bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of personality traits in followee recommendation
Authors: Tommasel Antonela , Corbellini Alejandro , Godoy Daniela , Schiaffino Silvia
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Followee recommendation is a problem rapidly gaining importance in Twitter as well as in other micro-blogging communities. To find interesting users to follow, most recommendation systems leverage different factors such as graph topology or user-generated content, among others. Those systems mostly disregard, however, the effect of psychological characteristics, such as personality, over the followee selection process. As personality is considered one of the primary factors that influence human behaviour, the purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the impact of personality traits on followee selection.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed a data analysis comparing the similarity among Twitter users and their followees regarding personality traits. The authors analysed three different similarity measures. First, the authors computed an overall similarity considering the five personality traits or dimensions of the Five-Factor model as a whole. Second, the authors computed the dimension-to-dimension similarity considering each individual personality trait independently of each other. Third, the authors computed a cross-dimension similarity considering each personality dimension in relation to the others.

Findings

– This study showed that personality should be considered as a distinctive factor in the process of followee selection. However, personality dimensions should not be analysed as a whole as the overall personality similarity might not accurately assess the actual matching between individuals. Instead, the performed data analysis showed the existence of relations among the individual dimensions. Thus, the importance of considering each personality trait with respect to others is stated.

Originality/value

– This study is among the firsts to study the impact of personality, one of the primary factors that influence human behaviour and social relationships, in the selection of followees in micro-blogging communities.
How to talk and listen to Iran (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Beeman William O.
Published: October 2015

In this editorial, the author seeks to understand the cultural dynamics behind Iran's nuclear negotiations.
The world's most powerful number: An assessment of 80 years of GDP ideology (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Fioramonti Lorenzo
Published: October 2015

Economic measurements and indicators play an important role in governance. As time passes, some of these indicators, like the gross domestic product (GDP), have come to shape our lives more than we can imagine. Here Lorenzo Fioramonti, the author of two books on economic indicators, is invited to reflect on the 80th anniversary of GDP.
‘Saving the Amazon’: Conservation, international covetousness, and the politics of research (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Kawa Nicholas C.
Published: October 2015

Many justifications have been made for ‘saving the Amazon’ from preserving the ‘lungs of the world’ to protecting unknown botanical wonders that might yield cures to deadly diseases. However, Amazonians have responded to these claims with charges of ‘international covetousness’, interpreting such foreign interest as a thinly‐masked desire to take control of the region's natural resources. In this article I examine some of the counter‐claims that have emerged in Brazil that reflect Amazonians’ uneasiness with such foreign interest in the region. Drawing from my own engagement with rural Amazonians, I share their critiques of the deep global inequalities that they see in conservation efforts and international research in Amazonia. To conclude, I discuss the value of ethnography and anthropological inquiry for encouraging grounded views of Amazonia that challenge abstracted notions of the region, including that of the monolithic rainforest in need of ‘saving’.
Dilemmas of Federalism and the Dynamics of the Australian Case (联邦制的困境以及澳大利亚联邦制动态)
Authors: Fenna (科廷大学) Alan , Hollander (格里菲斯大学) Robyn
Published: October 2015

This paper provides a synoptic account of the distinguishing features and broad tendencies of federal systems in general and the main characteristics and challenges of Australian federalism in particular. In doing so, it canvasses questions of purpose and rationale, constitutional design and evolution as well as fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations. It highlights the obsolescence of the traditional division of powers around which Australian federalism was originally organised; the degree to which the system has become centralised; and the search for a new basis on which the two levels of government can most effectively and efficiently work together in today's world of concurrent responsibility.
Determinants of Land Finance in China: A Study Based on Provincial‐level Panel Data (中国土地财政的决定因素：基于省级面板数据的研究)
Authors: Ye (香港城市大学) Fangzhi , Wang (印第安纳大学－普渡大学印第安纳波里斯联合分校) Wen
Published: October 2015

Tapping land values to raise extra‐budgetary funds for local coffers has been a prominent fiscal phenomenon in many developing countries. This article, based on a provincial‐level panel dataset for the period 1999‐2009, examines the factors behind Chinese local governments’ reliance on land finance. Our analysis shows that intergovernmental fiscal arrangements, such as the central‐provincial fiscal imbalance, and the lack of adequate revenue capacity of sub‐provincial governments, have encouraged local governments to exploit land leasing. There is also evidence suggesting that political factors might have a significant impact on land finance arrangements, but these tentative results need further investigation. This research contributes to the body of literature on intergovernmental fiscal relations, and improves our understanding of the dynamics and complexity of land finance arrangements in China. Policy implications are drawn from this analysis for further reforms of land management and intergovernmental financing in China and other developing countries facing similar challenges.
The Evolution of Australia's Intergovernmental Financial Relations Framework (澳大利亚政府间财政关系框架的演变)
Authors: Robinson Peter , Farrelly (澳大利亚财政部) Tess
Published: October 2015

The paper discusses the evolution of Australia's intergovernmental financial relations framework, including developments under Australia's Constitution, and analyses intergovernmental financial transactions under the framework. The methods used to address vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) and horizontal equity in Australia are discussed and quantitative data on spending across Australian Governments are presented. VFI and horizontal equity are also examined from a historical viewpoint. Finally, some current issues and potential future developments impacting on the distribution of revenue between Australian governments are briefly canvassed.
Redefining Decentralization: Devolution of Administrative Authority to County Governments in Zhejiang Province (重新界定分权：浙江省县级政府行政权力扩张的历程)
Authors: Yu Jianxing , Gao (中国，浙江大学) Xiang
Published: October 2015

Fiscal decentralization and personnel decentralization do not fully explain China's continuing expansion of local autonomy and economic growth. Administrative decentralization is a separate and important element in the restructuring of vertical intergovernmental relations in China after 1978. By delegating socioeconomic decision‐making and management powers to local governments in a gradual manner, the central government has successfully promoted economic growth without taking too much risk. The case study of the expansion of county government powers in Zhejiang Province demonstrates how administrative decentralization can be implemented independently of fiscal and personnel decentralization, and can also effectively expand local autonomy and stimulate regional economic growth. The case study of administrative decentralization in China not only adds to our understanding of decentralization in the former centrally‐planned command economy, but also offers a possible model for other transitional countries to initiate market reform.
How Does the Federal Reserve's Large‐Scale Asset Purchases (LSAPs) Influence Mortgage‐Backed Securities (MBS) Yields and U.S. Mortgage Rates?
Authors: Hancock Diana , Passmore Wayne
Published: October 2015

We conduct an empirical analysis of the Federal Reserve's large‐scale asset purchases (LSAPs) on mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) yields and mortgage rates. We estimate a cointergrated, error‐correction model that links Federal Reserve securities purchases and stocks of Treasury and MBS securities to equilibrium MBS yields and mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve's accumulation of MBS and Treasury securities lowered MBS yields and mortgage rates by more than what would have been suggested by changes in market expectations alone, suggesting that portfolio rebalancing effects of LSAPs are an important consideration for monetary policy transmission. Our estimates also suggest that the Federal Reserve must hold a substantial market share of agency MBS or of Treasury securities to significantly lower MBS yields and in turn significantly lower mortgage rates.
What Do Young People Think About the CAP? An Experiment
Authors: Azcárate Tomás García , Terrile Daniela
Published: October 2015

The new Commission wants to close the gap between Europe and the citizens. We bring to the debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy the results of our experiment with three different groups of young people in Brussels and Paris. They were asked to identify and classify the main five achievements and weaknesses of the CAP and to provide another five recommendations to European politicians. Despite the differences between the groups, we observed important convergences on what was the most positive aspect, namely, a common policy which has provided self‐sufficiency in Europe. The most negative opinion concerned a policy which is not targeted at those most in need. In terms of recommended changes, the groups thought that the CAP should be more environmentally friendly, sustainable and democratic; and there was also a need for a rebalancing of the food chain in order to achieve a better distribution of value added within the chain. Surprisingly, some issues that are usually popular in the Anglo‐Saxon world, such as the budgetary cost of the CAP or the need for more subsidiarity and fewer Brussels‐driven instructions, were only marginally present in the debate.
DNA barcode library and its efficacy for identifying food‐associated insect pests in Korea
Authors: Cho Seo Young , Suh Kyong In , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: October 2015

Food‐associated insect pests are of great economic and hygienic importance. However, their identification requires expert knowledge and excessive time. Such pests are discovered in food as body parts or immature stages, which further complicates the identification process. In this study, we constructed a DNA barcode dataset of insect pests that can be detected in food. We also tested the efficacy of these DNA barcode sequences for identifying food‐associated insect pests. A 658 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was analyzed from 55 species of food‐associated insect pests in Korea. The results indicated that this portion of the COI gene effectively discriminated >90% of the food‐associated insect pests. Mean genetic divergences among individuals belonging to one species/between species belonging to one genus of the five orders, Blattaria, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, were 0.59%/13.18%, 0.84%/20.10%, 0.02%/22.61%, 0.24%/3.48% and 0.17%/15.90%, respectively. In conclusion, we established the first DNA barcode dataset and confirmed its efficiency for identifying food‐associated insect pests in Korea.
The integration of climate change, spatial dynamics, and habitat fragmentation: A conceptual overview
Authors: HOLYOAK Marcel , HEATH Sacha K.
Published: October 2015

A growing number of studies have looked at how climate change alters the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on both single and multiple species; some raise concern that biodiversity loss and its effects will be exacerbated. The published literature on spatial dynamics (such as dispersal and metapopulation dynamics), habitat fragmentation and climate change requires synthesis and a conceptual framework to simplify thinking. We propose a framework that integrates how climate change affects spatial population dynamics and the effects of habitat fragmentation in terms of: (i) habitat quality, quantity and distribution; (ii) habitat connectivity; and (iii) the dynamics of habitat itself. We use the framework to categorize existing autecological studies and investigate how each is affected by anthropogenic climate change. It is clear that a changing climate produces changes in the geographic distribution of climatic conditions, and the amount and quality of habitat. The most thorough published studies show how such changes impact metapopulation persistence, source–sink dynamics, changes in species' geographic range and community composition. Climate‐related changes in movement behavior and quantity, quality and distribution of habitat have also produced empirical changes in habitat connectivity for some species. An underexplored area is how habitat dynamics that are driven by climatic processes will affect species that live in dynamic habitats. We end our discussion by suggesting ways to improve current attempts to integrate climate change, spatial population dynamics and habitat fragmentation effects, and suggest distinct areas of study that might provide opportunities for more fully integrative work
Influence of Different Drying Treatments and Extraction Solvents on the Metabolite Profile and Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity of Ajwa Dates
Authors: Abdul‐Hamid Nur Ashikin , Abas Faridah , Ismail Intan Safinar , Shaari Khozirah , Lajis Nordin H.
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to examine the variation in the metabolite profiles and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity of Ajwa dates that were subjected to 2 drying treatments and different extraction solvents. 1H NMR coupled with multivariate data analysis was employed. A Griess assay was used to determine the inhibition of the production of NO in RAW 264.7 cells treated with LPS and interferon‐γ. The oven dried (OD) samples demonstrated the absence of asparagine and ascorbic acid as compared to the freeze dried (FD) dates. The principal component analysis showed distinct clusters between the OD and FD dates by the second principal component. In respect of extraction solvents, chloroform extracts can be distinguished by the absence of arginine, glycine and asparagine compared to the methanol and 50% methanol extracts. The chloroform extracts can be clearly distinguished from the methanol and 50% methanol extracts by first principal component. Meanwhile, the loading score plot of partial least squares analysis suggested that beta glucose, alpha glucose, choline, ascorbic acid and glycine were among the metabolites that were contributing to higher biological activity displayed by FD and methanol extracts of Ajwa. The results highlight an alternative method of metabolomics approach for determination of the metabolites that contribute to NO inhibitory activity.
Gridlock: From Self‐reinforcing Interdependence to Second‐order Cooperation Problems
Authors: Hale Thomas , Held David , Young Kevin
Published: October 2015

Growing interdependence requires greater global cooperation, but across a range of issues multilateral policy making seems to have stalled. We argue that this growing gap between the need for global governance and the ability of intergovernmental institutions to provide it must be understood as a general and conjunctural state of the multilateral order, which we term gridlock. The causes of gridlock are diverse – rising multipolarity, institutional inertia, harder problems, increased complexity – but can be found across a range of global issue areas. Importantly, these drivers are, in part, products of previous, successful cooperation over the postwar period, and can therefore be understood as ‘second‐order’ cooperation problems. We argue that a process of self‐reinforcing interdependence has altered the nature of global politics over the past decades, and has therefore in part undermined the ability of multilateral institutions to sustain the very interdependence they have helped to create. This article lays out this argument with regard to three core areas of world politics: security, trade and finance.
Fighting the Resource Curse
Authors: Wenar Leif
Published: October 2015

The resource curse can strike countries that export high‐value natural resources, such as oil, metals and gems. Resource‐exporting countries are more prone to authoritarian governance, they are at higher risk of civil wars and they tend to suffer economic dysfunctions such as corruption and slower growth. Associations between resources and these pathologies are seen in the list of the ‘Big Five’ African oil exporters: Algeria, Angola, Libya, Nigeria and Sudan. The recent histories of mineral exporters support the correlations: for example, ‘blood diamonds’ fuelled Sierra Leone's decade‐long civil war, and the continuing conflict in the metal‐rich Democratic Republic of the Congo has cost hundreds of thousands of lives. The phenomenon is not solely African: Syria, Yemen and Turkmenistan, for example, are also resource‐cursed. Moreover, poor governance in resource‐cursed countries can engender follow‐on pathologies, such as a propensity to cause environmental damage both domestically (for example, through the destruction of forests) and globally (through increased greenhouse gas emissions). Most research on the resource curse has focused on the exporting countries. Here I focus instead on major importing countries, especially those in the G8. First I survey how the resource curse endangers the core interests of importing states, and how the laws of importing states drive the resource curse. The second half of the article describes a new policy framework for importing states that will improve international trade in resources for both importing and exporting countries.
Genome‐wide association study of body mass index in subjects with alcohol dependence
Authors: Polimanti Renato , Zhang Huiping , Smith Andrew H. , Zhao Hongyu , Farrer Lindsay A. , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel
Published: October 2015

Outcomes related to disordered metabolism are common in alcohol dependence (AD). To investigate alterations in the regulation of body mass that occur in the context of AD, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of body mass index (BMI) in African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs) with AD. Subjects were recruited for genetic studies of AD or drug dependence and evaluated using the Semi‐structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism. We investigated a total of 2587 AAs and 2959 EAs with DSM‐IV AD diagnosis. In the stage 1 sample (N = 4137), we observed three genome‐wide significant (GWS) single‐nucleotide polymorphism associations, rs200889048 (P = 8.98 * 10−12) and rs12490016 (P = 1.44 * 10−8) in EAs and rs1630623 (P = 5.14 * 10−9) in AAs and EAs meta‐analyzed. In the stage 2 sample (N = 1409), we replicated 278, 253 and 168 of the stage 1 suggestive loci (P < 5*10−4) in AAs, EAs, and AAs and EAs meta‐analyzed, respectively. A meta‐analysis of stage 1 and stage 2 samples (N = 5546) identified two additional GWS signals: rs28562191 in EAs (P = 4.46 * 10−8) and rs56950471 in AAs (P = 1.57 * 10−9). Three of the GWS loci identified (rs200889048, rs12490016 and rs1630623) were not previously reported by GWAS of BMI in the general population, and two of them raise interesting hypotheses: rs12490016—a regulatory variant located within LINC00880, where there are other GWAS‐identified variants associated with birth size, adiposity in newborns and bulimia symptoms, which also interact with social stress in relation to birth size; rs1630623—a regulatory variant related to ALDH1A1, a gene involved in alcohol metabolism and adipocyte plasticity. These loci offer molecular insights regarding the regulatory mechanisms of body mass in the context of AD.
Effects of spirotetramat on development and reproduction of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Wang Ze‐Hua , Gong Ya‐Jun , Jin Gui‐Hua , Zhu Liang , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: October 2015

The Green Peach Aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) is one of the most destructive pests of cultivated crops worldwide. Spirotetramat is an insecticide with a novel mode of action on aphids and other sucking pests. Here, we studied the effects of spirotetramat on the biology and development of M. persicae under laboratory condition. The results showed that spirotetramat at sublethal doses caused a decrease in nymph survival. However, we did not find sublethal effects on developmental duration of treated aphids or their offspring when exposed to LC5 (0.2736 mg/L), LC15 (0.5163 mg/L) and LC25 (0.7531 mg/L) concentrations. Treatments with LC30 (0.8808 mg/L), LC60 (1.9830 mg/L) and the recommended concentration for field usage (60 mg/L) significantly reduced the longevity and fecundity of adult aphids. Gross fertility was reduced by 65.34%, 81.80% and 86.51% at LC30, LC60 and recommended concentrations, respectively. The most significant feature of spirotetramat is that it induces nonviable nymphs, leading to a significant reduction in adult fecundity. The proportion of nonviable nymphs significantly increased with the concentration of spirotetramat. The gross and net reproductive rates were reduced by 68.91%, 83.97%, 97.25% and 65.61%, 81.94%, 97.10% at LC30, LC60, and recommended concentrations, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase decreased to 0 when aphids were exposed to the recommended concentration. Our study showed that the reproductive toxicity of spirotetramat should be fully considered when attempting to evaluate the pesticide's action on insects.
Extent of utilisation of dual‐purpose wheat for grazing by late‐pregnant and lambing ewes and producer‐reported incidence of health issues in southern New South Wales
Authors: McGrath SR , Lievaart JJ , Friend MA
Published: October 2015

Objective

To investigate the extent of using dual‐purpose wheat for grazing by late‐pregnant and lambing ewes in southern New South Wales (NSW) and the effect on ewe health.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to sheep producers in the mixed‐farming districts of the Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority area in NSW, seeking information on whether there had been grazing by late‐pregnant or lambing ewes of dual‐purpose wheat during the period 2005–10. Information collected included general farm operation details, as well as the producers' experiences specific to grazing reproducing ewes on wheat, including causes and extent of disease and the producers' supplementation practices.

Results

Of the 202 respondents to the survey, 43% identified that they had grazed late‐pregnant and/or lambing ewes on dual‐purpose wheat during the period 2005–10. Of the producers, 71 had grazed reproducing ewes on wheat in 2010 and reported a mean disease incidence of 2.6% (range, 0.0–21.3%). Dystocia, pregnancy toxaemia, foot abscess and grass tetany were the most commonly reported diseases in ewes grazing wheat in 2010. The majority of producers (92%) supplied supplement to ewes grazing wheat in 2010, including mineral supplements (85%), roughage (58%) and grain (18%). Thirty percent of producers who grazed ewes on wheat between 2005 and 2009 experienced higher than normal rates of ewe health problems, reporting a mean of 7.9% ewes in these flocks with health problems.

Conclusion

Metabolic diseases such as pregnancy toxaemia, hypocalcaemia and grass tetany appear to be important diseases of reproducing ewes grazing wheat pasture.
Curcumin, Silybin Phytosome® and α‐R‐Lipoic Acid Mitigate Chronic Hepatitis in Rat by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines Production
Authors: Ali Shimaa O. , Darwish Hebatallah A. , Ismail Nabila A.
Published: October 2015

Chronic hepatitis is recognized as a worldwide health problem that gradually progresses towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the large number of experiments using animal models for allergic hepatitis, it is still difficult to produce a picture of chronic hepatitis. Therefore, this study was conducted to introduce an animal model approximating to the mechanism of chronicity in human hepatitis. The study also aimed to examine the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin, silybin phytosome® and α‐R‐lipoic acid against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced chronic hepatitis in rat model. TAA was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 200 mg/kg three times weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, a group of rats was killed to assess the development of chronic hepatitis in comparison with their respective control group. TAA administration was then discontinued, and the remaining animals were subsequently allocated into four groups. Group 1 was left untreated, whereas groups 2–4 were allowed to receive daily oral doses of curcumin, silybin phytosome® or α‐R‐lipoic acid, respectively, for 7 weeks. Increases in hepatic levels of malondialdehyde associated with TAA administration were inhibited in groups receiving supplements. Furthermore, glutathione depletion, collagen deposition, macrophage activation and nuclear factor κappa‐B expression as well as tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 levels were significantly decreased in response to supplements administration. Serological analysis of liver function and liver histopathological examination reinforced the results. The above evidence collectively indicates that the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of curcumin, silybin phytosome® and α‐R‐lipoic acid may confer therapeutic efficacy against chronic hepatitis.
Challenges and Enablers to Smoking Cessation for Young Pregnant Australian Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hauck Yvonne , Ronchi Fiona , Lourey Barbara , Lewis Lucy
Published: October 2015

Background

Western Australian (WA) perinatal statistics indicate an 8 percent decrease in smoking by pregnant women from 1999 to 2009. Despite the success of cessation interventions, the incidence of tobacco smokers among young pregnant women remains a cause for concern. To inform development of an appropriate suite of interventions, a qualitative study was undertaken to gain insight into the perceived challenges and enablers young pregnant women encounter when attempting to modify their smoking.

Method

A hypothetical scenario and interview questions were used: if a young pregnant woman decided to decrease or stop her smoking 1) what could assist her, and 2) what are the challenges that she would need to overcome? Thematic analysis was conducted. Our sample included English‐speaking pregnant women recorded as a smoker, 16 to 24 years of age, and attending antenatal services at a public maternity hospital.

Results

Thirty‐six women participated in an interview. “Habit” was noted as the key theme under perceived challenges and incorporated three subthemes: learn to deal with stress; the urge for a smoke; and not being left out. Concern over the health of their baby emerged as the main theme and enabler to change behavior. Four subthemes were extracted around keeping their baby healthy: getting the facts; you need someone; something you can take to help; and keeping your mind off it.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the complex issues around smoking for young pregnant WA women. Insight into these challenges and enablers may inform development of more suitable interventions to address the unique needs of this group of pregnant women.
New products for the treatment of haemophilia
Authors: Laffan Mike
Published: October 2015

Current developments in haemophilia therapy are directed at two therapeutic targets: reduction of injection frequency and reduction or bypassing of inhibitors. A variety of new molecules addressing these aims are now completing clinical trials and are ready to enter clinical use. First amongst these are modified Factor VIII (FVIII) and Factor IX (FIX) molecules with extended half‐lives. FIX modifications have achieved 5‐fold prolongation of half‐life whilst effects on FVIII have been more modest, at less than two‐fold. We now face the problem of integrating these into clinical practice. Other approaches have generated chemically modified FVIII molecules with altered activation profiles. An alternative way of correcting the haemophilia defect is to reduce the activity of natural anticoagulants in an attempt to restore the balance of haemostasis. These methods are also giving promising results but, as with all new approaches, it will be some while before they all find their place in practice.
Listening to Voices, Hearing a Person: FranÇoise Dolto and the Language of the Subject
Authors: Bacon Roger
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is two‐fold. The first is to further introduce readers to the work and ideas of Françoise Dolto and in particular to the concept of castration which was so central to her thinking on child development and her practice of child psychoanalysis. The second aim is to offer a partial interpretation of why Dolto has been so neglected in Anglo‐Saxon psychoanalytic thinking unlike her close colleague, Jacques Lacan, and in contrast to her status in France. In conclusion I offer some thoughts on why her work is of continuing relevance and importance.
Solving the global warming problem: beyond markets, simple mechanisms may help!
Authors: Martimort David , Sand‐Zantman Wilfried
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses the feasibility and performances of simple mechanisms to implement international environmental agreements in the multilateral externalities context of global warming. Asymmetric information and voluntary participation by sovereign and heterogeneous countries are key constraints on the design of those agreements. Mechanisms must prevent two sorts of free‐riding problems – free riding in effort provision and free riding in participation. As markets might fail to solve simultaneously those two problems, we construct instead a simple menu of options that trades off the provision of incentives for participating countries and the provision of incentives to participate. With such a mechanism, all countries voluntarily contribute to a fund, although at different intensities, but only the most efficient ones effectively reduce their pollution below its ‘business as usual’ level.
Explaining the use of planning consultants inOntario cities
Authors: Momani Bessma , Khirfan Luna
Published: October 2015

Consulting firms providing policy advice to governments is a widespread phenomenon. This article asks why municipalities employ urban planning consultant firms to advise on public sector projects. Municipal employees from 19 mid‐sizedOntario cities responded to online survey questionnaires asking for their opinions on why urban planning consultant firms are hired by their cities. In testing four hypotheses, this study found functionalism (the need for expertise because of a lack of in‐house talent or time) to be the strongest explanation for this phenomenon. In addition to a lack of staff time and resources, the ideational hypothesis — perceived specialized knowledge and expertise of consultants — was also found to be relevant.
Performance management and “undesirable” organizational behaviour: Standardized testing in Ontario schools
Authors: Ohemeng Frank , McCall‐Thomas Elyse
Published: October 2015

Performance management (PM) is a major administrative mechanism for assessing efficiency and effectiveness, and for exacting accountability from organizations and individuals. Many have argued, however, that using PM in such ways creates perverse incentives and may lead to undesirable behaviours, such as the obstruction of accurate performance measurement in an effort to avoid public mortification. By examining the introduction of standardized testing in the Ontario public school system, this article adds to the debate on whether PM leads to undesirable behaviours and distorts the representation of actual performance by public sector employees. It argues that, while PM in the public sector may be well intentioned, it may generate a system that produces undesired results.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience to Inform Cognitive‐Control Interventions for Drug Abuse: Introduction to the Special Section
Authors: Sirocco Karen Y. , Lynne‐Landsman Sarah D. , Boyce Cheryl A.
Published: October 2015

Cognitive control has long been a validated construct to explain risk for drug abuse. Research evidence suggests that cognitive‐control interventions show promise for future preventive intervention and treatment efforts across development. Biomarkers of the efficacy of these interventions have also been identified. To examine the potential of utilizing developmental cognitive neuroscience to guide cognitive‐control interventions for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, the National Institute on Drug Abuse held a research roundtable in Rockville, Maryland, in May 2010. The research presented at the roundtable and reviewed in this Special Section of Child Development Perspectives highlights the promise of cognitive‐control interventions for enhancing, or ameliorating deficits in, executive functions relevant to substance use disorders, as well as the promise of neuroscience techniques for guiding the conceptualization of these interventions.
Weighing it up: family maintenance discourses in NGO child protection decision‐making in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Keddell Emily
Published: October 2015

Examining the concepts underpinning the reasoning processes of social worker's decision‐making provides important insights into how social work practice is undertaken. This paper examines one of the major discourses used by social workers in decision reasoning in a non‐governmental organization child protection context in Aotearoa/New Zealand: family maintenance. This study found that family maintenance as a concept was strongly privileged by social workers. This resulted in attempts to preserve families and created a hierarchy of preferred decision outcomes. A preference for family maintenance was supported by legal, moral, psychological and Māori cultural concepts. This pattern of constructs underpinned the ‘weighing up of harms’ when considering removal, and generally reflected a child welfare orientation. In addition to this, it was found that ‘family’ was broadly defined, and could include people who had a relationship with the children, or Māori definitions of extended family, in addition to legal ones.
Peri‐implant tissues morphometry at SLActive surfaces. An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Vittorio , Lang Niklaus P. , Rossi Fabio , Favero Riccardo , Baffone Davide , Botticelli Daniele
Published: October 2015

Objective

The objective was to study tissue components around implants with highly hydrophilic surfaces during early healing.

Materials and methods

In 12 Labrador dogs, the second and third mandibular premolars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, full‐thickness flaps were elevated in the edentulous region of one side of the mandible. An implant was installed, and the flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged healing. The timing of the implant installations in the other side of the mandible until sacrifices were performed in such a way to collect biopsies representing healing after 4, 7, 15, and 60 days. An n = 6 was achieved for each healing period. Paraffin sections were obtained for morphometric analyses.

Results

Provisional matrix with a percentage of 32.9 ± 16.7% was found already after 4 days. This percentage became 37.3 ± 8.5%, 24.3 ± 9.1%, and 1.6 ± 1.7 after 7, 15, and 60 days, respectively. New bone was found after 7 days of healing, at a percentage of 26.2 ± 3.2%. This proportion increased to 36.0 ± 9.6% and 50.4 ± 8.3% after 15 and 60 days, respectively. Marrow spaces free from a blood clot, inflammatory cells, and provisional matrix represented a low proportion of the tissues after 4 days (1.6 ± 2.4%). This proportion increased over time to 9.2 ± 6.4%, 20.3 ± 12.9%, and 37.9 ± 9.6%, respectively. The percentage of old bone was noted in a similar percentage (~8%) up to 15 days. The percentage decreased to ~5% at 60‐day of observation.

Conclusion

The tissue changes observed during the healing were similar to those from historic controls studying healing in a chamber adjacent to implants. Hence, the characteristics of the implant surfaces may not be reflected in the tissue composition adjacent to the implant but rather affect the adhesion of tissue onto the implant surfaces.
Patch testing and sensitization to multiple drugs
Authors: Liippo Jussi , Pummi Kati , Hohenthal Ulla , Lammintausta Kaija
Published: October 2015

Background

Adverse drug reactions pose an increasing diagnostic challenge in hospitals and in outpatient clinics. When consecutive or repeated allergic drug eruptions are suspected, patch testing is a useful diagnostic tool for determining the causative drugs.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify patient cases with multiple delayed‐type drug sensitizations by using patch testing.

Methods

Eight hundred and eleven patients with suspected drug allergy were patch tested during a 9‐year period.

Results

Multiple delayed drug sensitizations were found in 12% of those patients with positive results in drug patch testing.

Conclusions

Drug patch testing is useful in cutaneous adverse drug reactions where multiple drugs are suspected. Multiple drug sensitizations can be found in a proportion of patients who have delayed drug allergies. In addition to drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, these patients may have repeated exanthemas or contact dermatitis.
Impact of a surgical site infection reduction strategy after colorectal resection
Authors: Connolly T. M. , Foppa C. , Kazi E. , Denoya P. I. , Bergamaschi R.
Published: October 2015

Aim

This study was performed to determine the impact of a surgical site infection (SSI) reduction strategy on SSI rates following colorectal resection.

Method

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data from 2006–14 were utilized and supplemented by institutional review board‐approved chart review. The primary end‐point was superficial and deep incisional SSI. The inclusion criterion was colorectal resection. The SSI reduction strategy consisted of preoperative (blood glucose, bowel preparation, shower, hair removal), intra‐operative (prophylactic antibiotics, antimicrobial incisional drape, wound protector, wound closure technique) and postoperative (wound dressing technique) components. The SSI reduction strategy was prospectively implemented and compared with historical controls (pre‐SSI strategy arm). Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi‐square test, and Student's t‐test performed with spss software.

Results

Of 1018 patients, 379 were in the pre‐SSI strategy arm, 311 in the SSI strategy arm and 328 were included to test durability. The study arms were comparable for all measured parameters. Preoperative wound class, operation time, resection type and stoma creation did not differ significantly. The SSI strategy arm demonstrated a significant decrease in overall SSI rates (32.19% vs 18.97%) and superficial SSI rates (23.48% vs 8.04%). Deep SSI and organ space rates did not differ. A review of patients testing durability demonstrated continued improvement in overall SSI rates (8.23%).

Conclusion

The implementation of an SSI reduction strategy resulted in a 41% decrease in SSI rates following colorectal resection over its initial 3 years, and its durability as demonstrated by continuing improvement was seen over an additional 2 years.
The Importance of Shareholder Activism: The Case of Say‐on‐Pay
Authors: Stathopoulos Konstantinos , Voulgaris Georgios
Published: October 2015

Manuscript Type

Review

Research Question/Issue

This study focuses on the role of Say‐on‐Pay as a mechanism that aims to promote the efficiency of corporate governance by providing an additional channel for the expression of shareholder “voice.” Initially introduced in the UK, Say‐on‐Pay has subsequently been adopted in a large number of countries and it has recently received significant attention from regulators, media, and the general public. The purpose of this study is to review prior literature related to Say‐on‐Pay and its impact on firm value and corporate decision making.

Research Findings/Insights

Our study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of research on Say‐on‐Pay. We also shed light on conceptual gaps and empirical discrepancies in prior studies, indicating that many questions linked to Say‐on‐Pay and its importance for the executive pay‐setting process remain largely unanswered.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

At a theoretical level, we highlight potential areas for development of the existing theoretical framework for Say‐on‐Pay, which is at present rather limited and primarily influenced by agency theory. At an empirical level, we propose a substantial number of avenues for fruitful future research on this topic.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

In the light of recent proposals for extending the role of Say‐on‐Pay within the corporate governance framework, our findings are particularly relevant to regulators. More thought is needed about changing its nature from advisory to binding, as the degree of its effectiveness and the dynamics of the voting process are still unclear. Our study could also be informative for the media and the general public, especially given the increasing attention afforded to Say‐on‐Pay.
750. PHRAGMIPEDIUM DALESSANDROI
Authors: Cribb Phillip
Published: October 2015

Phragmipedium dalessandroi Dodson & Gruss, is illustrated. Its history is given, and its relationships with P. bessae and P. bessae var. flavum are discussed.
Catching‐up or Leapfrogging in the Indian IT Service Sector: Windows of Opportunity, Path‐creating, and Moving up the Value Chain
Authors: Lee Keun , Park Tae Young , Krishnan Rishikesha T.
Published: October 2015

Indian IT service firms are successfully competing with world leaders and research on the industry is emerging. Providing analysis at firm rather than industry level, this article identifies the windows of opportunity open to Indian firms, with the following findings: (i) the catching‐up process by Indian IT firms can be classified as a three‐stage ‘body shopping–offshoring–global delivery model’, comparable with the three steps in original equipment, own‐design and own‐brand manufacturing; (ii) the window of opportunity for Indian firms was primarily the techno‐economic paradigm shift, and secondarily the government's regulation and support of the industry; and (iii) Indian firms initially partially re‐invented their own path by offshoring and created their own global delivery model, gradually moving to higher value‐added services.
Orchestrating Designable Touchpoints for Service Businesses
Authors: Lee Kyongsill , Chung Kyung‐won , Nam Ki‐Young
Published: October 2015

Make better use of your company's designable touchpoints with this strategic framework.

Not all touchpoints are designable. The ones that are can be classified by design discipline and, surprisingly, the type of service they embody.
Orange: A Service Design Case Study
Authors: Polaine Andy , Løvlie Lavrans , Reason Ben
Published: October 2015

The majority of products that we encounter are actually part of a larger service network. In some cases, those touchpoints have been designed. But in many cases, they have just happened organically, with no thought for the whole picture. That's where service design comes in.

This case study explores what happens when a company integrates service experience into its strategy at the outset, rather than leaving it until later.
Step Away from the Projector: Storytelling Through Experiences
Authors: Mathew Anijo Punnen , Erwin Kim
Published: October 2015

The “transfer” model of communication sees the message as a discrete package, to be opened by a receiver whose knowledge and background are perceived to be essentially the same as those of the message's originator. Guess what? That's not how communication works.

The presenter reads the slides; the listeners check their email. There's got to be a better way to get the message across.
Q&A
Authors: Schupbach Jason , Turner Raymond , Steinberg Marco
Published: October 2015

The NEA's design director chats about industrial design, its practitioners, and the value of the field to the US economy.

With 40 years of experience as a designer, design manager, consultant, and writer (a review of his book, Design Leadership, appears on page 47), this professional works with companies to secure strategic value from their design investments.

Governments aren't set up to innovate; they're set up to administer. But this strategic consultant helps them see how design can make them better at doing both.
Implementing Comprehensive Teacher Training in Business Doctoral Programs
Authors: Brightman Harvey J. , Nargundkar Satish
Published: October 2015

The advent of digital course offerings, the use of social media, the integration of the Khan Academy into curricula, the use of smart phones and tablets, and massive online courses place greater emphasis than ever on effective teaching. While business schools fund faculty development in teaching, too few doctoral programs offer systematic teacher training. We discuss the lack of, and the need for, comprehensive teacher‐training programs. We present the Robinson College of Business model and offer recommendations on how to get started. It is time for PhD programs to certify that their students are capable of teaching upon graduation.
Credit Default Swaps: Risk Hedge or Financial Weapon of Mass Destruction?
Authors: Sharma Shalendra D.
Published: October 2015

Credit default swaps (CDSs) are contracts between buyers and sellers of protection against default. They are a form of debt insurance, or more precisely derivatives contracts that investors buy to either insure against or profit from a default. In this way CDS contracts act as a form of debt insurance in that they provide a means of protection against credit risk. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the CDS earned the reputation of a ‘financial weapon of mass destruction’. Why? Is this charge justified? This paper shows that the reality is more complex: CDSs carry benefit as well as costs, and the risks associated with them can be mitigated through prudent supervision.