, rather than a new medium with its own language and expression.
Entre a dupla ausência e o profissional transnacional - o “não dito” da mobilidade científica
Authors: Wagner Izabela
Published: January 2016

O artigo versa sobre a situação da maioria dos cientistas em mobilidade e a trabalhar nos mais prestigiados laboratórios internacionais de investigação do século XXI. Problematiza-se o desfasamento entre o discurso oficial que tende a enfatizar constantemente a existência de seleções democráticas e justas e de acesso livre às carreiras científicas e o discurso “não dito” sobre a discriminação étnica baseada na nacionalidade dos investigadores que permeia os locais de trabalho em ciência. A informação recolhida através de investigação etnográfica realizada em laboratórios científicos indica que a etnia e a origem geográfica (bem como a nacionalidade do cientista) desempenham papéis importantes no processo de seleção e permanência nos laboratórios de investigação. Neste texto usa-se o conceito “dupla ausência” de Abdelmalek Sayad, mostrando que a situação de ser cientista “estrangeiro” (a maioria dos alunos de doutoramento e pós doutorandos que trabalha no estrangeiro) é idêntica à de outras categorias em migração.
Aire métropolitaine et grand événementiel: Une conscientisation différenciée et progressive du territoire. Étude de cas de Lille 2004, Capitale européenne de la Culture
Authors: Leducq Divya
Published: January 2016

Within the globalization of the economy, the formalization of the metropolitan areas limits depends on the political association due to the regional context. Behind the importance of the cooperation agreement between urban areas, to ensure that the territory is reaching a critical weight to compete with other cities at the European scale, it appears as crucial that the population living within this area become aware of the new space coming out, which doesn't match with the traditional political and administrative borders. This concern can pass by the cultural or sportive event for a couple of days to several months. What is the prevalence of a mega-event on the construction of a metropolitan area? Which kind of sustainable consciousness of the metropolitan city can be done by a short-lived event? Will this heedfulness be uniform and the same everywhere within the territory: should it be different according to institutional actors and civil society? The case study of Lille 2004, European Capital of Culture allows us to highlight the evolutions giving by this kind of flagship event for the constitution and the consciousness of the metropolitan region of Lille.
La combinaison des valeurs de l'urbain et de la culture
Authors: Houllier-Guibert Charles-Edouard
Published: January 2016

Rennes tries to exist in the international area by focusing on cultural branding. Over the years, Rennes used cultural values in order to become attractive and additionally, urban politics and culture have served the purpose of constructing a local cultural identity. This article aims at describing and evaluating a major advert campaign. In particular, this article demonstrates that with only 400,000 inhabitants, Rennes's politicians and decision-makers have tried to promote a metropolitan image and ideal as a legitimate public image. The research presented in these pages demonstrates how this cultural identity is both locally espoused and nationally challenged at times.
Arts Engagement with Sustainable Communities: Informing New Governance Styles for Sustainable Futures
Authors: O'Shea Meg
Published: January 2016

In established processes of governance and related literature, arts and culture have been largely neglected, but work is currently being produced suggesting the importance of arts and culture to processes of good governance and the sustainability transition. A style of governance that fully integrates cultural considerations and understands cultural implications of policy is desirable to address the integrated aims of sustainability and to guide the transition to a sustainable future. The impact of arts and culture on communities and social perceptions is difficult to assess and to anticipate; similarly, the influence of culture on governance and policy is equally difficult to measure, though culture permeates every aspect of social and political life. This article suggests that taking cues from the processes of arts and culture to inform new styles of governance supports an open, adaptive, participatory, and creative governance model that responds to a diversity of voices and alternative modes of communication. It argues that a governance style that integrates cultural knowledge is better able to build equity across present and future generations, and is better suited to support a sustainable future. Empirical examples of arts engagement with two communities practicing sustainable behaviours demonstrate the power of arts and culture to build social capital and to potentially contribute to an inclusive and innovative style of governance.
Arm's Length and 'Hand-shake' Policies: Community Arts Alternatives to Outcome-based Development (Insights from Brazil, Bulgaria, and South Africa)
Authors: Savova Nadezhda
Published: January 2016

The role of arts and culture in the discourses and practices of 'sustainable development' can be a local, grounded phenomenon in communities around the world using holistic 'hand-shake' cultural policies. The idea of 'hand-shake' policy is derived from a comparative analysis of the Western (Anglo-Saxon) arm's length policy model of project-based funding, which focuses more on quality (aesthetics and outcomes) products than on ongoing art programs, with policy models developed in Bulgaria and Brazil that privilege the regularity and sustainability of social interactions/processes, where nationally distributed basic institutional support for community cultural centres secures the base infrastructure for systems of creative social exchanges. When planning sustainable cities is based on an integrated system of social relations and cultural codes, a community cultural centre in every neighbourhood (potentially the focal point of localized cultural policies) can serve as the community nucleus where anyone can discover and develop creative potential. Such centres, working within national networks of community cultural centres, should be understood as just as essential and socially useful as the community school and the community health centre. Combinations of three main factors that determine the grounding of cultural policies and NGO projects – looseness, lapse of time, and locality – underlie this transition and the long-term qualitative measurement of participatory processes rather than project outcomes. The dilemmas involved in quantifying intangible project outcomes like emotional, psychological, and social transformations resulting from community arts participation inform the need for alternative and/or complementary indicators of outcomes, that support strategies for sustainable socio-cultural development.
Working with Recently Arrived Horn of Africa Youth: An Intercultural Partnership Approach to Community Cultural Development
Authors: Clark Sue , Gilmour Jane
Published: January 2016

This paper documents and evaluates an intercultural arts partnership program that was directed towards improving settlement outcomes for Horn of Africa youth recently arrived in Melbourne, Australia. The paper presents the conceptual framework within which this program was developed. It examines the processes used in the project and evaluates the outcomes based on interviews and observations. It presents a model for individual and community development through the arts that is based on a collaborative approach that empowers young people to take responsibility. It argues for sustained interventions, based on principles of cultural empowerment, leadership development, and intercultural understanding, in order to maximize the capacity of young people – previously marginalized and disempowered – to contribute to the social sustainability of the communities in which they live.
Local Agenda 21 and Culture: Lessons from the Czech Republic
Authors: Hájek Oldřich , Novosák Jiří , Bednář Pavel
Published: January 2016

Sustainable development represents one of the leading concepts of modern society. On the local level, sustainable development principles are implemented by Local Agenda 21 (LA 21), the most influential output of the 1992 Earth Summit. Although culture is not explicitly mentioned in its definitions of sustainable development, there are close links between culture, on one side, and the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development, on the other. Culture is an important factor of social cohesion and economic development, and culturally led urban and rural regeneration projects may have also positive ecological impacts. Moreover, the efforts to maintain local culture may be the main impetus in accepting the LA 21 principles in culturally rich communities. This article assesses the importance of culture in the LA 21 implementation process, with two municipalities from the Czech Republic as case studies. Findings point to complex links between LA 21 and culture. Uherské Hradiště is a culturally rich city that is progressive in the LA 21 implementation process; however, our findings show that LA 21 and culture live independent lives in planning processes. Zděchov tells a completely different story of the relationship between culture and LA 21: here, local culture has become the leitmotif of the LA 21 implementation process. The goal to maintain and develop local culture has been the prime motivation behind the decision to accept the LA 21 principles. The case studies share several common characteristics. In both cases, LA 21 has stimulated public interest in both municipalities, and ever more local actors are getting involved in the LA 21 implementation process. A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches has been applied in this process. LA 21 is also perceived as a good brand for project management, and may be an incentive for innovations in strategic planning.
The Link Between: Culture and Sustainability in Municipal Planning
Authors: Stanborough Maria
Published: January 2016

This article explores the link between culture and sustainability from a municipal planning perspective based on experiences at the City of Kelowna. It examines how culture has been integrated within municipal planning, and how sustainability is being woven within cultural planning practices. The process has just recently begun at the City of Kelowna but already the municipality has experienced a number of practical learning opportunities. The most pertinent examples show that culture is an integral component of long-term community sustainability.
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Policy Statement: 'Culture: Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development'
Authors: United Cities And Local Governments Committee on Culture of
Published: January 2016

On November 17, 2010, the Executive Bureau of United Cities and Local Governments approved a policy statement on Culture as the Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development, in the framework of the ‘World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders’, the third World Congress of UCLG, held in the City of Mexico.
Positioning Cultural Mapping in Local Planning and Development Contexts: An Introduction
Authors: Duxbury Nancy
Published: January 2016

An introduction to the special double issue on cultural mapping in planning and development contexts. Résumé: Introduction du numéro spécial portant sur la cartographie culturelle dans le contexte du développement et de la planification.