bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking intellectual capital
Authors: Chiucchi Maria Serena , Dumay John
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The intellectual capital (IC) literature argues that introducing the IC concept into a company focusing on measuring can be detrimental and lead to IC “accountingisation”. Using Chaminade and Roberts’ (2003, p. 747) concept of IC accounting “lock-in”, the paper asks “is it possible for an organisation initially to implement and “lock-in” IC accounting practices and subsequently “un-lock” IC through a more strategic managerial approach?” The authors also investigate if and how, after IC has been “un-locked”, can a new IC “locking-in” process occur? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present an interpretive case study of implementing a system for measuring and reporting IC in an Italian public sector utility company. The analysis uses Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to analyse data and discuss findings which is an appropriate theory for case studies using an interpretive approach.

Findings

– The findings are contrary to Chaminade and Roberts (2003, p. 733) because the authors challenge the notion “that a dominant accounting perspective can lead to an excessive focus on measurement issues and little attention to management processes”. The evidence from the case study shows how at times a dominant focus on accounting for IC is necessary, especially to allow newcomers to take stock, and make sense, of IC. The analogy is much like comparing accounting vs managing IC to the concept of the chicken and the egg: what comes first?

Research limitations/implications

– Because the study looks at IC over time, it allows the authors to develop different insights into IC “because IC is not an event, but a journey” (Dumayet al., 2015). Thus, the critique of Chaminade and Roberts (2003) and other IC research based on a short time period is that it does not allow researchers to fully follow the IC’s impact on an organisation. Additionally, the authors also highlight the role academic researchers can play in understanding how IC works inside organisations, especially when the authors examine how deeply (or not) a researcher intervenes in implementing solutions (see Dumay, 2010).

Practical implications

– The research exemplifies how IC can make a difference for public sector organisations because there is a need for studies such as the authors which exemplify how to introduce the IC concept into public sector organisations and at what point should the IC concept “enter” the organisation (see also Secundoet al., 2015). Doing so re-emphasises that IC is not an ostensive concept. Rather, “IC is part of a configuration of knowledge management and actively mobilised to condition effects” (Mouritsen, 2006) and to make a difference (Tull and Dumay, 2007).

Originality/value

– This paper is a must read for academics and practitioners seeking to understand how to introduce the IC concept into an organisation.
IC and public sector: a structured literature review
Authors: Dumay John , Guthrie James , Puntillo Pina
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a structured literature review of the public sector intellectual capital (IC) literature. It is, in part, motivated by a recent review of the IC literature by Guthrie et al. (2012, p. 74), who found that the public sector is one of the least addressed areas of IC research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a structured literature review of public sector IC articles that is as up to date as possible. The authors use and update the dataset from Guthrie et al. (2012) to include another five plus years of data, including seven articles appearing in this special issue.

Findings

– The public sector IC has a primary research focus on central government and central government agencies, education (especially universities), Europe (especially Italy and Spain) and empirical research using case studies mainly investigating management control and strategy. It appears public sector IC researchers are firmly entrenched in performative third-stage research, investigating “how” IC works in organisations rather than offering normative solutions.

Research limitations/implications

– Three areas offered as a way of forwarding public sector IC research. First, there is a need to expand public sector IC research from beyond the confines of education (university) research. There is also an opportunity for a study to synthesise the findings. Second, there is also a need for more longitudinal research in public sector IC because IC is not an event, but a journey. Third, there is an opportunity for researchers to undertake empirical research with organisations to develop and test IC frameworks and models in specific public sector contexts.

Practical implications

– The authors call for researchers to consider helping public sector practitioners implement IC frameworks and models through interventionist research. In keeping with the performative third-stage IC research agenda, interventionist research makes it possible for academic researchers to act as a catalyst for implementing IC frameworks and models in practice.

Originality/value

– This paper is a must read for IC researchers wanting to embark on public sector research. The paper outlines how public sector IC research has developed, offers critique and outlines future opportunities for research that has potential impact, rather than concentrating on already well-researched contexts.
Investigating factors of intellectual capital to enhance achievement of strategic goals in a university hospital setting
Authors: Vagnoni Emidia , Oppi Chiara
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on an action research project carried out in an Italian university hospital that was facing a strategic challenge. The role of intellectual capital (IC) for university hospital strategic management is discussed after developing and applying an IC framework to enhance the visualisation of strategic IC elements.

Design/methodology/approach

– An action research process has been applied in the studied setting based on Susman and Evered’s (1978) definition of the engaged research cycle.

Findings

– The action research process allowed a gap between theory and practice to be bridged; the strategic control process resulted supported by new measures; a different approach to strategy management was launched, and other organisations perceived the relevance of the IC representation and wished to import it.

Research limitations/implications

– Research limitations are related to those recognised for the interventionist research approach.

Practical implications

– The paper contributes to the improvement of managerial and accounting technologies for practitioners managing university hospitals and discusses a university hospital’s strategic goals.

Originality/value

– The paper represents a methodological contribution related to the interventionist research stream of literature, and enriches the limited studies focused on IC in health care organisations. Furthermore, the paper enables appreciation of the role of academics in the convergence of theory and practice.
Human factor, justice and organizational effectiveness in Africa
Authors: Acquaah Moses , Tukamushaba Eddy K.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the human factor (HF), organizational justice and the interaction between the two on individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness with which their organizations undertake activities in two sub-Saharan African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data were collected from two samples containing public sector and private sector organizations from two sub-Saharan African economies – Ghana (n=158) and Uganda (n=208). Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to analyze the survey data from the two countries separately.

Findings

– The HF dimensions of moral capital and human capabilities, and organizational justice were related to individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness of their organizations in both studies. In particular, higher perceptions of organizational justice at the workplace enhanced the impact of the HF dimensions of moral capital and human capabilities on individual employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness with which their organizations perform activities.

Practical implications

– Organizations in sub-Saharan Africa should emphasize the development of the HF qualities that focus on moral capital and the utilization and application of the knowledge, skills and abilities embedded in employees at the workplace. In particular, moral capital could play a critical role in ameliorating counter-productive attitudes and behaviors such as shirking, bribery and corruption in organizations. Moreover organizations in sub-Saharan Africa can improve their effectiveness by developing fair decision-making procedures and interactions between management/supervisors and subordinates.

Originality/value

– The study provides the first empirical investigation of the link between the HF and perceived effectiveness of organizations, and how organizational justice moderates this relationship in a sub-Saharan African environment.
Psychological capital and job satisfaction in Egypt
Authors: Badran Mohga A , Youssef-Morgan Carolyn M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the boundaries of positive organizational behavior (Luthans, 2002a, b) to North Africa and the Middle East. Specifically, the relevance of Psychological Capital (PsyCap et al., 2007), composed of the positive psychological resources of hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, is conceptualized and tested in Egypt in relation to job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– A contextualized theoretical model is derived, in which PsyCap can lead to job satisfaction through a set of positive mechanisms. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypothesized relationships on a sample of 451 Egyptian employees in 11 organizations representing some of Egypt’s most important industries in terms of GDP, employment and world economy integration.

Findings

– Hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, individually and when integrated into the higher-order multidimensional construct, PsyCap, are positively related to the job satisfaction of Egyptian employees.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper supports the external validity of hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, individually and when integrated into the higher-order multidimensional construct, PsyCap, in the African and Egyptian context.

Practical implications

– Egyptian organizations, as well as global companies that conduct business operations in Africa, may find PsyCap to be a new potential source of human-based competitive advantage. PsyCap is state-like and thus open to development through workplace interventions.

Originality/value

– This study provides evidence for the first time for the external and construct validity of PsyCap in North Africa. Zoogah (2008) found a dearth of articles that focus on North Africa, specifically the Arabian heritage. This paper begins to fill this gap. A context-bound approach is used to refine and integrate PsyCap theory with the cognitive, affective and behavioral processes of the African and Egyptian context.
Examining the frustration-aggression model among Tunisian blue-collar workers
Authors: Sassi Narjes , El Akremi Assâad , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between work stressors, perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and workplace aggression, using the traits of negative affectivity and external locus of control as individual moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using a survey questionnaire among 477 blue-collar workers from a Tunisian manufacturing company.

Findings

– Results indicate that perceived stress mediates a positive relationship between work stressors (quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts) and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, the relationship between quantitative workload and interpersonal conflicts and perceived stress is stronger among individuals with high levels of negative affectivity. Similarly, the relationship between quantitative workload and perceived stress is stronger at high levels of external locus of control. Finally, emotional exhaustion mediates a positive relationship between perceived stress and interpersonal and organizational aggression.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that Tunisian organizations may reduce perceived stress and aggressive behavior among blue-collar workers through reducing quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts. Moreover, specific training programs, job redesign, and formal mentorship that provide employees with improved social skills can also be recommended as soon as early signs of frustration or intentions to misbehave appear. Finally, leadership development practices may help supervisors better manage workplace stressors and reduce the occurrence of workplace aggression.

Originality/value

– The current study is an initial attempt to look at an integrated model of stress and aggression among blue-collar workers in Tunisia. While some of the findings are consistent with the literature, others might reflect the unique aspects of the Tunisian culture.
Destructive Spondyloarthropathy in Patients on Long‐Term Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis
Authors: Hayami Noriko , Hoshino Junichi , Suwabe Tastuya , Sumida Keiichi , Mise Koki , Hamanoue Satoshi , Sawa Naoki , Kitajima Izuru , Hirota Yutaka , Oohashi Kenichi , Fujii Takeshi , Okuda Itsuko , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: April 2015

Destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) is the most serious spinal complication of dialysis‐related amyloidosis in patients on long‐term hemodialysis (HD), but we could not find any information about DSA in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for over 10 years. We retrospectively evaluated factors contributing to DSA in HD and PD patients. Sixty‐seven patients on dialysis for 10 to 19 years were compared between a PD group (n = 23) or a HD group (n = 44). In the PD group, nine patients (39%) developed DSA. The mean age of DSA patients was significantly higher than that of non‐DSA patients (66.2 ± 10.0 vs. 51.0 ± 12.8 years, P = 0.03). The frequency of cervical spine DSA did not show any difference between the PD and HD groups, but the frequency of lumbar spine DSA showed a significant difference (22% vs. 5%, P = 0.04). The serum beta‐2 microglobulin (B2MG) level was significantly higher in PD patients than in HD patients (38.4 mg/L vs. 27.4 mg/L, P = 0.0025). Mechanical stress such as elevation of the intra‐abdominal pressure due to infusion of PD fluid (1500 mL to 2000 mL) for over 10 years might contribute to lumbar DSA in patients on long‐term PD.
Extracorporeal Treatment in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia‐Induced Pancreatitis
Authors: Zeitler Heike , Balta Zeynep , Klein Burkhard , Strassburg Christian P.
Published: April 2015

Plasmapheresis is a well‐accepted treatment option in severe hypertriglyceridemia‐induced pancreatitis (HTGP). The rationale behind this approach is the depletion of triglycerides and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines. The time span between onset of clinical symptoms and start of plasmapheresis might have an important impact on mortality. Hyperviscosity of patients' plasma represents another special challenge for the applied separation technology. The procedures can be performed either by centrifugal device (CFD) or membrane based (MBS) units. The present study reports the outcome of 10 patients suffering from HTG. The expected mortality of the collective was 25%. Plasmapheresis was started after an average 16.3 h (SD ± 6.7 h) after onset of symptoms. No mortality occurred. Apheresis was statistically equally effective with both devices. A median of 3 sessions reduced the TG level to normal and correlated with patients' improvement. During follow up, three patients developed a pancreatic pseudocyst requiring surgical intervention without further complication.
Two Years of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Treatment Decreased Parathyroid Gland Volume and Serum Parathyroid Hormone Level in Hemodialysis Patients With Advanced Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tokumoto Masanori , Taniguchi Masatomo , Toyonaga Jiro , Suehiro Takaichi , Eriguchi Rieko , Fujimi Satoru , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari , Tsuruya Kazuhiko
Published: April 2015

The long‐term effect of cinacalcet hydrochloride treatment on parathyroid gland (PTG) volume has been scarcely investigated in patients with moderate to advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The present study was a prospective observational study to determine the effect of cinacalcet treatment on PTG volume and serum biochemical parameters in 60 patients with renal SHPT, already treated with intravenous vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA). Measurement of biochemical parameters and PTG volumes were performed periodically, which were analyzed by stratification into tertiles across the baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) level or PTG volume. We also determined the factors that can estimate the changes in PTG volume and the achievement of the target PTH range by multivariable analyses. Two years of cinacalcet treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of PTH, calcium, and phosphate, followed by the improvement of achieving the target ranges for these parameters recommended by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. Cinacalcet decreased the maximal and total PTG volume by about 30%, and also decreased the serum PTH level independent of the baseline serum PTH level and PTG volume. Ten out of 60 patients showed 30% increase in maximal PTG after 2 years. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with nodular PTG at baseline and patients with higher serum calcium and PTH levels at 1 year were likely to exceed the target range of PTH at two years. In conclusion, cinacalcet treatment with intravenous VDRA therapy decreased both PTG volume and serum intact PTH level, irrespective of the pretreatment PTG status and past treatment history.
Extractability and Chromatographic Characterization of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Bran Protein
Authors: De Brier N. , Gomand S.V. , Celus I. , Courtin C.M. , Brijs K. , Delcour J.A.
Published: April 2015

About 70% of the protein for human consumption is derived from plants, with cereals as the most important source. Wheat bran protein has a more balanced amino acid profile than that of flour. We here for the first time report the amino acid, size exclusion, and SDS‐PAGE profiles of bran Osborne protein fractions (OPFs). Moreover, we also investigated how OPFs are affected when physical barriers which entrap proteins in bran tissues are removed. Albumin/globulin is the most abundant OPF. It is richer in lysine and asparagine/aspartic acid than other OPF. Most bran albumin/globulin proteins have a molecular weight (MW) lower than 30 k and their chromatographic profiles differ from those of flour. The prolamin has high levels of proline and glutamine/glutamic acid. It is rich in proteins with a MW of 30 to 45 k and about 66 k reflecting contamination with gliadin from endosperm. The glutelin has high levels of glycine, proline, and glutamine/glutamic acid. Its protein is of intermediate and high MW with little protein with MW lower than 30 k. The high (MWs from 80 to 120 k) and low (MW around 45 k) MW glutenin subunits of flour are also present in bran. The glutelin of wheat endosperm is named glutenin. Ball milling releases albumin/globulin and glutelin but not prolamin. Not all glutelin was endosperm glutenin as a substantial part was entrapped in the aleurone cells.
Menstrual cycle, sex hormones in female inflammatory bowel disease patients with and without surgery
Authors: Bharadwaj Shishira , Kulkarni Geeta , Shen Bo
Published: April 2015

Healthy women at reproductive age experience a cyclical alteration of gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology during their menstrual cycle. Additionally, the majority of healthy women also complain of worsening of GI symptoms either during the premenstrual or menstrual phase. Despite conflicting evidence, studies suggest that sex hormones may increase GI transit time during the luteal phase. Similar phenomenon is also observed in women with underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mechanism underlying this complex pathophysiology is still not completely understood. However, a possible influence of sex hormones on the brain‐gut‐microbiota axis is hypothesized. The diagnosis of IBD is associated with a delay in menarche as well as menstrual function irregularities including alterations in cycle length and the duration of flow. There is little data on the effect of menopause on IBD disease activity and conflicting data on the effect of IBD diagnosis on the onset of menopause. The role of contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies on the development or disease activity of IBD has not been yet established. Moreover, IBD patients with concomitant dysmenorrhea report heightened pain during menses. The effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in treating primary dysmenorrhea on the disease course of IBD is unknown. In addition, the effect of IBD medications including immunomodulators and biologics on menstrual function remains unclear. Also, the role of IBD surgery on menstrual irregularities needs to be fully elucidated. Hence, understanding the influence of menstrual function on IBD disease activity and vice versa and the maintenance of normal menstrual function in those patients is important in improving overall reproductive health and fertility and outcome of IBD.
Extracellular Streptomyces lividans vesicles: composition, biogenesis and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Schrempf Hildgund , Merling Philipp
Published: April 2015

We selected Streptomyces lividans to elucidate firstly the biogenesis and antimicrobial activities of extracellular vesicles that a filamentous and highly differentiated Gram‐positive bacterium produces. Vesicle types range in diameter from 110 to 230 nm and 20 to 60 nm, respectively; they assemble to clusters, and contain lipids and phospholipids allowing their in situ imaging by specific fluorescent dyes. The presence of the identified secondary metabolite undecylprodigiosin provokes red fluorescence of a portion of the heterogeneous vesicle populations facilitating in vivo monitoring. Protuberances containing vesicles generate at tips, and alongside of substrate hyphae, and enumerate during late vegetative growth to droplet‐like exudates. Owing to in situ imaging in the presence and absence of a green fluorescent vancomycin derivative, we conclude that protuberances comprising vesicles arise at sites with enhanced levels of peptidoglycan subunits [pentapeptide of lipid II (C55)‐linked disaccharides], and reduced levels of polymerized and cross‐linked peptidoglycan within hyphae. These sites correlate with enhanced levels of anionic phospholipids and lipids. Vesicles provoke pronounced damages of Aspergillus proliferans, Verticillium dahliae and induced clumping and distortion of Escherichia coli. These harmful effects are likely attributable to the action of the identified vesicular compounds including different enzyme types, components of signal transduction cascades and undecylprodigiosin. Based on our pioneering findings, we highlight novel clues with environmental implications and application potential.
Decimal growth stages for precision wheat production in changing environments?
Authors: Barber H.M. , Carney J. , Alghabari F. , Gooding M.J.
Published: April 2015

The utility of the decimal growth stage (DGS) scoring system for cereals is reviewed. The DGS is the most widely used scale in academic and commercial applications because of its comprehensive coverage of cereal developmental stages, the ease of use and definition provided and adoption by official agencies. The DGS has demonstrable and established value in helping to optimise the timing of agronomic inputs, particularly with regard to plant growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides and soluble nitrogen fertilisers. In addition, the DGS is used to help parameterise crop models, and also in understanding the response and adaptation of crops to the environment. The value of the DGS for increasing precision relies on it indicating, to some degree, the various stages in the development of the stem apex and spike. Coincidence of specific growth stage scores with the transition of the apical meristem from a vegetative to a reproductive state, and also with the period of meiosis, is unreliable. Nonetheless, in pot experiments it is shown that the broad period of booting (DGS 41–49) appears adequate for covering the duration when the vulnerability of meiosis to drought and heat stress is exposed. Similarly, the duration of anthesis (61–69) is particularly susceptible to abiotic stresses: initially from a fertility perspective, but increasingly from a mean grain weight perspective as flowering progresses to DGS 69 and then milk development. These associations with DGS can have value at the crop level of organisation: for interpreting environmental effects, and in crop modelling. However, genetic, biochemical and physiological analysis to develop greater understanding of stress acclimation during the vegetative state, and tolerance at meiosis, does require more precision than DGS can provide. Similarly, individual floret analysis is needed to further understand the genetic basis of stress tolerance during anthesis.
The impact of grain self‐sufficiency regime on regional welfare and agricultural productivity in China
Authors: Selim Sheikh
Published: April 2015

The nineties’ agricultural reforms in China that were aimed at deregulating the agricultural market eventually resulted in a huge drop in agricultural production and a high rate of inflation in agricultural input prices; this apparently motivated the government to introduce the grain self‐sufficiency regime in 1998. We examine how and to what extent this reform affected the productivity and welfare of grain farmers in China at the regional level. We find that the price regulations that destroyed the incentive to exert more effort adversely affected the growth in agricultural productivity but contributed to the growth in farmers’ welfare. Although the price regulations resulted in short‐term improvement in welfare across all the regions, in the long run such regulations can potentially result in larger drop in agricultural production because of its negative impact on the incentives to produce more.
Cultured blood T‐cell responses predict anti‐TNF therapy response in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Magnusson M. K. , Strid H. , Isaksson S. , Bajor A. , Lasson A. , Ung K.‐A. , Öhman L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). As approximately 30% of patients with UC do not benefit from the treatment, it is of clinical interest to identify biomarkers of response before therapy is initiated.

Aim

To identify prognostic biomarkers of anti‐TNF therapy response in anti‐TNF therapy‐naïve patients with UC.

Methods

Peripheral blood cells were obtained from 56 patients with UC before therapy started. Thirty‐four patients were included in an exploratory cohort and 22 patients in a validation cohort. Blood cells were stimulated in vitro with influenza vaccine with and without anti‐TNF. T‐cell surface receptor expression and cytokine release were determined (in total 17 variables). Treatment response was evaluated using the Mayo score 12–14 weeks after the first infusion.

Results

In the exploratory cohort, blood cells from the patients showed stronger anti‐TNF‐dependent suppression of T‐cell surface receptor expression and cytokine secretion among therapy responders than nonresponders. In particular, anti‐TNF suppressed the expression of CD25 on T cells and secretion of interleukin 5, to a higher degree in responders than in nonresponders. These variables were used to a create model to predict therapy outcome, which was confirmed in the validation cohort. Correct classification of future therapy response was achieved in 91% of the cases in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The effects of anti‐TNF on cultured blood T cells, obtained before therapy started, predict treatment outcome in patients with UC.
Lost in translation? How project actors shape REDD+ policy and outcomes in Cambodia
Authors: Pasgaard Maya
Published: April 2015

Forest protection policies to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) are currently being implemented by international donors, governments and conservation agencies across the developing world aiming for reduction of greenhouse gases while ensuring fair distribution of benefits. This paper draws on a case study in northern Cambodia to analyse how conservation practitioners and the local forest management committees engaged in implementing REDD+ actively translate and influence the policy and its implementation in accordance with their respective interests through particular communication strategies. When assessing project progress and outcomes, the conservation practitioners involved in implementing projects show an interest in emphasising positive project assessments by downplaying potential project complications, and by primarily communicating with pro‐REDD+ members of the local communities. Powerful actors in the local forest management committees adopt the conservation rhetoric of these practitioners; at the same time, they can interpret and control local access to resources to their own advantage. By doing so, they can ensure continued support, while not necessarily representing all community members or sharing benefits equally. The processes and consequences of this policy translation in a REDD+ arena are discussed and compared with existing dominant trends in environment and development policies.
Governing carbon, transforming forest politics: A case study of Indonesia's REDD+ Task Force
Authors: Astuti Rini , McGregor Andrew
Published: April 2015

The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) programme seeks to reshape the way we value, govern and interact with forests. Rather than managing forests according to interests in timber, conservation, land or livelihoods, REDD+ encourages forms of forest management that prioritise carbon. While international negotiations are shaping the rules of the programme, how it takes place on the ground will depend on its interpretation and implementation in different places. In this paper, we are interested in how the REDD+ Task Force (Satgas REDD+), an ad hoc body formed by presidential decree to design and implement REDD+ readiness activities in Indonesia, has attempted to mainstream the programme from 2010 to 2013. We develop a governmentality approach to focus on how the Task Force sought to introduce REDD+ carbon rationalities to forest politics. Based on extended ethnographic research, we identify three strategies: adopting and promoting the carbon discourses circulating among global REDD+ communities; making carbon visible and governable through mapping technologies; and implementing participatory technologies to encourage pro‐REDD+ subjectivities. In some ways, the Task Force has been successful in building awareness about forest carbon among forest stakeholders in Indonesia. National civil society organisations, in particular, appear to be supportive of REDD+; however, they emphasise ‘co‐benefits’ framed as ‘Beyond Carbon’, informed by social and environmental justice. For others, however, forests remain sources of timber and land, and new strategies are required if REDD+ is to have substantial impacts on forest governance in Indonesia. The Task Force's efforts reveal the difficult and contested processes through which global climate change programmes come to be embedded in national arenas.
Institutional drivers and barriers to faculty adoption of blended learning in higher education
Authors: Porter Wendy W. , Graham Charles R.
Published: April 2015

Relatively little research on blended learning (BL) addresses institutional adoption, although such research would benefit institutions of higher education in strategically adopting and implementing BL. In a prior study, the authors proposed a framework for institutional BL adoption, identifying three stages: (1) awareness/exploration, (2) adoption/early implementation, and (3) mature implementation/growth. The framework also identified key strategy, structure and support issues universities may address at each stage. The current study applies that framework as well as Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory to determine the degree to which institutional strategy, structure and support decisions facilitate or impede BL adoption among higher education faculty. The authors also explore whether faculty members' innovation adoption category (innovator, early adopter, early majority, late majority or laggard) affects which decisions facilitate or impede BL adoption. To achieve these objectives, the authors surveyed 214 faculty members at a university in the adoption/early implementation stage, Brigham Young University‐Idaho. We found that the availability of sufficient infrastructure, technological support, pedagogical support, evaluation data and an institution's purpose for adopting BL would most significantly influence faculty adoption. We also identified a wide range of factors that would influence each category of innovation adopters.
Massive open online courses (MOOCs): Insights and challenges from a psychological perspective
Authors: Terras Melody M , Ramsay Judith
Published: April 2015

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer an exciting range of opportunities to widen access and participation in education. The massive and open nature of MOOCs places the control of learning at the discretion of the learner. Therefore, it is essential to understand learner behaviour. This paper examines the psychological considerations inherent in learning and explores the psychological determinants of learner behaviours relevant to MOOCs. A number of psychological challenges specific to the development and use of MOOCs such as the motivational, emotional and intellectual commitment of MOOC learners, and the skills profile that effective MOOC learners require are discussed. The psychological barriers that learners may encounter when engaging with MOOCs are identified. In doing so, we highlight the importance of considering the psychosocial and cognitive profile of the learner, and provide a psychological characterisation of many of the practical and theoretical issues that inform the design, development and delivery of MOOCs. For example, digital literacy skills, individual differences in motivation and self‐regulation are key learner attributes in the context of MOOC‐based learning. The temporal dimension of learning is also addressed: how learners perceive time online, how this influences time spent on tasks and how this may impact on the effective use of MOOCs. Given that MOOCs are increasingly being accessed using mobile devices, the psychological challenges of mobile MOOC‐based learning are explored. It is anticipated that the insights derived from a psychologically informed consideration of MOOC‐based learning will serve as a catalyst for debate, discussion and future research.
Uncommon non‐Hodgkin lymphomas of childhood: pathological diagnosis, clinical features and treatment approaches
Authors: Sandlund John T. , Perkins Sherrie L.
Published: April 2015

We provide a review of the pathological and clinical features for uncommon B‐cell and T‐cell lymphomas of childhood with a specific focus on advances in treatment approaches and outcomes. There is clearly a need for prospective investigation of both the clinical and biological features of the uncommon non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes in childhood. These results should lead to more uniform and more effective treatment approaches.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease MM1+2C and MM1 are Identical in Transmission Properties
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Matsuura Yuichi , Iwaki Toru , Iwasaki Yasushi , Yoshida Mari , Takahashi Hitoshi , Murayama Shigeo , Takao Masaki , Kato Shinsuke , Yamada Masahito , Mohri Shirou , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki
Published: April 2015

The genotype (methionine, M or valine, V) at polymorphic codon 129 of the PRNP gene and the type (1 or 2) of abnormal prion protein in the brain are the major determinants of the clinicopathological features of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), thus providing molecular basis for classification of sporadic CJD, that is, MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2, VV1 or VV2. In addition to these “pure” cases, “mixed” cases presenting mixed neuropathological and biochemical features have also been recognized. The most frequently observed mixed form is the co‐occurrence of MM1 and MM2, namely MM1+2. However, it has remained elusive whether MM1+2 could be a causative origin of dura mater graft‐associated CJD (dCJD), one of the largest subgroups of iatrogenic CJD. To test this possibility, we performed transmission experiments of MM1+2 prions and a systematic neuropathological examination of dCJD patients in the present study. The transmission properties of the MM1+2 prions were identical to those of MM1 prions because MM2 prions lacked transmissibility. In addition, the neuropathological characteristics of MM2 were totally absent in dCJD patients examined. These results suggest that MM1+2 can be a causative origin of dCJD and causes neuropathological phenotype similar to that of MM1.
Editorial: Adolescent mental health: the role of identity, methods for measuring change, and promising intervention developments
Authors: Leve Leslie
Published: April 2015

Adolescence marks a period in development when self‐image and negative thoughts becomes particularly salient in relation to the development mental health problems. This issue of Child and Adolescent Mental Health includes a set of articles that focus on questions related to the association between negative thoughts and adolescent mental health across a range of cultures and using diverse methodologies. Given the escalating salience of technology and social media in the lives of children and adolescents, we encourage future contributions that incorporate such technologies as methods of assessment and treatment delivery in relation to mental health services.
Diagnostic algorithms in Charcot–Marie–Tooth neuropathies: experiences from a German genetic laboratory on the basis of 1206 index patients
Authors: Rudnik‐Schöneborn S. , Tölle D. , Senderek J. , Eggermann K. , Elbracht M. , Kornak U. , von der Hagen M. , Kirschner J. , Leube B. , Müller‐Felber W. , Schara U. , von Au K. , Wieczorek D. , Bußmann C. , Zerres K.
Published: April 2015

We present clinical features and genetic results of 1206 index patients and 124 affected relatives who were referred for genetic testing of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) neuropathy at the laboratory in Aachen between 2001 and 2012. Genetic detection rates were 56% in demyelinating CMT (71% of autosomal dominant (AD) CMT1/CMTX), and 17% in axonal CMT (24% of AD CMT2/CMTX). Three genetic defects (PMP22 duplication/deletion, GJB1/Cx32 or MPZ/P0 mutation) were responsible for 89.3% of demyelinating CMT index patients in whom a genetic diagnosis was achieved, and the diagnostic yield of the three main genetic defects in axonal CMT (GJB1/Cx32, MFN2, MPZ/P0 mutations) was 84.2%. De novo mutations were detected in 1.3% of PMP22 duplication, 25% of MPZ/P0, and none in GJB1/Cx32. Motor nerve conduction velocity was uniformly <38 m/s in median or ulnar nerves in PMP22 duplication, >40 m/s in MFN2, and more variable in GJB1/Cx32, MPZ/P0 mutations. Patients with CMT2A showed a broad clinical severity regardless of the type or position of the MFN2 mutation. Out of 75 patients, 8 patients (11%) with PMP22 deletions were categorized as CMT1 or CMT2. Diagnostic algorithms are still useful for cost‐efficient mutation detection and for the interpretation of large‐scale genetic data made available by next generation sequencing strategies.
Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: recent developments and ongoing challenges
Authors: Arvanitis Marios , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: April 2015

Background

Invasive aspergillosis is an infection with high morbidity and mortality that affects mostly immunocompromised individuals. Early identification and targeted treatment of the infection is essential to improve survival of affected patients. The purpose of our review is to highlight the most recent developments in diagnosis and screening for invasive aspergillosis (IA) along with the challenges associated with the development and validation of novel diagnostic approaches.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE and The Cochrane library were searched for studies that evaluated serologic, molecular and novel methodologies for the diagnosis of IA.

Results

Traditional diagnostic approaches, such as histopathology and culture, are still considered the gold standard but lack sufficient sensitivity. Newer serologic techniques, such as galactomannan (GM) and beta‐glucan, have already been incorporated into clinical guidelines, but recent evidence suggests that their performance might be limited in certain clinical settings. Molecular methods, such as the Aspergillus spp. polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have not yet found their place in clinical practice mainly due to lack of standardization. Novel methodologies, such as volatile organic compound detection and lateral flow devices, have recently been developed and promise noninvasive and rapid diagnosis of aspergillosis, while diagnostic algorithms that incorporate both GM and PCR have proven to be effective in early randomized trials as screening methods and can reduce the use of antifungal agents.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of IA remains challenging. Novel methodologies and the standardization of GM and PCR might provide more reliable diagnostic tools in the future.
Antiphospholipid syndrome: an update
Authors: Merashli Mira , Noureldine Mohammad Hassan A. , Uthman Imad , Khamashta Munther
Published: April 2015

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or ‘Hughes syndrome’ is a prothrombotic disease characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). More than three decades have passed, and experts are still uncovering new pieces of this disease complex pathogenesis and management.

Materials and methods

We searched in literature using MEDLINE and PubMed databases focusing on the latest development on disease pathogenesis, risk assessment of thrombosis and treatment of APS.

Results

The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–AKT‐mTORC pathway was most recently identified to have a crucial role in activating inflammation among endothelial vessel wall causing vascular lesions in APS. Additionally, new variables are being implemented to assess the risk of thrombosis in patients with APS. Global APS Score (GAPSS) utilizes cardiovascular risk factors and new autoimmune antibodies as part of the score assessment and is the most valid so far. It can be a promising tool in the future for prediction of thrombosis. Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone in APS; however, many new potential therapeutic agents are developing and are currently under investigation.

Conclusions

The most recent advances in pathogenesis, risk stratification and treatment provide a platform for high yield studies with the ultimate goal of providing the optimal management to patients with APS.
YOU ARE CLOSE TO YOUR RIVAL AND EVERYBODY HATES A WINNER: A STUDY OF RIVALRY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Authors: Quintanar Sarah Marx , Deck Cary , Reyes Javier A. , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: April 2015

We use a recent survey of college (American) football fans to study rivalry, where we find the most intense rivalries occur between in‐state teams. Relatedly, within a conference fans are more likely to target rivalrous feelings toward the winningest teams and, in Bowl Championship Series conferences, teams who have been conference members for a longer proportion of time. While the stakes are different from other settings, such as warring nations, college football teams compete for resources and often have loyal followings with strong emotional ties. Thus, examining rivalrous feeling in this setting provides insights into rivalry more generally besides being of interest in its own right as college football is a multi‐billion dollar industry. (JEL L22, L83)
The effect of minimum wage on poverty
Authors: Kapelyuk Sergey
Published: April 2015

To the best of my knowledge, the minimum wage's influence on poverty in Russia has never been investigated. Russian data provide a unique opportunity for studying the effects of the minimum wage on poverty, given significant increases in the minimum wage in recent years, almost complete coverage, and a high representation of full‐time workers in poor households. This article examines the effect of the minimum wage on the incidence of poverty and the transitions into and out of poverty in Russia using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of Higher School of Economics (RLMS‐HSE) from 2006 to 2011. The results indicate that the minimum wage in Russia had moderate poverty‐reducing effects.
Increased peak gamma frequency in individuals with higher levels of autistic traits
Authors: Dickinson Abigail , Bruyns‐Haylett Michael , Jones Myles , Milne Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Individual differences in orientation discrimination threshold are related to both visually‐induced peak gamma frequency and the presence of autistic traits. The relationship between peak gamma frequency and orientation discrimination thresholds may be due to both of these factors being mediated by levels of neural inhibition. No study has previously measured the relationship between peak gamma frequency and levels of autistic traits. Thus, this was the aim of the present study. We measured orientation discrimination thresholds and autistic traits in a neurotypical human sample (N = 33), and separately recorded electroencephalography to measure visually induced gamma activity. In line with our prediction, we found a significant relationship between peak gamma frequency and level of autistic traits. Consistent with previous work we also found significant relationships between orientation discrimination thresholds and level of autistic traits and between orientation discrimination thresholds and peak gamma frequency. Our results demonstrate that individuals with individuals with higher levels of autistic personality traits have a higher peak‐gamma frequency and are better at discriminating between visual stimuli based on orientation. As both higher peak gamma frequency and lower orientation discrimination thresholds have been linked to higher levels of neural inhibition, this suggests that autistic traits co‐occur with increased neural inhibition. This discovery is significant as it challenges the currently‐held view that autism spectrum conditions are associated with increased neural excitation.