bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinician’s Perspective on Incorporating Therapeutic Lifestyle Change into Clinical Practice
Authors: McIntosh Mark S.
Published: December 2019

This article describes the unique perspective of a clinician who was originally trained as an acute care specialist but in recent years had the opportunity to witness the positive impact of therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) programs in managing chronic diseases. Through experience gained from conducting a multi-center clinical trial investigating the effects of TLC program in people with metabolic syndrome, Dr. Mark S. McIntosh discusses various aspects and challenges pertinent to implementing a successful TLC program. Patients, physicians, lifestyle counselors, work places, and home environment are all critical in forming an alliance for transforming the current sick-care approach to preventive, wellness-focused approach that is far more efficient, rewarding, and financially sustainable.Key words: therapeutic lifestyle change, lifestyle counselor, lifestyle medicine, metabolic syndrome, dietary modification
Impact of Bioflavonoids from Berryfruits on Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lila Mary Ann
Published: December 2019

The phytochemical constituents which comprise many edible berry fruits have increasingly been linked to modulation of biomarkers associated with conditions of diabetes, overweight/obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), all components of metabolic syndrome. While many wild berries have long been valued in traditional medicine as health protective, it is only recently that the ability of berry bioactives to affect particular clinical targets has been demonstrated. In addition to the widely recognized antioxidant power of berry extracts, both commercial berry varieties and wild species have been linked to hypoglycemic activity, inhibition of adipogenesis, amelioration of CVD risk factors, anti-inflammatory capacity, and ability to induce satiety/counteract overweight. In some cases, proanthocyanidin constituents or anthocyanin pigments have been shown to be the active agents, but in many other cases, interactions between co-occuring phytochemical constituents potentiate bioactivity of berry extracts.
Developing an Effective Food Supplement for the Prevention of Osteoporosis
Authors: Leung Ping-chung , Ko Erik Chun-hay , Siu Sammy Wing-sum , Pang Ellie Suet-yee , Cheng King-fai , Chan Yat-heung
Published: December 2019

Background: Aging is accompanied by a gradual loss of bone mineral contents which might lead to a higher rate to fractures. In the past twenty years, many pharmaceuticals are created to prevent bone loss. Most effective drugs only suppress bone resorption, the result of which is a loss of the normal balance of bone metabolism. Anti-resorptive drugs have already shown complications arising from the loss of balanced metabolism. Therefore it becomes clear now that prevention of bone mineral loss through a natural maintenance process will be more beneficial for those not under special risks. Drug treatment could be researched for those who already developed severe osteoporosis. There are many medicinal herbs in Chinese Medicine known to be supporting bone health. Three of those herbs, Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Fructus Psoralea (ELP) were chosen to make a formula for the prevention of osteoporosis.Result: One hundred and fifty postmenopausal osteopenic women were recruited, randomized and allocated to the herbal group (ELP) or placebo group. After 12 months of consumption of herbal formula, bone mineral maintenance was found when the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur and tibia were as assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) machines. No adverse effects were found.Conclusion: The clinical study using ELP was designed as a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of the agent used. The results showed positive support on the BMD of all bone tested. However statistical difference between the herbal and placebo group reached the significant level only in the proximal tibia and those who experienced menopause for more than ten years. This finding well indicates that ELP is good for preventive but does not satisfy the demand of a treatment agent. ELP could be recommended to those under the early threat of osteoporosis, i.e. osteopenia, to be used as a preventive agent.Keywords: Osteoporosis, post-menopause women, herbal supplement, functional food.
Rose hip (Rosa canina L): A functional food perspective
Authors: Fan Cui , Pacier Callen , M. Martirosyan Danik
Published: December 2019

Background: Rose hip (Rosa canina L.) is the pseudo-fruit of the rose plant, which is widely known as a valuable source of polyphenols and vitamin C. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this fruit exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiobesogenic activities. The health benefits of Rose hip (RH) have been attributed to its wide range of bioactive compounds including the anti-inflammatory galactolipid: (2S)-1,2-di-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoyl]-3-O- β-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol (GOPO), vitamin C, phenolics, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids. As cyclooxygenase inhibitors, RH compounds may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and various inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the functional, medical, and physiological properties of RH.Keywords: Rosa canina, Rose hip, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, GOPO, lycopene, and vitamin C
Uses of Justicia spicigera in medicine and as a source of pigments
Authors: Baqueiro-Peña Itzamná , Guerrero-Beltrán José A.
Published: December 2019

Background: Justicia spicigera (muicle) is a plant that has been used from the pre-Hispanic era to contemporary times in Mexico. It has been used in the traditional medicine for healing diseases such as dysentery, diabetes, leukemia, and anemia, just to mention some human disorders. It has been used for obtaining indigo dye after making extraction with water to be used for coloring of baskets, crafts, and clothes. The pigments, as a powder, have been studied for use for coloring foods. The dyeing characteristics of the J. spicigera pigments have antioxidant properties due to the flavonoids content. Since this plant has been used for making infusions to people for curing some physical disorders, today J. spicigera is being studied to take advance of its dyeing and antioxidant properties to be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.Key words: Justicia spicigera (muicle), antioxidants, traditional medicine, pigments for foods, indigo, phytochemicals
Magnolol Affects Cellular Proliferation, Polyamine Biosynthesis and Catabolism-Linked Protein Expression and Associated Cellular Signaling Pathways in Human Prostate Cancer Cells in vitro
Authors: T. McKeown Brendan , A. R. Hurta Robert
Published: December 2019

Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men in Canada and the United States. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of many cancers, including prostate cancer.Context and purpose of this study: This study investigated the effects of magnolol, a compound found in the roots and bark of the magnolia tree Magnolia officinalis, on cellular proliferation and proliferation-linked activities of PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro.Results: PC3 cells exposed to magnolol at a concentration of 80 μM for 6 hours exhibited decreased protein expression of ornithine decarboxylase, a key regulator in polyamine biosynthesis, as well as affecting the expression of other proteins involved in polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism. Furthermore, protein expression of the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, a key regulatory protein associated with DNA synthesis, was significantly decreased. Finally, the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), NFκB (nuclear factor of kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and AP-1 (activator protein 1) cellular signaling pathways were assayed to determine which, if any, of these pathways magnolol exposure would alter. Protein expressions of p-JNK-1 and c-jun were significantly increased while p-p38, JNK-1/2, PI3Kp85, p-PI3Kp85, p-Akt, NFκBp65, p-IκBα and IκBα protein expressions were significantly decreased.Conclusions: These alterations further support the anti-proliferative effects of magnolol on PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro and suggest that magnolol may have potential as a novel anti-prostate cancer agent.Key Words: prostate cancer cells, magnolol, polyamines, MAPK, PI3K, NFκB
9-cis β-carotene Inhibits Atherosclerosis Development in Female LDLR-/- Mice
Authors: Relevy Noa Zolberg , Rühl Ralph , Harari Ayelet , Grosskopf Itamar , Barshack Iris , Ben-Amotz Ami , Nir Uri , Gottlieb Hugo , Kamari Yehuda , Harats Dror , Shaish Aviv
Published: December 2019

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, administration of synthetic all-trans b-carotene was reported to have no effect on cardiovascular disease. We previously showed that the 9-cis b-carotene-rich powder of the alga Dunaliella bardawil inhibits atherogenesis and reduces plasma non-HDL cholesterol levels in mice.Context and purpose of this study: We sought to study whether isolated 9-cis b-carotene inhibits atherogenesis in a murine model of atherosclerosis.Results: Twelve-week-old female LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLR-/-) were pretreated for  2 weeks with regular chow diet fortified with the alga Dunaliella powder, 9-cis β-carotene isomer, all-trans β-carotene isomer, or 9-cis retinoic acid, followed by 10 weeks of a high-fat diet with the same fortifications. In contrast to Dunaliella, 9-cis β-carotene did not inhibit the high fat diet-induced elevation of plasma cholesterol. In addition, diet fortification with Dunaliella powder, β-carotene isomers, or 9-cis retinoic acid did not change the plasma retinol or retinoic acid levels. Nevertheless, 9-cis β-carotene significantly inhibited atherogenesis compared to the control mice (39% reduction).Conclusions: The results suggest that 9-cis β-carotene should be considered as an anti-atherogenic agent in the human diet.Key words: Atherosclerosis, Dunaliella, 9CBC, LDLR-/- mice
Vitamin C: optimal dosages, supplementation and use in disease prevention
Authors: Pacier Callen , M. Martirosyan Danik
Published: December 2019

Background: The importance of vitamin C as a way to prevent scurvy has been known for centuries. More recent research on vitamin C has expanded beyond scurvy prevention, providing promising evidence for additional health benefits and clinical applications. This review of scientific literature will evaluate many aspects of vitamin C including deficient versus optimal blood plasma levels, adequate daily amounts necessary to maintain ideal levels, and the safety of higher doses. It will also focus on the importance of vitamin C as a powerful bioactive compound, and its utilization in the prevention and management of different chronic diseases. This review is necessary to express the importance of alternative healthcare methods in both preventative and clinical care. Vitamin C was chosen as a representative of this concept due to its powerful antioxidant capacity, incredibly important physiological implications, and very minimal chance of side-effects. This review focuses on studies involving human participants that address how vitamin C is important for our health.Keywords: Ascorbic acid, deficiency, disease, dose, health, supplementation, vitamin C
A new definition of functional food by FFC: what makes a new definition unique?
Authors: Martirosyan Danik M , Singh Jaishree
Published: December 2019

Background: Functional food science has gained momentum recently in response to the changing health status of developed countries. As healthcare costs and average life expectancy rise, the public has sought ways to become healthier and develop higher qualities of life. The concept of “functional food” developed as a convenient and inexpensive solution to chronic health problems, and is becoming influential in numerous branches of science and policy. Since its conception in 1984, “functional food” changed its meaning per country and culture. The term migrated from Japan to the EU and the United States where it generated profit but bred confusion among experts and non-experts. In this chapter, we review how “functional food” has been defined and redefined over the past 30 years, as well as the benefits of our current definition. The goal of this new definition is to strengthen communication between nutrition scientists, the public, and other groups as well as legitimize functional food science around the world.Keywords: Functional foods definition; bioactive compounds; biomarkers
Transnationale queere Solidarität als „burden of the fittest“? Zur Problematik einer Einpassung von LGBTIQ*-Rechten in die Logik von Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
Authors: Klapeer Christine M.
Published: December 2019

Auf der Basis einer produktiven Zusammenführung von Erkenntnissen aus dem Bereich der postkolonialen und ‚radikalen‘ Entwicklungsforschung und queeren Auseinandersetzungen mit homonationalistischen Implikationen globaler LGBTIQ*-Politiken diskutiert dieser Beitrag das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und transnationaler queerer Solidarität. Es wird gezeigt, inwiefern Solidarität vor dem Hintergrund einer problematischen Aktualisierung modernisierungstheoretischer und developmentalistischer Annahmen im Zuge LGBTIQ*-inklusiver bzw. SOGI-sensibler Entwicklungsagenden vor allem als eine Verantwortung ‚der Entwickelten‘ bzw. mit Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak gesprochen, als „burden of the fittest“, geframt wird. In diesem Zusammenhang nimmt der Beitrag auf der Basis postkolonialer Entwicklungskritiken die selbstaffirmativen Implikationen von entwicklungspolitischen Artikulationen transnationaler queerer Solidarität in den Blick und untersucht, inwieweit diese als eine Form der okzidentalistischen Selbstvergewisserung interpretiert werden können. In einem letzten Teil wird problematisiert, inwiefern eine Viktimisierung von LGBTIQ*s im Globalen Süden bzw. insgesamt eine sogenannte Spektakularisierung von Gewalt gegen LGBTIQ*s in den sogenannten Partnerländern als zentraler diskursiver Bedingungsrahmen für transnationale queere Solidarität fungiert.
Etwas stimmte nicht. Narrative Allianzen und retrospektive Zeug*innenschaft
Authors: Moisi Laura
Published: December 2019

In diesem Beitrag geht es um die Frage, wie literarische, filmische und autobiografische Schilderungen von unerwünschten Berührungen und sexuellen Übergriffen zur Grundlage von politischen Allianzen werden. Ausgehend von kulturwissenschaftlichen Perspektiven auf Affekt und Geschlecht, insbesondere mit Blick auf Sara Ahmeds queer-feministische Arbeiten, beschäftigt sich der Beitrag mit gegenwärtigen Neuaushandlungen von feministischer Solidarität. Dabei soll ein Blick auf Formen feministischer Solidarität geworfen werden, die sich weniger an der Überwindung von Gefühlen der Ohnmacht orientieren und mehr an einer narrativen Aufarbeitung von Gewalterfahrungen. Vergangenheit und Gegenwart, persönliche Schicksale und Kulturgeschichte, verschränken sich dabei auf produktive Weise. Bezugnehmend auf gegenwärtige kulturelle Aufarbeitungen von sexualisierter Gewalt in sozialen Medien, Essays und Erzählbänden, geht es um die Frage, wie fiktive und autobiografische Erzählpraktiken Vorstellungen von Handlungsmacht und Passivität, von Dominanz und Opferstatus herausfordern. Dabei wird ein Blick auf narrative Allianzen als feministische Solidaritätsform skizziert, die affektive Verweigerungen und Widerstände sichtbar macht.
DISTRIBUTIVE EVALUATIONS OF λ-CALCULUS
Authors: Laneve Cosimo
Published: December 2019

In this paper we address the problem of encoding evaluation strategies for the λ-calculus into prime event structures. In order for this to be possible the derivation spaces yielded by the evaluation mechanism must be prime algebraic cpo's. This requirement is not met by permutation equivalence (the standard concurrent semantics with which λ-calculus is equipped) since the derivation spaces it yields are upper semi-lattices. We solve this problem by taking the coarsest congruence contained in permutation equivalence such that permutations of disjoint reductions are equated and the downward closure of every derivation is a distributive lattice. This equivalence, called distributive permutation equivalence, is characterized directly by restricting permutations of redexes to those sets U which are distributive, i.e. for every u ∈ U, the development of every V ⊆ (U\{u}) does not duplicate or delete u. A simple consequence of our results is that the derivation spaces of the call-by-value λ-calculus are distributive lattices. Finally, we show that a sequential evaluation mechanism can not, in general, be effectively transformed into a maximally distributive one.
The More We Learn the Less We Know?
Authors: Ejdys Piotr , Góra Grzegorz
Published: December 2019

We consider the average error rate of classification as a function of the number of training examples. We investigate the upper and the lower bounds of this error in a class of commonly used algorithms based on inductive learning from examples. As a result, we arrive at the astonishing conclusion that, contrary to what one could expect, the error rate of some algorithms does not decrease monotonically with number of training examples; rather, it initially increases up to a certain point and only then it starts to decrease. Furthermore, the classification quality of some algorithms is as poor as that of the naive algorithm. We show that for simple monomials, even if we take an exponentially large training data set, the classification quality of some methods will not be better than if we have taken just one or several training examples.
Modal description logics: modalizing roles
Authors: Woltert Prank , Zakharyaschev Michael
Published: December 2019

We construct a new concept description language intended for representing dynamic and intensional knowledge. The most important feature distinguishing this language from its predecessors in the literature is that it allows applications of modal operators to all kinds of syntactic terms: concepts, roles and formulas. Moreover, the language may contain both local (i.e., state-dependent) and global (i.e., state-independent) concepts, roles and objects. All this provides us with the most complete and natural means for reflecting the dynamic and intensional behaviour of application domains. We construct a satisfiability checking (mosaic-type) algorithm for this language (based on 𝒜ℒ𝒞) in (i) arbitrary multimodal frames, (ii) frames with universal accessibility relations (for knowledge) and (iii) frames with transitive, symmetric and euclidean relations (for beliefs). On the other hand, it is shown that the satisfaction problem becomes undecidable if the underlying frames are arbitrary strict linear orders, 〈 $\mathbb{N}$ , <〉, or the language contains the common knowledge operator for n ≥ 2 agents.
Associativity of Infinite Synchronized Shuffles and Team	Automata
Authors: ter Beek Maurice H. , Kleijn Jetty
Published: December 2019

Motivated by different ways to obtain team automata from synchronizing component automata, we consider various definitions of synchronized shuffles of words. A shuffle of two words is an interleaving of their symbol occurrenceswhich preserves the original order of these occurrences within each of the two words. In a synchronized shuffle, however, also two occurrences of one symbol, each from a different word, may be identified as a single occurrence. In case at least one of the words involved is infinite, a (synchronized) shuffle can also be unfair in the sense that an infinite word may prevail fromsome point onwards even when the other word still has occurrences to contribute to the shuffle. We prove that for the synchronized shuffle operations under consideration, every (fair or unfair) synchronized shuffle can be obtained as a limit of synchronized shuffles of the finite prefixes of the words involved. In addition, it is shown that with the exception of one, all synchronized shuffle operations that we consider satisfy a natural notion of associativity, also in case of unfairness. Finally, using these results, some compositionality results for team automata are established.
Hypergraphs for Generic Lossless Image Compression
Authors: Gillibert Luc , Bretto Alain
Published: December 2019

Hypergraphs are a large generalisation of graphs; they are now used for many low-level image processing, by example for noise reduction, edge detection and segmentation [3, 4, 7]. In this paper we define a generic 2D and 3D-image representation based on a hypergraph. We present the mathematical definition of the hypergraph representation of an image and we show how this representation conducts to an efficient lossless compression algorithm for 2D and 3D-images. Then we introduce both 2D and 3D version of the algorithm and we give some experimental results on some various sets of images: 2D photo, 2D synthetic pictures, 3D medical images and some short animated sequences.
Reversible Data Hiding Based on Three-Circular-Pixel Difference	Expansion
Authors: Lin Ching-Chiuan , Yang Shun-Ping , Hsueh Nien-Lin
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a reversible data hiding scheme based on three-circular-pixel (TCP) difference expansion. To embed a message in an image, the image is divided into three-pixel blocks, each of which is, then, transformed into a TCP block with two differences. When the pixel value of the largest pixel in the TCP block is increased, two differences are increased – one is between the largest and the smallest, and the other is between the largest and the middle. Expanding the two differences in the block by increasing the largest pixel value may make the image less modified. In addition, the number of pixel pairs is increased to two thirds of the number of pixels in the image. Compared to Tian's study, both the visual quality and the embedding capacity of the image are significantly improved.
A Semantic Model for Matchmaking of Web Services Based on	Description Logics
Authors: Shen Guohua , Huang Zhiqiu , Zhang Yuping , Zhu Xiaodong , Yang Jun
Published: December 2019

Matchmaking plays an important role in Web services interactions. The matchmaking based on keywords easily leads to low precision, Meanwhile, the current semantic service discovery methods perform service I/O based profile matching, there exists no matchmaker that performs an integrated service matching by additional reasoning on logically defined preconditions, effects, Qos and so on. In this paper, the semantic web services are described based on Description Logics, and the services description model is designed, which describes the various aspects (such as IOPEs, Qos and so on) of the web services. So the services matchmaking is transformed into the match of concepts. The service match algorithm is proposed and the description logics reasoner RacerPro is adopted for Web services discovery. We show how the semantic matching between providers and a requester is performed by a case study.
Reasoning about Resources and Information: A Linear Logic Approach
Authors: Kamide Norihiro , Kaneiwa Ken
Published: December 2019

A logic called sequence-indexed linear logic (SLL) is proposed to appropriately formalize resource-sensitive reasoning with sequential information. The completeness and cut-elimination theorems for SLL are proved, and SLL and a fragment of SLL are shown to be undecidable and decidable, respectively. As an application of SLL, some specifications of secure password authentication systems are discussed.
Does there Exist an Algorithm which to Each Diophantine Equation Assigns an Integer which is Greater than the Modulus of Integer Solutions, if these Solutions form a Finite Set?
Authors: Tyszka Apoloniusz
Published: December 2019

Let En = {xi = 1; xi + xj = xk; xi · xj = xk : i; j; k ∈ {1,...,n}}. We conjecture that if a system $S \subseteq E_n$ has only finitely many solutions in integers x1,...,xn, then each such solution (x1,...,xn) satisfies |x1|,...,|xn| ≤ 22n−1. Assuming the conjecture, we prove: (1) there is an algorithm which to each Diophantine equation assigns an integer which is greater than the heights of integer (non-negative integer, rational) solutions, if these solutions form a finite set, (2) if a set $\cal{M} \subseteq \mathbb{N}$ is recursively enumerable but not recursive, then a finite-fold Diophantine representation of $\cal{M}$ does not exist.
Algorithms for Relatively Cyclotomic Primes
Authors: Grześkowiak Maciej
Published: December 2019

We present a general method of generating primes p and q such that q divides Φn(p), where n > 2 is a fixed number. In particular, we present the deterministic method of finding a primitive nth roots of unity modulo q. We estimate the computational complexity of our methods.
Multi-Relational Model Tree Induction Tightly-Coupled with a Relational Database
Authors: Appice Annalisa , Ceci Michelangelo , Malerba Donato
Published: December 2019

Multi-Relational Data Mining (MRDM) refers to the process of discovering implicit, previously unknown and potentially useful information from data scattered in multiple tables of a relational database. Following the mainstream of MRDM research, we tackle the regression where the goal is to examine samples of past experience with known continuous answers (response) and generalize future cases through an inductive process. Mr-SMOTI, the solution we propose, resorts to the structural approach in order to recursively partition data stored into a tightly-coupled database and build a multi-relational model tree which captures the linear dependence between the response variable and one or more explanatory variables. The model tree is top-down induced by choosing, at each step, either to partition the training space or to introduce a regression variable in the linear models with the leaves. The tight-coupling with the database makes the knowledge on data structures (foreign keys) available free of charge to guide the search in the multi-relational pattern space. Experiments on artificial and real databases demonstrate that in general Mr-SMOTI outperforms both SMOTI and M5' which are two propositional model tree induction systems, and TILDE-RT which is a state-of-art structural model tree induction system.
Social Networks with Competing Products
Authors: Apt Krzysztof R. , Markakis Evangelos
Published: December 2019

We introduce a new threshold model of social networks, in which the nodes influenced by their neighbours can adopt one out of several alternatives. We characterize social networks for which adoption of a product by the whole network is possible (respectively necessary) and the ones for which a unique outcome is guaranteed. These characterizations directly yield polynomial time algorithms that allow us to determine whether a given social network satisfies one of the above properties. We also study algorithmic questions for networks without unique outcomes. We show that the problem of determining whether a final network exists in which all nodes adopted some product is NP-complete. In turn, we also resolve the complexity of the problems of determining whether a given node adopts some (respectively, a given) product in some (respectively, all) network(s). Further, we show that the problem of computing the minimum possible spread of a product is NP-hard to approximate with an approximation ratio better than Ω(n), in contrast to the maximum spread, which is efficiently computable. Finally, we clarify that some of the above problems can be solved in polynomial time when there are only two products.
Leadership learning through the lens of complexity theory
Authors: Ng F.S. David
Published: December 2019

This case study examines leadership learning in a principalship development programme. The assessment of learning in the form of objective and subjective knowledge is done through the lens of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds. The study involved participants in a principalship development programme called the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP). The LEP is designed and implemented by the National Institute of Education Singapore with partnership from the Ministry of Education Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, the LEP has developed more than 300 school leaders in Singapore schools. Through the analyses linking the concepts of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds, we gained valuable insights into how participants developed practical knowledge in leadership and management. The outcome of the analyses has implications for leadership programme design and for leadership development in countries with similar challenges to prepare a new type of school leaders for the 21st century.
The Balanced Score Card (BSC) in Israeli Hi-Tech and Low-Tech firms
Authors: Kremer Inbar
Published: December 2019

The goal of this research was to explore whether High-Tech and Low-Tech firms apply the BSC approach [13] and whether there are differences in the way and degree of BSC use among these firms. Furthermore, the research explored what are the core measures of each perspective of the BSC and whether Low-Tech and High-Tech companies differ in their use of these core measurements 215 managers from High-Tech and Low-Tech firms, answered performance questionnaire and several background questions. The results show that High-Tech firms implement the BSC model more than Low-Tech firms do. The current research also shows that the leading performance measures can be found in each perspective, and that the High-Tech firms in Israel use the leading measures that belong to the inner processes factor and part of the measures that belong to the customers and sales factor more than the Low-Tech firms. In contrast, there were no distinctive differences between these firms in the case of utilization of the leading measures of the financial factor. The meaning and implications of these findings are discussed and a shorter set of measures: The Kremer Scale of BSC Performance comprised of the core measures that belong to each of the four perspectives of the BSC model, is been proposed.
Relationship building in virtual teams: A leadership behavioral complexity perspective
Authors: Jawadi Nabila , Daassi Mohamed , Favier Marc , Kalika Michel
Published: December 2019

E-leadership has emerged in virtual team literature as an important determinant of relationship building. However, the way e-leaders develop high quality relationship between virtual team members is little understood. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key roles that enable virtual team leaders to build high-quality exchanges with their team members. We draw on the behavioral complexity theory to analyze the roles played by e-leaders, which help them to develop effective leader-member exchanges (LMX). We draw up a research model to explain how e-leaders build cooperative and collaborative relationships through social-related and work-related activities. We then test the research model using a large survey of 193 virtual team members. Our findings show that, except for internal process roles (coordination and monitoring), open systems roles, roles of rational pursuit of goals and human relation roles have a significant positive effect on LMX.
Contemporary trends in Japanese business environment: A review of existing empirical evidence
Authors: Blahová Michaela , Pálka Přemysl , Zelený Milan
Published: December 2019

The main purpose of this paper is to identify current trends and practices that have been influencing Japanese business environment and their consequences to corporate world by conducting a review of existing empirical evidence on this topic. An in-depth review of more than 1,600 articles published in high-quality academic journals in the areas of Business Management, Accounting, Social Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Econometrics, Operations Research Management Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Finance and Decision Sciences was pursued following a multiple-step process. Furthermore, the trends were classified into six categories based on their occurrence frequency and described in detail. These trends involve: reformulating strategic management principles, less lifelong employment orientation and change of traditional HRM practices, raising labour force participation, female participation in management and improving education, use of non-financial performance indicators, decomposition of a large organization into smaller units and opening up to outside influence. Each of the categories contained specific practices that interacted with each other, shaping and giving strength to each individual category. Finally, the insights extracted from the literature review were synthesized and directions to future research were provided.
Choice of alliance structures when allying with competitors: Matching structures to alliance resources and risks
Authors: Yong Long , Wei Li , Yin Chen , Bo You
Published: December 2019

Alliance structure is the way of cooperation in strategic alliances. As to strategic alliances established by competitors (competitive alliances), in which the partner firms have dual role as competitor and cooperator, proper governance structure becomes more essential to balance the forces between competition and cooperation, making the alliance to create values. Mainly based on resource-based view, this article studied the issue of alliance structure choice in competitive strategic alliance. We focused on the impacts of alliance resources and partner's perceived relational risks on governance structure decisions. From the aspects of direct and indirect effects, the complicated relation among alliance structure choice and other involved factors has been discussed by empirical analysis methods including structure equation modeling, moderating effect analysis, mediating effect analysis, etc. Finally, the selection mechanism of the alliance structure in competitive alliance is revealed. The conclusion shows that when competitive alliance is separated into scale alliance and link (complementary) alliance, there will be great difference between alliance structure choice and partner's resource investment and perceived relational risks. It demonstrated that, compared with link alliance, partners in scale alliance tend to choose loose structure to protect strategic resources and reduce hold-up risk, while prefer tight structure to hedge loss of capacity risk.
Holistic concerns
Authors: Ross Stephen G.
Published: December 2019

An integrative ecological conception of the activities in the world focuses upon areas of interaction. This emphasizes the complexity of interrelationships, much of which is beyond our current comprehension. Our ignorance demands our respect. It is of heuristic value to regard any activity as a subsystem and determine the areas of interaction of that activity, to note its suprasystemic concerns and its costs. Does the measure of performance of the activity relate to and augment what is of greater ultimate value to us: human happiness and fulfillment? We need to note the true costs of activities. But these are not always known, and may be unknowable. We have few ways to envision the future potential uses of resources, whether human or otherwise. The future costs to ourselves and our children may very well be large unless we adopt a ‘caretaker’ approach to our resources. Our resources are precious and limited, sometimes irreplaceable and finite. They are gifts to be cherished and cared for, to ensure their lasting benefit for our existence. All activities have functional limits; should these be exceeded, catastrophic disruptions occur. It is best for the humans and all other subsystems to live within their means in order to achieve greater stability and further viability. This remains a great task for us today.
Stress and stability: New concepts for risk management
Authors: Fiksel Joseph
Published: December 2019

To permit a more basic understanding of the origins of risk, the concepts of stress and stability are respectively defined to represent the displacement of a system from equilibrium and its tendency to maintain that displacement. Risk is seen as the potential for unexpected disruptions in a stress situation. Two alternatives exist for dealing with risk: alleviation, or reduction in stress, and fortification, or increase in stability. Several related categories of stress are defined, namely physical, biological, financial, cognitive, and societal stress. Some possible measures of stress and stability are proposed for each category, many of them requiring a fuzzy representation. Stress assessment methods are described, which could provide a useful basis for risk management in both the private and public sectors.
Multilectic methods of inquiry
Authors: Huff Anne Sigismund
Published: December 2019

The specialists' ‘scientific’ methods of inquiry have come under increasing attack as overly deterministic, incapable of dealing with elusive and ambiguous phenomena, inappropriately focused on what is rather than what can be, and less powerful in dealing with strategic rather than tactical issues. One way of finding relief from these problems is to adopt more holistic and intuitive approaches [22, 26]. Another is to simultaneously use more than one method of inquiry in the hope that the strengths of one perspective will help illuminate and compensate for weaknesses or gaps in others. The advantage of multiple methods is that together they may expand the scope of inquiry and the complexity of problem representations and solutions. A basic question, however, is whether (or how) it is possible for the single individual to suspend the categorizing of normal perception and use genuinely different modes of inquiry. This question is discussed in terms of debate in the philosophy of science between Popper [25], Kuhn [17, 18], Feyerabend [14, 15], and Toulmin [31]. The original draft of this paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, San Francisco, August 1978. I have profited from several people's comments on that draft, especially Richard Mason's, and from the advice of several anonymous reviewers. The paper ultimately suggests that the very discussion of alternative modes of scientific inquiry and the nature of human perception increases our ability to use more than one mode of inquiry successfully. A set of rules for what is called ‘multilectic’ (‘multi-lensed’) approaches is outlined. Multilectic methods of inquiry can be of great importance to those interested in human systems management. They offer a complex way of creating and representing knowledge about complex and even incommensurate situations. Of particular importance is the emphasis on using one perspective to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of others. This feature offers a way of bridging between (though not always synthesizing) logical, rational, sequential and quantitative (LRSQ) ways of understanding management situations, and perceptive, intuitive, simultaneous and qualitative (PISQ) ways of looking at the same issue [33].
Leadership as a task process uncertainty control process
Authors: Mackenzie Kenneth D. , Bello Joseph A.
Published: December 2019

A theory and models for predicting rated leadership effectiveness is presented for emergent groups. The theory is an extension of a theory of group structures. Leadership is viewed as a task process uncertainty control process. Leadership is viewed in terms of how a person's behavior contributes to the control of task process uncertainty. Persons in both leader and non leader roles can be judged high or low in leadership effectiveness. The theory is developed to form models to explain rated leadership effectiveness in four major processes: (1) selecting structures, (2) implementing structures, (3) correcting errors, and (4) revising structures. Experimental tests of the models were made with five person laboratory groups under stringent conditions. The models generate correct predictions under these laboratory conditions. There is a discussion of the implications and limitations of the findings.
Redefining the implementation of special education programs in fiscal terms
Authors: Andersen David F.
Published: December 2019

The argument is made that how one looks at – how one chooses to analyze – policy problems determines how the problem is defined and what solutions are eventually reached. To illustrate this point, the implementation of a special education reform in Massachusetts is examined. By changing from a ‘program’ to a ‘fiscal’ point of view, problems with implementation are seen to result logically from implicit fiscal incentives that were built into the law and that actually worked against stated program goals. Finally, some of the organizational and cognitive factors that prevent organizations and their managers from easily changing their analytic perspective are briefly sketched.
On-line communities for conflict management
Authors: Kochen Manfred
Published: December 2019

Conflict appears to be concomitant with all forms of life. It can enhance survival and quality of life if it is not excessive and remains under control. A model of conflict and its management is used to derive conditions favoring, inhibiting, controlling or regulating conflict. The idea is to divert energy from engaging in conflict and its dissipation toward constructive goal revision and the formation of a new community of interest around the revised goal. Computer conferencing is proposed as a catalyst in this communication process. The possibility of maintaining an action-oriented community of inquiry that would sustain debate toward new goals at or above an acceptable level and keep conflict-related energy dissipation below acceptable limits is an empirically testable hypothesis on which further research is suggested.
Meanings of development
Authors: Kent George
Published: December 2019

After World War II national development efforts focused on the achievement of rapid economic growth. In the early stages the central purpose was the achievement of industrialization. Only later, beginning in the 1950s, did the alleviation of poverty become a central concern. It soon became evident that there was little direct linkage between economic growth and the extent of poverty. New strategies were designed to achieve growth-with-equity. Some efforts were made to take account of non-economic, physical quality-of-life indicators of development. Emphasis has remained on the material aspects of development, but in the 1970s some writers gave attention to the non-material dimensions of development. It is now argued that development should be understood in terms of the condition of consciousness of individuals, particularly in relation to their views of their capacities and rights to act in the world. Moreover, it now seems increasingly evident that the natural unit of development is not the nation and not the individual but the community. Social development requires the development of community consciousness. At any level of society, development is best understood as the increasing capacity to identify, analyze, and solve one's own problems. The task is not so much the alleviation of poverty as the alleviation of powerlessness.
Can we conceive of a science of autonomy?1
Authors: Morin Edgar
Published: December 2019

It would appear that the classical vision of society and man which only recognizes determinisms and determinations is obsolete. The traditional ideas of autonomy, responsibility, and liberty which derive from our ‘subjective’ or existential experience must be modified. A new ‘science of autonomy’, with origins in biology and shaped by Cybernetics and Systems Theory, must be developed.
An introduction to applications of possibility theory (+ commentaries by L.A. Zadeh, W. Bandler, T. Saaty, A. Kandel, D. Dubois & H. Prade, R.M. Tong and M. Kochen)
Authors: Yager Ronald R.
Published: December 2019

A new form of uncertainty called possibilistic uncertainty is introduced. As opposed to probabilistic uncertainty, which is based upon an additive measure and is applicable in cases of repeated experiments, possibilistic uncertainty is based upon a non-additive measure and is a generalization of the idea of ease of attainment in a situation. We discuss the properties of possibilistic uncertainty and describe some prototypical examples. We also discuss the idea of language as being a generator of possibilistic variables. We introduce fuzzy subsets as a means of translating linguistic values into possibility distributions and the idea of approximate reasoning as a means of simulating a large class of human reasoning operations. We introduce a measure of specificity of a possibility distribution and discuss applications of fuzzy set theory to intelligent quering of data bases and multiple criteria decision making. Finally, we introduce some ideas from fuzzy arithmetic.
The nature of scientific theory
Authors: Blair David C.
Published: December 2019

It is important for researchers to know not only their own field of study, but to understand something of the nature of scientific theory and how scientists go about their work. Such an understanding is especially important for those who are interested in interdisciplinary fields, like the study of Human Systems, where the scientific status of theory may be unclear, and where the distinction between science and pseudo-science may not be readily apparent. This article will examine the philosophical work of Nagel, Popper, and Kuhn in a discussion of three questions: What is scientific theory? What is the difference between good science and pseudoscience? How do scientists go about their work? The nature and development of Formal Decision/Utility Theory are examined in order to provide a model for discussing these questions.
Idea management in R&D as a human information processing analog
Authors: Green Stephen G. , Bean Alden S. , Snavely B. Kay
Published: December 2019

A framework for analyzing problems associated with managing idea flows within an R&D lab is proposed. The framework is developed around concepts drawn from the human information processing literature. From this perspective, four basic stages of idea flow are suggested: idea generation, idea capturing, idea retention, and idea retrieval. Important idea processing needs are identified within each stage and some implications for R&D management action are discussed. The framework is intended to be used as a heuristic for identifying aspects of idea flow in an R&D laboratory that may need greater management attention, understanding or involvement.
Management lessons from the Industrial Revolution
Authors: Graham Robert J.
Published: December 2019

This paper uses various models of culture change, along with historical analyses, to explain differences in the rates of industrial innovation in England and France between the years 1066 and 1850. As a point of focus, the particular innovation considered is the development of railroads in England, and the lack of such development in France, during the time period considered. From this study conclusions are drawn concerning how managers of modern firms can develop organizational cultures that encourage innovations. The study suggests such steps as reducing the numbers of top management, rewarding innovation, maximizing contact with outside organizations, minimizing reliance on company policies and fostering a spirit of individualism and competition.
Information systems for self-management*
Authors: Stodolsky David Sanders
Published: December 2019

A model of democratic organization and individual learning is used to integrate commonly available computer programs into an information and management system appropriate for the self-managed firm. Distribution of information, participation through debate and voting, and feedback on decision performance are mediated by appropriate programs. Individual rights are guaranteed by programmed constraints and a jury of peers.