bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed behavioural shifts undermine the sustainability of social–ecological systems
Authors: Lafuite A.-S. , de Mazancourt C. , Loreau M.
Published: November 2017

Natural habitat destruction and fragmentation generate a time-delayed loss of species and associated ecosystem services. As social–ecological systems (SESs) depend on a range of ecosystem services, lagged ecological dynamics may affect their long-term sustainability. Here, we investigate the role of consumption changes for sustainability, under a time-delayed ecological feedback on agricultural production. We use a stylized model that couples the dynamics of biodiversity, technology, human demography and compliance with a social norm prescribing sustainable consumption. Compliance with the sustainable norm reduces both the consumption footprint and the vulnerability of SESs to transient overshoot-and-collapse population crises. We show that the timing and interaction between social, demographic and ecological feedbacks govern the transient and long-term dynamics of the system. A sufficient level of social pressure (e.g. disapproval) applied on the unsustainable consumers leads to the stable coexistence of unsustainable and sustainable or mixed equilibria, where both defectors and conformers coexist. Under bistability conditions, increasing extinction debts reduces the resilience of the system, thus favouring abrupt regime shifts towards unsustainable pathways. Given recent evidence of large extinction debts, such results call for farsightedness and a better understanding of time delays when studying the sustainability of coupled SESs.
The genetic basis and enigmatic origin of melanic polymorphism in pomarine skuas (
Stercorarius pomarinus
)
Authors: Janssen Kirstin , Mundy Nicholas I.
Published: November 2017

A key outstanding issue in adaptive evolution is the relationship between the genetics of intraspecific polymorphism and interspecific evolution. Here, we show that the pale/dark ventral plumage polymorphism that occurs in both the pomarine skua (
Stercorarius pomarinus
) and Arctic skua (
S. parasiticus
) is the result of convergent evolution at the same locus (
MC1R
), involving some of the same amino acid sites. The dark melanic
MC1R
allele in the pomarine skua is strongly divergent from the pale
MC1R
alleles. Whereas the dark allele is closely related to
MC1R
alleles in three species of great skua (
S. skua
,
S. maccormicki
,
S. lonnbergi
), the pale pomarine skua
MC1R
alleles present a star-like pattern in an intermediate position on the haplotype network, closer to alleles of the long-tailed skua (
S. longicaudus
). Variation at other nuclear loci confirms a close relationship between the pomarine skua and the great skuas. The plumage polymorphism in pomarine skuas might have arisen in the common ancestor of pomarine and great skuas, only being retained in pomarine skuas. Alternatively, the pale and melanic
MC1R
alleles may have evolved independently in different lineages and been brought together in pomarine skuas by hybridization. In this case, introgression of a pale
MC1R
allele into the pomarine skua from another skua lineage is most likely. Our current data do not permit us to distinguish between these hypotheses, and assaying genome-wide variation holds much promise in this regard. Nevertheless, we have uncovered an intriguing example of a functionally important allele within one species that is shared across species.
Recurrence of de novo mutations in families
Authors: Jónsson Hákon , Sulem Patrick , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Pálsson Gunnar , Eggertsson Hannes P. , Kristmundsdottir Snaedis , Zink Florian , Kehr Birte , Hjorleifsson Kristjan E. , Jensson Brynjar Ö , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Marelsson Sigurdur Einar , Gudjonsson Sigurjon Axel , Gylfason Arnaldur , Jonasdottir Adalbjorg , Jonasdottir Aslaug , Stacey Simon N. , Magnusson Olafur Th. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Masson Gisli , Kong Augustine , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Helgason Agnar , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Stefansson Kari
Published: November 2017

De novo mutations (DNMs) cause a large fraction of severe rare diseases of childhood. DNMs that occur in early embryos may result in mosaicism of both somatic and germ cells. Such early mutations may be transmitted to more than one offspring and cause recurrence of serious disease. We scanned 1,007 sibling pairs from 251 families and identified 885 DNMs shared by siblings (ssDNMs) at 451 genomic sites. We estimated the probability of DNM recurrence based on presence in the blood of the parent, sharing by other siblings, parent-of-origin, mutation type, and genomic position. We detected 52.1% of ssDNMs in the parental blood. The probability of a DNM being shared goes down by 2.28% per year for paternal DNMs and 1.82% for maternal DNMs. Shared paternal DNMs are more likely to be T>C mutations than maternal ones, but less likely to be C>T mutations. Depending on DNM properties, the probability of recurrence in a younger sibling ranges from 0.013% to 29.6%. We have launched an online DNM recurrence probability calculator, to use in genetic counselling in cases of rare genetic diseases.
Targeting regulatory T cells with Interleukin-2 treatment in type 1 diabetes: a response-adaptive, non-randomised, open-label trial of repeat doses of Aldesleukin (DILfrequency)
Authors: Seelig Eleonora , Howlett James , Porter Linsey , Truman Lucy , Heywood James , Kennet Jane , Arbon Emma L , Anselmiova Katerina , Walker Neil M. , Atkar Ravinder , Pekaiski Marcin L , Rytina Ed , Evans Mark , Wicker Linda S. , Todd John A. , Mander Adrian P. , Bond Simon , Waldron-Lynch Frank
Published: November 2017

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from loss of immune regulation leading to the development of autoimmunity to pancreatic beta-cells, involving autoreactive T effector cells (Teffs). Regulatory T cells (Tregs), that prevent autoimmunity, require Interleukin-2 (IL-2) for maintenance of immunosuppressive functions and, alterations in the IL-2 pathway predispose to T1D. Using an adaptive trial design we aimed to determine the optimal regimen of aldesleukin (recombinant human IL-2) to physiologically enhance Tregs while limiting expansion of autoreactive Teffs.

Methods

DILfrequency is a single-center, non-randomised, open-label, response-adaptive study of participants aged 18 to 70 years with T1D. The initial learning phase allocated 12 participants to six different predefined dose-frequency regimens. Then, three cohorts of 8 participants were sequentially allocated dose-frequencies, based on repeated interim analyses of all accumulated trial data. The co-primary endpoints were percentage change in Tregs, Teffs and, CD25 (α subunit of the IL-2 receptor) expression by Tregs, from baseline to steady state. Trial registration ISRCTN40319192 and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02265809).

Findings

115 participants were assessed between November 17th 2014 and May 22nd 2016, 38 participants were enrolled with 36 completing treatment. The optimal regimen to maintain a steady state increase in Tregs of 30% and CD25 expression of 25% without Teff expansion is 0.26 × 106 IU/m2 (95% CI (−0.007 to 0.485)) every 3 days (1.3 to 4.4). Tregs and CD25 were dose-frequency responsive, while Teffs were not. The commonest adverse event was injection site reaction (464/694 events), with a single participant developing transient eosinophilia at the highest dose (0.47 × 106 IU/m2).

Interpretation

This response-adaptive trial defined a well-tolerated aldesleukin regimen that specifically induces Treg expansion that can now be trialled to treat T1D.

Funding

Sir Jules Thorn Trust, Wellcome, JDRF, SNSF, NIHR
Causal inference in cancer epidemiology: what is the role of Mendelian randomization?
Authors: Yarmolinsky James , Wade Kaitlin H , Richmond Rebecca C , Langdon Ryan J , Bull Caroline J , Tilling Kate M , Relton Caroline L , Smith George Davey , Martin Richard M
Published: November 2017

Observational epidemiological studies are prone to confounding, measurement error, and reverse causation, undermining their ability to generate reliable causal estimates of the effect of risk factors to inform cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Mendelian randomization (MR) is an analytical approach that uses genetic variants to proxy potentially modifiable exposures (e.g. environmental factors, biological traits, and druggable pathways) to permit robust causal inference of the effects of these exposures on diseases and their outcomes. MR has seen widespread adoption within population health research in cardio-metabolic disease, but also holds much promise for identifying possible interventions (e.g., dietary, behavioural, or pharmacological) for cancer prevention and treatment. However, some methodological and conceptual challenges in the implementation of MR are particularly pertinent when applying this method to cancer aetiology and prognosis, including reverse causation arising from disease latency and selection bias in studies of cancer progression. These issues must be carefully considered to ensure appropriate design, analysis, and interpretation of such studies.

In this review, we provide an overview of the key principles and assumptions of MR focusing on applications of this method to the study of cancer aetiology and prognosis. We summarize recent studies in the cancer literature that have adopted a MR framework to highlight strengths of this approach compared to conventional epidemiological studies. Lastly, limitations of MR and recent methodological developments to address them are discussed, along with the translational opportunities they present to inform public health and clinical interventions in cancer.
Evolution and cell-type specificity of human-specific genes preferentially expressed in progenitors of fetal neocortex
Authors: Florio Marta , Heide Michael , Brandl Holger , Pinson Anneline , Winkler Sylke , Wimberger Pauline , Huttner Wieland B. , Hiller Michael
Published: November 2017

To understand the molecular basis underlying the expansion of the neocortex during primate, and notably human, evolution, it is essential to identify the genes that are particularly active in the neural stem and progenitor cells of developing neocortex. Here, we have used existing transcriptome datasets to carry out a comprehensive screen for protein-coding genes preferentially expressed in progenitors of fetal human neocortex. In addition to the previously studied gene ARHGAP11B, we show that ten known and two newly identified human-specific genes exhibit such expression, however with distinct neural progenitor cell-type specificity compared to their ancestral paralogs. Furthermore, we identify 41 additional human genes with progenitor-enriched expression which have orthologs only in primates. Our study not only provides a resource of genes that are candidates to exert specific, and novel, roles in neocortical development, but also reveals that distinct mechanisms gave rise to these genes during primate, and notably human, evolution.
Tracking and optimizing human performance using deep reinforcement learning in closed-loop behavioral- and neuro- feedback: a proof of concept
Authors: Dinov Martin , Leech Robert
Published: November 2017

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a general-purpose powerful machine learning framework within which we can model various deterministic, non-deterministic and complex environments. We applied RL to the problem of tracking and improving human sustained attention during a simple sustained attention to response task (SART) in a proof of concept study with two subjects, using state-of-the-art deep neural network-based RL in the form of Deep Q Networks (DQNs). While others have used RL in EEG settings previously, none have applied it in a neurofeedback (NFB) setting, which seems a natural problem within Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to tackle using end-to-end RL in the form of DQNs, due to both the problem’s non-stationarity and the ability of RL to learn in a continuous setting. Furthermore, while many have explored phasic alerting previously, learning optimal alerting in a personalized way in real time is a less explored field, which we believe RL to be an most suitable solution for. First, we used empirically-derived simulated data of EEG and reaction times and subsequent parameter/algorithmic exploration within this simulated model to pick parameters for the DQN that are more likely to be optimal for the experimental setup and to explore the behavior of DQNs in this task setting. We then applied the method on two subjects and show that we get different but plausible results for both subjects, suggesting something about the behavior of DQNs in this setting. For this experimental part, we used parameters suggested to us by the simulation results. This RL-based behavioral- and neuro-feedback BCI method we have developed here is input feature agnostic and allows for complex continuous actions to be learned in other more complex closed-loop behavioral or neuro-feedback approaches.
PWO1 interacts with PcG proteins and histones to regulate Arabidopsis flowering and development
Authors: Hohenstatt Mareike L. , Mikulski Pawel , Komarynets Olga , Klose Constanze , Kycia Ina , Jeltsch Albert , Farrona Sara , Schubert Daniel
Published: November 2017

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins mediate epigenetic gene regulation by setting H3K27me3 via Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). In plants, it is largely unclear how PcG proteins are recruited to their target genes.

Here, we identified the PWWP-DOMAIN INTERACTOR OF POLYCOMBS1 (PWO1) protein which interacts with all threeArabidopsisPRC2 histone methyltransferases and is required for keeping full H3 occupancy at several Arabidopsis genes. PWO1 localizes and recruits CLF to nuclear speckles in tobacco nuclei, suggesting a role in spatial organization of PcG regulation.PWO1belongs to a gene family with three members acting redundantly:pwo1 pwo2 pwo3triple mutants are seedling lethal and show shoot and root meristem arrest, whilepwo1single mutants are early flowering. Interestingly, PWO1’s PWWP domain confers binding to histones, which is reduced by a point mutation in a highly conserved residue of this domain and blocked by phosphorylation of H3S28. PWO1 carrying this mutation is not able to fully complement thepwo1 pwo2 pwo3triple mutant, indicating the requirement of this domain for PWO1in vivoactivity. Thus, the PWO family may present a novel class of histone readers which are involved in recruiting PcG proteins to subnuclear domains and in promoting Arabidopsis development.
RodZ promotes MreB polymer formation and curvature localization to determine the cylindrical uniformity of E. coli shape
Authors: Morgenstein Randy M. , Bratton Benjamin P. , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Gitai Zemer
Published: November 2017

Cell shape in bacteria is determined by the cell wall, which is synthesized by a variety of proteins whose actions are coordinated by the actin-like MreB protein. MreB uses local geometric cues of envelope curvature to avoid the cell poles and localize to specific regions of the cell body. However, it remains unclear whether MreB’s curvature preference is regulated by additional factors, and which features of MreB are essential for specific aspects of rod shape growth, such as cylindrical uniformity. Here we show that in addition to its previously-described role in mediating MreB motion, RodZ also modulates MreB polymer number and curvature preference. MreB polymer number and curvature localization can be regulated independently. Quantitative 3D measurements and a series of mutant strains show that among various properties of MreB, polymer number, total length of MreB polymers, and MreB curvature preference are the key determinants of cylindrical uniformity, a measure of the variability in radius within a single cell. Changes in the values of these parameters are highly predictive of the resulting changes in cell shape (r2=0.93). Our data suggest a model for rod shape in which RodZ promotes the assembly of multiple long MreB polymers that ensure the growth of a uniform cylinder.
Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression Differences in Twins Discordant for Disease and Binary Phenotypes
Authors: Tangirala Sivateja , Patel Chirag J
Published: November 2017

While both genes and environment contribute to phenotype, deciphering environmental contributions to phenotype is a challenge. Furthermore, elucidating how different phenotypes may share similar environmental etiologies also is challenging. One way to identify environmental influences is through a discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin study design. Here, we assessed differential gene expression in MZ discordant twin pairs (affected vs. non-affected) for seven phenotypes, including chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, ulcerative colitis, major depressive disorder, intermittent allergic rhinitis, physical activity, and intelligence quotient, comparing the spectrum of genes differentially expressed across seven phenotypes individually. Second, we performed meta-analysis for each gene to identify commonalities and differences in gene expression signatures between the seven phenotypes. In our integrative analyses, we found that there may be a common gene expression signature (with small effect sizes) across the phenotypes; however, differences between phenotypes with respect to differentially expressed genes were more prominently featured. Therefore, defining common environmentally induced pathways in phenotypes remains elusive. We make our work accessible by providing a new database (DiscTwinExprDB:http://apps.chiragjpgroup.org/disctwinexprdb/) for investigators to study non-genotypic influence on gene expression.
Revolution in public service delivery
Authors: Suk Kim Pan
Published: November 2017

The quality approach has now become a familiar trend which is injecting a fresh impetus into the world economy. It would be unfathomable for this world-wide move towards quality to be ignored in modern public administration. The move from the tradition of an authoritarian administration, towards a service oriented administration is the principal element of administrative modernization today. The objective of creating such a responsive administration, which is attuned to the citizen's perspective, is the major characteristic of the reform movement of the new public administration as it approaches the 21st century. Service quality initiatives relate to enhancing the public sector by making it more responsive. Service quality initiatives change the public's perception of public services, the way public servants interact with the public, the way the public service is organized and delivered, and the types of services provided.
Accountability and ethics: reconsidering the relationships
Authors: Dubnick Melvin J.
Published: November 2017

While a relationship between accountability and ethics has long been assumed and debated in Public Administration, the nature of that relationship has not been examined or clearly articulated. This article makes such an effort by positing four major forms of accountability (answerability, blameworthiness, liability and attributability) and focusing on the ethical strategies developed in response to each of these forms
An uneasy alliance: planning and performance in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Crittenden William F. , Crittenden Victoria L. , Stone Melissa Middleton , Robertson Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

The research presented here contributes to our understanding of strategic planning and its relationship to performance in nonprofit organizations. Based on a sample of 303 nonprofit organizations, the study emphasizes individual and diverse elements of the planning process. Multiple measures of performance highlight a nonprofits need to garner resource contributions from several constituencies. Using factor analysis and canonical correlation analysis, we find a positive association between scope of planning and executive satisfaction and a negative association between administrative informality and volunteer involvement. Our results suggest that two critical resource contributors, executive directors and donors, may not value formalized decision-making and planning to the extent previously assumed.
The physical and psychological effects of workplace bullying and their relationship to intention to leave: a test of the psychosomatic and disability hypotheses
Authors: Djurkovic Nikola , McCormack Darcy , Casimir Gian
Published: November 2017

This paper examined the physical and psychological effects of workplace bullying and their relationship to intention to leave. Participants were 150 undergraduate students who had been employed during the last 12 months. Workplace bullying correlated positively with physical symptoms, negative affect, and with intention to leave the job. Partial Least Squares analyses were used to test two competing models for the relationship between bullying, physical and psychological effects, and intention to leave. The results supported the psychosomatic model (i.e., bullying leads to negative affect which leads to physical health problems, which in turn increase intention to leave) but not the disability hypothesis (i.e., bullying leads to physical health problems which lead to negative affect, which in turn increases intention to leave).
On the difficulty of making decisions within the EU-25
Authors: Laruelle Annick , Martínez Ricardo , Valenciano Federico
Published: November 2017

In this paper we measure the effect of the quota on the difficulty of making decisions in the EU-25 Council with the weights agreed upon in the Treaty of Nice. We compute the probability of a proposal being rejected in the Council. This probability depends on the voting rule (and therefore on the quota) and on the probabilities of the different vote configurations. Here we do not consider that all vote configurations are equiprobable, the classical implicit or explicit assumption in the literature. We assume that vote configurations with a minority of member states in favour of the proposal have a null probability, with other vote configurations being equiprobable.
Ready for european economic and monetary union? Party composition of government, budgeting institutions and fiscal deficit in central and eastern europe
Authors: Dimitrov Vesselin
Published: November 2017

This article examines the effect of party composition of government on the centralization of budgeting institutions in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria in 1989-1999, and assesses the impact of the centralization of budgeting institutions on the capacity of these countries to meet the fiscal deficit requirement for the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) membership. The article finds that centralization of budgeting institutions through delegation to a strong finance minister and/or prime minister is likely to occur in one-party governments or coalition governments composed of parties which expect to fight repeated elections together, with effective punishment mechanisms. The article finds that countries with centralized budgeting institutions are likely to be more capable of meeting the EMU deficit requirement than countries with decentralized institutions.
The impact of rational organizations on public administrators: A structural equation model
Authors: Alkadry Mohamad G. , Nyhan Ronald C.
Published: November 2017

The rational organization has long been an important tool in public administration (Weber, 1968; Simon, 1964; Alkadry, 2003). It is often identified with positive characteristics such as objectivity, expertise, efficiency, fairness and formalization. However, these same positive characteristics can contribute to a “darker side” of rational organizations. Hummel (1994) articulates this as a “bureaucratic experience” resulting from the interaction between administrators and bureaucracy, while others articulate it as the “organization man” experience. In this article, a conceptual model of the relationship between organizational rationalization and administrator experiences is developed. This model is tested using a survey of front-line administrators and a structural equation model of the relationships between these two concepts. The article concludes with a discussion of alternatives to technical rationality.
Inter-agency collaborative approaches to endangered species act compliance and salmon recovery in the pacific northwest
Authors: Lovrich Nicholas P. , Gaffney Michael J. , Weber Edward P. , Bireley R. Michael , Matthews Dayna R. , Bjork Bruce
Published: November 2017

We assessed attempts by federal and state agencies to utilize aCommunity Oriented Policing and Problem Solving(COPPS) approach to address endangered species and natural resource protection issues in two watersheds in Washington State involving listed species of salmon, steelhead and bull trout. In the wake of the listing of these species, NOAA Fisheries and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) joined to implement a multi-party collaboration to enforcement termedResource-Oriented Enforcement(ROE). We sought to determine if federal and state resource agencies can collaborate effectively and if collaborative approaches can achieve short- and long-term resource protection goals. A citizen mail survey (n=800+ in each location) and extensive personal interviews with key actors were conducted to assemble evidence on the degree of success achieved in implementing ROE. Observed results suggest that collaboration can
Science versus humankind: the yin and yang of motivation theory
Authors: Rhee Kenneth S. , Sigler Tracey Honeycutt
Published: November 2017

Motivation theory in the 20thcentury has evolved to meet the changing social, political, and economic environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the developmental path of modern motivation theory from the perspective of the Tao and the cyclical nature of Yin and Yang. We review motivation theory from the Industrial Revolution to the present. The developmental path during the past 100 years consists of seven distinct stages, each stage representing a significant shift in theory as well as a shift in the social, political, and economic environment in the United States. The dominant theme that emerges from the analysis is the discourse between science and humanity, and the revolving cycle of these fundamental theories throughout the century.
Public-sector managerial values: United States, Canada, and Japan
Authors: Connor Patrick E. , Becker Boris W. , Moore Larry F. , Okubo Yoshiju
Published: November 2017

This paper reports an investigation of the personal-values systems of 567 public-sector managers from the U.S., Canada, and Japan. The results of this research indicate that, despite some specific differences, there is an overarching, coherent North American public-sector managerial values systems. Moreover, it is similar in some ways to that of its Japanese counterparts. However, these values systems - North American and Japanese - are clearly distinct
Tacit knowledge, nonaka and takeuchi seci model and informal knowledge processes
Authors: Hoe Siu Loon
Published: November 2017

The organizational behavior and knowledge management literature has devoted a lot attention on how structural knowledge processes enhance learning. There has been little emphasis on the informal knowledge processes and the construct remains undefined. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of informal knowledge processes, propose a definition for these processes and link them to the socialization and internalization processes suggested by Nonaka and Takeuchi in the SECI model. The paper offers a fresh perspective on how informal knowledge processes in organizations help to enhance the organization’s learning capability. It will enable scholars and managers to have a better understanding of how informal knowledge processes promote tacit knowledge.
The convergence of public and nonprofit values: A research agenda for the intersectoral study of representative bureaucracy
Authors: LeRoux Kelly M. , Sneed Bethany G.
Published: November 2017

Public administration scholarship has yielded important insights about the extent to which government bureaucracies function as representative institutions. While evidence suggests women and minorities fare better in obtaining higher level positions within government versus the private sector, much less is known about the career trajectories in the third sector. The rise of nonprofit employment has been attributed to widespread government contracting, resulting in a model of government-nonprofit relationships described as complementary and mutually beneficial. Since both are “public-serving,” government and nonprofits share many values. Representative bureaucracy represents one such common value. This article explores the capacity of nonprofit organizations in furthering the aims of representative bureaucracy, and proposes a research agenda for the comparative study of public and nonprofit employment
Is union political action compatible with organizing? some preliminary evidence
Authors: Masters Marick F. , Gibney Ray , Zagenczyk Thomas J.
Published: November 2017

Unions face serious challenges, which raise questions about organizational priorities. An issue important to the recent breakup of the AFLCIO is the priority given political action vis-à-vis organizing. We examine competing theoretical perspectives on the potential relationship between union political action and organizing effectiveness. We present evidence on the scope of union political spending and conduct a preliminary analysis of its correlation with organizing. Our results indicate a negative relationship, but we urge a cautious interpretation. Theory raises substantial doubts about political activity as a motivation for joining a union. We urge more research.
Institutional analysis in the evaluation of the northwest economic adjustment initiative
Authors: Kusel Jonathan , Cortner Hanna J. , Lavigne Peter
Published: November 2017

An important part of the Northwest Forest Plan was 1.2 billion dollars of community development assistance made available to northern California, Oregon, and Washington through the Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative (NEAI). The NEAI developed a complex institutional structure to eliminate regional administrative gridlock and enable workers and families, businesses, communities, and tribes that depended on forest product-based economies to regain or improve their economic and social well-being. As part of an evaluation of NEAI that included 31 community case studies, institutional analysis gauged how the initiativeʼs institutional and organizational structure affected program implementation. This paper examines how the institutional analysis complemented the community case studies, the use of Schneider and Ingramʼs policy design framework as a tool for describing and assessing the initiativeʼs institutional design, and the lessons learned from the overall evaluation.
Moral decision making: searching for the highest expected moral value
Authors: Aupperle Kenneth E.
Published: November 2017

This article offers a new way to conceptualize decision making in regard to ethical dilemmas and complex social issues. The framework provided here identifies steps essential to achieving the highest expected moral value. This process is complex but practical. The purpose is to help academics, students and practitioners in escaping from a simple black and white logic. The framework proposed here attempts to help analysts objectively assess the positives and the negatives associated with a given course of action in order to achieve the best possible outcome. All dilemmas have multiple solutions but too often we reach simple conclusions without addressing consequences. Clearly good moral intent can produce serious harm. Sometimes one may have to choose between the two; good moral intent versus good moral consequences
The paradoxical status of planning and time in todayʼs public environment
Authors: Halley Alexis A. , Catron Bayard L.
Published: November 2017

This study examines the significance of time as a paradoxical factor and value in 21st century public policy, management, and planning. Five areas are considered: (1) time as a strategic and moral concern, (2) examples of planning and time in public environments ranging from the individual level to the agency, policy, process, and contextual levels, (3) time in recent social and administrative theory, (4) time as a cognitive capability, and (5) the connection between time, planning, and learning. Conclusions and implications are developed to highlight the paradoxical status of planning and time in todayʼs public environment, and to suggest that, for public administrators, serving the public interest, near-term and long-term, is the heart of assuring that time becomes a central strategic and moral concern for public administration today.
Breaking the mold: the key for A prosperous future for the public service
Authors: Mingus Matthew S.
Published: November 2017

Minnowbrook III pre-conference retreat participants were asked to submit a critique of the field of public administration in advance of the September 3, 2008, gathering. In looking broadly at this request the author determined that our organizational structures and institutions were not changing as quickly as the environment in which they are embedded. His critique suggests that the five key challenges for todayʼs administrators are to (1) create flexible response mechanisms, (2) pursue civil and economic equity, (3) build citizen knowledge, (4) think in terms of governance, and (5) understand and steer globalization.
Attributional influences on the outcome-aggression relationship: a review and extension of past research
Authors: Harvey Paul , Summers James K. , Martinko Mark J.
Published: November 2017

We review past research on the relationship between attributional perceptions, emotions, and workplace aggression and develop a conceptual model that extends this research in two ways. First, we consider the influence of controllability attributions on the type (otherdirected, self-directed, hostile, non-hostile) and likelihood of aggressive responses to negative workplace outcomes and situations. Second, we consider the extent to which discrete negative emotions might mediate these attribution-aggression relationships. Implications for anticipating and preventing workplace aggression based on this conceptual model are discussed.
Internal politics in academia: its nature and mediating effect on the relationship between social capital and work outcomes
Authors: Vigoda-Gadot Eran , Talmud Ilan , Peled Aviv
Published: November 2017

This study has a twofold goal. First, we examined perceptions of organizational politics as viewed by the academic staff in a public university. Second, we tested the potential mediating effect of perceptions of politics on the relationship between social capital and work outcomes. We surveyed 142 junior and senior faculty members of a large public Israeli university and tested several competing models. Major results, based on Structural Equations Model (SEM) analysis, indicate that the mediating model has several advantages over the direct effect model. In addition, a revised, mixed model provided additional advantages. The models are compared and discussed. Finally, implications of the findings and recommendations for future studies on internal politics and social capital in academia and beyond are suggested.
The enduring myth of the american dream: mobility, marginalization, and hope
Authors: Wyatt-Nichol Heather
Published: November 2017

The American Dream functions as a myth within our political discourse by providing hope to citizens and reinforcing beliefs in the protestant work ethic and meritocracy. This article examines the myth through categories of mobility, marginalization, and hope. Elite theory and institutional isomorphism are used to explore business privilege within Public Administration. The ability to reframe the American Dream is considered through an examination of select speeches at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Despite evidence of declining mobility and structural inequality, citizens cling to the myth. One explanation is that marginalization perpetuates the American Dream by crowding out issues of social class through various methods of institutional isomorphism. Another explanation is that the dream endures because it can be re-conceptualized.
Who interprets the world? Interpretive Social science and mark bevir’s democratic governance
Authors: Ben-Ishai Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

I explore Bevir’s approach to interpretive social science and its implications for his study of governance. I make two arguments: one methodological and one substantive. First, I argue that we should think of the philosophy of interpretive social science as necessarily tied to some chosen method of recovering knowledge, be it local or expert knowledge. Without such a recovery of knowledge, interpretive analysis of local reasoning is impossible. Second, I argue that the recovery of not only expert knowledge - Bevir's primary focus - but also the local knowledge of citizens who are affected by these reforms, ought to play a central role in our understanding of governance.
Donor opr and values-fit incongruence: An improved predictor of donations of unrestricted funds for 501(c)(3) publicly-supported, tax-exempt, faith-based, not-for-profit organizations?
Authors: Wright Marshal H. , Bocarnea Mihai C. , Huntley Julie K.
Published: November 2017

This study examined donor development processes in a faithbased, 501(c)(3) publicly-supported, tax-exempt organizational setting. The conceptual framework is relationship marketing theory as informed from a systems theory alignment perspective. Organization-public relationship (OPR) dynamically predicts donor willingness to contribute unrestricted funds. It is proffered that the discrepancy variable, “values-fit incongruence,” significantly affects this dynamic. This contention is explored by asking the following two questions: (a) does donor-organization values-fit incongruence significantly negatively predict donor willingness to contribute unrestricted funds, and b) is the OPR construct strengthened with the patent inclusion of values-fit incongruence as an interactive moderator variable. Results suggest values-fit incongruence significantly negatively predicts donor willingness to contribute unrestricted funds. The results also suggest the OPR model is not strengthened by patently including the values-fit incongruence variable, as it may already be latently accounted for.
Personal social media usage and its impact on administrative accountability: An exploration of theory and practice
Authors: Bezboruah Karabi C. , Dryburgh Martinella M.
Published: November 2017

In the internet era, the boundaries between public and private lives of government employees are often blurred, resulting in enhanced concerns about administrative accountability and effectiveness. By adopting a multi-step qualitative methodology involving internet survey and analysis of illustrative examples, this research explores and examines how social media policies could assist in keeping the public and private lives of civil servants distinct. We find that very few public sector agencies have adopted social media policies in an attempt to regulate employee behavior. We conclude that social media sites, both private and official, could be an effective administrative tool if harnessed properly. We offer certain recommendations and strategies based on our findings that could assist in accomplishing the principles of ethical administration.
Perceived obstacles as the indicators of adaptive paths to performance management: Tracing exploration and exploitation in surveys of public managers
Authors: Gibson Ed
Published: November 2017

Research on performance management, as it applies to public sector organizations, has been addressed most often from a static perspective. A process-oriented view on performance is undertaken through use of perceived obstacles, garnered through two large surveys of U.S. government managers, to infer the adaptive paths federal agencies have followed. By applying a learning-based model founded on March’s framework of exploration and exploitation, the ideal-typical ways that public organizations adapt to a performance initiative can be distinguished, opening a window into the processes such learning entails. Structural equation modeling provides the statistical capacity to interpret exploration and exploitation as cohesive paths. Exploratory adaptation appears to have been largely counterproductive, as the obstacles associated with this dynamic indicated a roadblock rather than a path forward. But exploitation had the opposite effect, as its associated obstacles corresponded with greater use of performance measures for management activities and enhanced results orientation.
Measuring organization: Performance in environmental agencies
Authors: Fowler Luke
Published: November 2017

State environmental agencies have been organized independently with a variety of structural schemes, and are responsible for the bulk of administration of federal environmental policy, such as the Clean Air Act. Using statistical models of air quality outcomes, this research compares three competing typologies for capturing agency differences: Ringquist (1993b), Lester (1990), and Wilson (1989). The findings indicate the most commonly used measure of organization, Ringquist (1993b), may be the weakest in comparison. Additionally, both Lester (1990) and Wilson (1989) show interesting advantages in comparison to each other. The findings provide some interesting insights into the difficult task of measuring organization.
Using data to advance service: managerial issues and theoretical implications from action research
Authors: Lim Chiehyeon , Kim Min-Jun , Kim Ki-Hun , Kim Kwang-Jae , Maglio Paul P.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The proliferation of (big) data provides numerous opportunities for service advances in practice, yet research on using data to advance service is at a nascent stage in the literature. Many studies have discussed phenomenological benefits of data to service. However, limited research describes managerial issues behind such benefits, although a holistic understanding of the issues is essential in using data to advance service in practice and provides a basis for future research. The purpose of this paper is to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

“Using data to advance service” is about change in organizations. Thus, this study uses action research methods of creating real change in organizations together with practitioners, thereby adding to scientific knowledge about practice. The authors participated in five service design projects with industry and government that used different data sets to design new services.

Findings

Drawing on lessons learned from the five projects, this study empirically identifies 11 managerial issues that should be considered in data-use for advancing service. In addition, by integrating the issues and relevant literature, this study offers theoretical implications for future research.

Originality/value

“Using data to advance service” is a research topic that emerged originally from practice. Action research or case studies on this topic are valuable in understanding practice and in identifying research priorities by discovering the gap between theory and practice. This study used action research over many years to observe real-world challenges and to make academic research relevant to the challenges. The authors believe that the empirical findings will help improve service practices of data-use and stimulate future research.
Comparative study of collection management practices of academic libraries
Authors: Filson Christopher Kwame
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the similarities and differences in collection management practices of the main libraries of the University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach in considering the research problem and also used the case study to collect data. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents.

Findings

Some of the results highlighted are: both libraries had sections responsible for collection management practices, the collection management practices carried out by both libraries were almost similar, lack of adequate professional staff, lack of adequate funds and unavailability of Collection Management Policy were some of the challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The study focussed on the activities performed by the various sections directly involved in the collection management practices and excludes administrative practices.

Practical implications

In order to make any library functional, collection management should be a shared responsibility of all the sections of the library and that enough money is required to link the staff and the information resources in the library together.

Social implications

All stakeholders of libraries must play their role to make academic libraries functional.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into the collection development activities undertaken by the libraries of the only public academic institutions purposely build by the Government of Ghana to train graduate teachers for Basic and Second-Cycle institutions in Ghana.
The enticing promise of cognitive computing: high-value functional efficiencies and innovative enterprise capabilities
Authors: Finch Glenn , Goehring Brian , Marshall Anthony
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The authors show how cognitive computing offers companies an opportunity to dramatically improve the efficiency of business functions throughout the enterprise – from core back office systems to critical middle office capabilities to essential front office functions.

Design/methodology/approach

Examples are given of companies that are using cognitive computing to transform the workings of individual business functions.

Findings

Cognitive systems will also create breakthrough opportunities for interactions between various functions of the organization.

Practical implications

Self–learning cognitive systems are enabling better-informed customer engagement in which the technology recognizes, learns and improves with every interaction.

Originality/value

Applied to innovation activities, cognitive computing helps organizations better formulate hypotheses, identify and validate new ideas, accelerate and refine scenario envisioning and planning. As organizations become more mature in both digital intelligence and digital re-invention, the dynamic interplay between functions will increasingly become a source of competitive advantage.
Inhibitory effect of naringenin via IL‐13 level regulation on thymic stromal lymphopoietin‐induced inflammatory reactions
Authors: Han Na‐Ra , Moon Phil‐Dong , Ryu Ka‐Jung , Kim Na‐Rae , Kim Hyung‐Min , Jeong Hyun‐Ja
Published: November 2017

Naringenin (NG) has various beneficial properties, such as anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory effects. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induces mast cell proliferation and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of NG on TSLP‐induced mast cell proliferation and inflammatory reactions using human mast cell line (HMC‐1) cells. HMC‐1 cells were pre‐treated with NG and then treated with TSLP. HMC‐1 cells proliferation was determined by quantifying bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Levels of anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic factors were analyzed by western blot analysis. The productions and mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)‐13 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were analyzed by ELISA and quantitative real‐time PCR. We found that NG significantly attenuated HMC‐1 cells proliferation and Ki‐67 mRNA expression promoted by TSLP. NG significantly suppressed mRNA expression of TSLP receptor and IL‐7 receptor α in TSLP‐treated HMC‐1 cells. NG significantly down‐regulated levels of phosphorylated‐signal transducer and activation of transcription 6 and murine double‐minute 2 in TSLP‐treated HMC‐1 cells, up‐regulated levels of cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase and p53 in TSLP‐treated HMC‐1 cells. Furthermore, NG significantly decreased the productions and mRNA expressions of IL‐13 and TNF‐α in TSLP‐treated HMC‐1 cells. These results suggest NG has an inhibitory effect on mast cell‐mediated allergic inflammatory reactions.